WO2017032666A1

WO2017032666A1 - Vessel

Info

Publication number: WO2017032666A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/069527
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruno Ehrler; Dragan BIJORAC
Original assignee: 1 Cryobio Ag
Priority date: 2015-08-21
Filing date: 2016-08-17
Publication date: 2017-03-02
Also published as: GB201514919D0

Abstract

A breakable multi-specimen storage vessel comprising a container having pre-determined break points whereby the container is adapted to be broken into a plurality of specimens, the open ends of the specimens being provided with a fastening mechanism for attachment of a cap, wherein the shape of the fastening mechanism of the specimen and the shaped of the cap provides axial and radial tolerances to form a seal. There is also disclosed a cap for use in sealing a vessel. A method of sealing a specimen of frozen material, providing a vessel containing a frozen sample, breaking the vessel at a pre-determined break point to give a specimen, and sealing the specimen with a cap.

Description

VESSEL

The present invention relates to a vessel for containing and storing a sample and subsequent easy access to individual specimens of the sample, in particular specimens of biological samples. The breakable storage vessel according to the present invention may be applied within cryogenic storage applications.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Biological samples, such as substances in solution, e.g. blood samples, water tests, and tissue samples such as fertilized embryos, can often be effectively stabilized by freezing. The frozen fluid and/or sample will remain stable for extended periods of time as long as it is kept in the frozen state. Frequently these samples are collected in relatively large quantities, or collective sample, but could be utilized in smaller quantities, or specimens e.g. for test purposes.

When a specimen is needed, it often requires thawing of the entire collective sample to obtain the specimen currently needed, and then refreezing the remainder of the collective sample. However, frequent freezing and thawing cycles are almost always detrimental to the often unstable ingredients in the collective sample.

One solution is to store the collective sample in multiple small individual vessels. Then, when a specimen is needed, the necessary number of individual vessels may be thawed to provide the specimen needed without thawing and refreezing other individual samples of the collective sample. However, separation and freezing in individual vessels is cumbersome and time consuming, requires a larger amount of individual vessels, and thus larger storage facilities. The chance of confusion and mix-up of the individual vessels is also present. US 6,383,453 discloses a multi-specimen storage vessel provided with a number of equally distanced ring-shaped "notches" that extend around the perimeter of the vessel to constitute breakpoints. External screw threads for closing each specimen with screw caps may be provided on the ends of each specimen, i.e. surrounding the breakpoints. WO 2009/086829 discloses a breakable multi-specimen storage vessel comprising a container provided with break portions at predetermined positions alongside whereby the container is adapted to be broken into to a plurality of specimens. The vessel and a broken off specimen may be closed by closure caps. WO 2012/107046 discloses a breakable multi-specimen storage vessel comprising a container having break portions at predetermined positions to allow the container to be broken into a plurality of specimens. Each specimen has a first fastening mechanism at a first and a second fastening mechanism at a second end, the configuration of the first fastening mechanism being different from the configuration of the second fastening mechanism.

Breakable storage vessels are known in the art that allow a specimen containing a biological sample to be broken off and subsequently closed at each end with e.g. caps. The present invention seeks to provide an improved breakable storage vessel.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following the invention is described with reference to some embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective illustration of a breakable multi-specimen storage vessel;

Figure 2 shows top-view and side view schematic drawings of the breakable multi- specimen storage vessel of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective illustration of a broken off specimen of the storage vessel of figure 1 illustrated with matching closure caps; Figure 4 is the illustration from figure 3 with close-ups of the fastening mechanism;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the vessel 30;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container 30;

Figure 7 is a first perspective view of the cap 50; Figure 8 is a second perspective view of the cap 50; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cap 50;

Figure 10 is a plan view into the open end of the cap 50; Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the container 32 attached to the cap 50;

Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the seal formed between the container 32 and the cap 50; and

Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the breakpoint and fastening mechanism of the container 32. According to the present invention there is provided a breakable multi-specimen storage vessel comprising a container having pre-determined break points whereby the container is adapted to be broken into a plurality of specimens, the open ends of the specimens being provided with a fastening mechanism for attachment of a cap, wherein the shape of the fastening mechanism of the specimen and the shaped of the cap provides axial and radial tolerances to form a seal.

Preferably, the cap and the specimen are adapted to form a seal by contacting each other on a substantially conical surface. Conveniently, the cap can be attached to the vessel by a threaded fastening mechanism.

Advantageously, the cap can be attached to the vessel by a bayonet fitting.

Preferably, the seal between the cap and the specimen is formed when the cap is biased into contact with the specimen by the fastening mechanism.

Conveniently, the fastening mechanism allows axial tolerance between the cap and the specimen to form the seal. Advantageously, the fastening mechanism allows radial tolerance between the cap and the specimen to form the seal.

Preferably, the seal between the cap and the specimen is formed by contact between a curved surface of the cap and a curved surface of the specimen.

Conveniently, the seal between the cap and the specimen is formed by the contact of a surface of the cap having a substantially S-shaped surface and a surface of the specimen having a substantially S-shaped surface, wherein the shape of the S-shaped surface of the cap is not the same as the shape of the S-shaped surface of the specimen.

Advantageously, the vessel allows up to about 0.5mm axial tolerance between the cap and the specimen, preferably about 0.2mm axial tolerance.

Preferably, the vessel allows up to about 0.5mm radial tolerance between the cap and the specimen, preferably about 0.2mm radial tolerance. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap for use in sealing a vessel of the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of sealing a specimen of frozen material, providing a vessel containing a frozen sample, breaking the vessel of the invention at a pre-determined break point to give a specimen, and sealing the specimen with a cap.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the container has a circular cross section. However, other cross sections may be provided, such as an elliptical cross section or polygonal cross section.

A fastening mechanism is a mechanism used to fasten two parts together. E.g. a screw thread is the fastening mechanism that enables that a screw bolt can join the matching nut.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the storage vessel further comprises closure means adapted to close and/or seal the container and/or one or more of said specimens. Preferably said closure means comprise or constitute the corresponding part of the second fastening mechanism. By the "corresponding part" in the meaning of the attachment part, the receptor part, the fastener part, and/or the mating part of the first and/or the second fastening mechanism. Thus, preferably the closure means is adapted to engage with the container and the ends of each specimen by means of the first and/or the second fastening mechanisms. The closure means may for example be one or more caps. Preferably said closure means provides a liquid and air-tight seal between closure means and container / specimen.

To ensure a liquid and/or air-tight seal between the closure means and a specimen, the closure means and/or the ends of a breakpoint are further provided with sealing means adapted to seal the connection between the closure means and the container and/or one or more of said specimens. Thus, the fastening mechanism provides the fastening and the sealing means provides the seal. In the preferred embodiment of the invention engagement of the fastening mechanism provides "activation" of the sealing means, i.e. closing of the fastening mechanism results in a liquid and/or air-tight seal between the closure means and a specimen due to the sealing means.

In one embodiment of the invention the sealing means is at least a part of a snap type connection, said snap type connection preferably comprising a "plug" (male part) fitting into a "socket" (female part). Thus, each end of a specimen may comprise or constitute a male part of said snap connection and where the corresponding female part of said snap connection is provided integral with the closure means. Thus, when the closure means is engaged with a specimen by means of the fastening mechanism the snap type connection is engaged provided the sealing. In order to provide an even better sealing the sealing means may comprise a material that is softer than the material of (the rest of) the closure means. I.e. said sealing means may be at least partly provided in a material that is softer than the material of (the rest of) the closure means. E.g. the female part of the snap type connection may be at least provided in a material that is softer than the material of (the rest of) the closure means. The softer female part then provides an additional sealing effect, like a lid provided with a rubber packing or gasket.

The storage vessel according to the invention, including the closure means, may be manufactured by means of injection moulding. A closure means comprising materials of different hardness, e.g. for the sealing means, may correspondingly be manufactured by means of multi component injection moulding.

In one embodiment of the invention said part of the first and/or second fastening mechanism is provided on the outer surface of the first and/or second end of a specimen. Further, the configuration of the part of the first fastening mechanism provided on the first end of a specimen may be different from the configuration of the part of the second fastening mechanism provided on the second end of a specimen. The term "configuration" here in the meaning of any of the terms: layout, shape, outer shape, external form, exterior, design, construction and elaboration. Thus, the layout, shape, outer shape, external form, exterior, design, construction and/or elaboration of the part of the first fastening mechanism provided on the first end of a specimen may be different from the layout, shape, outer shape, external form, exterior, design, construction and/or elaboration of the part of the second fastening mechanism provided on the second end of a specimen. Thus, the difference in configuration of the first and second fastening mechanisms may be due to different fastening mechanism parts provided on the specimens. Further, the part of the first fastening mechanism provided on the first end of a specimen and the part of the second fastening mechanism provided on the second end of a specimen may be adapted to match the same receptor / attachment / fastener. Thus, even though the fastening mechanism parts provided on the specimens is configured differently they still fit the same receptor. I.e. the same closure means may be used for both ends of a specimen. In one embodiment of the invention the first or the second fastening mechanism is a locking mechanism. In this case a locking mechanism is understood as a fastening mechanism that locks, i.e. once the fastening mechanism is closed it is very difficult to reopen. Thereby it may be ensured that after closing a broken off specimen only one end of the specimen is accessible, because only one end can be reopened / unlocked.

In a further embodiment of the embodiment of the invention the tension of the first fastening mechanism is different from the tension of the second fastening mechanism. Tension of a fastening mechanism is understood as the tensional power needed to close and/or release the fastening mechanism. Thus, with different tension of the first and second fastening mechanisms it may be ensured that one specific end of closed specimen is accessed.

In one embodiment of the invention the first and/or the second fastening mechanism is a bayonet mount. A bayonet mount (or bayonet connector) is a fastening mechanism consisting of a male side with one or more pins, and a female receptor with matching L slots. The mount may be provided with resilient means (such as a spring) to better keep the two parts together. One of the advantages of a bayonet mount compared to e.g. a screw threaded mount is that typically only half a revolution between the two part is necessary to fasten the two parts together. Preferably said part of said first and second fastening mechanism provided on the first and second end of each specimen, respectively, is the male side of a bayonet mount, i.e. one or more pins is provided at each end of a specimen, preferably provided on the outer surface of the specimen. In one embodiment of the invention at least one pin of the bayonet mount is provided with a first protrusion. Preferably the pin(s) of the bayonet mount on one side of the specimen is provided with a first protrusion. The different pins provides for different configurations of the fastening mechanisms (bayonet mount) of the first and second side of a specimen. Preferably the closure means comprise the female side of the corresponding bayonet mount where the female part of the mount is provided with a groove adapted to match the corresponding male pin and a second protrusion in said groove adapted to engage with said first protrusion in the male part. Thus, both sides of the specimen are preferably provided with the male part of a bayonet mount and both sides of the specimen preferably match the closure means. However, the first protrusion at the pin(s) at one side of the specimen is adapted to engage with the second protrusion in the groove in the female part of the bayonet mount provided in the closure means. And when a bayonet mount comprising a pin with a first protrusion and a female mount with matching second protrusion groove is engaged the two protrusions engage to provide a locking effect. Thus, consequently one end of the specimen is substantially locked whereas the other end can be easily reopened. A further advantage of a bayonet mount is that when the male part of the bayonet mount (i.e. the pins) is provided on the container the mount can be isolated from the break portion area. I.e. if the break is provided along the recesses there is a risk of minor rugged and fractured parts along the break area. However, as the bayonet pins can be provided on the outer surface of the container with a small distance to the recesses the pins may be unaffected by a break.

In one embodiment of the invention the closure means is one or more caps, preferably adapted to engage with the container and/or one or more of said specimens. Further, at least one of said caps may be a snap cap. A snap fastener may be a circular lip under one disc that fits into a groove on the top of the other, holding them fast until a certain amount of force is applied. Snap fasteners are often used in children's clothing, as they are relatively easy for children to use. The "snap" closing may be combined with the fastening mechanism to provide a better sealing. In a further embodiment of the invention at least one of said caps is provided with an internal curving bottom. Further, the material of the cap may be softer than the material of the container or the material of the cap is harder than the material of the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is adapted to be broken into to a plurality of specimens by application of a radially directed force, however other breaking means may also be used, such as breaking by twisting, bending or combinations of the mentioned breaking means. The container includes the possibility of one or more, e.g. multiple break portions at which the container can be divided along with its contents into one or more specimens, comprising one or more break portions. The remaining samples can be stored or transported for processing or testing without having to be thawed and refrozen. In an embodiment of the storage vessel, said break portions are provided as a one or more ring- shaped external recesses extending around the perimeter of said tubular container. Thus, the break portions are easy to produce, e.g. by moulding, milling, etching or cutting, easy to break cleanly into specimens, and easy to place in relation to a break operation. The depth of said recesses may be ranging from 50% to 95%, preferably from 70% to 95%, more preferably from 80% to 90% of the total wall thickness of said container.

The internal surface of said container is preferably smooth, where smooth is defined as the inner surface of the container being provided without recesses and/or projecting parts outside production tolerances. By the provision of a substantially smooth inner surface, both in a longitudinal direction and going round the inside the container in general does not require any further processing other than being moulded and/or blown. Thus, the production process is eased and the production costs are reduced. By reducing the production costs of each individual vessel it may indeed also enable cost effective mass production thereof. The container is made of any suitable method, such as moulding or extrusion. Further, the container is easy to empty, clean, and dry during use. In general, the container is provided as a disposable device, but one or more parts thereof may be suitable for reuse, depending on application. It has by the invention been realized, that any size, length and diameter, and section shape, such as circular, triangular, square, hexagon or other polygon, may be broken off when provided as a container vessel according to the invention.

In a further embodiment of the invention the storage vessel comprises identification marks, such as arrows, for indicating the different configurations of the fastening mechanisms. Further, identification marks, such as arrows, may be provided on each specimen for indicating the different configuration of the fastening mechanisms.

In an embodiment of the storage vessel, two or more of said external recesses are provided equally distanced with a distance D, which distance range from between 1 to 100%, preferably from between 10 to 50%, more preferably from 33 to 40% of the entire length of the container. Thus, different size specimens may be broken off. It may be an advantage to place the recesses farther apart for providing a large volume of sample. However, it may on the other hand be more suitable to provide the recesses close together, e.g. 1 -5 mm in between, to provide a wider selection of volumes to be broken off from the collective sample. Alternatively, the individual recesses are positioned sequentially, but not with an equal distance apart, e.g. for special applications using an increasing distance, e.g. doubling the distance. In an embodiment of the storage vessel the closure means provided with an internal curving bottom. This provide easy access e.g. for a syringe needle in the bottom thereof, as the inner curving surface thus provides the bottom of the specimen broken off.

In an embodiment of the storage vessel, the material of the closure means is softer than the material of the container. In another, the material of the closure means is harder than the material of the container. Harder or softer is defined as the hardness during breakage temperatures, such as cryogenic temperatures, wherein cryogenic temperatures is used in its conventional meaning, i.e. below -80°C, such as below - 150°C. This enables an easier attachment and detachment of the closure means to/from the container. Alternatively, the two materials have the same hardness, and may also even be the same material.

In an embodiment of the storage vessel, the tubular container material is a plastic material.

Said plastic material may be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene. In another embodiment, the material of the tubular container is a glass material. These materials resist and conform well to cryo temperatures, resist chemical agents well, provide easy production thereof, and are non-toxic to the samples. Further, these materials provide a vessel, which is easy to break during freezing temperatures.

Said storage vessel may be a cryogenic storage vessel, but need not be, for example when the vessel is used for storing a fluid, which is fluid at room temperature, but solid a temperatures around 5°C, such as stock for sauces, or when the fluid is crystalline at -3°C, but fluid above, such as water.

In general the storage vessel may be used for any material which physical state can change from one state, e.g. a liquid state, into a solid state, depending on the ambient conditions, such as temperature and pressure. For instance, in one embodiment, the material is a gel having a phase transition from liquid to solid at a temperature greater than 0°C. In an embodiment of the storage vessel, at least the surface of said container is provided with identification markings for identifying at least the specimen taken, and/or identification markings for identifying at least the vessel, the specimen is taken from. In another embodiment said identification markings also marks the volume within. Thus, each individual specimen may be identified and traced to the mother collective sample/vessel. Further, each individual vessel may be identified, among several identical vessels. The volume is then precisely indicated and may be used for breaking off the desired length of specimen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows at least a part of a prior art breakable multi-specimen storage vessel, suitable for containing a collective sample of e.g. a biological fluid sample and e.g. storing this at cryogenic temperatures. It is noted, that the vessel may be suitable for use in other applications, for example storing household or industrial cooking stock, as the vessel is used for storing a fluid, which is fluid at room temperature, but solid at temperatures around 5 degrees C, or for storing water bound samples, where the fluid is crystalline at -3 degrees C, but fluid above. Further, the samples kept within the vessel may be non-fluid and/or non-biological, as well, depending on application.

The storage vessel comprises a cylindrical longitudinally extending tubular container 2 having a container bottom 22 at a closed lower proximal end thereof and an open end 24. The container 2 in figure 1 is provided with four externally provided ring-shaped break portions 4 on a perimeter thereof which provides the possibility of breaking off five specimens in total from the vessel comprising the collective sample. The break portions 4 are formed as ring-shaped cuts or recesses extending approximately partly through the thickness of the wall material of the cylindrical tubular container 2. The plurality of break portions 4 is formed along the length of the container 2 between the bottom end 22 and the open top end 24. The break portions 4 separate the multi-specimen container 2 into individual specimens, which by breaking can be separated from the remainder of the collective sample as needed. The container wall interior opposite the break portions 4 has a longitudinally plane, smooth surface in order to provide as large an interior volume as possible and for facilitating low-cost production thereof. By the term smooth is meant that the surface is provided substantially without recesses and/or projecting parts outside production tolerances, such as less than a few hundredth to less than a few thousandth of the wall thickness. The break portions 4 are designed to facilitate breakage of the container 2 at the break portions 4, since they constitute reduced wall thickness areas of the container 2.

Further, said container 2 is provided with parts 5, 5' of a fastening mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment the parts 5, 5' are the male parts of bayonet mounts. The configuration of the parts 5, 5' of the fastening mechanism provided on the storage container 2 varies along the length of the container 2. This is seen by the different configurations of the pins 5, 5'.

Figure 2 shows a plan view and a side view of the container 2 provided with a cap 3 on the open end 24. The male parts 5, 5' of the bayonet mounts are seen positioned each side of the break points 4. Figure 3 shows the specimen 9 isolated from the container 2. One end of the specimen 9 is provided with pin 5 and the opposite end is provided with pin 5'. Pin 5' is provided with a protrusion 8 whereas the surface of pin 5 is substantially flat.

This is better illustrated in figure 4 which corresponds to figure 3 with close- ups of the pins 5, 5' and in figure 5 showing end views of the specimen 9 where the difference in cross- section of the pins 5, 5' can be seen. Even though the pins 5, 5' are different they match the same female part of a bayonet mount. The female part is provided in closure caps 3 and can be seen in figures 3, 4 and 6. The closure caps 3 are adapted to engage with the open end of the container 2 and with broken off specimens from the container 2, e.g. the specimen 9 illustrated in figures 3 and 4 by means of the bayonet mount. The female part of the bayonet mount in the closure cap 3 comprises a groove 6 adapted to both pins 5, 5'. A closure cap 3 is mounted by fitting the pins into the groove 6 and subsequently rotating the closure cap 3 and the specimen 9 (or container 2) in relation to each other. The pins 5, 5' then follow inside the groove 6 to engage the specimen 9 and cap 3 in a closed configuration. However, in this closed configuration the protrusion 8 on the pin 5' engages with the protrusion 7 in the groove 6 and provides a locking effect of the cap.

The locked configuration occurs with the two engaged protrusions 7, 8 aligned against each other. A closure cap 3 mounted on the opposite end of the specimen 9 with the pin 5 (without protrusion) also provides a closed and tight configuration between the cap 3 and specimen 9. However, with the substantially plane surface of the pin 5 there is no locking effect and the cap 3 can be detached. Thus, if a specimen 9 is provided with closure caps 3 at both ends and one cap is detached by holding the other cap, the cap which is mounted on the end of the specimen 9 with the pin 5 is sure to open because the other cap is locked. When a specimen is closed by two caps it may be difficult to distinguish the different fastenings mechanism. However, by somehow indicating this difference on the surface of the specimen 9 (e.g. by means of an arrow or a simple marking) a user accessing a sample inside the specimen is sure to be able to keep the specimen in the correct vertical orientation and concurrently open the correct cap.

The interchanging pins 5, 5' are illustrated along the length of the container and it can also be seen that two pins 5, 5' are located opposite each other across a breakpoint 4 and pins are provided for every 180 degrees round the perimeter of the container 2. Thus, four pins (two of type 5 and two of type 5') are provided adjacent to each breakpoint 4.

As seen from these figures, the cap 3 may be provided with indentations on the outer surface to provide a better grip when mounting and detaching the cap.

The distances between specimens may be selected appropriately during production relative to the intended use, specimen volume, and user needs. They may be of equal length ranging from between 1 to 100%, preferably from between 10 to 50%, more preferably from 33 to 40% of the entire length of the container 2. The length of a specimen may in many uses correspond to 0.1 - 0.5 ml volume of sample within the container, depending of course on container diameter at hand, which in principle may be any diameter at hand, but in practice, in particular when applied to cryo tubes, often ranging from 1 mm to 50 mm in diameter. Any number of break portions needed for any type of application is conceivable. Non-equally distanced break portions as shown in figure 1 are also conceivable, e.g. for special applications using increasing or decreasing amounts of volume for each test-sample.

The bottom 22 of the container 2 gently curves inwards to form a rounded bottom such as semicircular, convex, cone shaped or pyramidal, in order to provide space e.g. for housing a needle end. The container bottom wall in the container bottom 22 is extending beyond the outer surface of the bottom 22 in order to provide stability, if placed on a plane surface and the bottom 22 extending downwards. In an alternative arrangement the storage container may be provided with both ends open. Preferably closure caps are then provided at each end thereof in order to provide a secure fit thereto, reduce spillage, and provide stability standing on one end.

The storage vessel may be broken into two or more specimens during use. The container 2 is designed so that a radially directed gentle manual or machine operated force will break the container 2 along one of the pre-defined break portions 4. Further, the container 2 is designed such that when the container 2 is divided in a manner that leaves both the lower part and the upper part with a new open end, see figure 3, two caps 3 can be attached to these open ends of the container 2.

Figure 3 shows a single specimen 9 that has been broken from the storage vessel of figure 1 . A biological sample is not shown within the storage vessel 1 and specimen 9. However, it may advantageously be used for storing a fluid biological collective sample (not shown) filling substantially the entire inside volume of the container 2. Further, the vessel comprising the collective sample may preferably be frozen, e.g. for cryogenic use, in order to provide a clean break surface when a specimen is broken off. When broken in a frozen condition, each broken off part will ideally contain frozen specimens, where the exposed surface thereof lies in a substantially flat planar perpendicular relationship to the outer wall surface of the container 2.

The depth of a recess of a break portion 4 is preferably selected relative to the hardness of the material of the container 2 in such a way that both safe storage and handling, and an easy break operation is achieved. The depth of a recess may range between from 5 to 95%, preferably from 50 to 95%, more preferably from 75% to 95% of the total wall thickness of the tubular container 2, depending on container material selected. A remaining wall thickness of 5 to 25% is sufficient for maintaining container stability and securing handling. The shape of the recesses may be v-shape, u-shape, ]- shape or any other appropriate shape, and/or may differ or be of uniform shape along the container 2.

An outer surface of at least part of said container 2 or specimen 9 may further include information or indicia such as markings identifying at least the specimen 9 taken, and/or identifying which vessel said specimen has been taken from, e.g. a three to five digit (number, letter, symbol) code or codes in sequence extending peripherally and/or longitudinally along the longitudinal side thereof or the like. When being delivered in a collection of 100 to 1000 pieces of such storage vessels, the sequence of digits is preferably selected in such batch as not to result in any duplicate digit combination thereon. Thus, the risk of mix-up between specimens broken off and the remainder of the vessel before labelling thereof has been performed may be reduced, as it could happen in the case of dropping or misplacing one or more of said specimens.

Further, at least part of an outer container 2 surface and/ or outer cap 3 surface may be provided with volume indication markings of the volume within, in sequence or using simple perimeter line markings, as is known to the skilled person. They may correspond to relatively small volumes, such as 0.1 ml each or larger volumes, such as from 0.1 ml up to 1 dl, depending on length and diameter of the container being used.

Further, the vessel may be provided with further information, such as trademarks, producer name, and the like. The markings may include a planar longitudinally extending section for providing an adhesive ID label or barcode e.g. for individual specimen identification, date and/or user initials. The different types of markings may for example comprise written information, a number, barcode, and/or sign indication sequence, or any combination thereof, also stating production info, producer ID, and may be provided by labelling, moulding, etching, cutting or milling.

Further, the cap form, i.e. diameter and design of sides fits snugly with the wall of the container in such a way that an easy fastening on of the cap is provided, and such that a secure tightening is allowed, for a secure fit of the cap to the container. One or more of the caps 3 may preferably be supplied together with one or more of said containers 2 to constitute a storage vessel according to the invention.

The storage vessel, e.g. the tubular container 2 and one or more caps 3, should all be made of materials which can withstand deep freezing temperatures and which have got reduced resistance against radial breakage at least deep frozen. In general, a chemical resistant material is preferred, where some preferred materials include plastic materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PEHD), polystyrene, or polycarbonate, but some glass materials resistive to temperature variances may also come into use. Preferably, the material is polypropylene, more preferably Bormed RF830MO polypropylene available from Bovealis AG. The caps and/or the container may further comprise rubber or plastic gaskets suitable for sealing during cryogenic temperatures.

The material used for the tubular container 2 may preferably chosen as to be easily mouldable and/or workable for providing break portions, such as cuts and/or threads therein, which are both durable during storage and handling, and easily breakable during dividing. The material may then preferably be chosen as polypropylene, because this material has increased brittleness during freezing temperatures.

Further, in order to provide excellent security against spillages, the cap 3, at least in room temperatures, may be of a more or less resilient and/or more or less hard material than the container 2, or vice versa. The material of the cap 3 may be softer than the material of the container 2 at room temperature and/or during breakage temperature, such as cryogenic temperatures, i.e. around -70°C, or even higher temperatures, e.g. around 0°C, or higher yet. Further, the material of the cap 3 may be harder than the material of the container 2 at room temperature and/or during freezing temperature. That is to say that the hardness of the material of the cap 3 and/or container 2 may be chosen as to ease the application and detachment of the cap 3 from the container 2, while at the same time provide a secure fit there between.

In order to increase readability of the volume or ID markings upon the container 2, the cap 3 or caps may be provided in a transparent material.

The container may be produced by moulding, e.g. blow or injection moulding or the like, as is known to the skilled person, and different elements of the container, such as the threads, the markings, the recesses and/or the side extensions may be provided at the same time or machined after moulding. If more than one material is needed, e.g. two materials of different hardness, multi component injection moulding is a good choice.

The pre-defined break portions 4 of the container 2 may be specifically indicated, e.g. using peripheral colour line markings, metal or magnetic band marking, e.g. for use in further processing, or the like, for a further visual indication of the position of the break portion. A storage vessel according to the invention is designed to be broken off into specimens using a manual break operation, but may also broken using a break tool, in which case, the risk of breakage in a wrong position or damage to the container is decreased. Examples of such possible break tools will be described below are described in WO 2009/086829. During use, the cap 3 is applied, for example during a frozen state by mounting the cap 3. Then the cap 3 and container 2 is held by the user in each hand and broken into two parts by using the necessary break force. Other alternatives are conceivable, for example a break tool is held fixed against a surface, such as a table or a wall, and the user breaks the specimen off using manually applied force, or the breaking off is performed automatically or manually using a force providing means, such as a motor operated winch, pawl or pin (not shown).

Whilst the above described prior art container works well for storing a sample for use as multiple specimens, it has been found that it is desirable to provide a more secure seal between the cap and the containers or specimens in order to improve the seal during the handling and storage of the container and specimens. As mentioned above, the container and specimens are used and stored at temperatures varying from at least room temperature down to cryogenic temperatures (around -196^°C). This vast temperature range subjects the container and specimens to extreme temperature fluctuations. These extremes of temperature affect how the cap seals the specimens. It is known that materials shrink when lowered in temperature, and this can cause, in some instances, unwanted leakage of samples and/or contamination. The present invention addresses this previously unrecognised problem.

Figure 5 is a plan view of a storage vessel 30 according to the present invention. The storage vessel 30 comprises a longitudinal substantially cylindrical shaped container 32 having a first open end 34 and a second closed end 36. The vessel comprises a container 32 having a number of break points 38 located at pre-determined positions along the length of the container. In the vessel 30 shown, there are four break points 38 which divide the container 32 up into five specimens 40. In use the sample is placed into the container 32, generally in a liquid state. The sample can be added up to a pre-determined volume, which is marked with indicia on the vessel 30 for the ease of the user. The four break points 38 are designed to represent pre-determined weak points which facilitate the breaking of the container 32 (and frozen solid within) into a number of smaller specimens 40. The profile or shape of the break points 38 is designed to minimise the risk of leakage and/or contamination in use. In a similar manner to that described above, fastening means 42 and 44 are provided on each side of the break points 38. The fastening means 42 and 44 are each bayonet fixings for attachment of a cap. The fastening means 42 and 44 are different so that the user can differentiate between them and attach the correct cap.

The cross-section of the container 32 is generally smooth on the inside of the container, with the break points 38 and fastening means representing variations in the thickness of the outer wall of the container. As will be described in more detail below, the particular shape of the exterior wall of the container 32, when broken into a specimen 40, facilitate the formation of a good seal between the container 32 and the cap during storage and use.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vessel 30 shown in figure 5. The smooth interior wall of the container 32 can be seen, terminating in a substantially hemispherical shape at the closed end 36. The two forms of male bayonet fixings 42 and 44 can be seen each side of the break points 8, on each specimen 40.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the open end of a first cap 50 used to seal the container 32 and specimens 40 broken from the container 32. The cap 50 used to seal the vessel/specimen is generally cylindrical in shape, and has, in the example shown, a pair of recesses to engage with a pair of bayonet projections 42 on the outside of the container/specimen. The male bayonet projections 42 are received within female recesses 52 on the interior surface of the cap, to ensure a good seal which is secure during storage and in use. Also, the particular shape of the interior of the cap 50 at the open end 34 of the container 32 or specimens 40 which engages with the container/specimens is designed to provide a tight seal to minimise the risk of leakage and/or contamination in use. The exterior of the caps provided with a number of axial indentations which provide a knurled effect, to make it easy for the user to grip and twist the cap in use.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the closed end of the cap 50 from the other end, showing the exterior end surface 54 of the cap, which has a generally conical or frusto-conical shape. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cap 50 shown in figures 7 and 8. Figure 9 clearly shows the substantially cylindrical outer wall of the cap 50 which is used by the user to grip and use the cap. The interior of the cap is provided with a frusto-conical projection 54 which acts as a cover over the end of the vessel. On the interior end of the cap (i.e. the end which engages with the container in use) is provided two threads 52 to receive the bayonet projections 42, 44 located on the exterior surface of the container.

Figure 10 is a view into the open end of the cap 50, showing the initial recesses of the threaded portion 52 which are adapted to receive the bayonet projections 42 and 44 of the container.

Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the container 32 engaged with the cap 50, to provide a tight seal to prevent leakage and/or contamination in use.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement of the cap 50 with the container 32 in more detail. As can be seen, in the area forming a seal, the shape of the cap 50 and the external surface of the end of the container 32 are similar in size and profile, but are slightly different. So, figure 12 shows one edge of an open end of the container engaged with one edge of the cap. The container 32 has a substantially smooth internal surface 56 terminating in a substantially flat end 58 (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the axis of the vessel). The end surface 58 of the container then leads to a sinuous "s" shaped profile 60, leading to a small length of a flat surface 62 which is substantially parallel to the interior surface (or axis) of the container. As mentioned above, the vessel of the invention is generally provided with a couple of bayonet projections 42 and 44 on the outer surface of the container near each break point. One such bayonet projection 42 is shown in figure 12. Similarly, the cap 50 is provided with a substantially conical interior surface 64 leading to a sinuous "s" shaped surface 66, which leads to an outwardly radially-extending planar annular surface 68, terminating in a substantially smooth axially-extending surface 70, which leads to an inwardly radially-extending surface 72, which then terminates in an axially-shaped surface 74.

The surfaces 68, 70 and 72 of the cap 50 define the female recess portion 52 of the bayonet fastening mechanism, for receiving the male bayonet projection 42 of the container/specimen. The s-shaped surface 66 of the cap substantially follows the shape of the s-shaped surface 60 of the container 32 as mentioned above. However, the s-shaped surface of the container 60 is slightly different from the s-shaped surface 60 of the cap. The two s-shaped surfaces 60, 66 are not parallel. Instead, a seal is intended to be formed between the corner of the interior surface of the cap, where the interior conical surface 64 meets the s- shaped surface 66 of the cap 50. This portion of the interior surface of the cap 50 contacts a portion of the s-shape surface 60 of the exterior of the container 32. The shapes of these surfaces of the cap 50 and vessel/specimen 32/40 are designed to allow some tolerance to provide a tight seal despite manufacturing tolerances in the construction of the cap and/or container, and to allow some variation in dimensions as the cap and container fluctuate in temperature (and therefore size) as they move between ambient and storage conditions.

So, the design of the cap 50 and vessel 30 allows some axial tolerance and some radial tolerance. The tolerance is typically up to about 0.5mm, preferably from 0.1 to 0.3mm, more preferably about 0.2mm. Also, the cap 50 and container 32 are designed so that there is some contact and bias between the bayonet projection 42, 44 of the container 32 and the corresponding recess 52 within the cap 50.

As shown, the proximal annular surface of the bayonet projection 42 of the container is designed to contact and press against the distal annular surface 72 of the cap 50. So, as the cap 50 and container 32 are engaged together by the engagement of the bayonet projections 42, 44 within the recesses 52 within the cap 50, the bias between the bayonet projection 42, 44 and the recess 52 pushes the distal surface 58, 60 of the container onto the corresponding portion 64, 66 of the cap, to form a seal. This arrangement and the shape of the surfaces provide a good seal during storage and use. In other words, as the container and sample are filled, frozen and stored, and then handled, broken apart, re- stored or thawed, the relationship between the shapes of the container and the cap provide a secure seal to avoid contamination or leakage. This is because the similar s-shaped surfaces of the cap and specimen allow some relative movement or expansion to occur between the cap and specimen whilst ensuring good contact at some point at the s-shaped surfaces to give a secure seal. The cap and container allow some axial and radial tolerance whilst still ensuring that a seal can be formed.

Figure 13 shows the perspective view of a portion of the outer surface of the container 32 around the break point area. It can be seen that two bayonet projections 42, 44 are provided, one on each side of the break point 38 itself, on each of the adjoining specimens 40. They are of different configuration, so that the user is not confused about how to apply a cap to the device, and how to store and use the device.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A breakable multi-specimen storage vessel comprising a container having predetermined break points whereby the container is adapted to be broken into a plurality of specimens, the open ends of the specimens being provided with a fastening mechanism for attachment of a cap, wherein the shape of the fastening mechanism of the specimen and the shaped of the cap provides axial and radial tolerances to form a seal.

2. A vessel according to claim 1 wherein the cap and the specimen are adapted to form a seal by contacting each other on a substantially conical surface.

3. A vessel according to claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the cap can be attached to the vessel by a threaded fastening mechanism.

4. A vessel according to claim 3 wherein the cap can be attached to the vessel by a bayonet fitting.

5. A vessel according to any preceding claim wherein the seal between the cap and the specimen is formed when the cap is biased into contact with the specimen by the fastening mechanism.

6. A vessel according to any preceding claim wherein the fastening mechanism allows axial tolerance between the cap and the specimen to form the seal.

7. A vessel according to any preceding claim wherein the fastening mechanism allows radial tolerance between the cap and the specimen to form the seal.

8. A vessel according to any preceding claim wherein the seal between the cap and the specimen is formed by contact between a curved surface of the cap and a curved surface of the specimen.

9. A vessel according to any preceding claim wherein the seal between the cap and the specimen is formed by the contact of a surface of the cap having a substantially "S"- shaped surface and a surface of the specimen having a substantially "S" shaped surface, wherein the shape of the S-shaped surface of the cap is not the same as the shape of the S-shaped surface of the specimen.

10. A vessel according to any preceding claim which allows up to about 0.5mm axial tolerance between the cap and the specimen, preferably about 0.2mm axial tolerance.

1 1. A vessel according to any preceding claim which allows up to about 0.5mm radial tolerance between the cap and the specimen, preferably about 0.2mm radial tolerance.

12. A cap for use in sealing a vessel as defined in any preceding claim.

13. A method of sealing a specimen of frozen material, providing a vessel as defined in any of claims 1 to 12 containing a frozen sample, breaking the vessel at a predetermined break point to give a specimen, and sealing the specimen with a cap.