US20110024434A1 - Sample Cup Container - Google Patents

Sample Cup Container Download PDF

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Publication number
US20110024434A1
US20110024434A1 US12/510,898 US51089809A US2011024434A1 US 20110024434 A1 US20110024434 A1 US 20110024434A1 US 51089809 A US51089809 A US 51089809A US 2011024434 A1 US2011024434 A1 US 2011024434A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
container
sample
sample cup
flap
cup
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/510,898
Inventor
Donato Pompa
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US12/510,898 priority Critical patent/US20110024434A1/en
Publication of US20110024434A1 publication Critical patent/US20110024434A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/4204—Inspection openings or windows
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
    • B01L9/06—Test-tube stands; Test-tube holders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/54—Inspection openings or windows
    • 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
    • B01L2200/18—Transport of container or devices
    • B01L2200/185—Long distance transport, e.g. mailing

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel shipping and inspection container for multiple XRF sample cups.
  • the present invention describes a shipping and inspection container for XRF sample cups specially designed with pre-installed film at their bottom surface.
  • the sample cups are packed within the rectangular shaped container, which includes display cutouts along its bottom for inspection of the liquid samples contained within the sample cups.
  • the container includes upwardly projecting tabs located on opposite sides, facilitating stacking of the container/cup combinations for shipping and for aiding in handling of the containers.
  • the containers are intended to be used in combination with specially designed sample cups including caps with prominent stems for aiding in removal of each individual sample cup from the container for testing.
  • Sample cups to contain liquid or gas samples for inspection.
  • Sample cups generally have a thin transparent film bottom and may include a top end formed integral with the cup body known as a single ended design. Alternatively, the sample cup may include a second thin film or be capped at the top end, known as a double open end design.
  • Prior art sample cups are generally delivered to the analyst in parts comprised of a side wall member and complementary secondary member, which members are assembled in combination with a separate thin film component to construct a single sample cup. The sample cup, with its liquid or gas sample contained therein, is then manually transported to an XRF machine and placed in a holder, thin film bottom down, for analysis.
  • sample cups each containing a single sample
  • multiple sample cups are intended to be tested contemporaneously, as part of a study. While multiple sample cups may be transported via tray or other implement to the analysis site, such a method is not optimal as the tray may contaminate or damage the thin film outer surface, affecting analysis. Furthermore, such a method hinders ready visual identification of various samples by covering the thin film “window” and requiring manual handling of each sample cup to allow visual identification of the sample contained therein.
  • pre-assembled sample cups including a thin film bottom
  • pre-assembled sample cups minimize time and effort to properly assemble a sample cup for testing, they create logistical problems for delivery and storage due to the fragile nature of the thin film component.
  • pre-assembled cups cannot be bulk packed for shipment or storage due to the high probability of damage or contamination to the thin film surface on the sample cup bottom.
  • FIGS. 1A-1F are various views (elevations) of one embodiment of the sample cup container.
  • FIGS. 2A-2C are various views (elevations) of the sample cup container with 2 sample cups contained therein.
  • FIGS. 3A-3B are various views (elevations) of the sample cup container when fully loaded with sample cups contained therein.
  • FIG. 1A Shown in FIG. 1A is a top view of the empty sample cup container evidencing the bottom ( 2 ) containing eight circular cutouts ( 4 ) and a first flap ( 6 ) and second flap ( 8 ).
  • FIG. 1B is another view of the empty sample container better illustrating the four sides ( 1 ) and bottom ( 2 ), the bottom containing circular cutouts ( 4 ), and a first flap ( 6 ) and a second flap ( 8 ).
  • FIGS. 1C and 1D are side view elevations each showing a side ( 1 ) of the container.
  • FIG. 1E is a bottom view of the container illustrating the bottom ( 2 ) with circular cutouts ( 4 ) and indicating the first flap ( 6 ) and second flap ( 8 ), each partially observable through the cutouts.
  • FIG. 1F is an alternate bottom view of the empty sample container better illustrating the sides of the container and bottom, the bottom containing the circular cutouts.
  • FIGS. 2A-2C are various views (elevations) of the sample cup container as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F but with 2 sample cups ( 10 ) contained therein.
  • the thin film window on the bottom of the sample cups is observable through the circular cutouts on the bottom of the sample cup container, as illustrated in FIG. 2C , facilitating identification and contaminant-free handling of multiple sample cups.
  • FIGS. 3A-3B are various views (elevations) of the sample cup container as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F but fully loaded with sample cups.
  • first flap and second flap facilitate retention of the sample cups within the container
  • alternative embodiments may substitute a single flap or omit the flaps without digressing from the spirit of the invention.
  • the dimensions of the container and the number of circular cutouts may be altered or amended to meet industry needs or requirements without digressing from the spirit of the invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

A novel shipping and inspection container for multiple XRF sample cups.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel shipping and inspection container for multiple XRF sample cups.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention describes a shipping and inspection container for XRF sample cups specially designed with pre-installed film at their bottom surface. The sample cups are packed within the rectangular shaped container, which includes display cutouts along its bottom for inspection of the liquid samples contained within the sample cups. The container includes upwardly projecting tabs located on opposite sides, facilitating stacking of the container/cup combinations for shipping and for aiding in handling of the containers. The containers are intended to be used in combination with specially designed sample cups including caps with prominent stems for aiding in removal of each individual sample cup from the container for testing.
  • Spectroscopic analysis (XRF Spectroscopy) utilizes sample cups to contain liquid or gas samples for inspection. Sample cups generally have a thin transparent film bottom and may include a top end formed integral with the cup body known as a single ended design. Alternatively, the sample cup may include a second thin film or be capped at the top end, known as a double open end design. Prior art sample cups are generally delivered to the analyst in parts comprised of a side wall member and complementary secondary member, which members are assembled in combination with a separate thin film component to construct a single sample cup. The sample cup, with its liquid or gas sample contained therein, is then manually transported to an XRF machine and placed in a holder, thin film bottom down, for analysis. Most often, multiple sample cups, each containing a single sample, are intended to be tested contemporaneously, as part of a study. While multiple sample cups may be transported via tray or other implement to the analysis site, such a method is not optimal as the tray may contaminate or damage the thin film outer surface, affecting analysis. Furthermore, such a method hinders ready visual identification of various samples by covering the thin film “window” and requiring manual handling of each sample cup to allow visual identification of the sample contained therein.
  • Finally, pre-assembled sample cups, including a thin film bottom, are available. While pre-assembled sample cups minimize time and effort to properly assemble a sample cup for testing, they create logistical problems for delivery and storage due to the fragile nature of the thin film component. Unlike conventional unassembled cup member components, pre-assembled cups cannot be bulk packed for shipment or storage due to the high probability of damage or contamination to the thin film surface on the sample cup bottom.
  • In view of the prior arts' shortcomings, it is thus desirable to create a container which facilitates contaminant-free handling of multiple sample cups at both the delivery and storage stage and during sample cup test usage.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIGS. 1A-1F are various views (elevations) of one embodiment of the sample cup container.
  • FIGS. 2A-2C are various views (elevations) of the sample cup container with 2 sample cups contained therein.
  • FIGS. 3A-3B are various views (elevations) of the sample cup container when fully loaded with sample cups contained therein.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • Shown in FIG. 1A is a top view of the empty sample cup container evidencing the bottom (2) containing eight circular cutouts (4) and a first flap (6) and second flap (8).
  • FIG. 1B is another view of the empty sample container better illustrating the four sides (1) and bottom (2), the bottom containing circular cutouts (4), and a first flap (6) and a second flap (8).
  • FIGS. 1C and 1D are side view elevations each showing a side (1) of the container.
  • FIG. 1E is a bottom view of the container illustrating the bottom (2) with circular cutouts (4) and indicating the first flap (6) and second flap (8), each partially observable through the cutouts.
  • FIG. 1F is an alternate bottom view of the empty sample container better illustrating the sides of the container and bottom, the bottom containing the circular cutouts.
  • FIGS. 2A-2C are various views (elevations) of the sample cup container as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F but with 2 sample cups (10) contained therein. The thin film window on the bottom of the sample cups is observable through the circular cutouts on the bottom of the sample cup container, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, facilitating identification and contaminant-free handling of multiple sample cups.
  • FIGS. 3A-3B are various views (elevations) of the sample cup container as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F but fully loaded with sample cups.
  • While the first flap and second flap, as illustrated, facilitate retention of the sample cups within the container, alternative embodiments may substitute a single flap or omit the flaps without digressing from the spirit of the invention.
  • Furthermore, the dimensions of the container and the number of circular cutouts may be altered or amended to meet industry needs or requirements without digressing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. A sample cup container comprising four sides and a bottom; wherein the bottom contains a circular cutout situated so as to correspond with the placement of a sample cup when said cup is placed within the container.
2. The sample cup container of claim 1 further comprising a first flap situated along the top edge of a container first side; said flap extending over the container open top.
3. The sample cup container of claim 1 further comprising a first flap situated along the top edge of a container first side; said flap extending over the container open top and a second flap situated along the top edge of a container second side; said second side parallel to said first side and said second flap extending over the container open top.
4. The sample cup container of claim 2 wherein said first flap, when extended over the container open top, completely covers said container open top.
5. The sample cup container of claim 1 further comprising a removable film placed upon the bottom outer surface of the container.
US12/510,898 2009-07-28 2009-07-28 Sample Cup Container Abandoned US20110024434A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/510,898 US20110024434A1 (en) 2009-07-28 2009-07-28 Sample Cup Container

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/510,898 US20110024434A1 (en) 2009-07-28 2009-07-28 Sample Cup Container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110024434A1 true US20110024434A1 (en) 2011-02-03

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/510,898 Abandoned US20110024434A1 (en) 2009-07-28 2009-07-28 Sample Cup Container

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170056875A1 (en) * 2015-09-02 2017-03-02 Premier Lab Supply Inc. Thin Film Envelope
US9594034B1 (en) * 2015-09-30 2017-03-14 Premier Lab Supply Inc. Oxford style sample cup

Citations (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1053601A (en) * 1908-12-19 1913-02-18 John F Hitchcock Merchandise-receptacle.
US2067660A (en) * 1934-07-31 1937-01-12 Du Pont Package
US2556844A (en) * 1950-04-17 1951-06-12 Istwan Joseph Serving tray
US2981039A (en) * 1956-01-26 1961-04-25 Ernest F Pohl Tray package and method of packaging
US3086646A (en) * 1960-12-27 1963-04-23 Robert L Meyers Fruit and vegetable container
US3148822A (en) * 1962-04-27 1964-09-15 William B Jaspert Plastic containers for bottles or the like
US3166190A (en) * 1962-10-29 1965-01-19 Andre Matic Machinery Company Multi-cup package
US4154795A (en) * 1976-07-23 1979-05-15 Dynatech Holdings Limited Microtest plates
US4214660A (en) * 1979-03-19 1980-07-29 Hunt Letcher B Jr Carton for beverage cans
US5882922A (en) * 1997-03-19 1999-03-16 Becton Dickinson And Company Culture vessel assembly
US5938060A (en) * 1997-12-22 1999-08-17 Rutland, Jr.; Matthew Holder for stackable drinking cups
US5958345A (en) * 1997-03-14 1999-09-28 Moxtek, Inc. Thin film sample support
US5981292A (en) * 1998-01-16 1999-11-09 Metuchen Scientific Inc. Insert for sample cup
US20040104263A1 (en) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-03 Keay Peter A. Carton for viewing contents and method
US6854599B2 (en) * 2001-03-06 2005-02-15 Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Packaging system for frozen allograft tissue forms
US7422113B2 (en) * 2004-01-23 2008-09-09 Fdk Energy Co., Ltd. Battery container case
US20090101662A1 (en) * 2007-10-08 2009-04-23 Marco Leslie S Multipack for cups and pots

Patent Citations (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1053601A (en) * 1908-12-19 1913-02-18 John F Hitchcock Merchandise-receptacle.
US2067660A (en) * 1934-07-31 1937-01-12 Du Pont Package
US2556844A (en) * 1950-04-17 1951-06-12 Istwan Joseph Serving tray
US2981039A (en) * 1956-01-26 1961-04-25 Ernest F Pohl Tray package and method of packaging
US3086646A (en) * 1960-12-27 1963-04-23 Robert L Meyers Fruit and vegetable container
US3148822A (en) * 1962-04-27 1964-09-15 William B Jaspert Plastic containers for bottles or the like
US3166190A (en) * 1962-10-29 1965-01-19 Andre Matic Machinery Company Multi-cup package
US4154795A (en) * 1976-07-23 1979-05-15 Dynatech Holdings Limited Microtest plates
US4214660A (en) * 1979-03-19 1980-07-29 Hunt Letcher B Jr Carton for beverage cans
US5958345A (en) * 1997-03-14 1999-09-28 Moxtek, Inc. Thin film sample support
US5882922A (en) * 1997-03-19 1999-03-16 Becton Dickinson And Company Culture vessel assembly
US5938060A (en) * 1997-12-22 1999-08-17 Rutland, Jr.; Matthew Holder for stackable drinking cups
US5981292A (en) * 1998-01-16 1999-11-09 Metuchen Scientific Inc. Insert for sample cup
US6854599B2 (en) * 2001-03-06 2005-02-15 Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Packaging system for frozen allograft tissue forms
US20040104263A1 (en) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-03 Keay Peter A. Carton for viewing contents and method
US7422113B2 (en) * 2004-01-23 2008-09-09 Fdk Energy Co., Ltd. Battery container case
US20090101662A1 (en) * 2007-10-08 2009-04-23 Marco Leslie S Multipack for cups and pots

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170056875A1 (en) * 2015-09-02 2017-03-02 Premier Lab Supply Inc. Thin Film Envelope
US9604215B2 (en) * 2015-09-02 2017-03-28 Premier Lab Supply Inc. Thin film envelope
US9594034B1 (en) * 2015-09-30 2017-03-14 Premier Lab Supply Inc. Oxford style sample cup
US20170146469A1 (en) * 2015-09-30 2017-05-25 Premier Lab Supply Inc. Oxford Style Sleeve for Sample Cup

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