U.S. patent application number 10/692705 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for apparatus and method for recording consumed dosages.
Invention is credited to Dao, Tom H..
Application Number | 20050087467 10/692705 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34522197 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050087467 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dao, Tom H. |
April 28, 2005 |
Apparatus and method for recording consumed dosages
Abstract
Apparatus and method for recording information about an
ingestible product consumed by one or more individuals are
described. A template may be used to record the information. The
template can be placed on the container or on the package that
contains the container. Information recordable on the template
includes information such as the name of an individual, the time
the ingestible product was consumed, the volume consumed, or the
next time the ingestible product is to be consumed, just to name a
few.
Inventors: |
Dao, Tom H.; (Aliso Viejo,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Tom H. Dao
100 Retreat
Irvine
CA
92603
US
|
Family ID: |
34522197 |
Appl. No.: |
10/692705 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 3/0288
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A template for recording an ingestible product consumed
comprising: a recordable surface for recording information about
the ingestible product, the template being positioned on a
periphery of a container, the container comprising a closed end and
an open end comprising a removeable lid, a label attached to the
periphery of the container, the label comprising information about
a product brand and about the ingestible product; and wherein the
template occupies a region on the periphery of the container
separate from an area on the label comprising the product
brand.
2. The template of claim 1, further comprising one or more entry
fields on the recordable surface.
3. The template of claim 1, wherein the template is an integral
part of the label.
4. The template of claim 1, wherein the template is an add-on
feature of the container.
5. The template of claim 4, wherein the add-on feature is a
note-pad.
6. The template of claim 4, wherein the add-on feature is a note
pad with a peelable sheet.
8. The template of claim 1, further comprising one or more
pre-formatted fields on the recordable surface.
9. The template of claim 1, further comprising two or more parallel
lines, the parallel lines defining at least one recording
field.
10. The template of claim 1, wherein the recordable surface is part
of the periphery of the container.
11. A method for recording ingestible products consumed comprising:
providing a template on a periphery of a package or a container
containing an ingestible product; the template comprising a
recordable surface for recording ingestible product consumed;
ingesting a quantity of ingestible product by a first individual;
recording at least the quantity ingested or a time the quantity was
ingested on the template for the first individual; and recording a
time when a next event is to occurred for the first individual.
12. The method for recording ingestible products consumed of claim
11, wherein the quantity ingested and the time the quantity was
ingested are both recorded on the template.
13. The method for recording ingestible products consumed of claim
11, further comprising recording a quantity of ingestible product
consumed by a second individual.
14. The method for recording ingestible products consumed of claim
11, wherein the template comprises one or more pre-formatted
fields.
15. The method for recording ingestible products consumed of claim
11, wherein the template comprises one or more entry fields.
16. The method for recording ingestible products consumed of claim
11, wherein the template comprises either a POST-IT.RTM. type note
pad or a note pad comprising tear lines.
17. The method for recording ingestible products consumed of claim
11, wherein the template comprises part of a surface of the
periphery of the package or the container.
18. The method for recording ingestible products consumed of claim
11, further comprising an identifier.
19. A template for recording an ingestible product consumed
comprising: a recordable surface for recording information about
the ingested product, the template being attached to a periphery of
a package for packaging a container containing an ingestible
product, the packaging comprising at least two ends with at least
one of the two ends capable of being opened for removing the
container, a label attached to the periphery of the packaging, the
label comprising information about a product brand and about the
ingestible product; and wherein the template occupies a region on
the periphery of the packaging separate from the area on the label
comprising the product brand.
20. The template of claim 19, further comprising one or more entry
fields on the recordable surface.
21. The template of claim 19, wherein the template is an integral
part of the label.
22. The template of claim 19, wherein the template is an add-on
feature on the packaging.
23. The template of claim 22, wherein the add-on feature is a
note-pad.
24. The template of claim 22, wherein the add-on feature is a note
pad with a peelable sheet.
25. The template of claim 19, further comprising one or more
pre-formatted fields on the recordable surface.
26. The template of claim 19, further comprising two or more
parallel lines, the parallel lines defining at least one recording
field.
27. The template of claim 19, wherein the recordable surface is
part of the periphery of the packaging.
28. The template of claim 1, further comprising a writing
instrument removeably secured to the container.
29. The template of claim 1, further comprising a pocket bonded to
the container, wherein the template is positioned inside the
pocket.
30. The template of claim 1, further comprising a security shrink
wrap wrapped over the template and container.
31. A template for recording information about an ingestible
product consumed by an individual comprising: a writing medium
comprising a plurality of sides; the writing medium being
positioned on a periphery of a container or on a surface of a
package for packaging a container; a plurality of lines printed on
the medium, the plurality of lines defining at least one entry
field for entry of information about the ingestible product
consumed or at least one pre-formatted field comprising at least
one printed word, said at least one printed word conveying
information related to the ingestible product; and wherein a volume
of the ingestible product consumed, a time the ingestible product
was consumed, or a name of an individual that consumed the
ingestible product is recorded on the at least one entry field.
Description
[0001] Apparatus and method for monitoring ingestible products
consumed are generally discussed herein with specific discussions
involving the utilization and employment of indicia on medicine
containers and packages for recording consumed products.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Ingestible products, such as medications, vitamins, and
supplements, generally require strict adherence as to dosage and
frequency of consumption. Among other things, incorrectly consuming
an ingestible product can lead to over consumption or under
consumption, which, can in turn, lead to adverse reactions, further
deterioration, and in extreme cases even death.
[0003] Due to a busy schedule, inattentiveness, preoccupation,
sick, diseased, or a host of other reasons, keeping track of
ingestible products consumed and the dosages consumed can be
challenging. This situation is exacerbated when multiple ingestible
products are taken or when caring for multiple patients or
dependents requiring multiple ingestible products.
[0004] Relying on one's memory to keep tabs of products consumed is
often the method of choice. Information stored on the memory tabs
may include information such as the time a particular product was
consumed, the dosage consumed, and the type of product consumed. If
more than one type of ingestible products are consumed (such as
head ache medication and flu medication), the amount information
stored on the memory tabs grows proportionately larger, thus posing
a greater potential for forgetfulness or for mistake due to
cross-information indexing.
[0005] Another method for tracking ingestible products consumed is
recording the consumed information on a piece of paper. Often, this
information is written on a note pad, on a loose piece of paper, on
a napkin, etc., and placed at some convenient location. Other
times, the paper with the consumed information is pegged on a
pegboard or is placed on a refrigerator door via a magnet.
[0006] Although some aspects of the prior art methods for recording
information may be, to some degree, effective, a more reliable
method is desired that eliminates the risk of misplacement of
information or cross-information. In addition, an apparatus and
method for facilitating tracking ingestible products consumed is
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0007] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art
methods. More particularly, the present invention facilitates
recording by incorporating a template for recording an ingestible
product consumed comprising a recordable surface for recording
information about the ingestable product, the template being
positioned on a periphery of a container, the container comprising
a closed end and an open end comprising a removeable lid, a label
attached to the periphery of the container, the label comprising
information about a product brand and about the ingestible product;
and wherein the template occupies a region on the periphery of the
container separate from the area on the label comprising the
product brand.
[0008] The present invention may further be characterized as a
method for recording ingestible products consumed comprising
providing a template on a periphery of a package or a container
containing an ingestible product; the template comprising a
recordable surface for recording ingestible product consumed;
ingesting a quantity of ingestible product by a first individual;
recording at least the quantity ingested or a time the quantity was
ingested on the template for the first individual; and recording a
time when a next event is to occurred for the first individual.
[0009] A still further aspect of the prevent invention for
recording information comprises a template for recording an
ingestible product consumed comprising a recordable surface for
recording information about the ingested product, the template
being attached to a periphery of a package for packaging a
container containing an ingestible product, the packaging
comprising at least two ends with at least one of the two ends
capable of being opened for removing the container, a label
attached to the periphery of the packaging, the label comprising
information about a product brand and about the ingestible product;
and wherein the template occupies a region on the periphery of the
packaging separate from the area on the label comprising the
product brand.
[0010] A still further aspect of the present invention comprises a
template for recording information about an ingestible product
consumed by an individual comprising a writing medium comprising a
plurality of sides; the writing medium being positioned on a
periphery of a container or on a surface of a package for packaging
a container; a plurality of lines printed on the medium, the
plurality of lines defining at least one entry field for entry of
information about the ingestible product consumed or at least one
pre-formatted field comprising at least one printed word, said at
least one printed word conveying information related to the
ingestible product; and wherein a volume of the ingestible product
consumed, a time the ingestible product was consumed, or a name of
an individual that consumed the ingestible product is recorded on
the at least one entry field.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will be more fully understood when considered
with respect to the following detailed description, appended claims
and accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a semi-schematic perspective view of a packaging
material for an ingestible product comprising a template for
tracking consumed materials provided in accordance with aspects of
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a semi-schematic perspective view of a container
containing an ingestible product and having a template for tracking
consumed materials provided in accordance with aspects of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exemplary template for tracking consumed
materials provided in accordance with aspects of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is the template of FIG. 3 with information recorded
thereon;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a first alternative template with information
recorded thereon provided in accordance with aspects of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a second alternative template provided in
accordance with aspects of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a third alternative template with information
recorded thereon provided in accordance with aspects of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a fourth alternative template provided in
accordance with aspects of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a fifth alternative template provided in
accordance with aspects of the present invention comprising a card
secured to a container or a package by a pocket.
DETAILED DESCRITION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently
preferred embodiments of various templates for recording ingestible
products provided in accordance with practice of the present
invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which
the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The
description sets forth the features and the steps for constructing
and using the templates of the present invention in connection with
the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that
the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished
by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the invention. As denoted elsewhere
herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or
similar elements or features.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, a semi-schematic perspective view
of a medicine package 10 comprising a template 12 provided in
accordance with aspects of the present invention is shown. The
exemplary medicine package 10 is a packaging box or housing for a
container containing children's medicine, which in the figure shown
is a Cold & Cough medicine for children. Similar to
conventional medicine packages, the package 10 shown includes a
BRAND.sub.X product label and general information about the
ingestible product packaged within, such as information regarding
treatable symptoms 16, product warning 18, directions 20 for use,
active ingredients 22, dose chart 24, etc. Although children's
medicine is identified on the cover of package 10, the package may
contain other ingestible products, such as liquid cough medicine,
prescription drugs, dietary supplements (in liquid, powder, or pill
form), nutritional supplements, vitamins, or any other number of
commercially available ingestible products.
[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the template 12 comprises a
recordable surface 26 defined by a plurality of sides and/or edges
for recording ingestible product consumed. The sdies and edges may
include marked lines connoting a boundary or may be a physical
boundary, such as a physical edge. As used elsewhere herein, a
recordable surface is any surface capable of recording information
about the ingestible product. Such information includes information
regarding the time the product was consumed, the dosage or volume
consumed, the type of product consumed, the name of the individual
to be tracked, and/or the next period for taking the ingestible
product.
[0024] The template 12 may be a defined region of the package 10,
such as a marked or segregated region on the package, a region on
the package separated from the product information, or an add-on
feature of the package capable of recording information about the
ingestible product. An add-on feature may include, but are not
limited to, POST-IT.RTM. note pads, note pads with perforated tear
lines, magnetic magic drawing slate, and magic slate comprising a
lift-able plastic film added onto the package 10 for recording
information about the ingestible product consumed. If a
POST-IT.RTM. note pad or a perforated note pad with tear lines is
incorporated, one or more sheets representing one or more templates
may be used. If more than one sheet is contemplated, two to twenty
sheets may be sufficient for recording consumed information for the
entire content of the container.
[0025] A template comprising a marked region on the package or a
region on the package separated from the product information
includes a boundary set off by printed lines, markings, or by
distinct separation of the words used to describe the product
information. Any appropriate number of pen, pencil, grease pen, or
other writing instruments may be used to record information on the
template. For example, if a magic slate is used, a stylus would be
an appropriate writing instrument.
[0026] Turning now to FIG. 2, a semi-schematic partial perspective
view of a container 28 containing ingestible product is shown. The
container 28 may be a plastic medicine container or a glass
medicine container comprising a closed end 30 and an open end 32
comprising a removeable lid 34. In one exemplary embodiment, the
container 28 comprises a label 36 (or two or more labels) attached
to the periphery 38 of the container. The label 36 may include
labeling information such as a product name, type of ingestible
product contained within, information about the ingestible product
such as active ingredients, and marketing materials, such as
information about the product's improved taste.
[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, a template 12 for recording an
ingestible product consumed may be incorporated by including it on
the periphery 38 of the container 28. The template 12 may be a
designated or separated region of the label 36 comprising a
recordable surface 26 or, like the package 10 of FIG. 1, an add-on
feature. Alternatively, the template 12 may embody a surface of the
container to be recorded directly thereon. Recording on such
surface may include the use of a felt-tip pen, either erasable or
permanent type, and other pen (such as a grease pen) capable of
scribing on glass or other smooth medium.
[0028] Turning now to FIG. 3, an exemplary template 12 comprising
an identifier 40 and recording fields 42 on the recordable surface
26 of the template is shown. The identifier 40 may comprise a
trademark designating the source, origin, or type of template
incorporated or may include printed information about the template,
such as instructions for using the template, the medication type or
the Brand type the template is designated for, or words describing
the purpose of the template. As readily apparent, the identifier 40
may be eliminated altogether or may be printed as part of the label
36 rather than on the template to describe the purpose or source of
the template. This option is similar for other templates described
elsewhere herein.
[0029] Recording fields 42 may include entry fields 44a, 44b, 44c,
etc. for recording, for example, the name of an individual, the
dosage consumed by the individual, and the time consumed by the
individual. Recording fields may also include pre-formatted fields
46 such as pre-formatted time periods (i.e., AM and PM) and
volumetric units (i.e., ml, cc, tsp) for selecting or marking by
the recorder. Optionally, a product brand or other information
about the ingestible product name may be printed as light
background printing directly on the template.
[0030] FIG. 4 depicts the template of FIG. 3 in use. In the
exemplary template 12, information about ingestible products
consumed by two children, Alex and Nick, are shown. The template
shows that Alex consumed a quantity of ingestible product at 3 PM
and Nick consumed a quantity of ingestible product at 4:30 PM. Once
the consumed events are recorded, they are crossed out to indicate
a completed event. The next scheduled events are then recorded to
indicate when the next consuming events will occur. In the example
shown, both Alex and Nick are scheduled to consume ingestible
products 6 hours after their previous events. As no dosage amounts
are recorded on the template 12, it is assumed that both Alex and
Nick consumed the same amount. However, if Alex and Nick were to
consume different amounts, a notation such as "2 ml" and "1.5 ml"
may be added next to the recorded time for the respected children.
To conserve space, Alex and Nick, or other individuals to be
tracked, may be abbreviated by their first initials: "A" and
"N".
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 5, an alternative template 48 comprising
an optional identifier 40 and an array of recording fields 42 on
the recordable surface 26 are shown. In the exemplary embodiment,
the template 48 does not incorporate pre-formatted fields.
Preferably the recording fields 42 are sufficiently large to permit
free-hand recording of any information desired by the recorder. In
the example shown, the recording fields 42 are recorded with the
name and the time a dosage was taken without referencing the
dosage. This may be a situation, for example, when only one child
is being tracked, the child's age and weight are known, and the
information on the label 36 or package 10 about the ingestible
product already contains information about the dosage for a child
falling within a particular age and/or weight range. In other
words, recording the dosage, if he dosage chart is followed, would
be redundant.
[0032] FIG. 6 is an alternative template 50 provided in accordance
with aspects of the present invention. The template 50 comprises an
optional identifier field 40 and a recordable surface 26 without
recording fields 42 or pre-formatted fields 46. In other words, the
template 50 may comprise a blank writing surface without the
presence of any fields. This template 50 may be desired where, for
example, the product is gear towards adults or towards individuals
that prefer a free-hand recording approach. In the figure, a free
hand approach is selected to record the dosage consumed as well as
information about calling a doctor if the individual's temperature
is still high.
[0033] FIG. 7 is yet another alternative template 52 provided in
accordance with aspects of the present invention. The alternative
template 52 is similar to previous templates described except it
has additional pre-formatted fields. In one exemplary embodiment, a
dosage field 54 is added to facilitate tracking the dosage consumed
by the individual. This template 52 may be particularly useful when
two or more individuals are being recorded and the two or more
individuals have different requirements. As is readily apparent,
more or less pre-formatted fields may be incorporated and the
specific pre-formatted information or words on the fields can vary
without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0034] The template 52 in FIG. 7 tracks three children (Vic, Alex,
and Nick) with each child having different time and dosage
requirements. This situation may arise when the multiple children
manifest symptoms at different time intervals and are placed on
medication at correspondingly different time intervals.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows yet another alternative template 56 provided in
accordance with aspects of the present invention. The template
comprises a recordable surface 26 comprising a plurality of entry
fields 44a-44c, which can vary in number, size, and orientation
depending on the designer's choice.
[0036] In another alternative embodiment, an add-on feature, such
as a POST-IT.RTM. note pad or a note-pad with perforated lines, may
comprise multiple sheets corresponding to multiple templates. For
example, the note pad may comprise one or more than one of each of
the templates shown in FIGS. 3-7 so that as the individual begins
his recording, he may tear out (or peel off) a template that he
does not want and discard it before beginning recording on a
particular template he desires.
[0037] In yet another alternative embodiment, an appropriate
writing instrument may be attached, via a clamp bonded to the
container or the package, for recording on the template.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows another alternative template 58 provided in
accordance with aspects of the present invention. Template 58
resembles a card and is configured to be used with a pocket 60
comprising a receiving cavity 62 attached or bonded to a container
or a package. The pocket is similar to conventional pockets and may
include printed information thereon about the template or about the
ingestible product. The template 58 may embody a heavy gauge paper
and may be laminated or plastic coated. The template 58, and all
other templates described elsewhere herein, may incorporate any
recording fields and features described for any of the templates
elsewhere herein.
[0039] The template 58 may be used by withdrawing it from the
pocket 60, record information on one or more recording fields 42,
and reinserting the template back into the receiving cavity of the
pocket.
[0040] The various templates described elsewhere herein and, if
incorporated, the writing instruments may be packaged inside or
under the security shrink wrap often found with medicine
containers.
[0041] Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have
been described with some specificity, the description and drawings
set forth herein are not intended to be delimiting, and persons of
ordinary skill in the art will understand that various
modifications may be made to the embodiments discussed herein
without departing from the scope of the invention, and all such
changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the
appended claims. Various changes to the template may be made
including manufacturing the dimensions differently, using different
fields, using different language to describe the fields or the
templates, using different materials, using different coloring
scheme, etc. to record ingestible products consumed, mounting or
adding a template onto the periphery of the container/package over
an portion of a label such that the two overlap, at least
partially. Other example of changes may include modifying the way
or manner the template is placed on the packaging or the container,
varying the location of the template on the package/container such
as putting the template at the base of the container (which is also
considered a periphery of the container), and changing the type of
information recorded on the entry fields or the pre-formatted
fields. Accordingly, many alterations and modifications may be made
by those having ordinary skill in the art without deviating from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *