Reagent management apparatus

A reagent management apparatus utilizing a flexible sheet that is foldable along scores into a disposable liner which may be freestanding via a “three point” structure. The disposable liner includes a reservoir for reagents and allows the pouring off of unused reagent into a storage container. The disposable liner may be used with a permanent base in certain cases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquid reagent reservoirs have been used in laboratories engaging in research and clinical applications. It is also known that reagent reservoirs may be formed in two parts consisting of a base and a disposable insert. Disposable inserts are quite useful in that they are discarded after use to prevent the need to clean and/or sterilize the same when varied reagents are employed.

In addition, reagent reservoirs are normally fashioned to accommodate eight or twelve channel pipette mechanisms that are used to transfer reagent into microplates or microtubes, for use in a laboratory or clinical research facility.

In the past, reagent reservoirs using a rigid base and disposable inserts have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,811,522 describes a reagent reservoir kit that employs a reusable reservoir base and a disposable liner made of clear transparent plastic material. The disposable liner requires the use of the base as the liner is unable to stand vertically on a flat surface without such support.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,056 shows a reservoir body and a holder for the body. The reservoir is covered and provides an opening to allow the drawing of reagent from the reservoir in order to reduce evaporation and unwanted movement of the reagent material.

United States Patent Publication 2018/0353955 teaches a sample and reagent reservoir kit in which a disposable liner is supported by a base and includes anti-vacuum channels on the bottom of the liner to prevent pipette tip vacuum formation during aspiration of the liquid.

U.S. design Pat. 0824534 describes a reagent reservoir liner similar to that shown in United States Patent Publication 2018/0353955, including vacuum channels at the base of the liner.

An origami reagent reservoir is shown in a brochure issued by CAPP APS which discloses a flat sheet that is folded into a reservoir and that is supported by side flaps which extend below the bottom of the reservoir portion. The CAPP origami reservoir is formed of a relatively stiff plastic material by a flatbed non-rotary process and is self-supporting.

Other containers that are formable from sheet material have been devised. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,571 shows a medical container liner which is formed from a die cut foldable sheet into a tray having a lid and cooperative wall to enclose the tray device.

United States Patent Publication 2014/0069928 discloses a container liner that is used to house an animal and to collect animal waste, that is formed from a sheet of flat material.

United Kingdom Patent Application 2393951 reveals a disposable crate insert that is formed by folding side portions together and is also capable of unfolding into a collapsed configuration for storage.

United States Patent Publication 2004/0112902 delineates a paint tray liner system that is created from a flexible sheet and includes an adhesive layer on one side to fix the flexible sheet to a metallic paint tray. Reversal of the installation process allows the liner to be peeled away and disposed of after use.

There is a need for a reagent management apparatus in which a disposable liner may be used with a base or may be freestanding to allow containment and reuse of the expensive reagent material after interaction with a pipetting system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present application, a novel and useful reagent management apparatus is herein provided.

The apparatus of the present application utilizes a pliable sheet of material to form an insert. The pliable sheets may be manufactured utilizing a rotary die, continuous high-speed web converting process. The insert includes six sections that may be scored from above and below the sheet to allow folding of the same into a self-supporting entity. Third and fourth sections take the form of flaps, each having a free end or perimeter that folds adjacent the reservoir. Notably, first and second sections, as well as fifth and sixth sections, fold or bend to form a reservoir for a reagent. The nadir of the reservoir and the free ends of the third and fourth flaps are capable of lying in a common plane and serve to self-support the insert on a flat surface. Graduations may be applied to the first and second sections to indicate a volume of liquid in the reservoir. The sheet may be formed of a water resistant material and possesses a hydrophilic surface. The formed insert is capable of holding a reagent and allowing recovery of unused reagent through any of a multiplicity of pouring spouts, formed by the fifth and sixth sections of the pliable sheet. In addition, the fourth and fifth sections may be partially severed or cut to allow egress of viscous or powdered materials from the reservoir.

In addition, the disposable insert, heretofore described, may be employed with a base which may be constructed of a permanent material, such as plastic and the like. The base includes a trough which accommodates the reservoir formed by the first and second sections of the pliable sheet used to form the disposable insert. The base further provides at least first and second slots for encompassing the free edges of the third and fourth sections of a certain sized pliable sheet. Moreover, additional third and fourth slots, of different dimensions from the first and second slots, may be formed adjacent first and second slots in the base to accommodate free edges of the third and fourth sections of inserts of a different size formed from a pliable sheet. Thus, it should be realized that the first and second slots and third and fourth slots of the base are capable of supporting disposable inserts having reservoirs of varying sizes formed from pliable sheets. The slots may also be constructed with protrusions to aid in the loading, insertion, and/or holding of a disposable insert in any of the slots of the base. Tabs may also be found on the base to further enhance the manual maneuverability of the same, including the provision of stability when pouring liquid from an insert mounted in the base. Moreover, any graduation lines on the first and second sections forming the reservoir of any insert will more accurately reflect the volume of liquid therein when the base is combined with such insert.

It may be apparent that a novel and useful reagent management apparatus has been hereinabove described.

It is therefore an object of the present application to provide a reagent management apparatus that includes an insert formed from a pliable sheet that may be employed in a free-standing configuration or with a base.

Another object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that includes a disposable insert and a permanent, reusable base.

Another object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that utilizes disposable inserts formed from a continuous roll of flexible material that is rotary die cut via a continuous, high-speed, web converting process.

A further object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that may be used with a permanent base and is capable of accommodating or supporting disposable inserts of various sizes.

Another object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that utilizes disposable inserts that are easily stored in a flat configuration and assembled into a reagent holding configuration of a particular volumetric size by folding the same via score lines formed in the pliable sheet.

Another object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that employs a pliable sheet that is easily folded to form an insert with a liquid containing reservoir and maintain its folded configuration.

Another object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that employs disposable inserts formed of recyclable material.

Another object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that employs a disposable insert constructed of material exhibiting chemical resistance, and/or water resistance, and which possesses a low liquid retention surface characteristic.

A further object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that uses an insert which may be combined with a supporting base or that is freestanding, exhibiting three point stability.

Another object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that employs a flexible insert and a base that includes an opening and trough side portions to aid in the creasing of the pliable insert and promotes formation of a reservoir for reagent material.

A further object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that has a disposable insert and a base with a plurality of slots to support the insert as well as protrusions in the slots of the base to aid in the loading, insertion, and/or holding of the insert in place.

A further object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that employs a foldable, disposable insert that mates with a permanent base element such that the insert may include reservoir graduations that are visible and accurate once the insert and base are assembled.

Another object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that includes a disposable insert in combination with a permanent base portion and is formed with pouring at least one spout that allows the efficient recovery of unused reagent in a reservoir formed by the disposable insert.

Yet another object of the present application is to provide a reagent management apparatus that includes a disposable insert that is scored by the use of a rotary die apparatus facilitating the folding of the insert to create a reservoir to hold reagent material.

Another object of the present application is to provide a disposable insert for holding liquid formed from synthetic paper or like material exhibiting similar folding and rigidity characteristics.

The application possesses other objects and advantages especially as concerns particular characteristics and features thereof which will become apparent as the specification continues.

For a better understanding of the application, reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof which should be referenced to the prior described drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various aspects of the present application will evolve from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof which should be referenced to the prior described drawings.

The invention as a whole is depicted in the drawings by reference character10. The reagent management apparatus10employs flexible sheets such as those shown inFIGS. 1 and 2as sheets12and14. Sheet12is intended to form a disposable insert of an eight channel size while flexible sheet14,FIG. 2is intended to form a disposable insert of a twelve channel size. The eight and twelve channel sizes correspond to manual or automatic pipetting apparatuses which are used to draw reagent from the reservoirs of disposable inserts eventually formed by sheets12and14, which will be discussed in greater detail as the specification continues.

Sheets12and14may be created by a rotary die cutting apparatus16, depicted schematically inFIG. 10. The rotary die cutting apparatus16utilizes a roll or web of material18that presents a working piece20. A die set22includes a male die24and an opposite female die26represented by arrows onFIG. 10. It should be realized that rotary die cutting and forming is known in the prior art. The male and female dies24and26impart scores or partial cuts through working sheet20and may also produce the perimeter formation or cuts of the flexible sheets12and14depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2. Male and female dies24and26may be oriented oppositely as depicted inFIG. 10. Directional arrow28shows the movement of working sheet20while30indicates the cutting of a particular flexible piece20ofFIG. 1 or 2originating with web18. Perimeter cutting and scoring of sheet20may be effected in a single operation or separately.

In essence, the flexible sheets12and14are scored from the top and bottom through the rotary die cutting apparatus16. In any case, the flexible sheets ofFIGS. 1 and 2are depicted with a plurality of scores15, each score being depicted by either a solid line or a dashed line. Specifically, the solid lines on flexible sheets12and14ofFIGS. 1 and 2indicate scoring from the top. On the other hand, the dashed lines indicate scoring of sheets12and14from underneath, i.e. the side opposite that shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The dashed dot line30shows a score line which is intended to serve as indicia for the level of reagent in a reservoir which is produced from sheets12and14, which will be discussed hereinafter. Although only score line30appears onFIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, for such indicia, multiple lines may be applied to sheets12or14to indicate various levels in the reservoir to be found in the disposable insert derived from sheets12and14. Also, a topical marking or imprinting may be substituted for score line30.

Also, the rotary die cutting apparatus16ofFIG. 10may employ heat in the cutting process to obtain a smoother cut and to extend the longevity of the rotary die cutting tool16.

It is anticipated that the flexible sheets12and14may originate from as a polymer-based material, known generically as synthetic paper. Synthetic paper provides excellent foldability, stiffness, and durability as well as moisture and chemical resistance. However, traditional polymeric material may also be used, such as un-altered polypropylene or polystyrene. It is further anticipated that flexible sheets12and14will possess a thickness of between eight and ten mils when synthetic paper is employed. In contrast, prior art disposable inserts are formed of polypropylene by injection molding, thermoforming, and the like and possess a thickness of between sixteen and twenty-two mils.

Again returning toFIGS. 1 and 2, it may be observed that flexible sheets12and14include a plurality of scores15imparted at either the top surface or from underneath or a combination thereof. Specifically, flexible sheet12ofFIG. 1is shown with a plurality of top and bottom scores32resulting in a plurality of sections. First and second sections34and36lie opposite one another. Third and fourth sections38and40connect to first and second sections, respectively. In addition, fifth and sixth sections42and44connect to first and second sections. As heretofore delineated, sections34,36,38,40,42, and44are separated by scores as depicted inFIG. 1. It should also be realized that third section38includes a free edge or perimeter46while fourth section40also possesses a free edge or perimeter48. Needless to say, the flexible sheet14used to form a larger twelve channel insert is similarly scored to that shown with respect to flexible sheet12used to form a smaller eight channel insert. In this regard, flexible sheet14includes a multiplicity of scores50and the sections formed thereby will not be further described as they are similar to that shown with respect to flexible sheet12ofFIG. 1.

Turning now toFIG. 3, flexible sheet12has been fashioned into a disposable insert52. Such shaping is achieved by folding first and second sections relative to one another by the exertion of force on first and second sections34and36, indicated by force lines54and56. A trough58is created in this manner having a nadir or low point60. Third and fourth sections38and40have been folded downwardly according to directional arrows54and56. In addition, fifth and sixth sections42and44have been pushed inwardly to form the ends of trough or reservoir58. Such folding is indicated by directional arrows62and64. Fifth and sixth sections42and44are also each folded upon themselves along fold lines66and68. It should be noted that tips70,72,74, and76have been created by the folding of flexible sheet12in the formation of trough or reservoir58. Tips70,72,74, and76extend outwardly from reservoir58, specifically third and fourth sections38and40, thereof. By example, tip72, extended from reservoir58and fourth section40, may be employed as a spout to recover unused reagent from trough or reservoir58according to directional arrow78. Likewise, tips70,72, and74may be used as pouring spouts for emptying reagent from reservoir58.

It should be noted that a gap or space “A”,FIG. 5, separates the end of tip72from perimeter48of fourth section40. The same relationship exists between tip70and perimeter46of third section38, tip74and perimeter46of third section38, and tip76and perimeter40of fourth section40. It has been found that gap “A” prevents the dribbling of liquid from reservoir58along fourth section40when tip72is used as a pouring spout. The same advantage applies when tips72,74, or76are used as pouring spouts.

With reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, it may be observed that disposable insert52is capable of being self-supporting on a flat plane or surface80. Thus, liquid being transferred into reservoir58, directional arrow82,FIG. 4, will safely be retained in reservoir58due to the stability of disposable insert52. Such stability derives from the contact of perimeter or free edge46of third section38, perimeter or free edge48of fourth section40, and the nadir60between first and second sections34and36. Such “three point” support on plane80is clearly shown inFIG. 4. Thus, disposable insert52may also be employed as a weigh boat for determining the quantity of reagent lying within trough or reservoir58. In addition, a flexible sheet similar to flexible sheet12may be folded such that third and fourth sections46and48are pivoted upwardly, as shown inFIG. 4. In this configuration, a flexible sheet similar to flexible sheet12may serve as a cover82for dispensable insert52. The use of a flexible sheet similar to flexible sheet12in the formation of cover82is depicted inFIGS. 4 and 5by dashed lines.

With reference now toFIGS. 6-8, it may be seen that a base84is depicted. Base84may be constructed of a relatively rigid plastic material such as polycarbonate. Base84is intended to be used with disposable insert52and reused with like disposable inserts. Base84includes a rigid frame86that forms a V-shaped depression88to accommodate the trough58of disposable insert52. In addition, a channel or opening90through frame86at depression88aides in the creasing of flexible sheet,12to form disposable insert52. First and second sections34and36support in this endeavor by bringing tips72,74,76, and78together before passing through channel90. In other words, the entire flexible sheet12may be initially passed through channel90in this regard. Further, base84is provided with slots92and94to hold third section38and fourth section40of disposable insert52in its folded configuration shown inFIGS. 3-5. Likewise, longer slots96and98in frame86of base84are configured to accept similar sections of flexible sheet14when it is assembled into the large twelve channel disposable insert. It should be noted that flexible sheet14is assembled in a similar manner to that shown with respect to flexible sheet12inFIGS. 3-5. A plurality of protrusions100extend into slots92,94,96, and98to frictionally hold disposable insert52and a similar insert assembled from flexible sheet14. By way of example, protrusions102and104bear against fourth section40of insert52within slot92. With reference toFIG. 7, it may be apparent that handle106and tabs108and110are provided on base84to allow the user to easily grip base84. Further, it should be noted that slots92and94are shorter in length than slots96and98to allow identification by the user of base84of slots92and94to properly position small insert52formed from flexible sheet12. Likewise, slots96and98are easily acquired to place a larger insert formed from flexible sheet14. It should also be apparent that the plurality of protrusions100have been omitted fromFIG. 8for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 9represents the mating of a small disposable insert52formed from sheet12with base84when such insert52is not used in its freestanding configuration shown inFIGS. 3-5. Moreover,FIG. 9indicates that tip70may be cut along cut line112to permit the pouring of viscous or powdered material from trough58. Of course, tips72,74, or76may also be cut in a similar manner as needed. Such cutting of any of tips70,72,74, or76may be facilitated when sheet12or14is in a flattened configuration.

In operation, the user obtains flexible sheets12or14from a rotary die cut apparatus16and folds the same according to the score lines indicated on eitherFIG. 1 or 2. In the case of flexible sheet12, once disposable insert52is formed according toFIG. 3, reservoir or trough58may be employed to hold reagent material using insert52as a freestanding entity,FIG. 4 or 5, or in conjunction with base84. The latter is accomplished by employment of slots92and94in base84in conjunction with third section38and fourth section40in the case of flexible sheet12. Insert52may be loaded into the slots92and94of base84in a top-down maneuver or by sliding insert52into slots92and94. When an insert is formed from flexible sheet14to form a 12-channel insert, slots96and98of base84are similarly used. Tab106aids the user in this endeavor. Excess expensive reagent may be poured from reservoir58into a storage container for reuse.

While in the foregoing embodiments of the application have been set forth in considerable detail for the purpose of making a complete disclosure of the application, it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and principles of the application.