Closed loop connector for dispensing systems

A connector for selectively dispensing fluid from a fluid container, the connector comprising:

• an outer cap operatively supported in place by a container opening, the outer cap having a first passage, the first passage having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end, the first and second ends being separated by a length along the longitudinal axis, the first passage having
• an interior surface
• a first region having a first cross-sectional area,
• a second region having cross-sectional area, and
• a third region having a third cross-sectional area, wherein the second region is positioned between the first and third regions;
• a plug being slidingly movable between an open position and a closed position, the plug engaging with the first region of the first passage when locked in the closed position wherein, the plug allows passage of fluids into and out of the container in the open position, and the plug prevents passage of fluids into and/or out of the container in the closed position, the plug having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface of the plug moving away from the first region when the plug is unlocked, thereby creating a passage for fluids to flow through the first region, the plug having a distal flange proximal to the second surface of the plug,
• a cross-sectional area of the distal flange being less than the cross-sectional area of both the first and the third regions, such that when the plug is in the open position, the distal flange is prevented from sliding past the second region and into the third region.

A closed loop dispensing system, comprising:

• a container comprising fluids dispensable out of the container, the container having a container opening;
• and
• a connector for selectively dispensing the fluids from the container, the connector comprising:
• an outer cap sealingly connected to the container opening, the outer cap having a first passage, the first passage having
• a longitudinal axis,
• a first end,
• a second end, the first and second ends being separated by a length along the longitudinal axis,
• an interior surface
• a first region having a first cross-sectional area,
• a second region having cross-sectional area, and
• a third region having a third cross-sectional area, wherein the second region is positioned between the first and third regions;
• a plug being slidingly movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, the plug allows passage of fluids into and/or out of the container in the open position, and the plug prevents passage of fluids into and/or out of the container in the closed position, the plug having a distal flange,
• a cross-sectional area of the distal flange being less than the cross-sectional area of both the first and the third regions, such that
• when the plug is locked in the closed position, a contact surface of the distal flange abuts against an edge proximal to the second end of the first passage, thereby preventing the plug from sliding out of the first passage and thereby preventing the plug from being separated from the outer cap, and
• when the plug is in the open position, the distal flange abuts against an edge in the third region, thereby preventing the plug from separating from the outer cap when sliding toward the container.