Integrated neck tube

Abstract

A Dewar flask for storing a cryogenic fluid includes an inner container, an outer container, and an integral neck tube. The outer container includes an outer upper sheath and an outer lower sheath configured to join and form an inner chamber. The inner container is located in the inner chamber such that an insulated space is defined. The insulating space at least partially evacuates air. A one-piece neck tube extends between the inner container and a central region of the outer upper sheath. The integral neck tube includes a first portion configured to couple with the upper outer sheath and a second portion configured to couple with the inner container such that the second portion extends into the inner container. The second portion is integrally formed as a single piece with the first portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 739,734, filed on May 9, 2022, entitled “ONE-PIECE NECKTUBE,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to cryogenic fluid containers, and in particular to a Dewar flask featuring an integral neck and retainer configuration. Background Art

[0003] Containers called Dewar flasks are used to store and transport cryogenic materials at very low temperatures (e.g., liquid nitrogen boils at 77K or -196C at atmospheric pressure). They must have a minimal thermal connection between the outer container and the chamber containing the cryogenic material (usually liquid nitrogen, also called LN2, and some valuables or substances that must be kept cool by the LN2 as it evaporates from the tiny amount of heat that seeps into the inner container from the outside), including an evacuated space. The space between the containers is evacuated to eliminate convective heat transfer.

[0004] The only unavoidable connection between the inner and outer containers in the Dewar flask is the neck opening to allow the inner container to be filled and emptied from the outside. Preferably, these necks constructed of laminated fiberglass / epoxy resin are the only such connection, so that the inner container and all its contents are suspended exclusively by the necks attached to the top area of ​​the outer container.

[0005] Cryogenic vapor transporters are used for transport and typically include a cylindrical perforated holder made of aluminum or stainless steel that forms a barrier between the liquid nitrogen absorbent and the payload area of ​​the Dewar inner container containing the biological material. The holder allows access to the biological material in the payload area of ​​the Dewar. The perforations are required to fill the absorbent with liquid nitrogen prior to transporting the biological material. The liquid nitrogen absorbent prevents spillage in the event that the Dewar accidentally tips over.

[0006] Therefore, the two parts of the existing two-part neck tube and absorbent holder must be concentrically aligned to allow insertion and removal of the biological material stored in the payload area of ​​the vapor transporter. If misaligned upon shipment or from being banged during handling and transport, the insertion and retrieval of the biological material is difficult and in extreme cases of misalignment the packaging may be damaged, thereby compromising the viability of the biological material. The two-part design also requires additional labor and cost to procure and assemble the two parts into the cryogenic vapor transporter. The vapor transporter reaches thermal equilibrium and operates optimally when the cryogenic vapor transporter is in an upright position. In the reality of the shipping industry, not all vapor shippers transport dewars in an upright position and any misaligned orientation will result in a reduction in the holding time of the dewar, potentially compromising the biological material in the dewar. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional side view of a Dewar flask according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0008] Figure 1B is a top view of a Dewar flask according to an example embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an integral neck tube of the Dewar flask of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the Dewar flask of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the Dewar flask and Figure 2A The relationship between the one-piece neck tube;

[0011] Figure 3A is a detailed view of section A of FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment; and

[0012] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of Section A of FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment. Summary of the invention

[0013] There are several aspects of the present subject matter, which can be implemented individually or together in the devices and systems described and claimed below. These aspects can be used alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects together is not intended to exclude the use of these aspects alone or to claim these aspects alone or in different combinations, as set forth in the claims attached hereto. In one aspect, a Dewar flask for storing cryogenic fluids includes an inner container, an outer container, and an integral neck tube configured to store cryogenic fluids. The outer container includes an outer upper jacket and an outer lower jacket, which are configured to connect and define an inner chamber. The outer upper jacket includes a central area and a collar. The inner container is positioned in the inner chamber so that an insulating space is defined between the inner container and the outer container. The insulating space is at least partially evacuated of air. The integral neck tube extends between the central area of ​​the inner container and the outer upper jacket. The one-piece neck tube includes a first portion configured to couple with the outer upper sheath, the first portion having a first outer diameter, and a second portion configured to couple with the inner container so that the second portion extends into the inner container, the second portion having a second outer diameter. The second portion is integrally formed as a single piece with the first portion.

[0014] In another aspect, an integral neck tube for a Dewar flask for storing cryogenic fluids includes: a first portion configured to couple with an outer container of the Dewar flask, the first portion having a first outer diameter; and a second portion configured to couple with an inner container of the Dewar flask, the second portion having a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter. The first portion and the second portion are portions of the same piece of glass fiber reinforced material.

[0015] In another aspect, an outer container of a Dewar flask for storing cryogenic fluids comprises an outer upper jacket, an outer lower jacket configured to be coupled to the outer upper jacket, an integral neck tube, and a collar. The outer upper jacket and the outer lower jacket together define an internal chamber. The integral neck tube is adapted to be attached to an internal container disposed within the internal chamber of the Dewar flask. The integral neck tube comprises a first portion coupled to the outer upper jacket and a second portion configured to be coupled to the internal container. The collar is configured to secure the integral neck tube to the outer upper jacket.

[0016] In another aspect, a method for assembling a dewar flask for storing cryogenic fluids includes coupling an inner upper jacket to an inner lower jacket to form an inner container configured to store biological material, coupling an integral neck tube to the inner upper jacket, positioning the inner container within an outer lower jacket, coupling the integral neck tube to the outer upper jacket, and coupling the outer upper jacket to the outer lower jacket to form an outer container. The outer container is configured to accommodate the inner container. The inner container and the outer container are coupled only by the integral neck tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0018] refer to Figure 1A and 1B , shows a dewar 100 according to an exemplary embodiment described herein. The dewar 100 includes an inner container 102 positioned within an outer container 104, with an insulating space 106 formed therebetween.

[0019] The inner container 102 includes an inner upper jacket 108 and an inner lower jacket 110. The inner upper jacket 108 and the inner lower jacket 110 can be welded together to form the inner container 102. The inner upper jacket 108 includes an opening 109. The opening 109 can be disposed at a central position of the inner upper jacket 108. The opening 109 can be circular, so that the opening 109 is configured to receive an integral neck tube, as described herein. The opening 109 also includes a flange 111. The flange 111 can extend axially from the opening 109 along the circumference of the opening 109, so that the flange 111 forms a cylindrical inlet. The inner upper jacket 108 can be configured to be generally arcuate in shape, so that the inner upper jacket 108 extends from the opening 109 to the inner lower jacket 110 with a first downward slope. Therefore, the inner upper jacket 108 can have a generally arcuate cross-section, so that the inner upper jacket is a dome. The inner lower jacket 100 can be generally cylindrical.

[0020] Similarly, the outer container 104 includes an outer upper jacket 112 and an outer lower jacket 114. The outer upper jacket 112 and the outer lower jacket 114 can be welded together to form the outer container 104. The inner upper jacket 108, the inner lower jacket 110, the outer upper jacket 112, and the outer lower jacket 114 can be made of a flat aluminum alloy. The outer upper jacket 112 can include an opening 113. The opening 113 can be centrally located along a central region 117 of the outer upper jacket 112. The opening 113 can be circular so that the opening 113 is configured to receive an integral neck tube, as described herein. For example, the opening 113 receives the same integral neck tube received by the opening 109 of the inner upper jacket 108. The opening 113 also includes a flange 115. The flange 115 can extend axially from the opening 113 along the circumference of the opening 113 so that the flange 115 forms a cylindrical inlet. The outer upper sheath 112 may be configured in a generally arcuate shape such that the outer upper sheath 112 extends from the opening 113 to the outer lower sheath 114 at a second downward slope. The second downward slope may be greater than the first downward slope. The outer lower sheath 114 may be generally cylindrical.

[0021] Assemble and weld the inner container 102 configured to store biological material. The inner container 102 can be wrapped with multiple layers of radiation reflective material and inserted into a partially completed outer container 104 (e.g., positioned within the outer lower jacket 114). The outer lower jacket 114 can then receive the outer upper jacket 112 welded thereon, so that an inner chamber containing the inner container 102 is formed, the inner chamber including the insulating space 106 between the inner container 102 and the outer container 104.

[0022] The dewar 100 may also include a valve 116. The valve 116 may be disposed on an outer surface of the outer upper jacket 112 (e.g., opposite the inner chamber). The valve 116 may be configured to couple with a vacuum (not shown). Thus, the valve is configured to evacuate the air in the insulating space 106, thereby providing vacuum insulation within the dewar 100.

[0023] The Dewar 100 includes an integral neck tube 118. The integral neck tube 118 includes a single tube component. The integral neck tube is an integral Dewar neck tube with an integrated retainer, thereby preventing cold nitrogen from completely escaping the Dewar, for example, if the Dewar is inverted. The integral neck tube 118 is configured to extend between the inner container 102 and the outer container 104. In particular, the integral neck tube 118 extends from the inner lower jacket 110 to the outer upper jacket 112. The integral neck tube 118 is configured to be received by the opening 109 of the inner container 102 and the opening 113 of the outer container 104. For example, the integral neck tube 118 can be attached to the inner upper jacket 108 and protrude from the inner upper jacket 108 and extend to the outer upper jacket 112. The integral neck tube 118 attaches the inner upper jacket 108 to the outer upper jacket 112. In various embodiments, the one-piece neck tube 118 is the only attachment between the inner upper jacket 108 and the outer upper jacket 112. In various embodiments, the one-piece neck tube 118 is attached to the inner upper jacket 108 and the outer upper jacket 112, and no other structure is attached to the inner upper jacket 108 and the outer upper jacket 112. The one-piece neck tube 118 is configured to allow access to the biological material stored in the cryogenic Dewar flask. The length of the one-piece neck tube 118 can be about 20 inches (e.g., 20.0, 20.5, 20.8, 20.11 inches, including end values), or the length is about 510 millimeters (e.g., 509, 509.5, 510.8 millimeters, including end values). As needed, the one-piece neck tube 118 can be other lengths. In addition, the one-piece neck tube 118 can be made of composite materials. For example, the one-piece neck tube 118 can be made of glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin. The one-piece neck tube 118 can be made of other materials.

[0024] Reference now Figure 2A , 2B, 3A and 3B, the integral neck tube 118 includes a first portion 120 and a second portion 122. The first portion 120 is configured to be coupled to the outer container 104. In particular, the first portion 120 is configured to be coupled to the outer upper jacket 112. The first portion 120 has a first end 124, a second end 126 and a first diameter D1. The first diameter D1 is the outer diameter of the first portion 120. The first diameter D1 can be about 2.5 inches (e.g., 2.48, 2.5, 2.52 inches, including end values) or about 63.5 millimeters (e.g., 62.9, 64.0 millimeters, including end values). The integral neck tube 118 can be other diameters as desired. The second portion 122 is configured to be coupled to the inner container 102. In particular, the second portion 122 is configured to be coupled to the inner upper jacket 108. In addition, the second portion 122 extends into the inner container 102. The second portion 122 of the integral neck tube 118 can extend through the entire length of the inner container 102. The second portion 122 has a first end 128, a second end 130, and a second diameter D2. The second diameter D2 is the outer diameter of the second portion 130. The second end 124 of the first portion is adjacent to the first end 128 of the second portion 122 and is integrally formed as a unitary material with the first end 128 of the second portion 122. The first portion 120 and the second portion 122 are a continuous, integrally formed, unitary structure. In addition, the second diameter D2 is equal to the first diameter D1. Therefore, the first portion 120 and the second portion 122 define a single neck tube (e.g., the unitary neck tube 118).

[0025] The integral neck tube 118 also includes a first sealing section 132 disposed adjacent to the first end 124 of the first portion 120. The first sealing section 132 has a third diameter D3 that is larger than the first diameter D1. The third diameter D3 is the outer diameter of the first sealing section 132. The third diameter D3 may be approximately 2.75 inches (e.g., 2.74, 2.76 inches, including end values) or approximately 69.9 millimeters (e.g., 69.7, 69.8, 70.2 millimeters, including end values). For example, the first sealing section 132 is a thickened portion of the integral neck tube 118. The first sealing section 132 may include an annular thickened portion of the integral neck tube 118. The annular thickened portion may refer to a local increase in the size of the outer diameter of the integral neck tube 118. Therefore, the first sealing section 132 is configured to seal the integral neck tube 118 with the outer upper jacket 112. In particular, the first sealing section 132 is configured to be in a facing relationship with the flange 115 of the outer container 104.

[0026] The integral neck tube 118 also includes a second sealing section 134 disposed along the second end 124 of the first section 120. The second end 124 corresponds to the first end 126 of the second portion 122, so that the second sealing section 134 is where the first portion 120 and the second portion 122 meet. The second sealing section 134 has a fourth diameter D4 that is larger than the first diameter D1. The fourth diameter D4 is the outer diameter of the second sealing section 134. The fourth diameter D4 may be equal to the third diameter D3. The fourth diameter D4 may be smaller than or larger than the third diameter D3. The second sealing section 134 is a thickened portion of the integral neck tube 118. The second sealing section 134 may include an annular thickened portion of the integral neck tube 118. The annular thickened portion may refer to a local increase in the size of the outer diameter of the integral neck tube 118. Therefore, the second sealing section 134 is configured to seal the integral neck tube 118 with the inner upper jacket 108. In particular, the second sealing section 134 is configured to be in a facing relationship with the flange 111 of the inner container 102 .

[0027] The one-piece neck tube 118 also includes a perforated area 136. The perforated area 136 is arranged along at least a portion of the second portion 122. The perforated area 136 may include a plurality of perforations 138 (e.g., holes, openings, orifices, etc.) along the surface of the second portion 122. For example, the perforated area 136 may include 48 perforations, wherein the 48 perforations are in an 8×6 configuration. In various embodiments, other suitable amounts and configurations may be included. The second portion 122 of the one-piece neck tube 118 forms a barrier between the liquid nitrogen absorbent and the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask containing the biological material. The perforated area 136 allows access to the biological material in the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask. The perforated area 136 allows the absorbent material to be filled with liquid nitrogen before transporting the biological material. For example, the position of the plurality of perforations 138 together with the one-piece design will slow down the escape of the cryogen in the non-upright position Dewar flask during transportation, extending the retention time and viability of the biological sample inside the tank. In particular, when the Dewar is inverted, the inner upper jacket 108 traps cold nitrogen vapor, extending the length of time the payload will be kept at cryogenic temperatures. The location of the plurality of perforations 138 along the second portion 122 of the integral neck tube 118 affects the volume of trapped cold nitrogen, wherein the further the perforated area 136 is from the collar of the inner upper jacket 108 (e.g., disposed around the flange 111), the colder the vapor will be trapped, thereby extending the cold temperature retention time. However, if the perforated area 136 is located too far from the collar of the inner upper jacket 108, the tank will not fill with liquid nitrogen as quickly as if the perforated area 136 is closer to the collar of the inner upper jacket 108.

[0028] Return to reference Figure 1A and 1B, the Dewar 100 includes a collar 140. The final joint between the integral neck tube 118 and the outer container 104 is the collar 140. The collar 140 is configured to secure the integral neck tube 118 to the outer container 104. For example, when positioned, the first sealing section 132 of the integral neck tube 118 is disposed within the flange 115 of the outer container 104. Therefore, the collar 140 is then disposed around the flange 115, using an adhesive or other fastening method. For example, the integral neck tube 118 can be coupled to the outer upper jacket 112 via epoxy, magnetic forming / crimping, or a combination thereof. The thermal insulation space between the inner container 102 and the outer container 104 is then evacuated via valve 106 to complete the thermal isolation of the inner container.

[0029] Finished dewars are typically boxed and shipped individually or on pallets to minimize tumbling during shipping. Some cryogenic dewars will spend their useful life in static conditions, while other models are designed to travel repeatedly through a shipper handler for transporting cold cryogenic materials, with liquid nitrogen inside the dewar, as an example only, to keep the transported material cold. Thus, the one-piece neck allows for continuous concentric alignment through such travel / handling to allow for insertion and removal of biological material stored in the payload area of ​​a vapor shipper and to reduce the viability of the biological material when extreme misalignment occurs.

[0030] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

[0031] The benefits, other advantages and solutions to the problems have been described herein with reference to specific embodiments. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical connections between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in actual systems. However, these benefits, advantages, solutions to the problems and any element that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more significant cannot be interpreted as a key, necessary or basic feature or element disclosed herein.

[0032] Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims in which, unless explicitly stated otherwise, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." It should be understood that references to "a," "an," and / or "the" may include one or more than one, and references to singular items may also include plural items, unless specifically stated otherwise. All range and ratio limitations disclosed herein may be combined.

[0033] In addition, when a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B, and C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A can exist alone in an embodiment, B can exist alone in an embodiment, C can exist alone in an embodiment, or any combination of elements A, B, and C can exist in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the drawings to indicate different components, but not necessarily to indicate the same or different materials.

[0034] The steps described in any method or process description may be performed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. In addition, any reference to a single includes multiple embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a single embodiment or step. For simplicity and clarity, the elements and steps in the figures are illustrated and are not necessarily reproduced in any particular order. For example, steps that can be performed simultaneously or in different orders are shown in the accompanying drawings to help enhance understanding of embodiments of the invention.

[0035] Any reference to attaching, fixing, connecting or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, complete and / or any other possible attachment options. In addition, any reference to no contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. Surface hatching may be used throughout the drawings to indicate different parts or areas, but not necessarily to indicate the same or different materials. In some cases, reference coordinates may be specific to each drawing.

[0036] Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, reference to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., indicates that the embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment does not necessarily include the specific feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when specific features, structures, or characteristics are described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is assumed that those skilled in the art know how to implement these features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, those skilled in the relevant art will understand how to implement the present disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Claims

1. A Dewar flask for storing cryogenic fluids, comprising: an inner container configured to store a cryogenic fluid; an outer container including an outer upper jacket and an outer lower jacket, the outer upper jacket including a central region and a collar, the outer upper jacket and the outer lower jacket being configured to be coupled and define an interior chamber, the inner container being positioned within the interior chamber of the outer container such that an insulated space is defined between the inner container and the outer container, wherein the insulated space is at least partially evacuated of air; as well as an integral neck tube extending between the inner container and a central region of the outer upper jacket, the integral neck tube comprising: a first portion configured to couple with the outer upper sheath, the first portion having a first outer diameter; as well as A second portion is configured to be coupled to the inner container such that the second portion extends into the inner container, the second portion has a second outer diameter, and the second portion is integrally formed as a single piece with the first portion.

2. The Dewar flask according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second portion includes a perforated area.

3. The Dewar flask according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integral neck includes a first sealing section disposed on a first end of the first portion, the first sealing section having a third outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter such that the first sealing section is configured to seal the integral neck tube with the outer upper jacket.

4. The Dewar flask according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner container includes an inner upper jacket and an inner lower jacket joined together.

5. The Dewar flask according to claim 4, characterized in that: The integral neck tube is configured to extend from the inner lower jacket to the outer upper jacket.

6. The Dewar flask according to claim 4, characterized in that: The one-piece neck tube also includes a second sealing section, which is arranged at a second end of the first part opposite to the first end, the second end corresponding to the first end of the second part, and the second sealing section has a fourth outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter, so that the second sealing section is configured to seal the one-piece neck tube with the inner upper jacket.

7. The Dewar flask according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first outer diameter and the second outer diameter are equal.

8. The Dewar flask according to claim 1, characterized in that: The neck tube is made of glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin.

9. The Dewar flask according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer container is composed of an aluminum alloy.

10. An integrated neck tube of a Dewar flask for storing cryogenic fluid, the integrated neck tube comprising: a first portion configured to couple with an outer container of the Dewar flask, the first portion having a first outer diameter; as well as a second portion configured to couple with an inner container of the Dewar flask, the second portion having a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter; The first portion and the second portion are portions of a same piece of glass fiber reinforced material.

11. The Dewar flask according to claim 10, characterized in that: The second portion includes a perforated area.

12. The Dewar flask according to claim 10, characterized in that: The one-piece neck includes a first sealing section disposed on a first end of the first portion, the first sealing section having a third outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter such that the first sealing section is configured to seal the one-piece neck tube with the outer container.

13. The one-piece neck tube according to claim 10, characterized in that: The integral neck tube is configured to extend from the bottom of the inner container to the top of the outer container.

14. The one-piece neck tube according to claim 10, characterized in that: The one-piece neck tube also includes a second sealing section, which is arranged at a second end of the first part opposite to the first end, the second end corresponding to the first end of the second part, and the second sealing section has a fourth outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter, so that the second sealing section is configured to seal the one-piece neck tube with the inner container.

15. The one-piece neck tube according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first portion and the second portion are configured to provide a mechanical connection only between the outer container of the Dewar flask and the inner container of the Dewar flask inside the outer container of the Dewar flask to support the inner container suspended inside the insulated space of the Dewar flask.

16. An outer container of a Dewar flask for storing cryogenic fluids, comprising: External upper sheath; an outer lower jacket configured to be coupled to the outer upper jacket, the outer upper jacket and the outer lower jacket together defining an inner chamber; an integral neck tube adapted to be attached to an inner container disposed within the interior chamber of the Dewar flask, the integral neck tube comprising: a first portion configured to couple with the outer upper sheath; and a second portion configured to couple with the inner container; and A collar is configured to secure the integral neck tube to the outer upper sheath.

17. The outer container according to claim 16, characterized in that The first portion includes a first outer diameter and the second portion includes a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter, the first outer diameter corresponds to an opening of the outer container and the second outer diameter corresponds to an opening of the inner container.

18. The outer container according to claim 17, characterized in that The collar is configured to surround the opening of the outer container.

19. The outer container according to claim 16, characterized in that The second portion includes a perforated area.

20. The outer container according to claim 19, characterized in that The perforated region is configured to be disposed within the inner container.

21. A method for assembling a Dewar flask for storing cryogenic fluids, the method comprising: coupling the inner upper jacket to the inner lower jacket such that an inner container is formed, the inner container being configured to store the biological material; coupling an integral neck tube to the inner upper sheath; positioning the inner container within the outer lower jacket; Connecting the one-piece neck tube to the outer upper sheath; as well as The outer upper jacket is coupled to the outer lower jacket such that an outer container is formed, the outer container being configured to receive the inner container, wherein the inner container and the outer container are coupled only by the integral neck tube.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that Also included is coupling a first portion of the one-piece neck tube to the outer upper sheath, the first portion having a first outer diameter.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The method also includes coupling a second portion of the integral neck tube to the inner container so that the second portion extends into the inner container, the second portion having a second outer diameter, and the second portion being integrally formed with the first portion.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that Also included is sealing the integral neck tube with the outer upper jacket at a first sealing section disposed on a first end of the first portion.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The method also includes sealing the integral neck tube with an inner upper jacket at a second sealing section disposed on a second end of the first portion opposite to the first end, the second end corresponding to the first end of the second portion, the second sealing section having a fourth outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter.

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