초록 ▼

A closure for sealing the open end of a specimen collection container from the environment is provided. The closure includes a generally spherical-shaped ball having a passageway extending therethrough, with the ball including an axle permitting rotative movement of the ball thereabout between an op

A closure for sealing the open end of a specimen collection container from the environment is provided. The closure includes a generally spherical-shaped ball having a passageway extending therethrough, with the ball including an axle permitting rotative movement of the ball thereabout between an open position and a closed position. The closure further includes a socket mounted on the open end of the collection container, with the socket including a ball receiving internal surface having an axle-support for receiving the axle of the ball for accommodating rotative movement of the ball therein. The passageway of the ball is aligned with the open end of said collection tube 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 includes a ball receiving portion and a resilient elastomeric seal for maintaining the ball within the ball receiving portion and for providing a liquid-tight seal between the ball and the open end of the collection container.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A closure for interfitting engagement with an open end of a specimen collection container comprising:a generally spherical-shaped ball including a passageway extending therethrough and defining an axle permitting rotative movement of said ball thereabout between an open p

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A closure for interfitting engagement with an open end of a specimen collection container comprising:a generally spherical-shaped ball including a passageway extending therethrough and defining an axle permitting rotative movement of said ball thereabout between an open position and a closed position, said passageway being aligned with said open end of said collection container when said ball is in said open position and being out of alignment with said open end of said collection container when said ball is in said closed position; anda socket mountable on said open end of said collection tube for accommodating said rotative movement of said ball between said open position and said closed position, said socket including a ball receiving portion having a ball receiving internal surface for accommodating said rotative movement of said ball, and a resilient elastomeric seal engaging said open end of said collection container for providing a seal between said ball and said open end of said collection container and for maintaining said ball within said ball receiving portion upon rotative movement thereof,said socket being longitudinally coupled to said collection container for coupling between a tight coupled position and a loose coupled position, thereby urging said ball into sealing engagement with said resilient elastomeric seal, said tight coupled position preventing rotative movement of said ball within said socket and said loose coupled position permitting rotative movement of said ball within said socket.