Timed dispenser for programmed fluid consumption

• US 6,252,494 B1
• Filed: 01/28/2000
• Issued: 06/26/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael D. Howell
• Original Assignee: Michael D. Howell
• Inventors: Howell, Michael D.
• Primary Examiner(s): POPE, DARYL C
• Application Number:
  US09/493,745
• Time in Patent Office: 515 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1, 340/825.19, 340/309.3, 340/321, 340/309.15
• US Class Current: 340/309.8
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2200/18 Time
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 23/16 combined with drinking vessels or with lids therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0418 with electronic history memory
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0472 of the count-down type, i.e. counting down a predetermined interval after each reset
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0481 working on a schedule basis
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms

Abstract

This invention relates to a drink dispensing device, particularly to a device designed for dispensing of particular amounts of water or alternative fluids to an individual, and most particularly to a device which includes a timing function for prompting consumption at programmed intervals. In a particular embodiment, the drink dispensing device is in the form of a drinking glass containing volumetric measuring indicia for monitoring the amount of fluid currently contained in, or consumed from, the vessel; and a time monitoring device having multiple programming mode

Claims

1. A device for assisting an individual in maintaining a particular rate of fluid consumption consisting of:

means for holding a fluid;

means for determining passage of a designated time increment; and

means for alerting a user of the passage of said designated time increment;

wherein a user activates said means for determining passage of a designated time increment for consumption of a particular volume of fluid, and said user is prompted to consume additional fluid subsequent to passage of said designated time increment.

2. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said means for holding a fluid is a drinking glass.

3. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for holding a fluid is graduated.

4. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said means for determining passage of a designated time increment is constructed and arranged for tracking one or more particular increments.

5. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said means for alerting a user of passage of a designated time increment is an audible alarm.

6. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said means for alerting a user of passage of a designated time increment is a visible alarm.

7. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said means for determining passage of a designated time increment is an electronically controlled timing device.

8. A device in accordance with claim 7, wherein:

said electronically controlled timing device is coupled to a liquid crystal display.

9. A device in accordance with claim 7, wherein:

said electronically controlled timing device is programmable to provide multiple modes of consumption.

10. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said means for holding a fluid, said means for determining passage of a designated time increment and said means for alerting a user of the passage of said designated time increment are combined to form an integral unit.

11. A device for assisting an individual in maintaining a particular rate of fluid consumption consisting of:

means for determining passage of a designated time increment; and

means for alerting a user of the passage of said designated time increment;

wherein a user activates said means for determining passage of a designated time increment for consumption of a particular volume of fluid, and said user is prompted to consume additional fluid subsequent to passage of said designated time increment.