EP4267490A1

EP4267490A1 - Dosage management device

Info

Publication number: EP4267490A1
Application number: EP20967197.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jose Gonzalez
Original assignee: Fom Industries LLC
Current assignee: Fom Industries LLC
Priority date: 2020-12-23
Filing date: 2020-12-23
Publication date: 2023-11-01
Also published as: WO2022139833A1; CN116348081A; CA3195430A1

Abstract

A dosage management device includes a lid with dosage regimen indicia is disclosed herein. The dosage regimen indicia has information related to dosage frequency. The dosage regimen indicia are a representation of AM, PM, day and night. The lid includes a first layer having a cavity. A second layer disposed within the cavity having dosage regimen indicia on an upper surface thereof. A third layer having an opening which encloses the cavity of the first layer. The first layer, the second layer and the third layer are connected via a swivel mount. The swivel mount is configured to enable the user to rotate the third layer 45 degrees to shade a portion of the dosage regimen indicia having the information related to the frequency at which the medication is to be retrieved. A portion of the dosage regimen indicia including the information related to a subsequent frequency remains exposed.

Description

I. TITLE : DOSA GE MANA GEMENT DEVICE

IL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

[001] The present invention relates to a dosage management device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dosage management device comprising a lid with dosage regimen indicia.

2. Description of the Related Art.

[002] Problems related to multiple dosing or nil dosing are well known in the medical care field. There are many medical conditions which critically rely upon the careful administration of drugs such as in the areas of anti-coagulation, seizures, diabetes, narcotics, antibiotics and cardiac medications. Missed medicine doses contribute to both drug tolerance in the body and drug resistance of pathogens, neither of which is in the best interest of patients. Another very common problem is that people take medicine doses at improper time intervals. People impaired by illness, medication, or simple memory loss may overdose. These very common problems have negative effects on a patient’s health. In fact, people die every year from improperly administered medications. It is therefore highly desirable to provide a tool that help them to take their medicines in the manner prescribed.

[003] Several devices have been designed in the past. None of them, however, include a dosage management device that is capable of addressing the foregoing discussed issues. [004] Applicant believes that a related reference corresponds to US patent number 6545592 filed by Steven L. Weiner describes a medication reminder device. The Weiner reference discloses a medication reminder device having a cap unit with a timer dial for selecting a period between alarm signals, and a start and reset button with a light. The cap unit having internal electronics with a power supply to generate an alarm signal that is preferably visible, using the button light, a sound generating circuit, and a vibrator mechanism. The cap unit is connected to a compact container with a compartment for storage of pills. The compact container having an adaptor cap for connecting the assembled device to a standard prescription container. However, the Weiner reference discloses a complex construction, and would not be preferred by people such as elderly who are not accustomed to electronic devices.

[005] Another related reference is US patent number 6227371 filed by Julie Song describes a medical container and system. The Song reference discloses a system of containers having tactile identification indicia means on the cover of the container. The originally dispensed medication is placed inside a larger container from which the medication is dispensed to the patient. The larger container having tactile indicia identifying the medication therein. The tactile indicia include at least the first letter of the name of the medication. In addition to the letters of the name of the medication, the indicia may also include Braille symbols for the letters, as well as unique indicia for indicating the prescribed dosage. The system may also include a separate printed chart listing the indicia for each medication for use by sighted caregivers. However, the Song reference lacks to address multiple dosing, particularly, for people impaired by illness, medication, or simple memory loss.

[006] Other documents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.

Ill SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a dosage management device comprising a lid with dosage regimen indicia.

[008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a dosage management device with a unique, clearly visible, human readable and representation of dosing schedule.

[009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a dosage management device that is inexpensive, simple, convenient and easy to use.

[010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a dosage management device comprising a lid impressed or printed with the dosage information in the form of words, abbreviations and/or pictorial representations.

[011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lid attachable to a container comprising a dosage regimen indicium on an upper surface thereof, wherein the indicia comprises information related to dosage frequency.

[012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lid comprising a first layer having a cavity, a second layer disposed within the cavity comprising dosage regimen indicia impressed on an upper surface and a third layer encloses the cavity comprising an opening, wherein each layer is connected together via a swivel mount, and wherein the swivel mount is configured to enable the user to rotate the third layer 45 degrees to shade at least a portion of indicia comprising the information related to the frequency at which the medication is to be retrieved from the container and expose at least a portion of the indicia comprising the information related to a subsequent frequency.

[013] Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing any limitations thereon.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[014] With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of a user utilizing a dosage management device in an embodiment of the present invention. The dosage management device comprising a container and a lid with dosage regimen indicia is illustrated;

Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a isometric view of the lid in an embodiment of the present invention. The lid comprising dosage regimen indicia is illustrated;

Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of the lid in an embodiment of the present invention. The lid comprising a first layer, a second layer and a third layer connected together via a swivel mount is illustrated; Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the second layer in an embodiment of the present invention. The second layer comprising at least two apertures and dosage regimen indicia is illustrated; and

Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the third layer in another embodiment of the present invention. The third layer comprising an opening is illustrated.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[015] Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1-5, where the present invention is generally referred with numeral 10, it can be observed that a dosage management device 10 comprising a lid 12 with dosage regimen indicia 32 to help a patient or a user to take a prescribed dosage of medication at a prescribed time, is disclosed. The lid 12 helps patients to maintain a regular day and/or night dosing schedule.

[016] In one embodiment, the lid 12 is adapted to detachably attach to a container 14. Lid 12 comprises dosage regimen indicia 32 on an upper surface thereof. Dosage regimen indicia 32 comprise information related to dosage frequency. In one embodiment, the dosage regimen indicia 32 are a representation of AM, PM, day or night. In another embodiment, dosage regimen indicia 32 are a pictorial representation of AM, PM, day or night. In an embodiment, words representing day or night could be imprinted in at least one language including, but not limited to, English, Spanish, Braille. In one embodiment, the dosage regimen indicia 32 comprise a pictorial representation of the sun and moon indicating AM, PM, day or night. In addition, languages used to represent AM, PM, day or night could also be stamped to the lid. In the case that a user does not take both day and night medications then dosage regimen indicia 32 may differ. The following example may be used to understand what a user’s experience would be like if they only take day medications or if they only take night medications. In an alternate embodiment, for example, if a user only takes day medications then an indication that the morning or day dose is due may be seen. The user may then twist the lid 12 to dispense the medication. Thereby resulting in a first 45-degree turn. Once the medication is retrieved, the user may again rotate the lid 12 a second 45 degrees to close the lid 12. This second closed position would not show dosage regimen indicia 32 indicating that a night dose is due, but instead show that a day dose is to be taken again tomorrow either in a word form or a picture form as is disclosed herein. Thereby, the present invention may be used by users who take both day and night medications as well as by users that only take day or night medications. Further, the lid 12 may be made to glow in the dark. Dosage regimen indicia 32 may also glow in the dark. Thereby, allowing a user to easily read the lid 12 and/or dosage regimen indicia 32 at night.

[017] Lid 12 comprises at least two layers connected to each other through a rotation mechanism such as swivel mechanism. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the lid 12 forty-five degrees (45°) to provide access to the medication in the container. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotate another forty-five degrees, totaling 90 degrees, to close the container. This 90-degree rotation is configured to provide access to retrieve medication and shades at least a portion of dosage regimen indicia 32, comprising the information related to the frequency at when the medication retrieved from the container.

[018] In one embodiment, lid 12 comprises at least three layers connected to one another. The at least three layers comprise a first layer 18, a second layer 17 and a third layer 16. An edge 22 of first layer 18 extends upwards to form a cavity 24. Second layer 17 is disposed within cavity 24 of first layer 18 comprising dosage regimen indicia 32 on an upper surface thereof, wherein the dosage regimen indicia 32 comprise information related to the dosage frequency. Third layer 16 encloses cavity 24 of first layer 18 comprising an opening 26. First layer 18, second layer 17 and third layer 16 are parallel to one another. First layer 18, second layer 17 and third layer 16 are connected to one another via the swivel mechanism. The swivel mechanism comprises a swivel mount 30.

[019] Swivel mount 30 is configured to enable the user to rotate third layer 16 45 degrees to shade at least a portion of dosage regimen indicia 32 comprising the information related to the frequency at when the medication retrieved from the container and expose at least a portion of dosage regimen indicia 32 comprising the information related to a subsequent frequency. Therefore, as the user consume each dose, they could twist lid 12 to indicate the next available dose and be reminded to take that dosage at the appropriate time.

[020] In one embodiment, second layer 17 comprises at least two apertures 28 to dispense medication. In another embodiment, first layer 18 also comprises a passage 29 observed in figure 3. The passage 29, an aperture 28 and an opening 26 of first layer 18, second layer 17 and third layer align to dispense the medication within container 14. Further, edge 22 of first layer 18 extends downward to form a wall 20 configured to fasten with a rim of container 14. Lid 12 further comprises a locking member 36 at every forty-five degree (45°) turn of lid 12. Locking member 36 is configured to lock lid 12, at every 45° turn. Lid 12 may be made to fit onto all preexisting prescription medication bottles. It may simply twist onto those containers or it may attach through any other means already known in the art. In another embodiment, lid 12 comprises grip grooves 34 along the exterior side of wall 20 for ease of opening. Grip grooves 34 may help a user to apply force to lid 12 as to squeeze the sides of lid 12 and twist lid 12 as to rotate lid 12 to dispense medication. Thereby, deterring young children from gaining access to any medications that may be found inside of the medication bottles as they would not easily be able to open the medication bottles.

[021] In one embodiment, the dosage regimen indicia 32 represents a dosage of the medication (e.g., a quantity of pills, a quantity of fluid, etc.). Dosage regimen indicia 32 may glow in the dark in an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, lid 12 is made of plastic material, which is inexpensive to produce or purchase. In another embodiment, lid 12 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, lid 12 is configured to glow in the dark. In one embodiment, lid 12 is circular in shape. In one embodiment, lid 12 can be /T in height, 2” in length and 2” in width. In one embodiment, the shape, dimensions and material of lid 12 may vary according to the needs of the end user. In one embodiment, dosage management device 10 comprises one or more lids 12 in varying sizes. In another embodiment, dosage management device 10 comprises one or more lids 12 in same sizes. In one embodiment, lid 12 could be affixed to existing pill containers.

[022] In one embodiment, dosage management device 10 or product is sterilized prior to packaging in a polyvinylchloride plastic pouch, heat sealed to protect the contents. A quantity of the individually packaged products could then be placed in corrugated cardboard self- shipping cartons to facilitate shipment and storage. A self- adhesive label could be affixed to each carton to identify the product.

[023] Advantageously, lid 12 impressed or printed with dosage information in the form of words, abbreviations and/or pictorial representations. The present invention enables the user or patient to take medication at the proper time of day. Further, the functionality of moving lid 12 to a different position after each dose to shade/represent the consumed frequency, enables the user to efficiently and conveniently follow doctor's or medical practitioner’s instructions. Further, the pictorial representation enables any user to understand the dosage information without language barrier.

[024] The present invention could be useful to pharmaceutical companies, nursing centers, or people who want to take medication at the proper time of the day. In addition, lid 12 could be incorporated with Braille language to help visually impaired people. Dosage management device 10 would be especially appealing to elderly individuals, as these individuals often struggle to remember which medications to take at specific intervals of the day. The present invention further comprises simple and convenient means to clearly indicate when the next scheduled dose is due to dispense. Further, taking medication in the right amount at the right time would ensure that a proper amount of medication was in the system. This would help patients to receive the maximum benefit. Patients could avoid making medication errors, such as taking a drug too soon or missing a dose. Further, the usage of symbols and Braille language helps a handicapped person or vision impaired person to utilize the dosage management device 10.

[025] The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. VI. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[026] The dosage management device has several implementations for industrial applicability. In one application, the dosage management device is utilized by drug companies and pharmacies when delivering their medication to a patient. The structure of the device advantageously allows for a patient to keep track of when to properly take their medication. In another application, the containers are sold individually at retail stores in order to allow a user to organize and schedule their own medication. The device makes it easy and convenient for a patient to track their medication. The dosage management device includes a lid with dosage regimen indicia with information related to dosage frequency. The lid includes a first layer having a cavity. A second layer is disposed within the cavity having dosage regimen indicia on an upper surface thereof. A third layer having an opening which encloses the cavity of the first layer. A swivel mount is configured to enable the user to rotate the third layer to shade a portion of the dosage regimen indicia having the information related to the frequency at which the medication is to be retrieved.

Claims

VII. CLAIMS

What is claimed is: A medicine container, comprising: a lid attachable to a container having at least three layers including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, wherein an edge of said first layer extends upward to form a cavity, wherein said second layer is nested within said cavity of said first layer, said second layer comprising dosage regimen indicia, wherein said second layer is a circular disk having at least two apertures, wherein said at least two apertures extend towards a center of said second layer, wherein said dosage regimen indicia is located on a top end of said second layer between said at least two openings, said dosage regimen indicia comprises information related to dosage frequency, and wherein said third layer encloses said cavity of said first layer, wherein said third layer includes at least one opening which extends towards a center of said third layer, and wherein said first layer comprises an passage. The medicine container of claim 1, wherein said first layer, said second layer and said third layer are parallel to one another. The medicine container of claim 1 , wherein said edge of said first layer extends downward to form a wall configured to fasten with said container. The medicine container of claim 1, wherein said dosage regimen indicia are a representation of AM, PM, day and night. The medicine container of claim 1, wherein said dosage regimen indicia are a representation of AM, PM, day and night in Braille language. The medicine container of claim 1, wherein said dosage regimen indicia are a pictorial representation of AM, PM, day and night. The medicine container of claim 1, wherein said at least one opening of said third layer includes a locking member protruding from an inner edge. The medicine container of claim 3 wherein said wall includes grip grooves on an exterior portion. The medicine container of claim 1 wherein said lid is a glow in the dark lid. A medicine container, consisting of: a) a pill container having a cylindrical shape; and b) a lid mounted to a top end of said pill container, said cap consisting of: i) a first layer having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said first layer further includes an edge, wherein said edge extends upwardly from said top end to form a cavity, wherein said edge further extends downwardly from said bottom end of said first layer to form a wall adapted to fasten with a rim of said pill container, said wall further including grip grooves along an exterior side, said first layer further including a passage; ii) a second layer nested entirely within said cavity, wherein said second layer is a circular disk layered over said top end of said first layer, wherein said second layer includes two apertures each having a triangular shape, wherein said two apertures extend towards a center of said second layer, said second layer further including dosage regimen indicia on a top end; and hi) a third layer located above said first layer and said second layered, wherein said third layer entirely encloses said second layer within said first layer, wherein said third layer is a circular disk having a single opening, wherein said singular opening is triangular in shape and extends towards a center of said third layer, said third layer further including a locking member protruding from an inner edge of said single opening.