Method and apparatus for monitoring fluid intake

Abstract

A device and method for monitoring fluid intake is disclosed in which time indicia may be marked on a container. The time indicia may correspond to a fluid intake program such that an individual can easily determine the amount of fluid to drink during a given time period. A level of the fluid in the container may be viewed and compared to the time indicia so that the individual can determine the amount of fluid to consume to stay on schedule with the fluid intake program.

1 . A method for monitoring a quantity of fluid consumed by a living organism, said method comprising: 
 providing a container for receiving and dispensing fluid;    providing time indicia on said container indicating the level of fluid to be consumed corresponding to predetermined times;    instructing said individual to consume water at a rate such that a level of water in the container at a given time corresponds to the level of fluid to be consumed as indicated by the time indicia on the container.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 providing volumetric indicia on said container indicating the volume of fluid in said container.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing said time indicia at regular intervals throughout a day.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising providing said time indicia in 1.5 hour increments from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing said time indicia corresponding to a predetermined fluid intake schedule.  
   
   
       6 . A container for dispensing fluid, said container comprising: 
 a sidewall defining a receptacle for receiving said fluid;    time indicia on said sidewall indicating a level of fluid to be consumed corresponding to predetermined times; and    volumetric indicia on said sidewall indicating a volume of fluid in said container;    wherein a level of fluid in said container is visible through said sidewall such that said level can be compared with said time indicia and said volumetric indicia to indicate an amount of fluid to be consumed corresponding to a given time.    
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 6 , wherein said time indicia are permanently fixed on said sidewall prior to use of said container.  
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 6 , wherein said container further comprises a lid to prevent said fluid from spilling.  
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 6 , further comprising an opening for dispensing said fluid.  
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 6 , wherein said container is configured to receive at least 64 ounces of fluid.  
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein said volumetric indicia are evenly spaced apart along a height of said container.  
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein said time indicia are evenly spaced apart along a height of said container.  
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein said time indicia are unevenly spaced apart along a height of said container.  
   
   
       14 . A method for promoting consumption of fluid at a predetermined rate, said method comprising: 
 determining said rate of fluid consumption;    placing time indicia on a container corresponding to a level of fluid in said container corresponding to said rate; and    providing instructions to drink fluid from said container such that the level of fluid in said container corresponds to said time indicia.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing volumetric indicia on said container corresponding to volumes of fluid in said container.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing said container with sidewalls configured such that said fluid may be viewed through said sidewalls.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing said container of a size configured to receive a quantity of fluid to be dispensed in a given period.  
   
   
       18 . A container for dispensing fluid, said container comprising: 
 a sidewall defining a receptacle for receiving said fluid; and    means for indicating the amount of fluid to be dispensed within a given period of time corresponding to a pre-determined fluid intake program.    
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 18 , wherein said means for indicating the amount of fluid to be dispensed comprises time indicia on said sidewall.  
   
   
       20 . The container of  claim 18 , wherein said means for indicating the amount of fluid to be dispensed comprises at least a portion of said sidewall being formed of a material that allows a level of said fluid to be visible from an exterior of said sidewall.