GB2443155A - An implement for administrating medicine in poor light conditions - Google Patents

Abstract

An implement, such as a spoon, that has luminescent properties, thereby allowing the user to administer medicine in poor light conditions. Preferably the implement glows when taken from a light area into a dark area. The spoon consists of a central bar 1 with two different sized bowls 2, 3 at either end, where each bowl is marked with its calibrated volume.

Description

An Imniemeut for adminkterinf medicine.

DescriptiOn

This invention relates to a luminescent implement, such as a spoon, for administering medicine in conditions of sub-optimal lighting.

When one person is required to administer medicine to another in sub-optimal lighting conditions, it is often desirable to avoid brightly illuminating the room. In the case of a parent giving medicine to a child at night, bright illumination in the child's room may cause distress and a greater reluctance to accept the medicine followed by a longer settling period afterwards.

However, in conditions of sub-optimal lighting, the problem of impaired visibility arises. If the person aihninistering the medicine cannot visualise the unplement they are using, this may lead to spillage of the medicine onto carpets, bed linen, nightclothes or the child themselves which generates unnecessary work for the parent and greater disturbance for the child.

Additionally, there may be only partial delivery of the intended dose

Statement of the Invention

To address the problem of unpaired visibility due to sub-optimal lighting conditions, this invention proposes incorporating a luminescent quality into a moulded, extruded or formed implement. This provides a glow-in-the-dark characteristic to the implement, after it has absorbed energy from a light source, making it visible in conditions of suboptimal lighting.

Optional Features The preferred embodiment of the implement is a spoon consisting of a 5m1 capacity bowl and a 2.Sml capacity bowl supported by a central bar. Each bowl is marked to indicate its calibrated volume. The implement is comprised of luminescent material which absorbs ambient light from short exposure to a light source and emits a strong afterglow visible in sub-optimal lighting. Luminescent material with multiple options in glow duration, intensity and colour may be used. The spoon may incorporate a novelty design such as an animal shape or fun figure.

introduction to detailed description and list of figures Various embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by the way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Shows the preferred embodiment of the luminescent implement 2.

Figure 2 shows a lateral view of the prefened embodiment of the implement.

Figure 3 shows an alternative presentation of the implement which incorporates a novelty shape.

In figuresi and 2 the implement, manufactured from luminescent material, is shown to consist of a central bar(l) with one 5m1(2) and one 2.5m1(3) capacity bowl at either end. Each bowl is marked with its calibrated volume(4). The flat rim of the spoon(5) is illustrated.

Pigments capable of producing luminescence are known and commercially available. One skilled in the art of producing luminescent articles will appreciate the diverse methods and chemical combinations involved in the process. This implement may be manufactured from any safe, non-toxic, commercially available material or coating with a luminescent property requiring either minimal light exposure to charge or one which exhibits a persistent afterglow, may be used.

The implement may be manufactured from moulded, extruded or formed material. The central bar(l) provides the means with which to hold the implement and enhances visualisation of the implement in sub-optimal lighting. The bowls (2), (3) have calibrated volumes (4) of Srnl and 2.5inl to provide measures for commonly required doses of medicine. The flat rim (5) of the implement's bowl may be seen even when it is full to further enhance the visibility of the Spoon.

Figure 3 shows an example of an alternative embodiment in which a novelty shape is incorporated into the features described in figures 1 and 2. Any variation in spoon design or shape, for example single or double bowl, may be used. 3.

Claims (3)

1. Claims I. An implement for oral administration of a medicine in

   conditions of sub-optimal lighting, where the implement has luminescent properties.
2. 2. Of claim 1 wherein the implement is a spoon.
3. 3. Of claim I and 2 wherein the implement glows when taken from a light area into a dark area