U.S. patent application number 13/459068 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for medicinial vial protector and identifier system.
Invention is credited to Daniel Victor LaFaver.
Application Number | 20120211503 13/459068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46651912 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120211503 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LaFaver; Daniel Victor |
August 23, 2012 |
Medicinial Vial Protector and Identifier System
Abstract
A medicinal vial protector and identifier system has a holding
vessel, an interior cavity designed to hold a medicinal vial, an
exterior sidewall that can be easily identified by a person, a
plurality of retaining ribs designed to retain the vial within the
holding vessel and facilitate insertion and removal of the vial,
and at least one contents porthole to allow an easy determination
of the amount of materials contained in the vial while the vial
remains safely ensconced within the holding vessel. Additionally, a
bottom port can be incorporated which facilitates the easy removal
of the vial from the holding vessel. In order to facilitate
identification of the medicine within a vial stored inside the
holding vessel, the exterior sidewall of the holding vessel can be
distinctly shaped and colored. The system can include a plurality
of vessels to distinguish multiple medicinal vials from one
another.
Inventors: |
LaFaver; Daniel Victor;
(Golden, CO) |
Family ID: |
46651912 |
Appl. No.: |
13/459068 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11699824 |
Jan 30, 2007 |
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13459068 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/676 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2203/12 20130101;
B65D 81/3876 20130101; B65D 81/022 20130101; B65D 23/0871
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/676 |
International
Class: |
B65D 8/04 20060101
B65D008/04 |
Claims
1. A medicinal vial protector and identifier system, comprising: a
holding vessel having a top end, a bottom end and a sidewall
extending generally longitudinally from the bottom end to the top
end; the sidewall having an exterior surface and an interior
surface; an inside cavity shaped so as to encompass a main body of
a medicinal vial, the inside cavity located within the holding
vessel and being completely surrounded by the top end, the bottom
end, and the sidewall; the top end having a top opening which
allows access to the inside cavity; the bottom end having a bottom
port which allows access to the inside cavity; a first contents
porthole extending longitudinally within the sidewall and
positioned to allow a person to view the inside cavity through the
sidewall; a plurality of retaining ribs extending longitudinally up
the interior surface of the sidewall, the plurality of retaining
ribs each having a top portion, the top portion having a protrusion
which extends inwards into the inside cavity and fits securely over
a neck of a medicinal vial placed within the inside cavity; the
plurality of retaining ribs each further comprising a proximal body
portion and a distal body portion, the proximal body portion
located in proximity to the top end and the distal body portion
located in proximity to the bottom end; and wherein the sidewall
has an external perimeter.
2. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 1
wherein the external perimeter has the general shape of a six-sided
polygon.
3. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 1
wherein the external perimeter has the general shape of a
four-sided polygon.
4. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 1
wherein the external perimeter has the general shape of a
circle.
5. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 1
wherein the external perimeter has the general shape of a
three-sided polygon.
6. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 1
wherein the external perimeter has the general shape of a
five-sided polygon.
7. A medicinal vial protector and identifier system, comprising: a
first holding vessel having a first top end, a first bottom end and
a first sidewall extending generally longitudinally from the first
bottom end to the first top end; the first sidewall having a first
exterior surface and a first interior surface; a first inside
cavity shaped so as to encompass a main body of a medicinal vial,
the first inside cavity located within the first holding vessel and
being completely surrounded by the first top end, the first bottom
end, and the first sidewall; the first top end having a first top
opening which allows access to the first inside cavity; the first
bottom end having a first bottom port which allows access to the
inside cavity; a first contents porthole extending longitudinally
within the first sidewall and positioned to allow a person to view
the first inside cavity through the first sidewall; a first
plurality of retaining ribs extending longitudinally up the first
interior surface of the first sidewall, the first plurality of
retaining ribs each having a first top portion, the first top
portion having a first protrusion which extends inwards into the
first inside cavity and fits securely over a neck of a medicinal
vial placed within the first inside cavity; the first plurality of
retaining ribs each further comprising a first proximal body
portion and a first distal body portion, the first proximal body
portion located in proximity to the first top end and the first
distal body portion located in proximity to the first bottom end;
wherein the first sidewall has a first external perimeter; a second
holding vessel having a second top end, a second bottom end and a
second sidewall extending generally longitudinally from the second
bottom end to the second top end; the second sidewall having a
second exterior surface and a second interior surface; a second
inside cavity shaped so as to encompass a main body of a medicinal
vial, the second inside cavity located within the second holding
vessel and being completely surrounded by the second top end, the
second bottom end, and the second sidewall; the second top end
having a second top opening which allows access to the second
inside cavity; the second bottom end having a second bottom port
which allows access to the inside cavity; a second contents
porthole extending longitudinally within the second sidewall and
positioned to allow a person to view the second inside cavity
through the second sidewall; a second plurality of retaining ribs
extending longitudinally up the second interior surface of the
second sidewall, the second plurality of retaining ribs each having
a second top portion, the second top portion having a second
protrusion which extends inwards into the second inside cavity and
fits securely over a neck of a medicinal vial placed within the
second inside cavity; the second plurality of retaining ribs each
further comprising a second proximal body portion and a second
distal body portion, the second proximal body portion located in
proximity to the second top end and the second distal body portion
located in proximity to the second bottom end; wherein the second
sidewall has a second external perimeter; and wherein the first
external perimeter is shaped differently from the second external
perimeter.
8. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
circle and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a
four-sided polygon.
9. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
circle and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a
six-sided polygon.
10. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
circle and the second external perimeter has the general shape of a
three-sided polygon.
11. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
four-sided polygon and the second external perimeter has the
general shape of a six-sided polygon.
12. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
four-sided polygon and the second external perimeter has the
general shape of a five-sided polygon.
13. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
four-sided polygon and the second external perimeter has the
general shape of a three-sided polygon.
14. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
six-sided polygon and the second external perimeter has the general
shape of a five-sided polygon.
15. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 7
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
six-sided polygon and the second external perimeter has the general
shape of a three-sided polygon.
16. A medicinal vial protector and identifier system, comprising: a
first holding vessel having a first top end, a first bottom end and
a first sidewall extending generally longitudinally from the first
bottom end to the first top end; the first sidewall having a first
exterior surface and a first interior surface; a first inside
cavity shaped so as to encompass a main body of a medicinal vial,
the first inside cavity located within the first holding vessel and
being completely surrounded by the first top end, the first bottom
end, and the first sidewall; the first top end having a first top
opening which allows access to the first inside cavity; the first
bottom end having a first bottom port which allows access to the
inside cavity; a first contents porthole extending longitudinally
within the first sidewall and positioned to allow a person to view
the first inside cavity through the first sidewall; a first
plurality of retaining ribs extending longitudinally up the first
interior surface of the first sidewall, the first plurality of
retaining ribs each having a first top portion, the first top
portion having a first protrusion which extends inwards into the
first inside cavity and fits securely over a neck of a medicinal
vial placed within the first inside cavity; the first plurality of
retaining ribs each further comprising a first proximal body
portion and a first distal body portion, the first proximal body
portion located in proximity to the first top end and the first
distal body portion located in proximity to the first bottom end;
wherein the first sidewall has a first external perimeter; a second
holding vessel having a second top end, a second bottom end and a
second sidewall extending generally longitudinally from the second
bottom end to the second top end; the second sidewall having a
second exterior surface and a second interior surface; a second
inside cavity shaped so as to encompass a main body of a medicinal
vial, the second inside cavity located within the second holding
vessel and being completely surrounded by the second top end, the
second bottom end, and the second sidewall; the second top end
having a second top opening which allows access to the second
inside cavity; the second bottom end having a second bottom port
which allows access to the inside cavity; a second contents
porthole extending longitudinally within the second sidewall and
positioned to allow a person to view the second inside cavity
through the second sidewall; a second plurality of retaining ribs
extending longitudinally up the second interior surface of the
second sidewall, the second plurality of retaining ribs each having
a second top portion, the second top portion having a second
protrusion which extends inwards into the second inside cavity and
fits securely over a neck of a medicinal vial placed within the
second inside cavity; the second plurality of retaining ribs each
further comprising a second proximal body portion and a second
distal body portion, the second proximal body portion located in
proximity to the second top end and the second distal body portion
located in proximity to the second bottom end; wherein the second
sidewall has a second external perimeter; a third holding vessel
having a third top end, a third bottom end and a third sidewall
extending generally longitudinally from the third bottom end to the
third top end; the third sidewall having a third exterior surface
and a third interior surface; a third inside cavity shaped so as to
encompass a main body of a medicinal vial, the third inside cavity
located within the third holding vessel and being completely
surrounded by the third top end, the third bottom end, and the
third sidewall; the third top end having a third top opening which
allows access to the third inside cavity; the third bottom end
having a third bottom port which allows access to the inside
cavity; a third contents porthole extending longitudinally within
the third sidewall and positioned to allow a person to view the
third inside cavity through the third sidewall; a third plurality
of retaining ribs extending longitudinally up the third interior
surface of the third sidewall, the third plurality of retaining
ribs each having a third top portion, the third top portion having
a third protrusion which extends inwards into the third inside
cavity and fits securely over a neck of a medicinal vial placed
within the third inside cavity; the third plurality of retaining
ribs each further comprising a third proximal body portion and a
third distal body portion, the third proximal body portion located
in proximity to the third top end and the third distal body portion
located in proximity to the third bottom end; wherein the third
sidewall has a third external perimeter; and wherein the first
external perimeter, the second external perimeter, and the third
external perimeter are all shaped differently from one another.
17. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 16
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
circle, the second external perimeter has the general shape of a
four-sided polygon, and the third external perimeter has the
general shape of a six-sided polygon.
18. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 16
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
circle, the second external perimeter has the general shape of a
four-sided polygon, and the third external perimeter has the
general shape of a three-sided polygon.
19. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 16
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
circle, the second external perimeter has the general shape of a
four-sided polygon, and the third external perimeter has the
general shape of a five-sided polygon.
20. The medicinal vial protector and identifier system of claim 16
wherein the first external perimeter has the general shape of a
three-sided polygon, the second external perimeter has the general
shape of a four-sided polygon, and the third external perimeter has
the general shape of a six-sided polygon.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the
benefit of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/699,824
entitled INSUCOZI and filed on Jan. 30, 2007, which is specifically
incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and
teaches.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to the health care field
and, in particular, to a medicinal vial protector and identifier
system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The number of medicines and treatments for conditions and
diseases has grown dramatically in recent years. Consequently,
there are a growing number of people (and animals) who require
periodic treatments with medicines that are stored and transported
in standard medicinal vials. For example, the treatment of diabetes
often requires the administration of insulin which is delivered to
patients in medicinal vials. As this disease continues to
proliferate, more and more people are handling and using medicinal
vials for their insulin treatments. Because many medicinal vials
have been standardized into a generic size and shape, it can often
be difficult for people to distinguish one vial from another.
Furthermore, because the vials are often made of glass or other
relatively fragile materials, they must be handled with care to
avoid breakage. Additionally, the glass vials are small, difficult
to hold onto, and quickly warm when removed from refrigeration (as
some medicines require). What is needed is a medicinal vial
protector and identifier system that addresses the above
limitations and problems.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention described and claimed
herein address the foregoing limitations and problems by providing
a medicinal vial protector and identifier system. The present
invention comprises at least a holding vessel made of an impact
resistant/absorbent material having an interior cavity designed to
hold a medicinal vial, an exterior sidewall that can be easily
identified by a person, a plurality of retaining ribs designed to
retain the vial within the holding vessel and facilitate insertion
and removal of the vial by a person, a contents porthole to allow
the simple determination of the amount of materials contained in
the vial at a given time without removing the vial from the holding
vessel, and a bottom port to further facilitate the easy removal of
the vial from the holding vessel by a person. In order to
facilitate identification of the medicine within a vial stored
inside the holding vessel, the exterior sidewall of the holding
vessel should be distinctly shaped and colored.
[0005] The plurality of retaining ribs provide a myriad of
important functions. First, they serve to retain the vial within
the holding vessel. The ribs are shaped to conform to the surface
of the vial and extend over the neck of the vial, thereby holding
the vial securely within the vessel. However, because the ribs do
no contact the entire surface of the vial, they do not grasp the
vial too firmly. Beverage can insulation devices in the prior art
are well known, and similarly well known is the problem they have
of grasping the can too firmly, making insertion and removal
difficult. Additionally, because only the retaining ribs contact
the medicinal vial, there is an extra amount of impact resistance
added to the system as the holding vessel sidewall can bend and
deform in the gap between the sidewall and the vial without
transferring that energy directly to the medicinal vial. Finally,
because only the relatively small amount of material that makes up
the retaining ribs (versus the entire interior surface area of the
sidewall) contacts the vial, insertion and removal of the vial is
much easier.
[0006] One embodiment has a three holding vessel system in which a
first vessel has a rounded, cylindrical sidewall colored red, a
second vessel has a quadrilateral sidewall colored blue, and a
third vessel has a hexagonal sidewall colored yellow. The shapes of
the aforementioned sidewalls describe cross-sections taken
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and detail the exterior
perimeter shapes. In other embodiments, the shapes can be other
shapes such as triangular, octagonal, pentagonal, diamond,
irregular polygons, curves, etc. Similarly, the colors can be other
colors such as green, orange, purple, brown, white, black, etc. One
goal of the system is to provide a plurality of holding vessels
that can be identified by touch alone, another is to identify them
by sight alone, and yet another is to use both senses to facilitate
identification. In yet another embodiment, a small device is
attached to the holding vessel which produces a sound upon
activation by a person which can be used to identify the
vessel--such aural identification means can be used in place of or
in addition to the aforesaid touch and/or sight identification
means. Other identification means are contemplated, such as a
strong smell being integrated with a given holding vessel or the
integration of flavors into holding vessels that can be tasted by
licking a vessel.
[0007] The present invention provides many benefits over the prior
art. A medicinal vial protector and identifier system allows
patients to easily distinguish between two or more vials to ensure
that they administer the right medication. Similarly, patients who
are either lacking or deficient in one or more of their five senses
can instead rely on one or more of their other senses to identify
their medicinal vials. For example, a diabetic person who is blind
can grasp one of the holding vessels in the medicinal vial
protector and identifier system and quickly and easily determine
that it is hexagonal in shape (for example), which means it holds a
particular type of insulin. Further, if the person were to drop or
knock vials into each other or other things, the impact
resistant/absorbing material(s) that make up the holding vessels
(as well as the gap between interior sidewall and the vial) help to
protect the medicinal vial stored within and lessen the chances of
breaking the vial and destroying its contents. Since the vial
protector and identifier system can utilize materials that are
shock-absorbent and provide an improved gripping surface the
chances of dropping and breaking the vials are reduced. Finally,
because the holding vessels surround the vials, they help to
insulate them as well.
[0008] In another embodiment, the vial protector and identifier
system is called InsuCozi and a user can put different types of
insulin medicinal vials in the different holding vessels. The
InsuCozis cover the insulin vials used by a diabetic patient and
allow him or her to identify and protect their insulin vials. The
insulin vials used by diabetics are generally small glass bottles
of approximately ten milliliters of capacity that must be kept cool
and used in proportion to the patient's medical needs. The
InsuCozis allow the patient to identify each of the insulins he or
she may be using, and the silicone rubber texture (or other
materials having similar properties) allows the patient to hold
onto the vial easier while preparing the injection. Furthermore,
the holding vessels further function to insulate the covered vials
in order to keep them cool longer.
[0009] The invention is motivated by the medical industry's need
for diabetic patients to make sure they are using the correct
insulin, as well as ensure their insulin vials are protected from
air temperature and breakage due to dropping or otherwise impacting
the vials. The standard insulin vial is small and difficult to
handle, and is nondescript making it difficult to identify the
contents. A blind diabetic has no way of knowing if they are
receiving the correct amount of the prescribed insulin. However,
once one or more vials are used with the medicinal vial protector
and identifier system, the vials are covered by holding vessels
that have unique properties that facilitate identification of the
vial contained within each holding vessel, protect the vials,
insulate them, and allow patients to grip them more securely.
[0010] In one embodiment, a holding vessel's elasticity allows it
to expand and contract enough for ease of receiving a medicinal
vial, yet form-fitting so the vial will not escape until intended
by a patient. In another embodiment, internal retention ribs are
used to conform to the shape of a medicinal vial to retain it
within the holding vessel. In such an embodiment either the
retention ribs themselves or the body of the holding vessel (or
both) can deform slightly in order to allow the insertion of the
medicinal vial into the holding vessel and then one (or both)
return to shape once the vial is properly placed within the vessel
in order to retain and secure the vial in place. Additionally, the
bottom of the holding vessel can incorporate an open end or bottom
port to allow for inserting or removing the vial. In yet another
embodiment, the bottom port is not large enough to allow passage of
the vial therethrough but instead functions as an access port to
allow the bottom of the vial to be pushed on during the removal
process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The aforementioned and other features and objects of the
present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more
apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by
reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment
and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a medicinal vial being inserted into an exemplary
holding vessel;
[0013] FIG. 2A illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a four-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel;
[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel;
[0015] FIG. 2C illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a one-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel;
[0016] FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a four-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel;
[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel;
[0018] FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a one-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel;
[0019] FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective cross-sectional view
of one half of a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system;
[0020] FIG. 4B illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a retaining rib;
[0021] FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a three-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel; and
[0022] FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a five-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] A medicinal vial protector and identifier system can
comprise a single holding vessel or it can comprise two or more
holding vessels, wherein the shapes of the outside perimeters of
the sidewalls are different between the vessels. For example, a
two-vessel system could have a first vessel that has a rounded,
cylindrically shaped sidewall and a second vessel that has a
four-sided, square shaped sidewall. The first vessel could then
contain a first type of medicine and the second could contain a
second type of medicine. A patient can then very easily tell the
difference between the two medicines simply by looking at or
feeling the external shapes of the two sidewalls: the rounded
vessel contains medicine 1 and the squared vessel contains medicine
2. Identification in this manner is much simpler than trying to
read the small print on the labels of the medicine vials. This is
especially true if, for example, the patient is blind.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a medicinal vial 190 being inserted into an exemplary
holding vessel 110. The direction of insertion is indicated by the
broken-line arrow 192.
[0025] The holding vessel 110 has a sidewall 111 that extends
longitudinally from the bottom end 112 to the top end 113. The
sidewall is very generally cylindrical in shape, although an
outside perimeter of a horizontal cross-section taken perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis (i.e., the axis extending from the center
of the bottom end 112 to the center of the top end 113) can have
any regular or irregular shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the sidewall has a cross-sectional shape resembling a six-sided
figure or hexagon. In another embodiment, the six-sided figure can
be an irregularly shaped hexagon. In yet other embodiments, the
outside perimeter shape of the sidewall 111 cross-section can be
other shapes.
[0026] The top end 113 of the vessel 110 highlights the six-sided
shape of the sidewall illustrated in FIG. 1. The top end 113
functions to transition between the outside perimeter of the
sidewall 111 and the inside cavity 120 of the vessel 110. The top
end 113 has a top opening 125 which allows access to the inside
cavity 120. In one embodiment, a medicinal vial can be inserted and
removed via the top opening 125. In another embodiment, a medicinal
vial is inserted and removed via a bottom port (see FIGS. 2A, 2B,
and 2C).
[0027] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the inside cavity 120 of the
vessel 110 is shaped so as to receive and encompass the main body
of the medicinal vial 190. At least a portion of the neck 194 and
cap 196 of the vial 190 extend out above the top end 113 of the
vessel 110 when the vial 190 is properly positioned within the
inside cavity 120 of the vessel 110, in a preferred embodiment. In
other embodiments, the neck 194 and/or cap 196 may not extend above
the top end 113 of the vessel 110.
[0028] Also illustrated in FIG. 1 are a first contents porthole 114
and a second contents porthole 115. These gaps in the sidewall 111
serve to allow a person to view the side of the medicinal vial 190
in order to determine the contents thereof and the approximate
amount of contents held in the vial 190. As most vials hold a
medicinal liquid, it should be apparent that the level of liquid
held in a clear vial 190 can be discerned when one examines the
side of a vial 190 held generally upright. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, a plurality of contents portholes 114 and 115 are shown.
In other embodiments, one, two, three or more contents portholes
114 and 115 can be incorporated into the holding vessel 110.
Although the contents portholes 114 and 115 of FIG. 1 are shown as
gaps in the sidewall 111, in other embodiments they could be
constructed out of transparent or translucent materials instead of
being gaps in the sidewalls 111. In yet other embodiments, multiple
gaps or contents portholes can be incorporated into the sidewall
rather than single, long contents portholes 114 and 115.
[0029] The tops of a plurality of retaining ribs 130 are
illustrated in FIG. 1. The retaining ribs 130 have a number of
functions. First, the plurality of retaining ribs 130 function to
hold a vial 190 within a holding vessel 110. The ribs 130 have a
protrusion near the top which extends over the top of the side of
the vial 190 and contacts the neck 194 of the vial 190. This
protrusion serves to retain the vial 190. However, because the
plurality of retaining ribs 130 can deform (and/or the sidewall 111
to which they are attached can deform), the vial 190 can be easily
inserted into the holding vessel 110 by pushing the tops of the
plurality of retaining ribs 130 out of the way. The tops move back
into position encasing the vial 190 once the vial 190 is correctly
positioned within the holding vessel 110. The plurality of
retaining ribs 130 also serve to create a space between the
interior surface of the sidewall 111 and the exterior surface of
the vial 190. This space helps to further protect the vials from
damage caused by external impacts to the sidewall 111. Having a
space between the vial 190 and the sidewall 111 also eases the
process of insertion and removal of the vial 190 from the holding
vessel 110.
[0030] FIG. 2A illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a four-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel
210. The top plan view illustrates the general shape of the outside
perimeter of the sidewall 211. In the case of FIG. 2A, said shape
is that of a four-sided polygon. In the embodiment in FIG. 2A, the
polygon is a quadrilateral or square shape. In other embodiments,
other shapes are contemplated.
[0031] FIG. 2A also depicts the top end 213 of the holding vessel
210. In the generally square-shaped sidewall 211 of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2A, the interior cavity 220 is generally
square-shaped as well. However, the interior cavity 220 could have
other shapes in other embodiments, such as the generally
cylindrical shapes of the interior cavities 220 shown in FIGS. 2B
and 2C.
[0032] The plurality of retaining ribs 230 are illustrated in FIG.
2A. These ribs 230 function to retain the vial inside the interior
cavity 220. The tops of the ribs 230 are the only portions visible
in FIGS. 2A-C. For a more complete illustration of the shape of the
retaining ribs 230, see FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0033] FIG. 2A also illustrates the bottom end 212 of the holding
vessel 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the bottom end 212
incorporates a bottom port 219 to allow the bottom of the vial to
be pushed on during the removal process. In another embodiment no
such bottom port 219 is utilized. In yet another embodiment, the
bottom port 219 is large enough to allow passage of the vial
therethrough, thereby allowing the vial to be inserted and removed
from the bottom end 212 of the holding vessel 210. In such a case,
the bottom port 219 would need to be somewhat elastic to ensure
that the vial can not slip out through the bottom port 219 when the
user wishes for it to be retained within the vessel 210.
[0034] FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel
210. The top plan view illustrates the general shape of the outside
perimeter of the sidewall 211. In the case of FIG. 2B, said shape
is that of a six-sided polygon. In the embodiment in FIG. 2B, the
polygon is a hexagon. In other embodiments, other shapes are
contemplated.
[0035] FIG. 2B also depicts the top end 213 of the holding vessel
210. In the generally hexagonally shaped sidewall 211 of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the interior cavity 220 is generally
cylindrically shaped. However, the interior cavity 220 could have
other shapes in other embodiments, such as the generally square
shape of the interior cavity 220 shown in FIG. 2A.
[0036] The plurality of retaining ribs 230 are illustrated in FIG.
2B as well. These ribs 230 function to retain the vial inside the
interior cavity 220. The tops of the ribs 230 are the only portions
visible in FIGS. 2A-C. For a more complete illustration of the
shape of the retaining ribs 230, see FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0037] FIG. 2B also illustrates the bottom end 212 of the holding
vessel 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the bottom end 212
incorporates a bottom port 219 to allow the bottom of the vial to
be pushed on during the removal process. In another embodiment no
such bottom port 219 is utilized. In yet another embodiment, the
bottom port 219 is large enough to allow passage of the vial
therethrough, thereby allowing the vial to be inserted and removed
from the bottom end 212 of the holding vessel 210. In such a case,
the bottom port 219 would need to be somewhat elastic to ensure
that the vial can not slip out through the bottom port 219 when the
user wishes for it to be retained within the vessel 210.
[0038] FIG. 2C illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a single-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel 210. The top plan view illustrates the general shape of the
outside perimeter of the sidewall 211. In the case of FIG. 2C, said
shape is that of a circle. In other embodiments, other shapes are
contemplated, including, but not limited to, an oval, square,
triangle, pentagon, hexagon, etc.
[0039] FIG. 2C also depicts the top end 213 of the holding vessel
210. In the generally circular shaped sidewall 211 of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the interior cavity 220 is generally
cylindrically shaped as well. However, the interior cavity 220
could have other shapes in other embodiments, such as the generally
square shape of the interior cavity 220 shown in FIG. 2A.
[0040] The plurality of retaining ribs 230 are illustrated in FIG.
2C as well. These ribs 230 function to retain the vial inside the
interior cavity 220. The tops of the ribs 230 are the only portions
visible in FIGS. 2A-C. For a more complete illustration of the
shape of the retaining ribs 230, see FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0041] FIG. 2C also illustrates the bottom end 212 of the holding
vessel 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the bottom end 212
incorporates a bottom port 219 to allow the bottom of the vial to
be pushed on during the removal process. In another embodiment, no
such bottom port 219 is utilized. In yet another embodiment, the
bottom port 219 is large enough to allow passage of the vial
therethrough, thereby allowing the vial to be inserted and removed
from the bottom end 212 of the holding vessel 210. In such a case,
the bottom port 219 would need to be somewhat elastic to ensure
that the vial can not slip out through the bottom port 219 when the
user wishes for it to be retained within the vessel 210.
[0042] FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a four-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel
310. The sidewall 311 is shown in FIG. 3A as having a generally
square, four-sided outside perimeter. Other shapes are
contemplated. The bottom end 312 is illustrated as having a
generally flat surface containing a bottom port 319. As discussed
above, the bottom port 319 may be larger, smaller, or nonexistent
in other embodiments. Similarly, the surface of the bottom end 312
may not be generally flat in other embodiments. The plurality of
contents portholes 314 and 315 shown in FIG. 3A are depicted as
gaps in the sidewall 311 extending all the way through the bottom
end 312. In other embodiments, the contents portholes 314 and 315
do not extend through the bottom end 312. In yet other embodiments,
the contents portholes 314 and 315 are fewer or greater in number,
and can be translucent or transparent areas rather than gaps.
[0043] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel
310. The sidewall 311 is shown in FIG. 3B as having a generally
six-sided outside perimeter. Other shapes are contemplated. The
bottom end 312 is illustrated as having a generally flat surface
containing a bottom port 319. As discussed above, the bottom port
319 may be larger, smaller, or nonexistent in other embodiments.
Similarly, the surface of the bottom end 312 may not be generally
flat in other embodiments. The plurality of contents portholes 314
and 315 shown in FIG. 3B are depicted as gaps in the sidewall 311
extending all the way through the bottom end 312. In other
embodiments, the contents portholes 314 and 315 do not extend
through the bottom end 312. In yet other embodiments, the contents
portholes 314 and 315 are fewer or greater in number, and can be
translucent or transparent areas rather than gaps.
[0044] FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a one-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel
310. The sidewall 311 shown in FIG. 3C is generally in the shape of
a cylinder and, as such, it has a generally curved, one-sided
outside perimeter. Here, the perimeter is in the form of a circle.
Other shapes are contemplated. The bottom end 312 is illustrated as
having a generally flat surface containing a bottom port 319. As
discussed above, the bottom port 319 may be larger, smaller, or
nonexistent in other embodiments. Similarly, the surface of the
bottom end 312 may not be generally flat in other embodiments. The
plurality of contents portholes 314 and 315 shown in FIG. 3C are
depicted as gaps in the sidewall 311 extending all the way through
the bottom end 312. In other embodiments, the contents portholes
314 and 315 do not extend through the bottom end 312. In yet other
embodiments, the contents portholes 314 and 315 are fewer or
greater in number, and can be translucent or transparent areas
rather than gaps.
[0045] FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective cross-sectional view
of approximately one-half of a six-sided embodiment of an exemplary
holding vessel 410 of a medicinal vial protector and identifier
system. The cross-section is taken parallel to the longitudinal
axis and slightly in front of the center point of the top end 413
and bottom end 412. This was done in order to illustrate the
general size and shape of the plurality of retaining ribs 430.
[0046] FIG. 4A provides a more clear view of the interior surface
of the sidewall 411 (for a view of the exterior surface of the
sidewall, see FIG. 1). The interior surface surrounds the inside
cavity and defines the shape thereof. A plurality of retaining ribs
430 run longitudinally up the interior surface of the sidewall 411.
As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the tops of the plurality of retaining
ribs 430 have a protrusion that fits over the top of the vial and
in contact with the neck of the vial. This helps to retain the vial
inside the interior cavity 420 of the vessel 410. Also shown in
FIG. 4A is one of the contents portholes 415, the sidewall 411, the
bottom port 419, the top end 413 and the bottom end 412.
[0047] FIG. 4B illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a retaining rib 430. The retaining rib 430 has a top
portion 431 and a main body portion 433. The top portion 431 is
shaped with a protrusion 432 that extends inward towards the center
of the inside cavity so as to fit over a portion of the neck of a
medicinal vial. The main body portion 433 is made up of a proximal
body portion 434 and a distal body portion 435. The retaining rib
430 can decrease in thickness from the top of the proximal body
portion 434 to the bottom of the distal body portion 435 as shown
in FIG. 4B. In other embodiments, the retaining rib 430 can have
the same or increasing thickness from the proximal portion 434 to
the distal portion 435.
[0048] FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a three-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding
vessel 510. The sidewall 511 is shown in FIG. 5A as having a
generally triangular, three-sided outside perimeter. Other shapes
are contemplated. The bottom end 512 is illustrated as having a
generally flat surface containing a bottom port 519. As discussed
above, the bottom port 519 may be larger, smaller, or nonexistent
in other embodiments. Similarly, the surface of the bottom end 512
may not be generally flat in other embodiments. The plurality of
contents portholes 514 and 515 shown in FIG. 5A are depicted as
gaps in the sidewall 511 extending all the way through the bottom
end 512. In other embodiments, the contents portholes 514 and 515
do not extend through the bottom end 512. In yet other embodiments,
the contents portholes 514 and 515 are fewer or greater in number,
and can be translucent or transparent areas rather than gaps.
[0049] FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of a medicinal vial protector and identifier system
highlighting a five-sided embodiment of an exemplary holding vessel
510. The sidewall 511 is shown in FIG. 5B as having a generally
pentangular, five-sided outside perimeter. Other shapes are
contemplated. The bottom end 512 is illustrated as having a
generally flat surface containing a bottom port 519. As discussed
above, the bottom port 519 may be larger, smaller, or nonexistent
in other embodiments. Similarly, the surface of the bottom end 512
may not be generally flat in other embodiments. The plurality of
contents portholes 514 and 515 shown in FIG. 5B are depicted as
gaps in the sidewall 511 extending all the way through the bottom
end 512. In other embodiments, the contents portholes 514 and 515
do not extend through the bottom end 512. In yet other embodiments,
the contents portholes 514 and 515 are fewer or greater in number,
and can be translucent or transparent areas rather than gaps.
[0050] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
described and disclosed in the present application, it should be
understood that any number of permutations, modifications, or
embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the intention of this
application to limit this invention in any way except as by the
appended claims.
[0051] Particular terminology used when describing certain features
or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any
specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention
with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms
used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification, unless the above Detailed Description section
explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the
invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also
all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the
invention.
[0052] The above detailed description of the embodiments of the
invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to
the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While
specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are
described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent
modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as
those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the
teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other
systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements
and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined
to provide further embodiments.
[0053] In light of the above "Detailed Description," the Inventor
may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description
outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the
best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in
text, the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus,
implementation details may vary considerably while still being
encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the
inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when
describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not
be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to
be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects
of the invention with which that terminology is associated.
[0054] While certain aspects of the invention are presented below
in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various
aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly,
the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after
filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for
other aspects of the invention.
[0055] The above specification, examples and data provide a
description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of
the described articles of manufacture and methods. Many embodiments
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *