Manual sampling device and method

Abstract

Provided herein are manual samplers and sampling methods that help improve dexterity and ease of use, and that can be quickly and economically manufactured. Such a sampler may include a sampling sheet having a pocket defined by a seam to receive an entire hand of a user for manual sampling of one or more products, in particular overall sampling of multiple products. The sampler may include an inlet seam adapted along a user's wrist to hold the sampler on the user's hand, and / or an internal seam to engage with the user's fingers to improve dexterity in contact sampling of non-uniform surfaces.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 350,782, filed on June 9, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 485,690, filed on February 17, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to improved sampling devices and methods, particularly bulk sampling of food products and environmental sampling.

[0004] Related technical description

[0005] Recent developments in overall sampling have taught the practicality of pocket samplers. Despite these advances, users of these samplers have found that hand fatigue and poor fit reduce functionality. In addition, manual sampling can be difficult given the uneven, often wet surfaces being sampled. Although sampling gloves have also been proposed, such sampling gloves are expensive to manufacture and may also require multiple sizes to accommodate different hand sizes. Therefore, there is a need for an improved sampler that addresses these deficiencies and is more cost-effective. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a sampler having a pocket for accommodating a user's hand and a portion having one or more internal seams (e.g., welds or stitches extending inside the pocket). These internal seams engage the user's fingers and / or wrist to hold the sampler on the user's hand during sampling, regardless of hand size. In some embodiments, the one or more internal seams are parallel to the longitudinal edges or form an acute angle relative to the first seam to provide the desired prevention of hand fatigue and retention on the user's hand. The sampler can be formed from one or more sheets of material that are joined by the seams to form the pocket. The seams can be welds, stitches, adhesives, or any suitable type of connection. In some embodiments, the sampler can be formed to receive the entire hand of the user, like a mitt, which is very suitable for contact sampling of products, particularly overall sampling of food products. In other embodiments, the sampler is sized to receive only a finger or fingertip, e.g., above the finger up to a portion of the palm and excluding the user's thumb, which is more suitable for light sampling for environmental sampling, which may be implemented in various areas of meat or food processing facilities, or various other locations such as airports, shipping and commercial facilities. In any application, the sampler may further include an internal seam that defines an area for receiving the user's finger and is sized and arranged to accommodate a range of hand sizes of the user, as well as different wearing techniques according to the user's preferences. Thus, these samplers can provide an all-in-one universal sampler that can accommodate nearly any user's hand size and still provide retention on the user's hand or finger during manual contact sampling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figures 1 to 4 An example of a mitten sampler is shown according to some embodiments, which is configured to be placed on a user's hand during surface or product sampling with the user's open hand to sample along or near the open surface of the hand.

[0008] Figure 5 A conventional manual sampling method using a standard sampling sheet is shown to illustrate the shortcomings of the conventional method.

[0009] Figures 6 to 9 Shown is a device worn on a user's hand according to some embodiments. Figures 1 to 4 Mitten Sampler.

[0010] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B A fingertip sampler suitable for environmental sampling is shown according to some embodiments.

[0011] Fig.11A prototype example of a fingertip sampler according to some embodiments is shown, which is worn on the user's finger and is mainly used for sampling with the fingertip during sampling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] A specific class of improvements to manual sampling devices is disclosed herein that is suitable for use with population sampling, such as the methods taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,663,446 and 10,935,535, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, it is understood that the improved manual samplers described herein can be used for any type of sampling, including non-population sampling and various other population sampling methods.

[0013] Overall sampling

[0014] Although the food product safety industry has adopted various methods for sampling food products, in recent years, a total sampling method has been developed that has significant advantages over traditional destructive sampling methods. In total sampling, an absorptive sampling medium contacts the surface of multiple products to obtain a total sample representing the entire batch, lot, or sub-lot of products. The sampling medium can contact all, most, or only some of the products. In other embodiments, the total sample can include multiple samples obtained from different locations on a single carcass or a bisected carcass. In some embodiments, the sampling medium is a sheet of material, such as a cloth, and the user manually manipulates the cloth on the surface of the sampled product to obtain a contact sample with the cloth. This sampling method has been widely accepted for sampling food products, especially animal meat products (e.g., beef trim, carcasses, poultry, fish, lamb, etc.) to determine the presence of pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, pathogenic E. coli, etc.). Some applications use manual sampling to obtain a total sample. However, this method also has associated difficulties. Typically, the surface of these products is uneven and often wet, making it difficult to manually rub the sample sheet against these products, and the user may often lose the grip of the sample sheet. In the process of sampling a large number of food products, this repeated grasping of the sample sheet may cause fatigue and discomfort to the user's hands, thereby limiting the user's dexterity and reducing their ability to sample the product. This is true not only for food products, but also for a variety of other products, including commercial products or products in transit (e.g., airport luggage, shipping cargo, etc.).

[0015] In the safe sampling of food products, such as beef mince or carcasses, poultry, lamb and fish, a user obtains a bulk sample of a group (e.g., a batch, group box, lot or sub-lot) of the food product. The user is instructed to quickly rub the exposed surface of the sampled food product to ensure that particles and / or fluid residues adhere to or are absorbed by the sampling medium. Typically, the surface being sampled is highly irregular, as is the case with beef mince, beef carcasses, poultry, lamb and fish. In Figure 5 In the conventional method shown, the user unfolds a single sampling sheet, spreads it on a surface, and vigorously rubs the sampling sheet 1 on the surface of the ground beef BT. Given that the surface is irregular and often wet or sticky, the sampling sheet is difficult to grasp and often requires the user to repeatedly grasp and reposition the sampling sheet while rubbing, which is a difficult task that impairs dexterity and easily fatigues the user. Therefore, in order to improve the dexterity of the user during sampling, as further detailed below, the present invention provides a mitten-type sampling device having a pocket sized to receive the entire hand of the user and remain on the user's hand during sampling.

[0016] Mitten sampling device

[0017] Pocket samplers that fit substantially the entire hand of a user may be considered "mitten samplers." The following disclosure describes various features that may be used in a "mitten sampler" but may also potentially be incorporated into other types of pocket samplers, including samplers having pockets intended to receive tools or accessories, or fingertip samplers as described further below.

[0018] exist Figures 1 to 4 An example of a mitten sampler is shown in . Although certain dimensions and aspect ratios are shown here, it is understood that one or more of these dimensions or ratios may be modified, or additional seams may be removed or added, and still conform to the concepts described herein.

[0019] While pocket sampling devices are functional, their use is hampered by the need for multiple sizes and / or mechanisms to restrict the opening to remain on the user's hand. Changing the size of the opening for the wrist is functional, but typically requires inventory and management of multiple sizes, which increases the cost of the entire system, which is ultimately passed on to the consumer. Adding a draw string or ribbon has the potential to become a foreign object and adds an extra step for the user. Adding elastic to the edges, such as for hair nets, adds materials to the sampler that are not approved for food contact. None of the traditional options adequately address the need.

[0020] An advance achieved by the present invention is to provide negative internal resistance to sliding on the user's hand, sufficient to enable easy use of the pocket sampling device. Fingerless gloves were considered, but they would also require multiple sizes, and their manufacture would be more complicated, and since the sampler is a single-use disposable product, the cost would be close to prohibitive. It was recognized that the local approach of the fingerless glove configuration produced a more preferred option. As Figure 2 and Figure 4 The three sonic welding lines shown in Figure 1 demonstrate this concept. Further research showed that even Figure 1 A single weld line as shown, or Figure 3 The pair of weld lines shown also meet this requirement and adequately engage the fingers of the user's hand to hold the sampler in the user's hand and facilitate sampling.

[0021] Figure 1 A sampler 100 is shown comprising a sampling sheet 101 having a pocket 102 formed by a seam 105 along selected edges to define the pocket. It is understood that the sampler may be formed from two overlapping sampling sheets as shown, or from a single sampling sheet folded in half (e.g., Fig. 10B As shown, this would require seams on the sides). In this exemplary embodiment, the overall width is approximately 10", and the overall length is approximately 10". An additional entry seam 105' may be included near the opening 103 of the pocket 102 to reduce the size of the opening and better engage the user's wrist to hold the sampler in the user's hand during sampling. Although any suitable dimensions may be used, in this embodiment, the entry extends approximately 2.5" inward along the bottom edge and approximately 2.5" inward toward the center. In this embodiment, the sampler includes a single seam 105" that extends from the distal edge (parallel to the sides) into the interior of the pocket to extend between the fingers of the user's hand to facilitate manual rubbing of the sampler with the surface being sampled. Although any suitable distance may be used, in this embodiment, the single seam extends d f , about 3.5" inches. In this embodiment, the single internal seam is from the width w f It is understood that these exact dimensions are exemplary and variations may be used. Figure 6 The sampler 100 is shown as being worn by a user's hand H, better illustrating the engagement of the user's fingers with the interior seam and the entry seam with the user's wrist.

[0022] Figure 2A sampler 110 is shown, comprising a sampling sheet 101 having a pocket 102 formed by a seam 105 along a selected edge. It is understood that the sampler may be formed from two overlapping sampling sheets, or from a single sampling sheet folded in half (which would only require seams on the sides). In this exemplary embodiment, the overall width is approximately 10", and the overall length is approximately 10". An additional entry seam 105' may be included near the opening 103 of the pocket 102 to reduce the size of the opening and better engage the user's wrist to hold the sampler in the user's hand during sampling. Although any suitable dimensions may be used, in this embodiment, the entry seam extends inwardly along the bottom edge approximately 2.5", and extends inwardly approximately 2.5". In this embodiment, the sampler includes three interior seams 105", which extend from the distal edge 104 to the interior (parallel to the sides), defining four areas for each finger of the user during sampling. Although any suitable distance may be used, in this embodiment, the three interior seams extend d f In this embodiment, the three internal seams are spaced at regular intervals, a portion of the width w f Distribution, for example, is 2.5" for a 10" square sampler. It is understood that these exact dimensions are exemplary and variations may be used. Figure 7 The sampler 110 is shown as being worn by a user's hand H, better illustrating the engagement of the user's fingers with the interior seam and the entry seam with the user's wrist.

[0023] Figure 3 A sampler 120 is shown comprising a sampling sheet 101 having a pocket 102 formed by a seam 105 along a selected edge. It is understood that the sampler may be formed from two overlapping sampling sheets, or from a single sampling sheet folded in half (which would only require seams on the sides). In this exemplary embodiment, the overall width is approximately 10", and the overall length is approximately 10". An additional entry seam 105' may be included near the opening 103 of the pocket 102 to reduce the size of the opening and better engage the user's wrist to hold the sampler in the user's hand during sampling. Although any suitable dimensions may be used, in this embodiment, the entry seam extends inwardly along the bottom edge approximately 2.5", and extends inwardly approximately 2.5". In this embodiment, the sampler includes two internal seams 105" extending from the distal edge 104 (parallel to the side edges) into the interior of the pocket, defining three areas for the user's fingers during sampling. In this embodiment, the two internal seams extend a distance of about 3.5" inches, although any suitable distance may be used. In this embodiment, the three internal seams are spaced at regular intervals of width w fDistribution, for example, is 3.3" for a 10" square sampler. It is understood that these exact dimensions are exemplary and variations may be used. Figure 8 The sampler 120 is shown as being worn by a user's hand H, which better illustrates the engagement of the user's fingers with the interior seam and the entry seam with the user's wrist.

[0024] Figure 4 A sampler 130 is shown which comprises a sampling sheet 101 having a pocket 132 formed by seams 105 along selected edges to form the pocket. It is understood that the sampler may be formed from two overlapping sampling sheets, or from a single sampling sheet folded in half (which would only require seams on the sides, e.g., as in Fig. 10B 10". In this exemplary embodiment, the overall width is approximately 10", and the overall length is approximately 10". An additional entry seam 105' may be included near the opening 103 of the pocket 102 to reduce the size of the opening and better engage the user's wrist to hold the sampler in the user's hand during sampling. Although any suitable dimensions may be used, in this embodiment, the entry seam extends inwardly along the bottom edge approximately 2.5", and extends inwardly approximately 2.5". In this embodiment, the sampler includes three interior seams 105", which extend inwardly from the distal edge 104 to define four areas for the user's fingers, and the seams extend radially toward the center area to correspond with the user's fingers when expanded outward, which further facilitates the user's open hand to manually rub the sampler with the surface being sampled. Although any suitable distance may be used, in this embodiment, the two interior seams extend d f The distance is about 3.5 inches for a 10" x 10" sampler. In this embodiment, three internal seams are spaced at regular intervals with a width of w f distribution, 3.3" for a 10" square sampler. It is understood that these exact dimensions are exemplary and variations may be used. Fig. 9 The sampler 130 is shown as being worn by a user's hand H, better illustrating the engagement of the user's fingers with the interior seam and the entry seam with the user's wrist.

[0025] These designs can include various modifications, including adding a second weld line that is parallel to or forms an acute angle with another line. It is only potentially necessary to inexpensively add sufficient internal resistance to allow the sampler to be easily held in the user's hand without forcing the need for multiple sizes. In one aspect, a one-size-fits-all design can be an important cost saving measure that benefits the manufacturer, the user, and ultimately the consumer.

[0026] In practical terms, this concept has been implemented in sonic welding, which would be the preferred mode of manufacture for samplers made from nonwoven polyolefin materials. However, sutures or adhesives or any suitable joining method may be more suitable for some applications and some materials. These choices may be determined by purpose or manufacturer preference. While nonwoven polyolefin materials are preferred, it is understood that the sampling sheet may be formed of any material suitable for sampling.

[0027] It is apparent that the partially separated pocket sampler described herein is a significant improvement over the sampling systems described for sampling a variety of food products as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,663,446 and 10,935,535, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0028] It is understood that variations can be implemented in the embodiments to achieve different effects and benefits. In some embodiments, the gripping feature is a feature that allows the sampler to be retained within the pocket, which is a significant advantage. In a preferred embodiment, it is a single weld line. In some embodiments, multiple weld lines can provide the same or similar functions as a fingerless glove, but unlike a fingerless glove, multiple weld lines can be configured and placed to fit hands of different sizes. In some embodiments, the weld line can be widened by not requiring a parallel second weld line. For example, a narrow "V" arrangement of weld lines will work well.

[0029] Environmental sampling

[0030] Another sampling application that can be improved by the sampler and method of this article is environmental sampling, which generally involves sampling surfaces in a given environment (e.g., food processing facilities, warehouses, airports, laboratories, etc.). Typically, the sampling scheme for environmental sampling involves sampling of contact surfaces of surfaces, which can be exposed surfaces of processing machines, countertops, walls, floors, etc. Typically, environmental sampling is implemented according to a sampling scheme to determine whether a given environment is contaminated. The sampling scheme is generally based on the proximity of any contaminants and the possibility of transfer to the production line, and the environment is divided into multiple areas. For example, the area may include: Area 1-food contact surface (e.g., conveyor belt, pipeline chute where food flows); Area 2-area where contaminants may migrate to Area 1 (e.g., on a pipeline / adjacent surface, such as next to a conveyor belt); Area 3-unlikely adjacent areas (e.g., walls / drain pipes); Area 4-area outside Area 3, where transportation may bring in contamination. In general, environmental samples are obtained for each area so that the presence of contamination can be determined separately for each area. In some applications, a population sample is obtained from multiple surfaces within a given area. It is advantageous to utilize a sampling device similar to that described herein, which facilitates environmental sampling and allows the user to easily collect overall samples from multiple surfaces more easily and efficiently with a sampling sheet. Therefore, a modification of the above mitten sampling method is to configure a smaller pocket sampler that is specifically configured and sized to receive the user's fingertips. In some embodiments, the sampler pocket is sized to receive all four fingers and an optional portion of the upper palm. Since environmental sampling requires less force / dexterity during sampling, the sampler can omit the internal seams that engage the fingers described above. Therefore, the environmental sampler, also referred to as a fingertip sampler, can be one or more sheets with one or more seams that define a smaller pocket to properly receive the user's fingers for environmental sampling. The sampler also does not require any additional entry seams because the opening is sized to fit four fingers and the upper hand.

[0031] Finger tip sampling device

[0032] Pocket samplers can be configured in a variety of sizes and shapes to better meet sampling needs. One specific configuration, the ambient or fingertip sampler, meets a specific set of needs for environmental sampling. These special features are further described below and FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B An example of a fingertip sampler is shown in , and Fig.11 An exemplary prototype is shown in . Although this particular prototype shows an edge bounded by threaded material, it is understood that the edge can be bounded by one or more weld lines as previously described. Likewise, although the edge is shown as a scalloped edge, it is understood that the edge can be straight as in previous designs.

[0033] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B The fingertip sampling device is a pocket sampler sized to fit only four fingers of the hand, allowing the user to adapt to the surface using the dexterity of the human hand. It can also be sized to easily sample a known and / or fixed area. The nominal 10 cm (4") square size is sufficient for sampling 100 cm 2 Particularly useful, this is common to many counting-based sampling procedures. Single sampling or sampling in two orthogonal dimensions provides reproducible areas without the need for templates or guidelines. Fig. 10A An environmental sampler 200 is shown formed from a sampling sheet 101 having a pocket 102 defined by seams 105 along three edges. In this embodiment, the sampler 200 is formed from two overlapping sheets that are sewn together along three sides, leaving an opening to receive a user's finger in the pocket. Fig. 10B An environmental sampler 200 is shown formed from a sampling sheet 201 having a pocket 202 defined by a seam 203. In this embodiment, the sampler 200 is formed from a single sheet folded in half and seamed along opposing lateral side edges. Fig.11 The environmental sampler 200 is shown when worn on a user's hand H for environmental sampling.

[0034] Microbiological sampling generally falls into two categories: qualitative and quantitative. When examining the details of the method, these categories overlap when examined at a basic level. Qualitative tests are generally presence or absence tests. However, they are quantitative in that there are inherent limits of detection. Quantitative tests must have a basis. This basis can be per gram, per area, per unit. The fingertip sampler is most helpful for sampling per area. However, it can be used for qualitative tests with defined limits of detection.

[0035] A particular embodiment of the fingertip sampler is made by folding a piece of fabric in half on the short dimension. The overlapping sides are sealed together by some means, seams, welding, or any suitable type of connection. For polyolefin fabrics, sonic welding is a preferred option to form a pocket of about 12 cm wide and 10 cm deep. The additional width allows for the insertion of a finger and creates a surface of about 10 cm. Although certain dimensions are described here, it is understood that one or more of these dimensions can be modified, or weld lines can be deleted or added, and still conform to the concepts described herein.

[0036] Although specific embodiments are described herein, it is understood that variations or alternative feature combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention. As used herein, the term "about" is considered to mean + / - 10% of the stated value.

Claims

1. A sampler comprising: one or more sheets of sampling material arranged to be stacked or folded upon one another; as well as One or more edge seams between the joined surfaces of the one or more sheets, wherein the one or more edge seams are arranged along or near one or more edges of the one or more sheets to define a pocket having an open side for receiving at least a portion of a user's hand to facilitate manual surface sampling.

2. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the pocket is sized to accommodate the entire hand of a user up to the user's wrist, thereby comprising a mitten sampler.

3. The sampler of claim 1, further comprising: One or more access seams are disposed along an edge and / or surface adjacent or proximate to an open side of the pocket to retain the sampler in the hand of the user.

4. The sampler of claim 1, further comprising: One or more interior seams extend from or near a distal edge of the sampler to an interior region of the pocket such that the one or more interior seams engage one or more fingers of the user's hand during sampling.

5. A sampler as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more internal seams include a single seam extending longitudinally from at or near the midpoint of the distal edge.

6. The sampler of claim 4, wherein the one or more internal seams include two or more seams extending longitudinally from or near the midpoint of the distal edge and distributed along regular intervals.

7. The sampler of claim 4, wherein the one or more internal seams include a plurality of seams extending radially from a central region to the distal edge.

8. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the one or more sheets are a single sheet that folds over itself.

9. The sampler of claim 8, wherein the single sheet is rectangular.

10. The sampler of claim 8, wherein after folding, the single folded sheet is approximately 10 inches by 10 inches.

11. The sampler of claim 1 , wherein the one or more sheets comprise a nonwoven polyolefin.

12. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the one or more seams comprise ultrasonic welds.

13. The sampler of claim 12, wherein at least some of the one or more seams comprise dual ultrasonic welds.

14. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the one or more sheets comprise two sheets of the same or similar size stacked on top of each other.

15. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the pocket sampler is square or rectangular.

16. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the sampler is sized to fit only four fingers of the user's hand to facilitate environmental sampling.

17. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the pocket sampler is approximately 3 to 4 inches wide by 3 to 4 inches long.

18. A sampling method comprising: inserting a user's hand into a pocket of the pocket sampler according to claim 1; obtaining a sample by contacting the sampler with the product surface or area to be sampled, wherein contacting comprises moving the sampler over the contact surface while applying a force suitable for contact sampling; as well as The sampler is removed from the user's hand for subsequent testing.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the pocket is sized to accommodate the entire hand of a user up to the user's wrist, thereby comprising a mitten sampler.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The sampler is used to contact a plurality of products to obtain a total sample of the plurality of products for pathogen detection on a batch or lot of the products.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the plurality of products comprises at least some of a batch of products.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the batch of products comprises food products.

23. The method of claim 2, wherein the food product comprises any one of the following: beef, beef mince, beef carcass, poultry, lamb, and fish.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein the pocket is sized to accommodate only a finger and a portion of a palm of a user, thereby comprising a fingertip sampler suitable for environmental sampling.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: Contact multiple surfaces within a given area to obtain a population sample for environmental testing of that area.

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