WO2008064428A1

WO2008064428A1 - Medicament dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2008064428A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/001849
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bray Kenmar
Original assignee: Bray Kenmar
Priority date: 2006-11-29
Filing date: 2007-11-29
Publication date: 2008-06-05

Abstract

A device for storing and dispensing medicament, comprising a base unit mounting a plurality of medicament compartments each adapted to store a dose of medicament in solid or semi-solid form, a separate lid for closing each compartment, and a programmable alarm system to receive input data corresponding to the times at which the dose in the respective compartments is to be taken and operative to provide a corresponding alarm to the user.

Description

MEDICAMENT DISPENSING DEVICE

Related Application

This application claims priority from Australian Patent Application No. 2006906687, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a medicament dispensing device and more particularly to a device in which separate items of medicament in solid or semi-solid form are stored for subsequent dispense in accordance with a predetermined schedule.

Background of the Invention

Some medical treatment regimes require a patient to take a number of different medicaments throughout the day, usually at specific timed intervals. This often presents difficulty for a patient to ensure that the correct medicament is taken at the correct time. Particularly with a complex regime, it is relatively easy for a patient to forget to take the medicament at a certain time or, conversely, may not be able to recall whether or not a particular medicament was taken at the prescribed time. These difficulties may be particularly acute with frail or elderly patients and/or when the regime is not constant from day to day.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for storing and dispensing medicament, comprising a base unit mounting a plurality of medicament compartments each adapted to store a dose of medicament in solid or semi-solid form, a separate lid for closing each compartment, and a programmable alarm system to receive input data corresponding to the times at which the dose in the respective compartments is to be taken and operative to provide a corresponding alarm to the user.

Particularly advantageously, the unit is adapted for attachment to a lanyard or clip so that the entire unit can be carried on the body or clothing of a user, for example suspended from the user's neck by means of the lanyard.

Preferably, the base unit includes a programmable control part with a screen and buttons for programming the alarm system.

Preferably, the base unit includes a mounting part for receiving a container in which the plurality of compartments are provided.

Preferably, the base unit is arranged for snap-fit engagement with the container.

Preferably, the control part is provided at one end of the device and an attachment is mounted at an opposite end of the device for connection so that the screen can be easily viewed when the device is held by a user to which the lanyard is attached.

Preferably, the control part is positioned to be operable and readily viewed by a user when the compartments are fitted to the device in adjacent relation thereto.

Preferably the alarm has a visual mode and/or an auditory mode and/or a sensory mode. It is particularly preferred that the visual mode includes illumination of the relevant compartment.

Particularly advantageously the alarm is deactivated in response to opening of the lid of the designated compartment.

Advantageously the device includes a plurality of separate medicament containers each removably mounted on the base unit with each container having a sufficient number of compartments to provide a complete day's medication for the user. The selected container can be installed into a mounting part of the unit by a sliding action or, alternatively, the container could be dropped into or clipped onto the base unit to be releasably locked therein.

Preferably, the device includes a plurality of switches on the base unit which are arranged to align with the associated compartments to be actuated by opening of the lids, to thereby deactivate the alarm.

Preferably, the device includes the container removably fitted thereto.

Preferably, the container includes a displaceable post associated with each compartment and arranged to actuate a respective switch on the base unit in response to one of the lids being opened.

Preferably, each lid has a recessed surface arranged to display a label or receive written information relevant to the contents of the compartment.

Preferably, the recessed surface is etched.

Preferably, wherein the base unit includes a label recess with a removable clear cover.

In a preferred embodiment, the compartments are arranged in rows with the lids being at an upper side of the compartments. Programming controls and a screen are provided on an upper face of the unit adjacent one end of the row of compartments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing device in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention and comprising a base unit carrying a replaceable medicament storage container;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a view showing the storage container removed from the base unit, with the storage container being illustrated in exploded form to better show its detailed construction;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the base unit;

Figures 5A to 5E show in diagrammatic form possible programming functions for the base unit;

Figure 6 illustrates a set of containers together with a dispenser; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a tray;

Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the device;

Figure 9 shows a rear view of the device of Figure 7; and

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the device in an insulating bag.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The storage and dispensing device 1 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a base unit 2 carrying a replaceable storage container 4 having a plurality of compartments 6 each intended to store a prescribed dose to be taken at a specific time and consisting of one or more capsules, tablets or other solid or semi-solid form medicament. The entire container 4 is intended to store the doses required over a complete day and in the embodiment shown has eight such compartments 6 which should be a sufficient number to suit most of the complex administration regimes; it is, however, to be understood that within the broad concept of the invention there may be greater than or fewer than eight compartments. Advantageously, the device is provided with a set of seven such containers 4, one for each day of the week. Each compartment 6 is open at its upper side and is closed by a separate hinged lid 8 having indicia thereon to designate the corresponding compartment. As shown, the designating indicia comprises a number (1 to 8 for each of the eight compartments included in this embodiment) and a corresponding Braille character for the assistance of those who may be visually impaired. Each lid 8 is releasably retained in its closed position by means of a simple snap-lock, detent, or other lock which is sufficient to retain the lid in its closed position without accidentally opening but which is readily openable by the patient when access to the compartment is required.

The container 4 is releasably mounted on the base unit 2 which has a mounting part 10 for the container and a programmable control part 12 with a screen 14 and program and control buttons or pads 16 (referred to hereinafter simply as "buttons") which lie adjacent to the upper face of the container 4 when mounted on the base unit 2. In the embodiment shown, the screen 14 and buttons 16 lie adjacent the end of the container although it is to be understood that other configurations are possible. The control part 12 also includes batteries which may be rechargeable.

In the embodiment shown, the mounting part 10 of the base unit 2 is of generally channel form into which the container 2 slidably fits, the channel 10 having at each side a longitudinal groove 10a into which engages a corresponding longitudinal rib 4a at the side of the container 4. The container 4 is releasably locked in its fully inserted position in the channel 10 by a spring-loaded detent lock or snap clip feature which is releasable to permit subsequent removal of the container 4. In the embodiment shown, the lock is incorporated within the housing of the control part 12 to engage with the end of the container when it is pushed into its fully mounted position. A pair of release buttons 18 at opposite sides of the control part 12 are depressible between the finger and thumb of a user to release the lock as required.

The control part 12 is programmable with data as to the time of the day at which medicament from each respective compartment is to be taken by the patient and as will be appreciated, a separate time input will be required for each compartment. For the embodiment shown in which there are eight compartments, if a particular regime requires less than eight doses to be dispensed daily, say four doses, appropriate time input will only be made for compartments 1 - 4. The control part 12 provides an alarm which is activated at the programmed time input for an individual compartment in order to advise the user to take the medicament from that compartment. The alarm can take a variety of forms, visual and/or auditory and/or sensory. In practice however it is envisaged that the alarm may include a visual component which will be discussed shortly, together with an auditory component which may be a voice message and/or a buzzer (or even both in an alternating fashion) together with the option of an alternative sensory alarm such as vibration which will be felt when the unit is carried on the body of the user. The programming will enable a choice to be made concerning alarm modes to suit the circumstances of a particular user; for example, when a user is in a public space they may decide to choose just the visual and sensory modes but not the auditory mode(s). Although the alarm, when given, can be manually deactivated by the user pressing a button on the control part, it is particularly preferred that deactivation requires opening of the lid of the corresponding compartment.

Figures 5A to 5E show in diagrammatic form possible programming functions for the control part 12 of the unit.

To effect deactivation of the alarm by opening of the relevant compartment lid, each lid 8 is associated with a switch or sensor which is operative to deactivate the alarm when the lid is opened. In the embodiment shown in which the eight compartments are arranged in two rows of four compartments at either side of a central axis of the base unit, a row of switches 22 is incorporated within the base of the mounting channel 10 to extend longitudinally thereof. Each lid 8 is formed with a short extension 8a at its inner edge and which will swing downwardly when the lid is swung upwardly to open the compartment.

A row of posts 24 (see Fig. 3) is incorporated centrally within the container 4 immediately beneath the lid extensions 8a. The posts 24 are aligned with the switches 22 in the mounting channel 10 when the container is fully installed whereby when a lid is opened, its extension 8a will depress the post 24 to engage the corresponding switch 22 in the mounting channel and thereby deactivate the alarm.

In the embodiment shown, the switch posts 24 are formed integrally in a single array having sufficient flexibility to ensure that the posts will be activated individually. It is also to be noted that for manufacturing convenience, each opposite pair of compartments is associated with a single post 24 and a single switch 22 in the base unit. Although opening of either compartment of the pair would deactivate the alarm, the risk of opening the wrong compartment of the pair is quite small, particularly with the visual alarm system which will now be described. It is, however, to be understood that that risk although small could be eliminated by providing a separate switch and post for each compartment rather than each pair.

Although the visual alarm will usually include a visual indication on the display screen 14 such as an illuminated or flashing numeral signifying the relevant compartment, it preferably also includes illumination of the compartment. For this purpose, the container 4 is formed from a translucent material. LEDs 26 are installed in the base of the mounting channel 10 to lie beneath the respective compartments of the container when fully installed. Activation of the alarm to signify that medicament is to be taken from a designated compartment will result in energisation of the LED beneath that compartment whereby the compartment will be illuminated so as to be readily visible and identifiable to the user; the LED when activated may be permanently illuminated or may repeatedly flash. Although LEDs mounted in the base of the unit are preferred, in alternative arrangements an LED could be built into each compartment or its Hd, with an appropriate electrical connection being made between the container and the base unit in the installed condition of the container.

It is also preferred that each lid 8 has on its upper surface a zone 30 which is able to be marked with a pencil or semi permanent pen by the user whenever the compartment has been opened and the dose removed and/or to enable the user to write the time at which the dose in the compartment is to be dispensed; alternatively the zone 30 may be a recess to receive an adhesive label for the same purpose. This may provide added comfort for the user so that merely by looking at the unit the user will be assured that the relevant medicaments to a particular time have been taken without needing to open the compartments themselves. It is also preferred that the rear face of the unit has a recess to receive an adhesive label carrying patient and medication information.

With a medicament regime of the type for which the unit of the preferred embodiment of the invention is envisaged, it is important that the unit is readily accessible at all times to the user. For this purpose, the unit is of a size such that it can be carried on the body of the user and is of a design such that it is able to be carried on a lanyard so that it can be hung from the user's neck, perhaps being concealed within a shirt or blouse for example. For this purpose the base unit 2 has at its upper end beyond the control part 12, a mounting 32 to which a lanyard can be attached by clipping so that the base unit with the attached container will hang freely with the container lying beneath the control part. It follows from this that the individual locks for retaining the lids in their closed position must be adequate to ensure against accidental opening of the lids which the unit is suspended vertically and even when the wearer is undergoing some physical activity. Likewise, the lock to hold the container into the base unit must be sufficient to ensure against its accidental release while the unit is being worn. Alternatively a clip can be attached to the mounting 32 and by which the unit can be attached to an article of clothing, a belt for example, or a handbag.

As previously mentioned, it is envisaged that the device 1 will be supplied with a set of containers 4, as shown in Figure 6, usually seven (one for each day of the week), with each container 4 having a designation corresponding to the day on which that container is to be used. The set of seven containers can be pre-loaded with a week's supply of medicament. In some instances this could be undertaken directly by a pharmacist or carer, especially for elderly patients, to ensure that the correct doses are loaded into the compartments in the correct order.

For that purpose, the containers 4 may be located in a tray 40, in side-by-side relation, for easy filling with medicaments. It may be appreciated the lids 8 associated with each container 4 are easily removed to allow quick access and are also readily replaceable. The tray 40 is shown in more detail in Figure 7 as having markings indicating the day of the week as well as corresponding position numbers so that the pharmacist or carer knows which position corresponds to which compartment when the containers are positioned in the tray and the lids are removed from the containers. The set of containers 4, once loaded with appropriate medicament, may be housed, in the correct order, in a dispenser 41, by the pharmacist or carer in order to assist the patient who then just needs to remove the correct container for each day and insert that container into the unit 2. For example, the first container 4 that can be removed from a dispensing slot 42 of the dispenser 41 is a container 4 marked "SUNDAY". Once removed, another container 4, marked "MONDAY" is then free to fall into the dispensing slot 42 for subsequent removal the next day.

The dispenser 41 is preferably in the shape of a tower which has a clear plastics front panel 42 that is hinged at a top face 43, to move between an open condition, where the containers 4 are loaded into the dispenser 41, and a closed condition, as shown. The top face 43 may also have a recess 44 for an adhesive label to carry patient and medication information.

Referring now to Figure 8, an alternative embodiment of the device 1 is shown, wherein like reference numerals are used to denote like parts. The device 1 is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 1 except the container 4 only has 6 compartments instead of 8.

Also, the attachment 32 is mounted at an opposite end 45 to that shown in Figure 1 so that, when connected to a lanyard, the screen 14 can be more easily viewed when the device 1 is held by a user to which the lanyard is attached. The attachment 32 may also be used for connection to a belt clip, or the like, instead of a lanyard.

The device 1 in Figure 8 has also been modified so that the container 4 interconnects with the base unit 2 by sliding movement, followed by a snap-fit connection such that the spring loaded lock and release buttons need no longer be provided. The rear of the device 1 is shown in Figure 9 to specifically illustrate a label recess 46 with a removable clear cover that enables a label to be easily replaced.

In relation to differences in the operational and design features, the device of Figure 8 has a 7 button function keypad. Numbers 1-6 appear across the bottom edge of the screen. If medication is not taken (and hence the timer not turned off at the given time) that number will flash also at the next preset time warning the user about medication not taken. Lastly, an on screen battery indicator shows when battery level is low.

Irrespective of the differences between the devices of Figures 1 and 8, both devices share a common advantage of having a readily observable and programmable control part 12 indirectly adjacent relation to the mounting part 10, which carries the container 4 to allow clear and unambiguous identification of which compartment 6 needs to be accessed for medication. This is particularly important for elderly or infirm users.

While it is preferred for the device to comprise the base unit with a set of removable containers individually mounted on the base unit, a somewhat simplified version may consist of a single fixed container to be loaded with medicament each day as required.

A bag 50 may also be provided to fit over the device 1, as shown in Figure 10. The bag 50 is formed as an insulating pocket to help protect the device against elevated temperatures such as may be experienced if the device 1 is left in the sun. In particular, the bag 50 may be fitted over the mounting part 10 and container 4 and fastened in place using draw string 51 so as to protect at least the container 4 from elevated temperatures that could otherwise damage capsules or medication held within the container 4. The control part 12 and screen 14 are preferably still able to be viewed and accessed, even when the bag 50 is in place.

The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

Claims:

1. A device for storing and dispensing medicament, comprising a base unit mounting a plurality of medicament compartments each adapted to store a dose of medicament in solid or semi-solid form, a separate lid for closing each compartment, and a programmable alarm system to receive input data corresponding to the times at which the dose in the respective compartments is to be taken and operative to provide a corresponding alarm to the user.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base unit includes a programmable control part with a screen and buttons for programming the alarm system.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base unit includes a mounting part for receiving a container in which the plurality of compartments are provided.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base unit is arranged for snap-fit engagement with the container.

5. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control part is arranged to be in directly adjacent relation to the compartments to allow for clear and unambiguous identification of which compartment needs to be accessed for medication.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control part is positioned to be operable and readily viewed by a user when the compartments are fitted to the device in adjacent relation thereto.

7. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control part is provided at one end of the device and an attachment is mounted at an opposite end of the device for connection so that the screen can be easily viewed when the device is held by a user to which the lanyard is attached. 8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the alarm system has a visual mode and/or an auditory mode and/or a sensory mode.

7. A device as claimed in claim 8, configured whereby an alarm, activated by the alarm system is deactivated in response to opening of the lid of the designated compartment.

8. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the device includes a plurality of switches on the base unit which are arranged to align with the associated compartments to be actuated by opening of the lids, to thereby deactivate the alarm.

9. A device as claimed in claim 10, including the container removably fitted thereto.

10. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the container includes a displaceable post associated with each compartment and arranged to actuate a respective switch on the base unit in response to one of the lids being opened.

11. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each lid has a recessed surface arranged to display a label or receive written information relevant to the contents of the compartment.

12. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the recessed surface is etched.

13. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base unit includes a label recess with a removable clear cover.

14. A kit including: a device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13; a plurality of containers adapted to be releasable secured to the device, each container corresponding to a day of the week; and a dispenser for sequentially dispensing each container.

15. A kit as claimed in claim 14, further including a tray for holding the containers while medicament is dispensed into the containers.

16. A kit as claimed in claim 15, wherein the tray has markings to indicate the days of the week as well as position numbers which identify the position of compartments associated with each container.

17. A device, substantially as described with reference to the drawings and/or examples.