JP2014510677A - Automatic message sending device and method for beverage containers - Google Patents

Abstract

An audible and / or visible signal or message is generated from a device when a container having a lid opening mechanism is opened.
An activation trigger is coupled to the container to determine that the container has been opened. An integrated circuit is mounted on or in the container or lid opening mechanism and is connected to the activation trigger to determine the sealed state of the container and be audible and / or visible when it is determined that the container has been opened. Send a signal or message. An output device is coupled to the integrated circuit and outputs signals relating to the status of container use, the last opening of the container and / or the scheduled next opening of the container.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting opening and closing of a container, and more particularly to a container having a signal device that issues a message when the container is opened or closed.

  This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61437539, filed on Jan. 28, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference and claims priority under Section 119 of the United States Patent Act. Has been.

  A number of audible signal generators have been used for many years for beverage devices and pharmaceutical containers, including pill bottles, glass bottles, aluminum cans, tin cans and paper cups. In general, these devices are intended to detect when the container is moved in order to activate the reproduction of the audible signal. Methods for activating these devices include optical sensors, straw suction, and container pressure sensors. Other additional activation methods include, for example, breaking the sealed portion of the aluminum can when the can tab is opened or when the internal pressure of the can is released. The electronic circuit part for generating the audible signal can be provided inside or outside the beverage container. Examples thereof are U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,575,383, 5,130,696, 7,888,898, 6,992,586, 6,557,728, No. 7,269,476 and US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0281657.

US Pat. No. 5,575,383 US Pat. No. 5,130,696 US Patent No. 7,888,898 US Pat. No. 6,992,586 US Pat. No. 6,557,728 U.S. Patent No. 7,269,476 US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0281657

  When a container having a lid opening mechanism is opened, an audible and / or visible signal or message is generated from the device.

  Embodiments of the invention detailed herein include a method and apparatus for using an existing beverage container, particularly a metal beverage can, as a means of advertising with an acoustic sample when the can is activated. However, the scope of this invention is not limited to metal beverage cans, but in addition it is used in particular for all types of food, health and beauty, home and industry now known or devised. It is to be understood exactly that it contains containers. In addition, the present invention provides not only metal pull tabs, but also plastic pull tabs, metal / plastic twist-offs, metal / plastic pop tops, and any other release or lid opening device now known or devised. Also included.

  Embodiments of the invention detailed herein include an apparatus for playing an audio file when the container is opened. The apparatus includes a stacked electronic circuit assembly and a device actuation trigger coupled to the container pull tab and the stacked electronic circuit assembly, the device activation trigger comprising means for detecting that the container seal has been opened. Yes.

  The device activation trigger is a resistance switch comprising an operation switch disposed on the extended tab rivet across the laminated assembly and a conductive path starting from the laminated assembly and ending at the laminated assembly to form a loop through the operational switch.

  The device actuation trigger is a mechanical switch, a magnetic switch and / or an inductive switch.

  The laminated assembly includes a speaker, a substrate, a battery, and an integrated chip on board assembly.

  Embodiments of the invention detailed herein include a device that emits an audible signal or message when a container is opened, which is an activation trigger that is attached to the container and determines that the container has been opened. An electrical trigger that is characterized by electrical parameters that depend on the sealed state of the container and an electrical trigger that is mounted on the container and connected to the operational trigger to determine the sealed state of the container and the container is opened. An integrated circuit that emits an audible signal or message when it is determined that the connection has been confirmed, a speaker attached to the integrated circuit, and a battery attached to the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit, the speaker and the battery Are combined and connected to a container and a layered laminated assembly connected to a lid opening mechanism provided in or on the container It is formed.

  The laminated assembly is integrated into a lid opening mechanism provided in or on the container.

  The laminate assembly includes a lid opening mechanism provided in or on the container.

  The laminated assembly further comprises an acoustic resonant cavity.

  In another embodiment, audio data content programming can be achieved by wireless transmission methods. In this example embodiment, an additional wireless transceiver is included in the chip on board (COB) component. The wireless transceiver receives data from a programming terminal for storing audio data in a non-volatile storage element of the device.

  More specifically, the embodiments of the invention detailed herein comprise a device that emits an audible and / or visible signal or message when a container having a lid opening mechanism is opened. An activation trigger is connected to the container to determine that the container has been opened, and the activation trigger is characterized by an electrical parameter that depends on the sealing condition of the container. Once the integrated circuit is mounted on or in the container or lid opening mechanism and connected to the activation trigger, the electrical parameters are measured to determine the sealing state of the container and it is determined that the container has been opened Emits audible and / or visible signals or messages. An acoustic transducer is coupled to the integrated circuit. A battery is connected to the integrated circuit, and the integrated circuit, the acoustic transducer and the battery are combined and connected to a container and connected to a lid opening mechanism provided in or on the container. Forming an assembly.

  The laminated assembly is integrated into a lid opening mechanism provided in or on the container. The stack assembly includes a lid opening mechanism provided in or on the container. The container lid opening mechanism has a closure with a separable seam. The laminated assembly is contained on or in the closure and has a conductive path through or across the seam, which laminate assembly operates by opening the closure and separating the seam. The laminated assembly is placed on or in the resealable closure of the container, and a circuit path that can be interrupted through the closure is defined.

  The apparatus of the present invention further comprises a clock that measures or records the time that has elapsed since the last loss of continuity of the container, and the assembly measures the time that has elapsed since the container was last capped. Audibly inform.

  The apparatus of the present invention can be used in combination with multiple stacked assemblies for forming a peer-to-peer network or for a local computer network, and further comprises an RF communication module included in the stacked assembly; The module wirelessly communicates information about the container and / or lid opening mechanism and its opening and closing to another assembly in a plurality of stacked assemblies for forming a peer-to-peer network or local computer network.

  The laminated assembly is provided with independent on-board or intercommunication intelligence from other sources and interacts with the user according to the use of the container sensed by the laminated assembly.

  The container comprises a dispenser of contents and can not only detect opening and closing of the container, but can also dispense the contents.

  Embodiments detailed herein are also characterized as devices that emit audible and / or visible signals or messages when a container having a lid opening mechanism is opened. An activation trigger is connected to the container to establish that the container has been opened. When the integrated circuit is mounted on or in the container or lid opening mechanism and is connected to the actuation trigger to determine the sealing state of the container and it is determined that the container has been opened, and / or Or emit a visible signal or message. An output device is coupled to the integrated circuit for outputting signals regarding the use status of the container, the last opening of the container and / or the scheduled next opening of the container.

  In one embodiment, the activation trigger is a membrane switch, and when the lid opening mechanism is a container cap, the membrane switch is disposed between the cap and the container and is activated by closing or opening the container with the cap. .

  These embodiments may further comprise an adapter ring. In this case, the cap is of a standardized design and the adapter ring connects the cap to the container and the container is one of a number of possible designs for sealing it. The adapter ring adapts the standardized cap to one predetermined design of the container.

  These embodiments may further comprise a data connector included in or on the lid opening mechanism and coupled to the integrated circuit.

These embodiments may further comprise a wireless transceiver included in or on the lid opening mechanism and coupled to the integrated circuit.

  These embodiments may further comprise a battery and an inductive charging circuit coupled to the battery, which are included in or on the lid opening mechanism and are coupled to the integrated circuit.

  These embodiments further include a bouncing removal circuit for reliably detecting the opening and closing of the lid opening mechanism by delaying the trigger operation for a predetermined period after the opening and closing of the lid opening mechanism is first detected. , May be connected to the integrated circuit.

  These embodiments may further comprise a replaceable overlay placed on the standardized cap, which allows the user to identify what the container is. A symbol, word or picture (graphic) can be selectively provided.

  These embodiments may further comprise a security device coupled to the lid opening mechanism that selectively locks and unlocks the lid opening mechanism based on the presentation of a security key to the user security device. be able to.

  Embodiments of the invention detailed herein can further be characterized as a method of managing the use of a drug or agent, the method comprising a capping mechanism for selectively capping and capping a container. Or providing a container for containing or dispensing a drug, detecting a use state of the container including opening and closing of the container by a lid opening mechanism or a sensor included on or in the container, and the detected container Communicating the use status of the sensor from the sensor to the lid opening mechanism or an integrated circuit contained on or in the container, and depending on the sensed use status of the container and for the intended use of the drug or agent And automatically outputting a message to the user by means of a lid opening mechanism or an integrated circuit and output device included on or in the container. It is possible.

  The method of the present invention further includes the step of communicating with the computer or data source separate from the lid opening mechanism and the container with the integrated circuit to determine a message communicated to the user by the integrated circuit and the output device. Also good.

  The apparatus and method of the present invention have been and will be described with a functional description for grammatical fluency, although the scope of the claims is further set forth in 35 USC 112. Unless otherwise specified, the limited interpretation of "means" or "step" should not necessarily be construed as necessarily limited, the meaning of the definition provided by the claims and the full scope of equivalence are legal. Should be given under the above doctrine of equivalence, and if the claims are explicitly defined under 35 USC 112, all statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112 Just understand that things should be given. The present invention can now be better envisioned by moving to the following drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals.

  It is informed that the container has been opened or is available for information.

1 is a block diagram of a circuit of an embodiment detailed herein showing an integrated circuit board coupled to a permanent magnet speaker. FIG. It is a typical top view of the pop top can in which the embodiment explained in detail here is developed. It is an expanded side view of the integrated package of the embodiment detailed here. FIG. 3 is a side view of a screw cap container having a breakable seam, utilizing the breakage of the seam to operate the assembly of the embodiment detailed herein. Use of the container for opening the container, closing the container or dispensing the contents, the assembly being incorporated in or on the resealable closure and provided with or in communication with an intelligence source 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of the present invention for detecting, recording and managing FIG. 5 is a diagram of a pill container cap with an integrated or connected visual display. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a pill container cap with a membrane switch and adapter ring incorporated or connected thereto. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a pill container cap with an incorporated or connected data port. 1 is a diagram of a pill container cap with a wireless communication system incorporated or coupled thereto. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a pill container cap in communication with or coupled to an inductive charging device. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a pill container cap with an acoustic resonator incorporated or coupled thereto. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a pill container cap with an overhang incorporated or connected thereto. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a pill container cap with an incorporated or connected security device.

  A better understanding of the invention and its various embodiments will now be gained by moving to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment presented as a detailed example of the invention as defined in the claims. I can do it. It is stated that the invention, as defined by the claims, is understood to be broader than the detailed embodiments described below.

  The beverage can with advertisement of the embodiment described in detail here of the present invention requires several basic functions to be performed, among which the first function to be performed is generally designated by reference numeral 10 in FIG. A device activation trigger used to determine that a can that has been opened. Although beverage cans are illustrated, any type or type of container for any type of merchandise having any type of lid opening seal or lid opening mechanism employs the detailed embodiment of the present invention. be able to. In one embodiment, the can 10 includes a laminated assembly 12 coupled to the pull tab 16 of the can 10. The pull tab 16 is connected to the can 10 by a tab rivet 20, which is surrounded by an extended rivet tab 22. A single use switch 32 is connected between the laminated assembly 12 and the extended rivet tab 22. The actuation switch 32 is comprised of two halves, an assembly half 26 and a can half 28. The assembly half 26 is permanently connected to the laminated assembly 12 and the can half 28 is permanently connected to the extended rivet tab 22 by soldering or conductive epoxy. The assembly half 26 and the can half 28 are temporarily connected to each other by a perforated tab tear seam 24. A conductive path 30 made of lightweight wire couples the laminated assembly 12 to the actuation switch 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the conductive path 30 forms a loop that extends from the laminated assembly 12 through the center of the perforated tab tear seam 24, Through 28 and then back to the laminate assembly 12. Laminate assembly 12, conductive path 30, actuating switch 32 and extended rivet tab 22 together form a resistive switch, as is known in the art. In short, a resistive switch uses current to detect whether there is a continuous electrical path between two points. The cost of manufacturing a resistive switch is negligible because it can be implemented in a standard integrated circuit manufacturing process, as is known in the art. Resistive switches are well-suited to form an active circuit that means that power is continuously discharged to determine whether it is open or closed. Since the can 10 is made of a conductive metal (aluminum), in one embodiment, the structure of the can 10 itself can be used as a means for providing switch wiring or a means for replacing the conductive path 30.

  As depicted in FIG. 2, the laminate assembly 12 provides a low current through the activation switch 32 if the conductive path 30 is not broken. When pull tab 16 is pulled out of can 10, actuating switch 32 tears along perforated tab tear seam 24 and actuating switch 32 is disconnected, extending assembly half 26 and can half 28 to laminate assembly 12 respectively. It remains connected to the rivet tab 22. When the activation switch 32 is torn, the electrical flow through the conductive path 30 is interrupted and an open circuit is formed and sensed by the laminated assembly 12 as discussed below. This open circuit can then be used as a device activation trigger.

  In another embodiment, the device actuation trigger may be a plurality of magnetic switches. The magnetic switch uses the proximity of the magnetic field to determine whether the switch is open or closed. In this embodiment, iron addition members are connected or incorporated into multiple portions of the lid of the can 10 to make the material ferrous. In addition, a permanent magnet is coupled to the pull tab 16. In this embodiment, the conductive path 30 passes from the laminated assembly 12 through a permanent magnet disposed on the pull tab 16 and then through at least one iron addition member or auxiliary magnet disposed in the lid of the can 10. Return to the laminated assembly. Alternatively, the pull tab 16 itself may be composed of a permanent magnet. When the pull tab 16 is pulled up from the can 10, the permanent magnet is pulled away from the auxiliary magnet and the connection of these two magnets is separated. When contact between these two magnets is lost, the current flowing through the conductive path 30 stops and signals to the laminated assembly 12 that the can 10 is open.

  In yet another embodiment, a mechanical switch can be used as a device actuation trigger. The mechanical switch is passive and uses the physical movement of the object to connect the power source and the audio playback device. This switch is ideal in terms of not using any power until the switch is closed and the power source and audio playback device are mechanically connected. For example, when the pull tab 16 is pulled away from the can 10, a mechanical switch connected to the pull tab 16 and slidably connected within the laminated assembly 12 moves. When this mechanical switch is moved away enough, a circuit is formed between the power source and the audio playback device to listen to audible messages. The mechanical switch is held in the closed position until the audible signal emitted from the audio playback device is completely played back to the user.

  In yet another embodiment, the device activation trigger is an inductive switch that detects the proximity of the device in a manner similar to traditional metal detection devices. An inductive switch establishes the presence of a metal object by emitting an electromagnetic field and sensing a change in the electromagnetic field. This type of device requires continuous power consumption in order to generate an electromagnetic field. In this embodiment, the pull tab 16 comprises a primary inductive element, the can lid comprises a secondary inductive element, the secondary inductive element being closed by the seal 18 of the can 10. Sometimes it is placed directly under the primary side element. The laminated assembly 12 is independently coupled to both the primary and secondary inductive elements. When the pull tab 16 is pulled away from the can 10, the primary inductive element is pulled away from the secondary inductive element, and the magnetic field located between the elements changes. In response to this change in the magnetic field, the current flowing in the conductive path 30 changes and sends a signal to the laminate assembly 12 that the seal 18 of the can 10 is currently open.

  Turning now to FIG. 3, a plurality of parts making up the laminated assembly 12 can be seen. The laminated assembly 12 preferably comprises a piezoelectric speaker or resonator 14, a substrate 34, a battery 36, and a chip on board (COB) assembly or audible sound source electronics 38. These components of the laminated assembly 12 are laminated together into a single unit that is sufficiently rigid and robust to be used as a functional part of the pull tab 16. In other words, the laminated assembly 12 may be pulled away from the can 10 in addition to the pull tab 16 to open the seal 18. All of these parts of the laminated assembly 12 provide a thin, easy-to-open alternative to the pull tab 16 because of its low height.

  The speaker 14 of the laminated assembly 12 is preferably a piezoelectric speaker or a piezoelectric resonator, which emits sound by vibrating a thin insulating material such as quartz using an electric field. These devices are extremely thin and low in cost because of their simple structure. Alternatively, a wound speaker may be used. Wire wound speakers are well known in the art and are used in most speaker applications. In short, a wound speaker uses a small magnet and coil winding to move the sounding membrane. The cost of a wound speaker depends on the need for a magnet and a significant amount of copper to drive the speaker membrane. The thickness of the speaker 14 can be adjusted by changing the amount of coil winding used.

  The speaker 14 of the laminated assembly 12 is disposed on a substrate 34 made of plastic, metal, glass fiber or a combination thereof. The substrate 34 has a cavity or a hollow space at the center thereof, and resonates an audible signal emitted from the speaker 14 to perform effective audio reproduction.

  The battery 36 stores a necessary charge required to drive the speaker 14 during audio reproduction. The battery 36 preferably has only enough storage to drive the speaker 14 once to reduce its manufacturing costs and reduce the overall physical profile within the laminated assembly 12. In one embodiment, battery 36 is a chemical battery. Chemical batteries are the most widely used power storage devices. The batteries are available in many different compositions such as lithium, alkali metals, nickel hydrides, etc. The most preferred composition of battery 36 is an alkali metal, providing about 1.5V. Therefore, the laminated assembly 12 may include a plurality of at least two alkaline batteries connected in series in the same layer of the laminated assembly 12. The battery 36 may also include a voltage doubler circuit known in the art to maintain a thin configuration. Newer battery compositions, such as nickel zinc and other non-toxic compositions now known or devised in the future, can also be used without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. In another embodiment, battery 36 may be a capacitor that can maintain a large energy density when fully charged.

  The COB assembly, or audible sound source electronics 38, is an integrated circuit within the laminated assembly 12, as seen in FIG. 1, and serves to generate an electrical audible signal that is converted to audible sound waves by a speaker or resonator 14. . The COB assembly 38 includes a microcontroller and a ROM chip that contains pre-recorded or pre-programmed audio files. The audio file may be any desired type of audio file including advertisements, music, etc., and is not limited to these.

  The battery 36 and the COB assembly 38 work together when the seal 18 of the can 10 is closed to provide a constant low current flowing through the conductive path 30. The conductive path 30 is shown in FIG. 1 as part of an activation trigger 39 that activates the COB assembly 38 to trigger an activation event, which is a container opening, closing or other operation. Regardless, any type of mechanism or circuit element that can be used to sense is included. When the pull tab 16 is pulled up from the can 10, the seal 18 is opened and the conductive path 30 is torn by one of the device actuation triggers discussed above. When the conductive path 30 is torn, the microcontroller on the COB assembly 38 executes a preprogrammed routine that turns the preprogrammed audio file stored in the ROM chip into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is then sent to the speaker 14 where it is converted to an audible sound. After the audio file is initiated by the microcontroller, the microcontroller consumes its accumulated charge and the COB assembly 38 is de-energized, thereby suspending further audio playback by the speaker 14. Until then, playback continues through the speaker 14.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembly 12 shown in FIG. 3 mounted on a lid or cap 42 of a pharmaceutical, food, health and beauty product, household product or industrial container 40. It should be understood that the teachings of the embodiments detailed herein apply to and can be extended to any type of container or packaging now known or later devised. Thus, the embodiments detailed herein of this invention include not only metal pull tabs, but also plastic pull tabs, metal / plastic twist-offs, metal / plastic pop tops, screw top caps and lids, other releases or Including the lid opening device should be correct. The cap 42 includes a tear seam 44 that is integral with the cap 42. The separable, tearable or breakable seam 44 is conventional and well known to those skilled in the packaging art. Since the conductive path 46 is coupled from the assembly 12 through the cap 42 through the seam 44 or across the seam 44, when the cap 42 is opened and the seam 44 is torn, separated, or broken, the conductive path 46 46 is broken, i.e., electrically discontinuous. The discontinuity is detected by assembly 12 and assembly 12 is actuated.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of the present invention in which an assembly 12 is disposed on or in a resealable closure 48 of a container 50 and a circuit path 56 that can be interrupted through the closure 48. Is defined. There are virtually unlimited ways in which the circuit path 56 can be devised. One embodiment includes a conductive lead 64 from assembly 12 on the inner thread of cap 48 or on an internal compression sealing surface. Corresponding conductive leads 62 are provided on the compression surface on or outside the outer threads of the connection of the container 50 that joins the cap 48. These two leads 62 and 64 overlap (58) when the cap 48 is placed over the container 50 and is in a closed configuration. This overlap 58 defines a pair of electrical contacts and establishes electrical continuity. When the cap 48 is opened by unscrewing the container 50 or snapping off the container, the overlap 58 is lost and electrical continuity is interrupted. This blockage is detected by assembly 12 and can be utilized in a variety of ways for multiple purposes.

  For example, the assembly 12 may include a clock (not shown) that may be synchronized with the calendar time or the time elapsed since the last continuity on the container 50 was lost. It may be a timer for recording. The recording stored in the assembly 12 may then audibly inform the time that has elapsed since the container 50 was last opened. This information is an important utility when the container 50 is a pharmaceutical container and administration of a drug is controlled. The user is thereby reminded that the drug was probably taken at the time informed by the assembly 12. This prevents accidental overdose, which can be harmful and fatal.

  In addition, the assembly 12 in some embodiments further comprises an RF communication module, such as an RFID chip, that provides information about the container 50 and its opening and closing to a plurality of peer-to-peer networks. Communicate wirelessly through a router 54 to a computer 52 to other of the similar assemblies 12 or to a local network. This information includes the expected contents or identification of the container 50 as well as the container 50 opening or closing event and time. Therefore, between the plurality of containers 50 equipped in this way, the drug according to the program included in the memory and the microprocessor included in the memory included in the assembly 12 or through the program included in the memory of the computer 52. The interaction can be checked. The computer 52 may be communicatively connected to the Internet 60 by conventional means, thereby connecting to an external network, which includes the user's doctor, pharmacy or health provider. obtain. The user's compliance with medication can then be monitored and recorded directly by an external monitoring expert system. Non-compliance or misuse can be detected and an automatic message can be initiated via the computer 52 or telephone so that a specific course of action regarding the use of the drug as determined by the actual opening of the drug container The user can be made aware of whether or not to take. The message can then be communicated to the assembly 12 through the computer 52 or from the appropriate onboard memory of the container 50 in the plurality of containers to provide a customized message regarding the use of the drug in the container 50. . In addition, all messages signaled by the assembly 12 can be selectively programmed and provided individually for each case in the user's native language. Such monitoring is particularly useful for elderly patients. This is because cognitive ability to maintain adherence to certain medications can be impaired by age. In other words, the assembly 12 can be provided with intelligence communicated to each other from a stand-alone onboard or other source to interact with the user according to the use of the container 50 sensed by the assembly 12.

  It is also within the scope of the present invention that the container 50 may be arranged and configured not only to detect the opening or closing of the container 50 but also to be used as a dispenser. It is also intended. In other words, the container 50 is not simply a bottle with a cap, but can also dispense medication in dosage units, like a candy dispenser. In that case, the assembly 12 directly detects the dispensing of the dosage unit rather than guessing. The various mechanisms by which the drug or content tablets or other dosage units can be prepared are also virtually limitless and are known to those skilled in the packaging arts. Regardless of the particular dispensing mechanism, dispensing of the dosage unit occurs by actuation of some mechanical element that is electrically sensed by the assembly 12 and can be utilized as previously disclosed.

  Embodiments of the invention are further described in connection with the cap 66 of a pharmaceutical or pill container. The pill container cap 66 has many characteristic variants. In one embodiment, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6, a visible electronic display 68 is included in the pill container cap 66 to inform the patient when a medication dose is next scheduled. Or are concatenated. The display 68 may be composed of one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may be multi-colored to inform the patient of status information, i.e., the pill container cap 66 has been opened and the dose has been dispensed, e.g. shown in black, at a later date In the case of dispensing, it can be shown in green, for example, and when the dispensing time has passed, it can be shown in red for example. The display can be opened, for example, to dispense doses, can show different colors, sounds, and audible alarms if taken and if it becomes a double dose, or enters a flashing mode Can be. The display 68 can also comprise an embedded liquid crystal display (LCD) that can display textual or graphical information to the patient. The LCD display 68 may include an LED backlight light source (not shown) for easier viewing in low light conditions. The display 68 is visible simultaneously from the top and / or side of the pill container 66, as shown in FIG. 6, so that the pill container cap 66 can be effectively utilized in a horizontal or vertical stacking arrangement. be able to. Display 68 may be modified to include a specific image, such as a universal male / female symbol or a patient selected identifier.

  The embodiment detailed herein includes a universal mechanism for indicating when the pill container cap 66 has been removed. The mechanism consists of an elastomeric membrane switch 72 that is placed inside the pill container cap, as depicted in FIG. When the pill container cap 66 is attached to or connected to the pill container body 70, the membrane switch 72 is compressed between the cap 66 and the top of the pill bottle 70 so that the membrane switch 72 is in the closed position. is there. When the pill bottle cap 66 is removed, the membrane switch 72 is no longer compressed between the cap 66 and the pill container body 70 so it is in the open position. A programmable circuit (not shown) coupled to switch 72 adds an additional time delay between lid opening and closing to prevent false detection of cap removal due to cap misalignment.

  In addition to the elastomeric switch 72 for presenting the state of the pill container cap, a set of pill container cap adapter rings 74 are included. The adapter ring 74 is a set of keyed screws designed to fit various pill container bodies 70, including those having a safety cap structure. It has been found that the safety structure of various commercially available pill container bodies 70 varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. A pill container cap 66 having a combination of a universal membrane switch 72 and a threaded adapter ring 74 can be attached to a variety of pill bottles 70 of a single cap design, allowing the cap detachment event to occur in various pill bottles A method of maintaining sensing performance across the entire set of

  In one embodiment, the pill container cap 66 may include a wired programming port 76 (via USB or other standardized or unique wired interface), as depicted in FIG. A programming cable 78 is connected between the pill container cap 66 and some other electronic device such as a personal computer or smart phone 80. The purpose of this connection is to perform the following operations: data stored in the pill container cap 66 can be uploaded to a personal computer or an iPhone 80. This data may include information about pill container cap usage patterns and battery status. Information regarding the number of times the pill container cap 66 has been removed and the time that the cap 66 has been removed from the pill bottle 70 can be used to derive the frequency of use. Data can also be downloaded to the pill container cap 66 from a personal computer or eyephone 80. The data may include changes to dosage information, including frequency of use, or changes to clock update information to circuitry (not shown) included in the pill container cap 66. This can also be used to adjust dispensing administration during the course. For example, the patient's doctor can decide that the dosing frequency needs to be changed based on vital signs or symptoms at home. Power can also be supplied from the programming port 76 to charge a pill container cap battery (not shown). This allows a permanent battery to be installed and the patient does not need to replace the primary battery regularly. A visual display element (LED or LCD) may be used to display the charge level of the primary battery to alert the patient that the battery is low.

  In another embodiment, a wireless communication device 82 is included in the pill container cap 66. The communication device 82 includes a passive near-rejection field communication device using backscatter technology as provided by conventional RFID tags. In this embodiment, the patient places the pill bottle 70 on or near the tag reader 84 and the reader interrogates the pill container cap 66 in a manner that is conventionally provided with an RFID reader. It detects which medicine is contained.

  Wireless battery charging of the pill container cap 66 can be employed using an inductive charging method. The patient places the pill bottle 70 on a tray or mat 84 that serves as a charging station. The pill container cap 66 need not be removed from the pill bottle 70 for charging. By incorporating a spiral PCB antenna (not shown) in the cap 66, it is possible to use a conventional inductive charging technique. This antenna will be connected to the battery charging circuit contained in the cap 66.

  The above wired programming and wireless communication can be combined into a single function that provides both data communication and power transmission. In this embodiment, the tray or mat 84 previously used for charging includes a wireless communication device using RF tag technology. When the patient places the pill bottle 70 on the mat 84, data synchronization with the patient's personal computer or smart device 80 begins. At the same time, the battery charging action begins using the previously disclosed inductive charging technology.

  Integration of the real time clock into the pill container cap 66 is contemplated as a feature of the various embodiments detailed herein. This clock maintains the current local time and compares it to the downloaded pill dispensing schedule. The real-time clock is synchronized when connected through the programming port or set by wireless programming.

  An acoustic resonator 86 is included in or coupled to the cap 66 to generate an audible sound. The sound may be a simple sound or a speech reproduction. The audible sound is generated from data stored in a memory circuit (not shown) included in the pill container cap 66. This data is updated through a wired programming port or by wireless data transfer. When the pill container cap 66 is removed, the “bouncing removal period” starts, and erroneous detection of removal is prevented. If the lid of the pill container cap 66 remains detached from the bottle 70 after a certain time has elapsed, generation of an audible sound begins. The sound sample can be selected based on patient information, such as date, required dosage and / or next dosing schedule.

  Modularization of the pill container cap design provides the ability to create a custom decorated or marked overlay or skin layer 88 for the pill container cap 66, as depicted in FIG. Is done. The cap 66 utilizes a keyed adapter ring 74 to fit a wide variety of pill bottles, so the basic pill container cap profile is the same for all pill bottles that fit the adapter ring 74. is there. Using a pill container cap 66 with a constant profile, a decorative and marked overlay 88 can be made with a single design specification. This overlay 88 allows the patient to install a custom visual identifier in the pill container cap 66 to quickly locate the medication based on the familiar or customized column selected by the patient. it can.

  In another embodiment, pill bottle 70 may include an access security device for PRN Class 2 dosing. One method for access security is performed by the wireless communication mechanism disclosed above. The patient has a pair of communication devices 90 similar to a key fob. To open the pill bottle 70, that is, to open the pill bottle cap without having an illegal entry stored in the memory, the key holder device 90 needs to be near the pill container cap 66. . When the key holder device 90 and the pill bottle are within the communication range, the LED 68 of the pill container cap changes color to indicate that the opening of the bottle 70 is authorized. Another security implementation includes the integration of a biometric sensor 92, such as a fingerprint scanner, as conventionally used in home appliance devices such as laptops. This fingerprint scanner 92 needs to be accessed by the patient touching his index finger, and the patient's fingerprint pattern changes the color of the pill container cap LED to allow authorized entry. In addition, it is scanned in advance and downloaded into the cap 66.

  Many alterations and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is understood that the embodiments specifically described herein are described for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as limiting the invention defined by the following invention and its various embodiments. Should.

  Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments specifically described herein are set forth by way of illustration only and should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. . For example, despite the fact that the elements of a claim are described in a particular combination below, the present invention may be less, more or different combinations of the elements disclosed above. It must be understood that such combinations are included even if they were not originally claimed. The teaching that two elements are combined into one claimed combination may also be used alone or combined with other combinations, without the two elements being combined with each other. It should be understood that the claimed combination of, is allowed. It is expressly intended that the deletion of any disclosed element of the invention shall be within the scope of the invention.

  The terms used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are defined not only in their generally defined meaning, but also by their specific definitions in this specification. It should be understood to include structures, materials or functions beyond the meaning of the meaning. Thus, if an element can be understood to encompass more than one meaning in the context of this specification, its use in the claims is intended for all possible meanings supported by this specification and the term itself. It should be understood as comprehensive.

  Accordingly, the word or element definition in the following claims is not limited to the combinations of elements described literally in this specification, but substantially acts in substantially the same manner. Are intended to encompass all equivalent structures, materials, or functions that achieve the same result. Thus, in this sense, any one element in the following claims may be equally replaced with two or more elements, or two or more elements in a claim may be replaced with a single element. The author intends to be good. Although multiple elements may have been described above and may be originally claimed to work in a particular combination, one or more elements from the claimed combination may be excluded from the combination in some cases. It should be appreciated that the claimed combinations may be directed to partial combinations or variations of partial combinations.

  Those skilled in the art will perceive that insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter, whether currently known or devised, are equivalent within the scope of the claims. Is intended. Accordingly, obvious substitutions now known or later known to those skilled in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

  Accordingly, the claims encompass what has been specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be made obvious, and what essentially incorporates the essential idea of this invention. Should be understood.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Can, 12 ... Laminated assembly, 14 ... Speaker, 16 ... Pull tab, 18 ... Seal, 20 ... Tab rivet, 22 ... Extended rivet tab, 24 ... Tab tear seam, 26 ... Assembly half, 28 ... Can half, 30 ... conductive path, 32 ... operation switch, 36 ... battery, 38 ... audible sound source electronic circuit unit, 39 ... operation trigger.

Claims (20)

A device that emits an audible and / or visible signal or message when a container having a lid opening mechanism is opened;
An actuation trigger connected to the container to determine that the container has been opened and characterized by electrical parameters that depend on the sealing of the container;
When mounted on or in the container or lid opening mechanism and connected to the actuation trigger, measuring the electrical parameters to determine the sealed state of the container and determining that the container has been opened An integrated circuit that emits audible and / or visible signals or messages;
An acoustic transducer coupled to the integrated circuit;
A battery connected to the integrated circuit,
The integrated circuit, the audio converter and the battery are combined in a layered stack assembly connected to the container and connected to a lid opening mechanism provided in or on the container. . The apparatus of claim 1.
The apparatus wherein the stack assembly is integrated into the lid opening mechanism provided in or on the container. The apparatus of claim 1.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stack assembly includes the lid opening mechanism provided in or on the container. The apparatus of claim 1.
The container lid opening mechanism includes a separable seamed closure, the laminated assembly is included on or in the closure, and includes a conductive path through or across the seam; A device wherein the laminating assembly is actuated by separation of the seam by opening the closure. The apparatus of claim 1.
An apparatus wherein the laminated assembly is disposed on or in a re-closable closure of the container and a circuit path is defined that is interruptable through the closure. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
A clock for measuring or recording the time elapsed since the last loss of continuity of the container;
The assembly audibly informs the time elapsed since the container was last opened. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a peer-to-peer network or combined with a plurality of stacked assemblies for a local computer network, further comprising:
An RF communication module included in the laminated assembly;
Wherein the module wirelessly communicates information about the container and / or lid opening mechanism and its opening and closing to other assemblies of the plurality of stacked assemblies for forming a peer-to-peer network or for a local computer network. Device to do. The apparatus of claim 1.
An apparatus wherein the laminated assembly is provided with independent on-board or intercommunication intelligence from other sources and interacts with a user according to the use of the container sensed by the laminated assembly. The apparatus of claim 1.
The apparatus comprises a dispenser for contents and is arranged and configured to not only detect opening and closing of the container but also to dispense the contents. A device that emits an audible and / or visible signal or message when a container having a lid opening mechanism is opened;
An actuation trigger connected to the container and determining that the container has been opened;
Mounted on or in the container or the lid opening mechanism and connected to the actuation trigger to determine the sealed state of the container and audible and / or when it is determined that the container is opened An integrated circuit that emits a visible signal or message; and
And an output device connected to the integrated circuit for outputting a signal or message relating to the use state of the container, the last opening of the container and / or the scheduled next opening of the container. The apparatus of claim 10.
The operation trigger is a membrane switch, the lid opening mechanism is a cap of the container, and the membrane macro switch is disposed between the cap and the container, and the container is closed or opened by the cap. A device characterized by being actuated. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:
With an adapter ring,
The cap is of a standardized design, and the adapter ring connects the cap to the container, the container being a predetermined one of a plurality of possible designs for sealing the container And the adapter ring adapts the standardization cap to the predetermined one design of the container. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
An apparatus comprising a data connector included in or on the lid opening mechanism or the container and coupled to the integrated circuit. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
A device comprising a radio transceiver device included in or on the lid opening mechanism or the container and connected to the integrated circuit. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
A battery and an inductive charging circuit connected to the battery;
The apparatus wherein the battery and the inductive charging circuit are included in or on the lid opening mechanism or the container and are coupled to the integrated circuit. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
A bouncing removal circuit for detecting the opening / closing of the lid opening mechanism with reliability is provided in the integrated circuit by delaying the operation of the trigger for a predetermined period after the opening / closing of the lid opening mechanism is first detected. A device characterized in that it is connected and provided. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:
Comprising a replaceable overlay placed over the standardization cap;
The apparatus is characterized in that a symbol, a word, or a picture for selectively allowing the user to identify what the container is is provided on the covering item. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
Comprising a security device coupled to the lid opening mechanism;
The apparatus wherein the security device selectively locks and unlocks the lid opening mechanism based on the presentation of a security key to the user's security device. Providing a container for containing or dispensing a drug or drug, with a lid opening mechanism for selectively capping or capping the container;
Detecting a use state of the container including opening and closing of the container by the lid opening mechanism or a sensor included in or in the container;
Communicating the sensed use of the container from the sensor to the lid opening mechanism or an integrated circuit contained on or in the container;
Depending on the sensed state of use of the container and depending on the intended use of the drug or agent, by the integrated circuit and output device included on or in the lid opening mechanism or container, A method of managing drug or drug use comprising automatically outputting a message to a user. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
The integrated circuit comprising communicating with a computer or data source separate from the lid opening mechanism and the container to determine a message communicated to a user by the integrated circuit and the output device. And how to.

Images