Microscope slide carrier assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to a microscope slide carrier assembly with a method for retaining patient material in the form of requisitions, reports, consultations, worksheets and routinely associated paperwork related to slides with stained peripheral blood, body fluid or biopsy slides requiring a microscopic review by pathologists. The record compartment is three-sided enclosed compartment, is permanently attached to the bottom of a microscope slide tray ensuring that all pertinent paperwork and stained material remain intact during review or transportation.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a microscope slide carrier, and more particularly to a microscope slide carrier assembly having a record pocket integral with a microscope slide carrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In medical treatment and research, microscope slides are very useful. Tissue or other samples are placed on a microscope slide and secured thereto. These slides may then permit the sample thereon to be studied and to have an appropriate diagnosis.

[0003] Typical material or samples for display on a slide include stained peripheral blood, body fluid or tissue biopsies. Other material may also be displayed. Such slides are displayed in a slide tray. Paperwork relating to the slides is stored elsewhere, which is, at best, inconvenient; and, at worst, dangerous.

[0004] Conventional slide trays or folders do not provide the capability of securing the patient's printed materials, records or other requisitions with their slides. Often, the printed material is placed underneath one section of the cover or directly on top of the closed folder, often resulting in the intermixing or loss of patient's printed material records.

[0005] With a standard microscopic slide tray or folder, a series of small, individually numbered, recessed compartments are used for the retention of the slides. Each compartment receives a single slide. Two covers, when closed, are positioned such that the slides cannot be touched, thus maintaining the slides in a relatively safe environment. This slide tray has the very desirable result of keeping a group directed to a particular case or project together. With the slides kept together, it is much easier to evaluate the case or project and proceed appropriately.

[0006] However, the slide carrier of the prior art is suitable only for carrying slides. It is desirable to have any paperwork, relating to the microscope slides, with the slide carrier. This paperwork can clarify the slide to be reviewed, as well as direct the researcher or the physician to the appropriate slide. Thus, it is desired to have appropriate paperwork connected to the slide carrier. With prior art devices, this is difficult to do.

[0007] Use of an envelope containing both the slide carrier and the paper work can be a complicated matter. The integrity of the envelop must be maintained in order to secure both the slides and supporting documents, while maintaining easy access thereto. An envelop structure makes this difficult to do.

[0008] Another severe problem with the envelop is a potential, reporting error resulting from intermixed paperwork. Paperwork in the wrong envelop or with the wrong slide carrier causes great difficulties. With the envelop contributing such a mix-up, the paperwork problems are very substantially exacerbated.

[0009] It is very desirable to avoid those problems. It is better if a paper carrier is integrally attached to the slide carries, such that the paper can be held in an efficient manner without adding greatly to the bulk of the slide carrier.

[0010] Another problem involves the stacking of the slide trays for or during review. The stack of trays can have a problem. Thus, a stacking assist for the slide trays can be useful.

[0011] Paperwork and microscope slides do not mix well. If paperwork is placed under the tray cover and on or adjacent to the slide itself, adherence therebetween can result. Such adherence can damage both the slide and the paper, and even result in the loss of a slide.

[0012] A further problem is the reluctance of a hospital or laboratory to replace equipment. Such reluctance extends to even replacement of slide trays. It is therefor desirable to modify an existing slide folder, and minimize replacement difficulties.

[0013] The lack of an assembly to keep reports with a slide tray interferes with valuable quality control procedures. With the slide and records required to be separated, the chance for reporting errors increases geometrically. Such errors must be minimized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a microscope slide carrier with a paper carrier secured thereto.

[0015] A further objective of this invention is the provision of a slide carrier with a cover for the microscope slides contained in the slide carrier.

[0016] Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a slide carrier with papers related to the slides contained therewith.

[0017] A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a container to retain patient forms with their slides during review, consultation, study and temporary storage.

[0018] Also, objective of this invention is the provision of a container to prevent slides from sticking to the patient's printed material as a result of microscope oil used for viewing cover slipping material.

[0019] Another objective of this invention is the provision of a container to minimize damage to loss of patient slides.

[0020] Still another objective of this invention is the provision of a container to reduce reporting error resulting from intermixed paperwork.

[0021] Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a container to provide stability when stacking of individual trays for or during review.

[0022] Still, another objective of this invention is the provision of a container to be adaptable as a modification of an existing slide folder.

[0023] These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a microscope slide carrier, with a paper holder and an optional slide cover to protect the slides in the carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of the microscope slide carrier assembly 100 of this invention having an open record sleeve 120 with slide carrier 110.

[0025] FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of the microscope slide carrier assembly 100 of this invention having an open record sleeve 120, with a slide cover assembly 130.

[0026] FIG. 3 depicts a front perspective view of the microscope slide carrier assembly 100 of this invention, with a closeable record sleeve 140 secured to slide carrier 110.

[0027] FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of the microscope slide carrier assembly 100, as a modified version of FIG. 3.

[0028] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the microscope slide carrier assembly 100, with a sliding drawer 160.

[0029] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the microscope slide carrier assembly 100, with a record compartment 170.

[0030] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the microscope slide carrier assembly 100, with a removable record sleeve 180.

[0031] FIG. 8 depicts an exploded, perspective view of two of the microscope slide carrier assembly 100, with a stacking support 200.

[0032] Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] A microscope slide carrier assembly includes a report or paperwork compartment combined with a microscopic slide carrier. The compartment is adapted to hold reports, which are related to microscope slides. The slide carrier holds a plurality of microscope slides related to a project or a patient.

[0034] Thus, a method for containing different types of patient information together is obtained. A device or an assembly is provided with a holder, which retains patient material in the form of requisitions, reports, consultations, worksheets or other paperwork routinely associated with microscope slide material. Such slides may have thereon stained peripheral blood, body fluid or tissue biopsies, which require a microscopic review, for example, by a pathologist.

[0035] With the slide tray, this invention concerns and provides a compartment capable of holding printed material associated with the patients slides to be reviewed. Such information is printed, or otherwise charted or provided, on any standard paper, which paper may then be inserted into the appropriate compartment.

[0036] The compartment is preferably three sided, and connected by a flat top panel and a flat bottom panel in order to effectively contain the printed material associated with the patient slides for review. The front of the compartment has an opening for the insertion of the desired printed materials. The compartment is attached to the bottom of a slide folder as to maintain the ability of quick identification of the slides through the clear top folder covers.

[0037] Typical of the paperwork desired for use with microscope slide carrier are retaining printed reports, forms, requisitions and worksheets associated with patient slides requiring a microscopic review. With the compartment attached to the slide carrier, the recited paperwork or other desired information can be kept with the slides.

[0038] In a preferred form, the height of the compartment is up to about one centimeter or approximately 0.25 inch. Such a structure can hold a significant amount of material, without destroying the compact nature of the slide tray or folder. The depth of the compartment is up to about 20 centimeters or approximately 8.5 inches, which allows the reviewer the ability to quickly grasp or retrieve the printed material.

[0039] Many variants are possible, including materials used and attachment of the compartment, without any departure from the spirit of the invention.

[0040] The paperwork appliance or holder is a three-sided enclosed compartment, which is permanently attached to the bottom of a microscope slide tray. Such a structure ensures that all pertinent paperwork and stained material remain intact during review or transportation. Such permanent attachment may be accomplished by glue, adhesives strips, molding, or other methods or devices.

[0041] The slide carrier includes a left slide bank and a right slide bank. The left slide bank is covered by a left cover flap the right slide bank is covered by the right cover flap. On the reverse side of the slide carrier is a data record slot. Into the record data slot are provided the records. The records can then be covered by slide bank cover flap. In this fashion, records and slides are contained together and appropriate action can be taken to keep the records and the slides together.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 1, microscope slide carrier assembly 100 has an open record sleeve 120 cooperating with slide carrier 110. Slide carrier 110 supports a plurality of slides 112 therein, on top surface 114 thereof. On the bottom surface 116 of slide carrier 110 is secured open sleeve 120. Open sleeve 120 has three closed sides, including first closed side 122, second closed side 124, and third closed side 126 Open side 128 may receive papers 118, relating to slides 112. First closed side 122 is oppositely disposed from third closed side 126. Second closed side 124 is oppositely disposed from open side 128.

[0043] Adding FIG. 2 to the consideration, microscope slide carrier assembly 100 of FIG. 1 has added thereto slide cover assembly 130. Slide cover assembly includes first flap cover 132 for slides 112 and second flap cover 134. First flap cover 132 and second flap cover 134 combine to cover all of slides 112, in order to provide additional protection therefor. First flap cover 132 is hingedly secured to second closed side 124 at top surface 114. Second flap cover 134 is hingedly secured to open side 128 at top surface 114.

[0044] With the addition of FIG. 3 microscope slide carrier assembly 100 of this invention, has a closeable record sleeve 140 secured to slide carrier 110. First flap cover 132 of FIG. 2 is secured to second closed side 124 and, thereby, protects part of slides 112. Second flap cover 134 of FIG. 2 is replaced with foldable flap cover 142. Foldable flap cover 142 is secured to open side 128 at bottom surface 116. Foldable flap cover 142 includes a folding crease 144, which provides a flap portion 146 adapted to close open side 128.

[0045] Foldable flap cover 142 extends from folding crease 144 into right slide cover 148. Right slide cover 148 cooperates with first flap cover 132 to protect slides 112. A hook and loop assembly 150 can be used to secure right slide cover 148 and first flap cover 132 to top surface 114.

[0046] FIG. 4 has the microscope slide carrier assembly 100 provides a modified version of FIG. 3, in that right slide cover 148 is replaced with extended slide cover 152. Extended cover 152 eliminates the need for first flap cover 132, by covering all of slides 112. Any cover for slides 112 may be transparent, translucent or opaque as desired.

[0047] In FIG. 5, the microscope slide carrier assembly 100 has a sliding drawer 160 to receive records. Sliding drawer 160 is received into open side 128. With grip notch 162, sliding drawer 160 may be moved in and out of open sleeve 120 as desired. Drawer 160 includes open top 164 for receipt of records or papers 118. When drawer 160 is enclosed within open sleeve 120, bottom surface 116 at open side 128 protects papers 118 therein.

[0048] In FIG. 6, drawer 160 is replaced in microscope slide carrier assembly 100 with a record compartment 170. Record compartment 170 moves in a sliding manner relative to slide carrier 110 and replaces open sleeve 120 as shown in FIG. 5. This slotted relation 174 between the slide carrier 110 and the record compartment 170 provides the relative sliding, therebetween.

[0049] FIG. 7 has the microscope slide carrier assembly 100, with a removable record sleeve 180. Removable record sleeve 180 has substantially the same area as bottom surface 116. On slide carrier 110 is a carrier fastener assembly 182 adapted to cooperate with sleeve fastener assembly 184 on removable record sleeve 180. Carrier fastener assembly 182 and sleeve fastener assembly 184 are preferably a cooperating hook and loop assembly. However, other assemblies such as snap or clip assembly may be used as desired.

[0050] FIG. 8 has two of the microscope slide carrier assembly 100, with a stacking support 200. On the bottom panel 202 of one microscope slide carrier assembly 100 are four female indentations 204 serving as part of stacking support 200. On the top panel 206 of the second microscope slide carrier assembly 100 are four male indentations 210 serving as part of stacking support 200. Clearly each of the four female indentations 204 are adapted to receive one each of the four male indentations 210 and provide for efficient stacking of at least one microscope slide carrier assembly 100 with at least a second of the second microscope slide carrier assembly 100. Other versions of stacking support 200 are usable herewith, in view of this disclosure.

[0051] This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure.

[0052] Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A microscope slide carrier assembly for carrying slides and holding records comprising:

(a) a slide carrier being adapted to hold a plurality of microscope slides;

(b) a compartment being adapted to contain at least one sheet of paper; and

(c) the slide carrier and the compartment being joined together.

2. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 1 further comprising the slide carrier and the compartment being removably joined together.

3. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 1 further comprising the slide carrier and the compartment being permanently joined together.

4. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

(a) the compartment having three closed sides and an open side; and

(b) the at least one sheet of paper having thereon information related to the microscope slides.

5. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 4 further comprising a compartment closing means adapted to close the open side.

6. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 4 further comprising:

(a) the compartment having a flat top and a flat bottom panel;

(b) the three closed sides joining the flat top panel and the flat bottom panel;

(c) the flat top panel being adjacent to the slide carrier; and

(d) the flat bottom panel forming an outer surface of the microscope slide carrier assembly.

7. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 4 further comprising:

(a) the compartment having a flat top and a flat bottom panel;

(b) the three closed sides joining the flat top panel and the flat bottom panel;

(c) the flat top panel forming a bottom slide panel of the slide carrier; and

(d) the flat bottom panel forming an outer surface of the microscope slide carrier assembly assembly.

8. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 2 further comprising:

(a) the compartment having a flat top and a flat bottom panel;

(b) the three closed sides joining the flat top panel and the flat bottom panel;

(c) the flat top panel being adjacent to the slide carrier;

(d) the flat bottom panel forming an outer surface of the microscope slide carrier assembly; and

(e) a releasable fastening means securing the compartment to the slide carrier.

9. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 8 further comprising the releasable fastening means being at least one selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop assembly, a snap assembly and a clip assembly.

10. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 9 further comprising the releasable fastening means being a hook and loop assembly.

11. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 3 further comprising the permanent fastening means being at least one selected from the consisting of a series of adhesive strips, permanent glue, and molding.

12. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

(a) the compartment having a height of up to about one centimeter;

(b) the microscope slide carrier assembly including a stacking means.

(c) the compartment having a depth of up to about 20 centimeters.

13. A microscope slide carrier assembly for retaining printed reports, forms, requisitions and worksheets associated with patient slides requiring a microscopic review comprising a three-sided compartment with a lengthwise opening for easy insertion of printed material secured to a slide carrier in order to form the microscope slide carrier assembly.

14. The microscope slide carrier assembly of claim 13 further comprising:

(a) the three sided compartment being constructed as part of the microscope slide carrier assembly in a complete unit;

(b) the complete unit including a top member and a bottom member;

(c) the top member including the microscope slide carrier with a clear folding; and

(d) the bottom member completing the three-sided compartment for containment of printed material.