Container with container neck seal

Abstract

The invention relates to a container with a container neck, wherein, within the container neck, at least a first sealing element and a second sealing element are formed for sealing closure with a hollow cylindrical tip to be inserted into the container neck, wherein the first sealing element and the second sealing element are each continuously open transversely to a longitudinal axis of the container neck and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container neck, wherein at least portions of the first sealing element and the second sealing element differ from each other in terms of their inner diameters.

Description

[0001] Container with a container neck

[0002] SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0003] The invention relates to a container with a container neck.

[0004] Hollow cylindrical tips, particularly in the form of cannulas, are typically used to withdraw medical fluids from a container. These tips are inserted into the container's neck. Maintaining sterility during the withdrawal process is a particular challenge when dealing with aseptically filled or sterilized fluids.

[0005] Containers known from the prior art for storing medical fluids typically have a septum for sealing. However, a disadvantage is that, especially after repeated use, cracks can develop in the septum, increasing the risk of leaks. Furthermore, medical fluids stored in a container with a septum must be sterilized, requiring an additional step. Another disadvantage is that manufacturing such a container requires at least three components: the container itself (including the neck), the septum, and a closure element.

[0006] TASK AND SOLUTION

[0007] The invention aims to provide a container which, in particular, at least partially avoids the disadvantages mentioned at the outset.

[0008] This problem is solved by a container having the features of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. The wording of all claims is hereby expressly incorporated into the description by reference.

[0009] The invention relates to a container with a container neck. The container can be, for example, a bottle, ampoule, or bag. Accordingly, the container neck can be a bottle, ampoule, or bag neck. Preferably, the container is a medical container, i.e., a container for use in medicine. In particular, the container can be a container for medical fluids, especially medical solutions. Preferably, the medical fluids are cleaning or rinsing solutions, especially wound irrigation solutions and / or solutions for bone bed cleaning and / or for removing necrotic tissue. Alternatively, the medical fluids can be infusion solutions, especially solutions for intravenous infusion.In general, medical fluids may contain temperature-sensitive components.

[0010] The container neck can be tapered, in particular conically tapered, or not tapered towards a container body adjoining the container neck, in particular directly or not directly, especially a bottle, ampoule or bag body.

[0011] Within the container neck, at least a first sealing element and a second sealing element are formed for sealing closure with a hollow cylindrical tip to be inserted into the container neck.

[0012] The first sealing element and the second sealing element are each formed transversely, in particular vertically, i.e., perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container neck. Furthermore, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are each continuously open in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container neck. The first sealing element and the second sealing element differ from each other, at least partially, in particular only partially or continuously, i.e., completely along their sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the container neck, with respect to their inner diameter.

[0013] The hollow cylindrical tip has a different outer diameter in certain sections. Preferably, the hollow cylindrical tip tapers, particularly conically, towards a distal end, i.e., an end facing away from or farther from the user. In particular, the hollow cylindrical tip has, and especially at least, a first section with an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the first sealing element, and a second section with an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the second sealing element.

[0014] Furthermore, the hollow cylindrical tip can be connected at a proximal end, i.e., the end facing the user or closer to it, to a tube or a battery housing. The battery housing can be connected, for example, to a jet lavage system, pulse lavage system, or negative pressure wound therapy system. The hollow cylindrical tip is preferably a cannula.

[0015] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "cannula" means a hollow or injection needle designed to penetrate or puncture human or animal tissue. The cannula can generally be blunt. Preferably, one end, preferably a distal end (i.e., one end facing away from or furthest from the user), of the cannula is sharpened with a beveled edge. This advantageously allows a small incision to be made when penetrating the tissue.

[0016] The design of the container neck according to the invention advantageously allows various hollow cylindrical tips, in particular cannulas, of different diameters to be inserted into the container neck while achieving a sufficient seal between the hollow cylindrical tips and the container neck. The use of additional aids for achieving a seal, for example in the form of gaskets or adapters, is not necessary. The self-sealing that occurs when the hollow cylindrical tips are inserted into the container neck helps to maintain the quality of, for example, medical fluids contained in the container, such as sterility. The sealing elements that come into contact with the contents of the container (first sealing element and second sealing element), as well as the hollow cylindrical tips themselves, can thus be kept in a hygienically good condition.Overall, the container according to the invention is very user-friendly due to its design. The special design of the container neck advantageously reduces the risk of incorrect operation (poka-yoke principle).

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are formed independently of each other or each, in particular only sectionally or continuously, along an inner side of the container neck.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first sealing element and the second sealing element together with the container neck are monolithic, i.e. made from one piece.

[0019] Alternatively, the first and second sealing elements can be inserted into the container neck subsequently, particularly after the container or container neck has been formed. In a further embodiment of the invention, the second sealing element is located within the container neck at a shorter distance from the bottom of the container than the first sealing element. Preferably, the second sealing element has a smaller inner diameter than the first sealing element, at least partially, and in particular only partially or continuously.

[0020] In particular, the inner diameter of the first sealing element and / or the inner diameter of the second sealing element, in particular the inner diameter of the first sealing element and the second sealing element respectively, can change at least section by section, in particular only section by section or continuously, in the direction of the bottom of the container, preferably decreasing or tapering.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element, in particular the first sealing element and the second sealing element respectively, are designed in a ring shape.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element, in particular the first sealing element and the second sealing element respectively, are designed in a cuff-like shape.

[0023] Furthermore, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element, in particular the first sealing element and the second sealing element each, may be formed by a narrowing, in particular by a narrowing extending continuously in the circumferential direction or along an inside of the container neck.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first sealing element and the second sealing element each have a first section, a second section, and a third section, wherein the second section is formed, in particular directly or discontinuously, between the first section and the third section. The first section preferably has an inner diameter that decreases or tapers towards the bottom of the container, in particular continuously or discontinuously. In particular, the inner diameter of the first section can decrease or taper linearly or non-linearly towards the bottom of the container. The second section preferably has a constant inner diameter, in particular throughout. The third section preferably has an inner diameter that increases or widens towards the bottom of the container, in particular continuously or discontinuously.The inner diameter of the third section can increase or widen linearly or non-linearly towards the bottom of the container. In particular, the longitudinal sides of the first section and / or third section, especially both the first and third sections, extending towards the longitudinal axis of the container neck, can be concave.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the inner diameter of the first sealing element and the inner diameter of the second sealing element are selected independently of each other from a range of 0.05 mm to 15 mm, in particular 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1 mm to 8 mm.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are formed one above the other within the container neck at a mutual distance of 1% to 100%, in particular 1% to < 100%, in particular 1% to 90%, preferably 10% to 80%, based on a length of the container neck.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are formed one above the other within the container neck at a mutual distance of 1 mm to 100 mm, in particular 1 mm to 50 mm, preferably 2 mm to 30 mm, based on a length of the container neck.

[0028] Furthermore, in addition to the first and second sealing elements, the container can have at least one further sealing element within the container neck, for example, (only) one, two, or three further sealing elements. The at least one further sealing element is also preferably open transversely, and in particular vertically, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container neck and continuously open in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container neck. Furthermore, the at least one further sealing element differs from the first and second sealing elements, at least partially, and in particular only partially or continuously, i.e., completely along its side extending in the longitudinal direction of the container neck, with respect to its inner diameter.The sealing elements within the container neck are preferably arranged or designed one above the other along the longitudinal direction of the container neck in such a way that the inner diameter of the sealing elements decreases towards the bottom of the container or increases towards an opening of the container neck.

[0029] In the context of the present invention, the term "mouth opening" is understood to mean an opening in the container neck from which the contents of the container are extracted by means of a hollow cylindrical tip, such as a cannula. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first sealing element and the second sealing element, as well as the container itself including the container neck, are made of the same material, or the first sealing element and the second sealing element, as well as the container itself including the container neck, are made of the same material.

[0030] Alternatively, the first sealing element and the second sealing element, as well as the container itself including the container neck, may be made of different materials or consist of different materials.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the material is a polymer, in particular a polyolefin. Preferably, the polyolefin is polyethylene, particularly preferably low-density polyethylene, and / or polypropylene.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the container contains a medical fluid, preferably an aseptically filled, germ-free, or sterile medical fluid. The medical fluid may, in particular, be a cleaning or rinsing solution, especially a wound irrigation solution or a solution for bone bed cleaning and / or for removing necrotic tissue. Alternatively, the medical fluid may be an infusion solution, particularly for intravenous infusion.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the container also has a closure element. The closure element closes the container. The closure element can, in particular, be a rotary closure element. Specifically, the container can be opened, or be openable, by turning the closure element, particularly clockwise, by at least 90°.

[0034] Furthermore, the locking element can be designed in particular as a toggle locking element.

[0035] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "toggle closure element" is understood to mean an opening element by means of which containers can be irreversibly opened by a rotational movement, particularly by hand, in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Furthermore, the container preferably cannot be resealed. Alternatively, the container can be closed with a suitable protective cap in an open or unclosed state, or it can be closable to protect the contents from contamination. In a further embodiment of the invention, particularly after removal of the closure element or opening of the container, a rim around the opening of the container neck is provided as a stop surface for the hollow cylindrical tip, in particular a cannula, to be inserted into the container neck.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention, the container is manufactured using a blow-fill-seal process. This advantageously eliminates the need for assembling multiple components. Furthermore, it is advantageous that aseptic or sterile filling of a medium, preferably a medical liquid, for example, a medical liquid as disclosed in the preceding description, is possible without additional steps (such as sterilization or aseptic procedures).

[0037] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "blow-fill-seal process" or "blow-fill-seal process" shall be understood to mean a process in which the manufacture of a container, the filling of the manufactured container, in particular with a liquid, preferably a medical liquid, for example, a medical liquid as disclosed in the preceding description, and the sealing of the filled container are carried out in one step, in particular automatically. The container is preferably manufactured by blow molding.

[0038] Further advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are explained with reference to figures and associated figure descriptions.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0040] The figures schematically depict the following:

[0041] Fig. 1 : an embodiment of a container according to the invention,

[0042] Fig. 2: An enlarged side view of the container neck of the one shown in Fig. 1

[0043] Containers and

[0044] Fig. 3: A sectional drawing of a container neck of a container according to the invention with a hollow cylindrical tip inserted into the container neck. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0045] Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention.

[0046] The container 1 has a container neck 2. The container neck 2 can taper towards a container body 13 of the container 1, in particular conically, or it can remain flat. The container body 13 can connect directly or indirectly, in particular via a shoulder 12, to the container neck 2.

[0047] The container neck 2 has at least one first sealing element 3 and one second sealing element 4 for sealing closure with a hollow cylindrical tip, preferably a cannula, to be inserted into the container neck 2. The first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 are each oriented transversely, preferably vertically, to a longitudinal axis A of the container neck 2. In other words, the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 are oriented along or in the direction of a longitudinal axis A of the container neck. Additionally, the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 are each continuously open in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the container neck 2.

[0048] The first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 differ from each other at least section by section, in particular only section by section or throughout, i.e. completely along their sides running in the longitudinal direction of the container neck 2, with respect to their inner diameter.

[0049] Preferably, the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 are each formed along an inner surface of the container neck 2. The first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 can, in particular, each be formed only partially or continuously along the inner surface of the container neck 2.

[0050] Preferably, the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 together with the container neck 2 or the container 1 are otherwise monolithic, i.e. made from one piece.

[0051] Alternatively, the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 can be inserted into the container neck 2 subsequently, particularly after the container neck 2 has been formed. According to the invention, it is particularly preferred that the second sealing element 4 is formed within the container neck 2 at a shorter distance to a base 5 of the container 1 than the first sealing element 3, and that the second sealing element 4 has a smaller inner diameter than the first sealing element 3, at least partially, and in particular only partially or continuously, i.e., continuously in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the container neck 2. This allows, with particular advantage, a self-sealing receptacle and a self-sealing closure of a hollow cylindrical tip, preferably a cannula, which tapers in its outer diameter.

[0052] Preferably, the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 are each designed in a ring or cuff shape.

[0053] Particularly preferably, the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 each have a first section, a second section, and a third section, wherein the second section is formed directly or not directly, preferably directly, between the first section and the third section. The first section preferably has an inner diameter that tapers towards the bottom 5 of the container 1. The inner diameter of the first section can taper continuously, for example linearly, or discontinuously, for example in steps. In particular, sides of the first section extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the container neck 2 can each be concave. The second section preferably has a constant inner diameter, particularly throughout.The third section preferably has an inner diameter that widens towards the bottom 5 of the container 1. The inner diameter of the third section can widen continuously, for example linearly, or discontinuously, for example in steps, towards the bottom 5 of the container 1. In particular, sides of the third section extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the container 1 can also be concave.

[0054] The design of the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 described in the previous paragraph is shown schematically enlarged in Fig. 2.

[0055] The inner diameter of the first sealing element 3 and the inner diameter of the second sealing element 4 are preferably selected independently of each other from a range of 0.05 mm to 15 mm, in particular 0.1 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 8 mm. Furthermore, the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 can be arranged one above the other within the neck of the container 2 at a distance of 1% to 100%, in particular 1% to < 100%, in particular 1% to 90%, more preferably 10% to 80%, relative to the length of the container neck 2.

[0056] In particular, the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4 can be arranged one above the other within the container neck 2 at a mutual distance of 1 mm to 100 mm, in particular 1 mm to 50 mm, preferably 2 mm to 30 mm, based on a length of the container neck 2.

[0057] In principle, the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4, as well as the container 1 including the container neck 2, can be made of different materials or consist of different materials. However, according to the invention, it is preferred if the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4, as well as the container 1 including the container neck 2, are made of the same material or consist of the same material.

[0058] The material is preferably a polymer, in particular a polyolefin. The polyolefin is preferably polyethylene, especially low-density polyethylene, and / or polypropylene.

[0059] Preferably, the container 1 is designed as a medical container, i.e., as a container for use in medicine.

[0060] In particular, container 1 may contain a medical fluid. The medical fluid is preferably an aseptically filled or sterile medical fluid. In particular, the medical fluid may be a rinsing fluid that is transported and applied with a suitable application system, especially with a pressure rinsing system, such as a jet lavage system or pulse lavage system, or with a negative pressure wound therapy system with integrated rinsing and suction function.

[0061] Preferably, the container 1 further comprises a closure element 6 that closes the container 1. The closure element 6 can be designed, in particular, as a rotary closure element, preferably as a toggle closure element. Furthermore, the container 1 has a rim 7 around the opening of the container neck 2, wherein the rim 7, after removal of the closure element 6, serves as a stop surface for the hollow cylindrical tip, in particular a cannula, to be inserted into the container neck 2.

[0062] Alternatively, the closure element 6 can have a predetermined breaking point that allows the removal of a closure cover 8 of the closure element 6, in particular by turning, and exposes a predetermined breaking edge by removing the closure cover 8, which is provided as a stop surface for the hollow cylindrical tip, in particular cannula, to be inserted into the container neck 2.

[0063] The container 1 can further be designed, as shown for example in Fig. 1, as a bag with a scale 9 and a fastening element 10, in particular in the form of a tab, for attaching or hanging the container 1 on a holder, for example an IV stand.

[0064] Preferably, the container 1 is manufactured by a blow-fill-seal process.

[0065] Fig. 3 schematically shows another embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention after receiving a hollow cylindrical tip, in particular a cannula, 11. By receiving the cannula 11 in the container neck 2 of the container 1, a sealing closure is achieved between the hollow cylindrical tip 11 and the first sealing element 3 and the second sealing element 4. The hollow cylindrical tip 11 is inserted into the container neck 2 up to a stop surface 7 of the container neck 2.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Container with a container neck, characterized in that at least one first sealing element and one second sealing element are formed within the container neck for sealing closure with a hollow cylindrical tip, in particular a cannula, to be inserted into the container neck, wherein the first sealing element and the second sealing element are each open transversely to a longitudinal axis of the container neck and each continuously in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container neck, wherein the first sealing element and the second sealing element differ from each other at least section by respect to their inner diameter.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sealing element and the second sealing element are each formed along an inner side of the container neck, in particular wherein the container neck tapers towards a container body adjoining the container neck.

3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first sealing element and the second sealing element are formed monolithically together with the container neck.

4. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sealing element is formed within the container neck at a shorter distance to a bottom of the container than the first sealing element and the second sealing element has at least partially a smaller inner diameter than the first sealing element.

5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing element and the second sealing element are each designed in a ring or cuff shape.

6. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing element and the second sealing element each have a first section, a second section and a third section, wherein the second section is formed between the first section and the third section, wherein the first section has an inner diameter that preferably tapers continuously towards a bottom of the container, and the second section has a constant The inner diameter and the third section has an inner diameter that preferably widens continuously towards the bottom of the container.

7. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner diameter of the first sealing element and the inner diameter of the second sealing element are selected independently of each other from a range of 0.05 mm to 15 mm, in particular 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1 mm to 8 mm.

8. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing element and the second sealing element are formed one above the other within the container neck at a mutual distance of 1% to 100%, in particular 1% to 90%, preferably 10% to 80%, based on a length of the container neck.

9. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing element and the second sealing element are formed one above the other within the container neck at a mutual distance of 1 mm to 100 mm, in particular 1 mm to 50 mm, preferably 2 mm to 30 mm, based on a length of the container neck.

10. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing element and the second sealing element, as well as the container in all other respects including the container neck, have the same material or are made of the same material.

11. Container according to claim 10, characterized in that the material is a polymer, in particular polyolefin, preferably polyethylene, particularly preferably low-density polyethylene, and / or polypropylene.

12. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container contains a medical liquid, preferably an aseptically filled or germ-free or sterile medical liquid, in particular a wound irrigation liquid, or a liquid for infusion, in particular intravenous infusion.

13. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container further comprises a closure element, preferably a toggle closure element, which closes the container.

14. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rim of an opening of the container neck is provided as a stop surface for the hollow cylindrical tip to be inserted into the container neck.

15. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container is manufactured by a blow-fill-seal process.

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