Package for multiple containers

Abstract

The method is used for packaging a plurality of containers. The container unit may be used to facilitate administration of a variety of pharmaceutical fluids to a patient. The container unit may include a first container, a second container, and a carrier holding the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. The carrier may include a lip configured to engage the pooling device to secure the container unit to the pooling device. The carrier may also include a slot configured to engage an insert on the pooling device when the container unit is secured to the pooling device, thereby guiding the container unit. The carrier may also include a first portion and a second portion of different shapes that are complementary to the shape of the port on the pooling device. The carrier may also include an extension extending in a direction away from one of the first containers to a level at least flush with a stopper disposed in the first container. The container unit may include a lid including at least one rotation suppressor configured to suppress rotation of the lid about at least one axis. The plurality of container units may include container units having different volume containers but maintaining a conformal interface.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of invention patent application No. 201980074310.9, which entered the Chinese national phase and whose application date is September 24, 2019 and whose invention name is “Packaging for Multiple Containers”. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 740,490, filed on October 3, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed embodiments relate to packaging for a plurality of containers. Background Art

[0004] Medicinal fluids are usually manufactured and packaged separately before use to maintain their chemical and physical stability. Medicinal fluids can be combined during administration by mixing the medicinal fluids just before administration or by administering the medicinal fluids simultaneously or sequentially.

[0005] Typically, these additional steps during administration are performed by nurses or other medical professionals who may need to follow specialized procedures to administer the medicinal fluid to the patient. Where additional medicinal fluids are required, the administration method may be performed multiple times by a nurse or other medical professional in predetermined doses.

[0006] Conventional packaging for medicinal fluids may be bulky and heavy. In the case of using multiple medicinal fluids during administration, individual containers may be obtained and handled individually. Thus, administration methods and systems using medicinal fluids with conventional packaging may lack streamlined procedures and may require many steps to connect and disconnect components and move fluids through various components in an ad hoc manner. The inventors have recognized the need for a container unit that simplifies the administration of medicinal fluids from multiple containers to a patient. Summary of the invention

[0007] In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for administering multiple medicinal fluids to a patient via a container unit comprising a plurality of containers. In some embodiments, the container unit comprises a first container, a second container, and a carrier that holds the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a protruding lip configured to engage with a collection device to fix the container unit to the collection device. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a slot configured to engage with an insert on the collection device to guide the container unit when the container unit is fixed to the collection device. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a first portion and a second portion having different shapes, the different shapes of the first portion and the second portion being complementary to the shape of a port on the collection device. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises an extension that extends in a direction away from one of the first containers to a level at least flush with a stopper disposed in the first container.

[0008] In one embodiment, a container unit for storing a medicinal fluid and interfacing with a collection device includes: a first container having a first internal volume and a first opening; a second container having a second internal volume and a second opening; and a carrier configured to hold the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. The carrier includes a lip protruding from at least a portion of the periphery of the carrier, and the lip is configured to engage a latch of the collection device to attach the container unit to the collection device. The lip is configured to resist separation of the container unit from the collection device when the lip is engaged by the latch.

[0009] In another embodiment, a container unit for storing a medicinal fluid and docking a collection device includes: a first container having a first internal volume and a first opening; a second container having a second internal volume and a second opening; and a carrier configured to hold the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. The carrier includes a slot disposed between the first container and the second container and configured to receive an insert of the collection device. The slot has a shape complementary to the insert and is configured to resist a force applied to the carrier in at least one lateral direction when the slot has received the insert.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, a container unit for storing a medicinal fluid and docking a collection device includes: a first container having a first internal volume and a first opening; a second container having a second internal volume and a second opening; and a carrier configured to hold the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. The carrier includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion engages the first container and the second portion engages the second portion of the second container. The first portion includes an outer peripheral surface having a first shape, and the second portion includes an outer peripheral surface having a second shape, the first shape being different from the second shape.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a container unit for storing a medicinal fluid and docking a collection device includes: a first container having a first internal volume and a first opening with a first plug, wherein the first plug has a first end facing the first internal volume and a second end facing away from the first internal volume; a second container having a second internal volume and a second opening with a second plug, wherein the second plug has a first end facing the second internal volume and a second end facing away from the second internal volume; and a carrier including an extension. The carrier is configured to hold the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other, and the extension extends in a direction away from the first internal volume to a level at least flush with the second end of the first plug.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, a container unit for storing a medicinal fluid includes: a first container having a first internal volume and a first opening defined by a first plane; a second container having a second internal volume and a second opening defined by a second plane; a carrier configured to hold the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other; and a lid having a first portion removably positioned over the first opening and a second portion removably positioned over the second opening. The lid includes at least one rotation inhibitor configured to prevent the lid from rotating about a first axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the first opening when the first portion of the lid is positioned over the first opening and the second portion of the lid is spaced apart from the carrier.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, a plurality of container units for storing medicinal fluids and docking a collection device include a first container unit, the first container unit including: a first container having a first internal volume and a first opening; a second container having a second internal volume and a second opening; and a first carrier, the first carrier being configured to hold the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. The first carrier includes a first interface portion disposed proximate to the first opening and the second opening. The plurality of container units also include a second container unit, the second container unit including: a third container having a third internal volume and a third opening; a fourth container having a fourth internal volume and a fourth opening; and a second carrier, the second carrier being configured to hold the third container and the fourth container fixed relative to each other. The second carrier includes a second interface portion disposed proximate to the third opening and the fourth opening. The combined volume of the first internal volume and the second internal volume is different from the combined volume of the third internal volume and the fourth internal volume, and the first interface portion and the second interface portion are congruent.

[0014] It should be understood that the aforementioned concepts and the additional concepts discussed below can be arranged in any appropriate combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. In addition, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent through the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in various figures may be represented by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 An embodiment of a container unit is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of a container unit;

[0018] Figure 3 An exploded view of a first embodiment of a first container and a second container is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 An exploded view of an embodiment of a container unit is shown;

[0020] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 An exploded alternative diagram of a container unit;

[0021] Figure 6 One embodiment of a latch for a container unit is shown;

[0022] Figure 7 Shown is a cover Figure 1 A partial exploded view of a container unit;

[0023] Figure 8 Shown along Figure 2 The line 8-8 is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a container unit;

[0024] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 A bottom view of the lid;

[0025] Fig.10 Shows Figure 1 A bottom view of a container unit;

[0026] Fig.11 Shown with cover removed Figure 1 A top view of a container unit;

[0027] Fig.12 An embodiment of a collection device is shown;

[0028] Fig.13 Shown with Fig.12 Used together with the collection device Figure 1 An exploded view of the container unit;

[0029] Fig.14 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of using a container unit with a collection device;

[0030] Fig.15 It is along Figure 1 The line 15-15 is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a container unit;

[0031] Fig.16 Another embodiment of a container unit is shown;

[0032] Fig.17 Shown along Fig.16 The line 17-17 is intercepted Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a container unit;

[0033] Fig.18 Still another embodiment of a container unit is shown;

[0034] Fig.19 Still another embodiment of a container unit is shown;

[0035] Fig. 20 Yet another embodiment of a container unit is shown; and

[0036] Fig.21 An embodiment of a plurality of container units for use with a collection device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In typical administration, before being injected into the patient, multiple syringes can be used to mix medicinal fluids in a series of steps. In each step, nurses, doctors or other medical professionals are all careful to ensure aseptic when individual fluids are extracted from their packaging and discharged into the mixing container. Even if it is not necessary to pre-mix medicinal fluids before being injected into the patient, it is also possible to extract each fluid individually by pumps, syringes or other suitable instruments usually. If the dosage required by a particular patient is greater than the dosage contained in a typical container, the process will be repeated several times usually, until required dosage is reached. Thereby, the conventional administration method performed by the medical professional usually uses the container of multiple individual medicinal fluids, which may be time-consuming and complicated.

[0038] In some treatments, multiple medicinal fluids are administered to patients in a mixture or in a predetermined volume ratio in sequence. The containers of medicinal fluids are usually supplied separately, and a specific dose can be measured out by a medical professional. Thus, it takes a lot of time and effort to obtain and prepare a specific dose for the patient. For some patients who may need a larger dose than the dose supplied in a standard container, this time and effort may be more complicated, in which case a medical professional may be required to gather medicinal fluids in containers of various sizes. When the fluid administration process is completed, due to a single treatment, the medical professional may manage a large amount of containers and medicinal fluid waste.

[0039] In some cases, due to the frequency of treatment using some medicinal fluids, self-administration is a convenient and cost-saving preferred option. The time-consuming and difficult procedures performed by medical professionals may be challenging for patients who practice self-administration. For example, for a single administration process, the patient may need to obtain and handle a large amount of medicinal fluid containers, which may be difficult and time-consuming. Thus, for convenience and to reduce the impact on daily life, for patients who self-administer, it is desirable to reduce the time consumption and complexity of the medicinal fluid administration.

[0040] In view of the foregoing, the inventor has recognized the benefits of the following container unit, which allows the patient to administer a variety of medicinal fluids that are individually contained in different containers. Compared with the conventional administration process, the container unit can enable the use of a simpler medicinal fluid administration process with fewer steps. The container unit can also allow a certain dose of medicinal fluid administration with a predetermined ratio, thereby simplifying the preparation of medicinal fluids for a predetermined dose. The container unit can include a first container, a second container, and a carrier that is configured to accommodate the first container and the second container and keep them fixed relative to each other. The carrier can include features that allow the container unit to cooperate with a collection device to further simplify the administration of medicinal fluids from one or more container units.

[0041] The inventors have also recognized the benefits of a container unit that includes a lip to attach the container unit to an associated collection device. The lip can engage a latch of the associated collection device to attach the container unit to the collection device. Thus, a patient can quickly and reliably attach a container of medicinal fluid to the collection device to administer multiple medicinal fluids for treatment.

[0042] In some embodiments, a container unit comprises a first container, a second container, and a carrier configured to keep the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. The carrier may include a lip that protrudes from at least a portion of the periphery of the carrier. The lip may be configured to engage the latch of the associated collection device when the container unit is connected to the collection device. After the lip has engaged the latch, the lip may resist the separation of the container unit from the collection device so that the container unit is fixed to the collection device. In some embodiments, the lip may protrude from a portion of the periphery that is arranged around the first opening of the first container and / or around the second opening of the second container. Such an arrangement may provide separation resistance near the interface between the first container and the second container and the collection device.

[0043] The inventors have also recognized the benefits of a container unit comprising a carrier having a slot disposed between a first container and a second container. The slot may be configured to receive an insert from an associated collection device. Such an arrangement may prevent the container from being accidentally removed during use, and may also facilitate reliable and rapid connection of the container unit to the collection device to administer a medicinal fluid for treatment.

[0044] In some embodiments, a container unit includes a first container, a second container, and a carrier configured to keep the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. The carrier may also include a slot disposed between the first container and the second container. The slot may be configured to receive an insert of an associated collection device, and may have a shape complementary to the shape of the insert. According to this embodiment, when the insert is received by the slot, the slot may resist the force applied to the container unit in one or more lateral directions. The slot may be used to guide the container unit when the container unit is moved toward the collection device to connect the container unit to the collection device. By guiding the container unit, the slot may promote a reliable fluid connection between the first container and the second container and the collection device. In some embodiments, the slot may include an inner wall configured to engage with a channel in the insert, thereby providing an additional guide surface between the container unit and the associated collection device.

[0045] The inventors have also recognized the benefits of a container unit comprising a carrier having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises an outer peripheral surface having a first shape and the second portion comprises an outer peripheral surface having a second shape. Such an arrangement can facilitate attaching the container unit to an associated collection device in a proper orientation and can also facilitate reliable and rapid connection of the container unit to the collection device.

[0046] In some embodiments, a container unit includes a first container, a second container, and a carrier configured to hold the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. The carrier may include a first portion having a first shape and a second portion having a second different shape. The first portion and the second portion may be configured so that their combined shape is complementary to the shape of a port on an associated collection device. Since the first shape is different from the second shape, the container unit may have a predetermined orientation, and the container unit may be connected to the collection device with the predetermined orientation. In some embodiments, since the first portion and the second portion may be shaped to be complementary to the shape of the port of the collection device, the port may engage the first portion and the second portion, thereby guiding the container unit when the container unit is connected to the collection device. In some embodiments, the first shape and the second shape may be elliptical, wherein the first shape has a first radius and the second shape has a different second radius.

[0047] The inventors have also recognized the benefits of a container unit comprising a first container, a second container, and a carrier having an extension. The extension can extend in a direction away from the first internal volume of the first container to a level at least flush with the first stopper of the first container. The extension can contact an associated collection device, thereby resisting insertion of the container unit into the collection device. Such an arrangement can promote a reliable insertion depth of the spur portion of the collection device.

[0048] In some embodiments, a container unit includes: a first container having a first stopper; a second container having a second stopper; and a carrier configured to hold the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. The carrier may have an extension extending away from the first container to a level at least flush with the first stopper. More specifically, according to these embodiments, the extension may extend in a direction away from the first internal volume of the first container to a level at least flush with the end of the first stopper facing away from the first internal volume. Thus, the offset between the extension and the end of the first stopper may be greater than or equal to zero. The extension may be configured to contact a surface on an associated collection device, thereby resisting further insertion of a protruding portion of the collection device into the first container when the extension contacts the collection device. Thus, the extension may set a predetermined insertion (e.g., puncture) depth of the protruding portion of the collection device, thereby promoting effective sealing and fluid connection between the first container and the collection device.

[0049] In some embodiments, the appropriate offset between the extension of the container unit held by the carrier and the first stopper of the first container (i.e., the distance that the extension extends beyond the end of the first stopper in a direction away from the first container) can be greater than or equal to approximately 0 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, or any other suitable offset. Correspondingly, the offset between the extension of the carrier and the first stopper can be less than or equal to approximately 2.75 mm, 2.25 mm, 1.75 mm, 1.25 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm, or any other suitable offset. Combinations of the above ranges are contemplated, including, for example, offsets between or equal to the following ranges: 1 mm to 2 mm, 0 mm to 2 mm, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any suitable offset can be used, including distances greater than and less than those distances described above.

[0050] In some embodiments, a container unit includes a first container, a second container, a carrier and a lid. The first container and the second container may include an internal volume, a plug and a seal, respectively. The plug may be disposed in the opening of the container, and the seal may cover the plug to provide protection for the plug before using the container unit. The first container and the second container may have different internal volumes and may hold different medicinal fluids to administer to a patient. In some embodiments, the volumes of the first container and the second container may be associated with a predetermined ratio. The carrier may be configured to keep the first container and the second container fixed relative to each other. The carrier may include a first section and a second section, which may be connected around the first container and the second container to fix the first container and the second container in the carrier. The first section and the second section may include a segment latch and a segment latch socket, which are configured to fix the first section to the second section when they are arranged together. The first section and the second section may also include one or more alignment members to guide and promote the proper alignment of the segment latch and the segment latch socket. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a bottom, which is disposed on the bottommost portion of the first container and the second container and extends between the two. The lid can be disposed on top of a carrier where the plugs and seals of the first and second containers are disposed, so that the lid can protect the seals and plugs of the first and second containers. In some embodiments, the lid can be disposed to at least partially surround the seals of the first and second containers, so that removing the lid also removes the seals and reveals the plugs. The lid can also include a tab configured to facilitate lifting and removal of the lid (and in some embodiments, the seal).

[0051] In some embodiments, a medicinal fluid collection device includes a housing and at least one fluid distribution system, the housing having a plurality of ports. The plurality of ports may include a spur or other fluid connector, which is suitable for connecting one or more containers of medicinal fluid to the at least one fluid distribution system. The port may include a plurality of spurs, which may be used for fluid connection of a plurality of containers packaged together in a container unit. The fluid distribution system may include a fluid connector of an air filter, a pipeline and a fluid interface, for extracting fluid from the container once one or more containers have been fluidically connected to the fluid distribution system. The port may be configured to receive one or more containers in an inverted position, so that gravity may be used to supply the medicinal fluid from the container to the fluid connector. The fluid distribution system may supply a single medicinal fluid from a plurality of containers connected to different ports, or may supply a mixture of different medicinal fluids connected to different ports. The air filter may allow the air entering the fluid distribution system to replace any volume of fluid extracted from the fluid connector. The fluid connector may be configured to be connected to any patient device that may be used to administer fluid to a patient, such as an infusion pump or a syringe.

[0052] In some embodiments, a method of administering a medicinal fluid using a medicinal collection device comprises: connecting one or more container units to the one or more ports; and connecting a patient device to a fluid connector of a fluid distribution system to extract a medicinal fluid from two or more containers disposed in the container unit. The port of the medicinal collection device may include one or more spur assemblies, each spur assembly including a hollow spur and a spur sheath covering the spur. When the cover is removed and the spur assembly is exposed, connecting the container to the spur may include pushing the container of the container unit onto the spur so that the spur sheath and the container are pierced by the spur to allow fluid communication between the spur and the internal volume of the container. Once the container unit is connected, the medicinal fluid from the container can flow through the spur and the connected conduit to reach the fluid connector, which can be used to connect the fluid distribution system to an infusion pump, a syringe or other device for administering fluid to a patient. If more than one container unit is connected to the fluid distribution system, the total volume of fluid in each connected container in the container unit can be combined and delivered as a single volume at the fluid connector. In the case where multiple containers are used, the spiking portion sheath can form a seal against the spiking portion to contain any medicinal fluid within the spiking portion sheath and the spiking portion before the spiking portion pierces the container, which can allow the containers to be pierced sequentially or non-sequentially without losing any medicinal fluid. In some embodiments, multiple fluid distribution systems can be used in the medicinal collection device to deliver different medicinal fluids or provide a mixture of different medicinal fluids.

[0053] In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a container unit includes obtaining a first container, a second container, and a carrier, the carrier including a first section and a second section. The method further includes placing the first container and the second container into a first recess and a second recess of the first section configured to receive the first container and the second container, respectively. When the first container and the second container are placed in the first section, the second section can be placed on the first container and the second container so that the first container and the second container remain fixed relative to each other in the carrier. In some embodiments, the method may include aligning the first section and the second section so that the section latch on one section is aligned with the section latch socket on the other section. These section latches and sockets can be used to fix the first section and the second section together around the first container and the second container. In some embodiments, the first section and the second section can be fixed together by a mechanical press, which applies force to the first section and the second section, so that the corresponding section latch and socket engage. The present disclosure is not limited to this, and the manufacturing method can be performed manually, semi-autonomously, or fully autonomously.

[0054] In some embodiments, the appropriate volume of the container of the container unit can be greater than or equal to about 1.25 mL, 2.5 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL, 200 mL, 300 mL, or any other suitable volume. Correspondingly, the volume of the container can be less than or equal to about 350 mL, 250 mL, 150 mL, 75 mL, 35 mL, 15 mL, 7.5 mL, 3 mL, 1.5 mL, or any other suitable volume. Combinations of the above ranges can be envisioned, including, for example, volumes between or equal to the following ranges: 1.25 mL to 15 mL, 25 mL to 300 mL, 100 mL to 350 mL, and 1.25 mL to 50 mL. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any suitable volume can be used, including volumes greater than or less than those volumes described above.

[0055] In some embodiments, the container unit can be used with a pooling device to administer a medicinal fluid from multiple containers within the container unit. Examples of pooling devices that can be used with the container units described herein are described in No. 15 / 186,061, entitled "POOLING DEVICE FOR SINGLE OR MULTIPLE MEDICAL CONTAINERS," filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on June 17, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event that this specification and a document incorporated by reference contain conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosures, this specification shall prevail. If two or more documents incorporated by reference contain conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosures, the document with the later effective date shall prevail.

[0056] Although embodiments described herein may relate to the container unit used together with the collection device, any suitable tool or mechanism can be adopted to come from the container unit administration medicinal fluid.For example, pump, syringe or other suitable tool can also be used to extract and administer medicinal fluid from the container unit.According to these examples, pump, syringe or other tool can be directly connected to one or more containers of the container unit.In such arrangement, the container unit can provide simplified packaging and access to multiple medicinal fluids.Certainly, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the container unit can be used together with any suitable drug delivery device, tool or system.

[0057] Figure 1 One embodiment of a container unit 100 is shown, and the container unit 100 includes a first container 110A, a second container 110B, and a carrier formed by a first section 120A and a second section 120B. The carrier includes a slot 122, a bottom 124, a lip 126, recesses 128A and 128B, and a handle 130. The slot 122 is formed in the carrier and is configured to receive an insert of a complementary shape of a pharmaceutical collection device to guide the container unit into a port of the collection device. A cover 124 covers the bottommost portion of each container (e.g., see Figure 3 ), and extends between the bottoms. Thus, the bottom creates a substantially continuous surface between the bottoms of the first and second containers, which can be used by a patient or medical professional to apply force to the container unit. The lip 126 protrudes from the periphery of the container unit. More specifically, according to Figure 1In some embodiments, the lip protrudes from the uppermost portion of the carrier near the openings of the first and second containers. Recesses 128A, 128B are configured to receive the first and second containers and hold them in the carrier. The recesses may include a high friction material, a compressible material, or other suitable arrangement to keep the first container fixed relative to the second container. In some embodiments, the first and second containers may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis, but may be held by the carrier to be immobile in a translational direction. The handle 130 and / or the bottom 124 (including the hollow portion between the first and second containers) may be easily used by a patient or other medical professional to grip the carrier to manipulate the container unit.

[0058] like Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the container unit 100 also includes a lid 150 having a tab 152. The lid is removably attached to the carrier formed by the segments 120A, 120B of the container unit and sits on the lip 126. The tab can be used to lift and remove the lid from the carrier to reveal the openings of the first container and the second container. In some embodiments, the first container and the second container can each include a plug and a seal covering and protecting the plug (e.g., see Figure 3 ). In this embodiment, one or more container engagement fingers (not shown) can engage the seals of the containers and can be configured to remove the seals when the lid is removed from the carrier. That is, by lifting the tab 152, the seals on each of the containers 110A, 110B can be broken and / or removed to reveal the container and its associated plug. The lid 150 can provide protection to the first and second containers until the container unit is ready for use.

[0059] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of the container unit 100. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the slot includes a side wall 122A, a curved wall 122B, and an inner wall 122C. Thus, the slot defines at least three sides of a rectangular prism through the inner wall and the side wall. The curved wall defines a horizontal cylindrical segment positioned on the proximal end of the slot. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in , the associated collecting device can have an insert having a shape complementary to the shape of the slot. That is, the insert can include at least three walls of a rectangular prism, and a horizontal cylindrical segment disposed on the distal end of the insert. Thus, the slot can guide the container unit when connecting the container unit to the associated collecting device, thereby facilitating effective alignment and orientation of the container unit.

[0060] like Figure 2As shown in , the handle 130 provides sufficient space for the patient or medical professional to grasp the container unit. For example, the container unit can be grasped around the bottom 124, around the first container 110A, or around the second container 110B. Thus, the handle can allow the container unit to be easier to handle when inserted into a collection device, or otherwise connected to another medical device or moved around. When piercing each container to gain access to the medicinal fluid disposed therein, the stability provided by the handle may be desired. For example, the handle can be grasped when removing the lid 150, thereby turning the container unit over and inserting the container unit into the collection device, thereby piercing both containers. Figure 2 The handle is shown in Figure 1 as being cylindrical, but may take any suitable shape to simplify handling of the container unit.

[0061] Figure 3 An exploded view of an embodiment of a first container 110A and a second container 110B is shown. The first container includes a first opening 112A to a first internal volume (wherein the first opening is defined by a first plane), a container lip 114A, a stopper 116A, a seal 118A, a bottom 111A, and a neck 115A. The stopper is configured to be inserted into the opening to fluidically seal the first internal volume and to sit on the container lip. The seal is configured to fit on the stopper and the extension so that the stopper remains seated in the opening. Thus, the seal 118A is a protective element that can remain in place until the container is ready to be connected to another medical device. In some embodiments, the stopper 116A can be made of a material suitable for being pierced by a needle or a stab, such as natural or synthetic rubber. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the stopper can be made of any suitable material for sealing the opening 112A. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in some embodiments, the stopper may not be seated on the container lip 114A and may be completely disposed in the opening 112A.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown in , the second container 110B includes components similar to those of the first container 110A. The second container includes a second opening 112B defined by a second plane, a second container lip 114B, a second stopper 116B, a second seal 118B, a second bottom 111B, and a second neck 115B. The second stopper is configured to be inserted into the second opening in a manner similar to the first container to seal the second internal volume. The second seal is disposed around the stopper and the container lip to secure the stopper in the second opening before the container is ready for use during the administration process. Figure 3As shown in, the first stopper 116A and the second stopper 116B may include variations depending on the size of the container and the type of medicinal fluid disposed therein. Similarly, the seal may be different depending on the shape of the container lip of the container so that the stopper can be securely held in the opening. For example, the second stopper includes ridges to facilitate sealing and marking. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the stopper and seal may use any suitable configuration that effectively seals and protects the opening of the container.

[0063] according to Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in, the process of administering medicinal fluid from the first container 110A and the second container 110B may include operating seals 118A, 118B and / or stoppers 116A, 116B. In certain embodiments, the administration process may include removing the first seal 118A and the second seal 118B from the first container and the second container respectively. Once seals have been removed, the stopper may be exposed so that they may be pierced by the needle or the puncture portion of the associated medical device. Of course, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the stopper may also be removed, so that the container is coupled to the associated medical device, or the contents of the container may be poured out.

[0064] Figure 4 An exploded view of an embodiment of a carrier including a first section 120A and a second section 120B is shown. Figure 4 As shown in and as discussed above, the first section 120A includes a slot 122, a bottom 124, a lip 126, a first recess 128A, a second recess 128B, and a handle 130. The slot 122 includes a side wall 122A, a curved wall 122, and an inner wall 122C. The bottom 124 extends between the first recess and the second recess, which are configured to hold a first container and a second container, respectively. The lip 126 protrudes from the periphery of the upper portion of the first section.

[0065] according to Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first segment 120A includes two container neck seats 132A, 132B, a segment latch 134, and an alignment member 138. The container neck seats 132A, 132B can cooperate with the first recess 128A and the second recess 128B to securely hold the first container and the second container in the carrier. The container neck seats can engage the necks of the first container and the second container (e.g., see Figure 3 ), thereby inhibiting longitudinal movement of the first and second containers. Segment latches 134 protrude from the first segment and are configured to engage segment latch receptacles 136 on the second segment 120, thereby securing the first segment to the second segment. Alignment members 138 of the first segment can similarly engage alignment members on the second segment, thereby correctly orienting the first segment relative to the second segment and aligning the segment latches with the segment latch receptacles.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second section 120B of the carrier includes features that are complementary to the features of the first section 120A. The second section includes a slot 122, a bottom 124, a lip 126, a first recess 128A, a second recess 128B, and a handle 130. Figure 4 In an embodiment of the present invention, the first section and the second section can be combined to produce a completed component. That is, the slot, bottom, upper lip, first recess, second recess, and handle of one of the first section and the second section can be part of a larger whole that is completed when the first section is secured to the second section. For example, the slot 122 of the first section can be combined with the slot of the second section to effectively produce a single slot disposed between the first container and the second container. Similarly, the lip 126 of the second section can be combined with the lip 126 of the first section to produce a substantially continuous upper lip that protrudes from the periphery of the carrier. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in , the second section also includes a container neck seat 132A, 132B, a segment latch socket 136 and an alignment member 138 that cooperate with the corresponding parts of the first section. The container neck seat 132A, 132B of the second section can be combined with the container neck seat 132A, 132B of the first section to form a closed space to hold the container neck. The segment latch socket 136 is constructed to receive the segment latch 134 so that the first section and the second section can be combined and fixed to each other. Similarly, the alignment member 138 of the second section is constructed to receive the alignment member of the first section, thereby guiding and appropriately orienting the first section relative to the second section. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the alignment member 138 can be reversed so that the alignment member of the first section is constructed to receive the alignment member of the second section.

[0067] according to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the first section 120A and the second section 120B can be constructed to form equal parts of the carrier. That is, the carrier is divided into the first section 120A and the second section 120B along a substantially central longitudinal plane. By placing the container in the recesses 128A, 128B of the first section and fixing the second section around the container, such an arrangement can allow the first container and the second container to be easily enclosed by the carrier. In some embodiments, the first section and the second section can be asymmetric or otherwise divided into unequal parts. For example, the first section can form more than half of the carrier, and the second section can only be used as a cap of the first section to fix the container in place. In some embodiments, the first section and the second section can be separated along a transverse plane. For example, the carrier can be divided into a bottom section and a top section, so that the container can be placed in the first bottom section and fixed in place by the top second section. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any suitable arrangement for the first section and the second section can be adopted.

[0068] Figure 5 Shows Figure 41, showing the interior of the first segment 120A including the segment latch 134. As discussed above, the segment latch 134 is configured to secure the first segment and the second segment 120B together when the segment latch is received by the segment latch receptacle 136. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in , each of the corresponding segment latch and segment latch socket pairs includes a snap configured to secure a recess or hole. Figure 5 As shown in , the perimeter segment latch includes a catch (e.g., a barbed end or distal protrusion) that is configured to be received by a recess or hole in a segment latch receptacle (e.g., see Figure 6 ). In contrast, the center segment latch includes a hole configured to receive a triangular catch disposed in a corresponding center segment latch receptacle (see, e.g., Figure 4 ).like Figure 5 As shown in , the rectangular center segment latch is larger than the perimeter latch and can provide most of the fixing force for the first and second segments when inserted into the corresponding segment latch socket. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the segment latch and segment latch socket can have any suitable arrangement with any suitable fixing force distribution.

[0069] Figure 6 One embodiment of a segment latch 134 and segment latch receptacle 136 for a carrier is shown. Figure 6 As shown in , the carrier is divided into a first section 120A and a second section 120B. A segment latch 134 and a segment latch socket 136 are disposed on the bottom 124 of the carrier. The segment latch 134 may include a barbed end or other distal protrusion that may be received by the segment latch socket 136. The segment latch 134 may be resiliently deflectable so that the barbed end deflects away when the segment latch is inserted into the segment latch socket. Once the segment latch is fully inserted into the segment latch socket, a window in the segment latch socket may receive the barbed end so that the segment latch may return toward a resting position. Once the segment latch has returned toward a resting position, the barbed end may resist forces that may separate the first section from the second section. In Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the segment latch 134 can be depressed to release the segment latch from the segment latch receptacle 136 .

[0070] Although in Figure 6Although latches are shown and described in the embodiments of the present invention, any suitable fastener may be used to secure the first section of the carrier to the second section of the carrier. For example, screws, bolts, tacks, rivets, adhesives, or any other suitable fasteners may be used to secure the first section to the second section. The fasteners may be removable or substantially permanent. In some embodiments, different fasteners may be used in combination to secure the first section to the second section. For example, these combinations may include, but are not limited to, segment latches and adhesives, segment latches and screws, and screws and adhesives. The fasteners may be disposed at any suitable location between the first section and the second section to effectively secure the first section to the second section.

[0071] Figure 7 The cover 150 is shown. Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the container unit 100. Figure 7 As shown in , the lid 150 is removed from the carrier formed by the segments 120A, 120B. As discussed above, the lid includes a tab 152 to facilitate removal of the lid. The container unit includes a first container 110A and a second container 110B disposed in the carrier, with the openings of the first and second containers disposed proximate to the interface portion 144 of the carrier. The lid can be partially fitted within the interior of the carrier to removably attach the lid to the carrier. The first container includes a first seal 118A, and the second container includes a second seal 118B. According to Figure 7 In an embodiment of the present invention, the cover engages the first seal and the second seal. When the cover is removed from the carrier, the seal may also be removed by the cover. Figure 7 In an embodiment of the present invention, the seal can be more easily removed by lifting the tab. That is, without wishing to be bound by theory, the cover can act as a secondary lever, with the seal acting as the load and the carrier acting as the fulcrum.

[0072] according to Figures 7 to 9 In an embodiment, the cap 150 may engage the seals 118A, 118B to simplify their removal during the dosing process. For example, the container engagement finger 154 (see Figure 8 ) can be configured to engage the downwardly facing lip of the top seal so that the lid can be used to apply a downward force to the seal. As an alternative example, an adhesive or other suitable fastener can be used to physically couple the lid and seal so that they remain substantially fixed relative to each other. Figure 7 As shown in the embodiment of , the cover includes a tab 152 that can be used to apply force to the seal. In some embodiments, the tab can include a hinge portion that can be extended to provide additional leverage to the patient or medical professional removing the cover. Figure 7 and Fig. 9In the embodiment shown in , the lid also includes a rotation inhibitor 156 that prevents the lid from rotating around either seal 118A, 118B before the lid is completely removed. That is, the rotation inhibitor contacts the inner wall 158 of the interface portion 144 of the carrier, thereby inhibiting rotation around an axis extending from either seal in a direction away from the container 110A, 110B. Such an arrangement can allow the lid to rotate around the longitudinal axis and / or be lifted in the direction of the axis extending from either seal in a direction away from the container, such as when the lid is lifted by the tab 152. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and any suitable arrangement of the lid and seal can be used.

[0073] Figure 8 Shown along Figure 2 The line 8-8 is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a container unit 100. Figure 8 As shown in , the container unit includes a container 110 disposed in a carrier formed by segments 120A, 120B. The container 110 includes an opening 112 leading to an internal volume, wherein a plug 116 is disposed. A seal 118 is wound around the plug of the container and a container lip 114. The bottom 111 of the container is held in the carrier, inside the recess 128 and the container neck seat 132. A lid 150 is partially disposed inside the carrier and includes a tab 152 and a plurality of container engagement fingers 154. The container engagement fingers 154 are disposed around and contact the seal 118. Thus, when the lid is removed (e.g., by lifting the tab), the container engagement fingers 154 will engage the downwardly facing lip of the seal 119 and apply a removal force to the seal. Thus, the seal 118 can be completely removed in combination with the lid 150.

[0074] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the container engagement finger 154 can be tilted toward the seal 118 and can be made of a flexible material. Thus, when the lid 150 is placed on the container 110 and the carrier 120, the container engagement finger can be deflected (i.e., flexed) to disengage the seal so that the lid can be fixed to the carrier in a removable manner. Once the lid is fixed, the container engagement finger can be biased toward the seal so that the container engagement finger remains in contact with the seal. Thus, when the lid is lifted, the container engagement finger does not flex to disengage the seal, but engages the seal to apply a removal force. Such an arrangement can provide simplified manufacturing and ensure that the seal is removed when the lid is removed by a simple action. The lid can be made of any suitable flexible material, including but not limited to plastics and metals. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the lid can adopt any suitable arrangement that covers and protects the opening of the container.

[0075] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 715B. As discussed above, the lid includes tabs 152 that are configured to allow an operator to apply force to a seal engaged by the lid. In particular, container engaging fingers 154 engage the seal of the container, thereby removing the seal when the lid is removed. In some cases, the lid is constructed of a flexible material so that one side of the lid can be removed (correspondingly removing the container seal on the same side) without removing the seal engaged by the opposite side of the lid. For example, a first portion of the lid can be pulled upward along axis 155A to remove the first seal and then rotated about axis 155B while a second portion of the lid remains engaged with a second seal and the second seal remains in opening 112B. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cover includes one or more rotation inhibitors 156. The rotation inhibitor is configured to engage one or more components of the carrier (e.g., see Figure 7 The rotation inhibitor prevents the lid from being lifted on one side to remove a first seal of a first container and rotating the lid about the seal of the second container while maintaining the seal of the second container. Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown in , the rotation inhibitor inhibits rotation of the cover about either axis 155A or 155B, but does not inhibit translational movement of the cover along said axis. Fig. 9 The rotation inhibitor shown in does not inhibit translation of the cover in a removal direction away from the carrier (i.e., in the direction of axes 155A, 155B into the page), or rotation of the cover about the longitudinal axis 153 of the cover or about any axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 153. Thus, an operator can use the tab 152 to remove the cover from the carrier by translating the cover and / or rotating the cover about the longitudinal axis or about any axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 153, thereby removing both seals without interference from the rotation inhibitor.

[0076] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the rotation inhibitor 156 is constructed with two walls shaped to complement and closely fit the shape of the inner wall (see, for example, Figure 7155B) so as to inhibit rotation about axes 155A, 155B. When the cover is rotated about either axis 155A or 155B, at least one rotation inhibitor contacts a portion of the carrier to prevent further rotation. That is, the arc of rotation followed by the rotation inhibitor about either axis 155A or 155B overlaps with a portion of the carrier, so that when the cover is rotated about either axis, the rotation inhibitor interferes with the carrier. However, when moving in other directions (e.g., rotation about longitudinal axis 153, rotation about an axis parallel to axis 153, or translation along axes 155A, 155B), the rotation arc and / or translation path of the rotation inhibitor may not overlap with the carrier in those directions, so no interference occurs and the cover moves freely in those directions. In some cases, a tight fit between the rotation inhibitor and the carrier can improve the inhibition of rotation about axes 155A or 155B by reducing rotational play in those directions. Of course, although Fig. 9 The rotation inhibitor shown in is configured to fit tightly against two walls of the inner wall of the carrier, but the rotation inhibitor may be configured to any suitable structure that hinders rotation of the lid. In some embodiments, the rotation inhibitor may be disposed between the two container engagement fingers, near the geometric center of the lid. Such an arrangement may ensure that rotation is properly inhibited if either side of the lid is lifted by ensuring that the rotation arc of the rotation inhibitor is greater than the rotational clearance of the carrier in the direction of rotation about axis 155A or axis 155B. In some embodiments, the rotation inhibitor may be disposed outside the inner wall of the container and may be configured to engage the outer wall of the carrier to inhibit rotation of the lid.

[0077] Fig.10 Shows Figure 1 The bottom view of the container unit 100 is shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the container unit comprises a carrier formed by a first section 120A and a second section 120B. The carrier comprises a bottom 124 that is substantially continuous and extends in a plane. Fig.10 In an embodiment, the bottom cover is held at the bottom of the container in the carrier (see, for example, Figure 3 and Figure 8 ). The bottom also spans any lateral (ie, transverse) gap or space between the bottom-most surfaces of the containers in the carrier. Thus, the bottom can provide a surface against which force can be applied. Fig.10In some embodiments, the container unit can be configured to be connected to the collection device along the top of the container unit. In some embodiments, force can be used to engage the container unit with one or more latches of the collection device, and one or more spur assemblies can be used to pierce the container of the container unit. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a smooth surface on the container unit, which can be used to apply uniform force to the carrier and each container arranged therein. In some embodiments, the bottom surface can at least partially cover the bottom of each container arranged in the carrier. According to this embodiment, a part of the carrier that can be used to apply force to each bottom of the container can be suitable for connecting the container unit to the collection device. In some embodiments, the bottom 124 of the container unit can be substantially flat. In the case where the container unit can be placed vertically on a flat surface, such an arrangement may be desired. For example, for a container unit that will be placed vertically on a desktop, a flat bottom may be desired. The flat arrangement of the bottom can also facilitate the application of force to the container unit. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the bottom of the container unit can adopt any suitable arrangement with a suitable shape.

[0078] Fig.11 Shows Figure 1 A top view of the container unit 100 with the cover 150 removed to reveal the interface portion 144. Fig.11 As shown in , seals 118A, 118B are disposed on the plugs and openings of the first container and the second container. The containers are disposed in a carrier formed by the first section 120A and the second section 120B and having an interface portion 144. The interface portion includes a slot 122 disposed between the first container and the second container. As discussed above, the slot includes side walls 122A, curved walls 122B, and inner walls 122C. The inner wall 122C divides the slot into two portions, each portion having side walls and curved walls of equal size. As shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown in , each portion of the slot forms at least three walls of a rectangular prism. As discussed above, the collection device or other medical device can have an insert with a shape complementary to the shape of the slot. The insert can include protrusions separated by a channel that is configured to receive the inner wall 122C of the slot. Thus, when the container unit is coupled to the collection device or other medical device, the slot can guide and orient the container unit to the correct position.

[0079] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the interface portion 144 of the carrier formed by the segments 120A, 120B includes a first peripheral surface 140A having a first shape and a second peripheral surface 140B having a second shape. The first peripheral surface 140A is disposed around the first container and the first seal 118A, while the second peripheral surface 140B is disposed around the second container and the second seal 118B. The first surface and the second surface are separated by a slot 122. According to Fig.11 In the embodiment shown in , the first shape and the second shape are respectively roughly ellipses with different radii. That is, the first shape has a radius R1 extending from the center of the first container, and the radius R1 is smaller than the radius R2 extending from the center of the second container. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first shape and the second shape can be any suitable shape, including triangles, rectangles, polygons, circles, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first shape and the second shape can correspond to the shape of the port on the associated collection device or other medical device. That is, in some embodiments, the combined first shape and the second shape can be roughly the same as the shape of the port on the collection device. Due to the difference between the first shape and the second shape, the combined shape can be asymmetric.

[0080] However, it should be understood that the container unit can be used with a collection device having ports of different shapes, and is not limited to use with a collection device port having a shape substantially the same as the container unit. For example, the container unit can be used with a collection device having a rectangular port, a square port, an oval port, or any other suitable shape.

[0081] It should also be understood that different container units may be used with Fig.12 and Fig.13 In some embodiments, the shape of the container unit does not match the shape of the collection device port. For example, the peripheral surface can form a symmetrical oval or rectangular. In some embodiments, the shape of the container unit only needs to be smaller than the shape of the port of the collection device that will be received by the port.

[0082] In some embodiments, the collection device used with the container unit is a collection bag. The hollow thorn portion can be used to pierce the container unit and connect the container unit to the collection bag fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid can be drawn from the container unit into a syringe, in which case the needle of the syringe will pierce the container unit.

[0083] Fig.12 An embodiment of a pharmaceutical collection device 10 is shown. The pharmaceutical collection device comprises a housing 12, a first fluid distribution system 300, a second fluid distribution system 350, and four ports 24 for receiving container units. Fig.12In the embodiment shown in , the medicinal collection device is constructed to supply two medicinal liquids, and for each fluid, up to four containers can be collected. The first medicinal fluid can be packaged together with the second medicinal fluid (that is, each of the four container units can include two containers) so that each port can receive two medicinal fluids at the same time. According to this embodiment, the medicinal fluids are not mixed, but they are independently supplied to the fluid interfaces 302, 352, which can be connected to a fluid delivery device that can sequentially deliver the fluids to the patient, such as a syringe or an infusion pump. The first medicinal fluid and the second medicinal fluid can be carried to each fluid interface separately by separate pipes. As shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fluid interface may be removably connected to the interface mount 14 for storage and transportation.

[0084] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the four ports 24 of the medicinal collection device is exposed. Each port includes a recess 16 configured to receive a container unit having a container for collecting and / or administering medicinal fluid to a patient. Fig.12 As shown in , each port includes two spike assemblies 200. In each port, one spike assembly is connected to a first fluid distribution system and one spike assembly is fluidly connected to a second fluid distribution system. Thus, each port accommodates multiple separate containers of medicinal fluids for collection and administration. Fig.12 In the embodiment shown in , when the container unit is inserted into the port, the containers disposed in the container unit can be pierced by the spike assembly 200 to fluidly connect each container to one of the fluid distribution systems terminating at the fluid interfaces 302 , 352 .

[0085] like Fig.12 As shown in , each port 24 may include a component that is constructed to align an inserted container unit, or to otherwise simplify the process of drug administration. For example, the port may include a recess 16 formed in the housing 12 of the medicinal collection device, allowing the container unit to be guided by the port when the container unit is pushed onto the spur assembly 200 by a patient or a medical professional. That is, when each container of the container unit is pressed onto the spur assembly, the container unit having an outer peripheral surface shape complementary to the shape of the periphery of the port can be aligned and guided by the periphery of the port. The port may also include an insert 20 and a guide channel 22, which are constructed to provide additional guiding and alignment surfaces for inserting a medicinal fluid container. The insert 20 and the guide channel 22 may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the slot and inner wall of the container unit. Thus, the guide protrusion and the guide slot may contact the slot and / or the inner wall to guide and align individual containers disposed in the container unit with the spur assembly 200. In Fig.12 In the embodiment shown in , the port includes at least one latch 18, which is configured to removably or permanently couple any received container unit to the port to inhibit removal. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in some embodiments, the latch can be configured to removably couple with the container unit. The port can include any suitable alignment features or locking features.

[0086] In some cases, it may be desirable to maintain the sterility of the container unit and / or the medicinal collection device by inhibiting subsequent use of the container unit. Thus, in some embodiments, the container unit and / or the medicinal collection device may be configured for a single use as a disposable device. That is, the container unit and / or the medicinal collection device may be configured to discourage or prevent reuse of the medicinal collection device. For example, Fig.12 As shown in , the latch 18 of the medicinal collection device 10 can be configured to substantially prevent removal of the container unit attached to the port 24. Thus, an operator (e.g., a patient or a medical professional) may not be able to replace the container unit to start a second dosing process. It should be understood that any other suitable components can be used to inhibit multiple uses of the container unit and / or collection device, including mechanical locking devices and self-closing valves.

[0087] Fig.13 Shown with Fig.12 The collection device 10 is used together Figure 1 An exploded view of the container unit 100. Fig.13 As shown in FIG, the container unit is inverted so that the bottom 124 is on the interface portion 144 including the lip 126, wherein the bottom 124 of the container unit faces away from the port 24 of the collection device. With the container unit in the inverted position, the openings (not shown) and plugs of the first container 110A and the second container 110B face the protruding portion assembly 200. The lid of the container unit and the seal of the container have been removed, so that the container unit is ready to be connected to the collection device. Fig.13As shown in, the interface portion 144 includes a slot 122 aligned with the guide channel 22 of the insert 20 and the port. The slot has a shape complementary to the shape of the insert and the guide channel so that in the shown position, the container unit can be connected to the port. If the container unit is not in the correct orientation shown, the insert may contact the container unit and resist the connection of the container unit to the port. In a manner similar to the above-mentioned insert and the slot, the first peripheral surface 140A and the second peripheral surface 140B of the container unit interface portion are aligned with the recess 16 of the collection device. The recess 16 has a shape complementary to the shape of the first peripheral surface 140A and the second peripheral surface 140B, so that when the container unit is connected to the port, the container unit can be properly guided and oriented. If the container unit is not properly oriented and aligned with the recess, the housing 12 of the collection device can contact the container unit and resist the connection with the port.

[0088] like Fig.13 As shown in , the lip 126 of the container unit 100 can be configured to engage the latch 18 disposed in the port 24 of the collection device. The latch 18 may include a barbed end that is configured to deflect when the lip passes over the barbed end, and then the barbed end can return to the original position to engage the lip. Such an arrangement can allow the container unit to be fully inserted into the recess 16 while providing resistance to removal of the container unit. However, the latch is not limited to a barbed end, and any suitable arrangement can be used to secure the container unit to the collection device. According to Fig.13 In the embodiment of the present invention, the port includes two latches disposed on opposite sides of the recess 16. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the port may include a single latch or more than two latches to secure the container unit.

[0089] Fig.144 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a method for using a container unit with a collection device. In frame 400, a patient or a medical professional can remove a cover of the container unit to expose a first container and a second container of a medicinal fluid. In frame 402, a patient or a medical professional can remove a first seal and a second seal covering a first stopper of a first container and a second stopper of a second container, respectively. In some embodiments, frames 400 and 402 can be combined into a single step. For example, a cover can be coupled to the first seal and the second seal so that the removal of the cover also removes the first seal and the second seal from the container. In frame 404, a patient or a medical professional can align the peripheral surface of the carrier of the container unit with the port of the collection device. In frame 406, a patient or a medical professional can align the slot of the container unit with the insert of the collection device. In some embodiments, the order of the steps in frames 404 and 406 can be reversed, depending on the specific geometry of the container unit and the collection device. In frame 408, a patient or a medical professional can connect the container unit to the collection device at the port. Frames 400 to 408 can be repeated as many times as needed to achieve a specific dose of medicinal fluid connected to the collection device. That is, for larger doses, additional container units may be connected to the collecting device.

[0090] Fig.15 It is along Figure 1 The line 15-15 is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a container unit 100. Fig.15 As shown in and discussed above, the carrier 120 of the container unit holds a first container 110A and a second container 110B by means of recesses 128A, 128B and container neck seats 132A, 132B. The first container includes a first stopper 116A disposed in a first opening 110A, the opening 110A being defined by a first plane. The second container includes a second stopper 116B disposed in a second opening 110B, the opening 110B being defined by a second plane. Fig.15 In the embodiment shown in , the first plane and the second plane are coplanar (ie, the first opening and the second opening are disposed at a common level). Fig.15 , the lid of the container unit and the seal of the container have been removed. The extension 142 forms the uppermost portion of the carrier, which extends in a direction away from the interior volume of the container. Each stopper includes a first end 160A, 160B and a second end 162A, 162B, wherein the second end faces away from the interior volume of the container in which the stopper is arranged. Fig.15 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the extension 142 extends away from the interior space of the first container 110A to a level at least flush with the second end 162A of the first stopper 116A. That is, the offset between the extension and the second end of the first stopper is greater than or equal to zero. Fig.15In the embodiment shown in , the extension extends from the container neck seat 132A by a distance A. The extension can be constructed to contact the collection device when the container unit is connected to the collection device. The extension can resist the force applied to the bottom 124 of the carrier so that any spurs or needles of the collection device will not extend further into the first container. Thus, the extension can set a predetermined penetration depth of any spurs or needles that can extend into the first container. Such an arrangement can facilitate the first container to be properly discharged via the spurs or other connectors. For example, if the spurs are excessively inserted into the container, the medicinal fluid disposed therein may not be fully extracted via the spurs. According to this example, it may be desirable that any internal passage of the spurs is provided adjacent to or near the first end of the first stopper so that the medicinal fluid can be fully extracted (i.e., discharged) from the first container.

[0091] from Fig.15 It can be appreciated that the second ends 162A, 162B of the first and second stoppers 116A, 116B of the containers 110A, 110B are disposed at a common level. That is, the second ends of the stoppers are disposed in a common plane that is disposed a distance from the bottom 124 of the carrier 120 (i.e., a common distance in the vertical dimension). Fig.15 In the embodiment shown in FIG. , the containers 110A, 110B differ in size in the vertical dimension, but this is still the case. Fig.15 As shown in, the extension 142 extends away from the container neck seat 132B by a distance B, which is greater than the distance A, to compensate for the difference in container size and the position of the container neck seats 132A, 132B. As a result, the extension 142 of the carrier can extend away from the internal volume of the second container 110B to a level at least flush with the second end 162B of the second stopper 116B. That is, the extension 142 of the carrier can deviate from the second end of the second stopper in the direction outward from the second end by a distance greater than or equal to zero. As a further result, the features of the container, such as a seal (not shown in the figure), can also be arranged on a common level. Arranging the second end of the seal on a common level can simplify the construction of the lid and promote the use of the lid, and potentially promote the administration of the fluid arranged in the container. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the second end of the stopper (or other features) can be arranged on different levels.

[0092] according to Fig.15 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the extension 142 of the carrier forms at least a portion of the lip 126. Thus, in FIG. Fig.15 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lip 126 forms at least a portion of the uppermost portion of the carrier. In other embodiments, the extension and the lip may be separate and independent of each other. For example, the extension may not extend from the outer peripheral surface, but may extend from the central area of ​​the carrier. Although Fig.15 The extension 142 extends around a majority of the circumference of the carrier, but the extension can have any suitable arrangement so that the extension is at least flush with the second end 162A of the first stopper 116A. For example, the extension can be formed as a post, a spacer, or any other suitable bracket that is configured to resist forces that may over-insert the protrusion into the first container.

[0093] like Fig.15 As shown in , the uppermost portion of the extension 142 can have a constant offset relative to at least one of the second ends of the plugs 116A, 116B. For example, the extension 142 can form a plurality of uppermost points or regions that are disposed in a common plane. Each of the plurality of uppermost points or regions can have an equal offset from the second end 162A, 162B of the plug in a direction away from the interior volume of the container 110A, 110B. That is, the extension can form a flat uppermost portion so that a predetermined penetration depth can be set for at least one plug at each of the plurality of uppermost points or regions of the carrier.

[0094] Fig.16 Another embodiment of the container unit 100 is shown. Figure 1 Similar to the embodiment of , the container unit includes a first container 110A, a second container 110B, and a carrier formed by a first section 120A and a second section 120B. The container unit also includes a cover 150, which covers the openings of the first container and the second container. Figure 1 In contrast to the embodiment, Fig.16 The container unit has a second container 110B that is larger in radial and longitudinal directions and has a correspondingly modified second recess 128B. Figure 1 The second depression forms a complete circle, and Fig.16 The second recess 128B is cut into two partial arcs of a circle. Thus, the bottom 124 may only partially cover the bottommost portion of the second container 110B.

[0095] Fig.17 Shown along Fig.16 The line 17-17 is intercepted Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a container unit 100. Fig.15 Similar to the embodiment shown in , the second end 162A of the first stopper 116A is vertically aligned with the extension 142 of the carrier. That is, the extension extends a distance A from the container neck seat 132A, which causes the offset between the extension and the second end of the first stopper to be approximately zero. Similarly, the second end 162B of the second stopper 116B extends to a level that is approximately flush with the extension 142. The extension 142 extends a distance B from the second container neck seat 132B, which causes the extension to be approximately flush with the second end of the second stopper. Thus, in Fig.17In the embodiment shown in , the offset distance is approximately zero when the second end of the second stopper is aligned with the extension 142 of the carrier. Thus, the second ends of the first stopper and the second stopper are disposed in a common plane.

[0096] Fig.18 Still another embodiment of the container unit 100 is shown. Figure 1 Similar to the embodiment of , the container unit includes a first container 110A, a second container 110B, and a carrier formed by a first section 120A and a second section 120B. The container unit also includes a cover 150, which covers the openings of the first container and the second container. Figure 1 In contrast to the embodiment of , the second container 110B is smaller in radial and longitudinal directions. As a result, the second recess 128B is smaller, while the size of the bottom 124 is approximately the same. Thus, the carrier is thicker around the second recess.

[0097] Fig.19 Still another embodiment of the container unit 100 is shown. Figure 1 and Fig.16 Similar to the embodiment of , the container unit includes a first container 110A, a second container 110B, and a carrier formed by a first section 120A and a second section 120B. The container unit also includes a cover 150, which covers the openings of the first container and the second container. Fig.16 In contrast to the embodiment of the present invention, the second container 110B is larger in radial and longitudinal directions. As a result, the second recess 128B is even larger than Fig.16 The second depression of the second container 110B is larger and forms two separate arcs, while the size of the bottom 124 is approximately the same. Thus, the carrier is thinner around the second depression, which allows a larger volume of medicinal fluid in the second container 110B.

[0098] Fig. 20 Still another embodiment of the container unit 100 is shown. Figure 1 Similar to the embodiment of , the container unit includes a first container 110A, a second container 110B, and a carrier formed by a first section 120A and a second section 120B. The container unit also includes a cover 150, which covers the openings of the first container and the second container. Figure 1 In contrast to the embodiment of the present invention, the second container 110B is larger in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the height of the container unit is large, while the peripheral dimensions are approximately the same. Thus, for a given peripheral shape, Fig. 20 The container unit may include more medicinal fluid.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first section and the second section of the carrier can each be made of a transparent (e.g., transparent, translucent) material in whole or in part that allows a user to view the first container and the second container through the first section and the second section. In one example, the first section and the second section can each be made of a plastic resin, such as a copolyester, which combines high clarity with acceptable mechanical properties. Of course, other materials that allow the first container and the second container to be viewed through the first section and the second section can also be used.

[0100] Fig.21 An embodiment of a plurality of container units 100A, 100B, 100C for use with the collection device 10 is shown. Fig.21 As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the three container units is inverted and connected to the port 24 of the manifold. Thus, the container unit is fixed and the container fluids disposed therein are connected to the fluid distribution system 300, 350, which terminates at the fluid interface 302, 352. The container unit is supported by the recesses 16 of the port, the shape of which is complementary to the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the container unit. Fig.21 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the port 24 is uniformly sized and can receive any container unit having a corresponding peripheral surface shape. That is, each container unit shown has a uniformly shaped interface portion that is adapted to fit into the peripheral surface shape of the port. Thus, even if the container units hold different volumes of medicinal fluid, they can be connected to the collection device. Fig.21 As shown in FIG. 1 , two container units 100A, 100C maintaining the same volume are shown to be used together with a container unit 100B having a smaller volume. The volume of the medicinal fluid from each container unit can be combined by a collection device and supplied to the fluid interface 302, 352 to achieve a specific dose. Fig.21 In the embodiment of the present invention, the medicinal fluid from the first container of each container unit is combined and supplied at one fluid interface, and the medicinal fluid from the second container of each container unit is combined and supplied at another fluid interface. During the administration process, any suitable number of container units with any medicinal fluid volume change can be used alone or in combination. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any combination or mixing of medicinal fluids can be performed by a collection device or other suitable medicinal device, and the results can be supplied at one or more fluid interfaces.

[0101] Although the present teaching has been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended to limit the present teaching to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present teaching encompasses various alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Thus, the foregoing description and drawings are only intended to be examples.

Claims

1. A container unit, the container is used to store medicinal fluid and dock with a collection device, the container unit comprising: a first container having a first interior volume and a first opening; a second container having a second interior volume and a second opening; as well as A carrier configured to hold the first container and the second container in place relative to each other, wherein the carrier includes a slot disposed between the first container and the second container and configured to receive an insert of a collection device, wherein the slot has a shape complementary to the insert, and wherein the slot is configured to resist forces applied to the carrier in at least one lateral direction when the slot has received the insert.

2. The container unit according to claim 1, wherein: At least a first portion of the insert defines at least three walls of a rectangular prism.

3. The container unit according to claim 2, wherein: At least a second portion of the insert defines a horizontal cylindrical segment, wherein the second portion of the insert is positioned on a distal end of the insert.

4. The container unit according to claim 1, wherein: The slot includes at least one inner wall, wherein the insert includes a channel configured to receive the at least one inner wall, and wherein the at least one inner wall has a shape complementary to a shape of the channel.

5. The container unit according to claim 1, wherein: The carrier includes a first section and a second section configured to be secured together, wherein the first section and the second section are configured to enclose the first container and the second container when the first section and the second section are secured together.

6. The container unit according to claim 5, wherein: The first section includes one or more latches and the second section includes one or more latch receptacles, wherein the one or more latches are configured to be inserted into the one or more latch receptacles to secure the first section to the second section.

7. The container unit according to claim 1, wherein: The carrier includes a bottom portion configured to cover a bottom-most portion of the first container and a bottom-most portion of the second container.

8. The container unit according to claim 7, wherein: The bottom spans a gap between the bottom-most portion of the first container and the bottom-most portion of the second container.

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