GB2631393A

GB2631393A - Container for a liquid

Info

Publication number: GB2631393A
Application number: GB2309729.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ramsey Peter
Original assignee: Meditech Endoscopy Ltd
Current assignee: Meditech Endoscopy Ltd
Priority date: 2023-06-28
Filing date: 2023-06-28
Publication date: 2025-01-08
Also published as: WO2025003684A1; GB202309729D0

Abstract

A container 210 for a liquid comprising a receptable 212 having an internal volume for holding a liquid and a neck assembly 216 secured to the receptacle comprising an inlet passageway 224 providing access to the internal volume of the receptacle. A sealing element 230 is disposed in the inlet passageway. A cap assembly 218 is engaged with the neck assembly having an opening aligned with the inlet passageway. The cap assembly is moveable with respect to the neck assembly from an initial position into a sealing position in which a part of the cap assembly applies a force to the sealing element to restrict or prevent access through the inlet passageway to the internal volume of the receptacle. An assembly for the container and a volume of liquid in the internal volume of the receptacle is also provided. Methods are provided for sealing the container and using the assembly to immerse and retain a part of an object in the liquid.

Description

Container for a Liquid

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container for a liquid. The present invention relates, in particular, to a container for a liquid including a cap that may be easily sealed. The container of the present invention may be used as a cleaning apparatus for flushing and cleaning internal channels of an item of equipment such as an endoscope or similar instrument. This invention also relates to a method of using a container according to the invention to immerse and retain a part of an object (such as the tip of an endoscope) in a volume of liquid.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Figure 1 illustrates an air/water system of an endoscope 902. A first component of such an endoscope air/water system is an air pump 904 in a light source 906. The air flows into the endoscope 902 through a light guide connector 908 of the endoscope 902. The air travels through a very small diameter channel 910 in the endoscope 902 and flows out of an air/water valve 912. The air/water system is controlled from a control section 918 of the endoscope 902. During use of the endoscope 902, in order to insufflate an organ to be examined, the air/water valve 912 is gently covered thereby preventing air exiting through the air/water valve 912 and instead diverting air down the insertion tube 920 and out of a distal tip 922 of the endoscope 902.

Another component of the air/water system is a water bottle. The water bottle is attached to air and water ports 914, 916 of the endoscope 902. During use, the air/water valve 912 may be depressed so that air entering the endoscope 902 is diverted through the air port 914 of the endoscope 902 and into the water bottle causing the bottle to be pressurized. This pressure then forces water from the bottle, through the water port 916, and into another small diameter channel 924 in the endoscope. The water travels along the channel 924 and may be used to flush or clear the view at the distal tip 922 of the endoscope 902.

The air/water channel is therefore actually formed by the two separate small diameter channels 910, 924 that combine into a single channel only proximate the distal tip 922 of the endoscope 902. Furthermore, a small metal nozzle is generally disposed at the tip 922 of the endoscope 902 to deflect air or water from the air/water channel 910, 924 across the image lens of the endoscope 902. The presence of this metal nozzle means that it is not possible to brush the air/water channel 910, 924. This, together with the small diameter of the air/water channel 910, 924, as well as other factors, makes it difficult to clean and decontaminate the air/water channel 910, 924.

The air/water nozzle is the area of greatest failure in the channel system of endoscopes as the air/water nozzle is the point of smallest internal diameter of the air/water channel system, which means that it can easily become blocked or obstructed by debris. Furthermore, during an endoscopic procedure, air infused into the organ being examined can force debris to back up into the nozzle and into the air/water channels 910, 924. This debris can travel some distance back into the channels.

The endoscope also includes a suction/biopsy channel 926 that extends to the tip 922 of the endoscope 902. It will be appreciated that it is very important to thoroughly clean and sterilise this suction/biopsy channel 926 to prevent cross-contamination.

Accordingly, after use of an endoscope, the endoscope must be cleaned and sterilised. Cleaning refers to the removal of visible debris, which may include both inorganic and organic substances. Cleaning usually involves a mechanical process, together with water and detergent. Following cleaning, sterilisation of the endoscope destroys microorganisms present on or in the endoscope. Sterilisation processes usually involve steam or a chemical sterilant. Following sterilisation, the endoscope undergoes high-level disinfection. -3 -

It is currently recommended that a preliminary cleaning routine should be undertaken immediately after use and before the endoscope is detached from the light source/video processor. Current pre-clean practice is to flush air and water through both the air/water channel and the suction/biopsy channel. It has been found, however, that routine pre-cleaning procedures for endoscopes do not remove biofilm reliably from endoscope channels. This leads to failures in the subsequent decontamination processes.

It is also recommended that the air and water channels, suction/biopsy channel, and any auxiliary channel, are also irrigated with detergent, not only to check for blockages but also to expel any blood, mucus and other debris.

PCT/GB2023/050913 describes a cleaning apparatus 950, illustrated in Figure 2, comprising a bag or container 952 for holding a volume of a liquid 954, which is preferably a detergent solution. In use, a tip 956 of an endoscope may be inserted into the internal volume of the bag 952 and the liquid 954 is drawn up through at least one internal channel of the endoscope to flush or clean the channel. The liquid 954 may be a neutral pH enzymatic detergent solution. The detergent is designed to break down proteinaceous materials and prevent the formation of biofilm, for example in the air/water channel of the endoscope.

The bag 952 includes a neck portion 958 through which an insertion tube of the endoscope extends when the tip 956 is in the bag 952. In some cases it is desirable to protect the tip 956 of the endoscope with a tip protector 960. Accordingly, the neck portion 958 of the bag 952 preferably has dimensions large enough to allow the tip protector 960 to pass through.

It has been found that it may be beneficial to retain the tip 956 of the endoscope in the liquid 954 within the bag 952 until the endoscope undergoes subsequent sterilisation procedures. This allows the internal channels of the endoscope to remain filled with detergent solution, or water, which may assist in reducing the formation of biofilm in the channels. Accordingly, the neck portion 958 may be -4 -adapted to be secured around the insertion tube of the endoscope proximate the tip 956 to keep the tip 956 submerged in the liquid 954.

Transporting an endoscope with a liquid filled bag secured around the tip, however, 5 may be problematic. The bag may be torn or may become separated from the tip such that the liquid spills.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container that may be used as a cleaning apparatus that assists in cleaning or flushing of internal channels 10 of an endoscope and which may be securely retained around a tip of the endoscope.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a container for a liquid comprising: a receptable having an internal volume for holding a liquid; a neck assembly secured to the receptacle, the neck assembly including an inlet passageway providing access to the internal volume of the receptacle and a sealing element disposed in the inlet passageway; and a cap assembly engaged with the neck assembly and having an opening aligned with the inlet passageway, the cap assembly being moveable with respect to the neck assembly from an initial position into a sealing position in which a part of the cap assembly applies a force to the sealing element to restrict or prevent access through the inlet passageway to the internal volume of the receptacle.

The container preferably comprises a latch mechanism arranged to retain the cap assembly in the sealing position. The latch mechanism may comprise a first ratchet tooth of the cap assembly and a second ratchet tooth of the neck assembly, the second ratchet tooth arranged to engage with the first ratchet tooth. The latch mechanism may comprise a plurality of first ratchet teeth and a plurality of second ratchet teeth. In other embodiments the neck assembly and the cap assembly comprise complementary screw threads to engage the cap assembly with the neck -5 -assembly.

The cap assembly is preferably moveable relative to the neck assembly in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inlet passageway.

In preferred embodiments the sealing element is annular. When the cap assembly is in the sealing position a diameter of a bore of the annular sealing element is preferably less than when the cap assembly is in the initial position. In some embodiments an axis of the bore of the sealing element may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inlet passageway, and in the sealing position the cap assembly may apply a force to an end of the sealing element in a direction parallel to the bore.

The sealing element is preferably made of an elastomeric material. In preferred embodiments the receptacle comprises a flexible pouch.

In preferred embodiments the cap assembly comprises a removeable cover sealing the opening.

The container preferably comprises an activation element arranged to prevent movement of the cap assembly from the initial position to the sealing position. In preferred embodiments the cap assembly comprises a main body including the opening and the activation element is removably attached to the main body.

The neck assembly may comprise a reservoir for holding a volume of liquid, the reservoir being disposed between the sealing element and the receptacle. The reservoir may, in an initial configuration, hold the volume of liquid separate from the internal volume of the receptacle. The reservoir may be configured to be broken, burst or ruptured to, in a dispensing configuration, fluidly connect the reservoir to the internal volume of the receptacle.

In some embodiments the container comprises a chamber including a rigid side wall -6 -defining a cavity. The chamber is preferably disposed between the sealing element and the receptacle. The chamber may act as a reservoir to hold a volume of liquid.

A second aspect of the invention provides an assembly comprising a container according to the first aspect of the invention and a volume of liquid held in the internal volume of the receptacle.

In use, the assembly preferably further comprises a part of an object extending through the inlet passageway. A tip of the object is preferably immersed in the liquid in the internal volume of the receptacle.

In embodiments in which the neck assembly comprises a reservoir, the reservoir may contain a volume of s second liquid. The second liquid is preferably different to the liquid held in the internal volume of the receptacle. The liquid in the internal volume of the receptacle may be water, for example sterile water or distilled water.

The second liquid may be a concentrated detergent.

In use, the assembly preferably further comprises a part of an object extending through the inlet passageway. A tip of the object is preferably immersed in the liquid in the reservoir.

The object is preferably an endoscope. In particular, a distal tip of an endoscope may be disposed in the liquid in the container.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of sealing a container for holding a liquid, the container comprising a receptable having an internal volume for holding a liquid, a neck assembly secured to the receptacle and a cap assembly engaged with the neck assembly. The method comprises moving the cap assembly relative to the neck assembly from an initial position into a sealing position so that a part of the cap assembly applies a force to a sealing element to restrict or prevent access through an inlet passageway of the neck element to the internal volume of the receptacle.

The method preferably comprises moving the cap assembly relative to the neck assembly in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inlet passageway.

In embodiments in which the sealing element is annular and includes a bore, the method step of moving the cap assembly into the sealing position preferably applies a force to an end of the sealing element in a direction parallel to an axis of the bore to decrease a diameter of a bore.

The method may further comprise engaging a first ratchet tooth of the cap assembly with a second ratchet tooth of the neck assembly to retain the cap assembly in the sealing position.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of using an assembly according to the second aspect of the invention to immerse and retain a part of an object in a volume of liquid. The method comprises: with the cap assembly in the initial position, inserting the part of the object through the opening in the cap assembly, through the inlet passageway in the neck element, past the sealing element and into the receptacle so that the part of the object enters the volume of liquid; and then moving the cap assembly into the sealing position so that the sealing element grips a part of object extending through the inlet passageway.

In embodiments in which the sealing element is annular and includes a bore, the method step of moving the cap assembly into the sealing position preferably applies a force to an end of the sealing element in a direction parallel to an axis of the bore 30 to decrease a diameter of a bore.

The method may further comprise engaging a first ratchet tooth of the cap assembly -8 -with a second ratchet tooth of the neck assembly to retain the cap assembly in the sealing position.

In embodiments in which the container comprises a chamber including a rigid side wall defining a cavity disposed between the sealing element and the receptacle, the method may comprise inserting the part of the object through the opening in the cap assembly, through the inlet passageway in the neck element, past the sealing element and into the cavity of the chamber. The method may comprise applying a suction force to the container to open a valve of the chamber to draw a liquid from the internal volume of the receptacle into the cavity of the chamber, and subsequently removing or reducing the suction force to close the valve and retain liquid in the cavity of the chamber.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment described above may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and embodiments also.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used for like features, and in which: Figure 1 illustrates a known air/water system of an endoscope; Figure 2 illustrates a prior art cleaning apparatus comprising a bag containing a volume of detergent solution in which a tip of an endoscope is received; Figure 3 is a side view of a container according to a first preferred embodiment of 30 the invention comprising a receptacle, a neck assembly and a cap assembly; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of components of the cap assembly and neck -9 -assembly of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly and the neck assembly of Figure 4 in an initial configuration; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly and neck assembly of Figure 5 with a cover removed from the cap assembly; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly and neck assembly of Figure 10 5 with the cover removed from the cap assembly and with an activation element detached from the cap assembly; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly and neck assembly of Figure 5 with the cover and the activation element removed from the cap assembly, and 15 with a main body of the cap assembly in a sealing position to compress a seal of the neck assembly; Figure 9 shows a container according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a receptacle, a neck assembly and a cap assembly; Figure 10 shows a container according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a receptacle, a neck assembly and a cap assembly; Figure 11 shows a container according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a receptacle, a neck assembly and a cap assembly; Figure 12 shows a cap assembly and a neck assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 shows the cap assembly and neck assembly of Figure 12 attached to a receptacle; Figure 14 shows a cap assembly and a neck assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 shows the cap assembly and neck assembly of Figure 14 attached to a receptacle; and Figure 16 shows part of the cap assembly and neck assembly of Figure 12, with a tip of an endoscope disposed in a chamber of the neck assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a cleaning apparatus that comprises a bag or container for holding a volume of a liquid, which is preferably a detergent solution. In use, a tip or part of a piece of equipment, such as a tip of an endoscope, may be inserted into the internal volume of the container and is preferably retained in a position such that the tip or part of the piece of equipment is held in the volume of liquid. The liquid may be drawn up through an internal channel of the equipment to flush or clean the channel of the equipment.

When used to clean medical equipment, such as an endoscope or similar, the bag may contain a neutral pH enzymatic detergent solution. The detergent is designed to break down proteinaceous materials and prevent the formation of biofilm, for example in the air/water channel of the endoscope.

Figures 3 to 8 illustrate a container 10 for a liquid according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The container 10 may form at least part of a pre-clean apparatus that can be used to provide an initial cleaning of an endoscope 902.

The container comprises a receptable 12 having an internal volume 14 for holding a liquid, a neck assembly 16 secured to the receptacle 12, and a cap assembly 18 engaged with the neck assembly 16.

The receptacle 12 is preferably in the form of a flexible pouch, and may be sized to hold 250 ml or 500 ml of liquid in the internal volume 14. In this embodiment the neck assembly 16 is secured to an edge of the receptacle 12.

The neck assembly 16 comprises a neck element 20, which is preferably made from a suitable polymeric material. The neck element 20 comprises a tubular side wall 22 that extends around and defines an inlet passageway 24 of the neck assembly 16. A cross-sectional shape of the inlet passageway 24 is preferably circular. A flange 26 is disposed at a first end of the side wall 22. The flange 26 has a first face from which the side wall 22 extends and an opposite second face. A shape of each of the first and second faces may be oval or rhombic. A skirt 28 extends from the second face of the flange 26. The skirt 28 provides a surface to which the receptacle 12 is secured. The receptacle 12, when in the form of a pouch, may be heat welded or ultrasonically welded to the skirt 28 of the neck element 20. Apertures through the flange 26 and the skirt 28 are aligned with the inlet passageway 24 such that the inlet passageway 24 extends fully through the neck element 20 from a second end of the side wall 22 to an end of the skirt 28. With the neck element 20 secured to the receptacle 12, the inlet passageway 24 provides access to the internal volume 14 of the receptacle 12.

The neck assembly 16 further comprises a sealing element 30 disposed in the inlet passageway 24. The sealing element 30 is generally tubular and extends between first and second ends 32, 34. The sealing element 30 is disposed in the section of the inlet passageway 24 surrounded by the side wall 22. The first end 32 of the sealing element 30 abuts or contacts a shoulder 36 that protrudes radially inwardly into the inlet passageway 24. In this embodiment, a diameter of the aperture through the flange 26 is smaller than the internal diameter of the tubular side wall 22 thereby forming the shoulder 36. The second end 34 of the sealing element 30 is disposed at or proximate the second end of the side wall 22. The second end 34 of the sealing element 30 may protrude from the second end of the side wall 22.

A bore 38 extends through the sealing element 30 between the first and second ends 32, 34. In some embodiments the bore 38 may have a constant diameter along its length. In this embodiment a diameter of the bore 38 is smaller in a central portion of the sealing element 30 between the first and second ends 32, 34 and the diameter of the bore 38 is greatest at the first and second ends 32, 34.

The sealing element 30 is preferably made of a suitable elastomeric material. The sealing element may be made of rubber or silicone, for example. The sealing element 30 is preferably deformable and able to grip and seal around an object inserted through the inlet passageway 24, as described further below.

The cap assembly 18 comprises a main body 40 including an annular top plate 42 having an inner circumferential edge and an outer circumferential edge. A generally tubular side wall 44 extends from the outer circumferential edge. The side wall 44 extends from the top plate 42 to an end edge 46. In this embodiment a press member 48 extends from the inner circumferential edge of the top plate 42. The press member 48 is tubular and extends from the top plate 42 in generally the same direction as the side wall 44. The press member 48 extends from the top plate 42 to an end edge 50. A distance between the top plate 42 and the end edge 50 of the press member 48 is significantly less than the distance between the top plate 42 and the end edge 46 of the side wall 44. The distance between the top plate 42 and the end edge 50 of the press member 48 may be less than half the distance between the top plate 42 and the end edge 46 of the side wall 44.

The cap assembly 18 further comprises a removeable cover 52 that seals an opening 54 of the cap assembly 18. The opening 54 is defined by the annular top plate 42 and, in this embodiment, is surrounded by the tubular press member 48. The cover 52 is removably secured to the main body 40 so that, in use, a user can detach and remove the cover 52 to access the opening 54. When the cover 52 is secured to the main body 40, the cover 52 preferably forms a liquid-tight seal over the opening 54. The cover 52 may also provide an air-tight seal. In this embodiment the cover 52 is integral with the main body 40 of the cap assembly 18. A line of weakness forms a perimeter of the cover 52 such that, when sufficient force is applied to the cover 52, the cover 52 is separated from the main body 40 along the line of weakness. The cover 52 may include a tab 53 arranged such that a user can grip the tab 53 to apply a force to the cover 52 to pull the cover 52 and tear along the line of weakness.

A latch mechanism 54 is provided to retain the cap assembly 18 in engagement with the neck assembly 16. In this embodiment the latch mechanism 54 comprises a ratchet mechanism. A plurality of first ratchet teeth 56 are provided on an inner surface of the side wall 44 of the cap assembly 18. A plurality of second ratchet teeth 58 are provided on an outer surface of the side wall 22 of the neck assembly 16. The cap assembly 18 is secured to the neck assembly 16 by pushing the cap assembly 18 onto and over the neck assembly 16 and engaging the first ratchet teeth 56 with the second ratchet teeth 58. With the latch mechanism 54 engaged, the side wall 44 of the cap assembly 18 surrounds the side wall 22 of the neck assembly 16.

With the cap assembly 18 secured to the neck assembly 16, the opening 54 of the cap assembly 18 is aligned with the inlet passageway 24 of the neck assembly 16. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the press member 48 is aligned with the sealing 20 element 30. The end edge 50 of the press member 48 is preferably aligned with the second end 34 of the sealing element 30. The second end of the side wall 22 of the neck element 20 is receivable in a gap 60 between the inner surface of the side wall 44 of the cap assembly 18 proximate the top plate 42 and an outer surface of the press member 48. A surface of the top plate 42 defines a closed end of the gap 60. 25 In an initial position, the cap assembly 18 is engaged with the neck assembly 16 so that the press member 48 applies little or no force to the sealing element 30. To retain the cap assembly 18 in this initial position the cap assembly 18 preferably further comprises an activation element 62. The activation element 62 is removably attached to the main body 40 of the cap assembly 18 and, in particular, to the end edge 46 of the side wall 44. The activation element 62 comprises a flexible strip or band 64 that is formed into a loop-or ring-shape and secured to the end edge 46 of the side wall 44. A pull-tab 66 is secured or provided at one end of the flexible strip or band 64. In this embodiment, therefore, the activation element 64 is in a form similar to a tamper-evident band on a lid, cap or other closure.

The activation element 62 is disposed between the end edge 46 of the side wall 44 of the cap assembly 18 and the flange 26 of the neck element 20 and acts to space the cap assembly 18 away from the flange 26. The activation element 62 prevents the cap assembly 18 being pushed towards the flange 26 which would result in the press element applying a greater force to the sealing element 30.

The arrangement and configuration of the sets of first and second ratchet teeth 56, 58 are preferably such that once the cap assembly 18 has been engaged with the neck assembly 16, by pushing the main body 40 of the cap assembly 18 over the side wall 22 of the neck element 20 in a first direction towards the flange 26 of the neck element 20, the main body 40 of the cap assembly 18 cannot be removed from the neck element 20 by pulling the main body 40 in a second, opposite direction.

The use of the container 10 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 5 to 8. The receptacle is not shown in these Figures; however, it will be appreciated that the receptacle 12 would be secured to the skirt 28 of the neck element 20 so that the inlet passageway 24 provides access to the internal volume 14 of the receptacle 12.

Figure 5 shows the cap assembly 18 in the initial position in which little or no force is applied to the sealing element 30 by the cap assembly 18, such that the sealing element 30 is not deformed or compressed.

When a user wishes to insert a part of an object into the internal volume 14 of the receptacle 12, for example the tip of an insertion tube of an endoscope, the user 30 first detaches the cover 52 from the cap assembly 18, as shown in Figure 6.

A user can then inert the object through the opening in the cap assembly 18, through the inlet passageway 24 in the neck assembly 16 and into the internal volume 14 of the receptacle 12. It will be appreciated that as the object is inserted through the inlet passageway 24 the object extends through the bore 38 of the sealing element 30 so that the sealing element 30 surrounds a part of the object. Because the sealing element 30 is made of an elastomeric material and because no (or little) force is being applied to the sealing element 30 by the cap assembly 18, the sealing element 30 is able to deform or flex to allow passage of the object through the bore 38 and through the inlet passageway 24.

Once the object has been inserted into the internal volume 14 of the receptacle 12, it may be desirable to retain the object in that position. For example, in a preferred use of the container 10, the internal volume 14 of the receptacle 12 may contain a detergent solution. A user may insert the tip of an endoscope into the receptacle so that the detergent solution may be flushed through internal channels of the insertion tube of the endoscope. It may then be desirable to retain the tip of the endoscope in the detergent solution in the receptacle to retain detergent solution in the internal channels of the endoscope.

Referring to Figure 7, once the object is in the desired position, a user can then detach the activation element 64. The main body 40 of the cap assembly 18 can then be pressed in the first direction towards the flange 26 of the neck element 20, as shown in Figure 8. As the main body 40 of the cap assembly 18 in pressed in this first direction the press member 48 applies a force to the second end 34 of the sealing element 30. Because the first end 32 of the sealing element 30 is in contact with the shoulder 36 of the neck element 20, this force compresses the sealing element 30 in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bore 38 of the sealing element 30. This compressive force causes the sealing element 30 to expand in a radial direction. Because the sealing element 30 is constrained externally by the side wall of 22 of the neck element 20, this radial expansion results in a decrease in the diameter of the bore 38 such that the sealing element 30 grips and seals against the object extending through the inlet passageway 24.

With the cap assembly 18 in this sealing position the sealing element 30 therefore restricts or prevents access through the inlet passageway 24 to the internal volume 14 of the receptacle 12.

The latch mechanism 54, and in this embodiment the arrangement of the ratchet teeth 56, 58, is such that the cap assembly 18 is retained in the sealing position. This maintains the grip of the sealing element 20 on the object extending through the inlet passageway 24 such that a part of the object is retained in the internal volume 14 of the receptacle 12.

As described above, in a preferred use of the container 10, the receptacle 12 holds a volume of detergent solution. For most uses, the detergent solution in the receptacle 12 is preferably of a relatively low concentration. It has been found, however, that pre-mixed low concentration detergent degrades over time. Tests show that bacterial growth occurs in low concentration detergent. Accordingly, if the container 10 filled with detergent solution is stored for a long time before use, the detergent solution in the receptacle 12 may have degraded to a point at which it is no longer fit for purpose.

Accordingly, it is desirable if the low concentration detergent solution is used soon after it is formed. One option is to separate, within the container 10 or receptacle 12, a volume of sterile water and a volume of concentrated detergent. These two volumes could then be mixed to create the required low concentration detergent solution within the internal volume 14 of the receptacle 12 shortly before use.

In some embodiments, therefore, the container is advantageously provided with a reservoir disposed at least partially within the internal volume of the receptacle. The internal volume of the receptacle may then contain a first volume of a first liquid, and the reservoir may contain a second volume of a second liquid. In preferred embodiments the first liquid is sterile water or distilled water and the second liquid is a concentrated detergent.

In an initial state the reservoir holds the second liquid separated from the first liquid. Before use of the container, the reservoir is preferably ruptured, broken or opened to permit the second liquid to mix with the first liquid. Accordingly, in embodiments in which the first liquid is sterile water and the second liquid is a concentrated detergent, these may be mixed shortly before use to form the lower concentration detergent solution within the internal volume of the receptacle.

An internal volume of the reservoir is preferably significantly smaller than the internal volume of the receptacle. The internal volume of the reservoir may be smaller than 20% of the internal volume of the receptacle. The internal volume of the reservoir may be smaller than 10% of the internal volume of the receptacle. The internal volume of the reservoir may hold 5m1 of liquid and the internal volume of the receptacle may hold 500m1 of liquid.

Figure 9 illustrates a container 110 for a liquid according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the receptacle 112 and cap assembly 118 are identical to those of the first embodiment.

The neck assembly 116 of this embodiment comprises a neck element 120 including a tubular side wall 122 that extends around and defines an inlet passageway 124 of the neck assembly 116. A cross-sectional shape of the inlet passageway 124 is preferably circular. A flange 126 is disposed at a first end of the side wall 122. The flange 126 has a first face from which the side wall 122 extends and an opposite second face. A shape of each of the first and second faces may be oval or rhombic.

A skirt 128 extends from the second face of the flange 126. The skirt 128 provides a surface to which the receptacle 112 is secured, as described above. Apertures through the flange 126 and the skirt 128 are aligned with the inlet passageway 124 such that the inlet passageway 124 extends fully through the neck element 120 from a second end of the side wall 122 to an end of the skirt 128. The neck assembly 116 further comprises a sealing element 130 disposed in the inlet passageway 124.

In this embodiment the neck assembly 116 further comprises an auxiliary port 168 that may be used to fill the internal volume 114 of the receptacle 112 with a liquid after the neck assembly 116 has been secured to the receptacle 112. The auxiliary port 168 comprises a conduit 170 that extends through the skirt 128 and the flange 126 of the neck element 120. The conduit 170 therefore provides a fluid passageway through the neck element 120. In this embodiment the conduit 170 extends from the first face of the flange 126 and terminates at a connector at a distance from the flange 126. The connector may be used to connect to a pipe or tube to deliver a liquid into the receptacle 112. As illustrated in Figure 9, the connector is preferably sealed with a cap 172. This cap 172 may be a luer lock cap.

The neck assembly 116 further comprises a reservoir 174 connected to the neck element 120. In this example, the reservoir 174 comprises a tube 176. The tube 176 is attached to the neck element 120 so that a bore 178 of the tube is aligned with the inlet passageway 124 of the neck assembly 116. The tube 176 is attached to the neck element 120 at a first end of the tube 176 and extends away from the skirt 128 of the neck element 120 generally in an opposite direction to the side wall 122. The tube 176 may be rigid or flexible.

A closure 180 of the reservoir 174 is provided at a second end of the tube 176. In 20 this embodiment the closure 180 is in the form of a bung that is seated in the second end of the tube 176. It will be appreciated that the first end of the tube 176 is sealed by the cap assembly 118 secured to the neck assembly 116.

The bore 178 of the tube 176 provides an internal volume 182 of the reservoir 174 that may be used to contain a liquid. In a preferred embodiment the internal volume 114 of the receptacle 112 contains a first liquid, which may be sterile or distilled water, and the internal volume 182 of the reservoir 174 contains a second liquid, which may be a concentrated detergent.

In use, before the cover 152 is removed from the cap assembly 118, a user detaches the closure 180 from the tube 176 or breaks the closure 180 to dispense the second liquid within the internal volume 182 of the reservoir 174 into the internal volume 114 of the receptacle 112, to mix with the first liquid. The closure 180 may be detached from the tube 176 by pulling the closure 180 out of the second end of the tube 176. The closure 180 may be broken by pulling or twisting a break-to-open tab provided on the closure 180.

It will be appreciated that, because the bore 178 of the tube 176 is aligned with the inlet passageway 124, it is not possible to insert an object through the inlet passageway 124 and into the internal volume 114 of the receptacle 112 until the closure 180 has been removed. This arrangement therefore means that the first and second liquids must be mixed before an object can be inserted into the internal volume 114 of the receptacle 112.

Although in this embodiment the auxiliary port 168 is provided in the neck assembly 116, in other embodiments the auxiliary port may be provided in the receptacle, 15 separate from the neck assembly. For example, the auxiliary port may be disposed along an edge of the receptacle, spaced from or adjacent the neck assembly.

In some uses of the container 110, the auxiliary port 168 may be connected to another part of the object that is inserted into the container 110 to assist in cleaning or flushing that other part. For example, in uses in which an endoscope tip is inserted into the receptacle 112 so that detergent solution may be flushed through the air-water channel and suction channel of the endoscope, the connector of the auxiliary port 168 may be fluidly connected to another internal channel of the endoscope, for example the auxiliary water channel. Detergent solution may then also flow out of the receptacle 112 through the auxiliary port 168 to flush this additional channel of the endoscope, or liquid may be flushed through the additional channel and into the receptacle 112 through the auxiliary port 168.

Figure 10 illustrates a container 210 for a liquid according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment the neck assembly 216 comprises a neck element 220 and a -20 -sealing element 230 that are identical to those of the first embodiment. The neck assembly 216 further comprises a reservoir 274 connected to the neck element 220. As in the second embodiment, the reservoir 274 comprises a tube 276. The tube 276 is attached to the neck element 220 so that a bore 278 of the tube is aligned with the inlet passageway 224 of the neck assembly 216. The tube 276 is attached to the neck element 220 at a first end of the tube 276 and extends away from the skirt 228 of the neck element 220 generally in an opposite direction to the side wall 222. The tube 276 may be rigid or flexible.

A closure 280 of the reservoir 274 is provided at a second end of the tube 276. In this embodiment the closure 280 is in the form of a film or foil. In use, the film or foil of the closure 280 must be broken or ruptured both to dispense the liquid from the reservoir 274 into the internal volume 214 of the receptacle 212 and to allow an object to pass through the inlet passageway 224 into the internal volume 214 of the receptacle 212. The closure 280 of this embodiment may, therefore, be broken by applying a force to the closure 280 using the object being inserted into the container 210.

In this embodiment the cover 252 of the cap assembly 218 is also in the form of a foil or film that is secured to the top plate 242 of the main body 240 of the cap assembly 218. As described above, the cover 252 must be removed from the opening 254 of the cap assembly 218 to permit access through the opening 254 to the inlet passageway 224. In this embodiment the foil or film may be attached to the top plate 242 by a suitable adhesive that allows the foil or film to be peeled from the top plate 242 to detach the cover from the main body 240 of the cap assembly 218.

In other embodiments, access to the opening 254 may be achieved by breaking or rupturing the cover 252. The foil or film may be ruptured by applying a suitable force to the cover 252.

Although in this embodiment both the closure 280 and the cover 252 are in the form of a foil or film, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the closure may be -21 -in the form of a foil or film while the cover has a form similar to that of the first embodiment. Similarly, in other embodiments the cover may be in the form of a foil or film, while the closure is in the form of a bung similar or identical to that described in relation to the second embodiment. The advantage of both the closure 280 and the cover 252 being in the form of a foil or film is that an object may simply be pushed through both the cover 252 and the closure 280 as it is inserted into the container 210, without requiring a separate action by the user.

Figure 11 illustrates a container 310 for a liquid according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment a reservoir 374 is provided in the internal volume 314 of the receptable 312 separate from the neck assembly 316. The reservoir 374 is in the form of a sachet or similar disposed within the internal volume 314 of the receptacle 312. As in the illustrated example, the reservoir sachet 374 may be attached to an edge or side seam of the receptacle 312. The reservoir 374 may be positioned with respect to the receptacle 312 such that, once the receptacle 312 has been filled with a first liquid, e.g. water, and the reservoir 374 has been filled with a second liquid, e.g. detergent, the reservoir 374 may be sealed concurrently with the receptacle 312.

The reservoir 374 is preferably disposed below the surface of the volume of the first liquid within the receptacle 312.

In these embodiments the receptacle 312 is preferably in the form of a flexible pouch. In use, the reservoir 374 is designed to be ruptured or opened in some manner to dispense the second liquid into the first liquid. When the receptacle 312 is a flexible pouch, a user may apply pressure to the reservoir 374 to burst the reservoir 374. The material from which the reservoir 374 is formed may be thinner than the material from which the pouch is formed. Alternatively, the reservoir 374 may have a break to open feature. A seam or barrier formed between the reservoir 374 and the interior volume 314 of the receptacle 312 may be relatively weak -22 -compared to the seam around the perimeter of the receptacle 312, and this seam may be designed to ruptured when pressure is applied to the reservoir 374.

In other embodiments the reservoir may be in the form of a separate small sachet that can be ruptured when pressure is applied to it. The sachet may be separate, i.e. not attached to the sides of the receptacle, but retained within the internal volume of the receptacle. The reservoir may be in the form of a spherical 'bead' that is ruptured when it is squeezed.

Figures 12 and 13 show a further embodiment of a container 410 of the present invention. In this embodiment the cap assembly 418 is identical to the cap assembly 18 of the first embodiment.

The neck assembly 416 of this embodiment comprises a neck element 420 including a tubular side wall 422 that extends around and defines an inlet passageway 424 of the neck assembly 416. A cross-sectional shape of the inlet passageway 424 is preferably circular. A flange 426 is disposed at a first end of the side wall 422. The flange 426 has a first face from which the side wall 422 extends and an opposite second face. A shape of each of the first and second faces may be oval or rhombic.

An aperture through the flange 426 is aligned with the inlet passageway 424. In this embodiment a diameter of the aperture through the flange 426 is smaller than a diameter of the inlet passageway 424, such that a shoulder 436 is formed that extends into the inlet passageway 424. The neck assembly 416 further comprises a sealing element 430 disposed in the inlet passageway 424. The sealing element 430 is generally tubular and extends between first and second ends. The sealing element 430 is disposed in the section of the inlet passageway 424 surrounded by the side wall 422. The first end of the sealing element 430 abuts or contacts the shoulder 436 and the second end of the sealing element 430 is disposed at or proximate an end of the side wall 422 furthest from the flange 426. The second end of the sealing element 430 may protrude from the end of the side wall 422.

The neck element 420 further comprises a chamber 484 that extends from the -23 -flange 426. The chamber 484 comprises a tubular side wall 486 that extends from an opposite side of the flange 426 to the side wall 422. The side wall 486 surrounds and defines a cavity 488 of the chamber 484. The cavity 488 is aligned with the aperture in the flange 426 so that the cavity 488 is in fluid communication with the inlet passageway 424. The side wall 486 of the chamber 484 is preferably rigid.

In this embodiment the chamber 484 includes a first section 490 adjacent the flange 426 and a second section 492 further from the flange 426. The second section 492 terminates at an open end of the chamber 484. An internal diameter of the second section 492 is smaller than an internal diameter of the first section 490 such that, in this example, a tapered transition section 494 is disposed between the first and second sections 490, 492.

The neck assembly 416 further comprises a reservoir 474 connected to the neck element 420. In this example, the reservoir 474 comprises a tube 476 that is connected to and extends from the second section 492 of the chamber 484. A bore 478 of the tube is aligned with the inlet passageway 424 and cavity 488 of the neck assembly 416. The tube 476 is attached to the chamber 484 of the neck element 420 at a first end of the tube 476 and extends away from the chamber 484 generally in an opposite direction to the side wall 422. The tube 476 may be rigid or flexible.

It is envisaged that the reservoir 474 may be used to hold a volume of a second liquid, such as a concentrated detergent. Accordingly, the reservoir 474 may be initially filled with the second liquid while inverted, as illustrated in Figure 12. In the inverted configuration the cap assembly 418 forms a closure at a lower end of the inlet passageway 424. The reservoir 474 may then be filled with the second liquid through a second end of the tube 476. After filling of the reservoir 474 the second end of the tube may be sealed.

To form a container 410, the neck assembly 416 is attached to a receptacle 412. As shown in Figure 13, the neck assembly 416 is preferably attached to the receptacle 412 by the reservoir 474. The reservoir 474 may be attached to the receptacle 412 such that the second end of the tube 476 is disposed in the internal volume 414 of the receptacle 412. So that the second liquid does not flow out of the reservoir 474 before a user wishes to use the container 410, the tube 476 may be sealed by bending the tube 476 proximate the second end of the tube 476. The tube 476 may then be attached to the receptacle 412 with the tube 476 in the bent configuration.

In other embodiments the end of the tube 476 may be sealed by other suitable means. For example, the end of the tube may be sealed with a foil or film sealing layer. A tool may then be inserted through the inlet passageway 424 and through the cavity 488 and the bore 478 of the tube 476 to burst or puncture the sealing layer to release the second liquid.

The internal volume 414 of the receptacle 412 is preferably filled with a first liquid. The receptacle 412 may be filled with the first liquid before the neck assembly 416 is attached to the receptacle 412, or the receptacle 412 may be provided with a separate auxiliary port 468 as shown in Figure 13.

A further embodiment of a container 510 is shown in Figures 14 and 15. In this embodiment the neck element 520 is identical to the neck element 420 of the 20 previous embodiment, and includes a chamber 584 extending from the flange 526. The side wall 586 of the chamber 584 is preferably rigid.

In this embodiment the neck assembly 516 does not include an additional reservoir. Rather, the chamber 584 functions as the reservoir to hold a volume of a second liquid. The chamber 584 may be filled with the second liquid while inverted. The open end of the chamber 584 is preferably sealed by a closure 580.

To form a container 510, the neck assembly 516 is attached to a receptacle 512. As shown in Figure 15, the neck assembly 516 is preferably attached to the receptacle 512 by the chamber 584. The chamber 584 may be attached to the receptacle 512 such that the open end of the chamber 584 and the closure 580 are disposed in the internal volume 514 of the receptacle 512.

-25 -The internal volume 514 of the receptacle 512 is preferably filled with a first liquid. The receptacle 512 may be filled with the first liquid before the neck assembly 516 is attached to the receptacle 512, or the receptacle 512 may be provided with a separate auxiliary port 568 as shown in Figure 15.

To dispense the second liquid from the reservoir into the receptacle 512 to mix with the first liquid, a user detaches the closure 580 from the chamber 584 or breaks the closure 580. The closure 580 may be detached from the chamber 584 by pulling the closure 580 out of the open end of the chamber 584, or the closure 580 may be broken by pulling or twisting a break-to-open tab provided on the closure 580.

Referring now additionally to Figure 16, it is envisaged that one use of the container 410, 510 may be to assist in flushing the internal channels of an endoscope 902, in particular, during a pre-clean procedure. In one example, a detergent solution may be introduced into the air-water channel of an endoscope through the air-water port in the control section of the endoscope. The detergent solution flows along the air-water channel and out of the channel at the distal tip of the endoscope. Detergent solution may, additionally, be sucked up through the biopsy/suction channel of the endoscope by immersing the distal tip of the endoscope in a detergent solution and then using the suction pump attached to the endoscope to draw the detergent solution up through the suction channel.

In these situations, the receptacle 412, 512 of the container 410, 510 preferably contains a volume of water (e.g. sterile or distilled water) and the reservoir 474, 584 contains a volume of a concentrated detergent. The concentrated detergent is firstly mixed with the water, by dispensing the concentrated detergent from the reservoir 474, 584 into the internal volume 414, 514 of the receptacle 412, 512.

As illustrated in Figure 16, in one method of use, a distal tip 922 of an endoscope 902 is then inserted through the opening 454, 554 in the cap assembly 418, 518 and the inlet passageway 424, 524 so that the tip 922 is disposed in the cavity 488, 588 of the chamber 484, 584. The cap assembly 418, 518 is then moved into the sealing position to retain the tip 922 in this position.

When detergent solution is flushed down the air-water channel of the endoscope 902, the detergent solution exits the tip 922 of the endoscope 902 into the cavity 488, 588 and the internal volume 414, 514 of the container 410, 510. Detergent solution may also be drawn up from the internal volume 414, 514 of the receptacle 412, 512 through the suction channel of the endoscope 902.

In preferred embodiments the receptacle 412, 512 is in the form of a flexible pouch.

When a suction force is applied to the suction channel of the endoscope 902, detergent solution is drawn from the internal volume 414, 514 of the receptacle 412, 512 and through the cavity 488, 588 of the chamber 484, 584. Due to the sealing of the container 410, 510 to the endoscope 902, this suction force decreases the internal volume 414, 514 of the receptacle 412, 512.

One benefit of retaining the tip 922 of the endoscope 902 in the rigid chamber 484, 584 is, therefore, that the openings in the tip 922 of the endoscope 902 will not become covered or occluded by any part of the container 410, 510 when a suction force is applied to the container 410, 510. If the tip 922 is disposed in the internal volume 414, 514 of a flexible pouch, the suction force may cause a part of the pouch to be drawn against the tip 922 of the endoscope 902 thereby occluding one or more of the openings in the tip 922 of the endoscope 902.

The rigid chamber 484, 584 also offers a degree of protection to the tip 922 of the endoscope 902. The rigid chamber 484, 584 may, therefore, act as a tip protector during subsequent transportation of the endoscope 902.

In a preferred method of use of the container 410, 510, the suction force draws a volume of detergent solution from the internal volume 414, 514 of the receptacle 412, 512 through the suction channel of the endoscope 902. Simultaneously, a volume of detergent solution is pushed through the air/water channel of the -27 -endoscope 902 and out of the tip 922 of the endoscope 902 into the cavity 488, 588 of the chamber 484, 584.

In some embodiments, the chamber 484, 584 may include a valve that limits or prevents a flow of liquid from the cavity 488, 588 of the chamber 484, 584 into the internal volume 414, 514 of the receptacle 412, 512. A volume of detergent solution may, therefore, be retained in the cavity 488, 588 of the chamber 484, 584 so that the tip 922 of the endoscope 902 may remain immersed in the detergent solution. This may aid in retaining detergent solution throughout the air/water channel and suction/biopsy channel of the endoscope 902 to assist in cleaning of the internal channels and preventing or minimising the formation of biofilm in the channels. The valve may be configured such that the suction pressure is sufficient to open the valve to allow liquid to be drawn from the internal volume 414, 514 of the receptacle 412, 512, through the cavity 488, 588 of the chamber 484, 584 and into the tip 922 of the endoscope 902. When the suction force or pressure is removed the valve preferably closes to retain liquid in the cavity 488, 588 of the chamber 484, 584.

In preferred embodiments, the chamber 484, 584 has dimensions such that a section of the endoscope approximately 20 mm to 50 mm long, proximate or at the 20 tip of the endoscope, may be disposed in the cavity 488, 588 of the chamber 484, 584.

In some uses of the container 410, 510, the auxiliary port 468, 568 may be fluidly connected to another internal channel of the endoscope 902, for example the auxiliary water channel. Detergent solution may then also flow out of the receptacle 412, 512 through the auxiliary port 468, 568 to flush this additional channel of the endoscope, or liquid may be flushed through the additional channel and into the receptacle 412, 512 through the auxiliary port 468, 568.

As described above, in preferred uses of the container of the present invention, the container is used to hold a volume of detergent solution or water, and the container is designed to receive a tip of an endoscope. As such, the neck element and sealing -28 -element are preferably sized to accommodate objects having an external diameter of between 2 mm and 20 mm being inserted into the receptacle and being gripped by the sealing element when the cap assembly is in the sealing position. In some embodiments a kit may be provided including a range of sizes of sealing elements that may be interchangeably disposed in the inlet passageway of the neck assembly. One sealing element may accommodate objects having an external diameter of between 2 mm and 10 mm and a second sealing element may accommodate objects having an external diameter of between 11 mm and 20 mm. The kit may include more than two sealing elements. For example, the kit may include one sealing element accommodating objects having an external diameter of between 2 mm and 7 mm, a second sealing element accommodating objects having an external diameter of between 8 mm and 14 mm, and a third sealing element accommodating objects having an external diameter of between 15 mm and 20 mm.

As described above, the sealing element is preferably made of a suitable elastomeric material such as rubber or silicone. As well as having the necessary mechanical properties to provide the required deformation and gripping, the material from which the sealing element is made is advantageously also sufficiently soft to not scratch or otherwise damage the outer surface of the object retained in the container.

In the above embodiments the latch mechanism for retaining the cap assembly in a sealing position with respect to the neck assembly comprises a plurality of first ratchet teeth that engage with a plurality of second ratchet teeth. In other 25 embodiments the latch mechanism may comprise a first set of ratchet teeth disposed on one of the neck assembly or the cap assembly and a pawl configured to engage with the ratchet teeth disposed on the other one of the neck assembly or the cap assembly. In further embodiments the latch mechanism may comprise a ridge or a groove and a detent configured to engage with the ridge or groove. 30 It will be appreciated that in embodiments in which the latch mechanism comprises ratchet teeth, it may be necessary to break or otherwise disable the latch -29 -mechanism to remove the object from the container after use. These containers are, therefore, preferably single-use. In other embodiments it may be desirable to be able to reuse the container, or to be able to easily reposition an object in the container during use. In these embodiments the latch mechanism may comprise screw threads. The screw threads still allow the cap assembly to be moved into the sealing position and to be retained in this position. However, the screw threads also allow the cap assembly to be easily and repeatedly moved back to the initial position.

In the above embodiments the activation element is removably attached to the cap assembly. In other embodiments the activation element may be attached to a part of the neck assembly. In further embodiments the activation element may be a separate element that is disposed between a part of the cap assembly and a part of the neck assembly.

Other modifications and variations not explicitly disclosed above may also be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

-30 -CLAIMS1. A container for a liquid comprising: a receptable having an internal volume for holding a liquid; a neck assembly secured to the receptacle, the neck assembly including an inlet passageway providing access to the internal volume of the receptacle and a sealing element disposed in the inlet passageway; and a cap assembly engaged with the neck assembly and having an opening aligned with the inlet passageway, the cap assembly being moveable with respect to the neck assembly from an initial position into a sealing position in which a part of the cap assembly applies a force to the sealing element to restrict or prevent access through the inlet passageway to the internal volume of the receptacle.
2. The container of Claim 1, further comprising a latch mechanism arranged to retain the cap assembly in the sealing position.
3. The container of Claim 2, in which the cap assembly comprises a first ratchet tooth and the neck assembly comprises a second ratchet tooth for engagement with the first ratchet tooth.
4. The container of Claim 1, in which the neck assembly and the cap assembly comprise complementary screw threads to engage the cap assembly with the neck assembly.
5. The container of any preceding claim, in which the cap assembly is moveable relative to the neck assembly in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inlet passageway.
6. The container of any preceding claim, in which the sealing element is annular, and wherein when the cap assembly is in the sealing position a diameter of a bore of the annular sealing element is less than when the cap assembly is in the initial -31 -position.
7. The container of Claim 6, in which an axis of the bore of the sealing element is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inlet passageway, and in the sealing position the cap assembly applies a force to an end of the sealing element in a direction parallel to the bore.
8. The container of any preceding claim, in which the sealing element is made of an elastomeric material.
9. The container of any preceding claim, in which the cap assembly comprises a removeable cover sealing the opening.
10. The container of any preceding claim, in which the cap assembly comprises a main body including the opening and an activation element removably attached to the main body, the activation element arranged to prevent movement of the main body from the initial position to the sealing position.
11. The container of any preceding claim, in which the receptacle comprises a flexible pouch.
12. The container of any preceding claim, in which the neck assembly comprises a reservoir for holding a volume of liquid, the reservoir being disposed between the sealing element and the receptacle.
13. The container of any preceding claim, further comprising a chamber including a rigid side wall defining a cavity, the chamber being disposed between the sealing element and the receptacle, and in which the receptacle is in the form of a flexible pouch.
14. An assembly comprising a container according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 and a volume of liquid in the internal volume of the receptacle.
-32 - 15. The assembly of Claim 14, in which the container is according to Claim 12, and in which the reservoir contains a volume of liquid.
16. The assembly of Claim 14, further comprising a part of an object extending through the inlet passageway, a tip of the object being immersed in the liquid in the internal volume of the receptacle.
17. The assembly of Claim 15, further comprising a part of an object extending through the inlet passageway, a tip of the object being immersed in the liquid in the reservoir.
18. The assembly of Claim 16 or Claim 17, in which the object is an endoscope.
19. A method of sealing a container for holding a liquid, the container comprising a receptable having an internal volume for holding a liquid, a neck assembly secured to the receptacle and a cap assembly engaged with the neck assembly, and the method comprising: moving the cap assembly relative to the neck assembly from an initial position into a sealing position so that a part of the cap assembly applies a force to a sealing element to restrict or prevent access through an inlet passageway of the neck element to the internal volume of the receptacle.
20. A method of using an assembly according to Claim 14 to immerse and retain a part of an object in a volume of liquid, the method comprising: with the cap assembly in the initial position, inserting the part of the object through the opening in the cap assembly, through the inlet passageway in the neck element, past the sealing element and into the receptacle so that the part of the object enters the volume of liquid; and then moving the cap assembly into the sealing position so that the sealing element grips a part of object extending through the inlet passageway.
-33 - 21. The method of Claim 19 or Claim 20, comprising moving the cap assembly relative to the neck assembly in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inlet passageway.
22. The method of Claim 21, in which the sealing element is annular and includes a bore, and moving the cap assembly into the sealing position applies a force to an end of the sealing element in a direction parallel to an axis of the bore to decrease a diameter of a bore.
23. The method of any one of Claims 19 to 22, further comprising engaging a first ratchet tooth of the cap assembly with a second ratchet tooth of the neck assembly to retain the cap assembly in the sealing position.
24. A method of using an assembly according to Claim 13 to immerse and retain a part of an object in a volume of liquid, the method comprising: with the cap assembly in the initial position, inserting the part of the object through the opening in the cap assembly, through the inlet passageway in the neck element, past the sealing element and into the chamber so that the part of the object is disposed in the cavity; then moving the cap assembly into the sealing position so that the sealing element grips a part of object extending through the inlet passageway; and applying a force to the receptacle to draw liquid from the internal volume of the receptacle into the cavity of the chamber.