GB2464116A

GB2464116A - Liner crimp

Info

Publication number: GB2464116A
Application number: GB0818116A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neal Hanley; Clive Mellor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-03
Filing date: 2008-10-03
Publication date: 2010-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-03
Also published as: GB0818116D0; GB2464116B

Abstract

A flexible liner 10 such as a bag tube used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry provides a contained vessel between two ports 12 and 14. In order to provide a contained separation of the flexible liner 10 a liner crimp 20 is used. The liner crimp 20 comprises two identical parts 22a and 22b. Each part comprises a first portion 30 and a second portion 40 that are connected by a fracture area 50. To separate the flexible liner 10, the liner crimp 20 is assembled by arranging the first part 22a to one side of the flexible liner and arranging the second part 22b to the other side in an inverted relationship. The liner crimp can then be tightened about the flexible liner to cause a neck wherein the first portion 30a of the first part 22a engages the second portion 40b of the second part 22b and the second portion 40a of the first part 22a engages the first portion 30b of the second part 22b. In this way, the liner crimp holds the flexible liner tightly closed on either side of the fracture area 50. The liner crimp and flexible liner can then be separated along the fracture area 50 to form two closed ends. A cap 60 can be placed over either end to seal the closed ends in order to restrict any contaminant residue from escaping.

Description

Liner Crimp The present invention relates to a liner crimp, a part for a liner crimp and a method of separating a flexible liner with a liner crimp.

Flexible containers such as continuous liners, bag tubes, and pouches etc are widely used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process and other manufacturing process that require contained transfer of materials. The flexible containers often connect ports on neighbouring machines to each other. In order to remove the flexible container it is necessary to gather the bag into a neck in order to cut the bag whilst simultaneously providing a closed seal on either side of the cut.

Liner crimps for this purpose are known. Such liner crimps comprise a top piece and a bottom piece. Both pieces are similar to a circlip. For example, the top piece comprises a first end and a second end connected by a flexible strap. The first end is arranged to co-operate with the second end in a ratcheting manner. Thus the strap creates a loop, which can be used to tighten around a flexible enclosure. The top piece connects to the bottom piece by push fitting pins on one piece to holes in the other. The pins enable the two pieces to be held together at a determined gap. In use the two parts are push fitted together, the flexible container necked and the two parts crimped (or tightened) about the flexible container. A crimping tool can be used to close the liner crimp and to cut through the pegs and flexible liner. Each part includes a cap tied to the part to enable the cap to be placed over the cut end of the flexible container.

In this way, the flexible container can be cut and the two severed ends sealed, with minimal exposure of the inside of the flexible enclosure.

The determined gap created by the pegs enables the two parts to be correctly positioned so that a flush end is formed on both sides. This is important as if excess material of the flexible container protrudes from the separated liner crimp, any hazardous particles retained on the inside of the excess material reduces the contained process. Moreover, the peg and hole system ensures that the two parts are correctly orientated. This ensures that the cap, which is designed to fit to one side only of each piece, is able to close the cut end. Furthermore, the pin and hole system enables the two parts of the liner crimp to be manufactured separately.

This is important as it reduces the cost of the liner crimp as the tooling required to mould the two parts is simpler and cheaper than if the liner crimp were to be moulded as one part.

The known liner crimps can often be fiddly to connect the two parts together prior to arranging about the necked bag. This is exacerbated as often users are wearing thick, protective gloves.

Also, because the top and bottom pieces are different, it is necessary for the operator to correctly pick a top and bottom piece to ensure that they are different. Moreover, the flexible containers are of varying sizes, thickness and materials etc. This all combines to mean that each specific flexible container forms a different diameter when fully necked. Since the known liner crimps can only accommodate small changes in necked diameter, a number of varying sized liner crimps are required and often the liner crimps are sized for each specific application.

It is an object of the present invention to attempt to solve at least one of the above or other problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a lower cost liner crimp that can be easily used and that can provide a more universal liner crimp.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a liner crimp for separating a flexible liner into two sections with each section having a closed end, the liner crimp comprising a first part and a second part wherein, when the liner crimp is separated in use, a first portion of the first part co-operates with a second portion of the second part to close the flexible liner one side of the separation and a second portion of the first part co-operates with a first portion of the second part to close the flexible liner the other side of the separation.

Preferably the first part and the second part are substantially the same. Advantageously this reduces the cost as both parts can be moulded or formed from the same machinery and tooling. Moreover, an operator does not need to carefully select two parts, one of each design.

Rather it is sufficient to select any two parts.

Preferably the first portion and the second portion on each part may be separated by a fracture area. Advantageously, the fracture area allows the first portion to be easily separated from the second portion. The fracture area may be a series of slots formed through each part. Thus the first and second portions of each part may be connected by a small area of material.

Accordingly, the fracture area may be easy to shear, for instance by using a blade.

Preferably the first and second portions co-operate by at least one catch engaging at least one elongate part. Each elongate part may be rigid. Advantageously, this allows the two parts to be easily connected. Preferably the first and second portions co-operate by two catches each engaging an elongate part. Preferably the first portion includes both elongate parts and the second portion includes both catches. Alternatively, the first part may include a catch and an elongate member and the second part may include a catch and an elongate member. The elongate part on one part and the catch on the other part may be arranged, in use, to engage at a number of positions along the extent of the elongate part. Advantageously this allows the liner crimp to close and separate flexible lines of varying sizes.

Preferably, the first portion co-operates with the second portion to form a rigid enclosure for receiving the flexible liner. Engagement of each catch at a number of positions along the extent of each elongate part may cause the rigid enclosures to have a variable area. The first portion and the second portion may have a ridge. The ridge may protrude from the portions and combine to form an area running about the rigid enclosure having a reduced area. The reduced area may allow a good grip to be purchased on the flexible liner.

Each elongate part and catch may engage in a ratcheting manner. Advantageously, this enables the two parts to be assembled with only relative movement. For instance, preferably each elongate member includes a rack of teeth. Each catch may include a flexible latch that allows the elongate member to move to reduce the area of the rigid enclosure but engages the teeth to restrict the elongate members' movement to enlarge the rigid enclosure. The rack of teeth may face outwardly with respect to the rigid enclosure.

Preferably the first portion and the second portion include a groove. The groove may be semi-circular. Preferably, when the catch engages the elongate part at its minimum extent, the groove in each portion form the rigid enclosure. When the catch engages the elongate part at the minimum extent the first portion may abut the second portion.

Preferably, an elongate member extends from either side of the groove on the first portion.

The elongate members may be parallel. The elongate members may be spaced from each other. When the catch engages the elongate part at its maximum extent, the rigid enclosure may have a greater extent in the direction of the elongate members than in the direction across the elongate members.

Preferably the first part and second part includes a cap. The cap may be attached to each part by a flexible member. The cap may include apertures. The apertures may allow the elongate members to extend therethrough. The apertures may seal with the elongate members.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a part for a liner crimp, wherein the part comprises a first portion and a second portion, the part being co-operable with a second part to form a liner crimp, the liner crimp being used for, in use, separating a flexible liner into two sections with each section having a sealed end, such that, when the liner crimp is separated in use, a first portion of the part is co-operable with a second portion of the second part to close the flexible liner on one side of the separation and a second portion of the part is co-operable with a first portion of the second part to close the flexible liner on the other side of the separation.

Preferably, the part is identical to the second part. Preferably, the part is substantially the same as the first or second part of the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of separating a flexible liner into two sections, the method comprising arranging a first part of the liner crimp and a second part of the liner crimp about the flexible liner at a desired position wherein each part has a first portion and a second portion joined along a separation line, causing a first portion of the first part to co-operate with a second portion of the second part to close the flexible liner to one side of the separation line, causing a second portion of the first part to co-operate with a first portion of the second part to close the flexible liner to the other side of the separation line, and separating the flexible liner and first and second parts along the separation line.

Preferably separating the flexible liner and first and second parts along the separation line comprises cutting the flexible liner. The step of cutting the flexible liner may cause the flexible liner to seal.

Preferably the method comprises capping the two separated ends by arranging a cap over each end.

Preferably the method comprises using a tool to close and separate the liner crimp.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of two parts of a liner crimp being arranged about a flexible liner; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of one of the parts used to form the liner crimp; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the liner crimp being arranged in use about the flexible liner; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the liner crimp being tightened about the neck of the flexible liner; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a tool used to separate the flexible liner and liner crimp; Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the tool separating the flexible liner and liner crimp; Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of the flexible liner after separation; Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the separated and capped flexible liner; Figure 9 shows a view of Figure 8 with the cap shown partially transparent; Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective view of an alternative liner crimp.

Referring to Figure 1, a flexible liner 10 such as a bag tube used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry provides a contained vessel between two filling ports 12 and 14. In order to provide a contained separation of the flexible liner 10 a liner crimp 20 is used. The liner crimp 20 comprises two identical parts 22a and 22b. Each part 22a and 22b comprises a first portion 30 and a second portion 40 that are connected by a weakened area such as a fracture area 50. To separate the flexible liner 10, the liner crimp 20 is assembled by arranging the first part 22a to one side of the flexible liner and arranging the second part 22b to the other side in an inverted relationship. The liner crimp can then be tightened about the flexible liner to cause a neck wherein the first portion 30a of the first part 22a engages the second portion 40b of the second part 22b and the second portion 40a of the first part 22a engages the first portion 30b of the second part 22b. In this way, the liner crimp holds the flexible liner tightly closed on either side of the fracture area 50. The liner crimp and flexible liner can then be separated along the fracture area 50 to form two closed ends. A cap 60 can be placed over either end to seal the closed ends in order to restrict any contaminant residue from escaping.

Referring to Figure 2, part 22a is shown in more detail. The first portion 30 comprises a body 32 and two elongate members 34, 35 that extend therefrom. The elongate members 34, 35 are rigid and have a square cross-section. Each elongate member has a rack of teeth 36, 37 along an outside face. The distal ends of the elongate members 34, 35 have a reduced area to aid insertion into the second portion. The rack of teeth 36, 37 are arranged to have a slanted face when moving from the distal end to the body. The elongate members 36, 37 extend from either side of the body 32. A semi-circular recess 38 is formed in the body 32 between the two elongate members. The two elongate members extend from the body parallel to each other. A ridge 39 runs along the extent of each elongate member and about the recess 38.

The second portion 40 comprises a body 42 and two catches 44, 45. Each catch 44, 45 comprise an aperture through the body 42 for receiving elongate members. The catches' apertures are formed in the body on the same plane as the elongate members. The catches' apertures are sized accordingly and include a recess 47 for receiving the ridge 39 of each elongate member. Each catch 44, 45 includes a latch (not shown) on the inside of the aperture. The catch is flexible so that it rides over the slanted face of each rack of teeth as an elongate member is inserted into the aperture. The catch engages the teeth to restrict movement of the elongate member out of the recess. Accordingly the latch provides a ratchet mechanism The catches 44, 45 are arranged on either side of the body 42. A semi-circular recess 48 is formed between the two catches. A ridge 49 is formed about the circumferential face of the recess 48. The elongate members extend through and beyond catches 44, 45.

The first and second portions are joined together by the fracture area 50. The fracture area 50 comprises an area of reduced material strength. For instance, here the fracture area comprises a number of thin webs 52 formed between the first and second portions.

The cap 60 is attached to the body 42 of the second portion by a flexible tie 62. As will be herein described, the flexible tie 62 allows the cap 60 to be fitted over the separated liner crimp.

Referring to Figure 3, the liner crimp is used by arranging two parts 22a and a 22b about the flexible liner. The second part 22b is arranged in an inverted relation to the first part 22a such that the elongate members of each part are co-incident with the catches of the other part.

Here the flexible liner is arranged to be completely within an enclosure formed by the recesses 34, 48 and the elongate members 36, 37 of each part. The liner crimp 10 is assembled by relative movement of the two parts in the direction of the elongate members' extent.

Figure 4 shows the liner crimp 10 having been tightened about the flexible liner. As the elongate members are inserted into the catches, the lever (not shown) and rack of teeth 36, 37 work in a ratcheting manner in order to allow insertion but to resist withdrawal of the elongate members 34, 35. Accordingly, by squeezing the two parts together, the flexible liner is closed at two locations in close proximity to each other. The ridges 39 and 49 combine to make each closure and to provide a good grip on the flexible liner. When the liner crimp is tightened, the flexible liner is packed within the rigid boundary, thus closing the flexible liner.

As shown in Figure 5 and 6, a tool 70 is used to separate the liner crimp 20 and flexible liner 10. The tool comprises a movable blade 72. The blade is used to cut through the webs 52 of the fracture area 50 and to cut the compacted, flexible liner. The shearing of the liner naturally forms a seal across the liners' end.

Figure 7 shows the flexible liner separated into two sections with each section having a closed end formed by the first portion and the second portion. The caps 60 can then be placed over the cut ends as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9.

Figure 10 shows an alternative liner crimp embodiment. Here each part 22a and 22b comprises a first portion 30 and second portion 40 joined by a fracture area 50. The first portion 30 comprises an elongate member 34 and a catch 44. The second portion 40 comprises an elongate member 35 and a catch 45. The liner crimp is assembled in the same way as previously described with the elongate member 34 of one part engaging the catch 44 on the other part and the elongate member 35 on one part engaging the catch 45 on the other.

Advantageously, the liner crimp herein described allows the two parts to be identical. This allows a user to select any two parts. Moreover, the liner crimp can be easily assembled by pushing the two parts together.

Furthermore, because the rigid enclosure is variable over a wide range of enclosed areas a large number of different sized and thickness flexible liners can be crimped using the same universal liner crimp.

Whilst the liner crimp has been herein described in relation to separating a flexible liner it will be appreciated that the liner crimp could work equally well in separating a large number of different types, shapes and sizes of flexible liners and bags.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1 A liner crimp for separating a flexible liner into two sections with each section having a closed end, the liner crimp comprising a first part and a second part wherein, when the liner crimp is separated in use, a first portion of the first part is arranged to co-operate with a second portion of the second part to close the end of one section of the flexible liner and a second portion of the first part co-operates with a first portion of the second part to close the end of the other section of the flexible liner.
2. The liner crimp according to Claim 1, wherein the first part and the second part are substantially the same.
3. The liner crimp according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second portions of each part are separable.
4. The liner crimp according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions co-operate by at least one catch engaging at least one elongate part.
5. The liner crimp according to claim 4, wherein the first and second portions co-operate by two catches each engaging an elongate part.
6. The liner crimp according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the elongate part on one part and the catch on the other part are arranged, in use, to engage at a number of positions along the extent of the elongate part.
7. The liner crimp according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portions co-operates with the second portions are arranged to form a rigid enclosure for each section of the flexible liner.
8. The liner crimp according to any preceding claim, wherein each first portion and each second portion are arranged to engage each other whereby relative movement is allowed in one direction but prevented in the opposed direction
9. The liner crimp according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 4, wherein each elongate portion includes a rack of teeth and each catch includes a flexible latch, the flexible latch allowing the two parts to move toward each other with the latch engaging the rack of teeth to restrict movement of the two parts away from each other.
10. A part for a liner crimp, wherein the part comprises a first portion and a second portion, the part being co-operable with a second part to form a liner crimp, the liner crimp being used for, in use, separating a flexible liner into two sections with each section having a sealed end, such that, when the liner crimp is separated in use, a first portion of the part is arranged to co-operate with a second portion of the second part to close an end of one section of the flexible liner, and a second portion of the part is arranged to co-operate with a first portion of the second part to close an end of the other section of the flexible liner.
11. The part as claimed in claim 10, wherein the part is either the first part or the second part as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9.
12. The part as claimed in claim 10 or 11 in which the or each part comprises an integrally formed member.
13. The part as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12 in which the or each part includes a cap attached thereto, the cap being arranged, in use, to fit at least partially over the cooperating portions that close a section.
14. A method of separating a flexible liner into two sections with a liner crimp, the method comprising arranging a first part of the liner crimp and a second part of the liner crimp about the flexible liner at a desired position wherein each part has a first portion and a second portion, causing a first portion of the first part to co-operate with a second portion of the second part to close an end of one section of the flexible liner, causing a second portion of the first part to co-operate with a first portion of the second part to close an end of the other section of the flexible liner, and separating the flexible liner in to the two sections.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein separating the flexible liner and first and second parts comprises cutting through the fracture area and the flexible liner
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the method comprises using a tool to assemble and separate the liner crimp.Amendment To the Claims Have been Filed As Follows 1 A liner crimp for separating a flexible liner into two sections with each section having a closed end, the liner crimp comprising a first part and a second part wherein, when the liner crimp is separated in use, a first portion of the first part is arranged to co-operate with a second portion of the second part to close the end of one section of the flexible liner and a second portion of the first part co-operates with a first portion of the second part to close the end of the other section of the flexible liner.2. The liner crimp according to Claim 1, wherein the first part and the second part are substantially the same.3. The liner crimp according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second portions of each part are separable.4. The liner crimp according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions co-operate by at least one catch engaging at least one elongate part.5. The liner crimp according to claim 4, wherein the first and second portions co-operate by two catches each engaging an elongate part.6. The liner crimp according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the elongate part on one part and the catch on the other part are arranged, in use, to engage at a number of positions along the extent of the elongate part.7. The liner crimp according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portions co-operates with the second portions are arranged to form a rigid enclosure for each section of the flexible liner.8. The liner crimp according to any preceding claim, wherein each first portion and each second portion are arranged to engage each other whereby relative movement is allowed in one direction but prevented in the opposed direction 9. The liner crimp according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 4, wherein each elongate portion includes a rack of teeth and each catch includes a flexible latch, the flexible latch allowing the two parts to move toward each other with the latch engaging the rack of teeth to restrict movement of the two parts away from each other.10. A part for a liner crimp, wherein the part comprises a first portion and a second portion, the part being co-operable with a second part to form a liner crimp, the liner crimp being used for, in use, separating a flexible liner into two sections with each section having a sealed end, such that, when the liner crimp is separated in use, a first portion of the part is arranged to co-operate with a second portion of the second part to close an end of one section of the flexible liner, and a second portion of the part is arranged to co-operate with a first portion of the second part to close an end of the other section of the flexible liner.11. The part as claimed in claim 10, wherein the part is either the first part or the second part as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9.12. The part as claimed in claim 10 or 11 in which the or each part comprises an integrally formed member.13. The part as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12 in which the or each part includes a cap attached thereto, the cap being arranged, in use, to fit at least partially over the cooperating 0) portions that close a section.14. A method of separating a flexible liner into two sections with a liner crimp, the method Q 20 comprising arranging a first part of the liner crimp and a second part of the liner crimp about the flexible liner at a desired position wherein each part has a first portion and a second portion, causing a first portion of the first part to co-operate with a second portion of the second part to close an end of one section of the flexible liner, causing a second portion of the first part to co-operate with a first portion of the second part to close an end of the other section of the flexible liner, and separating the flexible liner in to the two sections.15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first portion and the second portion on each part are separated by a fracture area and the step of separating the flexible liner and first and second parts comprises cutting through the fracture area and the flexible liner