Method and means for recording periodic medicinal dosages

• US 5,979,698 A
• Filed: 02/14/1997
• Issued: 11/09/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard E. Deal
• Original Assignee: Richard E. Deal
• Inventors: Deal, Richard E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ellis, Christopher P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): McAllister, Steven B.
• Application Number:
  US08/799,870
• Time in Patent Office: 998 Days
• Field of Search: 221/1, 221/2, 221/4, 221/5, 221/155, 116/205, 116/225, 116/306, 116/308, 116/319, 116/320, 116/321-4, 206/459.1, 206/459.5, 206/534
• US Class Current: 221/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/04 Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers

Abstract

A medicinal recording device is provided which is placed directly upon a patient'"'"'s medication container. The device consists of at least one strip having a plurality of indicia on raised or recessed detents. The indicia correspond to days and dosages. The patient slides a tab attached to the strip along the strip to the marked button corresponding to the day the medication is taken and/or the number of the dose taken. The tab engages the strip adjacent the selected indicia to releasably lock the tab in position and to prevent unintended sliding of the tab.

Claims

1. A method for recording the periodic consumption of medicinal pills, the pills being contained in a pill bottle having a sidewall, the method comprising:

providing two strips having a plurality of indicia on the sidewall of the bottle, the indicia on the first strip corresponding to days of the week, and the indicia on the second strip corresponding to a number of dosages to be taken per day;

sliding a first tab each day along the first strip to one of the indicia, the indicia corresponding to a particular day;

sliding a second tab along the second strip to one of the indicia each time a dosage of pills is consumed, the indicia corresponding to a particular dosage;

engaging the first and second tabs in a substantially locked position corresponding to one of the respective indicia; and

squeezing the ends of the tabs inwardly to cause the tabs to release from the locked position prior to the step of sliding the tabs along the strips.

2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising unlocking the tab by squeezing opposite sides of the tab so as to permit sliding of the tab to a different position.

3. A method for recording the periodic consumption of medicinal pills, the pills being contained in a pill bottle having a sidewall, the method comprising:

providing two strips having a plurality of indicia on the sidewall of the bottle, the indicia on the first strip corresponding to days of the week, and the indicia on the second strip corresponding to a number of dosages to be taken per day;

sliding a first tab each day along the first strip to one of the indicia, the indicia corresponding to a particular day;

sliding a second tab along the second strip to one of the indicia each time a dosage of pills is consumed, the indicia corresponding to a particular dosage; and

unlocking the tab by squeezing opposite sides of the tab so as to permit sliding of the tab to a different position.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

mechanically locking each tab in a selected position to prevent unintentional sliding of the tabs along the strips.

5. A method according to claim 3 further comprising engaging the tab in a substantially locked position corresponding to one of the indicia.

6. A method according to claim 5 further including the step of:

squeezing the ends of the tab inwardly to cause the tab to release from the locked position prior to the step of sliding the tab along the strip.

7. A medicinal recording device comprising:

a strip;

a plurality of recessed detents on the strip;

a plurality of dosage indicia provided on the recessed detents;

a tab operably attached to the strip such that the tab can slide up and down the length of the strip, said tab having opposite ends; and

the tab including a lip adapted to extend into each detent to secure the tab in position.

8. A medicinal recording device, comprising:

a first strip and a second strip;

a plurality of raised buttons on the strips;

a plurality of dosage indicia provided on the raised buttons;

the indicia on the first strip corresponding to days of the week and the indicia on the second strip corresponding to a number of dosages of medication to be taken per day; and

first and second tabs operatively attached to the first and second strips, respectively, such that the tabs can slide up and down the length of the strips, said tabs having opposite ends.

9. A medicinal recording device according to claim 8 wherein the strip is on a panel having adhesive backing for attachment to a pill bottle.

10. A medicinal recording device according to claim 9 wherein the strip and panel are integrally formed.

11. A medicinal recording device according to claim 8, further comprising:

an adhesive backing on the strip such that the strip is adapted to adhere to a sidewall of a pill bottle.

12. A medicinal recording device according to claim 8 wherein the tab has a window of a size large enough such that the indicia can be seen through the window.

13. A medicinal recording device according to claim 8 wherein each button is adapted to extend into an opening in the tab so as to secure the tab in position.

14. A medicinal recording device according to claim 8 wherein the tab is engageable with the strip adjacent each indicia so as to be releasably locked in position at a selected indicia.

15. A medicinal recording device according to claim 8 wherein the recording device comprises at least two strips.

16. A medicinal recording device according to claim 8 wherein the opposite ends of the tab terminate in lips folding inwardly to securely fasten the tab around the strip.

17. A medicinal recording device according to claim 8 wherein the tabs are resilient.

18. A medicinal recording device, comprising:

a first strip and a second strip;

a plurality of recessed detents on the strips;

a plurality of dosage indicia provided on the recessed detents;

the indicia on the first strip corresponding to days of the week and the indicia on the second strip corresponding to a number of dosages of medication to be taken per day; and

first and second tabs operatively attached to the first and second strips, respectively, such that the tabs can slide up and down the length of the strips, said tabs having opposite ends.

19. A medicinal recording device according to claim 18 wherein the tab is engageable with the strip adjacent each indicia so as to be releasably locked in position at a selected indicia.

20. A medicinal recording device according to claim 18 wherein the opposite ends of the tab terminate in lips folding inwardly to securely fasten the tab around the strip.

21. A medicinal recording device according to claim 18, further comprising:

an adhesive backing on the strip such that the strip is adapted to adhere to a sidewall of a pill bottle.