nesting kit

Abstract

A nest (10, 30) for storing medical device components includes a top surface (19, 31), a bottom surface (21, 39), and a plurality of receptacles (18, 36, 37) for storing a plurality of medical device components therein. Each receptacle (18, 36, 37) can include a sidewall portion extending downwardly from the bottom surface (21, 39) of the nest (10, 30). Further, a plurality of annular protrusions (22, 38) can be disposed extending upwardly from the top surface (19, 31) of the nest (10, 30) and around at least some of the plurality of receptacles (18, 36, 37). The plurality of annular protrusions (22, 38) can be sized and configured to accommodate a bottom portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of receptacles (18, 37) when a plurality of nests (10, 30) are vertically stacked relative to one another.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to European application filed on January 26, 2021, with application number EP 21305099.0, entitled “A Nest for the Packaging of Plunger Stoppers with Integrated Stacking Features Ensuring a Reliable Alignment of a Pile of Nests”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] background

[0004] This disclosure of the field

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to an arrangement of nesting elements for use in packaging medical devices (e.g., syringes). More specifically, this disclosure relates to nesting elements arrangements utilizing various integrated stacking features to ensure reliable alignment of a stack (or pile) of nesting elements positioned vertically atop one another.

[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 held within a 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 elements for plunger stops are not designed to remain within existing cassette designs, nor are they configured for always stackable plunger stops. Therefore, attempts to use existing nesting elements and cassettes in conjunction with plunger stops may result in unreliable positioning and unwanted movement of the nesting elements within the cassette and / or relative to the top or bottom of the nesting elements during stacking, causing problems for robotic handling of nesting elements within filling equipment. Documents DE 202017103606U1, WO 2010062602A1, WO2018020505A1, US2017259948A1, and EP 2436408A1 relate to the packaging of containers. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a nesting component specifically designed for plunger stops, and a nesting component designed to ensure consistent and secure alignment of the nesting components when stacked vertically inside or outside the housing.

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a nesting member for storing medical device components. The nesting member may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of containers that store a plurality of medical device components therein. Each of the plurality of containers includes a sidewall portion extending downward from the bottom surface of the nesting member. The nesting member may also include a plurality of annular protrusions extending upward from the top surface of the nesting member and surrounding at least some of the containers. The size and configuration of each of the plurality of annular protrusions may be designed to accommodate the bottom portion of a corresponding container when the plurality of nesting members are stacked vertically relative to each other.

[0014] In some embodiments, the annular protrusion may surround each of the plurality of containers.

[0015] In some embodiments, the annular protrusion surrounds less than all of the plurality of containers.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of containers are substantially truncated conical in shape.

[0017] In some embodiments, the nesting element further includes a wall shelf portion surrounding the upper opening of each of the plurality of containers.

[0018] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the ledge portion are designed to support the bottom surface of a corresponding container among the plurality of containers.

[0019] In some embodiments, the width of each shelf section is approximately 1.5 mm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the height of each of the plurality of annular protrusions extending above the top surface of the nesting member is between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the upper surface of each annular protrusion is circular or chamfered.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sidewall portion of the first set of containers in the plurality of containers extends further downward from the bottom surface of the nesting than the sidewall portion of the second set of containers in the plurality of containers.

[0023] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of containers having the sidewall portion is surrounded by one of the plurality of annular protrusions, and the sidewall portion extends further downward from the bottom surface of the nesting than the sidewall portion of the second group of containers in the plurality of containers.

[0024] In some embodiments, the nesting member further includes at least one finger opening formed therein.

[0025] In some embodiments, the nesting member further includes a flange that extends at least partially around each finger opening and extends from the bottom surface of the nesting member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the plurality of containers includes 100 to 160 containers.

[0027] In some embodiments, the nesting element is formed of polypropylene.

[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 for storing a plunger stop according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top isometric view of the nested components;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Isometric sectional view of the nested component;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the receptacle container of a nested component;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a top isometric view of a nested member for storing a plunger stop, according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top isometric view of the nested components;

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Isometric sectional view of the nested component;

[0036] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A side view of the cross section taken by line 8-8;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a top isometric view of a nested member for storing a plunger stop, according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Top isometric view of the nested components;

[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Isometric sectional view of the nested component;

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional side view of the stop container of the nested component;

[0041] Figure 13A This is a cross-sectional side view of a container of stoppers with corresponding nested parts according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 13B This is a partial top isometric view of the stop container and the nesting member according to another aspect of this disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 13C This is a top isometric view of a leg portion according to another aspect of this disclosure, the leg portion being configured to surround a stop container.

[0044] Specific embodiments of the present invention

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 and Figure 2A nesting element 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Each nesting element 10 is configured to store a plurality of plunger stops (not shown) in a manner that provides desired positioning and alignment of both the plunger stop and one or more nesting elements, allowing for accurate handling by the robotic components of an automated filling machine. Although not shown, the plurality of nesting elements 10 can be removably held within a housing or other holding device, wherein the nesting elements 10 are configured to be vertically stacked on top of each other, as will be described in further detail below. Typically, two to ten nesting elements can be stacked together. For example, at least two nesting elements can be stacked together. Furthermore, it should be understood that the nesting elements described in this disclosure are not limited to use with plunger stops and can be used with other elements and / or devices (e.g., needle caps, tipcaps, or any other medical components).

[0048] Specifically, each nesting member 10 includes a plurality of stop containers 18 formed therein. The stop containers 18 may be formed as substantially truncated conical "chimneys," each capable of holding a plunger stop within it for access and removal of components from an automatic filling machine. Reference Figure 4 Each stop container 18 includes an upper opening 24 formed in the top surface 19 of the nest 10, and the "chimney" of the stop container 18 is formed by a truncated conical wall portion 20 extending below the bottom surface 21 of the nest 10. The diameter and size of each stop container 18 can vary based on the type of stop used during a particular filling operation. In one embodiment, the nest 10 can be configured to hold, for example, 160 stops designed for a 1 mL syringe. However, it should be understood that the nest 10 can be configured to hold more or fewer stops and stops of one or different sizes. For example, the nest according to another embodiment can be configured to hold 100 stops designed for a 2.25 mL syringe. Thus, in some embodiments, with Figure 1 and Figure 2 Compared to the stop container shown, the total number and positioning of the stop containers 18 can vary. Furthermore, although not shown, it should be understood that one or more ribs may extend along at least a portion of the truncated conical wall portion 20 to provide further reinforcement of the stop containers 18 relative to the bottom surface 21 of the nest 10.

[0049] The nesting member 10 includes a pair of long sides 12 and a pair of short sides 14. However, in alternative embodiments, it should be understood that these sides of the nesting member 10 are not necessarily of different lengths and / or parallel, but may, for example, be of equal length, not parallel, etc. The general dimensions (i.e., length, width, and height) of each nesting member 10 may be adjusted based on the specific holding box or automatic filling machine used.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, each of the long sides 12 may include a finger opening 16 formed thereon, wherein each finger opening 16 is designed to facilitate the manual loading (and / or unloading) of the nest 10 into (or from) a housing or other holding device, for example. In some embodiments, a flange 17 may at least partially surround each finger opening 16 and extend from the bottom surface 21 of the nest 10, thereby providing a larger surface area for the user to hold the nest 10. Although in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The two finger openings 16 are shown located on opposite long sides 12, but it should be understood that the nesting member 10 may include more or fewer finger openings located on the long side 12 or the short side 14. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the finger openings 16 may be omitted entirely.

[0051] refer to Figures 1 to 4 Each stop container 18 of the nested members 10 also includes an annular protrusion 22, which is formed substantially around the upper opening 24 and extends above the top surface 19. As will be described in further detail below, the annular protrusion 22 is configured to aid in the relative alignment of the nested members 10 when they are stacked on top of each other, while further providing limited lateral movement (or “play”) of the nested members 10 relative to each other. The size and construction of the annular protrusion 22 are designed to resist movement of the stacked nested members 10 due to only a minimum lateral force applied to them, but still allow the nested members 10 to separate vertically when desired.

[0052] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the annular protrusion 22 is disposed around each stop container 18 of the nest 10. However, in alternative embodiments, it should be understood that the annular protrusion 22 may be disposed around fewer than all stop containers 18. Furthermore, although the annular protrusion 22 is shown extending a full 360° around the stop container 18, it should be understood that the protrusion does not need to extend a full 360° around the stop container 18. That is, in some embodiments, the protrusion 22 may be interrupted at one or more locations around the upper opening 24, such that the protrusion surface is disposed around the stop container 18 less than a full 360°.

[0053] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4A cross-sectional view of a stop container 18 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. As described above, an annular protrusion 22 surrounds an upper opening 24 of the stop container 18, while a truncated conical wall portion 20 extends below a bottom surface 21. In one embodiment, the upper opening 24 may have a diameter K, for example, between 6 mm and 9 mm, wherein the diameter of the upper opening 24 (and the overall size of the stop container 18) depends on the size of the stop to be stored in the upper opening. A lower opening 25 may be formed in the bottom portion of the stop container 18, wherein the lower opening 25 is defined by a bottom surface 28 of the stop container 18. In one embodiment, the lower opening 25 may have a diameter M, wherein the diameter M is substantially equal to the diameter K of the upper opening 24 (e.g., between 6 mm and 9 mm). Therefore, it should be understood that the upper opening 24 is configured to have substantially the same diameter as the lower opening 25, thereby allowing the stop to be inserted into the stop container 18 via the upper opening 24, while also allowing the stop to be removed from the stop container 18 via the lower opening 25. The stop container 18 may be internally formed such that the maximum inner diameter N of the stop container is greater than both the diameter K of the upper opening 24 and the diameter M of the lower opening 25. In this way, a deformable stop (not shown) can be pressed down by force through both the upper opening 24 and the lower opening 25, but can expand to be stored within the stop container 18.

[0054] The stop container 18 may also include a ledge portion 26 surrounding the upper opening 24. The annular ledge portion 26 provides a substantially flat support surface on which the bottom surface 28 of the individual stop container 18 of a nested member 10 can rest when one or more nested members 10 are stacked vertically relative to each other. If an annular protrusion 22 is present, the ledge portion 26 may be located inside the annular protrusion 22. In one embodiment, the width of the ledge portion 26 may be, for example, about 1.5 mm, thereby providing sufficient support surface for the bottom surfaces 28 of adjacent stop containers 18 while also providing limited lateral movement (i.e., “clearance”) of adjacent stop containers 18, which allows the stacked nested members 10 to selectively separate from each other. It should be understood that the width of the ledge portion 26 may vary based on the size of the stop container 18, the number of stop containers 18, etc. Furthermore, the stop container 18 may include a chamfered edge 27 located between the ledge portion 26 and the truncated conical wall portion 20. The chamfered edge 27 can have an outer diameter J larger than the diameter K of the upper opening 24, thereby making it easier for the stop (not shown) to be inserted into the stop container 18.

[0055] Still referencing Figure 4The annular protrusion 22 is configured to extend above the top surface 19 of the nest 10 to substantially prevent easy displacement of adjacent stacked nests when minimal lateral force is applied to the vertically stacked nests. For example, in one embodiment, the annular protrusion 22 may extend from the upper portion 23 to the ledge portion 26 to a depth D of about 1.5 mm and from the upper portion 23 to the top surface 19 of the nest 10 to a height d of at least about 1.0 mm. In this way, the depth / height of the annular protrusion 22 is sufficient to prevent easy displacement of adjacent stacked nests while also absorbing both natural deformation and vertical movement of the nests due to factors such as material properties, the overall length and width of the nests, and vibrations during transport. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the upper portion 23 of the annular protrusion may be rounded or chamfered to allow for smooth insertion into adjacent stop containers 18 when multiple nests are stacked on top of each other.

[0056] Each nesting member 10 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the nesting member 10 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polypropylene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the nesting member 10 can be formed as a single member or as multiple members coupled together. If formed from multiple members, the material forming each member can be the same or different.

[0057] Next, refer to Figures 5 to 8 , Figures 5 to 8 Nested element 30 is shown according to another aspect of this disclosure. (This is related to the above regarding...) Figures 1 to 4 Similar to the described nested member 10, the nested member 30 is configured to store multiple plunger stops (not shown) in a manner that provides desired positioning and alignment of both the plunger stops and one or more nested members, allowing for accurate handling by the robotic components of the automated filling machine. Each nested member 30 is configured to be vertically stackable on top of another nested member 30, as will be described in further detail below.

[0058] The nested component 30 includes a plurality of stop containers 36, 37 formed therein. (This is related to the above.) Figures 1 to 4 Unlike the identically sized stop container 18, stop containers 36 and 37 differ in size. Specifically, each stop container 36 includes a "chimney" formed by a truncated conical wall portion 40 extending a first distance below the bottom surface 39 of the nested member 30. Conversely, each stop container 37 includes a truncated conical wall portion 41 extending a second distance below the bottom surface 39 of the nested member 30, the second distance being slightly longer than the first distance. As will be described below, this variation in the size of the stop containers 37 facilitates consistent alignment and retention of the nested members 30 when stacked vertically together.

[0059] The diameter and size of each stop container 36, 37 can vary based on the type of stop used during a particular filling operation. However, although the lengths of the truncated conical wall portions 40, 41 relative to the bottom surface 39 can differ, it should be understood that the stop containers 36, 37 are not intended to hold stops of different sizes. In one embodiment, the nest 30 can be configured to hold, for example, 100 stops designed for use with 1 mL to 3 mL syringes. However, it should be understood that the nest 30 can be configured to hold more or fewer stops, as well as stops of one size and different sizes. Therefore, in some embodiments, with Figures 5 to 8 Compared to the stop containers shown, the total number and positioning of stop containers 36 and 37 can also vary. Furthermore, although not shown, it should be understood that one or more ribs may extend along at least a portion of the truncated conical wall portions 40 and 41 to provide further reinforcement of the stop containers 36 and 37 relative to the bottom surface 39 of the nest 30. The number of ribs can be determined based on the desired rigidity of the stop containers 36 and 37.

[0060] The nested component 30 may include a pair of long sides 32 and a pair of short sides 33. However, in alternative embodiments, it should be understood that these sides of the nested component 30 are not necessarily of different lengths and / or parallel, but may, for example, be of equal length, not parallel, etc. The general dimensions (i.e., length, width, and height) of each nested component 30 may be adjusted based on the specific automated filling machine used.

[0061] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, each of the long sides 32 may include a finger opening 34 formed thereon, wherein each finger opening 34 is designed to facilitate the manual loading (and / or unloading) of the nest 30 into (or from) a housing or other holding device, for example. In some embodiments, a flange 35 may at least partially surround each finger opening 34 and extend from the bottom surface 39 of the nest 30, thereby providing a larger surface area for the user to hold the nest 30. Although in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The two finger openings 34 are shown located on opposite long sides 32, but it should be understood that the nesting member 30 may include more or fewer finger openings located on the long side 32 or the short side 33. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the finger openings 34 may be omitted entirely.

[0062] Still referencing Figures 5 to 8 Each stop container 37 of the nesting member 30 also includes an annular protrusion 38, which is formed substantially around the upper opening 24 and extends above the top surface 31 of the nesting member 30. (This is in contrast to the above regarding...) Figures 1 to 4 Similar to the described annular protrusion 22, the annular protrusion 38 is configured to facilitate relative alignment of the nested members 30 when they are stacked on top of each other, while further providing limited lateral movement (or "playback") of the nested members 30 relative to each other. However, with Figures 1 to 4 Unlike the embodiment shown, the annular protrusion 38 is provided only around the stop container 37, and not around the stop container 36. Therefore, only a selected subset of the stop containers is provided with the annular protrusion 38, which simplifies the manufacture of the nested pieces 30 while still providing the desired alignment for the stacked nested kits. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, a total of 12 dispersed annular protrusions 38 are shown (therefore, 12 stop containers 37). However, it should be understood that more or fewer annular protrusions 38 and / or stop containers 37 may be provided at different locations. The number and location of the annular protrusions 38 can be adjusted and / or optimized based on possible deformations of the nested part 30 (e.g., due to molding). For example, as Figure 5 As shown, the annular protrusions 38 are located in the central portion, middle portion, and corresponding corners of the nested member 30. In this way, even if deformation occurs during manufacturing, transportation, etc., the spaced-out annular protrusions 38 can be positioned to provide the desired alignment of the nested member.

[0063] Furthermore, although the annular protrusion 38 is shown extending a full 360° around the stop container 37, it should be understood that the protrusion does not need to extend a full 360° around the stop container 37. That is, in some embodiments, the protrusion 38 may be interrupted at one or more locations around the upper opening, such that the protrusion surface is provided around the stop container 37 less than a full 360°.

[0064] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the nesting member 30 is shown. Each stop container 37 also includes a ledge portion 44. The ledge portion 44, in the form of an annular ring, is located inside the annular protrusion 38 and provides a substantially flat support surface on which the bottom surface 43 of the stop container 37 of the individual nesting member 30 can rest when one or more nesting members 30 are stacked vertically relative to each other. In one embodiment, the width of the ledge portion 44 may be, for example, about 1.5 mm, thereby providing sufficient support surface for the bottom surfaces 43 of adjacent stop containers 37 while also providing limited lateral movement (i.e., “clearance”) of adjacent stop containers 37, which allows the stacked nesting members 30 to selectively separate from each other. It should be understood that the width of the ledge portion 44 may vary based on the size of the stop containers 37, the number of stop containers 37, etc.

[0065] The annular protrusion 38 is configured to extend above the top surface 31 of the nesting member 30 to substantially prevent easy displacement of adjacent stacked nesting members when minimal lateral force is applied to the vertically stacked nesting members. For example, in one embodiment, the annular protrusion 38 may extend above the top surface 31 by a height A of approximately 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm (preferably between 1.5 mm and 1.6 mm). In this way, the depth / height of the annular protrusion 38 is sufficient to prevent easy displacement of adjacent stacked nesting members while also absorbing both natural deformation and vertical movement of the nesting members due to factors such as material properties, the overall length and width of the nesting members. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the annular protrusion 38 may be rounded or chamfered to allow for smooth insertion into adjacent stop container 37 when multiple nesting members are stacked on top of each other.

[0066] Still referencing Figure 8 As described above, the length of the truncated conical wall portion 41 extending below the bottom surface 39 of the nesting member 30 is slightly longer than the length of the truncated conical wall portion 40 extending below the bottom surface 39. For example, the distance B from the bottom surface 42 of the truncated conical wall portion 40 to the bottom surface 43 of the truncated conical wall portion 41 can be between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. Due to the difference in length, the stop container 37 of adjacent stacked nesting members 30 is more easily aligned with the annular protrusion 38, thereby providing consistent alignment between vertically stacked nesting members 30 only via a subset of the total number of stop containers.

[0067] Each nesting member 30 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the nesting member 30 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polypropylene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the nesting member 30 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.

[0068] In addition, although Figures 5 to 8 A nesting member 30 with a plurality of spaced-apart annular protrusions 38 is shown; however, it should be understood that the annular protrusions may be omitted entirely according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. That is, a nesting member according to another embodiment may include stop containers 36, 37 of different sizes, and the nesting member may rely on other aspects or features (e.g., ledge portion 44, chamfered portion, etc.) to provide desired alignment (and prevent unintended displacement) for vertically stacked nesting members.

[0069] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 12 , Figures 9 to 12 Nested element 50 is shown according to another aspect of this disclosure. (Regarding...) Figures 1 to 8Similarly, nested components 50 are configured to store multiple plunger stops (not shown) in a manner that provides desired positioning and alignment of both the plunger stops and one or more nested components, allowing for accurate handling by the robotic components of an automated filling machine. Each nested component 50 is configured to be vertically stackable on top of another nested component 50, as will be described in further detail below.

[0070] Each nesting member 50 includes a plurality of stop containers 56 formed therein. The stop containers 56 may be formed as substantially frustoconical "chimneys," each capable of holding a plunger stop therein for access and removal of components of an automatic filling machine. Each stop container 56 includes an upper opening formed in the top surface 51 of the nesting member 50, and the "chimney" of the stop container 56 is formed by a frustoconical wall portion 58 extending below the bottom surface 59 of the nesting member 50. The diameter and size of each stop container 56 may vary based on the type of stop used during a particular filling operation.

[0071] The nesting member 50 includes a pair of long sides 52 and a pair of short sides 53. However, in alternative embodiments, it should be understood that these sides of the nesting member 50 are not necessarily of different lengths and / or parallel, but may, for example, be of equal length, not parallel, etc. The general dimensions (i.e., length, width, and height) of each nesting member 50 can be adjusted based on the specific automated filling machine used.

[0072] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, each of the long sides 52 may include a finger opening 54 formed thereon, wherein each finger opening 54 is designed to facilitate the manual loading (and / or unloading) of the nest 50 into (or from) a housing or other holding device, for example. In some embodiments, a flange 55 may at least partially surround each finger opening 54 and extend from the bottom surface 59 of the nest 50, thereby providing a larger surface area for the user to hold the nest 50. Although in Figure 9 and Figure 10 The two finger openings 54 are shown located on opposite long sides 52, but it should be understood that the nesting member 50 may include more or fewer finger openings located on the long side 52 or the short side 53. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the finger openings 54 may be omitted entirely.

[0073] Unlike using annular protrusions to provide alignment for stacked nested members, nested member 50 instead relies on a plane 57 set around the entrance of each stop member container 56. Specifically, see reference... Figure 12 , Figure 12A cross-sectional view of a stop container 56 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. A plane 57 is formed as a substantially chamfered edge surface adjacent to the upper opening of the stop container 56 and below the top surface 51 of the nesting member 50. The plane 57 may have a depth E and a width F. In one example, the depth E is approximately 0.5 mm and the width F is approximately 0.5 mm. However, it should be understood that the plane 57 is not limited to these dimensions; the depth E and width F may be larger or smaller, and do not necessarily need to be equal to each other.

[0074] Plane 57 is configured to provide an embedded support surface on which the bottom surface 61 of the stop container 56 of the individual nest 50 can be placed when one or more nests 50 are stacked vertically relative to each other. The dimensions and construction of plane 57 are designed to substantially prevent easy displacement of adjacent stacked nests when minimal lateral force is applied to the vertically stacked nests, while also absorbing both natural deformation and vertical movement of the nests due to factors such as material properties, the overall length and width of the nests.

[0075] Each nesting element 50 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the nesting element 50 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polypropylene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the nesting element 50 can be formed as a single element or as multiple elements coupled together. If formed from multiple elements, the material forming each element can be the same or different.

[0076] Now for reference Figures 13A to 13B , Figures 13A to 13B A stop container 70 for use with nested members according to another aspect of this disclosure is shown. Although not shown, it will be understood that multiple stop containers 70 exist in each nested member, similar to those described above. Figures 1 to 12 The nested components shown.

[0077] Figure 13A A pair of stop containers 70 stacked on top of each other are shown, which would be the case when two nested pieces are stacked vertically relative to each other. Each stop container 70 includes a generally frustoconical sidewall portion 72 extending downward from the surface 73 of the nested piece, wherein an opening 76 is formed in each stop container 70 to receive, for example, a plunger stop (not shown). Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, annular protrusions 77 extend upward from the surface 73 of the nested member and surround the opening 76, wherein each annular protrusion has a top surface 78.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 13A and Figure 13CAs shown, a leg assembly 75 is provided, wherein the leg assembly is configured to surround a truncated conical sidewall portion 72 of each stop container 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg assembly 75 includes three leg members 80 and a connecting ring 83 coupled to each leg member 80. However, it should be understood that the leg assembly 75 may include more or fewer leg members 80. The leg members 80 are formed such that a bottom well portion 82 is formed below the connecting ring 83, thereby providing open space below the connecting ring 83. Furthermore, the leg assembly 75 may be integrated integrally with the stop container 70 (e.g., by molding), or the leg assembly 75 may be formed by any suitable method as one or more separate elements coupled to the stop container 70.

[0079] like Figure 13A As shown, when the nested pieces (therefore the stop container 70) are stacked vertically relative to each other, the dimensions and construction of the bottom well portion 82 of the leg assembly 75 of the upper stop container 70 are designed to substantially match the proportions of the annular protrusion 77. Therefore, compared with the reference... Figures 1 to 12 The described embodiments differ in that the stop container of the upper nested member is supported within the stop container of the lower nested member. Figures 13A to 13B The embodiments are configured such that the leg member 80 of the upper nesting member is positioned around the annular protrusion 77 of the lower nesting member. In some embodiments, the top surface 78 of the annular protrusion 77 may contact the bottom surface of the connecting ring 83. In this way, the inner diameter of the lower portion of the leg assembly 75 substantially matches the outer diameter of the annular protrusion 77, allowing the respective stop containers 70 to be securely stacked relative to each other, ensuring that the stacked nesting members are uniformly aligned and resist displacement caused by minimal lateral forces.

[0080] While several embodiments of nesting elements and nesting element devices 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. A nesting component for storing components of a medical device, the nesting component comprising: Top surface, Bottom surface A plurality of containers for storing a plurality of medical device components, wherein each of the plurality of containers includes a sidewall portion extending downward from the bottom surface of the nesting member, and Multiple annular protrusions extending upward from the top surface of the nesting member; Its features are, Each of the plurality of annular protrusions is sized and constructed to accommodate the bottom portion of a corresponding container among the plurality of nested pieces when the plurality of nested pieces are stacked vertically relative to each other, wherein the sidewall portion of the first group of containers among the plurality of containers extends downward from the bottom surface of the nested piece further than the sidewall portion of the second group of containers among the plurality of containers. The plurality of annular protrusions surround fewer than all of the plurality of containers.

2. The nested component according to claim 1, wherein, The containers are essentially truncated conical in shape.

3. The nesting member of claim 1, further comprising a wall shelf portion surrounding the upper opening of each of the plurality of containers.

4. The nested component according to claim 3, wherein, The dimensions of the ledge portion are designed to support the bottom surface of a corresponding container among the plurality of containers.

5. The nesting member according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, Each shelf section is approximately 1.5 mm wide.

6. The nested component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The height of each of the plurality of annular protrusions extending above the top surface of the nesting member is 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm.

7. The nested component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The upper surface of each of the annular protrusions is either circular or chamfered.

8. The nested component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of containers having the sidewall portion is surrounded by one of the plurality of annular protrusions, the sidewall portion extending further downward from the bottom surface of the nesting than the sidewall portion of the second group of containers in the plurality of containers.

9. The nesting member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nesting member further comprises at least one finger opening formed therein.

10. The nesting member of claim 9, further comprising a flange extending at least partially around each finger opening and extending from the bottom surface of the nesting member.

11. The nested component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The plurality of containers includes 100 to 160 containers.

12. The nested component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The nesting element is formed of polypropylene.

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