EP1971531A1

EP1971531A1 - Plug device for a container and container provided with one such device

Info

Publication number: EP1971531A1
Application number: EP06841827A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Antoine Aneas
Original assignee: Biocorp Recherche et Developpement
Current assignee: Biocorp Recherche et Developpement
Priority date: 2005-11-30
Filing date: 2006-11-29
Publication date: 2008-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-29
Also published as: PL1971531T3; ATE440040T1; AU2006319012A1; JP5132575B2; DE602006008666D1; JP2009517297A; EP1971531B1; CA2631385A1; ES2330150T3; BRPI0619244A2; US8225949B2; CY1110548T1; WO2007063218A1; US20100224632A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug device (500) comprising a elastomer plug (501) and a cover (502) for covering the neck (12) of a container and the plug (501) inserted in the neck (12). The cover (502) consists of a plastic material and comprises a ring (503) and a manoeuvring element (504). Said ring (503) can surround the plug (501) and the neck (12) when mounted, and is provided with means (503G) for being locked onto the neck (12). The manoeuvring element (504) can be mounted on the ring (503), with any angular orientation about a central axis (X<SUB>503</SUB>) of the ring. Said manoeuvring element is provided with an annular edge (505D) that can be engaged between an external skirt (503A) of the ring (503) and at least one lip (503G) which forms a locking means and radially extends towards the central axis (X<SUB>503</SUB>) of the ring, away from the skirt (503A).

Description

CLOSURE DEVICE FOR A CONTAINER AND CONTAINER EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE

The invention relates to a closure device for a container provided with a neck, and to a method of mounting such a device and to a container equipped with such a device.

In the field of drug containers, it is known to use a glass vial to preserve an active ingredient in the form of lyophilisate, powder or liquid solution. Such a bottle must be sealed in order to maintain its contents in a satisfactory state of preservation, until its date of use. To seal a bottle, it is known to use a closure device which comprises an elastomeric stopper whose function is to ensure a complete seal to gases, liquids and bacteria, a metal capsule, most often aluminum, which provides a sealing function, and a tab or "flip-off" which provides a tamper-proof function and which must be removed before access to the cap.

When crimping the metal cap on the top of a glass bottle, it is possible that glass particles are detached from the bottle, these particles may fall on top of the cap and constituting a risk of pollution for its contents. In addition, the crimping of the metal capsule does not take place immediately after the introduction of the cap, whether or not the contents of the bottle are subjected to a freeze-drying step. The time interval _between the introduction of the cap and the laying of the capsule is even longer than it is not uncommon that the crimping machine the capsule is in a separate room from that where sterilization of the contents of the bottle, this separate room is generally not sterile. During this period of time, there is therefore a possibility of accidental or malicious contamination of the contents of the bottle. When using the bottle, the hospital staff is supposed, after removing the tamper-evident tab, to decontaminate the upper face of the stopper which is accessible through an opening in the capsule, such an operation is sometimes forgotten, which also leads to risks of contamination.

It is known from US-A-5 314 084 to use an outer cap to lock in position on the neck of a container an inner cap protection cap. This mode of locking is dependent on the elasticity of the outer cap and is not always effective.

It is these drawbacks that the invention intends to remedy more particularly by proposing a new closure device whose installation is particularly easy and which allows the protection of an elastomeric stopper at the end of the filling operation. and / or the lyophilization cycle.

To this end, the invention relates to a closure device for a container provided with a neck, this device comprising an elastomeric stopper and a plastic cap, able to cover both the neck and the plug in place in the neck of the container, and comprising a ring adapted to surround the cap and the neck in mounted configuration, this ring being provided with a locking means on the neck, and an operating member adapted to be mounted on this ring with a- any angular orientation about a central axis of the ring, this operating member being provided with means for activating the means Locking the ring. This device is characterized in that the activation means of the operating member comprise an annular edge of this member, this edge being able to be engaged between an outer skirt of the ring and at least one tab which forms a means of locking and extending radially towards the central axis of the ring, from this skirt.

Due to the fact that the cap is plastic, it is not likely to induce, by its contacts with the surface of the container, the generation of polluting glass particles. Due to its structure comprising a ring and an operating member, the ring can be placed on the container in a particularly easy manner, the activation means of the operating member can actuate the locking means of the ring when it has reached its final position on the neck of the container. As the operating member can be mounted on the ring with any angular orientation, mounting of the cap is facilitated. In addition, the locking obtained through the annular edge of the operating member is particularly simple and fast and does not depend on the elasticity of the ring. Mounting and locking the device on a container can be easily automated.

According to advantageous but non-obligatory aspects of the invention, such a device can include one or more of the features of claims 2 to 18

In particular, the operating member may consist of an annular element which carries the first and second means and a cover immobilized on this annular element by means of attachment tabs on the edge of a central opening of the annular element, while the cover can be mounted on the annular element only by elastic deformation of this element, this deformation resulting from an effort that can not be exerted before the operating member is mounted on said ring. In this case, each lug is advantageously provided with a latching nose on the edge of the opening, the distance between the nose and the face of the lid bearing against the annular element being less than the distance, taken parallel to a central axis of the annular element and when the lid is not attached to this element, between the edge and a portion of the annular element which receives in abutment with the aforementioned face of the lid. The invention also relates to a method of mounting a device as previously described which comprises the steps of: a) - exert on the edge of the central opening of the annular element a force generally parallel to the central axis of this opening, this force being applied against one side of the annular element opposite to that by which is intended to be mounted the cover, this force being exerted so as to deform elastically this edge; b) - press the cover towards the annular element in a direction opposite to that of the force, so as to bring into engagement its latching lugs against the elastically deformed edge of the aforementioned opening.

The invention also relates to a container equipped with a closure device as described above. Such a container is easier to plug and use than those of the state of the art. The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of three embodiments of a container and a device according to its principle, given only by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figures 1 to 5 show schematically in axial section and in perspective, several steps of packaging a product in a bottle according to the invention; Figures 6 and 7 show schematically, in perspective, two steps of use of the bottle; FIG. 8 is a view on a larger scale of detail VIII of FIG. 4; Figure 9 is an axial section, in perspective and on a larger scale, of the cap of the capping device of the bottle of Figures 1 to 8; FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views, at two different angles, of a ring belonging to the cap of FIG. 9; Figures HA and HB are perspective views, at two different angles, of a portion of a locking member belonging to the cap of Figure 9; Figures 12A and 12B are perspective views, at two different angles, of a cover belonging to a locking member of the cap of Figure 9, Figure 12A comprising a partial cutaway;

- Figure 13 a larger scale view of detail XIII in Figure 4, the pressure plate being omitted;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of detail XIV in FIG. 5; FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the cap of FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 8 for a device according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 is an axial section, in perspective and on a larger scale, of the cap of the device of Figure 17; Figures 19A and 19B are perspective views, at two different angles, of a ring belonging to the cap of Figure 18; FIGS. 20A and 20B are perspective views, at two different angles, of a portion of a locking member belonging to the cap of FIG. 18; FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views, at two different angles, of a cover belonging to a locking member of the cap of FIG. 18, FIG. 21A including partial tearing;

- Figure 22 a view similar to Figure 13 for the device of Figures 17 to 21;

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 14 for the device of FIGS. 17 to 22; - Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of the cap of Figure 17; FIG. 25 is a view of the operating member during assembly and

- Figure 26 is a view ^'on a larger scale detail XXVI in Figure 25.

In Figure 1, a glass vial 1 is being filled with a product P,. for example with a medicine. A pipette 2 is introduced into the bottle 1 through its neck 11 which is defined by a neck 12 having an outer collar 13. X _{1 is} the axis of symmetry of the bottle 1.

When a predetermined quantity of product P has been introduced into the bottle 1, the pipette is removed and a closure device 500 is placed on the neck 12. The device 500 comprises an elastomeric stopper 501 of a shape adapted to be partially introduced into the neck 11, while resting on the face 13A of the collar 13 opposite the bottom 14 of the bottle 1. Once in place in the neck 12, the cap 501 isolates the contents of the vial 1 from the outside. The device 500 also comprises a cap 502 intended to cover and isolate the cap and the neck 12 in the closed configuration of the closure device. As is more particularly apparent from FIG. 9, the cap 502 comprises a plastic ring 503 whose internal diameter is sufficient to allow it to surround the collar 13.

The cap 502 also comprises an operating member 504 constituted by a piece 505 made of plastic, which is described as "key" in the following, and by a cover 506, also made of plastic material, reversibly secured to key 505. Cover 506 carries six pins 506A intended to come into contact with the external surface of an annular portion 505A of key 505 and to be ultrasonically welded thereto. Alternatively, spot welding between parts 505 and 506 is achieved by localized heating. This can be achieved by a heating head and has the advantage of greater speed than ultrasonic heating. The spot welding, at the level of the pins 506A, makes it possible to obtain easy removal of the cover 506 with respect to the key 505, by tearing the pins 506A.

The cover 506 is also provided with an annular lip 506B which is engaged in a central opening 505B of the key 505 when these two elements are secured to form the member 504.

The pins 506A are regularly distributed around the central axis X ₅₀ 6 of the cover 506 and form a structure 506C corrugated to be received in a depression 505P. which borders the opening 505B, on the face of the portion 505A turned towards the plug 506. The geometry of the depression 505P and the structure 506C allows a centering of the plug 506 on the key 505, by cooperation of shapes, which allows the alignment of the axis Xsos on the central axis X ₅₀₅ of the key 505 before welding at the pins 506A.

The key 505 is provided with two sets of two elastic tabs 505C formed by the creation of four openings 505Q in a skirt 505J formed by the key

505 and centered on the Xsos-axis 505D is noted the annular edge of the skirt 505J which is opposite the portion 505A.

Each tab 505C is provided with an external rib 505E which protrudes radially from the skirt 505J. Thus, each tab 505C forms an elastic hook.

The tabs 505C are divided into two tabs 505Ci whose rib 505E extends at a first distance di from the edge 505D and two tabs 505C ₂ whose rib 505E extends at a second distance d ₂ from the edge

505D, the distance d2 being greater than the distance di.

The tabs 505Ci extend from the edge of the corresponding aperture 505Q furthest from the edge 505D and toward the edge 505D. The tabs 505C ₂ extend from the edge of the corresponding aperture 505Q closest to the edge 505D away from this edge 505D.

The ring 503 comprises, in turn, a peripheral annular skirt 503A 503B of which a first edge is noted. Inside the skirt 503A and opposite the edge 503B is formed an annular portion 503C generally perpendicular to a central axis X ₅₀₃ of the ring 503 and the skirt 503A. The portion 503C is extended, at five angular sectors distributed around the axis X5 ₀₃ , by five bridges 503D which are connected to the inner surface of the skirt 503A in the vicinity of the edge 503B. The bridges 503D extend away from the inner surface of the skirt 503A, so that they define five individual elongated housings 503E into which the skirt 505J of the wrench 505 can be inserted through the side of the ring 503 which carries part 503C and which is visible in Figure 10A.

In the angular sectors where the portion 503C is not extended by bridges 503D, are provided five openings 503F in each of which can also be introduced the skirt 505J when this skirt is introduced into the housing 503E. The ends of the bridges 503D and the tabs 503G are arranged alternately, inside the skirt 503A and in the vicinity of the edge 503B.

Opposite each opening 503F is formed a locking tab 503G which extends, from the inner face of the skirt 503A, radially towards the X axis ₅₀₃ . There is 503J the free edge of each leg 503G. On each bridge 503D is provided a block 503K jamming the plug 501 in the configuration of Figure 2. The pads 503K are provided to penetrate superficially in the plug 501 to immobilize it with respect to the skirt 503. A rib 503N is provided on each bridge 503D, on the inner face of its portion bent at about 90 °, to bind the ring 503 and the plug 501 in rotation penetrating radially into the outer surface of the plug.

The assembly of the device 500 takes place by welding the cover 506 on the key 505, then aligning the X axes ₅₀₅ and X506 _/ already merged, with the X axis ₅₀₃ and engaging the skirt 505J in an annular volume 503V defined between the skirt 503A, the bridges 503D and the locking tabs 503G. Given the annular nature of the 505D edge and the 503V volume, the member 504 can be mounted on the ring 503 without particular care as to its angular orientation around the axis Xso ₃ - In other words, the member 504 can have any orientation with respect to axes X ₅₀ 5 and X _{506 /} then merged, when inserting the edge 505D, through the inputs of the housing 503E and the openings 503F, towards the volume 503V. This facilitates the mounting of the cap because this orientation does not have to be controlled. The inner face of the skirt 503A is provided with a peripheral groove 503L formed near the edge 503M of the skirt 503A opposite the edge 503B and adjacent to the portion 503C. The groove 503L is configured to receive the ribs 505E of the tabs 505C when the member 504 is mounted on the ring 503. More specifically, when mounting the member 504 on the ring 503, the skirt 505J enters the volume 503V to through the openings 503F and the entrance openings of the housing 503E. The skirt 505 then progresses towards the edge 503B until the ribs 505E of the tongues 505Ci engage in the groove 503L, thereby keeping the member 504 away from the portion 503C, in the position shown in FIG. Figure 9.

It is then possible to introduce the cap 501 into the cap 502 and to trap it by means of the pads

503K. The device 500 thus formed can then be placed on the neck 12 of the bottle 1, as shown in Figure 2. In this configuration, the cap 501 does not completely close the neck 11 since this cap is provided with a side cut 501A providing a gap 200 at a portion of the face 13A.

The flask 1 equipped with the device 500 can then be introduced into a lyophilizer 300 where the water molecules present in the flask 1 are discharged to the outside, as represented by the arrows F ₁ in FIGS. 3 and 8, through the interstices that then remain between the cap 502 and the collar 13.

The stopper 501 is provided on its outer radial surface with stop protrusions in the configuration of FIGS. 3 and 8.

Inside the lyophilizer 300, it is then possible, as shown in FIG. 4, to exert on the device 500 a force F ₂ parallel to the longitudinal axis Xi of the bottle 1 and of the neck 11, with which the axes are then merged. X503, X505 and Xsoε- This axial force F ₂ is exerted by a movable plate 301 inside the lyophilizer and capable of exerting at the same time substantially the same effort F ₂ on all of the bottles 1 arranged at the same level in this freeze dryer.

When the force F ₂ is exerted on the plug 506 of the member 504, the ribs 505E of the tongues 505Ci transmit this force to the ring 503 via the interaction between these ribs 505E and the groove 503L. The tabs 505Ci thus play the role of pushers in that they allow to move or push the ring 503 towards the bottom 14 of the bottle 1, under the effect of the effort F ₂ , which allows to reach the 5. As a result of this movement, the locking tabs 503G are folded towards the inner surface of the skirt 503A without the need to radially deform this skirt 503A. Thus, the effort F ₂ to be applied to arrive in the configuration of FIGS. 4 and 13 is relatively small. When the locking tabs 503G have passed the flange 13 and reaches the position of FIGS. 4 and 13, the ring 503 can no longer be moved towards the bottom 14 because the portion 503C bears against the cap 101 which is engaged in the neck 12. Maintaining the effort F ₂ then for effect to drive the ribs 505E belonging to the tabs 505C _x of the groove 503L and move the member 504 relative to the ring 503 to the point of bringing the edge 505D in the bottom of the volume 503V between the locking tabs 503G and the inner surface of the ring 503A. This engagement of the edge 505B between the locking tabs 503G and the skirt 503A has the effect of radially deforming these tabs centripetally, their respective free edges 503J being moved towards the axis Xi. These edges then bear against the annular face 13B of the flange 13 directed towards the bottom 14, so that the capsule 500 is firmly locked on the neck 12, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 14.

In the configuration of FIGS. 5 and 14, the ribs 505E of the tongues 505C ₂ come into engagement with the groove 503L, which makes it possible to immobilize the organ

504 with respect to the ring 503. In other words, the. difference between the distances d _x and d ₂ corresponds to the stroke of the member 504 between the positions of FIGS. 4 and 5, which makes it possible to automatically engage the retaining tabs 505C2 with the groove 503L when the locking tabs 503G are locked in the retaining position of the cap 502 on the neck 12.

Due to this movement, the ribs 503N penetrate superficially into the plug 501, which firmly secures the plug 501 and the ring 503 in rotation.

Thus, the final establishment of the cap 502 takes place in two stages. In the first step, the plug 501 is put in place and the tabs 503G are folded towards the skirt 503A to pass the flange 13. In the second step, the tabs 503G are locked in position by the edge 505D. These two steps are obtained thanks to a thrust force F2 whose intensity can be adapted to each step, while maintaining a value substantially less than that which would be necessary for an implementation in a single step, insofar as the friction forces to be overcome and the strain forces to be obtained are, thanks to the invention, offset in time, being distributed between both steps. In addition, since the skirt 503A does not have to be expanded radially during the passage of the legs 503G at the collar 13, the force F2 can be relatively low, which facilitates the introduction of the cap 500. In the first step, we go from the configuration of Figure 3 to that of Figure 4. In the second step, we go from the configuration 4 to that of Figure 5.

In this configuration, the bottle 1 is hermetically closed by the stopper 501 and is protected by the cap 502, the latter can not be removed due to the lock obtained thanks to the tabs 503G.

In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 14, the lip 506B of the cover 106 comes into abutment, through the opening 505B and through the central opening

503Q of the portion 503C, against the outer surface 501B of the cap 501 which is intended to be exposed when it is desired to access the contents of the vial 1. Under the action of the lip 506B, the surface 501B locally deforms, as visible at Figure 14, because the material of the plug 501 is softer than that of the lid 506.

Specifically, lip 506B completely isolates a 501C disk-like center portion from the surface

501B, this portion can be considered clean and sterile since it has been isolated from the outside within the hyophilizer 300.

When the contents of the vial 1 are to be used, the cover 506 is removed by breaking the pins 506A, as represented by the arrow F ₃ in FIG. provides access to the 501C portion above, the decontamination can be omitted. It is then possible to inject into the bottle 1 a liquid for reconstitution of its contents, this by means of a syringe 400, as shown in FIG. 7, and then to pump the reconstituted product by means of the same syringe whose needle crosses the cap 501 according to an approach known to hospital staff.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 16, elements similar to those of the previous embodiment bear identical references. The cap 502 of this embodiment also comprises a ring 503 and a maneuvering member 504 formed of a key 505 and a cover 506. This embodiment differs from the previous one in that the four tabs 505C of the key 505 are all of the same type and extend at the same distance di from the annular edge 505D of the skirt 505J. These four tabs 505C have the same function as the tabs 505C ₁ of the previous embodiment and are simultaneously engaged in a groove 503L formed inside the ring 503 which is identical to that of the previous embodiment.

The annular portion 505A of the key 505 is provided with six hooks, only two of which are visible in Figure 16 with the reference 505F, and which border the opening 505B, the side of the portion 505A facing the edge 505D. These six hooks 505F are intended to engage with the edge 503P of the central opening 503Q defined by the annular portion 503C of the ring 503. This engagement occurs when the member 504 moves from a position corresponding to that of Figure 4 at a position corresponding to that of Figure 5, that is to say when the edge 505D of the key 505 brings the tabs 503G of the ring 503 in locking configuration on the neck 12. Thus, the hooks 505F have a function similar to that of the second tabs 505C ₂ of the previous embodiment.

In the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 26, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear the same references. In what follows, we essentially describe what differs between the first and third embodiments.

The lid 506 of the cap 502 carries four tabs 506A intended to be hooked on the edge 505Bi of a central opening 505B of the key 505. To this end, each tab 506A is provided with a terminal nose 506Ai formed during the molding of the cover 506 and extending, relative to a central axis X ₅₀₆ of the cover 506, radially outwardly of the tab 506A considered. The spouts 506Ai are engaged under the edge 505Bi when the key 505 and the cover 506 are assembled to form the member 504. More specifically, the cover 506 is provided with a substantially flat surface 506C by which it bears against a surface upper 505Ai of an annular portion 505A of the key 505 in the center of which is defined the opening ^' 505B. In the mounted configuration of the member 4, the nozzles 506A _x are engaged against the edge 505Bi, on the opposite side to the surface 505A ₁ . The number of tabs 506A is not limited to four, provided that it distributes the attachment force between the key 505 and the cover 506.

The key 505 is provided with a set of three elastic tongues 505C formed by the creation of three openings 505Q in a skirt 505J formed by the key 505 and centered on an axis X ₅₀ 5 which constitutes a central axis of the key 505. On note 505D the annular edge of the skirt 505J which is opposed to the portion 505A. Each tab 505C is provided with an external rib or spout 505E which projects radially relative to the skirt 505J. Thus, each tab 505C forms an elastic hook. Note the distance, taken parallel to the X axis ₅₀₅ , between the ribs 505E and the edge 505D.

Furthermore, the key 505 is provided with a peripheral flange 505R which protrudes radially from the skirt 505J and which extends continuously between two openings 505Q. Note d ₂ the distance taken parallel to the X axis ₅₀₅ between the free edge 505Ri of the flange 505 and the edge 505D. The value d ₂ is greater than the value of di. The flange is generally frustoconical around the X axis ₅₀₅ and diverging away from the edge 505D. The ring 503 is, for its part, identical to that of the first embodiment.

When the cover 506 is to be mounted on the key 505, the nozzles 506A ₁ must be engaged against the edge 505Bχ, through the opening 505B. To do this, as shown in FIG. 25, the key 505 is placed on a tool 600 which defines an annular surface 601 for receiving the portion 505A of the key 505 in abutment. The plug 506 is then presented above the key 505, substantially aligning the axes X505 and Xsoβ _r axis X506 is already aligned on a central axis X ₆ oo of the tool 600. Then pushing the lid 506 towards the tool 600 through a force F ₀ parallel to the axes X505, X5 ₀₆ and Xεoo _/ which has the effect of engaging the lip 506B in the opening 505B and then to have the beaks 506Aα against the edge 505Bχ of the opening 505B. When maintaining the force F ₀ on the cover 506, the surface 506C abuts against the upper surface 505A _x of the portion 505A and transmits to the key 505 a force F ' ₀ which induces a sliding of the skirt 505J in the direction of arrow F ₅₀₅ in Figure 16, that is, in the direction of the base of the tool 600. Insofar as the portion 505A of the key 505 is already resting on the surface 601, a reaction force F ₆ oo is exerted by the surface 601 on the lower surface 505A ₂ of the part 505A, which is defined on the side of the portion 505A opposite the cover 506. The effort F ₆ oo is opposite to the effort F ₀ .

This has the effect of bringing the edge 505Bi closer to the surface 506C, which allows the noses 506Ai of the tabs 506A to protrude beyond this edge and engage below it in the representation of FIG. 26.

This engagement of the nozzles 506Ai under the edge 505B ₁ is only possible thanks to the elastic deformation of the edge 505Bi, deformation obtained thanks to the Fgo-reaction force.

We note _three distance, taken parallel to the axis X between the _505Λ 505Bi edge and the portion of the part 505A which receives the support cover 506 in the configuration of Figure 16. We also note d ₄ height, taken parallel to the axis tabs 506A between the surface 506C and their respective beaks 506Ai. At rest, that is to say in the absence of effort exerted on the parts 505 and 506, the distance d ₃ has a value greater than that of the distance d ₄ . Only because the tool 600 exerts on the part 505A the reaction force F _ë oo in the opposite direction of the force FQ that the distance d ₃ is reduced temporarily to a value less than the distance d ₄ , which allows the attachment of the nozzles 506Ai below the edge 505Bi in Figure 26.

Note that when the member 504 is mounted on the ring 503, it is no longer possible to reach the lower surface 505A ₂ of the portion 505A of the key 505 to exert the effort F _SO o.

The assembly of the device 500 takes place as in the first embodiment, by mounting the cover 506 on the key 505 as explained above, then aligning the X ₅₀₅ and X ₅ 06 axes, already merged, with the X axis ₅₀₃ and engaging the skirt 505J in an annular volume 503V defined between the skirt 503A, the bridges 503D and the locking tabs 503G. The member 504 may have any orientation with respect to the X axes ₅₀₅ and _{506 /} then merged, when inserting the edge 505D, through the entries of the housings 503E and the openings 503F, towards the volume 503V.

The inner face of the skirt 503A is provided with a peripheral groove 503L formed near the edge 503M of the skirt 503A opposite the edge 503B and adjacent to the portion

503C. The groove 503L is configured to receive the ribs 505E of the tabs 505C when the member 504 is mounted on the ring 503. More specifically, when mounting the member 504 on the ring 503, the skirt 505J enters the volume 503V to through the openings 503F and the entrance openings of the housing 503E. The skirt 505 then progresses towards the edge 503B until the ribs 505E of the tongues 505C engage in the groove 503L, thereby keeping the member 504 away from the portion 503C, in the position shown in FIG. Figure 9.

It is then possible to introduce the cap 501 in the cap 502 and to trap it by means of the pads 503K. The device 500 thus formed can then be placed on the neck 12 of the bottle 1, as shown in Figure 2 for the first embodiment.

The bottle 1 equipped with the device 500 can then be introduced into a lyophilizer 300, as in the first embodiment.

The plug 501 is provided on its outer radial surface with stop protrusions in the configuration of FIG. 17. Inside the lyophilizer, it is then possible, as represented in FIG. 4 for the first embodiment, to exert on the device 500 a force F ₂ parallel to the longitudinal axis Xi of the bottle 1 and the neck 11, which axis is which are then the X axes ₅₀₃ , X ₅₀₅ and

X506-

When the force F ₂ is exerted on the plug 506 of the member 504, the ribs 505E of the tongues 505C transmit this force to the ring 503 via the interaction between these ribs 505E and the groove 503L. The tabs 505C thus play the role of pushers in that they allow to move or push the ring 503 towards the bottom 14 of the bottle 1, under the effect of the effort F ₂ . Due to this movement, the locking lugs 503G are folded towards the inner surface of the skirt 503A without the need to radially deform this skirt 503A. Thus, the effort F ₂ to be applied to arrive at the configuration of FIG. 22 is relatively small. When the locking lugs 503G have passed the flange 13 and reach the position of FIG. 22, the ring 503 can no longer be moved towards the bottom 14 because the portion 503C bears against the cap 101 which is engaged in the neck 12. The maintaining the force F ₂ then has the effect of driving the ribs 505E out of the groove 503L and moving the member 504 relative to the ring 503 to the point of bringing the edge 505D in the bottom of the volume 503V between the locking tabs 503G and the inner surface of the ring 503A. This engagement of the edge 505B between the locking tabs 503G and the skirt 503A has the effect of radially deforming these tabs centripetally, their respective free edges 503J being moved towards the axis Xi. These edges then come to bear against ^'the annular face 13B of the flange 13 directed toward the bottom 14, so that the capsule 500 is firmly locked on the neck 12, as shown in FIG. 23.

In the configuration of Figure 23, the flange 505R engages in the groove 503L, which allows to immobilize the member 504 relative to the ring 503. In other words, the difference between the distances di and d ₂ corresponds to the travel of the member 504 between the positions of figures 17 and 22, thereby automatically into engagement the collar 505R with the groove 503L when the locking tabs ^• 503G are locked in the holding position of the cap 502 sμr the collar 12.

Thus, the final establishment of the cap 502 takes place in two stages. In the first step, the plug 501 is put in place and the tabs 503G are folded towards the skirt 503A to pass the flange 13. In the second step, the tabs 503G are locked in position by the edge 505D. These two steps are obtained thanks to a thrust force F ₂ whose intensity can be adapted to each step, while retaining a value substantially lower than that which would be necessary for a single-stage implementation, insofar as the friction forces to be overcome and the strain forces to be obtained are, thanks to the invention, offset in time, being distributed between the two steps. In addition, as the skirt 503A does not have to be expanded radially during the passage of the legs 503G at the collar 13, the effort F ₂ can be relatively low, which facilitates the establishment of the cap 500.

In summary, in the first step we move from the configuration of Figure 17 to that of Figure 22. In the second step, we go from the configuration 22 to that of Figure 23.

In this configuration, as in the first embodiment and as shown in FIG. 23, the lip 506B of the cover 106 abuts, through the opening 505B and through the central opening 503Q of the portion 503C, against the outer surface 501B of the plug 501 which is intended to be exposed when it is desired to access the contents of the bottle 1.

When the contents of the bottle 1 are to be used, the lid 506 is removed by means of a centripetal elastic deformation of the tabs 506A and the procedure is carried out as indicated with regard to the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

When the cover 506 has been removed, it is no longer possible to replace it because the key 504 has resumed a configuration in which the distance d ₃ is greater than the distance d ₄ . The lid 506 thus acts as a first opening indicator of the device 500 since it can not be put back in place after a first withdrawal because it is not possible to exert on the part 505A a similar effort to the force F _60O since this part then rests on the part 503C of the ring

503 and on the plug 501.

Since all capping operations take place in an environment isolated from the outside, the plug 501 is kept sterile, in particular at its portion 501C, this with the three embodiments of the cap 502 envisaged above. The materials used to make the parts

503, 505 and 506 which are monobloc are adapted to retain their mechanical properties after undergoing temperatures between -80 and +130 ⁰ C. It may be, for example, polyoxymethylene.

The invention has been described in the case of a use for a bottle whose. content is freeze-dried. It is also applicable in case the contents of the bottle are not lyophilized. In this case, the stopper 501 can be put in place on the vial 1 during a step immediately following its filling, then the cap 502 can be put in place immediately afterwards, in a sterile enclosure that is not shown, and by a force axial, which also achieves a sealed configuration similar to that of Figures 5, 14 and 23.

The technical features of the embodiments described can be combined with each other. In particular, the assembling modes of the covers 506 and caps 502 can be switched between the first and third embodiments.

Claims

1. Closing device for a container provided with a neck (12), said device comprising a plug (501) of elastomer and a cap (502) of plastic material, able to cover both said neck and said plug in place in said collar, and comprising a ring (503) adapted to surround said plug and said neck in mounted configuration, said ring being provided with means (503G) for locking on said neck, and a maneuvering member (504) adapted to be mounted on said ring with any angular orientation around a central axis (X503) of said ring, said actuating member being provided with means (505D) for activating said locking means, characterized in that said activating means comprise an annular edge (505D) of said operating member (504), said edge being adapted to be engaged between an outer skirt (503A) of said ring (503) and at least one tab (503G) forming a locking means and extending radially towards the said axis (X50 ₃ ) from said skirt (503A).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said ring (503) comprises an annular portion (503C) in the center of which is defined an opening

(503Q) access to an exposed face (501B) of said plug, in that said annular portion is connected to said skirt by a plurality of bridges (503D) extending to the vicinity of the locking tabs (503G) and said bridges and said lugs together define an annular volume (503V) for receiving said annular edge (505D) of said operating member (504).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (505Ci; 505C) for maintaining said member on said ring in a waiting position where said activation means

(505D) are not active and where a thrust force (F2), generally parallel to an axis of symmetry (Xi) of said neck, can be transmitted from said operating member (504) to said ring (503) by said means of rotation. maintenance.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said holding means in position (505Ci; 505C) constitute means for transmitting to said ring (503) a thrust force (F2) generally parallel to an axis of symmetry (Xi) of said neck.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said means (505C1; 505C) for holding in position and transmitting force extend-radially inside said ring (503) in mounted configuration of the device capping (500) on a container neck.

6. Device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said force transmission means comprise at least one resilient tongue (505Ci; 505C) provided with a relief (505E) extending radially towards the outside said operating member (504) and adapted to be engaged in an annular groove (503L) formed on an inner face of said ring (503).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means

(503L; 505C2; 503P, 505F; 505R) holding said member (504) to said ring (503) in a locking position wherein said annular edge (505D) actuates said locking tabs (503G).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the means for holding said member in the locking position comprise at least one tongue (505C ₂ ), an external relief (505E) is adapted to be engaged in an annular groove (503L) formed on an inner face of said ring (503).

9. Device according to claim 7, the means for holding said locking member in position comprise at least a portion ^r of an external radial flange (505R) of said actuating member (505) adapted to be engaged in an annular groove (503L) arranged on an inner face of said ring.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that said flange (505R) is inclined opposite the activation means (505D) away from a central axis (X ₅₀₅ ) of said actuating member (504). ).

11. Device according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that said holding means comprise at least one relief (505E; 505R) formed on said operating member (504) and at least one complementary relief (503L) arranged on said ring (503), said reliefs being engaged when said member is in said waiting position and / or in said locking position.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that said operating member (504) carries two types of reliefs (505C _x , 505C ₂ , 505E; 505C, 505E, 505R) adapted to be respectively engaged with the same complementary relief (503L) of said ring (503) when said member is in each of said holding and locking positions.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that said operating member (504) carries at least two resilient tongues (505Ci, 505C ₂ ) provided with reliefs (505E) which extend at distances (di, d ₂ ). different from said annular edge (505D), while said ring (503) is provided with an annular groove (503L) for receiving said reliefs.

14. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that said operating member (504) carries at least one elastic tongue (505C) provided with a relief (505E) adapted to be in engagement with the complementary relief (503L) of said ring when said member is in the standby position, while said or each tongue (505C) and disposed in windows (505Q) formed in a peripheral wall (505J) of said operating member (504), and in that means (505R) for retaining the operating member (504), in a configuration where said second means

(505D) activate the locking means (503G) of said ring (505), extend on the outer face of said partition, between two such windows.

15. Device according to claims 2 and 11, characterized in that said operating member (504) is provided with at least one hook (505F) adapted to engage said annular portion (503C) when said - organ is in said locking position.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said operating member is bipartite and comprises: a portion (505) generally annular provided with said annular activation edge (505D), said portion being adapted to partially cover said plug (501) providing an opening (505B) for access to an exposed face (501B) of said plug and a cover (506) detachably secured to said portion by covering at least said opening, said cover being provided on its face facing said portion, a centering relief (506C) adapted to cooperate with a complementary relief (505P) formed on a face of said portion receiving said cover to substantially align an axis central (Xsoε) of said cover and a central axis (X ₅₀₅ ) of said opening.

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said operating member (504) consists of an annular element (505) which carries the first and second means (505C, 505D) and a lid (506) immobilized on said annular element by means of tabs (506A) for hooking on the edge (505Bi) of a central opening (505B) of the annular element and in that said lid can not be mounted (F ₀ ) on said annular element that by elastic deformation of said annular element, said deformation resulting from a force (F ₆₀ o) which can be exerted only before said operating member is mounted on said ring (503).

18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that each tab (506A) is provided with a hook (506Ai) hooking on said edge (505Bi) of said opening

(505B), the distance (d ₄ ) ^' between said spout and the face (506C) of said cover (506) bearing against said annular element being less than the distance (d ₄ ), taken parallel to a central axis (X505 ) of said annular element (505) and when the lid (506) is not attached to said annular element, between said edge

(505Bi) and a portion (50 ^' 5A) of the annular element which receives bearing said face of said cover.

19. A method of mounting a device according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that it comprises steps of: a) - exert on the edge (505B ₁ ) of the central opening (505B) of the annular element ⁽⁵⁰⁵⁾ a force (F o _6O) generally parallel to a central axis (X505) of said opening, said force being applied against a side (505A ₂₎ of the annular element opposed to that (505Ai) by which is for mounting said cover (506), said force being exerted so as to elastically deform said edge; b) - pressing (F ₀ ) said cover towards said annular element in a direction opposite to that of said force, so as to bring into engagement its latching lugs (506A) against said edge (505Bi) elastically deformed.

Container (1) equipped with a closure device (500) according to one of claims 1 to 18.