Shell for small vials that fits into syringes or cap removers

Abstract

A shell configured to cover at least a portion of a drug container for insertion into another device. When the shell covers the drug container to define an assembled container structure, the assembled container structure may be configured such that the drug container nests within a chamber of an injector or cap removal means, the chamber being of a smaller size. For example, the chamber may be configured to receive another drug container having an outer periphery larger than the outer periphery of the drug container covered by the shell. The assembled drug container structure may have outer dimensions that substantially match the outer dimensions of the second drug container. The drug container may include a stopper configured to receive a needle to receive the drug from within the drug container. The drug container may be a vial or a cartridge (e.g., including a movable plunger).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to fluid containers, particularly vials and cartridges for holding medicaments and administering the medicaments via a syringe, and related methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Some fluid containers configured to hold medicaments have a removable cap (e.g., a plastic cap) that is secured to the lip of a respective vial (or cartridge). A cap remover with a chamber sized to receive a vial (or cartridge) having the same size (e.g., a first size) can remove the cap from the lip of such a vial.

[0003] Some wearable drug injectors include an injector chamber for receiving vials (or cartridges) having the same size (e.g., a first size), for example, after removal of the respective caps. The wearable drug injector can administer a metered amount of fluid from the vial (or cartridge) in the chamber to the patient. Vials of different sizes can have portions that are too large and / or too small to fit into the respective chambers of the cap remover and the wearable drug injector. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a shell configured to cover at least a portion of a drug container for insertion into another device. When the shell covers the drug container to define an assembled container structure, the assembled container structure may be configured such that the drug container nests within a chamber of an injector or cap removal means, where the drug container is of a smaller size. For example, the chamber may be configured to receive another drug container having an outer periphery larger than the outer periphery of the drug container covered by the shell. The assembled drug container structure may have outer dimensions that substantially match the outer dimensions of the second drug container. The drug container may include a stopper configured to receive a needle to receive the drug from within the drug container. The drug container may be a vial or a cartridge (e.g., including a movable plunger).

[0005] Unless otherwise specified in this specification, the terms "substantially equal" or "substantially corresponding" refer to values ​​that are the same as each other or within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of each other.

[0006] Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms "substantially equal" or "substantially matching," when used in reference to drug containers or assembled container structures, include that the respective drug containers or assembled container structures are configured to nest with a corresponding structure or with a structure in which the referenced components are nested. For example, the drug containers may be configured to nest within a shell and / or the assembled container structure may be configured to nest within a chamber in which another, differently sized drug container is configured to nest. An assembled drug structure configured to nest can include at least one outer dimension of the assembled container structure having at least one outer dimension that fits more closely than the drug container to at least one corresponding inner dimension of the respective component in which the assembled container structure is nested. For example, configured to nest can include at least one outer dimension of the drug containers and / or assembled container structure being within 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of at least one corresponding inner dimension of the respective component in which the drug containers or assembled container structure is nested.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system includes a device including a chamber configured to receive a first medicament container having a first size configured to nest within the chamber. The system further includes a second medicament container having a second size smaller than the first size, the second medicament container not configured to nest within the chamber. The system further includes a shell configured to cover at least a portion of the second medicament container to define an assembled container structure configured to nest within the chamber.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit includes a first drug container having a first size, the first drug container housing a drug. The kit further includes a second drug container having a second size smaller than the first size, the second drug container housing a drug. The kit further includes a shell configured to receive the second drug container to define an assembled container structure, the shell covering at least a portion of the second drug container. The assembled container structure has outer dimensions substantially equal to the outer dimensions of the first drug container structure.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an assembled container structure includes a drug container defining a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base to a neck, and a drug container interface end extending upwardly from the neck. The drug container holds a drug. The assembled container structure further includes a shell configured to receive the drug container to define an assembled container structure that is a larger cross-sectional dimension than the drug container. The shell has an interior support surface that supports the base of the drug container, the support surface being spaced from the base of the shell to define a gap between the shell and the base of the shell. The shell extends to and terminates at the neck of the vial such that the drug container interface end of the drug container extends outwardly from the shell. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] The above summary of the invention, as well as the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the system of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the system of the present application, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Of the drawings: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an injection system including an injector and a first drug container disposed in a chamber of the injector. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional front perspective view of the injection system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an assembled container structure including a vial and a shell. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vial and shell of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the assembled container structure of FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an injection system including the injector of FIG. 1 and the assembled container structure of FIG. 3 disposed within a chamber. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of an assembled container structure including a shell that does not include a window for viewing the body of the vial. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial side perspective view of the assembled container structure of FIG. 7 with one part of the shell removed from the vial. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of one part of the shell of FIG. 7, the part defining a ledge having a radially inward concave surface. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the assembled container structure of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a shell, the shell not including a window for viewing the body of the vial, the shell defining a ledge that does not form a radially inward concavity. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a side perspective exploded view of another embodiment of an assembled container structure, the shell including a pair of circumferentially extending protrusions configured to be received in respective circumferentially facing cavities to lock the shell in the assembled configuration. [Figure 13] 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the assembled container structure of FIG. 12 in an assembled configuration. [Figure 14] 14 is another cross-sectional side view of the assembled container structure of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a side perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a shell, the shell including a plurality of radially inwardly extending flexible fingers such that the shell is configured to selectively receive drug containers having a variety of different sizes. [Figure 16]FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a shell formed as a single piece having a living hinge that allows one portion of the shell to pivot relative to another portion. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a side perspective exploded view of another embodiment of an assembled container structure including a cartridge and another embodiment of a shell that does not include a ledge. [Figure 18] 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the assembled container structure of FIG. 17, wherein the shell includes a longitudinally extending wall that secures the cartridge relative to the shell. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a side perspective exploded view of another embodiment of an assembled container structure including a cartridge and another embodiment of a shell forming a radially outer wall extending circumferentially around a lip of the cartridge. [Figure 20] 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the assembled container structure of FIG. 19, in which the shell includes a radially outer wall that extends circumferentially around the lip of the cartridge. [Figure 21] 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a cap removal system including a container cap removal means and the assembled container structure of FIG. 3 being lowered into a container chamber to remove the cap from the assembled container structure. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the decap system of FIG. 21 with the assembled container structure nested within the chamber. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the cap removal system of FIG. 22, in which the cap is removed from the assembled container structure while the assembled container structure is nested within the chamber. [Figure 24] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a cap removal system including multiple chambers each configured to receive a first drug container or the assembled container structure of FIG. 3 having substantially the same size as the first drug container. [Diagram 25] 25 is a side view of a portion of the cap removal system of FIG. 24 including a portion of a securing member having an angled surface configured to remove the cap from the first drug container and the assembled container structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present disclosure may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific apparatus, methods, applications, conditions or parameters described and / or shown herein, and the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as used in the specification, including the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0012] The term "plurality," as used herein, means more than one. When a range of values ​​is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed in an approximation form, by use of "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

[0013] With reference to FIG. 1, an infusion system 30 (an example system) can include an injector 32 (an example device) and a first drug container 34 disposed within a chamber 36 of the injector.

[0014] The injector 32 (e.g., a patch pump) is configured to inject into a patient a medication contained in a first medication container 34. For example, the injector 32 includes an infusion needle 38 configured to administer the medication contained in the first medication container 34 to a patient, as described further below.

[0015] 2, the chamber 36 can define a space configured to receive the first medicament container 34. For example, the chamber 36 can be configured to receive the first medicament container 34 of size 2R, 4R, 6R, 8R, 10R, 15R, 20R, 25R, or 30R, in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8362-1, currently available as of January 1, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the first medicament container is a vial. In one embodiment, the first medicament container is a cartridge.

[0016] For example, the chamber 36 may be configured to receive a first drug container 34 having one of the sizes described above, such that the first drug container 34 nests within the chamber 36 for injection by the injector 32. The chamber 36 may extend along a longitudinal axis A that is perpendicular to both the lateral axis V and the lateral axis Z, each of which is perpendicular to one another.

[0017] For example, the injector 32 may have an inner diameter D 1 substantially equal to a corresponding portion of the first drug container 34 such that the main cylindrical portion 52 abuts the first drug container 34. C The housing 50 can include a housing defining a main cylindrical portion 52 having (example cross-sectional dimensions).

[0018] The injector 32 can include a mechanical interface 54 configured to receive the head 56 of the first drug container 34. For example, the mechanical interface 54 can define a cylindrical opening configured to hold the head 56. The mechanical interface 54 can be flexible (e.g., a flexible rubber gasket) such that the cylindrical opening is configured to expand to accommodate and secure the head 56.

[0019] The head 56 can include a lip 58 defined by a body 60 of the first medicament container 34 and a head gasket 62. In some embodiments, the head includes a cover that is crimped over the head gasket and the lip to secure the head gasket to the lip while allowing insertion of a needle into the head gasket, as described below.

[0020] As described below in connection with cap removal, in some embodiments, a cap is attached to the head to protect the head gasket prior to insertion into the injector, and such a cap can be removed to access the head gasket.

[0021] The injector 32 may include an inlet needle 70 (e.g., a cannulated injector needle) fluidly connected to a pump 72, which is fluidly connected to the injector needle 38. A fluid line 74 may fluidly connect the inlet needle 70 to the inlet of the pump 72. The injector needle 38 may be directly fluidly connected to the outlet of the pump 72. In one embodiment, the injector needle is fluidly connected to the outlet of the pump.

[0022] The inlet needle 70 may be configured to be inserted into the head 56 and through the head 56 into the chamber 73 of the first medicament container 34 to access the medicament held by the first medicament container 34 in the chamber 73. For example, the chamber 73 has a fixed volume for holding the medicament.

[0023] During injection, the pump 72 can draw the medication from the inlet needle 70 via the fluid line 74 and output the medication to the infusion needle 38 for injection into the patient. The pump 72 may be configured to inject a predetermined amount of medication, for example, based on a user input. In one embodiment, the injector includes a third needle that is inserted into the top of the first medication container and fluidly connected to the atmosphere to equalize the pressure within the first medication container with the atmosphere.

[0024] The body 60 may define a neck 80, a base 82, a sidewall 84, and a radially inwardly extending shoulder 86 extending from the sidewall 84 to the neck 80. The neck 80 may extend along the longitudinal axis A between the head 56 and the radially inwardly extending shoulder 86. For example, the sidewall 84 and the neck 80 may each define a respective cylindrical portion extending along the longitudinal axis from a respective end of the radially inwardly extending shoulder 86.

[0025] Neck 80 is neck diameter D N (An example of a cross-sectional dimension) can be specified. For example, the neck diameter D N may be either 13 millimeters (mm) or 20 mm. In some embodiments, the neck diameter D N is either 10.5mm, 16.5mm, or 17.5mm.

[0026] The head 56 can define a drug container interface end configured to be received by a corresponding mechanical interface 54 of the injector 32. The head 56 (e.g., drug container interface) can have a head diameter D substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical opening of the mechanical interface 54. H (An example of a cross-sectional dimension) can be defined. For example, the head diameter D H In one embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical opening is equal to the head diameter D H or the head diameter D H In one embodiment, the head has a head diameter D of either 13.3 mm to 13.5 mm, or 20.3 mm to 20.5 mm. H The cap includes a cap (eg, an aluminum cap) that defines a

[0027] The sidewall 84 may extend between the base 82 and a shoulder 86 that extends radially inward along the longitudinal axis A. For example, the sidewall 84 may extend radially inwardly along the longitudinal axis A. C Body diameter D substantially equal to MThe body may define a cylindrical portion having a body diameter D M The chamber diameter D may be any one of 16 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, or 30 mm. C is the body diameter D M or the body diameter D M may be within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the

[0028] The entire first drug container 34 is disposed within the chamber height H C The drug container height H is substantially equal to M For example, the drug container height H M The chamber height H may be any one of 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, or 75 mm. C may be the same as the drug container height, or may be the drug container height H M may be within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the

[0029] 3-5, an example of an assembled container structure is shown at 100. The assembled container structure 100 may include a second medicament container 102 (e.g., a vial having a fixed volume chamber) and a shell 104 such that the assembled container structure 100 is configured to nest within the chamber 36. The second medicament container 102, shell 104, and first medicament container 34 described above together can form at least a portion of a kit.

[0030] In some embodiments, the shell 104 and the second shell may be provided as part of a kit. For example, the second shell may be similar to the shell 104, but have at least one different inner dimension or at least one different outer dimension. Both the shell 104 and the second shell may have an outer dimension greater than that defined by size 2R of ISO 8362-1. Both the shell 104 and the second shell may have an inner dimension less than that defined by size 30R of ISO 8362-1.

[0031] The second medicament container 102 may be substantially similar to the first medicament container 34, except that the second medicament container 102 may have a smaller height and / or cross-sectional dimension than the first medicament container 34. The second medicament container 102 may be miniaturized such that the second medicament container 102 may be subject to inadvertent movement relative to the injector 32, which may cause the second medicament container 102 to be displaced relative to the injector needle 38. For example, the second medicament container 102 may be configured such that the second medicament container 102 is not configured to nest within the chamber 36.

[0032] 5, the second medicament container 102 can include a head 110 and a body 112. The body 112 can define a neck 114, a base 116, a sidewall 118, and a radially inwardly extending shoulder 120 extending from the sidewall 118 to the neck 114. The neck 114 can extend along a longitudinal axis A between the head 110 and the radially inwardly extending shoulder 120. For example, the sidewall 118 and the neck 114 can each define a respective cylindrical portion extending along the longitudinal axis from a respective end of the radially inwardly extending shoulder 120.

[0033] The head 110 can define a drug container interface end configured to be received by a corresponding mechanical interface 54 of the injector 32. In another embodiment, the drug container interface end is undersized relative to the mechanical interface 54.

[0034] The head 110 (e.g., drug container interface) has a head diameter D substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical opening of the mechanical interface 54. H (An example of a cross-sectional dimension) can be defined. For example, the head diameter D H In one embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical opening is equal to the head diameter D H or the head diameter D HWithin + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the head diameter. In some embodiments, the head diameter is less than the diameter of the cylindrical opening so that the head is too small to nest within the mechanical interface 54. In one embodiment, the head has a head diameter D of either 13.3 mm to 13.5 mm, or either 20.3 mm to 20.5 mm. H The cap includes a cap (eg, an aluminum cap) that defines a

[0035] The head 110 may include a lip 122, which may be at least partially defined by the body 112. In one embodiment, the head includes a head gasket 124 (see, e.g., FIG. 6) that is substantially similar to head gasket 62. In some embodiments, the head includes a cover that is crimped over the head gasket and the lip to secure the head gasket to the lip while allowing insertion of a needle into the head gasket.

[0036] Neck 114 has a neck diameter of D N (An example of a cross-sectional dimension) can be specified. For example, the neck diameter D N In some embodiments, the neck diameter D N is either 10.5mm, 16.5mm, or 17.5mm.

[0037] The sidewall 118 may extend between the base 116 and a shoulder 120 that extends radially inward along the longitudinal axis A. For example, the sidewall 118 may extend radially inwardly along the longitudinal axis A. C Body diameter D smaller than M The body may define a cylindrical portion having a body diameter D M The chamber diameter D may be any one of 16 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, or 30 mm. C is the body diameter D M It may be at least one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the

[0038] The entire second drug container 102 is disposed within the chamber height H C Drug container height H smaller than M For example, the drug container height H M The chamber height H may be any one of 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, or 75 mm. C may be the same as the drug container height, or may be the drug container height H M The chamber height H may be within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the C is the drug container height H M The height of the second drug container may be at least one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the height of the first drug container. In one embodiment, the second drug container includes a head gasket and the drug container height extends from a top of the head gasket to a bottom of the base of the second drug container. For example, FIG. 6 shows an example of a second drug container having a head gasket.

[0039] In one embodiment, the top of the second drug container includes a top gasket and a cover that secures the top gasket to the lip of the second drug container. For example, the top of the second drug container may be substantially identical to the top of the first drug container. In some embodiments, the top of the second drug container may be smaller than the top of the first drug container.

[0040] The shell 104 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the second medicament container 102 to define an assembled container structure 100. The assembled container structure may have a cross-sectional dimension and height greater than that of the second medicament container 102. For example, the assembled container structure 100 may have a cross-sectional dimension and height greater than that of the second medicament container 102. M Main structure diameter D is larger than A It is possible to define the body diameter D A is the main structural diameter D of the second drug container 102 M It may be at least one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the

[0041] For example, the main structure diameter D A may be any one of 16 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, or 30 mm. A is the chamber diameter D of the first drug container 34 C and main structure diameter D M or may be the same as the chamber diameter D of the first drug container 34. C and body diameter D M may be within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the

[0042] Structural height H A is the drug container height H of the second drug container 102 M It may be at least one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the

[0043] Structural height H A may be any one of 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, or 75 mm. A is the chamber height H of the first drug container 34 C and drug container height H M or may be the same as the chamber height H C and drug container height H M may be within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the

[0044] A neck diameter D defined by the neck 114 N can define the neck diameter of the assembled container structure 100. In some other embodiments, the shell defines the neck diameter of the assembled container structure (e.g., as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 17-20).

[0045] 4 and 5, the shell 104 has at least one outer dimension corresponding to a first size in a standard (e.g., (ISO) 8362-1) and an inner dimension corresponding to a second size of the standard that is smaller than the first size. The at least one outer dimension is sized to be received within the chamber 36 of the syringe 32 (FIG. 2), the chamber 36 having at least one inner dimension corresponding to the first size defined by the standard. For example, the at least one outer dimension of the shell 104 may be a body diameter, a neck diameter, a head diameter, and / or a length corresponding to the respective body diameter, neck diameter, head diameter, and / or length of the chamber 36. Thus, the at least one outer dimension of the shell matches the at least one inner dimension of the chamber 36.

[0046] At least one internal dimension of the shell 104 can define a portion of a receptacle 142 that is sized to receive the drug container 102, the container having at least one external dimension corresponding to a second size defined by a standard. For example, the at least one internal dimension of the receptacle 142 of the shell 104 can be a body diameter, neck diameter, head diameter, and / or length corresponding to the respective body diameter, neck diameter, head diameter, and / or length of the drug container 102. Thus, the shell can be an adapter configured to fit a second drug container 102 having a second size into the chamber 36 of a device (e.g., injector 32) having a first size.

[0047] For example, the shell 104 may include a pair of connectors 140 that, when connected together, define a receptacle 142 configured to hold the second drug container 102 against the shell 104. The connectors 140 may be connected together by moving the connectors 140 together along the illustrated dashed lines extending between the connectors 140. The assembled container structure 100 is defined by the second drug container 102 and the shell 104 when the receptacle 142 holds the second drug container 102. In some other embodiments, the shell locks to the drug container in another suitable manner. For example, as described below with reference to FIG. 16, the shell may be formed by a single body configured to lock in a closed position for locking onto the drug container. In another embodiment, the shell may be biased to the closed position. In other alternative embodiments, the shell does not include multiple bodies separated by a longitudinal division, but instead an opening in the shell (e.g., at the top end of the shell) is configured to stretch (e.g., in a manner similar to a sock) to receive the second drug container within the receptacle, thereby locking the second drug container within the receptacle.

[0048] The receptacle is sized to fit the body diameter D of the second drug container 102. M In one embodiment, the diameter defined by the receptacle can be equal to the body diameter D of the second medicament container 102. M within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the

[0049] Each of the connectors 140 may be identical to one another. For example, each connector 140 may define a portion 144 of an interior support surface (an example of a floor) configured to support the base 116 of the second medicament container 104. Each portion 144 of the interior support surface may be defined by a respective radially extending wall portion 148 of each connector 140. In some other embodiments, the connectors are not identical to one another. For example, only one of the connectors may define the entire interior support surface.

[0050] The connecting bodies may together define a sidewall 149 of the shell 104 that may define a sidewall of the assembled container structure 100. Each connecting body 140 may define a window 151 in the sidewall 149 such that a user can view the second medicament container 102 through the window 151. For example, each window 151 is a radially extending through hole in the sidewall 149. In some embodiments, the sidewall includes at least a portion that is transparent or translucent such that a user can view the second medicament container through the transparent or translucent portion. In some embodiments, the sidewall has a translucent portion that is tinted or tinted such that a user cannot determine the color of the second medicament container or medicament through the translucent portion.

[0051] In some embodiments, the shell does not include a window (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7), and at least a portion of the shell is colored, tinted, or opaque such that a user cannot determine the color of the medication through the shell. For example, the entire shell may be colored, tinted, or opaque. During blinded clinical trials, a colored, tinted, or opaque shell may conceal the color of the medication (e.g., may conceal the color of the medication from study investigators and study subjects).

[0052] The shell 104 can include at least one fastener or coupler that fastens or locks the body 140 together. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, each sidewall 149 can define a circumferentially extending locking arm 153 and a corresponding arm receiving cavity 155 configured to receive and lock the circumferentially extending locking arm 153 of the other sidewall 149. For example, each arm receiving cavity 155 can define a pair of longitudinally extending bumps 156 at a respective longitudinal end that face longitudinally toward one another. Each circumferentially extending locking arm 153 can define a pair of longitudinally facing divots 158 at a respective longitudinal end that face away from one another. The longitudinally facing divots 158 may be configured to receive the bumps 156 such that when each locking arm 153 is received by a corresponding arm receiving cavity 155, the locking arm 153 is secured within the arm receiving cavity 155.

[0053] In some other embodiments, the connectors may be fastened or locked together in another suitable manner. For example, the shells may include bolts or other fasteners configured to couple adjacent bodies 140 together. Alternatively, the shells may include a toothed member on one of the bodies 140 configured to be received by an opening in the other of the bodies 140.

[0054] Referring only to FIG. 5, each connector 140 has a longitudinal gap G B A base member 146 can be defined that together define a base spaced longitudinally from each support surface portion 144 such that a base is defined therebetween.

[0055] The base may define a cavity 150 extending longitudinally toward the inner support surface. In some embodiments, the base does not define a cavity.

[0056] Each connector 140 may extend longitudinally to and terminate at the neck 114 such that a drug container interface end of the second drug container 104 extends out of the shell 104. For example, the connectors 140 may together define a radially inwardly extending rim 152 configured to abut the shoulder 120. The radially inwardly extending rim 152 may abut a portion of the neck 114.

[0057] The radially inwardly extending rim 152 may be longitudinally offset from the interior support surface of the shell 104 such that the second medicament container 102 is retained therebetween. For example, each portion 144 of the interior support surface may abut the base 116 of the second medicament container 102, and the radially inwardly extending rim 152 may abut the shoulder 120 of the second medicament container 102.

[0058] 6, the injector 32 is shown in combination with an assembled container structure 100 nested within the chamber 36 such that the injector 32 is configured to inject the contents of a second medicament container 102. The assembled container structure 100 may include a gasket 124, as described above.

[0059] Injecting a drug from the assembled container structure 100 may be substantially the same as the first drug container 34. For example, during injection, the pump 72 may draw drug from the inlet needle 70 in the second drug container 102 via the fluid line 74 and output the drug to the injection needle 38 for injection into the patient. The pump 72 may be configured to inject a predetermined amount of drug, for example, based on a user input. In one embodiment, the injector includes a third needle that is inserted into the head of the second drug container and fluidly connected to the atmosphere to equalize the pressure in the first drug container with the atmosphere.

[0060] 7-10, a second embodiment of an assembled container structure is shown. It should be understood that the second embodiment may be similar to the first embodiment of the assembled container structure shown in FIGS. 3-5. Accordingly, the same reference numbers as described above with reference to features of the first embodiment may also be used in "prime" notation with reference to similar features of the second embodiment. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise noted below, the components (and features thereof) of the assembled container structure 100' of the second embodiment may be similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0061] 7, the assembled container structure 100' includes a second medicament container 102 and a shell 104'. The shell 104' may not define a window visible through a sidewall of the second medicament container 102.

[0062] The shell 104' may include a pair of connectors 200 and 202. The connectors 200 and 202 may be different from one another.

[0063] 9 and 10, the link 200 may define, on each of its sides, a circumferentially extending arm 204 and a pair of locking arm receiving cavities 206. The link 202 may define, on each of its sides, a pair of circumferentially extending locking arms 208 that together define a locking cavity 210. For example, each pair of locking arms 208 defines a respective pair of bumps 156' that face longitudinally toward one another. The arms 204 each define a pair of divots 158' configured to receive the bumps 156' when the respective arms 204 are received by the corresponding locking cavity 210 such that each arm 204 is secured within the locking cavity 210.

[0064] 9 and 10, each link 200 and 202 can define an interior support surface portion 144' defined by a respective radially extending wall portion 148'. The radially extending wall portion can include a central through hole. For example, the through hole can allow a user to see the bottom of the second medicament container 102.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 11, a third embodiment of a shell is shown. It should be understood that the third embodiment may be similar to the second embodiment of the shell shown in FIGS. 7-10. Accordingly, the same reference numbers as described above with reference to features of the first embodiment may also be used in "double prime" notation with reference to similar features of the third embodiment. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise noted below, the components (and features thereof) of the shell 104'' of the third embodiment may be similar to those of the first and second embodiments.

[0066] The shell 104'' may include a pair of connectors 200'' and 202''. The connectors 200'' and 202'' may be different from one another.

[0067] For example, the link 200'' can define a circumferentially extending arm 204'' on each of its sides. The link 202'' can define a pair of circumferentially extending locking arms 208'' on each of its sides that together define a locking cavity 210''. Each pair of locking arms 208 defines a respective pair of bumps 156'' that face longitudinally toward one another. The arms 204'' each define a pair of divots 158'' configured to receive the bumps 156'' when the respective arms 204'' are received by a corresponding locking cavity 210'' such that each arm 204'' is secured within the locking cavity 210''.

[0068] Each link 200'' and 202'' can define an interior support surface portion 144'' defined by a respective radially extending wall portion 148''. The radially extending wall portions do not need to include through holes. For example, each portion 144'' can have a semicircular shape.

[0069] 12-14, another embodiment of an assembled container structure is shown. It should be understood that the embodiment may be similar to the second embodiment of the assembled container structure shown in FIGS. 7-10. Thus, the same reference numbers as described above with reference to features of the first embodiment may also be used in "triple prime" notation with reference to similar features of the fourth embodiment. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise noted below, the components (and features thereof) of the assembled container structure 100''' of this embodiment may be similar to those of the first and second embodiments.

[0070] The assembled container structure 100'' includes a second medicament container 102 and a shell 104'''. As shown, the shell 104' can define a pair of radially opposed windows 151''', as shown in Figures 12 and 14.

[0071] Each window 151''' may be a radially extending through-hole in sidewall 149''' of shell 104'''. For example, the through-hole may be defined by circumferentially facing sides 220 of sidewall 149'''. The circumferentially facing sides 220 may be planar and may extend longitudinally such that the circumferentially facing sides are parallel to one another. When the second medicament container 102 is viewed through the through-hole, the through-hole may appear to the viewer to have straight sides extending longitudinally.

[0072] 15, a fifth embodiment of a shell is shown. It should be understood that the fifth embodiment may be similar to the other embodiments of the shell shown in FIGS. 3-13. Accordingly, the same reference numbers as described above with reference to features of the other embodiments may also be used in "four prime" notation with reference to similar features of the fifth embodiment. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise noted below, the components (and features thereof) of shell 104''' in this embodiment may be similar to those of the other embodiments.

[0073] The shell 104'''' can include a pair of connectors 200'''' and 202''''. The connectors 200'''' and 202'''' can be configured to selectively hold the second medicament container 102 and different sized medicament containers together. For example, the shell can include a number of flexible fingers 230 each configured to flex to selectively hold the second medicament container 102 and different sized medicament containers together. The flexible fingers 230 can be constructed of rubber.

[0074] The plurality of fingers 230 may be circumferentially and symmetrically spaced about the interior of the shell 104''''. The plurality of fingers 230 may include multiple rows of fingers 230 spaced longitudinally from one another. In one embodiment, eight or fewer fingers are provided on the interior of the shell. In one embodiment, more than eight fingers are provided on the interior of the shell.

[0075] The different sized drug container may have a different cross-sectional dimension than the second drug container 102. For example, the different sized drug container may be substantially the same as the second drug container 102, but may have a different cross-sectional dimension than the second drug container 102 (e.g., as described above with respect to the second drug container 102).

[0076] The third drug container may have a different height than the second drug container 102. For example, the different sized drug container may be substantially the same as the second drug container 102, but may have a different height than the second drug container 102 (e.g., as described above with respect to the second drug container 102). In one embodiment, the different sized drug container has a different height and a different cross-sectional dimension as compared to the second drug container 102.

[0077] 16, a sixth embodiment of a shell is shown. It should be understood that the sixth embodiment may be similar to the other embodiments of the shell shown in FIGS. 3-15. Accordingly, the same reference numbers as described above with reference to features of the other embodiments may also be used in "four prime" notation with reference to similar features of the sixth embodiment. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise noted below, the components (and features thereof) of shell 104'''' in this embodiment may be similar to those of the other embodiments.

[0078] Shell 104''''' can include a pair of links 200'''''' and 202'''''. Links 200'''''' and 202'''' can be formed as a single piece. For example, links 200''''' and 202'''' can include a living hinge 240 that allows links 202'''''' and 200'''' to pivot relative to one another. Further, living hinge 240 allows links 200'''''' and 202'''''' to be pivotable between an unlocked configuration illustrated in the figures and a locked configuration (e.g., similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 3).

[0079] 17 and 18, another embodiment of an assembled container structure is shown. It should be understood that this embodiment may be similar to other embodiments of assembled container structures shown, for example, in FIGS. 3-8. Accordingly, the same reference numbers used above with reference to other embodiments may also be used and may be indexed by 200 with reference to this embodiment. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise noted below, the components (and features thereof) of the assembled container structure 300 of this embodiment may be similar to those of the other embodiments.

[0080] The assembled container structure 300 may include a second medicament container 302 and a shell 304. The second medicament container 302 may be a cartridge including a head 310, a cartridge body 312, and a plunger 250.

[0081] 18, the plunger 250 may be configured to define a portion of the variable volume chamber 252. For example, the variable volume chamber 252 may be defined by the plunger 250, the cartridge body 312, and the head gasket 324. The plunger 250 may be configured to move longitudinally relative to the cartridge body 312. For example, when a medicament is dispensed from the variable volume chamber 252, the plunger 250 may move longitudinally toward the head 310 to equalize the pressure in the variable volume chamber with the atmosphere. In one embodiment, an actuator (e.g., an electromechanical actuator) causes the dispense by moving the plunger to increase the pressure in the variable volume chamber.

[0082] The cartridge body 312 defines a neck 314 , a sidewall 318 , and a radially inwardly extending shoulder 320 extending from the sidewall 318 to the neck 314 .

[0083] The head 310 may define a drug container interface end configured to be received by a corresponding mechanical interface 54 of the injector 32 .

[0084] The head (e.g., drug container interface) has a head diameter D substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical opening of the mechanical interface 54. H (An example of a cross-sectional dimension) can be defined. For example, the head diameter D H In one embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical opening is equal to the head diameter D H or the head diameter D H In one embodiment, the head has a head diameter D of any of 7.8 mm to 8.0 mm, any of 13.3 mm to 13.5 mm, or any of 20.3 mm to 20.5 mm. H The cap includes a cap (eg, an aluminum cap) that defines a

[0085] The neck 314 is sized to have a neck diameter D of the first drug container 34. N Neck diameter D smaller than N For example, the neck diameter D of the first and second drug containers 34 can be defined as N is the neck diameter D of the second drug container 31 N It may be at least one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the

[0086] The shell 304 includes a wall 254 extending along the longitudinal axis A from a radially inwardly extending rim 352 that extends longitudinally from the sidewall 349. The wall 254 may be configured to radially abut the neck 314 and extend between the lip 322 and the radially inwardly extending shoulder 320 of the cartridge body 312. For example, the wall 254 may longitudinally abut the head 310 and the radially inwardly extending shoulder 320 such that the second medicament container 302 is secured and nested within the shell 304.

[0087] The entire second drug container 302 is disposed within the chamber height H C Drug container height H smaller than M For example, the drug container height HM The chamber height H may be any one of 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, or 75 mm. C may be the same as the drug container height, or may be the drug container height H M The chamber height H may be within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the C is the drug container height H M It may be at least one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the

[0088] The shell 304 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the second medicament container 302 to define an assembled container structure 300. The assembled container structure may have a cross-sectional dimension and height greater than that of the second medicament container 302. For example, the assembled container structure 300 may have a neck diameter D of the second medicament container 302. N Structural neck diameter D is larger than AN The structural neck diameter D can be defined. AN is the neck diameter D of the second drug container 302 N It may be at least one of 5%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the

[0089] For example, the structure neck diameter D AN may be either 13 mm or 20 mm. AN may be the same as the diameter of the corresponding portion of the interface in the chamber 36 and / or the neck diameter of the first drug container 34, or may be within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the diameter of the corresponding portion of the interface and the neck diameter of the first drug container 34.

[0090] The assembled container structure 300 has a body diameter D of the second drug container 302. M Main structure diameter D is larger than A It is possible to define the main structural diameter D Ais the body diameter D of the second drug container 302 M It may be at least one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the

[0091] For example, the main structure diameter D A may be any one of 16 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, or 30 mm. A is the chamber diameter D of the first drug container 34 C and main structure diameter D M or may be the same as the chamber diameter D of the first drug container 34. C and body diameter D M may be within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the

[0092] Structural height H A is the drug container height H of the second drug container 102 M It may be at least one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the

[0093] Structural height H A may be any one of 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, or 75 mm. A is set to a chamber height H such that the assembled container structure 300 extends outside the chamber 36. C The height of the container structure 300 may be at least one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the height of the plunger 250. A container structure 300 having a height that extends outside the chamber 36 during use may provide tamper protection since it may be more difficult for a user to inadvertently touch the plunger 250. In another embodiment, the structure height H A is the drug container height H of the first drug container 34 M or chamber height H C is essentially the same as:

[0094] The head can include a head gasket 324 and a crimp 256 configured to secure the head gasket 324 to the lip 324. For example, the crimp 256 can have a cylindrical sidewall configured to deform radially inward to attach to the bottom side of the lip 324. The crimp 324 can include a central hole at the top, for example, to provide access for the inlet needle 70 to penetrate the head gasket 324 and reach the medicament in the variable volume chamber 252.

[0095] The shell 304 may not define an internal support surface longitudinally between the bottom of the shell 304 and the cartridge body 312. For example, the sidewall 349 may define an internal cylindrical bore extending from the base of the bottom end of the shell to a rim 352 extending radially inward. Providing a bore between the plunger 250 and the atmosphere may, for example, prevent a vacuum from forming in the space defined by the plunger 250 and the shell 304 as the plunger 250 moves longitudinally toward the head 310.

[0096] The hole can provide enough space for a user's finger to actuate the plunger 250. In one embodiment, an actuator (e.g., an electromechanical actuator) is provided to press against the bottom of the plunger to move it, thereby dispensing the medication.

[0097] Infusing a drug from the assembled container structure 300 may be substantially the same as the first drug container 34. For example, during infusion, the pump 72 may draw drug from the inlet needle 70 in the second drug container 302 via the fluid line 74 and output the drug to the infusion needle 38 for injection into the patient. As the plunger 250 moves during administration of the drug to equalize the pressure in the variable volume chamber 252 with the atmosphere, the pressure in the shell 304 below the plunger 250 may equalize with the atmosphere through a bottom hole in the shell 304.

[0098] 19 and 20, another embodiment of an assembled container structure is shown. It should be understood that this embodiment may be similar to other embodiments of assembled container structures shown, for example, in FIGS. 17 and 18. Accordingly, the same reference numbers as described above with reference to features of other embodiments may also be used in "prime" notation with reference to similar features of this embodiment. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise noted below, the components (and features thereof) of the assembled container structure 300' of this embodiment may be similar to those of the other embodiments.

[0099] The assembled container structure 300' includes a second drug container 302' and a shell 304'. The shell 304' may include a wall 254' and a structural top wall 260 extending longitudinally from the wall 254' and which may define an outer dimension that is intermediate an outer dimension defined by the wall 254' and an outermost dimension defined by the shell 304'.

[0100] The structural head wall 260 may be radially outward of and extend circumferentially around the lip 322' of the second medicament container 302'. For example, the structural head wall 260 may radially abut the head 310' of the second medicament container 302'. The head 310' may include a crimp 325', and a cylindrical sidewall of the crimp 325' may radially abut the structural head wall 260 such that the second medicament container 302' is secured against radial movement relative to the shell 304'.

[0101] The upper end of the assembly container structure 300' may define a drug container interface configured to be received by a corresponding mechanical interface 54 of the injector 32. For example, the head 310' and the structural head wall 260 may together define a drug container interface configured to be received by a mechanical interface of the injector 32.

[0102] For example, the structural head wall 260 may have a structural head diameter D substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical opening of the mechanical interface 54. AHFor example, the structural head diameter D AH may be any one of 7.5 mm, 13 mm, or 20 mm. In one embodiment, the structural head diameter D AH In one embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical opening is the structural head diameter D AH or the structural head diameter D AH within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the

[0103] Structure head diameter D AH is the head diameter D of the first drug container 34 H or the head diameter D of the first drug container 34 H may be within + / - 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the

[0104] The head 310' can define a drug container interface end that is small relative to the mechanical interface 54. The structural head diameter D of the second drug container 302' can be AH is the head diameter D of the second drug container 302′ H It may be at least one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, or 300% greater than the

[0105] 21-23, there is shown a step-by-step illustration of the use of an example system, decapping system 500. The decapping system 500 may include a decapping tool 502, an example device, and the assembled container structure 100 described above with reference to FIGS.

[0106] The cap removal means 502 includes a cap removal chamber 504, which may be configured to receive the assembled container structure 100 such that the cap removal chamber 502 is configured to remove the cap 506 from the assembled container structure 100. For example, the cap removal means 502 may be configured to remove the cap 506 from the head 110 of the second medicament container 102.

[0107] The cap removal chamber 504 can define a cap removal tool interface configured to receive a corresponding interface of the assembled container structure 100. For example, the assembled container structure 100 can include a radially inwardly extending shoulder 518 that defines an outwardly facing frustoconical surface, and the cap removal tool interface can define an inwardly facing frustoconical surface 520. When the outwardly facing frustoconical surface of the radially inwardly extending shoulder 518 abuts the inwardly facing frustoconical surface 520, the cap 506 can be positioned such that the cap removal tool 502 is configured to remove the cap 506.

[0108] The cap removal means 502 can include a housing 528, a movable member 530 movable relative to the housing 528, a handle 532 pivotable relative to the housing 528, and a linkage 534 pinned to the handle 532 and the movable member 530. The movable member 530 and linkage 534 are configured such that depression of the handle from the initial position of FIG. 21 to the actuated position of FIG. 23 actuates the movable member 530 towards the cap 506.

[0109] 22 and 23, when the assembled container structure 100 is nested within the cap removal chamber 504 and the handle 532 is actuated, the movable member moves towards the cap 506 such that the ramp 536 urges the cap 506 away from the head 110. For example, the ramp 536 may be bifurcated or formed by a separate movable member (e.g., positioned in front of the page when viewing FIGS. 22 and 23) such that the ramp 536 (and / or a separate ramp) engages an upper portion of the cap 506 (when viewing FIGS. 22 and 23) at two circumferentially spaced locations to urge the cap 506 downwardly and away from the head 110, thereby removing the cap 506 as shown in FIG.

[0110] The head 110 can define a small cap removal means interface such that the cap removal means 502 is not configured to remove the cap 506 from the head 110 when, for example, only the second medicament container 102 is disposed in the cap removal chamber 504. For example, when only the second medicament container 102 is disposed in the cap removal chamber 504, the cap 506 may be disposed in a position that is too low for the cap removal means 502 to remove the cap 506. Thus, the ramp 536 may be too high to remove the cap 506 when only the second medicament container 102 is disposed in the cap removal chamber 504.

[0111] In some embodiments, any of the other assembled container structures are configured to nest within the chamber of the cap removal means such that the cap removal means is configured to remove the cap from the assembled container structure. The first drug container 34 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) may be configured to nest within the cap removal chamber 504, similar to the assembled container structure 100, such that the cap removal means 502 is configured to remove the cap 506 from the head 56.

[0112] 24 and 25, another embodiment of a cap removal system is shown. It should be understood that this embodiment may be similar to the embodiment of the cap removal system shown in FIGS. 21-23. Accordingly, the same reference numbers as described above with reference to features of the other embodiments may also be used in "prime" notation with reference to similar features of this embodiment. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise noted below, the components (and features thereof) of the assembled container structure 500' of this embodiment may be similar to those of the other embodiments.

[0113] The decapping system 500' (an example system) may include a plurality of decapping chambers 504' each configured to selectively receive a first drug container 34 or an assembled container structure 100 to remove a corresponding cap 506' from each of the plurality of first drug containers 34 and assembled container structures 100. For example, the decapping chambers 504' may be movable in a direction D1 relative to a platform 540. In some embodiments, the decapping chambers 504' may be fixed relative to the platform, and the platform may be a conveyor configured to move the decapping chambers 504' in the first direction D1.

[0114] The cap removal system 500' is symmetrical and can include opposing rail members 542 each defining a respective securing member 530' (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25) that are diametrically opposed to one another. Referring now to FIG. 25, the securing member 530' includes a ramp 536' configured to urge the cap 506 away from the corresponding first drug container 34 or assembled container structure 100 when the corresponding first drug container 34 or assembled container structure 100 is nested within the cap removal chamber 504'. For example, as the cap removal chamber 540' moves in the first direction D1, the cap 506 moves to the left of the ramp 536' (see FIG. 25) and moves in the first direction D1 toward the ramp 536' such that the ramp 536' urges the cap 506 away from the corresponding first drug container 34 and assembled container structure 100.

[0115] For example, the ramp 536' may be formed by a separate rail member 542 (e.g., one rail member 542 is positioned in front of the page when referring to FIG. 24 ) such that the ramp 536' (and / or separate ramps) engages the bottom of each cap 506 (see FIG. 25 ) at two circumferentially spaced locations to urge each cap 506 upwardly and away from the corresponding first medicament container 34 and assembled container structure 100. By urging each cap 506 in this manner, each cap 506 can be removed as shown with respect to the first medicament container 34 and assembled container structure 100 spaced in a first direction from the beginning of the ramp 536'. In one embodiment, the ramp is formed by a single bifurcated member.

[0116] The head 110 can define a small cap removal means interface such that the cap removal means 502' is not configured to remove the cap 506 from the head 110 when, for example, only the second medicament container 102 is disposed in the cap removal chamber 504. For example, when only the second medicament container 102 is disposed in one of the cap removal chambers 504', the corresponding cap 506 may be disposed in a position that is too low for the cap removal means 502' to remove the cap 506. Thus, the inclined surface 536' may be too high to remove the cap 506 when only the second medicament container 102 is disposed in the cap removal chamber 504'.

[0117] In some embodiments, any of the other assembled container structures are configured to nest within the chamber of the cap removal means such that the cap removal means is configured to remove the cap from the assembled container structure.

[0118] Each rail member 542 may include a protrusion 544 configured to abut against the radially inwardly extending shoulders 86 and 518 of the first drug container 34 and assembled container structure 100. For example, when the first drug container 34 and assembled container structure 100 move in the first direction D1 such that the inclined surface 536' biases each cap 506 upward, each protrusion 544 may abut against the radially inwardly extending shoulders 86 and 518 of the corresponding first drug container 34 and assembled container structure 100. The protrusion 544 abutting against the radially inwardly extending shoulders 86 and 518 of the corresponding first drug container 34 and assembled container structure 100 may prevent the corresponding first drug container 34 and assembled container structure 100 from moving upward with the corresponding cap 506 when the cap 506 is removed.

[0119] The protrusion 544 may be configured to allow the first medicament container 34 and the assembled container structure 100 to move in the first direction D1 along the protrusion 544. For example, the protrusion 544 may be configured not to abut any portion of the first medicament container 34 and the assembled container structure 100 unless the first medicament container 34 and the assembled container structure 100 are moved upwardly from the platform 540 (e.g., when the corresponding cap 506 is removed).

[0120] 24 , the decapping system 500′ may include an actuation chain 550 fixed relative to the decapping chamber 504′ and meshing with a plurality of gears 552. One or more of the gears 552 may be configured to actuate the chain 550 to move the decapping chamber 504′ in a first direction D1. For example, an actuator (not shown), such as a motor, may be configured to rotate one or more of the gears 552 to actuate the chain 550 to move the decapping chamber 504′ in the first direction D1.

[0121] In the following description, certain terminology is used merely for convenience and is not limiting. The terms "right", "left", "lower", and "upper" designate directions within the drawings to which reference is made. The terms "inner", "internal", and "interior" refer to directions toward the geometric center of the assembled container structure, and the terms "outer", "external", and "exterior" refer to directions away from the geometric center of the assembled container structure. The terms "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "inside", "outside", and related terms and / or expressions are used to designate various positions and orientations in the human body to which reference is made. When these words are used in connection with the system or components thereof, they should be understood to refer to the relative position of the system, for example, as a patch pump attached to the human body. The terms include the words listed above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: a device including a chamber configured to receive a first drug container, the first drug container having a first size and configured to nest within the chamber; a second medicament container having a second size smaller than the first size, the second medicament container not configured to nest within the chamber; a shell configured to cover at least a portion of the second medicament container to define an assembled container structure configured to nest within the chamber; A system comprising:

2. The system comprises: an injector including the chamber, the chamber configured to receive the first medicament container such that the injector is configured to inject the contents of the first medicament container, whereby when the assembled container structure is disposed within the chamber, the injector is configured to inject the contents of the second medicament container; 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the injector system comprises:

3. The system comprises: a container cap removal means including the chamber, the chamber configured to receive a first medicament container such that the container cap removal means is configured to remove a first cap from the first medicament container, whereby the container cap removal means is not configured to remove a second cap from the second medicament container when only the second medicament container is received in the chamber, and whereby the container cap removal means is configured to remove the second cap from the second medicament container when the assembled container structure is disposed in the chamber; 10. The system of claim 1, which is a cap removal system comprising:

4. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein when the assembled container structure is nested within the chamber, the chamber has a cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to a longitudinal axis along which the assembled container structure and the chamber extend, the cross-sectional dimension being substantially equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the assembled container structure.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein when the assembled container structure is nested within the chamber, the second drug container has a cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the chamber and the assembled container structure.

6. 6. The system of claim 4 or 5, wherein a height of the chamber and the cross-sectional dimension of the chamber are greater than a height of the second medicament container and the cross-sectional dimension of the second medicament container, respectively.

7. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein a height of the second drug container is less than a height of the first drug container and less than a height of the chamber.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the chamber has a height substantially equal to a height of the assembled container structure.

9. 8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the chamber has a height that is shorter than a height of the assembled container structure such that when the assembled container structure is received within the chamber, a length of the assembled container structure extends outside the chamber.

10. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the assembled container structure has a cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to a longitudinal axis along which the assembled container structure extends, the cross-sectional dimension being substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the first drug container.

11. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the shell comprises a radially inwardly extending rim and a floor offset from the radially inwardly extending rim along a longitudinal axis along which the assembled container structure extends, the radially inwardly extending rim configured to abut a shoulder of the second drug container and the floor configured to abut an end of the second drug container opposite the shoulder along the longitudinal axis.

12. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the assembled container structure extends along a longitudinal axis, and the shell comprises a wall extending along the longitudinal axis, the wall configured to extend between a lip of the second drug container and a shoulder of the second drug container such that the wall secures the second drug container to the shell.

13. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the second drug container is a vial that includes a fixed volume chamber that holds the contents.

14. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the second drug container is a cartridge including a body and a movable plunger that together define a variable volume chamber for holding the contents.

15. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the first drug container has a height that is greater than a height of the second drug container.

16. 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the height of the second medicament container is less than the height of the chamber.

17. 17. The system of claim 1, wherein a sidewall of the assembled container structure is defined by the shell.

18. 18. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the shell comprises a pair of coupling bodies that when coupled together define a receptacle configured to hold the second drug container against the shell, and the assembled container structure is defined when the receptacle holds the second drug container.

19. 19. The system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the shell is configured to selectively hold the second drug container and a third drug container having a different size than the second drug container and having a smaller cross-sectional dimension and / or height than the first drug container.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the shell includes at least one finger configured to flex to selectively retain the second and third medicament containers.

21. The shell is an outer surface having at least one outer dimension substantially equal to at least one corresponding outer dimension of a standard first standard size, the outer surface being configured to be received within the chamber of the device corresponding to the first standard size; 21. The system of any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising an internal cavity having at least one internal dimension substantially equal to at least one internal dimension of a corresponding second standard size of the standard, the second standard size being smaller than the first standard size, the internal cavity being configured to receive a container corresponding to the second standard size.

22. 22. The system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the second medicament container comprises a head defining a height, a head diameter defining a head portion, and a body portion defining a body diameter, wherein i) the body diameter is 22 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 45 mm, ii) the body diameter is 22 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 40 mm, or iii) the body diameter is 16 mm, the head diameter is 13 mm, and the height is 45 mm.

23. 23. The system of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first medicament container comprises a head portion defining a height, defining a head diameter, and a body portion defining a body diameter, wherein i) the body diameter is 24 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 45 mm, ii) the body diameter is 24 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 60 mm, iii) the body diameter is 30 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 55 mm, or iv) the body diameter is 30 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 60 mm.

24. 24. The system of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the shell includes a transparent and / or translucent window such that a body of the second drug container is at least partially visible through the shell when the shell covers at least the portion of the second drug container to define the assembled container structure.

25. 24. The system of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein at least a portion of the shell is colored, tinted, or opaque such that a user cannot determine the color of the medication held by the second medication container.

26. 25. The system of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the shell includes a radially outer wall extending circumferentially around a lip of the second medicament container.

27. A kit comprising: a first medicament container having a first size, the first medicament container housing a medicament; a second medicament container having a second size smaller than the first size, the second medicament container housing the medicament; a shell configured to receive the second medicament container to define an assembled container structure, the shell covering at least a portion of the second medicament container; The assembled container structure has outer dimensions substantially equal to outer dimensions of the first drug container.

28. 28. The kit of claim 27, wherein the assembled container structure has a cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to a longitudinal axis along which the assembled container structure extends, the cross-sectional dimension being substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the first drug container.

29. 30. The kit of claim 28, wherein the second drug container has a cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the first drug container and the assembled container structure.

30. The shell is an outer surface having at least one outer dimension substantially equal to at least one corresponding outer dimension of a standard first standard size, the outer surface being configured to be received within a chamber of a device corresponding to the first standard size; 30. The kit of any one of claims 27 to 29, further comprising an internal cavity having at least one internal dimension substantially equal to at least one internal dimension of a corresponding second standard size of the standard, the second standard size being smaller than the first standard size, the internal cavity being configured to receive a container corresponding to the second standard size.

31. 31. The kit of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the second medicament container comprises a head portion defining a height, defining a head diameter, and a body portion defining a body diameter, wherein i) the body diameter is 22 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 45 mm, ii) the body diameter is 22 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 40 mm, or iii) the body diameter is 16 mm, the head diameter is 13 mm, and the height is 45 mm.

32. 32. The kit of any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the first medicament container comprises a head portion defining a height, defining a head diameter, and a body portion defining a body diameter, wherein i) the body diameter is 24 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 45 mm, ii) the body diameter is 24 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 60 mm, iii) the body diameter is 30 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 55 mm, or iv) the body diameter is 30 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 60 mm.

33. 1. An assembled container structure comprising: a medication container defining a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base to a neck, and a medication container interface end extending upwardly from the neck, the medication container housing a medication; a shell configured to receive the medicament container to define the assembled container structure having a cross-sectional dimension larger than that of the medicament container; the shell has an interior support surface that supports the base of the medicament container, the interior support surface being spaced from the base of the shell to define a gap therebetween; the shell extends to and terminates at the neck of the drug container such that the drug container interface end of the drug container extends out of the shell; The assembled container structure is configured to connect with a syringe.

34. 34. The assembled container structure of claim 33, wherein the drug container is configured to connect with the injector.

35. 34. The assembled container structure of claim 33, wherein the shell is configured to connect with the syringe.

36. 36. The assembled container structure of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the shell abuts the neck of the drug container.

37. 37. The assembled container structure of claim 33 or 36, further comprising a support structure extending within the gap from the base of the shell to the base of the drug container.

38. 38. The assembled container structure of any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the gap is defined in part by the sidewall of the shell.

39. The shell is an outer surface having at least one outer dimension substantially equal to at least one corresponding outer dimension of a standard first standard size, the outer surface being configured to be received within a chamber of a device corresponding to the first standard size; 39. The assembled container structure of any one of claims 33 to 38, further comprising an internal cavity having at least one internal dimension substantially equal to at least one internal dimension of a corresponding second standard size of the standard, the second standard size being smaller than the first standard size, the internal cavity being configured to receive a container corresponding to the second standard size.

40. 40. The assembled container structure of any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein the medicament container comprises a head portion defining a height, defining a head diameter, and a body portion defining a body diameter, wherein i) the body diameter is 22 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 45 mm, ii) the body diameter is 22 mm, the head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 40 mm, or iii) the body diameter is 16 mm, the head diameter is 13 mm, and the height is 45 mm.

41. 41. The assembled container structure of any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein the assembled container structure defines a body diameter, defines a structural head diameter, and defines a height, and i) the body diameter is 24 mm, the structural head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 45 mm, ii) the body diameter is 24 mm, the structural head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 60 mm, iii) the body diameter is 30 mm, the structural head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 55 mm, or iv) the body diameter is 30 mm, the structural head diameter is 20 mm, and the height is 60 mm.

42. 42. The assembled container structure of any one of claims 33 to 41, wherein at least a portion of the shell is colored, tinted, or opaque such that a user cannot determine the color of the medicament held by the medicament container.

43. A shell, an outer surface having at least one outer dimension substantially equal to a corresponding at least one outer dimension of a standard first size, the outer surface being configured to be received within a chamber of a device corresponding to the first size; an internal cavity having at least one internal dimension substantially equal to at least one corresponding internal dimension of said standard second size, said second size being smaller than said first size, said internal cavity being configured to receive a container corresponding to said second size; A shell comprising:

44. 44. The shell of claim 43, wherein the standard is ISO 8362-1.

45. 45. The shell of claim 44, wherein the first size is one of 4R, 6R, 8R, 10R, 15R, 20R, 25R, or 30R.

46. 46. ​​The shell of claim 44 or 45, wherein the second size is one of 2R, 4R, 6R, 8R, 10R, 15R, 20R, or 25R.

47. A kit comprising: A shell according to any one of claims 44 to 46, which is a first shell; and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell having different ones of the at least one inner dimension and the at least one outer dimension, none of the outer dimensions having a minimum corresponding dimension of the standard, and none of the inner dimensions having a maximum corresponding dimension of the standard; A kit comprising:

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