Safety connector apparatus

Abstract

A connector apparatus includes first and second mating connectors that can be joined to make a fluid connection. The connectors are constructed to discriminate improper connectors so that no fluid tight connection can be formed with improper connectors. The connector apparatus can be used with a system for compression therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

1 . A connector apparatus comprising:
 a first connector having an internal sealing surface and an array of protrusions on an outer surface, at least one of the protrusions being circumferentially spaced and axially spaced on the first connector from others of the protrusions for defining fluid flow paths on an outer surface of the first connector for preventing fluid tight connection of any tube in which the outer surface of the first connector may be received; and   a second connector, adapted for sliding, non-rotational sealing engagement with the internal sealing surface of the first connector for forming a fluid tight connection with the first connector;   wherein a diameter of the outer surface including the array of protrusions generally decreases from a first portion to a second portion of the first connector such that the diameter of the outer surface at the first portion is greater than the diameter of the outer surface at the second portion, the second connector being received in an end of the first connector adjacent the first portion.   
     
     
         2 . The connector apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the outer surface of the first connector tapers from the first portion to the second portion. 
     
     
         3 . The connector apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a longitudinal channel in the outer surface of the first connector at the first portion of the first connector for preventing the formation of a fluid tight seal with said any tube. 
     
     
         4 . The connector apparatus of  claim 3  further comprising a plurality of non-sealing surfaces inside the first connector, each non-sealing surface having a longitudinal channel different from the longitudinal channel in the outer surface for preventing the formation of a fluid tight seal with a non-compliant connector. 
     
     
         5 . The connector apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the longitudinal channels of the non-sealing surfaces are disposed on opposite sides of the internal sealing surface of the first connector. 
     
     
         6 . The connector apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second portion of the first connector comprises an attachment portion for receiving tubing at an inner surface of the attachment portion. 
     
     
         7 . The connector apparatus of  claim 6  wherein a first end of the second connector is received in said end of the first connector adjacent the first portion, the second connector further comprises an attachment portion at a second end opposite the first end, the attachment portion of the second connector being configured for insertion into tubing. 
     
     
         8 . The connector apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the second connector further comprises a cap at the first end and a sealing member disposed around a perimeter of the cap. 
     
     
         9 . The connector apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising a groove defining the internal sealing surface of the first connector, wherein the sealing member seats in the groove when the second connector is inserted into the first connector. 
     
     
         10 . The connector apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the sealing member is releasably attached to the cap. 
     
     
         11 . A connector apparatus comprising:
 a male connector having an attachment portion and a coupling portion, the coupling portion having at least one sealing surface and at least one non-sealing surface; and   a female connector having an attachment portion and at least one sealing member and configured to receive the coupling portion of the male connector, wherein during connection of the connectors the at least one sealing member of the female connector first engages the at least one non-sealing surface of the male connector and deflects radially outwardly preventing the formation of a fluid tight seal between the connectors, the at least one sealing member of the female connector then sliding beyond the at least one non-sealing surface of the male connector and engaging the at least one sealing surface of the male connector to create a fluid tight seal between the connectors.   
     
     
         12 . The connector apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the female connector further comprises a flex collar attached to a body of the female connector, the flex collar being deflected radially outwardly during connection of the connectors. 
     
     
         13 . The connector apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the at least one non-sealing surface of the male connector includes longitudinal channels in both an inner and outer surface of the male connector, the sealing member of the female connector engages the male connector at the channels preventing a sealing connection between the connectors. 
     
     
         14 . The connector apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the longitudinal channels are disposed on opposite sides of the at least one sealing surface of the male connector. 
     
     
         15 . The connector apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising a pair of non-sealing surfaces on the male connector, each non-sealing surface including longitudinal channels in the inner and outer surface of the male connector. 
     
     
         16 . The connector apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising a transverse wall extending across an inner diameter of the male connector at the coupling portion, the transverse wall preventing sealing engagement of the male connector with a non-compliant connector.