Abstract:
A fluid intake tracking apparatus that is configured to reversibly couple with a water bottle, mug or other fluid container to keep track of the number of bottles that are consumed by the user during a selected period of time. In one embodiment, the indicator is an electronic device with a display, timer and alarm and powered by a solar cell. In another embodiment, the indicator is permanently mounted to a cup and includes a slidable post within a longitudinal slot and a parallel scale of numbers indicating the intake events.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 10/621,598, filed on Jun. 3, 2004, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and claims priority to Chinese Application 200320100943.9, with an effective date of Oct. 16, 2003; Chinese Application 200320100942.4, with an effective date of October  16 ,  2003 ; Chinese Application 200320100944.3, with an effective date of Oct. 16, 2003; Taiwan Application 092218022, with an effective date of Oct. 16, 2003; Taiwan Application 092218023, with an effective date of Oct. 16, 2003; Taiwan Application 218020with an effective date of Oct. 16, 2003; and Taiwan Application 092218021, with an effective date of Oct. 16, 2003, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable  
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC  
       [0003]     Not Applicable  
       NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION  
       [0004]     A portion of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.14.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0006]     This invention pertains generally to hydration schemes, and more particularly to a fluid intake tracker.  
         [0007]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0008]     Proper hydration is essential to human health. The intake of sufficient volumes of water over the course of a day is particularly important for medical patients undergoing certain treatments that require the maintenance of threshold concentrations of medicine or treatments that cause dehydration. One difficulty encountered by individuals desiring to drink a set number of glasses of water in a day is tracking the number and volume of intake events over the course of the day. Often the consumption of the desired number of glasses of water is not achieved during the day because the individual does not accurately track the number of glasses and mistakenly believes that the intake is greater than it actually is. For most people, the lack of sufficient liquid consumption during the day is inadvertent and due to inattentiveness.  
         [0009]     The medical community suggests that healthy people should consume a minimum of eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day. Proper hydration promotes optimal kidney and other organ and body functions. Deficiencies in fluid intake and hydration can also lead to dizziness and other transient effects. Many people, including medical care providers, can benefit from a physical reminder and monitor of fluid consumption.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The fluid intake tracker will help an individual to keep track of the recommended daily requirements of water or other fluids. The device is intended to remind individuals to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water or other fluids per day. The device can also allow parents to monitor how many glasses of soft drinks or other beverages that are consumed by a child. Likewise, a care provider can efficiently monitor the intake of liquid nutrition supplements and other fluids by a patient.  
         [0011]     For many people it is difficult to remember how many glasses of water are consumed over the course of a day. The fluid intake tracker provides a running count of the number of glasses or volumes of liquid and acts as a constant reminder to meet the goal of eight glasses per day.  
         [0012]     In one embodiment, the intake tracker is integrated into the side of a cup, sports bottle or other container capable of containing fluids. The tracker includes an indicator that can move within a slot in a panel. The panel has numbers 1-8 (or more) that are adjacent to the slot. The indicator is aligned with the number with each new glass of water placed in the container.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment, a container with an integrated fluid intake tracker is a combination of two interlocking cups of different diameters, the inner cup sliding into the outer cup. The rim of the inserted inner cup had numbers on the side, displaying numbers 1 through 8 or 1 through 10, indicating which number of glasses that have been consumed. The outer cup displays an arrow to indicate which number of cups an individual has consumed. Both pieces would work together by circumferentially turning the inner cup independently from the outer cup, lining up the arrow to indicate the number.  
         [0014]     In another embodiment, the intake tracker is mounted to a means for reversibly coupling the intake tracker with a container. In this embodiment, the intake tracker is mounted to an insulated sleeve and bottom that is configured to receive a water bottle or can. Similarly, a sleeve with a zipper, collar and handle is provided.  
         [0015]     A further embodiment comprises a cylindrical clip, which will partially enclose a water bottle or can reversibly coupling the clip to the bottle.  
         [0016]     Another embodiment includes a flexible strap with hook and loop fasteners at each end to allow the strap to be wrapped around different sized bottles and can be adjustable.  
         [0017]     The fluid intake tracker may also use an electronic tracker with a digital display of the number of glasses of water that have been consumed. In one embodiment, the device has a chip contained in a housing with a digital display and buttons to set and reset the drink numbers and/or sizes. In another embodiment, the chip has a timing and alarm function that can be set to remind the user to drink a certain volume during the time period.  
         [0018]     According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid intake tracking apparatus is provided that a body; an intake indicator mounted to the body; and means for reversibly coupling the body to a fluid container.  
         [0019]     According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid intake tracker is provided that has a container with exterior and interior walls and a detachable plate attached to the exterior wall and an intake indicator coupled to the plate that has a programmable electronic device with a display, controls and a power source, wherein the display indicates a number representing the number of intake events upon actuation of said controls to a limit programmed by the user.  
         [0020]     Another aspect of the invention is to provide a fluid intake tracker that has a timer and an audible alarm or a visual alarm indicating whether the user has consumed the fluid during the selected time period.  
         [0021]     Another aspect of the invention is to provide a fluid intake tracker that can be readily transferable from one container to another that is easy to use an inexpensive to manufacture.  
         [0022]     A still further aspect of the invention is to provide a fluid intake tracker that has a container with an exterior wall with a longitudinal slot; and an intake indicator including a post with a base disposed within the longitudinal slot configured to slide within said slot and a scale of numerals in parallel alignment to said longitudinal slot of said exterior wall, wherein the post is advanced along said longitudinal slot and positioned aside a numerals of the scale of numerals by a user to identifies the number of fluid intake events.  
         [0023]     Further aspects of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]     The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:  
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a side view of one embodiment of the fluid intake tracker according to the invention integrated within the wall of a cup container.  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an insulated sleeve with a fluid intake tracker according to one embodiment of the present invention within the wall of the sleeve.  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a zippered sleeve receptacle for a water bottle with a fluid intake tracker and handle.  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a resilient clip with a fluid intake tracker according the invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of one manual embodiment of the fluid intake tracker taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4   
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a front view of a digital fluid intake tracker in a wrap around band with fasteners for an adjustable fit.  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a solar powered embodiment of a digital fluid intake tracker according the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is an alternative embodiment of a fluid intake tracker cup. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 8 . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts, and that the method may vary as to the specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein.  
         [0034]     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the fluid intake tracker is shown integrated into a container such as a cup. Although a cup is shown to illustrate a container, it will be understood that a bottle, flask or other fluid receptacle with or without a lid may be used. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the fluid intake tracker  10  is mounted to or integrated into the wall of the cup  12 . In another embodiment, the tracker  10  may be a detachable plate. The intake tracker  10  has an indicator  14  that slides within a channel or slot  16 . Intake numbers  18  are disposed along the length of the slot  16  to provide a visual indication of the number of intake events that take place with the user of the cup.  
         [0035]     In use, the indicator  14  is positioned at the top of the slot  16  at a location next to the number one when the cup is filled with water or other fluid. The indicator  14  is advanced sequentially along the slot  16  to the next number in line each time the cup is filled with liquid for consumption. In another embodiment, (not shown) the slot  16  may have notches next to each of the numbers  18  to secure the location of the indicator to avoid involuntary movement of the indicator  14  due to impacts or other actions of the cup  12 . It can also be seen that the container  12  with the embodiment of the fluid intake tracker  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , can be washed in a mechanical dish washing machine or by hand without damaging the fluid intake tracker.  
         [0036]     The container  12  and fluid intake tracker  10  are preferably composed of inert plastic material that is durable and easy to maintain. However, the unit may also be made from aluminum or other metals as well as porcelain or a combination of materials. It is also preferred that the container  12  be capable of holding hot or cold liquids and may be insulated.  
         [0037]     Optionally, the container  12  shown in  FIG. 1  may have promotional indicia  20  printed on the outside wall of the container for company marketing, issue promotion or for personalization of the container. The indicia  20  may be a company name, an event name, a trademark or service mark, a slogan, political statements, humorous phrases, graphic elements, private labels, product names, personal names and the like. The promotional indicia  20  allow the container to be personalized to an individual or as a promotional item for a company for marketing purposes.  
         [0038]     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , an alternative embodiment of the fluid intake tracker  10  is shown. In this embodiment, the fluid intake tracker  10  is integrated in to an insulated cylindrical sleeve  22  with an insulated bottom  24 . The sleeve  22  is preferably manufactured from neoprene or an insulated foam material that provides insulation for maintaining the temperature of cold or hot liquids. A container such as a can or water bottle is inserted into the interior  26  of sleeve  22 . The interior  26  of sleeve  22  may have a lining of cloth or other material that permits the smooth insertion and retraction of the water bottle, can or similar container during use. The sleeve may also be manufactured and specifically sized to receive  16  ounce or  32  ounce containers or may be resilient to receive many different can sizes.  
         [0039]     The indicator  14  of the intake tracker  10  is advanced in slot  16  to the next consecutive number  18  when a new container is placed in the interior  26  of sleeve  22 . In another embodiment, the plate with slot  16  and indicator post  14  is detachable.  
         [0040]     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  is particularly suited to tracking the intake of cold water or beverages where the cold or hot temperature of the fluid is to be maintained. For example, it is possible to track the intake of protein or supplemental nutrition drinks by a patient during the course of a day or several days. The fluid intake tracker  10  indicates the container number without reference to any other recordation scheme and it helpful when care is given over several shift changes. Likewise, a parent or childcare giver can monitor the consumption of juice, soft drinks or water by young children to limit or encourage fluid intake.  
         [0041]     Sleeve  22  may also have a company name or logo or other promotional indicia  20  printed on the exterior of the sleeve. These indicia may serve an advertising function or may serve to personalize the sleeve  22  to the owner.  
         [0042]     An alternative sleeve  28  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The sleeve  28  has a longitudinal zipper  30  that allows the opening of the sleeve to expand to receive the water bottle or can and then close. A resilient elastic collar  32  can envelop the top portion of water bottles that are tapered and restricts any movement of the bottle within the sleeve  28 . An optional handle  34  is attached to the sleeve  28  to facilitate handling and transportation of the bottle and sleeve. The handle  34  may be adjustable with the use of a fastener  36  so that the sleeve will tightly engage the hand during use, which is particularly useful for users that are walking or jogging.  
         [0043]     The sleeve  28  is preferably manufactured from nylon and may be insulated. The sleeve may also be made from neoprene or some other flexible insulating material. The sleeve  28  may also be sized to receive conventional bottles or cans of typical sizes or may be sized to receive all of the conventionally sized bottles.  
         [0044]     The fluid intake tracker  10  is mounted to the side of the sleeve  28 . In one embodiment, the fluid intake tracker  10  has a rigid plate  38  with an elongate slot  16  and numbers  18  indicating the number of volumes of liquid that were consumed.  
         [0045]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a clip embodiment of the fluid intake tracker  10  is shown. The clip  40  has a generally “C” shaped cross-section and preferably manufactured from flexible, resilient plastic. The cross-sectional area is configured to engage the sidewall of a water bottle, cup or other beverage container. In the embodiment shown, the interior of the clip has a fabric material  42  that assists in keeping the clip engaged with the side-wall of the bottle or can. The material  42  may also be made of tacky rubber. The material may also have an insulation layer of foam or neoprene so that the temperature of the liquid will be kept reasonably constant. The exterior of the clip  40  may optionally have an outer sheath of flexible fabric such as nylon (not shown) that is disposed over the outer surface  44  of the clip  40 . Advertising, graphic elements or other promotional indicia may be printed on the sheath.  
         [0046]     The clip  40  can be removed by flexing the opposing legs of the “C” shaped clip and removing bottle from the central bore of the clip  40 . The fluid intake tracker  10  is integrated with or mounted to the sidewall  44  of clip  40 . Indicator  14  slides along the longitudinal slot  16  to indicate the number of intake episodes.  
         [0047]     One embodiment of the manual fluid intake  10  is shown in a cross-sectional view in  FIG. 5  taken along the lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . The indicator  14  slides within slot  16  and a groove  48  of outer plate  46 . The groove  48  and slot  16  are preferably of sufficient length to allow indicator  14  to advance to at least eight stations corresponding to the numbers  18  on the surface of plate  46 .  
         [0048]     An electronic fluid intake tracker device  50  is shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , a flexible elongate strap  52  with a fastener  54   a  and  54   b  at the ends of the strap. The strap  52  is preferably manufactured from a resilient material such as neoprene or foam backed fabric.  
         [0049]     In use, the strap is wrapped around a container and secured by the fasteners. A hook and loop type fastener  54   a  and  54   b  is preferred so that the diameter or the strap  52  is adjustable to fit around many different sizes of bottles, cans or other containers.  
         [0050]     Strap  52  has a transparent pocket  56  that is sized to receive and carry the digital fluid intake tracker  50 . Although a transparent material for pocket  56  is preferred, the pocket  56  may be opaque with a window to allow the display of the digital fluid intake tracker  50  to be viewed from the exterior. Pocket  56  may also have a fastener or flap (not shown) to enclose the interior of the pocket  56  to keep the tracker  50  from falling out of the pocket.  
         [0051]     Promotional indicia  58  may be printed on the surface of strap  52  to advertise a company or personalize the device.  
         [0052]     Referring also to  FIG. 7 , the digital fluid tracker  50  is generally shown. The tracker  50  has a chip in a housing  60  with a display  62  that displays the number of containers or volumes of fluid that are consumed. The housing  60  can vary is size but is preferably approximately one inch square in the embodiment shown. The display  62  may be a liquid crystal or other suitable display to provide a visible number or time. A number reset button  64  will reset the intake count. A second button  66  will select and reset the ounces of fluid (8 oz., 16 oz. or 32 oz.).  
         [0053]     In another embodiment, the fluid intake tracker  50  has a programmable alarm that allows the user to set at least eight time points during the day to create an audible reminder alarm for the user to evaluate their fluid intake. Such time points are typically evenly spaced throughout the day so that there is an even intake of fluid. This avoids the need for increasing the number of bottles consumed toward the end of the day to make up for lower consumption in the early part of the day.  
         [0054]     Power for the digital fluid intake tracker can be provided by a battery or from a solar cell  68 . A lithium coin cell battery is preferred to permit a relatively thin housing  60 , if a battery alone is used.  
         [0055]     An alternative embodiment of the manual fluid intake tracker that is integrated into a cup or sports bottle is shown in  FIG. 8 . The intake tracker  70  is composed of an inner cup  72  and an outer cup  74  that interlock. The inner cup  72  has a smaller diameter than outer cup  74  and has a rim  76  that has a greater circumference than that of the inner cup  72 . The inner cup  72  is placed in the outer cup  74  and the top rim of the outer cup fits in a groove in the rim  76  of the inner cup. The inner cup  72  can move or rotate with respect to the outer cup  74 . Accordingly, an arrow  78  disposed on the outer surface of outer cup  74  can move relative to the numbers  80  on the rim  76  of the inner cup to indicate the number of intake volumes that have been consumed. The inner cup  72  and the outer cup  74  can be made of different materials such as a metal inner cup and a plastic outer cup.  
         [0056]     It can be seen that the rotating fluid intake tracker cup will help an individual keep track of the recommended daily requirements of water or other fluids. The device will automatically provide the daily allowance of water or fluid intake based on the fluid ounces set into counter (example: 16 oz, 32 oz, etc.) The device could also keep track of how many glasses of water and/or other fluids an individual may want to monitor or consume (i.e. soft drinks, punch, coffee, etc.).  
         [0057]     Although the description above contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”