WO2011137035A2

WO2011137035A2 - Liner package

Info

Publication number: WO2011137035A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/033517
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wei J. Song; Andres Bolinas
Original assignee: Agilent Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Agilent Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2010-04-30
Filing date: 2011-04-22
Publication date: 2011-11-03
Anticipated expiration: 2012-10-30
Also published as: WO2011137035A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to containers for holding an elongate object, such as a liner for gas chromatography. The container has a flexible, resilient sidewall surrounding a central space and forming a tube. The elongate object is positionable within the central space of the tube. A cap is removably positioned on an end of the tube to close the tube while providing access to the central space. The sidewall is deformable between a relaxed configuration and a compressed configuration. In the compressed configuration, a portion of the sidewall contacts the elongate object to retain the elongate object within the tube. When the sidewall is in the relaxed configuration, the elongate object is released from the tube. A kit of a container holding an elongate object is also contemplated, as well as a method of using the kit or container.

Description

LINER PACKAGE

Cross Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/330,028, filed April 30, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of packages for an elongate object, and more specifically, a clean package for a liner for gas chromatography.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Gas chromatography is used in analytic chemistry for separating and analyzing samples that can be vaporized without decomposition. An inlet system of the gas chromatograph allows the introduction of the sample into the gas chromatograph in a repeatable, reproducible manner without contamination. Typically, the sample is injected into a liner in the inlet system where the sample can be evaporated and brought into the gas phase. If the liner is not changed on a regular basis, or if the correct liner is not used, the subsequent chromatographic analysis can be erroneous.

[0004] A conventional package for a liner comprises a plastic housing in which the liner is packed. A plug seals an open end of the housing. In order to install a replacement liner into the inlet of a gas chromatograph, a user typically takes the plug off of the plastic housing and removes the liner. If the user removes the liner with his or her hand, the liner could become contaminated and any subsequent chromatographic analysis could be ruined. To prevent this, the user could use a removal device, such as tweezers, or wear gloves when handling liners. However, neither of these options is convenient.

[0005] Additionally, as the gas chromatograph is used, the liner can become very hot. When removing a liner from the gas chromatograph in order to clean or replace the liner, conventionally, the user must use a removal device, such as tweezers, or wear gloves to prevent being burned. Again, neither of these options is convenient. Thus, what is needed is a package that eliminates the need to touch a liner with a hand or a removal device when inserting the liner into and/or removing the liner from a gas chromatograph. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container for holding an elongate object, according to one aspect.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the elongate object being positioned in relation to a gas chromatograph, according to one aspect.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the container of FIG. 1, according to one aspect.

[0011] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a portion of the container of FIG. 1, in use with an elongate object, according to one aspect

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0013] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "liner" can include two or more such liners unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0014] Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0015] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the

subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0017] According to various embodiments, a container for holding an elongate object is provided that can comprise a sidewall and a cap. In one aspect, the sidewall can be a flexible, resilient sidewall surrounding a central space and forming a tube having oppositely disposed ends. In another aspect, at least a portion of the elongate object can be positionable within the tube. In still another aspect, the cap can be positioned on one of the ends of the tube to close the one end of the tube. The cap can be removable from the one end to provide access to the central space. In another aspect, the container can further comprise at least one of a collar and at least one finger grip.

[0018] In one aspect, the collar can be a flexible collar attached to the tube or the cap. In another aspect, the collar can be attached to an end of the tube. In another aspect, the collar can define a bore and can have a surface facing the bore. In still another aspect, the surface facing the bore can be configured for gripping an object inserted within the bore of the collar.

[0019] In another aspect, the at least one finger grip can be attached to the outside of the sidewall between the oppositely disposed ends of the tube. In another aspect, the at least one finger grip can be configured for manually deforming the sidewall between a relaxed configuration and a compressed configuration. In this aspect, in the compressed configuration, the elongate object can be retained within the tube by contact with the sidewall and in the relaxed configuration, the elongate object can be released from the tube. [0020] In another aspect, a liner kit for a gas chromatograph is provided that can comprise a liner, a sidewall and a cap. In one aspect, the sidewall can be a flexible, resilient sidewall surrounding a central space and forming a tube having oppositely disposed ends. In another aspect, at least a portion of the elongate liner can be positioned within the tube. In still another aspect, the cap can be positioned on one of the ends of the tube to close the one end of the tube. The cap can be removable from the one end to provide access to the central space. In another aspect, the kit can further comprise at least one of a flexible collar and at least one finger grip.

[0021] In another aspect, a method of replacing a liner in an inlet of a gas

chromatograph is provided. In this aspect, the method comprises removing a cap from a container containing the liner. In another aspect, the method further comprises applying pressure to deform the container thereby bringing the container into contact with the liner to retain the liner within the container. After retaining the liner, in another aspect, the method further comprises aligning an end of the liner the inlet of the gas chromatograph and releasing the pressure from the container so that the liner can fall and/or slide into the inlet.

[0022] A container for holding an elongate object is provided, according to various aspects. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the container 10 comprises a sidewall 12 and a cap 14. In one aspect, the sidewall can surround a central space 16 to form a tube 18 having a first end 20 and a second end 22 oppositely disposed from each other. In another aspect, the first end 20 can be sealed so that the central space is only accessible from the second end 22, which can remain unsealed. In another aspect, the cap 14 can be positioned on the unsealed end 22 of the tube 18 and can be selectively removable to provide access to the central space 16.

[0023] In one aspect, the sidewall 12 can be formed from a material so that the sidewall is flexible and/or resilient. In another aspect, the sidewall 12 can be formed from polymeric materials, such as, for example and without limitation, polyethylene, polypropylene, PET and the like. In still another aspect, the sidewall can be shaped so that the tube 18 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape having a predetermined diameter. It is of course contemplated that the tube can have other cross-sectional shapes, such as substantially square, substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, and the like. In another aspect, the tube 18 can have a predetermined length from the first end 20 to the second end 22. In yet another aspect, the sidewall 12 can be deformable between a relaxed configuration, in which the sidewall is not deformed, and a compressed configuration, in which a portion of the sidewall is urged in a direction towards the central space 16.

[0024] In one aspect, the cap 14 can have a first end 26 and a second end 28 oppositely disposed from each other. In another aspect, the cap can be formed from a material so that the cap is flexible and/or resilient. Alternatively, the cap can be formed from a rigid material. In another aspect, the cap 14 can be formed from polymeric materials, such as, for example and without limitation, polyethylene, polypropylene, PET and the like. In still another aspect, the cap can be shaped to correspond to the second end 22 of the tube 18. For example, if the tube 18 has a substantially circular cross- sectional shape, the cap can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0025] The cap 14 can attachable to and removable from the tube 18 by various means. In one aspect, the cap can comprise a socket 24 which is sized to receive the second end 22 of the tube. It is contemplated that, alternatively, the tube 18 can comprise a socket which is sized to receive the first end 26 of the cap. In one aspect, the cap can be held in place on the tube by a friction fit. In another aspect, threads on the cap 14 can have screw threads that matingly engage complementary threads on the tube 18. In still another aspect, at least one ring and/or groove formed on the second end 22 of the tube can complementarily engage at least one groove and/or ring formed on the first end 26 of the cap. It is of course understood that other attachment means are well known in the art.

[0026] For example, in one aspect, the container 10 can be between about 1 and 16 inches in length. In another aspect, the container can be between about 2 and 8 inches in length. In still another aspect, the container can be between about 3 and 5 inches in length. In another aspect, the the container 10 can be about 4 inches in length. In another example, in one aspect, the tube 18 of the container can have a width between about 1/8 and 2 inches. In another aspect, the tube can have a width between about 1/4 and 1 inches. In yet another aspect, the tube can have a width between about 3/8 and 3/4 inches. In still another aspect, the tube can have a width between about 1/2 and 5/8 inches. [0027] In one aspect, the container 10 can further comprise at least one of a collar 30 and at least one finger grip 32. As illustrated in Figure 1, in another aspect, the collar can be attached to the tube 18 or the cap 14. In another aspect, the collar 30 can be attached to the first end 20 of the tube and/or the second end 28 of the cap. In still another aspect, the at least one finger grip can be attached to the sidewall 12 between the first end 20 and the second end 22 of the tube 18.

[0028] As illustrated in Figure 4, according to one aspect, the collar 30 can be a flexible collar and can define a bore 34 having a predetermined diameter. In this aspect, the predetermined diameter of the bore can be selected to correspond to a diameter of an elongate object 38, as will be described more fully below. In another aspect, the collar can have an inner surface 36 facing the bore. In still another aspect, the collar 30 can comprise an annulus. According to another aspect, the collar 30 can be attached to the tube 18 or the cap 14 by, for example and without limitation, a friction fit, adhesives, and the like. In another aspect, the collar can be formed from polymeric materials, such as, for example and without limitation, rubber, plastics and the like.

[0029] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the at least one finger grip 32 can indicate to a user a desired position for the user to grasp the container 10. In one aspect, the at least one finger grip can comprise a textured surface 40. In another aspect, the textured surface can comprise a plurality of ridges 42, though it is contemplated that the textured surface can comprise a plurality of dimples 43, a plurality of raised elements, and other textured surfaces as known in the art. In still another aspect, the container 10 can comprise two finger grips that can be substantially oppositely disposed on the sidewall 12 of the container 10. In one aspect, the finger grip or grips can be attached to the sidewall with adhesives. In another aspect, it is contemplated that the finger grip or grips can be integrally formed with the sidewall 12. In still another aspect, and as illustrated in Figure 1 , the finger grip or grips can be attached to the sidewall with a band 44 that can frictionally engage the sidewall. In another aspect, the finger grip or grips 32 can be formed from polymeric materials, such as, for example and without limitation, rubber, plastics and the like.

[0030] To assemble the container, the finger grip 32 can be positioned at a desired location along the sidewall 12 of the container 10. In one aspect, the position can be chosen so that the flexible, resilient sidewall can readily be deformed between the relaxed configuration and the compressed configuration. Thus, the finger grip 32 can be positioned on the sidewall in a position corresponding to a center portion 46 of the tube 18 (i.e., a position midway between the first end 20 and the second end 22 of the tube). Alternatively, the at least one finger grip 32 can be positioned on the sidewall 12 near the first end or the second end of the tube. In another aspect, the at least one finger grip can be positioned on the sidewall to correspond to a protrusion of the elongate object 38 when the elongate object is positioned with the central space 16 of the tube. For example, the at least one finger grip 32 can be positioned on the sidewall 12 such that, when in the compressed configuration, a portion of the sidewall contacts at least one seal 52 of the elongate object, described more fully below. The collar 30 can be attached to an end of the tube 18 and/or the cap 14. The cap can be attached to the tube so that the central space 16 of the tube is enclosed.

[0031] With the cap 14 removed, an elongate object 38 can be inserted in the tube 18. In one aspect, the elongate object can have a predetermined width and a length greater than the length of the tube (i.e., the tube length can be less than the length of the elongate object). In another aspect, the central space 16 of the tube can be clean so that the elongate object inserted in the central space of the tube 18 can be uncontaminated by the container 10. In another aspect, the elongate object 38 can be an elongate liner 48 for a gas chromatograph 50. In still another aspect, the liner can comprise at least one seal 52, such as for example and without limitation, an o-ring seal 54. The at least one seal can, in another aspect, be positioned on an outer surface of the liner 48 so that the seal protrudes away from the outer surface of the liner. In still another, the at least one seal 52 can be positioned on the elongate object in a position such that, when the at least one finger grip 32 manually deforms the sidewall to the compressed configuration, at least a portion of the sidewall 12 contacts the at least one seal, thereby frictionally retaining the elongate object 38 within the tube 18.

[0032] In use, in order to remove the elongate object 38 from the central space 16 of the tube 18, a user can grasp the at least one finger grip 32 with a first hand, and the cap 14 with a second hand. The user can manually apply pressure to the sidewall 12 of the container 10 by pressing the at least one finger grip inwardly towards the central space 16. When pressure is applied to the sidewall, in one aspect, the sidewall can deform from the relaxed configuration to the compressed configuration. In the compressed

configuration, at least a portion of the sidewall 12 can contact the elongate object 38. In another aspect, at least a portion of the sidewall can contact the at least one seal 52 of the elongate object 38. In this aspect, contact between the sidewall 12 and the elongate object 38 when the sidewall is in the compressed configuration can retain the elongate object in a fixed position within the tube. The cap 14 of the container 10 can be removed, thus opening the container 10 and exposing a portion of the elongate object 38.

[0033] According to one aspect, and as illustrated in Figure 2, the elongate object can have a length greater than the length of the tube 18. Thus, with the cap 14 removed from the container 10, an exposed end 56 of the elongate object 38 can extend beyond the second end 22 of the tube. In another aspect, as long as the user maintains the sidewall 12 in the compressed configuration, the exposed end of the elongate object can be guided to a desired location without being contaminated from contact with the hands of the user or a removal device. In still another aspect, the exposed end of the elongate object 38 can be guided to an inlet 58 of a gas chromatograph 50. When the exposed end 56 of the elongate object is in the desired location, the user can remove pressure from the at least one finger grip 32, and the sidewall can return to the relaxed configuration. In one aspect, in the relaxed configuration, the sidewall 12 can be undeformed such that there is no contact between the sidewall and the elongate object. With the sidewall in the relaxed configuration, the elongate object 38 can be released from the container 10 without being touched by the user. Thus, in one aspect, the elongate object can be positioned in a desired location, such as, for example and without limitation, the inlet 58 of the gas chromatograph 50, without contacting the hands of the user, without requiring a user to wear gloves to prevent contamination of the elongate object 38, and without requiring a user to use a removal device, such as, for example, tweezers.

[0034] In another aspect, a method of replacing a liner 48 in an inlet 58 of a gas chromatograph 50 is provided and described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In one aspect, the method comprises removing a cap 14 from a container 10 containing the liner to expose at least an exposed end 56 of the liner 48. In another aspect, pressure can be manually applied to the finger grip or grips to deform the container such that a portion of the container 10 is brought into contact with the liner. In this aspect, when pressure is applied to the liner 48, the liner can be retained within the container. In another aspect, at least a portion of the liner 48 can be aligned with the inlet 58 and pressure can be released from the container 10 so that the liner 48 can slide into the inlet of the gas chromatograph 50, as illustrated in Figure 3.

[0035] In another aspect, the method can further comprise extracting a liner 48 from a gas chromatograph 50 by positioning a collar 30 of the container 10 around the liner and engaging the liner 48 with the collar so that the collar frictionally retains the liner, as shown in Figure 5. In another aspect, after the collar 30 frictionally retains the liner 48, the collar (and liner with it) can be drawn away from the gas chromatograph.

[0036] In another embodiment a liner kit for a gas chromatograph 50 is provided as shown in Figure 1. In one aspect, the liner kit comprises a liner 48 and a flexible, resilient side wall 12 surrounding a central space 16 and forming a tube 18 having oppositely disposed ends. In this aspect, the liner can be positioned within the central space. In another aspect, the liner kit can further comprise a cap 14 positioned on one of the ends of the tube 18 to close the one end of the tube. In this aspect, the cap can be removable from the one end of the tube to provide access to the central space 16. In another aspect, the liner 48 can comprise an elongate liner.

[0037] According to one aspect, shown in Figure 4, the liner kit can further comprise at least one of a collar 30 and at least one finger grip 32. In one aspect, the collar can be a flexible collar attached to an end of the tube 18 or the cap. In another aspect, the collar can define a bore 34 and can have an inner surface 36 facing the bore. In still another aspect, the inner surface of the collar 30 can grip the liner 48 inserted within the collar.

[0038] The at least one finger grip 32 of the liner kit can be attached to the sidewall 12 between the ends of the sidewall, in one aspect. In another aspect, the at least one finger grip can manually deform the sidewall between a relaxed configuration and a compressed configuration. In this aspect, the liner 48 can be frictionally retained within the tube 18 by contact with the sidewall when the sidewall 12 is in the compressed configuration, and released from the tube when the sidewall is in the relaxed

configuration.

[0039] In another aspect, the tube 18 formed by the sidewall 12 of the liner kit can have a length less than a length of the liner 48. Thus, according to this aspect, when the cap 14 is removed from the one end of the tube, at least an exposed end 56 of the liner can extend beyond the one end of the tube.

[0040] In still another aspect, the liner of the liner kit can comprise at least one seal 52. In one aspect, the at least one seal can comprise an o-ring seal 54. In another aspect, the o-ring seal can be a conventional o-ring seal positioned around an outer diameter of the liner 48. In still another, the o-ring seal 54 can be positioned on the liner in a position such that when the at least one finger grip 32 manually deforms the sidewall 12 to the compressed configuration, at least a portion of the sidewall contacts the o-ring seal, thereby frictionally retaining the liner 48 within the tube 18.

[0041] Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many

modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is therefore understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container for holding an elongate object, said container comprising:

a flexible, resilient sidewall surrounding a central space and forming a tube having oppositely disposed ends, at least a portion of said elongate object being positionable within said central space;

a cap positioned on one of said ends to close said one end of said tube, said cap being removable from said one end to provide access to said central space; and

a flexible collar attached to said tube or said cap, said collar defining a bore and having a surface facing said bore for gripping said elongate objects inserted within said collar.

2. The container according to Claim 1, further comprising at least one finger grip attached to said sidewall between said ends for manually deforming said sidewall between a relaxed configuration and a compressed configuration, whereby said elongate object is retained within said tube by contact with said sidewall when said sidewall is in said compressed configuration and released from said tube when said sidewall is in said relaxed configuration.

3. The container according to Claim 2, wherein said at least one finger grip comprises a textured surface.

4. The container according to Claim 3, wherein said textured surface comprises a plurality of ridges.

5. The container according to Claim 3, wherein said at least one finger grip comprises two finger grips, and wherein said two finger grips are oppositely disposed on said sidewall.

6. The container according to Claim 1, wherein said collar is attached to said cap.

7. The container according to Claim 1, wherein said tube has a round cross section.

8. The container according to Claim 1, wherein said cap comprises a socket which is sized to receive said one end of said tube.

9. The container according to Claim 1, wherein said elongate object comprises a liner for gas chromatography.

10. The container according to Claim 1, wherein said collar comprises an annulus.

11. The container according to Claim 1, wherein said tube has a length less than a length of said elongate object.

12. A container for holding an elongate object, said container comprising:

at least one finger grip attached to said sidewall between said ends for manually deforming said sidewall between a relaxed configuration and a compressed configuration, whereby said elongate object is retained within said tube by contact with said sidewall when said sidewall is in said compressed configuration and released from said tube when said sidewall is in said relaxed configuration.

13. The container according to Claim 12, further comprising a flexible collar attached to said tube, said collar defining a bore and having a surface facing said bore for gripping said elongate object inserted within said collar.

14. The container according to Claim 13, wherein said collar is attached to said cap.

15. The container according to Claim 13, wherein said collar comprises an annulus.

16. The container according to Claim 12, wherein said tube has a round cross section.

17. The container according to Claim 12, wherein said cap comprises a socket which is sized to receive said one end of said tube.

18. The container according to Claim 12, wherein said elongate object comprises a liner for gas chromatography.

19. The container according to Claim 12, wherein said tube has a length less than a length of said elongate object.

20. A liner kit for a gas chromatograph comprising the container of Claim 1 and an elongate liner.

21. The kit according to Claim 20, further comprising at least one finger grip attached to said sidewall between said ends for manually deforming said sidewall between a relaxed configuration and a compressed configuration, whereby said elongate liner is retained within said tube by contact with said sidewall when said sidewall is in said compressed configuration and released from said tube when said sidewall is in said relaxed configuration.

22. The kit according to Claim 21, wherein said tube has a length less than a length of said elongate liner.

23. The kit according to Claim 22, wherein the liner comprises an o-ring seal.

24. A method of replacing a liner in an inlet of a gas chromatograph, the method comprising:

removing a cap from a container containing said liner;

applying pressure to deform said container thereby bringing said container into contact with said liner to retain said liner within said container;

aligning said liner with said inlet; and

releasing said pressure from said container thereby allowing said liner to fall into said inlet.

25. The method according to Claim 24, further comprising extracting a liner from a gas chromatograph by positioning a flexible collar around said liner and frictionally engaging said liner with said collar and drawing said collar away from said gas chromatograph.