Patent ID: 7044936
Filing Date: 2006-05-16
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A catheter connector operable between a first condition of being coupled to one end of a catheter and a second condition of being uncoupled from said catheter, comprising: (a) a body part including therein a cylindrical bore having bore surface walls and a proximal end wall, (b) an elastically compressible tubular plug situated within said body part bore and having a proximal end adjacent said proximal wall of said body part and an opposite distal end, said plug having a bore, said plug having a first condition where its bore can receive said end of said catheter and a second condition where after it has received said end of said catheter and after it is axially compressed, it deforms radially inwardly and applies a radially inward force onto said catheter, (c) a lever mounted on said body part and pivotal between an open position which leaves said plug relaxed and a closed position applying axial force on said plug, whereby said plug being constrained by said bore surface walls and proximal end wall of said body part, is axially compressed and deforms radially inward against and tightly engages said end of said catheter when it is positioned therein, and (d) latch means that operates between locked and unlocked conditions, said latch means comprising first coupling means on said body part and second coupling means on said lever, said first coupling means being movable on said body part to releasably engage said second coupling means when said lever is in its closed position to thereby put said latch in its locked condition which maintains said lever in said closed position, said body part further comprising spring means which constantly and resiliently urges said first coupling means into its engaged condition with said second coupling means.