WO1997029043A1 - Device and assembly for opening ampoules - Google Patents

Device and assembly for opening ampoules Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997029043A1
WO1997029043A1 PCT/FR1997/000227 FR9700227W WO9729043A1 WO 1997029043 A1 WO1997029043 A1 WO 1997029043A1 FR 9700227 W FR9700227 W FR 9700227W WO 9729043 A1 WO9729043 A1 WO 9729043A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cap
housing
opening
tapered tip
bulb
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR1997/000227
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-François M. MELIN
Original Assignee
Melin Jean Francois M
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Melin Jean Francois M filed Critical Melin Jean Francois M
Priority to EP97904492A priority Critical patent/EP0984896A1/en
Publication of WO1997029043A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997029043A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B7/00—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers
    • B67B7/92—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers by breaking, e.g. for ampoules

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for opening a bulb having at least one tapered tip, one end portion of which is intended to be cut, as well as an assembly for opening one or more bulbs of this type.
  • Pharmaceutical and para-pharmaceutical products, as well as certain food and dietetic products are in particular packaged in the form of liquid doses contained in ampoules of rigid material, most often in glass.
  • the ampoules have a bulged or tubular body, and at least one tapered tip, generally either a single tapered tip, or two tapered tips at two opposite ends of the bulged or tubular part.
  • These tapered points are generally each connected to the body of the bulb via a shoulder. They are hollow, often elongated, slightly conical, narrowing to the end of the point which is closed. The end of the tip can be rounded or have a bulge due to a weld made after filling the bulb.
  • an end portion of the tapered tip is sectioned, so as to release the hollow section of the tip which thus provides a passage communicating with the interior of the bulb. If it is a single-pointed bulb, the liquid can then be withdrawn by inserting the needle of a syringe through this communicating passage and by aspirating.
  • the bulb In the case of a two-pointed bulb, the bulb is kept inclined, so that the communicating passage is located at the bottom of the bulb and above a container, then a section is cut off. end of the second tip to provide a second passage communicating with the interior of the bulb. There is then an air intake from the top, so that the liquid flows out of the bulb through the bottom passage.
  • the tapered tip is most often cut by gripping the tip between the thumb and forefinger and flexing relative to the body of the bulb, until an end portion of the tapered tip is broken.
  • the tapered tip (s) of the bulb often have a zone of weakness between the end part, which is intended to be separated, and the rest of the bulb.
  • This zone of weakness is for example a peripheral transverse groove defining a zone of reduced thickness of the material.
  • the fragile zone is generally made visible by one or two visual marks placed on one side or on each side of the fragile zone.
  • the body of the bulb is held with one hand, and the tip is grasped with the fingers of the other hand at the end part, that is to say beyond the brittleness zone, but preferably near the latter, so that the bending force is exerted mainly at this zone.
  • a tool for example a file, a saw, a knife or other , by means of which the end part is cut or weakened beforehand.
  • a tool comprising a knife associated with a container intended to collect and preserve the end parts which have been cut.
  • Document FR-A-2 703 336 also describes a clamp, generally made of cardboard, which can be separated from an easel carrying the bulbs, and by means of which the tapered tip can be grasped in order to break the part of end.
  • the fact of breaking the point with the fingers has the disadvantage that the position of the fingers only slightly determines the location of the fracture line. It follows the risk that the tip breaks too close to the end, or too far, or under the fingers, which can cause cuts, injuries or the destruction of gloves or other protection covering the fingers.
  • the fracture can also generate chips or debris which could enter the bulb or mix with the liquid that is removed from the bulb, or injure the user.
  • known tools are relatively complicated to handle. They should be stored carefully after each use, under penalty of being lost. Their cleanliness is not guaranteed after one or more uses. They generate additional chips or debris, due to their progressive action, like files or saws, or localized on a point or a determined line, like knives.
  • the tool associating a knife and a container certainly allows the recovery of the end part which has been separated, but it does not allow the recovery of chips and debris. On the contrary, the latter are likely to escape from the container when the tool is tilted while handling it.
  • This tool also has the disadvantages of other tools, such as the creation of many shavings and debris and the risk of poor hygiene and / or asepsis.
  • the use of a protection like the cardboard clip of document FR-A-2 703 336 makes it possible to avoid, to a certain extent, cuts and injuries to the fingers. But they make the grip of the fingers on the tapered tip imprecise and not very stable. Thus, in particular, the severing fracture may occur outside the zone of weakness.
  • the chips and debris are not retained, and even the separate end part is poorly held in the clamp between the fingers, and may escape to fall into the liquid removed from the bulb. Asepsis of the contents of the ampoule is not guaranteed.
  • An object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of known methods and devices for opening a bulb having at least one tapered tip, and to provide a device allowing the bulb to be opened easily, without the risk of chips or debris getting mix with the liquid, without risk of injury to the user, and without risk for hygiene or asepsis of the liquid.
  • the device according to the invention for opening a bulb which has at least one tapered point, connected to the body of the bulb, one end portion of which is intended to be cut is characterized in that it consists of a cap comprising a housing having an opening on one face of the cap and shaped so as to be capable of containing the end part of the tapered tip of the bulb.
  • the housing is likely to come by a contact portion engaging in a substantially adjusted manner on and enclosing a corresponding contact portion of the tapered tip.
  • the contact portion may be a continuous or interrupted transverse contour line, so as to constitute a support edge during the bending movement, or else a surface or a set of contact surfaces, so that the housing at least matches partially the external shape of the end part, the front of the contact portion constituting the support edge during the bending movement.
  • the housing also comprises an inlet portion connecting to the contact portion and flared towards the opening of the housing.
  • the contact portion is advantageously frustoconical with an opening angle corresponding to that of the outer surface of the end portion of the bulb, and the inlet portion is a portion also frustoconical with an opening angle greater than that of the contact portion.
  • the opening angle of the inlet portion is preferably between 1 and 1.5 times the opening angle of the contact portion.
  • the length of the inlet portion is preferably between 0.1 and 0.3 times the depth of the housing.
  • the contact portion is of length approximately equal to the length of the end portion of the tapered tip, and the entry portion is of length greater than the length of the zone of weakness.
  • the outer surface of the cap is also of frustoconical shape with the same opening angle as the contact portion. It can also have at least two flats in positions radially opposite, so as in particular to reduce the total thickness of the cap and to facilitate gripping.
  • the flats preferably extend from the front face of the cap at least to the right of the contact portion, so as to reduce the thickness of the cap at the support edge.
  • the cap can be of semi-rigid material, so as to engage on the end part and grip it when the cap is put in place and / or when a pressure is exerted on the external surface. of the cap.
  • the housing of the cap may have an interior surface with adhesive property, or with electrostatic property.
  • the cap can be made of transparent or translucent material. It is advantageously made of medical or food PVC. The cap is sterilized before use.
  • the invention also relates to an assembly for opening ampoules, characterized in that it is formed by several caps according to any one of the preceding claims, which are connected by sectionable elements, so as to allow the caps to be separated one by successively.
  • the sectionable elements advantageously comprise an area of reduced thickness, so as to facilitate their sectioning. They can also have a length such that the distance between two caps is a multiple of the distance between two bulbs when they are conditioned by being aligned side by side in a regular manner, for example on an easel.
  • the caps may have diametrically opposite flats on their outer surface, and be arranged approximately in the same median plane, the flats being located in two same planes parallel to the median plane, so that the assembly has a small thickness.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear of a cap according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is a rear view of the cap of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 is a side view of the cap of Figure 1
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view of the cap of Figure 1 along the line IV-IV of Figure 2; .
  • Figure 5 is a plan view of the cap of Figure 1;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic view of a bulb before placing a cap on a tapered tip of the bulb;
  • Figure 7 is a schematic view similar to Figure 6, after placement of the cap and cutting of the tapered tip;
  • Figure 8 is a detailed sectional view of the tapered tip of the bulb after fitting the cap;
  • Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 after cutting the tapered tip;
  • Figures 10 and 1 1 are detailed sectional views similar to Figures 8 and 9 in the case of a tapered tip having a zone of weakness;
  • Figure 1 2 is a perspective view of the rear of an assembly according to the invention for opening several bulbs, formed by an assembly of caps similar to the cap of Figures 1 to 5;
  • Figure 1 3 is a rear view of the assembly of Figure
  • Figure 1 4 is a plan view along the line XIV-XIV of Figure 1 3, partially in section, of the assembly of Figure
  • Figures 1 to 5 show a device for opening a bulb having at least one tapered tip connected to the body of the bulb.
  • the device according to the invention consists of a cap 1 which has an interior housing 2, shaped so as to be able to contain at least one end portion of the tapered tip. More specifically, the cap 1 is of generally frustoconical outer shape with a circular base along longitudinal axis 3, with a large base 4 and a small base 5 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For the remainder of the description, the axis 3 is oriented from front to rear in the direction of the large base 4 towards the small base 5, and the latter are therefore called respectively front face 4 and rear face 5.
  • the housing 2 extends between an opening 6 on the front face 4 of the cap 1 and a bottom 7 located near the rear face 5, and defining a bottom wall 8 of the cap 1.
  • the housing 2 is arranged along the longitudinal axis 3 of the cap 1, and has a generally frustoconical shape along a generatrix parallel to that of the outer form of the cap, so that the housing 2 defines a peripheral side wall 9 of the cap 1 , the walls 8 and 9 being of substantially identical and constant thickness. More specifically, the housing 2 of the cap comprises from the opening 6 an inlet portion 10 of frustoconical shape flared towards the opening 6 in the manner of a chamfer, which is connected to a central portion or contact portion 1 1 frustoconical, which connects itself continuously on a bottom portion 12 of rounded shape.
  • the flared inlet portion 10 widening the opening 6 is intended to facilitate the positioning of the cap 1 on a tapered tip, and to recover any chips or debris.
  • the central portion 1 1 frustoconical is of a shape matching the external shape of the tapered tip of the bulb. This central portion 1 1 is intended to come into adjusted contact and to enclose a corresponding portion of the tapered tip.
  • the rounded bottom portion 1 2 is intended to contain the end of the tapered tip, which may if necessary include a ball due to a weld.
  • the outer surface of the cap 1 also has two flats 1 3, 1 4 formed in two substantially parallel planes on two diametrically opposite sides of the side wall 9, near the front face 4. These flats 1 3, 1 4 are intended to reduce the height of the cap 1 when the latter is placed flat, and also to facilitate, if necessary, the gripping of the fingers on the cap 1. ⁇
  • FIG. 6 The use of the device according to the invention is shown diagrammatically in Figures 6 and 7, to open a bulb 1 5 comprising two tapered points 1 6 and 1 7 connected to opposite ends of a tubular central body 1 8.
  • a bulb 1 5 comprising two tapered points 1 6 and 1 7 connected to opposite ends of a tubular central body 1 8.
  • the cap 1 grasps the cap 1 between two fingers and engages it (arrow 1 9) by its front face 4 comprising the opening 6 of the housing 2 on one of the tapered points, for example as shown the tapered point 1 6, so that the housing 2 of the cap 1 comes to surround and contain at less in part the tapered tip 1 6.
  • the cap 1 is then intended to be discarded, together with the severed end portion 21 of the tapered tip 1 6, as well as any chips or debris resulting from the fracture, which remain contained in the housing 2.
  • two disposable caps are therefore generally used.
  • the support zone of the cap 1 on the bulb 1 4 during the bending movement is located at level of the wall of the housing 2, inside of it, more precisely between the edge of the opening 6 on the front face 4 and the position of the fingers on the side wall 9, so that the fracture occurs generally occurs between these two limits.
  • the support area of the cap is located at the connection between the central portion 1 1, which is adjusted on the tapered tip, and the inlet portion 10 flared , which is not itself directly in contact with the tapered tip. More precisely, as can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the connection between the inlet 1 0 and central 1 1 portions constitutes a line obi support edge 22 acting as a fulcrum for the lever movement which occurs during bending. Because of this ridge support 22, the lever movement during bending generates a fracture line 23 which generally occurs either at this edge 22, or beyond, that is to say more inside the housing 2.
  • the fracture line 23 is located largely inside the housing 2, and the flared inlet portion 10 of the housing 2 makes it possible to recover the shavings and debris 24 that the fracture can generate.
  • the end part 21 of the tapered tip 1 6 also remains contained in the housing 2 of the cap 1.
  • the central portion 1 1 matches the external shape of the end part 21 so as to come into adjusted contact on and to enclose this end part 21.
  • the shape and dimensions of the housing 2 of the cap 1 are determined according to the shape and dimensions of the tapered tip 1 6 of the bulb 1 5, so that the cap 1 is likely to contain a portion sufficient of the tapered tip 1 6 to be able to exert a flexion at the junction of this portion and the rest of the bulb, so that the sectioned end portion 21 is of sufficient length.
  • the length of the housing 2 can be substantially equal to the length of the tapered tip 1 6. In this way, the fracture line occurs near the connection of the tapered tip on the body of the bulb, and the fracture safely secures a sufficiently wide communicating passage.
  • the opening angle of the inlet portion 10 is between 1 and 1.5 times the angle opening of the contact portion 1 1.
  • the length of the inlet portion 9 is between 0.1 and 0.3 times the depth of the housing 2.
  • the tapered tip 1 6, on certain bulbs, may include a zone of weakness 25 delimiting the end portion 1 6 which must be cut.
  • This variant is illustrated in Figures 10 and 1 1.
  • the length of the housing 2 is preferably greater than that of the end portion 21 of the tapered tip 1 6, so that the cutting forces during bending are exerted near the zone of weakness 25. More preferably, the length of the housing 2 is greater than the sum of the lengths of the end portion 21 and of the zone of weakness 25, so that the debris and chips 24 which may result from the fracture are recovered in the housing 2 of the cap 1.
  • the length of the different portions of the housing is preferably chosen such that the connection between the parts 9 and 1 0 is located near the zone of weakness 25 when the cap 1 is adjusted on the tapered tip, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 1 1.
  • the contact portion 1 1 is of length approximately equal to the length of the end portion 21 of the tapered tip 1 6, and the inlet portion 10 is of length greater than the length of the zone of weakness 24.
  • the shape of the housing 2 of the cap 1 could be such that the outline of the cross section of the tapered tip 1 6 at any distance from its end is likely to be contained in the outline of the cross section of the housing 2 at the same distance from its bottom or at a greater distance.
  • the cap 1 advances on the tapered tip 1 6 until the bottom 7 of the housing 2 abuts against the end of the tip tapered 1 6.
  • the housing 2 is not then adjusted on the tapered tip 16.
  • the support zone for the sectional bending is generally located at the edge of the opening 6 of the housing 2. This zone could be offset towards the interior of the accommodation providing a further enlarged section entry area near opening 6.
  • the contour of the cross section of the housing 2 is substantially adjusted to the contour of the cross section of the tapered tip at at least one contact portion such as the central portion 1 1 of the cap 1.
  • This contact portion 1 1 can be a continuous or broken transverse contour line, or a surface or a set of surfaces.
  • the contact portion 11 is of frustoconical shape matching the frustoconical external shape of the tapered tip 16.
  • the housing 2 could have an enlarged cross-section cavity at its bottom portion 1 2, so as to be able to contain the end of the tapered tip 1 6 when the latter is of enlarged section, for example a ball resulting from a weld.
  • the cap 1 can be manufactured for example from a plastic material, or any other suitable material.
  • the material can be rigid and non-deformable, or, preferably, a material having a certain flexibility or suppleness, such as a semi-rigid plastic, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • the material known as "medical or food PVC" is particularly suitable.
  • the relative flexibility of the material allows the cap to better surround the tapered tip and / or better contain it.
  • the semi-rigid material allows better grip of the cap on the tip, before separation, and better retention inside the housing of the cap of the end part severed, after separation.
  • the rigid material allows the end part to be clamped in the housing of the cap by simple pressure exerted on the external face of the cap, for example between the thumb and forefinger, so that the end portion is taken and held in the housing of the cap before and after separation.
  • the interior surface of the housing may have adhesive properties.
  • the interior surface of the housing can have an electrostatic property, this result being obtainable for example when the material used for the cap is a PVC, the formulation of which contains plasticizers which are very weakly bonded to the base polymer and which, remaining on the surface, give it an adhesive character.
  • the material is advantageously transparent or translucent, so as to make it possible to visualize, before separation, the correct positioning of the cap on the tapered point, in particular when the latter has a zone of weakness, and after separation, the presence of the part end section inside the cap housing.
  • the transparent or translucent material may have a certain decorative coloring.
  • the cap 1 could be sterilized individually before use.
  • the opening 6 could then be closed, for example, by a removable support, or else the cap could be enclosed in a sterile overpack.
  • the sterile cap prevents the user from disinfecting the tapered tip of the bulb before cutting it.
  • Figures 12 to 14 show an assembly 26 for opening one or more bulbs, which consists of an assembly of several caps 27 to 36 according to the invention, which are interconnected two by two by connecting bars respectively before 37 and rear 38.
  • the caps 27 to 36 are similar to the cap 1 of FIGS. 1 to 5.
  • the connecting bars constitute sectionable elements, so as to allow the caps 27 to 36 to be separated one by one successively. More specifically, the connecting bars 37, 38 each have a narrowed area respectively 39, 40 facilitating its cutting.
  • the caps 27 to 36 are here aligned side by side in the same main plane, and they have flats 41, 42 which are arranged in two same planes parallel to the main plane of the assembly 26. Thus, the thickness of the assembly 26 is minimal.
  • the caps 27 to 36 could be arranged in the same plane but in another way, for example in a circle, or even in a star.
  • they could be connected by a single bar, for example a front bar, a sectionable element in the shape of a star, or by any other type of sectionable element.
  • the length of the bars is advantageously such that the distance between two caps is a multiple of the distance between two bulbs when they are conditioned by being aligned side by side in a regular manner, for example on an easel .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Opening Bottles Or Cans (AREA)
  • Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)

Abstract

A device for opening an ampoule with a tapered tip connected to the body of the ampoule and provided with a separable end portion. The device consists of a cap (1) with a recess (2) having an opening (6) in one surface of the cap (1) and shaped in such a way that the end portion of the tapered tip (16) of the ampoule (15) may be inserted therein. The contact portion (11) engaging the tapered tip is frusto-conical and has an opening angle matching that of the outer surface of the frusto-conical tapered tip (16) of the ampoule (15), while the inlet portion (10) is also frusto-conical and has a greater opening angle than said contact portion (11). The device is particularly useful in the field of pharmaceuticals, parapharmaceuticals, foodstuffs and dietary products.

Description

Dispositif et ensemble pour ouvrir des ampoules.Device and assembly for opening ampoules.
L'invention concerne un dispositif pour ouvrir une ampoule présentant au moins une pointe effilée dont une partie d'extrémité est destinée à être sectionnée, ainsi qu'un ensemble pour ouvrir une ou plusieurs ampoules de ce type. Des produits pharmaceutiques et para-pharmaceutiques, ainsi que certains produits alimentaires et diététiques, sont notamment conditionnés sous forme de doses liquides contenues dans des ampoules en matériau rigide, le plus souvent en verre. Les ampoules comportent un corps renflé ou tubulaire, et au moins une pointe effilée, en général soit une pointe effilée unique, soit deux pointes effilées à deux extrémités opposées de la partie renflée ou tubulaire. Ces pointes effilées sont généralement reliées chacune au corps de l'ampoule par l'intermédiaire d'un épaulement. Elles sont creuses, souvent de forme allongée, légèrement conique, se rétrécissant jusqu'à l'extrémité de la pointe qui est obturée. L'extrémité de la pointe peut être arrondie ou comporter un renflement dû à une soudure effectuée après remplissage de l'ampoule.The invention relates to a device for opening a bulb having at least one tapered tip, one end portion of which is intended to be cut, as well as an assembly for opening one or more bulbs of this type. Pharmaceutical and para-pharmaceutical products, as well as certain food and dietetic products, are in particular packaged in the form of liquid doses contained in ampoules of rigid material, most often in glass. The ampoules have a bulged or tubular body, and at least one tapered tip, generally either a single tapered tip, or two tapered tips at two opposite ends of the bulged or tubular part. These tapered points are generally each connected to the body of the bulb via a shoulder. They are hollow, often elongated, slightly conical, narrowing to the end of the point which is closed. The end of the tip can be rounded or have a bulge due to a weld made after filling the bulb.
Pour utiliser le liquide contenu dans l'ampoule, on sectionne une partie d'extrémité de la pointe effilée, de façon à dégager la section creuse de la pointe qui ménage ainsi un passage communiquant avec l'intérieur de l'ampoule. S'il s'agit d'une ampoule à une seule pointe, on peut ensuite prélever le liquide en introduisant t'aiguille d'une seringe à travers ce passage communiquant et en aspirant. S'il s'agit d'une ampoule à deux pointes, on maintient l'ampoule inclinée, de façon que le passage communiquant se situe au bas de l'ampoule et au-dessus d'un récipient, puis on sectionne une partie d'extrémité de la seconde pointe pour ménager un second passage communiquant avec l'intérieur de l'ampoule. Il se produit alors une entrée d'air par le haut, de telle sorte que le liquide s'écoule hors de l'ampoule par le passage du bas. On sectionne le plus souvent la pointe effilée en saisissant cette dernière entre le pouce et l'index et en imprimant un mouvement de flexion par rapport au corps de l'ampoule, jusqu'à briser une partie d'extrémité de la pointe effilée. Afin de faciliter cette opération, la ou les pointes effilées de l'ampoule comportent souvent une zone de fragilité entre la partie d'extrémité, qui est destinée à être séparée, et le reste de l'ampoule. Cette zone de fragilité est par exemple une rainure transversale périphérique définissant une zone de moindre épaisseur du matériau. La zone de fragilité est en général rendue visible par une ou deux marques visuelles disposées d'un côté ou de chaque côté de la zone de fragilité. Pour briser la partie d'extrémité de la pointe effilée de l'ampoule, on maintient avec une main le corps de i'ampoule, et on saisit la pointe avec les doigts de l'autre main au niveau de la partie d'extrémité, c'est-à-dire au-delà de la zone de fragilité, mais de préférence à proximité de celle-ci, de façon que l'effort de flexion s'exerce principalement au niveau de cette zone. Au lieu de briser ta pointe d'ampoule avec les doigts en exerçant une flexion pour sectionner une partie d'extrémité, comme décrit ci-dessus, on peut en variante utiliser un outil, par exemple une lime, une scie, un couteau ou autre, au moyen desquels on découpe ou on fragilise préalablement la partie d'extrémité. On connaît également un outil comprenant un couteau associé à un conteneur destiné à récupérer et conserver les parties d'extrémité qui ont été découpées.To use the liquid contained in the bulb, an end portion of the tapered tip is sectioned, so as to release the hollow section of the tip which thus provides a passage communicating with the interior of the bulb. If it is a single-pointed bulb, the liquid can then be withdrawn by inserting the needle of a syringe through this communicating passage and by aspirating. In the case of a two-pointed bulb, the bulb is kept inclined, so that the communicating passage is located at the bottom of the bulb and above a container, then a section is cut off. end of the second tip to provide a second passage communicating with the interior of the bulb. There is then an air intake from the top, so that the liquid flows out of the bulb through the bottom passage. The tapered tip is most often cut by gripping the tip between the thumb and forefinger and flexing relative to the body of the bulb, until an end portion of the tapered tip is broken. In order to facilitate this operation, the tapered tip (s) of the bulb often have a zone of weakness between the end part, which is intended to be separated, and the rest of the bulb. This zone of weakness is for example a peripheral transverse groove defining a zone of reduced thickness of the material. The fragile zone is generally made visible by one or two visual marks placed on one side or on each side of the fragile zone. To break the end part of the tapered tip of the bulb, the body of the bulb is held with one hand, and the tip is grasped with the fingers of the other hand at the end part, that is to say beyond the brittleness zone, but preferably near the latter, so that the bending force is exerted mainly at this zone. Instead of breaking your bulb tip with your fingers by bending to cut off an end part, as described above, you can alternatively use a tool, for example a file, a saw, a knife or other , by means of which the end part is cut or weakened beforehand. There is also known a tool comprising a knife associated with a container intended to collect and preserve the end parts which have been cut.
Le document FR-A-2 703 336 décrit également une pince, généralement en carton, qui peut être séparée d'un chevalet porteur des ampoules, et par l'intermédiaire de laquelle on peut saisir la pointe effilée afin de briser la partie d'extrémité. Le fait de briser la pointe avec les doigts présente l'inconvénient que la position des doigts ne détermine que peu précisément l'emplacement de la ligne de fracture. Il s'ensuit des risques que la pointe se brise trop près de l'extrémité, ou trop loin, ou encore sous les doigts, ce qui peut provoquer des coupures, des blessures ou bien la destruction de gants ou autre protection recouvrant les doigts. La fracture peut également générer des copeaux ou débris qui risquent de pénétrer dans l'ampoule ou de se mêler au liquide qui est retiré de l'ampoule, ou encore de blesser l'utilisateur.Document FR-A-2 703 336 also describes a clamp, generally made of cardboard, which can be separated from an easel carrying the bulbs, and by means of which the tapered tip can be grasped in order to break the part of end. The fact of breaking the point with the fingers has the disadvantage that the position of the fingers only slightly determines the location of the fracture line. It follows the risk that the tip breaks too close to the end, or too far, or under the fingers, which can cause cuts, injuries or the destruction of gloves or other protection covering the fingers. The fracture can also generate chips or debris which could enter the bulb or mix with the liquid that is removed from the bulb, or injure the user.
Par ailleurs, les outils connus sont relativement compliqués à manipuler. Ils doivent être rangés soigneusement après chaque usage, sous peine d'être égarés. Leur propreté n'est pas garantie après une ou plusieurs utilisations. Ils sont générateurs de copeaux ou débris supplémentaires, du fait de leur action progressive, comme les limes ou scies, ou localisée sur un point ou une ligne déterminée, comme les couteaux.Furthermore, known tools are relatively complicated to handle. They should be stored carefully after each use, under penalty of being lost. Their cleanliness is not guaranteed after one or more uses. They generate additional chips or debris, due to their progressive action, like files or saws, or localized on a point or a determined line, like knives.
L'outil associant un couteau et un conteneur permet certes la récupération de la partie d'extrémité qui a été séparée, mais il ne permet pas la récupération des copeaux et débris. Au contraire, ces derniers sont susceptibles de s'échapper du conteneur lorsque l'on incline l'outil en le manipulant. Cet outil présente en outre les inconvénients des autres outils, comme la création de nombreux copeaux et débris et le risque de défaut d'hygiène et/ou d'asepsie. L'utilisation d'une protection comme la pince en carton du document FR-A-2 703 336 permet d'éviter, dans une certaine mesure, les coupures et blessures aux doigts. Mais ils rendent la prise des doigts sur la pointe effilée peu précise et peu stable. Ainsi, notamment, la fracture de sectionnement risque de se produire hors de la zone de fragilité. En outre, les copeaux et débris ne sont pas retenus, et même la partie d'extrémité séparée est mal maintenue dans la pince entre les doigts, et risque de s'échapper pour tomber dans le liquide retiré de l'ampoule. L'asepsie du contenu de l'ampoule n'est pas assurée.The tool associating a knife and a container certainly allows the recovery of the end part which has been separated, but it does not allow the recovery of chips and debris. On the contrary, the latter are likely to escape from the container when the tool is tilted while handling it. This tool also has the disadvantages of other tools, such as the creation of many shavings and debris and the risk of poor hygiene and / or asepsis. The use of a protection like the cardboard clip of document FR-A-2 703 336 makes it possible to avoid, to a certain extent, cuts and injuries to the fingers. But they make the grip of the fingers on the tapered tip imprecise and not very stable. Thus, in particular, the severing fracture may occur outside the zone of weakness. In addition, the chips and debris are not retained, and even the separate end part is poorly held in the clamp between the fingers, and may escape to fall into the liquid removed from the bulb. Asepsis of the contents of the ampoule is not guaranteed.
Un but de l'invention est de remédier aux inconvénients des méthodes et des dispositifs connus pour ouvrir une ampoule présentant au moins une pointe effilée, et de fournir un dispositif permettant d'ouvrir l'ampoule facilement, sans risque que des copeaux ou débris se mêlent au liquide, sans risque de blessures pour l'utilisateur, et sans risque pour l'hygiène ni pour l'asepsie du liquide.An object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of known methods and devices for opening a bulb having at least one tapered tip, and to provide a device allowing the bulb to be opened easily, without the risk of chips or debris getting mix with the liquid, without risk of injury to the user, and without risk for hygiene or asepsis of the liquid.
A cet effet, le dispositif selon l'invention pour ouvrir une ampoule qui présente au moins une pointe effilée, reliée au corps de l'ampoule, dont une partie d'extrémité est destinée \à être sectionnée, est caractérisé par le fait qu'il est constitué par un capuchon comprenant un logement présentant une ouverture sur une face du capuchon et conformé de façon à être susceptible de contenir la partie d'extrémité de la pointe effilée de l'ampoule. De préférence, le logement est susceptible de venir par une portion de contact s'engager de manière sensiblement ajustée sur et enserrer une portion de contact correspondante de la pointe effilée.To this end, the device according to the invention for opening a bulb which has at least one tapered point, connected to the body of the bulb, one end portion of which is intended to be cut, is characterized in that it consists of a cap comprising a housing having an opening on one face of the cap and shaped so as to be capable of containing the end part of the tapered tip of the bulb. Preferably, the housing is likely to come by a contact portion engaging in a substantially adjusted manner on and enclosing a corresponding contact portion of the tapered tip.
La portion de contact peut être une ligne de contour transversal continue ou interrompue, de façon à constituer une arête d'appui lors du mouvement de flexion, ou bien une surface ou un ensemble de surfaces de contact, de façon que le logement épouse au moins partiellement la forme extérieure de la partie d'extrémité, l'avant de la portion de contact constituant l'arête d'appui lors du mouvement de flexion. De préférence, le logement comprend également une portion d'entrée se raccordant sur la portion de contact et évasée vers l'ouverture du logement.The contact portion may be a continuous or interrupted transverse contour line, so as to constitute a support edge during the bending movement, or else a surface or a set of contact surfaces, so that the housing at least matches partially the external shape of the end part, the front of the contact portion constituting the support edge during the bending movement. Preferably, the housing also comprises an inlet portion connecting to the contact portion and flared towards the opening of the housing.
Lorsque la forme de la pointe effilée est tronconique, la portion de contact est avantageusement de forme tronconique avec un angle d'ouverture correspondant à celui de la surface extérieure de la partie d'extrémité de l'ampoule, et la portion d'entrée est une portion également tronconique avec un angle d'ouverture supérieur à celui de la portion de contact.When the shape of the tapered tip is frustoconical, the contact portion is advantageously frustoconical with an opening angle corresponding to that of the outer surface of the end portion of the bulb, and the inlet portion is a portion also frustoconical with an opening angle greater than that of the contact portion.
En outre, l'angle d'ouverture de la portion d'entrée est de préférence compris entre 1 et 1 ,5 fois l'angle d'ouverture de la portion de contact.In addition, the opening angle of the inlet portion is preferably between 1 and 1.5 times the opening angle of the contact portion.
La longueur de la portion d'entrée est de préférence comprise entre 0,1 et 0,3 fois la profondeur du logement. Selon une forme de réalisation, plus particulièrement pour une ampoule dont la pointe effilée comprend une zone de fragilité délimitant la partie d'extrémité, la portion de contact est de longueur approximativement égale à la longueur de la partie d'extrémité de la pointe effilée, et la portion d'entrée est de longueur supérieure à la longueur de la zone de fragilité. Avantageusement, la surface extérieure du capuchon est également de forme tronconique de même angle d'ouverture que la portion de contact. Elle peut en outre comporter au moins deux méplats en positions radialement opposées, de façon notamment à réduire l'épaisseur totale du capuchon et à faciliter la prise.The length of the inlet portion is preferably between 0.1 and 0.3 times the depth of the housing. According to one embodiment, more particularly for a bulb whose tapered tip comprises a zone of weakness delimiting the end portion, the contact portion is of length approximately equal to the length of the end portion of the tapered tip, and the entry portion is of length greater than the length of the zone of weakness. Advantageously, the outer surface of the cap is also of frustoconical shape with the same opening angle as the contact portion. It can also have at least two flats in positions radially opposite, so as in particular to reduce the total thickness of the cap and to facilitate gripping.
Les méplats s'étendent de préférence depuis la face avant du capuchon au moins jusqu'au droit de la portion de contact, de façon à diminuer l'épaisseur du capuchon au niveau de l'arête d'appui.The flats preferably extend from the front face of the cap at least to the right of the contact portion, so as to reduce the thickness of the cap at the support edge.
Le capuchon peut être en matériau semi-rigide, de façon à s'engager sur la partie d'extrémité et enserrer celle-ci lorsque l'on met en place le capuchon et/ou lorsque l'on exerce une pression sur la surface extérieure du capuchon.The cap can be of semi-rigid material, so as to engage on the end part and grip it when the cap is put in place and / or when a pressure is exerted on the external surface. of the cap.
Le logement du capuchon peut présenter une surface intérieure à propriété adhesive, ou à propriété électrostatique. Le capuchon peut être en matériau transparent ou translucide. Il est avantageusement en PVC médical ou alimentaire. Le capuchon est stérilise préalablement à l'utilisation.The housing of the cap may have an interior surface with adhesive property, or with electrostatic property. The cap can be made of transparent or translucent material. It is advantageously made of medical or food PVC. The cap is sterilized before use.
L'invention concerne également un ensemble pour ouvrir des ampoules, caractérisé par le fait qu'il est formé de plusieurs capuchons selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui sont reliés par des éléments sectionnables, de façon à permettre de séparer les capuchons un par un successivement.The invention also relates to an assembly for opening ampoules, characterized in that it is formed by several caps according to any one of the preceding claims, which are connected by sectionable elements, so as to allow the caps to be separated one by successively.
Les éléments sectionnables comportent avantageusement une zone d'épaisseur moindre, de façon à faciliter leur sectionnement. Ils peuvent en outre présenter une longueur telle que la distance entre deux capuchons soit un multiple de la distance entre deux ampoules lorsque celles-ci sont conditionnées en étant alignées côte a côte de manière régulière, par exemple sur un chevalet. Les capuchons peuvent comporter sur leur surface extérieure des méplats diamétralement opposés, et être disposés environ dans un même plan médian, les méplats étant situés dans deux mêmes plans parallèles au plan médian, de façon que l'ensemble présente une faible épaisseur.The sectionable elements advantageously comprise an area of reduced thickness, so as to facilitate their sectioning. They can also have a length such that the distance between two caps is a multiple of the distance between two bulbs when they are conditioned by being aligned side by side in a regular manner, for example on an easel. The caps may have diametrically opposite flats on their outer surface, and be arranged approximately in the same median plane, the flats being located in two same planes parallel to the median plane, so that the assembly has a small thickness.
On comprendra mieux l'invention à partir de la description suivante d'un exemple de réalisation, qui doit être lue en référence aux dessins annexés, parmi lesquels : \ la figure 1 est une vue en perspective de l'arrière d'un capuchon selon l'invention ; la figure 2 est une vue de l'arrière du capuchon de la figure 1 ; la figure 3 est une vue de côté du capuchon de la figure 1 ; . la figure 4 est une vue en coupe du capuchon de la figure 1 selon la ligne IV-IV de la figure 2 ; . la figure 5 est une vue en plan du capuchon de la figure 1 ; la figure 6 est une vue schématique d'une ampoule avant mise en place d'un capuchon sur une pointe effilée de l'ampoule ; la figure 7 est une vue schématique analogue à la figure 6, après mise en place du capuchon et sectionnement de la pointe effilée ; la figure 8 est une vue de détail en coupe de la pointe effilée de l'ampoule après mise en place du capuchon ; la figure 9 est une vue analogue à la figure 8 après sectionnement de la pointe effilée ; . les figures 10 et 1 1 sont des vues de détail en coupe analogues aux figures 8 et 9 dans le cas d'une pointe effilée présentant une zone de fragilité ; la figure 1 2 est une vue en perspective de l'arrière d'un ensemble selon l'invention pour ouvrir plusieurs ampoules, formé d'un assemblage de capuchons analogues au capuchon des figures 1 à 5 ; la figure 1 3 est une vue de l'arrière de l'ensemble de la figureThe invention will be better understood from the following description of an exemplary embodiment, which must be read with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear of a cap according to the invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the cap of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the cap of Figure 1; . Figure 4 is a sectional view of the cap of Figure 1 along the line IV-IV of Figure 2; . Figure 5 is a plan view of the cap of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic view of a bulb before placing a cap on a tapered tip of the bulb; Figure 7 is a schematic view similar to Figure 6, after placement of the cap and cutting of the tapered tip; Figure 8 is a detailed sectional view of the tapered tip of the bulb after fitting the cap; Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 after cutting the tapered tip; . Figures 10 and 1 1 are detailed sectional views similar to Figures 8 and 9 in the case of a tapered tip having a zone of weakness; Figure 1 2 is a perspective view of the rear of an assembly according to the invention for opening several bulbs, formed by an assembly of caps similar to the cap of Figures 1 to 5; Figure 1 3 is a rear view of the assembly of Figure
1 2 ; la figure 1 4 est une vue en plan selon la ligne XIV-XIV de la figure 1 3 , partiellement en coupe, de l'ensemble de la figure1 2; Figure 1 4 is a plan view along the line XIV-XIV of Figure 1 3, partially in section, of the assembly of Figure
12.12.
Les figures 1 à 5 représentent un dispositif pour ouvrir une ampoule comportant au moins une pointe effilée reliée au corps de l'ampoule.Figures 1 to 5 show a device for opening a bulb having at least one tapered tip connected to the body of the bulb.
Le dispositif selon l'invention est constitué par un capuchon 1 qui comporte un logement 2 intérieur, conformé de façon à pouvoir contenir au moins une partie d'extrémité de la pointe effilée. Plus précisément, le capuchon 1 est de forme extérieure généralement tronconique à base circulaire le long
Figure imgf000008_0001
axe longitudinal 3, avec une grande base 4 et une petite base 5 parallèles entre elles et perpendiculaires à l'axe longitudinal. Pour la suite de la description, on oriente l'axe 3 de l'avant vers l'arrière dans le sens de la grande base 4 vers la petite base 5, et on appelle donc ces dernières respectivement face avant 4 et face arrière 5. Le logement 2 s'étend entre une ouverture 6 sur la face avant 4 du capuchon 1 et un fond 7 situé à proximité de la face arrière 5, et définissant une paroi de fond 8 du capuchon 1 . Le logement 2 est disposé suivant l'axe longitudinal 3 du capuchon 1 , et présente une forme générale tronconique suivant une génératrice parallèle à celle de la forme extérieure du capuchon, de telle sorte que le logement 2 définit une paroi latérale périphérique 9 du capuchon 1 , les parois 8 et 9 étant d'épaisseur sensiblement identique et constante. Plus précisément, le logement 2 du capuchon comporte à partir de l'ouverture 6 une portion d'entrée 10 de forme tronconique évasée vers l'ouverture 6 à la manière d'un chanfrein, qui se raccorde sur une portion centrale ou portion de contact 1 1 tronconique, qui se raccorde elle-même de manière continue sur une portion de fond 12 de forme arrondie. La portion d'entrée 1 0 évasée élargissant l'ouverture 6 est destinée à faciliter la mise en place du capuchon 1 sur une pointe effilée, et à récupérer d'éventuels copeaux ou débris. La portion centrale 1 1 tronconique est d'une forme épousant la forme extérieure de la pointe effilée de l'ampoule. Cette portion centrale 1 1 est destinée à venir en contact ajusté sur et à enserrer une portion correspondante de la pointe effilée. Enfin la portion de fond 1 2 arrondie est destinée à contenir l'extrémité de la pointe effilée, qui peut le cas échéant comporter une boule due à une soudure. La surface extérieure du capuchon 1 présente en outre deux méplats 1 3 , 1 4 conformés selon deux plans sensiblement parallèles sur deux côtés diamétralement opposés de la paroi latérale 9, à proximité de la face avant 4. Ces méplats 1 3, 1 4 sont destinés à diminuer la hauteur du capuchon 1 lorsque ce dernier est disposé à plat, et également à faciliter ie cas échéant la prise des doigts sur le capuchon 1 . \The device according to the invention consists of a cap 1 which has an interior housing 2, shaped so as to be able to contain at least one end portion of the tapered tip. More specifically, the cap 1 is of generally frustoconical outer shape with a circular base along
Figure imgf000008_0001
longitudinal axis 3, with a large base 4 and a small base 5 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For the remainder of the description, the axis 3 is oriented from front to rear in the direction of the large base 4 towards the small base 5, and the latter are therefore called respectively front face 4 and rear face 5. The housing 2 extends between an opening 6 on the front face 4 of the cap 1 and a bottom 7 located near the rear face 5, and defining a bottom wall 8 of the cap 1. The housing 2 is arranged along the longitudinal axis 3 of the cap 1, and has a generally frustoconical shape along a generatrix parallel to that of the outer form of the cap, so that the housing 2 defines a peripheral side wall 9 of the cap 1 , the walls 8 and 9 being of substantially identical and constant thickness. More specifically, the housing 2 of the cap comprises from the opening 6 an inlet portion 10 of frustoconical shape flared towards the opening 6 in the manner of a chamfer, which is connected to a central portion or contact portion 1 1 frustoconical, which connects itself continuously on a bottom portion 12 of rounded shape. The flared inlet portion 10 widening the opening 6 is intended to facilitate the positioning of the cap 1 on a tapered tip, and to recover any chips or debris. The central portion 1 1 frustoconical is of a shape matching the external shape of the tapered tip of the bulb. This central portion 1 1 is intended to come into adjusted contact and to enclose a corresponding portion of the tapered tip. Finally, the rounded bottom portion 1 2 is intended to contain the end of the tapered tip, which may if necessary include a ball due to a weld. The outer surface of the cap 1 also has two flats 1 3, 1 4 formed in two substantially parallel planes on two diametrically opposite sides of the side wall 9, near the front face 4. These flats 1 3, 1 4 are intended to reduce the height of the cap 1 when the latter is placed flat, and also to facilitate, if necessary, the gripping of the fingers on the cap 1. \
L'utilisation du dispositif selon l'invention est représentée schematiquement sur les figures 6 et 7, pour ouvrir une ampoule 1 5 comportant deux pointes effilées 1 6 et 1 7 reliées à des extrémités opposées d'un corps central tubulaire 1 8. Lorsque l'on souhaite ouvrir l'ampoule 1 5, on saisit le capuchon 1 entre deux doigts et on l'engage (flèche 1 9) par sa face avant 4 comportant l'ouverture 6 du logement 2 sur l'une des pointes effilées, par exemple comme représenté la pointe effilée 1 6, de façon que le logement 2 du capuchon 1 vienne entourer et contenir au moins en partie la pointe effilée 1 6. On exerce alors avec les doigts, sans changer leur position ou leur prise sur le capuchon 1 , une flexion (flèche 20) par rapport au corps 1 8 de l'ampoule 1 5, jusqu'à provoquer une fracture qui sectionne et sépare une partie d'extrémité 21 de la pointe effilée 1 6.The use of the device according to the invention is shown diagrammatically in Figures 6 and 7, to open a bulb 1 5 comprising two tapered points 1 6 and 1 7 connected to opposite ends of a tubular central body 1 8. When one wishes to open the bulb 1 5, one grasps the cap 1 between two fingers and engages it (arrow 1 9) by its front face 4 comprising the opening 6 of the housing 2 on one of the tapered points, for example as shown the tapered point 1 6, so that the housing 2 of the cap 1 comes to surround and contain at less in part the tapered tip 1 6. One then exerts with the fingers, without changing their position or their grip on the cap 1, a bending (arrow 20) relative to the body 1 8 of the bulb 1 5, up to cause a fracture which cuts and separates an end part 21 from the tapered point 1 6.
Le capuchon 1 est ensuite destiné à être jeté, conjointement avec la partie d'extrémité 21 sectionnée de la pointe effilée 1 6, ainsi que les éventuels copeaux ou débris résultant de la fracture, qui demeurent contenus dans le logement 2. Pour ouvrir une ampoule à deux pointes effilées à ses deux extrémités, on utilise donc en général deux capuchons jetables. De manière générale, dans le cas où le logement n'est pas ajusté sur la pointe effilée 1 6 de l'ampoule 1 5, la zone d'appui du capuchon 1 sur l'ampoule 1 4 lors du mouvement de flexion se situe au niveau de la paroi du logement 2, à l'intérieur de celui-ci, plus précisément entre le bord de l'ouverture 6 sur la face avant 4 et la position des doigts sur la paroi latérale 9, de telle sorte que la fracture se produit généralement entre ces deux limites. Ainsi, non seulement la partie d'extrémité 21 qui est sectionnée est entièrement contenue dans le logement 2, mais également les copeaux et débris éventuels qui ont pu résulter de la fracture. Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 5, la zone d'appui du capuchon se situe au niveau du raccordement entre la portion centrale 1 1 , qui est ajustée sur la pointe effilée, et la portion d'entrée 10 évasée, qui n'est pas elle-même directement en contact avec la pointe effilée. Plus précisément, comme on peut le voir sur les figures 8 et 9, le raccordement entre les portions d'entrée 1 0 et centrale 1 1 constitue une ligne obi arête d'appui 22 faisant fonction de point d'appui pour le mouvement de levier qui se produit lors de la flexion. Du fait de cette arête d'appui 22, le mouvement de levier lors de la flexion engendre une ligne de fracture 23 qui se produit généralement soit au niveau de cette arête 22, soit au-delà, c'est-à-dire plus à l'intérieur du logement 2. Ainsi, la ligne de fracture 23 est située largement à l'intérieur du logement 2, et la portion d'entrée 10 évasée du logement 2 permet de récupérer les copeaux et débris 24 que la fracture peut engendrer. Après avoir été sectionnée, la partie d'extrémité 21 de la pointe effilée 1 6 demeure également contenue dans le logement 2 du capuchon 1 . Après sectionnement, la partie d'extrémité 21 est de plus maintenue à l'intérieur du logement 2 par la portion centrale 1 1 , qui épouse la forme extérieure de la partie d'extrémité 21 de façon à venir en contact ajusté sur et à enserrer cette partie d'extrémité 21 . Ainsi, d'une part, avant et pendant le mouvement de fiexion, le capuchon 1 ne risque pas de glisser sur la pointe effilée 1 6, et d'autre part, après rupture de la partie d'extrémité 21 , cette dernière est maintenue à l'intérieur du logement 2 et ne risque pas de s'échapper. De manière générale, la forme et les dimensions du logement 2 du capuchon 1 sont déterminées en fonction de la forme et des dimensions de la pointe effilée 1 6 de l'ampoule 1 5, de façon que le capuchon 1 soit susceptible de contenir une portion suffisante de la pointe effilée 1 6 pour pouvoir exercer une flexion à la jonction de cette portion et du reste de l'ampoule, de telle sorte que la partie d'extrémité 21 sectionnée soit de longueur suffisante. Par exemple, la longueur du logement 2 peut être sensiblement égale à la longueur de la pointe effilée 1 6. De cette manière, la ligne de fracture se produit à proximité du raccordement de la pointe effilée sur le corps de l'ampoule, et la fracture ménage de manière sûre un passage communiquant suffisamment large.The cap 1 is then intended to be discarded, together with the severed end portion 21 of the tapered tip 1 6, as well as any chips or debris resulting from the fracture, which remain contained in the housing 2. To open a bulb with two tapered tips at its two ends, two disposable caps are therefore generally used. Generally, in the case where the housing is not adjusted on the tapered tip 1 6 of the bulb 1 5, the support zone of the cap 1 on the bulb 1 4 during the bending movement is located at level of the wall of the housing 2, inside of it, more precisely between the edge of the opening 6 on the front face 4 and the position of the fingers on the side wall 9, so that the fracture occurs generally occurs between these two limits. Thus, not only the end part 21 which is cut is entirely contained in the housing 2, but also any chips and debris which may have resulted from the fracture. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the support area of the cap is located at the connection between the central portion 1 1, which is adjusted on the tapered tip, and the inlet portion 10 flared , which is not itself directly in contact with the tapered tip. More precisely, as can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the connection between the inlet 1 0 and central 1 1 portions constitutes a line obi support edge 22 acting as a fulcrum for the lever movement which occurs during bending. Because of this ridge support 22, the lever movement during bending generates a fracture line 23 which generally occurs either at this edge 22, or beyond, that is to say more inside the housing 2. Thus, the fracture line 23 is located largely inside the housing 2, and the flared inlet portion 10 of the housing 2 makes it possible to recover the shavings and debris 24 that the fracture can generate. After having been severed, the end part 21 of the tapered tip 1 6 also remains contained in the housing 2 of the cap 1. After sectioning, the end part 21 is moreover maintained inside the housing 2 by the central portion 1 1, which matches the external shape of the end part 21 so as to come into adjusted contact on and to enclose this end part 21. Thus, on the one hand, before and during the fiexion movement, the cap 1 does not risk slipping on the tapered tip 1 6, and on the other hand, after rupture of the end part 21, the latter is maintained inside the housing 2 and does not risk escaping. Generally, the shape and dimensions of the housing 2 of the cap 1 are determined according to the shape and dimensions of the tapered tip 1 6 of the bulb 1 5, so that the cap 1 is likely to contain a portion sufficient of the tapered tip 1 6 to be able to exert a flexion at the junction of this portion and the rest of the bulb, so that the sectioned end portion 21 is of sufficient length. For example, the length of the housing 2 can be substantially equal to the length of the tapered tip 1 6. In this way, the fracture line occurs near the connection of the tapered tip on the body of the bulb, and the fracture safely secures a sufficiently wide communicating passage.
Plus précisément, dans le cas d'une portion d'entrée 1 0 et d'une portion centrale 1 1 tronconiques, l'angle d'ouverture de la portion d'entrée 10 est compris entre 1 et 1 ,5 fois l'angle d'ouverture de la portion de contact 1 1. v More specifically, in the case of an inlet portion 1 0 and a central portion 1 1 frustoconical, the opening angle of the inlet portion 10 is between 1 and 1.5 times the angle opening of the contact portion 1 1. v
La longueur de la portion d'entrée 9 est comprise entre 0,1 et 0,3 fois la profondeur du logement 2. Comme on l'a mentionné en introduction, la pointe effilée 1 6, sur certaines ampoules, peut comprendre une zone de fragilité 25 délimitant la partie d'extrémité 1 6 qui doit être sectionnée. Cette variante est illustrée sur les figures 10 et 1 1 . Dans ce cas, la longueur du logement 2 est de préférence supérieure à celle de la partie d'extrémité 21 de la pointe effilée 1 6, de façon que les efforts de sectionnement lors de la flexion s'exercent à proximité de la zone de fragilité 25. De manière encore préférée, la longueur du logement 2 est supérieure à la somme des longueurs de la partie d'extrémité 21 et de la zone de fragilité 25, de manière que les débris et copeaux 24 qui peuvent résulter de la fracture soient récupérés dans le logement 2 du capuchon 1 . Lorsque le logement présente une forme analogue à la forme du logement 2 du capuchon 1 représenté sur les figures 1 à 5, avec une portion d'entrée 1 0 élargie et une portion centrale 1 1 épousant la forme extérieure de la pointe effilée, la longueur des différentes portions du logement est de préférence choisie de telle sorte que le raccordement entre les parties 9 et 1 0 se situe à proximité de la zone de fragilité 25 lorsque le capuchon 1 est ajusté sur la pointe effilée, comme représenté sur les figures 10 et 1 1 . La portion de contact 1 1 est de longueur approximativement égale à la longueur de la partie d'extrémité 21 de la pointe effilée 1 6, et la portion d'entrée 10 est de longueur supéπeure à la longueur de la zone de fragilité 24. Selon une variante de réalisation, la forme du logement 2 du capuchon 1 pourrait être telle que le contour de la section transversale de la pointe effilée 1 6 à une distance quelconque de son extrémité soit susceptible d'être contenu dans le contour de la section transversale du logement 2 à la même distance de son fond ou à une distance supérieure. Dans ce cas, lorsque l'on dispose le capuchon 2 sur la pointe effilée 1 6, le capuchon 1 avance sur la pointe effilée 1 6 jusqu'à ce que le fond 7 du logement 2 vienne en butée contre l'extrémité de la pointe effilée 1 6. Le logement 2 n'est pas alors ajusté sur la pointe effilée 16. La zone d'appui pour la flexion de sectionnement se situe généralement au niveau du bord de l'ouverture 6 du logement 2. Cette zone pourrait être décalée vers l'intérieur du logement en prévoyant une zone d'entrée de section encore élargie à proximité de l'ouverture 6.The length of the inlet portion 9 is between 0.1 and 0.3 times the depth of the housing 2. As mentioned in the introduction, the tapered tip 1 6, on certain bulbs, may include a zone of weakness 25 delimiting the end portion 1 6 which must be cut. This variant is illustrated in Figures 10 and 1 1. In this case, the length of the housing 2 is preferably greater than that of the end portion 21 of the tapered tip 1 6, so that the cutting forces during bending are exerted near the zone of weakness 25. More preferably, the length of the housing 2 is greater than the sum of the lengths of the end portion 21 and of the zone of weakness 25, so that the debris and chips 24 which may result from the fracture are recovered in the housing 2 of the cap 1. When the housing has a shape similar to the shape of the housing 2 of the cap 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, with an enlarged inlet portion 1 0 and a central portion 1 1 matching the external shape of the tapered tip, the length of the different portions of the housing is preferably chosen such that the connection between the parts 9 and 1 0 is located near the zone of weakness 25 when the cap 1 is adjusted on the tapered tip, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 1 1. The contact portion 1 1 is of length approximately equal to the length of the end portion 21 of the tapered tip 1 6, and the inlet portion 10 is of length greater than the length of the zone of weakness 24. According to an alternative embodiment, the shape of the housing 2 of the cap 1 could be such that the outline of the cross section of the tapered tip 1 6 at any distance from its end is likely to be contained in the outline of the cross section of the housing 2 at the same distance from its bottom or at a greater distance. In this case, when the cap 2 is placed on the tapered tip 1 6, the cap 1 advances on the tapered tip 1 6 until the bottom 7 of the housing 2 abuts against the end of the tip tapered 1 6. The housing 2 is not then adjusted on the tapered tip 16. The support zone for the sectional bending is generally located at the edge of the opening 6 of the housing 2. This zone could be offset towards the interior of the accommodation providing a further enlarged section entry area near opening 6.
Cependant, dans le mode de réalisation préféré, le contour de la section transversale du logement 2 est sensiblement ajusté sur le contour de la section transversale de la pointe effilée au niveau d'au moins une portion de contact telle que la portion centrale 1 1 du capuchon 1 . Dans ce cas, lorsque l'on met en place le capuchon 1 , ce dernier vient en contact ajusté et enserre par sa portion de contact 1 1 la portion de contact correspondante de la pointe effilée 1 5. Cette portion de contact 1 1 peut être une ligne de contour transversale continue ou interrompue, ou bien une surface ou un ensemble de surfaces. Ainsi, dans i'exemple représenté sur les figures, la portion de contact 1 1 est de forme tronconique épousant la forme extérieure tronconique de la pointe effilée 1 6.However, in the preferred embodiment, the contour of the cross section of the housing 2 is substantially adjusted to the contour of the cross section of the tapered tip at at least one contact portion such as the central portion 1 1 of the cap 1. In this case, when the cap 1 is put in place, the latter comes into adjusted contact and encloses by its contact portion 1 1 the corresponding contact portion of the tapered tip 1 5. This contact portion 1 1 can be a continuous or broken transverse contour line, or a surface or a set of surfaces. Thus, in the example shown in the figures, the contact portion 11 is of frustoconical shape matching the frustoconical external shape of the tapered tip 16.
En outre, le logement 2 pourrait présenter une cavité de section transversale élargie au niveau de sa partie de fond 1 2, de façon à pouvoir contenir l'extrémité de la pointe effilée 1 6 lorsque cette dernière est de section élargie, par exemple une boule résultant d'une soudure.In addition, the housing 2 could have an enlarged cross-section cavity at its bottom portion 1 2, so as to be able to contain the end of the tapered tip 1 6 when the latter is of enlarged section, for example a ball resulting from a weld.
Le capuchon 1 peut être fabriqué par exemple dans un matériau plastique, ou tout autre matériau adapté. Le matériau peut être rigide et indéformable, ou bien, de préférence, un matériau présentant une certaine flexibilité ou souplesse, comme un plastique semi-rigide, par exemple du polychlorure de vinyle (PVC). Le matériau connu sous le nom de "PVC médical ou alimentaire" est particulièrement adapté. La souplesse relative du matériau permet au capuchon de mieux venir entourer la pointe effilée et/ou de mieux la contenir. Lorsque le logement présente une portion destinée à venir enserrer la pointe effilée, le matériau semi-rigide permet une meilleure prise du capuchon sur la pointe, avant séparation, et un meilleur maintien à l'intérieur du logement du capuchon de la partie d'extrémité sectionnée, après la séparation. Lorsque le logement contient la partie d'extrémité sans être ajusté sur celle-ci, le matériau serήi-rigide permet d'enserrer la partie d'extrémité dans le logement du capuchon par simple pression exercée sur la face extérieure du capuchon, par exemple entre le pouce et l'index, de façon que la partie d'extrémité soit prise et maintenue dans le logement du capuchon avant et après la séparation. Afin d'améliorer encore le maintien de la partie d'extrémité dans le logement du capuchon, la surface intérieure du logement peut être à propriété adhesive. Notamment, la surface intérieure du logement peut être à propriété électrostatique, ce résultat pouvant être obtenu par exemple lorsque le matériau utilisé pour le capuchon est un PVC, dont la formulation contient des plastifiants qui sont très faiblement liés au polymère de base et qui, restant en surface, confèrent à celui-ci un caractère adhésif. Le matériau est avantageusement transparent ou translucide, de façon à permettre de visualiser, avant la séparation, la bonne mise en place du capuchon sur la pointe effilée, notamment lorsque cette dernière présente une zone de fragilité, et après séparation, la présence de la partie d'extrémité sectionnée à l'intérieur du logement du capuchon. Bien entendu, le matériau transparent ou translucide peut présenter une certaine coloration décorative. Si nécessaire, le capuchon 1 pourrait être stérilisé individuellement préalablement à l'utilisation. L'ouverture 6 pourrait ensuite être par exemple obturée par un support arrachable, ou bien le capuchon pourrait être enfermé dans un suremballage stérile. Ainsi, le capuchon stérile évite à l'utilisateur de désinfecter la pointe effilée de l'ampoule avant de sectionner celle-ci.The cap 1 can be manufactured for example from a plastic material, or any other suitable material. The material can be rigid and non-deformable, or, preferably, a material having a certain flexibility or suppleness, such as a semi-rigid plastic, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The material known as "medical or food PVC" is particularly suitable. The relative flexibility of the material allows the cap to better surround the tapered tip and / or better contain it. When the housing has a portion intended to enclose the tapered tip, the semi-rigid material allows better grip of the cap on the tip, before separation, and better retention inside the housing of the cap of the end part severed, after separation. When the housing contains the end part without being adjusted thereto, the rigid material allows the end part to be clamped in the housing of the cap by simple pressure exerted on the external face of the cap, for example between the thumb and forefinger, so that the end portion is taken and held in the housing of the cap before and after separation. In order to further improve the retention of the end portion in the housing of the cap, the interior surface of the housing may have adhesive properties. In particular, the interior surface of the housing can have an electrostatic property, this result being obtainable for example when the material used for the cap is a PVC, the formulation of which contains plasticizers which are very weakly bonded to the base polymer and which, remaining on the surface, give it an adhesive character. The material is advantageously transparent or translucent, so as to make it possible to visualize, before separation, the correct positioning of the cap on the tapered point, in particular when the latter has a zone of weakness, and after separation, the presence of the part end section inside the cap housing. Of course, the transparent or translucent material may have a certain decorative coloring. If necessary, the cap 1 could be sterilized individually before use. The opening 6 could then be closed, for example, by a removable support, or else the cap could be enclosed in a sterile overpack. Thus, the sterile cap prevents the user from disinfecting the tapered tip of the bulb before cutting it.
Les figures 12 à 14 représentent un ensemble 26 pour ouvrir une ou plusieurs ampoules, qui est constitué d'un assemblage de plusieurs capuchons 27 à 36 selon l'invention, qui sont reliés entre eux deux à deux par des barrettes de liaison respectivement avant 37 et arrière 38. Les capuchons 27 à 36 sont analogues au capuchon 1 des figures 1 à 5. Les barrettes de liaison constituent des éléments sectionnables, de façon à permettre de séparer les capuchons 27 à 36 un par un successivement. Plus précisément, les barrettes de liaison 37, 38 présentent chacune une zone rétrécie respectivement 39, 40 facilitant son sectionnement. Les capuchons 27 à 36 sont ici alignés côte à côte dans un même plan principal, et ils présentent des méplats 41 , 42 qui sont disposés dans deux mêmes plans parallèles au plan principal de l'ensemble 26. Ainsi, l'épaisseur de l'ensemble 26 est minimale. En variante, les capuchons 27 à 36 pourraient être disposés dans un même plan mais d'une autre manière, par exemple en cercle, ou encore en étoile. Au lieu d'être reliés deux à deux par deux barrettes 37, 38, ils pourraient être reliés par une seule barrette, par exemple une barrette avant, un élément sectionnable en forme d'étoile, ou par tout autre type d'élément sectionnable. Dans la forme de réalisation représentée, la longueur des barrettes est avantageusement telle que ta distance entre deux capuchons soit un multiple de la distance entre deux ampoules lorsque celles-ci sont conditionnées en étant alignées côte à côte de manière régulière, par exemple sur un chevalet. Figures 12 to 14 show an assembly 26 for opening one or more bulbs, which consists of an assembly of several caps 27 to 36 according to the invention, which are interconnected two by two by connecting bars respectively before 37 and rear 38. The caps 27 to 36 are similar to the cap 1 of FIGS. 1 to 5. The connecting bars constitute sectionable elements, so as to allow the caps 27 to 36 to be separated one by one successively. More specifically, the connecting bars 37, 38 each have a narrowed area respectively 39, 40 facilitating its cutting. The caps 27 to 36 are here aligned side by side in the same main plane, and they have flats 41, 42 which are arranged in two same planes parallel to the main plane of the assembly 26. Thus, the thickness of the assembly 26 is minimal. As a variant, the caps 27 to 36 could be arranged in the same plane but in another way, for example in a circle, or even in a star. Instead of being linked in pairs by two bars 37, 38, they could be connected by a single bar, for example a front bar, a sectionable element in the shape of a star, or by any other type of sectionable element. In the embodiment shown, the length of the bars is advantageously such that the distance between two caps is a multiple of the distance between two bulbs when they are conditioned by being aligned side by side in a regular manner, for example on an easel .

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 . Dispositif pour ouvrir une ampoule qui présente au moins une pointe effilée, reliée au corps de l'ampoule, dont une partie d'extrémité est destinée à être sectionnée , constituée d'un capuchon (1 ) comprenant un logement (2) présentant une ouverture (6) sur une face du capuchon (1 ) et conformé de façon à être susceptible de contenir la partie d'extrémité (21 ) de la pointe effilée (16) de l'ampoule (15), le logement (2) venant, par une portion de contact (1 1 ) s'engager de manière sensiblement ajustée sur une portion de contact correspondante de la pointe effilée (16), la portion de contact étant une ligne de contour transversal continue ou interrompue constituant une arête d'appui lors du mouvement de flexion, le logement (2) comprenant également une portion d'entrée (10) se raccordant sur la portion de contact (1 1 ) et évasée vers l'ouverture (6), caractérisé en ce que la portion de contact (1 1 ) est de forme tronconique avec un angle d'ouverture correspondant à l'angle d'ouverture de la surface extérieure de la pointe effilée (16) tronconique de l'ampoule (15) et la portion d'entrée (10) est une portion également tronconique avec un angle d'ouverture supérieur à celui de la portion de contact (1 1 ).1. Device for opening a bulb which has at least one tapered point, connected to the body of the bulb, an end portion of which is intended to be cut, consisting of a cap (1) comprising a housing (2) having an opening (6) on one face of the cap (1) and shaped so as to be capable of containing the end part (21) of the tapered tip (16) of the bulb (15), the housing (2) coming from, by a contact portion (1 1) engaging in a substantially adjusted manner on a corresponding contact portion of the tapered tip (16), the contact portion being a continuous or interrupted transverse contour line constituting a support edge during of the bending movement, the housing (2) also comprising an inlet portion (10) connecting to the contact portion (1 1) and flared towards the opening (6), characterized in that the contact portion ( 1 1) is of frustoconical shape with an opening angle corr spanning the opening angle of the outer surface of the tapered tip (16) frustoconical of the bulb (15) and the inlet portion (10) is a portion also frustoconical with an opening angle greater than that of the contact portion (1 1).
2. Dispositif selon ia revendication 1 , caractérisé par le fait que l'angle d'ouverture de ia portion d'entrée ( 10) est compris entre 1 et 1 ,5 fois l'angle d'ouverture de la portion de contact (1 1 ).2. Device according to ia claim 1, characterized in that the opening angle of ia inlet portion (10) is between 1 and 1.5 times the opening angle of the contact portion (1 1).
3. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la longueur de la portion d'entrée (10) est comprise entre 0,1 et 0,3 fois la profondeur du logement (2).3. Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of the inlet portion (10) is between 0.1 and 0.3 times the depth of the housing (2).
4. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, plus particulièrement pour une ampoule dont la pointe effilée(16) o comprend une zone de f ragilité (25) délimitant la partie d'extrémité (21 ), caractérisé par le fait que la portion de contact (1 1 ) est de longueur approximativement égale à la longueur de la partie d'extrémité (21 ) de la pointe effilée ( 16) et la portion d'entrée (10) est de longueur supérieure à la longueur de la zone de 5 fragilité (25). 5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé par le fait que la surface extérieure du capuchon (2) est également de forme tronconique de même angle d'ouverture que la portion de contact ( 1 1 ).4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, more particularly for a bulb whose tapered tip (16) o comprises a zone of f ragility (25) delimiting the end part (21), characterized by the fact that the contact portion (1 1) is of length approximately equal to the length of the end portion (21) of the tapered tip (16) and the inlet portion (10) is of length greater than the length of the zone of weakness 5 (25). 5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the outer surface of the cap (2) is also of frustoconical shape with the same opening angle as the contact portion (1 1).
55
6. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé par le fait que la surface extérieure du capuchon (1 ) comporte au moins deux méplats (13, 14) en position radialement opposée, de façon notamment à réduire l'épaisseur totale du ι0 capuchon (1 ) et à faciliter la prise.6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the outer surface of the cap (1) has at least two flats (13, 14) in a radially opposite position, so as in particular to reduce the thickness total of the ι 0 cap (1) and to facilitate grip.
7. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé par le fait que les méplats (13, 14) s'étendent depuis la face avant du capuchon (1 ) au moins jusqu'au droit de la portion de7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the flats (13, 14) extend from the front face of the cap (1) at least to the right of the portion of
15 contact (1 1 ), de façon à diminuer l'épaisseur du capuchon (1 ) au niveau de l'arête d'appui. 15 contact (1 1), so as to reduce the thickness of the cap (1) at the support edge.
8. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé par le fait que le capuchon (1 ) est en matériau semi-8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cap (1) is made of semi-material
20 rigide, de façon à s'engager sur la partie d'extrémité (21 ) et enserrer celle-ci lorsque l'on met en place le capuchon (1 ) ou lorsque l'on exerce une pression sur la surface extérieure du capuchon (1 ).2 0 rigid, so as to engage on the end portion (21) and grip it when the cap is put in place (1) or when pressure is exerted on the outer surface of the cap (1).
25 2 5
9. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé par le fait que le logement (2) du capuchon (1 ) présente une surface intérieure à propriété adhesive.9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the housing (2) of the cap (1) has an interior surface with adhesive property.
10. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, 30 caractérisé par le fait que le logement (2) du capuchon (1 ) présente une surface intérieure à propriété électrostatique.10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing (2) of the cap (1) has an interior surface with electrostatic property.
1 1 . Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé par le fait que le capuchon (1 ) est en matériau1 1. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cap (1) is made of material
35 transparent ou translucide. 35 transparent or translucent.
12. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to
1 1 , caractérisé par le fait que le capuchon (1 ) est en PVC médical ou alimentaire.1 1, characterized in that the cap (1) is made of medical or food-grade PVC.
1 3. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à1 3. Device according to any one of claims 1 to
12, caractérisé par le fait que le capuchon (1 ) est stérilisé préalablement à l'utilisation.12, characterized in that the cap (1) is sterilized before use.
14. Ensemble pour ouvrir des ampoules, caractérisé par le fait qu'il est formé de plusieurs capuchons (27 à 36) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui sont reliés par des éléments sectionnables (37, 38) de façon à permettre de séparer les capuchons (27 à 36) un par un successivement.14. Assembly for opening ampoules, characterized in that it is formed by several caps (27 to 36) according to any one of the preceding claims, which are connected by sectionable elements (37, 38) so as to allow to separate the caps (27 to 36) one by one successively.
1 5. Ensemble pour ouvrir des ampoules selon la revendication1 5. An assembly for opening ampoules according to claim
14, caractérisé par le fait que les éléments sectionnables (37, 38) comportent une zone rétrécie (39, 40), de façon à faciliter leur sectionnement.14, characterized in that the sectionable elements (37, 38) have a narrowed zone (39, 40), so as to facilitate their cutting.
16. Ensemble pour ouvrir des ampoules selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 ou 15, caractérisé par le fait que les éléments sectionnables (37, 38) présentent une longueur telle que la distance entre deux capuchons (27 à 36) soit un multiple de la distance entre deux ampoules lorsque celles-ci sont conditionnées en étant alignées côte à côte de manière régulière, par exemple sur un chevalet.16. An assembly for opening ampoules according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the sectionable elements (37, 38) have a length such that the distance between two caps (27 to 36) is a multiple of the distance between two bulbs when they are conditioned by being aligned side by side in a regular manner, for example on an easel.
17. Ensemble pour ouvrir des ampoules selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 5 ou 16, caractérisé par le fait que les capuchons (27 à 36) comportent sur leur surface extérieure des méplats (41 , 42) diamétralement opposés, et sont disposés environ dans un même plan médian, les méplats (41 , 42) étant situés dans deux mêmes plans parallèles au plan médian, de façon que l'ensemble présente une faible épaisseur. 17. An assembly for opening ampoules according to any one of claims 1 5 or 16, characterized in that the caps (27 to 36) have on their outer surface flats (41, 42) diametrically opposite, and are arranged approximately in the same median plane, the flats (41, 42) being located in two same planes parallel to the median plane, so that the assembly has a small thickness.
PCT/FR1997/000227 1996-02-06 1997-02-05 Device and assembly for opening ampoules WO1997029043A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP97904492A EP0984896A1 (en) 1996-02-06 1997-02-05 Device and assembly for opening ampoules

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9601704A FR2744437B1 (en) 1996-02-06 1996-02-06 DEVICE AND ASSEMBLY FOR OPENING BULBS
FR96/01704 1996-02-06

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WO2000005165A1 (en) * 1998-07-06 2000-02-03 Shimchenko Aleksandr Emilievic Ampoule-opening device 'panampoule'
DE19848802A1 (en) * 1998-10-23 2000-04-27 Fred Goebel Device for opening glass medicament ampules is made of flexible, cut resistant material and takes the form of fully or partially hollow body with an oval cross section
WO2000076904A1 (en) * 1999-06-15 2000-12-21 Todd Raymond Mimnaw Ampoule opening apparatus
FR2986223A1 (en) * 2012-01-30 2013-08-02 Pierre Encausse Tool for dividing pharmaceutical ampoules, has parabolic body maintained vertically and firmly by hand of user and by effect of oscillation of object by action of thumb, index and middle fingers to allow dividing of end of ampoule

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US6712252B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2004-03-30 Starr Systems, Llc Method of opening an ampoule
ITFI20020159A1 (en) 2002-08-21 2004-02-22 Project Sas PAPER TOOL, EVEN MULTIPLE, TO SAFELY FACILITATE THE BREAKING OF THE NECK OF A GLASS VIAL, FOR DRUGS AND MORE.
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000005165A1 (en) * 1998-07-06 2000-02-03 Shimchenko Aleksandr Emilievic Ampoule-opening device 'panampoule'
DE19848802A1 (en) * 1998-10-23 2000-04-27 Fred Goebel Device for opening glass medicament ampules is made of flexible, cut resistant material and takes the form of fully or partially hollow body with an oval cross section
WO2000076904A1 (en) * 1999-06-15 2000-12-21 Todd Raymond Mimnaw Ampoule opening apparatus
FR2986223A1 (en) * 2012-01-30 2013-08-02 Pierre Encausse Tool for dividing pharmaceutical ampoules, has parabolic body maintained vertically and firmly by hand of user and by effect of oscillation of object by action of thumb, index and middle fingers to allow dividing of end of ampoule

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EP0984896A1 (en) 2000-03-15
FR2744437B1 (en) 1998-03-13

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