Closure Systems and Kits

Abstract

A closure system (3) for closing an opening (25) of a container (2) includes a stopper member (31) and a cage member (32). The stopper member (31) is made of a resilient material and has a plug portion (311) configured to fit snugly into the opening (25) of the container (2) and a cover portion (312) configured to abut the interface (24) adjacent the opening (25) of the container (2). The cage member (32) is made of a shape-retaining material. The cage member (32) has a stopper contact portion (321), a clip structure (323), and an intermediate portion (322; 3220) between the stopper contact portion (321) and the clip structure (323). The clip structure (323) of the cage member (32) is configured to clip onto a corresponding structure (211) on the container (2). The cage member (32) is configured such that when the plug portion (311) of the stopper member (31) fits into the opening (25) of the container (2) and the clip structure (323) of the cage member (32) is clip-engaged with the corresponding structure (211) of the container (2), the stopper contact portion (321) of the cage member (32) applies pressure to the cover portion (312) of the stopper member (31) to press the cover portion (312) of the stopper member (31) against the boundary surface (24) of the opening (25) of the container (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure system according to the preamble of independent claim 1, and more particularly to a kit comprising a container and such a closure system.

[0002] Such a closure system comprises an elastic stopper member having a plug portion configured to fit snugly into the opening of the container and a cover portion configured to abut an interface adjacent the opening of the container, and such a closure system can be used to tightly and reliably close the opening of the container, particularly with respect to liquids and gases. [Background technology]

[0003] In many chemical or pharmaceutical applications, liquid substances, such as drug substances, chemicals, clinical trial materials, etc., are provided in specific containers, such as vials or cartridges. These containers typically have a hollow interior and an opening that allows access to the interior. The opening is typically surrounded by a rim. The substance is then filled into the interior of the container, and the opening is closed.

[0004] It is known to use elastic stoppers to close containers. Such stoppers can tightly or even hermetically seal an opening and also allow removal of a substance from the container by piercing the stopper with a needle and introducing the needle into the substance. Typically, such stoppers have a plug portion and a cover portion, the plug portion being sized to fit snugly into the opening and the cover portion being shaped to abut the edge of the opening. More specifically, the stopper is pressed into the opening so that the cover portion is compressed to a certain extent to create a sufficient seal. As required for many applications, this type of stopper and container allows for efficient and aseptic filling and closure of the container. Furthermore, on an industrial scale, containers, particularly vials, and stoppers are often manufactured to predetermined sizes and dimensions. In this way, automated processing using standard equipment can be efficiently facilitated.

[0005] As mentioned above, to achieve a sufficient seal on the container after filling and closure, the stopper must be pressed against the edge of the container. To hold the stopper in this pressed state, a cap is typically used that is placed over and around the stopper and opening. For example, it is known to place a rigid plastic cap on the neck of a vial closed with a stopper. This typically results in the neck being completely covered by the plastic cap, which holds the stopper in the pressed state.

[0006] While such capping systems can provide a secure closure for a vial or other container, they typically obscure the area around the container opening. However, where, for example, highly aggressive drug substances or lyophilization are involved, visibility of the entire container is important. Furthermore, known capping systems are typically not suitable for relatively long-term secure closure. Given the tolerances in the manufacture of vials, stoppers, and plastic caps, the application of precise pressure to the stopper over the short and long term often cannot be guaranteed.

[0007] Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus or system that avoids the above-mentioned drawbacks and shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Disclosure of the Invention According to the present invention, this need is solved by a closure system as defined by the features of independent claim 1 and by a kit as defined by the features of independent claim 15. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention is a closure system for closing an opening of a container, comprising an elastic stopper member and a cage member. The stopper member has a plug portion configured to fit snugly into the opening of the container, and a cover portion typically configured to abut an interface adjacent the opening of the container when the plug portion fits into the opening. The interface may be a portion of the container that bounds the opening of the container. It may be part of an edge that bounds the opening. Conveniently, the interface is essentially planar.

[0010] The container may be a container used in pharmaceutical or chemical research, development or manufacturing, such as a cartridge, and in particular may be a vial.

[0011] As used herein, the term "vial" can refer to a vial in the literal sense, i.e., a relatively small container or bottle often used to store a medicine or drug or substance in liquid, powder, or encapsulated form. Vials may be made of a sterilizable material such as glass or a plastic, e.g., polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer, or cyclic olefin polymer.

[0012] The stopper member is made of a resilient material, such as an elastomer material. The term "resilient" in relation to the stopper member can refer to the properties of the material from which the stopper member is made. More specifically, such material properties can be elastic-plastic, and in particular compressible. Advantageously, the material of the stopper member allows for sterilization and maintenance of aseptic conditions. The stopper member can be embodied as one piece, i.e., as a monolithic element. The plug portion can be essentially cylindrical to match the geometric shape of the opening. The cover portion typically protrudes laterally or radially above the port portion so that it can abut against the interface. The cover portion can be roughly disk-shaped.

[0013] The cage member is made of a shape-retaining material and has a stopper contact portion, a clip structure, and an intermediate portion between the stopper contact portion and the clip structure. As used herein, the term "shape-retaining" refers to a material or structure that can maintain its shape when no force is applied. In particular, the shape-retaining material can be dimensionally stable. Typically, the shape-retaining material is relatively rigid. In particular, the material of the cage member may be more rigid than the material of the stopper member. Furthermore, the shape-retaining material is preferably sufficiently elastic to allow clip locking as described below. Preferably, the shape-retaining material is a metal such as steel, in particular stainless steel. The stopper contact portion, clip structure, and intermediate portion of the cage member are conveniently embodied as one part, i.e., a monolithic element.

[0014] The stopper contact portion may in particular be embodied so as to abut planarly or flatly against at least a portion of the cover portion of the stopper member. For example, it may have the shape of a disk or flat ring dimensioned to cover the portion of the stopper member that is located on the container boundary surface when the stopper member is fitted into the container opening. In particular, when installed, the cover portion of the stopper member may be located axially between the boundary surface and the cage member, and the stopper contact portion is advantageously designed to abut the entire surface of the cover portion of the stopper member opposite the surface that contacts the container boundary surface. In this way, when the stopper contact portion is pressed against the cover portion, as will be described below, it is possible to achieve a uniform compression of the stopper member over a relatively large area.

[0015] The clip structure of the cage member is configured to clip onto a corresponding structure on the container. When used in this context, the term "clip" refers to a snap fit onto or behind a corresponding structure, or a similar mechanism. In general, such clip locking typically involves one element, such as a cage member, elastically deforming or shifting as two elements, such as a cage member and a container, are moved toward each other, and then elastically deforming again behind the structure of the second element once the two elements are properly positioned. More specifically, to enable such clip locking, the clip structure of the cage member can be elastically deformed or bent relative to the rest of the cage member. The clip structure allows for a snap-fit ​​connection between the cage member and the container. When clip-locked or snap-fitted to the container, the cage element is in a form-fit connection with the container. Advantageously, once clip-locked to the container, the cage element cannot be removed from the container without breaking or being broken.

[0016] The cage member is configured such that when the plug portion of the stopper member fits into the opening of the container and the clip structure of the cage member clips into the corresponding structure of the container, the stopper contact portion of the cage member applies pressure to the cover portion of the stopper member, forcing the cover portion of the stopper member against the interface adjacent the opening of the container.

[0017] The force exerted by the stopper contact portion of the cage member on the cover portion of the stopper member can be in the range of about 10 Newtons (N) to about 100 N, depending on the material properties and geometry of the stopper member. For example, it can be about 15 N. In this manner, the stopper member can be compressed between the stopper contact portion of the cage member and the interface surface of the container such that a proper seal between the stopper member and the container can be achieved and maintained.

[0018] The closure system according to the invention allows the container to be securely closed in a tight-fitting manner under sterile conditions. Furthermore, it allows for efficient processing and handling using legacy equipment such as vial transporters. Furthermore, by attaching a pre-assembled stopper member to the cage member, closure can be efficiently achieved in one step.

[0019] The intermediate portion of the cage member can be designed to surround a portion of the container adjacent the interface adjacent the opening. If the container is a vial or similar container, the intermediate portion can be configured to surround the head of the vial, including the opening and the interface. Thus, the intermediate portion of the cage member is preferably configured to surround the head portion of the container.

[0020] Preferably, the intermediate portion of the cage member is cylindrical. In this way, the intermediate portion can be efficiently designed to surround the head portion of the container or for other reasons. In particular, the intermediate portion can have the shape of a small cylinder or a ring. The term "small" in relation to a cylinder can refer to a cylinder whose height or axial length is smaller than its diameter. The cylinder can in particular have a circular cross section.

[0021] Preferably, the clip structure of the cage member includes a plurality of tongues. For example, the number of the plurality of tongues may be within a range of about 4 to 12, about 4 to 8, or about 6. Such tongues can provide efficient and secure clip locking of the cage member to the container. In particular, the rigidity and resilience of the clip structure can be appropriately configured by such tongues. Furthermore, the tongues can be configured to prevent the cage member from falling off the container when the cage member is clip-locked to the container.

[0022] As a result, each of the tongues of the clip structure of the cage member is preferably resiliently movable relative to the intermediate portion of the cage member. As used herein, the term "resilient" or "elastic," particularly with respect to the tongues of the clip structure, refers to the ability of an object, element, or part to be deformed by an action or force and to return to its original shape when the action or force is removed. More specifically, the tongues of the clip structure are movable relative to the intermediate portion by an action or force and essentially return to their original shape and / or position when the action or force is removed, i.e., the tongues are resiliently movable. Resilience in this sense is the opposite of plasticity, in which an object, element, or part remains in a deformed state after the force or action is removed. The resiliently movable tongues enable efficient clip locking of the cage member to the container. As a result, after clip locking to the container, the cage member may be form-fitted to the container and may not be removable from the container.

[0023] In particular, the cage member can be configured such that, when clipped onto the container, the intermediate portion is essentially undeformed and the tongue is elastically movable. The elastic movement of the tongue can be achieved, for example, by the tongue bending outward and / or by the tongue tilting about the joint. In particular, the tongue can be elastically movable by at least partially deforming in an elastic manner, i.e., tending to return to its original shape and / or position. The tongue can be allowed to undergo some normal relaxation due to material properties.

[0024] Furthermore, each of the tongues of the clip structure of the cage member is preferably resiliently movable relative to the intermediate portion of the cage member. In particular, the tongues may be resiliently movable in a radial or outward direction.

[0025] Preferably, the stopper contact portion of the cage member includes an opening through which the cover portion of the stopper member can be accessed when the plug portion of the stopper member fits into the opening of the container and the clip structure of the cage member is clip-locked to the corresponding structure of the container. The opening can be located adjacent to the surface of the cover portion of the stopper member that corresponds to the opening of the container when the stopper member fits into the opening and the cage member is clip-locked to the container. This allows the opening to avoid the portion of the stopper contact portion that abuts against the surface of the cover portion of the stopper member opposite the surface that contacts the boundary surface of the container. In this way, the accessible portion of the stopper member can be easily accessed and cleaned, for example, with an alcohol wipe. For example, the opening in the stopper contact portion can be a circular central opening in the stopper contact portion, which is a flat ring.

[0026] Therefore, the closure system preferably comprises a cover that can be reversibly attached to the stopper contact portion of the cage member to close the opening of the stopper contact portion of the cage member. The term "reversibly attachable" as used in this context relates to a configuration of the cover and cage member that allows the cover to be removed and reattached multiple times. In this way, the opening of the cage member is repeatedly accessible, allowing for efficient operation. Such a cover may be embodied as a rigid, essentially disk-shaped element. The cover may comprise a connection structure for engaging with a corresponding connection structure of the stopper contact portion. For example, such a connection structure may be a screw connection, a bayonet closure, etc.

[0027] Although particularly useful in the closure system according to the present invention, the particular stopper members described herein, and particularly below, can also be used in other closure systems and therefore are independently another aspect of the present invention.

[0028] Preferably, the cover portion of the stopper member has an annular cage notch that faces away from the boundary surface adjacent to the container opening when the plug portion of the stopper member fits into the opening. The term "facing away" in relation to the cage notch may particularly refer to a direction opposite to the direction toward the boundary surface adjacent to the container opening. For example, the cover portion may be generally disk-shaped and have an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. This allows the cage notch to be located on the upper side of the cover portion. The cage notch allows the stopper member to collapse when pressed by the cage member. In particular, the cage notch can collapse in response to an applied force at the portion where the stopper contact portion of the cage member applies pressure to the stopper member. In this way, a well-defined compression of the stopper member can be achieved, reducing the risk of damaging the stopper member during compression.

[0029] Preferably, the cover portion of the stopper member has an annular container notch that faces toward the interface adjacent the container opening when the plug portion of the stopper member fits into the container opening. The container notch allows the stopper member to collapse when pressed against the container interface. In particular, at or adjacent to the interface, the container notch can collapse in response to a force applied to the stopper member. In this way, a well-defined compression of the stopper member can be achieved, reducing the risk of damaging the stopper member during compression.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stopper member includes a cage notch and a container notch. Accordingly, the cage notch of the cover portion of the stopper member is radially offset relative to the container notch of the cover portion of the stopper member. In this manner, a fundamental decrease in the stability of the stopper member can be prevented. Furthermore, this offset arrangement allows the cover portion to collapse precisely on both sides, reducing the overall compressibility of the stopper. In this manner, the stopper can be compressed more than a solid stopper with the same applied force. This is beneficial because it allows for a thicker stopper to compensate for the tolerances of the rigid components.

[0031] Preferably, the cover portion of the stopper member has an edge portion including a front surface configured to abut an interface surface adjacent the opening of the container and a rear surface opposite and corresponding to the front surface, and the stopper contact portion of the cage member is configured to abut the entire rear surface of the edge portion of the stopper member when the plug portion of the stopper member fits into the opening of the container and the clip structure of the cage member clips onto the corresponding structure of the container. Such entire abutment allows for efficient and uniform compression of the stopper member.

[0032] Preferably, the cage member is configured to terminate essentially adjacent the clip structure when the plug portion of the stopper member fits into the opening of the container and the clip structure of the cage member is clip-locked to the corresponding structure on the container. If the container includes a head portion having an interface adjacent the opening that transitions into the neck portion, the cage member can be configured to not essentially extend over the neck portion of the container, or can be configured to terminate at the neck portion of the container. In this way, the neck portion can be left unobstructed, thereby allowing efficient handling of the closed container and attachment to standard or conventional equipment such as a transport kit, and proper optical inspection of the entire interior of the container, including the neck.

[0033] In a further aspect, the invention is a kit comprising a container and a closure system as described above, wherein the container comprises an opening for accessing the interior of the container and a boundary surface adjacent the opening.

[0034] The kit according to the present invention allows the effects and benefits associated with the closure system according to the present invention and its preferred embodiments to be efficiently achieved as described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] The closure system and kit according to the invention will be described in more detail herein below by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Figure 1] 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a kit according to the invention comprising a first embodiment of a closure system according to the invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows an exploded side view of a kit and closure system according to the invention, in which an embodiment of a stopper member according to the invention included in the closure system can be seen. [Figure 3] 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the kit, closure system, and stopper member of FIG. 2. [Figure 4]3 shows a cross-sectional view of the stopper member of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the kit of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a kit according to the invention comprising a second embodiment of a closure system according to the invention having the stopper member of FIG. 2; [Figure 7] 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the kit of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Description of the embodiment In the following description, certain terminology is used for convenience and is not intended to limit the invention. The terms "right," "left," "up," "down," "under," and "above" refer to directions in the figures. The terminology includes the explicitly mentioned terms, their derivatives, and terms of similar meaning. Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "proximal," and "distal," may also be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions and orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the positions and orientations shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned upside down, elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features would then be "above" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both above and below positions and orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, descriptions of movement along and about various axes include various spatial device positions and orientations.

[0037] To avoid repetition in the figures and descriptions of various aspects and exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. If an aspect is omitted from a description or figure, this does not mean that the aspect is absent from an embodiment incorporating that aspect. Rather, the aspect may be omitted for clarity and to avoid redundant description. In this context, the following applies to the remainder of the specification. For clarity of the drawings, if a figure includes reference signs, but those reference signs are not described in the directly relevant part of the specification, reference is made to the preceding or subsequent part of the description. Furthermore, for clarity, if not all features of a part in a drawing are labeled with reference signs, reference is made to other drawings showing the same part. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a kit 1 according to the invention, comprising a vial 2 as a container and a first embodiment of a closure system 3 according to the invention. In Figure 1, the kit 1 is shown in an assembled state, with the closure system 3 attached to the vial 2.

[0039] Vial 2 is a 13 mm vial made of a plastic material. Vial 2 has a body 23 with a hollow interior and a neck 22 that transitions into a head 21 (not visible in FIG. 1 ). Closure system 3 is attached to the vial's head 21 so as to cover it. Closure system 3 comprises a metal cage 32 as a cage member and a plastic cover 33. Cage 32 has an essentially cylindrical middle portion 323 and a clip structure with tongues 322 regularly distributed around middle portion 323. Furthermore, the closure system defines a central axis 34 that aligns with the central axis of rotation of vial 2 when closure system 3 is attached to vial 2.

[0040] As can be seen in Figure 2, the closure system 3 further comprises an embodiment of an elastic stopper 31 as a stopper member according to the invention. The stopper 31 has a plug portion 311 and a generally disk-shaped cover portion 312. The cover portion 312 extends radially above the plug portion 311 to form an essentially ring-shaped rim portion 3121 having a downwardly facing front surface and a corresponding, opposite, upwardly facing rear surface.

[0041] The head 21 of the vial 2 extends radially above the neck 22 of the vial. The head 21 comprises a radial recess 211 on its outer periphery. Furthermore, as best shown in Figure 3, the vial 2 has a circular or cylindrical opening 25 in the head 21 that allows access to the interior of the body 23. The interface 24 adjacent to the opening 25 is designed as a flat, upward-facing surface.

[0042] Further details of the stopper 31 are shown in Figure 3 and in particular in Figure 4. The edge portion 3121 of the cover part 312 is provided with an annular cage notch 3123 on its rear face and an annular container notch 3122 on its front face. In the radial direction 35, the cage notch 3123 and the container notch 3122 are offset from each other, i.e. the container notch 3122 is closer to the axis 34 than the cage notch 3123. The cover part 312 is provided with a cage centering structure 3124 in its center.

[0043] The plug portion 311 has a dome-shaped cavity that opens downward. An annular bulge 3111 is provided on the radially outer surface of the plug portion 311. The bulge 3111 extends radially from the outer surface toward the axis 34.

[0044] 5 shows the kit 1 in an assembled state, whereby it can be seen that the plug portion 311 of the stopper 31 is configured to fit snugly into the opening 25 of the vial 2. In particular, the plug portion 311 is dimensioned such that the bulge 3111 is fully compressed when the plug portion 311 is pressed into the opening 25. The cover portion 312 abuts against the interface 24 adjacent the opening 25 of the vial 2. More specifically, the front surface of the rim portion 3121 abuts against the interface 24 adjacent the opening 25.

[0045] The cage 32 is made of stainless steel. The cage 32 has a generally disk-shaped stopper contact portion 321 with a central opening 3211. The middle portion 322 extends between the stopper contact portion 321 and a clip structure with a tongue 323 and surrounds the head 21. The tongue 323 is clip-engaged within a recess 211 in the head 21 of the vial 2. More specifically, the tongue 323 extends upward and curves inward toward an axis 34. When attached, the tongue 323 is temporarily bent or shifted outward in a radial direction 35 relative to the middle portion 322, and due to the resilience of the stainless steel, it snaps into the recess 211 as soon as the cage 32 is moved sufficiently toward the head 21 of the vial 2. This establishes a form-fit connection between the cage 32 and the vial 2, preventing removal of the cage 32.

[0046] The intermediate portion 322 of the cage member 32 is dimensioned such that the stopper contact portion 321 applies pressure to the cover portion 312 of the stopper 31. More specifically, the stopper contact portion 321 presses the edge portion 3121 of the cover portion 312 of the stopper 31 against the interface 24 adjacent the opening 25 of the vial 2. This causes the rear surface of the edge portion 3121 to abut against the stopper contact portion 321, and the front surface of the edge portion 3121 to abut against the interface 24.

[0047] The pressure exerted by the cage 32 on the stopper 31 deforms the edge portion 3121 of the cover portion 321 of the stopper 32, which causes the cage notches 3123 and the edge notches 3122 to collapse to a certain extent, resulting in a well-defined deformation of the cover portion 321. In this way, a secure and tight connection between the cover portion 321 and the interface 24 is achieved.

[0048] The centering structure 3124 of the cover portion 312 of the stopper 31 extends into the opening 3211 of the stopper contact portion 321 of the cage 32. The cover 33 has a basically disk-shaped body 331 with a downwardly facing first bayonet member 332 on its underside. A corresponding upwardly facing second bayonet member 3212 is provided on the edge of the opening 3211 of the stopper contact portion 321 of the cage 32. The first and second bayonet members 332, 3212 engage to securely and reversibly attach the cover to the cage 32 and close the opening 3211 of the cage 32.

[0049] To access the interior of vial 2, cover 33 is removed from cage 32 to provide access to stopper 31 through opening 3211. A syringe needle can now be inserted through stopper 31 into vial 2 and the substance disposed within vial 2 can be removed.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of a kit 10 according to the invention. The kit 10 comprises a glass vial 20 and a second embodiment of a closure system 30 according to the invention. The closure system 30 has the same cover 33 and the same stopper 31 as described above in relation to the first closure system 3. With regard to these identical covers 33 and stoppers 31, reference is made in particular to Figures 4 and 5 and the above description.

[0051] The closure system 30 further includes a cage 320 made of stainless steel as a cage member. The cage 320 has a substantially cylindrical middle portion 3230 and a clip structure with tongues 3220 regularly distributed around the middle portion 3230. The closure system 30 further defines a central axis 340 that aligns with the central axis of rotation of the vial 20 when the closure system 30 is attached to the vial 20. The tongues 3220 of the cage 320 extend downward from the middle portion 3230.

[0052] Vial 20 may be a 13 mm or 20 mm glass vial, or a custom vial such as a vial with a 15 mm diameter head. Vial 20 has a body 230, a neck 220, and a head 210. Head 210 extends radially above neck 220. Vial 20 has an opening 250 in head 210 that allows access to the interior of body 230. An interface 240 adjacent opening 250 has a flat, upwardly facing surface.

[0053] In FIG. 7, kit 10 is shown in an assembled state with closure system 30 attached to vial 20. The components of kit 10 thereby interact in a similar manner as described above in connection with first kit 1 shown in FIGS. 1-5. In the following, attention will be focused on aspects of second kit 10 that differ from first kit 1. In particular, aspects of second kit 10 not described below are identical or similar to first kit 1. In this regard, reference is made to the above description.

[0054] A tongue 3230 of the cage 320 extending downward from the middle portion 3220 clips onto the head 210 of the vial 20. In particular, the tongue 3230 extends inward from the middle portion 3220 along the lower end of the head 210, then extends downward along the neck 220, abuts the neck 220, and then extends diagonally downward and outward. Specifically, the shape of the tongue 3230 allows the cage 320 to snap onto the head 210 of the vial 20 without a recess or the like. When attached to the vial 20, the cage 320 moves axially toward the head 210. The angled portion of the tongue 3230 causes the tongue 3230 to bend or shift outward relative to the intermediate portion 3220 until the cage 320 has moved sufficiently downward, at which point the resilience of the stainless steel causes the tongue 3230 to move again in the direction of the axis 340 and fit behind the head 210 of the vial 20. In this way, the tongue 3220 forms a secure form fit over the head 210, locking the cage 320 onto the vial 20 and forcing the stopper 310 against the vial 20 as described above.

[0055] This specification and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims, which define the protected invention. In other words, while the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description should be considered as explanatory or exemplary only, and not limiting. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification and claims. In some cases, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the invention. It will therefore be understood that changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention encompasses further embodiments having any combination of features from the different embodiments described above and below.

[0056] Furthermore, the present disclosure encompasses all additional features that may not be described in the above or following description, but are individually shown in the drawings. Also, single alternatives to the embodiments and features described in the drawings and specification may be discarded from the subject matter of the present invention or disclosed subject matter. The present disclosure includes subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or exemplary embodiments, as well as subject matter that includes those features.

[0057] Furthermore, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfill the functions of several features recited in a claim. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not, by itself, indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be advantageously used. The terms "essentially," "about," "approximately," and the like, in connection with an attribute or value, specifically define that exact attribute or value, respectively. The term "about" in the context of a given numerical value or range refers, for example, to a value or range that is within 20%, 10%, 5%, or 2% of the given value or range. Components described as being coupled or connected may be directly coupled, electrically or mechanically, or indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A closure system (3; 30) for closing an opening (25; 250) of a container (2; 20), comprising: a stopper member (31) made of elastic material, having a plug portion (311) configured to fit snugly into the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20) and a cover portion (312) configured to abut against a boundary surface (24; 240) adjacent to the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20); a cage member (32; 320) made of a shape-retaining material; Equipped with the cage member (32; 320) has a stopper contact portion (321; 3210), a clip structure (323; 3230), and an intermediate portion (322; 3220) between the stopper contact portion (321; 3210) and the clip structure (323; 3230); the clip structure (323; 3230) of the cage member (32; 320) is configured to clip onto a corresponding structure (211; 210) of the container (2; 20); the cage member (32; 320) is configured such that, when the plug portion (311) of the stopper member (31) fits into the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20) and the clip structure (323; 3230) of the cage member (32; 320) is clip-locked to the corresponding structure (211; 210) of the container (2; 20), the stopper contact portion (321; 3210) of the cage member (32; 320) applies pressure to the cover portion (312) of the stopper member (31) to press the cover portion (312) of the stopper member (31) against the boundary surface (24; 240) of the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20); the cover portion (312) of the stopper member (31) has an annular cage notch (3123) that faces away from the boundary surface (24; 240) of the opening (25; 250) when the plug portion (311) of the stopper member (31) is fitted into the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20); the cover portion (312) of the stopper member (31) has an annular container notch (3122) that faces toward the boundary surface (24; 240) of the opening (25; 250) when the plug portion (311) of the stopper member (31) is fitted into the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20); A closure system (3; 30), wherein the cage notch (3123) of the cover portion (312) of the stopper member (31) is radially offset relative to the container notch (3122) of the cover portion (312) of the stopper member (31).

2. The closure system (3; 30) according to claim 1, wherein the shape-retaining material of the cage member (32; 320) is metal.

3. A closure system (3; 30) as described in claim 2, wherein the metal is steel.

4. A closure system (3; 30) as described in claim 3, wherein the steel is stainless steel.

5. A closure system (3; 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the intermediate portion (322; 3220) of the cage member (32; 320) is configured to surround a head portion (21; 210) of the container (2; 20).

6. The closure system (3; 30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate portion (322; 3220) of the cage member (32; 320) is cylindrical.

7. A closure system (3; 30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clip structure (323; 3230) of the cage member (32; 320) comprises a plurality of tongues (323; 3230).

8. 8. A closure system (3; 30) according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of tongues (323; 3230) extends inward from the cylindrical intermediate portion (322; 3220), and the plurality of tongues (323; 3230) are regularly distributed around the cylindrical intermediate portion (322; 3220).

9. A closure system (3; 30) as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein each of the tongues (323; 3230) of the clip structure (323; 3230) of the cage member (32; 320) is elastically movable relative to the intermediate portion (322; 3220) of the cage member (32; 320).

10. The closure system (3; 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the stopper contact portion (321; 3210) of the cage member (32; 320) includes an opening (3211; 32110) through which the cover portion (312) of the stopper member (31) can be accessed when the plug portion (311) of the stopper member (31) fits into the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20) and the clip structure (323; 3230) of the cage member (32; 320) is clip-locked to the corresponding structure (211; 210) of the container (2; 20).

11. 11. A closure system (3; 30) as described in claim 10, comprising a cover (33) that can be reversibly attached to the stopper contact portion (321; 3210) of the cage member (32; 320) to close the opening (3211; 32110) of the stopper contact portion (321; 3210) of the cage member (32; 320).

12. The cover portion (312) of the stopper member (31) has an edge portion (3121) including a front surface configured to abut against the boundary surface (24; 240) of the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20), and a rear surface opposite to and corresponding to the front surface, and the stopper contact portion (321; 3210) of the cage member (32; 320) is configured such that the plug portion (311) of the stopper member (31) abuts against the front surface (24; 240) of the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20). A closure system (3; 30) as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, configured to fit into the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20) and to abut the entire rear surface of the edge portion (3121) of the stopper member (31) when the clip structure (323; 3230) of the cage member (32; 320) is clip-locked to the corresponding structure (211; 210) of the container (2; 20).

13. A closure system (3; 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cage member (32; 320) is configured to end essentially adjacent to the clip structure (323; 3230) when the plug portion (311) of the stopper member (31) fits into the opening (25; 250) of the container (2; 20) and the clip structure (323; 3230) of the cage member (32; 320) is clip-locked to the corresponding structure (211; 210) of the container (2; 20).

14. A kit comprising a container (2; 20) and a closure system (3; 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the container (2; 20) comprises an opening (25; 250) for accessing the interior of the container (2; 20) and a boundary surface (24; 240) adjacent to the opening (25; 250).

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