SANITARY CAP AND SYSTEM

Abstract

A sanitary cap for a sanitary end is provided. The sanitary cap includes a base which defines a central axis and has a peripheral edge. A flange extends from the peripheral edge along the central axis and a lip spaced from the base extends from the flange inwardly toward the central axis. The sanitary cap may include a crosslinked polyethylene foam or a breathable insert. A system including a sanitary hose and the sanitary cap is also provided. The sanitary hose includes a sanitary end. The sanitary cap is removably disposed on the sanitary end. The crosslinked polyethylene foam of the sanitary cap of the system is formed in the presence of nitrogen as a physical blowing agent, has a density of from 1 to 20 lb/ft3 when tested in accordance with BS ISO 7214 1998 Skin/Skin, and is a Class VI foam as defined by the United States Pharmacopeia.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a sanitary cap and a system including the sanitary cap and a sanitary hose. More specifically, the sanitary cap is for a sanitary end, includes, and also includes a base, a flange, a lip, and optionally a breathable insert.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Sanitary caps are known in the art as products which are used to protect sanitary ends including, but not limited to, stainless steel ends on flex hoses, transfer panels, gas lines, and other ferrules. Conventional sanitary caps are formed from metals and plastics. However, there are a number of disadvantages associated with conventional sanitary caps. In particular, those conventional sanitary caps formed from metals tend to become lodged inside the sanitary ends. Conventional sanitary caps formed from plastics tend to have poor chemical tolerances such that they cannot be easily cleaned, tend to be formed using processes that are not environmentally friendly, tend to absorb moisture, and tend to fail to block particulates and bacteria from entering the sanitary ends. Accordingly, there remains an opportunity to form an improved sanitary cap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The present invention provides a sanitary cap and a system including the sanitary cap and a sanitary hose. The sanitary cap includes a base having a peripheral edge. The base also defines a central axis. A flange extends from the peripheral edge along the central axis. A lip spaced from the base extends from the flange inwardly toward the central axis. Additionally, the sanitary cap includes a crosslinked polyethylene foam.

The present invention also provides a system including a sanitary hose and the sanitary cap. The sanitary hose defines a channel path and has a sanitary end. The sanitary end defines an aperture. The sanitary cap is removably disposed on the sanitary end and comprises a crosslinked polyethylene foam formed in the presence of nitrogen as a physical blowing agent, has a density of from 1 to 20 lb/ft³ at 1 atm, and is a Class VI foam according to the United States Pharmacopeia.

The present invention further provides a sanitary cap having a base defining a central axis and at least one hole extending through the base. The base also has a peripheral edge. A flange extends from the peripheral edge along the central axis. A ledge, spaced from the base, extends from the flange towards the central axis. A breathable insert is positioned between the ledge and the base, abutting the base. The breathable insert extends over the at least one hole and is gas permeable. A lip spaced from the base extends from the flange inwardly toward the central axis.

The sanitary cap resists lodging inside of sanitary lines, has excellent chemical tolerance, is environmentally friendly, resists absorbing moisture, and inhibits particulates and bacteria from entering into sanitary lines. The sanitary cap is therefore suitable for protecting sanitary ends on flex hoses, transfer panels, gas lines, and other ferrules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sanitary cap disposed on a sanitary end.

FIG. 2 is a plan bottom view of the sanitary cap.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the sanitary cap taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sanitary cap in an unlocked position disposed on a sanitary end.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the sanitary cap in a locked position disposed on a sanitary end.

FIG. 6 is a plan bottom view of the second embodiment of the sanitary cap of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment of the sanitary cap taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a system including a third embodiment of the sanitary cap in a locked position disposed on a sanitary end coupled to a sanitary hose.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a system including the third embodiment of the sanitary cap in a locked position and a sanitary end coupled to a sanitary hose.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the sanitary cap in an unlocked position.

FIG. 11 is a plan bottom view of the third embodiment of the sanitary cap of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the third embodiment of the sanitary cap taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the sanitary cap.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the sanitary cap.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the sanitary cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a sanitary cap 20 and a system 22 including the sanitary cap 20. The sanitary cap 20 has excellent usability, chemical tolerance, ease of handling, resists absorption of moisture, is environmentally friendly, inhibits movement of particulates and bacteria, and is suitable for applications including, but not limited to, protecting a sanitary end 24.

The sanitary cap 20 includes a base 26, a flange 28, and a lip 30. The base 26 defines a central axis A and has a peripheral edge 32. In one embodiment the peripheral edge 32 defines a circular configuration about the central axis A as best shown in FIG. 1. However, it is to be appreciated that the peripheral edge 32 may define any one of a plurality of differently shaped configurations other than a circular configuration. One example of another suitable but non-limiting configuration is a polygonal configuration.

The flange 28 extends from the peripheral edge 32 along the central axis A as best shown in FIG. 3. Typically, the flange 28 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the base 26. Stated differently, the flange 28 is typically spaced from and extends substantially parallel to the central axis A. In one embodiment the flange 28 has a distal end 34 spaced from the base 26. In this embodiment the lip 30 extends from the distal end 34 toward the central axis A as best shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 12. In another embodiment the flange 28 is spaced from and extends continuously about the central axis A along the peripheral edge 32. In this embodiment the flange 28 is present 360° about the central axis A. In another embodiment the lip 30 extends continuously about the central axis A along the distal end 34 of the flange 28. In this embodiment the lip 30 is present 360° about the central axis A. However, it is to be appreciated that neither the flange 28 nor the lip 30 are required to extend continuously about the central axis A.

Typically, the lip 30 is spaced from the base 26 and extends from the flange 28 inwardly toward the central axis A. In one embodiment the lip 30 extends from the flange 28 substantially parallel to the base 26. In another embodiment the lip 30 extends to a contact surface spaced from the flange 28 toward the central axis A and tapers in thickness at the contact surface. The lip 30 may compressably engage the sanitary end 24. The lip 30 may also ensure formation of a seal between the sanitary cap 20 and the sanitary end 24, thereby preventing particulates and bacteria from entering into the sanitary end 24. In one embodiment the seal formed between the lip 30 and the sanitary cap 20 is a hermetic seal. In another embodiment, the lip 30 also extends from the flange 28 outwardly away from the central axis A.

In one embodiment, the sanitary cap 20 further includes a ledge 60, a breathable insert 62, and the base 26 further defines at least one hole 64 as best shown in FIGS. 13-15. Typically, the at least one hole 64 extends through the base 26. In one embodiment, the at least one hole 64 extends along said central axis A and through the base 26. The ledge 60 is spaced from the base 26 and extends from the flange 28 towards the central axis A. In one embodiment, the ledge 60 extends continuously about the central axis A along the flange 28. In this embodiment the ledge 60 is present 360° about the central axis A. However, it is to be appreciated that the ledge 60 is not required to extend continuously about the central axis A. The breathable insert 62 is positioned between the base 26 and the ledge 60. The ledge 60 and base 26 removably couple the breathable insert 62 to the sanitary cap 20. Typically, the breathable insert 62 abuts the base 26 and extends completely over the hole 64 thereby inhibiting solid particulates from passing through the at least one hole 64. In another embodiment, the sanitary cap 20 is a single unitary structure and is formed from materials that are gas permeable. In yet another embodiment, the sanitary cap 20 is a single unitary structure including sections that are formed from materials that are gas permeable.

Typically, the breathable insert 62 is formed from materials which are gas permeable but that inhibit transportation of solid particulates and/or liquids. In one embodiment, the breathable insert 62 is formed from materials which are permeable to water vapor. Examples of suitable materials which are gas permeable include, but are not limited to, polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene including high-density polyethylene fibers commonly known in the art as “Tyvek”, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethanes including aromatic polyether polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides including nylon, and other foams and/or films that are gas permeable, as recognized in the art.

The embodiment of the sanitary cap 20 including the breathable insert 62 is particularly suitable for use where the sanitary end 24 is sterilized and/or cleaned using steam or other vapors. Under these circumstances, the sanitary cap 20 typically forms a seal between the sanitary cap 20 and the sanitary end 24; however, water vapor trapped in the sanitary end 24 can pass through the breathable insert 62 thereby minimizing collection of moisture within the sanitary end 24. However, the sanitary cap 20, including the breathable insert 62, still inhibits particulates and bacteria from entering into the sanitary end 24.

The breathable insert 62 may have one or more of the following physical properties as provided in Table 1 below and/or one or more additional properties not described below. It is also contemplated that the breathable insert 62 may have one of the properties below but in a range that falls outside of the ranges set forth below.

TABLE 1
Density (ASTM D3575-91 Suffix: W (Method A))	1-20	lb/ft3
Density (ASTM D3575-91 Suffix: W (Method A))	1-3	lb/ft3
Density (ASTM D3575-91 Suffix: W (Method A))	1-2	lb/ft3
Density - Skin/Skin (BS ISO 7214 1998)	10-60	kg/m3
Density - Skin/Skin (BS ISO 7214 1998)	20-50	kg/m3
Density - Skin/Skin (BS ISO 7214 1998)	30-45	kg/m3
Cell Size - Typical Diameter	0.1-0.7	mm
Cell Size - Typical Diameter	0.3-0.45	mm
Compressive Strength (ASTM D3575-91 Suffix: D)
at 10%	1-10	psi
at 25%	5-10	psi
at 40%	9-15	psi
at 50%	10-20	psi
Compressive Stress-Strain (BS ISO 7214 1998)
at 10%	50-80	kPa
at 25%	60-100	kPa
at 40%	95-140	kPa
at 50%	130-175	kPa
Compression Set (ASTM D3575-91 Suffix: B)
22 hrs at 50% 73° F., 2 hr recovery	5-20%	set
22 hrs at 50% 73° F., 2 hr recovery	10-20%	set
22 hrs at 50% 73° F., 24 hr recovery	5-20%	set
22 hrs at 50% 73° F., 24 hr recovery	5-15%	set
Compression Set (BS ISO 7214 1998 25 mm cell-cell)
22 hrs at 25% 23° C., 0.5 hr recovery	5-15%	set
22 hrs at 25% 23° C., 24 hr recovery	1-10%	set
22 hrs at 50% 23° C., 0.5 hr recovery	15-30%	set
22 hrs at 50% 23° C., 24 hr recovery	5-20%	set
Tensile Strength (ASTM D3575-91 Suffix: T (Cell/Cell))	25-110	psi
Tensile Strength (ASTM D3575-91 Suffix: T (Cell/Cell))	30-70	psi
Tensile Strength (ASTM D3575-91 Suffix: T (Cell/Cell))	40-60	psi
Tensile Strength (ISO 7214 1998)	400-650	kPa
Tensile Strength (ISO 7214 1998)	425-600	kPa
Tensile Strength (ISO 7214 1998)	430-570	kPa
Elongation at Break	less than 200%
Elongation at Break	90-170%
Elongation at Break	90-130%
Tear Strength (ASTM D3575-91 Suffix: G (Cell/Cell))	5-900	lbf/in
Tear Strength (ASTM D3575-91 Suffix: G (Cell/Cell))	5-15	lbf/in
Tear Strength (BS EN ISO 8067 1995)	750-1,250	N/m
Tear Strength (BS EN ISO 8067 1995)	775-1,200	N/m
Specific Gravity (ASTM D-792)	0.9-1.2
Durometer (Shore A) (ASTM D-2240)	65-95
Durometer (Shore OO) (ISO 868 1985)	40-80
Durometer (Shore OO) (ISO 868 1985)	50-70
Ultimate Tensile Strength (ASTM Mod. D-882)	7,500-10,100	psi
Ultimate Elongation (ASTM Mod. D-882)	500-1,000%
100% Modulus (ASTM Mod. D-882)	450-1,250	psi
300% Modulus (ASTM Mod. D-882)	900-3,300	psi
Tear Resistance (ASTM D-1004)	350-550	lb/in
Min Softening Point (ASTM E2347-04)	260-310°	F.
Max Softening Point (ASTM E2347-04)	300-350°	F.
Thermal Conductivity (ISO 8302 1991) mean temp. of 10° C.	0.01-0.06	W/m · K
Thermal Conductivity (ISO 8302 1991) mean temp. of 10° C.	0.03-0.05	W/m · K

The breathable insert may also be a Class VI foam according to the United States Pharmacopeia, non-particulating, and fire retardant.

The sanitary cap 20 may include a retention device 36 for retaining the sanitary cap 20 on the sanitary end 24 as shown in FIGS. 4-12. Typically, the retention device 36 includes at least two arms 38 extending radially from the flange 28 and away from the central axis A as shown in FIGS. 4-7. In one embodiment the at least two arms 38 are combined with a secondary retention device 40 as shown in FIG. 5. Suitable examples of the secondary retention device 40 include, but are not limited to, string, wire, and elastic bands. Typically, the secondary retention device 40 compressably engages the at least two arms 38 and the sanitary end 24 such that the sanitary cap 20 is retained on the sanitary end 24. In another embodiment, the retention device 36 comprises a bridge 42 coupled to the flange 28 and a retention ring 44 coupled to the bridge 42 as shown in FIGS. 8-12. In this embodiment, the retention ring 44 defines a void 46 for receiving the sanitary end 24 as shown in FIGS. 10-12. The retention device 36 may also include a retention base 54 having a retention peripheral edge 56 and defining a second central axis B as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 12. In this embodiment, a retention flange 58 extends from the retention peripheral edge 56 along the second central axis B and a retention lip 60 spaced from the retention base 54 extends from the retention flange 58 inwardly toward the second central axis B. The retention lip 60 may compressably engage the sanitary end 24 and/or any device or extension extending from the sanitary end. However, it is to be appreciated that the sanitary cap 20 does not require a retention device 36.

The sanitary cap 20 includes a crosslinked polyethylene foam. In one embodiment, the crosslinked polyethylene foam is non-particulating. More specifically, the crosslinked polyethylene foam resists subdividing into minute separate particles. In another embodiment, the crosslinked polyethylene foam is formed in the presence of a physical blowing agent. In this embodiment the physical blowing agent may include, but is not limited to, compressed gas. One example of a suitable compressed gas includes, but is not limited to, nitrogen. In yet another embodiment, the crosslinked polyethylene foam is closed celled and resists absorption of water or other liquids. In still yet another embodiment, the crosslinked polyethylene foam is further defined as a Class VI foam according to the United States Pharmacopeia. In one embodiment, the crosslinked polyethylene foam contributes to formation of a seal, such as a hermetic seal, between the sanitary cap 20 and the sanitary end 24 by preventing moisture or other liquids from passing through the sanitary cap 20 and entering into the sanitary end 24. In one embodiment, the sanitary cap 20 consists of a crosslinked polyethylene foam and excludes other polyolefins and/or other polymers. In another embodiment, the sanitary cap 24 includes materials that are acceptable for use in “clean rooms” as understood in the art.

Typically, the sanitary cap 20 is formed in a manner having a reduced impact on the environment as compared to conventional sanitary caps. More specifically, any foam included in the sanitary cap 20 is typically formed using blowing agents which do not deplete the ozone layer or contribute to global warming. Typically, the sanitary cap 20 is cleanable and reusable thereby reducing waste and further reducing the impact on the environment.

Typically, the crosslinked polyethylene, and therefore the sanitary cap 20, has a shore OO hardness of from about 40 to about 80, alternatively from about 50 to about 70, and alternatively from about 55 to about 65, when tested in accordance with ISO 868 1985 with a 10 mm cell/cell thickness. In another embodiment, the crosslinked polyethylene has a density from about 1 to about 20 lb/ft³, alternatively from about 1 to about 10 lb/ft³, alternatively from about 1 to about 5 lb/ft³, when tested in accordance with BS ISO 7214 1998 Skin/Skin. In yet another embodiment, the crosslinked polyethylene has an elongation of 200% or less at break. In still another embodiment, the crosslinked polyethylene has a tensile strength of from about 60 to about 100 psi, alternatively from about 70 to about 90 psi, and alternatively from about 75 to about 85 psi, when tested in accordance with ISO 7214 1998. In still yet another embodiment, the crosslinked polyethylene has a tear strength of from about 800 to about 900 foot pounds, alternatively from about 825 to about 875 foot pounds, and alternatively from about 845 to about 855 foot pounds, when tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 8067 1995. The crosslinked polyethylene foam is not limited to any of the aforementioned properties and may be any crosslinked polyethylene foam.

As first introduced above, the subject invention also provides a system 22 including the sanitary cap 20 and a sanitary hose 48. The sanitary hose 48 is not particularly limited and may include metals, plastics, and/or polymers. The sanitary hose 48 defines a channel path 50 and also includes a sanitary end 24 which defines an aperture 52. The sanitary end 24 is disposed on and in fluid communication with the sanitary hose 48. Typically, the sanitary cap 20 is removably disposed on the sanitary end 24. Accordingly, the system 22 may include the sanitary cap 20 disposed on or separate from the sanitary end 24.

Typically, the system is designed for use in a medical, pharmaceutical, food, chemical, or industrial environment. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more extensions, pumps, clamps, fittings, reservoirs, flex hoses, transfer panels, gas lines, other ferrules, food processing devices, food packaging devices, medical devices, and combinations thereof.

It is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, it is to be appreciated that different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

It is also to be understood that any ranges and subranges relied upon in describing various embodiments of the present invention independently and collectively fall within the scope of the appended claims, and are understood to describe and contemplate all ranges including whole and/or fractional values therein, even if such values are not expressly written herein. One of skill in the art readily recognizes that the enumerated ranges and subranges sufficiently describe and enable various embodiments of the present invention, and such ranges and subranges may be further delineated into relevant halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and so on. As just one example, a range “of from 0.1 to 0.9” may be further delineated into a lower third, i.e., from 0.1 to 0.3, a middle third, i.e., from 0.4 to 0.6, and an upper third, i.e., from 0.7 to 0.9, which individually and collectively are within the scope of the appended claims, and may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, with respect to the language which defines or modifies a range, such as “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “no more than,” and the like, it is to be understood that such language includes subranges and/or an upper or lower limit. As another example, a range of “at least 10” inherently includes a subrange of from at least 10 to 35, a subrange of from at least 10 to 25, a subrange of from 25 to 35, and so on, and each subrange may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, an individual number within a disclosed range may be relied upon and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a range “of from 1 to 9” includes various individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbers including a decimal point (or fraction), such as 4.1, which may be relied upon and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A sanitary cap for a sanitary end, wherein said sanitary cap comprises:

a base defining a central axis and having a peripheral edge;

a flange extending from said peripheral edge along said central axis; and

a lip spaced from said base and extending from said flange inwardly toward said central axis;

wherein said cap comprises a crosslinked polyethylene foam.

2. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said peripheral edge defines a circular configuration about said central axis.

3. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flange has a distal end spaced from said base and said lip extends from said distal end toward said central axis.

4. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 3 wherein said flange is spaced from and extends continuously about said central axis along said peripheral edge and said lip extends continuously about said central axis along said distal end of said flange for compressably engaging the sanitary end.

5. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said lip extends to a contact surface spaced from said flange toward said central axis and tapers in thickness at said contact surface for compressably engaging the sanitary end.

6. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base further defines at least one hole extending through said base.

7. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 6 wherein said sanitary cap further includes a breathable insert abutting said base and extending over said at least one hole.

8. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 7 wherein said breathable insert is gas permeable.

9. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 7 wherein said sanitary cap further includes a ledge extending from said flange around and towards said central axis and spaced from said base wherein said breathable insert is positioned between said ledge and said base.

10. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sanitary cap further comprises a retention device for retaining said sanitary cap on the sanitary end.

11. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 10 wherein said retention device comprises at least two arms extending radially from said flange and away from said central axis.

12. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 10 wherein said retention device comprises a bridge coupled to said flange and a retention ring coupled to said bridge wherein said retention ring defines a void for receiving the sanitary end.

13. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said crosslinked polyethylene foam is non-particulating.

14. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said crosslinked polyethylene foam is formed in the presence of a physical blowing agent.

15. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 14 wherein said physical blowing agent is nitrogen.

16. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said crosslinked polyethylene foam is further defined as a Class VI foam as defined by the United States Pharmacopeia.

17. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said crosslinked polyethylene has a shore OO hardness of from about 50 to about 70, when tested in accordance with ISO 868 1985 with a 10 mm cell/cell thickness.

18. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said crosslinked polyethylene has a density from 1 to 20 lb/ft3, when tested in accordance with BS ISO 7214 1998 Skin/Skin.

19. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 1 wherein said crosslinked polyethylene has an elongation at break of 200% or less.

20. A system including a sanitary cap of claim 1 wherein said system further comprises a sanitary hose having said sanitary end and said sanitary cap is removably disposed on said sanitary end.

21. A sanitary cap for a sanitary end, wherein said sanitary cap comprises:

a base defining a central axis and having a peripheral edge;

a flange spaced from said base, extending from said peripheral edge continuously about said central axis, and having a distal end spaced from said base;

a lip which is tapered, spaced from said base, and extends continuously about and inwardly toward said central axis along said distal end of said flange for compressably engaging the sanitary end; and

wherein said cap comprises a crosslinked polyethylene foam formed in the presence of nitrogen as a physical blowing agent and is a Class VI foam according to the United States Pharmacopeia, is non-particulating, has a density of from 1 to 20 lb/ft3 when tested in accordance with BS ISO 7214 1998 Skin/Skin, has a shore OO hardness of from 50 to 70 when tested in accordance with ISO 868 1985 with a 10 mm cell/cell thickness, and has an elongation at break of 200% or less.

22. A system comprising:

a sanitary hose defining a channel path and having a sanitary end that defines an aperture;

a sanitary cap removably disposed on said sanitary end and comprising a crosslinked polyethylene foam; and

wherein said crosslinked polyethylene foam is formed in the presence of nitrogen as a physical blowing agent, has a density of from 1 to 20 lb/ft3 when tested in accordance with BS ISO 7214 1998 Skin/Skin, and is a Class VI foam as defined by the United States Pharmacopeia.

23. A system as set forth in claim 22, wherein said sanitary cap further comprises:

a base defining a central axis and having a peripheral edge defining a circular configuration about said central axis;

a flange extending from said peripheral edge to a distal end spaced from said base and along said central axis; and

a lip spaced from said base and extending from said distal end inwardly toward said central axis.

24. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 23 wherein said flange is spaced from and extends continuously about said central axis along said peripheral edge and said lip extends continuously about said central axis along said distal end of said flange for compressably engaging the sanitary end.

25. A system as set forth in claim 23 wherein said lip extends to a contact surface spaced from said flange toward said central axis and tapers in thickness at said contact surface for compressably engaging said sanitary end.

26. A system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said lip compressably engages said sanitary end and said contact surface hermetically seals to said sanitary end.

27. A sanitary cap for a sanitary end, wherein said sanitary cap comprises:

a base defining at least one hole extending through said base, defining a central axis, and having a peripheral edge;

a flange extending from said peripheral edge along said central axis;

a ledge extending from said flange towards said central axis and spaced from said base;

a breathable insert positioned between said ledge and said base, abutting said base and extending over said at least one hole; and

a lip spaced from said base and extending from said flange inwardly toward said central axis; and

wherein said breathable insert is gas permeable.

28. A sanitary cap as set forth in claim 27 wherein said sanitary cap comprises a crosslinked polyethylene foam.