Vial attachment pliers

Vial attachment pliers that include a handle; a static arm that includes a recessed vial adapter slot and extends from the handle such that the longitudinal axis of the static arm is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle; a guide rod that extends from the static arm such that the longitudinal axis of the guide rod is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the static arm; a dynamic arm having a vial slot that is slidably attached to the guide rod; a lever pivotably attached to the handle; and a connector bar connecting the lever to the dynamic arm, such that as the lever pivots relative to the handle, the dynamic arm is urged to slide along the guide rod.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

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Compact Disc Appendix

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NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

The disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Unless otherwise noted, all trademarks and service marks identified herein are owned by the applicant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of medical devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to vial attachment pliers to aid in the connection of a vial to an IV bag.

2. Description of Related Art

Intravenous (IV) therapy involves the introduction of liquids directly into a patient's vein. IV therapy is a relatively common procedure in many areas of clinical practice to deliver drugs or medications, to correct electrolyte imbalances, for blood transfusions, or for body fluid replacement. When compared to other routes of administration, the IV therapy is the fastest way to deliver fluids and medications throughout a patient's body.

Intravenous drugs for use in IV therapy come in a variety of presentations, one of the most common being rubber-capped vials.

Generally, to introduce a drug or medication into an IV bag from a rubber-capped vile, a plastic flip-top cap is removed from the vial to expose the central portions of the rubber stopper. The top of the vial, including the rubber stopper, is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and allowed to dry. An IV vial adapter is fitted to the IV bag and the vial is placed within the adapter so that the IV adapter spike is positioned above and proximate the center of the rubber stopper.

Then, while holding the adapter and the vial, the vial is manually pressed against the adapter spike until the spike penetrated the vial stopper.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, the typical method for attaching a vial to an IV vial adapter can prove to be rather difficult and, over time, can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Nurses have complained that applying excessive force to insert the vial into the IV bag vial adapter has caused hand/wrist pain and/or discomfort and, in some cases, has cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the upper, static arm has a slit or opening that slides over the neck of the IV bag vial adapter. The neck of the vial bottle is secured in a substantial U-shape slot in the lower jaw. In certain exemplary embodiments, a rubber padding or other cushioning material is provided within the U-shape slot to protect the vial's neck from damage. The vial attachment pliers are designed to accommodate various size vials.

When the lever is pivoted, or squeezed, towards the handle, the lower, dynamic arm is forced, via a connector bar, to travel upward. The upward motion of the dynamic arm pushes the vial upward and inserts the vial into the IV bag vial adapter. This eliminates stress and/or strain on the hand/wrist.

In various exemplary embodiments, the vial attachment pliers comprise an elongate handle having a longitudinal axis, a static arm having a longitudinal axis, wherein the static are extends from the handle such that the longitudinal axis of the static arm is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle, and wherein the static arm includes a vial adapter slot, a guide rod having a longitudinal axis, wherein the guide rod extends from the static arm such that the longitudinal axis of the guide rod is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the static arm, a dynamic arm having a longitudinal axis, wherein the dynamic arm is slidably attached to the guide rod such that the dynamic arm is slidable along at least a portion of the guide rod, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the dynamic arm remains parallel to the longitudinal axis of the static arm as the dynamic arm slides along the guide rod, and wherein the dynamic arm includes a vial slot, a lever, wherein the lever is pivotably attached to the handle, a connector bar connecting the lever to the dynamic arm, such that as the lever pivots relative to the handle, the dynamic arm is urged to slide along the portion of the guide rod.

In various exemplary embodiments, the vial attachment pliers have a spring loaded handle.

Accordingly, this invention provides vial attachment pliers that allow a user to secure a vial bottle to an IV bag vial adapter without applying excessive force.

This invention separately provides vial attachment pliers that reduced the pain/discomfort to a user's hand and/or wrist when securing a vial to an IV bag vial adapter.

This invention separately provides vial attachment pliers that accommodate various size vials.

This invention separately provides vial attachment pliers that can be easily manipulated by a user.

These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operating principles of the vial attachment pliers according to this invention are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of vial attachment pliers according to this invention. The basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of the vial attachment pliers is applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the vial attachment pliers of this invention. It should be appreciated that the vial attachment pliers can be adapted to many applications where a rubber-capped vile must be inserted into an IV bag vial adapter.

It should also be appreciated that the terms “vial”, “vial bottle”, “pliers”, and “vial attachment pliers” are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Therefore, the terms “vial”, “vial bottle”, “pliers”, and “vial attachment pliers” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Thus, the terms “vial” and “vial bottle” are to be understood to broadly include any structures or devices capable of containing a liquid or solution.

Turning now to the drawing Figs.,FIGS. 1-7show certain elements and/or aspects of a first exemplary embodiment of the vial attachment pliers100, according to this invention. In illustrative, non-limiting embodiment(s) of this invention, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, the vial attachment pliers100comprise at least some of an handle110, a static arm120, a guide rod130, a dynamic arm140, a lever150, and a connector bar160.

In various exemplary embodiments, the handle110comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end and having a longitudinal axis LH. In certain exemplary embodiments, the handle110includes a knurled or textured portion113, which allows the user to establish a more secure grip or purchase on the handle110.

The static arm120extends from the handle110and includes a vial adapter recess or slot122. The static arm120includes a longitudinal axis LSA, and extends from the handle110. In various exemplary embodiments, the static arm120extends from the handle110such that the longitudinal axis LSAof the static arm120is optionally substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LHof the handle110.

The vial adapter slot122is shaped so as to allow an IV bag vial adapter182to be secured within at least a portion of the vial adapter slot122. The vial adapter slot122is generally keyway shaped so that a portion of the vial adapter182can be slid into the static arm120, via the vial adapter slot122, and then maintained in a relatively secure position relative to the vial adapter slot122, until the vial adapter182is intentionally removed from the vial adapter slot122.

In various exemplary embodiments, the vial adapter slot122comprises a recessed portion123.

When the vial adapter182is secured within the vial adapter slot122, a longitudinal axis LASof the IV adapter spike184is maintained in a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LSAof the static arm120.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the static arm120is formed as an integral extension of the handle110. Alternatively, the static arm120may be formed as a separate component that is attached or coupled to the handle110. While the static arm120is generally attached or coupled to the handle110proximate the second end of the handle110, it should be understood that the static arm120may extend from any portion of the handle110.

The guide rod130comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end and having a longitudinal axis LGR. The guide rod130extends from the static arm120. In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the guide rod130extends from the static arm120such that the longitudinal axis LGRof the guide rod130is optionally substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LSAof the static arm120.

The guide rod130may be permanently or removably attached or coupled to the static arm120.

In various exemplary embodiments, the guide rod130includes one or more stops132positioned proximate the first end or the second end of the guide rod130. The stops132, if included, serve to limit travel of the dynamic arm140relative to the guide rod130. Typically, the stops132provide abutment surfaces to limit the travel of the dynamic arm140relative to the guide rod130.

It should also be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarification, the various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the vial attachment pliers100are shown and/or described with reference to the guide rod130and the corresponding aperture146having a relatively circular profile. However, the generally circular profile of the various guide rod130and aperture146are intended to be illustrative, not limiting the profile or geometry of the guide rod130and aperture146to any particular shape. It should be understood that the overall profile and/or geometry of the guide rod130and corresponding aperture146may comprise any overall profile or geometry, including, for example, a generally square, rectangle, triangular, pentangular, circular, oval, elliptical, elliptical torus, star, or other shape.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the profile or geometry of the guide rod130and corresponding aperture146of the vial attachment pliers100of this invention is a design choice based on the desired appearance, strength, and functionality of the vial attachment pliers100.

The dynamic arm140comprises a portion of material having a longitudinal axis LDAand including a vial recess or slot142. The dynamic arm140is slidably attached to the guide rod130, via an aperture146, such that the dynamic arm140is slidable along at least a portion of the guide rod130. Through the interaction of the aperture146and the guide rod130, the longitudinal axis LDAof the dynamic arm140remains substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LSAof the static arm120at all points as the dynamic arm140slides along the guide rod130. Thus, as the dynamic arm140slides along the guide rod130, the longitudinal axis LDAof the dynamic arm140is always maintained in a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LSAof the static arm120.

The dynamic arm140includes a vial slot142that is shaped so as to allow a neck of the vial190to be secured within at least a portion of the vial slot142. The vial slot142is generally “U” or keyway shaped so that at least the neck portion of the vial190can be slid into the dynamic arm140, via the vial slot142, and then maintained in a relatively secure position relative to the vial slot142, until the vial190is intentionally removed from the vial slot142.

When the vial190is secured within the vial slot142, the IV adapter spike184is maintained in a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LSAof the dynamic arm140.

In various exemplary embodiments, the vial slot142includes at least some cushioning material144. The cushioning material144, if included, allows the vial190to be frictionally maintained within the vial slot142and/or provides a certain amount of cushioning to the vial slot142so as to reduce the possibility of the vial190being damaged or broken when maintained within the vial slot142.

The lever150comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end. In certain exemplary embodiments, the lever150includes a knurled or textured portion153, which allows the user to establish a more secure grip or purchase on the lever150.

The lever150also includes an elongate aperture152that allows at least a portion of the handle110to be positioned within and through the aperture152of the lever150.

The lever150is pivotably attached, via a pivot pin170, to the handle110. In this manner, the lever150is able to pivot relative to the handle110between an open position and a closed position.

In various exemplary embodiments, the handle110includes a protrusion or stop112and the lever150includes a protrusion or stop152. The stops112and152are positioned such that when the lever150is pivoted to the closed position, engaging surfaces of the stops112and150to make contact and limit further travel of the lever150relative to the handle110.

The connector bar160comprises an elongate portion of material that is pivotably attached or coupled, via a pivot pins162and164, between the lever150and the dynamic arm140, respectively. The connector bar160is substantially rigid and is connected between the lever150and the dynamic arm140such that as the lever150pivots relative to the handle110, the dynamic arm140is urged to slide along the portion of the guide rod130. Thus, as the lever150is pivoted to the open position, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the connector bar160urges the dynamic arm140to slide downward, along the guide rod130and increase the distance between the static arm120and the dynamic arm140. Conversely, as the lever150is pivoted to the closed position, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the connector bar160urges the dynamic arm140to slide upward, along the guide rod130and decreased the distance between the static arm120and the dynamic arm140.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, a spring or other resilient material170is provided between a portion of the lever150and the handle110, so as to provide a springing, rebounding, or dampening force to the pivoting movement of the lever150relative to the handle110. Typically, but not exclusively, the resilient material170may optionally be provided between an area proximate the second end of the handle110and an area proximate the second end of the lever150.

In various exemplary embodiments, various components of the vial attachment pliers100are substantially rigid and are formed of stainless steel. Alternate materials of construction of the various components of the vial attachment pliers100may include one or more of the following: wood, steel, aluminum, titanium, and/or other metals, as well as various alloys and composites thereof, glass-hardened polymers, polymeric composites, polymer or fiber reinforced metals, carbon fiber or glass fiber composites, continuous fibers in combination with thermoset and thermoplastic resins, chopped glass or carbon fibers used for injection molding compounds, laminate glass or carbon fiber, epoxy laminates, woven glass fiber laminates, impregnate fibers, polyester resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyimide resins, cyanate resins, high-strength plastics, nylon, glass, or polymer fiber reinforced plastics, thermoform and/or thermoset materials, and/or various combinations of the foregoing. Thus, it should be understood that the material or materials used to form the various components of the vial attachment pliers100is a design choice based on the desired appearance and functionality of the vial attachment pliers100.

It should be appreciated that certain elements of the vial attachment pliers100may be formed as an integral unit (such as, for example, the handle110and the static arm120). Alternatively, suitable materials can be used and sections or elements made independently and attached or coupled together, such as by adhesives, welding, screws, rivets, pins, or other fasteners, to form the various elements of the vial attachment pliers100.

It should also be understood that the overall size and shape of the vial attachment pliers100, and the various portions thereof, is a design choice based upon the desired functionality and/or appearance of the vial attachment pliers100.

To use the vial attachment pliers100to connect a vial190to an IV bag180, the lever150is pivoted to an open position relative to the handle110and an appropriate portion of an IV vial adapter182of an IV bag180is positioned within the vial adapter slot122of the static arm120. Then, the neck portion of an appropriate vial190is positioned within the vial slot142of the dynamic arm140. When the vial190is correctly positioned within the vial slot142, the vial stopper193should be roughly centered below the IV adapter spike184.

Once the IV vial adapter182and the vial190are correctly secured to the vial attachment pliers100, the lever150is pivoted toward the closed position relative to the handle110and the connector bar160urges the dynamic arm140(and the vial190) toward the static arm120(and the IV vial adapter182and IV adapter spike184).

As the lever150continues to be pivoted towards the closed position, the IV adapter spike184first engages and then punctures the vial stopper193. As the lever150reaches the closed position, the IV adapter spike184is forced through the vial stopper193so as to establish a fluid connection between the interior of the vial190and the interior of the IV bag180. If desired, the vial attachment pliers100may then be removed from the connected vial190and IV bag180by withdrawing the IV vial adapter182and the vial190from the vial adapter slot122and the vial slot142, respectively.

To use the vial attachment pliers100to remove a connected vial190from an IV bag180, and appropriate portion of the IV vial adapter182is positioned within the vial adapter slot122while the neck portion of the vial190is simultaneously positioned within the vial slot142. Once appropriately positioned, the lever150is merely pivoted to the open position to remove the connected vial190from the IV vial adapter182of the IV bag180.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting and the fundamental invention should not be considered to be necessarily so constrained. It is evident that the invention is not limited to the particular variation set forth and many alternatives, adaptations modifications, and/or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described herein may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein.

Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments will reveal the general nature of the invention, such that others may, by applying current knowledge, change, vary, modify, and/or adapt these exemplary embodiments for various applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any and all such changes, variations, modifications, and/or adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments and may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.