HK1245742B - Test strip container with strip retainer and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof - Google Patents

Description

Test strip container with strip holder and methods of making and using the same

The present application is a divisional application of a patent application with application number 201180006761.2, application date January 19, 2011, and titled “Test strip container with strip holder and method for manufacturing and using the same”.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to containers for test strips, and more particularly to test strip containers having expandable inserts, and methods of making and using the same.

Background Art

Devices and methods for testing the composition of biological fluids, as well as test strips for use with such devices, are well known. Typically, the test strips are stored in individual disposable vials, separate from the testing device used to analyze the fluid sample. The test strip is first removed from the vial container, a sample of the biological fluid is deposited onto the strip, and the strip is inserted into a test strip meter for analysis of the desired component. After the analysis is complete, the test strip is ejected from the meter and discarded.

The problem with storing test strips in disposable vials is that it is difficult to distribute individual strips to users while maintaining the vial's small, compact size. Often, individuals performing blood glucose testing struggle to manipulate the vial and retrieve just a single test strip. Typically, the user inverts the vial to remove a strip. Several strips then pour out of the container, rather than the desired quantity. The user must then separate the individual strips and replace them before the remaining unused strips become contaminated by environmental forces.

Test strips can also be individually packaged in tear-open blister packs. In order for a person to use a single test strip, the blister pack must be torn open and then the test strip must be removed. These steps can be difficult for people with impaired circulation. Furthermore, carrying numerous blister packs can be inconvenient and cumbersome for a proper testing program.

Summary of the Invention

Against the above background, embodiments of the present invention provide a test strip container with a retaining member and methods of making and using the same. Generally speaking, the test strip container provides test strips to users in an easily accessible manner without accidental dumping or leakage.

In one embodiment, a container for storing a plurality of test strips includes a housing. The housing has a front housing portion opposite a rear housing portion. The front housing portion has a height H1, and the rear housing portion has a height H2. The housing defines a cavity having a base. A lid is hingedly connected to the rear housing portion and has a front cover portion opposite the rear cover portion. The front cover portion has a height H3, and the rear cover portion has a height H4. An insert is disposed in the cavity of the housing and has at least one groove having at least one longitudinally disposed retaining member that releasably retains a plurality of test strips approximately perpendicular to the base of the housing.

In another embodiment, a container for storing a plurality of test strips includes a housing. The housing has a front housing portion opposite a rear housing portion. The front housing portion has a height H1, and the rear housing portion has a height H2. The housing defines a cavity having a base. A lid is hingedly connected to the rear housing portion and has a front cover portion opposite the rear cover portion. The front cover portion has a height H3, and the rear cover portion has a height H4. An insert is disposed in the cavity of the housing and has at least one groove having at least one longitudinally disposed retaining member that releasably retains a plurality of test strips approximately perpendicular to the base of the housing. The retaining member further includes a biasing member connected to the adjacent front housing portion, the biasing member pressing the plurality of test strips toward the front of the cavity and compressively retaining the plurality of test strips.

In another embodiment, a container for storing multiple test strips includes a housing defining a cavity having a base. The housing has a front handle, a rear handle, and a front housing portion opposite the rear housing portion. The front housing portion has a height H1, and the rear housing portion has a height H2, where H1 ≤ H2. The height difference between heights H1 and H2 defines an angle α ranging from 0 to 14 degrees. A lid is hingedly connected to the rear housing portion. The lid has a front cover portion opposite the rear cover portion. The front cover portion has a height H3, and the rear cover portion has a height H4, where H3 ≥ H4, and the height difference between heights H3 and H4 defines an angle β ranging from 0 to 14 degrees. An insert is disposed in the cavity of the housing and has an insert surface that forms an angle γ relative to the base of the housing. At least one groove has at least one retaining member disposed longitudinally along the groove, the at least one retaining member releasably retaining the multiple test strips approximately perpendicular to the base of the housing.

In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a container for storing a plurality of test strips includes providing a housing and a lid, the housing having a cavity, the lid being hingedly connected to the housing for enclosing the cavity. An insert is introduced into the cavity. The insert includes a groove defined by two longitudinal sides. At least one retaining member is disposed longitudinally along the longitudinal sides of the groove.

In summary, the following proposals are put forward:

Option 1: A container for storing multiple test strips, comprising: a shell having a base and a front shell portion opposite to a rear shell portion, wherein the front shell portion has a height H1 and the rear shell portion has a height H2, and the shell defines a cavity; a cover hingedly connected to the rear shell portion, the cover having a front cover portion opposite to the rear cover portion, wherein the front cover portion has a height H3 and the rear cover portion has a height H4; and an insert disposed in the cavity of the shell, the insert having at least one groove, the at least one groove having at least one retaining member disposed longitudinally, the at least one retaining member releasably retaining a plurality of test strips approximately perpendicular to the base of the shell.

Option 2: The container of Option 1, wherein the at least one retaining member further comprises a biasing member connected near the front housing portion, the biasing member pressing the plurality of test strips toward the front of the cavity and compressibly retaining the plurality of test strips.

Option 3: The container of Option 2, wherein the biasing member comprises an elastic band surrounding the plurality of test strips and urging the test strips toward the front housing portion.

Option 4: The container described in Option 1, wherein H1≤H2.

Option 5: The container of option 1, wherein the height difference between heights H1 and H2 defines an angle α, wherein angle α ranges from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 14 degrees.

Option 6: The container described in Option 1, wherein H3≥H4.

Option 7: The container of Option 1, wherein the height difference between heights H3 and H4 defines an angle β, wherein angle β varies from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 14 degrees.

Option 8: The container of Option 2, wherein at least one retaining member comprises a flexible cover sheet protruding into the groove.

Option 9: The container of Option 2, wherein the at least one retaining member comprises at least one retaining finger protruding into the groove.

Option 10: The container of Option 2, wherein the insert further comprises an insert surface angled at an angle γ relative to the shell base.

Option 11: The container of Option 10, wherein the groove further comprises a groove base, wherein the groove base is substantially perpendicular to the shell base.

Option 12: The container of Option 1, wherein the shell further comprises:

a front handle, wherein the front handle further comprises a front foot projecting longitudinally from the housing; and a rear handle, wherein the rear handle comprises a rear foot projecting longitudinally from the housing.

Option 13: The container of Option 1, wherein the lid further comprises:

A lid handle comprises a longitudinal projection from the top of the lid.

14. A container for storing a plurality of test strips, comprising: a shell defining a cavity, the shell having a base, a front handle, a rear handle, and a front shell portion having a height H1 opposite a rear shell portion having a height H2, wherein H1≤H2, and wherein the height difference between heights H1 and H2 defines an angle α varying from about 0 to about 14 degrees; a cover hingedly connected to the rear shell portion, the cover having a front cover portion having a height H3 opposite a rear cover portion having a height H4, wherein H3≥H4, and wherein the height difference between H3 and H4 defines an angle β varying from about 0 to about 14 degrees; and an insert disposed in the cavity of the shell, the insert having an insertion surface angled at an angle γ relative to the base of the shell and at least one groove having at least one retaining member disposed longitudinally along the groove, the at least one retaining member releasably retaining a plurality of test strips substantially perpendicular to the base of the shell.

Option 15: The container of Option 14, wherein the at least one retaining member further comprises a biasing member connected adjacent the front housing portion, the biasing member pressing the plurality of test strips toward the front of the cavity and compressibly retaining the plurality of test strips.

Option 16: The container of option 14, wherein the at least one retaining member further comprises a biasing member connected adjacent the front housing portion and connected to a pushing member that compressibly holds the plurality of test strips toward the front housing portion.

Option 17: The container of Option 14, wherein the biasing member comprises a rubber band surrounding the plurality of test strips and urging the test strips toward the front housing portion.

Scheme 18: A method for manufacturing a container for storing a plurality of test strips comprises: providing a shell and a cover, the shell having a cavity, and the cover being hingedly connected to the shell for closing the cavity; and introducing an insert into the cavity, the insert comprising: a groove defined by two longitudinal sides and at least one retaining member longitudinally arranged along the longitudinal sides of the groove.

Option 19: The method of option 18, wherein the at least one retaining member further comprises a biasing member connected adjacent the front housing portion, the biasing member compressibly retaining the plurality of test strips toward the front of the cavity.

Item 20: A method for storing a test strip, the method comprising using the container of Item 1 or 14.

These and other features and advantages of these and other various embodiments of the present invention will become more fully apparent in view of the accompanying drawings, detailed description, and claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structure is designated by like reference numerals, and in which:

1A and 1B illustrate cross-sectional side views of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

2 illustrates a front perspective view of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

3A and 3B illustrate top views of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

5 illustrates a top view of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

6 illustrates a top view of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

7 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

8 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

9A and 9B illustrate top views of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

10 illustrates a top view of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a test strip container according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of an insert according to one embodiment.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are illustrated for the sake of brevity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements and conventional parts may be removed to help improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1A and 1B , in one embodiment, a test strip container 10 is disclosed for storing and dispensing test strips 12, and more particularly for easily dispensing a single test strip 12 from a plurality of test strips 12, i.e., dispensing one test strip 12 at a time. Furthermore, the test strip container 10 protects the test strips 12 from adverse contaminants and conditions, such as air, light, humidity, dust, dirt, oil, or other contaminants. As will be apparent from the following description, the test strip container 10 also allows for easy reloading of additional test strips 12.

In further describing embodiments of the present invention, a conventional test strip 12 is described with reference to FIG2 , by way of example and not limitation. The illustrative test strip 12 shown in FIG2 generally consists of at least the following components: a reagent portion 14 for receiving a sample and a support member 16 providing a handle portion 18. A test strip meter can be used to analyze the test strip 12 to automatically determine the concentration of an analyte in a sample provided to the reagent portion 14.

As shown, the reagent portion is partially attached to a support element 16, wherein the support element can be made of a sufficiently rigid material (or material layer) so that it can be inserted into the test strip measuring instrument without excessive bending or distortion. In one embodiment, the support element 16 can be made of a material such as a polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polystyrene or polyester, and a combination thereof, wherein in an embodiment with a support element 16 formed of a layer, such materials can be the same or different. Therefore, the length of the support element 16 usually determines or corresponds to the length of the test strip 12.

Regardless of whether the length of support element 16 determines or corresponds to the length of test strip 12, the length of test strip 12 generally ranges from about 3 mm to about 1000 mm, typically from about 10 mm to about 100 mm, and more typically from about 20 mm to about 60 mm.

As described above, support member 16 is generally configured to enable test strip 12 to be inserted into a test strip meter. As such, support member 16, and thus test strip 12, typically takes the form of a generally rectangular or square strip, wherein, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the dimensions of support member 16 vary depending on various factors, and support member 16 and test strip 12 may be the same or different.

Examples of such test strips suitable for use with the present invention include those described in co-pending U.S. applications Ser. Nos. 09/333,793; 09/497,304; 09/497,269; 09/736,788; and 09/746,116, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

1A-B , in one embodiment, the housing 20 and the lid 22 can be formed from a single, unitary component. However, the test strip container 10 can be constructed from two separate components: the lid 22 and the housing 20. In other words, the lid 22 and the housing 20 are not attached together. Either configuration advantageously enables the creation and maintenance of a substantially airtight and moisture-proof seal between the lid 22 and the housing 20.

Test strip container 10 includes a housing 20 and a lid 22, each comprising a rigid material that will maintain its shape and form without cracking or breaking. Housing 20 and lid 22 can be made of a variety of materials, including the same or different materials, provided such materials do not interfere with reagent portion 14 ( FIG. 2 ) of test strip 12 held therein. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and mixtures thereof. Materials may also include metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and alloys thereof, siliceous materials, and the like.

The housing 20 includes a front housing portion 24 and a rear housing portion 26. The front housing portion 24 extends from the bottom of the container 10 to the top of the housing 20. The front housing portion 24 is opposite to the rear housing portion 26, wherein the front housing portion 24 and the rear housing portion 26 are generally parallel to each other. The rear housing portion 26 extends from the bottom of the container 10 to the top of the housing 20.

1A-B , the cover 22 is hingedly connected to the rear housing portion 26 of the housing 20. The housing 20 and the cover 22 can be aligned in a closed configuration such that the housing 20 and the cover 22 form a substantially airtight and moisture-proof seal when in the closed configuration. By substantially airtight and moisture-proof seal, it is meant that the housing 20 and the cover 22 are capable of preventing substantial amounts of air and moisture from entering the housing 20 when the housing 20 and the cover 22 are in the closed configuration.

3A-B , the size and shape of the housing 20 and cover 22 vary depending on various factors, including, but not limited to, the type and number of test strips 12 ( FIG. 2 ) held therein. Thus, the housing 20 may take any of a variety of shapes. For example, the housing 20 and cover 22 may be generally rectangular, generally square, generally cylindrical, generally rounded, generally annular, generally elliptical, or generally oval. Alternatively, the shapes may be more complex, such as generally irregular. The corners and edges of the housing 20 are typically rounded or chamfered to prevent scratches or injuries to the user.

4 , the dimensions of the housing 20 may also vary depending on various factors, such as the type and number of test strips 12 held therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 20 and lid 22 are sized and arranged so that at least a portion of the handle portion 18 of each test strip 12 held in the container 10 extends beyond a distal edge (or end edge) 28 of the housing to allow a user to easily grasp the test strip 12.

Referring again to FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, housing 20 includes a front housing portion 24 opposite a rear housing portion 26. Front housing portion 24 has a height H1. Height H1 can range from approximately 2 cm to approximately 8 cm, however, H1 is more typically in the range of approximately 2 cm to approximately 4 cm. Rear housing portion 26 has a height H2. Height H2 can range from approximately 2 cm to approximately 10 cm, however, it is more typically in the range of approximately 2 cm to approximately 5 cm.

In one embodiment, height H1 is typically about three-quarters the length of each test strip 12 (i.e., about one-quarter of each test strip 12 protrudes above housing distal edge 28), but height H1 can be as little as only half the length of each test strip 12 or less ( FIG. 4 ).

Referring also to FIG1A , the cover 22 has a front cover portion 30 opposite a rear cover portion 32. The front cover portion 30 has a height H3. The height H3 can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, however, the height H3 can typically be about 5 mm to about 20 mm. The rear cover portion 32 has a height H4. The height H4 can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, however, the height H4 can more typically be about 5 mm to about 20 mm.

In another embodiment, the insert 38 includes at least one groove 40. In one embodiment, the groove 40 is located centrally on the front face of the insert 38. In another embodiment, the groove 40 may be located offset from the center of the insert 38. The groove 40 may be oriented longitudinally along the longitudinal sides of the insert 38. However, the groove 40 may also be oriented transversely along the latitudinal sides of the insert 38 ( FIG. 3B ).

5 , in one embodiment, the housing 20 defines a cavity 34 in its inner wall. The cavity 34 extends from the housing base 36 to the housing distal edge 28 ( FIG. 1B ). An insert 38 may be disposed within the cavity 34. The insert 38 may comprise a variety of materials, including molded desiccants, resins, or polymeric materials. The insert 38 may comprise a solid component or a frame-like molded structure. In one embodiment, the insert 38 may be co-molded onto the inner surface of the cavity 34 or may be molded as a separate component for subsequent insertion into the cavity 34. In one embodiment, the insert 38 is releasably retained within the cavity 34 by friction, an interlocking snap, or a locking mechanism.

12 , in another embodiment, the insert 38 can include at least one structural rib 60 disposed along a longitudinal side of the insert 38. Preferably, the insert includes at least two structural ribs 60 mounted on each of the two longitudinal sides of the insert 38. Alternatively, the insert 38 can include a plurality of structural ribs 60, such as four structural ribs 60. The structural ribs 60 are preferably mounted below the retaining member 44. However, other mounting arrangements are contemplated. The structural ribs 60 are operable to support the longitudinal sides of the housing 20 and prevent any potential movement. Preferably, the structural ribs 60 support the sides of the housing 20 to prevent removal of the seal between the housing 20 and the cover 22.

Additionally, the structural ribs 60 may serve as a locking mechanism to releasably attach the insert 38 to the cavity 34. Preferably, the structural ribs 60 frictionally interact with the cavity 34 beneath the retaining member 44. However, other forms of locking the insert 38 within the cavity 34 using the structural ribs 60 are also contemplated.

4 , according to one embodiment, the groove 40 comprises a rectangular inset having a depth ranging from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. In another embodiment, the groove 40 has a depth ranging more typically from about 5 mm to about 20 mm. However, the groove 40 may have a sufficient depth to allow the handle portion 18 to extend from the housing distal edge 28, thereby allowing the user to easily remove the test strip 12 from the container 10.

5 , the dimensions of insert 38 may vary depending on the dimensions of housing 20, test strip 12, and groove 40. In one embodiment, insert 38 completely fills groove 40. In another embodiment, insert 38 only partially fills groove 40. The shape of insert 38 generally corresponds to the shape of cavity 34, although other shapes are possible.

6 , groove 40 can be sized to accommodate at least one test strip 12 ( FIG. 2 ) inserted into groove 40. In one embodiment, groove 40 is wider than test strip 12. In another embodiment, the width of groove 40 ranges from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In another embodiment, the width of groove 40 ranges from about 2 mm to about 7 mm.

6 , in another embodiment, the length of the groove 40 is long enough to accommodate from about 1 to about 50 test strips 12 arranged in a stack. However, in another embodiment, the length of the groove 40 is long enough to accommodate from about 1 to about 25 test strips 12. In one embodiment, the length of the groove 40 ranges from about 10 mm to about 100 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the groove 40 ranges from about 10 mm to about 50 mm. In yet another embodiment, the length of the groove 40 ranges from about 10 mm to about 30 mm.

3A-B , in yet another embodiment, the insert 38 may include more than one groove 40. In another embodiment, the insert 38 may include from 1 to 10 grooves 40. The grooves 40 may be oriented in many different ways relative to each other, including generally parallel and generally perpendicular orientations.

In yet another embodiment, at least one groove 40 includes two longitudinal sides 42 defining the length of the groove 40. The longitudinal sides 42 are spaced apart from each other to allow insertion of a test strip 12 ( FIG. 2 ) oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal sides 42. In one embodiment, the longitudinal sides 42 include shrink elastic bands.

Referring to FIG. 7 , another embodiment includes at least one retaining member 44 disposed longitudinally along the longitudinal side 42 ( FIG. 6 ). In one embodiment, the retaining member 44 is disposed along the upper third of the longitudinal side 42. In another embodiment, the retaining member 44 is disposed along the upper half of the longitudinal side 42. In another embodiment, more than one retaining member 44 is disposed along the longitudinal side 42. For example, one retaining member 44 may be located in the upper quarter of the longitudinal side 42, another retaining member 44 may be located in the upper half of the longitudinal side 42, and another retaining member 44 may be located above the bottom quarter of the longitudinal side 42.

In one embodiment, the retaining member 44 comprises a strip that is generally parallel to the groove base 46. However, the strip can be oriented generally parallel to the insert surface 48. In yet another embodiment, the strip is inclined at an angle of from about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees on the longitudinal side 42 relative to the housing base 36. In yet another embodiment, the strip is inclined at an angle of from about 0 degrees to about 15 degrees along the longitudinal side 42.

Referring again to FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, height H1 is less than height H2. In one embodiment, height H1 is approximately 0 mm to approximately 50 mm shorter than height H2. In another embodiment, height H1 is more typically approximately 0 mm to approximately 20 mm shorter than height H2. In yet another embodiment, height H1 is most typically approximately 3 mm to approximately 10 mm shorter than height H2.

1A , the difference between heights H1 and H2 is defined by an angle α relative to housing base 36. In one embodiment, angle α can vary from about 0 to about 20 degrees. In another embodiment, angle α is more typically from about 0 to about 10 degrees.

In one embodiment, height H4 is less than height H3. In one embodiment, height H4 is about 0 mm to about 50 mm shorter than height H3. In another embodiment, height H4 is about 0 mm to about 20 mm shorter than height H3. In yet another embodiment, height H4 is more typically about 0 mm to about 10 mm shorter than height H3.

1A , in one embodiment, the height difference between heights H3 and H4 is defined by an angle β relative to housing base 36. In one embodiment, angle β can range from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 20 degrees. In another embodiment, angle β more typically ranges from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 10 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, the insert 38 further includes an insert surface 48 that is inclined at an angle γ relative to the housing base 36 ( FIG. 1B ). The insert surface 48 defines the top of the insert 38. Typically, the angle γ is such that the rear end of the insert surface 48 has a greater height than the front end of the insert surface 48. In one embodiment, the angle γ ranges from approximately 0° to approximately 20°. In another embodiment, the angle γ more typically ranges from approximately 0° to approximately 10°.

4 , according to one embodiment, test strip 12 is placed into groove 40 with the bottom of test strip 12 resting on groove base 46. Groove base 46 may be angled to provide a platform for test strip 12 that allows handle portion 18 to have a greater protrusion above housing distal edge 28. In one embodiment, groove base 46 is generally parallel to housing base 36. In another embodiment, groove base 46 is generally parallel to insertion surface 48.

8 , in one embodiment, the retaining member 44 is a resilient strip co-molded into the insert 38. The retaining member 44 may also include more than one strip mounted along the longitudinal side 42. The retaining member 44 may also include a strip made of a polymer, resin, rubber, or other flexible material operable to releasably retain a plurality of test strips 12. In another embodiment, the retaining member 44 is mechanically attached along the longitudinal side 42 by means known to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, the retaining member 44 comprises an elastomer co-molded to the top of the insert 38, with a plurality of fingers extending downwardly into the groove 40 and projecting inwardly toward the center of the groove 40. In one embodiment, the retaining member 44 includes at least one finger extending into the groove 40. The retaining member 44 may also include fingers made of polymers, resins, rubbers, and other flexible materials that are operable to releasably retain a plurality of test strips 12.

9A and 9B , in one embodiment, retaining member 44 includes an elastic band 62 that surrounds multiple test strips 12 and urges the test strips 12 toward front housing portion 24. In one embodiment, retaining member 44 may include more than one elastic band. Elastic band 62 may follow the outer edge of groove 40 to encircle multiple test strips 12 and urge them toward front housing portion 24. In one embodiment, retaining member 44 may include an elastic band 62 that surrounds and encloses multiple test strips 12. In FIG. 9A , according to one embodiment, elastic band 62 is attached to front housing portion 24 by adhesion. In another embodiment, elastic band 62 may be co-molded into insert 38. In another embodiment, elastic band 62 may be mechanically attached to front housing portion 24.

In FIG. 9B , as according to another embodiment, the retaining member 44 may include an elastic band 62 connected to an attachment post 52 positioned proximate the front housing portion.

10 , in one embodiment, the retaining member 44 can include an elastic band 62 connected to a push member 50 that presses the plurality of test strips 12 toward the front housing portion 24. The retaining member 44 can also be connected to an attachment post 52 adjacent to the front housing portion 24. The push member 50 can be made of a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and other suitable rigid materials. The push member 50 can be connected to the inside of the elastic band 62, or the elastic band 62 can be connected to the side of the push member 50.

7 and 11 , in one embodiment, the housing 20 further includes a front handle 54 and a rear handle 56. In one embodiment, the front handle 54 includes a protrusion extending longitudinally forward from the bottom of the front housing portion 24 to allow a user to easily grasp the container 10. In another embodiment, the front handle 54 includes a recessed portion that allows a user to easily grasp the container 10 ( FIG. 11 ). In yet another embodiment, the rear handle 56 includes a protrusion extending longitudinally rearward from the bottom of the rear housing portion 26 to allow a user to easily grasp the container 10 and open the lid 22. According to another embodiment, the rear handle 56 includes a recessed portion that allows a user to easily grasp the container 10.

With further reference to Figures 7 and 11, according to one embodiment, the front handle 54 further includes a front foot 64 that projects longitudinally from the front housing portion 24 (Figure 1A). In one embodiment, the front foot 64 extends approximately 3 mm to approximately 10 mm beyond the front housing portion 24. In another embodiment, the front foot 64 extends approximately 3 mm to approximately 5 mm beyond the front housing portion 24. According to another embodiment, the rear handle 56 includes a rear foot 66 that projects longitudinally from the rear housing portion 26 (Figure 1A). In one embodiment, the rear foot 66 extends approximately 3 mm to approximately 10 mm beyond the rear housing portion 26. In another embodiment, the rear foot 66 extends approximately 3 mm to approximately 5 mm beyond the rear housing portion 26.

1 , according to one embodiment, the lid 22 further includes a lid handle 58. In one embodiment, the lid handle 58 comprises a longitudinal protrusion from the front lid portion 30 to allow a user to easily open the lid 22. In another embodiment, the lid handle 58 comprises a protrusion extending longitudinally from the top of the front lid portion 30. In one embodiment, the lid handle 58 extends approximately 3 mm to approximately 10 mm beyond the front lid portion 30. In another embodiment, the lid handle 58 extends approximately 3 mm to approximately 5 mm beyond the front lid portion 30.

Although the above description contains many specific features, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments, but rather as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. For example, the container may have other shapes, such as annular, oval, or trapezoidal; the compressible insert may take other forms and materials; and the test strip may be oriented in different ways.

Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments should be defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims (10)

1. A container for storing multiple test strips, comprising: A housing having a base and a front housing portion opposite a rear housing portion, wherein the front housing portion has a height H1 and the rear housing portion has a height H2, wherein H1 < H2, the housing defining a cavity; A cover, hingedly connected to the rear housing portion, the cover having a front cover portion opposite the rear cover portion, wherein the front cover portion has a height H3 and the rear cover portion has a height H4, where H3 > H4; and A removable insert disposed in the cavity of the housing, the removable insert including a top surface inclined relative to the base of the housing, the removable insert defining at least one groove therein, wherein at least one retaining member is disposed along the length direction of the at least one groove, wherein the at least one retaining member includes an elastomer co-modulated to the top of the removable insert, and a plurality of fingers on the top of the removable insert extending downward into the at least one groove and projecting inward toward the center of the at least one groove to releasably retain the plurality of test strips perpendicular to the base of the housing in the groove; The at least one retaining member further includes a plurality of fingers protruding into the at least one groove. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one retaining member further comprises a biasing member connected to the vicinity of the front housing portion, the biasing member pressing the plurality of test strips toward the front of the cavity and compressively retaining the plurality of test strips. 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the biasing member comprises an elastic band surrounding the plurality of test strips and pushing the test strips toward the front housing portion. 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the height difference between heights H1 and H2 defines an angle α relative to the horizontal direction, wherein the angle α is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 14 degrees. 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the height difference between heights H3 and H4 defines an angle β relative to the horizontal direction, wherein the angle β is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 14 degrees. 6. The container according to claim 2, wherein the top surface forms an angle γ with respect to the base of the shell. 7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the shell further comprises: Front handle, wherein the front handle further includes a front foot projecting longitudinally from the housing; and A rear handle, wherein the rear handle includes a rear foot projecting longitudinally from the housing. 8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises: The cover handle includes a longitudinal protrusion starting from the top of the cover. 9. The container according to claim 6, wherein the angle γ is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 20 degrees. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one groove includes an inclined groove base.