Oxygen supply quick connect adapter

Disclosed herein are embodiments of an oxygen quick connect device and method of using the same, the quick connect device includes a female coupling that has a first end and second end and a bore extending longitudinally through the first and second ends and further includes a biased plunger disposed within the bore of the female coupling and configured to reciprocate within, a seal member disposed on the plunger and configured to seal at a location on the bore of the female coupling, a catch device disposed at a second end of the female coupling body, and mechanism for connecting the female coupling to an oxygen supply source. The device also includes a male insert that has a first end and a second end and a first bore extending longitudinally through the first and second ends and groove for engaging with the catch device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an oxygen supply system, and more particularly to a method, device and system for an oxygen supply quick connect adapter.

Discussion of the Related Art

Medical piped fluid systems in hospitals, and most other healthcare facilities, are used for supplying piped oxygen and other gases (or fluids) from an oxygen source to various parts of a hospital, including standard hospital room (operating, procedure or other rooms) oxygen line outlets. In typical hospital rooms, oxygen outlet(s) are colored green and located near the patient bed or procedure table. Most standard hospital bed rooms have at least two (2) oxygen outlets, and also a yellow outlet that represents “room air.” Intensive care, operating, and other procedure rooms may have multiple oxygen and air outlets that are needed not only for basic respiratory equipment, but also life support machines (e.g., ventilators, cardiopulmonary bypass pumps, etc.). Attached at the outlet, a Thorpe Tube, or other flow-meter, reduces the pressure from bulk storage (at the wall) to “working” pressure (e.g., 50 psi). The Thorpe Tube flow-meter then regulates the flow through the use of a knob that is turned counter clockwise or clockwise to achieve the desired flow rate.

Resuscitation or “ambu” bags, face masks, nebulizers, nasal cannulas and other oxygen delivery devices typically have tubing that attaches to a nipple or “Christmas tree” connector on the flow-meter to facilitate connection to the oxygen source. Christmas tree connectors have deep grooved barbs over which the oxygen tubing slides. These connectors facilitate a rapid mechanical connection and disconnection (e.g., push the tubing on or pull the tubing off), by hand, to oxygen sources. Christmas tree connectors have a threaded end that screws onto the flow-meter outlet.

However, rapid connection and disconnection of oxygen tubing from the Christmas tree connectors has long led to excessive oxygen waste. Most notably, even after oxygen tubing is disconnected from the Christmas tree connector, oxygen sources are often left running at various flow rates for hours or even days. Often times this occurs because hospital staff is in a hurry, or simply neglects to turn off the oxygen source. In any event, oxygen continues to bleed for extended periods of time leading to excessive waste. This has been documented over a long period of time and numerous healthcare professionals have expressed a long felt need to control or stop oxygen waste. Oxygen waste in hospitals is widely acknowledged, but, yet to be addressed. A 2010 study found that fifteen (15) operating rooms wasted roughly 19,000 L of oxygen, or about 670 cubic feet, in a five-day span, which extrapolated over a one year period amounted to nearly one million liters in wasted oxygen.

In addition, Christmas tree connectors do not maintain current oxygen flow rates once disconnected. That is, when patients are transferred from location to location (e.g., discharged or leaves the room for testing or other procedure), their flow oxygen rates, if turned off as required, must be reset to proper levels at the new location.

What is needed then is a device to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and address these long felt needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a quick connect assembly, insert assembly, method of making and using a quick connect assembly, insert assembly, method of making and using the same that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An advantage of the invention is to provide a device configured to reduce excessive oxygen waste throughout hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, long term care facilities, and the like.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a device with safety features for patients utilizing oxygen therapy with features to eliminate the need for multiple staff adjusting prescribed oxygen flow settings pre and post transport.

Yet another advantage of the invention is a device designed to halt oxygen flow mechanically, by push button release, rather than manually (turning a knob) and returns the correct setting when reconnected, thus eliminating the need to readjust prescribed oxygen settings upon patient return from transport or discharge.

Yet another advantage of the invention is a device that allows for connection to one or more secondary devices, e.g., humidifiers (in-line or not in-line) with an oxygen supply source.

Still yet another advantage, the quick connect device allows easy “one-hand” connect and disconnect by simply depressing the catch device. The quick connect device is made of materials that are resistant to chemicals and oxygen, e.g., thermoplastic material, stainless steel, combinations of the same. Most importantly, the quick connect device addresses a long felt need in the medical industry to eliminate oxygen waste by shutting off the oxygen flow when the male insert having oxygen tubing attached thereto is removed from the female coupling. When the quick connect assembly is reconnected to the insert, the oxygen begins to flow at the rate previously set. In this manner, the desired, previously set oxygen flow rate is maintained. To summarize, when the male insert is not connected to the female coupling, oxygen does not flow; when the male insert is connected to the female coupling, oxygen flows at a consistent rate previously set. This avoids errors as compared to the related art by not requiring turning off the oxygen and then turning it back on and manually readjusting. Moreover, it mitigates waste as typically the oxygen is not turned off in the related art and when a product is disengaged oxygen flows without purpose into the room.

In one embodiment, a method of using a quick-connect assembly for use with an oxygen gas supply source includes obtaining a quick-connect assembly including a cylindrical main body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal bore extending from the first end to the second end. The first end includes a quick-connection mechanism configured to accept an insert assembly and the second end comprises an attachment mechanism. The method further includes connecting the second end to the oxygen gas supply source and obtaining an insert assembly including a body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal bore extending from the first end to the second end, a circumferential grove is arranged proximal to the first end and is configured to engage the quick-connection mechanism. Next, arranging the first end of the insert assembly into the first end of the quick-connection assembly and engaging the quick-connection mechanism with the circumferential grove to releasably couple the insert assembly to the quick-connect assembly.

In another embodiment, the method includes using a quick-connect assembly for use with an oxygen gas supply source includes obtaining a quick-connect assembly including a cylindrical main body having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal bore extending from the first end to the second end, and one or more sensors, wherein the first end comprises a quick-connection mechanism configured to accept an insert assembly and the second end comprises an attachment mechanism. Next, the method includes connecting the second end to the oxygen gas supply source and obtaining an insert assembly including a body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal bore extending from the first end to the second end, a circumferential grove is arranged proximal to the first end and is configured to engage the quick-connection mechanism. Next, the method includes arranging the first end of the insert assembly into the first end of the quick-connection assembly and engaging the quick-connection mechanism with the circumferential grove to releasably couple the insert assembly to the quick-connect assembly. In yet another embodiment, the method of using a quick-connect assembly for use with an oxygen gas supply source includes obtaining a quick-connect assembly comprising a cylindrical main body having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal bore extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end comprises a catch plate configured to accept an insert assembly and the second end comprises an attachment mechanism, and a biased plunger arranged within the longitudinal bore of the cylindrical main body configured to move from a closed position to an open position, wherein the closed position prevents oxygen gas flow from the oxygen gas supply source from the second end to the first end, and wherein the open position permits oxygen gas flow, the oxygen gas supply source from the second end to the first end when the oxygen gas supply source is on and the second end is connected to the oxygen gas supply source. Next, the method includes connecting the second end of the quick-connect assembly to the oxygen gas supply source and obtaining an insert assembly comprising a body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal bore extending from the first end to the second end, a circumferential grove is arranged proximal to the first end and is configured to engage the quick-connection mechanism, and the insert assembly does not include a biased plunger or a seal member. Further the method includes arranging the first end of the insert assembly into the first end of the quick-connection assembly and engaging a portion of the catch plate with the circumferential grove to releasably couple the insert assembly to the quick-connect assembly.

Embodiments described herein overcome the deficiencies and disadvantages of the prior art described above. These deficiencies and disadvantages are overcome, for example, by an oxygen quick-connect device, that includes a female coupling and a male insert. The female coupling has a first end and second end and a bore extending longitudinally through the first and second ends and further includes a biased plunger disposed within the bore of the female coupling and configured to reciprocate within, a seal member disposed on the plunger and configured to seal at a location on the bore of the female coupling, a catch device disposed at a second end of the female coupling body, and means for connecting the female coupling to an oxygen supply source. The male insert has a first end and a second end and a first bore extending longitudinally through the first and second ends and includes a biased plunger disposed within the first bore of the male insert and configured to reciprocate within, a first seal member disposed on the plunger and configured to seal at a location on the first bore of the male insert, a second seal member disposed on the male insert and configured to seal within the bore of the female coupling, and a barbed connection disposed at a second end of the male insert having a second bore extending there-through perpendicular to the first bore of the male insert, in which the second bore has a diameter that enables the quick-connect device to provide a desired flow of oxygen. The oxygen quick-connect device only permits oxygen to flow from the oxygen supply source through the female coupling when the male insert is inserted into the female coupling and the second seal member seals within the bore of the female coupling.

These deficiencies and disadvantages are overcome, for example, by a quick-connect insert having oxygen tubing attached thereto, the quick-connect insert configured to be secured by a catch device on a female coupling in fluid communication with an oxygen source. The quick-connect insert includes a cylindrical main body having a longitudinal bore, a first seal member disposed on an outer diameter of a first end of the main body, in which the first end is insertable within the female coupling to form a fluid seal, a circumferential groove on an outer diameter of the first end configured to engage the catch device, a barbed connector extending perpendicular relative to the main body at a second end, and an orifice extending through the barbed connector, and a movable plunger within the longitudinal bore of the main body configured to allow oxygen to flow from the female coupling and through the orifice of the barbed connector when the quick-connect insert is connected to the female coupling.

This Summary section is neither intended to be, nor should be, construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. Additional benefits, features and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the attached figures and in the description herein below, and as described by the claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that this Summary section may not contain all of the aspects and embodiments claimed herein.

Additionally, the disclosure herein is not meant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner. Moreover, the present disclosure is intended to provide an understanding to those of ordinary skill in the art of one or more representative embodiments supporting the claims. Thus, it is important that the claims be regarded as having a scope including constructions of various features of the present disclosure insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the methods and apparatuses consistent with the present disclosure (including the originally filed claims). Moreover, the present disclosure is intended to encompass and include obvious improvements and modifications of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

In order to more fully appreciate the present disclosure and to provide additional related features, the following references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

U.S. Pat. No. 3,450,424 by Calisher which is directed towards a quick connect and disconnect coupling having inter-engaging male and female coupling parts, and a resilient locking member which includes a pair of locking arms straddling and rotatable relative to the female part between a locking position, wherein the arms project laterally through diametrically opposed chordal openings in the female part into an external locking groove in the male part to lock the coupling parts against axial separation, and an unlocking position, wherein the arms straddle and are spread to disengage the male part by intervening body sections on the female part between the chordal openings.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,359 by Oetiker, which is directed towards a coupling for lines carrying gas under pressure in which a tubularly shaped male member is adapted to be inserted into a bore of a sleeve-like female member containing a valve assembly automatically opened upon insertion of the tubularly shaped male member. The tubularly shaped male member which is provided with an annular groove is held in its inserted position by a locking mechanism in the sleeve-like female member which consists of a latching member, a ring-like member surrounding the sleeve-like female member and a spring between the latching member and the ring-like member. For purposes of releasing the locking action of the latching member which is operable to engage in the annular groove by movement in a milled-in recess, the ring-like member is provided with an inwardly projecting actuating element. To permit a reduction in the dimensions of the ring-like member, the latching member includes a short leg portion bent with respect to the main portion of the latching member at such angle as to point toward the actuating member.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,386 by Young, et al., which is directed towards a combustor baffle, includes an outer tube with external threads and a heat shield at opposite ends thereof. An inner tube is disposed inside the outer tube in a unitary assembly therewith. The outer tube is retained in a combustor dome by a retention nut, and the inner tube supports an air swirler with a brazed joint therewith. The brazed joint permits sacrifice of the baffle during disassembly for access to the threaded joint for final disassembly without damage to the dome or air swirler.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,842 by Schmidt, which is directed towards a coupling apparatus having a coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate to the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.

Currently, hospitals experience a high rate of oxygen waste using Christmas tree connectors to the oxygen flow control. A quick connect assembly according to embodiments herein is used for eliminating waste by shutting off the oxygen flow when an oxygen tube is disconnected from the device. When the oxygen disconnect device is reconnected, oxygen flows at the rate previously set without further adjustment.

In one embodiment, the assembly includes a female coupling body having a first end and a second end and a bore or opening extending longitudinally through the first and second ends. The female coupling body may be a plastic or thermoplastic material, such as acetyl copolymer. The first end includes a connection mechanism (e.g., a threaded connection) configured as needed for connecting to other pieces of fluid transport equipment, such as but not limited to a gas tank, fluid tank or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the assembly is an integral piece of a gas regulator, e.g., oxygen gas regulator. In one embodiment, the assembly is an integral piece of a nasal cannula.

In one embodiment, the assembly is used to connect a secondary device to a gas source.

In one embodiment, a kit includes a quick-connect assembly for use with a gas connection and an insert assembly configured to fit within a portion of the quick-connect assembly. Optionally, the kit includes instructions for use.

In one embodiment, the assembly includes an assembly configured to releasably couple to a humidifier for oxygen treatments.

In one embodiment, the assembly is configured to be coupled to a regulator, secondary device, a humidifier, a standard hospital room oxygen line outlet or other source of gas or fluid.

In one embodiment, the assembly includes a biased plunger disposed within the bore of the female coupling and is configured to reciprocate longitudinally within from an open to a closed position. The plunger includes a seal member at a location configured to seal at some location with an inner surface of the bore in a certain position. The second end of the female coupling body includes a catch device slidably mounted within grooves formed in the second end.

In one embodiment, the catch device is spring-loaded and reciprocates within the grooves from an open to a closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the catch device may be made of a metal material, such as stainless steel. The catch device is configured to receive an insert device.

In one embodiment, the insert includes a first end and a second end and a bore or opening extending longitudinally through the first and second ends. The male insert includes a first seal configured to engage and seal within the bore of the female coupling when the male insert is inserted within the bore of the female coupling. A groove is disposed along a length of the male insert and is configured to engage the catch device of the female coupling. The second end of the male insert includes a Christmas tree type connector that extends perpendicularly from the male insert body. The first end of the male insert is inserted into the second end of the female coupling until the catch device engages the groove in the male insert. There is an audible “click” to signal that a proper connection has been established by a catch pin engaging and locking the insert with the quick connect assembly. Optionally, a window is present on the assembly to verify proper engagement with a color when correct alignment or engagement of catch pin has occurred, e.g., a green color. In one embodiment, a proper connection may send out a communication signal to a secondary device, e.g., a wireless communication signal.

Currently, hospitals experience a high rate of oxygen waste using Christmas tree connectors to the oxygen flow control. An oxygen disconnect device is disclosed for eliminating waste by shutting off the oxygen flow when an oxygen tube is disconnected. When the oxygen disconnect device is reconnected, oxygen flows at the rate previously set without further adjustment. This also minimizes errors in flowrates to the patient.

In one embodiment, the insert adapter and/or the quick connect assembly is configured with one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may be configured to indicate temperature, gas, location, moisture, flowrate, combinations of the same and other information required for patient medical needs.

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors includes a passive radio-frequency identification device (RFID) and/or passive radio-frequency identification device (RFID). The RFID can be arranged with the insert adapter and/or quick connect assembly and the RFID can be used to provide a unique identifier indicative of one or more of location, manufacture, model, security and the like.

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors can be coupled wirelessly, e.g., Bluetooth, and provide real time information about temperature, pressure, moisture, flowrate, location and combinations of the same and other information required for patient medical needs. Moreover, the one or more sensors can be configured to wirelessly communicate with a secondary device on a predetermined event, e.g., where a gas flow rate is below or above a predetermined level. The secondary device may include mobile communication device, computer, server, alarm source, and the like.

In one embodiment, the quick-connect device includes a female coupling body having a first end and second end and a bore or opening extending longitudinally through the first and second ends. Generally the female coupling body may be a plastic or thermoplastic material, such as acetyl copolymer. The first end includes a connection means (e.g., threaded connection) configured as needed for connecting to other pieces of fluid transport equipment such as, but not limited to, a gas or fluid line (e.g., a standard hospital room oxygen line outlet). A first biased plunger is disposed within the bore of the female coupling and is configured to reciprocate longitudinally within. The plunger includes a seal member at a location configured to seal at some location with an inner surface of the bore in a certain position. The second end of the female coupling body includes a catch device slidably mounted within grooves formed in the second end. The catch device is spring-loaded and reciprocates within the grooves. The catch device may be made of a metal material, such as stainless steel.

In one embodiment, the quick-connect device includes a male insert having a first end and second end and a first bore or opening extending longitudinally through the first and second ends. The male insert includes a first seal configured to engage and seal within the bore of the female coupling when the male insert is inserted within the bore of the female coupling. A groove is disposed along a length of the male insert and is configured to engage the catch device of the female coupling when the quick-connect device is assembled, as discussed below. There is no biased plunger is disposed within the first bore of the male insert.

In one embodiment, the first end of the male insert is inserted into the second end of the female coupling until the catch device engages the groove in the male insert. There is an audible “click” to signal that a proper connection has been established by the catch pin engaging with cutout of the catch plate and locking the insert to the female coupling. Upon coupling, the biased plunger of the female coupling engages an end of the male insert and is forced in a direction to unseal a seal member for seal seat on the bore of the coupling and allow fluid communication through the bore of the female coupling and through the bore of the insert. To uncouple or disconnect the male insert from the female coupling, the catch device is depressed to disengage the catch device from the groove in the male insert and disengage the catch pin. When disengaged, the biased plunger of the female coupling moves longitudinally within the bore to engage the seal member with the seal member seat to prevent oxygen flow from the first end of female coupling to the second end of the female coupling. The female coupling is now in the closed orientation.

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate an embodiment of a disassembled oxygen quick-connect device100. The quick-connect device100includes a female coupling body102having a first end and second end and a bore103or opening extending longitudinally through the first and second ends. The first end includes a connection means104(e.g., a threaded connection) configured as needed for connecting to other pieces of gas or fluid transport equipment (not shown), such as but not limited to a gas or fluid line (e.g., a standard hospital-room oxygen line output). A first biased plunger106is disposed within the bore103of the female coupling body102and is configured to reciprocate longitudinally within. The plunger106includes a seal member107at a location configured to seal at some location (e.g., a seat) with an inner surface of the bore103in a certain position. The plunger106has a hollow end having a plurality of windows120formed in the wall. The second end of the female coupling body102includes a catch device108slidably mounted within grooves formed in the second end. The catch device108is spring-loaded and reciprocates within the grooves. The catch device108includes a tab portion that a user may push against and depress in a first direction the catch device against the spring (not shown).

The quick-connect device100includes a male insert110having a first end and second end and a first bore111or opening extending longitudinally through the first end and to the second end. The male insert110includes a first seal member113configured to engage and seal within the bore103of the female coupling body102. A circumferential groove115is disposed on the male insert110, which the catch device108of the female coupling body102engages when the quick-connect device100is assembled, as discussed below. A second biased plunger112is disposed within the first bore111of the male insert110and is configured to reciprocate longitudinally within. The plunger112may extend beyond the first end of the male insert110, as shown. The plunger112includes a second seal member114at a location configured to seal at some location (e.g., a seat) with an inner surface of the first bore111in a certain position. The plunger112has a hollow end having a plurality of windows121formed in the wall.

The second end of the male insert110includes a Christmas tree connector118that extends perpendicularly from the male insert body110. The Christmas tree connector118includes deep grooved barbs over which the oxygen tubing slides. The Christmas tree connector118may be sized accordingly. The Christmas tree connector has a second bore119that extends within and that is oriented perpendicular to the first bore111of the male insert110. In embodiments, the second bore119typically has a diameter of approximately [0.170″+/−0.001″]. It has been found that this diameter enables the quick-connect device to provide the desired flow of oxygen. It is advantageous to have the Christmas tree connector118side-mounted on the male insert110for attaching oxygen (or other) tubing and to avoid having the Christmas tree connector118advertently breaking off when the tubing is attached or removed or simply by being struck when no tubing is attached.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate an embodiment of an assembled or connected quick-connect device. The first end of the male insert110is inserted into the second end of the female coupling102, which is connected to a gas or fluid line (e.g., a standard hospital-room oxygen line output) through connection means104, until the catch device108engages the groove115in the male insert110. There is an audible “click” to signal that a proper connection has been established. The seal member113on the male insert110engages the inner bore103of the female coupling102to form a seal. Upon coupling, the biased plunger106in the female coupling102and the biased plunger112in the male insert110engage end to end and force each other in opposite directions. Moving the biased plunger106in the female coupling102unseats seal member107from an inner bore103surface and moves the plurality of windows120into a position to allow gas or fluid to flow into the hollow end of the plunger106. Likewise, moving the biased plunger112in the male insert110unseats seal member114from a first bore111surface and moves the plurality of windows121into a position to allow fluid to flow into the hollow end of the plunger110.

Unseating seal members107and114substantially together allows gas or fluid communication through the quick-connect device100. That is, oxygen flows from the oxygen source (not shown), into the female coupling102, through the plurality of windows120into the hollow end of the plunger106, into the hollow end of the plunger112, out of the plurality of windows121, into the male insert110, and out of the Christmas tree connector118to an oxygen delivery device (not shown). To uncouple or disconnect the male insert110from the female coupling102, the catch device108is depressed to disengage the catch device108from the groove115in the male insert110. When disengaged, the biased plungers106and112disengage, and seal members107and114are re-seated within their respective bores to prevent oxygen flow through the quick-connect device.

Referring toFIGS. 5A-5W, an oxygen quick-connect device or shut off body500includes a female coupling body502having a first end504, a second end506and a bore508or opening extending longitudinally through the first and second ends. The second end506includes a connection mechanism511(e.g., a threaded connection, pressure connection or the like) configured as needed for connecting to other pieces of gas transport equipment, secondary devices or other inserts (not shown), such as but not limited to a gas line (e.g., a standard hospital-room oxygen line output). The second end506includes a first and second protrusions510configured to assist a user in rotating the shut off body500when connecting to other pieces of gas transport equipment.

The first end504of includes a quick connect mechanism including a catch device512slidably mounted within grooves514formed in the first end504and catch pin544. The catch device512is biased in an open position with a spring516and reciprocates within the grooves514. The one end of the spring516is arranged around a tab portion531. The catch device512includes a tab portion520that a user may push against and depress in a first direction the catch device against the spring516.

Referring toFIGS. 5U-5W, the catch device or catch plate512includes cutout portions522,524and526. The cutout portion522includes a half circle geometry528connected to a first quarter circle geometry530with a straight section532having a straight geometry and also connected to a second circle geometry534with a straight section536having a straight geometry and also connected to a second circle geometry538. The second cutout portion524includes an offset centerline525. The third cutout portion526has a centerline527. The third cutout526is dimensioned to receive a portion of the catch pin in order to lock the adapter with the quick connect assembly500as discussed herein.

Referring toFIGS. 5K-50, the catch pin544is configured to fit at least partially within the catch pin channel546and biased with a biasing mechanism547. The biasing mechanism547in this embodiment is a spring. The catch pin544includes a first end549and a second end550. The second end550includes a partial bore section552that extends partially and terminates in a wedge shape. In a preferred embodiment, the wedge shape has about a 118 degree angle and configured to seat an end of the spring547. The bore552is configured to receive the biasing mechanism547. The catch pin544includes a recess portion554arranged between the first end549and second end550. The recess portion554includes an angled portion556having about a fifteen degree angle. The angled portion556is configured to assist with engaging the catch plate cutout portions524and/or526when arranging an adapter into the quick connect assembly. The cutout portion526is dimensioned such that it can engage the recess554of the catch pin544in the locked position. The catch pin544is configured to reciprocate longitudinally within the recess546.

Referring toFIGS. 5P-5T, a plunger or shut off plunger528is disposed within the bore508of the assembly500and is configured to reciprocate longitudinally within. The plunger528includes a seal member recess530arranged to receive a seal member532and the seal member532is configured to seal at some location (e.g., a seat) with an inner surface of the bore508in a certain position. The plunger528has a hollow end536having a plurality of windows533formed in the wall and a closed end538. A first biasing seat540and a second biasing seat542are configured to be used with the biasing member545thereby creating a biased plunger. The windows533and the open end536are in gas communication with each other.

FIG. 5Iillustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the biased plunger in a closed position.FIG. 5Jillustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the biased plunger in an open position.

Referring toFIGS. 5I and 5J, the biased plunger528is biased in a closed position with spring545and seat540of the plunger and seat541. The sealing member532prevents air flow to exit end504as indicated by arrow507. In an open position the bias plunger528is moved by force from the adapter or insert513, which may be any adapter or insert described herein, from a closed position inFIG. 5Ito an open position. Gas flow is now permitted from the second end506to the first end504of the quick connect assembly as indicted by the arrow509. As shown it flows through one or more of the plurality windows533out an open end536of the plunger and through bore of the adapter.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a side view of a hose adapter insert according to another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 6Billustrates a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 6Aalong line E to E.FIG. 6Cillustrates an assembled or connected view of the oxygen quick-connect shut off body assembly and the hose adapter insert according to another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 6Dillustrates a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 6Calong line F to F.

Referring toFIGS. 6A-6D, a hose barb adapter600has a first end602and second end604and a bore610or opening extending longitudinally through the first end and to the second end. The adapter600does not include any seal member. The first end602includes a connection mechanism608(e.g., a threaded connection, pressure connection or the like) configured to connect to the second end506of the quick-connect device500. In a preferred embodiment, the first end602attachment mechanism608is configured to engage the connection mechanism511of the second end506and reside at least partially within the bore508. Protrusion612is configured to assist with rotation of adapter600. The second end604of the barb adapter600includes a connector606that has a staggered tapper configuration. The connector606is includes grooved barbs over which the tubing slides and can become fixedly coupled to the adapter600(not shown). When the adapter600is releasably coupled to the shut off body500the bore508of the shut off body500and bore610of the adapter are in communication with each other thereby allowing gas to flow from the second end604through the first end506when the plunger528is in the open configuration. When the plunger528is in the closed configuration (FIG. 5I) there is no flow of gas.

FIG. 7Aillustrates a side view of a regulator adapter insert according to another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 7Billustrates a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 7Aalong line G to G.FIG. 7Cillustrates an assembled or connected view of the oxygen quick-connect shut off body assembly and the regulator adapter insert according to another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 7Dillustrates a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 7Calong line H to H.

Referring toFIGS. 7A-7D, a regulator adapter700has a first end702and second end704and a bore706or opening extending longitudinally through the first end702and to the second end704. The adapter700does not include any seal member. The first end702includes a connection mechanism708(e.g., a threaded connection, pressure connection or the like) configured to connect to the second end506of the quick-connect device500or other secondary device. The second end704includes a connection mechanism707(e.g., a threaded connection, pressure connection or the like) configured to connect to a regulator. A protrusion705is configured to assist with rotation of the adapter. In a preferred embodiment, the regulator adapter700comprises304stainless steel.

In a preferred embodiment, the first end702connection mechanism708is configured to engage the connection mechanism510of the second end506and reside at least partially within the bore508. When the adapter700is releasably coupled to the shut off body500the bore508of the shut off body500and bore706of the adapter700are in communication with each other thereby allowing gas to flow from the second end704through the second end504when the plunger528is in the open configuration. When the plunger528is in the closed configuration there is no flow of gas.

FIG. 8Aillustrates a side view of an adapter insert according to another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 8Billustrates a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 8Aalong line I to I.

Referring toFIGS. 8A-8B, a hose barb adapter800includes a first end802, a second end804and a first bore806or opening extending longitudinally through the first end802and to the second end804. The male insert800includes a circumferential groove808disposed on the insert800, which the catch device512of the shut off body500engages when the shut off body500is assembled with the insert800. The insert800does not include a seal member, e.g., O-ring. The second end804of the male insert includes a Christmas tree connector810that extends perpendicularly from the male insert body. The Christmas tree connector810includes deep grooved barbs over which the oxygen tubing slides. The Christmas tree connector810may be sized to receive a range of diameter of tubing. The second end804is configured in a tapered configuration with a Christmas tree type shape. The tapered configuration has a plurality staggered or grooved barbs over which the tubing slides and can become fixedly coupled to the insert800. There is no biased plunger in the insert rather a bore806extends from the first end802to the second end804.

FIG. 8Cillustrates an assembled or connected view of the oxygen quick-connect shut off body assembly and the adapter insert according to another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 8Dillustrates a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 8Calong line J to J.

Referring toFIGS. 8C-8D, illustrate a quick-connect device500is connected to an insert800. The first end802of the male insert800is inserted into the first end504of the female shut off body500. The second end of the506may be connected to an oxygen gas source (e.g., a standard hospital-room oxygen line output, regulator) through connection mechanism511(not shown).

In operation, the first end802is inserted into the first end504until the catch device512engages the groove808in the male insert800. There is an audible “click” to signal that a proper connection has been established by the recess portion554of the catch pin544engaging the with the catch plate512at releasably coupling to the third section526. Optionally, one or more sensors is arranged in either the quick connect assembly500or the insert800configured to measure one or more of temperature, flowrate, location, unique product ID, unique patient ID or the information. The sensor is optionally configured with a network interface to provide communication to external device. There is no biased plunger in the insert rather a bore extends from the first end to the second end.

The end portion812of the insert800engages the inner bore508of the female coupling500to form a seal. In this embodiment, gas is being used as the fluid and a perfect seal is not required. It is believed there is no or substantially no leaking for gas when the two devices are coupled. Upon coupling, the biased plunger528in the female coupling502engages an end of the insert800, thereby moving the biased plunger528in the shut off body500from a closed position to an open position. The catch pin544recess554is engaged with a portion526of the catch plate514releasably locking the insert800to the quick connect assembly500and allowing the plunger to move to an open position. In the open position seal member532not directly adjacent to the seat542of the inner bore508to allow gas to flow as indicated by arrow814. That is, unseating seal member532from the seal542allows gas or fluid communication through the quick-connect device500as indicated by the arrow814. That is, oxygen flows from the oxygen source (not shown), into the female coupling500, through at least a portion of the plurality of windows533through the hollow end536of the plunger528and into the first end802of the male insert800and through the bore806and out the second end804to a secondary device (not shown) that can be attached. Optionally, the secondary device can be an oxygen delivery device can be a nasal cannula or a humidifier.

To uncouple or disconnect the insert800from the shut off body500, the catch device512is depressed via the tab520to disengage the catch device512from the groove808in the male insert800and disengage the catch pin544from the catch device. When disengaged, the biased plunger528and seal member532is re-seated on the seat542to prevent oxygen flow through the quick-connect device500.

FIG. 9Aillustrates a side view of a humidifier adapter insert according to another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 9Billustrates a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 9Aalong line K to K.

Referring toFIGS. 9A-9B, a humidifier adapter900includes a first end902, a second end904and a bore906or opening extending longitudinally through the first end902and to the second end904. The humidifier adapter900is configured to be coupled to a humidifier for all the benefits described herein. The insert900includes a circumferential groove908disposed on the insert900, which the catch device512of the shut off body500engages when the shut off body500is assembled with the insert900. The insert900does not include a seal member, e.g., O-ring. The second end904of the male insert910includes a connection mechanism910, e.g., threads, on the outer surface and is configured to be connected to a humidifier container. The bore of906of the insert900extends from the first end902to the second end904. The bore includes a first section918extending into a second section920and the second section920extending into the third section922. The first section918includes a conical configuration at a about a 60 degree wedge921. The conical configuration of the first section918is configured to maximize air flow and seat and seal on the humidifier (not shown) by substantially matching the inlet conical configuration geometry of the humidifier. There is no biased plunger in the insert rather a bore906extends from the first end902to the second end904. A protrusion916is configured to receive a tool to assist with rotation of the insert900.

FIG. 9Cillustrates perspective view of an assembled or connected view of the oxygen quick-connect shut off body assembly and the humidifier adapter insert according to another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 9Dillustrates top view ofFIG. 9C.

Referring toFIGS. 9C-9E, illustrate a quick-connect device500is connected to the insert900. The first end902of the male insert900is inserted into the first end504of the female shut off body500. The second end506of the quick connect device500may be connected to an oxygen gas source (e.g., a standard hospital-room oxygen line output, regulator) through connection mechanism511(not shown). The second end904of the insert900is connected to a humidifier configured to provide humidity to the oxygen (not shown).

In operation, the first end902is inserted into the first end504until the catch device512engages the groove908in the male insert900. There is an audible “click” to signal that a proper connection has been established by the recess portion554of the catch pin544engaging the with the catch plate512at releasably coupling to the third section526. Optionally, one or more sensors is arranged in either the quick connect assembly500or the insert900configured to measure one or more of temperature, moisture, flowrate, location, unique product ID, unique patient ID or the information. The sensor is optionally configured with a network interface to provide communication to external device. There is no biased plunger in the insert rather a bore extends from the first end to the second end.

The end portion912of the insert900engages the inner bore508of the female coupling500to form a seal. In this embodiment, gas is being used as the fluid and a perfect seal is not required. It is believed there is no or substantially no leaking for gas when the two devices are coupled. Upon coupling, the biased plunger528in the female coupling500engages an end of the insert900, thereby moving the biased plunger528in the shut off body500from a closed position to an open position. The catch pin544recess554is engaged with a portion526of the catch plate512releasably locking the insert900to the quick connect assembly500and allowing the plunger to move to an open position. In the open position seal member532not directly adjacent to the seat542of the inner bore508to allow gas to flow as indicated by arrow914. That is, unseating seal member532from the seal edge542allows gas or fluid communication through the quick-connect device500as indicated by the arrow914. That is, oxygen flows from the oxygen source (not shown), into the female coupling500, through at least a portion of the plurality of windows533through the hollow end536of the plunger528and into the first end902of the male insert900and through the bore906and out the second end904to a secondary device (not shown) that can be attached. Optionally, the secondary device can be an oxygen delivery device can be a nasal cannula or a humidifier.

To uncouple or disconnect the insert800from the shut off body500, the catch device512is depressed via the tab520to disengage the catch device512from the groove808in the male insert900and disengage the catch pin544from the catch device. When disengaged, the biased plunger528and seal member532is re-seated on the seat542to prevent oxygen flow through the quick-connect device500.

FIG. 10Aillustrates a side view of a cannula adapter insert according to another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 10Billustrates a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 10Aalong line M to M.

Referring toFIGS. 10A-10B, a cannula connection fitting1000having a first end1002and second end1004and a first bore1006or opening extending longitudinally through the first end1002and to the second end1004. The cannula connection1000is configured to work with a conventional nasal cannula. In this embodiment, the first end1002includes a circumferential groove1008disposed on the insert1000, which the catch device512of the shut off body500engages when the shut off body500is assembled with the insert1000. The insert1000does not include a seal member, e.g., O-ring.

The second end1004of the male insert1000includes a Christmas tree connector1005that extends perpendicularly from the male insert body1007. The Christmas tree connector1005includes deep grooved barbs over which the oxygen tubing slides in a first direction towards a protrusion1007, but is configured to not move in a second opposite direction. The Christmas tree connector may be sized accordingly. The tapered configuration has a plurality staggered or grooved barbs over which the tubing slides in a first direction, but not in an opposite direction, and can become fixedly coupled to the insert1000. There is no biased plunger in the insert rather a bore1006extends from the first end1002to the second end1004.

FIG. 10Ccross-sectional view ofFIG. 10Dalong line N to N.FIG. 10Dillustrates a oxygen nasal cannula according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring toFIGS. 10C-10D, an extension tubing1030is coupled to a connection fitting1032, the connection fitting1032is configured to engage the staggered or grooved barbs of the adapter1000to provide a coupled end. The connection fitting1032may be a press-fit connection with or without adhesive. Optionally, the connection fitting1032is not required and the extension tubing can be sized to fit over the second end1004and engage with barbs to fixedly couple the extension tubing to the adapter1000.

Referring toFIG. 10D, the nasal cannula1020is a single disposable unit for use with our shut off body500. The nasal cannula1020includes the adapter1000coupled to an extension tubing1030having a wye connector1028, a slide bolo or adjuster1026, headset loop1022and nasal prongs1024.