초록 ▼

An improved protective cap and method for capping medical male luer fittings is provided. The protective cap may include inner and intermediate annular members extending from an end wall and defining a slot therebetween. At least one and preferably a plurality of depressible members project from an

An improved protective cap and method for capping medical male luer fittings is provided. The protective cap may include inner and intermediate annular members extending from an end wall and defining a slot therebetween. At least one and preferably a plurality of depressible members project from an outer surface of the inner annular member, wherein the depressible member(s) conforms to the internal threads of a male luer fitting upon interconnection. For such purposes, the depressible member(s) may comprise a resilient material, e.g. most preferably having a modulus of elasticity of between about 5000 psi and 20000 psi. Each depressible member may be of an arcuate configuration in cross-section to present a convex surface for depressible engagement by the collar of a male luer fitting when positioned in the annular slot. The protective cap may be readily employed in automated capping/uncapping procedures via direct linear advancement/retraction relative to a male luer fitting. The protective cap may also be readily rotated onto and off of a male luer fitting. The protective cap and associated methodologies are particularly apt for use in connection with syringes, including automated procedures for pre-filling disposable syringes with medical liquids.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed: 1. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member includes an internal sidewall portion that defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, c

What is claimed: 1. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member includes an internal sidewall portion that defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, conical section sized for slidably and sealably receiving therein said tapered, conical nozzle of said male luer fitting; at least one depressible member, projecting outward from an outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto; and, an intermediate annular member extending from said end wall and located about said first annular member to define an annular slot therebetween for receiving a collar of said male luer fitting. 2. A protective cap as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of depressible members, projecting from and spaced about said outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting interconnected thereto. 3. A protective cap as recited in claim 2, wherein said plurality of depressible members are substantially equally spaced about said outer surface of said first annular member. 4. A protective cap as recited in claim 2, wherein said plurality of depressible members extend along corresponding, coincidental paths. 5. A protective cap as recited in claim 2, wherein said plurality of depressible members extend along coincidental linear paths. 6. A protective cap as recited in claim 2, wherein said protective cap is linearly advanceable and retractable relative to internal threads of said male luer fitting with between about 3 lbs. and 10 lbs. of applied force and wherein said protective cap is rotatably advanceable and retractable relative to internal threads of said male luer fitting with less than about 1 in.-lbs. of applied torque. 7. A protective cap as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one depressible member continuously extends along at least a majority of the length of the first annular member. 8. A protective cap as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one depressible member is of an arcuate configuration in cross-section. 9. A protective cap as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one depressible member is tapered at its distal end. 10. A protective cap as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one depressible member comprises a deformable material to substantially conform to the shape of internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto. 11. A protective cap as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one depressible member comprises a resilient material having a modulus of elasticity of between 5,000 and 20,000 psi. 12. A protective cap as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one depressible member comprises a resilient material selected from a group consisting of: thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic rubbers; and, thermoset rubbers. 13. A protective cap as recited in claim 1, wherein said protective cap is integrally defined by a molded resilient material selected from a group consisting of: thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic rubbers; and, thermoset rubbers. 14. A protective cap as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one depressible member has a thickness of between about 0.01 in. and 0.02 in. 15. A protective cap as recited in claim 1, wherein said first annular member and intermediate annular member extend substantially the same distance from said end wall. 16. A protective cap as recited in claim 1, wherein said annular slot has a maximum cross width of between about 0.040 in, and 0.050 in. 17. A protective cap as recited in claim 1, wherein said protective cap further includes: an outer annular member located about said intermediate annular member and extending from said end wall to a distance lesser than that of said first annular member and said intermediate annular member. 18. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member includes an internal sidewall portion that defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, conical section sized for slidably and sealably receiving therein said tapered, conical nozzle of said male luer fitting , wherein said cylindrical slot has at least a first conical portion defining a contained angle of at least 3��; at least one depressible member, projecting outward from an outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto; and, an intermediate annular member extending from said end wall and located about said first annular member to define an annular slot therebetween for receiving a collar of said male luer fitting. 19. A protective cap as recited in claim 18, wherein said cylindrical slot has a second conical portion and wherein said second conical portion adjoins said first conical portion and defines a contained angle of between about 7�� to 10��. 20. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, conical section sized for slidably and sealably receiving said tapered, conical nozzle of said male luer fitting; at least one depressible member, projecting outward from an outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto, wherein said at least one depressible member is disposed to interfere with internal collar threads of a male luer fitting when interconnected thereto, with said interference being between about 0.005 in. and 0.020 in.; and, an intermediate annular member extending from said end wall and located about said first annular member to define an annular slot therebetween for receiving a collar of said male luer fitting. 21. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, conical section sized for slidably and sealably receiving said tapered, conical nozzle of said male luer fitting; and, a plurality of depressible members, projecting outward from an outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto, wherein said protective cap is linearly advanceable and retractable relative to internal threads of said male luer fitting with between about 3 lbs. and 10 lbs. of applied force, and wherein said protective cap is rotatably advanceable and retractable relative to internal threads of said male luer fitting with less than about 1 in.-lbs. of applied torque. 22. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, wherein said plurality of depressible members are substantially equally spaced about said outer surface of said first annular member. 23. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, wherein said plurality of depressible members extend along corresponding, coincidental paths. 24. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, wherein said plurality of depressible members extend along coincidental linear paths. 25. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, wherein said plurality of depressible members continuously extend along at least the majority of the length of said first annular member. 26. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, wherein each of said plurality of depressible members is tapered at its distal end. 27. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, wherein each of said plurality of depressible members comprises a deformable material to substantially conform to the shape of internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto. 28. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, each of said plurality of depressible members comprises a resilient material having a modulus of elasticity of between 965 and 34,000 psi. 29. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, wherein each of said plurality of depressible members comprises a resilient material selected from a group consisting of: thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic rubbers; and, thermoset rubbers. 30. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, wherein said protective cap is integrally defined by a molded resilient material selected from a group consisting of: thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic rubbers; and, thermoset rubbers. 31. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, each of said plurality of depressible members has a thickness of between about 0.01 in, and 0.02 in. 32. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, further comprising: an intermediate annular member extending from said end wall and located about said first annular member to define an annular slot therebetween for receiving a collar of said male luer fitting. 33. A protective cap as recited in claim 32, wherein said annular slot has a maximum cross width of between about 0.040 in. and 0.050 in. 34. A protective cap as recited in claim 32, wherein said first annular member and intermediate annular member extend substantially the same distance from said end wall, and wherein said protective cap further includes: an outer annular member located about said intermediate annular member and extending from said end wall to a distance lesser than that of said first annular member and said intermediate annular member. 35. A protective cap as recited in claim 32, wherein each of said plurality of depressible members is disposed to interfere with internal collar threads of a male luer fitting when interconnected thereto, with said interference being between about 0.005 in. and 0.020 in. 36. A protective cap as recited in claim 21, wherein said cylindrical slot has at least a first conical portion defining a contained angle of at least 3��. 37. A protective cap as recited in claim 36, wherein said cylindrical slot has a second conical portion and wherein said second conical portion adjoins said first conical portion and defines a contained angle of between about 7�� to 10��. 38. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member includes an internal sidewall portion that defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, conical section sized for slidably and sealably receiving therein said tapered, conical nozzle of said male luer fitting; and, at least one depressible member, projecting outward from an outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto. 39. A protective cap as recited in claim 38, further comprising: a plurality of depressible members, projecting from and spaced about said outer surface of said first annular member, for depressingly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting interconnected thereto. 40. A protective cap as recited in claim 39, wherein said plurality of depressible members extend along corresponding, coincidental paths. 41. A protective cap as recited in claim 39, wherein said protective cap is linearly advanceable and retractable relative to internal threads of said male luer fitting with between about 3 lbs. and 10 lbs. of applied force, and wherein said protective cap is rotatably advanceable and retractable relative to internal threads of said male luer fitting with less than about 1 in.-lbs. of applied torque. 42. A protective cap as recited in claim 38, wherein said at least one depressible member comprises a deformable material to substantially conform to the shape of internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto. 43. A protective cap as recited in claim 38, wherein said at least one depressible member comprises a resilient material having a modulus of elasticity of between 965 and 34,000 psi. 44. A protective cap as recited in claim 38, wherein said protective cap is integrally defined by a molded resilient material selected from a group consisting of: thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic rubbers; and, thermoset rubbers. 45. A protective cap as recited in claim 38, further comprising: an intermediate annular member extending from said end wall and located about said first annular member to define an annular slot therebetween for receiving a collar of said male luer fitting. 46. A protective cap as recited in claim 45, wherein said first annular member and intermediate annular member extend substantially the same distance from said end wall. 47. A protective cap as recited in claim 46, further comprising: an outer member located about said intermediate annular member and extending from said end wall to a distance that is less than distances to which said first annular member and said intermediate annular member extend from such end wall. 48. A protective cap as recited in claim 38, wherein said cylindrical slot has at least a first conical portion defining a contained angle of at least 3��. 49. A protective cap as recited in claim 48, wherein said cylindrical slot has a second conical portion and wherein said second conical portion adjoins said first conical portion and defines a contained angle of between about 7�� to 10��. 50. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, conical section sized for slidably and sealably receiving said tapered, conical nozzle of said male luer fitting; and, at least one depressible member, projecting outward from an outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto; an intermediate annular member extending from said end wall and located about said first annular member to define an annular slot therebetween for receiving a collar of said male luer fitting; and, an outer member located about said intermediate annular member and extending from said end wall to a distance that is less than distances to which said first annular member and said intermediate annular member extend from said end wall. 51. A protective cap as recited in claim 50, further comprising: a plurality of depressible members, projecting from and spaced about said outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting interconnected thereto. 52. A protective cap as recited in claim 51, wherein said plurality of depressible members extend along corresponding, coincidental paths. 53. A protective cap as recited in claim 51, wherein said protective cap is linearly advanceable and retractable relative to internal threads of said male luer fitting with between about 3 lbs. and 10 lbs. of applied force, and wherein said protective cap is rotatably advanceable and retractable relative to internal threads of said male luer fitting with less than about 1 in-lbs. of applied torque. 54. A protective cap as recited in claim 50, wherein said at least one depressible member comprises a deformable material to substantially conform to the shape of internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto. 55. A protective cap as recited in claim 50, wherein said at least one depressible member comprises a resilient material having a modulus of elasticity of between 965 and 34,000 psi. 56. A protective cap as recited in claim 50, wherein said protective cap is integrally defined by a molded resilient material selected from a group consisting of: thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic rubbers; and, thermoset rubbers. 57. A protective cap as recited in claim 50, wherein said annular slot has a maximum cross width of between about 0.040 in. and 0.050 in. 58. A protective cap as recited in claim 50, wherein said first annular member and intermediate annular member extend substantially the same distance from said end wall. 59. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member includes an internal sidewall portion that defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, conical section sized for slidably and sealably receiving therein said tapered, conical nozzle of said male luer fitting; at least one depressible member, projecting outward from an outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto, wherein said at least one depressible member comprises a resilient material having a modulus of elasticity of between 5,000 and 20,000 psi; and, an intermediate annular member extending from said end wall and located about said first annular member to define an annular slot therebetween for receiving a collar of said male luer fitting. 60. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, conical section sized for slidably and sealably receiving said tapered, conical nozzle of said male luer fitting; at least one depressible member, projecting outward from an outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto, wherein said at least one depressible member has a thickness of between about 0.01 in. and 0.02 in.; and, an intermediate annular member extending from said end wall and located about said first annular member to define an annular slot therebetween for receiving a collar of said male luer fitting. 61. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, conical section sized for slidably and sealably receiving said tapered, conical nozzle of said male luer fitting; at least one depressible member, projecting outward from an outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto; and, an intermediate annular member extending from said end wall and located about said first annular member to define an annular slot therebetween for receiving a collar of said male luer fitting, wherein said annular slot has a maximum cross width of between about 0.040 in. and 0.050 in. 62. A protective cap for use on a male luer fitting having a tapered, conical nozzle, comprising: a first annular member extending from an end wall, wherein said first annular member includes an internal sidewall portion that defines a cylindrical slot having at least one tapered, conical section sized for slidably and sealably receiving therein said tapered, conical nozzle of said male luer fitting; and, at least one depressible member, projecting outward from an outer surface of said first annular member, for depressibly engaging internal collar threads of said male luer fitting when interconnected thereto, wherein said at least one depressible member comprises a resilient material having a modulus of elasticity of between 965 and 34,000 psi.