Holder, set of components and method of handling a laboratory consumable holder

Abstract

A holder, a set of components and a method of handling laboratory consumable holders are disclosed. According to one exemplary aspect of the invention, a holder for disposable pipette tips is provided, the holder comprising: two pairs of opposite lateral side walls, each side wall comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two side edges, the side walls being joined to each other by their side edges; a plate comprising a matrix of openings, the plate being connected to the upper edges of the side walls; means for locking the holder on top of another holder to form a stack of holders; wherein the locking is configured to be released by applying a force to the locking means from the top of the stack of holders.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shelf for disposable pipette tips, and more particularly, to a shelf for assembling and using tips in a stacked manner. Background Technology

[0002] Pipette tips are typically sold in stacks consisting of multiple tip racks. Each rack contains a matrix of holes for holding each tip in an upright position. This stacked format offers advantages over individual racks due to the use of less packaging material, including space savings, reduced storage and shipping costs, and sustainability.

[0003] In liquid handling robots, shelves can be freely separated from a stack for use. Typically, the top shelf is removed and conveyed for the liquid handling robot's use.

[0004] These shelves must be handled with care to prevent them from collapsing uncontrollably and the suction heads from scattering onto the table or floor. This is especially important when the user manually moves an entire stack of shelves or manually removes the top shelf from a stack and places it on the platform of the liquid handling robot.

[0005] It is known that a locking mechanism can be set in which the lock needs to be released by squeezing action or horizontal force.

[0006] US 2006045815 A1 discloses a pipette tip grid with a locking mechanism. A pipette tip grid with orifices for retaining a pipette tip and a package of the grid are provided. The pipette tip grid package includes the grid, a base for supporting the grid, and a locking mechanism coupled to the grid and configured to engage externally with a sidewall of the base.

[0007] An improved locking and releasing mechanism is needed for stacked suction head shelves to facilitate their automated handling in liquid handling robots.

[0008] A compact locking and releasing method is needed for stacked suction head shelves.

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of known suction cup shelves and their stacking forms. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Certain specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a holder for laboratory consumables is provided, the holder comprising: two pairs of opposing transverse sidewalls, each sidewall including an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two side edges, the sidewalls engaging each other via their side edges; a plate including an opening matrix connected to the upper edge of the sidewalls; means for locking the holder onto another holder to form a stack of holders; wherein the locking is configured to be released by applying a force from the stack of holders toward the locking means.

[0012] Multiple embodiments of the first aspect may include at least one feature from the following list:

[0013] The application of the force includes applying a vertical input force from above the stack of retainers.

[0014] • The retainer includes at least one release opening into which a release device can be inserted from above the stack of retainers to release the lock.

[0015] • The at least one release opening is located on a surface parallel to the plate comprising the opening matrix.

[0016] • The at least one release opening is located on a plate comprising an opening matrix.

[0017] • Releasing the lock only releases the topmost retainer from the rest of the retainers in the stack.

[0018] The locking device includes at least one flexible or deformable tongue.

[0019] The locking device includes a radially deformable hollow pin.

[0020] • The locking device can be detached from the cage and reattached to the cage.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, a set of components is provided, which includes at least a first holder and a second holder for disposable pipette tips as described in the first aspect.

[0022] Multiple embodiments of the second aspect may include at least one feature from the following list:

[0023] • The cages are locked to each other, with the first cage positioned on top of the second cage, forming a stack of cages.

[0024] This set of components also includes a release device configured to be inserted from above the stack of retainers into one or more release openings of the topmost retainer in the stack of retainers to release the lock between the topmost retainer and its adjacent retainer below it.

[0025] • The release device is in the form of a pin, rod, or handle.

[0026] • One end of the release device is configured to be inserted into the release opening of the uppermost retainer.

[0027] The release device is configured to be operated by an automated liquid handling robot.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for manipulating a laboratory consumable holder is provided, the method comprising: providing a stack of locked holders; releasing the lock between the uppermost holder and its adjacent holder below it by applying force from above the stack of holders to a means for locking the uppermost holder; and removing the uppermost holder from the stack of holders.

[0029] Multiple embodiments of the third aspect may include at least one feature from the following list:

[0030] The release includes applying a vertical input force from above the stack of retainers.

[0031] • The vertical input force is applied by the user.

[0032] The vertical input force is applied by an automated device.

[0033] The providing step includes providing a stack of locked retainers as described in the first aspect to the platform of an automated device (e.g., an automated liquid handling robot).

[0034] The force is applied by an automated device.

[0035] • In the release step, the automated device is inserted into the release opening of the uppermost retainer from the stack of retainers, thereby releasing the lock between the uppermost retainer and its adjacent retainer below it.

[0036] • When the lock is released, the top shelf becomes connected to the release device.

[0037] • The removal includes lifting the topmost retainer connected to the release device, together with the release device, from the stack of retainers.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for locking a first holder of laboratory consumables onto a second holder of laboratory consumables to form a stack of locked holders, wherein each holder includes: two pairs of opposing transverse sidewalls, each sidewall including an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two side edges, the sidewalls engaging each other via their side edges; a plate including an opening matrix connected to the upper edge of the sidewalls; wherein the locking device is attachable below the first holder and thus surrounded by the transverse sidewalls and the matrix plate of the first holder; the locking device includes a flexible or deformable portion configured to engage with the second holder in a locked position; the locking is configured to be released by applying a force from above the stack of holders toward the flexible or deformable portion.

[0039] Multiple embodiments of the fourth aspect may include at least one feature from the following list:

[0040] The application of the force includes applying a vertical input force from above the stack of retainers.

[0041] Advantages of the present invention

[0042] This invention facilitates the handling of suction tip holders and their stacking configurations within the context of automated and manual liquid handling methods.

[0043] According to the invention, the release action depends on a force applied vertically from above the stack of retainers, and preferably does not require manipulating the stack of retainers from the side to release the top retainer.

[0044] In this invention, it is not necessary to add any parts or shapes that would protrude from the lateral sidewalls of the cage.

[0045] This invention provides a space-saving solution for locking cages together, which is particularly advantageous in automated liquid handling environments. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 The first embodiment of the present invention shows two pipette tip holders and a locking device configured to be attached to the underside of the holders;

[0047] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The shelf, wherein the locking device is attached to the underside of the upper shelf;

[0048] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the shelves when they are locked together by a locking device to form a stack of shelves;

[0049] Figure 4AIt shows Figure 3 Locked stacked shelves;

[0050] Figure 4B It shows unlocking via a release device. Figure 3 The situation of stacked shelves;

[0051] Figure 4C An unlocked shelf is shown, with the release device still attached to the upper shelf;

[0052] Figure 5A It shows Figure 4A A magnified view;

[0053] Figure 5B It shows Figure 4B A magnified view;

[0054] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4C A three-dimensional view of the unlocked stacked shelves;

[0055] Figure 7 The second embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising two pipette tip holders and a locking device configured to be attached to the underside of the holders;

[0056] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The shelf, wherein the locking device is attached to the underside of the upper shelf;

[0057] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the shelves when they are locked together by a locking device to form a stack of shelves;

[0058] Figure 10A It shows Figure 9 Locked stacked shelves;

[0059] Figure 10B It shows unlocking via a release device. Figure 10A The situation of stacked shelves;

[0060] Figure 10C An unlocked shelf is shown, with the release device still attached to the upper shelf;

[0061] Figure 11A It shows Figure 10A A magnified view;

[0062] Figure 11B It shows Figure 10B A magnified view;

[0063] Figure 12 The third embodiment of the present invention shows two pipette tip holders and a locking device configured to be attached to the underside of the holders;

[0064] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 The shelf, wherein the locking device is attached to the underside of the upper shelf;

[0065] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the shelves when they are locked together by a locking device to form a stack of shelves;

[0066] Figure 15A It shows Figure 14 Locked stacked shelves;

[0067] Figure 15B It shows unlocking via a release device. Figure 15A The situation of stacked shelves;

[0068] Figure 15C An unlocked shelf is shown, with the release device still attached to the upper shelf;

[0069] Figure 16A It shows Figure 15A A magnified view;

[0070] Figure 16B It shows Figure 15B A magnified view; and

[0071] Figure 17A and 17B It shows Figure 1-6 A modified version of the first embodiment shown. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The terms “approximately” and “about” as used herein refer to ±5% of the stated value.

[0073] This invention provides an improved method for handling pipette tip holders (e.g., tip racks) stored in a stack. The invention also provides a holder that can be locked onto another holder to form a stack, and can then be easily released from this stack.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the unlocking or releasing action includes applying a force from above the stack of retainers. The force is typically an initial input force applied in a vertical direction.

[0075] As used in this article, the term "vertical direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the matrix plate of the pipette tip holder.

[0076] cage

[0077] This invention relates to holders for storing disposable laboratory consumables, such as holders for disposable pipette tips. These holders are typically stored in a nested, stacked configuration.

[0078] In one embodiment, the holder for disposable pipette tips includes two pairs of opposing transverse sidewalls, each sidewall including an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two side edges. The sidewalls engage with each other via their side edges. The holder includes a plate having a matrix of openings for the pipette tips and connected to the upper edge of the sidewall. The holder also includes means for locking the holder onto another holder to form a stack of holders. The locking is configured to be released by applying force to the locking means from above the stack of holders.

[0079] Locking device

[0080] In some embodiments, the means for locking the first suction head holder onto the second suction head holder includes a flexible tongue that is connected to the first suction head holder and configured to cooperate or engage with the second suction head holder, for example, by inserting into an opening in the second holder.

[0081] In one embodiment, the locking device includes one or more flexible tongues connected to and extending below the matrix plate of the first suction head holder, and configured to insert into one or more openings on the second suction head holder to lock the holders together.

[0082] In one embodiment, the distal end of the one or more flexible tongues or the entire tongue is configured to bend via a release device to release the lock between the cages.

[0083] In some embodiments, the locking device is an integral part of the cage. In other embodiments, the locking device is a separate component that can be attached to or detached from the cage.

[0084] For example, the locking device may include one or more flexible tongues that are fixed to the lower surface of the matrix plate and configured to insert into one or more openings on the lower retainer to lock the retainers together.

[0085] Release opening

[0086] In some embodiments, the retainer includes at least one release opening, into which a release device can be inserted from the top of the stack of retainers into release the lock between the two topmost retainers when the retainer is the uppermost retainer.

[0087] In one embodiment, the release opening is located on the upper surface of the retainer, for example on a plate including an opening matrix for receiving the suction head, or on a ridge or surface connected to and parallel to the plate.

[0088] Any number of release openings can be set, such as 1, 2, 3 or 4 release openings, but preferably at least two release openings.

[0089] Preferably, the one or more release openings are arranged so that they can be accessed and / or manipulated from above, for example, by inserting a release device.

[0090] In some embodiments, the cage includes two release openings located on opposite sides of a plate comprising an opening matrix.

[0091] In one embodiment, the one or more release openings may be located outside the rectangular layout of the openings for receiving and retaining the suction head.

[0092] In some embodiments, at least one release opening is located within the matrix, for example, at the center of the matrix plate.

[0093] In some embodiments, at least one matrix opening serves as a release opening.

[0094] In one embodiment, the release opening on a particular retainer can first be used as an opening to receive a locking device, such as a tongue attached to an upper retainer to lock these retainers together. Subsequently, after the upper retainer is removed, when the particular retainer has become the uppermost retainer, the release opening can be used as an opening to receive a release device to release the particular retainer from the stack of retainers.

[0095] Release device and its function

[0096] In some embodiments, the release device includes a pin configured to be inserted into a release opening. Where there are multiple release openings on the same cage, the release device preferably includes the same number of pins adapted to be simultaneously inserted into the respective release openings to release the lock.

[0097] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the release device is configured to be inserted into a release opening and extend below the plane of the plate comprising the opening matrix.

[0098] For example, to release the lock, a pin can be inserted into the release opening such that at least the distal end of the pin passes through the opening in a vertical direction to pass through the plane including the matrix plate.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the direction of the release force is approximately parallel to the vertical axis of the stack of retainers.

[0100] In some embodiments, the direction of the force (typically the input force) applied during the release action deviates from the direction of the vertical axis of the stack of retainers by up to about 20°, preferably by up to about 5°.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the direction of the input force is approximately vertical.

[0102] The vertical input force is typically the initial input force applied to the cage or a portion of the cage, such as to the release or locking device, to release the lock.

[0103] In some embodiments, the application of a vertical input force can result in a clamping output force, such as a horizontal clamping output force, in addition to causing a release output force. This clamping output force can support the lifting and release of one or more cages from the stack of cages.

[0104] The clamping output force is typically a force applied to the cage or a portion of the cage to clamp the cage, for example, to lift the cage.

[0105] In this invention, it is preferable not to use any horizontal input force to release any lock between cages or to clamp any cage to lift it.

[0106] Preferably, the release action releases only the topmost retainer from the rest of the stack of retainers. In this way, a single retainer (i.e., the topmost retainer) can be picked up and transferred for use at a time, while the rest of the stack of retainers remain locked to each other and do not need to be manipulated, moved, or clamped in any way.

[0107] In some embodiments, the release device is part of and / or operated by an automated liquid handling device.

[0108] For example, the release device may be part of the dispensing head of an automated liquid handling device.

[0109] In another example, the release device comprises a cylinder of a liquid handling device, and during the release action, the lower edge of the suction nozzle of the liquid handling device removes the sleeve and faces the matrix plate.

[0110] Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] Figure 1 The first embodiment of the present invention is shown with two pipette tip holders 11 and 12 and a locking device 13 configured to be attached to the shelf 11.

[0112] Each of shelves 11 and 12 includes two pairs of opposing transverse sidewalls, each sidewall including an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two side edges. The sidewalls are joined to each other via their side edges. A plate including an opening matrix for receiving and holding suction heads is integrally attached to the upper edge of the sidewalls, or may be placed on the shelf.

[0113] The locking device includes two pairs of tongues 15 and a connecting grille 18 extending from one pair of tongues to the other pair of tongues.

[0114] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The shelf includes a locking device attached below the upper shelf. The locking device is fitted and secured below the suction head matrix of the shelf, such that the connecting grille is parallel to the suction head matrix and the tongues point substantially downwards. The locking device, including the tongues and the grilles or rods connecting the tongues, can be freely attached to and detached from the suction head shelf. For example, during the manufacture of the suction head shelf, the locking device, including the tongues, can be manufactured separately from the rest of the shelf and then secured to it.

[0115] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the shelves when they are locked together by a locking device to form a stack of shelves.

[0116] The change from the locked state to the unlocked state is achieved by the mechanical action of a release device that bends and separates the tongues in each pair of tongues 15a, 15b. Figures 4A to 4C and Figure 5A to Figure 5B This demonstrates how the shelves can be released from each other via the release device 19.

[0117] Figure 4A It shows Figure 3 Locked stacked shelves.

[0118] Tongues 15a and 15b are arranged such that they can be inserted into release openings at corresponding positions within the adjacent shelves below. When the tongues are inserted into the release openings, a pair of tongues enter one release opening, with the distal ends of the tongues bending away from each other to fit into the release openings. After the tongues are inserted into the release openings, they return to their initial stationary position, at which point the shelf is in a locked position, as shown below. Figure 4A As shown.

[0119] Figure 4B The method of unlocking via release device 19 is shown. Figure 3 The situation of stacked shelves.

[0120] Figure 4C Unlocked shelves 11 and 12 are shown, with release device 19 still attached to the upper shelf.

[0121] exist Figure 4B In this cross-sectional side view, the end of the release device 19 is inserted into the release opening of the upper shelf 11. Only one release opening and one end of the release device are visible. The (forked) end causes the tongues 15a to bend and separate from each other, thereby releasing the lock. Now, as... Figure 4C As shown, the upper shelf 11 can be lifted from the stack of shelves, for example, by an automatic control device or by manual means. During lifting, the forks at both ends of the release device are held within the release opening of the upper shelf 11 and between the tongues 15a and 15b by the assistance of friction, and the tongues are kept in a bent shape.

[0122] Figure 5A It shows Figure 4A A magnified view.

[0123] Figure 5B It shows Figure 4B A magnified view.

[0124] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4C A three-dimensional view of the unlocked, stacked shelves. Figure 6 In this design, the release device 19 is in the form of a U-shaped handle, with a fork at each end. The forks are inserted from above the stack of shelves into the release opening of the uppermost shelf: each fork is inserted into a release opening. Each fork is inserted between a pair of tongues, causing the tongues to bend and separate from each other, thereby releasing the lock between the shelves.

[0125] Figure 17A and 17B It shows Figure 1-6 A modified version of the first embodiment is shown. As shown in FIG17A, the end of the release device 79 is inserted into the release opening (shown as 76a in the figure) of the upper shelf 71. The forked end bends and separates the tongues 75a from each other, thereby releasing the lock. The upper shelf 71 can then be lifted from the stack of shelves. In this version, the release device 79 is configured to remain engaged with the upper shelf 71 after the lock between shelves 71 and 72 has been released. This engagement is achieved by protrusions 80, 81 in the tongues 75a. The release device includes complementary notches. Figure 17A As shown, when the release device is inserted, the protrusion is inserted into the recess. Figure 17B As shown, the upper shelf 71 can then be lifted together with the release device 79.

[0126] The preferred release device 79 is part of an automatic clamping device or a control device.

[0127] Figure 7Two pipette tip holders 31 and 32 according to a second embodiment of the invention are shown, along with a locking device 33 configured to be attached beneath the holders. The locking device includes two flexible tongues 35a and 35b located at opposite ends of a connecting rod 38. The flexible tongues are configured to insert into openings (locking openings) on the shelf surface perpendicular to the matrix plate. For example, the flexible tongue 35a is configured to insert into opening 36a. Each shelf includes two such openings located on opposite sides of the shelf.

[0128] In this embodiment, the release openings are located on a surface parallel to the matrix panel. Each shelf includes two release openings (e.g., 40a), and these release openings are also located on the opposite sides of the shelf.

[0129] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The shelf, wherein the locking device 33 is attached below the upper shelf 31.

[0130] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the shelves when they are locked together by a locking device to form a stack of shelves. Tongues 35a and 35b have been inserted into their respective locking openings (in...). Figure 7 (As shown in 36a).

[0131] Figure 10A It shows Figure 9 The locking stacked shelves. The distal ends of the tongues 35a and 35b engage with the lower surface of the matrix plate of the lower shelf 32.

[0132] Figure 10B The method of unlocking using release device 39 is shown. Figure 10A For stacked shelves, the release device 39 is in the form of a U-shaped handle. At this time, the end of the handle is inserted into the corresponding release opening ( Figure 7 In 40a), the tongue is bent and the lock is released.

[0133] Figure 10C An unlocked shelf is shown, with the release device 39 still attached to the upper shelf 31.

[0134] Figure 11A It shows Figure 10A A magnified view.

[0135] Figure 11B It shows Figure 10B A magnified view.

[0136] Figure 12The third embodiment of the invention is illustrated with two pipette tip holders 41 and 42 and a locking device 43 configured to be attached below the holder 41. The locking device is in the form of a hollow pin with a radially bendable portion 50 on its side surface. The hollow pin has a frustoconical overall shape.

[0137] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 The shelf has a locking device attached below the upper shelf 41. The locking device is configured to insert into an opening 46 in the lower shelf 42. The opening 46 serves as both a locking opening and a releasing opening.

[0138] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the shelves when they are locked together by a locking device to form a stack of shelves. The distal end of the locking device has been inserted into the opening 46.

[0139] Figure 15A It shows Figure 14 The locking stacked shelves. The function and shape of the locking device can be seen more clearly here. The distal end of the locking device is in a wider shape in the locked position and engages with the lower shelf 42.

[0140] Figure 15B It shows unlocking via a release device. Figure 15A In the case of stacked shelves, when the release device 49 is inserted into the hollow locking device and simultaneously into the opening 46, the distal end of the locking device becomes narrower as the release device bends the flexible portion. Then, the lock is released, and the upper shelf 41 can be removed.

[0141] Figure 15C An unlocked shelf is shown, with the release device 49 still attached to the shelf and located within the hollow locking device.

[0142] Figure 16A It shows Figure 15A A magnified view.

[0143] Figure 16B It shows Figure 15B A magnified view.

[0144] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are not limited to the specific structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but extend to equivalents that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not restrictive.

[0145] In this specification, "an embodiment" refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic associated with that embodiment included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0146] For convenience, various items, structural elements, constituent elements, and / or materials used herein may be presented in a common list. However, these lists should be interpreted as each member being individually identified as an independent and unique member. Therefore, unless otherwise shown, any single member in such a list should not be construed as being factually equivalent to any other member in the same list simply because it appears in a common group. Furthermore, various embodiments and examples of the invention may be mentioned herein along with alternatives to their various components. It should be understood that these embodiments, examples, and alternatives should not be construed as factual equivalents of each other, but should be regarded as independent and autonomous representations of the invention.

[0147] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in a suitable manner. Numerous specific details, such as length, width, shape, etc., are provided in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more specific details, or by employing other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been shown or described in detail so as not to obscure various aspects of the invention.

[0148] While the foregoing examples illustrate the principles of the invention in one or more specific applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications in form, manner of use, and details of implementation can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention, requiring no inventive effort. Therefore, the invention is limited only by the claims set forth below.

[0149] The verbs “comprising” and “including” are used herein as open-ended restrictions, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of any unlisted features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features described in the dependent claims can be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “an” (i.e., the singular form) herein does not exclude the plural form.

[0150] Industrial application

[0151] This invention can be applied industrially, at least to the processing of stacked pipette tip holders.

[0152] List of cited references

[0153] Patent documents

[0154] US 2006045815 A1.

Claims

1. A holder for laboratory consumables, the holder comprising: Two pairs of opposing transverse sidewalls, Each sidewall includes an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two side edges. The sidewalls join each other through their side edges; A plate including an opening matrix, which is connected to the upper edge of the sidewall; At least one release opening; Locking device for locking a cage onto another cage to form a stack of cages; Its features are: The lock is configured to release the lock by inserting a release device into the at least one release opening, such that a vertical input force is applied from the stack of retainers to the locking device.

2. The cage as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The at least one release opening is located on a surface parallel to the plate comprising the opening matrix, or The at least one release opening is located on a plate comprising an opening matrix.

3. The cage of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The release of the lock only releases the topmost retainer from the rest of the retainers in the stack of retainers.

4. The cage as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The locking device includes at least one flexible or deformable tongue.

5. The cage as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The locking device includes a radially deformable hollow pin.

6. The cage as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The locking device can be detached from the cage and reattached to the cage.

7. A set of components, including at least first and second holders for disposable pipette tips as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The set of components as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The cages are locked to each other, with the first cage on top of the second cage, forming a stack.

9. The set of components as claimed in claim 7 or 8, further comprising a release device configured to be inserted from above the stack of retainers into one or more release openings of the uppermost retainer in the stack of retainers to release the lock between the uppermost retainer and its adjacent retainer below it.

10. The set of components as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The release device is in the form of a pin, rod, or handle, and one end of the release device is configured to be inserted into the release opening of the uppermost retainer.

11. The set of components as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The release device is configured to be operated by an automated liquid handling robot.

12. A method for manipulating a laboratory consumables holder, the method comprising: Provide a stack of locking retainers as described in claim 1; The lock between the topmost retainer and its adjacent retainer below it is released by applying force from the top of the stack of retainers to the locking device used to lock the topmost retainer; Remove the topmost retainer from this stack of retainers; The lock is configured to release the lock by inserting a release device into the at least one release opening, such that a vertical input force is applied from the stack of retainers to the locking device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The vertical input force is applied by the user or an automated device.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein, The providing step includes providing a stack of locked retainers to the platform of the automated device; and the force is applied by the automated device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, In the release step, the automated device is inserted into the release opening of the uppermost retainer from the stack of retainers, thereby releasing the lock between the uppermost retainer and its adjacent retainer below it.

16. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein, When the lock is released, the uppermost retainer becomes connected to the release device, and the removal includes lifting the uppermost retainer together with the connected release device from a stack of retainers.

17. A locking device for locking a first holder of laboratory consumables onto a second holder of laboratory consumables to form a locked stack of holders, wherein each holder comprises: Two pairs of opposing transverse sidewalls; Each sidewall includes an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, and two side edges; The sidewalls join each other through their side edges; A plate including an opening matrix, which is connected to the upper edge of the sidewall; At least one release opening; Its features are: The locking device can be attached below the first retainer, and thus surrounded by the lateral sidewalls and matrix plate of the first retainer; The locking device includes a flexible or deformable portion configured to engage with a second retainer in the locked position of the retainer; The lock is configured to be released by inserting a release device into the at least one release opening, such that a vertical input force is applied from the stack of retainers toward the bendable or deformable portion.

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