U.S. patent number RE37,535 [Application Number 09/478,850] was granted by the patent office on 2002-02-05 for health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by reminding a person to take medication.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Rxtra Inc.. Invention is credited to Allan R. Avery, Lawrence H. Bernstein.
United States Patent |
RE37,535 |
Avery , et al. |
February 5, 2002 |
Health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by
reminding a person to take medication
Abstract
A health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by
reminding a person to take medication includes a generally
vertically upstanding housing. The housing includes first and
second adjoining sections. The first section is provided to
removably hold an instrument, such as a toothbrush, for use in a
daily activity. The second section is provided for holding a
material, such as medication, to be taken by the person. When a
person reaches to use the toothbrush, for example, the person is
reminded to take the medication due to its proximity in the second
section.
Inventors: |
Avery; Allan R. (New Canaan,
CT), Bernstein; Lawrence H. (Storrs, CT) |
Assignee: |
Rxtra Inc. (Norwalk,
CT)
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Family
ID: |
25236887 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/478,850 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
822756 |
Mar 24, 1997 |
05839578 |
Nov 24, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/362.2;
132/309; 206/362.3; 206/528 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K
1/09 (20130101); A61J 7/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47K
1/09 (20060101); A47K 1/08 (20060101); B65D
083/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;206/15.3,216,362.1,362.2,362.3,528 ;132/308,309 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Fidei; David T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dinesh Agarwal, P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by
reminding a person to take medication, comprising:
a) a generally vertically upstanding housing including first and
second adjoining sections;
b) said first section including means for removably holding an
instrument for use in a daily activity;
c) said second section including means for holding a material to be
taken by person; .[.and.].
d) said second section including an opening substantially across
the front thereof for allowing continuous visual inspection of said
material in said second section;
.Iadd.e) said first section including top and bottom sections;
f) said first section including means for holding said instrument
generally vertically therein;
g) said instrument holding means comprising a yoke member
positioned in said bottom section of said first section;
and.Iaddend.
.[.(e).]. .Iadd.h) .Iaddend.wherein when a person reaches to use
said instrument, the person is reminded to take said material due
to the proximity of said material holding means. .[.
2. The health improvement device of claim 1, wherein:
a) said first section includes top and bottom sections;
b) said first section includes means for holding said instrument
generally vertically therein; and
c) said instrument holding means comprises a yoke member positioned
in said bottom section of said first section..].
3. The health improvement device of claim .[.2.]. .Iadd.1.Iaddend.,
wherein:
a) said instrument holding means further includes an opening in
said top section of said first section.
4. The health improvement device of claim .[.2.]. .Iadd.1.Iaddend.,
wherein:
a) said yoke member is removably positioned in said bottom
section.
5. The health improvement device of claim 3, wherein:
a) said opening is generally circular.
6. The health improvement device of claim .[.2.]. .Iadd.1.Iaddend.,
wherein:
a) said opening has the general configuration of a + sign.
7. The health improvement device of claim 1, wherein:
a) said first section is generally cylindrical in shape and
includes a recess bound by an inside wall; and
b) a plurality of vertically extending ribs are provided on said
inside wall.
8. The health improvement device of claim 7, wherein:
a) said ribs extend generally vertically and substantially the
height of said first section.
9. The health improvement device of claim 1, wherein:
a) said second section is generally cylindrical in shape and
includes a recess therein.
10. The health improvement device of claim 1, wherein:
a) said second section comprises a generally C-shaped member for
holding a container.
11. The health improvement device of claim 10, wherein:
a) said C-shaped member extends generally vertically and
substantially the height of said second section.
12. The health improvement device of claim 1, wherein:
a) said housing is a single integral piece.
13. The health improvement device of claim 1, wherein:
a) said instrument comprises a toothbrush.
14. The health improvement device of claim 1, in combination with a
toothbrush.
15. A health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by
reminding a person to take medication, comprising:
a) a generally vertically upstanding housing including integrally
formed first and second adjoining sections;
b) said first section being generally cylindrical in shape and
including a recess for removably holding a toothbrush generally
vertically therein;
c) said second section including a medication holding
container;
d) said second section including an opening substantially across
the front thereof for allowing continuous visual inspection of the
medication in said second section; and
e) said first section including a drainage hole adjacent the bottom
thereof;
e) wherein when a person reaches to use the toothbrush, the person
is reminded to take the medication due to the proximity of the
medication container.
16. The health improvement device of claim 15, wherein:
a) said second section comprises a generally C-shaped member.
17. The health improvement device of claim 16, wherein:
a) said C-shaped member extends generally vertically and
substantially the height of said second section.
18. The health improvement device of claim 15, wherein:
a) said first section includes an inside wall; and
b) a plurality of vertically extending ribs are provided on said
inside wall.
19. A health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by
reminding a person to take medication, comprising:
a) a generally vertically housing including first and second
adjoining sections;
b) said first section including means for removably holding an
instrument for use in a daily activity;
c) said second section including means for holding a material to be
taken by a person;
d) said first section including top and bottom sections;
e) said first section including means for holding said instrument
generally vertically therein;
f) said instrument holding means including a yoke member positioned
in said bottom section of said first section;
g) said instrument holding means including an opening in said top
section of said first section;
h) said yoke member including a generally funnel-shaped recess;
and
i) said opening and said funnel-shaped recess being generally
vertically aligned so as to keep said instrument generally
vertical;
j) wherein when a person reaches to use said instrument, the person
is reminded to take said material due to the proximity of said
material holding means.
20. A health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by
reminding a person to take medication, comprising;
a) a generally vertically upstanding housing including first and
second adjoining sections;
b) said first section including means for removably holding an
instrument for use in a daily activity;
c) said second section including means for holding a material to be
taken by a person;
d) said first section including top and bottom sections;
e) said first section including means for holding said instrument
generally vertically therein;
f) said instrument holding means including a yoke member positioned
in said bottom section of said first section;
g) said yoke member being removably positioned in said bottom
section; and
h) said yoke member including a drainage opening;
i) wherein when a person reaches to use said instrument, the person
is reminded to take said material due to the proximity of said
material holding means. .Iadd.
21. A health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by
reminding a person to take medication, comprising:
a) a generally vertically upstanding housing including first and
second adjoining sections;
b) said first section including means for removably holding an
instrument for use in a daily activity;
c) said second section including means for holding a material to be
taken by a person;
d) said second section including an opening substantially across
the front thereof for allowing continuous visual inspection of said
material in said second sections; and
e) said first and second sections being separated by an
uninterrupted vertically extending wall;
f) wherein when a person reaches to use said instrument, the person
is reminded to take said material due to the proximity of said
material holding means..Iaddend..Iadd.
22. A health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by
reminding a person to take medication, comprising:
a) a generally vertically upstanding housing including first and
second adjoining sections;
b) said first section including a recess for removably holding an
instrument for use in a daily activity;
c) said second section including a member for holding a material to
be taken by a person;
d) said second section including an opening substantially across
the front thereof for allowing continuous visual inspection of said
material in said second section;
e) said first section including top and bottom sections; and
f) said first section including a yoke member positioned in said
bottom section thereof for holding said instrument generally
vertically therein;
g) wherein when a person reaches to use said instrument, the person
is reminded to take said material due to the proximity of said
material holding member..Iaddend..Iadd.
23. A health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by
reminding a person to take medication, comprising:
a) a generally vertically upstanding housing including first and
second adjoining sections;
b) said first section including a recess for removably holding an
instrument for use in a daily activity;
c) said second section including a member for holding a material to
be taken by a person;
d) said second section including an opening substantially across
the front thereof for allowing continuous visual inspection of said
material in said second section; and
e) said first and second sections being separated by an
uninterrupted vertically extending wall;
f) wherein when a person reaches to use said instrument, the person
is reminded to take said material due to the proximity of said
material holding member..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a health improvement device,
and more particularly to a device which modifies a daily behavior
by reminding a person to take medication, as directed by the
doctor.
It has been observed by medical professionals and other behavior
scientists that remembering to take prescription or other
medication, day after day, is a routine that is usually hard to
establish. In this regard, it is known that taking medication at
prescribed intervals or time is not only important, but in many
instances, could be critical. The failure of a person to take the
medication, as prescribed, may have adverse impact on the health of
a person. It is therefore important that a simple and easy to use
device be provided which reminds a person to take the
medication.
Various examples of conventional devices of this nature and various
medicine containers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 571,436;
675,364; 612,296; 2,450,337; 2,570,380; 2,608,294; 3,228,737;
3,521,936; 3,524,690; 3,884,635; 4,140,140; 4,116,508; 4,248,254;
4,307,923, 4,308,923; 4,466,150; 4,951,596; 5,072,477; and
5,271,353.
The conventional devices are not as simple to use as the device of
the present invention and not versatile.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The main object of the present invention is to provide a simple to
use and an inexpensive health improvement device which modifies a
person's daily behavior by reminding the person to take medication,
as directed.
An object of the present invention is to provide a health
improvement device which overcomes the disadvantages associated
with the conventional devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a health
improvement device which creates a simple association between the
daily habit of toothbrushing and another habit a doctor wants each
patient to develop, that is of taking medication properly.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a health
improvement device which reminds the patient, when reaching his or
her toothbrush, to take medication at the same time.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a
health improvement device which allows the medication to work as it
should, since it is being taken as prescribed by the doctor, for
example, once daily in the morning, or both morning and at
night.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
health improvement device which results in better compliance and
more effective therapy and therefore saves needless medical visits
and extra costs for the patient and the insurance provider.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a
health improvement device which is versatile in that it can be
reused with different medicine containers. In other words, once the
medication supply is exhausted, the device can be reused with other
medicine containers.
In summary, the main object of the present invention is to provide
a health improvement device which is simple, inexpensive, versatile
and modifies a person's daily behavior to serve as a reminder to
take a prescription medication, as directed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects and advantages and novel features of
the present invention will become apparent from a review of the
preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 a front elevational view of the health improvement device of
the present invention, shown with toothbrush and a medicine
bottle;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the health improvement
device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 2,
shown partially exploded with the drainage plug removed;
FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 4--4 of
FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a partial view of the device shown in FIG. 4, shown
without the drainage plug;
FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the drainage plug;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the drainage plug taken along
line 8--8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a first alternative embodiment of the device shown in
FIG. 2;
FIG. 10 is a second alternative embodiment of the device shown in
FIG. 2;
FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 11--11
of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 10, shown
without the drainage plug;
FIG. 13 is a third alternative embodiment of the device shown in
FIG. 2;
FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 14--14
of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 13, shown
without the drainage plug;
FIG. 16 is a fourth alternative embodiment of the device shown in
FIG. 2;
FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 16, shown
without the drainage plug;
FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 18--18
of FIG. 16;
FIG. 19 is a fifth alternative embodiment of the device shown in
FIG. 2;
FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 19, shown
without the drainage plug; and
FIG. 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 21--21
of FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
OF THE INVENTION
As best shown in FIGS. 1-2, the health improvement device HD of the
present invention is in the form of a generally vertically
upstanding housing H. The housing H is preferably made of
conventional materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polypropylene, any high density polyethylene or the like,
thermoplastic, or other suitable material, which may be easily
molded, blown or otherwise shaped to obtain the desired
configuration.
Housing H is of a unitary construction and includes a generally
cylindrical, hollow section 10 and a generally cylindrical open
recess section 12. As can be seen from FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the height
of first and second sections 10 and 12 is substantially the same.
It is, however, noted that the corresponding heights of these two
sections may be varied, if necessary. As can be seen from FIG. 1,
the section 10 is provided for receiving an instrument, such as a
toothbrush, and holding it securely and generally vertically
therein. The second, adjoining section 12, is provided for and has
the configuration to removably hold a conventional medicine bottle
MB.
As best shown in FIG. 4, section 10 includes recess 14 which
extends the height of the housing H and terminates at top opening
16 and bottom opening 18. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, a
generally round, alignment plate member 20 is provided in the
recess 14, adjacent top opening 16. The plate 20 includes four
pairs of generally triangularly shaped, radially extending
projections 22. As best shown in FIG. 6, the projections 22 extend
toward the center of housing H and are arranged in a manner so as
to form a generally +-shaped recess 24. The configuration of recess
24 is such that the handle of toothbrush TB would slide easily in
and out therefrom. As further shown in FIG. 6, each pair of
projections 22 is separated by a narrow slit 26 for imparting plate
20 bending flexibility. This flexibility is preferred for the ease
of inserting and removing toothbrush TB. It should be noted
herewith that the overall structure and configuration of plate
member 20 may be varied, keeping in mind the main objective of
properly aligning toothbrush TB, and to facilitate its insertion
and removal from housing H.
As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a generally cylindrical
alignment/drainage plug 28 is removably secured in the bottom of
housing H. As best shown in FIG. 4, alignment plug 28 includes an
outer peripheral section 30 and an inner generally funnel-shaped
yoke section 32. The yoke 32 includes an inner recess 34 which is
in communication with housing recess 14 on one end, and communicate
with the exterior via drain hole 36. As best seen in FIG. 4, inner
recess 34 terminates at the bottom 38, the diameter which is
designed so as to accommodate the bottom of toothbrush handle. A
circular projection 40 is provided on the external periphery 30 of
plug 28. The projection 40 snaps into corresponding notches 44 in
ribs 42, as described below.
The recess 24 in plate 20 is in general vertical alignment with
yoke bottom 38, such that when toothbrush TB is placed in section
10, it is secured vertically therein. Moreover, when toothbrush TB
is placed in section 10, after brushing teeth, for example, any
liquid or moisture present thereon drips downwardly in yoke 32, and
due to its generally conical inner wall 46, gets collected at
bottom 38 and flows outwardly through drain hole 36.
As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a preselected number of vertically
extending reinforcing ribs 42 are provided on the interior wall 50
of section 10. The ribs 42 are circumferentially placed on interior
wall 50, extend radially into recess 14, and are preferably
diametrically equidistant from one another. Although it is
preferable that twelve ribs 42 be provided, it is well within the
scope of this invention to vary the number thereof, as desired. The
ribs 42 are preferably integrally molded with housing H and extend
from about the bottom opening 18 up to the location of plate member
20. As best shown in FIG. 4, the radial length of ribs 42 is widest
at the bottom and tapers upwardly. As best shown in FIG. 6, the
radial length of some of the ribs located adjacent section 12, is
less than the length of ribs 42 on the opposite side thereof. This
is due to the fact that left wall 11 of section 10 flares outwardly
from adjacent top opening 16 to bottom opening 18 (FIG. 4).
As best shown in FIG. 5, ribs 42 are cut into at 52 for receiving
alignment plug 28. The length of each cutout 52 corresponds to the
vertical height of plug 28. As noted above, each rib 42 is provided
with a notch 44 substantially at the same location for receiving
projection 40 of plug 28.
In regard to second section 12, it is in the general configuration
of a clip defined by a generally C-shaped, wrap around vertical
wall 54. As best shown in FIG. 2, wall 54 partially encloses an
open recess 56, such that a front opening 58 is provided. The shape
and configuration of wall 54 is selected so as to hold a
conventional medicine bottle or container MB. The medicine bottle
MB is easily inserted into recess 56 from the top of housing H.
The provision of front opening 58 allows the information on the
medicine bottle MB, which is generally pasted thereon by a
pharmacist, to remain visible and, therefore, further enhances the
probability that the user would be reminded of taking the
prescribed medication, as directed. Although as shown in the
figures herein, the height of the C-shaped wall is substantially
the same as first section 10, it is well within the scope of this
invention to vary its dimensions, shape or configuration, as may be
desired.
As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-6, section 12 further includes a
bottom 60 for supporting the medicine bottle MB. Further, reference
numeral 61 in FIG. 6 illustrates a recess for receiving an insert
63 which displays product information, other indicia, etc.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, the alignment/drainage plug 28 may
additionally be provided with, preferably, four radial ribs 62
which extend between outer peripheral section 30 and yoke 32. The
ribs 62 are equilaterally positioned to strengthen and provide
structural integrity to plug 28.
FIG. 9 illustrates a first alternative embodiment of the present
invention, which is similar to the health improvement device HD
shown in FIGS. 1-6, with the exception that the structure of
alignment plate member 64 is different. In particular, member 64,
in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, is in the form of a round plate
with a generally round central opening 66 for receiving the handle
of toothbrush TB.
It is noted herewith that in various embodiments illustrated
herein, the like parts/components have been designated by using the
same reference numerals for clarity.
FIGS. 10-12 illustrates a second alternative embodiment of the
present invention, which is similar to the health improvement
device HD shown in FIGS. 1-6, with the exception that the structure
of alignment plate member 68 is different. In particular, member 68
includes preferably eight equilaterally spaced finger-like radial
projections 70, which are separated from one another by slits 72.
Further, projections 70 include generally rounded free ends 74 for
facilitating the insertion and removal of toothbrush TB.
FIGS. 13-15 illustrates a third alternative embodiment of the
present invention, which is generally similar to the health
improvement device HD shown in FIGS. 10-12, with the exception that
the interior wall 76 does not include any ribs and is substantially
smooth. A circular notch 77 is provided for receiving projection 40
of plug 28, and a cut-out recess 79, having the general dimensions
of plug 28 is included in section 82. The structure and
configuration of alignment plate 78 is similar to the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 10-12. Further, the width w.sub.1 of open recess
section 80 is larger than the width w.sub.2 of hollow section 82.
Moreover, as best shown in FIG. 15, the diametric configuration and
overall dimensions of section 80 are significantly larger than the
diametric configuration and dimensions of hollow section 82. This
configuration allows for a accommodating medium size medicine
bottles.
FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a fourth alternative embodiment of the
present invention, which is generally similar to the health
improvement device HD shown in FIGS. 13-15, with the exception that
the structure and configuration of alignment plate 84 is similar to
the embodiment to the device shown in FIGS. 1-6. In particular,
alignment plate member 84, preferably includes four pairs of radial
projections 86 arranged in the like manner as in FIGS. 1-6.
Further, the width w.sub.3 of open recess section 88 is larger than
the width w.sub.4 of hollow section 90. Moreover, as best shown in
FIG. 17, the diametric configuration and overall dimensions of
section 88 are substantially larger than the diametric
configuration and overall dimensions of hollow section 90. This
configuration allows for accommodating large size medicine
bottles.
FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a fifth alternative embodiment of the
present invention, which is similar to the health improvement
device HD shown in FIGS. 16-18, with the exception that the overall
diametric configuration and overall dimensions of open recess
section 92 are significantly larger than the diametric
configurations and overall dimensions of hollow section 94.
Likewise, the width w.sub.5 of open section 92 is about twice or
more than the width w.sub.6 of hollow section 94. This
configuration allows for accommodating extra large or the like
medicine bottles or containers.
As can be easily seen from the above detailed description of the
invention, as illustrated in the preferred and alternative
embodiments, a person upon reaching for the toothbrush, is easily
reminded of taking the medication concurrently, since the medicine
bottle is located in close proximity to the toothbrush.
While this invention has been described as having preferred
designs, it is understood that it is capable of further
modifications, uses and/or adaptations following in general the
principle of the invention, and including such departures from the
present disclosure as those come within the known or customary
practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be
applied to the central features hereinsetforth, and fall within the
scope of the invention and the limits of the appended claims.
* * * * *