Patent ID: 7713249

Claim:
A flexible element for use with a medical connector, comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, the flexible element further defining a first region adjacent the proximal end, a second region, and a third region near the distal end, the second region being between the first and third regions, the outer surface in the first region having at least a first external cross-sectional width, the outer surface in the second region having at least a second external cross-sectional width, and the outer surface in the third region having at least a third external cross sectional width, the second external cross-sectional width being different than the first and third cross-sectional widths, the inner surface in the first region having at least a first internal cross-sectional width, the inner surface in the second region having at least a second internal cross-sectional width, the inner surface in the third region having at least a third internal cross-sectional width, the second internal cross-sectional width being different than the first and third internal cross-sectional widths, the proximal end including a cap and an orifice wherein the shape of the cap assists in closing the orifice.