US20130062239A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20130062239A1
Application number: US13/485,795
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen M. Key
Original assignee: SPINFORMATION Inc
Current assignee: SPINLABEL TECHNOLOGIES Inc
Priority date: 2011-09-13
Filing date: 2012-05-31
Publication date: 2013-03-14
Also published as: WO2013039578A1

Abstract

The present application is directed to label measurement systems for a container and methods thereof. A base label may be adhered to the container, and measurement information displayed on the base label. A top label may cover at least a portion of the base label. The top label may be rotatable about the base label to a specific unit of measurement. The top label may have a transparent window allowing measurement information for the specific unit of measurement to be visible through the transparent window.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/534,320 filed on Sep. 13, 2011, titled “Interactive Package to Properly Illustrate the Correct Dosage of Medication,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed generally to labels, and more specifically to labels for consumer product containers that function as an aid to determine the correct dosage of medication.

BACKGROUND

Containers for consumer products have a limited amount of outer surface area for placement of labels on the container. This may pose a challenge to manufacturers of these consumer products to fit all of the information they want to deliver to the consumer, or are required by law to deliver to the consumer, in this limited area. In particular, packaging for prescription and over-the-counter medications may be required to specify a significant amount of information concerning dosage and frequency of consumption.

More than three billion prescriptions are written each year in the United States, and an estimated $18 billion is spent on over-the-counter medications. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are intended to be consumed by a patient according to specific instructions for dosage and frequency. Non-compliance with these instructions has been identified as a major obstacle to the effective delivery of health care. Compliance typically means consuming the correct dosage at the correct frequency as specified in the prescription or on the over-the-counter medication packaging. According to the World Health Organization, only about half of patients with chronic diseases living in developed countries comply with their medication instructions. The reasons for non-compliance are varied, ranging from simple forgetfulness, to confusion, to ambivalence. However, the effects of non-compliance are staggering, resulting in an estimated $290 billion dollars per year in avoidable medical expenses. Additionally, studies have shown that non-compliance results in about 125,000 deaths annually in the United States, and leads to 10-25 percent of hospital and nursing home admissions.

Many liquid medications are packaged and sold with some type of dose-dispensing device that may be used to accurately measure the recommended dose based on instructions on the label, product packaging, or separate printed literature included with the package. However, consumers may not use the dose-dispensing device included with the package. For example, the instructions for a medication may indicate the dosage in teaspoon or tablespoon amounts. The consumer may use a household spoon instead of the dose-dispensing device. These spoons are not necessarily meant to accurately measure a teaspoon or tablespoon amount, and overdosing or underdoing may occur.

In addition, some consumers may not be able to read the proper dosing instructions provided in text form with the medication because of vision problems or illiteracy. In other situations, the units of measure specified in the instructions may not match the units of measure on the dose-dispensing device. When the medication is in pill, tablet, or capsule form, the consumer may not understand how many pills constitute a dose.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to rotating label measurement systems for a container. An exemplary label measurement system may comprise a base label adhered to the container. The base label may have a back surface and a front surface, with measurement information printed on the front surface. The label measurement system may further comprise a top label covering at least a portion of the front surface of the base label. The top label may be rotatable about the base label. In various embodiments, the top label may have a transparent window allowing at least a portion of the printed measurement information to be displayed through the transparent window. Rotation of the top label may cause the transparent window to display measurement information for a specific unit of measurement.

According to additional exemplary embodiments, the present application may be directed to methods for delivering information associated with a container. An exemplary method may comprise adhering a base label having a back surface and a front surface to the container, with units of measurement printed on the front surface of the base label. At least a portion of the front surface of the base label may be covered by a rotating top label. A transparent window may be placed within the rotating top label, such that at least a portion of the units of measurement may be visible through the transparent window. The top label may be allowed to rotate to a specific unit of measurement, and an indicia associated with the specific unit of measurement may be displayed. An opening on the container for dispensing material may be provided, and the material may be dispensed until it is dispensed at or near an amount approximated by the indicia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a back view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a back view of an exemplary label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates a leading edge of an exemplary label affixed to a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary base label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a leading edge of an exemplary top label affixed to an exemplary base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary top label affixed to an exemplary base label and partially wrapped about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary top label with a window affixed to an exemplary base label and partially wrapped about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary top label with a window secured about a container and a portion of a base label visible through the window according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary base label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15A illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15B illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15C illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments

FIG. 16 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 23 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a front view of a base label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a front view of a top label according to various embodiments.

FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary base label and top label secured about a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 31 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method for measuring material dispensed from a container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 32 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method for measuring material dispensed from a container according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates various embodiments of afront surface108 of abase label100 for an object, such as a medication container, according to various embodiments. Thebase label100 comprises aleading edge102 and a trailingedge104. While theleading edge102 is oriented to the left and the trailing edge is oriented to the right as presented inFIG. 1, the orientation of theleading edge102 and the trailingedge104 could be reversed depending on which edge is first applied to the object. Both orientations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Base labelfront surface108 may comprise writing orother indicia106 thereon.

As used herein, the leading edge refers to the first edge to be affixed to the object and the trailing edge refers to the second edge to be affixed to the object or the overlapping leading edge. Depending on the orientation of the label and the object when the label is affixed to the object, either edge of the label may be the leading edge. The orientations presented in the figures are for convenience and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

FIG. 2 illustrates various embodiments of aback surface206 of thebase label100. In various embodiments, the base label backsurface206 comprises two strips of adhesive202 and204 on or immediately adjacent to the leading and trailing edges,102 and104, respectively. Base label leading edge adhesive202 may have aboundary208 defined as its limit on the base label backsurface206. Base label trailing edge adhesive204 may also have aboundary210. WhileFIG. 2 illustrates that the

adhesive strips

202 and204 are generally close to the base label leading and trailing

edges

102 and104, respectively, it is understood that the

adhesive strips

202 and204 may be continuous or discontinuous, and may extend across any portion of the base label backsurface206, including the entire base label backsurface206. In various embodiments, a length of thebase label100 may be selected to be slightly longer than a circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that the trailingedge104 overlaps theleading edge102, and the trailingedge104 is affixed to theleading edge102. In various embodiments, the length of thebase label100 may be selected to be approximately the same as the circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that theleading edge102 and the trailingedge104 do not overlap.

FIG. 3 illustrates various embodiments of afront surface306 of atop label300.Top label300 comprises aleading edge302 and a trailingedge304, andindicia308 may be imprinted on the top labelfront surface306.

Various embodiments of aback surface402 of thetop label300 are illustrated inFIG. 4. The top label backsurface402 may comprisevarious indicia408 printed thereon, as well as two strips of adhesive404 and406 on or immediately adjacent to the leading and trailing edges,302 and304, respectively. Top label leading edge adhesive404 may have aboundary410 defined as its limit on the top label backsurface402. Top label trailing edge adhesive406 may also have aboundary412. WhileFIG. 4 illustrates that the

adhesive strips

404 and406 are generally close to the top label leading and trailing

edges

302 and304, respectively, it is understood that the

adhesive strips

404 and406 may be continuous or discontinuous, and may extend across any portion of the top label backsurface402, including the entire top label backsurface402. In various embodiments, the

adhesive strips

404 and406 are confined to areas near the leading and trailing

edges

302 and304, respectively, so as not to obscure or interfere with the top label backsurface indicia408.

The base label adhesive202,204 and the top label adhesive404,406 may be applied in a variety of patterns as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The adhesive202,204,404,406 may be applied in strips, dots, droplets, circles, rectangles, squares, triangles, lines, and the like, as well as combinations of patterns.

A length of thetop label300 may be selected to be slightly longer than a circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that the toplabel trailing edge304 overlaps the toplabel leading edge302, and the toplabel trailing edge304 is affixed to the toplabel leading edge302. In various embodiments, the length of thetop label300 may be selected to be approximately the same as the circumference of the object on which it is placed, such that both theleading edge302 and the trailingedge304 do not overlap and are affixed to the base labelfront surface108.

FIG. 5A illustrates the application of thebase label100 to anexemplary container500 according to various embodiments. Thecontainer500 may be a glass or plastic bottle, or other type of container such as a metal can or a cardboard receptacle. The container may be round, rectangular, square, or any other shape known in the art. The term “container” is used here for convenience to describe exemplary embodiments. It is understood that the container may be any object, including non-containers.Container500 may comprise acap502 removably secured to abody504. Various embodiments of thebody504 may have anexterior surface506 that comprises aupper label panel508, alower label panel510, and a recessedsurface512 interposed between theupper label panel508 and thelower label panel510. As discussed below, thebase label100 may be applied to thecontainer500 at the recessedarea512 between theupper label panel508 and thelower label panel510.

In various embodiments, thetop label300 may be rotatable about thebase label100, as discussed below. In these embodiments, theupper label panel508 andlower label panel510 may function to restrict upward and downward movement of thetop label300 in relation to thecontainer500 such that thetop label300 generally remains in a position covering at least a portion of thebase label100.

FIG. 5B illustrates thecontainer500 with thebase label100 affixed to thecontainer500. Initially, as illustrated inFIG. 5A, baselabel leading edge102 is placed in contact with the recessedsurface512 of thecontainer500 and affixed to thecontainer500 by the leading edgeadhesive strip202. With relative motion between thecontainer500 and thebase label100, thebase label100 may be wrapped around thecontainer500 with the baselabel trailing edge104 now overlapping the baselabel leading edge102 such that the leading edgeadhesive strip202 holds the baselabel leading edge102 to thecontainer500 while the trailing edgeadhesive strip204 holds the baselabel trailing edge104 to the overlapped baselabel leading edge102.

In various embodiments as illustrated inFIG. 6, the length of thebase label100 may be substantially the same as a circumference of the recessedsurface512 of thecontainer500, which may allow the baselabel leading edge102 and baselabel trailing edge104 to abut rather than overlap. However, it is also possible that the length of thebase label100 may be shorter than the circumference of the recessedsurface512, resulting in agap702 between the baselabel leading edge102 and the baselabel trailing edge104 when thebase label100 is affixed to the recessed surface as illustrated inFIG. 7. In both of these instances, the base label trailing edgeadhesive strip204 may adhere to the recessedsurface512 of thecontainer500, rather than the baselabel leading edge102.

In various embodiments, the base label

adhesive strips

202,204 may comprise a permanent adhesive. In general, a permanent adhesive is one that does not readily release from a surface to which it adheres after the adhesive dries or cures. Using thebase label100 as an example, the

permanent adhesive

202,204 will tend not to release from the recessedsurface512, nor will it tend to release the baselabel leading edge102 or trailingedge104 once dried or cured. In order to remove the base label from the recessedsurface512, thebase label100 may have to be torn from the adhesive, or the

adhesive layer

202,204 may have to be fractured which may leave some of the adhesive on the recessedsurface512 and some of the adhesive on the baselabel leading edge102 or trailingedge104. Once the surfaces affixed with the permanent adhesive are separated, they may not be reattached.

InFIG. 8, thebase label100 is already affixed to the recessedsurface512 of thecontainer500, and the application of thetop label300 over thebase label100 is illustrated according to various embodiments. The toplabel leading edge302 may be placed in contact with any portion of the base labelfront surface108 and affixed to the base labelfront surface108 by the top label leading edgeadhesive strip404. With relative motion between thecontainer500 and thetop label300, thetop label300 may be wrapped around thecontainer500 with the toplabel trailing edge304 now overlapping the toplabel leading edge302 such that the top label leading edgeadhesive strip404 holds the toplabel leading edge302 to thebase label100 while the top label trailing edgeadhesive strip406 holds the toplabel trailing edge304 to the overlapped toplabel leading edge302.

FIG. 9 illustrates the operation of thebase label100 and thetop label300 according to various embodiments. Beginning with thecontainer500 with thebase label100 and thetop label300 in place as shown, for example, inFIG. 6, the toplabel trailing edge304 may be detached from the toplabel leading edge302 and at least partially peeled back as shown inFIG. 9. The combination of thebase label100 and thetop label300 in this configuration increases the amount of surface area available for viewing by a consumer or user of thecontainer500. Prior to detaching the toplabel trailing edge304, the consumer may view the top labelfront surface306. Upon detaching the toplabel trailing edge304, the consumer may now view the top label backsurface402 and the base labelfront surface108 in addition to the top labelfront surface306.

One of at least three types of adhesive may be used for the top label leading edge adhesive404. A first type of adhesive is the permanent adhesive as described above for thebase label100. When a permanent adhesive is used for the top label leading edge adhesive404, the top label leading edge generally cannot be detached without inflicting damage to one or both of thetop label300 or thebase label100. This may be desirable for various embodiments where thetop label300 is not intended to be removed from thecontainer500.

A second type of adhesive that may be used for the top label leading edge adhesive404 is a releasable adhesive. A releasable adhesive is one that will release from a surface to which it is attached once a sufficient mechanical force is applied. A releasable adhesive may be used, for example, when the top label backsurface402 comprises a coupon for a subsequent purchase of a product. The releasable adhesive may allow the consumer to easily remove thetop label300 for later use. In various embodiments, the releasable adhesive may be a breakaway adhesive. A breakaway adhesive may have limited ability to withstand shear stresses. Shear stresses may cause the adhesive bond created between the label (e.g., top label300) and the surface to which it is affixed (e.g., thebase label100 or container500) to fail along the adhesive. In general, a releasable or breakaway adhesive may not re-attach to a surface once removed.

A third type of adhesive that may be used for the top label leading edge adhesive404 is a resealable adhesive. A resealable adhesive may release from a surface to which it is attached once a sufficient mechanical force is applied, similar to the releasable adhesive described above. However, the resealable adhesive may be re-attached to a surface by applying pressure. A resealable adhesive may be desirable when the top label backsurface402 or the base labelfront surface108 comprise information that may be needed only on occasion. Thus, the consumer or user may detach thetop label300 when the information is needed, then re-attach thetop label300.

In various embodiments, the top label trailing edge adhesive406 may be a releasable adhesive or a resealable adhesive, depending on the intended use of thetop label300. As described above, if the

surfaces

108,402 comprise information that is intended to stay with the container, the top label trailing edge adhesive406 may be a resealable adhesive. In contrast, if thetop label300 is intended to be removed from thecontainer500, a releasable adhesive may be desirable.

FIG. 10 illustrates various embodiments of thetop label300 comprising awindow1002. Thewindow1002 may comprise a void in thetop label300 such that a portion of thebase label100 may be visible through the window. In various embodiments, thewindow1002 may have a transparent covering (not shown). In various other embodiments, the window may comprise a transparent section of thetop label300 itself rather than a void.FIG. 10 illustrates thetop label300 partially wrapped about acontainer1000, andbase label100 already in place on thecontainer1000. As shown, the top label leading edge adhesive404 maintains thetop label300 coupled to thebase label100. Thetop label300 may then be moved from the position illustrated inFIG. 10 to the position illustrated inFIG. 11 to secure thetop label300 about thecontainer1000. Top label trailing edge adhesive406 may couple to the toplabel leading edge302 if the toplabel leading edge302 and trailingedge304 overlap; otherwise, the top label trailing edge adhesive406 may be coupled to the base labelfront surface108.

Once thetop label300 is in position on thecontainer1000 as illustrated inFIG. 11, at least a portion of the base labelfront surface indicia106 may be visible through thewindow1002. This may allow viewing of a first portion of thebase label100 without removing thetop label300. In various embodiments, the top label leading edge adhesive404 may be a breakaway adhesive. Rotation of thetop label300 relative to thebase label100 may exert shear stresses on the breakaway adhesive, causing the adhesive bond affixing the toplabel leading edge302 to thebase label100 to fail. Thetop label300 may then be freely rotatable about thebase label100, and a second portion of thebase label100 may be visible when thetop label300 is rotated to a second position. Thewindow1002 may be rectangular as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, or any other shape as needed for a particular application. For example, thewindow1002 may be a slit that reveals an alphanumeric string on thebase label100. In various embodiments, thetop label300 may comprise more than onewindow1002. Various embodiments in which the top label trailing edge adhesive406 is a resealable or releasable adhesive may allow thetop label300 to be peeled back to reveal the top label backsurface402 and essentially the entire base labelfront surface108 or to be removed from thecontainer1000, in addition to being rotatable.

One skilled in the art will readily recognize that labels may be applied to containers using a variety of methods and that there may be a variety of single-label and multi-label systems other than those described above. Any such application methods or label systems may be used with the present disclosure. The above descriptions are exemplary and not to be construed as limiting in any way. Examples of other application methods and label systems may be disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,884,421, 6,086,697, 6,237,269, 6,402,872, 6,631,578, 6,649,007, 7,087,298, and 7,172,668.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate abase label100 andtop label300, respectively, that may comprise a label measurement system for a container, such as a medication container1405 (seeFIG. 14) according to various embodiments. Thebase label indicia106 may comprise a plurality of individual measurement information indicia1205-1255 printed thereon. Thetop label300 may compriseindicia308 relaying product-related information, safety-related information, manufacturer-related information, and the like. In various embodiments, the top label may contain atransparent window1002 as described previously (seeFIG. 10).

In various embodiments, the plurality of measurement information indicia1205-1255 may comprise illustrations of a second container, such as a measurement spoon, measurement cup, spray dispenser, inhaler, and the like used to dispense the contents of thecontainer1405. For example, as shown inFIG. 12, the measurement information indicia1205-1255 may comprise illustrations of a measurement spoon. Each measurement information indicia1205-1255 may illustrate a different dose amount. Additionally, the measurement information indicia1205-1255 may indicate the dose in a variety of formats, such as pictorial, graphical, and numerical.

Referring to the first measurement information indicia1205 of a measurement spoon, theindicia1205 may comprise a series ofgradient lines1260 that divide the measurement spoon into dose amounts or portions of dose amounts. In the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 12, thegradient lines1260 indicate dose amounts of milliliters (mL) and half milliliters between eachmilliliter gradient line1260. Corresponding to at least a portion of thegradient lines1260, the measurement information indicia1205 may comprise numerical indicia for the specific unit ofmeasurement1265. As shown inFIG. 12, the specific units ofmeasurement1265 indicate each milliliter of volume (i.e., 4 mL, 5 mL, 6 mL, 7 mL, etc.). One skilled in the art will readily recognize that any unit of measurement (e.g., milliliters, ounces, teaspoons, tablespoons, etc.) may be used in various embodiments, and thegradient lines1260 may indicate any whole number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) of units or partial units (e.g., ½, ½, ¼, etc.).

In various embodiments, each measurement information indicia1205-1255 may comprise a shadedsection1270 that visually indicates to a user the proper amount to dispense from the container1405 (i.e., the proper level to fill the second container) for the indicated dose. For example, the shadedsection1270 of the measurement information indicia1205 indicates 4½ mL, the shadedsection1270 of measurement information indicia1210 indicates 5 mL, the shadedsection1270 of measurement information indicia1215 indicates 5½ mL, and so on. Each measurement information indicia1205-1255 may also comprise numerical representation of thedosage1275. In various embodiments, the numerical representation of thedosage1275 may be spaced apart from thegradient lines1260 and the specific units ofmeasurement1265 such that the numerical representation of thedosage1275 may be displayed separately or independently. For example, the user may not be familiar with the abbreviation “mL” as shown inFIG. 12. However, the user may instead match the number “5” of numerical representation of thedosage1275 in themeasurement information indicia1210 with the specific unit ofmeasurement1265 that also indicates “5” and fill the second container to thegradient line1260 corresponding to “5” and obtain the correct dose.

FIG. 14 illustrates thebase label100 positioned on thecontainer1405 according to various embodiments. As discussed above, thebase label100 may comprise a plurality of measurement information indicia1205-1255 printed on the front surface such that the measurement information indicia1205-1255 at least partially encircle thecontainer1405.FIGS. 15A through 15C illustrate thetop label300 in place over thebase label100 thecontainer1405 according to various embodiments. Thebase label100 and thetop label300 may comprise a label measurement system that may be used, for example, on amedication container1405 to provide additional functionality that may allow a consumer to obtain a wide variety of information about the product in thecontainer1405 in addition to the label measurement system. For example, thebase label100 and thetop label300 may provide information concerning the company that produced the product, drug facts, drug interactions, games, contests, information on related products or services, or any other information.FIG. 15A illustrates thetop label300 in place over thebase label100. As described previously, thetop label300 may be applied such that thetop label300 is rotatable around a circumference of thecontainer1405. InFIG. 15A, thetop label300 has been rotated in the direction of the arrow revealing at least one of the measurement information indicia1205-1255 through thetransparent window1002 in thetop label300. Similarly,FIGS. 15B and 15C illustrate thetop label300 further rotated in the direction of the arrow, thus revealing a different one of the measurement information indicia1205-1255 through thetransparent window1002 of thetop label300. Thetop label300 may be rotated until the desired measurement information indicia1205-1255 is visible in thetransparent window1002. AlthoughFIGS. 15A-15C illustrate a single measurement information indicia1205-1255 visible through thetransparent window1002, two or more measurement information indicia1205-1255 may simultaneously be visible through thetransparent window1002 in various embodiments.

The measurement information indicia1205-1255 as shown inFIGS. 15A through 15C illustrate a measuring spoon (also known as a dosing spoon) commonly used to dispense a liquid medication. Such measuring spoons are often used when the patient taking the medication is a child in order to facilitate measuring the medication and administering it to the child. The measuring spoon is often packaged with the medication and delivered to the consumer. Instructions detailing the proper dose may be printed on thetop label300. However, the consumer may not read the instructions, may misunderstand the instructions, or may be unable to read the instructions, all of which may lead to the administering of a dangerously low or high dose.

In various embodiments, the health care provider dispensing the medication may rotate theouter label300 until the measurement information indicia1205-1255 corresponding to the proper dose is visible through thetransparent window1002. The consumer may then simply look at the measurement information indicia1205-1255 and determine the correct dose, which may be accomplished in a number of ways without reading any instructions or even being able to read the instructions. In the exemplary situation where the prescribed dose is 8 mL, theouter label300 may be rotated to the position shown inFIG. 15C. The consumer may observe that the shadedsection1270 of the measurement information indicia1240 is at the specific unit ofmeasurement1265 at the 8 mL mark, and then fill the second container (e.g., the measuring spoon) to the 8 mL mark. Alternatively, the consumer may fill the second container until the amount of material in the second container is approximately the same as that indicated by the shadedsection1270. The consumer may also fill the second container until the material fills the second container to thesame gradient line1260 indicated in themeasurement information indicia1240. Finally, the consumer may observe the numerical representation of thedose1275 and fill the second container to the matching number.

In various embodiments, thetop label300 may include instructions to aid the consumer in the use and interpretation of the measurement information indicia1205-1255 visible in thetransparent window1002. For example, thetop label300 inFIG. 15A may comprisefirst instruction1505 associated with the numerical representation of thedosage1275, such as “Find Dose” or other similar instruction. Thefirst instruction1505 instructs the consumer to find the dose corresponding to the numerical representation of the dosage1275 (in this case, 7) on the second container (e.g., the measuring spoon) and fill the second container to that level. Various embodiments of thetop label300 may also comprise asecond instruction1510 to facilitate the use of thegradient lines1260, the specific unit ofmeasurement1265, and the shadedsection1270. For example, thetop label300 inFIG. 15A may comprisesecond instruction1510 such as “Fill Dosing Spoon to Indicated Level” or other similar instruction. Thesecond instruction1510 may instruct the consumer to fill the second container until it approximately matches themeasurement information indicia1240.

Another common form of dispensing medication is by a cup.FIGS. 16 through 18 illustrates various embodiments in which thebase label indicia106 comprises a plurality of individual measurement information indicia1605-1630 printed thereon in the form of a measurement cup. The individual measurement information indicia1605-1630 may also comprisegradient lines1260, specific units ofmeasurement1265, and shadedsection1270. Thebase label100 may also comprise numerical representation of thedosage1275 as described previously forFIG. 12. In certain situations, consultation with a health care provider may be required before consuming the medication. In various embodiments as illustrated inFIG. 16, at least one of the measurement information indicia1630 may include directions such as “Ask Doctor” or “Consult Health Care Provider” or other similar instruction instead of a specific dose.

Various embodiments of thetop label100 may comprise a secondtransparent window1705 in addition to thetransparent window1002 described previously. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 18, thetransparent window1002 may display one or more of the measurement information indicia1605-1630, while the secondtransparent window1705 may display the numerical representation of thedose1275. The secondtransparent window1705 may be used to highlight the numerical representation of the dose so that the numerical value is more readily apparent.

Medications may also be administered by a syringe, andFIGS. 19 through 21 illustrates the label measurement system adapted for such a delivery system according to various embodiments. The measurement information indicia1905-1955 of thebase label100 may comprise illustrations of syringes havinggradient lines1260, specific units ofmeasurement1265, andshaded sections1270 representing increasing size of the dose as described previously. Thebase label100 may also comprise numerical representations of thedosage1275 that may be visible through atransparent window1002 as illustrated inFIG. 21, or a secondtransparent window1705 as illustrated inFIG. 17.FIG. 20 illustrates various embodiments in which the size of thetransparent window1002 may be adapted to correspond to the general shape of each measurement information indicia1905-1955. For example, the measurement information indicia1905-1955 ofFIG. 19 depicts syringes, which are generally long and narrow in shape and thetransparent window1002 conforms to the same general shape. However, inFIG. 16, the measurement information indicia1605-1630 depict measurement cups which have a more square shape and thetransparent window1002 inFIG. 17 conforms to the generally square shape.

Similar to the syringe described above, a dropper may also be used to dispense the medication, andFIGS. 22 through 24 illustrates the label measurement system adapted for such a delivery system according to various embodiments. The measurement information indicia2205-2255 of thebase label100 may comprise illustrations of droppers havinggradient lines1260, specific units ofmeasurement1265, andshaded sections1270 to represent increasing size of the dosage as described previously. Thebase label100 may also comprise numerical representations of thedosage1275 that may be visible through atransparent window1002 as illustrated inFIG. 23, or a secondtransparent window1705 as illustrated inFIG. 17.

WhileFIGS. 12 through 24 illustrate various embodiments adapted for liquid medications, the label measurement system may also be adapted for use with solid medications such as pills, tablets, capsules, and the like. For example, the measurement information indicia2505-2530 ofFIG. 25 may depict pills, tablets, or capsules in the palm of a hand in the same way the consumer may shake pills, tablets, or capsules out of thecontainer1405 into their hand. Consequently, there may be no need forgradient lines1260 or shadedsections1270 as there may be no second container for dispensing the medication as with liquid medication. The measurement information indicia2505-2530 may comprise specific units ofmeasurement1265 in the form of pictorial representations of the number of pills, tablets, or capsules in each dose. For example, measurement information indicia2505 depicts one pill, measurement information indicia2510 depicts11/2 pills, measurement information indicia2515 depicts2 tablets, and so on. Thebase label100 may also comprise numerical representations of thedosage1275 corresponding to the specific units ofmeasurement1265.

Returning to liquid medications, a nasal inhaler may also be used to dispense medications by spraying the medication one or more times from the inhaler.FIGS. 28-30 illustrate various embodiments of the label measurement system adapted for inhalers. The specific units ofmeasurement1265 may depict the number of sprays in each dose, and the dose may be further depicted in the number of inhalers in each of the measurement information indicia2805-2825 inFIG. 28. For example, measurement information indicia2805 depicts a single inhaler for a one-spray dose and the corresponding number “1” as the specific unit ofmeasurement1265, measurement information indicia2810 depicts two inhalers for a two-spray dose and the corresponding number “2” as the specific unit ofmeasurement1265, measurement information indicia2815 depicts three inhalers for a three-spray dose and the corresponding number “3” as the specific unit ofmeasurement1265, and so on. Thebase label100 may also comprise numerical representations of thedosage1275 corresponding to the specific units ofmeasurement1265.

Various embodiments may also be used to determine a proper dose based on consumer-related information. For example, thebase label100 may comprise a plurality of values related to the consumer-related information. The plurality of values may be presented numerically, graphically, or both. The consumer-related information may be, for example, height, weight, age, blood pressure, body temperature, level of pain or other discomfort, level of energy, level of mobility, and the like. The plurality of consumer-related information values may be positioned on thebase label100 such that when thetop label300 is rotated to a position where the desired consumer-related information value is visible in the

transparent window

1002,1705, the proper dose is also visible in the

transparent window

1002,1705.

In addition to the dispensing of liquids or solids as described above, the label measurement system may be used withcontainers1405 of mixtures of liquids and solids, such as solids dissolved in liquids and solids dispersed in a liquid.

Thetop label300 may comprise a dual ply (or multi-ply) construction in which a ply in contact with thebase label100 is a material selected for low sliding friction characteristics. The low sliding friction characteristics may enhance the ease of rotating and sliding thetop label300 about thebase label100. In various embodiments, thetop label300 ply in contact with thebase label100 may be coated with a substance to impart the low sliding friction characteristics.

FIG. 31 illustrates a general flow chart of various embodiments of amethod3100 for measuring material dispensed from a container. Abase label100 may be applied to a container1405 (step3105). Thebase label100 may have aback surface206 and afront surface108. A plurality of units of measurement may be printed on thefront surface108 of thebase label100. Referring, for example, toFIG. 12, the units of measurement may comprise specific units ofmeasurement1265 such as 1 mL, 2 mL, 3 mL, etc., or any other unit of measurement. Atstep3110, at least a portion of thebase label100 may be covered with a rotatingtop label300. In various embodiments, thebase label100 may be coupled to thecontainer1405 while thetop label300 is free to rotate about thebase label100. Atransparent window1002 may be placed within a portion of the rotatingtop label300 atstep3115 such that at least a portion of the specific units ofmeasurement1265 is visible through thetransparent window1002. As thetop label100 is rotated about thebase label100, one or more of the other specific units of measurement may alternately be visible through thetransparent window1002. In various embodiments, more than one of the specific units ofmeasurement1265 may be visible through thetransparent window1002. In various other embodiments, thetop label300 may comprise at least a secondtransparent window1705 such that multiple indicia may be visible simultaneously through the multiple

transparent windows

1002,1705. Thetop label300 may be allowed to rotate atstep3120 to a specific unit ofmeasurement1265 that may correspond to a desired dose. When thetop label300 is rotated to the desired specific unit ofmeasurement1265, an indicia associated with the specific unit ofmeasurement1265 may be displayed in thetransparent window1002 or the second transparent window1705 (step3125). Referring again toFIG. 12, the indicia may comprise a numerical representation of thedosage1275. At step3130, an opening may be provided in thecontainer1405 for dispensing material from thecontainer1405. The material may be dispensed from thecontainer1405 until an amount dispensed is at or near an amount approximated by the indicia.

FIG. 32 illustrates a general flow chart of various embodiments of amethod3200 for measuring material dispensed from a container. Abase label100 may be applied to a container1405 (step3205). Thebase label100 may have aback surface206 and afront surface108. A plurality of units of measurement may be printed on thefront surface108 of thebase label100. Referring, for example, toFIG. 12, the units of measurement may comprise specific units ofmeasurement1265 such as 1 mL, 2 mL, 3 mL, etc., or any other unit of measurement, andgradient lines1260 corresponding to each of the specific units ofmeasurement1265. Atstep3210, at least a portion of thebase label100 may be covered with a rotatingtop label300. In various embodiments, thebase label100 may be coupled to thecontainer1405 while thetop label300 is free to rotate about thebase label100. Atransparent window1002 may be placed within a portion of the rotatingtop label300 atstep3215 such that at least a portion of the specific units ofmeasurement1265 is visible through thetransparent window1002. As thetop label100 is rotated about thebase label100, one or more of the other specific units of measurement may alternately be visible through thetransparent window1002. In various embodiments, more than one of the specific units ofmeasurement1265 may be visible through thetransparent window1002. In various other embodiments, thetop label300 may comprise at least a secondtransparent window1705 such that multiple indicia may be visible simultaneously through the multiple

transparent windows

1002,1705. Thetop label300 may be allowed to rotate atstep3220 to a specific unit ofmeasurement1265 that may correspond to a desired dose. When thetop label300 is rotated to the desired specific unit ofmeasurement1265, agradient line1260 associated with the specific unit ofmeasurement1265 may be displayed in thetransparent window1002 or the second transparent window1705 (step3225). Atstep3230, an opening may be provided in thecontainer1405 for dispensing material from thecontainer1405. The material may be dispensed from thecontainer1405 until an amount dispensed is at or near an amount approximated by thegradient line1260.

In various embodiments, all or a portion of theindicia106 may be imprinted, embossed, or molded directly on an outer surface of thecontainer1405 in place of all or a portion of thebase label100. The imprinting or embossing may be carried out using any printing or image transfer method known in the art. In various embodiments, the printing or image transfer method may be an offset process in which an image is transferred from a plate to an intermediate carrier, then to the outer surface of thecontainer1405. The offset process may also involve lithographic techniques. Other printing or image transfer methods may comprise, for example, flexography, pad printing, relief printing, rotogravure, screen printing, and electrophotography. According to various embodiments, theindicia106 may be digitally printed on the outer surface of thecontainer1405 using, for example, inkjet printing or laser printing. Chemical printing technologies, such as blueprint or diazo print may also be used in various embodiments.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising”, and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A rotating label measurement system for a container, comprising:

a base label adhered to the container, the base label having a front surface with printed measurement information;

an opaque rotating top label covering at least a portion of the front surface of the base label;

a transparent window within a portion of the opaque rotating top label, the transparent window displaying at least a portion of the printed measurement information; and

wherein rotation of the opaque rotating top label causes the transparent window to display measurement information for a specific unit of measurement.

2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the printed measurement information includes a gradient line for the specific unit of measurement.

3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the printed measurement information includes the specific unit of measurement.

4. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the gradient line indicates a level of material dispensed from the container into a predetermined second container.

5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the material is a liquid, a solid or any combination thereof.

6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the printed measurement information includes an indicia for the specific unit of measurement.

7. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the printed measurement information includes the specific unit of measurement.

8. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the indicia indicates an amount of material dispensed from the container.

9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the indicia is any of a pill, a tablet, an inhaler, or a nose spray container.

10. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a numerical representation of the measurement information.

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in the transparent window.

12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in a second transparent window.

13. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising consumer-related information printed on the base label.

14. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the consumer-related information comprises a plurality of numerical values.

15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the consumer-related information and the measurement information are positioned on the base label such that displaying one of the plurality of consumer-related information values in the transparent window causes a predetermined portion of the measurement information to also be displayed in the transparent window.

16. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the consumer-related information and the measurement information are positioned on the base label such that displaying one of the plurality of consumer-related information values in the transparent window causes a predetermined portion of the measurement information to be displayed in a second transparent window.

17. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the consumer-related information comprises a graph.

18. A rotating label measurement system for a container comprising:

measurement information on an outer surface of the container;

an opaque rotating top label covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the container; and

a transparent window within a portion of the opaque rotating top label, the transparent window displaying at least a portion of the measurement information;

19. The system ofclaim 18, wherein at least a portion of the measurement information is imprinted on the outer surface of the container.

20. The system ofclaim 18, wherein at least a portion of the measurement information is embossed on the outer surface of the container.

21. The system ofclaim 18, wherein at least a portion of the measurement information is molded on the outer surface of the container.

22. The system ofclaim 18, wherein the measurement information includes a gradient line for the specific unit of measurement.

23. The system ofclaim 22, wherein the gradient line indicates a level of material dispensed from the container into a predetermined second container.

24. The system ofclaim 18, further comprising consumer-related information on the outer surface of the container.

25. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the consumer-related information comprises a plurality of numerical values.

26. The system ofclaim 25, wherein the consumer-related information and the measurement information are positioned on the outer surface of the container such that displaying one of the plurality of consumer-related information values in the transparent window causes a predetermined portion of the measurement information to also be displayed in the transparent window.

27. The system ofclaim 25, wherein the consumer-related information and the measurement information are positioned on the outer surface of the container such that displaying one of the plurality of consumer-related information values in the transparent window causes a predetermined portion of the measurement information to be displayed in a second transparent window.

28. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the consumer-related information comprises a graph.

29. A method for measuring material dispensed from a container, the method comprising:

adhering a base label to the container, the base label having a front surface with printed units of measurement;

covering at least a portion of the front surface of the base label with a rotating top label;

placing a transparent window within a portion of the rotating top label, the transparent window allowing at least a portion of the units of measurement to be visible through the transparent window;

allowing the top label to rotate to a specific unit of measurement;

displaying an indicia associated with the specific unit of measurement; and

providing an opening on the container for dispensing material and allowing the material to be dispensed until it is dispensed at or near an amount approximated by the indicia.

30. The method ofclaim 29, further comprising displaying a gradient line for the specific unit of measurement.

31. The method ofclaim 30, wherein the gradient line indicates a level of material dispensed from the container into a predetermined second container.

32. The method ofclaim 29, further comprising displaying a numerical representation of the specific unit of measurement.

33. The method ofclaim 32, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in the transparent window.

34. The method ofclaim 32, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in a second transparent window.

35. A method for measuring material dispensed from a container, the method comprising:

allowing the top label to rotate to a specific unit of measurement;

displaying a gradient line associated with the specific unit of measurement;

providing an opening on the container for dispensing material and allowing the material to be dispensed into a predetermined second container until the material is at or near a level on the predetermined second container approximated by the gradient line.

36. The method ofclaim 35, further comprising displaying a numerical representation of the specific unit of measurement.

37. The method ofclaim 36, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in the transparent window.

38. The method ofclaim 36, wherein the numerical representation of the measurement information is displayed in a second transparent window.