WO2002043017A2

WO2002043017A2 - System and method for providing packaged personally selected combinations of dietary supplements

Info

Publication number: WO2002043017A2
Application number: PCT/CA2001/001690
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Rieveley
Original assignee: Robert Rieveley
Priority date: 2000-11-22
Filing date: 2001-11-22
Publication date: 2002-05-30
Also published as: AU2002220414A1; WO2002043017A3

Abstract

A system and method for dispensing customized assortments of dietary supplements are disclosed. Consumers specify what assortment of dietary supplements they would like by making selections from a list of available dietary supplements. When an order is received, preferably by way of a network-connected computer, a number of sets of the desired customized dietary supplement mixture are dispensed into individual packages. A number of the individual packages are assembled together and packaged in a shipping package. The shipping package is delivered to the consumer. The consumer avoids the need to assemble their own daily assortments of dietary supplements and also avoids the need to purchase a large quantity of each of the dietary supplements in their selected assortment.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PACKAGED PERSONALLY SELECTED COMBINATIONS OF DIETARY

SUPPLEMENTS

Technical Field

This invention relates to packaging and shipping dietary supplements such as vitamins, herbs, minerals, nutritional supplements or the like.

Background

There is a large population of people who enhance their diets by taking various combinations of vitamins and other dietary supplements. This population is increasing. There is a very large number of different vitamins and dietary supplements available. Consumers of vitamins like to customize the selection of vitamins and other dietary supplements that they consume. A typical consumer of vitamins might take several different types of vitamins on a daily basis.

Various manufacturers make multi- vitamin pills which combine several vitamins. However, such "one size fits all" combinations of vitamins neglect the fact that every person has a different lifestyle, and physiology. Today, a person who wishes to custom tailor their consumption of vitamins and other dietary supplements has no other choice but to buy a volume of each type of dietary supplement that they wish to take. The person must then dispense the various vitamins that they wish to take each day. This approach has the disadvantages that it is initially expensive and is time consuming. The inventor has recognized is a need for methods and systems for providing consumers with personalized selections of vitamins and/or other dietary supplements.

Summary of the Invention

This invention provides a method for supplying individually packaged sets of dietary supplements to a consumer. The method comprises receiving from the consumer order information specifying a set comprising a combination of two or more individually selected different dietary supplements selected from a group of available dietary supplements; then dispensing a plurality of the sets of the selected dietary supplements and individually packaging the dispensed sets. The individually packaged sets are then packaged together in a shipping container and shipped to the consumer. The preferred embodiment receives and processes the order information by way of a computer interface so that orders are processed accurately with a minimum of human intervention.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a system for providing customized selections of dietary supplements to consumers. The system comprises an order interface for receiving order information specifying a set comprising a personally selected combination of dietary supplements selected from a group of available dietary supplements; a fulfilment system comprising one or more dispensing machines controlled by a computer controller, the computer controller causing the one or more dispensing machines to dispense from a plurality of stores containing the available dietary supplements a plurality of the individual sets. Each set comprises the personally selected combination of dietary supplements selected from the group of available dietary supplements. The fulfilment system includes a first packaging machine which individually packages the sets of selected dietary supplements.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for providing individually packaged customized sets of dietary supplements. The method comprises providing a web site comprising an ordering interface, the ordering interface lists a plurality of available dietary supplements. The method receives by way of the web site, digitally transmitted order information. The order information comprises information identifying a set of personally chosen dietary supplements selected from the available dietary supplements to be consumed together, either daily or periodically and information identifying a consumer. The method continues by automatically transmitting the order information to a controller controlling one or more dispensing machines, and, at the controller, causing the dispensing machines to dispense a single dose of each of the dietary supplements in the set. The dispensed set of individual doses of dietary supplements is packaged together. The method repeatedly causes the dispensing machines to dispense a single dose of each of the dietary supplements in the set and packages the dispensed sets together until a desired number of individually packaged sets has been obtained. The method then packages the plurality of individually packaged sets together in a shipping package and, in response to the ordering information generates a label containing a shipping address for the consumer.

Further features and advantages of the invention are described below. Brief Description of Drawings

In figures which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention: Figure 1 is a block diagram overview of a system according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a possible user interface for use with the invention; and,

Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the assembly and distribution of individually packaged sets of dietary supplements according to the invention.

Description

This invention provides a system whereby a consumer can order a customized assortment of vitamins which are packaged so that the vitamins that the consumer wishes to take together are packaged together. The consumer may take a set of dietary supplements daily, twice a day, or periodically at other times. The system automatically meters out the desired combinations of dietary supplements and labels them. In the preferred embodiment a user can place an order for vitamins by supplying order information by way of the Internet or another computer network. The order information is used to fill the order automatically.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. System 10 has an order interface 12 which receives orders for dietary supplements from consumers. The order interface receives from the consumers order information which includes billing information (such as a billing account number, credit card information, debit card information or the like) and product information. The product information specifies types and quantities of dietary supplements that the consumer wishes to purchase. The product information also specifies what assortment(s) of dietary supplements the user wishes to consume together. The order information also comprises consumer information such as the name and address of the consumer or the account number of an existing consumer.

Order interface 12 is preferably hosted on a suitable computer system. Order interface 12 preferably comprises a computer network interface to a computer network 14 such as the Internet.

Consumers who have access to user computers 16 connected to network 14 can connect to order interface 12 from their user computers 16. This connection is preferably made by providing a web server 18 associated with order interface 12 and allowing consumers to connect to the web server 18 via network 14 using browser software running on user computers 16. The browser software may comprise, for example, Microsoft ™ Internet Explorer software or Netscape™ Navigator software.

Order interface 12 is connected to an order fulfilment system 20. Fulfilment system 20 comprises one or more dispensing machines 22. Machines 22 receive from order interface 12 a list 24 of dietary supplements to be packaged together for a consumer. Machines 22 dispense a plurality of individual doses of dietary supplements 30. The individual doses may be in the form of pills, tablets, gels, capsules, caplets or the like. Preferably fulfilment system 20 packages in a separate small package 26 the dietary supplements that the order information indicates that a consumer wishes to consume each day (or on some other periodic basis). Small packages 26 may, for example, comprise sealed pouches. The small packages 26 may, for example, comprise sealed plastic bags. Fulfilment system 20 could comprise a single dispensing machine 22 capable of dispensing 0, 1, 2 or more of each of a number of types of dietary supplement. In the alternative, fulfilment system 20 could provide a plurality of dispensing machines 22 which are each capable of dispensing one or more types of dietary supplements onto a suitable conveyor or collection system. For each customized set of dietary supplements a particular machine 22 may be controlled to dispense zero, one or more different dietary supplements. The collection system delivers the resulting assortment of dietary supplements to a first packaging machine 23 A which prepares small packages 26.

Fulfilment system 20 then packages together in a shipping package 27 a number of smaller packages 26. This may be done by a second packaging machine 23B. For example, if the consumer has ordered a 30-day supply of dietary supplements then fulfilment system 20 may package 30 small packages 26 in a shipping package 27. Each of the small packages 26 contains the assortment of dietary supplements that the consumer has indicated that he or she would like to consume together. Fulfilment system 20 includes a label printer 28 which prints a label 29 on shipping packages 27. Label 29 preferably contains complete shipping information. The shipping package 27 can then be delivered to the consumer's address by a courier, mail, or any other suitable means. Preferably each smaller package 26 is also labelled.

Fulfilment system 20 optionally packages together smaller packages 26 in a display package 31 before inserting the display package into the shipping package 27. The display package may be, for example, an attractive box which could be placed in a consumer's kitchen or cupboard. This may be performed by a packaging machine 23C. Where a consumer wishes to consume two different selections of dietary supplements at different times during the day, the consumer could order two separate sets of dietary supplements.

Order interface 12 is also connected to a billing system 32.

Billing system 32 processes payment for orders received by way of order interface 12. Billing system 32 may use any suitable technology for processing credit card payments and the like. Various e-commerce systems which include billing functions suitable for use in billing system 32 are commercially available.

System 10 may optionally comprise an auditing system 40 which generates a warning when a consumer attempts to specify a combination of dietary supplements which are incompatible with one another for some reason.

For example, a consumer takes a combination of five dietary supplements each day. The consumer uses her computer 16 to connect to web server 18. The consumer selects the five different dietary supplements that the consumer wishes to purchase and a number of each of the different supplements (for example, the consumer may wish the set of dietary supplements that they consume periodically to include two vitamin E tablets of a certain strength). Figure 2 shows a possible screen display 50 which allows the user to select a combination of dietary supplements to take. Screen display 50 includes a list 52 of a number of supplements. The user can select dietary supplements from list 52. When the user has finished selecting the dietary supplements that the user wishes to receive then the user selects how many sets of dietary supplements the user wishes to receive (for example, 30, 60 or 90 days' supply) using a control 53 and clicks on "buy" button 54. This causes web server 18 to display a screen which requests that the consumer supply billing information and consumer information. Upon receipt of the billing and consumer information, order interface 12 calculates the total cost of the transaction and displays it to the user for approval. Upon receipt of approval of the transaction from the user, interface 12 forwards the billing information and the total cost of the transaction to billing system 32. When billing system 32 confirms payment then order interface 12 forwards the consumer and product information to fulfilment system 20.

Fulfilment system 20 packages the five different dietary supplements ordered by the consumer together in small packages 26. system 20 labels each of small packages 26. For example, each of the small packages 26 may be labelled as follows: "Packaged especially for [consumer name] contains: 1 vitamin C (500mg); 2 vitamin E (with selenium added) (400 I.U.); 1 Folic Acid (400 meg); 1 Fish Oil Concentrate; and 1 potassium (550mg)".

Fulfilment system 20 creates as many small packages 26 as the consumer ordered (for example, 60) and packages the small packages together in a display package 31 which is, in turn, inserted into a shipping package 27. Shipping package 27 may be, for example, a shipping carton. Fulfilment system prints a label for shipping package 27, seals shipping package 27 and then sends the shipping package 27 to the consumer by courier. The consumer unpacks and opens display package 31. Since display package 31 is attractive looking the consumer places display package 31 in their kitchen. The consumer can then remove one of smaller packages 26 each day. Each smaller package 26 has an assortment of dietary supplements which has been customized for the consumer. It can be appreciated that system 10 provides a number of advantages for the consumer. The consumer is saved the tedious chore of collecting together the various dietary supplements in the consumer's daily regime. The consumer can maintain a customized regime. The consumer is not obligated to purchase large quantities of dietary supplements at once.

A consumer may choose to open an account on order interface 12. If the consumer chooses to do so then the user interface 12 may retain a list of the various dietary supplements which the consumer has ordered so that the consumer can place repeat orders without re- specifying all of the billing information, product information and/or consumer information.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. For example:

• Order interface 12 may accept order information in other ways in addition to, or instead of, order information originating at a computer on network 14. For example, order interface 12 may have a fax interface 19 which automatically reads order information from forms received by facsimile. Order interface 12 may also be connected to one or more terminals 17 at which human operators can enter order information received by telephone, fax or the like into order interface 12. Order interface 12 may comprise a system by way of which a user can place an order by touching keys on a telephone in response to voice prompts. • Instead of using a username and password for authentication another system of authentication may be used. • System 10 could be used to provide customized packages of prescription drugs or combinations of prescription drugs, non- prescription drugs and/or dietary supplements for daily or other periodic consumption. In this specification and the attached claims, the term "dietary supplements" includes vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, prescription drugs, non- prescription drugs, dietary supplements, enzymes, and the like.

• The dispensing, packaging and labelling machines of fulfilment system 20 may be parts of one or more integrated machines or may be stand-alone devices.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for providing customized selections of dietary supplements to a consumer, the method comprising: a) receiving from the consumer order information specifying a set comprising a combination of two or more individually selected different dietary supplements selected from a group of available dietary supplements; b) dispensing a plurality of the sets of dietary supplements and individually packaging the dispensed sets; c) packaging the individually packaged dispensed sets together in a shipping container; and, d) forwarding the shipping container to the consumer.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the order information comprises receiving the order information by way of a computer network.

3. The method of one of claims 1 or 2 wherein dispensing the plurality of the sets of dietary supplements comprises providing the order information to one or more computer controlled dispensing machines and causing the one or more dispensing machines to dispense the plurality of the sets of dietary supplements in response to the order information.

The method of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein receiving the order information comprises receiving the order information by telephone or facsimile and transcribing the order information into a computer electronic order.

5. The method of any of claims 1 to 4 comprising packaging the individually packages sets together in a display container before packaging the individually packaged sets together in the shipping container.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the order information comprises credit information and the method comprises obtaining a credit authorization based on the credit information before dispensing the plurality of sets of dietary supplements.

7. A system for providing customized selections of dietary supplements to consumers, the system comprising: a) an order interface for receiving order information specifying a set comprising a personally selected combination of two or more dietary supplements selected from a group of available dietary supplements; b) a fulfilment system comprising one or more dispensing machines controlled by a computer controller, the computer controller causing the one or more dispensing machines to dispense a customized mixture of dietary supplements, from a plurality of stores containing the available dietary supplements, a number of times to create a plurality of the individual sets each comprising the customized mixture of dietary supplements selected from the group of available dietary supplements; and, c) a first packaging machine for individually packaging the individual sets.

8. The system of claim 7 comprising a second packaging machine, the second packaging machine connected to receive the packaged individual sets and to package the packaged individual sets in a shipping container.

9. The system of any one of claims 7 or 8 wherein the order interface comprises a web server connected to receive order information from consumers by way of the internet.

10. The system of one of claims 8 or 9 where the first packaging machine comprises a mechanism for sealing the individual sets in plastic pouches.

11. The system of claim 8 comprising a mechanism for packaging the packaged individual sets in a display container wherein the second packaging machine is configured to package the display container in the shipping container.

12. A method for providing individually packaged customized sets of dietary supplements, the method comprising: a) providing a web site comprising an ordering interface, the ordering interface listing a plurality of available dietary supplements; b) receiving by way of the web site, digitally transmitted order information comprising: i) information identifying a set of personally chosen dietary supplements, the set comprising one or more of each of a plurality of dietary supplements selected from the available dietary supplements, to be consumed together, either daily or periodically; ii) information identifying a consumer; c) automatically transmitting the order information to a controller controlling one or more dispensing machines, and, at the controller, causing the dispensing machines to dispense a single dose of each of the dietary supplements in the set; d) packaging the dispensed set of individual doses of dietary supplements together; e) repeating causing the dispensing means to dispense a single dose of each of the dietary supplements in the set and packaging the dispensed sets of individual doses of dietary supplements together to produce a plurality of the individually packaged sets; f) packaging the plurality of individually packaged sets together in a shipping package; and g) generating a label based on to the ordering information, the label containing a shipping address for the consumer.

13. The method of claim 12 comprising packaging the plurality of individually packaged sets together in a display container and subsequently packaging the display container in the shipping package.