Pill sorter and counting device

Pill sorting devices are described herein that include a cavity formed from a bottom, a front, a first side wall, and a second side wall, a channel formed at the intersection of the first side wall and the second side wall, and a delivery channel within the front and first side wall or the within the front and the second side wall, wherein the delivery channel is offset from the channel. The pill sorting, counting, and dispensing device can be useful for people with arthritis or poor sight, or could be used commercially in pharmacies or industrially. Methods of making and using the pill sorting, counting, and dispensing devices are also described.

FIELD

Devices used to sort pills are described herein.

BACKGROUND

With the dawning of every new drug, be it over the counter or prescription or synthetic or natural, comes a new pill to take according to a predefined schedule. People often use pill organizing boxes that have seven compartments, one for each day of the week to assist in organizing their medications. Some pill organizing boxes have a compartment for morning and a compartment for night.

Even for individuals with good sight and dexterity, loading pill organizing boxes can be a daunting task. For example, the box's compartments can be small and difficult to aim pills at, and some pills can simply be too difficult to handle. Problems can be compounded when a person has an ailment such as poor sight or arthritis.

SUMMARY

Described herein generally are devices that can assist with the counting, dispensing, sorting and/or loading of pills, for example into pill organizing boxes. The devices can also be used by pharmacies or in other commercial applications for counting, organizing, sorting, dispensing, loading, and/or organizing pills.

In some embodiments, the devices can be used to sort and separate pills. In some embodiments, the devices can be used to sort and/or count pills into a separate container(s). In one embodiment, the devices can be used to sort and/or count pills into a weekly pill box having at least one separate compartment for each day of the week.

In some embodiments, a pill sorting device is described that includes a cavity formed from a bottom, a front, a first side wall, and a second side wall, a channel formed at the intersection of the first side wall and the second side wall, and a delivery channel within the front and first side wall or the within the front and the second side wall, wherein the delivery channel is offset from the channel.

In some embodiments, the delivery channel is circular. In other embodiments, the delivery channel is square or triangular. The delivery channel can include a ridge that prevents pills from falling out of the cavity without force from a user.

In some embodiments, the first side wall and the second side wall each have a lip. The back can also have a lip is some embodiments.

The pill sorting device can have a length of about 10 cm to about 20 cm.

The pill sorting device can be formed of a polymer. In other embodiments, the pill sorting device can be formed of a metal or a combination of a metal and a polymer. In some embodiments, the pill sorting device can be formed of a rigid plastic.

In some embodiments, at least one of the bottom, the front, the first side wall, or the second side wall are at least partially transparent.

The bottom of the pill sorting device can be square or triangular.

In some embodiments, the channel extends from a back wall to a front portion.

In some embodiments, the front of the pill sorting device includes a first wall with an indentation. The indentation can assist a user is seeing where the delivery channel is aimed.

In some embodiments, the pill sorting device further includes a delivery chute extending down from the delivery channel. The delivery chute can include a proximal end that is larger in diameter than a distal end. In some embodiments, the delivery channel has a diameter and wherein the diameter of proximal end of the delivery chute matches a diameter of the delivery channel.

The pill sorting devices can also include a magnifying device. In some embodiments, the magnifying device is associated with the first side wall, the second side wall, or a combination thereof.

Kits including the herein described pill sorting devices are also described. In one embodiment, a kit is described including a pill sorting device as described herein, a pill box, and instructions for use. In some embodiments, a kit is described including a pill sorting device as described herein, a pill funnel, and instructions for use. In some embodiments, a kit is described including a pill funnel, a pill box, and instructions for use.

Methods of using the pill sorting devices described herein are also provided. The methods can include the step of advancing a pill through a delivery channel of a pill sorting device. The pill sorting device can include a channel formed at the intersection of a first side wall and a second side wall, and the delivery channel within the first side wall or the second side wall, wherein the delivery channel is offset from the channel.

In some embodiments, the method can include the step of aligning pills which includes the pill in the channel with the pill closest to the delivery channel.

In some embodiments, the method can include the step of aligning the delivery channel with a compartment in a pill box.

In some embodiments, the method can include the step of dropping the pill from the delivery channel into the compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein generally are pill sorting and/or dispensing and/or separating devices. These devices will be referred to herein as pill sorting devices or pill sorters. In some embodiments, the devices can be used to sort and/or count pills into a separate container(s). In one embodiment, the devices can be used to sort and/or count pills into a weekly pill box having at least one separate compartment for each day of the week.

Pill boxes can have any number of compartments that, in some embodiments, open and close using a door or hatch. Pill boxes can have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or more compartments. In some embodiments, pill boxes can have different overall shapes and/or different compartment shapes. Pill boxes can have overall circular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, elliptical, or trapezoidal shape or other rectilinear shape. Further, each compartment within a pill box can have a circular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, elliptical, or trapezoidal shape or other rectilinear shape.

The term pill can includes capsules, tablets and other solid forms of drug substances of various shapes and sizes. Pills can be solid or filled with liquids, gels, semi-solids, or the like.

While embodiments described herein illustrate the use of the devices for the sorting, counting and organizing of pills, the devices can also be used for other items such as, but not limited to, small mechanical parts (screws, nuts, washers, bearings, etc.), candies and food products, and other physical items such as pellets, granules, beads, etc. that lend themselves to the described embodiments.

In one embodiment, pill sorter100is described. Pill sorter100includes a cavity formed from bottom102, a first side wall104, and a second side wall106. At the intersection of first side wall104and second side wall106exists a channel108. Channel108can extend from bottom102to front110.

Front110can include a first wall112that extends along at least a portion of front end of first side wall104. Front110can also include a second wall114that extends along at least a portion of the front end of second side wall106. In a portion of second side wall106not including second wall114, a delivery channel116extends into second side wall106.

Delivery channel116can have any shape that can assist in the delivery of pills from pill sorter100into an appropriate container. In some embodiments, delivery channel116can be circular. In other embodiments, delivery channel can be triangular, oval, or any other rectilinear shape. In circular embodiments, delivery channel can have a diameter of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, between about 1 mm and about 9 mm, between about 1 mm and about 8 mm, between about 1 mm and about 7 mm, between about 1 mm and about 6 mm, between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, between about 1 mm and about 4 mm, between about 1 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

First side wall104can also include a first lip118that extends from bottom102to front110and second side wall106can include a second lip120that extends from bottom102to front110. In some embodiments, first lip118and second lip120can have various heights depending on a particular application. Heights of first lip118and second lip120can each independently be between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, between about 1 mm and about 9 mm, between about 1 mm and about 8 mm between about 1 mm and about 7 mm, between about 1 mm and about 6 mm, between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, between about 1 mm and about 4 mm, between about 1 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

Bottom102can optionally include a back lip122that extends along periphery of bottom102. In some embodiments, a purpose of first wall112, second wall114, first lip118, second lip120, and back lip122is to keep pills loaded within pill sorter100from falling out. In some embodiments, back lip122can have various heights depending on a particular application. The height of back lip122can be between about 1 mm and about 15 mm, between about 1 mm and about 14 mm, between about 1 mm and about 13 mm, between about 1 mm and about 12 mm, between about 1 mm and about 11 mm, between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, between about 1 mm and about 9 mm, between about 1 mm and about 8 mm, between about 1 mm and about 7 mm, between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.

In another embodiment, first lip118and second lip120can be formed in such a configuration that allows for easy handling within a hand. In some embodiments, first lip118and second lip120can be formed for use with arthritic hands for easy grip such as with a curved edges124,124′. To enhance grip, first lip118and second lip120can be provided with special gripping materials and or grooves for better grip. In some embodiments, first lip118and second lip120can have a rounded configuration as most easily illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B.

In some embodiments, delivery channel116can also include a ridge126. In some embodiments, ridge126can be referred to as a lip. Ridge126can keep pills within pill sorter100, but still allow pills to fall out of delivery channel116when directed to do so by a user. In some embodiments, a ridge may not be needed.

Pill sorter100can have a length128which can vary depending on a particular application. Length128can be between about 10 cm and about 15 cm, between about 10 cm and about 20 cm, between about 10 cm and about 25 cm, between about 10 cm and about 30 cm, between about 5 cm and about 30 cm, between about 5 cm and about 20 cm, between about 10 cm and about 40 cm, or between about 10 cm and about 35 cm.

Pill sorter100can have a first width130and a second width132, each of which can vary depending on a particular application. First width130and second width132can each independently be between about 2 cm and about 10 cm, between about 2 cm and about 5 cm, between about 5 cm and about 10 cm, between about 2 cm and about 6 cm, between about 2 cm and about 7 cm, between about 2 cm and about 8 cm, between about 2 cm and about 9 cm, or between about 3 cm and about 10 cm.

Pill sorters can be formed of any appropriate material that is strong enough to hold its shape even when filled with pills. In some embodiments, the pill sorter is formed of plastic or other appropriate polymer. In other embodiments, polymers include, but are not limited to polyurethanes, silicones, polyesters such as polyolefins, polyisobutylene and ethylene-alphaolefin copolymers; acrylic polymers and copolymers, ethylene-co-vinylacetate, polybutylmethacrylate, vinyl halide polymers and copolymers, such as polyvinyl chloride; polyvinyl ethers, such as polyvinyl methyl ether; polyvinylidene halides, such as polyvinylidene fluoride and polyvinylidene chloride; polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl ketones; polyvinyl aromatics, such as polystyrene, polyvinyl esters, such as polyvinyl acetate; copolymers of vinyl monomers with each other and olefins, such as ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, ABS resins, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; polyamides, such as Nylon 66 and polycaprolactam; alkyd resins; polycarbonates; polyoxymethylenes; polyimides; polyethers; epoxy resins, polyurethanes; rayon; rayon-triacetate; cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate; cellulose acetate butyrate; cellophane; cellulose nitrate; cellulose propionate; cellulose ethers; carboxymethyl cellulose; synthetic and natural rubbers such as polysiloxanes, latex, polymerized isoprene, bromo isobutylene isoprene, chloro isobutylene isoprene, polychloroprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, ethylene propylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer, fluoro silicone, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene, polyisoprene, isobutylene isoprene butyl, methyl vinyl silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene, acrylonitrile butadiene carboxy monomer, styrene butadiene, epichlorodydrin; and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the polymer or combination of polymers chosen to form the pill sorters are rigid enough to hold a particular configuration and perform its intended function. In some embodiments, the polymer used is a thermal set rigid plastic.

In other embodiments, the pill sorter can be formed of a metal or a metal alloy. In one embodiment, the pill sorter is formed of stainless steel. Other metals can include, but are not limited to, brass, steel, iron, aluminum, copper, zinc, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof.

In addition to material(s) used to form the herein described pill sorters, each can be colored as appropriate for a particular application. Pill sorters can be solid colored, striped, spotted, or a combination thereof. Further, pill sorters can include logos, slogans, pictures, trademarks, designs, or the like, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, pill sorters are made of a transparent, or at least partially transparent, material that allows better visualization of the contents of the pill sorter.

In some embodiments, at least one of bottom102, first side wall104, and second side wall106is flat and/or flat enough to allow a pill sorter to be stood up on one or more of these surfaces.

In some embodiments, bottom102can have various shapes depending on a particular application. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, bottom102has a generally square shape. In other embodiments, bottom102can be triangular, oval, or circular.

In some embodiments, front110can include an indentation134in first wall112. Indentation can be included to allow a user to more clearly see where delivery channel116is aimed.

Further, in relation to front110, delivery channel116can be offset from front corner136which blocks the end of channel108. Delivery channel116can be offset from front corner136by between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, between about 1 mm and about 9 mm, between about 1 mm and about 8 mm between about 1 mm and about 7 mm, between about 1 mm and about 6 mm, between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, between about 1 mm and about 4 mm, between about 1 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

Pill sorters as described herein can be used to load pills into pill boxes. Pill boxes often come in a weekly pill box having a separate compartment for each day of the week. Such a pill box302and how one is loaded using pill sorter100is illustrated inFIGS. 3A and3B.

Pill sorter100can be gripped on first lip118by a user's thumb304and a least one of the user's fingers, such as his/her middle, ring, and/or pinky fingers306can rest and grip against second lip120and second side wall106. The user's pointer finger308can be used to manipulate pills310disposed within pill sorter100. In another embodiment, a spatula, stick or other device could be used to move the pills within the sorting device.

During use, channel108can be used to line up pills310along its length. When pill sorter100is lined up over a compartment312, specifically, when delivery channel116is lined up over compartment312, a pill nearest delivery channel116can be pushed over ridge126and down into compartment312(as shown inFIG. 3B). Then, subsequent pills can be moved into place next to delivery channel116for movement to pill box302in the same or a different compartment312.

If more than one type of pill is within the pill sorter, a user can maneuver the pills within the pill sorter to line the pills up as needed for delivery into pill box302.

Pill sorters as described herein can be used for combinations of pills. In some embodiments, a user can load several different types of pills into a pill sorter. The pill sorter can be used to drop particular pills into a pill container. A user's finger(s) can be used to easily maneuver correct pills out of the pill sorter and into a pill container.

Pill sorters as described herein can be used with virtually any size or shaped pill. Delivery channels can be cut to dimensions that accommodate, or do not accommodate, particular sized or shaped pills. In one embodiment, a delivery channel can be cut in a circular shape with a particular diameter. When pills are sorted using a pill sorter, only pills that are small enough or circular enough can fit through the delivery channel hole. This configuration can prevent unwanted pills from being loaded into a pill container.

Pill sorters described and illustrated herein may be shown with a particular handedness (e.g., right handed or left handed). Handedness is illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 2A and 2B. It is envisioned that the opposite handedness of any device or method described or illustrated herein is within the scope of the present specification.

In some embodiments, pill sorters described herein can be provided with a delivery chute402that extends down and away from delivery channel116. Such a pill sorter, pill sorter400is illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5. Delivery chute402can have a proximal end404that is larger in diameter than distal end406. In one embodiment, the diameter of proximal end matches the diameter of delivery channel116.

When a pill sorter is used that includes delivery chute402, distal end406is placed near or in compartment312. When a pill is advanced through delivery channel116, the pill slides down delivery chute402and into compartment312. Delivery chute402can prevent pills from missing an appropriate compartment.

In one embodiment, pill sorters described herein can include a magnifying device associated with and/or directed at channel108, delivery channel116, or both. In some embodiments, a magnifying device can extend between first lip118and second lip120and provide magnification of the entire inside of pill sorter100. In some embodiments, the magnifying device hinges on either first lip118or second lip120to allow insertion of pills into the pill sorter and then reorientation of the magnification device. In another embodiment, a magnifying device can attach to first lip118and/or second lip120and be at a location above where a hand would hold the pill sorter.

Another accessory for use with or without a pill sorter as described herein, either with or without a delivery chute, is illustrated inFIG. 6andFIG. 7. Pill box funnel602includes at least one funnel604that provides a larger delivery surface area than compartment312. Pill box funnel602includes a bottom end606that fits within compartment312. Top end608of pill box funnel602has a larger area that bottom end606. Pill box funnel602then includes a tapered portion610that transitions between top end608and bottom end606. In some embodiments, tapered portion610only extends partially down pill box funnel602thereby providing a nesting portion612that fits inside compartment312.

In some embodiments, nesting portion612can be sized to fit within compartment312and engage in a friction fit that holds pill box funnel602in pill box302.

In some embodiments, pill box funnel602can include seven funnels. Each of the seven funnels can be attached on a side portion614such that each tapered portion610extends outward away from the pill box's lid(s). However, in some embodiments, each funnel can include two opposite facing tapered portions, one that extends away from the lid(s) and another than extends over the lids.

Each set of funnels attached at side portion614can include a space616between adjacent nesting portions that allows for insertion over barrier314.

Pill box funnel602can be formed of any polymer, metal or combination thereof described herein. In some embodiments, pill box funnel602is formed of plastic. In some embodiments, pill box funnel602can be at least partially transparent thereby allowing easier visualization of the pill box through the funnel.

Kits can include various combinations of the herein described devices. In one embodiment, a kit can include a pill sorter, a pill box, and instructions for use.

In another embodiment, a kit can include a pill sorter, a pill box, a pill funnel, and instructions for use.

In still another embodiment, a kit can include a pill box, a pill funnel, and instructions for use.

EXAMPLES

Bob has severe rheumatoid arthritis and sorting his weekly pill supply into commercially available weekly pill boxes is extremely challenging. Thus, Bob uses a pill sorter such as pill sorter100. Bob takes five pills per day and each pill is of a different size. Bob can use pill sorter in one of two ways.

In a first way, Bob dumps seven of each type of pill into pill sorter. Using his pointer finger, Bob maneuvers a first pill of a certain type adjacent to the delivery channel. Bob lines up delivery channel with the Sunday compartment of a pill box. He then pushes the pill out of the delivery channel and into the Sunday compartment. He then maneuvers a second type of pill adjacent to the delivery channel and drops it out into the Sunday compartment. He repeats this process until the Sunday compartment includes all five of his pills. He then proceeds to fill the remaining days with his pills.

In a second way, Bob dumps a portion of a first type of pill into pill sorter. Using his pointer finger, Bob maneuvers a first pill adjacent to the delivery channel. Bob lines up delivery channel with the Sunday compartment of a pill box. He then pushes the pill out of the delivery channel and into the Sunday compartment. He then maneuvers a second type of pill adjacent to the delivery channel. He lines up the delivery channel with the Monday compartment and drops the second pill into the Monday compartment. He repeats this process until all the compartments include a pill. He then pours the remaining pills from the pill sorter back into their bottle. Bob repeats this process with different types of pills until his pill box is completed for the week.

Jenny has poor eyesight and has trouble properly dropping pills into the small compartments in commercially available weekly pill boxes. Thus, Jenny uses a pill box funnel such as pill box funnel602. Jenny takes two pills per day and each pill is of a different size. Jenny opens all the compartments in her pill box and inserts the pill box funnel.

Jenny dumps a portion of a first type of pill into her left hand. Using her right hand, Jenny grasps a first pill and drops the pill into the larger opening of the pill box funnel for the Sunday compartment. The pill falls down the funnel and into the Sunday compartment. She then proceeds to repeat this process for the reaming compartments. She then pours the remaining pills back into their bottle. Jenny repeats the process with her second type of pill.

When done, Jenny removes the pill box funnel, snaps dosed all the compartments, and drops the pill box in her drawer.

The preceding disclosures are illustrative embodiments. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the devices, techniques and methods disclosed herein elucidate representative embodiments that function well in the practice of the present disclosure. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments that are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.