Abstract:
A test strip container with an insert comprising a channel and a retaining member and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof are disclosed. The container includes a housing, an insert, a lid, and at least one retaining member in at least one channel. The at least one retaining member releasably retains a plurality of test strips in the at least one channel.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to containers for test strips, and especially to a test strip container with expandable insert, and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Apparatuses and methods for testing compositions of biological fluids, as well as test strips for use in such devices, are well known. Typically, test strips are stored in a separate disposable vial, distinct from the test apparatus that analyzes the fluid sample. A test strip is first removed from the vial container, a sample of biological fluid is deposited onto the strip, and the strip is inserted into a test strip meter for analysis of the desired component. After the analysis is complete, the test strip is ejected from the meter and disposed. 
         [0003]    The problem with storing the test strips in the disposable vials is the difficulty in dispensing a single strip to a user, while maintaining the small, compact profile of the vial. Often the individuals who perform blood glucose testing have difficulty handling the vials, and retrieving only a single test strip. Typically, a user will invert the vial to dispense a strip. Then, several strips will pour out of the container, rather than just the desired quantity. The user must then isolate a single strip and replace the other unused strips before they are contaminated by environmental forces. 
         [0004]    Test strips may also be packaged individually in tear-away blister packages. In order for a person to use a single test strip, the blister package must be ripped opened and the test strip must then be removed. Both of these steps may be difficult for one with impaired circulation. Furthermore, carrying enough blister packs for a proper testing routine may be inconvenient and cumbersome. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    It is against the above background that embodiments of the present disclosure provide a test strip container with a retaining member and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof. Generally, the test strip container provides test strips to a user in an easily accessible fashion, without accidental dumping or spilling. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, a container for storing a plurality of test strips comprises a housing. The housing has a front housing portion opposing a rear housing portion. The front housing portion has a height H 1  and the rear housing portion has a height H 2 . The housing defines a cavity having a base. A lid is hingedly connected to the rear housing portion and has a front lid portion opposing a rear lid portion. The front lid portion has a height H 3  and the rear lid portion has a height H 4 . An insert is provided in the cavity of the housing and has at least one channel with at least one retaining member provided lengthwise which releasably retains the plurality of test strips substantially perpendicular to the base of the housing. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, a container for storing a plurality of test strips comprises a housing. The housing has a front housing portion opposing a rear housing portion. The front housing portion has a height H 1  and the rear housing portion has a height H 2 . The housing defines a cavity having a base. A lid is hingedly connected to the rear housing portion and has a front lid portion opposing a rear lid portion. The front lid portion has a height H 3  and the rear lid portion has a height H 4 . An insert is provided in the cavity of the housing and has at least one channel with at least one retaining member provided lengthwise which releasably retains the plurality of test strips substantially perpendicular to the base of the housing. The retaining member further comprises a biasing member connected adjacent to the front housing portion and which presses against and compressibly retains the plurality of test strips towards the front of the cavity. 
         [0008]    In yet another embodiment, a container for storing a plurality of test strips comprises a housing defining a cavity having a base. The housing has a front grip, a rear grip, and a front housing portion opposing a rear housing portion. The front housing portion has a height H 1  and the rear housing portion has a height H 2 , wherein H 1 ≦H 2 . The height difference between heights H 1  and H 2  defines an angle α which ranges from 0 to 14 degrees. A lid is hingedly connected to the rear housing portion. The lid has a front lid portion opposing a rear lid portion. The front lid portion has a height H 3  and the rear lid portion has a height H 4 , wherein H 3 ≧H 4  and the height difference between heights H 3  and H 4  defines an angle β which ranges from 0 to 14 degrees. An insert is provided in the cavity of the housing and has an insert surface angled at γ relative the base of the housing. At least one channel having at least one retaining member is provided lengthwise along the channel which releasably retains the plurality of test strips substantially perpendicular to a housing base. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a container for storing a plurality of test strips comprises providing a housing with a cavity and a lid hingedly connected to the housing for closing the cavity. An insert is introduced within the cavity. The insert comprises a channel defined by two longitudinal sides. At least one retaining member is provided lengthwise along the longitudinal sides of the channel. 
         [0010]    These and other features and advantageous of these and other various embodiments according to the present disclosure will become more apparent in view the drawings, detailed description, and claims provided that follow hereafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals, and in which: 
           [0012]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  show cross-sectional side views of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  shows a front perspective view of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a top view of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional side view of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  shows a top view of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional side view of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  shows a front cross-sectional view of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a top view of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  shows a top view of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional side view of a test strip container in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  shows a side view of an insert in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements, as well as conventional parts removed, to help to improve understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in one embodiment, a test strip container  10  is disclosed for storing and dispensing test strips  12 , and particularly for easily dispensing a single test strip  12  from a plurality of test strips  12 , i.e., dispensing one test strip  12  at a time. Additionally, the test strip container  10  protects test strips  12  from adverse contaminants and conditions such as air, light, humidity, dust, dirt, oils, or other contaminants. The test strip container  10  also allows for easy re-loading of additional test strips  12 , as will be apparent from the descriptions below. 
         [0026]    In further describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, a conventional test strip  12  is described with reference made to  FIG. 2  by way of example and not limitation. The illustrated test strip  12  shown by  FIG. 2  is generally made up of at least the following components: a reagent portion  14  for receiving a sample and a support element  16  providing a handling portion  18 . A test strip meter may be used to analyze the test strip  12  to automatically determine an analyte concentration in the sample provided to the reagent portion  14 . 
         [0027]    As shown, the reagent portion  14  is attached to the support element  16 , in which the support element may be of a material (or material layers) that is sufficiently rigid to be inserted into a test strip meter without undue bending or kinking. In one embodiment, the support element  16  can be made of material(s) such as polyolefins, e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene, polystyrene or polyesters, and combinations thereof where in embodiments having a support element  16  formed from layers, such materials may be the same or different. Consequently, the length of the support element  16  typically dictates or corresponds to the length of the test strip  12 . 
         [0028]    Regardless of whether or not the length of the support elements  16  dictates or corresponds to the length of the test strip  12 , the length of the test strip  12  generally ranges from about 3 mm to about 1000 mm, usually from about 10 mm to about 100 mm, and more usually from about 20 mm to about 60 mm. 
         [0029]    As described above, the support element  16  is usually configured to enable the test strip  12  to be inserted into a test strip meter. As such, the support element  16 , and thus the test strip  12 , are typically in the form of a substantially rectangular or square-like strip, where the dimensions of the support element  16  vary according to a variety of factors, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art, and may be the same or different. 
         [0030]    Examples of such test strips suitable for use with the subject disclosure include those described in copending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/333,793; 09/497,304; 09/497,269; 09/736,788 and 09/746,116, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A-B , in one embodiment, the housing  20  and lid  22  may be formed of one integrated assembly. However, the test strip container  10  may be made up of two separate assemblies: a lid  22  and a housing  20 . In other words, the lid  22  and the housing  20  are not attached together. Either configuration advantageously enables substantially air and moisture tight seals to be created and maintained between the lid  22  and the housing  20 . 
         [0032]    The test strip container  10  has a housing  20  and lid  22  each comprising a rigid material that will retain its shape and form without cracking or breaking. The housing  20  and lid  22  may be manufactured from a variety of materials, where the housing  20  and lid  22  may be manufactured from the same or different materials, but where such materials will not interfere with the reagent portion  14  of the test strip  12  retained therein ( FIG. 2 ). Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and blends thereof. Materials may also include metals such as stainless steel, aluminum and alloys thereof, siliceous materials and the like. 
         [0033]    The housing  20  comprises a front housing portion  24  and a rear housing portion  26 . The front housing portion  24  extends from the bottom of the container  10  to the top of the housing  20 . The front housing portion  24  opposes a rear housing portion  26 , where the front housing portion  24  and rear housing portion  26  are substantially parallel to one another. The rear housing portion  26  extends from the bottom of the container  10  to the top of the housing  20 . 
         [0034]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1A-B , the lid  22  is hingedly connected to the rear housing portion  26  of the housing  20 . The housing  20  and lid  22  are alignable in a close configuration, such that the housing  20  and lid  22  form a substantially air and moisture tight seal when in a closed configuration. By substantially air and moisture tight seal, it is meant that the housing  20  and lid  22  are capable of preventing substantial air and moisture from entering the housing  20  when the housing  20  and lid  22  are in a closed configuration. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A-B , the size and shape of the housing  20  and lid  22  will vary depending on a variety of factors, where such factors include, but are not limited to the type and number of test strips  12  ( FIG. 2 ) retained therein, and the like. Accordingly, the shape of the housing  20  may take any of a variety of shapes. For example, the housing  20  and lid  22  may be substantially rectangular, substantially square, substantially cylindrical, substantially round, substantially circular, substantially elliptical or substantially oval shape. Alternatively, the shape may be more complex such as a substantially irregular shape or the like. The corners and edges of the housing  20  are typically rounded or beveled to avoid any snagging or injury by the user. 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , the size of the housing  20  may also vary depending on a variety of factors such as the type and number of test strips  12  retained therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  20  and lid  22  are sized and arranged such that at least a fraction of the handling portion  18  of each test strips  12  retained in the container  10  extends beyond the housing distal edge  28  to allow a user to easily grasp it. 
         [0037]    Referring again to  FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, the housing  20  has a front housing portion  24  opposing a rear housing portion  26 . The front housing portion  24  has a height H 1 . The height H 1  may range from about 2 to about 8 cm, however, H 1  may more usually range between about 2 to about 4 cm. The rear housing portion  26  has a height H 2 . The height H 2  may range from about 2 to about 10 cm, however, it more usually between about 2 to about 5 cm. 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, the height H 1  is typically about three-quarters the length of each test strip  12  (i.e., about one-quarter of each test strip  12  protrudes above the housing distal edge  28 ), but the height H 1  may be as little as one half or less the length of each test strip  12  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0039]    Further referring to  FIG. 1A , the lid  22  has a front lid portion  30  opposing a rear lid portion  32 . The front lid portion  30  has a height H 3 . The height H 3  may range from about 5-50 mm, however the height H 3  may typically be about 5 to about 20 mm. The rear lid portion  32  has a height H 4 . The height H 4  may range from about 5 to about 50 mm, however, the height H 4  may more usually range from about 5 to about 20 mm. 
         [0040]    In another embodiment, the insert  38  comprises at least one channel  40 . In one embodiment, the channel  40  is centered on the face of the insert  38 . In another embodiment, the channel  40  may be located off of center of the insert  38 . The channel  40  may be oriented lengthwise along the longitudinal side of the insert  38 . However, the channel  40  may also be oriented widthwise along the latitudinal side of the insert  38  ( FIG. 3B ). 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, the housing  20  defines a cavity  34  within its inner walls. The cavity  34  extends from the housing base  36  to the housing distal edge  28  ( FIG. 1B ). An insert  38  may be provided within the cavity  34 . The insert  38  may comprise a wide range of materials including a molded desiccant, resin, or polymeric material. The insert  38  may comprise a solid component, or a frame-like mold structure. In one embodiment, the insert  38  may be co-molded onto an inside surface of the cavity  34 , or molded as individual part, for later insertion into the cavity  34 . In one embodiment, the insert  38  is removably retained within the cavity  34  by friction, interlocking snaps, or a locking mechanism. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , in another embodiment, the insert  38  may comprise at least one structural rib  60  located along the longitudinal sides of the insert  38 . Preferably, the insert comprises at least two structural ribs  60  mounted on each of the two longitudinal sides of the insert  38 . Alternatively, the insert  38  may comprise several structural ribs  60 , for example, four structural ribs  60 . The structural ribs  60  are preferably mounted below the retaining member  44 . However, other mounting arrangements are contemplated. The structural ribs  60  may operate to support the longitudinal sides of the housing  20 , and prevent any potential movement. Preferably, the structural ribs  60  may support the sides of the housing  20  to prevent dislodging the seal between the housing  20  and lid  22 . 
         [0043]    In addition, the structural ribs may  60  serve as locking mechanism to removably attach the insert  38  to the cavity  34 . Preferable, the structural ribs  60  frictionally interact with the cavity  34  below the retaining member  44 . However, other forms of locking the insert  38  within the cavity  34  are also contemplated using the structural ribs  60 . 
         [0044]    With further reference to  FIG. 4 , in accordance with one embodiment, the channel  40  comprises a rectangular inset with a depth ranging from about 5 to about 50 mm. In another embodiment, the channel  40  has a depth more usually ranging from about 5 to about 20 mm. However, the channel  40  may have a depth sufficient to allow protrusion of the handling portion  18  from the housing distal edge  28  to allow a user to easily remove a test strip  12  from the container  10 . 
         [0045]    Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the size of the insert  38  may vary depending on the size of the housing  20 , and the test strips  12 , and the channel  40 . In one embodiment, the insert  38  completely fills the channel  40 . In another embodiment, the insert  38  only partially fills the channel  40 . The shape of the insert  38  generally corresponds to the shape of the cavity  34 , but may take other shapes as well. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a channel  40  may be sized to accommodate at least one test strip  12  ( FIG. 2 ) inserted within the channel  40 . In one embodiment, the channel  40  is wider than a test strip  12 . In another embodiment, the width of the channel  40  ranges from about 1 to about 10 mm. In another embodiment, the width of the channel  40  ranges from about 2 to about 7 mm. 
         [0047]    With further reference to  FIG. 6 , another embodiment, the length of the channel  40  is long enough to accommodate approximately 1 to approximately 50 test strips  12  arranged in a stack. However, in another embodiment, the length of the channel  40  is long enough to accommodate from approximately 1 to approximately 25 test strips  12 . In one embodiment, the length of the channel  40  ranges from about 10 to about 100 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the channel  40  ranges from about 10 to about 50 mm. In yet another embodiment, the length of the channel  40  ranges from about 10 to about 30 mm. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIGS. 3A-B , in yet another embodiment, an insert  38  may comprise more than one channel  40 . In another embodiment, the insert  38  may comprise 1 to 10 channels  40 . The channels  40  may oriented in many different fashions with respect to one another, including substantially parallel, and substantially perpendicular orientations. 
         [0049]    In yet another embodiment, where the at least one channel  40  comprises two longitudinal sides  42  which define the length of the channel  40 . The longitudinal sides  42  are spaced apart from one another to allow the insertion of a test strip  12  ( FIG. 2 ) oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal sides  42 . In one embodiment, the longitudinal sides  42  comprise contracting elastic bands. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment where at least one retaining member  44  is provided lengthwise along the longitudinal sides  42  ( FIG. 6 ). In one embodiment, the retaining member  44  is located along the upper ⅓ of the longitudinal sides  42 . In another embodiment, the retaining member  44  is located along the upper half of the longitudinal sides  42 . In another embodiment, more than one retaining members  44  are provided along the longitudinal sides  42 , for example, one retaining member  44  can be located in the top ¼ of the longitudinal sides  42 , another in the top ½ of the longitudinal sides  42 , and another retaining member  44  is located above the bottom ¼ of the longitudinal sides  42 . 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, the retaining member  44  comprises strips which are substantially parallel to the channel base  46 . However, the strips may be oriented in a substantially parallel fashion to the insert surface  48 . In yet another embodiment, the strips are angled from about 0 to about 30 degrees on the longitudinal sides  42 , relative to the housing base  36 . In yet another embodiment, the strips are angled from about 0 to about 15 degrees along the longitudinal sides  42 . 
         [0052]    Referring again to  FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, the height H 1  is less than the height H 2 . In one embodiment, the height H 1  is about 0 to about 50 mm shorter than height H 2 . In yet another embodiment, the height H 1  is more usually about 0 to about 20 mm shorter than the height H 2 . In yet another embodiment, the height H 1  is most usually about 3 to about 10 mm shorter than H 2 . 
         [0053]    Further referring to  FIG. 1A , the difference between the heights H 1  and H 2  is defined by an angle α, referenced parallel to the housing base  36 . In one embodiment, the angle α may range from about 0 to about 20 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle α is more usually from about 0 to about 10 degrees. 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, the height H 4  is less than the height H 3 . In one embodiment, the height H 4  is about 0 to about 50 mm shorter than height H 3 . In yet another embodiment, the height H 4  is about 0 to about 20 mm shorter than the height H 3 . In yet another embodiment, the height H 4  is more usually from about 0 to about 10 mm shorter than H 3 . 
         [0055]    Further referring to  FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, the height difference between the heights H 3  and H 4  is defined by an angle β, referenced parallel to the housing base  36 . In one embodiment, the angle β may range from about 0 to about 20 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle β more usually ranges from about 0 to about 10 degrees. 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, the insert  38  further comprises an insert surface  48  sloped at an angle γ, relative to a housing base  36  ( FIG. 1B ). The insert surface  48  defines the top of the insert  38 . Typically, the angle γ is such that the rear end of the insert surface  48  has a height greater than the front end of the insert surface  48 . In one embodiment, the angle γ ranges from about 0 to about 20°. In another embodiment, the angle γ more usually ranges from about 0 to about 10°. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in accordance with one embodiment, test strips  12  are placed into the channel  40 , and the bottom of the test strips  12  rest on the channel base  46 . The channel base  46  may be sloped to provide a platform for the test strips  12  that provides greater protrusion of the handling portion  18  above the housing distal edge  28 . In one embodiment, the channel base  46  is substantially parallel to the housing base  36 . In another embodiment, the channel base  46  is substantially parallel to the insert surface  48 . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , in one embodiment, the retaining member  44  is an elastomeric strip co-molded into the insert  38 . The retaining member  44  may also comprise more than one strip mounted along the longitudinal sides  42 . The retaining member  44  may also comprise strips made up of polymers, resins, rubbers, and other flexible materials operable to releasably retain a plurality of test strips  12 . In another embodiment, the retaining member  44  is mechanically attached along the longitudinal sides  42  through means commonly known by those skilled in the art. 
         [0059]    In another embodiment, the retaining member  44  comprises an elastomer co-molded to the top of the insert  38 , where a plurality of fingers extend downwards into the channel  40 , and protrude inwardly towards the center of the channel  40 . In one embodiment, the retaining member  44  comprises at least one finger extending into the channel  40 . The retaining member  44  may also comprise fingers made up of polymers, resins, rubbers, and other flexible materials operable to releasably retain a plurality of test strips  12 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 9  A and B, in one embodiment, the retaining member  44  comprises an elastic band  62  that surrounds the plurality of test strips  12  and urges the test strips  12  towards the front housing portion  24 . In one embodiment, the retaining member  44  may comprise more than one elastic band. The elastic band  62  may trace the outside edges of the channel  40  to encompass a plurality of test strips  12  and urge them towards the front housing portion  24 . In one embodiment, the retaining member  44  may comprise an elastic band  62  that encircles and surrounds the plurality of test strips  12 . In  FIG. 9A , in accordance with one embodiment, the elastic bands  62  are connected the front housing portion  24  by adhesion. In another embodiment, the elastic band  62  may be co-molded into the insert  38 . In another embodiment, the elastic band  62  may be attach mechanically to the front housing portion  24 . 
         [0061]    In  FIG. 9B , as in accordance with another embodiment, the retaining member  44  may comprise an elastic band  62  connected to attachment posts  52  positioned adjacent to the front housing portion. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment, the retaining member  44  may comprise an elastic band  62  connected to an urging member  50 , which presses the plurality of test strips  12  towards a front housing portion  24 . The retaining member  44  may also be connected to attachment posts  52  adjacent to the front housing portion  24 . The urging member  50  may comprise a wide range of material, including plastics, metals, and other suitable rigid materials. The urging member  50  may be connected to the inside of the elastic band  62  or the elastic band  62  may connect to its sides. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 11 , in one embodiment, the housing  20  further comprises a front grip  54  and a rear grip  56 . In one embodiment, the front grip  54  comprises a tab that extends longitudinally from the bottom of the front housing portion  24  forward to allow a user to easily grasp the container  10 . In another embodiment, the front grip  54  comprises an indented detent which allows a user to easily grasp the container  10  ( FIG. 11 ). In yet another embodiment, the rear grip  56  comprises a tab that extends longitudinally from the bottom of the rear housing portion  26  backward to allow a user to easily grasp the container  10  and open the lid  22 . In accordance with another embodiment, the rear grip  56  comprises an indented detent which allows a user to easily grasp the container  10 . 
         [0064]    With further reference to  FIGS. 7 and 11 , in accordance with one embodiment, the front grip  54  further comprises a front foot  64  that protrudes longitudinally from the front housing portion  24  ( FIG. 1A ). In one embodiment, the front foot  64  extends beyond the front housing portion  24  by about 3 to about 10 mm. In another embodiment, the front foot  64  extends beyond the front housing portion  24  by about 3 to about 5 mm. In accordance with another embodiment, the rear grip  56  comprises a rear foot  66  protrudes longitudinally from the rear housing portion  26  ( FIG. 1A ). In one embodiment, the rear foot  66  extends beyond the rear housing portion  26  by about 3 to about 10 mm. In another embodiment, the rear foot  66  extends beyond the rear housing portion  26  by about 3 to about 5 mm. 
         [0065]    With further reference to  FIG. 7 , in accordance with one embodiment, the lid  22  further comprises a lid grip  58 . In one embodiment, the lid grip  58  comprises a longitudinal protrusion from the front lid portion  30  to allow a user to easily open the lid  22 . In another embodiment, the lid grip  58  comprises a tab extending longitudinally from the top of the front lid portion  30 . In one embodiment, the lid grip  58  extends beyond the front lid portion  30  by about 3 to about 10 mm. In another embodiment, the lid grip  58  extends beyond the front lid portion  30  by about 3 to about 5 mm. 
         [0066]    Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. For example, the container may have other shapes, such as circular, oval, trapezoidal; the compressible insert may take other forms and materials; and the test strips may be oriented in a different fashion. 
         [0067]    Thus the scope of the various embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.