Container mounting system

Abstract

In some examples, a container mounting system may include a first collar and a second collar. The second collar may include a clip engageable with an edge of the first collar to engage the second collar with the first collar.

Description

Background Art

[0001] In certain types of tests (such as dissolution tests), containers (such as dissolution containers) can be used as part of dissolution test equipment to measure the degree and rate of solution formation from a specified dose. The dissolution container can include different sizes and / or configurations, depending on the type of the dissolution test. Various factors such as the orientation of the container in the dissolution test equipment, the time and repeatability associated with the installation and removal of the container about the dissolution test equipment can affect, for example, the dissolution test results, the repeatability associated with the test, and the total time associated with the test. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Features of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the following one or more drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, and in which:

[0003] 1A-1C illustrate isometric views of a container mounting system according to an example of the present disclosure, the container mounting system including a first collar, a second collar, and a container in a disassembled configuration, a partially assembled configuration, and an assembled configuration, respectively;

[0004] 2A-2B illustrate isometric views of an example of a first collar including at least one aperture and at least one tab to align a second collar relative to the first collar according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0005] 2C-2D illustrate isometric views of another example of a first collar including at least one aperture to align a second collar relative to the first collar according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0006] 3A-3B illustrate isometric cross-sectional views of a first collar and a container according to an example of the present disclosure with respect to the example of FIGS. 2C-2D , illustrating engagement of at least one protrusion with at least one groove of the container to align the first collar relative to the container;

[0007] 4A-4B illustrate isometric views of an example of a second collar including at least one post and at least one clip to align the second collar relative to the first collar according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0008] 4C-4D illustrate isometric views of another example of a second collar including at least one post to align the second collar relative to the first collar according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0009] 5A-5C illustrate isometric cross-sectional views of a first collar, a second collar, and a container according to an example of the present disclosure with respect to the example of FIGS. 4C-4D , illustrating engagement of a protrusion with a groove of the container to align the first collar relative to the container;

[0010] FIG6 illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of a first collar, a second collar, and a container illustrating engagement of at least one post and at least one clip with at least one aperture and at least one tab, respectively, to align the second collar relative to the first collar, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0011] 7A-7C illustrate isometric views of another example of a second ring, a first ring, and an adapter, and various features of another example of a second ring, a first ring, and an adapter for respectively positioning the first ring and the second ring relative to the adapter, according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates isometric views of different configurations of first and second collars for different container sizes according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates additional isometric views of different configurations of the first and second collars for different container sizes according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates another isometric view of the first and second collars at stages of attachment to a container according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing the attachment of a first ring and a second ring according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0016] 12A illustrates a container and an adapter according to an example of the present disclosure, the container including a first collar and a second collar mounted thereon, the adapter being used for alignment and locking of the container relative to a container holder;

[0017] 12B illustrates an adapter and the container of FIG. 12A according to an example of the present disclosure, the container including a first collar and a second collar mounted thereon, the adapter being mounted to a container holder;

[0018] 12C illustrates the container of FIG. 12B according to an example of the present disclosure, the container including a first collar and a second collar mounted thereon, the container being aligned and locked relative to the container holder via an adapter;

[0019] 12D illustrates another example of a container including a first collar and a second collar mounted thereon and an adapter for aligning and locking the container relative to a container holder according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0020] 12E illustrates the container of FIG. 12D and the adapter of FIG. 12D , the container including a first collar and a second collar mounted thereon, the adapter mounted to a container holder, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0021] 12F and 12G illustrate the operation of the first and second loops of FIG. 12D according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0022] 13A-13C illustrate isometric cross-sectional views of a container, a first collar and a second collar, the adapter of FIG. 7B , and a container holder according to an example of the present disclosure to illustrate alignment and locking of the container relative to the container holder;

[0023] 14A-14B illustrate isometric and top views of the adapter of FIG. 7B according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0024] 14C and 14D illustrate isometric and bottom views of another example of the adapter of FIG. 12D according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG14E illustrates an isometric view of another example of an adapter according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0026] 15A-15C illustrate isometric top and bottom and side views of another example of a first collar according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0027] 16A-16C illustrate isometric top and bottom and side views of another example of a second ring according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0028] 17A-17C illustrate isometric views of additional examples of second rings according to examples of the present disclosure;

[0029] 18A-18C illustrate isometric, isometric cross-sectional, and side views of a first collar, a second collar, and a container according to an example of the present disclosure with respect to the example of FIGS. 15A-15C and 16A-16C , illustrating alignment of the first collar and the second collar relative to the container;

[0030] FIG. 19 illustrates an assembled view of a container and the first and second collars of FIGS. 18A to 18C according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0031] 20 illustrates isometric views of different configurations of the first and second collars of FIGS. 15A-15C and 16A-16C for different container sizes according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0032] 21A to 21D illustrate isometric, top, bottom and isometric cross-sectional views of another example of a first collar for a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0033] 22A to 22C illustrate side cross-sectional, isometric and side views of one of the first collar of FIGS. 21A to 21D and the second collar of FIG. 20 mounted on a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0034] 23A to 23D illustrate the installation stage of one of the first collar of FIGS. 21A to 21D and the second collar of FIG. 20 for installation on a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0035] 24A to 24F illustrate the first ring of FIGS. 21A to 21D , one of the second rings of FIG. 20 , and side cross-sectional, isometric, and side views of the rings, mounted on a relatively small volume container, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0036] 25A to 25D illustrate the first collar and adapter ring of FIGS. 24A to 24C and one of the second collars of FIG. 20 for installation onto a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0037] 26A to 26G illustrate side cross-sectional, isometric, and side views of another example of a first collar mounted to a relatively small volume container, one of the second collars of FIG. 20 , and an example of a collar adapter according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0038] 27A to 27G illustrate the first collar and collar adapter of FIGS. 26A to 26G and one of the second collars of FIG. 20 for installation onto a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0039] 28A to 28G illustrate side cross-sectional, isometric, and side views of another example of a first collar mounted to a relatively small volume container, one of the second collars of FIG. 20 , and another example of a collar adapter according to an example of the present disclosure; and

[0040] 29A to 29G illustrate stages of installation of the first collar and collar adapter of FIGS. 28A to 28G and one of the second collars of FIG. 20 for installation onto a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] For the purpose of simplicity and illustration, the present disclosure is described mainly by reference to examples. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be readily apparent that the present disclosure can be practiced without being limited to these specific details. In other cases, some methods and structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.

[0042] Throughout this disclosure, the terms "a" and "an" are intended to mean at least one of a particular element. As used herein, the term "includes" means including but not limited to, and the term "comprising" means including but not limited to. The term "based on" means based at least in part on.

[0043] About test, container (such as dissolution container) can be used as a part of dissolution test equipment, to measure the degree and speed of solution formed from specified dosage.As disclosed herein, various factors such as orientation of container in dissolution test equipment, time and repeatability associated with installation and removal of container about dissolution test equipment can affect, for example, dissolution test result, repeatability associated with test and total time associated with test.In this regard, container is accurately and repeatedly installed in container holder and about container holder, regulates container orientation (for example, rotation, relative to inner container surface and outer container surface x / y / z direction placement etc.) is technically challenging.In container holder, container is accurately and reliably held, removed and replaced also is technically challenging.

[0044] In order to at least solve the aforementioned technical challenges, a container mounting system is disclosed herein, and the container mounting system may include a first collar having positioning and interlocking features for mounting on containers of different sizes. An adjustable adapter (e.g., a receiving seat) may be installed in a container holder (e.g., a container plate) for concentric positioning and interlocking of containers of different sizes. The first collar may refer to the theoretical central axis of the container. For non-precision containers (e.g., hand-formed containers), this reference may be created by using a fixture. For high-precision containers (e.g., vacuum-formed containers), this reference may be created between the first collar and the groove. The container may include, for example, a 2-dimensional (2D) barcode (e.g., printed, etched, engraved, etc.), a graphic or other mark that is commonly used to identify and record a specific container. The container may also include a standardized internal depth for freedom of container positioning.

[0045] Therefore, the container mounting system can be less error-prone with respect to container installation, testing, and removal. For example, due to precise container assembly and adapter adjustability, the container mounting system can eliminate the need for container adjustment in the container holder. In addition, the container mounting system can eliminate the need for additional adjustment of the consumable height to a specific interior depth of the container.

[0046] The container mounting system can eliminate the need to mark the position and orientation of the container. Further, the container mounting system can eliminate the need for clamps or clamping the container to the container holder. Different container sizes can be installed in a single step without any additional parts. The container can be scanned with a barcode scanner for efficient and error-proof identification.

[0047] The container installation system can provide efficient processing of the container (e.g., based on fewer parts, reduced installation work, reduced paperwork, etc.), and thus provide higher production and reduced downtime. In addition, the container installation system can provide an efficient and cost-effective assembly process.

[0048] Even if several containers are replaced (eg due to breakage, cleaning, etc.), the container mounting system can minimize the impact on the reproducibility of the results.

[0049] The container mounting system may also provide smart solutions that may include automation (eg, automatic scanning of all installed accessories, consumables, etc.).

[0050] According to examples disclosed herein, a container mounting system may include a container collar, which may be formed as two collars (e.g., rings) made, for example, of plastic or another such material. The collars may be represented as a lower collar (e.g., a first collar) and an upper collar (e.g., a second collar). The collars may include two different versions suitable for non-precision (e.g., hand-formed) containers and high-precision (e.g., vacuum-formed) containers. For containers that include a groove near the container opening (e.g., non-precision containers and high-precision containers), the first collar may be positioned about the groove (e.g., snapped into place without gluing), and the second collar may be connected to the first collar (e.g., by gluing, clamping, threading, clamping, etc.).

[0051] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include a locating and interlocking feature. For non-precision containers, the locating and interlocking feature may be located in the second collar. For high-precision containers, the locating and interlocking feature may be located in the first collar.

[0052] For the container mounting system described above, for non-precision containers, an assembly fixture can be used to create a relationship between the container inner surface and the collar part to ensure precise alignment. For high-precision containers, an assembly fixture is not required.

[0053] For the container mounting system described above, for both non-precision containers and high-precision containers, suitable glue (or another type of bonding material) can be used to permanently bind all of these parts together. In this regard, the adapter can be installed and adjusted in the container holder during the initial instrument assembly process (e.g., to provide a precise relationship between the center of the adapter and the center of the spindle drive). The container can be placed in the container holder and interlocked by partial rotation of the container.

[0054] The container mounting system described above can eliminate the need for adjusting the container and clamping the container to the container holder in the x / y direction. The assembly process can be simplified to make it more efficient, repeatable and cost effective. The container holder can accept an adapter, which can be aligned in the container holder during the instrument assembly process. The alignment and interlocking of the container can occur between the adapter and the container assembly.

[0055] For the container mounting system described above, the individual part design can provide modification to one or more parts without modifying the container design. Therefore, without modifying the container design, variations in the design of the collar and the adapter can be achieved, and thus new containers are obtained.

[0056] For the container mounting system described above, due to the symmetrical design of the various parts, the first collar can be self-centering on the container to allow for improved concentricity between the container and the adapter and container holder.

[0057] According to specific examples disclosed herein, a container mounting system may include a first collar, the first collar including at least one protrusion engageable with a groove of a container to align the first collar relative to the container. A second collar may include at least one post disposed in a corresponding aperture of the first collar to align the second collar relative to the first collar.

[0058] For the container mounting system described above, the second collar may include at least one clip engageable with at least one complementary tab of the first collar to align the second collar relative to the first collar.

[0059] For the container mounting system described above, the at least one protrusion may be formed between at least two extensions. The at least two extensions may include a gap for inserting the rod of the second collar between adjacent extensions of the at least two extensions.

[0060] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include at least one positioning member to position the first collar relative to the adapter. The at least one positioning member may be insertable into at least one corresponding positioning opening of the adapter.

[0061] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include at least one interlocking member to lock the first collar to the adapter. The at least one interlocking member may be insertable into at least one corresponding interlocking opening of the adapter, and the at least one interlocking member may be lockable with at least one corresponding edge of the at least one corresponding interlocking opening.

[0062] For the container mounting system described above, the second collar includes indicia to indicate a locked state or an unlocked state of the second collar relative to additional indicia on the adapter.

[0063] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include a cutout to receive a complementarily shaped locating member of the second collar to rotationally orient the first collar relative to the second collar.

[0064] According to another specific example disclosed herein, the container mounting system may include a first collar, the first collar including at least one protrusion engageable with a groove of the container to align the first collar relative to the container. The second collar may include at least one clip engageable with at least one complementary protrusion of the first collar to align the second collar relative to the first collar.

[0065] For the container mounting system described above, the second collar may include at least one post that is positionable in a corresponding aperture of the first collar to align the second collar relative to the first collar.

[0066] According to yet another specific example disclosed herein, the container mounting system may include an adapter, the adapter including at least one positioning opening to receive at least one positioning member of the collar, so as to position the collar relative to the adapter. The adapter may be mountable to the container to align the container relative to the container holder.

[0067] For the container mounting system described above, the adapter may further include at least one interlocking opening to receive at least one interlocking member of the collar, and the at least one interlocking member may be lockable with at least one corresponding edge of the at least one interlocking opening.

[0068] For the container mounting system described above, the adapter may include at least one adapter leg to mount the adapter to the container holder. The at least one adapter leg may include a hook portion that can engage with a catch of the container holder when the adapter is rotated relative to the container holder.

[0069] The container mounting system described above may further include a lifting guide including a tapered section to lift the collar relative to the adapter based on engagement of the chamfered area of ​​the collar with the tapered section.

[0070] According to yet another specific example disclosed herein, a container mounting system may include a first collar and a second collar. The second collar may include at least one positioning member to position the second collar relative to the first collar, and the second collar may include at least one interlocking member to lock the second collar to the first collar.

[0071] For the container mounting system described above, the at least one positioning member may be insertable into at least one corresponding positioning opening of the first collar. Similarly, the at least one interlocking member may be insertable into at least one corresponding interlocking opening of the first collar.

[0072] For the container mounting system described above, the at least one interlocking member may include a hook portion to lock the second collar to the first collar.

[0073] For the container mounting system described above, the at least one interlocking member may be lockable with at least one corresponding edge of at least one corresponding interlocking opening of the first collar.

[0074] For the container mounting system described above, the second collar may include at least one flange protruding in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the protrusion of the at least one interlocking member to clamp the second collar.

[0075] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include a central opening sized to at least partially receive the container. Similarly, the second collar may include a central opening sized to at least partially receive the container.

[0076] The container mounting system described above may further include a clamp to secure the first collar and the second collar in a designated engagement position.

[0077] According to yet another specific example disclosed herein, a container mounting system may include a first collar and a second collar that can be mounted to a container. The second collar may include at least one positioning member to position the second collar relative to the first collar. Further, the second collar may include at least one interlocking member to lock the second collar to the first collar and retain the first collar and the second collar to the container.

[0078] According to yet another specific example disclosed herein, a container mounting system may include a first collar and a second collar that can be mounted to a container. The second collar may include at least one positioning member to position the second collar relative to the first collar. Further, the second collar may include at least one interlocking member to secure the first collar and the second collar to the container.

[0079] According to yet another specific example disclosed herein, a container mounting system may include a first collar, the first collar including at least one flexible member engageable with a groove of a container to align the first collar relative to the container. A second collar may include at least one clamp engageable with a complementary clamp of the first collar to engage the second collar with the first collar.

[0080] For the container mounting system described above, the second collar includes indicia to indicate a locked state or an unlocked state of the second collar relative to additional indicia on the adapter.

[0081] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include a cutout to receive a complementarily shaped locating member of the second collar to rotationally orient the first collar relative to the second collar.

[0082] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include at least one positioning member to position the first collar relative to the adapter. In this regard, the at least one positioning member may be insertable into at least one corresponding positioning opening of the adapter.

[0083] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar can include at least one interlocking member to lock the first collar to the adapter. In this regard, the at least one interlocking member can be insertable into at least one corresponding interlocking opening of the adapter. The at least one interlocking member can be lockable with at least one corresponding edge of the at least one corresponding interlocking opening.

[0084] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include at least one finger engageable with the container to urge the container toward the second collar.

[0085] For the container mounting system described above, the second collar may include at least one undercut engageable with the ribbed area of ​​the first collar to grip the first collar.

[0086] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include a specified opening diameter for a container including a specified diameter. Further, the at least one flexible member may be engageable with the adapter ring to allow the first collar to engage with another container, the other container including a diameter smaller than the specified diameter.

[0087] According to yet another specific example disclosed herein, a container mounting system may include a first collar and a second collar. The second collar may include a clamp that can be engaged with an edge of the first collar to engage the second collar with the first collar.

[0088] For the container mounting system described above, the second collar includes indicia to indicate a locked state or an unlocked state of the second collar relative to additional indicia on the adapter.

[0089] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include a cutout to receive a complementarily shaped locating member of the second collar to rotationally orient the first collar relative to the second collar.

[0090] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include at least one positioning member to position the first collar relative to the adapter. In this regard, the at least one positioning member may be insertable into at least one corresponding positioning opening of the adapter.

[0091] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include at least one interlocking member to lock the first collar to the adapter. In this regard, the at least one interlocking member may be insertable into at least one corresponding interlocking opening of the adapter. Further, the at least one interlocking member may be lockable with at least one corresponding edge of the at least one corresponding interlocking opening.

[0092] For the container mounting system described above, the second collar may include at least one undercut engageable with the ribbed area of ​​the first collar to grip the first collar.

[0093] For the container mounting system described above, the first collar may include a specified opening diameter for a container including a specified diameter. The container mounting system may further include a collar adapter that can be engaged with the first collar and / or the second collar to retain another container including a diameter smaller than the specified diameter. Further, the collar adapter may include a flexible portion that is used for concentric alignment of the another container. The collar adapter may represent a first collar adapter, and the container mounting system may further include a second collar adapter that can be engaged with the first collar adapter via at least one alignment member to seal a portion of the another container.

[0094] 1A-1C illustrate isometric views of a container mounting system 100 according to an example of the present disclosure, the container mounting system including a first collar 102, a second collar 104, and a container 106 in a disassembled configuration, a partially assembled configuration, and an assembled configuration, respectively.

[0095] 2A-2B illustrate isometric views of an example of a first collar 102 according to an example of the present disclosure, the first collar including at least one aperture 200 and at least one tab 202 to align the second collar 104 relative to the first collar 102. FIGS. 2C-2D illustrate isometric views of another example of a first collar 102 according to an example of the present disclosure (e.g., the first collar 220 shown) including at least one aperture 200 to align the second collar 420 (e.g., see FIG. 4D ) relative to the first collar 220. Thus, compared to the example of FIGS. 2A-2B including at least one aperture 200 and at least one tab 202, the example of FIGS. 2C-2D eliminates the at least one tab 202 and instead includes at least one aperture 200 to align the second collar 420 relative to the first collar 220. Alternatively, the first collar 102 may include at least one tab 202 (without the at least one aperture 200 ) to align the second collar 104 relative to the first collar 102 .

[0096] 3A-3B illustrate isometric cross-sectional views of the first collar 102 and container 106 with respect to the example of FIGS. 2C-2D , illustrating engagement of at least one protrusion 300 with at least one groove 302 of the container 106 to align the first collar 220 (and similarly the first collar 102) relative to the container 106, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0097] 4A-4B (corresponding to the configuration of FIGS. 2A-2B ) illustrate isometric views of an example of a second collar 104 according to an example of the present disclosure, the second collar includes at least one post 400 and at least one clamp 402 to align the second collar 104 relative to the first collar 102. Further, FIGS. 4C-4D (corresponding to the configuration of FIGS. 2C-2D ) illustrate isometric views of another example of a second collar 420 according to an example of the present disclosure, the second collar includes at least one post 400 (without the at least one clamp 402) to align the second collar 420 relative to the first collar 220. Alternatively, according to an example of the present disclosure, the second collar 104 may include at least one clamp 402 (without the at least one post 400) to align the second collar 104 relative to the first collar 102.

[0098] 1A-4D, and in particular, FIGS. 1A, 2B, 3B, and 4B, the container mounting system 100 may include a first collar 102 including at least one protrusion 300 that may engage with a groove 302 of a container 106 to align the first collar 102 relative to the container 106. The at least one protrusion 300 may include a surface 304 that contacts the groove 302 of the container 106. The groove 302 of the container 106 may be used as a reference relative to the at least one protrusion 300.

[0099] The second collar 104 may include at least one post 400 that may be disposed in a corresponding aperture 200 of the first collar 102 to align the second collar 104 relative to the first collar 102 .

[0100] 1A, 2B, and 3B, the container 106 may include a groove 302 for receiving the at least one protrusion 300 of the first collar 102. For some containers (e.g., in the case of a container volume less than 1 L), the groove may not be suitable (e.g., due to insufficient wall thickness). In this regard, a flange or another feature may be provided on the container 106 to receive the protrusion or another feature of the first collar 102.

[0101] The container 106 may include human-readable and machine-readable indicia 108, which may include, for example, a part and unique serial number for identifying the container and / or an associated test. For example, the human-readable and machine-readable indicia 108 may be readable by a device such as an instrument barcode scanner. The information provided in the indicia 108 may be used, for example, for data logging, during production, for inspection, and / or for certification processes.

[0102] In some examples, the container 106 can be formed as a glass body, for example, from borosilicate glass or another such material. The container 106 can be hand-formed (for example, from extruded glass tubing) or vacuum-formed for increased precision.

[0103] The groove 302 may provide a surface that is concentric with the inner surface of the container 106. The groove 302 may also be formed as an undercut or step on at least one extrusion of the first collar 102.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 1A , 2B, and 4B, the second collar 104 may include at least one clip 402 engageable with at least one complementary tab 202 of the first collar 102 to align the second collar 104 relative to the first collar 102 .

[0105] 4A and 4C , the second collar 104 and the second collar 420 may include contour shapes for facilitating their gripping, respectively. For example, the contour shapes may include knurling to facilitate the gripping of the second collar 104 and the second collar 420 .

[0106] 5A-5C illustrate isometric cross-sectional views of the first collar 220, the second collar 420, and the container 106 with respect to the example of FIGS. 4C-4D according to an example of the present disclosure, illustrating the engagement of the protrusion 300 with the groove 302 of the container 106 to align the first collar 220 relative to the container 106.

[0107] 4C, 4D, 5A, and 5B, at least one post 422 (similar to post 400) can be press-fit into a corresponding aperture 200 to align the first collar 220 relative to the second collar 420. Further, as shown in FIG5C, at least one clip lock 424 can be positioned as shown and prevented from moving rearwardly away from the protrusion 300. The at least one clip lock 424 can hold the protrusion 300 in place, thereby providing a secure fit onto the container 106.

[0108] 6 illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the first collar 102, the second collar 104, and the container 106, illustrating the engagement of at least one post 400 and at least one clamp 402 with the at least one aperture 200 and the at least one tab 202, respectively, to align the second collar 104 relative to the first collar 102, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 1A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3B and Fig. 6, the at least one protrusion 300 can be formed between at least two extensions 204. The at least two extensions 204 can include a gap 206 for insertion of a rod 600 of the second collar 104 between adjacent ones of the at least two extensions 204. The at least two extensions 204 can be flexible, as shown by arrow 212, to provide adjustment for changes in the outer diameter of the container and to provide a relatively tight fit of the first collar 102 to the container 106. The rod 600 can prevent the protrusion 300 from sliding off the groove 302.

[0110] 7A-7C illustrate another example of a second ring 740, isometric views of the first ring 102, and the adapter 700, and various features of the second ring 740, the first ring 102, and the adapter 700 for respectively positioning the first ring 102 and the second ring 740 relative to the adapter 700, according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0111] 1A, 2B, 7A, and 7B, the first collar 102 may include at least one positioning member 208 to position the first collar 102 relative to the adapter 700. The at least one positioning member 208 may be insertable into at least one corresponding positioning opening 702 of the adapter 700.

[0112] 1A, 2B, 7A, and 7B, the first collar 102 may include at least one interlocking member 210 to lock the first collar 102 to the adapter 700. The at least one interlocking member 210 may be insertable into at least one corresponding interlocking opening 704 of the adapter 700. Further, the at least one interlocking member 210 may be lockable with at least one corresponding edge 706 of the at least one corresponding interlocking opening 704.

[0113] For another example of the second collar 740 of FIG. 7C , the second collar 740 may include at least one positioning member 742 and at least one interlocking member 744. The at least one positioning member 742 and the at least one interlocking member 744 may function similarly to the at least one positioning member 208 and the at least one interlocking member 210 of the first collar 102, respectively. The at least one interlocking member 744 may include a hook portion 746 to lock the second collar 740 to the first collar. The at least one positioning member 742 may be insertable into at least one corresponding positioning opening 814 (e.g., FIG. 8 ) of the first collar (e.g., the first collar 800 of FIG. 8 ). Similarly, the at least one interlocking member 744 may be insertable into at least one corresponding interlocking opening 816 (e.g., FIG. 8 ) of the first collar (e.g., the first collar 800 of FIG. 8 ). The second collar 740 may include at least one flange 748 that projects in a direction generally opposite to the direction of the projection of the at least one interlocking member 744 to facilitate gripping of the second collar 740. A first collar (e.g., the first collar 800 of FIG. 8 ) may include a central opening 818 sized to at least partially retain the container 106. Similarly, the second collar 740 may include a central opening 750 sized to at least partially retain the container 106.

[0114] 1A , 2B, 3B, and 4B, in another example of a container mounting system 100, the container mounting system 100 may include a first collar 102 including at least one protrusion 300 that may engage with a groove 302 of a container 106 to align the first collar 102 relative to the container 106. The second collar 104 may include at least one clip 402 that may engage with at least one complementary tab 202 of the first collar 102 to align the second collar 104 relative to the first collar 102.

[0115] 8 illustrates isometric views of different configurations of first and second collars for different container sizes according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0116] 7C and 8, the first collar 800 may include different types of configurations for different container types as shown. The second collar 802 (similar to the second collar 740) may include interlocking members 804 and different types of configurations for different container types as shown. Both the first collar 800 and the second collar 802 may engage with each other based on the engagement of the interlocking members 804 with the corresponding interlocking openings 806. For the first collar 800, an isometric view is shown at 808. For the second collar 802, an isometric view of one surface is shown at 810, and an isometric view of the opposite surface is shown at 812.

[0117] 9 illustrates additional isometric views of different configurations of first and second collars for different container sizes according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0118] 9 , additional views of the first collar 800 and the second collar 802 are shown. For the first collar 800, an isometric view of one surface is shown at 900, and an isometric view of the opposing surface is shown at 902. Further, for the second collar 802, an isometric view of one surface is shown at 904, and an isometric view of the opposing surface is shown at 906.

[0119] 8 and 9, the first collar 800 and the second collar 802 may be used with non-precision containers, where the container interior surface may be used as a reference relative to the locating features in the second collar 802. Comparably, the first collar 102 and the second collar 104 may be used with precision containers, where the groove 302 may be used as a reference relative to the locating features in the second collar 104. For both the first collar 102 and the second collar 104 and the first collar 800 and the second collar 802, a bonding material such as glue may be used to more securely attach the collars to each other and / or to more securely attach the collars to the container 106, if desired.

[0120] FIG. 10 illustrates an additional isometric view of stages of attachment of the first and second collars to the container 106 according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0121] 10, with respect to the first collar 800 and the second collar 802 of FIGS. 8 and 9, the collars may be attached to the container 106 as shown. For example, at 1000, the first collar 800 may be attached to the container 106. At 1002, the second collar 802 may be attached to the first collar 800. Further, at 1004, the assembly including the first collar 800, the second collar 802, and the container 106 may be placed in a holder 1006 for placement in a container holder 1200 (e.g., see FIG. 12A).

[0122] 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing attachment of a first loop and a second loop according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0123] 10 and 11 , as discussed above, at 1002, the second collar 802 can be attached to the first collar 800. In this regard, the clamp 1100 can be used to secure the first collar 800 and the second collar 802 in place. For example, the clamp 1100 can secure the first collar 800 and the second collar 802 in a specified engagement position.

[0124] 12A shows a container 106 and an adapter 700 according to an example of the present disclosure, the container including a first collar and a second collar mounted thereon, the adapter being used to align and lock the container 106 relative to the container holder 1200. FIG12B shows an adapter 700 according to an example of the present disclosure and the container 106 of FIG12A, the container including a first collar and a second collar mounted thereon, the adapter being mounted to the container holder 1200. Further, FIG12C shows the container 106 of FIG12B according to an example of the present disclosure, the container including a first collar and a second collar mounted thereon, the container 106 being aligned and locked relative to the container holder 1200 via the adapter 700.

[0125] 1A, 2B, 4B, 7B, and 12A, in another example of a container mounting system 100, the container mounting system 100 may include an adapter 700 including at least one locating opening 702 to receive at least one locating member 208 of a collar (e.g., a first collar 102) to position the collar relative to the adapter 700. The adapter 700 may be mountable to the container 106 to align the container 106 relative to the container holder 1200.

[0126] 1A, 2B, and 7B, the adapter 700 may further include at least one interlocking opening 704 to receive at least one interlocking member 210 of a collar (e.g., the first collar 102). The at least one interlocking member 210 may be lockable with at least one corresponding edge 706 of the at least one interlocking opening 704.

[0127] 1A, 2B, 7B, and 12A, the adapter 700 may include at least one adapter leg 708 to mount the adapter 700 to the container holder 1200. The at least one adapter leg 708 may include a hook portion 710 that may engage with the catch 1202 of the container holder 1200 when the adapter 700 is rotated relative to the container holder 1200.

[0128] FIG. 12D illustrates a container 106 and an adapter 1400 (e.g., FIG. 14C ) according to an example of the present disclosure, the container including a first collar 1500 (e.g., FIG. 15A ) and a second collar 1600 (e.g., FIG. 16A ) mounted thereon, the adapter being used to align and lock the container 106 relative to the container holder 1200. FIG. 12E illustrates an adapter 1400 according to an example of the present disclosure and the container 106 of FIG. 12D , the container including a first collar 1500 and a second collar 1600 mounted thereon, the adapter being mounted to the container holder 1200. Further, FIG. 12F and FIG. 12G illustrate the operation of the first collar 1500 and the second collar 1600 of FIG. 12D according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0129] As shown in FIGS. 12D to 12G , in another example of a container mounting system 1204, the container mounting system 1204 may include an adapter 1400 including at least one locating opening 1402 (e.g., FIG. 14C ) to receive at least one locating member (e.g., 1502; FIG. 15C ) of a collar (e.g., a first collar 1500) to position the collar relative to the adapter 1400. The adapter 1400 may be mountable to the container 106 to align the container 106 relative to the container holder 1200.

[0130] The adapter 1400 can further include at least one interlocking opening 1404 (e.g., FIG. 14C ) to receive at least one interlocking member 1504 (e.g., FIG. 15C ) of a collar (e.g., first collar 1500 ). The at least one interlocking member 1504 can be lockable with at least one corresponding edge 1406 (e.g., FIG. 14C ) of the at least one interlocking opening 1404.

[0131] The adapter 1400 may include at least one adapter leg 1408 (e.g., FIG. 14C ) to mount the adapter 1400 to the container holder 1200. The at least one adapter leg 1408 may include a hook portion 1410 that may engage with the catch 1202 of the container holder 1200 when the adapter 1400 is rotated relative to the container holder 1200.

[0132] 12E , a sealing ring 1206 can be disposed between the first collar 1500 and the second collar 1600. The sealing ring 1206 can be compressed on top of the glass body of the container 106 to prevent fluid from entering between the container 106 and other components, such as the first collar 1500 and the second collar 1600. The sealing ring 1206 can also prevent (e.g., by friction) the container 106 from accidentally rotating during final assembly to maintain a permanent relative position between the container 106 and the first collar 1500 and the second collar 1600.

[0133] 12F and 12G , the second collar 1600 can include indicia 1602 that can indicate whether the container 106 is locked or unlocked relative to the adapter 1400 and, therefore, the container holder 1200 based on a rotational position of the indicia 1412 relative to the adapter 1400. In this regard, the second collar 1600 can be rotated relative to the adapter 1400.

[0134] 12A to 12G can represent a relatively large volume container, such as a 1 L container. However, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art from this disclosure, other larger or smaller volume containers can be used for the examples of FIG. 12A to 12G.

[0135] 13A-13C illustrate isometric cross-sectional views of a container 106 , first and second collars, an adapter 700 , and a container holder 1200 to illustrate alignment and locking of the container 106 relative to the container holder 1200 , according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0136] 14A-14B illustrate isometric and top views of an adapter 700 according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 14A , the adapter 700 can be inserted into the container holder 1200. The adapter legs 708 (e.g., three legs) can pass through the dedicated opening 1300 in the container holder 1200. When the adapter 700 is contacting the container holder 1200, as shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C , the adapter 700 can be rotated in one direction (e.g., at 1302). At the end of the rotation, the hook portion 710 of each leg can snap into the retaining member 1202 (e.g., recess) so that the adapter 700 is locked to the container holder 1200 and cannot be easily rotated back. The reverse rotation of the adapter 700 relative to the container holder 1200 can release the hook portion 710 from the retaining member 1202 to unlock the adapter 700 from the container holder 1200.

[0138] The adapter 700 can be used as an interface between the container holder 1200 and the container assembly (e.g., including the collar and the container 106). The adapter 700 can be installed during the initial instrument assembly process. The internal shape of the adapter 700 can be changed as needed in the future to address new or different needs regarding the container 106 and / or the container holder 1200.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 13A , the adapter 700 may include a radial opening 1304 that may be used to insert a screw or other type of adjustment device to center the adapter 700 with respect to the container holder 1200 .

[0140] Figures 14C and 14D illustrate an isometric view and a bottom view of an adapter 1400 according to an example of the present disclosure. Further, Figure 14E illustrates an isometric view of another example of an adapter 1450 according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0141] 13A and 14C to 14E, in a similar manner to the adapter 700, the adapters 1400 and 1450 can be inserted into the container holder 1200. The adapter legs 1408 (e.g., three legs) can pass through the dedicated opening 1300 in the container holder 1200. When the adapter 1400 or 1450 is contacting the container holder 1200, in a similar manner to the adapter 700 as shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the adapters 1400 and 1450 can be rotated in one direction (e.g., at 1302). At the end of the rotation, the hook portion 1410 of each leg can snap into the retaining piece 1202 (e.g., a recess) so that the adapters 1400 and 1450 are locked to the container holder 1200 and cannot be easily rotated back. Reverse rotation of the adapters 1400 and 1450 relative to the container holder 1200 may release the hook portion 1410 from the catch 1202 to unlock the adapters 1400 and 1450 from the container holder 1200 .

[0142] In a similar manner to the adapter 700, the adapters 1400 and 1450 can be used as an interface between the container holder 1200 and the container assembly (e.g., including the collar and the container 106). The adapters 1400 and 1450 can be installed during the initial instrument assembly process. The internal shape of the adapters 1400 and 1450 can be changed in the future as needed to address new or different needs regarding the container 106 and / or the container holder 1200.

[0143] As shown in FIGS. 14C and 14E , the adapters 1400 and 1450 may include radial openings 1414 that may be used to thread in screws or other types of adjustment devices to center the adapters 1400 and 1450 with respect to the container holder 1200 .

[0144] 14E , the adapter 1450 may include a lifting guide 1416 compared to the adapter 1400. The lifting guide 1416 may include a flat section 1418 and a tapered section 1420 to facilitate lifting of the first collar 1500 relative to the adapter 1450. For example, the first collar 1500 may include a chamfered area 1506 (e.g., FIG. 15C ) that may engage with the tapered section 1420 to lift the first collar 1500 relative to the adapter 1450 when the first collar 1500 is rotated relative to the adapter 1450. Lifting of the first collar 1500 relative to the adapter 1450 may further minimize movement of the container 106 relative to the container holder 1200.

[0145] 15A-15C illustrate isometric top and bottom and side views of a first collar 1500 according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0146] 15A to 15C , the first collar 1500 may include a semicircular cutout 1512 that may receive the at least one positioning member 1614 (e.g., FIG. 16C ) of the second collar 1600. The engagement of the at least one positioning member 1614 within the semicircular cutout 1512 may position the second collar 1600 relative to the first collar 1500 such that the indicia 1602 (e.g., FIG. 16B ) and the information 1612 (e.g., FIG. 16B ) are oriented in a predetermined orientation relative to the container holder 1200.

[0147] 15A-15C, the first collar 1500 can include at least one protrusion 1510 that engages the container 106. In this regard, the hook 1606 (e.g., FIG. 16A) of each clip 1604 (e.g., FIG. 16C) can be biased to engage the edge 1508 by the corresponding protrusion 1510. The at least one protrusion 1510 can include a surface 1516 that contacts the groove 1800 (e.g., FIG. 18A) of the container 106. The groove 1800 of the container 106 can be used as a reference relative to the at least one protrusion 1510.

[0148] The first collar 1500 can include at least one interlocking member 1504 received by the at least one interlocking opening 1404 (e.g., FIG. 14C ) of the adapter 1400. The at least one interlocking member 1504 can be lockable with at least one corresponding edge 1406 (e.g., FIG. 14C ) of the at least one interlocking opening 1404.

[0149] The first collar 1500 may include at least one positioning member 1502 received by the at least one positioning opening 1402 (eg, FIG. 14C ) of the adapter 1400 to position the first collar 1500 relative to the adapter 1400 .

[0150] 14E and 15A-15C, the first collar 1500 can include a chamfered area 1506 that can engage with the tapered section 1420 to lift the first collar 1500 relative to the adapter 1450 when the first collar 1500 is rotated relative to the adapter 1450. As disclosed herein, lifting of the first collar 1500 relative to the adapter 1450 can further minimize movement of the container 106 relative to the container holder 1200.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 15A , the first collar 1500 can include a ribbed region 1514 , wherein the at least one undercut 1616 (eg, FIG. 16C ) of the second collar 1600 can snap around the ribbed region 1514 to grip the first collar 1500 .

[0152] 16A-16C illustrate isometric top and bottom and side views of a second collar 1600 according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0153] 16A-16C , the second collar 1600 can include at least one clip 1604 to attach the second collar 1600 to the first collar 1500. In this regard, each clip 1604 can include a hook 1606 that can snap onto a corresponding edge 1508 (e.g., FIG. 15C ) of the first collar 1500. The hook 1606 of each clip 1604 can be biased to engage the edge 1508 by a corresponding protrusion 1510 (e.g., FIG. 15C ) that also connectively engages the container 106.

[0154] The second collar 1600 may include at least one flange 1608 to facilitate gripping of the second collar 1600 so that the second collar 1600 can be rotated relative to the adapter 1400 (or adapter 1450). In the example of FIGS. 16A to 16C , six flanges are shown. However, the number and size of the flanges may be increased or decreased based on the specific requirements for gripping the second collar 1600.

[0155] The second collar 1600 may include at least one rib 1610 to facilitate positioning of another device that may be attached to the second collar 1600 and / or the container 106. For example, the at least one rib 1610 may facilitate positioning of another device such as an evaporation cover (not shown).

[0156] 14C and 16B , the second collar 1600 may include indicia 1602 that may indicate whether the container 106 is locked or unlocked relative to the adapter 1400 and, therefore, the container holder 1200 based on a rotational position of the indicia 1412 relative to the adapter 1400 (or adapter 1450). In this regard, the second collar 1600 may be rotated relative to the adapter 1400.

[0157] 16B, the second collar 1600 may include additional information 1612 printed thereon. For example, the additional information 1612 may include a brand name, a unique serial number, a unique code, etc. associated with the second collar 1600, the container 106, and / or other related components. In one example, the additional information 1612 may be laser marked. The additional information 1612 may also include information about a specific collar or another component as disclosed herein that may be used with a specific container to facilitate assembly of the container mounting system and eliminate possible errors of mismatched components associated with the container mounting system.

[0158] 16B and 16C , the second collar 1600 can include at least one positioning member 1614 to position the second collar 1600 relative to the first collar 1500. For example, the at least one positioning member 1614 can include a semicircular profile that can fit within a complementary semicircular cutout 1512 (e.g., FIG. 15B ) of the first collar 1500. In this regard, the second collar 1600 can be positioned relative to the first collar 1500 based on the implementation of the positioning member 1614, which can orient the indicia 1602 and information 1612 in a predetermined orientation relative to the container holder 1200.

[0159] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 16B and 16C , the second collar 1600 can include at least one undercut 1616 that snaps around and holds the first collar 1500. In this regard, the at least one undercut 1616 can snap around the ribbed region 1514 (e.g., FIG. 15A ) of the first collar 1500. In the example of FIGS. 16A to 16C , the second collar 1600 can include six undercuts. However, the number and size of the undercuts can be increased or decreased based on the specific requirements for gripping the first collar 1500.

[0160] 17A-17C illustrate isometric views of additional examples of a second collar 1600 according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0161] Referring to FIGS. 16A-16C and 17A-17C, as disclosed herein, the second collar 1600 may include at least one flange 1608 to facilitate gripping of the second collar 1600 to allow the second collar 1600 to rotate relative to the adapter 1400. In the example of FIGS. 16A-16C, six flanges are shown. However, as shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C, the number and size of the flanges may be increased or decreased based on the specific requirements for gripping the second collar 1600. For example, compared to the example of FIG. 17A, also shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, for the second collar 1700 of FIG. 17B, two relatively larger flanges 1702 and 1704 are shown. Similarly, for the second collar 1706 of FIG. 17C, one relatively larger flange 1708 is shown.

[0162] 18A-18C illustrate isometric, isometric cross-sectional and side views of a first collar, a second collar and a container according to an example of the present disclosure with respect to the example of FIGS. 15A-15C and 16A-16C illustrating alignment of the first collar and the second collar relative to the container.

[0163] 15A-15C and 18A-18C, the first collar 1500 may include at least one protrusion 1510 that engages the container 106. In this regard, the at least one protrusion 1510 may include a surface 1516 that contacts the groove 1800 of the container 106. The groove 1800 of the container 106 may be used as a reference relative to the at least one protrusion 1510.

[0164] The groove 1800 may provide a surface that is concentric with the inner surface of the container 106. The groove 1800 may also be formed as an undercut or step on at least one extrusion of the first collar 102.

[0165] 15A-15C, 16A-16C, and 18A-18C, the second collar 1600 can include at least one undercut 1616 that snaps around and retains the first collar 1500. In this regard, the at least one undercut 1616 can snap around the ribbed region 1514 of the first collar 1500.

[0166] 19 illustrates an assembled view of a container and the first and second collars of FIGS. 18A-18C according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0167] 19 , at 1900 , the container 106 may be placed upside down on a flat surface in the orientation of FIG. 19 .

[0168] At 1902 , the first collar 1500 may be placed onto the container 106 .

[0169] At 1904 , the first collar 1500 may be snapped onto the groove 1800 of the container 106 .

[0170] At 1906 , the second collar 1600 may be placed on an installation tool (not shown) in the orientation of FIG. 19 , and a seal 1908 may be applied.

[0171] At 1910, the container 106 with the first collar 1500 can be placed onto the second collar 1600 (still on the installation tool) and pressed down in the orientation of FIG. 19 until each clip 1604 ( FIG. 16C ) engages the edge 1508 ( FIG. 15C ) to lock the first collar 1500 to the second collar 1600 .

[0172] 20 illustrates isometric views of different configurations of the first and second collars of FIGS. 15A-15C and 16A-16C for different container sizes according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0173] Referring to Fig. 20, compared to the examples of Fig. 14C to Fig. 19 which will be used for relatively large volume (e.g., 1 L) containers, the example of Fig. 20 can be used for relatively small volume (e.g., less than 1 L) containers. For example, container assembly 2000 can represent a 250 mL small volume container assembly having a second collar 2200 (e.g., Fig. 22B) and container 2002.

[0174] Container assembly 2004 may represent, for example, a 100 / 200 mL small volume container assembly having a second collar 2400 (eg, FIG. 24B ) and container 2006 .

[0175] Container assembly 2008 may represent, for example, a 100 / 200 mL small volume container assembly having a 1 L collar (eg, second collar 1600 ), collar adapters 2600 and 2602 (eg, FIGS. 26E-26F ), and container 2006 .

[0176] Container assembly 2010 may represent, for example, a 250 mL small volume container assembly having a 1 L collar (eg, second collar 1600 ), collar adapters 2800 and 2802 (eg, FIGS. 28E-28F ), and container 2002 .

[0177] 21A-21D illustrate isometric, top, bottom, and isometric cross-sectional views of another example of a first collar for a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0178] 20 and 21A-21D, with respect to container assemblies 2000 and 2004, these container assemblies can include a common first collar 2100. For example, the first collar 2100 can be used for both 100 / 200 mL and 250 mL size containers.

[0179] 20, 21A to 21D, and 22A to 22C, the first collar 2100 may include at least one flexible member 2112 that may engage with a groove of the container 2002 to align the first collar 2100 relative to the container 2002. Further, the second collar 2200 may include at least one clip 2208 that may engage with a complementary clip 2116 of the first collar to engage the second collar 2200 with the first collar 2100.

[0180] 21A to 21D, 22A to 22C, and 24A to 24F, the first loop 2100 can include a semicircular cutout 2102 (e.g., similar to the semicircular cutout 1512 of the first loop 1500), which can receive at least one positioning member of the second loops 2200 and 2400 (e.g., similar to the positioning member 1614 of the second loop 1600) to rotationally orient the first loop 2100 relative to the second loops (e.g., the second loops 2200 and 2400). The engagement of the at least one positioning member within the semicircular cutout 2102 can position the second collar 2200 and 2400 relative to the first collar 2100 so that the indicia 2202 (e.g., FIG. 22B ), the indicia 2402 (e.g., FIG. 24B ), the information 2204 (e.g., FIG. 22B ), and the information 2404 (e.g., FIG. 24B ) are oriented in a predetermined orientation relative to a container holder, such as the container holder 1200 (e.g., FIG. 12A ). Thus, the second collar 2200 can include the indicia 2202 to indicate a locked state or an unlocked state of the second collar 2200 relative to an additional indicia 1412 (e.g., FIG. 14C ) on the adapter 1400.

[0181] 14C and 21A to 21D , the first collar 2100 may include at least one positioning member 2104 (similar to the positioning member 1502 of the first collar 1500 ), which is received by the at least one positioning opening 1402 (e.g., FIG. 14C ) of the adapter 1400 to position the first collar 2100 relative to the adapter 1400 .

[0182] 14C and 21A to 21D, the first collar 2100 may include at least one interlocking member 2106 (similar to the interlocking member 1504 of the first collar 1500) that is received by the at least one interlocking opening 1404 (e.g., FIG. 14C) of the adapter 1400. The at least one interlocking member 2106 may be lockable with at least one corresponding edge 1406 (e.g., FIG. 14C) of the at least one interlocking opening 1404.

[0183] 14E , 20 , and 21A-21D , the first collar 2100 may include a chamfered area 2108 (similar to the chamfered area 1506 of the first collar 1500) that may engage with the tapered section 1420 to lift the first collar 100 relative to the adapter 1450 when the first collar 2100 is rotated relative to the adapter 1450. Lifting of the first collar 2100 relative to the adapter 1450 may further minimize movement of the container 2002 or 2006 relative to the container holder 1200 (e.g., FIG. 12A ).

[0184] 21A-21D, 22A-22C, and 24A-24F, the first collar 2100 can include at least one spring-loaded finger 2110 to push the container 2002 or the adapter ring 2406 (e.g., FIG. 24F) against the seal and the second collar 2200 or 2400. The at least one spring-loaded finger 2110 can be biased as shown in FIG. 21A to push the container 2002 or the adapter ring 2406 (e.g., FIG. 24F) against the seal and the second collar 2200 or 2400. Thus, the at least one finger 2110 can engage with the container 2002 to push the container toward the second collar.

[0185] 21A-21D , the first collar 2100 may include at least one flexible member 2112 to concentrically align the 250 mL container 2002 or the adapter ring 2406 for the 100 / 200 mL container 2006. The flexible member 2112 may also lock the adapter ring 2406, as described in further detail.

[0186] 21D , the first loop 2100 can include a ribbed region 2114 (similar to the ribbed region 1514 of the first loop 1500 of FIG. 15A ), wherein at least one recess 2206 of the second loop 2200 (e.g., FIG. 22A ; similar to the recess 1616 of the second loop 1600 of FIG. 16C ) can snap around (e.g., engage with) the ribbed region 2114 to grip the first loop 2100.

[0187] Figures 22A-22C show side cross-sectional, isometric and side views of one of the first collar of Figures 21A-21D and the second collar of Figure 20 installed on a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 22A shows an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an assembly of the components of Figure 22B.

[0188] 20 and 22A to 22C, the container assembly 2000 may represent a 250 mL small volume container assembly having a second collar 2200 and a container 2002. As shown in FIG22A, the second collar 2200 may include at least one recessed cut 2206 that may snap around the ribbed region 2114 of the first collar 2100 to grip the first collar 2100. In some examples, the recessed cut 2206 may be referred to as an external clamping geometry or an external clamp.

[0189] The second collar 2200 may include at least one internal clamping member 2208 (also indicated as internal clamping geometry) that engages the complementary clamping member 2116 of the first collar 2100 .

[0190] A seal 2210 may be disposed between the body of the container 2002 and the second collar 2200 .

[0191] 23A to 23D illustrate the installation stages of one of the first collar of FIGS. 21A to 21D and the second collar of FIG. 20 for installation onto a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0192] 23A-23D , at 2300 , the first loop 2100 may be oriented as shown in FIG. 23A .

[0193] At 2302, the first collar 2100 can be attached to the container 2002. In this regard, the at least one flexible member 2112 of the first collar 2100 can be concentrically aligned with the container 2002.

[0194] At 2304 , the seal 2210 can be placed onto the rim of the container 2002 .

[0195] At 2306, the second collar 2200 can be attached to the first collar 2100, and thus to the container 2002. In this regard, the at least one spring-loaded finger 2110 of the first collar 2100 can push the container 2002 against the seal 2210 and the second collar 2200. The at least one undercut 2206 (e.g., FIG. 22A ) of the second collar 2200 can snap around the ribbed region 2114 to grip the first collar 2100. Further, the at least one internal clip 2208 can engage the complementary clip 2116 of the first collar 2100.

[0196] Figures 24A to 24F illustrate a side cross-sectional view, an isometric view, and a side view of the first collar of Figures 21A to 21D, one of the second collars of Figure 20, and the collar, mounted on a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 24A illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an assembly of the components of Figures 24B and 24C. Further, Figure 24D illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an assembly of the components of Figures 24B and 24C.

[0197] Referring to FIGS. 24A to 24F , the container 2006 may represent a 100 / 200 mL small volume container compared to the container 2002 which may represent a 250 mL small volume container. In addition to utilizing the adapter ring 2406, the remaining functions of the first and second collars 2100, 2400 as shown in FIGS. 24A to 24F may be the same as the corresponding functions of the first and second collars 2100, 2200 as shown in FIGS. 22A to 22C . In this regard, the flexible member 2112 (e.g., FIGS. 21D and 24E ) may also lock the adapter ring 2406 by engagement of the flexible member 2112 with the edge 2408 of the adapter ring 2406. Further, the at least one spring-loaded finger 2110 may push the adapter ring 2406 (e.g., FIG. 24A ) against the second collar 2400.

[0198] The adapter ring 2406 may further include at least one clip 2410 that engages a groove 2412 of the container 2006 to retain the adapter ring 2406 relative to the container 2006 .

[0199] 21A-21D, 22A-22C, and 24A-24F, regarding the functionality of the adapter ring 2406, the first collar 2100 can include a specified opening diameter 2118 for a container 2002 including a specified diameter 2212. Further, the at least one flexible member 2112 can be engageable with the adapter ring 2406 to allow engagement of the first collar with another container (e.g., container 2006) that includes a diameter 2416 that is smaller than the specified diameter 2212.

[0200] 25A-25D illustrate stages of installation of the first collar and adapter ring of FIGS. 24A-24C and one of the second collar of FIG. 20 for installation onto a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0201] 25A-25D, at 2500, the first collar 2100 can be oriented as shown in Fig. 25 A. Further, the adapter ring 2406 can be mounted to the first collar 2100 as disclosed herein with respect to Figs. 24A-24F.

[0202] At 2502 , first collar 2100 and adapter ring 2406 may be attached to container 2006 .

[0203] At 2504 , a seal 2414 (similar to seal 2210 of FIG. 22A ) can be placed onto the rim of container 2006 .

[0204] At 2506, the second collar 2400 can be attached to the first collar 2100, and thus to the container 2006, as disclosed herein with respect to Figures 24A-24F.

[0205] Figures 26A to 26G illustrate side cross-sectional, isometric, and side views of another example of a first collar mounted on a relatively small volume container, one of the second collars of Figure 20, and an example of a collar adapter according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 26A illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an assembly of the components of Figures 26B and 26C. Figure 26D illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an assembly of the components of Figures 26B and 26C. Further, Figure 26G illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the collar adapter of Figure 26F.

[0206] 20 and 26A to 26G , the container assembly 2008 may represent a 100 / 200 mL small volume container assembly having a 1L collar (eg, second collar 1600 ), collar adapters 2600 and 2602 (eg, FIGS. 26E to 26F ), and container 2006 .

[0207] As disclosed herein with respect to FIGS. 16A-16C and 18A-18C, the second collar 1600 can include at least one undercut 1616 that snaps around and holds the first collar 2604. The first collar 2604 can include a ribbed area 2608 (similar to the ribbed area 1514 of the first collar 1500 (e.g., FIG. 15A)), wherein the at least one undercut 1616 can snap around the ribbed area 2608. In the example of FIGS. 26A-26G, the second collar 1600 can include six undercuts. However, the number and size of the undercuts can be increased or decreased based on the specific requirements for gripping the first collar 2604.

[0208] Referring again to Figures 20 and 26A to 26G, the first ring 2604 may include a cutout (similar to the cutout 1512 of Figure 15B) to receive a complementarily formed positioning member (similar to the positioning member 1614 of Figure 16C) of the second ring 1600 to rotationally orient the first ring 2604 relative to the second ring 1600.

[0209] The first collar 2604 can include at least one positioning member 2620 to position the first collar 2604 relative to an adapter, such as the adapter 1400 of FIG. 14C . The at least one positioning member 2620 can be insertable into at least one corresponding positioning opening 1402 of the adapter 1400 .

[0210] The first collar 2604 can include at least one interlocking member 2622 to lock the first collar to the adapter. The at least one interlocking member 2622 can be insertable into at least one corresponding interlocking opening 1404 of the adapter 1400. Further, the at least one interlocking member 2622 can be lockable with at least one corresponding edge 1406 of the at least one corresponding interlocking opening 1404.

[0211] As also disclosed herein with respect to FIGS. 16A-16C , the second collar 1600 can include at least one clip 1604 to attach the second collar 1600 to the first collar 2604. In this regard, each clip 1604 can include a hook 1606 that can snap onto a corresponding edge 2610 of the first collar 2604 (similar to the edge 1508 of the first collar 1500 (e.g., FIG. 15C )). The hook 1606 of each clip 1604 can be biased to engage the edge 2610 by a corresponding protrusion (e.g., such as the protrusion 1510 (e.g., FIG. 15C )). In one example, the protrusion can also engage the collar adapters 2600 and 2602 in a continuous manner.

[0212] 26A and 26E-26G, collar adapters 2600 and 2602 (e.g., FIGS. 26E-26F ) (which may also be represented as a conversion cap and a conversion ring, respectively) may be used to adapt a first collar 2604 and a second collar 1600 to a container 2006. The collar adapter 2600 may be configured to connectively engage with the collar adapter 2602 as shown in FIG. 26A. In this regard, at least one dowel 2612 may be provided in the collar adapter 2602 to engage in at least one complementary hole 2614 of the collar adapter 2600.

[0213] Thus, with respect to the collar adapter 2600, the first collar may include a specified opening diameter 2716 (e.g., FIG. 27E) for a container 106 including a specified diameter (e.g., diameter 110 of FIG. 1A). The collar adapter 2602 may be engageable with the first collar and / or the second collar to retain another container (e.g., container 2006) that includes a diameter 2718 (e.g., FIG. 27B) that is smaller than the specified diameter. The collar adapter 2602 may include a concentrically aligned flexible portion (e.g., flexible machined shape 2616) for the another container (e.g., container 2006). Further, the collar adapter 2602 may represent a first collar adapter, and the second collar adapter 2600 may be engageable with the first collar adapter 2602 by at least one alignment member 2612 (e.g., dowel) to seal a portion of the another container.

[0214] 26A, the collar adapter 2602 may include a flexible machined shape 2616 for concentric alignment of the container 2006. The flexible machined shape 2616 may also prevent the container 2006 from falling out of the collar adapter 2602 during assembly.

[0215] 27A to 27G illustrate stages of installation of the first collar and collar adapter of FIGS. 26A to 26G and one of the second collars of FIG. 20 for installation onto a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0216] 27A-27G , at 2700 , the collar adapter 2602 may be oriented as shown in FIG. 27A .

[0217] At 2702, the collar adapter 2602 can be attached to the container 2006, as disclosed herein with respect to Figures 26A-26G.

[0218] At 2704 , a seal 2618 (eg, see FIG. 26A ) can be placed onto the rim of the container 2006 .

[0219] At 2706 , collar adapter 2600 may be installed onto collar adapter 2602 .

[0220] At 2708 , the first collar 2604 can be installed onto the collar adapter 2602 .

[0221] At 2710 , seal 2712 may be placed onto collar adapter 2600 .

[0222] At 2714 , the second collar 1600 can be attached to the first collar 2604 .

[0223] Figures 28A to 28G illustrate side cross-sectional, isometric, and side views of another example of a first collar mounted on a relatively small volume container, one of the second collars of Figure 20, and another example of a collar adapter according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 28A illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an assembly of the components of Figures 28B and 28C. Figure 28D illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an assembly of the components of Figures 28B and 28C. Further, Figure 28G illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the collar adapter of Figure 28F.

[0224] 20 and 28A to 28G , the container assembly 2008 may represent a 250 mL small volume container assembly having a 1 L collar (eg, second collar 1600 ), collar adapters 2800 and 2802 (eg, FIGS. 28E to 28F ), and the container 2002 .

[0225] As disclosed herein with respect to FIGS. 16A-16C and 18A-18C, the second collar 1600 can include at least one undercut 1616 that snaps around and holds the first collar 2804. The first collar 2804 can include a ribbed area 2808 (similar to the ribbed area 1514 of the first collar 1500 (e.g., FIG. 15A)), wherein the at least one undercut 1616 can snap around the ribbed area 2808. In the example of FIGS. 28A-28G, the second collar 1600 can include six undercuts. However, the number and size of the undercuts can be increased or decreased based on the specific requirements for gripping the first collar 2804.

[0226] As also disclosed herein with respect to FIGS. 16A-16C , the second collar 1600 can include at least one clip 1604 to attach the second collar 1600 to the first collar 2804. In this regard, each clip 1604 can include a hook 1606 that can snap onto a corresponding edge 2810 of the first collar 2804 (similar to the edge 1508 of the first collar 1500 (e.g., FIG. 15C )). The hook 1606 of each clip 1604 can be biased to engage the edge 2810 by a corresponding protrusion (e.g., such as the protrusion 1510 (e.g., FIG. 15C )). In one example, the protrusion can also engage the collar adapters 2800 and 2802 in a continuous manner.

[0227] 28A and 28E-28G, collar adapters 2800 and 2802 (e.g., FIGS. 28E-28F ) (which may also be represented as a conversion cap and a conversion ring, respectively) may be used to adapt a first collar 2804 and a second collar 1600 to a container 2002. The collar adapter 2800 may be configured to connectively engage with the collar adapter 2802 as shown in FIG. 28A. In this regard, at least one dowel 2812 may be provided in the collar adapter 2802 to engage in at least one complementary hole 2814 of the collar adapter 2800.

[0228] 28A, the collar adapter 2802 may include a flexible machined shape 2816 for concentric alignment of the container 2002. The flexible machined shape 2816 may also prevent the container 2002 from falling out of the collar adapter 2802 during assembly.

[0229] 29A to 29G illustrate stages of installation of the first collar and collar adapter of FIGS. 28A to 28G and one of the second collars of FIG. 20 for installation onto a relatively small volume container according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0230] 29A-29G , at 2900 , the collar adapter 2802 may be oriented as shown in FIG. 29A .

[0231] At 2902, the collar adapter 2802 can be attached to the container 2002, as disclosed herein with respect to Figures 28A-28G.

[0232] At 2904 , a seal 2818 (eg, see FIG. 28A ) can be placed onto the rim of the container 2002 .

[0233] At 2906 , collar adapter 2800 may be installed onto collar adapter 2802 .

[0234] At 2908 , the first collar 2804 can be installed onto the collar adapter 2802 .

[0235] At 2910 , a seal 2912 may be placed onto the collar adapter 2800 .

[0236] At 2914 , the second collar 1600 can be attached to the first collar 2804 .

[0237] What has been described and illustrated herein is one example and some of its variations. The terms, descriptions, and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant to be limiting. Many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the subject matter, which is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, wherein all terms are to be interpreted in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. A container mounting system, comprising: The first ring and the second ring, The second ring includes a clamp, which can be engaged with an edge of the first ring to enable the second ring to engage with the first ring.

2. The container mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The second collar includes indicia to indicate a locked state or an unlocked state of the second collar relative to additional indicia on the adapter.

3. The container mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The first collar includes a cutout to receive a complementarily shaped locating member of the second collar to rotationally orient the first collar relative to the second collar.

4. The container mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The first collar includes at least one positioning member to position the first collar relative to the adapter.

5. The container mounting system according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one positioning member is insertable into at least one corresponding positioning opening of the adapter.

6. The container mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The first collar includes at least one interlocking member to lock the first collar to the adapter.

7. The container mounting system according to claim 6, in, The at least one interlocking member is insertable into at least one corresponding interlocking opening of the adapter, and Wherein, the at least one interlocking member is lockable with at least one corresponding edge of the at least one corresponding interlocking opening.

8. The container mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The second collar includes at least one undercut engageable with the ribbed region of the first collar to capture the first collar.

9. The container mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The first collar comprises a specified opening diameter for a container comprising a specified diameter, the container mounting system further comprising: A collar adapter is engageable with at least one of the first collar or the second collar to retain another container comprising a diameter that is less than the specified diameter.

10. The container mounting system of claim 9, wherein: The collar adapter includes a flexible portion for concentric alignment of the further container.

11. The container mounting system according to claim 9, wherein: The collar adapter refers to a first collar adapter, and the container mounting system further includes a second collar adapter engageable with the first collar adapter via at least one alignment member to seal a portion of the other container.

12. A container mounting system, comprising: a first collar and a second collar, wherein the first collar comprises a specified opening diameter for a container comprising a specified diameter; and A collar adapter is engageable with at least one of the first collar or the second collar to retain another container comprising a diameter that is less than the specified diameter.

13. The container mounting system of claim 12, wherein: The second collar includes a clamp that is engageable with an edge of the first collar to engage the second collar with the first collar.

14. The container mounting system of claim 12, wherein: The second collar includes indicia to indicate a locked state or an unlocked state of the second collar relative to additional indicia on the adapter.

15. The container mounting system of claim 12, wherein: The first collar includes a cutout to receive a complementarily shaped locating member of the second collar to rotationally orient the first collar relative to the second collar.

16. The container mounting system according to claim 12, in, The first collar includes at least one positioning member to position the first collar relative to the adapter, and Therein, the at least one positioning member can be inserted into at least one corresponding positioning opening of the adapter.

17. The container mounting system according to claim 12, in, The first collar includes at least one interlocking member to lock the first collar to the adapter, wherein the at least one interlocking member is insertable into at least one corresponding interlocking opening of the adapter, and Wherein, the at least one interlocking member is lockable with at least one corresponding edge of the at least one corresponding interlocking opening.

18. The container mounting system of claim 12, wherein: The second collar includes at least one undercut engageable with the ribbed region of the first collar to capture the first collar.

19. A container mounting system, comprising: a first collar and a second collar, wherein the first collar comprises a specified opening diameter for a container comprising a specified diameter; and A collar adapter is engageable with at least one of the first collar or the second collar and includes a flexible portion for concentric alignment of another container, the other container including a diameter that is smaller than the specified diameter.

20. The container mounting system of claim 19, wherein: The collar adapter refers to a first collar adapter, and the container mounting system further includes a second collar adapter engageable with the first collar adapter via at least one alignment member to seal a portion of the other container.

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