Abstract:
A dosage indicator assembly is presented which may be removably attached or fixedly attached to a pill bottle or other medication container, for instance, for disposition onto a top surface of a pill bottle cap, as a replacement cap for a pill bottle, or integral with a cap of a pill bottle. In particular, the dosage indicator assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention is cooperatively structured to track and/or indicate to a user the consumption of prescription pills or other medication in order to prevent inadvertent overdose, for instance, as a result of a lapse in memory as to whether a pill or medication has recently been consumed.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     The present application is based on and a claim of priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a provisional patent application that is in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, namely, that having Ser. No. 61/418,916 and a filing date of Dec. 2, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is generally directed to a pill or medication dosage indicator assembly which may be removably attached or fixedly attached to a pill bottle or other medication container, for instance, for disposition onto a top surface of a pill bottle cap, as a replacement cap for a pill bottle, or integral with a cap of a pill bottle. In particular, the pill and/or medication dosage indicator assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention is cooperatively structured to track and/or indicate to a user the consumption of prescription pills or other medication in order to prevent inadvertent overdose, for instance, as a result of a lapse in memory as to whether a pill or medication has recently been consumed. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     It is frequently difficult for people, especially elderly people, to accurately keep track of their compliance with prescribed and other medications. For example, many people have multiple medications to consume, oftentimes each one having different consumption requirements, e.g., once a day, twice a day, three times a day, twice a week, etc. Non-compliance with a medical prescription, whether under-dosing or over-dosing, can have serious health and other implications for the individual. Current options to assist with compliance with prescribed and other medications include weekly or monthly pill boxes or electronic reminder gadgets, both of which are cumbersome and inconvenient to use. 
     There is thus a need in the art for an accurate and easy device which affixes to or is part of the medication container and/or pill bottle in order to allow the user to track the consumption of medication. The user will thus be less likely to under-dose or over-dose on the medication, even in the event of a memory lapse as to whether the user has or has not consumed a particular dose of medication. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to a dosage indicator which is removably attached, fixedly attached, and/or integral to a cap for a pill bottle or other medication container. For instance, the dosage indicator may be attached to the top of a pill bottle lid (via adhesion or other attachment). In other embodiments, the dosage indicator comprises an attachment mechanism that may replace an existing lid of a pill bottle, and in yet another embodiment, the dosage indicator may be integral with a lid and/or bottle where a user either purchases pills or other medication in the bottle comprising the dosage indicator, or transfers medication into a bottle comprising the dosage indicator. 
     As used herein, the terms “pill” or “medication” mean any solid, liquid, gaseous, gel, or other form of medicine, including but in no way limited to tablets, capsules, powder, drops, inhalants, sprays, suppositories, skin preparations, ointments, creams, lotions, etc. Accordingly, a “pill bottle” or “medication container” as used herein includes any container, bottle, box, tube, etc., used to store, deliver or hold medication. 
     Moreover, the dosage indicator of at least one embodiment comprises a dosage display panel, a day display panel and a pointer. The pointer is selectively movable into and out of a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the dosage display panel and is structured to selectively align with or point to one or more dosage indicia disposed on the dosage display panel. 
     In addition, the day display panel comprises a plurality of day indicia corresponding to each day of the week. In at least one embodiment, the day indicia may be selectively disposed or visible through a display window, opening and/or aperture where a user can set or select the day. 
     In operation of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a user may selectively position the pointer to align with a corresponding dosage number after the user has taken or consumed a dose of the corresponding medication. For exemplary purposes only, after taking a first dose of medication for the day, a user will align the pointer to point to the dosage indicia of number “1” on the dosage display panel. The user will then know that he or she has taken the first dose of the day. Similarly, after taking a second dose on the same day, the user will move the pointer to align with the number “2” on the dosage display panel. Again, this will inform the user that he or she has consumed the second dose for the day. The user can thus easily track his or her consumption of the medication throughout the day, and if the user&#39;s memory lapses as to whether he or she did or did not take a dose, the user can simply glance at the dosage indicator easily identify the answer. 
     The next day, the user can rotate the dosage display panel and/or the day display panel so as to alight the display window with the appropriate indicia relating to the next day. Again, the user will rotate the pointer to the appropriate location to indicate the dosage taken. 
     Of course, if desired, the user can use the pointer to indicate future doses, e.g., the next dose that must be taken, rather than past doses, e.g., a dose that was just taken. For instance, after the user takes a first dose for the day, the user may align the pointer to point at “2” to indicate that the next dose to take is dose number two. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front plan view of the dosage indicator of at least one embodiment of the present invention connected to a medication bottle. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is top view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 4A  is a top view of the dosage indicator as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4B and 4C  are side elevation views of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4D  is a bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4A through 4C . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the dosage indicator as described in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present invention is directed to a pill and/or medication dosage indicator assembly, generally referenced as  100 . In particular, and as will become apparent from the following detailed description, the dosage indicator  100  of at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises an attachment mechanism  52  cooperatively structured to attach the dosage indicator  100  to a medication container  10 , such as for example, a prescription pill bottle and/or any other bottle commonly used to hold or maintain one or more pills, medication, or the like. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, the dosage indicator  100  is attached to or otherwise disposed at an upper portion  11  of the container  10 , including, for example, at a top or upper portion of a lid or cap  12  thereof. 
     Specifically, in at least one embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises an adhesive underlayer or component  50  which is cooperatively structured to adhere to or otherwise attach to the top surface or upper portion of the pill bottle lid  12 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . In such an embodiment, a user may peel off an adhesive covering or strip in order to expose the adhesive underlayer or surface  50 . The dosage indicator  100  may then be adhered or connected to the top surface of the pill bottle cap  12 . 
     Other attachment mechanisms  52  may be implemented, and thus the present invention is in no way limited to the adhesive underlayer  50  just described. In particular, the dosage indicator  100  of at least one embodiment may comprise a threaded, notched, mating, or engageable interior edge which is cooperatively structured to replace the existing pill bottle cap  12 . Specifically, attachment mechanism  52  of the dosage indicator  100  may comprise a similar attachment structure as that incorporated into the exiting pill bottle  10  or cap  12 . Accordingly, in order to attach the dosage indicator  100  of such an embodiment to the bottle  10 , a user may remove the existing cap  12  and replace the cap  12  with the dosage indicator  100  of the present invention. In order to access the contents of the bottle  10 , the user may remove the dosage indicator  100  in the same or similar manner in which the cap  12  was removed. 
     Of course, at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises a container  10  wherein the dosage indicator  100  is integrated into, fixedly attached to, or removably attached to the bottle cap  12  or other portion of the container  10 . In such an embodiment, the user may remove the contents (e.g., pills or other medication) from the container(s) in which they were purchased, and place them into the bottle  10  containing the dosage indicator  100 . It is contemplated, however, that the pills or medication may be purchased in a container  10  comprising a dosage indicator  100  of the present invention, and thus no transfer of medication is needed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the various embodiments of the present invention further comprise at least one dosage display panel  24  or ring comprising a plurality of dosage indicia  22  disposed thereon. In particular, the dosage indicia  22  generally correspond to a pill or medication dosage amount and comprise a number indicating a particular dosage amount that the user has taken, will take or needs to take, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     In addition, the dosage indicator  100  comprises a pointer  30  disposed in a selectively movable or positionable relation to the dosage display panel  24 . For instance, the pointer  30  of at least one embodiment is rotationally positionable relative to the dosage display panel  24  and may thus selectively point to the dosage indicia  22  disposed thereon. A user may therefore turn or orient the pointer  30  to selectively point to a desired dosage indicia  22 . In certain embodiments, and for one or more various reasons discussed below, the pointer  30  may also point to other various locations of the dosage display panel  24 , for instance to areas disposed between the dosage indicia  22 . 
     In the various embodiments of the present invention, the pointer  30  may be engaged into and out of one or more predetermined positions relative to the dosage display panel  24 , such as via a pointer positioning assembly  60  described in greater detail below. For example, the various predetermined positions may coincide with the dosage indicia  22  such that the pointer  30  may “click” or be forcibly positioned into and out of the predetermined positions so as to selectively point to the dosage indicia  22 . As mentioned above, the predetermined positions may also include positions between the dosage indicia  22  or other locations on the dosage display panel  24 . The predetermined positions associated with the pointer  30  and/or dosage display panel  24  are structured to minimize or eliminate inadvertent movement of the pointer  30 , such as, for example, if the dosage indicator  100  is in a user&#39;s pocket, purse or bag. Specifically, the pointer  30  is structured to move from one predetermined position to another, preferably adjacent predetermined position upon the exertion of a force by a user. 
     Furthermore, at least one embodiment of the dosage indicator  100  of the present invention comprises a day display panel  16  or disc. The day display panel  16  comprises a plurality of day indicia  17  disposed thereon. For example, the day indicia  17  corresponds to each day of the week, and thus may include, but is certainly not limited to, the following indicia or marks: “SUN,” “MON,” “TUE,” “WED,” “THU,” “FRI,” and “SAT.” As shown in the accompanying drawings, the day display panel  16  of at least one embodiment is disposed under the dosage display panel  24 . In particular the dosage display panel  24  may comprise a display window  34  cooperatively dimensioned and configured to display at least one of the various day indicia  17  therethrough. 
     Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the dosage display panel  24  is disposed in a movable and/or rotational relation relative to the day display panel  16  in a manner such that at least one of the day indicia  17  is selectively displayed through the display window  34 . It should also be noted that in other embodiments, the day display panel  16  is movable and/or rotationally disposed relative to the dosage display panel  24 . Accordingly, regardless of whether one or both of the dosage display panel and/or the day display panel rotates or otherwise moves, the day indicia  17  is selectively displayed through the display window  34 . In particular, the day display panel  16  and/or the dosage display panel  24  may be selectively positionable into and out of one or more predetermined positions by virtue of a display window positioning assembly  70 , which in turn is structured to selectively display one or more day indicia  17  through the display window  34 . 
     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the day display panel  16  is stationary in that it does not move rotationally, whereas the dosage display panel  24  is rotational or movable via the display window positioning assembly  70  in a manner such that a user can selectively change the day indicia  17  disposed through the display window  34 . For example, dosage display panel  24  may be positionable into and out of a plurality of predetermined positions which coincide with the day indicia  17  such that the dosage display panel  24  may “click” or otherwise be forcibly positioned into and out of the predetermined positions. Of course, the predetermined positions may also include positions between the day indicia  17 . The predetermined positions associated with the dosage display panel of such an embodiment are structured to minimize or eliminate inadvertent movement of the dosage display panel  24 , such as, for example, if the dosage indicator  100  is in a user&#39;s pocket, purse or bag. Specifically, the dosage display panel  24  and the corresponding positioning assembly are cooperatively structured such that the dosage display panel  24  may move from one predetermined position to another predetermined position upon exertion of a force by a user. 
     In another embodiment, the dosage display panel  24  is stationary relative to the day display panel  16  in that the dosage display panel  24  of such an embodiment does not move rotationally or otherwise, whereas the day display panel  16  is rotational or movable via the display window positioning assembly in a manner such that a user can selectively change the day indicia  17  disposed through the display window  34 . For example, day display panel  16  may be positionable into and out of a plurality of predetermined positions which coincide with the day indicia  17  such that the day display panel  16  may “click” or otherwise be forcibly positioned into and out of the predetermined positions. Of course, the predetermined positions may also include positions between the day indicia  17 . The predetermined positions associated with the day display panel  16  of such an embodiment are structured to minimize or eliminate inadvertent movement of the dosage display panel  24 , such as, for example, if the dosage indicator  100  is in a user&#39;s pocket, purse or bag. Specifically, the day display panel  16  and the corresponding positioning assembly are cooperatively structured such that the day display panel  16  may selectively move from one predetermined position to another predetermined position upon exertion of a force by a user. 
     Referring now to the exploded view of  FIG. 5 , the dosage display panel or ring  24  of at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of detents  20  circumferentially disposed on an interior edge  24 ′ thereof. Furthermore, the pointer  30  is connected to a pointer positioning assembly, generally referenced as  60 . In particular, the pointer positioning assembly  60  comprises at least one finger and/or cantilever  62  disposable in an engaging relation with at least one detent  20 . Specifically, the finger(s)  62  and the detent(s)  20  are correspondingly positioned in a manner such that when engaged with one another, the pointer  30  is disposed in a predetermined, selectable position. As described above, the predetermined position(s) may be in an aligned relation with one or more dosage indicia  22  disposed on the dosage display panel or ring  24  and/or between adjacent dosage indicia  22 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the pointer positioning assembly  60  comprises a plurality of fingers or cantilevers  62  disposed in an engaged relation with a plurality of correspondingly positioned detents  20  so as to align the pointer  30  into a selected predetermined position. Accordingly, the load or force is distributed among the plurality of fingers or cantilevers  62  in order to balance out the “clicking” or engagement of the fingers  62  with corresponding detents  20  and thereby reduce the friction between the parts. The plurality of cantilevers  62  equalizes the force on the center attachment screw  14  or other coupling device and creates a smooth but strong engagement. Again, the engagement is strong enough to minimize or eliminate inadvertent movement of the pointer  30 , while still allowing a user to easily selectively position the pointer  30  into the desired position. 
     Furthermore, the positioning assembly  60  may be connected to the pointer  30  in any number of manners. Still referring to  FIG. 5 , in at least one embodiment, the positioning assembly  60  comprises one or more holes  64 , detents, or ridges which engage or otherwise connect to corresponding pegs, notches, etc. (not shown) disposed on an undersurface of the pointer  30 . 
     In addition, the day display panel or disc  16  of at least one embodiment comprises a plurality detents  19  disposed on an interior edge  16 ′ thereof. Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the dosage indicator  100  of at least one embodiment comprises a display window positioning assembly  70  which is cooperatively structured to selectively position the dosage display panel  24  and/or the day display panel  16  into and out of one or more predetermined positions operatively displaying day indicia through the display window  34 . In the embodiment shown, the display window positioning assembly  70  is secured or otherwise attached to the dosage display panel  24  via correspondingly positioned holes  74 , detents, ridges, pegs notches etc. such that the dosage display panel  24  can be selectively positionable relative to a stationary day display panel  16 . 
     Particularly, the positioning assembly  70  comprises at least one finger and/or cantilever  72  disposable in an engaging relation with at one corresponding detent  19 . Specifically, the finger(s) or cantilever(s)  72  and the detent(s)  19  are correspondingly positioned in a manner such that when engaged with one another, the dosage display panel or ring  24  is disposed into a predetermined, selectable position. As described above, the predetermined position(s) may be defined wherein the display window  34  is disposed in an aligned relation with one or more day indicia  17  and/or between adjacent day indicia  17 . In at least one embodiment, the positioning assembly  70  comprises a plurality of fingers or cantilevers  72  disposed in an engaged relation with a plurality of correspondingly positioned detents  19  so as to align the dosage display panel  24  into a selected predetermined position. Accordingly, similar to the pointer positioning assembly  60  described above, the load or force is distributed among the plurality of fingers or cantilevers  72  in order to balance out the “clicking” or engagement of the fingers  72  with corresponding detents  19  and thereby reduce the friction between the parts. The plurality of cantilevers  72  equalizes the force on the center attachment screw  14  or other coupling device and creates a smooth but strong engagement. Again, the engagement is strong enough to minimize or eliminate inadvertent movement of the dosage display panel  24 , while still allowing a user to easily selectively position the dosage display panel  24  into the desired position. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5 , each of the various components may be connected to one another, as indicated by the dashed line, via screw  14  or other coupling device, axle, etc. The base plate or attachment assembly  52  may comprise an upper portion  54  which connects to an under surface of the day display panel  16 . In at least one embodiment, the upper surface of the base or attachment mechanism  52  comprises an adhesive layer or component such that the upper portion  54  is adhered to the day display panel  16 . Of course, other attachment mechanisms or devices may be employed which are structured to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner. 
     In operation of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a user may move the pointer  30  to align with a corresponding dosage indicia  22  subsequent to taking or consuming a dose of the corresponding medication. For exemplary purposes only, after taking the first of three doses of medication for the day on Monday, a user will align the pointer  30  to point to the dosage indicia of number “1” on the dosage display panel  24 . The user will then know that he or she has taken the first dose of the day. 
     Similarly, after taking the second of three doses on Monday, the user will move the pointer  30  to align with the number “2” on the dosage display panel  24 . Again, this will inform the user that he or she has consumed the second dose for the day. Finally, after consuming the third of three doses for Monday, the user will rotate or align the pointer  30  with the number “3” on the dosage display panel  24 . This will allow the user to easy track his or her consumption of the medication throughout the day, and if the user&#39;s memory lapses as to whether he or she did or did not take a dose, the user can simply glance at the dosage indicator  100  of the present invention and easily identify the answer. 
     The next day, the user can rotate the dosage display panel  24  and/or the day display panel  16  so as to alight the display window  34  with the indicia  17  relating to the next day, in this example, “TUE.” Again, the user will rotate the pointer  30  to the appropriate location to indicate the dosage taken. 
     In certain application, the user can use the pointer  30  to indicate the next dose that must be taken, rather the dose that was taken (as in the example above). For instance, after the user takes dose one of three for the day, the user may align the pointer  30  to point at “2” to indicate that the next dose to take is dose number two. 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Now that the invention has been described,