Adapter for connecting a dispenser to a container

Abstract

An adapter (1) for connecting a dispenser to a container having a neck with an internal passage, the adapter comprising a body portion (2) with a container end (27) and a dispenser end (23, 25) opposite the container end (27). The body portion (2) has a longitudinal axis (21) extending centrally between the dispenser end (23, 25) and the container end (27) and a substantially cylindrical outer surface (22). The body portion (2) comprises sealing fins (24) extending outwardly from the outer surface (22). The sealing fins (24) of the body portion (2) are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis (21). Each of the sealing fins (24) of the body portion (2) has a root end abutting the outer surface (22) of the body portion (2). The root ends of at least two adjacent sealing fins (24) have different thicknesses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an adapter. Such an adapter includes a body portion having a container end and a dispenser end opposite the container end, wherein the dispenser end of the body portion may have an orifice, the body portion having a longitudinal axis extending centrally between the dispenser end and the container end and a substantially cylindrical outer surface, the body portion including sealing sheets extending outward from the outer surface, and the sealing sheets of the body portion being spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis, for use in connecting the dispenser to a container having a neck with an internal channel. Background Technology

[0002] Today, pharmaceutical substances are frequently administered in liquid form. However, many pharmaceutical substances, especially biological drugs, are highly unstable in liquid form. Therefore, pharmaceutical substances are often provided in lyophilized or freeze-dried form, in which they are inherently more stable and robust compared to their liquid form. Lyophilized pharmaceutical substances are reconstituted or dissolved in a diluent or liquid prior to application.

[0003] Lyophilized pharmaceutical substances or drugs are typically delivered in suitable containers with a neck having an internal passageway. Glass or plastic bottles and similar containers are used, for example, in this context. Other liquid pharmaceutical substances are also typically delivered in such containers, such as bottles.

[0004] To allow for the reconfiguration of lyophilized drugs and / or the delivery of specific doses from containers containing liquid drug substances, dispensers such as graduated oral syringes can be used. For example, a specific dose of drug can be dispensed via an oral dispenser for administration. To connect the dispenser to a container, adapters are known to be used, which allow for precise and substantially leak-free delivery and / or removal of liquid from the container.

[0005] In common implementations of this type of adapter, it is pushed into the neck of the container, where it is securely positioned. Sufficient sealing is typically provided through a sealing connection between the adapter and the container neck. However, such a sealing connection usually requires relatively strong insertion force when pushing the adapter into the container neck. This can make precise connection between the adapter and the container relatively difficult, for example, in preventing the container from falling out. Furthermore, such push-in adapters can eject from the neck and must be reinserted before the dispenser can be attached to the container. Additionally, in some cases, the operation of the push-in adapter forces the user to touch or contact the administration port of the push-in adapter.

[0006] To achieve a proper balance between high sealing performance and low insertion force, known adapters are equipped with multiple radially extending sealing tabs. When pushed into a container, the tabs bend against the insertion direction and elastically press against the inner wall of the container's neck. However, with such adapters, there remains a risk that the adapter may not be fully inserted into the neck due to the required insertion force. Therefore, leak prevention is still not satisfactorily achieved. Moreover, it may not adequately prevent the adapter from self-ejecting.

[0007] Therefore, an adapter is needed that provides an efficient and secure connection between the dispenser and the container, in particular to allow the dispenser to remove the substance from the container accurately and safely. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the invention, this requirement is addressed by an adapter as defined by the features of the invention. Preferred embodiments are further subject matter.

[0009] Specifically, the present invention is an adapter for connecting a dispenser to a container having a neck with an internal channel. The adapter includes a body portion having a container end and a dispenser end opposite the container end. The body portion has a longitudinal axis extending centrally between the dispenser end and the container end, and a substantially cylindrical outer surface. The body portion includes sealing sheets extending outward from the outer surface. The sealing sheets of the body portion are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis. Each of the sealing sheets of the body portion has a root end adjacent to the outer surface of the body portion. The root ends of at least two adjacent sealing sheets have different thicknesses.

[0010] A dispenser intended for use with an adapter can be a dispenser for administering a container of liquid medication to a patient. For example, it can be a dose dispenser or an oral dispenser such as a syringe or an enteral dispenser. Alternatively, the dispenser can be a device for providing liquid (such as a reconstitution medium) into a container. For example, such a measure may be needed to reconstitute a lyophilized drug in a container. Syringes are commonly used for metering substances from a container and for providing liquid into a container.

[0011] As used herein, the term "drug" refers to therapeutically active agents, often also called active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and combinations of multiple such therapeutically active substances. The term also encompasses diagnostic or imaging agents that need to be administered to patients in liquid form, such as contrast agents (e.g., MRI contrast agents), tracers (e.g., PET tracers), and hormones.

[0012] As used herein, the term "active pharmaceutical ingredient" refers to a pharmaceutical product formulated or reconstituted in a form suitable for administration to a patient, as defined above. For example, in addition to the pharmaceutical product, an active pharmaceutical ingredient may also contain excipients and / or other auxiliary components. In the context of this invention, particularly preferred active pharmaceutical ingredients may be solutions, especially solutions intended for oral administration, injection, or infusion.

[0013] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutical product" refers to a finished product comprising one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In particular, a pharmaceutical product can be a ready-to-use product having an API for administration in an appropriate dosage and / or in an appropriate form. For example, a pharmaceutical product may include an administration device, such as a pre-filled syringe.

[0014] The term "cylindrical" used in conjunction with the outer and inner surfaces of the main body and other components specified below can refer to a substantially cylindrical shape. In particular, it can refer to a cylindrical shape. The term also includes partially cylindrical shapes, wherein the cylindrical portion must be large enough to allow rotational movement.

[0015] The adapter is designed for a specific container, such as a bottle. These bottles are typically made of glass or plastic. Therefore, the neck of the container may terminate at an opening through which access to the interior of the container is possible via a passageway.

[0016] The adapter according to the invention can be called a push-in bottle adapter (PIBA). It can be made of plastic materials, and in particular inert plastic materials.

[0017] The term "longitudinal axis" in relation to the main body can specifically refer to the axis along which the main body extends primarily. The longitudinal axis can be the main axis or central axis of a cylinder formed by the outer surface of the main body.

[0018] The main body can be a single piece or an integral component. It can be made of polymeric materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Advantageously, it is made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the main body is substantially rotationally symmetric. Therefore, the term "substantially rotationally symmetric" refers, particularly to a design that is rotationally symmetric in most literal sense, especially externally. It may also include parts that are not strictly rotationally symmetric, particularly internally to the main body, which can be implemented using auxiliary structures associated with manufacturing the main body. However, the outer surface of the main body is advantageously rotationally symmetric. This allows for convenient operation of the adapter regardless of its orientation. In such an embodiment, the longitudinal axis may be the main body substantially about an axis of symmetry or rotation.

[0020] Sealing sheets can be arranged around the entire circumference of the outer surface of the main body. Furthermore, they can be substantially annular.

[0021] The thickness at the root end of each sealing sheet can be the diameter of the corresponding sheet at its root end. In other words, the thickness can be the inward extension of the root end in the axial direction. When positioned in an upright position, the thickness can be the substantially vertical diameter of the sealing sheet or its inward extension.

[0022] The main body is configured such that, in order to seal the container, the outer surface and the sealing sheet are advanced into the container's channel. Therefore, the sealing sheet is arranged such that, when advanced into the channel, it bends or deforms, causing it to tighten between the outer surface of the main body and the wall of the channel, and to make close contact with the channel wall. In this way, the channel can be sealed and the adapter can be securely held within the channel.

[0023] The container end of the main body is the end of the main body along the longitudinal axis; it is the first part of the main body located in the container when the adapter is pushed into the container's channel. The container end can also be referred to as the distal end of the main body.

[0024] The term "distal end" in the context of adapters refers to one side of the main body or the direction in which the adapter is oriented towards the container when it is installed. After installation, the distal end may reside inside the container. When an adapter is installed into a container, the distal end typically reaches the first part of the container.

[0025] Conversely, the dispenser end of the main body may be referred to as the proximal end. As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to one side of the main body or the direction opposite to the distal end, i.e., oriented away from the container when the adapter is installed into the container. Typically, when the adapter is fully installed into the container, the proximal end of the main body is located outside the container.

[0026] The dispenser or proximal end of the main body may be equipped with an orifice. This orifice may be implemented as a receiving dispenser or a part thereof, such as a dispenser tip. Thus, it can be arranged such that the dispenser can be pushed or rotated through to obtain the substance inside the container. In particular, the receiving dispenser can be achieved by simply manually pushing the dispenser onto the adapter, thereby forcing the dispenser tip, etc., through the orifice.

[0027] Alternatively, for the same purpose, the dispenser can be connected to the adapter, for example, using standardized fittings (e.g., fittings according to standard DIN EN ISO 80369). More specifically, the dispenser end can be designed to conform to an intestinal connection fitting according to ISO standard 80369-3 (ENFit). In such embodiments, the adapter can be provided with a corresponding convex or concave portion of such a fitting. When the dispenser is removed, the orifice can automatically close and reseal. Therefore, it can be repeatedly accessed.

[0028] By providing root ends of varying thicknesses for the sealing sheets of the adapter, the insertion force behavior can be specifically adjusted and defined according to a given situation. In particular, it has been found that the thickness of the sheet at its root end critically defines the resistance induced by the corresponding sheet when the adapter is inserted. Therefore, the thickness of the root end of the sealing sheet can effectively predefine the insertion force behavior of the adapter, depending on the form and geometry of the channel in the neck of the container involved. In this way, the adapter can be specifically designed to achieve complete insertion into the neck of the container, where it is firmly and tightly held. For example, the aim could be to achieve a uniform insertion force through complete insertion.

[0029] Therefore, the adapter according to the invention allows for convenient operation, and in particular ensures sufficient sealing and prevents touching or contact with the dispenser end when using the adapter.

[0030] Preferably, the sealing sheet closest to the container end of the body portion among all the sealing sheets has the thickest root end. Therefore, the sealing sheet with the thickest root end is especially the sealing sheet at the farthest end or the sealing sheet closest to the container end.

[0031] By designing the sealing strip in this way, the highest portion of the insertion force is caused by the first sealing strip pushed into the neck of the container. This results in a higher or highest portion of the insertion force being applied when the adapter begins to be pushed into the container. Since the user typically pushes the adapter more or less evenly, this embodiment ensures that the adapter is fully pushed into the channel in the neck of the container. More specifically, because the user must apply a relatively high force at the beginning of the pushing process, and will typically apply a similar high insertion force throughout the pushing process, this ensures that the adapter is correctly and completely inserted into the neck of the container.

[0032] The sealing strip closest to the dispenser end of the main body preferably has the thinnest root end. This design minimizes the insertion force required for the last sealing strip inserted into the neck. This also ensures that the last sealing strip is correctly and completely inserted.

[0033] Therefore, the thickness of the sealing strip at its root end preferably decreases sequentially from the sealing strip closest to the container end to the sealing strip closest to the dispenser end. This allows the insertion force to gradually decrease or remain at a constant level when the adapter is pushed into the neck of the container. This allows the adapter to be fully inserted particularly easily and safely.

[0034] Preferably, each of the sealing sheets in the main body has a tip opposite to the root end. In particular, the tip is opposite to the root end in the outward or directional direction of the sealing sheet.

[0035] Therefore, the tip of each sheet is preferably thinner than its root end. Such a thinner tip allows for an effective seal between the sealing sheet and the channel at the neck of the container.

[0036] Each slab preferably tapers gradually from its root to its tip. In other words, the sealing slab tapers gradually in the outward or radial direction. This design of the sealing slab allows for particularly advantageous bending behavior, enabling the establishment of a proper seal.

[0037] Each of the sealing sheets preferably has a length extending between its root and tip, wherein at least two adjacent sealing sheets have different lengths. The length of the sealing sheet may also be referred to as the diameter or radius of the sheet.

[0038] The length of the sealing strip establishes a key characteristic of the sealing performance provided by the sealing strip. By providing different lengths in the sealing strip, the sealing behavior of the adapter can be predefined. In particular, since the channel in the neck of many containers is often not a uniform cylinder, different strip lengths can achieve an appropriate seal suitable for the specific container involved. For example, when manufacturing glass bottles, the channel typically has a slightly varying diameter along the neck due to manufacturing tolerances and properties of the glass. This variation can be taken into account when designing the sealing strip of the adapter, for example, by changing the length accordingly. Therefore, high-precision sealing performance can be achieved.

[0039] Therefore, the length of the sealing strip closest to the container end is preferably less than the length of the next adjacent sealing strip. This next adjacent sealing strip may be the second furthest sealing strip.

[0040] Preferably, the main body comprises two to eight sealing sheets or two to five sealing sheets, and particularly three sealing sheets. This number of sheets allows for sufficient flexibility in design and provides adequate sealing in many applications.

[0041] Preferably, the sealing sheet extends from the outer surface in a substantially radial direction relative to the central axis.

[0042] Preferably, each of the sealing sheets in the main body has a proximal side perpendicular to the outer surface of the main body. Therefore, the proximal side can be substantially flat. This arrangement allows for the efficient provision of radial sealing sheets.

[0043] Preferably, each of the sealing sheets in the main body has a distal side that is inclined relative to the outer surface of the main body. The inclined side can be flat or curved. This allows for smooth insertion of the adapter and, in particular, causes the sealing sheet to bend proximally when the adapter is inserted.

[0044] Preferably, the distances between different adjacent sealing sheets are different. Therefore, the distances between the sealing sheets may be uneven. This allows for proper sealing in containers with uneven channels in the neck. Moreover, it allows for sufficient or suitable bending of the sealing sheets as the body portion is advanced into the channels of the container neck.

[0045] Therefore, the distance between the sealing sheet closest to the container end and its adjacent sealing sheet is advantageously smaller than the distance between the sealing sheet closest to the dispenser end and its adjacent sealing sheet.

[0046] Preferably, the adapter includes a flange portion at the dispenser end. This flange portion provides the end of the adapter. Therefore, the flange portion is preferably more rigid than the sealing sheet. The flange portion forms a stop to prevent the body portion from being pushed further into the neck of the container.

[0047] Preferably, the adapter includes a gasket disposed at the flange portion. The gasket may be made of a relatively compressible or soft and typically elastic material (e.g., an elastomeric material). Advantageously, the gasket is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). This gasket allows for an additional seal between the container neck and the adapter.

[0048] Therefore, the flange portion preferably has a distal side, and the gasket is preferably mounted to the distal side of the flange portion. After the body portion is advanced into the channel of the container, the flange portion can abut against the edge of the container neck, such that the gasket is compressed between the edge and the flange portion, thereby providing additional sealing.

[0049] The adapter may include a dosing chamber arranged adjacent to an orifice, allowing the dispenser access to the dosing chamber through the orifice. Such a dosing chamber allows for precise definition of the dose that the dispenser can remove from the container. Therefore, a predefined dose can be ensured to be removed from the container. The dosing chamber may, for example, be arranged such that it fills when the container is inverted, but does not fill when the container is in an upright position.

[0050] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be illustrated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The adapter according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the adapter in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the adapter in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the adapter along plane AA of Figure 3; and Figure 5 shows details B of the adapter in Figure 4. Detailed Implementation

[0052] In the following description, certain terms are used for convenience and are not intended to limit the invention. The terms “right,” “left,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “below,” and “above” refer to directions in the figures. Terms include explicitly mentioned terms and their derivatives, as well as terms with similar meanings. Additionally, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “below,” “below,” “above,” “above,” “near,” “far,” etc., may be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figures. These spatial relative terms are intended to cover different positions and orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the positions and orientations shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features will be “above” or “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both above and below positions and orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise oriented), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, descriptions of movement along and about various axes include various specific device positions and orientations.

[0053] To avoid repetition in the description of the accompanying drawings and various aspects, as well as the illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or drawings does not imply that that aspect is missing in the embodiment that includes it. Rather, the aspect may be omitted for clarity and to avoid lengthy descriptions. In this context, the following description applies to the remainder of this specification: if reference numerals in the drawings are not explained in the directly relevant parts of the specification for the purpose of clarifying the drawings, reference may be made to preceding or following sections of the specification. Furthermore, for clarity, if reference numerals in the drawings do not provide all features of a component, reference may be made to other drawings showing the same component. Similar reference numerals in two or more drawings denote the same or similar elements.

[0054] Figure 1 shows an adapter 1 for connecting a dispenser to a bottle, which is a container. Adapter 1 is configured to be pushed into the internal channel of the bottle's neck. Adapter 1 may be referred to as a push-in bottle adapter (PIBA).

[0055] The adapter 1 has a body portion 2 having a longitudinal axis 21 extending centrally, a cylindrical outer surface 22, a flange portion 23, and a sealing sheet 24. The flange portion 23 has a flat, open upper surface and forms part of the dispenser end or proximal end of the body portion 2.

[0056] The sealing sheets 24 extend outward from the outer surface 22 in a radial direction relative to the shaft 21. They are implemented as a ring extending around the entire circumference of the outer surface 22 and spaced apart from each other along the shaft 21. The sealing sheets 24 consist of a distal sealing sheet 241, an intermediate sealing sheet 242, and a proximal sealing sheet 243. The proximal sealing sheet 243 is one of the sealing sheets 24 closest to the flange portion 243 (i.e., closest to the dispenser end).

[0057] The dispenser end of the main body 2 includes a nozzle 25 with an orifice and a dispenser recess 26. The nozzle 25 and the dispenser recess 26 are designed as fittings according to ISO standard 80369-3 (ENFit). In this way, the adapter can be reversibly connected to a dispenser with the corresponding fittings.

[0058] In Figure 2, the adapter is shown from below. Therefore, it can be seen that the main body 2 includes a cavity or hollow interior 29. The bottom end of the main body 2 forms a distal end or container end 27 opposite the dispenser end. A shaft 21 extends between the dispenser end and the container end 27.

[0059] A gate structure 28 is arranged on the side wall of the interior 29 of the main body. The gate structure 28 is implemented in the context of effective injection molding during the manufacture of the main body 2.

[0060] Figure 3 shows the adapter 1 from the side. It can be seen that the nozzle 25 protrudes distally on the flange portion 23 in the axial direction. Except for the gate structure 28, the adapter 1 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis 21, and in particular, the body portion 2 is substantially rotationally symmetrical.

[0061] Optionally, the adapter may include a washer 3. This washer may be substantially O-ring shaped and mounted to the flange portion 23. In particular, the washer 3 may be adhered to the distal side of the flange portion 23.

[0062] The adapter 1 is depicted in cross-section in Figure 4. The gate structure 28 extends axially. The sealing sheets 24 are positioned at different distances relative to each other. In particular, a first distance 2417 between the distal sealing sheet 241 and the intermediate sealing sheet 242 is smaller than a second distance 2427 between the intermediate sealing sheet 242 and the proximal sealing sheet 243, which is smaller than a third distance 2437 between the proximal sealing sheet 243 and the flange portion 23.

[0063] The sealing sheet 24 is shown in more detail in Figure 5. The distal sealing sheet 241 has a first root end 2411, a first tip 2412, a first proximal side 2413, and a first distal side 2414. The first root end 2411 abuts the outer surface 22 and has a first thickness 2415. The first proximal side 2413 is provided with a flat surface extending vertically to the outer surface 22. The first distal side 2414 is inclined relative to the outer surface 22 and relative to the axis 21.

[0064] The distal sealing strip 241 extends radially, tapering gradually from a first root end 2411 to a first tip 2412, such that the first tip 2412 is thinner than the first root end 2411. Therefore, the distal sealing strip 241 has a first length 2416 along which it extends outward from the first root end 2411 to the first tip 2412. The first tip 2412 is circular.

[0065] The intermediate sealing sheet 242 is implemented similarly to the distal sealing sheet 241. Specifically, it has a second root end 2421, a second tip 2422, a second proximal side 2423, and a second distal side 2424. The second root end 2421 abuts the outer surface 22 and has a second thickness 2425. The second proximal side 2423 is provided with a flat surface extending perpendicularly to the outer surface 22. The second distal side 2424 is inclined relative to the outer surface 22 and relative to the axis 21. The intermediate sealing sheet 242 extends radially, wherein it gradually tapers from the second root end 2421 to the second tip 2422, such that the second tip 2422 is thinner than the second root end 2421. The intermediate sealing sheet 242 has a second length 2426 along which it extends outward from the second root end 2421 to the second tip 2422. The second tip 2422 is circular.

[0066] The proximal sealing strip 243 is similarly implemented as a distal sealing strip 241 and an intermediate sealing strip 242. Specifically, it has a third root end 2431, a third tip 2432, a third proximal side 2433, and a third distal side 2434. The third root end 2431 abuts the outer surface 22 and has a third thickness 2435. The third proximal side 2433 is equipped with a flat surface extending vertically to the outer surface 22. The third distal side 2434 is inclined relative to the outer surface 22 and relative to the axis 21. The proximal sealing strip 243 extends radially, wherein it gradually tapers from the third root end 2431 to the third tip 2432, such that the third tip 2432 is thinner than the third root end 2431. Therefore, the proximal sealing strip 243 has a third length 2436 along which it extends outward from the third root end 2431 to the third tip 2432. The third tip 2432 is circular.

[0067] The sealing strip 24 is designed and sized to bend proximally when the body portion 2 is pushed into the channel of the bottle neck. To allow for easier insertion into the channel, the sealing strip 24 is equipped with inclined distal sides 2414, 2424, 2434. The flange portion 23 is implemented to be more rigid than the sealing strip 24 to prevent proximal bending. Thus, the flange portion 23 stops pushing the body portion 2 into the channel and remains outside the bottle, adjacent to the edge of the neck.

[0068] Of the three sealing sheets 24, the distal sealing sheet 241 (i.e., the sealing sheet 241 closest to the container end 27) has the thickest root end 2415, and the proximal sealing sheet 243 (i.e., the sealing sheet 243 closest to the dispenser end 23) has the thinnest root end 2435. More specifically, the first thickness 2415 is greater than the second thickness 2425, which is greater than the third thickness 2435. Therefore, the thicknesses of the root ends 2415, 2425, and 2435 of the sealing sheets 24 decrease sequentially from the distal sealing sheet 241 to the proximal sealing sheet 243. For example, the second thickness 2425 may be in the range of about 85% to 95% or about 90% of the first thickness 2415. The third thickness 2435 may be in the range of about 75% to 85% or about 80% of the first thickness 2415.

[0069] By providing the thickest root end 2411 for the distal sealing strip 241, a relatively high insertion force at the level of the distal sealing strip 241 is achieved when the adapter 1 is pushed into the channel of the bottle neck. Specifically, the relatively thick distal sealing strip 241 provides relatively high resistance for bending the distal sealing strip 241 proximally, which is necessary to allow the adapter 1 to be inserted into the channel. Therefore, increased insertion after the distal sealing strip 241 is applied is prevented. Thus, the adapter 1 can be fully inserted into the channel of the bottle by applying a constant force, such as a thrust.

[0070] Regarding the length of the sealing strip 24, the first length 2416 of the distal sealing strip 241 is less than the second length 2426 of the intermediate sealing strip 242. The third length 2436 of the proximal sealing strip 243 is slightly less than the second length 2426 of the intermediate sealing strip 242. By having different lengths, the sealing strip 24 is adjusted to fit particularly well into the passage of the bottle neck. For example, the first length 2416 can be in the range of approximately 75% to 85% of the second length 2426. The third length 2436 can be in the range of approximately 85% to 95% of the second length 2426.

[0071] The description and accompanying drawings illustrating aspects and embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. In other words, while the invention has been described and illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description and illustration are to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification and the claims. In some cases, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope and spirit of the appended claims. In particular, the invention covers further embodiments having any combination of features from the different embodiments described above and below.

[0072] This disclosure also covers all other features shown in the figures. Although they may not be described in the preceding or following description, they are individual. Furthermore, single alternatives to the embodiments described in the figures and description, and single alternatives to their features, may be excluded from the subject matter of this invention or from the subject matter of this disclosure. This disclosure includes the subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or exemplary embodiments, as well as the subject matter including said features.

[0073] Furthermore, in the claims, the term "comprising / including" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a / an" does not exclude multiple. A single unit or step can perform the function of several features listed in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not suggest that a combination of these measures cannot be advantageous. Terms related to attributes or values, such as "substantially," "about," "approximately," etc., also precisely define the attribute or exact value, respectively. In the context of a given numerical value or range, the term "about" refers to a value or range, for example, within 20%, 10%, 5%, or 2% of a given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be electrically or mechanically coupled directly, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An adapter (1) for connecting a dispenser to a container, the container including a neck having an internal channel, the adapter comprising: The main body (2) has a container end (27) and a dispenser end (23, 25) opposite to the container end (27), wherein The main body (2) has a longitudinal axis (21) extending centrally between the dispenser end (23, 25) and the container end (27) and a substantially cylindrical outer surface (22). The main body (2) includes a sealing sheet (24) extending outward from the outer surface (22). The sealing sheets (24) of the main body (2) are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis (21). in, Each of the sealing sheets (24) of the main body (2) has a root end (2411, 2421, 2431) adjacent to the outer surface (22) of the main body (2). The root ends (2411, 2421, 2431) of at least two adjacent sealing sheets (24) have different thicknesses (2415, 2425, 2435), and The sealing sheet (241) closest to the container end (27) of the main body (2) has the thickest root end (2411).

2. The adapter (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing sheet (243) closest to the distributor end (23, 25) of the main body portion (2) has the thinnest root end (2431).

3. The adapter (1) according to claim 2, wherein the thickness (2415, 2425, 2435) of the root ends (2411, 2421, 2431) of the sealing sheet (24) decreases sequentially from the sealing sheet (241) closest to the container end (27) to the sealing sheet (243) closest to the dispenser end (23, 25).

4. The adapter (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the sealing sheets (24) of the main body portion (2) has a tip (2412, 2422, 2432) opposite to the root end (2411, 2421, 2431).

5. The adapter (1) according to claim 4, wherein the tip (2412, 2422, 2432) of each sealing sheet (24) is thinner than its root end (2411, 2421, 2431).

6. The adapter (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the sealing sheets (24) tapers gradually from the root end (2411, 2421, 2431) to the tip (2412, 2422, 2432).

7. The adapter (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the sealing sheets (24) has a length (2416, 2426, 2436) extending between a root end (2411, 2421, 2431) and a tip (2412, 2422, 2432), and at least two adjacent sealing sheets (24) have different lengths (2416, 2426, 2436).

8. The adapter (1) according to claim 7, wherein the length (2416, 2426, 2436) of the sealing sheet (241) closest to the container end (27) is less than the length (2416, 2426, 2436) of the next adjacent sealing sheet (242).

9. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main body portion (2) comprises two to eight sealing sheets (24).

10. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main body portion (2) comprises two to five sealing sheets (24).

11. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main body portion (2) comprises three sealing sheets (24).

12. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing sheet (24) extends from the outer surface (22) in a substantially radial direction relative to the central axis (21).

13. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the sealing sheets (24) of the body portion (2) has a proximal side (2413, 2423, 2433) perpendicular to the outer surface (22) of the body portion (2).

14. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the sealing sheets (24) of the body portion (2) has a distal side (2414, 2424, 2434) inclined relative to the outer surface (22) of the body portion (2).

15. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distances (2417, 2427, 2437) between different adjacent sealing sheets (24) are different.

16. The adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a flange portion (23) at the distributor end (23, 25).

17. The adapter (1) according to claim 16, wherein the flange portion is more rigid than the sealing sheet (24).

18. The adapter (1) according to claim 16, comprising a washer (3) disposed at the flange portion (23).

19. The adapter (1) according to claim 18, wherein the flange portion (23) has a distal side (2414, 2424, 2434) and the washer (3) is mounted to the distal side (2414, 2424, 2434) of the flange portion (23).

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