Abstract:
A pill crushing and mixing device crushes a pill, and then mixes the resultant fine particles with a fluid to form a palatable mixture. The subsequent mixture can pour from an open end of the device, and be ingested without bad taste or large indigestible composition of a whole pill. The device is generally lightweight, portable, and separates into two separate housings for cleaning and maintenance. An upper housing includes an upper blade and a lower blade that simultaneously rotate to create a synergy that optimizes crushing the pill, and mixing of the resultant fine particles and fluid. Blade beveled edges grind the pill and guide the mixture towards a base end and a sidewall for further mixing capacity. An upper gear and a lower gear transmit torque to the blades. A lower housing includes a safety switch motor, and circuitry. A handle enhances manipulation of the device.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
         [0002]    The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
         [0003]    The present invention is directed to a pill crushing and mixing device that crushes a pill, and then mixes the resultant fine particles with a fluid to form a mixture. The subsequent mixture is more palatable than the pill alone, and can be ingested without the large indigestible composition of a whole pill. 
         [0004]    It is known that a pill is a small, round, solid pharmaceutical oral dosage form of medication or supplement. The pill is manufactured by mixing the active ingredients with an excipient such as glucose syrup to form a paste, then rolling the mass into a long cylindrical shape, and dividing it into equal portions, which were then rolled into balls, and often coated with sugar to make them more palatable. Typically, pills include tablets, capsules, and variants thereof like caplets. 
         [0005]    Often, the medicinal composition of pills creates an undesirable taste. The pills can also be large, relative to the esophagus and throat. Some users may not be capable of swallowing large, badly tasting pills due to physical disorders and handicapped conditions. For example, many geriatrics have difficulty swallowing tablets. Furthermore, users who must ingest nutrients through oral feeding tubes cannot swallow individual medication dosages formed as pills. The bad taste often associated with medicine may also make the pill indigestible. 
         [0006]    Typically, breaking the pill down into smaller constituents can be performed to alleviate some of these problems. A mortar and pestle can be used for this purpose. However, the mortar and pestle has certain problems inherent with its use. First, the mortar and pestle must be thoroughly cleaned after each use to prevent the matter with which it is next used from becoming contaminated with the residue from the last substance with which it was used. 
         [0007]    Secondly, crushed powder adhering to the mortar or the pestle can reduce the ultimate dosage transferred to the patient resulting in sub-standard treatment. Third, the mortar and pestle is operated manually, which may cause inconsistent results in the particle size of the crushed pills. The portion of the dose to be lost when incorrect pressure is applied at an angle which permits some of the material to exit the mortar. This also may leave a bad taste with the larger granules of the pill. 
         [0008]    Often, adding a sweet liquid to the pills helps eliminate the bad taste and overly large size of a pill. However, for the pill to uniformly dissolve in the liquid, the pill must be broken up into a fine powder form. The liquid must also be thoroughly mixed with the powder form of the pill. Containing and controllably pouring the resultant mixture of the pill powder and the liquid can also be problematic. For example, if the container is insufficiently dimensioned to both mix the powdered form of the pill with the liquid, and also regulate distribution of the resultant mixture. 
         [0009]    For the foregoing reasons, there is a pill crushing and mixing device that crushes a pill, and then mixes the resultant fine particles with a fluid to form a mixture. Two blades work together to optimize the crushing and mixing process. The resultant mixture enhances the palatability and facilitates ingestion of the pill. 
         [0010]    Pill crushers have been used in the past; yet none with the present pill crushing and mixing capacity of the present invention. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,003,523; 4,765,549; and 7,975,943. 
         [0011]    For the foregoing reasons, there is a portable pill crushing and mixing that optimizes crushing and mixing of a pill with a liquid to enhance palatability and facilitate ingestion of the pill. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    The present invention is directed to a pill crushing and mixing device that crushes a pill, and then mixes the resultant fine particles with a fluid to form a palatable mixture. The pill may include an oral dosage of medication or supplement. The fluid may include a flavored liquid. The resultant mixture is more palatable than the pill alone, and can be ingested without the large indigestible composition of a whole pill. The present invention may be effective for enabling ingestion of the pill to a user having a physical disability. 
         [0013]    The device includes a pair of blades that simultaneously rotate to create a synergy for optimizing crushing of the pill, and mixing of the resultant fine particles and fluid. The resultant mixture can easily pour from an open end of the device, and be ingested with little of the bad taste or large indigestible composition of a whole pill. The device is generally lightweight, portable, and separates into two separate housings for cleaning and maintenance. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the device includes two detachably joined housings. An upper housing forms a space for the fluid to combine and mixes with the pill. The upper housing includes an open end for receiving the pill and the fluid. The open end is capped by a detachable lid that moves between an open position and a closed position. The lid regulates entry of the pill and the fluid, and also enables facilitated pouring of the subsequently formed mixture from the upper housing. The upper housing further includes a base end and a sidewall that contains the resultant mixture until consumption. In an embodiment of the invention the upper housing and the lid will be transparent. 
         [0015]    The upper housing arranges a pair of blades in a generally concentric position for optimal engagement with the pill and the fluid. The pair of blades work in conjunction to crush the pill. In one embodiment, an upper blade is arranged concentrically to the upper housing. The upper blade rotatably engages the pill and the fluid. The upper blade includes an upper beveled edge that applies a substantially grinding force on the pill, creating a force sufficient to break the pill into a fine particle. The upper beveled edge is oriented to force the fine particles and the fluid in a downward direction, towards the base end. 
         [0016]    A lower blade is arranged directly beneath, and in alignment with the upper blade. The lower blade configured to rotate simultaneously with the upper blade. The lower blade receives the fine particles and fluid from the upper blade for further crushing and mixing. In this manner, the dual blades create an enhanced fine particle that is easily soluble in the fluid and does not have sufficient surface area to create an undesirable taste. The lower blade includes a lower beveled edge that pushes the fine particles towards the base end. The proximal positioning of the lower blade to the base end forces the mixture to flow up the sidewall. This upward flow towards the open end creates additional agitation between the fine particles and the fluid for further enhancing the mixture. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, a lower housing mates with, and positions beneath the upper housing. The lower housing contains the power and gears for operating the pair of blades. A gear system, power, and circuitry operatively join the upper housing with the lower housing. In some embodiments, the lower housing comprises an upper gear that couples with the upper blade to transfer torque for rotating the upper blade. A lower gear couples with the lower blade to transfer torque for rotating the lower blade. A motor operatively joins the gears to selectively actuate the upper and lower gear to a desired speed. An operational switch for regulating the motor, and a power outlet cord for accessing power complete the circuitry. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the device includes a handle for facilitating manipulation of the device and pouring the mixture from the upper housing. The handle also operates the lid for moving between an open position and a closed position. The handle extends from the lid to the lower housing. The handle includes a handle upper end that pivotally attaches with a mount on the lid. The handle further includes a handle lower end that detachably fastens to a handle notch in the lower housing. The handle lower end and the handle notch are secured through frictional force or other fastening means to place the lid in a closed position. The handle lower end and the handle notch are disengaged to pivotally move the lid towards an open position. A safety switch operatively joins the handle notch, and deactivates the motor when the handle lower end and the handle notch are disengaged. In this manner, the blades are not rotating from the open position. 
         [0019]    One objective of the present invention is to enable ingestion of the pill to a user having a physical disability. 
         [0020]    Another objective is to enhance the palatability of the pill by crushing the pill into a fine particle and mixing the fine particle with a flavored liquid. 
         [0021]    Another objective is to optimize crushing the pill by utilizing two rotating blades working simultaneously. 
         [0022]    Another objective is to optimize mixing the fine particles and fluid by utilizing two rotating blades working simultaneously, and forcing the mixture to agitate further by forcing a flow against the base end and upwardly along the sidewall. 
         [0023]    Another objective is to facilitate cleaning and maintenance by providing detachable, separate components for the device. 
         [0024]    Another objective is to deactivate the device when the lid is in an open position through a safety switch that operatively attaches to the handle. 
         [0025]    Another objective is to restrict spillage of the mixture by forming a snug closed surface between the lid and the open end through beveled 3° mating surfaces. 
         [0026]    Another objective is to enhance maneuverability of the device by providing a ridged grip on the handle. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and drawings where: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary pill crushing and mixing device; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a blow up view of an exemplary pill crushing and mixing device; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an exemplary lid; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary upper blade and an exemplary lower blade; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary upper gear and an exemplary lower gear; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a detailed sectioned side view of an exemplary pill crushing and mixing device powered by a battery that may be rechargeable; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a detailed sectioned side view of an embodiment of the exemplary pill crushing and mixing device that is powered by an AC power source. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]      FIGS. 1-6  illustrate one embodiment of a pill crushing and mixing device  100 . The present invention is directed to a pill crushing and mixing device  100  that enhances a taste and ingestion of a pill (not shown) by crushing the pill and mixing the resultant fine particle with a fluid (not shown). The pill may include an oral dosage of medication or supplement. The fluid may include a flavored or sweetened liquid. The subsequent mixture, often in a liquid state, is pourable from an open end  108  of the device  100 . Through the optimal crushing and mixing functions, the mixture is made more palatable, and can be ingested with little of the bad taste or large indigestible composition of a whole pill. The device  100  is generally lightweight, portable, and separates into multiple components for cleaning and maintenance. The device  100  optimizes the crushing and mixing process with novel components and orientations thereof. 
         [0036]    As referenced in  FIG. 1 , an upper housing  102  is configured to contain the pill and the fluid for crushing and mixing into a mixture. The upper housing  102  comprises an open end  108  configured to receive the pill and the fluid. A lid  106  selectively covers the open end  108 ; and thereby regulates access to the upper housing  102  by pivotally moving between an open position and a closed position over the open end  108 . In some embodiments, the lid  106  may include a screw cap  126  that would allow a user to a pill or a liquid to the upper housing. The screw cap  126  is configured to threadably engage a concentric aperture  138  in the lid  106  ( FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments the upper housing and the lid are transparent. 
         [0037]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the lid  106  comprises a lid inner surface  162 . The lid inner surface  162  forms a lid beveled periphery  114 , which in one embodiment forms a slope of about 30°. The open end  108  forms a corresponding open end beveled periphery  112 , also having a slope of about 3°. The open end beveled periphery  112  is configured to form a snug contact surface with the lid beveled periphery  114 . In this manner, spillage of the mixture may be restricted. 
         [0038]    The lid inner surface  162  further comprises a lid clip  136  for fastening the lid  106  into the closed position. The lid clip  136  detachably joins a lid clip notch  134  on the sidewall  140  for fastening the lid  106  to the upper housing  102  into the closed position. The lid clip  136  may have a curved configuration that creates a frictional locking with the lid clip notch  134 . Though, a slight tilt of lid  106  may be utilized to disengage the lid clip  136  from the lid clip notch  134 . However in other embodiments, any number of fastening means may be utilized to fasten the lid  106  to the upper housing  102 , including, without limitation, a magnet, an adhesive, a screw, a hook and loop fastener, and a button. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, the upper housing  102  further comprises a base end  110  and a sidewall  140  configured to contain the mixture. The upper housing  102  may be shaped as a cylindrical container. However, various other shapes for the upper housing  102  may be utilized, including, without limitation, a rectangle, a rhombus, a square, a pyramid, and an elongated oval. Suitable materials for the upper housing  102  may include, without limitation, a rigid polymer, glass, or stainless steel. 
         [0040]    As referenced in  FIG. 4 , the upper housing  102  performs the crushing and mixing through the use of a generally concentrically positioned upper blade  150 . The upper blade  150  is configured to rotatably engage the pill and the fluid. The upper blade  150  comprises an upper beveled edge  152  configured to apply a substantially grinding force on the pill for deforming the pill into a fine particle. While performing the crushing function, the upper beveled edge  152  is sloped to guide the fine particle and the fluid towards the base end  110 . The rotational movement of the upper beveled edge  152  along with the orientation of the slope force the fine particles and the fluid towards the base end  110 . 
         [0041]    The upper housing  102  further comprises a lower blade  154  arranged in alignment with, and below the upper blade  150 . The lower blade  154  is configured to receive the fine particle and the fluid from the upper blade  150 . The lower blade  154  rotatably engages the fine particle and the fluid simultaneously with the upper blade  150 . The lower blade  154  comprises a lower beveled edge  156  configured to apply a substantially grinding force on the fine particle for additional crushing of the fine particle. This secondary crushing affect makes the crushed pill more soluble in the fluid. The upper and lower blades  150 ,  154  extend across the upper housing  102  to form a blade span  162 . The blade span  162  is sufficiently long to maximize contact with the fluid and the fine particles. 
         [0042]    Similar to the upper beveled edge  152 , the lower beveled edge  156  guides the fine particles and the fluid towards the base end  110  and the sidewall  140 . Together, the upper blade  150  and the lower blade  154  rotatably mix the fine particle with the fluid for creating the mixture. Additionally, the upper blade  150  and the lower blade  154  force the mixture to flow into the base end  110  and upwardly along the sidewall  140 . The forcible flow of the mixture along the sidewall  140  works to increase agitation between the fine particle and the fluid, which enhances the mixing process. The optimal mixing provided by the upper and lower blades  150 ,  154  working together dilutes any undesirable taste that may be found in the pill. 
         [0043]    Turning back to  FIG. 2 , the device  100  may include a lower housing  104  arranged to detachably join with the upper housing  102 . The lower housing  104  is shaped and dimensioned in substantially the same manner as the upper housing  102 . The lower housing  104  contains generally, the power and gear components for operating the upper and lower blades  150 ,  154  that operate in the upper housing  102 . The lower housing  104  may separate from the upper housing  102  for cleaning and maintenance. 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, the upper housing  102  comprises a housing clip  146  configured to detachably join a housing clip notch  148  on the lower housing  104  for fastening the upper housing  102  to the lower housing  104 . The housing clip  146  may have a hook shaped configuration that creates a frictional locking with the housing clip notch  148 . The housing clip  146  can be disengaged from the housing clip notch  148  by lifting the lid  106  and slightly tilting upper housing  102  away from lower housing  104 . However in other embodiments, any number of fastening means may be utilized to fasten the upper housing  102  to the lower housing  104 , including, without limitation, a magnet, an adhesive, a screw, a hook and loop fastener, and a button. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  illustrates an upper gear  142  and a lower gear  144  found in the upper  102  and lower housing  104  respectively. The lower housing  104  includes the concentrically positioned lower gear  144 . The lower gear  144  is arranged to mate with, and rotatably control the upper gear  142 . Specifically, the upper gear  142  transfers torque to the upper and lower blades for actuating rotation. The upper gear  142  may be arranged directly beneath the lower gear  144  for operatively controlling the upper and lower blades. The upper gear  142  is arranged to mate with the upper and lower blades  150  and  154  respectively. The upper gear  142  transfers torque to the upper and lower blades for actuating rotation. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, a handle  116  joins the device  100  to facilitate manipulation thereto, such as for opening the lid  106 , pouring out the mixture, or moving between the open and closed positions. The handle  116  includes a grip  128  for providing a surface to grasp the handle  116 . The grip  128  may include a plurality of ridges. The handle  116  is generally arranged to extend from the lid  106  to the lower housing  104 . 
         [0047]    The handle  116  comprises a handle upper end  118  that pivotally attaches to the lid  106  through a mount  120 . The mount  120  forms a pivot point for enabling the handle  116  to pivotally move the lid  106  to the open position, or lock the lid  106  into the closed position. A pin may pass through apertures in the mount  120 , whereby the handle  116  pivots off the mount  120 . 
         [0048]    The handle  116  further comprises a handle lower end  122  configured to detachably fasten with a handle notch  124  in the lower housing  104 . A safety switch  160  operatively joins the handle notch  124 . The safety switch  160  is configured to deactivate the device  100  when the handle lower end  122  and the handle notch  124  are disengaged. In this manner, the handle lower end  122  serves the dual purpose of opening the lid  106  and deactivating the device  100  while in the open position. 
         [0049]    As referenced in  FIG. 6 , the lower housing  104  comprises a motor  158  configured to power the upper gear  142  and the lower gear  144 . The motor  158  operatively connects to the gears through circuitry to selectively actuate the upper and lower gear  144  to a desired speed and torque. In one embodiment, the motor  158  is AC or DC powered. An operational switch  132 , accessible from outside the lower housing  104  is configured to regulate the motor  158 . The operational switch  132  may power on and off the motor  158 , vary the speed of the motor  158 , and provide a timing device. A power outlet cord  130  transmits an electrical current to the motor  158 . However in other embodiments, the motor  158  may receive power from a battery  162  that is attached to the power outlet cord  130  to further enhance the portable capacities of the device  100 . 
         [0050]    While the inventor&#39;s above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the pill crushing and mixing device  100  could be utilized to crush rocks and mix in a chemical composition in a building construction facility. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.