Breakaway connector

Abstract

A breakaway connector apparatus including a housing and a breakaway component is configured for attachment directly to a needle-free fitting on an intravenous line. The breakaway connector apparatus includes only one valve. The apparatus is configured to open both the valve and a seal on the needle-free fitting when the breakaway component is attached to the needle-free fitting. When tension is applied to the connector, the breakaway component is configured to detach from the apparatus while remaining attached to the needle-free fitting, thereby closing the valve on the apparatus and also closing the seal on the needle-free fitting. In some embodiments, the breakaway connector apparatus includes one or more securing arms and one or more corresponding securing bars to prevent re-connection of the apparatus following disengagement of the breakaway component from the apparatus.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.