Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02177974 2004-06-14
1
Holding device with a cylindrical container and blood sampling
tube with such a holding device
The invention concerns a holding device for liquids, which
compromises (a) a container having a longitudinal axis and
formed of a liquid-tight wall having a thickness defined
between an outer surface and an inner surface, (1) the wall
being sealed at one end of the container and (2) the container
being open at an opposite end thereof, (b) an outer housing
having a longitudinal axis and formed of a gas-tight wall
having a thickness defined between an outer surface and an
inner surface, (1) the wall being sealed at one end of the
outer housing and (2) the outer housing being open at an
opposite end thereof, (c) the container being inserted
coaxially in the outer housing, with a substantial portion of
the outer surface of the container wall contacting the inner
surface of the outer housing wall without play whereby the
container is held in the outer housing by a press fit, and (d)
the outer surface of the container wall and the inner surface
of the outer housing wall defining therebetween at least one
continuous groove extending from the one sealed ends of the
container and outer housing walls to the opposite open
container and outer housing ends.
A transport system for the dispatch of biological samples
has become known according to EP-A1-0 466 009, in which a first
container can be inserted in another container and the latter is
positioned in the longitudinal direction in the sealed bottom
region by means of projecting ribs. Further positioning as well
as sealing closure take place by means of a sealing cap in the
region of the open ends of the two containers. Between the outer
surface of the first container and the inner surface of the
second container is arranged a gap which extends all round and
over the whole length of the first container. Further, the first
container is made of a gas-permeable material and the second
container of a gas-tight material. The disadvantage with this
CA 02177974 2004-06-14
la
embodiment is that between the two containers and in the bottom
region thereof are arranged large gaps for containing ambient
air.
From US-A-4,830,217 is known a blood holding device in
which a glass container is surrounded by a plastic container at
least over part of its longitudinal extent. The glass container
in its sealed end region is positioned within the plastic
container by means of symmetrically arranged ribs. The glass
container in the region of its open end projects beyond the end
edge of the outer plastic container. In the region of the end
edge of the plastic container is arranged an additional
positioning element which holds the glass container both in the
longitudinal direction and radially thereto in relation to the
plastic container. Between the two containers is arranged a free
space extending all round. The open end of the inner glass
container is sealed with a sealing plug.
CA 02177974 2001-11-13
2
Further, a holding device, in particular for blood
samples - according to EP-A1-0 512 612 - which consists of a
holding container, is already known. This holding container
is wrapped with a protective layer which is attached to the
holding container. The protective layer is a laminate and
transparent, so that the contents of the holding container
are visible to an observer from the outside. Identification
information may also be printed or indicated on this
protective layer. The protective layer prevents, the
penetration of gas or water vapour, both in the direction of
the holding container and from the holding container to the
outside. The application of this protective layer which is
formed by a film, for example, requires an additional
operation usually after evacuation and sealing of the blood
sample tube, and needs exact additional quality control to
ensure that on the one hand seamless sheathing of the holding
container is achieved and on the other hand snug fitting of
the film against the outer surface of the holding container
takes place in order to obtain gas-tightness and water
vapour-tightness.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a
holding device for liquids, in particular for blood, which is
easy to make and exhibits high gas-tightness and water
vapour-tightness.
This object is achieved by the characteristics of the
present invention. The advantage with this solution is that
now there are two industrially prefabricated containers which
can be assembled by an ordinary joining process and hence the
container which holds the liquid is surrounded over the whole
of its outer surface seamlessly by the gas-tight and water
vapour-tight outer housing. Thus diffusion of gas or air in
or out in the longitudinal direction of the holding container
between the container and the outer housing is prevented. As
a result, the manufacture of such a holding device for blood
is simplified, and also in a surprisingly simple
unforeseeable manner the fracture resistance thereof is
increased and a safe outer layer is provided which cannot
CA 02177974 2001-11-13
3
easily be destroyed even with sharp objects. Due to the
elimination of an adhesive layer between the container and
the outer housing, furthermore, in an advantageous manner
solvent vapours or constituents of the adhesive layer are
prevented from evaporating out and diffusing into the
interior of the container, as a result of which the risk of
contamination of the contents in the container is greatly
reduced. Due to close fitting of the container against the
outer housing, a cavity which might lead to a reduction of
the vacuum in the container due to diffusion or on account of
the high permeability of the container to gases, is avoided
as well. Due to the provision of a press fit between the
container and the outer housing, reliable mounting and
positioning and air-tight sealing between the container and
the outer housing are ensured as well. In addition, by this
means support of the container in the outer housing can
easily be obtained by adhesion or by jamming of the container
in the outer housing, and the displacement of unwanted
residual air within the outer housing can be avoided.
In the development according to the present invention it
is an advantage that, due to the at least partly conical
design of the outer housing and container, exact positioning
of the container in the outer housing can be achieved by
means of these cones, and no additional measures are
necessary for centring or correct positioning of the
container in the outer housing.
If the inner and outer cones have a cone angle according
to the present invention, then snug fitting of the outer
surface of the container against the inner surface of the
outer housing is possible too.
An embodiment according to the present invention is
advantageous because by this means the two containers can be
brought into contact with each other practically over their
whole length, and so a dead volume which by pressure
equalisation may lead to a reduction of the vacuum in the
interior of the container is reduced.
CA 02177974 2001-11-13
4
As a result of the embodiment according to the present
invention, the container can fit snugly in the outer housing
even in the region of the sealed end, and the formation of a
dead volume in the end region is prevented.
But an embodiment according to the present invention is
also an advantage because, even in case of tolerance
fluctuations in the diameter of the container and outer
housing, it is ensured that the container can be pressed into
the outer housing.
A firm fit of the container in the outer housing is
ensured by the development according to the present
invention.
Further, an embodiment according to the present
invention is possible too, because by this means mechanical
handling when inserting the container in the outer housing is
made easier.
By the development according to the present invention,
the advantages according to the invention can be utilised to
a large extent irrespective of the material of the container.
The advantages of composite or sandwich construction
technology can also be used by an embodiment according to the
present invention for manufacture of the outer housing and
container.
Also of advantage is an embodiment according to the
present invention, because by this means, in addition to ease
of manufacture, extraction of air from the outer housing can
be obtained irrespective of the assembly position during
insertion of the container in the outer housing, without
weakening or deformation of the container by groove-like
depressions or passages being necessary.
Also advantageous is an embodiment according to the
present invention, because by this means even in the region
of the end wall, fitting of the container against the inner
surface of the outer housing almost without play can be
achieved.
By the development according to the present invention,
extraction of the air compressed between the two end regions
CA 02177974 2001-11-13
on insertion of the container in the outer housing until
eventually firm fitting of the container in the outer housing
can be achieved.
But also advantageous is a development according to the
present invention, because by this means circulation of the
air from one side of the container to the other using the
groove-like depressions can be prevented, as a result of
which reduction of the vacuum inside the container by
permeation, sorption or desorption is prevented.
Another embodiment is described according to the present
invention, as a result of which the circulation cross-section
in the depression is reduced, but on the other hand air
extraction on insertion of the container in the outer housing
can be obtained almost as far as the foremost end region of
the ball cup.
An embodiment according to the present invention is
possible too, because then due to the increased air
permeability in the region of the end wall on insertion of
the container in the outer housing the air which is
compressed in the process can be extracted through. the
interior of the container and so the build-up of an air
bubble between the two end walls can be prevented.
Also advantageous is another embodiment according to the
present invention, because by this means the escape of liquid
and diffusion of water vapour into any existing cavity
between container and outer housing can be prevented.
By the embodiment of the container according to the
present invention, sufficient liquid-tightness and safe
handling of the container are achieved.
By using the gas-tight material according to the present
invention, diffusion by sorption or permeation of gases or
vapours from the outside into the interior of the container
is also prevented.
Further, it is also an advantage to develop the holding
device according to the present invention, because by this
means sufficient fracture resistance can be obtained and,
owing to the possible wall thicknesses, a plurality of
CA 02177974 2001-11-13
6
materials which exhibit sufficient gas-tightness can be used
as well.
As a result of the embodiment according to the present
invention, even in case of high gas permeability or water
vapour permeability of the container, a high vacuum can be
maintained in the interior thereof over a long period,
because penetration of the gas by sorption or desorption or
permeation through the outer housing is prevented.
Also advantageous is an embodiment according to the
present invention, because by this means, in addition to
excluding a dead volume between container and outer housing,
at the same time firm support of the container in the outer
housing is possible without additional measures or steps.
If the embodiment according to the present invention
takes place, even with lower wall thicknesses additional
reinforcement of the container or outer housing can be
achieved by the components needed for air extraction on
insertion of the container in the outer housing, wherein for
example arrangement of the ribs spirally or in the manner of
a thread turn is possible too, in order thus to obtain a high
increase in strength of the container or outer housing.
Also advantageous is the development according to the
present invention, because by this means the rough volume in
the depressions can be kept small.
An embodiment of the depressions which is favourable
with respect to strength is achieved by characteristics
according to the present invention.
The development according to the present invention
allows universal adaptation of the shape of the air
extraction openings to different designs of the outer housing
or container.
Further advantageous is an embodiment of the container
and/or outer housing according to the present invention,
because by this means the centrifugal state or contents of
the container can easily be checked optically.
The development according to the present invention
allows gas-tight sealing of both the interior of the
CA 02177974 2001-11-13
6a
container and any dead space between the container and the
outer housing, so that gas or air which has diffused from the
container into the outer housing is sealed off from the
outside air and cannot diffuse to the outside, so that an
indirect reduction of the vacuum in the container is reliably
prevented.
Also advantageous is an embodiment according to the
present invention, because by this means, with firm fitting
of the flange-like attachment against the end of the outer
container, tight sealing of both the container and the gap
between the container and the outer housing is obtained.
By the development according to the present invention
there is obtained a pretensioning sealing device which, even
in case of manufacturing tolerances in the container or in
the outer container, allows tight sealing thereof from the
ambient air.
In addition, by the embodiment according to the present
invention it is ensured that, even with simplified insertion
of the sealing device, tight sealing of the interior of the
container is ensured.
Finally, the embodiments according to the present
invention also describe advantageous developments.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is
provided a holding device for liquids, which comprises a
container having a longitudinal axis and formed of a liquid-
tight wall having a thickness defined between an outer
surface and an inner surface, (1) the wall being sealed at
one end of the container and (2) the container being open at
an opposite end thereof; an outer housing having a
longitudinal axis and formed of a gas-tight wall having a
thickness defined between an outer surface and an inner
surface, (1) the wall being sealed at one end of the outer
housing and (2) the outer housing being open at an opposite
end thereof; the container being inserted coaxially in the
outer housing, with a substantial portion of the outer
surface of the container wall contacting the inner surface of
the outer housing wall without play whereby the container is
CA 02177974 2004-06-14
6b
held in the outer housing by a press fit, and the outer surface
of the container wall and the inner surface of the outer housing
wall defining therebetween at least one continuous groove
extending from the one sealed ends of the container and outer
housing walls to the opposite open container and outer housing
ends.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a holding device for liquids, which comprises a
container having a longitudinal axis and formed of a liquid-
tight wall having a thickness defined between an outer surface
and an inner surface, (1) the wall being sealed at one end of
the container and (2) the container being open at an opposite
end thereof; an outer housing having a longitudinal axis and
formed of a gas-tight wall having a thickness defined between an
outer surface and an inner surface, (1) the wall being sealed at
one end of the outer housing and (2) the outer housing being
open at an opposite end thereof; the container being inserted
coaxially in the outer housing, with a substantial portion of
the outer surface of the container wall contacting the inner
surface of the outer housing wall without play whereby the
container is held in the outer housing by a press fit, and the
outer surface of the container wall and the inner surface of the
outer housing wall defining therebetween at least one continuous
groove extending from the one sealed ends of the container and
outer housing walls to the opposite open container and outer
housing ends.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is a
collecting device for liquids, with a container which is sealed
at one end of the container with a container end wall and open
in its end region opposite the latter, and also with an outer
housing which is sealed at one end of the outer housing with an
outer housing end wall and open at its end opposite the latter,
CA 02177974 2004-06-14
6c
and the container is inserted into the outer housing, wherein
the container is of liquid-tight construction and the outer
housing is of gas-tight construction, wherein the container is
inserted into the outer housing almost without play and held
therein by a press fit, and in that an outer surface of the
container fits without play against a main portion of an inner
surface of the outer housing, and in that between the outer
surface of the container and the inner surface of the outer
housing is arranged at least one channel which extends from the
sealed end of the container or the end of the outer housing in
the direction of the open end region of the container or the end
of the outer housing.
The invention is described in more detail below with the
aid of the practical examples shown in the drawings. They show:
Fig. 1 a holding device designed according to the invention,
e.g. for blood, with an outer housing designed
according to the invention and a container in a
simplified schematic side view, in section;
Fig. 2 the holding device in a top view, in section through
the lines II-II in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 the container of the holding device in a simplified
schematic view from below;
Fig. 4 another embodiment of a holding device in a top view,
in section, with webs or ribs arranged on the outer
surface of the container and the inner surface of the
outer housing;
2 .1 '~ '~ ~ ~ ~4
Fig. 5 another embodiment of a holding device in a top
view, in section, with a container with passages;
Fig. 6 another variant of the holding device with a
container of which the cross-section is not
round;
Fig. 7 a holding device in a side view, in section, and
a painted or printed layer with information
arranged between the outer housing and the
container;
Fig. 8 another embodiment of a holding devics in a
simplified schematic side view, in section;
Fig. 9 part of the holding device according to Fig. 8,
in an enlarged side view, in section;
Fig. l0 the holding device according to Figs. 8 and 9 in
a top view and with the sealing device removed.
In Figs. 1 to 3 is shown a holding device 1 which
consists of a cylindrical container 2 and, surrounding the
latter, an outer housing 4 acting as a protective layer 3.
One end 5 of the outer housing 4 is sealed by an end wall
6 which may be ball cup-shaped, for example, while one end
7 of the outer housing 4 opposite the end 5 is open, but
can be sealed with a sealing device 8 which can be removed
if need be.
Also the container 2 of the holding device 1 is sealed
~17'~~74
g
at one end 9 by means of an end wall 10 and likewise can be
sealed by the sealing device 8 in the opposite end region
11 facing towards the end 7 of the outer housing 4.
Preferred is a length 12 of the outer housing 4 longer
by a length difference 13 than a length of the container 2.
This length difference 13 usually also corresponds to the
length of a sealing surface 14 of a stopper 15 forming the
sealing device 8, but can be longer. Preferably the
sealing surface 14 overlaps the end region 11 in the
longitudinal direction of the container 2 at least
slightly. ,
This stopper 15 is usually clamped in a cap 15 over a
flange-like attachment 17 between a peripheral collar 19
resting on an end edge 18 of the outer housing 4, and a
retaining washer 20. In order also to achieve gas-tight
and liquid-tight sealing of the open end 7 of the outer
housing 4 or of the open end region 11 of the container 2,
the stopper 15 is formed from a highly elastic and self'
sealing material, such as e.g. pharmaceutical rubber,
silicone rubber or bromobutyl rubber.
For support of the container 2 in the outer housing 4
without play, an inner surface 21 of the outer housing 4 is
designed as an inner cone 22 with a cone angle 23, wherein
the inner cone 22 tapers from the end edge 18 of the open
end 7 of the outer housing 4 in the direction of the end
wall 6.
An outer surface 24 of the container 2 on the other
hand is provided with an outer cone 25 which preferably has
the same or e.g. a slightly larger cone angle 23 as the
inner cone 22.
Both the inner cone 22 and the outer cone 25 extend
concentrically with a longitudinal axis 26 of the holding
device 1.
In planes 27 and 28 shown schematically by dot and
dash lines, a tip diameter 29, for example in the plane 27
of the outer cone 25, corresponds to that of the inner cone
22, or the tip diameter 29 of the outer cone 25 is larger
_ 2I7~~7~
9
by a slight tolerance, for example between 0.001 mm to 0.2
mm, than the tip diameter 29 of the inner cone 22.
Furthermore, a base diameter 30 of the outer cone and
inner cone 22 is preferably the same.
By such a design of the container 2 or outer housing
4, in particular using a cone angle 23 which is between 4°
and 0.2°, preferably about 1°, snug telescoping or insertion
and positioning of the container 2 and a press fit are
possible. Due to the design of the cone angle 23, self-
locking between the container 2 and the outer housing 4 can
be obtained, or is possible in the outer housing 4.
As can be seen better from Figs. 2 and 3, the
container 2 in the region of its outer surface 24 is
provided with groove-like depressions 31 which have a depth
32 preferably less than a wall thickness 33 of the
container 2, so that the latter comprises a continuously
smooth inner surface 34. This wall thickness 33 of the
container 2 is between 0.4 mm and 1.2 mm, preferably 0.6 mm
to 1.0 mm. The, outer housing 4 can also have the wall
thicknesses previously mentioned for the container 2.
These groove-like depressions 31 extend from the open
end region 11 of the container 2 into the region in which
the longitudinal axis 26 intersects with the end wall l0.
Preferably, the facing ends 35, 36 of the two groove-like
depressions 31 are spaced apart by a distance 37 of between
0.5 mm and 4 mm, and have a depth 32 of between 0.02 mm and
0.5 mm as well as a width 38 of 0.2 mm to 3 mm, preferably
2 mm. In the view selected here, only two depressions are
shown. But it is of course possible to provide any number
of depressions there, seen over the circumference.
Preferably, in their ends 35, 36 they taper
continuously into the outer surface 24 of the container 2.
The advantage of this interruption or separation of
the two groove-like depressions 31 lies in that alternate
throughflow of air or gas aver the whole outer surface 24
of the container 2 is avoided.
By the depth 32 and width 38 of the groove-like
~~."l'~~7~
depression 31, however, there is provided such a
throughflow cross-section which allows, on insertion of the
container 2 in the outer housing 4, the air compressed
between the end wall 6 and the end wall 10 to escape in the
direction of the open end 7 of the holding device 1 and
from there to emerge into the atmosphere. Thus without
considerable compressive stress on the container 2 or outer
housing 4, snug fixing or a press fit between the two of
them is provided.
Mounting of the container 2 in the outer housing 4,
which takes place by a press fit, can also take place or at
least be assisted by'heating or cooling the outer housing
4 or container 2, so that within the usual temperature
range in which such holding devices are used, a firm press
fit is obtained between the container 2 and the outer
housing 4. In this case in certain circumstances it is
even possible to manage without the groove-like depressions
31 and yet provide problem-free assembly without the
formation of a sealed air cushion between the end walls 6
and 10 of the outer housing 4 and container 2.
Due to this solution, in spite of easier assembly, the
volume of the cavities required for exit of the air during
assembly is kept so small that, even in case of high
permeability of the container to gases, in particular air,
and resulting pressure equalisation between the cavity and
the interior of the container, an adequate vacuum can still
be maintained in the interior of the container over a
longer period, in particular the desired storage time.
Usually the pressure in the interior of the container
2 in the unused state ready for operation, that is,
evacuated, is between 100 mbars and 800 mbars, so that a
vacuum of between 0.2 bar and 0.9 bar is available.
It is further advantageous if the container 2 is made
of a liquid-tight, in particular water-tight material, such
as e.g. glass, plastic, in particular polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ABS or
the like.
,~I7 ~ ~°~~
11
The outer housing 4 and/or the container 2 is
resistant to deformation, in particular resistant to
elongation, in the direction of the longitudinal axis 26,
as a result of which even in case of temperature
fluctuations no independent release of the cone connection
can occur. A gas-tight material, in particular
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is used as the preferred
material for the outer housing. This material has the
advantage that it can be made with higher transparency
(clear) than a high density polyethylene (HDPE) which can
be used similarly. Critical for these materials used for
manufacture of the outer housing 4 is that their gas
permeability and water vapour permeability are very low.
Thus the gas permeability should be less than 150
cm3/m-~d~bar, and the water vapour permeability should be
less than 1 g/m'~d. These values are obtained for example
with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), because at 23°C the
water vapour permeability is 0.6 g/m'~d and the gas
permeability is X0/110 cm3/m'~d~bar.
For the user of such a holding device 1 it is
particularly advantageous if the container 2 and/or the
outer housing 4 is made of a transparent, in particular
clear, material, because in this way proper inspection of
the interior of the holding device 1 is ensured, in order
to be able to detect satisfactorily the level, for example.
It turned out to be a particularly advantageous choice
for the materials of the container 2 as well as of the
outer housing 4 if the container 2 is made of liquid-tight
material and the outer housing 4 is made of gas-tight
material.
In Fig. 4 is shown another embodiment of a holding
device 1 in a top view, in section, the same reference
numbers as in Figs. 1 to 3 being used for the same
components.
The holding device 1 again consists of the container
2 supported in the outer housing 4, wherein on the inner
surface 21 of the outer housing 4 and on the outer surface
X17~l9'~~~
12
24 of the container 2 are arranged projections 39 in the
form of ribs 40 or webs 41. In this embodiment shown here,
both on the inner surf ace 21 and on the outer surf ace 2 4
are arranged these projections 39. But :it is of course
also possible to arrange the projections 39 either only on
the inner surface 21 of the outer housing 4 or only on the
outer surface 24 of the container 2. It is critical here
that the air present on insertion of the container 2 in the
outer housing 4 can escape from the interior of the outer
housing 4 through channels 42 formed between the
projections 39 and so the container 2 can be inserted with
its end wall 10 into the region of the end wall 6 of the
outer housing 4.
The design and size of the projections 39 or of the
channels 42 formed between them must be selected so that on
the one hand the air present in the outer housing 4 can
escape on insertion of the container 2, but after insertion
of the container 2 a secure fit between container 2 and
outer housing 4 is ensured. For a better understanding,
the projections 39 and channels 42 are shown enlarged not
to scale and are between 0.02 mm and 0.5 mm.
The choice of inner and outer cones 22 , 25 with the
cone angle 23 can correspond to the embodiments already
described above, which ensures that there is self-locking
in the fitted-together state between the container 2 and
the outer housing 4.
It is of course also possible that the outer shape of
the container 2 and the inner shape of the outer housing 4
are coordinated with each other in such a way that they fit
together almost without play, for example with a difference
in circumference or diameter of 0.001 mm or the like, in
which case fixing of the container 2 in the outer housing
4 can then take place by an adhesive layer, a thermal
welding process or the like joining methods.
But of course it is also possible that this difference
in diameter or size in the circumferential dimensions
between the container 2 and the outer housing 4 is produced
21 '~ i ~'~
13
by the fact that either the outer housing 4 is heated or
the container 2 is cooled to -100°C to -200°C, in order to
allow insertion of the container 2 in the outer housing 4
without problems. By this method it is also possible, on
account of heating or shrinkage by cooling, to predetermine
the latching force or pretensioning force between the
container 2 and the outer housing 4, which exists within
the range of the usual temperature of use of the holding
device 1.
In Fig. 5 is shown another embodiment of the holding
device 1 in a top view, in section.
The outer housing 4 with its inner surface 21, as
shown in the preceding embodiments, also has a round cross-
section with a cross-section tapering towards the end wall
6.
The container 2 in this embodiment comprises on its
outer surface 24 passages 43 which are in each case offset
from each ether by about 90° and which again thus form
channels 42 between the inner surface 21 of the outer
housing 4 and the outer surface 24 of the container 2, for
escape of the air from tha interior of the outer housing 4.
Between the zones formed by the passages 43 or
channels 42 are formed support regions 44 in which the
shape of the outer surface 24 of the container 2 is adapted
to the shape of the inner surface 21 of the outer housing
4, and these therefore fit together. The outer housing 4
can again be designed with the inner cone 22, and the
container 2 with the outer cone 25, wherein the cone angle
23 can be such that between the inner surface 21 and the
outer surface 24 self-locking occurs. The cone angle 23 is
then between 4° and 0.2°, preferably 1°. Instead of the
continuous conical shape of the container 2 and outer
housing 4, it is of course also possible to design these
two with a cylindrical longitudinal shape and mount them
stationarily one inside the other by projecting clamping or
locking lugs. On the other hand it is also possible to
make both the container 2 and the outer housing 4 conical
~I'~~~~~
14
only in corresponding parts of their length, so that in
these regions mounting and fixing of the container 2 in the
outer housing 4 takes place.
The distribution of the passages 43, as seen over the
cross-section of the outer surface 24, is here shown only
by way of example and can be designed differently,
depending on the application or choice of materials, so
that instead of the four passages shown in Fig. 5, three or
six or any other number can be provided.
In Fig. 6 is shown another variant of the holding
device 1 in cross-section, the same reference numbers again
being used for the same components.
The outer housing 4, as already described in the
preceding embodiment, again has a round cross-section which
can taper in the direction of its end wall 6 by the cone
angle 23 or be designed as described above. The container
2 in this embodiment is of oval construction, its outer
surface 24 being supported in two diametrically opposed
support regions 44 on the inner surface 21 of the outer
housing 4. Between the support regions 44 are again formed
channels 42 which serve to extract the air from the
interior of the outer housing 4. As can further be seen
from this view, the container 2 has a maximum length in the
direction of an axis between the support regions 44 and a
small dimension in an axial direction perpendicular
thereto, wherein the difference in dimensions of the
container 2 in the axes extending perpendicularly to each
other is at least 0.001 mm.
In Fig. 7 is shown another embodiment of the holding
device in a side view, in section, the same reference
numbers again being used for the same components.
In this view are shown the different possible
arrangements of painted or printed layers 45 between the
container 2 and the outer housing 4. The container 2 is
again designed at its outer surface 24 with the outer cone
25 tapering in the direction of its end wall l0. On the
outer surface 24 on the left of this figure it is shown
- ~17'~9'~~
that a film 46 is arranged there, surrounding the outer
surf ace 24. This film 46 can be designed as a substrate
layer 4? for the painted or printed layer 45 and/or as a
gas-tight barrier layer. The painted or printed layer 45
may consist of information 48 shown schematically which
e.g. indicates to the user of this holding device 1
different fields of application, if occasion arises
additives arranged in the container 2, the expiry date, the
partial pressure built up in the interior, manufacturer's
information, warnings or, by different colour coding,
different spheres of application.
The film 46 applied to the outer surface 24 in this
embodiment extends into the region of the plane 2? of the
holding device 1 shown by dot and dash lines.
But it is of course also possible, as shown in the top
right region of Fig. ?, to apply the film 46 with the
painted or printed layer 45 to the inner surface 21 of the
outer housing 4.
In the bottom right region of Fig. ? it is also shown
as an additional variant that the painted ar printed layer
45 with its information 48 is introduced without interpos-
ition of the film 46 between the outer surface 24 of the
container 2 and the inner surface 21 of the outer housing
4. This can take place either by the fact that the painted
or printed layer 45 has been applied either to the inner
surface 21 or to the outer surface 24 in each case before
insertion of the container 2 in the outer housing 4. The
painted or printed layer 45 is in this embodiment
continuous in the region between the end wall 10 and the
end wall 6 over the whole cross-section. In order to allow
sufficient air extraction on insertion of the container 2
in the outer housing 4, in this embodiment it is now
possible for example to apply the film 46 over two partial
regions, so that between the individual film portions,
narrow continuous channels 49 are obtained far escape of
the air on insertion of the container 2 in the outer
housing 4.
~:~~'7q'~4
16
Equally it is also possible to interrupt the painted
or printed layer 45 applied to the inner surface 21 of the
outer housing 4 or the outer surface 24 of the container 2,
continuously in the longitudinal direction of the holding
device l, so that the channels formed thereby can be used
to extract air on insertion of the container 2 in the outer
housing 4.
Of course it is also possible to arrange the painted
or printed layer 45 between two films, that is, in a film
sandwich composite, and to apply this film composite to
parts or the whole circumference of the container 2 or to
the inner surface 21 of the outer housing 4. Attachment of
the films 46 and application of the painted or printed
layer 45 or corresponding film composites can take place
for example by adhesion or integral formation during the
process of manufacturing the container 2 and outer housing
4, which usually takes place by injection moulding, in
which the painted or printed layer 45 or the film 46 or the
composite films are positioned on the mould surfaces of the
tools, in order to join them, during the process of
manufacturing the container 2 and outer housing 4, directly
to them.
In connection with manufacture of the outer housing 4
and/or container 2, instead of manufacturing them by an
injection moulding process it is also possible to make them
for example by extrusion or by a wrapping process or the
like from several *lacquers fixed to each other, in each
case as a sandwich component, wherein the end walls 6, 10
of the container 2 and outer housing 4 are tightly sealed
for example by a thermal shaping process, a blowing process
or the like.
In Figs. 8 to 10 is shown another embodiment of a
holding device 1, the same reference numbers as in Figs. 1
to 7 again being used for the same components.
* Translator's note: sic (should be "layers" as in claim
~1'~ ~~~~~
17
14)
The holding device 1 again consists of the inner
container 2 which is inserted or pressed into the outer
housing 4 designed as a protective layer 3, and supported
therein stationarily e.g. by means of a press fit. Both
the container 2 and the outer housing 4 are again sealed
with end walls 10 and 6 in an end region, that is, the end
9 or the end 5. Further, both the container 2 and the
outer housing 4 are open in the region opposite the end 9
or end 5, that is, the end region 11 as well as the end 7,
and can be sealed in this region by means of the sealing
device 8.
The sealing device 8 for sealing the open region of
the holding device 1 in turn again consists of the cap 16,
the stopper 15 arranged therein and the retaining washer
20. In order to achieve fixing of the. stopper 15 in
position in the direction of the longitudinal axis 26 in
the cap 16, it comprises the attachment 17 which projects
radially outwards. beyond the sealing surface 14 and extends
all round and which is reliably supported on the one hand
on the collar 19, which faces towards the end 7 of the
outer housing 4 and is connected to the cap 16 in form-
locking relationship, and on the other hand on the
retaining washer 20 arranged at a distance therefrom in the
direction of the longitudinal axis 26. This washer is in
turn again fixed in the direction of the longitudinal axis
26 by a bead 50 arranged on the side of the retaining
washer 20 opposite the stopper 15 and protruding radially
inwards, that is, in the direction of the longitudinal axis
26. The attachment 17 in this case protrudes outwards
beyond the sealing surface 14 all round by about the wall
thickness of the outer housing 4.
The collar 19 of the cap 16 is supported at the end
edge 18 on the sealing device 8 when the latter is fully
fitted or screwed on. In order to make it easier to fit or
screw the sealing device 8 onto the outer housing 4, on the
inside of the cap 16 are shown schematically parts of
18
thread turns 51, 52, 53. These helically arranged thread
turns cooperate with web-like or knob-like projections 54
which protrude outwards over the circumference in the
region of the end edge 18 of the outer housing 4 and are
arranged in certain regions. Thus the whole sealing device
8 and hence also the stopper 15 can be inserted in the open
end 7 of the outer housing 4 until an end face 55 of the
stopper 15 facing towards the end 5 comes into contact with
an end edge 56 of the container 2 in the end region 11
thereof.
As can further be seen from Fig. 8, the outer housing
4 has the length 12, seen the direction of its longitudinal
axis 26. The end wall 6 of the outer housing 4 has a
thickness 57 in the region of the end 5. Further the end
edge 56 of the container 2 is spaced apart by the length
difference 13 from the end edge 18 of the outer housing 4
in the direction of the end wall 6, as a result of which a
length 58 arises for the container 2. This length
difference 13 is,to be kept to exactly, as othertaise there
is no sealing contact of the end face 55 of the stopper 15
with the end edge 56 of the container 2,, which in this
region can then result in ambient air being drawn in
through the outer housing 4, and hence the vacuum of the
holding device 1 which has built up in the interior 59 is
reduced or the holding device 1 becomes unusable as a
result.
In order now to be able to keep exactly to this length
difference 13 between the container 2 and the outer housing
4 over both their lengths 58 and 12 or the thickness 57 of
the end wall 6 , both the end wall 6 and the end wall 10
have a special design, as can best be seen from Fig. 9.
Another problem also arises in the process of manufacturing
the container 2 or outer housing 4, as they are made in
each case in a separate injection moulding or blowing
process, and also the inaccuracies in the region of the
sprue of the components must be taken into account. Thus
the ball cup-shaped end wall 10 of the container 2 in the
~1'~'~9"~~
19
region of the longitudinal axis 26 has a passage through
the material in the direction of the open end region 11, as
a result of which a free space 60 is formed between the
outer surface 24 of the container 2 and the inner surface
21 of the outer housing 4. In this free space 60 a sprue
61 for the container 2 is also arranged and shown
schematically in the region of the longitudinal axis 26.
In the region of the longitudinal axis 26 the inner
surface 21 of the outer housing 4 comprises a projection 62
which is shaped convexly in the direction of the open end
7 and also extends into the free space 60. Further, in
dashed lines is shown the ball cup shape of the inner
surface 21, to which the thickness 57 of the end wall 6 is
also referred.
In the region of the plane 27 which is arranged
normally to the longitudinal axis 26 and passes more or
less through the centre of the ball cup-shaped end wall 6
or 10, it is indicated that the outer surface 24 of the
container 2 forms an offset 63 constantly increasing in the
direction of the plane 27, from the inner surface 21 of the
outer housing 4. This offset 63 is continuous all round
over the whole circumference and serves on the one hand so
that the ball cup-shaped outer surface 24 of the end wall
of the container 2, in a region 64 which is arranged
centrally to the longitudinal axis 26 and can preferably be
approximately betT~een 60° and 140°, fits exactly against the
inner surface 21 of the outer housing 4 and on the other
hand so that the air remaining in the offset 63 can still
be drawn off in the direction of the end region 11 through
the depressions 31 distributed over the circumference of
the container 2. In this process of extraction or
evacuation of the interior 59, the remaining air in the
free space 60 is also drawn off via the depressions 31 and
the cavity formed by the offset 63. The depressions 31
form the channels 42 which run between the outer surf ace 24
of the container 2 and the inner surface 21 of the outer
housing 4 and extend from the sealed end in the direction
_ ~l"~~~~~
of the open end.
Fig. 10 shows a top view of the container 2 and the
outer housing 4 with the sealing device 8 lifted off. Here
can be seen the depressions 31 arranged on the outer
surface 24 of the container 2, which :in the present
embodiment are offset from each other at an angle of 120°,
distributed over the circumference, and extend into the
region of the plane 27 and there open out into the cavity
formed by the offset 63. As a result, again for assembly
of the container 2 with the outer housing 4 it is ensured
that the air trapped between the two end walls 6 and 10 can
escape through the depressions 31 in the direction of the
open end 7, as a result of which satisfactory and easy
assembly is ensured. In order to facilitate this assembly
process, or due to the process of manufacturing the
container 2 and the outer housing 4, these are of conical
construction, and both the inner surface 21 of the
container 2 comprises the inner cone 22 and the outer
surface 24 comprises the outer cone 25, which taper at the
cone angle 23 in the direction of the sealed end. The cone
angle 23 is here between 4° and 0.1°.
Likewise are shown the projections 54 which are
arranged in the region of the end edge 18 and protrude
outwardly beyond an outer surface 65 and which cooperate
with the thread turns 51 to 53 of the cap 16. The
individual projections 54 - in the present embodiment three
projections 54 are provided - are offset from each other at
an angle of about 120°.
It is again essential in this embodiment that the
container 2 is made of a liquid-tight, in particular water-
tight, material such as e.g. glass, plastic, such as in
particular polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or the
like. A gas-tight material, in particular polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), is used as the preferred material for
the outer housing 4. A highly elastic and self-sealing
material such as e.g. pharmaceutical :rubber, silicone
rubber or bromobutyl rubber which is both gas-tight and
21
liquid-tight is used as the material for the stopper 15 of
the sealing device 8.
Care must further be taken that snug f fitting of the
end face 55 of the stopper 15 against the end edge 56 of
the container 2 is ensured, in order to achieve gas-tight
sealing in this region too. For this it is also necessary
for both the lengths 12 and 58 to be kept to exactly
= ~'_='._-~°_ to each ot:~er, as a result of which a minor
deviation in the length difference 13 also arises.
Finally it should be pointed out that in the
embodiments described above, individual parts have been
shown disproportionately enlarged in order to improve
understanding of the solution accorda.ng to the invention.
Furthermore, individual parts of the combinations of
characteristics described above for the individual
embodiments can also, in conjunction with other individual
characteristics from other embodiments, form independent
solutions according to the invention.
Above all the individual embodiments shown in Figs. 1
to 3, 4, 5, 6,' 7, 8 to 10 can form the subject of
independent solutions according to the invention. The
objects and solutions according to the invention in this
respect can be found in the detailed descriptions of these
figures .
21'~ ~ 9'~ ~
22
List of reference numbers
1 holding device 34 inner surface
2 container 35 end
3 protective layer 36 end
4 outer housing 37 distance
end 38 width
6 end wall 39 projection
7 end 40 rib
8 sealing device 41 web
9 end 42 channel
end wall 43 passage
11 end region 44 support region
12 length 45 painted or printed
13 length difference layer
14 sealing surface 46 film
stopper 47 substrate layer
16 cap 48 information
17 attachment 49 channel
18 end edge 50 bead
19 collar 51 thread turn
retaining washer 52 thread turn
21 inner surface 53 thread turn
22 inner cone 54 projection
23 cone angle 55 end :face
24 outer surface 56 end edge
outer cone 57 thickness
26 longitudinal axis 58 length
27 plane 59 interior
28 plane 60 free space
29 tip diameter 61 sprue
base diameter 62 projection
31 depression 63 offset
32 depth 64 region
33 wall thickness 65 outer surface
