Reusable tube connector assembly

摘要

A two-part connector assembly for connecting two tubes which prevents the entry of contaminates in the tubes during use and subsequent reuse of one part is disclosed. The connector assembly includes a reusable first connector member having an elongate housing and a sterile inner tubing located inside the housing. A reusable second connector member is also provided and includes an elongate housing, a sterile inner tubing located inside of the housing, and a sterile cover tubing located around the sterile inner tubing and also located inside of the housing. A connecting means is provided for holding the first connector member and the second connector member together such that no contaminates reach the inner tubing of either housing during use. The connector members can be reused as no contaminates reach the inner tubing of the reused connector member as well. Preferably, each connector member is integrally formed of a rigid material except for the cover tubing of the second connector member which is made of a flexible material. The assembled connector assembly has no longitudinal gaps between the first connector member and the second connector member through which contaminates can reach the inner tubings and the connector members cannot be inadvertently pulled apart.