box

Abstract

This invention addresses the problems associated with known plastic chip packages, such as reduced space efficiency, risk of breakage, and difficulty in balancing hinge robustness, opening angle range, and operability, all stemming from the outward protrusion of the hinge structure. [Solution] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a box for disposable pipette tips, comprising: - a base portion forming a container for receiving the pipette tips inside; - a cover portion movable to a closed configuration, which in the closed configuration closes the base portion to form a closed container; and - a flexible hinge connecting the base portion and the cover portion to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a package for a pipette tip.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide a disposable pipette tip in a plastic box having a hinged cover. The box is generally manufactured by injection molding technology, and the hinge structure is integrated with the box injection molded by a mechanism having a shape protruding outward. Such a hinge structure is easy to manufacture, but still inconvenient in many respects. The manufactured product generally has many protruding and complex shapes on its outer surface, which occupy space not only during storage but also during use in a laboratory environment. The protruding shape is easily damaged, or it is likely to damage adjacent manufactured products or the plastic protective film around the package during transportation. Balancing toughness, opening angle range, and ease of hinge operation can be a very difficult problem.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present invention is for overcoming at least some of the inconveniences in known plastic chip packages. The present invention is defined by each feature of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention is a box for a disposable pipette tip, the box including a base portion, a cover portion, and a flexible hinge. The base portion forms a container for receiving the pipette tip therein. The cover portion is movable to a closed configuration, and in the closed configuration, the container is closed by closing the base portion. The flexible hinge is formed of a deformable material and joins the base portion and the cover portion to each other.

[0005] At least some embodiments of the present invention can provide one or more of the following advantages. -Materials can be saved. This is because the package can be made smaller. This is particularly advantageous in relation to automated liquid handling robots. -The package can be made more user-friendly. This is because the lock on the cover can be released with one hand (or using a gripper), and therefore the cover can be easily opened and closed. Furthermore, the cover can be used in two ways: either by using it according to the principle of a hinge lock, or alternatively, as a removable and lockable cover, preferably removable with one hand. - This could potentially allow the chip to be removed directly from the package without the need for any separate support components. - The package can save space because it does not have protruding shapes such as hinges or locks. As a result, the package may be more robust and less prone to breakage. - The package can be sealed, airtight, or gastight by using adhesive tape to close the joint between the base and the cover. At the same time, the package can be easily put into use by removing the tape. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] The image shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which the box includes hinges manufactured by the IML process. [Figure 2] This shows a cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism realized by multi-component injection molding. [Figure 3] This document illustrates an embodiment in which adhesive tape acts as a flexible hinge. [Figure 4]An embodiment is shown in which tape is provided along the joint between the cover and the base, and on the joint. [Figure 5] The present embodiment shows the box including tape that functions as both a sealing element and a hinge. [Figure 6] An example of an embodiment of a pipette tip bundle is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] This application relates to a package, or box, for single-use pipette tips. The box comprises a base portion (also simply called a base) and a cover portion (also simply called a cover), which are connected to each other by a hinge. The term “pipette tip” refers to a replaceable tip for a pipette. Pipette tips are intended to come into contact with the fluid being transported and are typically disposable.

[0008] The base portion forms a container for receiving pipette tips internally. The base portion may, for example, be in the form of a box with an open top. In a typical use case, the bottom of the box rests on a substantially flat, horizontal surface. The base portion may be provided with a tray or rack having vertically and horizontally arranged holes for holding multiple pipette tips. The cover portion forms a lid for the base portion. The cover portion is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the cover portion does not sit on the top of the base portion, and the pipette tips are directly accessible from the base portion. In the closed configuration, the cover portion sits on the base portion, and by closing the base portion, it forms a closed container that completely encloses the pipette tips. In the context of this disclosure, the relative terms “top” and “bottom” are intended to be understood in terms of a typical use case where the bottom of the base portion faces downwards and the top of the base portion faces upwards. However, the box or package relating to this disclosure can, of course, be freely positioned and oriented according to the use case.

[0009] The hinge may be in the form of a flexible hinge that connects the base portion and the cover portion to each other. The cover portion and the base portion can rotate relative to each other around the axis of rotation of the hinge. In particular, the hinge allows the cover portion to pivot between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0010] A first aspect of the box relating to this disclosure relates to the ease of use of the box. For example, the hinge may be configured to be operated with little force. The cover may be configured to open to an angle greater than 90 degrees. Preferably, the hinge allows the cover to rotate and open at least 180 degrees. The cover may be configured to stay securely in the open configuration. In the context of the use of pipettes and pipette tips, these features are preferable because they allow the box to be opened and closed easily (even with one hand). Also, in the open configuration of the box, the cover portion does not obstruct access to the inside of the box, and pipette tips can be easily removed from the box (without touching or holding the box itself).

[0011] In some embodiments, the box includes a locking portion or locking shape for locking the cover in the closed configuration of the box. For example, the locking portion or locking shape may be located inside the box in the closed configuration of the box and may not protrude substantially (or at all) from the outer surface of the box. The lock may be actuated, i.e., closed, by pushing the cover downward, and / or the lock may be opened, for example, by a compressive action. The box may be configured so that the cover can be locked and unlocked with one hand (or using a gripper). In some embodiments, the cover portion may be a removable and lockable cover, preferably removable with one hand.

[0012] A second aspect of the box according to this disclosure is the form of the outer surface of the box. The outer surface of each side wall of the box is preferably smooth and has no substantial protrusions. Thus, the hinge is preferably substantially flat. For example, the hinge may be located within the outer shape of the box in the closed configuration of the box, such that the overall shape of the box has no substantial protrusions in the closed configuration.

[0013] In some embodiments, to obtain a hinge having at least some of the desirable features of the first and second embodiments, the hinge may be formed from a piece of flexible material and at least partially embedded in the base portion and the cover portion. The hinge may be formed from a film material, such as a flexible film material. For example, the hinge may be formed from a plastic film material or Tyvek film. The hinge may be formed from an elastomer material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer material. In some embodiments, the hinge is formed from a piece of adhesive tape attached to join the cover and the base to each other. The hinge may be made of a different material from the base portion and the cover portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the hinge is manufactured together with the rest of the box by in-mold labeling (IML) technology. In some embodiments, the hinge is manufactured together with the rest of the box by multi-component injection molding technology.

[0015] A third aspect of the box relating to this disclosure relates to the sealing properties of the box. In applications using pipettes and pipette tips, it is typically desirable to protect the pipette tips from contamination. To achieve this, the box may be airtight when the cover is configured to be closed, for example, by adhesive tape. The box may be configured such that the periphery of the cover portion and the base portion are in contact with each other in the closed configuration. The box may include adhesive tape, which is provided around at least a portion of the periphery of the box and is configured to seal the joint between the contacting periphery portions of the base and the cover. By using the adhesive tape, sufficient sealing can be achieved without providing a protective plastic bag, i.e., pouch, around the entire package. The tape can protect and airtightly seal the package while saving material. The tape can also be easily peeled off immediately before use.

[0016] To facilitate the application of the adhesive tape and / or to ensure a good seal, the surfaces of the base portion and the cover portion, around the joint between these members, are preferably smooth. In this context, the term “smooth” is intended to mean that the surface is flat, i.e., without any significant protrusions or bumps on the surface, and that the adhesive tape can adhere to the surface across its entire width. The smoothness of the joint can be maximized by using a hinge, as described above in relation to a second aspect of this disclosure.

[0017] In some applications, the sealed box according to the present disclosure may be exposed to thermal fluctuations (e.g., during the sterilization and sealing process of the box and during transportation). Thermal fluctuations may cause an overpressure inside the sealed box, which may cause the box to bulge or the sealing tape to peel off. To prevent this, a pressure equalization filter or a breathable filter may be incorporated into the box. In some embodiments, the adhesive tape provided around the box may include a filter portion. In some embodiments, a filter structure is formed on the main body or cover portion of the box. For example, a film-type filter may be located at the bottom of the base portion of the box. The filter may be mounted, for example, by IML, ultrasonic, or thermal welding. A sintered filter may also be used. In some embodiments, the filter may be incorporated into the sealing tape or the label. In this case, the label may be made of, for example, Tyvek or medical paper.

[0018] In some embodiments, a protective film such as a shrink wrap film is present around the package. This protective film may be provided instead of or in addition to the adhesive tape that seals the box.

[0019] A fourth aspect of the box according to the present disclosure relates to the storage and stacking of the box and package according to the present disclosure. In many applications, it is desirable to minimize the space allocation of used pipette tip packages. One further advantage of having no substantial protrusions on each wall portion of the box is that it is easier to stack the boxes in a nested manner. In this context, the term "box capable of being stacked in a nested manner" is intended to be understood as a box having a shape and dimensions that allow multiple such boxes to be stacked on top of each other such that each subsequent box is nested within the previous box, i.e., at least partially, preferably mostly, at least positioned.

[0020] The fifth aspect of the box according to the present disclosure relates to its sustainability. In some embodiments, the box may not be reusable. This is because it may be intended to be used as lightweight, single-use packaging for pipette tips. The box may have a lightweight structure, and thus it may be impossible to autoclave the box. However, even in such embodiments, the material of the box may be selected with an emphasis on sustainability aspects. For example, a bio-based material such as a cellulose fiber reinforced plastic composite may be used.

[0021] In the following paragraphs, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. In all of these exemplary embodiments, the five aspects described above are considered.

[0022] Example 1 In one embodiment, the box and the hinge are manufactured and assembled using in-mold labeling (IML) injection molding technology. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the box includes a flexible hinge 10 manufactured by the IML process. The hinge 10 is made of a flexible sheet or film and is at least partially embedded within at least the base portion 12 and the cover portion 14. The sheet or film may be a plastic film material or a fibrous film material. The fibrous film material may be, for example, a Tyvek film or a Paptic film. The mold is constructed such that it can be closed after placing the flexible hinge portion 10 on it. The product obtained from the injection molding process is pushed out of the mold and is a ready-to-assemble package with the hinge assembled.

[0023] Advantages of this embodiment include minimizing the size of the package and saving material. The hinge mechanism is small. An IML process can also be used to give the package further properties. For example, a pressure equalizing filter or a breathable filter may be incorporated into the wall or bottom of the package. The filter portion may be made of Tyvek film or the like and may be pre-installed before injection molding of the package.

[0024] IML film or IML section may be used to simultaneously provide several functions or properties, such as hinge and filter functions. The IML film or IML section may be imprinted. This allows for marking of capacity and model number, and, for example, the application of a desired design to the product. The IML film or IML section may cover the entire bottom surface of the product, or the entire cover of the product. Advantages of the IML process include space savings, material savings, and ease of use.

[0025] Example 2 In one embodiment, the flexible hinge is in the form of an elastomer hinge. For example, the hinge may be made of a flexible thermoplastic elastomer material. The elastomer hinge may be realized by multi-component injection molding so that the cover, the base, and the hinge form a single article in an injection molding cycle. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a hinge mechanism realized by multi-component injection molding. In Figure 2, the hinge 20 is made of a flexible thermoplastic elastomer material and is at least partially embedded in the base portion 22 and the cover portion 24.

[0026] Advantages of this embodiment include minimizing the size of the box and saving material. The elastomer hinge 20 is small. Further properties can be given to the box by injection molding of the elastomer components required by the hinge. These properties include, for example, a sealing area, a decorative colored element, or a gripping area for locking or provided on the bottom of the box.

[0027] In some embodiments, the flexible hinge may be made fragile to allow the cover to be pulled away. The hinge may be given additional features (e.g., perforations) to facilitate or optimize the removal of the cover. The cover may then be used as a separate, removable cover. In some embodiments, such a separate cover may provide the box with additional locking means to attach the cover to the base of the box. Also, in embodiments where the boxes are configured to be nested, the base and cover portions of the boxes can be stacked separately by pulling away the cover.

[0028] Example 3 In one embodiment, the box includes a hinge tape that functions as a hinge. Figure 3 shows a hinge mechanism realized by adhesive tape. In Figure 3, the box 30 according to the disclosure includes a base portion 31 and a cover portion 32. The base portion 31 and the cover portion 32 are joined by a tape 33. The tape 33 acts as a flexible hinge between the base portion 31 and the cover portion 32. The tape 33 may contain an adhesive that provides high condensation bond strength. For example, the adhesive may be cured or crosslinked by radiation, ultraviolet light, or oxygen. After the tape is applied, additional heat welding, heat sealing, or ultrasonic welding may be performed to ensure that the adhesive joint is properly formed. If a welding method is used, the tape may include an adhesive-free area adapted to the welding process.

[0029] In some embodiments, the hinge is provided with a remotely readable tag 34, such as an RFID tag. The remotely readable tag may be embedded in the base portion 31 or the cover portion 32. The remotely readable tag may be used to provide each box with a unique identifier and / or information about the intended contents of the box.

[0030] Example 4 In some embodiments, the box according to the Disclosure may be sealed by an adhesive tape provided around the box, along the joint between the cover and the base. Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which tape 41 is provided along the joint between the cover and the base of the box according to the Disclosure. The box may be identical or similar to, for example, those in Examples 1-3. The tape forming the flexible hinge (hinge 33 in Figure 3) is preferably thin enough to allow the application of the sealing tape 41. Although the sealing adhesive tape has been described with Examples 1-3 in mind, its use is not limited to these examples. Instead, the tape can be used in all boxes according to the Disclosure.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the filter 42 may be incorporated into the sealing tape 41 or the label. In this case, the label may be made from Tyvek or medical paper. A sterilization indicator, such as a radioactive sterilization indicator or a steam sterilization indicator, may also be incorporated into the tape 41.

[0032] Example 5 Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the box 50 according to the present disclosure, which includes a tape 51 that functions as both a sealing seal and a flexible hinge. The tape 51 includes pre-cut perforations 52 or notches at positions that allow the tape to be removed in a controlled manner when the tape 51 is removed. After the tape is removed, the remaining portion 53 of the tape 51 can act as a flexible hinge. One advantage of pre-cutting is that the portion of the adhesive tape 53 used as a hinge can be optimized with respect to condensation bond strength. Additionally, areas without adhesive, such as those described above in Example 3, may be left in the portion of the tape 51 configured to form the remaining portion 53, allowing for thermal or ultrasonic welding in those areas.

[0033] The sealing of the box may be controlled, for example, during manufacturing in the following manner: the box is immersed in water warmer than the product, and then bubbles are monitored. Alternatively or additionally, an automated vacuum test may be performed through a filter area incorporated into the product, adapted to equalize the pressure difference. In this alternative configuration, an adhesive gripper is attached to the permeable filter area by suction. Leakage can be observed by monitoring the airflow through the filter area. This makes it possible to reliably test the sealing condition of the tape.

[0034] Example 6 This disclosure also describes packaging for disposable pipette tips. The packaging includes a box according to this disclosure and a plurality of disposable pipette tips inside the box. An example of such packaging is shown in Figure 6, which shows a cross-sectional view of the packaging.

[0035] In Figure 6, the package 60 includes a box according to the present disclosure. The box includes a base portion 61 and a cover portion 62. The base portion 61 and / or cover portion 62 may be manufactured, for example, by thin-wall injection molding. In Figure 6, the box 60 includes a flexible hinge 63. The flexible hinge 63 may be implemented by using a film, preferably by using adhesive tape.

[0036] In some embodiments of the package 60, at least the base portion 61 is formed to be nestable. The shape of the base portion may be configured so that, after use, multiple such base portions can be nested and stacked to minimize wasted space. For example, in Figure 6, the wall portion 61a of the base portion 61 gradually tapers toward the bottom portion 61b of the base portion 61.

[0037] In Figure 6, the package 60 further includes a tray 65 for pipette tips within the package. This tray may be in the form of a rack with vertically and horizontally arranged holes in which individual pipette tips 66 are positioned. The tray 65 in Figure 6 is entirely within the container and does not have bulky mounting hooks or mounting extensions that engage with the periphery of the base portion 61 and / or protrude from the outer surface of the box. This allows for the maintenance of a smooth outer surface. Also, such mounting hooks or mounting extensions can be problematic when using multi-channel pipettes. In Figure 6, the tray 65 rests on a raised portion, or step, provided on the inner wall of the base portion 61. The tray 65 and the base portion may be configured so that the tray 65 can be removed from the box by compressing the base portion 65.

[0038] Figure 6 further shows the sealing tape 67. The sealing tape 67 is provided around the box at the joint between the cover portion 62 and the base portion 61 to seal the box. The sealing tape is preferably semi-rigid so that it can be peeled off more easily.

[0039] As mentioned above, it may be desirable to include a filter in the sealed package to equalize the pressure inside the box. Alternatively or additionally, the filter may be used to detect any leaks that may occur in the seal of the package. In Figure 6, a film-type filter is located at the bottom of the base portion of the box. The filter may be mounted, for example, by IML, ultrasonic, or thermal welding. A sintered filter may also be used.

[0040] As previously mentioned, the boxes according to this disclosure may include a locking mechanism. Preferably, the lock is constructed such that when the cover is locked in a closed configuration, all parts of the lock remain within the package, i.e., within the outer surface of the package. Figure 6 shows an exemplary locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking claw portion 64 on the inner surface of the periphery of the cover portion 62. In the closed configuration of the box, the locking claw portion 64 engages with a complementary locking slot or recess in the base portion 61. The locking mechanism can be opened by pressing the outer surface of the cover portion 62 at the location of the locking claw portion 64, thereby disengaging the locking claw portion from the locking slot. The lock can be operated (opened and closed) with one hand or using a gripper. In Figure 6, the locking mechanism is implemented without any protruding shape in the area covered by the tape. This type of lock can be used in boxes according to this disclosure, including all of Examples 1 to 5.

[0041] In some embodiments, two locks may be provided and positioned on either side of the cover. The cover may be detached entirely from the hinge mechanism and subsequently repositioned in the package to a push-closed lock configuration. Such detachment can be performed, for example, by compressing the cover from the side, or alternatively, by pulling the cover. The lock located on the same side as the hinge may be constructed such that, as a result of the shape of the opening motion and a lever effect, the cover is not prevented from opening.

[0042] In all of the embodiments described above, the cover can be opened at least 180 degrees. Furthermore, the cover portion can be easily opened and closed, and does not need to be held open when configured to be open. In addition, each embodiment can be realized with minimal protrusions on the outer surface of the box.

[0043] The materials for the packaging boxes relating to all of Examples 1-6, and more generally, the materials for all boxes relating to this disclosure, may be selected with emphasis on sustainability. For example, bio-based materials such as cellulose fiber-reinforced plastic composites may be used.

[0044] This disclosure primarily describes embodiments with flexible hinges, but a smaller version of a conventional rigid two-part hinge structure can also be used. In this type of embodiment, the protrusion of the hinge can be minimized if the hinge axis is located in the same plane as the outer surface of the box, or slightly offset from the outer surface. The hinge may have a snap-fit ​​structure (e.g., a connection having a ball and a cup) so that the cover portion can be easily removed and reattached.

[0045] The embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not limited to the specific structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but extend to their equivalents as recognized by those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are used solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit them.

[0046] Any reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that certain features, structures, or characteristics described in relation to an embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, although the phrases "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" are used in various places throughout this specification, they do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0047] For convenience, multiple items, structural elements, components, and / or materials may be listed together in this specification. However, these listings should be interpreted so that each member is independently identifiable as a separate and unique element. No individual member of such a list should be interpreted as a de facto equivalent to any other member in the same listing, unless otherwise specified, simply because it is presented in the same group. Furthermore, various embodiments and examples of the Invention may be referenced herein along with substitutes for various components. Such embodiments, examples, and substitutes should not be interpreted as de facto equivalents to one another, but rather as separate and independent expressions of the Invention.

[0048] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or properties may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. This description provides numerous specific details, such as examples of length, width, shape, etc., to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be carried out without one or more specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other examples, well-known structures, materials, or operations are omitted in detail or description to avoid obscuring embodiments of the invention.

[0049] The examples described above illustrate the principles of the present invention in one or more specific applications, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications in embodiments, uses, and details can be made without exercising inventive ability and without departing from the principles and concepts of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the claims.

[0050] In this specification, the verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used as open limitations, neither excluding nor requiring the existence of features not described. Features described in dependent claims can be freely combined with each other unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the use of “a” or “an” throughout this specification, i.e., the singular form, should be understood not to exclude the plural. [Industrial applicability]

[0051] The present invention is industrially applicable, at least to boxes and packaging for disposable laboratory consumables.

Claims

1. A box for disposable pipette tips, - A base portion that forms a container for receiving the pipette tip inside, - A cover portion that is movable in a closed configuration, and in the closed configuration, the cover portion is used to form a closed container by closing the base portion, - A flexible hinge that connects the base portion and the cover portion to each other, A box containing...

2. A box according to claim 1, A box in which the hinge is substantially located within the outer shape of the box in the closed configuration and does not form a substantial protrusion relative to the overall shape of the box in the closed configuration.

3. A box according to claim 1 or 2, The box includes a locking portion or locking shape for locking the cover in the closed configuration, wherein the locking portion or locking shape is located inside the box in the closed configuration and does not substantially protrude from the outer surface of the box.

4. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The cover has the closed configuration, and the box is - Adhesive tape provided around at least a portion of the periphery of the box and configured to seal the respective interfaces between the base and the cover. A box containing even more.

5. The box according to claim 4, The box includes a filter section configured to equalize the air pressure inside the box.

6. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A box that can be nested inside other boxes.

7. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The base portion is a box, which includes a filter assembly configured to equalize the air pressure inside the box.

8. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The hinge is formed from a piece of flexible material and is at least partially embedded within the base portion and the cover portion of the box.

9. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The hinge is formed from a plastic film material or Tyvek film, in a box.

10. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The aforementioned hinge is formed from an elastomer material such as a thermoplastic elastomer material, in a box.

11. A box according to claim 10, A box in which the hinge is configured such that the cover portion can be separated from the base portion by manually pulling it apart.

12. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The aforementioned hinge is formed by a piece of adhesive tape, in a box.

13. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The hinge is created together with the rest of the box by in-mold labeling (IML) technology.

14. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The hinge is created together with the rest of the box by multi-component injection molding technology.

15. This is a package for disposable pipette tips. - A box according to any one of claims 1 to 14, - Multiple disposable pipette tips in the box, A package that includes this.

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