Test strip holder

Abstract

A holder (10) for test strips (100), comprising a base plate (11), characterized in that said holder (10) is designed to be held in position on a surface of a treatment chamber by its own weight, and in that it comprises two first walls (12) projecting with respect to an upper surface (16) of the base plate (11) and opposite each other, extending along a transverse axis (Y) of the test strip (100) and at a distance at least equal to a first length (L1) of the test strip (100) along a longitudinal axis (X) of the test strip (100) perpendicular to the transverse axis (Y), thereby delimiting a receptacle (15) comprising a bottom wall (13) lying on a plane substantially parallel to or substantially coinciding with a plane defined by the upper surface (16), each first wall (12) being designed to project beyond the receptacle (15),so that a respective end portion (101) of the test strip (100) located in the receptacle (15) is covered.,

Description

AREA OF APPLICATION

[0001] This invention relates to a holder for a test strip such as an indicator strip for the concentration of a chemical in a solution in which the indicator strip is immersed. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] To determine the concentration of a chemical in an aqueous solution, it is common practice to use a test strip, indicator strip, or analysis strip. The test strip is usually made of a non-absorbent material such as polypropylene and is printed with an indicator ink for the substance(s) in question.

[0003] For example, high-level disinfection machines such as endoscope washers commonly incorporate a peracetic acid (PAA) test strip whose indicator dye is designed to change color when the conditions required for the disinfection process to be performed (temperature, PAA concentration, and exposure time) are met. The test strip must be completely immersed in a treatment fluid used in the disinfection machine for the entire duration of the treatment, without disturbing the treatment. In particular, the surface of the test strip containing the indicator dye must be exposed to the treatment fluid for the entire duration of the treatment.

[0004] Generally, the test strip is inserted into a strip holder made of plastic material, which includes a clip for attaching the strip holder to a lid of a basket for holding items to be disinfected.

[0005] Consequently, prior art strip carriers have the disadvantage of not being compatible with every type of treatment machine, as they require a lid, tray, or similar structure to support the clip to ensure the test strip remains fully immersed in the treatment fluid throughout the treatment period. Another disadvantage is the fact that the plastic material of the strip carrier is short-lived and requires frequent replacement, resulting in replacement costs and plastic waste.

[0006] There is therefore a need to further develop a test strip holder that can eliminate at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0007] To achieve this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem that the surface of the test strip containing the indicator color remains exposed to the treatment liquid throughout the entire treatment period.

[0008] In particular, it is an object of this invention to provide a test strip holder that is compatible with any type of processing machine.

[0009] Another objective of this invention is to provide a durable test strip holder that does not involve periodic generation of plastic waste.

[0010] Another object of this invention is to provide a test strip holder with a simple structure that is easy to realize.

[0011] In order to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to achieve these and other objectives and advantages, the applicant has developed, tested and implemented this invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] This invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims set forth further features of this invention or embodiments of the main concept.

[0013] In accordance with the above-mentioned objectives and in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problem in a new and original way and also to achieve significant advantages over the prior art, a test strip holder according to this invention comprises a base plate.

[0014] The test strip holder is designed to be held in position on a surface of a treatment chamber by its own weight. The holder comprises two first walls that project with respect to an upper surface of the base plate and are opposite to each other. The two first walls extend along a transverse axis of the test strip at a distance that is at least equal to a first length of the test strip along a longitudinal axis of the latter perpendicular to the transverse axis. The two first walls thus define a receptacle for the test strip. This receptacle comprises a bottom wall that lies on a plane that is substantially parallel to or substantially coincides with a plane defined by the upper surface of the base plate. Each first wall is designed to project beyond the receptacle so as to cover a respective end portion of the test strip located in the receptacle.

[0015] This results in a test strip holder that exposes a surface of the test strip containing the indicator ink to a treatment liquid present in the treatment chamber. The holder as described above is advantageously compatible with any type of treatment machine, has a simple structure, and is easy to implement.

[0016] The test strip holder can weigh between 60 g and 100 g.

[0017] The test strip holder may comprise at least two second walls that project from the upper surface of the base plate, are opposite to each other, and are parallel to each other. The at least two second walls may extend along the longitudinal axis at a distance that is at least equal to a second length of the test strip along the transverse axis. The at least two second walls thus at least partially define said test strip receptacle.

[0018] The test strip holder may be made of a material selected from a group comprising steel AISI 304, steel AISI 316, silicone VMQ, fluorinated elastomer FKM, polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE and polyoxymethylene POM.

[0019] This results in a long-lasting holder that does not involve the periodic generation of plastic waste. EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments, provided by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. - Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a test strip holder according to this invention; - Fig. 2 an exploded view of the holder Fig. 1; - Fig. 3 a top view from below of the holder Fig. 1.

[0021] It is pointed out that the expressions and terms used in this description, as well as the figures of the accompanying drawings, also because of their description, serve only to better illustrate and explain this invention, since they serve as a non-limiting example of the invention, the scope of protection being defined by the claims.

[0022] For clarity, identical reference numerals have been used wherever possible to identify common identical elements in the figures. It is understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further specification. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a holder 10 according to the invention for a test strip 100.

[0024] The test strip 100, or indicator strip, or analysis strip, may be a non-absorbent material strip printed with an indicator ink. The indicator ink may be designed to change color under predefined physical and / or chemical conditions, for example, at a certain minimum concentration of a given substance of interest.

[0025] The test strip 100 can be designed to indicate the proper course of a treatment, such as a disinfection treatment for contaminated objects, within a treatment machine. In particular, the test strip 100 can be designed to be placed within a treatment chamber of the treatment machine, with a surface of the test strip 100 containing the indicator ink being exposed to a treatment liquid throughout the entire treatment duration.

[0026] In the exemplary case of a high-level disinfection treatment with peracetic acid (PAA), the indicator color may be designed to change color when a PAA concentration (e.g., at least 1,800 ppm, parts per million, or at least 3,500 ppm) and a treatment temperature (e.g., 60 °C) predefined for a predefined exposure time (e.g., at least 5 min or at least 6 min) are reached and maintained during the treatment.

[0027] The test strip 100 is generally planar, meaning that it extends predominantly along a first or longitudinal axis X and along a second or transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0028] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, the test strip 100 has an elongated shape, having a first length L1 along the longitudinal axis X which is greater than a second length L2 along the transverse axis Y ( Fig. 2).

[0029] In embodiments where the test strip 100 has first and second lengths L1, L2 that are substantially equal, for example, when it has a square shape, the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y are to be considered interchangeable in this description.

[0030] In the embodiments where the test strip 100 has an elongated shape, for example, when it has a rectangular shape ( Fig. 1-2), the longitudinal axis X is to be considered in this description as a major axis of the test strip 100 and the transverse axis Y is to be considered as a minor axis of the test strip 100.

[0031] Preferably, the test strip 100 has a rectangular shape.

[0032] The test strip 100 may have a positioning hole 102 ( Fig. 2) designed to uniquely align the test strip 100 in a suitable holder or receptacle. For example, the positioning hole 102 may be provided near a corner of the test strip 100.

[0033] The holder 10 for the test strip 100 comprises a base plate 11 ( Fig. 1-3). The base plate 11 is preferably larger than the test strip 100, i.e., it has a length along the longitudinal axis X that is greater than the first length L1 and a length along the transverse axis Y that is greater than the second length L2.

[0034] Preferably, the base plate 11 has a rectangular shape.

[0035] In embodiments, the base plate 11 essentially forms a frame, that is to say that it is provided with a substantially rectangular or square opening 11a ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2), preferably centered to the base plate 11.

[0036] In alternative embodiments not shown in the accompanying figures, the base plate 11 may comprise, instead of the opening 11a, a substantially rectangular or square recess, which is preferably centered to the base plate 11.

[0037] The possible opening 11a or the possible recess may have substantially the same shape as the test strip 100 and at least the same dimensions or larger dimensions.

[0038] In alternative embodiments not shown in the attached figures, the base plate 11 may comprise neither the opening 11a nor the aforementioned recess.

[0039] The holder 10 may comprise two first walls 12 projecting with respect to an upper surface 16 of the base plate 11 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2).

[0040] The two first walls 12 may be opposite each other and extend along the transverse axis. A distance between the two first walls 12 along the longitudinal axis X may be at least equal to the first length L1.

[0041] The two first walls 12 can define a receptacle 15 for the test strip 100 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2). In particular, a dimension of the receptacle 15 along the longitudinal axis X is limited by the two first walls 12.

[0042] Each first wall 12 may have a length along the transverse axis Y of at least 60% of the second length L2.

[0043] Each first wall 12 may have a length along the transverse axis Y that is substantially equal to the second length L2.

[0044] Each first wall 12 may be designed to protrude beyond the receptacle 15 so as to cover a respective end portion 101 of the test strip 100 when it is located in the receptacle 15.

[0045] For example ( Fig. 1), each first wall 12 may be inclined toward the receptacle 15. Alternatively, each first wall 12 may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 16 and include a projecting edge configured to project beyond the receptacle 15.

[0046] Each end portion 101 may have a length along the transverse axis Y that is at least equal to 60% of the second length L2. Each end portion 101 may have a length along the transverse axis Y that is substantially equal to the second length L2.

[0047] Each end portion 101 may have a length along the longitudinal axis X between 5% and 10% of the first length L1.

[0048] Accordingly, each first wall 12 projects beyond the receptacle 15 by a third length L3 between 5% and 10% of the first length L1 ( Fig. 1).

[0049] The receptacle 15 for the test strip 100 comprises a bottom wall 13 ( Fig. 2) lying on a plane substantially parallel to or coincident with a plane defined by the upper surface 16.

[0050] The bottom wall 13 may be provided by a shaped element 17 which is fixed to the base plate 11 ( Fig. 1-3). The molded element 17 may be configured to substantially close the opening 11a to thereby provide the bottom wall 13.

[0051] In the embodiments (not shown in the accompanying figures) in which the base plate 11 does not include the opening 11a, the bottom wall 13 may be provided by the base plate 11, for example by a portion of the upper surface 16. In this case, the holder 10 does not include the molding element 17.

[0052] The shaped element 17 may comprise a body 18 which is substantially rectangular ( Fig. 3), as well as connecting extensions 19, which are designed to connect the shaped element 17 to the base plate 11 ( Fig. 1-3).

[0053] For example, the molded element 17 may comprise four connecting projections 19 designed to be positioned at four corners of the base plate 11. Each corner of the base plate 11 and each corresponding connecting projection 19 may be provided with respective paired through-holes. The holder 10 may comprise fastening means 20 designed to secure the molded element 17 to the base plate 11 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 3), for example four pairs of screw 20a - nut 20b ( Fig. 2), wherein each screw 20a is supported in one of the through-holes of the base plate 11 and in the paired through-hole of the corresponding connecting extension 19 and secured in position by the respective nut 20b. For example, but not by way of limitation, each nut 20b may be disposed on the upper surface 16, each connecting extension 19 may be disposed in contact with an opposite lower surface of the base plate 11, and a head of each screw 20a may be disposed in contact with the respective connecting extension 19 from the opposite side with respect to the base plate 11.

[0054] The holder 10 may comprise a plurality of support feet 21, which preferably correspond to the upper surface 16 ( Fig. 1-3). For example, the holder 10 may comprise four support feet 21. Each support foot 21 may be associated with a respective fastening means 20, for example, with a respective screw 20a.

[0055] In embodiments, the first walls 12 are provided in one piece with the shaped element 17.

[0056] In the embodiments (not shown in the attached figures) in which the holder 10 does not comprise the shaped element 17, the first walls 12 may be provided in one piece with the base plate 11, for example on the upper surface 16.

[0057] In embodiments, a maximum distance D1 ( Fig. 2) between each first wall 12 and the bottom wall 13 shall be between 3.5 mm and 6 mm.

[0058] The holder 10 can have at least two second walls 14 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2) that protrude relative to the upper surface 16. The at least two second walls 14 may be perpendicular to the bottom wall 13.

[0059] The at least two bottom walls 14 may be opposite and parallel to each other and extend along the longitudinal axis X. A distance between the at least two second walls 14 along the transverse axis Y may be at least equal to the second length L2.

[0060] The at least two second walls 14 can at least partially delimit the receptacle 15 from one another. In particular, a dimension of the receptacle 15 along the transverse axis Y is delimited by the at least two second walls 14.

[0061] In embodiments, the at least two second walls 14 are two second walls 14 having a length along the longitudinal axis X at least equal to 75% of the first length L1.

[0062] Each first wall 12 may be centered in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Y with respect to the opposite second walls 14.

[0063] In embodiments, each first wall 12 may not be centered in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Y with respect to the opposing second walls 14. For example, each first wall 12 may be spaced from one of the two second walls 14 by at least 7% of the first length L1 and from the other second wall 14 by at least 25% of the first length L1.

[0064] In embodiments, the second walls 14 are provided in one piece with the shaped element 17.

[0065] In the embodiments (not shown in the attached figures) in which the holder 10 does not comprise the shaped element 17, the second walls 14 may be provided in one piece with the base plate 11, for example on the upper surface 16.

[0066] The holder 10 may include a positioning pin 22 configured to cooperate with the positioning hole 102 to clearly align the test strip 100 in the receptacle 15. The positioning pin 22 may be configured to fit into the positioning hole 102 when the test strip 100 is correctly positioned in the receptacle 15 ( Fig. 1). In embodiments, the bottom wall 13 includes a bore configured to receive the positioning pin 22 and which is located at the position of the positioning bore 102 in the test strip 100 ( Fig. 2) is provided.

[0067] The holder 10 may be designed to be held in position on a lower surface of a treatment chamber by its own weight. For example, the holder 10 may have a weight between 60 g and 100 g.

[0068] Preferably, the holder 10 may be made of one or more materials selected from a group comprising steel AISI 304, steel AISI 316, silicone VMQ, fluorinated elastomer FKM, polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE and polyoxymethylene POM.

[0069] Preferably, the base plate 11 is made of steel AISI 304 or steel AISI 316.

[0070] Preferably, the molded element 17 is made of silicone VMQ, fluorinated elastomer FKM, polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE or polyoxymethylene POM.

[0071] One possible use of the holder 10 may involve inserting a test strip 100 into the receptacle 15 with a surface without indicator ink in contact with the bottom wall 13 of the receptacle 15, such that the opposite surface of the test strip 100 containing the indicator ink is exposed to the external environment.

[0072] Each opposite end portion 101 of the test strip 100 can be inserted below the respective first wall 12, so that the test strip 100 is bounded by the two first walls 12 and by at least two second walls 14.

[0073] The positioning pin 22, if present, can be inserted into the positioning hole 102 so that the test strip 100 is correctly placed in the receptacle 15.

[0074] The holder 10 with the test strip 100 inserted into the receptacle 15 as described above can be placed within a treatment chamber of a treatment machine. The holder 10 can be placed on a horizontal surface, for example, a lower surface of the treatment chamber, or on a shelf or basket, or on a similar support surface in the treatment chamber, such as any support surface for objects to be treated.

[0075] The weight of the holder 10 keeps the holder 10 stable within the treatment chamber throughout the entire duration of the treatment.

[0076] The test strip 100 is held in position along the longitudinal axis X by the first walls 12, in position along the transverse axis Y by the second walls 14, and in a direction perpendicular to the axes X, Y by the first walls 12 throughout the duration of the treatment.

[0077] The surface of the test strip 100 containing the indicator dye is exposed to the external environment throughout the treatment period.

[0078] Obviously, changes can be made to the holder 10 described so far and / or parts can be added without departing from the inventive concept defined in the patent claims.

[0079] Although this invention has been described with reference to some specific embodiments, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can realize other equivalent forms of test strip holder which have the features set out in the claims and thus all fall within the scope of protection defined by them.

[0080] In the following patent claims, the reference symbols given in parentheses are for convenience only and must not be regarded as limiting factors of the scope of protection defined by the patent claims.

Claims

[1] Holder (10) for test strips (100), comprising a base plate (11), characterized bythat this holder (10) is designed to be held in position on a surface of a treatment chamber by its own weight, and that it comprises two first walls (12) projecting with respect to an upper surface (16) of the base plate (11) and opposite each other, which extend along a transverse axis (Y) of the test strip (100) and at a distance at least equal to a first length (L1) of the test strip (100) along a longitudinal axis (X) of the test strip (100) perpendicular to the transverse axis (Y), thereby delimiting a housing (15) comprising a bottom wall (13) lying on a plane substantially parallel to or substantially coinciding with a plane defined by the upper surface (16), each first wall (12) being designed to project beyond the housing (15) so that a respective end portion (101) of the test strip (100) located in the housing (15) is located,is covered., [2] Holder (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that it weighs between 60 g and 100 g. [3] Holder (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that each first wall (12) has a length equal to at least 60% of a second length (L2) of the test strip (100) along the transverse axis (Y). [4] Holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each first wall (12) projects beyond the receptacle (15) by a third length (L3) between 5% and 10% of the first length (L1). [5] Holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a maximum distance (D1) between each first wall (12) and the bottom wall (13) can be between 3.5 mm and 6 mm. [6] Holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that it comprises at least two second walls (14) projecting with respect to the upper surface (16), which are opposite and parallel to each other and extend along the longitudinal axis (X) at a distance at least equal to a second length (L2) of the test strip (100) along the transverse axis (Y), so that the receptacle (15) is at least partially delimited. [7] Holder (10) according to claim 6, characterized by that the at least two second walls (14) are two second walls (14) with a length along the longitudinal axis (X) equal to at least 75% of the first length (L1). [8] Holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the base plate (11) is provided with an opening (11a) having substantially the same shape as the test strip (100) and at least the same dimensions or larger dimensions, wherein the bottom wall (13) is provided by a shaped element (17) secured to the base plate (11) and designed to substantially close the opening (11a). [9] Holder (10) according to claim 8, characterized by that the first walls (12) are provided in a single piece with the shaped element (17). [10] Holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is made of one or more materials selected from a group comprising steel AISI 304, steel AISI 316, silicone VMQ, fluorinated elastomer FKM, polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE and polyoxymethylene POM.

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