Patent Abstract:
A system for marking a container includes a wrap comprising an adhesive backend. The wrap is configured to wrap around a container. The system also includes a tab configured to adhere to the container and protrude away from the container. The wrap and the tab comprise indicia for identifying the container or the contents of the container.

Full Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for distinguishing items such as containers among a plurality of items. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to application of indicative apparatus to items such as containers to distinguish the item among a plurality of containers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    It is common for products sold and distributed to consumers to include a number of variations and varieties. For example, prescription medications are sold to address a variety of illnesses and ailments, many food products are sold in a variety of flavors, and motor oil is sold in a variety of grades. However, such product variations are often packaged in a manner that make it difficult for consumers to distinguish between the product variations. For example, product variations can be packaged in similar containers with the only differences being minor modifications to the language printed on labels. Such an inability to readily distinguish between products can be particularly problematic when the products are prescription medications. If a consumer does not ingest prescription medications in accordance with a physician&#39;s instructions, the consumer can be exposed to health related risks. For example, a consumer can be at risk for overdosing on a particular medication, not ingesting enough of a particular medication to effectively treat a medical condition, or combining medications that cause severe side effects upon combination. 
         [0003]    Factors such as the aging of the general population, the continuous development and marketing of new medications, and the general increase in the number of medications prescribed by physicians necessitate consumers having to manage an ever growing number of prescription medications on a daily basis. The already difficult task of managing a large number of prescription medications is exacerbated by the manner in which the pharmaceutical industry packages and distributes prescription medication. Such medication is typically distributed by a local or mail-order pharmacy, and the medications are distributed in similar if not identical containers. Typically, the only distinguishing feature of the medications is a technical name for the medication printed in small print on a generic label. Reading the small print in order to identify and distinguish medications may be difficult, particularly for the elderly and for people with low vision. Moreover, because of health care plan limitations or cost considerations, generic medications are commonly used. Generic medication typically display the technical name for the medication, which may be difficult to read, pronounce, and memorize, further exacerbating the difficult task of managing a large number of medications. 
         [0004]    For example, a consumer may be prescribed a first medication to treat high blood pressure, a second medication to treat cholesterol, and a third medication to treat angina (i.e., chest pain). As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first medication can be packaged in a familiar small brown bottle  102  with a relatively small label  104  that includes the technical term “chlorthalidone” printed in small print on the label  104 . The second medication can also be packaged in a similar or identical small brown bottle  106  with a similar or identical relatively small label  108  that includes the technical term “lovastatin” printed in small print on the label  106 . The third medication may also be packaged in a similar or identical small brown bottle  110  with a similar or identical relatively small label  112  that includes the technical term “nitroglycerin” printed in small print on the label  112 . 
         [0005]    Physician&#39;s instructions can dictate that the high blood pressure medication should be taken daily, the cholesterol medication taken three times a week, and the angina medication taken only as needed, including when a person shows early signs of a heart attack. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , it can be difficult to distinguish between the three bottles  102 ,  106 ,  110  when choosing the medication scheduled to be ingested. Such difficulty in distinguishing bottles can lead to the person, for example, undertaking the high blood pressure medication or overtaking the cholesterol medication. Even more importantly, the difficulty in distinguishing bottles can lead to a person that is experiencing early signs of a heart attack ingesting high blood pressure medication or cholesterol medication instead of the appropriate angina medication. 
         [0006]    Therefore, there is a need for apparatus and methods that can assist in distinguishing items such as prescription medication bottles so that the contents or identity of the item are more readily ascertained by and known to an observer of the containers. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one embodiment, a system for marking a container is disclosed. The system includes a wrap comprising an adhesive backend. The wrap is configured to wrap around a container. The system also includes a tab configured to adhere to the container and protrude away from the container. The wrap and the tab comprise indicia for identifying the container or the contents of the container. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, a container marking kit is disclosed. The container marking kit includes a wrap configured to wrap around and secure to a container. The container marking kit further includes a tab comprising an adhesive portion. The tab is configured to adhere to the container and protrude away from the container. The wrap and the tab comprise indicia for identifying the container or the contents of the container. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, a method of marking a container is disclosed. The method comprising the step of securing a wrap around a container. The method further comprises the step of securing a protruding tab to the container. The wrap and the tab comprise an indicia for identifying the container or the contents of the container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a plurality of prior art prescription medication bottles. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a prescription medication bottle with a wrap and a tab applied to said bottle in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a plurality of prescription medication bottles with a wrap and a tab applied to each bottle in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a group of prescription medication bottles with a wrap and a tab applied to each bottle in accordance with one embodiment for use by a couple that cohabitate. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a plurality of prescription medication bottles with a wrap applied to each bottle in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a plurality of prescription medication bottles with a tab applied to each bottle in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a two prescription medication bottles with a tab applied to each bottle in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of a wrap in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9A  is a plan view of a tab in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of a tab in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9C  is a top-side view of a tab in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a front side view of a color coding chart in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a front side view of a an example peel-off-sheet in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of a wrap and tab combination in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of a wrap and tab combination in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 14A-14C  are plan views of wrap and tab combinations in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a plan view of wrap and tab combinations in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  are plan views of tabs, wraps, and wrap and tab combinations in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  are plan views of wrap and tab combinations in accordance with various embodiments. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a plan view of wrap and tab combinations in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 19A-19C  are perspective views of tabs in accordance with various embodiments 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    The apparatus, arrangements, and methods disclosed in this document are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatus, methods, materials, etc. can be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific shapes, materials, techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a shape, material, technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be and should not be construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such. Selected examples of apparatus, arrangements, and methods for distinguishing containers among a plurality of containers are hereinafter disclosed and described in detail with reference made to  FIGS. 1-18 . 
         [0033]    The development of apparatus and methods for distinguishing containers among a plurality of containers can result in observers of the containers more readily ascertaining to contents of the containers. The application of various apparatus that include indicia, such as text, color, graphics, markings, symbols, and the like that are indicative of the contents of the container can facilitate an observer more readily ascertaining the contents of a container. 
         [0034]    A number of examples and embodiments of pre-prepared and customizable apparatus with such indicia are described and disclosed herein. Although the examples and embodiments described herein are generally directed to prescription medication bottles, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such examples and embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to any number of items. For example, such examples and embodiments can be applied to food containers to distinguish similar products for those that have medical, religious, or voluntary dietary restrictions. In another example, such examples and embodiments can be applied to vitamin and nutritional supplement bottles and packaging. 
         [0035]    In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , color and text are utilized to distinguish prescription medication bottles among a plurality of prescription medication bottles.  FIG. 2  illustrates a prescription medication bottle  200  with a label  202 . The label  202  can be the label that is typically adhered to the prescription medication bottle  200  by a pharmacist or similar pharmaceutical personnel at the time the prescription medication bottle  200  is filled with the prescribed medication. A wrap  204  can be secured to the prescription medication bottle  200 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the wrap  204  can be placed over the label  202  and can be substantially transparent so that any text or symbols on the label  202  remain viewable by any observer. The wrap  204  can be a distinctive color, such as blue, green, red, or any other distinctive color to distinguish the wrap  204 , and thus distinguish the medication prescription bottle  200 , from the features of other prescription medication bottles in the vicinity. The wrap  204  can be secured along the entire outer surface of the prescription medication bottle  200  or secured only along a portion of the outer surface of the prescription medication bottle  200 . Furthermore, the wrap  204  can be secured along the entire height of the prescription medication bottle  200  or secured only along a portion of the height (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) prescription medication bottle  200 . 
         [0036]    In addition, a tab or flag  206  can be secured to the prescription medication bottle  200 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the tab  206  can be secured such that it extents away from the prescription medication bottle  200  for easy viewing by an observer. The tab  206  can be a distinctive color, such as blue, green, red, or any other distinctive color to distinguish the tab  206 , and thus the prescription medication bottle  200 , from other prescription medication bottles in the vicinity. The color of the tab  206  can be arranged to match the color of the wrap  204  secured to the prescription medication bottle  200 . The color of the tab  206  can also be arranged to be a different color than the wrap  204  to complement or contrast with the color of the wrap  204 . Text  208  can be applied to the tab  206  to further distinguish the prescription medication bottle  200  from others in the vicinity. The text  208  as shown in  FIG. 2  reads “Medication A.” However, it will be understood that the text  208  of  FIG. 2  is merely representative of a large variety of possible names or descriptions of medications. As will be subsequently described, the text  208  can be preprinted on the tab  206  or can be customized by the consumer with a writing utensil or sticker. The text  208  can be printed or otherwise applied in a variety of colors to further distinguish the text  208 . 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , it will be understood that the presence and color of a wrap, the presence and color of a tab, and the presence and color of text on a tab can each or in combination facilitate an observer distinguishing one prescription medication bottle from a plurality of prescription medication bottles.  FIG. 3  illustrates the prescription medication bottle  200  of  FIG. 2  (to be referred herein as the “first prescription medication bottle”) along with a second prescription medication bottle  210  and third prescription medication bottle  220 . The second prescription medication bottle  210  includes a pharmacy applied label  212 , a wrap  214 , a tab  216 , and text  218  applied to the tab  216 . The third prescription medication bottle  220  includes a pharmacy applied label  222 , a wrap  224 , a tab  226 , and text  228  applied to the tab  226 . 
         [0038]    In one example, the first prescription medication bottle  200  can have a blue semi-transparent wrap  204 , a solid blue tab  206 , and text  208  indicative of the medication contained in the first prescription medication bottle  200 . The second prescription medication bottle  210  can have a green semi-transparent wrap  214 , a solid green tab  216 , and text  218  indicative of the medication contained in the second prescription medication bottle  200 . The third prescription medication bottle  220  can have a red semi-transparent wrap  224 , a solid red tab  226 , and text  228  indicative of the medication contained in the third prescription medication bottle  200 . As will be understood, an observer viewing the three prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220  can rely on a number of visual indications to distinguish each of the prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220  from the group of prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220 . For example, the observer can rely on the color of the wrap  204 ,  214 ,  224 ; the color of the tab  206 ,  216 ,  226 , the text  208 ,  218 ,  228 ; and combinations thereof to distinguish the prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220 . Further, the observer can still be provided with visual access to the label  202 ,  212 ,  222  so as to view or read any information displayed on the label  202 ,  212 ,  222 . However, the observer does not have to rely on the labels  202 ,  212 ,  222  provided by the pharmacy to distinguish the prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220 . 
         [0039]    As will be understood a consumer or patient can establish a color coded system to mark and identify prescription medications. For example, a blue wrap can identify a prescription medication bottle that contains high blood pressure medication; a green wrap can identify a prescription medication bottle that contains cholesterol medication, and a red wrap can identify a prescription medication bottle that contains angina medication. Thus, a consumer or patient can differentiate and identify the prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220  by viewing the color of the wraps  204 ,  214 ,  224  and without having to read labels  202 ,  212 ,  222  provided by a pharmacy that can be difficult to read and/or confusing. 
         [0040]    It will be appreciated that any number and color combinations of wraps can be used to differentiate and identify any number of prescription medication bottles. In one example, a wrap can be arranged to be clear or patterned such as striped, checkered, and the like. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the colors of the wraps can be designated as having various suitable general meanings as well as meaning that concur with a person&#39;s particular preferences. 
         [0041]    It will be appreciated that any number and color combinations of tabs can be used to differentiate and identify any number of prescription medication bottles. In one example, a tab can be arranged to be clear or patterned such as striped, checkered, and the like. When used in combination with a wrap, a tab can be arranged to be the same color as the wrap or arranged to be a different color than the wrap. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the colors of the tabs can be designated as having various suitable general meanings as well as meaning that concur with a person&#39;s particular preferences. 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary group of prescription medication bottles  230  used, for example, by a married couple. Spouses and other family members often store prescription medication bottles in a common location such as a medicine cabinet in a kitchen or bathroom of a residential home. Distinguishing between medications intended for specific family members can be crucial to the health of the family members. In the example of  FIG. 4 , one spouse, named Jane, regularly takes medications to treat high blood pressure and diabetes. The other spouse, named Bob, takes medication to treat pain and a sleep disorder. In addition, both spouses take medication to control cholesterol. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the couple can mark the prescription medication bottles in a manner to distinguish the prescription medication bottles. For example, Jane&#39;s high blood pressure medication bottle  234  can be marked with the term “blood pressure” and Jane&#39;s diabetes medication bottle  236  can be marked with the term “diabetes.” Since only Jane takes medication to treat high blood pressure and diabetes, both Bob and Jane understand that prescription medication bottles  234  and  236  are intended for Jane. In addition, Jane can distinguish between her high blood pressure medication bottle  234  and her diabetes medication bottle  236 . 
         [0043]    Similarly, Bob&#39;s pain medication bottle  238  can be marked with the term “pain” and Bob&#39;s sleep disorder medication bottle  242  can be marked with the term “sleep.” Since only Bob takes medication to treat pain and a sleep disorder, both Jane and Bob understand that prescription medication bottles  238  and  242  are intended for Bob. In addition, Bob can distinguish between his pain medication bottle  238  and his sleep disorder medication bottle  242 . 
         [0044]    Because both Jane and Bob take medication to control cholesterol, Jane and Bob can choose to label their respective cholesterol medication bottles with their names. For example, Jane&#39;s cholesterol medication bottle  232  can be labeled with the term “Jane,” and Bob&#39;s cholesterol medication bottle  240  can be labeled with the term “Bob.” Thus, Jane and Bob can distinguish between the two cholesterol medication bottles  232 ,  240 . 
         [0045]    In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the wrap  204 ,  214 ,  224  can be applied to prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220  without the use of tabs or flags. As previously described, the prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220  and wraps  204 ,  214 ,  224  can be arranged in accordance to the preferences of the consumer or patient such as applying a specific color wrap for a specific type of medication. Furthermore, text can be applied to the wraps  204 ,  214 ,  224  to further distinguish the prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220 . 
         [0046]    In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the tabs  206 ,  216 ,  226  can be applied to prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220  without the use of wraps. As previously described, the prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220  and tabs  206 ,  216 ,  226  can be arranged in accordance to the preferences of the consumer or patient such as applying a specific color tab for a specific type of medication. Furthermore, as previously described, text  208 ,  218 ,  228  can be applied to the tabs  206 ,  216 ,  226  to further distinguish the prescription medication bottles  200 ,  210 ,  220 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  illustrates two examples of tabs applied to bottles  250 ,  252 . A tab  254  can be attached to a vitamin bottle  250 , and text  256  can be applied to the tab  254 . The tab  254  can be applied in a manner where the original labeling of “Vitamin D 5,000 IU” remains visible, while adding information content such as the vitamin should be taken at a dosage of “2 per day.” Prescription medication bottle  252  is illustrated with an example of a larger tab  258  applied to the prescription medication bottle  252 . Such larger tabs can be used for consumers that benefit from large print such as elderly consumers or consumers with limited vision. 
         [0048]    It will be understood that the arrangements and methods of labeling bottles illustrated in  FIGS. 2-7  are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possibilities. Those skilled in the art will understand that numerous other arrangements and methods for labeling items such as containers are embodied in this disclosure. Furthermore, it will be understood that individual methods and arrangements of  FIGS. 2-7  can be combined and/or substituted to achieve desirable embodiments. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary wrap  300  for application to a container such as a prescription medication bottle. The wrap  300  can include an adhesive on a surface of the wrap  300  that is arranged to interface with the prescription medication bottle. The adhesive can facilitate the wrap  300  adhering to the prescription medication bottle. The wrap  300  can include any suitable adhesive such as glue, tape, and the like. The adhesive can be applied to the wrap  300  to sufficiently secure the wrap  300  to the prescription medication bottle. In one embodiment, adhesive is applied to the entire surface arranged to interface with the prescription medication bottle. In another embodiment, adhesive is applied to a portion of the surface arranged to interface with the prescription medication bottle. For example, adhesive can be applied to a first end  302  and a second end  304 . In another example, adhesive can be applied along the perimeter of the surface of the wrap  300  arranged to interface with the prescription medication bottle. In yet another example, adhesive can be applied in a pattern to the surface of the wrap  300  arranged to interface with the prescription medication bottle. 
         [0050]    The adhesive can be applied to the wrap  300  so that the wrap is reversibly secured to a container such as a prescription medication bottle. This is to say that the wrap  300  can be first applied to a prescription medication bottle and then at a later time removed from the prescription medication bottle such that the wrap  300  remains intact. In such an embodiment, the wrap  300  can be arranged to be reusable after the wrap  300  has been applied to and removed from a prescription medication bottle. In yet another example, the wrap  300  can be arranged such that the wrap  300  is secured to a prescription medication bottle by static forces. 
         [0051]    As previously discussed, wrap  300  can be any suitable color. In one example, the wrap  300  can be clear. In another example, the wrap  300  is clear with a colored border. In another example, the wrap  300  is at least partially transparent or translucent. In one example, the wrap  300  includes one or more translucent colors. In yet another example, the wrap  300  includes a combination of colors, patterns, or symbols. The wrap  300  can be any suitable shape. 
         [0052]    In one example, the wrap  300  can have a height corresponding to a height of a label on a prescription medication bottle. In another example, the wrap  300  can have a height greater or less than a corresponding height of a label on a prescription medication bottle. In one example, the length, or width, of the wrap  300  is equal to a circumference of a prescription medication bottle so that the wrap  300  can be applied along the entire circumference of the prescription medication bottle. In another example, the length of the wrap  300  can be longer or shorter than the circumference of a prescription medication bottle so that the wrap  300  can be applied around the prescription medication bottle less than the complete length of the circumference or more than the complete length of the circumference. For example, the wrap  300  can be applied around only half of the circumference of a prescription medication bottle, or the wrap  300  can be applied around a prescription medication bottle such that the first end  302  of the wrap  300  overlaps the second end  304  of the wrap  300 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 9A  illustrates an exemplary tab  400  for application on a prescription medication bottle. Tab  400  can be arranged to include four portions—two inner portions  402 ,  404  and two outer portions  406 ,  408 . Inner portions  402 ,  404  and outer portions  406 ,  408  can be folded along lines  410 ,  412 ,  414  to form the tab  400  into an butterfly-shaped arrangement. Such a butterfly shaped arrangement is illustrated in  FIGS. 9B and 9C . Specifically, inner portions  402 ,  404  are folded along line  412  such that inner portions  402 ,  404  are positioned flat against one another to form a protruding portion  416  that extends away from a prescription medication bottle when the tab  400  is applied to a prescription medication bottle. Outer portions  406 ,  408  are folded along lines  410  and  414  respectively in order to form a base for protruding portion  416 . In one embodiment, outer portions  406 ,  408  include an adhesive applied to back sides of the outer portions  406 ,  408  to secure the tab  400  to a prescription medication bottle. As described for the wrap  300  above, adhesive can be applied to the entire surface of the tab  400  that is arranged to interface with a prescription medication bottle or only a portion of surface of the tab  400  that is arranged to interface with a prescription medication bottle. Furthermore, the tab  400  can be arranged to be secured to a prescription medication bottle by static forces. 
         [0054]    The tab  400  can be arranged to include any suitable color. In one example, the tab  400  is clear. In another example, the tab  400  is clear with a colored border. In another example, tab  400  is at least partially transparent or translucent. In another example, the tab  400  includes a combination of colors, patterns, or symbols. In one example, the tab  400  includes a paper positioned within the protruding portion  416 . The paper can be white or any suitable color and arranged so that words, symbols, graphics, patterns, etc. can be printed, written or drawn on to the paper. 
         [0055]    In one example, a wrap  300  can be initially secured to a prescription medication bottle using the adhesive on a back side of the wrap  300 . Subsequently, a tab  400  can be secured to the prescription medication bottle on top of the wrap  300 , using the adhesive on the back sides of the outer portions  406 ,  408 . In another example, a tab  400  can be initially secured to a prescription medication bottle using the adhesive on the back sides of the outer portions  406 ,  408 . Subsequently, a wrap  300  can be secured to the prescription medication bottle. In this example, the wrap  300  can be arranged such that the first and second ends  302 ,  304  of the wrap  300  overlap the outer portions  406 ,  408  of the tab  400  to further secure the tab  400  to the prescription medication bottle. In one example, only one of a wrap  300  or a tab  400  is secured to a prescription medication bottle for the purpose of applying apparatus indicative of the content of the prescription medication bottle. 
         [0056]    In one example, a wrap  300  and a tab  400  may be provided to a patient by a pharmaceutical company or a physician in combination with a pill bottle when a medication is prescribed, sold, or given as a sample. 
         [0057]    In one example, a wrap  300  and a tab  400  are grouped as a prescription medication bottle marking kit. The kit can include any suitable number of wraps  300  and tabs  400  in varying sizes and colors. A person can select an appropriate size and color wrap  300 , tab  400 , or both, to mark a prescription medication bottle based on the size of the prescription medication bottle or the contents of the prescription medication bottle. The kit can further include a writing utensil, such as a pen or marker, to add text to the wrap  300  or tab  400 . It should be appreciated that a person may select a wrap  300  and a tab  400  from the kit based on other factors as well, such as the recommended dosage of the medication or the recommended frequency for consuming the medication contained in the prescription medication bottle, the days of the week medication should be taken, the health risks associated with consuming the medication contained in the prescription medication bottle, and so on. 
         [0058]    In one example, a prescription medication bottle marking kit includes a color coding chart  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Color coding chart  500  can include a title bar  502  including text such as “my subscriptions” to describe the type of product a group of wraps and tabs are associated with. The text of the title bar  502  can be pre-filled or left blank for a person to fill in. Color coding chart  500  also includes a subtitle bar  504  to provide secondary information to further describe what person the group of wraps and tabs are associated with. For example, the subtitle bar  504  may be used to write in a person&#39;s name if a group of wraps and tabs are being used to mark a set of prescription medication bottles all associated with the same person. The subtitle bar may also be left blank for a person to fill in with suitable text or it may be pre-filled. 
         [0059]    The color coding chart  500  can also include one or more description bars  506  associated with one more color blocks  508 . Each color block  508  corresponds with a wrap or a tab to help a person organize and track markings on prescription medication bottles. Specifically, a person may write text, a symbol, or other relevant notes in description bar  506  associated with a color block  508  corresponding to a wrap or tab on a prescription medication bottle. For example, if a person marks a prescription medication bottle containing heart medication with a red wrap, the person may write a reminder in the description bar  506  associated with the red color block  508  to remind him that the red wrap or tab corresponds to heart medication. In addition, a person may write notes in the description bar that relate to last consumption time, side effects experienced, or other suitable notes relating to a medication. It should be understood that indicia blocks such as symbol blocks or pattern blocks may be used instead of color blocks. 
         [0060]    The color coding chart  500  can be attached to a wall, a cabinet, a refrigerator, or other suitable location. Accordingly, color coding chart  500  can include, on the reverse side (not shown) an adhesive, a magnet, or other suitable means for securing the color coding chart  500  to a surface. 
         [0061]    In one example, color coding chart  500  may be a single reusable chart such as a dry-erase board. In this example, notes or text written on the color coding chart  500  can be erased and the color coding chart may be re-used. In another example, the color coding chart  500  can include a pad of disposable paper charts. In this example, a top chart may be removed in order to expose a new chart on which new notes may be written. 
         [0062]    In one example, a prescription medication bottle marking kit includes one or more peel-off sheets  600 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . A peel-off sheet  600  can include stickers  602  including pre-printed text to mark a prescription medication bottle. The stickers can include text such as his, hers, pain, arthritis, heart, glaucoma, diabetes, asthma, blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, and anxiety as illustrated, or other suitable text to help identify the contents of a prescription medication bottle. Stickers  602 , once removed from peel-off sheet  600  may be placed on a wrap  300 , on a tab  400 , or anywhere on a prescription medication bottle to mark the prescription medication bottle. The peel-off sheet  600  can also include several blank stickers (not shown) that allow a person to customize the sticker. 
         [0063]    In one example, a prescription medication bottle marking kit includes a wrap and tab combination  700 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The wrap and tab combination  700  includes a wrap  702  with a tab  704  pre-attached to a wrap  702 . The wrap and tab combination  700  may be any suitable color or combination of colors. In one example, at least one of the wrap  702  or the tab  704  is clear. In one example, at least one of the wrap  702  or the tab  704  is clear with a colored border. In one example, at least one of the wrap  702  or the tab  704  is at least partially transparent. In one example, at least one of the wrap  702  or the tab  704  includes a combination of colors, patterns, or symbols. 
         [0064]    In one example, a wrap and tab combination  800  includes a larger tab  802  for pharmaceutical use, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The larger tab  802  allows a pharmacist to attach a pharmacy label directly onto the tab  802  instead of placing the label on a prescription medication bottle where it may cover other information. 
         [0065]    It should be understood that the wrap and tab described herein can include various suitable colors, patterns, and shapes for marking a prescription medication bottle. In three examples, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C , a wrap and tab can include heart shaped logos for indicating that the contents of a prescription medication bottle contain heart medication. In addition, the tab may include the text “heart” and the wrap can be red in color to further indicate that the prescription medication bottle contains heart medication. 
         [0066]    In one example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a wrap and tab can be used to mark a prescription medication bottle as containing medications intended for an animal such as a pet dog or cat, or other pet. Specifically, the wrap can include symbols indicative of a specific animal such as dog paws and the tab can include symbols or cutouts of a face or profile of a pet. It should be appreciated that other suitable text, symbols, and combinations of colors can be used on a wrap and tab to indicate that the contents of a prescription medication bottle are intended for a pet. 
         [0067]    In one example, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , wraps and tabs can include text such as “his” and “hers” and be colored either red or blue to help differentiate a prescription medication bottle belonging to a male from a prescription medication bottle belonging to a female. It will be appreciated that other suitable text, symbols, and combinations of colors can be used on a wrap and tab to differentiate a prescription medication bottle belonging to a male from a prescription medication bottle belonging to a female. In another example (not shown), wraps and tabs can include text or colors to help differentiate between prescription medication bottles belonging to multiple family members. 
         [0068]    In one example, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , a tab can include the text “emergency” while a wrap can include a red cross symbol to indicate that the contents of a prescription medication bottle are emergency medication. It will be appreciated that other suitable text, symbols, and combinations of colors can be used on a wrap and tab to indicate that the contents of a prescription medication bottle are emergency medication. 
         [0069]    In one example, as illustrated in  FIG. 18 , a wrap and tab can include text, symbols, or graphics, associated with a brand name or trademark. 
         [0070]    It will be appreciated that, although the examples described herein reference the use of exemplary wraps and/or tabs in connection with marking prescription medication bottles, the exemplary wraps and/or tabs and other similar wraps and/or tabs can be used to mark any suitable container or item to assist observers in more easily recognizing and distinguishing a given item from other similar items. 
         [0071]    In one example, suitable wraps and/or tabs can be used to distinguish beverage containers such as bottles, glasses and cups. A system of wraps and/or tabs can be used to distinguish beverage containers at a social gathering such as a wedding or party so that an individual guest or attendee can identify his or her beverage container from among the beverage containers of other guests or attendees. In one example, a wrap and/or a tab can be placed on the neck of a glass beverage bottle. Colors, patterns, written text, or other such indicia can be used to distinguish between the glass beverage bottles. Similarly, a glass, such as wine glasses or coffee cups, or a plastic beverage cup can be adorned with a wrap and/or tab that includes indicia that can be useful in distinguishing between glasses or cups. The wraps and tabs can be arranged such that any adhesive on the wrap or tabs does not mar or damage the item. 
         [0072]    In another example, wraps and/or tabs can be arranged with messages specific to an event or gathering. For instance, a wrap and/or tab can be arranged for use during a ceremonial toast at a wedding. A tab can be attached to the stem of champagne glasses used for the ceremonial toast and include messages such as “congratulations,” “best wishes,” include the names of the groom and bride, and so on. Similarly, for a birthday party, plastic cups could be adorned with wraps with messages such as “happy birthday,” the name of the person celebrating a birthday, and so on. 
         [0073]    In another example, wraps and tabs can be arranged to label food containers for any number of purposes. If a person has a specific dietary preference or food allergy (i.e., vegetarian, vegan, nut allergies, calcium intolerance, gluton sensitivity, etc.) understanding the content of food containers can be critical in maintaining an appropriate and healthy diet. This can be particularly so when a number of people share living arrangements such as families, roommates, etc. Wraps and tabs can be applied to various food containers with indicia to indicate which dietary restrictions are satisfied by the contents of the food container. Such a system can alleviate the need to reread labels on purchased food products that remain in original containers, or can properly identify food stored in temporary containers such as Tupperware or zip-lock bags. Furthermore, wraps or tabs can be used to date food items so that users can readily ascertain whether a specific beverage such as milk or food such as eggs are past the recommended “consume by” date. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 19A-19C  illustrate embodiments of tabs arranged with food containers. In one example, a milk carton  902  includes a tab  904  with an expiration date written on the tab  904 . The expiration date can be written so that it is prominently displayed and can be quickly and readily viewed. Such prominent placement of the tab  904  with the expiration date alleviates the need for consumers of the milk to search the milk carton  902  for an expiration date.  FIGS. 19B and 19C  similarly display a yogurt container  906  and a tab  908  and a salad bottle  910  and a tab  912 . It will be understood that the tabs  904 ,  908 ,  912  can include any number of indicia that relays information to a consumer. For example, the labels can include terms or phrases useful to the consumer such as “vegetarian,” “vegan,” “contains nuts,” “contains dairy,” “contains gluten,” “contains soy,” “high salt content,” a person&#39;s (i.e., owner&#39;s) name, and so on. 
         [0075]    In living situations where two or more roommates use the same refrigerator, pantry, and/or cupboards, wraps and/or tabs can be used to simply identify what food or other items belong to which roommate. Similarly, wraps and/or tabs can be used to distinguish personal care items for family members or roommates. For example, cosmetics, shampoo, conditioner, etc. can be distinguished by applying wraps or tabs with unique indicia. 
         [0076]    It will be readily understood that in addition to items such as medications, food and beverages, all manners of other items can be identified and distinguished by wraps and/or tabs. For example, music CD&#39;s or movie DVD&#39;s can be labeled with wraps or tabs. Colors or other indicia can be indicative of artist, genre, or any other attribute of CD or DVD content. In another example, wraps and/or tabs can be used to identify school supplies such as pencils, notebooks, rulers, etc. in a classroom environment. Using such a system can allow even young students to readily identify his or her pen or pencil from that of classmates. In yet another example, wraps and/or tabs can be used to label cords and cables such as those used for computer equipment or audio/video equipment. 
         [0077]    To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Additionally, to the extent that the terms “on” or “onto” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “in,” “into,” or “near.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components. 
         [0078]    The foregoing description of examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The examples were chosen and described in order to best illustrate principles of various examples as are suited to particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1