WO2005105015A1 - Personal medication dispenser and organiser - Google Patents

Abstract

There is a dispenser for personal medication. The dispenser includes a conveyor (1’) for holding a plurality of medication receptacles (3’) in respective inaccessible storage positions (2’), a displacement mechanism for moving at predetermined times selected ones of the receptacles (3’) to a dispensing position which enables removal and emptying of medication by a user and programming and memory capacity for entry and storage of the predetermined times for activation of the displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism includes a lift mechanism (25, 29) which raises the selected ones of the receptacles (3’) up through a portal (8’) to the dispensing position.

Description

PERSONAL MEDICATION DISPENSER AND ORGANISER FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to dispensing apparatus. More particularly, although not exclusively, it discloses a personal medication dispenser.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The organisation of personal medication is a significant problem for many elderly or intellectually disabled people. Some conditions require complicated combinations and sequences of medications which have to be taken daily or even hourly. Consequently, with an aging population mistakes are common and many people are requiring urgent medical attention due to inadvertent over/under dosing or even complete failure to take medication.

Prior art medication dispensers known to the applicant which attempt to address this problem are described United States patents 4,785,969 and 4,572,403, WIPO International Publication WO 97/43999 and Canadian patent 2,238,121. These all use a preprogrammed memory to provide indexed movement of a carousel, plate or track to access prescribed amounts of medication to a user in accordance with a predetermined time schedule.

With dispenser of United States patent 4,785.969 the medication has to be manually withdrawn by the user from the bottom of narrow canister recesses through lids 68 and an access gate 122. With the dispenser of United States patent 4,572,403 the description suggests that the user turn the whole device upside down to release the medication. With the dispenser of WO 97/43999 the medicine glasses 9 are removable from the plate but there is no description or suggestion of any kind of mechanism to facilitate this. Each of these prior art dispensers is therefore difficult for elderly or disabled persons to use Such persons often have limited hand and finger dexterity and are unable to easily grasp and withdraw pills from small bins or canisters. In the case of 4,572,403 such persons may not have the strength or dexterity to turn the dispenser upside down, gather up the pills that fall out and then place the device back to an operating position.

The dispenser of 2,238,121 uses a completely different system of an open pill tray into which medication is periodically dumped from a moving track. Such arrangement does nothing to prevent overdosing where medication is allowed to accumulate in the tray and then be consumed all at the one time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention to ameliorate the aforementioned disadvantages and accordingly a dispenser for personal medication is disclosed, said dispenser including a holder for retaining a plurality of medication receptacles in respective inaccessible storage positions, a displacement means for moving selected ones of the receptacles to a dispensing position at predetermined times and for limited periods to enable removal and emptying of medication therefrom by a user and programming and memory means for entering and storing said predetermined times for activation of the displacement means wherein said displacement means includes a receptacle displacement mechanism which moves said selected ones of the receptacles from said inaccessible storage positions through a portal to said dispensing position.

Preferably said displacement mechanism includes a receptacle lift means which raises said selected ones of said receptacles up through said portal to the dispensing position.

Preferably the holder is in the form of a carousel or conveyor with said storage positions arranged around the periphery thereof.

It is further preferred that the displacement mechanism comprise a rotary indexer.

It is further preferred that the programming and memory means comprise a keypad, message display and software to enter a day/date and time for the user to take medication contained in each of said receptacles.

It is further preferred that the dispenser include a visual and/or audio message system associated with said software to prompt or inform the user at selected times regarding medication.

It is further preferred that the dispenser include an alarm system adapted to activate in the event that a presented medication receptacle is not removed from the dispenser at a preprogrammed time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One currently preferred example of the invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings in which: - figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a personal medication dispenser according to this concept, figure 2 shows the dispenser of figure 1 when assembled, figure 3 shows a wrist or neck pendant transmitter/receiver for use with the dispenser of figure 1, figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a personal medication dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention, figure 5 is a perspective view of the assembled dispenser of figure 4 with base station module, figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the dispenser along the lines A-A of figure 5, figure 7 is an underside view of part of the drive motor, sprocket and receptacle conveyor appearing in figure 6, figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the lift mechanism for the medication vials appearing in figure 4, and figure 9 is a detailed view of a keypad and message display which is fitted to the dispenser of figure 5 to manage additional medical requirements of the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to figures 1 and 2 the dispenser may comprise a carousel 1 with a series of storage compartments 2 arranged around the periphery. Each compartment is adapted to hold a vial 3 which in use contains medication such as pills, powders etc. Although for simplicity of illustration only one vial is shown with this embodiment up to twenty-two or more vials may be placed in the separate storage compartments 2. The carousel is mounted on a rotary indexer mechanism 4 of any suitable design and is housed in a cylindrical cowling 5 with lid 6. The medication vials when in the storage compartments 2 are thus completely enclosed and are inaccessible. For dispensing the medication there is a lift mechanism 7 positioned adjacent the indexer and directly under an portal 8 in the cowling 5. This lift mechanism may for example comprise an electrical solenoid or linear actuator. When the mechanism is activated a rod 7A is displaced upwardly (see arrow A) into the storage compartment immediately above to lift vial 3 out of said compartment and through the portal 8 for presentation to the user.

Before use of the dispenser medication required by the user at specific times is placed in respective vials according to the time of dosage. The vials are then inserted into the storage compartments by rotating the carousel and loading the vials one at a time through the portal 8. As each vial is inserted the day/date and time for taking medication therein is entered into a memory for the indexer software using a keypad 9 and message display 10 located on the top of the cowling 5. It is envisaged that the medication vials would preferably be inserted and the dispensing times entered by a pharmacist or qualified carer in the case of elderly or otherwise disabled patents.

As the time arrives for a particular medication dose the carousel is rotated by built-in indexer software to locate the appropriate medication vial containing said medication directly under the portal 8. The lift mechanism 7 is then activated by the user/carer to raise the vial from its storage compartment up through the portal for presentation to the user who opens it and consumes the medication.

As the design of the indexer software and electronics for the above operations are known and are within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art they w ll not be further ^"described in detail here.

Preferably the dispenser would also include an audio (e.g. voice message) or visual alarm to attract the users attention each time a medication vial is presented at the portal 8. The type, duration and intensity of this alarm would preferably set using the keypad 9 and display 10. Other text messages or voice instructions to the user, with or without accompanying medication, may also be presented using the display 10 or a built-in loudspeaker at selected times. Such messages could for example instruct the user for an insulin injection or test, blood pressure monitoring, liquid medication component etc.

Preferably the software is designed so that after choosing from a selection of preprogrammed messages and entering the medication times said alarms and voice messages are automatical ly set.

For portability the dispenser in its currently preferred form would preferably include a carry case (not shown) and be battery operated with a low power alarm.

The invention may also include a base module 11 for the dispenser. The module is adapted to interface with the dispenser and provide additional communications systems and a mains powered battery charging facility.

Although not shown in the drawings the module includes suitable plugs for connection to a mains power supply and telecommunications service. It is also preferably fitted with an additional keypad 12 and display 13 to enable telephone numbers to be entered. This would allow transmission of a recorded voice message to a programmed telephone number (including the user's telephone number) in the event that a medication vial is not removed from the dispenser at the correct time.

While not essential to the invention it is further proposed that the module be adapted to receive a HELP signal or a voice message to take medication from a wrist or pendant transmitter/receiver 14 (figure 3) which may be worn by the user. Upon receipt of the signal the module would be programmed to dial one or more telephone numbers to indicate that emergency assistance is required.

With the second embodiment of the invention shown in figures 4 to 9 the main components which correspond in function and operation capabilities to those of figures 1 to 3 are identified by the same numbers which however are primed (') to distinguish them. In this case the medication dispenser may comprise an elliptically shaped conveyor 1' which is preferably composed of storage compartments 2' linked by flexible plastic hinges 14 between adjacent inner walls of said compartments. The conveyor extends around two spaced apart sprockets 15, 16 mounted on a base plate 17. The sprockets are rotatable on fixed spindles 18, 19 on the base plate and are formed with cogs 20 around their periphery. These engage in correspondingly shaped slots 21 as best shown by the cross-sectional view of figure 6. As shown in figures 4 and 7 one of the sprockets 15 is a drive sprocket and is powered by an electric motor 22 of any suitable design. A gear wheel 23 on the output shaft of the motor engages teeth 24 around underside of said sprocket. The other sprocket 16 turns freely. In operation of the dispenser the motor 22 is activated to move the conveyor to a required indexed position as determined either electronically or mechanically via a software instruction in a similar manner to the first embodiment.

With this embodiment a slot may also be provided under the base plate 17 to hold an information card 24A on which a written summary of the user's medication requirements can be entered.

The vial lifting mechanism for the dispenser as best shown in figures 4 and 8 preferably comprises a second gear motor 25 of any suitable design with an eccentric cam 26 fitted to its output shaft 27. The periphery of the cam bears down against the upper surface 28 of a lifting arm 29. The arm is biased upwardly by a coil spring 30 at a hinged end 31. The opposite free end 32, when in the lower position shown, extends under the slot 22 of a storage compartment 2' and locates in a recess 22A in the base plate 17. As the cam is rotated 180° from the position shown the arm rises in the direction shown by arrow B under the bias of spring 30 so that the free end moves upward within the slot 21 of the storage compartment. A further 180° rotation of the cam returns the arm 29 back to the lowered position shown. As shown in figure 4 the lift mechaniam is located on the base plate 17 so that the arm free end 32 is disposed directly under a vial dispensing portal 8' in the conveyor cowling 5' .

With the cowling 5' closed over the assembled dispenser as shown in figure 5 the vials 3' are initially loaded with medication, inserted one at a time through the portal 8' and the day/date and time entered into a memory for the built-in indexer software in a similar manner to the first embodiment. This information is preferably entered using a keypad 9' and message dispay 10' located under a hinged cover 34 in the top of the cowling 5' . As the time arrives for a particular medication dose the conveyor 1" is moved by the indexer operated motor 22 to locate the appropriate medication vial 3' directly under the portal 8'. The lift mechanism is then activated (either manually by the user or automatically) to raise the vial from its storage compartment so that it protrudes up through the portal 8'. It can then be easily removed by the user, emptied of its medication and replaced back into said portal. After a limited period of time the lift mechanism is reactivated to lower the arm 29 so that the vial returns down to an inaccessible position below the aperture. The mechanism thus prevents a accumulation of accessible unused medication in the event that dosage times are missed.

As with the first embodiment the dispenser is preferably fitted with appropriate alarms and text/voice massage capabilities for alerting the user to medication times.

In addition to the features mentioned above however the keypad 9' and display 10' are with this second embodiment further adapted to provide for overall management of a patient's medication regime which in many cases is more complex than simply taking medication at prescribed times. As best shown in figure 9 there are specific buttons 35, 36 for reminding users or carers of other procedures that need to be carried out such as for example blood pressure readings, refrigerated medications such as insulin or medications required just before or after meals. Additional special needs such as doctors appointments, carer visits and liquid medications etc. are preferably also incorporated into a "look up" menu which would appear on the display by using scrolling buttons 37.

As with the first embodiment the dispenser would preferably include a carry case (not shown) and be battery powered with a low power indicator.

A second keypad 12' and display 13' is located on a base station module 11' into which the dispenser removably fits and interfaces electronically. This keypad and display preferably have the same battery charging, HELP and communications capabilities as described for the first embodiment.

It will thus be appreciated that this invention at least in the form of the embodiments disclosed provides a novel and improved personal medication dispenser. Clearly however the examples described are only the currently preferred forms of the invention and a wide range of modifications may be made which would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example the configuration of the dispenser housing and carousel/conveyor, the number and shape of the medication vials, the indexing mechanism, the software and the electronics used for operating the dispenser may all be changed according to design preference. Also, while is is currently preferred to construct the dispenser mostly from a low cost ouldable plastic the invention extends to the use of any other suitable material .

Claims

The cl ims:-

1. A dispenser for personal medication, said dispenser including a holder for retaining a plurality of medication receptacles in respective inaccessible storage positions, a displacement means for moving at predetermined times selected ones of the receptacles to a dispensing position which enables removal and emptying of medication therefrom by a user and programming and memory means for entry and storage of said predetermined times for activation of the displacement means wherein said displacement means includes a receptacle displacement mechanism which moves said selected ones of the receptacles from said respective inaccessible storage positions through a portal to said dispensing position.

2. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the receptacle displacement mechanism includes a receptacle lift means which raises said selected ones of the receptacles up through said portal to said dispensing position.

3. The dispenser as claimed in claim 2 wherein the receptacle lift means includes a lifting member with biased movement to act on said selected ones of the receptacles.

4. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holder s in the form of an elliptical conveyor extending around two spaced apart sprockets with said inaccessible storage positions for the receptacles formed along the length thereof .

5. The dispenser as claimed in claim 4 wherein the displacement means includes a rotary indexer operated motor associated with one of said sprockets.

6. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said dispenser is self-contained for portable use and said displacement means and programming and memory means are battery powered.

7. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the programming and memory means includes a keypad, message display and software to enter a day/date and time for the user to take medication.

8. The dispenser as claimed in claim 6 wherein said programming and memory means is further adapted as a reminder for additional care procedures including blood pressure readings, insulin injections, medication required before or after meals and doctors appointments.

9. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said dispenser includes an audio or visual alarm to alert the user each time said selected ones of the medication receptacles is moved to said dispensing position.

10. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said dispenser includes a base station module which has a second keypad and display and is adapted to provide telecommunications, access to a help provider, and mains powered battery charging facilities.