Arrangement for opening a glass ampoule

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for opening a glass ampoule (2), comprising an ampoule stand (1) and optionally a handpiece (11), wherein: the ampoule stand (1) has at least one opening (3) for receiving a glass ampoule (2), and a head (5) of the glass ampoule (2) protrudes from the at least one opening when the glass ampoule (2) is disposed in the at least one opening (3); the direction of longitudinal extension (6) of the glass ampoule (2) is at an angle (α) of less than 90° and greater than 0° to the horizontal (H) when the glass ampoule is disposed in the at least one opening (3); the handpiece (11) is a separate component and has a gripping surface and a cavity (25); the cavity (25) can be slipped over the head (5) of the glass ampoule (2), such that the head (5) breaks off of the glass ampoule (2) when the handpiece (11) is bent relative to the ampoule stand (1).

Description

[0001] Arrangement for opening a glass ampoule

[0002] The present invention relates to an arrangement for opening a glass ampoule, comprising an ampoule stand and a handpiece according to the features in claim 1.

[0003] Glass ampoules are known from the prior art. These glass ampoules are used to hold a medication, particularly in liquid form. The medication is usually withdrawn from the glass ampoule using a syringe. To do this, the head of the glass ampoule is opened. To open the glass ampoule, the head is separated from the actual container of the glass ampoule. This is done by a snap-off process. This can cause injuries.

[0004] Various devices for opening glass ampoules are known from the prior art. For example, DE 8 614635 U1 discloses a device in which the head of a glass ampoule can be inserted into an opening, and the head is broken off by relative movement (bending the actual ampoule container).

[0005] A similar device is known from DE 8 503 511 U1.

[0006] There are also mobile ampoule openers. For example, a type of handpiece is known from EP 1 293 474 B1. The head of the glass ampoule is inserted into the handpiece and then broken off by bending it relative to the actual ampoule body. A similar device is known from EP 0 234 206 A2.

[0007] A disadvantage of state-of-the-art ampoule openers is that both hands are required, and the glass ampoule must be held in the hand. Particularly in the case of laws or regulations regarding the hygiene of handling medical devices, such contact with the glass ampoule may require subsequent, more extensive disinfection.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore, based on the prior art, to show a possibility of opening glass ampoules particularly easily, effectively and safely, whereby further hygiene standards can optionally also be effectively complied with.

[0009] The above-mentioned object is achieved with an arrangement for opening a glass ampoule according to the features in claim 1.

[0010] Advantageous design variants are the subject of the following description.

[0011] The arrangement for opening a glass ampoule comprises an ampoule stand and a handle. The ampoule stand has at least one opening for receiving a glass ampoule. The container or main body of the glass ampoule is inserted into the opening such that at least the actual head of the glass ampoule protrudes beyond the opening. The opening is designed, in particular, as a sleeve-like opening or as a hole, at least in part in length. In particular, the ampoule stand is block-shaped. The opening itself can be introduced into the ampoule stand, for example, as a blind hole or other milled recess. The ampoule itself is arranged in the ampoule stand at an angle of less than 90° and greater than 0°, in particular 10° to 60°, particularly preferably 20° to 40°, very particularly preferably 25° to 35°, and in particular at an angle of 30° to 34° to a horizontal.The ampoule thus remains positioned at an angle to the horizontal in the opening. This has a beneficial effect on the glass ampoule itself, but is especially beneficial for the liquid contained within. The associated advantages will be discussed later.

[0012] The protruding head of the glass ampoule can now be safely broken off provided the ampoule is positioned at an angle to the horizontal in the ampoule stand. For this purpose, the arrangement further provides for a handpiece, wherein the handpiece is in particular sleeve-shaped. The sleeve-shaped part or hollow space of the handpiece is pulled over the head, at least in part over the head of the glass ampoule. By bending the handpiece relative to the ampoule stand, the head breaks off from the glass ampoule. For this purpose, the handpiece preferably has a rear grip area and a front sleeve-shaped area. The handpiece particularly reduces the risk of injury and simplifies operation. Especially when the handpiece is extended, the head can be broken off with less force using the lever principle.

[0013] Because the glass ampoule with its ampoule body is at an angle to the horizontal, within the aforementioned preferred angle range, the liquid in the glass ampoule remains in the glass ampoule itself after the head is broken off. A user, for example a treating physician, can now insert a syringe, in particular an injection needle of a syringe, directly into the open ampoule opening and then withdraw the liquid from the glass ampoule by pulling the syringe open. This offers considerable user comfort, as the open ampoule does not have to be held. At the same time, however, all hygiene standards can be maintained, as the ampoule itself is no longer touched with the palms of the hands after the ampoule has been opened. Re-disinfection of the ampoule and / or hands and / or gloves of the user, for example the treating physician or an assistant, is not necessary.The ampoule head can be broken off. The ampoule is no longer handled. Nevertheless, the fluid can be withdrawn from the ampoule using an injection needle in compliance with all hygiene standards and regulations. Another important advantage of the device described here is the reduced risk of injury. According to current state-of-the-art technology, the ampoule is held in the hand, a cannula is inserted into the ampoule's opening, and the contents are aspirated using a cannula. If the cannula is accidentally missed during this process, there is a risk of injury to the fingers / hand holding the ampoule.

[0014] For this purpose, the respective opening is not designed as a blind hole that runs along its entire length. Instead, the upper front section of the opening is not covered and is therefore exposed. This offers two key advantages. Firstly, it is still possible to see, at least in part, what colour or inscription is on the ampoule. Furthermore, due to the transparency of the ampoule casing itself, the liquid, or at least the fill level, in the ampoule can be seen. Glass ampoules usually have a predetermined breaking point on their neck, the position of which is marked by a dot on the top of the ampoule. Because the blind hole does not run along its entire length, the ampoule can now be easily turned into the appropriate position with a finger so that the predetermined breaking point is facing upwards.This makes it particularly easy to open the ampoule.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, at least two openings are arranged next to one another in the ampoule holder. Preferably, there are a total of 2 to 11 openings in the ampoule holder, with 3, 4, 5 or 6 openings being arranged next to one another most preferably. In this case, it has proven particularly practical if at least two openings are arranged next to one another. This means that two glass ampoules can be arranged next to one another in the ampoule holder and opened if necessary. In particular, if, for example, a medical indication requires two different preparations or medications, both medications can be prepared or removed or then administered directly. It is also possible, for example, to arrange several ampoules next to one another so that appropriate medications are stocked if, for example, the contents of one glass ampoule are insufficient or different medications are used one after the other.This also makes it possible to aspirate different contents of ampoules, for example medications, into the same syringe and thus mix them together.

[0016] In case of doubt, the opening in the ampoule holder itself does not have to be round, especially circular, for a glass ampoule. The opening itself can also be square, for example, to accommodate the glass ampoule. It would also be conceivable to use openings with a rectangular cross-section, for example for plastic ampoules, which themselves have a rectangular cross-section. These can also be inserted into the ampoule holder. In this case, the opening is not necessarily carried out using the handpiece. In particular, however, the position of the plastic ampoule is used to extract the liquid from the plastic ampoule. This is done in particular without contact. Contactless means that the ampoule itself does not have to be touched or held with the hands again. Instead, the person using the ampoule, for example the treating doctor, can extract the liquid directly using an injection needle or syringe.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two openings of the ampoule holder have different diameters. This allows the use of glass ampoules of different sizes, particularly capacities. In particular, one opening has a diameter of preferably greater than 14 mm, but less than 20 mm, in particular of approximately 15 mm. Another opening preferably has a diameter of greater than 10 mm, less than 15 mm, very particularly preferably greater than 11 mm, less than 13 mm, and particularly preferably of approximately 12 mm.

[0018] The depth of an opening, in particular to a front breaking edge of the ampoule stand is preferably at least 25 mm, but less than 35 mm, in the case of a smaller diameter in particular of approximately 30 mm. The depth of the opening with a larger diameter is preferably greater than 30 mm and less than 50 mm, particularly preferably approximately 40 mm. To ensure that the ampoule stand stands securely during storage and in particular when carrying out the movement to break off the head of the glass ampoule, a base shoulder is formed which projects over the edge or front of the ampoule stand, particularly on a front lower edge. The base shoulder has a depth of greater than 10 mm, in particular greater than 20 mm, preferably of approximately 30 mm. If it is angled downwards in relation to the vertical direction, there is therefore no risk of the ampoule stand tipping forward.

[0019] To further support the bending movement, an upper edge is angled, particularly on the front side of the ampoule stand. The bending occurs at an angle of approximately 10° to 50°, particularly preferably 20° to 40°, and especially approximately 25° to 35° to a vertical line. This makes it possible to perform the bending or breaking movement to break off the head of the glass ampoule particularly effectively and reliably when the ampoule is tilted relative to the horizontal.

[0020] In particular, the ampoule stand is made of a plastic, particularly a solid plastic. This has proven easy to handle due to its low overall weight. At the same time, however, the fact that the ampoule stand is constructed as a solid block provides sufficient weight for secure upright positioning and stability when performing the bending movement.

[0021] However, the ampoule holder can also be hollow, for example, as an injection-molded plastic component. In this case, a weight is preferably incorporated into the base. For example, a higher proportion of plastic material can be used here. However, a metal or wooden plate can also be incorporated to ensure secure support, especially when performing the bending movement. The ampoule holder can also be hollow from the bottom.

[0022] Further advantages, features, properties, and aspects of the present invention are the subject of the following description. Preferred embodiments are illustrated in schematic figures. These serve to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0023] Figure 1 shows an ampoule stand according to the invention in perspective view and a glass ampoule,

[0024] Figure 2 the ampoule stand in side view with inserted glass ampoule,

[0025] Figure 3 shows the ampoule stand in side view with inserted glass ampoule and attached handpiece,

[0026] Figure 4 the execution of the bending movement,

[0027] Figure 5 shows the ampoule stand in side view with the opened glass ampoule and the syringe inserted for extracting the liquid.

[0028] In the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical and similar components, even if a repeated description is omitted for reasons of simplification.

[0029] Figure 1 shows an ampoule stand 1 according to the invention with a glass ampoule 2 inserted therein. The ampoule stand 1 has several openings 3. A glass ampoule 2, also shown in Figure 1, is inserted with its actual housing 4 or ampoule body into a respective opening 3. The head 5 of the glass ampoule 2 protrudes beyond the opening 3.

[0030] This is particularly illustrated in the side view according to Figure 2. The ampoule is mounted with its longitudinal extension 6 at an angle a relative to a horizontal line. The angle a is preferably 10° to 60°, in particular 20° to 40°, particularly preferably 25° to 35° or in particular 30° to 34°. It is mounted with its longitudinal extension 6 or with its ampoule body relative to a horizontal line. The head 5 of the ampoule is positioned opposite a front side 7 of the ampoule stand 1.

[0031] A fill level 8 of the liquid 9 contained in the ampoule is thus stored in the ampoule and positioned in the vertical direction V below a constriction 10 between the housing 4 and the head 5 of the glass ampoule 2. With the broken head 5 shown later, the liquid 9, in particular the fill level 8 of the liquid 9, remains below a break-off edge 15. Thus, the liquid 9, shown in Figure 4, remains within the glass ampoule 2 and does not come into contact with the environment due to possible spillage.

[0032] The actual inventive concept is now illustrated in Figure 3. Here, a handpiece 11 is placed onto the protruding head 5. The handpiece 11 has a front, sleeve-shaped section 12 with a hollow space 25, with which the handpiece 11 engages over the head 5. In the longitudinal extension 6 of the handpiece 11, a grip section 13 is formed behind it, with which the handpiece 11 can be grasped with a hand or fingers (not shown in detail). If a bending movement 14 is now performed, in particular downwards in the vertical direction V, the head 5 of the glass ampoule 2 breaks, illustrated as in Figure 4, and a broken edge 15 remains. However, the glass ampoule 2 no longer needs to be touched after the opening process or otherwise relocated logistically.According to the illustration in Figure 5, a syringe 16, specifically an injection needle 17 of a syringe 16, can be used to enter the liquid 9 and withdraw the liquid 9 from the glass ampoule 2 at an angle relative to a horizontally arranged glass ampoule 2. To prevent the bending movement 14 shown in Figure 3 from causing the ampoule stand 1 to tip forward or tip over, a base shoulder 18 is further formed, wherein the base shoulder 18 protrudes from the front side 7 of the ampoule stand 1, preferably by approximately 2 cm to 4 cm. The entire ampoule stand 1 furthermore has a total height 19 of approximately more than 4 cm, but less than 8 cm, particularly preferably between 5 cm and 6 cm. Furthermore, the actual main body of the ampoule stand 1 has a depth 20 of preferably more than 3 cm, but less than 8 cm, in particular between 4 cm and 6 cm, preferably 5 cm.The width 21 shown in the perspective view of Figure 1 depends on the number of selected openings 3. For example, an ampoule stand 1 with only two openings 3 is narrower, while an ampoule stand 1 with 3, 4, or 5 openings 3 is correspondingly wider. Each opening 3 itself has a diameter that lies within the diameter ratio described above. In particular, two openings 3 arranged next to one another can have different diameters. Furthermore, a stepped shoulder is formed on the upper side 23 of the ampoule stand 1. Due to the stepped shoulder, the respective opening 3 is not completely formed over the entire depth 22 of the opening 3. Thus, the upper side 23 of the glass ampoule 2 remains visible. On the one hand, any inscription on the glass ampoule 2 can be retrieved, and furthermore, the current fill level 8 of the glass ampoule 2 can be determined optically.To support the bending movement 14 shown in Figure 3, an upper edge surface 24 of the front side 7 is angled, as shown in Figure 4, in particular at an angle ß of 10° to 50°, in particular 20° to 40°, and particularly preferably 25° to 35° relative to the vertical V shown in Figure 4. Thus, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the handpiece 11 can be attached and the bending movement can be carried out without any jamming or the like occurring. The head 5 of the glass ampoule 2 can thus be broken off in a reproducible manner.

[0033] Reference symbol:

[0034] 1 - Ampoule rack

[0035] 2 - Glass ampoule

[0036] 3 - Opening

[0037] 4 - Housing for 2

[0038] 5 - Head to 2

[0039] 6 - Longitudinal extension to 2

[0040] 7 - Front

[0041] 8 - Fill level

[0042] 9 - Liquid

[0043] 10- Narrowing

[0044] 11 - Handpiece

[0045] 12- sleeve-shaped section

[0046] 13- Handle section

[0047] 14- Bending movement

[0048] 15- Break edge

[0049] 16- Syringe

[0050] 17- Injection needle

[0051] 18 - Base

[0052] 19- Height

[0053] 20- Depth

[0054] 21 - Width

[0055] 22 - Depth to 3

[0056] 23 - Top to 2

[0057] 24 - Edge surface

[0058] 25 - Cavity

[0059] H - Horizontal

[0060] V - Vertical directionA / vertical a - Angle ß- Angle

Claims

Patent claims 1. An arrangement for opening a glass ampoule (2), comprising an ampoule stand (1) and optionally a handle (11), wherein the ampoule stand (1) has at least one opening (3) for receiving a glass ampoule (2) and a head (5) of the glass ampoule (2) protrudes from the at least one opening (3) when the glass ampoule (2) is arranged in the at least one opening (3), wherein the glass ampoule (2) has an angle (α) of less than 90° and greater than 0° to the horizontal (H) in its longitudinal direction (6) when arranged in the at least one opening (3), wherein the handle (11) is a separate component and has a gripping surface and a hollow space (25), wherein the hollow space (25) can be slipped over the head (5) of the glass ampoule (2) in such a way that the head (5) can be removed from the Glass ampoule (2) breaks off.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening (3) is arranged with its longitudinal axis at an angle of 10 to 60 degrees, in particular of 20 to 40 degrees and very particularly preferably of 25 to 35 degrees and in particular 30 to 34 degrees to a horizontal (H).

3. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that in the ampoule stand (1) at least two openings (3) are arranged next to one another, preferably 2 to 11 openings (3) are arranged next to one another, in particular 3, 4, 5 or 6 openings (3) next to one another.

4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two openings (3) have different diameters from one another.

5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a base shoulder (18) is formed projecting on a front side (7) of the ampoule stand (1).

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (3) of the ampoule stand (1) has a stepped shoulder such that a lower part of the opening (3) related to the radial direction is designed to protrude longer in the axial direction than an upper part.

7. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on a front side (7), an upper edge surface runs at an angle to a vertical to the ampoule, in particular at an angle of 10 to 50 degrees, preferably 20 to 40 degrees and in particular 25 to 35 degrees.

8. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handpiece (11) has a rear gripping area and a front sleeve-shaped section (12).

9. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a storage possibility, in particular a form-fitting receptacle for the handpiece (11) is provided on the ampoule stand (1), wherein the handpiece (11) can preferably be stored with its outer diameter in an opening (3).

10. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ampoule holder (1) is made of a plastic.

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