초록 ▼

Apparatus (10) for securing sample collection, comprises an open-topped container (12), a lid (14) for securely covering the open-topped container (12) to prevent access to container contents, and first and second tamper-evident features (16, 18) each having a frangible portion (20, 22) which fractu

Apparatus (10) for securing sample collection, comprises an open-topped container (12), a lid (14) for securely covering the open-topped container (12) to prevent access to container contents, and first and second tamper-evident features (16, 18) each having a frangible portion (20, 22) which fractures in use to provide an indication of tampering with container contents when its respective tamper-evident feature is activated. The first and second tamper-evident features (16, 18) are independently-operable, with activation of the first tamper-evident feature (16) preventing activation of the second tamper-evident feature (18) until the frangible portion (20) of the first tamper-evident feature (16) is fractured. The second tamper evident feature (18) is operable without having to remove the fractured frangible portion (20) of the first tamper evident feature (16) from the apparatus (20).

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. An apparatus for securing sample collection, comprising: an open-topped container having a neck, the neck comprising a first protuberant step and a second protuberant step; a lid for securely covering the open-topped container to prevent access to container contents, th

The invention claimed is: 1. An apparatus for securing sample collection, comprising: an open-topped container having a neck, the neck comprising a first protuberant step and a second protuberant step; a lid for securely covering the open-topped container to prevent access to container contents, the lid comprising: a first tamper-evident feature having a first frangible portion and a first plurality of lugs; and a second tamper-evident feature having a second frangible portion and a second plurality of lugs; wherein the first frangible portion and second frangible portion fracture in use to provide an indication of tampering with container contents when its respective tamper-evident feature is activated, with the first tamper-evident feature and second tamper-evident feature being independently fractured and activated from one another; and, wherein a first of the first tamper-evident feature occurs when the first plurality of lugs engages the first protuberant step and a second activation of the second tamper-evident feature occurs when the second plurality of lugs engages the second protuberant step, wherein the first activation of the first tamper-evident feature prevents the second activation of the second tamper-evident feature until the first frangible portion is fractured, wherein the second tamper-evident feature is activated and then fractured without having to remove the fractured frangible portion of the first tamper-evident feature from the apparatus. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid and the open-topped container have complementary screw threads for screwing the lid in an axial direction into mating engagement with the open-topped container when covering the same. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inwardly projecting lugs are evenly spaced around the inner periphery of the collar. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second tamper-evident features are axially offset relative to each other. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second frangible portion of the second tamper-evident feature is disposed between the first frangible portion of the first tamper-evident feature and the screw thread of the lid when covering the open-topped enclosure and the first tamper-evident feature is activated. 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the tamper-evident features is mounted on the lid, at least prior to fracture of its frangible portion. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein both tamper-evident features are mounted on, or at least associated with, the lid, at least prior to fracture of their respective frangible portions. 8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the at least one of the tamper-evident features is integrally formed with the lid. 9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lugs are elongate and aligned end to end to form one of a discontinuous band and faceted ring around the inner periphery of the at least one collar. 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein one lateral side of each elongate lug is angled to guide sliding movement over the protuberant step with which it is a friction fit. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an opposite lateral side of each elongate lug is stepped for snagging engagement in its intended groove. 12. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the or each elongate lug tapers in at least one direction along its length. 13. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first frangible portion of the first tamper-evident feature further comprises a collar that includes the lugs and frangible members coupling the collar to a body part, with fracture of the frangible members releasing the collar from the body part. 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the body part is one of one of the second tamper-evident feature and the lid. 15. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the collar is configured to engage the first protuberant step when the lid covers the open-topped container and the first tamper-evident feature is activated, with the collar being a friction fit over the first protuberant step and a snug fit within an adjacent groove or recess to one side of the first protuberant step. 16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a leading surface of at least one of the first or the second protuberant steps is angled to guide sliding movement thereover of its friction fitting. 17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the leading surface has a profile corresponding to a curved outer surface of a frusto-conical body. 18. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the corresponding profile is part of the open-topped container. 19. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second frangible portion of the second tamper-evident feature comprises a collar having the second plurality of lugs and frangible members coupling the collar to a rigid part with fracture of the frangible members releasing the collar from the rigid part. 20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the rigid part is the lid. 21. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the collar of the second tamper-evident feature is configured to engage the second protuberant step when the lid covers the open-topped container and the second tamper-evident feature is activated, with the collar being a friction fit over the second protuberant step and a snug fit within an adjacent groove or recess. 22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the respective corresponding profile is part of the open-topped container. 23. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the collar of the first tamper-evident feature is configured to fit over the collar of the second tamper-evident feature when the first collar is released by fracture of its frangible members. 24. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the collar of the first tamper-evident feature fits over the collar of the second tamper-evident feature.