Refillable single capillary tube dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a refillable single dispenser (1) for essentially identical cylindrical elements, in particular capillary tubes (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122, 125). Capillary tubes (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122, 125), mostly made of glass, are used in various chemical and medical fields. These capillary tubes (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122, 125) are easily breakable and must not be contaminated. They are usually stored in cylindrical containers (25), which can also serve as dispensers. Removing the capillary tubes (125) from these cylindrical storage containers (25) requires skill on the part of the user, and it frequently happens that the capillary tubes (125) are damaged or contaminated.The single dispenser (1) according to the invention, which ensures easy removal of the capillary tubes (22, 122), is characterized in that the tray (3, 103) used for storing the capillary tubes (20, 21, 120, 121) is arranged to be lifted upwards relative to the base (2, 102) by means of guide devices (15, 16), and the bottom (11, 111) of the storage space (10, 110) of the tray (3, 103) is sloped towards at least one slide (5), and the slide (5) is designed to receive a single capillary tube (22, 122). When filling the single dispenser (1) with capillary tubes (125), the storage container (25) is inserted into a curve (26) of the lid (104). After various rotational movements and the removal of the storage container (25) and the placement of the lid (4, 104) on the tray (3, 103), the capillary tubes (125) come to rest in the storage space (10, 110) and form the capillary tubes (20, 120) to be removed.After removing a capillary tube (22, 122) from the groove (19, 119), the next capillary tube to be removed (21, 121) rolls out of the upwardly pulled tray (3, 103) into the groove (19, 119) and subsequently, after pushing the tray (3, 103) back in, the capillary tube (22, 122) can be pulled off.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a refillable single dispenser for capillary tubes or other essentially identical cylindrical elements.

[0002] Capillary tubes are used particularly in the chemical and medical fields. These are usually (glass) tubes with small inner and outer diameters, approximately 0.5 to 2 mm (inner diameter) and 1 to 3 mm (outer diameter). Due to their glass composition and extremely small diameter, these capillary tubes are easily breakable. It is therefore important to handle them carefully.

[0003] Capillary tubes are usually supplied in non-recyclable storage containers that also function as dispensers. These are typically cylindrical (can-shaped) containers with a fixed seal on the bottom and differently designed lids on the top.

[0004] After opening the lid (or part of the lid) and gently shaking the container, one or more capillary tubes can be removed, depending on the design. Shaking the dispenser causes one or more capillary tubes to be partially dislodged. The extent to which the capillary tube protrudes from the container opening is not specified. This means that the capillary tube can protrude only a short distance or more, even to the opposite extreme of protruding almost completely.

[0005] This necessary manipulation for removing a capillary tube is not advantageous: On the one hand, the shaking motion creates frictional forces on the capillary tubes, which are located close together in a confined space. Furthermore, a force (impact) is exerted on the lower and upper ends of the capillary tubes.

[0006] The containers described are primarily used as disposable items; refilling is usually not possible.

[0007] The containers shown, which represent the state of the art, have the significant disadvantage, as explained above, that the capillary tube has no point of impact when shaken out. This results in the capillary tube protruding from the dispenser container for varying lengths of time. The length of the protrusion depends, among other things, on the intensity of the shaking motion and the angle at which the container is held.

[0008] WO9836995A1 discloses a jam-proof dispenser with a storage housing of a size and shape suitable for storing and dispensing a large number of substantially identical cylindrical elements. The interior of the housing is defined by a front wall, a rear wall, two end walls, and a base with an open opening. The dispenser also includes a sliding tray with a dispensing slot. The dispensing slot can be positioned along any portion of the open opening to receive a cylindrical element from the opening.

[0009] The present invention therefore aims to develop a refillable single dispenser for capillary tubes that does not have the disadvantages of conventional dispensers.

[0010] These requirements were achieved by arranging the tray used for storing the capillary tubes so that it can be lifted upwards relative to the base via guide devices, and by ensuring that the bottom of the storage space of the tray slopes towards at least one slide valve, and that the slide valve is designed to accommodate a single capillary tube.

[0011] Easy operation is achieved when the base is equipped with guides and the tub with springs that engage in the guides of the base.

[0012] To achieve easier handling, it is advantageous for the tray used to store the capillary tubes to be designed with one or more grip surfaces for easier lifting of the tray.

[0013] To facilitate the immediate removal of a single capillary tube for the operator, it is advantageous if the slide has a groove in which a single capillary tube can be presented for immediate removal by the user.

[0014] To prevent the tray from being pulled out too far and to ensure easy operation of the single dispenser, it has proven effective to equip the tray with an end stop that prevents it from being completely pulled out of the base when the tray is lifted.

[0015] To prevent or minimize contamination of the capillary tubes and the tray used for storing the capillary tubes, the tray can be designed with a closing lid which in turn has a recess for the slide and, for the advantageous use of the lid, has a removal groove for placing a conventional capillary tube holder.

[0016] The filling of the individual dispenser is made easier by the fact that the lid is designed with a rounded recess to accommodate and store capillary tubes and their commercially available storage containers (usually cylindrical containers made of plastic, paper or cardboard).

[0017] The refillable single dispenser for capillary tubes according to the invention is illustrated below by way of example in the drawings. The drawings show: The Fig. 1 A refillable single dispenser for capillary tubes according to the invention in its assembled and closed state, shown in perspective view. Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the lid of the single dispenser according to the invention in a perspective view. Fig. 3 The figure shows a perspective view of the tray used for the immediate storage of the capillary tubes. Fig. 4shows the base of the single dispenser in a perspective view. Fig. 5 shows the slider of the single dispenser in a perspective view. Fig. 6 shows the fully assembled single dispenser with the raised tray in a perspective view. Figures 7 and 8 are each identical section of the single donor according to the invention (section AA), wherein the Fig. 7 the individual donor in perspective view and the Fig. 8 shows the single dispenser in a front view. Figures 9 and 10 Figure 1 shows the single dispenser according to the invention in a further embodiment with a differently designed lid and a differently designed tray. This again represents a section of the single dispenser according to the invention analogous to section AA, wherein Fig. 9 shows the single dispenser in a front view. Fig. 10Figure 1 shows the refillable single dispenser according to the invention (in a further embodiment with a differently designed hopper) without a lid in a perspective view. Fig. 11 shows the differently designed lid in a perspective view from below. Fig. 12 shows the differently designed lid of the further embodiment with a partially inserted, cylindrical storage container for capillary tubes, the storage container being shown cut open to reveal the capillary tubes.

[0018] The Fig. 1 shows a single dispenser 1, assembled from all components and closed, for (here not visible) capillary tubes.

[0019] The single dispenser 1 consists of four different components: a base 2, a tray 3 serving for the immediate storage of the capillary tubes, a lid 4 and a slide 5.

[0020] The single dispenser 1 is mounted on a removable base 23. The user can place the single dispenser 1 onto the base 23 and remove it again. The large surface area of ​​the base 23 allows the single dispenser 1 to be placed securely on flat surfaces, such as a laboratory table. To achieve even greater stability, the base 23 is equipped with a suction cup 24. Another embodiment (not shown) would be to equip the base 23 with a commercially available magnet, clamp, or similar device instead of a suction cup.

[0021] The Fig. 2 shows the lid 4 of the single dispenser 1. The lid 4 serves as a closure for the (in Fig. 2 (not shown) Tub 3 (Representation of Tub 3 in Fig. 3 ).

[0022] The lid 4 has a recess 6 for a Fig. 5 individually shown slider 5.

[0023] During the withdrawal process, a single capillary tube is inserted at the upper end of slide 5 (as seen in Fig. 5 ) offered to the user. To facilitate easy removal of the capillary tube, the lid 4 is equipped with a dispensing ramp 8.

[0024] A dispensing groove 9 in the lid also serves to facilitate the removal of a capillary tube. This dispensing groove 9 allows, firstly, the simple removal of the capillary tube presented on the slide 5 using a glass capillary holder, and secondly, the glass capillary holder can be stored in the dispensing groove 9 when not in use.

[0025] The Fig. 3 The tray 3, which serves to store the capillary tubes, is shown.

[0026] The capillary tubes are immediately stored lengthwise in a storage compartment 10. The capillary tubes located in storage compartment 10 of the single dispenser 1 can subsequently be individually removed by the user after an operating procedure.

[0027] The floor 11 of storage room 10 is in the direction of the one in the Fig. 3 The slide 5 (not shown) is designed with a sloping bottom. On this sloping bottom 11, the capillary tubes can roll with the aid of gravity.

[0028] The tub 3 has a gripping surface 12, which makes it easier for the tub 3 to be controlled (up to a stop) during a usage process from a (in Fig. 3 (not shown) part 2 can be pulled.

[0029] Visible and tactile arrows 13 indicate the direction of the removal of the tray 3 from the base 2 when removing a capillary tube.

[0030] The tub 3 has several springs 15 (visible in Fig. 3 (is only a spring), which, after the assembly of the single dispenser 1, is guided in the guides 16 of the base part 2.

[0031] The tub 3 also has retaining nipples 17 for better locking of the lid 4 onto the tub 3.

[0032] The Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows the base section 2 of the single dispenser 1. During assembly of the single dispenser 1, the tray 3 is inserted into the base section 2 from above. The springs 15 of the tray 3 engage in the guides 16 of the base section 2.

[0033] Within the base 2 are stiffeners 18. These stiffeners 18 form, on the one hand, the guides 16 of the base and, on the other hand, serve to stiffen the entire single dispenser 1. Even with increased pressure from the user's fingers on the grip surfaces 12 (for example, during removal), the single dispenser 1 is sufficiently stabilized and the tray 3 can be easily lifted out of the base 2 without impairment.

[0034] The Fig. 5 shows the slider 5 of the single dispenser 1. The slider 5 has a groove 19 for the presentation of a capillary tube (not shown here).

[0035] The slide 5 is fixed within the base 2. The technical function of the slide 5 is described in the Figures 7 and 8 shown.

[0036] The Fig. 6 shows a single dispenser 1 with raised tray 3.

[0037] In contrast, the resting state of single donor 1 is described in Fig. 1 Shown: Tub 3 is completely inserted into the base section 2.

[0038] The Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows the single dispenser 1 (without stand and suction cup) during its use: The user must pull the tray 3 out of the stand 2 in the direction of the arrows 13 (upwards). The tray 3 must then be returned to its starting position (pushed downwards) (final position shown in Figure 1). Fig. 1 ).

[0039] As a result, a (in Fig. 6 (not shown) capillary tube in the area of ​​recess 6 of the lid and in groove 19 (visible in Fig. 5 ) of slide 5 (visible in the Fig. 1 and 5 ) can be removed while lying down.

[0040] The Figures 7 and 8Figure 1 shows a cross-section of the single dispenser 1 according to the invention. The lid 4 is attached to the top of the single dispenser 1. The lid 4 has a dispensing ramp 8. The slide 5 is fixed in the base 2. The storage chamber 10 contains the capillary tubes 20 to be removed later and the capillary tube 21, located at the lowest point and to be removed next during an operating operation. These capillary tubes 20 and 21 can also be removed directly (and without an operating operation) by the user by opening the lid 4.

[0041] During operation, the user must partially pull the tub 3 upwards out of the base 2. A stop limits the tub 3's extension to a precisely predetermined point.

[0042] This precisely predetermined point ensures that the next capillary tube 21 to be removed, located at the lowest point of storage space 10, lies at the same height as the groove 19. (The Figures 7 and 8 (shows tub 3 in the inserted state, so that the groove 19 is visible above the capillary tube 21.)

[0043] As soon as the tub 3 is pulled up and is in the extended position, the capillary tube 21 (to be removed next) rolls into the groove 19 due to the slope of the bottom 11 of the storage space 10 of the tub 3. No shaking or similar action by the user is required for this.

[0044] Subsequently, the user pushes tray 3 completely back into the base 2 of the single dispenser (downwards). This (retracted) position is exactly what is specified in the Figures 7 and 8 shown.

[0045] Now the capillary tube 22 presented and to be removed by the single dispenser 1 can be pulled out of the groove 19 by the user using a glass capillary holder via the removal ramp 8.

[0046] The Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows a cross-section of the single dispenser 1 according to the invention in an embodiment with a differently designed lid 104. This differently designed lid 104 facilitates the filling of the storage chamber 110 with capillary tubes 125 from a storage container 25 (visible in Figure 1). Fig. 12 ).

[0047] The functional principle of the lid 104 in the further embodiment is explained in particular with the aid of the Figures 11 and 12 shown.

[0048] In the Fig. 12 In the other embodiment, the lid 104 is shown in a bottom view. Capillary tubes 125 are located in a commercially available storage container 25 for storing capillary tubes 125.

[0049] When filling the single dispenser 1 with capillary tube 125, the storage container 25 is inserted into a curve 26 of the lid 104. The storage container 25 is inserted until it reaches a stop 27.

[0050] Subsequently, the user rotates the entire lid 104 (with the storage container 25 inserted) so that the capillary tubes 125 can fall out of the storage container 25 at the end 28 of the storage container 25 by gravity. The capillary tubes 125 thus fall into the lid 104 up to a limiting plate 30.

[0051] Subsequently, the storage container 25 is removed with a twisting motion, so that the capillary tubes 125 subsequently come to lie in the curve 26 (without storage container 25).

[0052] After a further rotation, the lid 104 is subsequently placed on the tub 103 (this visible in Fig. 10) placed from above. Now the capillary tubes 125 taken from the storage container 25 come to rest in the storage space 110 and form the capillary tubes 120 there (which are then ultimately removed piece by piece by the user after each operating operation).

[0053] The removal of the capillary tubes 120 from the storage chamber 110 is carried out in the same manner as described above for the first embodiment. The capillary tube 121, which comes to rest at the lowest point of the tray 103 and is therefore the next to be removed, rolls out of the tray 103 (which is raised relative to the base 102) and into the groove 119. After the tray 103 is pushed back in, the capillary tube 122 lying in the groove 119 can then be pulled out by the user using a glass capillary holder. The removal ramp 8 and the removal groove 9 (not shown in this figure) facilitate the removal of the capillary tube 122 lying in the groove 119.

[0054] On the in the Figures 11 and 12 On the non-visible upper surface of the lid 104, as shown in the first described embodiment of the lid 4, a removal groove 9 and a removal slope 8 are arranged.

[0055] In Fig. 10 is the tub 103 in its further embodiment of the lid 104 (according to Figures 11 and 12 ) suitable design to be seen. The tub 103 has a raised end 29 which prevents the capillary tubes 120 from falling out when the lid 104 is in place.

[0056] The (in the Fig. 10 The (not visible) capillary tube 120 and the capillary tube 121 come to rest on the floor 111 of the storage room 110.

[0057] The figures do not show that the dispenser 1, as a whole or in parts, can have different shapes.

Claims

1. Refillable single dispenser (1) for substantially identical cylindrical elements, in particular capillary tubes (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122), characterized by the fact that the tray (3,103) serving for the storage of the capillary tubes (20,21,120,121) is arranged to be lifted upwards relative to the base part (2,102) via guide devices (15,16) and the bottom (11,111) of the storage space (10,110) of the tray (3,103) is designed to slope towards at least one slide (5) and the slide (5) is designed to receive a single capillary tube (22,122).

2. Refillable single dispenser (1) for substantially identical cylindrical elements, in particular capillary tubes (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that The base (2,102) is equipped with guides (16) as a guide device (15, 16) and the tub (3,103) with springs (15) engaging in the guides (16) of the base (2,102).

3. Refillable single dispenser (1) for substantially identical cylindrical elements, in particular capillary tubes (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the tray (3,103) serving to store the capillary tubes (20,21,120,121) is designed with one or more grip surfaces (12) to make it easier to lift the tray (3,103).

4. Refillable single dispenser (1) for substantially identical cylindrical elements, in particular capillary tubes (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the slide (5) has a groove (19,119) in which a single capillary tube (22,122) is presented for immediate withdrawal.

5. Refillable single dispenser (1) for substantially identical cylindrical elements, in particular capillary tubes (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe tub (3,103) is equipped with an end stop which prevents the tub (3,103) from being completely pulled out of the base (2,102) when it is lifted.

6. Refillable single dispenser (1) for substantially identical cylindrical elements, in particular capillary tubes (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the tub (3,103) is designed for a closing lid (4,104) which has a recess (6) for the slide (5).

7. Refillable single dispenser (1) for substantially identical cylindrical elements, in particular capillary tubes (20, 21, 22, 120, 121, 122), according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the lid (4,104) of the single dispenser (1) has a dispensing groove (9) for placing a capillary tube holder.

8. Refillable single dispenser (1) for substantially identical cylindrical elements, in particular capillary tubes (120, 121, 122), according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe lid (104) is designed with a rounded recess (26) for storing capillary tubes (125) and their storage containers (25).

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