CONTAINER FOR RECEIVING AN ENTERAL NUTRITION SOLUTION

Abstract

Disclosed is a container comprising an opening to bring an enteral nutrient solution into or out of the container, a base which lies opposite the opening in a direction of longitudinal extent of the container for depositing of the container upright on an underlying surface, a hanging element arranged on the base in a first position extending substantially along the base, or in a second position where it protrudes at an angle from a plane defined by the base, and a hinge device which connects the hanging element to the base at a first end of the hanging element, to transfer the hanging element from the first into the second position. A receiving region for the hanging element is formed in the base. The hanging element can be releasably fixed in the first position using a connecting device. The hanging element is fixed movably within the first position.

Claims

1. A container for receiving enteral nutrient solutions, comprising an opening via which an enteral nutrient solution can be brought into the container or out of the container, a base which lies opposite the opening in a direction of longitudinal extent, L1, of the container and serves for the depositing of the container upright on an underlying surface, a hanging element which is arranged on the base and can be present in a first position, in which it extends substantially along the base, or in a second position, in which it protrudes at an angle from a plane defined by the base, a hinge device which connects the hanging element to the base at a first end of the hanging element and which is provided and configured for the purpose of being able to transfer the hanging element from the first position into the second position, wherein, in the base, a receiving region for the hanging element is formed, in which the hanging element can be releasably fixed in the first position by means of a connecting device, wherein the hanging element is not rigidly fixed in the first position but rather is fixed movably within the first position, and a free second end of the hanging element is movable from the top downward.

2. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting device is provided by a snap-action connection.

3. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein in order to provide the connecting device, the hanging element has, in a region of its second end, at least one projection (10) which is provided and configured to engage behind a structure of the receiving region in order to fix the hanging element in the first position, wherein the structure is provided by a lateral depression in the receiving region.

4. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hinge is arranged on a pedestal which provides the transition to the base of the container, wherein the pedestal has a ridge to which the hinge is attached.

5. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a constriction, which is concave at least in sections, is formed between the second free end of the hanging element and the hinge.

6. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a foot region for the standing up of the container is formed in an outer region of the base and/or a trough through which the receiving region for the hanger extends is formed in the base, starting from the foot region.

7. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving region for the hanging element has a height, A.sub.H, which decreases from an outer side toward the longitudinal axis, L1, of the container.

8. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving region has an inner first crease and, toward the outer side of the container, a second crease, in each case in the direction of the opening of the container.

9. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upper edge of the receiving region is formed concavely at least in sections.

10. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least in a portion facing the base in the direction of longitudinal extent L1 of the container, the container has a cross section which has convexly curved portions and at least one concavely curved portion in an alternating arrangement, and the hanging element, in its first position, extends between two mutually opposite concavely curved portions.

11. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hinge device extends over a width, B1, which is smaller than the width, B2, of the second end of the hanging element.

12. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container, the hanging element the hinge device and the pedestal are formed integrally.

13. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least in a central portion in the direction of longitudinal extent, L1, of the container, the container has a cross section which has convexly curved portions and rectilinear portions in an alternating arrangement, wherein the rectilinear portions have a width which, in a portion lying between the central portion of the container and the opening of the container, is greater than in the central portion.

14. The container as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least in a portion facing the base in the direction of longitudinal extent, L1, of the container, the container has a cross section which has convexly curved portions and at least one concavely curved portion in an alternating arrangement.

15. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first and a second receiving region for the hanging element are formed in the base of the container, and the hanging element is movable from the first into the second receiving region and back again, wherein the first and the second receiving region are arranged opposite each other and/or are of substantially identical design.

Description

[0073] Further details and particulars of the present invention will be explained with reference to an exemplary embodiment and corresponding figures, in which:

[0074] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container for receiving an enteral nutrient solution;

[0075] FIG. 2A shows a lateral view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0076] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2A along the location (A-A) indicated in FIG. 2A;

[0077] FIG. 2C shows an enlarged illustration of the base region and of the hanger from FIG. 2A;

[0078] FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of the underside of the container from FIG. 2A with the hanger formed in the base region;

[0079] FIG. 2E shows an enlarged illustration of the base region and of the hanger from FIG. 2D;

[0080] FIG. 3 shows a further lateral view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 2E in the storage state, and

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a lateral view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 in the use state.

[0082] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bottle 1 as a container for receiving an enteral nutrient solution. Said bottle 1 extends along a first direction of longitudinal extent L1 and has an opening 2 at its upper end and a base 3 at its lower end. A hanging element 4 which will also be referred to below as hanger 4 for short is integrally formed on the base 3.

[0083] Side walls 5, the shape of which will also be discussed in detail in conjunction with the further figures, are formed between the opening 2 and the base 3.

[0084] A thread 6, onto which a lid can be screwed, is formed by way of example here around the opening 2.

[0085] FIG. 2A illustrates the bottle 1 from FIG. 1 in a lateral view. To this end, FIG. 2C also shows an enlarged illustration of the base region and of the hanger 4. FIGS. 2D and 2E once again show the base region of the bottle 1 with the hanger 4, which is integrally formed on the base 3, in a perspective detailed view. It can readily be seen in this view that the hanger 4, in the unfolded state, extends along a second direction of longitudinal extent L2 which, in the case of the illustration of FIG. 2A, is identical to the first direction of longitudinal extent L1 of the bottle 1. The length L of the hanger 4 is 25 mm to 35 mm. The thickness of the hanger 4, in particular in the region of the opening 17, is approximately 1.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0086] The receiving region 13 for the hanger 4 is located in the base region of the bottle 1. The receiving region 13 is designed here as a depression in the base 3 of the bottle 1. It can extend in a direction over the entire width of the bottle 1. In the present example, two receiving regions 13 are provided. The hanger 4 has a first end 7 which is arranged in the region of the base 3 of the bottle 1. The first end 7 is connected here to the base 3 via a hinge 8 integrally formed on the hanger 4. A second end 9 of the hanger 4 is formed lying opposite the first end 7 in the second direction of longitudinal extent L2.

[0087] The hinge 8 is what is referred to as a film hinge. The thickness of the hinge 8 is approximately 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. The hinge extends over a first width B1 transversely with respect to the second direction of longitudinal extent L2. Said first width B1 can substantially correspond to a second width B2, over which the second free end 9 of the hanger 4 extends transversely with respect to the second direction of longitudinal extent L2. The hanger 4 is therefore of overall compact configuration and has ends 7, 9 corresponding to each other in their width B1, B2. The width B1 of the hinge 8 is 14 mm to 21 mm. The width B2 of the free end 9 of the hanger 4 is 20 mm to 26 mm. B1 is preferably smaller than B2.

[0088] The hinge 8 of the hanger 4 is not directly attached here to the base 3 of the bottle 1. The hinge 8 is arranged in the manner of a pedestal 21 which provides the transition to the base 3 of the bottle 1. In the embodiment illustrated, the pedestal 21 has, on the side to which the hinge 8 is connected, a type of ridge which extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 and preferably extends over the entire receiving region 13. As a result, in particular the release of the hanger 4 from its fixed first position is facilitated (see below in this respect).

[0089] At the second end 9 of the hanger 4, two lateral, for example dome- or lug-like, projections 10 are formed in particular via a reduction in the width of the hanger 4 in the direction of the hinge 8. The width B3 which is reduced in relation to B2 lies within a range of 17 mm to 23 mm. A projection can have a width here of 0.5 mm to 3 mm. The hanger 4 can be fixed to the base 3 or in the receiving region 13 via the two projections 10 when said hanger is intended to be transferred into the first position in which it extends substantially along the base 3. FIGS. 2A to 2E illustrate the hanger 4 in its second position, in which it extends away from the base 3 in an angled manner. In the case of the illustration of the figures mentioned, the hanger 4 protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the base 3.

[0090] The receiving region 13 has lateral depressions 22 for receiving the two projections 10 of the hanger 4. In particular, the receiving region 13 has a respective depression 22 on both sides. In the first state of the hanger 4, the two projections 10 engage in the depressions 22. The hanger 4 is therefore releasably fixed in its first position. The depressions 22 have, for example, a height V.sub.H of 1 mm to 7 mm and/or a depth V.sub.T of 2 mm to 10 mm. In particular, the projections 10 are fixed in the depressions 22 with a snap action. The projections 10 and the depressions 22 which are lateral here form the connecting device for releasably fixing the hanger 4 in the receiving region 13.

[0091] The hanger 4 is preferably not fixed rigidly, but rather movably, in its first position. This is achieved in particular by the fact that at least the thickness of the free end 9, in particular of the entire hanger 4, is selected to be smaller than the height A.sub.H of the receiving region 13 for the hanger 4, and/or that the hinge 8 of the hanger 4 is not directly attached to the base 3 of the bottle, but rather to the pedestal 21. In particular, also for this purpose, the thickness of the free end 9 is selected to be smaller than the height V.sub.H of the depressions 22. As a result, in particular the release of the hanger 4 from its first position is facilitated since a manual engagement between the hanger 4 and the base 3 is facilitated.

[0092] In order even further to assist the manual engagement, for example by means of a fingertip and/or a fingernail, in the receiving region 13 in order to release the hanger 4 from its fixed first position, further structural measures can also be undertaken. For example, at least the upper outer edge 23 of the receiving region 13 is of concave and in particular curved design here (see FIG. 2C). Access to the hanger 4 can thereby be easier, in order to transfer the hanger from the first position illustrated in FIG. 3 into its second position (see FIG. 2A).

[0093] In one embodiment, the receiving region 13 has a height A.sub.H which decreases from the outer side toward the longitudinal axis L1 of the bottle 1 (see FIG. 2E). As a result, the transfer of the hanger 4 from its first, fixed position into its second, protruding position can be assisted even further. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, an inner crease 24-1 is provided in the receiving region 13 and also a second outer crease 24-2 is provided toward the outer side of the container 1. The receiving region 13 is therefore provided here by three portions 13-1, 13-2 and 13-3. The first inner portion 13-1 runs substantially transversely, preferably perpendicularly, with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 of the container. The first inner portion 13-1 merges into a second central portion 13-2 via the first crease 12-1. The inner first crease 24-1 is positioned at a distance of 5 mm to 10 mm from the pedestal 21. The second central portion 13-2 forms a, preferably rectilinear, ramp. The height A.sub.H of the receiving region 13 is rising here toward the outer side of the container 1. The second outer crease 24-2 is located approximately in the region of the rear edge of the receiving region 22. The outer third portion 13-3 forms a shorter ramp here with a greater pitch. The height A.sub.H of the receiving region 13 is therefore increased even further toward the outer side. As a result, the release of the hanger 4 from its fixed first position can be assisted even further. For example, the receiving region 13 has a height A.sub.H of 6 mm to 13 mm on the outer side of the bottle 1. The height A.sub.H is reduced toward the longitudinal axis L1, for example to a value of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The width A.sub.B of the receiving region 13 with the depressions 22 is between 20 mm and 30 mm. Without the depressions 22, the width A.sub.B is reduced by approximately 0.5 mm to 4 mm. A depression 22 here can have a width of 0.25 mm to 2 mm. The width B2 of the hanger 4 at its free end 9 is greater than the width A.sub.B of the receiving region 13 without the depressions 22 but smaller than the width A.sub.B of the receiving region 13 with the depressions 22. The releasable fixing is therefore retained, but so too is the movability of the hanger 4 in its first fixed position. The first crease 24-1 and/or the second crease 24-2 can be provided by an angled transition or by a rounded transition.

[0094] A region 25 which has a constriction or indentation is preferably also formed between the free end 9 and the hinge 8 of the hanger 4. Said region is arranged here between the opening 17 and the hinge 8. Said region 25 has a reduced width B4 in relation to the hinge 8 and the free end 9 of the hanger 4. The width B4 is preferably within a range of 10 mm to 16 mm. This indentation provides a type of gripping region 25, for example for the index finger and the thumb, and can assist the hanging up of the bottle 1. The constriction 25 is of concave design or of concave design at least in sections here. For example, in the first position of the hanger 4, the inwardly curved constriction 25 permits engagement by means of the fingers. The hanger 4 has a shape differing from the receiving region 13 for the hanger 4, in particular also because of said constriction 25.

[0095] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the bottle 1, with the exception of the hanger 4, is of substantially mirror-symmetrical construction. Two receiving regions 13 for the hanger 4 are provided on both sides of the hinge 8. Said receiving regions are of substantially identical design here.

[0096] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional illustration of the bottle of FIG. 2A along the line A-A of FIG. 2A, which runs in a central region of the bottle 1. It can be seen in this cross-sectional illustration that the cross section is composed of mutually alternating portions 11 which are curved convexly (i.e. are curved outward) and rectilinear portions 12. In each case two convexly curved portions and in each case two rectilinear portions 12 lie opposite one another here. The rectilinear portions 12 substantially form the side walls 5 of the bottle 1. The convexly curved portions 11 substantially form the corners of the bottle 1. The upper concave edge 23 is substantially arranged in the region of the rectilinear portions 12. In particular, the receiving region 13 is substantially arranged in the region of the rectilinear portions 12.

[0097] FIG. 3 shows the bottle 1 of FIG. 2A, but in a lateral view, wherein the hanger 4 (illustrated in simplified form in the figure) is now stored in the receiving region 13 of the base 3 in its first position, which corresponds to a storage position. As a result, the bottle 1 can stand securely on the base 3 without the hanger 4 being in the way. The opening 2 is located here in an upwardly directed manner, i.e. the bottle 1 is in an upright position.

[0098] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the hanger 4 does not end flush with an underside of the remaining portions 14 of the base 3, but rather is offset in relation to said remaining portions 14 somewhat upward toward the bottle interior (see in this respect, for example, FIGS. 2E and 3). These remaining portions 14 of the base 3 comprise the foot region 14a of the bottle 1. The foot region 14a is provided by the outer region or the border region of the base 3 (see in this respect FIG. 2E). In the example illustrated, the foot region 14a is formed by four feet 14a. They each extend over a corner in the base 3. In addition, the base 3 has a trough 14b through which the receiving region 13 for the hanger 4 extends. The trough 14b is divided, preferably centrally, by the receiving region 13. The receiving region 13 is offset upward in relation to the base of the trough 14b in the direction of the opening 2 of the container 1. The trough extends here from the outer region of the base 3, said region forming the feet 14a, toward the center of the base 3. The trough 14b provides a region for engagement and/or guidance of the fingers. As a result, the gripping of the hanger 4, for example by means of the thumb and index finger, can be assisted. In order in particular to increase the stability of the hanger 4, the pedestal 21 extends away from the one side of the trough 14b over the receiving region 13 as far as the other side of the trough 14b. The precise arrangement of the hanger 4 in the receiving region 13 is predetermined by the height difference by which the base of the receiving region 13 is set back in relation to the remaining regions 14 of the base 3 along the first direction of longitudinal extent L1 (see in this respect the preceding description).

[0099] FIG. 4 shows the bottle 1 of FIG. 3 in its use state. In this state, the hanger 4 is in its second position, i.e. protrudes at an angle from the base 3 of the bottle 1. A hook 16, which serves as a hanging device, reaches here through a hole 17 designed as an aperture in the hanger 4. The bottle 1 is arranged here in such a manner that its opening 2 points downward. The thread (cf. FIG. 1) is covered here by a lid 18 which has a connection 19 for a transfer system 20. By means of the transfer system 20, an enteral nutrient solution located in the bottle 1 can be supplied to a patient. Owing to the arrangement of the bottle with the opening downward, the nutrient solution can emerge from the bottle 1 by gravity.

[0100] If an interruption to the supply of nutrient is desired, it is possible, for example, for a valve in the transfer system 20 to be closed. Alternatively, it is also possible to remove the bottle 1 from the hook 16, to transfer the hanger 4 from its second position, illustrated in FIG. 4, into the first position, illustrated in FIG. 3, and to place the bottle by the base 3 on a corresponding underlying surface such that the opening of the bottle again points upward.

[0101] The volume of the bottle 1 can be within a range of 150 ml to 1000 ml, and therefore a sufficiently large amount of enteral nutrient solution can be kept in the bottle 1. The volume of the bottle 1 shown in the figures is, for example, 500 ml.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0102] 1 Container or bottle [0103] 2 Opening [0104] 3 Base [0105] 4 Hanger or hanging element [0106] 5 Side walls [0107] 6 Thread [0108] 7 First end of the hanger [0109] 8 Hinge [0110] 9 Second end of the hanger [0111] 10 Projection [0112] 11 Convex portion [0113] 12 Rectilinear portion [0114] 13 Receiving region of the base [0115] 13-1 First inner portion of the receiving region 13 [0116] 13-2 Second central portion of the receiving region 13 [0117] 13-3 Third outer portion of the receiving region 13 [0118] 14 Remaining region of the base [0119] 14a Foot region or feet [0120] 14b Trough or gripping trough [0121] 15 Concave portion [0122] 16 Hook [0123] 17 Hole [0124] 18 Lid [0125] 19 Connection [0126] 20 Transfer system [0127] 21 Pedestal for the hinge 8 [0128] 22 Depression or receiving region for the projections 10 [0129] 23 Upper outer edge of the receiving region 13 [0130] 24-1 First inner crease in the base of the receiving region 13 [0131] 24-2 Second outer crease in the base of the receiving region [0132] 13 [0133] 25 Constriction or gripping region in the hanger 4 [0134] B1 Width of the hinge 8 [0135] B2 Width of the hanger 4 at the second free end 9 [0136] B3 Width of the hanger 4 below the projections 10 [0137] B4 Width of the gripping region 25 on the hanger 4 [0138] L Length of the hanger 4 [0139] A.sub.H Height of the receiving region on the outer side [0140] A.sub.B Width of the receiving region on the outer side [0141] L1 First direction of longitudinal extent (of the bottle) [0142] L2 Second direction of longitudinal extent (of the hanger) [0143] V.sub.H Height of the depression 22 [0144] V.sub.T Depth of the depression 22