Medical connecting device

A bottle connector for use in a medical fluid transfer arrangement, the bottle connector having an axial direction and a radial direction and comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising a hollow piercing member comprising an inner gas channel and extending in the axial direction beyond the end of the first part. The second part comprises a bottle coupling member, for coupling the bottle connector to a medical bottle. The first and second parts are pre-connected and are concentrically arranged with respect to each other and the bottle connector has a transport configuration with a first, maximum length in which the piercing member is completely located within the bottle connector, and a fluid transfer configuration with a second, minimum length.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a connecting device for use in a medical fluid transfer arrangement, the connecting device comprising first and second generally cylindrical parts, the first part comprising a hollow piercing member comprising an inner channel and the second part comprising a bottle coupling member. The invention also concerns a method for applying the connecting device to a medical bottle.

Description of Related Art

A major problem in relation to drug preparation, drug administration or other similar handling of pharmaceuticals is the risk of medical and pharmacological staff being exposed to drugs or solvents which may escape into ambient air. The problem is particularly serious when hazardous drugs such as cytotoxins, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, and radiopharmaceuticals are concerned. It has been found that safety boxes according to the present technology often provide insufficient environmental protection. For example, cytotoxins can evaporate at room temperature. Safety boxes and cabinets according to the present technology are provided with filters for filtration of circulating and exhaust air. Conventional or HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filters are able to trap aerosols and particles, but no evaporated substances. Furthermore, aerosols and other particles which are initially trapped in the filters can transform into their gas phase and be released into the ambient air. For these reasons, systems for handling and administrating drugs and other medical substances under improved safer conditions have been developed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,054 (Gustaysson) discloses a fluid transfer device for preventing air contamination when transferring a substance from a first vessel to a second vessel. The device is attached or connectible to the vessel and comprises a first member, in which a piercing member, e.g. a needle, provided with a passage is enclosed. The first member has a sealing member, e.g. a membrane, through which the needle can be passed. The device further comprises a second chamber, which is detachably connectible to the first member and which also has a sealing member, e.g. a membrane. When the first and second members are connected to each other, the two sealing members are located in position with respect to each other so that they can be penetrated by the piercing member which is movable with respect to the sealing member.

The sealing members are liquid and gas-proof barriers having the ability of sealing tightly after penetration and retraction of the piercing member to prevent leakage of liquid, as well as gas components. In another system for handling drugs and other medical substances, International Patent Publication No. WO 99/27886 A1 (Fowles et al.) discloses a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The connector device has a first sleeve member with a first and second end. The first sleeve member has a first attaching member at the first end that is adapted to attach to the first container. The connector device further has a second sleeve member with a first and second end. The second sleeve member is combinable with the first sleeve member and movable with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position, wherein the second sleeve member has a second attaching member at the second end adapted to attach the second sleeve member to the second container.

The connector device disclosed in WO 99/27886 A1 further comprises a first and second piercing member projecting from one of the first and second sleeve members for providing a fluid flow path from the first container to the second container. The connector device further provides a means for independently hermetically sealing the first and second members.

Still a further system for handling hazardous drugs is disclosed in US 2003/0070726 A1 (Andreasson et al). US 2003/0070726 A1 refers to a fluid transfer assembly comprising a bottle connector with a hollow piercing needle, a drug bottle with a bottle closure, and a neck element having locking members for irreversible coupling of the connector to the bottle neck. The neck element and the connector have means for irreversible interconnection and interacting guiding members for directing the hollow needle to penetrate the bottle closure at a predetermined angle when establishing a fluid transfer line through the connector and into the drug bottle. Despite the efforts that have been made so far in order to improve safety when handling hazardous substances, and in particular hazardous drugs, there is still a need for further improvement. An object of the invention is, therefore, to provide a connecting device in a fluid transfer arrangement allowing the use of longer transfer needles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention is offered a connecting device for use in a medical fluid transfer arrangement, the connecting device having an axial direction and a radial direction and comprising a first generally cylindrical part having a first end and a second end and a second generally cylindrical part having a first end and a second end, the first part comprising a hollow piercing member comprising an inner channel and extending in the axial direction from the first end of the first part beyond the second end of the first part and the second part comprising a bottle coupling member, for coupling the connecting device to a medical bottle, wherein the first and second parts are interconnected and are concentrically arranged with respect to each other, the connecting device having a transport configuration in which the second end of the first part is located at the first end of the second part and the piercing member is completely located within the connecting device and a fluid transfer configuration in which the first end of the first part is located at the first end of the second part and the second end of the first part is located at the second end of the second part.

When the connecting device is in the transport configuration, the radial overlap between the first and the second part is minimal resulting in the connecting device having a maximal length in the axial direction. When the connecting device has been transformed into the fluid transfer configuration it has a maximal, radial overlap between the first and second parts, resulting in the connecting device having a minimal length in the axial direction. Transformation of the connecting device from the transport configuration to the fluid transfer configuration takes place by axially sliding the first and second parts relative to each other so that the overlap between the parts increases in a telescopic manner.

An important feature of the connecting device in accordance with the invention is that when the connecting device is in the transport configuration, the second part extends below any piercing member or piercing members so that the piercing members are completely shielded inside the connecting device. This means that the combined first and second parts of the connecting device protect the piercing member or piercing members and prevent inadvertent contact with objects on the outside of the connecting device. A further advantage with the extended configuration adopted by the connecting device in the transport configuration is that it ascertains alignment of the piercing member with a sealing member in a medical bottle so that the piercing member is properly aligned even before it is brought into contact with the sealing member. Thereby, the piercing member will always penetrate the sealing member in a controlled and predetermined manner. The connecting device, according to the invention, allows the use of longer piercing members so that all types of bottle stoppers and other sealing members in medical containers may be completely penetrated by the piercing member when the connecting device is coupled to the medical container. In particular, when forming part of a closed system pressure equalizing bottle adapter comprising a pressure equalizing member, the connecting device minimizes the risk of air transfer by ascertaining that the hollow piercing member reaches down all the way through the seal in the bottle opening and into the bottle ensuring proper function of the pressure equalizing member.

The second part of the connecting device may be arranged inside of the first part in the radial direction. When the parts are arranged in this manner, transformation of the connecting device from the transport configuration to the fluid transfer configuration is performed by sliding the first part over the second part or by pushing the second part into the first part so that the second part comes to reside inside of the first part when the connecting device is in the fluid transfer configuration.

Alternatively, the second part may be arranged outside the first part in the radial direction. When the parts are arranged in this manner, transformation of the connecting device from the transport configuration to the fluid transfer configuration is performed by pushing the first part into the second part or by sliding the second part over the first part so that the first part comes to reside with a major portion inside of the second part when the connecting device is in the fluid transfer configuration.

Transformation of the connecting device from the transport configuration to the fluid transfer configuration would normally take place after the connecting device has been secured to a medical bottle by means of the bottle coupling member on the second part of the connecting device. The first part of the connecting device is subsequently pressed axially in a direction towards the bottle opening causing the first part to slide down over the second part or into the second part depending on whether the first part is arranged on the outside of the second part or on the inside of the second part. At the same time, the piercing member which is arranged axially on the first part, is brought down into the medical bottle, penetrating any seal in the bottle opening as the length, i.e. the axial extension of the connecting device, is gradually reduced.

The connecting device preferably comprises a locking member for releasable locking the connecting device in the transport configuration, so that unintentional compression of the connecting device in the axial direction is avoided. The releasable locking member may be a bayonet fitting, snap-lock, locking tab, breakable connection, etc. as known in the art. The locking member may be an integral part of the connecting device, or may be a separate member such as a locking tape, a clamp, or similar, which is removed to activate the telescoping action of the connecting device. Combinations of different types of locking means are also contemplated within the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the connecting device preferably comprises means for interlocking the first part and the second part when the connecting device is in the fluid transfer configuration. The interlocking means may be a mating locking arrangement with a locking element on the first part of the connecting device arranged to engage with a locking element on the second part of the connecting device. Such mating locking arrangements include bayonet fittings, snap-locks, locking tabs, etc. as known in the art. Combinations of different types of locking elements are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. The interlocking means may be of the reversible type that is designed so that it can be reopened without destroying or damaging the connecting device. Alternative, the interlocking means may be of the type rendering interlocking of the parts irreversible, implying that it cannot be opened without simultaneously damaging or destroying the connecting device.

In a connecting device according to the invention, the first part may carry a barrier member which is arranged at the first end of the first part.

The second part of the connecting device may comprise means for connecting the second part to a bottle. The means for connecting the first part to a medical fluid transfer device may comprise a bayonet fitting. The first and second parts of the connecting device may comprise cooperating guiding members for guiding the piercing member through a bottle seal at a predetermined angle, such as at a predetermined angle of from 85° to 95° and preferably 90°.

The connecting device may further comprise a pressure equalizing member. The pressure equalizing member may be of any kind as known in the art. It may be preferred that the pressure equalizing member comprises a pressure regulating chamber having a pressure adapting volume and being in fluid communication with a gas channel in the piercing member, or in a separate piercing member and preferably comprising a filter between the pressure regulating chamber and the air channel in the piercing member.

The piercing member in the connecting device is preferably aligned with a central axis through the connecting device and is placed along the central axis or not more than 3 mm from the central axis, as measured in the radial direction of the connecting device, in a method for applying a connecting device according the invention to a medical bottle having a bottle neck with a bottle opening and a sealing member in the bottle opening. The method may include the steps of: a) applying the second part of the connecting device over the bottle neck; while keeping the connecting device in the transport configuration; b) coupling the connecting device to the bottle neck by means of the bottle coupling member on the second part; and c) bringing the piercing member on the first part of the connecting device to penetrate the sealing member in the bottle opening by telescopically sliding the first part in relation to the second part and bringing the connecting device to assume the fluid transfer configuration.

The fluid transfer assembly according to the invention comprises a bottle connector and a drug bottle. The expression “drug bottle” as used herein refers to any container which is leakage proof and otherwise suitable for the purpose in question. Accordingly, the drug bottle can be a bottle or vial of a conventional type utilized for drugs or medical fluids intended to be administered to a human patient or an animal. Preferably, the drug bottle has only one sealed opening, and is made of a solid, rigid material, such as glass.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the drug bottle has no displaceable bottom, flexible walls, or the like, which might increase the risk of hazardous leakage into the environment.

As used herein, the expression “neck” should be understood as a conventional bottle or vial neck, or as a protruding portion of the fluid container with an edge, shoulder, protrusion, or the like, which fulfills the same function. The expression “opening” should be understood as a passageway into the interior of the bottle, whereas the expression “closure” refers to any leakage-proof membrane, film foil, seal, or the like, made of a material which can be punctured by a hollow needle and which otherwise is suitable for the purpose. As used herein, a rubber stopper is a closing member for a drug bottle such as a medical vial. The rubber stopper may be pierced by a needle, e.g. for removal of a quantity of the liquid from the vial. “Stoppers” or closures for receptacles are defined by International Standards such as ISO 8362-5 and ISO 8536-2:20110. The barrier members used in the bottle connector disclosed herein are flexible and elastically compressible liquid and gas-proof membranes, also known as sealing members or septa, which have the ability of sealing tightly after penetration and retraction of a piercing member in order to prevent escape of liquid as well as gas components. Such materials are generally referred to as being “flexible”, “expandable”, and “compressible”. As used in this document, these expressions are intended to mean materials that are capable of being elastically flexed, expanded, or compressed under the influence of external forces and that will substantially return to their original state once the external forces are removed. A “flexible material” is intended to mean a material that can easily be folded or twisted, or bent by hand, or a material that may be flexed and/or bent repeatedly without rupture or the development of visible defects in accordance with the definition in ISO 472:1999 “Plastics:—Vocabulary”.

The barrier members used with the connecting devices of the invention may be made from medical grade elastomeric polymer materials as known in the art. Such materials include silicone elastomers, isoprene, natural elastomers, and thermoplastic elastomeric polymer materials (TPE). Thermoplastic elastomers include Styrene Block Copolymers (TPS), Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPO), Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), copolyesters, and polyether block amides.

By “elastomer” as used herein, is implied a macromolecular material which returns rapidly to its initial dimension and shape after substantial deformation by a weak stress and release of the stress. The definition applies under room temperature test conditions and is found in ISO 472:1999 “Plastic—Vocabulary”.

The parts of the bottle connector may be molded from comparatively rigid plastic as is known in the art. A rigid plastic material for the purpose of the invention is a material that will generally retain its shape during normal use and that will not be permanently flexed or deformed by the forces required to manipulate the transfer and connecting device between the transport configuration and the fluid transfer configuration or by the forces required to form a connection with a bottle or other medical device, such as a syringe. However, the rigid plastic materials that are useful in the bottle connector, according to the invention, have the ability to elastically flex and deform sufficiently to facilitate assembly of the bottle connector and to allow the bottle connector to be connected to a bottle or other medical device.

Thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyester, or any other suitable materials, may be used for making the connecting device of the invention. When using injection molding techniques to form the connecting device, the process may be a monocomponent or multicomponent injection molding process allowing different parts of the protective cap to be formed integrally from materials having different properties, such as different extensibility, different flexibility, etc. A multicomponent injection molding process is a process using more than one component, i.e. two or more components. As used herein, the expression “hollow needle” refers to any suitable piercing device made of, e.g. a metal or polymer, which is provided with an appropriate passageway.

As used herein, the expression “irreversible coupling” means that the neck element in normal, intended use cannot be removed from the drug bottle unintentionally, and without the use of excessive force.

The terms “pre-connected” or “pre-assembled” as used herein refer to parts of a device that have been connected or assembled by a manufacturer and are delivered to a user in a connected or assembled state, as opposed to parts that are connected o assembled by the user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows a bottle connector1according to the invention with the parts separated. The bottle connector1, as shown inFIG. 1, comprises a first generally cylindrical part2with a first end4and a second end5and a second generally cylindrical part3with a first end5and a second end7. The bottle connector further comprises a barrier member8and a piercing member. A parabola-shaped gas chamber10belonging to a pressure equalizing member11is shown to be connected to the first part2of the bottle connector1. Further, parts of the pressure equalizing member11are a filter12, a filter holder3, and a flexible wall member14.

The barrier member8is shown to be generally disc-shaped, with a thicker central portion and thinner peripheral portion. The barrier member may be a type of sealing membrane or septum as defined herein.

When assembled, the pressure equalizing member11is arranged to adapt its volume in response to a change in gas pressure. The volume of the pressure equalizing member11may be changed by expanding or collapsing the flexible wall member14. The flexible wall member14may be a thin film material, e.g. a thin transparent film that is welded or adhesively attached to the outer rim5of the parabola-shaped gas chamber10so as to form a gas-tight seal between the parabola-shaped gas chamber10and the flexible wall member14. Any gas passing into the gas container formed between the parabola-shape gas chamber10and the flexible wall member14will pass through the filter12in the filter holder13. The filter12may be any suitable commercially available filter, such as a particulate air filter having a pore size of 0.2 μm. Although the filter holder13is shown inFIG. 1as being separate from the parabola-shaped gas chamber10, it may be integrally formed with the parabola-shaped gas chamber10by a blow moulding or vacuum forming process. If formed as a separate component, it may be attached to the parabola-shaped gas chamber10by welding, such as by ultrasonic welding as known in the art. Adhesive attachments or mechanical fittings are also conceivable within the scope of the invention. The filter12may be attached to the filter holder13by means of adhesive or welding or may be mechanically held, in the filter holder13.

The particular pressure equalizing member11shown in the figures should not be considered to be limiting to the invention. Accordingly, the pressure equalizing member11may take any form as known in the art, including non-closed arrangements, although a closed-chamber pressure equalizing member is highly preferred when handling hazardous substances. One example of a suitable pressure equalizing member is found in International Patent Publication No. WO 2008/153459 A1. The piercing member9has an internal channel16which is in fluid communication with the pressure equalizing member11when the bottle connector1is assembled. The internal channel16allows gas and air to pass into the volume-changing gas container formed between the parabola-shaped gas chamber10and the flexible wall member14.FIG. 2ashows the first part2of the bottle connector1inFIG. 1seen from the second end5and with the parts of the pressure equalizing member11assembled but without the piercing member9. The first part2of the bottle connector1has a generally cylindrical shape with a larger diameter portion22at the second end5and a smaller diameter portion23at the first end4. The second wider end5is adapted for connection with the second part3of the bottle connector1and the first smaller end4is adapted for connection with a medical device. In the example shown in the figures, the medical device is a syringe, as shown inFIG. 6.

In order to enable coupling between the first part2and the second part3of the bottle connector1, the first part is provided with first locking openings17arranged opposite each other in the wall of the first part2and constituting receiving members or female members of a snaplock arrangement allowing the first and second parts2,3to be releasably locked in the first configuration constituting a transport configuration. The first locking openings17are placed at a distance from the edge of the second end5of the first part2, leaving room between the first locking openings17and the edge of the first part2at the second3end for a guiding groove18.

A second set of receiving members in the form of second locking openings19are arranged at the junction between the larger diameter portion22and the smaller diameter portion23of the first part2of the bottle connector1. The second locking openings19do also form part of the snaplock arrangement between the first and second parts2,3of the bottle connector1. The second locking openings19are used to lock the first and second parts2,3in a second configuration constituting a fluid transfer configuration. Although the shown arrangement with opposing coupling members may be preferred, any coupling arrangement allowing telescopic movement without simultaneous rotation between the first and second parts2,3may be used within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, each part2,3of the bottle connector1may comprise one or more coupling members such as 1-6 coupling members. If more than one coupling member is used, the coupling members are preferably symmetrically arranged in the walls of the bottle connector1. Moreover, the locking arrangement between the parts2,3may comprise any one or more of locking means such as bayonet fittings, stop notches, a stop knobs, a snap locks, etc., as known in the art.

The first part2of the bottle connector1further comprises grooves20constituting female guiding means for guiding the second part3info the first part2.

The first part2of the bottle connector1is further shown to have an intermediate wall21between the larger diameter portion22at the second end5and the smaller diameter portion23at the first end4. A central opening24bordered by a circular sealing flange25is arranged in the intermediate wall21. The central opening24accommodates both a socket26for the piercing member9and a channel27for an external piercing member, such as a needle in a syringe. The circular sealing flange25ascertains that a tight seal is created around the piercing site when the bottle connector1is applied to a medical bottle. Alternative sealing arrangements include the use of a small diameter spike having two internal channels for fluid and gas transfer. A further feature of the first part2of the bottle connector1as shown inFIG. 2ais a female part28of a bayonet fitting arranged in the smaller diameter portion23of the first part2for coupling of a syringe, or similar device to the bottle connector1. It is to be noted that both the smaller diameter portion23of the first part and the bayonet fitting are optional features of a bottle connector in accordance with the invention.

Depending on the type of medical device to be coupled to the first end4of the first part2, the coupling arrangement at the first end4may be different from the bayonet fitting shown in the figures. Accordingly, any type of threaded coupling, bayonet fitting, snap-lock, locking ring, slide fitting, clamp, etc. may be used, as known in the art. Furthermore, more than one locking element of the same or different construction may be used in combination to create a coupling between the bottle connector1and a medical device. When the bottle connector1has been connected to a first medical device, it can subsequently be connected with a second medical device carrying a piercing member9. Consequently, the medical device that is connected with the bottle connector1at the first end4of the first part2of the bottle connector1may be a piercing device such as a syringe, another connecting device, a needle protection device, etc.

The second part3of the bottle connector1is shown inFIG. 2band is seen from the second end7which is the end that is arranged to be remote from the second end5of the first part2when the bottle connector1is assembled. The second part3of the bottle connector1comprises two oppositely arranged flexible locking tongues30each carrying a locking protrusion31which are arranged to cooperate with the first locking openings17and the second locking openings19on the first part2of the bottle connector1for locking the bottle connector1in the transport configuration and the fluid transfer configuration, respectively.

The second part3of the bottle connector1further comprises opposing male guiding elements32arranged to engage with the guiding grooves20on the first part of the bottle connector1. In the shown embodiment, the male guiding elements32together with the locking protrusions31also serve to restrict movement of the second part3into the first part2. The dimensioning of the locking protrusions31and the guiding elements32determines the axial force required to activate the telescopic movement between the first and second parts2,3.

As with the coupling members, the configuration of the guiding means and locking members shown in the figures and described herein should not be considered limiting to the bottle connector1of the invention. Accordingly, the arrangement may be reversed so that the grooves are arranged on the second part and the protrusions engaging with the grooves are arranged on the first part. Moreover, the number of guiding arrangements and locking members may be different from the two arrangements shown in the figures, such as 1-5 guiding arrangements and 1-5 locking arrangements. The guiding and locking function may be fulfilled within one and the same arrangement. If more than one guiding/locking arrangement is provided, the guiding arrangements are preferably symmetrically arranged. The first end6of the second part3has an end wall33with an end opening34. When the bottle connector1is in the fluid transfer configuration, the end wall33of the second part3will be in direct contact with the intermediate wall21of the first part2, prohibiting further axial compressive movement of the parts2,3relative each other. In the fluid transfer configuration, the circular sealing flange25on the first part2of the bottle connector1extends through the end opening34in the end wall33of the second part3.

The second end7of the second part3is provided with hook elements35. The hook elements35are configured to fit over a bottle neck to keep the bottle connector1locked to the bottle, in order to facilitate application of the bottle connector1to a bottle, the side wall of the second part3of the bottle connector1is divided into flexible tongues36that can be slightly bent outwardly as the bottle connector1is pressed down over a bottle neck. The flexible tongues38may be two or more, such as 2-30 flexible tongues. The hook elements35are arranged at the free ends of the flexible tongues36. Alternatively, the side wall of the second part3may be provided with slits extending in the axial direction of the second part3.

FIGS. 3aand 3bshow the bottle connector1as it appears in its assembled state in the transport configuration and having an axial direction A and a radial direction R, perpendicular to the axial direction A. The cross-section inFIG. 3ais taken centrally through the bottle connector1in a plane through the first locking openings17and the second locking openings19of the first part2of the bottle connector1. The pressure equalizing member11is not seen inFIG. 3aas the view is in a direction away from the piercing member9and the pressure equalizing member11. As the piercing member9is placed slightly off-set from the central axis through the bottle connector1in a direction towards the pressure equalizing member11, the piercing member9is also not visible inFIG. 3a. The cross-section inFIG. 3bis taken in a plane perpendicular to that inFIG. 3aand extends through the pressure equalizing member11and the hollow piercing member9.

In the transport configuration shown inFIGS. 3aand 3b, the bottle connector1has a maximum length L1in the axial direction of the bottle connector1. The maximum length L1, is greater than the length LFPof the first part2of the bottle connector1. As is seen inFIG. 3a, the second part3of the bottle connector1extends in the axial direction A past the tip40of the piercing member9so that the piercing member9is completely shielded in the radial direction, R when the bottle connector is in the transport configuration even though the tip40of the piercing member9protrudes slightly past the second end5of the first part2of the bottle connector1.

FIGS. 3aand 3bshow the barrier member8mounted in a barrier member holder37centrally in the first part2of the bottle connector1.

The first and second parts2,3of the bottle connector1are pre-connected by means of the locking protrusions31on the flexible locking tongues30on the second part3being inserted in the first locking openings17on the first part2. The connection between the parts is preferably made so as to prohibit a use from deliberately or accidentally separate the parts2,3, but so as to allow deliberate telescopic compression of the parts2,3.

FIGS. 4aand 4bshow the bottle connector1as it appears in its assembled state in the fluid transfer configuration. The cross-sections inFIG. 4aandFIG. 4bcorrespond to the cross-sections inFIGS. 3aand3b.

In the fluid transfer configuration, the bottle connector1has been compressed in the axial direction A, by sliding or pushing the first part2of the bottle connector1down over the second part3of the bottle connector1until the first end8of the second part3of the bottle connector1comes into contact with the intermediate wall21in the first part2of the bottle connector1and the locking protrusions31on the locking tongues31on the second part3engage with the second locking openings19on the first part2of the bottle connector1. During compression of the bottle connector1, the guiding grooves20on the first part2of the bottle connector1cooperate with the male guiding elements5(protrusions)32on the second part of the bottle connector1to ensure that the piercing member9is guided at a predetermined angle towards and through a bottle stopper. The piercing member9is preferably guided at an angle of 90° through the bottle stopper. However, other angles such as an angle of from 85° to 95° are conceivable within the scope of the invention.

The bottle connector1in the fluid transfer configuration has a minimum length L2, which is shown to be identical to the length LFPthe first part2of the bottle connector1. The minimum length L2of the bottle connector1need not be equal to the length LFPof the first part2of the bottle connector1. However, the minimum length L2will always be less than the maximum length L1, of the bottle connector1.

FIGS. 5a-cshow a bottle connector1of the invention in the process of being applied to a medical bottle41.

The medical bottle41or vial is a small glass bottle with a bottle neck42and a bottle opening43. A rim44extends around the bottle opening43and serves as a receiving connection means that will cooperate with the hook elements35at the ends of the flexible tongues36on the second part of the bottle connector1when the bottle connector1is pushed down over the bottle neck42. A sealing member45is inserted into the bottle neck42through the bottle opening43in order to keep the fluid46that is contained in the medical bottle41from escaping out through the bottle opening43. The sealing member45is commonly a rubber stopper which may be penetrated by the piercing member9of the bottle connector1and by an external piercing member such as a syringe. The interface between the sealing member45and the rim44at the bottle opening43is further sealed by means of a protective foil47extending around the bottle opening43with a first end portion on the exposed surface of the sealing member45and a second end portion beneath the rim44around the bottle opening43. Accordingly, the protective foil47is wrapped around an edge portion of the upper part of the medical bottle41, leaving only a circular piercing area of the sealing member45exposed at the center of the sealing member45.

The hook elements35on the second part3of the bottle connector1are configured to fit under the rim44around the bottle opening43in the medical bottle41to keep the bottle connector1securely locked in position over the bottle opening43.

FIG. 5ashows the bottle connector1and the medical bottle41just before the bottle connector1is brought into contact with the bottle41. The tip40of the piercing member9can be seen to protrude slightly past the edge of the second end5of the first part2of the bottle connector1but not past the edge of the second end7of the second part3of the bottle connector.

FIG. 5bshows the bottle connector1and the medical bottle41in the process of being pressed down onto the medical bottle41but before the hook elements35on the flexible tongues at the second end7of the second part of the bottle connector1have snapped into engagement with the rim44at the bottle neck42.

While applying the second part3of the bottle connector1over the bottle neck42, the bottle connector1is kept in the transport configuration by means of the locking protrusions31on the locking tongues30on the second part3of the bottle connector1being engaged with the first locking openings17in the first part2of the bottle connector2.

After coupling of the bottle connector1to the bottle neck42, the piercing member9on the first part of the bottle connector1is brought to penetrate the sealing member45in the bottle opening43by telescopically sliding or pushing the first part2in relation to the second part3and bringing the connecting device to assume the fluid transfer configuration shown inFIG. 5cand described in detail in connection withFIGS. 4aand4b.

When the bottle connector1has been securely fixed to the medical bottle41and has been brought into the fluid transfer configuration, the piercing member9penetrates all the way through the sealing member45in the bottle opening43so that air and gas may pass from the medical bottle41through the piercing member9and further into the pressure equalizing member11. The two-part telescopic construction of the bottle connector1allows safe and controlled handling and application also of bottle connectors having piercing members of comparatively greater length. The pre-connection between the first and second parts of the bottle connector1ascertains simple handling of the bottle connector1and ascertains proper alignment of the parts and of the piercing member9.

FIG. 6shows an example of a medical device that may be used together with a bottle connector1according to the invention. The medical device inFIG. 6is an injection device48adapted for being connected to the bottle connector inFIGS. 1-5by means of male locking members49designed to mate with the female members of the bayonet fitting28on the bottle connector1. The injection device48has an internal needle (not visible inFIG. 8) and is provided with a barrier member50that will be in close contact with the barrier member8in the bottle connector1when the injection device48is connected to the bottle connector1, thus creating a double barrier for the internal needle to penetrate before passing down through the sealing member45in the medical bottle41and further down into the fluid contained in the medical bottle41.

Further modifications of the invention within the scope of the claims would be apparent to a skilled person. For instance, the locking and guiding mechanisms disclosed herein may be differently designed and configured without deviating from the invention.