FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed generally to a closure for a container. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a ball and socket closure for use with specimen containers
for biological and non-biological samples.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Medical specimens, for example, biological and non-biological fluids, solids and
semi-solids, are routinely collected and analyzed in clinical situations for various
purposes. In particular, biological fluids such as blood, urine, and the like are
typically collected in a specimen collection container which is in the shape of an
open-ended tube. Such a tube is generally in the form of an elongate cylindrical member
having one end open and an opposing end permanently closed by an integral semi-spherical
portion, with the tube defining an interior which collects and holds the specimen.
[0003] After a biological sample has been drawn and/or collected in the tube, the tube with
the sample is typically transported to a clinical testing laboratory for analysis.
For example, blood samples may undergo routine chemistry, hormone, immunoassay or
special chemical testing. In order to conduct such testing, the sample is normally
transferred from the primary tube in which the sample was collected into one or more
secondary tubes for testing and analysis, oftentimes to effect simultaneous testing
in two or more different areas. In order to minimize contamination, evaporation and
spilling during transportation, analysis and storage, it is important to maintain
the open end of the tube with a closure.
[0004] The open end of a specimen container is typically sealed by a resilient cap, a removable
rubber stopper, or plastic film during transport and analysis. Such closures provide
means for sealing the open end of the tube, but are not capable of being efficiently
removed, stored and replaced without causing contamination and with the use of one
hand, as is often desired in clinical environments. Furthermore, when using analytical
testing equipment for testing biological samples, it is typically necessary to maintain
the samples in an open container to allow a probe from the testing equipment to be
inserted into the containers. In view of these needs, it is desirable to have a closure
that can be easily and repeatedly opened and closed for manual or automated access.
[0005] One particularly useful type of closure for containers is a ball and socket type
closure. While a number of ball and socket type closures for various containers are
known, none are entirely effective for use in specimen collection containers, where
an adequate seal is essential.
[0006] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a closure for a specimen collection container
which can be easily and repeatedly opened and closed and which can effectively provide
an adequate seal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a closure for a specimen collection
container which can be easily manufactured.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a closure capable of being
easily and repeatedly opened and closed.
[0009] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a closure for a specimen
collection container which can be repeatedly opened and closed while maintaining an
adequate seal.
[0010] In the efficient attainment of these and other objects, the present invention provides
a closure for sealing the open end of a specimen collection container from the environment.
The closure includes a generally spherical-shaped ball including a passageway extending
therethrough. The ball is capable of rotative movement between an open position and
a closed position. The passageway is aligned with the open end of the collection container
when the ball is in an open position and is out of alignment with the open end of
the collection container when the ball is in a closed position. The socket is mountable
on the open end of the collection container for accommodating rotative movement of
the ball between an open position and a closed position. The closure further includes
a spout in fluid alignment with the passageway of the ball when the ball is in an
open position.
[0011] Preferably, the spout is integral with the socket. Further, the spout may include
a pair of spaced apart pouring edges, for accommodating transfer into two separate
containers. Still further, the spout may include a lip for accommodating an open end
of a separate container.
[0012] The ball may include a tab extending therefrom for permitting manual rotation of
thereof between an open and a closed position. In such an embodiment, the tab may
engages the spout when the ball is in a closed position. Preferably, the tab includes
a lock for locking with the spout when the ball is in a closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a specimen collection assembly including
the closure of the present invention depicted in its open state.
[0014] Figure 2 represents a perspective view of a specimen collection assembly including
the closure of the present invention depicted in its closed state.
[0015] Figure 3 represents a perspective view of the closure of the present invention shown
unassembled.
[0016] Figure 4 represents an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure of the present
invention shown unassembled.
[0017] Figure 5 represents a cross-sectional view of the closure of the present invention
in an open state taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 1.
[0018] Figure 6 represents a cross-sectional view of the closure of the present invention
in an open state taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 5.
[0019] Figure 7 represents a cross-sectional view of the closure of the present invention
in a closed state taken along lines 7-7 of Figure 2.
[0020] Figure 8 represents a cross-sectional view of the closure of the present invention
in a closed state taken along lines 8-8 of Figure 7.
[0021] Figure 9 represents an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the closure
of the present invention in detail.
[0022] Figure 10 represents a perspective view of the ball of the present invention, depicting
the eccentric axle.
[0023] Figure 11 represents a cross-sectional view of a socket in an alternate embodiment
of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 12 represents a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the closure
of the present invention shown unassembled in a closed state.
[0025] Figure 13 represents a perspective view of the alternate embodiment depicted in Figure
12 shown unassembled in an open state.
[0026] Figure 14 represents a perspective view of a further embodiment of the closure of
the present invention.
[0027] Figure 15 represents a perspective view of a further embodiment of the closure of
the present invention, showing a cut-out portion of cylindrical protrusion 47.
[0028] Figure 16 represents an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure of the present
invention attached to a collection container.
[0029] Figure 17 represents a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the closure
of the present invention in an open state.
[0030] Figure 18 represents a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the closure
of the present invention showing a pouring spout.
[0031] Figure 19 represents a perspective view of the closure in Figure 18 shown unassembled.
[0032] Figure 20 represents a cross-sectional view of the closure of Figure 18 shown in
a closed position.
[0033] Figure 21 represents a cross-sectional view of the closure of Figure 18 shown in
an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The present invention may be described as a ball and socket closure for use with
specimen collection containers. For purposes of the present invention, the term specimen
collection container is used to represent any type of container useful for collecting,
transferring, analyzing or storing a biological or non-biological sample, for example
primary and secondary specimen tubes for blood collection and analysis.
[0035] The present invention takes the form of a ball and socket closure for a collection
container capable of providing an adequate seal, and which is capable of preventing
or minimizing transfer of contaminants between the external environment and the internal
contents of the container.
[0036] With specific reference to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, a closure 10 is shown
positioned over a blood collection tube 100, respectively, in an open and closed position.
Closure 10 is adapted for interfitting engagement with collection tube 100 at open
end 110 thereof. Collection tube 100 may be any type of collection tube known in the
art, and may be constructed of any known material such as glass or, more preferably,
a suitable plastic. Preferably, collection tube 100 is a false bottom tube including
open end 110 at the top thereof and an opposed open bottom end 120, with a conical
bottom 130 located between open end 110 and bottom end 120. Conical bottom 130 provides
collection tube 100 with an upper chamber 115 for holding small volumes of liquid.
Such a structure allows for easy access to liquid contained in upper chamber 115 when
utilizing a manual transfer pipette or an automated sample probe from a clinical analyzer.
By incorporating conical bottom 130, collection tube 100 can be used with standard
holders and analyzer equipment without the need for such a pipette or probe to travel
the full length of collection tube 100 to access the sample contained therein.
[0037] Closure 10 includes a generally spherical-shaped socket 40 and a cylindrical protrusion
47 depending from a bottom end of socket 40. Cylindrical protrusion 47 is adapted
for interfitting engagement within open end 110 of collection tube 100, thereby providing
means for attaching closure 10 to collection tube 100. Cylindrical protrusion 47 may
be adapted for interfitting engagement with collection tube 100 in any manner, for
example by snap-fit, threaded engagement, and the like. Preferably, as best shown
in Figure 16, cylindrical protrusion 47 includes a plurality of annular ribs 48 spaced
along an outer surface thereof, to provide for frictional engagement with the inside
surface of collection tube 100 at open end 110. More preferably, annular ribs 48 provide
for frictional engagement with an annular ring 118 provided on the inside surface
of collection tube 100 at open end 110. As shown in Figure 16, such interfitting of
annular ribs 48 and annular ring 118 provide for multiple positions of frictional
securement of closure 10 within collection tube 100, while providing a fluid-tight
seal for preventing fluid contained within collection tube 100 from passing between
cylindrical portion 47 and open end 110 of collection tube 100. In this manner, closure
10 may be firmly fitted and attached to collection tube 100 in a liquid-tight manner,
and may be easily removed from collection tube 100 if desired.
[0038] As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, cylindrical protrusion 47 may further include one
or more projections 49 for alignment and orientation of closure 10 during assembly,
for example, in a feeder bowl.
[0039] As shown in Figure 3 and 4, closure 10 further includes a generally spherically-shaped
ball 20 fitted within socket 40. Ball 20 includes a passageway 21 extending therethrough.
Preferably, passageway 21 is in the form of a cylindrical bore, which extends through
ball 20 from a first open end 23 of ball 20 to an opposed second open end 24 of ball
20. Passageway 21 provides an opening through ball 20 for permitting access between
the outside environment and upper chamber 115 of collection tube 100, as will be discussed
in more detail herein.
[0040] The internal diameter of passageway 21 should be large enough to allow access of
a probe therethrough and to allow fluid flow therethrough. It is important, however,
that the overall outside diameter of closure 10 must not be too large. For example,
if the outside diameter of closure 10 or socket 40 is significantly larger than the
outside diameter of a standard collection tube, collection tube 100 with closure 10
assembled thereon may not properly fit or function in conventional testing equipmentMore
particularly, closure 10 is particularly useful in testing environments where conventional
covers would need to be removed from a collection container prior to testing of the
sample. As such, collection tubes typically conform to a standard size to be useful
with such equipment. As closure 10 of the present invention may be used during analysis
without the need to remove the entire closure 10 from collection tube 100, closure
10 preferably is capable of fitting within the boundary of such standard size testing
equipment without the need for removal thereof. Therefore, the outside diameter of
closure 10 or socket 40 is preferably less than approximately 19.05 millimeters in
order to properly function with standard equipment. With such an outside diameter,
the internal diameter of passageway 21 is preferably approximately 10.5 millimeters.
In alternate embodiments, closure 10 may be of a sufficient diameter such that, when
coupled to collection tube 100, closure 10 is capable of supporting collection tube
100 in various testing equipment such as storage racks, carousels, etc.
[0041] Ball 20 further includes an axle 30. Axle 30 permits rotative movement of ball 20
within socket 40 about an axis between an open position and a closed position, as
will be discussed in more detail herein. Axle 30 is preferably defined by a pair of
opposed protrusions 31a and 31b on opposed surfaces of ball 20, as best seen in Figures
6 and 8. Opposed protrusions 31a and 31b may be cylindrical-shaped protrusions, or
alternatively, may include drafted surfaces 32a and 32b, to correspond with tapered
surfaces 52a and 52b of socket 40, as will be discussed in further detail herein.
Alternatively, axle 30 may be defined by a pair of opposed cavities on opposed surfaces
of ball 20, which opposed cavities engage with opposed protrusions within socket 40.
[0042] As noted above, ball 20 fits within socket 40 to form closure 10. Socket 40 includes
a first open end 43 defining a perimetrical opening at the top thereof which is open
to the external environment and a second open end 44 at the bottom end thereof which
is open to the interior of collection tube 100. First open end 43 of socket 40 may
include a contoured pouring surface for facilitating pouring of the contents of collection
tube 100. For example, as best shown in Figures 17-20, first open end 43 of socket
40 may include a spout 140 on an edge thereof. Spout 140 provides a contoured pouring
surface for facilitating pouring and directing the contents of collection tube 100
into a separate container. Spout 140 may be formed into a wide variety of configurations
useful in pouring liquid contents. Spout 140 may specifically take the shape shown
in Figure 18 where spout 140 includes a pair of pouring edges 140a and 140b at spaced
apart locations. By incorporating two pouring edges, spout 140 provides means for
facilitating pouring and directing the contents of collection tube 100 into two separate
containers. Additionally, spout 140 may include lip 145 extending from a bottom end
thereof. Lip 145 is adapted to accommodate an open end of a separate container, to
prevent spilling during transfer of fluids over the pouring surface defined by spout
140.
[0043] Socket 40 may be of a generally spherical external shape. Alternatively, socket 40
may include opposed planar sides 46a and 46b on the external surface thereof. Such
opposed planar sides 46a and 46b permit ease in manufacturing of closure 10, and provide
a means for alignment of closure 10 with a specific reference point during assembly
or for alignment with a plurality of closures 10 during use in equipment such as storage
racks, carousels, etc.
[0044] Socket 40 further includes a ball-receiving internal surface 41, for interfitting
engagement with the outside surface of ball 20. Ball 20 fits within socket 40 in a
contacting relation between the external surface of ball 20 and the perimeter of first
open end 43 of socket 40, so as to establish engagement between ball 20 and socket
40 at first open end 43. Further, as shown in detail in Figure 9, socket 40 further
includes an annular ball seat 45. Ball seat 45 may be a separate component, or may
be integral with socket 40 located at the lower portion of internal surface 41, thereby
providing a seat for ball 20 when closure 10 is assembled. Ball seat 45 may be compressible
and/or flexible, and is preferably constructed of an elastomeric material. Ball seat
45 provides for a seal between ball 20 and socket 40, as will be discussed herein.
In order to provide additional sealing between ball 20 and socket 40, additional seals
may be incorporated into closure 10.
[0045] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, cylindrical protrusion 47 may
include vertical drainage channels 47a on an inside surface thereof, as shown in Figure
15. Channels 47a direct fluid such as blood which remains on the inside wall of cylindrical
protrusion 47 toward open end 48 of socket 40 and closure 10, as will be discussed
in more detail herein.
[0046] As indicated, ball 20 is interfitted within socket 40 for rotative movement therein.
Internal surface 41 is a generally spherical-shaped hollow opening which accommodates
the shape of ball 20. Internal surface 41 includes axle-support 50 for receiving axle
30 of ball 20. Axle-support 50 is comprised of recessed cavities 51a and 51b at diametrically
opposed sides thereof. Such opposed cavities 51a and 51b provide for interfitting
engagement with opposed protrusions 31a and 31b of ball 20. Further, opposed cavities
51a and 51b may include tapered surfaces 52a and 52b, respectively, therein for engagement
with drafted surfaces 32a and 32b of ball 20. With ball 20 fitted within socket 40
in this manner, axle 30 provides for rotative movement of ball 20 thereabout within
socket 40. In an alternate embodiment where ball 20 includes opposed cavities acting
as axle 30 as noted above, axle support 50 may include opposed protrusions for interfitting
engagement with such opposed cavities of ball 20.
[0047] Opposed cavities 51a and 51b of socket 40 may further include a flat edge 53 on a
wall surface of one or both thereof. Flat edge 53 frictionally engages opposed protrusions
31a and 31b of ball 20 during rotative movement of ball 20 within socket 40. Flat
edge 53 is capable of providing the operator with a positive feedback for establishing
that ball 20 has been fully rotated to the open or closed position within socket 40,
as will be discussed in more detail herein.
[0048] Rotative movement of ball 20 about axle 30 can be effected manually by providing
ball 20 with externally accessible means for rotation such as tab 22 extending from
the surface of ball 22. Tab 22 provides a protrusion for effecting movement of ball
20 within socket 40 by an operator's finger or thumb. In embodiments incorporating
spout 140 as depicted in Figures 17-20 and discussed above, tab 22 is adapted to fit
within and over the pouring surface defined by spout 140. Preferably, spout 140 is
positioned on an edge of first open end 43 of socket 40 which is directly opposite
from the position of tab 22 when ball 20 is in an open position. Such a design permits
tab 22 to cover and contain the pouring surface of spout 140 when ball 20 is in a
closed position to prevent contamination. Tab 22 may be capable of assuming a locked
position covering the pouring surface of spout 140 when ball 20 is in a closed position.
[0049] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, means for rotation of ball 20
within socket 40 can be in the form of a flap 22a, as depicted in Figures 12 and 13.
Flap 22a may include ridges 26 therealong, which provide for frictional gripping of
flap 22a by an operator's thumb of finger. During rotative movement of ball 20 within
socket 40 between an open and closed position, flap 22a overrides an external surface
portion of socket 40.
[0050] Rotation of ball 20 about axle 30 results in the alignment of first open end 23 of
ball 20 with first open end 43 of socket 40 as well as alignment of second open end
24 of ball 20 with second open end 44 of socket 40. As such, a path is established
by way of passageway 21 extending through ball 20 between the outside environment
and upper chamber 115 of collection tube 100. Thus, rotation of ball 20 about axle
30 accomplishes movement of ball 20 between an open position when passageway 21 is
in alignment with the interior of collection tube 100 through the alignment of first
open ends 23 and 43 and second open ends 23 and 44 (shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6),
and a closed position when passageway 21 is out of alignment with the interior of
collection tube 100 due to first open ends 23 and 43 and second open ends 23 and 44
being out of alignment with each other (shown in Figures 2, 7 and 8).
[0051] Ball 20 is constructed and positioned within socket 40 so as to define an environmental-contacting
surface 27 and an opposed liquid-contacting surface 29. When closure 10 is in a closed
position, environmental-contacting surface 27 is exposed to the external environment
while liquid-contacting surface 29 is exposed to the interior of collection tube 100,
i.e. upper chamber 115. When closure 10 is in an open position, environmental-contacting
surface 27 and liquid-contacting surface 29 are positioned within the spherical-shaped
hollow opening of socket 40 which forms internal surface 41. In preferred embodiments,
environmental-contacting surface 27 includes means for identifying when ball 20 is
in a closed position. Such identifying means may include indicia distinguishing between
an open position and a closed position. For example, environmental-contacting surface
27 may include a marking or wording thereon, or may include color coding signifying
that the ball is in the closed position.
[0052] Alternately, such means for identifying when ball 20 is in a closed position includes
the incorporation of a stop-indicating element on internal surface 41 of socket 40
for engagement with environment-contacting surface 27 when ball 20 is rotated to the
closed position. For example, internal surface 41 of socket 40 may include dimple
42 at a location adjacent first open end 43 of socket 40. Dimple 42 may include a
small protrusion extending from the internal surface 41 of socket 40. As will be discussed
in more detail herein, dimple 42 provides an audible and tactile "click stop" feedback
to the operator when environment-contacting surface 27 of ball 20 passes thereover,
indicating that ball 20 has been fully rotated to the closed position. Alternatively,
dimple 42 may include a protrusion 42a extending along a length of internal surface
41 of socket 40, as shown in Figure 17. Such protrusion 42a provides an operator with
an audible and tactile "click-stop" feedback to indicate that ball 20 has been fully
rotated to both the open and closed positions, as will be discussed.
[0053] As indicated above, axle 30 of ball 20 is defined by opposed protrusions 31a and
31b, and axle-support 50 of socket 40 is defined by opposed cavities 51a and 51b.
When closure 10 is assembled, axle 30 is received in axle-support 50, i.e., opposed
protrusions 31a and 31b are supported within opposed cavities 51a and 51b. In order
to effect non-symmetric rotation of ball 20 within socket 40, axle 30 and axle-support
50 are parallel and eccentric with respect to each other.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the eccentric nature of axle
30 and axle-support 50 is preferably effected by off-setting axle 30 with respect
to the true axis of ball 20. As shown in Figure 10, a true axis X represents the actual
common central axis of closure 10, defined by the sphere of ball 20 and the spherical-shaped
hollow opening defined by internal surface 41 of socket 40. True axis X is generally
perpendicular and transverse to passageway 21 of ball 20. In such a preferred embodiment,
axle-support 50, defined by opposed cavities 51 and 51b of socket 40, is in alignment
with true axis X. Axle 30, defined by opposed protrusions 31a and 31b of ball 20,
may lie along a given eccentric axis X', which is also generally perpendicular and
transverse to passageway 21, but positioned to be eccentric or off-set from true axis
X. In other words, opposed protrusions 31a and 31b are not directly aligned along
the true axis X of ball 20, but are slightly offset therefrom, thus making axle 30
slightly eccentric to true axis X. Alignment of axle 30 with axle-support 50 by way
of opposed protrusions 31a and 31b of ball 20 fitting within opposed cavities 51a
and 51b of socket 40 aligns ball 20 within socket 40, with ball 20 being slightly
offset from interior cavity 41 of socket 40. The eccentric nature of axle 30 provides
for non-symmetric rotation of ball 20 within socket 40 between the open and closed
positions. In essence, rotation of ball 20 about axle 30 results in a cam-like engagement
of opposed protrusions 3 la and 31b with opposed cavities 51a and 51b, due to the
alignment of axle 30 with eccentric axis X'. Such eccentric positioning of axle 30
urges ball 20 into seated positioning with ball seat 45 so as to provide a liquid-tight
seal at ball seat 45, particularly when ball 20 is in a closed position, and further
assists in preventing transfer of contaminants between the external environment and
the interior of collection tube 100, as will be discussed in more detail herein.
[0055] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the eccentric nature of axle
30 and axle-support 50 can be effected by off-setting axle-support 50 with respect
to true axis X. As shown in Figure 11, axle-support 50, defined by opposed cavities
51a and 51b of socket 40, may lie along a given eccentric axis Y', which is also generally
perpendicular and transverse to passageway 21 of ball 20, but positioned to be eccentric
or off-set from true axis X. In other words, opposed cavities 51a and 51b are not
directly aligned along the true axis X, but are slightly offset therefrom, thus making
axle-support 50 slightly eccentric to true axis X. In such an embodiment, axle 30
may be aligned with true axis X, since the eccentric nature of axle-support 50 provides
for non-symmetric rotation of ball 20 within socket 40 between the open and closed
positions, in a similar manner as in the preferred embodiment.
[0056] It is also contemplated by the present invention that both axle 30 and axle-support
50 may be offset from or eccentric to true axis X. In such an embodiment, however,
axle 30 and axle-support 50 must not be in alignment with each other but instead must
remain eccentric with respect to each other in order to provide for non-symmetric
rotation of ball 20 within socket 40 between the open and closed positions.
[0057] Figures 5 and 6 show cross-sectional front and side views of the closure 10 of the
present invention in an open position, and Figures 7 and 8 show cross-sectional front
and side views in a closed position. As seen in Figure 6, since axle 30 and axle-support
50 are eccentric with respect to each other, ball 20 is positioned within socket 40
in a slightly offset manner when closure 10 is in the open position due to opposed
protrusions 3 la and 31b of ball 20 being aligned within opposed cavities 51a and
51b in socket 40 in an offset position. While ball 20 is seated on ball seat 45 of
socket 40 in a liquid-tight sealing manner in this open position, minimal force is
being placed on ball 20 in the longitudinal direction. This provides for ease of rotational
movement of ball 20 about axle 30, while maintaining a liquid-tight seal to prevent
blood or other fluid contained within collection tube 100 from traveling past ball
seat 45.
[0058] Further, as noted above, when closure 10 is in an open position, environmental-contacting
surface 27 and liquid-contacting surface 29 are positioned within the sphere-shaped
hollow opening of socket 40 which forms internal surface 41. As shown in Figure 5,
the offset positioning of ball 20 within socket 40 results in a gap or annular space
39 between liquid-contacting surface 29 of ball 20 and internal surface 41 of socket
40 when closure 10 is in an open position. Such an annular space 39 provides for ease
of rotational movement of ball 20 within socket 40, and prevents contamination of
any blood or other specimen from being transferred by contact between liquid-contacting
surface 39 and interior surface 41. Furthermore, environmental-contacting surface
27 is preferably recessed from the general spherical shape of ball 20, such that when
closure 10 is in an open position, annular space 37 is provided between environmental-contacting
surface 27 and internal surface 41 of socket 40, thus maintaining a non-contacting
relation therebetween. This non-contacting relation prevents contamination between
environmental-contacting surface 27 and interior surface 41.
[0059] In a further embodiment of the present invention, closure 10 may include a locking
mechanism for preventing rotational movement of ball 20 within socket 40, for example
a clip, strap, band, or the like, for securing ball 20 in a closed position during
transport or storage, or in an open position during use. Such a locking mechanism
is preferably in the form of a clip 60, as shown in Figure 14. Clip 60 includes three
arms 62 equally spaced from each other. Arms 62 overlap closure 10, with tab 22 of
ball 20 interfitting within the space between two adjacent arms 62. Such clip 60 provides
an effective yet simple mechanism for locking closure 10 in position.
[0060] In use, closure 10 including ball 20 fitted within socket 40 is provided for engagement
at open end 110 of collection tube 100. Clip 60 is removed from closure 10 to permit
rotational movement of ball 20 within socket 40. Rotational movement of ball 20 within
socket 40 about axle 30 accomplishes opening and closing of closure 10. For example,
when closure 10 is in the closed position as shown in Figures 2, 7 and 8, environmental-contacting
surface 27 is positioned within first open end 43 of socket 40 and is exposed to the
external environment while liquid-contacting surface 29 of ball 20 is positioned for
exposure to upper chamber 115 of collection tube 100. The external surface of ball
20 contacts ball seat 45 in a sealing engagement, thus preventing any fluid contained
within collection tube 100 from passing beyond ball seat 45 and between ball 20 and
socket 40. An operator's finger engages tab 22 of ball 20, and applies pressure to
tab 22 in a direction toward environmental-contacting surface 27. Such pressure transmits
a force to ball 20 about axle 30, thus causing ball 20 to rotate about axle 30 within
socket 40. This rotative movement causes liquid-contacting surface 29 to engage ball
seat 45, and the continuous rotative movement of ball 20 provides for a wiping action
between ball seat 45 and liquid-contacting surface 29. Accordingly, any blood or other
contaminant which is present on liquid-contacting surface 29 is wiped from the surface
thereof by ball seat 45. Further, channels 47a in the inside surface of cylindrical
protrusion 47 direct such blood or other contaminant from ball seat 45 toward open
end 44 and back into upper chamber 115.
[0061] Full rotation of ball 20 within socket 40 is accomplished by moving tab 22 completely
across first open end 43 of socket 40, with tab 22 resting on the perimeter of first
open end 43. During this rotation, opposed protrusions 31a and 31b of ball 20 engage
opposed cavities 51a and 51b of socket 40 in a cam-like fashion due to the eccentric
nature of axle 30, thus slightly lifting ball 20 longitudinally within socket 40.
This longitudinal lifting causes ball 20 to be slightly lifted from ball seat 45.
As ball seat 45 is flexible, ball seat 45 flexes with the longitudinal movement of
ball 20, thereby maintaining a contacting relation between ball seat 45 and ball 20
to maintain a liquid-tight seal. Upon full rotation of ball 20 within socket 40, the
eccentric nature of axle 30 causes liquid-contacting surface 29 to be rotated to a
position within socket 40 in a non-contacting relation with internal surface 41 of
socket 40, separated therefrom by annular space 39. In a similar manner, the recessed
nature of environmental-contacting surface 27 with respect to the overall sphere-shape
of ball 20 causes environmental-contacting surface 27 to be rotated to a position
within socket 40 in a non-contacting relation with internal surface 41 of socket 40,
separated therefrom by annular space 37.
[0062] Such full rotation of ball 20 within socket 40 by moving tab 22 completely across
first open end 43 of socket 40 results in closure 10 being rotated to its open position.
As environmental-contacting surface 27 is recessed with respect to the overall sphere
defining the shape of ball 20, it does not contact inside surface 41 of socket 40
during such travel. However, as ball 20 is rotated to the fully open position, an
edge of environment-contacting surface 27 which defines the transition between the
overall sphere-shape of ball 20 and the recessed portion of environment-contacting
surface 27 passes beyond protrusion 42a of dimple 42, providing for an audible and
tactile "click stop" feedback for the operator, thus providing an indication that
ball 20 has been fully rotated within socket 40 to the open position.
[0063] This open position effects the alignment of first open end 23 of ball 20 with first
open end 43 of socket 30 as well as alignment of second open end 24 of ball 20 with
second open end 44 of socket 40, resulting in passageway 21 extending through ball
20 between the outside environment and upper chamber 115 of collection tube 100. This
alignment establishes a path for insertion of a probe or for pouring of fluids contained
within upper chamber 115, directly through passageway 21.
[0064] After effecting such use, closure 10 can be returned to its closed position by applying
pressure to tab 22 in a direction opposite of that to open closure 10, i.e., in a
direction toward passageway 21 of ball 22. Such pressure transmits a force to ball
20 about axle 30 in a similar manner as that exerted during opening of closure 10,
thus causing ball 20 to rotate about axle 30 within socket 40 in an opposite direction
as that used to open closure 10. This rotative movement causes liquid-contacting surface
29 to travel back across ball seat 45, to its original position where it is exposed
to upper chamber 115 of collection tube 100. Upon such rotation, the cam-like engagement
of opposed protrusions 31a and 31b of ball 20 and opposed cavities 51a and 51b of
socket 40 forces the external surface of ball 20 at liquid-contacting surface 29 in
a longitudinally downward direction, thus causing ball seat 45 to flex and ensuring
a liquid-tight seal between ball 20 and socket 40 at ball seat 45.
[0065] Further, such rotational movement causes environmental-contacting surface 27 to travel
back across the perimeter of first open end 43 of socket 40 to its original position
where it is exposed to the external environment. As environment-contacting surface
27 is recessed with respect to the overall sphere defining the shape of ball 20, it
does not contact inside surface 41 of socket 40 during such travel. However, as environment-contacting
surface 27 returns to its original position, an edge of environment-contacting surface
27 which defines the transition between the overall sphere-shape of ball 20 and the
recessed portion of environment-contacting surface 27 contacts dimple 42 as it passes
thereover. Such contacting provides for an audible and tactile "click stop" feedback
for the operator, thus providing an indication that ball 20 has been fully rotated
within socket 40 to the closed position.
[0066] Stiff further, once ball 20 is fully rotated within socket 40 to the closed position
with environmental-contacting surface 27 of ball 20 being rotated past dimple 42,
flat edge 53 of opposed cavities 51a and 51b in socket 40 frictionally engages opposed
protrusions 31a and 31b of ball 20. Such engagement exerts a further longitudinal
force on ball 20 in a longitudinal direction within socket 40, further forcing ball
20 onto ball seat 45. Such longitudinal force provides the operator with positive
feedback that ball 20 has been fully rotated to the closed position by way of an additional
audible and tactile "click stop" feedback, and further ensures that a liquid-tight
seal is maintained between ball 20 and socket 40 at ball seat 45.
[0067] Ball 20 and socket 40 can be made of any known materials useful for such purposes.
Preferably, both ball 20 and socket 40 are constructed of thermoplastic materials.
More preferably, socket 40 is constructed from an elastomeric-like material, with
ball 20 being constructed of a more rigid material. Most preferably, socket 40 is
made of a material selected from polyethylene or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and
ball 20 is made of a material selected from polystyrene or polypropylene. Such materials
allow for ball 20 to be forcefully inserted into socket 40 past first open end 43
during assembly of closure 10.
[0068] Ball 20 and socket 40 can be manufactured using a variety of methods. Preferably,
ball 20 and socket 40 are separately manufactured by molding procedures such as injection
molding, and then assembled to form closure 10. Alternatively, ball 20 and socket
40 may be manufactured using a "dual-shot" or "two-shot" molding procedure, wherein
ball 20 is fist molded and socket 40 is thereafter molded directly thereover. Various
other molding and manufacturing methods are contemplated.
[0069] The closure of the present invention provides a number of improvements over prior
art closures and techniques. In particular, the closure of the present invention minimizes
splatter of liquid samples contained within a collection container. Additionally,
there is no need to remove the closure to access the interior region of the collection
container. The closure, however, may be removed from the collection container if desired.
While the closure is capable of a firm attachment to the collection container, it
is still capable of rotating independently of the container without the need for removal.
The use of such an integrated closure permits ease of use for technicians with less
risk of contamination in that there is a lower tendency to leave the collection container
open since opening and closing of the container can easily be accomplished with a
single hand.
[0070] Various other modifications to the foregoing disclosed embodiments will now be evident
to those skilled in the art. Thus, the particularly described preferred embodiments
are intended to be illustrative and not limited thereto. The true scope of the invention
is set forth in the following claims.