SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING INFORMATION AND PRODUCT

• US 20070093934A1
• Filed: 09/13/2006
• Published: 04/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: McNeil-PPC Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Garneau, Leo
• Granted Patent: US 7,734,371 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/236
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0092 for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles medical dispensers for private use, A61J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/00 Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 70/40 relating to drugs, e.g. their side effects or intended usage

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a vending system or automated store and method of practice that has a means for inputting data, e.g., data input device, means for analyzing the data, e.g., microprocessor, and an output based on the analysis that includes information, product, or both. The invention is particularly suited for the delivery of healthcare and/or personal care products. The system provides a prospective consumer with information about products and their use, and preferably is capable of accessing qualified savings accounts for purposes of completing a transaction.

Claims

1. A vending system comprising at least one vending machine, each vending machine having:

a. data input means for receiving information from an individual;

b. an inventory of one or more products available for purchase;

c. a dispensing means for retrieving one or more products from the inventory and delivering such product(s) to a retrieval point; and

d. a payment means for selecting and providing payment for one or more selected products; and

e. communication means for accessing a database containing information relating to the products in inventory,

wherein the vending system is capable of delivering product information relating to the use of products selected by the individual prior to or simultaneously with the delivery of the product(s).

2. A vending system according to claim 1 wherein the information is selected from the group consisting of identification, payment method, insurance carriers, healthcare provider, symptoms, one or more desired products and combinations thereof.

3. A vending system according to claim 1 wherein the products are personal care or healthcare products.

4. A vending system according to claim 3 wherein at least some of the personal care or healthcare products are packaged in containers holding other than individual dose quantities.

5. A vending system according to claim 1 having a database suitable for recommending one or more products appropriate for treating symptoms entered by the individual.

6. A vending system comprising at least one vending machine, each vending machine having:

a. data input means for receiving information from an individual;

b. an inventory of one or more healthcare products that are packaged in containers holding other than individual dose quantities available for purchase;

c. a dispensing means for retrieving one or more products from the inventory and delivering such product(s) to a retrieval point; and

d. a payment means for selecting and providing payment for one or more selected products;

wherein the vending system is in communication with a central system that authorizes transactions or processes payments for a selected purchase by the individual.

7. A vending system according to claim 6 wherein the information is selected from the group consisting of identification, payment method, insurance carriers, healthcare provider, symptoms, one or more desired products and combinations thereof.

8. A vending system according to claim 6 wherein the vending machine delivers a reward for making a purchase.

10. A vending system according to claim 6 having a database suitable for recommending one or more products appropriate for treating symptoms entered by the individual.

11. A vending system according to claim 6 wherein the central system authorizes payments for purchases from a qualified savings account associated with the individual.

12. A vending system according to claim 11 wherein the qualified savings account is only authorized for purchasing health-care related goods or services not otherwise covered by health insurance.

9. A vending system according to 8 wherein the vending system delivers the reward electronically to the individual.

13. A vending system comprising at least one vending machine, each vending machine having:

a. a data input means for receiving information from an individual;

b. an inventory of one or more products available for purchase;

c. a dispensing means for retrieving one or more products from the inventory and delivering such product(s) to a retrieval point;

d. a payment means for selecting and providing payment for one or more selected products; and

e. a communication means for accessing a database containing information relating to the products in its inventory,

wherein the consumer provides the vending system with a description of symptoms for which treatment is sought and the vending system provides a recommendation of one or more products appropriate for treating such symptoms.

14. A vending system according to claim 13 wherein the information is selected from the group consisting of identification, payment method, insurance carriers, healthcare provider, symptoms, one or more desired products and combinations thereof.

15. A vending system according to claim 13 wherein the vending system analyzes products available in its inventory and provides a recommendation of one or more products that are currently in its inventory for treating the identified symptoms.

16. A vending system according to claim 13 wherein the vending system using the database relating to the use of products to produce a recommended product or products.

17. A vending system according to claim 16 wherein the database is stored remotely at a central location that is in communication with the vending machine.

18. A vending system comprising at least one vending machine, each vending machine having:

a. a data input means for receiving information from an individual;

b. an inventory of one or more products available for purchase;

c. a dispensing means for retrieving one or more products from the inventory and delivering such product(s) to a retrieval point; and

d. a payment means for selecting and providing payment for one or more selected products;

e. communication means for accessing a database containing information relating to the products in inventory, and

f. one or more diagnostic devices for humans;

wherein the one or more diagnostic devices deliver output information and the vending system provides a recommendation of one or more products appropriate for treating such symptoms.

19. A vending system according to claim 18 wherein the information provided by the consumer is based at least in part on the output information from the diagnostic devices.

20. A vending system according to claim 18 wherein the output information from one or more diagnostic devices is delivered directly to the vending system.

21. A vending system according to claim 18 wherein the information from the individual includes additional further physical condition information.

22. A vending system according to claim 18 wherein at least some of the information or the output information relates to physical conditions of the individual selected from the group consisting of body temperature, cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels blood pressure and combinations thereof.