DISINFECTION CAP FOR IV NEEDLELESS CONNECTORS

Abstract

Disinfection cap includes housing comprising closed top, essentially cylindrical sidewall, and open bottom formed by the sidewall with opening to inner cavity within the housing for receiving mating feature of needleless connector. Disinfection sponge can be configured within inner cavity, with removable cover sealing opening to inner cavity to seal sponge within inner cavity prior to cap use. Inner cavity includes threads on inner surface of its sidewall that do not correspond to the mating feature of needleless connector. One thread engages with mating feature of needleless connector. Plurality of disinfection caps can be disposed on strip of IV pole hanging device such that each cap can be peeled off the strip unsealed for immediate use, or separated from the strip sealed for later use.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a strip; and a plurality of caps attached to said strip, each of said caps comprising: a multiple start thread pattern comprising a first start thread path wherein the first start thread path has a first major profile, a first minor profile, a first pitch, and a first thread section profile, and at least a second start thread path wherein the second start thread path has a second major profile, a second minor profile, a second pitch, and a second thread section profile; and an inner cavity comprising an inner surface having said first and second start thread paths, a closed end, and an open end opposite said closed end comprising an opening configured to receive a secondary medical device connector, wherein the first thread section profile and the second thread section profile are different, the first pitch and the second pitch are substantially equivalent, the first and second start thread paths are configured to interface with a complimentary male thread of said secondary medical device connector, said complimentary male thread having a third major profile with a uniform outer diameter, a third minor profile, and a third pitch substantially equivalent to the first and second pitches of the first and second start thread paths, and when said complimentary thread is engaged to said first and second start thread paths contacting said third major profile a first helical void is formed by the space enclosed by at least one of said third major profile and said third minor profile of the complimentary male thread and the first start thread path and a second helical void is formed by the space enclosed by at least one of said third major profile and said third minor profile of the complimentary male thread and the second start thread path, wherein said second helical void is larger than the first helical void, and an airflow path from a proximal end of the cap to the inner cavity is formed by said first and second helical voids when said complimentary male thread is engaged to said multiple start thread pattern.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein one or more of said caps comprises a disinfection agent retention sponge retained in the inner cavity essentially at a distal end of the cap.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner surface forms an essentially frustoconical inner cavity having a larger cross section at the proximal end of the cap.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner surface forms an essentially cylindrical inner cavity having a cross section greater than the third major profile of the complimentary male thread of the secondary medical device connector.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first start thread path interfaces with the complimentary male thread to substantially engage at least a portion of the complimentary male thread tangentially and non-tangentially.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said strip comprises said removable cover for said plurality of said caps disposed thereon, whereby each cap of said plurality of caps is attached to said strip at said bottom of said cap and is peelable off said strip uncovering said opening to said inner cavity of said cap when peeled off said strip.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said strip is double-sided comprising a first side opposing a second side, at least one of said plurality of caps attached to said first side, and at least another one of said plurality of caps attached to said second side.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein at least said one of said caps and at least said another one of said caps are attached to said strip at essentially the same longitudinal location on said strip.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said strip comprises a plurality of prongs attached to, and extending away from, a surface of said strip, whereby each cap of said plurality of caps is removably attached to said strip by one of said prongs connected to said exterior surface of said cap.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein said strip is double-sided comprising a first side opposing a second side, at least one of said plurality of caps is attached to said first side by at least one of said plurality of prongs extending said first side, and at least another one of said plurality of caps is attached to said second side by at least another one of said plurality of prongs extending said second side.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein at least said one of said prongs and at least said another one of said prongs are attached to said strip at essentially the same longitudinal location on said strip.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said strip comprises an attachment portion for selectively placing said strip on an IV pole.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said strip is essentially flat and comprises a plurality of sections separated by perforations in said strip, each of said sections comprising at least one of said plurality of the caps disposed thereon, whereby said perforations facilitate detachment at said perforations of at least one of said sections with said at least one cap disposed thereon.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein said strip comprises said removable cover for said plurality of said caps disposed thereon, whereby each cap of said plurality of caps is attached to said strip at said bottom of said cap and is peelable off said strip uncovering said opening to said inner cavity of said cap when peeled off said strip.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein said strip is double-sided comprising a first side opposing a second side, at least one of said plurality of caps attached to said first side, and at least another one of said plurality of caps attached to said second side.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein at least said one of said caps and at least said another one of said caps are attached to said strip at essentially the same longitudinal location on said strip.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said strip seals the inner cavity of one or more of said plurality of caps.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein said strip seals the inner cavity of said each of said plurality of caps.

19. The device of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of said strip seals the inner cavity including said disinfection agent retention sponge of the one or more of said plurality of caps.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein said each of said plurality of caps comprises a disinfection agent retention sponge retained in the inner cavity essentially at a distal end of said each of said plurality of caps; and said strip seals the inner cavity including said disinfection agent retention sponge of said each of said plurality of caps.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The above benefits and other advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and from the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

[0051] FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross sectional views of conventional caps for needleless connectors.

[0052] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a conventional device for hanging caps on an IV pole.

[0053] FIGS. 3A and 3B are three-dimensional views of a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 4B illustrates another view of a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0057] FIG. 6 is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0058] FIG. 7 is an illustration of venting in a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0059] FIG. 8A is a cross sectional view of a cap according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 8B illustrates another view of a cap according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 9 is an illustration of venting in a cap according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0062] FIG. 10 is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a cap according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0063] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a cap according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 11B illustrates another view of a cap according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 12 is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a cap according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0066] FIG. 13 is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a cap according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0067] FIG. 14A is an illustration of venting in a cap according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0068] FIG. 14B illustrates another view of a cap according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 15 is a three-dimensional view of a cap according to still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 16 is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a cap according to still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0071] FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a cap according to yet further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] FIG. 17B is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a cap according to yet further exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0073] FIG. 17C is an illustration of venting in a cap according to yet further exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0074] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a cap according to yet another further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a cap according to an exemplary implementation of yet further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 20A is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a cap according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0077] FIG. 20B illustrates another view of a cap according to a still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] FIG. 20C is an illustration of venting in a cap according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0079] FIG. 21A is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a cap according to yet still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0080] FIG. 21B illustrates another view of a cap according to yet still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 21C is an illustration of venting in a cap according to yet still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0082] FIG. 21B illustrates another view of a cap according to yet still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 21C is an illustration of venting in a cap according to yet still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0084] FIG. 21B illustrates another view of a cap according to yet still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] FIG. 21C is an illustration of venting in a cap according to yet still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed on a medical implement such as a needleless connector.

[0086] FIG. 22 is a cross sectional drawing of a conventional female (Luer) lock conical fitting.

[0087] FIG. 23A is a cross-section view of a cap according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] FIG. 23B is a three-dimensional drawing of a cap according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F, 24G, 24H, and 24I are engineering drawings at different perspective views, cross sections and magnification illustrative of a cap according to exemplary implementations of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for hanging a plurality of caps on an IV pole.

[0091] FIG. 25C illustrates a device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention for hanging a plurality of caps on an IV pole.

[0092] FIG. 25D illustrates a device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention for hanging a plurality of caps on an IV pole.

[0093] FIG. 26A illustrates a device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention for hanging a plurality of caps on an IV pole.

[0094] FIG. 26B illustrates a device according to still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention for hanging a plurality of caps on an IV pole.

[0095] Throughout the drawings, like reference numbers will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0096] The matters exemplified in this description are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0097] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a disinfection cap that can have an increased venting performance, while using a novel single shot moldable cap design features where disinfection fluid venting can be accomplished by incorporating cap features for (thread major diameter, thread minor diameter, thread pitch, thread section profile and number of threads features) that do not correspond to the mating features on the IV catheter needleless connector hub. The cap's thread minor features grip the needleless connector thread major features causing an interference friction fit between the two parts. These non-corresponding thread features result in significant spiral venting paths around the outside of the needleless connector thread major sections between the cap and IV hub. These paths lead from the alcohol soaked disinfection sponge in the upper section of the cap, spirally down the inner diameter of the cap and vent out of the bottom of the cap to atmosphere.

[0098] As would be readily appreciated by skilled artisans in the relevant art, in the description that follows, definition of “a feature that does not correspond to the mating feature” is: a feature that is not identical to the mating feature in all essentials or respects. Definition of “identical” is: outside of industry average tolerance ranges for injection moldable plastic parts and injection moldable plastic parts assemblies. Also, it is to be noted that, while descriptive terms such as “tip”, “hub”, “thread”, “sponge”, “protrusion”, “slope”, and others are used throughout this specification to facilitate understanding, it is not intended to limit any components that can be used in combinations or individually to implement various aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] Furthermore, the cap thread feature sizing can be optimized in relation to the needleless connector thread or mating features as to maximize the cap's venting rate performance while still meeting other product requirements. Manufacturing injection demolding can be accomplished via spiral ejection of the parts or rotating mold core. Thus, two shot injection and/or plastic parts assembly is not required with design concepts according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0100] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, embodiments of the present invention are described as follows.

[0101] According to an exemplary implementation of the embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4-7, a cross thread disinfection cap 300 can fit onto a tip or hub 12 of needleless connector 9 and comprises housing 302 comprising: a closed top 322; an essentially cylindrical sidewall 304 with an outer sidewall surface 320; and an open bottom 324 with an opening 326 to an inner cavity 328 within housing 302 for receiving tip of a needleless connector 9. The bottom 324 formed by sidewall 304 of housing 302 is not flat such that space 370 exists between a flat surface 310 and bottom 324 of cap 300. The inner cavity 328 accommodates an alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 380 and has threads (or mating feature) 340 on inner sidewall surface 330 of sidewall 304. The diameter (major diameter 345 and/or minor diameter 346) of threads 340 of the cap 300 does not correspond to the thread (or mating feature) 13 of the needleless connector 9. A removable cover 399 can be attached to bottom 324 of cap 300 to seal inner cavity 328 including disinfection sponge 380.

[0102] In addition, as further illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, according to an exemplary implementation, thread pitch, thread section profile, and/or number-of-threads of cap 300 do not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9. Since the threads 340 of the cap 300 do not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9, venting 311 of the alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 380 occurs through the one opening 326 to the inner cavity 328, essentially around the outside of threads 13 of the needleless connector 9 and via space 370 to the outside (atmosphere) of the cap housing 302.

[0103] According to another exemplary implementation of the embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-10, a thread major gap disinfection cap 800 can fit onto a tip 12 of needleless connector 9 and comprises housing 802 comprising: a closed top 822; an essentially cylindrical sidewall 804 with an outer sidewall surface 820; and an open bottom 824 with an opening 826 to an inner cavity 828 within housing 802 for receiving tip of a needleless connector 9. The bottom 824 formed by sidewall 804 of housing 802 is not flat such that space 870 exists between a flat surface 810 and bottom 824 of cap 800. The inner cavity 828 accommodates an alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 880 and has threads 840 on inner sidewall surface 830 of sidewall 804. A removable cover 899 can be attached to bottom 824 of cap 800 to seal inner cavity 828 including disinfection sponge 880

[0104] The pitch of threads 840 corresponds to the pitch of thread 13 of needleless connector 9. However, the profile (major profile 841 and/or minor profile 842) of threads 840 of the cap 800 does not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9. Since the threads 840 of the cap 800 do not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9, venting 811 of the alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 880 occurs through the one opening 826 to the inner cavity 828, essentially around the outside of threads 13 of the needleless connector 9 and via space 870 to the outside (atmosphere) of the cap housing 802.

[0105] According to yet another exemplary implementation of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12, a thread-castellartions-design disinfection cap 1100 can fit onto a tip 12 of needleless connector 9 and comprises housing 1102 comprising: a closed top 1122; an essentially cylindrical sidewall 1104 with an outer sidewall surface 1120; and an open bottom 1124 with an opening 1126 to an inner cavity 1128 within housing 1102 for receiving tip 12 of a needleless connector 9. The bottom 1124 formed by sidewall 1104 of housing 1102 includes an irregular bottom inner sidewall surface 1132 with divots 1136 such that the opening 1126 does not form an airtight seal with outer surface 25 of needleless connector 9.

[0106] In an exemplary implementation, housing 1102 comprises a flared lower portion 1190 formed at bottom 1124, which includes divots 1136. Any number, one or more, of divots 1136 can be regularly or randomly spaced along bottom inner sidewall surface 1132. The inner cavity 1128 accommodates an alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 1180, similarly to an example of FIG. 10, such that sponge 1180 contact and disinfects at least tip 12 of needleless connector 9. Inner cavity 1128 comprises threads 1140 on inner sidewall surface 1130 of sidewall 1104.

[0107] The pitch of threads 1140 corresponds to the pitch of thread 13 of needleless connector 9. However, the profile (major profile 1141 and/or minor profile 1142) of threads 1140 of the cap 1100 does not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9. Since the threads 1140 of the cap 1100 do not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9, venting 1111 of the alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 1180 occurs essentially around the outside of threads 13 of the needleless connector 9, and through one or more divots 1136 of opening 1126 to the inner cavity 1128, to the outside (atmosphere) of the cap housing 1102. The bottom 1124 formed by sidewall 1104 of housing 1102 can be, but does not have to be, essentially flat (in contrast to exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 where space 870 exists between a flat surface 810 and bottom 824 of cap 800). A removable cover 1199 can be attached to bottom 1124 of cap 1100 to seal inner cavity 1128 including disinfection sponge 1180.

[0108] According to yet further exemplary implementation of the embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B, an extended-thread-design gap disinfection cap 1300 can fit onto a tip 12 of needleless connector 9 and comprises housing 1302 comprising: a closed top 1322; an essentially cylindrical sidewall 1304 with an outer sidewall surface 1320; and an open bottom 1324 with an opening 1326 to an inner cavity 1328 within housing 1302 for receiving tip of a needleless connector 9. The inner cavity 1328 comprises an upper region 1312 and a lower region 1314, and accommodates an alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 1380. Lower region 1334 comprises engaging threads 1340 on inner sidewall surface 1330 of sidewall 1304 for engaging thread 13 of needleless connector 9. Threads 1340 include an extended portion 1348, which extends below bottom 1324 formed by sidewall 1304 of housing 1302 such that space 1370 exists between a surface 1310 of top portion 25 of needleless connector 9 and bottom 1324 of cap 1300 when cap 1300 is installed onto connector 9 such that extended portion 1348 contacts top portion 25 of needleless connector 9.

[0109] In an exemplary implementation, upper region 1312 can comprise protrusions 1355 from inner sidewall surface 1330, and/or protrusions 1357 from inner surface of top 1322, engaging or contacting disinfection sponge 1380. The pitch of engaging threads 1340 corresponds to the pitch of thread 13 of needleless connector 9. However, the profile (major profile 1341 and/or minor profile 1342) of engaging threads 1340 of the cap 1300 does not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9. Since engaging threads 1340 of cap 1300 do not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9, venting 1311 of the alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 1380 occurs through the one opening 1326 to the inner cavity 1328, essentially around the outside of threads 13 of the needleless connector 9 and via space 1370 to the outside (atmosphere) of the cap housing 1302. In an exemplary implementation, bottom 1324 formed by sidewall 1304 of housing 1302 can be, but does not have to be, essentially flat (in contrast to exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 where space 870 exists between a flat surface 810 and bottom 824 of cap 800). A removable cover 1399 can be attached to bottom 1324 of cap 1300 to seal inner cavity 1328 including disinfection sponge 1380.

[0110] According to still further exemplary implementation of the embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 15-19, a disinfection cap 1500 can fit onto a tip 12 of needleless connector 9 and comprises housing 1502 comprising: a closed top 1522; sidewall 1504 with an outer sidewall surface 1520; and an open bottom 1524 with an opening 1526 to an inner cavity 1528 within housing 1502 for receiving tip of a needleless connector 9. The inner cavity 1528 comprises an upper region 1512 and a lower region 1514, and accommodates an alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 1580. The bottom 1524 formed by sidewall 1504 of housing 1502 includes a flared bottom portion 1590 having an inner sidewall surface 1532 such that the opening 1526 does not form an airtight seal with outer surface 25 of needleless connector 9 when tip of connector 9 is securely engaged at least within lower region 1514 of cavity 1528. A removable cover 1599 can be attached to bottom 1524 of cap 1500 to seal inner cavity 1528 including disinfection sponge 1580.

[0111] In an exemplary implementation, opening 1526 to inner cavity 1528 formed by inner sidewall surface 1532 is essentially circular and has an opening diameter 26, which is larger than a flange diameter 1533 of outer surface 25 of needleless connector 9, such that opening diameter 26 causes a venting gap 1527 between inner sidewall surface 1532 and outer surface 25 needleless connector 9.

[0112] Lower region 1514 comprises threads 1540 on inner sidewall surface 1530 of sidewall 1504 for engaging thread 13 of needleless connector 9. In an exemplary implementation, upper region 1512 can comprise protrusions 1555 on inner sidewall surface 1530 and/or protrusions (not shown) on inner surface of top 1522 (such as protrusions 1357 illustrated in example of FIG. 13) engaging or contacting disinfection sponge 1580.

[0113] The pitch of threads 1540 corresponds to the pitch of thread 13 of needleless connector 9. However, the profile (major profile 1541 and/or minor profile 1542) of threads 1540 of the cap 1500 does not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9. Since engaging threads 1540 of cap 1500 do not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9, venting 1511 of the alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 1580 occurs essentially around the outside of threads 13 of the needleless connector 9 and through opening 1526 to the inner cavity 1528 to the outside (atmosphere) of the cap housing 1502. In an exemplary implementation, venting 1511 occurs through opening 1526 via venting gap 1527.

[0114] The bottom 1524 formed by sidewall 1504 of housing 1502 can be, but does not have to be, essentially flat (in contrast to exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 where space 870 exists between a flat surface 810 and bottom 824 of cap 800).

[0115] According to an exemplary implementation of an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C, inner sidewall surface 1530 in lower region 1514 of cap 1500 can include sections 1530C, 1530D, 1530E, and 1530F essentially between threads 1540, each section having a slope with respect to the longitudinal axis A. In a further exemplary implementation, inner sidewall surface 1530 in sections 1530E and 1530F expands away from longitudinal axis A forming a flared out opening 1526. In yet further exemplary implementation inner cross sectional area at top of section 1530C can be smaller than cross sectional area at bottom of section 1530F, which forms opening 1526. In a still further exemplary implementation, cross sectional area at top of section 1530D can be configured to impede further insertion of needleless connector 9 into cavity 1528 such that tip 12 of needleless connector 9 stops essentially at top of section 1530D as illustrated in the example of FIG. 16.

[0116] In yet further exemplary implementation, inner sidewall surface 1530 in upper region 1512 of cap 1500 can include sections 1530AA and 1530A, essentially between protrusions 1555, each section having a slope with respect to the longitudinal axis A. In still further exemplary implementation, inner sidewall surface 1530 can include a transition section 1530B have a linear (see example of FIG. 19) or a curved (see example of FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C and 18) surface where inner sidewall surface 1530 transitions from lower region 1514 to upper region 1512 such that cross sectional area at bottom of section 1530B in region 1514 is greater than cross sectional area at top of section 1530B in region 1512. Protrusions 1555 and/or smaller cross sectional area at top of section 1530B can prevent sponge 1580 from being displaced into upper region 1512 when cap 1500 engages needleless connector 9, such that sponge 1580 can be compressed and/or retained in within a certain region of cavity 1528, for example essentially within sections 1530B and 1530C, when tip 12 of connector 9 is secured within cavity 1528 of cap 1500.

[0117] In yet further exemplary implementation of an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 18, inner sidewall surface 1530 in lower region 1514 of cap 1500 can include sections 1530C, 1530D, and 1530E essentially between threads 1540, and section 1530F as the bottom most section, or an aperture step, below section 1530F. All sections have essentially the same slope or angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A. However, unlike an exemplary implementation illustrated in FIG. 19, sections 1530C, 1530D, 1530E, and/or 1530F are not collinear.

[0118] In yet further exemplary implementation of an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 19, inner sidewall surface 1530 in lower region 1514 of cap 1500 can include essentially collinear 1531 sections 1530C, 1530D and 1530E essentially between threads 1540 all sections having essentially the same slope or angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A. However, unlike an exemplary implementation illustrated in FIG. 18, section 1530F can be configured as an integral bottom most portion of section 1530E.

[0119] In yet another exemplary implementation, cap 1500 comprises ridges 1598 formed on outer sidewall surface 1520 of housing 1502, for example to facilitated better gripping of cap 1500 such as when handling cap 1500 to remove cover 1599, engage needleless connector 9, and/or disengage needleless connector 9.

[0120] According to yet further exemplary implementation of the embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C, a disinfection cap 2000 can fit onto a tip 12 of needleless connector 9 and comprises housing 2002 comprising: a closed top 2022; sidewall 2004 with an outer sidewall surface 2020; and an open bottom 2024 with an opening 2026 to an inner cavity 2028 within housing 2002 for receiving tip of a needleless connector 9. The inner cavity 2028 accommodates an alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 2080. The bottom 2024 formed by sidewall 2004 of housing 2002 includes a bottom portion 2090 having an inner sidewall surface 2032 such that the opening 2026 does not form an airtight seal with outer surface 25 of needleless connector 9 when tip of connector 9 is securely engaged within cavity 2028. As in the example of FIG. 15, a removable cover such as 1599 can be attached to bottom 2024 of cap 2000 to seal inner cavity 2028 including disinfection sponge 2080.

[0121] In an exemplary implementation, opening 2026 to inner cavity 2028 formed by inner sidewall surface 2032 is essentially circular and has an opening diameter 2026A, which is larger than a flange diameter 2033 of outer surface 25 of needleless connector 9, such that opening diameter 2026A causes a venting gap 2027 between inner sidewall surface 2032 and outer surface 25 of needleless connector 9.

[0122] Inner cavity 2028 comprises threads 2040 on inner sidewall surface 2030 of sidewall 2004 for engaging thread 13 of needleless connector 9. In an exemplary implementation, at least a portion of threads 2040 can include a protrusion 2040A to facilitate a more secure engagement with thread 13 of needleless connector 9.

[0123] The pitch of threads 2040 corresponds to the pitch of thread 13 of needleless connector 9. However, the profile (major profile 2041 and/or minor profile 2042) of threads 2040 of the cap 2000 does not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9. Since engaging threads 2040 of cap 2000 do not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9, venting 2011 of the alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 2080 occurs essentially around the outside of threads 13 of the needleless connector 9 and through opening 2026 to the inner cavity 2028 to the outside (atmosphere) of the cap housing 2002. In an exemplary implementation, venting 2011 occurs through opening 2026 via venting gap 2027. A removable cover 2099 can be attached to bottom 2024 of cap 2000 to seal inner cavity 2028 including disinfection sponge 2080.

[0124] According to an exemplary implementation of an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 20A, inner sidewall surface 2030 of cap 2000 can include sections such as 2030A essentially between threads 2040, each section having an essentially the same slope with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0125] According to yet further exemplary implementation of the embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C, a disinfection cap 2100 can fit onto a tip 12 of needleless connector 9 and comprises housing 2102 comprising: a closed top 2122; sidewall 2104 with an outer sidewall surface 2120; and an open bottom 2124 with an opening 2126 to an inner cavity 2128 within housing 2102 for receiving tip of a needleless connector 9. The inner cavity 2128 accommodates an alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 2180. The bottom 2124 formed by sidewall 2104 of housing 2102 includes a bottom portion 2190 having an inner sidewall surface 2132 such that the opening 2126 does not form an airtight seal with outer surface 25 of needleless connector 9 when tip of connector 9 is securely engaged within cavity 2128. As in the example of FIG. 15, a removable cover such as 1599 can be attached to bottom 2124 of cap 2100 to seal inner cavity 2128 including disinfection sponge 2180.

[0126] In an exemplary implementation, opening 2126 to inner cavity 2128 formed by inner sidewall surface 2132 is essentially circular and has an opening diameter 2126A, which is larger than a flange diameter 2133 of outer surface 25 of needleless connector 9, such that opening diameter 2126A causes a venting gap 2127 between inner sidewall surface 2132 and outer surface 25 of needleless connector 9.

[0127] Inner cavity 2128 comprises threads 2140 on inner sidewall surface 2130 of sidewall 2104 for engaging thread 13 of needleless connector 9. In an exemplary implementation, at least a portion of threads 2140 can include a protrusion 2140A to facilitate a more secure engagement with thread 13 of needleless connector 9.

[0128] The pitch of threads 2140 corresponds to the pitch of thread 13 of needleless connector 9. However, the profile (major profile 2141 and/or minor profile 2142) of threads 2140 of the cap 2100 does not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9. Since engaging threads 2140 of cap 2100 do not correspond to the thread 13 of the needleless connector 9, venting 2111 of the alcohol soaked disinfection sponge 2180 occurs essentially around the outside of threads 13 of the needleless connector 9 and through opening 2126 to the inner cavity 2128 to the outside (atmosphere) of the cap housing 2102. In an exemplary implementation, venting 2111 occurs through opening 2126 via venting gap 2027.

[0129] In an exemplary implementation, inner cavity 2128 comprises threads 2143 on inner sidewall surface 2130 of sidewall 2104 which have a smaller profile than threads 2140 and do not engage, for example in a friction fit manner, with thread 13 of needleless connector 9. A removable cover 2199 can be attached to bottom 2124 of cap 2100 to seal inner cavity 2128 including disinfection sponge 2180.

[0130] In yet another exemplary implementation as illustrated in FIG. 21C and similar to an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17C, cap 2100 comprises ridges 2198 formed on outer sidewall surface 2120 of housing 2102, for example to facilitated better gripping of cap 2100 such as when handling cap 2100 to remove cover 1599, engage needleless connector 9, and/or disengage needleless connector 9.

[0131] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate a disinfection cap 3000 according an exemplary implementation of the embodiments of the present invention receiving a tip of needleless connector 93, which is a female 6% (Luer) lock conical fitting with external thread 113 configured according to International Standard, ISO594-2:1998(E), as shown in annotated FIG. 22 where: a is angle of thread or lug bearing surface against separation with the plane perpendicular to the axis of lock fitting, which can be called in a non-limiting exemplary manner a connector thread a feature 133A; y is minimum angle of external thread or lug non-bearing surface against separation with the plane perpendicular to the axis of the lock fitting; 2X is outside diameter across the lugs or external thread, which can be called in a non-limiting exemplary manner connector thread major feature 133B; E is minimum length of male lock fitting; G is maximum outside diameter of female lock fitting at base of lugs or maximum inside diameter of external thread; S is lug crest width or thread crest width of female lock fitting with lugs or external thread; Y is maximum width of base of lug (axial) or thread at base, of female lock fitting to be measured at a point corresponding to an outside diameter equal to G.

[0132] Referring to cross-sectional view of FIG. 23A and three-dimensional view of FIG. 23B, disinfection cap 3000 comprises housing 3002 comprising: a closed top 3022; sidewall 3004 with an outer sidewall surface 3020; and an open bottom 3024 with an opening 3026 to an inner cavity 3028 within housing 3002 for receiving needleless connector 93. The inner cavity 3028 can, but does not have to, accommodate an alcohol soaked disinfecting sponge 3080. As in the example of FIG. 15, a removable cover such as 1599 can be attached to bottom 3024 of cap 3000 to seal inner cavity 3028 with, or without (as shown in FIG. 23B), a disinfection sponge 3080 disposed therein.

[0133] Inner cavity 3028 of cap 3000 comprises one or more threads (protrusions, lugs, or ribs) 3040, 3042 on inner sidewall surface 3030 of its sidewall 3004. In an exemplary implementation, at least a portion of at least one thread, or entire thread, such as thread 3040 can include a further protrusion (bump, lug, or rib) 3040A extending into cavity 3028 from thread 3040. Protrusion 3040A engageably interfaces with at least a portion of thread 133 of connector 93, for example a portion of connector thread a feature 133A and/or a portion of connector thread major feature 133B, to facilitate engagement of connector 93 within cavity 3028 of cap 3000.

[0134] In an exemplary implementation, threads 3042 on inner sidewall surface 3030 of sidewall 3004 have a smaller profile than threads 3040 and do not engage, for example in a friction fit manner, with thread 133 of connector 93. Threads 3040 and 3042 can be formed as a single continuous or partial thread with selectively formed features of thread 3040 and/or 3042 thereon, or as alternating continuous or partial threads for example at 180-degrees, or at 90 degrees (as illustrated for example in FIGS. 24A-24I).

[0135] In another or additional exemplary implementation, thread or threads, such as threads 3042, which do not have further protrusions, can facilitate axial alignment of cap 3000 with connector 93 when placing cap 3000 onto connector 93, or inserting connector 93 into cavity 3028 of cap 3000, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 23A and 23B. In an exemplary implementation, major profile of thread 3040 within cavity 3028 can correspond to, or match, essentially exactly or within a given tolerance thread major feature 133B of connector 93. In other words, threads 3042 interface with threads 133 essentially tangentially at the surface contact portions thereof. For example, in a cylindrical embodiment of cap 3000, threads 3042 would meet threads 133 essentially at a contact diameter.

[0136] In an exemplary implementation where cap 3000 and cavity 3028 are essentially frustoconical with a larger cross section being at top 3022, as shown in the example of FIG. 23A, engaging threads 3040 can provide a more secure engagement of connector 93 as it advances into cavity 3028. Non-engaging threads 3042 can provide interference fit, for example to facilitate further alignment or retention of connector 93 within cavity 3028.

[0137] In yet another or additional exemplary implementation, pitch and/or profile of threads 3040 and/or 3042 of the cap 3000 do not correspond to pitch and/or profile of thread 133 of connector 93. Accordingly, venting in cavity 3028 of cap 3000 occurs essentially around the outside of threads 133 when connector 93 is inside cavity 3028.

[0138] In still another or additional exemplary implementation, pitch of threads 3040 corresponds to the pitch of thread 133 of connector 93. However, the profile of threads 3040 does not correspond to thread 133. Since engaging threads 3040 do not correspond to thread 133 venting in inner cavity 3028 occurs essentially around the outside of threads 133 when connector 93 is inside the inner cavity 3028.

[0139] In yet another exemplary implementation as illustrated in FIG. 24A and similar to an exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 17C and 21B, cap 3000 comprises ridges 3098 formed on outer sidewall surface 3020 of housing 3002, for example to facilitated better gripping of cap 3000 such as when handling cap 3000, engaging connector 93 (into cavity 3028), and/or disengaging connector 93 (out of cavity 3028).

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 24A-24I, an exemplary implementation of embodiments of the present invention is described in terms of certain dimensional characteristics of various component of a disinfection cap 3000. Both relative and specific numerical characteristics presented in FIGS. 24A-24I are intended to facilitate a more complete understanding of exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present invention without limiting the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. As in the example of FIG. 15, a removable cover such as 1599 can be attached to bottom 3024 of cap 3000 to seal inner cavity 3028 with, or without (as shown in FIGS. 24A-24I), a disinfection sponge 3080 disposed therein.

[0141] FIG. 24A shows three dimensional views of cap 3000 from different perspectives: from an angle showing the top 3022 of cap 3000 (in the drawing on the left), and from an angle showing the bottom 3024 of cap 3000 (in the drawing on the right). FIG. 24B shows a side view of cap 3000 illustrating a 6-degree frustoconical configuration of body 3002 of cap 3000 according to an exemplary implementation of embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 24C is a view of cap 3000 from top 3022. FIG. 24D is a view of cap 3000 from bottom 3024, which also shows opening 3026 to inner cavity 3028, threads 3040/3042, and includes indications AC-AC, D-D, and E-E of cross sectional views of cap 3000 illustrated in FIGS. 24E, 24F, and 24H respectively. In an exemplary implementation, cap 3000 can include divots 2499 formed at bottom 3024, which are anti-rotational lugs used for injection molding when manufacturing cap 3000.

[0142] FIG. 24E is a cross sectional view AC-AC (see FIG. 24D) of cap 3000 showing relative dimensional characteristics of cap body 3002 including opening 3026 and a thread pitch, as well as divots 2499 (if formed at bottom 3024 of cap 3000). FIG. 24F is a cross sectional view D-D (see FIG. 24D) of cap 3000 also showing relative dimensional characteristics of cap body 3002 including opening 3026 and a thread pitch, as well as features of top 3022 and detail B of thread 3040. FIG. 24H is a cross sectional view E-E (see FIG. 24D) of cap 3000 further showing relative dimensional characteristics of cap body 3002 including opening 3026 and a thread pitch, as well as a frustoconical configuration of inner cavity 3028, a lip feature of bottom 3024, and detail A of thread 3042.

[0143] FIG. 24G is an enlarged cross sectional view B (see FIG. 24F) of specific relative dimensional characteristics of thread 3040 according to an exemplary implementation of the embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 24I is an enlarged cross sectional view A (see FIG. 24H) of specific relative dimensional characteristics of thread 3042 according to an exemplary implementation of the embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the examples of FIGS. 24G and 24I, thread 3040 and thread 3042 can have substantially similar respective root section profiles 3040R and 3042R, and substantially different crest section profiles 3040C and 3042C.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 25A and 25B, a dispensing device 2260 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, includes a plurality of caps 2230 disposed on a perforated strip 2220. In an exemplary implementation, perforations 2270 are formed between caps 2230 disposed on strip 2220 to define portions 2272 of strip 2220 having at least one cap 2230 disposed thereon. Caps 2230 can be configured structurally and functionally like any of the caps illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3A through 21C and described above with reference thereto. In an exemplary implementation, strip 2220 can be a peel strip configured as a cap cover attached to bottom of each cap 2230 to seal inner cavity of each cap 2230, for example as described above with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4B, 8B, 11B, 14B, 15, 20B, 21B, 25A.

[0145] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 25A, each cap 2230 can be peeled off or separated from strip 2220 for immediate use, for example, to cap a needleless connector. On the other hand, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 25B, portion 2272 including a cap 2230 disposed thereon can be selectively separated from strip such that inner cavity of cap 2230 remains sealed by the portion 2272 similar to individual caps illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4B, 8B, 11B, 14B, 15, 20B, and 21B.

[0146] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, dispensing device 2260 can be configured to have a perforated strip 2220 having a single row of caps 2230, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, or a perforated strip 2250 having multiple rows of caps 2230 separated by perforations 2273, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 25C showing a top view of such an implementation. According to yet another exemplary implementation as illustrated in a side view of FIG. 25D, dispensing device 2260 can be configured to have a double-sided perforated peel strip 2255 having two opposing sides 2265 and 2267, and caps 2230 attached at both sides thereof, such that two sealed caps 2230 can be selectively detached from strip 2255 at perforation 2275 for later use (see FIG. 25D) and/or individually removed from either side of strip 2255 for immediate use (see FIG. 25D).

[0147] As illustrated in FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D, strip 2220/2250/2255 is essentially flat and has perforations in-between each cap 2230. Hence each perforated cap strip section can be torn off, or detached from, the main strip such that the cap 2230 can be peeled opened for later use (see FIG. 25B). Or, alternatively each cap can be peeled open from the cap strip for immediate use (see FIG. 25A).

[0148] In exemplary implementations, strip 2220/2250/2255 includes an attachment portion, such as an opening 2240 at least at one end thereof, for example to accommodate a hanger of an IV pole such that device 2260 can be hung on the IV pole for convenience. Other variations of an attachment portion, or means for selectively placing or hanging strip 2220/2250/2255 on an IV pole, such as a hook or the like, can be integral with, or attached to, strip 2220/2250/2255 as would be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 26A and 26B, a dispensing device 2360 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, includes a plurality of caps 2330 disposed on a hanging strip 2320 which can be any shape, such as for example an injection molded runner bar including an attachment portion, such as top hook 2340, or other means for selectively placing or hanging the strip on an IV pole. Caps 2330 can be configured structurally and functionally like any of the caps illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3A through 21C and described above with reference thereto. According to an exemplary implementation, each cap 2330 is sealed, for example, with a peel strip 2372 similar to individual caps illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4B, 8B, 11B, 14B, 15, 20B, and 21B.

[0150] In a further exemplary implementation, each cap 2330 is attached to strip 2372, for example by prongs 2380 attached to and extending away from the surface of the strip 2372. In an exemplary implementation, prongs 2380 are configured as runner gate prongs that connect each cap 2330 (for example, at exterior surface of a cap's top) with the strip 2372 configured as main injection molded runner bar. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 26A, cap 2330 torn away, or removed, from prong 2380 has peel film 2372 still adhered to the cap, so that it can be used at a later time.

[0151] In yet another exemplary implementation, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 26B dispensing device 2360 can have multiple prongs 2380 attached to strip 2372 at diametrically opposite sides thereof such that, for example two caps 2380 can be attached to strip 2372 at essentially the same longitudinal location on strip 2372. Such a configuration can allow, for example, for twice as many caps attached to the same length strip.

[0152] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present invention. For example, a disinfection sponge can comprise any suitable disinfecting or other application-specific substance, and can be made of any suitable material. Also, the cap can be single shot molded, or made by other suitable process.

[0153] In addition, the included drawing figures further describe non-limiting examples of implementations of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention and aid in the description of technology associated therewith. Any specific or relative dimensions or measurements provided in the drawings other as noted above are exemplary and not intended to limit the scope or content of the inventive design or methodology as understood by artisans skilled in the relevant field of invention.

[0154] Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the details provided, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawing figures, disclose exemplary embodiments of the invention.