Combination package and template for thin-layer chromatographic plate

Claim 1

A combination package and template including a thin-layer chromatographic plate, the plate having a perimeter of prescribed length and including a thin layer of chromatographic adsorbent, said combination comprising: a backing member including a front surface having a perimeter of a length greater than the length of the perimeter of the plate to be packaged, said front surface having a first portion corresponding in area and configuration to the area and configuration of the plate to be packaged and at least one second portion forming a marginal area between the first portion and at least a portion of the perimeter of the front surface of the backing member; indicia located in said marginal area for denoting locations on the adsorbent layer of the plate to be packaged; means on the backing member for positively locating the plate upon the first portion of the front surface of the backing member in a predetermined position with respect to said indicia and for securing the plate in said predetermined position against movement relative to the backing member in all directions parallel to the front surface of the backing member; and a film of pliable plastic material overlying the first and second portions of said front surface and removably affixed to the backing member when the plate is in said predetermined position upon the backing member for removably retaining the plate in said predetermined position between the film and the backing member.