Nesting structure for storage, transport and assembly of pharmaceutical dispensers and containers

Abstract

Various nesting structures for storage, shipping, and / or assembly of dispensers and containers are described herein. For example, a packaging structure for a plurality of medication dispensers can include a support surface and a plurality of dispenser caps arranged on the support surface, wherein at least one dispenser cap includes a locking flex member configured to couple a dispenser to the at least one dispenser cap.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 150,905, filed January 15, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to the field of packaging structures, such as packaging for drug dispensers and containers. Background Technology

[0004] The production and transport of pharmaceuticals typically involve large-scale processes. For example, large quantities of drug containers and / or dispensers may be manufactured separately and then transported to other equipment to perform sterilization, filling, assembly, and / or other processes. The assembled containers and / or their associated dispensers may then be transported for further dispensing.

[0005] While at least some of these processes can be automated by equipment to improve efficiency and product output, care must be taken when handling certain types of products. For example, many containers are made of glass and are easily broken if not handled carefully. Similarly, careful handling of fragile or delicate containers or dispensers is crucial to avoid breakage or deformation. Furthermore, irregularly shaped items can be difficult to handle in a space-saving manner, or may become tangled or messy if not managed carefully. In addition, such large-scale manufacturing and dispensing processes may be subject to various government regulations to ensure product safety, such as maintaining sterility, which can further complicate packaging procedures.

[0006] Therefore, new and improved packaging structures are needed, such as for the storage, transportation, and assembly of drug dispensers and containers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In some variations, a packaging structure for multiple dispensers (e.g., drug dispensers) may include a support surface and a plurality of dispenser caps disposed on the support surface, wherein at least one dispenser cap may include a locking flexure member configured to engage a dispenser to the at least one dispenser cap. The packaging structure may, for example, be included in a packaging assembly that further includes a plurality of drug dispensers engaged to the dispenser caps. At least one of such drug dispensers may include a cap for a drug container. The drug dispenser in the packaging assembly may, for example, include a spray pump (e.g., a nasal spray pump) or a drop dispenser (e.g., an eye dropper) configured to engage with a drug container.

[0008] In some variations, a packaging structure for multiple dispensers (e.g., drug dispensers) may include a support surface and a plurality of dispenser seats disposed on the support surface, wherein at least one dispenser seat may include a base having an opening, a wall extending from the base, and at least one alignment feature configured to engage with an engagement feature in the dispenser, thereby orienting the dispenser in the at least one dispenser seat. The packaging structure may, for example, be included in a packaging assembly that further includes a plurality of drug dispensers. At least one of such drug dispensers may include a cap for a drug container. The drug dispensers in the packaging assembly may, for example, include a spray pump (e.g., a nasal spray pump) or a drop dispenser (e.g., an eye dropper) configured to be coupled to a drug container.

[0009] In some variations, a packaging assembly may include a base, a plurality of containers arranged on the base, and at least one reinforcing member coupled to at least one container. The containers may comprise a first material having a first rigidity, and the at least one reinforcing member may comprise a second material having a second rigidity greater than the first rigidity. The containers may, for example, be configured to be coupled to a medication dispenser, such as a dropper (e.g., an eye dropper).

[0010] A method for assembling a dispenser assembly may include: providing a first support structure including a plurality of dispenser caps; and providing a second support structure including a plurality of container seats. A plurality of dispensers may be coupled to the dispenser caps (e.g., using one or more locking members), and a plurality of containers may be disposed in the container seats. The method may further include filling the containers with a substance to be dispensed from the containers (e.g., a drug (e.g., a liquid drug), such as a preservative-free drug), and then aligning the first and second support structures to align the plurality of dispensers with the plurality of containers. After the first and second support structures are aligned, the first support structure and / or the second support structure may be manipulated to simultaneously couple the plurality of dispensers to the plurality of containers. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic diagram depicting nested packaging structures and their combined uses.

[0012] Figure 2A A schematic diagram depicting an example of a variation of the pump sleeve assembly.

[0013] Figure 2B and 2C The assembly diagram and exploded view of the pump sleeve assembly are shown separately for the example variations.

[0014] Figure 3AA schematic diagram depicting an example of a variation of the pump sleeve guide.

[0015] Figure 3B A detailed view depicting a variation of the pump housing guide in an instance.

[0016] Figure 3C A schematic diagram depicting an example variation of the pump in a pump sleeve assembly.

[0017] Figure 3D and 3E Perspective and detailed views of the pump arranged in the pump housing guide are depicted respectively.

[0018] Figure 4A A schematic diagram depicting an example of a pump sleeve variation.

[0019] Figure 4B and 4C Detailed views of the dispenser cover in example variations of pump sleeves with and without pumps are depicted respectively.

[0020] Figure 5A A schematic diagram depicting a variation of an example of a pump sleeve assembly comprising a pump sleeve guide, a pump, and a pump sleeve.

[0021] Figure 5B Depicting Figure 5A Detailed views of the pump sleeve assembly depicted herein.

[0022] Figure 6A Detailed views depicting instances of pump sleeves with locking members.

[0023] Figure 6B and 6C Detailed views of the dispenser cover with locking mechanism are depicted in example variations of pump sleeves with and without pumps.

[0024] Figure 7A A schematic diagram depicting the variations of an example of a container assembly.

[0025] Figure 7B A schematic diagram depicting a variation of an instance of a container sleeve assembly comprising a container sleeve and a container.

[0026] Figure 7C and 7D These are perspective and plan views of instances of the container set, respectively.

[0027] Figure 8A A schematic diagram depicting an example of variations in the dropper sleeve assembly.

[0028] Figure 8B A schematic diagram depicting the variations of a dropper sleeve.

[0029] Figure 8CA schematic diagram depicting the spacers on an example of a dropper sleeve.

[0030] Figure 8D A cross-sectional view depicting an instance of a changing dropper sleeve.

[0031] Figure 8E A detailed view depicting an instance of variations of the dropper dispenser in a dropper sleeve assembly.

[0032] Figure 8F Detailed cross-sectional views depicting variations of a dropper sleeve with a dropper dispenser.

[0033] Figure 8G and 8H A schematic diagram depicting an example variation of a dropper sleeve with a dispenser cap inlet / outlet.

[0034] Figure 9A A schematic diagram depicting an example of variations in a dropper container assembly.

[0035] Figure 9B and 9C The assembly diagram and exploded view of the varied parts of the dropper container assembly are shown separately.

[0036] Figure 9D This is a schematic representation of an example variation of the reinforcing member in a dropper container assembly.

[0037] Figure 9E and 9F These are exploded and assembled diagrams of the reinforcing member in the dropper container assembly and variations of the dropper container.

[0038] Figure 10 A flowchart depicting an example of variations in the methods used to assemble packaging structures.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example variation of a method for assembling a distributor assembly that includes a pump distributor.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example variation of a method for assembling a dispenser assembly containing a dropper.

[0041] Figures 13A-13E These are perspective, top, bottom, front, and side views of an example of a pump housing guide with 48 distributor seats.

[0042] Figures 14A-14E These are perspective, top, bottom, front, and side views of an example of a pump housing guide with 24 distributor seats.

[0043] Figure 15A-15GThese are, respectively, upper perspective view, lower perspective view, top view, and along the example variation of a pump sleeve with 48 distributor seats. Figure 15C Section A in the diagram: Section view, bottom view, front view, and side view of section A.

[0044] Figure 16A-16G These are, respectively, upper perspective view, lower perspective view, top view, and along the example variation of a pump sleeve with 24 distributor seats. Figure 16C The section view, bottom view, front view, and side view of section B:B shown.

[0045] Figures 17A-17E These are the perspective, top view, bottom view, front view, and side view of the container instance.

[0046] Figure 18A-18G These are, respectively, the top perspective view, bottom perspective view, top view, and along the example of the dropper sleeve variation. Figure 18C The section view, bottom view, front view, and side view shown are along section line C:C.

[0047] Figure 19 This is a partially exploded view of an example of a dropper sleeve assembly.

[0048] Figures 20A-20E These are perspective, top, bottom, front, and side views of an instance of the dropper container sleeve.

[0049] Figure 21A and 21B These are assembly diagrams and exploded diagrams showing variations of the reinforcing components in the dropper sleeve assembly. Figure 21C-21F They are Figure 21A The top view, bottom view, front view, and side view of the reinforcing member shown. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Various aspects and variations of the invention are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0051] This document describes variations of packaging structures used to handle containers and / or other accompanying items, such as container lids (e.g., dispensers), during processes such as storage, transportation, and / or assembly. For example, in some variations, nested packaging structures (such as those described herein) may be used to dispose of drug containers and / or drug dispensers. Methods for assembling containers and dispensers using such packaging structures are also described herein.

[0052] Nested packaging structure

[0053] Figure 1A schematic diagram depicting nested packaging structures for different components and their uses. In some variations, the first packaging assembly 110 may include one or more packaging structures 112 (e.g., trays) for a first component type. For example, components of the first component type may be nested (e.g., in a protective, organized manner) within the packaging structure 112. For illustration, the first component type may, for example, include containers (e.g., bottles) for pharmaceuticals. The first packaging assembly 110 may include a single packaging structure 112 for accommodating multiple items of the first component type, or may include multiple such packaging structures 112 stacked or otherwise layered. In some variations, the first packaging assembly 110 may further include a slot that receives the one or more packaging structures 112. The slot may be sealed or otherwise covered to facilitate the reception of the packaging structure 112 within the slot, for example using foil or film. Prior to sealing, the packaging structure 112 and the components contained therein may be sterilized (e.g., using a sterilizing gas such as ethylene oxide).

[0054] Similarly, the second packaging assembly 120 may include one or more packaging structures 122 (e.g., trays) for a second component type. For example, components of the first component type may be nested (e.g., in a protective, organized manner) within the packaging structure 122. The second component type may include, for example, container lids (e.g., dispensers, caps, covers, etc.) and may be configured to attach to the first component type. Similar to the first packaging assembly, the second packaging assembly 120 may include a single packaging structure 122 for accommodating multiple items of the second component type, or may include multiple such packaging structures 122 stacked or otherwise layered. In some variations, the second packaging assembly 120 may further include a slot that receives the one or more packaging structures 122. The slot may be sealed or otherwise covered to facilitate the accommodation of the packaging structure 122 within the slot, for example using foil or film. Prior to sealing, the packaging structure 112 and the components contained therein may be sterilized (e.g., using gamma rays, using a sterilizing gas such as ethylene oxide, etc.).

[0055] Packaging structures 112 and 122 allow for the simultaneous operation of a large number of components housed therein. For example, packaging structures 112 and / or 122 can be operated to substantially simultaneously connect components housed in packaging structure 112 to components housed in packaging structure 122. Therefore, components in the first packaging assembly 110 can be effectively connected to components in the second packaging assembly 120. Furthermore, components in both the first and second packaging structures are protected against breakage, disarray, etc., throughout this operation, at least in part because components in the first packaging assembly 110 can be nested within the first packaging structure 122, and components in the second packaging assembly 120 can be nested within the second packaging structure 122. Illustrative examples of the packaging structures are described in further detail below.

[0056] Pump sleeve assembly

[0057] Figure 2A A schematic diagram depicting an example variation of the pump sleeve assembly 200. The pump sleeve assembly may comprise one or more packaging structures located in a slot 210 or other suitable container, wherein each packaging structure can accommodate multiple pumps. The pump sleeve assembly 200 may, for example, store multiple nose pumps in a protective and / or organized manner, reducing the possibility of damage or tangling of the pumps. The packaging structure may be as follows: Figure 2A The container is placed within the slot and is accessible through the upper slot opening. In some variations, the opening of the slot 210 may be sealed, for example using a seal 212. The seal 212 may comprise, for example, a metal foil, a plastic film, or any suitable material. The seal 212 helps maintain the sterility of the contents of the pump sleeve assembly 200 until the slot 210 is opened (e.g., by peeling or otherwise breaking the seal 212), for example, to access the packaging structure contained therein. However, in some variations, each packaging structure may be a directly sealed, independent packaging structure, rather than (or except) sealed within the slot 210.

[0058] Multiple types of packaging structures can work together to house the pump within the tank 210. For example, such as... Figure 2B As shown, the pump sleeve assembly may include a pump sleeve 220 and a pump sleeve guide 230. For example... Figure 2C As shown in the exploded view, the pump sleeve 220 may include a plurality of distributor covers 224, each of which can accommodate the upper portion (e.g., pump head 204) of a corresponding pump 202. The pump sleeve guide 230 may include a plurality of distributor seats 234, each of which can accommodate the lower portion (e.g., pump cover) of a corresponding pump 202. The distributor covers 224 and distributor seats 234 may be arranged in a similar layout such that the distributor covers 224 and distributor seats 234 are aligned. Therefore, the pump sleeve guide 230, the pump 202, and the pump sleeve 220 may be layered to organize and protect the pump 202 between the pump sleeve guide 230 and the pump sleeve 220.

[0059] The pump sleeve guide 230 further helps protect the immersion tube 208 from damage. For example, the pump sleeve guide 230 may include a support surface 222 extending to the inner wall of the tank 210 and configured to rest against the inner shoulder of the tank 210. The depth or position of the inner shoulder of the tank may be equal to or greater than the length of the immersion tube, which extends beyond the lower surface of the distributor seat 234, such that when the pump sleeve guide 230 rests against the inner shoulder of the tank, it prevents the immersion tube from contacting the bottom of the tank 210. Furthermore, at least in part due to the spacing between the distributor seats 234, the immersion tubes 208 can be sufficiently separated from each other to avoid interfering with adjacent immersion tubes. Therefore, the pump sleeve guide 230 helps prevent the immersion tube 208 from being damaged by bending, entanglement with adjacent immersion tubes, etc. The pump housing guide 230 can thus help keep the immersion tubes 208 sufficiently straight (e.g., each immersion tube is axially aligned with the rest of the pump body), which can, for example, help facilitate the attachment of the pump 202 to the container, as described in further detail below.

[0060] Pump sleeve guide

[0061] As described above, the pump housing guide 230 can accommodate multiple pumps within the pump housing assembly 200. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the pump sleeve guide 230 may include a support surface 232 and a plurality of dispenser seats 234 disposed on the support surface. The support surface 232 may be configured to be placed within a tank or other container, as described above. Although the support surface 232 is in Figure 3A The support surface 232 is shown as generally planar and rectangular, but it should be understood that it can be non-planar (e.g., convex, concave) and can have any suitable shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, etc.). In some variations, the pump sleeve guide 230 may include one or more notches 231, which may provide a finger gap, for example, between the groove wall and the support surface 232, to allow manual removal of the pump sleeve guide 230 from the groove. Alternatively, in some variations, the pump sleeve guide 230 may include other suitable engagement features located on the support surface 232 (e.g., around the perimeter of the support surface) or on other portions of the pump sleeve guide 230. For example, the pump sleeve guide 230 may include a suction cup, a smooth surface that can be attached to a suction cup or vacuum source, other fasteners such as hooks, etc., to help facilitate the disposal of the pump sleeve guide 230.

[0062] The distributor seats 234 can be arranged in an array on the support surface. For example, the distributor seats 234 can be arranged in a regular array (e.g., hexagonal, rectangular, etc.), and in some variations, in a compact array, to optimize the number of distributor seats 234 (and correspondingly, the number of pumps) that can be placed in the pump housing guide 230. Alternatively, the distributor seats 234 can be arranged in an irregular array or any suitable layout pattern. Although Figure 3AThe variation shown includes 48 distributor seats, but it should be understood that the pump housing guide 230 may include any suitable number of distributor seats 234.

[0063] In some variations, adjacent distributor seats 234 may be coupled. This can, for example, help increase the rigidity of the pump sleeve guide and help stabilize the pump 202 when it is placed in the pump sleeve guide. For example, as Figure 3B As shown, the pump housing guide may include one or more interconnecting walls 233 extending between adjacent distributor seats 234. The interconnecting walls 233 may be integrally formed with the support surface 232 and / or the distributor seats 234, or may be separately formed and coupled to the support surface 232 and / or the distributor seats 234. Alternatively, adjacent distributor seats 234 may share a common structure (e.g., sharing a common wall 236, as described below).

[0064] like Figure 3B As shown, the distributor seat 234 may include a base 235 having an opening 235a, and a wall 236 extending from the base 235 to form a recess for receiving the pump distributor. In other words, in some variations, the pump distributor may be configured to rest against the base 235 and be at least partially received within the wall 236. The base 235 may be connected to the bottom portion of the pump distributor (e.g., a cover 206, such as...). Figure 3C Size and shape are set in a similar way (as shown). Figure 3B As shown, the base 235 may include an opening 235a, which serves to allow the liquid immersion tube 208 of the pump 202 to pass through and extend through the pump sleeve guide. The opening 235a may be circular or any suitable shape.

[0065] The wall 236 of the distributor seat 234 can be configured to substantially encircle the bottom portion of the pump distributor. For example, as Figure 3B As shown, the base 235 and wall 236 can be generally circular to accommodate a circular pump distributor, but they can be any suitable shape to accommodate any suitable type of pump distributor (e.g., elliptical, square, rectangular, etc.). In some variations, wall 236 may extend orthogonally from the base 235, but in some variations, wall 236 may be inclined. For example, in some variations, the diameter of wall 236 may be narrower where the wall is attached to the base, which can guide the pump distributor to position or self-center when it is placed in the pump sleeve guide. Alternatively or additionally, the thickness of wall 236 may vary such that the inner diameter of wall 236 provides a gradually narrowing or self-centering surface for the pump distributor, while the outer diameter of wall 236 is constant.

[0066] In some variations, wall 236 comprises a continuous structure, partially or entirely, surrounding the periphery of the distributor seat. Alternatively, in some variations, wall 236 may comprise multiple discrete wall segments that follow the shape of the base and extend to collectively accommodate the bottom of the pump distributor. Additionally or alternatively, distributor seat 234 may include one or more brackets 237 that are coupled to or formed together with the base 235 and wall 236, wherein each bracket 237 may serve as a structural reinforcement of the shape of distributor seat 234 and / or as a release point for injection molding, etc.

[0067] While the distributor seat 234 primarily comprises, as described above, walls configured to receive the pump 202 by surrounding its outer surface, the distributor seat 234 may include any suitable features for positioning the pump 202 within the pump housing guide 230. For example, in some variations, the distributor seat in the pump housing guide may additionally or alternatively include one or more extending protrusions that interface with the inner surface of the pump distributor (e.g., the inner surface of the housing 206). For example, the distributor seat may include an upwardly projecting ring or multiple discrete ring segments surrounding the placement of the pump distributor 202.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 3B As shown, the dispenser seat 234 may include at least one alignment feature 238 configured to engage with an engagement feature in the pump, thereby orienting the pump within at least one dispenser seat. For example, Figure 3C The exemplary pump shown includes a mating feature 205 extending radially outward from the body of the pump 202, and an alignment feature 238 in the distributor seat 234 may include a slot or other notch that receives the mating feature 205, thereby orienting the pump 202 in a predetermined rotational orientation within the distributor seat 234, such as... Figure 3E As shown. In some variations, the dispenser seat 234 may include multiple alignment features to accommodate multiple permitted pump orientations. For example, as Figure 3B As shown, the dispenser seat 234 may include two alignment features 238 that are opposite each other (rotatably offset by 180 degrees) on opposite sides of the dispenser seat 234, which allows the pump 202 to have two permissible rotational orientations within the dispenser seat 234.

[0069] The alignment features 238 for the plurality of dispenser seats 234 in the pump sleeve guide 230 can be oriented in a parallel manner, such that when the plurality of pumps 202 are housed in the pump sleeve guide 230, all pumps 202 can be neatly and compactly organized without physical interference between the pumps. Additionally, the engagement of the alignment features 238 and the engagement features 205 can help stabilize the pumps 202 rotationally during transport, thereby reducing pump movement within the pump sleeve guide to reduce the risk of damage and / or help ensure predictable positioning of the pumps throughout the array, thus facilitating other automated processes such as labeling.

[0070] In this example, for illustrative purposes, engagement feature 205 includes a radial tab on a clip that is coupled to pump 202 to prevent unintentional actuation of the pump. Specifically, a safety clip may be inserted between actuating pump head 204 and pump housing 206 to physically prevent movement of pump head 204 toward pump housing 206 (e.g., during transport of pump 202). Removal of the clip allows actuation of pump 202. However, while in this example, the radial tab on the clip includes engagement feature 205 for assisting in the orientation of the pump in the pump housing guide, engagement feature 205 may be located on any suitable feature of pump 202 (e.g., longitudinal ribs on housing 206) and / or fittings thereon (e.g., a circular ring positioned above housing 206).

[0071] In some variations, the pump sleeve guide may be injection molded from a suitable rigid plastic, but it can be formed in any suitable manner (e.g., 3D printing, grinding, etc.). In some variations, the pump sleeve guide may be contained in a material stable under gamma ray sterilization (e.g., HDPE) and / or any suitable type of sterilization such as X-ray sterilization, electron beam sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization, steam sterilization, etc. Furthermore, some or all of the dispenser seats 234 may be integrally formed with the support surface 232. Alternatively, some or all of the dispenser seats 234 may be formed separately from the support surface 232 and coupled to the support surface 232 via mechanical interlocking (e.g., threads, snap-fit, other matching features, etc.), suitable fasteners (e.g., epoxy resin, connectors, etc.), and / or suitable joining processes (e.g., thermoforming).

[0072] Figures 13A-13E A more detailed example of a pump housing guide (with 48 distributor seats) variation is shown. Additionally, Figures 14A-14E Show examples of variations of the pump housing guide (with 24 distributor seats).

[0073] Pump sleeve

[0074] Pump housing guide 220 may cover and / or engage with multiple pumps housed in pump housing guide 230. For example... Figure 4A As shown, the pump sleeve 220 may include a support surface 222 and a plurality of dispenser covers 224 disposed on said support surface. Although the support surface 222 is... Figure 4AThe support surface 222 is shown as generally planar and having a rectangular shape, but it should be understood that the support surface 222 can be non-planar (e.g., convex, concave) and have any suitable shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, etc.). Similar to the pump sleeve guide 232, the pump sleeve 220 may include one or more notches 221, which may provide, for example, finger gaps to allow manual removal of the pump sleeve 220 from the slot. Alternatively or in some variations, the pump sleeve 220 may include other suitable engagement features located on the support surface 222 (e.g., around the perimeter of the support surface) or on other portions of the pump sleeve 220. For example, the pump sleeve 220 may include a suction cup, a smooth surface that can be attached to a suction cup or vacuum source, other fasteners such as hooks, etc., to help facilitate the disposal of the pump sleeve 220.

[0075] The distributor cap 224 can be arranged in an array similar to that described above for the distributor seat 234 in the pump sleeve guide 230 on the support surface 222. For example, the distributor cap 224 can be arranged in a regular array (e.g., hexagonal, rectangular, etc.), an irregular array, or any suitable layout pattern. Although Figure 4A The variation shown includes 48 distributor covers, but it should be understood that the pump sleeve 220 may include any suitable number of distributor covers. The arrangement of the distributor covers 224 in the pump sleeve may be the same as the arrangement of the distributor seats 234 in the pump sleeve guide, so as to accommodate the same set of pumps simultaneously between the pump sleeve guide and the pump sleeve.

[0076] In some variations, adjacent dispenser covers 224 may be coupled. This can, for example, help increase the rigidity of the pump sleeve and help stabilize the pump when the pump 202 is located within the pump sleeve 220. For example, as Figure 4A As shown, the pump sleeve 220 may include one or more interconnecting walls 223 extending between adjacent dispenser covers 224. The interconnecting walls 223 may be integrally formed with the support surface 222 and / or the dispenser cover 224, or may be separately formed and coupled to the support surface 222 and / or the dispenser cover 224. Alternatively, adjacent dispenser covers may share a common structure, such as walls.

[0077] like Figure 4B As shown, in some variations, the dispenser cover 224 may include a first dispenser cover portion 224a (e.g., an upper portion) located on one side of the support surface 222 and a second dispenser cover portion 224b (e.g., a lower portion) located on the opposite side of the support surface 222. The dispenser cover portion 224a may, for example, include a wall configured to substantially surround the pump head 204 of the pump, which extends beyond the support surface 222. The inner diameter of the dispenser cover portion 224a may be larger than the diameter of the pump head 204 but smaller than the diameter of the pump shoulder 203 (shown in…). Figure 3CThis arrangement ensures that when the pump sleeve 220 is positioned above the array of pumps 202, the pump sleeve 220 rests against the common pump shoulder 203 of the pumps 202. In some variations, the length of the distributor cover portion 224a may be correspondingly at least equal to (or longer than) the pump head 204 of the pump, extending sufficiently along the length of the pump head 204. In some variations, some or all of the distributor cover portions 224a may have, for example, […]. Figure 5A The open distal end is shown, but in some variations, some or all of the dispenser cover portion 224a may have a closed distal end to completely cover the pump head 204.

[0078] The second distributor cover portion 224b may similarly include a wall configured to substantially surround the pump's shroud 206. For example... Figure 3C As shown, in some variations, pump 202 may include a shroud 206 having a diameter wider than pump head 204. Therefore, to accommodate this pump, distributor cover 224 may include a distributor cover portion 224b with a diameter wider than distributor cover portion 224a.

[0079] In some variations, the dispenser cover portion 224b may be a similar but inverted version of the dispenser seat 234 described above. For example, the dispenser cover portion 224b may include an opening to allow the pump head 204 to pass through the support surface 222 (so that it may be covered by the dispenser cover portion 224a). Additionally, the dispenser cover portion 224a may include at least one alignment feature 238 configured to engage with an engagement feature in the pump, thereby orienting the pump within the pump sleeve 220. Similar to the above description, the alignment feature 238 may include a slot or other notch that receives the engagement feature 205 (e.g., a radial protrusion on the pump 202). Furthermore, in some variations, the dispenser cover portion 224b may include multiple alignment features (e.g., two alignment features rotatably offset from each other by 180 degrees around the dispenser cover portion 224b).

[0080] Therefore, as Figure 5A and 5B As shown, a set of pumps can be nested within both the pump sleeve 220 and the pump sleeve guide 230, wherein the immersion tube 208 extends beyond the pump sleeve guide 230. Each pump can be nested between a corresponding distributor seat 234 and a distributor cover 224 that are axially aligned. Figure 5B As shown, the engagement feature 205 of the pump engages both the alignment feature 238 in the distributor seat 234 and the alignment feature 228 in the distributor cover 224. However, in some variations, one or both of the alignment features 228 and 238 may be omitted. For example, if the pump 202 does not include the engagement feature 205, or if maintaining the pump 202 in a predetermined rotational orientation within the pump sleeve 220 and the pump sleeve guide 230 is not of great concern in other respects, then these alignment features may not be necessary.

[0081] Furthermore, in some variations, the dispenser cover may include one or more locking members configured to connect the pump 202 to the dispenser cover. For example, as Figure 6A As shown, the distributor cover may include at least one locking flexure member 226 configured to connect the pump to the distributor cover 224. In some variations, the distributor cover may include multiple locking members (e.g., two locking flexure members 226). The locking members may be evenly or radially symmetrically distributed around the distributor cover to hold the pump in a balanced manner within the distributor cover. For example, as... Figure 6A As shown, the dispenser cover may include two locking flexure members 226 arranged to be rotatably offset from each other by 180 degrees. In some variations, the locking members may engage with a radial protrusion of the pump 202 to attach the pump 202 to the dispenser cover 224. When the locking members across the pump sleeve 220 attach a group of multiple pumps 202 to the pump sleeve 220, all the stationary pumps 202 can be advantageously manipulated (e.g., transported) by disposing of the pump sleeve 220 itself, as further described below. Thus, a pump sleeve with such locking members allows multiple pumps to be handled easily and efficiently simultaneously.

[0082] Figure 6B and 6C An example variation of the locking flexure member 226 connected to pump 202 is illustrated. The locking flexure member 226 may be formed on or connected to the distributor cover portion 224b on the underside of pump sleeve 220, but in other variations, a similar structure may be located in the upper distributor cover portion 224a or in another portion of pump sleeve 220. For example... Figure 6B As shown, the locking flexure member 226 may include an arm having a fixed proximal end and a free distal end, the free distal end having a stop 227. The locking flexure member typically extends longitudinally along the dispenser cover portion 224b, parallel to the central axis of the dispenser cover, and can be configured to flex in a radial direction (e.g., relative to the central axis of the dispenser cover). For example, the locking flexure member 226 may flex radially outward to receive the pump 202 within the dispenser cover 224. The stop 227 may include a lower inclined surface to further facilitate entry of the pump 202 into the dispenser cover 224. When the pump 202 has reached a certain insertion depth in the dispenser cover 224, the pump shoulder 203 may pass over the stop 227, allowing the locking flexure member to return inward to its previous radial position. Figure 6C As shown, the stop 227 may abut the pump shoulder 203 and force the pump shoulder 204 against the support surface (or the lower edge of the dispenser cover portion 224a), thereby securing the pump 202 against the dispenser cover. In some variations, the stop 227 may also include an upper inclined surface, which allows the pump 202 to be removed from the dispenser cover more easily by applying sufficient removal or separation force.

[0083] In some variations, the locking flexure member 226 may include a bias (e.g., inherent in the shape or material of the flexure member) that forces the locking flexure member 226 radially inward, thereby further securing the pump 202 within the dispenser cover. Alternatively or additionally, other locking features may aid in coupling the pump to the dispenser cover. For example, the dispenser cover may include friction features (e.g., ribs or other textured features, rubberization, or other high-friction materials) located on its inner surface to engage the pump 202 within the dispenser cover.

[0084] In some variations, similar to the pump sleeve guide, the pump sleeve can be injection molded from a suitable rigid plastic, but it can be formed by any suitable method (e.g., 3D printing, grinding, etc.). In some variations, the pump sleeve may contain a material stable under gamma sterilization (e.g., HDPE). Furthermore, some or all of the dispenser caps may be integrally formed with the support surface. Alternatively, some or all of the dispenser caps may be formed separately from the support surface and attached to it via mechanical interlocking (e.g., threads, snap-fit, other matching features, etc.), suitable fasteners (e.g., epoxy resin, connectors, etc.), and / or suitable joining processes (e.g., thermoforming).

[0085] Figure 15A-15G A more detailed example of variations of the pump sleeve (with 48 distributor caps) is shown. Additionally, Figure 16A-16G Show examples of variations of the pump housing guide (with 24 distributor caps).

[0086] Therefore, a group of multiple pumps can be packaged in a protective and orderly manner within a pump housing assembly as described above. For example, the pumps can be nested between a pump housing guide and a pump housing, as described above. This sub-assembly can be placed in a tank or other container and can be sealed to accommodate the pump housing guide, pump, and pump housing contained therein. To remove the pump (e.g., for assembly with the container, as described below), the tank seal (if present) can be removed, and the pump housing can be lifted (or slid out, etc.) from the tank. Since the pump can be coupled to the pump housing via a locking member or other locking member, the removal of the pump housing can simultaneously cause the pump to be removed together or simultaneously. When the pump housing and pump are removed from the tank, the pump housing guide can remain in the tank. Further details of the method for assembling the nested assembly are described below.

[0087] Container assembly

[0088] Figure 7AA schematic diagram depicting an example variation of the container sleeve assembly 700. The container sleeve assembly may comprise one or more packaging structures located in a slot 710 or other suitable container, wherein each packaging structure can accommodate multiple containers (e.g., bottles). The container sleeve assembly may, for example, store multiple bottles (e.g., glass or plastic bottles) in a protective and / or organized manner, which reduces the likelihood of bottle damage. The packaging structures may be as follows: Figure 7A The container is positioned within the slot 710 and is accessible through the upper slot opening. In some variations, the opening of the slot 710 may be sealed, for example using a seal 712. The seal 712 may comprise, for example, a metal foil, a plastic film, or any suitable material. The seal 712 helps maintain the sterility of the contents of the container assembly 700 until the slot 710 is opened (e.g., by peeling or otherwise breaking the seal 712), for example, to access the packaging structure contained therein.

[0089] like Figures 7B-7D As shown, the packaging structure in the container sleeve assembly may include one or more container sleeves 720. Each container sleeve 720 may include a support surface 722 and a plurality of container seats 724 disposed on said support surface. The support surface 722 may be configured to rest against a slot or other container. However, in some variations, the container sleeve 720 may be a directly sealed, stand-alone packaging structure, rather than (or except) sealed within a slot 710. Although the container sleeve 720 is... Figure 7B The container sleeve 720 is shown as generally rectangular, but it should be understood that the container sleeve 720 can have any suitable overall shape (e.g., circular, elliptical). Furthermore, similar to the pump sleeve 220 and pump sleeve guide 230 described above, the container sleeve 720 may include one or more notches 721, which may provide finger gaps, for example, between the slot wall and the support surface 722, to allow manual removal of the container sleeve 720 from the slot. Additionally or alternatively, in some variations, the container sleeve 720 may include other suitable engagement features located on the support surface 722 (e.g., around the perimeter of the support surface) or on other parts of the container sleeve 720. For example, the container sleeve 720 may include a suction cup, a smooth surface that can be attached to a suction cup or vacuum source, other fasteners such as hooks, etc., to help facilitate the disposal of the container sleeve 720.

[0090] The container seat 724 can be arranged in an array similar to that described above for the distributor seat 234 in the pump sleeve guide 230 on the support surface 722. For example, the container seat 724 can be arranged in a regular array (e.g., hexagonal, rectangular, etc.), an irregular array, or any suitable layout pattern. Although Figure 7BThe variation shown includes 48 container seats, but it should be understood that the container sleeve 720 may contain any suitable number of container seats. If the container to be placed in the container sleeve 700 is intended to be assembled with multiple pumps in the pump sleeve assembly described above, then the arrangement of the container seats 724 in the container sleeve may be the same as the arrangement of the pumps (and the dispenser caps and dispenser seats) in the pump sleeve assembly, such that the alignment of the container sleeve and the pump sleeve results in the common alignment of the container and the corresponding pump.

[0091] In some changes, such as Figure 7C and 7D As shown, the container seat 724 may be defined by one or more walls. The walls may form a recess with a base. In some variations, the recess may be arranged below the support surface 722, but the recess may also be additionally or alternatively above the support surface 722. For example, a first portion of the container seat 724 may be arranged on a first side (e.g., the upper side) of the support surface, while a second portion may be arranged on a second side (e.g., the lower side) of the support surface, such that when the container 702 is in the container seat 724, a portion of the container may be above the support surface and a portion of the container may be below the support surface. Figure 7C and 7D In the variations shown, one or more walls may be used as partitions to define discrete container seats, each of which is configured to receive a corresponding container.

[0092] The walls can be curved, linear, or any suitable shape to accommodate the container. In some variations, such as... Figure 7D As shown, wall 726 can generally conform to the curvature of container 702, which can, for example, encourage a tight fit of the container to efficiently utilize the space within the container housing. Wall 726 may comprise sections of varying heights. In some variations, wall 726 may comprise a continuous structure extending from one side of the container seat array to the opposite side of the array, but in some variations, at least some of wall 726 may comprise discrete sections. For example, in some variations, only a portion of the perimeter of the container seat may be surrounded by walls, while in some variations, the entire perimeter of the container seat may be surrounded by walls.

[0093] Furthermore, in some variations, at least some of the container seats 724 may include one or more spacers 728. The spacers 728 may be used to create sufficient distance between adjacent containers to help prevent contact between adjacent containers when the container sleeves 720 are bumped or otherwise moved. The spacers 728 may, for example, project radially inward toward the center of the container seat 724 and may be arranged in an equal or uneven distribution around the perimeter of the container seat 724. In some variations, the spacers 728 may include longitudinal ridges located on one or more walls 726 and extend radially inward sufficiently to allow the containers to self-center into the container seat. In some variations, the container seat 724 may include additional cushioning material (e.g., foam, cloth) that absorbs impact to further protect the containers from damage.

[0094] Alternatively or concurrently, the container sleeve 720 may include one or more openings. For example... Figure 7D As shown, in some variations, the container seat 724 may include at least one opening 721 in its base. The opening 721 may, for example, help equalize air pressure to allow the container to be easily placed in and / or easily removed from the container seat 724. Due to the reduced amount of material in the container sleeve 720, the opening 721 may additionally or alternatively reduce the weight of the container sleeve and / or reduce manufacturing costs. The opening 721 may have any suitable shape. For example, although the opening 721 is in Figure 7D The opening 721 is shown as circular, but in some variations, it can be any polygonal, irregular, or custom-patterned shape. Furthermore, the container seat 724 may contain multiple openings (e.g., two, three, four, five, or more) in its base or other suitable portion.

[0095] In some variations, the container sleeve may be injection molded from a suitable rigid plastic, but it can be formed by any suitable method (e.g., 3D printing, grinding, etc.). In some variations, the container sleeve may contain a material stable under gamma ray sterilization (e.g., HDPE). Furthermore, some or all of the container seats may be integrally formed with the support surface. Alternatively, some or all of the container seats may be formed separately from the support surface and attached to it via mechanical interlocking (e.g., threads, snap-fit, other matching features, etc.), suitable fasteners (e.g., epoxy resin, connectors, etc.), and / or suitable joining processes (e.g., thermoforming).

[0096] Figures 17A-17E A more detailed demonstration of the instance variations of the container set (with 48 container seats).

[0097] dropper sleeve assembly

[0098] Figure 8AA schematic diagram depicting an example variation of the dropper sleeve assembly 800. The eye dropper sleeve assembly may comprise one or more packaging structures located in a slot 810 or other suitable container, wherein each packaging structure may contain multiple dispensers (e.g., drop dispensers, such as eye droppers). The dropper sleeve assembly 820 may, for example, store multiple drop dispensers in a protective and / or organized manner, which reduces the possibility of damage to the drop dispensers. The packaging structure may be as follows: Figure 8A The dropper sleeve assembly 800 is positioned within the slot 810 and is accessible through the upper slot opening. In some variations, the opening of the slot 810 may be sealed, for example using a seal similar to those described above for the pump sleeve assembly and the container sleeve assembly. The seal helps maintain the sterility of the contents of the dropper sleeve assembly 800 until the slot 810 is opened.

[0099] like Figure 8A As shown, the packaging structure in the dropper sleeve assembly may include one or more dropper sleeves 820. A single dropper sleeve 820 may be accommodated in a slot 810, or multiple dropper sleeves 820 may be layered or stacked in a single slot 810. However, in some variations, the dropper sleeve 820 may be a directly sealed, independent packaging structure, rather than (or except) sealed within a slot 810.

[0100] like Figure 8B As shown, the dropper sleeve 820 may include a support surface 822 and a plurality of dispenser caps 824 disposed on the support surface 822. Each dispenser cap 824 may be configured to receive and / or engage a corresponding dropper (e.g., an eye dropper). Similar to the packaging structure described above, although the dropper sleeve 820 is... Figure 8B The dropper sleeve 820 is shown as generally rectangular, but it should be understood that the dropper sleeve 820 can have any suitable overall shape (e.g., circular, elliptical). Furthermore, the dropper sleeve 820 may include one or more notches 821, which may provide a finger gap, for example, between the slot wall and the support surface 822, to allow manual removal of the dropper sleeve 820 from the slot. Alternatively, in some variations, the dropper sleeve 820 may include other suitable engagement features located on the support surface 822 (e.g., around the perimeter of the support surface) or other portions of the dropper sleeve 820. For example, the dropper sleeve 820 may include a suction cup, a smooth surface that can be attached to a suction cup or vacuum source, other fasteners such as hooks, etc., to help facilitate the disposal of the dropper sleeve 820.

[0101] In some variations, the dropper sleeve 820 may include one or more spacers that force a specific distance between adjacent layered or stacked dropper sleeves 820. For example, as Figure 8B As shown, the dropper sleeve 820 may include one or more spacers 828 arranged on the support surface 822 or other suitable surface. Figure 8BThe illustrated variation includes four spacers 828 arranged at the corners of the support surface 822, but in other variations, the dropper sleeve 820 may include any suitable number of spacers 828 arranged in any suitable layout pattern. The spacers 828 may include protrusions extending upward and / or downward from the support surface 822 and may be integrally formed or engaged with the support surface 822. In some variations, a spacer 828 of one dropper sleeve 820 may be aligned with a spacer 828 of an adjacent dropper sleeve 820 (e.g., the upper dropper sleeve 820 and / or the lower dropper sleeve 820) such that each spacer 828 can be removably engaged with a spacer 828 on the adjacent dropper sleeve 820. For example, as... Figure 8C As shown, the spacer 828 may include an upper portion 828a and a lower portion 828b, wherein the upper portion 828a may be coupled to the lower portion of a spacer on an adjacent dropper sleeve located above the upper portion 828a, and similarly, the lower portion 828b may be coupled to the upper portion of a spacer on an adjacent dropper sleeve located below the lower portion 828b. Such coupling may include engagement of mating features. For example, as... Figure 8C As shown, the upper portion 828a may include a longitudinal protrusion having a distal tip of a smaller diameter, configured to engage within a recess in the lower portion of an adjacent spacer. As another example, the upper portion 828a may include a recess configured to receive the lower portion of an adjacent spacer. However, the spacers 828 on adjacent dropper sleeves 820 may engage in any suitable manner, such as using fasteners (e.g., magnetic elements) or other mechanically mating features (e.g., using sliding fit interference).

[0102] Similar to other packaging structures described above, dispenser caps 824 can be arranged in an array on support surface 822, said array being, for example, a regular array (e.g., hexagonal, rectangular, etc.), an irregular array, or any suitable layout pattern. Although Figure 8B The variation shown includes 48 dispenser caps, but it should be understood that the dropper sleeve 820 can contain any suitable number of dispenser caps. Similar to the pump sleeve described above, in, for example... Figure 8F In some variations of the illustrated changes, adjacent dispenser covers 824 may be coupled, for example, by utilizing one or more interconnecting walls 823 extending between adjacent dispenser covers 824. Alternatively, adjacent dispenser covers may share a common structure, for example... Figure 8F The wall shown.

[0103] In some variations, the dispenser cap 824 may be defined by one or more walls configured to surround the dropper 802 or a set of droppers 802. The walls may fit closely to the contours of the dropper 802, which helps to allow the dropper to be packaged in a space-saving manner within the dropper sleeve 820. Although Figure 8B The variations shown include a generally continuous wall extending along a row of dispenser covers 824; however, in some variations, some or all of the dispenser covers 824 may be formed by a plurality of discrete walls configured to surround at least a portion of the periphery of the dispenser to be housed within the dispenser covers 824. In some variations, some or all of the dispenser covers 824 may have a closed top or distal end, such as... Figure 8F As shown, but in some variations, some or all of the dispenser caps 824 may have a closed end to completely cover the dropper 802 contained therein. Furthermore, in some variations, such as the one depicting another example of a dropper sleeve variation... Figure 8G and 8H As shown, some or all of the dispenser caps 824 may include at least one opening or perforation 832 or other open top to allow access to the individual dropper 802 housed within the dispenser cap 824. For example, for use Figure 8G and 8H The variations shown are used to assemble the dropper 802 and the corresponding dropper container. The dropper 802 can be directly accessed through the perforation 832 to individually compress the dropper 802 onto its corresponding dropper container located below the dropper 802. Although the perforation 832 is... Figure 8G and 8H The holes 832 are shown as circular and centered in each dispenser cap 824, but it should be understood that in some variations, the holes 832 can have any suitable shape (e.g., oval, elliptical, rectangular, square, other polygonal shapes, etc.) and can be centered or off-center in the dispenser cap 824. Each of the multiple dropper dispensers 802 can be assembled sequentially (attached to the corresponding dropper container) using this technique. For example, this can be applied to reduce the amount of compression required at any given time by a robotic or manual manipulator to cause successful assembly. It should be understood that multiple dropper dispensers 802 (e.g., two, three, four, in a row, in a column, etc.) can also be assembled simultaneously via direct contact with the perforations 832 in the dispenser cap 824 (e.g., provided that sufficient compression can be applied to achieve multiple simultaneous assemblies).

[0104] Alternatively or in some variations, the dispenser cap 824 may include one or more alignment features (e.g., similar to the alignment features described above with respect to the pump sleeve guide and / or pump sleeve) to orient the dropper within the dispenser cap 824 in a predetermined rotational orientation.

[0105] Furthermore, in some variations, the dispenser cap may include one or more locking members configured to attach the dropper to the dispenser cap. For example, as... Figure 8DAs shown, the dispenser cap 824 may include at least one locking flexure member 826 configured to attach the dropper to the dispenser cap 824. In some variations, the dispenser cap may include multiple locking members (e.g., two locking flexure members 826). The locking members may be evenly or radially symmetrically distributed around the dispenser cap to hold the pump in a balanced manner within the dispenser cap. For example, as... Figure 8D As shown, the dispenser cap 824 may include two locking flexure members 826 arranged to be rotatably offset from each other by 180 degrees. In some variations, the locking members may engage with a radial protrusion of the dropper 802 to attach the dropper 802 to the dispenser cap 824. When the locking members across the dropper sleeve 820 attach a group of multiple droppers 802 to the dropper sleeve 820, all the fixed dispensers 802 can be advantageously manipulated (e.g., transported) by disposing of the dropper sleeve 820 itself, as further described below. Thus, a dropper sleeve with such locking members allows multiple dispensers to be disposed of easily and efficiently at the same time.

[0106] Figure 8F An example variation of the locking flexure member 826 connected to the dropper dispenser 802 is illustrated. The locking flexure member 826 may be formed from or connected to the dispenser cover 824, but in other variations, a similar structure may be located in another part of the pump sleeve 220. For example... Figure 8F As shown, the locking flexure member 826 may include an arm having a fixed proximal end and a free distal end, the free distal end having a stop 827. The locking flexure member typically extends longitudinally along the dispenser cap 824, parallel to the central axis of the dispenser cap, and can be configured to flex in a radial direction (e.g., relative to the central axis of the dispenser cap). For example, the locking flexure member 826 may flex radially outward to receive the dropper 802 within the dispenser cap 824. The locking flexure member 826 may be shaped similar to the above description regarding... Figure 6B and 6C The locking flexure member 226 is described above. For example, the stop 827 may include a lower inclined surface to further allow the dropper 802 to easily enter the dispenser cap 824. When the dropper 802 reaches a certain insertion depth in the dispenser cap 824, the radial ribs 803 or other protrusions on the dropper 802 may pass over the stop 827, allowing the locking flexure member to return inward to its previous radial position. Figure 8FAs shown, the stop 827 may abut the radial rib 803 and force the dropper 802 against the surface of the dispenser cap 802 (e.g., the shoulder surface or the top of the cap), thereby securing the dropper 802 against the dispenser cap. In some variations, the stop 827 may also include an upper inclined surface, which allows the dropper 802 to be removed from the dispenser cap more easily by applying sufficient removal or separation force.

[0107] In some variations, the locking flexure member 826 may include a bias (e.g., inherent in the shape or material of the flexure member) that forces the locking flexure member 826 radially inward, thereby further securing the dropper 802 within the dispenser cap. Alternatively or additionally, other locking features may aid in coupling the pump to the dispenser cap. For example, the dispenser cap may include friction features (e.g., ribs or other textured features, rubberization or other high-friction materials, etc.) on its inner surface to engage the dropper 802 within the dispenser cap.

[0108] In some variations, similar to the packaging structure described above, the dropper sleeve 820 may be injection molded from a suitable rigid plastic, but the dropper sleeve can be formed by any suitable method (e.g., 3D printing, grinding, etc.). In some variations, the dropper sleeve 820 may contain a material stable under gamma sterilization (e.g., HDPE). Furthermore, some or all of the dispenser caps may be integrally formed with the support surface. Alternatively, some or all of the dispenser caps may be formed separately from the support surface and attached to the support surface via mechanical interlocking (e.g., threads, snap-fit, other matching features, etc.), suitable fasteners (e.g., epoxy resin, connectors, etc.), and / or suitable joining processes (e.g., thermoforming).

[0109] Figure 18A-18G A more detailed example of the dropper sleeve (with 48 dispenser caps) variation is shown.

[0110] Dropper container assembly

[0111] Figure 9A A schematic diagram depicting an example variation of a dropper container sleeve assembly 900. The dropper container sleeve assembly 900 may include one or more packaging structures located in a slot 910 or other suitable container, wherein each packaging structure can accommodate multiple containers (e.g., bottles). The dropper container sleeve assembly can, for example, store multiple bottles in a protective and / or organized manner (e.g., flexible bottles, such as those made of flexible plastic), which reduces the likelihood of bottle damage and / or facilitates joint transport of the bottles. The packaging structures may be housed within the slot 910, such as... Figure 7AAs shown, it can be accessed through an upper slot opening, which can be sealed (e.g., using a seal 912, which may comprise a metal foil, plastic film, or any suitable material). The seal 912 helps maintain the sterility of the contents of the dropper container sleeve 900 until the slot is opened (e.g., by peeling or otherwise breaking the seal 912), for example, to access the packaging structure contained therein.

[0112] dropper container sleeve

[0113] like Figure 9B As shown, the packaging structure in the dropper container sleeve assembly may include one or more dropper container sleeves 920. In some variations, the dropper container sleeve 920 may be similar to the container sleeve 720 described above. For example, the dropper container sleeve 920 may include a support surface 922 and a plurality of container seats 824 disposed on said support surface. Additionally, the dropper container sleeve 920 may be configured to be placed within a slot 910 or other container, or may be a directly sealed, stand-alone structure, rather than (or except) sealed within a slot. Figure 9B As shown, the dropper container sleeve 920 may be generally rectangular or may have any suitable shape. The dropper container sleeve 920 may include one or more notches 921 to help facilitate manual removal of the dropper container sleeve 920 from the slot, and / or may include any suitable engagement features (e.g., suction cups, smooth surfaces that can be attached to suction cups or vacuum sources, fasteners, etc.) to help facilitate disposal of the dropper container sleeve 920.

[0114] Furthermore, the container seat 924 can be arranged on the support surface in an array similar to the array described above for the dispenser cap 824 in the dropper sleeve 820 (e.g., a regular array, such as a hexagonal or rectangular array, an irregular array, or any suitable layout pattern). If the container to be placed in the dropper container sleeve 920 is intended to be assembled with the dropper dispenser in the dropper sleeve assembly 820, then the layout of the container seat 924 can be the same as the layout of the dispenser cap 824, such that the alignment of the dropper container sleeve 920 and the dropper sleeve 820 results in the common alignment of the container and the corresponding dropper dispenser. Other aspects of the container seat 924 can be similar to those of the container seat 724 described above. Additionally or alternatively, in some variations, some or all of the container seats 924 may have a bottom with at least one opening or perforation (e.g., similar to those described above regarding...). Figure 7DThe aforementioned container sleeve 920 allows individual access to the dropper containers contained therein. For example, to assemble the dropper dispenser 802 and the corresponding dropper container using the dropper container sleeve 920, which has openings in the bottom of the container seat, the dropper container can be accessed directly through these openings to individually compress the dropper container onto its corresponding dropper dispenser 802 above the dropper container. These openings can have any suitable shape (e.g., circular, oval, elliptical, other polygonal shapes, etc.) and can be centered or off-center within the bottom of the container seat. Each of a plurality of dropper containers can be assembled (attached to the corresponding dropper) sequentially using this technique. For example, this can be applied to reduce the amount of compression required at any given time to cause successful assembly by a robotic or manual manipulator. It should be understood that multiple dropper containers (e.g., two, three, four, a row, a column, etc.) can also be assembled simultaneously by direct contact with through openings in the container seat 924 (e.g., provided that sufficient compression can be applied to achieve multiple simultaneous assemblies).

[0115] In some variations, the dropper container sleeve may be injection molded from a suitable rigid plastic, but it can be formed by any suitable method (e.g., 3D printing, grinding, etc.). In some variations, the dropper container sleeve may contain a material stable under gamma sterilization (e.g., HDPE). Furthermore, some or all of the container seats may be integrally formed with the support surface. Alternatively, some or all of the container seats may be formed separately from the support surface and attached to it via mechanical interlocking (e.g., threads, snap-fit, other matching features, etc.), suitable fasteners (e.g., epoxy resin, connectors, etc.), and / or suitable joining processes (e.g., thermoforming).

[0116] Reinforcing components

[0117] In some variations, the dropper container assembly 900 may further include one or more reinforcing members 930. The reinforcing members 930 serve to secure the dropper container 902 against deformation. For example, because the dropper container 902 may contain a flexible or resilient material (e.g., to allow the user to expel fluid from the dropper container 902 by squeezing it), the dropper container 902 may be easily bent or deformed when the dropper dispenser is attached to the dropper container by an axial force (e.g., applied from above). The reinforcing member 930 may contain a material that is more rigid than the dropper container 902 (e.g., rigid plastic, metal, etc.). Suitable materials may include, for example, polycarbonate, acrylics, ABS, PETG, rigid PVC, clear styrene, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcing member 930 may generally surround the body of the dropper container 902 in a fitted manner to better absorb and / or disperse the axial forces applied to the dropper container 902 during dispenser assembly.

[0118] Some or all of the reinforcing components may be different and may be separate from the dropper container sleeve 920. For example, as Figure 9C As shown, the reinforcing member 930 can be removed from the dropper container sleeve 920 together with the dropper container 902. Alternatively, some or all of the reinforcing members can be coupled to or integrally formed with the dropper container sleeve 920. The reinforcing member can be injection molded, ground, cast, or manufactured by any suitable method.

[0119] In some variations, the reinforcing member 930 may be configured to engage with multiple dropper containers 902, which can further help distribute forces across a larger area to help reduce deformation of the dropper containers 902. For example, as Figure 9E and 9F As shown, a set (e.g., row or column) of dropper containers 902 can be arranged between two sector-shaped reinforcing members 930. Each sector segment of the reinforcing member 930 can be sized and shaped to accommodate the outline portion (e.g., half) of the dropper container 902. Furthermore, as... Figure 9D As shown, each sector-shaped reinforcing member may include one or more matching features (e.g., studs 932 and / or receiving holes 934) such that two opposing reinforcing members 930 can be properly aligned and matched to form a fit around the dropper container 902. Figure 9F Alternatively, multiple reinforcing members 930 can be joined together in any suitable manner (e.g., along hinges). Although Figure 9D The fan-shaped shape of the reinforcing member 930 shown includes a semi-circular fan-shaped section to accommodate a portion of the cylindrical dropper container 902; however, it should be understood that the reinforcing member 930 can have any shape suitable for other containers. For example, the reinforcing member 930 may include a sloping inner surface to accommodate a dropper container 902 with a wider base and a gradually narrowing neck. Alternatively, in some variations, the dropper container assembly 900 may include discrete reinforcing members (e.g., sleeves, partial sleeves, collars, rings, etc.) for each respective dropper container 902.

[0120] In some variations, the dropper container sleeve assembly 900 may include a shoulder or flange for engagement with the dropper container sleeve 920. For example, as Figure 9D and 9E As shown, the reinforcing member may include a shoulder 936, which is configured to rest against the support surface of the dropper container sleeve 920. The shoulder 936 may serve to further distribute the axial force applied to the dropper container 902 across the dropper container sleeve 920, and / or help control the insertion depth of the reinforcing member 930 and / or the dropper container 902 within the container seat 924 in the dropper container sleeve 920.

[0121] Figure 19 A more detailed demonstration of variations of the dropper container sleeve (with 48 container seats) is provided. Additionally, Figures 20A-20EShow examples of variations of the dropper container sleeve, while Figures 21A-21E Show examples of variations in reinforced components.

[0122] Methods for assembling nested components

[0123] As described above, various nested packaging assemblies may include packaging structures to store and protect individual components (e.g., dispensers, such as pumps or drop dispensers, or containers), which can be manipulated in a group manner to accommodate large, joint, or simultaneous assemblies (e.g., each assembly includes attaching a dispenser to a container). Furthermore, nested packaging assemblies can be easily manipulated using automated equipment (e.g., equipment with robotic arms). In some variations, the use of such automated equipment with nested packaging assemblies (as described herein) can help reduce the number of manual operators who must interact with the components. Reduced manual involvement can be advantageous in certain applications, such as in the manufacture of drug container and dispenser assemblies that comply with aseptic requirements or objectives. For example, in some variations, methods for assembling components from packaging structures (such as those described herein) may be performed to assemble dispenser assemblies for dispensing drugs. For example, the methods may be performed to assemble dispenser assemblies that house preservative-free formulations that are particularly important for maintaining aseptic conditions.

[0124] Methods for assembling nested components may utilize one or more of the packaging assemblies and / or packaging structures described above. For example, such as Figure 10As illustrated in the flowchart, an example variation of method 1000 for assembling dispenser assemblies may include: providing a first support structure including a plurality of dispenser caps 1010; and providing a second support structure including a plurality of container seats 1020. A plurality of dispensers may be coupled to the dispenser caps, and a plurality of containers may be disposed in the container seats. Method 1000 may further include filling a container 1030 with a substance (e.g., a drug) to be dispensed from the container, and then aligning the first and second support structures 1040 to align the plurality of dispensers with the plurality of containers. After the first and second support structures are aligned, the method may further include manipulating the first and / or second support structures 1050 to simultaneously couple the plurality of dispensers to the plurality of containers. The coupled dispensers and containers form a plurality of dispenser assemblies, which may subsequently be retained in one or both support structures, or may be removed for subsequent processing (e.g., labeling, further packaging, quality testing, shipping, etc.). In some variations, at least a portion of method 1000 may be performed within a separate, sterile isolator equipped with a robotic manipulator adapted to manipulate, for example, the nested packaging structures described herein. For instance, at least a portion of method 1000 may be performed by a sterile filling work unit, available from Vanrx Pharmasystems (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada), STERIS Applied Sterilization Technology (Mentor, Ohio, USA), or Aseptic Technology (Raleigh, North Carolina, USA). The company (Duncan, South Carolina, USA) or other suitable automated filling equipment. Alternatively, at least a portion of method 100 may be performed manually.

[0125] Figure 11 For an example variation depicting the method of assembling the pump distributor assembly, please refer to pump sleeve assembly 200 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 2A (as shown) and container assembly 700 (e.g., as shown) Figure 7A(As shown). The pump sleeve assembly may include a slot that accommodates the pump sleeve, the pump sleeve guide, and multiple pumps (e.g., nasal pumps) arranged in the pump sleeve and the pump sleeve guide (1110). The pumps may be coupled to the pump sleeve. The container sleeve assembly may include another slot that accommodates the container sleeve and multiple containers (e.g., medication containers) arranged in the container sleeve (1120). The container sleeve may be removed from its slot, for example using a robotic manipulator that engages the container sleeve using suction (or gripping features, etc.) (1122). The containers in the container sleeve may be filled with the desired substance (e.g., liquid medication or other drugs suitable for dispensing by the pump). Separately, the pump sleeve may be removed from its slot, thereby separating the pump sleeve and pumps from the pump sleeve guide and the slot (1112). For example, the robotic manipulator may engage the pump sleeve using suction or another suitable method, and because the pumps are coupled to the pump sleeve (e.g., via a locking member as described above), manipulating the pump sleeve also effectively controls the pumps. Therefore, the robotic arm can align the pump sleeve above the container sleeve (1140), and then move the pump sleeve and container sleeve toward each other (e.g., pressing the pump sleeve downward toward the container sleeve). The pump sleeve and container sleeve can be moved together closer until the pump and container are joined together, for example via a snap-fit ​​engagement (1150). Thus, manipulating the pump sleeve and container sleeve allows for the simultaneous assembly of multiple pumps and containers. Alternatively, in some variations, individual pumps in the pump sleeve and / or individual containers in the container sleeve can be manipulated separately to form only selected portions of the assembly in the array of pumps and containers. For example, a pump can be individually approached through an opening in its dispenser cap in the pump sleeve and can be pushed downward toward its corresponding container. Alternatively, a container can be individually approached through an opening in its container seat in the container sleeve and can be pushed upward toward its corresponding pump. Multiple assemblies can be formed in this way, and it is advantageous to be able to efficiently assemble using pump sleeve assemblies and container sleeve assemblies, even if the robotic arm is limited in its ability to apply compressive force to simultaneously form all nested assemblies. The resulting dispenser assemblies (each including a pump coupled to the filling container) can be organized within the container sleeve for further transport. In some variations, the dispenser assemblies can be removed jointly from the container sleeve by manipulating the pump sleeve again relative to the container sleeve (1150). That is, because the pump remains coupled to the pump sleeve, and the container is coupled to the pump, the array of dispenser assemblies can be manipulated jointly with the pump sleeve.

[0126] Figure 12 For example variations illustrating methods of assembling dropper assemblies, please refer to dropper sleeve assembly 800 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 8A (as shown) and dropper container sleeve assembly 900 (e.g., as shown) Figure 9A(As shown). The dropper sleeve assembly may include a slot and a plurality of dropper dispensers (e.g., eye droppers), the slot receiving one or more stacked dropper sleeves (1210), the plurality of dropper dispensers arranged in each dropper sleeve. The dropper dispensers may be coupled to the dropper sleeves. The dropper container sleeve assembly may include another slot receiving a dropper container sleeve, a plurality of dropper containers within the dropper container sleeve, and one or more reinforcing members (1220) arranged around the dropper containers. The dropper container sleeve may be removed from its slot, for example using a robotic manipulator (1222) as described above. The dropper containers in the dropper container sleeve may be filled with the desired substance (e.g., liquid medication or other medication suitable for dispensing by the dropper dispenser). Individually, the dropper sleeve may be removed from its slot, thereby separating the dropper sleeve and dropper dispenser from the other dropper sleeves and slots (1212). For example, a robotic manipulator can engage the dropper sleeve using suction or another suitable method, and because the dropper dispenser is attached to the dropper sleeve (e.g., via a locking member as described above), manipulating the dropper sleeve also effectively controls the dropper dispenser. Thus, similar to the process described above, the robotic manipulator can align the dropper sleeve above the dropper container sleeve (1240), and then move the dropper sleeve and dropper container sleeve toward each other, for example, by pressing the dropper sleeve downward toward the dropper container sleeve. The dropper sleeve and dropper container sleeve can be moved together closer until the dropper dispenser and dropper container are engaged, for example, via a snap-fit ​​engagement (1250). Thus, manipulating the dropper sleeve and dropper container sleeve allows for the simultaneous assembly of multiple dropper dispensers and dropper containers. Alternatively or additionally, in some variations, individual dropper dispensers in the dropper sleeve and / or individual dropper containers in the dropper container sleeve can be manipulated separately to form only selected portions of the assembly within the array of dropper dispensers and dropper containers. For example, the dropper dispenser can be individually accessed through an opening in its dispenser cap within the dropper sleeve and can be pushed downward toward its corresponding dropper container. Alternatively, the dropper container can be individually accessed through an opening in its container seat within the dropper container sleeve and can be pushed upward toward its corresponding dropper dispenser. Multiple assemblies can be formed in this way, which can facilitate efficient assembly using dropper sleeve assemblies and dropper container sleeve assemblies, even if the robotic manipulator is limited in its ability to apply sufficient compressive force to simultaneously form all nested assemblies. The resulting dispenser assemblies (each containing a dropper dispenser attached to a filling container) can be organized within the dropper container sleeve for further transport. In some variations, the dispenser assemblies can be jointly removed from the dropper container sleeve by manipulating the dropper sleeve again relative to it. That is, because the dropper dispenser remains attached to the dropper sleeve, and the dropper container is attached to the dropper dispenser, the array of dispenser assemblies can be manipulated jointly with the dropper sleeve.

[0127] Listed Examples

[0128] Example A1. A packaging structure for multiple drug dispensers, comprising: a support surface; and a plurality of dispenser caps disposed on the support surface; wherein at least one dispenser cap includes a locking flexure member configured to attach a dispenser to the at least one dispenser cap.

[0129] Example A2. The packaging structure according to Example A1, wherein the flexural member is configured to engage with the radial protrusion of the drug dispenser.

[0130] Example A3. The packaging structure according to Example A2, wherein the flexural member is configured to flex in the radial direction relative to the central axis of the at least one dispenser cover.

[0131] Example A4. The packaging structure according to Example A3, wherein the flexural member includes an arm that extends parallel to the central axis of the at least one dispenser cap.

[0132] Example A5. The packaging structure according to Example A2, wherein the flexural member includes a stop portion configured to abut the radial protrusion of the drug dispenser.

[0133] Example A6. The packaging structure according to Example A5, wherein the stop is configured to force the radial protrusion of the drug dispenser against the at least one dispenser cap.

[0134] Example A7. The packaging structure according to Example A1, wherein the flexural member is a first flexural member, and wherein the at least one dispenser cover further includes a second flexural member configured to hold the respective dispenser within the at least one dispenser cover.

[0135] Example A8. The packaging structure according to Example A7, wherein the first flexural member is opposite to the second flexural member on the opposite side of the at least one dispenser cover.

[0136] Example A9. The packaging structure according to Example A1, wherein the supporting surface is planar.

[0137] Example A10. The packaging structure according to Example A1 further includes at least one interconnecting wall extending between a plurality of dispenser caps.

[0138] Example A11. The packaging structure according to Example A1, wherein the dispenser caps are arranged in a regular array.

[0139] Example A12. The packaging structure according to Example A11, wherein the regular array is a hexagonal or rectangular array.

[0140] Example A13. The packaging structure according to Example A1, wherein the at least one dispenser cover includes a first receiving portion located on a first side of the support surface.

[0141] Example A14. The packaging structure according to Example A13, wherein the flexible member is located in the first receiving portion.

[0142] Example A15. The packaging structure according to Example A13, wherein the at least one dispenser cover further includes a second receiving portion located on a second side of the support surface.

[0143] Example A16. The packaging structure according to Example A1, wherein the at least one dispenser cap has a first open end and a second open end opposite to the first open end.

[0144] Example A17. The packaging structure according to Example A1, wherein the at least one dispenser cap has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end.

[0145] Example A18. A packaging assembly comprising a packaging structure according to any one of Examples A1 to A17, the packaging assembly further comprising a plurality of drug dispensers, wherein at least one of the drug dispensers includes a cap for a drug container.

[0146] Example A19. The packaging assembly according to Example A18, wherein the cap includes a spray pump.

[0147] Example A20. The packaging assembly according to Example A19, wherein the flexural member is configured to engage with the flange of the spray pump.

[0148] Example A21. The packaging assembly according to Example A18, wherein the cap includes a dropper.

[0149] Example A22. The packaging assembly according to Example A21, wherein the flexural member is configured to engage with the radial ribs of the dropper.

[0150] Example A23. The packaging assembly according to Example A18 further includes a plurality of drug containers connected to the plurality of drug dispensers.

[0151] Example A24. The packaging assembly according to Example A23 further includes a slot that accommodates the packaging structure, the plurality of drug dispensers, and the plurality of drug containers.

[0152] Example A25. The packaging assembly according to Example A24, wherein the groove is sealed.

[0153] Example A26. The packaging assembly according to Example A18, wherein at least one of the drug containers comprises at least one of glass and plastic.

[0154] Example B1. A packaging structure for a plurality of dispensers, comprising: a support surface; and a plurality of dispenser seats disposed on the support surface, wherein at least one dispenser seat includes a base having an opening, a wall extending from the base, and at least one alignment feature configured to engage with an engagement feature in a dispenser, thereby orienting the dispenser in the at least one dispenser seat.

[0155] Example B2. The packaging structure according to Example B1, wherein the at least one dispenser seat includes a second opening opposite the base.

[0156] Example B3. The packaging structure according to Example B1, wherein the at least one alignment feature includes a notch located in the wall.

[0157] Example B4. The packaging structure according to Example B3, wherein the at least one alignment feature includes a first alignment feature, and wherein the at least one dispenser seat includes a second alignment feature.

[0158] Example B5. The packaging structure according to Example B4, wherein the first alignment feature is opposite to the second alignment feature on the opposite side of the at least one dispenser seat.

[0159] Example B6. The packaging structure according to Example B1, wherein the supporting surface is planar.

[0160] Example B7. The packaging structure according to Example B6 further includes at least one interconnecting wall extending between a plurality of dispenser seats.

[0161] Example B8. The packaging structure according to Example B1, wherein the dispenser seats are arranged in a regular array.

[0162] Example B9. The packaging structure according to Example B8, wherein the regular array is a hexagonal or rectangular array.

[0163] Example B10. A packaging assembly comprising the packaging structure according to any one of Examples B1 to B9, the packaging assembly further comprising a plurality of drug dispensers, wherein at least one drug dispenser includes a cap for a drug container.

[0164] Example B11. The packaging assembly according to Example B10, wherein the at least one drug dispenser includes a drug dispensing tube extending from the cap.

[0165] Example B12. The packaging assembly according to Example B11, wherein the cap includes a spray pump and the drug dispensing tube includes an immersion tube.

[0166] Example B13. The packaging assembly according to Example B10, wherein the packaging structure is a first packaging structure, and wherein the packaging assembly further includes a second packaging structure, the second packaging structure including a second support surface and a plurality of dispenser caps disposed on the second support surface.

[0167] Example B14. The packaging assembly according to Example B13, wherein at least one dispenser cover includes a flexural member configured to hold the dispenser within the at least one dispenser cover.

[0168] Example B15. The packaging assembly according to Example B14 further includes a slot that accommodates the first packaging structure, the plurality of drug dispensers, and the second packaging structure.

[0169] Example B16. The packaging assembly according to Example B15, wherein the groove is sealed.

[0170] Example C1. A method for assembling a dispenser assembly, the method comprising: providing a first support structure including a plurality of dispenser covers, wherein each of the plurality of dispensers is coupled to a corresponding dispenser cover via a locking flexure member; providing a second support structure including a plurality of container seats, wherein each of the plurality of containers is disposed in a corresponding container seat; aligning the first support structure and the second support structure to align the plurality of dispensers with the plurality of containers; and manipulating at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure to simultaneously engage the plurality of dispensers to the plurality of containers.

[0171] Example C2. The method according to Example C1, wherein at least one of the dispensers includes a lid for one of the plurality of containers.

[0172] Example C3. The method according to Example C2, wherein the cover includes a spray pump.

[0173] Example C4. The method according to Example C2, wherein the cap includes a dropper.

[0174] Example C5. According to the method of Example C1, each of the plurality of dispensers can be coupled to a corresponding container via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0175] Example C6. The method according to Example C1 further includes filling the plurality of containers with a substance.

[0176] Example C7. The method according to Example C6, wherein the substance comprises a drug.

[0177] Example C8. The method according to Example C7, wherein the drug does not include preservatives.

[0178] Example C9. The method according to Example C1, wherein aligning the plurality of dispensers with the plurality of containers includes coupling a robotic arm manipulator to at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure.

[0179] Example C10. The method according to Example C9, wherein connecting the robotic arm controller to at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure includes connecting the robotic arm controller to at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure by means of suction.

[0180] Example C11. The method according to Example C9 further includes removing the first support structure from the slot using the robotic manipulator.

[0181] Example C12. The method according to Example C1 further includes sterilizing the plurality of dispensers and the plurality of containers.

[0182] Example D1. A packaging assembly comprising: a base; a plurality of containers arranged on the base, wherein the containers comprise a first material having a first rigidity; and at least one reinforcing member coupled to at least one container, wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a second material having a second rigidity greater than the first rigidity.

[0183] Example D2. The packaging assembly according to Example D1, wherein the base includes a plurality of container seats, each container seat being configured to receive a corresponding container.

[0184] Example D3. The packaging assembly according to Example D2, wherein the container seats are arranged in a regular array.

[0185] Example D4. The packaging assembly according to Example D3, wherein the regular array is a hexagonal array or a rectangular array.

[0186] Example D5. The packaging assembly according to Example D1, wherein the at least one reinforcing member conforms to the outer surface of at least one container.

[0187] Example D6. The packaging assembly according to Example D5, wherein the at least one reinforcing member includes a first member portion configured to be coupled to a second member portion, wherein the first member portion and the second member portion define at least one container receiving volume when coupled.

[0188] Example D7. The packaging assembly according to Example D6, wherein the first component portion and the second component portion define a plurality of container storage volumes when joined.

[0189] Example D8. The packaging assembly according to Example D6, wherein the at least one container has a cylindrical storage volume.

[0190] Example D9. The packaging assembly according to Example D1 further includes a groove that receives the base, the plurality of containers, and the at least one reinforcing member.

[0191] Example D10. The packaging assembly according to Example D9, wherein the groove is sealed.

[0192] For illustrative purposes, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the invention can be practiced without certain specific details. Therefore, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the invention is presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes. The invention is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations may be made in light of the foregoing teachings. The embodiments have been selected and described to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments, along with various suitable variations of embodiments, to accomplish the specific uses contemplated. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a dispenser assembly, the method comprising: A first support structure is provided, the first support structure including a plurality of dispenser covers, wherein each of the plurality of dispensers is coupled to a corresponding dispenser cover via a locking flexure member; A second support structure is provided, the second support structure including a plurality of container seats, wherein each of the plurality of containers is disposed in a respective container seat; Align the first support structure and the second support structure to align the plurality of dispensers with the plurality of containers; as well as Manipulate at least one of the first support structure and the second support structure to simultaneously connect the plurality of dispensers to the plurality of containers.

2. A packaging assembly comprising: Base; Multiple containers are arranged on the base, wherein the containers comprise a first material having a first rigidity; as well as At least one reinforcing member is connected to at least one container, wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a second material having a second rigidity greater than the first rigidity.

3. A packaging component, comprising: a) A packaging structure comprising a support surface and a plurality of dispenser caps disposed on the support surface, wherein at least one dispenser cap includes a flexural member configured to engage a drug dispenser to the dispenser cap. as well as b) A second support surface comprising a plurality of dispenser seats disposed on the second support surface, wherein at least one dispenser seat comprises a base having an opening, a wall extending from the base, and at least one alignment feature configured to engage with an engagement feature in a drug dispenser, thereby orienting the drug dispenser in the at least one dispenser seat.

4. The packaging assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one dispenser seat includes a second opening opposite the base.

5. The packaging assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one alignment feature includes a notch located in the wall.

6. The packaging assembly of claim 3 further includes a plurality of drug dispensers, wherein at least one of the drug dispensers includes a cap for a drug container.

7. The packaging assembly of claim 6, wherein the cap includes a spray pump.

8. The packaging assembly of claim 6, wherein the cap includes a dropper.

9. The packaging assembly of claim 6 further includes a plurality of drug containers connected to the plurality of drug dispensers.

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