# US 10,245,380 B2 · Container closure, container assembly and method for utilizing the same > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,245,380 B2 - Document ID: US10245380B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/108,020 - Filed: 2014-12-19 - Published: 2016-11-10 - Granted: 2019-04-02 - Earliest claimed: 2013-12-27 - Assignees: William Beaumont Hospital - Applicants: William Beaumont Hospital - Inventors: Sally Ann Fisher - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10245380B2 ## CPC - A61M 5/1782: {Devices aiding filling of syringes in situ (combination of a vial and a syringe for transferring or mixing their contents A61J1/2096, filling of medical containers in general B65B3/003)} - A61M 5/3205: {Apparatus for removing or disposing of used needles or syringes, e.g. containers; Means for protection against accidental injuries from used needles (for sharps A61B50/362; disintegrating apparatus in general B02C, e.g. B02C19/0075, B23H9/001; disposal of medical waste in general B09B3/00; receptacles for refuse disposal in general B65F1/00)} - B01L 3/502: {with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures} - B01L 3/508: {Rigid containers without fluid transport within} - B01L 3/50825: {Closing or opening means, corks, bungs} - B65D 51/002: {Closures to be pierced by an extracting-device for the contents and fixed on the container by separate retaining means} - B65D 51/2807: {the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container} - A61M 5/008: {Racks for supporting syringes or needles} - A61M 5/3213: {Caps placed axially onto the needle, e.g. equipped with finger protection guards (axially-extensible protective sleeves A61M5/3243)} - B01L 2200/025: Align devices or objects to ensure defined positions relative to each other - B01L 2200/026: Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details - B01L 2200/141: Preventing contamination, tampering - B01L 2300/021: Identification, e.g. bar codes - B01L 2300/042: Caps; Plugs - B01L 2300/043: Hinged closures - B01L 2300/044: pierceable, e.g. films, membranes - B01L 2300/046: Function or devices integrated in the closure - B01L 2300/0803: Disc shape - B01L 2300/0832: cylindrical, tube shaped - B01L 2300/0848: Specific forms of parts of containers - B01L 2300/0851: Bottom walls - B01L 2300/0858: Side walls - B01L 2300/12: Specific details about materials - A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)} - B01L: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE - 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 ## Abstract A container closure (14, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146) is disclosed. The container closure (14, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146) includes a fluid-drawing member (42, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426) that extends axially away from and is integral with the inner surface (28I, 28I1, 28I2, 28I3, 28I4, 28I5, 28I6) of the end wall (28, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286) of the container closure (14, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146). A container assembly (10, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) is also disclosed. The container assembly (10, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) includes the container closure (14, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146) and a container (12, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) connected to the container closure (14, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146). A method for utilizing the container assembly (10, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) is also disclosed. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A portion of a container assembly comprising: a container closure including an end wall connected to a side wall, wherein the end wall includes a central portion and an outer perimeter portion, wherein the side wall includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the side wall is connected to and extends away from the outer perimeter portion of the end wall, wherein the end wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the side wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface; and a needle sheath member that extends axially away from and is integral with the inner surface of the end wall of the container closure, wherein the needle sheath member forms a needle-receiving passage that is sized for receiving a needle extending from a needle hub that is removably-attached to a syringe, wherein the needle-receiving passage is in fluid communication with a needle hub-engaging portion that is defined by the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure, and wherein the needle hub-engaging portion is sized for receiving the needle hub that is removably-attached to a syringe; wherein the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure defines a syringe-engaging portion, and wherein the container closure includes a fluid-drawing member that extends axially away from and is integral with the inner surface of the end wall of the container closure, wherein the fluid-drawing member includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a fluid-flow passage extends through the fluid-drawing member between the proximal end of the fluid-drawing member and the distal end of the fluid-drawing member, and wherein the proximal end of the fluid-drawing member is connected to and extends away from the inner surface of the end wall of the container closure. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the syringe-engaging portion is aligned with a central axis extending through an axial center of the container closure, and wherein the needle hub-engaging portion and the needle-receiving passage are radially-offset with respect to the central axis extending through an axial center of the container closure. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the needle hub-engaging portion is a needle hub-receiving bore. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 3, wherein one or more surface portions of the needle hub-receiving bore are sized for receiving a flanged portion of the needle hub. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 1 further comprising: a flange wall that extends axially away from and is integral with the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 1 further comprising: a cover member attached to the container closure by a tether, wherein the cover member includes an end wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the cover member includes a side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the tether includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the tether integrally extends radially away from the outer surface of the side wall of the container closure, and wherein the distal end of the tether integrally extends from the outer surface of the side wall of the cover member. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 6, wherein the cover member defines a first portion of a snap-fit connection including a projection, wherein the projection extends radially inwardly from the inner surface of the side wall of the cover member, wherein the container closure defines a second portion of the snap-fit connection including a recess, and wherein the recess is formed in the outer surface of the side wall of the container closure and opposite where the proximal end of the tether integrally extends radially away from the outer surface of the side wall of the container closure. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 7, wherein the cover member includes a flanged lip that extends radially outwardly from the outer surface of the side wall of the cover member, and wherein the flanged lip is radially aligned with the snap-fit connection defined by the projection and the recess. ### Claim 9 A container assembly, comprising: a container closure including an end wall connected to a side wall, wherein the end wall includes a central portion and an outer perimeter portion, wherein the side wall includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the side wall is connected to and extends away from the outer perimeter portion of the end wall, wherein the end wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the side wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface; and a container connected to the container closure, wherein the container includes an end wall and a side wall, wherein the end wall of the container includes a central portion and an outer perimeter portion, wherein the side wall of the container includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the side wall of the container is connected to and extends away from the outer perimeter portion of the end wall of the container, wherein an inner surface of the end wall of the container and an inner surface of the side wall of the container form a fluid reservoir, wherein access to the fluid reservoir is permitted by an opening formed by a distal end of the side wall of the container; wherein the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure defines a syringe-engaging portion, wherein the container closure includes a fluid-drawing member that extends axially away from and is integral with the inner surface of the end wall of the container closure, wherein the fluid-drawing member includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a fluid-flow passage extends through the fluid-drawing member between the proximal end of the fluid-drawing member and the distal end of the fluid-drawing member, and wherein the proximal end of the fluid-drawing member is connected to and extends away from the inner surface of the end wall of the container closure, and wherein the fluid-drawing member extends through the opening and into the fluid reservoir, and wherein a distal end of the fluid-drawing member is arranged proximate the inner surface of the end wall of the container, wherein the container closure further includes a disk-shaped member including a slit, wherein the disk-shaped member is disposed upon and supported by one or more of a shoulder surface and an axial wall surface defining the syringe-engaging portion. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The container assembly according to claim 9, wherein the inner surface of the side wall of the container closure is connected to an outer surface of the side wall of the container. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The container assembly according to claim 10, wherein the inner surface of the side wall of the container closure defines an inner threaded surface, wherein the outer surface of the side wall of the container defines an outer threaded surface, and wherein the inner threaded surface is connected to the outer threaded surface. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The container assembly according to claim 9, wherein the inner surface of the side wall of the container closure defines one of a projection and a recess, wherein the outer surface of the side wall of the container defines the other of the projection and the recess, and wherein the projection is disposed in the recess. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The container assembly according to claim 9, wherein an outer surface of the side wall of the container includes printed indicia. ### Claim 14 (depends on 9) The container assembly according to claim 9, wherein the inner surface of the end wall of the container is conically-pitched according to an angle toward the central portion of the end wall of the container, and wherein the central portion of the end wall of the container is aligned with a central axis extending through an axial center of the container assembly. ### Claim 15 (depends on 9) A method for utilizing the container assembly of claim 9, comprising the steps of: disposing a fluid within the fluid reservoir of the container; from surrounding atmosphere, interfacing a syringe with the container closure by: axially-aligning the syringe with the syringe-engaging portion of the container closure, connecting a distal end of the syringe to the syringe-engaging portion of the container closure, and utilizing a distal tip of the syringe for penetrating the disk-shaped member to permit fluid communication between a fluid reservoir of the syringe and the fluid-flow passage that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir that contains the fluid; and actuating the syringe for withdrawing an amount of the fluid from the fluid reservoir. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The method according to claim 15, wherein the syringe-engaging portion is a syringe-receiving bore, and wherein the connecting step includes: inserting the distal end of the syringe into the syringe-receiving bore. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The method according to claim 15, wherein the syringe-engaging portion is a cylindrical tube-shaped member extending away from the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure, wherein the cylindrical tube-shaped member includes an outer threaded surface that is sized for receiving an inner threaded surface portion of a syringe, and wherein the connecting step includes: rotating the syringe relative to the cylindrical tube-shaped member for threadingly connecting the inner threaded surface portion of a syringe to the outer threaded surface of the cylindrical tube-shaped member. ### Claim 18 (depends on 15) The method according to claim 15, wherein, prior to the interfacing step, further comprising the step of: removing a cover member from the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure for permitting access to the syringe-engaging portion. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) The method according to claim 15, wherein, prior to the interfacing step, further comprising the steps of: axially-aligning the syringe that is attached to a needle hub that is attached to a needle with a needle sheath member defining a needle-receiving passage and a needle hub-receiving bore; inserting the needle into the needle-receiving passage and arranging the needle hub within the needle hub-receiving bore; and disconnecting the needle hub from the distal end of the syringe and docking the needle in needle sheath member. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The method according to claim 19, wherein, after the actuating step, further comprising the steps of: axially-aligning the distal end of the syringe with the needle hub-receiving bore; attaching the distal end of the syringe to the needle hub; and withdrawing the needle from the needle-receiving passage and the needle hub from the needle hub-receiving bore. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the syringe-engaging portion is a syringe-receiving bore, and wherein the syringe-receiving bore is sized for receiving a distal end of a syringe. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 21, wherein the syringe-receiving bore is formed in the outer surface of the end wall, and wherein the syringe-receiving bore is aligned with a central axis extending through the container closure. ### Claim 23 (depends on 21) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 21, wherein the syringe-receiving bore is formed in the outer surface of the side wall, and wherein the syringe-receiving bore is arranged perpendicularly with respect to a central axis extending through the container closure. ### Claim 24 (depends on 23) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 23, wherein the fluid-drawing member includes a radial segment and an axial segment, wherein the radial segment is integral with and extends in a radial direction toward the central axis from the inner surface of the side wall of the container closure, and wherein the radial segment is connected to the axial segment that is aligned with the central axis. ### Claim 25 (depends on 1) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the syringe-engaging portion is a cylindrical tube-shaped member extending away from the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure, and wherein the cylindrical tube-shaped member includes an outer threaded surface that is sized for receiving an inner threaded surface portion of a syringe. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 25, wherein the cylindrical tube-shaped member is recessed within a bore formed in the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure. ### Claim 27 (depends on 25) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 25, wherein the cylindrical tube-shaped member is aligned with a central axis extending through the container closure. ### Claim 28 (depends on 1) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the fluid-flow passage is aligned with an axial center of the fluid-drawing member. ### Claim 29 (depends on 1) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 1 further comprising: a disk-shaped member including a slit, wherein the disk-shaped member is disposed upon and supported by one or more of a shoulder surface and an axial wall surface defining the syringe-engaging portion. ### Claim 30 (depends on 29) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 29, wherein the disk-shaped member is secured to one or more of the shoulder surface and the axial wall surface by an adhesive connection. ### Claim 31 (depends on 29) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 29, wherein the disk-shaped member is secured to one or more of the shoulder surface and the axial wall surface by a friction-fit connection. ### Claim 32 (depends on 29) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 29, wherein the disk-shaped member includes a foam or rubber material. ### Claim 33 (depends on 1) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 1 further comprising: a pair of spaced-apart cover-retaining members extending from the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure, wherein the pair of spaced-apart cover-retaining members includes a first cover-retaining member and a second cover-retaining member; and a cover member that is selectively disposed upon and supported by outer surface of the end wall of the container closure, wherein the cover member is selectively retained to the container closure by the pair of spaced-apart cover-retaining members. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 33, wherein the cover member isolates the syringe-engaging portion from surrounding atmosphere when the cover member is selectively disposed upon and supported by the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure. ### Claim 35 (depends on 33) The portion of the container assembly according to claim 33, wherein each cover-retaining member of the pair of cover-retaining members includes an axial surface portion and a radial surface portion, wherein the axial surface portion of the first cover-retaining member is spaced apart from the axial surface portion of the second cover-retaining member to define a width gap having a width dimension, wherein the radial surface portion of each of the first cover-retaining member and the second cover-retaining member is spaced apart from the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure to define a height gap having a height dimension, wherein the cover member includes a width dimension extending between opposite side surfaces of the cover member, wherein the cover member also includes a height dimension extending between a lower surface and an upper surface of the cover member, wherein the width dimension of the cover member is less than the width dimension of the gap extending between the axial surface portions of the first cover-retaining member and the second cover-retaining member, and wherein the height dimension of the cover member is less than the height dimension of the gap extending between the radial surface portion of each of the first cover-retaining member and the second cover-retaining member and the outer surface of the end wall of the container closure.