Closure to be pressed and latched onto a container

The invention relates to a closure for a container, comprising a cap, said cap forming an interior space into which a stopper can be inserted in the axial direction in order to seal the container, and said cap having holding members that protrude into the interior space and that hold the stopper.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such a closure has already been disclosed in international patent application WO 2007/063218 A1. Closures of the above-mentioned type are used to close containers made of glass or plastic and containing substances that have been, for example, freeze-dried or sterilized. These containers are especially small bottles or vials made of glass or plastic from which sterilized or freeze-dried substances can be withdrawn using an injection syringe.

The containers are sealed vis-à-vis the atmosphere by a stopper made of rubber, said stopper being permanently secured in the container by a cap. It is especially known from the state of the art to insert a stopper made of rubber into an vial made of glass and to tightly join the stopper to the vial by means of a metal cap.

During the production of such a container, the substance to be held is introduced into the container and the closure along with the stopper is first placed onto the container in such a way that a passage connects the interior of the container to the atmosphere. In this drying position, it is possible to dry the substance inside the container. For this purpose, the stopper is first inserted into the cap in the axial direction and secured in it by means of holding members. The closure that has been pre-fabricated in this manner can now be transported and placed onto the container.

For purposes of securing the stopper in the cap, international patent application WO 2007/063218 A1 discloses holding members that surround the stopper in the circumferential direction and clamp it in place. Here, a flat surface on the upper section of the stopper can be brought into contact with a counter-surface on the cap.

A drawback here is that the stopper cannot be adequately cleaned or sterilized when the closure is resting on the container. Since the flat surface is in contact with a counter-surface on the cap, steam cannot adequately reach this flat surface. Moreover, it is disadvantageous that the stopper can fall out of the cap during the transportation of the closure if the clamping effect of the cap is not adequate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Consequently, the invention is based on an objective of configuring and refining a closure of the above-mentioned type in such a way that a stopper accommodated in the cap is secured therein so that it cannot fall out and so that it can be cleaned or sterilized without any problem together with the container, with the substance contained therein and with the cap.

The present invention provides a closure for a container, comprising a cap, said cap forming an interior space into which a stopper can be inserted in the axial direction in order to seal the container, and said cap having holding members that protrude into the interior space, characterized in that the holding members latch the stopper in such a way that the latter is affixed in a prescribed position in the axial direction.

According to this, a closure for a container of the above-mentioned type is characterized in that the holding members latch the stopper in such a way that the latter is affixed in a prescribed position in the axial direction.

According to the invention, it has been recognized that latching the stopper by means of the holding members joins the stopper to the cap so that it cannot fall out. The axial fixation of the stopper in a prescribed position makes it possible for a sterilizing agent to flow around the stopper to such an extent that the latter is adequately cleaned. In this process, the cap and the stopper can be sterilized together. The fixation of the stopper in a prescribed position prevents individual surfaces or areas of the stopper from resting against the cap in such a way that the sterilizing agent cannot reach these surfaces or areas. Moreover, the cap—together with the stopper that has been inserted into its interior—can be transported to a container. The closure can then be placed onto the container and brought into a drying position. According to the invention, the container is largely protected against the penetration of impurities when the closure is in the drying position. The substance that had been previously introduced into the container can be dried in the drying position. Here, it is conceivable to dry the substance through the modality of freeze-drying by applying negative pressure and temperatures below the freezing point. Thus, a closure is being put forward which accommodates the stopper that seals the container in such a manner that the stopper cannot fall out, and which can be sterilized or dried together with the container as well as with the substance contained therein. Consequently, the above-mentioned objective is achieved.

The holding members can be configured as tabs that are elastically coupled to the inside of the cap. This concrete embodiment makes it possible to insert the stopper into the cap in the axial direction in such a manner that the tabs are pressed outwards in the radial direction. Once the stopper has passed the tabs, the elastic coupling of the tabs allows them to snap radially inwards and engage behind the stopper.

In light of this, it is conceivable for at least two tabs to be arranged as holding members at equal distances along the circumference of the inside of the cap. The equidistant arrangement allows a uniform latching of the stopper. It has been found that four tabs are particularly advantageous for the correct positioning of the stopper in the cap.

The cap could have at least one spacer that protrudes into the interior space and that cooperates with the holding members during the axial fixation of the stopper. The spacer ensures that the stopper is affixed in a prescribed position so that agent can flow around the stopper. It is prevented that the stopper comes into contact with a larger surface area of the counter-surface on the cap.

In light of this, the spacers could be configured in the form of nubs and they could protrude from the inside of the cap into the interior space in the axial direction. Owing to this concrete embodiment, a flat surface of the stopper can rest punctually against the inside of the cap. A sterilizing agent such as, for example, steam or a cleaning agent can flow around the nubbed spacers and the stopper at the same time. The punctual contact of the flat surface of the stopper against the spacers minimizes the surface area that is not reached by the sterilizing agents or cleaning agents.

The cap could be latched to a stopper that has a sealing section and an upper section that is wider than the sealing section. Such a stopper is particularly well-suited for insertion into a container having a constricted neck. The sealing section can fit into the container neck so as to seal the container, whereby the upper section comes to lie on a widened edge of the container so as to seal it. Moreover, thanks to the widened upper section of said stopper, it can be latched to the holding members so that it cannot fall out when said stopper is being transported to the container and held on it in a drying position.

In light of this, it is conceivable to make the stopper out of rubber or thermoplastic elastomer. Advantageously, the stopper should be able to withstand temperatures ranging from −50° C. to 121° C. [−58° F. to 249.8° F.]. The extremely low temperatures occur when a substance is freeze-dried in the container. Temperatures of 121° C. [249.8° F.] or more can occur during sterilization with steam.

The upper section of the stopper could be located between the holding members and the spacers, whereby the holding members engage behind the upper section and whereby the sealing section protrudes axially. Due to this concrete embodiment, the closure can be transported to the container, whereby the stopper is secured in the cap in such a way that it cannot fall out. Moreover, the axially protruding sealing section can be inserted into the neck of the container.

The stopper could have a sealing section whose outer circumference has a slit-shaped cutout in order to create a passage. This slit-shaped cutout ensures that a flow connection exists between the interior of the container and the atmosphere when the closure is placed in a drying position on the container. The slit-shaped cutout forms a passage when the sealing section of the stopper protrudes into the container when the closure has been placed onto the container. Such a slit-shaped cutout is not necessary if the sealing section of the stopper is so short that it does not protrude into the neck of the container when the closure has been placed onto the container. In this case, a passage exists between the edge of the container and the lower end of the stopper, which does not protrude into the neck of the container.

On the inside of the cap, there could be clamping members that engage behind an edge of the container so as to latch. By means of this concrete embodiment, the closure can be pressed onto the container and can be permanently joined to the container.

In light of this, it is conceivable for the clamping members to be configured as tabs that are elastically coupled to the inside of the cap. By means of this concrete embodiment, the neck of the container, together with the edge of the container, can be inserted into the cap in the axial direction and the tabs are pressed outwards in the radial direction. Once the edge of the container has passed the tabs, due to this elastic coupling, said tabs can snap back to their original position and engage behind the edge of the container.

Along the circumference of the inside of the cap, at least two tabs could be arranged at equal distances as clamping members. Four tabs have proven to be especially advantageous in order to tightly and permanently join the closure to the container. The equidistant arrangement of the tabs ensures that the closure is uniformly pressed along the circumference of the container. The clamping members can also serve as a stop when the closure is in the drying position on the container.

On the inside of the cap, there could be clamping elements that are configured as axially oriented webs that protrude into the interior space. The configuration of clamping elements allows the closure to be guided or centered when it is pressed onto the container. Furthermore, the clamping elements generate a clamping effect by means of which the cap—when it is in the drying position—is pressed against the edge of the container.

The cap could have a tamper-proof closure that is detachably coupled to the cap in order to free a puncture site for an injection syringe. The tamper-proof closure indicates to the user that the container is intact. Only once the tamper-proof closure has been torn open is the puncture site accessible for an injection syringe. The puncture site can be protected against impurities by the tamper-proof closure.

The cap could have a support element for pretensioning a grip section of the tamper-proof closure. This concrete embodiment makes it possible to easily grasp the grip section with one's thumbnail and to pull off the tamper-proof closure.

In light of this, it is conceivable for the cap to have first cap openings that go through the outer circumference of the cap. The first cap openings allow the mold-removal of the caps that have been made by injection molding. Furthermore, a first cap opening can serve to receive the grip section of the tamper-proof closure. With this concrete embodiment, the grip section that opens into the first cap opening can be grasped by a user very easily.

The cap could have second cap openings that go through the lid of the cap. These cap openings serve to facilitate the mold-removal of the cap made by means of injection molding.

The first and second cap openings, however, serve not only to facilitate the mold-removal of the cap after the injection molding, but also to allow the flow of steam or sterilizing agent during the sterilization of the closure and/or to allow gaseous components to escape from the container when the closure is in the drying position on the container.

In light of this, it is conceivable for the cap to be made of plastic. A plastic can be used so that the cap can be made in one member by means of injection molding. In light of this, it is concretely conceivable for the cap to be made of polypropylene or HDPE. These materials have proven to be very temperature-stable. This high temperature stability is necessary in order to withstand sterilization by heat or steam. Furthermore, the use of a plastic makes it possible to replace the caps made of aluminum that are known from state of the art. In a conventional sterilization procedure, the plastic used has to withstand a temperature of 121° C. [249.8° F.] for at least 20 minutes. Moreover, the plastic used has to be able to withstand at least 24 hours at a very low temperature of −50° C. [−58° F.]. The same requirements apply to the material of which the stopper is made.

A container could have a closure according to one or more of the preceding claims. Such a container can be manufactured very cost-effectively while complying with all of the sterility requirements.

Additional objectives, features, advantages and application possibilities of the present invention ensue from the following description of embodiments making reference to the drawing. In this context, all of the described or depicted features constitute the subject matter of the invention either on their own or in any desired combination, irrespective of their compilation in individual claims or the claim to which they relate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures show the following:

FIG. 1—an exploded view of the closure (with the stopper and the cap) and of the container according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 2—the stopper (top) inserted into the cap and the container from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3—the container and the cap from FIG. 2 in the drying position, in which the cap has been placed partially onto the container;

FIG. 4—the cap from FIG. 3 placed onto the container in the closed position;

FIG. 5
a—the container and the closure from FIG. 1 in a cross section along a first sectional, line;

FIG. 5
b—the container and the closure from FIG. 1 in a cross section along a second sectional line;

FIG. 6
a—the container and the closure from FIG. 2 in a cross section along a first sectional line;

FIG. 6
b—the container and the closure from FIG. 2 in a cross section along a second sectional line;

FIG. 7
a—the container and the closure from FIG. 3 in a cross section along a first sectional line, with the opened passage in the drying position;

FIG. 7
b—the container and the closure from FIG. 3 in a cross section along a second sectional line, with the opened passage in the drying position;

FIG. 8
a—the container and the closure from FIG. 4 in a cross section along a first sectional line, in the closed position;

FIG. 8
b—the container and the closure from FIG. 4 in a cross section along a second sectional line, in the closed position;

FIG. 9
a—a view of the cap from below;

FIG. 9
b—a side view of the cap from FIG. 9a;

FIG. 9
c—a view of the cap from FIG. 9a from above;

FIG. 10—an exploded view of a second embodiment, with a different stopper that has a longer sealing section and a cutout formed therein;

FIG. 11—a cross section of the closure and of the container from FIG. 10;

FIG. 12—the closure and the container from FIG. 11, with the stopper inserted into the cap;

FIG. 13—the closure and the container from FIG. 11 in the drying position, with the cap partially in place (passage open);

FIG. 14—the closure and the container from FIG. 13 in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the closure with the stopper and the cap as well as the container according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a container 1 which can be configured, for example, in the form of a bottle and be made of glass or plastic. The container 1 has a constricted neck 2 that is followed by a widened edge 3. The container 1 has an opening 4 that is surrounded by the edge 3. Above the container edge 3, there is a stopper 10 that is to be inserted into the container opening 4. The stopper 10 is made, for instance, of rubber. The stopper 10 has a sealing section 11 and an upper section 12 that is wider than the sealing section 11. The stopper 10 or its sealing section 11 is configured so as to be essentially cylindrical. The sealing section 11 of the stopper 10 can have an encircling sealing bead to make contact with the container 1. The cap 20 has holding members 22 that protrude into the interior space 29 of the cap 20. The cap 20 also has first cap openings 26 that go through the outer circumference of the cap 20. The cap 20 also has second cap openings 27 that go through the lid of the cap 20.

The cap 20 has a tamper-proof closure 24 having a grip section 24a that protrudes into a first cap opening 26.

FIG. 2 shows the stopper 10 inserted into the cap 20 and the container from FIG. 1. The cap 20 can be transported along with the inserted stopper 10 to the container 1.

FIG. 3 shows the container 1 and the cap 20 from FIG. 2 in the drying position in which the cap 20 has been placed partially onto the container 1. In this drying position, the closure is placed onto the container 1 in such a way that a passage (described in greater detail below) connects the interior of the container to the atmosphere. Nevertheless, the container 1 here is largely protected against the penetration of impurities. The substances that had been previously introduced into the container 1 can be dried in the drying position. The substances can be dried, for instance, through the modality of freeze-drying by applying negative pressure and temperatures below the freezing point. The invention is particularly well-suited for drugs, for example, injectable substances, that can be introduced into the container 1.

FIG. 4 shows the cap 20 from FIG. 3 placed onto the container 1 in the closed position. After the drying of the substances, the closure can be brought into the closed position in which the stopper 10 seals the container 1. The cap 20 of the closure has a tearable tamper-proof closure 24 that frees a puncture site. For purposes of withdrawing the contents from the container 1, an injection syringe can pierce the stopper 10 and the contents, optionally following the preceding admixture of a solvent such as, for example, water, can be withdrawn.

FIG. 5
a shows the container 1 and the closure from FIG. 1 in a cross section along a first sectional line. FIG. 5b shows the container 1 and the closure from FIG. 1 in a cross section along a second sectional line. The closure for the container 1 comprises the cap 20, whereby the cap 20 forms an interior space 29 into which the stopper 10 can be inserted in the axial direction in order to seal the container 1. The cap 20 has holding members 22 that serve to hold the stopper 10 and they protrude into the interior space 29. The holding members 22 can latch the stopper 10 in such a manner that the latter is affixed in a prescribed position in the axial direction.

The holding members 22 are configured as tabs that are elastically coupled to the inside 29a of the cap 20. The tabs protrude radially inwards. Four tabs are arranged as holding members 22 at equal distances along the circumference of the inside 29a of the cap 20.

The cap 20 has spacers 23 that protrude into the interior space 29 and that cooperate with the holding members 22 during the axial fixation of the stopper 10. The spacers 23 are configured in the form of nubs and they protrude into the interior space 29 in the axial direction from the inside 29a of the cap 20. The cap 20 can be latched to the stopper 10 that has a sealing section 11 and an upper section 12 that is wider than the sealing section 11. The upper section 12 can be positioned between the holding members 22 and the spacers 23, whereby the holding members 22 engage behind the upper section 12 and whereby the sealing section 11 protrudes axially. On the inside 29a of the cap 20, there are clamping members 21 that engage behind the container edge 3 so as to latch. The clamping members 21 are configured as tabs that are elastically coupled to the inside 29a of the cap 20. Four tabs are arranged as holding members 22 at equal distances along the circumference of the inside 29a of the cap 20.

On the inside 29a of the cap 20, there are clamping elements 28 that are configured as axially oriented webs that protrude into the interior space 29.

The cap 20 has a tamper-proof closure 24 that is detachably coupled to the cap 20 in order to free a puncture site 25 for an injection syringe.

The cap 20 has a support element 30 (see FIG. 9b) for pretensioning the grip section 24a of the tamper-proof closure 24.

The cap 20 has first cap openings 26 that go through the outer circumference of the cap 20. The grip section 24a of the tamper-proof closure 24 protrudes into a first cap opening 26 (see FIG. 3).

The cap 20 has second cap openings 27 that go through the lid of the cap 20. The first cap openings 26 and second cap openings 27 allow agents to flow through the cap 20 during sterilization or freeze-drying procedures.

The cap 20 is made of a plastic. In particular, it can have a wall thickness W between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

FIG. 6
a shows the container 1 and the closure from FIG. 2 in a cross section along a first sectional line. FIG. 6b shows the container 1 and the closure from FIG. 2 in a cross section along a second sectional line. The cap 20 is latched to the stopper 10 that has a sealing section 11 and an upper section 12 that is wider than the sealing section 11. Here, the upper section 12 lies between the holding members and the spacers 23, whereby the holding members 22 engage behind the upper section 12 and whereby the sealing section 11 protrudes into the container 1 in the axial direction. The stopper 10 is configured so as to be essentially cylindrical and it has a concave indentation that allows the sealing section 11 to compress slightly in the radial direction during insertion into the neck 2 of the container 1. As a result of the fact that the stopper 10 is latched to the cap 20, these two members can be sterilized together. The first cap openings 26 and the second cap openings 27 permit steam or sterilizing agent to flow out of the interior of the container through the cap 20 and past the stopper 10. In this process, steam or sterilizing agent can flow around the stopper 10.

In the holding position shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the holding members 22 latch the stopper 10 in such a manner that the latter is affixed in a prescribed position in the axial direction. Even though the stopper 10 can be turned in the cap 20, it can no longer be moved up or down, except for a small amount of play. The spacers 23 prevent the stopper 10 from moving downwards.

FIG. 7
a shows the container 1 and the closure from FIG. 3 in a cross section along a first sectional line, with an opened passage 13 in the drying position. FIG. 7b shows the container and the closure from FIG. 3 in a cross section along a second sectional line, with the opened passage 13 in the drying position. In FIGS. 7a and 7b, the closure is placed onto the container 1 in such a way that a passage 13 connects the interior of the container to the atmosphere. The passage 13 is ring-shaped and is formed by a gap created between the stopper 10 and the container 1. In this drying position, the container 1 is largely protected against the penetration of impurities. The substances that had been previously introduced into the container 1 can be dried in this drying position. In the drying position, the holding members 22 latch to the stopper 10 in such a way that the latter is affixed in a prescribed position in the axial direction. Moreover, the clamping members 21 form a stop for contact against the container, thus facilitating the positioning of the stopper 10.

FIG. 8
a shows the container 1 and the closure from FIG. 4 in a cross section along a first sectional line, in the closed position. FIG. 8b shows the container 1 and the closure from FIG. 4 in a cross section along a second sectional line, in the closed position. In the closed position, the stopper 10 seals the container 1. In the closed position, the container edge 3 presses the holding members 22 radially outwards, so that these free the stopper 10. The upper section 12 of the stopper 10 now lies on the container edge 3 so as to create a seal. The sealing section 11 is inserted into the container 1 and seals it by making contact against the container 1.

On the inside 29a of the cap 20, there are clamping members 21 that engage behind an edge 3 of the container so as to latch. The clamping members 21 are configured as tabs that are elastically coupled to the inside 29a of the cap 20. Four tabs are arranged as holding members 22 at equal distances along the circumference of the inside 29a of the cap 20 and they engage behind the container edge 3 so as to latch.

The cap 20 of the closure has a tearable tamper-proof closure 24 that frees a puncture site 25. For purposes of withdrawing the contents from the container 1, an injection syringe can pierce through the stopper 10 and the contents, optionally following the preceding admixture of a solvent such as, for example, water, can be withdrawn.

FIG. 9
a shows a view of the cap 20 from below. Here, one can see the spacers 23 configured in the form of nubs and arranged in a circle. It can also be seen that the holding members 22 and the clamping members 21 lie above each other and are offset with respect to each other on the inside 29a of the cap 20.

The holding members 22 as well as the clamping members 21 are configured as tabs that protrude radially inwards and that are elastically coupled to the inside 29a of the cap 20. FIG. 9a also shows the tamper-proof closure 24 that is fitted with a grip section 24a.

FIG. 9
b shows a side view of the cap 20 from FIG. 9a. FIG. 9b shows that the cap 20 has a support element 30 for pretensioning the grip section 24a of the tamper-proof closure 24. The grip section 24a of the tamper-proof closure 24 protrudes into a first cap opening 26. In this manner, the grip section 24a of the tamper-proof closure 24 can be grasped by a user very easily. In its mounted state, the support element 30 lies on the stopper 10 in such a way that it presses the grip section 24 slightly upwards in the axial direction. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the grip section 24a.

FIG. 9
c shows a view of the cap 20 from FIG. 9a from above. This view shows the second cap openings 27 that are arranged along the circumference. The first cap openings 26 in the outer circumference of the cap 20 can also be seen. Finally, FIG. 9c shows the tamper-proof closure 24 with its grip section 24a. The tamper-proof closure 24 has the shape of the Greek letter omega as seen from above.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment, with a stopper 10′ that has a longer sealing section 11′ and a cutout 14 formed therein. The stopper 10′ has a sealing section 11′ whose outer circumference has a slit-shaped cutout 14 in order to create a passage shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the closure and of the container from FIG. 10. The cross section according to FIG. 11 shows that the stopper 10′ has a sealing section 11′ whose outer circumference there has a slit-shaped cutout 14 in order to create the passage. The slit-shaped cutout 14 extends approximately from the center of the sealing section 11′ all the way to its end facing away from the upper section 12′. The stopper 10′ has a sealing section 11′ with a concave indentation that allows the sealing section 11′ to compress in the radial direction during insertion into the container 1. The stopper 10′ has a sealing section 11′ and an upper section 12′ that is wider than the sealing section 11′.

FIG. 12 shows the closure and the container 1 from FIG. 11, with the stopper 10′ inserted into the cap 20.

The holding members 22 latch the stopper 10′ in such a way that it is affixed in a prescribed position in the axial direction. The cap 20 has spacers 23 that protrude into the interior space 29 and cooperate with the holding members 22 during the axial fixation of the stopper 10′. In this context, the upper section 12′ lies between the holding members 22 and the spacers 23, whereby the holding members 22 engage behind the upper section 12′, and whereby the sealing section 11′ protrudes axially in the direction of the container 1.

FIG. 13 shows the closure and the container from FIG. 12 in the drying position, with the cap 20 partially in place. Even though the sealing section 11′ protrudes into the container 1, a passage 13 is formed in the outer circumference of the sealing section 11′ by the slit-shaped cutout 14. This passage 13 connects the interior of the container to the atmosphere.

Finally, FIG. 14 shows the closure and the container 1 from FIG. 13 in the closed position. The upper section 12′ of the stopper 10′ rests on the container edge 3 so as to seal it. The sealing section 11′ is accommodated in the container 1 and rests against the container interior so as to seal it. When the closure is pressed onto the container 1, the container edge 3 presses the holding members 22 radially outwards. The holding members 22 are now no longer resting on the stopper 10′. The stopper 10′ is positioned between the container edge 3 and the spacers 23 on the cap 20. The clamping members 21 on the cap 20 engage behind the container edge 3.

Finally, express mention is hereby made of the fact that the same reference numerals are used in FIGS. 1 to 14 to designate the same components of the container 1 and of the closure. Reference is hereby made to the applicable parts of the description.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
10 2008 050 931.0	Oct 2008	DE	national
10 2008 051 351.2	Oct 2008	DE	national

Closure to be pressed and latched onto a container

Information

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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Priority Claims (2)

Parent Case Info

Provisional Applications (1)