Abstract:
The current invention is directed towards a system for and a method of modifying eating habits of a user. The system and method utilize a set of fixed volume containers that are graduated to provide a user means to control the volume of food consumed over time. In accordance with the instant invention, the contents of the containers are consumed over time according to a schedule which identifies the appropriate containers and the frequency of the meals to be consumed each day. Preferably, the method of the instant invention is utilized for weight reduction, wherein the volume of food consumed per meal is reduced over time while frequency of meals consumed over time is simultaneously increased over time in order to balance the nutritional intake of the user. The fixed volume containers can be pre-filled or provide the user with a measuring means to portion his/her own food. The system and method can be customized to suit the dietary goals of an individual and can be used along with a printed and/or electronic schedule and/or a workbook to further motivate the user to modify his/her eating habits to achieve a set of user goals.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
   This Patent Application is a Divisional Patent Application of co-pending U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10/346,512, filed on Jan. 16, 2003, and titled “SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED NUTRITION CONSUMPTION” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of the now abandoned U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/350,209 filed Jan. 17, 2002, and titled “SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED NUTRITION CONSUMPTION.” The co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/346,512, filed on Jan. 16, 2003, and titled “SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED NUTRITION CONSUMPTION” and the Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/350,209 filed Jan. 17, 2002, and titled “SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED NUTRITION CONSUMPTION” are both hereby incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to dietary systems and methods. More particularly, this invention relates to systems for and methods of controlling the nutritional intake. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Obesity and/or being overweight is one of the most common causes of health problems. There are numerous health benefits which are realized by maintaining a “healthy” weight. The best way to control a person&#39;s weight is through regular exercise and a well balanced diet. Under extreme cases of obesity, weight loss is facilitated through medication(s) to curve the appetite, and/or surgery, whereby staples are used to physically reduce the volume of the stomach that is available. 
   No matter how overweight the patient is and no matter how aggressive the weight loss treatment, efforts toward achieving a “healthy” or goal weight will ultimately fail if the patient&#39;s eating behavior is not modified. In fact, in the absence of corrective eating behavior, aggressive treatments, such as medications and surgery, can lead to the death of the patient. 
   There are numerous diets and/or methods for cataloging the content and/or nutritional/caloric intake of an individual. Most diet methods are extremely complex and difficult to follow. For example, many diets require special foods that are difficult to find, vitamin supplements that can be expensive, and/or complex documentation that must be maintained by the user to determine the proper caloric intake. Most of these complex diets fail as the person quickly returns to their regular eating habits in frustration. 
   What is needed is a simple system for and method of assisting individuals to control their nutritional consumption without requiring enormous changes in dietary content, which do not necessitate specialized foods or vitamins, and which will gradually modify the eating habits of the person. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The current invention is directed towards a user friendly system for and method of controlling the nutritional intake of a user; preferably in order to facilitate weight loss of the user. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the system includes a set of containers with graduated fixed volumes for holding predetermined quantities of food. The set of containers preferably includes a smaller number of large fixed volume containers, for example three, and a larger number of small fixed volume containers, for example six. 
   The containers can be pre-filled with one or more food types or can be filled by the user. Food that is filled within the containers is consumed by the user in accordance with a schedule, whereby the volume of food consumed per meal is decreased over time. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the frequency of meals is simultaneously increased over time such that a sufficient daily nutritional intake is provided for the user to maintain a healthy and active life style. 
   In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the containers are sectionalized for holding foods from different food groups. In addition to sections, the containers can have lids and means for identifying the lids with a compatible container and/or for identifying a scheduled container. The system and/or the containers can also have identification means and/or a menu for indicating which type(s) of food are recommended for each container or component. The menu can, for example be, removable and secured to a portion of the lid or a container body with a transparent envelope feature. 
   The system can also include a printed or electronic workbook for displaying the schedule to the user and for allowing the user to make entries which document their progress towards a set of user goals. 
   The system and method of the instant invention can be customized or tailored to individuals based on their initial health and/or weight condition. For example, a more overweight person may start off with a larger container size than a less overweight person. While the instant invention is described primarily as a system for and method of controlling nutritional intake for weight loss, it will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that the system and method of the instant invention has a number of uses, including providing a system for and method of maintaining the weight and controlling the nutritional intake of a healthy person with an average or healthy weight. Further, reverse procedures to those described for weight reduction may be used to facilitate weight gain and/or to treat persons having eating disorders. Additional features and details of the instant invention are provided in the following figures. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a set of containers, in accordance with the instant invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a graphical representation of the volume of food per meal, the frequency of the meals and the total nutritional intake over time, in accordance with the method of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 3A  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the containers with graphics in accordance with the instant invention. 
       FIG. 3B  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the lids with graphics in accordance with the instant invention. 
       FIG. 3C  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the packaging in accordance with the instant invention. 
       FIG. 4A  is the first part of a flow chart illustrating steps of the preferred method of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 4B  is the second part of the flow chart  4 A illustrating steps of the preferred method of the instant invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  shows a set of containers  100 ,  120  and  140  that are subdivided into sections  103 / 105 / 107 ,  123 / 125 / 127  and  143 / 145 / 147 , respectively. The containers  100 ,  120  and  140  are volumetrically graduated to measure fixed volumes of food or foods that are consumed by a person each meal, viz one container for each meal. While three containers are shown here, the system and method of the instant invention can utilize any number of containers with predetermined and fixed volumes. For example, the system can have three large containers  100  corresponding to three meals per day and six smaller containers  140  corresponding to six smaller meals per day. Alternatively, one of each container  100 ,  120  and  140  can be used and then re-washed to provide a prescribed number of meals per day. Also, the set of containers can comprise any number of different size containers. For example, in an extended diet plan, ten or more different size containers can be necessary. 
   In a weight loss program, a user is provided with a set of containers, as described above. The user migrates from measuring the amount of food per meal with a larger fixed volume container to measuring the amount of food per meal with a smaller fixed volume container over a prescribed period of time. The containers can be pre-filled with food or, alternatively, the user can use the containers to measure their own portions of food. The length of time that any one of the containers  100 ,  120  and  140  is used and which of the containers  100 ,  120  and  140  a user starts with in the dietary program can depend on a number of factors, including the user&#39;s body fat and a desired weight loss. 
   Preferably, the user is provided with a schedule (not shown) which outlines the type of containers to use in a given time frame, how often to use the containers and when to switch to new containers. Also preferably, the schedule simultaneously provides for an the user maintains a sufficient nutritional intake to remain healthy and active. The schedule can be displayable within a workbook that is printed or is electronic. The user can make entries for monitoring their progress towards a set of goals into this workbook. 
   Each of the containers can be provided with a lid (not shown), which can be color coded or otherwise marked to indicate its proper usage in the schedule. The system and/or lids can also include a menu providing a list of recommended foods and/or nutritional information for the recommended foods. 
     FIG. 2  plots the volume of food consumed per meal  200 , the frequency of meals consumed per day  220  and the nutritional intake of the user per day over an extended period of time  240 . From the line  201  it can be seen that a volumetric decrease in food consumed per meal can be exponential over time, while the frequency of the meals consumed over time, as shown by line  221 , can be increased in a more linear fashion. Accordingly, the total nutritional intake of the user, plotted by line  241 , can decrease to a normal “healthy” or goal level  245 . In accordance with the invention, the volumetric decrease per meal  201  and increase in frequency of meals per day  221  can be adjusted to have any number of effects, including the effect that the nutritional intake over time  241  remains substantially constant. In some instances, it may be advantageous to design a program whereby the overall nutritional intake increases over time, especially for patients suffering from anorexia or other eating disorders. 
   The instant invention provides a user friendly system and method for controlling nutritional intake through volumetric and frequency control using a set of containers having fixed volumes that are used to measure food according to a schedule. The system and method can be used alone or in combination with exercise, medication and other therapies to achieve the desired effect. The system and method of the instant invention are particularly useful for modifying the eating patterns of patients prior to surgery to facilitate weight loss, but can be used to modify the eating patterns of persons having a variety of health conditions and needs. 
     FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the current invention with graphics and lid. Specifically,  FIG. 3  shows a set of containers  300 ,  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 , and  350  that are subdivided into sections  303 / 305 / 307 ,  313 / 315 / 317 ,  323 / 325 / 327 ,  333 / 335 / 337 ,  343 / 345 / 347 ,  353 / 355 / 357 , respectively. Each set of containers  300 ,  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 , and  350  also have a corresponding lid  301 ,  311 ,  321 ,  331 ,  341 , and  351 , respectively. Furthermore, each set of containers  300 ,  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 , and  350  and their corresponding lids  301 ,  311 ,  321 ,  331 ,  341 , and  351 , have symbols  365 ,  375 ,  385  which serve to identify different dietary food groups. Specifically, the symbol  365  (●) represents simple carbohydrates including but not limited to starches, breads, and grains, the symbol  375  (▪) represents proteins including but not limited to meats and meat substitutes, and the symbol  385  (▴) represents complex carbohydrates including but not limited to fruits and vegetables. The subdivided sections  303 / 305 / 307 ,  313 / 315 / 317 ,  323 / 325 / 327 ,  333 / 335 / 337 ,  343 / 345 / 347 ,  353 / 355 / 357 , have fixed volumes which are volumetrically graduated to measure fixed volumes of food. The containers  300 ,  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 , and  350  are preferably utilized for measuring a separate meal. The user migrates from measuring the amount of food per meal with a larger fixed volume container to measuring the amount of food per meal with a smaller fixed volume container over a prescribed period of time. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, a system comprises the set of containers  300 ,  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 , and  350  and corresponding lids  301 ,  311 ,  321 ,  331 ,  341 , and  351  which are preferably packaged in a functional packaging  390 . The functional packaging  390  further comprises an envelope feature  391  for holding a menu  392  and a dietary schedule  393 . In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the functional packaging  390  could be comprised of a dietary schedule or workbook to be used by the user to determine how to utilize the controlled nutrition consumption system and to maintain a user log detailing user data including, but not limited to, nutritional consumption data and user weight. The dietary schedule  393  consists of a workbook for the user to make entries for monitoring their progress towards a set of goals and instructions for the proper use of the set of containers. 
   The tables below describe a specific example showing use of the set of containers described above for controlling nutrition consumption. Specifically, Tables 1 and 2 provide the approximate dimensions of Tray 1 (largest) through Tray 6 (smallest) and the dimensions of the corresponding subdivided sections of these six trays. In addition, the tables below provide an example of the daily Kcal to be consumed by the user while utilizing the set of containers for controlling nutrition consumption and the number of times per day each tray is utilized. The symbols ●/▪/▴ in Table 2 correspond to the different dietary food groups to be placed within each subdivided section of each tray. Specifically, the ● represents the subdivided section of the tray for holding simple carbohydrates including, but not limited to, starches, breads, and grains, the ▪ represents the subdivided section of the tray for holding proteins including, but not limited to, meats and meat substitutes, and the ▴ represents the subdivided section of the tray for holding complex carbohydrates including, but not limited to, fruits and vegetables. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
               TABLE 1 
             
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
                 
               Daily Kcal 
               Total Tray Dimensions 
               Times Tray 
             
             
                 
               Tray 
               Consumed 
               (Approx.) 
               Used/Day 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
               1 
               2,000 
               11″ × 6.00″ × 1″ 
               3 
             
             
                 
               2 
               1,748 
               10.31″ × 5.62″ × 1″ 
               3 
             
             
                 
               3 
               1,527 
               9.66″ × 5.27″ × 1″ 
               3 
             
             
                 
               4 
               1,334 
               8″ × 4.2″ × 1″ 
               4 
             
             
                 
               5 
               1,165 
               6.5″ × 3.62″ × 1″ 
               5 
             
             
                 
               6 
               1,018 
               5.7″ × 3.0″ × 1″ 
               6 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
               TABLE 2 
             
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
                 
               Corresponding 
             
             
                 
                 
               Dimensions of Subdivided 
             
             
                 
               Subdivided Tray Sections 
               Tray Sections (Approx.) 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
               ●/▪/▴ 
               4.25″/2.23″/4.5″ 
             
             
                 
               ●/▪/▴ 
               3.99″/2.11″/4.22″ 
             
             
                 
               ●/▪/▴ 
               3.74″/1.98″/3.96″ 
             
             
                 
               ●/▪/▴ 
               3.1″/1.64″/3.28″ 
             
             
                 
               ●/▪/▴ 
               2.52″/1.33″/2.66″ 
             
             
                 
               ●/▪/▴ 
               2.21″/1.17″/2.34″ 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
     FIGS. 4A and 4B  show a flow chart illustrating steps of the preferred method of the present invention. Specifically,  400  details the steps for a user to control their nutrition consumption by utilizing the preferred method of the present invention. In the step  401  the user identifies the type and quantity of dietary food group to be consumed, places the type and quantity of dietary food group into the corresponding subdivided sections of the largest fixed volume container, and consumes the different dietary food groups contained therein. Following step  401 , in the step  403 , the user logs their nutritional intake and/or weight into a printed or electronic workbook. Following the user logging their nutritional intake and/or weight into a printed or electronic workbook in the step  403 , the user, in the step  405 , refers to the schedule and determines whether the schedule instructs the users to migrate to a smaller fixed volume container. If, in the step  405 , the user determines that the schedule has instructed the user to migrate to a smaller fixed volume container, then the user, in the step  407  identifies the type and quantity of dietary food group to be consumed, places the type and quantity of dietary food group into the corresponding subdivided sections of the next smallest fixed volume container, and consumes the different dietary food groups contained therein. Following identifying the type and quantity of dietary food group to be consumed, placing the type and quantity of dietary food group into the corresponding subdivided sections of the next smallest fixed volume container, and consuming the different dietary food groups contained therein in the step  407 , the user, in the step  409 , logs their nutritional intake and/or weight into the printed or electronic workbook. If on the other hand, in the step  405 , the user determines that the schedule has not instructed the user to migrate to a smaller fixed volume container, then the user returns to the step  401  identifies the type and quantity of dietary food group to be consumed, places the type and quantity of dietary food group into the corresponding subdivided sections of the largest fixed volume container, and consumes the different dietary food groups contained therein. The user continues to perform the steps  401 ,  403 , and  405  until the schedule instructs the user to migrate to a smaller fixed volume container in the step  405 . 
   Still referring to  FIG. 4 , following the step  409 , the user, in the step  411 , refers to the schedule and determines whether the schedule instructs the user to migrate to a smaller fixed volume container. If, in the step  411 , the user determines that the schedule has not instructed the user to migrate to a smaller fixed volume container, then the user in the step  413  identifies the type and quantity of dietary food group to be consumed, places the type and quantity of dietary food group into the corresponding subdivided sections of the current fixed volume container, and consumes the different dietary food groups contained therein. However, if in the step  411  the user determines that the schedule has instructed the user to migrate to a smaller fixed volume container, then the user, in the step  415  determines whether the current container being utilized is the smallest fixed volume container. If the user, in the step  415 , determines that the current container is not the smallest fixed volume container, then the user returns to the step  407  and identifies the type and quantity of dietary food group to be consumed, places the type and quantity of dietary food group into the corresponding subdivided sections of the next smallest fixed volume container, and consumes the different dietary food groups contained therein. The user continues to perform the steps  407 ,  409 ,  411 , and  415  until the current container being utilized by the user is the smallest fixed volume container. 
   If the user determines that the current container is the smallest fixed volume container, than the user, in the step  417  identifies the type and quantity of dietary food group to be consumed, places the type and quantity of dietary food group into the corresponding subdivided sections of the current smallest fixed volume container, and consumes the different dietary food groups contained therein. Following the step  417 , the user, in the step  419 , logs their nutritional intake and/or weight into a printed or electronic workbook. Following logging their nutritional intake and/or weight into a printed or electronic workbook in the step  419 , the user determines whether they have reached a healthy or goal weight. If the user has determined that they have reached a healthy or goal weight in the step  421 , then the user ceases to utilize the containers for controlled nutritional consumption. If on the other hand, the user determines in the step  421  that they have not reached a healthy or goal weight, then the user returns to the step  417  and identifies the type and quantity of dietary food group to be consumed, places the type and quantity of dietary food group into the corresponding subdivided sections of the current smallest fixed volume container, and consumes the different dietary food groups contained therein. The user continues to undertake the steps  417 ,  419 , and  421  until the user has reached a healthy or goal weight and the step  423  end. 
   Other embodiments of the present invention include containers that are pre-filled with different dietary food groups. These pre-filled containers may be purchased and utilized by a user in accordance with the system and method for controlled nutrition consumption. Alternatively, these pre-filled containers could be packaged such that the user can purchase multiple containers and store for later consumption in accordance with the system and method for controlled nutrition consumption. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the containers include an attachment which can be adhered to a separate dietary schedule or workbook allowing the user to maintain a log detailing their nutritional intake. The attachment could be, for example, an adhesive label containing information regarding the nutritional intake and values of the dietary food groups contained within the pre-filled container that is peeled off of the pre-filled container and adhered to a separate dietary schedule or workbook following consumption of the contents of the container by the user. 
   Weight and obesity are not only image factors in today&#39;s society, but are very important in the health and well being of millions. Even though it is very important for people to maintain a healthy or goal weight, the many difficulties associated in current dietary habits as well as dieting systems and methods make achieving this goal nearly impossible for some. Further, most diets tend not to work for very long because they are not sustainable. Many of the difficulties and dangers associated with dieting and improper eating habits can be avoided if users are provided with an easy to use system and method for controlling their nutritional consumption. The current system and method serves as a efficient and effective manner to control a user&#39;s nutritional consumption and change their eating habits. By following the present invention, a user will be able to not only lose weight, but also maintain their weight loss in the long term. In addition, the present invention provides a system and method for a diet that is balanced, healthy, and easy enough to follow in the long term. 
   The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.