Nested device with movable projections for drug containers

Abstract

A structure comprising a plurality of receptacles, wherein: a. The receptacles are arranged to be adapted to receive a plurality of containers; b. Each of the plurality of brackets includes a sidewall defining an interior of the respective bracket, where i. At least one projection is disposed on the sidewall and extends into the interior of the respective bracket, ii. At least one projection has a first end and another end, where A. The first end is disposed opposite the other end, B. The first end is attached to the sidewall, and c. The second end is attached to the sidewall. Wherein at least a portion of the other end of the at least one protrusion is arranged so as to be adapted to be movable relative to the sidewall on which the protrusion is arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for receiving and transporting a plurality of containers, wherein the containers are preferably for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions. The present invention also relates to the use of the structure during the filling of the plurality of containers received in the structure. The present invention also relates to the use of the structure for transporting a plurality of containers. Background Art

[0002] Containers, such as those for pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions, are typically received (e.g., held) and transported using a structure called a nest (e.g., a nest sold by SCHOTT Pharma AG & Co. KGaA). Containers often have different diameters. For example, a container may be a capped syringe in which the diameter of the syringe's barrel is smaller than the diameter of the cap. Therefore, the dimensions of the receptacle in the nest must be such that containers of different diameters can still be accommodated in the nest. However, this causes the container to tilt in the nest because there is often a relatively large gap between the syringe and the receptacle sidewall. This tilt often results in contact between the containers (e.g., between the flanges of the syringe), which often damages the container. In addition, in the process of filling the container with the composition, the tilt of the container typically causes a variety of problems. These problems include inconsistent filling heights of the composition and contact between the container and the needle used to fill the container. This contact can damage the container and the filling needle. Another problem associated with nesting devices known from the prior art is that the high density of container packing can lead to contact between the containers, which can damage the containers. Prior art nesting devices also typically have a large contact surface between the sidewalls of the holder and the container received therein. This can lead to the formation of unwanted particles on the surfaces of the containers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages encountered in the prior art.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions, wherein the structure allows a higher packing density of the containers in the structure.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical compositions and / or cosmetic compositions, wherein the structure reduces tilting of the containers when the containers are received in the structure.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical compositions and / or cosmetic compositions, wherein damage to the containers is reduced when the containers are inserted into and / or removed from the structure.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions, wherein the structure allows for easier removal of the containers from the structure.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions, wherein the structure allows reducing damage to the structure during the insertion of the containers into the structure.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical compositions and / or cosmetic compositions, wherein damage to the containers is reduced when the containers are received in the structure (for example, during transportation of the containers using the structure).

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions, wherein the structure allows reducing the variations in the volumes of the compositions in said containers.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions, wherein the structure allows reducing the downtime of the equipment for at least one or all of the following operations: inserting the containers into the structure; filling the containers received in the structure; removing the containers from the structure.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions, wherein, during the filling of the containers, damage to the containers and / or to the components used to fill the containers is reduced.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions, which structure reduces particle formation on the surface of the containers when the containers are received in the structure.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for receiving a plurality of containers, preferably for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions, wherein the containers have different diameters.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention

[0017] Any embodiment of the present invention contributes to at least partially achieving at least one of the above-mentioned objectives.

[0018] A first embodiment of the present invention is a structure comprising a plurality of brackets, wherein:

[0019] a. The holder is arranged to receive a plurality of containers, wherein the container is preferably used to hold a pharmaceutical composition and / or a cosmetic composition;

[0020] b. Each of the plurality of brackets includes a side wall defining an interior of the corresponding bracket, wherein,

[0021] i. at least one protrusion is arranged on the side wall and extends into the interior of the corresponding bracket,

[0022] ii. At least one protrusion having a first end and another end, wherein,

[0023] A. The first end is arranged opposite to the other end,

[0024] B. The first end is attached to the side wall;

[0025] in,

[0026] At least a portion of the other end of at least one protrusion is arranged to be movable relative to the side wall on which the protrusion is arranged.

[0027] In a preferred aspect of the first embodiment, the holder is configured to receive a plurality of containers, wherein each of the plurality of containers comprises a first portion and a further portion, and wherein the further portion has a diameter greater than a diameter of the first portion. In this regard, preferably, the first portion is a body of the container, and the further portion is a closure configured to close the container. In this regard, preferably, the first portion is a syringe barrel, and the further portion is a syringe cap.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, at least one section, preferably at least one part, of at least one projection is arranged to be deformable, preferably elastically deformable.

[0029] This preferred embodiment is the second embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, at least a portion of the other end is arranged to be adapted to rotate by an angle in the range of -90° to 90°, preferably -75° to 75°, more preferably -60° to 60°.

[0031] This preferred embodiment is the third embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to second embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, at least one protrusion is arranged to be adapted to rotate about a first end of the protrusion.

[0033] This preferred embodiment is the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to third embodiments of the present invention.An example of the fourth embodiment is a protrusion, wherein the first end forms a hinge.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the first end of the at least one protrusion is arranged to form a hinge.

[0035] This preferred embodiment is the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the at least one protrusion comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polycarbonate, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and cyclic olefin polymer (COP).

[0037] This preferred embodiment is the sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention. In the sixth embodiment, polypropylene is particularly preferred.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the force required to remove a container from a respective receptacle is less than or equal to the weight of the structure, preferably less than the weight of the structure.

[0039] This preferred embodiment is the seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of this structure, the force required to remove the container from the corresponding holder is 1 N or less, preferably 0.5 N or less, more preferably 0.1 N or less, further preferably 0.075 N or less.

[0041] This preferred embodiment is the eighth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to seventh embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the elastic modulus of the at least one protrusion is in the range of 0.80 GPa to 3.50 GPa, preferably 0.85 GPa to 3.30 GPa, further preferably 0.90 GPa to 3.15 GPa, further preferably 0.95 GPa to 3.00 GPa.

[0043] This preferred embodiment is the ninth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to eighth embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the respective bracket has a first end and another end, wherein the at least one protrusion is arranged closer to the other end than the first end of the respective bracket.

[0045] This preferred embodiment is the tenth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to ninth embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the corresponding bracket has a first end and another end, and the at least one protrusion is arranged at a distance x1L from the other end of the corresponding bracket, wherein L is the length of the corresponding bracket, and x1 is in the range of 0 to 0.5, preferably 0 to 0.4, more preferably 0 to 0.3, and further preferably 0 to 0.2.

[0047] This preferred embodiment is the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to tenth embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred aspect of the eleventh embodiment, at least one protrusion is arranged at the other end of the corresponding bracket (ie x1=0).

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the corresponding bracket has a first end and another end, and the at least one protrusion is arranged at a certain distance from the other end, wherein the distance is in the range of 0 to 8.75 mm, preferably 0 to 7.00 mm, more preferably 0 to 5.25 mm, and further preferably 0 to 3.5 mm.

[0049] This preferred embodiment is the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to eleventh embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, at least one protrusion extends into the interior of the corresponding socket by a distance that is greater than the maximum thickness of the at least one protrusion.

[0051] This preferred embodiment is the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of this structure, at least one protrusion extends into the interior volume of the corresponding socket by a distance yD 最小 , where D 最小 is the minimum diameter of the corresponding socket, wherein y is in the range of 0.015 to 0.3, preferably 0.05 to 0.28, more preferably 0.1 to 0.27, further preferably 0.2 to 0.26.

[0053] This preferred embodiment is the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to thirteenth embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, at least one protrusion extends into the interior of the corresponding socket by a distance in the range of 0.1 to 9 mm, preferably 0.3 to 7 mm, even more preferably 0.4 to 6 mm, further preferably 0.5 to 5 mm.

[0055] This preferred embodiment is the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the maximum thickness of the at least one protrusion is in the range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 0.15 mm to 2.5 mm, further preferably 0.2 mm to 2.1 mm.

[0057] This preferred embodiment is the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to fifteenth embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred aspect of the sixteenth embodiment, the at least one protrusion has a maximum thickness at a first end of the at least one protrusion.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the ratio of the width of at least one protrusion to the circumference C of the corresponding socket is less than or equal to 0.5C, preferably less than or equal to 0.25C, further preferably less than or equal to 0.1C.

[0059] This preferred embodiment is the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to sixteenth embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the width of at least one protrusion is less than or equal to 6 mm, preferably less than or equal to 5.5 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 5 mm, and further preferably less than or equal to 4.5 mm.

[0061] This preferred embodiment is the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to seventeenth embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred aspect of the eighteenth embodiment, the width is in the range of 0.05mm to 6mm, preferably 0.1mm to 5mm, and further preferably 0.15mm to 4.5mm.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the length of at least one protrusion is measured between a first end and another end of the protrusion, wherein the thickness of the at least one protrusion measured at the first end is different from the thickness of the protrusion measured at the other end.

[0063] This preferred embodiment is the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention, and is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to eighteenth embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred aspect of the nineteenth embodiment, the thickness decreases from the first end to the other end. In a preferred aspect of the nineteenth embodiment, the thickness measured at the first end varies by at least 10%, more preferably at least 30%, even more preferably at least 50%, and further preferably at least 70% relative to the thickness measured at the other end. In a preferred aspect of the nineteenth embodiment, the thickness measured at the first end varies by less than 150%, more preferably less than 130%, even more preferably less than 110%, and further preferably less than 100% relative to the thickness measured at the other end. In a preferred aspect of the nineteenth embodiment, the thickness at the first end is less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1.8 mm, and further preferably less than 1.6 mm. In this aspect, preferably, the thickness at the other end is 0.2 mm.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the length of at least one protrusion is measured between a first end and the other end of the protrusion, wherein the thickness of at least one protrusion varies along the length of at least one protrusion by less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, further preferably less than 3%.

[0065] This preferred embodiment is the twentieth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to eighteenth embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the geometry of at least a portion of the at least one protrusion is selected from the group consisting of a flap, a curved surface, and a pin.

[0067] This preferred embodiment is the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to twentieth embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement, the at least one protrusion is arranged and adapted to create a gap between the first section of the side wall and the first section of the container when the container is received (eg held) in the respective receptacle.

[0069] This preferred embodiment is the twenty-second embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to twenty-first embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred aspect of the twenty-second embodiment, at least one protrusion is arranged to be adapted to generate the gap at least at the other end of the corresponding bracket.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the corresponding bracket includes at least two protrusions, more preferably at least three protrusions, and even more preferably three protrusions.

[0071] This preferred embodiment is the twenty-third embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to twenty-second embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the respective bracket comprises a first set of protrusions, wherein the protrusions are arranged at positions that vary by less than 10%, preferably by less than 7.5%, further preferably by less than 5% when measured parallel to the other direction.

[0073] This preferred embodiment is the twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to twenty-third embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the first group of protrusions comprises at least one protrusion, preferably at least two protrusions, more preferably at least three protrusions, and even more preferably three protrusions.

[0075] This preferred embodiment is the twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to the twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of this structure,

[0077] a. The corresponding bracket includes another set of at least one protrusion, and

[0078] b. The first set of protrusions is arranged at a certain distance from the other set of protrusions.

[0079] This preferred embodiment is the twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention and is preferably dependent upon any of the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth embodiments of the present invention. In the twenty-sixth embodiment, the distance is measured parallel to the other direction based on the average position of a group of protrusions. In a preferred aspect of the twenty-sixth embodiment, the other group of protrusions includes at least two protrusions, more preferably at least three protrusions, and even more preferably three protrusions. In the twenty-sixth embodiment, if the other group of protrusions includes at least two protrusions, the protrusions are arranged at positions that vary by less than 10%, preferably less than 7.5%, and even more preferably less than 5% when measured parallel to the other direction.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the respective bracket has a first end and another end, and at least one or all of the following apply:

[0081] a. The first set of protrusions is arranged closer to the other end than the first end;

[0082] b. Another set of at least one protrusion is arranged closer to the first end than the other end.

[0083] This preferred embodiment is the twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to the twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect of the twenty-seventh embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the respective bracket has a first end and another end, and at least one or all of the following apply:

[0085] a. The first set of protrusions is arranged at a distance x1L from the other end of the corresponding bracket, where L is the length of the corresponding bracket, x1 is in the range of 0 to 0.5, preferably 0 to 0.4, more preferably 0 to 0.3, further preferably 0 to 0.2;

[0086] b. Another set of at least one protrusion is arranged at a distance x2L from the first end of the corresponding bracket, where L is the length of the corresponding bracket, and x2 is in the range of 0 to less than 0.5, preferably 0 to 0.4, more preferably 0 to 0.3, and further preferably 0 to 0.2.

[0087] This preferred embodiment is the twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention and is preferably subordinate to any of the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh embodiments of the present invention. In one aspect of the twenty-eighth embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations include, for example, a; b; and a+b.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the side wall of the respective bracket has at least one portion having a curved surface, wherein the at least one portion forms at least one protrusion extending into the interior of the respective bracket.

[0089] This preferred embodiment is the twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to twenty-eighth embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the respective socket comprises at least two protrusions, wherein the at least one projection is arranged between the at least two protrusions.

[0091] This preferred embodiment is the 30th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to the 29th embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred aspect of the 30th embodiment, if the corresponding bracket includes more than one protrusion, each protrusion is arranged between two projections.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, at least one protrusion extends along at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 25%, further preferably at least 50% of the length of the respective socket.

[0093] This preferred embodiment is the thirty-first embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the twenty-ninth to thirtieth embodiments of the present invention.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the respective socket comprises at least two, preferably at least four, more preferably at least six protrusions.

[0095] This preferred embodiment is the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the twenty-ninth to thirty-first embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the diameter of the interior varies along the length of the respective bracket, preferably wherein a first diameter of the interior measured at a first end of the respective bracket is greater than another diameter measured at another end of the respective bracket.

[0097] This preferred embodiment is the thirty-third embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to thirty-second embodiments of the present invention.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the structure further comprises a plurality of containers, each of which contains less than 0.1 ml, preferably less than 0.05 ml, and further preferably less than 0.01 ml of the composition.

[0099] This preferred embodiment is the thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to thirty-third embodiments of the present invention.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, the structure further comprises a plurality of containers which are at least 20%, preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 50% filled with the composition, wherein said percentages are relative to the internal volume of the containers.

[0101] This preferred embodiment is the thirty-fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to any one of the first to thirty-fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment of the structure, each container of the plurality of containers has a first portion and another portion, wherein the diameter of the another portion is larger than the diameter of the first portion.

[0103] This preferred embodiment is the thirty-sixth embodiment of the present invention and is preferably subordinate to the thirty-fifth embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred aspect of the thirty-sixth embodiment, the first part is the body of the container, and the other part is a closure device arranged to close the container. In a preferred aspect of the thirty-sixth embodiment, the first part is the barrel of a syringe, and the other part is the cap of the syringe.

[0104] A thirty-seventh embodiment of the present invention is a method for at least partially filling a plurality of containers with a composition, preferably a pharmaceutical composition and / or a cosmetic composition, comprising the steps of:

[0105] a. Providing a structure according to the present invention, preferably a structure according to any one of the first to thirty-third embodiments of the present invention,

[0106] b. inserting a plurality of containers into a plurality of holders of the structure, wherein at least one protrusion is preferably deformed during the insertion process, and wherein the container is preferably a container according to any one of the thirty-fourth to thirty-sixth embodiments of the present invention;

[0107] c. At least partially filling the container with the composition.

[0108] In a preferred aspect of the thirty-seventh embodiment, each container in the plurality of containers comprises a first portion and another portion, wherein the diameter of the other portion is greater than the diameter of the first portion. In this aspect, preferably, the first portion is a body of the container, and the other portion is a closure device configured to close the container. In this aspect, preferably, the first portion is a syringe barrel, and the other portion is a syringe cap.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment of the method for at least partially filling a plurality of containers with a composition, the method comprises the following further step:

[0110] d. Removing the plurality of containers from the structure, wherein at least one protrusion is preferably deformed during said removal.

[0111] This preferred embodiment is the thirty-eighth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably subordinate to the thirty-seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] The thirty-ninth embodiment of the present invention is a plurality of containers at least partially filled with a composition, and the plurality of containers can be obtained by a method for filling a plurality of containers with a composition (according to the present invention), preferably, the method is a method according to any one of the thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth embodiments of the present invention.

[0113] A fortieth embodiment of the present invention is a method for transporting a plurality of containers, comprising the following steps:

[0114] a. Providing a structure according to the present invention, the structure is preferably a structure according to any one of the first to thirty-third embodiments of the present invention;

[0115] b. inserting a plurality of containers into the structure, wherein the container is preferably a container according to any one of the thirty-fourth to thirty-sixth embodiments of the present invention;

[0116] c. Transporting the structure and plurality of containers from a first location to another location.

[0117] In a preferred aspect of the fortieth embodiment, each container in the plurality of containers comprises a first portion and another portion, wherein the diameter of the other portion is greater than the diameter of the first portion. In this aspect, preferably, the first portion is a body of the container, and the other portion is a closure device configured to close the container. In this aspect, preferably, the first portion is a syringe barrel, and the other portion is a syringe cap.

[0118] In a preferred aspect of the method for transporting a plurality of containers, the method further comprises at least one or all of the following steps:

[0119] A. inserting the structure into another structure that at least partially encloses the structure, such as a tub;

[0120] B. sealing the opening of the further structure with a film, which is preferably a gas permeable film;

[0121] C. The structure and the container received therein are preferably sterilized while being sealed in a further structure, such as a packaging box.

[0122] This preferred embodiment is the 41st embodiment of the present invention, and it is preferably subordinate to the 40th embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect of the 41st embodiment, all possible combinations of features A. to C. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, A; B; C; A+B; A+C; B+C; A+B+C. In the 41st embodiment, "tub" should be understood as the tub used in the pharmaceutical industry. In a preferred aspect of the 41st embodiment, one or more of steps A. to C. are performed at a first location, and one or more of steps A. to C. are performed at another location. For example, after performing step b. in the 40th embodiment, steps A. and B. are performed at a first location, then the structure with the container is transported to another location (step c in the 40th embodiment), and then step C. is performed at another location.

[0123] The forty-second embodiment of the present invention is use of the structure according to the present invention. Preferably, the structure according to any one of the first to thirty-sixth embodiments of the present invention is used for at least one or all of the following:

[0124] a. reducing contact between a plurality of holders and a plurality of containers received in the holder, preferably reducing contact between a plurality of holders and the other end of the plurality of containers received in the holder;

[0125] b. Reduce contact between adjacent containers received in the structure;

[0126] c. reducing the number of particles received on the surface of the container in the structure;

[0127] d. Reduce damage to the container when it is received in the structure.

[0128] In one aspect of the forty-second embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to d. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; d; a+b; a+c; a+d; b+c; b+d; c+d; a+b+c; a+b+d; a+c+d; b+c+d; a+b+c+d.

[0129] Detailed description of the invention

[0130] Features described as preferred in one category of the invention (eg, with respect to structure) are similarly preferred in embodiments according to other categories of the invention (eg, with respect to use of the structure of the invention).

[0131] Throughout the document, the disclosure of a range should preferably be understood as including both endpoints of the range. In addition, each disclosure of a range in the document should preferably be understood as also disclosing a preferred subrange, which does not include an endpoint or does not include both endpoints. For example, the disclosure of a range from X1 to X2 should be understood as disclosing a scope that includes endpoints X1 and X2. In addition, it should be understood as also disclosing a scope that includes endpoint X1 but does not include endpoint X2, does not include endpoint X1 but includes the scope of endpoint X2, and does not include the scope of endpoints X1 and X2.

[0132] Some preferred embodiments and aspects have various combinations of features as alternatives. If various combinations are disclosed, these combinations are separated by semicolons (“;”). For example, a list of features in a preferred embodiment, “a; a+b; a+c+d,” discloses a preferred embodiment that includes feature “a,” a preferred embodiment that includes features “a” and “b,” and a preferred embodiment that includes features “a,” “c,” and “d.”

[0133] In an embodiment of the present invention, the structure "comprises a plurality of brackets, wherein each of the plurality of brackets comprises a side wall defining an interior of the corresponding bracket, wherein the side wall comprises at least one protrusion arranged on the side wall and extending into the interior of the corresponding bracket; wherein the at least one protrusion has a first end and another end, wherein the first end is arranged opposite to the other end and the first end is attached to the side wall; wherein at least a portion of the other end of the at least one protrusion is arranged to be movable relative to the side wall on which the protrusion is arranged". This should not be understood to mean that the structure can only have brackets with protrusions having at least a portion that is movable relative to the side wall of the bracket. In addition to the above-mentioned plurality of brackets, the structure may also, for example, include another plurality of brackets, wherein the side wall (of the other plurality of brackets) does not include a protrusion, or wherein the protrusion (of the other plurality of brackets) does not have a movable other end.

[0134] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that at least 70%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 95%, and further preferably all of the brackets of the first structure form part of a plurality of brackets (i.e., have a side wall comprising at least one protrusion, the protrusion having at least a portion that is movable relative to the side wall of the bracket). Preferred embodiments and preferred aspects of "corresponding brackets" should be understood as preferred embodiments and preferred aspects that form at least 70%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 95%, and further preferably all of the brackets of the plurality of brackets.

[0135] An example of a container received in a receptacle is a container held in said receptacle.

[0136] structure

[0137] The structure preferably comprises a polymer. Examples of preferred polymers include polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and cyclic olefin polymer (COP). Here, polypropylene is particularly preferably used for the structure.

[0138] The structure can be obtained using deep drawing, preferably injection molding, and / or 3D printing. The structure is preferably manufactured in a single piece. Structures for receiving containers for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions are often referred to as "nesting devices." "Nesting devices" here should preferably be understood as referring to nesting devices used in the pharmaceutical industry.

[0139] The structure preferably comprises 5 to 250, more preferably 10 to 200, even more preferably 20 to 190, further preferably 40 to 180, further preferably 60 to 180, further preferably 80 to 180, even further preferably 100 to 160 brackets.

[0140] The mass of the structure is preferably in the range of 40 g to 400 g, more preferably 55 g to 250 g, further preferably 75 g to 100 g.

[0141] In a preferred aspect of the invention, at least portions of the side walls of adjacent brackets do not touch (eg, a gap is formed between the portions). In another preferred aspect of the invention, the side walls of adjacent brackets touch.

[0142] In another preferred aspect of the present invention, adjacent brackets share at least a portion of the same side wall.

[0143] bracket

[0144] The bracket preferably extends from the first surface of the structure. The bracket is preferably elongated. The bracket preferably has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the bracket preferably has a first opening for receiving a container. In other words, the bracket is preferably arranged to be suitable for inserting a container into the corresponding bracket and / or removing a container from the corresponding bracket at the first end. Preferably, the other end of the bracket has another opening. The other opening at the other end of the bracket is preferably arranged to allow a portion of the container to extend out of the bracket when the container is received in the bracket.

[0145] protrusion

[0146] The protrusion preferably comprises at least one thermoplastic, more preferably is made of at least one thermoplastic. The cross-section of the protrusion can be of any geometric shape, wherein the cross-section is perpendicular to the length of the protrusion. For example, if the protrusion is in the form of a pin, the pin can have a cylindrical or rectangular cross-section.

[0147] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the protrusion is formed integrally with the sidewall of the bracket. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the protrusion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sidewall of the bracket. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the protrusion and the sidewall on which the protrusion is disposed are made of the same material. In another preferred aspect of the present invention, the protrusion and the sidewall on which the protrusion is disposed are made of different materials.

[0148] A group of protrusions should preferably be understood as one or more protrusions which are arranged in positions which vary by less than 10% when measured parallel to another direction.A group may comprise only one protrusion.

[0149] A protrusion having a tab-like geometry is preferably understood to mean that the protrusion includes at least one first portion, wherein the maximum width of the at least one first portion is greater than the maximum thickness of the at least one first portion. The protrusion may also include at least two such first portions, wherein the at least two such first portions may be arranged at an angle relative to each other. The protrusion may also include one or more further portions in the form of a curved surface. The protrusion may also include two or more such further portions arranged at an angle relative to each other.

[0150] Movable and deformable

[0151] The part of the other end of the protrusion being arranged to be movable relative to the side wall of the holder should be understood to mean that the other end of the protrusion is able to move while the side wall on which the protrusion is arranged remains stationary.

[0152] The part of the other end of the protrusion arranged to be movable relative to the side wall of the bracket should be understood to mean that the part can move without damaging the protrusion. An example of protrusion damage is that the other end of the protrusion is broken or torn.

[0153] The protrusion being arranged to be deformable should preferably be understood to mean at least one or all of the following: when a force is applied to the protrusion, the other end of the protrusion can move relative to the side wall without damaging the protrusion; when a force is applied to the protrusion, the shape of the protrusion can change without damaging the protrusion. For example, when a container is inserted into the holder, the protrusion can bend along the length of the protrusion and the container contacts the protrusion.

[0154] The protrusion being arranged to be elastically deformable should preferably be understood as follows: when no force is applied to the protrusion, the other end of the protrusion is in a first position (e.g., the protrusion is a pin and the pin is straight). When a force is applied, the other end of the protrusion moves to another position (e.g., the pin is bent). When the force is removed, the other end of the protrusion at least partially returns to the first position (e.g., the protrusion becomes straighter but can still be bent).

[0155] force

[0156] In the context of the present disclosure, the force exerted on the protrusion should preferably be understood to be of the same order of magnitude as the force exerted by the container when said container is inserted into and / or removed from the receptacle.

[0157] Rotation angle

[0158] The rotation angle of at least a portion of the other end of the protrusion is measured relative to a plane defined as 0°. This plane is the neutral plane, such as Figure 4A and Figure 4B When no force is applied to the other end, the other end lies in the plane.

[0159] protrusions

[0160] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side wall of the corresponding bracket has at least one portion having a curved surface, wherein the at least one portion forms at least one protrusion extending into the interior of the corresponding bracket. This feature is referred to herein as "the side wall includes a protrusion."

[0161] The protrusions preferably comprise a polymer. Examples of preferred polymers include polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), and cyclic olefin polymer (COP). Polypropylene is particularly preferred for the protrusions. The protrusions are preferably formed integrally with the sidewalls of the socket. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the protrusions extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls of the socket.

[0162] The feature "the side wall of the respective holder has at least one portion with a curved surface, wherein the at least one portion forms at least one protrusion" should be understood to mean that the protrusion has a curved surface. The curvature of the surface of the side wall portion forming the protrusion is preferably perpendicular to the length of the respective holder.

[0163] The protrusion preferably extends along at least 75%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 95% of the length of the socket in which the protrusion is located.

[0164] If the socket comprises protrusions, it is preferred that the socket comprises an even number of protrusions.

[0165] container

[0166] As used herein, a container includes a container wall that at least partially encloses the interior volume of the container. As used herein, the container is designed to contain a composition such that the interior side of the container wall (i.e., the side of the container wall facing the interior volume) and / or a coating (e.g., a lubricating layer) on the interior side of the container wall is in direct contact with the composition. Preferred containers are suitable for containing pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic compositions.

[0167] The first end of the container preferably comprises a first orifice which allows the composition to be filled into the interior volume of the container. Preferably, the first orifice also allows the composition to be discharged from the interior volume.

[0168] The internal volume of a container represents the total volume of the container's interior. This volume can be determined by filling the internal volume with water up to the rim of the container and measuring the volume of water that the internal volume can accommodate up to the rim. Therefore, the internal volume used herein does not refer to the nominal volume often used in pharmaceutical technology. For example, the nominal volume can be smaller than the internal volume.

[0169] In the context of the present invention, the container may be of any size or shape deemed suitable by the skilled person. Preferred containers have at least one cylindrical portion. Preferred containers are elongated.

[0170] Preferred containers, more preferably container walls comprise at least one glass, at least one polymer or a combination thereof, more preferably consisting thereof. In the context of the present invention, glass can be any type of glass and can have any component that the technician thinks is suitable. Preferably, glass is suitable for pharmaceutical compositions. Preferred glass is type I glass according to the definition of glass types in section 3.2.1 of the 7th edition of the European Pharmacopoeia in 2011. Examples of preferred glasses include borosilicate glass, fused quartz and a combination thereof. Particularly preferred glass is borosilicate glass. Examples of preferred polymers include polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, cycloolefin copolymer (COC) and cycloolefin polymer (COP). Here, particularly preferred are cycloolefin copolymer (COC) and cycloolefin polymer (COP).

[0171] Examples of preferred containers include cartridges, vials, ampoules, carpules, and syringes. Preferably, all of the containers in the plurality of containers are of the same type, which are preferably selected from the examples of preferred containers described above. Preferred syringes are made of glass or polymer.

[0172] Additionally or alternatively, the internal volume of a preferred syringe is in the range of 0.5 ml to 100 ml, preferably 0.5 ml to 80 ml, and more preferably 0.5 ml to 60 ml. Additionally or alternatively, a preferred syringe comprises a body portion that is preferably cylindrical. This is also referred to as a barrel. The diameter of the preferred barrel of the syringe is in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 6 mm to 45 mm, even more preferably 8 mm to 40 mm, and most preferably 9 mm to 35 mm. It is particularly preferred that the barrel be made of glass or a polymer.

[0173] Preferably, the container, more preferably the container wall, and more preferably the surface of the container wall facing the interior volume of the container, comprises at least one coating. A coating is preferably understood herein to mean a layer applied by any method known to those skilled in the pharmaceutical industry. These methods include applying the coating by spraying or painting the coating onto the container wall facing the interior volume of the container. A preferred coating is a lubricating layer. A preferred lubricating layer comprises silicone. A preferred lubricating layer reduces friction when a component of the container moves within the interior volume of the container. An example of a component is the plunger of a syringe, which is an example of a container. For example, the lubricating layer reduces the force required to move the plunger within the barrel of the syringe.

[0174] Pharmaceutical compositions and cosmetic compositions

[0175] In the context of the present invention, each pharmaceutical composition and each cosmetic composition that the skilled person considers suitable is contemplated. A pharmaceutical composition is a composition comprising at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient. A preferred pharmaceutically active ingredient is a vaccine. A cosmetic composition is a composition comprising at least one cosmetically active ingredient. A preferred cosmetically active ingredient is hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin. The pharmaceutical composition and / or cosmetic composition can be fluid or solid or both, wherein fluid compositions are particularly preferred here. Preferred solid compositions are granular, such as powders, large quantities of tablets or large quantities of capsules. Further preferred pharmaceutical compositions and / or cosmetic compositions are parenteral, i.e., compositions intended to be administered via a parenteral route, which can be any non-intestinal route. Parenteral administration can be performed by injection, for example, using a needle (typically a hypodermic needle) and a syringe, or by inserting an indwelling catheter.

[0176] The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples and exemplary embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0177] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the present invention. In addition, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0178] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a structure according to the present invention.

[0179] Figure 2A and Figure 2B 2 is a schematic diagram showing that the other end of the protrusion is movable relative to the side wall of the bracket.

[0180] Figures 3A to 3D is a schematic diagram showing how to measure the dimensions of the bracket and the protrusion.

[0181] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing how to measure the rotation angle of a protrusion.

[0182] Figures 5A to 5C is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a protrusion according to the present invention.

[0183] Figures 6A to 6C is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a protrusion according to the present invention.

[0184] 7A to 7C is a schematic diagram showing a first group of protrusions and another group of protrusions according to the present invention.

[0185] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method 800 for filling a plurality of containers.

[0186] Figure 9is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method for transporting a plurality of containers.

[0187] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the test method used to measure the force required to remove a container from a holder.

[0188] Figure 11 is an example of a first end of a protrusion formed as a hinge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0189] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of a structure 100 according to the present invention. The structure 100 is viewed from the side. The structure has a plurality of brackets, such as bracket 101a. As shown in bracket 101a, the bracket has a sidewall 102a that defines an interior 103 of the bracket 101a. Protrusions 104a and 104b are arranged on the sidewall 102a, wherein the protrusions 104a and 104b extend into the interior 103 of the bracket 101a. As shown in protrusion 104a, the protrusion has a first end 105 and another end 106 (arranged opposite the first end 105), wherein the first end 105 is attached to the sidewall 102a. Also as shown in bracket 101a, the bracket has a first end 107 and another end 108. The first end 107 is located at or near a first surface 109 of the structure 100. The first surface 109 may also be referred to as the top or upper surface of the structure 100. Figure 1 Also shown is a container 110 received in the holder 101b. The container 110 has a first end 111 and another end 112 and a body 131. Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG, the diameter of the body 131 (an example of the first portion) of the container 110 is smaller than the diameter of the other end 112 (an example of the other portion). As a result, a gap 113 is formed between the container 110 and the sidewall 102b of the holder 101b. The protrusions 104c and 104d contact the container 110, thereby at least partially preventing the container 110 from tilting in the holder 101b. Preferably, the contact between the protrusions 104c and 104d and the container 110 prevents the container 110 from being pinched by the protrusions. Figure 1 The container 110 in FIG. 1 is a syringe having a flange (first end 111), a barrel (body 131) and a cap (other end 112). The container is inserted into the structure 100 at the first end of the holder.

[0190] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing the other end of the protrusion that is movable relative to the side wall of the bracket. In particular, Figure 2A and Figure 2B A bracket 101 according to the structure of the present invention is shown. Figure 2AA force 132 is shown applied to protrusion 104a. This force 132 is generated, for example, by a container (not shown) being inserted into the holder and causing the other end of the container to contact protrusion 104a. As a result, the other end 106 of protrusion 104a moves relative to the sidewall 102 of holder 101 (e.g., protrusion 104a deforms). More specifically, protrusion 104a rotates around the first end 105 of protrusion 104a (e.g., first end 105 is formed as a hinge). For comparison, protrusion 104b is shown, with no force applied to it. As can be seen, protrusion 104b is positioned perpendicular to sidewall 102. When no force is applied, this position is also referred to as the neutral position of the protrusion. Preferably, if the other end of the protrusion moves relative to the sidewall during the insertion and / or removal of the container, once the container is positioned in the container and / or has been removed from the container, the protrusion at least partially returns to the neutral position (i.e., the protrusion is elastically deformable). It will be noted that when the container is inserted into the holder, this force will likely be applied to all protrusions in the holder. However, for illustrative purposes, the protrusion 104b shown is not subjected to force.

[0191] Figure 2B and Figure 2A The same, the differences are as follows. Figure 2B It can be seen that during application of force 132, protrusion 104a bends along the length of the protrusion (eg, protrusion 104a is deformable). Figure 2B In the embodiment, the first end 105 of the protrusion 104a is not formed as a hinge. However, it should be noted that even if the first end 105 of the protrusion 104a is formed as a hinge, the protrusion may also be formed as a hinge. Figure 2B Deformation shown.

[0192] Figures 3A to 3D 1 is a schematic diagram showing how to measure the dimensions of the bracket and the protrusion. For illustration purposes, only a portion of the bracket is shown. Figure 3A The length 114 of the bracket 101 is shown measured between the first end 107 and the other end 108 of the bracket. The length 114 is also measured parallel to the other direction 119. This also applies to the case when the bracket has different diameters (for example, the bracket has a conical shape). Here, the length is measured along an axis passing through the center of the bracket, which axis is parallel to the other direction 119. The distance 115 that the protrusion extends into the interior 103 of the bracket 101 is measured between the first end 105 and the other end 106 of the protrusion 104. In addition, the distance 115 is measured parallel to the first direction 118, wherein the first direction 118 is perpendicular to the other direction 119. If the bracket has different diameters (for example, the bracket has a conical shape), the distance 115 is still measured parallel to the first direction 118 (i.e., it is not measured along an axis perpendicular to the side wall 102, because the side wall is not parallel to the other direction 119). As shown Figure 3A As shown, the thickness 116 of the protrusion 104 is measured. Figure 3B 101 is a top view of the bracket 101. Figure 3B The protrusion 104 is shown measured as having a width 117. It may be noted that the thickness 116 and the width 117 are not necessarily measured parallel to the first direction 118, the further direction 119, or perpendicular thereto.

[0193] Figure 3C It is shown how the distance 128 of the protrusion 104 from the first end 107 of the socket is measured. Figure 3C It is also shown how to measure the distance 129 of the protrusion 104 from the other end 108 of the socket. Both distances are measured parallel to the other direction 119, even if the socket has a different diameter (for example, the socket has a conical shape). Figure 3D It is shown how the distance is measured between a protrusion of the first set of protrusions 126 and a protrusion of the further set of protrusions 127. The distance is measured parallel to the further direction 119, even if the socket has a different diameter (eg the socket has a conical shape).

[0194] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing how the rotation angle of the protrusion is measured. For illustrative purposes, only a portion of the bracket is shown. Figure 4A Corresponding to Figure 2A The bracket shown. When the protrusion is in a neutral position (e.g., protrusion 104b), the other end 106 of protrusion 104b lies in a neutral plane 120. When a sufficiently large force is applied, the other end 106 of protrusion 104a moves out of the neutral plane 120. A plane 121 tangential to the other end 106 is fitted to protrusion 104a. An angle 112a between the neutral plane 120 and the tangential plane 121 is defined as the rotation angle of the other end 106. Figure 4B Corresponding to Figure 2B Bracket shown. Figure 4B The rotation angle of the other end 106 is as described Figure 4A It may be noted that the rotation angle need not be only about directions perpendicular to the first direction 118 and the further direction 119. If the protrusion is rotated about, for example, the further direction 119, then Figure 4A and Figure 4B The neutral plane in should be rotated about the first direction 118 accordingly.

[0195] Figures 5A to 5C is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a protrusion according to the present invention. Figure 5A1 is an isometric view of a cross section of a structure according to the present invention. As can be seen, the protrusions 104 are arranged as tabs at the other end 108 of the bracket 101. The bracket 101 also has protrusions 125 extending along the length of the bracket 101. The protrusions 104 are arranged between the protrusions 125. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A FIG. 1 is a top view of the structure, in which it can be seen that the protrusions 104 are arranged around the circumference of the bracket 101. Figure 5C yes Figure 5A Here it can be noted that when the container 110 is received in the receptacle, the protrusion 104 is in a neutral position.

[0196] Figures 6A to 6C is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a protrusion according to the present invention. Figure 6A is an isometric view of a cross section of a structure according to the invention. It can be seen that the protrusion 104 is arranged as a pin at a distance from the other end 108 of the bracket 101 . Figure 6B yes Figure 6A FIG. 1 is a top view of the structure, in which it can be seen that the protrusions 104 are arranged around the circumference of the bracket 101. Figure 6C yes Figure 6A Here it can be noted that when the container 110 is received in the receptacle, the protrusion 104 is in a neutral position.

[0197] 7A to 7C Schematic diagram showing a first set of protrusions and another set of protrusions according to the present invention.

[0198] Figure 7A 1 is an isometric view of a cross-section of a structure according to the present invention. The bracket 101 has a first set of protrusions 126 (protrusions 126a and 126b are shown) arranged closer to the other end 108 of the bracket 101 than the first end 107. The bracket 101 also has another set of protrusions 127 arranged closer to the first end 107 of the bracket 101 than the other end 108. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A FIG. 1 is a top view of the structure, in which it can be seen that the first group of protrusions 126 and the other group of protrusions 127 are alternately arranged around the circumference of the bracket 101. Figure 6C yes Figure 6A A view of the structure from below.

[0199] Figure 8800 is a flow chart showing the steps of a method 800 for filling multiple containers with a composition. In step 801, a structure according to the present invention (for example, any structure as shown in Figures 5 to 7) is provided. In step 802, multiple containers are inserted into the structure. This causes projections to partially deform (move at the other end) along the insertion direction of the container. This allows to improve the centering of the container in the holder. Once the container has been received in the holder, the other end of the projections just returns to their position (neutral position) before the container is inserted. Preferably, the projection contacts the container so that the container is not clamped by the projections. In step 803, the container is partially filled with a pharmaceutical composition. In step 804, the partially filled container is removed from the structure. In the process of removing the container, the projections are deformed (move at the other end) at least partially along the direction of removal. Once the container is removed, the other end of the projections just returns to their position (neutral position) before the container is inserted.

[0200] Figure 9 FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method 900 for transporting a plurality of containers. In step 901, a structure according to the present invention (e.g., any of the structures shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 ) is provided. In step 902, a plurality of containers are inserted into the structure. Figure 8 In step 903, the structure and the container received therein are transported from the first location to another location. The first location may be a sterilization station for sterilizing the structure and the container received therein. The other location may be a filling station for partially filling the container with the composition.

[0201] Figure 10 1 is a schematic diagram of a test method 1000 for measuring the force required to remove a container from a holder. A structure 133 is placed on a support 136 (e.g., a workbench). The support 136 has at least one opening 137 that is aligned with the opening of the holder 101 of the structure 133. A piston 134 attached to a force sensor 135 is inserted into the holder 101 and contacts the protrusion. The other end of the protrusion should not move due to the contact. In addition, the piston 134 is arranged so that the overlap distance 138 between the edge of the piston and the protrusion 104 is 0.5 mm. The force applied by the piston 134 to the protrusion 104 is then increased until the other end of the protrusion 104 moves from the neutral position. The force required to cause the movement is defined as the force required to remove the container from the holder.

[0202] Although for example Figure 1 and Figures 5A to 5CThe projections are shown arranged in a plane perpendicular to another direction (e.g., perpendicular to the length of the bracket), but this is not required. For example, the projections may be arranged in a plane that is angled relative to at least one or all of the following directions: a first direction; another direction; and yet another direction that is arranged perpendicular to the first and other directions.

[0203] Figure 11 is an example of a first end 105 of a protrusion 104 formed as a hinge. The protrusion 104 has a portion 139 whose thickness is reduced compared to the thickness of the rest of the protrusion 104. When the first end of the protrusion is arranged as Figure 11 When the hinge is shown, the thickness of the first end 105 should not be measured at the location of portion 139, but rather at a location 140 immediately adjacent to said portion 139. In other words, when determining the thickness variation between the first end and the other end of the protrusion, the thickness measured at location 140 and the thickness measured at the other end 106 should be considered.

[0204] Test Method

[0205] The following test methods are used in the context of the present invention: Unless otherwise stated, the measurements are carried out at an ambient temperature of 23° C., an ambient pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm) and a relative air humidity of 50%.

[0206] size

[0207] The length of the bracket was measured with a caliper. The distance the protrusion extended into the internal volume was also measured with a caliper, as was the thickness and width of the protrusion.

[0208] Weight of the structure

[0209] The weight W of the structure is given by:

[0210] W=M S *G,

[0211] Among them, M S is the mass of the structure in g, G = 981 cm / s 2 is the gravitational acceleration constant.

[0212] The force required to remove the container

[0213] The force required to remove the container from the holder is Figure 10 and described in the description of the accompanying drawings.

[0214] elastic modulus

[0215] The modulus of elasticity is determined according to standard ISO 527.

[0216] Diameter of the bracket

[0217] The diameter of the bracket is measured between two points on the side wall of the bracket that are located closest to each other, where the line connecting the two points passes through the center of the bracket. If the bracket includes a protrusion (or other structure) extending into the interior of the bracket (for example, see Figure 5A ), the two closest points can be located on two protrusions (or other structures).

[0218] angle

[0219] Angles are measured with a protractor.

[0220] Example

[0221] The present invention is further illustrated by examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0222] Example 1

[0223] Example 1 was repeated using two different configurations. In Example 1.1 (Inventive Example), a configuration as shown in Figure 5 was provided. Each bracket had six protrusions arranged at the other end of the bracket. Each protrusion extended 3.5 mm into the interior of the bracket. The maximum thickness of the protrusion was 1.5 mm. The first end of the protrusion was configured as a hinge.

[0224] In Example 1.2 (comparative example), a similar structure to Example 1.1 was provided, except that the structure did not have any protrusions.

[0225] For Examples 1.1 and 1.2, the following steps were performed. A syringe (container) was inserted into the structure at a first station. The structure and syringe were then transported to a filling station. At the filling station, the syringe was partially filled with the pharmaceutical composition. The structure and syringe were then transported to another station where the syringe was removed.

[0226] Table 1 shows a comparison of technical effects between Examples 1.1 and 1.2.

[0227] Table 1

[0228] 1.1 1.2 set up The structure has protrusions yes no Technical Effects Packaging density ++ - Reduced container tilt +++ -- Reduces damage to the container during insertion + - Reduces damage to containers during removal +++ --- Improved ease of container removal ++ -- Reduces damage to containers during transportation ++ --- Reduced damage to filling needles and containers + - Reduced downtime at the filling station ++ - Reduced particle formation on containers ++ -

[0229] The technical effects in Table 1 are as follows:

[0230] - Packing density: Packing density represents the density of syringes in a structure that can be achieved while minimizing contact between the syringes. A "+" indicates a higher packing density, while a "-" indicates a lower packing density. It is desirable to increase the packing density.

[0231] - Reduced container tilt: Container tilt indicates how well the syringe remains upright in the structure during insertion, transport, and handling (e.g., filling) of the syringe. A "+" indicates less syringe tilt, and a "-" indicates more syringe tilt. Less tilt is desirable.

[0232] - Reduced container damage during insertion: Damage to the container during insertion indicates damage to the syringe during insertion. A "+" indicates minimal damage, and a "-" indicates significant damage. Minimizing damage is desirable.

[0233] - Reduced container damage during removal: Damage to the container during removal indicates damage to the syringe caused by the structure during removal. A "+" indicates minimal damage, and a "-" indicates significant damage. Minimizing damage is desirable.

[0234] - Improved ease of container removal: The ease of container removal indicates how easily the syringe can be removed from the structure (e.g., the amount of force required). A "+" indicates easier syringe removal, and a "-" indicates less easy syringe removal. It is desirable to improve the ease of removal (e.g., reduce the amount of force required to remove the syringe).

[0235] - Reduced container damage during transportation: Damage to the container during transportation indicates damage to the syringe during transportation. A "+" indicates less damage, and a "-" indicates more damage. We hope to reduce damage.

[0236] - Reduced damage to the filling needle and container: Damage to the filling needle and container means that when the syringe is partially filled with the composition, contact between the container and the needle often results in damage to the filling needle and / or syringe. A "+" indicates less damage, and a "-" indicates more damage. Reducing damage is desirable.

[0237] - Reduced downtime at the filling station: Downtime at the filling station refers to downtime caused by problems with the equipment used to fill syringes, for example. A "+" indicates a shorter downtime, while a "-" indicates a longer downtime. It is desirable to reduce downtime.

[0238] - Reduced particle formation on the container: Particle formation on the container refers to particles that often form on the surface of the syringe due to contact between the sidewalls of the holder and the syringe when the syringe is in the structure (for example, during transportation of the syringe). A "+" indicates less particle formation, and a "-" indicates more particle formation. It is desirable to reduce the amount of particle formation.

[0239] The structures of Examples 1.1 and 1.2 can also be used to hold a carple bottle in place, for example, while it is being filled with a composition. Compared to the structure of Example 1.2, the structure of Example 1.1 allows for significantly less volume change in the composition within the carple bottle. It is desirable that the volume of the composition remain constant between carple bottles.

[0240] Reference Signs List

[0241] 100 structures

[0242] 101 bracket

[0243] 102 sidewall

[0244] 103 bracket interior

[0245] 104 protrusions

[0246] 105 first end of the protrusion

[0247] 106 The other end of the protrusion

[0248] 107 first end of the bracket

[0249] 108 The other end of the bracket

[0250] 109 The first surface of the structure

[0251] 110 containers

[0252] 111 First end of container

[0253] 112 The other end of the container

[0254] 113 Gap between container and side wall

[0255] 114 bracket length

[0256] 115 The distance the protrusion extends into the interior of the bracket

[0257] 116 protrusion thickness

[0258] 117 Width of protrusion

[0259] 118 First Direction

[0260] 119 Another Direction

[0261] 120 Neutral Plane

[0262] 121 tangent plane

[0263] 122 rotation angles

[0264] 123 rotation axis

[0265] 125 protrusions

[0266] 126 The first set of protrusions

[0267] 127 Another set of protrusions

[0268] 128 Distance from the first end of the bracket

[0269] 129 Distance from the other end of the bracket

[0270] 130 Distance between protrusion groups

[0271] 131 The main body of the container

[0272] 132 Force applied to the protrusion

[0273] 133 structure

[0274] 134 piston

[0275] 135 force sensor

[0276] 136 support parts

[0277] 137 Opening in support

[0278] 138 Overlap Distance

[0279] 139 protruding part

[0280] 140 is a location for measuring thickness.

Claims

1. A structure comprising a plurality of brackets, wherein: a. The holder is arranged to receive a plurality of containers; b. Each of the plurality of brackets includes a side wall defining an interior of the corresponding bracket, wherein, i. at least one protrusion is arranged on the side wall and extends into the interior of the corresponding bracket, ii. The at least one protrusion has a first end and another end, wherein, A. The first end and the other end are arranged opposite to each other, B. The first end is attached to the side wall; in, At least a portion of the other end of the at least one protrusion is arranged to be movable relative to the side wall on which the protrusion is arranged.

2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein At least one section, preferably at least one part, of the at least one projection is arranged to be deformable, preferably elastically deformable.

3. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least a portion of the other end is arranged to be adapted to rotate by an angle within a range of -90° to 90°.

4. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The force required to remove a container from the respective receptacle is less than or equal to the weight of the structure.

5. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The force required to remove the container from the respective holder is 1 N or less.

6. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The elastic modulus of the at least one protrusion is in the range of 0.80 GPa to 3.50 GPa.

7. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one protrusion extends into the interior volume of the corresponding socket by a distance yD 最小 , where D 最小 is the minimum diameter of the corresponding bracket, and y is in the range of 0.015 to 0.

3.

8. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The maximum thickness of the at least one protrusion is in the range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm.

9. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The corresponding bracket includes at least two protrusions.

10. The structure of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of containers containing less than 0.1 ml of the composition.

11. The structure of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of containers, said containers being at least 20% filled with the composition, wherein The percentages are relative to the internal volume of the container.

12. A method for at least partially filling a plurality of containers with a composition, comprising the steps of: a. Providing a structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, b. inserting a plurality of containers into the plurality of holders of the structure, wherein the at least one protrusion is preferably deformed during the insertion process; c. at least partially filling the container with the composition.

13. A plurality of containers at least partially filled with a composition and obtainable according to claim 12.

14. A method for transporting a plurality of containers, comprising the steps of: a. Providing a structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11; b. Inserting a plurality of containers into the structure; c. Transporting the structure and the plurality of containers from a first location to another location.

15. Use of the structure according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 for at least one or all of the following: a. reducing contact between the plurality of holders and the plurality of containers received in the holder; b. reducing contact between adjacent containers received in said structure; c. reducing the number of particles received on the surface of the container in the structure; d. Reduce damage to the container when the container is received in the structure.

Images