Dual chamber storage device

A dual chamber storage device includes a first chamber having a base and a hollow body for storing a first material. A second chamber within the hollow body of the first chamber has a base, a hollow body for storing a second material, and a neck portion. A dispenser housed within the second chamber has a hollow body, a dispensing tip, and a cutting edge. A cap surrounds the end of the dispenser with the cutting edge, is rotatingly connectable with the second chamber neck portion, and is non-rotatingly connectable with the first end of the dispenser. When the cap is rotated relative to the second chamber neck portion, the second end of the dispenser moves toward the base of the second chamber and the cutting edge pierces the base of the second chamber thereby allowing the second material to enter the hollow body of the first chamber.

BACKGROUND

One or more materials typically have to be mixed prior to use. Materials are often stored separately and then manually mixed prior to use. The process of accurately measuring, combining, and dispensing media can be susceptible to error. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a device that holds materials separate and stable until time of use, while simultaneously providing a mechanism for combining the materials prior to dispensing the mixture or sampling the mixture by a machine or device.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a dual chamber storage device10that stores a first material28and a second material32desired to be mixed together into a mixture prior to use. During storage, the first material28and the second material32remain separated. The dual chamber storage device10includes a first chamber12, a second chamber14, a dispenser16and a cap20. The first chamber12stores the first material28and the second chamber14stores the second material32.

In certain examples, first material28is in one state whereas the second material32is in another state. For example, the first material28can be a solid whereas the second material32can be a liquid or a semi-solid. In other examples, the first material28can be a liquid whereas the second material32can be a solid or semi-solid. In other examples, the first material28can be a semi-solid whereas the second material32can be a solid or a liquid. In yet other examples, first material28and the second material32are in the same state. For example, both materials can be a liquid. Also, both materials can be a semi-solid. Solid materials include but are not limited to powders, pellets, lyophilized materials. Liquid materials include but are not limited to water, alcohol, solvents. Further, the first material28is present in a predetermined amount and the second material32is present in a predetermined amount.

The first chamber12includes a hollow body26that stores the first material28. The first chamber12is also generally non-deformable, such that the size and shape of the first chamber12remains substantially fixed during use of the device10. In some cases, the first chamber12can be made of a material to have a sufficient thickness and rigidity so as to be generally non-deformable but capable of being squeezed.

The second chamber14also includes a hollow body30that stores second material32. The second chamber14can transform between a deformed state and a non-deformed state. In the non-deformed state, the second chamber14is not deformed and the first material28in the first chamber12is separated from the second material32in the second chamber14. The first material28and the second material32even remain separated when the device10is inverted or shaken.

In the deformed state, the second chamber14includes a portion that is deformed such that the second material32enters into the first chamber12and mixes with the first material28to form a mixture. The mixture can then pass back and forth through the first chamber12and the second chamber14and out of the device through the dispenser16.

The deformable portion can be any component of the second chamber14that can be deformed to allow the second material32to enter into the first chamber12. In some cases, the deformable portion is a deformable base27. In certain examples, the deformable base27comprises a material that can be deformed by cutting or piercing. In some cases, the base27comprises a deformable material whereas the remaining components of the second chamber14comprises a non-deformable material.

The dispenser16includes a deforming structure that is capable of deforming the deformable portion of the second chamber14. In some cases, the deforming structure cuts or pierces or otherwise deforms the deformable portion. In some cases, the deforming structure is a deforming edge48. The dispenser16also includes a dispensing tip42for controlling delivery of a mixture of the first material28and the second material32.

The device10also includes a cap20configured substantially surround an upper portion of the device10so as to isolate the device10from moisture, dust and other extraneous particles, thereby ensuring product stability. The device10can also have one or more fluid-tight seals to reduce or substantially prevent moisture or particle intrusion into the device prior to use. Such fluid-tight seals can also help reduce leakage of materials from the device10.

When it is desired to mix the first material28with the second material32, a user exerts force on the dispenser16to cause the deforming structure to deform the deformable portion of the second chamber14. Once the second chamber14is deformed, the second material32in the second chamber14moves through the deformed portion to mix with the first material28in the first chamber12. The mixture can also freely travel through the first chamber12, the second chamber14and the dispenser16, ultimately leaving the device10via the dispensing tip42of the dispenser16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described.FIGS. 1-3illustrate components of the device10. The components can be connected together to protect the first material26and the second material32during non-use. For example, the first chamber12and the cap20are connected together so as to substantially surround and isolate the second chamber14and the dispenser16from an outside environment. Also, the second chamber14can be nested coaxially within the first chamber12, while the dispenser16can be nested coaxially within the second chamber14.

As seen fromFIGS. 4A-7B, the first chamber12has an internal perimeter IP1and an external perimeter EP1, the second chamber14has an internal perimeter IP2and an external perimeter EP2, the dispenser16has an internal perimeter IP3and an external perimeter EP3and the cap20has an internal perimeter IP5and an external perimeter EP5. In some cases, the IP1is larger than the EP2and IP2is larger than EP3. In certain cases, the IP1substantially surrounds the EP2and the IP2substantially surrounds the EP3. Such perimeter relationships allow the second chamber14to be nested coaxially within the first chamber12and the dispenser16to be nested coaxially within the second chamber14.

Further, the cap20can substantially surround both the dispenser16and the second chamber14. In some cases, the IP4is larger than the EP3and the EP2. This perimeter relationship allows the cap to substantially surround both the dispenser16and the second chamber14. Also, the cap20can have an exterior perimeter EP5that substantially matches or matches the exterior perimeter EP1first chamber12. In such cases, the EP5is substantially close to or substantially the same as the EP1. This allows for the cap20and first chamber12to connect together and substantially surround and isolate the second chamber14and the dispenser16from an outside environment.

The dual chamber storage device10has a first chamber12as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B. The first chamber12includes a hollow body26that stores a first material28. In some cases, the entire first chamber12is configured to be a hollow body26. The first chamber12has a first end59and a second end60. The first end59is opposite the second end60. The first end59includes a base24that engages with a support surface. In the illustrated embodiment, a bottom edge of the first end59is configured as a base24. In some cases, the 24 base can be generally planar so as to rest on a generally planar support surface such as a table or shelf.

The first chamber12also includes a first chamber neck portion70proximal to the second end60.FIG. 6Bperhaps best illustrates the first chamber neck portion70. The first chamber12also includes a sealing portion72, which forms a seal76with the second chamber14when the second chamber14is nested within the first chamber12. In some cases, the first chamber neck portion70includes the sealing portion72, which can be formed on an interior surface of the first chamber neck portion70. Also, in some cases, the sealing portion72spans an entire interior perimeter IP1of the first chamber neck portion70. In certain cases, the sealing portion72includes a groove. Additionally, the first chamber neck portion70includes an anti-rotation groove71that can include a plurality of ribs78. In some cases, the plurality of ribs78can be evenly spaced. Ribs78prevent chamber14from rotating inside chamber12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first chamber12has a cylindrical shape, though other shapes can be used instead. The first chamber12is also generally non-deformable, such that the size and shape of the first chamber12remains substantially fixed during use of the device10. In some cases, the first chamber12can be made of a material having a sufficient thickness and rigidity so as to be generally non-deformable but capable of being squeezed. In some cases, the first chamber12comprises a polymer. In certain cases, the polymer can be a low density polyethylene. In other cases, the polymer can be a polyethylene or polypropylene, though other suitable materials can be used instead.

In certain examples, the first chamber12may be sized so as to hold a small dosage of a material. Accordingly, in certain non-limiting examples, the first chamber12has a diameter of between about 0.25 inches and about 1 inch, for instance, about 0.75 inches. Further, the first chamber12can have a height of between about 1 inch and about 3 inches, for example, about 1.5 inches. In some such embodiments, the first chamber12may hold a volume of a material between about 1 microliter and about 5 milliliters. In addition, the size of the first chamber12can be adjusted so as to maintain a specific component ratio between the first material28, and a second material32stored in the second chamber14.

The device10has a second chamber14as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B. The second chamber14also includes a hollow body30that stores the second material32. In some cases, the entire second chamber14is configured to be a hollow body. The second chamber14also has a first end29and a second end31. The first end29is opposite the second end31. In some cases, the second chamber14includes a second chamber neck portion34proximal to the second end31. The second chamber14also includes an anti-rotation bead73, a sealing portion74and a sealing portion82.

The second chamber14attaches to the first chamber12. In some cases, the second chamber14fixedly attaches to the first chamber12such that the second chamber14does not move relative to the first chamber12. In one embodiment, the second chamber14attaches to the first chamber12using a snap-fit connection mechanism. A variety of snap-fit connection mechanisms are known in the art and can be used. Also, in some embodiments, the second chamber14nests within the first chamber12.

The second chamber14includes a sealing portion74which engages with the sealing portion72of the first chamber12to form a seal76(e.g., as seen inFIG. 3). In some cases, as best shown inFIG. 5A, the sealing portion74is formed on an exterior surface of the second chamber14. Also, in some cases, the sealing portion74spans an entire exterior perimeter EP2of the second chamber14. In certain cases, the sealing portion74includes a bead that engages with a groove of the sealing portion72of the first chamber12to form the seal76.

The second chamber14also includes an anti-rotation bead73, which fits within the anti-rotation groove71of the first chamber12. The one or more ribs78in the anti-rotation groove71allow for a snap-fit of the anti-rotation bead73within the anti-rotation groove71. This prevents chamber14from rotating inside chamber12. In some cases, a portion of anti-rotation bead73can be removed to improve engagement of the anti-rotation bead73with the anti-rotation groove71.

The second chamber14includes an additional sealing portion82which forms a seal86with the dispenser16when the second chamber14is in the deformed state. The second chamber14also includes an additional sealing portion83, which forms the seal86with dispenser16when the second chamber14is not in the deformed state. In some cases, the second chamber neck portion34includes the sealing portion82, which can be formed on an interior surface of the second chamber neck portion34. Also, in some cases, the sealing portion82spans an entire interior perimeter of the second chamber neck portion34. In certain cases, the sealing portion82includes a groove.

The second chamber neck portion34also includes a second chamber threaded portion54. In this example, the second chamber threaded portion54is formed on an exterior surface of the neck portion34, as best shown inFIG. 5A. In some cases, the threaded portion54spans an entire exterior perimeter EP2of the second chamber14. The second chamber14also has a cylindrical shape, though other shapes are contemplated. The second chamber14also comprises a polymer. In certain cases, the polymer can be a low density polyethylene. In other cases, the polymer can be a polyethylene or polypropylene, though other suitable materials can be used instead.

The second chamber14also includes a deformable portion. In some cases, the deformable portion is a deformable base. For example, the deformable base comprises a material than can be deformed by cutting or piercing. In the illustrated embodiment, the deformable base is a base27positioned proximal to the first end29, as best shown inFIG. 5B. In some cases, the deformable base27is positioned above a bottom edge33of the second chamber14. Also, in some cases, the deformable base27is positioned inside of the second chamber14.

In some embodiments, the deformable base comprises a deformable material whereas the remaining components of the second chamber14comprise a non-deformable material. For example, the deformable base can comprise a foil seal whereas the remaining components comprises a polymer. In certain cases, the polymer can be a low density polyethylene. In other cases, the polymer can be a polyethylene or polypropylene, though other suitable materials can be used instead.

In other cases, both the deformable base and the remaining components are of the same material but have differing thicknesses. For example, the deformable base and the remaining components can both comprise a polymer, such as a low density polyethylene. However, the deformable base has a thickness small enough that enables the base to easily be deformed by cutting or piercing, whereas the remaining components have a thickness large enough that renders the components non-deformable. In some cases, the deformable base can have a thickness between about 0.010 inches and 0.03 inches. In some cases, the remaining components can have a thickness between about 0.015 inches and 0.04 inches.

Referring back toFIGS. 2 and 3, in some cases, the second chamber14comprises a vent80disposed outside of the hollow body of the second chamber14. The vent80, in the illustrated example, is positioned below the first seal76, such that the vent80may permit venting of the first chamber12while simultaneously fluidly isolating the first material28from the second material32. In one case, the vent80permits venting of the first chamber12during lyophilization.

The device10also includes a dispenser16as shown inFIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C. The dispenser16includes a hollow body36and a first end40and a second end38. The first end40is opposite the second end38. The first end40includes a deforming structure46that is capable of deforming the deformable base of the second chamber14. The second end38includes a dispensing tip42for controlling delivery of a mixture of the first material28and the second material32. The dispenser16also includes a sealing portion84and a sealing portion104. The dispenser16can comprise a polymer. In certain cases, the polymer can be a polystyrene. In other cases, the polymer can be a polyethylene or polypropylene, though other suitable materials can be used instead.

In some embodiments, the deforming structure46is a deforming edge48capable of deforming the base. In certain cases, the deforming edge48cuts or pierces the base. The deforming edge48can be at an angle of 3° to 15° and can either be smooth yet sharp, or optionally include serrations6. InFIG. 3, the deforming edge48is illustrated without serrations6, whereas inFIG. 2, the deforming edge48is illustrated with serrations6. The deforming edge48, as seen fromFIGS. 2 and 3, comprises a cutting edge perimeter (best seen inFIG. 7A). In certain advantageous aspects, the serrations6are provided throughout the perimeter of the deforming edge48.

The dispenser16attaches to the second chamber14. In one embodiment, the dispenser16attaches to the second chamber14using a snap-fit connection mechanism. A variety of snap-fit connection mechanisms are known in the art and can be used.

The dispenser16has a sealing portion84that engages with the sealing portion82of the second chamber14to form a seal86when the second chamber14is in the deformed state. The sealing portion84engages with the sealing portion83of the second chamber14to form the seal86when the second chamber14is not in the deformed state (e.g., as seen inFIG. 3). In some cases, as best shown inFIG. 7B, the sealing portion84is formed on an exterior surface of the dispenser16. Also, in some cases, the sealing portion84spans an entire exterior perimeter EP3of the dispenser16. In certain cases, the sealing portion84includes a bead that engages with the groove of the sealing portion82of the second chamber14to form the seal86. Also, the one or more ribs can be provided in the groove allow for a snap-fit of the bead within the groove. ReferencingFIG. 3, the seal86is axially offset from the seal76.

The dispenser16also includes a dispensing tip42, which can be sized and shaped to deliver a precise amount of the mixture. In some cases, the dispensing tip42is sized and shaped to deliver a mixture in an amount of between about 1 microliters and 100 microliters, for instance about 20 microliters.FIG. 7Cshows an enlarged sectional view of the dispensing tip42. The dispensing tip42has a generally tapered body portion92terminating in an aperture94. The aperture94is in fluid communication with the hollow body36of the dispenser16and permits a mixture to flow through.

In some embodiments, the dispensing tip42has a top surface96and the aperture94is recessed from the top surface96. Such embodiment can be beneficial in reducing leakage during use while also providing a precise dose corresponding to the size and shape of the dispensing tip42. In certain examples, the aperture94is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameter of between about 0.01 inches and about 0.5 inches. In some such examples, the aperture94has a diameter of about 0.025 inches.

Also, in some embodiments, the generally tapered body portion92can have a taper angle98, defined relative to a central axis of the dispenser16of between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees. In certain examples, the taper angle98can be about 10 degrees.

The dispenser16also includes a sealing portion104provided along the generally tapered body portion92of the dispensing tip42. The sealing portion104engages with a sealing portion106of the cap20to form a seal108(e.g., as seen inFIG. 3). In some cases, as best shown inFIG. 7C, the sealing portion104is formed on an exterior surface of the dispensing tip42. Also, in some cases, the sealing portion104spans an entire exterior perimeter EP4of the dispensing tip42. In certain cases, the sealing portion104includes a bead that contacts the top of a bead in the sealing portion106of the cap20to form the seal108.

The dispenser16is movable relative to the second chamber14. For example, in embodiments, the dispenser12is movable towards the second chamber14.

The device10also includes a cap20that substantially surrounds an upper portion of the device10so as to isolate the device10from moisture, dust and other extraneous particles, thereby ensuring product stability. The cap20can also be made of a material such as high density polyethylene or polypropylene, though other materials are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate an exemplary embodiment of the cap20. The cap20comprises a threaded portion50. In this example, the threaded portion50is formed on an interior surface of the cap20. In some cases, the threaded portion50spans an entire interior surface of the cap20. In certain cases, the threaded portion50spans an entire interior perimeter IP5of the cap20. The cap20also includes a bottom edge66, which is the lowermost boundary of the cap20. Additionally, the cap includes a generally planar top surface100positionable to be in contact with the generally planar top surface90of the dispenser16. Referring now toFIG. 8, the cap20includes a tapered portion102positioned above the generally planar top surface100of the cap20. The tapered portion102of the cap20is sized and shaped to generally match the size and shape of the tapered body portion92of the dispensing tip42.

The cap20attaches to the dispenser16. In some cases, the cap20is fixedly and/or rigidly and/or non-rotatingly attachable to the dispenser16. Also, in some cases, the cap20attaches to a second end38of the dispenser16. In certain cases, the cap20fixedly and/or rigidly and/or non-rotatingly attaches to the second end38.

The cap20also attaches to the second chamber14. In some cases, the cap20is rotatingly attachable to the second chamber14. Also, in some cases, the cap20is attachable to a second end34of the second chamber14. In certain cases, the cap20is rotatably attachable to the second end34. In certain embodiments, the threaded portion50of the cap20threads or screws around the threaded portion54of the second chamber14. In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded portion54is a male portion that threads or screws into the threaded portion50, which is a female portion. Of course, in other embodiments, the threaded portion50can be a male portion that threads into a female threaded portion54.

The cap20has a sealing portion106that engages with a sealing portion104of the dispenser16to form a seal108. As shown inFIG. 8, the sealing portion106is formed on an interior surface of the cap20.

In certain embodiments, the cap20is rotatingly attachable with the second end34of the second chamber14while being fixedly attachable to the second end38of the dispenser such that when the cap20is rotated relative to the second chamber neck portion34, the cap20does not rotate with respect to the first end38of the dispenser16. During rotation of the cap20, a force/torque is exerted on the second end38of the dispenser16, thereby causing the first end40and thus the deforming structure46to move toward the base of the second chamber14. As the deforming structure46contacts the base27, it deforms the base27, thereby allowing the second material32to enter the first chamber12.

As seen fromFIG. 1, the device10can also include a tamper evident ring62positioned between the cap20and the first chamber12. The tamper evident ring62can be a “warranty seal” to a user. For example, if the tamper evident ring62is present, a user can assume that the device10has not been used and thus the first material28in the first chamber12and the second material32in the second chamber14have not been mixed. However, if the tamper evident ring62is not present, a user can assume the device10has been tampered or used and thus the first material28and the second material32may have been mixed.

With reference toFIG. 4A, the tamper evident ring62can include a top edge64and a bottom edge66. The top edge64of the tamper evident ring62is positioned so as to abut the bottom edge58of the cap20, and the bottom edge66of the tamper evident ring62is positioned so as to abut the top edge60of the first chamber12. When the tamper evident ring62is in place, the cap20is not rotatable relative to the second chamber neck portion34. When the tamper evident ring62is removed, the cap20is rotatable relative to the second chamber neck portion34. Thus, during use, the user removes the tamper evident ring62prior to rotatingly engaging the first threaded portion50and the second threaded portion54.

FIGS. 9-14Billustrate the device according to another embodiment. The device, according to this embodiment may include a cap kit200connectable with a first container202, and a second container204. The first container202can be substantially similar to the first chamber12. Alternatively, the first container202can be substantially different from the first chamber12. The first container202can be an off-the-shelf component, such as a vial. The first container202can be made from many different types of materials, such as glass, polymer, etc. The first container202can store the first material28.

The cap kit200can include a first cap210. The first cap210can engage with the first container202. In one example, the first cap210can include threads (best seen inFIG. 12). In the illustrated embodiment, the threads of the first cap210are defined on an interior surface of the first cap210. The first container202can have corresponding threads on an exterior surface of the first container202. Accordingly, the threads of the first cap210can engage with the threads of the first container202. Alternative types of connections (such as threads other than those illustrated, frictional engagement, snap-fit, and the like) are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

The first cap210can be made of a polymer such as polypropylene, although other materials are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The first cap210can be made by a process such as injection molding, though, other processes (including additive manufacturing) are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The surfaces of the first cap210can have a desired finish, for instance, an SPI Finish designation such as a D-1 (e.g., dry blast of a suitable size) finish. The finish of the surfaces of the first cap210can be different in certain portions of the second cap212. For instance, interior surfaces of the first cap engagement portion216and/or the first cap ring portion230can have a different surface finish (e.g., an SPI finish designation such as A-3 or better).

As seen inFIGS. 9-12 and 14A-B, the cap kit200can also include a second cap212. The second cap212can be engaged with a second container204. The second container204can be substantially similar to the second chamber14. Alternatively, the second container204can be substantially different from the second chamber14. The second container204can be an off-the-shelf component such as a vial or a micro-tube. The second container204can be made from many different types of materials, such as glass, polymer, etc. The second container204can store the second material32.

The second cap212can engage with the second container204. In one example, the second cap212can include threads to engage with the second container204. In the illustrated embodiment, the threads of the second cap212are defined on an interior surface of the second cap212. The second container204can have corresponding threads on an exterior surface of the second container204. Accordingly, the threads of the second cap212can engage with the threads of the second container204. Alternative types of connections (such as threads other than those illustrated, frictional engagement, snap-fit, and the like) are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

The second cap212can be made of a polymer such as low density polyethylene, although other materials are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The second cap212be made by a process such as molding, though, other processes (including additive manufacturing) are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The surfaces of the second cap212can have a desired finish, for instance, an SPI Finish designation such as a D-1 finish. The finish of the surfaces of the second cap212can be different in certain portions of the second cap212. For instance, exterior surfaces of the second cap engagement portion266can have a different surface finish (e.g., an SPI finish designation such as A-3 or better). In certain embodiments, the entirety of the first cap210and the second cap212can have substantially the same finish to facilitate ease of manufacturing and reduce cost of fabricating the cap kit. Alternatively, the first cap210and the second cap212or portions thereof can have different surface finishes.

In certain embodiments, the first cap210and the second cap212can form the cap kit200for use with off-the-shelf containers such as vials, micro-tubes, and the like. A user can connect the first container202having the first material28(e.g., lyophilized powder sealed in the first container202) to the first cap210and connect the second container204(e.g., micro-tube having the second material32) to the second container204. The first and second materials28and32can be protected by the cap kit prior to use. Such embodiments can provide an easy to use cap kit for engaging with different types of containers.

As best seen inFIGS. 11 and 12, according to some embodiments, the first cap210can receive and surround the first container202to enclose and protect the contents (e.g., the first material28) of the first container202. In additional embodiments, the second cap212substantially surrounds the second container204to enclose and protect the contents (e.g., the second material32) of the second container204. Further, advantageously, the first cap210can receive and surround the second cap212.

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13A-C illustrate various views of the first cap210according to an embodiment. The first cap210has a first cap base portion214and a first cap engagement portion216. In one example, the first cap base portion214and the first cap engagement portion216each have a circular cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes can be contemplated.

The first cap base portion214has a first cap base portion diameter218and a first cap base portion height220. The first cap base portion diameter218can be suitably chosen to engage with any commercially available first container202. The first cap base portion214can include threads222to engage with the first container202(e.g., vials of different sizes). The threads can be of a suitable pitch and type to engage with any commercially available first container202(e.g., vials of different sizes). The threads may be located on an interior surface224of the first cap base portion214, and may start at a first distance226from an edge228of the first cap base portion214.

In some embodiments, the first cap210can also include a first cap ring portion230. The first cap ring portion230can be detachably coupled to the first cap engagement portion216. The first cap ring portion230can have an outer edge232and an inner edge234. The outer edge232can be an outermost edge of the first cap ring portion230and the inner edge234can be an innermost edge of the first cap ring portion230. The inner edge234of the first cap ring portion230can be closer to an outer edge236of the first cap engagement portion216than the outer edge232of the first cap ring portion230. The outer edge236of the first cap engagement portion216can be an outermost edge. For example, as seen inFIGS. 13A-C, the first cap210can include a plurality of tabs240defined on the inner edge of the first cap ring portion230and/or outer edge of the first cap engagement portion216to engage the first cap ring portion230to the first cap engagement portion216. As shown inFIG. 11, the first cap ring portion230can include a tearing tab242. During use, to detach the first cap ring portion230, the tearing tab242can be grasped and pulled circumferentially, thereby tearing the first cap ring portion230from the first cap engagement portion216.

With reference toFIGS. 12, 13B, and 13C, the first cap engagement portion216includes a first groove244and a second groove246in some embodiments. The first groove244and the second groove246can be defined on an interior surface248of the first cap engagement portion216. The first groove244can be axially spaced apart from the second groove246, along a first cap center axis250. For example, the first groove244can be an outermost groove and positioned further away from the first cap base portion214than the second groove246. The second groove246can be an innermost groove and can be positioned closer to the first cap base portion214than the first groove244. The first groove244and the second groove246can each have a groove diameter254. The groove diameter254can be larger than a nominal diameter252of the interior surface248of the first cap engagement portion216.

As seen inFIGS. 12, 13B and 13C, the first cap210includes a piercing protrusion260. The piercing protrusion260can extend from the first cap base portion214. The piercing protrusion260can be housed within the first cap engagement portion216. For example, the piercing protrusion260can project past the second groove246. The piercing protrusion260can have a piercing protrusion height262. In certain illustrated embodiments, the piercing protrusion260can be coaxial with the first cap base portion214and/or the first cap engagement portion216. The piercing protrusion260can be centered on the first cap center axis250. Alternatively, the piercing protrusion260can be off-axis with the first cap center axis250in other embodiments.

FIGS. 9-12, 14A, and 14Billustrate various views of the second cap212according to an embodiment. The second cap212has a second cap base portion264and a second cap engagement portion266. In one example, the second cap base portion264and the second cap engagement portion266each have a circular cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes can be contemplated.

The second cap base portion264has a second cap base portion diameter268and a second cap base portion height270. The second cap base portion diameter268can be suitably chosen to engage with any commercially available second container204. The second cap base portion264can include threads272to engage with the second container204(e.g., vials, micro-tubes of different sizes). The threads can be of a suitable pitch and type to engage with any commercially available second container204(e.g., vials, micro-tubes of different sizes). The threads may be located on an interior surface274of the second cap base portion264, and may start at a second distance276from an edge278of the second cap base portion264.

With reference toFIGS. 12 and 14B, the second cap engagement portion266includes a first rib280and a second rib282in some embodiments. The first rib280and the second rib282can be defined on an exterior surface284of the second cap engagement portion266. The first rib280can be axially spaced apart from the second rib282, along a second cap center axis286. For example, the first rib280can be an outermost rib and positioned further away from the second cap base portion264than the second rib282. The second rib282can be an innermost rib and can be positioned closer to the second cap base portion264than the first rib280. The first rib280and the second rib282can each have a rib diameter288. The rib diameter288can be larger than a nominal diameter290of the exterior surface284of the second cap engagement portion266.

As seen inFIGS. 12 and 14B, the second cap212includes a protective surface292. The protective surface292can, in some embodiments, form an outermost surface of the second cap212in the axial direction. In some such cases, the protective surface292can be in the form of a membrane. The protective surface292can be substantially flexible relative to the second cap base portion264and/or second cap engagement portion266. In one example, the protective surface292can be made of the same material as the second cap212. In such cases, the protective surface292can have a thickness substantially less than the thickness of a portion of the second cap212. For example, the protective surface292can have a thickness substantially less than the thickness of the lateral portion300of the second cap212. Accordingly, the protective surface292can be deformable (e.g., pierced/torn, etc.) Alternatively, in another example, the protective surface292can be made of a different material (e.g., more deformable/flexible material) from the material of the second cap212.

In one example, the thickness of the protective surface292may not be uniform. For example, the protective surface292can have an outer portion294and an inner portion296. The outer portion294of the protective surface292can attach to the lateral portion300of the second cap212. The outer portion294can be radially further outward than the inner portion296. The outer portion294can extend radially over an outer radial distance302, while the inner portion296can extend radially over an inner radial distance304. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14B, the inner radial distance304is greater than the outer radial distance302. The outer radial distance302can be such that the outer portion294at least partially radially overlaps with of the piercing protrusion260(best seen inFIGS. 13B and 13C). However, the outer radial distance302can be greater than the inner radial distance304in alternative embodiments.

The outer portion294can have an outer portion thickness310and the inner portion296can have an inner portion thickness312. The outer portion thickness310can be less than the inner portion thickness312, to facilitate ease of deformation of the protective surface292. In alternative embodiments, the outer portion thickness310and the inner portion thickness312can be substantially the same.

With reference toFIGS. 9 and 12, prior to the protective surface292being deformed, the first cap210and the second cap212can be engaged with each other in a first position. In the first position, the first cap base portion214is oriented generally opposite to the second cap base portion264. For instance, the first cap base portion214can have an outer edge265and the second cap base portion264can have an outer edge267. The outer edges265,267of the first cap base portion214and the second cap base portion264can each be the outermost edges of the first cap base portion214and the second cap base portion264respectively. The outer edges265,267of the first cap base portion214and the second cap base portion264can be opposite to each other along the central axis.

In the first position, first rib280is received within the first groove244. The outer edge of the first cap ring portion230abuts the outer edge of the second cap base portion264. The inner edge of the first cap ring portion230abuts the outer edge of the first cap engagement portion216. In the first position, the protective surface292can be opposite to the piercing protrusion260. The protective surface292can be spaced apart from the piercing protrusion260such that the protective surface292is not deformed. However, because the protective surface292has not been deformed, the second material32can be protected and enclosed within the second container204.

At certain positions, the second cap212can be movable (slidable along the central axis and/or rotationally about the central axis) with respect to the first cap210to deform (e.g., pierce or tear) the protective surface292. In one example, the second cap212can be movable with respect to the first cap210, when the first cap ring portion230is detached from the first cap engagement portion216. Once the first cap ring portion230is removed, the second cap212can be moved with respect to the first cap210, such that the outer edge of the second cap base portion264can abut the outer edge of the first cap engagement portion216.

At this position, the first rib280can engage with the second groove246, and the second rib282can engage with the first groove244. The piercing protrusion260can abut and deform the outer portion294of the protective surface292. Once deformed, the second material32can be received within the first material28(e.g., by gravity or by shaking the first and/or second containers). Alternatively, the device can be inverted to receive the first material28in the second container204in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, prior to use, the protective surface292may not be deformed, and the outer edge232of the first cap ring portion230can abut the outer edge267of the second cap base portion264. A user may grasp and pull the tearing tab242of the first cap ring portion230. The first cap ring portion230may be detached from the first cap engagement portion216. The second cap212can be pushed such that the outer edge267of the second cap base portion264abuts the outer edge236of the first cap engagement portion216. The first rib280can engage with the second groove246, the second rib282can engage with the first groove244, and the piercing protrusion260can pierce the protective surface292. The first and second material32can be mixed. The user may, optionally, remove the first cap210and/or the second cap212by detaching the threaded connection (e.g., by providing a torque) between the first cap210and the first container202and/or the second cap212and the second container204.

The disclosed embodiments have one or more advantages. The device according to certain examples of the present disclosure can permit one step rehydration of lyophilized materials. Further, the device can permit controlled mixing and precise delivery of a material (particularly liquids of a desired droplet size). Certain embodiments of the device permit maintaining specific material and/or component ratios. Further, as a result of effective sealing of the device, product stability can be maintained during processing (e.g., lyophilization) and/or prior to use.

Various examples have been described.