CLOSURE ARRANGEMENT FOR A VESSEL CONTAINING A PHARMACEUTICAL SUBSTANCE
20230008277 · 2023-01-12
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
B65D51/002
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D51/245
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D51/20
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B65D51/24
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A closure arrangement for a vessel containing a pharmaceutical substance, having a stopper, a metal cap, for securing the stopper on the vessel, and an overcap made of plastic, wherein, for the purpose of identifying contents of the vessel, a wirelessly readable, electrical memory unit is connected to the closure arrangement. In order for a closure arrangement of the type in question to be improved further, in particular in respect of tamper-evident sealing the memory unit is operatively connected both to the overcap and to the stopper, and the operative connection has a lasting effect on the memory unit when the overcap is torn off.
Claims
1. A closure arrangement (1) for a vessel (2) containing a pharmaceutical substance, comprising: a closure stopper (3), a metal cap (4) configured for securing the closure stopper (3) on the vessel (2), and an overcap (5) made of plastic, wherein, for the purpose of identifying contents of the vessel (2), a wirelessly readable, electrical memory unit (6) is connected to the closure arrangement (1), wherein an operative connection of the memory unit (6) both to the overcap (5) and to the closure stopper (3) is provided and has a lasting effect on the memory unit (6) when the overcap (5) is torn off.
2. The closure arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit (6), which has experienced an effect as a result of the overcap (5) having been torn off, is configured to when read transmit information resulting from the overcap having been torn off.
3. The closure arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit (6) is an RFID or NFC tag.
4. The closure arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit (6) is adhesively connected to the overcap (5) and/or the closure stopper (3).
5. The closure arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit (6), in a region associated with the overcap (5), is partially or fully overmolded with plastic.
6. The closure arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit (6), in a region associated with the closure stopper (3), is partially or fully embedded in the material of the closure stopper (3).
7. The closure arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit (6) is destructible as a result of removal of the overcap (5).
8. The closure arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the metal cap (4) has an opening (9) which is larger than half of an outer diameter (d) of the metal cap (4).
9. The closure arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the overmolded memory unit (6) is accommodated lying loosely between the metal cap (4) and the closure stopper (3).
10. The closure arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit (6) overmolded with plastic has a predetermined tear line (26) for separating part of the memory unit (6).
11. The closure arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the memory unit (6), in a region separated by the predetermined tear line (26), is acted on from beneath by a separation means (27) of the overcap (5).
12. The closure arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined tear line (26) runs through a portion (24, 25) of an antenna (15) of the memory unit (6).
13. The closure arrangement according to claim 11, wherein a wire (28) is provided as separation means (27) to separate the memory unit (6).
14. The closure arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the wire (28) is fixedly connected to the overcap (5).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The invention will be explained hereinafter on the basis of the accompanying drawing, which merely shows exemplary embodiments. A part that is explained only with reference to one of the exemplary embodiments and in a further exemplary embodiment is not replaced by another part due to the particular feature apparent there is thus described also for this further exemplary embodiment as a part possibly present in any case. The drawing shows:
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DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0057] Shown and described is a closure arrangement 1 for a vessel 2, for example an ampoule, containing a pharmaceutical substance, not shown.
[0058] The closure arrangement 1 for this purpose has firstly and substantially a closure stopper 3, a metal cap 4 and an overcap 5. A wirelessly readable memory unit 6 is further preferably provided in the closure arrangement 1, in particular for identification of the contents of the vessel 2.
[0059] The metal cap 4 can be reshaped and produced from a planar aluminium strip in a preferably combined punching and reshaping process (deep-drawing process). The aluminium strip used preferably for this purpose can additionally consist of a laminate, for example consisting of a metal film layer, which can be coated on the upper and lower side with a plastics layer.
[0060] The metal cap 4 can have a cap top 7 and, in the usual state of use, for example according to the sectional illustration in
[0061] The closure arrangement 1 is for example applied to the upper region of the vessel 2 according to the illustration in
[0062] The overcap 5, which is plate-shaped in the shown embodiments, is furthermore applied to the metal cap 4 from above, in particular to overlap the opening 9, additionally preferably to form a tamper-evident closure. This overcap 5 preferably consists of a hard plastics material, additionally preferably produced by way of a plastics injection moulding process.
[0063] The overcap 5, more specifically, can have an overcap top 11, which preferably extends over the entire surface of the metal cap 4, overlapping the cap top 7 thereof.
[0064] An appendage 12 can be integrally moulded to the underside of the overcap top 11, this also being preferred, and preferably has a diameter matched to the opening 9 in the metal cap 4. On the end side, the appendage 12 further has a collar-like radial extension 13, which in the covering position representing the tamper-evident closure according to
[0065] The plastics overcap 5 can be removed from the metal cap 4 by being torn off. The radial extension 13 elastically yields as a result of the acting tensile force, so that the position of engagement from behind is cancelled.
[0066] The metal cap 4 usually also has the aforementioned upper-side opening 9. This opening 9 is covered by the overcap 5 in accordance with the state shown for example in
[0067] The memory unit 6 preferably provided in or on the closure arrangement 1 is preferably an RFID or NFC tag, correspondingly an electronic, wirelessly readable memory unit. As shown schematically for example with reference to
[0068] The memory unit 6, in accordance with the shown embodiments, can be formed in a strip-like manner, possibly running in a manner stretched lengthwise along a circular line portion in respect of a plan view according to the illustrations in
[0069] The memory unit 6 is arranged in such a way that, in the position covered by the overcap 5, the memory unit lies in a hidden position and, as the overcap 5 is removed, in particular torn off, experiences a lasting effect, in particular as a result of a portion of the memory unit 6 having been torn off, torn into or stretched. This lasting effect on the memory unit 6 is detectable in particular when the memory unit 6 is read via a reading unit, so that, during the course of such a reading process, it is discernible whether the overcap 5 (even if it is subsequently fitted back onto the metal cap 4) has been or is removed. In this way, the intact tamper-evident closure or cancellation of the tamper-evident closure is thus evidenced.
[0070] The lasting effect on the memory unit 6 is preferably irreversible.
[0071]
[0072] In particular in order to read the memory unit 6 arranged substantially in a position between the closure stopper 3 and the metal cap 4, a window-like aperture 20 is preferably provided in the metal cap 4. This aperture can extend fully in the width direction of the memory unit 6—in the radial direction in accordance with the usual usage position, with respect to a closure axis x, in relation to which preferably both the closure stopper 3 and also the metal cap 4 and the overcap 5 run concentrically, as does additionally preferably also the mouth edge 10. Considered in the longitudinal extension, the aperture 20 can optionally extend until over the end portions 16 and 17 of the memory unit 6. In a preferred embodiment, the resultant opening area of the aperture 20 in the surface plane of the cap top 7 is selected to be less than 40 percent up to, for example, 20 or 15 percent of the total annular metal cap surface.
[0073] The aperture 20 in this embodiment is preferably also used to guide through the middle portion 18 of the memory unit 6 and to fix the latter to the underside of the cap top 7 of the overcap 5. An adhesive layer 21 can be provided for this purpose too.
[0074] During the course of the assembly of the closure arrangement 1, this middle portion 18, once the closure stopper 3 has been fixed with use of the metal cap 4 to the opening edge 10 of the vessel 2, can protrude with its upwardly pointing adhesive layer 21 freely beyond the surface of the metal cap 4, in such a way that when the overcap 5, or the metal cap 4 possibly already connected thereto, is subsequently fitted in a latching manner, or is bent over or rather flanged, the cap top 7, in order to fix the middle portion 18, contacts this adhesive layer 21 and adheres thereto.
[0075] In order to receive the corresponding portion of the memory unit 6, indentations 22, 23 are provided both on the upper side of the closure stopper 3 and on the underside of the cap top 7. In the illustrations (for example
[0076] As is also shown by way of example in
[0077] When the overcap 5 is torn off, as is shown schematically in
[0078] The adhesive bonding of the memory unit 6, in particular of the portions 16 and 17, to the closure stopper 3 and of the middle portion 18 to the overcap 5, at specific points or partial areas, is selected in respect of strength such that it is ensured even once the overcap 5 has been torn off. The middle portion 18 preferably remains adhered to the underside of the top of the overcap 5 after this has been torn off. The memory unit 6 is permanently severed.
[0079] The portion 17 of the memory unit 6 remaining on the closure stopper 3 preferably also comprises the memory chip 14 with the information stored therein, in particular concerning the contents of the vessel 2 and an antenna portion 24 directly associated and electrically attached.
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[0081] Such a memory unit 6 can be, and preferably also is, connected, for example adhesively bonded, to the upper side of the closure stopper 3 in the end regions of each of the portions 16 and 17 pointing away from one another, whereas a middle region, also comprising the predetermined tear line 26, extends unadhered to the closure stopper 3.
[0082] This middle, preferably unadhered region of the memory unit 6 can be accompanied by a separation means 27, which is connected, preferably permanently, to the overcap 5. Such a separation means 27, as shown in the embodiments according to
[0083] When the overcap 5 is torn off, it is ensured by the wire 28, in particular L web 29 thereof, that the memory unit 6 is preferably severed along the predetermined tear line 26, so that the memory chip 24, in this embodiment too, is separated from the second antenna portion 25.
[0084] In accordance with a further embodiment, which is not shown in detail in the figures, the second and/or first L limb 30 can also span a plane, for example as the result of a zigzag course of the particular L limb 30.
[0085] In addition, the separation means 27, as shown schematically in
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[0087] When the overcap 5 is fitted in place during the course of the (initial) assembly process, the portion of the memory unit 6 comprising the adhesive layer 19 on the underside can be acted on for example via a hold-down device 33 moulded integrally on the underside of the overcap 5, in such a way that a desired adhesive connection of the memory unit 6 to the surface of the metal cap 4 can be achieved.
[0088] In this embodiment too, the memory unit 6 can have a predetermined tear line 26, in particular between two portions 16 and 17, along which tear line a lasting effect can be achieved as a result of a severing of the memory unit 6 when the overcap 5 is torn off.
[0089] A further possible embodiment is shown in
[0090] The memory unit 6, as shown, can be formed on the whole in a planar or disc-like manner, with a diameter which can correspond substantially to the outer diameter of the closure stopper 3.
[0091] A bore-like opening 35 is provided in the middle in the memory unit 6, passed through centrally by the geometric closure axis x, and in the correct closure state of the closure arrangement 1 according to
[0092] A predetermined tear line 26, formed for example by perforation, runs in the carrier material of the memory unit 6, preferably consisting of a plastics material, concentrically to the geometric centre axis of the opening 35 and at a radial distance from the edge of the opening. A circular ring-like edge portion 36 is produced between this predetermined tear line 26 and the opening 35.
[0093] The radial extension 13 of the overcap 5 engages beneath the region of the edge portion 36 and ends accordingly in the radial direction preferably at a radial distance from the predetermined tear line 26.
[0094] A memory chip 14 is held in the carrier material of the memory unit 6, for example by partial or full overmoulding with plastics material. An antenna 15 is electrically connected to the memory chip 14 and can extend in a spiral shape in approximately concentric circles to the closure axis x (see
[0095] A substantially radially running antenna arm 37 extends out from the spiral circles of the antenna 15, crossing the predetermined tear line 26 inwardly into the region of the radial portion 36 (see
[0096] The memory unit 6 is held in this embodiment by being overlapped by the metal cap 4 lying on the closure stopper 3. The memory unit 6 can accordingly lie substantially unsecured between the metal cap 4 and the closure stopper 3.
[0097] The opening 9 of the metal cap 4 in this case has a diameter e which can correspond approximately to 0.8 to 0.95 times the outer diameter d of the metal cap 4. A cap top 7 overlying the memory unit 6 in a collar-like manner can thus be provided circumferentially at the edge. The outer diameter of the antenna 15 formed in a spiral shape can be selected here, as is preferred, to be smaller than the diameter e of the opening 9 in the metal cap 4.
[0098] The overcap 5 can lie substantially flat on the collar-like edge of the cap top 7.
[0099] When the overcap 5 is torn off, the radial extension 13 acts as a separation means 27. The edge portion 36 arranged beneath the separation means 27 tears off this edge portion 36 in a circular ring-line manner along the predetermined tear line 26, thus severing the antenna arm 37 protruding radially inwardly into the edge portion 36. The antenna 15 is thus divided into two electrically separate antenna portions 24 and 25, of which at most an antenna portion may still be electrically connected hereafter to the memory chip 14.
[0100] The torn-off edge portion 36 preferably remains with the separated antenna arm 37 on the continuation 12 of the overcap 5.
[0101] Due to the separated antenna arm 37 and the associated cancellation of the functionality of the antenna 15, a lasting effect on the memory unit 6 is achieved as a whole.
[0102] The above embodiments serve to explain the inventions encompassed as a whole by the application, which further develop the prior art at least by the following combinations of features, also independently in each case, wherein two, more or all of these combinations of features can also be combined, as follows:
[0103] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that an operative connection of the memory unit 6 both to the overcap 5 and to the closure stopper 3 is provided and causes a lasting effect on the memory unit 6 when the overcap 5 is torn off.
[0104] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the memory unit 6, which has experienced an effect as a result of the overcap 5 having been torn off, when read transmits information resulting from the overcap having been torn off.
[0105] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the memory unit 6 comprises an RFID or NFC tag.
[0106] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the memory unit 6 is adhesively connected to the overcap 5 and/or the closure stopper 3.
[0107] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the memory unit 6, in its region associated with the overcap 5, is overmoulded partially or fully with plastics material.
[0108] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the memory unit 6, in its region associated with the closure stopper 3, is embedded partially or fully in the material of the closure stopper 3.
[0109] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the memory unit 6 can be acted on destructively when the overcap 5 is removed.
[0110] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the metal cap 4 has an opening 9 which is greater than half to eight tenths or nine tenths or more of the outer diameter d of the metal cap 4.
[0111] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the overmoulded memory unit 6 is accommodated lying loosely between the metal cap 4 and the closure stopper 3.
[0112] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the memory 6 overmoulded with plastics material has a predetermined tear line 26 for separating part of the memory unit 6.
[0113] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the memory unit 6, in the region separated by the predetermined tear line 26, is acted on from beneath by a separation means 27 of the overcap 5.
[0114] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the predetermined tear line 26 runs through a portion 24, 25 of an antenna 15 of the memory unit 6.
[0115] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that a wire 28 is provided as separation means 27 in order to separate the memory unit 6.
[0116] A closure arrangement which is characterised in that the wire 28 is fixedly connected to the overcap 5.
[0117] All disclosed features are (within themselves, but also in combination with one another) essential to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated/appended priority documents (copy of the pre-application) is hereby also incorporated fully into the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features from these documents in claims of the present application. The dependent claims characterise with their features, also without the features of a referenced claim, independent inventive further developments of the prior art, in particular in order to make divisional applications on the basis of these claims. The invention described in each claim can additionally have one or more of the features specified in the above description, in particular provided with reference numerals and/or stated in the list of reference numerals. The invention also relates to embodiments in which individual features stated in the above description are not implemented, in particular insofar as they are clearly unnecessary for the particular purpose or can be replaced by other technically equivalent means.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0118] 1 closure arrangement [0119] 2 vessel [0120] 3 closure stopper [0121] 4 metal cap [0122] 5 overcap [0123] 6 memory unit [0124] 7 cap top [0125] 8 cap wall [0126] 9 opening [0127] 10 vessel mouth edge [0128] 11 overcap top [0129] 12 appendage [0130] 13 radial extension [0131] 14 memory chip [0132] 15 antenna [0133] 16 portion [0134] 17 portion [0135] 18 centre portion [0136] 19 adhesive layer [0137] 20 aperture [0138] 21 adhesive layer [0139] 22 indentation [0140] 23 indentation [0141] 24 antenna portion [0142] 25 antenna portion [0143] 26 predetermined tear line [0144] 27 separation means [0145] 28 wire [0146] 29 L web [0147] 30 L limb [0148] 31 cutting element [0149] 32 web [0150] 33 hold-down device [0151] 34 depression [0152] 35 opening [0153] 36 edge portion [0154] 37 antenna arm [0155] d outer diameter [0156] e diameter [0157] x closure axis