MEDIUM CONNECTOR

• US 20100089475A1
• Filed: 10/10/2008
• Published: 04/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
• Original Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
• Inventors: TRACEY, BRIAN D.
• Granted Patent: US 8,708,376 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/799
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1027 Quick-acting type connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1044 Verifying the connection, e.g. audible feedback, tactile feedback, visual feedback, using external light sources
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/1011 Locking means for securing connection; Additional tamper safeties A61M39/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 21/00 Joints with sleeve or socket F16L13/00, F16L15/00, F16L17/00, F16L19/00, F16L25/0027, F16L27/00, F16L37/00 take precedence ; specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics F16L47/06; specially adapted for pipes of brittle material F16L49/02
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 21/08 with additional locking means F16L17/035, F16L17/04, F16L21/04, F16L21/06 take precedence; screwed joints F16L19/08; couplings of the quick-acting type F16L37/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/02 in which the connection is maintained only by friction of the parts being joined F16L37/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/098 by means of flexible hooks
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/0985 the flexible hook extending radially inwardly from an outer part and engaging a bead, recess or the like on an inner part F16L37/0982 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/9029 With coupling
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/9138 Flexible

Abstract

A medium connector including a passage configured to allow for the flow of medium, and a multi-portion engagement surface positioned about the passage. The multi-portion engagement surface includes a first surface portion, and a second surface portion. The first surface portion is configured to provide an interference fit with a corresponding sealing surface of a mating connector. The second surface portion is configured to provide a clearance fit with the corresponding sealing surface of the mating connector. The ratio of the first surface portion and the second surface portion is selected to regulate an engagement force between the medium connector and the mating connector.

Claims

1. A medium connector comprising:

a passage configured to allow for the flow of medium; and

a multi-portion engagement surface positioned about the passage, the multi-portion engagement surface including;

a first surface portion, and

a second surface portion,

wherein the first surface portion is configured to provide an interference fit with a corresponding sealing surface of a mating connector and the second surface portion is configured to provide a clearance fit with the corresponding sealing surface of the mating connector;

wherein the ratio of the first surface portion and the second surface portion is selected to regulate an engagement force between the medium connector and the mating connector.

2. The medium connector of claim 1, wherein the mating connector includes a Luer taper connector.

3. The medium connector of claim 1, wherein the multi-portion engagement surface includes a tapered surface, the first surface portion having a first taper angle, and the second surface portion having a second taper angle that is less than the first taper angle.

4. The medium connector of claim 3, wherein the second surface portion is generally cylindrical.

5. The medium connector of claim 1, wherein the multi-portion engagement surface includes a tapered surface, the first surface portion having a first taper angle, and the second surface portion having a second taper angle that is greater than the first taper angle.

6. The medium connector of claim 1, wherein the second surface portion include one or more recesses.

7. The medium connector of claim 6, wherein the one or more recesses include one or more radial slots.

8. The medium connector of claim 6, wherein the one or more recesses include one or more longitudinal slots.

9. The medium connector of claim 1, further comprising one or more retention features.

10. The medium connector of claim 9, wherein the one or more retention features include one or more snap-fit features.

11. A medium connector comprising:

a passage configured to allow for the flow of medium; and

a tapered multi-portion engagement surface positioned about the passage, the multi-portion engagement surface including;

a first surface portion, and

a second surface portion,

wherein the first surface portion has a first taper angle configured to provide an interference fit with a corresponding sealing surface of a mating connector and the second surface portion has a second taper angle configured to provide a clearance fit with the corresponding sealing surface of the mating connector;

wherein the ratio of the first surface portion and the second surface portion is selected to regulate an engagement force between the medium connector and the mating connector.

12. The medium connector of claim 11, wherein the mating connector includes a Luer taper connector.

13. The medium connector of claim 11, wherein the second taper angle is less than the first taper angle.

14. The medium connector of claim 13, wherein the second surface portion is generally cylindrical.

15. The medium connector of claim 11, wherein the second taper angle is greater than the first taper angle.

16. The medium connector of claim 11, further including one or more retention features.

17. The medium connector of claim 16, wherein the one or more retention features include a snap fit feature.