Pierceable cap
A pierceable cap 11 may be used for containing sample specimens. The pierceable cap 11 may prevent escape of sample specimens before transfer with a transfer device 43 . The pierceable cap 11 may fit over a vessel 21 . An access port in the shell of the pierceable cap 11 may allow passage of a transfer device 43 through the pierceable cap 11 . At least one frangible layer 215, 216 may be configured with cross slits 506 in a particular cross slit geometry. The cross slits 506 may contain an openable portion 644 or be covered by a thin membrane 645 . The shell 610 and frangible layer(s) 215, 216 may be integrated into a one piece cap 601 , or be separate components 634 . The membrane on which the cross slits 506 are placed can be flat or contoured to guide the transfer device 43 to the cross slits 506.
1. A pierceable cap comprising:
a shell adapted to couple with a sample vessel, the shell comprising:
an access port portion at a proximal end of the shell that includes a first cavity, the first cavity having a length and a diameter, and
a skirt portion extending from the access port portion to a distal end of the shell, the skirt portion defining a second cavity that is wider in diameter than the diameter of the first cavity, the second cavity being configured to receive the sample vessel; and
a penetrable seal comprising:
an annular ring positioned in a transition between the first cavity and the second cavity, and
walls extending radially inward and away from the access port portion,
wherein the walls form a surface having an openable slitted portion adapted to be closed when the pierceable cap is fastened to the sample vessel,
wherein a portion of the walls is configured to be interposed between the transition and the sample vessel when the pierceable cap is coupled to the sample vessel; and
wherein the portion of the walls is configured to be compressed against the sample vessel when the pierceable cap is coupled to the sample vessel.
2. The pierceable cap of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the walls interposed between the transition and the sample vessel comprise an outer surface having radial protuberances.
3. The pierceable cap of claim 1 , wherein the compression causes the openable slitted portion to close.
4. The pierceable cap of claim 2 , wherein the pierceable cap further comprises threads on an inner surface of the skirt portion.
5. The pierceable cap of claim 4 , wherein the threads correspond to threads on the sample vessel.
6. The pierceable cap of claim 2 , wherein the protuberances form an annular support band.
7. The pierceable cap of claim 6 , wherein the annular support band is adapted to apply pressure to the walls that causes the openable slitted portion to close.
8. A pierceable cap comprising:
a shell adapted to couple with a sample vessel, the shell comprising:
an access port portion at a proximal end of the shell that includes a first cavity, the first cavity having a length and a diameter, and
a skirt portion extending from the access port portion to a distal end of the shell, the skirt portion defining a second cavity that is wider in diameter than the diameter of the first cavity, the second cavity being configured to receive the sample vessel; and
a penetrable seal comprising:
an annular ring positioned in a transition between the first cavity and the second cavity, and
walls extending radially inward and away from the access port portion,
wherein the walls form a surface having an openable slitted portion adapted to be closed when the pierceable cap is fastened to the sample vessel,
wherein a portion of the walls is configured to be interposed between the transition and the sample vessel when the pierceable cap is coupled to the sample vessel; and
wherein the openable slitted portion is tearable.
9. The pierceable cap of claim 8 , wherein the openable slitted portion includes a tearable web material.
10. The pierceable cap of claim 1 , wherein the openable slitted portion comprises at least two ribs.
11. The pierceable cap of claim 1 , wherein the annular ring is external to the first cavity.