CA2707532A1 - Packaging for low-volume bottles - Google Patents

Packaging for low-volume bottles Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2707532A1
CA2707532A1 CA2707532A CA2707532A CA2707532A1 CA 2707532 A1 CA2707532 A1 CA 2707532A1 CA 2707532 A CA2707532 A CA 2707532A CA 2707532 A CA2707532 A CA 2707532A CA 2707532 A1 CA2707532 A1 CA 2707532A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
packaging
bottles
depressions
arrangement
packaging element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA2707532A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alois Hammerl
Josef Kranzinger
Wolfgang Schmitzberger
Heinz Schnait
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ebewe Pharma GmbH Nfg KG
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2707532A1 publication Critical patent/CA2707532A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/321Both sheets being recessed
    • B65D75/323Both sheets being recessed and forming several compartments

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging arrangement (1) for bottles (12) of small volume, having a first packaging element (2) and a second packaging element (3), wherein each of the first and the second packaging elements (2, 3) has at least two depressions (4, 4') spaced apart from each other and formed in in a dimensionably stable manner, whose openings are surrounded by strips (10, 10') with substantially level surfaces, by means of which the packaging elements (2, 3) are connected with each other in a manner sealed against fluids and releasably. The depressions (4, 4') are equipped with spacing ribs (5, 5'), which are distributed over the circumference, which fix the bottles and the closures in place.

(Fig. 1).

Description

Packaging for Low-Volume Bottles The present invention relates to packaging arrangements for bottles of small volume, such as ampules, having a first packaging element for receiving the lower sections of at least two bottles, and a second packaging element for receiving the upper sections of at least two bottles, wherein each of the first and the second packaging elements has at least two depressions spaced apart from each other, which depressions have been formed in the packaging element in a dimensionably stable manner and their openings are surrounded by strips with substantially level surfaces, wherein the first and second packaging elements are connected with each other by these strips in a manner sealed against fluids and releasably.
Bottles with a content relating to health, for example toxic or zytotoxic substances, etc., constitute a considerable risk for unprotected personnel handling them. In the course of the filling process of the bottle it can occur that the exterior of the bottle is wetted by the contents, which holds the danger of contamination in the course of handling it.
Furthermore, during transport there is also the danger of a break or other damage to the bottle with the result that the contents run out.
For example, a transport package was proposed for bottles with toxic contents by Utility Model AT 4611U, for example, which is used both for the protection of the bottles during transport and for the protection of the personnel handling them. The packaging includes a container for receiving the bottle and a locking cap for the tight sealing of the container, in which both the container as well as the locking cap are provided with spacing ribs distributed over its interior circumference, which maintain a received bottle at a distance from the interior circumference of the container and provide clamped seating, wherein the locking cap furthermore extends over a closing device of the bottle.

Zytotoxic substances in particular are often decanted concentrated and in small amounts and are transported. The substances are removed only directly prior to their use, i.e.
the treatment of the patient, and are diluted for purposes of infusion or injection. Ampules capable of containing 1 to 20 ml, for example, are employed as containers for these substances. Ampules, such as ampules which can be pierced, made of glass or plastic, are preferably employed and are also called vials. These ampules are closed by means of a rubber stopper, which is held in place by means of a flanged cap made of aluminum or plastic, and can be pierced by means of a hypodermic needle, for example, for removing the contents from the bottle. Furthermore, adapters are available, which are specially provided for removing the contents of such ampules.
The packaging described in AT 4611U has not been shown to be practical for such ampules, since it is difficult to manipulate because of the small dimensions of the bottles.
So-called blister packs have proven themselves secure and useful packaging arrangements for a multitude of pharmaceutical units, such a tablets, capsules, suppositories, etc.. These packaging arrangements have a bottom part with depressions formed therein, which receive the individual pharmaceutical units. The bottom part is closed off by means of a substantially flat cover layer. For removal, the bottom of the depressions is pushed inward, the pharmaceutical unit contained therein is pushed against the cover layer, which tears open and makes removal possible. As a further characteristic it is possible to provide pre-weakened lines in the strips between the depressions of such blister packs in order to make possible the separation of the pharmaceutical units in the packages state. Furthermore, blister packs are known in which the cover layer can be removed by drawing it off for removing the contents.
The packaging in European Patent EP 0 703 157 represents a further development of known blister packs and provides, in place of the substantially flat cover layer, a cover layer in which depressions have also been formed, so that hollow spaces are created when the blister pack is closed, in which the pharmaceutical units are located. Depending on the shape of the depressions, this packaging is intended to be suitable, among other things, also for receiving ampules. However, because of the shape of the depressions alone, in connection with such packaging it is not assured that ampules with, for example, health-relevant materials contained therein, such as toxic or zytotoxic substances, can be dependably contained during transport and subsequent manipulation.
It is therefore the goal of the invention to create a packaging arrangement for bottles of small volume, such as ampules, which can contain at least two such bottles and assures improved holding of the bottles during transport and subsequent manipulation. The invention has the further goal to make available such a packaging arrangement, which can be produced to be liquid-tight, and therefore secure against spilling, and economical in regard to material and costs.
These goals are attained with a packaging arrangement of the type described at the outset which, in accordance with the invention, is distinguished in that the depressions are equipped with spacing ribs distributed over their circumference, which center the bottle and the closures at a distance from the interior circumference of the depression and maintain them clampingly seated.
In a preferred embodiment of the packaging arrangement, the spacing ribs are formed by indentations stably formed in the wall of the depression.
In this way a packaging arrangement is created which, based on the distancing structure, prevents to a large extent a surface contamination of the bottle to reach the exterior over its entire area and offers spillage protection in case of damage to the bottle. Furthermore, the holding of the bottle during transport, as well as when removing the second packaging element constituting the top of the bottle in the course of separating the bottles and further manipulation of the bottle in a partially packaged state, is improved.
it is particularly advantageous in any case if, in accordance with a further characteristic of the invention, the height of the depression in the first packaging element is less than the height of the bottle to be received. Because of this, the neck of the bottle is easily accessible after the second packaging element has been opened, without it being necessary to remove the bottle from the first packaging element.
The depressions substantially have the shape of a cylinder or a truncated cone. It is preferable in any case that the clear width of the openings of the depressions in the first packaging element be of such a size that the placement of customary adapters on the ampules, for example, is possible without it being required to take the ampule out of the first packaging element.
In the packaging arrangement in accordance with the invention, the strips located between the depressions preferably have pre-weakened lines, such as perforations, in order to make the separation of packaged bottles possible, for example by simply breaking them off.
The pre-weakened lines in the strip usefully extend through the center and parallel with the respective outer edges of the first and/or the second packaging element.
In order to make the removal of the second packaging element easier during opening, the second packaging element preferably has a greater width in comparison to the first packaging element and has notches or recesses at regular distances on its longitudinal edges, and is embodied with wings.
The material from which the packaging material in accordance with the invention is made is preferably a translucent or transparent plastic material. By means of this it is possible to check the integrity of the bottle and its filling state from the outside.
Dimensional stability should be mentioned as a further property of suitable plastic materials in order to prevent a deformation of the depressions by pushing in, and therefore possible damage to the bottle contained therein. Furthermore, in case of a contact with the toxic contents, be it because of contamination of the outer surfaces of the bottle during filling, or because of damage, the plastic materials must be inert and stable in respect to the contents. Furthermore, plastic materials which can be easily worked are usefully selected, such as, for example, thermoplastic materials, from which the packaging elements and the depressions provided therein can be produced by customary methods of plastic technology, such as extruding, pressing, extrusion molding, deep drawing, etc.
Polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyethylene and polypropylene, acrylate-butadien-styrene copolymer, impact-resistant polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, as well as graft copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile on acrylic rubber are for example considered as plastic materials.
In a preferred embodiment, depressions formed in the packaging in accordance with the invention are provided in the corner areas of the first and/or the second packaging element, whose height is less than the height of the depressions for receiving the bottles. During stacking, these depressions assure that prior to their use the packaging elements are maintained at a predetermined spacing in respect to each other and in this way deformations of the depressions for receiving the bottles are also prevented.
When packing the bottles, they are placed, automated in the known manner, into the first packaging element. Thereafter the second packaging element is placed, exactly aligned, over them and the two packaging elements are releasably connected at the strips in a known manner. The connection of the two packaging elements is such that an intact connection, which does not come apart because of normal stresses during transport and handling, is assured, which is furthermore liquid-tight, but that at the same time the release or pull-off of the second packaging element from the first packaging element is possible without an excessive use of force.
A sterilization by customary means, for example UV
radiation or ionizing radiation, of the individual packaging elements, of the bottles and/or of the filled and closed packaging arrangement is preferably performed in the course of packaging in order to make usable sterile bottles immediately available. Because of this it is possible to avoid the disinfection by wiping of the piercing location in the septum, which had been customary up to now prior to the introduction of the injection needle. Moreover, a sterilization of the sections and of the surfaces in the interior of the packaging arrangement in accordance with the invention is assured by this measure.
The method for packaging bottles of small volume comprises the steps of separating the first and second packaging elements, the insertion of bottles into the first packaging elements, the placement of the second packaging elements on top of the first packaging elements filled with bottles, the connection of the first and second packaging elements, wherein the method furthermore includes one or several sterilization steps, which can be performed on the first and second packaging elements, the bottles, the first packaging elements filled with bottles and/or the packaging arrangement filled with bottles and possible closed.
The packaging arrangement in accordance with the invention is preferably employed for packaging bottles of low volume, such as vials, with zytotoxic contents.
The filled packaging arrangement in accordance with the invention can be stacked in the customary manner, because of which a placement of several such packaging arrangements in a ready-made super-packaging arrangement, such as packaging in a box, becomes possible.
The instant invention will be further explained in what follows by means of the embodiment represented in the drawings.
Shown therein are in:
Fig. 1, a perspective plan view of a packaging arrangement in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 2, a view from above of the packaging arrangement in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 3, a view from below of the packaging arrangement in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, sectional views of the hollow spaces created by the depressions along the line A-A, or respectively C to C;
Fig. 6, a sectional view of the depressions provided in the corner areas for improving the stackability, Fig. 7, an individual element of the packaging arrangement in a perspective plan view, Fig. 8, an individual element of the first packaging arrangement (without contents) in a perspective plan view, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, an individual element of the first packaging arrangement containing a bottle with customary adapters, each in a perspective plan view.
Fig. 1 shows a perspective plan view of a packaging arrangement 1 in accordance with the invention with a first packaging element 2 and a second packaging element 3.
Depressions 4, 4' are provided in the packaging elements 2 and 3. The depressions 4, 4' have the shape of a truncated cone, as well as recesses 5, 5' formed in a rib shape along their circumference. Two depressions 6, 6', preferably embodied in the shape of a truncated cone, are provided in two of the corner areas for improved stacking of the packaging elements.
As represented in Fig. 2, the second packaging element 3 has recesses 7 in its two longitudinal edges, which could also be embodied in the same way as notches (not represented).
Wings 8 are formed on both longitudinal edges of the second packaging element 3 by the recesses 7, which make the removal of the second packaging element 3 from the first packaging element 2 easier. The wings can have any arbitrary shape and dimension, as long as they can be grasped by hand or by a tool.
The depressions 4' are arranged parallel in respect to the longitudinal edges of the second packaging element 3 in two rows, also extending parallel with each other, and spaced apart from each other. The pre-weakened lines 9' preferably extend centered in the strips 10' and parallel with the longitudinal edges of a rectangle which could be inscribed in the second packaging element 3.
Fig. 3 shows the packaging arrangement in accordance with the invention in a view from below. As can be seen in this view, the first packaging element 2 is of a lesser width than the second packaging element 3, which opens the possibility of providing the recesses 7 and the wings 8 exclusively in the second packaging element 3.
The first packaging element 2 also has two rows of depressions 4, extending parallel with each other and with the outer edge of the packaging element 2, around whose openings strips 10 are formed. The first packaging element 2 also has pre- weakened lines 9.
Recesses 5, 5' formed in a rib shape are provided in the depressions 4, 4', wherein in the preferred embodiment shown respectively five recesses 5 have been formed in the depressions 4 of the first packaging element 2, and respectively three recesses 51 are formed in the depressions 4' of the second packaging element 3.
As represented in Figs. 4 and 6, the bottle 12 is centered and fixed in place at a distance from the interior circumference of the depressions in the hollow spaces 11 constituted by the depressions 4, 4' by means of the rib-shaped recesses 5, 5' formed therein. The represented bottle is a conventional ampule which can be pierced.
The packaging arrangement 1 in accordance with the invention makes it possible to separate the bottles 12 in the packaged state. Such a separated element is represented in Fig. 7. The first packaging element 2 corresponding to this separated element is shown (without contents) in Fig. 8.
The openings of the depressions 4 preferably have interior diameters which permit the provision of the bottles 12 with known adapters, for example for removal or for dilution, without it being necessary to remove the bottles 12 from the first packaging arrangement 2, which contributes to the safe manipulation of the bottles 12.
The embodiment described above represents only one possible embodiment. It is thus possible, for example, to embody the packaging arrangement 1 not only rectangularly, but also squarely, and to have a number of depressions 4, 4' which is different from the number shown.

Claims (9)

1. A packaging arrangement for bottles of small volume, such as ampules, having a first packaging element for receiving the lower sections of at least two bottles, and a second packaging element for receiving the upper sections of at least two bottles, wherein each of the first and the second packaging elements has at least two depressions spaced apart from each other, which depressions have been formed in the packaging element in a dimensionably stable manner and their openings are surrounded by strips with substantially level surfaces, wherein the first and second packaging elements are connected with each other by these strips in a manner sealed against fluids and releasably, characterized in that the depressions (4, 4') provided between the strips (10, 10') are equipped with spacing ribs (5, 5') distributed over their circumference, which center the bottles (12) and the closures and maintain them clampingly seated.
2. The packaging arrangement in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the spacing ribs (5, 5') are formed by indentations (4, 4') stably formed in the wall of the depressions (4, 4').
3. The packaging arrangement in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the height of the depression (4) in the first packaging element (2) for receiving the lower portion of the bottle (12) is less than the height of the bottle (12) to be received.
4. The packaging arrangement in accordance with one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the strips located between the depressions (4, 4') have pre-weakened lines (9, 9'), for example perforations.
5. The packaging arrangement in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the pre-weakened lines (9, 9') in the strips preferably extend centered and parallel with the respective outer edges of the first and/or the second packaging element (2, 3).
6. The packaging arrangement in accordance with one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second packaging element (3) has a greater width in respect to the first packaging element (2) and has notches or recesses (7) at regular distances on its longitudinal edges, and thus is embodied with wings (8) in order to make the removal of the second packaging element (3) from the first packaging element (2) during opening easier.
7. The packaging arrangement in accordance with one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is made of a translucent or transparent plastic material.
8. A method for packaging bottles of small volume in a packaging arrangement such as defined in one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of - separating the first and second packaging elements (2, 3), - inserting bottles (12) into the first packaging element (2), - placement of the second packaging element (3) on top of the first packaging element (2) filled with bottles (12), - connecting the first and the second packaging elements (2, 3), and - sterilization, wherein the step of sterilizing can be performed on the first and second packaging elements, the bottles, the first packaging elements filled with bottles, and/or the packaging arrangement filled with bottles and closed.
9. Use of a packaging arrangement as defined in claims 1 to 7 for receiving bottles (12) with zytotoxic contents.
CA2707532A 2006-12-04 2007-12-04 Packaging for low-volume bottles Abandoned CA2707532A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT0200906A AT504573B1 (en) 2006-12-04 2006-12-04 PACKING FOR SMALL VOLUME BOTTLES
ATA2009/2006 2006-12-04
PCT/AT2007/000545 WO2008067576A2 (en) 2006-12-04 2007-12-04 Packaging for small bottles

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2707532A1 true CA2707532A1 (en) 2008-06-12

Family

ID=39064399

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2707532A Abandoned CA2707532A1 (en) 2006-12-04 2007-12-04 Packaging for low-volume bottles

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20100155271A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2121473A2 (en)
AT (1) AT504573B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2007329159A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2707532A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008067576A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH702668B1 (en) * 2010-02-04 2015-04-15 Christian Schütz Set packaging comprising a plurality of vial or a plurality of vial closures.
DE202011051492U1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2011-12-20 Wiebold-Confiserie Gmbh & Co. Kg chocolates packaging
DE102013114896B4 (en) * 2013-12-27 2015-08-27 Schott Ag Packaging structure and method for the sterile packaging of containers for substances for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, as well as methods for the further processing of containers using the packaging structure
US11161633B2 (en) 2017-12-22 2021-11-02 West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Packaging system for aseptic filling of small volume vials
USD937408S1 (en) * 2020-07-03 2021-11-30 Novandi Chemistry AB Container to transport chemical substances
CA3237705A1 (en) * 2021-11-11 2023-05-19 Austin Medical Ventures, Inc. Devices and systems for preparing therapeutic pellets

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3503493A (en) * 1968-01-08 1970-03-31 Hoffmann La Roche Medicament packaging device
US3603453A (en) * 1969-06-09 1971-09-07 Parke Davis & Co Pharmacal package construction
CA1097233A (en) * 1977-07-20 1981-03-10 George K. E. Gregory Packages
GB2101094B (en) * 1981-07-07 1984-10-24 Cito Pac Verpackungs Gmbh Blister pack strip
GB8525498D0 (en) * 1985-10-16 1985-11-20 Scient Applied Research Sar Container for eggs
DE3601350A1 (en) * 1986-01-18 1987-07-23 Bachmann Horst Device and method for packaging fine mechanical and/or electronic components
US5244092A (en) * 1989-12-06 1993-09-14 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Package for ink jet cartridge
US5302358A (en) * 1993-01-15 1994-04-12 H. W. Andersen Products, Inc. Sterilizing apparatus
CH689305A5 (en) * 1994-08-23 1999-02-15 Alusuisse Lonza Services Ag Blister.
AR029768A1 (en) * 1999-10-18 2003-07-16 Novartis Ag PLASTIC PACKAGE FOR A PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT AND METHOD TO MANUFACTURE AND STERILIZE A PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGE
AT4611U1 (en) * 2000-12-06 2001-09-25 Ebewe Arzneimittel TRANSPORT PACKAGING FOR BOTTLES
US6588180B2 (en) * 2001-02-02 2003-07-08 R. P. Scherer Technologies, Inc. Constricted neck blister pack and apparatus and method for making the same
US7431171B2 (en) * 2006-09-11 2008-10-07 Lamarche Paul Two piece container incorporating nesting characteristics and including interengageable hinge supports for upwardly supporting a lid upon a base

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008067576A3 (en) 2008-10-09
AT504573A1 (en) 2008-06-15
AT504573B1 (en) 2010-09-15
US20100155271A1 (en) 2010-06-24
WO2008067576A2 (en) 2008-06-12
AU2007329159A1 (en) 2008-06-12
EP2121473A2 (en) 2009-11-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9598195B2 (en) Packaging structure and method for sterile packaging containers for substances for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications and methods for further processing of containers using this packaging structure
US20100155271A1 (en) Packaging for Small Bottles
US4444310A (en) Segmented multi-product package assembly
US4998623A (en) Medication dispensing package
EP2944583B1 (en) Medical instrument storage container
KR0146343B1 (en) Container for a number of packaged contact lenses
EP2753550B1 (en) Tray and packaging for medical containers
EP0082703A2 (en) A dry pharmaceutical system
EP2070840A2 (en) Container with pill dispensing insert
US7350669B2 (en) Closure device for flexible pouches
US20130320017A1 (en) Pharmaceutical container with child-resistant closure
US20160198990A1 (en) Sterile fluid collection tube package
ES2449770T3 (en) Transparent container of medical devices
CA2916887A1 (en) Medicine container, method of assembling the container, and method of dispensing the medicine from the container
JP2011522749A (en) Package for dispensing medicinal units and its insert with guide walls
CN117416613A (en) Medical container package
EP2216265A1 (en) Containment for bottles, vials and like containers
US20210259600A1 (en) Sterile fluid collection tube package and methods
US20190008722A1 (en) Tablet containers, unit dose tablet packages, and methods of making tablet containers and unit dose tablet packages
CN114173739A (en) Child-resistant and airtight container
EP3902755B1 (en) A tablet dispensing device
BR102021017920A2 (en) System and method for packaging medical stoppers consisting of a cap and a cap
EP1325874B1 (en) Package for shock-protected storage
CN117416612A (en) Medical container package
WO2020018652A1 (en) Tablet containers, unit dose tablet packages, and methods of making tablet containers and unit dose tablet packages

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20131204