Test tube holder

Abstract

The test tube holder includes an elongated tubular member which supports a pivot member thereby rendering the tubular member and pivot member relatively pivotable with respect to each other. Latch members provided on the tubular member and pivot member are engagable with complementary shaped latch members of other test tube holders to form a linkage. The pivotal relationship between the tubular member and the pivot member permit pivotal movement of one test tube holder with respect to the longitudinal axis of another test tube holder. A pivotal connection between the latch members of adjacent test tube holders also permits tilting of one test tube holder with respect to another test tube holder in the linkage. An adapter member for holding test tubes is insertable in the tubular member and pivot member assembly. The adapter member accommodates one size test tube and can be interchanged with another adapter member that accommodates another size test tube. Thus, the linkage of test tube holders can include test tubes of different size. The relative pivotal movement between test tube holders in the linkage permits stacking of the linkage in a fan-fold arrangement. The tilting movement between test tube holders in a linkage permits mixing of the contents of a test tube or a group of test tubes independent of all others in the linkage before a sample is tested. Under this arrangement, a linkage of test tubes of unlimited length can be provided.