Sampling assembly, in particular for collecting a relatively small quantity

Inventors

EBETSBERGER, Franz • Kofler, Georg • Mizelli, Maximilian

Assignees

Greiner Bio-One GmbH

Abstract

The invention relates to a sampling assembly (1), in particular for relatively small quantities of bodily fluids. The said sample assembly (1) comprises a sample container (2) and a support assembly (15). The sample container (2) has an open end (4), an end (5) closed by a bottom (6) as well as a side wall (7). The support assembly (15) protrudes axially over the sample container (2) in the area of the closed end (5) thereof, and comprises at least two container extension pieces (16). The container extension pieces (16) are each integrally connected with the sample container (2) via a hinge assembly (17) and are pivotable from a production position aligned at an angle (18) to the longitudinal axis (8) to a use position which is aligned approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis (8).

Core Innovation

The invention relates to a sampling assembly for a lower quantity of bodily fluids. It includes a sample container with an open end and an end closed by a bottom, wherein a side wall and a longitudinal axis extend between the open end and a neck area of the bottom. The side wall and the bottom define a collecting chamber, so the sampling assembly forms a low-volume collecting chamber for the bodily fluid.

A support arrangement protrudes over the sample container in the area of the closed end in the axial direction. The support arrangement comprises at least two container extension pieces that are each integrally connected to the sample container via a hinge assembly. Each container extension piece can be pivoted from a production position aligned at an angle to the longitudinal axis to a use position approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the at least two container extension pieces are directly connected in their use position.

In the use position, the pivoted container extension pieces form a (nearly) continuous support surface that corresponds to an outer shape of a standardized sampling tube for compatibility with centrifugation and laboratory equipment. The document further describes structural and manufacturing features for the hinge assembly, including integral film hinges via wall-thickness reduction, and positioning features such as locking and centering assemblies for forming and stabilizing the support arrangement in the use position. The collecting chamber may be closed by a closure device, enabling reduced pressure in the collecting chamber relative to surrounding pressure, with a cap and sealing element that allows puncture for sample insertion and removal.

Claims Coverage

Independent claim clm-00001 defines the sampling assembly concept with an axially protruding, pivotable support arrangement formed by at least two integrally hinged container extension pieces. Additional independent claim coverage beyond clm-00001 is not explicitly provided in the provided partial claim text; only dependent refinements and example refinements are shown.

Based on the provided claim information, the core claim coverage centers on the pivotable, integrally hinged container extension pieces forming a support arrangement that protrudes axially over the closed end and becomes directly connected in the use position approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications

No documented applications found