Health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by reminding a person to take medication

FIELD AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a health improvement device, and more particularly to a device which modifies a daily behavior by reminding a person to take medication, as directed by the doctor.

It has been observed by medical professionals and other behavior scientists that remembering to take prescription or other medication, day after day, is a routine that is usually hard to establish. In this regard, it is known that taking medication at prescribed intervals or time is not only important, but in many instances, could be critical. The failure of a person to take the medication, as prescribed, may have adverse impact on the health of a person. It is therefore important that a simple and easy to use device be provided which reminds a person to take the medication.

Various examples of conventional devices of this nature and various medicine containers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 571,436; 675,364; 612,296; 2,450,337; 2,570,380; 2,608,294; 3,228,737; 3,521,936; 3,524,690; 3,884,635; 4,140,140; 4,116,508; 4,248,254; 4,307,923, 4,308,923; 4,466,150; 4,951,596; 5,072,477; and 5,271,353.

The conventional devices are not as simple to use as the device of the present invention and not versatile.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to provide a simple to use and an inexpensive health improvement device which modifies a person's daily behavior by reminding the person to take medication, as directed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a health improvement device which overcomes the disadvantages associated with the conventional devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a health improvement device which creates a simple association between the daily habit of toothbrushing and another habit a doctor wants each patient to develop, that is of taking medication properly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a health improvement device which reminds the patient, when reaching his or her toothbrush, to take medication at the same time.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a health improvement device which allows the medication to work as it should, since it is being taken as prescribed by the doctor, for example, once daily in the morning, or both morning and at night.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a health improvement device which results in better compliance and more effective therapy and therefore saves needless medical visits and extra costs for the patient and the insurance provider.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a health improvement device which is versatile in that it can be reused with different medicine containers. In other words, once the medication supply is exhausted, the device can be reused with other medicine containers.

In summary, the main object of the present invention is to provide a health improvement device which is simple, inexpensive, versatile and modifies a person's daily behavior to serve as a reminder to take a prescription medication, as directed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a front elevational view of the health improvement device of the present invention, shown with toothbrush and a medicine bottle;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the health improvement device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 2, shown partially exploded with the drainage plug removed;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line <b>4</b>—<b>4</b> of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the device shown in FIG. 4, shown without the drainage plug;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the drainage plug;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the drainage plug taken along line <b>8</b>—<b>8</b> of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a first alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a second alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line <b>11</b>—<b>11</b> of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 10, shown without the drainage plug;

FIG. 13 is a third alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line <b>14</b>—<b>14</b> of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 13, shown without the drainage plug;

FIG. 16 is a fourth alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 16, shown without the drainage plug;

FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line <b>18</b>—<b>18</b> of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a fifth alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 19, shown without the drainage plug; and

FIG. 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line <b>21</b>—<b>21</b> of FIG. <b>19</b>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As best shown in FIGS. 1-2, the health improvement device HD of the present invention is in the form of a generally vertically upstanding housing H. The housing H is preferably made of conventional materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, any high density polyethylene or the like, thermoplastic, or other suitable material, which may be easily molded, blown or otherwise shaped to obtain the desired configuration.

Housing H is of a unitary construction and includes a generally cylindrical, hollow section <b>10</b> and a generally cylindrical open recess section <b>12</b>. As can be seen from FIGS. 1, <b>2</b> and <b>4</b>, the height of first and second sections <b>10</b> and <b>12</b> is substantially the same. It is, however, noted that the corresponding heights of these two sections may be varied, if necessary. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the section <b>10</b> is provided for receiving an instrument, such as a toothbrush, and holding it securely and generally vertically therein. The second, adjoining section <b>12</b>, is provided for and has the configuration to removably hold a conventional medicine bottle MB.

As best shown in FIG. 4, section <b>10</b> includes recess <b>14</b> which extends the height of the housing H and terminates at top opening <b>16</b> and bottom opening <b>18</b>. As best shown in FIGS. 2, <b>4</b> and <b>6</b>, a generally round, alignment plate member <b>20</b> is provided in the recess <b>14</b>, adjacent top opening <b>16</b>. The plate <b>20</b> includes four pairs of generally triangularly shaped, radially extending projections <b>22</b>. As best shown in FIG. 6, the projections <b>22</b> extend toward the center of housing H and are arranged in a manner so as to form a generally +-shaped recess <b>24</b>. The configuration of recess <b>24</b> is such that the handle of toothbrush TB would slide easily in and out therefrom. As further shown in FIG. 6, each pair of projections <b>22</b> is separated by a narrow slit <b>26</b> for imparting plate <b>20</b> bending flexibility. This flexibility is preferred for the ease of inserting and removing toothbrush TB. It should be noted herewith that the overall structure and configuration of plate member <b>20</b> may be varied, keeping in mind the main objective of properly aligning toothbrush TB, and to facilitate its insertion and removal from housing H.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a generally cylindrical alignment/drainage plug <b>28</b> is removably secured in the bottom of housing H. As best shown in FIG. 4, alignment plug <b>28</b> includes an outer peripheral section <b>30</b> and an inner generally funnel-shaped yoke section <b>32</b>. The yoke <b>32</b> includes an inner recess <b>34</b> which is in communication with housing recess <b>14</b> on one end, and communicate with the exterior via drain hole <b>36</b>. As best seen in FIG. 4, inner recess <b>34</b> terminates at the bottom <b>38</b>, the diameter which is designed so as to accommodate the bottom of toothbrush handle. A circular projection <b>40</b> is provided on the external periphery <b>30</b> of plug <b>28</b>. The projection <b>40</b> snaps into corresponding notches <b>44</b> in ribs <b>42</b>, as described below.

The recess <b>24</b> in plate <b>20</b> is in general vertical alignment with yoke bottom <b>38</b>, such that when toothbrush TB is placed in section <b>10</b>, it is secured vertically therein. Moreover, when toothbrush TB is placed in section <b>10</b>, after brushing teeth, for example, any liquid or moisture present thereon drips downwardly in yoke <b>32</b>, and due to its generally conical inner wall <b>46</b>, gets collected at bottom <b>38</b> and flows outwardly through drain hole <b>36</b>.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a preselected number of vertically extending reinforcing ribs <b>42</b> are provided on the interior wall <b>50</b> of section <b>10</b>. The ribs <b>42</b> are circumferentially placed on interior wall <b>50</b>, extend radially into recess <b>14</b>, and are preferably diametrically equidistant from one another. Although it is preferable that twelve ribs <b>42</b> be provided, it is well within the scope of this invention to vary the number thereof, as desired. The ribs <b>42</b> are preferably integrally molded with housing H and extend from about the bottom opening <b>18</b> up to the location of plate member <b>20</b>. As best shown in FIG. 4, the radial length of ribs <b>42</b> is widest at the bottom and tapers upwardly. As best shown in FIG. 6, the radial length of some of the ribs located adjacent section <b>12</b>, is less than the length of ribs <b>42</b> on the opposite side thereof. This is due to the fact that left wall <b>11</b> of section <b>10</b> flares outwardly from adjacent top opening <b>16</b> to bottom opening <b>18</b> (FIG. <b>4</b>).

As best shown in FIG. 5, ribs <b>42</b> are cut into at <b>52</b> for receiving alignment plug <b>28</b>. The length of each cutout <b>52</b> corresponds to the vertical height of plug <b>28</b>. As noted above, each rib <b>42</b> is provided with a notch <b>44</b> substantially at the same location for receiving projection <b>40</b> of plug <b>28</b>.

In regard to second section <b>12</b>, it is in the general configuration of a clip defined by a generally C-shaped, wrap around vertical wall <b>54</b>. As best shown in FIG. 2, wall <b>54</b> partially encloses an open recess <b>56</b>, such that a front opening <b>58</b> is provided. The shape and configuration of wall <b>54</b> is selected so as to hold a conventional medicine bottle or container MB. The medicine bottle MB is easily inserted into recess <b>56</b> from the top of housing H.

The provision of front opening <b>58</b> allows the information on the medicine bottle MB, which is generally pasted thereon by a pharmacist, to remain visible and, therefore, further enhances the probability that the user would be reminded of taking the prescribed medication, as directed. Although as shown in the figures herein, the height of the C-shaped wall is substantially the same as first section <b>10</b>, it is well within the scope of this invention to vary its dimensions, shape or configuration, as may be desired.

As best shown in FIGS. <b>2</b> and <b>4</b>-<b>6</b>, section <b>12</b> further includes a bottom <b>60</b> for supporting the medicine bottle MB. Further, reference numeral <b>61</b> in FIG. 6 illustrates a recess for receiving an insert <b>63</b> which displays product information, other indicia, etc.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, the alignment/drainage plug <b>28</b> may additionally be provided with, preferably, four radial ribs <b>62</b> which extend between outer peripheral section <b>30</b> and yoke <b>32</b>. The ribs <b>62</b> are equilaterally positioned to strengthen and provide structural integrity to plug <b>28</b>.

FIG. 9 illustrates a first alternative embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the health improvement device HD shown in FIGS. 1-6, with the exception that the structure of alignment plate member <b>64</b> is different. In particular, member <b>64</b>, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, is in the form of a round plate with a generally round central opening <b>66</b> for receiving the handle of toothbrush TB.

It is noted herewith that in various embodiments illustrated herein, the like parts/components have been designated by using the same reference numerals for clarity.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrates a second alternative embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the health improvement device HD shown in FIGS. 1-6, with the exception that the structure of alignment plate member <b>68</b> is different. In particular, member <b>68</b> includes preferably eight equilaterally spaced finger-like radial projections <b>70</b>, which are separated from one another by slits <b>72</b>. Further, projections <b>70</b> include generally rounded free ends <b>74</b> for facilitating the insertion and removal of toothbrush TB.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrates a third alternative embodiment of the present invention, which is generally similar to the health improvement device HD shown in FIGS. 10-12, with the exception that the interior wall <b>76</b> does not include any ribs and is substantially smooth. A circular notch <b>77</b> is provided for receiving projection <b>40</b> of plug <b>28</b>, and a cut-out recess <b>79</b>, having the general dimensions of plug <b>28</b> is included in section <b>82</b>. The structure and configuration of alignment plate <b>78</b> is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12. Further, the width w₁of open recess section <b>80</b> is larger than the width w₂of hollow section <b>82</b>. Moreover, as best shown in FIG. 15, the diametric configuration and overall dimensions of section <b>80</b> are significantly larger than the diametric configuration and dimensions of hollow section <b>82</b>. This configuration allows for a accommodating medium size medicine bottles.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention, which is generally similar to the health improvement device HD shown in FIGS. 13-15, with the exception that the structure and configuration of alignment plate <b>84</b> is similar to the embodiment to the device shown in FIGS. 1-6. In particular, alignment plate member <b>84</b>, preferably includes four pairs of radial projections <b>86</b> arranged in the like manner as in FIGS. 1-6. Further, the width w₃of open recess section <b>88</b> is larger than the width w₄of hollow section <b>90</b>. Moreover, as best shown in FIG. 17, the diametric configuration and overall dimensions of section <b>88</b> are substantially larger than the diametric configuration and overall dimensions of hollow section <b>90</b>. This configuration allows for accommodating large size medicine bottles.

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a fifth alternative embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the health improvement device HD shown in FIGS. 16-18, with the exception that the overall diametric configuration and overall dimensions of open recess section <b>92</b> are significantly larger than the diametric configurations and overall dimensions of hollow section <b>94</b>. Likewise, the width w₅of open section <b>92</b> is about twice or more than the width w₆of hollow section <b>94</b>. This configuration allows for accommodating extra large or the like medicine bottles or containers.

As can be easily seen from the above detailed description of the invention, as illustrated in the preferred and alternative embodiments, a person upon reaching for the toothbrush, is easily reminded of taking the medication concurrently, since the medicine bottle is located in close proximity to the toothbrush.

While this invention has been described as having preferred designs, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations following in general the principle of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as those come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinsetforth, and fall within the scope of the invention and the limits of the appended claims.