U.S. patent application number 10/825273 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for container system and closure device comprising a sealing device and cap.
This patent application is currently assigned to GRAINER BIO-ONE GMBH. Invention is credited to Konrad, Franz.
Application Number | 20040217081 10/825273 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32315082 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040217081 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Konrad, Franz |
November 4, 2004 |
Container system and closure device comprising a sealing device and
cap
Abstract
The invention relates to a cap (10) for a closure device (3)
designed to receive a sealing device (11), with at least two
coupling parts (18, 19) joined thereto so as to be displaceable,
which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of a
longitudinal axis (6) and project out from an internal face (17) of
a cap casing (16) in a radial direction towards the longitudinal
axis (6) forming a locating region (20) between them. An internal
clearance dimension (32), in particular an internal diameter (33)
of the first coupling part (18) co-operating with the sealing
surface (14) is between 5% and 25% smaller than an external
dimension, in particular an external diameter of the sealing device
(11) to be located in the region of its sealing surface (14) in the
non-deformed or unclamped state. The invention further relates to a
sealing device (11), a closure device (3) comprising the latter and
the cap (10) as well as a container system (1).
Inventors: |
Konrad, Franz; (Oberndorf
bei Schwanenstadt, AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COLLARD & ROE, P.C.
1077 Northern Boulevard
Roslyn
NY
11576
US
|
Assignee: |
GRAINER BIO-ONE GMBH
|
Family ID: |
32315082 |
Appl. No.: |
10/825273 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/247 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/247 |
International
Class: |
B65D 039/00; B65D
051/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 17, 2003 |
AT |
A 596/2003 |
Claims
1. Cap for a closure device designed to receive a sealing device
which can be pierced and has at least one external surface with at
least certain regions which can be inserted in an open end face of
a housing container forming a sealing surface, with at least two
coupling parts which are spaced apart from one another in the
direction of a longitudinal axis and project out from an internal
face of a cap casing in planes perpendicular to this longitudinal
axis in the radial direction towards the longitudinal axis forming
a locating region between them, and at least a first end which is
open, wherein an internal clearance dimension, in particular an
internal diameter of the first coupling part co-operating with the
sealing surface is between 5% and 25% smaller than an external
dimension, in particular an external diameter, of the sealing
device to be located in the region of its sealing surface in the
non-deformed or unclamped state.
2. Cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the coupling
parts is provided in the form of a web-type projection.
3. Cap as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least some of the
individual projections of the first coupling part extend from the
locating region towards the end remote therefrom in the direction
of the first open end.
4. Cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the coupling
parts is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical
projection.
5. Cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one additional
retaining means for the sealing device is provided on the first
coupling part co-operating with the sealing surface.
6. Cap for a closure device designed to receive a sealing device
which can be pierced and has at least one external surface with at
least certain regions which can be inserted in an open end face of
a housing container forming a sealing surface, with at least two
coupling parts joined thereto so as to be displaceable, which are
spaced apart from one another in the direction of a longitudinal
axis and project out from an internal face of a cap casing in
planes perpendicular to this longitudinal axis in the radial
direction towards the longitudinal axis forming a locating region
between them, and at least a first end which is open, wherein at
least one additional retaining means for the sealing device is
provided on the first coupling part co-operating with the sealing
surface.
7. Cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein the retaining means is
provided in the form of one, but preferably several
projections.
8. Cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein the retaining means projects
in the direction towards the other coupling part.
9. Cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein the retaining means projects
into the locating region.
10. Cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein the retaining means is or
are disposed at a distance apart on the first coupling part,
extending from the internal urface in the direction of the
longitudinal axis.
11. Cap as claimed in claim 10, wherein a first retaining surface
of the retaining means directed towards the internal face extends
substantially parallel with the internal face.
12. Cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein the retaining means is or
are tapered, starting from the first coupling part.
13. Cap as claimed in claim 12, wherein another retaining surface
of the retaining means directed towards the longitudinal axis
extends at an angle in the direction towards the internal face
starting from the first coupling part towards the other coupling
part.
14. Cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein the retaining means is
provided in the form of segments of tubular sections.
15. Cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein the retaining means is
provided in the form of a continuously extending hollow cylindrical
component.
16. Cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the coupling
parts is provided in the form of at least one web-type
projection.
17. Cap as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least some of the
individual projections of the first coupling part extend from the
locating region towards the end remote therefrom in the direction
towards the first open end.
18. Cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the coupling
parts is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical
projection.
19. Sealing device for a closure device designed for retaining
function in a locating region inside a cap, incorporating a sealing
element having a sealing surface with at least certain regions
which co-operate with an open end face of a housing container, from
which at least one, preferably continuous flange-type shoulder
projects radially outwards, the flange-type shoulder constituting a
first end region and the sealing element constituting another end
region, wherein at least one material split, such as a cut for
example, is provided, extending from the first end region in the
direction towards the other end region.
20. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein several material
splits are provided.
21. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the material
splits extend at an angle to one another by reference to a plane
extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
22. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the material
splits intersect one another.
23. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein a longitudinal
extension of the material split extends in a direction parallel
with the longitudinal axis.
24. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the material
split terminates within it.
25. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the material
split extends across the major part of a distance between the two
end regions.
26. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein at least some of
the individual material splits link the two end regions with one
another.
27. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein respective
mutually facing cut faces of the material split sit in tight
abutment with one another in the position inserted in the housing
container.
28. Sealing device as claimed in claim 27, wherein respective
mutually facing cut faces abut with one another in a gas-tight
arrangement.
29. Sealing device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the respective
mutually facing cut faces abut with another in a liquid-proof
arrangement.
30. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein respective
mutually facing cut faces of the material split are flat in at
least certain regions.
31. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein respective
mutually facing cut faces of the material split are profiled in at
least certain regions.
32. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein a sealing means
is introduced between at least certain regions of the cut faces of
the material split.
33. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein a recess is
provided in at least certain regions in a transition region between
the flange-type shoulder and the sealing element, extending from
the sealing surface in the direction towards the longitudinal
axis.
34. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein it is made from
a self-sealing, highly elastic material.
35. Sealing device as claimed in claim 34, wherein the material is
selected from the group consisting of synthetic or thermoplastic
elastomers.
36. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein at least one
surface section is provided with a coating.
37. Sealing device as claimed in claim 36, wherein the coating is
selected from the group consisting of silicone oils.
38. Sealing device as claimed in claim 36, wherein the coating is
repellent to body fluids and/or cellular elements thereof.
39. Sealing device as claimed in claim 19, wherein it has at least
one recess complementing the retaining means disposed in the
cap.
40. Closure device for a housing container with one open end face,
in particular for body fluids, wherein it is fitted with a cap and
a sealing device as claimed in claim 19.
41. Closure device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the retaining
means of the cap co-operates with the flange-type shoulder of the
sealing device.
42. Closure device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the retaining
means connects or connect positively with the sealing device, in
particular the flange-type shoulder.
43. Closure device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the sealing
device has at least one recess complementing the retaining
means.
44. Closure device as claimed in claim 40, wherein a recess is
provided in at least certain regions in a transition region between
the flange-type shoulder and the sealing element, extending from
the sealing surface in the direction towards the longitudinal axis,
and the recess substantially complements the first coupling part in
the cap.
45. Closure device as claimed in claim 44, wherein an external
dimension of the recess in a plane perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis is the same as or bigger in the radial direction
than the clearance dimension, in particular the internal diameter,
of the first coupling part co-operating with the sealing
surface.
46. Closure device as claimed in claim 40, wherein a retaining ring
is provided in the locating region between the flange-type shoulder
of the sealing device and the other coupling part of the cap at the
end remote from the housing container.
47. Closure device as claimed in claim 46, wherein a thickness of
the flange-type shoulder of the sealing device in the non-mounted
state is bigger than a distance between the two coupling parts in
the direction of the longitudinal axis less a thickness of the
retaining ring.
48. Container system, in particular for body fluids, with a housing
container having at least one open end face which is closed by a
closure device as claimed in claim 40.
49. Container system as claimed in claim 48, wherein an internal
clearance dimension, in particular a diameter, of the first
coupling part co-operating with the sealing surface is the same as
or smaller than an internal clearance width, in particular an
internal diameter, of the housing container in the region of its
open end face.
50. Container system as claimed in claim 49, wherein the internal
clearance dimension, in particular the diameter, is between 0% and
30% smaller than the internal clearance width, in particular the
internal diameter, of the housing container in the region of its
open end face.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to
[0003] a cap for a closure device, designed to receive a sealing
device which can be pierced, and has at least one external surface
with at least certain regions which can be inserted in an open end
face of the housing container forming a sealing surface, with at
least two coupling parts joined thereto so as to be displaceable,
which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of a
longitudinal axis and project out from an internal face of a cap
casing in planes perpendicular to this longitudinal axis in the
radial direction towards the longitudinal axis, forming a locating
region between them, and having at least a first end which is
open,
[0004] a sealing device for a closure device affording a retaining
action in a locating region formed inside a cap, having a sealing
element with a sealing surface which co-operates with at least
certain regions of an open end face of a housing container,
radially outwards from which extends at least one, preferably
continuous, flange-type shoulder, the flange-type shoulder
constituting a first end region and the sealing element
constituting another end region,
[0005] a closure device for an open end face of a housing
container, in particular for body fluids,
[0006] as well as a container system, in particular for body
fluids, with a housing container having at least one open end face
which is closed off by a closure device.
[0007] 2. The Prior Art Patent specification EP 0 419 490 B1 filed
by the same applicant discloses a closure device for a cylindrical
housing with an open end lying opposite a closed end, which can be
evacuated. This closure device comprises a cap which fits on an end
face of the cylindrical housing and has an end wall in which a bore
is disposed. The closure device additionally has a sealing device
which can be pierced, with a sealing surface disposed between the
bore and an internal bearing surface of the cylindrical housing. A
flange-type locating projection of the sealing device projects
radially outwards from this sealing surface and is supported
between two projections of the cap. In conjunction with the
locating projection, these projections constitute coupling parts of
a coupling mechanism between the cap and the sealing device.
Accordingly, two projections project out from the cylindrical
internal face of the cap in the direction towards the longitudinal
axis forming a groove-shaped locating region for the flange-type
locating projection, the projection facing the housing being
disposed between the end face of the housing and the locating
projection. With this system, the flange-type locating projection
is not always guaranteed to remain securely retained in the
groove-shaped locating region of the cap in all applications.
[0008] Another closure device for a cylindrical housing is
disclosed in patent specification EP 0 445 707 B 1, also filed by
the same applicant. The closure device in this case is used to
close off an open end face of a cylindrical housing and in
particular one which can be evacuated, the closure device
comprising a tubular shaped cap which fits round the end face of
the cylindrical housing and a sealing device inserted in the end
face opening. The sealing device is then joined to the cap and/or
the cylindrical housing by means of a coupling mechanism, the
coupling mechanism consisting of two coupling parts, preferably in
the form of flange-type projections, joined to the cap so that they
can be displaced, and which project out from the cylindrical
internal face of the cap in the radial direction forming a
groove-shaped locating region between them. The sealing device also
has a coupling part in the form of a flange-type shoulder which is
inserted in the groove-shaped locating region. The closure device
also has a retaining ring, in particular a washer or clamping ring,
which is pushed inwards in the direction towards the longitudinal
axis, through the cylindrical housing orifice of the cap, when
biassed by the coupling part of the sealing device disposed between
the latter and the projection at the end remote from the housing.
This retains the sealing device so that it is prevented from
twisting and/or shifting in the longitudinal direction of the
cylindrical housing. To this end, a thickness of the flange-type
shoulder of the sealing device constituting the coupling part is
thicker in the non-assembled state than a distance between the two
projections in the direction of the longitudinal axis, less the
thickness of the retaining ring. Yet again, it has been found that
it is not always possible to retain the flange-type shoulder of the
sealing device properly in the groove-shaped locating region of the
cap so that it remains secure and safe in all applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The objective of the present invention is to propose a cap
for a closure device, a sealing device for a closure device, a
closure device resulting therefrom and a container system, in which
the coupling mechanism between the cap and sealing device is
virtually prevented from coming loose during use, in particular
during filling or taking samples.
[0010] This objective is achieved by the invention due to the fact
that an internal clearance dimension, in particular an internal
diameter, of the first coupling part co-operating with the sealing
surface is between 5% and 25% smaller than an external dimension,
in particular an external diameter, of the sealing device to be
located by the region of its sealing surface in the non-deformed or
non-biased state. The surprising advantage obtained as a result is
that when the closure device is pierced with hollow needles or
cannulas, which tend to have a larger external diameter, the
flange-type shoulder of the sealing device is not pulled out of the
locating region or at least is so in certain regions only. This
situation usually occurs when using automated sample-taking
systems, with which sampling needles or cannulas with an external
diameter of between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm, or even bigger up to 3.5 mm
or 4.0 mm, are used, and not only is the sealing device pulled out
of the locating region, at least some parts of it are also pulled
into the interior of the housing container. Pinching the sealing
device in the region of its sealing surface enables it to be
retained more securely in the cap, making it less likely to be
pulled out. This is also of importance once the sample has been
taken because it enables the cap to be removed from the housing
container with the sealing device still intact within it,
significantly reducing or totally preventing any risk of
contamination due to unintentional contact with the sample
contents.
[0011] However, the objective is also independently achieved by the
invention due to the fact that the first coupling part co-operating
with the sealing surface is provided with at least one additional
retaining means for the sealing device. The surprising advantage
achieved as a result of this approach is that when the closure
device is pierced by hollow needles or cannulas, which tend to have
a somewhat larger external diameter, the flange-type shoulder of
the sealing device is not pulled out of the locating region or only
some parts of it are. This situation usually occurs when using
automated sample-taking systems, with which sampling needles or
cannulas with an external diameter of between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm, or
even bigger up to 3.5 mm or 4.0 mm, are used, and not only is the
sealing device pulled out of the locating region, at least some
parts of it are also pulled into the interior of the housing
container. Providing the retaining means prevents the flange-type
shoulder of the sealing device from being pulled out of the
locating region at the region where it merges with the sealing
surface on the cap part of the cap, thereby enabling sample-taking
instruments with a larger diameter to be reliably retained in the
cap as described above, even if the friction forces between it and
the material of the sealing device are higher. This improves
operating safety during the entire process of handling such housing
containers with the samples contained in them.
[0012] Also of advantage is another embodiment of the cap, in which
the retaining means is provided in the form of at least one but
preferably several projections since this enables a retaining force
to be efficiently distributed around the periphery of the
flange-type shoulder.
[0013] In another embodiment of the cap, the retaining means
projects in the direction towards the other coupling part or
projects into the locating region, the advantage of which is that
friction between the retaining means and the flange-type shoulder
of the sealing device can be increased depending on the size of the
retaining means and, if necessary, a positive fit can be obtained
in the abutment region between the flange-type shoulder and the
coupling part.
[0014] In one embodiment of the cap, the retaining means is or are
disposed on the first coupling part spaced at a distance back from
the internal face in the direction towards the longitudinal axis,
which means that the retaining action of the retaining means can be
shifted to the transition region between the flange-type shoulder
and the sealing element.
[0015] In another embodiment of the cap, in which a first retaining
surface of the retaining means directed towards the internal face
is aligned substantially parallel with the internal face, the
flange-type shoulder is positively retained and optimally supported
relative to a direction of radial movement thereof out of the
locating region between the projections in the direction towards
the longitudinal mid-axis.
[0016] Also of advantage is another embodiment of the cap, in which
the retaining means is or are tapered starting from the first
coupling part, and/or another retaining surface of the retaining
means directed towards the longitudinal axis is inclined at an
angle starting from the first coupling part towards the other
coupling part running in the direction towards the internal
surface, which provides a simple means of helping to force the
material in order to form the flange-type shoulder, thereby
obtaining both a non-positive and positive retaining system for the
flange-type shoulder by the retaining means.
[0017] In another embodiment of the cap, the retaining means is
provided in the form of segments of tubular sections and/or by a
continuously extending hollow cylindrical component, the advantage
of which is that it provides strong and highly retentive retaining
means which, in co-operation with the sealing device, enables the
flange-type shoulder to be retained in the cap in a very stable
arrangement which capable of withstanding strong forces that would
otherwise tend to pull it out.
[0018] In other embodiments of the cap, at least one of the
coupling parts is provided in the form of at least one web-type
projection and/or at least some of the individual projections of
the first coupling part extend from the locating region towards the
end remote therefrom in the direction towards the first open end
and/or at least one of the coupling parts is provided in the form
of a hollow cylindrical projection, as a result of which a
continuous seating or support surface is provided for the
flange-type shoulder, in addition to which greater strength can be
imparted to at least certain regions of the cap casing between the
open end and the first coupling part.
[0019] In the embodiment of the cap in which the first coupling
part co-operating with the sealing surface is provided with at
least one additional retaining means for the sealing device, the
retaining force of the flange-type shoulder in the cap can be
further enhanced in order to trap the sealing element.
[0020] The objective of the invention is also independently
achieved by the sealing device because at least one split is
provided in the material, for example a cut, starting from the
first end region and extending in the direction towards the other
end region. The surprising advantage achieved as a result of this
feature is that the material split contained within at least
certain regions of the sealing device prevents friction forces from
occurring during piercing by the hollow needle or cannula, thereby
reducing compression forces in the direction of the longitudinal
axis, and preventing any of the material of the sealing device from
being punched out, even if using bigger or thicker cannulas.
Because a split is provided in the material of the sealing device,
it merely has to be forced apart in order to penetrate it, and it
is usually only in the end region--in other words in the region of
the sealing device facing the interior of the housing
container--that the material of the sealing device has to be forced
apart by the hollow needle. As a result of providing the material
split, the rest of the piercing process through the still fully
closed material of the sealing device is assisted due to the fact
that the cut faces have already been moved apart from one
another.
[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the sealing device,
several material splits are provided, which facilitates the use of
piercing tools of different shapes with a bigger external
dimension.
[0022] In one embodiment of the sealing device the material splits
extend at an angle to one another, perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis and/or intersect one another and/or a
longitudinal extension of the material split extends in a direction
parallel with the longitudinal axis, the advantage of which is that
it affords a pronounced piercing direction on the one hand and
enables a permitted radial movement of the mutually facing cut
faces for the piercing process.
[0023] In one embodiment which has proved to be of particular
advantage, the material splits terminates within the sealing device
and/or extends across the major part of a distance between the two
end regions, which means that a vacuum can be maintained in the
interior of the housing container or the vacuum pressure released
for a longer period, whilst the piercing action and the resultant
compression forces in the direction of the longitudinal axis can be
minimised, on the other hand.
[0024] In another advantageous embodiment of the sealing device, at
least some of the individual material splits link the two end
regions to one another, further facilitating the piercing of the
sealing device by the cannula.
[0025] Advantages are also to be had from other embodiments of the
sealing device in which respective mutually facing cut faces of the
material split sit in tight abutment with another in the position
assumed on insertion in the housing container and/or the respective
mutually facing cut faces abut in a gas-tight fit and/or the
respective mutually facing cut faces abut in a liquid-proof fit,
since this enables the interior to be adequately sealed off from
external ambient conditions, even if there is a total continuous
separation between the end regions of the sealing device, at the
same time easing the degree of force which has to be applied for
piercing.
[0026] In view of the fact that at least certain regions of the
respective mutually facing cut faces of the material slit are flat
and/or profiled, the retaining force acting between the mutually
facing cut faces in the direction of the longitudinal axis can be
selectively acted on, as a result of which any mutual relative
shifting in the direction of the longitudinal axis can be
controlled.
[0027] In another embodiment of the sealing device, at least one
sealing means is introduced into at least certain regions between
the cut faces, which means that the seal can be further improved in
the region of the material split if the interior of the housing
container is evacuated.
[0028] In another possible embodiment of the sealing device, a
recess is disposed in at least certain regions of a transition
region between the flange-type shoulder and the sealing element,
extending from the sealing surface in the direction towards the
longitudinal axis, the advantage of providing the recess being
that, the during the piercing motion as the cannula is being
inserted through the sealing device, the deformation imparted to
the flange-type shoulder is shifted in the direction of the sealing
element inserted in the interior on the one hand, and an improved
pinching and retaining force can also be obtained by adapting the
coupling part accordingly, on the other hand.
[0029] Other advantageous embodiments of the sealing device and the
resultant advantages may be found in the detailed description.
[0030] The objective of the invention, namely to propose a closure
device for a housing container which is open at one of its end
faces, is also independently achieved due to the fact it
incorporates a cap as proposed by the invention and, inserted in
it, a sealing device proposed by the invention. The closure device
obtained by combining the cap with the sealing device offers a high
degree of operating safety due to the co-operation of these two
constituent parts, especially in the area of the coupling mechanism
between the cap and the sealing device. As a result, any relative
movement between the flange-type shoulder of the sealing device and
the locating region of the cap is virtually or completely prevented
in automated sampling systems.
[0031] In one embodiment of the closure device, the retaining means
of the cap cooperates with the flange-type shoulder of the sealing
device and/or the retaining means is or are positively connected to
the sealing device, in particular the flange-type shoulder, thereby
permitting co-operation between the retaining means and the
flange-type shoulder of the sealing device, as a result of which
the compression forces created by the sampling tool of the sampling
system are transmitted into the retaining means as the material of
the sealing device is separated, thereby generating an adequate
retaining force for the flange-type shoulder.
[0032] In another embodiment of the closure device, at least one
recess provided in the sealing device and complements the retaining
means, the advantage of which is that the sealing device can be
positively retained in the cap, further improving retention
force.
[0033] Another embodiment of the closure device is possible in
which a recess is provided in at least certain regions where the
flange-type shoulder merges into the sealing element, extending
from the sealing surface in the direction towards the longitudinal
axis, and the recess essentially complements the first coupling
part in the cap, the advantage of the recess being that the
deforming motion introduced into the sealing device during the
piercing motion of the cannula can be shifted away from the
flange-type shoulder in the direction towards the sealing element
inserted in the interior, on the one hand, and the coupling part,
adapted accordingly, creates an even better pinching effect and
retaining force.
[0034] In another embodiment of the closure device, an external
dimension of the recess in a plane perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis is the same as or bigger in the radial direction
than the clearance dimension, in particular the internal diameter
of the first coupling part co-operating with the sealing surface,
the advantage of providing a recess in the sealing device being
that the sealing device can also be pinched by means of the
coupling part in the region where the flange-type shoulder merges
with the sealing element, thereby retaining the latter in the
cap.
[0035] Another embodiment of the closure device is also of
advantage in which a retaining ring is provided in the locating
region between the flange-type shoulder of the sealing device and
the coupling part of the cap disposed at the end remote from the
housing container, and/or a thickness of the flange-type shoulder
of the sealing device in the non-assembled state is bigger than a
distance between the two coupling parts in the direction of the
longitudinal axis less a thickness of the retaining ring, because
it significantly facilitates assembly of the sealing device in the
cap and does so without causing it to be extensively deformed in
the region of the flange-type shoulder, up to the point at which it
assumes the correct position in the container chamber between the
two coupling parts.
[0036] The objective is also independently achieved by the
invention as a result of the container system having a housing
container with at least one end face open, which is then closed off
by a closure device as proposed by the invention. The advantages
obtained as a result of the combination of features defined in this
claim reside in the fact that a container device is provided with a
closure mechanism which affords a sufficiently solid connection
between the flange-type shoulder of the sealing device and the
coupling parts in the cap, which is guaranteed to prevent any
tearing out, thereby offering a high degree of operating safety
during use and enabling a sample to be taken rapidly.
[0037] In another embodiment of the container device, an internal
clearance dimension, in particular a diameter, of the first
coupling part co-operating with the sealing surface is the same as
or smaller than an internal clearance width, in particular an
internal diameter, of the housing container in the region of its
open end face, the advantage of which is that the open end face of
the housing container sits flat against the coupling part and also
projects in the direction towards the longitudinal axis, thereby
improving the pinched retention of the sealing device in this
region and producing a higher retaining force for the sealing
device inside the cap.
[0038] Finally, in another embodiment of the closure device, the
internal clearance width, in particular the diameter, may be
between 0% and 30% smaller than the internal clearance width, in
particular the internal diameter of the housing container, in the
region of its open end face so that the pinching effect and hence
clamping of the sealing device in the cap can be easily fixed,
depending on the dimension of the coupling parts projecting out
from the internal surface in the direction towards the longitudinal
axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The invention will be explained in more detail below with
reference to examples of embodiments illustrated in the appended
drawings. Of these:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a simplified, schematic diagram showing a side
view of the container system in section;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of the container system
illustrated in FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale but before the sealing
device has been inserted in the housing container;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a simplified, schematic diagram showing a side
view in section of another embodiment of the cap;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a simplified, schematic diagram showing a side
view in section through another possible embodiment of the cap;
[0044] FIG. 5 is a simplified, schematic diagram showing a side
view in section of another embodiment of the sealing device, which
may be construed as an independent embodiment in its own right;
[0045] FIG. 6 is a simplified, schematic diagram showing a side
view in section, along line VI-VI indicated in FIG. 7, of another
possible embodiment of a sealing device, which may be construed as
an independent embodiment in its own right;
[0046] FIG. 7 is a simplified, schematic diagram showing a plan
view of the sealing device illustrated in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] Firstly, it should be pointed out that the same parts
described in the different embodiments are denoted by the same
reference numbers and the same component names and the disclosures
made throughout the description can be transposed in terms of
meaning to same parts bearing the same reference numbers or same
component names. Furthermore, the positions chosen for the purposes
of the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc, relate to the
drawing specifically being described and can be transposed in terms
of meaning to a new position when another position is being
described. Individual features or combinations of features from the
different embodiments illustrated and described may be construed as
independent inventive solutions or solutions proposed by the
invention in their own right.
[0048] The embodiments illustrated show different variants of the
closure device and the components from which it is made, as well as
the resultant container system, although it should be pointed out
at this stage that the invention is not restricted to the
embodiments and variants illustrated here, but also encompasses
various combinations of the individual embodiments with one
another, all of these various options being within the reach of the
person skilled in the art based on the teaching of the technical
aspects of the invention described here. Accordingly, all
conceivable variants which may be obtained by combining individual
features of the illustrated and described embodiments are also
included within the scope of the invention.
[0049] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one possible embodiment of the
container system 1, which may be construed as an independent
embodiment in its own right, which is preferably used in medical
technology as a means of containing body fluids and cellular
elements. One special application is that of taking blood samples,
in which case the pressure in the interior of the container system
1 is lower than atmospheric pressure, as is generally the case with
such tubes used for taking blood samples.
[0050] In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, the
container system 1 has a housing container 2 and at least one
closure device 3 for an end face 4 of the housing container 2,
which is open in this particular case. A container wall 5 bounds an
interior 7 in the region of a longitudinal axis 6, and the end face
9 of the housing container 2 remote from the opposite end face 4 is
closed off by an end wall 8.
[0051] As an alternative to the above, however, it would also be
possible for the end face 9 which is closed in this example to be
open instead, in which case the end wall 8 could be partially or
totally dispensed with, to enable the closure device 3 described
above to also be fitted in the region of the other end face 9.
However, it would also be possible for this other end face 9 to be
fitted with a closure device 9 other than the one just described
above, in which case the end face 4, which is open in this example,
or the other end face 9 could also be used to permit easy access to
the interior 7 of the housing container 2.
[0052] The housing container 2 may be made from a variety of
materials, such as glass, plastic, etc., and an external and/or
internal surface of the housing container 2 may be provided with a
coating in at least certain regions or on its entire surface. This
coating might be applied as a means of reducing or preventing the
susceptibility of the sample to adhere to the internal and/or
external wall of the housing container 2, for example, or
alternatively to provide a barrier layer preventing ingress of
external ambient air or to prevent or minimise leakage of the
sample material from the interior.
[0053] The external and internal dimensions of the housing
container 2 may be virtually constant along its entire longitudinal
extension as viewed along the longitudinal axis 6--in other words
cylindrical--but it may also taper from a larger dimension to a
smaller dimension, in a manner that has long been known from the
prior art.
[0054] In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, the
closure device 3 comprises a cap provided with at least one sealing
device 11 which is retained therein or thereon. A coupling
mechanism 12 is provided between the cap 10 and the sealing device
11 in order to fix them in their mutual position. In the region of
its open end and co-operating therewith, the sealing device 11 has
a sealing surface 14 directed towards an internal surface 13 of the
housing container 2, which closes off the interior 7 in the region
of the open end face 4 when the sealing device 11 is inserted, in
particular rendering it gas-tight and liquid-proof.
[0055] As described above, the cap 10 is designed to accommodate a
sealing device 11 which can be pierced, and the sealing device 11
has an external surface 15 with at least certain regions which can
be inserted in the open end face 4 of the housing container 2 and
forms the sealing surface 14. The cap 10 also has a cap casing 16
which engages or fits round at least certain regions of the housing
container 2, which, depending on the process used to manufacture
the cap 10, will either by a hollow cylinder or a hollow truncated
cone. Disposed on at least an internal face 17 of the cap casing 16
are at least two coupling parts 18, 19 forming part of the coupling
mechanism 12, which are joined thereto so that they can be
displaced. Accordingly, the first coupling part 18 is directly
adjacent to the open end face 4 of the housing container 2 and the
other coupling part 19 is spaced at a distance apart in the
direction of the longitudinal axis 6. The two coupling parte 18, 19
are preferably disposed in planes extending perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 6 and the two coupling parts 18, 19 extend round
the internal face 17 of the cap casing 16 or cap 10, projecting out
in a radial direction towards the longitudinal axis 6, thus forming
a locating region 20 between them.
[0056] In order to fit round the open end face 4 of the housing
container 2, at least a first end 21 of the cap 10 is open, whilst
another end 22 may be closed in at least certain regions,
preferably in the region of the cap casing 16. To avoid unnecessary
repetition, reference may be made to European patent EP 0 419 490
B1 and also European patent EP 0 445 707 B1 by the same applicant
for details of the design of the closure device, in particular the
cap and sealing device, and how it fits on the housing container,
these disclosures being included in this patent by reference. The
same applies to the design of the coupling mechanism 12 between the
cap 10 and sealing device 11, as well as the orifice or bore in the
cap 10 and the retaining ring in the region of the longitudinal
axis 6 to enable piercing by the sealing device 11.
[0057] The sealing device 11 is designed to be retained in the
locating region 20 formed inside the cap 10 and has a sealing
element 23 provided with a sealing surface 14, at least some
regions of which co-operate with the open end face 4 of the housing
container 2, and at least one preferably continuous flange-type
shoulder 24 which projects radially outwards from the sealing
surface. The shoulder is likewise an integral part of the coupling
mechanism 12 between the cap 10 and sealing device 11 and projects
into the locating region 20 between the two coupling parts 18, 19
of the cap 10. The flange-type shoulder 24 constitutes a first end
region 25 of the sealing device 11 and the sealing element
constitutes the other end region 26 thereof.
[0058] As described above, the first coupling part 18 projects out
from the internal face 17 of the cap casing 16 in a radial
direction towards the longitudinal axis 6 and is disposed between
the shoulder 24 of the sealing device 11 and the open end face 4 of
the housing container 2. If the other end 22 of the cap 10 is also
of a virtually open design, as is the case in the embodiment
illustrated as an example here, an additional retaining ring 27 may
be provided between the shoulder 27 of the sealing device 11 and
the other coupling part 19 in order to fix the position of the
shoulder 24 in the locating region 20. This provides an easy means
of inserting the sealing device 11 from the other end 22 of the
housing container 2 remote from the first end 21 and pushing the
sealing element 23 through the free space in the region of the
first coupling part 18 until the shoulder 24 abuts with the first
coupling part 18. To facilitate insertion, the other coupling part
19 extends out from the internal face 17 of the cap casing 16 by a
relatively short distance and it is the additionally inserted
retaining ring 27 which fixes the relative position between the cap
10 and the sealing device 11. As mentioned above, this system is
explained in more detail in and protected by patent EP 0 445 707 B1
filed by the same applicant.
[0059] If no retaining ring 27 is used, on the other hand, at least
certain regions of the other end 22 of the cap 10 are closed off by
an end wall, not illustrated, although a space must always be left
free in the region of the longitudinal axis 6 to allow a hollow
needle or cannula to be inserted through the sealing device 11 into
the interior 7.
[0060] To ensure that the sealing surface 14 is correctly seated on
the internal face 13 of the housing container 2, at least the
sealing element 23 of the sealing device 11 is made from a highly
elastic material which also has self-sealing properties after
piercing and when subsequently removing a hollow needle or cannula
or such like. To ensure that the sealing surface is correctly
biassed and sits in tight abutment with the internal face 13, the
sealing element 23 has a bigger external dimension 28, in
particular a bigger external diameter 29, than an internal
clearance width 30, preferably an internal diameter 31, of the
housing container 2 in the region of the open end face 4, as may
best be seen from FIG. 2. This being the case, it has proved to of
advantage if the difference between the bigger external dimension
28 in the non-biassed state and the internal clearance width 30 is
within a lower range of between 2% and 5% and within an upper
differential range of between 7% and 20% by reference the bigger
external dimension 28. Accordingly, the difference is preferably
between 2% and 20%, more preferably between 4% and 10% and even
more preferably between 5% and 7%.
[0061] Turning back to the simplified diagram shown in FIG., 1 in
which the sealing device 11 is shown in the inserted position in
the housing container 2, at least the sealing element 23 is in the
biassed state. To fix the sealing device 11 relative to the cap 10
or housing container 2 in a better and more stable position, an
internal clearance dimension 32, in particular an internal diameter
33, of the first coupling part 18 co-operating with the sealing
surface 14 is smaller, although this is over-exaggerated in the
drawing, than the external dimension 28, in particular the external
diameter 29, of the sealing device 11 to be accommodated in the
region of its sealing surface 14 in the undeformed or non-biassed
state, the basis for reference being the external dimension 28 or
external diameter 29. A lower threshold value of between 5% and 15%
and an upper threshold value of between 16% and 25% have proved to
work efficiently. Accordingly, the differences may therefore be
between 5% and 25%, preferably between 10% and 20% and even more
preferably between 13% and 17%. This enables the sealing device 11
to be trapped to a certain degree by the coupling part 18 in the
region where the sealing element 23 and the flange-type shoulder 24
merge.
[0062] As the sealing device 11 is pierced by the cannula or
similar elements or components, the friction forces between the
material of the sealing device 11 and the piercing element generate
a force, schematically indicated by arrow "F", on the sealing
device 11 in its central region--in other words in the area of the
longitudinal axis 6. The shoulder 24 is seated on the support
surface of the first coupling part 18, which in this instance is
virtually flat and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
6, to a certain degree only as a result of the internal dimension
32 and the bitter internal diameter 33 of the coupling part 18. As
the internal dimension 32 or internal diameter 33 is smaller in
size, an appropriate biassing force still has to be applied from
the first coupling part 18 towards the sealing element 23,
transmitting the force indicated by arrow "F2 expended by the
flange-type shoulder 24 to the abutment surface of the first
coupling part 18, without pulling the flange-type shoulder 24 out
of the locating region 20 due to elastic deformation, so that the
sealing device 11 is pushed at least partially into the interior 7
of the housing container 2.
[0063] As very schematically illustrated, in the region of the open
end face 4 of the housing container 2, the first coupling part 18
projects out from the internal face 17 in the direction towards the
longitudinal axis 6, the internal dimension 32 or internal
clearance diameter 33 in the region of the first coupling part 18
being at least the same as but preferably smaller than the internal
clearance width 31 or internal diameter 31 of the housing container
2 in the region of the open end face 4. Depending on the size of
the housing container 2 and the associated closure device 3, a
lower threshold value for the difference may be between 0% and 15%
and an upper threshold value may be between 16% and 30% based on
the internal clearance width 30 or clearance diameter 31 of the
housing container 2 by reference to the internal clearance
dimension 32 or internal diameter 33 of the coupling part 18.
Accordingly, the difference may also be between 7% and 12%, for
example. As a result, the coupling part 18 projects out from the
internal surface 13 in the direction towards the longitudinal axis
6. The specific dimensions given here are intended merely as an
example of one possible embodiment of a container system with a
nominal size of 13 mm.
1 clearance width 30 or internal diameter 31: 10.55 mm internal
clearance dimension 32 or diameter 33: 9.60 mm non-spanned external
dimension 28 or diameter 29: 11.20 mm
[0064] As may also be seen from FIG. 1, at least one of the
coupling parts 18, 19 is provided in the form of a web-like
projection 34, which projection may be disposed in intermittent
regions around the periphery or alternatively run continuously
around it on the internal face 17 of the cap 10.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a diagram in section on a very much enlarged
scale, illustrating another embodiment of the cap 10, which may
also be construed as a separate solution, the same reference
numbers and the same component names being used to denote the same
parts as those described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 above. To
avoid unnecessary repetition, reference should be made to the more
detailed descriptions of FIGS. 1 and 2 given above.
[0066] In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, the
coupling part 18 is provided in the form of several projections 34
distributed around the periphery. The other coupling part 19 may
also be divided into segments distributed around the periphery. The
locating region 20 for the flange-type shoulder 24 is in turn
provided between the coupling parts 18, 19. As illustrated in a
very simplified manner in the region of the coupling parts 18, at
least some of the individual projections 34 of the first coupling
part 18 extend out from the locating region 20 towards the side end
therefrom in the direction towards the first open end 21 of the cap
10. These parts or ribs of the projections 34, on the one hand, are
able to minimise or prevent any relative shifting of the cap 10
with respect to the housing container 2 in the direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 6 when the open end face 4
is in the closed position, and on the one hand, facilitate the task
of placing the closure device 3 as a unit on the open end face 4 of
the housing container 2, because these part regions of the
projections 34 fulfil a centring function to a certain degree.
[0067] When the sealing device 11 is inserted from the first, in
this case open end 21 into the cap 10, this part region of the
projections 34 serves as a guiding aid and deforms the shoulder 24
until it has assumed its correct position in the locating region
20.
[0068] In order to obtain a flat seating of the first coupling part
18 on the open end face 4, it is of advantage to provide the
coupling part 18 or the projection 34 forming it as a hollow
cylindrical projection. The same naturally applies to the other
coupling part 19.
[0069] As described above in connection with FIG. 1, it is of
advantage to provide the retaining ring 27 in order to fix the
position of the shoulder 24 in the locating region 20 between the
flange-type shoulder 24 of the sealing device 11 and the other
coupling part 19 of the cap 10 at the end remote from the housing
container 2. Consequently, the internal clearance dimension or
diameter in the region of the other coupling part 19 may be
selected so that it is just big enough to snap the retaining ring
27 into the locating region in a positive fit. This is very easily
done due to the elastic deformation of the material of the cap,
which is made from plastic. This also makes the process of
inserting the sealing device 11 in the cap 10 much easier, without
deforming the sealing device 11. It would also be possible for a
thickness of the flange-type shoulder 24 of the sealing device to
be bigger in the direction of the longitudinal axis 6 in the
non-assembled state than a distance between the two coupling parts
18, 19 in the same direction, less a thickness 35 of the retaining
ring 27, also in the direction of the longitudinal axis 6. The
shoulder 24 is therefore biassed inside the locating region 20
between the two coupling parts 18, 19, in which case the contact
force, in particular on the first coupling part 18 and hence the
resultant adhesive friction between it and the shoulder 24 can be
improved depending on the biassing pressure.
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates another possible embodiment of the cap
10, the same reference numbers and component names being used as
those used in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3 described above. To
avoid unnecessary repetition, reference should be made to the more
detailed description given above with reference to FIGS. 1 to
3.
[0071] In order to retain the sealing device 11, which is not
illustrated in detail, it may be of advantage to provide at least
one retaining means 36 for the sealing device 11 in the region of
the first coupling part 18 co-operating with the sealing surface
14. This being the case, the retaining means 36 may be provided in
the form of one but preferably several projections 37. The
retaining means 36 or the projections 37 constituting them, thus
project from the first coupling part 18 in the direction towards
the other coupling part 19 so that at least some of their regions
extend into the locating region 20. The degree to which the
retaining mans 36 projects out from a surface profiling beyond the
coupling part 18 may be less than 1.0 mm, e.g. 0.5 mm and smaller,
but also bigger than 1.0 mm, e.g. between 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm,
depending on the retaining force which needs to be obtained.
[0072] In order to reduce or prevent the likelihood of the
flange-type shoulder 24, not illustrated, being torn out, the
retaining mans 36 is or are disposed on the first coupling part 18
at a distance from the internal face 17 in the direction towards
the longitudinal axis 6. It has proved to be of particular
advantage if the retaining means 36 is or are arranged in the
region of the first coupling part 18 adjacent to the region lying
immediately adjacent to the longitudinal axis 6, in other words in
the peripheral region. This being the case, a first retaining
surface 38 of the retaining means 36 directed towards the internal
face 17 may extend substantially parallel with the internal face
17. A simple and effective elastic deformation of the sealing
device 11 in the transition region between the sealing element 23
and the flange-type shoulder 24 can be achieved by using retaining
means 36 which taper starting from the first coupling part 18 in
the direction towards the other coupling part 19. Accordingly,
another retaining surface 39 of the retaining means 36 directed
towards the longitudinal axis 6 extends at an angle starting from
the first coupling part 18 towards the other coupling part 19 in
the direction towards the internal face 17. Consequently, the
retaining means 36 are of a triangular shape as viewed in cross
section, as illustrated in the left-hand part of FIG. 4.
[0073] The right-hand part of FIG. 4 illustrates another possible
embodiment of the retaining means 36 on the coupling part 18, which
has a substantially rectangular cross section and is made up of
segments 40 of tubular section, for example. Naturally, however, it
would also be possible for the retaining means 36 to be provided in
the form of a peripheral, continuously extending hollow cylindrical
component. It should be pointed out that the retaining means 36 may
have variously shaped cross sections and that any layout around the
periphery may be selected. In order to facilitate assembly and
obtain the correct mutual orientation, it is preferable to opt for
a continuous arrangement around the entire periphery. The retaining
means 36 of the cap 10 co-operate with the flange-type shoulder 24
of the sealing device 11, although this is not illustrated, and may
be connected to the sealing device 11, in particular the
flange-type shoulder 24, in a positive fit.
[0074] As an alternative or in addition to the above, however, it
would also be possible for at least certain regions of the bearing
surface of the coupling part 18 directed towards the flange-type
shoulder 24 to be provided with profiling on the surface.
[0075] This profiling on the bearing surface may form individual
coupling parts of a coupling mechanism, and may naturally be of any
geometric shapes known from the prior art, such as pyramids,
triangular pyramids, truncated pyramids, regular or irregular
polygons, cones, truncated cones, prism-shaped and many other
options. The essential point is that this bearing surface has this
profiling on at least some of and preferably its entire surface, in
order to form another additional retaining means in co-operation
with the support surfaces of the flange-type shoulder 24 directed
towards it.
[0076] As illustrated in a very simplified format, the other
coupling part 19 extends farther out from the internal face 17 in
the direction towards the longitudinal axis 6 than the one
illustrated in FIG. 3. It may also be provided with additional
connecting webs.
[0077] FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram on an enlarged
scale and in section showing the design of the closure device 3 and
sealing device 1, the same reference numbers and component names
being used for the same parts as those described in connection with
FIGS. 1 to 4 above. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference may
be made to the more detailed descriptions given with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0078] In the area on the left-hand side, at least one recess 41 is
illustrated in simplified format, which complements the retaining
means 36 illustrated in FIG. 4 and extends back into the
flange-type shoulder 24. The recess or recesses may be disposed in
the sealing device 11 to match the cross section and
three-dimensional shape of the retaining means 36 selected from the
options described above in connection with FIG. 4. In order to
improve the adhesive force, it would naturally also be possible for
the recesses 41 to be slightly smaller than the retaining means 36,
thereby obtaining an even higher retaining force and preventing
tearing out due to the generally elastic deformation of the
material used for the sealing device 11. In the right-hand part of
FIG. 5, the design of the recess 41 complements the retaining means
35 illustrated in the right-hand part of FIG. 4.
[0079] As illustrated in a very simplified format, a recess 43 is
also provided in a transition region 42 between the sealing element
23 and the flange-type shoulder 24, which extends out from the
sealing surface 14 in the direction towards the longitudinal axis
6. This recess may also be of a design substantially complementing
the first coupling part 18 in the cap 10, thereby enabling an
efficient positive fit to be obtained between these components. By
selecting the size and disposition of the recess 43 accordingly,
the deformation and tearing force on the flange-type shoulder 24
when piercing the middle region of the shoulder 24 and sealing
element 23 with the sampling tool, in particular the cannula, can
be shifted away from the locating region 20 towards the sealing
element 23. The disposition of the recess 43 may be selected either
independently of or in conjunction with the disposition of the
recesses 41 described above. Naturally, it would also be possible
to provide one or more retaining means 36 on the cap 10, and the
sealing device 11 could be inserted in the flange-type shoulder 24
merely by deforming or forcing the material thereof, without
causing any damage to the material.
[0080] As described above, the first coupling part 18 in the plane
disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 6 has an internal
clearance dimension 32 or an internal diameter 33 which is the same
as or smaller than the external dimension 28 of the sealing device
11 in the region of its sealing surface 14 in the non-deformed or
non-biassed state. If the recess 43 is provided, it may also be of
advantage if an external dimension 44 of the recess 43 in the plane
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 6 is the same as or bigger
than the internal clearance dimension 32, in particular the
internal diameter 33, of the first coupling part 18 co-operating
with the sealing surface 14 in the radial direction. In any event,
the first coupling part 18 projects out from the inner surface 13
of the housing container 2 in the direction towards the
longitudinal axis 6 and the sealing device 11 is pinched and hence
retained in the cap 10 by the first coupling part 18. If the degree
of this pinching effect is sufficient, the other coupling part 19
in the region of the other end 22 can be dispensed with, at least
in certain regions or altogether.
[0081] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another possible embodiment of the
sealing device 11, which may optionally also be construed as a
separate embodiment in its own right, the same reference numbers
and component names again being used to denote the same parts as
those described in connection with FIGS. 1 bis 5 above. Again, to
avoid unnecessary repetition, reference may be made to the more
detailed description of FIGS. 1 to 5. Naturally, any combinations
of the different retaining means 36 and recesses 41 would be
possible.
[0082] To make it easier to pierce and separate the material of the
sealing device 11, it may be of advantage, either as a feature on
its own or in combination with the embodiments described above, if
at least one material split 45 is provided, starting from the first
end region 25 in the region of the flange-type shoulder 24 and
extending in the direction towards the other end region 26, and, as
illustrated in a very simplified format, this may be in the form of
one or more cuts. Usually, several material splits 45 are provided,
in which case they extend at an angle to one another and are
oriented in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 6, as
may best be seen from FIG. 7. If several material splits 45 are
provided, they may be either separate from one another or may also
join with one another. Extending at an angle to one another, the
individual material splits intersect in the region of the
longitudinal axis 6. Another possible layout of the material split
45--which is substantially Z-shaped--is indicated by dotted-dashed
lines in FIG. 7. Naturally, any design and disposition may be
selected for material split or material splits 45 relative to one
another. To facilitate piercing, a longitudinal extension of the
material split 45 or material splits 45 extends in the direction
parallel with the longitudinal axis 6.
[0083] By material split is meant that the material from which the
sealing device 11 is made is cut in at least certain regions of
this area. As a result, the component made from this material
constitutes an essentially integral unit but the integrity of this
material is interrupted in the region of the material split.
[0084] As may be seen from FIG. 6, the material split 45 extends
across the major part of a distance 46 between the two end regions
25, 26, and then terminates within the sealing device 11. In this
respect, it has been found that a dimension of at least half the
distance 46 is practical. However, this dimension could also be
between 60% and 80% or also between 2/3 and 3/4 of the distance
46.
[0085] As an alternative to the above, however, it would also be
possible for at least some of the individual material splits 45 to
link the two end regions 25, 26 to one another, as indicated by
broken lines. This will depend on whether sufficient biassing can
be obtained, thereby securing a sealing abutment of the material
splits 45 without having a detrimental effect on the shelf life to
the time of use and ensuring that the system can still be used in
accordance with the specified instructions without the sample being
affected.
[0086] When the closure device 3 is in the inserted position, in
particular when the sealing element 23 is fitted in the housing
container 2, mutually facing cut faces 47, 48 of the material split
45 should sit in tight abutment with one another and in particular
should be gas-tight and/or liquid-proof.
[0087] A transverse extension of the material split 45 towards the
sealing surface 14 should be dimensioned such that the material
split 45 terminates at least before the sealing surface 14 so that
the sealing element 23 is intrinsically closed in the region of the
sealing surface 14, as viewed around the periphery. The thickness
of the non-split material between the material split 45 and the
sealing surface 14 will depend on the intended use of the container
system 1 and, this being the case, if a vacuum pressure is to
prevail in the interior 7, care must be taken to ensure that there
will be no pressure compensation with the external ambient
environment for a long period. If, on the other hand, the closure
device 3 is placed on a housing container 2 in which the interior 7
is at the same pressure as the ambient pressure, the material split
45 may also extend as far as the sealing surface 14. Provided an
adequate seal can be obtained, however, the material split 45 may
extend as far as the sealing surface 14, even if the container
systems 1 are to be evacuated.
[0088] As may also be seen from FIG. 6, the mutually facing cut
faces 47, 48 of the material split 45 are flat in at least certain
regions. In addition, however, it may also be of advantage if
mutually facing cut faces 47, 48 of the material split 45 are
profiled in at least certain regions.
[0089] The material split 45 described here is preferably provided
in the form of a flat or smooth cut or cuts, although it is
possible to provide a certain amount of profiling between the
mutually facing cut faces 47, 48. If the mutually facing cut faces
47, 48 have only a minimal surface roughness, which is enough to
produce an adequate sealing effect between the two mutually spaced
apart end regions25, 26 when the split surfaces are pressed one
against the other, this will nevertheless facilitate the process or
piercing with the cannula or any other sampling means. As a result
of the radial compression forces which occur during insertion
through the sealing device 11, in particular the sealing element 23
with the surface 13 in the open end face 4 of the housing container
2, the respective mutually facing cut faces 47, 48 of the material
splits 45 are pressed against one another which, as a result of the
profiling, prevents any relative mutual shifting between them in
the direction of the longitudinal axis. As the cannula is inserted
through the material split, the two mutually facing cut faces 47,
48 are pushed apart from one another in the radial direction
relative to the longitudinal axis 6 due to the elastic
deformability of the material, so that the cut faces 47, 48 which
stick together in a positive and friction-induced fit are moved
apart in at least certain regions. Consequently, the cannula can be
inserted through the sealing device 11 with less effort, which
totally or largely prevents any unintended displacement of the
flange-type shoulder 24 relative to the locating regions 20 of the
cap10, as described above.
[0090] This profiling may be of various types but is illustrated as
a basic wave-shaped arrangement in FIG. 6 for the sake of
simplicity.
[0091] However, it would also be possible to introduce a sealing
means 49, indicated by circles in the left-hand half of FIG. 6, in
at least certain regions between the cut faces 47, 48. This sealing
means 49 may be of any consistency and may have adhesion
properties, although care should be taken to ensure that the
sealing means 49 can not get into the interior 7 of the housing
container 2 when the sealing device 11 is pierced by a cannula or
such like in the region of the material split 45, or the sealing
means 49 is selected such that if it comes into contact with the
sample contained in the interior 7, it does not detrimentally alter
it or compromise subsequent evaluation of the sample or its shelf
life.
[0092] As described above, at least parts of the sealing device 11
are made from a self-sealing, highly elastic material, selected
from the group consisting of synthetic or thermoplastic elastomers.
However, it would also be possible for at least a surface section
thereof to be provided with a coating 50 in the region of the
sealing element 23, as very simply illustrated in FIG. 6 by broken
lines, on the side facing the interior 7 of the housing container
2. Naturally, surface sections spaced at a distance therefrom, such
as the end region 15 with its recess, may also be provided with
this coating 50. This being the case, the coating 50 may be
selected from the group consisting of silicone oils and may be of a
type which repels body fluids and/or repels cellular elements
thereof. The force to be applied to the cannula in order to pierce
the sealing device 11 can be reduced as a result.
[0093] For the sake of good order, it should be pointed out that in
order to provide a clearer understanding of the structure of the
container system 1, it and its constituent parts are illustrated to
a certain extent out of proportion and/or on an enlarged scale
and/or on a reduced scale.
[0094] The underlying objectives of the solutions proposed by the
invention may be found in the description.
[0095] Above all, the individual embodiments of the subject matter
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2; 3; 4; 5; 6, 7 may be construed as
independent solutions proposed by the invention. The objectives and
associated solutions may be found in the detailed description of
the drawings.
List of Reference Numbers
[0096] 1 Container system
[0097] 2 Housing container
[0098] 3 Closure device
[0099] 4 End face
[0100] 5 Container wall
[0101] 6 Longitudinal axis
[0102] 7 Interior
[0103] 8 End wall
[0104] 9 End face
[0105] 10 Cap
[0106] 11 Sealing device
[0107] 12 Coupling mechanism
[0108] 13 Surface
[0109] 14 Sealing surface
[0110] 15 Surface
[0111] 16 Cap casing
[0112] 17 Internal face
[0113] 18 Coupling part
[0114] 19 Coupling part
[0115] 20 Locating region
[0116] 21 End
[0117] 22 End
[0118] 23 Sealing element
[0119] 24 Shoulder
[0120] 25 End region
[0121] 26 End region
[0122] 27 Retaining ring
[0123] 28 External dimension
[0124] 29 Diameter
[0125] 30 Clearance width
[0126] 31 Diameter
[0127] 32 Internal dimension
[0128] 33 Diameter
[0129] 34 Projection
[0130] 35 Thickness
[0131] 36 Retaining means
[0132] 37 Projection
[0133] 38 Retaining surface
[0134] 39 Retaining surface
[0135] 40 Segment
[0136] 41 Recess
[0137] 42 Transition region
[0138] 43 Recess
[0139] 44 Transition region
[0140] 45 Material split
[0141] 46 Distance
[0142] 47 Cut face
[0143] 48 Cut face
[0144] 49 Sealing element
[0145] 50 Coating
* * * * *