U.S. patent application number 11/843701 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for attachable, portable pet medication carrier having a waterproof medication storage container.
This patent application is currently assigned to JONSHAWN LLC. Invention is credited to Kathleen G. Zelek.
Application Number | 20090050513 11/843701 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40381160 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090050513 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zelek; Kathleen G. |
February 26, 2009 |
ATTACHABLE, PORTABLE PET MEDICATION CARRIER HAVING A WATERPROOF
MEDICATION STORAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
A medication storage device that is that is easily coupled to a
wide variety of storage facilities and easily transportable
includes an inner pill box having one or more storage bins that is
introduced and held within a weather and water resistant storage
bag. The storage bag includes a magnet and/or rope hook with a
carabiner for coupling the storage bag to a storage facility within
close proximity to an animal or human. The storage bag includes a
pouch wherein an identification card may be stored. The
identification card provides information relevant to the proper
dispensing of the medications contained within the inner pill box
to an animal or human.
Inventors: |
Zelek; Kathleen G.;
(Steamboat Springs, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKINSON WRIGHT PLLC
38525 WOODWARD AVENUE, SUITE 2000
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-2970
US
|
Assignee: |
JONSHAWN LLC
Steamboat Springs
CO
|
Family ID: |
40381160 |
Appl. No.: |
11/843701 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/534 ;
206/538 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/0406 20130101;
A01K 13/003 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101; A45C 2011/007 20130101;
A61J 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/534 ;
206/538 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/42 20060101
B65D085/42 |
Claims
1. A medication storage device, comprising: (a) an inner pill box
containing one or more storage bins for receipt therein of one or
more medications; and (b) a flexible, durable weather-resistant
storage bag for receipt of the inner pill box; said storage bag
comprising: a bottom portion; a front portion coupled to said
bottom portion; a pair of side portions coupled to said bottom
portion and said front portion; a rear portion coupled to said
bottom portion and said pair of side portions; an open top border
portion defined by said front portion, said pair of side portions
and said rear portion; a membrane flap lid coupled to one of said
front portion, a first one of said pair of side portions, a second
one of said pair of side portions, or said rear portion between
said open top border portion and said bottom portion; an interior
region defined by said front portion, said pair of side portions
said rear portion, said bottom portion and said membrane flap lid,
said interior region sized sufficiently for receipt of said inner
pill box; a draw string coupled through an open space defined
within each of said front portion, said pair of side portions said
rear portion between said open top border portion and said membrane
flap lid, said draw string including a cord lock.
2. The medication storage device of claim 1, wherein said storage
bag further comprises: a magnet coupled to one of the group
consisting of said rear portion, said front portion, a first one of
said pair of side portions, and a second one of said pair of side
portions.
3. The medication storage device of claim 1, wherein said storage
bag further comprises: a rope hook coupled to one of the group
consisting of said rear portion, said front portion, a first one of
said pair of side portions, and a second one of said pair of side
portions to said rear portion; and a carabiner coupled to said rope
hook.
4. The medication storage device of claim 1, wherein said storage
bag further comprises: a magnet coupled to one of the group
consisting of said rear portion, said front portion, a first one of
said pair of side portions, and a second one of said pair of side
portions; a rope hook coupled to one of the group consisting of
said rear portion, said front portion, a first one of said pair of
side portions, and a second one of said pair of side portions; and
a carabiner coupled to said rope hook.
5. The medication storage device of claim 1, wherein said storage
is bag further comprises: a pouch coupled to one of the group
consisting of said rear portion, said front portion, a first one of
said pair of side portions, and a second one of said pair of side
portions; and an identification card that is sized to be coupled
within said pouch.
6. The medication storage device of claim 5, wherein said pouch
comprises a mesh pouch.
7. The medication storage device of claim 5, wherein said pouch
comprises a sealable pouch that includes a clear plastic
window.
8. The medication storage device of claim 1, wherein said inner
pill box comprises: a housing; and one or more storage bins, each
of said storage bins including a pop-up lid having a first end
flexibly attached to said housing and a second end reversibly
coupled to said housing.
9. The medication storage device of claim 8, wherein said pop-up
lid is integrally formed with said housing along said first
end.
10. The medication storage device of claim 8, wherein said second
end comprises a snap closure device for reversibly coupling to said
housing.
11. The medication storage device of claim 10, wherein said snap
closure device is reversibly coupled onto a ledge portion of said
housing, said ledge portion comprising a border of one of said one
or more storage bins.
12. The medication storage device of claim 10, wherein said snap
closure device is reversibly coupled onto a ledge portion of said
housing, said ledge portion comprising a border between two of said
one or more storage bins, wherein said one or more storage bins
comprises at least two storage bins.
13. The medication storage device of claim 8, wherein said pop-up
lid includes a visible feature formed thereon.
14. The medication storage device of claim 13, wherein said visible
feature comprises an embossed visible feature located on an outer
surface of said pop-up lid.
15. The medication storage device of claim 13, wherein said visible
feature comprises a depressed visible feature located within an
outer surface of said pop-up lid.
16. The medication storage device of claim 13, wherein said visible
feature comprises a painted-on visible feature located on an outer
surface of said pop-up lid.
17. The medication storage device of claim 13, wherein said visible
feature comprises is located on an inner surface of said pop-up
lid.
18. The medication storage device of claim 8, wherein a border
between said first end and said housing defines a pivot point, said
pop-up lid being capable of rotating about said pivot point between
an open position and a closed position, said open position defined
wherein said second end is uncoupled from said housing and said
closed position defined wherein said second end is coupled to said
housing.
19. The medication storage device of claim 11, wherein a border
between said first end and said housing defines a pivot point, said
pop-up lid being capable of rotating about said pivot point between
an open position and a closed position, said open position defined
wherein said snap closure device is uncoupled from said ledge
portion to allow access to an interior portion of one of said one
or more storage bins and said closed position defined wherein said
snap closure device is coupled to said ledge portion to prevent
access to said interior portion of said one of said one or more
storage bins.
20. The medication storage device of claim 19, wherein said ledge
portion comprises a portion of said housing located between a
respective pair of said one or more storage bins and wherein said
portion of said housing near said first end and said border is
located between another respective pair of said one or more storage
bins, wherein said one or more storage bins comprises two or more
storage bins.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to medication
storage devices and more specifically to an attachable, portable
pet medication carrier having a waterproof medication storage
container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Medication storage containers for humans come in many shapes
and sizes that are utilized to safely and conveniently store
medications for usage. Some storage containers utilize multiple,
flip-top type storage bins that can store medications based on
hourly or daily consumption or some other type of measurable time
reference.
[0003] Similar medication storage containers may also be utilized
to ensure that that pets or zoo animals receive their proper
medications on an hourly or daily basis. However, issues may arise
in ensuring that these animals receive their medications at the
proper times and dosages, given that these animals cannot
self-medicate. For example, medications and dosages are not
typically stored in close proximity to the cages or houses where
the pets normally or temporarily reside. This is especially
problematic at zoos or other permanent animal housing facilities,
wherein multiple animals may be caged or otherwise housed together
and wherein medications for such animals must be properly dispensed
to the correctly identified animals at predetermined times and
dosages.
[0004] Similar issues may also arise for pet owners when their pets
are being temporarily housed at a kennel or location outside of the
family home such as with a pet sitter, as the pet owners will rely
on individuals at these facilities that are not intimately familiar
with their particular pet's medication schedules to ensure that
their pets receive the proper medications and dosages at the proper
times. Many times these medications are stored separately from the
animals, and thus the problem of associating particular medications
to particular animals at proper dosages and times can be
problematic. There therefore exists a need for easily storing an
animal's medication in close proximity to the animal and in such a
way that the facility can ensure that the medication is properly
dispensed at the right time and dosage. Preferably, the medication
is stored in a container that is attached to the kennel or area
wherein the pet is being kept.
[0005] Also, pet owners typically have no convenient way for
transporting medications for daily activities such as hiking,
boating, skiing, camping and the like. These medications need to be
stored in a container that is easily portable, convenient and
weatherproof for subsequent dispensation when a pet owner is not
home. The containers should also be securable in a locking position
to prevent the storage bins from opening during transport.
Preferably, such a locking position is also designed such that it
is not easily accessible to a child.
[0006] Further, many times pet owners, zoos, or other entities must
transport their animals via cars, trucks or airplanes. There is
therefore a need to store and transport their medications in a
convenient manner and in close proximity to the animals to ensure
that the medications are not separated from the animal during
transport and may be dispensed as prescribed.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a medication storage device
that is easily attachable to a wide variety of potential pet
storage facilities, including kennels, cages, fencing, stalls, dog
runs and the like. There is also a need for a medical storage
device that is easily and safely transportable. There is a further
need that such a storage device is easy to utilize and protected
from the environment. Further, there is a need for such a
medication storage device to have means for associating the
medication storage device to a particular animal and to provide
information on this means regarding dosing information and
scheduling for the medication.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides a medication
storage device for animals that is that is easily attachable to a
wide variety of storage facilities for animals. The medication
storage device includes an identification means for ensuring that
the medications are given to the correct animals at the correct
times and in the correct dosage levels. The present invention also
provides a medication storage device that is easily portable and
weather-proof.
[0009] The present invention provides a medication storage device
having an inner pill box that includes multiple bins for storing
medication, preferably in pill form. The inner pill box is
removable from a storage bag having a waterproof membrane flip lid.
The storage bag also includes a sewn-in magnet and/or other
physical attachment means for easy attachment to a cage or other
animal housing facility. The storage bag also includes a draw
string that encloses over the top of a waterproof membrane flip-lid
after the medication is introduced within the storage bag. The draw
string includes a cord-lock that secures the top of the bag in a
closed position for transport.
[0010] The storage bag further includes a sewn-in pouch and
identification card wherein animal identifying information can be
placed. This placard may be filled out by an individual and contain
any information the individual deems necessary, including animal
identifiers such as pictures or license information and medication
information, to ensure that a particular animal receives their
medication at the properly prescribed dosages and time
interval.
[0011] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description of
the invention, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying
drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medication storage device
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the medication storage
device of FIG. 1 wherein the inner pill box and identification card
are coupled within and to the storage bag and the bag is in an open
position;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the medication storage
device of FIG. 1 wherein the inner pill box is coupled within the
storage bag and the storage bag is in a closed position;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the storage bag of FIG. 1 in an
open position;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of the storage bag of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of the inner pill box
of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a close-up view of a portion of FIG. 6 taken
within circle 7 in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a close-up view of a portion of FIG. 6 taken
within circle 7 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a close-up view of a portion of FIG. 6 taken
within circle 7 in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a portable, attachable and
transportable medication storage device 10 in accordance with one
preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated that
includes as its major components an inner pill box 12 that is
removable from an outer protective storage bag 14. The medication
storage device 10 is ideally suited for storing animal medications
16, and will be described in those terms herein. However, the
device 10 is not limited to this usage, as the device 10 may also
be used by humans to store medications.
[0022] The inner pill box 12 includes medication storage bins 18
for housing the animal medications 16, preferably in pill form. Two
preferred embodiments are illustrated in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 6 and
will be described in further detail below. The inner pill box 12 is
sized to be accommodated completely within the outer protective
storage bag 14, which is designed to protect the inner pill box
from damage during transport and storage. The protective storage
bag 14 also provides means for easily identifying the medications
16 contained within the inner pill box 12 and multiple different
means for attaching the storage bag 14 to a storage container
(kennel, dog walk, cage etc.) wherein an animal is housed
permanently or temporarily.
[0023] Referring back to FIGS. 2-4, the storage bag 14 is
preferably formed of a waterproof, flexible and durable material or
fabric such as nylon. The storage bag 14 is includes a front
portion 60, rear portion 62, bottom portion 64 and side portions
66, 68 coupled together (i.e. sewn together or otherwise secured or
fastened) along their respective borders to form a bag 14 having an
interior region 70 and an open top border portion 72. The material
can consist of a single layer or multiple layers of material
coupled together and defining an open space 73 there between.
Preferably, these portions are sewn together with thread 71. The
interior region 70 is sized to accept the entirety of the inner
pill box 12 beneath the open top border portion 72. Also, a
membrane flap lid 78 is coupled to one of the front portion 60,
rear portion 62, side portion 66 or side portion 68 beneath the
open top border portion 72 and provides a substantially waterproof
seal to the bag 14 within the interior region 70. Preferably as
shown in FIGS. 1-4, the membrane flap lip 78 is coupled to the rear
portion 62 with thread 71. For accuracy purposes, the membrane flap
lid 78 forms the uppermost surface defining the interior region
70.
[0024] In addition, the storage bag 14 also includes a magnet 74
preferably coupled within the rear portion 62 of the bag 14.
Preferably, the magnet 74 is sewn into an interior region of said
rear portion 62, but alternatively may be coupled to either the
interior portion 63 or exterior portion 65 of the rear portion 62.
The magnet 74 allows the bag to be magnetically coupled to a metal
surface, such as an animal cage, during transport of an animal or
storage of the animal at a kennel or zoo.
[0025] Further, a rope hook 76 with a carabiner 79 is preferably
coupled to the rear portion 62 above the magnet 74 and beneath the
open top border portion 72. The rope hook 76 and carabiner 79
allows the bag 14 to be hooked onto a nail or the like for storage.
Of course, the location of the magnet 74 and/or rope hook 76 and
carabiner 79, as well as the number of magnets and rope hooks with
carabiners, is not limited to the arrangement illustrated in FIGS.
1-5, but may include any other possible variation, as one of
ordinary skill may envision. Moreover, the shape and size of the
magnets 74, rope hooks and carabiners are not limited to the
preferred embodiments displayed in the accompanying figures, but
may vary in a virtually limitless number of ways, and still fall
within the spirit of the present invention.
[0026] The storage bag 14 also preferably includes a draw string 80
that is sewn within open space 73 of the front portion 60, rear
portion 62, and side portions 66, 68 near their top border portion
62 encloses over the top of the sewn-in waterproof membrane
flip-lid 78 after the medication is introduced within the storage
bag 14. The open space 73 is located between an inner and outer
material layer, when two layers define the respective front portion
60, rear portion 62, and side portions 66, 68. Alternatively, the
open space can be formed wherein the front portion 60, rear portion
62, and side portions 66, 68 are formed from one layer, wherein the
topmost portion is folded over and sewn together to create the open
space through which the draw string is feathered. The draw string
80 includes a cord-lock 82 that can be tightened to secure the open
top border portion 70 of the bag 14 in a closed position, as shown
in FIG. 3, for transport and storage. The cord-lock can also be
moved back to an open position from the closed position, as shown
in FIG. 2, to allow the inner pill box 12 to be removed from the
interior region 70 for subsequent dispensing of the medications
16.
[0027] The storage bag 14 further includes a sewn-in pouch 84 and
identification card 86 wherein animal identifying information can
be placed. The pouch 84 can be of similar material to the rest of
the bag 14, or alternatively may be a mesh material as shown in
FIGS. 1-4. In addition, the pouch 84 may include a clear plastic
window (not shown) such that the card 86 may be read without
removing it from the pouch 84. In yet another alternative preferred
embodiment, the pouch 84 may be sealable to the storage bag 14
along its open top end to prevent water or other fluids from
leaking into the interior region of the pouch and damaging the card
86. Moreover, the pouch 84 may include a hook and loop fastener
attached along the top border of the pouch 84 and storage bag 14
that allows the pouch 84 to be reversibly attached to the storage
bag 14, therein preventing the card 86 from falling out during
transport. This card 86 may be filled out by an individual and
contain any information the individual deems necessary, including
animal identifiers such as pictures or license information and
medication information, to ensure that a particular animal receives
their medication at the properly prescribed dosages and time
interval.
[0028] The inner pill box 12 includes a housing 30 having the
afore-mentioned medication storage bins 18. Each individual storage
bin 18 defines an interior portion 19 that is of sufficient width,
length and depth for storing the desired animal medication 16 or
medications and includes a pop-up lid 32. The pop-up lids 32 are
each integrally formed along one side 34 to a portion 36 of the
housing 30 and there between define a pivot point 38. At least one
other side 40 of the pop-up lid 32 includes a snap closure portion
42 that couples over a ledge portion 44 of the housing 30 to
reversibly secure the pop-up lid 32 to the housing 30. The pop-up
lid 32, therefore, is opened by uncoupling the snap closure portion
42 from the ledge portion 44 and pivoting the pop-up lid along its
pivot point 38 to expose the interior portion 19 to allow for the
introduction of medication 16. This is the so-called open position.
After the medication 16 is introduced to the interior region 19,
the snap closure portion 42 is recoupled (reversibly secured) to
the ledge portion 44 in the closed position. The amount of force
necessary to secure or unsecure the snap closure portion 42 onto
the ledge portion 44 should be sufficient to prevent the pop-up lid
32 from opening easily under jostling pressure or bumping such as
may occur as the medication storage device 10 is being transported
or carried.
[0029] In the preferred embodiment of the inner pill box 12, as
best shown in FIG. 6, the pivot point 38 is located along the
central-most portion of the pop-up lid 32 and the snap closure
portion 42 and ledge portion 44 of the housing 30 are located along
the outermost diameter 54.
[0030] However, as one of ordinary skill in the art could envision,
the location of the snap closure 42 portion and the integrally
formed portion of the pop-up lid may be located in alternative
arrangement that fall within the spirit of the present invention.
For example, the pop-up lid 32 could pivot along the outermost
diameter 54 and the snap closure portion 42 and ledge portion 44 be
located more inwardly. Alternatively, the pivot point could be
along the side of the pop-up lid, between two bins, and the snap
closure portion 42 located along the opposite side. For that
matter, the inner pill box 12 may be formed with other types of
storage bins as well that do not require a pop-up lid to dispense
the medication.
[0031] Further, while the shape of the inner pill box 12 is shown
as being disk-shaped, it could take on a wide variety of other
shapes, with the only requirement being that it is capable of being
completely contained within the storage bag 14. For example, the
inner pill box 12 could be squared or rectangular shaped and still
fall within the spirit of the present invention.
[0032] The inner pill box 12 is preferably formed from a flexible
polymeric material that is durable, weatherable, and water and
chemical resistant. Non-limiting examples of such materials include
various thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers and copolymers,
including various addition polymers, condensation polymers and/or
specialty polymers. Most preferably, the flexible plastic material
utilized is relatively clear or translucent to allow an individual
to view the medication contained in the bin 18 when the pop-up lid
32 is closed. Non-limiting examples of clear plastics that may be
used to form the inner pill box 12 include acrylics,
polycarbonates, nylons, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)
having the desired flexibility requirements. However, as one of
ordinary skill recognizes, metallic materials may also be utilized
to form the pill box 12, including but not limited to lightweight
metals such as aluminum, metal alloys such steel or zinc. In
addition, composite materials, including fiber reinforced
composites, may also be utilized to form the inner pill box 12.
Combinations of more than one type of material are also
specifically contemplated. Depending upon the material choice, a
variety of forming methods may be used to form the inner pill box
12, including molding, stamping, injection molding and the
like.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 6, the pop-up lid 32 of one or more
of the bins 16 may be include one or more visible features 50 that
are used to identify the contents of each individual bin 18. For
example, as shown in FIG. 6, these features 50 could include
lettering 52 symbolizing each day of the week or could include
special wording 55 for bins to be utilized in case of an emergency.
Alternatively, as not shown, the visible features 50 could identify
individual medications by name or numerical code, or could use some
other means for identifying the contents of the respective bin 18,
as one of ordinary skill in the art may envision.
[0034] The visible features 50 can be formed in a wide variety of
potential ways. Three preferred displays are shown in FIGS. 7-9.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the visible features 50 may be
painted on features 71 or otherwise applied onto the outer surface
56 of the lid 32. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9,
respectively, the visible features 50 may be a depressed feature 73
(i.e. indented or inscribed as in FIG. 8) or a raised feature 75
(i.e. embossed as in FIG. 9) contained on the outer surface 56 of
the lid 32. The raised features 75 may also include Braille
lettering that is desired for the sight-impaired. Further, while
not shown herein, wherein the pop-up lid 32 is sufficiently
translucent, these visible features 50 may be alternatively
introduced to an inner surface 58 of the pop-up lid 32 or formed
within the interior portion of the lid 32 between the outer surface
56 and inner surface 58.
[0035] While not shown, visible features may also be located on the
inner pill box 12 on other areas that are readily visible to a
person. For example, the visible features, including letters and
numbers, may be included along the outer periphery of the bins, or
along the bottom of the pill box 12, in areas not considered part
of the pop-up lid 32. These visible features could be duplicative
of the information contained on the pop-up lid 32 when visible
features are introduced to the pop-up lid 32, or could include
other information not associated with the information on the
visible features. By way of one non-limiting example, information
regarding the name of the pet and the pet owner's name could be
painted on the back of the inner pill box 12, while the days of the
week could be embossed on the pop-up lid 32, and fall within the
spirit of the present invention.
[0036] The present invention is ideally suited for pet owners for
use in maintaining proper medication for their pets in situations
in a wide variety of possible scenarios by providing a medication
storage device that is easily attachable to a wide variety of
potential pet storage facilities, including kennels, cages,
fencing, stalls, dog runs and the like. Thus, a pet owner who
houses their pets at one of these storage facilities, while on
vacation or the like, can be relatively assured that the pet's
medication or medications are easily accessible at the storage
facilities through use of either the magnet or rope hook and
carabiner that maintains the medications in close proximity to the
animal.
[0037] In addition, pet owners can be relatively assured that their
pet is being given the correct medication and dosage, as the
facilities can review this information on the attached
identification card to confirm the timing and dosage of medication
to be dispensed. The facilities can also confirm the identity of
the particular animal being given the medication by comparing the
identification card provided to the animal, which is an added
desirable feature when multiple animals are contained in a single
housing area.
[0038] The present invention also provides a transportable,
convenient weather proof storage bag for transporting animal
medications while participating in such activities as hiking,
rafting, boating, skiing (water and snow), and camping. The draw
string enclosure aids in ensuring that the storage bag remains
closed until needed, while the waterproof lids aids in preventing
water from entering the interior of the bag in accidental
circumstances.
[0039] While the present invention is ideally suited for use by pet
owners, the present invention may also be used by zoo officials or
day care facilities that house multiple animals in a single pen or
multiple pens to correctly identify the animals and have their
medications proximally located for distributions.
[0040] Also, while the present invention is ideally suited for the
use with animals such as pets, it should not be deemed as being
limited to animals. The present invention may also be utilized by
individuals for storing and transporting medication while
participating in some of the activities listed above. Also, day
care facilities and nursing homes, for example, could utilize the
present invention to ensure the dispensing of medication to
individuals at the proper times and in the proper dosages.
[0041] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, numerous variations or alternate embodiments
will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended
that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended
claims.
* * * * *