CA2255078A1 - Process for manufacture of closure assembly - Google Patents
Process for manufacture of closure assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2255078A1 CA2255078A1 CA002255078A CA2255078A CA2255078A1 CA 2255078 A1 CA2255078 A1 CA 2255078A1 CA 002255078 A CA002255078 A CA 002255078A CA 2255078 A CA2255078 A CA 2255078A CA 2255078 A1 CA2255078 A1 CA 2255078A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- septum
- top wall
- cap portion
- mold
- closure assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/14—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles in several steps
- B29C43/146—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles in several steps for making multilayered articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/18—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/68—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers, e.g. foam blocks
- B29C70/78—Moulding material on one side only of the preformed part
- B29C70/80—Moulding sealing material into closure members
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/002—Closures to be pierced by an extracting-device for the contents and fixed on the container by separate retaining means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
- A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
- A61J1/1406—Septums, pierceable membranes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2207/00—Methods of manufacture, assembly or production
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
- B29C33/34—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor movable, e.g. to or from the moulding station
- B29C33/36—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor movable, e.g. to or from the moulding station continuously movable in one direction, e.g. in a closed circuit
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2009/00—Use of rubber derived from conjugated dienes, as moulding material
- B29K2009/06—SB polymers, i.e. butadiene-styrene polymers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2023/00—Use of polyalkenes or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2023/16—EPM, i.e. ethylene-propylene copolymers; EPDM, i.e. ethylene-propylene-diene copolymers; EPT, i.e. ethylene-propylene terpolymers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/56—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures
- B29L2031/565—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures for containers
Abstract
A process for making a closure assembly includes placing a closure cap portion in a compression mold, introducing a melt of elastomer, pressing the melt into a septum against the cap and applying a foil barrier against the septum. The process may be performed in a rotary compression molding apparatus.
Description
CA 022~078 1998-12-04 PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURE OF CLOSURE ASSEMBLY
1. Field of Invention: This invention relates to molding processes, and smore particularly relates to an improved process by which multi-component closures may be molded by an operationally simple and cost efficient process.
1. Field of Invention: This invention relates to molding processes, and smore particularly relates to an improved process by which multi-component closures may be molded by an operationally simple and cost efficient process.
2. Backqround of the Invention: Multi-component closures for vessels such as flasks, vials, tubes and the like have conventionally been manufactured by injection or compression molding of the individual components and subsequently combining the individual parts in one or more separate processes. For example, in the manufacture of tube closures, a septum for penetration by a needle is stamped out of an elastomeric sheet and adhered to a performed cap portion. Additional components, such as a foil lining, may then be added.
Such processes are inefficient from a processing standpoint and also result in material waste at each step. In all injection molding machines, some 20polymer remains in the sprue after the mold is closed, leaving a projecting piece or tab which must be removed after the product is ejected from the mold. Often, the tabs are simply discarded, or for reasons of economy, may be recovered and recycled. In either case the inefficiency and additional cost which result lead to reduced productivity from the mold.
In compression molding, an apparatus which resembles a waffle iron is used wherein melted polymer fills all mold cavities without passing through gates and runners. When all the cavities are filled, the mold is closed and heat and pressure are applied from a hydraulic press. While this process 30eliminates gates and runners, a surplus of polymer must be used to ensure total cavity fill. The heat and pressure cause the polymer to fill the cavity and cause spillage out into overflow grooves. Polymer in the grooves, like the Express Mail No.
CA 022~078 1998-12-04 tabs in injection molding, must be recycled or discarded. Compression molding, like injection molding, is inherently a batch process but is less efficient than injection molding, because a separate machine is required to separate the individual articles from the single large "waffle" which comes out s of the compression mold.
Rotary compression molding is a recent development in which individual molds on the track of a continuously revolving plafform are individually charged with a melt of thermoplastic material. Compression and heating of the thermoplastic in the mold by a plunger forms the desired article. The mold-plunger unit advances along the track and is opened when the article has solidified.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a process for making a closure assembly, a closure cap having an open lower end and a top wall having an opening is piaced, top wall down, in a compression mold. A predetermined quantity of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is added to the cap and pressed by a matching male forming pin into a 20 septum which covers the opening and adheres to the underside of the top wall. A permeability lowering barrier may then be pressed against the septum. In a preferred process, the cap is introduced to the female cavity of a compression mold at a first station of a rotary compression molding apparatus and subsequent steps of the process are performed sequentially 25 at later stations.
Conventional processes for making closure assemblies include preparing a performed sheet of elastomeric material, laminating a foil barrier material thereto, stamping septum-foil units from the laminated sheet and adhering 30 these to injection molded caps, often with an adhesive. These procedures are time consuming and up to 30% of the elastomer is lost during the stamping operation and must be discarded or recycled. The present CA 022~078 1998-12-04 invention overcomes the lost time and material of conventional processes, eliminates any need for adhesive, and is accordingly much more efficient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
s Fig 1 is a perspective view of a closure assembly made by the process of the invention;
Fig 2 is a vertical sectional view of the assembly of Fig 1 taken along the line 2-2 thereof; and Fig 3 is a top plan view of the assembly of Fig 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While this invention is satisfied by embodiments in many different forms, there will herein be described in detail embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as exemplary of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to20 the embodiments illustrated and described. The scope of the invention will be measured by the appended claims and their equivalents.
In the process of the invention, a multi-component closure assembly is produced by compression molding a puncturable septum directly across an 25 opening in a cap portion, and then, without removing the cap-septum unit from the mold, a permeability-lowering barrier is introduced and adhered to the septum.
Adverting now to the drawings, Figs 1-3 illustrate a typical tube closure 30 assembly fabricated by the process of the invention. Assembly 10 includes a cap portion 11 having an annular top wall 12 having a bottom edge 13 and a side wall 14 defining an open bottom end 16. Side wall 14 may include a CA 022~078 1998-12-04 shelf 18 for engagement with the lip of a tube (not shown). Top wall 12 includes an opening 20 to receive a needle. A septum 22 is adjacent and adhered to bottom edge 13 of cap portion 11. A permeability lowering barrier 24 is adjacent and adhered to septum 22. As shown in Fig 3, septum 22 is 5 visible through opening 20 when the closure assembly is viewed from above.
The cap portion 11 of the assembly may be fabricated by any conventional process, such as injection molding, and may be of any conventional plastic which is compatible with and forms a secure bond with the material selected for the septum, as delineated below. Preferred plastics for the cap are polyolefins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyethylene terephathalate (PET) and polystyrene. Fabrication of the cap portion is not part of this invention. The injection molded cap portion may be placed in the female cavity of a compression mold with top wall 12 in the s bottom of the cavity so that open bottom end 16 faces up. A quantity of melt of TPE predetermined to form septum 22 is then introduced, preferably by extrusion, into the cap portion in the mold cavity. A matching male forming pin is introduced into the female cavity to force the elastomer into the shape of septum 22 which is thereby pressed against and bonds with bottom edge 20 13 of cap top wall 12.
Any TPE which forms a secure bond to the cap may be used for the septum. Suitable thermoplastics for septums to be used with polystyrene caps are for example acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene or styrene-butadiene 25 rubbers. For PET caps a septum of polyester TPE, such as HYTRELTM
(DuPont) is preferred.
Elastomers suitable for septums to be used with polyolefin caps are thermoplastic polyolefin rubbers, generally referred to as TPOs, for example 30 ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber in a polypropylene matrix, commercially available under the trade name SANTOPRENETM from AES (Advanced Elastomer Systems, Akron, Ohio).
CA 022~078 1998-12-04 A preferred elastomer for septums to be used with polyolefin caps is the class of copolymers known in the art as metallocene copolyolefins, i.e., copolymers made using metallocene catalysts. Exemplary of such products are copolymers of ethylene with an alpha olefin of 3-20 carbon atoms. These products are commercially available from Exxon under the trade name EXACTrM or from Dow under the trade name ENGAGETM.
The most preferred elastomer for a septum to be used with a polyolefin cap is a metallocene copolymer of the EXACT or ENGAGE series which has been silane-grafted to contain about 0.2-10% by weight of silane. Silane-grafted metallocene polyolefin copolymers are well known in the art and are fully described in European Patent Application EP 0 702 032A2 and International Application No. WO 95/29197. They form exceptionally strong bonds to polyolefin caps. Silanes which may be grafted to polyolefins are sold by HULS AG (Somerset, N.J.) under the trade name DYNASYLANTM. A
preferred grafting agent is vinyl trimethoxy silane.
If it is desired that the septum be hardened, the capseptum unit in the mold may optionally be exposed to moisture to crosslink the polymer of the septum through siloxane groups. Crosslinking of silane-grafted metallocene polyolefins is conventional in the art.
Without removing the cap-septum unit from the mold, a permeability lowering barrier may be pressed against and bonded to the septum. The barrier preferably is of foil, most preferably aluminum foil, though any other suitable material as known in the art may be used. If a more secure bond between the septum and the foil barrier is desired, the foil may be coated with any suitable adhesive such as CHEMLOKTM (Lord Corporation, Erie, PA). The barrier may be about 0.3 to 3 micron thick.
The preferred process of the invention is continuous. In this embodiment CA 022~078 1998-12-04 of the invention, a line of female compression molds moves along a track.
Each mold visits sequentially a series of stations where an operation in the process takes place. Thus, at a first station along the track, the mold receives the injection molded cap portion, as described above. The mold s containing the cap advances along the track to a second station where the predetermined quantity of elastomer is extruded into the cap in the mold. At this station, the mating male forming pin may be introduced to compression mold the elastomer into the shape of the septum, or preferably, the mold, after receiving the elastomer, may be advanced to the next sequential station where the forming pin enters the mold and compression molds the elastomer into the septum and against the bottom edge of the top wall of the cap. The forming pin may then be retracted and the foil or foil-adhesive unit introduced and pressed against the septum by reentry of the forming pin.
Alternatively, the rrlold containing the cap-septum unit may be further advanced and the foil barrier introduced at a subsequent station. An apparatus suitable for the continuous process of the invention is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,314,799.
In any closure, it is critical that the septum bond securely to the cap so that no separation or leakage occurs. For example, it is readily seen that failure of the septum-cap seal would compromise the vacuum in an evacuated blood collection tube and lead to incomplete sample collection. In the present invention, it has been found that compression molding the melt bonds the elastomeric septum against the cap with sufficient strength so that adhesive is not required and leakage does not occur. Bond strength between septum and cap in closures made by the process of the invention and the prior art may be tested qualitatively for leakage by the procedure of the Example.
EXAMPLE
CA 022~078 1998-12-04 The closure to be tested for leakage was inserted into the open end of a 16X100 mm plastic tube. Ten ml of water were added (80% fill), and the tube was dropped from heights of 78 and 39 in. onto a laboratory floor (simulated hospital floor). The tubes were then visually examined for leakage through the cap-septum seal. No separation of septum from cap was observed with the following closure assemblies made by the process of the invention, and no leakage was observed.
1 ) polystyrene cap - HYTREL septum-foil barrier o 2) polypropylene cap - SANTOPRENE septum-foil barrier 3) polypropylene cap - silane-grafted EXACT septum-foil barrier
Such processes are inefficient from a processing standpoint and also result in material waste at each step. In all injection molding machines, some 20polymer remains in the sprue after the mold is closed, leaving a projecting piece or tab which must be removed after the product is ejected from the mold. Often, the tabs are simply discarded, or for reasons of economy, may be recovered and recycled. In either case the inefficiency and additional cost which result lead to reduced productivity from the mold.
In compression molding, an apparatus which resembles a waffle iron is used wherein melted polymer fills all mold cavities without passing through gates and runners. When all the cavities are filled, the mold is closed and heat and pressure are applied from a hydraulic press. While this process 30eliminates gates and runners, a surplus of polymer must be used to ensure total cavity fill. The heat and pressure cause the polymer to fill the cavity and cause spillage out into overflow grooves. Polymer in the grooves, like the Express Mail No.
CA 022~078 1998-12-04 tabs in injection molding, must be recycled or discarded. Compression molding, like injection molding, is inherently a batch process but is less efficient than injection molding, because a separate machine is required to separate the individual articles from the single large "waffle" which comes out s of the compression mold.
Rotary compression molding is a recent development in which individual molds on the track of a continuously revolving plafform are individually charged with a melt of thermoplastic material. Compression and heating of the thermoplastic in the mold by a plunger forms the desired article. The mold-plunger unit advances along the track and is opened when the article has solidified.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a process for making a closure assembly, a closure cap having an open lower end and a top wall having an opening is piaced, top wall down, in a compression mold. A predetermined quantity of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is added to the cap and pressed by a matching male forming pin into a 20 septum which covers the opening and adheres to the underside of the top wall. A permeability lowering barrier may then be pressed against the septum. In a preferred process, the cap is introduced to the female cavity of a compression mold at a first station of a rotary compression molding apparatus and subsequent steps of the process are performed sequentially 25 at later stations.
Conventional processes for making closure assemblies include preparing a performed sheet of elastomeric material, laminating a foil barrier material thereto, stamping septum-foil units from the laminated sheet and adhering 30 these to injection molded caps, often with an adhesive. These procedures are time consuming and up to 30% of the elastomer is lost during the stamping operation and must be discarded or recycled. The present CA 022~078 1998-12-04 invention overcomes the lost time and material of conventional processes, eliminates any need for adhesive, and is accordingly much more efficient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
s Fig 1 is a perspective view of a closure assembly made by the process of the invention;
Fig 2 is a vertical sectional view of the assembly of Fig 1 taken along the line 2-2 thereof; and Fig 3 is a top plan view of the assembly of Fig 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While this invention is satisfied by embodiments in many different forms, there will herein be described in detail embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as exemplary of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to20 the embodiments illustrated and described. The scope of the invention will be measured by the appended claims and their equivalents.
In the process of the invention, a multi-component closure assembly is produced by compression molding a puncturable septum directly across an 25 opening in a cap portion, and then, without removing the cap-septum unit from the mold, a permeability-lowering barrier is introduced and adhered to the septum.
Adverting now to the drawings, Figs 1-3 illustrate a typical tube closure 30 assembly fabricated by the process of the invention. Assembly 10 includes a cap portion 11 having an annular top wall 12 having a bottom edge 13 and a side wall 14 defining an open bottom end 16. Side wall 14 may include a CA 022~078 1998-12-04 shelf 18 for engagement with the lip of a tube (not shown). Top wall 12 includes an opening 20 to receive a needle. A septum 22 is adjacent and adhered to bottom edge 13 of cap portion 11. A permeability lowering barrier 24 is adjacent and adhered to septum 22. As shown in Fig 3, septum 22 is 5 visible through opening 20 when the closure assembly is viewed from above.
The cap portion 11 of the assembly may be fabricated by any conventional process, such as injection molding, and may be of any conventional plastic which is compatible with and forms a secure bond with the material selected for the septum, as delineated below. Preferred plastics for the cap are polyolefins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyethylene terephathalate (PET) and polystyrene. Fabrication of the cap portion is not part of this invention. The injection molded cap portion may be placed in the female cavity of a compression mold with top wall 12 in the s bottom of the cavity so that open bottom end 16 faces up. A quantity of melt of TPE predetermined to form septum 22 is then introduced, preferably by extrusion, into the cap portion in the mold cavity. A matching male forming pin is introduced into the female cavity to force the elastomer into the shape of septum 22 which is thereby pressed against and bonds with bottom edge 20 13 of cap top wall 12.
Any TPE which forms a secure bond to the cap may be used for the septum. Suitable thermoplastics for septums to be used with polystyrene caps are for example acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene or styrene-butadiene 25 rubbers. For PET caps a septum of polyester TPE, such as HYTRELTM
(DuPont) is preferred.
Elastomers suitable for septums to be used with polyolefin caps are thermoplastic polyolefin rubbers, generally referred to as TPOs, for example 30 ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber in a polypropylene matrix, commercially available under the trade name SANTOPRENETM from AES (Advanced Elastomer Systems, Akron, Ohio).
CA 022~078 1998-12-04 A preferred elastomer for septums to be used with polyolefin caps is the class of copolymers known in the art as metallocene copolyolefins, i.e., copolymers made using metallocene catalysts. Exemplary of such products are copolymers of ethylene with an alpha olefin of 3-20 carbon atoms. These products are commercially available from Exxon under the trade name EXACTrM or from Dow under the trade name ENGAGETM.
The most preferred elastomer for a septum to be used with a polyolefin cap is a metallocene copolymer of the EXACT or ENGAGE series which has been silane-grafted to contain about 0.2-10% by weight of silane. Silane-grafted metallocene polyolefin copolymers are well known in the art and are fully described in European Patent Application EP 0 702 032A2 and International Application No. WO 95/29197. They form exceptionally strong bonds to polyolefin caps. Silanes which may be grafted to polyolefins are sold by HULS AG (Somerset, N.J.) under the trade name DYNASYLANTM. A
preferred grafting agent is vinyl trimethoxy silane.
If it is desired that the septum be hardened, the capseptum unit in the mold may optionally be exposed to moisture to crosslink the polymer of the septum through siloxane groups. Crosslinking of silane-grafted metallocene polyolefins is conventional in the art.
Without removing the cap-septum unit from the mold, a permeability lowering barrier may be pressed against and bonded to the septum. The barrier preferably is of foil, most preferably aluminum foil, though any other suitable material as known in the art may be used. If a more secure bond between the septum and the foil barrier is desired, the foil may be coated with any suitable adhesive such as CHEMLOKTM (Lord Corporation, Erie, PA). The barrier may be about 0.3 to 3 micron thick.
The preferred process of the invention is continuous. In this embodiment CA 022~078 1998-12-04 of the invention, a line of female compression molds moves along a track.
Each mold visits sequentially a series of stations where an operation in the process takes place. Thus, at a first station along the track, the mold receives the injection molded cap portion, as described above. The mold s containing the cap advances along the track to a second station where the predetermined quantity of elastomer is extruded into the cap in the mold. At this station, the mating male forming pin may be introduced to compression mold the elastomer into the shape of the septum, or preferably, the mold, after receiving the elastomer, may be advanced to the next sequential station where the forming pin enters the mold and compression molds the elastomer into the septum and against the bottom edge of the top wall of the cap. The forming pin may then be retracted and the foil or foil-adhesive unit introduced and pressed against the septum by reentry of the forming pin.
Alternatively, the rrlold containing the cap-septum unit may be further advanced and the foil barrier introduced at a subsequent station. An apparatus suitable for the continuous process of the invention is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,314,799.
In any closure, it is critical that the septum bond securely to the cap so that no separation or leakage occurs. For example, it is readily seen that failure of the septum-cap seal would compromise the vacuum in an evacuated blood collection tube and lead to incomplete sample collection. In the present invention, it has been found that compression molding the melt bonds the elastomeric septum against the cap with sufficient strength so that adhesive is not required and leakage does not occur. Bond strength between septum and cap in closures made by the process of the invention and the prior art may be tested qualitatively for leakage by the procedure of the Example.
EXAMPLE
CA 022~078 1998-12-04 The closure to be tested for leakage was inserted into the open end of a 16X100 mm plastic tube. Ten ml of water were added (80% fill), and the tube was dropped from heights of 78 and 39 in. onto a laboratory floor (simulated hospital floor). The tubes were then visually examined for leakage through the cap-septum seal. No separation of septum from cap was observed with the following closure assemblies made by the process of the invention, and no leakage was observed.
1 ) polystyrene cap - HYTREL septum-foil barrier o 2) polypropylene cap - SANTOPRENE septum-foil barrier 3) polypropylene cap - silane-grafted EXACT septum-foil barrier
Claims (10)
1. A process for making a closure assembly comprising:
a) placing a plastic cap portion of a closure assembly having a top wall defining an opening into the female cavity of a compression mold, said cap portion being placed with said top wall adjacent to the bottom wall of said mold;
b) adding a thermoplastic elastomer to said cap portion;
c) pressing said elastomer into a septum sealed against said top wall and covering said opening; and d) affixing a permeability lowering barrier to said septum.
a) placing a plastic cap portion of a closure assembly having a top wall defining an opening into the female cavity of a compression mold, said cap portion being placed with said top wall adjacent to the bottom wall of said mold;
b) adding a thermoplastic elastomer to said cap portion;
c) pressing said elastomer into a septum sealed against said top wall and covering said opening; and d) affixing a permeability lowering barrier to said septum.
2. The process of Claim 1 wherein said elastomer is pressed into said septum by a matching male forming pin.
3. The process of Claim 2 wherein said cap portion is placed in the female cavity of a compression mold at a first station of a rotary compression molding apparatus.
4. The process of Claim 1 wherein said plastic cap is of polystyrene, polyolefin or polyethylene terephthalate.
5. The process of Claim 1 wherein said elastomer is selected from a group consisting of styrene-butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, a copolymer of ethylene and an alpha olefin of 3-20 carbon atoms, and a silane grafted copolymer of ethylene and an alpha olefin of 3-20 carbon atoms.
6. A process for making a closure assembly comprising:
a) placing a polyolefin cap portion of a closure assembly having a top wall defining an opening into the female cavity of a compression mold, said top wall being adjacent to the bottom wall of said mold;
b) introducing a melt of a copolymer of ethylene and an alpha olefin of 3-20 carbon atoms into said cap portion;
c) pressing said copolymer with a matching male pin to form a septum against said top wall and covering said opening; and d) affixing a permeability-lowering barrier to said septum.
a) placing a polyolefin cap portion of a closure assembly having a top wall defining an opening into the female cavity of a compression mold, said top wall being adjacent to the bottom wall of said mold;
b) introducing a melt of a copolymer of ethylene and an alpha olefin of 3-20 carbon atoms into said cap portion;
c) pressing said copolymer with a matching male pin to form a septum against said top wall and covering said opening; and d) affixing a permeability-lowering barrier to said septum.
7. The process of Claim 6 wherein said copolymer includes silane grafts.
8. The process of Claim 7 further comprising crosslinking said septum of silane-grafted copolymer.
9. A process for making a tube closure assembly comprising:
a) placing a polyolefin cap portion of a closure assembly having a top wall defining an opening into the female cavity of a compression mold at a first station of a rotary compression molding apparatus, the top wall of said cap portion being placed adjacent to the bottom of said mold;
b) adding a predetermined quantity of a melt of a silane-grafted copolymer of ethylene and an alpha olefin of 3-20 carbon atoms into said cap portion in said female cavity;
c) pressing said copolymer with a matching male pin to form a septum against said top wall and covering said opening; and d) pressing a permeability-lowering barrier against said septum with said male pin.
a) placing a polyolefin cap portion of a closure assembly having a top wall defining an opening into the female cavity of a compression mold at a first station of a rotary compression molding apparatus, the top wall of said cap portion being placed adjacent to the bottom of said mold;
b) adding a predetermined quantity of a melt of a silane-grafted copolymer of ethylene and an alpha olefin of 3-20 carbon atoms into said cap portion in said female cavity;
c) pressing said copolymer with a matching male pin to form a septum against said top wall and covering said opening; and d) pressing a permeability-lowering barrier against said septum with said male pin.
10. The process of Claim 9 wherein the septum is crosslinked.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/985,955 US5961911A (en) | 1997-12-05 | 1997-12-05 | Process for manufacture of closure assembly |
US08/985,955 | 1997-12-05 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2255078A1 true CA2255078A1 (en) | 1999-06-05 |
Family
ID=25531941
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002255078A Abandoned CA2255078A1 (en) | 1997-12-05 | 1998-12-04 | Process for manufacture of closure assembly |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5961911A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0920967B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH11226978A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2255078A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69803825T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (31)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6720044B2 (en) * | 1997-02-20 | 2004-04-13 | Pharmacia Ab | Polyolefinic closures comprising penetrable plugs and annular channels |
JP3142521B2 (en) * | 1998-11-04 | 2001-03-07 | 大成プラス株式会社 | Needlestick stopcock and its manufacturing method |
IT1311066B1 (en) * | 1999-12-23 | 2002-02-28 | Sacmi | METHOD FOR DECORATING THE SUMMIT OF A CLOSING CAP OF A RECIPIENT. |
ITRE20010001A1 (en) * | 2001-01-18 | 2002-07-18 | Sacmi | METHOD FOR CREATING A SEALING GASKET AT THE SUM OF THE CLOSING CAP OF A CONTAINER, AND CAPSULE INCLUDING THE GASKET |
US20030116879A1 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2003-06-26 | Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. | Compression molding process and article made by the process |
CN1681716A (en) * | 2002-09-16 | 2005-10-12 | 阿普拉-沃克.阿尔温莱纳两合公司 | Self-closing membrane valve |
US20090105684A1 (en) * | 2007-10-23 | 2009-04-23 | Baxter International Inc. | Medication port for medical fluid container |
JP5306667B2 (en) * | 2008-02-13 | 2013-10-02 | 株式会社細川洋行 | Freeze-dried container and method for producing freeze-dried container |
DE102008060994A1 (en) * | 2008-12-09 | 2010-06-17 | West Pharmaceutical Services Deutschland Gmbh & Co. Kg | Manufacturing method for a closure |
US7985188B2 (en) | 2009-05-13 | 2011-07-26 | Cv Holdings Llc | Vessel, coating, inspection and processing apparatus |
EP3222749A1 (en) | 2009-05-13 | 2017-09-27 | SiO2 Medical Products, Inc. | Outgassing method for inspecting a coated surface |
WO2013170052A1 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2013-11-14 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Saccharide protective coating for pharmaceutical package |
US9458536B2 (en) | 2009-07-02 | 2016-10-04 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | PECVD coating methods for capped syringes, cartridges and other articles |
US11624115B2 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2023-04-11 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Syringe with PECVD lubrication |
KR101948333B1 (en) * | 2010-09-30 | 2019-02-14 | 다우 글로벌 테크놀로지스 엘엘씨 | Method for manufacturing flexible multilayer electrical articles with improved layer adhesion |
US9878101B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2018-01-30 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Cyclic olefin polymer vessels and vessel coating methods |
US9272095B2 (en) | 2011-04-01 | 2016-03-01 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Vessels, contact surfaces, and coating and inspection apparatus and methods |
US11116695B2 (en) | 2011-11-11 | 2021-09-14 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Blood sample collection tube |
EP2776603B1 (en) | 2011-11-11 | 2019-03-06 | SiO2 Medical Products, Inc. | PASSIVATION, pH PROTECTIVE OR LUBRICITY COATING FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGE, COATING PROCESS AND APPARATUS |
US9554968B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2017-01-31 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Trilayer coated pharmaceutical packaging |
US9057687B2 (en) * | 2012-04-20 | 2015-06-16 | Mocon, Inc. | Calibration vial and technique for calibrating a fiber optic oxygen sensing needle |
CA2890066C (en) | 2012-11-01 | 2021-11-09 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Coating inspection method |
EP2920567B1 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2020-08-19 | SiO2 Medical Products, Inc. | Method and apparatus for detecting rapid barrier coating integrity characteristics |
CN105705676B (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2018-09-07 | Sio2医药产品公司 | Control the uniformity of the PECVD depositions on injector for medical purpose, cylindrantherae etc. |
US9764093B2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2017-09-19 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Controlling the uniformity of PECVD deposition |
US20160015898A1 (en) | 2013-03-01 | 2016-01-21 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Plasma or cvd pre-treatment for lubricated pharmaceutical package, coating process and apparatus |
US9937099B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2018-04-10 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Trilayer coated pharmaceutical packaging with low oxygen transmission rate |
US9863042B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-01-09 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | PECVD lubricity vessel coating, coating process and apparatus providing different power levels in two phases |
DE102013113399B4 (en) * | 2013-12-03 | 2016-10-20 | Gerresheimer Regensburg Gmbh | Injection molded component with integrated septum |
EP3122917B1 (en) | 2014-03-28 | 2020-05-06 | SiO2 Medical Products, Inc. | Antistatic coatings for plastic vessels |
WO2017031354A2 (en) | 2015-08-18 | 2017-02-23 | Sio2 Medical Products, Inc. | Pharmaceutical and other packaging with low oxygen transmission rate |
Family Cites Families (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3689625A (en) * | 1969-06-12 | 1972-09-05 | Continental Can Co | Method of forming a molded ring gasket |
DE2807759C2 (en) * | 1978-02-23 | 1980-01-10 | Sipavel-Sociedade De Isolamentos Para Veiculos, Lda, Lissabon | Process and elastomer mixture for the production of seals |
JPS593141B2 (en) * | 1978-08-28 | 1984-01-23 | 大阪永柳工業株式会社 | Manufacturing equipment for bottle lids with packing |
JPS5854661B2 (en) * | 1979-06-08 | 1983-12-06 | 日本クラウンコルク株式会社 | Manufacturing method of container lid with liner |
US4497765A (en) * | 1979-09-21 | 1985-02-05 | H-C Industries, Inc. | Process for making a closure |
US4314799A (en) * | 1980-03-19 | 1982-02-09 | Owens-Illinois, Inc. | Compression molding machine for organic thermoplastic materials |
JPS56151517A (en) * | 1980-04-28 | 1981-11-24 | Japan Crown Cork Co Ltd | Embossing tool for embossing liner onto inside of crown cap shell |
US4418828A (en) * | 1981-07-24 | 1983-12-06 | H-C Industries, Inc. | Plastic closure with mechanical pilfer band |
JPS5914917A (en) * | 1982-07-16 | 1984-01-25 | Japan Crown Cork Co Ltd | Resin cap and manufacture thereof |
US4588465A (en) * | 1983-02-04 | 1986-05-13 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Method for forming a sealed container |
US4554125A (en) * | 1983-03-17 | 1985-11-19 | Schering Corporation | Method of making a stopper for a sterile fluid container |
JPS60101015A (en) * | 1983-11-09 | 1985-06-05 | Japan Crown Cork Co Ltd | Manufacture of container lid of synthetic resin |
JPH068141B2 (en) * | 1984-05-14 | 1994-02-02 | 日本クラウンコルク株式会社 | Synthetic resin container lid |
WO1986003615A1 (en) * | 1984-12-04 | 1986-06-19 | Wretschitsch, Walter | Wind instrument |
US5447674A (en) * | 1987-06-04 | 1995-09-05 | Schellenbach; Frank | Method for producing a gas-tight plastic closure for containers |
FR2618683B1 (en) * | 1987-07-31 | 1992-03-06 | Aguettant Lab | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING ACCESSORIES FOR CONTAINERS OF PERFUSION LIQUIDS |
JP2729659B2 (en) * | 1989-03-31 | 1998-03-18 | 浪華ゴム工業株式会社 | Plug for plastic container for infusion and production method thereof |
JPH02243327A (en) * | 1990-02-09 | 1990-09-27 | Japan Crown Cork Co Ltd | Manufacture of synthetic resin container cover |
JP2954323B2 (en) * | 1990-11-08 | 1999-09-27 | 株式会社ニッショー | Method for manufacturing rubber stopper for vial |
CA2101196C (en) * | 1992-07-28 | 2005-06-14 | James L. Gregory | Plastic beverage closure |
US5451360A (en) * | 1993-10-14 | 1995-09-19 | Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. | Method and apparatus for compression molding closure liners |
US5686040A (en) * | 1993-10-28 | 1997-11-11 | White Cap, Inc. | Method for producing closure gaskets |
JP3273285B2 (en) * | 1994-04-11 | 2002-04-08 | 日本クラウンコルク株式会社 | Synthetic resin container lid manufacturing equipment |
KR960010734A (en) * | 1994-09-19 | 1996-04-20 | 존 디. 밤바라 | Cross-linked foamed structure of essential linear polyolefins and process for preparing same |
US5647939A (en) * | 1994-12-05 | 1997-07-15 | Integrated Liner Technologies, Inc. | Method of bonding a cured elastomer to plastic and metal surfaces |
-
1997
- 1997-12-05 US US08/985,955 patent/US5961911A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1998
- 1998-11-20 EP EP98122045A patent/EP0920967B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-11-20 DE DE69803825T patent/DE69803825T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-12-04 JP JP10345051A patent/JPH11226978A/en active Pending
- 1998-12-04 CA CA002255078A patent/CA2255078A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69803825T2 (en) | 2002-10-02 |
US5961911A (en) | 1999-10-05 |
JPH11226978A (en) | 1999-08-24 |
EP0920967A1 (en) | 1999-06-09 |
DE69803825D1 (en) | 2002-03-21 |
EP0920967B1 (en) | 2002-02-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5961911A (en) | Process for manufacture of closure assembly | |
US4382513A (en) | Packages having readily peelable seals | |
US5145737A (en) | System for closure and subsequent opening of sterilizable containers | |
CA2188087C (en) | Plastic cap and a process for the production of the same | |
EP2673214B1 (en) | Package with lid sealing system | |
CA2071938C (en) | Container closure and method for producing same | |
US20130047559A1 (en) | Package with lid sealing system | |
EP1126917B1 (en) | Sealing mat for closing reaction tubes | |
EP0353613A3 (en) | Peelable sealed plastic packages and method of preparing same | |
WO2002087992A1 (en) | Plastic packaging with at least one welded knob | |
JP2002501843A (en) | Stopper manufacturing method | |
US4398989A (en) | System for making molded articles | |
US4397903A (en) | Molded articles | |
JP3658013B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for mounting an insert for sealing a container | |
US4774134A (en) | Low oxygen barrier type plastic closure with an adhered gasketing compound and method of forming same | |
CN111801210B (en) | Lidded container with fluorinated polymeric inner surface and method of making same | |
AU2011310084B2 (en) | Plastic lid with integrally connected film and container comprising said lid | |
CN1089307C (en) | Beverage can lid and mehtod of making | |
CA2293988A1 (en) | Method for manufacturing laminated rubber closure and laminated rubber closure produced thereby | |
JPH0663105A (en) | Plug body for infusion with pulltop and method for manufacturing the same | |
AU641080B2 (en) | Method of producing multilayer plastics containers | |
EP0332725B1 (en) | Low oxygen barrier type plastic closure with an adhered gasketing compound and method of forming same | |
CN218369285U (en) | Silica gel sealing bag | |
WO2021060690A1 (en) | Manufacturing method for inner container comprising film container | |
KR101648994B1 (en) | Stopper for closing a medical system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
FZDE | Discontinued |