Plastic jacket for vial labeling system

Abstract

A vial jacket configured to receive a label. The vial jacket includes a plastic material having a cryogenic operating temperature range, a hinge formed in the plastic material, a locking mechanism, and an opening formed in the plastic material. The plastic material is sized to surround at least a portion of a vial. The hinge defines a first half-shell having a first edge and a second half-shell having a second edge. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the first edge of the first half-shell to the second edge of the second half-shell. The opening has an axial length and a transverse length.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 913,859, filed on October 11, 2019, the entire content of which is owned by the assignee of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for labeling vial systems, including systems and methods for labeling vial systems at cryogenic temperatures.

Background Art

[0003] Keeping vials at low temperatures during storage and transportation is often necessary to preserve and maintain the integrity of the products contained in the vials. For example, vials containing certain medical or chemical products require cryogenic storage and shipping temperatures. The cryogenic temperature range typically includes temperatures of approximately - 190°C to 0°C. Further, vials often require labels that meet labeling requirements that can be country - specific. For example, if a vial contains a pharmaceutical or chemical product, the vial label is required to identify, among other requirements, the name of the product and even the expiration date. The vial label may also need to identify the patient's name if the vial contains a patient - specific pharmaceutical. Also, it is often necessary for the label not to cover the entire surface of the vial to facilitate visual inspection of the contents inside the vial.

[0004] However, conventional labeling techniques often require vials to be at room temperature during the labeling process, which is undesirable because products stored at cryogenic temperatures are temperature-sensitive and should not be thawed, labeled, and refrozen. Furthermore, labeling vials at room temperature before freezing is not optimal, as it requires labeling vials in bulk before knowing which markets and / or countries they will be shipped to. In addition, vial labels often detach from the vial surface when stored at cryogenic temperatures due to the loss of adhesive properties at low temperatures. Moreover, in addition to the loss of adhesive properties at low temperatures, the accumulation of frost on the vial surface presents difficulties when labeling vials at cryogenic temperatures using conventional labeling techniques. Therefore, a better solution is needed for labeling vials stored at cryogenic temperatures that can be applied at cryogenic temperatures and whose labels remain adhered throughout storage and transport. [Overview of the project]

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a user with a vial jacket capable of receiving a label and keeping the label adhered in a cryogenic temperature range. An object of the present invention is to provide a user with a system and method for enabling the user to securely enclose vials with a vial jacket during storage and transport. An object of the present invention is to provide a user with a system and method for enabling the user to inspect the contents of a vial through a viewing window of the vial jacket.

[0006] In some embodiments, a vial jacket configured to receive a label includes a plastic material, a hinge formed in the plastic material, a locking mechanism, and an opening formed in the plastic material. The plastic material has a cryogenic operating temperature range and is dimensional to enclose at least a portion of the vial. The hinge defines a first half-shell having a first edge and a second half-shell having a second edge. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the first edge of the first half-shell to the second edge of the second half-shell. The opening has an axial length and a transverse length.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -150°C to about 0°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -190°C to about 0°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -190°C to about -135°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -150°C to about -135°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes approximately one of the group consisting of -190°C, -180°C, -135°C, -80°C, and 0°C.

[0008] In some embodiments, the hinge is formed by thinning a plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic material includes at least one of HDPE, polypropylene, or other suitable plastics.

[0009] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism secures the vial jacket to the vial. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is configured to snap the first edge of the first half-shell into the second edge of the second half-shell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the axial length of the opening is different from the transverse length of the opening. In some embodiments, the axial length of the opening is greater than the transverse length of the opening. In some embodiments, the transverse length of the opening is greater than the axial length of the opening. In some embodiments, the opening is adjacent to at least one of the first edge of the first half shell or the second edge of the second half shell.

[0011] In some embodiments, a vial assembly includes a vial and a vial jacket configured to receive a label. The vial jacket includes a plastic material, a hinge formed in the plastic material, a locking mechanism, and an opening formed in the plastic material. The plastic material has a cryogenic operating temperature range and is dimensional to enclose at least a portion of the vial. The hinge defines a first half-shell having a first edge and a second half-shell having a second edge. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the first edge of the first half-shell to the second edge of the second half-shell. The opening has an axial length and a transverse length.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -150°C to about 0°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -190°C to about 0°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -190°C to about -135°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -150°C to about -135°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes approximately one of the group consisting of -190°C, -180°C, -135°C, -80°C, and 0°C.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hinge is formed by thinning a plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic material includes at least one of HDPE, polypropylene, or other suitable plastics.

[0014] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism secures the vial jacket to the vial. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is configured to snap the first edge of the first half-shell into the second edge of the second half-shell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the axial length of the opening is different from the transverse length of the opening. In some embodiments, the axial length of the opening is greater than the transverse length of the opening. In some embodiments, the transverse length of the opening is greater than the axial length of the opening. In some embodiments, the opening is adjacent to at least one of the first edge of the first half shell or the second edge of the second half shell.

[0016] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention may become apparent from the following drawings and description, all of which are merely illustrative examples illustrating the principles of the present invention.

[0017] The advantages of the present invention described above, along with further advantages, can be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and instead generally focus on illustrating the principles of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is an isometric view of an exemplary vial assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is an isometric view of an exemplary vial assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is an isometric view of an exemplary vial jacket having a fastener locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is an isometric view of an exemplary vial jacket shown in Figure 2A in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an exemplary vial jacket having an open ratchet lock mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an isometric view of an exemplary vial jacket having an open configuration sheath lock mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is an isometric view of an exemplary vial assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is an isometric view of the exemplary vial assembly shown in Figure 5A in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C is an isometric view of the exemplary vial assembly shown in Figure 5A according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D is an isometric view of the exemplary vial assembly shown in Figure 5A according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is an isometric view of an exemplary vial assembly in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is an isometric view of the exemplary vial assembly shown in Figure 6A according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is an isometric view of the exemplary vial assembly shown in Figure 6A according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is an isometric view of an exemplary vial assembly in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is an isometric view of the exemplary vial assembly shown in Figure 7A according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7C] Figure 7C is an isometric view of the exemplary vial assembly shown in Figure 7A according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is an isometric view of the female lock component of the exemplary vial assembly shown in Figure 7A according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is an isometric view of the male lock component of the exemplary vial assembly shown in Figure 7A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may include a vial jacket capable of receiving a label and keeping the label adhered in a cryogenic temperature range. The systems and methods described herein may allow a user to securely enclose a vial with the vial jacket during storage and transport. The systems and methods described herein may allow a user to inspect the contents of a vial through an opening in the vial jacket.

[0020] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, exemplary vial assemblies 100 and 200 include a small vial 102 and a large vial 202, respectively. Vial assembly 100 includes a vial jacket 104 sized to enclose at least a portion of the small vial 102. Vial assembly 200 includes a vial jacket 204 sized to enclose at least a portion of the large vial 202. Vials 102 and 202 can range in size from 1 mL to 50 mL. For example, in some embodiments, the small vial 102 may be 2 mL and the large vial 202 may be 6 mL. Vial jackets 104 and 204 may contain plastic material and can be manufactured using injection molding or 3D printing techniques. In some embodiments, vial jackets 104 and 204 are manufactured from an injection mold using polypropylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or another suitable plastic for injection molding or 3D printing.

[0021] The surfaces of vial jackets 104 and 204 may be suitable for receiving labels. The labels may include information identifying the product inside vial 102 or 202, and any additional information related to the product. In some embodiments, the labels are pressure-sensitive and adhesive. In some embodiments, the labels are manufactured from a suitable plastic face stock and a cryogenically stable adhesive attached to a release liner. In other embodiments, the labels are manufactured from a suitable paper face stock and a cryogenically stable adhesive attached to a release liner. In some embodiments, the labels are plastic labels molded together with the jacket in appropriate positions, known as in-mold labels, forming a single, integrated label / jacket component. The cryogenically stable adhesive allows the labels to adhere to the surfaces of vial jackets 104 and 204 in a temperature range of approximately -190°C to 0°C and up to room temperature conditions. During the application process, the labels are applied to the vial jackets and cured to fix the labels on the vial jackets in preparation for storage at freezing temperatures.

[0022] Embodiments of vial jackets described herein include various features and mechanisms that facilitate use with vials and vial assemblies. For example, referring to Figures 2A and 2B, an exemplary plastic vial jacket 300 includes a hinge 302 and an opening 304. The hinge 302 defines a first half-shell and a second half-shell of the vial jacket 300. Each half-shell includes a rim that joins when the vial jacket 300 is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the hinge 302 is formed by thinning the plastic material of the vial jacket 300. The hinge 302 allows for an easier injection molding process, enables the vial jacket 300 to be stored and shipped in a stacked arrangement, and allows for easy handling during installation onto vials. The opening 304 has an axial length and a transverse length and allows the user to inspect the contents inside the vial. In some embodiments, the axial length and transverse length of the opening 304 are different. For example, in some embodiments, the axial length of the opening 304 is greater than the transverse length of the opening 304. In other embodiments, the transverse length of the opening 304 is greater than the axial length of the opening 304. In some embodiments, the axial and transverse lengths of the opening 304 are the same. For example, in some embodiments, the opening may be square in shape.

[0023] Figure 2B shows an open-configured plastic vial jacket 300. The plastic vial jacket 300 includes an inner surface 310 and an outer surface 312. The thickness of the plastic vial jacket 300 is defined by the inner surface 310 and the outer surface 312. When the plastic vial jacket 300 is in a closed configuration around the vial, the inner surface 310 may be in contact with the outer surface of the vial. The outer surface 312 may be configured to receive a cryogenically stable label. In some embodiments, the outer surface 312 of the plastic vial jacket 300 is treated before labeling to improve subsequent adhesion of the label. In some embodiments, the opening 304 is located close to one edge of the half-shell of the plastic vial jacket 300. This allows the label to occupy a large portion of the outer surface 312 of the plastic vial jacket 300.

[0024] The plastic vial jacket 300 includes a fastener locking mechanism configured to secure the first edge of the first half-shell to the second edge of the second half-shell. The fastener locking mechanism includes one or more male components 306 on the first edge of the first half-shell and one or more female components 308 on the second edge of the second half-shell. Embodiments shown in Figures 2A and 2B include two male components 306 and two corresponding female components 308. However, in some embodiments, the plastic vial jacket 300 may include one male component 306 and one corresponding female component 308. In other embodiments, the plastic vial jacket 300 may include three or more male components 306 and three or more corresponding female components 308. In a closed configuration, at least one male component 306 is inserted into and secured to at least one female component 308 so that the first edge of the first half-shell is secured to the second edge of the second half-shell. The male component 306 includes a wing portion which can be coupled to a notch in the female component 308. In some embodiments, the edges of the half-shell of the plastic vial jacket 300 are snap-fitted in a closed configuration.

[0025] Figures 3 and 4 show exemplary vial jackets including alternative locking mechanisms. Referring to Figure 3, for example, the exemplary vial jacket 400 includes a ratchet locking mechanism. Similar to the vial jacket 300 described in relation to Figures 2A and 2B, the vial jacket 400 includes a hinge 402, an opening 404, an inner surface 410, and an outer surface 412. The ratchet locking mechanism is configured to lock the first edge of the first half-shell of the vial jacket 400 to the second edge of the second half-shell of the vial jacket 400. The ratchet locking mechanism includes one or more male components 406 on the first edge of the first half-shell and one or more female components 408 on the second edge of the second half-shell. In the closed configuration, at least one male component 406 is inserted into and secured to at least one female component 408 so that the first edge of the first half-shell is locked to the second edge of the second half-shell. The male component 406 includes a wing portion that can be coupled to the female component 408.

[0026] Referring to Figure 4, the exemplary vial jacket 500 includes a sheath lock mechanism. Similar to the vial jacket 300 described in relation to Figures 2A and 2B, the vial jacket 500 includes a hinge 502, an opening 504, an inner surface 510, and an outer surface 512. The sheath lock mechanism is configured to lock the first edge of the first half shell of the vial jacket 500 to the second edge of the second half shell of the vial jacket 500. The sheath lock mechanism includes one or more male components 506 at the first edge of the first half shell and one or more female components 508 at the second edge of the second half shell. In the closed configuration, at least one male component 506 is inserted into and locked into at least one female component 508 so that the first edge of the first half shell is locked to the second edge of the second half shell. The male component 506 includes wings that can be coupled to the female component 508.

[0027] Referring to Figures 5A to 5D, an exemplary vial 600 is enclosed by a plastic vial jacket 300. The vial 600 can be in a size range from 1 mL to 50 mL. For example, in some embodiments, the vial 600 is a 2 mL vial. As described in relation to Figures 2A and 2B, the plastic vial jacket 300 includes a hinge 302, an opening 304, an outer surface 312, and a locking mechanism including at least one male component 306 and at least one female component 308. The process of securing the plastic vial jacket 300 around the vial 600 begins with the plastic vial jacket 300 in an open configuration. As shown in Figure 5A, the plastic vial jacket 300 encloses the vial 600. As shown in Figure 5B, one or more male components 306 are secured to the corresponding female components 308, securing the plastic vial jacket 300 to the vial 600. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a fastener locking mechanism described in relation to Figures 2A and 2B, a ratchet locking mechanism described in relation to Figure 3, or a sheath locking mechanism described in relation to Figure 4.

[0028] Referring to Figures 6A to 6C, an exemplary vial 700 is enclosed by a plastic vial jacket 300. The vial 700 can be in a size range from 1 mL to 50 mL. For example, in some embodiments, the vial 700 is a 6 mL vial. As described in relation to Figures 2A and 2B, the plastic vial jacket 300 includes a hinge 302, an opening 304, an outer surface 312, and a locking mechanism including at least one male component 306 and at least one female component 308. The process of securing the plastic vial jacket 300 around the vial 700 begins with the plastic vial jacket 300 in an open configuration. As shown in Figure 6A, the plastic vial jacket 300 encloses the vial 700, and one or more male components 306 are secured to the corresponding female components 308, securing the plastic vial jacket 300 to the vial 700. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a fastener locking mechanism described in relation to Figures 2A and 2B, a ratchet locking mechanism described in relation to Figure 3, or a sheath locking mechanism described in relation to Figure 4.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, a vial jacket 300 configured to receive a label includes a plastic material, a hinge 302 formed in the plastic material, a locking mechanism, and an opening 304 formed in the plastic material. The plastic material has a cryogenic operating temperature range and is dimensional to enclose at least a portion of the vial 600 (or 700). The hinge 302 defines a first half-shell having a first edge and a second half-shell having a second edge. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the first edge of the first half-shell to the second edge of the second half-shell. The opening 304 has an axial length and a transverse length.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -150°C to about 0°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -190°C to about 0°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -190°C to about -135°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -150°C to about -135°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes approximately one of the group consisting of -190°C, -180°C, -135°C, -80°C, and 0°C. In some embodiments, the hinge 302 is formed by thinning a plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic material includes at least one of HDPE, polypropylene, or other suitable plastics.

[0031] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism secures the vial jacket 300 to the vial 600. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is configured to snap-fit ​​the first edge of the first half-shell to the second edge of the second half-shell. In some embodiments, the axial length of the opening 304 is different from the transverse length of the opening 304. In some embodiments, the axial length of the opening 304 is greater than the transverse length of the opening 304. In some embodiments, the transverse length of the opening 304 is greater than the axial length of the opening 304. In some embodiments, the opening 304 is close to at least one of the first edge of the first half-shell or the second edge of the second half-shell.

[0032] In another exemplary embodiment, the vial assembly includes a vial 600 (or 700) and a vial jacket 300 configured to receive a label. The vial jacket includes a plastic material, a hinge 302 formed in the plastic material, a locking mechanism, and an opening 304 formed in the plastic material. The plastic material has a cryogenic operating temperature range and is dimensional to enclose at least a portion of the vial 600 (or 700). The hinge 302 defines a first half-shell having a first edge and a second half-shell having a second edge. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the first edge of the first half-shell to the second edge of the second half-shell. The opening 304 has an axial length and a transverse length.

[0033] In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -150°C to about 0°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -190°C to about 0°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -190°C to about -135°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes a range of about -150°C to about -135°C. In some embodiments, the cryogenic operating temperature range includes approximately one of the group consisting of -190°C, -180°C, -135°C, -80°C, and 0°C. In some embodiments, the hinge 302 is formed by thinning a plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic material includes at least one of HDPE, polypropylene, or other suitable plastics.

[0034] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism secures the vial jacket 300 to the vial 600 (or 700). In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is configured to snap the first edge of the first half shell to the second edge of the second half shell. In some embodiments, the axial length of the opening 304 is different from the transverse length of the opening 304. In some embodiments, the axial length of the opening 304 is greater than the transverse length of the opening 304. In some embodiments, the transverse length of the opening 304 is greater than the axial length of the opening 304. In some embodiments, the opening 304 is close to at least one of the first edge of the first half shell or the second edge of the second half shell.

[0035] Referring to Figures 7A to 7C, an exemplary vial 800 is enclosed by a plastic vial jacket 300. The vial 800 can range in size from 1 mL to 50 mL. For example, in some embodiments, the vial 800 is a 6 mL vial. As described in relation to Figures 2A and 2B, the plastic vial jacket 300 includes a hinge 302, an opening 304, an outer surface 312, and a locking mechanism including at least one male component 306 and at least one female component 308. As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the plastic vial jacket 300 includes a raised shoulder portion 350 and a narrow seam 360 around the vial 800 to allow for a more secure fit. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the locking mechanism may be raised to allow for easier gripping and closing. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, in some embodiments, the female component 308 may be enlarged to allow for a larger male component 306, and the male component 306 may include angled wings that are better secured by the female component 308.

[0036] As used herein, the terms “approximately” or “about” refer to a value similar to the reference value stated, when applied to one or more values ​​of interest. In certain embodiments, unless otherwise stated or otherwise evident from the context, the terms “approximately” or “about” refer to a range of values ​​that fall in any direction (higher or lower) of 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or less of the reference value stated (except where such a number would exceed 100% of the possible value).

[0037] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative rather than limiting in all respects the invention described herein. It will be understood that the embodiments shown, and those discussed separately herein, are merely examples of the present invention, and that other embodiments incorporating modifications thereto, including combinations of the embodiments shown, are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vial jacket configured to receive a label, wherein the vial jacket is Plastic materials usable at extremely low temperatures, A hinge formed in the plastic material and extending along the longitudinal axis of the vial jacket, wherein the hinge defines a first half-shell including a first edge opposite the hinge and a second half-shell including a second edge opposite the hinge, A locking mechanism formed along the first and second edges, configured to fix the first edge of the first half shell to the second edge of the second half shell, The plastic material comprises an opening that is present when the vial jacket is in a closed configuration, and having an axial length and a transverse length, The vial jacket, when positioned around the vial, does not cover the bottom surface of the vial.

2. The vial jacket according to claim 1, wherein the operating temperature range of the plastic material includes a range of approximately -150°C to approximately 0°C.

3. The vial jacket according to claim 1, wherein the operating temperature range of the plastic material includes a range of approximately -190°C to approximately 0°C.

4. The vial jacket according to claim 1, wherein the hinge is formed by thinning the plastic material.

5. The vial jacket according to claim 1, wherein the plastic material comprises at least one of HDPE or polypropylene.

6. The vial jacket according to claim 1, wherein when the locking mechanism fixes the first edge of the first half shell to the second edge of the second half shell, the inner surface of the vial jacket comes into contact with the outer surface of the vial.

7. The vial jacket according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to snap-fit ​​the first edge of the first half shell to the second edge of the second half shell.

8. The vial jacket according to claim 1, wherein the axial length of the opening is greater than the transverse length.

9. The vial jacket according to claim 1, wherein the transverse length of the opening is greater than the axial length.

10. The vial jacket according to claim 1, wherein the opening is adjacent to at least one of the first edge of the first half shell or the second edge of the second half shell.

11. A vial assembly comprising a vial and a vial jacket configured to receive at least a portion of the vial, wherein the vial jacket is Plastic materials usable at extremely low temperatures, A hinge formed in the plastic material and extending along the longitudinal axis of the vial jacket, wherein the hinge defines a first half-shell including a first edge opposite the hinge and a second half-shell including a second edge opposite the hinge, and the hinge is positioned along the length of the vial when the portion of the vial is received by the vial jacket, A locking mechanism formed along the first and second edges, configured to fix the first edge of the first half shell to the second edge of the second half shell, The plastic material includes an opening that is present when the vial jacket is in a closed configuration, and having an axial length and a transverse length, A vial assembly in which the vial jacket, when positioned around the vial, does not cover the bottom surface of the vial.

12. The vial assembly according to claim 11, wherein the operating temperature range of the plastic material includes a range of about -150°C to about 0°C.

13. The vial assembly according to claim 11, wherein the operating temperature range of the plastic material includes a range of about -190°C to about 0°C.

14. The vial assembly according to claim 11, wherein the hinge is formed by thinning the plastic material.

15. The vial assembly according to claim 11, wherein the plastic material comprises at least one of HDPE or polypropylene.

16. The vial assembly according to claim 11, wherein when the locking mechanism fixes the first edge of the first half shell to the second edge of the second half shell, the inner surface of the vial jacket comes into contact with the outer surface of the vial.

17. The vial assembly according to claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to snap-fit ​​the first edge of the first half shell to the second edge of the second half shell.

18. The vial assembly according to claim 11, wherein the axial length of the opening is greater than the transverse length.

19. The vial assembly according to claim 11, wherein the transverse length of the opening is greater than the axial length.

20. The vial assembly according to claim 11, wherein the opening is adjacent to at least one of the first edge of the first half shell or the second edge of the second half shell.

21. The vial jacket according to claim 1, wherein the first edge of the first half shell is fixed to the second edge of the second half shell, thereby forming the closed configuration of the vial jacket, in which the first edge and the second edge are joined, and the inner surface of the first half shell and the inner surface of the second half shell of the vial jacket are in contact with the outer surface of the vial.

22. The vial jacket according to claim 21, wherein the inner surface of the first half shell and the inner surface of the second half shell are in contact with the outer surface of the vial along the entire length of the vial jacket.

23. The vial jacket according to claim 21, wherein the inner surface of the first half shell and the inner surface of the second half shell are in contact with the outer surface of the vial along the first edge of the first half shell and the second edge of the second half shell, respectively.

24. The vial jacket according to claim 21, wherein the thickness of the vial jacket is determined by the inner and outer surfaces of the first half shell and the second half shell of the vial jacket.

25. The vial assembly according to claim 11, wherein the vial jacket is configured to be closed by fixing the first edge of the first half shell to the second edge of the second half shell, and in the closed configuration, the first edge and the second edge are joined together, and the inner surface of the first half shell and the inner surface of the second half shell of the vial jacket are in contact with the outer surface of the vial.

26. The vial assembly according to claim 25, wherein the inner surface of the first half shell and the inner surface of the second half shell are in contact with the outer surface of the vial along the entire length of the vial jacket.

27. The vial assembly according to claim 25, wherein the inner surface of the first half shell and the inner surface of the second half shell contact the outer surface of the vial along the first edge of the first half shell and the second edge of the second half shell, respectively.

28. The vial assembly according to claim 25, wherein the thickness of the vial jacket is determined by the inner and outer surfaces of the first half shell and the second half shell of the vial jacket.

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