SELF-PRESSURIZING FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

Self-pressurizing fluid deliver systems and devices and methods of using the same. An exemplary pressurized sterile fluid storage bag system referenced herein includes a foam cavity formed from a rigid, non-conforming material and an elastic, conforming material and containing a resilient open cell or closed cell foam with capabilities to restore form when compressed, an air valve, a fluid cavity formed from said elastic, conforming material on one side and a material which may be rigid and non-conforming or elastic and conforming, and a fluid valve.

Claims

1. A pressurized sterile fluid storage bag system, the system comprising: a foam cavity formed from a rigid, non-conforming material and an elastic, conforming material and containing a resilient open cell or closed cell foam with capabilities to restore form when compressed; an air valve; a fluid cavity formed from said elastic, conforming material on one side and a material which may be rigid and non-conforming or elastic and conforming; and a fluid valve.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a common seam to seal the perimeter of all cavity forming materials, such that said fluid cavity is adjacent to said foam cavity with the elastic, conforming material separating the two.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the said foam cavity is shaped such that the foam insert is not compressed when said air valve is open.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said foam cavity can be compressed in a matter which compresses its foam contents.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said rigid, nonconforming material forming said foam cavity does not stretch during expansion of foam insert contents.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said air valve passes through the rigid, nonconforming material used to create said foam cavity and allows air passage between the ambient and the internal air space of said foam cavity.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said air valve features a locking mechanism which allows for complete air locking to fully disallow or permit passage of air between ambient and internal air space of said foam cavity.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said air valve features a locking mechanism which allows the user to adjust the diameter of air exit hole.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said elastic, nonconforming material acts as the dividing barrier between said foam cavity and said fluid cavity.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said elastic, nonconforming material is able to stretch during expansion of said foam insert.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid cavity is air tight and compresses in internal volume during expansion of said foam insert.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid valve passes through the rigid, nonconforming material or elastic, conforming material used to form the outer surface of said fluid cavity and allows for fluid passage between the ambient and internal space of said fluid cavity.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid valve features a luer lock on its exterior portion to allow for connection to tubing or various instruments.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid valve features a locking mechanism which allows for complete air locking to fully disallow or permit passage of fluid between the ambient and internal space of said fluid cavity.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid valve features a locking mechanism which allows the user to adjust the diameter of the fluid exit hole.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein said materials used to form both said fluid cavity and said foam cavity may share a common perimeter heat sealed seam.

17. The system of claim 1, used in connection with a method, the method comprising the steps of: opening the air valve and compressing the open cell or closed cell foam within the foam cavity; closing the air valve after compressing the open cell or closed cell foam; opening the fluid valve and introducing fluid into the fluid cavity; and closing the fluid valve after introducing fluid into the fluid cavity.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of: connecting tubing to the fluid valve and to a patient such that the fluid from the fluid cavity can pass through the fluid valve, into the tubing, and into the patient.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of: opening the air valve to allow air to enter the foam cavity, allowing the open cell or closed cell foam to expand and exert pressure against the fluid cavity; and opening the fluid valve to allow the fluid to exit the fluid cavity due to the pressure exerted against the fluid cavity by the expanded open cell or closed cell foam.

20. A pressurized sterile fluid storage bag system, the system comprising: a foam cavity formed from a rigid, non-conforming material and an elastic, conforming material and containing a resilient foam with capabilities to restore form when compressed; an air valve in communication with the foam cavity; a fluid cavity formed from said elastic, conforming material on one side and a material which may be rigid and non-conforming or elastic and conforming; and a fluid valve in communication with the fluid cavity; wherein when the resilient foam is compressed within the foam cavity and fluid is present within the fluid cavity, opening the air valve causes air to enter the foam cavity causing the resilient foam to expand and exert pressure against the elastic, conforming material, causing the fluid to exit the fluid cavity when the fluid valve is opened.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The disclosed embodiments and other features, advantages, and disclosures contained herein, and the matter of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an isolated perspective view of portions of a system in a pressurized configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional exterior view of a system when it is in its pressurized configuration. according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a system when it is in its pressurized configuration with the interior foam compressed, the fluid cavity filled, and both the air inlet valve and the fluid outlet valve closed, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a system when it is in its non-pressurized configuration with the interior foam uncompressed, the fluid cavity unfilled, and both the air inlet valve and the fluid outlet valve open. according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 5 shows an isolated cross-sectional view of an air inlet valve in its closed configuration/orientation, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] FIG. 6 shows an isolated cross-sectional view of the fluid inlet valve in its closed configuration/orientation, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] As such, an overview of the features, functions and/or configurations of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described and some of these non-discussed features (as well as discussed features) are inherent from the figures themselves. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. Furthermore, wherever feasible and convenient, like reference numerals are used in the figures and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The figures are in a simplified form and not to precise scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

[0032] For the purpose of explanation, the terms “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, and similar terms shall correspond to the device as positioned in the specified figures. The device may assume alternate orientations and sizings other than those shown. It is understood that the device characterized in the attached drawings and described thereafter are exemplary orientations of the innovative concepts defined in the claims section of this patent. Hence, the specific characteristics shown are not to be considered limiting unless explicitly stated.

[0033] With reference to the figures, the present disclosure includes disclosure of embodiments of a storage bag system 100 and methods of using the same. As shown in FIG. 1, an isometric view of an exemplary storage bag of the present disclosure is shown comprising a foam insert 1, whereby foam insert 1 is made of (comprises) a rigid, non-conforming material, so that said material resists bending or otherwise changing from its native configuration under pressure. A foam insertion 2, as shown in FIG. 1, is positioned adjacent to, or relatively adjacent to, said foam insert 1, noting that not all embodiments of storage bags 100 of the present disclosure require a foam insert 1, as discussed in further detail. The size of the encapsulating foam insert 1 can be slightly larger or smaller than or the same size as than a corresponding foam insertion 2, configured such that it can be sealed on a relative perimeter 3 of storage bag system 100 in embodiments that utilize such a sealing element. In general, foam insert 1 must be sized and shaped, compressed or not, to fit within a space defined within storage bag system 100.

[0034] FIG. 1 also shows an air valve 4 and a corresponding air locking mechanism 5, whereby air valve 4 is in communication with an interior space (referred to herein as foam cavity 6, noted below) within storage bag system 100 so that, for example, air can be released from within storage bag system 100, and so that air can enter storage bag system 100 from its outside environment or another source of air. Air locking mechanism 5 is therefore configured to control the movement of air in and out of storage bag system 100, such that if space (foam cavity 6) within storage bag system 100 is under less pressure than its environment, opening air locking mechanism 5 would allow air from the outside to enter the inside of storage bag system 100, and should the space (foam cavity 6) within storage bag system 100 be at a higher pressure than its environment, opening air locking mechanism 5 would allow air from inside storage bag system 100 to escape.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary storage bag system 100 in its pressurized configuration. As shown therein, a foam cavity 6, configured to encapsulate foam insertion 2, is directly adjacent to fluid cavity 8, with the dividing barrier 7 separating foam cavity 6 from fluid cavity 8. Dividing barrier 7, which is to be made of an elastic or otherwise conforming material, is positioned between foam cavity 6 and fluid cavity 8. Storage bag system 100 materials used to form an overall shape may share a common seam 9, such as shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] An air valve 10 (also referred to herein as air valve 4) is shown with its air locking mechanism 11 (also referred to herein as air locking mechanism 5) in its closed position to prevent air inflow to the foam cavity 6. FIG. 2 also shows a fluid valve 12 with its fluid locking mechanism 13 in its closed position to prevent fluid flow out of the fluid cavity 8. Fluid valve 12 is in communication with an interior space (referred to herein as fluid cavity 8) within storage bag system 100 so that, for example, fluid can be released from within storage bag system 100, and so that fluid can enter storage bag system 100 as desired. Fluid locking mechanism 13 is therefore configured to control the movement of fluid in and out of storage bag system 100, such that if fluid is to be transferred into fluid cavity 8, fluid locking mechanism 13 can be opened to allow said transfer and closed when said transfer is complete. Should it be desired to allow fluid from within fluid cavity 8 to flow out of fluid cavity 8, fluid locking mechanism 13 can be opened to allow said fluid flow to occur.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary storage bag system 100 in its pressurized configuration, whereby air from inside foam cavity 14 (also referred to herein as foam cavity 6) has been removed, such as by way of compression of storage bag system 100 and/or via some sort of vacuum so to compress foam insert 15 within said foam cavity 14. Foam cavity 14 is shown with minimal airspace and filled with foam insert 15. Foam insert 15 may be open-cell or closed-cell foam, and of variable porosity, so that said foam insert 15 can be compressed, such as shown in FIG. 3, and ultimately uncompressed, as shown in FIG. 4, the latter of which being or close to being a native state of foam insert 15.

[0038] Foam characteristics are dependent on force necessary to pressurize fluid within fluid cavity 17. Foam cavity 14 is separated from the fluid cavity 17 (also referred to herein as fluid cavity 8) by way of a dividing barrier 16 (also referred to herein as dividing barrier 7), which is to be made of an elastic, conforming material. Fluid cavity 17 is shown full of sterile liquid, and is closed from the ambient (outside environment) by the fluid barrier 18, which is to be made of a material that may be elastic and conforming or rigid and non-conforming. Fluid valve 22 (also referred to herein as fluid valve 12) allows for passage of fluid out of fluid cavity 17. FIG. 3 shows fluid locking mechanism 23 of fluid valve 22 in its locked position, with the exit/opening of fluid valve 22 fully covered/closed.

[0039] FIG. 3 also shows an air valve 21 (also referred to herein as air valves 4 and 10) in a closed configuration, by way of closing an air locking mechanism 21 (also referred to herein as air locking mechanisms 5 and 11), so that air cannot enter foam cavity 14. A common seam 19 is also shown around a relative perimeter of storage bag system 100.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary storage bag system 100 in its unpressurized configuration, whereby air is permitted to enter foam cavity 25 (also referred to herein as foam cavities 6 and 14) by way of air valve 28 (also referred to herein as air valves 10 and 21). As shown in FIG. 4, fluid valve 29 (also referred to herein as fluid valves 12 and 22) and air valve 28 (also referred to herein as air valves 4, 10, and 21) are in their open position, so that air is permitted to enter foam cavity 25 (also referred to herein as foam cavities 6 and 14), and so that fluid from within fluid cavity 26 (also referred to herein as fluid cavities 8 or 17) is permitted to exit the bag, such as to be introduced into a patient intravenously, for example. Foam insert 24 (also referred to herein as foam inserts 1 and 15) is shown in its uncompressed state in FIG. 4 due to air being allowed to enter foam cavity 25 and foam insert 24 so that foam insert 24 is permitted to expand, by way of air valve 28 being open. Foam cavity 25 is shown with residual air also due to air valve 28 being in its open configuration. Dividing barrier 27 (also referred to herein as dividing barriers 7 and 16) is shown compressing fluid cavity 26, such that there is no or little residual fluid content left in fluid cavity 26.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an air valve 33 (also referred to herein as air valves 4, 10, 21, and 28) and portions of a storage bag system 100, with air valve 33 shown in its closed configuration (such as by way of air locking mechanism 32, also referred to herein as air locking mechanisms 5, 11, and 20). Air valve 33 is shown as being in communication with foam cavity 31 (also referred to herein as foam cavities 6, 14, and 25), passing through fluid barrier 30 (also referred to herein as fluid barrier 18). When closed, air locking mechanism 32 prevents air to flow from the outside environment, through air valve opening 34, into air valve 33, and into foam cavity 31 to allow foam insert 1, 15, 24 to expand and apply pressure on dividing barrier 7, 16, 27, to cause fluid from fluid cavity 8, 17, 26 to exit fluid valve 12, 22, 29. Air valve 33, in various embodiments, can be configured as having a relatively low profile, such as shown in FIG. 5, such that air flow through portions of air valve 33 is relatively perpendicular to air flow from foam cavity 31 into air valve 33.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a fluid valve 37 (also referred to herein as fluid valves 12, 22, and 29) and portions of a storage bag system 100, with fluid valve 37 shown in its closed configuration (such as by way of fluid locking mechanism 38, also referred to herein as fluid locking mechanisms 13 and 23). Fluid valve 37 is shown as being in communication with fluid cavity 35 (also referred to herein as fluid cavities 8, 17, and 26), passing through fluid barrier 36 (also referred to herein as fluid barriers 18 and 30). When closed, fluid locking mechanism 38 prevents fluid to flow from inside fluid cavity 35, through fluid valve opening 40, into fluid valve 37, and out of fluid valve 37. Fluid valve 37, in various embodiments, can be configured as having a relatively low profile, such as shown in FIG. 6, such that fluid flow through portions of fluid valve 37 is relatively perpendicular to fluid flow from fluid cavity 35 into fluid valve 37. Locking mechanism 38 closes off the fluid valve 37 such that fluid may not flow through ambient opening 40 of fluid valve 37. A luer lock 39 on an outer edge of fluid valve 37 allows for tubing or other instruments to be fluidly connected to fluid valve 37.

[0043] While various embodiments of systems and devices and methods of using the same have been described in considerable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered as non-limiting examples of the disclosure described herein. It will therefore be understood that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the content thereof.

[0044] Further, in describing representative embodiments, the present disclosure may have presented a method and/or a process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth therein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described, as other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. In addition, disclosure directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written. Such sequences may be varied and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the present disclosure.

[0046] Reference List

[0047] U.S. Pat. No. 2,608,320 to Harrison, Jr.

[0048] U.S. Pat. No. 3,838,794 to Cogley, et al.

[0049] U.S. Pat. No. 3,871,377 to Treace

[0050] U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,753 to Dockhorn

[0051] U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,434 to Uhlig, Albert R.

[0052] U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,004 to Eckenhoff, et al.

[0053] U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,909 to Stewart

[0054] U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,641 to Idriss

[0055] U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,820 to Kriesel

[0056] U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,912 to Hoback, et al.

[0057] U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,202 to Hoback, et al.

[0058] U.S. Pat. No. 8,992,489 to Spohn, et al.

[0059] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0135159 of Daily, et al.