Medication dispenser holder and system

Abstract

A holder for receiving a medicine dispenser or syringe. The holder facilitates the operation of the medicine dispenser while simultaneously providing distraction to a child. The holder includes a body with an opening therethrough sized to receive the barrel of the medicine dispenser and supports it therein. The body also includes various features to aid in utilizing the medicine dispenser to more securely hold and guide the medicine dispensing syringe during use. The body may also include a fanciful or whimsical housing design integrated into the holder to distract the child during use.

Description

MEDICATION DISPENSER HOLDER D SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 763,335, filed February 26, 2025, and the entire contents and substance of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth below.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to a holder for use with a medicine dispenser, more particularly, to a holder comprising a body for use with a medicine dispensing syringe to measure and orally administer liquid medication to an infant or child, and which includes features to assist in the dosing such as a grip, a stand adapted for use with a variety of different syringes, and an optional medication pacifier.BACKGROUND

[0003] When children are young and sick, they often need to be given medications multiple times a day. Since the medications may not taste good, babies and children often squirm around uncontrollably making it difficult to give an accurate dose of medication as recommended. If the medication is not given as recommended, the child’s discomfort and / or illness can continue, which can result in crying, more or stronger symptoms, and lack of sleep, all of which can cause anxiety for parents and children alike. Medication dispensing syringes are a known device that can help parents give an accurate dose of liquid medication to a baby or child with less discomfort.

[0004] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 A - IB a prior art medication dispenser, for example syringe 110, typically consists of a syringe barrel 104, a syringe base 106, plunger 108 and a dispensing tip 102. The syringe barrel 104 may be transparent to allow viewing of the liquid in the syringe barrel 104 and may include standard predetermined markings 109 to indicate the amount of liquid in the syringe 110. The plunger 108 is sized to be received within the syringe barrel 104 and may include a rubber seal 112. The dispensing tip 102 extends from a distal end of the syringe barrel 104 and may be tapered for insertion into the mouth of the child or baby for dispensing of the medicine. Alternately, as illustrated in prior art FIGS. IB - 1C, the dispensing tip 102 may be sized to insert into a medicine pacifier 114 to transfer the medication to the pacifier 114 for insertion into the mouth of the infant or child. In this case, the medication dispensing syringe 110 and pacifier 114 are used together as a system 101 for providing medicine to a child or infant.

[0005] For infants and young children, when they see a typical syringe, it can create fear and anxiety that they are receiving a shot. As a result, prior art devices such as the device 120 shown in FIG. ID are designed to disguise or hide a syringe. Such devices are typically used in conjunction with a single-size syringe and their primary purpose is to disguise the syringe from the child or infant. Another such prior art device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Pub. 2013 / 0149664.

[0006] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting a context of this disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] Although the use of a syringe combined with or without a pacifier to provide medicine to an infant or young child can aid in the delivery of the medicine, it can still create anxiety in the child during use when the child sees the syringe with the medication. The syringe itself can also be difficult to operate with one hand due to its small size. Prior art attempts to disguise a syringe generally work with a single size syringe and often hide the syringe barrel during use.

[0008] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure provide a holder for various sized syringes for dispensing medicine that conceals or hides elements of a traditional medicine dispensing syringe, aids the adult in the use of the syringe when holding, depressing and dispensing the medicine, while also keeping the syringe barrel visible as the liquid medication is measured and orally administered to the infant or child. The exterior surface of the body of the holder according to the present disclosure is designed in a manner to conceal elements of the syringe, while integrating the syringe barrel within the design without completely obscuring it.

[0009] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a medication dispenser holder including a body for receiving various sizes of conventional prior art liquid medication dispensing syringes, for example the dispensing syringe as shown in prior art FIG. 1 A and FIGS. 25-26, 39A as well as other styles of syringes. The body of the present disclosure facilitates operation of the medicine dispensing syringe while simultaneously providing distraction to the child. The body includes an opening therein sized to receive the syringe barrel and a slot to hold and support the syringe base during use. The bodyincludes a whimsical design (for example an animal, imaginary creature, or inanimate object), to distract the child or infant, and provides support to the syringe and includes a grip to allow the user to more securely hold and guide the medication dispensing syringe. In one exemplary embodiment, the body is formed into the shape of a rocket ship, while in another exemplary embodiment the body is shaped as a butterfly, although other designs may be utilized as would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0010] These aspects of the disclosure are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0012] The foregoing features may be more fully understood from the following description of the drawings. Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles disclosed herein. Since it is often impractical or impossible to illustrate and describe every possible embodiment, the figures provided depict one or more exemplary embodiments. The figures are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification but are not intended as a definition of the limits of any embodiment. Accordingly, the figures are not intended to limit the scopeof the invention. Like numbers in the figures denote similar elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure.

[0013] FIG. 1A is a side view of an exemplary prior art medicine dispenser;

[0014] FIG. IB is a side view of a second exemplary prior art medicine dispenser and pacifier;

[0015] FIG. 1C is a side perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment in use;

[0016] FIG. ID is a front perspective view of another prior art device designed to disguise or hide a syringe;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of first exemplary embodiment of a holder for use with a medicine dispenser according to the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of second exemplary embodiment of a holder for use with a medicine dispenser according to the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 with the pacifier removed;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 with the pacifier removed;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10;

[0028] FIG. 13 is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11;

[0029] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10;

[0030] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11;

[0031] FIG. 16 is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 with the medicine dispenser and pacifier removed;

[0032] FIG. 17 is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 with the medicine dispenser and pacifier removed;

[0033] FIG. 18 is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 16;

[0034] FIG. 19 is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17;

[0035] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 16;

[0036] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17;

[0037] FIG. 22 is a rear view of an exemplary first mating body portion of the holder of FIG. 2;

[0038] FIG. 23 is a rear view of an exemplary second mating body portion of the holder of FIG. 2 that mates with the first mating body portion of FIG. 22;

[0039] FIG. 24 is a rear view of an exemplary mating body portion of the holder of FIG.3;

[0040] FIG. 25 is the mating body portion of FIG. 24 with the medicine dispenser inserted;

[0041] FIG. 26 the mating body portion of FIG. 22 with the medicine dispenser inserted;

[0042] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the portion of holder in FIG. 25 within circle 27;

[0043] FIG. 28 is the holder shown in FIG. 27 with the medicine dispenser removed;

[0044] FIG. 28A is an exploded view of the holder shown in FIG. 28 with an exemplary insert separated from the exemplary mating body portion;

[0045] FIG. 28B is a rear view of the insert shown in FIG. 28 A;

[0046] FIG. 28C is a front view of the insert shown in FIG. 28A;

[0047] FIG. 28D is a top view of the insert shown in FIG. 28A;

[0048] FIG. 28E is a bottom view of the insert shown in FIG. 28A;

[0049] FIG. 29 is an enlarged, side, perspective view of a portion of medicine dispenser and pacifier in FIG. 2;

[0050] FIG. 30 is an enlarged, side, perspective view of the pacifier in FIG. 29;

[0051] FIG. 31 is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of the pacifier in FIG. 30;

[0052] FIG. 32 is a rear view of the pacifier shown in FIG. 2;

[0053] FIG. 33 is a top view of the pacifier shown in FIG. 32;

[0054] FIG. 34 is a front view of the pacifier shown in FIG. 32;

[0055] FIG. 35 is a rear view of the pacifier shown in FIG. 3;

[0056] FIG. 36 is a top view of the pacifier shown in FIG. 35;

[0057] FIG. 37 is a front view of the pacifier shown in FIG. 35;

[0058] FIG. 38A is a perspective view of third exemplary embodiment of a holder for use with a medicine dispenser according to the present disclosure including a stand;

[0059] FIG. 38B is a side perspective view of the holder of FIG. 38A in a standing position;

[0060] FIG. 38C is a front perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a holder for use with a medicine dispenser according to the present disclosure including a stand;

[0061] FIG. 39A is a rear view of the mating body portions of FIG. 22 and FIG. 24 in a disassembled or open state with the medicine dispenser supported therein;

[0062] FIG. 39B is a front perspective view of the holder in FIG. 39A in an assembled or closed state and in a standing position for use with a medicine dispenser according to the present disclosure with the medicine dispenser removed;

[0063] FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 39A in a standing position;

[0064] FIG. 41 is a side view of the holder of FIG. 40;

[0065] FIG. 42 is a side view of the holder of FIG. 41 during opening of the body; and

[0066] FIGS. 43-46 illustrate the first exemplary embodiment of the holder during use.DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0067] This disclosure includes examples and references of exemplary embodiments for the purposes of disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the devices, systems and methods disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings but are not limited in application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any references to examples, embodiments, components, elements or acts of the device herein referred to in the singular may also embrace embodiments including a plurality, and any references in plural to any embodiment, component, element, or act herein may also embrace embodiments including only a singularity (and / or unitary structure). References in the singular or plural form or unitary or separate components are not intended to limit the presently disclosed device, its components, acts, elements or howthey are connected unless expressly stated. The use herein of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereofis meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The use of the term “dispensing syringe” or “syringe” is not limited to a particular design and includes all types, styles and sizes of liquid medical dispensers that include a plunger. References to "or" may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using "or" may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all the terms described. It will be understood to one of skill in the art that the devices, methods and systems are capable of implementation in other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0068] Referring initially to FIGS. 2-17, the medication dispenser holder 200 includes a body 220 for use with a variety of styles and sizes of medication dispensing syringes, such as the exemplary medication dispensing syringe 210. Holder 200 facilitates the operation of the medication dispensing syringe 210 by providing support and additional components that are not typically found in devices to hide or conceal syringes and improve the user experience for the adult and child. As shown in the present embodiment, body 220 includes an opening 222 therethrough sized to receive the dispensing syringe 210. Opening 222 is sized and configured to fit at least a portion of the syringe barrel 204 therein so that barrel 204 is visible during use and is integrated into the design of the holder 200. The syringe barrel 204 extends along a longitudinal axis, “A” (FIGS. 10-11) and opening 222 is positioned within the body 220 such that the syringe barrel 204 is framed by the body 220 when inserted within opening 222. As illustrated, opposing surfaces 204a, 204b, (FIGS.12-13) of the barrel 204 are aligned with the opening 222 so that the fluid within the barrelcan be seen, regardless of the position of the holder 200 during use when dispensing the medication.

[0069] As best shown in FIGS. 22-24 and 19, in the present embodiment the body 220 comprises two or more parts, including first and second mating body portions 220a, 220b, which together form the body 220. The body portions 220a, 220b are designed to be removably attached to each other for ease of inserting and removing the syringe 210. Each of the body portions 220a, 220b may include mating elements, such as a male and female fasteners 254, 256 (respectively) shown in FIG. 39A. that may be snap fit or friction fit, for example, with a male and female connection, or otherwise fit together to releasably secure the body portions 220a, 220b for holding the syringe during use and are designed to come apart after use. To separate the body portions 220a, 220b after use, finger grooves 225a, 225b (FIG. 10) may be provided. As shown in FIG. 42, by reaching into the finger grooves 225a, 225b and grasping, the body portions 220a, 220b can be readily pulled apart for removal of syringe 210 and cleaning. The body 220 may be made of any suitable material that is rigid or semi-rigid for holding, and may also be microwavable, able to be boiled, and / or dishwasher safe for cleaning.1. Referring now to FIGS. 25-28 and 39A, each of the body portions 220a, 220b further include a channel 224 (See FIG. 28) that receives a lower portion of the syringe barrel 204 therein and a groove or slot 226 (best shown in FIG. 28A) sized to receive the base 206 of dispensing syringe 210. Each slot 226 on each body portion 220a, b also includes a flexible insert 228 flexible or comprises a flexible material that grips the base 206 of the dispensing syringe 210 (as shown in FIG. 27) to aid in retaining the syringe 210 within the holder 200 during use. In the present embodiment, each flexible insert 228 includes a U-shaped channel 229 (see FIGS. 29A-29B) on either side and may be made of rubber, although other shapes and materials may be utilized as would be known to those of skill in the art. Insert 228 further includes openings 230 which are optional. The U-shape and flexible nature of the insert 228 allows for bases of varying sizes to be inserted and retained by friction within the channel 229. In the present example rubber is utilized, although other suitable materials may also be used, as would be known to one of skill in the art.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 26, holder 200 is configured in an exemplary embodiment to receive a syringe from 5-10mL; however, the holder can be modified to fit other sized syringes. Syringe 210 includes various measurements Ml is the width of base 206, which may be between 1-2.5mm. M2 is the diameter of the base 206, which may be 22-35mm.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 10-11, as illustrated, body 220 also includes a whimsical design to distract the child or infant and can act as a grip to allow the user to more securely hold and guide the medication dispensing syringe 210. In one exemplary embodiment, the body 220 is formed into the shape of a rocket ship, while in another exemplary embodiment the body 220 is shaped as a butterfly, although other designs may be utilized as would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In either embodiment, the base 231 of the holder 200 supports the body 220 and aids in positioning the holder 200 in an upright position when not in use, as shown in FIG. 39. Base 231 is also wide enough to provide for a secure balance when standing up with the dispending syringe 210 or laying on a table. The base 231 may also act as a grip during use as shown in FIGS. 43-44 where the user can grasp the body 220 by placing their fingers resting on either side of the base 231 and dispensing the medicine by using their thumb to push the plunger 208.

[0072] In addition to the base 231, a stand 240 may also be provided as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 38A-38C. The plunger 208 is removably received within the stand 240 as shown, which may be used to aid in pushing the plunger 208 during use and as a stand for the holder 200 when not in use. Body 220 may also optionally include other elements to fit within the whimsical design that can be used to aid in holding the body 220 during use. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 45-46 the exemplary rocket design may include a pair of wings 244 which also may be griped during use. The wings 244 can be identical or dissimilar, or be any of a variety of elements, such as a fin for a whale, or ears of an elephant, as would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0073] The medicinal dispensing syringe 210 may be used in conjunction with a medicine dispensing pacifier 114, such as the prior art medicinal pacifiers shown in FIGS. 1B-1C or may be used without a medicine dispensing pacifier. When using a medicinal pacifier 114 the tip of the syringe is inserted into an opening in the face of pacifier 114 and enters a channel 116 fluidly connected to the nipple 118 for dispensing a medicant to the infant or child. Referring to FIGS. 29-37, an exemplary medicinal dispensing pacifier 246 according to the present disclosure is shown. Pacifier 246 includes a triangular shaped opening 248 and a flexible, circular seal 250. The shape of the opening 248 and seal 250 are exemplary and not limiting. In use, syringe 210 is inserted into opening 248 to form a seal with the pacifier 246 to prevent leakage of medication therethrough during use prior to dispensing, as described in greater detail below. The present exemplary embodiment also includes a curved medicine channel 252 (FIG. 31) that is intended to be placed facing either cheek, to bypass taste buds.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 39A-46, when using holder 220 a user may first fill the syringe 210 to the dosage recommended by the child's healthcare provider, for example by filling the syringe barrel 204 up to the appropriate markings 258. Using the finger grooves 225a, 225b, the user opens the body 200 and places the syringe 210 inside one of the mating body portions, for example 220a, with the base 206 of the syringe being inserted within the corresponding flexible insert 228a supported within groove 226a. The base 206 is inserted so that it is friction-fitted within the U-shaped channel 229 and gripped by the flexible insert 228. The portion of the syringe barrel 204 adjacent the base 206 is received within the channel 224, and the remaining portion of the syringe barrel 204 extends within opening 222. The user may then place the second mating body portion, for example 220b, on top of the first mating body portion 220a so that the openings 222a, 222b are aligned as well as the male and female members 254, 256. Pressure is then applied to snap or lock the body portions 220a, 220b together.

[0075] If a medicinal pacifier 246 is not used, the adult may then grip the holder at the base 231 as shown in FIGS. 43-44 or, depending upon the ornamental design of the body 220, grips another portion of the body, for example fins or wings 244 (FIGS. 45-46). The user then places the distal end of syringe tip 202 adjacent or into the child’s mouth. By slowly depressing the plunger 208 liquid medication is then slowly delivered into the child’s mouth.

[0076] If a medicinal pacifier 246 is used, after filling the syringe and placing it into the holder 200 as described herein, the distal end of the syringe tip 202 is then inserted into the pacifier’s opening 248, to form a seal, as is generally known when using medicinal pacifiers. The pacifier 246 is then inserted into the child’ s mouth. In the present exemplaryembodiment, placement is made so that the curved medicine channel 252 (FIG. 31) is facing either cheek, to bypass taste buds. Once the child is comfortably sucking, the user can dispense the medicine by slowly depressing the plunger 208. During dispensing, the user can grasp the body 220 at the base 231 or grasp protrusion 242 or wings 244 for support, as described above.

[0077] After the medication is fully dispensed, the body portions 220a, 200b may be separated by using the finger grooves 225a, 225b, to overcome the friction of the male and female members 254, 256 to remove the syringe 210 and clean it. Similarly, the pacifier 246 can be removed and cleaned.

[0078] While the principles of various embodiments have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0079] In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," "containing," "involving," or "having," and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items while only the terms “consisting only of’ or “consisting essentially of’ are to be construed in a limitative sense. References to "or" may be construed as inclusive sothat any terms described using "or" may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all the described terms.

Claims

CLAIMS2. A medication dispensing system comprising:a syringe including a barrel configured to receive liquid, a plunger supported within the barrel, a base at a proximal end and a dispensing tip at a distal end;a holder including a body having a proximal end and a distal end and including at least a first body portion and a second body portion each of the first and second body portions comprising:mating elements configured to be releasably secured to each other;a longitudinally extending opening therethrough sized to receive at least a portion of the barrel of the syringe;wherein the barrel of the syringe can be viewed through the opening; anda base sized to provide support to the body and including a slot configured to receive the base of the syringe.

3. The medication dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising an insert supported within the slot designed to grip the base of the syringe to aid in retaining the syringe within the holder.

4. The medication dispensing system of claim 2, wherein the insert is generally U-shaped.

5. The medication dispensing system of claim 2, wherein the insert is flexible or comprises a flexible material.

6. The medication dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to be grasped by a user by placing or resting their fingers on either side of the base.

7. The medication dispensing system of claim 1, wherein body is rigid or semi-rigid.

8. The medication dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the body has a shape of a rocket ship.

9. The medication dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the body has a shape of a butterfly.

10. The medication dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the base is enlarged relative to the body to create a stand configured to support the body on a surface.

11. The medication dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the longitudinally extending opening is U-shaped.

12. The medication dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the mating elements are friction fit.

13. The medication dispensing system of claim 11, wherein the body further includes finger grooves to aid in separating the mating elements.

14. A holder for use with a syringe including a barrel configured to receive liquid, a plunger supported within the barrel, a base at a proximal end and a dispensing tip at a distal end, the holder comprising:a body having a proximal end and a distal end and including at least a first body portion and a second body portion each of the first and second body portions comprising:mating elements configured to be releasably secured to each other;a longitudinally extending opening therethrough sized to receive at least a portion of the barrel of the syringe; andwherein upon the first body portion being releasably secured to the second body portion to support the syringe, the barrel of the syringe can be viewed through the opening disposed on either side of the syringe; anda base sized to provide support to the housing during use.

15. The holder of claim 1, wherein a base of the at least the first body portion and a base of the at least a second body portion includes a slot configured to receive the base of the syringe.

16. The holder of claim 15, further comprising an insert supported within the slot designed to grip the base of the syringe to aid in retaining the syringe within the holder.

17. The holder of claim 16, wherein the insert is flexible or comprises a flexible material.

18. The holder of claim 14, wherein the base is configured to be grasped by a user by placing or resting their fingers on either side of the base.

19. The holder of claim 14, wherein body is rigid or semi-rigid.

20. The holder of claim 14, wherein the base is enlarged relative to the body to create a stand configured to support the body on a surface.

21. The holder of claim 14 in combination with a medicinal dispensing pacifier, the pacifier including an opening in a face of the pacifier, the opening being fluidly connected to a nipple.

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