US 5,854,065 A · Microorganism sampling device

Abstract

A sampling device useful for determining whether microorganisms are present on a given surface includes a lid member and a base member. The lid member includes a flange that provides visual and tactile indications to a technician of the position of their fingers relative to an edge of the lid member. This increases the ability to avoid accidental or inadvertent contact with a sampling media. The flange is provided with a plurality of lugs that operate to maintain some spacing between the flange and a corresponding base member. This spacing is especially advantageous in situations where air flow is desirable within the sampling device. The base member includes a first cavity for supporting a sampling media and a second cavity. The second cavity includes a plurality of ribs that are contoured to securely fit a lid member partially within the second cavity so that a plurality of sampling devices can be stacked in a convenient and reliable fashion.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A device for use in sampling a surface for the presence of microorganisms, comprising:

a base member including
a media supporting surface that is adapted to support a sampling media,
a continuous wall surrounding said media supporting surface and projecting generally away from said surface in a first direction,
a peripheral support surface extending generally outward from said continuous wall such that said continuous wall is between said peripheral support surface and said media supporting surface,
a lip portion extending away from said peripheral support surface in a second direction that is generally opposite from said first direction;
and
a lid member including
a generally planar lid surface,
a continuous sidewall having an inside facing surface and outside facing surface, said sidewall extending away from a first side of said lid surface,
a flange extending generally outward from said outside facing surface of said sidewall distal from said lid surface, and
a plurality of lugs protruding from said flange in said second direction such that said lugs bear against said peripheral support surface and said flange is spaced from said peripheral support surface when said lid member is placed on said base member.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Microorganism sampling device

Life of this patent

Microorganism sampling device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14