Breakaway connectors and systems
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A connector for coupling a first tube to a second tube, the connector comprising:
- a first coupler comprising an engagement portion;
a second coupler comprising a tubular body defining a bore to receive the engagement portion of the first coupler; and
a roller assembly associated with the second coupler, the roller assembly comprising a cylindrical roller that, in a first configuration, is offset from an axis of the second coupler, wherein the cylindrical roller is configured to engage an outer surface of the engagement portion in rolling contact as the engagement portion translates within the bore of the tubular body.
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Abstract
A breakaway connector for use with a medical (e.g., catheter) or other fluid system. The connector may include two couplers that engage one another via a substantially frictionless retention device. In one embodiment, the retention device includes a biased cylindrical roller attached to one coupler that contacts an outer surface of the other coupler. The outer surface may include a grooved surface to receive the roller when the couplers are fully attached.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A connector for coupling a first tube to a second tube, the connector comprising:
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a first coupler comprising an engagement portion; a second coupler comprising a tubular body defining a bore to receive the engagement portion of the first coupler; and a roller assembly associated with the second coupler, the roller assembly comprising a cylindrical roller that, in a first configuration, is offset from an axis of the second coupler, wherein the cylindrical roller is configured to engage an outer surface of the engagement portion in rolling contact as the engagement portion translates within the bore of the tubular body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A medical tubing connector comprising:
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a first coupler attached to a first tube, the first coupler comprising an attachment member having an engagement portion; a second coupler attached to a second tube, the second coupler comprising a tubular body defining a bore to receive the engagement portion of the attachment member; and a biased retention device attached to the second coupler and movable from a first configuration, wherein a contact surface formed by the retention device forms a secant extending through the bore of the second coupler, to a second configuration, wherein the contact surface of the retention device is located at or outside of the bore. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A catheter system comprising:
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an infusion catheter; a tube; and a connector for coupling the infusion catheter to the tube, the connector comprising; a first coupler attached to the infusion catheter, the first coupler comprising an attachment member having an engagement portion; a second coupler attached to the tube, the second coupler comprising a tubular body defining a bore to receive the engagement portion; and a roller assembly associated with the second coupler, the roller assembly comprising a cylindrical roller that, in a first configuration, is offset from an axis of the second coupler, wherein the cylindrical roller is configured to engage an outer surface of the engagement portion in rolling contact as the engagement portion moves within the bore of the tubular body. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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23. A method for connecting a first tube to a second tube, the method comprising:
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positioning a first coupler attached to the first tube proximate a second coupler attached to the second tube such that a bore of the second coupler is aligned with an engagement portion of the first coupler; sliding the engagement portion of the first coupler into the bore of the second coupler, wherein a biased cylindrical roller associated with the second coupler contacts an engagement surface of the engagement portion; and engaging the cylindrical roller with a grooved surface formed in an outer surface of the engagement portion when the engagement portion is fully inserted into the bore of the second coupler. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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Specification