Patent Description:
Various products are manufactured by an injection molding machine.

In the research and development of medicine and chemicals, sample storage tubes are used extensively in storing a large number of samples. For example, scientists prepare a large number of samples for a comparative experiment with slightly changing conditions such as blending amount, and they use storage tubes for storing the samples for a required period of time while evaluating them. As the sample storage tube, a micro tube is used.

A plurality of micro tubes are independent of each other and these are arrayed in the rack used as a micro tube array set. The micro tube is a sample storage tube whose height is about several centimeters to <NUM> centimeters and is made of plastic resin. The micro tube can be used single independently and can be used as micro tube array for storing many samples at the same time arrayed in the rack. Recently, the micro tube array set in which plurality of micro tubes are arrayed in the rack becomes popular.

For example, the micro tube type sample storage tube is manufactured by the injection molding machine.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the micro tube type sample storage tube having the outer screw shown in the prior art <CIT>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sample storage tube <NUM> is a micro tube with the tube body installed in the outer element (jacket) <NUM>. The sample storage tube <NUM> comprises a cylinder shape tube body <NUM> inserted to the outer element <NUM>, an outer element <NUM>, a seal object <NUM> for enhancing the air tightness and a lid <NUM> for capping the opening of the tube body. The sample storage tube <NUM> provides airtightness and writable ability by the outer element <NUM> and the lid <NUM> to the cylinder shape tube body <NUM>.

The sample storage tube <NUM> caps the opening of the tube body <NUM> by the combination of the outer element <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. In this example, the sample storage tube is what is called the "outer screw type" in which the outer screw is provided on the upper portion of the outer element <NUM> while the inner screw is provided on the inner side surface of the lid <NUM>.

If the outer type sample storage tube <NUM> does not employ the seal object <NUM> and only the lid <NUM> contacts to the opening of the tube body <NUM>, the airtightness of the tube body <NUM> may be deteriorated. Outside air can pass through the fine gap between the opening edge of the tube body <NUM> and the lid <NUM> because physical manufacturing errors such as manufacturing error in the tube body opening edge and manufacturing error in the inner surface of the lid <NUM> exist and cannot be not avoided physically.

This ventilation may affect the preservation state of the sample in the tube body <NUM>. Therefore, the seal object <NUM> may be employed to secure the airtightness. In this example, the seal object <NUM> is provided as the independent element located between the opening of the tube body <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. As the other example, the seal object <NUM> can be provided as the inner object of the lid <NUM> by embedding in the inner surface of the lid <NUM>.

The material of the seal object <NUM> should be an elastic material such as silicone plastic rubber, natural rubber and thermal plastic elastomer. When the seal object <NUM> located between the opening of the tube body <NUM> and the inner surface of the lid <NUM> is pressed and pinched by screwing the outer element <NUM> and the lid <NUM>, the seal object <NUM> made of elastic material is deformed by the pressure. When the lid <NUM> is screwed onto the tube body <NUM>, the deformation of the seal object <NUM> gets bigger than the manufacturing error in the opening of the tube body <NUM> and the inner surface of the lid <NUM>. Therefore, the bad effect from the manufacturing error in the opening of the tube body <NUM> and the inner surface of the lid <NUM> can be eliminated by the deformation of the seal object <NUM>.

In this example, the outer element <NUM> is made of plastic resin that can turn its color from black to white by laser irradiation. The sample storage tube <NUM> is used for a micro tube array set in which a lot of sample storage tubes <NUM> are arrayed in order to store a lot of samples. Therefore, the micro tube array having a simple cylinder structure is not enough because the sample storage tube <NUM> should have the required function and structure such as an information writable area on the outer side surface and a lid for enclosing the sample with airtightness. The sample storage tube having a simple cylinder structure in the prior art as shown in <FIG> is equipped with an outer element <NUM> in order to obtain the required function and structure as the sample storage tube <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the micro tube type sample storage tube having the inner screw shown in the prior art <CIT>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sample storage tube <NUM> comprises a micro tube <NUM> installed in to the outer element <NUM>, a seal object <NUM> for enhancing the air tightness and a lid <NUM> for capping the opening of the tube body the same as that of <FIG>. The lid <NUM> of the sample storage tube <NUM> is screwed into the inner screw installing near around the upper opening. In this example, the sample storage <NUM> is "the inner screw type", which the inner screw is provided on the inner side surface of the upper opening of the tube body <NUM>, and the outer screw is provided on the outer side surface of the lid <NUM>.

If the inner type sample storage tube <NUM> does not employ the seal object <NUM> and only the lid <NUM> contacts to the opening of the tube body <NUM> directly, the airtightness of the tube body <NUM> may be deteriorated. Outer air can pass through the fine gap between the opening edge of the tube body <NUM> and the lid <NUM> because physical manufacturing errors such as manufacturing error in the tube body opening edge and manufacturing error in the inner surface of the lid <NUM> exist and cannot be not avoided physically. The inner screw type as well as the outer type requires the seal object <NUM> in order to secure the airtightness. In this example, the seal object <NUM> is provided as the independent element located between the opening of the tube body <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. As the other example, the seal object <NUM> can be provided as the inner object of the lid <NUM> by embedding it into the inner surface of the lid <NUM>. Prior art <NUM>: <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses a mold comprising a first molding cavity connected to a first hot channel for supplying a primary molding material, a second overmolding cavity connected to a second hot channel for supplying an overmolding material; and a core configured to be first introduced in said first cavity for a molding operation of a first layer, and to then be introduced, with said first layer thereon, in said second cavity for an overmolding operation of a second layer.

<CIT> discloses that, in a contact part between a container main body and a cover, an elastic member made of thermoplastic elastomer is embedded and integrated into the surfaces of the side-wall tops of the container main body, or into both the side-wall tops of the container main body and parts of the cover which come into contact with the tops.

Whether the outer screw type or the inner screw type, the sample storage tube in the prior art faces problems as follows.

Problems are the increase of the manufacturing steps and the increase of the manufacturing cost for installing the seal object embedded to the inner surface of the lid.

As shown above, the seal object is required whether the storage tube is the inner type or the outer type. If the seal object is an insertion type as the independent element between the tube body opening edge and the lid, the seal object is regarded as one element to be combined, and the seal object is inserted between the tube body opening edge and the lid during the manufacturing step of the sample storage tube assembly. This insertion step increases the step for assembling operation by the automation machine. It causes an increase of the manufacturing time and an increase of the manufacturing cost.

If the seal object is embedded into the inner surface of the lid, this embedded step also increases the step for assembling operation, the manufacturing time and the manufacturing cost.

There is no example provided the seal object at the upper opening edge of the tube body. The area in the upper opening edge of the tube body is very small, so the seal object is difficult to stick to the edge from the technological view and it is not preferable to stick the seal object onto the edge with glue from the point view of sample storing. Therefore, the seal object is provided as an independent element. The seal object is assembled and combined during the automation manufacturing process or the seal object is embedded into the inner surface of the lid in advance.

As shown above, the seal object is an essential element in the prior art and the seal object increases the step for assembling operation, the manufacturing time and the manufacturing cost.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sample storage tube having a seal function to the tube body opening instead of the independent seal object embedded into the inner surface of the lid. Whether the sample storage tube is the outer type or the inner type, the sample storage of the present invention can secure the inner airtightness.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a sample storage tube in accordance with the present invention has the features set forth in claim <NUM>.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the second molded portion for providing the seal function to the tube body is installed around the edge of the opening of the tube body by using the integral molding. Therefore, the airtightness between the opening of the tube body and the lid can be obtained whether the sample storage tube employs the outer screw type tube or the inner screw type tube. The sample storage tube of the present invention does not require an independent seal object as required in the prior art anymore. The sample storage tube of the present invention does not require the assemble operation for embedding the seal object into the inner surface of the lid which is required in the prior art anymore.

The seal object is an element installed between the opening of the tube body and the lid for blocking the sample of solid, liquid and the gas stored in the tube body and for enhancing the airtightness to block the ventilation of the outside air. The seal object is called an O-ring or gasket in general.

As the range of the second molded portion, it includes more than one contacting portion for contacting to the lid portion for enclosing the opening of the tube body. Furthermore, the second molded portion covers at least the bottom outer surface wall of the tube body formed as the second molded portion, in addition to the edge portion of the opening of the tube body by an integral molding for the tube body. Furthermore, the second molded portion covers the side outer surface wall of the tube body. In this case, the second molded portion is expanded from the edge portion of the opening of the tube body to the bottom outer surface wall of the tube body by an integral molding for the tube body.

It is preferable that the first material of the first molded portion is a plastic resin having a light transmissive ability; the second material of the second molded portion is a plastic resin having both a light transmissive ability and an information writable ability to be written by an outside writing means; wherein the bottom outer surface wall of the tube body provides an information writable area.

It is also preferable that the first material of the first molded portion is a plastic resin having a light transmissive ability; the second material of the second molded portion is a plastic resin having both a light transmissive ability and an information writable ability to be written by an outside writing means; wherein both the bottom outer surface wall of the tube body and the side outer surface wall of the tube body provide each information writable area respectively.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the sample storage tube of the present invention allows the stored sample to be observed easily. It is important for the sample storage tube to store the sample without opening. Furthermore, the sample storage tube of the present invention can carry the identification code. It is important for the sample storage tube to be suitable for putting in an array in the rack.

Regarding the thickness of the edge portion of the opening of the tube body, it is preferable that it has a certain range from the upper end face of the opening of the tube body for providing an adequate seal function. In the prior art, there is an annular body element called an O-ring, whose cross-sectional surface is O-shape and a cylinder thin ring called as a circle gasket whose cross-sectional surface is rectangular as the independent element. In the sample storage tube of the present invention, if the thickness of the second molded portion formed on the edge portion of the opening of the tube body has an appropriate thickness, it can provide an adequate seal function for sealing the contact portion between the opening of the tube body and the lid. The thickness of the second molded portion formed on the edge portion of the opening of the tube body can be the same or thicker or thinner than that of the O-ring or the gasket in the prior art. The thickness of the second molded portion formed on the edge portion of the opening of the tube body can be designed depending on the required thickness, which is determined by the conditions such as the diameter, length and the horizontal thickness of the tube body.

The connecting structure between the tube body and the lid is not limited. The connecting structure can be provided to either or both the first molded portion and the second molded portion except for the edge of the opening of the tube body for capping the lid to the tube body. For example, a push lid type, a screw type and fit combination type. The pressure applied to the second molded portion formed on the edge portion of the opening of the tube body should be obtained for deforming its shape to provide the enough seal function.

For example, if the screw type is employed, both the screw length provided on the tube body and the screw length provided on the lid are enough length to obtain the maximum relative shift length between the tube body and the lid for securing enough deformation of the contacting second molded portion formed on the edge portion of the opening of the tube body in order to obtain an adequate seal function.

The sample storage tube of the present invention can provide an idea of a bulge in the second molded portion formed on the edge portion of the opening of the tube body.

It is preferable that if the connecting structure is provided as an outer screw type structure comprising an outer screw installed to the outer side surface wall around the opening of the tube body and an inner screw installed to an inner side surface wall of the lid, the outer side of the second portion of the edge portion on the opening of the tube body has a bulge in the outer direction, because the outer screw type gives pressure to the second portion of the edge portion on the opening of the tube body from the outer to the inner direction in addition to from the upper to the lower direction. Therefore, if the outer side of the second portion of the edge portion on the opening of the tube body has a bulge in the outer direction, it can deform from the contacting outer side to the inner side easily to enhance the seal function.

The same as above, it is also preferable that if the connecting structure is provided as an inner screw type structure comprising an inner screw provided on the inner side surface wall around the opening of the tube body and an outer screw provided on an outer side surface wall of the lid, the inner side of the second portion of the edge portion on the opening of the tube body has a bulge in the inner direction.

According to the sample storage tube of the present invention, the second molded portion for providing the seal function is formed onto the edge of the opening of the tube body by integral molding, and the airtightness can be obtained easily by capping the lid to the tube body, whether the outer screw type or the inner screw type. The operation step for inserting the independent seal object such as gasket in the prior art between the tube body and the lid can be eliminated. In the same manner, the operation step for embedding the independent seal object such as gasket in the prior art into the inner surface of the lid can be eliminated.

Some embodiments of a sample storage tube and an manufacturing operating of the sample storage tube according to the present invention are described below with reference to the relevant drawing. Needless to add, the claims of the present invention include but are not limited to the application, configuration, or quantity shown in the following embodiments.

The sample storage tube <NUM> in embodiment <NUM> not covered by the claims is described.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the structure of the sample storage tube <NUM> (outer screw type).

As shown in <FIG>, the sample storage tube <NUM> is the molded product having the container shape and comprises the tube body <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. This is an outer screw type tube.

The tube body <NUM> is a molded object of which the first molded portion <NUM> is a base figure and the second molded portion <NUM> is molded integrally onto the first molded portion <NUM>.

In the molded object shown in <FIG>, the first molded portion <NUM> has the container shape and the second molded portion <NUM> is molded integrally onto the upper opening edge. In <FIG>, the second molded portion <NUM> is black in color, so the range of the second molded portion <NUM> is easy to recognize.

As shown later, the tube body <NUM> is manufactured by a certain injection molding machine which is called a two-color injection molding machine, a two-cylinder injection molding machine and a double mold injection molding machine. In the first injection molding, the first molded portion <NUM> is molded with the first plastic resin. After the first injection molding, the second molded portion <NUM> is molded with the second plastic resin. The tube body <NUM> is integrally molded by combining the second molded portion <NUM> to the first molded portion <NUM>.

The first molded portion <NUM> is a base figure of the tube body <NUM> except for the portion to be molded as the second molded portion <NUM>. The first molded portion <NUM> is molded with a first plastic resin suitable for the tube body.

The first plastic resin is not limited. In order to make the suitable sample storage tube <NUM>, it is preferable that the first plastic resin has chemical resistance and light transmissive ability. For example, the certain plastic resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate can be employed. Blends of these plastic resins can be employed too. For example, polypropylene is used for the first plastic resin.

In this example, the connection structure is an outer screw type structure. As shown in <FIG>, the outer screw is provided on the side wall surface of the first molded portion <NUM> corresponding to the lid <NUM>, while the inner screw is installed to the inner side surface of the lid <NUM>. The molded portion <NUM> and the lid <NUM> screw together.

The second molded portion <NUM> is a molded object formed onto the opening edge of the tube body <NUM>. In this example, it is shown as the opening edge portion <NUM>.

The second molded portion is made of the second plastic resin having elasticity suitable for the seal object for securing the airtightness between the opening of the tube body <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. As the second plastic resin, the material having the thermoplastic ability and the elasticity ability can be employed. In this example, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is used.

The thermoplastic elastomer can be deformed by heat, but unlike rubber, it is not deteriorated by heat. The thermoplastic elastomer has liquidity at high temperature, so it is used as the molding material. TPE is a typical thermoplastic and elastic material, so it is suitable as the elastic material for the seal element.

There are various kind of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, TPA (polyamide-based TPE), TPC (polyester-based TPE), TPO (polyolefin-based TPE), TPS (polystyrene-based TPE), TPU (polyurethane-based TPE), TPV (dynamic vulcanization TPE) and TPZ (other type TPE) can be employed. It is preferable that the second plastic resin has a thermoplastic ability the same as the first plastic resin and has an affinity with the first plastic resin and the second plastic resin has elasticity suitable for seal element.

Regarding the light transmissive ability, the second molded portion <NUM> is molded only to the opening edge portion. Therefore, it does not affect the observation of the stored sample. It may be whether the high light transmissive material, the low light transmissive material or the opaque material.

As shown above, the feature of the first embodiment <NUM> is that the elastic material portion providing a seal function against the lid is molded onto the opening edge integrally. The second molded portion <NUM> is formed onto the opening edge and it contacts the lid inner surface for providing the airtightness by capping the lid <NUM> to the tube body. When the lid <NUM> caps the opening of the tube body <NUM>, the second molded portion <NUM> is located as the contacting portion between the tube body <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. The thickness of the opening edge is a certain thickness that can provide the seal function. For example, the thickness is between <NUM> to <NUM>. This is an example. Other ranges can be employed according to the diameter, length and the thickness of the cross-sectional area of the tube body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the lid <NUM> screwing onto the opening of the tube body <NUM>. In order to show the inner structure easily, <FIG> are shown by the vertical cross-sectional view respectively.

In this example, the connecting structure is an outer screw type. As shown in <FIG>, the outer screw for connecting the lid <NUM> is installed around the outer side surface of the first molded portion <NUM> as the tube body. Also, the inner screw for connecting the tube body is installed around the inner side surface of the lid <NUM>. The tube body and the lid are connected by screwing.

As shown in <FIG>, when the lid <NUM> is screwed onto the opening of the tube body <NUM>, the inner surface of the lid <NUM> and the opening edge portion formed on the upper opening end of the tube body <NUM> contact each other.

Regarding the length of the screw provided on the tube body and the length of the screw provided on the lid, both have a length to obtain the maximum relative shift length between the tube body and the lid for securing the enough deformation of the second molded portion <NUM> formed on the edge portion of the opening of the tube body in order to obtain enough seal function. If the screw length is not enough, the maximum relative shift length between the tube body and the lid is not enough for deforming the second molded portion <NUM>. In this example, the screw length is enough and the maximum relative shift length is secured.

As shown in <FIG>, as the screwing operation continues, the lid <NUM> descends lower than <FIG>. The second molded portion <NUM> on the opening edge that contacts the lid is deformed by the descending pressure. By this deformation of the second molded portion <NUM> on the opening edge, the influence of the manufacturing error can be reduced. The fine dents and protrusions as the manufacturing error exist in the opening edge of the tube body <NUM> and inner reverse surface and the inner side surface of the lid <NUM>, and the elastic material of the second molded portion <NUM> can accept the fine protrusions in the elastic body and the second molded portion <NUM> can fill or enclose the fine dents by the elastic body. An appropriate seal function between the lid inner reverse surface and the contacted opening edge portion of the tube body <NUM> can be provided.

The above example is the outer screw type tube, this effect can be obtained in the inner screw type tube case.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the lid <NUM> screwing into the opening of the tube body <NUM> in case that the tube is the inner screw type. In order to show the inner structure easily, <FIG> are shown by the vertical cross-sectional view respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, in this example, the connecting structure is an inner screw type.

The same as the outer screw type tube, the length of screw is enough to obtain the maximum relative shift length between the tube body and the lid for securing enough deformation of the second molded portion <NUM> formed on the edge portion of the opening of the tube body.

As shown in <FIG>, the second molded portion <NUM> is molded onto the opening edge of the tube body <NUM>. In this example, the inner screw is provided on the inner side surface of the first molded portion <NUM> that can engage the lid <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is the cylinder shape having the brim and the outer screw is provided on the outer side surface of the cylinder. Both the inner screw and the outer screw are screwed together.

As shown in <FIG>, when the lid <NUM> is screwed into the opening of the tube body <NUM>, the inner reverse surface of the lid <NUM> and the opening edge portion <NUM> formed onto the upper opening end of the tube body <NUM> contact each other.

As shown in <FIG>, as the screwing operation continues on, the lid <NUM> descends lower than <FIG>. The second molded portion <NUM> on the opening edge that contacts with the inner reverse surface of the lid <NUM> is deformed by the descend pressure. The same as shown in <FIG>, the appropriate seal function between the lid inner reverse surface and the contacted opening edge portion of the tube body <NUM> can be provided.

Next, the advanced structure for improving the seal function is described. This advanced structure is not an indispensable element, but it can improve the seal function between the tube body <NUM> structure and the lid <NUM> structure.

The first advanced structure is that the outer side of the second molded portion of the opening edge of the tube body has an outer bulge in the outer direction if the sample storage tube is an outer screw type tube having the outer screw provided around the outer side surface of the opening edge of the tube body <NUM> and the inner screw provided around the inner side surface of the lid <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the structure having an outer bulge on the outer side surface of the opening edge portion <NUM> when the tube is the outer screw type. In order to show the inner structure easily, <FIG> are shown by the vertical cross-sectional view respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, in this example, the second molded portion <NUM> is molded onto the opening edge of the tube body <NUM> the same as <FIG>. In this example, the outer screw is provided on the outer side surface of the first molded portion <NUM> that can engage the lid <NUM> while the inner screw is provided on the inner side surface of the lid <NUM>. Both the outer screw and the inner screw are screwed together.

As shown in <FIG>, the outer side of the second molded portion of the opening edge of the tube body has an outer bulge in the outer direction. This outer bulge provides the same effect as the annular shape O-ring which cross-sectional shape is circle having the outer bulge in the outer direction.

As shown in <FIG>, as the screwing operation continues, the lid <NUM> descends and the second molded portion <NUM> on the opening edge that contacts with the lid is deformed in the vertical direction by the descending pressure. The outer size of the second molded portion <NUM> is slightly bigger than that of the inner side of the lid <NUM> because the second molded portion <NUM> has the outer bulge on the outer side surface in the outer direction. The outer bulge is pressed from the outer direction to the inner direction by the inner side wall, and the second molded portion <NUM> is deformed horizontally to the inner direction by the pressing. The seal function is enhanced in the horizontal direction in addition to the vertical direction.

The second advanced structure is that the inner side of the second molded portion of the opening edge of the tube body has an inner bulge in the inner direction wherein the sample storage tube is an inner screw type tube having the inner screw installed to the inner side surface of the opening edge of the tube body <NUM> and the outer screw installed around the outer side surface of the lid <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the structure having an inner bulge on the inner side surface of the opening edge portion <NUM> in case that the tube is the inner screw type. In order to show the inner structure easily, <FIG> are shown by the vertical cross-sectional view respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, in this example, the second molded portion <NUM> is molded onto the opening edge of the tube body <NUM>. In this example, the inner screw is installed to the inner side surface of the first molded portion <NUM> which can screw with the lid <NUM> while the outer screw is installed to the outer side surface of the lid <NUM>. Both the inner screw and the outer screw are screwed together.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner side of the second molded portion <NUM> of the opening edge of the tube body <NUM> has an inner bulge in the inner direction. This inner bulge provides the same effect as the annular shape O-ring whose cross-sectional shape is a circle having the inner bulge in the inner direction.

As shown in <FIG>, as the screwing operation continues, the lid <NUM> descends and the second molded portion <NUM> on the opening edge which contacts with lid is deformed vertical direction by the descending pressure. The inner size of the second molded portion <NUM> is slightly bigger than that of the outer side of the lid <NUM> because the second molded portion <NUM> has the inner bulge on the inner side surface in the inner direction. The inner bulge is pressed from the inner direction to the outer direction by the outer side wall, and the second molded portion <NUM> is deformed horizontally in the outer direction by the pressing. The seal function is enhanced in the horizontal direction in addition to the vertical direction.

According to the sample storage tube <NUM> of the first embodiment <NUM>, the second molded portion for providing the seal function to the tube body is installed around the opening edge of the tube body by using the integral molding. Therefore, the airtightness between the opening of the tube body and the lid can be obtained whether the sample storage tube employs the outer screw type tube or the inner screw type tube. The sample storage tube of this embodiment does not require an independent seal object as required in the prior art anymore. The sample storage tube of this embodiment does not require the assembling operation for embedding the seal object into the inner surface of the lid as required in the prior art anymore.

The sample storage tube in embodiment <NUM> according to the present invention is described. The sample storage tube in embodiment <NUM> employs the second molded portion that covers at least from the bottom outer surface wall of the tube body via a part of the side surface of the tube body up to the opening edge portion of the tube body as a continuous object by an integral molding. In this embodiment <NUM>, the second molded portion is molded from the bottom surface up to the opening edge of the tube body as a continuous object provides both the seal function and the information code writable function to the bottom surface and the side surface of the tube body.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the structure of the sample storage tube <NUM>-<NUM> of the embodiment <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sample storage tube <NUM>-<NUM> is the molded product having the container shape and comprises the tube body <NUM>-<NUM> and the lid <NUM>-<NUM>.

The tube body <NUM>-<NUM> is a molded object in which the first molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is a base figure and the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is molded integrally onto the first molded portion <NUM>-<NUM>. In the molded object shown in <FIG>, the first molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> has the container shape and the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is molded integrally onto the upper opening edge. In <FIG>, the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is black in color, so the range of the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is easy to recognize.

As shown later, the tube body <NUM>-<NUM> is manufactured by what is called two-color injection molding operation, which employs two stages of the injection molding operations. In the first injection molding, the first molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is molded with the first plastic resin. After the first injection molding, the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is molded with the second plastic resin. The tube body <NUM>-<NUM> is integrally molded by combining the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> with the first molded portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

The same as the embodiment <NUM>, the first molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is a base figure of the tube body <NUM>-<NUM> except for the portion to be molded as the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM>. The first molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is molded with the first plastic resin suitable for the tube body.

The first plastic resin is not limited. The same as the embodiment <NUM>, polypropylene that has high transmissive ability and chemical resistance is used for the first plastic resin.

The second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is a molded object molded from the bottom via side surface up to the opening edge of the tube body <NUM>-<NUM> as a continuous object. In this example, it is shown as the opening edge portion <NUM>, the side surface portion <NUM> and the bottom portion <NUM>.

The same as embodiment <NUM>, the second molded portion is made of the second plastic resin having the elasticity suitable for the seal object for securing the airtightness between the opening of the tube body <NUM>-<NUM> and the lid <NUM>-<NUM>. The same as embodiment <NUM>, as the second plastic resin, the material having the thermoplastic ability and the elasticity ability can be employed. In this example, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is used.

In this example, the opening edge portion <NUM> is molded onto the opening edge of the tube body <NUM>-<NUM> as a part of the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM>, and the opening edge portion <NUM> provides a seal function with the lid <NUM>-<NUM>.

The same as embodiment <NUM>, the opening edge portion <NUM> is formed onto the opening edge and it contacts to the lid inner reverse surface by screwing the lid <NUM>-<NUM> onto the opening edge of the tube body <NUM>-<NUM>. The opening edge portion <NUM> is located at the contacting portion between the tube body <NUM>-<NUM> and the lid <NUM>-<NUM>. The thickness of the opening edge portion <NUM> has a certain thickness that can provide the seal function.

As shown in A-A line cross-sectional view in <FIG>, the opening edge portion <NUM> of the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is molded around the opening edge.

The seal function provided by the opening edge portion <NUM> is the same as shown in embodiment <NUM> with reference to <FIG>. The description is omitted here.

Next, the side surface portion <NUM> and the bottom portion <NUM> is described below.

As shown in <FIG>, the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is molded with the second plastic material as a continuous one body.

As shown in <FIG>, the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is molded from the side surface portion <NUM> to bottom surface portion <NUM> as a continuous one body. Regarding the cross-sectional area of the side surface portion <NUM> of the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM>, the side surface portion <NUM> occupies the circular-arc portion extending into the part of the first molded portion <NUM>.

The second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is molded from the opening edge to the bottom as a continuous object, so the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> can be molded by injecting the second material from one gate at one time.

Regarding the injected material, the side surface portion <NUM> and the bottom surface portion <NUM> are molded with the same second material as that of the opening edge <NUM>.

In this configuration, the second material is a plastic resin having both a light transmissive ability and an information writable ability written by an outside writing means. For example, it is preferable that the base color of the second material is black and turns white by laser marking. For example, the second material can be adjusted by adding the white turn-able black coloring material into the thermoplastic elastomer.

In order to turn its color from black to white by laser marking, the additive has photosensitivity and heat sensitivity to the laser wavelength range. In short, the additive has photosensitivity and heat sensitivity by changing its physical state and the chemical state upon treatment with the laser. The additive in the prior art having such photosensitivity and heat sensitivity can be employed.

The side surface portion <NUM> and the bottom surface portion <NUM> of the second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> can be used for the information writable medium molded with this second material. The second molded portion <NUM>-<NUM> is provided as the area for information writable area.

The information to be written is not limited. Bar-code information, two-dimensional dot code information, numeric information, word information such as alphabet, signal can be employed according to the application.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the information writing operation to the side surface portion <NUM> and the bottom surface portion <NUM> of the tube body <NUM>-<NUM>.

In this example, bar code information is written in the side surface portion <NUM> and two-dimensional dot code information is written in the bottom surface portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, both the side surface portion <NUM> and the bottom surface portion <NUM> are blank and the whole area is black. As shown in <FIG>, bar code information can be written in the side surface portion <NUM> and two-dimensional dot code information can be written in the bottom surface portion <NUM> by coloring the additive from black to white by the laser irradiation.

By this way, information is written in the side surface portion <NUM> and the bottom surface portion <NUM>, the sample storage tube <NUM>-<NUM> can be identified and managed each by each.

The sample storage tube of the embodiment <NUM> can utilize the side surface portion and the bottom surface portion as information writable area by covering from the opening edge portion <NUM> via side surface portion <NUM> to the bottom surface portion <NUM> as a continuous object made of the second molded portion which has elasticity and writable ability molded onto the first molded portion <NUM>. If the second material is selected from the material including additive that can turn its color by laser marking, the information required for management can be written onto the side surface and the bottom surface of the tube body by laser marking. The identification information is very useful for the sample storage tube because a lot of sample storage tubes are stored in an array in a rack.

Embodiment <NUM> describes the manufacturing process of the sample storage tube of the present invention.

The sample storage tube <NUM> are manufactured by the steps in which the first molded portion <NUM> is manufactured by the first injection molding and the second molded portion <NUM> is manufactured by the second injection molding onto the first molded portion <NUM> as the continuous double mold process.

The manufacturing process of the sample storage tube of the present invention is described step by step in the following (A), (B), (C) description.

First, in (A) [The example of the mold pattern using in the manufacturing for the sample storage tube of the present invention], the inner mold pattern <NUM> as a core, the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a first outer cavity and the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a second outer cavity are described.

Next, in (B) [The first mold injection process using the first mold pattern combination <NUM> which is a combination of the inner mold pattern <NUM> as a core and the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a first outer cavity] is described. The first molded portion <NUM> which is tube body having the opening is described as an example of the molded object by this first mold injection.

Next, in (C) [The second mold injection process using the second mold pattern combination <NUM> which is a combination of the inner mold pattern <NUM> as a core and the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a second outer cavity] is described. The second molded portion <NUM> covers from the bottom to the side surface of the first molded portion <NUM> and is molded integrally by thermal fusion with first molded portion <NUM> as one body.

Three mold pattern are shown as the example of the mold patterns used in this manufacturing process for the sample storage of the present invention.

The inner mold pattern <NUM> as a core, the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a first outer cavity and the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a second outer cavity are described respectively.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the structure of the inner mold pattern <NUM> used as a core mold. The inner mold pattern <NUM> is commonly used in the first mold pattern combination <NUM> and the second mold pattern combination <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the structure of the outer mold pattern <NUM> used as a first cavity mold. The outer mold pattern <NUM> is used in the first mold pattern combination <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the structure of the outer mold pattern <NUM> used as a second cavity mold. The outer mold pattern <NUM> is used in the second mold pattern combination <NUM>.

The inner mold pattern <NUM> as a core mold is described as follows.

The upper figure of <FIG> is a front view of the inner mold pattern <NUM> as a core mold, the lower figure of <FIG> is a side view of the inner mold pattern <NUM> as a core mold. The upper figure of <FIG> is a D-D line horizontal cross sectional view of the inner mold pattern <NUM> as a core mold, the lower figure of <FIG> is a C-C line vertical cross sectional view of the inner mold pattern <NUM> as a core mold.

The inner mold pattern <NUM> works as a core mold having the corresponding inner shape of the molded portion. The inner mold pattern <NUM> is set in a standing state whose posture is upside down of the container posture.

The inner mold pattern <NUM> is commonly used in the first mold pattern combination <NUM> and the second mold pattern combination <NUM>.

The inner mold pattern <NUM> is set in the outer mold <NUM> in the first mold pattern combination <NUM> and in the outer mold <NUM> in the second mold pattern combination <NUM>.

Next, the outer mold pattern <NUM> used as a first cavity mold is described below.

The upper figure of <FIG> is a front view of the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a first cavity mold, the lower figure of <FIG> is a side view of the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a first cavity mold. The upper figure of <FIG> is a F-F line horizontal cross sectional view of the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a first cavity mold, the lower figure of <FIG> is a E-E line vertical cross sectional view of the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a first cavity mold.

The outer mold pattern <NUM> is a cylinder shape mold pattern corresponding to the certain part of the outer figure of the molded portion. The example shown in <FIG>, outline shape is a cylinder shape.

As shown in <FIG> F-F line cross sectional view and E-E line cross sectional view, and the outer mold pattern <NUM> includes a protrusion portion <NUM> in an inner surface of the cylinder shape. Therefore, the injection space is narrowed by this protrusion portion <NUM> shape. This space occupied by the protrusion portion <NUM> becomes an injection space for the second molded portion <NUM> in the second mold injection as shown later.

As shown in <FIG> F-F line cross sectional view and the E-E line cross sectional view, the outer mold pattern <NUM> includes a slide mold pattern <NUM> in the inner surface near the opening of the cylinder shape. This slide mold pattern <NUM> protrudes inward, and the injection space is narrowed by this slide mold pattern <NUM> shape. The opening edge portion <NUM> is molded as a part of the second molded portion <NUM> in the second mold injection as shown later. This slide mold pattern <NUM> can slide to the outer direction when strip the outer mold pattern <NUM>.

The outer mold pattern <NUM> comprises a body part and a gate <NUM> as an input gate for injecting the first material.

Next, the outer mold pattern <NUM> used as a second cavity mold is described below.

The outer mold pattern <NUM> as a second cavity is a cylinder shape mold pattern corresponding to the outer configuration of the product. In the example shown here, the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a second cavity comprises a body part and a gate <NUM> as an input gate for injecting the second material.

When combining the second mold pattern combination <NUM>, the space between the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a second cavity and the molded portion around the inner mold pattern <NUM> molded by using the first mold pattern combination <NUM> becomes the mold injection space. In short, the difference in shape between the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a first cavity and the outer mold pattern <NUM> as a second cavity is the secondary injection space. The second molded portion is manufactured by molding this injection space.

Each mold pattern is understood by the above description.

The mold injection process using the first mold pattern combination <NUM> which is the combination of the inner mold pattern <NUM> as the core and the outer mold pattern <NUM> as the first cavity is described.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the first mold pattern combination <NUM> formed by combining the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> and the first cavity mold of the outer mold <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view, and <FIG> shows a vertical cross sectional view.

As shown in <FIG>, the first mold pattern combination <NUM> is dynamically formed by combining the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> and the first cavity mold of the outer mold <NUM>. The first mold injection space is formed in the first mold pattern combination <NUM>. The first mold injection space is provided as the gap between the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> and the first cavity mold of the outer mold <NUM>. This first mold injection space is connected to the gate <NUM>. The mold injection can be operated by injecting the first material at high temperature and high pressure via the gate <NUM>. There is a protrusion portion <NUM> in the inner surface of the cylinder shape, and the first mold injection space is narrowed by the protrusion portion <NUM> (the right hand of the first mold injection space becomes narrow in <FIG>). Furthermore, there is a slide mold pattern <NUM> at the end of the opening of the cylinder shape, and the first mold injection space is not formed there.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the molding injection to the first mold space in the first mold pattern combination <NUM> and stripping the mold away from the molded production.

As shown in <FIG>, polypropylene melt at certain temperature is injected by certain pressure via the gate <NUM> to the first mold injection space in the first mold pattern combination <NUM>. The first molded portion <NUM> is obtained by filling up the first mold injection space in the first mold pattern combination <NUM>.

Next, as shown in <FIG>, after the first mold injection using by the first mold pattern combination <NUM>, the slide pattern <NUM> slides away to the outer direction. When the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> is pulled out from the first cavity mold of the outer mold <NUM>, the first molded portion <NUM> molded around the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> appears.

As shown in <FIG>, there is the protrusion portion <NUM> in the inner surface of the cylinder shape, the first molded portion <NUM> has a dent corresponding to the protrusion portion <NUM>. Furthermore, there is the slide mold pattern <NUM> in the end of the opening of the cylinder shape, the first molded portion <NUM> is not formed corresponding to the slide mold pattern <NUM>.

This is a process outline for the first mold injection step by using the first mold pattern combination <NUM> combining the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> and the first cavity mold of the outer mold <NUM>.

Next, a process for the second mold injection step uses the second mold pattern combination <NUM> combining the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> and the second cavity mold of the outer mold <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the second mold pattern combination <NUM> formed by combining the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> and the second cavity mold of the outer mold <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second mold pattern combination <NUM> is dynamically formed by combining the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> and the second cavity mold of the outer mold <NUM>. The second mold injection space is formed in the second mold pattern combination <NUM>. The second mold injection space is provided as the gap between the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> and the second cavity mold of the outer mold <NUM>. This second mold injection space is connected to the gate <NUM>. The mold injection can be operated by injecting the second material in high temperature and high pressure via the gate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the secondary molding injection to the second mold space in the second mold pattern combination <NUM>.

As shown in left figure of <FIG>, thermoplastic elastomer melt at a certain temperature is injected by a certain pressure via the gate <NUM> to the second mold injection space in the second mold pattern combination <NUM>. The second molded portion <NUM> is obtained by filling up the second mold injection space in the second mold pattern combination <NUM>. The tube body <NUM> is manufactured by molding the second molded portion <NUM> integrally onto the first molded portion <NUM>.

When the core mold of the inner mold <NUM> is pulled out from the second cavity mold of the outer mold <NUM>, the tube body <NUM> appears. This tube body <NUM> comprises the second molded portion including the opening edge portion <NUM>, side surface portion <NUM> and the bottom surface portion <NUM> are formed onto the first molded portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing the stripping the mold away from the molded tube body <NUM> and installing the outer screw to the outer side surface of the tube body <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view showing the molded tube body <NUM> capped by the lid <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> engages the opening of the tube body <NUM> by screwing.

The second material is an information writable material by laser marking, and as shown in <FIG>, identification code information for each sample storage tube <NUM>-<NUM> is written in the side surface portion <NUM> and the bottom surface portion <NUM> by laser marking.

While some preferable embodiments of the sample storage according to the present invention are described above, it should be understood that various changes are possible, without deviating from the technical scope according to the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope according to the present invention is limited only by the claims attached.

Claim 1:
A sample storage tube for storing a sample including a lid (<NUM>) and a tube body (<NUM>) which is configured to be closed by the lid, wherein the tube body has two portions which are:
a first molded portion (<NUM>) being a continuous cylinder having an open end, a sidewall and a closed end, and
a second molded portion (<NUM>),
the first molded portion (<NUM>) and the second molded portion (<NUM>) being integrally molded by injection molding means,
wherein the sidewall of the first molded portion (<NUM>) has a dent portion spanning a circular-arc portion but not the entire circumference of the cylinder, the first molded portion (<NUM>) being made of a first material, which is a plastic resin being translucent;
the second molded portion (<NUM>) is made of a second material, the second material being a plastic resin and having an information writable ability, the second molded portion (<NUM>) being black and being able to be turned white by laser marking, the second molded portion (<NUM>) comprising:
an opening edge portion (<NUM>) integrally formed onto the open end of the first molded portion (<NUM>) and configured to contact an inner surface of the lid (<NUM>), wherein the second material has a suitable elasticity for securing airtightness between the tube body (<NUM>) and the lid (<NUM>);
a bottom portion (<NUM>) integrally formed on an outer surface of the closed end of the first molded portion (<NUM>), and
a side surface portion (<NUM>) integrally formed in the circular-arc portion of the sidewall of the first molded portion (<NUM>), the side surface portion (<NUM>) connecting the opening portion (<NUM>) and the bottom portion (<NUM>).