GB2451891A

GB2451891A - Medical fluid connector with features to ensure correct coupling

Info

Publication number: GB2451891A
Application number: GB0716052A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Chamberlain
Original assignee: Sheffield Hallam University
Current assignee: Sheffield Hallam University
Priority date: 2007-08-17
Filing date: 2007-08-17
Publication date: 2009-02-18
Also published as: WO2009024807A1; GB0716052D0

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a first connector 1 releasably secured to a second connector formed by a collar 3 rotatably mounted over and about an insert 2. Insert 2 comprises a material that is more deformable than first connector 1 so as to provide a secure fluid-tight seal by deformation of insert 2 when brought into contact with the first connector 1. Male 16 and female 20 keying elements (figure 2) provide a means to avoid mismatching of connectors. Locking elements 19, 39 provide a click-lock feature to provide tactile or audible indication that the connectors are locked together and do not need further tightening. In the event of incomplete or incorrect connection, fluid escape apertures 13 are provided so as to readily allow fluid to escape from the connection coupling serving as an indication of misconnection.

Description

* 2451891 FLUID CONDU[T CONNECTORS The present invention relates to connectors for coupling a medical fluid delivery conduit to a medical fluid receiving conduit.

It is common for a patient to require multiple sources of different intravenous fluids associated with blood transfusions and drug administrations. The medical fluid is typically supplied to the patient via a conduit extending from the fluid source to a catheter inserted into the patient. To avoid using multiple catheters, a junction is usually provided at the conduit or catheter so as to provide a means of connecting different medical fluid sources to the patient intravenously.

GB 2146405 discloses a conventional rotatable luer lock connection device for the administration of a medical fluid from its supply source to a conventional catheter. The device comprises a male fitment on the tubing from the administration fluid source and a female fitment on the catheter to provide the conventional luer lock. A collar is fitted over and about the male connector and is rotatably secured to the female connector to provide a Is liquid-tight seal between catheter and supply conduit.

There is an inherent risk that medical staff may inadvertently connect the wrong type of medical fluid to the patient having serious and potentially fatal consequences. To try and avoid the potentially dangerous incorrect coupling of a supply fluid to a patient, a number of different types of coupling have been proposed.

US 4,211,439 discloses a safety connector configured to prevent two fluid lines from being incorrectly connected. The safety coupling comprises a first and second half respectively connected to each end of a delivery and supply conduit. The first half comprises male key elements configured to mate with corresponding female key elements on the second half. Incorrect coupling is avoided as multiple lines may only be connected where the male and female key elements mate together.

WO 99/64103 discloses a medical connector for positioning between a catheter and a medical fluid supply source having interlocking half medical connector portions.

The interlocking half portions also comprise profiled keying portions to provide a lock and key arrangement so as to avoid incorrect connection.

WO 2004/037335 discloses medical tubing interconnections having unique keying elements to avoid mis-connection between conduits of different applications. The safety system provides an external tactile and visual means for recognition of incorrect coupling together with a male and female key elements to avoid physical mis-connection. Other disclosures to avoid mismatching of fluid types include US 5,947,937, US 4,619,640 and EP 0774270.

In an attempt to try and identify misaligned connectors, GB 2379253 discloses a systems having cooperating male and female connectors to couple delivery and receiving conduits. Escape vents are provided at one of the connectors such that liquid can escape from the coupled connectors to provide a visual means of identification that a misaligned couple has been made.

A number of problems exist with conventional medical fluid connectors. For example, with use, the connectors may not sufficiently couple together to provide a fluid-tight seal leading to unwanted leakage from the coupling joint. Over tightening of the connectors is a common problem which leads to excessive and premature wear of the respective mating components again leading to an inadequate seal. Additionally, where the seal between connectors becomes fatigued it is not always immediately obvious that the connection system has developed a fault leading to the slow leakage of fluid over time.

What is required is connection apparatus for coupling medical fluids that addresses the above problems.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided connection apparatus for coupling a medical fluid delivery conduit to a medical fluid receiving conduit, said apparatus comprising a first connector having a first part to couple to either the delivery or receiving conduit, a second part to couple to a second connector and a third part to couple to a third connector; the second connector having a first part to couple to the alternate receiving or delivery conduit and a second part to couple to said second part of said first connector to provide a fluid communication coupling between said delivery and receiving conduits; the third connector rotatably mounted at said second connector and having a first part to engage with said third part of said first connector to releasably secure said first, second and third connectors together; characterised in that at least a portion of said second connector comprises a material that is more deformable than said first connector.

The relative deformable nature of the second connector, or at least a portion thereof, provides a means to create a fluid-tight seal between the connectors. Preferably, the second connector comprises a elastically deformable characteristic so as to return to its original shape after separation of the two connectors. The second connector may comprise a natural or synthetic rubber or any type of deformable polymer.

Preferably, the first connector and the third connector comprise respective lock means wherein the lock means is configured to releasably lock the first, second and third connectors to prevent axial separation.

Preferably, the second connector is rotatably coupled to the third connector via a releasable push-fit locking connection.

Preferably, the third connector is formed as a collar to fit over and about the second connector.

Preferably, the first and second connectors are secured to either the respective delivery and receiving conduits by the frictional locking force provided between the overlapping mating surfaces of the first and second connectors and the respective delivery and receiving conduits.

Preferably, the third connector is configured to rotate over and about the second connector.

Preferably, said first and third connectors comprise cooperating male and female lock elements configured to releasably secure the first, second and third connectors together so as to inhibit axial separation.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises an additional radial lock means configured to inhibit further rotation of the third connector relative to the first connector when the first connector is in contact with the second connector.

Preferably, at least a portion of the second part of the second connector is deformable relative to the first and third connectors and configured to deform when the second connector is positioned in contact with the second part of the first connector so as to form a fluid tight seal between the first and second connectors.

Preferably, the second part of the first connector is formed on an elongate protrusion and the second part of the second connector is housed within a chamber defined by internal walls of the third connector.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a first seal means provided at the junction of the second part of the second connector and the second part of the first connector.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises second seal means provided at the junction between the third part of the first connector and the first part of the third connector.

Preferably, the second connector is secured to the third connector to allow a degree of axial displacement of the second connector relative to the third connector when the first connector is brought into contact with the second connector.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided connection apparatus for coupling a medical fluid delivery conduit to a medical fluid receiving conduit, said apparatus comprising: a first connector having a first part to couple to either the delivery or receiving conduit, a second part to couple to a second connector; the second connector having a first part to couple to the alternate receiving or delivery conduit and a second part to couple to said second part of said first connector to provide a fluid communication coupling between said delivery and receiving conduits; a third connector rotatably mounted at said second connector; at least one pair of cooperating keying elements respectively provided on said first and third connectors, said keying elements configured to mate together by sliding engagement as the first and third connectors are axially coupled to permit said first and second connectors to be coupled together; at least one pair of cooperating locking elements respectively provided on said first and third connectors to releasably lock the first, second and third connectors together to inhibit axial separation; characterised by: connection indicator means having at least one cooperating pair of indicator elements respectively provided on said first and third connectors and configured to mate together to provide a tactile and/or audible indication of complete coupling between said first and second connectors as said third connector is rotated relative to said first connector.

Preferably, the third connector is formed as an outer collar rotatably mounted over and about said second connector.

Preferably, the outer collar comprises internal walls defining a chamber to at least partially house said second connector wherein at least one keying element is formed on the internal walls of the collar.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a plurality of keying elements formed as raised projections radially distributed at regular intervals on the internal walls of the collar.

Preferably, at least one keying element comprises at least one groove formed on said first connector.

Preferably, said pair of locking elements are configured to form a cooperating bayonet-type lock.

Preferably, at least one indicator element comprises a trough defined by opposed shoulders and at least one alternate indicator element comprises a projection.

Preferably, on rotation of said third connector relative to said first connector, said projection is configured to pass over one of the shoulders defining the trough and to sit within the trough so as to inhibit further rotation.

Preferably, the outer collar comprises at least one shoulder formed on the internal walls configured to mate with an end region of the opposed shoulders of the at least indicator element as the first and second connectors are coupled together.

Preferably, the first connector comprises a protrusion configured to mate with the second connector to provide a fluid tight seal.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises three, four or five cooperating pairs of keying elements.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises three, four or five cooperating pairs of locking elements.

Preferably, a cross-sectional profile over a region of the length of the first connector is identical to the cross-sectional profile over a region of the length of the third connector.

Preferably, at least a portion of said second connector comprises a material that is more deformable than the first connector.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided connection apparatus for coupling a medical fluid delivery conduit to a medical fluid receiving conduit, said apparatus comprising: a first connector having a first part to couple to either the delivery or receiving conduit, a second part to couple to a second connector and a third part to couple to a third connector; the second connector having a first part to couple to the alternate delivery or receiving conduit and a second part to couple to the second part of the first connector to provide a fluid communication coupling between the delivery and receiving conduits; the third connector rotatably mounted at said second connector and having a first part to engage with said third part of said first connector to releasably secure said first, second and third connectors together; characterised in that: said third connector comprising at least one fluid escape aperture to allow fluid to escape from a region within said third connector.

Preferably, the first connector comprises a fourth part capable of cooperative positioning at said at least one fluid escape aperture when the first, second and third connectors are secured together so as to close said at least one escape aperture.

Preferably, the third connector is formed as a collar positioned over and about said second connector, said collar having internal walls defining a chamber partially housing the said second connector.

Preferably, said first connector comprises a projection configured to extend into said chamber.

Preferably, the second part of the second connector is located within the chamber such that contact between the first and second connectors is made with in the region of the chamber.

Preferably, at least escape aperture is provided through the walls of the chamber.

Preferably, the fluid tight seal formed between the respective second parts of the first and second connectors is positioned remote from said at least one fluid escape aperture.

Preferably, said first and second connectors are secured together to provide a fluid tight seal between the delivery and receiving conduits by lock means having respective Cooperating locking elements formed on the first connector and the third connector.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises lock means configured to inhibit rotation of said third connector relative to said first and second connectors once said first and second connectors are coupled together.

Preferably, said fourth part of said first connector is configured to close said at least one escape aperture on rotation of said third connector relative to said first connector.

Preferably, said fourth part of said first connector is configured to provide a releasable fluid tight seal at said at least one escape aperture.

Preferably, at least a portion of said second connector comprises a material being more deformable than said first connector and configured to at least partially deform when said second part of said first connector is brought in contact with said second part of said second connector.

Preferably, said at least one escape aperture comprises three, four or five escape apertures provided towards one end of said third connector.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one pair of cooperating keying elements respectively provided on said first and third connectors, said keying elements configured to mate together by sliding engagement as the first and third connectors are axially coupled to permit said first and second connectors to be coupled together.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the connection apparatus of the present invention according to a specific implementation having three connection components; Figure 2a is an alternative perspective view of two components of the Connection apparatus of Figure 1 assembled together; Figure 2b is an alternative perspcctive view of the connection apparatus of Figure 2a; Figure 2c is a perspective view of a third component of the connection apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 2d is an end perspective view of the connection apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3a is a schematic illustration of the connection apparatus of Figure 1 in an unconnected state; Figure 3b illustrates the two halves of the connection apparatus of Figure 3a mated together; Figure 4a is a schematic illustration of the connection apparatus of Figure 1 in a pre-connected state; Figure 4b illustrates the connection apparatus of Figure 4a immediately prior to complete coupling; Figure 4c illustrates the connection apparatus of Figure 4b as coupled together; Figure 5 is a perspective illustration of a series of connectors of the type illustrated in Figure 1 comprising different cross-sectional profiles.

Referring to Figures 1 to 2d, the connection apparatus comprises a first connector 1 and a second connector formed by a deformable insert 2 and a collar 3. Insert 2 comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration divided into 3 regions along its length.

A first region 7 comprises a first diameter configured for housing within a through-bore 6 extending through first connector 1. A second region 8 of largest diameter separates end region 7 from second end region 9 configured for housing within a through-bore 12 extending through collar 3.

The first connector 1 is divided into two regions, a first gripping region 4 suitable to be grasped between the thumb and fingers of a user and a second region 5 formed as a substantially cylindrical projection extending from one end of region 4. Through-bore 6 extends through regions 4 and 5 of first connector I. Collar 3 is substantially hollow and comprises side walls 10 defining an internal chamber 15 being open at one end. End walls 11 extend from side walls 10 to define the closed end of chamber 15. End walls 11 also define through-bore 12 extending substantially centrally through collar 3. Five escape apertures 13 are formed within end walls 11 to allow fluid, in particular liquid, to escape from the internal chamber 15 defined bywalls 10 and 11.

Referring to Figure 2a, internal chamber 15 is open at an adjacent end to side walls 11 and is defined by internal walls 33. An internal abutting shoulder 17 divides chamber 15 into two regions along the length of collar 3, of different internal diameters.

The open end region of collar 3 is defined by rim 25 extending from which are a plurality of raised notches 14 formed over a distance of the external surface of side walls 10. A plurality of dome-like projections 16 extend inwardly from internal surface 33. Each projection 16 is positioned adjacent a respective escape aperture 13 formed within end walls 11.

Collar 3 is secured in position over and about insert 2 by inserting end region 9 into through bore 12 so that intermediate region 8 and opposed end region 7 are housed within internal cavity 15. Collar 3 is therefore capable of axial rotation about insert 2.

Referring to Figure 2b, insert 2 comprises a through-bore 27 configured to house a delivering or receiving conduit. The diameter of through-bore 27 is configured to correspond approximately to the outer diameter of the conduit so as to provide a snug fit to prevent axial separation of the conduit from the connector. Preferably, the diameter of through-bore 27 is slightly less than the external diameter of the conduit. Additional means may also be provided to inhibit axial separation of the conduit from the connector.

Referring to Figure 2c, the first connector 1 comprises a plurality of grooves 20 extending along the length of projection 5 and of a sufficient width and depth to receive respective projections 16 as connectors 1 and 3 are brought together. A locking extension 21 is formed at one end of each groove 20, also configured to receive the projection 16.

Locking extension 21 extends approximately 900 from each groove 20 so as to allow collar 3 to be rotated axially relative to insert 2 and first connector 1.

A radially operative locking means is provided and serves to lock the collar 3 to the first connector 1. A female locking element is formed on projection 5 in the form of a trough 39 defined and bordered by two shoulders 19 extending over a distance along the length of projection 5. A plurality of female locking elements 19, 20 are evenly distributed around the circumference of projection 5. Corresponding male locking elements (not shown) extend from internal walls 33 of collar 3. On rotation of collar 3 relative to first connector 1, each male element is forced over a shoulder 19 to sit within trough 39 so as to provide a click-lock feature. This provides a tactile and/or audible guide to the user that the connectors are locked together and do not require further tightening.

When connector 1 is connected in contact with the second connector, an end region 26 of shoulders 19 is configured to abut against shoulder 17 formed on the collar 3.

Additionally, shoulder 24 extending between first region 4 and projection 5 of the first connector 1 is configured to abut against rim 25 of collar 3. Similarly, an end region 23 of projection 5 is configured to abut internal end walls 32 of collar 3.

Referring to Figure 2d, the gripping region 4 of first connector 1 is substantially hollow and comprises internal walls 28 defining an internal chamber. A cylindrical projection 29 extends internally within the chamber comprising external walls 30 positioned opposed to the internal walls 28 of region 4. Projection 29 comprises internal walls 31 defining a region of through-bore 6.

The method of assembly of the connection apparatus is described with reference to Figures 3a to 4c. First connector I is coupled to a delivering conduit 33 to supply a medical liquid to a patient. Conduit 33 is secured at the first medical connector via projection 29 which receives one end of conduit 33 within the through-bore 6. Conduit 33 is held in position by the friction locking forces between the inner walls 31 of projection 29 and the outer surface of conduit 33. Similarly, a delivering conduit 34 is secured in position within through-bore 27 of insert 2. Outer collar 3 is first secured in position over and about insert 2 such that collar 3 is rotatable relative to conduit 34 and insert 2. The first connector 1 and second connector 2, 3 are brought together in coupling relationship as illustrated in Figure 3b as projection 5 is introduced into chamber 15 of collar 3.

The present connectors serve to prevent incorrect mis-connection as projections 16, radially spaced around internal waIls 33 are configured to positionally correspond to the grooves 20 formed in projection 5. This arrangement provides a male and female key action whereby it is only possible to couple connectors having the correct number of matching projections 16 and grooves 20 in addition to the correct spacial distribution of these male and female key elements provided respectively on the second connector 2, 3 and first connector 1. As the connectors are coupled in the axial direction, end face 23 of projection 5 abuts end face 32 of collar 3. Collar 3 is then rotated axially relative to connector 1 whereby each projection 16 is inserted within slot extension 21 so as to inhibit axial displacement. A clicking noise is heard and/or a tactile response is felt as the radially operative locking means 19, 39 is engaged.

As the first connector 1 is fully inserted within chamber 15 end region 7 of insert 2 is inserted within through-bore 6 to provide a fluid-tight seal. The strength of the fluid-tight seal at the region between the first and second connectors is enhanced as at least a portion of insert 2 is deformable relative to first connector 1. Region 7 is therefore configured to deform upon insertion into through-bore 6 to prevent the escape of liquid as the connection is made.

In the event of mis-connection of the connection apparatus due to the incorrect mating between projections 16 and grooves 20, liquid from supply conduit 33 floods internal chamber 15 and escapes from the coupling via escape passageways 13. When the first and second connectors are appropriately matched to form a correct connection, escape apertures 13 are closed by the end face 23 of projection 5 and in particular the closure elements 22 extending between grooves 20 formed within projection 5. As collar 3 is rotated relative to first connector I, the closure elements 22 are aligned to cover escape apertures 13 so as to provide a secondary seal to prevent escape of liquid from the coupling. This is of course the secondary seal to that of the primary seal formed between the insert 2 (end region 7) and first connector I (through-bore 6). The escape apertures 13 are positioned remote from the primary seal formed at the junction between insert 2 and first connector I such that the escape apertures cannot be closed by forcing together inappropriately matched first and second connectors. The escape apertures are closed only when the first and second connectors have mating female and male key elements 16, 20.

Referring to Figure 5, according to specific implementations of the present invention the grip region 4 of first connector 1 and outer collar 3 may comprise corresponding cross sectional profiles to provide a visual means of ensuring first and second connectors are appropriate to form the correct couple. The number of escape apertures may vary and may comprise three escape apertures 35, four escape apertures 36 or five escape apertures 13. Similarly, the male and female key elements 16 and 20 may vary between three matching key elements, four matching key elements having four projections 15 and four grooves 20 or five key elements 38.

According to the present invention, liquid from the delivery conduit 33 is configured to leak from the connection apparatus via escape apertures 13, 35, 36 in the event that medical staff incorrectly attempt to couple two connectors having a different number and/or different spatially separated male and female key elements.

Claims

Claims: 1. Connection apparatus for coupling a medical fluid delivery conduit to a medical fluid receiving conduit, said apparatus comprising: a first connector having a first part to couple to either the delivery or receiving conduit, a second part to couple to a second connector and a third part to couple to a third connector; the second connector having a first part to couple to the alternate receiving or delivery conduit and a second part to couple to said second part of said first connector to provide a fluid communication coupling between said delivery and receiving conduits; the third connector rotatably mounted at said second connector and having a first part to engage with said third part of said first connector to releasably secure said first, second and third connectors together; characterised in that: at least a portion of said second connector comprises a material that is more deformable than said first connector.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first connector and the third connector comprise respective lock means wherein the lock means is configured to releasably lock the first, second and third connectors to prevent axial separation.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claims I or 2 wherein the second connector is rotatably coupled to the third connector via a releasable push-fit locking connection.
4. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the third connector is formed as a collar to fit over and about the second connector.
5. The apparatus claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second connectors are secured to either the respective delivery and receiving conduits by the frictional locking force provided between the overlapping mating surfaces of the first and second connectors and the respective delivery and receiving conduits.
6. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the third Connector is configured to rotate over and about the second connector.
7. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first and third connectors comprise cooperating male and female lock elements configured to releasably secure the first, second and third connectors together so as to inhibit axial separation.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising additional radial lock means configured to inhibit further rotation of the third connector relative to the first connector when the first connector is in contact with the second connector.
9. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least a portion of the second part of the second connector is deformable relative to the first connector and configured to deform when the second connector is positioned in contact with the second part of the first connector so as to form a fluid tight seal between the first and second connectors.
10. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second part of the first connector is formed on an elongate protrusion and the second part of the second connector is housed within a chamber defined by internal walls of the third connector.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 comprising a first seal means provided at the junction of the second part of the second connector and the second part of the first connector.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 further comprising a second seal means provided at the junction between the third part of the first connector and the first part of the third connector.
13. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second connector is secured to the third connector to allow a degree of axial displacement of the second connector relative to the third connector when the first connector is brought into contact with the second connector.
14. Connection apparatus for coupling a medical fluid delivery conduit to a medical fluid receiving conduit, said apparatus comprising: a first connector having a first part to couple to either the delivery or receiving conduit, a second part to couple to a second connector; the second connector having a first part to couple to the alternate receiving or delivery conduit and a second part to couple to said second part of said first connector to provide a fluid communication coupling between said delivery and receiving conduits; a third connector rotatably mounted at said second connector; at least one pair of cooperating keying elements respectively provided on said first and third connectors, said keying elements configured to mate together by sliding engagement as the first and third connectors are axially coupled to permit said first and second connectors to be coupled together; at least one pair of cooperating locking elements respectively provided on said first and third connectors to releasably lock the first, second and third connectors together to inhibit axial separation; characterised by: connection indicator means having at least one cooperating pair of indicator elements respectively provided on said first and third connectors and configured to mate together to provide a tactile and/or audible indication of complete coupling between said first and second connectors as said third connector is rotated relative to said first connector.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the third connector is formed as an outer collar rotatably mounted over and about said second connector.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the outer collar comprises internal walls defining a chamber to at least partially house said second connector wherein at least one keying element is formed on the internal walls of the collar.
17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16 comprising a plurality of keying elements formed as raised projections radially distributed at regular intervals on the internal walls of the collar.
18. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 15 to 17 wherein at least one keying element comprises at least one groove formed on said first connector.
19. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 14 to 18 wherein said pair of locking elements are configured to form a cooperating bayonet-type lock.
20. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 14 to 19 wherein at least one indicator element comprises a trough defined by opposed shoulders and at least one alternate indicator element comprises a projection.
21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein on rotation of said third connector relative to said first connector, said projection is configured to pass over one of the shoulders defining the trough and to Sit within the trough so as to inhibit further rotation.
22. The apparatus as claimed in claims 20 or 21 wherein the outer collar comprises at least one shoulder formed on the internal walls configured to mate with an end region of the opposed shoulders of the at least indicator element as the first and second connectors are coupled together.
23. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 22 wherein the first connector comprises a protrusion configured to mate with the second connector to provide a fluid tight seal.
24. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 23 comprising three, four or five cooperating pairs of keying elements.
25. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 24 comprising three, four or five cooperating pairs of locking elements.
26. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 25 wherein a cross-sectional profile over a region of the length of the first connector is identical to the cross-sectional profile over a region of the length of the third connector.
27. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 26 wherein at least a portion of said second connector comprises a material that is more deformable than the first connector.
28. Connection apparatus for coupling a medical fluid delivery conduit to a medical fluid receiving conduit, said apparatus comprising: a first connector having a first part to couple to either the delivery or receiving conduit, a second part to couple to a second connector and a third part to couple to a third connector; the second connector having a first part to couple to the alternate delivery or receiving conduit and a second part to couple to the second part of the first connector to provide a fluid communication coupling between the delivery and receiving conduits; the third connector rotatably mounted at said second connector and having a first part to engage with said third part of said first connector to releasably secure said first, second and third connectors together; characterjsed in that: said third connector comprising at least one fluid escape aperture to allow fluid to escape from a region within said third connector.
29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein the first connector comprises a fourth part capable of cooperative positioning at said at least one fluid escape aperture when the first, second and third connectors are secured together so as to close said at least one escape aperture.
30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 28 or 29 wherein the third connector is formed as a collar positioned over and about said second connector, said collar having internal walls defining a chamber partially housing the said second connector.
31. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30 wherein said first connector comprises a projection configured to extend into said chamber.
32. The apparatus as claimed in claim 31 wherein the second part of the second connector is located within the chamber such that contact between the first and second connectors is made within the region of the chamber.
33. The apparatus claimed in claim 32 said at least escape aperture is provided through the walls of the chamber.
34. The apparatus as claimed in claim 33 wherein the fluid tight seal formed between the respective second parts of the first and second connectors is positioned remote from said at least one fluid escape aperture.
35. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 34 wherein said first and second connectors are secured together to provide a fluid tight seal between the delivery and receiving conduits by lock means having respective cooperating locking elements formed on the first connector and the third connector.
36. The apparatus as claimed in claim 35 further comprising lock means configured to inhibit rotation of said third connector relative to said first and second connectors once said first and second connectors are coupled together.
37. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein said fourth part of said first connector is configured to close said at least one escape aperture on rotation of said third connector relative to said first connector.
38. The apparatus as claimed in claim 37 wherein said fourth part of said first connector is configured to provide a releasable fluid tight seal at said at least one escape aperture.
39. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 38 wherein at least a portion of said second connector comprises a material being more deformable than said first connector and configured to at least partially deform when said second part of said first connector is brought in contact with said second part of said second connector.

s
40. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 39 wherein said at least one escape aperture comprises three, four or five escape apertures provided towards one end of said third connector.
41. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 40 further comprising at least one pair of cooperating keying elements respectively provided on said first and third connectors, said keying elements configured to mate together by sliding engagement as the first and third connectors are axially coupled to permit said first and second connectors to be coupled together.