US Patent 8424713 Multiple container retaining device and method for using same

A device (20) includes a holder (24) for encircling and holding two containers (76, 96). A tubular structure (22), directed through the holder (24), includes a first tubular portion (52) extending from an outer surface (44) of the holder (24) and a second tubular portion (54) extending from another outer surface (46) of the holder (24). A method of utilization entails placing one container (76) in a sleeve (26) of the device (20) and placing the other container (96) in another sleeve (28) of the device (20). Application of a force (108) causes the tubular portion (52) to pierce the container (76) inside the sleeve (26), and also causes the tubular portion (54) to pierce the container (96) inside the sleeve (28), thereby coupling the containers (76, 96) and enabling transfer of fluid (110, 114) from one container (76) to the other container (96) via the tubular structure (22).