Improvements related to container closures

Abstract

To provide improved or at least commercially acceptable alternative containers and means for sealing them. [Solution] A dispensing device (100), a container (1), and a valve member (20) are provided, the valve member (20) comprising a central body (30) and a flexible skirt (40). The flexible skirt (40) comprises an annular wall (41) having a free edge (42) oriented in a first direction. The annular wall (41) defines an annular sealing portion (43) that extends circumferentially around the valve member (20) and provides a seamless annular sealing surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure of the present invention relates to closing a container body, a container for a fluid, and the use of such a container in a dispensing device. The container may be intended for use, for example, in a nasal dispensing device.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide for a metered dose of a drug in a sealed container, such as a vial, to be dispensed from a dispensing device. One example is described in EP0827782A2, where a piercing element is provided on a piston that pierces a sealing member within the vial. The sealing member is then inverted into the vial and the drug is pushed out of the vial through the pierced opening in the sealing member. The drug then passes through a channel formed within the piston and is discharged from the dispenser. Another example is described in EP3820625A2, which according to its summary, a device for dispensing a fluid product includes a body, a reservoir containing one or two doses of the fluid product, the reservoir including a plug that closes the reservoir in a sealed manner prior to operation, a dispensing head provided with a dispensing orifice, and dispensing means for dispensing at least a portion of the fluid product through the dispensing orifice during operation. The device includes a needle, the tip of which is adapted to pierce the plug during operation. The reservoir is filled with the fluid product and is crimped under vacuum by the plug such that the residual air volume present in the reservoir between the fluid product and the plug is substantially zero.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] While sealed containers for fluids such as pharmaceuticals are available, there remains a need to provide improved or at least commercially acceptable alternative containers and means for sealing them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the disclosure of the present invention provides a container for a fluid, the container comprising a container body defining an interior for the storage of the fluid, and a valve member for closing an outlet of the container body under storage conditions, the valve member comprising a central body and a flexible skirt, the flexible skirt comprising an annular wall having a free edge directed toward the outlet of the container body, the annular wall defining an annular sealing portion extending circumferentially around the valve member to provide a seamless annular seal with the container body under storage conditions, and the flexible skirt being configured to flex inward toward the central body to break the annular seal to allow the fluid to flow out through the outlet when the internal pressure of the container increases.

[0006] Beneficial in this regard, the flexible skirt can be symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal axis. This can beneficially improve the uniformity of the injection weight.

[0007] The symmetry of the flexible skirt also beneficially allows for a more consistent wall thickness, which enables the valve member to be better aligned within the container body during insertion, thus reducing the risk of the valve member being biased to one side during insertion.

[0008] Beneficial, for example, having only a single annular sealing section instead of two axially spaced sealing ribs avoids the risk that negative pressure could be trapped between the two sealing ribs, causing a pressure difference from the container when vacuum filling is used.

[0009] Beneficially, the use of a single flexible skirt for sealing allows for thicker sealing components compared to the use of multiple thinner sealing ribs. Thicker sealing components can reduce the tendency for permanent deformation during bulk packaging or when the components are removed from the mold machine. In addition, thicker sealing components can produce a more secure and consistent opening under fluid pressure.

[0010] In one embodiment, the annular sealing portion is a part of the annular wall spaced apart from the free edge of the annular wall.

[0011] In one embodiment, the valve member is molded and includes a molded dividing line that is distanced from the annular sealing portion, the dividing line being optionally located on the free edge of the annular wall. Separating the dividing line from the annular sealing portion can achieve improved seal integrity and reliability.

[0012] In one embodiment, the annular sealing portion is spaced 0.5 to 3.0 mm away from the free edge of the annular wall.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flexible skirt extends from the central body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second end of the annular wall opposite the free edge is connected to the central body and optionally formed integrally with it.

[0015] In one embodiment, the annular wall is convex on its outer surface under unbiased conditions before insertion into the container body.

[0016] The annular wall may consist of a smoothly curved wall between its free edge and its second end. In some examples, the annular wall has a smoothly convex outer surface between its free edge and its second end. In particular, the smoothly convex outer surface may be free of raised ribs or other protrusions. In one embodiment, the annular sealing portion consists of a portion of the annular wall that is non-protruding and non-raised relative to the remainder of the annular wall.

[0017] The annular wall may be cup-shaped.

[0018] In one embodiment, the central body includes a contact surface for engaging, during use, a plunger of a dispensing device for displacing the valve member. The contact surface may be directed towards the outlet of the container body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the central body may include a channel for the outflow of fluid, the channel having at least one inlet that is in fluid communication with the interior of the container when the flexible skirt is deflected. For example, the channel may include a transverse conduit formed in the free surface of the contact surface, and optionally, at least one inlet may be defined at each end of the transverse conduit.

[0020] In some other embodiments, the contact surface can include a continuous annular surface configured to engage a plunger of a dispensing device for displacing the valve member.

[0021] In some embodiments, the central body can define a socket for frictionally engaging a plunger of a dispensing device for displacing the valve member.

[0022] In one embodiment, the flexible skirt is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis of the valve member passing through the center of the central body.

[0023] The valve member may be displaceable relative to the container body, and during use, the displacement of the valve member can increase the pressure inside the container.

[0024] In one embodiment, the valve member is a single molded article.

[0025] The container may be, for example, a vial for a drug.

[0026] A second aspect of the disclosure of the present invention provides a dispensing device including a container according to the first aspect, the dispensing device further including a plunger for displacing the valve member relative to the container body.

[0027] In one embodiment, the plunger includes an end component having a shape and size that engages an abutment surface of the central body of the valve member.

[0028] In some embodiments, the end component includes a plug portion for frictionally engaging within a socket of the central body of the valve member.

[0029] In some other embodiments, the end component includes a continuous annular surface for engaging the central body of the valve member.

[0030] In one embodiment, the plunger has a delivery channel for delivering the outflow of fluid from the container.

[0031] In some embodiments, the delivery channel can include a transverse leg portion extending inwardly from a lateral surface of the plunger and a longitudinal leg portion extending along the longitudinal axis of the plunger.

[0032] In some other embodiments, the delivery channel may simply consist of a longitudinal leg portion extending along the longitudinal axis of the plunger from an end face of the plunger.

[0033] In some examples, the dispensing device can be a nasal dispensing device. In some examples, the fluid within the container of the dispensing device can consist of a single dosage of nasal medicine.

[0034] A third aspect of the disclosure of the present invention provides a valve member suitable for sealing an outlet of a container, the valve member including a central body and a flexible skirt, The flexible skirt includes an annular wall having a free edge directed in a first direction, the annular wall defining an annular sealing portion that extends circumferentially around the valve member to provide a continuous annular sealing surface.

[0035] In one embodiment, the annular sealing portion is a portion of the annular wall spaced apart from the free edge of the annular wall. Advantageously, this allows the annular sealing portion to be separated from the dividing line of the valve member. For example, the valve member can be molded and may include a molded dividing line separated from the annular sealing portion, the dividing line optionally located at the free edge of the annular wall. Separating the dividing line from the annular sealing portion can achieve improved seal integrity and reliability.

[0036] In one embodiment, the annular sealing portion is spaced 0.5 to 3.0 mm away from the free edge of the annular wall.

[0037] In one embodiment, the flexible skirt extends from the central body.

[0038] In one embodiment, the second end of the annular wall opposite the free edge is connected to the central body and optionally formed integrally with it.

[0039] In one embodiment, the annular wall is convex on its outer surface under unbiased conditions before insertion into the container body.

[0040] In one embodiment, the central body includes a contact surface for engaging with a plunger of a dispensing device for displacing a valve member when in use.

[0041] In some embodiments, the central body includes a channel for fluid outflow, the channel having at least one inlet. The channel includes a transverse conduit formed on the free surface of the abutment surface, and optionally, at least one inlet is provided at each end of the transverse conduit.

[0042] In some other embodiments, the contact surface includes a seamless annular surface configured to engage with a plunger of a dispensing device for displacing a valve member.

[0043] In some embodiments, the central body defines a socket for frictionally engaging with a plunger of a dispensing device for displacing a valve member.

[0044] In one embodiment, the flexible skirt is rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the valve member passing through the center of the central body.

[0045] In one embodiment, the valve member is a single molded product.

[0046] The container body of the above embodiment can be formed from a wide range of suitable materials, such as glass or plastic polymers, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable glasses include type 1 borosilicate "Fiolax Clear" and type 2. Examples of suitable polymers include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymers, such as Topas® COC, available from TOPAS Advanced Polymers GmbH, Frankfurt-Hoechst, Germany, and liquid crystal polymers, such as Zenite® LCP, available from DuPont, Wilmington, USA.

[0047] The container body can be made of an elongated tube. In one embodiment, the elongated tube has one end closed and the other end open. The elongated tube can be cylindrical. The container body may include an outwardly rotated flange at its open end. Alternatively, the rim at the open end can simply be made of the end face of a tubular element without an outwardly rotated flange.

[0048] As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the valve member in the above embodiment can be formed from a wide range of suitable materials, such as elastomers or thermoelastomers, including EPDM, polychloroprene, hydrogenated nitrile, butyl, halobutyl, dynamically crosslinked EPDM / PP (Santoprene®), styrene-based block copolymers, or formulations thereof. Other suitable materials include high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene.

[0049] The fluid confined within the container of the above embodiment may consist of a single-dose fluid or may contain multiple doses of fluid. The fluid may contain a drug. The term "drug" as used herein is intended to encompass any pharmaceutical, compound, composition, medicine, agent, or product that can be delivered or administered to a human or animal, e.g., medicines, drugs, biological products and drug products. Examples include anti-allergic agents, analgesics, bronchodilators, antihistamines, therapeutic proteins and peptides, antitussives, angina preparations, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, hormones, or sulfonamides, e.g., vasoconstrictive amines, enzymes, alkaloids, or steroids, or combinations of two or more thereof. In particular, examples include isoproterenol [α-(isopropylaminomethyl)protocatecuyl alcohol], phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, glucagon, adrenochrome, trypsin, epinephrine, ephedrine, narcotin Codeine, atropine, heparin, morphine, dihydromorphinone, ergotamine, scopolamine, metapyrylene, cyanocobalamin, terbutaline, limiterol, salbutamol, ipratropium bromide and salbutamol, flunisolide, colchicine, pirbuterol, beclomethasone, orciprenaline, fentanyl, diamorphine, streptomycin, penicillin, procaine penicillin, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, hydroxytetracycline, adrenocorticotropic hormone and adrenocortical hormones, such as cortisone, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate and prednisolone, insulin, cromolyn sodium and mometasone, and combinations of two or more of these.The drugs may be used as free bases or as one or more salts conventionally used in the art, for example, acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, tartrate, bromide, calcium edetate, camusylate, carbonate, chloride, citrate, dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate, estrate, esylate, fumarate, fluoseptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycolyl sarsanilate, hexylresorcinate, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroxyl These include cinnaphthoate, iodide, isethionate, lactate, lactobionate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methyl bromide, methylnitrate, methyl sulfate, mucinate, napsylate, nitrate, pamoate (embonate), pantothenate, phosphate, disphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, acetate, succinate, sulfate, tannate, tartrate, triethiozide salt, and combinations of two or more of these. Cationic salts may also be used, for example, alkali metals, such as Na and K, and ammonium salts, and salts of amines known in the art as pharmaceutically acceptable, such as glycine, ethylenediamine, choline, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, octadecylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, 1-amino-2-propanol-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol, and 1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-isopropylaminoethanol. The drug will typically be suitable for nasal inhalation and can be provided in any fluid form suitable for this purpose, such as a solution or powder suspension in a solvent or supported liquid, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. The drug may instead be suitable for sublingual or ophthalmic administration. The drug is suitable, for example, for the treatment of asthma.Examples include salbutamol, beclomethasone, salmeterol, fluticasone, formoterol, terbutaline, sodium cromoglycate, budesonide, and flunisolide, and physiologically acceptable salts (e.g., salbutamol sulfate, salmeterol xinafoate, fluticasone propionate, beclomethasone dipropionate, and terbutaline sulfate), solvates, and esters, and combinations of two or more thereof. Individual isomers, such as R-salbutamol, may be used. The drug may be suitable, for example, for the treatment of migraines. An example is sumatriptan. As is recognized, the drug may contain one or more active ingredients, an example being flutiform. If desired, one or more surfactants may be included.

[0050] With reference to the attached drawings, one or more embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention will be described below simply as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a container for containing a fluid. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the valve member of the container. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the valve member. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the second embodiment of the valve member and the plunger of the dispensing device. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the third embodiment of the valve member and the plunger of the dispensing device. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the valve member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art in the field to which the claimed subject matter pertains. It should be understood that the above summary of the disclosure of the invention and the following examples are merely illustrative and descriptive and do not limit any of the claimed subject matter.

[0053] The following description relates to embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention. The description of embodiments does not mean that all possible embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention claimed in the appended claims are included. Many modifications, improvements, and equivalents not expressly listed in the following embodiments may fall under the appended claims. Features described as part of one embodiment can be combined with features of one or more other embodiments unless the other is clearly required in relation to the present.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a container 1 that confines a fluid 23. The container 1 includes a container body 10 that is open at a first end 11 and closed at a second end 12.

[0055] The container 1 further includes a valve member 20 inserted into the container body 10 through its open end 11. The container body 10 defines the interior 21 of the container 1, which is sealed under storage conditions by the valve member 20.

[0056] The container body 10 forms the container 1 in a sealed state using the valve member 20. In one embodiment, the container 1 consists of only two components: the container body 10 and the valve member 20.

[0057] Figures 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of the valve member 20 in more detail. The valve member 20 is suitable for sealing the outlet of a container 1, for example, the outlet formed by an open end 11. The valve member 20 includes a central body 30 and a flexible skirt 40. The flexible skirt 40 includes an annular wall 41 having a first edge which is a free edge 42 oriented in a first direction toward the open end 11 of the container 1, as shown in the example of Figure 1.

[0058] The valve member 20 can be a single molded product. The valve member 20 may include a dividing line 50 resulting from the mold used to form the valve member 20. The dividing line 50 may be located on the free edge 42, for example, at the outer corner 42b of the free edge 42.

[0059] In one embodiment, the flexible skirt 40 is rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis XX of the valve member 20 that passes through the center of the central body 30.

[0060] The annular wall 41 defines an annular sealing portion 43 that extends circumferentially around the valve member 20 to provide a seamless annular sealing surface during use. The annular sealing portion 43 is illustrated as an example in Figures 2 and 3 as the region of the annular wall 41 between the dashed lines.

[0061] In one embodiment, the annular sealing portion 43 is a part of the annular wall 41 that is spaced apart from the free edge 42 of the annular wall 41. The annular sealing portion 43 may be spaced apart from the free edge 42 by a distance d, as shown in Figure 3. The distance d can be, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 3.0 mm. The annular sealing portion 43 may also be spaced apart from the dividing line 50 of the valve member 20.

[0062] The flexible skirt 40 can extend from the central body 30. In one embodiment, the second end 44 of the annular wall 41 opposite the first free edge 42 is connected to the central body 30 and, in one embodiment, is formed integrally with it.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the annular wall 41 can be made convex on its outer surface under unbiased conditions before insertion into the container body 10.

[0064] The central body 30 may include, for example, an element 31 projecting in a first direction from the second end 44 of the flexible skirt 40. The element 31 may include or consist of, for example, a cylindrical or frustoconical element. The element 31 may be solid, but in one embodiment it is hollow along at least a portion of its length.

[0065] The central body 30 may include a contact surface 32 for engaging with the plunger of a dispensing device for displacing the valve member 20 during use. The contact surface 32 may be the distal free surface of the element 31. The contact surface 32 may be located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX of the valve member 20.

[0066] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the contact surface 32 includes a continuous annular surface configured to engage with the plunger.

[0067] The central body 30, for example, element 31, may optionally have a socket 34 for frictional engagement with the plunger of the dispensing device.

[0068] In one embodiment, under unbiased conditions (before insertion into the container body 10), the flexible skirt 40 of the valve member 20 has a maximum outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the container body 10. The maximum outer diameter of the flexible skirt 40 may be the outer diameter of the free edge 42, particularly the outer corner 42b. In some examples, the maximum outer diameter can be 5.50 to 6.00 mm, and optionally 5.50 mm. For such examples, the inner diameter of the container body 10 can be 4.50 to 5.20 mm, and optionally 4.90 to 5.10 mm.

[0069] The flexible skirt 40 may have a total height of 2.50 to 5.00 mm, optionally 3.50 mm (measured parallel to the longitudinal axis XX). The thickness t of the flexible skirt 40 may be 0.60 to 0.80 mm, optionally 0.70 mm. The flexible skirt 40 may taper at and / or toward the free edge 42.

[0070] Container 1 can be filled and sealed by first filling the container body 10 with fluid 23 through a first end 11 that is open until a desired volume exists within the container body 10. The valve member 20 is then inserted into the container body 10 through the first end 11, which is again open, and can displace the container body 10 downward until it approaches or contacts the fluid 23. In some examples, the headspace between the valve member 20 and the fluid 23 is 0.5 to 3.00 mm. When the valve member 20 is inserted into the container body 10, the flexible skirt 40 bends inward so that the annular sealing portion 43 engages with the inner surface of the container body 10. Optionally, this bending of the flexible skirt 40 can also move the outer corner 42b of the free edge 42 away from contact with the inner surface of the container body 10 so that the dividing line 50 moves away from contact with the inner surface of the container body 10.

[0071] The filling and sealing stages can be carried out under vacuum or partial vacuum, if desired. If a considerable amount of gas is present in the headspace of the container body 11 during sealing by the valve member 20 (for example, if no vacuum or low level of partial vacuum is applied), the downward movement of the valve member 20, accompanied by the inward bending of the flexible skirt 40, can temporarily break the seal between the annular sealing portion 43 and the container body 10, allowing the gas to be diverted from the decreasing volume of headspace as it moves downward around the valve member 20.

[0072] During use, container 1 can be dispensed using various dispensing devices. Typically, a common feature of these dispensing devices is the presence of a plunger for displacing the valve member 20 relative to the container body 10.

[0073] With respect to the embodiment of the valve member 20 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the plunger will typically include an end part having a shape and size that engages with the contact surface 32 of the central body 30 of the valve member 20 and / or a plug portion that engages with the socket 34 of the element 31.

[0074] Dispensing of the fluid 23 is achieved by using a plunger to further displace the valve member 23 toward the second end 12 of the container body 10. Doing so overcomes the sealing force between the annular sealing portion 43 and the inner surface of the container body 10, breaking the seal and pressurizing the fluid 23 until it passes between the flexible skirt 40 and the inner surface of the container body 10.

[0075] The subsequent flow path of the fluid 23 is determined by the specific configuration of the valve member 20 and the plunger.

[0076] With respect to the valve member 20 in Figures 2 and 3, the plunger will typically define the flow path. For example, the plunger may have a discharge channel for discharging the fluid 23 from the container 1. Figure 4 shows an example of a suitable plunger 101 for the dispensing device 100. Although Figure 4 is shown together with a second embodiment of the valve member 20, it is also conceivable that it may be used together with or adapted for use with the first embodiment of the valve member 20. The second embodiment of the valve member 20 is substantially the same as the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, except that the socket 34 is molded to have a more cylindrical shape and includes retaining ribs 35 on its inner surface.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 4, the plunger 101 includes a plug portion 102. The plug portion 102 has an annular recess 35a on its outer surface. The plug portion 102 is sized to engage with the socket 34 when the retaining rib 35 frictionally engages with the complementary annular recess 35a. Alternatively, the plug portion 102 may not have a recess, and the socket 34 may not have a retaining rib, in which case only friction fitting between the plug portion 102 and the valve member 20 is used.

[0078] The plunger 101 may further include a flange 103 having an annular seal 104. Furthermore, the plunger delivery channel 105 may include a transverse leg 106 extending inward from the lateral surface 108 of the plunger 101 (optionally through the side wall of the plug portion 102) and a longitudinal leg 107 extending along the longitudinal axis of the plunger 101.

[0079] The plunger 101 in Figure 4 is suitable for use in combination with a valve member 20 (such as those shown in Figures 2 to 4) whose contact surface 32 is a continuous annular surface, since the plunger 101 provides the transverse leg of the delivery channel.

[0080] During use, the plunger 101 is used to displace the valve member 20 as described above. In the example of Figure 4, the force from the plunger 101 is applied to the central body 30 through the plug portion 102 and / or flange 103, allowing the valve member 20 to move within the container body 10. As described above, doing so overcomes the sealing force between the annular sealing portion 43 and the inner surface of the container body 10, pressurizing the fluid 23 until it passes between the flexible skirt 40 and the inner surface of the container body 10. The pressurized fluid 23 that has passed through the valve member 20 flows upward along the transverse leg 106 and then along the longitudinal leg 107 to the dispensing nozzle or orifice (not shown) of the dispensing device. The outflow of fluid 23 between the flange 103 of the plunger and the container body 10 is prevented by the action of the annular seal 104.

[0081] The plug portion 102 of the plunger 101 can be removed if not desired, so that the end face of the plunger 101 engages with the contact surface 32 of the central body 30 in simple face-to-face contact.

[0082] Figures 5 and 6 show a third embodiment of the valve member 20. The third embodiment of the valve member 20 is substantially the same as the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, except that the central body 30 includes a channel 37 for the outflow of fluid 23, and this channel 37 has at least one inlet 38. In the illustrated example, the channel 37 includes a transverse conduit formed on the free surface of the contact surface 32, with two inlets 38, one at each end of the transverse conduit.

[0083] The plunger 101 of the dispensing device 100 has an end component that includes a continuous annular surface 110 for engaging with the central body 30 of the valve member 20. That is, in the example of Figure 5, the delivery channel of the plunger 101 includes only the longitudinal leg 107, and the fluid 23 reaches the longitudinal leg 107 through the transverse conduit of the valve member 20, rather than through the transverse leg provided on the plunger 101. In other respects, the dispensing device 100 operates in the same manner as described above.

[0084] The dispensing device 100 is provided merely as an example, and it will be understood that embodiments of the container 1 may be used in conjunction with other devices configured to dispense the fluid 23.

[0085] It should be understood that, for clarity purposes, at least portions of the drawings and descriptions of the disclosure of the present invention have been simplified to focus on elements relevant to a clear understanding of the disclosure of the present invention, while other elements that may also exist but would be recognized by those skilled in the art have been omitted. Since such elements are well known to those skilled in the art and do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the disclosure of the present invention, no description of such elements is provided herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1. A container for containing a fluid. 10 Container body 11 First end 12 Second end 20 Valve components 23 Fluid

Claims

1. A container for fluids, A container body that defines the interior for storing the aforementioned fluid, A valve member for closing the outlet of the container body according to storage conditions, Includes, The valve member includes a central body and a flexible skirt, The flexible skirt includes an annular wall having a free edge directed toward the outlet of the container body, the annular wall defining an annular sealing portion extending circumferentially around the valve member to provide a seamless annular seal with the container body under the storage conditions, When the internal pressure of the container increases, the flexible skirt is configured to bend inward toward the central body to receive the outflow of fluid through the outlet and break the annular seal. container.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the annular sealing portion is a part of the annular wall spaced apart from the free edge of the annular wall.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve member is molded and includes a molded dividing line at a distance from the annular sealing portion, the dividing line being optionally positioned on the free edge of the annular wall.

4. The container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the annular sealing portion is spaced 0.5 to 3.0 mm away from the free edge of the annular wall.

5. The flexible skirt extends from the central body, Optionally, the second end of the annular wall opposite the free edge is connected to the central body and optionally formed integrally with it. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the annular wall is convex on the outside under unbiased conditions before insertion into the container body.

7. The central body includes a contact surface for engaging with the plunger of a dispensing device for displacing the valve member when in use. Optionally, the contact surface is directed toward the outlet of the container body. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The central body includes a channel for the outflow of the fluid, and the channel has at least one inlet that communicates with the interior of the container when the flexible skirt is flexed. Optionally, the channel includes a transverse conduit formed on the free surface of the contact surface, and optionally, the at least one inlet is located at each end of the transverse conduit. The container according to claim 7.

9. The container according to claim 7, wherein the contact surface includes a seamless annular surface configured to engage with a plunger of a dispensing device for displacing the valve member.

10. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the central body comprises a socket for frictionally engaging with a plunger of a dispensing device for displacing the valve member.

11. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible skirt is rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the valve member passing through the center of the central body.

12. The valve member is displaceable relative to the container body, During use, the displacement of the valve member increases the pressure inside the container. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the valve member is a single molded product.

14. A vial bottle for pharmaceuticals, according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A dispensing device comprising a container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, A plunger for displacing the valve member relative to the container body, A dispensing device that further includes the following.

16. The dispensing device according to claim 15, wherein the plunger includes an end part having a shape and size that engages with the contact surface of the central body of the valve member.

17. The dispensing device according to claim 16, which is dependent on claim 10, wherein the terminal component includes a plug portion for frictionally engaging with the socket of the central body of the valve member.

18. The dispensing device according to claim 16, which is dependent on claim 8, wherein the end component includes a seamless annular surface for engaging with the central body of the valve member.

19. The plunger has a discharge channel for discharging fluid from the container. Optionally, the delivery channel includes a transverse leg extending inward from the side surface of the plunger and a longitudinal leg extending along the longitudinal axis of the plunger. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 15 to 18.

20. A valve member suitable for sealing the outlet of a container, The central body and Flexible skirt and, Includes, The flexible skirt includes an annular wall having a free edge oriented in a first direction, the annular wall defining an annular sealing portion that extends circumferentially around the valve member to provide a seamless annular sealing surface. Valve component.

21. The valve member according to claim 20, wherein the annular sealing portion is a part of the annular wall spaced apart from the free edge of the annular wall.

22. The valve member according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the valve member is molded and includes a molded dividing line at a distance from the annular sealing portion, the dividing line being optionally positioned on the free edge of the annular wall.

23. The valve member according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the annular sealing portion is spaced 0.5 to 3.0 mm away from the free edge of the annular wall.

24. The valve member according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the annular wall is convex on the outside under unbiased conditions before insertion into the container body.

25. The valve member according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the central body includes a contact surface for engaging with a plunger of a dispensing device for displacing the valve member.

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