Abstract:
An ergonomic vial and tube rack is disclosed for retaining a plurality of vials or tubes containing fluid therein in inclined or vertical upright positions, features of which a mechanism for a variable incline angle; lid/cap receptacles positioned either on a shelf above the vial holders or inside the cover when in an open position; an ice or heat pack compartment or a sealed compartment underneath the vials and/or behind the vials for the limited temperature control; rack to rack pin-to-hole locators for stackability, ease of transportation, and storage; color-coding of vial racks for convenience and work-flow assistance; a transparent front panel or an opening in front of each vial receptacle for additional verification of reagent labels; a rack cover with rows of circular indentations, with or without a disposable lining, for use as shallow reaction dishes for qualitative or quantitative chemical assays, such as pH testing.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/350,609, filed Jun. 15, 2016, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes. More particularly, the invention relates to a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes with limited static temperature control and capabilities to be used with an active peltier device for long duration temperature control. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Reagents that are used in various biological, chemical, and immunophenotyping protocols routinely followed in clinical and research scientific labs commonly represent reagent panels that are necessary for conducting specific tests. Such protocols usually consist of numerous small consecutive tasks that require the handling of each individual reagent vial or sample tube, opening it, placing a lid/cap somewhere, pipetting out a predetermined amount of fluid, closing the vial with a lid/cap, and placing the vial or tube back on a support rack or on a bench surface. These tasks are repetitive and can cause discomfort or strain; also, these tasks create the possibility of tipping over badly supported reagent vials and switching and/or misplacing reagent vial caps, which subsequently renders reagent vials contaminated and unusable. 
         [0004]    These reagents usually need to be stored in refrigerated temperatures (2°-8° C.) to prolong the integrity of the contents but, because lab protocols are routinely performed on a lab bench at ambient room temperature, reagents must be taken out from cold storage for multiple hours daily, which has a negative impact on reagent stability. In some cases, reagents may function best at temperatures above ambient room temperature and would benefit from proximity to a heat source during testing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    An ergonomic vial and tube rack is disclosed for retaining a plurality of vials or tubes containing fluid therein in inclined or vertical upright positions, features of which a mechanism for a variable incline angle; lid/cap receptacles positioned either on a shelf above the vial holders or inside the cover when in an open position; an ice or heat pack compartment or a sealed compartment underneath the vials and/or behind the vials for the limited static temperature control and a removed bottom configuration to allow placement of an active multiple temperature device to be inserted for long term temperature capabilities; rack to rack pin-to-hole locators for stackability, ease of transportation, and storage; color-coding of vial racks for convenience and work-flow assistance; a transparent front panel or an opening in front of each vial receptacle for additional verification of reagent labels; a rack cover with rows of circular indentations, with or without a disposable lining, for use as shallow reaction dishes for qualitative or quantitative chemical assays, such as pH testing. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes having a hinged top, showing the top in a closed position, according to the invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes having a hinged top, showing the top in an opened position, according to the invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes having a hinged top according to the invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes having a hinged top, showing a rear cover in a closed position, according to the invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes having a hinged top, showing a rear cover in an open position, according to the invention; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view showing two racks in a stacked configuration according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    Embodiments of the invention comprise an ergonomic vial and tube rack (hereafter referred to as “rack”) for retaining a plurality of vials or tubes containing fluid therein in inclined or vertical upright positions. The rack is a convenient work station that simplifies and minimizes the repetitious steps of various biological, chemical, and immunophenotyping protocols routinely used in clinical and research scientific labs, and also provides a measure of temperature and cross contamination control. 
         [0013]    Embodiments of the invention comprise a streamlined rack for retaining a plurality of vials or sample tubes containing fluid therein in an inclined or vertical position, dependent on user requirements, with an additional customizable possibility of adjusting the angle of incline, if required. The configuration is optimized by the manufacturing of customer specific tube/vial dimensions and required angle for ease of use. 
         [0014]    The rack consists of a plastic rectangular container which is divided into rows of compartments into which vials or sample tubes may be placed. The height of the rack, the number of compartments, and the diameters (or length and width of compartments) are variable and customizable. In embodiments of the invention, these variations are provided by the change in product insert used to hold vials and tubes. 
         [0015]    The rack, in a closed position, is a plastic rectangular box with a horizontal or angled opening at the bottom or in the back to accommodate an ice or heat pack, or with a sealed compartment containing refrigerant gel therein, and additional features, such as, grooves and cut outs, or pin-to-hole locators, on the top and bottom to make it stackable. 
         [0016]    The rack cover may contain indentations with, if needed, a disposable plastic lining for use as reaction or dipping dishes for quick qualitative or quantitative chemical reactions, for example, to measure pH or to dip a reagent color strip. 
         [0017]    The rack, in an opened position, is a plastic box with an open cover, a checkerboard pattern of vial holders/compartments, and a shelf for vial caps/lids. The angle at which the tops of the vials are accessed may be either fixed or may be adjusted by an optional mechanism, such as a rotating axle or stepped/slotted positioning mechanism. The tops of the vials may therefore be adjusted to required angles to facilitate the ease of use. Embodiments of the rack have tube holders in an inclined position that makes it possible to draw a pre-determined amount of reagent contained therein without ever taking the vial out of the rack, thus significantly reducing operator movements and using the dead volume in the vial. This is user and test specific. In embodiments of the invention, a molded insert may be used that is available in various sizes and configured to hold selected size vials or test tubes at a selected angle. In such embodiments, the user can order the desired inserts and place them in the rack or remove them and replace them with other inserts as appropriate. 
         [0018]    The rack also includes indented receptacles into which the vial tops, e.g. caps, lids, etc., may be placed for temporary storage. In embodiments of the invention, these receptacles are situated in the rack cover. Any number of receptacles may be provided in the rack, e.g. six receptacles. Further, more than one row of receptacles may be provided, e.g. two rows of five receptacles. Also, the receptacles may all be of the same size or they may be of different sizes and/or adjustable to accommodate different size vials. 
         [0019]    Most routinely used biological reagents are usually sensitive to light and temperature. Embodiments of the rack have a tinted cover to offer some protection from light exposure, in addition to the light control routinely provided by the amber or dark color of the vials. 
         [0020]    Embodiments of the rack also have an ice or heat pack compartment in the bottom or in the back thereof which serves as a temporary temperature control measure to minimize the temperature switch from cold storage conditions to room temperature working conditions or an open bottom version to accommodate an active peltier device for constant and long duration temperature control. 
         [0021]    Additionally, the vial racks are stackable to serve as reagent storage and thus minimize the space requirements on the bench, as well as in refrigerators or cold rooms. The ice packs, heating packs, or sealed gel can be regenerated to a refrigerated temperature by placing the rack back into a cold (2°-8° C.) environment. 
         [0022]    The front panel of the rack has either a transparent panel or cut-outs to allow the user to make a clear, visual inspection of the labels of the vials/sample tubes within the rack. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes having a hinged top, showing the top in a closed position, according to the invention. 
         [0024]    In  FIG. 1 , ergonomically design and placed finger and hand hold features  11   a,    11   b  are provided to make it easy for the user to pick up the vial rack and/or handle it. 
         [0025]    Open vial viewing windows  12  allow the user to visually see the vial when the tinted lid is closed for storage and to read any labels or markings on the vial without opening the rack. 
         [0026]    The vial racks are stackable for transportation and space saving storage, in an embodiment, using the molded rack feet  13   a  and recipient holes  13   b  molded into the rack body and tinted lid. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other stacking arrangement may be used in connection with the herein disclosed invention. 
         [0027]    Embodiments of the rack feature a tinted lid  14 , which may be made of such materials as Lexan and the like. The lid rotates from a closed lock position to a full open position laying onto the vial rack body. In embodiments of the invention, the lid is tinted to protect stored vials from room or storage device lighting, which could adversely affect the product capability or stability. Embodiments of the invention provide a key or combination lock (not shown) for added security. 
         [0028]    Embodiments of the rack  15  are made from such materials as a medical grade polycarbonate body, insert, and back cover. This allows the user to clean the rack with bleach or other required cleansing chemicals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials may be used to fabricate the herein disclosed rack. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes having a hinged top, showing the top in an opened position, according to the invention. 
         [0030]    In  FIG. 2 , the tinted lid  26  is shown in a full, open position which allows the user to fully access the product. 
         [0031]    The top lid features a plurality raised well receptacles  27  that are adjacent to corresponding vial wells. The well receptacles can be used for product cap storage while rack is open and in use, or they may be used as a sample preparation tray. In embodiments of the invention, the lid may be lockable. 
         [0032]    When the product caps are placed in the lid receptacles, the lids are placed in an order the coincides with that of the vials, i.e. the caps are adjacent to and therefore associated with their corresponding vials. This avoids contamination that may result if the caps were mixed up and replaced on a vial other than that the cap was originally associated with. 
         [0033]    Angled product barrel holders  28  provide an ergonomically correct insertion angle of a pipette by user, thus reducing wrist strain. The provision of angled vials allows the user to remove all content sufficiently by pipette and not leave any dead volume in the bottom of the vial. 
         [0034]    The top lid features an easy lift tab  29  for opening and closing of the lid to the body of the rack. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes having a hinged top according to the invention. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  shows open bottom barrels  30  for vial storage and usage. Openings in the barrels allow moderation and maintenance of the temperature of inserted/enclosed media within the rack and provide an easy path to temper the vials. The open bottom also allows thorough cleaning of the barrels and the rack. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes having a hinged top, showing a rear cover in a closed position, according to the invention. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  shows a closed and removable back cover  41 . This cover allows user easy access to insert and remove tempered media devices (gel packs) and close for secure holding of such media. In other embodiments of the invention, the removable cover may be located on the side or bottom of the rack. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a customizable stackable rack for vials and test tubes having a hinged top, showing the rear cover in an open position, according to the invention. It can be seen that a user may readily insert a tempered media device in the rack and that the device readily cools or heats the barrels and, accordingly, the vials within the rack. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any manner of heating or cooling medium may be used. A particular advantage of this feature of the invention is that when the tempered media device is used the reagents within the vials are maintained at a preferred temperature in connection with the rack for few hours that is sufficient to carry out routine lab protocol As such, results obtained from tests performed with the reagents are more consistent and reliable. 
         [0040]    In embodiment of the rack where pelteir device is used the desired temperature is maintained for as long as the customer requires. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view showing two racks  15   a,    15   b  in a stacked configuration according to the invention. 
         [0042]    Although the invention is described herein with reference to the preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the Claims included below.