Patent Grant
12116167
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.
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'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.
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 displays 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.
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
Physician'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
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.
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.
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.
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 indicium for identifying the container or the contents of the container.
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.
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
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.
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.
In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In addition, a tab or flag 206 can be secured to the prescription medication bottle 200. As illustrated in
With reference to
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.
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.
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's particular preferences.
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's particular preferences.
Similarly, Bob's pain medication bottle 238 can be marked with the term “pain” and Bob'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.
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's cholesterol medication bottle 232 can be labeled with the term “Jane,” and Bob'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.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in
In another embodiment, as illustrated in
It will be understood that the arrangements and methods of labeling bottles illustrated in
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In one example, a prescription medication bottle marking kit includes a color coding chart 500, as illustrated in
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.
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.
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.
In one example, a prescription medication bottle marking kit includes one or more peel-off sheets 600, as illustrated in
In one example, a prescription medication bottle marking kit includes a wrap and tab combination 700, as illustrated in
In one example, a wrap and tab combination 800 includes a larger tab 802 for pharmaceutical use, as illustrated in
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
In one example, as illustrated in
In one example, as illustrated in
In one example, as illustrated in
In one example, as illustrated in
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.
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.
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.
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, glutton 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.
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.
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's or movie DVD'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.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In such an arrangement, the user has the choice between using the wrap and tab combination 1000 as a single unit or only using the wrap 1002 or the tab 1004. For example, as illustrated in
The wrap 1002 can include an adhesive on a surface of the wrap 1002 that is arranged to interface with the prescription medication bottle 1008. The adhesive can facilitate the wrap 1002 adhering to the prescription medication bottle 1008. The wrap 1002 can include any suitable adhesive such as glue, tape, and the like. The adhesive can be applied to the wrap 1002 to sufficiently secure the wrap 1002 to the prescription medication bottle 1008. In one embodiment, adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the wrap 1002 arranged to interface with the prescription medication bottle 1008. In another embodiment, adhesive is applied to a portion of the surface of the wrap 1002 arranged to interface with the prescription medication bottle 1008. For example, adhesive can be applied to only a first end and a second end of the wrap 1002. In another example, adhesive can be applied along the perimeter of the surface of the wrap 1002 arranged to interface with the prescription medication bottle 1008. In yet another example, adhesive can be applied in a pattern to the surface of the wrap 1002 arranged to interface with the prescription medication bottle 1008.
The adhesive can be applied to the wrap 1002 so that the wrap 1002 is reversibly secured to the prescription medical bottle 1008. This is to say that the wrap 1002 can be first applied to a prescription medication bottle 1008 and then at a later time removed from the prescription medication bottle 1008 such that the wrap 1002 remains intact. In such an embodiment, the wrap 1002 can be arranged to be reusable after the wrap 1002 has been applied to and removed from a prescription medication bottle 1008. In yet another example, the wrap 1002 can be arranged such that the wrap 1002 is secured to a prescription medication bottle 1008 by static forces.
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.
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.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/539,085, titled “Apparatus and Method for Distinguishing Containers” and filed on Nov. 12, 2014, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20200239189 A1 | Jul 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14539085 | Nov 2014 | US |
| Child | 16591586 | US |
