U.S. patent application number 13/886714 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-06 for holding structure for simultaneously holding a plurality of containers for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications and transport or packaging container with holding structure.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schott AG. Invention is credited to Bastian FISCHER, Carmen HEITER, Ralph LOVIS, Edgar PAWLOWSKI, Kai WISSNER.
Application Number | 20140034545 13/886714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50024430 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140034545 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PAWLOWSKI; Edgar ; et
al. |
February 6, 2014 |
HOLDING STRUCTURE FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY HOLDING A PLURALITY OF
CONTAINERS FOR MEDICAL, PHARMACEUTICAL OR COSMETIC APPLICATIONS AND
TRANSPORT OR PACKAGING CONTAINER WITH HOLDING STRUCTURE
Abstract
A supporting structure for concurrently supporting a plurality
of containers for substances for medical, pharmaceutical or
cosmetic applications is disclosed, wherein the containers are open
at least at one end and wherein the supporting structure comprises
a plurality of openings or receptacles and a plurality of
supporting means for supporting said containers in said openings or
receptacles. According to the invention the supporting structure is
formed by or comprises a plurality of subunits, wherein each of the
subunits can be handled or processed separately together with the
containers supported thereon. The subunits make the transfer to
processing stations of the process easier, but also serve for
reliably positioning the containers during the process at
positions, which are precisely determined by the positions of the
supporting means.
Inventors: |
PAWLOWSKI; Edgar;
(Stadecken-Elsheim, DE) ; WISSNER; Kai; (Mainz,
DE) ; HEITER; Carmen; (St. Gallen, CH) ;
FISCHER; Bastian; (St. Gallen, CH) ; LOVIS;
Ralph; (Winterthur Schwiez, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schott AG; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50024430 |
Appl. No.: |
13/886714 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/565 ; 53/448;
53/471 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 3/003 20130101;
A61M 5/002 20130101; B65D 25/108 20130101; B65D 1/34 20130101; B65B
5/068 20130101; B65B 55/025 20130101; B65D 25/101 20130101; A61M
5/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/565 ; 53/448;
53/471 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/10 20060101
B65D025/10; B65B 5/06 20060101 B65B005/06; B65D 1/34 20060101
B65D001/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 3, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 103 898.8 |
May 3, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 103 900.3 |
Oct 29, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 110 339.9 |
Claims
1. A supporting structure for concurrently supporting a plurality
of containers for substances for medical, pharmaceutical or
cosmetic applications, said supporting structure being configured
as a transverse web, wherein a plurality of pairs of resilient
holding arms are disposed on the front side of the transverse web,
and each of the resilient holding arms comprises a central bulge in
order to respectively snuggle to the neck of a container to be
supported, wherein the transverse web can be inserted from above
into a transport container so as to be temporarily retained in the
transport container in a vertical position.
2. The supporting structure of claim 1, wherein each of the
resilient holding arms is matched to the container to be supported
such that it is supported by friction or in a positive-fit manner
on the transverse web.
3. The supporting structure of claim 2, wherein the resilient
holding arms are configured such that the containers can be rotated
and/or displaced axially while being held by the holding arms.
4. The supporting structure of claim 1, wherein the transverse web
and the positions of the resilient holding arms are matched to the
length of the containers to be supported such that bottoms of the
containers to be supported are freely accessible for a processing,
while they are supported on the transverse web.
5. The supporting structure of claim 1, wherein the resilient
holding arms are configured such that the containers are supported
in the region of the neck and below an expanded upper rim that
follows the neck, and the containers are held by the resilient
holding arms so as to be secured in axial direction.
6. The supporting structure of claim 1, wherein the resilient
holding arms are configured such that the containers respectively
rest loosely with their bottoms on an expanded upper rim portion on
the front free ends of the holding arms.
7. The supporting structure of claim 1, wherein distances between
adjacent pairs of resilient holding arms are dimensioned such that
a direct collision of adjacent containers is prevented.
8. The supporting structure of claim 1, wherein the resilient
holding arms are disposed on the front side of the transverse web
spaced apart from each other and at regular intervals.
9. The supporting structure of claim 1, wherein the resilient
holding arms are formed of a plastics material and integrally with
the transverse web.
10. The supporting structure of claim 1, wherein the resilient
holding arms are disposed aligned with one another at a given level
of the transverse web.
11. A transport or packaging container for a plurality of
containers for substances for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic
applications in said transport or packaging container, comprising
at least one supporting structure for concurrently supporting a
plurality of containers for substances for medical, pharmaceutical
or cosmetic applications, said supporting structure being
configured as a transverse web, wherein a plurality of pairs of
resilient holding arms are disposed on the front side of the
transverse web, and each of the resilient holding arms comprises a
central bulge in order to respectively snuggle to the neck of a
container to be supported, wherein said at least one supporting
structure is inserted from above into said transport or packaging
container or into a frame-like or box-shaped insert so as to be
temporarily retained in the transport container in a vertical
position.
12. The transport or packaging container of claim 11, wherein the
transport or packaging container has a closed bottom and a side
wall projecting perpendicularly, wherein pairs of protrusions or
ridges are formed on the inner surface of the side wall spaced part
from each other and at regular intervals and extending in parallel
with each other for respectively forming a guide and clamping
channel extending vertically, and side edges of the respective
transverse web are inserted into two guide and clamping channels,
which are disposed on opposite portions of the side wall of the
transport or packaging container, for retaining the respective
transverse web.
13. The transport or packaging container of claim 11, wherein the
respective transverse web is held on the inner surface of the side
wall of the transporting or packing container in a positive-fit
manner.
14. The transport or packaging container of claim 11, wherein the
transport or packaging container is sealed by a sterile,
gas-permeable protective foil.
15. A process for the treatment or processing of containers, which
are used for the storage of substances for medical, pharmaceutical
or cosmetic applications or contain such substances, using a
transport or packaging container comprising at least one supporting
structure for concurrently supporting a plurality of containers in
said transport or packaging container, wherein said supporting
structure is configured as a transverse web, a plurality of pairs
of resilient holding arms are disposed on the front side of the
transverse web, and each of the resilient holding arms comprises a
central bulge in order to respectively snuggle to the neck of a
container to be supported, in which process: a transverse web is
removed from said transport or packaging container while said
plurality of containers are supported on said transverse web; said
containers are processed or handled while being supported by the
respective transverse web; and said transverse web together with
the containers, which have been processed or handled and which are
retained by said transverse web, are inserted again into the
transport or packaging container.
16. The process of claim 15, wherein the containers are displaced
in a longitudinal direction into a raised position to be treated or
processed in the respective receptacle of the transverse web at or
in a processing station, a further treatment or processing of the
containers is performed in said raised position, and the transport
or packing container is sealed or closed from the surroundings by
means of a foil or a cover, after said treatment or processing of
the containers.
17. A supporting structure for concurrently supporting a plurality
of containers for substances for medical, pharmaceutical or
cosmetic applications, said containers being open at least at one
end, wherein the supporting structure comprises a plurality of
openings or receptacles and a plurality of supporting means,
wherein the openings or receptacles are configured such that
containers can be inserted into them, and the supporting means are
configured for supporting the containers in the openings or
receptacles of the supporting structure, wherein the supporting
structure is formed by or comprises a plurality of subunits, and
each of the subunits can be handled or processed individually
together with the containers supported thereon.
18. The supporting structure of claim 17, wherein the subunits are
detachably connected with each other to form the supporting
structure.
19. The supporting structure of claim 17, wherein the subunits are
connected with each other via a supporting frame.
20. The supporting structure of claim 19, wherein the supporting
frame is configured as a transport and packaging container, wherein
the transport and packaging container is open on one or two sides,
and each of the subunits can be inserted separately into the
transport and packaging container.
21. The supporting structure of claim 19, wherein the respective
subunits comprise a supporting web, wherein the supporting web is
configured to retain the respective subunits in the supporting
frame or to connect the subunits with each other.
22. The supporting structure of claim 21, wherein a plurality of
resilient holding arms respectively project from the supporting web
and wherein the openings or receptacles of the supporting structure
are formed by the resilient holding arms.
23. The supporting structure of claim 22, wherein the supporting
webs and the positions of the resilient holding arms are matched to
the length of the containers such that bottoms of the containers
are freely accessible for processing, while being held on the
subunits.
24. The supporting structure of claim 22, wherein the resilient
holding arms are configured such that the containers respectively
rest loosely with their bottoms on an expanded upper rim portion on
the front free ends of the holding arms.
25. The supporting structure of claim 22, wherein the respective
subunits further comprise side walls which are detachably connected
to the respective supporting web.
26. The supporting structure of claim 25, wherein the supporting
webs and side walls of adjacent subunits can be caused to engage
with each other for connecting respective adjacent subunits with
each other.
27. The supporting structure of claim 22, wherein the supporting
webs of the subunits are each foldable, so that respective
rectangular subunits can be formed, if viewed in a plan view,
wherein the subunits are connected with the supporting structure
via a common connecting web.
28. A transport or packaging container for a plurality of
containers for substances for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic
applications, comprising at least one supporting structure for
concurrently supporting said plurality of containers in the
transport or packaging container, wherein said at least one
supporting structure is accommodated in said transport or packaging
container, said containers are open at least at one end, wherein
the supporting structure comprises a plurality of openings or
receptacles and a plurality of supporting means, wherein the
openings or receptacles are configured such that containers can be
inserted into them, and the supporting means are configured for
supporting the containers in the openings or receptacles of the
supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure is formed by
or comprises a plurality of subunits, and each of the subunits can
be handled or processed individually together with the containers
supported thereon.
29. A process for the treatment or processing of containers, which
are used for the storage of substances for medical, pharmaceutical
or cosmetic applications or contain such substances, wherein the
containers are open at least at one end, in which process: a
plurality of containers are inserted into openings or receptacles
of subunits such that they are supported by supporting means, which
are associated with the openings or receptacles, on the subunits; a
plurality of subunits together with the containers, which have been
processed or handled and which are supported by said subunits, are
inserted into a transport or packaging container or jointly form
said transport or packaging container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the concurrent
supporting of a plurality of containers for the storage of
substances for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, in
particular of flasks (vials) and ampoules, and more particularly to
the concurrent supporting of a plurality of containers in a
supporting structure in such a manner that these, while they are
supported in a supporting structure provided for this purpose, may
be further processed in filling or processing units, in particular
in a sterile tunnel, in a filling unit for liquid medical or
pharmaceutical applications or in a freeze-dryer for lyophilizing a
liquid including an agent or the like. A further aspect of the
present invention relates to a process for the treatment of a
plurality of such containers with a concurrent automated conveyance
and transfer of a plurality of containers at processing
stations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Medication containers, for example vials, ampoules or
carpoules, are widely used as containers for preservation and
storage of medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations to be
administered in liquid form, in particular in pre-dosed amounts.
These generally have a cylindrical shape, can be made of plastic or
glass and are available in large quantities at low costs. In order
to fill the containers under sterile conditions as efficiently as
possible concepts are increasingly used according to which the
containers are already packaged in a transport or packaging
container at the manufacturer of the containers under sterile
conditions, which are then unpacked and further processed at a
pharmaceutical company under sterile conditions, in particular in a
so-called sterile tunnel.
[0003] For this purpose, various transport and packaging containers
are known from the prior art, in which a plurality of medication
containers are concurrently arranged in an array configuration, for
example in a matrix arrangement along rows and columns extending
perpendicular thereto. This has advantages in the automated further
processing of the containers since the containers can be passed to
processing stations, for example to processing machines, robots or
the like, at controlled positions and in a predetermined
arrangement. For this purpose, supporting structures are used, in
which a plurality of containers can be supported concurrently in a
predetermined regular arrangement. For the transfer to a processing
station it is just required to properly position and open the
transport and packaging container. The downstream processing
station will then know at what position and in what arrangement the
containers to be processed further are arranged.
[0004] Such a transport and packaging container and a corresponding
packaging concept are disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No.
8,118,167 B2. The further processing of the containers is, however,
always performed such that the supporting structure will be removed
from the transport and packaging container, that the containers
will be removed from the supporting structure and isolated and then
individually placed on a conveyor, in particular on a conveyor
belt, and passed to the processing stations for further processing.
This limits the speed of processing that can be achieved.
Particularly in the isolation of the containers by means of cell
wheels or the like, it always occurs that individual containers
abut uncontrolled, which results in an undesired abrasion and
subsequently in a contamination of the interior volume of the
containers or of the processing station and in an impairment of the
outer appearance of the containers which is undesirable.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,263 B2 discloses a portable transport
and packaging container that can be packaged in a sterile manner,
in which a plate-shaped supporting structure can be inserted in
which a plurality of medication containers are held in a regular
arrangement. Firstly, the individual medication containers are
placed loosely in receptacles, which are formed in the supporting
structure. Then, the supporting structure is placed in the
transport and packaging container and this is surrounded by a
gas-impermeable plastic tube. Upon subsequent evacuation of the
packaging unit thus formed, the plastic tube is pressed into the
spaces between the medication containers due to the negative
pressure prevailing in the tube, which, on the one hand, results in
a stabilization of the position of the medication containers in the
supporting structure and, on the other hand, in a prevention of
further uncontrolled collisions of adjacent medication containers.
During the evacuation and the subsequent opening of the plastic
tube, however, the medication containers may slip sideways,
increasing the efforts required for automation for processing
further the medication containers. In addition, the medication
containers may still collide uncontrolled after opening of the
plastic tube, resulting in the aforementioned disadvantages. The
medication containers cannot be processed further while being in
the transport or packaging container or in the supporting
structure, but must be isolated first in the conventional manner
and transferred over to downstream processing stations.
[0006] Related transport and packaging containers and supporting
structures are disclosed in WO 2011/135085 A1, US 2011/0277419 A1,
WO 2012/025549 A1, WO 2011/015896 A1, WO 2012/007056 A1 and WO
2009/015862 A1.
[0007] However, for a further processing the medication containers
must always be isolated. This is explained by way of example for a
conventional process for freeze-drying pharmaceutical substances in
medication containers, as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No.
5,964,043. Firstly, the processing station, namely a sterile
tunnel, is loaded with the vials. For this purpose, the vials are
hung upside down in the transport frame, which is then conveyed
through the processing station. For pretreatment, the vials
supported in the transport frame are sterilized. Then the transport
frames are turned together with the vials accommodated therein and
filled with a drug solution. Subsequently a plug is placed on the
upper rim of the vials, in which a channel is formed so that the
interior of the respective vials communicates with the chamber of
the freeze-dryer during the freeze-drying process.
[0008] For freeze-drying (also known as lyophilization, or
sublimation drying), the vials are then removed from the transport
frame and individually inserted into the freeze-dryer. Here, the
bottoms of the vials must be placed directly on a planar cooling
head to obtain a good cooling effect. If at this stage a direct
contact over the entire bottom surface is not ensured, this results
in a significant prolongation of the freeze-drying process, leading
to higher costs.
[0009] After lyophilization, the vials are removed from the
freeze-dryer, the plugs are pushed down and metal lids are placed
onto the plugs, which are then beaded or crimped. Vials processed
in this manner are then delivered, for example by inserting a
plurality of vials into a common supporting base and by inserting
the supporting base into a transport and packaging container, which
is then sterile packaged for delivery.
[0010] The need for a direct contact between the bottoms of the
medication containers and the cooling head for the freeze-drying
process conventionally requires a treatment or processing of
individual containers, which increases the costs for processing and
packaging. Conventionally, a batch-wise processing of medication
containers is not possible. In any case, a direct contact between
the bottoms of the medication containers, in particular the bottoms
of vials, is not possible in the conventional supporting
structures.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,105 A, US 2005/0013745 A1 and US
2009/0238727 A1 disclose supporting structures for concurrently
supporting a plurality of test tubes. DE 88 05 580 U1 and FR
2595667 discloses supporting structures for fragile containers.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 8,320,86A discloses a supporting structure
made of a resilient metal strip, in which resilient holding
receptacles are formed for accommodating containers therein. The
metal strip can be mounted on the inside of a box. U.S. Pat. No.
2,598,492 discloses a similar supporting structure.
[0013] US 2011/0132797 A1 discloses a container for the transport
of vials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to further enhance
a supporting structure for containers for substances for medical,
pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications such that a treatment or
processing of the containers is made easier, particularly that it
can be performed automated. According to further aspects there are
to be provided a transport and packaging container comprising such
a supporting structure and a process for the treatment or
processing of such containers, wherein such a supporting structure
is used.
[0015] According to the present invention these objects are
achieved by a supporting structure according to claim 1, by a
transport and packaging container according claim 11 and by a
process according to claim 14. Further advantageous embodiments are
the subject-matter of the dependent claims.
[0016] Accordingly, there is provided a supporting structure for
concurrently supporting a plurality of containers for substances
for cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, in particular
vials and ampoules, said containers being open at least at one end,
wherein the supporting structure comprises a plurality of openings
or receptacles into which the containers can be inserted and a
plurality of supporting means for supporting the containers in the
openings or receptacles. According to the invention the supporting
structure is formed by or comprises a plurality of subunits,
wherein each of the subunits can be handled or processed separately
together with the containers supported thereon.
[0017] The subunits thereby facilitate the transfer to processing
stations used in the process, but also serve for a reliable
positioning of the containers during the process at positions,
which are precisely determined by the positions of the supporting
means. The subunits serve as supporting structures (carriers) and
can be handled individually, wherein the medication containers can
be supported in these supporting structures preferably in a
predetermined configuration. The containers can be inserted for
example into such a subunit outside of a sterile processing plant.
This is followed by a sterilization and further processing, each
including gripping/handling of individual subunits or of inserts
composed of such individual subunits for standard transport and
packaging containers.
[0018] According to a further embodiment the subunits are
detachably connected with each other to form the supporting
structure. The coupling may be accomplished by friction or in a
positive-fit manner using separate coupling members. Thus, the
subunits can be assembled to larger subunits, which e.g. can be
handled faster and in a more suitable manner, e.g. to form
transport units that can be transported or sealed.
[0019] According to a further embodiment the subunits are connected
with each other via a supporting frame. The supporting frame causes
that the plurality of subunits have a higher mechanical stability,
but may also serve to enable a concurrent handling of the plurality
of subunits, for example for the simultaneous transfer of a
plurality of subunits to a processing station or for storing the
plurality of subunits in a transport and packaging container.
[0020] According to a further embodiment the supporting frame is
configured as a transport and packaging container, which is open on
one or two sides and into which each of the subunits can be
inserted individually. Thus, a separate supporting frame is no
longer necessary.
[0021] According to a further embodiment, the respective subunits
comprise a supporting web by means of which the respective subunits
are respectively retained in the supporting frame or by means of
which the subunits are connected with each other. Particularly, the
supporting web may be inserted directly into a transport and
packaging container or into a supporting frame to be positioned
there.
[0022] According to a further embodiment a plurality of resilient
holding arms respectively project from the supporting web, which
form openings or receptacles for supporting the containers at the
subunits. By means of a suitable dimensioning and design of these
holding arms the supporting of the containers at the supporting
webs or subunits can be set as required in a simple manner.
Particularly, by means of a suitable dimensioning and design of
these holding arms a suitable frictional or positive-fit for
supporting the containers or a suitable supporting of the
containers at the subunits may be accomplished. Particularly, the
holding or supporting of the containers is configured such that the
containers can be rotated or displaced to a certain extent while
being held at the subunits, e.g. that they can be displaced axially
into a raised or lowered position and/or rotated about their
longitudinal axis. The subunit, in particular the above-mentioned
supporting web, may be mechanically retained in a processing
station and the containers may be moved or displaced in a suitable
manner for a further processing in the processing station.
Subsequently, the subunits may be re-stored in a suitable manner,
for example in a transportation and packaging container.
[0023] According to a further embodiment the supporting webs and
the positions of the resilient holding arms are matched to the
length of the containers such that bottoms of the containers are
freely accessible for processing, while being held on the subunits.
For example, the bottoms may rest directly on the entire surface of
a cooling-finger for freeze-drying the contents of the
containers.
[0024] For this purpose, it may be advantageous if the containers
can be displaced in axial direction to a certain extent while they
are supported on the subunits to enable a full-surface contact.
[0025] According to a further embodiment, the resilient holding
arms are configured such that the containers respectively rest
loosely with their bottoms on an expanded upper rim portion on the
front free ends of the holding arms. In this manner, manufacturing
tolerances of the dimensions of the containers can be easily
compensated for.
[0026] According to a further embodiment, the respective subunits
further comprise side walls which are detachably connected to the
respective supporting web. By means of such side walls the subunits
may be further covered or even completely closed, which can be of
advantage, for example, for a further processing at or transfer to
downstream processing stations.
[0027] According to a further embodiment the supporting webs and
side walls of adjacent subunits can be caused so as to engage with
each other for connecting respective adjacent subunits with each
other. In this manner, the subunits can also be assembled to larger
subunits or transport and packaging containers without using
additional connecting or coupling members.
[0028] According to a further embodiment the supporting webs of the
subunits are each configured such that they can be folded-up, so
that respective rectangular subunits can be formed, if viewed in a
plan view, wherein the subunits are connected or coupled with the
supporting structure via a common connecting web. Suitably and
optionally, the supporting webs can be coupled with the connecting
web or separated from the latter again. If they are separated from
the connecting web, the supporting webs can be re-deployed, for
example, to form a linear supporting structure, in which all
containers are held aligned with one another and spaced apart from
each other at regular intervals. This facilitates, for example,
further processing of the containers in an assembly line process,
while these are supported by a supporting web. After further
processing, the supporting webs can then be folded-up and/or
assembled to a subunit, as described above.
[0029] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a transport or packaging container for a plurality of
containers for substances for cosmetic, medicalor pharmaceutical
applications, in particular of vials, comprising at least one
supporting structure as described above for concurrently supporting
said plurality of containers in the transport or packaging
container, wherein the supporting structure is accommodated in the
transport or packaging container. Here, the transport or packaging
container may also serve as a supporting frame, in principle, with
which the individual subunits are coupled, for example, inserted in
or engaged with the latter.
[0030] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a process for the treatment or processing of
containers, which are used for the storage of substances for
cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications or contain such
substances, wherein the containers are particularly of cylindrical
shape and wherein the containers are open at least at one end, in
which process a plurality of containers are inserted into openings
or receptacles of subunits such that they are supported by
supporting means, which are associated with the openings or
receptacles, on the subunits; the containers are processed or
treated while being held by a respective subunit; and a plurality
of subunits together with the containers, which have been processed
or handled and which are supported by said subunits, are inserted
into a transport or packaging container or jointly form said
transport or packaging container. The subunits thereby facilitate
the transfer to processing stations used by the process, but also
serve to enable a reliable positioning of the containers during the
process at positions which are defined precisely by the positions
of the supporting means.
[0031] According to a further embodiment, one of the processing
stations is a flanging station or a crimping station, where a metal
lid is beaded or crimped on the upper rim of the containers,
wherein the containers are rotated by the turntable about their
longitudinal axis in the raised position for beading or crimping
while the metal lid is beaded or crimped, and are pushed back again
into the openings or receptacles after beading or crimping. For
beading or crimping the containers may be lifted to the raised
position by means of a lifting rod, wherein the respective
turntable is supported on the lifting rod and the upper rim of the
container together with the metal lid put thereon is centered by
means of a centering disc during the rotation. During the treatment
or processing in or at at least one of the processing stations, the
containers may be held in a subunit, as described above, and may be
displaced in this position axially upward to the raised position
for processing, may be processed in the raised position, and
finally may be pushed back to a lowered position, where the
containers are supported in the openings or receptacles of the
subunit. Several such subunits can be combined to a transport and
packaging container or to a supporting unit, as described below.
Thus, the processing or handling of the containers can be made more
flexible, especially while they are still supported reliably in
such a subunit. Such processing or handling may be particularly a
cleaning step, a sterilization step, for example a sterilization in
a sterile tunnel, a filling process, a freeze-drying process or the
like or may comprise such a step.
[0032] According to a further aspect, an identification or tracking
sensor shall be present at least at one processing station to prove
the authenticity of parameters or for reading out parameters, which
can preferably read out RFID chips, RuBee chips or fluorescent
labels.
[0033] According to a further aspect, the processing may be
controlled by optical sensors and/or mechanical sensors. For this
purpose, particularly labels on the vials or ampoules and/or on the
transport or packing container may be used.
[0034] According to a further embodiment the transport or packaging
container or also a subunit is sealed or closed to the environment
by means of a foil or a cover.
[0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention that
may also be claimed by means of an independent claim, a supporting
structure, which is embodied as a transverse web, is provided for
concurrently supporting a plurality of containers for substances
for cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, in particular
of flaks (vials), wherein a plurality of pairs of resilient holding
arms are disposed on the front side of the transverse web, each of
which comprises a central bulge in order to snuggle respectively to
the neck of a container to be supported, in particular of a vial,
and wherein the transverse web can be inserted from above into a
transport container so as to be temporarily retained in the
transport container in a vertical position. Such a supporting
structure allows an advantageously simple and efficient processing
or handling of the containers, because a plurality of containers or
vials can be supported together by the supporting structure while
being processed or handled, which acts as a subunit. The supporting
structures may be configured as described in detail in the present
application.
OVERVIEW ON DRAWINGS
[0036] The invention will now be described by way of example and
with reference to the accompanying drawings, from which further
features, advantages and problems to be solved will become
apparent. In the drawings:
[0037] FIGS. 1a-1c show a transport and packaging container having
a plurality of supporting structures according to a first
embodiment of the present invention, wherein individual subunits of
a supporting structure can be inserted in rows in the transport and
packaging container and removed again;
[0038] FIG. 1d shows a variant of the transport and packaging
container according to FIG. 1a, wherein the rows of supporting
structures are individually inserted in a removable insert of the
transport and packaging container;
[0039] FIGS. 2a-2d show different views of a matable insert
according to a second embodiment of the present invention of a
transport and packaging container;
[0040] FIG. 2e shows in an enlarged partial section a part of a
supporting structure according to a further embodiment of the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 2f shows in an enlarged partial section the supporting
structure of FIG. 2e with a vial received therein;
[0042] FIGS. 3a-3d show different views of a collapsible insert
according to a further embodiment of the present invention of a
transport and packaging container, wherein the transverse webs are
formed by a collapsible supporting web having holding arms formed
thereon;
[0043] FIGS. 4a-4c show a transport and packaging container
according to a further embodiment of the present invention which is
configured to be open at both ends and which is closed at the open
ends with a protective film; and
[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for the
treatment or processing of containers according to the present
invention.
[0045] In the figures, identical reference numerals designate
identical or substantially equivalent elements or groups of
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] FIG. 1a shows a transport and packaging container 1, into
which a plurality of subunits embodied as transverse webs 165 are
inserted, each supporting a plurality of vials 2. According to the
present invention, the transport and packaging container serves for
storing a plurality of containers for storage of substances for
cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications in an array
configuration, in particular in a matrix configuration with regular
intervals between the containers along two different directions in
space, preferably along two mutually orthogonal spatial directions
or in regular rows, which are displaced relative to each other.
[0047] An example of such medication containers embodied as vials
is schematically shown in FIG. 1c in a longitudinal sectional view.
These have a cylindrical basic shape, having a cylindrical side
wall with--within tolerances--constant inner and outer diameters,
which project vertically from a flat vial bottom 3, which merges in
a constricted neck portion 5 having a relatively short axial length
near the upper open end of the vial and then merges in a widened
upper rim 6, which has a larger outer diameter than the associated
neck portion 5 and is configured for connection to a closure
member. The neck portion 5 can be formed with smooth walls and
without an external thread or may be provided with an external
thread for screwing on a closure member. For example, a plug (not
shown) may be inserted in the inner bore of the neck portion 5 and
the upper rim 6, whose upper end is connected with the upper rim 6
of the vial in a gas-tight manner and protected against the
intrusion of contaminants into the vial, for example by crimping or
beading a metal protective foil which is not shown. Such vials are
radially symmetric and are made of a transparent or colored glass
or of a suitable plastic material by blow molding or plastic
injection molding techniques, and in general can be internally
coated so that the material of the vial emits minimal impurities to
the agent to be received.
[0048] Another example of containers in the sense of the present
application are ampoules, carpoules, syringes or injection
containers. Ampoules or carpoules are containers for medication
agents for usually parenteral administration (injection), for
cosmetics and other agents and are usually cylindrical in shape
with an extended tip (spear or head) and a flat bottom or also with
two extended tips at both ends. These may be formed in particular
as snap-off ampoules with an annular predetermined breaking point
around the ampoule neck or as an OPC cartridge (One-Point-cut
ampoule) having a breaking ring inscribed into the glass. Syringes
or injection containers, also known as injection flask, vial or
reusable ampoule, are cylindrical containers of glass or plastic
shaped similar to a bottle, usually having a relatively small
nominal volume (e.g. 1 ml, 10 ml). They are sealed with a rubber
plug with septum (puncture rubber). For protecting the septum and
fixing the rubber plug an outer closure (beaded cap or cramp),
often made from an aluminum sheet, is necessary. In a carpoule the
liquid is stored in a cylinder, which is closed at one end by means
of a thick rubber or plastic plug. This acts as a piston when the
content is pressed out using a carpoule syringe. At the other end
the cylinder is closed only by means of a thin diaphragm, which is
pierced from the rear end of the carpoule syringe (a cannula
sharpened on both sides) in the application. Cylindrical ampoules
are often used in dentistry for local anesthesia. Special
cylindrical ampoules with a specially shaped front part (e.g.
thread) are used for insulin therapy in insulin pens.
[0049] In the sense of the present invention, such containers are
used for storage of substances or agents for cosmetic, medical or
pharmaceutical applications, which are to be stored in one or
several components in solid or liquid form in the container.
Especially in the case of glass containers storage periods can
amount many years, notably depending on the hydrolytic resistance
of the glass type used. While, in the following, cylindrical
containers are disclosed, it should be noted that the containers,
in the sense of the present invention, may also have a different
profile, for example a square, rectangular or polygonal
profile.
[0050] Inevitably such containers have tolerances due to the
production which can be of the order of one or several tenths of a
millimeter in particular for glass containers. To compensate for
such manufacturing tolerances, while ensuring that all vial bottoms
3 can be disposed in a plane, according to the present invention
the glass containers are retained on a supporting structure or
carrier by means of a positive-fit or friction or by it. This
positive-fit or friction or this supporting may be implemented
either in the region of the constricted neck portion 5 of the
containers, at the side wall portion 4 or in the region of the
bottom end of the containers 2, in particular at the bottom 3 of
the containers.
[0051] According to FIGS. 1a and 1c, the transport and packaging
container 1 comprises a closed, rectangular bottom 11, a side wall
12 projecting substantially perpendicular from the bottom and an
upper rim 15, which projects substantially perpendicular from the
side wall. The transport and packaging container 1 is formed open
at the top so that the transverse webs 165 together with the vials
2 can be inserted from above and removed again individually as
subunits. The transport and packaging container 1 can be closed by
means of a foil or cover, as described below with reference to FIG.
4. Although, in FIG. 1a, the bottom 11 of the transport and
packaging container 1 is shown to be closed and formed integrally
with the side wall 12, the lower end of the transport and packaging
container 1 can also be formed open in the manner of the upper end,
in particular it may be provided with a flange-like bottom rim in
the manner of the upper rim 15 so that the bottoms of the
containers 2 are freely accessible from the underside of the
transport and packaging container 1, for example, for processing
steps in a sterilizing tunnel or in a freeze-dryer.
[0052] As can be seen from FIGS. 1a and 1b, protrusions or ridges
169 are formed on the inner surface of the lower side wall 12
spaced apart from each other at regular intervals, which extend
perpendicular to the bottom of the transport and packaging
container 1, wherein a channel is formed between two respective
directly adjacent projections 169, into which the side edge of the
respective transverse web 165 can be inserted. These channels are
preferably formed as guiding and clamping channels, in which the
transverse webs are held clamped. Thus, the transverse webs 165 can
be temporarily retained in their horizontal as well as vertical
positions in the transport and packaging container 1.
[0053] Retaining the positions of the transverse webs 165 may also
be implemented in the transporting and packing container 1 by means
of the positive-fit cooperation of the side edges of the transverse
webs 165 and the guide and clamping channels. For example, at least
one protrusion or at least one recess may be formed along the side
edges and a corresponding recess or projection may be formed on the
inner side of the protrusions 169, which enable the positive
locking for retaining the positions of the transverse webs 165 on
the side walls 12 of the transport and packaging container 1. For
this purpose, the transport and packaging container 1 and the
transverse webs 165 are preferably formed of a plastic material,
which is sufficiently resilient.
[0054] In this way, the transverse webs 165 may be held in the
transport and packaging container 1 spaced apart from each other at
constant intervals. The distances between the transverse webs 165
are dimensioned such that a packing density as high as possible can
be achieved, i.e. that the gap between the rows of vials and the
adjacent transverse webs 165 is as narrow as possible. The
transverse webs 165 prevent direct collisions of vials 2 of
directly adjacent rows.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, resilient holding arms 166 are
disposed on one side of the transverse webs 165 spaced apart from
each other at regular intervals, which serve as supporting means
for supporting the vials 2. Preferably, the holding arms 166 are
formed integrally with the transverse webs 165, for example by
injection molding, and are arranged in alignment with each other at
a given level of the transverse webs 165. The distances between
adjacent pairs of holding arms 166 are dimensioned such that a
direct collision of adjacent vials is prevented, i.e. that the
outer surfaces of the vials 2 are kept undamaged.
[0056] The resilient holding arms 166 have a central bulge that
snuggle each to the neck of the vial 2 to be supported. The holding
arms 166 are each matched to the vials 2 and dimensioned such that
the vials 2 are held by the holding arms 166 at an appropriate
position by friction or in a positive-fit manner. Here, a
processing and handling of the vials 2 may be continued even while
being held at the transverse webs 165, because most of the vials 2
are still accessible while being supported. As can be seen in FIG.
1a, the vials 2 are freely accessible from above while being
supported, and their bottoms are freely accessible from the bottom
side of the transverse webs 165 (which is important for the cooling
by means of a cooling finger, which is in contact) and the entire
front side is freely accessible, when the transverse webs 165 are
removed from the transport and packaging container 1. Furthermore,
the holding arms 166 may also be configured such that the vials 2,
while they are supported by the holding arms 166, may be rotated
and/or displaced in axial direction. For this purpose there is
provided a suitable friction pairing with the material of the vials
2 by means of a suitable choice of the material of the resilient
holding arms 166, so that the vials 2 are, on the one hand,
reliably held by the holding arms 166, i.e. that they do not slip
due to their own weight, but, on the other hand, may be moved with
not too high force while they are held by the holding arms 166.
This possibility of freely rotating the vials 2 can be used for
example for beading a metal lid mounted on the upper rim of the
vial 2, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG.
5.
[0057] As an example, the supporting of the vials 2 at a transverse
web 165 is shown in FIG. 1c. The vials 2 are supported in the
region of the constricted neck portion 5 and beneath the widened
top rim 6 (the edge roll) so that the vials 2 are supported by the
holding arms 166 so as to be secured in axial direction. The
bottoms 3 of the vials 2 project beyond the bottom edge of the
transverse webs 165, but this is not absolutely necessary.
According to further embodiments, the upper rims of the vials 6 may
protrude beyond the upper edge of the transverse webs 165.
[0058] In the sense of the present invention, the transverse webs
represent subunits 165, each of which may be handled or processed
individually together with the vials 2 supported, but which at the
same time represent individual supporting structures for supporting
a plurality of vials 2 in a suitable manner. The transverse webs
165 may be gripped, for example, individually (for example by means
of grippers) and processed further or treated. Here, the bottoms of
the vials 2 are fully accessible from below, when the transverse
webs 165 are removed from the transport and packaging container
1.
[0059] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1a and 1b transverse webs 165,
which serve as subunits, are inserted individually into the
transport and packaging container 1 and are connected or coupled
with each other by means of the transport and packaging container.
However, the individual transverse webs 165 may also be inserted
together in a supporting frame or supporting box and held by the
latter, which then can be inserted into the transport and packaging
container 1 as a unit and removed therefrom.
[0060] This is exemplified in FIG. 1d, where the projections 169
for retaining the transverse webs are not formed directly on the
lower side walls 12 of the transport container and packaging
container 1 but on the side walls of a frame-like or box-like
insert, which can be inserted into the transport and packaging
container 1. The transverse webs 165 may be inserted into the
frame-like or box-like insert in a similar manner as described
above and removed therefrom, irrespective of whether the latter is
in the transport and packaging container 1 or outside thereof. The
underside of the frame-like or box-like insert can be formed closed
or open.
[0061] FIG. 2a shows a further embodiment of a supporting
structure, wherein the subunits 170 are each formed box-shaped and
can be closed. The subunits 170 are composed of a basic supporting
base which is formed by two side walls 165b, a rear wall 165e and a
bottom 165d. Basically, the two side walls 165b and the bottom 165d
may be formed integrally with the rear wall 165e.
[0062] Alternatively, the two side walls 165b and/or the bottom
165d may be connected or coupled to the rear wall 165e, for example
by insertion or clipping, in which case the rear wall 165e
practically can be handled as a transverse web according to the
embodiment of FIGS. 1a-1d. As a whole, the supporting structure
thus formed is L-shaped in cross section. On one side of the rear
wall 165e holding arms 166 are disposed spaced apart from each
other and at regular intervals for supporting the vials 2, as
described above. The vials 2 can be inserted from the front side or
from above into the receptacles formed by the holding arms 166.
[0063] Each of the subunits 170 may be sealed and transported
individually. For this purpose, grooves are formed at the upper end
of the side walls 165b in which the upper cover 165c can be
inserted. Furthermore, the front partition wall 165a may be
inserted into corresponding grooves on the front side of the side
walls 165b. The connection or coupling with the upper cover 165c
and the front partition wall 165a may also be accomplished in any
other manner, in particular by friction or in a positive-fit
manner.
[0064] Individual subunits may also be assembled together to form
an insert 25 for a transport and packaging container. For this
purpose protrusions may be formed on the rear of the rear partition
walls 165e, which can be inserted into the grooves on the front
side of the side walls 165b. Or spring-like locking projections 172
may be formed on the front end side of the side walls 165b, which
can be inserted into corresponding receptacles from above or below
(in the manner of a tongue-and-groove-coupling or dovetail
coupling), which are formed on the rear face of the side walls 165b
of a directly adjacent subunit 170. The front subunit 170 can then
be closed by means of the front side wall 165a. Thus, an insert 25
is formed, which could be packaged individually, for example in a
sterile packing tube, which, however, may also be inserted into a
transport and packaging container 1 (cf. FIG. 1a). The subunits 170
themselves can be transported and closed individually.
[0065] FIG. 2b shows the insert 25 according to FIG. 2a in a plan
view. FIGS. 2c and 2d show the supporting of the vials 2 in the
insert 25 in a partial sectional view along the lines A-A and B-B,
respectively, in FIG. 2a.
[0066] FIG. 2e shows a further variant of supporting means for
supporting the vials (not shown) in an enlarged partial sectional
view, which can be used in all embodiments of the present
invention. To this end, resilient retaining tongues 140 are
provided on a transverse web, as described above (not shown),
instead of the resilient holding arms 166, which project vertically
from a horizontal supporting base 134 provided on the transverse
web and extend from the top of the horizontal supporting base 134
arcuately inwardly into the opening 135. The retaining tongues 140
are preferably formed of a sufficiently flexible or resilient
plastic. Alternatively, however, the tongues 140 may also be
relatively stiff, but they may be movably mounted on the top of the
supporting base 134 such that they are resiliently pivoted from the
opening 135 or folded back upon insertion of the containers.
[0067] In this embodiment the supporting of the vials is
implemented in the transition region between the constricted neck
portion 5 and the expanded upper rim 6, as exemplified in the
greatly enlarged partial sectional view of FIG. 2f. In particular,
the undersides of the rims of the containers 6 are supported
loosely on the upper ends of retaining tongues 140 in the
transition region to the constricted neck portion, wherein the
vials are nevertheless supported so as to be secured in axial
direction. According to a first embodiment the vials may be
inserted into the openings 135 of the supporting base 134 from
below. Upon insertion of the vials into the openings 135, a
resilient bending of the resilient retaining tongues 140 is caused.
According to a further embodiment, in principle the vials may also
be inserted from above into the openings 135 of the supporting base
134 to be supported on the transverse web.
[0068] As can be seen in FIG. 2f, there is an air gap between the
retaining tongues 140 (see left-hand side of the drawing) and the
constricted neck portion 5, allowing a radial play. Because of this
supporting of the vials with radial play there exists the further
possibility to displace vials supported by the retaining tongues
140 in axial direction, depending on the specific design of the
vials, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the vials, for
example, until the bottoms 3 of all vials supported by the
transverse web are supported under the same distance from the
transverse web, in order to jointly span a plane.
[0069] According to the FIG. 2f, the vial is inserted into the
opening 135 to such an extent that the expanded rim 6 is supported
on the front ends of the retaining tongues precisely in the
transition region between the constricted neck portion 5 and the
expanded upper rim 6. This can be accomplished, for example, by
insertion of the vials from below into the openings 135 of the
supporting base 134 and by subsequently pushing down the vials,
specifically until the front ends of the retaining tongues
precisely abut to the transition region between the constricted
neck portion 5 and the expanded upper rim 6. In the supporting
position shown in FIG. 2f, a certain radial distance between the
step-like transition region between the upper rim 6 and the
constricted neck portion 5 and the front ends of the retaining
tongues 140 is provided at least for the great majority of the
retained vials. In this manner, manufacturing tolerances of the
vials in the axial direction as well manufacturing tolerances in
the radial direction can be compensated for to some extent, and
thus also vials with different diameters may be supported by one
and the same transverse web in the region of the constricted neck
portion 5.
[0070] FIG. 3a shows in a schematic plan view a collapsible subunit
300 according to a further embodiment. This is formed in the manner
of a foldable web 300 and comprises a plurality of regions 301,
along which resilient holding arms 166, as described above, are
provided or formed spaced apart from each other and at regular
intervals. In FIG. 3a it is shown, that vials 2 are inserted into
some of the receptacles formed by the holding arms 166. Between the
regions 301 respective regions 302 without such holding means are
provided. In the transition regions between regions 301 and 302
lines of weakness or thinner wall sections (folding lines) may be
formed so that the web 300 can be selectively collapsed or folded
up at these positions. The subunit 300 according to FIG. 3a can be
handled and processed separately together with the vials 2
supported by it. While in FIG. 3a the subunit 300 is shown in a
plan view and with an L-shaped profile, the web may be suitably
configured by suitably folding in the transition regions, for
example as a linear basic unit, which supports a plurality of vials
spaced apart from each other and at regular intervals.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 3b and 3c, in the following it will be
described, how an insert 25 for a transportat and packaging
container, as described above, may be formed by a plurality of such
subunits 300. According to the plan view onto the insert 25
according to FIG. 3c it is formed by five subunits according to
FIG. 3a, each of which is folded in a U-shape. For this purpose,
lines of weakness or folding lines are formed in the transition
regions between the regions 301 having the holding arms 166 and the
regions 302 without these holding arms (see insert on the
right-hand side of FIG. 3b). In the folded state, the rear faces of
two directly adjacent webs 301 abut each other, wherein the front
faces of the webs 301 are inserted or locked in receptacles, which
are formed by vertical protrusions 306 on a locking rail 305. These
projections 306 may be formed as described above with reference to
FIG. 1b. The projections 306 thereby retain the positions of the
webs 301 and the subunits thus formed at the locking rail 305. This
is clearly shown in the enlarged insert in the left-hand part of
FIG. 3b.
[0072] According to a variant, the web 300 may be also collapsed or
folded like an accordion to form a plurality of transverse webs. A
collapsed or folded web 300 results in an insert 25, which is
suitably held together, for example, by means of a locking rail
305, and may be inserted for storage and transport, for example, in
a transport and packaging container, as shown in FIG. 1a. However,
such an insert 25 may also be closed against the environment by
means of a lid and a bottom, for example in the manner as described
above with reference to FIG. 2a for the box-like units, or may be
sealed by a protective foil as described below with reference to
FIG. 4.
[0073] FIG. 3d shows the supporting of the vials 2 in such an
insert in a schematic partial sectional view taken along the line
A-A according to FIG. 3c.
[0074] The top or the top and bottom of an insert 25, as described
above, or also of a transport and packaging container 1, as
described by way of example with reference to FIG. 1a, may be
covered by a sterile, gas-permeable protective foil, which is
adhesively bonded and can be removed as needed. This is exemplified
in FIG. 4 for a packaging unit which is formed by a transport
container that is open at both sides and by a supporting structure
according to FIG. 1a accommodated therein and which is closed on
the upper and lower side by means of a protective or packaging foil
130 adhesively bonded to the flange-like edge 15. The protective
foil 130 may be in particular a gas-permeable plastic foil, in
particular a web of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene fibers
(PP) or a Tyvek.RTM. protective film, which enables a sterilization
of the containers 2 accommodated and packaged in the supporting
structure 25 through the film 130.
[0075] The vials 2 may also be stored and sealed in such a
transport and packaging container 1 temporarily without filling. A
gas may penetrate through the gas-permeable protective film 130
into the interior of the transport and packaging container 1, for
sterilization of the yet open vials. Such a transport and packaging
container 1 can be re-opened later in a processing station or in a
sterile tunnel to continue handling or processing the vials.
[0076] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5 a process for the
treatment or processing of containers will be described
schematically, which are used for the storage of substances for
cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications or contain such
substances. Firstly, in step S1 the subunits of the supporting
structure are loaded with vials. These may in principle already be
filled, in which case the vials are, for example, sealed in the
subsequent process steps or their contents are first freeze-dried.
However, FIG. 5 assumes that the vials are to be filled, while
being supported on the subunits.
[0077] In process step S2, the vials are further processed, for
example, washed and subsequently dried and/or sterilized while
being supported on the subunits. This process step is optional.
[0078] Subsequently, in process step S3 the vials are filled either
with a liquid containing an active ingredient or a powder. Then the
vials are sealed in process step S4, for example by a plug or metal
lid that may also be beaded or crimped. These process steps S3 and
S4 are carried out, while the vials are supported on the
subunits.
[0079] In the optional process step S5 that may also be carried out
before step S4, the vials can be processed further, while they are
supported on the subunits. Such a process step may be, for example,
a freeze-drying process, during which the subunits are transferred
to a freeze-dryer in which the freeze-drying process is performed.
Suitably, the subunits are configured such that all bottoms of the
vials are freely accessible from the underside while they are
supported on the subunits so that they can rest directly on the
entire surface of a cooling finger of the freeze-dryer. Of course,
such a process step may also be represented by any other processing
step, such as a thermal treatment or irradiation. It is
advantageous that the containers are mostly freely accessible in
the subunits in the sense of the present invention and as described
above, in particular from the upper and lower sides and from the
front of the subunits as described above, for example, with
reference to FIGS. 1a to 3c.
[0080] In the subsequent process step S6, the subunits are inserted
into a transport and packaging container, for example as shown in
FIGS. 1a and 1d. Or all subunits together form such a transport and
packaging container as shown e.g. in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3b.
[0081] Thus, according to the invention the vials can be treated or
processed in batches. A removal from the supporting base and a
separating step, which conventionally makes the processes
complicated, is not required. For this purpose, according to the
invention the subunits are configured such that the vials may be
supported by friction or in a positive-fit manner. Specifically,
the vials are supported in openings or receptacles of the subunits,
which are shaped in a suitable manner for this purpose. The
subunits may be configured such that the vials, while being
supported, may be displaced or rotated or moved or displaced in a
similar manner. This may be ensured easily, for example, by means
of an appropriate design of the supporting of the vials, e.g. of
the support by friction or in a positive-fit manner. Thus, the
vials may, for example, be rotated, while they are supported at a
subunit, for beading or crimping a metal lid which is mounted on
their upper rim.
[0082] For a treatment or processing at or in a processing station
the vials may be displaced in the respective opening or receptacle
of a subunit in the longitudinal direction to a raised position in
which the further treatment or processing is then facilitated. For
example, in this raised position, the bottoms of the vials may be
completely accessible or the upper rims of the vials may protrude
suitably beyond the top edge of a subunit or of a transport and
packaging container, so that a treatment or processing is possible
only in the raised position. Advantageously, the vials are
supported in this raised position in the region of its cylindrical
side wall or of a constricted neck portion below the upper rim or
at its upper rim, which may depend on the particular processing
station.
[0083] In the raised position the vials may still be accommodated
in the openings or receptacles of a subunit, but be supported on an
additional supporting surface or supported by means of an
additional holding or gripping device while they are treated or
processed at or in the processing station. The supporting means at
a subunit are configured for this purpose such that they do not
support the vials in the raised position, at least not with a
holding force sufficient to correspond to the weight of the vials.
However, also in such an embodiment the vials do not need to be
removed completely from a subunit so that their treatment of
processing may be continued in batches, but that, nevertheless,
they can be transferred to a subsequent process step more
rapidly.
* * * * *