CN102565412A - Distributor for flat articles such as diagnosis test strips - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a basically moisture-proof airtight distributor (20) for storing and distributing multiple flat articles such as diagnosis test strips (30). The distributor (20) disclosed by the invention comprises novel shells (22, 24) capable of rotating around a pivot; and a user can discharge the test strips (30) simply by holding and squeezing the shells. To distribute the strips, the fingers of the user do not need to make an independent action of pushing or rotating a button, thus the distributor disclosed by the invention is very suitable for diabetic patients suffering nerve injuries on four limbs and other complications. The distributor disclosed by the invention comprises a novel flexible arm member (94) and a push head (136); and when the two parts of the shells rotate together around the pivot, the flexible arm member (94) and the push head (136) are jointed with the articles and push the articles out of the distributor. The articles are distributed through an outlet of a novel flexible sealing member (42), and the flexible sealing member keeps the distributor basically airtight. The invention discloses multiple sealing embodiments and methods capable of achieving the same purpose.

Description

The divider that is used for flattened articles such as diagnostic test strips

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to divider, more specifically relates to the divider that is used for flat article such as test strip.

Background technology

Be used for measuring the existence of the selected analyte of sample or the test strip or the biology sensor of concentration is well-known.Usually, some test strip packed be stored in the disposable bottle, bottle has the bottle cap that can open or turn on.In general barrier material is encapsulated in the bottle, with so that test strip keep dry.In the time will testing, the user must open bottle, takes out a test strip then.Slip then is inserted in the scale usually, then fluid sample (in general being whole blood) is deposited on above it.Then, can come the concentration of analyte with luminosity assay method or electrochemical method.When EOT, slip is taken out from scale and discards.

Test strip is used for measuring the glucose level in its blood by the diabetic, and must do three to four this every day concerning most of glycosuria patients, sometimes more frequent.Unfortunately, many diabetics have complication, such as vision impairment, trick is inharmonious and finger and toe forfeiture susceptibility and dexterity.These complication can make and open test strip vial, take out a test strip and handle this test strip and become quite difficult.

Do not hope that equally situation about taking place is, open traditional test strip vial slip is exposed under the moisture in the atmosphere, thus variation more promptly when making reagent included in the slip keep sealing than bottle.This exposure can be shortened the pot-life greatly.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a kind of moistureproof basically airtight divider, in order to store and to distribute some diagnostic test strips.Divider of the present invention need only be caught and pushed by the user, just can discharge a test strip.When distributing slip, user's finger needn't be made the self contained function that promotes button or turning knob, and this makes the present invention be well suited for the diabetic that four limbs suffer neurotrosis and suffer from other complication.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a kind of divider that is used for flat article is provided.This divider comprises the shell that links to each other with trigger through pivot.One folded article are housed in the shell, and trigger comprise with folded group in the actuator that engages of the top article, when making trigger and shell be pivoted to a time-out, actuator is released uppermost article at least in part in the middle of divider.One of them of shell or trigger defines receptacle (receptacle), and when shell and trigger are pivoted to a time-out, another in shell and the trigger is nested in the receptacle at least in part.

In a preferred form, article are test strip, and trigger defines receptacle, and therefore, when the extruding divider distributed slip, shell was nested in the trigger.Actuator comprises the arm member that can when trigger pivots with respect to shell, produce the novelty of deflection.The pusher head that links to each other with arm member be arranged on stack of articles above; And be pivoted to a time-out when trigger and shell; End face with regard to forcing pusher head to move downward with the top test strip engages, thereby uppermost test strip is released from divider.Spring part makes trigger and shell biasing separately, and therefore, when after the user is distributing slip, unclamping divider, it returns to its original condition or " initially " state.

In other a kind of preferred form, shell is connected at its bottom pivoting with trigger, therefore the nested top that mainly occurs in divider.In this structure, trigger is included in the arc inner wall of dispenser top, and shell has corresponding arc outer wall.This makes that working as these two parts is pivoted to a time-out, and shell can be nested in the trigger.Though the radius of these two arcwalls is can be slightly different,, when trigger and main shell are pivoted to a time-out, these two arcwalls are similar to concentric segments at least.

In another kind of preferred form, divider of the present invention comprises can be with shell and trigger lock in original state and prevent unexpected " passive locking " mechanism that distributes.Overcome the required power of passive locking certainly greater than the bias force of spring, but it is so big, thereby can prevents that the user from pushing divider and discharging test strip.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of method that is used for forming at divider airtight basically sealing is provided.In the method for this novelty, shell is provided with the opening that the flat article that can supply to be distributed passes through.In a preferred embodiment, through injection-molded formation flexible seals, has certain clearance between its two included elastic components.After initial formation sealing part, it is constructed again, make two elastic components be in contact with one another and be biased to together.Then, flexible seals is installed in the opening of shell.

An advantage of divider of the present invention is that the diabetic need only catch and push this divider, just can discharge a test strip.This divider can be held by user's palm easily, and in order to the user who distributes slip actuate part preferred with divider itself equally greatly.Therefore, distribute slip requirement extruding action according to the present invention, this moment, all fingers were worked basically together, thereby did not need finger flexibly.This is as far as losing doigte with sensitive thereby to be difficult to handle the diabetic of existing mini-roundabout, lid and slide block in the traditional dispensers especially favourable.

Of the present invention also have an advantage to be, the diabetic, can be placed on divider on the flat face when discharging a test strip in squeezes trigger.That is to say that this make of divider makes the user when the extruding divider, can lean on flat face performance leverage, thereby reduces the required strength of allocation for test slip.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it can make test strip remain in the moistureproof basically environment.Similarly, different with traditional bottle is, the present invention can prevent that slip from being touched by the user and polluted before using.

Of the present invention also have an advantage to be, test strip of primary distribution, and dividing the timing test strip to occur in the same way at every turn.Different with traditional bottle, the present invention does not need the user in the middle of bottle, to pick up a slip.This is especially favourable as far as little test strip and the inconvenient diabetic of bottle that manipulation is arranged in the traditional dispensers.Therefore, user's overall test time decreased, this is that the user can promptly take out test strip because after the allocation for test slip.

Of the present invention also have another advantage to be, it mainly uses plastic components, therefore can produce in enormous quantities at low cost.So this divider can come production and selling as disposable product.

Another advantage in addition of the present invention is that it provides airtight basically seal, makes slip to distribute through this gas-tight seal.This seal after producing through with its counter-rotating or being improved Outside in it.

Another advantage in addition of the present invention is that the airtight basically seal of being mentioned just now is " self-closing ".That is to say that after through this seal allocation for test slip, the elastic component in the seal returns to the original state that is biased in together.Advantageously, this can be avoided occurring the user and forget the problem of closing divider, and this problem often takes place in traditional bottle.

Certain embodiments of the invention also have another advantage to be, this divider can be fixed on such position with test strip, and at this moment, the scale insertion end is stretched out from divider, make the user can the external part of slip be inserted in the scale.Therefore, the user needn't just can be inserted in the test scale by the engaged test slip, so just can prevent that the user from using contact before and therefore polluting slip.

Description of drawings

Through the detailed description of the embodiment of the invention being done below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, with making above-mentioned advantage and obtain manner thereof with other of the present invention become clearer, and can understand the present invention better, in these accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 and 2 is the skeleton view according to goods dispenser of the present invention, shows the original state and the distribution state of divider;

Fig. 1 a and 2a are the skeleton views according to goods dispenser one alternative of the present invention, show the original state and the distribution state of divider;

Fig. 3 is the broken section skeleton view of divider shown in Fig. 1 and 2, shows the intraware of divider;

Fig. 4 is the decomposition diagram of divider shown in Fig. 1 and 2;

Fig. 5 a and 5b are respectively the local enlarged perspective and the cut-open views of seal according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is the decomposition diagram of main distributor or box casket according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 a-7d is a side sectional view, shows according to an embodiment of the invention that divider moves to distribution state from original state, returns then;

Fig. 8 a is the decomposition diagram after the divider among Fig. 1 and 2 is cut open by part;

Fig. 8 b is the partial enlarged view of locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 c is a local enlarged perspective, shows being connected of arm member and trigger;

Fig. 9 a and 9b are local enlarged perspectives, show lip seal cover according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 a and 10b are the local enlarged perspectives that part is analysed and observe, and show platform and lippacking according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 a and 11b are the local enlarged perspectives that part is analysed and observe, and show lippacking and posttectonic again lippacking according to an embodiment of the invention respectively;

Figure 12 a and 12b are the local enlarged perspectives that part is analysed and observe, and show lippacking and posttectonic again lippacking according to an embodiment of the invention respectively;

Figure 13 is a local enlarged perspective, shows lid according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is the local enlarged perspective that a part is analysed and observe, and shows lid and outlet according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 a-15c is the local enlarged perspective analysed and observe of part, shows flexible seals according to an embodiment of the invention, posttectonic flexible seals and the flexible seals of structure again that just having article to leave again respectively;

Figure 16 is a side sectional view, shows the motion of divider from original state to optional detent position according to an embodiment of the invention; With

Figure 17 a-17c is a skeleton view, shows the method for application according to goods dispenser of the present invention, and wherein, scale can be used to read the information that is assigned with article.

In institute's drawings attached, corresponding label is represented corresponding components.

Embodiment

In order to understand principle of the present invention better, come to introduce in detail the present invention referring now to specific embodiment shown in the drawings.Yet, will be appreciated that therefore scope of the present invention is not restricted.Those skilled in the art in the invention be easy to shown in process or device make various modifications and variation, and can make further application to ultimate principle of the present invention in this introduction.

With reference now to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2,, the goods dispenser 20 that is used to distribute flat article such as biology sensor or test strip has been shown among the figure, it has the main shell 22 that links to each other through pivot with trigger or rear casing 24.Fig. 1 shows divider 20 " initially " state, and Fig. 2 shows " distributing " state.Grip portions 26 and back grip portions 28 before divider 20 comprises, as shown in Figure 2, when institute below they resemble in detail introduction be pivoted to a time-out, make article 30 at least in part from exporting release 32.In the embodiment shown; Article 30 are test strip, such as Accu-Chek

the board glucose test strip by assignee of the present invention's production and sales.But, will be appreciated that the principle of disclosed divider also can be used for other flat article divider in the present invention.As shown in Figure 3, main shell 22 has folded group 34 of test strip 30, and these test strip 30 will distribute from divider successively, be described below.Shell 22 comprises the window 36 (Fig. 1 and 2) that is used for observing folded group 34 last article 30 quantity.Window 36 can be processed such as transparent polypropylene with the transparent material of any amount.

In the embodiment shown, shell 22 is processed with polypropylene and polystyrene respectively with trigger 24, but will be appreciated that, can use a variety of other plastics, compound substance or other material.Grip portions 26 comprises fin 38, and fin 38 is preferably processed such as the Santoprene

that the advanced elastic body company of system (Adavanced Elastomer Systems) in Akron, Ohio city provides with thermoplastic elastomer.Outlet 32 comprises the catch (flap) 40 that constitutes lippacking 42.Catch 40 is also used Santoprene

to process and is formed with fin 38 integral body, as shown in Figure 3.

Further referring to Fig. 1 and 2, trigger 24 and shell 22 44 link to each other through pivot with 46 in the bottom respectively, cause shell 22 main in the top of divider 20 is nested in trigger 24 like this.The bottom of trigger and shell does not nest together basically, and this makes box casket 84 (Fig. 4) can be fixed to the bottom of shell 22, thereby carries out the branch timing together when trigger and shell are pivoted to, and can not hinder trigger 24.As shown in Figure 4, shell 22 comprises the pin 48 that therefrom is horizontally through, and these pins 48 are contained in the corresponding circular hole 50 of trigger 24 rotationally.The inside surface of trigger 24 is provided with the slit 52 that leads to perforate 50, helps the assembling of divider 20 through making pin 48 slide through slots 52.Though illustrated embodiment comprises the pin that is arranged on the shell 22 48 and is arranged on the perforate 50 on the trigger 24,, this situation also can be conversely.In addition, other mechanism such as hinge that can between shell 22 and trigger 24, form pivotal connection also can be used for replacing pin and perforate.

As shown in figs. 1 and 2, because pivotal connection 44 and 46 formation in the bottom, so the motion most of respect to one another of trigger 24 and shell 22 occurs in the top end near divider 20.The profile of trigger 24 meets the profile of shell 22 basically but is big slightly, so the inside surface of trigger 24 just defines the receptacle that is used for shell 22.Shown in clear more among Fig. 3, trigger 24 has arc inner wall 54, and its shape is similar to the outer wall 56 of shell 22.Therefore, when trigger 24 and shell 22 pivot and each other near the time, shell 22 partly is nested in the trigger 24, article 30 are partly discharged from divider 20 simultaneously, and are as shown in Figure 2.Shown in Fig. 7 c, when trigger 24 and shell 22 are pivoted to a time-out, inwall 54 is similar to concentric segments with outer wall 56.

Though trigger has constituted receptacle in this preferred embodiment,, if situation is conversely, still can adopt this Promethean rotational shell principle.Shown in Fig. 1 a and 2a, when trigger 24a and main shell 22a are pivoted to a time-out, trigger 24a partly is nested in the receptacle that is formed by main shell 22a, so test strip 30 is discharged by part from container 20a.Those of ordinary skill in the affiliated field will be recognized other modification of the novel shell of the present invention.As stated, an advantage of this novel rotational shell is that the shell that causes slip to distribute is actuated part and can be made with divider itself same big.Therefore, distribute slip only need not need the motion of single finger with divider 20 or 20a through the extruding of whole hand.That kind as noted above, this diabetic as far as losing doigte and sensitivity thereby being difficult to handle existing mini-roundabout, lid and slide block in the prior art divider is especially favourable.

As shown in Figure 3, torsionspring 62 has upright supporting leg 64 and 66, and they are resisted against the inboard of trigger 24 and shell 22 respectively, thereby make divider be biased to the original state shown in Fig. 1.Spring 62 wherein maintains to groove 68 mooring formulas fixed supporting leg 64 by the spring retaining plate 70 and 72 formed groove 68 fix in position that are arranged in the trigger 24.Those of ordinary skill in the affiliated field will be easy to find out many other spring devices that can be used for replacing the torsionspring 62 in the illustrated embodiment.

In order to prevent that thereby spring 62 from be biased to trigger 24 and shell 22 to prevent beyond the original state trigger 24 from being taken off by the user, trigger 24 comprises the flange 58 that can cooperate with upstanding flange 60.Shell of the present invention also includes locking mechanism or " passive locking " part, and it can provide enough power preventing user's dispense articles all of a sudden, but can not provide too big power to stop predetermined distribution simultaneously.That is to say that passive locking requires bigger power to overcome the power that spring 62 is provided.With reference to figure 8a and 8b, be provided with groove or recess 72 in the trigger 24, in order to hold lug or the teat 74 that is arranged on the baffle plate 76 (Fig. 4).When the user pushed divider, lug 74 must be pushed and cross from sidewall 78 (Fig. 8 b), and trigger 24 and shell 22 are moved to together.On backstroke, lug 74 is by the recess that tilts 80 guiding, so it can pass through sidewall 78 smoothly, then only with the power snapped into place of spring 62 in groove 72.The groove 72 that has been found that about 0.5 millimeters deep just can form passive locking, and it can provide enough power to prevent unexpected the distribution.

With reference to figure 3,4 and 6, folded group 34 the box casket 84 that test strip 30 is housed is positioned in the shell 22.This box casket preferably with have moisture absorption can the three-phase polymkeric substance process, such as can be from the Alabama State Active-Pak

that obtains of the Capital Specialty Plastics company in the Auburn city 2AP

that can obtain and the Flotech

" S " that can obtain from the Grace Davison company of German Worms from the Sudchemie Performance Packaging Europe company of French Choisy le Roi.As stated, included reagent material can go bad when being exposed to moisture following time in many test strip, thereby they are contained in barrier material such as in the box casket 84, will help to address this problem.

The critical piece of box casket 84 is included in the baffle plate 76 shown in Fig. 4, and in the hollow body shown in Fig. 6 86, top cover 88, pressure pad 90, pressure pad spring 92 and arm member 94.Be loaded with the folded group 34 of test strip on the pressure pad 90 and can make vertical motion with respect to hollow body 86.Specifically, pressure pad 90 comprises the teat 96 that is slidably received within the gathering sill 98.Two other teat (not shown) extends out from the back side of pressure pad 90, and is slidably received within the gathering sill shown in Figure 6 100.When the allocation for test slip, when pressure pad was boosted, teat and gathering sill made pressure pad keep aiming at.After teat arrived the top of gathering sill, pressure pad 90 just can not further move up, and this moment, divider was empty.When in the divider 20 test strip 30 being arranged, moving up of pressure pad 90 is restricted owing to uppermost slip abuts on the shelf 104 that is arranged in the top cover 88.Similarly, when teat arrived the bottom of gathering sill, pressure pad 90 was in minimum vertical position, and filled test strip in the box casket this moment.The quantity of 84 test strip that can hold 34 of box casket is preferably in 5 to 150 scope.In the embodiment shown, box casket 84 can hold 50 test strip.

Further referring to Fig. 6, main body 86 comprises in order to receive the columniform spring reference column 102 of spring 92.Spring 92 extends in the cylinder 106 of being located at pressure pad 90, and when distributing slip, its spring force is towards the upper offset pressure pad.Top cover 88 is fixed on the hollow body 86 through the anchoring bar 112 that is assembled in the slit 114.The opening 89 (Fig. 4) that is arranged between top cover 88 and the hollow body 86 makes slip from the box casket, to be shifted out.In the embodiment shown, top cover is processed with polypropylene, but many other materials also are suitable for.Spring fingers 116 provides pressure, is used for making cassette assembly at shell 22 fix in position, shown in Fig. 7 a.The bottom clip 118 guide box casket assembling process that extends out from the bottom of main body 86 in place and be assembled to before below the rail 120 (Fig. 3), be fixed in the shell 22 in order to front portion box casket main body 86.Positioning boss 122 remains in the shell 22 the latter half at cassette assembly rear portion.

Further referring to Fig. 4, when assembling divider 20, fin 82 temporarily is held in place at box casket 84 in the shell 22.Then, baffle plate 76 is fused on the main shell 22, and box casket main body 86 is remained in the shell 22, this means between main shell 22 and the surrounding environment to seal basically.This sealing just can be destroyed when just the perforate 124 in baffle plate 76 is opened simultaneously just through lippacking 42 allocation for test slips.Yet shown in Fig. 5 a and 5b, arm member 94 includes seal 126, and when divider 20 was in original state, seal 126 engaged with sealing surface 128.Seal 126 has the geometric configuration of " umbrella " shape, and it surrounds arm member, and deflection seals thereby form closely to meet the conical recessed shape of seal 128.Seal 126 is preferably processed with Santoprene

.When squeezes trigger 24, arm spare 94 is actuated, thereby sealing is temporarily destroyed, and returns to original state until divider 20.

In an alternative (not shown), seal 126 is connected on the sealing surface 128, and therefore when divider 20 was in original state and distribution state, it all rested on original position.In this embodiment, when seal 126 was designed so that proper squeezes trigger 24, arm member 94 was passed seal 126.Seal 126 surrounds arm member 94, passes seal 126 but allow arm member 94 to slide.

Shown in Fig. 6-8, an end of arm member 94 is connected on the trigger 24 through the fingers 130 around keeper 132.Lug 134 is pressed on the inclined side 135 of trigger 24, thereby can prevent that fingers 130 is disengaged when operation commutator.The other end of arm member is the pusher head 136 that is positioned at above the test strip, and it is placed in the groove 138 slidably.More particularly, pusher head 136 comprises the cam 140 and pin 142 that extends in the groove 138.Cam, pin and groove constitute the part of guiding mechanism, and it moves up and down pusher head when the pusher head to-and-fro movement, as following institute will introduce more in detail.Pusher head also comprises fingers or fitting piece 144, and they engage with the test strip friction-type at top, thereby makes this test strip in the middle of divider, slide, as following institute will introduce more in detail.

Pusher head 136 remainders preferred and arm member 94 integrally are shaped, and connect on it through " work hinge " 146.The work hinge can provide than common " hinges " stronger resistance, but still is deflection, makes pusher head to rotate perhaps around pivot and is pivotally lowered on the test strip, and upwards be rotated away from test strip.In the embodiment shown, arm member 94 usefulness polypropylene are processed, but under those of ordinary skill in the field can replace with many other flexible materials.

When not in use, divider of the present invention is in " initially " state shown in Fig. 1 a and the 7a.When the user begins with trigger 24 and shell 22 when pinched together " the passive locking " that he is introduced above must at first overcoming.Then, the power that can overcome spring 62 is pinched together with trigger 24 and shell 22, thereby defines dispense stroke.Because arm member 94 links to each other with trigger 24, so pivoting of dispenser portion just actuated arm member and passed perforate 124 slips.So the sealing state that is formed by umbrella seal 126 is destroyed.Yet, meet the shape of perforate 124 on the profile preferred general of arm spare 94, when arm spare 94 passes perforate 124, just engage like this with the perforate periphery.Therefore, when arm spare 94 passes perforate 124 slips, keep accurate sealing between arm spare 94 and the perforate 124.In other words, even seal 126 can be removed from perforate 124 when divider is activated, still, because closely cooperating between arm spare 94 and the perforate 124, so the sealing between them does not receive very big destruction.

Referring now to Fig. 7 a and 7b,, the initial movement of arm spare causes pusher head 136 around cam 140 rotation, and turns to the bonding station that wherein fingers 144 and top test strip are frictionally engaged from the separation point position of leaving the folded group of slip.In other words, cam 140 defines pivot axis, so arm spare 94 is along the work that the slides through hinge 146 of 150 directions of arrow shown in Fig. 7 b and be converted to and be the moment around cam 140.This makes pusher head 136 rotate around pivot axis again, shown in arrow 152.Simultaneously, pusher head is as shown in the figure slides to the right, so top strip is squeezed out the catch 40 of lippacking 42, and from divider, leaves.Even lippacking 42 still keeps accurate sealing when slip 30 passes.Test strip 30 can be arranged in the box casket 84 like this, makes that the dosage dispensing end or the scale insertion end of test strip 30 are at first left when pusher head is slided to the right.

Shown in Fig. 7 b, an end of groove 138 has constituted sloping portion 148.When dispense stroke finished, pin 142 engaged with sloping portion 148, so the top test strip of folding group is rotated and left to pusher head 136 up around pivot, shown in Fig. 7 c.Although have moment around cam 140 at the end of dispense stroke,, this pivoting still and can take place up.Advantageously,, therefore, need only overcome the slight friction force that is produced by lippacking 42, just can at an easy rate top strip be pulled out from divider 20 because pusher head 136 pivots and leaves top test strip.When dispense stroke finished, the arm member deflection was to being straight shape substantially, shown in Fig. 7 c.Arm spare 94 crooked or become directly be since arm spare 94 those ends that link to each other with trigger 24 shell and trigger be extruded to a time-out with respect to shell 22 move upward cause.

When the user looses one's grip, spring 62 will make trigger 24 and shell 22 be returned to original state, and just produce opposite moment around cam 140 this moment, shown in Fig. 7 d.On backstroke, arm spare 94 is along the work that the slides through hinge 146 of 156 directions of arrow shown in Fig. 7 d and by conversion and produced the moment around cam 140, and this moment makes pusher head 136 remain on disengaged position.Its advantage is that even the user was loosing one's grip top strip before divider is pulled out fully, pusher head can not engage with this top strip yet on backstroke.That is to say, on backstroke, top strip can be not only because the user fails it is pulled out and withdraw from divider unclamping trigger and shell before.

Will be appreciated that be assigned with and after divider got back to original state, lippacking 42 had also automatically restored to its sealing or closed state at slip, therefore, the user needn't remember to close divider.

As selection, divider 20 can be used for the test scale of read test slip and be combined into one.Scale also can receive data, translation data then from test strip 30 and/or divider 20.Divider 20 can be designed to have RF identification (RFID) label, and the information of having stored relevant slip above it is such as lot number, the term of validity, test strip type and out of Memory.Scale can be designed to have radio-frequency identification reader, and when making divider near scale, radio-frequency identification reader sends signal to RFID tag.So scale can receive and be stored in the data that radio frequency identification marking is signed.REID is being well-known in the art, thereby does not need here to introduce in further detail.

In Fig. 9 a-9b illustrated embodiment, shell 22 comprises in order to cover the lip seal cover 190 of outlet 32.The inside surface 192 of lip seal cover 190 has constituted receptacle, and it can accept to export 32 flange 194 through frictional fit.As shown in the figure, lip seal cover 190 is hinged on the shell 22.But, can make to form other means be connected between lip seal cover 190 and the outlet 32, also can be used to replace articulated manner such as the hasp connected mode.When using divider, the user leaves outlet 32 through finger is placed on the tab 196 and lip seal cover 190 is pivoted, and this just makes the catch 40 of lippacking 42 expose, shown in Fig. 9 a.When not using divider, lip seal cover 190 is placed in the outlet 32, with the catch 40 that covers lippacking 42, shown in Fig. 9 b.Lip seal cover 190 can be used a lot of materials, processes such as materials similar such as plastics, compound substance, metals.Its advantage is, the effect of dust cap is played in 190 pairs of outlets 32 of lip seal cover, and when divider is installed in sack or the container of similar articles such as comprising key, coin, cosmetics containers, can prevent to export 32 and be damaged because of contacting these article.

In Figure 10 a-10b illustrated embodiment, shell 22 comprises between the catch 40 that is inserted into lippacking 42 and integrally is connected the platform 230 on the shell 22.The size of platform 230 is made and can be assemblied in the lippacking 42, shown in Figure 10 a.When divider not in use, the platform 230 that inserts between the catch 40 plays the effect of stopper, and forms gas-tight seals with catch 40.Shown in Figure 10 b, when from divider, distributing first test strip 30, test strip 30 is squeezed out upper stop piece or upper stop piece is outwards setovered when leaving divider.Then, upper stop piece 40 will remain on outside state, but still keep biasing to lean against on the platform 230.When test strip 30 was passed lippacking 42, platform 230 provided one test strip 30 can be bridged on it or the surface that slips over of face from it.Will be appreciated that divider can be designed to make allocation for test slip between lower stop piece and platform, perhaps allocation for test slip between upper stop piece and platform.Platform 230 can be processed such as plastics, compound substance, metal or other material with a lot of materials.

Shown in Figure 11 a-11b, shell 22 comprises can construct to form the outlet 330 of gas-tight seal again.In order to realize production efficiency, require in single step, to form seal 346, injection-molded such as passing through.And fin 38 (Fig. 2) preferably integrally forms with seal 346.One of them injection-molded shortcoming is a uncontinuity, and such as lippacking 42, this uncontinuity requires in the mould some can be with the molded catch that forms 342 with opened in 344 minutes.Therefore, if seal 346 will integrally form, it will include a little gap, such as the gap between two catch 348 shown in Figure 11 a.

The seal 346 that has just formed shown in Figure 11 a is inappropriate, because it is not airtight.Will be appreciated that; In the part that is molded as at first, will have the gap; Seal 346 shown in Figure 11 a is designs like this; Make initial molded after it can be by " counter-rotating " or " structure again ", with the formation gas-tight seal, two catch not only contact with each other but also are biased in together at this moment.Specifically, lower stop piece 344 is left or to the divider tilt, and comprises towards a left side or the projection in divider 350.Catch 342 preferably tilts in contrast to catch 344, and also comprises outwardly or towards right projection 352, shown in Figure 11 a.But, after molded, through the position of reversing catch, placement of flexible seal 346 again just makes catch 342 setover between mutually with catch 344 and is pressed against, with the formation gas-tight seal, shown in Figure 11 b.Such as, in Figure 11 a, can acting force be applied on the upper stop piece 342, cross lower stop piece 344 so that promote upper stop piece 342 left, and/or, can power be applied on the lower stop piece 344, pass through below upper stop piece 342 so that promote lower stop piece 344 to the right.Perhaps, the gas-tight seal shown in Figure 11 b can form through first test strip is discharged from divider 20, and in this process, test strip will promote catch 344 to the right and process catch 342.When from divider, taking out test strip fully, with realizing the collocation form shown in Figure 11 b.

Because the catch 342 that is molded as tends to towards right, and the catch 344 that is molded as tends to towards a left side, so, seal is inverted to the collocation form shown in Figure 11 b catch is pressed together each other and forms good gas-tight seal.After shown in Figure 11 b, constructing again, upper stop piece 342 is displaced to the left side of lower stop piece 344.And, resembling shown in the arrow among Figure 11 b with lower stop piece 344, upper stop piece 342 is biased to together.When the allocation for test slip, through the test strip between the catch lower stop piece 344 and upper stop piece 342 are pushed out, or they are setovered separately each other.As introducing with reference to other embodiment; Seal 346 can use Santoprene

or other resilient material to process, and makes upper stop piece 342 and lower stop piece 344 can produce deflection or bending.In addition, flexible seals 346 can be used cap covers (referring to Fig. 9 a).

In Figure 12 a-12b illustrated embodiment, shell 22 comprises can construct to form the outlet 430 of gas-tight seal again.Shown in Figure 12 a, the outlet 430 that is molded as comprises the upper stop piece 442 and lower stop piece 444 that can form flexible seals 446.Lower stop piece 444 is positioned at the left side of upper stop piece 442 at first.In this make, the position when upper stop piece 442 is formed or is molded as with flexible seals 446 basically with lower stop piece 444 residing positions is identical.Through the position of counter-rotating catch, just can construct flexible seals 446 again, make catch 442 setover each other and be pressed together with catch 444.Such as, can resemble shown in Figure 12 a power is applied on the lower stop piece 444 so that promote to the right or pulling lower stop piece 444 process below upper stop piece 442.

After shown in Figure 12 b, constructing again, upper stop piece 442 is displaced to the left side of lower stop piece 444.And, resembling shown in the arrow among Figure 12 b with lower stop piece 444, upper stop piece 442 is biased to together.When the allocation for test slip, the test strip of process is squeezed out lower stop piece 444 and upper stop piece 442 between catch, or they are setovered each other and separates.Upper stop piece 442 can use Santoprene

or other resilient material to process with lower stop piece 444, makes upper stop piece 442 and lower stop piece 444 can produce deflection or bending.In addition, upper stop piece 442 and/or lower stop piece 444 can integrally form with fin 38 (referring to Fig. 1 and 2).In addition, flexible seals 446 can be used cap covers (referring to Fig. 9 a).

In Figure 13-14 illustrated embodiment, shell 22 comprises in order to cover the lid 530 of outlet 532.The outer rim of lid 530 is mated outlet 532 outer rim basically, but smaller slightly, makes lid 530 to fit to be engaged in to export in 532 peripheries that constituted with pasting.Lid 530 comprises opening 536, and test strip 30 distributes from opening 536.Lid 530 can be processed such as plastics, compound substance, metal or other material with a lot of materials.With lip seal cover 190 similarly be, lid 530 also plays the effect of dust cap to exporting 532, and prevent to export 532 because of the contact foreign matter be damaged.

Outlet 532 comprises the catch 540 that has constituted flexible seals 542, as shown in Figure 14.And biasing member 534 wedges are between shell 22 and catch 540, so that construct flexible seals 542 again, as shown in Figure 14, biasing member 534 can make catch 540 be biased to together to form gas-tight seal.That is, when being installed to lid 530 in the divider 20, wedge shape biasing member 534 is inserted between shell 22 and the catch 540, so biasing member 534 can be pinched together with catch 540.As shown in the figure, biasing member 534 integrally forms with lid 530.When the allocation for test slip, the test strip of process is squeezed out catch 540 or is made their biasings separately between catch 540, leaves divider thereby pass opening 536.Catch 540 can use Santoprene

or other resilient material to process, and makes catch 540 can produce deflection or bending.Equally, will be appreciated that, the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 a-9b also can be designed to include can catch is pinched together biasing member.

Shown in Figure 15 a-15c, shell 22 comprises can be constructed to form airtight basically or complete airtight " duck " seal again.The shape of outlet 630 resembles a duckbilled, has the sidewall 640 that forms extending channel 644, shown in Figure 15 a.In Figure 15 a, sidewall 640 is towards a left side.In this make, the position of sidewall 640 residing positions during basically with formation or molded flexible seals 642 is identical.As other local introduction in this instructions, because seal 642 preferably passes through injection-molded and monolithic molding, so, when moulding part leaves mould, can between sidewall 640, form gap 646.Yet, through being reversed in the inside of duck seal 642 or translating into the outside, just can eliminate gap 646, this just can know through comparison diagram 15a and 15b.The outside 648 crooked or that be shaped of sidewall 640 shown in Figure 15 a becomes the inwall that seals shown in Figure 15 b, and at this moment, sidewall 640 is biased to together and forms gas-tight seal, shown in the arrow among Figure 15 b.When being turned to seal 642 from the inside outside, the shaping form of the sidewall 640 shown in Figure 15 a can strengthen the bias levels between the sidewall 640, to form the structure shown in Figure 15 b.

When allocation for test slip 30 as shown in Figure 15 c, the test strip 30 of process is squeezed upper wall and lower wall and is opened or push open between sidewall 640, and from divider, distributes.Sidewall 640 can use Santoprene

or other resilient material to process, and makes sidewall 640 can produce deflection or bending.In addition, sidewall 640 can integrally form with fin 38 (referring to Fig. 1 and 2).In addition, flexible seals 642 can be used cap covers (referring to Fig. 9 a).

In certain embodiments, divider can be dimensioned to easily slip inserted in the scale, thereby the user needn't contact slip.For instance, in Figure 16, the folded group of test strip is the divider of packing into like this,, makes and carrying out the branch timing that " the scale insertion end " of test strip at first left divider that is.(opposite shown in this and Fig. 2.) and, also having extra " screens " state between original state that divider is designed in the above to be introduced and the distribution state, this is used to end in test strip after divider stretches out, and is used to make test strip to keep in position.

Further, be provided with recess or screens groove (detent) 147 in the groove 138 with reference to Figure 16, therefore when the user trigger and shell is pinched together and when pusher head 136 was slided to the right, pin 142 engaged with screens groove 147.Screens groove 147 is to arrange like this,, makes that pin 142 can be directed in the screens groove 147 when divider is actuated that is.This has partly passed lippacking 42 and some in test strip 30 and has taken place after from divider, stretching out, as shown in the figure.When pin 142 engaged with screens groove 147 and pusher head 136 is stopped, the user understood the perception on tactile.Under this detent position, fingers 144 keeps being frictionally engaged with top test strip.Fingers 144 mooring formulas maintain test strip 30, make the scale insertion end of test strip 30 to stretch out from the outlet 32 of divider.

Under this intermediateness or detent position, the user can be with divider 20 " butt joint " to test scale, with acceptance test slip 30.Shown in Figure 17 a-17c, test scale 700 has opening 702, and it is used for the scale insertion end 33 of acceptance test slip 30.In Figure 17 a, the user with trigger 24 and shell 22 " the passive lockings " to be introduced overcoming above pinched together, and continues trigger 24 and shell 22 pinched together to detent position along arrow 704 directions.Detent position is that the user is informed in the sense of touch that is produced when engaging screens groove 147 through pin 142, and at this moment, travelling forward of pusher head 136 stops.In this embodiment, the scale insertion end 33 of test strip 30 is stretched out from the outlet 32 of divider 20, and fingers 144 keeps being frictionally engaged with test strip.

Then, the user makes the end 33 of test strip 30 aim at opening 702, and moves divider along the direction of arrow 706 among Figure 17 b, makes the scale insertion end of test strip be inserted in the opening 702 of test scale 700.Preferably, after test strip was inserted into the desired degree of depth, the end of test scale 700 and test strip joined to merging its mooring formula is maintained.

At this moment, scale and divider are closely adjacent to each other.If divider is designed to have above-mentioned optional RFID tag, and scale 700 includes radio-frequency identification reader, so, scale will be from RFID tag data download.This type data can comprise calibration data, the term of validity that is contained in the slip in the divider 20, or the like.In many traditional test strip vial, this information is included in the storage chip that is packaged together with bottle.Before the slip in using given bottle, the user must insert storage chip in the scale.RFID tag disclosed herein makes needn't use these storage chips, and the user will they not insert in the scale yet.

At divider and scale as " butt joint " shown in Figure 17 b afterwards, the user can come out test strip " release " from divider.Referring to Figure 17 c, this is through realizing with reference to other embodiment described " distribution " state to reach above trigger 24 and shell 22 are pinched together fully along the direction of arrow 708.Under distribution state, fingers promotes from slip and leaves, thereby slip is discharged.Then, can shown in arrow 710, divider be drawn back from scale, and test strip 30 still is inserted among the opening 702 of test scale 700, shown in Figure 17 c.Therefore, dosage dispensing end 35 is outstanding from scale, and is ready to accept fluid sample.

Though with reference to accompanying drawing 18-26 the preferred embodiment that adopts the principle of the invention is disclosed in the above,, the present invention is not limited to disclosed these embodiment.Scope of the present invention is limited claim.

Claims (15)

1. divider that is used for test strip (800) comprises:

Shell (822), said shell comprise folded group (834) of said test strip, and define the outlet that can therefrom distribute said test strip;

Actuator, when said actuator when original state moves to distribution state, said actuator is used for moving said folded group first test strip (33) through said outlet at least in part; With

Trigger (824) is used for said actuator is moved to said distribution state from said original state;

Wherein, said trigger (824) has the first that is suitable for the person's of being used manual activation, and; It is characterized in that; Said trigger (824) has second portion (825), and when said actuator was in said original state, said second portion (825) covered said outlet.

2. divider according to claim 1 is characterized in that, said outlet (932) comprises flexible seals (842).

3. divider according to claim 2 is characterized in that, when said actuator was in said original state, said trigger (824) was biased, so that contact with said flexible seals (842) and it is exerted pressure.

4. divider according to claim 1; It is characterized in that; Said actuator comprises the pusher head (936) that is slidably disposed in the said shell (822); And being connected the arm member (894) on said trigger (824) and the said pusher head (936), said pusher head (936) has and is used for engaging so that move the fitting piece of said first test strip at least in part through said outlet with said folded group first test strip (33).

5. divider according to claim 1; It is characterized in that; Also comprise directing assembly (893), when said actuator was between its original state and its distribution state, said directing assembly (893) was biased to said actuator the top test strip (33) that abuts against in said folded group.

6. divider according to claim 5 is characterized in that, said actuator comprises the pusher head (936) with a plurality of fingers (937).

7. each described divider in requiring according to aforesaid right is characterized in that said shell (822) receives inner box casket (884), and said inner box casket (884) keeps folded group (834) of test strip.

8. according to each described divider among the claim 4-7, it is characterized in that said trigger (824) is pivotally mounted on the said shell (822), and be attached to said arm member (894).

9. according to each described divider among the claim 4-8, it is characterized in that said arm member (894) comprises rigid element (895).

10. according to each described divider among the claim 7-9; It is characterized in that; Also comprise a pair of gathering sill (938 in the said box casket (884); 939), it accepts correspondence guiding follower (940,891) and the rigid element (895) of said arm member (894) on the said pusher head (936) respectively.

11., it is characterized in that the promotion pad pressure control follower (950) of said pusher head (936) is received in the pallet (945) of pressure control cam tracks (946) of said shell (822) according to each described divider among the claim 7-10.

12. divider according to claim 11 is characterized in that, said cam tracks (946) provides biasing surface, and said follower (950) slides on said biasing surface, so that upward in its dispense stroke, apply downward pressure in said pusher head (936).

13. divider according to claim 12 is characterized in that, also comprises the recess (945,947) in the said biasing surface, when said pusher head (936) was in its original state and distribution state, said recess (945,947) had reduced said downward pressure.

14., it is characterized in that said trigger (824) is biased to by a pair of elastic webbing (960) and is in said initial or closed condition according to each described divider in the aforesaid right requirement.

15., it is characterized in that said box casket (884) and last shell (822) cooperate according to each described divider among the claim 7-14, to form airtight basically and/or moistureproof case around said test strip (834).

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