Collection assembly, in particular for blood samples
Inventors
Bauer, Christian • Kofler, Georg
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10004444-B2
Publication Date
2018-06-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
The application relates to a collection assembly (1), in particular for blood samples, comprising a sample container (2) and a closure device (3) which has a closure cap (22) and a pierceable septum (26) held on the closure cap. At its open end (4) delimited by an end face (11), the sample container has a flange (13) and an annular skirt (15), the flange projecting radially beyond a side wall (7). The annular skirt (15) extends axially from a flange end (14) to a closed end (5) of the sample container (2). The sample container (2), the flange (13) and the annular skirt form a one-piece component. Between an outer surface (9) of the side wall (7) and an inner annular skirt surface (16) facing toward this outer surface, there is an approximately tubular free space (17) which is delimited in the axial direction in the region of the open end (4) by the flange (13).
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a blood capillary collection assembly having a sample container with an open end closed by a base, and a side wall extending between the open end and the closed end. In the region of the open end, the side wall is delimited by an end face, and the side wall and the base define a collecting space. On the open end, delimited by the end face, a flange projects radially over the side wall and an annular skirt extends axially away from the flange toward the closed end. The sample container, the flange and the annular skirt form a one-piece component.
A tubular free space is formed between the outer surface of the side wall and an inner annular skirt surface of the annular skirt facing the side wall, with the tubular free space delimited in axial direction in the region of the open end by the flange. The sample container further comprises a lip-shaped receiving edge connected to the end face of the side wall, projecting over the end face in axial direction in the direction facing away from the base. A closure device comprises a closure cap and a pierceable septum held on the closure cap. In a closed position, the closure device closes the collecting space in the region of the open end.
The closure cap includes an outer cap casing and an inner cap casing arranged inside and spaced apart from the outer cap casing in radial direction, with an end wall connecting the outer and inner cap casings in radial direction. In the closed position, an open face end of the outer cap casing bears between the flange and the annular skirt in a transitional area. The septum is arranged or formed on an open face end of the inner cap casing, where the open face end is arranged spaced apart from the end wall. The septum has a radially circumferential sealing surface bearing against the inner surface of the side wall in a sealing manner, and a holding device with first and second holding elements is arranged between the open face end of the outer cap casing and the transitional area between the flange and the annular skirt.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 defines the core collection assembly and includes four inventive structural features. Additional dependent claims refine the independent claim by adding further structural and functional limitations.
One-piece flange and annular skirt forming tubular free space
A sample container where the flange and annular skirt form a one-piece component, and a tubular free space is formed between the side wall outer surface and an inner annular skirt surface facing the side wall.
Outer and inner cap casings with transitional bearing and spaced septum
A closure cap with an outer cap casing and an inner cap casing spaced apart in radial direction, where in the closed position an open face end of the outer cap casing bears between the flange and the annular skirt in a transitional area, and the pierceable septum is arranged on an open face end of the inner cap casing spaced apart from the end wall.
Pierceable septum with circumferential sealing surface
A pierceable septum having a radially circumferential sealing surface that bears against the inner surface of the side wall in a sealing manner.
Two-part holding device engaging transitional area
A holding device with first and second holding elements arranged between the open face end of the outer cap casing and the transitional area between the flange and the annular skirt.
Overall, the claim set covers an assembly in which a one-piece flange and annular skirt define a tubular free space, a closure device with outer and inner cap casings supports a pierceable septum with a circumferential sealing surface, and a holding device with first and second holding elements engages the transitional area between the flange and the annular skirt.
Stated Advantages
Compatibility with standardized centrifuge dimensions.
Defined access opening through a double-walled cap.
Prevention of unintentional loosening up to a release force.
Improved support, centering, and holding of the closure cap in the flange-skirt transitional area.
Optional integration with a standardized support tube for sample identity retention during downstream analysis.
Documented Applications
Centrifugation and automated analysis compatibility.
Downstream analysis with optional integration with a standardized support tube for sample identity retention.
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