Rotatable connecting device for I.V. administration set

A connecting device for an intravenous administration set comprising:

• a first member defining a fluid passage means and having a longitudinal axis;
• a second member defining a fluid passage means and having a longitudinal axis;
• tapering interfitment means constructed and arranged with respect to each said member for fluid-tight engagement;
• a length of tubing secured to at least one member opposite said tapering interfitment means;
• a flange extending from one of said first or second members adjacent said tapering interfitment means;
• a collar member alternately and rotatably mounted on one of said first or second members opposite said flange, said collar member having internal threads for engagement with said flange;
• and
• captive means operatively associated with one of said members and said collar member to permit free movement along the longitudinal axis of said member while retaining said collar on said member yet permitting rotatable engagement with said flange, said captive means including a tapering surface defined by said member mounting said collar for interference therewith, said captive means constructed and arranged to permit said collar member to be positioned a substantial distance away from said tapering interfitment means carried by said member mounting said collar member for complete exposure for sterilization purposes, said captive means further including cooperating means defined by said member mounting said collar member and said collar member to provide an interlocking mechanism, said cooperating means positioned on said collar member opposite said internal threads and on said mounting member opposite said tapering surface;
• so that when said tapering interfitment means is interengaged, said collar member will engage said flange and upon rotation of said collar the interfitment means will be forced into fluid-tight engagement and said collar member will engage said tapering surface without rotation of said first or second members, and upon a reverse rotation of said collar member and movement of said collar member away from said flange, said interlocking mechanism will interengage whereby rotation of said collar will cause rotation of said member mounting said collar without rotation of said member with said flange.