Medical connector

• US 7,147,252 B2
• Filed: 12/21/2001
• Issued: 12/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Avent Incorporated (Avanos Medical, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Incorporated (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
• Inventors: Teuscher, L. John, Madsen, Edward B., Crump, Chet M., Van Hooser, D. Theron
• Primary Examiner(s): Bochna, David
• Application Number:
  US10/037,443
• Publication Number:
  US 20030116963A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,817 Days
• Field of Search: 285/134.1, 285/135.4, 285/276, 285/278, 285/281, 285/280, 285/275, 128/207.14
• US Class Current: 285/280
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/08 Bellows; Connecting tubes having means for taking samples G01N1/22; Water traps; Patient circuits
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0825 with ball-sockets

Abstract

A connector for a respiratory assembly is provided. The connector includes a body that has a first end and a second end. The body has a passage disposed therethrough from the first end to the second end to allow for transport of fluids and objects through the body. The passage changes direction approximately 120° between the first end and the second end. The first end includes a coupling that is configured to rotatably engage a first member of the respiratory assembly. The second end includes a coupling that is configured to rotatably engage a second member of the respiratory assembly.

Claims

1. A connector for a respiratory assembly, comprising:

a body having a first end defining a single opening and a second end defining a single opening, said body having a passageway for the transport of fluids and objects through said body, said body having about a 120°

single constant bend between said first end and said second end, wherein the only access to said passageway is through said openings of said first and second ends;

a first female bell housing connected to said first end having a first annular rib;

a second female bell housing connected to said second end having a second annular rib;

a first sleeve disposed within said first female bell housing, said first sleeve having a first annular sealing member configured to engage said first annular rib and effect a hermetic seal between said passageway and the outside of the respiratory assembly;

a second sleeve disposed within said second female bell housing, said second sleeve having a second annular sealing member configured to engage said second annular rib and effect a hermetic seal between said passageway and the outside of the respiratory assembly;

wherein said first sleeve is adapted to engage a first member of the respiratory assembly and permit rotational motion between said body and the first member of the respiratory assembly;

wherein said second sleeve is adapted to engage a second member of the respiratory assembly and permit rotational motion between said body and the second member of the respiratory assembly; and

wherein said passageway of said body extends through said first sleeve and said second sleeve such that said passage\way changing direction at a single constant angle of about 120°

through the entire said first sleeve, the entire said second sleeve, and the entire said body.

2. The connector for a respiratory assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member is a tracheal tube and the second member is a ventilating tube.

3. The connector for a respiratory assembly of claim 1, wherein:

said first and second ends each having a stepped annular ring; and

further comprising a first and second retainer disposed in said respective annular rings for retaining said first and second sleeves in engagement with said respective first and second ends.

4. The connector for a respiratory assembly of claim 1, wherein said body, said first end, and said second end are plastic, are made by injection molding, and are substantially transparent.

5. The connector for a respiratory assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member is a tracheal tube and the second member is a humidifier tube.