Laboratory consumable holder, parts set, and operation method of the laboratory consumable holder.

Abstract

To provide an improved locking and unlocking mechanism for stacked chip racks that facilitates automated handling in liquid handling robots.SOLUTION: According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a holder for disposable pipette tips is provided. The holder has two pairs of side walls, and each side wall has an outer wall, an inner wall, an upper edge, a lower edge, and two lateral edges. The side walls are joined together via their lateral edges. The holder further has a plate with a matrix of openings and connected to the upper edges of the side walls, and means for locking the holder on another holder for forming a stack of a plurality of holders. Here, the lock is configured to be released by applying force to the locking means from above the holder stack.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rack for disposable pipette tips, and more particularly to assembling and using chip racks in a stack.

Background Art

[0002] Pipette tips are generally sold as stacks of multiple chip racks. Each rack includes a matrix of holes that individually hold the chips in a vertical position. The advantages of such stacks for individual racks include space savings, reduced storage and shipping costs, and sustainability through the use of less packaging material.

[0003] In robots that handle liquids, the racks are configured to be removable from the stack to facilitate their use. Typically, for use by a liquid handling robot, the topmost rack is removed and transferred.

[0004] Such stacks must be handled carefully to avoid uncontrolled crushing of the stack and dropping of the chips onto a table or the floor. This is especially true in situations where the user manually moves the stack or manually removes the topmost rack from the stack and places it on the stage of a liquid handling robot.

[0005] It is known to provide a locking mechanism that requires a squeezing operation or a horizontal force to release the lock.

[0006] Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006045815) discloses a pipette tip grid having a locking mechanism. A pipette tip grid having holes for holding pipette tips and packages for these grids are provided. The pipette tip grid package has a grid, a base for supporting the grid, and a locking mechanism connected to the grid and configured to fit externally on the side wall of the base. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006045815 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] There is a need for improved locking and unlocking mechanisms for stacked tip racks to facilitate their automated handling in liquid handling robots.

[0009] A compact locking / unlocking mechanism is needed for stacked chip racks.

[0010] The present invention aims to solve at least some of the shortcomings of known chip racks and their stacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention is defined by the characteristic configuration of the independent claim. Several specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a holder for laboratory consumables is provided, the holder having two pairs of opposing side walls, each side wall having an outer wall, an inner wall, an upper edge, a lower edge, and two lateral edges, the side walls being joined to each other via their lateral edges, and comprising a matrix of openings, a plate connected to the upper edge of the side walls, and means for locking the holder on top of another holder to form a stack of the holders, the lock being released by applying force to the locking means from above the stack of holders.

[0013] Various embodiments of the first aspect described above may include at least one feature configuration from the following bulleted list. Applying the force includes applying an input directed vertically from above the holder stack. The holder has at least one release opening into which a release device can be inserted from above the holder stack to release the lock. The at least one release opening is located on a surface parallel to the plate having the matrix of openings. The at least one release opening is located within a plate containing the matrix of openings. • The unlocking of the lock includes releasing only the topmost holder from the remaining holders in the stack. The locking mechanism includes at least one flexible or deformable tongue. The locking mechanism includes a hollow pin that is deformable in the radial direction. The locking mechanism is removable and reattachable to the holder.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a set of parts is provided which includes at least a first holder and a second holder for a disposable pipette tip according to the first aspect.

[0015] Various embodiments of the second aspect described above may include at least one feature configuration from the following bulleted list. The holders are locked together to form a stack with the first holder on top of the second holder. The set of parts includes a release device configured to be inserted from above the stack of holders into one or more release openings in the topmost holder of the stack in order to release the lock between the topmost holder and the holder located directly below it. The release device is in the shape of a pin, bar, or handle. The end of the release device is configured to be inserted into the release opening of the uppermost holder. · The unlocking device is configured to be operated by an automatic liquid handling robot.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a holder for laboratory consumables is provided, the method comprising providing a locked stack of holders, releasing a lock between the topmost holder and the holder located immediately therebelow by applying a force from above the stack of holders to the locking means of the topmost holder, and removing the topmost holder from the stack of holders.

[0017] Various embodiments of the third aspect may include at least one characteristic configuration from the following list of items. · The releasing step includes applying a vertically directed input from above the stack of holders. · The vertically directed input is applied by a user. · The vertically directed input is applied by an automatic device. · The providing step includes providing a locked stack of holders according to the first aspect on a stage of an automatic device of an automatic liquid handling device. · The force is applied by the automatic device. · In the releasing step, the automatic device inserts an unlocking device into an unlocking opening of the topmost holder from above the stack of holders, whereby the lock between the topmost holder and the holder located immediately therebelow is released. · Immediately after unlocking, the topmost rack is connected to the unlocking device. · The removing step includes lifting the topmost holder from the stack together with and while connected to the unlocking device.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, locking means are provided for locking a first holder of laboratory consumables onto a second holder of laboratory consumables to form a locked stack of holders, each holder having two pairs of opposing side walls, each side wall having an outer wall, an inner wall, an upper edge, a lower edge, and two lateral edges, said side walls being joined to each other via their lateral edges, having a matrix of openings and comprising a plate connected to the upper edge of said side wall, said locking means being attachable under said first holder and surrounded by said side wall and matrix plate of said first holder, said locking means including a bendable or deformable portion configured to engage said second holder in a locked position of the holders, said lock being configured to be released by applying a force to said bendable or deformable portion from above the stack of holders.

[0019] Various embodiments of the fourth aspect may include at least one characteristic configuration from the following list of items. · Applying said force includes applying a vertically directed input from above the stack of holders.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] <00001​​​​​​​​​​​The present invention provides a space-saving solution for locking holders together, which is particularly advantageous in automated liquid handling environments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This figure shows two pipette tip racks and a locking device configured to be mounted below these racks, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the rack in Figure 1 with the locking device installed below the upper rack. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the racks, which are locked together by a locking device to form a stack of racks. [Figure 4A] This figure shows the locked stack in Figure 3. [Figure 4B] This figure shows the unlocking of the rack in Figure 3 using the release device. [Figure 4C] This figure shows an unlocked rack with the release device still attached to the upper rack. [Figure 5A] This is an enlarged view of Figure 4A. [Figure 5B] This is an enlarged view of Figure 4B. [Figure 6] Figure 4C is a three-dimensional view of the unlocked stack. [Figure 7] This figure shows two pipette tip racks and a locking device configured to be mounted below the racks, according to a second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows the rack in Figure 7 with the locking device installed below the upper rack. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the racks, which are locked together by a locking device to form a stack of racks. [Figure 10A] This figure shows the locked stack in Figure 9. [Figure 10B] This figure shows the unlocking of the stack in Figure 10A using the unlocking device. [Figure 10C]This figure shows an unlocked rack with the release device still attached to the upper rack. [Figure 11A] This is an enlarged view of Figure 10A. [Figure 11B] This is an enlarged view of Figure 10B. [Figure 12] This figure shows two pipette tip racks and a locking device configured to be mounted below the racks, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows the rack in Figure 12 with the locking device installed below the upper rack. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the racks, which are locked together by a locking device to form a stack of racks. [Figure 15A] This is a diagram showing the locked stack in Figure 14. [Figure 15B] This figure shows the unlocking of the stack in Figure 15A using the unlocking device. [Figure 15C] This figure shows an unlocked rack with the release device still attached to the upper rack. [Figure 16A] This figure shows an enlarged view of Figure 15A. [Figure 16B] This figure shows an enlarged view of Figure 15B. [Figure 17A] Figures 1-6 show modified examples of the first embodiment. [Figure 17B] Figures 1-6 show modified examples of the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] In this context, the terms "approximately" and "about" represent values ​​within ±5% of the stated value.

[0026] The present invention provides an improved method for handling pipette tip holders, such as tip racks, that are stored in a stack configuration. The present invention further provides a holder that can be locked onto another holder to form a stack and then easily released from the stack.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unlocking or release operation is performed by applying a force from above the stack. This force is typically an initial input applied vertically.

[0028] In its use herein, the term "vertical direction" means the direction perpendicular to the matrix plate of the pipette tip holder.

[0029] holder The present invention applies to holders for storing disposable laboratory consumables, such as holders for disposable pipette tips. Such holders are often stored in a nested stack configuration.

[0030] In one embodiment, the disposable pipette tip holder has two pairs of opposing sidewalls, each sidewall having an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge, a lower edge, and two lateral edges. The sidewalls are joined to each other via their lateral edges. The holder includes a plate that forms a matrix of openings for tips and is connected to the upper edges of the sidewalls. The holder further has means for locking the holder onto another holder to form a stack of holders. The lock is configured to be released by applying force to the locking means from above the holder stack.

[0031] Locking mechanism In some embodiments, the means for locking the first chip holder onto the second chip holder includes a flexible tongue configured to be connected to the first chip holder and to cooperate with or engage with the second chip holder, for example, to be inserted into an opening in the second holder.

[0032] In one embodiment, the locking means includes one or more flexible tongues connected to the first chip holder and extending below the matrix plate of the first chip holder, and configured to be inserted into one or more openings formed in the second chip holder to lock the holders together.

[0033] In one embodiment, the distal end or end of one or more flexible tongues or all of the tongues is configured to be bent by a release means to release the lock between the two holders.

[0034] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is an integral part of the holder. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism is a separate part that can be attached to and detached from the holder.

[0035] For example, the locking means includes one or more foldable tongues that are pre-fixed to the lower surface of the matrix plate and inserted into one or more openings formed in a holder located below, thereby locking the two holders together.

[0036] Release opening(s) (one or more) In some embodiments, the holder, if the holder is an upper holder, includes at least one release opening into which a release device can be inserted from above the holder stack to release the lock between the two uppermost holders.

[0037] In one embodiment, the release opening is located on the upper surface of the holder, for example, on the plate having a matrix of openings for receiving the chip, or on a ridge or surface connected to the plate and parallel thereto.

[0038] The number of release openings can be arbitrary; for example, one, two, three, or four release openings can be provided, preferably at least two.

[0039] Preferably, the one or more release openings are arranged so that they can be accessed and / or operated from above, for example, by inserting a release device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the holder includes two release openings on both sides of the matrix, which are located on a plate containing the matrix of openings.

[0041] In one embodiment, the one or more release openings may be located outside the rectangular layout of the openings that receive and hold the chip.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least one release opening is located within the matrix, for example, at the center of the matrix plate.

[0043] In some embodiments, at least one matrix opening functions as a release opening.

[0044] In one embodiment, the release opening of a particular holder can first act as an opening to receive the locking means, for example, a tongue connected to an upper holder to lock these holders together. Then, after the upper holder is removed and the particular holder becomes the top holder, the same release opening can act as an opening to receive a release device to release the particular holder from the stack.

[0045] Release device and its operation In some embodiments, the release device includes pins configured to be inserted into the release openings. If there are multiple release openings in the same holder, the release device preferably includes the same number of pins configured to be inserted simultaneously into each release opening to release the lock.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the release device is configured to be inserted into the release opening and to extend below the plane of the plate having the matrix of the opening.

[0047] For example, to release the lock, a pin can be inserted into the release opening, with at least the far end of the pin penetrating the opening vertically and extending beyond the plane containing the matrix plate.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the direction of the release force is substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the stack.

[0049] In some embodiments, the direction of the force applied during the release operation, typically the input direction, is deviated by up to about 20 degrees, preferably up to about 5 degrees, from the direction of the vertical axis of the stack.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment, the direction of the input is substantially perpendicular.

[0051] The vertically oriented input is typically an initial input applied to the holder, or a part of the holder such as the release device or the locking device, in order to release the lock.

[0052] In some embodiments, applying the vertical input can generate grip outputs, such as horizontal grip outputs, in addition to the release output. These grip outputs may allow one or more released holders to be lifted from the stack.

[0053] The gripping output is typically a force applied to the holder or a portion of the holder for the purpose of gripping the holder, for example, to lift the holder.

[0054] In the present invention, it is preferable not to use horizontally oriented inputs for the purpose of unlocking any of the holders or for the purpose of gripping any of the holders to lift them.

[0055] Preferably, the release operation releases only the topmost holder from the rest of the stack. This allows a single holder, the topmost holder, to be picked up and transported at once for use, while the remaining holders in the stack remain connected to each other and do not need to be manipulated, moved, or gripped in any way.

[0056] In some embodiments, the release device is part of and / or operated by a part of an automatic liquid handling device.

[0057] For example, the release device can be part of the dispensing head of an automatic liquid handling device.

[0058] In another example, the release device includes a cylinder of the liquid handling device, and the lower edge of the tip removal sleeve of the liquid handling device faces the matrix plate during the release operation. [Examples]

[0059] The following describes an example with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 illustrates two pipette tip racks 11 and 12 and a locking device 13 configured to be mounted below the rack 11, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Each of the racks 11 and 12 has two pairs of opposing side walls, each side wall having an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge, a lower edge, and two lateral edges. The side walls are connected to each other via their lateral edges. A plate having a matrix of openings for receiving and holding chips is integrally connected to the upper edge of the side wall or can be placed on the holder.

[0061] The locking device has two pairs of tongues 15 and a connecting grid 18 extending from one pair of tongues to the other pair of tongues.

[0062] Figure 2 illustrates the rack of Figure 1 with the locking device mounted beneath the upper rack. The locking device is mounted and fixed beneath the chip matrix of the rack such that the connecting grid is parallel to the chip matrix and the tongues face substantially downward. The locking device, including the tongues and the grid or bars connecting them, is freely attachable to and detachable from the chip rack. For example, during the manufacture of the chip rack, the locking device having the tongues can be manufactured separately from the rest of the rack and later attached to the rack.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the racks in Figure 2, which are locked together by the locking device to form a stack of racks.

[0064] The change from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration is performed by the mechanical action of the release device, which bends the tongues of each pair of tongues 15a and 15b so that they are separated from each other. Figures 4A-4C and 5A-B illustrate how the racks can be released from each other by the release device 19.

[0065] Figure 4A illustrates the locked stack in Figure 3.

[0066] The tongues 15a and 15b are positioned to be inserted into corresponding release openings on the rack located directly below. When these tongues are inserted into the release openings, the pair of tongues are inserted into one release opening, and the far ends of these tongues bend apart from each other to fit into the release opening. Once these tongues are inserted into the release openings, they return to their initial resting configuration, and the rack then enters a locked configuration, as illustrated in Figure 4A.

[0067] Figure 4B illustrates the unlocking of the stack shown in Figure 3 by the release device 19.

[0068] Figure 4C shows the unlocked racks 11 and 12 with the release device 19 still attached to the upper rack.

[0069] In Figure 4B, the end of the release device 19 is inserted into the release opening of the upper rack 11. In this cross-sectional view, only one of the release openings and one end of the release device are visible. The end (fork shape) bends the tongues apart from each other so that the lock is released. This makes it possible to lift the upper rack 11 from the stack, for example by an automatic manipulator or manually, as illustrated in Figure 4C. During lifting, the forks at the two ends of the release device remain between the two tongues 15a and 15b within the release opening of the upper rack 11, aided by frictional force that maintains the bent shape of both tongues.

[0070] Figure 5A shows an enlarged view of Figure 4A.

[0071] Figure 5B shows an enlarged view of Figure 4B.

[0072] Figure 6 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the unlocked stack shown in Figure 4C. In Figure 6, the release device 19 is in the form of a U-shaped handle with forks at each end. Both forks are inserted into the release openings of the top rack from above the stack, with one fork inserted into one release opening. Each fork is inserted between a pair of tongues, bending these tongues apart from each other, thereby releasing the lock between the racks.

[0073] Figures 17A and 17B illustrate a modified version of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1-6. As shown in Figure 17A, the end of the release device 79 is inserted into the release opening (shown as 76a) of the upper rack 71. The fork-shaped end bends the tongues 75a apart from each other to release the lock. The upper rack 71 can then be lifted from the stack. In this modified version, the release device 79 is configured to remain engaged with the upper rack 71 even after the lock between the two racks 71 and 72 has been released. Such engagement is made possible by projections 80, 81 on the tongues 75a. The release device has complementary recesses. When the release device is inserted, the projections are inserted into the recesses as shown in Figure 17A. The upper rack 71 can then be lifted and carried together with the release device 79, as shown in Figure 17B.

[0074] Preferably, the release device 79 is part of an automatic gripper or manipulator.

[0075] Figure 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention, comprising two pipette tip racks 31 and 32 and a locking device 33 configured to be mounted below the racks. The locking device has two bendable tongues 35a and 35b at both ends of a connecting bar 38. The bendable tongues are configured to be inserted into openings (locking openings) on the rack surface perpendicular to the matrix plate. For example, the bendable tongue 35a is configured to be inserted into the opening 36a. Each rack has two such openings, located on either side of the rack.

[0076] In this embodiment, the release opening is located on a surface parallel to the matrix plate. Each rack has two release openings (40a, etc.), which are also located on both sides of the rack.

[0077] Figure 8 shows the rack from Figure 7 with the locking device 33 mounted below the upper rack 31.

[0078] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the racks of Figure 8, which are connected to each other by the locking device to form a stack of racks. The tongues 35a and 35b are inserted into each locking opening (shown as 36a in Figure 7).

[0079] Figure 10A illustrates the locked stack shown in Figure 9. The distal ends of the tongues 35a and 35b are engaged with the lower surface of the matrix plate of the lower rack 32.

[0080] Figure 10B illustrates the unlocking of the stack shown in Figure 10A by a release device 39, which has a U-shaped handle. Subsequently, both ends of the handle are inserted into the respective release openings (shown as 40a in Figure 7) to bend the tongue portion and release the lock.

[0081] Figure 10C shows an unlocked rack with the release device 39 still attached to the upper rack 31.

[0082] Figure 11A shows an enlarged view of Figure 10A.

[0083] Figure 11B shows an enlarged view of Figure 10B.

[0084] Figure 12 illustrates two pipette tip racks 41 and 42 and a locking device 43 configured to be mounted below the rack 41, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The locking device is in the form of a hollow pin having a radially bendable portion 50 on its side. The hollow pin has an overall shape of a conical head.

[0085] Figure 13 illustrates the rack of Figure 12 with the locking device attached to the upper rack 41. The locking device is configured to be inserted into an opening 46 of the lower rack 42. The opening 46 functions as both a locking opening and an unlocking opening.

[0086] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the racks of Figure 13, which are connected to each other by the locking device to form a stack of racks. The far end of the locking device is inserted into the opening 46.

[0087] Figure 15A illustrates the locked stack of Figure 14. Here, the function and shape of the locking device can be seen more clearly. The far end of the locking device has a wider shape in the locked position and engages with the lower rack 42.

[0088] Figure 15B illustrates the unlocking of the stack shown in Figure 15A using the release device. When the release device 49 is inserted into the hollow locking device and simultaneously into the opening 46, the bendable portion is bent by the release device, thereby narrowing the width of the far end of the locking device. Subsequently, the lock is released, and the upper rack 41 can be removed.

[0089] Figure 15C illustrates the unlocked rack, with the release device 49 still attached to the upper rack and located inside the hollow locking device.

[0090] Figure 16A shows an enlarged view of Figure 15A.

[0091] Figure 16B shows an enlarged view of Figure 15B.

[0092] The inventions disclosed herein are not limited to the specific structures, methods, processes, or materials disclosed herein, but are understood to extend to their equivalents as recognized by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the terms used herein are intended to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting.

[0093] Any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or property described in relation to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, the appearance of phrases such as “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily mean that all of them refer to the same embodiment.

[0094] In its use herein, multiple items, structural elements, components, and / or materials may be presented in common lists for convenience. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each member of the list were individually identified as a distinct member of a separate entity. Thus, unless specifically noted, no individual member of such a list should be interpreted solely as a de facto equivalent of the same list based on their common group presentation. Furthermore, various embodiments and examples of the invention may be referenced herein along with substitutes for their various components. Such embodiments, examples, and substitute configurations should not be interpreted as de facto equivalents of each other, but rather as separate, independent presentations of the invention.

[0095] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or properties can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details, such as length, width, and shape, are provided to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be carried out without any such specific details, or by other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, and operations are not illustrated or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention.

[0096] The above examples illustrate the principles of the present invention in one or more specific uses, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications can be made in form, use, and details of implementation 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 except by the claims described below.

[0097] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that do not exclude or require equivalents of features not described. The feature configurations described in the dependent claims are freely combinable with each other unless otherwise noted. Furthermore, the use of “a” or “an,” i.e., the singular form, throughout this document is understood not to exclude the plural. [Industrial applicability]

[0098] The present invention is industrially applicable, at least in the handling of stacked pipette tip racks.

Claims

1. A holder for laboratory consumables, The holder has two pairs of opposing side walls, Each side wall has an outer wall, an inner wall, an upper edge, a lower edge, and two lateral edges. The side walls are joined to each other via their lateral edges. A plate having a matrix of openings and connected to the upper edge of the side wall, The device comprises a locking mechanism for locking one holder on another holder in order to form a stack of multiple holders, The lock is configured to be released by applying force to the locking means from above the stack of the holder, The holder has at least one release opening into which a release device can be inserted from above the stack of the holder in order to release the lock.

2. The holder according to claim 1, wherein applying the force includes applying an input directed vertically from above the stack of the holder.

3. The at least one release opening is located on a surface parallel to the plate having a matrix of openings, or The holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one release opening is located within a plate including a matrix of openings.

4. The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the unlocking of the lock comprises releasing only the topmost holder from the remaining holders in the stack.

5. The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking means includes at least one flexible or deformable tongue.

6. The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking means includes a hollow pin that is deformable in the radial direction.

7. The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking means is removable and reattachable to the holder.

8. A set of parts comprising at least a first holder and a second holder for a disposable pipette tip as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The set of parts according to claim 8, wherein the holders are locked together to form a stack with the first holder on top of the second holder.

10. The set of parts according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a release device configured to be insertable from above the stack of holders into one or more release openings of the topmost holder in the stack to release the lock between the topmost holder and the holder located directly below it.

11. The release device is in the shape of a pin, bar, or handle. The set of parts according to claim 10, wherein the end of the release device is configured to be inserted into the release opening of the uppermost holder.

12. The set of parts according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the release device is configured to be operated by an automated liquid handling robot.

13. A method for operating a holder for laboratory consumables, This method includes the step of providing a locked stack of holders as described in claim 1, A step of releasing the lock between the uppermost holder and the holder located directly below it by applying force to the locking mechanism of the uppermost holder from above the stack of holders, A method comprising the step of removing the uppermost holder from the stack of holders.

14. A method for operating a holder for laboratory consumables, This method involves the steps of providing a locked stack of holders, A step of releasing the lock between the uppermost holder and the holder located directly below it by applying force to the locking mechanism of the uppermost holder from above the stack of holders, The process includes removing the uppermost holder from the stack of holders, A method wherein immediately after the unlocking, the top holder is connected to a release device, and the removal step includes lifting the top holder from the stack together with and connected to the release device.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the release step includes applying a vertical input from above the stack of holders.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the vertical input is applied by a user or an automated device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the step of providing comprises providing a locked stack of holders according to claim 1 to a base of an automatic device, the force being applied by the automatic device.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the automatic device is an automatic liquid handling robot.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, in the unlocking step, the automatic device inserts a unlocking device into the unlocking opening of the uppermost holder from above the stack of holders, thereby releasing the lock between the uppermost holder and the holder located directly below it.

20. The method according to claim 13, wherein immediately after the unlocking, the uppermost holder is connected to a release device, and the removal step includes lifting the uppermost holder from the stack together with and connected to the release device.

21. A locking means for locking a first holder of laboratory consumables onto a second holder of laboratory consumables in order to form a locked stack of holders, Each holder has two pairs of opposing side walls. Each side wall has an outer wall, an inner wall, an upper edge, a lower edge, and two lateral edges. The side walls are joined to each other via their lateral edges. It comprises a matrix of openings and a plate connected to the upper edge of the side wall, The locking means is mountable below the first holder and is surrounded by the side wall of the first holder and the matrix plate. The locking means includes a bendable or deformable portion configured to engage with the second holder in the locked position of the holder, and the lock is released by applying force to the bendable or deformable portion from above the stack of holders.

22. The locking means according to claim 21, wherein applying the force includes applying a vertical input from above the stack of holders.

Images