STACKABLE MOULDED CONTAINER FOR A MEDICAL / PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATION, WHICH MOULDED CONTAINER IS MADE OF A THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL

Description

CROSS-SECTION TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the United States national stage entry of International Application No. PCT/EP2023/069327, filed on Jul. 12, 2023, and claims priority to German Application No. 10 2022 118 053.0, filed on Jul. 19, 2022. The contents of International Application No. PCT/EP2023/069327 and German Application No. 10 2022 118 053.0 are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a molded container, in particular blow molded container, for containing a medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation and for vertical stacking during transport and/or storage, made of a thermoplastic plastic. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a corresponding vertical stacking arrangement or, respectively, a stacking system of the molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, according to the disclosure. Furthermore, a corresponding thermoplastic molding method, in particular blow molding method, for the manufacturing of the molded container, in particular of the blow molded container, according to the disclosure as well as a use of the molded container, in particular of the blow molded container, according to the disclosure and/or of the corresponding stacking arrangement for the containing and/or for the transport and/or for the storage of the medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation and/or for application technology supply of the preparation, in particular in a dialysis device, are proposed.

BACKGROUND

Molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, which are made from a thermoplastic plastic such as, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with thin wall thicknesses/recyclable, are currently used primarily in the beverage bottle sector, for example for bottling mineral water, and moreover as canisters for liquid cleaning agents/detergents, daily use solutions and the like, i.e. for use in the domestic or, respectively, industrial sector. In contrast, the plastic containers or, respectively, canisters conventionally used for medical and/or pharmaceutical preparations, in particular for dialysis solutions/concentrates, are solid, thick-walled containers that are manufactured using primarily the (standard) injection molding method. Consequently, the problem is that these solid, thick-walled, in particular (standard) injection molded plastic containers require a high input of plastic material. As a result, raw material costs, environmental impact, energy consumption, machine investments and recycling costs are unfavorably high.

A further technical problem of these solid, thick-walled, in particular (standard) injection molded, plastic containers hitherto used for medical and/or pharmaceutical preparations is that they do not allow (almost) complete removal of the filling contents via suction devices of the medical equipment/devices configured for an intended use of the preparation.

In this respect, a container bottom is ideally injection molded as flat as possible using the injection molding method. On the one hand, this serves to avoid a further increase in material costs with wall thicknesses being anyway thick. On the other hand, this serves to reduce the flow paths/required (standard) injection molding pressures. This is, in view of the valuable preparations, a particular disadvantage, in particular for a medical user.

Furthermore, the regularly flat container bottom means that the solid/injection molded plastic containers hitherto used for medical and/or pharmaceutical preparations are not stackable with an upright container neck. As a result, there are disadvantages regarding a high space requirement for transport, storage and supply, with correspondingly negative cost consequences.

With the vertical stacking, the further problem arises that such stacking arrangements-similar to a tower of components—are instable or, respectively, wobbly due to the many kinematic degrees of freedom, in particular with regard to a rotation about a (vertical) axial axis and/or with regard to tilting about a horizontal contact line between two containers placed on top of each other. However, any risk of toppling is prohibitive in view of the high intrinsic value of medical preparations and the requirements for clinical applications or, respectively, processes.

Utility model CN 204618983 discloses a use of a blow molded PET container for filling a hemodialysis fluid. Therein it is proposed, for quality improvement in the production, to provide an inner rib structure which protrudes on the inside of the PET container into the container interior and is interrupted in places as a kind of flow breaker arrangement. As a result, it is said that the flow behavior of the hemodialysis fluid is changed such that, in particular, during filling in production any possible splashing out onto the outside of the PET container is avoided in order to prevent contamination of the container, which compromises quality.

SUMMARY

In view of the state of the art described above, the present disclosure is intended to provide an improved container made of a preferably thermoplastic plastic for containing a medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation and for vertical stacking during transport and/or storage, which overcomes the disadvantages of the state of the art.

This is realized, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, by a molded container, in particular blow molded container, as well as preferably by a corresponding vertical stacking arrangement or, respectively, a stacking system, further preferably by a corresponding thermoplastic molding method, in particular blow molding method, for manufacturing of the molded container, in particular of the blow molded container, according to the disclosure, and further preferably by a use of the molded container, in particular of the blow molded container, according to the disclosure and/or of the corresponding stacking arrangement for the containing and/or for the transport and/or for the storage of the medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation and/or for the (application technological) supply of the preparation, in particular in a dialysis device. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the disclosure result from the following description and the attached figures.

The gist of the present disclosure is therefore to form a number of axial recesses at the container roof and a number of axial projections at the container bottom, which are matched to one another such that, when stacking the containers on top of one another, the projections enter into the recesses up to a stop in the recesses, so that a distance or, respectively, a free gap remains between the container bottom of the upper container and the container roof of the lower container.

More specifically, the gist of the present disclosure is to form, in particular in the manufacturing of the container already during the (blow) molding or thereafter by repeated heating and deformation in the region of an end wall (container roof, shoulder portion) forming/having a container spout. a number (preferably plurality) of circumferentially spaced axial recesses/hollows, which respectively form a load bearing surface being aligned essentially plane-parallel or obliquely to a container bottom, and extending radially (and, at least in portions, in the circumferential direction). Furthermore, a number (preferably plurality) of circumferentially spaced axial projections are molded in the area of the container bottom, in particular in the manufacturing of the container already during the (blow) molding or thereafter by repeated heating and deformation, which each form a load supporting surface which is aligned essentially plane-parallel to the load bearing surfaces, and which extends radially (and, at least in portions, in the circumferential direction) such that, when stacking two containers, these contact each other exclusively at the load bearing surfaces and the load supporting surfaces in axial direction. I.e. the hollows in the area of the container roof and the projections in the area of the container bottom are matched to one another regarding their form and dimensions such that. when stacking two containers of the preceding design on top of one another, these rest axially only in the area of the load bearing and load supporting surfaces (being horizontal/extending perpendicularly to the axial axis of the molded container) formed by the hollows and projections, whereas the axially projecting webs between the roof-side hollows and the axially receding indentations between the bottom-side projections essentially do not take up any axial loads (thus are theoretically axially contactless).

To put it in other words, the molded container, in particular blow molded container, according to the disclosure is configured from a thermoplastic plastic (such as PET, etc.) for containing a medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation and for vertical stacking, for example, during transport and/or storage. That is, the molded container according to the disclosure is formed or, respectively, molded such that two identical molded containers are vertically stackable. The molded container, in particular blow molded container, has a bottom portion (container bottom) at one end of a trunk section and a shoulder portion (container roof) at the axially opposite other end of the trunk section. Thereby, the shoulder portion, in its axial extension, has an (optional) container neck (outlet). In particular, the container neck may be closable or, respectively, closed with an optional cap. In an endface-side bottom surface of the bottom portion, a (central) bottom hollow is axially recessed into the container interior. Thereby, the bottom hollow is, for the stackability of the stackable molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, (or, respectively, in the stacking to a vertical stacking arrangement according to the below-mentioned second aspect of the disclosure) form-fitted or, respectively, configured to accommodate contactlessly a further, in particular closed, container neck similar to the container neck. Thereby, the bottom surface (radially) outside the bottom hollow is molded as a relief-like bottom contour surface, esp. concave, with at least one axially recessed bottom recess molded segment (indentations) and, esp. convex, with bottom load contact molded segments (projections) adjacent to the bottom recess molded segment and axially protruding from it, so that the at least one bottom recess molded segment is exempted from a base area (load supporting surface) of the molded container, in particular blow molded container.

That is, esp. the at least one bottom recess molded segment is molded shortened in relation to the or, respectively, all bottom load contact segments with respect to the axial axis. In other words, the at least one bottom recess molded segment (sub) divides the base area of the bottom surface of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, which is now (essentially only) formed by the bottom load contact segments.

Thus, the relief-like bottom contour surface overall forms a three-dimensional form structure directed into the container interior, which offers the following functions and (application) technical advantages:

On the one hand, with regard to a removal of the (valuable) medical and/or pharmaceutical (esp. liquid) preparation during its intended use from an esp. upright molded container, in particular a molded container, a residual amount which can no more be removed from it is advantageously reduced. That is, the fillable lumen portion close to the bottom surface (last accessible by a, for example, suction tube of a dialysis device, etc. for removal of the preparation) is advantageously reduced in favor of the volumes occupied by the bottom hollow as well as by the at least one bottom recess molded segment recessed additionally thereto into the container interior.

On the other hand, the relief-like bottom contour surface in connection with the bottom hollow (specific “dome geometry”) ensures or, respectively, improves the vertical stackability advantageously. In this respect, this results in a form-locking connection in the stacking of the molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, according to the disclosure. As a result, a slipping of stacked containers, prohibitive in particular in the pharmaceutical/medical sector, is effectively prevented.

Moreover advantageously, as further detailed below, the bottom recess molded segment may be configured as and thus serve as a (n) (electively asymmetric or symmetric) recess for containing an optional dimensionally stable molded handle, i.e. a separately manufactured solid handle element.

The thermoplastic plastic may preferably be or, respectively, comprise polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE such as HDPE; LDPE), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET); or be or, respectively, comprise a mixture/a blend of the aforesaid types of thermoplastics. Optionally, the thermoplastic plastic may be partially or completely made from a recycled and/or recyclable material. Cumulatively or alternatively, the thermoplastic plastic may preferably comprise or essentially consist of a biodegradable material and/or bulk, for example polylactic acid (PLA). Optionally, the thermoplastic plastic may contain an additive/auxiliary agent and the like, such as for achieving functional properties in the blow molding production (for example demolding additive) and/or in the product application (for example UV protection, nanosilver) and the like. Further preferably, the thermoplastic plastic may be (quasi) free of a plasticizer. Electively, it may be preferred that the thermoplastic plastic or, respectively, the molded container, in particular blow molded container, according to the disclosure manufactured therefrom, is transparent (thereby colorless or colored) or opaque (thereby colorless or colored).

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the at least one bottom recess molded segment for stackability of the stackable molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, (or, respectively, in the stacking to a vertical stacking arrangement according to the below-mentioned second aspect of the disclosure) may be form-fitted or, respectively, configured to be contactlessly spaced from the further shoulder portion (container roof) similar to the shoulder portion by one gap dimension, so that exclusively the bottom load contact segments form a supporting load contact area at the further shoulder portion (container roof).

Thereby the (especially, along an axial extension minimal) gap dimension may optionally be between preferably approx. 0.05 to 20 millimeters, more preferably between approx. 0.5 to millimeters, in particular between approx. 0.5 to 8 millimeters.

Accordingly, the load contact area, bottom-side, is not divided/subdivided into the individual, protruding (convex) bottom load contact molded segments.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the at least one bottom recess molded segment may (at least partially) extend radially. In particular, the at least one bottom recess molded segment may thereby extend from an opening-side first bottom hollow diameter of the bottom hollow in the transition of the bottom surface and/or up to an outer circumference of the bottom surface.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the container neck may be arranged in a radially inner shoulder inner region of the shoulder portion around the axial axis, in particular centrally/in the axial axis or, respectively, central longitudinal axis.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the shoulder portion outside of the container neck may be convex molded relief-like with at least one shoulder elevation molded segment (web) between adjacent shoulder load contact segments. This initially serves to improve the overall rigidity of the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, as well as to further reduce the removable residual amount of preparation during its intended use. Thereby, the at least one shoulder elevation molded segment (web) may be, for stackability of the stackable molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, (or, respectively, in the stacking to a vertical stacking arrangement according to the below-mentioned second aspect of the disclosure), form-fitted or, respectively, configured to face (in the stacking) respectively complementary to the (or, respectively, with respect to the) further bottom recess molded segment similar to the at least one bottom recess molded segment in a contactlessly (thereto) spaced manner, so that the load contact area is divided shoulder-side among the shoulder load contact segments. This advantageously serves for an optimization in favor of aspects of statics and strength theory and improves/extends the (vertical) stackability even further with a view to being able to safely stack more than two, i.e. multiple stacking layers of the molded containers, in particular blow molded containers.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the load contact area (load bearing surface) may be, shoulder-side in the shoulder load contact segments (hollows), formed flat in a cross-sectional plane of the shoulder portion perpendicular to the axial axis. In other words, the shoulder load contact segments may be, for the stackability of the stackable molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, (or, respectively, in the stacking to a vertical stacking arrangement according to the below-mentioned second aspect of the disclosure) form-fitted or, respectively, configured to form a (the shoulder load contact segments quasi taken together) planar base area or, respectively, ground-plane. That is, thus a further/similar (upper) molded container, in particular blow molded container, which is/is present vertically stacked on the (first/lower) molded container, in particular blow molded container, may advantageously stand on the latter in a similarly stable manner as on a floor level when placed directly thereon, i.e. without stacking.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the at least one shoulder elevation molded segment may be, for the stackability of the stackable molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, (or, respectively, in the stacking to a vertical stacking arrangement according to the below-mentioned second aspect of the disclosure) form-fitted or, respectively, configured to engage (in the stacking) in the further at least one bottom recess molded segment similar to the at least one bottom recess molded segment in a form-locking manner. In particular, the at least one shoulder elevation molded segment may thereby be configured to lock against a relative twisting of the stacked molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, (against each other) about the axial axis. That is, these special three-dimensional moldings or, respectively, form structures in the shoulder portion and in the bottom portion of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, being at least partially/essentially complementary/interlocking with each other/mechanically interacting in a form composite, effect a form-fit. In this respect, this provides for an additional stabilization by significantly counteracting twisting of the form composite or, respectively, even preventing this.

In other words, on the one hand, an endface-side shoulder surface of the shoulder portion (with the vertical stacking: of a first/lower molded container, in particular blow molded container), which molds or, respectively, forms (relief-like) a shoulder-side three-dimensional form structure in form of the at least one shoulder elevation molded segment [optionally or, respectively, in a preferred embodiment, with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1 to 7: of four shoulder elevation molded segments arranged crosswise around the container neck with respectively radial extension] and of the shoulder load contact segments adjacent to this/these [optionally or, respectively, in a preferred embodiment: of four shoulder elevation molded segments, which are each provided or, respectively, molded at the four shoulder-side corner edges of a molded container, in particular blow molded container, which is essentially/with respect to the trunk section cuboid], as well as, on the other hand, an endface-side bottom surface of the bottom portion (with the vertical stacking: of a second/similar to the first/upper molded container, in particular blow molded container), which molds or, respectively, forms (relief-like) a three-dimensional form structure in form of the at least one bottom recess molded segment [optionally or, respectively, in the preferred embodiment: of four bottom recess molded segments, which are each provided or, respectively, molded between two of the four bottom-side corner edges of the (quasi) cuboid molded container, in particular blow molded container, to stand (viewed) together in a cross-shaped arrangement] and of the bottom load contact segments adjacent to this/these [optionally or, respectively, in the preferred embodiment: of four bottom load contact segments, which are each provided or, respectively, molded to the four bottom-side of the (quasi) cuboid molded container, in particular blow molded container], are form-fitted to each other or, respectively, configured to effect to each other a form fit in axial direction.

This form fit serves advantageously to take away or, respectively, to lock a degree of freedom of rotation about the axial axis or, respectively, about a longitudinal central axis of the molded container, in particular blow molded container. That is, the shoulder-side (three-dimensional) form surface contour or, respectively, the totality of the shoulder-side form structure elements (in an axial direction away from the center of the molded container, in particular blow molded container) and the bottom-side (three-dimensional) form surface contour or, respectively, the totality of the bottom-side form structure elements (in an axial direction away from the center of the further/similar molded container, in particular blow molded container) [or, respectively, vice versa] form a key-lock-like or, respectively, plug-in system-like form-fit. Thereby, in particular, the axial clearance fit may be form-fitted or, respectively, configured such that the load contact area does not fall into the area of the at least one bottom recess molded segment or, respectively, complementary shoulder elevation molded segment. This yields the advantage that the load bearing/weight load is transferred to the peripheral outer lateral surface of the trunk section, i.e. to support structures provided materially in the sense of a wall thickness and not to inner cavity regions [esp. support pillar-like to the optional four corners or, respectively, corner edges].

In this context, with regard to the below-disclosed second aspect of the preceding disclosure with respect to a vertical stacking arrangement, it should be noted as a precaution that the skilled person understands that the features disclosed in respect to the first aspect of the molded container, in particular of the blow molded container, according to the disclosure and relating to a form fit are detectable on the latter individually or, respectively, in isolation. In this respect, these features can be construed or, respectively, proven either virtually (for example, by means of a construction drawing, a CAD 3D model) or in reality (for example, by means of cutting the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, along a section plane falling into the trunk section and an axially reversed assembling of the bottom-side half onto/into the shoulder-side half).

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the bottom portion may be molded polyhedral with a corresponding plurality of corners in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axial axis. Thereby, some or all of the corners may include the bottom load contact segments, in particular in proportion to the uniform and/or symmetric load distribution. This advantageously serves for a balanced statics/rigidity of the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, as well as furthermore overall positive storage/handling properties.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the bottom portion may be molded in a cross-sectional plane rectangular with four corners perpendicular to the axial axis. Thereby, some, in particular all, of the four corners may comprise the bottom load contact segments. Thereby, in particular four optional shoulder elevation molded segments may be arranged crosswise around the container neck and respectively radially thereto, in particular merge into it (with a continuously tapering contour line) [cf. the precedingly described preferred embodiment, with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1 to 7]. That is, the described cross-shaped or, respectively, “crosswise-shaped” arrangement of the described form structure elements advantageously results in a specially molded, innovative contact area of two (identical) molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, according to the disclosure. In this respect, these touch, in the vertical stacking, only at the outer (particularly stable) four corners, thus in the shoulder portion (shoulder load contact segment) of the lower molded container, in particular lower blow molded container, or, respectively, in the bottom portion (bottom load contact segment) of the upper molded container, in particular upper blow molded container.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the bottom portion and/or the shoulder portion (essentially, viewed from a bottom view or, respectively, plan view) may be molded mirror-symmetric, esp. point-symmetric. Thereby, the mirror axes may comprise the esp. the diametrical lines/section planes.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, at the load contact area within at least one of the bottom load contact segments, bottom-side, a bottom form structure element, respectively contoured concave or, respectively, into the container interior in direction of the axial axis, may be molded, in particular (at least partially) radially, especially in form of a radial notch; and shoulder-side, a shoulder form structure element, respectively contoured vice versa/complementary to the bottom form structure element, i.e. correspondingly convex, may be molded, in particular (at least partially) radially, especially in form of a radial longitudinal curvature. In particular, a radial molding or, respectively, a radial curve may form a formation of bottom and complementarily corresponding/matching shoulder form structure elements which extends essentially ray-like from or, respectively, from the central axial axis of the molded container. Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the bottom and complementarily corresponding/matching shoulder form structure elements may extend radially from the bottom hollow. The form fit described above provides an additional locking against rotation and further increases the stability of the vertical stacking arrangement against uneven weight distribution, slipping, wobbling or, respectively, toppling. In particular, the at least one, in particular pair, of the (at least partially radial) bottom form structure elements may be, respectively/per corner side, matching to (or, respectively, form-fitted on) the at least one, in particular pair, of the (at least partially) radial shoulder form structure elements.

That is, in favor of an improved stability of a vertical stacking arrangement, the (at least partially radial) bottom form structure elements (from above) fit/press/‘latch’, so to speak, into the matching radial (at least partially radial) shoulder form structure elements (below), to abut against each other in a form-locking manner. This advantageously effects a (vertical) locking and thus a further securing of a tower-like stacking arrangement against slipping. twisting, warping, tipping-over, etc. of the (blow) molded containers. In other words, the aspect described above further advantageously increases the balance and stability of the (vertical) stacking arrangement. Consequently, the operational safety in the clinical procedure for a medical user is considerably increased or, respectively, an accident risk reduced. This also reduces the risk of a potential storage and/or transport damage to the molded container according to the disclosure filled with the valuable medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation.

Furthermore, there is a further advantage of the preceding feature with regard to the thermoplastic molding method, in particular blow molding method, for manufacturing of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, according to the disclosure. In this respect. there are also production-related advantages due to the (at least partially) radial curve, which result from the consideration of a good demoldability from a mold(ing) tool. Thus, the molding tool may have, in the bottom portion or, respectively, shoulder portion area, individual molding tool punches for easy demolding or, respectively, ejection of the finished molded containers. Thereby, the individual molding tool punches can be separated along a radial line extending in accordance to the (at least partially radial) bottom form structure elements or, respectively, shoulder form structure elements. Exemplarily, the individual molding tool punches can depict circular angle segments. In this way, the individual molding tool punches can move separately with a radial movement component (i.e. superimposed on an axial movement component) for demolding or, respectively, ejection advantageously easily and thus with a high number of cycles. In contrast, form structures with a tangential and/or annular curve of a body edge, which are not designed, like the bottom hollow, open, cup-shaped, dome-shaped, but exemplarily groove-shaped, show technical problems regarding gluing, shrinking, etc. at the molding tool. These can, prohibitively for a production, lead to frequent molding machine downtime or, respectively, to a high percentage of scrap.

Preferably, alternatively (or, respectively, vice versa to preceding feature) or cumulatively, at the load contact area within at least one of the bottom load contact molded segments, bottom-side, a bottom form structure element (for example longitudinal curvature), contoured convex in direction of the axial axis, may be respectively molded; and, shoulder-side, a shoulder form structure element (for example notch, longitudinal groove), contoured vice versa/complementary to the bottom form structure element, i.e. correspondingly concave, may be respectively molded. In particular, the shoulder form structure element, for stackability (or, respectively, in the stacking to a vertical stacking arrangement according to the below-mentioned second aspect of the disclosure) of the stackable molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, may thereby be form-fitted or, respectively, configured, to abut (in the stacking) against a further bottom form structure element, similar to the bottom form structure element, in a form-locking manner (or, respectively, to abut in the stacking against the corresponding bottom form structure element of the further of the molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, in a form-locking manner). In particular, a radial molding or, respectively, a radial curve may form a formation of bottom and complementarily corresponding/matching shoulder form structure elements which extends essentially ray-like from or, respectively, to the central axial axis of the molded container. Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the bottom and complementarily corresponding/matching shoulder form structure elements extend radially from the bottom hollow. Vice versa, also this form fit serves the advantages described above.

It should be noted that the skilled person understands that conceivably a formation of convex and concave contoured (at least partially) radial bottom form structure elements may be formed together with the complementarily corresponding/matching concave and convex contoured (at least partially) radial shoulder form structure elements. In particular, the formation may be one in an alternation from concave to convex and/or an alternating one.

Irrespective of this, the skilled person understands that this aspect of the (at least partially) radially extending bottom and complementarily corresponding/matching shoulder form structure elements is not necessarily linked to the presence of the container neck with the corresponding/matching bottom hollow (upper molded container) for the vertical accommodation of the container neck (lower molded container) in the vertical stacking. On the contrary, in order to dispense with a bottom hollow, it is also conceivable that there is no container neck in the shoulder portion, but merely a pouring opening (for example, a hole) embedded in the shoulder portion, and/or that the container neck in the shoulder portion is flush or, respectively, flexibly retractable.

According to this Aspect, the Following Subject-Matter Results:

Molded container, in particular blow molded container, for containing a medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation, made of a thermoplastic plastic (or, respectively, molded container manufactured in a thermoplastic molding method), wherein the molded container is molded and/or form-fitted and/or configured such that two (essentially) identical molded containers are vertically stackable for transport and/or storage, with: a bottom portion at one end of a trunk section with an endface-side bottom surface of the bottom portion; and a shoulder portion at the axially opposite other end of the trunk section. Thereby, the bottom surface [in particular, outside of an (optional) bottom hollow for stackability (and possibly for containing an optional container neck at the shoulder portion)] is molded as a relief-like bottom contour surface with at least one axially recessed bottom recess molded segment and with bottom load contact molded segments adjacent to the bottom recess molded segment and axially protruding from it, so that the at least one bottom recess molded segment is exempted from a base area of the blow molded container. Thereby, the at least one bottom recess molded segment is, for stackability of the stackable blow molded container, form-fitted or, respectively, configured to be contactlessly spaced from a further shoulder portion similar to the shoulder portion by a gap dimension, such that exclusively the bottom load contact segments form a supporting load contact area at the further shoulder portion, wherein at the load contact area within at least one of the bottom load contact segments:

• • bottom-side, a bottom form structure element is molded which is respectively contoured, in direction of the axial axis, in a concave manner or, respectively, into the container interior or electively convex contoured, in particular is concave molded in form of a radial notch; and
  • shoulder-side, a shoulder form structure element is molded which is respectively contoured vice versa to the bottom form structure element, in particular is convex molded in form of a radial longitudinal curvature.

Thereby, in particular the radial shoulder form structure element may be, for stackability of the stackable blow molded containers, form-fitted or, respectively, configured to abut in a form-locking manner against a further radial bottom form structure element similar to the bottom form structure element.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the (optional) bottom hollow may taper, preferably in a cup-shape, in direction of the container interior from the opening-side first bottom hollow diameter to a base-side second bottom hollow diameter of the inner bottom hollow ground across a bottom hollow depth. Thereby, the bottom hollow may in particular comprise at least one bottom hollow step at a step-like narrowed third (or, respectively, additional further) bottom hollow diameter. This advantageously serves for a reinforcement of the bottom hollow. Furthermore, both the tapering and the (optional) bottom hollow step cause that the residual amount of the (valuable) medical and/or pharmaceutical (esp. liquid) preparation, which can no more be removed from the molded container, in particular blow molded container, is advantageously further reduced. The skilled person understands here that the specific three-dimensional contour or, respectively, form structure of the bottom hollow, as exemplarily illustrated by the preferred embodiments shown in the Figures, is not essential to the disclosure, but that similarly equivalent contours or, respectively, form structures are conceivable. For example, the bottom hollow may be rectangular, pyramidal, etc. formed. Nevertheless, it is to be seen that there are interdependencies, possibly a synergistic interaction or, respectively, optimum areas, according to the design/molding of the bottom hollow and the design/molding of the adjacent, esp. surrounding, relief-like bottom contour surface with regard to the overall form-stability/mechanical properties/load bearing statics.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the molded container, in particular blow molded container, which has/defines a radial first wall thickness in the bottom portion, a radial second wall thickness in the trunk section, and a radial third wall thickness in the shoulder portion, made of a thermoplastic plastic/material, may be molded such that the first, second and/or third wall thickness: (a) is or, respectively, are maximum approx. 1.5 millimeters, more preferably between 0.05 and 1.2 millimeters, in particular between 0.15 and 1.0 millimeters; and/or (b) has or, respectively, have a relative variability about their respectively corresponding mean of maximum +/−150%, in particular of maximum +/−50%; and/or (c) has or, respectively, have a relative variability about their total mean, calculated from the first, second and third wall thickness, of maximum +/−150%, in particular of maximum +/−50%.

Optionally, thereby the molded container, in particular blow molded container, may be blow molded from a preform (optionally including the finished container neck), with a fourth wall thickness thicker than the first, second and/or third wall thickness.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the thermoplastic plastic may be suitable for the, on manufacturing side, direct reception and subsequent storage of the medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation, esp. (long-term) inert with respect to the preparation, more preferably additionally selected or, respectively, modified in order to effect a specifically optimal flow behavior in the thermoplastic state for the formation of the aforesaid features with respect to the wall thickness (distribution) for the molded container, in particular blow molded container, according to the disclosure. As a result, a material consumption and the mechanical long-term stability/statics required on product side are optimized as counterbalancing variables.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the molded container, in particular blow molded container, may have at least one rib or, respectively, rib (form) structure extending at least in portions around the trunk section, esp. essentially transversely to the axial axis (i.e. quasi ‘horizontally’), in particular a plurality or, respectively, formation of the ribs, preferably extending at least partially parallel to each other. Thereby, optionally, the at least one rib or, respectively, formation/row of ribs may be formed or, respectively, molded with a V-shaped curve, in particular per at least one (esp. on all of the) respective side surface/lateral surface of the trunk section (i.e. seen from a side view of the (blow) molded body/container). Thereby, more preferably, the, esp. centrally arranged, apex of the V-shape may electively point towards the shoulder portion (i.e. upwards) or in manner of an inverted (i.e. upside-down V-shape) towards the bottom portion. The skilled person thereby understands that modified forms are conceivable, for example, a double V-shape, a combination of a first row of the V-shape above or below a second row of the inverted V-shape, corrugated shapes, etc.

The at least one optionally provided (reinforcement) rib (or, respectively, plurality or, respectively, formation of ribs) is molded respectively between a pair of adjacent recesses/rib grooves/notches. Thereby, the rib or, respectively, recess/rib groove advantageously serves for reinforcement/optimization of the static load bearing properties and furthermore for improvement of the manual handling properties, esp. relating to the filled (blow) molded container. That is, the rib acts as trunk form structure element. This rib (form) structure thus advantageously increases the stability after filling of the (blow) molded body/container with the preparation. Consequently, any deforming/bulging of the (blow) molded body/container is counteracted, which ensures or, respectively, improves its form-stability, esp. with regard to the desired vertical stackability, storage stability under the prevailing conditions such as temperature, mechanical stresses due to transport and the like. In particular, the (optional, i.e. in principle dispensable with sufficient wall thickness) ribs prove to be particularly advantageous in the context of ideally reduced wall thicknesses, insofar as one wants to further reduce the use of the thermoplastic plastic for the (blow) molded body/container. The rib (form) structure is in particular of importance with the vertical stacking of the molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, on/with multiple (i.e. more than two) layers, insofar as the resulting. correspondingly multiplied, support/weight forces can be better absorbed and distributed (way to the lowest layer).

Thereby, the rib is molded, with respect to the adjacent recesses/rib grooves, as an elevation or, respectively, convex bulge, which is essentially uniform, (preferably continuously) circumferential, in particular extending (essentially or, respectively, with respect to a primary extension direction) transversely to the axial axis (i.e. horizontally). For example, the rib may have a (esp. respective) rib cross-section which is plateau-shaped, prism-shaped, rectangular or round, rounded, ovalized or formed according to a free contour. Optionally, some or all of the (esp. otherwise circumferential) ribs and/or of the recesses/rib groove may be interrupted by flat areas, for example, to provide a flat surface provided for a label (ling) and/or an attachment of a foil strip-shaped handhold handle and/or for manual or, respectively, robotic gripping. Optionally or, respectively, electively, a wall thickness in the area of the rib and/or of the recess/groove may differ significantly, for example by more than 10% relative difference, from another (first, second and/or third) wall thickness of the molded container, in particular blow molded container. The skilled person understands insofar that it may electively be useful to determine the wall thickness(es) in the area of the rib and/or of the recess/rib groove as separate size(s) or, respectively, to adjust them in the blow molding (manufacturing) method. Alternatively, it may electively be just desirable or, respectively, advantageous to determine the wall thickness(es) in the area of the rib and/or of the recess/rib groove as size(s) which are essentially uniform to the other (first, second and/or third) wall thickness of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, or, respectively, to be adjusted uniformly to the other wall thickness(es) in the (blow) molding (production) method.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the molded container, in particular blow molded container, may, be provided with at least one label (esp. a sticker, an e.g. self-adhesive foil label surface and the like) on at least one lateral surface section and/or on a (visible) side surface, in particular on the trunk section. Thereby the label may be applied to the rib form structure, wherein more preferably an adhesive provided for labeling omits the rib grooves. The label is used for the (legally required) product identification as well as for the user information in a technically simple manner.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the molded container, in particular blow molded container, is closed by a cap, esp. a screw (lid) closure (with internal thread). This is advantageously used for closing of the (blow) molded container filled with the preparation in a simple manner regarding production technology. Thereby the cap (esp. separately deliverable, for example, manufactured by injection molding) may be easily modified regarding production technology and equipped with specific functions. For example, the cap may optionally comprise also additional elements such as a hinged opening and/or a piercing membrane. This advantageously serves for a convenient and/or (largely) sterile removal of the preparation.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, a dimensionally stable molded handle may be attached to the container neck. In particular, the (dimensionally stable) may be manufactured, in particular injection molded, from a thermoplastic material (electively different from or similar/modified, for example with respect to the so-called melt-flow index, or similar to the thermoplastic plastic of the molded container, in particular blow molded container). In particular, the molded handle may be firmly, esp. non-detachably, attached to the container neck, for example by shrink-fitting or fixed by means of an overthrow device. In particular, the molded handle may have a proximal (with respect to the container neck or, respectively, to the molded container, in particular blow molded container) molded handle ring section to be attached by means thereof (esp. non-detachably) to the container neck. Thereby, the molded handle ring section may (optionally) be formed with barb shaped elements inside. The barb shaped elements are configured to non-rotatably fix the molded handle to the container neck. This advantageously prevents a detachment during the manual carrying.

Furthermore, the molded handle (at its opposite end) has a distal molded handle grab section of the molded handle), which (starting from the molded handle ring section) extends substantially radially (away) from the container neck. In particular, the molded handle grab section may be formed in a T-shape or U-shape. Accordingly, the molded handle may also be referred to as a T-handle or, respectively, U-handle. By (optionally) providing a handle element such as the molded handle (and/or the handhold handle described below) made of a separate supporting material, a flexibility in the handling or, respectively, use of the (blow) molded container according to the disclosure may be further improved. Furthermore, due to the prefabrication of the separate handle element the production is simplified. In this respect, it may, case-by-case, but not limiting. be advantageous regarding production technology (in favor of investment savings and so-called “economies of scale”) to obtain a separate handle element as a purchased part from a supplier specializing in handles.

Thereby, the at least one bottom recess molded segment may be, for stackability of the stackable molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, (or, respectively, in the stacking to a vertical stacking arrangement according to the below-mentioned second aspect of the disclosure) form-fitted or, respectively, configured to be contactlessly spaced from the further shoulder portion similar to the shoulder portion by at least a minimum gap dimension. Thereby. in particular, the minimum gap dimension may exceed a maximum axial molded handle outer dimension of the distal molded handle grab section. This serves in an advantageous way for the accommodation of the molded handle, without negatively influencing or even disturbing the other (vertical) stacking properties.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, a, preferably flat, handhold handle may be attached, in particular glued (for example by self-adhesive layer, per hotmelt) or joined (for example spot-welded) to the molded container, in particular blow molded container. In particular, the handhold handle may thereby be formed as a foil strip-shaped handhold handle (or, respectively, a flat carrying handle; from a planar structure). Alternatively, the handhold handle may be formed from a rolled, corded, etc. material. Thereby, the handhold handle is attached, esp. firmly connected/joined/glued, to form a handhold handle middle section extending between the handhold handle ends and axially beyond the shoulder portion in a round arch-shape. Thereby the handhold handle with its two opposing handhold handle ends may be attached tangentially adjacent to two corresponding connection points of two opposing outer lateral surfaces of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, in particular of the trunk section. According to the aforesaid embodiment of a handle element in the variant of the handhold handle, i.e. in foil form, material can be saved in an advantageous way. Furthermore, it is technically advantageous with the handhold handle that it can be attached very flexibly regarding time, i.e. virtually at any time along the production or logistics added value chain.

Hereto, it should be noted that the aforesaid feature relating to the handhold handle (with reference to the corresponding FIGS. 9 and 10 relating to the preferred embodiment with the handhold handle) is directed to a subject-matter to be possibly utilized independently (in particular also for any container for any contents, i.e. without necessarily being limited to the alternatively or cumulatively preferred features of a blow molding manufacturing and/or a material made of thermoplastic material and/or a specific bottom/shoulder contour). In this respect, this feature is directed to an object and a solution technically independent of the specific bottom-side form structure, in short: with respect to the bottom recess molded segment etc. with advantages that are accordingly independently effected:

The container, in particular molded container, in particular blow molded container, (according to the aforesaid independent subject-matter), is configured from a thermoplastic plastic, esp. PET, in particular for containing a medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation, and in particular for vertical stacking during transport and/or storage. The molded container, in particular blow molded container, in particular has a bottom portion at one end of a trunk section and a shoulder portion at the axially opposite other end of the trunk section. Thereby, the shoulder portion, in its axial extension, may (optionally) comprise a container neck. In particular, the container neck may be be closable or, respectively, closed with an (optional) cap. In an endface-side bottom surface of the bottom portion, a bottom hollow may (optionally) be axially recessed into the container interior. Thereby, the bottom hollow may (optionally) be, for the stackability of the stackable molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, (or, respectively, in the stacking to a vertical stacking arrangement according to the below-mentioned second aspect of the disclosure), form-fitted or, respectively, configured to contactlessly accommodate a further container neck similar to the container neck, in particular closed, container neck. Thereby (essential for the subject-matter) a flat, esp. foil strip-shaped, handhold handle is attached (electively in addition to a dimensionally stable molded handle), in particular glued or joined to the (optionally stackable) molded container, in particular blow molded container, to form a handhold handle middle section extending between the handhold handle ends and axially beyond the shoulder portion in a round arch-shape. Thereby the handhold handle with its two opposing handhold handle ends is attached tangentially adjacent to two corresponding connection points of two opposing outer lateral surfaces of the (blow) molded container, in particular of the trunk section. This arrangement advantageously causes that the two handhold handle ends (i.e. the respective opposite side of the, for example, adhesive strip) counteract any unintended removal by a user and that the handhold handle overall is held in position.

In particular, the flat material or, respectively, the planar structure of the flat, esp. foil strip-shaped, handhold handle may be a (esp. multilayer) plastic foil and/or a paper laminated with plastic foil and/or a fiber-reinforced composite material. Furthermore, the use of a combination of different (plastic) materials may be preferred. More preferably, the flat material may be provided initially folded in order to unfold into its final configuration during use. More preferably, the flat material or, respectively, the planar structure may comprise, esp. be, an elastic material and/or a shape memory material, whereby the handling of the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure is further simplified or improved in this preferred embodiment. In particular, the handhold handle may be attached or, respectively, fastened to the molded container, in particular blow molded container, such that the handhold handle, in a metastable state, rests against the molded container, in particular blow molded container, and, in a stable state, protrudes from the molded container, in particular blow molded container. Additionally/optionally, the foil handle may be formed using a soft, foam-like material (or, respectively, another such layer); this leads to the increase of a carrying comfort for a user due to the padding. Preferred length and width dimensions of the handhold handle may be, in particular for an exemplary molded container, in particular blow molded container, with a nominal filling volume of 4.7 liters, preferably about 160 mm to 380 mm for the handhold handle width and about 200 mm to 300 mm for the handhold handle length.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, handhold handle middle section may be printable or, respectively, printed, esp. with specific usage information and/or article designations. This is used for the (legally required) product identification as well as for the user information in a technically simple manner.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the handhold handle may be attached respectively eccentrically with respect to the two connection points. In particular, the handhold handle may be attached offset in a transverse direction from a plumb point falling into a cross-sectional plane from the axial axis.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the handhold handle may be slanted in the two connection points respectively obliquely to the axial axis. Thereby, in particular, a handhold handle inclination-angle, which is defined respectively between the axial axis (or, respectively, vertical) and a longitudinal extension line of the handhold handle, may be in the angular range between 10 and 50 degrees, preferably between 30 and 40 degrees, even more preferably between 25 and 35 degrees [Note with reference to FIG. 10: the angle indicated therein with the reference sign “W” to the horizontal relates to the angle complementary to the right angle or, respectively, to 90°, starting from the handhold handle inclination-angle (handhold handle inclination-complementary angle with the reference sign “W”); accordingly, in the angular range between 80 and 40 degrees, preferably between 60 and 50 degrees, even more preferably between 65 and 55 degrees]. From this further advantages, in addition to the very good manageability of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, result as follows: improvement of the stackability (insofar as the carrying handle, in the vertical stacking, does not come into contact with the contact area, or, respectively, cannot interfere with it); furthermore the possibility of an attachment of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, for example by means of a suspension device of the dialysis device; furthermore a further improved residual emptying/removal of a contained (liquid) preparation, for example by means of a suction nozzle/lance of the dialysis device, i.e. a minimization of the non-removable residual amount; and furthermore an improvement of the manual carrying properties (more favourable center of gravity position, the wearer's hand does not come into contact with the container neck/(screw) cap). In particular, the so chosen geometry in the attachment of the handhold handle, i.e. with the eccentric arrangement and/or with the inclined handhold handle inclination-angle, represents a significant improvement compared to previous (i.e. centrally attached and straight/axially extending) solutions (like in the area of beverage bottle multipacks or, respectively, multibundle, but with attachment to the outer film-shrink secondary packaging. holding together multiple beverage bottles, i.e. not directly to the single beverage bottle). As a result, the carrying properties are significantly improved. In addition, it is advantageously prevented that a hand of the user came into contact with the other parts of the molded container, in particular the blow molded container. This results in an advantageous reduction in associated risks of injury. In addition, the handhold handle may be designed significantly shorter in inclined position than in vertical attachment (handhold handle inclination-angle of 90°) to prevent a user's fingers from coming into contact with the cap during use, which in turn leads to an advantageous saving of material with regard to the foil strips and the like to be cut to length for the handhold handle. Thereby, the skilled person understands that an axial and central attachment of the handhold handle remains conceivable/feasible, as an alternative and to a preferred/particularly advantageous slanted attachment as described above, depending on the individual case (for example according to a possibly already existing handhold handle labeling machine park) or, respectively, in principle, so that the handhold handle middle section is located directly above the container neck or, respectively. a cap (corresponds to a handhold handle inclination-angle of 90°, the so-called “overhead attachment”).

The above-mentioned handhold handle inclination-angle [defined between the axial axis (or, respectively, vertical) and a longitudinal extension line of the handhold handle] in the angular range between 10 and 50 degrees, preferably between 30 and 40 degrees, even more preferably between 25 and 35 degrees, results in the advantageous option for the user that two (general) containers/bottles, in particular molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, can be carried simultaneously with one hand. Hereby, the handhold handles or, respectively, handhold handle middle sections are each enclosed by one hand of the user. The (vertically/axially extending) lateral outer lateral surfaces of two containers/canisters, in particular the molded container, in particular blow molded containers, according to the disclosure come into direct contact with each other, i.e. when gripping in pairs, and stabilize this carrying arrangement. Due to the aforementioned preferred angle range, physical forces or, respectively. gravity vector components occur which push/press the canisters, in particular the molded containers according to the disclosure, in particular blow molded containers, against each other at said adjacent outer lateral surfaces. Consequently, a form composite of two canisters is further stabilized in an advantageous manner, for example, against slipping and shifting.

A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a (particularly, vertical) stacking arrangement or, respectively, a stacking system comprising at least two, preferably at least three, particularly at least four, (identical and/or substantially similar) molded containers, particularly blow molded containers, according to the disclosure which are stacked (particularly, vertically or, respectively, along the axial axis). In particular, a (combined) stacking arrangement may be provided stacked in vertical as well as horizontal direction. This serves esp. for an optimal space utilization in the area of the storage and of the transport. Insofar as the stacking arrangement/the stacking system comprises the (same and/or essentially similar) molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, according to the disclosure in manner of a module/component, it is expressly pointed out that identical features and advantages result as for the first aspect of the present disclosure.

Preferably, the outer dimensions of the (blow) molded container, esp. of the trunk section, may be designed such that (esp. with regard to a vertical repeat component) multiple units of the blow molded container result in a form-locking (stacking) composite on a transport pallet (esp. EU transport pallet, standardized sea freight/container pallet) (in particular no protrusion of the molded containers, in particular blow molded containers). This has the advantage that no or only a minimally reduced free space, for example a transport container volume, remains unused. That is, this effects optimum utilization of the available bottom surface of a transport pallet used as standard. In particular, the following dimensions of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, may be preferred, for example, with a nominal filling volume of approx. 4.7 to 4.8 liters: a) 148 mm×158×295 mm (molded container width×molded container depth x molded container height) for the EU transport pallet; or: b) 140 mm×150×320 mm (molded container width x molded container depth x molded container height) for the standardized sea freight/container pallet. However, the aforesaid filling volume of approx. 4.8 liters is not to be understood as limiting; thus, further, increased or reduced, filling volumes are also possible within the scope of the present disclosure, in particular, those resulting from an adaptation of application profiles of the medical/pharmaceutical preparation.

For example, in particular following current trends, further reductions of the filling volume would also be conceivable, more preferably at approx. 3.8 to approx. 4.2 liters. In this respect, further advantages arise in particular against the background of an improvement in the environmental balance, reduced manufacturing costs and/or due to an adaptation of the filling volume for shorter dialysis times and/or lower dialysate flow rates. For implementation of the above optimization objects with regard to an optimum packing format on a transport pallet, the following dimensions (molded container width x molded container depth x molded container height) may be preferred for a molded container with an (optionally) reduced filling volume of, for example, approx. 3.8 to/or approx. 4.2 liters:

• • a) molded container with a filling volume of approx. 3.8 liters: 148 mm×158 mm×243 mm; or, respectively,
  • b) molded container with a filling volume of approx. 4.2 liters: 148 mm×158 mm×261 mm.

Alternatively or cumulatively, multiple filling volumes are proposed to allow a double or multiple application with respect to a (for example clinically common or commercial) consumption unit of the medical/pharmaceutical preparation, esp. a dialysis preparation/solution (such as, for example, about 7.6 to 8.4, or, respectively, about 9.4 to 9.6 or 10.0 liters content, etc.).

Alternatively, the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, may be packed ex works in a cardboard box or other secondary packaging. In this respect, the advantage of vertical stackability would not apply during transport itself, but nevertheless in the course of the intended use of the preparation and/or in the course of the preparation of the latter, for example during a clinical procedure/material flow. For example, additional storage space is advantageously created, which saves corresponding storage capacity.

In particular, the dimensions/measures/form-fits of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, may be application technologically optimized and designed such that, in particular, the following influencing variables or, respectively, technical aspects, cumulatively or alternatively, are taken into account. In particular (but not limiting), all the influencing variables may be combined in a particularly preferred embodiment (see figures) and implemented in a particularly advantageous manner:

• • nominal filling volume corresponding to common content of the medical/pharmaceutical preparation for its intended use (for example dialysis liquid or solid concentrate for performing a dialysis treatment);
  • vertical stackability during transport, storage, etc;
  • esp. possibility of an additional stabilization when setting up/connecting to a device/machine unit (e.g. to a dialysis device) provided/operable for the intended use of the medical/pharmaceutical preparation;
  • esp. connection possibility to the or, respectively, measures/dimensions of the removal/suction device of the device/machine unit (e.g. of the dialysis device);
  • measures/dimensions of the bottom portion with regard to a designated placement area of the device/machine unit (e.g. a base plate of the dialysis device);
  • bottom hollow (“dome geometry”) for minimization of the residual amount of medical/pharmaceutical preparation remaining in the container after completion of a performed treatment (e.g. a dialysis treatment).

A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a thermoplastic molding method, in particular blow molding method, for manufacturing of the molded container, in particular of the blow molded container, according to the disclosure according to the first aspect, comprising the steps:

• • thermoplastic forming or, respectively, molding, preferably injection molding, in particular blow molding, of a thermoplastic plastic, preferably PET, suitable and/or inert with respect to the medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation, in its thermoplastic flow state within a divisible molding tool, preferably injection molding tool, in particular blow molding tool, formed and configured complementarily to the molded container, in particular blow molded container, wherein in particular (in the case of the blow molding method) the thermoplastic plastic, preferably PET, may be supplied in form of a preform having the container neck finished, and
  • cooling of the thermoplastically formed or, respectively, molded molded container, in particular of the blow molded blow molded container, for removal/molding in its (esp.

sufficiently dimensionally stable) solidified state.

An optional step, which esp. may be at least partially superimposed in time on at least one of the preceding steps, relates to a filling of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, with the medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation. A further optional step relates to a closing of the filled molded container, in particular blow molded container, preferably in the molding tool, in particular blow molding tool, or, respectively, in a molding machine, in particular blow molding machine, operating the molding tool, in particular blow molding tool.

The blow molding refers to a method for manufacturing of hollow parts from thermoplastic plastics, in particular an injection, drawing and blowing method. Thereby the blow molding may be done on the basis of extrusion blow molding and/or stretch blow molding. In the blow molding, in principle, a quantity or, respectively, unit of volume or, respectively, mass of a thermoplastic plastic, in particular in form of a preform (optionally separately prefabricated as intermediate), is supplied and brought into its thermoplastic flow state (by means of heating and/or extrusion kneading). This is then subjected to internal pressure via a blow nozzle of the blow molding machine and thereby pressed against the form contours of a blow molding tool in order to assume the desired molded body form. Thereby, the use of separately movable blow molding tool punches for achievement of complex form structures with, for example, undercuts, is known. Furthermore, the blow molding method may optionally be designed as a so-called blow-fill-seal method (i.e. including filling and closing in the container neck area while still in the blow molding tool) and/or as a so-called hot-fill method. Patent document U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,699, which is hereby expressly made a part of the present disclosure document by reference, discloses a blow molding method operated in a blow molding machine for thermoplastic blow molding or, respectively, manufacturing of blow molded (hollow) bodies such as PET beverage bottles, wherein a separately prefabricated (injection molded), approximately test tube-shaped preform with an external thread integrally molded at an opening is inserted into a separable blow mold and is blow molded in the thermoplastic state into the blow molded (hollow) body. Thereby, the container neck preferably retains its original dimension and molded form, i.e. of the preform, is thus not changed during stretch blow molding. Furthermore, a subsequent hot filling step is disclosed.

The blow molding as the (preferred) thermoplastic method for manufacturing of the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure for the medical/pharmaceutical preparation on basis of a thermoplastic plastic/material (esp., but not limiting, of polyethylene terephthalate/PET), generally offers the advantage of increased cycle rates compared to the previous injection molding method.

Thereby, the blow molding has at the same time, due to the, compared thereto, significantly reduced wall thicknesses (elimination of the flow channel flow resistance limiting the minimum wall thickness in the injection molding method), the additional advantage of reduced material consumption, which overall leads to a considerable reduction of the production costs and a lower environmental impact. In particular, in the thermoplastic forming or, respectively, molding, in particular blow molding, according to the disclosure, the mean and/or nominal wall thickness may be in the range of maximum about 1.5 millimeters, more preferably between 0.05 and 1.2 millimeters, in particular between 0.15 and 1.0 millimeters.

In contrast, it is known that, in large-scale (standard) injection molding methods, the usual wall thicknesses of conventional molded containers range from approx. 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm up to approx. 3 mm and more. Furthermore, in the state of the art on large-scale (standard) injection molding methods, it is described that a flow path-wall thickness-ratio of up to 60 can be achieved as an example. That is, injection molding methods are more suitable for the manufacturing of robust (filled) components such as a car bumper or a transport pallet, less for the manufacturing of hollow (unfilled) components such as (esp. thin-walled) containers.

However, thinner wall thicknesses, i.e. in the range of less than approx. 0.5 mm up to approx. 0.3 mm, can be achieved as required or, respectively, in individual cases by means of (possibly technically more complex and thus more cost intensive) special injection molding methods. In particular, such special injection molding methods for achieving said thinner wall thicknesses relate to the so-called thin-wall injection molding (in particular on basis of specific molding tool coatings and/or of specific grades of the thermoplastic plastic/material optimized with regard to the solidification rheology) and/or the so-called high-pressure injection molding (for example in the range of an injection pressure above 1,000 bar, in particular above 2,000 bar and more).

In other words, it is preferred to form/mold the molded container according to the disclosure as blow molded container or, respectively, using the blow molding, but this is not to be understood as limiting. In this respect, it is conceivable that the injection molding method (standard or special injection molding) is selected as required in the consideration of all aspects for a product design (such as, for example, long term storage stability and/or high transport robustness of the molded container as primary packaging and/or application technology) and/or for a production start (such as, for example, also relating to investments to be kept low in the case of a machine park historically existing at a production site, etc.).

The thermoplastic forming or, respectively, molding, preferably injection molding, in particular blow molding, further has the advantage that the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure may assume its specific, three-dimensionally complex shapes/moldings in an efficient manufacturing way, such as, for example, the presently essential specific bottom geometry (in manner of a “dome geometry” directed into the container interior) as well as the optional lateral rib (mold) structure for reinforcement. In principle, the thermoplastic plastic/material is suitable for the above described (thermoplastic molding) method for manufacturing of the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure for the medical/pharmaceutical preparation, if the disclosed characteristic features and suitabilities are achievable in the course of the corresponding (thermoplastic molding) method.

Regarding the thermoplastic plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), it is advantageous in the preferred embodiment of the blow molded body/container or, respectively, of the blow molding method, that the thermoplastic input material is not extruded in form of pellets up to the blow nozzle, but may be prefabricated in form of preforms/blanks/pre-molded bodies in order to then obtain their final dimensions and molded forms of the (blow) molded body/container according to the disclosure at the actual production and filling location, e.g. by means of stretch blow molding. For example, a preferred PET preform with a volume of 220 ml may hold a nominal filling volume of the (blow) molded container of 4.7 liters after the blow molding/blowing out. This corresponds to a more than 10-fold compression of cargo space for the transport of the input materials to the site of manufacture or, respectively. filling with a medical/pharmaceutical preparation, esp. liquid. This advantageously supports a resource-optimized manufacturing method as well as an optimized supply chain with, not least, an advantageously reduced carbon footprint. However, the molded container may also be manufactured in a direct single-stage (thermoplastic) production method. Thereby, the molded container may be converted directly into its final form starting with a granulate or, respectively. the pellets and/or a similar consistency of the thermoplastic plastic. That is, herein, the intermediate step in the manufacturing of an afore-mentioned pre-molded body (such as a PET preform) may be omitted.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a use of the molded container, in particular of the blow molded container, according to the disclosure according to the first aspect and/or the stacking arrangement according to the second aspect of the present disclosure for the containing and/or for the transport and/or for the storage of the medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation and/or for application technology supply of the preparation, in particular in a dialysis device. In particular, a machine receiving-form structure element of a logistically used device (e.g. automated storage) and/or a medically/clinically used device (e.g. a dialysis device) which is partially or completely complementary (i.e. according to the molding of the bottom hollow and/or the molding of the adjacent relief-like bottom contour surface) form-fitted or, respectively, configured, may be provided in correspondence to the bottom surface of the molded container, in particular blow molded container. This advantageously serves for an optimal, slip-proof positioning of the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, during the intended use of the preparation.

Preferably, alternatively or cumulatively, the medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation may be formed in form of a liquid or solid (for example powdery, granular) preparation, esp. dialysis preparation, in particular concentrated with regard to at least one active substance or, respectively, protagonist.

In summary, the present disclosure provides an innovative storage/transport container for medical/pharmaceutical liquids or, respectively, solid concentrates, which is optimized with regard to essential requirement aspects or, respectively, with regard to aspects or, respectively, features of the disclosure for use in the medical/pharmaceutical sector, in particular for use in chronic hemodialysis/diafiltration. Thereby result as significant advantages esp.: reduction of the needed raw/basic materials (thermoplastic plastic); (vertical) stackability without slipping, tilting, twisting; optimal (horizontal) utilization of the base area on transport pallets; good positionability for connection to a, for example, terminal device/peripheral device in connection with an intended use of the contained preparation (liquid/solid concentrate); optional use of a flexible handhold handle, for improvement of the carrying comfort (wide variation of anatomical variety or, respectively, hand sizes/forms of the user) and for (optional) attachment of the molded container, in particular blow molded container, to the terminal device/peripheral device. In addition, due to the optimized use of resources (in particular a quantitatively greatly reduced use of thermoplastic plastic; furthermore due to the logistical optimization described), the environmental balance is significantly improved on the basis of the molded containers, in particular blow molded containers, according to the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, advantages as well as technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which same reference signs denote same elements.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, made of a thermoplastic plastic according to a first preferred embodiment, configured for containing a medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation and for vertical stacking during transport and/or storage, wherein a partial longitudinal section illustration illustrates a form structure according to the disclosure of a bottom portion (“dome geometry”) of the (blow) molded body/container, the bottom portion being configured for vertical stackability;

FIG. 2a is a bottom view (from bottom) onto a bottom portion of the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure according to the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2b is a plan view (from top) onto a shoulder portion of the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure according to the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2c is a side view onto the molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure according to the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal section of a stacking arrangement of two identical ones of the molded containers, in particular blow molded bodies/containers, according to the disclosure according to the first preferred embodiment and with reference to a section plane A-A defined in FIG. 2b, which illustrates form structures according to the disclosure configured for vertical and preferably twist-proof stackability with respect, on the one hand, to the bottom portion of the, in the illustration upper, (blow) molded body/container shown and, on the other hand, to the shoulder portion of the, in the illustration lower, (blow) molded body/container in relation or, respectively, in in portions axially spaced form fit to each other;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view (partial section, from oblique bottom) onto the bottom portion of the (blow) molded body/container according to the disclosure according to the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view (from oblique top) onto two side surfaces and the shoulder portion of the (blow) molded body/container according to the disclosure according to the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6a is a side view onto a molded container, in particular a blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure according to a second preferred embodiment modified from the first preferred embodiment, for illustrating a formation of a plurality of mutually parallel ribs extending around a trunk section of the (blow) molded body/container, which ribs have a V-shaped curve with a central apex directed towards the shoulder portion;

FIG. 6b is a side view onto a molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, according to a third preferred embodiment modified from the second preferred embodiment of the (blow) molded body/container according to the disclosure, for illustrating a formation of the ribs having a V-shaped curve with a central apex directed towards the bottom portion;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a vertical stacking arrangement of exemplarily three identical ones of the (blow) molded body/container according to the disclosure according to the first preferred embodiment, with a partial cross-sectional view, shown in pairs respectively, analogous to FIG. 3 and with reference to the section plane A-A defined in FIG. 2b;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a horizontal stacking arrangement of exemplarily four identical ones of the (blow) molded body/container according to the disclosure according to the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective side view (from slightly oblique above) onto a molded container, in particular a blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure according to a third preferred embodiment, wherein the (blow) molded body/container, as an exemplary end product, filled with a medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation such as a dialysis concentrate, further comprises a label, a (screw) cap and an (optional) handhold handle which is slightly obliquely slanted, eccentrically attached, foil strip-shaped;

FIG. 10 is a side view (from slightly oblique top) onto the molded container according, in particular blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure according to a fourth preferred embodiment, wherein the (unfilled) (blow) molded body/container further comprises the (optional) handhold handle shown in FIG. 9 in a thereto modified positioning and inclination;

FIG. 11a is a perspective side view (from oblique top) of a molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure according to a fifth preferred embodiment, wherein the (blow) molded body/container further comprises an (optional) dimensionally stable, esp. injection molded, molded handle (T-shape) which is attached to a container neck of the (blow) molded body/container;

FIG. 11b is a partial longitudinal section of a stacking arrangement of two identical ones of the (blow) molded body/container according to the disclosure according to the fifth embodiment and through the molded handle (T-shape);

FIG. 12a is a perspective side view (from oblique top) onto a molded container, in particular blow molded body/container, according to the disclosure according to a sixth preferred embodiment, wherein the (blow) molded body/container, further comprises an (optional) dimensionally stable, esp. injection molded, molded handle (U-shape) which is attached to a container neck of the (blow) molded body/container; and

FIG. 12b is a bottom view (from bottom) onto a bottom portion of the (blow) molded body/container according to the disclosure according to the sixth preferred embodiment which bottom portion is form-fitted and configured for vertical stackability and accommodation of the molded handle (U-shape).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail based on the corresponding figures.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 to 5 show a blow molded body or, respectively, (blow) molded container 100 as a molded container, in particular blow molded container, according to the disclosure according to a first preferred embodiment. The unfilled (blow) molded body/container 100, which is fillable (from above) via an (optional) open container neck 70, is configured for containing a medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation (not shown; with reference sign 2, cf. FIG. 9 with regard to a filled end product based on the (blow) molded body/container 100). For this purpose, the (blow) molded body/container 100 is made of a thermoplastic plastic which is suitable, esp. inert, for filling with and storage of the medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation. That is, the (blow) molded body/container is formed or, respectively, (three-dimensionally) molded in a thermoplastic manufacturing method or, respectively, molding method. In particular, the (blow) molded body/container 100 may be (blow) molded in an engineering thermoplastic grade/type, in particular in a blow molding grade/type (i.e. according to a so-called melt flow index usable in a thermoplastic molding machine, esp. blow molding machine), esp. from PET.

With reference to the side views of FIGS. 1 and 2c, the (blow) molded body/container 100 has a bottom portion 20 with an endface-side bottom surface 11 at one end of a trunk section 50. At the axially opposite other end of the trunk section 50, the (blow) molded body/container 100 has a shoulder portion 80, which in its axial extension comprises the open container neck 70 or, respectively, opens into it. The (in FIGS. 1 and 2c: upper) shoulder portion 80 boradens radially outward from a container neck diameter d-70 in order to merge into the trunk section 50 with a (essentially vertically extending) lateral outer lateral surface 60. Thereby, the container neck 70 is arranged centrally in a shoulder inner region 81 of the shoulder portion 80 which shoulder inner region 81 is radially inner around a (central) axial axis Z. The container neck 70 may be closed by an exemplary screw cap with an internal thread as a cap (not shown; with reference sign 90, cf. FIG. 9 for the end product), for which purpose an external thread 75 is provided on the container neck 70.

Furthermore, the (blow) molded body/container 100 is configured for vertical stacking during transport and/or storage. For this purpose, as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2a and 3, an (optional) bottom hollow 30 in form of an essentially cup-shaped indentation is recessed into the container interior in direction of the axial axis Z (“dome geometry.”) in the endface-side bottom surface 11 of the bottom portion 20. As shown esp. in FIG. 1, the bottom hollow 30 tapers in a cup-shape in direction of the container interior over a bottom hollow depth t-30, that is, starting from an opening-side first bottom hollow diameter d-31 up to a base-side second bottom hollow diameter d-32 (for example Ø 60 mm) of the inner bottom hollow ground. Along the tapering, the bottom hollow 30 has a bottom hollow step 33 with a step-like narrowed third bottom hollow diameter d-33 to a bottom hollow depth t-30 (for example 52 mm).

The bottom hollow 30 (“dome geometry”, see esp. FIG. 1) is specifically designed and molded, as can be seen from the geometric “cooperation” illustrated in FIG. 3, for the vertical stackability of the (esp. multiple, identical) (blow) molded body/containers 100, to accommodate the container neck 70 of a further, identical (lower in FIG. 3) blow molded body/(blow) molded container 100 which container neck 70 is closed/closable (possibly with the cap 90 shown in FIG. 9).

At the same time, the bottom hollow 30 (“dome geometry”) reduces the residual volume remaining near the bottom surface 11 by damming up the, esp. liquid, preparation. As a result, a (nominal) filling volume of the blow molded body/(blow) molded container 100 is optimized or, respectively, almost completely guaranteed, since only small residual volumes remain in the (blow) molded body/container 100 during a removal, for example, using a suction nozzle/lance (as in a use according to the disclosure, for example, on a dialysis device). With reference to FIG. 2c, the (nominal) filling volume is indicated with a (nominal) fill level distance s-F defining a nominal filling height, measured from an uppermost edge of the (blow) molded body/container 100 (for example approx. 41 mm). Thereby the (nominal) filling volume of the (blow) molded body/container 100, for example, may be approx. 4.7 liters.

The special bottom-side and shoulder-side form structures and their functions when interacting for the vertical stackability are described in more detail on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 5. On the one hand, a specific bottom-side form structure is evident, FIGS. 1, 2a, 2c, 3 to 5, wherein now esp. the bottom surface 11 outside the bottom hollow 30 is to be considered as a relief-like bottom contour surface. On the other hand, this is faced, in first approximation complementarily, by a specific shoulder-side form structure, FIGS. 1, 2b, 2c, 3, 5. In principle, it is conceivable to manufacture the specific form structure(s) or, respectively, form-fit(s) in any, in particular thermoplastic, molding method such as blow molding, injection molding and the like.

The matching two form structures, bottom-side as well as shoulder-side, provide in the combination/three-dimensional form fit for a considerable stabilization of two identical stackable/stacked (blow) molded bodies/containers 100, 100. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates the special form fit according to the disclosure, axially spaced in portions, by showing a relevant section of a vertical stacking arrangement 200 of two identical blow molded bodies/(blow) molded containers 100, 100 (on top of each other) in a longitudinal section according to a section plane A-A defined in FIG. 2b. Said form fit prevents/reduces lateral twisting and improves the vertical stackability by the effect of a twist-proof/“torsion-resistant” stackability:

The bottom surface 11 outside the bottom hollow 30 is molded as a relief-like bottom contour surface. For this purpose/in it, four axially recessed bottom recess molded segments 22 (“concave”) are molded alternately with/adjacent to four axially protruding bottom load contact segments 24 (“convex”). That is, the bottom contour surface is thereby three-dimensionally contoured relief-like by 4+4 molded segments alternating with respect to their axial “height level/line”. Thereby, the four bottom load contact segments 24 project beyond the bottom recess molded segments 22 lying between them or, respectively, protrude (towards the bottom surface 11/towards a base area). That is, thus the four bottom recess molded segments 22 are not part of what initially relates to a base area of the (blow) molded body/container 100. Thereby, respectively, the four bottom recess molded segments 22 are flatter or, respectively, shortened in relation to the four bottom load contact segments 24 with respect to an axial amount.

With reference to esp. FIGS. 2a and 4, the respective or, respectively, all four bottom recess molded segments 22 extend radially. Thereby it is evident that (optionally) the respective bottom recess molded segment 22 extends radially from the opening-side first bottom hollow diameter d-31 of the bottom hollow 30 in the transition of the bottom surface 11 up to an outer circumference of the bottom surface 11 (in the transition to the outer lateral surface 60).

Insofar as the (blow) molded body/container 100 is essentially cuboid, with an essentially rectangular, almost square cross-section (see esp. FIGS. 2a, 2b, 4, 5), the bottom portion 20 is molded with four corners in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axial axis. An exemplary molded container width B, see FIG. 2a, may be 148 mm; an exemplary molded container depth may be 158 mm. An exemplary molded container height h-100 (i.e. total height, over all), see FIG. 2c, may be 290 mm; an exemplary molded body height h-99 (without container neck 70) may be approx. 270 mm. In the transition of the corresponding lateral surfaces 60, the (blow) molded body/container 100 may comprise a vertical side edge rounded with a container edge diameter D (for example Ø 185 mm). All four bottom-side corners, as can be seen esp. in FIGS. 2a and 4, respectively have the four bottom load contact segments 24, which serves a uniform, essentially symmetric load distribution.

As can be seen from esp. FIGS. 1, 2b/c, 3, 5 with respect to the shoulder-side three-dimensional form structure, the relief-like shoulder portion 80, outside of the container neck 70, molds/forms four protruding/convex (clearly evident in the plan view of FIG. 2b; cross-like arranged) shoulder elevation molded segments 82 between respectively adjacent/interposed shoulder load contact segments 84. Presently, with reference to esp. FIG. 3, for (vertical) stackability of the stackable (blow) molded bodies/containers 100, 100, each of the four shoulder elevation molded segments 82 (in FIG. 3: of the lower (blow) molded body/container 100) is form-fitted or, respectively, configured to face, in the stacking, in contactlessly spaced manner, respectively complementary to the corresponding bottom recess molded segment 22 (in FIG. 3: of the upper (blow) molded body/container 100).

As a result, the load contact area (in the background of the longitudinal section plane; cf. also reference sign K in FIGS. 1 and 2c) is divided shoulder-side (exclusively) into the shoulder load contact segments 84 (which are flat and fall into a transverse section plane).

Thus, as can be seen in esp. FIG. 3, the respective or, respectively, all four bottom recess molded segments 22 of the vertically stackable/stacked (blow) molded bodies/containers 100, 100 are form-fitted or, respectively, configured to be contactlessly spaced from the shoulder portion 80 of the similar/further (lower) (blow) molded container 100 in the stacking to a vertical stacking arrangement 200. The contactless spacing defines a gap dimension S. Accordingly, exclusively the bottom load contact segments 24 of the (upper) (blow) molded container 100 form a supporting load contact area at the further (lower) shoulder portion 80. Again/complementary to this, the shoulder-side load contact area is divided into four shoulder load contact segments 84. Thereby, the four shoulder load contact segments 84 are formed flat in a cross-sectional plane of the shoulder portion 80 perpendicular to the axial axis Z (see esp. FIGS. 1 and 5).

This means that the vertically stackable/stacked (blow) molded containers 100, 100 (only) come into contact with each other at the/via the load contact area. This interaction through the specific form structures stabilizes sufficiently against unwanted relative movements.

For this purpose, the four (lower) shoulder elevation molded segments 20 are, for the stacking into a vertical stacking arrangement 200 (FIGS. 3 and 7), form-fitted or, respectively, configured to engage, in the stacking, into the four bottom recess molded segments 22 of the similar/further (upper) (blow) molded container 100 in a form-locking manner. Thus, in the vertical stacking arrangement 200, the shoulder-side form structure and the bottom-side form structure, and thus also both (blow) molded containers 100, 100, are locked against relative twisting (against each other) about their own (herewith coinciding) axial axes Z.

Insofar as, as already explained above, the bottom portion 20 is molded rectangularly with four corners, wherein these respectively have corresponding corner-sided bottom load contact segments 24, the shoulder-side form contour complementarily forms a cross-shaped arrangement of the correspondingly four shoulder elevation molded segments 82. Thereby, see FIGS. 1, 2b, 2c, 5, the four complementary shoulder elevation molded segments 82 are arranged crosswise around the container neck 70 and each extending radially therefrom. As esp. shown with the perspective view of FIG. 5, the four complementary shoulder elevation molded segments 82 thereby respectively merge with a continuously ending contour line into the container neck 70. Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 5, the four complementary shoulder elevation molded segments 82 thereby merge, as for the opposite direction, widening into an outer lateral surface 60 in the beginning trunk section 50. According to the form contour, each of the four (recessed) shoulder-side corners, which respectively comprises a shoulder load contact segment 84, is surrounded/annularly edged with a protruding/stepped shoulder elevation molded edge 89 with an essentially rounded curve, which appears with an appearance similar to a suitcase corner form.

For further anti-twist protection and stabilization in the region of the load contact area of the vertically stacked (blow) molded containers 100, 100, bottom-side, a pair of radial notches 28, 28, see esp. FIGS. 2a and 4, per each corner-sided bottom load contact segment 24, are molded as (at least partially radially extending) bottom form structure elements arranged in pairs/two, convex/into the container interior contoured (or, respectively, vice versa, not shown modification: concave contoured). Complementary to this, shoulder-side, a pair of radial longitudinal curvatures 88, 88, see esp. FIG. 2b, per each corner-sided shoulder load contact segment 84, are molded as (at least partially radially extending) shoulder form structure elements arranged in pairs/two, concave contoured (or, respectively, vice versa, not shown modification: convex contoured). That is, respectively/per corner side, the pair of radial notches 28, 28 as the bottom form structure elements is or, respectively, are matching to (or, respectively, form-fitted to) the corresponding pair of radial longitudinal curvatures 88, 88 as the shoulder form structure elements. That is, in favor of an improved stability of a vertical stacking arrangement, the radial longitudinal curvatures 88, 88 (from above) fit/press/‘latch’, so to speak, into the matching radial notches 28, 28 (below), to abut against each other in a form-locking manner. This serves in manner of a locking for a further securing of a tower-like stacking arrangement 200 (FIG. 7) against slipping, twisting, tipping-over of the (blow) molded containers 100, 100.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2c, 4 and 5, the (blow) molded container 100 optionally has a formation of multiple (reinforcing) ribs 55, 55, . . . which extend parallel to each other having interposed rib grooves 57, 57 . . . , which run around the trunk section 50 essentially transversely/perpendicularly to the axial axis Z (i.e. “horizontal” rib structure).

Second and Third Embodiment

FIGS. 6a and 6b show respectively a side view onto a (blow) molded body/container according to the disclosure according to a second or, respectively, third preferred embodiment, which is optionally modified in comparison to the first preferred embodiment (with respect to the “horizontal” rib structure), which is why reference is otherwise made to the preceding description: The formation of a plurality (for example seven) of the mutually parallel ribs 55, 55, . . . extending around the trunk section 50 (optionally) has a V-shaped curve with a central apex. Thereby, the apex of the V-formation of ribs 55, 55 may be directed, according to FIG. 6a, towards the shoulder portion 80 or electively, according to FIG. 6b, towards the bottom portion 20.

Stacking Arrangement (First Embodiment)

For avoidance of repetitions, reference is explicitly made to the preceding description of the first embodiment of the molded container 100, in particular blow molded container, and esp. to the explanations based on FIGS. 1 and 3: First, FIG. 7 shows a side view of a vertical stacking arrangement 200 of exemplarily three identical ones of the (blow) molded bodies/containers 100, 100, 100, according to the disclosure with a partial cross-sectional view, shown in pairs respectively, analogous to FIG. 3 and with reference to the section plane A-A defined in FIG. 2b. On the other hand, FIG. 8 shows a side view of a horizontal stacking arrangement 200′ of exemplarily four identical ones of the (blow) molded bodies/containers 100, 100, 100, 100 according to the disclosure.

Third and Fourth Embodiment

On the molded container 100, in particular blow molded container, a flat, foil strip-shaped handhold handle 113 is optionally (cf. first embodiment) firmly provided/provisionable, esp. glued.

Thereby, the handhold handle 113 forms a handhold handle middle section 119 extending between both handhold handle ends 118, 118 and axially beyond the shoulder portion 80 in a round arch-shape. Thereby, the handhold handle 113 with its two opposing handhold handle ends 118, 118 adheres tangentially adjacent to two corresponding connection points P of two opposing outer lateral surfaces 60 of the (blow) molded container 100/of the trunk section 50.

Thereby, the handhold handle 113 is eccentrically attached with respect to the two connection points P, respectively. As illustrated in particular in FIG. 10, the handle 113 is thereby attached offset in a transverse direction from a plumb point L falling into a cross-sectional plane from the axial axis Z.

The handhold handle 113 is slanted in the two connection points P respectively obliquely to the axial axis Z. Thereby, a handhold handle inclination-angle {90°-W} defined respectively between the axial axis Z and a longitudinal extension line of the handhold handle 113, exemplarily selected, is approximately 32 degrees (to the vertical).

As illustrated in FIG. 9, an exemplary end product based on the (blow) molded body/container 100 according to the disclosure is filled with the medical and/or pharmaceutical preparation 2 such as, for example, a dialysis solution or a solid dialysis concentrate and then closed leak-tight with a screw cap 90 as the cap. Furthermore, a flat label 95 is applied to the blow molded container, which flat label 95 may be, for example, a printed/printable adhesive foil label (for example with a transparent foil edge) with product identifications (not shown) on contents and use of the contained preparation 2 etc.

Fifth and Sixth Embodiment

At the (blow) molded container 100, a T-handle 111 as a dimensionally stable molded handle in T-shape, see FIGS. 11a and 11b, or a U-handle 112 as a dimensionally stable molded handle in U-shape, see FIGS. 12a and 12b, is optionally (cf. first embodiment) provided/provisionable.

The T-handle 111 or, respectively, the U-handle 112 is attached to the container neck 70 in a cylinder section provided for this purpose as the handle accommodation section 78 (see

FIGS. 1, 2c, 5). T-handle 111 or, respectively, the U-handle 112 has a (with respect to the container neck 30) proximal molded handle ring section 115 to be attached by means thereof (herein non-detachably) to the container neck 70. Furthermore, the T-handle 111 or, respectively, the U-handle 112 has (at its opposite end) a distal T-shaped or, respectively, U-shaped molded handle grab section 116 which extends (starting from the molded handle ring section 115) substantially radially away from the container neck 70.

As illustrated by FIG. 11b, which shows a partial longitudinal section of a stacking arrangement 200 of two identical ones of the (blow) molded body/container according to the disclosure according to the fifth embodiment and through the T-handle 111, the respective bottom recess molded segment 22 of the (in FIG. 11b upper) (blow) molded container 100 is form-fitted or, respectively, configured to be, in the stacking, contactlessly spaced from the shoulder portion 80 {of the} further (in FIG. 11b lower) (blow) molded container 100 by at least a minimum gap dimension S, exceeding a maximum axial molded handle outer dimension G of the distal molded handle grab section 116.

Essentially the same applies to the form structure(s) in the case of the U-handle 112, as can be seen esp. in FIG. 12b with a bottom view (from bottom) onto a bottom portion 20 of the (blow) molded body/container 100 according to the disclosure according to the sixth preferred embodiment which bottom portion is form-fitted and configured for vertical stackability and accommodation of the U-handle 112.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• • 2 preparation
  • 11 bottom surface
  • 20 bottom portion
  • 22 bottom recess molded segment
  • 24 bottom load contact molded segment
  • 28 bottom form structure element (esp. radial groove)
  • 30 bottom hollow
  • 33 bottom hollow step
  • 50 trunk section
  • 55 rib
  • 57 rib groove
  • 60 outer lateral surface
  • 70 container neck
  • 75 external thread
  • 78 handle accommodation section
  • 80 shoulder portion
  • 81 shoulder inner region
  • 82 shoulder elevation molded segment
  • 84 shoulder load contact segment
  • 88 shoulder form structure element (esp. radial longitudinal curvature)
  • 89 shoulder elevation molded edge
  • 90 cap
  • 95 label
  • 100 (blow) molded container
  • 111 molded handle (T-shape)
  • 112 molded handle (U-shape)
  • 113 handhold handle (foil strip)
  • 115 molded handle ring section
  • 116 molded handle grab section
  • 118 handhold handle end
  • 119 handhold handle middle section
  • 200 stacking arrangement (vertical)
  • 200′ stacking arrangement (horizontal)
  • B molded container width
  • d-31 first bottom hollow diameter
  • d-32 second bottom hollow diameter
  • d-33 third bottom hollow diameter
  • d-70 container neck diameter
  • D container edge rounding diameter
  • G molded handle outer dimension
  • s-F fill level distance (nominal)
  • t-30 bottom hollow depth
  • t-33 bottom hollow step depth
  • h-99 molded body height (without container neck)
  • h-100 molded container height (total)
  • K load contact area
  • L plumb point
  • P connection point
  • S gap dimension
  • T molded container depth
  • W handhold handle inclination-complementary angle [90° minus handhold handle inclination-angle]
  • Z axial axis