CONTAINER FOR HOUSING A PLURALITY OF RESPECTIVE ARTICLES, IN PARTICULAR VIALS OR AMPOULES. Field of application of the present invention

The present invention relates to a container for housing a plurality of respective articles, in particular in the form of vials or ampoules.

State of the art Containers for housing a plurality of respective vials or ampoules are known, in which the same vial is adapted to contain a product, in particular a liquid product, of the pharmaceutical, homeopathic, parapharmaceutical, cosmetic, food type or other.

Said already-known containers comprise means for supporting and holding said articles or vials and means for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration at the same means for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials that are made in one piece to one another.

In particular, in said already-known containers, the means for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration extend from the bottom of said means for supporting and holding said articles or vials and are in one piece therewith.

In this manner, however, for each different dimension of the vial or ampoule to be housed, it is necessary to provide a respective container, which in turn needs a respective forming mould and corresponding overabundant storage areas. Moreover, according to the art known so far, with this overabundant provision of different types of containers, also the transport of empty containers is made difficult, with further increased costs.

Furthermore, ultimately, with these containers of the prior art, an excessive amount of materials is used for the manufacturing thereof, with consequent excessive environmental problems arising from their disposal.

Summary of the invention.

Therefore, with the present invention it is desired to propose a new, alternative solution to the solutions known so far, and in particular it is proposed to obviate one or more of the drawbacks referred to above and/or to meet one or more of the needs referred to above, and/or however felt in the art, and in particular deducible from the above.

Therefore, a container is provided for housing a plurality of respective articles, in particular vials or ampoules, especially made of glass or plastic material, preferentially the respective vial being adapted to contain a product, in particular a liquid product, of the pharmaceutical, homeopathic, parapharmaceutical, cosmetic, food type or other; the container comprising means for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, and means for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration at the same means for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials; characterized in that said means for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration at the same means for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials are connected, in an engageable and disengageable manner, to said means for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials.

In this manner, it is possible to use means for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials for a plurality of different types of said means for the engagement and maintenance in a distributed configuration of articles or vials having different sizes and configurations, with a considerable advantage in terms of versatility of use and manufacture and storage of the components of the container.

Furthermore, in this manner, the transport is also promoted, by virtue of a possible distinct transport of the components of the container.

A reuse of the container is also promoted. In fact, carrying out the washing and/or the separate sterilization of the components of the container is particularly easy.

Brief description of the drawings

This and other novel aspects, or respective advantageous implementations, are however set forth in the attached claims, the specific technical characteristics of which can be found, together with corresponding advantages obtained, in the following description, illustrating in detail merely exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the invention, and which is made with reference to the attached drawings, in which: - Figure 1A illustrates a schematic elevation view of an article or vial packaged in the present preferred implementations of a container according to the present invention;

Figure IB illustrates a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an article or vial packaged in the present preferred implementations of a container according to the present invention;

Figure 2A illustrates a perspective schematic view of a first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upside-down position;

Figure 2B illustrates a schematic top plan view of the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upside-down position;

Figure 2C illustrates a schematic longitudinal sectional view, taken according to the line IIC-IIC of Figure 2B, of the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upside- down position;

Figure 2D illustrates a schematic transversal sectional view, taken according to the line IID-IID of Figure 2B, of the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upside-down position; Figure 3A illustrates a perspective schematic view of the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upright position, i.e., facing upwards;

Figure 3B illustrates a schematic top plan view of the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upright position, i.e., facing upwards;

Figure 3C illustrates a schematic longitudinal sectional view, taken according to the line IIIC-IIIC of Figure 3B, of the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upright position, i.e., facing upwards;

Figure 3D illustrates a schematic transversal sectional view, taken according to the line D-D of Figure 3B, of the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upright position, i.e., facing upwards; - Figure 4A illustrates a perspective schematic view of the first preferred implementation only of the means, or tray, for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials employed in the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 4B illustrates a schematic top plan view only of the means, or tray, for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials employed in the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 4C illustrates a schematic side elevation view only of the means, or tray, for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials employed in the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention; - Figure 4D illustrates a schematic front elevation view only of the means, or tray, for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials employed in the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 4E illustrates a schematic longitudinal sectional view, taken according to the line IVE-IVE of Figure 4B; Figure 4F illustrates a schematic transversal sectional view, taken according to the line IV-IVF of Figure 4B;

Figure 5A illustrates a perspective schematic view of a first preferred implementation of means, or small plate, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration used in the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 5B illustrates a schematic top plan view of the first preferred implementation of means, or small plate, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration used in the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 5C illustrates a schematic transversal sectional view, taken according to the line VC- VC of Figure 5B;

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective schematic view of a second preferred implementation of means, or small plate, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, which are used in the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective schematic view of a third preferred implementation of means, or small plate, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, which are used in the first preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective schematic view of a fourth preferred implementation of means, or small plate, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, which are used in the preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective schematic view of a fifth preferred implementation of means, or small plate, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, which are used in the preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 10A illustrates a perspective schematic view of a second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 10B illustrates a schematic top plan view of the second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upside-down position; - Figure IOC illustrates a schematic longitudinal sectional view, taken according to the line XC-XC of Figure 10B, of the second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upside-down position;

Figure 10D illustrates a schematic transversal sectional view, taken according to the line XD-XD of Figure 10B, of the second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, with the articles or vials in an upside-down position;

Figure 10E illustrates an enlarged detail of the schematic sectional view of Figure IOC; - Figure 11A illustrates a perspective schematic view of a second preferred implementation only of the means, or tray, for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials employed in the second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 1 IB illustrates a schematic top plan view only of the means, or tray, for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials employed in the second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 11C illustrates a schematic side elevation view only of the means, or tray, for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials employed in the second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention; - Figure 1 ID illustrates a schematic front elevation view only of the means, or tray, for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials employed in the second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 11E illustrates a schematic longitudinal sectional view, taken according to the line XTE-XTE of Figure 1 IB; Figure 1 IF illustrates a schematic transversal sectional view, taken according to the line XTF-XTF of Figure 1 IB;

Figure 11G illustrates a schematic enlarged sectional view, taken according to the line XIG-XIG of Figure 1 IB; - Figure 12A illustrates a perspective schematic view of a second version of the first preferred implementation of means, or small plate, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration used in the second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention;

Figure 12B illustrates a schematic top plan view of the second version of the first preferred implementation of means, or small plate, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration used in the second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred implementations of the invention In the attached figures 2 A to 4B, a first preferred implementation of a container 10 for housing a plurality of respective articles, in particular vials or ampoules, especially made of glass or plastic material, is illustrated.

As illustrated in the figures 1 A and IB, the respective article or vial 11 has a body, preferably elongated, 110, which has a longitudinal peripheral wall 111, in particular including a corresponding outer peripheral surface 11 lx’, preferentially circular or cylindrical, and a bottom wall 112, in particular transversally extended, from which, especially, said longitudinal peripheral wall 111 extends.

Said article or vial 11 further has a corresponding mouth 113, in particular provided on the longitudinal side of said elongated body 110 that is opposite the one where said bottom wall 112 of the same article or vial 11 is located.

As it is clear, in particular said mouth 113 of the vial is provided at the end of a corresponding neck 115 of said article or vial 11, which neck 115 has a corresponding section, in particular a diameter, which is reduced with respect to the section or diameter of said longitudinal peripheral wall 111, which it is joined to. Preferentially, the respective vial is adapted to contain a product, in particular a liquid product, of the pharmaceutical, homeopathic, parapharmaceutical, cosmetic, food type or other.

As illustrated, the container 10 comprises means 12 for supporting, and/or for holding said articles or vials 11, and means 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials 11 in a distributed configuration at the same means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11.

In an advantageous manner, said means 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials 11 in a distributed configuration at the same means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 are connected, in an engageable and disengageable manner, to said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11.

In practice, in an advantageous manner, as will anyhow be clearer from the following of the present description, means for an engageable and disengageable connection of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration to said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 are provided.

In this manner, it is possible to use means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 for a plurality of different types of said means 14 for the engagement and maintenance in a distributed configuration of articles or vials 11 having different sizes and configurations, with a considerable advantage in terms of versatility of use and manufacture and storage of the components of the container 10

Furthermore, in this manner, the transport is also promoted, by virtue of a possible distinct transport of the components of the container 10.

Thus, a reuse of the container 10 is also promoted, in particular by virtue of a facilitated washing and/or separated sterilization of the components of the container 10.

Finally, some savings of the material that is employed can also be achieved, compared to similar containers of the prior art.

As it is clear from said figures, in a remarkably advantageous manner, said means for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 comprise, or are in the form of, a corresponding supporting and/or holding body 12, preferably in plastic material.

In particular, as will anyhow be clearer from the following of the present description, said body of said means for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials is in the form of a corresponding shaped tray for supporting and holding said articles or vials 11. In a particularly advantageous manner, as it is clear from said figures, said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 comprise, or comprises, a peripheral wall, in particular quadrangular, 121 preferably comprising a first and a second longitudinal walls 122, 123 and a first and a second transversal walls 124, 125, in particular connected, especially orthogonally, to said first and second longitudinal walls 122, 123 and defining therein a corresponding chamber 120 for housing said articles or vials 11.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 comprise, or comprises, a bottom wall 126, in particular from which, in particular in one piece, said first and second longitudinal walls 122, 123 and said first and second transversal walls 124, 125 extend. As illustrated, said bottom wall inferiorly defines said housing chamber 120

As it is clear from said figures, with remarkable advantage, said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 have a corresponding opening 129 for the insertion and/or withdrawal of said articles or vials 11. In particular, said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 are open on the perpendicular side opposite the one of said bottom wall 126 of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11. In practice, as it is clear, said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 define a corresponding housing tray, which is generally cup-shaped.

In a remarkably advantageous manner, as it is clear from said figures, the respective wall of said peripheral wall 121 of said body 120 defining said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11, i.e., at least one of said first and second longitudinal walls 122, 123 and/or at least one of said first and second transversal walls 124, 125, comprises a respective lower part 122ya, 123ya, 124ya, 125ya and an upper part 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb, connected to one another through a corresponding connecting portion, in particular configured as a lip or step, 122yc, 123yc, 124yc, 125yc, especially outwardly projecting, in particular horizontally projecting, from the corresponding lower part 122ya, 123ya, 124ya, 125ya, in particular from the upper end thereof, and from which said upper part 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of the same respective peripheral wall 122, 123, 124, 125 extends. Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, the respective wall of said peripheral wall 121 of said body 120 defining said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11, i.e., at least one of said first and second longitudinal walls 122, 123 and/or at least one of said first and second transversal walls 124, 125, comprises an outermost upper portion 122yd, 123yd, 124yd, 125yd flaring outwardly and ending with a corresponding terminal peripheral portion 122ye, 123ye, 124ye, 125ye, in particular horizontal, projecting outwardly of said container 10 and in special defining on the whole, together with the terminal peripheral portions 122ye, 123ye, 124ye, 125ye other peripheral walls, with a corresponding outermost peripheral lip , especially outwardly projecting. In particular, as illustrated, the respective outermost upper portion 122yd,

123yd, 124yd, 125yd flared, or outwardly inclined, extends from the respective upper part 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of the corresponding peripheral wall, in particular from the upper end thereof.

As it is clear from said figures, with advantage, the respective lower part 122ya, 123ya, 124ya, 125ya, of the corresponding peripheral wall 122, 123, 124, 125, has a height which is higher than the height of the corresponding upper part 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of the same peripheral wall 122, 123, 124, 125, and in particular has a height which is higher than the overall height of the upper part 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb, of said outermost upper portion 122yd, 123yd, 124yd,

125yd and of said terminal peripheral portion 122ye, 123ye, 124ye, 125ye of the same peripheral wall 122, 123, 124, 125.

With remarkable advantage, as it is clear from said figures, means 16 of lower resting for the respective article or vial 11 are provided. Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, said means 16 of lower resting for the respective article or vial 11 are defined by the upper surface of the bottom wall 126 of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11.

As it is clear from said figures, in an advantageous manner, said means for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration are in the form of a respective body or small plate 14, in plastic or metal material, preferably having a constant thickness and in particular of a solid material, and flexible as a function of the respective thickness, preferentially of about 2mm.

As it is clear from said figures, in a remarkably advantageous manner, said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration comprise, or comprises, a plurality of through holes 142, which are distributed along the same means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, each of said through holes 142 being preferably for the insertion of a corresponding article or vial 11. Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration extend, or extends, parallel to said surface for engaging and resting the lower end of said articles or vials 11, i.e., to said upper surface of said bottom wall 126 of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11, hence, generally, parallel to the same bottom wall 126 of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11.

As it is clear from said figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, the respective through hole 142 is defined by a corresponding, in particular circular, rim, 143 for the peripheral engagement of the respective article or vial 11, i.e., of said outer peripheral surface 11 lx’ of the longitudinal peripheral wall 111 of said article or vial 11.

As it is clear from said figures, with remarkable advantage, said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration are, or is planar-shaped, i.e., have opposite, respectively upper and lower, faces, 142za and 142zb which are parallel to one another.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, have, or has, a peripheral edge, 144 in particular quadrangular, and having corresponding sides 144zc, 144zd, 144ze, 144zf, especially orthogonal to one another.

As it is clear from said figures, in a remarkably advantageous manner, said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration are, or is, located at a height that is adapted to arrange the respective edge 143 of said through holes 142 at the respective longitudinal peripheral wall 111, or outer peripheral surface 11 lx’ thereof, of the same article or vial 11, both when the respective article or vial 11 is in an upside-down position, i.e., with said respective mouth 113 facing downwards, as it is clear from said figures da 2A a 2D, both when the same article or vial 11 is in position with the mouth 113 facing upwards, i.e., towards said upper opening of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, as it is clear from said figures 3 A to 3D.

In this manner, the container 10 can be easily used for both configurations or arrangements of said articles or vials 11.

As it is clear from said figures, with advantage, said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, are, or is spaced apart from said means 126 of lower resting for the respective article or vial 11, i.e., from said upper surface 126’ of the bottom wall 126 of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11, by a length that can range between 13 mm and 20 mm, preferably that is of about 20 mm.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration are, or is spaced apart from said means 126 of lower resting for the respective article or vial 11, i.e., from said upper surface 126’ of the bottom wall 126 of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11, by a length corresponding, or substantially corresponding, to the height of said longitudinal peripheral wall 111 of the respective article or vial 11, i.e., that is equal to the height of said longitudinal peripheral wall 111 of said article or vial 11, with subtraction of the thickness of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, in particular preferably with subtraction by a length equal to or about 2 mm.

As it is clear from said figures, with remarkable advantage, said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration are, or is spaced apart from said means 126 of lower resting for the respective article or vial 11, i.e., from said upper surface 126’ of the bottom wall 126 of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11, by a length that is greater than half the height of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11.

As it is clear from said figures, in an advantageous manner, the respective portion, or the respective portions, of connection 122yc, 123yc, 124yc, 125yc, between said lower part 122ya, 123ya, 124ya, 125ya and upper part 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of the respective peripheral wall, or of the respective peripheral walls, 122, 123, 124, 125 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, defines, or define, with the respective upper face in use, corresponding resting means, in particular according to a direction which is perpendicular or vertical in use, for means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, in particular for a peripheral edge 145, especially of the lower face 142zb, of the same means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration.

Advantageously, as reported above and as can be clearly seen from said figures, means 16 for an engageable and disengageable connection of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration to said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 are provided.

As it is clear from said figures, with advantage, said means 16 for an engageable and disengageable connection of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, to said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11, comprise means for retaining said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration to said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, in particular for retaining said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, i.e., of the lower peripheral edge thereof, on said resting surface defined by the respective portion, or by the respective portions, of connection 122yc, 123yc, 124yc, 125yc, between said lower part 122ya, 123ya, 124ya, 125ya and upper part 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of the respective peripheral wall, or of the respective peripheral walls, 122, 123, 124, 125 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, i.e., on the respective upper face in use, thereof.

As it is clear from said figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means for retaining said means, or body, 14, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, to said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, are defined by at least one, in particular by at least a first and a second, in particular opposite, upper parts 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of corresponding peripheral walls 122, 123, 124, 125, i.e., by all said upper parts 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of said peripheral walls 122, 123, 124, 125, which is, or are, inclined, in particular slightly inclined, or inclined, inwardly of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11, i.e., the container 10.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, the respective upper part 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of the corresponding peripheral wall 122, 123, 124, 125 is inclined, inwardly of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11, i.e., the container 10, by an angle ranging between 1° and 5° and preferably of about 3°.

As it is clear from said figures, in an advantageous manner, said through holes 142, of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, are arranged on parallel longitudinal rows 146, in which in particular the holes 142 of a respective row 146 are transversally arranged between adjacent holes 142, 142 of the adjacent row, or the adjacent rows 146, 146, preferably, in each row 146, said through holes 142 are equidistant from each other.

As it is clear from said figures, in a remarkably advantageous manner, said through holes 142 of the respective row 146 extend in the gap between adjacent holes 142, 142 of an adjacent row 146, in particular by an extent corresponding, or substantially corresponding, to half the diameter, of said through hole 142 or, anyhow, by an extent that is greater than one third of the diameter of the same hole 142. Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, said through holes 142 of a respective row 146 extend in the gap between corresponding or transversally aligned holes of adjacent rows 146, 146, in particular by an extent lesser than one third of the diameter of the same through hole 142.

As it is clear from said figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, on said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, a number of rows of holes 146 ranging between 4 and 12 are provided.

As it is clear from said figures, with remarkable advantage, on said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, the respective row of holes 146 comprises a number of holes ranging between 7 holes and 19 holes.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, on said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, said through holes 142 have the same diameter and in particular a diameter that may range between 16 mm and 41 mm.

In practice, as it is clear from said figures 5A to 5C, in accordance with a first preferred implementation of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, 12 rows are provided, each being composed of 19 holes having a diameter of 16.5 mm.

Furthermore, as it is clear from the subsequent figure 6, in accordance with a second preferred implementation of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, 8 rows are provided, each being composed of 12 holes having a diameter of 22.5 mm. Furthermore, as it is clear from the subsequent figure 7, in accordance with a third preferred implementation of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, 8 rows are provided, each being composed of 12 holes having a diameter of 24.5 mm.

Furthermore, as it is clear from the subsequent figure 8, in accordance with a fourth preferred implementation of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, 6 rows are provided, each being composed of 10 holes having a diameter of 31 mm.

Furthermore, as it is clear from the subsequent figure 9, in accordance with a fifth preferred implementation of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, 4 rows are provided, each being composed of 7 holes having a diameter of 41 mm.

As it is clear from said figures, in a remarkably advantageous manner, said bottom wall 126 of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11 has a raised surface or portion 12’ for the engagement and resting by said articles or vials 11 and a lowered portion 12”, in particular slightly lowered, extending peripherally or perimetrically to said raised portion 12’.

As it is clear from said figures, with advantage, means for closing or sealing the container, i.e., for closing or sealing the opening, in particular the upper opening, thereof, are provided.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, said means for closing or sealing the container, i.e., the opening, in particular the upper opening, thereof comprise a sealing membrane, not particularly illustrated in the attached figures, secured onto the peripheral lip 122ye, 123ye, 124ye, 125ye, i.e., on the upper surface thereof, of said means, or body, 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11.

Advantageously, as it is clear from the subsequent figures 10A to 12B, in accordance with a second preferred implementation of container according to the present invention, the components of which, which are similar or equivalent to those of the first preferred implementation are marked with the same numeral references used in the previous preferred implementation and, in order not to excessively burden the present description, are not explained again in detail, it is provided that said means 16 for an engageable and disengageable connection of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration to said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials 11, in particular that said means for retaining said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration to said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, are in the form of corresponding toothed means 127. With advantage, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, said toothed retaining means 127 project from the inner face of the respective side wall 122,

123, 124, 125 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials and/or have a respective, in particular lower, surface 1271 for the engagement, especially upper engagement, and for retaining said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, in particular for retaining on said resting surface defined by the respective portion, or by the respective portions, of connection 122yc, 123yc, 124yc, 125yc, between said lower part 122ya, 123ya, 124ya, 125ya and upper part 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of the respective peripheral wall, or of the respective peripheral walls, 122, 123,

124, 125 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, i.e., on the respective upper face in use, thereof.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, said toothed retaining means 127 comprise at least one respective tooth, and in particular a plurality of teeth 127 which are distributed peripherally to said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, especially being provided on all the side walls 122, 123, 124, 125 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials.

With particular advantage, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, the respective retaining tooth 127 is arranged at a respective wall 122, 123, 123, 124 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials and is defined by an inwardly recessed portion of the respective peripheral wall 122, 123, 124, 125, i.e., of the respective upper part 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of the respective peripheral wall 122, 123, 124, 125 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, the retaining tooth 127 has a lower length, in particular horizontal, 1272, defining said surface 1271 for an upper engagement and for retaining said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, from the inner end of which of said lower length 1272 a corresponding inclined joining length 1273 extends upwardly.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, corresponding retaining teeth 127, 127, of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration to said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, are arranged at opposite walls 122, 123, 123, 124 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials.

In an advantageous manner, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, the corresponding retaining teeth 127, 127 which are arranged at opposite walls 122, 123, 123, 124 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials are aligned to each other, in particular transversally and/or longitudinally aligned to each other.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, a plurality of retaining teeth 127, in particular four teeth, on the respective first and/or second longitudinal walls 122, 123 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, and a plurality of retaining teeth 127, in particular two teeth, on the respective first and second transversal walls 124, 125 of the same means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials are provided.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials comprise a plurality of zones 121yc, perimetrically distributed and peripherally spaced from one another, for resting said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration.

With advantage, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, said zones 121yc, for resting said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, are defined by corresponding portions of connection 122yc, 123yc, 124yc, 125yc, between said lower parts 122ya, 123ya, 124ya, 125ya and said upper parts 122yb, 123yb, 124yb, 125yb of the respective peripheral wall 122, 123, 124, 125 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, said toothed retaining means 127 are provided at, in particular perpendicular to, the perimetral space of separation between adjacent zones 121yc, perimetrically distributed and peripherally spaced from one another, for resting said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, said toothed retaining means 127 have, i.e., the respective tooth 127 has, a corresponding width which is lesser than the, in particular which is substantially half the, distance spanning between adjacent zones 121yc, perimetrically distributed and peripherally spaced from one another, for resting said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials. In a remarkably advantageous manner, as it is clear from said figures 10A to

12B, means 128, 148 for the positioning of said means, or body, 14, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, on said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials are provided.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, said means 128, 148 for the positioning of said means, or body, 14, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials, in a distributed configuration on said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, comprise corresponding stud means 128a for the insertion in corresponding seat means 148a provided respectively on said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials and on said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration.

In an advantageous manner, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, said means for the positioning of said means, or body, 14, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration on said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, comprise a respective stud 128a, in particular projecting internally from said means 12, for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, i.e., from the respective inner face of the corresponding peripheral wall 122, 123 of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials. In particular, a first and a second studs 128a, 128a are provided, preferably provided on opposite walls, in particular on said first and second longitudinal walls 122, 123, of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials. Especially, advantageously, as illustrated, said first and second studs 128a, 128a are arranged in a non-aligned, in particular transversally non-aligned, condition one to the other.

Advantageously, as it is clear from said figures, the respective insertion stud 128a is at a respective zone 121yc, for resting said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration, of said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, and in particular extend superiorly starting therefrom.

With advantage, as it is clear from said figures 10A to 12B, said means for the positioning of said means, or body, 14, for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration on said means 12 for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials, comprise a respective recess 148a at the respective side of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration. In particular, as illustrated, a first and a second recesses 148a, 148a are provided for, provided at opposite, in particular longitudinal, sides, of said means, or body, 14 for engaging and maintaining said articles or vials in a distributed configuration. As it is clear, preferably, said first and second recesses 148a, 148a are in a non-aligned, i.e., transversally non-aligned, configuration one to the other. In practice, as is clear, the technical characteristics illustrated above allow, singularly or in a respective combination, to achieve one or more of the following advantageous results:

- it is possible to use means for supporting and/or holding said articles or vials for a plurality of different types of said means for the engagement and maintenance in a distributed configuration of articles or vials having different sizes and configurations, with a considerable advantage in terms of versatility of use and manufacture and storage of the components of the container;

- the transport of the container, i.e., of the components thereof, is promoted, by virtue of a possible distinct transport of the components of the container;

- a reuse of the container is promoted, making the washing and/or the separated sterilization of the components of the container easier;

- some savings of the material that is employed, compared to similar containers of the prior art can be obtained; - the container can be easily used for both configurations or arrangements, i.e., for an upright configuration or for an upside-down configuration, of said articles or vials.

The present invention is susceptible of obvious industrial application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will be able to devise a number of modifications and/or variations to be made to the same invention, while remaining within the scope of the inventive concept, as widely explained. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will be able to devise further preferred implementations of the invention which comprise one or more of the characteristics illustrated above of the preferred implementation referred to above, in particular, as set forth in the attached claims. Furthermore, it shall also be understood that all the details of the invention can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.