Nested kit and cartridge device

Abstract

A nesting and housing assembly (10, 30, 50, 70) for storing medical device components, the nesting and housing assembly comprising: a housing (12, 32, 52, 72) having a plurality of guide elements (22, 38, 58, 80) extending from at least one surface of the housing (12, 32, 52, 72) into the interior of the housing (12, 32, 52, 72); and at least one nesting element (14, 34, 54, 74) having a plurality of containers (24, 36, 56, 76) for storing a plurality of medical device components therein. The dimensions and construction of the at least one nesting member (14, 34, 54, 74) are designed for placement within the housing (12, 32, 52, 72) such that the plurality of guide elements (22, 38, 58, 80) align the at least one nesting member (14, 34, 54, 74) within the housing (12, 32, 52, 72) and retain it removably within the housing.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to European application filed on January 26, 2021, application number EP 21305102.2, entitled “A Tub for the Packaging of a Plurality of Nests of Plunger Stoppers with Guiding Features Ensuring a Reliable Location of the Nests Within the Tub,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] background

[0004] This disclosure of the field

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to nesting and housing arrangements for packaging plunger stops used in medical devices (e.g., syringes). More specifically, this disclosure relates to a housing for packaging at least one nesting member configured to hold a plurality of plunger stops, wherein the housing includes guiding features that ensure reliable positioning of at least one nesting member within the housing.

[0006] Description of related technologies

[0007] As is known in the art, transfer or storage devices (e.g., syringes) for delivering or storing pharmaceuticals, drugs, or vaccines utilize a plunger stop that contacts the inner surface of a syringe barrel, which is typically tubular, to draw material into the device (or expel material from the device) via a plunger rod.

[0008] Currently, many such devices use automated filling machines for filling and assembly. These machines not only improve productivity and accuracy, but they also provide a largely sterile and sterile filling environment. The various components of these devices (e.g., plunger stops, syringe barrels, etc.) are housed separately within the filling machine to enable at least a degree of automated assembly.

[0009] Typically, multiple plunger stops are housed in a bag or nest (which is also housed in a bag) for access by the filling machine during assembly. Alternatively, the syringe cartridge is typically packaged in a nest having multiple "chimneys" formed therein to hold the cartridge, wherein each nest is configured to be at least partially held within the tub when introduced into the filling machine.

[0010] While current syringe cartridge inserts are specifically designed for use with the cartridge body, current inserts designed to hold the plunger stop are not configured for use with a specific cartridge body profile, nor are they securely held within the cartridge body for the syringe cartridge. In some automated filling machines, the lack of a cartridge body for holding the plunger stop insert is not a problem. However, in other state-of-the-art filling equipment (e.g., the Vanrx SA25 robotic aseptic filling work unit from Vanrx PharmasSystems Inc.), only components packaged in both inserts and cartridge bodies can be processed.

[0011] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the currently available nesting components for plunger stops are not designed to remain within existing housing designs. Therefore, attempts to use existing nesting components and housings in conjunction with plunger stops may result in unreliable positioning and unwanted movement of the nesting components within the housing, causing problems for robotic handling of nesting components within filling equipment. Documents WO 2021 / 143533A1, EP 2476448A1, and EP 3524293A1 relate to the packaging of medical containers. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a nesting element specifically designed for a plunger stop, and a housing specifically designed to accommodate multiple such nesting elements. Furthermore, there is a need for a housing and / or nesting element configured to ensure reliable alignment of multiple nesting elements within each housing.

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a nesting member and housing device for storing medical device components. The nesting member and housing device may include: a housing including a plurality of guide elements extending from at least one surface of the housing into the interior of the housing; and at least one nesting member having a plurality of containers for storing a plurality of medical device components therein. The size and construction of the at least one nesting member may be designed for placement within the housing such that the plurality of guide elements align the at least one nesting member within the housing and removably retain it within the housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the box body includes a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion being smaller than the top portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the top portion is defined by the bottom ledge surface and the top cover flange.

[0016] In some embodiments, the bottommost of the at least one nested member is at least partially supported by the bottom ledge surface of the box body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of guide elements extend along the sidewall between the bottom ledge surface and the top cover flange.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of guide elements include a plurality of rigid guide ribs.

[0019] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid guide ribs includes a contact surface, the contact surface of each of the plurality of rigid guide ribs including an inclination angle between the bottom ledge surface and the top cover flange.

[0020] In some embodiments, the tilt angle of the contact surface is 1.0° or less.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid guide ribs is formed as a semi-cylindrical guide rib.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one nesting member further includes a plurality of openings formed on the at least one nesting member, each of the plurality of openings being semi-circular in shape, and the size of each opening is designed and each opening is positioned to substantially conform to the outer contour of the plurality of rigid guide ribs.

[0023] In some embodiments, the plurality of guide elements include a plurality of flexible ribs.

[0024] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of flexible ribs includes a proximal portion coupled to the housing and a distal portion detached from the housing.

[0025] In some embodiments, the plurality of guide elements extend from the bottom surface of the housing, the at least one nesting member includes a plurality of openings formed in the at least one nesting member, and the openings are sized and positioned to accommodate the plurality of guide elements.

[0026] In some embodiments, the at least one nesting member further includes at least one finger opening formed in the at least one nesting member.

[0027] In some embodiments, the at least one nested element includes a plurality of nested elements configured to be stackable on top of each other within the box.

[0028] Further details and advantages of this disclosure will be understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a top isometric view of a nested member and housing assembly for storing a plunger stop, according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2A It is used for Figure 1 A top-view perspective view of the box in the nested components and box assembly;

[0031] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of the box from below;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Isometric sectional view of the nested components and box assembly;

[0033] Figure 4A This is a top plan view of a nested member and housing assembly for storing a plunger stop, according to another aspect of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4B Is Figure 4A A partial isometric sectional view of the housing used in the nesting components and housing assembly;

[0035] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the nesting components and the box assembly;

[0036] Figure 5A This is a top plan view of a nested member and housing assembly for storing a plunger stop, according to another aspect of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A partial isometric sectional view of the housing of the nested components and housing assembly;

[0038] Figure 6A This is a top plan view of a nested member and housing assembly for storing a plunger stop, according to another aspect of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A partial isometric sectional view of the nested components and box assembly; and

[0040] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the nested components and box assembly.

[0041] Specific embodiments of the present invention

[0042] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the aspects contemplated for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and substitutions are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0043] In the following text, for descriptive purposes, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and their derivatives shall be used in connection with the present invention as oriented as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention may take various alternative variations unless explicitly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary aspects of the invention. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the aspects disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A nesting element and housing arrangement 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. In the nesting element and housing arrangement 10, a plurality of nesting elements 14 are removably held within a housing 12, wherein each nesting element 14 is configured to hold, for example, a plurality of plunger stops (not shown). For example, the housing 12 may be configured to hold two to ten nesting elements 14, wherein these nesting elements are stacked vertically relative to each other. In one embodiment, the housing 12 is configured to hold seven nesting elements 14.

[0045] As described above, various automated filling machines utilize other nesting elements and cassette devices to store and retrieve medical device components (e.g., syringe barrels). Figure 1 As shown, the nesting element and housing assembly 10 is specifically configured to receive the plunger stop in a manner that provides the desired positioning and alignment of each nesting element 14 for precise handling by the robotic components of the automated filling machine. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to use with plunger stops, as the nesting element and housing assembly described herein can be used with other elements and / or devices.

[0046] Still referencing Figure 1 And also refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2BA box body 12 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. The box body 12 includes a pair of long side surfaces 16 and a pair of short side surfaces 17. However, in alternative embodiments, it should be understood that these side surfaces of the box body 12 are not necessarily of different lengths and / or parallel, but may, for example, be of equal length, non-parallel, etc. The general dimensions of the box body 12 (i.e., length, width, and height) can be adjusted based on the specific automated filling machine used.

[0047] The housing 12 also includes a bottom portion 18 and a top portion 19. The bottom portion 18 is embedded into the top portion 19, wherein the dimensions of the bottom portion 18 are designed to be smaller than the dimensions of the top portion 19, while the top portion 19 is defined by a top lid flange 20 and a bottom ledge surface 23. The bottom ledge surface 23 can also be considered as a gripping flange. This configuration allows multiple housings 12 to be stacked together during storage, transportation, etc., but allows sufficient spacing between the respective top lid flanges 20 of the stacked housings 12 to allow for easy access (and separation) of the housings 12. Furthermore, as will be discussed in further detail below, the bottom ledge surface 23 is configured to provide a support surface for the bottommost nested piece 14 placed within the housing 12.

[0048] The housing 12 also includes a plurality of rigid guide ribs 22 that extend substantially into the interior of the housing 12 along the respective side surfaces 16, 17 between the top cover flange 20 and the bottom ledge surface 23. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, each of the long side surfaces 16 includes two guide ribs 22, while the short side surface 17 includes only one guide rib 22, wherein the guide ribs 22 on the two opposing short side surfaces 17 are laterally offset from each other. However, it should be understood that more or fewer guide ribs 22 may be used on the respective side surfaces 16, 17. For example, in alternative embodiments of this disclosure, the short side surface 17 may also include two guide ribs 22, and the long side surface 16 may include three guide ribs 22, etc.

[0049] Each guide rib 22 includes an inwardly facing contact surface 25 that extends substantially from the top cover flange 20 to the bottom ledge surface 23. Each contact surface 25 is configured to provide a contact interface to a corresponding side surface of the nesting member 14 to reliably align the plurality of nesting members 14 within the housing 12 and removably retain the nesting members within the housing. In some embodiments, the contact surface 25 is substantially a flat surface. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the draft angle (i.e., the angle of inclination of the contact surface 25 between the bottom ledge surface 23 and the top cover flange 20) of each contact surface 25 of the guide rib 22 is relatively small, wherein the dimension at the bottom ledge surface 23 is only slightly smaller than that at the top cover flange 20. For example, even if the draft angles of the respective side surfaces 16, 17 of the housing 12 are greater than 1° (e.g., 1.2°), the draft angle of the contact surface 25 may be substantially less than 1° (e.g., 0.4°). In this way, each of the plurality of nesting pieces 14 held within the housing 12 can have a relative contact or spacing similar to that of the contact surfaces 25, thereby ensuring similar alignment and retention of each nesting piece 14 regardless of its vertical position in the top portion 19 of the housing 12. In one embodiment, the positioning and draft angles of the respective contact surfaces 25 allow for a minimum amount of lateral “playback” (i.e., reciprocating lateral movement) between the nesting piece 14 and the housing 12 (e.g., between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm).

[0050] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the nesting member and housing assembly 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, seven nesting pieces 14 are shown stacked within the housing 12. The bottommost nesting piece 14 is positioned adjacent to and can be at least partially supported by the bottom ledge surface 23 of the housing 12, while the topmost nesting piece 14 is positioned slightly below the top cover flange 20. Each stop container 24 can be vertically aligned with the upper and lower stop containers 24 (if applicable). Although Figure 3 The embodiments shown in the illustration depict seven nested pieces 14, but it should be understood that in other embodiments, more or fewer nested pieces may be held within the housing.

[0051] Still referencing Figure 1 and Figure 3Each nesting member 14 is configured to hold multiple plunger stops, but it should be understood that nesting members 14 can be configured to hold other components. Specifically, each nesting member 14 includes multiple stop containers 24 formed therein. Stop containers 24 can be formed as substantially truncated conical "chimneys," each capable of holding, for example, a plunger stop within them for access and removal of components from an automated filling machine. For example, during the assembly process, each nesting member 14 can be aligned atop a separate nesting member holding multiple syringes, and the automated filling machine can push each plunger stop out of its stop container 24 and directly into a syringe located below that plunger stop. The diameter and dimensions of each stop container 24 can vary based on the type of stop used during a specific filling operation. Therefore, it should be understood that, with Figure 1 and Figure 3 The total number and position of the stop container 24 can also vary compared to the total number and position of the stop container shown.

[0052] Similar to the box 12 described above, each nesting member 14 includes a pair of long sides 28 and a pair of short sides 29. However, in alternative embodiments, it should be understood that these sides of the nesting member 14 are not necessarily of different lengths and / or parallel, but may, for example, be of equal length, not parallel, etc. Also similar to the box 12, the general dimensions (i.e., length, width, and height) of each nesting member 14 can be adjusted based on the specific automated filling machine used.

[0053] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the short side 29 of each nesting piece 14 may include a finger opening 26 formed thereon, wherein each finger opening 26 is designed to facilitate the manual loading (and / or unloading) of the nesting piece 14 into (or from) the housing 12. In some embodiments, a flange (not shown) may at least partially surround each finger opening 26 and extend from the bottom surface of the nesting piece 14, thereby providing a larger surface area for the user to hold the nesting piece 14. Although in Figure 1 The two finger openings 26 are shown located on the opposing short sides 29, but it should be understood that the nesting member 14 may include more or fewer finger openings located on the short sides 29 or the long sides 28. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the finger openings 26 may be omitted entirely.

[0054] The housing 12 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the housing 12 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polystyrene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the housing 12 can be formed as a single piece or as multiple pieces coupled together. If formed as multiple pieces, the material forming each piece can be the same or different. Additionally, the guide rib 22 can be formed as part of the housing 12, or it can be formed separately from the housing 12. If formed separately, the guide rib 22 can be coupled to the housing 12 by any suitable method, for example, by adhesive, one or more fasteners, welding, etc.

[0055] Similarly, each nesting member 14 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the nesting member 14 can be formed from, for example, plastics, polymers (e.g., polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.), metals, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the nesting member 14 can be formed as a single piece or as multiple pieces coupled together. If formed from multiple pieces, the material forming each piece can be the same or different.

[0056] In relation to Figures 1 to 3 In the case of the nesting and housing assembly 10 shown and described, multiple plunger stops can be held in multiple nesting pieces 14, wherein each nesting piece 14 is removably held within the housing 12. In this way, the nesting and housing assembly 10 can be used by various automated filling machines that require precise alignment, minimal "playback" between the components and their storage devices, and readily available access to the syringe components (including the plunger stops).

[0057] Next, refer to Figures 4A to 4C , Figures 4A to 4C A nesting member and housing assembly 30 according to another aspect of this disclosure are shown. (Refer to the above references) Figures 1 to 3 Similar to the described nesting and housing device 10, in the nesting and housing device 30, a plurality of nesting members 34 are removably held within a housing 32, wherein each nesting member 34 is configured to hold, for example, a plurality of plunger stops (not shown) within a plurality of stop containers 36. For example, the housing 32 may be configured to hold two to ten nesting members 34, wherein these nesting members are stacked vertically relative to each other. In one embodiment, the housing 32 is configured to hold seven nesting members 34. The overall structure and use of the nesting and housing device 30 are substantially similar to those of the nesting and housing device 10. Thus, not all details of the construction of the housing 32 and / or the nesting members 34 will be described herein.

[0058] refer to Figure 4B The housing 32 also includes a bottom portion 48 and a top portion 44. The bottom portion 48 is embedded within the top portion 44, wherein the dimensions of the bottom portion 48 are designed to be smaller than the dimensions of the top portion 44, while the top portion 44 is defined by a top cover flange 46 and a bottom ledge surface 49. Furthermore, the housing 32 includes a plurality of flexible ribs 38 that extend along corresponding side surfaces of the housing 32 into the interior of the housing 32 and are substantially located between the top cover flange 46 and the bottom ledge surface 49. Figure 4A In the illustrated embodiment, each side surface of the housing 32 includes a single flexible rib 38, wherein opposing flexible ribs 38 are laterally offset from each other. However, it should be understood that more or fewer flexible ribs 38 may be used on the respective side surfaces, and the flexible ribs 38 do not need to be laterally offset from each other.

[0059] like Figure 4B As shown, each flexible rib 38 includes a proximal portion 40 and a distal portion 42. The proximal portion 40 is coupled to the sidewall 45 of the top portion 44, while the distal portion 42 is free and detached from the sidewall 45. In this way, the flexible rib 38 forms a generally C-shaped rib that is laterally deflectable, for example, around the proximal portion 40. Given that each flexible rib 38 is deflectable in this manner, the corresponding side surface of each nesting member 34 can be configured to contact the corresponding flexible rib 38 upon insertion into the housing 32, wherein the flexible rib 38 deflects and provides a slight compressive force on the nesting member 34. Thus, the flexible rib 38 is able to compensate for the standard draft angle and undercut of the housing 32 to hold each nesting member 34 in a substantially centered position within the housing 32 with little or no lateral "playback" of the nesting member 34.

[0060] refer to Figure 4C , Figure 4C A cross-sectional view of the nesting members and housing assembly 30 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. A plurality of nesting members 34 are shown stacked vertically within the housing 32, wherein the bottommost nesting member 34 is positioned adjacent to the bottom ledge surface 49 of the housing 32, such that the bottommost nesting member is at least partially supported by the bottom ledge surface 49. Although Figure 4C The embodiments shown in the illustration depict four nested pieces 34, but it should be understood that in other embodiments, more or fewer nested pieces may be held within the housing.

[0061] In addition, although not in Figures 4A to 4C As shown, but it should be understood that each nesting piece 34 may include one or more finger openings formed thereon to facilitate the manual loading (and / or removal) of the nesting piece 34 into (or from) the housing 32, in accordance with the above regarding Figures 1 to 3The described finger opening 26 is similar. Conversely, in some embodiments, one or more finger openings may be omitted entirely.

[0062] The box body 32 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the box body 32 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polystyrene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the box body 32 can be formed as a single piece or as multiple pieces coupled together. If formed from multiple pieces, the material forming each piece can be the same or different. Additionally, the flexible rib 38 can be formed as part of the box body 32, or it can be formed separately from the box body 32. If formed separately, the flexible rib 38 can be coupled to the box body 32 by any suitable method, for example, by adhesive, one or more fasteners, welding, etc.

[0063] Similarly, each nesting member 34 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, each nesting member 34 can be formed from, for example, plastics, polymers (e.g., polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.), metals, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, each nesting member 34 can be formed as a single piece or as multiple pieces coupled together. If formed from multiple pieces, the materials forming each piece can be the same or different.

[0064] Next, refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B A nesting member and housing device 50 according to another aspect of this disclosure are shown. (This is in contrast to the above description regarding...) Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figures 4A to 4C Similar to the described nesting and housing device, in the nesting and housing device 50, a plurality of nesting members 54 are removably held within a housing 52, wherein each nesting member 54 is configured to hold, for example, a plurality of plunger stops (not shown) within a plurality of stop containers 56. For example, the housing 52 may be configured to hold two to ten nesting members 54, wherein these nesting members are stacked vertically relative to each other. In one embodiment, the housing 52 is configured to hold seven nesting members 54. The overall structure and use of the nesting and housing device 50 are substantially similar to those of the nesting and housing devices 10, 30. Therefore, not all details of the construction of the housing 52 and / or the nesting members 54 will be described herein.

[0065] refer to Figure 5BThe box body 52 includes a bottom portion 66 and a top portion 62. The bottom portion 66 is inserted into the top portion 62, wherein the dimensions of the bottom portion 66 are designed to be smaller than the dimensions of the top portion 62, and the top portion 62 is defined by a top cover flange 64 and a bottom shelf surface 67.

[0066] Furthermore, the housing 52 includes a plurality of protruding rigid ribs 58 that extend along at least two side surfaces 63 of the housing 52 into the interior of the housing 52 and are substantially located between the top cover flange 64 and the bottom shelf surface 67. Figure 5A In the illustrated embodiment, the two opposing side surfaces of the housing 52 include rigid ribs 58, wherein the opposing rigid ribs 58 are laterally offset from each other. However, it should be understood that more or fewer rigid ribs 58 may be used on the respective side surfaces. Furthermore, the rigid ribs 58 do not need to be laterally offset from each other.

[0067] like Figure 5B As shown, each rigid rib 58 is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape and extends substantially across the entire width of the bottom ledge surface 67 into the interior of the housing 52. However, it should be understood that the rigid rib 58 is not limited to this semi-cylindrical shape and can be any suitable one or more sizes and / or one or more shapes.

[0068] Accordingly, each nesting member 54 is configured to include an opening 60 formed in one or more of its side surfaces, wherein the one or more openings 60 are shaped and configured to substantially match the outer contour of the rigid rib 58. Figure 5A and 5B In the diagram, the opening 60 is shown in a semi-circular shape to substantially match the outer contour of the rigid rib 58. However, it should be understood that the opening 60 is not limited to this semi-circular shape and can be any suitable shape and size corresponding to the outer contour of the rigid rib 58.

[0069] In this manner, one or more nesting pieces 54 can be stacked and held within the housing 52, wherein each nesting piece 54 is similarly aligned and held within the housing 52, regardless of its vertical position within the top portion 62 of the housing 52. In one embodiment, the size and positioning of each opening portion 60 within the nesting piece 54 allows for a minimal amount of lateral “playback” (i.e., reciprocating lateral movement) between the nesting piece 54 and the housing 52 (e.g., between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm).

[0070] Although not in Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, but it should be understood, multiple nesting pieces 54 can be stacked vertically within the housing 52, wherein the bottommost nesting piece 54 is positioned adjacent to the bottom ledge surface 67 such that the bottommost nesting piece is at least partially supported by the bottom ledge surface 67. Furthermore, it should be understood that each nesting piece 54 may include one or more finger openings formed thereon to facilitate manual loading (and / or unloading) of the nesting piece 54 into (or from) the housing 52, in accordance with the above regarding... Figures 1 to 3 The described finger opening 26 is similar. Conversely, in some embodiments, one or more finger openings may be omitted entirely.

[0071] The housing 52 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the housing 52 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polystyrene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the housing 52 can be formed as a single piece or as multiple pieces coupled together. If formed from multiple pieces, the material forming each piece can be the same or different. Additionally, the rigid rib 58 can be formed as part of the housing 52, or it can be formed separately from the housing 52. If formed separately, the rigid rib 58 can be coupled to the housing 52 by any suitable method, for example, by adhesive, one or more fasteners, welding, etc.

[0072] Similarly, each nesting member 54 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, each nesting member 54 can be formed from, for example, plastics, polymers (e.g., polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.), metals, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, each nesting member 54 can be formed as a single piece or as multiple pieces coupled together. If formed from multiple pieces, the materials forming each piece can be the same or different.

[0073] Next, refer to Figures 6A to 6C , Figures 6A to 6C A nesting member and housing device 70 according to another aspect of this disclosure are shown. As described above, respectively, regarding... Figures 1 to 3 , Figures 4A to 4C ,as well as Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe described nesting and housing device 70 includes a plurality of nesting members 74 removably held within a housing 72, wherein each nesting member 74 is configured to hold, for example, a plurality of plunger stops (not shown) within a plurality of stop containers 76. For example, the housing 72 may be configured to hold two to ten nesting members 74, wherein these nesting members are stacked vertically relative to each other. In one embodiment, the housing 72 is configured to hold seven nesting members 74. The overall structure and use of the nesting and housing device 70 are substantially similar to those of the nesting and housing devices described above. Therefore, not all details of the construction of the housing 72 and / or the nesting members 74 will be described herein.

[0074] refer to Figure 6B The housing 72 also includes a bottom portion 86 and a top portion 82. The bottom portion 86 is embedded from the top portion 82, wherein the dimensions of the bottom portion 86 are designed to be smaller than the dimensions of the top portion 82, while the top portion 82 is defined by a top cover flange 84 and a bottom ledge surface 87, wherein a side wall 83 extends substantially between the top cover flange and the bottom ledge surface.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown, the housing 72 includes a plurality of rigid shafts 80 extending upward from the bottom surface 88 of the housing 72 into the interior of the housing 72. Figure 6A In the illustrated embodiment, four rigid shafts 80 extend from the bottom surface 88, wherein the rigid shafts 80 are spaced substantially equally apart from each other within the housing 72. However, it should be understood that more or fewer rigid shafts 80 may be used, and the rigid shafts 80 need not be spaced equally apart from each other.

[0076] like Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown, each rigid shaft 80 is at least partially cylindrical in shape. Specifically, each rigid shaft 80 may include a substantially extended bottom portion 90 and a narrower top portion 92. Due to this configuration, the strength of the rigid shaft 80 relative to the bottom surface 88 of the housing 72 can be increased, while still allowing the shape of the top portion 92 to be substantially uniform. However, it should be understood that the rigid shaft 80 is not limited to this shape and configuration and can be any suitable shape (or multiple shapes).

[0077] Accordingly, each nesting member 74 is configured to include a plurality of openings 78 formed therethrough. Each opening 78 is configured to be positioned between the stop containers 76, wherein the number and position of the openings 78 correspond to the relative number and position of the rigid shafts 80 within the housing 72. The openings 78 are shaped and configured to be slightly larger than the outer contour of the rigid shafts 80. In this way, one or more nesting members 74 can be stacked and held within the housing 72 by placing their respective openings 78 on the rigid shafts 80. Thus, each nesting member 74 will be similarly aligned and held within the housing 72, regardless of its vertical position within the housing 72. Furthermore, the rigid shafts 80 may also be referred to as guide elements, as may similar components described above (e.g., guide ribs 22, flexible ribs 38, rigid ribs 58).

[0078] like Figure 6C As shown, in one embodiment, the bottommost nesting member 74 is positioned adjacent to the bottom ledge surface 87 of the housing 72, such that the bottommost nesting member is at least partially supported by the bottom ledge surface 87. Furthermore, as also... Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown, because the sides of each nesting member 74 are substantially spaced from the sidewalls 83 of the top portion 82, it is not necessary to provide finger openings within or on the nesting member 74 to facilitate manual loading (and / or unloading) of the nesting member 74 into (or from) the housing 72, as sufficient space is provided. However, in alternative embodiments, it is understood that each nesting member 74 may include one or more finger openings formed thereon to facilitate manual loading (and / or unloading) of the nesting member 74 into (or from) the housing 72, in accordance with the above regarding... Figures 1 to 3 The description of the finger opening 26 is similar.

[0079] The housing 72 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the housing 72 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polystyrene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the housing 72 can be formed as a single piece or as multiple pieces coupled together. If formed as multiple pieces, the materials forming each piece can be the same or different. Additionally, the rigid shaft 80 can be formed as part of the housing 72, or it can be formed separately from the housing 72. If formed separately, the rigid shaft 80 can be coupled to the housing 72 by any suitable method, for example, by adhesive, one or more fasteners, welding, etc.

[0080] Similarly, each nesting member 74 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, each nesting member 74 can be formed from, for example, plastics, polymers (e.g., polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.), metals, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, each nesting member 74 can be formed as a single piece or as multiple pieces coupled together. If formed from multiple pieces, the materials forming each piece can be the same or different.

[0081] While several embodiments of the nesting element and housing assembly are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail above, other embodiments will be apparent to and readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment to the extent possible. Therefore, the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing components of a medical device, the apparatus comprising: A housing, the housing including a plurality of guide elements extending from at least one surface of the housing into the interior of the housing, wherein the plurality of guide elements includes a plurality of flexible ribs and a plurality of rigid guide ribs, wherein each of the plurality of flexible ribs includes a proximal portion coupled to the housing and a distal portion detached from the housing; and At least one nesting element, the at least one nesting element comprising a plurality of containers for storing a plurality of medical device components, wherein the at least one nesting element is sized and constructed for placement within the housing such that a plurality of guiding elements align the at least one nesting element within the housing and removably retain it within the housing. The at least one nesting member further includes a plurality of openings formed on the at least one nesting member, wherein each of the plurality of openings is semi-circular in shape, and the size of each opening is designed and each opening is positioned to substantially conform to the outer contour of the plurality of rigid guide ribs.

2. The apparatus for storing medical device components according to claim 1, wherein, The box body includes a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion being smaller than the top portion.

3. The apparatus for storing medical device components according to claim 2, wherein, The top portion is defined by the bottom ledge surface and the top cover flange.

4. The apparatus for storing medical device components according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The bottommost of the at least one nested member is at least partially supported by the bottom wall surface of the box body.

5. The apparatus for storing medical device components according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of guide elements extend along the sidewall between the bottom ledge surface and the top cover flange.

6. The apparatus for storing medical device components according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the plurality of rigid guide ribs includes a contact surface, wherein the contact surface of each of the plurality of rigid guide ribs includes an inclination angle between the bottom ledge surface and the top cover flange.

7. The apparatus for storing medical device components according to claim 6, wherein, The tilt angle of the contact surface is 1.0° or less.

8. The apparatus for storing medical device components according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of rigid guide ribs is formed as a semi-cylindrical guide rib.

9. The apparatus for storing components of a medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The plurality of guide elements include a plurality of rigid shafts extending from the bottom surface of the housing, and further wherein the at least one nesting member includes a plurality of openings formed therein, and the plurality of openings are sized and positioned to accommodate the plurality of rigid shafts.

10. The apparatus for storing components of a medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one nesting member further includes at least one finger opening formed in the at least one nesting member.

11. The apparatus for storing components of a medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one nested element includes a plurality of nested elements, further wherein the plurality of nested elements are configured to be stacked on top of each other within the box.

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