US20020173748A1 - Reservoir connector - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump are provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir and engage a cap. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base is in a first detent position, and the needle pierces a reservoir septum when the base is in a second detent position. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. In some embodiments, an integral connector couples directly to the reservoir.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This continuation-in-part application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/428,818, filed Oct. 28, 1999, and entitled “RESERVOIR CONNECTOR” which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/106,237, filed on Oct. 29, 1998, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• This invention relates generally to improvements in syringe or reservoir interfaces for use in infusion pumps such as those used for controlled delivery of medication to a patient. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved connection interface between a reservoir or syringe and infusion set tubing or a standard luer connector.[0003]
• 2. Description of the Related Art[0004]
• Infusion pump devices and systems are relatively well-known in the medical arts, for use in delivering or dispensing a prescribed medication such as insulin to a patient. In one form, such devices comprise a relatively compact pump housing adapted to receive a syringe or reservoir carrying a prescribed medication for administration to the patient through infusion tubing and an associated catheter.[0005]
• The infusion pump includes a small drive motor connected via a lead screw assembly for motor-driven advancement of a reservoir piston to administer the medication to the user. Programmable controls are normally provided for operating the drive motor continuously or at periodic intervals to obtain a closely controlled and accurate delivery of the medication over an extended period of time. Such infusion pumps are utilized to administer insulin and other medications, with exemplary pump constructions being shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,562,751; 4,678,408; 4,685,903; 5,080,653 and 5,097,122, which are all incorporated by reference herein.[0006]
• Infusion pumps of the general type described above have provided significant advantages and benefits with respect to accurate delivery of medication or other fluids over an extended period of time. The infusion pump can be designed to be relatively compact as well as water resistant, and may thus be adapted to be carried by the user, for example, by means of a belt clip. As a result, important medication can be delivered to the user with precision and in an automated manner, without significant restriction on the user's mobility or life-style, including the ability to participate in water sports.[0007]
• Infusion sets refer to the tubing and connection apparatus which provide a path for the medication to flow to the user from the reservoir or syringe located in the pump. The connectors for attaching the infusion set tubing to the reservoirs can take various forms. A luer connection is a commonly used connection method. Nevertheless, it remains desirable to develop improved designs of connection methods to facilitate infusion procedures and to provide suitable interface connections which are water resistant so as to permit a user to participate in water sports.[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The invention disclosed herein has a number of embodiments. A typical embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for connecting a reservoir having a septum and a base to a conduit, such as infusion set tubing. In certain aspects of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a cap and a releasable coupler which is adapted to releasably couple the base to the cap in one of two positions. A piercing member, such as a needle, is coupled to the conduit. The needle is disposed in the cap in a position other than the interior of the reservoir when the base is in the first position. The needle is further disposed to pierce the reservoir septum when the base is in the second position.[0009]
• In another embodiment, the apparatus is used for connecting a reservoir having a septum and a base to a housing as well as to a conduit. The housing has a housing engagement member, such as a thread. The apparatus comprises a cap and a releasable coupler which is adapted to releasably couple the base to the cap in one of two positions. A piercing member, such as a needle, is releasably coupled to the conduit. The needle is disposed in the cap in a position other than the interior of the reservoir when the base is in the first position. The needle is further disposed to pierce the reservoir septum when the base is in the second position. The cap further includes an engagement member, such as a thread, which is adapted to engage with the housing engagement member.[0010]
• In another embodiment, the cap further includes a vent port which is covered with hydrophobic material. This permits air to pass through the cap while preventing water from doing so.[0011]
• In another embodiment, an integral apparatus is used for connecting a reservoir having a septum and an annular shoulder and a conduit. This embodiment includes a conduit portion, a piercing member coupled to the conduit and adapted to pierce the septum and a reservoir connector portion coupled to the conduit portion and comprising an open-ended cylindrical member. The open-ended cylindrical member is releasably coupleable to the reservoir and the piercing member pierces the septum when so coupled. Typically, the conduit is a luer connector.[0012]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:[0013]
• FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus;[0014]
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cap used as a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus;[0015]
• FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus;[0016]
• FIG. 4 is a side, cut-away view of a cap used as a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus;[0017]
• FIG. 5 is a side, plan cut-away view of a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus with a needle inserted into a reservoir;[0018]
• FIG. 6 is a side, plan cut-away view of a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus which is inserted into a pump housing;[0019]
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus;[0020]
• FIG. 8 is a perspective top view of an alternative embodiment of a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus which is secured into a pump housing;[0021]
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus;[0022]
• FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of a cap used as a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus;[0023]
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a medication reservoir connection interface adapter;[0024]
• FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a medication reservoir connection interface adapter;[0025]
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cap used as a medication reservoir connection interface apparatus;[0026]
• FIGS.[0027]14A-14C are cross-sectional views of various embodiments of venting ports for use with a reservoir connection interface apparatus or adapter;
• FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of an embodiment of an integral medication reservoir connection apparatus and a reservoir;[0028]
• FIGS.[0029]16A-16C are views of an integral medication reservoir connection embodiment;
• FIGS.[0030]17A-17D are views of another embodiment of an integral medication reservoir connection embodiment;
• FIGS.[0031]18A-18C are views of an another embodiment of an integral medication reservoir connection embodiment without a neck portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.[0032]
• As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the invention is embodied in an interface for connecting a syringe or a medication reservoir to a conduit, such as infusion set tubing or an external needle, as well as to an infusion pump. In one embodiment, a base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. A cap is provided which is adapted to be releasably coupled to the base in one of two positions. The releasable coupler comprises a pair of detents projecting from the base and two pairs of detent openings in the cap which are adapted to removably engage the base detents.[0033]
• A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detents are in the first pair of cap detent openings, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detents are in the second pair of cap detent openings. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected, an integrated unit is formed which is then capable of being inserted in the infusion pump housing. Engagement members, such as threads, for the cap and the pump housing are used to secure the integrated unit in the housing.[0034]
• In another embodiment, an integral apparatus is used for connecting a reservoir having a septum and an annular shoulder and a conduit. The apparatus comprises a conduit portion, a piercing member coupled to the conduit and adapted to pierce the septum and a reservoir connector portion coupled to the conduit portion and comprising an open-ended cylindrical member. The open-ended cylindrical member is releasably coupleable to the reservoir and the piercing member pierces the septum when so coupled. Typically, the conduit is a luer connector.[0035]
• FIGS. 1 and 2 show an infusion set connector interface for attachment to a medication reservoir. The connector interface is comprised of a[0036]base2 and a cap4. The cap4 includes aneedle9 located internal to the cap housing. FIG. 1 is an exploded view, and therefore, thebase2 would normally be fixedly attached to areservoir1 by securing it around theswage3, which holds the reservoir septum. However, alternative embodiments of the present invention include a removable base so that the connector interface could be used with standard reservoirs, cartridges or syringes which were not initially manufactured with the base attached.
• The cap[0037]4 portion of the connector interface is removably attached to thebase2 with a releasable coupler. In one embodiment, the releasable coupler is comprised of detents formed on thebase2 and detent openings disposed in the cap4. Two detents8 are disposed on the sides of thebase2 and are spaced 180° radially apart. Only one detent8 is shown in FIG. 1. The detents8 are sized to fit in the twolower detent openings6, or alternatively, in the two upper detent openings7 which are formed in the cap4. As with the pair of detents8, each of thelower detent openings6 and each of the upper detent openings7, respectively, are radially spaced apart by 180°.
• In operation, the[0038]base2 and thereservoir1 form an integrated unit which in turn is to be connected to the cap4. In connecting this integrated base/reservoir unit to the cap4, thebase2 is inserted into the lower end of the cap4 until the detents8 snap into thelower detent openings6. This is accomplished by moving the detents8 over internal cam surfaces10 toward thelower detent openings6. The cam surfaces act as ramps which compress the detents8 sufficiently to permit them to snap into thelower detent openings6. Internal threads10aguide the detents8 into position.
• When the base/reservoir unit is in this first, lower position, the[0039]needle9 is positioned apart from the septum (not shown) of thereservoir1. Thus the needle does not pierce the septum while the base/reservoir unit is in this first position. When the base/reservoir unit is connected to the cap in this fashion, an integrated cap/base/reservoir unit is thereby formed. Conveniently, such an integrated cap/base/reservoir unit can be sold or stored for long periods of time in this fashion. Alternatively the end user can assemble this unit shortly prior to placing it in the pump for use.
• When the user desires to insert the cap/base/reservoir unit in the pump housing and commence dispensing the medication through a conduit, such as insertion set[0040]tubing5, thebase2 is moved to the second position within the cap4. This is accomplished by twisting the base/reservoir unit while pushing it further into the cap4. The detents8 disengage from thelower detent openings6 and engage into the upper detent openings7. Additional internal threads10aof the cap4 serve to guide the detents8 over additional cam surfaces10 from their first position in thelower detent openings6 to the second position in the upper detent openings7.
• In one embodiment, the threads and the spacing between the[0041]lower detents6 and the upper detents7 is such that a one quarter (¼) turn of the base will cause the base/reservoir unit to travel from the first to the second position. Theneedle9 is disposed so that when the base/reservoir unit is in the second position, the needle pierces the septum of thereservoir1. Thus the movement of the base/reservoir unit from the first to the second position within the cap serves to cause the needle to pierce the reservoir's septum, thus permitting the fluid in the reservoir to flow into theneedle9 and the insertion settubing5.
• After this connection is made, the reservoir, base and cap form a unit which can be releasably secured in the housing of a medication infusion pump (not shown). Detents[0042]4aextend radially from the exterior of the cap and are adapted to engage into detent openings (not shown) in the pump housing. In an alternative embodiment, the cap4 can include external threads (not shown) which are used to engage the threads of the pump housing in order to secure the reservoir/base/cap unit into the housing.
• FIGS. 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment of the infusion set connector interface. The connector interface is comprised of a[0043]base11 and acap12. Thecap12 includes aneedle18 located internal to the cap housing (FIG. 4). The base11 would normally be fixedly attached to thereservoir1 by securing it around theswage3. However, alternative embodiments of the present invention include a removable base so that the connector interface could be used with standard reservoirs, cartridges or syringes which were not initially manufactured with the base attached.
• The[0044]cap12 portion of the connector interface is removably attached to the base11 with a releasable coupler. In this embodiment, the releasable coupler is comprised ofdetents15 formed on thebase11 and detent openings disposed in thecap12. Twodetents13 are disposed on the sides of thebase11 and are spaced 180° radially apart. Only onedetent13 is shown in FIG. 3. Thedetents13 are sized to fit in twodetent openings14 which are formed in thecap12. As with the pair ofdetents13, each of thedetent openings14 are radially spaced apart by 180°.
• In operation, the[0045]base11 and thereservoir1 form an integrated unit which in turn is to be connected to thecap12. In connecting this integrated base/reservoir unit to thecap12, thebase11 is inserted into the lower end of thecap12. Thedetents13 slide into matingly shaped and longitudinallyopen entry slots15 formed within the interior walls of thecap12. When thebase11 is fully inserted in thecap12, the leading edges of thedetents13 abut anannular stop shoulder16 formed within thecap12. After thedetents13 are in this position, thebase11 is rotated within thecap12 toward a locked position. Referring to FIG. 4, this rotation displaces thedetents13 in a rotational direction for engagement with cam surfaces17 formed within thecap12. The rotational force on thedetents13 over the cam surfaces17 provides a compression force on thedetents13. Continued rotation of thebase11 displaces thedetents13 past the cam surfaces17 and into alignment with thedetent openings14. Thedetents13 enter thedetent openings14 with a snap-action. Thus, thedetents13 are effectively locked within thedetent openings14 to prevent longitudinal separation of the base11 from thecap12.
• In the preferred embodiment, the[0046]internal needle18 of thecap12 is disposed so that when the base/reservoir unit is fully inserted in thecap12, the needle pierces the septum (not shown) of thereservoir1. Thus the insertion force of the base/reservoir unit to the point where thedetents13 abut theannular stop shoulder16 causes theneedle18 to pierce the septum, thus permitting the fluid in the reservoir to flow into theneedle18 and the insertion set tubing (not shown).
• After this connection is made, the reservoir, base and cap form a unit which can be releasably secured in the housing of a medication infusion pump. (not shown) The[0047]cap12 includesexternal threads19 which are used to engage the threads of the pump housing in order to secure the reservoir/base/cap unit into the housing. In the preferred embodiment, thethreads19 have an eight threads per inch (“TPI”),2 start profile. Moreover, they have a square shaped cross section which maximizes their holding strength. Other thread profiles and cross-sections may be used however.
• When disconnection of the base[0048]11 from thecap12 is desired, thebase11 must be reverse-rotated within thecap12, to move thedetents13 past the cam surfaces17 into re-alignment with theentry slots15. Such reverse-rotation of the coupler can be performed relatively easily, but essentially requires an affirmative intent by the user to disconnect the coupling. When thedetents13 are re-aligned with theentry slots15, thecap12 andbase11 can be separated easily with minimal longitudinal force.
• FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the reservoir/base/cap integrated unit in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4. The[0049]reservoir1 includes acrimp seal swage3 which encloses the outer periphery of therubber septum20 in order to secure theseptum20 to thereservoir1 and form a water tight seal. With the base11 in the locked position as shown, thedetents13 of the base11 are locked into thedetent openings14 to securely attach the base/reservoir unit into thecap12. Theneedle18 pierces therubber septum20, thus permitting the flow of liquid through theneedle18 and into the infusion settubing cavity22. Infusion set tubing (not shown) is secured into thecavity22 to allow the liquid to continue its flow to the user.
• In the preferred embodiment, the conduit from the[0050]cap12 is infusion set tubing. However in an alternative embodiment, the conduit comprises a second needle (not shown). This is secured into thecavity22 with the point of the second needle extending outward. With this arrangement, the connector serves as an apparatus for permitting the refilling of thereservoir1. The second, external needle would pierce the septum of a supply vial of fluid. The fluid could then be drawn into the cap in a reverse flow and into thereservoir1 via theinternal needle18.
• In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, infusion set tubing is secured to the[0051]cavity22 to allow liquid to flow to the user. Thecavity22 is disposed in the raised portion of thecap12. In an alternative embodiment, however, the raised portion of thecap12 can be in the shape of a standard luer fitting47 shown in FIG. 13.
• Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment the[0052]base11 is formed around and fixedly attached to thecrimp seal swage3 portion of thereservoir1. In an alternative embodiment, however, thebase11 is not fixedly attached to the reservoir. Rather, thebase11 is a separate unit which is adapted to be releasably secured to the reservoir via a friction fit. This arrangement permits the connector apparatus to be used with standard reservoirs.
• Still referring to FIG. 5, the[0053]cap12 includesthreads19 for securing the assembly into the pump housing (not shown). Ashoulder23 is formed as part of thecap12 and is adapted to seat against the pump housing to form a water tight seal. This prevents any water which is exterior to the housing from entering, thus permitting the user to engage in water sports.
• The construction of these pumps to be water resistant can give rise to operational problems. As the user engages in activities which expose the pump to varying atmospheric pressures, such as for example, swimming or traveling in an airplane, differential pressures can arise between the interior of the air tight/water-resistant housing and the atmosphere. Should the pressure in the housing exceed external atmospheric pressure, the resulting forces could cause the reservoir piston to be driven inward thus delivering unwanted medication. Alternatively, should the pressure in the housing be less than the external pressure, the resulting forces could cause the infusion pump motor to work harder to advance the reservoir piston.[0054]
• To address this problem, a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a vent which permits water resistant housing construction. The[0055]cap12 includes a plurality ofvent ports24, only one of which is shown in FIG. 5. Thevent ports24 permit equalization of pump housing pressure to atmospheric pressure. Hydrophobic material (not shown) covers the interior openings of thevent ports24. Hydrophobic material permits air to pass through the material while preventing water or other liquids from doing so, thus permitting water resistant venting. The preferred embodiment uses a hydrophobic material such as Gore-Tex®, PTFE, HDPE, or UHMW polymers from sources such as W. I. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz., Porex Technologies, Fairburn, Ga., DeWAL Industries, Saunderstown, R.I., or Pall Specialty Materials, Port Washington, N.Y.
• These materials are available in sheet form or molded (press and sintered) in a geometry of choice. Referring to FIGS.[0056]14A-14C, preferred methods to attach this material to thecap12 include molding the hydrophobic material into a sphere50 (FIG. 14A) or a cylinder51 (FIG. 14B) and pressing it into a cavity in the pre-molded plastic housing. Alternatively, a label52 (FIG. 14C) of this material could be made with either a transfer adhesive orheat bond material53 so that the label could be applied over thevent port24. Alternatively, the label could be sonically welded to the housing. In either method, air will be able to pass freely, but water will not.
• In an alternative embodiment which is not shown, the venting is accomplished through a vent port located in the pump housing. This is described in greater detail in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/429,352, filed Oct. 28, 1999, which application is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, vent ports can be placed both in the[0057]cap12 as well as the pump housing.
• An advantage of placing the vent port and hydrophobic material in the[0058]cap12, as opposed to in the pump housing only, is that the infusion set and its related connectors are disposable and are replaced frequently with each new reservoir or vial of medication. Thus, new hydrophobic material is frequently placed into service. This provides enhanced ventilation as compared with the placement of hydrophobic material in only the pump housing. Material in this location will not be replaced as often and thus is subject to dirt or oil build up which will retard ventilation.
• As an alternative to the use of hydrophobic material, water can be prevented from flowing through the vent port by other apparatuses, such as the use of relief valves.[0059]
• FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the reservoir/base/cap unit in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 which is secured into a[0060]pump housing30. Thethreads19 of thecap12 engage the pump housing threads. Rather than the use of threads, an alternative embodiment (not shown) of thecap12 could include detents extending radially from the exterior of thecap12 which are adapted to engage detent openings in the pump housing.
• The[0061]shoulder23 portion of thecap12 seats against thepump housing30 to permit water tight construction. Further aiding in the watertight construction is an O-ring seal31 which is disposed in thepump housing30 and located just above theshoulder23. In the preferred embodiment, thevent material32 is comprised of hydrophobic material and is sonic welded to the upper interior surface of thecap12. Alternatively, thevent material32 could be attached to thecap12 with an adhesive. The vent ports are not shown in FIG. 6.
• Although the foregoing description of the venting was in connection with the embodiment of FIGS.[0062]3-6, this feature is also applicable to the embodiment of FIGS.1-2.
• FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternative embodiment of the[0063]cap12. Referring to FIG. 7, a cap engagement member consists of adetent arm34 which is formed in the upper portion of thecap12. The purpose of thedetent arm34 is to securely engage thecap12 into the pump housing. FIG. 8 shows a top view of thecap12 positioned in thepump housing30. Thepump housing30 has two case lock recesses35 disposed in the circular rim of the housing. Thedetent arm34 snaps into either of the case lock recesses35. This engagement results in a “click” when thecap12 is appropriately seated, thus providing both tactile and audible feedback to the user that the cap is securely engaged in the pump housing. Moreover, thedetent arm34 aligning with therecess35 also serves as a visual indicator that thecap12 is appropriately seated.
• FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the[0064]cap12 which contains a child safety feature. Thecap12 includes a locking member which consists of asafety tab36 disposed in agroove37. Thesafety tab36 is sized such that it is able to slide along the length of thegroove37. When thesafety tab36 is in the position shown in FIG. 9, thedetent arm34 is unable to retract from its engaged position. Thus when thecap12 is seated into the pump housing30 (not shown) and the detent arm is seated into the case lock recess35 (not shown), thesafety tab36 will prevent thedetent arm34 from disengaging from thecase lock recess35 thus more securely locking thecap12 in the pump housing.
• Thus for example, a parent could slide the[0065]safety tab36 from the unlocked location in thegroove37 to the locked location shown in FIG. 9 so that it would be more difficult for a young child or infant to inadvertently remove the cap/base/reservoir unit from the pump housing. On the other hand, when thesafety tab36 is moved to the opposite end of thegroove37, thedetent arm34 is able to retract thus permitting removal of thecap12 from the pump housing.
• Although the foregoing description of the cap engagement member and child safety tab was in connection with the embodiment of FIGS.[0066]3-9, this feature is also applicable to the embodiment of FIGS.1-2.
• FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the[0067]cap12 and thevent material32. In the preferred embodiment, the vent material is made of hydrophobic material and is formed in a circular shape with a circular hole in the center. Thevent material32 is attached to the upperinterior surface38 of thecap12 via sonic welding or an adhesive. When it is so attached, theneedle18 protrudes through the center hole of thevent material32 but the interior openings of the vent ports24 (not shown) are covered.
• FIGS. 11 and 12 show an embodiment of the present invention where an[0068]adapter40 is provided to allow astandard style syringe41 with an integrated luer fitting42 to be mounted and sealed in the pump housing. Thesyringe41 is inserted through the center of theadapter40 and held into place by a friction fit. The O-ring seal43 in theadapter40 seats against the syringe wall in order to prevent water and dirt from entering the pump housing.
• A[0069]shoulder45 is formed as part of theadapter40 and is adapted to seat against the interior of the pump housing to form a water tight seal. Twotabs44 are formed on the top surface of theadapter40 and provide a surface for the user to grip theadapter40 and twist it so that theadapter threads19 engage the threads (not shown) of the pump housing. Adetent arm34 is formed in the upper portion of theadapter40. Its purpose is to securely lock theadapter40 into the pump housing (not shown) in the same manner as is shown in FIG. 8. Although not shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, theadapter40 can further contain vent ports covered with hydrophobic material or a relief valve in order to permit water resistant venting of the pump housing in the same manner as previously described with other embodiments.
• FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the present invention where an interface is provided to connect a reservoir to a conduit, such as tubing, via a standard luer fitting connection. This allows a luer style disposable infusion set to connect to the pump housing (not shown). A[0070]cap46 is formed with a luer fitting47 portion as an integral part thereof. Except for the shape of the luer fitting47 portion, thecap46 has all of the other features of thecap12 shown in FIG. 5. Thus referring to FIG. 13, thecap46 is comprised of, among other things,threads19,detent openings14, ashoulder23, ventports24, adetent arm34, and a needle (not shown) disposed in the interior of thecap46.
• While the embodiment of FIG. 13 includes a base member (not shown) to complete the connection of the[0071]cap46 with a reservoir, other embodiments of the invention perform this function using a single integrated unit. In an illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 15 which includes a number of typical elements of the invention, aluer adapter51 is provided as a single, integral unit for connection to a standard prefilled cartridge ormedication reservoir52. Thereservoir52 is comprised of awatertight cylinder53 having aneck54 with an opening (not shown) at the proximate end of thecylinder53. Aswage55 having anannular shoulder56 is secured around theneck54 of thecylinder53. Theswage55 secures a rubber septum (not shown) over the opening (not shown) of theneck54 thus providing a fluid-tight seal. Theluer adapter51 is comprised of areservoir connector portion57, aneck portion58 and a maleluer connector portion59. Thereservoir connector portion57 includes a piercing member orneedle60 which is adapted to pierce the septum (not shown) of thereservoir52 upon attaching it to theluer adapter51.
• In an illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS.[0072]16A-16C which includes a number of typical elements of the invention, thereservoir connector portion57 further comprises an open-endedcylindrical member61 having a base62 which closes one end of thecylindrical member61. Theneedle60 is enclosed by thecylindrical member61 and projects axially from thebase62. The length of extension of theneedle60 from the base is shorter than that of thecylindrical member61 which serves to protect theneedle60 and to reduce the likelihood of accidental needle contact with the hands of users.
• In the embodiment of FIGS.[0073]16A-16C, thecylindrical member61 has a plurality of generally rectangular-shapedgaps63 extending from the open end of themember61 to the base62 thereby forming a plurality ofarms64. To secure theluer adapter51 to thereservoir52, thearms64 can be snapped over the reservoir swage55 (FIG. 15). Inwardly protrudingtabs65 are formed on the end of thearms64 and are sized to engage theannular shoulder56 of thereservoir swage55 thus securing it to theluer adapter51 in a snap-fit engagement. Moreover, as theluer adapter51 is inserted over theswage55, theneedle60 pierces the reservoir septum thus providing a fluid path from the reservoir to the luer fitting.
• The snap fit engagement disclosed herein allows a user to quickly and conveniently couple a reservoir to a specific interface, such as a luer, another snap-fit or any other fitting known in the art that is present on the conduit or device to which the reservoir is coupled. As used herein, snap-fit as in “snap-fit engagement” refers to the releasable coupling of a first member (e.g. the[0074]arm64 of FIG. 16C) to a second member (e.g. theswage55 in FIG. 15) where a protrusion on the first member (e.g. thetab65 on thearm64 of FIG. 16C) typically rides over a portion of the second member causing the first member to temporarily deflect until the protrusion on the first member is situated in a receiving space on the second member (e.g. theannular shoulder56 of FIG. 15). Advantageously, this engagement typically results in a “click” when the first member is appropriately situated, thus providing both tactile and audible feedback to the user that the first member is securely engaged with the second member. Additional benefits of such an engagement include its facilitating a medical practitioner's ability to quickly and easily assemble an apparatus in situations where a patient requires immediate medical intervention.
• Embodiments having a single integral unit comprising a base and a cap further reduce the amount of time needed to generate a fully functional medical device because there is no need to separately couple a base to a reservoir before using the adapter. In addition, because this embodiment comprises a single integral unit rather than a composite of multiple subunits, this design facilites both operator handling as well as the maintainence of sterility. In addition, manufacturing is simplified because the device may be produced from a single mold.[0075]
• In typical embodiment illustrated in FIGS.[0076]16A-16C, thecylindrical member61 is constructed of polyolefin or other material which has sufficient flexibility to permit thearms64 to flex and snap fit over thereservoir swage55 yet further has sufficient strength to secure theneedle60 in theluer adapter51. Although the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS.16A-16C hasarms64, other embodiments of the present invention include an open-ended cylinder member which has no gaps in the cylinder wall and therefore no arms. Utilizing a material of appropriate flexibility, the cylinder member of such an embodiment is able to snap-fit over a reservoir swage. Furthermore, a balance may be struck between the flexibility (or elasticity) of the selected material and the number and dimensions (e.g. width and wall and tab thicknesses) of thearms64 employed to obtain the design engagement feel. In embodiments for which the open-ended cylindrical member includes no arms, the wall and tab thicknesses are selected in consideration of the material elasticity.
• In another typical embodiment of the invention that is illustrated in FIGS.[0077]16A-16C the maleluer connector portion59 of theluer adapter51 is joined to thereservoir connector portion57 by theneck portion58. Theneck portion58 is cylindrically-shaped and has a diameter which is smaller than that of thereservoir connector portion57 as well as the maleluer connector portion59 of theluer adapter51. Theneck portion58 is sized to fit within a housing of a medication infusion pump or any other apparatus so that theluer adapter51 andreservoir52 assembly can be secured therein. The maleluer connector portion59 is a standard fitting comprising aluer collar66 and aluer taper67.
• FIGS.[0078]17A-17D show an another typical embodiment of an integralpiece luer adapter81. In this embodiment, theadapter81, operates in essentially the same manner as the embodiment of FIGS.16A-16C, and comprises a maleluer connector portion82 at one end, areservoir connector portion83 at the opposite end, and a connectingneck portion84. The maleluer connector portion82 is a standard, known fitting which includes aluer collar85, aluer taper86 andthreads87 which are on the internal surface of theluer collar85. As illustrated in FIG. 17B, the connectingneck portion84 is generally cylindrical in shape and has afirst collar89 which attached to the maleluer connector portion82 as well as asecond collar90 which is attached to thereservoir connector portion83. A plurality of longitudinally extendingribs91 connect thefirst collar89 with thesecond collar90. A plurality ofopenings92 which are defined by theribs91 expose aneedle88 which extends from the maleluer connector portion82, through theneck portion84 and to thereservoir connection portion83. Theopenings92 provide access by external devices which can be used to grip theneedle88 during the assembly process. Theneedle88 can be held in place while a mold is being filled during this assembly. Although a plurality of openings is preferred, only onesuch opening92 is included to hold theneedle88.
• In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS.[0079]17A-17D, thereservoir connector portion83 comprises an open-endedcylindrical member92 having a base93 which closes one end of thecylindrical member92. Theneedle88 is enclosed by thecylindrical member92 and projects axially from thebase93. Thecylindrical member92 has a plurality of generally rectangular-shapedgaps94 extending from the open end of themember92 to the base93 thereby forming a plurality ofarms95. To secure theluer adapter81 to a reservoir, thearms95 can be snapped over a swage of an industry standard reservoir. As seen in FIG. 17D, inwardly protrudingtabs96 are formed on the end of thearms95 and are sized to engage an annular shoulder of a standard reservoir swage thus securing it to theluer adapter81 in a snap-fit engagement as previously described.
• In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.[0080]17A-17D, theneedle88 projects axially from thebase93 of thecylindrical member92 and extends for a length which is shorter than the length of thearms95. The opposite end of theneedle88 extends to the end of theluer taper86 thus providing a fluid flow path from a reservoir which may be attached to thereservoir connection portion83 to infusion set tubing which may be attached to theluer connector portion82. In one embodiment (not shown), the end of theneedle88 which extends to theluer taper86 can be tapered outwardly in order to more securely seat theneedle88 in theluer adapter81. Alternatively theneedle88 can be grit blasted in order to enhance the bonding to the body of theluer adapter81, or theneedle88 can be assembled via an insertion molding process or an epoxy bonding process.
• In another illustrative embodiment (not shown), the[0081]needle88 does not extend to the end of theluer taper86. Rather, theneedle88 terminates inside of theluer taper86 and a cylindrical cavity (not shown) within theluer taper86 extends from the end of theneedle88 to the exterior of theluer taper86. This cavity can be sized to receive a needle or other conduit from another device in order to provide a flow path to refill a cartridge which may be attached to thereservoir connection portion83.
• As illustrated in FIGS. 17B and 17C, the[0082]arms95 are wider and thegaps94 are narrower than thearms64 and thegaps63 shown in the embodiment of FIGS.16A-16C. As previously mentioned, the number and dimensions of the arms which are used to snap over the swage of a standard reservoir can be adjusted to accommodate the degree of flexibility of the material used to construct a cylindrical member portion of a luer adapter.
• FIGS.[0083]18A-18C show yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, aluer adapter101 is comprised of areservoir connection portion102 and a maleluer connection portion103. In contrast to the embodiments of FIGS. 16A and 17A, theluer adapter101 does not have a neck portion since one may not be needed for those applications where it is not necessary for a luer adapter to be secured in a medication pump or other device in that fashion. However theluer adapter101 does have a plurality of generally rectangular-shapedseating tabs104 disposed on thereservoir connector portion102. Thetabs104 can be used to secure theluer adapter101 in a medication pump or other device housing. In other respects, theluer adapter101 operates in the same manner as the embodiments of FIGS. 16A and 17A.
• Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while the embodiments of FIGS.[0084]15-18 disclose an adapter for connecting a standard reservoir to a luer fitting as a typical embodiment of the invention, the invention disclosed herein is not limited to luer fittings. Instead, the design of the inventive adapter can be used for connecting a standard reservoir to one or more of the variety of other types of fittings know in the art, such a swage or crimp fitting, threaded or unthreaded fittings, a nipple fitting or any other fitting known in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. By utilizing such a design, the invention therefore serves as a universal adapter for connecting elements such as a conduit to any one of a wide variety of reservoirs known in the art.
• While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. All patents, patent application and literature references identified herein are incorporated herein by reference.[0085]

Claims (24)

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for connecting a reservoir having a septum to a conduit, the apparatus comprising:

a conduit portion;

a piercing member coupled to the conduit portion and adapted to pierce the septum; and

a reservoir connector portion coupled to the conduit portion and comprising an open-ended cylindrical member;

wherein the open-ended cylindrical member is releasably coupleable to the reservoir and the piercing member pierces the septum when so coupled such that the piercing member and the conduit portion can conduct a fluid.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the conduit portion comprises a luer connector.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member includes a base which closes one end of the open-ended cylindrical member and the piercing member extends from the base and is enclosed by the open-ended cylindrical member.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member has at least one inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of arms, each arm having an inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion comprising at least one opening for gripping the piercing member.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion adapted to secure the apparatus in a housing.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of seating tabs for securing the apparatus in a housing.

9. A method of connecting a reservoir having a septum to a conduit, comprising the steps of:

releasably coupling a reservoir connector portion comprising an open-ended cylindrical member to the reservoir, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to a conduit portion and the conduit portion is coupled to a piercing member; and

piercing the septum with the piercing member when releasably coupling such that the piercing member and the conduit portion can conduct a fluid.

10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the conduit portion comprises a luer connector.

11. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member includes a base which closes one end of the open-ended cylindrical member and the piercing member extends from the base and is enclosed by the open-ended cylindrical member.

12. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member has at least one inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

13. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of arms, each arm having an inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

14. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion comprising at least one opening for gripping the piercing member.

15. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit portion by a neck portion adapted to secure the apparatus in a housing.

16. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of seating tabs for securing the apparatus in a housing.

17. An apparatus for connecting a reservoir having a septum to a conduit, comprising:

a conduit means;

a piercing means for piercing the septum coupled to the conduit means; and

a reservoir connector means coupled to the conduit portion and comprising an open-ended cylindrical member;

wherein the open-ended cylindrical member is releasably coupleable to the reservoir and the piercing means pierces the septum when so coupled such that the piercing means and the conduit means can conduct a fluid.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the conduit means comprises a luer connector.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member includes a base which closes one end of the open-ended cylindrical member and the piercing means extends from the base and is enclosed by the open-ended cylindrical member.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member has at least one inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

21. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of arms, each arm having an inwardly protruding tab which engages an annular shoulder of the reservoir in a snap-fit.

22. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the reservoir connector portion is coupled to the conduit means by a neck portion comprising at least one opening for gripping the piercing member.

23. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the reservoir connector means is coupled to the conduit means by a neck portion adapted to secure the apparatus in a housing.

24. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the open-ended cylindrical member comprises a plurality of seating tabs for securing the apparatus in a housing.

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