Patent Publication Number: US-8535289-B1

Title: Vial attachment pliers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING 
     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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention. 
       The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of vial attachment pliers, according to this invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a front view of certain elements of an exemplary embodiment of vial attachment pliers, according to this invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a bottom perspective view of certain elements of an exemplary embodiment of vial attachment pliers, according to this invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of vial attachment pliers, wherein the lever is pivoted to an open position, according to this invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of vial attachment pliers, wherein the lever is pivoted to a closed position, according to this invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a static arm of an exemplary embodiment of vial attachment pliers, according to this invention; and 
         FIG. 7  shows a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a static arm of an exemplary embodiment of vial attachment pliers, according to this invention. 
     
    
    
     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. 1-7  show certain elements and/or aspects of a first exemplary embodiment of the vial attachment pliers  100 , according to this invention. In illustrative, non-limiting embodiment(s) of this invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 , the vial attachment pliers  100  comprise at least some of an handle  110 , a static arm  120 , a guide rod  130 , a dynamic arm  140 , a lever  150 , and a connector bar  160 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the handle  110  comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end and having a longitudinal axis L H . In certain exemplary embodiments, the handle  110  includes a knurled or textured portion  113 , which allows the user to establish a more secure grip or purchase on the handle  110 . 
     The static arm  120  extends from the handle  110  and includes a vial adapter recess or slot  122 . The static arm  120  includes a longitudinal axis L SA , and extends from the handle  110 . In various exemplary embodiments, the static arm  120  extends from the handle  110  such that the longitudinal axis L SA  of the static arm  120  is optionally substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L H  of the handle  110 . 
     The vial adapter slot  122  is shaped so as to allow an IV bag vial adapter  182  to be secured within at least a portion of the vial adapter slot  122 . The vial adapter slot  122  is generally keyway shaped so that a portion of the vial adapter  182  can be slid into the static arm  120 , via the vial adapter slot  122 , and then maintained in a relatively secure position relative to the vial adapter slot  122 , until the vial adapter  182  is intentionally removed from the vial adapter slot  122 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the vial adapter slot  122  comprises a recessed portion  123 . 
     When the vial adapter  182  is secured within the vial adapter slot  122 , a longitudinal axis L AS  of the IV adapter spike  184  is maintained in a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L SA  of the static arm  120 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the static arm  120  is formed as an integral extension of the handle  110 . Alternatively, the static arm  120  may be formed as a separate component that is attached or coupled to the handle  110 . While the static arm  120  is generally attached or coupled to the handle  110  proximate the second end of the handle  110 , it should be understood that the static arm  120  may extend from any portion of the handle  110 . 
     The guide rod  130  comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end and having a longitudinal axis L GR . The guide rod  130  extends from the static arm  120 . In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the guide rod  130  extends from the static arm  120  such that the longitudinal axis L GR  of the guide rod  130  is optionally substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L SA  of the static arm  120 . 
     The guide rod  130  may be permanently or removably attached or coupled to the static arm  120 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the guide rod  130  includes one or more stops  132  positioned proximate the first end or the second end of the guide rod  130 . The stops  132 , if included, serve to limit travel of the dynamic arm  140  relative to the guide rod  130 . Typically, the stops  132  provide abutment surfaces to limit the travel of the dynamic arm  140  relative to the guide rod  130 . 
     It should also be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarification, the various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments of the vial attachment pliers  100  are shown and/or described with reference to the guide rod  130  and the corresponding aperture  146  having a relatively circular profile. However, the generally circular profile of the various guide rod  130  and aperture  146  are intended to be illustrative, not limiting the profile or geometry of the guide rod  130  and aperture  146  to any particular shape. It should be understood that the overall profile and/or geometry of the guide rod  130  and corresponding aperture  146  may 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 rod  130  and corresponding aperture  146  of the vial attachment pliers  100  of this invention is a design choice based on the desired appearance, strength, and functionality of the vial attachment pliers  100 . 
     The dynamic arm  140  comprises a portion of material having a longitudinal axis L DA  and including a vial recess or slot  142 . The dynamic arm  140  is slidably attached to the guide rod  130 , via an aperture  146 , such that the dynamic arm  140  is slidable along at least a portion of the guide rod  130 . Through the interaction of the aperture  146  and the guide rod  130 , the longitudinal axis L DA  of the dynamic arm  140  remains substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L SA  of the static arm  120  at all points as the dynamic arm  140  slides along the guide rod  130 . Thus, as the dynamic arm  140  slides along the guide rod  130 , the longitudinal axis L DA  of the dynamic arm  140  is always maintained in a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L SA  of the static arm  120 . 
     The dynamic arm  140  includes a vial slot  142  that is shaped so as to allow a neck of the vial  190  to be secured within at least a portion of the vial slot  142 . The vial slot  142  is generally “U” or keyway shaped so that at least the neck portion of the vial  190  can be slid into the dynamic arm  140 , via the vial slot  142 , and then maintained in a relatively secure position relative to the vial slot  142 , until the vial  190  is intentionally removed from the vial slot  142 . 
     When the vial  190  is secured within the vial slot  142 , the IV adapter spike  184  is maintained in a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L SA  of the dynamic arm  140 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the vial slot  142  includes at least some cushioning material  144 . The cushioning material  144 , if included, allows the vial  190  to be frictionally maintained within the vial slot  142  and/or provides a certain amount of cushioning to the vial slot  142  so as to reduce the possibility of the vial  190  being damaged or broken when maintained within the vial slot  142 . 
     The lever  150  comprises an elongate portion of material extending from a first end to a second end. In certain exemplary embodiments, the lever  150  includes a knurled or textured portion  153 , which allows the user to establish a more secure grip or purchase on the lever  150 . 
     The lever  150  also includes an elongate aperture  152  that allows at least a portion of the handle  110  to be positioned within and through the aperture  152  of the lever  150 . 
     The lever  150  is pivotably attached, via a pivot pin  170 , to the handle  110 . In this manner, the lever  150  is able to pivot relative to the handle  110  between an open position and a closed position. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the handle  110  includes a protrusion or stop  112  and the lever  150  includes a protrusion or stop  152 . The stops  112  and  152  are positioned such that when the lever  150  is pivoted to the closed position, engaging surfaces of the stops  112  and  150  to make contact and limit further travel of the lever  150  relative to the handle  110 . 
     The connector bar  160  comprises an elongate portion of material that is pivotably attached or coupled, via a pivot pins  162  and  164 , between the lever  150  and the dynamic arm  140 , respectively. The connector bar  160  is substantially rigid and is connected between the lever  150  and the dynamic arm  140  such that as the lever  150  pivots relative to the handle  110 , the dynamic arm  140  is urged to slide along the portion of the guide rod  130 . Thus, as the lever  150  is pivoted to the open position, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the connector bar  160  urges the dynamic arm  140  to slide downward, along the guide rod  130  and increase the distance between the static arm  120  and the dynamic arm  140 . Conversely, as the lever  150  is pivoted to the closed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the connector bar  160  urges the dynamic arm  140  to slide upward, along the guide rod  130  and decreased the distance between the static arm  120  and the dynamic arm  140 . 
     In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, a spring or other resilient material  170  is provided between a portion of the lever  150  and the handle  110 , so as to provide a springing, rebounding, or dampening force to the pivoting movement of the lever  150  relative to the handle  110 . Typically, but not exclusively, the resilient material  170  may optionally be provided between an area proximate the second end of the handle  110  and an area proximate the second end of the lever  150 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments, various components of the vial attachment pliers  100  are substantially rigid and are formed of stainless steel. Alternate materials of construction of the various components of the vial attachment pliers  100  may 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 pliers  100  is a design choice based on the desired appearance and functionality of the vial attachment pliers  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that certain elements of the vial attachment pliers  100  may be formed as an integral unit (such as, for example, the handle  110  and the static arm  120 ). 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 pliers  100 . 
     It should also be understood that the overall size and shape of the vial attachment pliers  100 , and the various portions thereof, is a design choice based upon the desired functionality and/or appearance of the vial attachment pliers  100 . 
     To use the vial attachment pliers  100  to connect a vial  190  to an IV bag  180 , the lever  150  is pivoted to an open position relative to the handle  110  and an appropriate portion of an IV vial adapter  182  of an IV bag  180  is positioned within the vial adapter slot  122  of the static arm  120 . Then, the neck portion of an appropriate vial  190  is positioned within the vial slot  142  of the dynamic arm  140 . When the vial  190  is correctly positioned within the vial slot  142 , the vial stopper  193  should be roughly centered below the IV adapter spike  184 . 
     Once the IV vial adapter  182  and the vial  190  are correctly secured to the vial attachment pliers  100 , the lever  150  is pivoted toward the closed position relative to the handle  110  and the connector bar  160  urges the dynamic arm  140  (and the vial  190 ) toward the static arm  120  (and the IV vial adapter  182  and IV adapter spike  184 ). 
     As the lever  150  continues to be pivoted towards the closed position, the IV adapter spike  184  first engages and then punctures the vial stopper  193 . As the lever  150  reaches the closed position, the IV adapter spike  184  is forced through the vial stopper  193  so as to establish a fluid connection between the interior of the vial  190  and the interior of the IV bag  180 . If desired, the vial attachment pliers  100  may then be removed from the connected vial  190  and IV bag  180  by withdrawing the IV vial adapter  182  and the vial  190  from the vial adapter slot  122  and the vial slot  142 , respectively. 
     To use the vial attachment pliers  100  to remove a connected vial  190  from an IV bag  180 , and appropriate portion of the IV vial adapter  182  is positioned within the vial adapter slot  122  while the neck portion of the vial  190  is simultaneously positioned within the vial slot  142 . Once appropriately positioned, the lever  150  is merely pivoted to the open position to remove the connected vial  190  from the IV vial adapter  182  of the IV bag  180 . 
     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. 
     Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is understood that every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention. 
     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.