US20140169926A1 - Sample containment unit and process - Google Patents
Sample containment unit and process Download PDFInfo
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- US20140169926A1 US20140169926A1 US13/713,596 US201213713596A US2014169926A1 US 20140169926 A1 US20140169926 A1 US 20140169926A1 US 201213713596 A US201213713596 A US 201213713596A US 2014169926 A1 US2014169926 A1 US 2014169926A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sample containment
- wall
- sample
- containment unit
- unit
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- 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
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3825—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container
- B65D81/3834—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container the external tray being formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N1/00—Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
- A01N1/02—Preservation of living parts
- A01N1/0236—Mechanical aspects
- A01N1/0263—Non-refrigerated containers specially adapted for transporting or storing living parts whilst preserving, e.g. cool boxes, blood bags or "straws" for cryopreservation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N1/00—Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
- A01N1/02—Preservation of living parts
- A01N1/0236—Mechanical aspects
- A01N1/0263—Non-refrigerated containers specially adapted for transporting or storing living parts whilst preserving, e.g. cool boxes, blood bags or "straws" for cryopreservation
- A01N1/0273—Transport containers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
- F25D3/06—Movable containers
- F25D3/08—Movable containers portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
- F25D2303/083—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid using cold storage material disposed in closed wall forming part of a container for products to be cooled
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to sample containment units and processes. More specifically, the present invention is directed to containment of biological and/or hazardous materials.
- Known units permit samples to be harmed based upon heat or loss of heat to ambient environments. For example, single-walled steel containers with foam insulation have provided inadequate resistance to temperature changes. Additionally or alternatively, known units contact samples with cooling and/or heating packs risking exposure to abrupt temperature changes that can result in damage to samples. Other known units permit moisture to enter containment regions risking condensation or contamination of samples and/or are impacted based upon temperature changes in an ambient environment and/or based upon heat transfer between the containment unit and surfaces abutting the containment unit.
- Known containment units have also failed to include adequate tamper-proof features. Such units have not provided adequate features for preventing access to samples within containment units and/or for preventing unauthorized movement of the containment units, while still permitting authorized access and transport in a secure manner.
- containment units include, but are not limited to, being ergonomically designed, features for handling the units that do not interfere with the operation of the containment unit, providing selective access, or combinations thereof.
- a containment unit and a process of transporting a containment unit that do not suffer from one or more of the above drawbacks would be desirable in the art.
- a sample containment unit includes a sample containment region, a body extending around the sample containment region, and an access portion configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region.
- the body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall.
- the inner wall and the outer wall are a continuous piece of polymeric material.
- a sample containment unit in another exemplary embodiment, includes a sample containment region, a body extending around the sample containment region, and an access portion hingedly attached to the body and configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region.
- the body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, a lip, and an injected polyurethane foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall.
- the inner wall, the outer wall, and the lip are a continuous piece of rotational-molded high-density polyethylene material.
- a sample containment process includes positioning a sample in a sample containment unit and transporting the sample containment unit.
- the sample containment unit includes a sample containment region, a body extending around the sample containment region, and an access portion configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region.
- the sample containment region has heat transfer properties based upon having a proportionality constant (k) under Newton's law of cooling equation that is less than 0.006.
- the body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall.
- the inner wall and the outer wall are a continuous piece of polymeric material.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit in a closed configuration according to the disclosure.
- FIG. 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure.
- FIG. 3 shows a first side view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure.
- FIG. 4 shows a rear view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure.
- FIG. 5 shows a second side view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure.
- FIG. 6 shows a top front view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure.
- FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure.
- FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit in an open configuration according to the disclosure.
- FIG. 9 shows a section view along line 9 - 9 of the exemplary sample containment unit shown in FIG. 8 .
- Embodiments of the present disclosure permit the containment unit to be transported through various environmental changes without harming samples within the unit, permit a predetermined temperature range to be maintained without causing substantial and/or abrupt temperature changes to samples within the unit, permit locking of the samples within the unit without sacrificing heat transfer properties, permit locking of the unit without preventing authorized movement of the unit, facilitate transport of the unit, permit placement of samples in the unit without difficulty (for example, samples can be directly positioned within the unit), prevents undesirable materials from entering the unit (for example, debris, moisture, dirt, or contaminants), prevents heat transfer with the ambient environment and/or with abutting surfaces, or combinations thereof.
- FIGS. 1 and 8 show an embodiment of a sample containment unit 100 capable of being closed (see FIG. 1 ) and open (see FIG. 8 ).
- the unit 100 includes a sample containment region 108 , a body 101 extending around the sample containment region 108 , and an access portion 110 , such as a lid, configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region 108 .
- the body 101 includes an inner wall 104 , an outer wall 102 , and a foam 120 (see FIG. 9 ) positioned between the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 102 .
- the foam 120 is any suitable material capable of reducing or eliminating heat transfer between the sample containment region 108 and an ambient environment (such as, in comparison to single-walled steel units having foam, for example, having a proportionality constant (k) under Newton's law of cooling equation that is greater than 0.007).
- the foam 120 is an injected polyurethane foam, for example, injected through any portion of the body 101 and sealed, cured, hardened, and/or solidified thereafter.
- the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 102 are portions of a continuous piece of polymeric material, such as rotational-molded polymeric material produced by heating a hollow mold and filling it with a specified amount of polymer resin, then slowly rotating around two perpendicular or substantially perpendicular axes, causing a softened material to disperse and adhere to walls of the mod, while creating a hollow polymeric part with uniform or substantially uniform wall thickness.
- injection blow molding is used.
- continuous refers to having a single seamless material.
- the rotational-molded polymeric material is any suitable material capable of reducing or eliminating heat transfer between the sample containment region 108 and the ambient environment and/or abutting surfaces (not shown) of other objects (not shown), for example, in comparison to the single-walled steel units having foam.
- the continuous piece of rotational-molded polymeric material includes high-density polyethylene.
- the continuous piece of rotational-molded polymeric material includes a UV-resistant additive.
- the outer wall 102 of the body 101 forms the exterior of the unit 100 .
- the body 101 includes a cuboid geometry and/or extends around the perimeter of the unit 100 .
- the body 101 includes a lock 114 (see FIG. 2 ) for securing the sample containment region 108 , one or more feet 118 providing a decreased amount of heat transfer between the unit 100 and an abutting surface (not shown) of other objects (not shown) in comparison to having a planer bottom, a handle 116 for carrying the unit 100 , any other suitable security features and/or features for environmentally-isolating a sample 124 (see FIG. 9 ), a tamper-resistant feature 128 (see FIG.
- the unit 100 for preventing unauthorized movement of the unit 100 (such as, an anchoring bracket positioned within a bracket recess 130 as is shown in FIG. 4 on the outer wall 102 , configured for chaining or otherwise securely linking the unit 100 to a wall or other fixed object), or a combination thereof.
- the outer wall 102 includes or abuts the lock 114 , for example, within a recessed region 105 of the outer wall 102 and/or below a portion of the access portion 110 .
- the lock 114 prevents unauthorized access to the sample containment region 108 , for example, by securing the body 101 to the access portion 110 .
- the recessed region 105 prevents moisture from collecting on the lock 114 and/or from entering the sample containment region 108 .
- the lock 114 and/or the recessed region 105 are shielded or covered, thereby providing additional security and/or resistance to environmental conditions.
- the lock 114 includes a rotatable latch 119 (see FIG. 9 ) capable of engaging a cylindrical strike 117 (see FIG. 8 ) on the access portion 110 , thereby permitting the access portion 110 to tightly seal.
- the outer wall 102 of the body 101 includes offsetting geometry such that a majority of a bottom portion of the unit 100 is not in direct contact with the surface (not shown) that it is set on. This allows air underneath and provides an additional layer of insulation between the resting surface and unit 100 .
- the feet 118 are any suitable material (for example, rubber) or are a portion of the outer wall 102 .
- the handle 116 is flush with the outer wall 102 of the body 101 and/or with a lip 106 of the body 101 extending between the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 102 .
- the handle 116 is capable of being in a down-position permitting stackable storage but is also capable of being in an up-position permitting it to be swung up so that the weight of the unit 100 is easily and safely displaced when in transport, allowing the user's other hand to be free, for example, to open and close doors.
- the handle 116 includes features for weather-resistance, such as being resistant to rust (for example, by being devoid of metal and/or welds), a fully-integrated molded hinge 132 that uses an aluminum pin, including a zinc coating and/or paint coating to protect from rusting, or a combination thereof.
- the handle 116 limits movement of the access portion 110 , for example, preventing the access portion 110 from rotating completely back and/or permitting only up to a predetermined amount of degrees of rotation, for example, up to about 100 degrees, up to about 90 degrees, between about 10 degrees and about 130 degrees, between about 90 and 130 degrees, between about 90 and about 110 degrees, or any suitable combination, sub-combination, range, or sub-range therein.
- the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 102 are connected by the lip 106 configured to contact and/or interlock with the access portion 110 upon the enclosing of the sample containment region 108 , the lip 106 being a portion of the continuous piece of rotational-molded polymeric material.
- the access portion 110 includes any suitable features permitting selective access to the sample containment region 108 , while preventing heat transfer and/or moisture transfer between the sample containment region 108 and the ambient environment. In one embodiment, when the access portion 110 is closed, the body 101 and the access portion 110 completely isolate the sample containment region 108 from receiving or releasing moisture.
- the access portion 110 is any suitable geometry.
- Suitable geometries include, but are not limited to, being substantially planar, having a slight slope away from the recess region 105 and/or the handle 116 (thereby preventing water from flowing into predetermined regions), being cuboid or rectangular, and being consistent or inconsistent in thickness (for example, being inconsistent such that portions configured to abut the lip 106 are thicker and/or compressible in comparison to other portions of the access portion 110 ).
- the access portion 110 is attached to the body 101 , for example, by being hingedly attached, by being secured with fasteners, by being interference fit with the body 101 , or a combination thereof.
- the inner wall 104 defines the sample containment region 108 .
- the sample containment region 108 is capable of having any geometry suitable for secure positioning of the sample 124 and/or the sample container 112 , for example, a cuboid geometry.
- the sample containment region 108 includes a first surface 109 , a second surface 111 extending from the first surface 109 , a third surface 113 extending from the second surface 111 , and a fourth surface 115 extending from the third surface 113 and to the first surface 109 , for example, generally forming a rectangular and/or square embodiment of the sample containment region 108 .
- the sample containment region 108 also includes other features for heat transfer resistance and/or moisture resistance, such as, having heat transfer properties of based upon having a proportionality constant (k) under Newton's law of cooling equation that is less than 0.006.
- sample containment region 108 is top-loaded.
- the inner wall 104 of the body 101 includes a top-loaded surface 103 for receiving a sample container 112 , the top-loaded surface 103 being a portion of the body 101 , abutting other portions of the body 101 , and not abutting the access portion 110 .
- the body 101 comprises a front-loaded surface (not shown) for receiving the sample container 112 , the front-loaded surface being a portion of the body 101 , abutting the access portion 110 when in a closed position, and abutting portions of the body 101 .
- the inner wall 104 of the body 101 includes a protruding feature 122 arranged and disposed to support the sample container 112 and prevent a majority of the sample container 112 from contacting the inner wall 104 of the body 101 .
- the protruding features 122 are capable of being positioned on the top-loaded surface 103 or the front-loaded surface (not shown).
- the sample containment region 108 includes a sub-region 132 positioned below the top-loaded surface 103 and/or the protruding features 122 , such that a heat transfer device 126 (for example, a cooling pack or a heating pack) is capable of being positioned within the sub-region 132 without contacting the sample 124 and/or the sample container 112 .
- a heat transfer device 126 for example, a cooling pack or a heating pack
- the unit 100 includes one or more regions (not shown) capable of receiving a label (for example, having a lower amount of silicon in any coating or surface to allow for adhesion of a label and/or being recessed for protection of such a label). Additionally or alternatively, the unit 100 includes one or more threaded recesses 134 (see FIGS. 4 and 7 ) for mounting the unit 100 to a wall (not shown) or other surface (not shown).
- the container 112 is any suitable container for securely handling biological and/or harmful samples, for example, of a material capable of being autoclaved, of a material intended for reuse, of a material intended for disposal after one use, or a combination thereof.
- the container 112 is a removable and/or stackable tray.
- a plurality of the containers 112 are capable of being positioned within the sample containment region 108 .
- the sample containment region 108 includes additional features permitting stacking of the containers 112 and/or the containers 112 include features permitting stacking of the containers 112 .
Abstract
A sample containment unit and sample containment process are disclosed. The sample containment unit includes a sample containment region, a body extending around the sample containment region, and an access portion configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region. The body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall. The inner wall and the outer wall are a continuous piece of polymeric material. The sample containment process includes positioning a sample in a sample containment unit and transporting the sample containment unit.
Description
- The present invention is directed to sample containment units and processes. More specifically, the present invention is directed to containment of biological and/or hazardous materials.
- Transport and containment of samples, such as biological and/or hazardous samples, is important for the medical community, research community, and several other industries. Containment units for such samples have not provided adequate resistance to heat transfer and/or other environmental factors, such as moisture.
- Known units permit samples to be harmed based upon heat or loss of heat to ambient environments. For example, single-walled steel containers with foam insulation have provided inadequate resistance to temperature changes. Additionally or alternatively, known units contact samples with cooling and/or heating packs risking exposure to abrupt temperature changes that can result in damage to samples. Other known units permit moisture to enter containment regions risking condensation or contamination of samples and/or are impacted based upon temperature changes in an ambient environment and/or based upon heat transfer between the containment unit and surfaces abutting the containment unit.
- Known containment units have also failed to include adequate tamper-proof features. Such units have not provided adequate features for preventing access to samples within containment units and/or for preventing unauthorized movement of the containment units, while still permitting authorized access and transport in a secure manner.
- Other features that have not been present in known containment units include, but are not limited to, being ergonomically designed, features for handling the units that do not interfere with the operation of the containment unit, providing selective access, or combinations thereof.
- A containment unit and a process of transporting a containment unit that do not suffer from one or more of the above drawbacks would be desirable in the art.
- In an exemplary embodiment, a sample containment unit includes a sample containment region, a body extending around the sample containment region, and an access portion configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region. The body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall. The inner wall and the outer wall are a continuous piece of polymeric material.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a sample containment unit includes a sample containment region, a body extending around the sample containment region, and an access portion hingedly attached to the body and configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region. The body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, a lip, and an injected polyurethane foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall. The inner wall, the outer wall, and the lip are a continuous piece of rotational-molded high-density polyethylene material.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a sample containment process includes positioning a sample in a sample containment unit and transporting the sample containment unit. The sample containment unit includes a sample containment region, a body extending around the sample containment region, and an access portion configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region. The sample containment region has heat transfer properties based upon having a proportionality constant (k) under Newton's law of cooling equation that is less than 0.006. The body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall. The inner wall and the outer wall are a continuous piece of polymeric material.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
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FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit in a closed configuration according to the disclosure. -
FIG. 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure. -
FIG. 3 shows a first side view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure. -
FIG. 4 shows a rear view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure. -
FIG. 5 shows a second side view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure. -
FIG. 6 shows a top front view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure. -
FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit according to the disclosure. -
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary sample containment unit in an open configuration according to the disclosure. -
FIG. 9 shows a section view along line 9-9 of the exemplary sample containment unit shown inFIG. 8 . - Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.
- Provided is an exemplary sample containment unit and an exemplary sample containment process according to the disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure permit the containment unit to be transported through various environmental changes without harming samples within the unit, permit a predetermined temperature range to be maintained without causing substantial and/or abrupt temperature changes to samples within the unit, permit locking of the samples within the unit without sacrificing heat transfer properties, permit locking of the unit without preventing authorized movement of the unit, facilitate transport of the unit, permit placement of samples in the unit without difficulty (for example, samples can be directly positioned within the unit), prevents undesirable materials from entering the unit (for example, debris, moisture, dirt, or contaminants), prevents heat transfer with the ambient environment and/or with abutting surfaces, or combinations thereof.
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FIGS. 1 and 8 show an embodiment of asample containment unit 100 capable of being closed (seeFIG. 1 ) and open (seeFIG. 8 ). As shown inFIG. 8 , theunit 100 includes asample containment region 108, abody 101 extending around thesample containment region 108, and anaccess portion 110, such as a lid, configured to selectively enclose thesample containment region 108. Thebody 101 includes aninner wall 104, anouter wall 102, and a foam 120 (seeFIG. 9 ) positioned between theinner wall 104 and theouter wall 102. Thefoam 120 is any suitable material capable of reducing or eliminating heat transfer between thesample containment region 108 and an ambient environment (such as, in comparison to single-walled steel units having foam, for example, having a proportionality constant (k) under Newton's law of cooling equation that is greater than 0.007). In one embodiment, thefoam 120 is an injected polyurethane foam, for example, injected through any portion of thebody 101 and sealed, cured, hardened, and/or solidified thereafter. - The
inner wall 104 and theouter wall 102 are portions of a continuous piece of polymeric material, such as rotational-molded polymeric material produced by heating a hollow mold and filling it with a specified amount of polymer resin, then slowly rotating around two perpendicular or substantially perpendicular axes, causing a softened material to disperse and adhere to walls of the mod, while creating a hollow polymeric part with uniform or substantially uniform wall thickness. In another embodiment, injection blow molding is used. As used herein, the term “continuous” refers to having a single seamless material. The rotational-molded polymeric material is any suitable material capable of reducing or eliminating heat transfer between thesample containment region 108 and the ambient environment and/or abutting surfaces (not shown) of other objects (not shown), for example, in comparison to the single-walled steel units having foam. In one embodiment, the continuous piece of rotational-molded polymeric material includes high-density polyethylene. In a further embodiment, the continuous piece of rotational-molded polymeric material includes a UV-resistant additive. - The
outer wall 102 of thebody 101 forms the exterior of theunit 100. As shown inFIGS. 2-5 , in one embodiment, thebody 101 includes a cuboid geometry and/or extends around the perimeter of theunit 100. Additionally or alternatively, thebody 101 includes a lock 114 (seeFIG. 2 ) for securing thesample containment region 108, one ormore feet 118 providing a decreased amount of heat transfer between theunit 100 and an abutting surface (not shown) of other objects (not shown) in comparison to having a planer bottom, ahandle 116 for carrying theunit 100, any other suitable security features and/or features for environmentally-isolating a sample 124 (seeFIG. 9 ), a tamper-resistant feature 128 (seeFIG. 4 ) for preventing unauthorized movement of the unit 100 (such as, an anchoring bracket positioned within abracket recess 130 as is shown inFIG. 4 on theouter wall 102, configured for chaining or otherwise securely linking theunit 100 to a wall or other fixed object), or a combination thereof. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , in one embodiment, theouter wall 102 includes or abuts thelock 114, for example, within arecessed region 105 of theouter wall 102 and/or below a portion of theaccess portion 110. Thelock 114 prevents unauthorized access to thesample containment region 108, for example, by securing thebody 101 to theaccess portion 110. Therecessed region 105 prevents moisture from collecting on thelock 114 and/or from entering thesample containment region 108. In a further embodiment, thelock 114 and/or therecessed region 105 are shielded or covered, thereby providing additional security and/or resistance to environmental conditions. In one embodiment, thelock 114 includes a rotatable latch 119 (seeFIG. 9 ) capable of engaging a cylindrical strike 117 (seeFIG. 8 ) on theaccess portion 110, thereby permitting theaccess portion 110 to tightly seal. - In one embodiment with the
feet 118, theouter wall 102 of thebody 101 includes offsetting geometry such that a majority of a bottom portion of theunit 100 is not in direct contact with the surface (not shown) that it is set on. This allows air underneath and provides an additional layer of insulation between the resting surface andunit 100. Thefeet 118 are any suitable material (for example, rubber) or are a portion of theouter wall 102. - In one embodiment with the
handle 116, thehandle 116 is flush with theouter wall 102 of thebody 101 and/or with alip 106 of thebody 101 extending between theinner wall 104 and theouter wall 102. In this embodiment, thehandle 116 is capable of being in a down-position permitting stackable storage but is also capable of being in an up-position permitting it to be swung up so that the weight of theunit 100 is easily and safely displaced when in transport, allowing the user's other hand to be free, for example, to open and close doors. In further embodiments, thehandle 116 includes features for weather-resistance, such as being resistant to rust (for example, by being devoid of metal and/or welds), a fully-integrated moldedhinge 132 that uses an aluminum pin, including a zinc coating and/or paint coating to protect from rusting, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, thehandle 116 limits movement of theaccess portion 110, for example, preventing theaccess portion 110 from rotating completely back and/or permitting only up to a predetermined amount of degrees of rotation, for example, up to about 100 degrees, up to about 90 degrees, between about 10 degrees and about 130 degrees, between about 90 and 130 degrees, between about 90 and about 110 degrees, or any suitable combination, sub-combination, range, or sub-range therein. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , in one embodiment, theinner wall 104 and theouter wall 102 are connected by thelip 106 configured to contact and/or interlock with theaccess portion 110 upon the enclosing of thesample containment region 108, thelip 106 being a portion of the continuous piece of rotational-molded polymeric material. - The
access portion 110 includes any suitable features permitting selective access to thesample containment region 108, while preventing heat transfer and/or moisture transfer between thesample containment region 108 and the ambient environment. In one embodiment, when theaccess portion 110 is closed, thebody 101 and theaccess portion 110 completely isolate thesample containment region 108 from receiving or releasing moisture. Theaccess portion 110 is any suitable geometry. Suitable geometries include, but are not limited to, being substantially planar, having a slight slope away from therecess region 105 and/or the handle 116 (thereby preventing water from flowing into predetermined regions), being cuboid or rectangular, and being consistent or inconsistent in thickness (for example, being inconsistent such that portions configured to abut thelip 106 are thicker and/or compressible in comparison to other portions of the access portion 110). Theaccess portion 110 is attached to thebody 101, for example, by being hingedly attached, by being secured with fasteners, by being interference fit with thebody 101, or a combination thereof. - The
inner wall 104 defines thesample containment region 108. In general, thesample containment region 108 is capable of having any geometry suitable for secure positioning of thesample 124 and/or thesample container 112, for example, a cuboid geometry. As is shown inFIG. 8 , in one embodiment, thesample containment region 108 includes afirst surface 109, asecond surface 111 extending from thefirst surface 109, athird surface 113 extending from thesecond surface 111, and afourth surface 115 extending from thethird surface 113 and to thefirst surface 109, for example, generally forming a rectangular and/or square embodiment of thesample containment region 108. Thesample containment region 108 also includes other features for heat transfer resistance and/or moisture resistance, such as, having heat transfer properties of based upon having a proportionality constant (k) under Newton's law of cooling equation that is less than 0.006. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , in one embodiment,sample containment region 108 is top-loaded. For example, in this embodiment, theinner wall 104 of thebody 101 includes a top-loadedsurface 103 for receiving asample container 112, the top-loadedsurface 103 being a portion of thebody 101, abutting other portions of thebody 101, and not abutting theaccess portion 110. Alternatively, in one embodiment, thebody 101 comprises a front-loaded surface (not shown) for receiving thesample container 112, the front-loaded surface being a portion of thebody 101, abutting theaccess portion 110 when in a closed position, and abutting portions of thebody 101. In one embodiment, theinner wall 104 of thebody 101 includes aprotruding feature 122 arranged and disposed to support thesample container 112 and prevent a majority of thesample container 112 from contacting theinner wall 104 of thebody 101. The protruding features 122 are capable of being positioned on the top-loadedsurface 103 or the front-loaded surface (not shown). - In one embodiment, the
sample containment region 108 includes asub-region 132 positioned below the top-loadedsurface 103 and/or the protruding features 122, such that a heat transfer device 126 (for example, a cooling pack or a heating pack) is capable of being positioned within thesub-region 132 without contacting thesample 124 and/or thesample container 112. - In further embodiments, the
unit 100 includes one or more regions (not shown) capable of receiving a label (for example, having a lower amount of silicon in any coating or surface to allow for adhesion of a label and/or being recessed for protection of such a label). Additionally or alternatively, theunit 100 includes one or more threaded recesses 134 (seeFIGS. 4 and 7 ) for mounting theunit 100 to a wall (not shown) or other surface (not shown). - The
container 112 is any suitable container for securely handling biological and/or harmful samples, for example, of a material capable of being autoclaved, of a material intended for reuse, of a material intended for disposal after one use, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, thecontainer 112 is a removable and/or stackable tray. In further embodiments, a plurality of thecontainers 112 are capable of being positioned within thesample containment region 108. In embodiments with a plurality of thecontainers 112, thesample containment region 108 includes additional features permitting stacking of thecontainers 112 and/or thecontainers 112 include features permitting stacking of thecontainers 112. - While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (21)
1. A sample containment unit, comprising:
a sample containment region;
a body extending around the sample containment region; and
an access portion configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region;
wherein the body comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, and a foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall;
wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are a continuous piece of rotational-molded polymeric material.
2. (canceled)
3. The sample containment unit of claim 2 , wherein the continuous piece of polymeric material includes a UV-resistant additive.
4. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are connected by a lip configured to contact the access portion upon the enclosing of the sample containment region, the lip being a portion of the continuous piece of polymeric material.
5. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a surface for receiving a sample container, the surface abutting portions of the body and not abutting the access portion.
6. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a surface for receiving a sample, the surface abutting the access portion and portions of the body.
7. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the access portion is hingedly attached to the body.
8. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the body includes a cuboid geometry and the sample containment region includes a cuboid geometry.
9. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the foam is an injected polyurethane foam.
10. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the body and the access portion completely isolate the sample containment region from receiving or releasing moisture.
11. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the continuous piece of polymeric material includes high-density polyethylene.
12. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the sample containment region has heat transfer properties based upon having a proportionality constant (k) under Newton's law of cooling equation that is less than 0.006.
13. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the access portion is substantially planar.
14. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , further comprising a lock for securing the sample containment region.
15. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the sample containment region comprises a first surface, a second surface extending from the first surface, a third surface extending from the second surface, and a fourth surface extending from the third surface and to the first surface.
16. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , wherein the inner wall of the body comprises a protruding feature arranged and disposed to support a sample container and preventing a majority of the sample container from contacting the inner wall of the body.
17. The sample containment unit of claim 16 , further comprising the sample container.
18. The sample containment unit of claim 17 , further comprising a heat-transfer device positioned between the sample container and the inner wall of the body.
19. A sample containment unit, comprising:
a sample containment region;
a body extending around the sample containment region, the body comprising an inner wall, an outer wall, a lip, and an injected polyurethane foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall; and
an access portion hingedly attached to the body and configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region;
wherein the inner wall, the outer wall, and the lip are a continuous piece of rotational-molded high-density polyethylene material.
20. A sample containment process, comprising:
positioning a sample in a sample containment unit, the sample containment unit comprising a sample containment region, a body extending around the sample containment region, and an access portion configured to selectively enclose the sample containment region; and
transporting the sample containment unit;
wherein the sample containment region has heat transfer properties based upon having a proportionality constant (k) under Newton's law of cooling equation that is less than 0.006;
wherein the body comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, and a foam positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall;
wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are a continuous piece of rotational-molded polymeric material.
21. The sample containment unit of claim 1 , further comprising a heat-transfer pack positioned between the sample container and the inner wall of the body.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/713,596 US20140169926A1 (en) | 2012-12-13 | 2012-12-13 | Sample containment unit and process |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/713,596 US20140169926A1 (en) | 2012-12-13 | 2012-12-13 | Sample containment unit and process |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140169926A1 true US20140169926A1 (en) | 2014-06-19 |
Family
ID=50931076
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/713,596 Abandoned US20140169926A1 (en) | 2012-12-13 | 2012-12-13 | Sample containment unit and process |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20140169926A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140017770A1 (en) * | 2012-07-10 | 2014-01-16 | Lifeline Scientific, Inc. | Organ transporter and organ transporter component kit |
USD765874S1 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2016-09-06 | Paragonix Technologies, Inc. | Transporter for a tissue transport system |
USD787696S1 (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2017-05-23 | Paragonix Technologies, Inc. | Transporter for a tissue transport system |
US10231904B1 (en) * | 2016-10-24 | 2019-03-19 | Pierce Arrow, Inc. | Cooler for maintaining vaccines at correct temperatures while simultaneously providing vaccine gun holsters |
USD930441S1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2021-09-14 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container |
USD959918S1 (en) * | 2018-12-12 | 2022-08-09 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container |
USD965409S1 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2022-10-04 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Latch portion |
US11608213B2 (en) | 2016-04-20 | 2023-03-21 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Spigot and spigot guard for an insulating container |
US11970313B2 (en) | 2022-05-12 | 2024-04-30 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Insulating container |
-
2012
- 2012-12-13 US US13/713,596 patent/US20140169926A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140017770A1 (en) * | 2012-07-10 | 2014-01-16 | Lifeline Scientific, Inc. | Organ transporter and organ transporter component kit |
US9357767B2 (en) * | 2012-07-10 | 2016-06-07 | Lifeline Scientific, Inc. | Organ transporter |
USD765874S1 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2016-09-06 | Paragonix Technologies, Inc. | Transporter for a tissue transport system |
USD787696S1 (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2017-05-23 | Paragonix Technologies, Inc. | Transporter for a tissue transport system |
US11608213B2 (en) | 2016-04-20 | 2023-03-21 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Spigot and spigot guard for an insulating container |
US10231904B1 (en) * | 2016-10-24 | 2019-03-19 | Pierce Arrow, Inc. | Cooler for maintaining vaccines at correct temperatures while simultaneously providing vaccine gun holsters |
USD930441S1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2021-09-14 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container |
USD965390S1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2022-10-04 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container |
USD997651S1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2023-09-05 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container |
USD959918S1 (en) * | 2018-12-12 | 2022-08-09 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container |
USD965409S1 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2022-10-04 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Latch portion |
US11623796B2 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2023-04-11 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Insulating container |
USD997650S1 (en) * | 2018-12-12 | 2023-09-05 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container |
US11970313B2 (en) | 2022-05-12 | 2024-04-30 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Insulating container |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THE DRUCKER COMPANY, PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HENDERSON, ANTHONY J.;MALLISON, THOMAS;MOSCONE, KENNETH, JR.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20121206 TO 20121210;REEL/FRAME:029463/0826 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |