EP4620450A1

EP4620450A1 - Multi-chamber bag for a medicinal and/or nutritional product

Info

Publication number: EP4620450A1
Application number: EP24164589.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Denis Loewensberg
Original assignee: B Braun Melsungen AG
Current assignee: B Braun Melsungen AG
Priority date: 2024-03-19
Filing date: 2024-03-19
Publication date: 2025-09-24
Also published as: WO2025196601A1

Abstract

A multi-chamber bag (10) for a medicinal and/or nutritional product is described. A product space (26) of the multi-chamber bag (10) is delimited by mutually opposite sides of a first flexible film (18), a second flexible film (20) and an outer permanent seam (22) locally connecting the first flexible film (18) and the second flexible film (20). The product space (26) is subdivided into at least two product chambers (12, 14, 16) by at least one inner permanent seam (34) and at least one inner rupturable seam (28, 30, 32). A planar reinforcement seam element (38) is arranged at an interface of the at least one inner permanent seam (34) and the at least one inner rupturable seam (28, 30, 32). The planar reinforcement seam element (38) locally connects the first flexible film (18) and the second flexible film (20). The planar reinforcement seam element (38) is arranged closer to a hanger-sided edge (10a) of the multi-chamber bag (10) than to a port-sided edge (10b) of the multi-chamber bag (10). Alternatively, the planar reinforcement seam element (38) is arranged in the middle between the hanger-sided edge (10a) of the multi-chamber bag (10) and the port-sided edge (10b) of the multi-chamber bag (10).

Description

The invention is directed to a multi-chamber bag for a medicinal and/or nutritional product. The multi-chamber bag comprises a first flexible film and a second flexible film. The first flexible film and the second flexible film are located on top of each other. A product space is delimited by mutually opposite sides of the first flexible film and the second flexible film and an outer permanent seam locally connecting the first flexible film and the second flexible film. The product space is subdivided into at least two product chambers by at least one inner permanent seam and at least one inner rupturable seam. The inner permanent seam and the inner rupturable seam locally connect the first flexible film and the second flexible film.
In this context, a multi-chamber bag, i.e. a bag having at least two product chambers, is used if at least two medicinal and/or nutritional products are to be delivered to a patient or user and if at least one of these at least two medicinal and/or nutritional products negatively impacts the respective other one of these at least two medicinal and/or nutritional products if provided in the same chamber. The negative impact may lead to a reduced storage life of at least one of the at least two medicinal and/or nutritional products. It is also possible that the negative impact leads to a reduction in quality of at least one of the at least two medicinal and/or nutritional products.
In order to prevent such effects, the at least two medicinal and/or nutritional products are stored in separate chambers of the same bag. The chambers are separated by at least a rupturable seam. Just before administering the at least two medicinal and/or nutritional products to the patient or user, the rupturable seam is at least partially broken or ruptured and the at least two medicinal and/or nutritional products are mixed.
Thus, in such a bag, the rupturable seam needs to fulfill two contradictory requirements. First, the rupturable seam needs to be stable and robust during transportation and storage of the bag. However, when preparing the use of the bag, i.e. when preparing the at least two medicinal and/or nutritional products to be administered to a patient or user, the rupturable seam needs to be ruptured with little resistance in order to be able to comfortably mix the at least two medicinal and/or nutritional products. Thus, the bag suffers from conflicting objectives.
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to mitigate these conflicting objectives. In other words, a bag with a rupturable seam shall be provided, wherein the rupturable seam is both stable and easily rupturable.
The problem is solved by a multi-chamber bag for a medicinal and/or nutritional product. The multi-chamber bag comprises a first flexible film and a second flexible film. The first flexible film and the second flexible film are located on top of each other. A product space is delimited by mutually opposite sides of the first flexible film and the second flexible film and an outer permanent seam locally connecting the first flexible film and the second flexible film. The product space is subdivided into at least two product chambers by at least one inner permanent seam and at least one inner rupturable seam. The inner permanent seam and the inner rupturable seam locally connect the first flexible film and the second flexible film. A planar reinforcement seam element is arranged at an interface of the at least one inner permanent seam and the at least one inner rupturable seam. The planar reinforcement seam element locally connects the first flexible film and the second flexible film. Moreover, the planar reinforcement seam element is arranged closer to a hanger-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag than to a port-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag. Alternatively, the planar reinforcement seam element is arranged in the middle between the hanger-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag and the port-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag. In this context, the port-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag is the edge located adjacent to the one or more ports. The hanger-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag is the edge located adjacent to a hanger interface which may for example be used to hang the bag on a stand. Moreover, a location at which two seams, in the present case a permanent seam and a rupturable seam, abut against each other, is often called a double point of the multi-chamber bag. An inner seam is to be understood as a seam that is located within a circumference as defined by the outer permanent seam. Due to the fact that the planar reinforcement seam element is arranged at an interface of the at least one inner permanent seam and the at least one inner rupturable seam, the planar reinforcement seam element is also arranged within a circumference as defined by the outer permanent seam. More precisely, the planar reinforcement seam element is located at a distance from the outer permanent seam. The planar reinforcement seam element is a seam element that connects the first flexible film and the second flexible film permanently and in a particularly stable manner. This means that a force that would be required to separate the first flexible film and the second flexible film in the region of the planar reinforcement seam element, i.e. a force that would be required in order to break the planar reinforcement seam element, is higher than a force that would be required to separate the first flexible film and the second flexible film in the region of the inner permanent seam. Additionally, a force that would be required to separate the first flexible film and the second flexible film in the region of the planar reinforcement seam element, i.e. a force that would be required in order to break the planar reinforcement seam element, is higher than a force that would be required to separate the first flexible film and the second flexible film in the region of the inner rupturable seam. Consequently, in case each of the at least two product chambers are filled with a medicinal and/or nutritional product, these products may be reliably kept separate from one another. This applies to standard situations of storing and transporting the multi-chamber bag. Moreover, the position of the planar reinforcement seam element which is arranged closer to a hanger-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag than to a port-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag or which is arranged in the middle between the hanger-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag and the port-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag further enhances the stability. In this context, the arrangement of the planar reinforcement seam element closer to the hanger-sided edge than to the port-sided edge means that the planar reinforcement seam element is in an upper half of the bag if the bag is in an operational state. In the alternative in which the planar reinforcement seam element is arranged in the middle between the hanger-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag and the port-sided edge of the multi-chamber bag, a distance between the planar reinforcement seam element and the port-sided edge equals a distance between the planar reinforcement seam element and the hanger-sided edge. Due to this configuration, the multi-chamber bag is mechanically robust. This means that the product chambers stay sealed even if the multi-chamber bag is misused, e.g. dropped or subject to unusual forces. Furthermore, the planar reinforcement seam element has the effect that during the production of the multi-chamber bag, undesired folds and creases are avoided. Moreover, using the planar reinforcement seam element helps to avoid misalignments of the first flexible film and the second flexible film when producing the remaining seams, i.e. rupturable seams and permanent seams.
It is noted that rupturing the inner rupturable seam is only necessary if the at least two product chambers are filled with medicinal and/or nutritional products. In such a case, the inner rupturable seam is ruptured by increasing pressure in one of the product chambers adjacent to the inner rupturable seam. To this end, a user may push or hit on the respective chamber and, thus, the medicinal and/or nutritional product located inside the chamber. Additionally or alternatively, a user may roll a portion of the bag in order to increase the pressure in one of the product chambers. According to an example, the user first rolls a portion of the bag in order to increase the pressure in one of the product chambers and subsequently pushes on this chamber. Consequently, the inner rupturable seam may be ruptured in a simple and reliable manner.
It is further noted that sometimes a rupturable seam is called a peelable seam. This is due to the fact that such a seam is ruptured by peeling it after the first flexible film and the second flexible film have been separated at a starting point of the rupturable seam.
According to an embodiment, the product space is subdivided into at least three product chambers by the at least one inner permanent seam and at least two inner rupturable seams. The at least one inner permanent seam and the at least two inner rupturable seams locally connect the first flexible film and the second flexible film. The planar reinforcement seam element is arranged at an interface of the at least one inner permanent seam and the at least two inner rupturable seams. Thus, the planar reinforcement seam element is arranged at the location where three different seams meet. Such a location may be called a triple point. In an example, one of the at least three product chambers is configured to contain a product rich in glucose, one of the at least three product chambers is configured to contain a product rich in lipids and one of the at least three product chambers is configured to contain a product rich in amino acids. Also in this case, the bag is mechanically stable and robust during storage, transportation and potential misuse. At the same time, rupturing of the rupturable seams needs to be permitted before administering the products located inside the product space to a patient or user. The planar reinforcement seam element helps to ensure both the mechanical stability and robustness and a relatively easy opening of the rupturable seams.
The at least one inner rupturable seam and/or the at least one inner permanent seam may have a substantially constant width. Seams having a substantially constant width are structurally simple. Moreover, the production of such seams is relatively easy since among other things tools having a simple structure may be used. In this context, the fact that the width of the seams is substantially constant means that variations of the width which usually result from the sealing process are ignored when determining the constancy of the width. The width is usually measured perpendicularly to a direction of elongation of the respective seam. The elongation may be along a straight line or along a curve. It has to be noted that in the context of the present example, the inner rupturable seam and the inner permanent seam may both have a substantially constant width and may at the same time have a different width.
In an example, the planar reinforcement seam element has a width larger than the width of the at least one inner rupturable seam and/or larger than the width of the at least one inner permanent seam. This enhances the mechanical stability of the connection of the first flexible film and the second flexible film provided by the planar reinforcement seam element. Consequently, the first flexible film and the second flexible film are reliably connected by the planar reinforcement seam element.
According to a variant, the inner permanent seam is inclined with respect to the hanger-sided edge and/or the port-sided edge. This means that the inner permanent seam is neither perpendicular nor parallel to the hanger-sided edge and/or the port-sided edge. In case the multi-chamber bag is in the operational state, e.g. hung on a stand, the inner permanent seam may be neither horizontal nor vertical. Inclining the inner permanent seam further increases the robustness of the multi-chamber bag. This is especially the case during misuse, e.g. if the bag is dropped unintentionally.
The planar reinforcement seam element may comprise a void zone, wherein the first flexible film and the second flexible film are not connected in the void zone. In case the planar reinforcement seam element is a weld seam element, the first flexible film and the second flexible film are not welded in the void zone. This simplifies the production of the planar reinforcement seam element since compared to a planar reinforcement seam element without a void zone, a reduced amount of connection between the first flexible film and the second flexible film needs to be produced. At the same time, the mechanical stability and robustness of the multi-chamber bag is still increased by the planar reinforcement seam element.
In an embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element forms a hanger interface. This means that the planar reinforcement seam element forms an interface which may be coupled to a hanger on which the multi-chamber bag may be supported. This may facilitate the use of the multi-chamber bag. In this context, a portion of the first flexible film and/or a portion of the second flexible film which are arranged adjacent to the void zone, i.e. which are not connected, may be configured to form an opening. This means that the portion of the first flexible film and/or the portion of the second flexible film may be configured to be pierced, cut away, bent, ruptured or broken in order to render accessible the hanger interface or in order to form the hanger interface. Alternatively, the portion of the first flexible film and/or the portion of the second flexible film which are arranged adjacent to the void zone may comprise an opening which forms part of the hanger interface or which may be used as the hanger interface.
According to a variant, the planar reinforcement seam element covers an area of at least 400 mm². Preferably, the planar reinforcement seam element covers an area of at least 600 mm². More preferably, the planar reinforcement seam element covers an area of at least 800 mm². In an example, the planar reinforcement seam element covers an area of 860 mm². In a case in which the planar reinforcement seam element comprises a void zone, the void zone is ignored when determining the area that is covered by the planar reinforcement seam element. This means that the area covered by the void zone forms part of the area of the planar reinforcement seam element. It has been found that planar reinforcement seam elements covering these areas provide a sufficient enhancement of the mechanical stability and robustness of the multi-chamber bag while at the same time being relatively compact.
A largest extension of the planar reinforcement seam element may be inclined by less than 80 degrees, preferably less than 70 degrees, with respect to the hanger-sided edge and/or the port-sided edge. In this context, the largest extension may be a largest diameter of the planar reinforcement seam element. In case the hanger-sided edge and/or the port-sided edge is substantially horizontal when using the multi-chamber bag, the largest extension also is inclined with respect to a horizontal orientation. Inclining the planar reinforcement seam element further increases the mechanical stability and robustness of the multi-chamber bag.
In an example, an outer contour of the planar reinforcement seam element comprises at least one concave radius. According to an example, the concave radius amounts to 40 to 50 mm. It has been found that such a form of the planar reinforcement seam element comprising at least one concave radius further increases the mechanical stability and robustness of the multi-chamber bag.
According to an example, the at least one concave radius of the planar reinforcement seam element is oriented downwards if the multi-chamber bag is in an operational state. This means that the concave radius is oriented towards an outlet side or port side of the multi-chamber bag. This configuration leads to a smooth outer contour of the planar reinforcement seam element. This has the advantage that especially in a situation of misuse, load peaks acting on the planar reinforcement seam element are avoided.
According to another example, the at least one concave radius of the planar reinforcement seam element is facing the product space. This means that the concave radius does not abut against one of the seams. This configuration leads to a smooth outer contour of the planar reinforcement seam element. As has been mentioned before, this has the advantage that especially in a situation of misuse, load peaks acting on the planar reinforcement seam element are avoided. Furthermore, if the concave radius faces the product space, this concave radius may be chosen to be comparatively large. This further increases the smoothness of the planar reinforcement seam element and additionally leads to a smooth transition between the planar reinforcement seam element and adjacent seam elements or seams.
Additionally or alternatively, an outer contour of the planar reinforcement seam element comprises at least one straight segment. According to an example, the straight segment is at least 1 mm long. It has been found that such a form of the planar reinforcement seam element comprising at least one straight segment further increases the mechanical stability and robustness of the multi-chamber bag.
According to a further example, the straight segment is at least 5mm long. This further enhances the mechanical stability and robustness.
According to an example, the at least one straight segment of the planar reinforcement seam element is oriented downwards if the multi-chamber bag is in an operational state. This means that the straight segment is oriented towards an outlet side or port side of the multi-chamber bag. This is especially advantageous in case the multi-chamber bag is dropped by mistake. In such a situation, the straight segment provides enhanced mechanical stability.
According to another example, the at least one straight segment of the planar reinforcement seam element extends substantially horizontal if the multi-chamber bag is in an operational state. Also this configuration is especially advantageous in case the multi-chamber bag is dropped by mistake. In such a situation, the straight segment is oriented such that it can withstand a comparatively high load, e.g. resulting from a product stored in an adjacent product chamber.
According to still another example, the at least one straight segment of the planar reinforcement seam element is inclined by 10° or less with respect to a substantially horizontal reference if the multi-chamber bag is in an operational state. Also this configuration is especially advantageous in case the multi-chamber bag is dropped by mistake. In such a situation, the straight segment is oriented such that it can withstand a comparatively high load, e.g. resulting from a product stored in an adjacent product chamber.
According to still another example, the at least one straight segment of the planar reinforcement seam element is facing the product space. This means that the straight segment does not abut against one of the seams. This configuration leads to a smooth outer contour of the planar reinforcement seam element. This has the advantage that especially in a situation of misuse, load peaks acting on the planar reinforcement seam element are avoided. Furthermore, if the straight segment faces the product space, this straight segment may be chosen to be comparatively large. This further increases the smoothness and mechanical stability of the planar reinforcement seam element.
According to an embodiment, a distance between an end of the planar reinforcement seam element and a virtual intersection of the straight segment and the concave radius is at least 15 mm, preferably at least 18 mm. According to an example, the distance is at least 24 mm. This distance always is measured with respect to the end of the planar reinforcement seam element being closest to the virtual intersection. This configuration is especially advantageous in case the multi-chamber bag is dropped by mistake. In such a situation, this configuration makes the planar reinforcement seam element withstand a comparatively high load, e.g. resulting from a product stored in an adjacent product chamber.
The outer contour of the planar reinforcement seam element comprising the at least one straight segment or the at least one concave radius may be oriented towards a port side of the multi-chamber bag. Also this configuration is especially advantageous in case the multi-chamber bag is dropped by mistake. In such a situation, this configuration makes the planar reinforcement seam element withstand a comparatively high load, e.g. resulting from a product stored in an adjacent product chamber.
In an example, an outer contour of the planar reinforcement seam element comprises at least one convex radius. It has been found that a form of the planar reinforcement seam element comprising at least one convex radius further increases the mechanical stability and robustness of the multi-chamber bag. This configuration leads to a smooth outer contour of the planar reinforcement seam element. This has the advantage that especially in a situation of misuse, load peaks acting on the planar reinforcement seam element are avoided. Furthermore, if the convex radius faces the product space, this radius may be chosen to be comparatively large. This further increases the smoothness and mechanical stability of the planar reinforcement seam element.
The convex radius may be at least 4mm. Preferably, the convex radius is at least 6 mm. Such a radius further increases the stability and robustness of the connection of the first flexible film and the second flexible film.
It is noted that in all of the above examples, rupturing the inner rupturable seam is only necessary if the product chambers separated by the inner rupturable seam are filled with a medicinal and/or nutritional product. In such a case, the inner rupturable seam is ruptured by increasing pressure in one of the product chambers adjacent to the second seam. To this end, a user may push or hit on the respective chamber and, thus, the medicinal and/or nutritional product located inside the chamber. Additionally or alternatively, a user may roll a portion of the bag in order to increase the pressure in one of the product chambers. According to an example, the user first rolls a portion of the bag in order to increase the pressure in one of the product chambers and subsequently pushes on this chamber.
It is also possible that pressure on one of the product chambers and a medicinal and/or nutritional product located therein is generated in an undesired manner, e.g. during a situation of misuse or during an unintentional drop of the multi-chamber bag. In this context, the planar reinforcement seam element increases the stability of the multi-chamber bag, i.e. the planar reinforcement seam element ensures that neither the inner rupturable seam nor the inner permanent seam are compromised during such a situation. As has been explained above, the planar reinforcement seam element has a certain size and has certain outer contour segments such as radii and straight segments. The contour segments are comparatively large. This has the effect that local peaks acting on the planar reinforcement seam element and/or one or more seams adjacent thereto are avoided and/or reduced in magnitude.
This is due to the fact that increasing the pressure in one of the product chambers may create a localized swelling of the bag adjacent to the planar reinforcement seam element and/or one or more of the adjacent seams. The swelling and the pressured medicinal and/or nutritional product inside the chamber are oriented such that they tend to move the first flexible film and a second flexible film away from one another. A situation may occur in which each of the first flexible film and the second flexible film are locally oriented at an angle close to 90° with respect to a plane defined by the planar reinforcement seam element. However, in the examples of the present invention, the planar reinforcement seam element and especially the comparatively large outer contour segments thereof have the effect that such an orientation of the first flexible film and the second flexible film is avoided. Altogether, the mechanical stability of the multi-chamber bag is enhanced.
Examples of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1: shows a first embodiment of a multi-chamber bag according to the present invention,
Figure 2: shows a detail II of the multi-chamber bag of Figure 1,
Figure 3: shows a second embodiment of the multi-chamber bag according to the present invention, wherein the multi-chamber bag is only represented partially,
Figure 4: shows a third embodiment of a multi-chamber bag according to the present invention,
Figure 5: shows a detail V of the multi-chamber bag of Figure 4,
Figure 6: shows a fourth embodiment of a multi-chamber bag according to the present invention,
Figure 7: shows a detail VII of the multi-chamber bag of Figure 6,
Figure 8: shows a fifth embodiment of the multi-chamber bag according to the present invention, wherein the multi-chamber bag is only represented partially,
Figure 9: shows a sixth embodiment of the multi-chamber bag according to the present invention, wherein the multi-chamber bag is only represented partially,
Figure 10: shows a seventh embodiment of a multi-chamber bag according to the present invention,
Figure 11: shows a detail XI of the multi-chamber bag of Figure 10,
Figure 12: shows an eighth embodiment of a multi-chamber bag according to the present invention, and
Figure 13: shows a detail XIII of the multi-chamber bag of Figure 12.

The Figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate examples of the disclosure. Identical or equivalent elements are in principle provided with the same reference signs.
Figure 1 shows a multi-chamber bag 10 for mixable medicinal and/or nutritional products according to a first embodiment. The multi-chamber bag 10 or just bag 10 comprises three product chambers 12, 14, 16.
In more detail, the bag 10 comprises a first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20 which are located on top of each other.
The first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20 are locally connected by an outer permanent seam 22 extending along an outer boundary of the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20.
The outer permanent seam 22 is circumferentially closed except for an insert 24 comprising ports. The ports are configured to withdraw the mixable medicinal and/or nutritional products from the bag 10.
Consequently, a product space 26 is essentially delimited by the mutually opposite sides of the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20 and by the outer permanent seam 22.
In the present example, the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20 are made from plastics material.
In order to form the product chambers 12, 14, 16, the product space 26 is subdivided by a first inner rupturable seam 28, a second inner rupturable seam 30, a third inner rupturable seam 32 and an inner permanent seam 34. Each of these seams locally connects the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20.
The inner permanent seam 34 is inclined with respect to a hanger-sided edge 10a and/or a port-sided edge 10b.
In this context, a rupturable seam differs from a permanent seam in that the rupturable seam is configured to be ruptured in order to mix products provided in different product chambers 12, 14, 16. From a mechanical perspective, the mechanical connection of the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20 is configured to support higher loads in a permanent seam as compared to a rupturable seam.
In the present example, the product chamber 12 is delimited by the outer permanent seam 22, the first inner rupturable seam 28, and the second inner rupturable seam 30.
The product chamber 14 is delimited by the outer permanent seam 22, the first inner rupturable seam 28, the third inner rupturable seam 32, and the inner permanent seam 34.
The product chamber 16 is delimited by the outer permanent seam 22, the second inner rupturable seam 30, the third inner rupturable seam 32, and the inner permanent seam 34.
As has been mentioned before, the bag 10 comprises an insert 24 with ports. The insert 24 is provided at a first end of the bag 10. At an opposite end of the bag 10, a hanger interface 36 is provided. The hanger interface 36 is configured to interact with a stand on which the bag 10 may be hung.
Consequently, if the bag 10 is hung on a stand, a direction extending from the hanger interface 36 to the insert 24 with the ports is substantially oriented vertically.
In such a configuration, the product chamber 12 is the lowest or lower product chamber. The product chamber 16 is the highest or upper product chamber. The product chamber 14 is a middle product chamber.
In the present example, the first inner rupturable seam 28, the second inner rupturable seam 30 and the third inner rupturable seam 32 meet at a point P1 which may be called a triple point due to the fact that three seams meet in this point.
Moreover, the bag 10 comprises a planar reinforcement seam element 38 which is arranged at an interface of the inner permanent seam 34 and the third inner rupturable seam 32. In other words, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 connects the inner permanent seam 34 and the third inner rupturable seam 32. Such a point may be called a double point P2 since two seams meet there.
Moreover, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 locally connects the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20. Thus, the product chambers 12, 14, 16 are also delimited by the planar reinforcement seam element 38.
Beyond that, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 is arranged closer to the hanger-sided edge 10a of the multi-chamber bag 10 than to the port-sided edge 10b of the multi-chamber bag 10. This means that a distance L1 between the hanger sided edge 10a and the planar reinforcement element 38 is smaller than a distance L2 between the port-sided edge 10b and the planar reinforcement element 38.
It is noted that in a variant of the first embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 may be arranged in the middle between the port-sided edge 10b and the hanger-sided edge 10a. In this case, the distances L1, L2 are substantially equal.
With respect to a horizontal direction, i.e. a direction extending substantially in parallel to both the port-sided edge 10b and the hanger-sided edge 10a, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 is arranged substantially in the middle of the multi-chamber bag 10.
The planar reinforcement seam element 38 is generally drop-shaped.
At the same time, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 has a width larger than the width of all inner rupturable seams 28, 30, 32 and the inner permanent seam 34.
In this context, the width of the inner rupturable seams 28, 30, 32 and the inner permanent seam 34 are substantially constant, wherein the width of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 varies as will be explained further below.
Moreover, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 is inclined. This means that a largest extension of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the hanger-sided edge 10a and/or the port-sided edge 10b. In the present example, the angle A of inclination is about 30°.
Figure 2 shows the planar reinforcement seam element 38 in more detail.
First, an outer contour C of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 will be described.
The outer contour C of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 comprises a first segment C1 which is formed by a concave radius R1 which amounts to 50 mm in the present example.
Adjacent to the first segment C1 in a counter-clockwise direction, the outer contour C comprises a second segment C2 formed by a convex radius R2 which amounts to 20 mm in the present example.
Moreover, adjacent to the second segment C2 in a counter-clockwise direction, the outer contour C comprises a third segment C3 formed by a straight segment. The straight segment has a length L3 of 8 mm in the present example.
Adjacent to the third segment C3 in a counter-clockwise direction, the outer contour C comprises a fourth segment C4 formed by a convex radius R4 which amounts to 6 mm in the present example.
Adjacent to the fourth segment C4 in a counter-clockwise direction, the outer contour C comprises a fifth segment C5 formed by a convex radius R5 which amounts to 35 mm in the present example.
Adjacent to the fifth segment C5 in a counter-clockwise direction, the outer contour C comprises a sixth segment C6 formed by an arc segment having a radius of 1040 mm. The sixth segment C6 has a length L6 of 35,7 mm in the present example.
Adjacent to the sixth segment C6 in a counter-clockwise direction, the outer contour C comprises a seventh segment C7 formed by a straight segment. The straight segment has a length L7 which substantially corresponds of a width of the inner permanent seam 34.
The seventh segment C7 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the end of the sixth segment C6 to which the seventh segment C7 is connected.
The outer contour C of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 is closed in that the seventh segment C7 abuts against the first segment C1 in a counter-clockwise direction.
The permanent seam 34 is connected to the planar reinforcement seam element 38 in the seventh segment C7.
The third inner rupturable seam 32 is connected to the planar reinforcement seam element 38 partially in the third segment C3 and partially in the fourth segment C4.
Furthermore, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 is configured such that a distance D between an end of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 and a virtual intersection I of the straight segment C3 and the segment C1 having the concave radius is at least 15 mm, preferably at least 18 mm. In the present example this distance amounts to 24.3 mm.
Moreover, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 is oriented such that the first segment C1 comprising the concave radius R1 and the third segment C3 comprising the straight segment are oriented towards a port side of the multi-chamber bag 10.
As the name suggests, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 essentially is a seam connecting the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20. This is the case except for a void zone 40. In the void zone 40, the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20 are not connected. In the present example, the void zone 40 is shaped as a narrow arc.
In total, i.e. including the void zone 40, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 covers an area of at least 400 mm². In the present example, this area amounts to 897mm². The void zone has an area of 40mm².
Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the multi-chamber bag 10.
In the following, only the differences with respect to the first embodiment will be explained. Beyond that, reference is made to the above explanations.
The differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment relate to the planar reinforcement seam element 38.
The planar reinforcement seam element 38 of the second embodiment has a similar shape as compared to the planar reinforcement seam element 38 of the first embodiment in that its outer contour is also composed of seven segments C1 to C7.
However, some of these segments have different sizes and measures.
While the first segment C1 corresponds to the first segment C1 of the first embodiment, i.e. comprises a concave radius R1 amounting to 50 mm, the radius R2 of the second segment C2 now amounts to 25 mm.
Furthermore, the length L3 of the third segment C3 only amounts to 5 mm in the second embodiment.
Additionally, the radius R4 of the fourth segment C4 amounts to 5 mm.
Further, the radius R5 of the fifth segment C5 amounts to 25 mm instead of 35 mm in the first embodiment.
Beyond that, the length L6 of the straight sixth segment C6 has been reduced.
This has the consequence, that the distance D between the virtual intersection I and the closest end of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 amounts to 24 mm in the second embodiment.
In the second embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 covers an area of 1061 mm². As before, an area of the void zone which amounts to 47 mm² is included in the area of 1061 mm².
Figures 4 and 5 show a third embodiment of the multi-chamber bag 10.
As has been mentioned before, only the differences with respect to the previous embodiments will be explained.
The third embodiment differs in two respects.
A first respect concerns the structure of the seams. In the third embodiment, there are only two rupturable inner seams, the first inner rupturable seam 28 and the second inner rupturable seam 30.
The first inner rupturable seam 28 now is bent, i.e. the first inner rupturable seam 28 comprises two portions being arranged substantially at a 90° angle.
Moreover, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 now is arranged at the triple point P1. This means that the planar reinforcement seam element 38 is arranged in a location where the first inner rupturable seam 28, the second inner rupturable seam 30 and the inner permanent seam 34 meet.
A second aspect concerns the planar reinforcement seam element 38. While the outer contour C of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 corresponds to the planar reinforcement seam element 38 of the second embodiment (cf. Figure 3), the inclination of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 of the third embodiment is different, such that the distance D between an end of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 and the virtual intersection I of the straight segment C3 and the segment C1 having the concave radius R1 amounts to 23.8 mm.
In the third embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 covers an area of 1013 mm².
Figures 6 and 7 show a fourth embodiment of the multi-chamber bag 10.
As before, only the differences with respect to the previous embodiments will be explained.
As far as the location and orientation of the rupturable inner seams is concerned, the fourth embodiment may be considered as a variant of the first embodiment. However, in contrast to the first embodiment, the locations and orientations of the first inner rupturable seam 28, second inner rupturable seam 30 and third inner rupturable seam 32 are different.
As in the first embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 is located at an interface of the third inner rupturable seam 32 and the inner permanent seam 34.
This means that the planar reinforcement seam element 38 is located at a double point P2, wherein the first inner rupturable seam 28, the second inner rupturable seam 30 and the third inner rupturable seam 32 meet at the triple point P1.
The form and measures of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 corresponds to the third embodiment (cf. Figure 5).
In the fourth embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 covers an area of 1013 mm².
Figures 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the multi-chamber bag 10. In Figure 8, only a portion of the bag 10 is shown. As before, only the differences with respect to the previous embodiments will be explained.
These differences concern the form and measures of the planar reinforcement seam element 38. The differences will be explained with respect to the planar reinforcement seam element 38 of Figures 5 and 7.
The outer contour C of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 according to the fifth embodiment has the same radii. However, the third segment C3 now is shorter than in the embodiments of Figures 5 and 7.
In the embodiment of Figure 8, the third segment C3 which is straight, is only one millimeters long.
This also has the effect that the sixth segment C6 is shorter than in the previous embodiments.
In the fifth embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 covers an area of 928 mm². As before, the area of the void zone 40 amounting to 43 mm² is included in the area of 928 mm².
Figures 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the multi-chamber bag 10. In Figure 9, only a portion of the bag 10 is shown. As before, only the differences with respect to the previous embodiments will be explained.
These differences concern the form and measures of the planar reinforcement seam element 38. The differences will be explained with respect to the planar reinforcement seam element 38 of figures 5, 7 and 8.
While the radius R1, R2 and R5 stay the same, the third straight segment C3 now is 9 millimeters long.
Moreover, the fourth radius R4 now amounts to 6 mm.
Additionally, the sixth segment C6 also is longer than in the previous embodiments.
In the sixth embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 covers an area of 1005 mm². As before, an area of the void zone amounting to 44 mm² is included in the area of 1005 mm².
Figures 10 and 11 show a seventh embodiment of the multi-chamber bag 10.
As before, only the differences with respect to the previous embodiments will be explained.
The multi-chamber bag 10 according to the seventh embodiment may be considered as a variant of the third embodiment (cf. Figures 4 and 5).
However, the shape and measures of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 are different.
The radius R1 of the first segment C1 now amounts to 40 mm.
The radius R2 of the second segment C2 is 25 mm as in the previous embodiments.
However, the length of the third straight segment C3 now amounts to 32.8 mm.
The radius R4 of the fourth segment C4 amounts to 6 mm.
The radius R5 of the fifth segment is 49 mm.
Also the length of the sixth straight segment C6 is different than in the previous embodiments.
This has the effect that the distance D between an end of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 and a virtual intersection I of the straight segment C3 and the segment C1 having the concave radius R1 amounts to 68 mm.
Moreover, in the seventh embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 forms a hanger interface 42. The hanger interface is formed as an opening 44 going through the multi-chamber bag 10. This means that the opening goes through both the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20. The opening 44 has an arc-shaped cross-section. A radius RH1 of an outer contour delimiting this arc-shaped cross-section amounts to 19 mm. A radius RH2 of ab inner contour delimiting this arc-shaped cross-section amounts to 6 mm.
It is understood that in the examples having a hanger interface 42, the hanger interface 42 comes in addition to the hanger interface 36.
The arc-shaped opening 44 covers an angle of approximately 162°. Thus, the opening can also be considered as a ring-portion covering an angle of approximately 162°.
Moreover, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 forms a second opening interface 45. The second opening interface 45 is formed by an incomplete circular cut 46, i.e. a cut 46 shaped as an incomplete ring. This cut 46 covers an angle of approximately 293° and has a radius of 6 mm.
The cut 46 goes through the bag 10, i.e. through both the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20.
Consequently, the arc-shaped opening 44 cooperates with the opening interface 45 and when pulled forms a hanger interface 42 helping to hang the bag without additional components.
Beyond that, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 according to the seventh embodiment comprises two void zones 40, wherein one of the void zones 40 is substantially straight and the other one is also arc-shaped.
In the seventh embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 covers an area of 2750 mm². Included in the area of 2750 mm² is the area of the void zones 40 which amount to 51 mm², the area of the opening 44 which amounts to 455 mm², and the area of the opening interface 45 which amounts to 107 mm².
Figures 12 and 13 show an eighth embodiment of the multi-chamber bag 10.
As before, only the differences with respect to the previous embodiments will be explained.
The multi-chamber bag 10 according to the eighth embodiment may be considered as a variant of the third embodiment (cf. Figures 4 and 5).
However, the shape and measures of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 are different.
The radius R1 of the first segment C1 now amounts to 40 mm.
The radius R2 of the second segment C2 is 25 mm as in the previous embodiments.
However, the length L3 of the third straight segment C3 now amounts to 26.4 mm.
The radius R4 of the fourth segment C4 amounts to 6 mm.
The radius R5 of the fifth segment is 76 mm.
Also the length L6 of the sixth straight segment C6 is different than in the previous embodiments.
This has the effect that the distance D between an end of the planar reinforcement seam element 38 and a virtual intersection I of the straight segment C3 and the segment C1 having the concave radius R1 amounts to 55,5 mm.
Moreover, also in the eighth embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 forms an opening interface 45. The opening interface 45 is formed by an incomplete circular cut 46, i.e. a cut 46 shaped as an incomplete ring. This cut 46 covers an angle of approximately 293° and has a radius of 6 mm.
The cut 46 goes through the bag 10, i.e. through both the first flexible film 18 and the second flexible film 20.
Consequently, a hook or similar means may be used as a hanger that cooperates with the hanger interface 42. With this hook, the portion of the bag 10 lying inside the cut 46 may be pushed away, such that an opening is provided through which to hook or similar means may be pushed. Beyond that, also the planar reinforcement seam element 38 according to the eighth embodiment comprises two void zones 40, wherein one of the void zones 40 is substantially straight and the other one is also arc-shaped.
In the eighth embodiment, the planar reinforcement seam element 38 covers an area of 1643 mm². As before, the area of 1643 mm2 includes the area of the void zone which amounts to 45 mm², and the area of the opening interface 45 which amounts to 107 mm².
It is noted that even though distinct embodiments have been described above, it is of course possible to combine different aspects of different embodiments.
It is further noted that for all of the embodiments, adjacent segments C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 of the outer contour C tangentially merge into one another, if not stated otherwise. This means that adjacent segments C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 of the outer contour C merge into one another without producing a corner or edge.

List of reference signs

10: multi-chamber bag
10a: hanger-sided edge
10b: port-sided edge
12: product chamber
14: product chamber
16: product chamber
18: first flexible film
20: second flexible film
22: outer permanent seam
24: insert
26: product space
28: first inner rupturable seam
30: second inner rupturable seam
32: third inner rupturable seam
34: inner permanent seam
36: hanger interface
38: planar reinforcement seam element
40: void zone
42: hanger interface
44: opening
45: second opening interface
46: cut
A: angle of inclination of the planar reinforcement seam element
C: outer contour of the planar reinforcement seam element
C1: first segment
C2: second segment
C3: third segment
C4: fourth segment
C5: fifth segment
C6: sixth segment
C7: seventh segment
D: distance between an end of the planar reinforcement seam element and a virtual intersection
I: virtual intersection
L1: distance between planar reinforcement seam element and hanger-sided edge
L2: distance between planar reinforcement seam element and port-sided edge
L3: length of third segment
L6: length of the sixth segment
L7: length of the seventh segment
P1: triple point
P2: double point
R1: radius of the first segment
R2: radius of the second segment
R4: radius of the fourth segment
R5: radius of the fifth segment
RH1: outer radius of hanger interface
RH2: inner radius of hanger interface

Claims

A multi-chamber bag (10) for a medicinal and/or nutritional product, comprising a first flexible film (18) and a second flexible film (20), the first flexible film (18) and the second flexible film (20) being located on top of each other, wherein a product space (26) is delimited by mutually opposite sides of the first flexible film (18) and the second flexible film (20) and an outer permanent seam (22) locally connecting the first flexible film (18) and the second flexible film (20),
wherein the product space (26) is subdivided into at least two product chambers (12, 14, 16) by at least one inner permanent seam (34) and at least one inner rupturable seam (28, 30, 32), the inner permanent seam (34) and the at least one inner rupturable seam (28, 30, 32) locally connecting the first flexible film (18) and the second flexible film (20),

wherein a planar reinforcement seam element (38) is arranged at an interface of the at least one inner permanent seam (34) and the at least one inner rupturable seam (28, 30, 32), the planar reinforcement seam element (38) locally connecting the first flexible film (18) and the second flexible film (20), and

wherein the planar reinforcement seam element (38) is arranged closer to a hanger-sided edge (10a) of the multi-chamber bag (10) than to a port-sided edge (10b) of the multi-chamber bag (10) or in the middle between the hanger-sided edge (10a) of the multi-chamber bag (10) and the port-sided edge (10b) of the multi-chamber bag (10).
The multi-chamber bag (10) of claim 1, wherein the product space (26) is subdivided into at least three product chambers (12, 14, 16) by the at least one inner permanent seam (34) and at least two inner rupturable seams (28, 30, 32), the at least one inner permanent seam (34) and the at least two inner rupturable seams (28, 30, 32) locally connecting the first flexible film (18) and the second flexible film (20),
wherein the planar reinforcement seam element (38) is arranged at an interface of the at least one inner permanent seam (34) and the at least two inner rupturable seams (28, 30, 32).
The multi-chamber bag (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one inner rupturable seam (28, 30, 32) and/or the at least one inner permanent seam (34) has a substantially constant width.
The multi-chamber bag (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar reinforcement seam element (38) has a width larger than the width of the at least one inner rupturable seam (28, 30, 32) and/or larger than the width of the at least one inner permanent seam (34).
The multi-chamber bag (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner permanent seam (34) is inclined with respect to the hanger-sided edge (10a) and/or the port-sided edge (10b).
The multi-chamber bag (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar reinforcement seam element (38) comprises a void zone (40), wherein the first flexible film (18) and the second flexible film (20) are not connected in the void zone (40).
The multi-chamber bag (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar reinforcement seam element (38) forms a hanger interface (42).
The multi-chamber bag (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar reinforcement seam element (38) covers an area of at least 400 mm².
The multi-chamber bag (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a largest extension of the planar reinforcement seam element (38) is inclined by less than 80 degrees, preferably less than 70 degrees, with respect to the hanger-sided edge and/or the port-sided edge.
The multi-chamber bag (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer contour (C) of the planar reinforcement seam element (38) comprises at least one concave radius (C1, R1).
The multi-chamber bag (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer contour (C) of the planar reinforcement seam element (38) comprises at least one straight segment (C3).
The multi-chamber bag (10) of claim 10 and claim 11, wherein a distance (D) between an end of the planar reinforcement seam element (38) and a virtual intersection (I) of the straight segment (C3) and the concave radius (C1, R1) is at least 15 mm, preferably at least 18 mm.
The multi-chamber bag (10) of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the outer contour (C) of the planar reinforcement seam element (38) comprising the at least one straight segment (C3) or the at least one concave radius (C1, R1) is oriented towards a port side of the multi-chamber bag (10).
The multi-chamber bag (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer contour (C) of the planar reinforcement seam element (38) comprises at least one convex radius (C2, R2, C4, R4, C5, R5).
The multi-chamber bag (10) of claim 14, wherein the convex radius (C2, R2, C4, R4, C5, R5) is at least 4mm.