Abstract:
A disclosed technique includes an assembly comprising a cup with a first visual sealing indicator and a lid with a second visual sealing indicator wherein, in operation, the lid is screwed on the cup to a sealing indicator position where the first visual sealing indicator and the second visual sealing indicator are aligned. Another disclosed technique includes an assembly comprising a cup with a first audible sealing indicator and a lid with a second audible sealing indicator wherein, in operation, the lid is screwed on the cup to a position past where the first audible sealing indicator and the second audible sealing indicator have contacted each other producing an audible sound. Another disclosed technique includes a cup with a raised central bottom area and an insert with bracing wings wherein, in operation, the bracing wings stabilize and secure the insert in the cup.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    An area of ongoing research and development is in improving containers for biological samples. A problem is that mistakes can be made when using or handling such containers. Any advancement that resulted in improvements in the ability to properly use or handle biological sample containers would be desirable to reduce the probability of mistakes, accidents, or erroneous test results on the biological samples in the containers. These examples of ways to improve use of biological sample containers are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive or exhaustive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0002]      FIGS. 1A-1D  depict a diagram of alternative views of an example of a liquid sample container assembly with a visual position indicator. 
           [0003]      FIGS. 2A-2D  depict a diagram of alternative views of an example of a liquid sample container assembly with an audible position indicator. 
           [0004]      FIGS. 3A-3C  depict a diagram of alternative views of an example of a liquid sample container assembly having a cup with a raised center portion of the bottom. 
           [0005]      FIGS. 4A-4D  depict diagrams of alternative views of an example of an insert that can be used in combination with a quid sample container assembly. 
           [0006]      FIG. 5  depicts a diagram an example of test strips and a test strip sleeve that can be used in combination with the insert depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4D . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0007]      FIGS. 1A-1D  depict a diagram  100  of alternative views of an example of a liquid sample container assembly with a visual position indicator. In the example of  FIGS. 1A-1D , the assembly includes a cup or container  102  (hereinafter “the cup  102 ”) for holding liquids, such as liquid biological samples, a lid  104 , and an insert  106 . In the example in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the cup  102  has threads  108  and a visual closed or sealed position indicator  110  (“the visual sealed position indicator  110 ”), and the lid  104  has a visual closed or sealed position indicator  112  (“the visual sealed position indicator  112 ”). 
         [0008]    The visual sealed position indicators  110 ,  112  are visually distinct areas on the cup  102  and the lid  104  that align when the lid  104  is tightened to an optimal generally predetermined range. The optimal range is indicative of a recommended closed position. Depending upon the implementation, seals formed when the position indicators  110 ,  112  do not indicate a properly closed position can be acceptable in certain conditions or in accordance with certain standards because the optimal range is intended to represent a conservative estimate of a proper seal; it is safe to err on the side of a smaller range than is adequate. 
         [0009]    In the example of  FIG. 1B , the visual sealed position indicator  110  is depicted as a horizontal protrusion below the threads  108  of the cup  102 . In this specific example, the horizontal protrusion is sufficiently large, and protrudes sufficiently far from the surface of the cup  102 , to be visible both from the side of the cup  102 , and from the top of the cup  102  even when the lid  104  is in place. The visual sealed position indicator  110  is depicted as having a particular size for illustrative purposes only; the visual sealed position indicator  110  can be smaller or larger than is represented in the example of  FIG. 1B . In general, a visual sealed position indicator on the cup can be implemented as a convenient visually distinct area of the cup, positioned below a portion of the cup that is covered by the lid when the lid is secured (which is likely to be below the threads of the cup) and that is less than the circumference of the cup. When measuring vertical position, as opposed to circumferential position relative to the cup as is described in this paper as the primary example, the visual sealed position indicator can extend partially under the portion of the cup covered by the lid, but at least some will remain visible, or the visual sealed position indicator can extend over the outer circumference of the lid. 
         [0010]    In a specific implementation, the visual sealed position indicator  110  is a visibly differently textured portion of the cup  102  that is less than the circumference of the cup  102 . In another specific implementation, the visual sealed position indicator is a portion of the cup with a different opacity from the rest of the cup. In other specific implementations, the visual sealed position indicator is a portion of the cup with a different visual etched or raised design. In other implementations, the visual sealed position indicator on the cup is indicated by lines, words or symbols. 
         [0011]    In operation, the visual closed or sealed position indicators  110 ,  112  inform a user when the lid  104  is sufficiently closed so that the contents of the cup  102  will not leak. The lid  104  can be sufficiently tight to prevent leaking through a range of orientations as it is screwed down. In the example of  FIGS. 1A-1D , this range begins when the visual sealed position indicators  110 ,  112  begin to overlap or align. As the lid is tightened, the visual sealed position indicators  110  and  112  overlap more or come more into alignment, indicating the lid  104  is even secure. 
         [0012]    The visual sealed position indicator  112  is a portion of the lid  104  that is visually distinct from the outside surface of the lid  104 , and less than the circumference of the lid  104 . This visual sealed position indicator aligns with the visual sealed position indicator  110  when the lid  104  is tightened on the cup  102  to within the optimal range. In the example in  FIG. 1C , the visual sealed position indicator on the lid  112  is a slightly raised flat area on the top of the lid  104  near the edge and continuing down the outside wall of the lid  104 . Advantageously, in this specific example, the visual sealed position indicator  112  can be seen from both the top and side of the lid  104 . The visual sealed position indicator  112  is depicted as having a particular size for illustrative purposes only; the visual sealed position indicator  112  can be smaller or larger than is represented in the example of  FIG. 1C . In general, a visual sealed position indicator on the lid can be implemented as a convenient visually distinct area of the lid, positioned on the outer circumference of the lid and that is less than the circumference of the cup. 
         [0013]    In a specific implementation, the visual sealed position indicator  112  is a visibly differently textured portion of the lid  104  that is less than the circumference of the lid  104 . In another specific implementation, the visual sealed position indicator is a portion of the lid with a different opacity from the rest of the lid. In other specific implementations, the visual sealed position indicator is a portion of the lid with a different visual etched or raised design. In other implementations, the visual sealed position indicator on the lid is indicated by lines, words or symbols. 
         [0014]      FIGS. 2A-2D  depict a diagram of alternative views of an example of a liquid sample container assembly with an audible position indicator. In the example of  FIGS. 2A-2D  the cup  202  has threads  208  and has an audible closed or sealed position indicator  212  (“the audible sealed position indicator  212 ”), and the lid  204  has threads  214  and has audible closed or sealed position indicators  216  (“the audible sealed position indicators  216 ”). 
         [0015]    In the example in  FIG. 2A and 2B , the audible closed or sealed position indicator  212  on the cup  202  is a single protrusion extending outward from the surface of the cup  202  immediately below the threads  208 . In the example in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , the audible closed or sealed position indicators  216  on the lid  204  are three protrusions along the rim of the lid  204  immediately below the threads  214 , that protrude in toward the center of the lid  204 . 
         [0016]    In operation, the audible closed or sealed position indicators  212 ,  216  inform a user when the lid  204  is sufficiently closed so that the contents of the cup  202  will not leak. In the example of  FIGS. 2A-2D , when the lid  204  is tightened on the cup, the audible tightness or sealed position indicators  216  on the lid  204  contact the audible sealed position indicator  212  on the cup  202  in succession and make a series of noises or “clicks” as the lid is tightened. In the specific example of  FIGS. 2A-2D , the last noise or “click” in the series indicates to the user that the lid has been tightened to an optimal generally predetermined position. The optimal position is indicative of a recommended closed position. In general, this is a conservative estimate of the tightness position needed to prevent the contents of the cup from leaking 
         [0017]    In the specific implementation in  FIGS. 2A-2D , the protrusions that form the audible sealed position indicators  216  on the lid  204  and the audible sealed position indicator  212  on the cup  202 , are rectangular in shape. In another implementation, the audible sealed position indicators on the lid  204  and the audible sealed position indicator on the cup  202  are triangular in shape. The audible sealed position indicators  216  on the lid  204  and the audible sealed position indicator  212  on the cup  202  can be other shapes as well. Many shapes permit the corresponding lid and cup audible sealed position indicators  212 ,  216  to contact each other in such a manner as to make a noise or series of noises. 
         [0018]    The lid  204  can be sufficiently tight to prevent leaking through a range of orientations as it is screwed down. In another specific implementation of the lid  204  and cup  202  with audible sealed position indicators  212 ,  216 , this range begins when the first audible sealed position indicator  216  on the lid  204  contacts the audible sealed position indicator  212  on the cup  202 , making the first “click.” As each successive audible sealed position indicator  216  on the lid  204  contacts the audible sealed position indicator  212  on the cup  202 , this indicates to the user that the lid  204  is even more secure. 
         [0019]    In another specific implementation of the lid  204  and cup  202  with audible sealed position indicators, there is a single audible sealed position indicator on the lid  204  and a single audible sealed position indicator on the cup  202 . In operation, this single sealed position indicator on the lid  204  contacts the single sealed position indicator on the cup  202  and makes an audible noise or “click” that indicates to the user that the lid has been tightened to an optimal generally predetermined position that is indicative of a recommended closed position. 
         [0020]    In another specific implementation of the lid  204  and cup  202  with audible sealed position indicators, there is a single audible sealed position indicator on the lid  204  and more than one audible sealed position indicators on the cup  202 . In operation, the single audible sealed position indicator on the lid  204  contacts the multiple audible sealed position indicators on the cup  202  in succession making a series of noises or “clicks” as the lid  204  is tightened. This configuration can be implemented so that in operation, the last noise or “click” in the series indicates to the user that the lid  204  has been tightened to a recommended closed position. This configuration can also be implemented so that in operation, the first “click” indicates to the user that the lid  204  has been tightened to a recommended closed position, and each successive click indicates to the user that the lid  204  is even more secure of may be approaching non-optimal over-tightening. 
         [0021]    In another specific implementation of the lid  204  and cup  202  with audible sealed position indicators, the cup and lid audible sealed position indicators are textured areas on the cup  202  and lid  204 . Such textured areas can be located above, below, or within the threads on the cup and lid  208 ,  214 . The textured areas are positioned partially around the inside-facing circumference of the lid  204  and partially around outside-facing circumference of the cup  202  so that they rub against each other as the lid  204  is being tightened. In operation, this makes a noise as the lid  204  is tightened on the cup  202 . The textured areas are positioned so that, as the lid  204  becomes tight enough to prevent the contents of the cup  202  from leaking, the textured areas move all the way past each other, stop rubbing, and stop making the noise. The cessation of the noise informs the user that the lid  204  is sufficiently tight that the contents of the cup  202  will not spill. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 3A-3C  depict a diagram of alternative views of an example of an apparatus having a cup  300  with a raised center portion of the bottom  302  (“the raised central bottom  302 ”). In the example of  FIGS. 3A-3C  raised central bottom  302  creates a channel, or trough,  304  (“the channel  304 ”) around the circumference of the bottom of the cup  300 . In operation, the raised bottom  302  and channel  304  have the advantage that they ensure that small volumes of liquid samples placed in the cup collect, or are concentrated, in the channel around the perimeter of the cup. This collection or concentration of small volume samples in the channel ensures that there is sufficient liquid in the channel to wet the bottoms of testing strips placed in the cup  300 . (insertion of test strips into the cup is discussed further below.) 
         [0023]    In another specific implementation, the raised bottom area is completely raised over half of the bottom of the cup  300 , so that it “fills in” the channel in half of the cup. In this configuration, the channel does not form a complete circle, but only forms half of a circle. In this configuration, the insert  406 , an example of which is shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D , and discussed further below, does not have “wings” or brackets. In another specific implementation, the channel is more than half of a complete circle. In another specific implementation, the channel is less than half of a complete circle. 
         [0024]    In the example in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the raised central bottom  302  and channel  304  have a wall of the raised central bottom facing into the channel  306  (“the inner channel sidewall  306 ”) and an interior wall of the cup facing into the channel  308  (“outer channel sidewall  308 ”). The sidewalls can be modified with protrusions into the channel  310  (“the channel protrusions  310 ”) that project into the channel and interact with the insert  406 , an example of which is depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4D , and discussed further below. In the example in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the inner sidewall  306  is enhanced with horizontal and vertical channel protrusions  310  in the form of ribs or ridges projecting into the channel. The horizontal and vertical channel protrusions  310  are arranged in “T” formations. 
         [0025]    In another specific implementation, the horizontal and vertical channel protrusions are arranged in an “L” formation. In another specific implementation, the horizontal and vertical channel protrusions are arranged in a “+” formation. In another specific implementation, the horizontal and vertical channel protrusions are arranged as separate “|” and “-” shapes that do not contact each other. The horizontal and vertical channel protrusions  310  can be spaced around, or distributed along the inner sidewall surface in many different patterns. 
         [0026]    In another specific implementation, the horizontal and vertical channel protrusions on the inner channel sidewall  306  are not ribs or ridges, but instead are protrusions in the shape of “bumps” or convex dimples. In another specific implementation, discussed further below, the protrusions are replaced with indentations or concave dimples in the inner channel sidewall  306 . 
         [0027]    In another specific implementation, rather than being placed on the inner channel sidewall  306 , the horizontal, vertical or bump-like channel protrusions are located on the outer channel sidewall  308  and project into the channel. In another specific implementation, discussed further below, there are indentations or concave dimples in the outer channel sidewall  308 . 
         [0028]      FIGS. 4A-4D  depict diagrams of alternative views of an example of an insert  406  that can be used in combination with the cup  300 , and lid (not shown) and that has stabilization “wings” or braces around its bottom edge  408  and insert protrusions  410  for interlocking with or gripping the raised central bottom  302  of the cup  300 . In the example of  FIGS. 4A-4D  the insert  406  is in the general shape of a tube cut length-wise. The insert has a smaller diameter than the cup  300  and can slide inside the cup. In the example in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the diameter of the insert is smaller than the cup  300  but slightly larger than the raised central bottom  302 . In operation, when the example insert  406  depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4D  is placed into the cup  300 , the bottom edge of the insert  406  slides into the channel  304 . When the bottom of the insert  406  is in the channel  304 , the inside, bottom surface of the insert contacts the inner channel sidewall  306 . 
         [0029]    In the example in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the insert  406  has projecting “feet” or raised areas  412  that project downward from the insert&#39;s bottom surface. When the insert  406  is placed into the cup  300  these areas or “feet”  412  elevate the insert  406  a slightly from the bottom of the channel  304 . Among other things, this arrangement has the advantage that in operation, the feet  412  ensure that biological samples in the cup  300  and in the channel  304  can flow underneath the bottom edge of the insert  406  and wet the test strips held in the insert  406 . 
         [0030]    In the example in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the insert  406  has two “wings” or braces  408  along its bottom edge that project further around the circle formed by the radius of the insert  406 . Because the “wings” or braces  408  are located at the bottom, in the example in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the bottom edge of the insert  406  makes a more complete circle than the top edge. In the example in  FIGS. 4A-4D , these wings or braces  408  make a stable base and prevent the insert  406  from tipping toward the center of the cup  300  when it is inserted into the cup. Among other things, in operation this has the advantage of ensuring that the bottoms of all of the test strips held in the insert  406 , contact the sample in the cup  300  and are wet by the sample. Moreover, in operation, the example shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D  has the advantage that it helps hold the insert  406 , and the test strips held in the insert  406 , in a position in which they can be concealed behind a removable label affixed to the outside of the cup  300  until it is appropriate that any results displayed by the test strips are observed. For example, the person providing the sample that is to be tested should not be able to observe the test strips and any results that may be displayed on the test strips. Therefore, the insert  406  should remain upright and secure while the sample is gathered. In addition, people who handle the cup  300 , lid (not shown) and insert  406  may not be permitted to view results displayed on the test strips for privacy or security reasons. This also makes it desirable that the insert  406  and test strips remain securely upright so that they can be concealed by a removable label on the outside of the cup  300 . Finally, when the appropriate person is ready to view the results displayed on the test strips it is advantageous if the insert is upright and secure so that the test strips are held in an orderly position in proximity to the wall of the in the cup  300  and can be easily viewed when the label on the outside of the cup is removed. 
         [0031]    In the example in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the insert  406  also has small insert protrusions or “teeth”  410  projecting inward, around the insert&#39;s inner surface, along its bottom edge. In the example in  FIGS. 4A-4D , the insert protrusions  410  are triangular-shaped “teeth.” In operation, when the insert  406  is placed inside the cup  300  and the bottom of the insert  406  slides into the channel  304 , the inside bottom edge of the insert contacts the inner channel sidewall  306 . In this configuration, the insert protrusions  410 , or “teeth,” contact the horizontal and vertical ribs  310  located on the inner channel sidewall  306 . The insert protrusions  410 , or “teeth,” and the horizontal and vertical ribs  310  tend to interlock, preventing the insert from moving inside the cup  300 . In this configuration, the horizontal ribs  310  interacting with the teeth  410 , prevent the insert from moving up and down, while the vertical ribs  310  interacting with the teeth  410  prevent the insert from slipping side to side. In addition, in this configuration, in operation the wings  408  slip under the horizontal ribs  310 . The horizontal ribs  310  tend to “lock” the wings  408  of the insert down in the cup and prevent the insert from sliding up and down. As described previously, fixing the upright and horizontal position of the insert  406  has the advantage of holding the insert  406  and test strips upright and secure, so that, among other things, they can be concealed behind a removable label and easily viewed only by the appropriate person. 
         [0032]    In another specific implementation, the insert protrusions are square-shaped “teeth.” In another specific implementation, the insert protrusions are rounded or bump-like. In this implementation, the horizontal and vertical ribs  310  can be the same as depicted in the example shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , and can interlock with the bump-like insert protrusions. However, in the implementation in which the insert protrusions are rounded or bump-like, the horizontal and vertical ribs  310  can be replaced by indentations or concave dimples on the inner channel sidewall  306 . In this latter configuration, in operation, when the bottom of the insert  406  is placed in the channel  304 , the bump-like insert protrusions fit into the indentations or concave dimples on the inner channel sidewall  306 , “locking” the insert in place. 
         [0033]    In another specific implementation, the triangular or square, teeth-like insert protrusions project outward, around the insert&#39;s outer surface, along its bottom edge. In another specific implementation, the insert protrusions are rounded or bump-like, and project outward, around the insert&#39;s outer surface, along its bottom edge. In these two specific implementations, the horizontal and vertical ribs are located on the outer sidewall surface  308  and project into the channel  304 . In operation of these two implementations, the outward facing insert protrusion teeth or bumps interlock with the inward facing horizontal and vertical ribs on the outer sidewall surface  308  when the bottom of the insert is placed in the channel  304 . 
         [0034]    In another specific implementation, the insert protrusions are rounded or bump-like and project outward, around the insert&#39;s outer surface, along its bottom edge. In this specific implementation, the horizontal and vertical ribs on the outer sidewall surface  308  can be replaced by indentations or concave dimples on the outer sidewall surface  308 . In this configuration, in operation when the bottom of the insert is placed into the channel, the outward-facing, bump-like insert protrusions fit into the indentations or concave dimples on outer sidewall surface  308 , “locking” the insert in place. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  depicts a diagram an example of test strips and a test strip sleeve that can be used in combination with the insert  106 ,  406  and  500 . In the example in  FIG. 5  the insert  500  has a test-strip holding window  514 , or bracket, with a groove  512  surrounding it. The test-strip holding window  514 , or bracket, and groove  512 , can hold a sleeve containing test strips  506 . In operation, test strips are held vertically in the insert  500 , so that the ends of the test strips may be wet by the biological sample in the cup, permitting the test strips to be used to detect the presence of various chemicals, such as illegal drugs. 
         [0036]    In the specific implementation shown in  FIG. 5 , the test strip sleeve is a clear plastic device  502 , with multiple tubes or channels  504  into which test strips  506  can be inserted. In this configuration, in operation the edge  508  of the sleeve fits into the groove  514  around the test-strip holding window  512 , or bracket. The test strips can be used to test the liquid sample in the cup for various substances, such as illegal drugs. The test strips usually, but do not necessarily have to, display a test result on their surface after they have contacted the liquid sample in the cup. In the example configuration shown in  FIGS. 5  the test-strip holding bracket  512  holds the test strip sleeve  502 , and test strips  506  therein, vertically. In operation, when a liquid or sample, such as urine is present in the cup, it collects in the channel  304 . In operation, when the insert  500  carrying test strip sleeve  502  and test strips  506  is placed into the cup  300 , the bottom of the insert  500 , and the bottoms of test strips  506  it carries, slide down into the channel  304 . In this configuration, when the volume of the sample in the cup is small, the Channel  304  directs the sample to the bottoms of the test strips  506  and ensures that the test-strips are wet. 
         [0037]    In a specific implementation, the visual  110 ,  112  and audible  212 ,  214  sealed position indicators can be used in combination. In other specific implementations, the cup  300  and insert  406  may be used in combination with either or both of the visual  110 ,  112  and audible  212 ,  214  sealed position indicators. 
         [0038]    In an alternative implementation, the lid  104  or  204  can be pressed onto the cup  102  or  202  rather than being screwed onto the cup. The visual sealed position indicators and/or audible sealed position indicators can be configured to indicate a recommended sealed position when the lid is pressed sufficiently far onto the cup.