The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 01, 1999
Filed:
Aug. 26, 1997
Jason D Rinehart, Goleta, CA (US);
David J Schuessler, Ventura, CA (US);
McGhan Medical Corporation, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
Abstract
A device for forming a leakproof closure on the terminus of a tubing having an elastic wall. The device consists of a plug insertion tool and a plug. The plug is a elongate member having a convex distal end and a proximal end. The plug insertion tool has a handle portion which is dimensioned to be grasped by a user for manipulation. The distal end of the insertion tool has a rod projecting axially therefrom which is adapted to releasably engage the proximal end of the plug. The plug is dimensioned to fit snugly within the elastically distended lumen of the tubing. In operation, the plug insertion tool is releasably attached to the proximal end of the plug by engagement means such as mating threads and the distal end of the plug inserted into the open end of the tubing and advanced by means of the insertion tool. The intralumenal portion of the plug forms a leakproof seal with the elastic wall of the tubing. The plug is inserted within the tubing and advanced until the tubing drapes over a chamfer proximal to the intralumenal portion thereof. In one sheathed embodiment the intralumenal portion of the plug includes a stepped portion which provides a detent which resists removal of the plug from the tubing. Once the plug is introduced into the tubing lumen, thereby sealing the end of the tubing, the insertion tool is detached from the proximal end of the plug thereby forming a leakproof, biocompatible and removable closure in the end of the tubing. In one embodiment, a sheath overlies the intralumenal portion of the plug. In another embodiment, the plug is of unitary construction. In yet another embodiment, the plug has the general shape of an infant pacifier.