US20120211503A1

US20120211503A1 - Medicinial Vial Protector and Identifier System

Info

Publication number: US20120211503A1
Application number: US13/459,068
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel Victor Lafaver
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-01-30
Filing date: 2012-04-27
Publication date: 2012-08-23

Abstract

A medicinal vial protector and identifier system has a holding vessel, an interior cavity designed to hold a medicinal vial, an exterior sidewall that can be easily identified by a person, a plurality of retaining ribs designed to retain the vial within the holding vessel and facilitate insertion and removal of the vial, and at least one contents porthole to allow an easy determination of the amount of materials contained in the vial while the vial remains safely ensconced within the holding vessel. Additionally, a bottom port can be incorporated which facilitates the easy removal of the vial from the holding vessel. In order to facilitate identification of the medicine within a vial stored inside the holding vessel, the exterior sidewall of the holding vessel can be distinctly shaped and colored. The system can include a plurality of vessels to distinguish multiple medicinal vials from one another.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/699,824 entitled INSUCOZI and filed on Jan. 30, 2007, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the health care field and, in particular, to a medicinal vial protector and identifier system.

BACKGROUND

The number of medicines and treatments for conditions and diseases has grown dramatically in recent years. Consequently, there are a growing number of people (and animals) who require periodic treatments with medicines that are stored and transported in standard medicinal vials. For example, the treatment of diabetes often requires the administration of insulin which is delivered to patients in medicinal vials. As this disease continues to proliferate, more and more people are handling and using medicinal vials for their insulin treatments. Because many medicinal vials have been standardized into a generic size and shape, it can often be difficult for people to distinguish one vial from another. Furthermore, because the vials are often made of glass or other relatively fragile materials, they must be handled with care to avoid breakage. Additionally, the glass vials are small, difficult to hold onto, and quickly warm when removed from refrigeration (as some medicines require). What is needed is a medicinal vial protector and identifier system that addresses the above limitations and problems.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention described and claimed herein address the foregoing limitations and problems by providing a medicinal vial protector and identifier system. The present invention comprises at least a holding vessel made of an impact resistant/absorbent material having an interior cavity designed to hold a medicinal vial, an exterior sidewall that can be easily identified by a person, a plurality of retaining ribs designed to retain the vial within the holding vessel and facilitate insertion and removal of the vial by a person, a contents porthole to allow the simple determination of the amount of materials contained in the vial at a given time without removing the vial from the holding vessel, and a bottom port to further facilitate the easy removal of the vial from the holding vessel by a person. In order to facilitate identification of the medicine within a vial stored inside the holding vessel, the exterior sidewall of the holding vessel should be distinctly shaped and colored.
The plurality of retaining ribs provide a myriad of important functions. First, they serve to retain the vial within the holding vessel. The ribs are shaped to conform to the surface of the vial and extend over the neck of the vial, thereby holding the vial securely within the vessel. However, because the ribs do no contact the entire surface of the vial, they do not grasp the vial too firmly. Beverage can insulation devices in the prior art are well known, and similarly well known is the problem they have of grasping the can too firmly, making insertion and removal difficult. Additionally, because only the retaining ribs contact the medicinal vial, there is an extra amount of impact resistance added to the system as the holding vessel sidewall can bend and deform in the gap between the sidewall and the vial without transferring that energy directly to the medicinal vial. Finally, because only the relatively small amount of material that makes up the retaining ribs (versus the entire interior surface area of the sidewall) contacts the vial, insertion and removal of the vial is much easier.
One embodiment has a three holding vessel system in which a first vessel has a rounded, cylindrical sidewall colored red, a second vessel has a quadrilateral sidewall colored blue, and a third vessel has a hexagonal sidewall colored yellow. The shapes of the aforementioned sidewalls describe cross-sections taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and detail the exterior perimeter shapes. In other embodiments, the shapes can be other shapes such as triangular, octagonal, pentagonal, diamond, irregular polygons, curves, etc. Similarly, the colors can be other colors such as green, orange, purple, brown, white, black, etc. One goal of the system is to provide a plurality of holding vessels that can be identified by touch alone, another is to identify them by sight alone, and yet another is to use both senses to facilitate identification. In yet another embodiment, a small device is attached to the holding vessel which produces a sound upon activation by a person which can be used to identify the vessel—such aural identification means can be used in place of or in addition to the aforesaid touch and/or sight identification means. Other identification means are contemplated, such as a strong smell being integrated with a given holding vessel or the integration of flavors into holding vessels that can be tasted by licking a vessel.
The present invention provides many benefits over the prior art. A medicinal vial protector and identifier system allows patients to easily distinguish between two or more vials to ensure that they administer the right medication. Similarly, patients who are either lacking or deficient in one or more of their five senses can instead rely on one or more of their other senses to identify their medicinal vials. For example, a diabetic person who is blind can grasp one of the holding vessels in the medicinal vial protector and identifier system and quickly and easily determine that it is hexagonal in shape (for example), which means it holds a particular type of insulin. Further, if the person were to drop or knock vials into each other or other things, the impact resistant/absorbing material(s) that make up the holding vessels (as well as the gap between interior sidewall and the vial) help to protect the medicinal vial stored within and lessen the chances of breaking the vial and destroying its contents. Since the vial protector and identifier system can utilize materials that are shock-absorbent and provide an improved gripping surface the chances of dropping and breaking the vials are reduced. Finally, because the holding vessels surround the vials, they help to insulate them as well.
In another embodiment, the vial protector and identifier system is called InsuCozi and a user can put different types of insulin medicinal vials in the different holding vessels. The InsuCozis cover the insulin vials used by a diabetic patient and allow him or her to identify and protect their insulin vials. The insulin vials used by diabetics are generally small glass bottles of approximately ten milliliters of capacity that must be kept cool and used in proportion to the patient's medical needs. The InsuCozis allow the patient to identify each of the insulins he or she may be using, and the silicone rubber texture (or other materials having similar properties) allows the patient to hold onto the vial easier while preparing the injection. Furthermore, the holding vessels further function to insulate the covered vials in order to keep them cool longer.
The invention is motivated by the medical industry's need for diabetic patients to make sure they are using the correct insulin, as well as ensure their insulin vials are protected from air temperature and breakage due to dropping or otherwise impacting the vials. The standard insulin vial is small and difficult to handle, and is nondescript making it difficult to identify the contents. A blind diabetic has no way of knowing if they are receiving the correct amount of the prescribed insulin. However, once one or more vials are used with the medicinal vial protector and identifier system, the vials are covered by holding vessels that have unique properties that facilitate identification of the vial contained within each holding vessel, protect the vials, insulate them, and allow patients to grip them more securely.
In one embodiment, a holding vessel's elasticity allows it to expand and contract enough for ease of receiving a medicinal vial, yet form-fitting so the vial will not escape until intended by a patient. In another embodiment, internal retention ribs are used to conform to the shape of a medicinal vial to retain it within the holding vessel. In such an embodiment either the retention ribs themselves or the body of the holding vessel (or both) can deform slightly in order to allow the insertion of the medicinal vial into the holding vessel and then one (or both) return to shape once the vial is properly placed within the vessel in order to retain and secure the vial in place. Additionally, the bottom of the holding vessel can incorporate an open end or bottom port to allow for inserting or removing the vial. In yet another embodiment, the bottom port is not large enough to allow passage of the vial therethrough but instead functions as an access port to allow the bottom of the vial to be pushed on during the removal process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a medicinal vial being inserted into an exemplary holding vessel;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a four-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel;

FIG. 2C illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a one-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel;

FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a four-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel;

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel;

FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a one-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel;

FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective cross-sectional view of one half of a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system;

FIG. 4B illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a retaining rib;

FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a three-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel; and

FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a five-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A medicinal vial protector and identifier system can comprise a single holding vessel or it can comprise two or more holding vessels, wherein the shapes of the outside perimeters of the sidewalls are different between the vessels. For example, a two-vessel system could have a first vessel that has a rounded, cylindrically shaped sidewall and a second vessel that has a four-sided, square shaped sidewall. The first vessel could then contain a first type of medicine and the second could contain a second type of medicine. A patient can then very easily tell the difference between the two medicines simply by looking at or feeling the external shapes of the two sidewalls: the rounded vessel contains medicine 1 and the squared vessel contains medicine 2. Identification in this manner is much simpler than trying to read the small print on the labels of the medicine vials. This is especially true if, for example, the patient is blind.
FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a medicinal vial 190 being inserted into an exemplary holding vessel 110. The direction of insertion is indicated by the broken-line arrow 192.
The holding vessel 110 has a sidewall 111 that extends longitudinally from the bottom end 112 to the top end 113. The sidewall is very generally cylindrical in shape, although an outside perimeter of a horizontal cross-section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e., the axis extending from the center of the bottom end 112 to the center of the top end 113) can have any regular or irregular shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sidewall has a cross-sectional shape resembling a six-sided figure or hexagon. In another embodiment, the six-sided figure can be an irregularly shaped hexagon. In yet other embodiments, the outside perimeter shape of the sidewall 111 cross-section can be other shapes.
The top end 113 of the vessel 110 highlights the six-sided shape of the sidewall illustrated in FIG. 1. The top end 113 functions to transition between the outside perimeter of the sidewall 111 and the inside cavity 120 of the vessel 110. The top end 113 has a top opening 125 which allows access to the inside cavity 120. In one embodiment, a medicinal vial can be inserted and removed via the top opening 125. In another embodiment, a medicinal vial is inserted and removed via a bottom port (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C).
As can be seen in FIG. 1, the inside cavity 120 of the vessel 110 is shaped so as to receive and encompass the main body of the medicinal vial 190. At least a portion of the neck 194 and cap 196 of the vial 190 extend out above the top end 113 of the vessel 110 when the vial 190 is properly positioned within the inside cavity 120 of the vessel 110, in a preferred embodiment. In other embodiments, the neck 194 and/or cap 196 may not extend above the top end 113 of the vessel 110.
Also illustrated in FIG. 1 are a first contents porthole 114 and a second contents porthole 115. These gaps in the sidewall 111 serve to allow a person to view the side of the medicinal vial 190 in order to determine the contents thereof and the approximate amount of contents held in the vial 190. As most vials hold a medicinal liquid, it should be apparent that the level of liquid held in a clear vial 190 can be discerned when one examines the side of a vial 190 held generally upright. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of contents portholes 114 and 115 are shown. In other embodiments, one, two, three or more contents portholes 114 and 115 can be incorporated into the holding vessel 110. Although the contents portholes 114 and 115 of FIG. 1 are shown as gaps in the sidewall 111, in other embodiments they could be constructed out of transparent or translucent materials instead of being gaps in the sidewalls 111. In yet other embodiments, multiple gaps or contents portholes can be incorporated into the sidewall rather than single, long contents portholes 114 and 115.
The tops of a plurality of retaining ribs 130 are illustrated in FIG. 1. The retaining ribs 130 have a number of functions. First, the plurality of retaining ribs 130 function to hold a vial 190 within a holding vessel 110. The ribs 130 have a protrusion near the top which extends over the top of the side of the vial 190 and contacts the neck 194 of the vial 190. This protrusion serves to retain the vial 190. However, because the plurality of retaining ribs 130 can deform (and/or the sidewall 111 to which they are attached can deform), the vial 190 can be easily inserted into the holding vessel 110 by pushing the tops of the plurality of retaining ribs 130 out of the way. The tops move back into position encasing the vial 190 once the vial 190 is correctly positioned within the holding vessel 110. The plurality of retaining ribs 130 also serve to create a space between the interior surface of the sidewall 111 and the exterior surface of the vial 190. This space helps to further protect the vials from damage caused by external impacts to the sidewall 111. Having a space between the vial 190 and the sidewall 111 also eases the process of insertion and removal of the vial 190 from the holding vessel 110.
FIG. 2A illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a four-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel 210. The top plan view illustrates the general shape of the outside perimeter of the sidewall 211. In the case of FIG. 2A, said shape is that of a four-sided polygon. In the embodiment in FIG. 2A, the polygon is a quadrilateral or square shape. In other embodiments, other shapes are contemplated.
FIG. 2A also depicts the top end 213 of the holding vessel 210. In the generally square-shaped sidewall 211 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the interior cavity 220 is generally square-shaped as well. However, the interior cavity 220 could have other shapes in other embodiments, such as the generally cylindrical shapes of the interior cavities 220 shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C.
The plurality of retaining ribs 230 are illustrated in FIG. 2A. These ribs 230 function to retain the vial inside the interior cavity 220. The tops of the ribs 230 are the only portions visible in FIGS. 2A-C. For a more complete illustration of the shape of the retaining ribs 230, see FIGS. 4A and 4B.
FIG. 2A also illustrates the bottom end 212 of the holding vessel 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the bottom end 212 incorporates a bottom port 219 to allow the bottom of the vial to be pushed on during the removal process. In another embodiment no such bottom port 219 is utilized. In yet another embodiment, the bottom port 219 is large enough to allow passage of the vial therethrough, thereby allowing the vial to be inserted and removed from the bottom end 212 of the holding vessel 210. In such a case, the bottom port 219 would need to be somewhat elastic to ensure that the vial can not slip out through the bottom port 219 when the user wishes for it to be retained within the vessel 210.
FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel 210. The top plan view illustrates the general shape of the outside perimeter of the sidewall 211. In the case of FIG. 2B, said shape is that of a six-sided polygon. In the embodiment in FIG. 2B, the polygon is a hexagon. In other embodiments, other shapes are contemplated.
FIG. 2B also depicts the top end 213 of the holding vessel 210. In the generally hexagonally shaped sidewall 211 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the interior cavity 220 is generally cylindrically shaped. However, the interior cavity 220 could have other shapes in other embodiments, such as the generally square shape of the interior cavity 220 shown in FIG. 2A.
The plurality of retaining ribs 230 are illustrated in FIG. 2B as well. These ribs 230 function to retain the vial inside the interior cavity 220. The tops of the ribs 230 are the only portions visible in FIGS. 2A-C. For a more complete illustration of the shape of the retaining ribs 230, see FIGS. 4A and 4B.
FIG. 2B also illustrates the bottom end 212 of the holding vessel 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the bottom end 212 incorporates a bottom port 219 to allow the bottom of the vial to be pushed on during the removal process. In another embodiment no such bottom port 219 is utilized. In yet another embodiment, the bottom port 219 is large enough to allow passage of the vial therethrough, thereby allowing the vial to be inserted and removed from the bottom end 212 of the holding vessel 210. In such a case, the bottom port 219 would need to be somewhat elastic to ensure that the vial can not slip out through the bottom port 219 when the user wishes for it to be retained within the vessel 210.
FIG. 2C illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a single-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel 210. The top plan view illustrates the general shape of the outside perimeter of the sidewall 211. In the case of FIG. 2C, said shape is that of a circle. In other embodiments, other shapes are contemplated, including, but not limited to, an oval, square, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, etc.
FIG. 2C also depicts the top end 213 of the holding vessel 210. In the generally circular shaped sidewall 211 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the interior cavity 220 is generally cylindrically shaped as well. However, the interior cavity 220 could have other shapes in other embodiments, such as the generally square shape of the interior cavity 220 shown in FIG. 2A.
The plurality of retaining ribs 230 are illustrated in FIG. 2C as well. These ribs 230 function to retain the vial inside the interior cavity 220. The tops of the ribs 230 are the only portions visible in FIGS. 2A-C. For a more complete illustration of the shape of the retaining ribs 230, see FIGS. 4A and 4B.
FIG. 2C also illustrates the bottom end 212 of the holding vessel 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the bottom end 212 incorporates a bottom port 219 to allow the bottom of the vial to be pushed on during the removal process. In another embodiment, no such bottom port 219 is utilized. In yet another embodiment, the bottom port 219 is large enough to allow passage of the vial therethrough, thereby allowing the vial to be inserted and removed from the bottom end 212 of the holding vessel 210. In such a case, the bottom port 219 would need to be somewhat elastic to ensure that the vial can not slip out through the bottom port 219 when the user wishes for it to be retained within the vessel 210.
FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a four-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel 310. The sidewall 311 is shown in FIG. 3A as having a generally square, four-sided outside perimeter. Other shapes are contemplated. The bottom end 312 is illustrated as having a generally flat surface containing a bottom port 319. As discussed above, the bottom port 319 may be larger, smaller, or nonexistent in other embodiments. Similarly, the surface of the bottom end 312 may not be generally flat in other embodiments. The plurality of contents portholes 314 and 315 shown in FIG. 3A are depicted as gaps in the sidewall 311 extending all the way through the bottom end 312. In other embodiments, the contents portholes 314 and 315 do not extend through the bottom end 312. In yet other embodiments, the contents portholes 314 and 315 are fewer or greater in number, and can be translucent or transparent areas rather than gaps.
FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel 310. The sidewall 311 is shown in FIG. 3B as having a generally six-sided outside perimeter. Other shapes are contemplated. The bottom end 312 is illustrated as having a generally flat surface containing a bottom port 319. As discussed above, the bottom port 319 may be larger, smaller, or nonexistent in other embodiments. Similarly, the surface of the bottom end 312 may not be generally flat in other embodiments. The plurality of contents portholes 314 and 315 shown in FIG. 3B are depicted as gaps in the sidewall 311 extending all the way through the bottom end 312. In other embodiments, the contents portholes 314 and 315 do not extend through the bottom end 312. In yet other embodiments, the contents portholes 314 and 315 are fewer or greater in number, and can be translucent or transparent areas rather than gaps.
FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a one-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel 310. The sidewall 311 shown in FIG. 3C is generally in the shape of a cylinder and, as such, it has a generally curved, one-sided outside perimeter. Here, the perimeter is in the form of a circle. Other shapes are contemplated. The bottom end 312 is illustrated as having a generally flat surface containing a bottom port 319. As discussed above, the bottom port 319 may be larger, smaller, or nonexistent in other embodiments. Similarly, the surface of the bottom end 312 may not be generally flat in other embodiments. The plurality of contents portholes 314 and 315 shown in FIG. 3C are depicted as gaps in the sidewall 311 extending all the way through the bottom end 312. In other embodiments, the contents portholes 314 and 315 do not extend through the bottom end 312. In yet other embodiments, the contents portholes 314 and 315 are fewer or greater in number, and can be translucent or transparent areas rather than gaps.
FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective cross-sectional view of approximately one-half of a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel 410 of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system. The cross-section is taken parallel to the longitudinal axis and slightly in front of the center point of the top end 413 and bottom end 412. This was done in order to illustrate the general size and shape of the plurality of retaining ribs 430.
FIG. 4A provides a more clear view of the interior surface of the sidewall 411 (for a view of the exterior surface of the sidewall, see FIG. 1). The interior surface surrounds the inside cavity and defines the shape thereof. A plurality of retaining ribs 430 run longitudinally up the interior surface of the sidewall 411. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the tops of the plurality of retaining ribs 430 have a protrusion that fits over the top of the vial and in contact with the neck of the vial. This helps to retain the vial inside the interior cavity 420 of the vessel 410. Also shown in FIG. 4A is one of the contents portholes 415, the sidewall 411, the bottom port 419, the top end 413 and the bottom end 412.
FIG. 4B illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a retaining rib 430. The retaining rib 430 has a top portion 431 and a main body portion 433. The top portion 431 is shaped with a protrusion 432 that extends inward towards the center of the inside cavity so as to fit over a portion of the neck of a medicinal vial. The main body portion 433 is made up of a proximal body portion 434 and a distal body portion 435. The retaining rib 430 can decrease in thickness from the top of the proximal body portion 434 to the bottom of the distal body portion 435 as shown in FIG. 4B. In other embodiments, the retaining rib 430 can have the same or increasing thickness from the proximal portion 434 to the distal portion 435.
FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a three-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel 510. The sidewall 511 is shown in FIG. 5A as having a generally triangular, three-sided outside perimeter. Other shapes are contemplated. The bottom end 512 is illustrated as having a generally flat surface containing a bottom port 519. As discussed above, the bottom port 519 may be larger, smaller, or nonexistent in other embodiments. Similarly, the surface of the bottom end 512 may not be generally flat in other embodiments. The plurality of contents portholes 514 and 515 shown in FIG. 5A are depicted as gaps in the sidewall 511 extending all the way through the bottom end 512. In other embodiments, the contents portholes 514 and 515 do not extend through the bottom end 512. In yet other embodiments, the contents portholes 514 and 515 are fewer or greater in number, and can be translucent or transparent areas rather than gaps.
FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system highlighting a five-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel 510. The sidewall 511 is shown in FIG. 5B as having a generally pentangular, five-sided outside perimeter. Other shapes are contemplated. The bottom end 512 is illustrated as having a generally flat surface containing a bottom port 519. As discussed above, the bottom port 519 may be larger, smaller, or nonexistent in other embodiments. Similarly, the surface of the bottom end 512 may not be generally flat in other embodiments. The plurality of contents portholes 514 and 515 shown in FIG. 5B are depicted as gaps in the sidewall 511 extending all the way through the bottom end 512. In other embodiments, the contents portholes 514 and 515 do not extend through the bottom end 512. In yet other embodiments, the contents portholes 514 and 515 are fewer or greater in number, and can be translucent or transparent areas rather than gaps.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been described and disclosed in the present application, it should be understood that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the intention of this application to limit this invention in any way except as by the appended claims.
Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.
The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventor may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.
While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.
The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the described articles of manufacture and methods. Many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A medicinal vial protector and identifier system, comprising:

a holding vessel having a top end, a bottom end and a sidewall extending generally longitudinally from the bottom end to the top end;

the sidewall having an exterior surface and an interior surface;

an inside cavity shaped so as to encompass a main body of a medicinal vial, the inside cavity located within the holding vessel and being completely surrounded by the top end, the bottom end, and the sidewall;

the top end having a top opening which allows access to the inside cavity;

the bottom end having a bottom port which allows access to the inside cavity;

a first contents porthole extending longitudinally within the sidewall and positioned to allow a person to view the inside cavity through the sidewall;

a plurality of retaining ribs extending longitudinally up the interior surface of the sidewall, the plurality of retaining ribs each having a top portion, the top portion having a protrusion which extends inwards into the inside cavity and fits securely over a neck of a medicinal vial placed within the inside cavity;

the plurality of retaining ribs each further comprising a proximal body portion and a distal body portion, the proximal body portion located in proximity to the top end and the distal body portion located in proximity to the bottom end; and

wherein the sidewall has an external perimeter.

2. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 1 wherein the external perimeter has the general shape of a six-sided polygon.

3. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 1 wherein the external perimeter has the general shape of a four-sided polygon.

4. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 1 wherein the external perimeter has the general shape of a circle.

5. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 1 wherein the external perimeter has the general shape of a three-sided polygon.

6. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 1 wherein the external perimeter has the general shape of a five-sided polygon.

7. A medicinal vial protector and identifier system, comprising:

a first holding vessel having a first top end, a first bottom end and a first sidewall extending generally longitudinally from the first bottom end to the first top end;

the first sidewall having a first exterior surface and a first interior surface;

a first inside cavity shaped so as to encompass a main body of a medicinal vial, the first inside cavity located within the first holding vessel and being completely surrounded by the first top end, the first bottom end, and the first sidewall;

the first top end having a first top opening which allows access to the first inside cavity;

the first bottom end having a first bottom port which allows access to the inside cavity;

a first contents porthole extending longitudinally within the first sidewall and positioned to allow a person to view the first inside cavity through the first sidewall;

a first plurality of retaining ribs extending longitudinally up the first interior surface of the first sidewall, the first plurality of retaining ribs each having a first top portion, the first top portion having a first protrusion which extends inwards into the first inside cavity and fits securely over a neck of a medicinal vial placed within the first inside cavity;

the first plurality of retaining ribs each further comprising a first proximal body portion and a first distal body portion, the first proximal body portion located in proximity to the first top end and the first distal body portion located in proximity to the first bottom end;

wherein the first sidewall has a first external perimeter;

a second holding vessel having a second top end, a second bottom end and a second sidewall extending generally longitudinally from the second bottom end to the second top end;

the second sidewall having a second exterior surface and a second interior surface;

a second inside cavity shaped so as to encompass a main body of a medicinal vial, the second inside cavity located within the second holding vessel and being completely surrounded by the second top end, the second bottom end, and the second sidewall;

the second top end having a second top opening which allows access to the second inside cavity;

the second bottom end having a second bottom port which allows access to the inside cavity;

a second contents porthole extending longitudinally within the second sidewall and positioned to allow a person to view the second inside cavity through the second sidewall;

a second plurality of retaining ribs extending longitudinally up the second interior surface of the second sidewall, the second plurality of retaining ribs each having a second top portion, the second top portion having a second protrusion which extends inwards into the second inside cavity and fits securely over a neck of a medicinal vial placed within the second inside cavity;

the second plurality of retaining ribs each further comprising a second proximal body portion and a second distal body portion, the second proximal body portion located in proximity to the second top end and the second distal body portion located in proximity to the second bottom end;

wherein the second sidewall has a second external perimeter; and

wherein the first external perimeter is shaped differently from the second external perimeter.

8. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a circle and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a four-sided polygon.

9. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a circle and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a six-sided polygon.

10. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a circle and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a three-sided polygon.

11. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a four-sided polygon and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a six-sided polygon.

12. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a four-sided polygon and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a five-sided polygon.

13. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a four-sided polygon and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a three-sided polygon.

14. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a six-sided polygon and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a five-sided polygon.

15. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a six-sided polygon and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a three-sided polygon.

16. A medicinal vial protector and identifier system, comprising:

wherein the first sidewall has a first external perimeter;

wherein the second sidewall has a second external perimeter;

a third holding vessel having a third top end, a third bottom end and a third sidewall extending generally longitudinally from the third bottom end to the third top end;

the third sidewall having a third exterior surface and a third interior surface;

a third inside cavity shaped so as to encompass a main body of a medicinal vial, the third inside cavity located within the third holding vessel and being completely surrounded by the third top end, the third bottom end, and the third sidewall;

the third top end having a third top opening which allows access to the third inside cavity;

the third bottom end having a third bottom port which allows access to the inside cavity;

a third contents porthole extending longitudinally within the third sidewall and positioned to allow a person to view the third inside cavity through the third sidewall;

a third plurality of retaining ribs extending longitudinally up the third interior surface of the third sidewall, the third plurality of retaining ribs each having a third top portion, the third top portion having a third protrusion which extends inwards into the third inside cavity and fits securely over a neck of a medicinal vial placed within the third inside cavity;

the third plurality of retaining ribs each further comprising a third proximal body portion and a third distal body portion, the third proximal body portion located in proximity to the third top end and the third distal body portion located in proximity to the third bottom end;

wherein the third sidewall has a third external perimeter; and

wherein the first external perimeter, the second external perimeter, and the third external perimeter are all shaped differently from one another.

17. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 16 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a circle, the second external perimeter has the general shape of a four-sided polygon, and the third external perimeter has the general shape of a six-sided polygon.

18. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 16 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a circle, the second external perimeter has the general shape of a four-sided polygon, and the third external perimeter has the general shape of a three-sided polygon.

19. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 16 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a circle, the second external perimeter has the general shape of a four-sided polygon, and the third external perimeter has the general shape of a five-sided polygon.

20. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 16 wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a three-sided polygon, the second external perimeter has the general shape of a four-sided polygon, and the third external perimeter has the general shape of a six-sided polygon.