FEMALE ENTERAL COUPLING
A container for collecting, transporting, storing, delivering and dispensing fluid. The container has a hollow tube with an outer circumference diameter and is configured to receive a plunger. A collection adaptor and a dispensing adaptor provide interchangeable coupling of a variable volume container such as a syringe with a collection device such as a breast pump and a dispensing device such as a nipple. The container also has a circumferential seal assembly secured at one end of the hollow tube. The seal assembly outer diameter is substantially similar to the hollow tube outer diameter.
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The present invention is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/613,136 filed Feb. 3, 2015, which is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/600,595 filed Aug. 31, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/563,923 filed Nov. 28, 2011 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/191,721 filed Jul. 27, 2011, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates generally to the field of collection and dispensing of fluids, and more particularly to a collection and dispensing system for biological fluids, such as breast milk and/or dietary or medicinal materials.
BACKGROUNDMaintaining aseptic integrity is of great importance in many fluid collection and dispensing applications. For example, in the delivery of breast milk or formula to premature infants who are unable to feed regularly, freshness and prevention of contamination are critical. The delivery of enteral fluids is often controlled by regulations and medical standards of practice.
In addition to proper collection and dispensing of biological fluids, such as breast milk or formula, it is also desirable to provide for the containment, mixing and delivery of pharmaceutical or nutritional supplements. Various consumer and/or professional applications would benefit from improved systems and methods for fluid collection and delivery.
It is to the provision of improved systems and methods for fluid collection and delivery that the present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARYIn example embodiments, the present invention provides a container for collecting, storing and dispensing fluid. The container includes a hollow tube configured to receive a plunger.
In a first example, the present invention comprises a self-venting enteral syringe which includes a syringe body having an outside surface and defining a hollow internal cavity therein, the syringe body including an open end and a substantially closed end opposite the open end, the substantially closed end being integrally formed with the remainder of the syringe body. At least one vent extends from the hollow cavity to the outside surface of the syringe body and a plunger is operable to selectively travel within the hollow cavity. A port is positioned adjacent the substantially closed end.
In example forms, the vent is separate from the port and extends from generally adjacent the substantially closed end to outside the syringe body. Optionally, the vent can comprise two vents including a first vent separate from the port and extending from generally adjacent the substantially closed end to outside the syringe body and a second vent formed in the port. Also optionally, the port can comprise a double-lumen seal such that a supply/discharge lumen and vent lumen can be extended into the double-lumen port seal. In one example form, the vent is formed in or adjacent the port.
Optionally, a removable cap can be provided for covering and uncovering the substantially closed end of the syringe body. However, preferably the integrally-formed, substantially closed end functions as a non-removable cap.
Optionally, an offset tip is formed or located in the substantially closed end of the syringe body, the offset tip being positioned in a location offset from a center of the substantially closed end of the syringe body.
Advantageously, the vent(s) improve the filling of the syringe, while the integral cap provides a better, simpler closure at that end (and makes a separate cap/lid unneeded in most instances). The offset tip helps provide better control in the filling and dispensing and is particularly helpful in maintaining uniformity in dispensing from the syringe. The optional double-lumen port seal can provide convenient filling/dispensing, while also providing a useful vent. Also, by utilizing the optional female port, a male-to-male connection can improve safety.
In another example form, the present invention comprises a self-venting enteral syringe including a syringe body having an outside surface and defining a hollow internal cavity therein and at least one vent extending from the hollow cavity to the outside surface of the syringe body. The syringe body includes an open end and a substantially closed end opposite the open end, with the substantially closed end being integrally formed with the remainder of the syringe body. A plunger is operable to selectively travel within the hollow cavity, while a port is formed in or adjacent the substantially closed end. A vent is positioned in or adjacent the port.
In another example form the present invention is a luer-tip-restricting apparatus for use with liquid transfer equipment. The luer-tip-restricting apparatus includes a female port assembly with a hollow body and with a top opening edge, a bottom opening edge and a tapering inner diameter. The tapering inner diameter is designed to prevent formation of an air-tight fit with a luer tip. The luer-tip restricting apparatus also has at least one stop protruding from the tapering inner diameter. The at least one stop is positioned within the tapering inner diameter to prevent an air-tight fit with a luer tip inserted into the top opening edge of the female port assembly.
In another example form, the present invention is a cap for use with a syringe bottle having a conical lid, a female barrel-shaped port assembly and a generally continuous circumferential groove. The cap includes a top planar surface with an elliptical shape with a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis is longer than the minor axis. The cap includes a generally continuous collar extending from the edge of the top planar surface to a distal edge. The collar is constructed of resiliently flexible material. The cap includes a pair of opposing grips protruding inwardly from the generally continuous collar. The grips are configured to be removably inserted within the syringe bottle circumferential groove. The cap includes a plug that extends from the top planar surface within the generally continuous collar dimensions. The plug is designed to removably insert into the syringe bottle port assembly.
In another example form, the present invention is an adaptor for use with a syringe bottle having a conical lid, a female barrel-shaped port assembly and a generally continuous circumferential groove. The adaptor includes a resiliently flexible elliptical collar with a major axis and a minor axis. The adaptor includes a funnel with a sloping surface and an elongated port with a distal end. The funnel extends within the dimensions of the major axis and the minor axis. The adaptor includes a pair of opposing grips protruding inwardly from the elliptical collar and configured to be removably inserted within the syringe bottle circumferential groove.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, the drawing figures depict various embodiments of self-venting enteral syringes according to example embodiments of the present invention.
Referring now to
The supply/discharge port 30 extends from the internal cavity 22 to the outside surface of the syringe body 20 along a circumferential wall 31 and surrounds a port seal 34 mounted therein. The port seal 34 can be an integral flap, and integral fluid seal or a functional seal. Similarly to the supply/discharge port 30, the vent 32 extends from the internal cavity 22 to the outside surface of the syringe body 20 along a circumferential wall 33 and surrounds a vent port seal 36 positioned therein. Optionally, the supply/discharge port 30 and the vent 32 can be positioned in a position offset from the center of the substantially closed end of the syringe body 24. The optional offset position of port 30 and vent 32 can allow a more controlled filling and uniform dispensing of fluids.
The proximal end 26 of the syringe body 20 includes an opening 38 for receiving the plunger 40 therein and also includes a flange 23 for supporting the syringe in an upright position and assisting in use of the syringe. Optionally, the flange 23 can have an asymmetric cross section, for example to prevent the syringe 10 from rolling when lying in a non-vertical position. The syringe body 20 can have a substantially circular cross-section (as depicted in
The cover or cap 60, as shown in
To ensure a proper circumferential orientation of the interior sealing elements with respect to one another, the enteral syringe 10 can comprise an exposed notch 28 and the closure cap 60 can comprise a recessed portion 70. The notch 28 and the recessed portion 70 are engagable with each other and ensure proper orientation upon coupling the closure cap 60 to the syringe body 20. Additionally, the diameter of the circumferential wall 61 is substantially equivalent to the diameter of the syringe body 20.
In additional example embodiments,
The cover or cap 160, as shown in
To ensure a proper circumferential orientation of the interior sealing elements with respect to one another, the enteral syringe 110 can comprise an exposed notch 128 and the closure cap 160 can comprise a recessed portion 170. The notch 128 and the recessed portion 170 are engagable with each other and ensure proper orientation upon coupling the closure cap 160 to the syringe body 120. Additionally, the diameter of the circumferential wall 161 is substantially equivalent to the diameter of the syringe body 120.
In operation, the syringe 10, 110 of the present invention can be used in various applications, including the enteral administration of nutrients and/or medications to a patient. External devices, such as a breast pump, can be mounted to the port assembly by the threading. When the plunger is fully engaged into the cavity, fluid from the external device can be supplied to the syringe through the fill/transfer nipple or the fill/transfer channel of the double-channel nipple. As fluid begins to fill the cavity, excess air or gas within the cavity can be removed by the vent nipple, the vent channel, or a combination of both. Additionally, a male-to-male adaptor tube can be formed. The male-to-male adaptor tube can accommodate enteral feeding by connecting the female port of the self-venting enteral syringe to a traditional female extension of an enteral feeding tube.
All of the components discussed and described herein can be formed from plastics (i.e. polypropylene), other polymers, glass, metals, metal alloys, resins, rubbers, rubber derivatives, elastomerics (i.e. santoprene), silicones or other known materials. In example embodiments, the syringe body 20, 120 can be formed from polypropylene, polyethylene or polypropylene copolymers, the plunger is formed from the same, and the plunger seals formed from elastomer 40, 140 is formed from an elastomeric. Optionally, color additives may be added to provide protection from UV light and/or colorants may be added to the syringe 10, 110 as desired and/or to identify certain properties/characteristics (i.e. administration path) or contents. In alternative embodiments, the syringe can include external markings to indicate volume capacity and remaining content levels.
An alternative embodiment enteral-only luer-restricting syringe is described in
As depicted, a female supply/discharge port assembly 300, including a barrel receiver 314 and chimney insert 318, extends upwardly over an aperture (not shown) in the lid 304. The supply/discharge port assembly 300 can be secured to the lid through a variety of fixation methods, including friction fit, corresponding threading, tongue and groove, or adhesive. Preferably, the barrel receiver 314 can be integrally co-molded with the lid 304. The chimney insert 318 is separably secured within the barrel receiver 314. The chimney insert 318 can be secured with respect to the barrel receiver 314 through an interference or friction fit, conjoined through adhesives, bonded through heat, radiofrequency, ultrasonic, or over-molded by molding the barrel receiver over the chimney insert. As further depicted in
As depicted, the chimney insert 318 includes an upper region 354, a lower region 358 and a neck 370. The chimney insert 318 is preferably integrally molded as a continuous unitary body and can be constructed of a rigid, durable material, for example plastic or metal. The chimney insert 318 has an inner passageway 320 with a generally consistent diameter. The upper region 354 includes a top edge and transition surface 352 leading into the inner passageway 320. The upper region 354 can also include a pair of opposing wing protrusions 350 having a substantially similar shape and dimensions as the barrel receiver wing recessions 310. The protrusions 350 are designed to be securely received within the wing recessions 310 in the barrel receiver 314. A continuous ridge 356 protrudes around the circumferential outer surface of the chimney insert 318 and distinguishes the upper region 354 from the lower region 358. The continuous ridge 356 is designed to secure within the continuous groove 380 in the barrel receiver 314. As depicted, the upper region 354 and the lower region 358 can have a generally consistent outer diameter.
The neck 370 extends from below the lower region 358. The neck 370 has a smaller outer diameter than the upper 354 and lower 358 region outer diameters, thus producing an overhang of the lower region over the neck. A finger protrusion 333 extends onto the outer surface of the neck 370. The finger protrusion 333 has an outer-surface diameter consistent with the lower region 358, thus creating a generally consistent outer surface across the lower region and the finger protrusion. The finger protrusion 333 is designed to be received in a finger recession 378 of a seal, as further described below. As depicted, the neck 370 has a circumferential surface with variable height at particular locations along the circumference between the top and bottom openings, thus producing a slanted bottom edge with a minimum and maximum height.
A pair of stops 330 protrude from the interior surface of the chimney insert 318. As depicted, the stops 330 are positioned opposite each other along inner surface of the lower region 358 of the chimney insert 318. Alternatively, a single stop or multiple stops can extend from the inner surface of the chimney insert 318. As depicted, the stops 330 can have a tapered inwardly-facing surface that narrows in diameter toward the neck 370. Alternatively, the inwardly-facing surface of the stops 330 can have a consistent diameter.
The chimney insert 314 has a tapering inner diameter that is designed to receive an enteral-only syringe tip 400, such as shown in
As depicted in
A seal attachment 362 is depicted to attach with respect to the neck 370 of the chimney insert 318. The seal attachment 372 has a continuous circumferential collar 372 that fits around the neck 370 and has an outer diameter that is generally consistent with the outer diameter of the lower region 358 of the chimney insert 318. The continuous circumferential collar 372 also has a finger cutout 378 to receive the finger protrusion 333 on the chimney insert 318.
The continuous circumferential collar 372 is secured around the neck 370 through a friction-fit and/or an adhesive. The seal attachment 372 includes a pair of flaps 374. As depicted, the flaps 374 have a generally semi-circular shape with a smaller diameter than the interior diameter of the continuous circumferential collar 372, thus providing a generally-continuous gap 364 between the flaps and the continuous circumferential collar. The flexible flaps 374 are secured to the continuous circumferential collar 372 through a pair of bridge mounts 376. As depicted, the flaps 374 are separated by an elongated channel 377. The seal 362 is preferably constructed as a single unitary body including the continuous circumferential collar 372, the bridge mounts 376 and the flaps 374. The seal attachment 362 is preferably constructed of a flexible material, for example plastic, rubber or silicone.
In use, the seal attachment 372 is secured with respect to the chimney insert neck 372 and the flaps 374 prevent or restrict solid particles from entering or exiting the syringe body 302 and to augment the flow of fluid into and out of the syringe body. Alternatively, the flaps 374 can be secured directly to the circumferential collar 372 without the gap 364. Alternatively still, the flaps 374 can resiliently rest together forming an air-tight seal that is only broken with a protruding body, for example a tube or straw, that is forced between the flaps.
As depicted in
The cap 500 has a top planar surface 502 and a generally continuous collar 504 extending downwardly from the edge of the top planar surface. The collar 504 can have a consistent height from the top planar surface 502 to a distal edge. The generally continuous collar 504 is preferably constructed of resiliently-flexible material, for example plastic. As depicted, the top planar surface 502 can have an elliptical shape with a major (X) axis and a minor (Y) axis. A first pinch recession 508 can be formed at one end of the major (X) axis. A second pinch recession 510 can be formed at an opposite end of the major (X) axis. The first 508 and second pinch recessions 510 can extend partially along the top planar surface 502 and generally across the height of the collar 504. In use, inwardly-directed pinching pressure applied simultaneously to the first 508 and second 510 pinch recessions, along the major (X) axis, causes the resiliently-flexible collar 504 to change its shape to shorten the major (X) axis and lengthen the minor (Y) axis. When this simultaneous pressure is released, the resiliently-flexible collar 504 returns to the pre-pressure relaxed state.
A pair of teeth grips 514 extend inwardly from the interior surface of the collar 504. As depicted, the teeth grips 514 can be positioned diametrically opposite each other, and separated by and along the minor (Y) axis. Alternatively, additional pairs of teeth grips at alternative locations can be similarly effective. The teeth grips 514 are preferably integrally co-molded with the cap 500. The teeth grips 514 have a shape that is designed to removably insert into the continuous groove 312 between the lid 304 and the syringe body 302 described above. In a relaxed state without application of a pinching pressure described above, the minor (Y) axis length is shorter than the diameter of the syringe body 302. In a similarly relaxed state, the minor (Y) axis length is generally equivalent to the distance between opposing points along the inner-most surface of the continuous groove 312. In the relaxed state, the resilient force of the cap 500 presses the teeth grips 514 into the continuous groove 312, thus preventing the cap from involuntary removal during transport or storage. Correspondingly to that described above, applying a simultaneous major (X) axis pinching pressure to each pinch recession 508, 510 elongates the minor (Y) axis and removes the teeth grips 514 out of the continuous groove 312 so that the cap 500 can be removed. In use a depicted in
As depicted, a plug is secured through an aperture (not shown) in the top surface region of the second pinch recession 510. The plug includes a base that secures above the top surface 502 and a rigid probe that extends through the aperture (not shown) and below the top surface. The plug is preferably integrally constructed of a unitary single-body construction. The probe preferably is tapered and has dimensions that are generally consistent with an enteral-only tip, similar to the tip 400 described above. A first example plug 506 can have an opening in the distal end 519 of the probe 518 with a hollow bore extending to a closed base 516. Alternatively as shown in
The plug can be separately constructed and then fixed through the cap 500 through a variety of fixation methods, including friction fit, threading, and adhesive. Preferably, the plug can be integrally co-molded with the cap 500 to form a unitary body.
In use, the probe 518, 5186 inserts into the passageway 320 in the above-described chimney insert 318 until it forms an air-tight friction-fit seal similar to that described with the enteral-only tip 400. This seal is air-tight and prevents unwanted material from entering or exiting the syringe body 302 during storage or transport.
A rigid support 512 extends downwardly from the top planar surface 502 within the cap 500. As depicted, the support 512 can have a semi-circular wall shape with a disconnect. As further depicted, the support 512 can be positioned with respect to the cap 500 such that the plug 506 is positioned within the disconnect of the semi-circular wall shape. As depicted, the plug 506 and support 512 can be aligned offset from center along the major (X) axis. In use, when the probe 518, 518B is inserted into the chimney insert 318, a distal edge of the support 512 contacts the lid 304. This contact between the support 512 and the lid 304 assists to prevent the probe 518, 518B from inserting an unwanted distance into the chimney 314, as shown in
As depicted in
An elongated marker 412 can integrally protrude from the outer surface of the cap 500A and extends from the plug downwardly along the outside of the collar 418. This marker 412 assists a user to align the cap 500A with a marker 702 on the syringe body 302 described below in
As depicted, the collar 418 can have a variable height from the top planar surface to the distal edge. As viewed along the major (X) axis in
As depicted in
As depicted, the base region 710 can include a pinch grip 711 on one of the opposing ends of the major (X) axis to improve usability when applying pinch pressure. Alternatively, the base region 710 can have a pair of opposing pinch grips on either end of the major (X) axis. The pinch grip 711 can have a criss-crossed, embossed or similar textured appearance.
A funnel 723 separates, and enables fluid passage between, the interior of the mouth region 714 from the interior of the base region 710. The funnel 723 includes a generally-circumferential slide 738 that directs any liquid or material downward towards a port 732. The port 732 is depicted to be hollow and elongated and has a distal end that extends within the base region 710 of the adaptor 704. The slide 738 extends from the inner wall of the adaptor 704 and includes a downwardly-sloped surface. The downwardly-sloped surface extends towards the port 732. The port 732 is preferably positioned off-center and toward an end of the major (X) axis, preferably near the waist 712.
A support 734 extends downwardly away from the slide 738. The support 734 can have a semi-circular wall shape with disconnect similar to the supports 512, 422 in the caps 500, 410 described above. The support 734 can also be positioned such that the port 732 is situated within the disconnect of the semi-circular wall shape. In use, the port 732 is inserted into the passageway 329 of the chimney 318 in the lid 304. The port 732 has a narrow diameter preventing the port from creating a, air-tight seal with the chimney insert 318. The port 732 has a length that allows it to extend through the channel 377 between the flaps 374 in the seal without forming an air-tight seal. This allows easy introduction of liquid into the syringe body 302 with simultaneous venting of any trapped air within the syringe body chamber. A distal end of the support 734 contacts the lid 304 without applying any pressure to the lid. This alignment of the support 734 and the lid 304 assists to prevent the port 732 from inserting an unwanted distance into the chimney 314, as shown in
Similarly to the alternative cap 500A described above, the position of the port, funnel and support in the adaptor 704 can be turned ninety degrees and centered to aligned along the minor (Y) axis.
Similarly to the caps 500, 410 described above, the adaptor 700 can include a pair of similarly-designed teeth grips 736 that extend inwardly from the interior surface of the base region 710. The teeth grips 736 can extend from diametrically opposed locations along the major (X) axis of the base region 710. Alternatively, additional teeth grips 736 at alternative locations can be effective. The teeth grips 736 are preferably co-molded with the adaptor 704. The shape of the teeth grips 736 is designed to removably insert into the circumferential groove 312 between the lid 304 and the syringe body 302. The resilient force of the base region 710 presses the teeth grips 736 into the circumferential groove 312 when the base region is in a relaxed state, thus preventing the adaptor 704 from involuntary removal during use. Applying simultaneous inward pinching pressure to opposing ends of the base 710 major (X) axis elongates the minor (Y) axis and removes the teeth grips 736 out of the circumferential groove 312 so that the adaptor 704 can be removed. Similarly to the caps 500, 410 described above, the teeth grips 736 preferably insert between the pair of ribs 306 in the groove 312 to prevent the adaptor 704 from rotating within the groove.
The syringe body 302 can alternatively have a marker 706 that aligns with a corresponding marker 706 on the adaptor 704 when the adaptor is secured to the syringe body. As depicted in
The threaded collar/ring 806 has a circumferential top surface 822 with a central aperture through which the nipple 802 extends upwardly. The handle 806 also has a circumferential underhang 824 positioned in a parallel plane beneath the top surface 822. A grip surface 820 extends circumferentially perpendicular between the top surface 822 and the underhang 824. A fastening mechanism 826, for example a snap-on feature, extends along the inner facing surface of the vertical grip surface 820. The snap-on feature 826 can secure to a corresponding snap-on on the adaptor 810, as described below. Preferably, the threaded collar/ring 806 is integrally molded as a unitary structure.
The depicted adaptor 810 includes an outer collar 830 positioned perpendicularly to a shelf 836. The collar 830 preferably has an elliptical circumference similar to the caps 500, 410 described above. The shelf 836 can have a generally circular circumference. As depicted, the shelf 836 can have a circumferential wall extending perpendicularly away from the edge of the circular shelf and a fastening mechanism 833, for example a snap-on feature, to cooperate with the fastening mechanism 826. The lip 804 of the nipple 802 is secured between the lid 822 and the shelf 836. Several ribs 838 extend perpendicularly upward from the shelf 836 and align with the interior surface of the nipple 802 to prevent the nipple 802 from collapsing during use. Alternatively, the ribs 838 can be a single circumferential structure that lines the entirety of the internal surface of the nipple 802.
Similarly to the caps 500, 410 described above, the adaptor collar 830 is preferably constructed of resiliently-flexible material, for example plastic and has an elliptical shape with a major (X) axis and a minor (Y) axis. In use, pinching pressure applied simultaneously to the opposing ends of the major (X) axis of the adaptor collar 830 causes the resiliently-flexible collar to change its shape to shorten the major (X) axis and lengthen the minor (Y) axis. When this simultaneous pressure is released, the resiliently-flexible collar 830 returns to the pre-pressure relaxed state and dimensions.
A support 842, similar to the cap 500 described above, extends downardly from the shelf 836. The support 842 can have a semi-circular wall shape with a disconnect and the support 842 can be positioned with respect to the shelf 836 such that an enteral-only tip 840 is positioned within the disconnect of the semi-circular wall shape. The enteral-only tip 840 extends from the underside of the shelf 836, as depicted. The enteral-only tip 840 forms an air-tight interference or friction-fit seal with the chimney insert 318, similarly to the plug 516 described above. A cover seal 839 can extend across the opening of the enteral-only tip 840 to prevent entry and exit of ambient air with respect to the syringe body 302. The cover seal 839 ensures an air-tight seal that allows for use without a movable plunger 808. In use, when the enteral-only tip 840 is inserted into the chimney insert 318, a distal edge of the support 842 contacts the lid 304. This alignment of the support 842 and the lid 304 assists to prevent the enteral-only tip 840 from inserting an unwanted distance into the chimney 314. The semi-circular shape of the support 842 corresponds with the cone shape of the lid 304 to maintain an even distribution of support. The port 840 and support 842 can be aligned off-center along the major (X) axis within the adaptor collar 830.
A pair of teeth grips 832, similar in design, construction and function to the teeth 416, 514 described above, extend inwardly from the interior surface of the collar 830. As depicted, pair of teeth grips 832 can extend from diametrically opposed locations separated along the minor (Y) axis of the collar 830. Alternatively, additional pairs of teeth grips at alternative locations can be effective. The teeth grips 832 are preferably co-molded with the adaptor 810. The shape of the teeth grips 832 is designed to removably insert into the continuous groove 312 between the lid 304 and the syringe body 302. The resilient force of the collar 830 presses the teeth grips 832 into the continuous groove 312 when the collar is in a relaxed state, thus preventing the adaptor 810 from involuntary removal during use. Applying simultaneous inward pinching pressure opposing ends of the major (X) axis of the collar 830 elongates the minor (Y) axis and removes the teeth grips 832 out of the continuous groove 312 so that the adaptor 810 can be removed. The teeth grips 832 preferably inserted between the pair of ribs 306 in the continuous groove 312 to prevent the collar 830 from rotating within the groove.
Alternatively, as shown in
In use, the distal opening 991 of the port 980 inserts into the passageway 320 in the above-described chimney insert 318 until it forms a friction-fit similar to that with the enteral-only tip 400. The friction fit is air-tight and prevents unwanted material from entering or exiting the syringe body 302 during use.
The adaptor collar 972 is preferably constructed of resiliently-flexible material, for example plastic and has an elliptical shape with a major (X) axis and a minor (Y) axis. In use, pressure applied simultaneously to the opposing ends of the major (X) axis of the adaptor collar 972 causes the resiliently-flexible collar to change its shape to shorten the major (X) axis and lengthen the minor (Y) axis. When this simultaneous pressure is released, the resiliently-flexible collar 972 returns to the pre-pressure relaxed state and dimensions.
A pair of teeth grips 974 similar in design, construction and function to the teeth 416, 514 described above extend inwardly from the interior surface of the collar 972. As depicted, the pair of teeth grips 974 can extend from diametrically opposed locations separated along the minor (Y) axis of the collar 972. Alternatively, additional pairs of teeth grips at alternative locations can be effective. The teeth grips 974 are preferably co-molded with the adaptor 960. The shape of the teeth grips 974 is designed to removably insert into the continuous groove 312 between the lid 304 and the syringe body 302. The resilient force of the collar 830 presses the teeth grips 832 into the continuous groove 312 when the collar is in a relaxed state, thus preventing the adaptor 810 from involuntary removal during use. Applying simultaneous inward pinching pressure opposing ends of the major (X) axis of the collar 830 elongates the minor (Y) axis and removes the teeth grips 832 out of the continuous groove 312 so that the adaptor 810 can be removed. The teeth grips 832 preferably inserted between the pair of ribs 306 in the continuous groove 312 to prevent the collar 830 from rotating within the groove.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A system for collection and storage of fluid comprising:
- a variable volume container comprising a container body and a plunger, the container body including an outside surface and defining an internal cavity therein, the container body including a plunger end and a port end, the plunger being receivable within the plunger end of the container body and operable to be advanced and retracted within the internal cavity, the port end of the container body having a container port extending therethrough and in fluid communication with the internal cavity; and
- a collection adapter comprising a mouth region and a base region, the base region comprising a first container coupling configured for releasable attachment to the port end of the container body and a collection port configured for releasable engagement with the container port of the variable volume container;
- wherein the collection port of the collection adaptor is configured to form a vented connection with the container port of the variable volume container when the collection port is engaged with the container port to allow release of air from the internal cavity as the fluid is collected therein.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the container port comprises a reclosable seal to prevent contaminants from entering the internal cavity of the variable volume container when closed, and to allow fluid delivery through the container port when the seal is opened by engagement of the collection port with the container port.
24. The system of claim 22, wherein a dispensing port of a dispensing adaptor is configured to form a substantially air-tight sealed connection with the container port of the variable volume container when the dispensing port is engaged with the container port.
25. A system for collecting and containing fluids comprising:
- a variable volume container comprising a syringe body and a plunger, the syringe body defining an internal chamber and the plunger being translationally movable within the internal chamber to vary a contained volume within the internal chamber, the syringe body further comprising a syringe port in fluid communication with the internal chamber; and
- a collection adaptor for collection of fluids into the internal chamber of the syringe body, the collection adaptor comprising a first end for releasable attachment to the syringe body, a second end for releasable attachment to a fluid collector and a collection port configured to form a vented connection with the syringe port of the variable volume container when the collection port is engaged with the syringe port to allow release of air from the internal chamber as fluid is collected therein;
- wherein the collection port of the collection adaptor is configured to form a vented connection with the container port of the variable volume container when the collection port is engaged with the container port to allow release of air from the internal cavity as the fluid is collected therein.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the second end of the collection adaptor comprises a threaded portion configured for removable connection with the fluid collector.
27. The system of claim 25, further comprising a reclosable seal within the syringe port to prevent contaminants from entering the internal cavity of the variable volume container when the seal is closed, and to allow fluid delivery through the syringe port when the seal is opened by engagement of the collection port with the syringe port.
28. A system for collecting and containing enteral fluids, the system comprising:
- a syringe comprising a syringe body and a plunger, the syringe defining an internal chamber, and the plunger being movably mounted within the internal chamber of the syringe body, the syringe body comprising a syringe port providing fluid communication to and from the internal chamber;
- a collection adaptor comprising a first collection adaptor coupling for removable attachment to the syringe, a second collection adaptor coupling for removable attachment to a fluid collector and a collection port for releasable engagement with the syringe port; and
- whereby a vented connection is provided when the collection port is engaged with the syringe port to allow release of air from the internal chamber as an enteral fluid is collected therein.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the collection port has an outside diameter smaller than an inside diameter of the syringe port.
30. The system of claim 28, wherein a dispensing port has an outside diameter forming a sealing fit with an inside diameter of the syringe port, whereby a substantially air-tight connection is provided when the dispensing port is engaged with the syringe port to dispense an enteral fluid from the internal chamber.
31. The system of claim 28, wherein a feeding tube coupling has an outside diameter forming a sealing fit with an inside diameter of the syringe port, whereby a substantially air-tight connection is provided when the feeding tube coupling is engaged with the syringe port to dispense an enteral fluid from the internal chamber.
32. The system of claim 28, wherein the syringe port further comprises a reclosable seal to prevent contaminants from entering the internal chamber of the syringe when the seal is closed, and to allow fluid delivery through the syringe port when the seal is opened by engagement of the collection port with the syringe port.
33. The system of claim 28, wherein a transition region between the first collection adaptor coupling and the second collection adaptor coupling of the collection adaptor comprises a tapered funnel portion.
34. The system of claim 28, wherein the first collection adaptor coupling comprises a resiliently flexible elliptical collar, and the second collection adaptor coupling comprises a threaded coupling.
35. The system of claim 28, wherein the first dispensing adaptor coupling comprises a resiliently flexible elliptical collar, and the second dispensing adaptor coupling comprises a threaded coupling.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 25, 2019
Publication Date: Mar 10, 2022
Patent Grant number: 11497682
Applicant: NeoMed, Inc. (Woodstock, GA)
Inventors: Aaron N. INGRAM (Canton, GA), Benjamin Martin DAVIS (Woodstock, GA), Anthony C. LAIR (Alpharetta, GA), Mark Martin COSTELLO (Co. Mayo), Tony DOHERTY (Co. Mayo)
Application Number: 16/363,510