Device for closing carton packaging containing liquid products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for closing carton packaging containing liquid products, whereby, among other uses, the closing device can be applied to carton packaging containing products for closed-system enteral nutrition. The inventive closing device is provided with means that facilitate the installation of biological filters used in closed-system enteral nutrition systems, wherein a glue used to adhere the closing device to the packaging is used to act as a sealing element to prevent air from passing into the packaging without having passed through the biological filter. The inventive closing device is further provided with means to facilitate sealing the rim of the product passage hole in the packaging, in which the glue used to adhere the closing device to the packaging is used as a sealing element for said rim of the product passage hole in the packaging.

Description

[0001]FIELD OF THE INVENTION (001) The present invention relates to a closing device for carton packages containing liquid products, which can, among other uses, be applied to carton packages containing products for enteral nutrition through a closed system. RELATED ART (002) Enteral nutrition systems are indicated for patients who have difficulty chewing or swallowing food. Enteral nutrition can be provided to patients in hospital or home settings through nasogastric tubes inserted through the nose, which provide a connection to the stomach or intestine. Tubes can also be surgically implanted directly into the stomach or intestine of patients. (003) Enteral nutrition can be administered to patients through open or closed systems. Various industrialized food products are available for feedingEnteral nutrition, in both systems. In the open system, the packages containing the enteral nutrition product are opened, and part or all of the contents are transferred to special vials, in a quantity that meets the patient's needs. In the closed system, the enteral nutrition food is hermetically packaged in a package equipped with a specific connection for attachment to a special equipment, or an infusion pump, for delivery to the patient. (004) Enteral nutrition can be provided through industrialized products or through artisanal or homemade preparation. In the case of industrialized products, these can be sold in powder form, to be diluted in liquids, usually water, or in liquid form. There is a wide availability of industrialized enteral nutrition products, which are formulated to meet the different nutritional needs of individuals who are fed through conventional feeding.Enteral nutrition prescribed for each particular case. (005) Products for enteral nutrition through an open system can be packaged in various types of packaging, with cartons being a widely used type for this purpose. (006) As is well known, a carton package is defined as a package generally in a polyhedral shape, formed by multiple layers, whose raw material for its manufacture basically comprises a layer of fibrous material, usually paper, and a layer of thin, high-strength material, usually aluminum. The latter serves as a barrier to prevent gases and odors from passing through the fibrous layer and coming into contact with the product contained in the carton package, with a high possibility of rendering the product unusable. (007) As previously mentioned, products for enteral nutrition systems packaged in aseptic cartons are used in enteral nutrition systems inopen system, meaning that part or all of the package contents are transferred to vials in the quantity that meets the patient's needs. (008) In the past, it was common for devices for enteral nutrition systems to use universal connectors, usually of the lancet type, commonly used in parenteral nutrition systems. For this reason, improper connections between an enteral nutrition system and a non-enteral one, such as intravenous, frequently occurred, which often caused patient deaths. (009) To avoid this problem, a joint effort was undertaken involving manufacturers, physicians, and regulatory institutions, resulting in the development of the ISO80369-3 standard, which established a global connection standard for enteral nutrition products. Among other aspects, the ISO80369-3 standard established standards for connectors for tubes or catheters for enteral nutrition systems. Consequently, several types of connectors were developed forenteral feeding tubes, such as the ENFit ENPlus and ENLock connectors, both male and female. (010) The ENFit system comprises a type of connection in enteral solution administration devices, generally presented in purple. The ENFit connection is intended to ensure proper closed-system operation in the enteral product administration process, promoting the connection between two or more devices. ENFit connectors can be male and female. (011) Among other features, the female ENFit connector replaces the stepped connector of equipment and other devices known in the art, and the male ENFit connector replaces open accesses, usually Y-connectors, in gastrostomy tubes and extenders. To allow ENFit connections to standard connections, from a stepped connector to a male ENFit connection, for example, it is necessary to use an adapter, as appropriate. (012) The ENPlus system refers to a connection system for containers ofenteral feeding tubes and comprises a plus sign (+) connector on the female connectors of feeding containers, and a corresponding plus sign (+) tip on the male connectors of administration tubes. (013) The ENPlus connection system ensures that only enteral feeding containers can be connected to enteral feeding sets, preventing enteral feeding sets from being incorrectly connected to intravenous solution containers. ENPlus connection systems are routinely used on commercially available enteral feeding tube products described in ISO 18250. (014) The male ENPlus connector is used on the set, the flexible device that connects to the closed enteral feeding system bottle. The female ENPlus connector is used on the feeding bottle or on the closed enteral feeding system packaging itself. (015) The costThe cost of enteral nutrition in a closed system is substantially higher than the cost in an open system, due to the need for special packaging, provided with a specific connection for attachment to a special equipment, or to an infusion pump, as mentioned above. (016) Patent document BR 102021022914-4 A2, dated November 13, 2021, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an invention by which aseptic carton packages can be used in enteral nutrition by a closed system. This document describes two models of closure devices for these packages, which basically comprise a base element, which comprises a nozzle and a lid, which form a closure device for a carton package. The base element is also provided with connections for two types of equipment, namely the ENPlus equipment, or cross-type tip, and the lancet-type equipment, as will be seen in detail.below, in the description of the present invention. (017) The base element of the closure device surrounds the through hole drilled in the structural layer of cardboard paper in which the carton package is manufactured. The base element of the closure device is also provided with connections for two types of equipment, namely, ENPlus equipment, or cross-type tip (see Figures 05, 09, 10) and lancet-type tip equipment (see Figures 12, 16 and 17). (018) The application of these types of closure devices in aseptic carton packages, together with some other devices also mentioned in Brazilian patent application BR 102021022914-4 A2, enables the quick and easy use of these packages for the administration of enteral nutrition through the closed system, which reduces costs. (019) In order for aseptic carton packages to be used in closed enteral nutrition systems, the nozzle element must also be provided with a biological filter, whichallows the controlled entry of clean air into the carton as the product contained therein is administered to the patient, thereby preventing the carton from collapsing. (020) The biological filter is usually attached to the mouthpiece element by ultrasonic welding of the plastic parts of the biological filter to the mouthpiece element, although other means may be used. These options substantially increase the manufacturing cost of the closure device used in carton packages. (021) The biological filter can also be attached to the mouthpiece element by means of an interference fit. However, in this case, there is a risk of small air passages forming where the biological filter fits into the mouthpiece element, allowing unfiltered ambient air to pass into the carton package. This could cause contamination of the product packaged in the carton package. (022) Whatever theWhen attaching the biological filter, all external air entering the carton package must pass through the filter element located inside the biological filter to prevent product contamination, a fundamental aspect for the operation of the closed system for enteral nutrition. No air can pass into the aseptic carton package other than through the biological filter. (023) A technical characteristic of this biological filter element is that it only allows filtered air to pass into the carton package, but prevents the liquid product from passing from the inside to the outside of the carton package. (024) The use of carton packages in enteral feeding, in which the packages operate in an inverted position, that is, with their necks facing downwards, has the disadvantage of allowing the liquid product inside the package to come into contact with the cardboard layer of the manufacturing material.packaging, at the edge of the through-hole cut into the material to form the packaging, where the closing device is installed. (025) This may cause liquid to impregnate the cardboard layer around the edge of the through-hole, weakening the rigidity of the packaging in this region, which may cause the closing device to detach from the packaging, with harmful consequences. (026) Therefore, two technical problems are identified in currently known closing devices: (i) the need to provide the closing devices with a biological filtration system that does not allow unfiltered air to pass into the container, and (i) provide a sealing of the cardboard layer at the edges of the closing device through-holes. (027) The present invention discloses a closing device for aseptic carton packages used in enteral nutrition in a closed system that solves these problems.technical and brings advantages, compared to the closing devices known in the art: (i) substantial reduction in the manufacturing costs of the closing device, (ii) ease of assembly, and (iii) guarantee that there is no possibility of air passing into the carton package other than through the filtering element of the biological filter, and (iv) sealing of the cardboard layer at the edge of the passage hole, to prevent liquid impregnation. These and other advantages will become quite apparent through the detailed description of the invention that will be given below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS (028) The invention that is the subject of the present application will be better understood through the detailed description that will be given below, with the aid of the attached drawings, in which: – Figure 1 depicts a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the closing device that is the subject of the invention; – Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of equipment for enteral nutritionprovided with ENPlus cross-type connectors; – Figure 3 depicts a bottom perspective view of the closing device depicted in Figure 1; – Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of the closing device depicted in Figure 1, in which the lid is in the closed position; – Figure 5A depicts a top perspective view showing details of a biological air filtration device depicted in Figures 1; – Figure 5B depicts a top perspective cross-sectional view of the biological air filtration device depicted in Figure 5A; – Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are perspective views depicting the installation sequence of a biological air filtration device in accordance with the precepts of the invention; – Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of a biological filter element used in the biological air filtration device; – Figure 8 depicts a front cross-sectional view of the closing device depicted in Figure 6C; – Figures9A, 9B and 9C are perspective views depicting a sequence of applying glue to the closure device of the invention; – Figure 10 is a perspective view depicting the application of a closure device of the invention to a carton package; – Figure 11 is a perspective view depicting a carton package with a closure device properly applied to the carton package; – Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view depicting the carton package of Figure 11 shown in cross-section; – Figure 13 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the closure device of the invention; – Figure 14 is a top perspective view in cross-section taken along a plane indicated in Figure 13; – Figure 15 is a top perspective view of a detail indicated in Figure 14; – Figure 16 is a top perspective view in cross-section taken along a plane indicated in Figure 13; – Figure 17 is a top perspective view in cross-section taken along a plane indicated in Figure 13;top perspective view of a detail shown in Figure 16; – Figure 18 is a view of an alternative configuration of a device for biological air filtration; – Figure 19 is a view depicting the assembly sequence of a first embodiment of manufacturing and assembling a device for biological air filtration; – Figure 20 is a view depicting the assembly sequence of a second embodiment of manufacturing and assembling a device for biological air filtration; – Figures 21A and 21B depict the sequence of insertion of a set used in closed systems for enteral nutrition into a female connector of a closure device according to the invention; – Figure 22 is a perspective view depicting the actuation of an ENPlus male connector to break the aluminum layer of a package; – Figure 23 is a top perspective view depicting an embodiment of the closure device with the lid open; – Figures 24A and 24B depict thesequence of insertion of a male ENPlus connector used in closed systems for enteral nutrition into a female ENPlus connector, together with the actuation of a widening element of the opening in the aluminum layer that was broken by the tip of the male ENPlus connector; – Figures 25A and 25B depict a carton package in the position in which it is used in a closed system for enteral nutrition; – Figure 26 is a view depicting a second embodiment of a closure device according to the precepts of the invention; – Figure 27 is a view of a male lancet connector used in equipment for closed enteral nutrition systems; – Figures 28A and 28B depict the sequence of insertion of the male lancet connector of Figure 27 into a female connector of a closure device according to the second embodiment of the invention; – Figures 28A and 28B depict a third embodiment of a closure device according to the precepts of the invention; – Figures 30A, 30B and 30Cdepict in perspective the sequence of insertion of a male ENPlus connector into the female ENplus connector of the third embodiment of a closure device according to the precepts of the invention; – Figures 31A, 31B and 31C depict in perspective the sequence of insertion of a male lancet connector into the female lancet connector of the third embodiment of a closure device according to the precepts of the invention; – Figures 32A, 32B and 32C depict in perspective the assembly sequence of an alternative embodiment of a device for biological air filtration applied to a closure device according to the precepts of the invention; and – Figures 33A, 33B and 33C depict in perspective the assembly sequence of another alternative embodiment of a device for biological air filtration applied to a closure device according to the precepts of the invention. – Figures 34A, 34B and 34C depict in perspective, respectively, a package held in ainverted position, hanging from a support, a cross-sectional view of the carton package of Figure 34A and a detail of Figure 4E; – Figure 35 depicts details of a closing device known in the prior art applied to a carton package; – Figure 36 depicts details of a closing device that incorporates the precepts of the invention applied to a carton package; and – Figure 37 depicts a package in which absorption of liquid product has occurred through the edge of the through-hole drilled in the cardboard paper layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (029) In the description that will be made below, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “vertical” and “horizontal” refer specifically to the position in which elements, parts, portions, regions, etc. are depicted in the Figures. The terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, if used in reference to objects, parts, components, etc., depicted in the Figures, must be understood in a sequence of viewing the partfrom top to bottom, and from left to right of the Figure, respectively. The term “front” should refer to what is visible in the Figure, and the term “back” should refer to what is in the opposite part of the Figure. (030) The terms “aseptic carton package”, “carton package”, and “packaging”, in the singular or plural, may be used interchangeably, and should always be interpreted as referring to an aseptic carton package whose raw material comprises a multilayer material, as previously described. (031) Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of a closure device 1 of the invention, which comprises a lid 2 and a base element 3. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the base element 3 comprises a body that surrounds the through hole drilled in the structural layer of cardboard paper in which the carton package is manufactured, as mentionedpreviously. The base element 3 is provided with a connector for an enteral nutritional feeding equipment, preferably a female connector, which provides a product passage. This female connector is intended to receive a connector from an enteral nutritional feeding equipment. (032) In Figure 1, exemplarily, the base element 3 is provided with a female cross-type ENPlus 3.1 connector, the body of which is provided with an external thread for connection to an equipment 4 provided with a male cross-type ENPlus 4.1 connector, shown in Figure 2. A product passage 3.4 is provided in the connector 3.1. The male ENPlus 4.1 is also provided with a cap 4.2 provided with an internal thread and intended to be screwed onto the threaded female connector ENPlus 3.1. (033) Other types of connectors may be employed, and therefore the closing device 1 of the invention is not limited to this type of ENPlus connector, as other types of connectors may be used, as previously discussed. (034)Obviously, if the female connector 3.1 is of a different type than ENPlus, consequently the connectors of these equipments depicted in Figure 2 must be compatible with the type of connector used in the female connector 3.1 of the base element 3 of the closing device 1. (035) The base element 3 is also provided with a receptacle 3.2 for an air filter, which comprises a protruding hollow body, provided with an air passage 3.3. A connecting element 9 joins a region of the edge of the lid 2 to a region of the edge of the base element 3, as can be seen in Figure 1. (036) The lid 2 comprises an upper element 2.1 and a cylindrical side wall 2.3, as can be seen in Figure 4. A cut-out 2.2 is provided in the side wall 2.3 of the lid 2, preferably located in a region opposite to the region where the connecting element 9 is located. (037) The lid 2 can pivot around the connecting element 9, as indicated by the arrow Z in Figure 1. This type of lid iscommonly known as a “flip-top” lid. It can be seen in Figure 4 that in the present embodiment the air filter receptacle 3.2 of the base element 3 fits into the cutout 2.2 of the lid 2. (038) Figure 3 depicts a bottom perspective view of the closing device depicted in Figure 1. The hollow body of the air filter receptacle 3.2, the air passage 3.3 and the product passage 3.4 of the ENPlus female connector 3.1 can be seen. It can also be seen in Figure 3 that the internal region of the ENPlus female connector 3.1 is provided with a recess 3.5 located between the hollow body of the air filter receptacle 3.2 and the lower region of the product passage 3.4. (039) Figures 5A and 5B depict, respectively, a top perspective view of a biological air filtration device 5, and a bottom perspective view in section taken along the plane indicated by line B–B of the biological air filtration device 5 depicted in Figure 5A. (040) The devicefor biological air filtration 5 comprises a hollow body 5.1 closed in its lower region, the upper region of which is provided with an air inlet 5.2, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The device for biological air filtration 5 is also provided with a filtered air duct 5.3. As will be seen in detail below, the biological air filtration device 5 is designed to be inserted by pressure into the hollow interior of the air filter receptacle 3.2 of the base element 3. (041) Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are bottom perspective views that depict a possible assembly sequence of the biological air filtration device 5 within the hollow interior of the air filter receptacle 3.2 of the base element 3. The assembly of the biological air filtration device 5 in the hollow body of the air filter receptacle 3.2 is initiated by the insertion of a biological filter element 5.4 into the hollow body of the air filter receptacle 3.2, as indicated by the arrow W in Figure 6A.(042) The biological filter element 5.4, shown in Figure 7, must be seated on the edges of the air passage 3.3, as can be seen in Figure 6B. Then, the biological air filtration device 5 must be pressure-mounted in the hollow body of the air filter receptacle 3.2, as indicated by arrow Y in Figure 6B. (043) At the end of the assembly, the biological air filtration device 5 will be fully inserted inside the hollow body of the air filter receptacle 3.2, with the filtered air duct 5.3 of the biological air filtration device 5 seated on the recess 3.5, as shown in Figure 6C. (044) Preferably, the press-fitting of the biological air filtration device 5 into the hollow body of the air filter receptacle 3.2 should be carried out by interference, in order to ensure that the biological air filtration device 5 will be held in position when in use. Thus, the filter elementbiological air filter 5.4 will be pressed between the edges of the air inlet 5.2 and the inner region of the edges of the air passage 3.3 of the air filter receptacle 3.2. (045) Furthermore, the interference assembly also helps to prevent the possibility of unfiltered ambient air passing into the carton package, which could occur through spaces that could exist between the body of the biological air filtration device 5 and the inner edge of the air passage 3.3 of the air filter receptacle 3.2 of the base element 3. A primary seal is then formed to prevent the passage of unfiltered air into the carton package, as depicted in Figure 8, which depicts a front cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by line C–C of the closing device 1 depicted in Figure 6C. (046) Once the biological air filtration device 5 has been assembled in the air filter receptacle 3.2, the closing device 1 will then beready to be applied to a carton package that can be used in a closed system for enteral nutrition, for administration of an enteral product to a patient. (047) Figures 9A, 9B and 9C are perspective views that depict a sequence of applying glue to the closure device 1, so that it can be applied to a carton package. Note that the closure devices 1 are depicted in an inverted position, in which the lower region of the base elements 3 are facing upwards. (048) This is the position in which the closure devices 1 are provided to a capping equipment, which is usually installed in sequence to the equipment for forming carton packages and filling them with the product, hereinafter referred to simply as product filling equipment. This equipment is not depicted in the Figures. (049) Packages coming from the product filling equipment are conveyed to the equipmentcap applicator, in which closing devices 1 are applied to the packages. (050) A glue applicator 6 can be observed, which is a component part of the cap applicator equipment. This glue applicator 6 applies a quantity of glue 6.1 to the lower region of the base element 3 of each closing device 1. The glue 6.1 is continuously applied around the product passage 3.4 of the base element 3, until a closed glue circuit is formed, as depicted in Figure 9C, in this case in the shape of a circle. (051) It is noted that the lower region of the base element 3 of the closing device 1 depicted in Figures 9A, 9B and 9C is provided with internal projections 3.7 and external projections 3.8. The glue 6.1 is applied to the portions of the lower region of the base element 3 between the internal projections 3.7 and external projections 3.8, which serve as limiters to prevent the glue 6.1 from overflowing beyond the area of ​​the lower region of thebase element 3 comprised between them. (052) This step of applying glue 6.1 around the product passage 3.4 is repeated successively for each closing device 1 that is provided to the aforementioned capping equipment. (053) In the step following the application of glue 6.1, closing devices 1 are successively applied to packages 7, by means of pressure, as schematically depicted by arrow R in Figure 10. (054) The pressure exerted on the closing devices 1 causes a radial spreading effect of the glue 6.1, as can be seen in Figure 11, which ensures that the closing device 1 is strongly adhered to the package 7, as depicted in Figure 11. (055) In addition to ensuring that the closing devices 1 are strongly adhered to the packages 7, the aforementioned radial spreading of the glue 6.1 also forms a seal between the closing devices 1 and the packages 7, whichprevents the formation of inlets of unfiltered ambient air into the interior of the packages 7. (056) If the spreading effect of the glue 6.1 did not occur due to the compression effect of the closing devices 1 on the body of the packages 7, air inlets could be formed between the lower region of the base element 3 and the region of the carton package to which the closing device was glued. (057) For this reason, it is necessary to use a substantial amount of glue 6.1 to glue the closing devices 1 to the packages 7, to ensure that the glue 6.1 will occupy the entire space between the closing devices 1 and the packages 7, to prevent the formation of air inlets between the closing devices 1 and the body of the packages 7. (058) Even if the internal projections 3.7 and external projections 3.8 operate to limit the presence of glue 6.1 in the regions between them, small overflows may still occur6.2 of glue 6.1 beyond these internal projections 3.7 and external projections 3.8, due to the substantial amount of glue 6.1 applied to the closure devices 1, as indicated in Figure 11. (059) Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view depicting the carton package 7 of Figure 11 shown in a section made along the plane indicated by line E-E in Figure 11. It is clearly noted that the glue 6.1 has spread radially after the closure device 1 has been applied by pressure to the carton package 7. In particular, it is noted that the glue 6.1 has also fully covered the biological air filtration device 5, which, for this reason, does not appear in Figure 12. (060) This is a remarkable feature of the present invention, since the complete covering with glue 6.1 of the biological air filtration device 5 forms a secondary seal, to ensure that only air will pass to the interior of the package. cardboard 7 through the conduit offiltered air 5.3. That is, only air that has been properly filtered in the biological air filtration device 5 will be admitted into the carton package 7, through the filtered air duct 5.3. (061) Thus, when the closing device 1 is in use, applied to a carton package used in a closed system for enteral nutrition, as the product inside the carton package 7 is administered to a patient, ambient air will pass through the air passage 3.3 of the air filter receptacle 3.2 and through the air inlet 5.2 and will then be filtered in the biological filter element 5.4, and then be conducted through the filtered air duct 5.3 into the carton package to which the closing device 1 was applied. (062) Figures 13 to 17 depict in more detail this secondary seal of the biological air filtration device 5. (063) Figure 13 depicts a top perspective view of a closure device 1 applied toa carton package 7. Note that the lid 2 of the closing device 1 is in the open position, and reveals the female connector ENPlus 3.1 of the base element 3. (064) Figure 14 is a top perspective view in section taken along the plane indicated by the line F–F in ​​Figure 13, and Figure 15 depicts a top perspective view of the detail indicated by the letter T in Figure 14. It can be seen in these two Figures that the biological air filtration device 5 has occupied a large part of the hollow interior of the air filter receptacle body 3.2. (065) It can be seen in Figures 14 and 15 that the space in the hollow interior of the air filter receptacle body 3.2 that was not occupied by the biological air filtration device 5 formed an empty space 3.6, which was completely filled with glue 6.1 when the closing device 1 was applied to the carton package 7. (066) Figure 16 is a top perspective view in section along the plane indicated by line G–Gof Figure 13, and Figure 17 depicts a top perspective view of the detail indicated by the letter S in Figure 16. It can be seen in these two Figures that in addition to the empty space 3.6 having been filled with glue 6.1, the region located between the filtered air duct 5.3 and the lower region of the base element 3 was also filled with glue 6.1, as depicted in more detail in Figure 17. (067) As can be seen from the description above, the use of glue 6.1 to fill all the space not occupied by the body of the biological air filtration device 5 inside the air filter receptacle 3.2 forms a very effective secondary seal to seal any spaces that may form between the body of the carton package 7 and the base element 3 of the closing device 1. No matter how small these spaces are, they are filled with glue 6.1. (068) Consequently, the possibility of unfiltered ambient air passing into theinside of the carton package 7 as a result of the combination of the primary seal, provided by the press-fitting of the body of the biological air filtration device 5 inside the air filter receptacle 3.2, with the secondary seal, formed by the adhesive coating 6.1 of the biological air filtration device 5 in the empty space 3.6 in the hollow body of the air filter receptacle 3.2 that was not occupied by the biological air filtration device 5. (069) This is clear when observing in Figures 15 and 17 the press-fitting 3.9 of the body of the biological air filtration device 5 inside the air filter receptacle 3.2, to form the primary seal. And it is clearly noted that the glue 6.1 filled all the empty space 3.6 inside the air filter receptacle 3.2, creating the secondary seal, thus preventing any passage of unfiltered air into the carton packaging 7. (070) As seen, another relevant aspect toIt should be mentioned that the formation of this secondary seal also prevents any unfiltered air from passing into the carton package 7 through the pressure fitting region 3.9, or in any other contact region between the body of the package 7 and the lower region of the base element 3, since the glue 6.1 will seal any space that may be formed, however small. (071) As previously mentioned, the biological filter element 5.4 only allows the passage of filtered air into the carton package 7, but does not allow the passage of the liquid product inside the carton package to the outside. (072) Figure 18 reveals an alternative configuration of a biological air filtration device which basically comprises an upper opening for the passage of ambient air, to be filtered, which inside the body communicates with a filtered air duct. A biological filter element, not shown in Figure 18, is installed betweenthe upper body and the lower body of the biological air filtration device, as will be seen in more detail below. (073) The only difference between this biological air filtration device 15 and the previously described biological air filtration device 5 is that the filtered air duct of the biological air filtration device depicted in Figure 18 provides the entry of a larger volume of filtered air into the carton package 7. (074) Figure 19 depicts the assembly sequence of a second embodiment of manufacturing and assembling the biological air filtration device 15, which comprises a lower body 15.1, an upper body 15.2, and a filtered air duct 15.3. It can be seen in the region of Figure 19 identified by (a) that both the lower body 15.1 and the upper body 15.2 are provided with openings whose dimensions are substantially identical. After assembling the biological air filtration device 15these openings of substantially identical dimensions will form an opening 15.5 for the passage of ambient air, as will be seen below. (075) In the region of Figure 19 identified by (a), it is also observed that the upper region of the lower body 15.1 is provided with a prominent portion 15.6, whose external cross-sectional dimensions are smaller than the external cross-sectional dimensions of the lower body 15.1. The internal lower region of the upper body 15.2 is provided with an internal lower cut-out 15.7, whose internal cross-sectional dimensions are substantially identical to the external dimensions of the prominent portion 15.6 of the lower body 15.1. (076) At the beginning of the assembly of the biological air filtration device 15, a filtering element 15.4 is placed on the prominent portion 15.6 of the lower body 15.1, as depicted in the region of Figure 19 identified by (b). Then, the inner lower cutout 15.7 of the upper body 15.2 is fitted into the prominent portion 15.6 of the bodylower body 15.1, as depicted in the region of Figure 19 identified by (b). (077) Preferably, this fit is by interference, to ensure that the filtering element 15.4 is firmly retained between the upper body 15.2 and the lower body 15.1, as depicted in the region of Figure 19 identified by (c). (078) Once this fitting operation is completed, the biological air filtration device 15 will be ready to be applied to a closing device 1. Mutatis mutandis, the assembly sequence of the biological air filtration device 15 inside the hollow of the air filter receptacle 3.2 of the base element 3 is identical to that described previously, as depicted in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C. (079) Consequently, the application of glue 6.1 to adhere the closing device 1 to the carton package 7 will provide the same effect of preventing the possibility of any unfiltered air entering the interior of the package.carton 7, as previously described. (080) In the region of Figure 19 identified by (d), a perspective view is observed, in a section made by the plane L - L indicated in the region of Figure 19 identified by (c). Note the filtering element 15.4 properly installed, pressed between the upper body 15.2 and the lower body 15.1 of the biological air filtration device 15. (081) Figure 20 depicts the assembly sequence of a second embodiment of manufacturing and assembling the biological air filtration device, identified by the numeral 25, which comprises a lower body 25.1, an upper body 25.2 and a filtered air duct 25.3. Note in the region of Figure 20 identified by (a) that both the lower body 25.1 and the upper body 25.2 are provided with openings whose dimensions are substantially identical. After assembling the biological air filtration device 25, these openings will form an opening (25.5) for the passage of air.of ambient air, as will be seen later. (082) In the region of Figure 20 identified by (a), it is also observed that there is a tilting joint 25.7 between the lower body 25.1 and the upper body 25.2, and consequently the upper body 25.2 can tilt around the tilting joint 25.7, towards the lower body 25.1, as indicated by the curved arrow A in the region of Figure 20 identified by (a). (083) It is observed in this same region (a) of Figure 20 that the lower internal part of the upper body 25.2 is provided with a descending portion 25.6 whose external dimensions and shape are substantially identical to the internal dimensions and shape of the opening existing in the lower body 25.1. (084) At the beginning of the assembly of the biological air filtration device 25, a filter element 25.4 is placed on the upper region of the lower body 25.1, as depicted in the region of Figure 19 identified by (b). It can be seen in this region of Figure 19 identified by (b) that the elementfilter 25.4 has dimensions larger than the cross-section of the upper region of the lower body 25.1. (085) Next, the upper body 25.2 is tilted around the tilting joint 25.7, towards the lower body 25.1, as indicated by the curved arrow A in the region of Figure 19 identified by (b), so that the upper body 25.2 is fitted inside the opening in the body of the biological air filtration device 25. As this tilting movement of the upper body 25.2 occurs, the filter element 25.4 will be pushed into the opening in the body of the biological air filtration device 25. (086) At the end of this tilting movement, the openings in the lower body 25.1 and in the upper body 25.2 will be aligned, forming an opening for the passage of ambient air 25.5, and the filter element 25.4 will be properly installed in its operational position. (087) Thus, the biological air filtration device 25 will be ready to be applied to aclosing device 1. Mutatis mutandis, the assembly sequence of the biological air filtration device 25 inside the hollow of the air filter receptacle 3.2 of the base element 3 is identical to that described previously, as depicted in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C. (088) Consequently, the application of glue 6.1 so that the closing device 1 is adhered to the carton package 7 will provide the same effect of preventing the possibility of the formation of eventual inlets of unfiltered air into the carton package 7, as described previously. (089) In the region of Figure 20 identified by (d) a perspective view is observed, in a section taken along plane A-A depicted in the region of Figure 20 identified by (c). It is noted that the filter element 25.4 has been properly installed, pressed between the upper body 25.2 and the lower body 25.1 of the biological air filtration device 25. (090) Obviously, modifications canbe carried out in the embodiments of the biological air filtration devices (5-15-25) previously described, following the basic concept of using as a sealing element the glue used to adhere the closure device to the packaging. Therefore, the biological air filtration device is not limited to these three embodiments previously described. (091) Figures 21A and 21B depict the sequence of insertion of a device 4 into a female connector 3.1 of a closure device according to the invention. For mere illustrative purposes, the device 4 is provided with a male connector 4.1 of the ENPlus type, provided with a threaded cap 4.2. Consequently, the female connector 3.1 is a threaded female connector of the ENPlus type. It is reiterated that other types of connectors can be used. (092) The male connector 4.1 ENPlus must be inserted into the female connector 3.1 ENPlus of the closure device 1, as indicated by the arrow M in Figure 21A. Then the screw cap 4.2 must bescrewed into the female connector 3.1 ENPlus, as indicated by the helical arrow D in Figure 21B. (093) As can be seen in Figure 22, when connected to the female connector 3.1 ENPlus, the male connector 4.1 ENPlus caused the rupture of the aluminum layer 7.1 of the carton package 7. Consequently, the carton package 7 will be ready to be used in a closed system for enteral nutrition. (094) Since the rupture of the aluminum layer 7.1 of the carton package 7 by the male connector 4.1 ENPlus may not generate a significant space for the passage of air entering the interior of the carton package 7, through the filtered air duct 5.3, the closing device 1 can additionally be provided with a widening element 3.10, as shown in Figures 23, 24A and 24B. (095) Figure 23 shows a bottom perspective view of the closing device 1, with the lid 2 open. Note that the widening element 3.10 comprises an elongated body that is affixed to the edgeinternal part of the product passage 3.4 of the base element 3. The elongated body of the widening element 3.10 is flexible, which allows it to flex towards the inside of the carton package 7 when it is touched by the tip of the male connector 4.1 ENPlus. (096) Figure 24A depicts a male connector 4.1 ENPlus before being inserted into the female connector ENPlus 3.1, as indicated by the arrow U in the Figure. When the male connector 4.1 ENPlus is inserted into the female connector ENPlus 3.1, at a certain instant the tip of the male connector 4.1 ENPlus will touch the widening element 3.10. (097) Since the body of the widening element 3.10 is flexible, it will then begin to flex towards the inside of the carton package 7. This will cause a separation e2 of the aluminum layer 7.1 in relation to the male connector 4.1 ENPlus. It can also be seen in Figure 24B that this clearance e2 has a larger dimension than the dimension of the clearance e1 on the opposite side of the 4.1 ENPlus male connector, as a result of thebase element 3 of closing device 1 would only have been provided with one widening element 3.10, as shown in Figure 24B. (098) If base element 3 had been provided with another widening element, located opposite widening element 3.10, this second widening element would provide the same effect of creating a larger spacing between aluminum layer 7.1 and male connector 4.1 ENPlus. In this case, spacings e1 and e2 would be of similar dimensions. (099) Evidently, modifications can be made to the embodiment of widener 3.10 previously described, following the basic concept of using the widener as an element to move the aluminum layer and plastic layers of the packaging away from the connector used in the equipment. Therefore, the widener is not limited to the embodiments described previously. (0100) Figure 25A depicts a carton package 7 in the position in which it is used in a closed system for enteral nutrition. Note that theThe carton package 7 is in an inverted position, held by a handle 7.2, with the closing device 1 facing downwards and connected to a set 4, as shown in detail Y of Figure 25A, and depicted on a larger scale in Figure 25B. It can be seen that the screwed cap 4.2 of the set 4 has been properly screwed onto the threaded female connector ENPlus 3.1 of the base element 3. (0101) Figure 26 depicts an embodiment of a second closing device 11 according to the precepts of the invention, which comprises a cap 12 and a base element 13. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 26, the base element 13 comprises a body that surrounds the through hole drilled in the structural layer of cardboard paper in which the carton package is manufactured, as previously mentioned. The only difference compared to the closure device 1 described previously concerns the provision of a female lancet connector 13.1 on the base element 13. A product passage13.4 is provided on the female lancet connector 13.1 and serves to receive the tip of a male lancet connector 14.1 of a device 14, the latter being depicted in Figure 27. (0102) Thus, mutatis mutandis, the base element 13 of the closing device 11 is provided with all the other elements described in relation to the previously described closing device 1, namely, an air filter receptacle 13.2, an air passage 13.3, a product passage 13.4. For the sake of drawing simplification, these elements may not be represented in the Figures, however, due to the similarity of these elements not represented in the Figures with elements of the previously described closing device 1, the function of these elements not represented in the Figures will be evident. (0103) The biological air filtration device 15 used in this closing device 11 is basically the same as that used in the closing device 1 of the previously described embodiment. Mutatis mutandis,the assembly sequence of the biological air filtration device 15 inside the hollow of the air filter receptacle 3.2 of the base element 3 is identical to that described previously, as depicted in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C. (0104) Figure 28A depicts the beginning of the fitting of the tip of the male lancet connector 14.1 into the product passage 13.4 of the female lancet connector 13.1, as indicated by arrow N in the Figure. Figure 28B depicts the male lancet connector 14.1 already connected to the female lancet connector 13.1. (0105) This type of equipment provided with a lancet connector has the advantage of being lower cost, which may be relevant for users who receive enteral nutritional nutrition through a closed system in a home environment. Due to the high frequency of use of equipment by these users, the lower cost of the equipment can represent substantial savings. (0106) Figures 29A and 29B depict an embodiment of a third closing device 21 which has the feature ofbe provided with a base element 23 that contains two connectors for equipment, namely, a female threaded connector ENPlus 3.1 and a female lancet connector 29. Mutatis mutandis, the other constituent elements of the closing device 21 are the same elements previously described in relation to the first closing device 1. For this reason, these other component elements will not be described again. (0107) This characteristic of the closing device 21 being provided with two connectors provides great flexibility for the use of carton packaging in closed systems for enteral nutrition, as it allows users to choose which type of equipment to be used, according to their convenience. (0108) Figures 30A, 30B and 30C depict in perspective the sequence of insertion of a male connector ENPlus 4.1 of a device 4 into a female threaded connector ENPlus 3.1 of a base element 23 of the closing device 21. (0109) In Figure 30A the male connector ENPlus4.1 is about to be inserted into the threaded ENPlus 3.1 female connector, as indicated by the arrow X. In Figure 30B the ENPlus 4.1 male connector has already been inserted into the threaded ENPlus 3.1 female connector, with the cap 4.2 of the ENPlus 4.1 male connector properly screwed onto the thread of the ENPlus 3.1 female connector. And Figure 30C depicts a bottom perspective view of the ENPlus 4.1 male connector inserted into the ENPlus 3.1 female connector. (0110) Figures 31A, 31B and 31C depict in perspective the sequence of insertion of a male lancet connector 14.1 of a set into a female lancet connector 23 threaded on a base element 23 of the closure device 21. (0111) In Figure 31A the male lancet connector 14.1 is about to be inserted into the female lancet connector 23, as indicated by arrow Q. In Figure 31B the male lancet connector 14.1 has already been inserted into the female lancet connector 23. And Figure 31C depicts a bottom perspective view of the male lancet connector 14.1 inserted into the connectorfemale lancet 23. (0112) The present invention has been described in relation to exemplary embodiments. Modifications or substitutions may be introduced without, however, altering the inventive concept described and disclosed in this report. For example, Figures 32A, 32B and 32C depict an embodiment of a closure device 31 comprising a lid 32 and a base element 33. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 32A, 32B and 32C, the base element 33 comprises a body that surrounds the through hole drilled in the structural layer of cardboard paper in which the carton package is manufactured, as previously mentioned. (0113) The closing device 31 is similar to the closing devices 1 and 11 previously described, with the difference that it is provided with a biological air filtration device 35 that is injected together with the base element 33 of the closing device 31. This biological air filtration device 35 may have theconfiguration similar to any of the biological air filtration devices 5 and 15 previously described, with the particularity of being injected together with the base element 33 of the closing device 31, as previously mentioned. (0114) Thus, mutatis mutandis, the base element 33 of the closing device 31 is provided with all the other elements described in relation to the closing devices 1 and 11 previously described, namely, an air filter receptacle 33.2, an air passage 33.3, a product passage 33.4. For the sake of drawing simplification, these elements may not be represented in the Figures; however, due to the similarity of these elements not represented in the Figures with elements of the closing devices 1 and 11 previously described, the function of these elements not represented in the Figures will be evident. (0115) As observed in Figure 32A, the closing device 31 is also provided with a lid 32, similarto the covers of the previously described closing devices 1 and 11. A connector 33.1 for equipment is also provided to the base element 33, as seen in Figure 32A. (0116) Figure 32A shows the biological air filtration device 35 in an inclined position relative to the base element 33. The hollow body 35.1 of the biological air filtration device 35 is joined to the base element 33 via one of its edges, which enables the biological air filtration device 35 to tilt toward the air filter receptacle 33.2 of the base element 33 of the closing device 31. It can be seen in Figure 32A that a biological filter element 35.4 is about to be adhered to the hollow body 35.1 of the biological air filtration device 35. (0117) Figure 32B the biological filter element 35.4 has already been adhered to the hollow body 35.1 of the biological air filtration device 35, and the latter begins a tilting movement toward theair filter receptacle 33.2 of base element 33, as indicated by arrow U. (0118) In Figure 32C, the biological air filtration device 35 has already been properly fitted into the air filter receptacle 33.2 of base element 33, and consequently the closing device 31 is ready to be applied to a carton package used in closed systems for enteral nutrition. (0119) When the closing device 31 is applied to a carton package used in closed systems for enteral nutrition, the glue used to adhere the closing device 31 to the package will ensure the sealing of the aforementioned fitting, and thus only air filtered into the biological air filtration device 35 would enter the package. (0120) The operation of assembling the biological air filtration device 35 into the air filter receptacle 33.2 of base element 33 is carried out in the factory, using equipment dedicated to this operation, a note also valid forthe assembly of the previously described biological air filtration devices 5 and 15 in their respective air filter receptacles 3.2 and 13.2. (0121) The invention also provides for the possibility of the biological air filtration device and the air filter receptacle being assembled in the factory to form a single piece, and in this case the base element would be provided with a slot adapted to receive and fit this single piece, an operation also carried out in the factory. (0122) Figures 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D depict an embodiment of a closure device 41. Figure 33A depicts the closure device 41 provided with a lid 42 and a base member 43. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 33A, 33B and 33C the base member 43 comprises a body that encloses the through-hole drilled in the structural paperboard layer from which the carton is manufactured, as mentioned previously. A connector 43.1 for equipment is also provided to the closure member.base 43, as seen in Figure 33A. (0123) Closing device 41 is similar to closing devices 1, 11 and 31 previously described, with the difference that closing device 41 is provided with a slot 44. (0124) Thus, mutatis mutandis, base element 13 of closing device 11 is provided with all other elements described in relation to closing devices 1, 11 and 31 previously described. For drawing simplification, these elements may not be represented in the Figures, however, due to the similarity of these elements not represented in the Figures with elements of closing devices 1, 11 and 31 previously described, the function of these elements not represented in the Figures will be evident. (0125) In the present embodiment, a biological air filtration device 45 is fitted into an air filter receptacle 43.2 to form an assembly that is fitted into the slot 44 of the base member 43, as depicted inFigure 33B. This assembly is in two positions in Figure 33B, to allow viewing of its upper portion, which is open and provided with a biological filter element, and its lower portion, which is closed, which is the lower part of the air filter receptacle 43.2. This biological air filtration device 45 may have a similar configuration to any of the biological air filtration devices 5 and 15 previously described. (0126) As indicated by arrow V in Figure 33B, said assembly formed by the biological air filtration device and the air filter receptacle 43.2 must be fitted into the slot 44 of the base element 43, so that the open part of this single piece is in the upper portion of the base element 43, where the connector 43.1 is located, as depicted in Figures 33C and 33D, which are top and bottom views of the closing device already provided with the biological air filtration device 45 formed by the hollow body 45.1 of thebiological air filtration device and air filter receptacle 43.2. (0127) The fit of the biological air filtration device 45 formed by the hollow body 45.1 of the biological air filtration device and the air filter receptacle 43.2 is carried out so as to promote a rigid connection of the biological air filtration device 45 to the base element 43, forming a primary seal. (0128) The assembly of the hollow body 45.1 of the biological air filtration device and the air filter receptacle 43.2 is carried out in the factory, using equipment dedicated to this operation, as is the aforementioned operation of fitting the assembly of the biological air filtration device and the air filter receptacle 43.2 into the slot 44 of the base element 43. (0129) When the closing device 41 is applied to a carton package used in closed systems for enteral nutrition, the glue applied to promotethe adhesion of the closing device 41 to the package will ensure the sealing of the aforementioned fitting, forming a secondary seal, and thus only air filtered by the biological air filtration device 45 would enter the package. (0130) Figure 34A depicts a carton package 98 in an inverted position, as used in closed systems for enteral nutrition, with a closing device 96 facing downwards. A handle 99 is affixed to the body of the package, and a fitting hole is provided in the upper region of the handle 99, to be fitted into a support 100, to keep the package 98 hanging in the position depicted in Figure 34A. A lid 97.3 of an enteral nutritional feeding equipment 97 is observed connected to the respective connector on the connector for enteral nutritional feeding equipment. (0131) Figure 34B depicts a cross-sectional view of the carton package 58 taken through the plane indicated by H-H in Figure 4D. Note that part of the liquid product 58d containedin the carton package 58 has already been administered to a patient, after the tip of a connector of the equipment 7 broke the aluminum layer and the plastic layers covering the passage hole 58a, as is well known in the art. (0132) Figure 34C shows an enlargement of the region surrounded by ellipse K in Figure 34B. Only the tip 97a of the connector of the equipment 97 is shown in Figure 34B. The arrow S shown in Figure 34B indicates the path followed by the liquid product to pass through the interior of the connector of the equipment 97. It can be seen in the Figure that the liquid product passes through the space between the tip 97a of the connector 97 and the aluminum layer 98a that was broken by the tip 97a, together with the plastic layers. (0133) Also depicted in Figure 34C is a mass of glue 96c used to adhere the closure device 96 to the carton package 98. It will be seen that the lower region of the base element of the closure device 96 is provided with an interior projection 96b, whichserves to limit the radial expansion of the glue mass 96c when the closure device 96 is compressed against the body of the carton package 98, to promote adhesion between them, as is well known in the art. (0134) The arrows T depicted in Figure 34C indicate the contact of the liquid product with the edge 98b of the through-hole in the carton paper layer. It is observed how the liquid product is in permanent contact with the edge 98b of the through-hole in the carton paper layer of the carton package 98. Since there is no seal at the edge 98b of the through-hole. Consequently, there will be absorption of the liquid product by the carton paper layer of the carton package 98, since there is no seal at this edge of the through-hole in the carton paper layer. (0135) If the carton package 98 is kept in this inverted position for a longer period of time, during the administration of the enteral product to a patient, a substantial volume of liquid product will beabsorbed by the cardboard layer of the carton package 98, through the edge 98b of the through hole. (0136) As a result of this absorption of liquid product through the edge of the through hole in the cardboard layer of the carton package 98, a loss of rigidity of this structural layer of cardboard paper may occur in this region around the through hole, and as a result, the adhesion of the closing device 96 to the body of the package 98 will be impaired, with disastrous consequences. (0137) In this case, the closing device 96 could even detach from the package 98, and, consequently, all the product still contained in the carton package 98 would be spilled through the through hole, which was left completely open with the detachment of the closing device 96. (0138) It is commented that even if there were only a small absorption of liquid product through the edge of the through hole drilled in the cardboard layer of the packagecarton 98, as the through-hole is usually located on the upper face of carton 98, very close to the region of the packaging's closing weld, the liquid product absorbed through the edge of the through-hole in the cardboard paper layer of carton 98 could spread to the edge of the cardboard paper layer, in the region of the packaging's closing weld, a very short distance. Consequently, spillage of the liquid product would occur through this edge of the cardboard paper layer in the region of the packaging's closing weld. (0139) To show the technical effect of coating the edge of the through-hole with glue, Figures 35 and 36 show situations in which this effect does not occur when a closing device known in the prior art is used, and when this effect occurs when a closing device according to the present invention is used. (0140) Figure 35 depicts a closing device 70known in the art applied to a package 74, which comprises a lid 71 and a base element 72. The closure device 70 depicted in Figure 35 is intended for application to a carton package used in closed systems for enteral nutrition, but does not incorporate the technical concepts disclosed in the present invention. (0141) Figure 36 depicts a closure device 60 applied to a package 64, which incorporates the technical concepts disclosed in the present invention, intended for application to a carton package used in closed systems for enteral nutrition. (0142) In Figures 35 and 36, the closure devices 70 and 60 are shown detached from their respective packages. For the sake of drawing simplification, the packages and the closure devices are partially depicted, so that the glue portions 73 and 63 used to attach the closure devices 70 and 60 to the respective packages 74 and 64 are visible in both Figures, asdepicted in Figures. (0143) Figure 35 shows the edge 74A of a through hole drilled in the cardboard layer of the carton package. Figure 35 also shows a portion 74c of the aluminum layer 74b that has been broken to open the package. Since the edge 74a of the through hole in the cardboard layer is not provided with any type of seal, consequently, there will be absorption of liquid product stored in the package when this product comes into contact with the edge 74a of the through hole. This would certainly occur if the carton package were used in closed systems for enteral nutrition, in which the package operates in an inverted position, with the closure device facing downwards. (0144) The closure device 60, depicted in Figure 36, comprises a lid 61 and a base element 62, the latter provided with a female connector for a set used in closed systems for enteral nutrition, not depicted.in Figure 36. For descriptive purposes only, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 36 the lid is of the tilting type, hinged to the base element 62. However, other types of lid may be employed. (0145) Also depicted in Figure 36 is a portion 64b of the aluminum layer 64a that has been broken by the tip of a male connector of the aforementioned equipment, an operation necessary for the package 64 to be opened. The closing device 60 is applied and adhered to the package 64 by means of a portion of glue 69, as depicted in Figure 36. (0146) The lower external region of the base element 62 is provided with an internal limiting shoulder 62a and an external limiting shoulder 62b, which, in the closing device 60 depicted in Figure 36, have the shape of concentric circles, as can be seen in Figure 36, but are not limited to this geometric shape. (0147) According to the technical concepts of the present invention, the region of the base element (22,26c)where the inner limiting shoulder 62a of the closing device 60 is located radially closer to the geometric center of the through hole drilled in the paperboard layer than the edge of this through hole drilled in the paperboard layer, which means that the diameter of the circumference of the hole drilled in the paperboard layer of the package 64 is greater than the diameter of the region of the base element 62 where the inner limiting shoulder 62a is located. (0148) A glue deposition equipment deposited the aforementioned glue portion 63 on the region between the inner limiting shoulder 62a and the outer limiting shoulder 62b. Since the inner limiting shoulder 62a of the closing device 60 is located radially closer to the geometric center of the through hole, consequently the inner limiting shoulder 62a is located in a position radially more internal than the location of the edgeof the through-hole drilled in the paperboard layer. (0149) Thus, when the closure device 60 is applied by pressure to the package 64, the pressure exerted by the closure device applicator equipment will cause the glue portion 63 to spread radially and be deposited on the region comprised between the internal limiting shoulder 62a and the external limiting shoulder 62b, both in the inward and outward direction relative to the center of the closure device 60. (0150) Consequently, the glue portion 63 that extends radially in the inward direction relative to the center of the closure device 60 will go beyond the edge of the through-hole in the paperboard layer, towards the geometric center of the through-hole, until the glue portion 63 is contained by the internal limiting shoulder 63a. As a result, the glue portion 63 will cover the edge of the through-hole, starting to operate as a sealing element of theedge of the through hole drilled in the carton paper layer, as seen in Figure 36. (0151) Since it may happen that the aluminum layer and the other plastic layers that cover it are not well stretched, after the carton package has been formed in a liquid product packaging equipment, the present invention provides for the possibility of the longitudinal dimension of the internal limiting shoulder 62a being greater than the thickness of the edge of the through hole drilled in the carton paper layer, in order to stretch the aluminum layer. With this, the longitudinal dimension of the internal limiting shoulder 62a is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the external limiting shoulder 62b. (0152) This larger longitudinal dimension of the internal limiting shoulder 62a must be sufficiently designed to only cause the stretching of the aluminum layer and the plastic layers that cover it, without the physical integrity of these layers being compromised. (0153) With thispossibility that the longitudinal dimension of the internal limiting shoulder 62a is greater than the thickness of the edge of the through hole drilled in the cardboard layer, it is then clear that the internal limiting shoulder 62a also serves as a tensioning element for the aluminum layer, which will facilitate the operation of cutting this layer when it is necessary to break it, to open the package and allow its contents to be poured. (0154) This tensioning effect of the aluminum layer is more relevant to facilitate the cutting of the aluminum layer when the closing device is provided with a rotary cutting element, which is not the case with the male connector of the equipment that pierced the aluminum layer of the package in Figure 36. (0155) Comparing Figure 35 with Figure 36, it is clear that the difference between the closing device 70 of Figure 35 and the closing device 60 of the invention, depicted in Figure 36, is that the closing device 60 comprises abase element 62 whose inner diameter is smaller than the diameter of the through hole drilled in the package 64. (0156) It can be seen in Figure 36 that the distance t1 in the base element 62 of the closing device 60, measured between the inner shoulder 63a and the outer shoulder 63b, is greater than the distance t2 in the base element 72 of the closing device 70, measured between the inner shoulder 72a and the outer shoulder 72b, as a consequence of the internal limiting shoulder 63a being located radially in a position closer to the geometric center of the through hole, as depicted in Figure 35. (0157) It can be seen in Figure 35 a portion of glue 43 that did not exceed the edge 74a of the through hole drilled in the cardboard layer of the package 74. As a result, the cardboard layer of the package will absorb the product contained in the package, through the edge 74a of the through hole drilled in the cardboard layer, a situation that occurs in all devicesclosing devices used in carton packages used in closed systems for enteral nutrition. (0158) Note in Figure 36 a portion of glue 63 with a greater radial dimension than the radial dimension of the portion of glue 73 shown in Figure 35. This occurs because the region of the base element 62 where the internal limiting projection 62a is located has been extended radially towards the geometric center of the closing device 60, so that the portion of glue 63 can seal the edge of the through hole in the cardboard paper layer, as previously described. (0159) Figure 37 depicts the package 74 of Figure 35 in a situation in which absorption of the liquid product has already occurred through the edge of the through hole drilled in the cardboard paper layer, as indicated in the Figure by the indicative numeral 78. It is observed that this absorption 78 of liquid product reached the edge of the cardboard paper layer in the region of the closing weld of the package 74,indicated by arrows W. (0160) In this situation, in addition to the loss of liquid product through the edge of the cardboard layer, in the region of the packaging sealing weld, there will also be the possibility of bacterial contamination of the liquid product contained inside the packaging 74. (0161) This contamination would occur through the edge of the cardboard layer in the region of the packaging sealing weld, then passing through the absorption 78 of liquid product in the cardboard layer, and finally reaching the interior of the packaging through the edge of the through hole drilled in the cardboard layer. In most cases, patients using enteral nutrition are in a weakened health condition, with low immune resistance, and, if such contamination were to occur, this would place the patient at great risk of worsening their health conditions. (0162) Although the invention has been described in detail in relation to a device forclosure developed to be applied to a carton package used in closed systems for enteral nutrition, it was realized that the invention is not limited to this type of closure device. As shown, the invention can also be embodied in a device for automatically opening carton packages, which is provided with a means for cutting or perforating the aluminum layer in the region of the hole drilled in the cardboard layer of the material from which the package is manufactured. (0163) In this case, the appropriate modifications will be made to the lid and the base element, to include in the automatic opening device said means for cutting or perforating the aluminum layer in the region of the hole. In addition, the lower external region of the base element of the device for automatically opening carton packages will be provided with an internal limiting projection which will have the same characteristics as the internal limiting projection 62a previously described.described, that is, the diameter of the circumference of the hole drilled in the cardboard layer of the package will be greater than the diameter of the region of the base element where the internal limiting shoulder 62a is located. ADVANTAGES PROVIDED BY THE USE OF THE INVENTION (0164) As mentioned previously, the cost of applying biological filters to closure devices for packages used in closed systems for enteral nutrition is quite high, both by means of ultrasonic welding, the most efficient method, and by means of the use of special glues. This cost can even exceed the cost of manufacturing the other constituent elements of the closure device used in these carton packages for use in closed systems for enteral nutrition. (0165) According to the teachings of the present invention, there is no need to use special devices to ultrasonically weld the biological filter to the base element of the deviceclosure, as well as there is no need to apply special glues for this same purpose, highly costly technical solutions. (0166) The technical solution proposed by the invention solves the problem of reducing the manufacturing costs of closing devices for carton packaging used in closed enteral nutrition systems, in addition to providing a double seal, primary and secondary, to prevent unfiltered ambient air from entering the packaging. (0167) The inventive proposal of the invention that the glue itself used to adhere the closing device to the carton packaging can also be used as a means of fixing and secondary sealing of biological filters applied to packaging closing devices, something not known in the art, substantially reduces the cost of applying these biological filtration devices, in addition to increasing food safety, by preventing unfiltered ambient air from entering the packaging, which could causeproblems for the quality of the product to be administered to patients. (0168) Furthermore, the invention discloses a widening element which, when activated by touching the tip of a male connector connected to the closure device, causes the aluminum layer and the plastic layers of the packaging to separate, allowing a greater flow of filtered air to pass into the packaging, a feature not known in the art for carton packages used in closed enteral nutrition systems. (0169) Additionally, the descriptive report discloses a closure device in accordance with the precepts of the invention, which allows its use with different types of equipment connectors for closed enteral nutrition systems. (0170) Furthermore, the present invention provides for the gluing of the edge of the passage hole of the carton package to prevent absorption of the liquid product by the cardboard layer thatis apparent at the edge of the through hole. (0171) As mentioned previously, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described, but is only limited to the content of the claims accompanying this descriptive report.

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Closing device (1, 11) for carton packaging, which comprises a base element (3, 13) and a lid (2, 12), in which: the upper region of the base element (3, 13) is provided with a female connector (3.1, 13.1) for equipment used in closed systems for enteral nutrition; the base element (3, 13) is provided with a means for biological air filtration; and the lower region of the base element (3, 13) is provided with an internal projection (3.7, 13.7, 33.7) and an external projection (3.8, 13.8) that delimit an area for the application of glue used to adhere the closing device (1, 11) to said carton packaging; the closing device (1,11) being characterized by: said means for biological air filtration comprising a device for biological air filtration (5,15) which is fitted into an air filter receptacle (3.2,13.2) provided in the base element (3,13) for carrying out an assembly of said biological filtration means; and the glue used to adhere the closing device (1,11) to said carton packaging is used as a means of fixing and secondary sealing of the assembly of the biological air filtration device (5,15) in the air filter receptacle (3.2,13.2).

2. Closing device (1,11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting of the biological air filtration device (5,15) in the air filter receptacle (3.2,13.2) provided in the base element (3,13) is carried out by interference, to form a primary seal.

3. Closing device (1,11) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the biological air filtration device (5,15) is provided with a biological filtering element (5.4,15.4). 4.Closing device (31) for carton packaging, which comprises a base element (33) and a lid (32), in which: the upper region of the base element (33) is provided with a female connector (33.1) for equipment used in closed systems for enteral nutrition; the base element (3,13,33) is provided with a means for biological air filtration; and the lower region of the base element (3,13) is provided with an internal projection (3.7,13.7,33.7) and an external projection (3.8,13.8) that delimit an area for the application of glue used to adhere the closing device (1,11) to said carton packaging; the closing device (1, 11) being characterized by: said means for biological air filtration comprising a device for biological air filtration (35) which is fixed in a tilting manner to the upper region of the base element (33), said device for biological air filtration (35) being able to tilt towards a receptacle. 2 / 3 for air filter (33.2) provided in the base element (33), to carry out an assembly of said biological filtration medium; and the glue used to adhere the closing device (31) to said carton package is used as a means of fixing and secondary sealing of the assembly of the biological air filtration device (35) in the air filter receptacle (33.2).

5. Closing device (31) according to claim 4, characterized in that the fitting of the biological air filtration device (35) in the air filter receptacle (33.2) provided in the base element (33) is carried out by interference, to form a primary seal.

6. Closing device (31) according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the biological air filtration device (35) is provided with a biological filter element (35.4). 7.Closing device (41) for a carton package, which comprises a base element (43) and a lid (2), in which: the upper region of the base element (43) is provided with a female connector (43.1) for equipment used in closed systems for enteral nutrition; the lower region of the base element (43) is provided with an internal projection (43.7) and an external projection (43.8) that delimit an area for the application of glue used to adhere the closing device (41) to said carton package; and a means for biological air filtration is provided to the base element (43); the closing device (1, 11) being characterized in that: the base element (43) is provided with a slit (44); said means for biological air filtration comprises a device for biological air filtration (45) which is fitted into an air filter receptacle (43.2), to form an assembly that is fitted into the slot (44) of the base element (43), to perform an assembly of said biological filtration medium and the glue used to adhere the closing device (41) to said carton package is used as a means of fixing and secondary sealing of the assembly of the biological air filtration device (45) in the air filter receptacle (43.2).

8. Closing device (41) according to claim 7, characterized in that the fitting into said slot (44) of said biological air filtration device assembly (45) in the air filter receptacle (43.2) is carried out by interference, forming a primary seal.

9. Closing device (41) according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the biological air filtration device (45) is provided with a biological filter element (45.4). 3 / 3 10. Closing device (60) for application to a carton package (64), said device comprising at least a lid and a base element (62), wherein: the lower external region of the base element (62) is provided with an internal limiting shoulder (62a) and an external limiting shoulder (62b) that define a region for applying a portion of glue (63) used to adhere the closing device (60) to the carton package (64); the carton package (64) is provided with a hole drilled in the cardboard layer of the multilayer material in which the package is manufactured; the closing device (60) is applied to the carton package (64) by applying the portion of glue (63) to said region for applying glue of the base element (62) defined by the internal limiting shoulder (62a) and by the external limiting shoulder (62b); said closing device (60) characterized by: the region of the base element (62) where theinternal limiting projection (62a) of the closing device (60) is located radially closer to the geometric center of the hole drilled in the cardboard layer than the edge of said hole drilled in the cardboard layer, with which the diameter of the region of the base element (62) where the internal limiting projection (62a) is located is smaller than the diameter of the circumference of the hole drilled in the cardboard layer of the packaging (64); and said portion of glue (63) extends beyond the edge of the hole in the cardboard layer, sealing said edge, at the moment in which the closing device (60) is applied to the packaging (64).

11. Closing device (60), according to claim 10, characterized in that the internal limiting projection (62a) serves as a stretching element for the aluminum layer and other plastic layers that cover said hole drilled in the cardboard layer of the packaging (64).

12. Sealing deviceClosing device (20) according to one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the base element (62a) is provided with a connector for engaging with a connector of a device used in closed systems for enteral nutrition. Closing device (26) according to one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the closing device is a device for automatically opening carton packages which is provided with a means for breaking the aluminum layer and plastic layers covering said hole drilled in the cardboard paper layer of the package (4).

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