Aligning cap crimper

Abstract

A housing has a top end and a bottom end. A first recess is defined by the housing. The first recess is configured to receive a vial. The first recess extends through the bottom end of the housing and a side of the housing. A second recess is defined by the housing. The second recess is configured to receive a crimping tool through the top end. The second recess extends through the top end of the housing and the side of the housing.

Description

ALIGNING CAP CRIMPERRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 63 / 491,172 filed March 20, 2023, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates alignment devices used during assembly of products.BACKGROUND

[0003] Vials, bottles, and other liquid containers are often sealed after receiving liquid. Such containers often have a single opening at an upper end of the container that received the liquid. Once the liquid is received, the container is sealed, for example, by a cap. A variety of cap styles are available to be used. For example, twist on caps, press-on caps, or crimp on caps.SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure relates to aligning a cap crimper.

[0005] An example embodiment of the subject matter described within this disclosure is an alignment tool with the following features. A housing has a top end and a bottom end. A first recess is defined by the housing. The first recess is configured to receive a vial. The first recess extends through the bottom end of the housing and a side of the housing. A second recess is defined by the housing. The second recess is configured to receive a crimping tool through the top end. The second recess extends through the top end of the housing and the side of the housing.

[0006] Aspects of the example alignment tool, which can be combined with the alignment tool alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. A non-slip material is on a bottom surface of the bottom end.

[0007] Aspects of the example alignment tool, which can be combined with the alignment tool alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. An interface between the first recess and the second recess defines a shoulder defining a surface facing towards the top end.

[0008] Aspects of the example alignment tool, which can be combined with the alignment tool alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The shoulder is a sufficient distance from the top end to prevent an interference with the crimping tool.

[0009] Aspects of the example alignment tool, which can be combined with the alignment tool alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The housing defines a ring at the top end. A surface of the top end is configured to vertically support the crimping tool. The ring is configured to laterally retain the crimping tool.

[0010] Aspects of the example alignment tool, which can be combined with the alignment tool alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The ring extends a distance from the top end. A length of the ring being insufficient to interfere with the vial to be received.

[0011] Aspects of the example alignment tool, which can be combined with the alignment tool alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The first recess provides sufficient space for the crimping tool to actuate.

[0012] Aspects of the example alignment tool, which can be combined with the alignment tool alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The housing defines fingers extending from and at least partially defining the first recess.

[0013] Aspects of the example alignment tool, which can be combined with the alignment tool alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The fingers are configured to receive and retain the vial by a friction fit.

[0014] An example embodiment of the subject matter described within this disclosure is a method with the following features. A vial is received by a first recess defined by a retainer. The vial is retained within the first recess by the retainer. A cap is received by the vial retained within the retainer. A crimping tool is received by a second recess defined by the retainer and the vial.

[0015] Aspects of the example method, which can be combined with the example method alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The cap is crimped by the crimping tool. A relative position of the vial and the crimping tool are maintained by the retainer while crimping the cap is by the crimping tool.

[0016] Aspects of the example method, which can be combined with the example method alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The crimping tool is released by the retainer. The vial is released by the retainer.

[0017] An example embodiment of the subject matter described within this disclosure is a system with the following features. A crimping tool is configured to crimp a cap onto a vial. An alignment tool is configured to retain and align the crimping tool and the vial. The alignment tool includes the following features. A housing has a top end and a bottom end. A first recess is defined by the housing. The first recess is configured to receive the vial. The first recess extends through the bottom end of the housing and a side of the housing. A second recess is defined by the housing. The second recess is configured to receive the crimping tool through the top end. The second recess extends through the top end of the housing and the side of the housing.

[0018] Aspects of the example system, which can be combined with the example system alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The alignment tool further includes a non-slip material on a bottom surface of the bottom end.

[0019] Aspects of the example system, which can be combined with the example system alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. An interface between the first recess and the second recess defines a shoulder defining a surface facing towards the top end.

[0020] Aspects of the example system, which can be combined with the example system alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The shoulder is a sufficient distance from the top end to prevent an interference with the crimping tool.

[0021] Aspects of the example system, which can be combined with the example system alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The housing defines a ring at the top end. A surface of the top end vertically supports the crimping tool. The ring laterally retains the crimping tool.

[0022] Aspects of the example system, which can be combined with the example system alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The ring extends a distance from the top end. A length of the ring is insufficient to interfere with the vial to be received.

[0023] Aspects of the example system, which can be combined with the example system alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The first recess provides sufficient space for the crimping tool to actuate.

[0024] Aspects of the example system, which can be combined with the example system alone or in combination with other aspects, include the following. The housing includes fingers extending from and at least partially defining the first recess, wherein the fingers retain the vial by a friction fit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example alignment tool.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates and example vial and cap.

[0027] FIGS. 3A-3B are top and front views, respectively, of an example vial and cap retained within the example alignment tool.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates the example alignment tool aligning a crimping tool with the vial and cap during operation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices, systems, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments and features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0030] Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like- named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape. Sizesand shapes of the systems and devices, and the components thereof, can depend at least on the anatomy of the subject in which the systems and devices will be used, the size and shape of components with which the systems and devices will be used, and the methods and procedures in which the systems and devices will be used.

[0031] Sealing integrity of a cap attached to a top of a vial can be dependent on a number of things, including a mode of attachment and an alignment of the cap, an attachment tool, and the vial with one another. For example, in cases where a crimped cap is attached with a hand-held crimping tool, alignment must be precise to ensure a proper seal. Improper sealing can reduce a shelf-life of a product within the vial, or can result in a completely tainted product.

[0032] This disclosure describes an alignment tool with housing having a top end and a bottom end. The housing defines a first recess configured to receive a vial, and a second recess configured to receive a crimpling tool. The two recesses intersect with one another allowing the crimping tool to interface with a top end of the vial. The alignment tool described herein allows the vial and the crimping tool to be consistently aligned with one another when caps are crimped and sealed to the vial. This leads to improved and more consistent sealing when compared to using the crimping tool without the alignment tool.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example retainer, of alignment tool 100. The alignment tool includes a housing 102 with a top end 104 and a bottom end 106. In some embodiments, a non-slip material 108, such as silicon, or rubber, can be added on a bottom surface of the bottom end 106. While the housing 102 in the illustrated embodiment is substantially cylindrical in shape, other shapes can be used without departing form this disclosure, for example a rectangular shape. The housing defines a first recess 110 that is configured to receive a vial 200 (FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the first recess 110 extends through the bottom end 106of the housing 102 and a side of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the housing defines fingers 112 extending from and at least partially defining the first recess 110. The profile of the first recess 110 is configured to receive and center the vial 200 with a second recess 114.

[0034] The second recess 114 is defined by the housing and is configured to receive a crimping tool 500 (FIG. 4) through the top end. The second recess 114 extends through the top end 104 of the housing 102 and the side of the housing 102. An interface between the first recess 110 and the second recess 114 defines a shoulder 116 defining a surface facing towards the top end 104. The housing 102 defines a ring 118 at the top end 104 of the alignment tool. A surface of the top end 104 is configured to vertically support and laterally retain the crimping tool 500 (FIG. 4).

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates and example vial 200 and cap 202 that can be used with aspects of this disclosure. It is noted that the vial 200 and cap 202 arrangement described herein is just an example, and other shapes and arrangements can be used without departing from this disclosure so long as the first recess 110 defines a profile corresponding to an outer surface of the vial 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the vial 200 has a cylindrical shaped housing 204 defining a chamber 206 in which liquid can be received and retained. The vial 200 includes an upper end that tapers to an opening 208. The cap 202 is configured to rest upon the opening 208, where the cap 202 is then crimped to the vial 200. The crimped cap 202 engages with ridges 210 near the opening 208 of the vial 200. In some embodiments, the vial can include a plug 212 prior to receiving the cap 202. The plug helps reduce the likelihood of spills during the crimping process, and, in some embodiments, can assist the cap 202 in sealing the vial 200.

[0036] FIGS. 3A-3B are top and front views, respectively, of an example vial and cap retained within the example alignment tool 100. As can be seen in these figures, the vial 200 alignswith a vertical centerline 302 within the alignment tool 100. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the ring 118 does not interfere with the vial 200.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates the example alignment tool 100 aligning a crimping tool 500 with the vial 200 and cap 202 during a crimping operation. The crimping tool 500 is inserted into and / or received by an upper end of the alignment tool 100. More specifically, the crimping tool 500 is laterally and vertically retained by the ring 118, and extends into the second recess 114 during operations. The crimping tool 500 is configured to crimp the cap 202 onto the vial 200.

[0038] In operation, the vial 200 is received and retained by and within the first recess 110 defined by the alignment tool 100. A cap 202 is received by the vial retained within the retainer. The cap 202 can be received by the vial 200 before or after the vial 200 is received and retained by the alignment tool 100. The ring 118 extends a distance from the top end 104. In the illustrated example, a length of the ring 118 is insufficient to interfere with the vial 200 to being received by the alignment tool 100. That is, a distance from the bottom end 106 of the retainer to a bottom end of the ring 118 is greater than a height of the vial 200. The crimping tool 500 is received by the second recess 114 defined by the alignment tool 100 and the vial 200. The first recess 110 provides sufficient space for the crimping tool 500 to actuate. In addition, the shoulder 116 is a sufficient distance from the top end 104 to prevent an interference with the crimping tool 500. The cap 202 is crimped by the crimping tool 500 while a relative position of the vial and the crimping tool 500 is maintained by the alignment tool 100. For example, in some embodiments, the crimping tool 500 is maintained to be perpendicular relative to the centerline 302 during crimping operations. After the cap 202 is crimped, the cap 202 is released from the crimping tool 500, and the crimping tool 500 is released by or otherwise removed from the alignment tool 100. The vial 200, with thecrimped cap 202 attached by the crimping process, is then released by or otherwise removed from the alignment tool 100.

[0039] While this disclosure contains many specific embodiment details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0040] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0041] Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, theprocesses depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An alignment tool comprising: a housing having a top end and a bottom end; a first recess defined by the housing, the first recess configured to receive a vial, the first recess extending through the bottom end of the housing and a side of the housing; and a second recess defined by the housing, the second recess configured to receive a crimping tool through the top end, the second recess extending through the top end of the housing and the side of the housing.

2. The alignment tool of claim 1, further comprising a non-slip material on a bottom surface of the bottom end.

3. The alignment tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an interface between the first recess and the second recess defines a shoulder defining a surface facing towards the top end.

4. The alignment tool of claim 3, wherein the shoulder is a sufficient distance from the top end to prevent an interference with the crimping tool.

5. The alignment tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing defines a ring at the top end, a surface of the top end configured to vertically support the crimping tool, the ring configured to laterally retain the crimping tool.

6. The alignment tool of claim 5, wherein the ring extends a distance from the top end, a length of the ring being insufficient to interfere with the vial to be received.

7. The alignment tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first recess provides sufficient space for the crimping tool to actuate.

8. The alignment tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing defines fingers extending from and at least partially defining the first recess.

9. The alignment tool of claim 8, wherein the fingers are configured to receive and retain the vial by a friction fit.

10. A method comprising: receiving a vial by a first recess defined by a retainer; retaining the vial within the first recess by the retainer; receiving a cap by the vial retained within the retainer; and receiving a crimping tool by a second recess defined by the retainer and the vial.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: crimping the cap by the crimping tool; and maintaining a relative position of the vial and the crimping tool, by the retainer, while crimping the cap is by the crimping tool.

12. The method of any one of claims 10-11, further comprising: releasing the crimping tool by the retainer; and releasing the vial by the retainer.

13. A system comprising: a crimping tool configured to crimp a cap onto a vial; and an alignment tool configured to retain and align the crimping tool and the vial, the alignment tool comprising: a housing having a top end and a bottom end; a first recess defined by the housing, the first recess configured to receive the vial, the first recess extending through the bottom end of the housing and a side of the housing; and a second recess defined by the housing, the second recess configured to receive the crimping tool through the top end, the second recess extending through the top end of the housing and the side of the housing.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the alignment tool further comprises a non-slip material on a bottom surface of the bottom end.

15. The system of any one of claims 13-14, wherein an interface between the first recess and the second recess defines a shoulder defining a surface facing towards the top end.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the shoulder is a sufficient distance from the top end to prevent an interference with the crimping tool.

17. The system of any one of claims 13-16, wherein the housing defines a ring at the top end, a surface of the top end vertically supporting the crimping tool, the ring laterally retaining the crimping tool.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the ring extends a distance from the top end, a length of the ring being insufficient to interfere with the vial to be received.

19. The system of any one of claim 13-18, wherein the first recess provides sufficient space for the crimping tool to actuate.

20. The system of any one of claim 13-19, wherein the housing comprises fingers extending from and at least partially defining the first recess, wherein the fingers retain the vial by a friction fit.

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