Assembly and system suitable for dispensing a liquid from a compressible bag

Abstract

An assembly and system suitable for dispensing liquid from a compressible bag, such as for intravenous therapy of a patient. The assembly includes a device and a flexible pad. The device includes a housing with a dispensing end and an opposing back end, a floor including a planar floor surface, a pair of parallel rails, and a roller mechanism including a roller body. The roller structure has a first roller mechanism end and a second roller mechanism end that are respectively engaged with corresponding rails. The pad has a first pad end that is mounted to or adapted to be mounted to the roller body, and the pad is disposed partially on the planar floor between the rails.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to assemblies and systems suitable for dispensing fluid from a compressible bag, for example to infuse a liquid or a drug according to a predetermined medical regimen. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patients often receive intravenous (IV) treatment during their stay at a hospital, in which they receive liquids and drugs injected into a vein. The infusion bag containing the liquids and drugs needs to be elevated to allow the liquid to flow into the vein. For IV treatment, for example, these infusion stands are the most commonly used tool.

[0003] IV treatment and infusion stands greatly affect the daily life of patients and healthcare personnel at a hospital.

[0004] The disadvantages of infusion stands become apparent, for example, when nurses and caregivers have to move the patient. It often happens that hospital staff have to allocate extra resources to move the patient.

[0005] Furthermore, infusion stands take up a lot of space in the patient room, and to make the liquid flow faster, the staff either has to work in an uncomfortable posture or has to adjust the height of the infusion stand, resulting in a poor working environment for the staff.

[0006] Patients who rely on infusion stands can also increase the coordination problems between interdisciplinary staff such as nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. For example, if a patient has to rehabilitate and at the same time complete IV treatment, waiting times can occur.

[0007] Another problem frequently encountered by hospitals is the lack of wheeled infusion stands. This means that the patient's mobility is limited and will therefore need to be bedridden due to their reliance on the infusion stand. As a result, it is not uncommon for patients to be bedridden for longer than necessary, which in turn leads to an inability to move and an increased risk of bedsores.

[0008] Furthermore, due to the reliance on infusion stands, the infusion stand reduces the opportunities for children to participate in play and other activities.

[0009] When a pregnant woman receives intravenous treatment, it often happens that labor occurs. In this case, it would be an absolute advantage to move the pregnant woman, as she would then be free to move around until labor actually begins.

[0010] In acute accidents or patient rescues outside of hospitals and ambulances, it is often necessary for someone to act as an infusion stand.

[0011] Many attempts have been made to provide bag pumps that do not require an infusion stand.

[0012] US4850971 describes an infusion pump that utilizes a linear roller driven by one or more constant force springs to engage a variable flow regulating needle to provide a constant flow, gravity independent device. The constant force spring comprises a coil type mounted to a storage roller and one end of the coil spring is attached to a plate such that the spring uncoils as the roller is pulled away from the plate. In use, a bag is wound onto the roller between the coils of the coil spring.

[0013] US6669668 discloses a drug delivery pump configured to administer an infusion therapy using a drug delivery container. The drug contained in a flexible bag is expelled from the bag by being delivered to an infusion site. The fluid delivery pump can have a constant force spring and a mechanical timer that can limit the maximum rate at which the spring compresses the fluid container. The constant force spring is configured to compress a flexible fluid container. The fluid container is applied to a spooling and loaded spring and is compressed between the spring layers as the spring is wound up. The mechanical timer assembly is connected to the constant force spring and limits the travel.

[0014] It has been found that when dispensing liquid from a bag, the bag often curls and collapses. The curling and collapsing of the bag can cause that a satisfactory and reliable emptying of the bag cannot be achieved. SUMMARY

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly and a system suitable for dispensing liquid from a compressible bag, wherein the risk of curling and collapsing of the bag during dispensing is reduced.

[0016] In one embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly and a system suitable for dispensing liquid from a compressible bag, which has a high reliability and which enables to control the amount and the rate of liquid dispensing.

[0017] In one embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly and a system suitable for dispensing liquid from a compressible bag, wherein the compressible bag can be emptied to a preselected state, such as a complete emptying.

[0018] In one embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly and a system suitable for dispensing liquid from a compressible bag, which has a high reliability and which enables to control the amount and the rate of liquid dispensing.

[0019] This object as well as other objects are achieved by the present invention or an embodiment thereof as defined in the claims or as described hereinafter.

[0020] The present invention or an embodiment thereof has been found to have many other advantages which will become clear to the skilled person from the following hereinafter.

[0021] It should be emphasized that the terms "comprises / comprising" when used in this specification are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to the exclusion of the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is further emphasized that the terms "comprises / comprising" are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0022] The term "substantially" is to be understood as denoting a product including usual variations and tolerances.

[0023] Reference to "some embodiments" or "one embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with some embodiments is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" or "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, it will be appreciated that particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments of the application, as the disclosure is not limited to only those combinations mentioned in the specification.

[0024] Throughout the specification or claims, the singular includes the plural unless otherwise indicated or required by context.

[0025] All features of the application as described herein, including ranges and preferred ranges, and embodiments of the application can be combined in any manner in the scope of the application, unless there is a particular reason not to combine the features.

[0026] The components of the application include a device and a flexible mat. The flexible mat is advantageously mounted to the device. The device includes a housing having a dispensing end and an opposing rear end. The device further includes a floor including a planar floor surface and a pair of parallel rails and a spool mechanism. The spool mechanism includes a spool body having a first spool body end and a second spool body end and a spool surface having a cross-sectional perimeter. The spool mechanism has a first spool mechanism end and a second spool mechanism end. The first and second spool mechanism ends are respectively engaged with the corresponding rails. The rails are arranged to guide the spool mechanism to wind the spool mechanism from a rear end position toward the dispensing end.

[0027] The mat has a length extending between a first mat end and a second mat end, wherein the first mat end is mounted to or adapted to be mounted to the spool body.

[0028] Advantageously, the mat is at least partially positioned on the planar floor between the rails when the spool is in the rear end position.

[0029] The "rear end position" means a position of the spool body closer to the rear end than to the dispensing end.

[0030] The inventors of the present invention have found that the assembly of the present invention is surprisingly effective for dispensing liquid from a compressible bag. The pad has been found to both support the compressible bag and at the same time ensure limited dispensing with a low or almost non-existent risk of tearing the compressible bag. In addition, the assembly is easy to use and can be used with virtually any type and size of compressible bag.

[0031] At least when the spool mechanism is in the rear end position, the second pad end is advantageously arranged closer to the dispensing end than the first pad end.

[0032] The first pad end can be mounted to the spool body by any method or means. The mounting should advantageously be sufficient to ensure that the pad is wound onto the spool body when the spool body is rotated. The mounting can for example be performed by one or more knobs on the spool body and corresponding slots in the pad to secure the first pad end to the spool body, other fastening methods and means can include Velcro fasteners, adhesive, glue and / or by a press-on mounting tool.

[0033] In one embodiment, it is desirable that the pad can be removed so that it can be replaced by a replacement pad when the pad is worn out after a number of uses.

[0034] In one embodiment, the mounting of the pad to the spool body is a chemical (glue) mounting, a physical (tape) mounting and / or a mechanical mounting (grooves and / or protrusions mounted on or in the spool body), preferably the pad can be mounted removably.

[0035] In one embodiment, the assembly has a single pad which can comprise one, two or even more layers.

[0036] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a set of pads which comprises at least two or more identical pads.

[0037] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a set of pads which comprises at least two different pads, where the pads can be selected according to the specific use, for example one pad for one type of bag and another pad for another type of bag.

[0038] The length of the pad is advantageously selected according to the length of the bag it is intended for, for example the length of the pad is at least about 2 centimetres (cm) longer than the bag, for example about 5 cm to about 20 cm longer than the compressible bag. In principle, the pad can be even longer, but this is generally not desirable.

[0039] In one embodiment, the pad has an extension length so that when fully unwound from its mounting to the spool it reaches a position at a distance of 5 cm or less from the dispensing end, preferably a position at a distance of 2 cm or less from the dispensing end, such as to the dispensing end.

[0040] The roll circumference and the mat length can be selected in relation to each other, e.g. to provide that the mat has a length that is at least 1.5 times the circumference of the roll, e.g. from about 2 to about 10 times the circumference of the roll. This can have the effect of ensuring a smooth winding onto the roll body at a highly controlled dispensing rate.

[0041] In an embodiment, the mat has a width that is up to the length of the roll body, preferably up to the distance between the corresponding rails, e.g. up to about 90% of the distance between the corresponding rails. Preferably, the width is at least about 5 cm, e.g. from about 8 cm to about 30 cm, e.g. from about 10 cm to about 20 cm. In addition, the width can be selected in relation to the length of the bag in which it is to be used. In an embodiment, the width of the mat is sufficient to apply two or more compressible bags in side-by-side relation to the mat for simultaneous dispensing.

[0042] The mat is advantageously flexible and suitable for winding onto the roll body. The mat should advantageously be of sufficient strength to be wound without risk of tearing due to the applied tensile forces.

[0043] The mat has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface that faces the bottom plate surface when unwound from the roll body. The top surface and the bottom surface can be the same as or different from each other.

[0044] Advantageously, the bottom surface has a smaller roughness than the top surface. A bottom surface with a smaller roughness can have the effect of providing less friction between the mat and the bottom plate surface, which in turn ensures a smooth and controlled winding onto the roll body. Preferably, the bottom surface has a roughness R A , such as less than 5 micrometers, such as 1 micrometer or less.

[0045] The bottom surface advantageously has a static friction coefficient (CoSF) of about 0.3 or less, e.g. about 0.2 or less, e.g. about 0.1 or less, determined according to ASTM D3702-94 (2019).

[0046] The low-friction bottom surface can be provided by a suitable low-friction polymer, e.g. a polymer coating, e.g. a resin comprising lubricating particles, tungsten disulfide (WS2) and / or molybdenum disulfide (MoS2).

[0047] In an embodiment, the bottom surface is formed by a low-friction polymer comprising a fluoropolymer, e.g. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a fluoropolymer, PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) and / or FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), optionally in the form of a layer or a coating of the low-friction polymer.

[0048] PTFE with a CoSF of about 0.05 or less is particularly suitable.

[0049] The top surface of the mat advantageously has a relatively high friction. This has the function of providing a better grip on the compressible bag, whereby the bag is dragged to be squeezed between the reel body and the mat during winding of the mat to the reel body.

[0050] In one embodiment, the top surface is provided by a high-friction polymer comprising an elastomer, such as rubber, e.g. silicone rubber, preferably having a Shore A hardness of 90 or less, e.g. 80 or less.

[0051] The top surface of the mat can have a high roughness, but advantageously the roughness is not so high as to allow excess fluid in the compressible bag to be unable to be dispensed from the bag.

[0052] Each of the top surface and the bottom surface of the mat can independently thereof have one or more surface regions with uniform surface characteristics such as a uniform roughness number, a uniform static friction coefficient CoSF, a uniform anisotropy. In one embodiment, at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the mat comprises at least one surface portion having anisotropic surface characteristics.

[0053] In one embodiment, at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the mat has a single surface characteristic.

[0054] In one embodiment, at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the mat comprises two or more surface portions having different surface characteristics. The mat can comprise one or more layers.

[0055] The mat can advantageously comprise at least two layers which are interfaced or connected to each other at least at the first mat end and the second mat end. In one embodiment, two or more layers are interfaced to each other at point-like interface points, wherein the number, strength and distribution of the point-like interface points ensure that the layers are prevented from delaminating during daily use.

[0056] The floor on which the mat is applied advantageously is relatively hard and smooth to ensure a low friction between the floor and the mat.

[0057] In one embodiment, the floor, preferably the floor forming the floor surface, comprises a rigid polymer, preferably selected from acrylic, polycarbonate, polyimide, PEEK (polyether ether ketone), acetal (polyoxymethylene), polyamide (e.g. nylon 6 or 6 / 6) or any combination thereof.

[0058] In one embodiment, the floor comprises a cell cast acrylic, e.g. plexiglass, of the unit.

[0059] In one embodiment, the bottom plate comprises a fibre-reinforced polymer, preferably with fibres selected from glass fibres, carbon fibres, basalt fibres, aramid fibres or fibres comprising any combination of one or more of these.

[0060] In one embodiment, the bottom plate is free of fibre-reinforced material.

[0061] The bottom plate surface of the mat advantageously has a static friction coefficient (CoSF) of about 0.4 or less, such as about 0.3 or less, such as about 0.2 or less, determined according to ASTM D3702-94 (2019). In one embodiment, the bottom plate surface is provided with a coating of a fluoropolymer, such as PTFE.

[0062] In one embodiment, the bottom plate surface has a Shore D hardness of at least about 75, such as at least about 80, such as at least about 85, such as at least about 90, such as at least about 95.

[0063] The reel mechanism preferably comprises a track engagement mechanism engaging with the corresponding track at each of its corresponding first and second ends. At least one and preferably both of the track engagement mechanisms comprise a runner and / or a wheel engaging with the track to guide the reel mechanism along the track and thereby the reel body along the length direction between the runners.

[0064] In one embodiment, at least one of the track engagement mechanisms comprises a wheel adapted to run on or in the track it engages with.

[0065] In one embodiment, at least one of the track engagement mechanisms comprises a track slider engaging with the track to slide along the track, preferably both of the track engagement mechanisms comprise a track slider engaging with the track to slide along the track. When the track engagement mechanisms comprise a track slider engaging with the track to slide along the track, it has been found that very smooth and stable sliding is obtained, and at the same time the runner is very durable compared to a wheel. Thereby, in a desirable embodiment, one or both of the track engagement mechanisms are free of wheels.

[0066] In one embodiment, the track engagement mechanism comprises a catch comprising an upper flange arranged to contact an upper side of the track and a lower flange arranged to contact a lower side of the track, thereby locking the track engagement mechanism(s) to the track and allowing it to slide along the length direction of the track(s). The catch advantageously is or forms part of the runner.

[0067] In one embodiment, the track engagement mechanism engages with the corresponding track to maintain the reel body at a predetermined and / or optional distance to the flat bottom plate surface when the reel mechanism passes from the rear end towards the dispensing end.

[0068] In one embodiment, the track engagement mechanism engages with the corresponding guide rail to maintain the spool body at a single pre-set distance to the flat deck surface as the spool mechanism travels from the rear end towards the dispensing end.

[0069] In one embodiment, the track engagement mechanism engages with the corresponding guide rail to maintain the spool body at a selected distance to the flat deck surface as the spool mechanism travels from the rear end towards the dispensing end. In this embodiment, the track engagement mechanism and / or the corresponding guide rail is adjustable to allow for selection of the distance between the spool body and the flat deck.

[0070] Advantageously, the track engagement mechanism and / or the corresponding guide rail is adjustable to two or more pre-set distances, thereby creating a corresponding pre-set distance between the spool body and the flat deck. Thereby, when it is suitable to dispense fluid from a large / thick compressible bag, the distance between the spool body and the flat deck can be set to be relatively large, and when it is suitable to dispense fluid from a small / thin compressible bag, the distance between the spool body and the flat deck can be set to be relatively small.

[0071] In one embodiment, the track engagement mechanism engages with the corresponding guide rail to maintain the spool body at a pre-set and / or selectable distance to the flat deck surface as the spool mechanism travels from the rear end towards the dispensing end.

[0072] The distance between the roller and the flat deck is desirably greater than the thickness of the pad, preferably such that the compressible bag does not experience compression when emptying in use. This has the effect of both ensuring efficient dispensing and at the same time ensuring that the risk of damage to the compressible bag is very low.

[0073] Advantageously, the pre-set and / or selectable distance to the flat deck surface is greater than the thickness of the pad by about 2 millimetres (mm) to about 3 centimetres, for example greater than the thickness of the pad by about 5 mm to about 2 cm, for example greater than the thickness of the pad by about 8 mm to about 1 cm.

[0074] In principle, the pad can be as thick as practically feasible to wind onto the spool body. However, in practice the pad is not too thick as this requires the device to be more bulky. On the other hand, the pad should advantageously be thick enough to ensure the desired tensile strength and to support the compressible bag when wound onto the spool body. A preferred thickness of the pad is from about 0.1 mm to about 1 cm, for example from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0075] Preferably, the pad has a stop mechanism at its second pad end to prevent the second pad end of the pad from being wound onto the spool body.

[0076] The stop mechanism can for example be a rigid stop piece fixed to the pad at its second pad end. The rigid stop piece can for example be fixed such that it can be blocked from being wound onto the reel body. The rigid stop piece fixed to the pad at its second pad end can for example be blocked by the track engagement mechanism.

[0077] In one embodiment, the stop mechanism is adapted to be blocked by the track engagement mechanism when the track engagement mechanism reaches the second pad end. The rigid stop piece can for example comprise a rigid rod, for example having a length dimension, wherein the rigid rod can be mounted with its length dimension perpendicular to the track.

[0078] The reel mechanism can have a central axis arranged in a central axis plane parallel to the flat floor surface when the reel mechanism passes from the back end towards the dispensing end.

[0079] The central axis plane can comprise a track.

[0080] The device comprises a drive mechanism in engagement with the reel mechanism to drive the roller of the reel mechanism from the back end towards the dispensing end. The drive mechanism comprises a spring mechanism and / or a motor.

[0081] Advantageously, the drive mechanism is adapted to drive the reel body in a counter clockwise direction when viewed from the side of the reel body on the left side of the reel body from the dispensing end. Thereby the pad and compressible bag, if present on the pad, will pass underneath the reel body and be wound onto the reel body during dispensing.

[0082] The drive mechanism preferably comprises a spring mechanism, wherein the spring mechanism comprises a single spring or a plurality of spring mechanisms, such as a spring mechanism comprising two or more springs operating in parallel.

[0083] The drive mechanism can for example comprise a spring mechanism located fully or at least partially within the reel body, i.e. within the wall surface of the reel body.

[0084] Advantageously, the spring mechanism comprises at least one helical torsion spring arranged within the reel body. The reel body forms a housing for the one or more helical torsion springs.

[0085] In one embodiment, the reel mechanism comprises a shaft, the reel body being arranged to be driven in rotation around the shaft by the spring mechanism.

[0086] In one embodiment, at least one helical torsion spring is located between the spool body and the shaft. The shaft can be rigidly connected, directly or indirectly, to at least one shaft flange, and a first end of the helical torsion spring can be engaged with the spool body and a second end of the helical torsion spring can be engaged with the shaft flange. Thereby, the spool body can be driven in rotation around the shaft by the spring mechanism when the helical torsion spring is in a loaded state. The shaft can be released from its engagement with the shaft, for example to adjust the relationship between the shaft and the spool body relative to the spring loaded stage, i.e. to ensure that the fixation means on the spool body is arranged in a desired position when the spring is in an unloaded state.

[0087] The spool body comprises a cylindrical body portion and at least one spool flange perpendicular to the cylindrical body and / or the shaft. The first end of the helical torsion spring is engaged with the spool flange or the cylindrical body portion.

[0088] In one embodiment, at least one of the shaft flanges is an engaging shaft flange and at least one of the spool flanges is an engaging spool flange, wherein the engaging shaft flange is engaged with the engaging spool flange, preferably to control, divert and / or constrain the rotation of the spool body. The engaging shaft flange and the engaging spool flange are advantageously engaged by corresponding annular flanges, annular channels and / or annular sections of flanges.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the engaging shaft flange and the engaging spool flange form a rotational constraint that constrains the rotation of the spool body to a pre-set rotational rate. This constraint has the function of ensuring that the desired driving force is transmitted from the spring spool mechanism to the spool body, which in turn ensures that the spring mechanism can be loaded to a higher degree to ensure a full and necessary constant dispensing of liquid from the compressible bag.

[0090] In one embodiment, the engaging shaft flange and the engaging spool flange form a rotational constraint, wherein a first engaging shaft flange and the engaging spool flange comprise an annular channel and a second engaging shaft flange and the engaging spool flange comprise an annular flange or flange section that engages into the annular channel of the first engaging shaft flange and the engaging spool flange. The annular channel advantageously comprises a lubricant, such as oil or grease. Preferably, the lubricant fills at least about 75% by volume, such as at least about 85% by volume, such as at least about 95% by volume, of the space within the channel between the annular flanges or flange sections. Thereby, a desired damping of the force transmitted from the spring mechanism to the spool body can be ensured.

[0091] Preferably, the lubricant can flow from one annular channel to another, e.g. via perforations in the annular flange and / or between the flange sections. This ensures that the damping is adjusted in a simple and effective manner. In one embodiment, the rotational damping is adjusted by adjusting the dimensions of the flange(s) (e.g. the depth of the protrusion into the channel and / or by adjusting the amount of lubricant in the channels).

[0092] In one embodiment, the annular channels each have a channel width, and wherein the width of at least one of the annular channels or flange sections that join into the annular channel is from about 75% to about 100% of the channel width of the channel, such as about 90% to about 99% of the channel width of the channel.

[0093] The spring mechanism can comprise a loading mechanism for at least partially loading the spring mechanism. The loading mechanism is preferably arranged for at least partially loading the spring mechanism by unwinding the pad from the spool body or by moving the spool mechanism in a direction from the dispensing end and towards the rear end.

[0094] Advantageously, the spring mechanism comprises a loading portion for loading the spring mechanism. The loading portion can advantageously be arranged to engage with the spool mechanism at the rear end position of the housing.

[0095] In one embodiment, the loading portion comprises a toothed wheel and a rod for rotating the toothed wheel. The spool body can comprise ring teeth arranged to engage with the toothed wheel when the spool body is arranged at the loading portion. Preferably, the ring teeth are arranged on the circumference of the spool flange at one of the spool ends.

[0096] To provide an effective and relatively easy to use loading portion, the spool mechanism can advantageously comprise a resilient lock for temporarily holding the spool body at the loading portion. In addition, the spool mechanism is desirably provided with a lever for releasing the spool body from the loading portion to ensure that the user can release the spool body from the loading portion after the spring(s) of the spring mechanism have been desirably and / or fully loaded.

[0097] The device can typically comprise a top part, such as a lid, which can be fully or partially moved to allow access to the pad. The lid ensures that accidental compression of the compressible bag provided in the assembly can be prevented and it simultaneously provides dust protection.

[0098] Advantageously, the rear section of the housing forms a shield for the spool mechanism when the spool mechanism is in the rearmost position. The spool body can advantageously be arranged in the shield when engaged with the loading portion. The shield loading thus provides additional protection for the loading portion.

[0099] The device can advantageously comprise one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the device comprises a monitoring sensor and a display for monitoring and displaying at least one state of the compressible bag arranged on the pad. The state(s) preferably include the temperature of the liquid within the compressible bag and / or the dispensing and / or at least one dispensing state, such as dispensing rate, dispensing status or remaining dispensing time.

[0100] The device can comprise a transmitter for wireless transmission (e.g. using Bluetooth technology) to a user, such as a nurse's hand-held tablet.

[0101] In one embodiment, the device comprises an automatic adjustment mechanism for automatic or remote control of starting or stopping dispensing of liquid from the bag arranged on the pad.

[0102] The monitoring sensor is integrated with or associated with the automatic adjustment mechanism.

[0103] In one embodiment, the device comprises a display for displaying the loading state of the spring mechanism.

[0104] Advantageously, the device comprises a temperature adjustment mechanism adapted to heat the liquid within the compressible bag arranged on the pad. The temperature adjustment mechanism can comprise one or more heating elements introduced into the pad, the base plate and / or the cover.

[0105] In one embodiment, the temperature adjustment mechanism comprises a hot air blower arranged to heat the interior space of the housing to a selected temperature.

[0106] The temperature adjustment mechanism can advantageously comprise at least one temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can advantageously be associated with the heating element(s) to control the heating element(s).

[0107] In one embodiment, one or more of the sensors are arranged in the base plate, pad and / or rail(s)

[0108] The present invention also comprises a system adapted to dispense fluid from a compressible bag. The system of the present invention comprises components as defined in the claims and as described above in connection with a compressible bag.

[0109] The compressible bag has a rear end and a dispensing end, which comprises a dispensing port adapted to be connected to a tube mechanism for feeding liquid to a patient.

[0110] Any applicable tube mechanism can be applied, such as the type of tube mechanism used in prior art dispensing systems for dispensing liquid from a compressible bag.

[0111] In one embodiment of the system, the pad has a width that is at least as large as the width of the compressible bag.

[0112] In one embodiment of the system, the pad has a length that is at least as long as the distance between the back end and the dispensing end of the compressible bag.

[0113] Advantageously, the track engagement mechanism engages with the corresponding track to maintain the spool at a pre-set and / or selectable distance to the flat floor surface while the spool mechanism passes from the back end towards the dispensing end as described above, wherein the pre-set and / or selectable distance to the flat floor surface is greater than the combined thickness of the pad and the compressible bag in an empty state by about 1 mm to about 2.5 cm, such as greater than the combined thickness of the pad and the compressible bag in an empty state by about 2 mm to about 2 cm, such as about 4 mm to about 1 cm.

[0114] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a tube mechanism for feeding the liquid, wherein the tube mechanism comprises a tube and a roller tube clamp for regulating the flow through the tube.

[0115] Advantageously, the roller tube clamp comprises at least two regulating rollers. Two or more adjustable rollers of the roller tube clamp ensure a highly precise speed regulation which is also relatively easy to use.

[0116] Advantageously, the at least two regulating rollers of the roller tube clamp are opposite to each other to clamp the tube between the rollers directly or indirectly via a support flange. Thereby, the regulation can be performed in a very simple manner. The tube can for example be arranged within a housing between two flanges and the two rollers are arranged to clamp the tube between the two flanges. In a variant, there are rollers acting directly on the tube.

[0117] In one embodiment, the tube mechanism comprises a piercing and drip chamber connected between the dispensing port and the tube, the roller tube clamp can preferably be integrated with the drip chamber or arranged along the tube at a distance of at most about 0.5 m, such as at most about 0.2 m, such as at most about 0.1 m from the drip chamber.

[0118] By having a roller tube clamp integrated with the drip chamber or arranged very close to the drip chamber, e.g. at a distance of at most about 5 cm from the drip chamber, the combined roller tube clamp and drip chamber can be regulated using a single hand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0119] The application is further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the application are shown. The drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale

[0120] Figure 1 A patient using an assembly of one embodiment of the application is shown.

[0121] Figure 2 An assembly comprising a set of belts as described for example in WO2019145004 is shown.

[0122] Figure 3a and 3b An assembly of an embodiment of the invention is shown, viewed in perspective, with the cover closed.

[0123] Figure 3c A variant of the embodiment shown in Figure 3a is shown.

[0124] Figure 4a is a perspective view of the spool mechanism of the assembly of an embodiment of the invention, in which the first end of the spool mechanism can be clearly seen.

[0125] Figure 4b is a perspective view of the spool mechanism shown in Figure 4a in which the second end of the spool mechanism can be clearly seen.

[0126] Figure 4c A variant of the embodiment shown in Figure 4a is shown. Figure 4d A variant of the embodiment shown in Figure 4b is shown.

[0127] Figure 5a is shown. Figure 4a the spool mechanism of the embodiment of the invention, in which the cylindrical body part of the spool body has been removed.

[0128] Figure 5b A variant of the embodiment shown in Figure 5a is shown.

[0129] Figure 6a is a perspective view of the spool mechanism in combination with the pad of an embodiment of the invention.

[0130] Figure 6b A variant of the embodiment shown in Figure 6a is shown.

[0131] Figure 7a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the spool mechanism of the assembly of an embodiment of the invention.

[0132] Figure 7b A variant of the embodiment shown in Figure 7a is shown.

[0133] Figure 8a and 8b is a perspective view of a set of flanges comprising a joining shaft flange and a joining spool flange forming a rotational constraint.

[0134] Figure 8c a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 8a a variation of the embodiment shown in

[0135] Figure 8d a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 8a a variation of the embodiment shown in

[0136] Figure 8e a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 8b a variation of the embodiment shown in

[0137] Figure 8f a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 8b a variation of the embodiment shown in

[0138] Figure 8g a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 8b a variation of the embodiment shown in

[0139] Figure 9a and 9b is a perspective view of another set of engagement flanges forming a rotational constraint.

[0140] Figure 10 shows an assembly system of an embodiment of the invention comprising a tubing set for administering a liquid comprising a drip chamber, a tube and a roller tube clamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0141] Figure 1 shows a patient using the assembly system in different postures, the assembly system comprising an assembly of a device, a pad as described above and a tubing set as described above. In Figure 1 On the right side of the figure, the patient 3 is lying on a bed 4. The patient 3 can be lying or sitting on the bed 4. The assembly 1 comprises a device and a pad not shown, further with a collapsible bag from which the liquid is administered to the patient via the tubing set 2. The assembly 1 is hanging at the side of the bed 4, i.e. below the height of the heart 3a of the patient 3. This is possible because the assembly 1 is not affected by the height of the assembly 1 relative to the heart 3a of the patient to provide a desired, reliable and constant administration of the liquid from the bag. On the left side of the figure, the patient 3 is in a standing posture and the assembly 1 is held in the patient's hand, i.e. far below the height of the heart. The assembly 1 provides a correct preservation of a very reliable and constant administration rate until the collapsible bag is emptied. Even when the assembly 1 is arranged at a very low height relative to the heart 3a, there is no risk of backflow. At the same time, the assembly 1 is very small and easy to handle by the patient and the nurse. The assembly 1 can be carried by the patient 3 by holding it in the hand, putting it on the shoulder of the patient or in a bag or hanging it on a wheelchair or a walking aid, etc. The reliability of the assembly 1 makes it very easy to use and does not require a stand.

[0142] In Figure 2In this embodiment, the assembly 10 comprises a set of straps as described in WO2019145004. In this embodiment, the set of straps comprises two main straps 11 and 12. The first main strap 11 is attached at one end to a first bottom connection structure 16 of a first side panel 15 of the assembly 10 close to its dispensing end 18. The other end of the strap 11 can be attached to a first top connection structure 13a of the assembly 1.

[0143] The second main strap 12 is attached at its first end to a second top connection structure 13b. The second end of the main strap 12 can be attached to a second bottom connection structure (not visible) on the assembly, for example with a buckle 17.

[0144] Thereby, the patient can use the main straps 11 and 12 to mount the assembly 1 on a bag. The main strap 11 is mounted with a tube holder 14 which can be used to hold a tube of a tube mechanism, for example during an IV (intravenous) treatment. The straps can be connected to the device of the assembly at multiple locations, for example as described in WO2019145004.

[0145] In Figure 3a and 3b the assembly is shown in a closed state, i.e. the cover 20 is closed. In Figure 3b the cover is transparent, while more details of the cover can be seen in Figure 3a the assembly comprises a strap housing having a dispensing end 22a and an opposite back end 22b. A bottom 23 forms a bottom panel comprising a flat bottom panel surface on which a pad 27 is located. A first pad end is fixed to a spool body 26 by a pair of knobs 27a. The device comprises a pair of parallel rails 24 and a spool mechanism 25 comprising a spool body 26 having a first spool body end and a second spool body end and a spool surface of cross-sectional circumference.

[0146] The spool mechanism comprises at each of its corresponding first and second ends a track engagement mechanism which engages the corresponding rail, the spool mechanism 25 comprises at each of its corresponding first and second ends a track engagement mechanism 25a which engages the corresponding rail 24. In Figure 3a and 3b only one of the track engagement mechanisms 25a can be seen.

[0147] The device comprises a drive mechanism for driving the spool body 26. The drive mechanism comprises a spring mechanism comprising a torsion spring between the spool body 26 and the shaft of the spool mechanism 25. The device comprises a loading portion for loading the torsion spring. The loading portion is arranged at the rear end of the housing, which at the rear end provides a cover 21 for the spool body 26 when the spool body is arranged in the loading portion. The loading portion comprises a toothed wheel and a rod 28 for rotating the toothed wheel. The spool body comprises ring teeth 29 arranged on the circumference of the spool flange 29 at the end of the spool body for engaging with the toothed wheel when the spool body is arranged in the loading portion.

[0148] Figure 4a and 4b A spool mechanism without pad is shown, wherein at Figure 4a and Figure 4b the first and second spool mechanism ends, respectively, are visible.

[0149] Each rail engagement mechanism 25a comprises a rail slider 25b which engages with the rail 24 for sliding along the rail 24.

[0150] The rail slider 25b comprises a catch comprising an upper flange 25c arranged in contact with the upper side of the rail 24 and a lower flange 25c arranged in contact with the lower side of the rail, thereby locking the rail engagement mechanism(s) to the rail and allowing sliding along the length of the rail(s). The catch advantageously is or comprises a slide.

[0151] In Figure 5a the cylindrical main portion of the spool body has been removed and the torsion spring 30 of the drive mechanism is visible. The drive mechanism can comprise two or more torsion springs. The first end of the helical torsion spring 31 is adapted for engaging with the spool body, e.g. directly or indirectly by being connected to a flange of the spool body.

[0152] Figure 6a A spool mechanism in combination with a pad 27 is shown. The first pad end is fixed to the spool body 26 by a pair of knobs 27a. Thereby, when the drive mechanism drives the spool body to rotate, the compressible bag arranged on the pad 27 will be caught between the spool body 26 and the pad 27 and the compressible bag will be compressed to dispense liquid from the compressible bag. At the second end of the pad 27, it comprises a stop mechanism in the form of a rigid rod 27b and a band 27c to unwind the pad after the final dispensing. The rigid rod 27b ensures that the second end of the pad 27 is not fully wound onto the spool body, wherein the slide 25b blocks the rigid rod 27b. After the final dispensing, the pad can simply be unwound from the spool body by tearing the band 27c.

[0153] Figure 7aThe inner side of a part of the reel mechanism is shown. The reel mechanism comprises a reel body, two torsion springs 43a, 43b and a shaft 44 having mounting holes 44a at each end thereof and shaft flanges. The reel body comprises a cylindrical main part 40, an engaging reel flange 41 and a toothed flange 42 for loading the torsion springs 43a, 43b. The shaft 44 is rigidly connected to shaft flanges 45 and 46 and indirectly rigidly connected to shaft flange 47. The shaft flange 45 is located at the end of the reel body, but the reel body is rotatable relative to the shaft flange 45. The shaft flange 45 is detachably rigidly connected to the shaft flange 47. The shaft flange 46 is an engaging shaft flange which together with the engaging reel flange 41 forms a rotational constraint which constrains the rotation of the reel body to a predetermined rotational speed.

[0154] The first end of each spring 43a, 43b is here engaged with the reel body by the engaging reel flange 41. The second end of each spring 43a, 43b is engaged with the shaft flange 47 which is rigidly connected to the shaft by the shaft flange 45. The rigid connection between the shaft flange 45 and the shaft flange 47 is detachable, so that the connection can be detached to adjust the relationship between the shaft and the reel body for the spring loading phase, i.e. to ensure that the fixing means on the reel body is in the desired position when the spring(s) is / are in the unloaded state. The detachable locking between the shaft flange 45 and the shaft flange 47 can be achieved by a mechanism of small balls or other suitable means.

[0155] In a variant of the reel mechanism shown in Figure 7b the reel mechanism comprises a single torsion spring 43a.

[0156] In a variant of the reel mechanism shown in Figure 8a and 8b the engaging shaft flange 46 and the engaging reel flange 41 forming the constraint are shown in more detail, wherein Figure 8a the engaging face of the engaging shaft flange 46 facing the engaging reel flange 41 is shown, Figure 8b the engaging face of the engaging reel flange 41 facing the engaging shaft flange 46 is shown.

[0157] As shown in Fig. 9, the engaging shaft flange 46 and the engaging reel flange 41 are engaged by their corresponding engaging faces to thereby form a rotational constraint constraining the rotation of the reel body to a predetermined rotational speed.

[0158] The engaging reel flange 41 comprises an annular channel 41a and the engaging shaft flange 46 comprises a flange 46a having an annular cross section engaging into the annular channel 41a of the engaging reel flange. As mentioned above, a lubricant can be arranged in the annular channel 41 to preferably fill most of the space in the channel 41a between the annular parts of the flanges 46a. Thereby a desired damping of the force transmitted from the spring mechanism to the reel body can be ensured.

[0159] Figure 9a and 9b Another view of the engagement shaft flange 46 and the engagement spool flange 41 is provided. Here it can be seen that the engagement shaft flange 46 has a square central hole which matches the shape of the shaft and thereby rigidly locks the engagement shaft flange 46 to the shaft. The engagement spool flange 41 has a circular central hole which ensures that the engagement spool flange 41 is not locked to the shaft.

[0160] Returning now to figure 7. Here it can be seen that the shaft has mounting holes 44a at each end for mounting the rail engagement mechanism, thereby preventing the shaft from rotating when the rail engagement mechanism is engaged with the rail.

[0161] Thereby in use, when the torsion springs 43a, 43b are released, the springs 43a, 43b will force the spool body to rotate relative to the shaft flange 47 (which at this stage is locked to the shaft by the shaft flange 45), and thereby the springs 43a, 43b will force the spool body to rotate relative to the shaft 44. Since the shaft 44 is constrained to rotate by the rail engagement mechanism, the spool mechanism will be forced to roll up and the pad will be wound onto the spool body, while fluid will be dispensed from the compressible bag located on the pad.

[0162] Figure 10 A schematic top view of the device 1 with a pad 57 and a portion of the turning rail 54 is shown. A compressible bag 56 is arranged on the pad, having a liquid for dispensing through a dispensing structure 56a, which is arranged to drip into a drip chamber 57. The drip chamber 57 is fixed to the device 1 by a retention mechanism 58. A tube 52 is provided to transport the liquid from the drip chamber 57 to the patient. A roller tube clamp 59 as described above is provided to adjust the rate of administration. The roller tube clamp can be fixed to the retention mechanism 58 by an adjustable strap 59a.

Claims

1. An assembly adapted for dispensing a fluid from a compressible bag, the assembly comprising a device and a flexible pad, the device comprising a housing having a dispensing end and an opposing back end, a floor having a planar floor surface, a pair of parallel rails, and a spool mechanism, the spool mechanism comprising a spool body having a first spool body end and a second spool body end and a spool surface having a cross-sectional circumference, the spool mechanism having a first spool mechanism end and a second spool mechanism end respectively engaged with a corresponding rail, wherein the rails are positioned to guide the spool mechanism to wind the spool mechanism from a back end position toward the dispensing end, the pad having a length extending between a first pad end and a second pad end, wherein the first pad end is mounted to the spool body, the pad being at least partially positioned on the planar floor between the rails when the spool is in the back end position, wherein the device comprises a drive mechanism engaged with the spool mechanism to drive the spool of the spool mechanism from the back end toward the dispensing end, wherein the floor surface has a coefficient of static friction (CoSF) of 0.4 or less as determined in accordance with ASTM D3702-94 (2019).

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second pad end is disposed closer to the dispensing end than the first pad end at least when the spool mechanism is in the back end position.

3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pad extends from its mounted position on the spool to a position at a distance of 5 cm or less from the dispensing end when fully unwound.

4. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the pad is at least 1.5 times the circumference of the spool.

5. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pad has a length up to the length of the spool body.

6. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pad is flexible and adapted to be wound onto the spool body.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pad has a top surface and an opposing bottom surface facing the floor surface when unwound from the spool body, wherein the bottom surface has a smaller roughness than the top surface.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the bottom surface has a coefficient of static friction (CoSF) of 0.3 or less as determined in accordance with ASTM D3702-94 (2019).

9. The assembly of claim 7 or 8, wherein the bottom surface is at least partially formed from a low-friction polymer comprising a fluoropolymer.

10. The assembly of claim 7 or 8, wherein the top surface is at least partially formed from a high-friction polymer comprising an elastomer, the high-friction polymer having a hardness value of Shore A hardness of 90 or less.

11. The assembly of claim 7 or 8, wherein the pad comprises two or more layers that are at least at the first pad end and the second pad end interfacing.

12. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pad is mounted to the spool body with a chemical and / or physical mount.

13. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mat is mounted to the spool body with mechanical mounting.

14. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the base plate comprises a rigid polymer selected from the group consisting of acrylic, polycarbonate, polyimide, PEEK (polyether ether ketone), acetal (polyoxymethylene), polyamide, or any combination thereof.

15. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the base plate comprises a fiber reinforced polymer reinforced by fibers selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, carbon fibers, basalt fibers, aramid fibers, or any combination comprising one or more of these.

16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the spool mechanism comprises rail engagement mechanisms engaged with corresponding rails at each of its corresponding first and second ends, wherein at least one of the rail engagement mechanisms comprises a rail slider engaged with a rail to slide along the rail.

17. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the spool mechanism comprises rail engagement mechanisms engaged with corresponding rails at each of its corresponding first and second ends, wherein at least one of the rail engagement mechanisms comprises a wheel adapted to run on or within a rail engaged therewith.

18. The assembly of claim 16 or 17, wherein the rail engagement mechanisms are engaged with corresponding rails to hold the spool body at a locked, pre-set, and / or selectable distance from the flat base plate surface as the spool mechanism travels from the rear end toward the dispensing end.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the pre-set and / or selectable distance to the flat base plate surface is greater than the thickness of a mat.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the thickness of the mat is 0.1 millimeters to 1 centimeter.

21. The assembly of claim 16 or 17, wherein the mat has a stop mechanism at its second mat end to prevent the second mat end of the mat from being wound onto the spool body.

22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the stop mechanism is adapted to be blocked by the rail engagement mechanism when the rail engagement mechanism reaches the second end of the mat, the stop mechanism comprising a rigid stop.

23. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the spool mechanism has a central axis lying in a central axis plane parallel to the flat base plate surface as the spool mechanism travels from the rear end toward the dispensing end.

24. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a spring mechanism and / or a motor.

25. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is adapted to drive the spool body in a clockwise direction when viewed from a side surface on the left side of the spool body from the dispensing end.

26. The assembly of claim 1 or 24, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a spring mechanism, wherein the spring mechanism comprises a single spring or a plurality of spring mechanisms.

27. The assembly of claim 1 or 25, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a spring mechanism, the spring mechanism being at least partially located within the spool body.

28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the spring mechanism comprises at least one helical torsion spring positioned within the spool body, the spool body forming a housing for the one or more helical torsion springs.

29. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the spool mechanism comprises a shaft, and wherein the spool body is configured to rotate about the shaft.

30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the spring mechanism is configured to drive rotation of the spool body about the shaft.

31. The assembly of claim 29 or 30, wherein at least one helical torsion spring is positioned between the spool body and the shaft.

32. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the shaft is rigidly connected to at least one shaft flange, and wherein a first end of the helical torsion spring is engaged with the spool body and a second end of the helical torsion spring is engaged with the shaft flange.

33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein the spool body comprises a cylindrical body portion and at least one spool flange that is perpendicular to the cylindrical body portion, and wherein the first end of the helical torsion spring is engaged with the spool flange or the cylindrical body portion.

34. The assembly of claim 33, wherein at least one of the shaft flanges is an engagement shaft flange, and at least one of the spool flanges is an engagement spool flange, wherein the engagement shaft flange is engaged with the engagement spool flange to control, divert, and / or constrain rotation of the spool body.

35. The assembly of claim 34, wherein the engagement shaft flange and the engagement spool flange are engaged by corresponding annular flanges, annular channels, and / or annular segments of flanges.

36. The assembly of claim 34 or 35, wherein the engagement shaft flange and the engagement spool flange form a rotational constraint that constrains rotation of the spool body to a predetermined rate of rotation.

37. The assembly of claim 34, wherein the engagement shaft flange and the engagement spool flange form a rotational constraint, wherein a first one of the engagement shaft flange and the engagement spool flange comprises an annular channel, and a second one of the engagement shaft flange and the engagement spool flange comprises an annular flange or an annular segment of a flange that engages into the annular channel of the first one of the engagement shaft flange and the engagement spool flange.

38. The assembly of claim 37, wherein the annular channel comprises a lubricant that fills a space within the channel between the annular flange or annular segment of a flange.

39. The assembly of claim 37 or 38, wherein the annular channel has a channel width, and wherein a width of at least one of the annular flange or annular segment of a flange that engages into the annular channel is 75% to 100% of the channel width.

40. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the spring mechanism comprises a loading mechanism for at least partially loading the spring mechanism, the loading mechanism arranged to at least partially load the spring mechanism by unwinding the pad from the spool body or by moving the spool mechanism in a direction from the dispensing end and toward the rear end.

41. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the spring mechanism comprises a loading portion for loading the spring mechanism, the loading portion arranged to engage the spool mechanism at a rear end position of the housing.

42. The assembly of claim 41, wherein the loading portion comprises a toothed wheel and a rod for rotating the toothed wheel, the spool body comprising ring teeth arranged to engage the toothed wheel when the spool body is positioned in the loading portion.

43. The assembly of claim 41 or 42, wherein the spool mechanism comprises a resilient lock for temporarily holding the spool body in the loading portion.

44. The assembly of claim 41 or 42, wherein the spool mechanism comprises a lever for releasing the spool body from the loading portion.

45. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a top portion that can be removed completely or partially to allow access to the pad.

46. The assembly of claim 41, wherein a rear section of the housing forms a shield for the spool mechanism when the spool mechanism is positioned in a rearmost position.

47. The assembly of claim 46, wherein the spool is positioned within the shield when engaged with the loading portion.

48. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a monitoring sensor and a display for monitoring and displaying at least one status of a compressible bag disposed on the pad, the status comprising a temperature of a liquid within the bag and / or at least one dispensing status selected from a dispensing rate, a dispensing status, or a remaining dispensing time.

49. The assembly of claim 48, wherein the device comprises an automatic adjustment mechanism for automatically or remotely controlling the initiation or cessation of dispensing of a liquid from a bag positioned on the pad.

50. The assembly of claim 49, wherein the monitoring sensor is integrated with or associated with the automatic adjustment mechanism.

51. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the device comprises a display for displaying a loading status of the spring mechanism.

52. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a temperature adjustment mechanism adapted to heat a liquid within a compressible bag positioned on the pad.

53. The assembly of claim 52, wherein the temperature adjustment mechanism comprises one or more heating elements incorporated into the pad, the bottom plate, and / or the top portion.

54. The assembly of claim 52 or 53, wherein the temperature adjustment mechanism comprises a heat blower arranged to heat an interior space of the housing to a selected temperature.

55. The assembly of claim 53, wherein the temperature regulating mechanism comprises at least one temperature sensor, advantageously associated with one or more of the heating elements to control one or more of the heating elements.

56. The assembly of claim 50 or 55, wherein one or more of the sensors are disposed within the floor, pad and / or one or more tracks.

57. A system adapted to dispense fluid from a compressible bag, the system comprising an assembly according to any of the preceding claims and a compressible bag having a trailing end and a dispensing end, the dispensing end comprising a dispensing port adapted to be connected to a tubing mechanism to feed liquid.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein the pad has a width at least as wide as a width of the compressible bag.

59. The system of claim 57 or 58, wherein the pad has a length at least as long as a spacing between the trailing end and the dispensing end of the compressible bag.

60. The system of claim 57, wherein a track engagement mechanism engages with a corresponding guide track to hold the spool at a predetermined and / or selectable spacing from the flat floor surface as the spool mechanism travels from the trailing end toward the dispensing end, wherein the predetermined and / or selectable spacing from the flat floor surface is 1 millimeter to 2.5 centimeters thicker than a combined thickness of the pad and the compressible bag in an empty state.

61. The system of claim 57, wherein the system further comprises a tubing mechanism for feeding liquid, wherein the tubing mechanism comprises a tube and a roller tube clamp for regulating flow through the tube, wherein the roller tube clamp comprises at least two regulating rollers.

62. The system of claim 61, wherein the at least two regulating rollers are disposed opposite one another to directly or indirectly clamp a tube between the rollers via a support flange.

63. The system of claim 61 or 62, wherein the tubing mechanism comprises a puncture and drip chamber connected between the dispensing port and the tube, the roller tube clamp being integrated with the drip chamber or located along the tube at a spacing of at most 0.5 meters from the drip chamber.

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