Safety connector assembly
View Patent ↗A connector assembly includes first and second mating connectors that can be joined to make a fluid connection. The connectors are constructed to discriminate improper connectors so that no fluid tight connection can be formed with improper connectors. The connector assembly can be used with a system for compression therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis.
1. A connector assembly for use in making discriminating fluid connection between a source of fluid and a fluid receiving object, the connector assembly comprising:
a first connector having a coupling portion, the coupling portion including a sealing surface and a non-sealing surface, the non-sealing surface being located closer to a free end of the first connector than the sealing surface and having a larger diameter than the sealing surface;
a second connector comprising a conduit having an open outer end, the conduit being sized to mate with the coupling portion, the conduit having at least one of a hardness and a wall thickness selected so that the conduit deforms into fluid-tight engagement with the sealing surface of the first connector while remaining in engagement with the non-sealing surface,
the connector assembly being in combination with an inflatable vascular compression device.
2. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the open outer end of the conduit is sized for receiving the coupling portion of the first connector therein.
3. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the conduit has a hardness of from about 50 durometer (type A) to about 70 durometer (type A).
4. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the conduit has a wall thickness of about 30 mil to about 125 mil.
5. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the conduit has a hardness of from about 50 durometer (type A) to about 70 durometer (type A) and a thickness of from about 50 mil to about 100 mil.
6. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second connector further comprises a housing containing the conduit.
7. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein the housing is made of a more rigid material than the conduit and the conduit is mounted on the housing.
8. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second connector is connected to and in fluid communication with an end of medical tube.
9. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the conduit is mounted on a medical tube having at least one of a greater hardness and a greater wall thickness than the conduit.
10. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein the first end of the medical tube extends into an inner end of the conduit.
11. A connector assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein an interior diameter of the conduit flares outwardly toward a free end of the conduit.
12. A compliant connector for use in making a discriminating connection with another connector having a non-sealing surface and a sealing surface where the non-sealing surface is located closer to a free end of the other connector and has a larger diameter than the sealing surface, the compliant connector comprising:
a conduit having a hardness and wall thickness selected for simultaneously engaging the non-sealing surface and the sealing surface while deforming into fluid-tight engagement with the sealing surface; and
a mounting structure having a greater rigidity than the conduit, wherein the mounting structure comprises a medical tube mounting the conduit thereon at a free end of the tube,
the compliant connector being in combination with an inflatable vascular compression device.
13. A compliant connector as set forth in claim 12 wherein the medical tube has at least one of a greater hardness and a greater wall thickness than the conduit.
14. A compliant connector as set forth in claim 13 wherein the first end of the medical tube extends into an inner end of the conduit.