DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING PILL SWALLOWING

Abstract

A pill swallowing device comprising a deformable reservoir for holding an edible liquid; a liquid refilling port attached to the deformable reservoir; a pill transit port for loading and discharging pills attached to the deformable reservoir; and a cap detachably connected to the pill transit port, the cap comprising a pill-positioning insert that engages the pill, that projects into the deformable reservoir for directing the pill inside the reservoir.

Claims

1. A pill swallowing device comprising: a deformable reservoir for holding an edible liquid; a liquid refilling port attached to the deformable reservoir; a pill transit port for loading and discharging pills attached to the deformable reservoir; and a cap detachably connected to the pill transit port, the cap comprising a pill-positioning insert for engaging the pill, which projects into the deformable reservoir for directing the pill inside the reservoir.

2. The pill swallowing device of claim 1 further comprising a liquid refill container attached to the liquid refilling port.

3. The pill swallowing device of claim 2 further comprising a one-way valve attached to the liquid refilling port for preventing liquid flow from the deformable reservoir into the liquid refill container.

4. The pill swallowing device of claim 1 wherein the deformable reservoir comprises a vent hole.

5. The pill swallowing device of claim 1 wherein the edible liquid is an edible lubricant in the form of an oil, emulsion, liquid or gel.

6. The pill swallowing device of claim 5 wherein the edible liquid is flavored, scented or a combination thereof.

7. A method for administering a pill using the device of claim 1, the method comprising: filling the deformable reservoir with the edible liquid; placing the pill in the pill transit port; attaching the cap to the pill transit port, wherein the pill-positioning insert engages the pill, and directs the pill into the edible liquid, thereby coating the pill with edible liquid; removing the cap from the pill transit port; and squeezing the deformable reservoir to push the edible liquid-coated pill into the mouth of a person or animal for the purpose of swallowing.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the edible liquid is an edible lubricant in the form of an oil, emulsion, liquid or gel.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the edible liquid is flavored, scented or a combination thereof.

10. A pill swallowing device comprising: a deformable reservoir for holding an edible liquid; a liquid refilling port attached to the deformable reservoir; a pill transit port for loading and discharging pills attached to the deformable reservoir; and a cap detachably connected to the pill transit port, the cap comprising a pill-positioning insert for engaging the pill, which projects into the pill transit port, for directing the pill into the deformable reservoir.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The subject matter of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a side/cross-sectional view of the pill swallowing device including liquid fill reservoir and cap.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a side/cross-sectional view of the pill swallowing device where squeezing of the deformable reservoir extrudes the coated pill from the device.

[0015] FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a deformable reservoir having an oval shape.

[0016] FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a deformable reservoir having a cylindrical shape.

[0017] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a deformable reservoir including a refill port cap.

[0018] FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional/side view of a deformable reservoir including cap and refill port cap.

[0019] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a deformable reservoir including cap, along with vent hole, vent cap and flap.

[0020] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a pill swallowing device configured for storage or travel where the liquid refill container is capped.

[0021] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the pill positioning insert with a flat bowl-shaped receiver at one end of the cylinder.

[0022] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the pill positioning insert with cradle pins.

[0023] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view the pill swallowing device with liquid refill container and cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] This invention relates to a method and device for assisting people and animals in the swallowing of a capsule, tablet, or pill. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a pill swallowing device comprising a deformable reservoir for holding an edible liquid; a liquid refilling port attached to the deformable reservoir; a pill transit port for loading and discharging pills attached to the deformable reservoir; and a cap detachably connected to the pill transit port, the cap comprising a pill-positioning insert that projects into the deformable reservoir for directing the pill inside the reservoir. For the purposes of the description of this invention, the term “pill” will be used to describe a pill, tablet, or capsule or any other pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or nutritional supplement product to be delivered in a discrete solid form or in encapsulated form, via swallowing.

[0025] The pill swallowing device is a refillable, washable device with a deformable reservoir for holding a flavored, edible, liquid that can be used to coat a solid pharmaceutical that can be squeezed into a person's or animal's mouth for ease of swallowing, improved aftertaste, reduced mess, and improved hygiene. The device may be disassembled for washing with detergent by hand or in a dishwasher. The deformable reservoir holds edible liquid that will coat the pill. The deformable reservoir is typically configured in a shape that is easily squeezed in the hand and efficiently coats the pill, and then facilitates transport of the coated pill out through the pill transit port. Typically, the deformable reservoir can be spherical, spheroidal, cylindrical, oblate spheroidal, prolate spheroidal, barrel-shaped, ovoid, or ellipsoidal. The materials of construction for the pill swallowing device, described below, should allow repeated squeezing of the deformable reservoir without failure or embrittlement of the material.

Materials of Construction

[0026] Appropriate combination of polymer and manufacturing method are used in the practice of this invention. Since it is desirable that the device be dishwasher safe, the material of choice should be resistant to detergent, high pH, water, and heat. The polymer should also be resistant to and non-leaching upon exposure to the various types of edible lubricants to which it could be exposed. The polymer should also be flexible enough to act as a “pump” capable of being compressed and then recovery, thereby having good hysteresis without damaging the device. The compression of the device should be relatively easy to accomplish by diminished-capacity human hands, as patients may have conditions that cause hand weakness or hand pain, such as arthritis. Note that the pill swallowing device design can economically accommodate this pumping/suction performance with durability by selecting wall thickness and material of construction. Further, the type of plastic and its final formulation should contain no leachable toxic substances including lead, phthalates, bisphenol A, dioxane, cadmium, benzene, toluene, residual unreacted ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, residual unreacted vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, tin compounds, halogenated fire retardants, certain amine compounds, and dioxins as examples.

[0027] Typical materials of construction for the pill swallowing device include medical grade polymers such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), silicones, polypropylene, ethylene copolymers, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene, high density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), cyclic olefin copolymers, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomers such as styrenic, olefinic, urethane, ether-ester, and ether-amide, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinyl alcohol), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), copolymers of with methyl methacrylate, tartaric acid based polymers, aliphatic polyamides (nylons), polyphthalamide, poly(ethylene terephthalate), flexible polyesters, polyurethanes, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene (acetal), poly(ethylene oxide), liquid crystalline polymers, poly(ether ether ketone) and related copolymers, polyimide, poly(phenylene sulfide), polyetherimide, poly(phenylene sulfone), poly(ether sulfone), polysulfone, cyanoacrylate thermosets, natural rubber, synthetic rubbers and elastomers, polyetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), expanded PTFE (Gore-Tex®), poly(vinylidene fluoride), perfluoroether synthetic oils and greases, specialty fluoropolymer additives, poly(dimethyl siloxane), poly(p-xylylene) (Parylene) coatings, polymer matrix nanocomposites, and biosorbables, such as poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid), poly(ε-caprolactone), and related copolymers.

[0028] Preferably, polymers that are suitable for the pill swallowing device include silicones, polydimethylsiloxanes, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polybutylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene copolymers with various acrylates, (meth)acrylic acid or vinyl acetate, poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), polyurethanes, polyether/esters, thermoplastic elastomers (styrenic, olefinic, urethane, ether-ester, ether-amide), natural rubber, synthetic rubbers and elastomers, and fluorinated elastomers.

[0029] More preferably, the materials of construction are poly(dimethyl siloxane), ethylene copolymers, silicones, and the thermoplastic elastomers (styrenic, olefinic, urethane, ether-ester, and ether-amide).

[0030] Methods for constructing the pill swallowing device include injection molding, compression molding, liquid silicone molding, casting, blow molding, assembly using adhesives, additive manufacturing (3D printing), vacuum molding, pour-in-place molding profile thermoplastic extrusion, reaction injection molding and combinations thereof.

[0031] The deformable reservoir can be equipped with a vent hole to facilitate filling of the reservoir with fresh edible liquid. When the vent hole is present, the deformable reservoir can be equipped with a vent hole cap and a flap connected on one end to the vent hole cap and on the other to the deformable reservoir, preferably onto a ring on the outside surface of the deformable reservoir proximate to the vent hole. This allows the vent hole to be used when necessary, then covered when not, and the connecting flap prevents it from becoming separated from the device and lost.

[0032] The deformable reservoir holds edible liquid and is equipped with a liquid refilling port and a pill transit port. The liquid refilling port and pill transit port are attached to the deformable reservoir, and can be fixed to the deformable reservoir as a result of the original molding of the pill swallowing device or fixed, e.g., by use of an appropriate adhesive. The liquid refilling port facilitates replacement of the edible liquid that is used during normal operation. It's configuration should facilitate easy resupply of the edible liquid, as well as permit detachable connection with the liquid refilling container or the refill port cap. Such detachable connection includes, for example, the liquid refilling port having a threaded cylindrical connection, or a pressure fit. The liquid refilling port can be equipped with a one-way valve positioned in its interior. The one-way valve permits liquid flow in only one direction, and prevents back-flow of edible liquid from the deformable reservoir to the fresh edible liquid in the liquid refilling container, thereby protecting the hygiene of the edible liquid. When not in use, the liquid refilling container can be sealed with the cap.

[0033] The pill transit port both initially receives the pill prior to coating and facilitates transporting the coated pill out of the pill swallowing device into the mouth of the patient. For the purpose of this specification, the term “patient” includes humans and animals. The configuration of the pill transit port should facilitate initial placement of the pill for coating inside the deformable reservoir, and easy exit of the pill from the port. It should be capable of having a detachable connection with the cap and allow the pill positioning insert to direct the pill inside the deformable reservoir. Such detachable connection includes, for example, the pill transit port having a threaded cylindrical connection, or a pressure fit. The pill transit port should be configured such that it is wide enough to provide easy transport of the pill, but not so large that excessive edible liquid is ejected with the pill. The pill transit port can either be fixed to the deformable reservoir, e.g., with glue or other adhesives, or made part of the deformable reservoir as a result of the formation of the deformable reservoir, e.g., the molding operation. Alternately, the pill transit port can be detachably connected to the deformable reservoir to allow changing the size of the pill transit port to accommodate different size pills. For example, the pill transit port can be attached via a threaded connection, a snap-on connection or pressure fit, provided that the pill transit port cannot unintentionally be detached so as to prevent any risk in choking.

[0034] The pill transit port and the liquid refilling port can be located anywhere on the surface of the deformable reservoir relative to one another. Preferably, the pill transit port and liquid refilling port can be located along the longitudinal axis of the deformable reservoir at an angle of 0 to 20° to the longitudinal axis

[0035] After initial placement of the pill in the pill transit port, the cap is then detachably connected to the pill transit port, e.g., when the cap is configured with a threaded connection the cap is screwed on. The cap is equipped with a pill positioning insert attached to the top of the cap. The pill positioning insert is generally rod-shaped and configured to slide within the pill transit port, thereby pushing and positioning the pill inside the deformable reservoir, as shown in FIG. 9. It is desirable that the pill be positioned in such a way as to be uniformly covered with liquid on all its surfaces. The cap preferably contains an inner annular section between the outer surface of the pill positioning insert and the interior of the cap, e.g., the interior wall of the cap has a threaded connection that mates with the threaded connection of the pill transit port. The length of the pill positioning insert adjusts the depth of insertion inside the deformable reservoir. This in turn can affect the amount of edible liquid that is ejected with the pill. In some circumstances it may be desirable to minimize the amount of edible liquid ejected with the pill, so that the distance the pill is directed inside the deformable reservoir is also minimized. In this case the pill positioning insert may only project into the pill transport port without substantially entering the deformable reservoir, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0036] The pill positioning insert is typically configured to accommodate the shape of the pill transit port, e.g., rod-like, cylindrical, or cone shaped. The length of the insert can be selected to direct the pill to the correct position in the deformable reservoir. The pill positioning insert can be equipped with a raised annular ring on the periphery of one end of the rod or cylinder, forming a flat bowl-shaped receiver for engaging the pill. This allows the pill to be placed in the deformable reservoir in a more stable fashion. Alternately, the pill positioning insert can be equipped with cradle pins installed around the periphery of one end of the rod or cylinder, together forming a cradle for the pill. This again helps position the pill in a more stable fashion.

[0037] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for administering a pill to a patient using the pill swallowing device, the method comprising filling a deformable reservoir with an edible liquid; placing a pill in the pill transit port; attaching the cap to the pill transit port, wherein the pill-positioning insert engages the pill, and directs the pill into the edible liquid in the deformable reservoir, thereby coating the pill with edible liquid; removing the cap, and squeezing the deformable reservoir to push the edible liquid-coated pill into the mouth of a patient, i.e., a person or animal, for the purpose of swallowing. The resulting pill exiting the device is uniformly and completely coated with edible liquid having been immersed in it during insertion into the deformable reservoir.

[0038] The edible liquid that is used to coat the pill can include flavoring agents, preservatives, opacifying agents, edible colorants, thickeners, lubricants or mixtures thereof.

[0039] Flavoring Agents

[0040] The edible liquid can be flavored to reduce any aftertaste that might be emitted by the pill, and/or entice the patient to swallow the pill. A wide range of popular flavors exist for masking aftertaste in orally delivered liquid pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or nutritional supplement products with adults, children, and animals. Examples include menthol, peppermint, spearmint, cherry, honey, raspberry, lemon, lime, grape, orange, vanilla, chocolate, caramel, strawberry, blueberry, beef, sugars, propylene glycol, glycerin, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, artificial sweeteners, fish, potassium chloride, chicken, pork, bacon, cheese, turkey, and combinations thereof.

[0041] Preservatives

[0042] The edible liquid can contain edible preservative to maintain the freshness of the product and discourage bacterial growth. Examples of edible preservatives include sodium benzoate, citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium sorbate, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, sulfites, sulfur dioxide, sodium chloride, benzoic acid, propionic acid, sodium propionate, lactic acid, sorbic acid, calcium chloride and honey.

[0043] Opacifying Agents

[0044] The edible liquid can also contain an edible opacifying agent for the purpose of giving the edible lubricant either a hiding effect to disguise the fact that there is a pill present in the edible lubricant, for example, when administering a pill to a child or animal. Examples of opacifying agents suitable for the practice of this invention include calcium sulfate; zinc stearate; titanium dioxide; and starch.

[0045] Edible Colorants

[0046] The edible liquid may contain an edible colorant to provide the edible lubricant with fun or desirable visual effect for children, in particular. Examples of edible colorants include: Caramel coloring (E150a-d), made from caramelized sugar; Carmine (E120), a red dye derived from the cochineal insect, Dactylopius coccus; Elderberry juice (E163); Lycopene (E160d); Paprika (E160c); Turmeric/Curcumin (E100)E104: Quinoline Yellow; E122: Carmoisine; E124: Ponceau 4R; E131: Patent Blue V; E142: Green S; FD&C Blue No. 1—Brilliant Blue FCF, E133 (blue shade); FD&C Blue No. 2—Indigotine, E132 (indigo shade); FD&C Green No. 3—Fast Green FCF, E143 (turquoise shade); FD&C Red No. 3—Erythrosine, E127 (pink shade, commonly used in glacé cherries); FD&C Red No. 40—Allura Red AC, E129 (red shade); FD&C Yellow No. 5—Tartrazine, E102 (yellow shade); and FD&C Yellow No. 6—Sunset Yellow FCF, E110 (orange shade).

[0047] Thickeners

[0048] Thickeners may be used in the edible liquid to adjust the viscosity of the lubricant to provide a more uniform coating on the pill, as well as to enhance the stickiness of the lubricant to the pill. Examples of edible thickeners include polysaccharides (starches, vegetable gums, and pectin) and proteins. An example of flavorless powdered starch used for this purpose is a fecula. Fecula includes starches such as arrowroot, cornstarch, katakuri starch, potato starch, sago, wheat flour, almond flour, tapioca, and their starch derivatives. Microbial and vegetable gums used as edible thickeners include alginin, guar gum, locust bean gum, and xanthan gum. Proteins used as food thickeners include collagen, egg whites, and gelatin. Sugar polymers include agar, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, pectin, and carrageenan. Combinations of thickeners may also be used.

[0049] Lubricating Agents

[0050] Finally, the edible liquid can contain edible lubricating ingredients including glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and water. Additionally, many of the thickeners, when dissolved in water, can also act as lubricants. If the edible liquid is a liquid, then it is preferable for that liquid to have a viscosity greater than about 200 cps, greater than about 1000 cps, greater than about 5000 cps, greater than about 10,000 cps or greater than about 20,000 cps.

[0051] Preferably, the edible liquid is in the form of an oil, emulsion or gel. Preferably, the edible liquid is flavored, scented or a combination thereof.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a side/cross-sectional view of pill swallowing device 1 containing a deformable reservoir 2 for holding an edible liquid 3, a liquid refilling port 4 attached to the deformable reservoir 2, a pill transit port 8 for loading and discharging pills 6a attached to the deformable reservoir 2, a cap 9 detachably connected to the pill transit port 8, the cap 9 having a pill-positioning insert 10 for directing the pill inside the reservoir. A liquid refill container 11 having a refill container nozzle 12 is connected to the liquid refilling port 4. A one-way valve 5 is attached to the liquid refilling port 4 for preventing liquid flow from the deformable reservoir into the liquid refill container.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a side/cross-sectional view of a pill swallowing device 1 containing a deformable reservoir 2 for holding an edible liquid 3, a liquid refilling port 4 attached to the deformable reservoir 2, a pill transit port 8 for loading and discharging pills 6a, 6b, attached to the deformable reservoir 2, a liquid refilling port 4 attached to the deformable reservoir 2. A liquid refill container 11 having a refill container nozzle 12 which is attached to the liquid refilling port 4. A one-way valve 5 is attached to the liquid refilling port 4 for preventing liquid flow from the deformable reservoir into the liquid refill container. Pill 6a is placed in the deformable reservoir 2 using cap 9 (not shown) filled with edible liquid 3, thereby coating the pill 6b. By squeezing the deformable reservoir 2 the pill 6b is ejected from the deformable reservoir 2 into the mouth of the patient. The edible liquid coating 7 on the surface of the pill 6b makes the pill 6b easier to swallow.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, both show two shapes of the pill swallowing device 1. Each of the devices has a deformable reservoir 2, pill transit port 8, liquid refilling port 4, pill 6a and coating of edible liquid 7 on the pill 6a. The difference is the shape of the deformable reservoir 2. FIG. 3A illustrates a spheroidal shaped deformable reservoir 2. FIG. 3B illustrates a cylindrical shaped deformable reservoir 2. Other possible shapes include spherical, oblate spheroidal, prolate spheroidal, barrel-shaped, ovoid, or ellipsoidal. The shape may also be a sphere.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, these show the cross-section views of FIGS. 3A and 3B with connections to liquid refilling port 4 and pill transit port 8 connected to the deformable reservoir 2. Edible liquid 3 resides in the deformable reservoir 2 as well as pill 6a. Both FIGS. 4A and 4B show refill port cap 13 detachably connected to refilling port 4. FIG. 4B additionally shows cap 9 detachably connected to pill transit port 8. Pill positioning insert 10a is connected to cap 9.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 5, it shows a perspective view of pill swallowing device 1 having deformable reservoir 2 with liquid refilling port 4 and pill transit port 8 being connected to the deformable reservoir 2. Edible liquid 3 resides in the deformable reservoir 2 along with pill 6a. Vent hole 17 is positioned on the surface of the deformable reservoir 2, flap 16 is attached to both vent cap 15 on one end the deformable reservoir 2 on the other. Preferably, the flap is attached to the portion of the deformable reservoir 2 surrounding the vent hole 17, e.g., with a ring. In this way, the vent cap 15 can be detachably connected to vent hole 17, however, when not connected to vent hole 17 the vent cap 15 cannot be misplaced or lost. Pill positioning insert 10b connected to cap 9 is shown positioned so that pill positioning insert 10b can be placed inside pill transit port 8 and cap 9 detachably connected to pill transit port 8. In this case, pill transit port 8 has a threaded connection that is mated to the threaded connection in cap 9, so that as cap 9 is tightened, pill positioning insert 10b engages and pushes/directs pill 6a into the deformable reservoir 2.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 6, it shows a perspective view of the pill liquid refill container 11 connected directly to cap 9.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 7, it shows a perspective view of pill positioning insert 10, the insert being cylindrical in shape with a raised annular ring on the periphery of one end of the cylinder, forming a flat bowl-shaped receiver 18 for the pill to facilitate engaging and directing the pill into the deformable reservoir.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 8, it shows a perspective view of pill positioning insert 10, the insert being cylindrical in shape with cradle pins 14 installed around the periphery of one end of the cylinder, together forming a cradle for the pill.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 9, it shows a perspective view of pill swallowing device 1 containing a deformable reservoir 2 for holding an edible liquid 3, a liquid refilling port 4 attached to the deformable reservoir 2, a pill transit port 8 for loading and discharging pills 6a attached to the deformable reservoir 2, a cap 9 detachably connected to the pill transit port 8, the cap 9 having a pill-positioning insert 10 for directing the pill inside the reservoir. A liquid refill container 11 having a refill container nozzle 12 is connected to the liquid refilling port 4. A one-way valve 5 is attached to the liquid refilling port 4 for preventing liquid flow from the deformable reservoir into the liquid refill container.

[0061] Other features, advantages and embodiments of the invention disclosed herein will be readily apparent to those exercising ordinary skill after reading the foregoing disclosure. In this regard, while specific embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, variations and modifications of these embodiments can be affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described and claimed.