초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for attaching a connector assembly onto a vial is disclosed. The connector assembly features a protective cap, a collar attachable to the rim of the vial, and a locking ring disposed about the collar. A vial access device is contained within the collar. One or more ribs are pr

A method and apparatus for attaching a connector assembly onto a vial is disclosed. The connector assembly features a protective cap, a collar attachable to the rim of the vial, and a locking ring disposed about the collar. A vial access device is contained within the collar. One or more ribs are provided adjacent a distal portion of the collar to seal against the stopper obturating the vial. The collar is provided with one or more slits which render the collar flexible in directions radial and axial to the central axis of the vial to compensate for variations in tolerances or dimensions present in the various components. Locking structure between the locking ring and the collar assures that the collar remains fixed to the vial.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A connector assembly for a vial, said vial including a neck, an open end at the proximal end of the neck, a rim bounding the open end, and a stopper obturating the open end of the vial, the rim having a side portion and an underside facing away from the open proximal end of the v

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A connector assembly for a vial, said vial including a neck, an open end at the proximal end of the neck, a rim bounding the open end, and a stopper obturating the open end of the vial, the rim having a side portion and an underside facing away from the open proximal end of the vial, the stopper having a planar portion covering the rim, the connector assembly comprising:a protective cap for covering the open end of the vial, the cap comprising an open proximal end, a closed distal end, and a shield wall formed therebetween;a collar provided adjacent the open proximal end of the protective cap, the collar defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween, the collar movable between a first position wherein the distal end of the collar is spaced from the stopper, and a second position, wherein the distal end of the collar engages the planar portion of the stopper, one or more slits being defined in the sidewall to permit flexibility of the collar in axial and radial directions with respect to the neck of the vial, and one or more deflectable latches provided about the proximal end of the collar, each of the latches including locking means deflectable about the side portion of the rim for secured engagement with the underside of the rim when the collar is in the second position;a ring provided about the sidewall of the collar, the ring having an interior surface cooperable with the locking means of the latches to secure the collar to the rim in the second position, the ring movable in a distal direction respective of the collar to a locked position to secure the collar in the second position;said protective cap having a frangible section situated along the shield wall between the open proximal end and the closed distal end, said frangible section including a first material and at least partially including a second material having a low shear resistance; andsaid frangible section including a plurality of teeth formed from said second material interspersed with intervening portions of said frangible section and said intervening portions being formed from said first material having a more shear resistance material and making up the remainder of the protective cap so that said intervening sections strengthening the frangible section against inadvertent removal of the protective cap and so that at least a portion of said protective cap my be removed from said vial by applying a twisting force to said protective cap to expose said vial access device.