Abstract:
A medical tubing connector includes a first connector portion configured for connecting to a mating second connector. A tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to a medical tube. A liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion. The first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the mating second connector. An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the male connector portion. A connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. The connecting portion is discontinuous permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion so that liquid is prevented from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure generally relates to an enteral feeding connector, and more particularly, to a small-bore enteral feeding connector including a fluid drain. 
         [0002]    In a medical environment, many devices have tubing adapted for manual connection in order to provide a fluid connection between devices or between a device and a patient including enteral feeding pumps and enteral feeding lines. Each of these devices includes one or more connectors that a user or practitioner may connect together. 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  shows a conventional enteral feeding connector assembly of the prior art including a male enteral feeding small-bore connector  1  and a female enteral feeding small-bore connector  3  configured to be connected to one another for use in connecting enteral fluid lines in healthcare applications. The enteral feeding connectors  1 ,  3  deliver fluid in the fluid lines through a fluid passage  5  extending through the connectors. Fluid is typically delivered from the female connector  3  to the male connector  1 . The male enteral feeding small-bore connector  1  includes a well  7  located at an end of the male connector that engages with the female connector  3  for threadably connecting the male connector with the female connector. A problem with enteral feeding connectors of this type is that when the female connector  3  is separated from the male connector  1 , after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, fluid can collect in the well  7  of the male connector. This exposed fluid can become contaminated by the surrounding environment. When the connectors  1 ,  3  are subsequently reconnected ( FIG. 2 ), the contaminated fluid can be forced into the fluid passage  5  of the connectors and delivered to the patient. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one aspect, a medical tubing connector generally comprises a first connector portion configured for connecting to a mating second connector. A tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to a medical tube. A liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion. The first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the mating second connector. An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the first connector portion. A connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. The connecting portion is discontinuous permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion so that liquid is prevented from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, the discontinuity comprises an open area of the connecting portion. 
         [0006]    In certain embodiments, the open area of the connecting portion extends over at least 40% of the connecting portion. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the open area of the connecting portion extends over at least 80% of the connecting portion. 
         [0008]    In certain embodiments, the connecting portion is defined by spaced apart connecting arms extending between the first connector portion and the annular portion. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the connecting portion comprises a floor extending circumferentially around the first connector portion, the floor defining a plurality of openings permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion. 
         [0010]    In certain embodiments, the openings are circumferentially spaced around the connecting portion. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the openings comprise circular holes in the floor. 
         [0012]    In certain embodiments, the openings comprise oblong slots in the floor. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the slots extend at least partially along the annular portion. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments, the annular portion comprises a threaded inner surface for mating with threads on the mating second connector. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the connector comprises a small-bore connector. 
         [0016]    In certain embodiments, the first connector portion, the tube engagement portion, and the annular portion are formed as one piece of material. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the first connector portion is continuous such that the first connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the first connector portion. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, a male enteral feeding connector generally comprises a first connector portion configured for connecting to a female enteral feeding connector. A tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to an enteral feeding tube for delivering enteral feeding fluid to a patient. A liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion. The first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the female enteral feeding connector. An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the first connector portion. A connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. The connecting portion is discontinuous permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion so that liquid is prevented from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion. 
         [0019]    In certain embodiments, the discontinuity of the connecting portion comprises an open area of the connecting portion. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the connecting portion is defined by spaced apart connecting arms extending between the first connector portion and the annular portion. 
         [0021]    In certain embodiments, the connecting portion comprises a floor extending circumferentially around the first connector portion, the floor defining a plurality of openings permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the openings are circumferentially spaced around the connecting portion. 
         [0023]    In certain embodiments, the connector comprises a small-bore connector. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the first connector portion, the tube engagement portion, and the annular portion are formed as one piece of material. 
         [0025]    In certain embodiments, the male enteral feeding connector is in combination with the female enteral feeding connector. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the first connector portion is continuous such that the first connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the first connector portion. 
         [0027]    In another aspect, an enteral feeding connector generally comprises a first connector portion configured for connecting to a mating second connector. A tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to a medical tube. A liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion. The first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the mating second connector. An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the first connector portion. A connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. A drain between the first connector portion and the annular portion prevents fluid from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion. 
         [0028]    Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a cross section of a prior art enteral feeding connection assembly in a disconnected configuration illustrating fluid collection in a well in the assembly; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a cross section of the prior art enteral feeding connection assembly of  FIG. 1  in a connected configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a perspective of an enteral feeding connector assembly; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a perspective of a male enteral feeding connector of the assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a front end view of the male enteral feeding connector of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a rear end view of the male enteral feeding connector of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective of a female enteral feeding connector of the assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8A  is a section of the male enteral feeding connector disconnected from the female enteral feeding connector; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8B  is a section of the male enteral feeding connector connected to the female enteral feeding connector; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a perspective of another male enteral feeding connector; 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a front end view of the male enteral feeding connector of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a rear end view of the male enteral feeding connector of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a perspective of another male enteral feeding connector; 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is a front end view of the male enteral feeding connector of  FIG. 12 ; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 14  is a rear end view of the male enteral feeding connector of  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
       [0044]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an enteral feeding connector assembly is generally indicated at  11 . The assembly comprises a male enteral feeding small-bore connector  13  and a female enteral feeding small-bore connector  15  configured to connect to the male enteral feeding small-bore connector. The male enteral feeding small-bore connector  13  may be configured to connect to tubing (not shown) that interfaces with a patient at a tube connection end  17  of the male enteral feeding small-bore connector, and connect to the female enteral feeding small-bore connector  15  at a connector end  19  of the male enteral feeding small-bore connector. The female enteral feeding small-bore connector  15  may be configured to connect to the male enteral feeding small-bore connector  13  at a connector end  21  of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector, and connect to tubing (not shown) from a fluid source (e.g., nutrient bag) at a tube connection end  23  of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. The male enteral feeding small-bore connector  13  may include a drain  25  permitting fluid to drain out of the connector as will be explained in greater detail below. 
         [0046]    The connector ends  19 ,  21  of the enteral feeding connectors  13 ,  15  may be discriminating connectors such that they are incompatible with any other small-bore connectors. It is also envisioned that other types of enteral feeding connectors can be used. For instance, luer-type enteral feeding connectors are also within the scope of the disclosure. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , the male enteral feeding small-bore connector  13  may comprise a connector body  31  including the connector end  19 , the tube connection end  17 , and a fluid passage  33  extending through the connector body from the connector end to the tube connection end. The connector end  19  of the connector body  31  may comprise a male connector portion  35  defining a part of the fluid passage  33 , an annular portion  37  surrounding the male connector portion, and a connecting portion  39  connecting the annular portion to the male connector portion. An outer surface  41  of the male connector portion  35  may be configured for sealing engagement with an inner surface  43  of the connector end  21  of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector  15  ( FIGS. 7 and 8B ). For instance, the outer surface  41  of the male connector portion  35  may have a continuous profile such that the male connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the male connector portion. An inner surface  45  of the annular portion  37  may include threads  47  for engaging threads  49  on an outer surface  51  of the connector end  21  of the female connector  15  for securely engaging the male enteral feeding small-bore connector  13  with the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. Connection of the male and female enteral feeding small-bore connectors  13 ,  15  establishes fluid communication between the fluid passage  33  in the male connector and a fluid passage  53  in the female connector. 
         [0048]    The connecting portion  39  may comprise a pair of spaced apart connecting arms  55  extending between the male connector portion  35  and the annular portion  37 . A pair of arcuate openings  57  at sides of the connecting arms  55  may communicate with an interior space  59  of the annular portion  37  to create secondary passages around the male connector portion  35  and past the connecting portion  39 . In the illustrated embodiment, the openings  57  allow fluid to pass from the interior space  59  of the annular portion  37  directly through the connecting portion  39  without being obstructed by structure of the male connector  13 . Therefore, when the female connector  15  is separated from the male connector  13 , after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, a substantial amount of fluid cannot collect within the interior space  59  of the annular portion  37  ( FIG. 8A ). Instead, the openings  57  allow the fluid to pass through the connecting portion  39  preventing the fluid from pooling and potentially becoming contaminated. Thus, when the connectors  13 ,  15  are reconnected ( FIG. 8B ), there is no or very little fluid within the interior space  59  of the annular portion  37  so that no fluid is forced from the annular portion interior space into the fluid passages  33 ,  53  and delivered to the patient. 
         [0049]    The spaced apart connecting arms  55  form a discontinuity in the connecting portion  39  which provides an open area for fluid to pass through the connecting portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the discontinuity extends over about 80% of the connecting portion  39 . The discontinuity can be defined by the open space extending from the sides of the connecting arms  55  circumferentially around the male connector portion  35 . The discontinuity of the connecting portion  39  could be greater or lesser than 80% depending on an extent to which the connecting arms  55  extend in the circumferential direction and/or the number of connecting arms. For example, in one or more embodiments, the discontinuity can be greater than 40%. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , a male enteral feeding small-bore connector  113  may comprise a connector body  131  including a connector end  119 , a tube connection end  117 , and a fluid passage  133  extending through the connector body from the connector end to the tube connection end. The connector end  119  of the connector body  131  may comprise a male connector portion  135  ( FIG. 10 ) defining a part of the fluid passage  133 , an annular portion  137  surrounding the male connector portion, and a connecting portion  139  connecting the annular portion to the male connector portion. An outer surface  141  of the male connector portion  135  may be configured for sealing engagement with the inner surface  43  of the connector end  21  of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector  15  ( FIG. 7 ). For instance, the outer surface  141  of the male connector portion  135  may have a continuous profile such that the male connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the male connector portion. An inner surface  145  of the annular portion  137  may include threads  147  for engaging the threads  49  on the outer surface  51  of the connector end of the female connector  15  for securely engaging the male enteral feeding small-bore connector  113  with the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. Connection of the male and female enteral feeding small-bore connectors  113 ,  15  establishes fluid communication between the fluid passage  133  in the male connector and the fluid passage  53  in the female connector. 
         [0051]    The connecting portion  139  may comprise an annular floor  155  extending circumferentially around the male connector portion  135  between the male connector portion and the annular portion  137 . A plurality of openings  157  extending through the floor  155  may communicate with an interior space  159  of the annular portion  137  to create secondary passages around the male connector portion  135  and past the connecting portion  139 . The openings  157  may comprise circular holes that are circumferentially spaced around the connecting portion  139 . Other opening shapes are also envisioned. Adjacent openings  157  may be spaced by an angle α about 45 degrees from each other ( FIG. 11 ). Other degrees of spacing are also envisioned. 
         [0052]    In the illustrated embodiment, the openings  157  allow fluid to pass from the interior space  159  of the annular portion  137  through the connecting portion  139 . Therefore, when the female connector  15  is separated from the male connector  113 , after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, a substantial amount of fluid cannot collect within the interior space  159  of the annular portion  137 . Instead, the openings  157  allow the fluid to pass through the connecting portion  139  preventing the fluid from pooling and potentially becoming contaminated. Thus, when the connectors  113 ,  15  are reconnected, there is no or very little fluid within the interior space  159  of the annular portion  137  so that no fluid is forced from the annular portion interior space into the fluid passages  133 ,  53  and delivered to the patient. 
         [0053]    The openings  157  in the floor  155  form a discontinuity in the connecting portion  139  which provides an open area for fluid to pass through the connecting portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the discontinuity extends over about 35% of the connecting portion  139 . The discontinuity can be defined by the open spaces formed by the openings  157 . The discontinuity of the connecting portion  139  could be greater or lesser than 35% depending on the size and/or the number of the openings  157 . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 12-14 , a male enteral feeding small-bore connector  213  may comprise a connector body  231  including a connector end  219 , a tube connection end  217 , and a fluid passage  233  extending through the connector body from the connector end to the tube connection end. The connector end  219  of the connector body  231  may comprise a male connector portion  235  defining a part of the fluid passage  233 , an annular portion  237  surrounding the male connector portion, and a connecting portion  239  connecting the annular portion to the male connector portion. An outer surface  241  of the male connector portion  235  may be configured for sealing engagement with the inner surface  43  of the connector end  21  of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector  15  ( FIG. 7 ). For instance, the outer surface  241  of the male connector portion  235  may have a continuous profile such that the male connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the male connector portion. An inner surface  245  of the annular portion  237  may include threads  247  for engaging the threads  49  on the outer surface  51  of the connector end of the female connector  15  for securely engaging the male enteral feeding small-bore connector with the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. Connection of the male and female enteral feeding small-bore connectors  213 ,  15  establishes fluid communication between the fluid passage  233  in the male connector and the fluid passage  53  in the female connector. 
         [0055]    The connecting portion  239  may comprise an annular floor  255  extending circumferentially around the male connector portion  235  between the male connector portion and the annular portion  237 . A plurality of slots  257  extending through the floor  255  may communicate with an interior space  259  of the annular portion  237  to create secondary passages around the male connector portion  235  and past the connecting portion  239 . The slots  257  may comprise oblong holes that are circumferentially spaced around the connecting portion  239  and extend radially along the connecting portion. A portion of each slot  257  may also extend continuously from the connector portion  239  longitudinally along the annular portion  237  increasing a total open area of the slots. Other slot configurations are also envisioned. Adjacent slots  257  may be spaced by angle β about 45 degrees from each other ( FIG. 14 ). Other degrees of spacing are also envisioned. 
         [0056]    In the illustrated embodiment, the slots  257  allow fluid to pass from the interior space  259  of the annular portion  237  through the connecting portion  239  and annular portion  237 . Therefore, when the female connector  15  is separated from the male connector  213 , after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, a substantial amount of fluid cannot collect within the interior space  259  of the annular portion  237 . Instead, the slots  257  allow the fluid to pass through the connecting portion  239  and annular portion  237  preventing the fluid from pooling and potentially becoming contaminated. Thus, when the connectors  213 ,  15  are reconnected, there is no or very little fluid within the interior space  259  of the annular portion  237  so that no fluid is forced from the annular portion interior space into the fluid passages  233 ,  53  and delivered to the patient. 
         [0057]    The slots  257  in the floor  255  form a discontinuity in the connecting portion  239  which provides an open area for fluid to pass through the connecting portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the discontinuity extends over about 35% of the connecting portion  239 . The discontinuity can be defined by the open spaces formed by the slots  257 . The discontinuity of the connecting portion  239  could be greater or lesser than 35% depending on the size and/or the number of the slots  257 . 
         [0058]    When introducing elements or the preferred embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
         [0059]    In view of the above, it will be seen that the several technical effects are achieved and other advantageous results attained. 
         [0060]    As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.