Medicine container

Abstract

To provide a medicine container which includes at least one side wall and an extension part.SOLUTION: An extension part 130 may be rigid relative to a side wall 110 forming the volume of a container 100. The extension part 130 may extend into the center region of the container 100 in the volume of the container 100, substantially. The container 100 may comprise one or more ribs which are formed on the side wall 110 for providing structural rigidity to the side wall 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a drug container and related methods of use.

Background Art

[0002] Drug containers are used to hold therapeutic fluids. Such therapeutic fluids may be delivered to a patient via parenteral delivery (e.g., subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, intravenous injection), enteral delivery (e.g., via a gastrostomy tube or duodenal feeding tube), or any other suitable route of administration. The drug container may be configured to controllably release the therapeutic fluid for delivery to the patient. A healthcare provider typically specifies the prescribed amount of drug to be administered to the patient.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments, a drug container includes a sidewall, a spout coupled to the sidewall, and an extension coupled to the spout. The sidewall may at least partially define an internal volume of the drug container. The spout may be configured to allow the drug to flow out of the internal volume of the drug container. The extension may be disposed within the internal volume of the drug container. The sidewall may have a greater flexibility than the extension such that the sidewall has a collapsed state when the drug container is empty and an expanded state when full. The sidewall may be configured to move when the drug flows through the spout out of the internal volume of the drug container. The height of the extension measured along the central axis of the spout may be at least one-fourth of the height of the sidewall measured along a dimension parallel to the central axis of the spout when the drug container is in the expanded state.

[0004] In some embodiments, the drug container includes a side wall, a spout coupled to the side wall, and an extension coupled to the spout. The side wall may at least partially define the internal volume of the drug container. The spout may be configured such that the drug flows out of the internal volume of the drug container. The extension may be disposed within the internal volume of the drug container. The side wall may have a greater flexibility than the extension such that the drug container has a collapsed state when empty and an expanded state when full. The side wall may be configured to move when the drug flows out of the internal volume of the drug container through the spout. The extension may include a first end and a second end, and the first end is closer to the spout than the second end. The cross-sectional area of the extension measured perpendicular to the central axis of the spout may be larger at the first end than at the second end, and the central axis may be parallel to the outflow direction through the spout.

[0005] It should be recognized that the foregoing concepts, as well as additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not all components may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings,

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 8C

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 9C

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is to be understood that aspects are described herein with reference to some exemplary embodiments and drawings. The exemplary embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to represent all aspects, but rather are used to describe some exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, aspects are not intended to be construed narrowly in view of the exemplary embodiments. Additionally, it is to be understood that the specific features disclosed herein may be used alone or in any suitable combination with other features.

[0008] The drug container may be arranged to move from an expanded state in which the container is configured to hold fluid to a crushed state in which at least a portion of the fluid is drawn out of the container. In some embodiments, the movement between the two states may be enabled by the flexibility of the side wall of the container.

[0009] In conventional containers having flexible side walls, the flexible side wall (or a portion of the side wall) may sometimes collapse before all of the fluid within the container has been completely drawn out. When the side wall collapses while drawing fluid from these conventional containers, the fluid may be trapped between or behind the collapsed portions of the container, making it difficult to extract the remaining amount of fluid from the container. As a result of premature or undesirable collapse of the side wall, there may be a waste of the drug or fluid remaining within the container. Accordingly, the inventors recognized the need for a technique that helps empty a flexible-walled container and reduces the likelihood of residual fluid remaining within the container after the side wall has collapsed.

[0010] According to one aspect, the drug container can include an extension that extends into the interior volume of the drug container. In some embodiments, the side wall of the drug container may at least partially define the interior volume of the drug container. The extension can provide structural support to the side wall(s) of the drug container and help prevent premature collapse. In one embodiment, the extension is a substantially flat body that extends more than a quarter or more than half into the container. The extension may extend from the pour spout, and fluid may flow into and / or out of the container through the pour spout. In some embodiments, both the pour spout and the extension may include a coaxial passage for directing flow into and / or out of the container. In some embodiments, the extension may include grooves dispersed on the surface of the extension, for example, to direct fluid flow into the passage. In some embodiments, the container may include ribs extending from the side wall to prevent premature collapse of the container and direct fluid towards the pour spout in a crushed state.

[0011] In some embodiments, the drug container may be configured and arranged to contain a fluid drug or any other fluid in an expanded state. Exemplary fluid drugs included in the pharmaceutical container may include one or more therapeutic agents such as insulin, insulin analogs such as insulin lispro or insulin glargine, insulin derivatives, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as dulaglutide or liraglutide, glucagon, glucagon analogs, glucagon derivatives, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), GIP analogs, GIP derivatives, combined GIP / GLP-1 agonists such as tirzepatide, oxyntomodulin analogs, oxyntomodulin derivatives, therapeutic antibodies, etc. The therapeutic agent may be formulated with one or more excipients. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in some embodiments, the container may contain another suitable fluid or soft material such as baby food or confectionery products. The pour spout may be configured and arranged to be in fluid communication with the volume of the drug container.

[0012] In some embodiments, the drug container includes a sidewall and a spout. The sidewall may have a greater flexibility than the extension such that when the drug container is empty, it has a collapsed state and when full, it has an expanded state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sidewall includes a single flexible sheet that is folded or otherwise arranged to form a container capable of containing fluid in an expanded state. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in these embodiments, the peripheral edges of the folded flexible sheet may be joined to each other using any suitable method such as heat sealing, welding, or adhesive bonding.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sidewall includes a plurality of flexible films that can be reconfigured from an expanded state to a collapsed state while fluid is being extracted from the container through the spout. In some embodiments, the plurality of flexible films can be reconfigured from a collapsed state to an expanded state while fluid is being inserted into the container, for example, through the spout or through a separate inlet. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in these embodiments, the plurality of flexible films, for example, two flexible films, are joined at the periphery of the container using any suitable method such as heat sealing, welding, or adhesive bonding. In some embodiments, the sidewall is appropriately coupled to the spout such that the only outlet for the fluid within the container is through the spout. In other words, the sidewall is attached to the spout to prevent fluid transport from the container between the sidewall and the spout. Thus, the extension extends into the container beyond the seam at the periphery of the sidewall. In some embodiments, the extension is substantially inside the internal volume.

[0015] In some embodiments, the spout includes a passage that is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container. In some embodiments, the passage is a cylindrical opening that extends through a portion of the spout and the passage has an internal sidewall that partially or completely surrounds the extension. However, since the present disclosure is not limited, in other embodiments, the passage may be any suitable geometry for providing fluid communication between the internal volume of the container.

[0016] In some embodiments, the drug container further includes an extension coupled to the pour spout. The extension is disposed within the internal volume of the container. In some embodiments, the extension is configured to prevent premature collapse of the sidewall before the fluid is completely drained from the container. In these embodiments, the extension provides rigid support to the opposing surface of the container in a crushed state or under vacuum to keep the sidewalls physically separated. In some embodiments, the physical separation of the sidewalls during emptying allows the residual fluid in the container to flow out. In some embodiments, the extension is formed as part of the pour spout or integrally with the pour spout during the manufacturing process. In other embodiments, since the present disclosure is not limited, the extension is coupled to the pour spout using any suitable process including heat sealing, welding, adhesive bonding, or mechanical means.

[0017] In some embodiments, the extension is appropriately separated from the sidewall such that a fluid flow can exist between the sidewall and the extension. In some embodiments, the extension extends into the internal volume of the container beyond the point where the container is sealed to the pour spout. In some embodiments, the extension is only connected to the sidewall via the pour spout in the expanded state of the container.

[0018] In some embodiments, the extension extends substantially into the container. In some embodiments, the height of the extension measured along the central axis of the passage is greater than one-fourth of the height of the sidewall measured along the central axis of the passage. In some embodiments, the height of the extension is greater than half of the height of the sidewall. In some embodiments, since the present disclosure is not limited, the height of the extension is less than or equal to one-fourth of the height of the sidewall or any other suitable height.

[0019] In some embodiments, the shape of the body of the extension provides one or more advantages. For example, in some embodiments, the extension is shaped to help prevent premature collapse of the side walls under vacuum while minimizing the volume occupied by the extension inside the container, which can reduce the total volume available for the fluid. In some embodiments, the extension can include a sloped edge and a smooth corner. In some embodiments, the smooth corner reduces the likelihood of damage to the side wall when the extension contacts the side wall. However, since this aspect is not limiting, other advantages provided by the shape of the extension are possible, and it should be understood that the advantages identified above may not necessarily apply.

[0020] In some embodiments, the extension includes a first end at the spout and a second end located inside the internal volume of the container distal from the spout. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the extension at the first end taken perpendicular to the central axis of the passageway may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the extension at the second end taken perpendicular to the central axis of the passageway. In some embodiments, the extension is continuously tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the extension along the central axis of the passageway continuously decreases. In other embodiments, the extension includes several portions, and the cross-sectional area of each portion along the central axis of the passageway varies based on the portion. For example, in one embodiment, the extension includes a first portion including the first end and a second portion including the second end. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first portion is constant along the central axis, whereas the cross-sectional area of the second portion decreases distally from the spout along the central axis. Since the present disclosure is not limiting, it should be understood that in other embodiments, any suitable stepwise variation in the cross-sectional area of any portion of the extension may be used.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the extension is configured to allow the side wall to conform significantly to the extension when the container is under vacuum. In some embodiments, the extension includes a smooth and angled edge. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the extension does not vary along the central axis of the passage, while in other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the extension varies along the central axis of the passage. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the extension is hexagonal at the first end and is configured such that a pair of opposing faces are parallel to the side wall. The remaining four faces are sufficiently angled to allow the side wall to conform to the extension when the container is under vacuum. In some embodiments, the extension is significantly flat and parallel to the side wall. For example, in an embodiment where the cross-sectional shape at the first end is hexagonal, the pair of opposing faces parallel to the side wall are the longest sides of the hexagon. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape is elliptical, and the minor axis of the ellipse is arranged to be perpendicular to the side wall when the container is in a crushed state. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the extension may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including but not limited to polygons or lens shapes.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the extension varies at different portions of the extension. For example, in one embodiment, the extension includes a first portion including a first end and a second portion including a second end. In this example, the cross-sectional shape of the first portion is hexagonal and the cross-sectional shape of the second portion is elliptical. In another example, the cross-sectional shape of the first portion is hexagonal and the cross-sectional shape of the second portion is a lens shape, such as a pointed ellipse. At the second end, the extension may taper towards the edge. In embodiments where the cross-sectional shapes at the first end and the second end are different, the cross-sectional shape of the extension may gradually deform from the shape at the first end to the shape at the second end. Since the present disclosure is not limited, the variation in the cross-sectional shape of the extension along the central axis may be linear or non-linear, or a combination of the two. Any portion of the extension may include a sudden change in either the cross-sectional shape or the area, but in some embodiments, the change in the geometry of the extension may occur smoothly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the extension extends into the container along the central axis of the passageway. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in other embodiments, the extension is a plurality of bodies extending at various angles with respect to the central axis of the passageway. In some embodiments, the passageway divides the extension into a plurality of portions. In some cases, this allows for a greater outflow of fluid from the spout. In some embodiments, the passageway of the extension has a larger cross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis of the passageway at the spout compared to the passageway at the spout. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the extension may be of any suitable shape or shapes.

[0024] In some embodiments, the passageway extends directly from the spout to the second end of the extension. In some embodiments, the passageway extends from the spout and is divided into a plurality of passageways or channels at the extension. The plurality of passageways may be arranged at various angles with respect to the central axis of the passageway within the spout. The distribution of the plurality of passageways in the extension can fluidly connect the fluid captured at the edge of the extension to the spout, allowing for a greater outflow of fluid from the spout.

[0025] In some embodiments, the extension is three-dimensional. In other embodiments, the extension includes an internal architecture. In these embodiments, the extension can maintain structural rigidity while reducing the overall volume occupancy area of the extension, particularly when the container is in a crushed state. In some embodiments, the extension includes one or more grooves on the surface of the extension. In some embodiments, the one or more grooves are angled with respect to the central axis of the passageway. In any embodiment where the extension includes grooves, the grooves may be in fluid communication with the passageway at the spout. In some embodiments, the grooves function as a plurality of passageways of the extension. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in some embodiments, the one or more grooves are angled at any angle from 0 to 90° with respect to the central axis of the passageway, for example, at angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90°.

[0026] In some embodiments, the geometry of the groove is configured to prevent the sidewalls from collapsing within the groove. For example, the groove may be large enough to allow fluid to flow into and out of the passageway, but small enough to prevent the sidewalls from fitting into the groove and obstructing fluid flow. Since the present disclosure is not limited, the groove may be any suitable shape that allows fluid flow between the container and the passageway, including but not limited to polygonal or elliptical shapes.

[0027] In some embodiments, the drug container includes one or more ribs formed on the sidewall to prevent the sidewall from collapsing prematurely before the fluid is completely discharged from the container. In some embodiments, the ribs project inwardly into the internal volume of the container. In other embodiments, the ribs project outwardly from the internal volume of the container. In some embodiments, a combination of ribs projecting inwardly into the internal volume and ribs projecting outwardly from the internal volume of the container is provided.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ribs are formed on one surface of the sidewall, while in other embodiments, the ribs are formed on two or more surfaces of the sidewall.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ribs and the sidewall are integrally formed as a single component, and thus the single component is formed as one part simultaneously, for example, using thermal embossing or molding, although any suitable technique may be used to form the ribs.

[0030] In other embodiments, the ribs and the sidewall are formed separately and then attached to each other. In some embodiments, the ribs are attached to the inner surface of the sidewall such that the ribs are inside the internal volume of the container. In some embodiments, the ribs are attached to the outer surface of the sidewall such that the ribs are outside the internal volume of the container.

[0031] As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the ribs project outwardly from the interior volume of the container. In some embodiments, the ribs project from the plane of the sidewall when the container is in a crushed state. In some embodiments, the ribs are three-dimensional such that the thickness of the rib may be greater than the thickness of the sidewall. In some embodiments, the outwardly projecting ribs have a protruding shape with an empty void below such that fluid can flow inside the rib. For example, the protruding rib may be hollow or may not have a filling material below the protruding shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the rib has an arch shape and since there is no filling material below the arch, the outer surface of the rib is convex and the inner surface of the rib is concave. In some embodiments, during emptying of the container, the sidewall collapses before the outwardly projecting ribs collapse. In these embodiments, the ribs facilitate the flow of fluid through their empty voids. In some embodiments, the empty void extends from the distal end of the sidewall to the spout. In some embodiments, the empty void serves to increase the interior volume of the container.

[0032] As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the ribs project inwardly into the interior volume of the container. In some embodiments, the inwardly projecting ribs are three-dimensional such that the thickness of the rib may be greater than the thickness of the sidewall. In some embodiments, the inwardly projecting ribs include an empty void (e.g., are hollow). In some embodiments, during emptying of the container, the sidewall collapses before the inwardly projecting ribs collapse. In these embodiments, the inwardly projecting ribs prevent the sidewall from collapsing such that fluid flow between the inwardly projecting ribs from the distal end of the sidewall to the spout is enabled.

[0033] In some embodiments, the rib has a greater rigidity than the container sidewall. The rigidity of the rib compared to the container sidewall enables the rib to provide structural support for the sidewall when emptying. In some embodiments, the rib has a greater rigidity than the container sidewall because of its greater thickness. As an example, in some embodiments, the rib is thicker than the sidewall in the normal direction of the sidewall. In some embodiments, the rib has a greater rigidity than the container sidewall because of its geometry. For example, the rib is formed as a corrugated shape on the surface of the sidewall and may be crushed at a higher vacuum than the sidewall and maintain greater rigidity than the sidewall at a certain pressure in the crushed state. In some embodiments, the rib has a greater rigidity than the container sidewall because of its material properties. For example, the rib is formed from a material having a higher rigidity than the material of the sidewall. The rib may be formed from any material or combination of materials having suitable mechanical properties compatible with the fluid and the use of the container. In some embodiments, the rib has a greater rigidity than the container sidewall due to any combination of the above factors.

[0034] In some embodiments, the sidewall includes a first rib or main rib located at the center of the sidewall. The main rib may be elongated such that its longest dimension extends to the height of the container, as described above. The main rib may be arranged at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees, such as 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° with respect to the central axis of the passage at the spout. However, in some embodiments, the longest dimension of the main rib is aligned with the central axis of the passage at the spout.

[0035] In some embodiments, the container includes auxiliary ribs or second ribs that extend in a direction at an arbitrary angle of 0° to 90° with respect to the main rib, for example, 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°. In some embodiments, the auxiliary ribs are smaller than the main rib. In some embodiments, the container includes a plurality of auxiliary ribs and one main rib. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of short auxiliary ribs are radially dispersed around the main rib to redirect the fluid flow along the main rib and then along the passage. In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of short auxiliary ribs are arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to a plurality of main ribs distributed on the sidewall. Of course, since the present disclosure is not limited, any suitable combination of auxiliary ribs and main ribs may be used.

[0036] Any rib may have any suitable shape including, but not limited to, polygons or curves. In some embodiments, the rib may be substantially curved and smooth. The curvature can help prevent fluid retention adjacent to the rib, which can lead to incomplete drainage of the container. In some embodiments, the rib has a partially elliptical cross-section taken along the longitudinal axis of the rib. Of course, since the present disclosure is not limited, the rib may have any suitable cross-sectional shape for directing fluid flow in a collapsed state.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sidewall includes one or more portions, at least a first portion includes a spout, and a second portion includes the distal edge of the sidewall relative to the spout. In these embodiments, one or more ribs span between the first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, the longest dimension of one or more ribs is greater than one-fourth of the sidewall height. In some embodiments, the longest dimension of one or more ribs is greater than one-third of the sidewall height. In some embodiments, the longest dimension of one or more ribs is greater than one-half of the sidewall height. In some embodiments, the longest dimension of one or more ribs is greater than three-fourths of the sidewall height. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the longest dimension of one or more ribs may be any suitable size.

[0038] In some embodiments, the container includes both an extension and one or more ribs. In these embodiments, the one or more ribs are distributed on the sidewall offset from the central axis of the passage at the spout. In one example, the container has an extension extending along the central axis of the passage and a pair of ribs located on both sides of the extension. In another example, the container has an extension extending along the central axis of the passage and a pair of ribs arranged perpendicular to the central axis of the passage. Of course, since the present disclosure is not limited, any suitable combination of the position or shape of the ribs may be combined with any suitable shape of the extension.

[0039] As described herein, in some embodiments, the sidewall is made of a material that allows the container to be reconfigured from an expanded state to a crushed state while fluid is being withdrawn from the container through the spout, and to be reconfigured from a crushed state to an expanded state while fluid is being inserted into the container through the spout. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in some embodiments, the sidewall is composed of one or more layers of a polymer including, but not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyamide (PA), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polycarbonate (PC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or any other suitable polymer.

[0040] As described herein, in some embodiments, the spout or extension is composed of a material that is less flexible than the sidewall, such that the spout and extension do not move or otherwise reconfigure while fluid is being withdrawn from the container through the spout or inserted into the container. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in some embodiments, the spout is composed of one or more polymers including, but not limited to, polypropylene (PP), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), copolyester (PCTG), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any other suitable polymer. In some embodiments, the spout is composed of a composite material.

[0041] Referring to the drawings, specific non-limiting embodiments are described in more detail. Since the present disclosure is not limited to only the specific embodiments described herein, it should be understood that the various systems, components, features, and methods described in connection with these embodiments can be used individually and / or in any desired combination. For example, although all embodiments described herein refer to a pharmaceutical container, since the present disclosure is not limited, the container may be configured to contain any suitable fluid such as a beverage.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the pharmaceutical container 100 includes a sidewall 110 and a spout 120. The sidewall 110 at least partially defines an internal volume V configured to contain a drug or any other fluid when the pharmaceutical container is in an expanded state. The spout 120 is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the pharmaceutical container 100.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the sidewall 110 is composed of two flexible sheets joined to each other at the periphery by a seam 112. In other embodiments, the sidewall may be made of a single flexible sheet, or three or more flexible sheets, or any other suitable configuration, folded or otherwise arranged to form a container capable of containing fluid in an expanded state.

[0044] Since the present disclosure is not limited, the peripheries of the side walls may be joined to each other at the seam 112 using any suitable method such as heat sealing, welding, or adhesive bonding. In some embodiments, the side walls are further joined to the spout to prevent fluid transport from the container between the side walls and the spout. Since the present disclosure is not limited, the side walls may be joined to the spout using any suitable method such as heat sealing, welding, or adhesive bonding.

[0045] The spout 120 illustratively includes a passage 140 fluidly connected to the interior volume of the drug container 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the passage 140 is a cylindrical opening that extends through a completely enclosed portion of the side wall of the spout.

[0046] The drug container 100 further includes an extension portion 130 connected to the spout 120. The extension portion 130 is disposed between the side wall 110 or a plurality of side walls within the container 100. As described herein, in some embodiments, the extension portion 130 is separated from the side wall 110 such that fluid can exist and flow between the side wall 110 and the extension portion 130 when the container 100 is in an expanded state. As shown in FIG. 1, the extension portion 130 extends into the container 100 beyond the seam 112 around the spout 120. In some embodiments, the extension portion 130 is substantially inside the internal volume V. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the extension portion 130 extends to the central region of the volume of the container 100 such that its distal end is centered along the width and height of the container 100. In some embodiments, the extension portion 130 is configured to prevent the side wall 110 from collapsing prematurely before the fluid is completely drained from the container 100. In these embodiments, the extension portion 130 provides rigid support to the opposing surfaces of the container 100 in a crushed state or under vacuum to keep the side walls 110 physically separated. In some embodiments, the physical separation of the side walls 110 during emptying allows the residual fluid within the container 100 to flow out. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the extension portion 130 is formed as part of the spout 120 during the manufacturing process. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in other embodiments, the extension portion 130 is coupled to the spout using any suitable process including heat sealing, welding, adhesive bonding, or mechanical means.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the extension portion 130 extends into the internal volume V of the container 100. In some embodiments, the extension height H1 (see FIG. 2) measured along the central axis AX of the passage 140 is at least one-fourth of the sidewall height H2 measured along the central axis AX of the passage. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the extension height H1 is approximately half of the sidewall height H2. In some embodiments, the extension height H1 is greater than half of the sidewall height H2. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the extension height H1 is about two-thirds of the sidewall height H2. In some embodiments, the extension height H1 is one-tenth, one-ninth, one-eighth, one-seventh, one-sixth, one-fifth, one-fourth, two-fifths, one-third, one-half, three-fifths, three-fourths, or four-fifths or less of the sidewall height H2. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in some embodiments, the extension height H1 is at least one-tenth, one-ninth, one-eighth, one-seventh, one-sixth, one-fifth, one-fourth, two-fifths, one-third, one-half, three-fifths, three-fourths, or four-fifths, or any other suitable height of the sidewall height H2. In some embodiments, the extension height H1 is substantially equal to the sidewall height H2. Combinations of the above ranges are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the extension height H1 is one-tenth to four-fifths, one-tenth to one-half, one-eighth to three-fourths, one-fifth to four-fifths, one-third to two-thirds, or one-half to four-fifths of the sidewall height H2. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the extension height H1 may be any appropriate height relative to the sidewall height H2.

[0048] In some embodiments, the extension portion 130 includes a smooth corner 130C, as shown in FIG. 3. Such a feature can help prevent substantial damage to the container sidewall when the sidewall contacts the extension portion 130.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the extension portion 130 includes a first end portion 130A at the spout 120 and a second end portion 130B located inside the internal volume V of the container 100 distal from the spout 120. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, a first cross-sectional area 135A (see FIG. 2) of a first portion 132 of the extension portion taken perpendicular to the central axis AX of the passage 140 is larger than a second cross-sectional area 135C (see FIG. 2) of a second portion 133 of the extension portion taken perpendicular to the central axis AX of the passage 140. In some embodiments, the extension portion is continuously tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the extension portion along the central axis of the passage continuously decreases. For example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-5C, an intermediate cross-sectional area 135B (FIG. 5B) is located between the first cross-sectional area 135A (FIG. 5A) and the second cross-sectional area 135C (FIG. 5C), and the intermediate cross-sectional area 135B is smaller than the first cross-sectional area 135A and larger than the second cross-sectional area 135C. In other embodiments, the extension portion includes several integrated parts or regions, and the cross-sectional area of each part along the central axis AX of the passage 140 varies from region to region. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the extension portion includes a first portion 132 including the first end portion 130A and a second portion 133 including the second end portion 130B. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first portion 132 is constant along the central axis AX, whereas the cross-sectional area of the second portion 133 decreases distally from the spout 120 along the central axis AX. It should be understood that any suitable stepwise change in the cross-sectional area of any portion of the extension portion 130 may be used since the present disclosure is not limited.

[0050] In some embodiments, the passage 140 is formed by a completely enclosed inner sidewall 130E passing through the extension portion 130. In these embodiments, the passage 140 is completely enclosed except for the openings at the inlet and outlet ends of the passage 140. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the inner sidewall 130E of the extension portion 130 completely surrounds the passage 140. The inner sidewall 130E enables fluid flow between the internal volume V and the spout 120 for fluid transport into and out of the internal volume V.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 5C, the inner sidewall 130E extends at least from the first end 130A to the second end 130B. It should be understood that the inner sidewall 130E may cross any suitable path through the extension 130 to enable fluid transport from the inner volume V to the spout 120. In some embodiments, the passage 140 at the first end 130A exhibits geometric characteristics (e.g., cross-sectional shape) similar to the portion of the passage extending through the spout 120 to reduce the possibility of substantial pressure accumulation between the extension 130 and the spout 120 during fluid transport.

[0052] In some embodiments, the end of the passage 140 has an opening 130F that is engraved or cut into the extension 130, as shown in FIG. 4. The passage 140 of FIG. 4 illustratively includes an opening 130F engraved in the extension 130 in a V-shape such that the second end 130B branches into two parts. Due to the branched shape, the inner sidewall 130E is only partially surrounded at the second end 130B, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5C. The opening 130F may extend any suitable distance from the distal end 130B towards the spout 120. It should be understood that any degree of surrounding of the passage 140 by the inner sidewall 130E may be used, as the present disclosure is not limited. The opening of the passage 140 having the cut opening 130F may allow for more fluid flow from the inner volume V into the passage 140 and towards the spout 120. It should be understood that any shape for the opening 130F of the passage 140 may be used, as the present disclosure is not limited.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 6A, the extension portion 130 includes edge portions 131A and 131B spaced apart from the passage 140. The edge portions are located on both sides of the central axis AX such that the first edge portion 131A is located on one side of the central axis AX and the second edge portion 131B is located on the opposite side of the central axis. Exemplarily, a part of the edge portions 131A and 131B is angled with respect to the central axis AX, and a part of the edge portions 131A and 131B is parallel to the central axis AX. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6A, the edge portions 131A and 131B of the first portion 132 are parallel to the central axis AX, and the edge portions 131A and 131B of the second portion 133 are angled with respect to the central axis AX such that the second portion 133 has a tapered width W1. In some embodiments, due to the tapered width W1 of the second portion 133, the cross-sectional area of the second portion 133 varies along the central axis AX. In other embodiments, the edge portions of the extension portion are parallel to the central axis AX over the entire length of the extension portion. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, any angle between 0° and 90° may be used, for example, 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90° for the edge portions 131A and 131B with respect to the central axis AX. In some embodiments, the edge portions 131A and 131B may be mirror surfaces along the central axis AX (for example, the extension portion may be symmetric with respect to the central axis AX), while in other embodiments, the edge portions 131A and 131B may be asymmetric with respect to the central axis AX.

[0054] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-6B, the extension portion 130 may be centrally disposed with respect to the sidewall width W2. In other words, the central axis AX of the container can extend through the length of the extension portion, and illustratively, through the center of the extension portion.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6B, the extension portion 130 is centrally disposed along the central axis AX. In an embodiment where the central axis AX is located at half of the side wall width W2 as shown in FIG. 6A, the second end portion 130B may also be located approximately at half along the side wall width W2, and thus may be aligned along the axis AX. Thus, in some embodiments, the container 100 including the side wall 110, the spout 120, and the extension portion 130 may be mirror-symmetric with respect to the central axis AX. When the extension portion 130 is centrally located along the side wall width W2, the edges 131A, 131B are equidistant from the periphery of the side wall 110. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in some embodiments, the extension portion 130 is centrally located across the side wall width W2, but the extension portion 130 may be located at any position along the side wall width W2 or may be offset from the axis AX.

[0056] In FIG. 6A, the extension width W1 at the first end portion 130A is smaller than the side wall width W2. Exemplarily, the extension width W1 is about one-third of the side wall width W2. In other embodiments, the extension width W1 is about half of the side wall width W2. In other embodiments, the extension width W1 is at least one-fifth, one-fourth, one-third, two-fifths, one-half, three-fifths, two-thirds, or three-fourths of the side wall width W2. In some embodiments, the extension width W1 may be less than one-fifth of the side wall width W2. Combinations of the above ranges are also possible. For example, the extension width W1 may be from one-fifth to three-fourths, one-fourth to two-thirds, one-third to two-thirds, one-third to one-half, or one-fifth to three-fifths of the side wall width W2. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the extension width W1 may be any width with respect to the side wall width W2.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6A, the extension width W1 is smaller than the spout width W3. In some embodiments, the extension width W1 at the first end 130A is at least two-thirds of the spout width W3. In some embodiments, the extension width W1 is at least one-fifth, one-fourth, one-third, two-fifths, one-half, three-fifths, two-thirds, or three-fourths of the spout width W3. In some embodiments, the extension width W1 is less than three-fourths, two-thirds, three-fifths, one-half, two-fifths, one-third, one-fourth, or one-fifth of the spout width W3. Combinations of the above ranges are also possible. For example, the extension width W1 may be from one-fifth to three-fourths, from one-fourth to two-thirds, from one-third to two-thirds, from one-third to one-half, or from one-fifth to three-fifths of the spout width W3. In some embodiments, the extension width W1 is approximately equal to the spout width W3. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the extension width W1 may be any width relative to the spout width W3.

[0058] In other embodiments, the extension width W1 may be larger than the spout width W3. For example, the spout width W3 may be at least one-fifth, one-fourth, one-third, two-fifths, one-half, three-fifths, two-thirds, or three-fourths of the extension width W1. In some embodiments, the spout width W3 may be less than one-fifth, one-fourth, one-third, two-fifths, one-half, three-fifths, two-thirds, or three-fourths of the extension width W1. Combinations of the above ranges are also possible. For example, the spout width W3 may be from one-fifth to three-fourths, from one-fourth to two-thirds, from one-third to two-thirds, from one-third to one-half, or from one-fifth to three-fifths of the extension width W1. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the spout width W3 may be any width relative to the extension width W1.

[0059] In some embodiments, the change in the cross-sectional area of the extension portion 130 along the central axis AX may be due, in whole or in part, to a decrease in the thickness of the extension portion 130 in the direction T perpendicular to the side wall 110, as shown in FIG. 6B. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the first end portion 130A is approximately equal to the thickness of the spout 120, and the thickness of the first portion 132 of the extension portion 130 is greater than the thickness of the second portion 133. In FIG. 6B, the thickness of the first portion 132 is constant along the central axis AX. However, in other embodiments, the thickness of the first portion 132 may decrease in the distal direction of the spout 120 along the central axis AX. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the second portion 133 changes along the central axis AX, specifically, by way of example, decreasing in the distal direction of the spout 120 along the central axis AX. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the thickness profile of the extension portion 130 may be of any suitable shape.

[0060] It should be understood that the change in the cross-sectional area of the extension portion 130 may be due to any combination of the tapered width W1 and the tapered thickness T, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the extension portion 130 is configured to allow the side wall 110 to significantly conform to the extension portion 130 when the container 100 is crushed or under vacuum. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the extension portion 130 may not vary along the central axis AX of the passage, while in other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the extension portion 130 may vary along the central axis AX of the passage. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the cross-sectional shape 135A of the first portion 132 of the extension portion 130 is hexagonal and is configured such that a pair of opposing faces are parallel to the side wall 110. The first portion 132 may include a pair of faces 130D (only one face is visible in FIG. 5C) parallel to the central axis AX. The remaining four faces may be sufficiently angled with respect to the parallel faces 130D to allow the side wall 110 to conform to the extension portion when the container 100 is under vacuum. In some embodiments, the extension portion 130 may be substantially flat and parallel to the side wall 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, in an embodiment where the cross-sectional shape 135A of the first portion 132 is hexagonal, the pair of faces 130D parallel to the side wall are the longest sides of the hexagon. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may be elliptical, and the minor axis of the ellipse is arranged to be perpendicular to the side wall when the container is in a crushed state. Since the present disclosure is not limited, any cross-sectional shape of the extension portion may have any suitable shape including, but not limited to, polygonal or lens-shaped.

[0062] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the extension portion may vary at different portions of the extension portion 130. For example, in one embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 6B, the extension portion 130 includes a first portion 132 including a first end 130A and a second portion 133 including a second end 130B. In this example, the cross-sectional shape 135A of the first portion 132 is hexagonal as shown in FIG. 5A, and the cross-sectional shape 135C of the second portion 133 is lens-shaped, for example, a pointed ellipse as shown in FIG. 5C. In another example, the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 132 is hexagonal and the cross-sectional shape of the second portion 133 is elliptical. As shown in FIG. 4, the extension portion may taper toward the edge of the second end 130B. In embodiments where the cross-sectional shapes at the first end 130A and the second end 130B are different, the cross-sectional shape of the extension portion 130 may gradually transition from the shape at the first end to the shape at the second end as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C. Since the present disclosure is not limited, the change in the cross-sectional shape of the extension portion 130 along the central axis AX may be linear, non-linear, or a combination of the two. The extension portion 130 may include a stepwise and / or gradual change in cross-sectional area.

[0063] Figures 7A and 7B show another exemplary embodiment of a container 200 having a spout 220 and an extension 230. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the extension 230 extends into the interior volume V of the container 200 along the central axis AX of the passageway 240. The passageway 240 may divide the extension 230 into a plurality of portions. The extension 230 of the embodiment shown in Figure 7A includes a first half positioned on one side of the central axis AX and a second half positioned on the opposite side of the central axis, with each half extending distally from the spout 220 into the container. Exemplarily, the passageway 240 is not completely surrounded along the height of the extension 230. Rather, the inner sidewall 230E of the extension 230 only partially surrounds the passageway 240, and the passageway 240 opens into the volume of the container along the height of the extension 230 (Figure 7A). Thus, the passageway 240 is in fluid communication with the interior volume V at several points along the height of the extension 230. In some embodiments, the open passageway 240 serves to allow for more fluid outflow from the interior through the spout 220. In these embodiments, the passageway 240 of the extension 230 may have a larger cross-sectional area (perpendicular to the central axis AX) than the passageway through the spout 220 due to the partial enclosure of the passageway 240. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the passageway 240 may be of any suitable shape or shapes.

[0064] In the embodiments of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the extension portion 230 includes a plurality of grooves 245A, 245B formed along the height of the extension portion 230. In this embodiment, the extension portion 230 still provides structural support to the container side wall(s) 110 during crushing while reducing the total volume occupied area of the extension portion 230. The grooves 245A, 245B are formed on the surface of the extension portion 230. In some embodiments, the grooves 245A, 245B are in fluid communication with the passage 240. The grooves 245A, 245B may each function as a plurality of additional passages of the extension portion 230 that flow into the main passage 240. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in some embodiments, one or more of the grooves 245A, 245B may be at any angle from 0 to 90° with respect to the central axis AX of the passage 240, for example, 0°, 15°, 30°, 45° (similar to the groove 245A in FIG. 7B), 60°, 75°, or 90° (similar to the groove 245B in FIG. 7B).

[0065] In some embodiments, the height H1 of the extension portion may be less than half of the side wall height. For example, alternative embodiments of the drug container 300, the pouring spout 320, and the extension portion 330 are shown in FIGS. 8A - 8C, where the extension portion has a lower height, thereby increasing the available space in the internal volume V_inner of the drug container 300 for fluid containment. The lower-height extension portion provides rigid support for the opposing surfaces of the container when in a crushed state or under vacuum, as described above for other embodiments of the extension portion.

[0066] The height of the extension portion in FIGS. 8A - 8C is less than one-fourth of the side wall height H2. In particular, the height H1 of the extension portion in FIG. 8A is about one-tenth of the side wall height H2. In other embodiments, the height H1 of the extension portion may be less than two-fifths, one-third, one-fourth, one-fifth, one-sixth, one-seventh, one-eighth, one-ninth, or one-tenth of the side wall height H2. Combinations of the above ranges are also possible. For example, the height H1 of the extension portion may be from one-tenth to three-fourths, from one-eighth to two-thirds, from one-third to two-thirds, from one-third to one-half, or from one-fifth to three-fifths of the side wall height H2. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the height H1 of the extension portion may be at any width with respect to the side wall height H2.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8A, in some embodiments, the extension height H1 may be smaller than the extension width W1. In some embodiments, the extension height H1 may be at least one-tenth, one-ninth, one-eighth, one-seventh, one-sixth, one-fifth, one-fourth, one-third, two-fifths, one-half, three-fifths, two-thirds, or three-fourths of the extension width W1. In some embodiments, the extension height H1 may be less than three-fourths, two-thirds, three-fifths, one-half, two-fifths, one-third, one-fourth, one-fifth, one-sixth, one-seventh, one-eighth, one-ninth, or one-tenth of the extension width W1. Combinations of the above ranges are also possible. For example, the extension height H1 may be from one-tenth to three-fourths, from one-eighth to two-thirds, from one-third to two-thirds, from one-third to one-half, or from one-fifth to three-fifths of the extension width W1. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the extension height H1 may be any width relative to the extension width W1.

[0068] In other embodiments, the extension height H1 may be approximately equal to the extension width W1. In still other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7B, the extension height H1 may be greater than the extension width W1. In some embodiments, the extension width W1 may be at least one-tenth, one-ninth, one-eighth, one-seventh, one-sixth, one-fifth, one-fourth, one-third, two-fifths, one-half, three-fifths, two-thirds, or three-fourths of the extension height H1. In some embodiments, the extension width W1 may be less than three-fourths, two-thirds, three-fifths, one-half, two-fifths, one-third, one-fourth, one-fifth, one-sixth, one-seventh, one-eighth, one-ninth, or one-tenth of the extension height H1. Combinations of the above ranges are also possible. For example, the extension width W1 may be from one-tenth to three-fourths, from one-eighth to two-thirds, from one-third to two-thirds, from one-third to one-half, or from one-fifth to three-fifths of the extension height H1. In some embodiments, the extension width W1 is one-third of the extension height H1. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, the extension height H1 may be any width relative to the extension width W1.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 8A - 8C, the extension portion 330 includes edge portions 331A, 331B spaced from the passageway 340. The edge portions are located on both sides of the central axis AX such that a first edge portion 331A is located on one side of the central axis AX and a second edge portion 331B is located on the opposite side of the central axis. In some embodiments, a substantial portion of the edge portions 331A, 331B may be angled with respect to the central axis AX as shown in FIG. 8A. In other embodiments, as described above, portions of the edge portions 331A, 331B may be angled with respect to the central axis AX, and portions of the edge portions 331A, 331B may be parallel to the central axis AX or at different angles. Any angled portions of the edge portions 331A, 331B may be angled with respect to the central axis AX such that the extension portion 330 has a tapered width W1. It should be understood that since the present disclosure is not limited, any angle between 0° and 90° may be used, including for example, 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90° for the edge portions 331A, 331B with respect to the central axis AX. In some embodiments, the edge portions 331A, 331B may be mirror images across the central axis AX (e.g., the extension portion may be symmetric with respect to the central axis AX), while in other embodiments, the edge portions 331A, 331B may not be mirror images across the central axis AX (e.g., the extension portion may be asymmetric with respect to the central axis AX).

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8B, the extension portion 330 includes a pair of opposing curved surfaces 336 extending from the spout 320. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, the curved surfaces 336 of the extension portion 330 include a concave surface at the first end 330A so as to generally conform to the shape of the spout 320. The extension portion 330 includes a generally cylindrical inner sidewall 330E that forms the passageway 340.

[0071] The extension portion 330 also includes a pair of opposing flat surfaces 337 as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C. In some embodiments, the flat surfaces 337 may extend from the first end 330A to the second end 330B of the extension portion 330, while in other embodiments, the flat surfaces 337 may only partially extend between the first end 330A and the second end 330B.

[0072] In some embodiments, as shown in the side view of FIG. 8C, the extension portion 330 may have a thickness T that decreases in a direction away from the spout 320 along the central axis AX. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first end 330A may be approximately equal to the thickness of the spout 320. In some embodiments, the thickness of the second end 330B may be less than or equal to the thickness of the first end 330A. In some embodiments, the thickness T of a portion of the extension portion 330 may decrease linearly along the central axis AX and may form a tapered end. As an example, in some embodiments, the extension portion 330 may include a flat surface 337 as described above, and the flat surface 337 is angled with respect to the central axis AX so as to form a linearly decreasing thickness. For example, the flat surface 337 may be angled at an angle EA with respect to the central axis AX as shown in FIG. 8C, and the angle EA may be any angle between 0° and 90° including, for example, 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90°.

[0073] In other embodiments, the thickness T of a portion of the extension portion 330 may decrease non-linearly along the central axis AX. In still other embodiments, the thickness T of the extension portion 330 may remain constant throughout the extension portion 330. For example, the flat surface 337 may be parallel to the central axis AX and may be parallel to each other.

[0074] In some embodiments, the thickness T of the extension portion 330 may vary both linearly and non-linearly along the central axis AX. In some embodiments, the thickness of the extension portion 330 may decrease along the central axis AX such that the second end 330B is an edge, as shown in FIG. 8C. In these embodiments, the opposing surfaces of the sidewall 310 can contact each other near the second end 330B while emptying the container 300.

[0075] In some embodiments, any combination of the flat surface 337 or the curved surface 336 may include a radial, chamfered, or any other smooth corner to prevent damage to the side wall 310 when the extension 330 contacts the side wall 310.

[0076] In some embodiments, the extension 330 may be symmetric about the central axis AX. In other embodiments, the extension 330 may be asymmetric about the central axis AX. In embodiments where the extension 330 is asymmetric about the central axis AX, there may be two distinct extension angles that define the angle between the central axis AX and the opposing surface of the extension 330. Since the present disclosure is not limited, it should be understood that in these embodiments, any surface of the extension 330 with respect to the central axis AX may be given an arbitrary angle between 0 and 90 degrees, including, for example, 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90°. As shown in FIG. 8C, the second end 330B may be smooth for manufacturing or operating purposes.

[0077] Referring again to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the passage 340 may have an opening 330F that is engraved or cut into the extension 330. For example, the opening 330F may be in an inverted U shape. The expansion of the passage 340 by the opening 330F may allow for more fluid flow from the internal volume V to the spout 120, as described above. Since the present disclosure is not limited, it should be understood that any shape for the opening 330F of the passage 340 or the inner side wall 330E may be used. Since the present disclosure is not limited, it should be understood that any degree of enclosure of the passage 340 by the extension 330 may be used.

[0078] In some embodiments, the drug container includes one or more ribs that reduce the likelihood of premature collapse of the container sidewall before the container is emptied. The ribs can provide rigid support to the opposing surfaces of the container 100 in a crushed state or under vacuum, keeping the sidewalls physically separated until the container is emptied. In some embodiments, the physical separation between the sidewall and the rib during emptying can allow the residual fluid in the container to flow out. In some embodiments, the ribs may be dispersed at various locations around the container. In some embodiments, the ribs may be located distal to the spout so that premature collapse of the container before outflow of the residual fluid is reduced. In some embodiments, the ribs may be formed to direct the residual fluid flow from a distal location within the internal volume V towards the spout.

[0079] For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the drug container 400 includes one or more main ribs 415A formed on the sidewall 410. In some embodiments, the main ribs 415A project into the internal volume of the container 400. In other embodiments, the main ribs 415A project from the container 400. In some embodiments, a combination of main ribs 415A projecting inside and outside the container may be used. In some embodiments, the main ribs 415A may be formed on one surface of the sidewall 410. The main ribs 415A may be formed as part of or integrally with the sidewall 410, for example, using thermo-embossing or molding means, but any suitable technique may be used to form the main ribs 415A.

[0080] In some embodiments, the sidewall 410 can include at least a main rib 410 located at the center of the sidewall 415A. The main rib 415A may be elongated such that its longest dimension spans the height of the container, as described above and as shown in FIG. 9A. The main rib 415A may be arranged at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees, for example, 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90°, with respect to the central axis AX of the passage at the spout 420. However, in some embodiments, the longest dimension of the main rib 415A may be aligned with the central axis AX of the passage at the spout 420.

[0081] In some embodiments, container 400 may include at least one auxiliary or second rib 415B disposed at an angle of 0 to 90 degrees, such as 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90° (as shown in FIG. 10), relative to main rib 415A. In some embodiments, auxiliary rib 415B is smaller than main rib 415A. In some embodiments, container 400 may include a plurality of auxiliary ribs 415B and a plurality of main ribs 415A. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of short auxiliary ribs 415B are disposed perpendicular to and parallel to each other and to a plurality of main ribs 415A dispersed on sidewall 410. Of course, since the present disclosure is not limited, any suitable combination of auxiliary rib 415B and main rib 415A may be used.

[0082] In some embodiments, main rib 415A or auxiliary rib 415B may project either into or out of the interior volume of container 400. As described herein, in some embodiments, main rib 415A or auxiliary rib 415B may be hollow so that a rib projecting from container 400 allows for the flow of fluid through ribs 415A, 415B.

[0083] The ribs may have any suitable shape, including but not limited to polygonal or curved, although in some embodiments, the ribs are substantially curved and smooth. In some embodiments, main rib 415A or auxiliary rib 415B may have a partially elliptical cross-section along its longitudinal axis (e.g., its longest dimension), as seen in FIG. 9B. In some embodiments, the rib may have a semi-circular cross-section along its transverse dimension, as seen in FIG. 9C. Of course, since the present disclosure is not limited, ribs 415A, 415B may have any suitable cross-sectional shape for directing the flow of fluid in a crushing state.

[0084] In some embodiments, the container 400 may include one or more portions or regions including at least a first portion 450 including a spout 420 and a second portion 460 including the distal most edge of the sidewall 410 remote from the spout 420. In these embodiments, one or more ribs 415A may extend between the first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, the longest dimension H3 of one or more ribs may be greater than one quarter of the sidewall height H2. In some embodiments, the longest dimension H3 of one or more ribs may be greater than one third of the sidewall height H2. In some embodiments, the longest dimension H3 of one or more ribs may be greater than half of the sidewall height H2. In some embodiments, the longest dimension H3 of one or more ribs may be greater than three quarters of the sidewall height H2. Since the present disclosure is not limited, in any embodiment, the longest dimension of one or more ribs H3 may be any suitable size.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the container 500 may include both an extension 530 and one or more main ribs 515A. In these embodiments, the one or more main ribs 515A may be positioned on the sidewall 510 offset from the central axis AX of the passage at the spout 520. In one example, the container 500 has an extension 530 extending in a direction along the central axis AX and a pair of main ribs 515A located on both sides of the extension 530, and the main ribs 515A extend in a direction parallel to the central axis AX. In another example, as shown in FIG. 12, the container 500 has an extension 530 extending in a direction along the central axis AX and a pair of auxiliary ribs 515B extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX of the passage. In another example, the ribs may be angled towards the inlet of the passage of the extension 530 to direct the flow of fluid into the passage. Of course, since the present disclosure is not limited, any suitable combination of the position or shape of the ribs may be combined with any suitable shape of the extension.

[0086] Various aspects of the present disclosure can be used alone, in combination, or in various arrangements not specifically described in the foregoing embodiments, and thus, in its application, is not limited to the details and arrangements of the components shown in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, the aspects described in one embodiment can be combined with the aspects described in other embodiments in any manner.

[0087] Although the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, the present teachings are not intended to be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the teachings of the present invention include various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, since the invention of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular embodiment having any particular feature, it should also be understood that the features described herein as part of one or more embodiments may be combined with other embodiments or removed from other embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are for illustrative purposes only.

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical container comprising: a sidewall at least partially defining an interior volume of the medicament container; a spout coupled to the side wall for pouring a medicament from the interior volume of the medicament container; an extension coupled to the spout, the extension being disposed inside the interior volume of the medicament container, the sidewall having a greater flexibility than the extension such that the medicament container has a collapsed state when empty and an expanded state when full; the sidewall is configured to move as medicament flows out of the interior volume of the medicament container through the spout; a height of the extension measured along a central axis of the spout is at least one-quarter of a sidewall height, the sidewall height being measured along a dimension parallel to the central axis of the spout when the drug container is in the expanded state.

2. The drug container of claim 1 , wherein the extension extends centrally along the central axis of the spout.

3. 3. The drug container of claim 1, wherein the height of the extension is at least half the height of the side wall.

4. The medicament container of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a passageway extending through the extension, the passageway being in fluid communication with the interior volume of the medicament container and the spout.

5. 5. The drug container of claim 4, wherein the extension has a first end and a second end, the first end being closer to the spout than the second end, and the passageway extending from the second end to the first end.

6. 6. The drug container of claim 4, wherein the passageway has a completely enclosed inner sidewall.

7. 6. The drug container of claim 4, wherein the internal sidewall includes at least one opening disposed between the first end and the second end of the extension, the internal sidewall being in fluid communication with the interior volume of the container through the at least one opening.

8. The drug container of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the extension further comprises a plurality of grooves in fluid communication with the passageway.

9. A medicament container according to any preceding claim, wherein the side wall comprises a first rib projecting into the interior volume of the medicament container.

10. The medicament container of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the side wall comprises a first rib protruding from the medicament container.

11. 11. A medicament container according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first rib extends parallel to a direction of flow through the spout.

12. The drug container according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a second rib, the second rib extending in a direction at an angle of 0 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the first rib.

13. 11. The drug container of claim 9 or 10, wherein a cross-section of the first rib taken along the longitudinal axis of the first rib is elliptical.

14. A pharmaceutical container comprising: a sidewall at least partially defining an interior volume of the medicament container; a spout coupled to the side wall for pouring a medicament from the interior volume of the medicament container; an extension coupled to the spout, the extension being disposed inside the interior volume of the medicament container, the sidewall having a greater flexibility than the extension such that the medicament container has a collapsed state when empty and an expanded state when full; the sidewall is configured to move as medicament flows out of the interior volume of the medicament container through the spout; the extension has a first end and a second end, the first end being closer to the spout than the second end; A medicament container, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the extension, measured perpendicular to a central axis of the spout, is greater at the first end than at the second end, the central axis being parallel to a direction of flow through the spout.

15. 15. The drug container of claim 14, wherein a height of the extension measured along the central axis of the spout is at least one-quarter of a sidewall height, the sidewall height being measured along a dimension parallel to the central axis of the spout when the drug container is in the expanded state.

16. 16. The medicament container of claim 14 or 15, wherein the extension extends centrally along the central axis of the spout.

17. The drug container of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the extension decreases continuously, the portion of the extension including the second end of the extension.

18. The drug container of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the extension is constant, the portion of the extension including the first end of the extension.

19. A medicament container according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein a cross section of the extension perpendicular to the central axis of the spout is hexagonal at the first end.

20. A medicament container according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein a cross-section of the extension perpendicular to the central axis of the spout is lenticular adjacent the second end.

21. 21. The drug container of claim 14, wherein the extension further comprises a first edge and a second edge, the first edge being disposed on one side of the spout and the second edge being disposed on an opposite side of the spout, the first edge and the second edge of the portion of the extension being parallel to the central axis of the spout, and the portion of the extension including the first end of the extension.

22. 21. The drug container of claim 14, wherein the extension further comprises a first edge and a second edge, the first edge being disposed on one side of the spout and the second edge being disposed on an opposite side of the spout, the first edge and the second edge of the portion of the extension being angled at an angle of 0-90 degrees relative to the central axis of the spout, the portion of the extension including the second end of the extension.

23. A medicament container according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the side wall comprises a first rib that projects into the interior volume of the medicament container.

24. A medicament container according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the side wall comprises a first rib from the medicament container.

25. 25. A medicament container according to any one of claims 23 or 24, wherein the first rib extends parallel to a direction of flow through the spout.

26. The drug container according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising a second rib, the second rib extending in a direction at an angle of 0 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the first rib.

27. 25. A medicament container according to any one of claims 23 or 24, wherein a cross-section of the first rib taken along the longitudinal axis of the first rib is elliptical.

Images