Tabs for packaging multiple nests with plunger stoppers featuring a guide function to ensure reliable positioning of nests within the tab.

Abstract

Provides nesting and tab placement to ensure reliable location of nesting within tabs. [Solution] A nest and tab configuration for storing medical device components, comprising a tab having a plurality of guide elements extending from at least one surface of the tab into the interior of the tab, and at least one nest having a plurality of receptacles for storing a plurality of medical device components therein. The at least one nest is sized to be positioned within the tab such that the plurality of guide elements are aligned and the at least one nest is removablely held within the tab, and each of the plurality of flexible ribs has a proximal end bonded to the tab and a distal end separated from the tab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of European Priority Application No. EP21305102.2, filed on January 26, 2021, entitled "A Tub for the Packaging of a Plurality of Nests of Plunger Stoppers with Guiding Features Ensuring a Reliable Location of the Nests Within the Tub", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the arrangement of nests and tabs for the packaging of plunger stoppers used in medical devices such as, for example, syringes. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to tabs for the packaging of at least one nest configured to hold a plurality of plunger stoppers, the tabs including guiding features that ensure a reliable location of at least one of the nests therein.

Background Art

[0003] As is known in the art, transfer or storage devices (e.g., syringes, etc.) for the delivery or storage of drugs, medications, or vaccines generally utilize a plunger stopper that contacts the inner surface of a tubular syringe barrel to draw substances into (or expel substances from) the device via a plunger rod.

[0004] Currently, many such devices are filled and assembled using automated filling machines. Such machines not only improve productivity and accuracy but also provide a substantially sterilized and aseptic filling environment. The various components of the device (e.g., plunger stopper, syringe barrel, etc.) are provided separately within the filling machine to enable at least a certain level of automated assembly.

[0005] Typically, multiple plunger stoppers are provided in bags or nests (supplied inside bags) that are accessed by the filling machine during assembly. Conversely, syringe barrels are generally packaged in nests that have a number of "chimneys" formed within them to hold the barrel, and each nest is configured to be held at least partially within a tab when introduced into the filling machine.

[0006] Current nests for syringe barrels are specifically designed for use with tabs, but current nests designed to hold plunger stoppers are not configured for use with specific tab profiles and do not fit snugly into the tabs used for syringe barrels. Some automated filling machines do not have a tab for holding plunger stopper nests, so this is not a problem. However, other, more recently designed filling machines (e.g., Vanrx SA25 robotic sterile filling work cell from Vanrx Pharmasystems Inc.) are capable of handling only components packaged in both nests and tabs.

[0007] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the currently available nests for plunger stoppers are not designed to be held within existing tab designs. Therefore, attempting to utilize existing nests and tabs together in relation to plunger stoppers would result in a combination that, when stacked, could lead to unreliable positioning within the tabs and undesirable nest movement, which would be problematic for robotic handling of nests in filling equipment. Documents WO2021 / 143533A1, EP2476448A1 and EP3524293A1 relate to the packaging of medical containers. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] Considering the above, a nest specifically designed for the plunger stopper, as well as a tab specifically designed to accommodate multiple such nests, is required. In addition, there is a need for tabs and / or nests configured to ensure reliable alignment of multiple nests within each tab.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to arrangements of nests and tabs for storing medical device components. The arrangement of nests and tabs may include a tab having a plurality of guide elements extending from at least one surface of the tab into the interior of the tab, and at least one nest having a plurality of receptacles for housing a plurality of medical device components therein. The at least one nest may be sized and configured to be positioned within a tab such that the plurality of guide elements are aligned and the at least one nest is removablely held within the tab.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tab includes a top and a bottom, with the bottom being smaller in dimensions than the top.

[0011] In some embodiments, the upper part is defined by a bottom projection (ledge) surface and an upper cover flange.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one of the bottommost parts of a nest is at least partially supported by the bottom projection surface of the tab.

[0013] In some embodiments, multiple guide elements extend along the side wall between the bottom projection surface and the upper lid flange.

[0014] In some embodiments, the guide elements include multiple rigid guide ribs.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the multiple rigid guide ribs includes a contact surface, and each contact surface of the multiple rigid guide ribs includes an inclination angle between the bottom projection surface and the upper cover flange.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inclination angle of the contact surface is 1.0° or less.

[0017] In some embodiments, each of the multiple rigid guide ribs is formed as a semi-cylindrical guide rib.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least one nest further includes a plurality of openings formed thereon, each of which is semicircular in shape and positioned and sized to substantially match the outer shape of a plurality of rigid guide ribs.

[0019] In some embodiments, the guide elements include multiple flexible ribs.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the multiple flexible ribs includes a proximal end portion connected to a tab and a distal end portion separated from the tab.

[0021] In some embodiments, the guide elements extend from the bottom surface of the tab, and at least one nest includes a plurality of openings formed therein, which are sized and positioned to receive the plurality of guide elements.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least one nest further includes at least one finger opening formed therein.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least one nest includes multiple nests, and the multiple nests are configured to be stackable on each other within a tab.

[0024] Further details and benefits of this disclosure will be understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a top isometric view of the arrangement of the nest and tabs for storing the plunger stopper according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the tab for use with the nest and tab arrangement of Figure 1. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a bottom perspective view of the tab of Figure 2A. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the nest and tab arrangement of Figure 1. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a top view of the arrangement of the nest and tabs for storing the plunger stopper according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a partial isometric view and cross-sectional view of the tab for use with the nest and tab arrangement of Figure 4A. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of the nest and tab arrangement of Figure 4A. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a top view of the arrangement of the nest and tabs for storing the plunger stopper according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a partial isometric view and cross-sectional view of the nest and tab arrangement of Figure 5A. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a top view of the arrangement of the nest and tabs for storing the plunger stopper according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a partial isometric view and cross-sectional view of the nest and tab arrangement of Figure 6A. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view of the nest and tab arrangement of Figure 6A.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to create and use the described embodiments intended for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and substitutes will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and substitutes are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0027] Hereinafter, for explanatory purposes, “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and their derivatives shall be used in relation to the present invention as oriented in the drawings. However, it will be understood that the present invention may presuppose various alternative modifications unless explicitly specified otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices shown in the accompanying drawings and described below are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical features relating to the aspects disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1, a nest and tab arrangement 10 according to an aspect of the present disclosure is shown. In the nest and tab arrangement 10, a plurality of nests 14 can be removably held within tabs 12, and each nest 14 is configured to hold, for example, a plurality of plunger stoppers (not shown). For example, a tab 12 may be configured to hold between two and ten nests 14, and the nests are stacked vertically to one another. In one embodiment, a tab 12 is configured to hold seven nests 14.

[0029] As described above, various automated filling machines utilize other nest and tab configurations to store and access medical device components, such as syringe barrels. The nest and tab arrangement 10 is specifically configured to accommodate plunger stoppers in a manner that provides desired positioning and alignment of each nest 14 for precise handling by the robotic components of the automated filling machine, as shown in Figure 1. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to use with plunger stoppers, as the nest and tab configurations described herein may be used with other components and / or devices.

[0030] Referring further to Figure 1, and also to Figures 2A and 2B, a tab 12 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The tab 12 includes a pair of long sides 16 and a pair of short sides 17. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the sides of the tab 12 do not need to be of different lengths and / or parallelism, but instead may be, for example, equal, non-parallel, etc. The general dimensions of the tab 12 (i.e., length, width, and height) may be adapted based on the specific automated filling machine being used.

[0031] The tab 12 further includes a bottom 18 and a top 19. The bottom 18 is inserted from the top 19 and is smaller in dimensions than the top 19, which is defined by an upper lid flange 20 and a bottom projection surface 23. The bottom projection surface 23 may further be conceivable as a grip flange. Such a configuration allows multiple tabs 12 to be stacked together during storage, transport, etc., but ensures sufficient spacing between the upper lid flanges 20 of each stacked tab 12 to allow easy access to (and separation of) the tabs 12. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, the bottom projection surface 23 is configured to provide a support surface for the lowest nest 14 located within the tab 12.

[0032] The tab 12 further includes a plurality of rigid guide ribs 22 that extend into the interior of the tab 12 along each side 16, 17 and substantially between the upper lid flange 20 and the bottom projection surface 23. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2A and 2B, each long side 16 includes two guide ribs 22, and each short side 17 includes only one guide rib 22, with each guide rib 22 on the short side 17 being laterally offset from one another. However, it should be understood that more or fewer guide ribs 22 may be available on each side 16, 17. For example, in an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the short side 17 may also include two guide ribs 22, and the long side 16 may include three guide ribs 22, and so on.

[0033] Each guide rib 22 includes an inwardly facing contact surface 25 extending from the upper lid flange 20 to the bottom projection surface 23. Each contact surface 25 is configured to provide a contact interface with the corresponding side of the nest 14 in order to reliably align the nest 14 within the tab 12 and to hold it removably. In some embodiments, the contact surface 25 is substantially planar. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the draft angle of each contact surface 25 of the guide rib 22 (i.e., the inclination angle of the contact surface 25 between the bottom projection surface 23 and the upper lid flange 20) is relatively small, and the dimensions of the bottom projection surface 23 are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the upper lid flange 20. For example, even if the draft angles of the respective sides 16, 17 of the tab 12 are greater than 1° (e.g., 1.2°), the draft angle of the contact surface 25 may be substantially less than 1° (e.g., 0.4°). In this way, each of the multiple nests 14 held within the tab 12 may have similar relative contact or spacing from the contact surface 25, thereby ensuring equivalent alignment and retention of each nest 14 regardless of its vertical position within the upper part 19 of the tab 12. In one embodiment, the positioning and draft angles of each contact surface 25 allow for a minimum amount of lateral "play" (i.e., front-to-back lateral shift) between the nest 14 and the tab 12, for example, between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0034] Referring now to Figure 3, a cross-sectional view of a nest and tab arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, seven nests 14 are shown stacked within a tab 12. The lowest nest 14 is positioned adjacent to the bottom projection surface 23 of the tab 12, while the uppermost nest 14 is positioned slightly below the upper lid flange 20, and can be at least partially supported by the bottom projection surface 23. Each stopper receptacle 24 may be aligned perpendicularly with the upper and lower stopper receptacles 24 (where applicable). While the embodiment in Figure 3 shows seven nests 14, it should be understood that in other embodiments, more or fewer nests may be held within the tab.

[0035] Referring further to Figures 1 and 3, it should be understood that each nest 14 is configured to hold multiple plunger stoppers, but nest 14 may be configured to hold other components. Specifically, each nest 14 contains multiple stopper receptacles 24 formed therein. The stopper receptacles 24 may be formed as substantially frustoconical "chimneys," each capable of holding a plunger stopper for access and removal by, for example, components of an autonomous filling machine. For example, during the assembly process, each nest 14 may be aligned on top of a separate nest holding multiple syringes, and the autonomous filling machine may push each plunger stopper out of the stopper receptacle 24 and directly into the syringe positioned below. The diameter and size of each stopper receptacle 24 may vary based on the type of stopper used during a particular filling operation. Therefore, it should be understood that the overall number and positioning of the stopper receptacles 24 may also vary compared to those shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0036] Similar to the tab 12 described above, each nest 14 includes a pair of long sides 28 and a pair of short sides 29. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the sides of the nest 14 do not need to be of different lengths and / or parallel, but instead may be equal, non-parallel, etc. Similar to the tab 12, the general dimensions (i.e., length, width, and height) of each nest 14 may be adapted based on the specific automated filling machine being used.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, each short side 29 of each nest 14 may include a finger opening 26 formed thereon, and each finger opening 26 is designed to allow simplified manual loading (and / or removal) of the nest 14 into (or from) the tab 12. In some embodiments, a flange (not shown) may at least partially surround each finger opening 26 and extend from the bottom surface of the nest 14, thereby providing the user with a larger surface area for gripping the nest 14. Two finger openings 26 are shown on opposing short sides 29 in Figure 1, but it should be understood that the nest 14 may include more or fewer finger openings on either the short sides 29 or the long sides 28. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the finger openings 26 may be omitted entirely.

[0038] The tab 12 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the tab 12 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polystyrene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the tab 12 can be formed as a single part or as multiple parts joined together. If formed as multiple parts, the materials forming each part may be the same or different. Furthermore, the guide rib 22 may be formed as part of the tab 12 or separately from the tab 12. If formed separately, the guide rib 22 can be joined to the tab 12 by, for example, adhesive, one or more fasteners, welding, etc.

[0039] Similarly, each nest 14 can be formed from any suitable material by any suitable method. For example, nest 14 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, nest 14 can be formed as a single part or as multiple parts joined together. If it is formed from multiple parts, the materials forming each part may be the same or different.

[0040] In the nest and tab arrangement 10 shown and described with respect to Figures 1-3, multiple plunger stoppers may be held in multiple nests 14, each nest 14 being removably held within a tab 12. Thus, the nest and tab arrangement 10 can be utilized by various automated filling machines that require precise alignment, minimal "play" in both the components and their storage means, and easy access to syringe components, including plunger stoppers.

[0041] Next, with reference to Figures 4A-4C, a nest and tab arrangement 30 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Similar to the nest and tab arrangement 10 described with respect to Figures 1-3, in the nest and tab arrangement 30, a plurality of nests 34 can be removably held within tabs 32, and each nest 34 is configured to hold, for example, a plurality of plunger stoppers (not shown) within a plurality of stopper receptacles 36. For example, a tab 12 may be configured to hold between two and ten nests 14, and the nests are stacked vertically with respect to each other. In one embodiment, a tab 12 is configured to hold seven nests 14. The overall structure and purpose of the nest and tab arrangement 30 is substantially similar to that of the nest and tab arrangement 10. Therefore, not all details of the structure of the tabs 32 and / or nests 34 are described herein.

[0042] Referring to Figure 4B, the tab 32 further includes a bottom 48 and an upper 44. The bottom 48 is inserted from the upper 44 and is smaller in dimension than the upper 44, which is defined by the upper lid flange 46 and the bottom projection surface 23. Furthermore, the tab 32 includes a plurality of flexible ribs 38 that substantially extend between the upper lid flange 46 and the bottom projection surface 49 along each side of the tab 32. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, each side of the tab 32 includes a single flexible rib 38, with the flexible ribs 38 on the opposite side being laterally offset from each other. However, it should be understood that more or fewer flexible ribs 38 may be utilized on each side, and the flexible ribs 38 do not need to be laterally offset from each other.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4B, each flexible rib 38 includes a proximal end portion 40 and a distal end portion 42. The proximal end portion 40 is coupled to the side wall 45 of the upper portion 44, while the distal end portion 42 is free and separated from the side wall 45. In this way, the flexible rib 38 forms a substantially C-shaped rib that can be deflected laterally, for example, around the proximal end portion 40. Given that each flexible rib 38 is thus deflectable, each side of each nest 34 can be configured to contact the respective flexible rib 38 when inserted into the tab 32, with the flexible rib 38 deflected and applying a slight compressive force to the nest 34. Thus, the flexible ribs 38 can compensate for the standard draft angle and undercut of the tab 32, keeping each of the nests 34 in a substantially central position within the tab 32, with little to no lateral "play" of the nests 34.

[0044] Referring to Figure 4C, a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of nests and tabs 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Multiple nests 34 are shown stacked vertically within a tab 32, with the bottomest nest 34 positioned adjacent to the bottom projection surface 49 of the tab 32 and at least partially supported by the bottom projection surface 49. While the embodiment in Figure 4C shows four nests 34, it should be understood that in other embodiments, more or fewer nests may be held within the tab.

[0045] Furthermore, although not shown in Figures 4A-4C, it should be understood that each nest 34 may include one or more finger openings formed thereon to allow for simplified manual loading (and / or removal) of the nest 34 into (or from) the tab 32, similar to the finger openings 26 described above with respect to Figures 1-3. Conversely, in some embodiments, the finger openings may be omitted entirely.

[0046] The tab 32 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the tab 32 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polystyrene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the tab 32 can be formed as a single part or as multiple parts joined together. If formed as multiple parts, the materials forming each part may be the same or different. Furthermore, the flexible rib 38 may be formed as part of the tab 32 or separately from the tab 32. If formed separately, the flexible rib 38 can be joined to the tab 32 by, for example, adhesive, one or more fasteners, welding, etc.

[0047] Similarly, each nest 34 can be formed from any suitable material by any suitable method. For example, a nest 34 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, each nest 34 can be formed as a single part or as multiple parts joined together. If formed from multiple parts, the materials forming each part may be the same or different.

[0048] Next, with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, a nest and tab arrangement 50 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Similar to the nest and tab arrangements described above with reference to Figures 1-3 and 4A-4C, respectively, in the nest and tab arrangement 50, a plurality of nests 54 can be removably held within tabs 52, and each nest 54 is configured to hold, for example, a plurality of plunger stoppers (not shown) within a plurality of stopper receptacles 56. For example, a tab 52 may be configured to hold between two and ten nests 54, and the nests are stacked vertically with respect to each other. In one embodiment, a tab 52 is configured to hold seven nests 54. The overall structure and purpose of the nest and tab arrangement 50 is substantially similar to the nest and tab arrangements 10, 30. Therefore, not all details of the structure of the tabs 52 and / or nests 54 are described herein.

[0049] Referring to Figure 5B, the tab 52 includes a bottom 66 and an upper 62. The bottom 66 is inserted from the upper 62 and is smaller in dimensions than the upper 62, which is defined by the upper lid flange 64 and the bottom projection surface 67.

[0050] Furthermore, the tab 52 includes a plurality of protruding rigid ribs 58 that extend into the interior of the tab 52 along at least two sides 63 of the tab 52 and substantially extend between the upper lid flange 64 and the bottom projection surface 67. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5A, the two opposite sides of the tab 52 include rigid ribs 58, and the rigid ribs 58 are offset laterally from each other. However, it should be understood that more or fewer rigid ribs 58 may be available on each side. Furthermore, the rigid ribs 58 do not need to be offset laterally from each other.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5B, each rigid rib 58 is substantially semi-cylindrical and extends into the interior of the tab 52 over substantially the entire width of the bottom ledge surface 67. However, it should be understood that the rigid ribs 58 are not limited to such a semi-cylindrical shape and can be of any suitable size(s) and / or shape(s).

[0052] Correspondingly, each nest 54 is configured to include an opening 60 formed on one or more of its sides, the opening 60 being shaped and configured to substantially match the outer shape of the rigid rib 58. In Figures 5A and 5B, the opening 60 is shown as a semicircular shape to substantially match the outer shape of the rigid rib 58. However, it should be understood that the opening 60 is not limited to such a semicircular shape and can be any suitable shape and size corresponding to the outer shape of the rigid rib 58.

[0053] In this way, one or more nests 54 can be stacked and held within the tab 52, and each nest 54 has equivalent alignment and holding within the tab 52, regardless of its vertical position within the upper part 62 of the tab 52. In one embodiment, the size and position of each opening 60 within the nest 54 allows for a minimum amount of lateral "play" (i.e., front-to-back lateral shift) (e.g., between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm) between the nest 54 and the tab 52.

[0054] Although not shown in Figures 5A and 5B, it should be understood that multiple nests 54 may be stacked vertically within the tab 52, with the bottomest nest 54 positioned adjacent to the bottom projection 67 so that it is at least partially supported by the bottom projection 67. Furthermore, it should be understood that each nest 54 may include one or more finger openings formed on it to allow simplified manual loading (and / or removal) of the nest 54 into (or from) the tab 52, similar to the finger openings 26 described above with respect to Figures 1-3. Conversely, in some embodiments, the finger openings may be omitted entirely.

[0055] The tab 52 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the tab 52 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polystyrene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the tab 52 can be formed as a single part or as multiple parts joined together. If formed as multiple parts, the materials forming each part may be the same or different. Furthermore, the rigid rib 58 may be formed as part of the tab 52 or separately from the tab 52. If formed separately, the rigid rib 58 can be joined to the tab 52 by, for example, adhesive, one or more fasteners, welding, etc.

[0056] Similarly, each nest 54 can be formed from any suitable material by any suitable method. For example, a nest 54 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, each nest 54 can be formed as a single part or as multiple parts joined together. If formed from multiple parts, the materials forming each part may be the same or different.

[0057] Next, with reference to Figures 6A-6C, a nest and tab arrangement 70 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Similar to the nest and tab arrangements described above with reference to Figures 1-3, 4A-4C, and 5A and 5B, respectively, in the nest and tab arrangement 70, a plurality of nests 74 can be removably held within tabs 72, and each nest 74 is configured to hold, for example, a plurality of plunger stoppers (not shown) within a plurality of stopper receptacles 76. For example, a tab 72 may be configured to hold between two and ten nests 74, and the nests are stacked vertically with respect to each other. In one embodiment, a tab 72 is configured to hold seven nests 74. The overall structure and purpose of the nest and tab arrangement 70 is substantially similar to the nest and tab arrangements described above. Therefore, not all details of the structure of the tabs 72 and / or nests 74 are described herein.

[0058] Referring to Figure 6B, the tab 72 further includes a bottom 86 and an upper 82. The bottom 86 is inserted from the upper 82 and is smaller in dimensions than the upper 82, with the upper 82 defined by the upper lid flange 84 and the bottom projection surface 87, and the side wall 83 running substantially between them.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6B and 6C, the tab 72 includes a plurality of rigid shafts 80 extending upward from the bottom surface 88 of the tab 72 into the interior of the tab 72. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6A, four rigid shafts 80 are shown extending from the bottom surface 88, and the rigid shafts 80 are arranged substantially equally spaced relative to one another within the tab 72. However, it should be understood that more or fewer rigid shafts 80 may be used, and the rigid shafts 80 do not need to be arranged equally spaced relative to one another.

[0060] As also shown in Figures 6B and 6C, each rigid shaft 80 is at least partially cylindrical. Specifically, each rigid shaft 80 may include a substantially flared bottom 90 and a narrower top 92. In such a configuration, the strength of the rigid shaft 80 against the bottom surface 88 of the nest 72 can be increased, while still allowing the top 92 to have a substantially uniform shape. However, it should be understood that the rigid shaft 80 is not limited to such shapes and configurations and can be any suitable shape (or more shapes).

[0061] Correspondingly, each nest 74 is configured to include a plurality of openings 78 formed through it. Each of the openings 78 is configured to be positioned between stopper receptacles 76, and the number and position of the openings 78 correspond to the relative number and position of the rigid shafts 80 within the tab 72. The openings 78 are shaped and configured to be slightly larger than the outer shape of the rigid shafts 80. In this way, one or more nests 74 can be stacked and held within the tab 72 by positioning their respective openings 78 on the rigid shafts 80. Thus, each nest 74 has equivalent alignment and holding within the tab 72, regardless of its vertical position within the tab 72.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6C, in one embodiment, the lowest nest 74 is positioned adjacent to the bottom projection surface 87 of the tab 72 so that it is at least partially supported by the bottom projection surface 87. Furthermore, as also shown in Figures 6B and 6C, the sides of each nest 74 are substantially spaced apart from the side walls 83 of the upper 82 so that sufficient space is provided so that a finger opening provided inside or on the nest 74 is not required to allow for easy manual loading (and / or removal) of the nest 74 into (or from) the tab 72. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, each nest 74 may include one or more finger openings formed on it to allow for simplified manual loading (and / or removal) of the nest 74 into (or from) the tab 72, similar to the finger opening 26 described above with respect to Figures 1-3.

[0063] The tab 72 can be formed from any suitable material and by any suitable method. For example, the tab 72 can be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polystyrene), metal, etc., and can be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, the tab 52 can be formed as a single piece or as multiple pieces joined together. If formed as multiple pieces, the materials forming each piece may be the same or different. Furthermore, the rigid shaft 80 may be formed as part of the tab 72 or separately from the tab 72. If formed separately, the rigid shaft 80 can be joined to the tab 72 by, for example, adhesive, one or more fasteners, welding, etc.

[0064] Similarly, each nest 74 can be formed from any suitable material by any suitable method. For example, each nest 74 may be formed from, for example, plastic, polymer (e.g., polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.), metal, etc., and may be formed by, for example, molding (e.g., injection molding), thermoforming, stamping, extrusion, welding, etc. Furthermore, each nest 74 may be formed as a single part or as multiple parts joined together. If formed from multiple parts, the materials forming each part may be the same or different.

[0065] While several embodiments of nesting and tab arrangements are shown in the accompanying figures and described in detail herein, other embodiments will be apparent and easily constructed to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it should be understood that this disclosure intends, to the extent possible, to combine one or more features of any embodiment with one or more features of any other embodiment. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. Arrangement of nests and tabs (10, 30, 50, 70) for the storage of medical device components, The tab (12, 32, 52, 72) comprises a plurality of guide elements (22, 38, 58, 80) extending from at least one surface of the tab (12, 32, 52, 72) into the interior of the tab (12, 32, 52, 72), wherein the plurality of guide elements (38) comprises a plurality of flexible ribs (38), A nest (14, 34, 54, 74) comprising a plurality of receptacles (24, 36, 56, 76) for storing a plurality of medical device components therein, wherein the at least one nest (14, 34, 54, 74) is sized and configured to be positioned within the tabs (12, 32, 52, 72) such that the plurality of guide elements (22, 38, 58, 80) are aligned within the tabs (12, 32, 52, 72) and the at least one nest (14, 34, 54, 74) is removably held within the tabs (12, 32, 52, 72), Includes, The at least one nest (54) further includes a plurality of openings (60) formed thereon, each of which is semicircular and sized to substantially match the outer shape of a plurality of rigid guide ribs (58). Nest and tab arrangement (10, 30, 50, 70), each of the plurality of flexible ribs (38) having a proximal end (40) connected to the tab (32) and a distal end (42) separated from the tab (32).

2. The nest and tab arrangement (10, 30, 50, 70) according to claim 1, wherein the tabs (12, 32, 52, 72) include upper parts (19, 44, 62, 82) and bottom parts (18, 48, 66, 86), the bottom parts (18, 48, 66, 86) being smaller in dimensions than the upper parts (19, 44, 62, 82).

3. The nest and tab arrangement (10, 30, 50, 70) according to claim 2, wherein the upper parts (19, 44, 62, 82) are defined by bottom projection surfaces (23, 49, 67, 87) and upper lid flanges (20, 46, 64, 84).

4. The nest and tab arrangement (10, 30, 50, 70) according to claim 3, wherein the lowest of the at least one nest (14, 34, 54, 74) is at least partially supported by the bottom projection surface (23, 49, 67, 87) of the tab (12, 32, 52, 72).

5. The nest and tab arrangement (10, 30, 50) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the plurality of guide elements (22, 38, 58) extend along the side walls (17, 45, 63) between the bottom projection surface (23, 49, 67) and the upper lid flange (20, 46, 64).

6. The nest and tab arrangement (10, 50) according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of guide elements (22, 58) comprises a plurality of rigid guide ribs (22, 58).

7. The nest and tab arrangement (10) according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of rigid guide ribs (22) includes a contact surface (25), and the contact surface (25) of each of the plurality of rigid guide ribs (22) includes an inclination angle between the bottom projection surface (23) and the upper cover flange (20).

8. The nest and tab device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the inclination angle of the contact surface (25) is 1.0° or less.

9. The nest and tab arrangement (50) according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of rigid guide ribs (58) is formed as a semi-cylindrical guide rib.

10. The nest and tab arrangement (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of guide elements (80) extend from the bottom surface (88) of the tab (72), and the at least one nest (74) further comprises a plurality of openings (78) formed therein, which are sized and positioned to receive the plurality of guide elements (80).

11. The nest and tab arrangement (10, 30, 50, 70) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one nest (14, 34, 54, 74) further comprises at least one finger opening (26) formed therein.

12. The nest and tab arrangement (10, 30, 50, 70) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one nest (14, 34, 54, 74) comprises a plurality of nests (14, 34, 54, 74), and the plurality of nests (14, 34, 54, 74) are configured to be stackable on each other within the tabs (12, 32, 52, 72).

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