Multiple adapter device for interconnecting tubing of different sizes

• US 4,349,024 A
• Filed: 04/01/1981
• Issued: 09/14/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (Bridgestone Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Hydraulic Technology Corporation
• Inventors: Ralston, Philip G. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): YASKO JR, JOHN D
• Application Number:
  US06/249,818
• Time in Patent Office: 531 Days
• Field of Search: 128/247, 128/348, 128/351, 128/275-278, 285/DIG. 22, 285/260, 285/283
• US Class Current: 604/403
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 15/00 Feeding-tubes for therapeutic purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 15/0026 Parts, details or accessories for feeding-tubes external tubes from medical containers to a connector outside of the body A61M39/08
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1077 Adapters, e.g. couplings adapting a connector to one or several other connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/12 for joining a flexible tube to a rigid attachment
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 604/905 Aseptic connectors or couplings, e.g. frangible, piercable

Abstract

A multiple adapter device is provided for use with a variety of tubular connectors. A body member adapted for connection to a catheter or container is provided with an adapter passage therethrough of a diameter convenient for use with relatively large connectors likely to be encountered during use of the catheter or container to which the device is attached. A flexible strap is secured on one end to the body member and extends outwardly. An adapter member having an adapter passage therethrough and having an outside diameter corresponding to the body member passage is secured to the strap a sufficient distance from the body member to permit the adapter member to be inserted into the body member passage by folding the strap. The adapter member passage has a diameter convenient for use with smaller connectors likely to be encountered during use of the catheter or container to which the device is attached. A plug sized to fit the adapter member passage is secured to the strap farther along its length at a sufficient distance from the adapter member to permit the plug to be inserted into the adapter member passage by folding the strap.

Claims

1. An adapter device for use with at least two different sizes of connectors, comprising a body member having a passage therethrough for accepting a particular size of connector therein;

flexible linking means, one end of which is secured to said body member;

an adapter member capable of being received by the body member passage, said adapter member having a passage therethrough for accepting a connector of a size different than that accepted by the body passage, said adapter member being secured to the linking means intermediate its length in a manner such that bending of said linking means permits insertion of the adapter member into the body member passage; and

plug means capable of being received by the adapter member passage, said plug means being secured to the linking means near that end thereof which is not secured to the body member in a manner such that bending of the linking means permits insertion of the plug means into the adapter member passage.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the linking means is a strap.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the adapter member is secured to one side of the strap and extends from said strap in a direction opposite the direction it points when inserted into the passage of the body member, the passage of said adapter member also passing through said strap;

and wherein the plug means is secured to the side of the strap opposite the side to which the adapter member is secured.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the strap extends past the plug means to serve as a tab for grasping when removing the plug means from the passage of the adapter member.

5. A device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the passage of the body member is provided with an annular groove, and the adapter member is provided with a corresponding annular bead, whereby the adapter member is held securely in place in sealing engagement when inserted into the passage of the body member.

6. A device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the device is molded in one piece of silicone.

7. A device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the device is molded in one piece of a thermoplastic.

8. A device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the body member is attached to a catheter.