US20060256664A1 - Warning device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A warning device for attachment to packaging of a product which has an expiration date, the device including timer means for counting passage of a pre-set period of time, according to a timing program tailored to the product, to the expiration date, and for providing a signal at the expiration date, and an indicator arranged to receive the signal and to provide an indication to differentiate a pre-expiration date period from a post-expiration date period, and a switch coupled to the packaging and arranged to activate the indicator when a person attempts to use the product.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to warning devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Many medicines and food products have an expiration date printed on packaging, which is the last date on which the product is recommended for use. These products are defined herein as products with a “single expiration date”.
• Also, there are products whose expiration date is based on two expiration mechanisms: the first one is the printed expiration date as mentioned before, and the second one is a time limit starting from the first time of opening the seal or of using the product. These products are defined herein as products with a “double expiration date”. Examples of these products include: eye drops—to be used within one month from first opening, nose drops—to be used within one month from first opening, certain salad dressings—to be used within 6 weeks from first opening.
• The second expiration mechanism, which is measured from the time of opening the package, is extremely problematic at present, because there is no indication of the point in time when the product expires (unlike the printed expiration date). For example, suppose that a few weeks after first use of eye drops, there's a need to use them again. It is most likely that the user cannot remember whether 3 weeks have passed from the first use, so that the product can be used, or 5 weeks have passed from the first use, so that the product must not be used.
• Thus, the use of expired medicine and foods is very likely today, particularly of products with an expiration date counted from the first opening. It is also likely that people forget to check the printed expiration date. The result may be inefficient treatment, consumption of spoiled products, direct damage to consumers, and damage to manufacturers in terms of reputation and possible law suits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides a compact electronic device which automatically provides an alert when the product has reached the expiration date (i.e. should be disposed of and not used). Preferably, the device is located on or inside the packaging of the product, for example, within the cap of a bottled product.
• The device might be in various shapes and dimensions, and located in various options. For example: the device might be inserted within the cap of a product sold in bottles or tubes with caps. Another example: the device might have a flat shape, so that it can be attached to the packaging of the product as a sticker (adhesive label).
• The device automatically provides an alert when the expiration date for the product has passed. Optionally it can provide another signal during the period in which the expiration date has not passed yet. A simple example: before the expiration date, the device activates a voice message saying: “OK TO USE.” After the expiration date, the device activates a voice message saying: “EXPIRED. EXPIRED. EXPIRED.”.
• The signal activation may be accomplished by various means. One example: For a medicine sold in a bottle with a cap (e.g. eye drops), a mechanical switch might activate the signal by shorting a circuit when the cap is opened. Another example: For tablets sold in paper or plastic packaging (with no cap), a motion sensor, which can be a part of the device, identifies that the medicine has moved, thus activating the signal.
• The device has several functional versions:
• a. A version for products with double expiration date, which is designed to provide an alert only upon expiration of the time limit from first opening.
• b. A version for products with double expiration date, which is designed to alert expiration due to either or both of the two expiration mechanisms: expiration due to time limit from first opening, or general expiration date, from the date of manufacture (the one which is usually printed on the packaging).
• c. A version for products with a single expiration date (the one which is usually printed on the packaging).
• The device provides an alert when the product has passed this expiration date. The alert signal may be audible or visual or both.
• An audible signal might be beep sounds, tunes (music) or voice (a speaking device). A visual signal might be a constant or blinking light, or a changing visual display, as by using a chemical process, e.g. strip which changes its color after a predefined time.
• Generally, an audible signal is preferred because the user hears it, while a visual signal might be missed, unless the user is actually looking at or for it. However, for some applications the visual signal is useful, for example, providing an alert of expiration for people with hearing problems. If desired, both an audible and a visible indication may be provided.
• The alert signal for expiration, or the differentiation between prior to expiration and post expiration, can be achieved in several ways:
• Option 1: while the product has not expired, there will be no alert. When the product has expired, there will be an alert signal. For example: continuous beep sounds when opening the cap or when picking up the product. This alert indicates that the product should be disposed of, and should not be used anymore.
• Option 2: while the product has not expired, there will be one kind of signal. When the product has expired, there will be another kind of signal. For example, before expiration, when opening the cap or when picking up the product, there will be a beep sound each 5 seconds, or a voice saying “ok to use”. After expiration—when opening the cap or when picking up the product, there will be continuous loud highrate alert beep sounds or a voice saying “expired . . . expired . . . expired”. It will be appreciated that, if the device malfunctions for some reason (e.g. the battery is dead), and there is no signal at all, this will also mean that the product has expired, and should not be used.
• Option 3: while the product has not expired, there will be some kind of signal. For example: a short melody (tunes) when opening the cap or when picking up the product. When the product has expired, there will be no signal at all. The absence of a signal indicates that the product should be disposed, and shall not be used anymore.
• Option 1 is least desirable, because if the device malfunctions for some reason (e.g. the battery is empty), the user might think that the product has not expired, and may be used. Preferably, the product will be designed to include a battery whose life is longer than the product's shelf life, so that this should not happen. Option 2 andoption 3 are preferred, because there must be a signal indicating the product can be used. If there is no signal, the product should be considered as expired, thus disposed.
• The device is very low cost, thus the device can be disposed of with the disposed product or packaging. The device is also extremely simple to use: it operates automatically. No special user activation or setup whatsoever is required. Rather, the device is factory set for its specific product.
• There is thus provided, in accordance with the present invention, a warning device to be attached to packaging of any product which has an expiration date, the device including timer means for counting passage of a pre-set period of time, according to a timing program tailored for the product, to the expiration date, and for providing a signal at the expiration date, an indicator arranged to receive said signal and to provide an indication to differentiate a pre-expiration date period from a post-expiration date period, and a switch coupled to the packaging and arranged to activate the indicator when a person attempts to use the product. According to one embodiment, the device includes means for counting passage of a factory pre-set period of time from manufacturing date, according to a timing program tailored to a selected product, and an indicator for providing an indication to differentiate the pre expiration period from the post expiration period.
• According to an alternative embodiment, the device includes means for counting passage of a pre-set period of time from the date of first opening of the product packaging by consumer, according to a timing program tailored to a selected product, and an indicator for providing an indication to differentiate the pre expiration period from the post expiration period.
• According to a preferred embodiment, the device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a chip-on-board having a dedicated timing program for providing signals in accordance with the timing program, an in-factory activated trigger for activating a timing countdown from date of manufacture, a signaling device, such as a speaker, an automatically activated switch for activating the signaling device whenever the product packaging is opened, or whenever the user attempts to use the product, and an internal power source, such as a battery, for powering the device.
• According to another preferred embodiment, the device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a chip-on-board having a dedicated timing program for providing signals in accordance with the timing program, an automatically activated switch for activating the timing countdown from product's first opening by consumer, a signaling device, an automatically activated switch for activating the signaling device whenever the product packaging is opened, and an internal power source for powering the device.
• Preferably, the device is designed for the life span of the related product, so that battery replacement will not be needed.
• As mentioned before, the use of audible tones (beeps, melody, voice) as a signal can be replaced with light, i.e. using a visual signal instead of a sound signal. For example, this can be a constant light or a biking light. This solution maintains the same low cost and functional simplicity of the device. This solution is good for people with hearing difficulties, as well as for people who prefer a silent device. The operation is based on the same principle: when the consumer opens the product packaging or attempts to use the product (medicine, food), blinking lights appear, indicating whether the product has expired (e.g., blinking red light) or not expired (e.g., blinking green light). It is also possible to combine both a visual and an audible indication for the same product.
• There is also provided in accordance with the invention, a method for providing a warning for a product which has an expiration date. The method includes coupling to the product packaging timer means for counting passage of a pre-set period of time, according to a timing program tailored to the product, to the expiration date; and an indicator for providing an indication to differentiate a pre-expiration date period from a post-expiration date period. The method further includes triggering the timer means to automatically begin counting passage of the pre-set period of time, and automatically activating the indicator after passage of the pre-set period of time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present invention will be further understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
• FIG. 1ais a sectional view of packaging including a warning device constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 1bis an enlarged front view of the subassembly marked as detail A of the device ofFIG. 1d;
• FIG. 1cis an isometric view of the subassembly ofFIG. 1b;
• FIG. 1dis an exploded view of the packaging ofFIG. 1a;
• FIG. 1eis an isometric view of the subassembly marked as B inFIG. 1d;
• FIG. 2a, is an exploded view of a device constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2b, is an isometric view of the same assembly;
• FIG. 2c, is an isometric partial view of the same assembly;
• FIG. 3 is a flow chart of operation of a device constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is a flow chart of operation of a device constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 5 is a flow chart of operation of a device constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6 is a flow chart of operation of a device constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 7 is a flow chart of operation of a device constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 8 is a flow chart of operation of a device constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides a compact electronic warning device, preferably located on or inside the packaging of a product having an expiration date, such as medicines or foods. This device automatically provides an alert when the expiration date of the product has passed (i.e., when the product should be disposed of and not used). Devices according to the invention may be used for indicating expiration time after which the product is less good or less safe to use or not good at all or not safe to use at all or strictly forbidden to use. They may be used on products which have expiration dates due to safety reasons, due to functional reasons, or for any other reason. The warning device according to the invention includes timer means for counting passage of a pre-set period of time, according to a timing program tailored for the product, to the expiration date, an indicator for providing an indication to differentiate a pre-expiration date period from a post-expiration date period, and a trigger or switch to cause the timer means to start a countdown from the manufacturing date, or from the first opening date, or both independently.
• The electronic unit preferably includes the following components:
• a. A printed circuit board assembly (PCB), preferably with a Chip-On-Board, that is responsible for time measuring, based on a factory preset timing program (internal programming), and for sending signals to a signaling means. The PCB can be standard epoxy-glass, or a new generation printed circuit—which uses an inexpensive, thin, possibly flexible base, such as paper or some type of polymer, or any other PCB. The thin PCB option is particularly suitable for designing a device in the shape and size of an adhesive label.
• b. Signaling or indicator means, such as piezo speaker (a very thin speaker) or another type of speaker, or a steady or blinking light, such as a LED or Micro Bulb, or any other small size signaling means.
• c. A switch or trigger to activate the signaling means when the user opens the packaging or attempts to use the product. In the case of a product in a bottle with a cap, the trigger can be a mechanical switch, activated by opening the cap. In the case of a product, such as tablets, in a paper box, the trigger can be a motion sensitive component. Alternatively, any other suitable trigger can be utilized, for example, a sensor to sense the sound made when a user extracts a pill from a blister pack.
• d. When the product has an expiration date counted from the manufacturing date, there is provided a switch or trigger which is activated in the factory at the time of manufacture, thus activating countdown. It will be appreciated that the “trigger” can, in effect, be installation of the battery or any other process during manufacture or assembly, with no separate switch or other element required.
• e. In addition or instead, when it is desired to identify an expiration date a pre-defined time after the first opening, there is provided a switch or trigger which identifies the first opening of the product, and activates countdown. In the case of a product in a bottle with a cap, the trigger can be a mechanical switch, activated by opening the cap. According to one embodiment, the trigger is the same mechanism mentioned at the previous paragraph (c), having a dual function: i.e. it activates the signaling at every cap opening, and it also activates the countdown at the first opening. Alternatively, this trigger can be a different switch, possibly connected to a seal on the cap, and activated when tearing off the seal. If the device is a kind of adhesive label, the triggering may be activated as a part of tearing the seal with the first opening.
• f. A power source, preferably a small battery, such as a 1.5 Volt LR41 or LR 1130, or any other inexpensive small cell. A very thin battery is preferably when the device is designed in the shape and size of an adhesive label. Some existing new technologies, such as “Power Paper” may be considered.
• The device has several functional versions:
• a. A version for products having two expiration dates, but which is designed to alert only at the expiration of the time limit from the first opening. In this case, the countdown is activated from the moment the consumer first opens the product.
• b. A version for products with two expiration dates, which is designed to provide an alert at the expiration of a time limit according to either of the two expiration mechanisms: expiration due to time limit from first opening, or general expiration date, from manufacturing (which is usually printed on the packaging). In this case, there are two independent countdowns: one countdown is activated from the moment the consumer first opens the product, and the second countdown is activated by the manufacturer, as a part of the manufacturing process.
• c. A version for products with a single expiration date from the date of manufacture (which is usually printed on the packaging). The device provides an alert when the product has passed this expiration date. In this case, the countdown is activated by the manufacturer, as a part of the manufacturing process.
• The invention can be applied in various embodiments, a few of which will now be described by way of non-limiting examples.
• Referring now toFIGS. 1aand1d, there are shown sectional and exploded views, respectively, of a product having an expiration date packaged with a warning device constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIGS. 1band1care enlarged perspective and front views of the subassembly marked as detail A inFIG. 1a, respectively.FIG. 1eshows an isometric view of the subassembly marked as B inFIG. 1a.
• Thepackaging10 shown inFIG. 1 includes abottle12 having acap14. Thebottle12 contains the medicine orfood product10. An example of a medicine would be eye drops, while an example of a food product would be salad dressing. An expiration warning device constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is assembled within thecap14, and includes aplastic adapter16, aplastic base26, apin24, and the electronics. The electronics consist of a printed circuit board (PCB)22, achip28, such as a Chip on Board, ametallic spring29,30,31, abattery32, acontact34, aspeaker18, and aspeaker housing20. Thechip28 is located on theboard22. Thecontact34 is shown here as a small sheet metal part in “L” shape, soldered to thePCB22. Thespring29,30,31 in the illustrated embodiment is another sheet metal part, which has a dual function. A. At oneend29, it serves as a battery housing, as it is attached to thePCB22, and holds thebattery32 in place. B. At itsother end31, it serves as a switch, as it touches thecontact34 when thepin24 is in a down position, and it does not touch thecontact34 when thepin24 is in an up position. The springmid part30 is a 90° twisted transition area, becauseparts29 and31 of the spring must be perpendicular in order to function.
• Thepin24 is placed in a hole in thebase26. The PCB assembly is inserted intotracks25,27 in thebase26, so that thepin24 is located underneath thespring31.
• Theadapter16 places and holds the base26 in place within thecap14. Theadapter16 also places thespeaker housing20 in its place, adjacent to the cap, centered to the small hole in thecap17. Thespeaker18 is located in thespeaker housing20, and wired to thePCB22.
• When thecap14 is screwed on thebottle12, thepin24 is pushed, and lifts thespring31. As a result, there is no contact between thespring end31 and thecontact34. This is a “switch off” position. When thecap14 is opened (for the purpose of consuming the contents of the bottle12), thepin24releases spring31, which returns to its non-tensed position contacting thecontact34. This shorts the circuit and switches on the indicating means. Whenever the switch is on, a signal is sent to the speaker. The type of signal depends on the time from first opening of the product. For example, suppose that expiration time is 30 days from first opening, the signal will be a beep each 4 seconds before 30 days have expired, and continuous annoying beeps after 30 days have expired.
• In this embodiment, it is the same switching mechanism (pin24,spring31, contact34) which activates both the signaling to the speaker (each time there is “switch on”) and the start of countdown from the first time of opening the cap (the first time there is “switch on”, i.e., the user opens the cap). In other embodiments, the countdown trigger may be activated differently, not with a dual purpose switching mechanism as here, but with a separate activation device. This would mean an extra switching or triggering mechanism, yet the chip design might be less expensive. An example of a separate triggering for first time activation and for every cap-open signaling is described in the following embodiment.
• Referring now toFIGS. 2aand2b, there are shown an exploded view and an isometric view, respectively, of a warning device constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2c, shows another isometric view, similar toFIG. 2b, but with thecover part102 removed.
• Warning device80, as shown inFIGS. 2a,2b, and2c, refers to a label-type device. This means that the device is thin, and includes anadhesive tape82 at its bottom. This embodiment is flat, but a non-flat and\or flexible design is also possible, to fit the shape of various products' packaging. The printedcircuit board88 can be a standard epoxy glass or a thin new technology PCB (made of paper or other material), or any other type of PCB. Theadhesive tape82 is attached to the bottom of thePCB88. Athin cell battery94 is attached to the PCB by means of thebattery housing96. A cell battery might be replaced with new technology power source, such as “power paper”, for size minimizing. The chip onboard92 performs the countdown, as well as sending signals to thespeaker98.
• This embodiment includes asensor90 as the switch mechanism to start the signaling.Sensor90 may include a motion sensitive component. A non limiting example of a motion sensitive component is a small (typically a 3 mm×2 mm×1.5 mm size) component, with two leads. The component shorts the two leads when moved, shaken or flipped, due to a small moving inertial element within its packaging. The motion sensor is preferably soldered to thePCB82. Thus, the motion sensor shorts a circuit whenever the product with the device is being moved, and the chip starts sending signals to the speaker. This means that thespeaker98 provides signals when a consumer lifts or opens the packaging or attempts to take a medicine. Another example of asensor90 is a sound sensor which identifies sound or sound frequency of extracting a pill from a blister pack. Yet another example is a strain sensor (strain gauge) which identifies deformation of a blister pack. Another alternative is a sensor that identifies changes in the overall electrical resistance in the blister pack foil, or any other physical characteristics of a medicine pack.
• The type of signaling depends on the countdown process (i.e., depending on whether it is a pre expiration point in time, or a post expiration point in time). The definition of the point in time when the countdown begins is achieved by atrigger84, which is protected by a plastic or paper strip (tape)86. Thetrigger84 is a metal part assembled on thePCB88. It is designed to short a circuit between printed leads87 and89. Until activation, thetape86 is located between thetrigger84 and theleads87 and89. This means that the device has not been activated yet, and countdown has not started. Once thetape86 is pulled out, trigger84 activates the device.
• If this embodiment is used for a device which is designed to provide an alert regarding expiration from the manufacturing date, the tape (strip)86 should be removed in the factory, and the countdown starts at approximately the manufacturing date.
• If this embodiment is used for a device which is designed to provide an alert regarding expiration as measured from the first time the product is opened, the tape (strip)86 should be removed by the consumer, as a part of first time opening the product. This can be achieved automatically if thestrip86 is attached (e.g. glued) to a seal of the product (not shown in the figure) or other packaging element which is moved when the product is opened. When the consumer tears the seal or moves the element, thestrip86 which is attached to an element of the seal or packaging element will be extracted together therewith, thus the countdown will start.
• If the device is designed for dual countdown functionality, both from manufacturing and from first use, the device might include two independent triggers. This means that there will be two separated arrangements of atrigger84 attached to twoleads87,89 and an isolatingstrip86 in between the trigger and the leads. (Not shown in the figure). One of them will be activated in the factory (by pulling its strip), therefore starting the countdown from manufacturing date. The other will be attached to the seal or other packaging element of the product, and will be activated when tearing the packaging, thus activating the second, independent, countdown from first opening the product.
• Thecover102 is designed to cover the inner structure of the device. In this embodiment thecover102 and thespeaker housing100 are separate parts, but in another embodiment they both might be a single part.
• Referring now toFIGS. 3, 4,5,6,7, and8, there are shown flow charts of the operation of the device, constructed and operative in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Each of these flow charts or methods of operation may be used in any of the examples above, or other applicable embodiments.
• FIG. 3 refers to a device which is designed to indicate only expiration from first opening, e.g. for a medicine which should not be used if 30 days from first opening have expired, wherein signals or an indication are provided after the expiration date of the product. When opening the cap for the first time, it triggers the countdown, so that the chip starts timing the 30 day period (block40). The triggering may be achieved by various triggering and/or switching mechanisms, as explained above. Optionally, there might be a special indication, such as a distinguishing sound, to indicate that the product has been opened for the first time. It might be a sequence of 3 beep sounds, for example (block42). This is a kind of electronic seal-opening or tamper indication: the consumer knows from this indication that this is the first opening. If using a speaking device instead, the signal may be the words: “First open”.
• Starting this moment, any time the cap is open (block44) and 30 days have not expired yet (block46), then there will be no alert signal. When the cap is closed (block50) and later reopened (block44), then again, as long as 30 days have not expired (block46), there will be no alert signal.
• During this period, when the expiration date has not been reached, and there is no alert signal, the device may not provide any signal at all. This is a straight forward design approach, but it has a severe disadvantage: If the device malfunctions, the consumer assumes that the product has not expired, because there is no signal at all. For this reason, it is preferable to provide some kind of indication also when the product has not expired, for example, a beep sound every 4 seconds (block48). Of course, the signal stops when the user closes the cap (block52).
• When opening the cap (block44), and if 30 days from first opening have passed (block46), then the device makes an alert sound, for example, continuous beep sounds. When closing the cap (block56), the alert stops (block58). The consumer should throw away the product. However, if the consumer does not dispose of the product, and attempts to use it again sometime (block60), the alert sound will signal again (block54). Of course, if the user keeps the expired product for a very long time, eventually the battery will become empty. If the battery is dead and the device does not function, the user should dump the product as well. This explains why the use ofblocks48,52 (signaling for a non-expired product) is recommended. To summarize: It is safer to have two types of signaling: A signal for a pre-expiration period (might be a beep each 4 seconds or a voice saying: “ok to use”), and a different signal for a post-expiration period (might be continuous loud high-rate beep alert, or a voice saying “expired . . . expired . . . expired . . . ).
• WhileFIG. 3 refers to “switch on” as a cap open, and “switch off” as a cap closed, it is appreciated that switching the signaling means can be achieved by various switching types, suited to the type of product and its packaging. For example, the switching may be activated by a motion sensor, as explained in the adhesive label embodiment. In this case, the signal starts once the sensor identifies a package opening or movement of the product or extraction of a pill from a blister pack, and the signal lasts as long as the motion is identified plus, say, 10 seconds.
• WhileFIG. 3 refers to beep sounds as signals, the signals may be voice, blinking light, or any other indication.
• The flow chart ofFIG. 4 shows an alternative approach of operation of the device. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the signals indicate that the product has not expired, while the absence of signals indicates that the product has expired. As inFIG. 3,FIG. 4 also refers to a device which is designed to indicate only expiration from first opening, e.g. a medicine which should be disposed of when 30 days from the first opening have expired.
• When opening the cap for the first time, the countdown is triggered, so that the chip starts timing the 30 day period (block40). Optionally, there might be a special sound, or other special indication, to indicate that the product has been opened for the first time. It might be a sequence of 3 beep sounds, for example (block42).
• Starting this moment, as long as the cap is open (block44) and 30 days have not expired yet (block46), then there will be an indication or signal, indicating the product can be used (block62). The indication may be a beep sound each 4 seconds, or a voice saying “ok to use”, or a green light, etc. When the cap is closed (block64), the signals stop (block66). When the cap is reopened (block44), and as long as 30 days have not expired yet (block46), this indication will be provided (block62).
• When opening the cap (block44), and if 30 days from first opening have passed (block46), then the device will make no signal at all. The absence of the signal indicates the user must throw away the product, and not to use it.
• FIG. 5 refers to a device which is designed to indicate only expiration from manufacturing date, e.g. a medicine which should be disposed of 365 days after manufacturing. (e.g. manufacturing date Jan. 1, 2004 and expiration date Jan. 1, 2005). Since the countdown is activated in the factory by the manufacturer, no triggering is required upon first opening. However, optionally a special signal might be provided upon first opening of the product (block42). This could provide a kind of electronic tamper indication.
• The rest of this flow chart is similar toFIG. 2, and has the same reference numerals, with one difference: instead of countdown from first opening (FIG. 2 block46), here the countdown is since manufacturing (block47). The rest is the same, regarding pre expiration signaling (blocks48,50,52), and post expiration signaling (blocks54,56,58,60).
• FIG. 6, likeFIG. 5, refers to a device which is designed to indicate only expiration from manufacturing date. Again, countdown is activated in the factory by the manufacturer, and no triggering is required when first opening the packaging. The 3 beep sound indicating first opening is a possible option (block42). As long as the cap is open (block44) and 365 days have not expired yet (block47), then there will be a signal, thereby indicating that the product can be used (block62). The signal may be a beep sound each 4 seconds, or a voice saying “ok to use”, or a green light, etc. If the cap is closed (block64), the signals stop (block66). When the cap is reopened (block44), and as long as 365 days have not expired yet (block47), the indication that it is safe to use the product (block64) will be provided again.
• When opening the cap (block44), and if 365 days from first opening have passed (block47), then the device will make no signal at all. The absence of the signal indicates the user should throw away the product, and not to use it.
• FIG. 7 refers to a device having dual expiration monitoring. This means that two independent countdowns occur. One countdown is started by the manufacturer, in the factory (for counting the general expiration period). The second countdown (block40), starts at the moment of first opening the cap (or when tearing a seal). This is the countdown for expiration from opening. Basically,FIG. 7 is similar toFIG. 3, with one difference. In theFIG. 7 embodiment, the differentiation between pre expiration signaling (blocks48,50,52) and post expiration signaling (blocks54,56,58,60) is decided based on two questions, referring to the two independent countdown processes. The questions are: Has the product expired due to ending the countdown from the manufacturing date (block47) and: Has the product expired due to ending the countdown from first opening (block46). (While inFIG. 3 embodiment, the differentiation between pre expiration signaling (blocks48,50,52) and post expiration signaling (blocks54,56,58,60) is decided based on one question only (block46)). So,FIG. 7 is based on two independent countdowns, whileFIG. 3 is based only on one.
• FIG. 8, likeFIG. 7, refers to a device having dual expiration monitoring. In all other ways, it is similar toFIG. 4, but again, with one difference: It refers to two countdown processes, thus the two questions (block46, block47) need to be answered. If the answer is no to both questions, there will be a signal (block64). If the answer is yes to any of the questions (or to both of them), there will be no signal (block68) in this embodiment.
• It will be appreciated that the configuration of the switching/activating/triggering mechanisms, the PCB, the chip, etc. is not limited to those illustrated, because the electronics, and the mechanics (if any), can be implemented in various simple manners, and may be based on many types of existing technology and/or components used in many electronic consumer products. The device of the invention combines inexpensive electronics with a functional timing program that is for a specific product's expiration monitoring activity, and combining them in a functional packaging which can fit the consumed product's packaging. Together, the result is an effective and innovative high-tech aid. It has a very high benefit to cost ratio, which makes it disposable. It also has a very high ratio of benefit to simplicity of use, which makes it extremely useful and user friendly, as it is totally automatic, requiring no user setup, and it solves a real need that has not been solved until now.
• As demonstrated in the various embodiments, different types of switching may be used: mechanical contact switch, motion sensitive switch, or any other suitable switch. Another option would be to use a light sensitive sensor (a standard component that closes a circuit when exposed to light). In this case, for example, opening a bottle's cap will expose the sensor to light, thus activating the indicator. This solution is less useful, because taking medicine in insufficient lighting will prevent proper functioning of the device. However, the use of light sensor is mentioned here to illustrate the variety of technical solutions for the device. It will also be appreciated that with a specific electronics/chip design, the same switching element may both activate countdown from first opening and activate signal sending whenever the product is reopened. It will also be appreciated that besides the chip, other electronic parts may be included in the PCB assembly of some possible embodiments, such as resistors or capacitors. This is a trivial matter of a PCB assembly design, thus not detailed here. It will be appreciated that the post expiration and/or pre expiration signal may be audible or visual. Audible signals might be beep sounds, tunes (music) or voice (speaking device). Visual signals might be a constant or blinking light, or a strip which changes its color after a predefined time. Using a changing color strip may involve a chemical device, with no PCB, no battery, and no electronics at all.
• A special feature of the invention is that the special signaling at the time of the first opening mentioned in some of the embodiments can be considered as an “electronic” seal, indicating the lack of tampering. Thus, it may be used to replace the conventional “physical” seal in some products, and save some production costs.
• It will be appreciated that the indicator stops providing a signal automatically after the product is put down or returned to its packaging (e.g., a bottle cap is closed). Alternatively, the indicator may provide a signal which stops automatically after a pre-set signal time.
• The method of a typical use will now be described by way of several non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLE 1
• A device with expiration alert from first opening, based onFIG. 3 flow chart
• • a. Aug. 1, 2004: The consumer buys eyes drops, instructions are to use within a month from first opening.
  • b. Aug. 2, 2004: User A opens the bottle for the first time. 3 beep sounds declare the first opening. As long as user A uses the product, the cap provides a single beep sound each 5 seconds. When closing the cap on the bottle, the sound stops.
  • c. Aug. 10, 2004: User B finds the eye drops in the medicine closet, and wants to use it. She doesn't know when it was first opened. User B opens the cap. Since 30 days has not passed yet, there is NO alert. There is only a single beep sound each 5 seconds. User B now knows that the product has not expired, thus she uses the eye drops. When closing the cap on the bottle, the sound stops.
  • d. Aug. 22, 2004: User A needs to use the product again. It's been quite a long time and user A cannot remember whether a month has passed since he'd first opened the bottle, or not. User A opens the cap. He hears a single beep sound each 5 seconds. He knows that the product is valid, and uses it. When closing the cap on the bottle, the sound stops.
  • e. Sep. 7, 2004: User A needs to use the product for the third time. Again, he cannot remember whether a month has passed since he first opened the bottle, or not. He opened the cap. The cap provides a loud continuous alert sounds in a rate of 4 beeps per second. User A knows that the product has expired and must not be used. He does not use it. He closes the bottle and the alert sound stops.
  • f. Sep. 20, 2004: User B needs to use eye drops again. She finds the same bottle in the medicine cabinet. Apparently, user A has forgotten it there, and not disposed of it. User B opens the cap. Again, the cap provides a loud continuous alert sounds in a rate of 4 beeps per second. User B closes the cap without consuming the product. The alert sound stops. User B throws away the product.
EXAMPLE 2
• A device with expiration alert from manufacturing date, based onFIG. 5 flow chart.
• • a. August 2004: The consumer buys a bottle with Paracetamol tablets, instructions are to use by December 2005.
  • b. September, 2004: User A opens the bottle for the first time. As long as user A uses the product, the cap provides a voice message each 5 seconds: “ok to use” “ok to use” . . . etc. He takes a pill. When closing the cap on the bottle, the voice stops.
  • c. March, 2005: User B finds the Paracetamol in the medicine closet, and wants to use it. She opens the cap. There is a voice message each 5 seconds: “ok to use”. User B now knows that the product has not expired, thus she takes a pill. When closing the cap on the bottle, the voice stops.
  • d. February, 2006: User A needs to use the product again. He opens the cap. He hears a continuous voice message saying “EXPIRED . . . EXPIRED . . . EXPIRED”. He doesn't use the product. When closing the cap on the bottle, the sound stops.
  • e. October, 2006: User B needs to use the product again. She finds it in the cabinet.
• Apparently, user A has forgotten it there, and not disposed of it. User B opens the cap. The cap provides no sound whatsoever, because the battery has run out. User B knows anyway that the product should be disposed, because she doesn't hear the repetitive each 5 seconds message “ok to use”. She throws away the product to the garbage.
EXAMPLE 3
• A device with dual expiration alert: from first opening, and from manufacturing, based onFIG. 8 flow chart
• • a. Aug. 1, 2004: The consumer buys nose drops, instructions are to use within a month from first opening, and the general expiration date is Aug. 1, 2005.
  • b. Sep. 1, 2004: User A opens the bottle for the first time. 3 beep sounds declare the first opening. As long as user A uses the product, the cap provides a short 3 seconds melody tunes each 6 seconds. In addition, the cap provides a green light. When closing the cap on the bottle, the tunes stop, and the light turns off
  • c. Sep. 5, 2004: User B finds the nose drops in the medicine closet, and wants to use it. She doesn't know when it was first opened. User B opens the cap. Since 30 days has not passed yet, AND since the general expiration date from manufacturing has not passed yet, there is NO alert. There is only that combination of a melody and a green light. User B now knows that the product has not expired, thus she uses the nose drops. When closing the cap on the bottle, the sound and light stop.
  • d. Mar. 22, 2005: User A needs to use nose drops. He opens the bottle. The general expiration date has not passed yet, BUT the expiration from opening has passed. There is neither sound nor light. The absence of the signals means that the product has expired.
EXAMPLE 4
• A device with expiration alert from first opening, based onFIG. 7 flow chart.
• • a. Aug. 1, 2004: The consumer buys pills, instructions are to use within 10 days from first opening. (For example, the product is sensitive to humidity). The pills packet is sealed in an aluminum foil bag, preventing humidity from reaching the medicine. The alert device, in a label configuration, is attached to the pills packet.
  • b. Aug. 2, 2004: User A tears the aluminum bag and pulls out the packet. The label is attached to the packet, but the triggering strip is attached to the aluminum bag. Therefore, the strip is extracted from the label and countdown starts. 3 beep sounds announce the first opening. As long as user A moves the product, the label provides a single beep sound each 5 seconds. A few seconds after putting the product down, the sound stops.
  • c. Aug. 8, 2004: User A wants to take a pill. He picks up the packet. The label's motion sensor detects the movement, thus sending a signal to the label's speaker. Since 10 days has not passed yet, there is NO alert. There is only a single beep sound each 5 seconds. It stops a few seconds after putting down the packet.
  • d. Aug. 15, 2004: User A wants to take a pill. He picks up the packet. The label's motion sensor detects the movement, thus sending a signal to the label's speaker. Since more than 10 days have passed from first opening, the label provides a loud continuous alert sounds in a rate of 4 beeps per second. User A knows that the product has expired and must not be used.
• While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. It will further be appreciated that the invention is not limited to what has been described hereinabove merely by way of example. Rather, the invention is limited solely by the claims which follow.

Claims (22)

1. A warning device for attachment to packaging of a product which has an expiration date, the device comprising:

timer means for counting passage of a pre-set period of time, according to a timing program tailored to the product, to the expiration date, and for providing a signal at the expiration date;

an indicator arranged to receive said signal and to provide an indication to differentiate a pre-expiration date period from a post-expiration date period; and

a switch coupled to the packaging and arranged to activate said indicator when a person attempts to use the product.

2. The device according toclaim 1, wherein said timer means includes timer means for counting a factory pre-set period of time from a manufacturing date until the expiration date.

3. The device according toclaim 1, wherein said timer means includes timer means for counting a pre-set period of time from a date of first use until the expiration date.

4. The device according toclaim 3, further comprising a trigger to cause said timer means to start a countdown from a date of first opening the product.

5. The device according toclaim 1 wherein an indication signal is provided during a post-expiration date period, and no signal is provided during a pre-expiration date period.

6. The device according toclaim 1 wherein an indication signal is provided during said pre-expiration date period, and no signal is provided during said post-expiration date period.

7. The device according toclaim 1 wherein one kind of indication signal is provided during said pre-expiration date period, and another kind of signal is provided during said post-expiration date period.

8. The device according toclaim 1, wherein said timer means and said indicator are electronic means.

9. The device according toclaim 1, wherein said indicator provides an audible indication.

10. The device according toclaim 1, wherein said indicator provides a visual indication.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. The device according toclaim 1, and comprising:

a printed circuit board (PCB) with a chip-on-board having a dedicated timing program for providing signals in accordance with the timing program;

an in-factory activated trigger for activating a timing countdown from date of manufacture;

an automatically activated switch for activating said indicator whenever the product is used; and

an internal power source for powering the device.

15. The device according toclaim 3 and comprising:

a printed circuit board (PCB) with a chip-on-board having a dedicated timing program for providing signals in accordance with the timing program;

an automatically activated trigger for activating a timing countdown from the product's first use;

an automatically activated switch for activating said indicator each time the product is used; and

an internal power source for powering the device.

16. A method for providing a warning for a product which has an expiration date, the method comprising:

coupling to the product packaging

timer means for counting passage of a pre-set period of time, according to a timing program tailored to the product, to the expiration date; and

an indicator for providing an indication to differentiate a pre-expiration date period from a post-expiration date period;

triggering said timer means to automatically begin counting passage of said pre-set period of time, and

automatically activating said indicator each time the product is used to differentiate pre-expiration from post-expiration.

17. The method according toclaim 16, wherein said pre-set period of time is a factory defined product expiration time from manufacturing date.

18. The method according toclaim 16, wherein said pre-set period of time is a product expiration time from a first opening of the product packaging.

19. The method according toclaim 16, wherein said pre-set period of time is a factory defined product expiration time from manufacturing date, or a product expiration time from a first opening of the product packaging, whatever happens first.

20. The method according toclaim 16, wherein the indicator provides a special signal at a time of a first opening, which acts as tamper evidence.

21. The method according toclaim 16, wherein said indicator provides a signal which starts automatically when said product is used, and stops automatically when said product is put away.

22. The method according toclaim 16, wherein said indicator provides a signal which starts automatically when said product is used, and stops automatically after a pre-set signal time.

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