Medicine cup with infection control tab

Abstract

A medicine cup, preferably stackable, disposable, of frustoconical configuration and optionally biodegradable. The medicine cup includes a cup member for the medicine and an infection control tab coupled to the cup member. The tab is preferably coplanar with and integrally mounted to the sidewall of the cup member and has a textured frictional surface. The infection control tab is for holding the cup by the health care provider, the tab minimizing the possibility of contamination of the cup and patient through the health care provider's hands.

Claims

1. A method for delivering a pharmaceutical product to a patient requiring such product in a disposable medicine cup by a person dispensing the pharmaceutical product and for retrieving and disposing of the disposable medicine cup, comprising: a. providing a disposable medicine cup comprising: i. a surrounding sidewall, the sidewall including an upper edge and a bottom edge, ii. a bottom wall mounted to the bottom edge of the sidewall configured to form the bottom surface of the disposable medicine cup; iii. the upper edge forming a top opening to the disposable medicine cup, the sidewall and bottom wall creating a volume for the disposable medicine cup; and iv. an infection control tab attached to and projecting from a portion of the upper edge of the surrounding sidewall, wherein the infection control tab is integrally and rigidly mounted to the sidewall, configured to the shape of the top perimeter edge of the sidewall, projecting upward therefrom as an extension of the sidewall sand configured to be grasped by two fingers of the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product or a person retrieving the disposable medicine cup, wherein the volume of the disposable medicine cup is suitable for holding the pharmaceutical product and delivery of the pharmaceutical product to the patient; and wherein the surrounding sidewall has indicia thereon denoting the volume of the pharmaceutical product for delivery, the volume for delivery being no greater than 30 ml; b. placing the pharmaceutical product in the disposable medicine cup through the opening; c. grasping the infection control tab of the disposable medicine cup by the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product; d. delivering the disposable medicine cup to the patient for use; e. retrieving the disposable medicine cup from the patient after the pharmaceutical product is delivered to the patient by the person retrieving the disposable medicine cup by grasping the infection control tab of the disposable medicine cup; and f. disposing of the disposable medicine cup, wherein the fingers or hand of the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product or the person retrieving and disposing of the disposable medicine cup do not touch the upper edge or sidewalls of the disposable, medicine cup thereby minimizing any possible contamination of the disposable medicine cup and medicine by the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product and minimizes contamination of the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product by the patient or the person retrieving and disposing of the disposable medicine cup.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the top opening, bottom wall, sidewall and infection control tab are configured to permit the disposable medicine cup to be stacked within another identically shaped disposable medicine cup.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the top opening, bottom wall, and sidewall are configured as a frustoconical shaped disposable medicine cup to permit the disposable medicine cup to be stacked within an identically shaped disposable medicine cup.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the surrounding wall, the top opening and bottom surface are substantially cylindrical.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the infection control tab has a textured frictional surface to enhance the grasp of the fingers on the tab.

6. A method for delivering a pharmaceutical product to a patient requiring such product in a disposable medicine cup, by a person dispensing the pharmaceutical product and for retrieving the disposable medicine cup, comprising: a. providing a disposable medicine cup having a frustoconical configuration, comprising: i. a closed circular base having an outer perimeter; ii. a conical shaped surrounding sidewall having a bottom perimeter edge joined to the outer perimeter of the circular base, and a top perimeter edge, the sidewall extending upward and tapering outwardly from the outer perimeter of the base; the sidewall and circular base creating a volume for the disposable medicine cup, and iii. an infection control tab attached to and projecting from a portion of the top perimeter edge of the surrounding sidewall, wherein the infection control tab is integrally and rigidly mounted to the sidewall, configured to the shape of the top perimeter edge of the sidewall, projecting upward therefrom as an extension of the sidewall and configured to be gasped by two fingers of the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product or a person retrieving the disposable medicine cup, wherein the volume of the disposable medicine cup is suitable for holding the pharmaceutical product and delivery of the pharmaceutical product to the patient; and wherein the surrounding sidewall has indicia thereon denoting the volume of the pharmaceutical product for delivery, the volume for delivery being no greater than about 30 ml; b. placing the pharmaceutical product in the disposable medicine cup through the opening; c. grasping the infection, control tab of the disposable medicine cup by the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product; d. delivering the disposable medicine cup to the patient for use; e. retrieving the disposable medicine cup from the patient after the pharmaceutical product is delivered to the patient by the person retrieving the disposable medicine cup by grasping the infection control tab of the disposable medicine cup; and f. disposing of the disposable medicine cup, wherein the fingers or hand of the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product or the person retrieving and disposing of the disposable medicine cup do not touch the upper edge or sidewalls of the disposable medicine cup thereby minimizing any possible contamination of the disposable medicine cup and medicine by the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product and minimizes contamination of the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product by the patient or the person retrieving and disposing of the disposable medicine cup.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the top opening, bottom wall and sidewall are configured as a frustum shaped disposable medicine cup to permit the disposable medicine cup to be stacked within another identically shaped disposable medicine cup.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the infection control tab has a textured frictional surface to enhance the grasp of the fingers on the tab.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the disposable medicine cup is an integrally molded unit.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the infection control tab has a textured surface to enhance the grasp of the fingers on the tab and is contoured to the shape of a thumb.

11. The method of claim 6, the infection control tab is removable from the sidewall.

12. A method for delivering a pharmaceutical product to a patient requiring such product in a disposable medicine cup, by a person dispensing the pharmaceutical product and for retrieving the disposable medicine cup, comprising: a. providing a disposable medicine cup comprising: i. a surrounding sidewall, the sidewall including an upper edge and a bottom edge, ii. a bottom wall mounted to the bottom edge of the sidewall configured to form the bottom surface of the disposable medicine cup; iii. the upper edge forming a top opening to the disposable medicine cup, the sidewall and bottom wall creating a volume for the disposable medicine cup; and iv. an infection control tab attached to and projecting from a portion of the upper edge of the surrounding sidewall wherein the infection control tab is integrally and rigidly mounted to the sidewall, configured to the shape of the top perimeter edge of the sidewall, projecting upward therefrom as an extension of the sidewall and configured to be grasped by two fingers of the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product or a person retrieving the disposable medicine cup, wherein the volume of the disposable medicine cup is suitable for holding the pharmaceutical product and delivery of the pharmaceutical product to the patient; and wherein the surrounding sidewall has indicia thereon denoting the volume of the pharmaceutical product for delivery; b. placing the pharmaceutical product in the disposable medicine cup through the opening; c. grasping the infection control tab of the disposable medicine cup by the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product; d. delivering the disposable medicine cup to the patient for use; e. retrieving the disposable medicine cup from the patient after the pharmaceutical, product is delivered to the patient by the person retrieving the disposable medicine cup by grasping the infection control tab of the disposable medicine cup; and f. disposing of the disposable medicine cup, wherein the fingers or hand of the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product or the person retrieving and disposing of the disposable medicine cup do not touch the upper edge or sidewalls of the disposable medicine cup thereby minimizing any possible contamination of the disposable medicine cup and medicine by the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product and minimizes contamination of the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product by the patient or the person retrieving and disposing of the disposable medicine cup.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become even more apparent with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 is, a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a medicine cup and infection control tab therefore.

(3) FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the medicine cup and infection control tab therefore and showing as an option, the tab being separated from the main body of the cup after use.

(4) FIG. 2 is a front view of the first embodiment of the medicine cup and infection control tab therefore.

(5) FIG. 3 is a top view of the first embodiment of the medicine cup and infection control tab therefore.

(6) FIG. 4 is a right side view of the first embodiment of the medicine cup and infection control tab therefore, the left side view being identical thereto.

(7) FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the medicine cup and infection control tab therefore.

(8) FIG. 6 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the medicine cup and infection control tab therefore.

(9) FIG. 7 is a top view of the first embodiment of the medicine cup and infection control tab therefore taken along the direction of 7-7 of FIG. 4.

(10) FIGS. 8-11 are front views of the front textured surface of the infection control tab used on the medicine cup of FIGS. 1-7 depicting four different such surfaces.

(11) FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of an infection control tab for a medicine cup.

(12) FIG. 13 is a front view of the second embodiment of the infection control tab for a medicine cup.

(13) FIG. 14 is a top view of the second embodiment of the infection control tab for a medicine cup.

(14) FIG. 15 is a right side view of the second embodiment of the infection control tab for a medicine cup, the left side view being identical thereto.

(15) FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the infection control tab for a medicine cup.

(16) FIG. 17 is a rear view of the second embodiment of the infection control tab for a medicine cup.

(17) FIG. 18 is a top view of the second embodiment of the infection control tab of a medicine cup taken along the direction of 18-18 of FIG. 15.

(18) FIGS. 19-22 are front views of the front textured surface of the second embodiment of infection control tab used on, a medicine cup of FIGS. 12-18 depicting four different surfaces.

(19) FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of an infection control tab for a medicine cup.

(20) FIG. 24 is a front view of the third embodiment of the infection control tab for a medicine cup.

(21) FIG. 25 is a top view of the third embodiment of the infection control tab for a medicine cup.

(22) FIG. 26 is a right side view of the third embodiment of the infection control tab for a medicine cup, the left side view being identical thereto.

(23) FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the third embodiment of the infection control tab for a medicine cup.

(24) FIG. 28 is a rear view of the third embodiment of the infection control tab for a medicine cup.

(25) FIG. 29 is a top view of the third embodiment of the infection control tab of a medicine cup taken along the direction of 29-29 of FIG. 26.

(26) FIG. 30-33 are front views of the front textured surface of the third embodiment of infection control tab used on a medicine cup of FIGS. 23-29 depicting four different surfaces.

(27) FIG. 34 is a front view of an embodiment of a medicine cup and infection control tab therefore.

(28) FIG. 35 is a cross sectional view of the medicine cup and infection control tab taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 34 depicting the dispensing of a liquid medicine therein.

(29) FIG. 36 is a similar cross sectional view of the medicine cup and infection control tab depicting the dispensing of pills therein.

(30) FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of a plurality of medicine cups, each with an infection control tab, depicting the stacking of such cups for convenient packing and shipping.

(31) The drawings are not presented to scale but are only used to illustrate the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(32) A detailed description of one or more embodiments is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate the principles of the embodiments. The scope of the embodiments is limited only by the claims and encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description. These details are provided solely for the purposes of example and the embodiments may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these, specific details.

(33) Referring to the Figures, broadly the medicine cup 100 of this invention includes a cup body 102 having a cavity 104 for holding medicine M (FIG. 35 and FIG. 36) and includes indicia 106 thereon, typically volumetric measurement indicia. The medicine cup 100 includes a sidewall 108 and a bottom wall 110. As depicted a tab 112, i.e., an infection control tab 112, is integrally formed with the sidewall 108, e.g., a common piece of material. The infection, control tab 112 provides a means Tor grasping of the medicine cup 100 for placing medicine M therein and delivering the medicine M to the patient (FIGS. 35 and 36). Alternatively, the infection control tab 112 may be formed separately from the sidewall 108 and subsequently attached to the sidewall 108.

(34) More specifically, the medicine cup 100 is used for dispensing a pharmaceutical product or medicine M to a patient requiring such product. Typically, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the medicine M can be in liquid or pill form. At times it could be in powdered or a complex formulation prescribed by the health care provider.

(35) The medicine cup 100 includes a surrounding sidewall 108, the sidewall 108 including an upper edge 114 and a bottom edge 116. The bottom wall 110 is mounted to the bottom edge 116 of the sidewall 108 configured to and forming the bottom surface of the cup 100. The upper edge 114 forms a top opening 118 to the cup 100, with the bottom wall 110 and sidewall 108 forming the cup cavity 104.

(36) The medicine cup 100 depicted in the Figures herein is configured as a frustum shaped medicine cup 100, and more specifically a frustoconical shaped medicine cup 100, to permit the cup 100 to be stacked within another identically shaped cup, i.e., see FIG. 37. The frustoconical configuration of the cups 100 consist of a closed circular base or bottom wall 110, a conical sidewall 108 that extends upward and tapers outward from the outer perimeter of the base 110, and an open, circular mouth or rim or upper edge 108. Such cups 100 are designed to stack within each other and can range in various sizes. Preferably, the medicine cup body 102 including the infection control tab 112 is stackable in a nested orientation within an identical other cup body, see FIG. 37.

(37) Although this frustoconical shape is preferred and widely used, it should be understood that the medicine cup 100 can be any shape, and not necessarily a shape wherein one medicine cup 100 nests within each other. The medicine cup 100 may be square, rectangular, hexagonal oval, etc. in a cross sectional view (top view and/or side view), and does not necessarily need to be frustoconical or even frustum shaped. However, preferably, the top opening 118, bottom wall 110, and sidewall 108 are configured to permit the cup 100 to be stacked within an identically shaped cup 100, more preferably configured to a frustum shaped medical cup 100. Most preferably the medicine cup 100 is a frustoconical shaped medical cup 100 as depicted in the Figures, wherein the top opening 118 is a greater diameter D1 than the bottom wall 110 diameter D2 and the sidewall 108 is so configured to permit the cup 100 to be stacked within an identically shaped cup 100.

(38) A tab 112, termed herein an infection control tab 112, is attached to and projecting from a portion of the upper edge 114 of the surrounding sidewall 108. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, and other Figures herein, the tab 112 is configured to be grasped by two fingers F, including the thumb T, of a person dispensing the pharmaceutical product M.

(39) Preferably the infection control tab 112 is integrally mounted, attached or formed with the sidewall 108. By integral it is meant that the sidewall 108 and tab 112 are made of a common piece of material, e.g., plastic. Preferably, the medicine cup 100 is integrally molded or shaped from one material, e.g., plastic, to form the medicine cup 100.

(40) Referring to FIGS. 8-11, 19-22, and 30-34, preferably the infection control tab 112 is provided with a roughened or a textured surface 120 to enhance the frictional grip of the fingers F. The Figures herein depict several optional textured, surfaces 120; however the specific design of the textured surface 120 is not critical to this invention. It should be deep enough (or raised enough) to enhance the grip of the fingers F on the tab 112, but not interfere with the function of the cup 100 or, for example, interfere with the stacking of the cups 100. As depicted, the textured surface 120 consists of symmetrical grooves and/or ridges. However, other type textured surfaces may be used. For example, a graphic indicia may be molded or engraved therein, e.g., cup serial number, company logo, words to indicate a use or warning, braille indicia, etc.

(41) Referring to FIG. 1A, optionally the infection control tab 112 is removable from the upper edge 114 of the sidewall 108 after use. For example, a score line or frangible score 122 is included at the juncture of the tab 112 and the upper edge 114 so that after use of the medicine cup 100 the tab is easily removed to indicate that it has been used and to prevent reuse of the cup 100.

(42) Referring to the Figures, specifically FIGS. 4 & 7, 15 & 18, 26 & 29, the tab 112 is joined to the upper edge 114 and shaped to have the shape, e.g., curvature of the upper edge 114 and configured with the same shape as the sidewall 108 and extends in the same direction as the sidewall 108. In effect, the infection control tab 112 is an extension of the sidewall 108 and has the same shape, curvature and is coplanar with the sidewall 108. This enables the medicine cups 100 to be stacked and easily molded and shaped in manufacture.

(43) The infection control tab 112 can have any number of shapes. For example: FIGS. 1-11 depict a relatively short, broad thumb shaped tab 112; FIGS. 12-22 depict a longer tab 112 which permits greater separation of the fingers F from the upper edge 114 of the sidewall 108.

(44) FIGS. 23-33 depict a longer tab 112 which has a thumb or finger shaped end 124 to permit greater separation of the fingers F from the upper edge 114 of the sidewall 108 and greater gripping surface for the fingers F.

(45) However, as indicated, regardless of the shape of the infection control tab 112, it is preferred that a textured surface 120 be included and/or that the infection control tab 112 be substantially coplanar with the portion of the sidewall 108 to which it is attached to permit stacking and efficient and inexpensive manufacture of the medicine cup 100.

(46) Optionally, the infection control tab 112 can include includes an effective amount of an anti-infective agent to prevent contamination from pathogens. The anti-infective agent may be coated on the tab or included in the material from which the tab 112 is manufactured. By the use of the term pathogens it is meant any infectious agent that can cause disease, for example, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) are bacteria that usually cause the hospital-acquired infections of concern herein.

(47) As an example, the infection control tab 112 on a one (1) ounce medicine cup 100 the tab 112 as depicted in FIGS. 1-11 is thumbnail shaped, and is approximately 1.5 cm1.5 cm.

(48) The medicine cup 100 preferably has indicia denoting a volume in the cup cavity 104. Typically, such cups 100 come calibrated in from 1 to 8 drams, to 1 fluid ounce, 1-2 tablespoons and 2.5 to 30 ml or cc. Graphic symbols, for example, measurements, bar codes, arrows and/or letters or any other informative element may be displayed on the cup 100. These can be printed thereon or molded or engraved therein. Graphical symbols and/or lettering may be placed on the sidewall 108, inside of the cup 100, or on the infection control tab 112 or in any other area. The graphical symbols may be included in the textured gripping surface 120 of the infection control tab 112 to not only provide information or indicia but to enhance the grip with the fingers F. Graphical symbols and/or lettering may include logos, advertisements, bar codes, or any other type of information that is viewable and may include tactile information including Braille for patients (or even health care providers) that may have impaired vision.

(49) The cups 100 of this invention may be constructed by vacuum, thermal or injection molding techniques or in any other manner as desired. Cup 100 materials may be chosen for strength and function as required. Common thermosetting polymers that may be used include epoxy and phenolic materials. Thermoplastic materials that may be used, for example, include polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene and polystyrene. Alternatively, the cups 100 may utilize paper, hard-molded plastic, ceramic, metal (for example, stainless steel), and silicon. Alternatively, the cups 100 may be formed from glass, crystal, metal, or any other conventional material. Optionally, the disposable medicine cup 100 can be formed from a biodegradable material, e.g., a paper-based material such as Kraft paper and cardboard.

(50) In use, the person, e.g., healthcare provider, dispensing the pharmaceutical product M grasps the infection control tab 112, places the pharmaceutical product M therein through the opening 118 and delivers the medicine cup 100 to the patient for use without the fingers F or the hand of the person dispensing the pharmaceutical product M from touching the upper edge 114 or sidewalls 108 of the cup 100 to thereby minimize the possible contamination of the cup 100 and medicine M. Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, after use the tab 112 is broken off to clearly indicate it has been used, and the cup 100 is discarded.

(51) Other uses for the cups 100 of this invention are contemplated, general dentistry, root canal procedures, dental implants, operating rooms, etc. and areas where contamination by the practitioner or user of the cup of the patient or the work area is of concern.

(52) As one skilled in the art will appreciate, any desired dimension of the cup may be utilized as desired for the particular application. The shape of the cup may be of any type, circular, oval, triangular, square or a polygon of any number of sides, or any other shape, although a frustoconical cup will probably be the prevalent shape.

(53) The invention has been described with reference to various specific and illustrative aspects of the present invention and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. Many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.