MODULAR RACK SYSTEM FOR USE IN PACKAGING AND HANDLING SYRINGE BARRELS

摘要

A modular rack for packaging and processing a quantity of elongate objects, such as a quantity of syringe barrels, is disclosed. The racks preferably include two or more vertical supports, each of which is attached to a relatively flat base for supporting in the rack on a work surface. A plurality of resilient barrel clips designed to releasably retain individual syringe barrels are secured between the vertical supports. Structure for supporting flanges associated with individual syringe barrels is provided at an upper extremity of the vertical supports. In one configuration, the structure for supporting the flanges includes a pair of plates spaced apart from one another to define a pocket for receiving the syringe flanges. Cut-outs are formed in each of the plates, both to accommodate entry of the syringe barrel adjacent the flange as well as to provide access to the open proximal end of the syringe barrel for processing purposes. Various structures are provided to releasably secure together one or more of the syringe racks so as to form a block configuration of syringe racks for packaging and handling purposes. Alternately, if desired, the individual racks may be releasably detached from the block configuration so as to sequentially handle the individual syringes contained in each rack. The open architecture of the rack permits ready visual inspection of the syringes held by the rack.