Squeezer

Abstract

To provide a squeezer that can securely and easily wrap around one end of a container at a preliminary stage of wrapping around the other end of the container toward an outlet, and can squeeze out a high-viscosity fluid in the container with relatively little force.SOLUTION: A squeezer 1 can squeeze out a high-viscosity fluid stored in a flexible container 10 from an outlet 12 on one end 11 side of the container 10, and comprises: a rod-shaped body 3 having an insertion slit through hole 2, in its length direction, through which the other end 13 of the container 10 can be inserted; and a gripping portion 4 provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body 3. The insertion slit through hole 2 has substantially parallel facing walls 21, 21 for performing guiding between openings 2a, 2b on both end sides so that the other end 13 of the container 10 can be inserted between the two walls 21, 21. A gap 21a between the two walls 21, 21 is provided at a predetermined width W which allows insertion of the other end 13 of the container 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wringing tool capable of squeezing a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container through an outlet at one end of the container. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Various squeezing tools capable of squeezing a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container through an outlet at one end of the container have been proposed and put into practice.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a squeezing tool that inserts the other end of a container into a slit opening in a shaft, and then rolls the container toward an outlet on one end, thereby squeezing a highly viscous fluid out of an outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,314 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the squeezing tool disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is only one slit around the shaft into which the other end of the container is inserted, so it is troublesome to position the other end of the container so that it can be inserted into the slit. Also, simply inserting the other end of the container through the slit into the space inside the shaft may cause the container to come off when it is rolled up toward the outlet, so a nail-shaped fixing member is inserted separately from one end of the shaft to secure the container, but this fixing operation is also troublesome. In other words, in the squeezing tool disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is uncertainty and trouble in the stage before the container is rolled up toward the outlet.

[0006] Furthermore, in the squeezer disclosed in Patent Document 1, a gripping portion to be grasped by hand is provided only on the other end of the shaft, but with only this, if the fluid contained in the container has a high viscosity, a considerable amount of force is required to roll the container towards the outlet.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a squeezer that can reliably and easily roll up the other end of the container before rolling it up towards the outlet at one end of the container, and that can squeeze out the highly viscous fluid inside the container with a relatively small force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention described in claim 1 is a squeezing tool capable of squeezing a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container from an outlet on one end side of the container, comprising a rod-shaped body having an insertion slit through hole in its length direction through which the other end of the container can be inserted, and gripping portions provided on both ends of the rod-shaped body, wherein the insertion slit through hole has opposing wall portions that are approximately parallel to each other for guiding the other end of the container between the openings on both ends, and the other end of the container is inserted between the two wall portions, and the gap between the two wall portions is set to a predetermined width to allow the other end of the container to be inserted.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1, the wall portions of the openings on both ends of the insertion slit through hole are both formed into a cross-sectional tapered shape that widens from the inside to the outside of the insertion slit through hole.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the inside of the divided portion of the rod-shaped body divided by the insertion slit through-hole has a hollow structure.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the inside of the divided portion of the rod-shaped body divided by the insertion slit through-hole has a solid structure.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2, both ends of the insertion slit through hole are formed to the base or near the base of the gripping portion provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the gripping portion has a cylindrical portion with a short width that is shorter in the width direction than in the radial direction, one side opening of the cylindrical portion is blocked by a disc portion and the other side opening is open, a rib is provided inside the cylindrical portion, and a plurality of approximately arc-shaped protrusions are provided around the cylindrical portion.

[0014] The invention as set forth in claim 7 is characterized in that in the invention as set forth in claim 1 or 2, the rod-shaped body has a cross-sectional shape formed into an ellipse.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 2, parallel surface portions are formed on both wall portions, tapered surface portions are formed extending outward from these parallel surface portions, and edge portions are formed between these parallel surface portions and tapered surface portions. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 1, a squeezer capable of squeezing a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container from an outlet on one end side of the container is provided with a rod-shaped body having an insertion slit through hole in its length direction into which the other end of the container can be inserted, and gripping parts provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body, the insertion slit through hole has substantially parallel opposing wall parts for guiding between the openings on both ends, the other end of the container is inserted between the two walls, and the gap between the two walls is provided with a predetermined width that allows the other end of the container to be inserted. As a result, when the other end of the container is inserted into the insertion slit through hole, both ends of the insertion slit through hole are open, so that it can be easily inserted and used from either of the openings on both ends. In addition, since the gap between the two walls is provided with a predetermined width that allows the other end of the container to be inserted, simply by inserting the other end of the container into the insertion slit through hole so that it passes through the openings on both ends, the other end of the container is not easily removed from the insertion slit through hole, so that it can be reliably and easily rolled up, and the container can be rolled up toward the outlet. Furthermore, since gripping portions are provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body, by grasping both gripping portions with both hands and operating it, it is possible to roll the container toward the outlet with a relatively small amount of force and squeeze out the highly viscous fluid inside the container.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 2, the wall portions of the openings on both ends of the insertion slit through hole are both tapered in cross section widening from the inside to the outside of the insertion slit through hole. As a result, when the other end of the container is inserted into the insertion slit through hole, the openings on both ends of the insertion slit through hole are both widened, so that the container can be more easily inserted and used from either of the openings on both ends.

[0018] According to the invention described in claim 3, the inside of the divided part of the rod-shaped body divided by the insertion slit through hole is made hollow. This allows the hollow structure to be constructed with less material, and therefore allows the product to be manufactured at a lower cost.

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 4, the inside of the divided part of the rod-shaped body divided by the insertion slit through-hole is made to be a solid structure. This makes it possible to simplify the mold for manufacturing by making the solid structure, for example, from plastic or metal.

[0020] According to the invention described in claim 5, both ends of the insertion slit through hole are formed to the base of the gripping portion provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body or to the vicinity thereof. This makes it possible to apply the insertion slit through hole to containers having other ends of various lengths within the length range.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 6, the grip part has a cylindrical part with a short width that is shorter in the width direction than in the radial direction, one opening of the cylindrical part is closed with a disk part and the other opening is open, a rib is provided inside the cylindrical part, and a plurality of approximately arc-shaped protrusions are provided around the cylindrical part. This allows the grip part to be made of less material, resulting in lower costs, and since the inside is reinforced with ribs, it can be made strong, and since a plurality of approximately arc-shaped protrusions are provided around the cylindrical part, it is easy to grip and less likely to slip when gripped by hand, and has good operability that allows it to be operated with less force.

[0022] According to the invention described in claim 7, the cross section of the rod-shaped body is formed into an elliptical shape. This ensures the strength of the rod-shaped body and prevents sink marks from occurring on both wall portions, resulting in flat surfaces. In addition, since both sides of the circle have small curves, the other end of the container can be reliably and easily rolled up, improving the squeezing ability of the highly viscous fluid in the container.

[0023] According to the invention described in claim 8, parallel surfaces are formed on both walls, tapered surfaces are formed extending outward from the parallel surfaces, and edge portions are formed between the parallel surfaces and the tapered surfaces. As a result, when the container is slid through the insertion slit through-hole, the edge portions are caught by the container, and the squeezing ability of the highly viscous fluid in the container can be further improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a wringing tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view showing the wringing tool, and (b) is an end view taken along line AA in (a). [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the schematic configuration of the gripping portion of the wringing tool of FIG. 1, in which (a) is a side view of the gripping portion of the wringing tool of FIG. 1 as seen from the left side, (b) is an end view taken along line BB in (a), (c) is an end view taken along line CC in (a), (d) is an end view taken along line DD in (a), (e) is an end view taken along line EE in (a), and (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along line NN in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the basic method of squeezing a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container out of an outlet using a squeezing tool of embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining the state in which the other end of the container is inserted into the insertion slit through-hole of the squeezing tool. [Figure 4] This figure is for explaining the basic method of squeezing a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container out of an outlet using the squeezing tool of embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is for explaining the state in which the rod-shaped body of the squeezing tool rolls the container towards the outlet, and the nutrient solution as a highly viscous fluid inside is collected on the outlet side of the container. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another method of squeezing a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container out of an outlet using the squeezing tool of embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining the state in which the other end of the container has been released from the state shown in FIG. 4 using this squeezing tool. [Figure 6] This figure is for explaining another method of squeezing a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container out of an outlet using the squeezing tool of embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is for explaining the state in which the container is further rolled up toward the outlet from the position shown in FIG. 5 with the rod-shaped body of this squeezing tool, and the nutritional supplement as a highly viscous fluid is squeezed out of the outlet. [Figure 7]This is a diagram for explaining another method of squeezing further a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container out of the outlet using the squeezing tool of embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining the state in which this squeezing tool is used to squeeze further out of the outlet when the amount of nutrient solution as a highly viscous fluid in the container becomes low. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a wringing tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view showing the wringing tool, and (b) is an end view taken along line A'-A' in (a). [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gripping portion of the wringing tool in FIG. 8, (a) is a side view of the gripping portion of the wringing tool in FIG. 8 from the left side, (b) is an end view taken along line B'-B' in (a), (c) is an end view taken along line C'-C' in (a), (d) is an end view taken along line D'-D' in (a), (e) is an end view taken along line E'-E' in (a), and (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along line N'-N' in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a wringing tool according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view showing the wringing tool, and (b) is an end view taken along the line A″-A″ in (a). [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the schematic configuration of the gripping portion of the wringing tool in FIG. 10, in which (a) is a side view of the gripping portion of the wringing tool in FIG. 10 from the left side, (b) is an end view taken along line B″-B″ in (a), (c) is an end view taken along line C″-C″ in (a), (d) is an end view taken along line D″-D″ in (a), and (e) is an end view taken along line E″-E″ in (a). [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a wringing tool according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view showing the wringing tool, and (b) is an end view taken along line A''-A'' of (a). [Figure 13]13 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the gripping portion of the wringing tool in FIG. 12, where (a) is a side view of the gripping portion of the wringing tool in FIG. 12 from the left side, (b) is an end view taken along line B′″-B′″ in (a), (c) is an end view taken along line C′″-C′″ in (a), (d) is an end view taken along line D′″-D′″ in (a), and (e) is an end view taken along line E′″-E′″ in (a). [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a wringing tool according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 17] 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. [Embodiment 1] 1 to 7 show a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a wringing tool in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a grip portion of the wringing tool of FIG.

[0027] 1 and 2, the wringing tool 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is molded as a single unit using the same material such as plastic, and is simple in design to prevent parts from falling off, etc. Note that the wringing tool 1 may also be manufactured using materials other than plastic, such as metal or wood.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, this wringing tool 1 is a wringing tool that can squeeze out nutrients or the like as a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container 10 from an outlet 12 on one end 11 side of the container 10.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the wringing tool 1 comprises a rod-shaped body 3 having an insertion slit through hole 2 in its longitudinal direction, into which the other end 13 of the container 10 can be inserted, and gripping portions 4 provided on both ends of the rod-shaped body 3.

[0030] The rod-shaped body 3 has an insertion slit through-hole 2 in its longitudinal direction into which the other end 13 of the container 10 can be inserted.

[0031] The insertion slit through-hole 2 has opposing walls 21, 21 that are substantially parallel to each other for guiding between an opening 2a on one end side and an opening 2b on the other end side, and the other end 13 of the container 10 is inserted between the two walls 21, 21. The gap 21a between the two walls 21, 21 is provided with a predetermined width W that allows the other end 13 of the container 10 to be inserted. The width W of the gap 21a between the two walls 21, 21 can be set in various ways depending on the container 10 used. For example, in the case of a container 10 for enteral nutritional supplements as shown in Figures 3 to 7, it is preferable to set the width W to approximately 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, which is greater than the thickness of the overlapping sides of the container 10, depending on the thickness of the sides of the container 10 (see also Figure 1(b)).

[0032] Furthermore, the wall portions 21, 21 of the openings 2a, 2b on both ends of the insertion slit through-hole 2 are both formed into a tapered shape in cross section that widens from the inside of the insertion slit through-hole 2 toward the outside.

[0033] The inside of each of the divided parts 3a, 3a of the rod-shaped body 3 divided by the insertion slit through-hole 2 has a hollow structure, each of which has a hollow part 31 having a crescent-shaped cross section, as shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0034] Both ends of the insertion slit through-hole 2 are formed up to the base of the gripping portion 4 provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body 3. Both ends of the insertion slit through-hole 2 may be formed up to the vicinity of the base of the gripping portion 4 provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body 3. The length L between both ends of the insertion slit through-hole 2 can be set in various ways depending on the container 10 used, but for example, in the case of a container 10 for enteral nutrients as shown in Figures 3 to 7, it is preferable to set it to about 100 mm to 220 mm (see also Figure 1(a)).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the gripping portion 4 has a cylindrical portion 41 which is short in width relative to its diameter, an outer opening on one side of the cylindrical portion 41 is blocked by a disk portion 42, an inner opening 43 on the other side is open, lattice-shaped ribs 44 are provided inside the cylindrical portion 41, and a plurality of approximately arc-shaped protrusions 45 are provided around the cylindrical portion 41.

[0036] Moreover, the inside of the protruding portion 45 is also hollow and open.

[0037] In addition, as shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b) and 2(f), in order to facilitate forming the inside of the divided parts 3a, 3a of the rod-shaped body 3 into a hollow structure, a pair of crescent-shaped holes 46, 46 that communicate with the hollow parts 31, 31 of this hollow structure are provided in the center of the holding part 4.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2(a), lines are drawn on the surface of the grip portion 4 so as to give the appearance of a sunflower pattern substantially similar to the appearance of the back side shown in FIG. 2(f).

[0039] Next, as an example, with reference to Figures 3 to 7, a method of using this squeezing tool 1 to squeeze an enteral nutritional supplement as a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container 10 from an outlet 12 connected to a tube 14 for sending the nutritional supplement to the stomach or the like will be described.

[0040] First, a basic method for squeezing out a nutrient as a highly viscous fluid using the squeezing tool 1 will be described.

[0041] First, the other end 13 of the container 10 is inserted into the insertion slit through-hole 2 of the wringer 1 as shown in FIG.

[0042] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the rod-shaped body 3 of the squeezer 1 is used to roll the container 10 toward the outlet 12 using the hand H1, and the nutrients as a high-viscosity fluid inside are collected on the outlet 12 side.

[0043] 4, the gripping parts 4 on both sides can be grasped with both hands H1, H1, and the container 10 can be further rolled up toward the outlet 12, and the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid can be squeezed out from the outlet 12. Also, a person with strength can grasp only the gripping part 4 on one side with one hand H1, and further roll the container 10 toward the outlet 12, and the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid can be squeezed out from the outlet 12.

[0044] Next, another method for squeezing out a nutrient as a highly viscous fluid using the squeezing tool 1 will be described.

[0045] From the state in which the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid inside the container 10 has gathered on the outlet 12 side of the container 10 in FIG. 4, the other end 13 of the container 10 is temporarily released as shown in FIG. 5, and the squeezer 1 is slid to the lower part of the area where the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid has gathered.

[0046] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the other end 13 of the container 10 is folded toward the one end 11 so that the nutrient, which is a high-viscosity fluid, does not easily flow back inside the container 10, and then the container 10 is rolled up toward the outlet 12 with the rod-shaped body 3 of the squeezer 1 using the hand H1.

[0047] 6, the gripping parts 4 on both sides can be grasped with both hands H1, H1, and the container 10 can be further rolled up toward the outlet 12, and the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid can be squeezed out from the outlet 12. Also, a person with strength can grasp only the gripping part 4 on one side with one hand H1, and further roll the container 10 toward the outlet 12, and the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid can be squeezed out from the outlet 12.

[0048] Next, still another method for squeezing out a nutrient as a highly viscous fluid using the squeezing tool 1 will be described.

[0049] When the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid has gathered on the outlet 12 side of the container 10 in Fig. 4, as shown in Fig. 7, the container 10 is placed on a base F1 such as a tissue box, and the grip 4 is grasped with one hand H1 or both hands H1, H1, and the container 10 is further rolled toward the outlet 12, the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid can be easily squeezed out from the outlet 12 even when the remaining amount of the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid is small. The base F1 is not limited to a tissue box, and pillows or stacked towels may be used. In addition, when there is no base F1, the container 10 is supported with one hand H1, and one grip 4 is grasped with the other hand H1, and the container 10 is further rolled toward the outlet 12, and the remaining amount of the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid can be squeezed out considerably even when the remaining amount of the nutrient as a high-viscosity fluid is small.

[0050] According to the wringing tool 1 according to the embodiment 1 of the present invention described above, the wringing tool is capable of wringing out a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container 10 from an outlet 12 at one end 11 of the container 10, and includes a rod-shaped body 3 having an insertion slit through hole 2 in its length direction into which the other end 13 of the container 10 can be inserted, and gripping parts 4 provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body 3, the insertion slit through hole 2 has substantially parallel opposing walls 21, 21 for guiding between the openings 2a, 2b at both ends, the other end 13 of the container 10 is inserted between the both walls 21, 21, and the gap 21a between the both walls 21, 21 is provided with a predetermined width that allows the other end 13 of the container 10 to be inserted. As a result, when the other end 13 of the container 10 is inserted into the insertion slit through hole 2, both ends of the insertion slit through hole 2 are open, so that it can be easily inserted and used from either of the openings 2a, 2b at both ends. Furthermore, the gap 21a between the two walls 21, 21 is provided with a predetermined width W that allows the other end 13 of the container 10 to be inserted, so that simply inserting the other end 13 of the container 10 into the insertion slit through-hole 2 through the openings 2a, 2b on both ends makes it difficult for the other end 13 of the container 10 to come out of the insertion slit through-hole 2, so that the container 10 can be reliably and easily rolled up, and the container 10 can be rolled up toward the outlet 12. Furthermore, since the gripping parts 4 are provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body 3, by gripping and operating both gripping parts 4 with both hands H1, the container 10 can be rolled up toward the outlet 12 with a relatively small force, and the highly viscous fluid in the container 10 can be squeezed out.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the wringing tool 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the wall portions 21, 21 of the openings 2a, 2b on both ends of the insertion slit through hole 2 are both formed into a tapered cross-sectional shape that widens from the inside to the outside of the insertion slit through hole 2. As a result, when the other end 13 of the container 10 is inserted into the insertion slit through hole 2, the openings 2a, 2b on both ends of the insertion slit through hole 2 are both widened, so that it is easier to insert and use the container 10 from either of the openings 2a, 2b on both ends.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the wringing tool 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the divided parts 3a, 3a of the rod-shaped body 3 divided by the insertion slit through-hole 2 have a hollow structure inside. This allows the hollow structure to be constructed using less material, and therefore allows the product to be manufactured at a lower cost.

[0053] Moreover, according to the wringing tool 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, both ends of the insertion slit through-hole 2 are formed to the bases of the gripping parts 4 provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body 3. As a result, within the range of the length L of this insertion slit through-hole 2, it can be applied to containers 10 having other ends 13 of various lengths.

[0054] Moreover, according to the wringing tool 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the gripping portion 4 has a cylindrical portion 41 with a short width that is shorter in the width direction than in the radial direction, one side opening of the cylindrical portion 41 is closed by a disk portion 42, the other side opening 43 is open, a rib 44 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 41, and a plurality of substantially arc-shaped protrusions 45 are provided around the cylindrical portion 41. This allows the gripping portion 4 to be made of less material, resulting in lower costs, and since the inside is reinforced by the rib 44, it can also be made strong, and since a plurality of substantially arc-shaped protrusions 45 are provided around the cylindrical portion 41, it is easy to grip when grasped with the hand H1, does not easily slip, and has good operability that allows it to be operated with less force.

[0055] Furthermore, with wringing tool 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, the front and back of gripping portion 4 have a sunflower pattern, which provides an aesthetic appearance. [Embodiment 2] Next, the wringing tool 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the wringing tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gripping portion of the wringing tool in Fig. 8. The difference from the wringing tool 1 according to the first embodiment described above is mainly in the internal structure of rod-shaped body 3, and this point will be mainly described, with the same components being given the same reference numerals and description thereof being omitted.

[0056] The wringing tool 1 of the second embodiment differs from the wringing tool 1 of the first embodiment in that the divided parts 3a, 3a of the rod-shaped body 3 divided by the insertion slit through-hole 2 have a solid structure inside, as shown in Fig. 8(b). In addition, the pair of crescent-shaped holes 46, 46 is not provided in the gripping part 4.

[0057] In the squeezing tool 1 of this embodiment 2, unlike the squeezing tool 1 of embodiment 1, the inside of the divided parts 3a, 3a of the rod-shaped body 3 is made of a solid structure, so that if it is made of, for example, plastic or metal, the mold for manufacturing can be made simpler. [Embodiment 3] Next, wringing tool 1 according to embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the wringing tool according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, and Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gripping portion of the wringing tool in Fig. 10. The difference from wringing tool 1 according to embodiment 1 described above is mainly in the orientation of open opening 43 of gripping portion 4, and this point will be mainly described, and the same components will be given the same reference numerals and description will be omitted.

[0058] The wringing tool 1 of this embodiment 3 differs from the wringing tool 1 of embodiment 1 in that the opening 43 on the front surface side is open, as shown in Fig. 11. Also, in order to make it easier to form the inside of the divided parts 3a, 3a of the rod-shaped body 3 into a hollow structure, a circular hole 47 that communicates with the hollow part of this hollow structure is provided in the center of the gripping part 4, rather than a pair of crescent-shaped holes 46, 46.

[0059] It should be noted that wringing tool 1 according to the third embodiment only differs slightly in appearance, but provides substantially the same effects as wringing tool 1 according to the first embodiment. [Embodiment 4] Next, wringing tool 1 according to embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the wringing tool according to embodiment 4 of the present invention, and Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gripping portion of the wringing tool in Fig. 12. The difference from wringing tool 1 according to embodiment 2 described above is mainly in the orientation of open opening 43 of gripping portion 4, and this point will be mainly described, with the same components being given the same reference numerals and description thereof omitted.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 13, the wringing tool 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from the wringing tool 1 of the second embodiment in that an opening 43 on the front surface side is open.

[0061] It should be noted that wringing tool 1 according to the fourth embodiment only differs slightly in appearance, but provides substantially the same effects as wringing tool 1 according to the second embodiment. [Embodiment 5] Next, a wringing tool 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 18. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the wringing tool according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a plan view of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a side view of Fig. 14. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in Fig. 15. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in Fig. 15.

[0062] The differences from the squeezing tool 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 4 are mainly in the external cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped body 3, the configuration in which an edge portion is provided between the parallel surface portion and the tapered surface portion of both walls, the configuration in which the base of the gripping portion 4 of the rod-shaped body 3 is rounded, the configuration in which round portions are formed on the outer corners of the gripping portion 4, and the configuration in which the height of the rib 44 is reduced and gradually becomes thinner towards the tip, and these points will be mainly described, and the same configurations will be given the same symbols and descriptions will be omitted.

[0063] In the wringing tool 1 of this embodiment 5, as shown in Fig. 14, the entirety is integrally molded from the same material, such as plastic. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, this wringing tool 1 includes a rod-shaped body 3 having an insertion slit through-hole 2 in its length direction into which the other end 13 of a container 10 can be inserted, and gripping parts 4 provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body 3. Note that near both ends of the rod-shaped body 3, injection parts into which plastic is injected during injection molding are provided.

[0064] In the wringing tool 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the rod-shaped body 3 has an elliptical cross-sectional shape as a whole outer shape, as shown in Fig. 18. In this case, the rod-shaped body 3 may not have a precise elliptical shape, but may have a substantially elliptical shape with a slight variation in shape. Also, the divided parts 3a, 3a of the rod-shaped body 3 each have a solid structure and are formed to have a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape.

[0065] The insertion slit through-hole 2 has opposing walls 21, 21 that are generally parallel to each other for guiding between an opening 2a on one end side and an opening 2b on the other end side, and both walls 21, 21 are each formed into a flat parallel surface portion 22. In the wringer 1 according to this embodiment 5, the width W of the gap 21a between both walls 21, 21 is set to, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.8 mm.

[0066] The wall portions 21, 21 of the openings 2a, 2b on both ends of the insertion slit through-hole 2 are each formed with a tapered surface portion 23 that widens outward from the parallel surface portion 22. In the wringing tool 1 according to this embodiment 5, an edge portion 24 is formed between each of the parallel surface portion 22 and the tapered surface portion 23. These edge portions 24 have a predetermined angle.

[0067] As shown in Figs. 15 and 17, both ends of the rod-shaped body 3 are provided with a rounded portion 3b that gradually expands in diameter toward the base of the gripping portion 4. Here, by providing the rounded portion 3b at the base of the gripping portion 4, it is possible to alleviate stress concentration caused by a sudden change in the cross-sectional shape. These rounded portions 3b are formed so that they expand in diameter in the circumferential direction in an arc-shaped cross section, but this shape is not limited, and they may be formed as triangular portions that expand in diameter in a triangular cross section in the circumferential direction. In addition, both ends of the insertion slit through hole 2 are formed up to the rounded portions 3b provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body 3.

[0068] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the gripping portion 4 has a cylindrical portion 41 which is short in width relative to its diameter, an outer opening on one side of the cylindrical portion 41 is blocked by a disc portion 42, an inner opening 43 on the other side is open, lattice-shaped ribs 44 are provided inside the cylindrical portion 41, and a plurality of approximately arc-shaped protrusions 45 are provided around the cylindrical portion 41.

[0069] In the wringing tool 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the height of the lattice-like ribs 44 is set to approximately half the height of the cylindrical portion 41 as shown in Fig. 17, and is formed so as to become gradually thinner toward the tip. In addition, the protruding portion 45 is formed with a radiused portion 45a on the cylindrical portion 41 side and the opening 43 side so that the corners are not sharp.

[0070] According to the squeezing tool 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention described above, the cross-sectional shape of the entire outer shape of the rod-shaped body 3 is formed into an ellipse. This ensures the strength of the rod-shaped body 3 and prevents sink marks (a phenomenon in which the surface of a molded product is dented) from occurring on both wall portions 21, 21.

[0071] In addition, by forming the cross-sectional shape of the entire outer shape of the rod-shaped body 3 into an ellipse, both sides of the ellipse have small curved surfaces, making it possible to reliably and easily roll up the other end 13 of the container 10, thereby improving the squeezing ability of the highly viscous fluid inside the container 10.

[0072] Moreover, according to the wringing tool 1 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, parallel surface portions 22, 22 are formed on both wall portions 21, 21, tapered surface portions 23, 23 that spread outward from these parallel surface portions 22, 22, and edge portions 24, 24 are formed between these parallel surface portions 22, 22 and tapered surface portions 23, 23. As a result, when the container 10 is slid through the insertion slit through-hole 2, the edge portions 24, 24 catch on the container 10, and the wringing ability of the highly viscous fluid in the container 10 can be further improved.

[0073] Furthermore, in the wringing tool 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, both ends of the rod-shaped body 3 are provided with rounded portions 3b that gradually expand in diameter toward the base of the gripping portion 4. This reduces the stress concentration between the gripping portion 4 and the rod-shaped body 3, and significantly increases the torsional strength. As a result, the reliability of the wringing tool 1 as a whole can be improved.

[0074] According to the squeezing tool 1 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the lattice-shaped ribs 44 are set to a height that is approximately half the width of the cylindrical portion 41, and are formed so as to become gradually thinner toward the tip. This allows the rod-shaped body 3 to be easily removed from the mold. As a result, it is possible to suppress the load and whitening on the base of the rod-shaped body 3.

[0075] Furthermore, in the wringing tool 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the protruding portion 45 has rounded portions 45a formed on both the cylindrical portion 41 side and the opening 43 side. This makes it possible to significantly improve the operability when rolling up the container 10 towards the outlet 12.

[0076] The embodiment described above is an example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In other words, the specific configuration and specific procedure of the above embodiment can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0077] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the highly viscous fluid in container 10 is an enteral nutritional supplement as an example, but this is not limited to this and may be a jelly for drinking to be taken orally, or various other things.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the wringer 1 is configured as a single integrated part, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the wringer may be implemented by assembling a plurality of parts.

[0079] Furthermore, in this case, parts made of a plurality of materials may be assembled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 squeeze tool 2 Insertion slit through hole 2a Opening of insertion slit through hole 2b Opening of insertion slit through hole 21 Wall 21a Gap 22 Parallel surface section 23 Tapered surface 24 Edge section 3 Rod-shaped body 3a: Part of rod-shaped body 3b R-shaped portion of rod-shaped body 31 Hollow part 4 Grip part 41 Cylindrical part 42 Disc section 43 Aperture 44 Ribs 45 Protrusion 45a Arc section 46 holes 47 holes 10 containers 11 One end of the container 12 Container outlet 13 Other end of container 14 Tube H1 hand F1 Foundation

Claims

1. A squeezing tool capable of squeezing a highly viscous fluid contained in a flexible container from an outlet on one end side of the container, a rod-shaped body having an insertion slit through-hole in its length direction into which the other end of the container can be inserted; and gripping portions provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body, The insertion slit through hole has approximately parallel opposing wall portions for guiding the other end of the container between the openings on both ends, and the other end of the container is inserted between the two wall portions, and the gap between the two wall portions is set to a predetermined width to allow the other end of the container to be inserted.

2. The squeeze tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall portions of the openings on both ends of the insertion slit through hole each have a cross-sectional tapered shape that widens from the inside to the outside of the insertion slit through hole.

3. 3. The wringing tool according to claim 1, wherein the inside of the divided portion of the rod-shaped body divided by the insertion slit through-hole is a hollow structure.

4. 3. The wringing tool according to claim 1, wherein the inside of the divided portion of the rod-shaped body divided by the insertion slit through-hole is a solid structure.

5. 3. The wringing tool according to claim 1, wherein both ends of the insertion slit through-hole are formed to extend to or near the bases of the gripping portions provided at both ends of the rod-shaped body.

6. The squeezer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gripping portion has a cylindrical portion having a short width that is shorter in the width direction than in the radial direction, one side opening of the cylindrical portion is blocked by a disc portion and the other side opening is open, a rib is provided inside the cylindrical portion, and a plurality of approximately arc-shaped protrusions are provided around the cylindrical portion.

7. 3. The wringing tool according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped body has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially elliptical.

8. The wringing tool according to claim 2, characterized in that parallel surface portions are formed on both wall portions, tapered surface portions are formed extending outward from the parallel surface portions, and edge portions are formed between the parallel surface portions and the tapered surface portions.

Images