Sample tube storage containers for cryogenic and other environments

Abstract

A sample tube storage container includes a case, a receptable, and a sample tube rack for supporting a plurality of sample tubes in an upright position. The sample tube rack is positioned in the receptacle. The sample tube storage container further includes a hinge coupling the receptacle to the case to permit the receptable to rotate between an open position for providing access to sample tubes in the sample tube rack and a closed position in which the case covers a top side of the sample tube rack positioned in the receptacle.

Description

SAMPLE TUBE STORAGE CONTAINERS FOR CRYOGENIC AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 567,110 filed March 19, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to storage containers for sample tubes including test tubes and the like used in cryogenic and other environments.BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Various types of containers are known for storing sample tubes containing biological or other samples, including test tubes and the like. These storage containers are commonly used in refrigerators, freezers, liquid nitrogen storage, and other cryogenic environments.SUMMARY

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a sample tube storage container incudes a case, a receptable, and a sample tube rack for supporting a plurality of sample tubes in an upright position. The sample tube rack is positioned in the receptacle. The sample tube storage container further includes a hinge coupling the receptacle to the case to permit the receptable to rotate between an open position for providing access to sample tubes in the sample tube rack and a closed position in which the case covers a top side of the sample tube rack positioned in the receptacle.

[0007] Additionally, the sample tube rack may be removeable from the receptacle.

[0008] Additionally, or alternatively, the sample tube storage container may include a mechanical (e.g., snap-fit), magnetic or other latch for retaining the receptacle in the closed position.

[0009] Additionally, or alternatively, the case may include a sidewall defining an opening that permits a user to apply finger pressure to the receptable when the receptable is in the closed position to assist in rotating the receptacle from the closed position to the open position.

[0010] Additionally, or alternatively, the receptacle may include a bottom surface having one or more drain openings extending therethrough.

[0011] Additionally, or alternatively, the receptacle may comprise a phosphorescent material.

[0012] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more portions of the sample tube storage container may be transparent, transparent and / or opaque.

[0013] Additionally, or alternatively, the case may include one or more magnets on its top and / or bottom surfaces.

[0014] Additionally, or alternatively, the sample tube storage container may include sample tubes containing samples supported in the sample tube rack.

[0015] Additionally, or alternatively, the hinge may include a hinge post and a hinge sleeve.

[0016] Additionally, or alternatively, the case may include the hinge post and the receptacle may include the hinge sleeve.

[0017] Additionally, or alternatively, the receptacle may be adapted to rotate at least ninety degrees relative to the case.

[0018] Additionally, or alternatively, the receptacle may include a finger grip that permits a user to apply finger pressure to the receptable to assist in rotating the receptacle from the closed position to the open position.

[0019] Additionally, or alternatively, the receptacle may include a sidewall and the finger grip may extend beyond the sidewall.

[0020] Additionally, or alternatively, the finger grip may be located on an opposite side of the receptacle than the hinge.

[0021] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intendedfor purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a sample tube storage container according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the sample tube storage container of Fig. 1 with the receptacle in a partially open position.

[0025] Fig. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the case and receptacle shown in Fig. 1.

[0026] Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a sample tube rack according to one example embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a sample tube rack according to another example embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a sample tube storage container having a mechanical latch according to another example embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a sample tube storage container having a magnetic latch according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figs. 8 and 9 are isometric views of a sample tube storage container having a receptacle with a sidewall opening according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 10 is an exploded isometric view of a sample tube storage container according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 11 is an exploded isometric view of multiple stacked and magnetically coupled sample tube storage containers.

[0033] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.DESCRIPTION

[0034] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0037] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0038] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0039] A container for storing sample tubes -- including test tubes, PCR tubes, microcentrifuge tubes, glass vials and the like -- is illustrated in Fig. 1 and referred to generally by reference number 100. As shown in Fig. 1 , the sample tube storage container 100 includes a case 110, a receptacle 120, and a sample tube rack 130 for supporting in their upright position sample tubes 200 containing liquid, particulate or solid samples. The sample tube rack 130 is positioned in the receptacle 120. The container 100 further includes a hinge 140 coupling the receptacle 120 to the case 110 to permit the receptable 120 to rotate between an open position for providing access to sample tubes 200 in the sample tube rack 130 and a closed position in which the case 110 covers a top side of the sample tube rack 130 positioned in the receptacle 120, as shown in Fig. 2. In this manner, the sample tube storage container 100 provides a user with convenient access to sample tubes 200 stored in the sample tube rack 130 even if, e.g., another container is stacked on top of the container 100. By eliminating the need for separate top-lid handling, the side-opening design may also facilitate one-handed access for the storage, inspection, placement and retrieval of sample tubes.

[0040] Preferably, the hinge 140 permits the receptacle 120 to rotate at least ninety degrees between the open and closed positions, to ensure a user will have unobstructed access to all sample tubes 200 stored in the receptacle 120 when the receptacle is in its open position. In the example embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the hinge 140 is adapted to permit the receptacle 120 to rotate about one hundredeighty degrees, which facilitates liquid handling and pipetting directly within the receptacle 120.

[0041] The hinge 140 may be formed or constructed in any suitable manner. In the example embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the hinge 140 is formed via a hinge post 150 on the case 110 and a hinge sleeve 160 on the receptacle 120 that can slide over the hinge post 150 for coupling the receptacle 120 to the case 110. The hinge post 150 and the hinge sleeve 160 may be integral to or formed monolithically with the case 110 and the receptacle 120, respectively.

[0042] The sample tube rack 130 may be attached to or formed with the receptacle 120 (e.g., monolithically). Alternatively, the sample tube rack 130 may be removable from the receptacle 130 for cleaning purposes and / or to replace the sample tube rack with another rack of a different size or configuration. For example, Fig. 4 illustrates a removeable sample tube rack 130 having multiple sample tube openings 132 for supporting sample tubes 200 in their upright position. Fig. 5 illustrates another example embodiment of a removable sample tube rack 130 having a grid pattern that defines multiple sample tube openings 132 for supporting sample tubes 200 in their upright position. The grid pattern may be adjustable or reconfigurable to accommodate sample tubes of different sizes. While the sample tube openings 132 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are the same size, it should be understood sample tube openings of different sizes may be employed so the same sample tube rack 130 may accommodate sample tubes 200 of different sizes (e.g., 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, 1 .8mL, etc.).

[0043] The sample tube storage container may also include a latch for retaining the receptacle 120 in its closed position. For example, the container 100 may include a snap-fit latch for selectively holding the receptacle 120 in its closed position, as shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, the container 100 may include a magnetic latch. For example, and as shown in Fig. 7, one or more magnets 702 (including ferromagnetic materials) positioned on a vertical sidewall of the case 110 may align with one or more magnets 702 positioned on a vertical sidewall of the receptacle 120 for retaining the receptacle in its closed position. The magnets 702 are preferably friction-fitted magnets.

[0044] Optionally, the receptacle 120 may further include a finger grip that permits a user to apply finger pressure to the receptable 120 to assist in rotating the receptacle 120 from the closed position to the open position. For example, and as shown in Fig. 7, the receptacle 120 may include a finger grip 710 that protrudes beyond a vertical sidewall of the receptacle, on an opposite side of the receptacle than the hinge 140.

[0045] Fig. 8 illustrates another example embodiment of the sample tube storage container 100. In this embodiment, a sidewall of the case 110 defines an opening 802 that permits a user to apply finger pressure to the inner receptable 120 - as indicated by arrow 804 in Fig. 8 -- to assist in rotating the receptacle 120 from its closed position towards its open position as shown in Fig. 9.

[0046] Fig. 10 illustrates yet another example embodiment of the sample tube storage container 100. In this embodiment, the sample tube rack 130 is removable, the case 110 includes the opening 802 that permits a user to apply finger pressure to the receptable 120, and the receptacle 120 includes the finger grip 710. Additionally, the case 110 and the receptacle 120 include magnets 702 for retaining the receptable in its closed position with the case 110 covering the top side of the sample tube rack 130. Optionally, the receptacle may include a bottom surface 820 with several drain holes 830 extending therethrough, as shown in Fig. 10.

[0047] The sample tube storage container 100 may also include one or more magnets 850 (including ferromagnetic materials) positioned on its top surface and / or on its bottom surface, as shown in Fig. 10. The magnets 850 facilitate stable and secure stacking of the container 100 with other sample tube storage containers 100 having magnets 850 in complementary locations on their top and / or bottom surfaces, as shown in Fig. 11 , thus allowing multiple stacked containers to be open simultaneously for sample tube retrieval and storage. Additionally, or alternatively, the container 100 may include one or more magnets on its exterior side surfaces for coupling the container to laterally adjacent containers.

[0048] The case 110 and / or the receptacle 120 may include ventilation slots if needed for proper airflow, drainage of fluids, and outgassing as may be necessary to prevent moisture buildup, dissipate residual gases, etc.

[0049] The case 110, the receptable 120 and / or the sample tube rack 130 may be formed of non-transparent materials for the protection of light-sensitive samples such as fluorescent dyes and labeled antibodies. Alternatively, the case 110, receptacle 120 and storage tube rack 130 may be formed of transparent or semitransparent materials. For example, the case 110 may be transparent, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Alternatively, only the lid of the case (i.e., the top surface of the case 110) may be transparent to permit visual inspection of the container’s contents without swinging open the receptable 120. Additionally, the case 110, receptable 120 and / orstorage rack 130 may be colored as desired to improve the visibility of any contents in the receptacle, to aid in identifying the container or its contents or user, etc.

[0050] The case 110, the receptacle 120 and / or the sample tube rack 130 may also include a phosphorescent material (e.g., embedded in a polymer) to provide a glow-in-the-dark feature for use in dark room environments, such as fluorescent microscopy facilities, microinjection rooms, etc.

[0051] The cases 110, receptables 120 and sample tube racks 130 disclosed herein are preferably constructed of cryogenically stable materials such as, e.g., polycarbonate, polypropylene or other polymers using injection molding, thermoforming, or other suitable production methods. Alternatively, the sample tube racks may comprise plastic, cardboard or other materials.

[0052] Among other advantages, the teachings of the present disclosure conserve vertical space within, e.g., refrigerator, freezer and other storage environments and reduce the amount of time required for retrieving and inspecting sample tubes in one or more stacked sample tube storage containers having the same or different dimensions.

[0053] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A sample tube storage container, comprising: a case; a receptable; a sample tube rack for supporting a plurality of sample tubes in an upright position, the sample tube rack positioned in the receptacle; and a hinge coupling the receptacle to the case to permit the receptable to rotate between an open position for providing access to sample tubes in the sample tube rack and a closed position in which the case covers a top side of the sample tube rack positioned in the receptacle.

2. The sample tube storage container of claim 1 wherein the sample tube rack is removeable from the receptacle.

3. The sample tube storage container of claim 1 or 2 further comprising a latch for retaining the receptacle in the closed position.

4. The sample tube storage container of claim 3 wherein the latch includes a snap-fit latch.

5. The sample tube storage container of claim 3 or 4 wherein the latch includes one or more magnets positioned on the case or the receptacle for holding the receptacle in the closed position.

6. The sample tube storage container of any preceding claim wherein the case includes a sidewall defining an opening that permits a user to apply finger pressure to the receptable when the receptable is in the closed position to assist in rotating the receptacle from the closed position to the open position.

7. The sample tube storage container of any preceding claim wherein the receptacle includes a bottom surface having one or more drain openings extending therethrough.

8. The sample tube storage container of any preceding claim wherein the receptacle comprises a phosphorescent material.

9. The sample tube storage container of any preceding claim wherein the case includes a bottom surface having one or more magnets attached thereto.

10. The sample tube storage container of any preceding claim wherein the case includes a top surface having one or magnets attached thereto.

11. The sample tube storage container of any preceding claim further comprising sample tubes containing samples supported in the sample tube rack.

12. The sample tube storage container of any preceding claim wherein the hinge includes a hinge post and a hinge sleeve, wherein the case includes the hinge post, and wherein the receptacle includes the hinge sleeve.

13. The sample tube storage container of any preceding claim wherein the receptacle is adapted to rotate at least ninety degrees relative to the case.

14. The sample tube storage container of any preceding claim wherein the receptacle includes a finger grip that permits a user to apply finger pressure to the receptable to assist in rotating the receptacle from the closed position to the open position.

15. The sample tube storage container of claim 14 wherein the receptacle includes a sidewall and the finger grip extends beyond the sidewall.

16. The sample tube storage container of any preceding claim wherein the finger grip is located on an opposite side of the receptacle than the hinge.

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