U.S. patent application number 10/463926 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-18 for medicinal carrier.
Invention is credited to Maute, Robert E..
Application Number | 20030230498 10/463926 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29740111 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030230498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maute, Robert E. |
December 18, 2003 |
Medicinal carrier
Abstract
The present invention relates to a storage device that can
accommodate medicinal dosages. In a preferred embodiment, the
storage device comprises two body portions having a cavity formed
therein. The cavity is of a size such that the cavity may
accommodate the medicinal dosages with a minimal amount of
movement. The storage device is opened by applying a snapping force
along the axis of a hinge that couples. The medicinal dosages are
extracted from the storage device by tilting the opened storage
device such that the cavity is facing downward.
Inventors: |
Maute, Robert E.;
(Richardson, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SLATER & MATSIL, L.L.P.
17950 PRESTON RD, SUITE 1000
DALLAS
TX
75252-5793
US
|
Family ID: |
29740111 |
Appl. No.: |
10/463926 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60389183 |
Jun 17, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/38 ; 206/457;
206/461; 206/806 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 1/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/38 ; 206/457;
206/806; 206/461 |
International
Class: |
B65D 073/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for containing one or more medication dosages, the
apparatus comprising: a body having two halves, the two halves
having formed therein a cavity, the cavity for retaining one or
more medication dosages, the two halves including a seal formed on
a mating surface between the two halves; a hinge, the two halves
being flexibly coupled together by the hinge; and a latch, the
latch for keeping the two halves coupled together except when a
user accesses the one or more medication dosages.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a mounting tab,
the mounting tab coupled to an end of the body, the mounting tab
for allowing the user to attach the apparatus to an object.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the size of the cavity is such
that the cavity allows minimal movement of the medication dosages
when the medication dosages are placed within the cavity.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a
self-aligning seal for excluding moisture.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is made of
plastic material and the hinge comprises a strip of plastic
material joining the two halves.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a mounting hole,
the mounting hole being a hole through at least one of the halves,
the mounting hole for allowing the user to attach the apparatus to
an object.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has a cross-section
that is substantially heart-shaped.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has a cross-section
that is substantially heart-shaped and has a concave point.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has a cross-section
that is substantially heart-shaped and has a concave point and a
hollow cavity section between the concave point and a bottom
surface of the cavity.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a side of the body is marked
to indicate which side of the body is the front.
11. An apparatus for containing one or more medication dosages, the
apparatus comprising: a body having two portions, each portion
having a cavity formed therein for retaining one or more medication
dosages; a hinge, the two halves being flexibly coupled together by
the hinge; and a latch, the latch for keeping the two halves
coupled together except when a user accesses the one or more
medication dosages.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a mounting tab,
the mounting tab coupled to an end of the body, the mounting tab
for allowing the user to attach the apparatus to an object.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the two portions have a seal
formed on a mating surface between the two portions, the seal for
excluding moisture.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the two portions have a
self-aligning seal formed on a mating surface between the two
portions, the seal for excluding moisture.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the size of each cavity is
such that the cavity allows minimal movement of the medication
dosages when the medication dosages are placed within the
cavity.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is made of
plastic material and the hinge comprises a strip of plastic
material joining the two portions.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a mounting hole,
the mounting hole being a hole through at least one of the halves,
the mounting hole for allowing the user to attach the apparatus to
an object.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the body has a cross-section
that is substantially heart-shaped.
19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the body has a cross-section
that is substantially heart-shaped and has a concave point.
20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the body has a cross-section
that is substantially heart-shaped and has a concave point and a
hollow cavity section between the concave point and a bottom
surface of the cavity.
21. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a side of the body is marked
to indicate which side of the body is the front.
22. An apparatus for containing one or more medication dosages, the
apparatus comprising: two body portions having formed therein a
cavity for retaining one or more medication dosages; means for
sealing the two body portions, the means for sealing formed on
corresponding mating surfaces between the two body portions, the
means for sealing for excluding moisture; means for flexibly
coupling the two body portions together; and means for latching the
two body portions together except when a user accesses the one or
more medication dosages.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein each body portion has a
cavity formed therein for retaining one or more medication
dosages.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising: a means for
attaching the apparatus to an object.
25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the size of the cavity is
such that the cavity allows minimal movement of the medication
dosages when the medication dosages are placed within the
cavity.
26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the means for sealing
includes a self-aligning seal.
27. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the apparatus is made of
plastic material and the means for coupling comprises a strip of
plastic material joining the two halves.
28. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising: a means for
attaching the apparatus to an object, wherein the means for
attaching comprises at least one of a mounting tab and a hole
through at least one of the body portions.
29. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising: a means for
identifying a front side of the body.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/389,183, filed on Jun. 17, 2002, entitled
"Aspirin Carrier For Heart Attack Victims," which application is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for
carrying tablets or pills for convenient and ready access, and more
particularly to a small, water resistant apparatus for carrying
tablets or pills that may readily and simply be opened.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Heart disease is by far America's number one killer, for
women as well as men. For example, 1,100,000 Americans suffered a
heart attack in the year 2001. Heart disease affects 61.8 million
people in the US, and nearly a million die from heart disease each
year. The risk of heart attacks to men is well known, but the risk
to women for heart attacks is not nearly as well known. Coronary
heart disease is the single leading cause of death among American
women, killing nearly 229,000 women in 1997, more than stroke, lung
cancer and breast cancer combined. One in every two women will die
from some form of heart disease. Most women don't know that heart
disease is so prevalent. Nearly two-thirds of women who die
suddenly from heart attacks have no prior warning symptoms.
[0004] In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended
that individuals experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack should
immediately take aspirin. The death rate from heart attacks is
reduced by 25% to 50% if aspirin is taken upon the first symptoms
of a heart attack. Upon experiencing the symptoms of a heart
attack, immediately chewing two aspirin could save one's life.
Chewing the aspirin leads to more rapid absorption than swallowing
the aspirin whole. With a heart attack, minutes mean muscle and the
longer one waits before taking the aspirin, the more the muscle is
damaged. While numerous studies have confirmed the benefits of
taking aspirin, few people actually carry aspirin with them at all
times.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus for holding
medication, such as aspirin, that is readily available and easily
accessible to a person in need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] These and other problems are generally solved or
circumvented by preferred embodiments of the present invention that
carry aspirin in a readily accessible form. By being small,
preferred embodiments of the present invention can easily be
carried by an individual in all situations.
[0007] In accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus for carrying one or more medicinal dosages
to be taken in an emergency, such as when the symptoms of a heart
attack occur, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a body
including two halves, a hinge and a latch. The two halves have a
cavity formed therein for retaining one or more medicinal dosages.
The two halves include a seal formed on a mating surface between
the two halves; the seal keeping out moisture. The hinge couples
together the two halves. The latch keeps the two halves closed
together except when a user accesses the one or more medicinal
dosages. The apparatus further comprises a mounting tab attached to
one end of the body. The mounting tab allows the user to attach the
apparatus to a key chain, a necklace or the like.
[0008] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus for carrying one or more medicinal dosages
to be taken in an emergency, such as when the symptoms of a heart
attack occur, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a body having
two portions wherein each portion has a cavity formed therein. A
hinge flexibly couples the two portions, and a latch keeps the two
halves closed together except when a user accesses the one or more
medicinal dosages.
[0009] In accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus for carrying one or more emergency
medication dosages is disclosed. The apparatus comprises two body
portions, means for sealing the two body portions, means for
flexibly coupling the two body portions together and means for
latching the two body portions together. The two body portions have
a cavity formed therein for retaining one or more emergency
medication dosages. The means for sealing the two body portions are
formed on corresponding mating surfaces between the two body
portions to exclude moisture.
[0010] An advantage of preferred embodiments of the present
invention is allowing ready access to medicinal dosages at all
times in a convenient container. The preferred embodiments are
small enough to be placed on a key chain, a necklace, or other
article that the user typically carries at all times.
[0011] While described in terms of carrying aspirin, the container
could easily be designed for carrying other time critical
medications. Nitroglycerin is another heart-related medication that
may similarly be time critical.
[0012] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed
description that follows may be better understood. Additional
features and advantages of the invention will be described
hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims of the invention.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
conception and specific embodiments disclosed might be readily
utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for
carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should
also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent
constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0014] FIGS. 1a-1g are various views of a medicinal carrier in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front, cross-sectional view of a medicinal
carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an opened medicinal carrier
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a seal between two
portions of a medicinal carrier in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a latch between two
portions of a medicinal carrier in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 6a-6g are various views of a medicinal carrier in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a front, cross-sectional view of a medicinal
carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an opened medicinal carrier
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The apparatus implementing the presently preferred
embodiments is discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated,
however, that the present invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of
specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely
illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do
not limit the scope of the invention.
[0023] The present invention will be described with respect to
preferred embodiments in a specific context, namely a carrier for
an emergency two aspirin tablet dose. The invention may also be
applied, however, for other dosage amounts and for other emergency
medications.
[0024] FIGS. 1a-1g (collectively referred to as FIG. 1) illustrate
various views of one embodiment of the present invention.
Specifically, FIG. 1a illustrates a perspective view, FIG. 1b
illustrates a front view, FIG. 1c illustrates a rear view, FIG. 1d
illustrates a top view, FIG. 1e illustrates a left view, FIG. 1f
illustrates a right view, and FIG. 1g illustrates a bottom view of
one embodiment of the present invention in which a storage device
100 comprises a heart-shaped storage container. The various views
include dimensions in millimeters for illustrative purposes only.
The dimensions are provided to illustrate an embodiment of the
present invention in which the storage device 100 is utilized to
store aspirin tablets. The storage device 100, however, may be
varied to incorporate any of the modifications disclosed herein or
other modifications within the spirit of the invention. For
example, the dimensions of the storage device 100 may be altered to
store other forms of medication, such as pills, capsules, and the
like, or to store other types of medication, such as nitroglycerin
and the like.
[0025] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
shape of the storage device 100 may take various forms other than
the heart-shaped device illustrated herein. For example, the
storage device 100 may take the form of a circle, a rectangle, an
oval, a shape of an organ for which the enclosed medication would
apply, such as a lung for an asthma medication, and the like. In
the preferred embodiment, however, the storage device 100 is shaped
such that it constantly reminds people of its purpose.
[0026] Accordingly, FIG. 1 illustrates a storage device 100
comprising a heart-shaped container having a left portion 104 and a
right portion 106. The left portion 104 and the right portion 106
are coupled via a hinge 108 as illustrated in FIG. 1c. Optionally,
the storage device 100 may have a mounting tab 114 that extends
over the center of gravity of the storage device 100. The mounting
tab 114 has a hole 116 therethrough for attaching the storage
device 100 to a chain, ring, necklace, bracelet, or other holder.
For example, the storage device 100 may easily be attached to a key
chain, key ring, rope necklace, charm bracelet, or the like.
Additionally, the storage device 100 may be attached to an object,
such as an athletic bag, purse, key ring, jacket, and the like.
Preferably, however, the storage device 100 is attached to an item
that the user frequently carries, such as a key ring or key chain.
Alternatively, a different mechanism may be used to affix the
storage device 100 to an item, such as a hole in the storage device
100 through which a chain or string may be attached, hook and loop
fastener, or the like.
[0027] Preferably, the storage device 100 is made of a
brightly-colored plastic, providing a material that can be
economically produced in great numbers and easily locatable and
identifiable. The hinge 108 comprises a thin strip of plastic
connecting the left portion 104 to the right portion 106.
Accordingly, the type of plastic used may be any type of plastic
that provides the flexibility and fatigue resistance for the hinge
to function without breaking for a predetermined number of
operations, preferably approximately one-thousand operations.
Preferably, the plastic material is a high-density polyethylene
(HDPE).
[0028] Alternatively, the storage device 100 may be made of another
material, such as metal, rubber, and the like. In particular, the
storage device 100 may be made of gold or silver to produce a charm
suitable to wear on a necklace or bracelet. In embodiments of the
present invention in which a material other than plastic is
utilized, particularly with a metal such as gold or silver, a
different latching mechanism and hinge may be more practical and is
considered within the skills of one of ordinary skill in the art.
For example, the hinge 108 may be embodied as one or more pin
hinges and the like, and the latch may be embodied as a
button-operated latch, a magnetic latch, or the like.
[0029] Preferably, the dimensions of the heart-shaped container
formed by the left portion 104 and the right portion 106 are 27.0
mm wide by 22.0 mm high (excluding the mounting tab) by 8.4 mm
thick. The mounting tab 114 preferably extends 8.4 mm above the
heart-shaped container. Furthermore, the perimeter of the front of
the heart-shaped container preferably comprises a rounded edge of
1.5 mm radius to prevent the heart-shaped container from snagging
on materials while being retrieved from a storage location, such as
a pocket, purse, drawer, or the like. Alternatively, the perimeter
of the rear face of the left portion 104 and the right portion 106
may comprise a rounded edge of 1.5 mm radius to further reduce
snagging. These dimensions are provided for illustrative purposes
only, and one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that one or
more of these dimensions may be altered without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
[0030] Alternatively, instructions (not shown) may be attached to
the storage device 100. The instructions may be attached in the
form of raised instructions on the storage device 100, a sticker
placed on the storage device 100, a tag containing the instructions
may be attached to the storage device 100, or the like.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the storage
device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates
a front, cross-sectional view of the storage device 100 to
illustrate a left cavity 210 and a right cavity 212 formed within
the left portion 104 and the right portion 106 in a closed state.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the left cavity 210 and the
right cavity 212 are of a size that each contain a single aspirin
tablet and is slightly larger than the tablets, providing a minimal
amount of movement. Alternatively, however, the cavities may be
configured to hold more or less tablets, medication other than
tablets such as pills, capsules, or medication other than aspirin,
such as nitroglycerin, asthma medication, and the like. For
example, the cavities may be configured to contain a total of one,
three, or more tablets, the cavities may be configured to contain
one or more tablets on a single side of the storage device 100, and
the like.
[0032] As discussed above, the dimensions of the left cavity 210
and the right cavity 212 are such that a tablet will snugly fit
within each of the cavities. Accordingly, in the embodiment in
which the present invention is utilized to store aspirin having a
size of approximately 10.4 mm diameter and a thickness of
approximately 4.4 mm thick, each of the left cavity 210 and the
right cavity 212 comprises an opening of 11.4 mm wide by 5.4 mm
thick, .+-.0.5 mm. Furthermore, each of the left cavity 210 and the
right cavity 212 is 11.4 mm in depth having a radius of 5.4 mm,
.+-.0.5 mm. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
the radius of the left cavity 210 and the right cavity 212 are
preferably designed such that the radius of the cavities matches
the radius of the tablet, providing a secure compartment and
allowing a smaller overall size for the storage device 100.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the storage device 100 of
FIG. 1 in an open state. Preferably, the storage device 100 of FIG.
1 is opened by applying a snapping force between the left portion
104 and the right portion 106 along the hinge 108, such as the
force generated by placing one's thumbs on each side of the heart
and snapping the heart open. Accordingly, this design allows the
device to be opened easily and quickly, particularly in high stress
situations in which physical abilities may be deteriorating
rapidly. Preferably, the torque required to open the storage device
100 is about 200 gram-centimeters. The opened storage device 100 is
tilted with the exposed cavities facing downward to allow the
contents thereof to dislodge. Optionally, a sticker, indentation,
raised section, or the like may be used to indicate the front or
rear of the storage device 100, thereby indicating to the user
which direction the storage device 100 opens.
[0034] Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates the preferred mechanism to
fasten and seal the left portion 104 and the right portion 106 to
maintain the storage device 100 in a closed state. Specifically,
the fastening area of the left portion 104 comprises a valley 310
and a female latch 312, and the right portion 106 comprises a peak
320 and a male latch 322.
[0035] The valley 310 and the peak 320 are positioned such that the
valley 310 receives the peak 320 when the storage device 100 is in
the closed state, thereby creating a substantially water-tight
seal. Similarly, the female latch 312 of the left portion 104 is
positioned to receive and retain the male latch 322 of the right
portion 106 when the storage device 100 is in the closed state,
thereby creating a water-tight seal and maintaining same when the
storage device 100 is released. Preferably, the female latch 312
and the male latch 322 are centrally located along the outer
perimeter, thereby providing a centralized force to maintain the
storage device 100 in a closed state. The valley 310 and the peak
312 are discussed in greater detail below in reference to FIG. 4,
which illustrates the valley and the peak in a closed state. The
female latch 312 and the male latch 322 are discussed in greater
detail below in reference to FIG. 5, which illustrates the female
latch 312 and the male latch 322 in a closed state.
[0036] Furthermore, a gap 314 is preferably positioned between the
valley 310 and the hinge 108. The gap 314 allows the material
immediately adjacent to the hinge 108 to flex sufficiently as the
hinge 108 is flexed. Preferably, the gap 314 measures approximately
0.5 mm. Similarly, a gap 324 is located between the peak 320 and
the hinge 108 to allow the material immediately adjacent to the
hinge 108 to flex sufficiently as the hinge 108 is flexed and to
provide the necessary clearance to allow the storage device 100 to
be closed. A transitional gap 326 is preferably located upon either
side of the male latch 322 to allow a transition between the male
latch 322 and the peak section 320.
[0037] Alternatively, a different latching mechanism may be used,
such as a button-operated latch, a magnetic latch, or the like.
Furthermore, varying types of seals may be used in place of the
peak 320 and the valley 310, such as a rubber washer, an O-ring, or
the like.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the
storage device in which the left portion 104 contacts the right
portion 106, and in particular, FIG. 4 illustrates the valley of
the left portion 104 and the peak of the right portion 106 in the
closed state. Accordingly, peak 320 (FIG. 3) of the right portion
106 comprises a substantially flat base 420 from which a peak
section 422 raises as may be used in the preferred embodiment. The
left portion 104 comprises a substantially flat base 410 into which
an indentation 412 is formed, the indentation being shaped to
receive the peak section 422. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the
indentation 412 of the left portion 104 and the peak sections 422
of the right portion 106 are aligned when the storage device is in
the closed state, thereby forming a substantially watertight seal.
Furthermore, the design of the indentation 412 and the peak
sections 422 provides a self-aligning seal.
[0039] Although FIG. 4 illustrates a peak section 422 and an
indentation 412 that forms a point, other configurations may be
used. For example, rather than forming a point, the peak section
422 and the indentation 412 may form a shape with square corners, a
rounded, semi-circle, or the like.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the
storage device 100 in which the left portion 104 contacts the right
portion 106, and in particular, FIG. 5 illustrates the female latch
312 of the left portion 104 and the male latch 322 of the right
portion 106 in the closed state. Accordingly, the female latch 312
generally comprises a raised latch 510 protruding at an angle from
an inner edge 512 to an outer edge 514. The male latch 322
generally comprises a protruding hook 516 designed to easily latch
onto the raised latch 510 of the female latch 312. Preferably, the
protruding hook 516 includes a straight outer edge 518 that aligns
with the outer edge 514 of the left portion 104. Furthermore, the
protruding hook preferably comprises a point 520 to facilitate
latching.
[0041] FIGS. 6a-6g (collectively referred to as FIG. 6) illustrate
various views of another embodiment of the present invention.
Specifically, FIG. 6a illustrates a perspective view, FIG. 6b
illustrates a front view, FIG. 6c illustrates a rear view, FIG. 6d
illustrates a top view, FIG. 6e illustrates a left view, FIG. 6f
illustrates a right view, and FIG. 6g illustrates a bottom view of
one embodiment of the present invention in which a storage device
600 comprises a heart-shaped storage container. The various views
illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in which the
storage device 600 is utilized to store aspirin tablets. The
storage device 600, however, may be varied to incorporate any of
the modifications disclosed herein or other modifications within
the spirit of the invention. For example, the dimensions of the
storage device 600 may be altered to store other forms of
medication, such as pills, capsules, and the like, or to store
other types of medication, such as nitroglycerin and the like.
[0042] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
shape of the storage device 600 may take various forms other than
the heart-shaped device illustrated herein. For example, the
storage device 600 may take the form of a circle, a rectangle, an
oval, a shape of an organ for which the enclosed medication would
apply, such as a lung for an asthma medication, and the like. In
the preferred embodiment, however, the storage device 600 is shaped
such that it constantly reminds people of its purpose.
[0043] Accordingly, FIG. 6 illustrates a storage device 600
comprising a heart-shaped container having a left portion 604 and a
right portion 606. The left portion 604 and the right portion 606
are coupled via a hinge 608 as illustrated in FIG. 6c. The storage
device 600 optionally includes a mounting tab 614 with a hole 616
therethrough that extends over the center of gravity of the storage
device 600 for attaching the storage device 600 to a chain, ring,
necklace, bracelet, or other holder. Alternatively, a different
mechanism may be used to affix the storage device 600 to an item,
such as a hole in the storage device 600 through which a chain or
string may be attached, hook and loop fastener, or the like.
Additionally, the storage device 600 preferably has a concave point
620. As will be described below in greater detail, the concave
point 620 allows portions of the storage device 600 to be cured
properly, particularly when using a plastic material.
[0044] Preferably, the storage device 600 is made of a
brightly-colored plastic, providing a material that can be
economically produced in great numbers and easily locatable and
identifiable. The hinge 608 comprises a thin strip of plastic
connecting the left portion 604 to the right portion 606.
Accordingly, the type of plastic used may be any type of plastic
that provides the flexibility and fatigue resistance for the hinge
to function without breaking for a predetermined number of
operations, preferably approximately one-thousand operations.
Preferably, a plastic material is a high-density polyethylene
(HDPE), and the like, is an example of one material that is
suitable for the present invention.
[0045] Alternatively, the storage device 600 may be made of another
material, such as metal, rubber, and the like. In particular, the
storage device 600 may be made of gold or silver to produce a charm
suitable to wear on a necklace or bracelet. In embodiments of the
present invention in which a material other than plastic is
utilized, particularly with a metal such as gold or silver, a
different latching mechanism and hinge may be more practical and is
considered within the skills of one of ordinary skill in the art.
For example, the hinge 608 may be embodied as one or more pin
hinges and the like, and the latch may be embodied as a
button-operated latch, a magnetic latch, or the like.
[0046] Alternatively, instructions (not shown) may be attached to
the storage device 600. The instructions may be attached in the
form of raised instructions on the storage device 600, a sticker
placed on the storage device 600, a tag containing the instructions
may be attached to the storage device 600, or the like. The
instructions, or other marking, may also be used to indicate the
front or rear of the storage device 600, thereby preventing the
user from attempting to open the storage device from the rear, or
hinge-side.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the storage
device 600 illustrated in FIG. 6. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates
a front, cross-sectional view of the storage device 600 to
illustrate a left cavity 710 and a right cavity 712 formed within
the left portion 604 and the right portion 606 in a closed state.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the left cavity 710 and the
right cavity 712 are of a size that each contain a single aspirin
tablet and is slightly larger than the tablets, providing a minimal
amount of movement. Alternatively, however, the cavities may be
configured to hold more or less tablets, medication other than
tablets such as pills, capsules, or medication other than aspirin,
such as nitroglycerin, asthma medication, and the like. For
example, the cavities may be configured to contain a total of one,
three, or more tablets, the cavities may be configured to contain
one or more tablets on a single side of the storage device 600, and
the like.
[0048] As discussed above, the dimensions of the left cavity 710
and the right cavity 712 are such that a tablet will fit within
each of the cavities. Accordingly, in the embodiment in which the
present invention is utilized to store aspirin having a size of
approximately 10.4 mm diameter and a thickness of approximately 4.4
mm thick, each of the left cavity 710 and the right cavity 712
comprises an opening of 11.4 mm wide by 5.4 mm thick, .+-.0.5 mm.
Furthermore, each of the left cavity 710 and the right cavity 712
is 11.4 mm in depth having a radius of 5.4 mm, .+-.0.5 mm. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the radius of the
left cavity 710 and the right cavity 712 are preferably designed
such that the radius of the cavities matches the radius of the
tablet, providing a secure compartment and allowing a smaller
overall size for the storage device 600.
[0049] Furthermore, each of the left portion 604 and the right
portion 606 preferably have a hollow cavity 720 between the concave
section 620 and a divider 730. The divider serves as the bottom
liner for the left cavity 710 and the right cavity 712. The hollow
cavity 720 and the concave section 620 allow the plastic forming
the divider 730 to cure and dry properly. If a different material
or plastic is utilized that does not require the hollow cavity 720
and concave section 620, the sections may be removed or
altered.
[0050] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the storage device 600 of
FIG. 6 in an open state. Preferably, the storage device 600 of FIG.
6 is opened by applying a snapping force between the left portion
604 and the right portion 606 along the hinge 608, such as the
force generated by placing one's thumbs on each side of the heart
and snapping the heart open. Accordingly, this design allows the
device to be opened easily and quickly, particularly in high stress
situations in which physical abilities may be deteriorating
rapidly. Preferably, the torque required to open the storage device
600 is about 200 gram-centimeters. The opened storage device 600 is
tilted with the exposed cavities facing downward to allow the
contents thereof to dislodge.
[0051] Furthermore, FIG. 8 illustrates the preferred mechanism to
fasten and seal the left portion 604 and the right portion 606 to
maintain the storage device 600 in a closed state. Specifically,
the mating area of the right portion 606 comprises a substantially
flat mating area 810 with a protruding hook 812, and the mating
area of the left portion 604 comprises a substantially flat mating
area 820 with a recessed latch 822. The recessed latch 822 receives
and retains the protruding hook 812 of the right portion 606. The
protruding hook 812 is released by exerting a snapping force
between the left portion 604 and the right portion 606 along the
hinge 608. Alternatively, a different latching mechanism may be
used, such as a button-operated latch, a magnetic latch, or the
like. Preferably, the seal formed between the mating area of the
left portion 604 and the right portion 606 forms a water-resistant
seal or, most preferably, a water-tight seal.
[0052] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is
not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, means, methods and steps described in the
specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes,
machines, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to
be developed, that perform substantially the same function or
achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding
embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the
present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to
include within their scope such processes, machines, means,
methods, or steps.
[0053] Moreover, the scope of the present application is not
intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed, that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
* * * * *