Patent Publication Number: US-10328469-B1

Title: Pill management device and associated use thereof

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a non-provisional patent application that claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/369,804 filed Aug. 2, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure relate to pharmaceutical drug dispensers and, more particularly, to a specially designed pill management device, which when fed pills, automatically and conveniently eradicates expired and unused pills, and contains their waste within. Sensor operated and featuring a permanent lock to seal in the powdered waste, the pill management device provides consumers and medical professionals with a safer, simpler, and more effective means of medication disposal. 
     Prior Art 
     Every day, millions of Americans are prescribed a variety of medications by their medical doctors. Whether antibiotics for a temporary malady such as the flu or refills on pills to keep the blood pressure in check, doctor-prescribed medicines are, for many, necessary for continued good health and well-being. As the population ages, they find that the amount of medications they have to take often begins to increase along with their years. 
     Although polypharmacy, defined as concurrent use of multiple medications by a single patient, may occur in all age groups, it is a common occurrence among the elderly population. In fact, the RN Journal reports that a number of studies conducted during the past 10 years have revealed that patients age 65 and older use an average of two to six prescribed medications on a regular basis. Additionally, children can be very susceptible to frequent illnesses and require multiple medications as well, from cold remedies to battle runny noses and fever during the flu season to daily intake of psychotropic drugs for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Concerned about their own health and the health of their children, consumers strive to take and administer all medications as prescribed by diligently following the dosage instructions issued by their doctors. 
     The challenges of pill-form medicines extend beyond intake; for medical establishments and even for home users, what to do with leftover pills, such as those that have expired or those that are simply not needed? Proper and safe disposal presents a quandary. Left with few options, if any, some home users may just toss remainders in the household garbage. 
     However, there is the risk that a child or pet may find the discarded pills and swallow them. There is also the chance that pills thrown away will be discovered by “garbage pilferers,” or those who root through trash to find discarded valuables. Should the tossed drugs be in the narcotics line, such as OxyContin, Percocet, or Vicodin, among many others, these pills can be abused by the finder, or illegally sold. Some doctor&#39;s offices and hospitals choose a different method of disposal: flushing extra pills down the toilet. Unfortunately, this practice releases harmful chemicals into the water supply, exposing millions to potentially dangerous medication ingredients. 
     Accordingly, a need remains for pill management device in order to overcome at least one aforementioned shortcoming. The exemplary embodiment(s) satisfy such a need by providing a specially designed pill management device, which when fed pills, automatically and conveniently eradicates expired and unused pills, and contains their waste within. Sensor operated and featuring a permanent lock to seal in the powdered waste, which is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed for providing consumers and medical professionals with a safer, simpler, and more effective means of medication disposal. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 
     In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) to provide a pill management device, which when fed pills, automatically and conveniently eradicates expired and unused pills, and contains their waste for providing consumers and medical professionals a safer, simpler, and more effective way of medication disposal. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided by a pill management device including a portable reservoir having a pill-receiving inlet and an access door spaced from the pill-receiving inlet; a pill-crushing mechanism disposed within the reservoir and configured to transform a solid pill, introduced via the pill-receiving inlet, to pill powder; and a locking mechanism in communication with the access door and the pill-receiving inlet for preventing unauthorized access to the pill powder housed within the reservoir. Advantageously, the locking mechanism locks the access door and the pill-receiving inlet. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the pill-receiving inlet includes a hopper located at a top surface of the reservoir, and a lid pivotally coupled to the hopper. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the access door includes a plurality of hinges mated to a side wall of the reservoir. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the pill-crushing mechanism includes a sensor located at the hopper for detecting ingress of the solid pill into the reservoir; a manual first switch located exterior of the reservoir; a power source seated inside the reservoir and electrically coupled to the manual first switch as well as the sensor; and a motor disposed interior of the reservoir and electrically coupled to the manual first switch. Notably, upon detecting a solid pill entering through into the inlet, the sensor generates and transmits a true signal to the power source. In this manner, upon receiving the true signal, the power source is toggled to an activate state. Advantageously, when the manual first switch is at an on position, power is supplied to the motor such that the motor operates. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the pill-crushing mechanism further includes a plurality of elongated rectilinear shafts juxtaposed subjacent to the inlet and arranged in a parallel configuration. A plurality of rollers are operably coupled to the shafts respectively, wherein each of the rollers has a serrated outer surface suitably configured for crushing the pill. The pill-crushing mechanism further includes a drive belt rotatably coupled to the motor and a first one of the shaft, and a plurality of operably connected driven gears statically engaged with the shafts, respectively. Notably, the driven gears are operably engaged in a side-by-side orientation wherein adjacent ones of the rollers rotate in opposed rotational directions for crushing the solid pill into the pill powder. In this manner, upon operation of the motor, the drive belt causes the first shaft and a third one of the shafts to rotate in a first rotational direction while a second one of the shafts rotates in an opposite second rotational direction. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a slidable lock affixed to the access door, a lock sensor in communication with the slidable lock wherein the lock sensor generates a true signal when the slidable lock is engaged to a locked position, a magnetic lock in electrical communication with the hopper and the lid, and a second switch electrically coupled to the lock sensor, the power source, and the magnetic lock. Notably, upon receiving the true signal from the lock sensor, the second switch is toggled to an on position and thereby activates the magnetic lock. In this manner, when the lid is engaged with the hopper and the magnetic lock is active, access to the reservoir via the inlet is prohibited due to oppositely charged magnets being attracted to each other. 
     The present disclosure further includes a method of utilizing a pill management device. Such a method includes the steps of: providing a portable reservoir including a pill-receiving inlet, and an access door spaced from the pill-receiving inlet; providing and disposing a pill-crushing mechanism within the reservoir wherein the pill-crushing mechanism is configured to transform a solid pill, introduced via the pill-receiving inlet, to pill powder; providing and communicating a locking mechanism with the access door and the pill-receiving inlet for preventing unauthorized access to the pill powder housed within the reservoir; and the locking mechanism locking the access door and the pill-receiving inlet. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure so that the following detailed description may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the relevant art(s) may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed to be characteristic of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pill management device wherein an access door is closed, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the pill management device shown in  FIG. 1  wherein the access door is open; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the pill management device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the interrelationship between some of the major mechanical components of a pill-crushing mechanism housed inside the reservoir; 
         FIG. 5  is a transparent, side elevational view of the pill management device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a high-level schematic block diagram illustrating the interrelationship between some of the major electrical components of pill-crushing mechanism and locking mechanism, respectively; 
         FIG. 8  is a transparent top plan view of the pill management device shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is a transparent front elevational view of the pill management device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figures nor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) set forth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures. 
     The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the structures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosure such that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     One or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s)” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the true spirit and scope of this application to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiment(s) have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of other embodiment(s). Combinations of the above embodiment(s), and other embodiment(s) not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the description. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment(s)”, “an embodiment(s)”, “a preferred embodiment(s)”, “an alternative embodiment(s)” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase “non-limiting exemplary embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment(s). 
     Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiment(s) and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting. 
     If used herein, “about” means approximately or nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means±15% of the numerical. 
     If used herein, “substantially” means largely if not wholly that which is specified but so close that the difference is insignificant. 
     Non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is/are referred to generally in  FIGS. 1-9  and is/are intended to provide a specially designed pill management device  10 , which when fed pills, automatically and conveniently eradicates expired and unused pills, and contains their waste within. Sensor operated and featuring a permanent lock to seal in the powdered waste, the pill management device provides consumers and medical professionals with a safer, simpler, and more effective means of medication disposal. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may be used to manage a variety of pills, and should not be limited to any particular pill type described herein. 
     The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to generally in  FIGS. 1-9  and is/are intended to provide a pill management device  10  including a portable reservoir  11  having a pill-receiving inlet  12  and an access door  13  spaced from the pill-receiving inlet  12 , a pill-crushing mechanism  15  disposed within the reservoir  11  and configured to transform a solid pill, introduced via the pill-receiving inlet  12 , to pill powder, and a locking mechanism  16  in communication with the access door  13  and the pill-receiving inlet  12  for preventing unauthorized access to the pill powder housed (stored) within the reservoir  11 . Advantageously, the locking mechanism  16  locks the access door  13  and the pill-receiving inlet  12 . 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a transparent panel  61  may be positioned along a portion of the reservoir  11  to allow a user to view a pill powder level inside reservoir  11 . 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the pill-receiving inlet  12  includes a hopper  17  located at a top surface of the reservoir  11 , and a lid  18  pivotally coupled to the hopper  17 . 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a plurality of support legs  59  are attached to a bottom surface of the reservoir  11  for providing stability and support. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the access door  13  includes a plurality of hinges  19  mated to a side wall of the reservoir  11 . 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the pill-crushing mechanism  15  includes a sensor  20  located at the hopper  17  for detecting ingress of the solid pill into the reservoir  11 ; a manual first switch  21  located exterior of the reservoir  11 ; a power source  22  seated inside the reservoir  11  and electrically coupled to the manual first switch  21  as well as the sensor  20 ; and a motor  23  disposed interior of the reservoir  11  and electrically coupled to the manual first switch  21 . Notably, upon detecting a solid pill entering through into the inlet  12 , the sensor  20  generates and transmits a true signal to the power source  22 . In this manner, upon receiving the true signal, the power source  22  is toggled to an activate state (e.g., normally in an inactivate state to conserve power). Advantageously, when the manual first switch  21  is at an on position, power is supplied to the motor  23  such that the motor  23  operates. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the pill-crushing mechanism  15  further includes a plurality of elongated rectilinear shafts  25  juxtaposed subjacent to the inlet  12  and arranged in a parallel configuration. A plurality of rollers  26  are operably coupled to the shafts  25  respectively, wherein each of the rollers  26  has a serrated outer surface suitably configured for crushing the pill. The pill-crushing mechanism  15  further includes a drive belt  27  rotatably coupled to the motor  23  and a first one of the shafts  25   a , and a plurality of operably connected driven gears  28  statically engaged with the shafts  25 , respectively. Notably, the driven gears  28  are operably engaged in a side-by-side orientation wherein adjacent ones of the rollers rotate in opposed rotational directions for crushing the solid pill into the pill powder (e.g.,  26   a ,  26   c  rotate in an opposite rotational direction to  26   b ). In this manner, upon operation of the motor  23 , the drive belt  27  causes the first shaft  25   a  and a third one of the shafts  25   c  to rotate in a first rotational direction  29  (e.g., clockwise) while a second one of the shafts  25   b  rotates in an opposite second rotational direction  30  (e.g., counter clockwise). 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism  16  includes a slidable lock  31  affixed to the access door  13 , a lock sensor  63  in communication with the slidable lock  31  wherein the lock sensor  63  generates a true signal when the slidable lock  31  is engaged to a locked position (e.g., broken tab, etc.), a magnetic lock  32  in electrical communication with the hopper  17  and the lid  18 , and a second switch  33  electrically coupled to the lock sensor  63 , the power source  22 , and the magnetic lock  32 . Notably, upon receiving the true signal from the lock sensor  63 , the second switch  33  is toggled to an on position and thereby activates the magnetic lock  32 . In this manner, when the lid  18  is engaged with the hopper  17  and the magnetic lock  32  is active, access to the reservoir  11  via the inlet  12  is prohibited (e.g., opposed magnetic polarities attracted to each other). 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, when the permanent slidable lock  31  is actuated, a security plate may be slidably displaced subjacent to the inlet  12  thereby effectively blocking access to the reservoir  11  after access door  13  is locked. Such a security plate may be power driven by an actuation mechanism in communication with the slidable lock  32  and power source  22 . 
     The present disclosure further includes a method of utilizing a pill management device  10 . Such a method includes the steps of: providing a portable reservoir  11  including a pill-receiving inlet  12 , and an access door  13  spaced from the pill-receiving inlet  12 ; providing and disposing a pill-crushing mechanism  15  within the reservoir  11  wherein the pill-crushing mechanism  15  is configured to transform a solid pill, introduced via the pill-receiving inlet  12 , to pill powder; providing and communicating a locking mechanism  16  with the access door  13  and the pill-receiving inlet  12  for preventing unauthorized access to the pill powder housed within the reservoir  11 ; and the locking mechanism  16  locking the access door  13  and the pill-receiving inlet  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-9  general, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s), the specially designed pill management device  10  conveniently and safely disposes expired and unused pills, crushing these medications into a useless powder form. This product may be a battery powered, motorized, stainless steel unit configured to complete the above function in one action. Featuring an attractive, sleek rectangular shape, the pill management device  10  is a compact and lightweight appliance, offered in sizes appropriate for both home and commercial applications. 
     The pill management device  10  has an internal motor  23  located on one side of the device  10 . This motor  23  drives the pill-crushing mechanism  15 . An inlet  12 , located at the top of the device, offers the area in which pills are fed. Located directly beneath this inlet  12  is a series of rolling bars, which provide crushing capabilities. The pill management device  10  also contains a receptacle for securely housing the powdered-form pills, along with an external level indicator. The device  10  may be easily cleaned between uses, ensuring there is no inadvertent cross-contamination. 
     There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with this clever product. For example, the pill management device  10  provides consumers with an effective, safe, and user-friendly means to achieve pill disposal with one convenient appliance. Featuring a motorized grinder system, this creative appliance ensures that excess and expired pills are completely destroyed. As a result, users need not worry of the dangers of improper medication disposal, such as tossing pills in the trash or flushing them down the toilet, the latter of which is an environmentally hazardous practice. This product also prevents the abuse of disposed drugs by crafty thieves, allowing both consumers and medical professionals to staunch illegal consumption and selling of medications. Extremely easy to use, pill management device  10  pulverizes hard, bulky pills in a matter of seconds. Universally designed and constructed, the pill management device  10  is sure to accommodate virtually any user, regardless of physical capability. Made of durable, high quality materials, this product should withstand years of continued use. 
     The pill management device  10  is an innovative product that effectively eases the burdens that taking medications can sometimes entail. Destroying harmful pill ingredients, this user-friendly product is ideal for any medical establishment or home. 
     While non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) has/have been described with respect to certain specific embodiment(s), it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above Detailed Description, various features may have been grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiment(s) require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter. 
     The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiment(s) which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the above detailed description.