Connector for multiple sized connections
A connector is used to connect a gases supply to a user. The user can be fitted with an interface, such as a cannula, while the gases supply can include a conduit. The connector interfaces between the conduit and the interface. The connector has a female assembly and a male assembly that connect together, such as by push fit. The male assembly includes an inner portion sized and configured to mate with a first female connector and an outer portion sized and configured to alternatively mate with a second female connector.
1. A male end portion for a gases supply conduit connector, the male end portion comprising:
a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured to connect to a conduit, the distal end comprising a first male connector and a second male connector, the first male connector generally encircling the second male connector with a radial gap defined between the first male connector and the second male connector, the first male connector configured to mate with one or more female end portions and the second male connector configured to mate with one or more different female end portions;
the first male connector comprising an outer wall that extends distally from a proximal end wall, the outer wall being generally cylindrical and having a continuous taper along its length such that a proximal portion of the outer wall has a larger outer diameter than a distal portion of the outer wall, wherein the proximal portion of the outer wall is located adjacent the proximal end wall; and
the second male connector comprising an inner wall, the inner wall comprising an outer surface, the outer surface of the inner wall being spaced apart from an inner surface of the outer wall to define the gap between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the outer surface of the inner wall comprises a plurality of outwardly projecting ribs, each of the ribs extending toward the outer wall only a portion of a distance defined between the outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the outer wall.
2. The male end portion of claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the outer wall is generally cylindrical in shape.
3. The male end portion of claim 2 , wherein the inner surface of the outer wall of the first male connector includes a stepped portion.
4. The male end portion of claim 3 , wherein the stepped portion defines a first inner diameter at a proximal end of the inner surface and a second inner diameter at a distal end of the inner surface, the first inner diameter being larger than the second inner diameter such that a recess is defined in the inner surface.
5. The male end portion of claim 3 , wherein the inner wall of the second male connector comprises a generally cylindrical inner surface.
6. The male end portion of claim 1 , wherein the first male connector extends a first axial distance from the proximal end, the second male connector extends a second axial distance from the proximal end, the first axial distance and the second axial distance being about equal.
7. The male end portion of claim 6 , wherein a radiused end is positioned at a junction of the outer wall of the first male connector and the proximal end wall.
8. The male end portion of claim 1 , wherein the ribs are generally trapezoidal in configuration.
9. The male end portion of claim 8 in combination with a female end portion.
10. The male end portion of claim 8 in combination with an interface tube.
11. The male end portion of claim 8 in combination with a patient interface.
12. The male end portion of claim 11 wherein the patient interface is a nasal cannula.
13. The male end portion of claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of the outer wall includes a recess.
14. The male end portion of claim 1 , wherein the recess is generally circular.
15. The male end portion of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end includes at least one flange configured to allow the proximal end to connect to the conduit.