WO1997002801A2

WO1997002801A2 - A suspension device

Info

Publication number: WO1997002801A2
Application number: PCT/IE1996/000040
Authority: WO
Inventors: Garry Saul
Original assignee: Creative Europe Limited
Priority date: 1995-07-07
Filing date: 1996-07-08
Publication date: 1997-01-30
Also published as: GB9523030D0; AU6316996A; WO1997002801A3

Abstract

A single use suspension device (1, 40, 50) comprises a strip (2) of a plastics film material. An adhesive band (7) covers portion of ther rear face of the strip (2) for attachment to an infusion or transfusion bottle (10). A single slit cutout in the strip (2) defines with a bottom edge of the strip (2) a suspension strap (6) for suspension on a hanger (21). The cut-out slit (11) defines a central hanger engagement portion (20), a pair of main strap-forming portions (22) flanking the hanger portion (20) and a pair of support leg-forming portions (23). A transition portion (24) between each of the main strap-forming portions (22) provides a gradual transition between the main strap-forming portions (22) and the support leg-forming portions (23).

Description

"A Suspension Device"

The invention relates to a suspension device and in particular to a single use suspension device for suspending containers, especially infusion or transfusion bottles.

Numerous single use suspension devices are known from the patent literature. For example, EP-A-92/15081 describes a label device having an integral hanging ring for suspending a bottle from the hanger of an intravenous stand. However, the label device described is of a multi- layered structure and complex die cutting through some of the layers to very close tolerances is required. Therefore the label device is relatively complex to manufacture.

EP-A-062832 describes another construction of label device comprising a strip with a stretchable handle portion. The strip is of polyamide (especially polycaprocolactam or Nylon 6) material which is said to provide a handle portion that is easily stretchable to allow considerable elongation before breakage of the handle.

None of the known single use suspension devices are entirely satisfactory because they are either inconvenient and difficult to manufacture and/or use or are of such a construction that they do not perform adequately in use.

This invention is directed towards providing an improved construction of a single use suspension device which will overcome at least some of these problems .

According to the invention there is provided a suspension device for a container such as an infusion or transfusion bottle comprising:- a plastics strip having a front face and a rear face;

the plastics strip having a suspension strap zone and a support zone;

a single cut-out slit in the plastics strip defining a suspension strap in the suspension zone and a pair of strap support legs forming extensions of the suspension strap in the support zone; and

a layer of adhesive applied to the rear face of only the support zone of the strip so that, in use, the strap support legs of the strip are adhesively bonded to a container;

the cut-out slit comprising:

a generally central hanger engagement portion for engagement in use with a hanger or the like;

a pair of main strap-forming portions flanking the central hanger portion;

a pair of support leg-forming portions; and

a transition portion between each of the main strap-forming portions and the support leg-forming portions to provide a gradual transition between the main strap-forming portions in the suspension zone and the support leg-forming portions in the support zone.

The invention provides a relatively cheap and simple yet effective integrated suspension device. The central hanger engagement portion assists in positive engagement with and hence correct alignment in use with a hanger on which the device is supported. The support legs support the device on a container in use while the transition portions ensure a gradual smooth transition with little or no stress in the plastics strip. The invention provides an integrated suspension device of relatively simple construction which may be easily fitted to a container by a machine.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the transition portions are located substantially in the adhesive-free suspension zone of the device. This ensures a gradual smooth transition with little or no stress in the plastics strip.

Preferably each transition portion is of generally curvilinear shape leading from a main strap-forming portion to a support leg-forming portion. Especially, each transition portion is of generally crest shape. The curvilinear, preferably crest shape, assists in providing a particularly stress-free transition in the plastics strip.

Preferably the radius of curvature of the transition portion is at least 10mm, preferably approximately 12mm.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the hanger engagement portion of the slit is of generally curved crest shape to guide and locate a hanger, in use. This shape is particularly advantageous in positively locating and aligning the device on a hanger or the like.

Preferably the radius of curvature of the hanger engagement portion is at least 10mm, most preferably approximately 20 to 25mm. In a preferred embodiment of the invention each strap- forming portion of the slit is of generally curved trough shape leading from the hanger engagement portion. Preferably the radius of curvature of each strap-forming trough portion is less than the radius of curvature of the hanger engagement portion. Most preferably the radius of curvature of each strap-forming trough portion is at least 14mm.

This arrangement provides a particularly smooth transition along the length of the cut-out slit leading to a substantially stress-free and strong device.

In one embodiment of the invention each support leg- forming portion extends inwardly from the associated transition portion and is of generally curvilinear shape.

Preferably the radius of curvature of the support leg- forming portion is at least 10mm.

This arrangement provides optimum support for the suspension device when fitted to a container with minimum stress .

In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the cut-out slit is of generally curvilinear shape over substantially the length thereof. This is an especially advantageous feature in providing a substantially stress- free suspension device that is strong and yet relatively simple to manufacture and use.

Preferably the ratio of the width of the support zone to the suspension zone is at least 1:1. Most preferably the ratio of the width of the support zone to the suspension zone is at least 2:1. We have found that this is preferred for improved strength with minimum stress generated in use.

In one embodiment of the invention the width of the suspension strap is at least 5mm.

Preferably the plastics strip is of polypropylene film material. Ideally the polypropylene film is from 100 to 150 micron thick, especially approximately 120 microns. We have found that this film material has the necessary strength while being relatively easy to work with for manufacture, application, and use of the suspension device.

In one embodiment of the invention the plastics strip is transparent. This allows the contents of a bottle to which the strip is applied to be viewed. The strip may also be applied over indicia such as instructing indicia.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the device includes a luminescent material applied to or forming part of the plastics strip and/or adhesive. This may be used to ensure the presence of a strip i.e. to check, preferably automatically, that all bottles on a filling/labelling line have been fitted with the suspension device.

Preferably indicia are provided on the strip to indicate the location of the central hanger engaging portion. The indicia may at least partially delineate the outline of the central hanger engaging portion. This assists a user in guiding the hanger engaging portion of the device over a support hanger.

In another embodiment of the invention the plastics strip forms a label carrying indicia relating to the contents of the bottle to which the strip is to be applied. In one embodiment of the invention the plastics strip includes a removable tab portion carrying indicia relating to the contents of the bottle to which the strip is to be applied. Typically the tab portion is defined by a tear- off portion of the plastics strip. Such a tab portion may be used to carry information which may be easily applied, for example to a patients chart or record.

In one embodiment of the invention the distance between the outer extremities of the slit is at least 120% of the diameter of the container to which the device is to be applied. This feature assists in releasing and mounting the suspension strap, in use.

Preferably the distance between the outer extremities of the slit is approximately 150% of the diameter of the container to which the device is to be applied.

The plastics strip may be mounted on a peel-away backing sheet for ease of manufacture and use.

The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a suspension device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective diagrammatic view showing the suspension device in use mounted on an infusion bottle;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of another suspension device according to the invention; and Figs. 4 and 5 are plan views of other suspension devices according to the invention.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof there is illustrated a single use suspension device according to the invention and indicated by the reference numeral 1. The suspension device 1 is similar to that illustrated in Fig. 3 and like parts are assigned the same reference numerals.

The suspension device 1 comprises a strip 2 of plastics material, in this case of polypropylene film material which is from 100 to 150 micron, typically 120 micron thick. The plastics strip 2 has a front face and rear face and has a suspension strap zone 6 and a support zone 5. A band 7 of adhesive which is indicated by shading in Fig. 1 is applied to the support zone 5 of the rear face of the strip 2. The adhesive 7 is of any formulation suitable for permanently bonding polypropylene film to any suitable container such as an infusion or transfusion bottle 10.

A single cut-out slit 11 in the strip 2 defines with an outer or bottom edge 12 of the strip 2 a suspension strap 13 in the suspension zone 6 and extends into the support zone to define a pair of strap supports 14 in the support zone 5.

It will be noted that the band 7 of adhesive is applied to the rear face of only the support zone 5 of the strip 2 so that, in use, the strap supports 14 of the strip 2 are adhesively bonded to a bottle 10. The ratio of the width of the support zone 5 to the suspension zone 6 is preferably at least 1:1 and ideally at least 2:1. The cut-out slit 11 defines a generally central hanger engagement portion 20 for engagement in use with a hanger 21 or the like, a pair of main strap-forming portions 22 flanking the central hanger portion 20, and a pair of support leg-forming portions 23. A transition portion 24 between each of the main strap-forming portions 22 and the support leg-forming portions 23 provides a gradual transition between the main strap-forming portions 22 and the support leg-forming portions 23.

The transition portions 24 are located substantially in the adhesive-free suspension zone 6 of the strip 2 and each is of generally curvilinear crest-shape. The radius of curvature of each transition portion is at least 10mm and is typically 12 to 14mm to provide a gradual stress- free transition to the support leg portions 23 and prevent tearing of the strip 2 in the region of the transition.

The central hanger engagement portion 20 is of generally curved crest shape to guide and locate a hanger 21 in use. The radius of curvature of the hanger portion 20 is at least 10mm and is preferably approximately 25mm.

Each strap-forming portion 22 defined by the slit 11 is of generally curved trough shape leading from the hanger engagement portion 20. The radius of curvature of each strap-forming trough portion 22 is less than the radius of curvature of the hanger portion 20 and is typically at least 20mm.

Each support leg-forming portion 23 extends inwardly from the associated transition portion 24 and is of generally curvilinear shape, the radius of curvature being at least 10mm. Thus, the cut-out slit 11 defines a curvilinear shape over substantially the length thereof so that stresses in the strip 2 are evenly spread.

The width of the suspension strap 13 is at least 5mm to ensure that the strap has adequate strength.

The distance between the outer extremities of the slit is at least 120% and preferably approximately 150% of the diameter of the bottle to which the device is to be applied.

Usually, the strip 2 is provided on a peel-away backing sheet (not shown) from which the strip 2 can be removed and mounted on a bottle for use. Usually the strip is mounted on a container by means of a labelling machine.

Indicia 30 are in this case provided on the strip 2 to indicate the location and direction of movement of the central hanger portion 20. The indicia typically at least partially delineate the outline of the central hanger portion 20.

In the version of the suspension device illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 the plastics strip 2 is transparent so that the contents of the bottle and/or label to which the strip is applied may be viewed through the strip.

In use, the strip 2 is peeled away from its backing sheet and applied to an infusion bottle 10 or the like adjacent a lower end of the bottle 10. The adhesive band 3 ensures the strip 2 is firmly secured to the bottle 10. The bottle 10 can be readily easily suspended in an inverted position as shown in Fig. 2 on a hook device or hanger 21 on an intravenous bottle stand or the like by means of the suspension strap 13 which is free to pull away from the bottle surface as it is not retained by adhesive. It will be noted that the dimensions of the strip 2 and the slit 11 are such that when in use suspending the bottle 10 the hanger engaging portion 20 is substantially positioned along a central axis of the bottle 10 to maintain the bottle 10 in a vertical orientation. It will also be noted that the strap 13 is not stretched in use. Rather, by virtue of the material of construction and the design of the slit it maintains its length.

It will be appreciated that the invention provides a suspension device which is easy to use, is cost effective to manufacture and can be applied efficiently by machine.

Example

The suspension device illustrated in Fig. 3 was fitted to a full 500ml infusion bottle of saline solution. The shape and dimensions of the device were as illustrated in Fig. 3 which is drawn full size to scale. The plastics strip was of 120 micron thick polypropylene film.

The suspension device was subjected to a dynamic loading test by dropping the bottle with the suspension device attached from a height of 30cm. The suspension device did not become detached from the infusion bottle and the bottle was not damaged during the test. Further the suspension strap did not significantly stretch in use.

Thus, the single use suspension devices of the invention are safe and effective in use.

In alternative arrangements illustrated in Figs . 4 and 5 the plastics strip forms a label 40,50 carrying indicia relating to the contents of the bottle 10 to which the strip is to be applied. As illustrated in Fig. 4 a suspension device according to the invention may include a tab portion 41 defined by a tear-off portion of the strip. The tab portion 41 carries indicia relating to the contents of the bottle to which the strip is to be applied. After removal the tab portion 41 may be adhesively attached to a patients chart or the like.

It will be appreciated that the suspension device may be of or include a luminescent material so that an automated check may be carried out on the bottles to ensure that the device has been applied.

It will also be appreciated that the suspension device may include a booklet such as of the type generally referred to by the Trade Mark Fix-A-Form.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims

1. A suspension device for a container such as an infusion or transfusion bottle comprising:-

a plastics strip having a front face and a rear face;

the plastics strip having a suspension strap zone and a support zone;

a single cut-out slit in the plastics strip defining a suspension strap in the suspension zone and pair of strap support legs forming extensions of the suspension strap in the support zone; and

the cut-out slit defining:-

a pair of main strap-forming portions flanking the central hanger portion;

a pair of support leg-forming portions; and

a transition portion between each of the main strap-forming portions and the support leg- forming portions to provide a gradual transition between the main strap-forming portions in the suspension zone and the support leg-forming portions in the support zone.

2. A suspension device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the transition portions are located substantially in the adhesive-free suspension zone of the strip.

3. A suspension device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein each transition portion is of generally curvilinear shape leading from a main strap-forming portion to a support leg-forming portion.

4. A suspension device as claimed in claim 3 wherein each transition portion is of generally crest shape.

5. A suspension device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the radius of curvature of the transition portion is at least 10mm.

6. A suspension device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the radius of curvature of the transition portion is approximately 12mm.

7. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the hanger engagement portion of the slit is of generally curved crest shape to guide and locate a hanger, in use.

8. A suspension device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the radius of curvature of the hanger engagement portion is at least 10mm.

9. A suspension device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the radius of curvature of the hanger engagement portion is approximately 20 to 25mm.

10. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each strap-forming portion of the slit is of generally curved trough shape leading from the hanger engagement portion.

11. A suspension device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the radius of curvature of each strap-forming trough portion is less than the radius of curvature of the hanger engagement portion.

12. A suspension device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the radius of curvature of each strap-forming trough portion is at least 14mm.

13. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each support leg-forming portion extends inwardly from the associated transition portion and is of generally curvilinear shape.

14. A suspension device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the radius of curvature of the support leg-forming portion iε at least 10mm.

15. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cut-out slit is of generally curvilinear shape over substantially the length thereof.

16. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the ratio of the width of the support zone to the suspension zone is at least 1:1.

17. A suspension device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the ratio of the width of the support zone to the suspension zone is at least 2:1.

18. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the width of the suspension strap is at least 5mm.

19. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plastics strip is of polypropylene film material .

20. A suspension device as claimed in claim 19 wherein the polypropylene film is from 100 to 150 microns thick.

21. A suspension device as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the polypropylene film is approximately 120 microns thick.

22. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plastics strip is transparent.

23. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device includes a luminescent material applied to or forming part of the plastics strip and/or adhesive.

24. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein indicia are provided on the strip to indicate the location of the central hanger engaging portion.

25. A suspension device claimed in claim 24 wherein the indicia at least partially delineate the outline of the central hanger engaging portion.

26. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plastics strip forms a label carrying indicia relating to the contents of the bottle to which the strip is to be applied.

27. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plastics strip includes a removable tab portion carrying indicia relating to the contents of the bottle to which the strip is to be applied.

28. A suspension device as claimed in claim 27 wherein the tab portion is defined by a tear-off portion of the plastics strip.

29. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the distance between the outer extremities of the slit is at least 120% of the diameter of the container to which the device is to be applied.

30. A suspension device as claimed in claim 29 wherein the distance between the outer extremities of the slit is approximately 150% of the diameter of the container to which the device is to be applied.

31. A suspension device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plastics strip is mounted on a peel-away backing sheet.

32. A suspension device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.