Closure system and kit

Abstract

A closure system (3) for closing an opening (25) of a container (2) is provided. The closure system comprises a plug member (31), a holder member (32) and a spring member (36). The plug member (31) is made of an elastic material and has a plug portion (311) configured to fit tightly into the opening (25) of the container (2) and a cover portion (312) configured to abut a boundary surface (24) adjacent to the opening (25) of the container (2). The holder member (32) is configured to be mounted to the container (2). The closure system (3) is configured to be in an assembled state in which the plug portion (311) of the plug member (31) is fitted into the opening (25) of the container (2), the cover portion (312) of the plug member (31) abuts the boundary surface (24) of the container (2), and the holder member (32) is mounted to the container (2) to hold the plug member (31). The holder member (32) and the spring member (36) are configured to arrange the spring member (36) between the cover portion (312) of the plug member (31) and the holder member (32) such that the spring member (36) pushes the holder member (32) away from the cover portion (312) of the plug member (31) when the closure system (3) is in the assembled state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a closed system, and more particularly to a kit having a container and such a closed system.

[0002] This type of closure system includes a stopper component and a retaining bracket. The stopper component is made of a resilient material and has an insertion portion and a cover portion. The insertion portion is configured to fit tightly into the opening of a container, the cover portion is configured to abut against a boundary surface adjacent to the opening of the container, and the retaining bracket is configured to be mounted to the container. The closure system is configured in an assembled state in which the insertion portion of the stopper component is fitted into the opening of the container, and the retaining bracket is mounted to the container to hold the stopper component. This type of closure system can be used to tightly and securely close the opening of a container, particularly for liquids and gases. Background Technology

[0003] In many chemical or pharmaceutical applications, liquid substances (such as active pharmaceutical ingredients, chemicals, clinical trial materials, or other substances) are supplied in specific containers (such as vials, cartridges, etc.). These containers typically have a hollow interior and an opening through which access to the interior is made. The opening is usually surrounded or restricted by a boundary surface. The substance is filled into the interior of the container, and the opening is then tightly closed.

[0004] To close the container, it is known to use a resilient stopper. Such a stopper can provide a tight or even airtight seal to the opening, and additionally allows the substance to be removed from the container by piercing the stopper with a needle and inserting the needle into the substance.

[0005] Typically, a stopper has an insertion portion and a cover portion, wherein the insertion portion is sized to fit tightly into the opening, and the cover portion is shaped to adjoin the boundary surface of the opening. More specifically, the stopper is pressed into the opening, causing the cover portion to be compressed to a certain extent to create sufficient sealing. As required in many applications, this type of stopper and container allows for efficient aseptic filling and closure of the container. Furthermore, on an industrial scale, the dimensions of containers (such as, in particular, vials) and stoppers are often designed to a predetermined size. This allows for efficient automation using standard equipment.

[0006] To achieve a sufficient seal in the container after filling and closing, the stopper must be pressed into the container and / or pressed against the rim of the container. To hold the stopper in this compressed state, caps or retainers are typically arranged on and around the stopper and opening. For example, it is known to arrange rigid plastic caps around the head of the vial that is closed with the stopper. Thus, the head and at least part of the neck of the vial are typically completely covered by the plastic cap, which holds the stopper in a compressed state. Alternatively, metal caps molded around the head of the container and the crimp portion of the stopper are known to secure the stopper and press it into the container (crimp cap).

[0007] However, even if such a capping system allows for the application of pressure to the stopper, it is often difficult to accurately define the pressure applied to the stopper. Furthermore, because the components involved, such as the vial and the stopper, typically involve manufacturing tolerances, automated assembly of the closure system can result in inconsistent or variable pressure application to the stopper. Therefore, too low a pressure may weaken the long-term sealing performance of the closure. Conversely, too high a pressure may damage the stopper, which in turn reduces the seal.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a device or system that allows the opening of a container to be tightly closed with a pressure stopper, wherein the predetermined pressure applied to the stopper can be effectively ensured. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This need is addressed by a closed system as defined by the features of the invention and a kit as defined by the features of the invention. Preferred embodiments are the subject of further implementation.

[0010] On one hand, the present invention is a closing system for closing the opening of a container. The container can be a container used for pharmaceutical or chemical research, development, or production, such as a cartridge. The container can particularly be a vial.

[0011] As used herein, the term "vial" can refer to a small bottle in the literal sense, that is, a relatively small vessel or bottle, typically used to store pharmaceutical products or medicines in liquid, powder, or capsule form. Vials can be made of sterilizable materials such as glass or plastics such as polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymers, or cyclic olefin polymers.

[0012] The closure system includes a plug component, a retaining frame component, and a spring / elastic component. In this respect and in the context of the following description, the term "component" can refer to a single unit. Such a single unit can be embodied by securing multiple objects or parts (e.g., made of different materials) together to a monolithic element made of a single material or a monolithic element made of one or more materials that are chemically or physically bonded during manufacturing, such as molding an opaque polymer onto a transparent substrate and vice versa.

[0013] The stopper component is made of an elastic material. It has an insert portion configured to fit, in particular, tightly fit into the opening of a container, and a cover portion configured to adjoin the boundary surface adjacent to the opening of the container.

[0014] Regarding stopper components, the term "elasticity" can refer to the properties of the material used to make the stopper component. More specifically, this material property can be elastoplastic, particularly compressible. Advantageously, the material of the stopper component allows for sterilization and maintenance under aseptic conditions. The stopper component can be embodied as a single piece, i.e., as an integral element. The insert portion can be substantially cylindrical, such that the insert portion matches the geometry of the opening. To allow the cover portion to abut the boundary surface, the cover portion typically projects laterally or radially above the insert portion. It can be generally disc-shaped.

[0015] The retaining frame is configured to be installed into the container. The closure system is configured in an assembled state in which the plug portion of the plug component is fitted into the opening of the container, and the retaining frame is installed into the container to retain the plug component.

[0016] The retaining frame and the spring member are configured to position the spring member between the cover of the plug member and the retaining frame, such that when the closure system is in the assembled state, the spring member is arranged to push the retaining frame away from the cover of the plug member.

[0017] The retaining frame and spring member can be configured such that, when in the assembled state, the spring member is positioned between the cover of the plug member and the retaining frame by creating free space. In particular, this free space can be designed to position the spring member therein and advantageously, in a predetermined alignment, so that the spring member functions as intended.

[0018] In this respect, the term "arranged to push the retaining member away from the cover" refers to the construction of the spring member such that when the retaining member contacts the spring member, a spring force / elastic force is applied to the retaining member, guiding it away from the cover. Therefore, particularly in the separated position, the retaining member can be moved away from the spring member such that it does not apply any spring force to the retaining member. However, in the fixed position, the spring member contacts the retaining member and applies a spring force, such that the spring member is arranged to push the retaining member. More specifically, in the separated position, the retaining member can be moved away from or only in contact with the spring member, and when the retaining member moves relative to the plug member, the spring member directly or indirectly contacts the retaining member and applies its spring force to the retaining member, thereby pushing it away from the plug member. In this state, the spring member applies or transmits a thrust between the retaining member and the cover of the plug member.

[0019] By arranging spring members to apply pressure or force to the cover of the stopper member to push it against the boundary surface of the container opening, the spring members allow for a substantially constant predetermined pressure or force on the stopper member, such that the force used to press the cover of the stopper member against the edge of the container opening can be precisely set or defined, regardless of the precise dimensions of the retaining frame, the stopper member, and / or the container. This configuration allows for effective compensation for tolerance variations in the components involved, while ensuring a tight closure of the container. Depending on the material properties and geometry of the stopper member and other components, the force applied to the cover of the stopper member can range from about 10 Newtons (N) to about 100 N. For example, the force could be about 15 N. Thus, the stopper member is compressed between the stopper push portion of the retaining frame and the boundary surface of the container, enabling and maintaining a proper seal between the stopper member and the container.

[0020] Preferably, the retaining frame has a locking structure configured to engage with a corresponding structure of the container, a cap portion, and an intermediate portion between the cap portion and the locking structure. When the locking structure engages with the corresponding structure, the retaining frame is typically locked or secured to the vial. Conversely, when the locking structure disengages from the corresponding structure, the retaining frame is typically not secured to the vial, allowing it to be removed from the vial.

[0021] The corresponding structure of the container can be a groove or similar notch provided on the outer surface of the container. For example, if the container has a body, a neck, and a head with an opening, the groove can be provided on the circumference of the head. Furthermore, the corresponding structure can be the external shape of the container, such as the transition from the head to the neck.

[0022] Engaging a corresponding structure can be achieved, for example, by clamping the corresponding structure. As used herein, the term "clamping" refers to locking into or behind a corresponding structure or similar mechanism. Generally, such clamping typically involves elastically deforming or dislocating one element (such as the retaining structure) when moving two elements (such as a retaining frame and a container) together, and then elastically deforming the element back behind the structure of the second element once the two elements are correctly positioned. More specifically, to allow for this clamping, the clamping element of the retaining frame can elastically deform or bend relative to the rest of the retaining frame.

[0023] The locking structure allows for a snap-fit ​​connection between the cage element and the container. Once clamped or snap-fitted into the container, the cage element can be form-fitted into the container. Advantageously, when clamped into the container or engaged with the corresponding structure of the container, the cage element cannot be removed from the container without being broken or damaged.

[0024] Advantageously, the locking structure of the retaining frame is configured to be in a separated position and a fixed position in the assembled state of the closed system. In the separated position, the locking structure of the retaining frame is disengaged from the container, and in the fixed position, the locking structure engages with the corresponding structure of the container. By being able to assume the separated and fixed positions, the retaining frame can be handled efficiently and conveniently, and in particular, it can be handled automatically. For example, the retaining frame can be first installed onto the vial. In the separated position, the closed system can be manipulated to compress the stopper component. Then, when the vial is accurately closed, the locking structure can be changed to the final fixed position.

[0025] The locking structure for retaining the structural member preferably includes at least one form-locking element configured to deform and engage a corresponding structure of the container. This form-locking element allows for effective and secure fixation or locking of the retaining structural member to the container. In particular, at least one form-locking element is resiliently movable in a radial or outward direction.

[0026] Therefore, at least one locking element of the locking structure for retaining the structural member preferably includes a tongue. The tongue can be configured to move radially or centrally from the disengaged position to the fixed position. This tongue allows for an effective and secure locking or securing of the structural member to the container by engaging the corresponding structure of the container. In particular, the rigidity and flexibility of the locking structure can be appropriately configured by means of this tongue.

[0027] The tongue of at least one of the locking elements of the retaining frame member preferably extends from the cylindrical middle portion of the retaining frame member. This configuration allows for efficient implementation of the locking structure.

[0028] The tongue of at least one form-locking element in the locking structure of the retaining frame is preferably elastically movable relative to the middle portion of the retaining frame. Specifically, the form-locking element can be elastically movable by at least partially deforming in an elastic manner, i.e., tending to move back to its original shape and / or position. Due to material properties, the form-locking element allows for a certain degree of normal relaxation.

[0029] Advantageously, to allow for uniform locking or securing, the locking structure includes multiple form-locking elements, with or without tongues. The number of form-locking elements or tongues can range from about four to twelve, about four to eight, or about six. Thus, each of the form-locking elements or tongues can be elastically movable relative to the central portion of the retaining frame. In particular, the retaining frame can be configured such that when secured to a container, the central portion remains substantially undeformed, but the form-locking elements or tongues move elastically. The elastic mobility of the form-locking elements or tongues can be provided, for example, by outward bending of the form-locking elements or tongues and / or by tilting the form-locking elements or tongues around the engagement.

[0030] Preferably, the retaining frame component is made of a shape-retaining material. The term "shape-retaining" as used in this context refers to a material or structure that retains its shape when no force is applied. In particular, the shape-retaining material can be dimensionally stable. Typically, the shape-retaining material has considerable rigidity. Specifically, the material of the retaining frame component can be more rigid than the material of the plug component. Additionally, the shape-retaining material preferably has sufficient elasticity to allow deformation as described below. This shape-retaining material can be plastic or metal, such as, in particular, steel or stainless steel.

[0031] Preferably, the spring member has substantially linear spring characteristics, which advantageously follow Hooke's Law. A spring characteristic can be substantially linear in this respect when it is linear over the compression range of the spring member that may be involved in the closed system. By having linear spring characteristics, the spring member has a constant or uniform spring stiffness that is more or less independent of its compression. This allows for ensuring that a predetermined and relatively low range of forces are applied to the stopper, which depends less on tolerance variations and the relatively high compression ratio of the stopper (which results in a relatively high range of forces).

[0032] The middle portion of the retaining frame is preferably configured to surround at least a portion of the cover portion of the spring member and the stopper member and / or the head of the container when the closure system is in the assembled state. In the case of a vial or similar container, the middle portion may be configured to surround the head of the vial, which includes at least an opening and a boundary surface. Therefore, the middle portion of the retaining frame is preferably configured to surround the head of the container. This allows for efficient retention of the stopper in or on the vial and efficient installation of the retaining frame onto the container.

[0033] Preferably, the middle portion of the structural component is substantially cylindrical. This allows the middle portion to be effectively designed around the head of the container, or for other reasons, such as the asymmetry of the interface connection system, like a vial transfer device. In particular, the middle portion may have the shape of a small cylinder or ring. Regarding a cylinder, the term "small" may refer to a cylinder having a height or axial length smaller than its diameter. The cylinder may, in particular, have a circular cross-section.

[0034] Preferably, the cap portion of the retaining structure includes an orifice such that, when the closure system is in the assembled state, the cover portion of the stopper member can be accessed through the orifice of the cap portion. The orifice of the retaining structure can be specifically positioned adjacent to the surface of the cover portion of the stopper member, corresponding to the opening of the container, when the closure system is in the assembled state. Therefore, the orifice can be located outside the portion of the cap portion adjacent to the surface of the cover portion of the stopper member, opposite the surface that contacts the boundary surface of the container. In this way, the accessible portion of the stopper member can be easily accessed and cleaned, for example, by wiping with alcohol. For example, the orifice of the stopper push portion can be a circular central orifice of the stopper push portion as a flat ring.

[0035] Therefore, the closure system preferably includes a cover member that can be reversibly mounted to the cover portion of the retaining frame member to close the opening of the cover portion of the retaining frame member. This cover member allows protection of the retaining frame member. It can be configured to cover the opening of the retaining frame member when mounted to it. The retaining frame member may be provided with an opening for access to the cover portion of the plug member when the closure system is in the assembled state.

[0036] Preferably, the cover portion of the stopper member has an edge portion having a front side configured to abut the boundary surface of the container opening and a back side opposite to and corresponding to the front side of the edge portion, wherein the spring member is configured to abut the back side of the edge portion of the stopper member when the closure system is in the assembled state. In particular, the spring member may be configured to abut a substantially complete back side of the edge portion of the stopper member. This complete abutment allows for effective and uniform compression of the stopper member.

[0037] Preferably, the retaining frame is configured to terminate substantially adjacent to the locking structure when the closure system is in the assembled state. When the container is equipped with a head having a boundary surface adjacent to the opening that transitions into the neck, the retaining frame can be configured to either not extend substantially above the neck of the container or terminate at the neck of the container. This allows for neck retention freedom, which permits efficient operation of the closed container and attachment to standard or legacy accessories (such as transfer kits), as well as proper optical inspection of the entire interior of the container, including the neck.

[0038] Preferably, the spring member has an abutment portion and at least one elastic sheet, wherein the abutment portion is configured to abut a cover portion of the plug member in the assembled state, and at least one sheet extends from the abutment portion to the retaining frame member. In particular, at least one elastic sheet may extend from the abutment portion to the cover portion of the retaining frame member.

[0039] Providing an abutment portion to the spring member allows for effective abutment of the plug at its predetermined portion. Therefore, the abutment portion can be substantially disc-shaped, which allows for the uniform and planar application of spring pressure to the plug member.

[0040] The adjacent portion of the spring member may be equipped with an opening. In particular, the opening may correspond to the orifice of the cover portion of the retaining frame member, so that, in the assembled state, the plug member can be approached through the retaining frame member and the spring member.

[0041] Preferably, at least one elastic sheet comprises a plurality of sheets to allow more or less spring force to be distributed toward the plug member. Furthermore, the sheets may be designed to bend or collapse when pushed by the retaining frame member, such that, for example, due to the elasticity of the spring member material, adjacent portions are pushed away from the retaining frame member toward the plug member.

[0042] Another aspect of the invention is a kit comprising a container and a closure system as described above. The container includes an opening for access to the interior of the container and a boundary surface adjacent to the opening.

[0043] With the aid of the kit according to the invention, the effects and benefits of the closed system according to the invention and its preferred embodiments, as described above, can be effectively achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The closure system and kit according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0045] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a kit including an embodiment of a closure system according to the invention is shown, wherein the closure system is in an assembled state and its retaining structural members are in a separated position;

[0046] Figure 2 It was shown as Figure 1 A perspective view of a vial representing an embodiment of the container of the kit;

[0047] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Perspective view of the plug and spring components of the kit;

[0048] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Side view of the plug component and spring component;

[0049] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A perspective view of the spring component;

[0050] Figure 6 The arrangement in Figure 1 The perspective view of the components surrounding the structural members of the kit;

[0051] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the cover components of the kit;

[0052] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A partial sectional side view of a portion of the kit in its assembled state, where the structural components are kept in their separated positions;

[0053] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of this part of the kit;

[0054] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 A portion of the kit is shown in a partially sectional side view in its assembled state, where the structural components are held in a fixed position; and

[0055] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of this part of the kit. Detailed Implementation

[0056] In the following description, certain terms are used for convenience and are not intended to limit the invention. The terms “right,” “left,” “up,” “down,” “below,” and “above” refer to directions in the figures. Terms include explicitly mentioned terms as well as their derivatives and terms with similar meanings. Additionally, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “below,” “below,” “above,” “on top,” “near,” “far,” etc., may be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figures. These spatial relative terms are intended to cover different positions and orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to those shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features will be “above” or “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both above and below positions and orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways, and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, descriptions of movement along and about various axes include various specific device positions and orientations.

[0057] To avoid repetition in the description of the accompanying drawings and various aspects, as well as the illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or drawings does not imply that that aspect is missing in the embodiments that include it. Rather, the aspect may be omitted for clarity and to avoid lengthy descriptions. In this context, the following description applies to the remainder of this specification: if reference numerals are included in the drawings for the purpose of clarifying the drawings and are not explained in the directly relevant parts of the specification, reference may be made to preceding or following sections of the specification. Furthermore, for clarity, if reference numerals for all features of a component are not provided in the drawings, reference may be made to other drawings illustrating the same component. Similar reference numerals in two or more drawings denote the same or similar elements.

[0058] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a kit 1 according to the invention is shown, the kit comprising a glass or plastic vial 2 as a container and a first embodiment of a closure system 3 according to the invention. Figure 1 In the diagram, kit 1 and closure system 3 are depicted in an assembled state, in which closure system 3 is installed onto vial 2. Closure system 3 is in a disassembled position.

[0059] The vial 2 has a main body 23 with a hollow interior 231 and a head 21 that transitions to the head (in Figure 1 The neck 22 (not visible in the middle) is covered by a closure system 3 attached to the head 21 of the vial 2. The closure system 3 includes a metal retainer 32 as a retaining structure and a cap-like cover 33 as a covering member.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 2 As best seen, the vial 2 has a circular or cylindrical opening 25 at its head 21, which allows access to the interior 231 of the body 23. The boundary surface 24 adjacent to the opening 25 is designed as a flat, upward-oriented surface.

[0061] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows a stopper 31 as a stopper component of the closure system 3 of the kit 10 and a spring plate 36 as a spring component. The stopper 31 has a generally disc-shaped cover portion 312 and a plug portion 311. The cover portion 312 has a flat top surface, on which the spring plate 36 is positioned. In the assembled state, the plug portion 311 is tightly fitted into the opening 25 of the vial 2, which is provided through the head 21 of the vial 2. More specifically, the dimensions of the plug portion 311 are designed to be radially compressed when it is pushed into the opening 25, thereby tightening the opening of the vial 2. Meanwhile, the cover portion 312 abuts the boundary surface 24 of the vial 2. To ensure a tight connection between the plug portion 311 and the opening 25, the plug portion 311 has a circumferential protrusion at its outer boundary.

[0062] The spring plate 36 has a generally disc-shaped abutment portion 361 and six elastic sheets 362. The abutment portion 361 is located on the flat surface of the cover portion 312 of the stopper 31, such that it abuts the cover portion 312 of the stopper 31. The sheets 362 extend more or less diagonally away from the cover portion 312 from the abutment portion 361.

[0063] from Figure 5 As can be seen, the sheet 362 is formed by cutting out a portion of the disk of the adjacent portion 361 and bending the sheet 362 thus formed. Specifically, the sheet 362 includes three outer spring sheets 362 extending in a counterclockwise radial direction and three inner sheets 362 extending in a clockwise radial direction. At the center, the adjacent portion 361 is provided with a circular opening, allowing access to the stopper 31 when the spring plate 36 is positioned on the cover portion 312 of the stopper 31.

[0064] The closure system 3 of kit 1 further includes a locking activation structure. Figure 6 The surrounding member 341 of the locking activation structure arranged on the retainer 32 is shown.

[0065] The retainer 32 of the closure system 3 is made of a rigid but somewhat elastic metallic material (e.g., stainless steel). It has a generally disc-shaped cap portion 321 with a central aperture 324 and multiple shaped locking elements as a locking structure, each shaped locking element having a downwardly extending tongue 322. Furthermore, the retainer 32 has a braking structure with multiple downwardly extending clamping elements 325 configured to clamp the head 21 of the vial 2 in the assembled state of the closure system 3. More specifically, starting from the cap portion 321, a substantially cylindrical intermediate portion 323 (in...) Figure 6 The middle portion (not visible in the center) extends downwards, transitioning sequentially into a downwardly extending tongue 322 and a downwardly extending clamping element 325. The tongue 322 and the clamping element 325 are regularly and alternately distributed around the middle portion 323.

[0066] The surrounding member 341 is substantially crown-shaped. Specifically, it consists of a ring 3411 from which six blades 3412 extend upward. The blades 3412 correspond to the through-holes 331 of the cover 33. The surrounding member 341 is made of a single piece of stainless steel. The blades 3412 of the surrounding member 341 are aligned with the clamping elements 325 of the retainer 32. Accordingly, tongues 322 are arranged on the portions of the ring 3411 where the tongues 322 are not provided.

[0067] like Figure 1 And especially Figure 7As shown, the cover 33 has a ring 334 and a disc 333. The ring is sized to partially surround the retainer 32 when mounted onto the vial 2, and the disc is sized to close the top side of the retainer 32. The disc 333 protrudes radially above the ring 334, forming a flange 332. Adjacent to the flange 332, six slit-like through-holes 331 are regularly arranged around the cover 33. Furthermore, the disc 333 is provided with a central notch 3331 to receive a portion of the retainer 32, as described in more detail below.

[0068] Figure 8 The closure system 3 is shown in its assembled state near the head 21 of the vial 2, with the closure system 3 in the disengaged position. There, the clamping element 325 clamps the head 21 of the vial 2, thus holding the closure system 3 onto the vial 2. The stopper 31's insertion portion 311 is configured to fit tightly into the opening 25 of the vial 2. It is equipped with a dome-shaped, downward-opening cavity. The stopper 31's cover portion 312 abuts the boundary surface 24 of the vial 2. In the disengaged position, the spring member 36 located on the top surface of the cover portion 312 does not contact the retainer 32 or its cap portion 321. Therefore, the stopper 31's cover portion 312 is not pushed by the retainer 32, preventing it from being compressed between the cap portion 321 and the boundary surface 24. In this case, the cover portion has a first height H1.

[0069] The surrounding member 341 of the locking activation structure 34 is positioned around the middle portion 323 of the retainer 32. More specifically, the ring 3411 surrounding member 341 is sized to fit the retainer 32 such that it is held onto the retainer 32 by friction. The retainer 32 is in a disengaged position, in which it is not secured but releasably held to the vial 2. In this disengaged position, the tongue 322 of the locking structure causes the surrounding member 341 to protrude downward and not engage or disengage from the vial 2. Further, the tongue 322 is essentially L-shaped, having straight leg portions and straight foot portions. The leg portions extend downward from the middle portion 323 of the retainer 32. Thus, the leg portions of the tongue are not parallel to the axis of the vial 2, but are aligned at an acute angle relative to the axis. Each leg portion of the tongue 322 transitions at its bottom end to a foot portion, wherein the foot portion and the leg portion are more or less perpendicular to each other.

[0070] The ring portion 334 of the cover 33 is arranged around the surrounding member 341 of the locking activation structure 34, and its dimensions are designed to be held by friction. On the lower surface of the disc portion 333, a notch 3331 receives a corresponding circular protrusion 3211 of the cover portion 321 of the retainer 32 surrounding the circular orifice 324.

[0071] Figure 9The locking activation structure is shown to further include an activator 342, which is in the non-activated position. The activator 342 has a plate-shaped base equipped with downwardly extending clamping arms 3421 adjacent to and corresponding to the six through holes 331 of the cover 33, and downwardly extending blades 3422. In the assembled state, the clamping arms 3421 are clamped or locked behind the flange 332 of the cover 33, thereby securing the activator 342 to the cover 33. The activator 342 is shaped to pass through the cover 33 and approach the surrounding member 341 of the locking structure via the blades 3422. The blades 3412 surrounding the member 341 pass upward through the through holes 331 of the cover 33. The blades 3422 of the activator 342 are adjacent to and located on top of the blades 3412 surrounding the member 341. Furthermore, the activator 342 is equipped with four downwardly extending inclined or diagonal plates (not visible in the figure) as springs or support members. The sheet is positioned between the activator 342 and the cover 33, such that the activator 342 is pushed away from the cover 33 and the retainer 32.

[0072] exist Figure 10 In the diagram, the closure system 3 is shown in its assembled state near the head 21 of the vial 2, with the retainer 32 in a fixed position. The cover 33 is pressed against the retainer 32, which in turn pushes the spring member 36 located on the top surface of the cover 312 of the stopper 31. As a result, the elastic sheet 362 continuously bends toward the cover 312 of the stopper 31, i.e., the sheet collapses, where the linear spring characteristics of the spring member 36 ensure that the spring force applied to the cover 312 of the stopper 31 by the adjacent portion 361 of the spring member 36 is constant and independent of the degree of collapse of the sheet 362. Thus, a predetermined compressive force (corresponding to the spring force of the spring member 36 and potentially around 15 N) is applied to the cover 312 of the stopper 31, independent of the precise degree to which the retainer 32 is pushed by the stopper 31. Therefore, the cover 312 is compressed to a predetermined degree between the cap portion 321 of the retainer 32 and the boundary surface 24 of the vial 2. When compressed in this way, the cover portion 312 of the stopper 31 has a second height H2 that is less than the first height H1. In this way, the spring member 36 compensates for any manufacturing tolerances that may be involved in any of the components of the kit 1, so that a proper tightness can be established between the vial 2 and the stopper 31 and it can be ensured that the stopper 31 will not be damaged due to excessive compression.

[0073] The tongue 322 of the locking structure of the retainer 32 moves downward relative to the vial 2, and the surrounding member 341 of the locking activation structure 34 moves downward relative to the retainer 32. Therefore, the surrounding member 341 interacts with the tongue 322, i.e., contacts the tongue 322 and bends them inward toward the axis of the vial 2, which is aligned with the axis of the closure system 3. More specifically, the tongue 322 deforms such that its leg portions are substantially parallel to the axis of the vial 2, and its leg portions clamp or engage the lower end of the head 21 of the vial 2, which is the corresponding structure of the vial 2. The surrounding member 341 holds and fixes the tongue 322 in this position. Thus, a form-fit connection is created between the retainer 32 and the vial 2, such that the retainer 32 is locked onto the vial 2 and the stopper 31 is fixed in a compressed state.

[0074] Figure 11 As shown, in order to lock the closure system 3 to the vial 2, the activator 342 of the locking activation structure 34 is pushed downward from the inactive position to the activated position. Thus, as described above, the cap portion 321 of the retainer 32 is moved toward the cover portion 312 of the stopper 31. The activator 342 is moved downward relative to the retainer 32 and the vial 2. Thereby, the blade 3422 of the activator 342 is moved downward into the through-hole 331 of the cover 33. The blade 3412 surrounding the member 341 is contacted, causing the member 341 to move downward relative to the retainer 32, which in turn causes the tongue 322 to move inward to lock the retainer 32 onto the vial 2, as described above. Thus, the locking activation structure 34 interacts with the retainer 32 to change the retainer 32 from the disengaged position to the fixed position.

[0075] This specification and accompanying drawings, which illustrate aspects and embodiments of the invention, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims defining the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been described and illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description and illustration are to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification and claims. In some cases, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope and spirit of the appended claims. In particular, the invention covers further embodiments having any combination of features from the different embodiments described above and below.

[0076] This disclosure also covers all other features shown individually in the figures, although they may not be described in the preceding or following description. Furthermore, single alternatives to the embodiments described in the figures and specification, and single alternatives to their features, may be excluded from the subject matter of this invention or from the subject matter of this disclosure. This disclosure includes the subject matter consisting of features defined in the claims or exemplary embodiments, as well as the subject matter including said features.

[0077] Furthermore, in the claims, the term "comprising / including" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a / an" does not exclude multiple / types. A single unit or step can perform the function of several features listed in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be advantageous. Terms related to attributes or values, such as "substantially," "about," "approximately," etc., also accurately define the attribute or exact value, respectively. In the context of a given numerical value or range, the term "about" refers to a value or range, for example, within 20%, 10%, 5%, or 2% of a given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be electrically or mechanically directly coupled, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A closing system (3) for closing an opening (25) of a container (2), comprising: A stopper component (31), made of an elastic material, having a plug portion (311) and a cover portion (312), the plug portion being configured to fit into the opening (25) of the container (2), and the cover portion being configured to adjoin a boundary surface (24) adjacent to the opening (25) of the container (2), and The structural component (32) is configured to be installed into the container (2). The closure system (3) is configured in an assembled state in which the plug portion (311) of the plug member (31) is fitted into the opening (25) of the container (2), the cover portion (312) of the plug member (31) abuts the boundary surface (24) of the container (2), the retaining bracket (32) is mounted to the container (2) to retain the plug member (31), and the plug member (31) is compressed between the retaining bracket (32) and the boundary surface (24) of the container (2), characterized in that it further includes a spring member (36). The retaining bracket (32) and the spring member (36) are configured to position the spring member (36) between the cover (312) of the plug member (31) and the retaining bracket (32), such that the spring member (36) is arranged to push the retaining bracket (32) away from the cover (312) of the plug member (31) when the closure system (3) is in the assembled state.

2. The closed system (3) according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining structure (32) has a locking structure, a cover portion (321) and an intermediate portion (323) between the cover portion (321) and the locking structure, the locking structure being configured to engage with a corresponding structure of the container (2).

3. The closed system (3) according to claim 2, wherein, The locking structure of the retaining frame component (32) includes at least one form-locking element configured to deform to engage the corresponding structure of the container (2).

4. The closed system (3) according to claim 3, wherein, The locking structure of the retaining bracket (32) includes at least one form-locking element comprising a tongue (322).

5. The closed system (3) according to claim 4, wherein, The tongue (322) of at least one of the locking elements of the retaining structure (32) extends from the cylindrical middle portion (323) of the retaining structure (32).

6. The closed system (3) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The tongue (322) of at least one locking element of the locking structure of the retaining bracket (32) is elastically movable relative to the middle portion (323) of the retaining bracket (32).

7. The closed system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The retaining structure component (32) is made of shape-retaining material.

8. The closed system (3) according to claim 7, wherein, The shape-retaining material is metal.

9. The closed system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The spring member (36) has essentially linear spring characteristics.

10. The closed system (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The middle portion (323) of the retaining structure component (32) is configured to surround at least a portion of the head (21) of the spring member (36) and the container (2) when the closure system (3) is in the assembled state.

11. The closed system (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The middle portion (323) of the retaining structure component (32) is substantially cylindrical.

12. The closed system (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The cover portion (321) of the retaining structure member (32) includes an opening (324) such that when the closure system (3) is in the assembled state, the cover portion (312) of the plug member (31) can be accessed through the opening (324) of the cover portion (321).

13. The closure system (3) according to claim 12, comprising a cover member reversibly mountable to the cover portion (321) of the retaining frame member (32) to close the opening (324) of the cover portion (321) of the retaining frame member (32).

14. The closed system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The cover (312) of the plug member (31) has an edge portion having a front side configured to adjoin the boundary surface (24) of the opening (25) of the container (2) and a back side opposite to and corresponding to the front side of the edge portion, wherein the spring member (36) is configured to adjoin the back side of the edge portion of the plug member (31) when the closure system (3) is in the assembled state.

15. The closed system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The spring member (36) includes an adjacent portion (361) and at least one elastic sheet (362), wherein the adjacent portion (361) is configured to abut the cover (312) of the plug member (31) in the assembled state, and the at least one sheet (362) extends from the adjacent portion (361) toward the retaining structure member (32).

16. The closed system (3) according to claim 7, wherein, The shape retention material is steel.

17. The closed system (3) according to claim 7, wherein, The shape-retaining material is stainless steel.

18. A kit comprising a container (2) and a closure system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the container (2) includes an opening (25) for access to the interior of the container (2) and a boundary surface (24) adjacent to the opening (25).

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