GB2479143A

GB2479143A - Reminder device

Info

Publication number: GB2479143A
Application number: GB201005310A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sona Portoian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-30
Filing date: 2010-03-30
Publication date: 2011-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-30
Also published as: GB2479143B; GB201005310D0

Abstract

A reminder device has a clock 1, an alarm and an alarm-setting region comprising switches 14 representing set times. The switches are turned on or off according to whether the alarm should go off at that set time. The device may be in the form of a bracelet with the switches on the inner surface 12, and the clock and an alarm stop button 5 on the outer face 3. The device may be used to reminder a user to take medicine.

Description

Reminder Device The present invention relates to devices for alerting a user that it is a particular time of day. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices for reminding users that it is time to perform a particular action, such as take a medication.

People who suffer from forgetftilness, or from medical conditions such as Alzheimer' s or dementia or the like, often find it hard to remember to perform 1 0 certain actions. Alzheimer's sufferers, for example, can have little or no concept of time or date depending on the severity of the disease.

This can be particularly problematic if such a person is required to take medications at certain times in the day, since there is the likelihood that they will not remember at the appropriate time and thus risk missing a particular dose. It is often extremely important that medications are taken at precise times every day, since otherwise the efficacy of the medication may be reduced.

In order to reduce the risk that times are forgotten, it is often the case that the sufferer might surround themselves with a number of timers and clocks so that they do not miss the time. In other instances, the carer may be followed around by the sufferer and constantly be asked to check if it is time for taking the medication.

This can lead to unwanted stress and concern for both the sufferer and the carer, since both may be constantly on edge in case the crucial time to take the medication is missed.

There exist a variety of pill reminder boxes which have some sort of alarm system. However, they are relatively large (since they are designed to carry the actual tablets as well as having a timer) and heavy, and are also relatively complicated to use, especially by someone who may be elderly or may not have the mental capacity to work the various timer settings.

Faced with this problem, the present inventor has developed a device which is simple to use and can be easily carried by the person who needs the reminding.

In this regard, the present invention relates to a device which comprises a clock, an alarm, and a simple-to-use mechanism to set the time or times when the alarm 1 0 is required to be activated. In keeping with the technological age we live in, the clock is preferably a digital clock.

The clock can be set by conventional means that are well known to a person of skill in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is in the form of a strap which, when in use, forms a bracelet, which can be worn around the wrist of the user. Herein, the terms strap' and bracelet' are interchangeable and refer to the same device but in different configurations.

Preferably the bracelet is lightweight. Preferably the bracelet is at least partially water resistant, such that the bracelet can remain on the body of a user even during bathing, or whilst swimming etc. The bracelet is preferably flexible, such that it conforms to the shape of the wrist without discomfort. This may be important in elderly users, since a rigid bracelet may cause bruising and the like. The skilled person will know of suitable materials from which the bracelet can be made, such as a variety of plastics materials.

The present invention is now explained with reference to the figures, wherein: Figure 1 depicts one embodiment of the outerside of the device of the present invention; Figure 2A depicts one embodiment of the innerside of the device of the present invention; Figure 2B depicts a close-up view of a switch as depicted in Figure 2A; and Figure 3 depicts one embodiment of the device of the present invention as a bracelet.

The strap/bracelet is designed to have a clock region, which shows the time of day, and an alarm-setting region. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device wherein the clock region (1) is preferably situated on what, in use, will be the outerside (3) of the bracelet, such that the user can conveniently use the reminder device as they would a normal wrist watch.

In a preferred embodiment, the device will have a stop mechanism (5) which can be used to deactivate the alarm. Preferably the stop mechanism is a button or switch. The stop mechanism should be relatively easily accessible, and as such may be positioned on the outerside (3) of the device. Preferably the stop mechanism (5) is position reasonably close to the clock region (1). Alternatively, the stop mechanism (5) may be positioned on the side of the device, in a configuration that is typically seen in standard wrist watches.

The outerside (3) of the device may have a region (7) where further information can be displayed. Such information may be the name of the wearer and / or their address, or other information as appropriate. The length of the region (7) can be of any appropriate length. Moreover, the region (7) may not be visibly distinguishable from the remainder of the device, or else it may be a distinct region (e.g. it is made of different material from the remainder of the device; it is depressed from surrounding material; it has e.g. a ridge around the region demarking it from the rest of the strap etc.).

In some embodiments, the alarm-setting region of the device can be positioned either on the outerside of the bracelet (instead of or in addition to the region (7) for displaying information) or on the innerside of the bracelet.

In a preferred embodiment, and as exemplified in Figure 2A, the alarm-setting region (10) is positioned on the innerside (12) of the bracelet, such that once the alarm times are set the region (10) is then hidden from the user. This may be advantageous in certain cases if, for example, the user has a tendency to play with the device, which could accidentally result in cancellation or resetting of alarm times.

In one embodiment, the mechanism for setting the alarm comprises at least one switch (14). The at least one switch (14) preferably is positioned in the alarm-setting region (10).

It is necessary that the alarm mechanism is easy to set. In this regard, in a typical digital watch an alarm is set by manipulating various (typically small) push buttons on the side of the watch and then setting' the alarm time. This is not suited for the present device, since it is quite a complicated procedure.

Instead, the present device uses switches (14) to set the alarm time. These switches (14) are designed such that they can be easily manipulated by the user, typically with a finger or with a fingernail, but such that they cannot easily be knocked out of position. Such switches are preferably ones wherein it can be easily ascertained whether the switch is in an off or an on' position, such as for example rocker switches, toggle switches or slide switches (such as those provided by Maplin). Each switch (14) represents a particular time of day in which an alarm is to be activated. Typically such times will be on the hour', but in various embodiments of the device there can be a variety of switches representing half-hours etc. In such embodiments, it may be the case that in order to set an alarm on the half-hour, a combination of an hour' switch and a half-hour' switch will be required to be set.

The number of switches (14) can therefore depend on the required alarm timings to be used throughout the day. However, typically there is no need for alarms during at least part of the night. Thus, in one embodiment there can be switches for about 20 hours of the day, for example ranging from OSOOhrs (5am) to 0000hrs (midnight). Alternatively, if the user might be a child and thus spend only school hours away from home, then the skilled person will appreciate that fewer switches may be required, such that only the hours of between, say, O700hrs and 1 700hrs are necessary.

Preferably the switches (14) are positionable between an off position (16) and an on' position (18), as further exemplified in Figure 2B. The switches (14) are designed to act in concert with the clock such that when the time on the clock corresponds with the time of a particular switch (14), an alarm is initiated. The skilled person will be well aware of how such switches (14) can be associated with the clock of the device such that an alarm activates at set times.

In some embodiments, the setting of the alarm is not completed with simple movement of the switch(es) (14) from an off' to an on' position, but instead requires a confirmatory command to set the alarm time. Such a command is typically achieved through a set' button (20), which then primes the alarm. Such a set button (20) is typically situated in the alarm-setting region (10), but can be positioned elsewhere on the device.

In a preferred embodiment, the alarm-setting region (10) further comprises a protective cover (22), which is positionable over the alarm switches (14) and/or set button (20). This may add an extra level of security from unintentional movement of the switches (14). The protective cover (22) may be at least partly integral with the device (e.g. connected to the device via one edge) or can be a separate entity which can be removed completely from the device. The cover can 1 0 be connected to the device in any conventional manner. Preferably it is connectable to the device by means which allow the device to remain at least partially water resistant. Such a connection may be, for example, a tight push-fit of the cover (22) over the alarm-setting region (10), although the skilled person will be aware of other suitable arrangements.

The device of the present invention is preferably configured such that the alarm is activated for any amount of time that is required. In some embodiments, the alarm may activate for a relatively short amount of time, such as for one minute or so.

However, it is preferred that the alarm is activated continuously until it is manually deactivated. This may be especially useful for forgetful people, as it constantly reminds the person to perform an action, and the alarm will continue until the action has been performed and the user then switches it off In one embodiment of the present invention, the alarm is an aural alarm, such as a beeping or ringing sound. It could also be a voice-command, such that when the alarm is activated there is a voice repeatedly telling the user what to do, such as "Take your medication".

Alternatively, or in addition to the aural alarm, the alarm can be a visual alarm, such as a flashing of lights which may be incorporated into the strap (not shown in the figures) or the flashing of the clock face. Alternatively, or in addition, the alarm could be a mechanical alarm, such as a vibrating alarm. Tn this regard, a vibrating alarm may be particularly useful for deaf users. Vibrating mechanisms are well known to the skilled person, such as those found in mobile telephones and the like, and can be easily incorporated into the device.

In order to deactivate the alarm, the alarm of the present device can be stopped by the user manipulating a button (5) or the like.

1 0 The clock and/or alarm system of the device is typically powered by batteries, although it is envisaged that there may be other energy sources employed such as those used in kinetic watches, where no batteries are required and it is the movement of the body that is converted to energy to power the clock and alarm system.

In some embodiments, the device is provided with an integral power source situated e.g. within the strap, which when expired results in the disposal of the device. Alternatively, the device may be provided with a battery access hatch, which can be used to change the battery when it expires. Preferably, the access hatch does not compromise the water resistance of the device.

Turning now to Figure 3, in one embodiment of the present invention the device is manufactured as a strap, which thereafter can be wrapped around e.g. a wrist and secured in place, forming a bracelet (30). Such a strap can be of any suitable length, such as a length ranging from about 10 cm to about 25 cm, more preferably about 19 to about 23 cm, more preferably about 22.5 cm. However, depending on the wrist size of the user (e.g. adults v. children), it would be advantageous to be able to alter the size of the bracelet accordingly. In this regard, the device of the present invention can be adjustable to fit a particular wrist size.

The person of skill in the art will be well aware of the many different ways that such an adjustment can be achieved, such as by an adjustable strap as used on a typical watch, a Velcro strap, and by using a variety of fasteners to enable a change in length of the strap, such as using a number of holes and pins which can be aligned as required (32), etc. In another embodiment of the present invention, the device may be sold as a complete bracelet with no free ends. In such a case, it could be advantageous to incorporate flexible and/or deformable regions into the bracelet, so that it will closely conform to a variety of wrist sizes. In this regard, such regions could be 1 0 e.g. one or more elasticated regions.

The device of the present invention may be of any convenient width, ranging from e.g. about 2cm to about 3cm, preferably about 2 cm.

The thickness of the device will depend upon a variety of factors, such as the size of the alarm-setting switches used and any other component such as a vibrating mechanism, but will typically preferably be in the region of approximately 0.5 cm.

The device of the present invention lends itself to enabling various other details to be placed on the bracelet (either on the outerside (7) and/or on the inner side), such as the name and contact details of the user, and/or other medical details.

Moreover, the device can be made in any colour, which could suit the sex of the user and/or the age of the user.

In use, the user or some other person will set the time on the clock (1). The alarm-setting region (10) will then be accessed, and the switches (14) manipulated in accordance with the required times that the alarm is to be activated. If the embodiment of the device has an additional set' button (20), this will then be pressed to activate the alarm system. Thereafter, a protective cover (22) may be placed over the alarm-setting region (10).

The user or a helper will then place the device around the wrist of the user, and will fasten the strap (via (32)) to an appropriate diameter and one which affords the most comfort to the user whilst at the same time not being too loose such that the device is at risk of falling off.

When it is time for the user to perform a required action, such as taking their 1 0 medication, the alarm will be activated in accordance with the times set on the switches (14) and will continue until it is manually stopped by pressing a stop button (5). The user should perform the required action before stopping the alarm so that there is no chance that they will forget to perform the action.

If the user is required to reset the times for the alarm, then the device should be removed from the wrist, the alarm-setting region (10) accessed and the alarm times reset as appropriate via the switches (14).

Of course, if the device is a version which has the alarm-setting region (10) on the outerside (3) of the bracelet, then there may not be a need for the user to remove the device from the wrist before setting the alarm times.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, the skilled person will readily understand that the device can be used for reminding any person of any age to perform a certain task. For example, it may be used on a child to remind them to brush their teeth, or on a diabetes sufferer to remind them to take an injection of insulin, etc.

Claims

Claims 1. A reminder device comprising a clock, an alarm and an alarm-setting region, wherein the alarm-setting region comprises at least one switch which represents a set time, wherein said switch can be reversibly set between an off and an on position, and wherein the alarm is activated when the time on the clock corresponds to the time represented by the at least one switch.
2. The reminder device of claim 1, wherein the device is formed as a strap with an outerside and an innerside suitable for wearing on the wrist of a user.
3. The reminder device of claim 2, wherein the length of the strap is adjustable when in use.
4. The reminder device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the strap is formed as a bracelet.
5. The reminder device of claim 4, which is configured such that it is automatically adjustable in accordance which the size of the user, for example with elasticated regions or the like.
6. The reminder device of claims 2 to 5, wherein the clock is situated on the outerside of the strap.
7. The reminder device of claims 2 to 6, wherein the alarm-setting region is situated on the innerside of the strap.
8. The reminder device of any preceding claim, wherein the alarm-setting region comprises a plurality of switches, each representing a set time.
9. The reminder device of any preceding claim, wherein the device frirther comprises a button or the like for setting the alarm once the at least one switch has been set to an on or an off position.
10. The reminder device of any preceding claim, wherein the alarm does not automatically switch off once it is activated.
11. The reminder device of any preceding claim, wherein the device frirther comprises a stop button to arrest the alarm after it has been activated.
12. The reminder device of any preceding claim, wherein the device frirther comprises a cover which can be situated over the alarm-setting region.
13. The reminder device of any preceding claim, wherein the device has a region for displaying information.
14. The reminder device of any preceding claim, wherein the alarm is an aural, visual and/or mechanical alarm.
15. The reminder device of any preceding claim which is water-resistant.
16. The reminder device of any preceding claim, wherein the device is flexible.
17. The reminder device of claims 2 to 16, wherein the dimensions of the strap are approximately 22 cm in length, 2 cm in width and 0.5 cm in depth.
18. A reminder device as hereinbefore described with reference to thedescription and to Figures 1 to 3.