WO2016049519A1 - Combination dispensing systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A combination dispensing system is provided for individual and regular provision of medications, supplements and other items in a wearable device which also serves as a fashion or personal statement. The system includes a flexible band in which a top portion of the band includes a surface for placement of a message or design. The system further includes a bottom portion which includes a delivery vehicle for secure placement of a medication or other item to be dispensed. The system also includes means for securely attaching the items to be dispensed.

Description

COMBINATION DISPENSING SYSTEMS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/055,220, filed on September 25, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/199,397 filed on July 31 , 2015. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates generally to medical, nutritional or other dispensing systems which also serve to make identity or fashion statements.

[0003] The run-of-the-mill silicone or leather wristband or other body decoration provides the wearer with a vehicle to make a fashion statement, but that is it. The typical method of dispensing medicines or nutritional supplements is simply a bottle or a container. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, a combination dispensing system is provided which addresses the needs and provides the advantages outlined herein. The combination dispensing system may include, e.g., high-quality, medical- grade silicone or other flexible material and holds inserts of products ranging from small-dose nutritional supplements to life-saving medications, to brain-stimulating peppermints and thirst-quenching chewing gum, keeping what you need handy throughout the day. It does so and keeps you and others inspired or pleased with an uplifting message or design that reminds the wearer of who they are, who they want to be, or otherwise communicate, entertain or evoke an impression. The combination dispensing system is provided which permits for individual and regular dispensation of medications, supplements and other items in a wearable device which also serves as a fashion or personal statement. The system includes a flexible band in which a top or outer portion of the band includes a surface for placement of a message or design. The system further includes a bottom or inner portion which includes a delivery vehicle or compartment for secure placement of a medication or other item to be dispensed. The system also includes means for securely, yet temporarily, attaching the items to be dispensed to the wearable band.

[0005] In another aspect, a supplement composition is provided including niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, taurine, D-glucoronolactone, L-tyrosine, caffeine or one or more metabolites of any of the above. The provision of a supplement composition so described provided in the form of a tablet, gel, mint or gum especially configured to fit within, e.g., the blister pack or foil sleeve container of the combination dispensing device is particularly provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The presently disclosed subject matter will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the combination dispensing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 is a top view of the combination dispensing system shown in Figure 1 , showing the clasp and clasp holes on opposite ends.

[0009] Figure 3 is a side view of the combination dispensing system shown in Figure 1 . [0010] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the combination dispensing system shown in Figure 1 , showing a blister pack insert in an inserted configuration.

[001 1 ] Figure 5 is a depiction of the clasp for certain combination dispensing system embodiments, shown in perspective view (Fig. 5a), top view (Fig. 5b), bottom view (Fig. 5c) and side views (Fig. 5d and e).

[0012] Figure 6 depicts multiple 2- and 3-dimensional views of the combination dispensing system shown in Figure 1 , with ends clasped.

[0013] Figure 7 depicts multiple 2- and 3-dimensional views of an embodiment of the combination dispensing system configured for dispensation of medications, but also useful for supplements and other dispensable items. Figure 7 includes multiple drawings of specific components, features and combinations of components and features of embodiments of the combination dispensing system. [0014] Figures 8a, b and c depict sample labels providing ingredients and their amounts per serving of exemplary embodiments of supplement compositions according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. Reference numbers refer to the same elements throughout various drawings depicting embodiments of the invention.

[0016] Various embodiments as described and shown herein provide a combination dispensing system which holds inserts of appropriately sized doses of medications and other desired products at a timely accessed and convenient location while providing the wearer with an opportunity to make an inspiring, informational or fashionable statement.

[0017] The combination dispensing system makes the medications or supplements highly accessible, reminds the user of the need or advisability to take them with appropriate frequency, and makes them easy to access on a regular basis. They allow marketers and pharmaceutical suppliers to make their nutritional and pharmaceutical products available in desirable and in smaller doses. Since smaller doses generally provide for smaller pill size, this means even those who cannot or do not like to take larger pills are more likely to take them when using the combination dispensing system.

[0018] Millions of people are faced with life-threatening conditions. Those with conditions such as heart disease or diabetes patients are required to take medications every single day or keep them on hand in case of a medical emergency. Those who wear their life-saving medications in vials around their neck may fumble with finding those containers and find them difficult to open when in distress. When wearing a combination dispensing system inserted with their medications, these same patients keep their medications where they can see them and can even access a pill with just their mouth if necessary.

[0019] A combination dispensing system of the invention serves as a constant reminder on the user's wrist that announces: "I am covered, I have what I need, and I am ready for what my day has in store for me!" [0020] The combination dispensing system may be used to promptly and regularly access an unlimited variety of medications, supplements and other items needed or desired by the wearer. Included are gums or mints, e.g., containing cavity-fighting Xylitol or such after meals; and energy gummy inserts, e.g., containing safe levels of B vitamins, taurine and other energy-enhancing supplements to give that extra boost when needed.

[0021 ] In an exemplary embodiment, the supplement may be a composition comprising niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, taurine, D- glucoronolactone, L-tyrosine, caffeine or one or more metabolites of any of the above.

[0022] The composition in another exemplary embodiment is advantageously provided in the form of tablets, gels, mints or gums especially configured to fit within the blister pack or foil sleeve as described above. [0023] The composition according to this aspect of the invention may further comprise one or more additional ingredients. These include, but are not limited to one or more of a sweetener, a lubricant, a preservative, an acidic or sour flavorant, a fruit flavorant, an emulsifier, an effervescent, a stabilizer, an extender, a fat substitute, a sugar substitute, a bulking agent, an anti-caking agent, a tableting agent, a gumming agent, a gelling agent, a moisture absorbent and a distributing agent.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the supplement includes niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, taurine, D-glucoronolactone, L-tyrosine, caffeine or one or more metabolites of any of the above, stevia, xylitol, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, and citric acid. [0025] Specific examples of preferred combinations of ingredients providing compositions for inclusion as supplements are shown in the sample ingredient labels shown in Figures 8a, b and c.

[0026] Other items of interest to be dispensed are, e.g., a pH balanced system or ingredients comparable to a nicotine patch or gum.

[0027] The combination dispensing systems of the invention may be provided in multiple colors and/or bands personalized with a message of the wearer's choice. They may be provided individually or in "packs" of various sizes. Colors may change seasonally, and combination dispensing systems may be provided in a variety of themes, e.g., school and team color schemes, and/or with imprinted messages to make statements to the world about the wearer or others. Holograms, logos, decorative objects such as sports balls, flowers, symbols, and initials are a few of the items that can be featured on a clasp used with the invention. The design and/or message of the band and the clasp may be part of a combined message or theme. Thus, such clasps may be sold as a separate item or as part of an orchestrated scheme.

[0028] The combination dispensing systems lend themselves to complementary vitamin- and energy-infused beverages, each recipe defined by its name or theme.

[0029] The combination dispensing systems may be provided with blister packs of the medications, supplements and other items already inserted, or supplied, e.g., in multiple foil-backed insert strips. The box packaging may also be perforated on a portion so it may become a point-of-purchase display so that a portion may be torn off and placed on the counter for customer convenience to make a quick and easy buying decision.

[0030] The combination dispensing system therefore offers a means to provide nutritional needs through daily supplementation in formulations crafted specifically to the individual requirements of men, women and children; offers energy supplementation in an attractive new form; helps patients with medical conditions such as, e.g., heart disease to continuously have their nitroglycerin tablets on them, protecting them from drastic long-term effects brought on by not getting to their medications in a timely fashion, or allowing Type II diabetes patients always to have their medicine on them.

[0031 ] The combination dispensing systems also permit use by companies at large events with a focused theme, partnering with, e.g., workout facilities as a gym membership ID and vitamin sales vehicle; helping nonprofits generate additional recurring revenue for their cause; and help fight, e.g., childhood obesity through school programs. The systems of the invention may, e.g., help protect children by placing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in them, or in the attachable clasps, all while tapping into, e.g., school pride and/or generating fee income for the schools. Similarly, the dispensing band or the clasps may contain an electronically readable component, using technology known to those skilled in that art.

[0032] The combination dispensing systems may be fabricated of one or more of various flexible, somewhat elastic materials that readily twist or pull and are durable and sturdy. These may include, but are not limited to silicone, rubber, latex and leather. In some embodiments, the dispensing band may be made using an injection molded process, and may be of one piece construction with no detachable components. Various embodiments may be cleaned with warm water and soap or alcohol as needed or best suited, and reused over any desirable time frame.

[0033] The combination dispensing systems are constructed so that blister packs, foil sleeves or other openable compartments of the medications, supplements or other items may be inserted securely in a canal, typically on the side of the dispensing band or system abutting the wearer's skin. In use, the wearer may access a dose by, e.g., twisting the band exposing an item contained in such a blister pack so that the wearer may pop out the item with his hand, or mouth. [0034] The dispensing band may be a circular unit made flexibly attachable, to the wrist or ankle, by use of a stretchable material such as silicone, which is deformable to fit over the hand, and then reforms to a natural size to lay against the wrist without risk of falling off. Alternatively, the dispensing band may be securely placed over the wrist and fastened with a clasping device, either through pre-cut apertures fitted to be inserted with and hold the clasp on a first and second end portion of the dispensing band, or otherwise, such as by use of Velcro, magnets, or other fastening means known to those skilled in the art.

[0035] On the visible outer portion of the combination dispensing system, the dispensing band may contain a stylistic design or message, e.g., "I AM POWERFUL", or "I AM ENERGY", or a school name or symbol, or artistic design, which may complement the item dispensed, or may be a personalized statement as to identity or fashion by the wearer. The design or message in whatever variety may be provided already in place by the seller or distributor of the combination dispensing system, or the purchaser may be provided with message or design choice options, which may be, e.g., heat sealed or attached with a pealable adhesive to the outer surface of the dispensing band.

[0036] Referring to the drawings, in an embodiment of the invention, the combination dispensing system 100 may be configured to hold the shape of, e.g., a wrist band appropriately sized for the wearer it is designed to be used by, such as a child, teen or an adult. In one embodiment, the material employed has sufficient elasticity to allow the dispensing band to be twisted, but to fit securely and return to its original form when worn. Should leather or less elastic material be employed, sufficient looseness is employed to allow for manipulating the band to dispense the item, but sufficiently tight to effectively secure the combination dispensing system to the wrist. The top or outer portion 10 of the dispensing band 100 has a surface for placement of a message or attractive or symbolic design. These may be affixed by means known in the art, such as through use of a pressure or heat sensitive adhesive, glue or a fabric hook and loop fastener. The bottom or inner portion 20 of the dispensing band 100 is configured to securely receive a blister or other insert pack 30 containing items such as medications or supplements the wearer wishes to access or keep immediately accessible. The dispensing band (combination dispensing system) 100 may be in the form of a continuous elastic material which is put on by stretching over the wearer's hand or may be provided such that each end portion has fastening means, such as clasp holes 40, which are then fastened together by use of a clasp 50 which secures the two ends of the dispensing band 100 together when worn.

[0037] In one embodiment, the wearer accesses the dose of medication or other item contained in a blister pack by twisting the flexible band and popping the pill or other form of medication out of the blister enclosure. [0038] When a supply of a given number of usages is exhausted, the blister pack, foil sleeve, or other medication delivery unit is slid or pried out of the underside of the dispensing band and a replacement strip may be inserted.

[0039] Optionally, the combination dispensing systems of the invention may be supplied with multiple items to be dispensed, multiple message or style statements, and/or other multiple functionalities.

[0040] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments and/or aspects thereof may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the invention without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the invention, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein."

[0041 ] This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the invention, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the invention may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1 . A combination dispensing system comprising: a flexible band wherein a top portion of the band comprises a surface for placement of a message or design, a bottom portion comprising a delivery vehicle for secure placement of a medication or other item to be dispensed, and means for secure attachment of the items to be dispensed.

2. The combination dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising first and second ends of the band and means for fastening the first and second ends together.

3. The combination dispensing system of claim 2 wherein the means for fastening the ends together comprises a clasp and apertures in each end configured for securing the clasp.

4. The combination dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the system provides means for securing the message or design to the top surface to allow individualized messages or style selection.

5. The combination dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the system further comprises an RFID component.

6. The combination dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the items to be dispensed are contained within a blister pack or foil sleeve.

7. A composition comprising niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, taurine, D-glucoronolactone, L-tyrosine, caffeine or one or more metabolites of any of the above.

8. The composition of claim 7 wherein the composition is provided in the form of tablets, gels or gums configured to fit within the blister pack or foil sleeve as described in claim 6.

9. The composition of either claim 7 or 8, wherein the composition further comprises one or more additional ingredients selected from the group consisting of a sweetener, a lubricant, a preservative, an acidic or sour flavorant, a fruit flavorant, an emulsifier, an effervescent, a stabilizer, an extender, a fat substitute, a sugar substitute, a bulking agent, an anti- caking agent, a tableting agent, a gumming agent, a gelling agent, a moisture absorbent and a distributing agent.

10. The composition of any one of claims 7-9 comprising niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, taurine, D-glucoronolactone, L-tyrosine, caffeine or one or more metabolites of any of the above, stevia, xylitol, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, and citric acid.