Structure and method for molding crushed or chipped ice to hold a number of sample containers
a technology of crushed or chipped ice and sample containers, which is applied in the field of biological and chemistry, can solve the problem that small containers are not easily buried, and achieve the effect of minimizing effor
Inactive Publication Date: 2009-09-17
FITZPATRICK ETHAN RICHARD
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- Abstract
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- Application Information
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Benefits of technology
[0007]It is the object of this invention to keep biological or chemical samples cooled in crushed or chipped ice while at the same time minimizing effort and maintaining sample organization.
[0009]This overcomes the problems of using crushed ice alone as described earlier. First, after being molded, the crushed ice does not have any loose pieces which can fall into open containers. Second, the invention optimizes space by making a uniform pattern of pits for sample containers to sit in. Third, the uniform pattern of pits facilitates organization of sample containers. And lastly, with a uniform flat surface between the pits, small containers are not easily buried.
[0010]This invention also overcomes the disadvantages of using frozen blocks and foam covers. First, there is no limit to the number of samples held. The invention can be used in multiple places in a single container of crushed ice, creating multiple zones of organized pits for samples. Second, the invention does not ever have to be frozen. This saves freezer space by eliminating the need for frozen blocks. Third, crushed ice is normally always available, and there is no need to wait for a sample block to refreeze after thawing. Fourth, a container sitting in a molded pit is completely in contact with ice, ensuring even cooling. And finally, the containers sitting in the molded ice pits can be easily placed and removed with one hand.
[0011]The preferred embodiment of this invention utilizes spikes of the shape and size of a standard 1.5 mL Eppendorf tube, however, the invention is not limited by any particular shape or size. Any shaped or sized spikes can be obviously substituted, as well as any shaped or sized flat surface. The number of spikes contained on the flat surface can be obviously changed to accommodate the need for a greater or lesser number of pits. The grid pattern created in the ice by the mold can obviously be modified to any kind of pattern. The design of the invention is so simple that it can be made from a wide range of material (e.g. plastic or metal).
Problems solved by technology
And lastly, with a uniform flat surface between the pits, small containers are not easily buried.
Method used
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Embodiment Construction
[0018]FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment of this invention showing the handle 10, the flat surface 12, and the spikes 14. The invention would be used by firmly pressing the spikes 14 into crushed or chipped ice until the ice reaches the flat surface 12. The invention would then be removed by grasping the handle 10 and pulling the invention out of the ice. The pits made in the ice by the spikes 14 will be the approximate the size of the spikes 14. In this embodiment the spikes 14 would make a pit approximately the size of a 1.5 mL Eppendorf tube. The grid pattern of the spikes 14 would form a grid of pits in the crushed ice. In this embodiment spikes 14 are lined in a four by four grid pattern, totaling sixteen spikes 14. When the flat surface 12 reaches the crushed ice it will force the surface of the ice to flatten. Upon removal of the invention from the ice, the ice surface would be flat.
[0019]FIG. 2 illustrates the same preferred embodiment as in FIG. 1, h...
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A structure and method for molding crushed or chipped ice to hold a number of sample containers comprised of spikes in the shape of a desired container, a flat surface to level the crushed or chipped ice, and a handle for easy removal from ice. Pressing into and then removing the invention from crushed or chipped ice results in an imprint of the spikes and flat surface. The pits formed in the ice by the spikes can be used to hold sample containers.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to the fields of biology and chemistry where a number of sample containers need to be kept on ice in an organized fashion.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]In the field of biological or chemical sciences there is often a need to maintain the temperature of a sample close to 0° C. To accomplish this, containers of various shapes and sizes (e.g. test tubes, beakers, etc.) which contain the samples are manually forced into crushed or chipped ice. The chipped or crushed ice stably keeps the temperature of a sample just above freezing for long periods of time. However, in the process of forcing a container into crushed ice, several undesired things can happen. First, loose pieces of ice can be dislodged and fall into open containers. Second, containers tend to enter the ice on an axis which is not perfectly vertical, potentially causing spillage and taking up more space than necessary. Third, ...
Claims
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CPCB01L7/50F25C5/14B01L2300/0829B01L9/523
InventorFITZPATRICK, ETHAN RICHARD
OwnerFITZPATRICK ETHAN RICHARD