Patent Description:
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, <CIT> 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.

<CIT> 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.

<CIT> 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.

United States design patent D824534 describes a reagent reservoir liner similar to that shown in <CIT>, 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, <CIT> 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.

<CIT> 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.

<CIT> 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.

<CIT> 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.

Capp, "Capp Origami reagent reservoirs", (<NUM>), XP055671997 discloses a V-shape container with a free standing element comprising a pliable sheet having sections connected to each other and foldable relative to one another which makes it pipetting easier and enables picking up the very last drops of the reagent.

<CIT> discloses laboratory fluid handling devices such as reagent reservoirs, pipette tips, centrifuge tubes, test tubes, vials, generally disposable and not recycled.

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.

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.

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 character <NUM>. The reagent management apparatus <NUM> employs flexible sheets such as those shown in <FIG> as sheets <NUM> and <NUM>. Sheet <NUM> is intended to form a disposable insert of an eight channel size while flexible sheet <NUM>, <FIG> is 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 sheets <NUM> and <NUM>, which will be discussed in greater detail as the specification continues.

Sheets <NUM> and <NUM> may be created by a rotary die cutting apparatus <NUM>, depicted schematically in <FIG>. The rotary die cutting apparatus <NUM> utilizes a roll or web of material <NUM> that presents a working piece <NUM>. A die set <NUM> includes a male die <NUM> and an opposite female die <NUM> represented by arrows on <FIG>. It should be realized that rotary die cutting and forming is known in the prior art. The male and female dies <NUM> and <NUM> impart scores or partial cuts through working sheet <NUM> and may also produce the perimeter formation or cuts of the flexible sheets <NUM> and <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. Male and female dies <NUM> and <NUM> may be oriented oppositely as depicted in <FIG>. Directional arrow <NUM> indicates the cutting of a particular flexible piece <NUM> of <FIG> originating with web <NUM>. Perimeter cutting and scoring of sheet <NUM> may be effected in a single operation or separately.

In essence, the flexible sheets <NUM> and <NUM> are scored from the top and bottom through the rotary die cutting apparatus <NUM>. In any case, the flexible sheets of <FIG> are depicted with a plurality of scores <NUM>, each score being depicted by either a solid line or a dashed line. Specifically, the solid lines on flexible sheets <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG> indicate scoring from the top. On the other hand, the dashed lines indicate scoring of sheets <NUM> and <NUM> from underneath, i.e. the side opposite that shown in <FIG>. The dashed dot line <NUM> shows a score line which is intended to serve as indicia for the level of reagent in a reservoir which is produced from sheets <NUM> and <NUM>, which will be discussed hereinafter. Although only score line <NUM> appears on <FIG>, respectively, for such indicia, multiple lines may be applied to sheets <NUM> or <NUM> to indicate various levels in the reservoir to be found in the disposable insert derived from sheets <NUM> and <NUM>. Also, a topical marking or imprinting may be substituted for score line <NUM>.

Also, the rotary die cutting apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> may employ heat in the cutting process to obtain a smoother cut and to extend the longevity of the rotary die cutting tool <NUM>.

It is anticipated that the flexible sheets <NUM> and <NUM> may 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 sheets <NUM> and <NUM> will 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 to <FIG>, it may be observed that flexible sheets <NUM> and <NUM> include a plurality of scores <NUM> imparted at either the top surface or from underneath or a combination thereof. Specifically, flexible sheet <NUM> of <FIG> is shown with a plurality of top and bottom scores <NUM> resulting in a plurality of sections. First and second sections <NUM> and <NUM> lie opposite one another. Third and fourth sections <NUM> and <NUM> connect to first and second sections, respectively. In addition, fifth and sixth sections <NUM> and <NUM> connect to first and second sections. As heretofore delineated, sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are separated by scores as depicted in <FIG>. It should also be realized that third section <NUM> includes a free edge or perimeter <NUM> while fourth section <NUM> also possesses a free edge or perimeter <NUM>. Needless to say, the flexible sheet <NUM> used to form a larger twelve channel insert is similarly scored to that shown with respect to flexible sheet <NUM> used to form a smaller eight channel insert. In this regard, flexible sheet <NUM> includes a multiplicity of scores <NUM> and the sections formed thereby will not be further described as they are similar to that shown with respect to flexible sheet <NUM> of <FIG>.

Turning now to <FIG>, flexible sheet <NUM> has been fashioned into a disposable insert <NUM>. Such shaping is achieved by folding first and second sections relative to one another by the exertion of force on first and second sections <NUM> and <NUM>, indicated by force lines <NUM> and <NUM>. A trough <NUM> is created in this manner having a nadir or low point <NUM>. Third and fourth sections <NUM> and <NUM> have been folded downwardly according to directional arrows <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, fifth and sixth sections <NUM> and <NUM> have been pushed inwardly to form the ends of trough or reservoir <NUM>. Such folding is indicated by directional arrows <NUM> and <NUM>. Fifth and sixth sections <NUM> and <NUM> are also each folded upon themselves along fold lines <NUM> and <NUM>. It should be noted that tips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> have been created by the folding of flexible sheet <NUM> in the formation of trough or reservoir <NUM>. Tips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend outwardly from reservoir <NUM>, specifically third and fourth sections <NUM> and <NUM>, thereof. By example, tip <NUM>, extended from reservoir <NUM> and fourth section <NUM>, may be employed as a spout to recover unused reagent from trough or reservoir <NUM> according to directional arrow <NUM>. Likewise, tips <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be used as pouring spouts for emptying reagent from reservoir <NUM>.

It should be noted that a gap or space "A", <FIG>, separates the end of tip <NUM> from perimeter <NUM> of fourth section <NUM>. The same relationship exists between tip <NUM> and perimeter <NUM> of third section <NUM>, tip <NUM> and perimeter <NUM> of third section <NUM>, and tip <NUM> and perimeter <NUM> of fourth section <NUM>. It has been found that gap "A" prevents the dribbling of liquid from reservoir <NUM> along fourth section <NUM> when tip <NUM> is used as a pouring spout. The same advantage applies when tips <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> are used as pouring spouts.

With reference to <FIG>, it may be observed that disposable insert <NUM> is capable of being self-supporting on a flat plane or surface <NUM>. Thus, liquid being transferred into reservoir <NUM>, directional arrow <NUM>, <FIG>, will safely be retained in reservoir <NUM> due to the stability of disposable insert <NUM>. Such stability derives from the contact of perimeter or free edge <NUM> of third section <NUM>, perimeter or free edge <NUM> of fourth section <NUM>, and the nadir <NUM> between first and second sections <NUM> and <NUM>. Such "three point" support on plane <NUM> is clearly shown in <FIG>. Thus, disposable insert <NUM> may also be employed as a weigh boat for determining the quantity of reagent lying within trough or reservoir <NUM>. In addition, a flexible sheet similar to flexible sheet <NUM> may be folded such that third and fourth sections <NUM> and <NUM> are pivoted upwardly, as shown in <FIG>. In this configuration, a flexible sheet similar to flexible sheet <NUM> may serve as a cover <NUM> for dispensable insert <NUM>. The use of a flexible sheet similar to flexible sheet <NUM> in the formation of cover <NUM> is depicted in <FIG> by dashed lines.

With reference now to <FIG>, it may be seen that a base <NUM> is depicted. Base <NUM> may be constructed of a relatively rigid plastic material such as polycarbonate. Base <NUM> is intended to be used with disposable insert <NUM> and reused with like disposable inserts. Base <NUM> includes a rigid frame <NUM> that forms a V-shaped depression <NUM> to accommodate the trough <NUM> of disposable insert <NUM>. In addition, a channel or opening <NUM> through frame <NUM> at depression <NUM> aides in the creasing of flexible sheet, <NUM> to form disposable insert <NUM>. First and second sections <NUM> and <NUM> support in this endeavor by bringing tips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> together before passing through channel <NUM>. In other words, the entire flexible sheet <NUM> may be initially passed through channel <NUM> in this regard. Further, base <NUM> is provided with slots <NUM> and <NUM> to hold third section <NUM> and fourth section <NUM> of disposable insert <NUM> in its folded configuration shown in <FIG>. Likewise, longer slots <NUM> and <NUM> in frame <NUM> of base <NUM> are configured to accept similar sections of flexible sheet <NUM> when it is assembled into the large twelve channel disposable insert. It should be noted that flexible sheet <NUM> is assembled in a similar manner to that shown with respect to flexible sheet <NUM> in <FIG>. A plurality of protrusions <NUM> extend into slots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to frictionally hold disposable insert <NUM> and a similar insert assembled from flexible sheet <NUM>. By way of example, protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> bear against fourth section <NUM> of insert <NUM> within slot <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, it may be apparent that handle <NUM> and tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are provided on base <NUM> to allow the user to easily grip base <NUM>. Further, it should be noted that slots <NUM> and <NUM> are shorter in length than slots <NUM> and <NUM> to allow identification by the user of base <NUM> of slots <NUM> and <NUM> to properly position small insert <NUM> formed from flexible sheet <NUM>. Likewise, slots <NUM> and <NUM> are easily acquired to place a larger insert formed from flexible sheet <NUM>. It should also be apparent that the plurality of protrusions <NUM> have been omitted from <FIG> for the sake of clarity.

<FIG> represents the mating of a small disposable insert <NUM> formed from sheet <NUM> with base <NUM> when such insert <NUM> is not used in its freestanding configuration shown in <FIG>. Moreover, <FIG> indicates that tip <NUM> may be cut along cut line <NUM> to permit the pouring of viscous or powdered material from trough <NUM>. Of course, tips <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may also be cut in a similar manner as needed. Such cutting of any of tips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may be facilitated when sheet <NUM> or <NUM> is in a flattened configuration.

In operation, the user obtains flexible sheets <NUM> or <NUM> from a rotary die cut apparatus <NUM> and folds the same according to the score lines indicated on either <FIG>. In the case of flexible sheet <NUM>, once disposable insert <NUM> is formed according to <FIG>, reservoir or trough <NUM> may be employed to hold reagent material using insert <NUM> as a freestanding entity, <FIG>, or in conjunction with base <NUM>. The latter is accomplished by employment of slots <NUM> and <NUM> in base <NUM> in conjunction with third section <NUM> and fourth section <NUM> in the case of flexible sheet <NUM>. Insert <NUM> may be loaded into the slots <NUM> and <NUM> of base <NUM> in a top-down maneuver or by sliding insert <NUM> into slots <NUM> and <NUM>. When an insert is formed from flexible sheet <NUM> to form a <NUM>-channel insert, slots <NUM> and <NUM> of base <NUM> are similarly used. Tab <NUM> aids the user in this endeavor. Excess expensive reagent may be poured from reservoir <NUM> into a storage container for reuse.

Claim 1:
A reagent management apparatus, characterized by:
an insert (<NUM>), said insert (<NUM>) including a pliable sheet (<NUM>) composed of water resistant material comprising a first section (<NUM>) and a second section (<NUM>) connected to one another and being foldable relative to one another, a third section (<NUM>) being connected to said first section (<NUM>) and a fourth section (<NUM>) being connected to said second section (<NUM>), said first section (<NUM>) and said third section (<NUM>) and said second section (<NUM>) and said fourth section (<NUM>) being foldable relative to one another, a fifth section (<NUM>) and a sixth section (<NUM>) each being foldable and connected to said first section (<NUM>) and said second section (<NUM>), said first section (<NUM>) and said second section (<NUM>) being folded relative to one another, thereby creating a trough (<NUM>) having a nadir (<NUM>) and folded fifth section (<NUM>) and folded sixth section (<NUM>) are also folded upon themselves forming, together with the first section (<NUM> and the second section (<NUM>), a reservoir (<NUM>) for the reagent, said third section (<NUM>) and said fourth section (<NUM>) each having a longitudinal dimension less than said connected first (<NUM>), second (<NUM>), fifth (<NUM>), and sixth (<NUM>) sections, said third section (<NUM>) and said fourth section (<NUM>) each including a free edge (<NUM>) (<NUM>), being folded toward said nadir (<NUM>), and said at least fifth section (<NUM>) extending outwardly from said reservoir (<NUM>) and from said fourth section (<NUM>), forming a pouring spout (<NUM>); and
a base (<NUM>), said base (<NUM>) comprising said trough (<NUM>) accommodating said reservoir (<NUM>) formed by said first section (<NUM>) and said second section (<NUM>) of said insert (<NUM>), said base (<NUM>) further including at least a first slot (<NUM>) and a second adjacent slot (<NUM>) for encompassing said free edges (<NUM>) (<NUM>) of said third section (<NUM>) and said fourth section (<NUM>), respectively.