Improved particulate sampling device

Abstract

A sampling device 100, for use with an air pump 900 of an air-sampling system, comprises a base-section 16 with a body 48, a sample slide support component (45, Fig 3F), an air pump connector 66 and a

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a sampling device for airborne particulate that is used with an air pump for air-quality testing, monitoring and management. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a two-part testing cell comprising an integral closure for releasably sealing openings in the testing cell. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For air-quality testing, monitoring and management, devices are available for the collection of a wide-range of airborne particulates. Such airborne aerosols or particulates may include, but are not limited to: mould spores, dust mites, human skin, insect parts, inorganic particulate, fibres, and pollens. Currently available systems use an air pump for generating a flow of air through a testing cell (also referred to as cassette). The cassette sits on the air pump and air is forced to flow through the testing cell or testing cassette. One such testing cell is described in US Patent No. US5,693,895, which dates back to 1996. A commercially available testing cell based upon this patent is known in the industry as the Air-O-Cell® which is offered by Zefon International. As shown in Figure 3 of US Patent No. US5,693,895, the sampling cell 44 comprises a cell base 48 and a cell cover 58. The cell base 48 has a flat floor 50 and a peripheral upstanding rim 52. An outlet tube 54 is provided through floor 50, preferably at approximately the centre of the floor. A ledge 56 is provided between the inner surfaces of rim 52 and floor 50 to hold a support sheet 45. As seen in Figure 3 of US Patent No. US5,693,895, the corners of support plate 45 are engaged by ledge 56, leaving a space between the support sheet edges and rim 52 open for passage of air as indicated by the arrows in Figure 4 of US Patent No. US 5,693,895. Cell cover 58 includes a top wall 60 having a peripheral lip 62 sized to fit within rim 52 of base 48. A transverse block 63 formed with top wall 60 has a transverse slit 64 having a V-shaped cross section slot ending in a narrow rectangular opening. In use, a tube 42 is connected to outlet 54 and the assembled sampling cell 44 is placed at the desired sampling location, oriented in any desired attitude. The second end of tube 42 is secured to vacuum pump 40, which may be at any selected location including those well away from the sampling cell. As vacuum pump 40 runs, air enters at high velocity through slot 64, bends essentially 90 DEG adjacent to a tacky layer 46 and passes around the edges of support 45 to outlet 54. Inertial forces cause particles entering through slot 64 to impact tacky layer 46 and adhere thereto. The pump is operated for the desired period and shut off. Sampling cell 44 is removed from tube 42. In US 5 5,693,895 it is disclosed that the openings are covered with caps and / or plugs, and taken to an analysis station for microscopic or other analysis of the captured particles. In US 5,693,895 it is disclosed that for shipping or storage, the sampling cell can be placed in a conventional plastic bag to prevent contamination. The person operating the sampling assembly need not remove support 45 and tacky layer 46, so the greatest threat of contamination is eliminated. To limit intentional contamination, a seal, such as a cap, plug or a tape that would tear if removed, can be placed around the cell base-to-cover interface, to be removed only at the analysis laboratory. A frangible tape 53 is preferred, so that removal of the tape would cause tearing and disintegration, making reinstallation after tampering essentially impossible. In use, currently commercially available sampling devices are provided with peelable stickers to cover the air inlet and air exit orifices in the cell cover and cell base respectively. The stickers may contain information identifying the cell so that when it is sent away for analysis the results of the analysis can be directly linked to the time and location of the cell tested. In use, an end user of the sampling cell removes the stickers so that the sampling cell can be connected to the air-pump device and the test conducted. An air-quality sampling test may take between 1 to 10 minutes. The test run-time varies in dependence upon the test requirements, location and airquality. Multiple sampling tests may be run at a single location. A series of tests may therefore take a period of time and during the test run time, and especially during the longer testing times, an end user will typically put the stickers down whilst they undertake another task. The stickers then become vulnerable to being lost, contaminated and may also be mis-matched between different testing cells which can also lead to confusion during analysis and / or cross-contamination of sampling cells. It is desirable to mitigate against contamination of the sampling cells due to loss or contamination of the peelable stickers that cover the air inlet and air exit orifices in the cell cover and cell base. In use, at the analysis laboratory, it has been found that when the tape or sticker at the cell base-to-cover interface of currently commercially available sampling devices is removed, if sufficient time and care is not taken, or if the tape or sticker is not easily peeled away and requires extra pulling force to remove, the cell base and a cell cover can become undesirably and too forcefully separated and the sampling side (support 45 with tacky layer 46 in US 5,693,895) resting inside the cell can spill out and become damaged or contaminated, thus either voiding the test or leading to possibly inaccurate results. It is desirable to mitigate against contamination of the sampling cells due to damage or contamination of the sampling slide. To return currently commercially available sampling devices to the analysis laboratory, the sampling devices are often sent using postal or courier services. It is desirable to minimise transportation costs. Currently commercially available sampling devices are made of plastic and are intended to be single-use items. It is desirable to minimise the environmental impact of such devices. The present invention seeks to improve upon or at least mitigate against certain fall-backs of the known prior art. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a sampling device for use with an air pump of an air-sampling system, the sampling device comprising: a base-section comprising: a body having an interior and an exterior; a supporting component disposed within the interior of the body onto which a sampling slide can be deposited; a connector for connecting the base-section to an air-pump, the connector having first and second open ends, the first open-end of the connector being positioned within the interior of the body proximate to said supporting component; and a first closure cap hingedly connected to the base-section for fitting to and for covering said second open-end of the connector; and a top-section comprising: a body having an interior and an exterior; an air inlet for enabling air to be drawn into the sampling device when in use, the air inlet having first and second open ends, the first open-end of the air inlet being positioned proximate to an exterior of the body of the top-section, the second open-end of the air inlet being positioned within the interior of the body of the top-section; and a second closure cap hingedly connected to the top-section for covering said first open-end of the air inlet. Optionally, said first closure cap is integrally moulded with the body of the base-section, the first closure cap is hingedly connected to an exterior of the body of the base-section by a first hinge structure sized shaped and configured such that the first hinge structure is operable to hold the first closure cap in an open position, the first closure cap is spaced from the body of the basesection and first closure cap is not attached to the second open-end of the connector. Optionally, the second closure cap is integrally moulded with the body of the top-section, the second closure cap is hingedly connected to an exterior of the body of the top-section by a second hinge structure sized shaped and configured such that the second hinge structure is operable to move the second closure cap from a closed position, the second closure cap is attached to and covers the first open-end of the air inlet; and the second hinge structure is operable to hold the second closure cap in an open position wherein the second closure cap is spaced from the body of the top-section. Optionally, the second hinge structure has a central pivot and a wing portion either side thereof. Optionally, the central pivot facilitates movement of the second closure cap between said closed position and said open position; and the wing portions serve to hold the second closure cap in said open position. Optionally, the second hinge structure is connected to the exterior of the body of the top-section at an elevation that is off-set from an elevation containing the first open-end of the air inlet. Optionally, the second hinge structure comprises: an anchoring panel; one or more or a series of adjacent hinge lines; a first hinge panel; a second hinge member; a second hinge panel; a third hinge line; and a reinforcing member. Optionally, the anchoring panel is a moulded formation forming a protruding part of a side wall of the top-section body. Optionally, the one or more or series of adjacent hinge lines includes one or more living hinges, the one or more or series of adjacent hinge lines traverse a beveled corner between the side wall and a deck of the top-section body when the second closure cap is in the closed position. The one or more or series of adjacent living hinges may allow the first hinge panel to pivot from said closed position, wherein the first hinge panel is substantially parallel to the upper-side of deck; to an open position wherein the first hinge panel can rest in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to said side wall. Optionally, the reinforcing member is a substantially triangular moulded section between the first hinge panel and the second hinge panel and wherein, the reinforcing member maintains an angle between the first hinge panel and the second hinge panel. Optionally, the second hinge panel forms part of a side wall of the second closure cap. Optionally, the first hinge structure comprises: first, second and third hinge lines a first hinge panel, a second hinge panel and a third hinge panel, the first living hinge line may be operable to pivot the first hinge panel away from an exterior of the body, the second living hinge line may be operable to pivot the second hinge panel away from the first hinge panel, and the third living hinge line may be operable to pivot the third hinge panel away from the second hinge panel. Optionally, the first hinge panel has a smaller height than the second hinge panel; and the second hinge panel has a smaller height than the third hinge panel. Optionally, when the first closure cap is in said open position, it is spaced outwardly away from an exterior of the base-section body substantially by the combined heights of the first hinge panel and the third hinge panel; and the first closure cap is spaced downwardly from the top of the basesection body, by about twice the height of the second hinge panel. Optionally, the first hinge structure comprises: one or more or a series of hinge lines and a strap portion 186 extending therefrom at another end of which the first closure cap is formed. Optionally, said one or more or a series of hinge lines allow the strap portion to pivot from around a bottom side edge of the body of the base-section. Optionally, said hinge portion can pivot up to or greater than about 270° between the closed position and the open position. Optionally, the first hinge structure is operable to move the first closure cap from being on top of the end of the connector underneath the body of the base-section; to being held at an elevation above a deck of the top-section of the sampling device 200 and spaced from the side wall of the top-section. Optionally, the hinge of the first closure cap is connected to the exterior of the body of the basesection at an elevation that is off-set from an elevation containing the second open-end of the connector. Optionally, when the sampling device according to any preceding relevant paragraph is disposed on an air pump with the connector of the base-section of the sampling device connected to the air-pump, the first and second closure caps are both in an open position, and the first and second closure caps are on opposite sides of the sampling device. Optionally, the first and second closure caps are both disposed above the top of the top-section of the sampling device. Optionally, the base-section comprises a first-part of a two-part connecting mechanism located at an upper region of the base-section body; and the top-section comprises a second-part of a two-part connecting mechanism located at a lower region of the top-section body; the second-part of the two-part connecting mechanism operable to releasably connect to the first-part of the two-part connecting mechanism for releasably securing the top-section to the base-section. Optionally, the two-part connecting mechanism facilitates the holding of the sampling slide within the sampling device in an assembled condition. Optionally, the body of the base-section is substantially cylindrical in shape. Optionally, the first-part of the two-part connecting mechanism provided by the base-section is an internal screw-thread; and the second-part of the two-part connecting mechanism provided by the top-section is an external screw-thread. Optionally, the body of the top-section comprises a side wall, the external screw-thread is provided on the side wall. Optionally, the side wall is substantially circular in cross-sectional shape, with one or two flattened end portions. Optionally, the base-section comprises means for improving a user’s grip of the base-section. Optionally, the sampling device comprises a sampling slide and has the top and base-sections attached in an assembled condition with the first and second closure caps closed. Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is an exploded perspective view of top and base-sections of a sampling device and a sampling slide according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 1B is a perspective view of an unlocking tool for improving workflow in an analysis laboratory according to various embodiments; Figure 2A is a further perspective view of the top-section of the sampling device of Figure 1A, shown with a hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 2B is a plan view from the bottom of the top-section of the sampling device of Figures 1A and 2A, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 2C is a side plan view of the top-section of the sampling device of Figures 1A and 2A, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 2D is a front-end plan view of the top-section of the sampling device of Figures 1A and 2A, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 3A is a bottom-plan view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figures 1A and 3F, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position Figure 3B is a side plan view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figures 1A and 3F, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 3C is a top plan view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figures 1A and 3F, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 3D is a perspective view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figure 1 A, illustrating the base-section from the bottom and side and showing the hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 3E is a front-end plan view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figures 1A and 3F, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 3F is a further perspective view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figure 1 A, from the top and side and showing its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 4A is a perspective view of a sampling device formed by connection of the top-section of Figures 1A and 3A with the base-section of Figures 1A and 3F. The sampling device is shown with both its top-section hinged cap; and its base-section hinged cap, held in an open position; Figure 4B is a perspective view from the bottom of the sampling device of Figure 4A, shown with both its top-section hinged cap; and its base-section hinged cap, held in an open position; Figure 4C is a front-end plan view of the sampling device of Figure 4A, shown with both its topsection hinged cap; and its base-section hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 4D is a top plan view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figures 1A and 4F, shown with both its top-section hinged cap; and its base-section hinged cap, held in an open position; Figure 4E is a side-end plan view of the sampling device of Figure 4A, shown with both its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 4F is a plan view from the top of the sampling device of Figure 4A; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of top and base-sections of a sampling device and a sampling slide according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6A is a further perspective view of the top-section of the sampling device of Figure 5A, shown with a hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 6B is a top plan view of the top-section of the sampling device of Figures 5A and 6A, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 6C is a perspective view from the bottom of the top-section of the sampling device of Figures 5A and 6A, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 6D is an end plan view of the top-section of the sampling device of Figures 5A and 6A, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 7A is a top-plan view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figures 5A and 7E, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position Figure 7B is a side plan view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figures 5A and 7E, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 7C is a further perspective view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figure 5A, illustrating the base-section from the top and side and showing the hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 7D is an end plan view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figures 5A and 7F, shown with its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 7E is a further perspective view of the base-section of the sampling device of Figure 5A, from the bottom and side and showing its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 8A is a perspective view from the top of a sampling device formed by connection of the top-section of Figures 5A and 6A with the base-section of Figures 5A and 7C. The sampling device is shown with both its top-section hinged cap; and its base-section hinged cap, held in an open position; Figure 8B is a top plan view of the sampling device of Figure 8A, shown with both its top-section hinged cap; and its base-section hinged cap, held in an open position; Figure 8C is a perspective view from the bottom of the sampling device of Figure 8A; Figure 8D is a side-end plan view of the sampling device of Figure 8A, shown with both its hinged cap held in an open position; Figure 9A And 9B are perspective views of an air-pump having located thereon and attached thereto, the sampling device of Figure 8A. The sampling device is shown with both its topsection hinged cap; and its base-section hinged cap, held in an open position and the sampling device is located on and attached to the air-pump, unhindered by the presence of the open hinged caps. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the sampling devices, base-sections, topsections and testing systems are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the sampling devices, base-sections, top-sections and testing systems described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. Figure 1A is an exploded perspective view of the components of a sampling device 100. The assembled sampling device 100 is shown in Figures 4A and 4B. The sampling device 100 may also be referred to as a cell, trap or cassette. The sampling device 100 comprises a top-section 10 and a base-section 16. A sampling slide 12 is housed in the base-section 16, clamped between the base-section 16 and top-section 10. The sampling slide 12 may be securely held in place by the secure attachment of the top-section 10 to the base-section 16. In the perspective views of Figures 4A and 4B, it can be seen that the sampling device 100 is formed by connection of the top-section 10 of Figure 1A (see also Figure 2A to 2D) with the basesection 16 of Figure 1A (see also Figures 3A to 3F). The base-section 16 comprises a first closure cap 80 hingedly connected thereto; and the top-section comprises a second-closure cap 80. In Figures 4A and 4B, the sampling device is shown with both its top-section hinged cap 30; and its base-section hinged cap 80, held in an open position. As illustrated in Figures 1A, 3A to 3F, and 4A to 4F, the base-section 16 comprises a body 48. The body 48 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The body 48 has an exterior surface and an interior surface 47. A deck 55 is positioned within an interior section of the body 48. A connector 66 depends from an underside of the deck 55 toward an open bottom of body 48 (see Figures 3A and 3D). A series of supports 45 upstand from a topside of the deck 55 toward an open top of body 48 (see Figures 3C and 3F). A sampling slide 12 is housed in the base-section 16 by being placed on supports 45. The supports 45 are arranged to provide, between them, a sufficiently large and even supporting surface for the sampling slide 12. The supports 45 are arranged around a connector 66 and do not obscure an open end 63 of the connector to facilitate good airflow through the body 48 and in particular over the sampling slide 12. The connector 66 is illustrated in Figures 3C, 3D and 3F. The base-section 16 includes the connector 66 so that base-section 16 can be connected directly to an air-pump (an optional nonlimiting example of an air-pump 900 is shown in Figures 9A and 9B in the context of the second illustrated embodiment). The connector 66 has first and second open ends 63, 64. The second open end 64 is configured for connection to an air-pump, preferably, but nevertheless optionally, the second open end 64 is configured for direct connection to an air-pump such that no intermediate connectors or converters, tubes or other components are required. The first open end 63 is optionally positioned substantially centrally in the deck 55, and proximate to a centre region of the sampling slide 12 when located in the base-section 16. Optionally an exterior surface of the body 48 comprises gripping features such as shaped regions 87 which beneficially make it easier for a user and a technician at an analysis laboratory to handle and open the sampling device 100. An interior wall 47 of body 48 is provided with a first-part 39 of a two-part complementary interlocking mechanism 39 / 19 that serves to releasably attach the top-section 10 to the basesection 16. Beneficially, the first-part of the two-part complementary interlocking mechanism provided by the base-section 16 is a screw-thread formation 39. As illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, the top-section 10 includes a deck 18 from which an airinlet unit 32 extends. A side wall 19 of deck 18 is provided with a second-part of the two-part interlocking mechanism that serves to releasably attach the top-section 10 to the base-section 16. Beneficially, the second-part of the two-part interlocking mechanism 19b / 39 provided by the top-section 10 is a screw-thread formation 19b. The side wall 19 of the deck 18 may be substantially circular with one or two flattened end portions 19a (see Figures 1 A, 2B and 2D). The top-section 10 includes an air-inlet unit 32 having a peripheral rim 35 and a V-shaped internal cross-section defined by inner walls 37 which lead to a narrow opening 53. The opening 53 is a slot-like, substantially rectangular or stadium-shaped, opening 53. The rim 35 defines a first open end 35 of the air-inlet unit 32; and the opening 53 defines a second-open end 53 of the air-inlet unit 32. For use in an environmental monitoring system, a sampling slide 12, comprising a tacky layer 34, is placed inside the base-section 16 of the sampling device 100 onto supports 45. The tacky layer 34 or adhesive 34 is provide to collect air-borne particles from air flowing through the sampling device 100. The top-section 10 is placed into the body 48 of the base-section 16 and is releasably, yet securely attached thereto by means of the two-part interlocking mechanism 19b / 39. This action may clamp the sample slide 12 in place between the supports 45 of the base-section 16 and a lower edge or rim of wall 19. The flattened end portions 19a of the top-section 10 provide a means to prevent over-tightening and / or a means to facilitate correct alignment of the topsection 10 within the base-section 16. In other envisaged embodiments, the slide 12 is not clamped but may be held in place by a different mechanism. In other envisaged embodiments, a two-part complementary interlocking mechanism 19b / 39 may take another format to a screw-thread arrangement. The sampling cassette 100 once assembled can be attached to an air pump. At a test site, a steady flow of air, is drawn in through the first open end 35 of the air-inlet unit 32 of the top-section 10; and through the cassette 100. Aerosols i.e. particulates, such as mould spores, dust mites, human skin, insect parts, inorganic particulate, fibres, and pollens as non-limiting examples, that may be present in air are caught by the tacky layer 34. The sampled air flows out through the second open end 64 of connector 66 of the base-section 16 (into the air pump). A sampling test is performed for a specified duration based upon the test-type, environment and other specified test criteria. A flow-rate of the air-pump is also specified. For some tests, an air-pump will be set at a flow-rate of 15 litres per minute and the test duration will be in the region of 10 minutes. The used sampling device 100 (complete with sampling slide 12) can be sent to a laboratory where the sampling device 100 is opened, optionally using the unlocking tool 14 shown in Figure 1B and analysis of the sampling slide 12 conducted (described below). The slide 12 is then withdrawn and the particulate matter held on the tacky layer 34 analysed using, for example, but without limitation, a microscope. Without being limited to the specific configuration of air-inlet 32 illustrated and described herein; it is known from US5,693,895 that in the collection of particles having diameters greater than about 2pm, an angle between the inner walls 37 of the air-inlet unit 32 may optionally by between about 40° and about 60°. Again, optionally, and without limitation to that described and illustrated herein, it may be preferential for the inner walls 37 to be smoothly tapered; and for a width of the first open end 35 of the air inlet unit 32 to be at least about 10 times as wide as the width of the slot-like, second-open end 53 of the air-inlet unit 32. Notwithstanding this, and notwithstanding the air-inlet unit 32 illustrated, it is anticipated that in other embodiments of the present invention, the configuration of the air-inlet unit 32 may differ from that shown and described herein. Advantageously, the present invention provides an improvement over known air-sampling cells by providing at least one of a top-section 10 hinged cap 30; and a base-section 16 hinged cap 80. Preferably, and as shown in the illustrated embodiments, in some implementations of the invention, a sampling device 100 will comprise both a top-section 10 hinged cap 30; and a basesection 16 hinged cap 80. Optionally, in various embodiments the top-section 10 hinged cap 30 is an integrally formed part of the top-section 10. Optionally, in various embodiments the top-section 10 is a plastics moulded component and the hinged cap 30 is an integrally moulded part of the top-section 10. Optionally, the top-section 10 may be moulded from recyclable polypropylene. Optionally, in various embodiments the top-section 10 cap 30 or cover 30 is sized, shaped and configured to securely fit onto and to cover the first open end 35 of the air inlet unit 32. Optionally, the cover 30 is sized and shaped in a complementary manner to the size and shape of the open end 35 of the air inlet unit 32. Optionally, the cover 30 is provided with a side wall 42, which comprises, on an inner surface thereof, a moulded, shaped feature, such as one or more ribs or protruding sealing mouldings, that are configured to push past and then co-operate with the lipped rim 35 such that the cover 30 can be relatively securely, yet releasably, affixed onto the open end 35 of the air inlet unit 32. Optionally, a tab 41, which may be called a thumb-tab 41 or release tab 41, is provided on the cover 30 for assisting with the release of the cover 30 from its attachment to the lipped rim 35 at the open end 35 of the air inlet unit 32. The hinge structure 27 / 29 has been carefully innovated. As shown in Figure 2A, the hinge 27 / 29 is configured such that the hinge structure holds the cover 30 in a stable state, away from the topsection 10, in the open condition (as shown in Figure 2A). Whereas in prior art devices a sticker is provided to close and seal an air inlet, the stickers can be lost, contaminated or mixed up. The provision of a hingedly attached cover 30 provides an improvement because the air inlet unit 32 is easily closed and sealed by the cover 30; and yet is easily accessed when required for conducting a test. On completion of the test, the air inlet unit 32 is easily closed and sealed by the cover 30. During the test, which can take 5 to 10 minutes, the cover 30 cannot be lost, contaminated or mixed up with the cover 30 of a different device 100, because it remains attached and unitary with the top-section 10. Further beneficially, because the hinge structure 27 / 29 holds the cover 30 in a stable state, away from the top-section 10, in the open condition; during the test, the cover 30 does not interfere with air-flow into the air inlet unit 32. Furthermore, the hinge 27 / 29 has beneficially been structured to ensure that the cover 30 does not interfere with the air pump onto which the sampling device 100 is placed during testing. Whereas a hinge structure 27 / 29 may be configured differently to that exactly illustrated in Figures 2A, 2C and 4A, in the presently illustrated embodiment of the invention, it will be seen that hinge structure 27 / 29 may be a butterfly hinge 27 / 29, which may offer a flipping action for easy release; and closure. Additionally, once the hinge structure is moved past a certain angle the hinge may be biased into the open position and stay there. In the open position the cover 30 may be held in a relatively stable state and may not flop. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the hinge structure 27 / 29 has a central pivot 27 with a thinner wing portion 29 provided either side thereof. The central pivot 27 facilitates the movement of the cap 30 between the closed position (Figure 1A) and the open position (Figure 4A), whilst the wing portions 29 serve to bias the hinged cap structure 30, 27, 29 into the open position (Figure 4A). Advantageously, in use, the hinged cap structure 30, 27, 29 does not interfere with an associated air pump; does not interfere with airflow into the sampling device 100; and provides for easy, clean, and accurate re-covering / re-sealing of the sampling device air-inlet unit 32, thus improving the accuracy of the test by minimizing against contamination. This may also improve accuracy of tests by mitigating against mixing up of stickers, some of which are printed with a unique identifier for the sampling device 100. In prior art devices application of the wrong sticker back onto the one sampling cell, when it should have been placed on a different sampling cell can lead to mis-matching of results and incorrect analysis. The hinged cap structure 30, 27, 29 may also prevent repeat tests from having to be conducted due to the loss of a sticker, as sometimes happens with prior art sampling cells. Loss of the re-sealing sticker by a user during the test can lead to the sampling device being invalid since it cannot be sealed for return to the laboratory. This causes needless wasting of resources and repeat testing, resulting in more of the tester’s time being needed and wasting of the used sampling cells which have been used in a test, but which cannot be sent for analysis, due to not being re-sealed. Optionally, in various embodiments the base-section 16 hinged cap 80 is an integrally formed part of the base-section 16. Optionally, in various embodiments the base-section 16 is a plastics moulded component and the hinged cap 80 is an integrally moulded part of the base-section 16. Optionally, in various embodiments the base-section 16 cap 80 or cover 80 is sized, shaped and configured to securely fit onto and to cover the second open end 64 of the connector 66. Optionally, the cover 80 is sized and shaped in a complementary manner to the size and shape of the second end 64 of the connector 66. Optionally, the cover 80 can be relatively securely and releasably press-fit, snap-fit, friction fit or otherwise releasably affixed onto the second end 64 of the connector 66. Optionally, a tab 91, which may be called a thumb-tab 91 or release tab 91, is provided on the cover 80 for assisting with the release of the cover 80 from its attachment to the second end 64 of the connector 66. The hinge structure has been carefully innovated. As shown in Figures 3A, 3B. 3C, 3D, 3F, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E and 4F the base-section 16 hinge is configured such that, in the open condition, the hinge structure holds the cover 80 in a stable state and away from both the connector 66 of the base-section 16; and the air-inlet unit 32 of the top-section 10 (as shown in Figure 4A). Whereas in prior art devices a sticker is provided to close and seal a connector end, stickers can be lost, contaminated or mixed up. The provision of a cover 80 provides an improvement because the connector 66 is easily closed and sealed by the cover 80; and yet is easily accessed when required for conducting a test. On completion of the test, the second open-end 64 of the connector 66 is easily closed and re-sealed by the cover 80. During the test, which can take 5 to 10 minutes, the cover 80 cannot be lost, contaminated or mixed up with the cover 80 of a different cassette 100, because it remains attached and unitary with the base-section 16. Further beneficially, because the hinge structure holds the cover 80 in a stable state, away from the base-section 16 and away from the air-inlet unit 32 of the top-section 10; during the test, the cover 80 does not interfere with air-flow out of the connector 66. Furthermore, the hinge has beneficially been structured to ensure that the cover 80 does not interfere with the air pump onto which the cassette 100 is placed during testing. Whereas a hinge structure 86 / 85 / 87 may be configured differently to that exactly illustrated in Figures 3A, 3B. 3C, 3D, 3F, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E and 4F, in the presently illustrated embodiment of the invention, it will be seen that the hinge structure is a stable hinge structure in the open condition. The hinge structure may be a strap hinge, which offers a flipping action for easy release; and closure of the cap 80. Additionally, once the hinge is moved past a certain angle the hinge may be biased into the open position and stay there (until a sufficient deliberate force is applied to move the cover 80 back to the closed position). In the open position the cover 80 may be held in a relatively stable state and may not flop. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the hinge structure has first, second and third living-hinge style pivot lines 90, 89 and 88 (see Figure 3D) and portions 87, 85 and 86 there between. The first living hinge line 90 pivots a first hinge panel 87 in the region of about 90° away from an exterior body portion 48. A second living hinge line 89 pivots a second hinge panel 85 in the region of about 90° away from the first hinge panel 87. A third living hinge line 88 pivots a third hinge panel 86 in the region of about 90° away from the second hinge panel 85. Optionally, the first hinge panel 87 is smaller than the second hinge panel 85; and the second hinge panel 85 is smaller than the third hinge panel 86. The cap 80 is held away from the exterior of base-section 16 body 48, by about the combined heights of the first hinge panel 87 and the third hinge panel 86. The cap 80 is held down from the top of the basesection 16 body 48, by about twice the height of the second hinge panel 85. This may place the plane of the cap 80 at a slightly different elevation to the plane of the top of body 48 (see Figures 3E and 3F). Advantageously, in use, the cover 80 and hinge structure 86 / 85 / 87 do not interfere with an associated air pump, do not interfere with air-flow out of the sampling device 100; and provides for easy, clean, and accurate re-covering of the sampling device connector 66 opening 64, thus improving the accuracy of the test by minimizing against contamination. Furthermore, the provision of the hingedly attached cover may also improve accuracy of tests by mitigating against mixing up of the aforedescribed peelable sealing and identifying stickers of the prior art. The hinged cap structure 87 / 85 / 86 may prevent repeat tests from having to be conducted due to the loss of a sticker, as sometimes happens with prior art sampling cells. Referring in more detail to Figure 1B an entirely optional additional unlocking tool 14 for improving workflow in an analysis laboratory according to various embodiments is shown. The unlocking tool 14 has an optionally planar body 73, upstanding from which are supporting prongs 74. Optionally two curved supporting prongs 74 are provided. A base-section 16 of a used sampling device 100 can be aligned with and located onto the supporting prongs 74. Whilst the basesection 16 can be placed down onto the supporting prongs 74, once so located, the base-section 16 is prevented from being rotated. With the base-section 16 located and not able to rotate, the top-section 10 more easily can be unscrewed from its connection with the base-section 16. Beneficially with the base-section held and prevented from turning, a technician at the laboratory can carefully remove the used slide sample 12 which can be placed on area 72 of the planar body 73. Area 72 is sized and shaped appropriately for receiving the sample slide 12 thereon. Edges close to the slide 12 will prevent movement of the slide sample 12 in that direction, whilst adjacently positioned recessed regions 71 provide room for a technician to grip (using fingers or a tool, such as tweezers), the remaining free edges of the slide sample 12 for removing the slide sample 12 from the unlocking tool 14, either to move the slide to a microscope or to remove the slide after the analysis has been completed. The unlocking tool 14 may be sized such that it can be received in a microscope or other analytical device for analysis of the particulate matter trapped on the tacky layer 34. This may reduce the amount of manipulation of the sample slide 12, improving work flow in the laboratory and mitigating against accidental dropping of sample slides, and contamination. The provision of and use the unlocking tool 73, whilst advantageous and very beneficial to the technicians in the laboratory is an optional feature. Referring now to Figures 5 to and 8D, there is shown an additional illustrated embodiment of the present invention. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A to 4F will be described in any greater detail. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of top and base-sections 110, 116 of a sampling device 200 and a sampling slide 112 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The assembled sampling device 200 is shown in Figure 8A. The sampling device 200 may also 5 be referred to as a cell, trap or cassette 200. The sampling device 200 comprises a top-section 110 and a base-section 116. A sampling slide 112 is housed in the base-section 116, clamped between the base-section 116 and top-section 110; and securely held in place by the secure attachment of the top-section 110 to the base-section 116. 10 In the perspective view of Figure 8A, it can be seen that the sampling device 200 is formed by connection of the top-section 110 of Figure 5 (see also Figure 6A to 6D) with the base-section 116 of Figure 5 (see also Figures 7A to 7E). The top-section 110 comprises a first closure cap 130 hingedly connected thereto; and the base-section 116 comprises a second-closure cap 180. In Figure 8A, the sampling device is shown with both its top-section hinged cap 130; and its base-15 section hinged cap 180, held in an open position. As illustrated in Figures 5, 7A to 7C, and 8A to 4F, the base-section 116 comprises a body 148. The body 148 may be cassette-like in shape. The body 148 has an exterior surface and an interior surface 147. A deck 155 defines part of the exterior section of the body 148. A connector 166 depends from an underside of the deck 155 toward an open bottom of body 148 (see Figure 7E). Supports 145 are formed in the topside of the deck 155 and take the form of elevated rebates either side of a recessed central region (see Figures 7A and 7C). A sampling slide 112 is housed in the base-section 116 by being placed on supports 145. The supports 145 are arranged to provide, between them, a sufficiently large and even supporting surface for the sampling slide 112. The supports 145 are arranged either side of an interior open end 163 of the connector 166 and do not obscure the open end 163 of the connector to facilitate good airflow over the body 148 and in particular over the sampling slide 112. The connector 166 is illustrated in Figures 7A, 7C and 7E. The base-section 116 includes the connector 166 so that base-section 116 can be connected directly to an air-pump (an optional non-limiting example of an air-pump 900 is shown in Figures 9A and 9B). The connector 166 has first and second open ends 163, 164. The second open end 164 is configured for connection to the air-pump 900, preferably, but nevertheless optionally, the second open end 164 is configured for direct connection to the air-pump 900 such that no intermediate connectors or converters, tubes or other components are required. The first open end 163 is optionally positioned substantially centrally in the deck 155, and proximate to a centre region of the sampling slide 112 when located in the base-section 116. A side wall 147 of body 148 provides a first-part 139 of a two-part complementary interlocking mechanism 139 / 119 that serves to releasably attach the top-section 110 to the base-section 116. Beneficially, the first-part of the two-part complementary interlocking mechanism provided by the base-section 116 is a press-fit, friction-fit, snap-fit or other mating engagement formation 139 / 147 provided by the shape and size of the side wall 147 in conjunction with a ridge 139. As illustrated in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C, the top-section 110 includes a deck 118 from which an air-inlet unit 132 extends. A side wall 119 of deck 118 is provides a second-part of the two-part interlocking mechanism that serves to releasably couple the top-section 110 to the base-section 116. Beneficially, the second-part of the two-part interlocking mechanism 119 / 139 / 147 provided by the top-section 110 is a press-fit, friction-fit, snap-fit or other mating engagement formation 119 provided by the shape and size of the side wall 119. The top-section 110 includes the air-inlet unit 132, which optionally is similar to that of the first embodiment and is not described further. For use in an environmental monitoring system, a sampling slide 112 comprising a tacky layer 134 is again placed inside the base-section 116 of the sampling device 200 onto supports 145. The tacky layer 134 or adhesive 134 is provide to collect air-borne particles from air flowing through the sampling device 200. The top-section 110 is placed into the body 148 of the basesection 116 and is releasably coupled thereto. The sampling slide 112 may simply rest in place on the supports 145; or may be sandwiched or clamped between the underside of deck 118 and the upper-side of deck 155 and supports 145. The two-part complementary interlocking mechanism 119 / 139 / 147 may take another format to that described. Optionally, the press-fit, friction-fit or other mating engagement between the inner wall 147, rib 139 and outer wall 119 (see Figure 8C) may be reinforced by an additional attachment tape about the outside of outer wall 119 and bottom edge of wall 147. Optionally, a tape applied to the outside of outer wall 119 may serve no purpose in the attachment of the top-section 110 to the base-section 116 and may be provided only to attach a unique identifying code and information to a cassette 200. The sampling cassette 200 once assembled can be attached to an air pump 900 as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. Existing air pumps 900 have a shaped rebated region and a connector upstanding from a base of the rebated region. It is advantageous for cassettes 200 of the present invention to be compatible with such pumps 200. It is advantageous therefore that the cassettes 200 taught herein fit within the rebated region, and mate with the connector thereon (through second open end 164 of connector 166). Nevertheless, in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure it is desirable to provide a means for selectively sealing both the air-inlet 132 and the air-outlet 164 that does not suffer from the draw-backs associated with peelable stickers. Advantageously, the present invention provides an improvement over known air-sampling cells by providing at least one of a top-section 110 hinged cap 130; and a base-section 116 hinged cap 180. Preferably, and as shown in the illustrated embodiments, in some implementations of the invention, a sampling device 200 will comprise both a top-section 110 hinged cap 130; and a base-section 116 hinged cap 180. Optionally, in various embodiments the top-section 110 hinged cap 130 is an integrally formed part of the top-section 110. Optionally, in various embodiments the top-section 110 is a plastics moulded component and the hinged cap 130 is an integrally moulded part of the top-section 110. Optionally, in various embodiments the top-section 110 cap 130 or cover 130 is sized, shaped and configured to securely fit onto and to cover the first open end 135 of the air inlet unit 132. Optionally, the cover 130 is sized and shaped in a complementary manner to the size and shape of the open end 135 of the air inlet unit 132. Optionally, the cover 130 is provided with a side wall 142, which comprises, on an inner surface thereof, a moulded, shaped feature, such as one or more ribs or protruding sealing mouldings, that are configured to push past and then co-operate with the lipped rim 135 such that the cover 130 can be relatively securely, yet releasably, affixed onto the open end 135 of the air inlet unit 132. Optionally, a tab 141, which may be called a thumbtab 141 or release tab 141, is provided on the cover 130 for assisting with the release of the cover 130 from its attachment to the lipped rim 135 at the open end 135 of the air inlet unit 132. The hinge structure 127 / 129 has been carefully innovated. As shown in Figure 6A, the hinge 127 / 129 is configured such that the hinge structure holds the cover 130 away from the top-section 110, in the open condition (as shown in Figure 6A). Whereas in prior art devices a sticker is provided to close and seal an air inlet, the stickers can be lost, contaminated or mixed up. The provision of a hingedly attached cover 130 provides an improvement because the air inlet unit 132 is easily closed and sealed by the cover 130; and yet is easily accessed when required for conducting a test. On completion of an air-sampling test, the air inlet unit 132 is easily closed and sealed by the cover 130. During the test, which can take 5 to 10 minutes, the cover 130 cannot be lost, contaminated or mixed up with the cover 130 of a different device 200, because it remains attached and unitary with the top-section 110. Further beneficially, because the hinge structure 127 / 129 holds the cover 130 in a stable state, away from the top-section 110, in the open condition; during the test, the cover 130 does not interfere with air-flow into the air inlet unit 132. This is best illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B, where the cassette 200 is shown in an optional, exemplary and non-limiting, test situation, mounted onto an air-pump 900, with the hinged-cap 130 disposed in an open-test-ready state. As can be seen, the hinge 127 / 129 has beneficially been structured to ensure that the cover 130 and the hinge 127 / 129 itself do not interfere with the air pump 900 onto which the sampling device 200 is placed during testing. Whereas in other envisaged embodiments, a hinge structure 123 / 127 / 126 / 124 / 122 / 121 / 128 may be configured differently to that exactly illustrated in Figures 6A-6D, 7A-7D and 9A- 9B, in the presently illustrated embodiment of the invention, it will be seen that the hinge structure 123 / 127 / 126 / 124 / 122 / 121 / 128, in the open condition, spaces the cap 30 away from the air-inlet 132. The hinge structure 123 / 127 / 126 / 124 / 122 / 121 / 128 may again be configured to offer a flipping action for easy release; and closure. Additionally, once the hinge is moved past a certain angle the hinge 123 / 127 / 126 / 124 / 122 / 121 / 128 may be biased into the open position and stay there. In the open position the cover 130 may be held in a relatively stable state and may not flop. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B - the cap 130 does not interfere with the air-inlet 132. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the hinge structure 123 / 127 / 126 / 124 / 122 / 121 / 128 comprises: an anchoring panel 123; one or more or a series of adjacent hinges 127; a first hinge panel 126; a second hinge member 124; a second hinge panel 122; a third hinge 121; and a reinforcing member 128. The anchoring panel 123 is optionally a moulded formation forming a protruding part of the side wall 119. The one or more or series of adjacent hinges 127 may include one or more living hinges. The one or more or series of adjacent hinges 127 traverse a beveled corner between the side wall 119 and the deck 118, when the cap 30 is in the closed position. The one or more or series of adjacent living hinges 127 allow the first hinge panel 126 to pivot from its closed position (see Figure 5), wherein it is substantially parallel to the upper-side of deck 118 (and optionally in facecontacting relationship therewith); to its open position (see Figures 6A and 9A and 9B) wherein the first hinge panel 126 may rest in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the side wall 119. The second hinge member 124 allows for an angle between the first hinge panel 126 and the second hinge panel 122. The second hinge member 124 permits the second hinge panel 122 to be positioned at about 90° relative to the first hinge panel 126. In the closed position, the second hinge panel 122 is oriented at an angle of about or just slightly greater than 90° relative to the first hinge panel 126 (see Figure 5). The reinforcing member 128 is a substantially triangular moulded section between the first hinge panel 126 and the second hinge panel 122. The reinforcing member 128 sets and maintains an angle between the first hinge panel 126 and the second hinge panel 122 and ensures that this angle is maintained, even in the open position. In Figure 9B it can be seen that when the cassette 200 is in use, mounted on an air-pump 900, and the cap 130 has been removed from the air-inlet unit 132, the hinged cap structure has, in the region of the reinforcing member 128, the first hinge panel 126, and the second hinge panel 122 a relatively rigid structure and shape. The second hinge panel 122 may form part of a side wall 142 of the cap 130. The second hinge panel 122 may be coupled to the cap 130 by the third hinge 121 which third hinge may allow a very small degree of tolerance in the manipulation of the cap 130 relative to the second hinge panel 122. However, as can be seen in Figure 9B, the cap 130 does not flop relative to the second hinge panel 122. Advantageously, in use, the hinged cap structure 130 / 123 / 127 / 126 / 124 / 122 / 121 / 128 does not interfere with an associated air pump 900; does not interfere with air-flow into the sampling device 200; and provides for easy, clean, and accurate re-covering / re-sealing of the sampling device 200 air-inlet unit 132, thus improving the accuracy of the test by minimizing against contamination. This may also improve accuracy of tests. In prior art devices application of the wrong sticker back onto the one sampling cell, when it should have been placed on a different sampling cell can lead to mis-matching of results and incorrect analysis. The hinged cap structure 130 / 123 / 127 / 126 / 124 / 122 / 121 / 128 may also prevent repeat tests from having to be conducted. Unlike in the prior art sampling cells, where, due to the loss of a sticker, by a user during the test a sampling cell is invalid because it cannot be sealed for return to the laboratory, the cap 130 will not be lost as it remains attached to the cassette 200 throughout the test. This beneficially avoids the needless wasting of resources and repeat testing, resulting in more of the tester’s time being needed and wasting of the used sampling cells which can occur with prior art sampling cells. Optionally, in various embodiments the base-section 116 hinged cap 180 is an integrally formed part of the base-section 116. As will be appreciated, since the sampling cassette 200, in use, (see Figures 9A and 9B) is seated on the base-section 116 with the air-pump coupled to the connector 166 thereof, configuration of the hinged cap 180 to close that connector has involved ingenuity. Again, the base-section 116 is a plastics moulded component and the hinged cap 180 is an integrally moulded part of the base-section 116. Optionally, in various embodiments the basesection 116 cap 180 or hinged cover 180 is sized, shaped and configured to securely fit onto and to cover the second open end 164 of the connector 166 when the sampling device 200 is not in use; and hinged cover 180 is sized, shaped and configured to allow the cassette 200 to connect properly to the air pump 900. Optionally, the cover 180 itself is sized and shaped in a complementary manner to the size and shape of the second end 164 of the connector 166. Optionally, the cover 180 can be relatively securely and releasably press-fit, snap-fit, friction fit or otherwise releasably affixed onto the second end 164 of the connector 166. Optionally, a tab 191, which may be called a thumb-tab 191 or release tab 191, is provided on the cover 180 for assisting with the release of the cover 180 from its attachment to the second end 164 of the connector 166. The hinge structure has been carefully innovated. As shown in Figures 7A, 7C, 7D, 7E, 8A, 8B, 8D, 9A and 9B the base-section 116 hinge is configured such that, in the open condition, the hinge structure holds the cover 180 in a stable way and away from both the connector 166 of the base-section 116; and the air-inlet unit 132 of the top-section 110 (as shown in Figure 9A). Whereas in prior art devices a sticker is provided to close and seal a connector end, stickers can be lost, contaminated or mixed up. The provision of a cover 180 provides an improvement because the connector 166 is easily closed and sealed by the cover 180; and yet is easily accessed when required for conducting a test. On completion of the test, the second open-send 164 of the connector 166 is easily closed and re-sealed by the cover 180. During the test, which can take 5 to 10 minutes, the cover 180 cannot be lost, contaminated or mixed up with the cover 180 of a different cassette 200, because it remains attached and unitary with the base-section 116. Further beneficially, because the hinge structure holds the cover 180 in a stable state, away from the base-section 116 and away from the air-inlet unit 132 of the top-section 110; during the test, the cover 180 does not interfere with air-flow out of the connector 166. Furthermore, the hinge has beneficially been structured to ensure that the cover 180 does not interfere with the air pump 900 onto which the cassette 200 is placed during testing. Whereas a hinge structure 186 / 187 may be configured differently to that exactly illustrated in Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7E, 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D, in the presently illustrated embodiment of the invention, it will be seen that the hinge structure 186 / 187 is a strap hinge 186 / 187, which offers a flipping action for easy release; and closure of the cap 180. Additionally, once the hinge is moved past a certain angle the hinge may be biased into the open position and stay there (until a sufficient deliberate force is applied to move the cover 180 back to the closed position). In the presently illustrated embodiment, the hinge structure has one or more or a series of living-hinge style pivot lines 187 (see Figure 7E) and a strap portion 186 extending therefrom at another end of which the cap 180 is formed, one or more or a series of living-hinge style pivot lines 187 allows the strap panel 186 it pivot from around a bottom side edge of body 148. The hinge panel 186 may pivot up to or greater than about 270° from its closed position to the open position. The cap 180 can be manipulated from being on top of the end 164 of the connector 166 underneath the body 148 of the base-section; to being held at an elevation above the deck 118 of the top-section 110 of the cassette 200 and spaced to the side of the side wall 119 of the top-section 110. In such a position; and as is shown Figures 9A and 9B in particular, the hinge cap 180 is on the opposite side of the cassette 200 to the hinged cap 130. Advantageously, in use, the cover 180 and hinge structure 186 / 187 do not interfere with the associated air pump 900; do not interfere with air-flow out of the sampling device 200; and provide for easy, clean, and accurate re-covering of the sampling device 200 connector 166 opening 164, thus improving the accuracy of the test by minimizing against contamination. Furthermore, the provision of the hingedly attached cover may also improve accuracy of tests by mitigating against mixing up of the aforedescribed peelable sealing and identifying stickers of the prior art. The hinged cap structure 187 / 186 may prevent repeat tests from having to be conducted due to the loss of a sticker, as sometimes happens with prior art sampling cells. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the caps, top-section, base-section hinge panels and so on may be adjusted to accommodate sampling slides and air-pumps of differing size or shape. It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish the relative orientations of components from one another. As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” may refer to various ways of define hinge features of the device, to facilitate folding or articulating portions of the devices with respect to one another, Any reference to hinged connection or living hinge should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single hinge line only; indeed, it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed in many ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sampling device for use with an air pump of an air-sampling system, the sampling device comprising:a base-section comprising:a body having an interior and an exterior;a supporting component disposed within the interior of the body onto which a sampling slide can be deposited;a connector for connecting the base-section to an air-pump, the connector having first and second open ends, the first open-end of the connector being positioned within the interior of the body proximate to said supporting component; anda first closure cap hingedly connected to the base-section for fitting to and for covering said second open-end of the connector; anda top-section comprising:a body having an interior and an exterior;an air inlet for enabling air to be drawn into the sampling device when in use, the air inlet having first and second open ends, the first open-end of the air inlet being positioned proximate to an exterior of the body of the top-section, the second open-end of the air inlet being positioned within the interior of the body of the top-section; anda second closure cap hingedly connected to the top-section for covering said first open-end of the air inlet.

2. A sampling device according to claim 1 wherein said a first closure cap is integrally moulded with the body of the base-section, wherein the first closure cap is hingedly connected to an exterior of the body of the base-section by a first hinge structure sized shaped and configured such that the first hinge structure is operable to hold the first closure cap in an open position, wherein the first closure cap is spaced from the body of the base-section and first closure cap is not attached to the second open-end of the connector.

3. A sampling device according to any preceding claim wherein the second closure cap is integrally moulded with the body of the top-section, wherein the second closure cap is hingedly connected to an exterior of the body of the top-section by a second hinge structure sized shaped and configured such that the second hinge structure is operable to move the second closure cap from a closed position wherein the second closure cap is attached to and covers the first open-end of the air inlet; and wherein the second hingestructure is operable to hold the second closure cap in an open position wherein the second closure cap is spaced from the body of the top-section.

4. A sampling device according to claim 3 wherein the second hinge structure has a central pivot and a wing portion either side thereof.

5. A sampling device according to claim 4, wherein the central pivot facilitates movement of the second closure cap between said closed position and said open position; and wherein the wing portions serve to hold the second closure cap in said open position.

6. A sampling device according to claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein the second hinge structure is connected to the exterior of the body of the top-section at an elevation that is off-set from an elevation containing the first open-end of the air inlet.

7. A sampling device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the second hinge structure comprises: an anchoring panel (123); one or more or a series of adjacent hinge lines (127); a first hinge panel (126); a second hinge member (124); a second hinge panel (122); a third hinge line (121); and a reinforcing member (128).

8. A sampling device according to claim 7 wherein the anchoring panel is a moulded formation forming a protruding part of a side wall of the top-section body.

9. A sampling device according to claim 8 wherein the one or more or series of adjacent hinge lines includes one or more living hinges, wherein, the one or more or series of adjacent hinge lines traverse a beveled corner between the side wall and a deck of the top-section body when the second closure cap is in the closed position, wherein the one or more or series of adjacent living hinges allow the first hinge panel to pivot from said closed position, wherein the first hinge panel is substantially parallel to the upper-side of deck; to an open position wherein the first hinge panel can rest in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to said side wall.

10. A sampling device according to claim 9 wherein, the reinforcing member (128) is a substantially triangular moulded section between the first hinge panel (126) and the second hinge panel (122) and wherein, the reinforcing member (128) maintains an angle between the first hinge panel (126) and the second hinge panel (122).

11. A sampling device according to any claim 7 to 10 wherein the second hinge panel (122) forms part of a side wall (142) of the second closure cap (130).

12. A sampling device according to claim 1,2 or 3 wherein the first hinge structure comprises: first, second and third hinge lines (90, 89, 88) a first hinge panel (87), a second hinge panel (85) and a third hinge panel (86), wherein the first living hinge line (90) is operable to pivot the first hinge panel (87) away from an exterior of the body (48), wherein the second living hinge line (89) is operable to pivot the second hinge panel (85) away from the first hinge panel (87), and wherein the third living hinge line (88) is operable to pivot the third hinge panel (86) away from the second hinge panel (85).

13. A sampling device according to claim 12, wherein the first hinge panel (87) has a smaller height than the second hinge panel (85); and the second hinge panel (85) has a smaller height than the third hinge panel (86).

14. A sampling device according to claim 13 wherein, when the first closure cap is in said open position, it is spaced outwardly away from an exterior of the base-section (16) body (48) substantially by the combined heights of the first hinge panel (87) and the third hinge panel (86); and wherein the first closure cap (80) is spaced downwardly from the top of the base-section (16) body (48), by about twice the height of the second hinge panel (85).

15. A sampling device according to claim 1,2 or 3 wherein the first hinge structure comprises: one or more or a series of hinge lines (187) and a strap portion 186 extending therefrom at another end of which the first closure cap (180) is formed.

16. A sampling device according to claim 15, wherein said one or more or a series of hinge lines (187) allow the strap portion (186) to pivot from around a bottom side edge of the body (148) of the base-section (116).

17. A sampling device according to claim 16, wherein said hinge portion (186) can pivot up to or greater than about 270° between the closed position and the open position.

18. A sampling device according to claim 17, wherein first hinge structure is operable to move the first closure cap (180) from being on top of the end (164) of the connector (166) underneath the body (148) of the base-section; to being held at an elevation above a deck (118) of the top-section (110) of the sampling device 200 and spaced from the side wall (119) of the top-section (110).

19. A sampling device according to claim 4 wherein the hinge of the first closure cap is connected to the exterior of the body of the base-section at an elevation that is off-set from an elevation containing the second open-end of the connector.

20. A sampling device according to any preceding claim disposed on an air pump with the connector of the base-section of the sampling device connected to the air-pump, wherein the first and second closure caps are both in an open position, and wherein the first and second closure caps are on opposite sides of the sampling device.

21. A sampling device according to claim 20 wherein the first and second closure caps are both disposed above the top of the top-section of the sampling device.

22. A sampling device according to any preceding claim wherein the base-section comprises a first-part of a two-part connecting mechanism located at an upper region of the basesection body; and wherein the top-section comprises a second-part of a two-part connecting mechanism located at a lower region of the top-section body, the second-part of the two-part connecting mechanism operable to releasably connect to the first-part of the two-part connecting mechanism for releasably securing the top-section to the basesection.

23. A sampling device according to claim 22 wherein the two-part connecting mechanism facilitates the holding of the sampling slide within the sampling device in an assembled condition.

24. A sampling device according to claim 23 wherein the body of the base-section is substantially cylindrical in shape.

25. A sampling device according to claim 22, 23 or 24 wherein the first-part of the two-part connecting mechanism provided by the base-section is an internal screw-thread; and wherein the second-part of the two-part connecting mechanism provided by the topsection is an external screw-thread.

26. A sampling device according to claim 25 wherein the body of the top-section comprises a side wall, wherein the external screw-thread is provided on the side wall.

27. A sampling device according to claim 26 and wherein the side wall is substantially circular in cross-sectional shape, with one or two flattened end portions.

28. A sampling device according to any preceding claim wherein the base-section comprises means for improving a user’s grip of the base-section.

29. A sampling device according to any preceding claim comprising a sampling slide and having the top and base-sections attached in an assembled condition with the first and second closure caps closed.

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