WO2010024791A1

WO2010024791A1 - Worry eliminator dosage dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2010024791A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/016530
Authority: WO
Inventors: Debbie Lee York
Original assignee: Debbie Lee York
Priority date: 2009-03-06
Filing date: 2009-03-06
Publication date: 2010-03-04

Abstract

A device for dispensing non-liquid (capsules, pills or tablets) prescription medication from as many as eight (8) separate compartments is loaded by a pharmacist who sets the time for the medication to be dispensed. At the programmed time, a clock mechanism activates a miniature switch that engages a pin to release a trapdoor allowing the medication to drop through a flue from the compartment into a collection dish. As the trapdoor closes, a time-delay relay is activated allowing another dosage to drop onto the trapdoor for the next timed dosage release.

Description

WORRY ELIMINATOR DOSAGE DISPENSER Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a device capable of dispensing non-liquid prescription medication at preprogrammed intervals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to the secure dispensing of a one months supply of up to eight (8) different non- liquid prescription medications into a collection dish at preprogrammed intervals in order to eliminate overdoses, or absence of medication.

[0003] The treatment of some illnesses makes it necessary to orally ingest non- liquid prescription medication at specific intervals.

[0004] Formerly it has been customary for pharmacist to fill a small plastic container for each of a patient's monthly allotment of non-liquid prescription medications. These containers are easily opened with free access to the entire month's supply of medication.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide a device which, in use, place a citizen or medical professional in an improved state of mind for the correct allotment of non- liquid prescription medication at the correct interval of dosage.

l [0006] The Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispenser will be manufactured of plastic.

A light-weight material, which maintains its strength and form over a long life span. The device itself and its internal elements will be molded to form the cylindrical shape, the eight individual compartments, the top, which contains the eight hinged lids themselves, the legs for the base of the Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispenser and the collection dish. The eight individual locks located at the rim of the top of the Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispenser will be molded plastic as well as a universal key capable of opening any and all Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispensers, and capable of only being opened by a pharmacist. The clock mechanism located on the exterior of each of the eight (8) individual compartments will also be capable of being programmed only by a pharmacist.

[0007] Therefore, it is a principle object of the invention to provide a secure and correct dispense of non-liquid prescription medication.

[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide the general public with a battery powered device in which as many as eight (8) different prescription non-liquid medications are housed in a single plastic container and at the preprogrammed interval the medication is deposited into a single collection dish ready to be ingested.

[0009} Another object of the invention is to greatly reduce the number of accidental overdoses that occur because individuals become confused and can not remember if they have taken their prescription dosage of medication.

[0010] A further object of the invention is the reduction of lawsuits that occur as a result of unintentional overdoses. [0011 ] Still a further intent of the device is to dispense up to eight (8) different prescription non-liquid medications to an individual at timed intervals, not necessarily being equal, but as prescribed by a physician.

[0012] An additional intent of the device is the reduction in time required for staff to sort individual medications in hospitals, rest homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, private homes etc...This device and the single monthly filling by a pharmacist would eliminate that need.

[0013] These and other, further and more specific intent and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

[0014] FIG (1) is an isometric view of the device illustrating both the top and front view in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0015] FIG (2) is a front view of the device illustrating the components of the

Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispenser of FIG one (1).

[0016] FIG (3) is a top view of certain illustrating the components of the top view of FIG one (1).

[0017] Briefly, in accordance with my invention I provide a device for dispensing non-liquid prescription medications. The device includes a container capable of storing up to eight (8) different non-liquid prescription medications. It is cylindrical in shape. The device is capable of permitting a prescribed dosage of non-liquid medication from the storage unit to move under gravity from the storage unit through a flue and into the collection dish from which point it can be retrieved for ingestion. [0018] Turning now to the drawings which describe the presently preferred embodiments of the invention for the purpose of illustrating the practice thereof, and not by way of limitation of the scope of the invention and in which like reference characters refer to corresponding elements through the views. FIG (1) illustrates a non-liquid medicine dispenser entitled the Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispenser. The A-Top of the device contains B-Hinged Lids. One hinged lid is located directly over each of the eight compartments that house the one month's supply of non-liquid prescription medication.

[0019] A pharmacist will load the month's supply of prescription medication through b-Hinged Lids and into C-One of the eight (8) individual storage compartments which house the months supply of prescription medication until use. One storage compartment for up to eight (8) different prescription medications. Located on the top exterior rim of the Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispenser and positioned on each of the eight (8) individual compartments is the D-Universal Lock. The Lock can only be opened by a pharmacist. It's purpose is to keep the B-Hinged Lids secure to prevent citizenry from opening the B-Hinged Lids and mixing their prescription medication or taking the medications and amounts of medications they want to take which may not necessarily be the quantities the doctor has prescribed ("self doctoring").

[0020] Also, located on the exterior of each of the eight C-Individual Storage

Compartments is a E-Clock Mechanism. The E-Clock Mechanism will be set by a pharmacist to dispense a prescription dosage of medication from each of the C-Storage Compartments. Each C-Storage Compartment has its own E-Clock Mechanism. This is in order for the pharmacist to program each individual compartment to dispense the called for amount of prescription medication at the appropriate time. [0021 ] One medication may need to be ingested twice a day while another may require four dosages. The E-Clock Mechanism allows each of the eight (8) compartments to dispense as necessary.

[0022] At the preprogrammed time the correct dosage of each prescription medication will fall from the C-Storage Compartment through a F-Trap Door and then through a G-Flue and into I-Collection Dish. Two (2) molded H-Plastic Legs, one located on either side of the cylindrical shaped device are to support the body of the Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispenser and keep it stationary over the I-Collection Dish located directly underneath. The purpose of the G-Flue will be to control the fall of the prescription medication from the C-Storage Compartment into I-Collection Dish. The prescription medication will be collected in I-Collection Dish until it is retrieved by an individual. If there is medication in the I-Collection Dish a citizen will know they have medication to ingest or if the I-Collection Dish is empty they will know it is not time for medication to be dispensed.

[0023] The Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispenser will be a tremendous asset in hospitals, nursing homes, rest homes and other assisted living centers as well as in private homes in dispensing medication for patients and citizens. This will eliminate the need for someone to sort medications for numerous patients or for an elderly or incapable person.

Claims

ClaimHaving described my invention in such terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice it, and having described the presently preferred embodiments thereof, I claim:

1. A device for dispensing one month's supply of up to eight (8) different non- liquid prescription medications entitled the Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispenser. At the desired time interval a prescription dosage of medication drops from its individual storage compartment through a trap door and then through a flue and into a collection dish for retrieval.

In particular, my invention, the Worry Eliminator Dosage Dispenser comprises the capability to a) dispense up to eight (8) different non-liquid prescription medications at preprogrammed intervals, b) insure the correct and secure dosage of prescription medication will be at access to an individual or care giver at the appropriate time, c) reduce the number of accidental overdoses that occur because individuals become confused and can not remember if they have taken their prescription dosage of medication, d) reduce the number of lawsuits that occur because of unintentional overdoses, e) reduce the time required for staff to sort individual medications in hospitals, rest homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, private homes etc...

2. The device of claiml in which eight (8) individual compartments are molded into a single storage compartment in which up to eight (8) different non-liquid prescription medications are housed.

3. The device of claim 2 on which a universal lock is located on the outside rim of each of the eight individual storage compartments.

4. The device of claim 3 for which a universal key is necessary to unlock the individual storage compartments in order to load the one month supply of non-liquid prescription medication.

5. The device of claim 2 on which a clock mechanism is located on the outside of each of the eight (8) individual storage compartments.

6. The device of claim2 onto which a plastic top is permanently located over the eight (8) individual compartments that are molded together to form the storage compartment.

7. The device of claim 6 on which hinged lids are located. One hinged Ud over each of the eight (8) individual compartments.

8. The device of claim 7 through which non-liquid prescription medication is loaded into the individual compartments.

9. , The device of claim 8 in which a trap door is located at the base of each of the eight (8) individual compartments.

10. The device of claim 2 on which a flue is attached at the base of the storage compartment encompassing the eight individual compartments.

11. The device of claim 2 under which two (2) molded plastic legs are attached supporting the storage compartment and flue.

12. The device of claim 11 onto which a collection dish is attached. Located directly underneath claim 10.