EP4655105A1 - Torqued screw cap - Google Patents

Torqued screw cap

Info

Publication number
EP4655105A1
EP4655105A1 EP24702883.0A EP24702883A EP4655105A1 EP 4655105 A1 EP4655105 A1 EP 4655105A1 EP 24702883 A EP24702883 A EP 24702883A EP 4655105 A1 EP4655105 A1 EP 4655105A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cap
driver
tip
screw
screw cap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24702883.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Stig CHRISTENSEN
Lars Weber HOVENDAHL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Labsoluz Aps
Original Assignee
Labsoluz Aps
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Labsoluz Aps filed Critical Labsoluz Aps
Publication of EP4655105A1 publication Critical patent/EP4655105A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/508—Rigid containers without fluid transport within
    • B01L3/5082—Test tubes per se
    • B01L3/50825—Closing or opening means, corks, bungs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
    • B01L2200/026—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
    • B01L2300/042—Caps; Plugs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
    • B01L2300/045—Connecting closures to device or container whereby the whole cover is slidable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/046—Function or devices integrated in the closure
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
    • G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
    • G01N2035/0401—Sample carriers, cuvettes or reaction vessels
    • G01N2035/0403—Sample carriers with closing or sealing means
    • G01N2035/0405—Sample carriers with closing or sealing means manipulating closing or opening means, e.g. stoppers, screw caps, lids or covers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a screw cap for engaging a screw thread on a bottle , in particular a test tube , designed for automatically applying a fixed torque during attachment of the screw cap onto a bottle , such as a test tube , without use of an external control of the applied torque .
  • the present inventors suggest a screw cap in accordance with the herein detailed aspects and embodiments for test tubes and test bottles, wherein the tightening quality, i.e., the maximum torque appliable on the screw thread is in-built into the screw caps rather that being defined by the capping devices used for capping a test tube of test bottle with a screw cap.
  • the tightening quality i.e., the maximum torque appliable on the screw thread is in-built into the screw caps rather that being defined by the capping devices used for capping a test tube of test bottle with a screw cap.
  • a screw cap (1) comprising a first part (10) comprising one or more flexible fins (lOla-c) for engaging a cap driver (2) , and a second part (11) comprising a screw thread for engaging an opposing screw thread on a threaded test tube or threaded test bottle.
  • a cap driver (2) comprising a tip (21) for engaging a screw cap (1) according to claim 1, the tip (21) comprising a a curved surface (22) that ends in an angled face (23) , the curved surface (22) adapted for pressing against and bending said one or more the flexible fins (12a-c) comprised on said cap (1) for applying one torque when turning the cap driver (2) engaging the cap (1) in one direction, while said angled face (23) adapted for engaging with a respective therefore adapted face on a respective flexible fin (12a-c) on the cap
  • screw-cap cap-driver assembly (3) there is herein detailed a screw-cap cap-driver assembly (3) , the screw cap (1) being in accordance with the above first aspect and the cap driver (2) being in accordance with the above second aspect.
  • the screw cap (1) of the present disclosure comprises a first part (10) comprising one or more flexible fins (12a-c) for engaging a cap driver (2) and a second part (11) comprising a screw thread for engaging an opposing screw thread on a threaded test tube or threaded test bottle.
  • the invention includes a cap driver (2) designed with curved anti-rotate features (24) for turning the screw cap (1) on and off and a screw cap (1) comprising one or more flexible fins (12a-c) for engaging with and being displaced by a tip (21) of a cap driver (2) , wherein the flexible fins (12a-c) are reversibly displaceable in a direction ala2 perpendicular to a common axis (e) of cap driver engagement between screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) .
  • the fins (12a-c) will create friction, when the fins (12a-c) bend, and thereby apply a certain, predefined, torque during re-screwing of the cap.
  • a test tube screw cap (1) comprising a first part (10) comprising one or more flexible fins (lOla-c) for engaging with and being displaced by a tip (21) of a cap driver (2) , wherein the flexible fins (12a-c) are reversibly displaceable by a tip (21) of a cap driver (2) in a direction ala2 perpendicular to a common axis (e) of cap driver engagement, and defining a rest circle (cl) tangential to the direction ala2 where the tip (21) can engage but not displace the one or more flexible fins (12a- c) ; and a second part (11) comprising a screw thread for engaging an opposing screw thread on a threaded test tube or threaded test bottle.
  • the present invention comprises in embodiments thereof a test tube screw cap (1) , wherein the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) are arranged to form a receptacle (13) for receiving and engaging the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) inside the receptacle (13) .
  • the test tube screw cap (1) is detailed, wherein the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) when engaging a tip (21) are displaced a distance ala2 away from the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement by the connected tip (21) , the receptable (13) now being defined by a displacement circle (c2) having a diameter larger than a rest circle (cl) by two times the distance ala2.
  • the present invention comprises in embodiments thereof a test tube screw cap (1) , wherein the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) are arranged to form a receptacle (13) for receiving and engaging the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) outside the receptacle (13) .
  • the tube screw cap (1) according to the invention is detailed, wherein the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) when engaging a tip (21) are displaced a distance ala2 away from the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement by the connected tip (21) , the receptable (13) being defined by a displacement circle (c2) having a diameter smaller than a rest circle (cl) by two times the distance ala2.
  • FIG 1 an embodiment of the screw cap (1) of the invention is shown, together with a particularly suitable cap driver (2) of the present invention for use with the shown embodiment of the screw cap (1) of the present invention.
  • a common axis (e) of cap driver engagement to the cap is also shown in the figure, around which common axis, a rotation of the cap driver (2) will cause attachment or detachment of the screw cap (1) of the invention to a screw capped test tube of a size suitable for use with the particular screw cap held by the cap driver.
  • a screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) form a screw-cap capdriver assembly (3) .
  • FIGs 2B and 2C the embodiment of the screw cap (1) of the invention shown in Figure 1 is detailed in more depth.
  • the embodiment detailed shows a female version of the screw cap (1) of the invention, wherein the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) are arranged to form an inner groove or receptacle (13) for receiving the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) inside the receptacle (13) .
  • the cap (1) is designed with the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) that have a curved shape exerting a force against the cap driver' s (2) tip (21) , when inserted; then when the top on the curved fins on the cap and the top on the curve on the cap driver collide, then will the fins bend maximally, and the radial force will add maximal friction between the two parts and a torque on the cap will be applied, when the cap driver is spinning free of the screw thread, thereby preventing a cap (1) attached to the cap driver (2) from falling off the cap driver due to rotational forces after having been uncapped, which together with the aforementioned feature for holding and avoiding the caps from dropping off the cap-driver.
  • the torque applied when closing the cap on the tube is defined by the stiffness of the flexible fins on the cap and how much force and friction the bending will add between the cap and the cap driver.
  • the screw cap (1) is shown with the flexible fins (12a-c) in rest at a position closest to the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement.
  • the receptacle (13) thereby becomes defined by a rest circle (cl) which is tangential to the contact points of the flexible fins (12a-c) to a tip (2) contacting but not engaging the flexible fins (12a-c) .
  • the screw cap (1) is shown with the flexible fins (12a-c) displaced a distance ala2 away from the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement by the connected tip (21) , and the receptable (13) is now defined by the displacement circle (c2) .
  • the screw cap (1) of the invention will be held by the cap driver (2) , in principle without falling off the cap driver (2) , after the screw cap (1) has come off the opposing screw thread on the test tube, to which the screw cap (1) was previously attached.
  • the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) in this embodiment is essentially circular for obtaining continuous contact between the one and more flexible fins (12a-c) and the tip (21) .
  • the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) in this embodiment is essentially circular for obtaining continuous contact between the one and more flexible fins (12a-c) and the tip (21) .
  • slipping during fastening and unfastening of the screw cap will occur, which is less advantageous, as it leads to a larger mechanical wear on the parts, but does not influence the outcome of the screw cap process.
  • unscrewed caps may be dropped, and other means of keeping a permanent contact between cap (1) and cap driver (2) , which do not influence the free rotation of the cap driver, must be applied.
  • the screw cap (1) of the invention It is possible to manufacture the screw cap (1) of the invention with only one flexible fin, in which case the cap driver tip (21) will then contact elsewhere in the screw cap receptacle (13) but without experiencing a bias from this contact point. Therefore, it is preferable to use more than one flexible fin in the screw caps of the invention. Two flexible fins are better, particularly when the contact points on the fins to the cap driver are arranged at 180° to each other on the rest circle (cl) , but it is best to have three flexible fins (12a-c) or more, which is therefore preferred. This not only permits a better engagement of the screw cap (1) to the cap driver (2) , but also helps in centering the cap driver (2) in the receptacle formed (13) on the aforementioned common axis (e) .
  • the at least three flexible fins (12a-c) are arranged on the first part such that when the contact points of the flexible fins (12a-c) to the cap driver tip (21) are connected by linear segments to form a Euclidian geometric shape, the Euclidian geometric shape encloses the aforementioned common axis (e) of cap driver engagement. Thereby the tip (21) experiences bias and alignment from all flexible fins.
  • the size of a tip (21) of the cap driver (2) of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 is matched with the diameter of the formed receptacle (13) , such that the flexible fins (12a-c) are always in contact with the tip (21) when the tip (21) is inserted into the receptacle (13) , i.e. the diameter of the circle circumscribing the tip (21) falls in the aforementioned range from larger than the diameter of the rest circle (cl) but smaller than or equal to the diameter of the displaced circle (c2) .
  • the diameter of the circle circumscribing the tip (21) is equal to the diameter of displace circle (c2) for permitting maximum tension on the screw cap (1) of the invention, when holding the screw cap (1) on the cap driver (2) , but it is not a requirement. Rather, a certain flexibility in the diameter of the circle circumscribing the tip (21) is not unwanted, as use wear on the plastic from which the tip (21) typically will be manufactured will in part be compensated by the smaller diameter of the circumscribing circle without loss of function .
  • the combination of the cap driver (2) and the cap ( ) makes it possible to apply a first predefined torque on turning the cap driver (2) in one direction and, a second, potentially different, torque on turning cap driver (2) in the other direction, when the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) is engaged in a therefore adapted receptacle (13) of the screw cap (1) .
  • the actual torque applied will normally be a matter of design choice, as the materials chosen to manufacture the cap (1) and cap driver (2) will influence the outcome of the design process, but the underlying principles of operation are not thereby changed in any manner .
  • the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) preferably comprises a curved surface (22) that ends in an angled face (23) or chamfer.
  • the curved surface (22) is used for pressing against and bend the flexible fins (12a-c) on the cap (1) such that the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) is more readily received in the aforementioned receptacle (13) .
  • the curve can both be designed as left curved and right turned curved.
  • the cap may comprise a holding element (14) for holding and avoiding the caps from dropping off the cap driver.
  • the holding element (14) is shown as a groove thereby being complementary to the boss (24) , but it can also have other shapes.
  • both the boss (24) and the holding element (14) are complementary shapes as shown herein, for optimal engagement and holding.
  • the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) may also comprise a connecting element (24) for connecting to a holding element (14) comprised on the screw cap (1) for avoiding that a screw cap (1) attached to the cap driver (2) drops off the cap driver after the screw cap has come loose from a test tube.
  • the connecting element (24) is shown as a (tapered) boss (24) , but it can also have other shapes. The boss (24) will go into a therefore adapted (tapered) grove (14) ( Figure 3) on the cap (1) , such that the two items snap together.
  • both the connecting element (boss) (24) and the holding element (groove) (14) are tapered towards the rotational direction of tightening the screw cap onto a test tube.
  • the tapered boss (24) will exit the tapered groove (14) upon reaching the maximum applicable torque and rotate freely with the cap driver (2) afterwards.
  • the tapered boss (24) will stay in the tapered groove (14) and thereby retain contact between screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) after the screw cap (1) has come loose for a test tube.
  • the reverse geometry is equally suitable, such that the grove (14) is held on the cap driver (2) and the boss (24) is held on the screw cap (1) , without thereby affecting the function of a screw-cap cap-driver assembly (3) .
  • the embodiments shown, wherein the holding element (14) and boss (24) are included on the top part (10) and the tip (21) are preferred embodiments, as this improves manufacturing, e.g. by saving material, but in principle, the holding element (14) and the boss (24) can be separated from the top part (10) and even from the tip (21) , as long as the connection of holding element and boss creates a link, which does not prevent free rotation of the cap driver (2) once the desired maximum torque is exceeded.
  • test tube screw cap (1) further comprising a holding element (14) for engaging an opposed connector element (24) on the cap driver (2) for, when screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) are connected, preventing that the screw cap (1) is dropped by the cap driver (2) , when the screw cap (1) is not attached to a threaded test tube or test bottle.
  • the holding element (14) is a tapered groove.
  • the screw cap (1) forms the male part of the screw-cap cap-driver assembly (3) , i.e. wherein the top part (10) of the screw cap is adapted for being received in a receptacle on the cap driver (2) rather than a tip (21) of the cap driver (2) being received in a receptacle on the screw cap (1) .
  • the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) still form a receptacle (13) , but the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) is now received outside the receptacle (13) formed by the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) .
  • the present invention in a second aspect and embodiments thereof further details a cap driver (2) comprising a tip (21) for engaging a screw cap (1) according to any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the tip (21) defining a circumscribed circle, which circumscribed circle is tangential to a direction ala2 perpendicular to the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement, the diameter of the circumscribed circle being defined such that the tip (21) can engage and displace the one or more flexible fins (12a- c) held on the screw cap (1) a distance smaller than or equal to the distance ala2.
  • the displacement in the direction ala2 is respectively away from or respectively towards the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement .
  • the tip (21) comprises a curved surface (22) that ends in an angled face (23) , the curved surface (22) adapted for pressing against and bending the one or more the flexible fins (12a-c) comprised on the screw cap (1) in the direction ala2 either respectively away from or respectively towards the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement.
  • the tip (21) comprises a connecting element (24) for engaging an opposed holding element (14) on the screw cap (2) for, when screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) are connected, preventing that the screw cap (1) is dropped by the cap driver (2) , when the screw cap (1) is not attached to a threaded test tube or test bottle.
  • the connecting element (24) is a tapered boss .
  • screw-cap cap-driver assembly (3) wherein the screw cap (1) is according to any of the herein detailed embodiments of the screw cap (1) , and the cap driver (2) is according to any of the herein detailed embodiments of the cap driver ( 2 ) .
  • capper-decapper device (not shown in the figures) ( comprising a screw-cap cap-driver assembly ( 3 ) according to any embodiment herein detailed .

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

There is herein suggested a screw cap comprising engagement fins and a cap driver that when attached are arranged for applying one torque between cap and cap driver when turning the assembly in one direction, and a second torque between cap and cap driver when turning the assembly in the other direction.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION
Torqued Screw Cap
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a screw cap for engaging a screw thread on a bottle , in particular a test tube , designed for automatically applying a fixed torque during attachment of the screw cap onto a bottle , such as a test tube , without use of an external control of the applied torque .
BACKGROUND
In automated capping and decapping screw threaded caps on test tube containers or bottles , wherein either, or both, of the test tube and the cap are made from plastics , it is a repeated problem to control the torque , which is applied to the screw cap during a capping operation such that the screw thread is not compromised by the forces exerted on the screw thread by cap and test tube during the capping and decapping operations , while at the same time ascertaining that the cap after capping is suf ficiently tightened .
To this end automated capping and decapping devices apply various control mechanisms for safeguarding regular screw caps and test tubes from damage during capping and decapping operations . However, e . g . , when a test tube comprising an attached screw cap is trans ferred between capping and decapping devices of di f fering constructions or types , a problem of closing consistency often arises through di f ferences in the settings for when a screw cap is considered suf ficiently tightened and the wear and tear to the plastic parts originating from these settings . For overcoming this problem, the present inventors suggest a screw cap in accordance with the herein detailed aspects and embodiments for test tubes and test bottles, wherein the tightening quality, i.e., the maximum torque appliable on the screw thread is in-built into the screw caps rather that being defined by the capping devices used for capping a test tube of test bottle with a screw cap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect and embodiment, there is herein detailed a screw cap (1) comprising a first part (10) comprising one or more flexible fins (lOla-c) for engaging a cap driver (2) , and a second part (11) comprising a screw thread for engaging an opposing screw thread on a threaded test tube or threaded test bottle.
In a second aspect and embodiment, there is herein detailed a cap driver (2) comprising a tip (21) for engaging a screw cap (1) according to claim 1, the tip (21) comprising a a curved surface (22) that ends in an angled face (23) , the curved surface (22) adapted for pressing against and bending said one or more the flexible fins (12a-c) comprised on said cap (1) for applying one torque when turning the cap driver (2) engaging the cap (1) in one direction, while said angled face (23) adapted for engaging with a respective therefore adapted face on a respective flexible fin (12a-c) on the cap
(1) and apply a different torque when turning the cap-driver
(2) in the other direction.
Further, there is herein detailed a screw-cap cap-driver assembly (3) , the screw cap (1) being in accordance with the above first aspect and the cap driver (2) being in accordance with the above second aspect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the screw cap (1) of the present disclosure comprises a first part (10) comprising one or more flexible fins (12a-c) for engaging a cap driver (2) and a second part (11) comprising a screw thread for engaging an opposing screw thread on a threaded test tube or threaded test bottle.
Across this disclosure, it is to be understood, that embodiments shown in the figures are for illustration of the present invention and cannot be construed as being limiting on the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure.
The invention includes a cap driver (2) designed with curved anti-rotate features (24) for turning the screw cap (1) on and off and a screw cap (1) comprising one or more flexible fins (12a-c) for engaging with and being displaced by a tip (21) of a cap driver (2) , wherein the flexible fins (12a-c) are reversibly displaceable in a direction ala2 perpendicular to a common axis (e) of cap driver engagement between screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) . During unscrewing of the cap (1) the fins (12a-c) will create friction, when the fins (12a-c) bend, and thereby apply a certain, predefined, torque during re-screwing of the cap. It follows therefrom that flexibility in the context of the present invention is to be understood in the common sense of the flexible object being capable of reversibly flexing or bending without breaking between one or more positions in a coordinate system defining the object, here the aforementioned common axis (e) of cap driver engagement and the direction of movement ala2 perpendicular to the aforementioned common axis (e) of cap driver engagement .
Accordingly, there is herein detailed in a first embodiment and aspect of the present invention a test tube screw cap (1) comprising a first part (10) comprising one or more flexible fins (lOla-c) for engaging with and being displaced by a tip (21) of a cap driver (2) , wherein the flexible fins (12a-c) are reversibly displaceable by a tip (21) of a cap driver (2) in a direction ala2 perpendicular to a common axis (e) of cap driver engagement, and defining a rest circle (cl) tangential to the direction ala2 where the tip (21) can engage but not displace the one or more flexible fins (12a- c) ; and a second part (11) comprising a screw thread for engaging an opposing screw thread on a threaded test tube or threaded test bottle.
As will be explained below, the present invention comprises in embodiments thereof a test tube screw cap (1) , wherein the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) are arranged to form a receptacle (13) for receiving and engaging the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) inside the receptacle (13) . In an embodiment thereof, the test tube screw cap (1) is detailed, wherein the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) when engaging a tip (21) are displaced a distance ala2 away from the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement by the connected tip (21) , the receptable (13) now being defined by a displacement circle (c2) having a diameter larger than a rest circle (cl) by two times the distance ala2. As will be explained below, the present invention comprises in embodiments thereof a test tube screw cap (1) , wherein the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) are arranged to form a receptacle (13) for receiving and engaging the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) outside the receptacle (13) . In embodiments thereof, the tube screw cap (1) according to the invention is detailed, wherein the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) when engaging a tip (21) are displaced a distance ala2 away from the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement by the connected tip (21) , the receptable (13) being defined by a displacement circle (c2) having a diameter smaller than a rest circle (cl) by two times the distance ala2.
In Figure 1, an embodiment of the screw cap (1) of the invention is shown, together with a particularly suitable cap driver (2) of the present invention for use with the shown embodiment of the screw cap (1) of the present invention. A common axis (e) of cap driver engagement to the cap is also shown in the figure, around which common axis, a rotation of the cap driver (2) will cause attachment or detachment of the screw cap (1) of the invention to a screw capped test tube of a size suitable for use with the particular screw cap held by the cap driver. When assembled, a screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) form a screw-cap capdriver assembly (3) .
In Figures 2B and 2C, the embodiment of the screw cap (1) of the invention shown in Figure 1 is detailed in more depth. The embodiment detailed shows a female version of the screw cap (1) of the invention, wherein the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) are arranged to form an inner groove or receptacle (13) for receiving the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) inside the receptacle (13) . With reference to Figure 2, it is noted that as the cap (1) is designed with the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) that have a curved shape exerting a force against the cap driver' s (2) tip (21) , when inserted; then when the top on the curved fins on the cap and the top on the curve on the cap driver collide, then will the fins bend maximally, and the radial force will add maximal friction between the two parts and a torque on the cap will be applied, when the cap driver is spinning free of the screw thread, thereby preventing a cap (1) attached to the cap driver (2) from falling off the cap driver due to rotational forces after having been uncapped, which together with the aforementioned feature for holding and avoiding the caps from dropping off the cap-driver.
Maximum torque in use is applied when the two faces on correspondingly the cap and the cap driver are face to face and when the cap-driver will unscrew and loosen the cap. The torque applied when closing the cap on the tube is defined by the stiffness of the flexible fins on the cap and how much force and friction the bending will add between the cap and the cap driver.
In Figure 2B, the screw cap (1) is shown with the flexible fins (12a-c) in rest at a position closest to the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement. The receptacle (13) thereby becomes defined by a rest circle (cl) which is tangential to the contact points of the flexible fins (12a-c) to a tip (2) contacting but not engaging the flexible fins (12a-c) . In Figure 2B, the screw cap (1) is shown with the flexible fins (12a-c) displaced a distance ala2 away from the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement by the connected tip (21) , and the receptable (13) is now defined by the displacement circle (c2) . It is readily discernible therefrom, that any object having a size (when circumscribed by a circle of diameter (c) larger that the diameter of the rest circle (cl) but smaller or equal to the diameter of displacement circle (c2) will experience a force (Hooke's law) proportional with the total number of flexible fins (12a-c) , the displacement distance ala2 and a force-constant given as a material and geometric property of a respective flexible fin (12a-c) , when the flexible fins (12a-c) are engaged.
In operation, when a cap driver tip (21) is inserted into the receptacle (13) formed by the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) and rotated, then the screw cap (1) will move with the rotational direction of the cap driver (2) up until the combined slipping force of the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) is reached, as the kinetic determined combined slipping force in general is smaller than the combined static holding force exerted by the one or more flexible fins (12a- c) on the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) . A screw cap (1) of the invention engaging a cap driver (2) will therefore rotate with the cap driver (2) as long as the combined slipping force is not exceeded and will cease co-rotating when it is.
When rotation of the cap driver (2) is in the direction of screwing on the cap (1) of the invention, further tightening of the cap (1) to a test tube will cease, once the torque on the cap driver (2) exceeds the combined slipping force, and the cap driver (2) will rotate in the receptable (13) without further tightening of the cap (1) . When rotated in the reverse direction, the slipping force on the other hand cannot be exceeded as the force experienced on the screw thread of the screw cap (1) goes towards zero, when unscrewing. Therefore, as long as there is a static holding force exerted by the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) on the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) , the screw cap (1) of the invention will be held by the cap driver (2) , in principle without falling off the cap driver (2) , after the screw cap (1) has come off the opposing screw thread on the test tube, to which the screw cap (1) was previously attached.
As can be seen from both Figure 1 and Figure 2, it is therefore preferred that the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) in this embodiment is essentially circular for obtaining continuous contact between the one and more flexible fins (12a-c) and the tip (21) . Without such continuous contact, slipping during fastening and unfastening of the screw cap will occur, which is less advantageous, as it leads to a larger mechanical wear on the parts, but does not influence the outcome of the screw cap process. However, without a continuous contact, unscrewed caps may be dropped, and other means of keeping a permanent contact between cap (1) and cap driver (2) , which do not influence the free rotation of the cap driver, must be applied.
It is possible to manufacture the screw cap (1) of the invention with only one flexible fin, in which case the cap driver tip (21) will then contact elsewhere in the screw cap receptacle (13) but without experiencing a bias from this contact point. Therefore, it is preferable to use more than one flexible fin in the screw caps of the invention. Two flexible fins are better, particularly when the contact points on the fins to the cap driver are arranged at 180° to each other on the rest circle (cl) , but it is best to have three flexible fins (12a-c) or more, which is therefore preferred. This not only permits a better engagement of the screw cap (1) to the cap driver (2) , but also helps in centering the cap driver (2) in the receptacle formed (13) on the aforementioned common axis (e) . Further fins can be applied, but generally three are enough, preferably placed at 120° apart around rest circle (cl) . Particularly preferred, the at least three flexible fins (12a-c) are arranged on the first part such that when the contact points of the flexible fins (12a-c) to the cap driver tip (21) are connected by linear segments to form a Euclidian geometric shape, the Euclidian geometric shape encloses the aforementioned common axis (e) of cap driver engagement. Thereby the tip (21) experiences bias and alignment from all flexible fins.
For proper function of the screw cap (1) of the invention as shown in Figure 2, the size of a tip (21) of the cap driver (2) of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 is matched with the diameter of the formed receptacle (13) , such that the flexible fins (12a-c) are always in contact with the tip (21) when the tip (21) is inserted into the receptacle (13) , i.e. the diameter of the circle circumscribing the tip (21) falls in the aforementioned range from larger than the diameter of the rest circle (cl) but smaller than or equal to the diameter of the displaced circle (c2) . Optimally, the diameter of the circle circumscribing the tip (21) is equal to the diameter of displace circle (c2) for permitting maximum tension on the screw cap (1) of the invention, when holding the screw cap (1) on the cap driver (2) , but it is not a requirement. Rather, a certain flexibility in the diameter of the circle circumscribing the tip (21) is not unwanted, as use wear on the plastic from which the tip (21) typically will be manufactured will in part be compensated by the smaller diameter of the circumscribing circle without loss of function .
The combination of the cap driver (2) and the cap ( ) makes it possible to apply a first predefined torque on turning the cap driver (2) in one direction and, a second, potentially different, torque on turning cap driver (2) in the other direction, when the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) is engaged in a therefore adapted receptacle (13) of the screw cap (1) . The actual torque applied will normally be a matter of design choice, as the materials chosen to manufacture the cap (1) and cap driver (2) will influence the outcome of the design process, but the underlying principles of operation are not thereby changed in any manner .
With reference to Figure 2, it is noted that the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) preferably comprises a curved surface (22) that ends in an angled face (23) or chamfer. The curved surface (22) is used for pressing against and bend the flexible fins (12a-c) on the cap (1) such that the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) is more readily received in the aforementioned receptacle (13) . The curve can both be designed as left curved and right turned curved.
The cap may comprise a holding element (14) for holding and avoiding the caps from dropping off the cap driver. In this drawing the holding element (14) is shown as a groove thereby being complementary to the boss (24) , but it can also have other shapes. Preferably, both the boss (24) and the holding element (14) are complementary shapes as shown herein, for optimal engagement and holding.
With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) may also comprise a connecting element (24) for connecting to a holding element (14) comprised on the screw cap (1) for avoiding that a screw cap (1) attached to the cap driver (2) drops off the cap driver after the screw cap has come loose from a test tube. In this Figure (c.f. Figure 2) the connecting element (24) is shown as a (tapered) boss (24) , but it can also have other shapes. The boss (24) will go into a therefore adapted (tapered) grove (14) (Figure 3) on the cap (1) , such that the two items snap together. Preferably, as shown in the figures, both the connecting element (boss) (24) and the holding element (groove) (14) are tapered towards the rotational direction of tightening the screw cap onto a test tube. Thereby the tapered boss (24) will exit the tapered groove (14) upon reaching the maximum applicable torque and rotate freely with the cap driver (2) afterwards. On the other hand, when unscrewing the screw cap (1) of the invention from a test tube, the tapered boss (24) will stay in the tapered groove (14) and thereby retain contact between screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) after the screw cap (1) has come loose for a test tube. Obviously, the reverse geometry is equally suitable, such that the grove (14) is held on the cap driver (2) and the boss (24) is held on the screw cap (1) , without thereby affecting the function of a screw-cap cap-driver assembly (3) .
The embodiments shown, wherein the holding element (14) and boss (24) are included on the top part (10) and the tip (21) are preferred embodiments, as this improves manufacturing, e.g. by saving material, but in principle, the holding element (14) and the boss (24) can be separated from the top part (10) and even from the tip (21) , as long as the connection of holding element and boss creates a link, which does not prevent free rotation of the cap driver (2) once the desired maximum torque is exceeded.
Accordingly, there is herein further detailed a test tube screw cap (1) according to the present invention, further comprising a holding element (14) for engaging an opposed connector element (24) on the cap driver (2) for, when screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) are connected, preventing that the screw cap (1) is dropped by the cap driver (2) , when the screw cap (1) is not attached to a threaded test tube or test bottle. In a preferred embodiment thereof, the holding element (14) is a tapered groove.
With reference to Figure 4, an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the screw cap (1) forms the male part of the screw-cap cap-driver assembly (3) , i.e. wherein the top part (10) of the screw cap is adapted for being received in a receptacle on the cap driver (2) rather than a tip (21) of the cap driver (2) being received in a receptacle on the screw cap (1) . As such, the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) still form a receptacle (13) , but the tip (21) of the cap driver (2) is now received outside the receptacle (13) formed by the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) .
Apart from the change of symmetry, the shown change has no influence on the working of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4B and 4C, the direction of movement of the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) is now towards the aforementioned common axis (e) of cap driver engagement rather than away therefrom as shown in Figure 2, such that the one or more flexible fins (12a-c) now presses on the cap driver away from the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement rather than towards it. However, the maximum torque remains defined by the construction and material of the flexible fins (12a-c) .
As detailed above, the present invention in a second aspect and embodiments thereof further details a cap driver (2) comprising a tip (21) for engaging a screw cap (1) according to any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the tip (21) defining a circumscribed circle, which circumscribed circle is tangential to a direction ala2 perpendicular to the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement, the diameter of the circumscribed circle being defined such that the tip (21) can engage and displace the one or more flexible fins (12a- c) held on the screw cap (1) a distance smaller than or equal to the distance ala2. In embodiments thereof, the displacement in the direction ala2 is respectively away from or respectively towards the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement .
In embodiments of the cap driver (2) according to the present invention, the tip (21) comprises a curved surface (22) that ends in an angled face (23) , the curved surface (22) adapted for pressing against and bending the one or more the flexible fins (12a-c) comprised on the screw cap (1) in the direction ala2 either respectively away from or respectively towards the common axis (e) of cap driver engagement.
In embodiments thereof, the tip (21) comprises a connecting element (24) for engaging an opposed holding element (14) on the screw cap (2) for, when screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) are connected, preventing that the screw cap (1) is dropped by the cap driver (2) , when the screw cap (1) is not attached to a threaded test tube or test bottle. In a preferred embodiment thereof, the connecting element (24) is a tapered boss .
In a further aspect and embodiments thereof, there is herein detailed a screw-cap cap-driver assembly (3) , wherein the screw cap (1) is according to any of the herein detailed embodiments of the screw cap (1) , and the cap driver (2) is according to any of the herein detailed embodiments of the cap driver ( 2 ) .
In a further aspect and embodiments thereof, there is herein detailed a capper-decapper device (not shown in the figures) ( comprising a screw-cap cap-driver assembly ( 3 ) according to any embodiment herein detailed .
CLOS ING COMMENTS
Although the present invention has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose , and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subj ect matter, from a study of the drawings , the disclosure , and the appended claims .
The term " comprising" as used in the claims does not exclude other elements or steps . The indefinite article "a" or "an" as used in the claims does not exclude a plurality . A single processor or other unit may ful fill the functions of several means recited in the claims . A reference sign used in a claim shall not be construed as limiting the scope .

Claims

1. A test tube screw cap (1) comprising a first part (10) comprising one or more flexible fins (lOla-c) for engaging with and being displaced by a tip (21) of a cap driver (2) , wherein said flexible fins (12a-c) are reversibly displaceable by a tip (21) of a cap driver (2) in a direction ala2 perpendicular to a common axis (e) of cap driver engagement, and defining a rest circle (cl) tangential to said direction ala2 where said tip (21) can engage but not displace said one or more flexible fins (12a-c) ; and a second part (11) comprising a screw thread for engaging an opposing screw thread on a threaded test tube or threaded test bottle.
2. A test tube screw cap (1) according to claim 1, wherein said one or more flexible fins (12a-c) are arranged to form receptacle (13) for receiving and engaging said tip (21) of said cap driver (2) inside said receptacle (13) .
3. A test tube screw cap (1) according to claim 2, wherein said one or more flexible fins (12a-c) when engaging a tip (21) are displaced a distance ala2 away from said common axis (e) of cap driver engagement by said connected tip (21) , said receptable (13) now being defined by a displacement circle (c2) having a diameter larger than a rest circle (cl) by two times said distance ala2.
4. A test tube screw cap (1) according to claim 1, wherein said one or more flexible fins (12a-c) are arranged to form a receptacle (13) for receiving and engaging said tip (21) of said cap driver (2) outside said receptacle
5. A tube screw cap (1) according to claim 4, wherein said one or more flexible fins (12a-c) when engaging a tip (21) are displaced a distance ala2 away from said common axis (e) of cap driver engagement by said connected tip (21) , said receptable (13) being defined by a displacement circle (c2) having a diameter smaller than a rest circle (cl) by two times said distance ala2.
6. A test tube screw cap (1) according to any previous claim, further comprising a holding element (14) for engaging an opposed connector element (24) on said cap driver (2) for, when screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) are connected, preventing that said screw cap (1) is dropped by said cap driver (2) , when said screw cap (1) is not attached to a threaded test tube or test bottle.
7. A test tube screw cap (1) according to claim 6, wherein said holding element (14) is a tapered groove.
8. A cap driver (2) comprising a tip (21) for engaging a screw cap (1) according to any of said previous claims, said tip (21) defining a circumscribed circle, which circumscribed circle is tangential to a direction ala2 perpendicular to said common axis (e) of cap driver engagement, said diameter of said circumscribed circle being defined such that said tip (21) can engage and displace a respectable flexible fins (12a-c) held on said screw cap (1) a distance smaller than or equal to said distance ala2.
9. A cap driver (2) according to claim 8, wherein displacement in said direction ala2 is respectively away from or respectively towards said common axis (e) of cap driver engagement.
10. A cap driver (2) according to either claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said tip (21) comprises a curved surface (22) that ends in an angled face (23) , said curved surface (22) adapted for pressing against and bending said one or more said flexible fins (12a-c) comprised on said cap (1) in said direction ala2 either respectively away from or respectively towards said common axis (e) of cap driver engagement.
11. A cap driver (2) according to any of said claims 8 to 10, wherein said tip (21) comprises a connecting element (24) for engaging an opposed holding element (14) on said screw cap (2) for, when screw cap (1) and cap driver (2) are connected, preventing that said screw cap (1) is dropped by said cap driver (2) , when said screw cap (1) is not attached to a threaded test tube or test bottle.
12. A cap driver (2) according to claim 11, wherein said connecting element (24) is a tapered boss.
13. A screw-cap cap-driver assembly (3) , wherein said screw cap (1) is according to any of said claims 1 to 7 and said cap driver (2) is according to any of said claims 8 to 12.
14. A capper-decapper device comprising a screw-cap capdriver assembly (3) according to claim 13.
EP24702883.0A 2023-01-24 2024-01-24 Torqued screw cap Pending EP4655105A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA202300063 2023-01-24
PCT/EP2024/051685 WO2024156771A1 (en) 2023-01-24 2024-01-24 Torqued screw cap

Publications (1)

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EP4655105A1 true EP4655105A1 (en) 2025-12-03

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24702883.0A Pending EP4655105A1 (en) 2023-01-24 2024-01-24 Torqued screw cap

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EP (1) EP4655105A1 (en)
CN (1) CN121038898A (en)
WO (1) WO2024156771A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10308362A1 (en) * 2003-02-27 2004-09-09 Roche Diagnostics Gmbh System for automatic opening of test tubes
WO2005110600A2 (en) * 2004-05-18 2005-11-24 Nunc A/S Tube, cap and rack for automatic handling of samples
US9108832B2 (en) * 2009-11-04 2015-08-18 Hitachi High Technologies Corporation Cover opener and automatic analyzing device using same
CN114537876A (en) * 2022-03-22 2022-05-27 基点生物科技（上海）有限公司 Freeze and deposit pipe tube lid and structure of uncapping
CN115159417A (en) * 2022-06-30 2022-10-11 厦门安普利生物工程有限公司 Clawless capping slip mechanism, capping and opening and closing device

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