Process For Sterile Packaging of Containers With Drop-Dispensers, and Means For Actuating the Process

Abstract

The process includes a stage of sterilisation of the flagon, the drop-dispenser and the closure cap making up the container, which is preceded by a stage in which the cap and the drop-dispenser are removably anchored together. In a subsequent stage the flagon and the drop-dispenser-cap group are placed in an aseptic environment, and the flagon is filled before the pre-assembled drop-dispenser-cap group is inserted on the flagon. The means for actuating the above process comprise a flagon ( 1 ), a drop-dispenser ( 2 ) which is pressure-inserted in the flagon ( 1 ) and a closure cap ( 3 ) which is screwed onto the drop-dispenser before the drop-dispenser ( 2 ) is inserted on the flagon ( 1 )

1 ). A process for sterile packaging of containers with drop-dispensers, comprising stages of: sterilisation of components of the container comprising a flagon, a drop-dispenser and a closure cap; introduction of the components into an aseptic environment; filling of the flagon in the aseptic environment, insertion of the drop-dispenser on the flagon and closure of the flagon with the closure cap; wherein the process comprises a removable anchoring stage of the closure cap on the drop-dispenser, performed in non-sterile conditions, in order solidly and removably to constrain the cap to the drop-dispenser and to obtain a pre-assembled group comprising the drop-dispenser and the cap which is configured to be directly connected to the flagon; the process further comprises a stage of sterilisation of the pre-assembled drop-dispenser-cap group; the process further comprises an introduction stage of the drop-dispenser-cap group into an aseptic environment; the process further comprises an insertion stage of the pre-assembled drop-dispenser-cap group onto the flagon. 
   
   
       2 ). The process of  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring stage of the closure cap onto the drop-dispenser is performed by means of a screw-coupling between an outside of the drop-dispenser and an inside of the cap. 
   
   
       3 ). The process of  claim 1 , wherein the stage of insertion of the pre-assembled drop-dispenser-cap group on the flagon is performed by pressure-insertion of the drop-dispenser-cap group on the mouth of the flagon. 
   
   
       4 ). The process of  claim 1 , wherein the stage of sterilisation of the pre-assembled drop-dispenser-cap group is performed by inserting a plurality of the pre-assembled drop-dispenser-cap groups into a closed package and treating the closed package with gamma rays. 
   
   
       5 ). Means for actuating the process of  claim 1 , which means comprise a container which in turn comprises a flagon ( 1 ) for containing a product to be packaged, provided with a drop-dispenser ( 2 ) and closed by a closure cap ( 3 ), wherein: the flagon ( 1 ) is provided with a mouth ( 1   a ) in which an annular end ( 2   a ) of the drop-dispenser ( 2 ) is pressure-inserted; the drop-dispenser comprises an appendix ( 2   b ) for dosing the product, which appendix ( 2   b ) projects externally of the flagon ( 1 ), and a skirt ( 2   c ), external of and concentric to the annular end ( 2   a ), which skirt ( 2   c ) together with the annular end ( 2   a ) defines an annular cavity in which the mouth ( 1   a ) of the flagon ( 1 ) joints; means for fastening being located on an external surface of the skirt ( 2   c ) for removably fastening the closure cap ( 3 ) to the drop-dispenser ( 2 ). 
   
   
       6 ). The means of  claim 5 , wherein: the cap ( 3 ) comprises a bell-shaped zone ( 3   a ) which covers the skirt ( 2   c ) of the drop-dispenser; the means for fastening comprise a screw-coupling ( 4 ) made partly on an external surface of the skirt ( 2   c ) and partly on an internal surface of the bell ( 3   a ). 
   
   
       7 ). The means of  claim 6 , wherein the cap ( 3 ) comprises an annular security strip ( 3   b ) connected to the bell-shaped zone ( 3   a ) by easy-break ribs. 
   
   
       8 ). The means of  claim 5 , wherein the appendix ( 2   b ) for dosing of the drop-dispenser ( 2 ) comprises, on an external surface thereof, at least an annular cavity ( 5 ) in which an annular relief ( 6 ) is inserted when the cap ( 3 ) is connected to the drop-dispenser ( 2 ); the annular relief ( 6 ) being made on an internal surface of the cap ( 3 ).