Abstract:
A fluid intake system includes a fluid meter having a body with a hole extending the length of the body, the hole being configured to receive the fluid conduit therethrough, a sensor carried within the body and operably associated a computer, the sensor being configured to detect the flowrate of the fluid passing through the fluid conduit and relay a detected fluid flow to the computer, and a display operably associate with the computer, the display being configured to display a numerical value of the fluid flow rate.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to fluid meters. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     It should be understood that hospitals and other facilities require a patient to consume a specific amount of fluids during the recovery process. As such, the fluid intake of the patient is closely monitored by the nurse. There are times when the amount of fluid intake is confused due to human error. 
     It should be understood that it is also desired for most persons to consume a certain amount, e.g., 4 gallons of water to remain hydrated. Keeping track of the amount of fluid consumption per day can become a burdensome feat, nearly impossible for most persons. 
     As such, there is a need for a fluid system adapted to monitor the fluid intake of a person. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a fluid system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid system of  FIG. 1  taken at II-II; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a fluid system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application; and 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a fluid system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application. 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional fluid systems. Specifically, the system of the present application includes a meter configured to measure the amount of fluid consumed by the user. To achieve this feature, the meter can be either directly attached to the fluid source or have a conduit, e.g., a straw as means to channel fluid through the meter. The system is further provided with a display that provides visual indication of the amount of fluid consumed. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system and method of use are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  depicts a front view of a fluid system  101  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system  101  overcomes at least one of the above-listed problems commonly associated with the conventional fluid systems. 
     In the contemplated embodiment, system  101  preferably includes one or more of fluid meter  102  having a body  103  configured to receive a conduit  105 , e.g., a straw, therethrough. Thus, in the contemplated embodiment, the straw passes directly through the interior of the body  103  via hole  201 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     System  101  is further provided with flow sensor  205 , a computer  207  and a power source  203  all disposed within body  103 . During use, a switch  106  in the form of a button and operably associated with the computer  207  activates sensor  205 , which in turn monitors the amount of fluid passing through conduit  105  and provides visual indication of the fluid passage via a display  107  carried on the body  103  and visible via a front surface  104 . 
     Another unique feature believed characteristic of the present application is the use of a mobile device  109  in communication with meter  102 . This feature allows monitoring of the fluid intake via the mobile device. To achieve this feature, system  101  is further provided with a transceiver  209  in data communication with the computer  207  and sensor  205 . In the exemplary embodiment, the mobile device  109  is a smartphone; however, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include different types of mobile devices such as wrist bands, tablets, laptops, and the like. 
     During use, as depicted with a plurality of arrows, the fluid from a fluid reservoir (not shown) passes through the conduit  105 , through body  103 , and exits conduit  105  to the user. As the fluid passes through the conduit  105 , the computer and sensors operably associated with fluid meter  102  are adapted to determine the flowrate and amount of fluid intake. Thereafter, the calculated fluid intake is displayed on the display and/or relayed to a mobile device. These features enable the user or third party to monitor the amount of fluid intake. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of fluid meter  102 . As depicted, the body  103  include an elongated hole  201  that extends the entire longitudinal length of body  103 . During use, the user will slide the fluid conduit  105  through hole  201 . It will be appreciated that in one contemplated embodiment, the opening has substantially the same inner diameter as the outer diameter of conduit  105  such that a snug fit is created therebetween. 
     In  FIG. 3 , an alternative embodiment of system  101  is shown. As depicted, system  301  includes a meter  302  having a body  303  configured to securely engage with a conduit  305 . It will be appreciated that system  301  is substantially similar in form and function to system  101  and incorporates one or more of the features discussed therein, namely, a computer, sensor, transmitter/receiver, display  309  and means to communicate with a mobile device  311 . However, in this embodiment, system  301  includes a nipple  307  secured to body  303 , which can be a disposable nipple and thereby removed (e.g., threadingly engaged) with body  303 . It will be appreciated that the nipple  307  allows the user to drink from the conduit without having to come into contact therewith. In the contemplated embodiment, conduit  305  attaches to body  303  and the fluid passes through the body and out nipple  307  in a similar manner discussed above with respect to system  101 . 
       FIG. 4  is yet another embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system  401  is substantially similar in form and function to system  301  and incorporates one or more of the features discussed therein, namely, a computer, sensor, transmitter/receiver, display, and means to communicate with a mobile device. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, system  401  includes a meter  402  having a body  403  with an attachment device  405  configured to receive a top portion  407  of a fluid bottle  409 . In the contemplated embodiment, attachment device  405  is configured to threadingly engage with the top of the bottle  409 ; however, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include other types of quick-release fastening means to secure the meter  402  to the bottle  409 . 
     During use, the fluid from bottle  409  passes through attachment device  405 , body  403  and through a nipple  411 . Thereafter, the fluid intake is shown on a display  413  and/or a mobile device, as discussed herein. 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.