Patent Description:
Enteral nutrition is known as a method for administering liquid matter containing nutrient agents, drugs, or the like to patients who cannot use their mouth to eat. In enteral nutrition, a catheter is inserted from outside the body into the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the stomach) of a patient and is indwelled therein. Known examples of the catheter include a nasal catheter, which is inserted from the nose of a patient, and a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) catheter, which is inserted into a gastrostomy formed in the abdomen of a patient. Liquid matter such as nutrient agents, liquid foods (commonly referred to as "enteral nutrients"), or drugs is administered to a patient via a catheter. A container storing liquid matter is connected to a catheter (a nasal catheter, a PEG catheter, etc.) indwelled in a patient. In order to connect different members, a connector constituted by a male connector and a female connector is used.

As this sort of connector, a connector including a male connector <NUM> shown in <FIG> and a female connector <NUM> shown in <FIG> is used.

The male connector <NUM> in <FIG> has a cylindrical male member <NUM> and an outer cylinder <NUM> that surrounds the male member <NUM>. The male member <NUM> and the outer cylinder <NUM> are connected to each other via a bottom plate <NUM> protruding in a flange shape along the radial direction from the base end of the male member <NUM>. An outer circumferential face <NUM> of the male member <NUM> is a tapered surface (a so-called male tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases toward an end thereof. The male member <NUM> is provided with a flow path <NUM> that extends through the male member <NUM> along the longitudinal direction thereof. An inner circumferential face of the outer cylinder <NUM> facing the male member <NUM> is provided with a female thread <NUM>. The female thread <NUM> is a right-hand thread.

The female connector <NUM> in <FIG> has a hollow cylindrical tubular portion (female member) <NUM>. An inner circumferential face <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM> is a tapered surface (a so-called female tapered surface) whose inner diameter increases toward an end thereof. An outer circumferential face of the tubular portion <NUM> is provided with a spiral protrusion (male thread) <NUM>.

The male connector <NUM> and the female connector <NUM> are connected by inserting the male member <NUM> into the tubular portion <NUM> and screwing the female thread <NUM> and the spiral protrusion <NUM> to each other. The outer circumferential face <NUM> of the male member <NUM> and the inner circumferential face <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM> are tapered surfaces with the same diameter and taper angle, and thus they are in liquid-tight surface contact.

In enteral nutrition, the female connector <NUM> is used as a connector on the upstream side (container side) and the male connector <NUM> is used as a connector on the downstream side (patient side) with respect to the flow direction of liquid matter.

In the male connector <NUM>, the outer cylinder <NUM> surrounds the male member <NUM>, and the inner circumferential face of the outer cylinder <NUM> is provided with the female thread <NUM>. Accordingly, after enteral nutrition has been carried out, liquid matter (an enteral nutrient) tends to remain in a gap <NUM> between the male member <NUM> and the outer cylinder <NUM> (e.g., in the valley of the female thread <NUM>).

When the male connector <NUM> is arranged at the upstream end of the catheter inserted into a patient, the male connector <NUM> is indwelled together with the catheter in the patient for a long period of time. If the male connector <NUM> continues to be indwelled in the patient with residual liquid matter, the male connector <NUM> may become unsanitary. Furthermore, solidified substances formed by liquid matter dried and solidified on the male connector <NUM> prevent the male connector <NUM> and the female connector <NUM> from being reconnected to each other. Accordingly, it is desirable to make the male connector <NUM> clean through cleaning.

Patent Document <NUM> describes a wiping tip for cleaning the male connector <NUM>. The wiping tip includes a water-absorbing cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is inserted into the gap <NUM> between the male member <NUM> and the outer cylinder <NUM>. Liquid matter remaining in the gap is absorbed by the cylindrical portion and wiped off.

Patent Document <NUM> discloses a cotton swab including a cylindrical member and a cotton-like wiping member used to clean precision instruments or to remove earwax.

Patent Document <NUM> describes that the cylindrical portion is constituted by a foam or a non-woven fabric made of urethane or polyvinyl alcohol, and can be produced through press molding, transfer molding, or the like. However, it is difficult to mold a foam or a non-woven fabric made of the above-mentioned materials into a cylindrical portion with desired strength. If the cylindrical portion is too soft, the cylindrical portion is likely to deform when it is inserted into the gap <NUM> between the male member <NUM> and the outer cylinder <NUM>. Accordingly, the cylindrical portion cannot be inserted deep enough to reach the bottom plate <NUM>, and it is difficult to wipe off liquid matter adhering to the vicinity of the bottom plate <NUM>. On the other hand, if the cylindrical portion is too hard, the cylindrical portion cannot deform to match the male connector <NUM>. Accordingly, for example, it is difficult to wipe off liquid matter adhering to the inside of the groove of the female thread <NUM> or a corner in the vicinity of the bottom plate <NUM>. In this manner, conventional wiping tips are problematic in that it is not possible to completely wipe off liquid matter adhering to the male connector <NUM>.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wiping tip capable of cleanly cleaning a male connector provided with a female thread formed so as to surround a male member.

The present invention is directed to a wiping tip for use to wipe clean a male connector, the male connector including: a cylindrical male member; an outer cylinder surrounding the male member; and a female thread formed on an inner circumferential face of the outer cylinder facing the male member, the wiping tip including: a hollow cylindrical member; and a cotton-like wiping member arranged on the cylindrical member. The cotton-like wiping member constitutes a thin film portion covering an opening at an end of the cylindrical member, and an outer circumferential portion extending from the thin film portion and covering an outer circumferential face of the cylindrical member over a predetermined length from the end; wherein the thin film portion is penetrable by the male member of the male connector such that, in use, the male member enters the cylindrical member via the opening of the cylindrical member, and the cylindrical member is inserted into a gap between the male member and the outer cylinder.

The cylindrical member makes it possible to deeply insert the cotton-like wiping member into a gap between a male member and an outer cylinder. The cotton-like wiping member is interposed between a cylindrical member and a male connector. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to cleanly clean a male connector provided with a female thread formed so as to surround a male member.

In the wiping tip of the present invention, the cotton-like wiping member may be arranged at both ends of the cylindrical member. According to this aspect, for example, a male connector can be cleanly cleaned by sequentially using the cotton-like wiping members at the two ends.

Alternatively, the cotton-like wiping member may be arranged at only one end of the cylindrical member. This aspect is advantageous in urging a user to dispose of the wiping tip of the present invention after single use.

The cotton-like wiping member may be impregnated with a cleaning solution. This aspect is advantageous in cleanly cleaning the male connector.

A slit may be formed through the thin film portion. This aspect is advantageous, first, in allowing the male member to pierce the thin film portion with ease, and, second, in uniformly wiping clean the outer circumferential face of the male member.

A cotton-like filling member may be placed in the cylindrical member. This aspect is advantageous in wiping off liquid matter adhering to the end of the male member.

In the wiping tip of the present invention, the wiping tip may include a stick-shaped rod. Furthermore, a hole may be provided over a predetermined length extending along a longitudinal direction of the rod, from an end face of the rod. The portion of the rod in which the hole is provided may be the cylindrical member. The portion of the rod other than the cylindrical member is solid, and has relatively high strength. The wiping tip including this rod is advantageous in efficiently performing cleaning.

In the wiping tip of the present invention, one end thereof may include the cylindrical member provided with the cotton-like wiping member, and another end thereof may include a handle. This aspect is advantageous in improving the cleaning efficiency and keeping the cotton-like wiping member clean.

In the wiping tip of the present invention, the wiping tip may be used to wipe clean a male connector including: a cylindrical male member; an outer cylinder surrounding the male member; and a female thread formed on an inner circumferential face of the outer cylinder facing the male member. According to this aspect, a male connector that is used as a patient-side connector in enteral nutrition can be cleaned using the wiping tip of the present invention.

The thin film portion is penetrable by the male member, and the cylindrical member is insertable into a gap between the male member and the outer cylinder. According to this aspect, the end of the male member and the faces of the male member and the outer cylinder defining the gap can be wiped clean.

In the wiping tip of the present invention, the thin film portion may be configured to be penetrated by the male member and folded into the cylindrical member. According to this aspect, the folded thin film portion wipes off liquid matter adhering to the outer circumferential face of the male member.

An outer diameter of the outer circumferential portion may be larger than an inner diameter of the female thread. This aspect is advantageous in wiping off liquid matter adhering to the inside of the groove of the female thread.

An outer diameter of the cylindrical member may be equal to or smaller than an inner diameter of the female thread. According to this aspect, the wiping tip can be deeply inserted into the gap between the male member and the outer cylinder. This aspect is advantageous in cleanly cleaning the male connector.

An inner diameter of the cylindrical member may be equal to or larger than a maximum outer diameter of an outer circumferential face of the male member. This aspect is advantageous in the following points. First, the wiping tip can be deeply inserted into the gap between the male member and the outer cylinder. It is advantageous in cleanly cleaning the male connector. Second, the thin film portion torn by the male member can be reliably interposed between the male member and the cylindrical member. It is advantageous in preventing the cylindrical member from damaging the outer circumferential face of the male member.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail while showing preferred embodiments thereof. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments below. In the drawings that will be referred to in the following description, only the main members constituting the embodiments of the present invention are shown in a simplified manner for the sake of convenience of description. Therefore, an optional member that is not shown in the drawings referred to below may be included. Furthermore, any of the members shown in the drawings may be changed or omitted, within the scope of the present invention. In the drawings that will be referred to in the description of the embodiments below, members corresponding to those shown in the drawings that are referred to in the description of any preceding embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the members shown in the drawings of that preceding embodiment. With respect to such members, redundant descriptions are omitted, and the description of the preceding embodiment should be taken into account.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a wiping tip <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the wiping tip <NUM>. The wiping tip <NUM> includes an elongated stick-shaped cylindrical member (rod) <NUM> extending straight, and a cotton-like wiping member <NUM> arranged at both ends of the cylindrical member <NUM>.

The cylindrical member <NUM> has a hollow cylindrical shape in which a hole <NUM> extending along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical member <NUM> is formed through the cylindrical member <NUM>. The hole <NUM> is a through-hole connecting the two ends of the cylindrical member <NUM>, and is connected to the outside via openings at the two ends of the cylindrical member <NUM>. The outer circumferential face and the inner circumferential face of the cylindrical member <NUM> both have a circular cross-sectional shape. The inner diameter and the outer diameter of the cylindrical member <NUM> are each constant along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical member <NUM>. The cylindrical member <NUM> is strong enough so as to not allow the cylindrical member to substantially deform when it is pinched by user's fingers or when a bending force or a torsional force is applied thereto. There is no limitation on the material of the cylindrical member <NUM>, but examples thereof include resin materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, styrene ethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, a butylene styrene block copolymer, polyacetal, polyamide, and hard polyvinyl chloride, and, of these materials, it is preferable to use polyolefin-based resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. It is preferable that the cylindrical member <NUM> is integrally produced as a single component through injection molding of the above-described resin materials.

The cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is a cotton-like material in which fibers are entwined. There is no limitation on the material of the cotton-like wiping member <NUM>, but examples thereof include water-absorbing materials such as cotton and rayon, and it is particularly preferable to use absorbent cotton. The cotton-like wiping member <NUM> constitutes a thin film portion <NUM> in the shape of a thin film covering an opening at an end of the cylindrical member <NUM>, and an outer circumferential portion <NUM> extending from the thin film portion <NUM>. The outer circumferential portion <NUM> covers the outer circumferential face of the cylindrical member <NUM>, over a predetermined length from the end of the cylindrical member <NUM>. The cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is arranged at an end of the cylindrical member <NUM> such that the thin film portion <NUM> and the outer circumferential portion <NUM> are continuously formed.

There is no limitation on the method for attaching the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> to the cylindrical member <NUM>, and, for example, it is possible to use substantially the same method as a method for producing a cotton swab. That is to say, a cotton-like material with a predetermined size is pressed against the end of the cylindrical member <NUM> so as to close the opening of the cylindrical member <NUM>, and the cylindrical member <NUM> is rotated so that the cotton-like material is wound around the outer circumferential face of the cylindrical member <NUM>. It is also possible to firmly fix the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> to the cylindrical member <NUM> using an adhesive made of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or the like. The adhesive is preferably applied to only part (e.g., the portion of the outer circumferential portion <NUM> farthest from the end of the cylindrical member <NUM>) of the outer circumferential portion <NUM>. The cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is soft and elastic except for the portion to which the adhesive is applied.

Hereinafter, a method for using the wiping tip <NUM> will be described.

The wiping tip <NUM> can be used to clean a male connector <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As in the case of the male connector <NUM> in <FIG>, the male connector <NUM> is a patient-side connector in enteral nutrition. Among the elements constituting the male connector <NUM>, the same elements as those constituting the male connector <NUM> in <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numeral as those in <FIG>, and a description thereof has been omitted. The male connector <NUM> includes a hollow base end <NUM> connected to the flow path <NUM> of the male member <NUM>. A flexible tube <NUM> is inserted into and connected to the base end <NUM>. The tube <NUM> may be a catheter (a nasal catheter, a PEG catheter, etc.) indwelled in a patient. Alternatively, the tube <NUM> may be a tube connected to the catheter. The catheter is inserted into the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the stomach) of a patient.

When carrying out enteral nutrition, a female connector (see <FIG>) is connected to the male connector <NUM>, and liquid matter (e.g., an enteral nutrient) is administered via these connectors to the patient. Subsequently, the female connector is separated from the male connector <NUM>. As described above, liquid matter (not shown) has adhered to the separated male connector <NUM>. The male connector <NUM> in <FIG> is in this state.

First, as shown in <FIG>, the thin film portion <NUM> at an end of the wiping tip <NUM> is positioned to face the male connector <NUM>. An operator can grip the exposed outer circumferential face of the cylindrical member <NUM>.

Next, as shown in <FIG>, the thin film portion <NUM> at the end of the wiping tip <NUM> is brought into contact with the end of the male member <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>. The wiping tip <NUM> is aligned substantially coaxially with the male member <NUM>. Then, the wiping tip <NUM> is pressed against the male connector <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the cylindrical member <NUM> is inserted into a gap <NUM> between the male member <NUM> and the outer cylinder <NUM>. The thin film portion <NUM> is pressed against the end of the male member <NUM>. Since the thin film portion <NUM> is a thin film constituted by the cotton-like wiping member <NUM>, it is relatively easily pierced by the male member <NUM>. The male member <NUM> penetrates the thin film portion <NUM> and enters the hole <NUM> via the opening of the cylindrical member <NUM>. The torn thin film portion <NUM> is folded into the hole <NUM> of the cylindrical member <NUM> so as to be held between the male member <NUM> and the cylindrical member <NUM>.

The wiping tip <NUM> is rotated in a clockwise direction with respect to the male connector <NUM> when viewed from the wiping tip <NUM> side. The outer circumferential portion <NUM> of the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> moves along the female thread <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>. Even when a rotational force is applied to the wiping tip <NUM>, the cylindrical member <NUM> does not substantially deform. In accordance with the rotation of the wiping tip <NUM>, the wiping tip <NUM> enters (moves forward) deeper into the gap <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>. Finally, as shown in <FIG>, the end of the wiping tip <NUM> comes into contact with a bottom plate <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>. An operator can recognize that the end of the wiping tip <NUM> has come into contact with the bottom plate <NUM> when the rotational force necessary to rotate the wiping tip <NUM> increases.

Subsequently, the wiping tip <NUM> is rotated in the opposite direction (the counterclockwise direction) with respect to the male connector <NUM>. The outer circumferential portion <NUM> of the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> moves along the female thread <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>. In accordance with the rotation of the wiping tip <NUM>, the cylindrical member <NUM> gradually moves backward from the gap <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>. Then, the wiping tip <NUM> is separated from the male connector <NUM>. The used wiping tip <NUM> is then disposed of.

When the wiping tip <NUM> is inserted into the male connector <NUM> and then pulled out from the male connector <NUM> as described above, the male connector <NUM> can be cleaned by allowing the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> to wipe off liquid matter adhering to the male connector. The liquid matter is removed from the male connector <NUM> in a state of being absorbed by the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> and retained in the cotton-like wiping member <NUM>. Solid substances contained in the liquid matter are also wiped off and removed by the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> together with the liquid matter.

In the above-described conventional wiping tips, the entire cylindrical portion configured to be inserted into the gap <NUM> of the male connector is made of a water-absorbing material. Accordingly, it is difficult to produce a cylindrical portion with desired strength. If the cylindrical portion is too soft or too hard, it is not possible to completely wipe off liquid matter.

On the other hand, in the wiping tip <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>, the hollow cylindrical member <NUM> is provided with the cotton-like wiping member <NUM>.

The cylindrical member <NUM> functioning as a core can be made of a material with desired strength. Accordingly, even when the wiping tip <NUM> is moved forward and backward while it is rotated with respect to the male connector <NUM>, the cylindrical member <NUM> does not substantially deform. It is easy to insert the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> arranged on the cylindrical member <NUM> into the gap <NUM> until the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> comes into contact with the bottom plate <NUM>.

The cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is likely to deform to match the shape of the surface of the male connector <NUM> with which the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> has been brought into contact. The cotton-like wiping member <NUM> continuously extends from the thin film portion <NUM> covering an opening of the cylindrical member <NUM> to the outer circumferential portion <NUM> covering the outer circumferential face of the cylindrical member <NUM>. During the process in which the wiping tip <NUM> is moved forward and backward while it is rotated with respect to the male connector <NUM>, the outer circumferential portion <NUM> of the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> wipes clean the female thread <NUM> formed on the inner circumferential face of the outer cylinder <NUM>. The outer circumferential portion <NUM> deforms to match the thread shape of the female thread <NUM>, enters the groove of the female thread <NUM>, and wipes off liquid matter adhering to the groove. The cotton-like wiping member <NUM> covering the circular end of the cylindrical member <NUM> wipes off liquid matter adhering to the bottom plate <NUM>, a corner at the boundary between the bottom plate <NUM> and the outer cylinder <NUM>, and a corner at the boundary between the bottom plate <NUM> and the male member <NUM>.

In an initial state, the thin film portion <NUM> of the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> covers an opening of the cylindrical member <NUM>. During the process in which the male member <NUM> penetrates the thin film portion <NUM> (see <FIG>), the thin film portion <NUM> wipes off liquid matter adhering to the end of the male member <NUM>. In the case of conventional wiping tips, in order to clean the end of the male member <NUM>, an end of a water-absorbing cylindrical portion needs to be intentionally brought into contact with the end of the male member <NUM> before the cylindrical portion is inserted into the gap <NUM>. Without this process, it is not possible to wipe off liquid matter at the end of the male member <NUM>. On the other hand, in the case of Embodiment <NUM>, it is possible to allow the thin film portion <NUM> to wipe clean the end of the male member <NUM>, merely by pushing the wiping tip <NUM> into the male connector <NUM>.

The thin film portion <NUM> penetrated by the male member <NUM> is folded into the hole <NUM> of the cylindrical member <NUM> and is held between the male member <NUM> and the cylindrical member <NUM>. When the wiping tip <NUM> is pushed into and pulled out from the male connector <NUM>, the thin film portion <NUM> moves along the outer circumferential face <NUM> of the male member <NUM>, and wipes off liquid matter adhering to the outer circumferential face <NUM>.

In this manner, according to Embodiment <NUM>, the strength necessary for the wiping tip <NUM> is ensured by the cylindrical member <NUM>. During the cleaning of the male connector <NUM> using the wiping tip <NUM>, the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is always interposed between the cylindrical member <NUM> and the male connector <NUM>. When the wiping tip <NUM> is pushed into and pulled out from the male connector <NUM>, the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> moves while remaining in contact with the male connector <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to completely wipe off liquid matter adhering to the male connector <NUM>. The wiping tip <NUM> is advantageous in cleanly cleaning the male connector <NUM>.

In a used wiping tip <NUM>, the thin film portion <NUM> has been torn. It is possible to easily determine whether or not the wiping tip has been used, by looking at the thin film portion <NUM>. The possibility of using a used wiping tip <NUM> again by mistake is low. According to this aspect as well, the wiping tip <NUM> is advantageous in cleanly cleaning the male connector <NUM>.

The cylindrical member <NUM> has a simple hollow cylindrical shape. The cotton-like wiping member <NUM> can be wound around the end of the cylindrical member <NUM> using substantially the same method as a method for producing a cotton swab. Accordingly, the wiping tip <NUM> has a simple structure and can be easily produced. The wiping tip <NUM> can be produced in large quantities at low cost.

An outer diameter D<NUM> (see <FIG>) of the outer circumferential portion <NUM> of the wiping tip <NUM> before cleaning of the male connector <NUM> (in an unused state) is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the female thread <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>. The reason for this is that the outer circumferential portion <NUM> can be allowed to enter the groove of the female thread <NUM>. If the outer diameter D<NUM> of the outer circumferential portion <NUM> is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the female thread <NUM>, the ability to wipe off liquid matter in the groove of the female thread <NUM> is diminished. Specifically, the outer diameter D<NUM> preferably satisfies D<NUM> ≥ <NUM>. The upper limit of the outer diameter D<NUM> of the outer circumferential portion <NUM> is not limited to this, but D<NUM> ≤ <NUM> is preferably satisfied. If the outer diameter D<NUM> is too large, it is difficult to insert the wiping tip <NUM> into the gap <NUM> until the end of the wiping tip <NUM> comes into contact with the bottom plate <NUM>, and thus, in particular, the ability to wipe off liquid matter adhering to the vicinity of the bottom plate <NUM> is diminished.

A length L<NUM> (see <FIG>) of the outer circumferential portion <NUM> along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical member <NUM> is preferably equal to or greater than the depth of the gap <NUM> of the male connector <NUM> (the distance from the bottom plate <NUM> to the end of the outer cylinder <NUM>). If the length L<NUM> of the outer circumferential portion <NUM> is less than this depth, the ability to wipe off liquid matter adhering to the inside of the groove of the female thread <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> is diminished. Specifically, the length L<NUM> preferably satisfies L<NUM> ≥ <NUM>.

An outer diameter D<NUM> (see <FIG>) of the cylindrical member <NUM> is preferably equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the female thread <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>, and more preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the female thread <NUM>. If the outer diameter D<NUM> of the cylindrical member <NUM> is larger than the inner diameter of the female thread <NUM>, the wiping tip <NUM> cannot be inserted into the gap <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>, and thus the male connector <NUM> cannot be cleaned with the wiping tip <NUM>. Note that, if the outer diameter D<NUM> of the cylindrical member <NUM> is excessively smaller than the inner diameter of the female thread <NUM>, it is difficult to allow the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> constituting the outer circumferential portion <NUM> to enter the groove of the female thread <NUM>, and thus the ability to wipe off liquid matter in the groove of the female thread <NUM> is diminished.

An inner diameter D<NUM> (see <FIG>) of the cylindrical member <NUM> is preferably equal to or larger than the maximum outer diameter of the outer circumferential face <NUM> of the male member <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>, and more preferably larger than the maximum outer diameter of the outer circumferential face <NUM>. If the inner diameter D<NUM> of the cylindrical member <NUM> is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the outer circumferential face <NUM>, the following two issues may arise. First, it is difficult to insert the wiping tip <NUM> into the gap <NUM> until the end of the wiping tip comes into contact with the bottom plate <NUM>. Accordingly, in particular, the ability to wipe off liquid matter adhering to the vicinity of the bottom plate <NUM> is diminished. Second, the thin film portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) held between the male member <NUM> and the cylindrical member <NUM> becomes thinner, as a result of which the cylindrical member <NUM> comes into direct contact with the male member <NUM>. Accordingly, the outer circumferential face <NUM> of the male member <NUM> may be damaged by the cylindrical member <NUM>. Specifically, the inner diameter D<NUM> preferably satisfies the inner diameter D<NUM> ≥ <NUM>. Note that, if the inner diameter D<NUM> of the cylindrical member <NUM> is excessively larger than the maximum outer diameter of the outer circumferential face <NUM>, the ability of the torn thin film portion <NUM> to wipe off liquid matter adhering to the outer circumferential face <NUM> is diminished. Accordingly, the difference between the inner diameter D<NUM> of the cylindrical member <NUM> and the maximum outer diameter of the outer circumferential face <NUM> (the inner diameter of the cylindrical member <NUM> - the maximum outer diameter of the outer circumferential face <NUM>) is preferably equal to or less than twice the thickness of an unused thin film portion <NUM>, and more preferably equal to or less than the thickness of an unused thin film portion <NUM>.

The cotton-like wiping member <NUM> may be impregnated with a cleaning solution. There is no limitation on the cleaning solution, but examples thereof include alcohol and sterilized purified water. Solidified substances and the like formed by liquid matter dried and stuck to the male connector <NUM> can be removed clean using the cleaning solution.

In the wiping tip <NUM>, the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is arranged at both ends of the cylindrical member <NUM>. Accordingly, first, most of the liquid matter adhering to the male connector <NUM> can be wiped off using one of the cotton-like wiping members <NUM>, and then a slight amount of still remaining liquid matter can be wiped off clean using the other cotton-like wiping member <NUM>. It is possible to cleanly clean the male connector <NUM> with a small number of wiping tips <NUM>.

The two ends of the wiping tip <NUM> may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. For example, one of the cotton-like wiping members <NUM> may be formed thicker than the other cotton-like wiping member <NUM>. This aspect is advantageous, for example, in wiping clean a plurality of types of male connectors <NUM> with different dimensions, using a common wiping tip.

In the wiping tip of the present invention, the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> does not have to be arranged at both ends of the cylindrical member (rod) <NUM>, and, as in a wiping tip <NUM>' in <FIG>, the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> may be arranged at only one end of the cylindrical member <NUM>. In the case in which the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is arranged at both ends of the cylindrical member <NUM> as in the wiping tip <NUM> in <FIG>, a user may use only one of the cotton-like wiping members (first cotton-like wiping member) <NUM> in cleaning of the male connector <NUM>, and store the wiping tip <NUM> without disposing of it until next cleaning of the male connector <NUM> in order to use the other cotton-like wiping member (second cotton-like wiping member) <NUM> in the next cleaning. In this case, the hygienic state of the second cotton-like wiping member <NUM> may deteriorate depending on the storage condition. With the wiping tip <NUM>' in which the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is arranged at only one end, the user can be urged to dispose of the wiping tip <NUM>' after single use, which is advantageous in ensuring cleaning of the male connector <NUM> always using a clean cotton-like wiping member <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged perspective view of part of a wiping tip <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention, and <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part of the wiping tip <NUM>. In Embodiment <NUM>, a slit <NUM> is formed through the thin film portion <NUM>. The slit <NUM> is a linear notch in the shape of a "-" (minus) in a plan view, and passes through the center of the circular thin film portion <NUM>. The slit <NUM> is formed through the thin film portion <NUM>. It is easy to form the slit <NUM> with a sharp knife or the like after the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is arranged at an end of the cylindrical member <NUM> in a similar way to that of Embodiment <NUM>.

The wiping tip <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM> can be used to clean the male connector <NUM> as in the case of the wiping tip <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>.

In Embodiment <NUM>, when the end of the male member <NUM> of the male connector <NUM> is pressed against the thin film portion <NUM>, the thin film portion <NUM> is torn from the slit <NUM> (particularly two ends thereof). This aspect has the following effects. First, the thin film portion <NUM> is easily torn. Accordingly, the male member <NUM> can penetrate the thin film portion <NUM> merely with application of a relatively small force. Even an inexperienced operator can easily insert the wiping tip <NUM> into the gap <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>. Second, the thin film portion <NUM> is torn always in a stable manner, for example, such as the thin film portion <NUM> being torn into substantially two equal parts. Even when the male member <NUM> is pressed against a position slightly deviated from the center of the thin film portion <NUM>, there is little variation in the torn manner. When the male member <NUM> is inserted into the cylindrical member <NUM>, the torn thin film portion <NUM> surrounds the outer circumferential face <NUM> of the male member <NUM> substantially evenly in the circumferential direction. This aspect is advantageous in uniformly wiping off liquid matter adhering to the outer circumferential face <NUM>.

The slit <NUM> may be formed through both thin film portions <NUM> at the respective ends of the wiping tip <NUM>, or only one of the thin film portions <NUM>. The shape of the slit <NUM> is not limited to that in this embodiment, and may be changed as necessary.

Embodiment <NUM> is the same as Embodiment <NUM>, except for the above-described aspects. The description of Embodiment <NUM> applies also to Embodiment <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a wiping tip <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention. In Embodiment <NUM>, cotton-like filling members <NUM> are placed in the hole <NUM> of the cylindrical member <NUM>. Each cotton-like filling member <NUM> is a cotton-like material in which fibers are entwined, and there is no limitation on the material, but examples thereof include the same materials as those of the cotton-like wiping member <NUM>. The cotton-like filling member <NUM> is arranged in the vicinity of an opening of the cylindrical member <NUM>. The distance from the end of the cylindrical member <NUM> to the cotton-like filling member <NUM> is less than the length of the male member <NUM> of the male connector <NUM> (the protruding length of the male member <NUM> from the bottom plate <NUM>). The cotton-like filling member <NUM> may be in contact with the thin film portion <NUM>.

In Embodiment <NUM>, when the male member <NUM> of the male connector <NUM> penetrates the thin film portion <NUM> and enters the hole <NUM>, the cotton-like filling member <NUM> comes into contact with the end of the male member <NUM>. When the wiping tip <NUM> is rotated and moved forward to the male connector <NUM>, the male member <NUM> gradually compresses or moves the cotton-like filling member <NUM> while rotating with respect to the cotton-like filling member <NUM>. Even in the case in which liquid matter adhering to the end of the male member <NUM> is not completely wiped off by the thin film portion <NUM> when the male member <NUM> pierces the thin film portion <NUM>, the liquid matter can be wiped off later by the cotton-like filling member <NUM>.

Not only portions in the vicinity of the two ends of the hole <NUM> of the cylindrical member <NUM> but also a portion over substantially the entire length of the hole <NUM> may be filled with the cotton-like filling member <NUM>.

The cotton-like filling member <NUM> may be impregnated with the cleaning solution described in Embodiment <NUM>.

Embodiment <NUM> is the same as Embodiment <NUM>, except for the above-described aspects. The description of Embodiment <NUM> applies also to Embodiment <NUM>. Embodiment <NUM> may be applied to the wiping tip <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a wiping tip <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention. In Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, the entirety of the stick-shaped rod corresponding to a core of the wiping tips <NUM> to <NUM> is constituted by the hollow cylindrical member <NUM>. On the other hand, in the wiping tip <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>, only part (the ends) of the stick-shaped rod is constituted by the hollow cylindrical member. That is to say, holes <NUM> extend from the two end faces of an elongated stick-shaped rod <NUM> extending straight, along the longitudinal direction of the rod <NUM>. The holes <NUM> are non-through-holes that are not formed extending through the rod <NUM>. In a similar way to that of Embodiment <NUM>, the cotton-like wiping members <NUM> are arranged so as to cover the openings of the holes <NUM>. In Embodiment <NUM>, portions <NUM>' of the rod <NUM> in which the holes <NUM> are provided correspond to a "cylindrical member" of the present invention. The portion of the rod <NUM> other than the cylindrical members <NUM>' at the two ends is a solid columnar member. There is no limitation on the rod <NUM>, but it is preferable that the rod <NUM> is integrally produced as a single component through injection molding of the resin materials described as examples of the material of the cylindrical member <NUM> in Embodiment <NUM>.

The wiping tip <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM> can be used to clean the male connector <NUM> as in the case of the wiping tip <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>. The male member <NUM> pierces the thin film portion <NUM> and is inserted into the holes <NUM>. The depth of each of the holes <NUM> is more than the length of the male member <NUM> of the male connector <NUM> (the protruding length of the male member <NUM> from the bottom plate <NUM>).

Since the portion of the rod <NUM> other than the portions in which the holes <NUM> are formed is a solid columnar member, it has relatively high strength. Accordingly, the rod <NUM> is not crushed in the diameter direction or bent by a force applied during wipe cleaning. It is possible to efficiently perform cleaning.

The hole <NUM> and the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> may be arranged at only one end of the rod <NUM>.

Embodiment <NUM> is the same as Embodiment <NUM>, except for the above-described aspects. The description of Embodiment <NUM> applies also to Embodiment <NUM>. Embodiment <NUM> may be applied to the wiping tips <NUM> and <NUM> of Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a wiping tip <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention. In Embodiment <NUM>, the cylindrical member <NUM> is relatively short. One end of the cylindrical member <NUM> is provided with the cotton-like wiping member <NUM>, and the other end (base end) of the cylindrical member <NUM> is provided with a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is a block object with an outer diameter larger than that of the cylindrical member <NUM>. It is preferable that the handle <NUM> is strong enough so as to not allow the handle <NUM> to deform with ease when a force is applied thereto by an operator. There is no limitation on the material of the handle <NUM>, but examples thereof include resin materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, styrene ethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, a butylene styrene block copolymer, polyacetal, polyamide, and hard polyvinyl chloride.

An operator can perform wipe cleaning while gripping the handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is relatively large and is unlikely to deform, and thus the operator can firmly grip the handle <NUM>. It is also easy to apply a rotational force to the wiping tip <NUM>. Accordingly, the cleaning efficiency is improved. Furthermore, since the operator is unlikely to touch the cotton-like wiping member <NUM>, the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is kept clean.

The cylindrical member <NUM> may be integrated with the handle <NUM> so as not to be separated therefrom. There is no limitation on the method for integrating the cylindrical member <NUM> and the handle <NUM>, but examples thereof include a method in which the cylindrical member <NUM> and the handle <NUM> are separately produced, after which they are connected to each other into one piece using an adhesive, welding, or the like, and a method in which one of the cylindrical member <NUM> and the handle <NUM> is produced, after which the other is integrated with the one through double-molding. Alternatively, it is also possible to integrally mold the cylindrical member <NUM> and the handle <NUM> simultaneously as one component using the same material.

The cylindrical member <NUM> may be detachably attached to the handle <NUM>. In this case, the handle <NUM> can be repeatedly used while the cylindrical member <NUM> provided with the cotton-like wiping member <NUM> is disposed of after single use. In order to allow a rotational force applied to the handle <NUM> to be reliably transferred to the cylindrical member <NUM>, the handle <NUM> and the cylindrical member <NUM> may have a fitting shape (e.g., a projection and a recess) in which they are fitted to each other at the corresponding connecting portions.

In <FIG>, part of the handle <NUM> is fitted into the hole <NUM> of the cylindrical member <NUM>, but the structure for connecting the cylindrical member <NUM> and the handle <NUM> is not limited to this. For example, the cylindrical member <NUM> may be fitted into a hole formed in the handle <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the cylindrical member <NUM> is connected to the handle <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited to this. As in the case of the rod <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM>, a solid columnar member integrally produced with the cylindrical member may be connected to the handle.

Embodiment <NUM> is the same as Embodiment <NUM>, except for the above-described aspects. The description of Embodiment <NUM> applies also to Embodiment <NUM>. Embodiment <NUM> may be applied to the wiping tips <NUM> to <NUM> of Embodiment <NUM> to <NUM>.

Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> above are merely an example. The present invention is not limited to Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, and may be changed as appropriate.

In the foregoing embodiments, the outer circumferential face and the inner circumferential face of the cylindrical member both have a circular cross-sectional shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or both of the outer circumferential face and the inner circumferential face may have a cross-section in the shape of a regular polygon (e.g., a regular octagon, etc.). The outer circumferential face having such a cross-sectional shape is advantageous in applying a rotational force to the wiping tip.

In the foregoing embodiments, the inner circumferential face of the cylindrical member is a cylindrical face whose inner diameter is constant in the longitudinal direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In a portion into which the male member <NUM> is inserted, the inner circumferential face of the cylindrical member may have a female tapered surface whose inner diameter increases toward the opening (e.g., a female tapered surface with the same taper angle as that of the outer circumferential face <NUM> of the male member <NUM>).

The wiping tip of the present invention may be of a disposable type in which the wiping tip is disposed of after each cleaning of a male connector, or of a reusable type in which the wiping tip is repeatedly used to clean a male connector through washing with water or the like and drying after cleaning of a male connector.

Claim 1:
A wiping tip (<NUM>; <NUM>'; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for use to wipe clean a male connector (<NUM>), the male connector including: a cylindrical male member (<NUM>); an outer cylinder (<NUM>) surrounding the male member (<NUM>); and a female thread (<NUM>) formed on an inner circumferential face of the outer cylinder (<NUM>) facing the male member (<NUM>), the wiping tip (<NUM>; <NUM>'; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising: a hollow cylindrical member (<NUM>); and characterised by a cotton-like wiping member (<NUM>) arranged on the cylindrical member (<NUM>),
wherein the cotton-like wiping member (<NUM>) constitutes a thin film portion (<NUM>) covering an opening (<NUM>) at an end of the cylindrical member (<NUM>), and an outer circumferential portion (<NUM>) extending from the thin film portion (<NUM>) and covering an outer circumferential face of the cylindrical member (<NUM>) over a predetermined length (L20) from the end;
wherein the thin film portion (<NUM>) is penetrable by the male member (<NUM>) of the male connector (<NUM>) such that, in use, the male member (<NUM>) enters the cylindrical member (<NUM>) via the opening (<NUM>) of the cylindrical member (<NUM>), and the cylindrical member (<NUM>) is inserted into a gap (<NUM>) between the male member (<NUM>) and the outer cylinder (<NUM>).