WO2025059618A1

WO2025059618A1 - Stopper retention security device

Info

Publication number: WO2025059618A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/046825
Authority: WO
Inventors: Trayce Edward SLUMSKY; Thomas Karl ROSENSTOCK
Original assignee: Vulcan Bioworks LLC
Current assignee: Vulcan Bioworks LLC
Priority date: 2023-09-16
Filing date: 2024-09-14
Publication date: 2025-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-16
Also published as: WO2025059619A1

Abstract

A stopper retention security device is disclosed with a first half retention coupling and a second half retention coupling where the two retention couplings when joined together around a stopper provide secure and mechanically sound retention of a stopper in a bottle to mitigate the risk of leakage or contamination in a chemical or pharmaceutical processing environment.

Description

STOPPER RETENTION SECURITY DEVICE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to United States Patent Application Serial No. 63/538,819 filed September 16, 2023 entitled “Pinch Retention Device” by Vulcan Bioworks, LLC, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as permissible by national or regional laws.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a retention device, and more particularly to a stopper retention security device that provides circumferential pressure on a stopper along with security features to mitigate the risk of leakage, contamination or tampering.

BACKGROUND ART

A variety of retention and fastening devices exist today. When joining tubing, for example elastomer tubing, it is common practice to use a rigid coupler where the flexible tubing is pushed onto the rigid coupler, thus joining two pieces of elastomer tubing. For security and leak resistance, often a cable tie is placed around each tubing end to provide pressure in an attempt to leak proof the fitting. Unfortunately cable ties do not form a perfect circle with uniform circumferential pressure. This is due in part to the sharp right angle formation of the cable tie when joined together. This weakness makes the fitting prone to leaks, makes disassembly and subsequent reassembly difficult, and also can be cumbersome to implement.

In a similar way, the secure attachment of a bottle stopper to a bottle is often done by way of a threaded bottle fitting where the bottle stopper is placed within the threaded bottle fitting and the threaded bottle fitting is rotated onto a bottle. This technique can be difficult if, for example, tubing is in place through the bottle stopper and the rotation of the threaded bottle fitting also rotates the stopper and associated tubing. In addition, the bi-directional nature of a threaded closure such as this causes problems with leakage, failure, and contamination when the assembly is exposed to pressure, vibration or shock.

What is therefore needed is a retention device that provides uniform circumferential pressure on an element such as a stopper or the like in order to provide a secure fit and mitigate the risk of leakage or contamination without the need to rotate the retention device onto a threaded fitting.

The present invention, and the various embodiments described and envisioned herein, meet this heretofore unmet need.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stopper retention security device comprising a first half retention coupling comprising an exterior and a generally cylindrical interior, the first half retention coupling comprising a stopper opening configured to receive a stopper, a first key slot located adjacent to the stopper opening, and a first key element located across the stopper opening from the first key slot; a second half retention coupling comprising an exterior and a generally cylindrical interior, the second half retention coupling comprising a stopper opening configured to receive a stopper, a first key slot located adjacent to the stopper opening, and a first key element located across the stopper opening from the first key slot; wherein the first key slot of the first half retention coupling engages with and retains the first key element of the second half retention coupling and the first key slot of the second half retention coupling engages with and retains the first key element of the first half retention coupling. The present invention further comprises a single half retention coupling as described above as well as a pair of half retention couplings as also described above.

The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described by this specification, the attached drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the stopper retention security device in an assembled state and in use;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the stopper retention security device of Figure 1 in a separated state without a security retention tie;

Figure 3 is a side plan view of the stopper retention security device of Figure 1 showing cross section lines;

Figure 4 depicts cross sectional view A-A of the stopper retention security device shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 depicts cross sectional view B-B of the stopper retention security device shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 depicts cross sectional view C-C of the stopper retention security device shown in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a side plan view of the stopper retention security device of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a rotated side plan view of the stopper retention security device of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the stopper retention security device of Figure 1;

Figure 10 is an interior perspective view of a half retention coupling of the present invention; Figure 11 is an exterior perspective view of a half retention coupling of the present invention;

Figure 12 is an exterior side plan view of a half retention coupling of the present invention;

Figure 13 is an interior plan view of a half retention coupling of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a bottom plan view of a half retention coupling of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a top plan view of a half retention coupling of the present invention;

Figure 16 is a plan view of a key element of the present invention; and

Figure 17 is an exterior plan view of a half retention coupling of the present invention.

The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by this specification, claims and the attached drawings.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements.

The present invention will be described by way of example, and not limitation. Modifications, improvements and additions to the invention described herein may be determined after reading this specification and viewing the accompanying drawings; such modifications, improvements, and additions being considered included in the spirit and broad scope of the present invention and its various embodiments described or envisioned herein.

Securing a stopper to a bottle is important to prevent leakage or contamination, for example, in the production and transportation of pharmaceuticals and precursors. Placing a threaded fitting over a rubber stopper can be problematic, especially if the bottle and stopper are in use with tubing or other fixtures therethrough. The act of screwing a threaded fitting over a rubber stopper can often cause rotation of the stopper and related tubing or fixturing, resulting in twisting and entanglement of the tubing and fixturing. In addition, the bi-directional nature of a threaded closure such as this causes problems with leakage, failure, and contamination when the assembly is exposed to pressure, vibration or shock. The stopper retention security device of the present invention prevents rotation and twisting by way of a two piece arrangement that mitigates leaks and contamination.

The stopper retention security device provides circumferential pressure on a bottle stopper in order to ensure closure, preventing leaks and ingress of contamination. Common uses include secure fastening of a stopper to a bottle.

The stopper retention security device has two halves that mate together, completely surrounding a given geometry and providing compression at desired points. The stopper retention security device not only prevents leaks and contamination, but also allows for ease of assembly and can also provide a tamper resistant seal.

Each part of the stopper retention security device being half of an entire unit and symmetrical to error proof application of the device.

The two halves of the stopper retention security device are mated together using elements such as a tab or tabs, couplings, keys, a band, a cable tie, or the like. In some embodiments, an assembled stopper retention security device is configured to break when disassembly of the assembled stopper retention security device is attempted. Such an arrangement may be accomplished, for example, by the use of brittle or otherwise fragile components such as thin or brittle plastics, components that are scored or otherwise structurally compromised to cause breakage when disassembly of the retention couplings is attempted.

The stopper retention security device can be applied after assembly of parts is complete without prior planning. It can be made of favorable materials (rigid polymers) that are clean and compatible with sterilization methods. The stopper retention security device can be applied without the use of a specialized tool, though a tool could be used to assist if needed.

The stopper retention security device is used to retain an elastomer stopper to a bottle, and replaces a screw on bottle cap. This allows for repeatable and predictable attachment of the stopper to the bottle at a specified attachment force without the need for torque measurements as otherwise necessitated by screw on bottle caps in precise applications.

In one embodiment, the stopper retention security device, either by itself or with additional features, serves to provide a tamper resistant and/or a tamper evident seal.

The stopper retention security device may be made from a plastic, a reinforced plastic, or a metal, and may be injection molded, blow molded, 3D printed, cast, machined, stamped, or otherwise formed.

Referring to the present invention in detail, in Figure 1 there is shown a perspective view of the stopper retention security device 100 in an assembled state and in use with a stopper, tubing and a bottle. The fundamental components depicted herein may, in many instances, be supplemented by additional components such as retainers, clips, clamps, wires, tape, adhesive, couplers, fittings, or the like.

Sections of tubing 101, 103 and 105 can be seen in Figure 1. It should be noted that for clarity the tubing 101, 103 and 105 are truncated in the drawing. A first half retention coupling 109 can be seen along with a second half retention coupling 115. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first half retention coupling 109 and the second half retention coupling 115 are identical or nearly so. This allows for a reduction in inventory complexity as well as a reduction in assembly and operational complexity. In some embodiments the two half retention couplings may have cosmetic or decorative differences, and in further embodiments the two half retention couplings may have structural differences. The two half cylinder retention couplings are joined together as shown in figure 1, and surround a stopper 107. Each half cylinder retention coupling has inner features that can be seen more clearly in later figures that both assist with joining the two half cylinder retention couplings together and also provide a uniform circumferential force around the stopper.

In some embodiments, each half cylinder retention coupling has a security retention tie 111 contained in a circumferential channel (see Figure 2). When joined together, a circumferential channel on each half cylinder retention coupling forms a circumferentially continuous channel for placement of a tie 111 such as a cable or cable tie, a hose clamp style tie, a rope, a wire, a string, or the like. In some embodiments, one, two, three or more circumferential channels are employed. Further, in some embodiments, the circumferential channel and the tie are integrated or formed such that the tie is a part of or connected with one of the half cylinder retention couplings. In some embodiments, the tie may be tamper-resistant such that it cannot be removed or, should the tie be removed or tampered with, evidence of such would be visible. In some embodiments, there is no circumferential channel, as a cable tie, band or similar such device may not be necessary, or may not require a channel. While the stopper retention security device 100 is depicted as generally cylindrical, in some embodiments other geometries may be employed. For example, in some embodiments the interior may be generally cylindrical while the exterior is formed as a non-cylindrical geometry for either functional or aesthetic reasons. Further, while a generally cylindrical interior is described and depicted herein, in some embodiments a non-cylindrical interior is employed. The interior may be non-cylindrical to effect a full circumferential surround of a non- cylindrical aperture, for example.

As will be further described and depicted herein, a first half retention coupling 109 and a second half retention coupling 115 are joined together around a sealing element such as a stopper 107, a cap, a top, a bung, or the like and a portion of a bottle 113 such as a flange, a lip, a protrusion or other such feature such that the stopper 107 is securely fastened to the bottle 113 to prevent leaks, contamination, tampering, and the like. The first half retention coupling 109 and a second half retention coupling 115 are joined together as seen in Figure 2 and subsequent figures. The stopper can be seen placed into or over the mouth of a bottle. The stopper or other such sealing element may be partially inserted into the bottle opening or rest on top of the bottle opening, and may include a variety of materials and a variety of throughput apparati.

To facilitate proper joining and alignment of the first half cylinder retention coupling 109 and the second half cylinder retention coupling 115, a key element and key slot arrangement is employed. Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the stopper retention security device of Figure 1 in a separated state without a security retention tie. As seen in Figure 2, a second key element 203 can be seen with a second key slot 201 adjacent thereof and attached to a mating edge of the second half retention coupling 115. A similar arrangement is also provided on the opposite mating edge of the second half retention coupling 115, and also on both mating edges of the first half retention coupling 109.

In some embodiments, one, two, three or more key element and key slot pairs are employed. Each key element may have a hook, an angle, a barb or a key like structure such that the key element mates with and locks into the adjoining key slot. The adjoining key slot has a mating surface to allow the key element to engage with the key slot.

In one embodiment, the key elements have flag like or key like appearance to engage with a similar reverse geometry in the key slots. In some embodiments, other geometries may be employed.

A bottle flange 207 can be seen circumferentially spanning the mouth of the bottle 113 and a flange retainer 205 can be seen on both the first half retention coupling 109 and the second half retention coupling 115 where the flange retainer 205 serves to capture and securely retain the joined retention couplings such that the joined retention coupling assembly cannot move upward or downward. A circumferential channel 209 can also be seen in Figure 2 that serves to provide a circumferentially continuous channel when the retention couplings are joined together for placement of a tie 111 such as a cable or cable tie, a hose clamp style tie, a rope, a wire, a string, or the like.

Turning now to Figure 3, a side plan view of the stopper retention security device in use can be seen showing cross section lines where the relevant cross sectional views can be seen in Figures 4, 5 and 6.

Figure 4 depicts cross sectional view A-A of the stopper retention security device shown in Figure 3. The interaction between the assembled first half retention coupling and second half retention coupling (the stopper retention security device) and the mouth or upper portion of the bottle 113 can be seen. An undercut 401 that circumferentially spans the assembled first half retention coupling and second half retention coupling (the stopper retention security device) interacts with a bottle flange 403 or similar structure protruding from the bottle 113 such that the stopper retention security device is retained to the bottle 113 while encompassing and firmly securing the stopper 107 to the bottle 113. In some embodiments a bottle thread 405 or similar feature can be seen where the bottle thread 405 adjoins with or otherwise is in proximity to a retention coupling wall 407. The interaction of the stopper retention security device with the stopper 107 can also be seen in Figure 4.

Figure 5 depicts cross sectional view B-B of the stopper retention security device shown in Figure 3. A portion of the first half retention coupling 109 can be seen mated to a portion of the second half retention coupling 115 by way of a half retention coupling interface 503 and related key element and key slot arrangement. A half retention coupling perimeter 501 can also be seen that comprises a circumferential channel that accommodates a security retention tie, both of which have been previously described and depicted herein.

Figure 6 depicts cross sectional view C-C of the stopper retention security device shown in Figure 3 where the half cylinder retention coupling junction 601 can be seen.

Figure 7 is a side plan view of the stopper retention security device with the first half retention coupling 109 visible and the second half retention coupling 115 hidden from view due to the orientation of the stopper retention security device on the bottle 113. A security retention tie 111 can be seen affixed to the stopper retention security device.

Figure 8 is a rotated side plan view of the stopper retention security device where the first half retention coupling 109 and the second half retention coupling 115 are mated together to form the stopper retention security device and the mating edges of each retention coupling can be seen.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the stopper retention security device where the stopper opening of the stopper retention security device can be seen with a stopper 107 disposed therewithin. The mating edges of each retention coupling can also be seen along with a security retention tie securing each retention coupling.

The stopper retention security device comprises a first half retention coupling and a second half retention coupling. While some embodiments may have variations to the first half retention coupling and the second half retention coupling either functionally or cosmetically, it may be preferable to produce a single retention coupling that functions both as a first half retention coupling and a second half retention coupling. Such an arrangement reduces tooling and production costs as well as inventory and operational costs. Figures 10 through 17 further depict a second half retention coupling 115 that is configured to serve as both a second half retention coupling and a first half retention coupling.

Figure 10 is an interior perspective view of a half retention coupling of the present invention. The half retention coupling comprises an exterior and a generally cylindrical interior. While the drawings depict a generally cylindrical exterior, in some embodiments the exterior may be of various geometries, textures, and both functional and ornamental features. Further, the half cylinder retention couplings may optionally be grooved, textured, ridged or otherwise featured.

The half retention coupling has a stopper opening 1001 configured to receive a stopper, top, cap, cork, bung or the like. A first key slot 1011 is located adjacent to the stopper opening 1001 along a mating edge of the half retention coupling. A first key element 1009 is located adjacent to the first key slot 1011 along the depicted mating edge. In a similar arrangement, a second key slot 201 is located adjacent to the stopper opening 1001 on an alternate mating edge of the half retention coupling and a second key element 203 is located adjacent to the second key slot 201 along this alternate mating edge. The first key slot 1011 of the half retention coupling is configured to engage with and retain a first key element of another half retention coupling and the first key slot of the another half retention coupling engages with and retains the first key element 1009 of the half retention coupling.

Also in Figure 10, a flange face 1003 can be seen that makes up a collar retainer 1007 which functions as a flange retainer such as the flange retainer 205 depicted in Figure 2. As previously described, such a structure serves to engage with a bottle flange or similar structure protruding with or attached to a bottle, thus engaging an assembled stopper retention security device with a bottle and associated stopper.

Figure 10 also depicts an inner protrusion 1005 that serves to engage with a stopper in order to provide further retention of an assembled stopper retention security device with a stopper. The inner protrusion 1005 may take on a variety of shapes and forms. In Figure 10, a circumferential protrusion is depicted. The inner protrusion 1005 may be rounded, rectangular, triangular, or of any suitable geometry. In some embodiments, the inner protrusion 1005 spans a part of the inner circumference of the half retention coupling, or is formed as one or a series of points or structures.

Figure 11 is an exterior perspective view of the half retention coupling where the second key slot element 201 and the second key element 203 can be seen along with the circumferential security channel 209.

Figure 12 is an exterior side plan view of the half retention coupling where the first key element 1009 can be seen along with the opposing second key element 203.

Figure 13 is an interior plan view of the half retention coupling where the key elements and key slots can be seen on each mating edge.

Figure 14 is a bottom plan view of the half retention coupling and Figure 15 is a top plan view of the half retention. In both Figures 14 and 15 the key elements can be seen. Namely in these views the second key element 203 and the first key element 1009. In some embodiments the half retention coupling of the present invention has one key element, two key elements, three key elements, four key elements, or further key elements. Each key element has a shape that engages with a key slot of another half retention coupling, and can be further seen in Figure 16.

Figure 16 is a plan view of a key element of the present invention. Each key element may have a hook, an angle, a barb or a key like structure such that the key element mates with and locks into the adjoining key slot. The adjoining key slot has a mating surface to allow the key element to engage with the key slot.

In some embodiments the key element of the half retention coupling has a generally L-shaped geometry comprising a first truncated rectangular shape and a second truncated rectangular shape joined to create a perpendicular face. In other embodiments the key element may have a flag shaped, L shaped or J shaped appearance.

The perpendicular face 1601 seen in Figure 16 is created through the conjoining of a first rectangular shape and a second rectangular shape and functions to retain with a key slot of another half retention coupling. The key slot has an appropriate and suitable structure to catch and retain the perpendicular face of the half retention coupling.

In some embodiments the first truncated rectangular shape of the key element comprises a guide face 1605 that serves to ease or guide the key element into a key slot of another half retention coupling. In some embodiments the second truncated rectangular shape of the key element comprises a chamfer face 1603 that serves to vary the retention security of the key element within the key slot.

Importantly, it should be noted that changing the angle of the chamfer face 1603 or the guide face 1605 changes the retention capabilities of the key element within a key slot. Thus, for example, providing a half retention coupling that is non-separable in some instances and separable in other instances depending on the angle of the chamfer face 1603 and the guide face 1605. The greater the angle the easier it is to separate the key element from the key slot. In some embodiments, additional security features may be added or incorporated with the key element to prevent separation, indicate tampering, and the like.

Lastly, Figure 17 is an exterior plan view of the half retention coupling of the present invention. The collar retainer 1007 can be seen along with the circumferential security channel 209.

To use the stopper retention security device, a stopper is placed in the opening of a bottle or other vessel and the two half retention couplings are joined together around the stopper and the bottle and fastened by placing corresponding key elements and key slots together. Optionally a security retention tie or ties are placed in any defined circumferential channels such that the two half retention couplings are firmly attached to the stopper and the bottle, securely retaining the stopper to the bottle.

It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the various objects of the present invention, a stopper retention security device. While the various objects of this invention have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the present invention as defined by this specification, claims and the attached drawings.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A stopper retention security device comprising: a first half retention coupling comprising an exterior and a generally cylindrical interior, the first half retention coupling comprising a stopper opening configured to receive a stopper, a first key slot located adjacent to the stopper opening, and a first key element located across the stopper opening from the first key slot; a second half retention coupling comprising an exterior and a generally cylindrical interior, the second half retention coupling comprising a stopper opening configured to receive a stopper, a first key slot located adjacent to the stopper opening, and a first key element located across the stopper opening from the first key slot; wherein the first key slot of the first half retention coupling engages with and retains the first key element of the second half retention coupling and the first key slot of the second half retention coupling engages with and retains the first key element of the first half retention coupling.

2. The stopper retention security device of claim 1, wherein the first half retention coupling and the second half retention coupling are structurally the same.

3. The stopper retention security device of claim 1, wherein the first half retention coupling further comprises a second key slot located adjacent to the first key element and a second key element located adjacent to the first key slot, and wherein the second half retention coupling further comprises a second key slot located adjacent to the first key element and a second key element located adjacent to the first key slot.

4. The stopper retention security device of claim 1, further comprising a collar retainer configured as a protrusion that circumferentially spans the exterior of the first half retention coupling and further comprising a collar retainer configured as a protrusion that circumferentially spans the exterior of the second half retention coupling.

5. The stopper retention security device of claim 1, further comprising an inner protrusion that circumferentially spans the interior of the first half retention coupling and an inner protrusion that circumferentially spans the interior of the second half retention coupling.

6. The stopper retention security device of claim 1, further comprising a circumferential security channel that circumferentially spans the exterior of the first half retention coupling and a circumferential security channel that circumferentially spans the exterior of the second half retention coupling, wherein each circumferential security channel is configured to receive a security retention tie.

7. The stopper retention security device of claim 1, further comprising a security retention tie.

8. The stopper retention security device of claim 1, wherein the first key element of the first half retention coupling has a generally L-shaped geometry comprising a first truncated rectangular shape and a second truncated rectangular shape joined to create a perpendicular face.

9. The stopper retention security device of claim 8, wherein the first truncated rectangular shape comprises a guide face and the second truncated rectangular shape comprises a chamfer face.

10. The stopper retention security device of claim 1, wherein an assembled stopper retention security device is configured to break when disassembly of the assembled stopper retention security device is attempted.

11. A half retention coupling comprising an exterior and a generally cylindrical interior, the half retention coupling comprising a stopper opening configured to receive a stopper, a first key slot located adjacent to the stopper opening, and a first key element located across the stopper opening from the first key slot; wherein the first key slot of the half retention coupling is configured to engage with and retain a first key element of another half retention coupling and the first key slot of the another half retention coupling engages with and retains the first key element of the half retention coupling.

12. The half retention coupling of claim 11 further comprising a second key slot located adjacent to the first key element and a second key element located adjacent to the first key slot.

13. The half retention coupling of claim 11, further comprising a collar retainer configured as a protrusion that circumferentially spans the exterior of the half retention coupling.

14. The half retention coupling of claim 11, further comprising an inner protrusion that circumferentially spans the interior of the half retention coupling.

15. The half retention coupling of claim 11, further comprising a circumferential security channel that circumferentially spans the exterior of the half retention coupling, wherein the circumferential security channel is configured to receive a security retention tie.

16. The half retention coupling of claim 11, further comprising a security retention tie.

17. The half retention coupling of claim 11, wherein the first key element of the half retention coupling has a generally L-shaped geometry comprising a first truncated rectangular shape and a second truncated rectangular shape joined to create a perpendicular face.

18. The half retention coupling of claim 17, wherein the first truncated rectangular shape of the first key element comprises a guide face.

19. The half retention coupling of claim 17, wherein the second truncated rectangular shape of the first key element comprises a chamfer face.

20. The half retention coupling of claim 17, wherein the first key element of the half retention coupling is configured to lock with the first key slot of another half retention coupling.