Adaptor applicable to a container

Abstract

An adaptor applicable to a container for enabling the dispensing of a liquid through an external device applicable to the adaptor; said adaptor (1) comprising: - a perforator (2) intended to penetrate at least in part into the container and comprising a withdrawal mouth (20) for withdrawing the liquid; - an outlet mouth (3) for the outlet of the liquid from the adaptor (1) connectable to said external device; - a conduit (4) that connects said liquid withdrawal mouth (20) and said liquid outlet mouth (3); - a connection means (5) for connection to the container, said connection means (5) comprising a clamping means (50) deformable from a first to a second configuration for exerting a clamping action on the container; - an actuator (6) that can be activated by a user for shifting said clamping means (50) between the first and the second configuration.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptor applicable to a container in order to enable the dispensing from the latter of a liquid. In fact, such dispensing takes place through a device external to the adaptor which is applicable to the latter.

[0002] It is typically used for the administration of drugs, especially in a hospital setting. In particular, it is used for administering injectable drugs (in which case the external device is a syringe) or infusion drugs (in which case the external device is a drip).Background art

[0003] Solutions are known in which the container of a drug is provided, at a dispensing mouth, with a dispensing system that enables it to be connected with syringes or drips. The dispensing system is integrated into the container and therefore once the drug has been dispensed it is to be disposed of with the container.

[0004] This solution is not free of drawbacks. In fact, the manufacturing cost of containers integrating the dispensing system could be significant. Furthermore, every container will be provided with a corresponding dispensing system, therefore containers of different sizes will necessarily use dispensing systems of different sizes to enable optimal connection.

[0005] Examples of adaptors are disclosed in e.g. EP 2 606 872 A1 and EP 2 490 957 B1.Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an adaptor applicable to a plurality of containers and not specific for a specific construction solution. The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by an adaptor applicable to a plurality of containers comprising the technical features disclosed in one or more of the appended claims.Brief description of drawings

[0007] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative and therefore nonlimiting description of an adaptor applicable to a plurality of containers as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which: figure 1 shows an exploded view of an adaptor according to the present invention; figures 2, 3, 4 show a succession of steps for the connection of an adaptor according to the present invention; figure 5 shows a top view of an adaptor according to the present invention; figures 6 and 7 show two sectional views of the adaptor in different configurations. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0008] In the appended figures the reference number 1 indicates an adaptor applicable to a container to enable the dispensing from the container of a liquid through an external device applicable to the adaptor. Such liquid may be of various types and various densities and could also be very fluid or very dense. The device is external to the adaptor; appropriately, it is a separate and additional element (not integrated into the adaptor 1). Appropriately, the device 1 indicated above comprises a syringe or a drip.

[0009] The adaptor 1 comprises a perforator 2 intended to penetrate at least in part into the container. On this point, preferably, though not necessarily, the perforator 2 has a pointed shape. This allows the perforation operation to be facilitated. Appropriately, the perforator 2 comprises a withdrawal mouth 20 for withdrawing the liquid.

[0010] The adaptor 1 also comprises an outlet mouth 3 for the outlet of the liquid from the adaptor 1. Such mouth 3 can be fluid dynamically connected to the external device. In this way the liquid dispensed by the adaptor 1 can be withdrawn by the external device for specific uses. Appropriately, the outlet mouth 3 is afforded in a protrusion 9 which extends in the opposite direction to the perforator 2 (preferably starting from a common base). Such protrusion 9 may comprise an inner core 91 and a cap 92 which covers it at least partially. In the protrusion 9 there is a silicone membrane 93. The silicone membrane 93 is appropriately located inside the cap 92 at one end of the core 91. Such silicone membrane 93 in a rest configuration prevents the fluid dynamic connection between the withdrawal mouth 20 and the outlet mouth 3. To enable the dispensing of the fluid the external device sees to moving the membrane 93 at least partially. Appropriately, the protrusion 9 comprises a connection means 94 for connection with the external device. For example, the connection means 94 may comprise a thread. It is intended to be connected with a counter-thread afforded on the external device, e.g. a syringe or a drip. Such thread is preferably placed at one end of the protrusion. It advantageously surrounds the outlet mouth 3. Appropriately the thread is afforded on the cap 92.

[0011] The adaptor 1 comprises a conduit 4 that connects said liquid withdrawal mouth 20 and said liquid outlet mouth 3. Appropriately, such conduit 4 extends at least in part into the core 91. This enables the liquid to cross the adaptor 1 between an inlet area into the adaptor 1 and an outlet area from the adaptor 1. The adaptor 1 also comprises a vent 95. This makes it possible to prevent any excessive pressure differences with respect to the external pressure from being present inside the container. Appropriately, the vent 95 comprises a channel 96 that places a first and a second end 961, 962 in communication. Appropriately, the first end 961 is placed on the perforator 2, preferably at the withdrawal mouth 20. The second end 962 places the first end 961 and the external environment in communication by crossing the adaptor 1. The second end 962 is appropriately placed along a lateral flank of said protrusion 9. Appropriately, the adaptor 1 comprises a filter 97 placed at the second end 962. In particular, the filter 97 is located between the core 91 and the cap 92. Appropriately, the filter 97 is a hydrophilic carbon filter.

[0012] The adaptor 1 appropriately comprises a connection means 5 for connection to the container. This enables a firm gripping to the container. The connection means 5 comprises in particular a clamping means 50 deformable from a first to a second configuration for exerting a clamping action on the container. Appropriately, the deformable clamping system 50 makes the adaptor usable with different mouth sizes. The clamping means 50 is preferably annular. The appropriately deformable clamping means 50 comprises (or more specifically is) an annular element. In particular, the deformable clamping means 50 changes shape when passing from a first to a second configuration (in particular there is an annular thickening of at least one portion). It is appropriately made of silicone material. Appropriately, the clamping means 50 can also exert a fluid dynamic sealing action.

[0013] The adaptor 1 comprises a support 51 for supporting said clamping means 50.

[0014] When passing from the first to the second configuration the annular element (of the clamping means 50) reduces its axial extension by increasing its thickness. In this way it exerts a sealing action on the container. Furthermore, in this way, it can adapt to different shapes of the container. The axial extension of the annular element is parallel to a shift direction of the support 51 for passing from the first to the second configuration.

[0015] Appropriately, the adaptor 1 comprises an actuator 6 which can be activated by a user for shifting said clamping means 50 between the first and the second configuration (in particular for shifting it from the first to the second configuration). The actuator 1 is appropriately manually activated. The actuator 6 is of the mechanical type. It comprises a hand grip intended to be used by the user.

[0016] The actuator 6 moves said clamping means 50 to enable the clamping means 50 to pass from the first to the second configuration and / or vice versa. A shift of the support 51 corresponds to a shift of the actuator 6. Appropriately the support 51 is a rigid body.

[0017] Appropriately, the actuator 6 defines a raising / lowering means of said support 51 to allow the clamping means 50 to pass from the first configuration (see figure 6) to the second configuration (see figure 7) and / or vice versa.

[0018] In the preferred solution, the actuator 6 comprises / is a linkage 60. However, it could also be a mechanical button or the like.

[0019] The linkage 60 is hinged to the support 51. A rotation of said linkage 60 causes the raising / lowering of said support 51. In particular, a rotation of the linkage 60 according to a first direction causes a raising of the support 51, a rotation of the linkage 60 according to an opposite direction to the first causes a lowering of the support 51.

[0020] The adaptor 1 comprises a cover 7 intended to overlap with a mouthpiece of the container and constrained to said perforator 2. Such cover 7 is for example shaped like a plate. Appropriately, the cover 7, in particular the plate, comprises at least one slot 98 (in the solution exemplified in the appended figures there are two of them) for guiding the support 51. The support 51 comprises at least one portion (typically lateral) which crosses said at least one slot 98. A raising / lowering of the support 51 causes a relative shift of the support 51 with respect to the cover 7. In a raised position (i.e. when the clamping means 50 is deformed or more deformed) the support 51 projects more above said slot 98 than in a lowered position. Passing from the first to the second configuration the deformable means 50 is compressed between an edge 511 of the support 51 and the cover 7 (see figures 6 and 7). In this way the annular element of the deformable means 50 reduces its axial extension and increases its thickness. In fact, the support 51 comprises an annular perimeter wall 510 which defines an internal cavity. At one end (typically lower with reference for example to figures 6 and 7) of the annular perimeter wall 510 the support 51 comprises said edge 511 which extends towards the inside of the cavity.

[0021] The adaptor 1 further comprises a first fulcrum 62 that enables the rotation of the linkage 60 with respect to the support 51. The first fulcrum 62 enables the linkage 60 to be connected with respect to the support 51. The first fulcrum 62 comprises a pin 621 and a rotation hole 622 of the pin 621. Appropriately, the pin 621 and the hole 622 are made, one in the linkage 60, and one in the support 51. Appropriately, the adaptor 1 comprises a second fulcrum 620 that enables the rotation of the linkage 60 with respect to the support 51.

[0022] The linkage 60 comprises a cam profile 61 placed in contact with said cover 7. A rotation of the linkage 60 about said first fulcrum 62 causes the distancing / nearing of the first fulcrum 62 from said cover 7 and a consequent raising / lowering of the support 51. A rotation of the linkage 60 about said first fulcrum 62 causes the raising / lowering of the first fulcrum 62 with respect to the cover 7.

[0023] The cam profile 61 comprises a first and a second flat portion 611, 612. Appropriately, the first and the second flat portion 611, 612 are in contact with other portions of the adaptor 1 (typically the cover 7) in a first and second stroke end position, respectively, of the linkage. This enables the linkage to be stabilised better in these two stroke end positions.

[0024] The outlet mouth 3 and the perforator 2 extend on two opposite sides of the cover 7. In particular, they project away from the plate of the cover 7 along opposite directions.

[0025] Further object of the present invention is a system comprising a container 10 associated with an adaptor 1 having one or more of the features described hereinabove. The container 10 comprises a lateral portion 11.

[0026] The clamping means 50 of the adaptor 1 grips onto the lateral portion 11 of said container 10. Preferably, such lateral portion 11 is arranged at a neck of the container. The lateral portion 11 is in particular located at a mouthpiece of the container.

[0027] A method for applying an adaptor 1 to a container 10 also constitutes object of the present invention. Appropriately, such adaptor 1 is of the type having one or more of the characteristics described hereinabove.

[0028] Such application method comprises the steps of: positioning the adaptor 1 on a mouthpiece 12 of the container 10 (see step from figure 2 to figure 3); perforating by means of the perforator 2 a closing element 13 of said mouthpiece 12 (appropriately this is simultaneous to the positioning of the adaptor on the mouthpiece 12); activating said actuator 6 for moving said clamping means 50 from the first to the second configuration causing a deformation of the clamping means 50 against the lateral portion 11 of the container 10 (see step from figure 3 to figure 4).

[0029] The present invention achieves important advantages.

[0030] Above all it enables a single adaptor to be used for a plurality of containers of different sizes, e.g. different mouthpiece diameter. It further enables extremely quick and easy connection and disconnection from the container.

Claims

1. An adaptor applicable to a container for enabling the dispensing of a liquid to an external device applicable to the adaptor; said adaptor (1) comprising: - a perforator (2) intended to penetrate at least in part into the container and comprising a withdrawal mouth (20) for withdrawing the liquid; - an outlet mouth (3) for the outlet of the liquid from the adaptor (1) towards said external device; - a conduit (4) that connects said liquid withdrawal mouth (20) and said liquid outlet mouth (3); - a connection means (5) for connection to the container, said connection means (5) comprising a clamping means (50) deformable from a first to a second configuration for exerting a clamping action on the container; - an actuator (6) that can be activated by a user for shifting said clamping means (50) between the first and the second configuration, wherein the deformable clamping means (50) changes shape when passing from the first to the second configuration.

2. The adaptor according to claim 1, characterised in that there is an annular thickening of at least one portion of the deformable clamping means (50) when passing from the first to the second configuration.

3. The adaptor according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the deformable clamping means (50) are made of silicone material.

4. The adaptor according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping means (50) also exert a fluid dynamic sealing action.

5. The adaptor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a support (51) for supporting said clamping means (50); said actuator (6) moving said support (51) to allow the clamping means (50) to pass from the first to the second configuration and / or vice versa.

6. The adaptor according to claim 5, characterised in that said actuator (6) defines a raising / lowering means of said support (51) to allow the clamping means (50) to pass from the first to the second configuration and / or vice versa.

7. The adaptor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said actuator (6) comprises / is a linkage (60).

8. The adaptor according to claim 7, characterised in that said linkage (60) is hinged to the support (51); a rotation of said linkage (60) causing the raising / lowering of said support (51).

9. The adaptor according to claim 7 or 8 when it depends directly or indirectly on claim 5, characterised in that it comprises: - a cover (7) intended to overlap with a mouthpiece of the container and constrained to said perforator (2); - a first fulcrum (62) that enables the rotation of the linkage (60) with respect to the support (51); said linkage (60) comprising a cam profile (61) placed in contact with said cover (7), a rotation of the linkage (60) about said first fulcrum (62) causing the distancing / nearing of the first fulcrum (62) with respect to said cover (7) and a consequent raising / lowering of the support (51).

10. The adaptor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said outlet mouth (3) and said perforator (2) extend on two opposite sides of the cover (7).

11. The adaptor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping means (50) is annular; when passing from the first to the second configuration the annular clamping means (50) reduces its axial extension increasing its thickness in order to be suitable for exerting a sealing action on the container.

12. A system comprising: - a container (10) comprising a lateral portion (11); - an adaptor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 applicable to said container (10); said clamping means (50) gripping to the lateral portion (11) of said container (10).

13. A method for applying an adaptor to a container according to any one of claims from 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: - positioning said adaptor (1) on a mouthpiece (12) of the container (10); - perforating through said perforator (2) a closing element (13) of said mouthpiece (12); - activating said actuator (6) for moving said clamping means (50) from the first to the second configuration causing a deformation of the clamping means (50) against the lateral portion (11) of the container (10).

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