Abstract
A combination medicine container and dispenser allows a user to select one of a plurality of medicament compartments to selectively dispense a single medicament of the medicaments held in the container at a time through easy manipulation of a selectively locking dispensing means. A rotating dispensary at a bottom of the bottle allows rotation of the dispensary relative to the bottle structure(s) for transfer of a single medicament from the bottle to the dispensary, and out of the bottle. The dispensary has several compartments, each dimensioned for a differently sized medicament to dispense medicaments of different sizes from the bottle. An insert has removable segments corresponding to the compartments of the dispensary providing selection of medicament dispensing compartment.
Claims
1. A combination medicament container and dispenser comprising: a hollow bottle defining an interior area, an upper portion, a lower portion, and a window in the lower portion of the hollow bottle providing communication between the lower portion of the interior area of the hollow bottle and outside of the hollow bottle; a partition within the interior area of the bottle and dividing the interior area into an upper interior area and a lower interior area, the partition having a cutout providing communication between the upper interior area and the lower interior area of the interior area; a cap configured for reception onto the upper portion of the hollow bottle; a dispensary disposed in the lower interior area of the hollow bottle under the partition and having a plurality of differently sized medicament compartments each one having a medicament inlet and a medicament outlet, and an edge that allows user rotation of the dispensary; and an insert received onto the dispensary, the insert having a plurality of removable segments corresponding in number to the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments of the dispensary, each one of the plurality of removable segments of the insert aligned over a corresponding differentially sized medicament compartment of the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments of the dispensary, wherein removal of a segment allows user selection of a particular medicament compartment of the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments from which to dispense a single medicament from the interior area of the hollow bottle and out the window of the hollow bottle; whereby rotation of the dispensary in to a first position aligns the medicament inlet of the user selected medicament compartment under the cutout of the partition to receive a single medicament from the upper interior area, and rotation of the dispensary into a second position aligns the medicament outlet of the user selected medicament compartment with the window in the lower portion of the hollow bottle to dispense the single medicament.
2. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a user manipulated biaser situated in the lower portion of the hollow bottle; and a receptor situated on an outside periphery of the dispensary; wherein the user manipulated biaser is normally biased in a connection state relative to the dispensary such that the dispensary is locked from rotation relative to the lower portion of the hollow bottle; and wherein when the user manipulated biaser is biased by a user, the dispensary is free to rotate relative to the lower portion of the hollow bottle.
3. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 2, wherein the user manipulated biaser comprises a resilient tab.
4. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 2, wherein the user manipulated biaser comprises a plurality of resilient tabs.
5. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments of the dispensary are configured to accept capsules.
6. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments of the dispensary are configured to accept pills.
7. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments of the dispensary are configured to accept tablets.
8. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments of the dispensary are configured to accept capsules.
9. A combination medicament container and dispenser comprising: a cylindrical bottle having, a cylindrical sidewall defining an upper portion and a lower portion; an interior area within the cylindrical sidewall, the interior area defining an upper interior area and a lower interior area, an outlet in the lower portion of the cylindrical sidewall, the outlet providing communication between the lower interior area and outside of the cylindrical bottle; a partition within the lower interior area of the bottle, the partition having a cutout providing communication between the upper interior area and the lower interior area; a cap configured for reception onto the upper portion of the cylindrical sidewall of the cylindrical bottle; a dispensary disposed in the lower interior area of the cylindrical bottle under the partition and having a plurality of differently shaped medicament compartments each one having a medicament inlet and a medicament outlet, and a rim that allows user rotation of the dispensary relative to the cylindrical bottle; and an insert received onto the dispensary, the insert having a plurality of removable segments corresponding in number to the plurality of differently shaped medicament compartments of the dispensary, each one of the plurality of removable segments of the insert aligned over a corresponding differentially shaped medicament compartment of the plurality of differently shaped medicament compartments of the dispensary, wherein removal of a segment allows user selection of a particular medicament compartment of the plurality of differently shaped medicament compartments from which to dispense a single medicament from the interior area of the hollow bottle and out the window of the hollow bottle; whereby rotation of the dispensary via the rim in to a first position aligns the medicament inlet of the user selected medicament compartment under the cutout of the partition to receive a single medicament from the upper interior area, and rotation of the dispensary via the rim into a second position aligns the medicament outlet of the user selected medicament compartment with the window in the lower portion of the hollow bottle to dispense the single medicament.
10. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 9, further comprising: a user manipulated biaser situated in the lower portion of the cylindrical bottle; and a receptor situated on an outside periphery of the dispensary; wherein the user manipulated biaser is normally biased in a connection state relative to the dispensary such that the dispensary is locked from rotation relative to the lower portion of the cylindrical bottle; and wherein when the user manipulated biaser is biased by a user, the dispensary is free to rotate relative to the lower portion of the cylindrical bottle.
11. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 10, wherein the user manipulated biaser comprises a resilient tab.
12. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 10 wherein the user manipulated biaser comprises a plurality of resilient tabs.
13. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 9, wherein: the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments of the dispensary are configured to accept capsules.
14. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 9, wherein: the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments of the dispensary are configured to accept pills.
15. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 9, wherein: the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments of the dispensary are configured to accept tablets.
16. The combination medicament container and dispenser of claim 9, wherein: the plurality of differently sized medicament compartments of the dispensary are configured to accept capsules.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a combination medicine container and dispenser fashioned in accordance with the present principles;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a side view of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 1, particularly showing the shape of the bottle thereof;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a side view of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 1, particularly showing the medicament dispensing outlet thereof;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5 thereof;
[0028] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the bottle of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a side view of the bottle of FIG. 6, particularly showing a medicament opening and cap reception structure thereof;
[0030] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cap reception structure of the bottle of FIG. 7 taken along circle 8-8 thereof;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a side view of the bottle of FIG. 6, particularly showing its shape;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a top view of the bottle of FIG. 6, particularly showing an inner ledge of the bottle of FIG. 6;
[0033] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a divider of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 12 is an isometric top view of a cap of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 13 is an isometric bottom view of the cap of FIG. 12;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the cap of FIG. 12, particularly showing its internal structures:
[0037] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the combination medicine container and dispenser with the cap removed to illustrate its operation;
[0038] FIG. 16 is an isometric view an embodiment of a combination medicine container and dispenser fashioned in accordance with the present principles;
[0039] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 16;
[0040] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the bottle of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 16;
[0041] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the bottle of FIG. 18, particularly showing a divider of the bottle, the divider having a configured slot for dispensing medicaments;
[0042] FIG. 20 is an enlarged top plan view of the divider of the bottle as shown in FIG. 19 taken along circle 20-20 thereof;
[0043] FIG. 21 is an isometric top view of a cap of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 16;
[0044] FIG. 22 is an isometric bottom view of the cap of FIG. 21, particularly showing a portion of its internal structure;
[0045] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion of the inside of the cap of FIG. 22 taken along circle 23-23 thereof;
[0046] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the cap of FIG. 21, particularly showing its internal structure;
[0047] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of an indexing cup of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 16;
[0048] FIG. 26 is another isometric view of the indexing cup of FIG. 25;
[0049] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a portion of a reception structure of the indexing cup;
[0050] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a rotary nest structure of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 16;
[0051] FIG. 29 is a side view of the rotary nest structure of FIG. 28;
[0052] FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of a reception structure of a post of the rotary nest structure of FIG. 29 taken along circle 30-30 thereof;
[0053] FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of a portion of the base of the rotary nest structure of FIG. 29 taken along circle 31-31 thereof;
[0054] FIG. 32 is an embodiment of a combination medicine container and dispenser fashioned in accordance with the present principles;
[0055] FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 32;
[0056] FIG. 34 is an isometric view of a bottle of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 32;
[0057] FIG. 35 is an isometric view of the rotary nest of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 32;
[0058] FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the rotary nest of FIG. 35;
[0059] FIG. 37 is a side view of the rotary nest of FIG. 35;
[0060] FIG. 38 is a side view of the rotary nest of FIG. 35;
[0061] FIG. 39 is an isometric view of the indexing disk of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 32;
[0062] FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the indexing disk of FIG. 39;
[0063] FIG. 41 is a side view of the indexing disk of FIG. 39;
[0064] FIG. 42 is an isometric top view of the cap of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 32;
[0065] FIG. 43 is an isometric bottom view of the cap of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIG. 32;
[0066] FIG. 44 is a bottom plan view of the cap of FIG. 42;
[0067] FIG. 45 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the cap of FIG. 42;
[0068] FIG. 46 is an isometric view of a bottle of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIGS. 46-56;
[0069] FIG. 47 is a side view of the bottle of FIG. 46;
[0070] FIG. 48 is another side view of the bottle of FIG. 46;
[0071] FIG. 49 is an enlarged portion of the bottle of FIG. 48 taken along circle 49 thereof;
[0072] FIG. 50 is an isometric view of a cap of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIGS. 46-56;
[0073] FIG. 51 is a sectional view of the cap of FIG. 50;
[0074] FIG. 52 is an isometric view of an exemplary rotating dispensary of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIGS. 46-53, 56;
[0075] FIG. 53 is an isometric view of an exemplary medicament sizer for the rotating dispensary of FIG. 52;
[0076] FIG. 54 is an isometric view of another exemplary rotating dispensary of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIGS. 46-51, 54-55;
[0077] FIG. 55 is an isometric view of another exemplary medicament sizer for the rotating dispensary FIG. 54; and
[0078] FIG. 56 is an exploded view of the combination medicine container and dispenser of FIGS. 46-55 fashioned in accordance with the present principles.
[0079] Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures.
[0080] A detailed description of the features, functions and/or configuration of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non-discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 1-15 there is depicted an illustrative embodiment of a combination medicine container and dispenser, generally designated 10, fashioned in accordance with the present principles and it components. The combination medicine container and dispenser 10 is configured to dispense a single pill (pill, tablet, capsule or the like) from the top thereof via an integral dispensing means or mechanism, being pressure properly applied to components of the container/dispenser 10 as discussed more fully below.
[0082] FIG. 1 is an assembled view of the medicine container and dispenser 10 while FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the medicine container and dispenser 10 particularly showing the various components thereof. The medicine container and dispenser 10 includes a bottle 12, a cap 14, and a divider 16, with the dispensing means being a combination of features and/or structures of the bottle 12, cap 14 and divider 16. While these components are preferably made from plastic, one or more components may be made from other materials as desired. Plastics used may be an acrylic, PETE, or other.
[0083] The bottle 12 is defined by a generally cylindrical body 13 having a top portion 33 and a lower portion 32 that together define an interior 40. The body 13 further includes a cutout 34 formed in the top sidewall of the upper portion 33 of the body 13. The cutout 13 is sized to allow a single pill, tablet, capsule or the like (medicament) to be dispensed from the bottle 12 as described herein. As such, bottle 12 may be made having a different sized and/or configured cutout 34 depending on the type and/or size of the pill being held and dispensed.
[0084] A shelf or ledge 35 is provided in the interior 40 of the body 13 between the upper portion 33 and the lower portion 32 that is generally disposed opposite to the cutout 34. The lower portion 32, while being generally cylindrical, includes a flat wall 41 on the side which is under the shelf 35. As such, the flat wall 41 forms a flat inner wall 39. The shelf 35 thus extends over and beyond the flat wall 41. The shelf 27 defines an upper area that is within the upper portion 33 of the body 13, and a lower area that is within the lower portion 32 of the body 13. The medicament is stored in the lower area while a medicament is dispensed from the upper area.
[0085] The body 13 further includes a cap retention structure between the upper portion 33 and the lower portion 32. The upper portion 33 is slightly larger than the lower portion 32 and thus defines an overhang 37 (see, e.g. FIGS. 7-8). The overhang 37, in cooperation with structures on the cap (as described below), allow the cap to “snap-fit” onto the top portion 33. An annular ridge 36 is provided below the overhang 37 and around the body 13 creating a recessed band 38 around the body 13.
[0086] The divider is particularly shown in FIG. 11. The divider is defined by a generally round, flat disk 17 with a notch 18 provided in an edge of the disk 17. As seen in FIG. 15, wherein the cap 14 is not shown, the disk 17 is shown situated in the bottle 12. The divider 16 is sized so as to completely divide the upper area of the upper portion 33 from the lower area of the lower portion 32. The notch 18 is positioned over the shelf 35. In the position shown, medicaments (not shown) in the lower area of the lower portion 32 are blocked from entering the upper area of the upper portion 32. However, when pressure P is applied to the sides of the bottle 13 as indicted by the arrows in FIG. 15 (but not particularly at the points on the body 13 as shown by the arrows, as the pressure may be applied to different points about the bottle 13 in order for the divider to operate in the manner described herein), the divider deforms slightly such that the notch 18 moves away from the shelf 35, thereby allowing a single medicament (not shown) to pass from the lower area of the lower portion 32 to the upper area of the upper portion 33. Release of the pressure allows the divider to return to its normal unbiased state as shown in FIG. 15. Once the medicament is in the upper area of the upper portion 33, it can be dispensed through the notch 34 of the bottle 13 and a window 20 of the bottle 13 (collectively, medicament outlet 19, see e.g. FIG. 1). The notch 18 is preferably, but not necessarily, disposed at the middle of the shelf edge.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the cap 14 is particularly shown. The cap 14 is defined by a body 15 that is generally cylindrical in shape and defines an upper surface 22 and a lower surface 23. The upper surface 22 may include writing, indicia or the like if desired, or allow labels to adhere thereto. The body 15 has a plurality of vertically disposed gripping ribs 21 on its outside surface. A window 20 is provided in a boss 24 of one side of the annular wall of the body 15. On the inside surface of the annular wall of the body 15 adjacent the boss 24 is a projection 29 that is used to attach the cap 14 to the bottle 12. A boss 25 is provided in the side of the annular wall of the body 15 opposite the boss 24. A projection 30 is provided on the inside surface of the annular wall of the body 15 adjacent the boss 25 that is likewise use to attach the cap 14 to the bottle 12. As best discerned in FIGS. 13 and 14, an annular wall 26 is provided on the inside of the body 13 that is radially inward of the annular wall of the cap 14. As such, an annular space 28 is defined between the walls. As best seen in FIG. 5, the top of the bottle 12 fits into the annular space 28. The annular inside wall 26 has a cutout 27 that is aligned with the cutout 20 of the annular wall of the cap 14 such that the medicament outlet 19 is formed by cutouts 20 and 27. This allows a medicament to be dispensed from the upper area of the upper portion 33 of the bottle 12 via the medicament outlet 19.
[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 16-31 there is depicted another illustrative embodiment of a combination medicine container and dispenser, generally designated 50, fashioned in accordance with the present principles and it components. The combination medicine container and dispenser 50 is configured to dispense a single pill (pill, tablet, capsule or the like) from the top thereof via thereof via an integral dispensing means or mechanism, being rotary motion applied to components of the container/dispenser 50 as discussed more fully below.
[0089] FIG. 16 is an assembled view of the medicine container and dispenser 50 while FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the present medicine container and dispenser 50 particularly showing the various components thereof. The medicine container and dispenser 50 includes a bottle 52, an indexing cup 54, a rotary dispenser or nest 56, and a cap 58, with the dispensing means being a combination of features and/or structures of the various components. While these components are preferably made from plastic, one or more components may be made from other materials as desired. Plastics used may be an acrylic, PETE, or other.
[0090] With particular reference to FIGS. 18-20, the bottle 52 is defined by a generally cylindrical body 53 having a top portion 70 defining an upper area 67 within its interior, and a lower portion 64 defining a lower area 66 within its interior. The body 53 further includes a cutout 65 formed in the lower sidewall of the lower portion 64 of the body 53. The cutout 65 is sized to allow a single pill, tablet, capsule or the like (medicament) to be dispensed from the bottle 52 as described herein. As such, bottle 52 may be made having a different sized and/or configured cutout 65 depending on the type and/or size of the pill being held and dispensed.
[0091] A divider or shelf 60 is provided in the interior 66 of the lower portion 64 of the body 53 generally proximate the cutout 65 such that a lower area is defined between the divider 60 and the lower end of the lower portion 64. The single medicament is dispensed from the lower area. The divider 60 includes a central boss 62 having a bore 63 extending through the boss 62. A slot 61 is provided in the divider 60. The slot 61 is configured so its side walls define a varying width. Particularly, the slot 61 is configured as an arch or a portion of a spiral having a narrow end 61a and a large end 61b (see FIG. 20). Exemplary dimensions are from a narrow end 61a of 4 mm to a large end 61b of 12 mm. Of course, other dimensions may be used.
[0092] The upper portion 70 of the body 53 includes a cap retention structure approximately between the upper portion 70 and the lower portion 64 of the body 53. The upper portion 70 may be slightly larger than the lower portion 64 and thus defines a slight overhang. On the outside surface of the upper portion 70 proximate the overhang is a first configured slot 71 and a second configured slot 72. As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, the slots are disposed diametrically opposite one another. However, it should be recognized that more than two configured slots may be used or similar structures. The slots 71, 72 cooperate with structures on the cap (as described below), allowing the cap to attach onto the top portion 33 and rotate. While not shown, child-proof structures may be incorporated into this as well as the other embodiments.
[0093] The upper portion 70 of the body further includes a plurality of vertical grooves 69 on the inside surface of the upper portion 70. As discussed more fully below, the vertical grooves 69 cooperate with a mating structure 94 of the indexing cup 94 to allow the indexing cup 54 to be retained in a particular rotational position, thereby setting the size of a medicament that the container/dispenser 50 can singularly dispense from a range of medicament sizes. The grooves can be marked to show the chosen opening diameter for the medicament.
[0094] The indexing cup 54 is particularly shown in FIGS. 25-27. The indexing cup 54 has a generally cylindrical body 55 with a closed bottom 91 and an open top 89 thus defining an interior 88. A central bore 92 is provided in the bottom as well as a configured hole or slot 93. The configured hole 93 is shaped to have a radial center line that registers or indexes with the slot 61 of the divider 60 of the bottle 52. Rotation of the indexing cup 54 relative to the divider 60 creates an opening between the upper area 67 and the lower area 66 of a particular size. Referring to FIG. 27, the mating structure 94 of the indexing cup is best seen. The mating structure 94 includes a key 98 projecting from the end 99 of a finger or tine 97 formed by first and second slots 95, 96. The key 98 mates with the grooves 69 of the upper portion 70 of the body 53. Particularly, the indexing cup is received in the bottle 52 from the top with the rotational position thereof fixed by the reception of the key 98 in one or the grooves 69. Rotational position of the indexing cup 54 determines the size of the hole between the medicament holding area and the medicament dispensing area. The indexing cup 54 is what holds the medicaments to be dispensed. Once the indexing cup 94 is positioned and the cap 58 is attached to the bottle 52, the indexing cup 94 is stationary and never moves.
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 21-24, the cap 58 is particularly shown. The cap 58 is defined by a body 59 that is generally cylindrical in shape and defines an upper surface 75 and a lower surface 76. The upper surface 75 may include writing, indicia or the like if desired, or allow labels to adhere thereto. The body 59 has a plurality of vertically disposed gripping ribs 74 on its outside surface. A gripping/thumb area 84 is provided on the side of the annular wall of the body 59. Another gripping/thumb area 82 is provided on the side of the annular wall of the body 59 diametrically opposite the gripping/thumb area 84. On the inside surface of the annular wall of the body 59 adjacent the gripping/thumb area 84 is a projection 85 that is used to attach the cap 58 to the bottle 52. A projection 83 is provided on the inside surface of the annular wall of the body 59 adjacent the gripping/thumb area 82 that is likewise used to attach the cap 58 to the bottle 52.
[0096] As best discerned in FIGS. 22 and 24, a first annular wall 80 extends from the bottom 76 of the body 59 and is positioned radially inward of the annular wall of the cap 58. The first annular wall 80 is arch shaped and extends only a portion around a stein 77 of the cap 58. A second annular wall 81 extends from the bottom 76 of the body 59 and is positioned radially inward of the annular wall of the cap 58. The second annular wall 81 is arch shaped and extends only a portion around the stem 77. As such, an annular space is defined between the inner walls 80, 81 and the annular wall of the cap 58. In like manner as the embodiment of FIG. 5, the top of the bottle 52 fits into the annular space of the cap 58.
[0097] The stem 77 of the cap 58 extends axially from the bottom 76 of the cap body 59. A bore 78 extends through the stem 77 preferably, but not necessarily, from the top of the stem 77 to the bottom 76 of the cap 58. A flat 79 is formed in the bore 78. The flat 79 allows the stem 100 of the rotary dispenser 56 to be keyed thereto, such that rotation of the cap rotates the stem 100 which rotates the rotary dispenser 56.
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 28-31, the rotary dispenser or nest 56 is shown. The rotary dispenser 56 has a generally cylindrical body 57 with the post or stem 100 extending vertically from a top 112 of the body 57. One side of the cylindrical body 57 has a channel 108 formed therein which defines an inlet 111 in the top surface 112 of the body 57 and an outlet 110 in the side of the body 57. A dispensing surface 109 is also defined that extends between the inlet 111 and the outlet 110. When the rotary nest 56 is rotated, the inlet 111 can be registered under the hole 61 of the divider 69 and hole 93 of the indexing cup 54 to receive a single medicament, while the outlet 110 can be registered adjacent the cutout 65 in the bottom of the bottle 52 in order to dispense the single medicament.
[0099] The tip 102 of the post 100 has a mating structure or bard that is configured for reception in the stem 77 of the cap 58. As best seed in FIGS. 28-30, the tip 102 has a vertical slot 105 that extends axially down the post 100 to define a first tine 103 and a second tine 104. A projection 106 is provided at the top of the tine 104. The bottom of the tine 104 includes a taper 107. This structure locks the cap 58 to the rotary nest 56.
[0100] In use, the indexing cup 54 is filled with the medicament. The indexing cup 54 is placed into the bottle 52 in a rotational position to register or align the hole 93 of the indexing cup 54 with a portion of the slot 61 of the divider such that the size of the resultant opening will allow a single medicament to pass therethrough. The projection 98 of the indexing cup 54 is received the appropriate groove 69 of the bottle 52. The cap 58 is then locked onto the post 100 of the rotary nest 56. Rotation of the cap 58 rotates the rotary nest 56 as described above to dispense a medicament.
[0101] Referring now to FIGS. 32-45 there is depicted another illustrative embodiment of a combination medicine container and dispenser, generally designated 130, fashioned in accordance with the present principles and it components. The combination medicine container and dispenser 130 is configured to dispense a single pill (pill, tablet, capsule or the like) from the bottom thereof via thereof via an integral dispensing means or mechanism, being rotary motion applied to components of the container/dispenser 130 as discussed more fully below.
[0102] FIG. 32 is an assembled view of the medicine container and dispenser 130 while FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the present medicine container and dispenser 130 particularly showing the various components thereof. The medicine container and dispenser 130 includes a bottle 132, a cap 134, indexing disk 138, and a rotary dispenser or nest 136, with the dispensing means being a combination of features and/or structures of the various components. While these components are preferably made from plastic, one or more components may be made from other materials as desired. Plastics used may be an acrylic, PETE, or other.
[0103] With particular reference to FIG. 34, the bottle 132 is defined by a generally cylindrical body 133 having an upper portion 179 defining an upper area 180 within its interior, and a lower portion 171 defining a lower area 170 within its interior. The body 133 further includes a cutout 172 formed in the lower sidewall of the lower portion 171 of the body 133. The cutout 172 is sized to allow a single pill, tablet, capsule or the like (medicament) to be dispensed from the bottle 132 as described herein. As such, bottle 132 may be made having a different sized and/or configured cutout 172 depending on the type and/or size of the pill being held and dispensed.
[0104] A divider or shelf 173 is provided in the interior 170 of the lower portion 171 of the body 133 generally proximate the cutout 172 such that a lower area is defined between the divider 173 and the lower end of the lower portion 171. The single medicament is dispensed from the lower area. The divider 173 includes a central bore 174 and a medicament hole 175 adjacent the central bore 174. The divider 173 further has three upstanding guides 176, 177, 178 for retaining and stabilizing the indexing disk 138.
[0105] The upper portion 179 of the body 133 includes a cap retention structure approximately between the upper portion 179 and the lower portion 171 of the body 133. The upper portion 179 may be slightly larger than the lower portion 171 and thus defines a slight overhang. The overhang cooperate with structures on the cap (as described below), allowing the cap to attach onto the top portion 33 and rotate. While not shown, child-proof structures may be incorporated into this as well as the other embodiments.
[0106] The indexing disk 138 is particularly shown in FIGS. 39-41. The indexing disk 138 has a generally flat, circular body 139 with a central hub 153 and an indexing means 140 defined by a plurality of holes 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146 each of a different size. As best seen in FIGS. 40 and 41, the central hub 153 projects axially from the disk 138 and is defined by first and second hub portions 154, 155. The hub portions 154, 155 fit into the central bore 174 of the divider 173 such that the disk 138 is rotatable relative to the divider 173. Rotation of the disk 138 registers one of the holes 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146 with the hole 175 of the divider 172 to allow a medicament to pass therethrough.
[0107] Referring to FIGS. 42-45, the cap 134 is particularly shown. The cap 134 is defined by a body 135 that is generally cylindrical in shape and defines an upper surface 160 and a lower surface 161. The upper surface 160 may include writing, indicia or the like if desired, or allow labels to adhere thereto. The body 135 has a plurality of vertically disposed gripping ribs 158 on its outside surface. A gripping/thumb area 159 is provided on the side of the annular wall of the body 135. Another gripping/thumb area may be provided on the side of the annular wall of the body 135 diametrically opposite the gripping/thumb area 159. On the inside surface of the annular wall of the body 135 adjacent the gripping/thumb area 159 is a projection 166 that is used to attach the cap 135 to the bottle 132. A projection 164 is also provided on the inside surface 163 of the annular wall of the body 135 adjacent the gripping/thumb area 159 that is likewise used to attach the cap 134 to the bottle 152. The projection 164 is particularly shown in FIG. 45. The projection 164 defines a ledge 165 that snap fits under the upper portion 170 of the bottle 132. The projection 166 has and does likewise.
[0108] As best discerned in FIGS. 43 and 44, a first annular wall 168 extends from the bottom 161 of the body 135 and is positioned radially inward of the annular wall of the cap 134. The first annular wall 168 is arch shaped and extends only a portion about the cap 134. A second annular wall 169 extends from the bottom 161 of the body 135 and is positioned radially inward of the annular wall of the cap 134. The second annular wall 169 is arch shaped and extends only a portion about the cap 134. As such, an annular space is defined between the inner walls 168, 169 and the annular wall of the cap 134. In like manner as the embodiment of FIG. 5, the top of the bottle 132 fits into the annular space of the cap 134.
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 35-38, the rotary dispenser or nest 136 is shown. The rotary dispenser 136 has a generally cylindrical, knurled base 188 with an enlarged stem 184 extending vertically from the base 188 thereby defining flats 185, 186 on sides thereof. One side of the stem 184 has a channel 190 formed therein which defines an inlet in the top surface of the stem 184 and an outlet in the side of the stem 184. When the rotary nest 136 is rotated, the inlet of the stem 184 can be registered under the hole 175 of the divider 173 and a hole 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146 of the indexing disk 138 to receive a single medicament, while the outlet can be registered adjacent the cutout 172 in the bottom of the bottle 152 in order to dispense the single medicament. An indexing means 192 is also provided on the end of the stem 184 opposite the channel 190.
[0110] In use, the indexing disk 138 is positioned onto and over the divider 173 such that an appropriate hole 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146 of the indexing disk 138 is over the divider hole 175. Thereafter, the bottle 132 is filled with the medicament. The cap 134 is then secured onto the bottle 132. For dispensing a medicament, the rotary nest 136 is rotated to align, index or register the channel 190 with the divider hole 175 and a medicament falls into the channel 190. The rotary nest 136 is rotated such that the channel aligns, indexes or registers with the cutout/outlet 172.
[0111] Referring now to FIGS. 46-56 there is depicted another illustrative embodiment of a combination medicine container and dispenser, generally designated 200, fashioned in accordance with the present principles and its components. The combination medicine container and dispenser 200 is configured to allow a user to select a dispensing compartment of a plurality of differently sized medicament dispensing compartments in order to dispense a single medicament (pill, tablet, capsule. caplet, or the like) from the bottom of the bottle via thereof via an integral dispensing means or mechanism—i.e. rotary motion applied to components of the container/dispenser 200 as discussed more fully below. Thus a single combination medicine container and dispenser 200 can be used with a variety of medicament sizes while dispensing a single medicament, by allowing a user to select one of a plurality of medicament dispensing compartments that fits the size of the medicament being held in the container.
[0112] FIG. 56 shows an exploded view of the medicine container and dispenser 200 wherein its components are generally shown. The medicine container and dispenser 200 includes a bottle, container, vessel, flask or the like (collectively, ‘bottle’) 202, a cap 208, an insert 206, and a rotary dispensary 204, with the dispensing means being a combination of features and/or structures of the various components. While these components are preferably made from plastic, one or more components may be made from other materials as desired. Plastics used may be an acrylic, PETE, PEEK, PEET, a combination thereof, or other.
[0113] With particular reference to FIGS. 46-49, various views of the bottle 202 are shown. The bottle 202 is defined by a generally hollow cylindrical body 210 having an interior area 211 with a divider, partition, wall, barrier, panel or the like (collectively, ‘divider’) 251 situated proximate a bottom 216 of the body 210, the divider 251 defining an upper interior area 254 and a lower interior area 255 within the interior area 211. The upper interior area 254 holds medicaments (not shown) for dispensing. Flanges 214 are provided on an outer upper peripheral surface of the body 210 proximate the top 212. The body 210 is shown having four flanges 254a-d extending about the outer upper peripheral surface of the body 210, it being understood that more or less flanges (from 1 to many) may be used. The flanges 254a-d are separated from one another by respective grooves 219 a-d. Each flange preferably, but not necessarily, has two notches 215 (a-h) disposed on a lower side of each flange 254 (a-d), • flange 254a has two lower notches 215a, 215b, flange 254b has two lower notches 215c, 215d, flange 254c has two lower notches 215e, 215f, and flange 254d has two lower notches 254g, 254hd. These structures receive and help retain the cap 208 onto the body 210. They also may provide and/or aid in providing child-proofing of the cap and bottle.
[0114] The body 210 also has an outlet 218 formed in a lower sidewall 217 of the body 210 below the divider 250. The outlet 218 is sized to allow a single medicament to be dispensed from the lower area 255 of the bottle as described herein. As such, the bottle 202 may be made having a different sized and/or configured outlet 218 depending on the type and/or size of the medicament being held and dispensed. The sidewall 217 may be reinforced or extend radially outwardly if desired (and shown) and may have resilient tabs 220a, 220b on its lower end 216 for reception and control of the dispensary 204 by locking and unlocking rotation of the dispensary 204. In its unbiased state, the resilient tabs 220a, 220b lock rotation of the dispensary 204. Pressing, squeezing or otherwise manipulating the resilient tabs 220a, 220b, unlocks the dispensary 204 so that the dispensary 204 may freely rotate/turn in order to capture then dispense a single medicament through the selected or chosen medicament compartment.
[0115] The divider 250 has an opening 251 that provides communication between the upper interior area 254 and the lower interior area 255. The opening 251 is shown as rectangular, but take any form as desired, preferably, but not necessarily, dependent upon the configuration of the medicament to be held and dispensed. The divider 250 may or may not have another outlet 252 that also provides communication between the upper interior area 254 and the lower interior area 255. The second opening 252 is shown as rectangular, but take any form as desired, preferably, but not necessarily, dependent upon the configuration of the medicament to be held and dispensed. As best seen in FIG. 49, a circumferential groove 222 is provided about the lower portion 216. The dispensary 204 cooperates with the groove 22 to allow the bottle 202 to receive and retain the dispensary 204.
[0116] Referring to FIGS. 50-51, the cap 208 is particularly shown. The cap 208 is defined by a generally cylindrical body 224 having an annular wall 234 with a hub, platform or the like 236 situated on the underside of the body radially inwardly of the annular wall 234. The hub 236 is sized to provide an annular channel 228 between the inside surface 225 of the annular wall 234 and the outside surface 227 of the hub 226. A upper surface of the cap 224 may include writing, indicia or the like if desired, or allow labels to adhere thereto (not shown). The outside surface 232 of the annular wall 234 has a plurality of vertically disposed gripping ribs 233. On the inside surface 225 of the annular wall 234 of the body 224 there are a plurality of projections, tabs, flanges or the like (collectively, ‘tabs’) 231 of which the present cap 208 has four, • tab 231a-d, that are used to attach the cap 208 to the bottle 202. The projections 231a-d define a ledge that snap fits to the flanges 214a-d of the bottle 202.
[0117] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the hub 226 includes a plurality of cavities 230a-d for appropriate medicament sizing for the present invention. This allows the user or pharmacy to quickly judge what size pill will be needed for the bottle. The squared perforated areas (see segments 247 on FIGS. 53, 55) on the disk (245) are the same width as the holes under the cap. So in other words, the appropriate perforated tab would be piled or cut off based on the sized pill that is measured under the cap.
[0118] FIG. 52 particularly shows the dispensary 204. The dispensary 204 has a generally cylindrical body 236 having a base 237 and a hub 238. The hub 238 is sized to be received into the lower interior area 255 of the bottle 202, while the lower end 216 of the bottle 202 is received onto the base 237. The base 237 is preferably, but not necessarily, knurled or otherwise configured for rotational manipulation of the dispensary as shown. The base 237 includes a peripheral channel 242 that interacts with bottle structure to secure the dispenser onto the bottle. The hub 238 has a plurality of medicament compartments 239 the number of which may be chosen as desired, the hub 238 of the present medical container and dispenser 200 has four (4) such compartments, • medicament compartments 23a-d. Each compartment is sized to receive a single medicament of a range of sizes/configurations, and/or of a particular size/configuration. The dispensary 204 interacts with the bottle structures to rotationally dispense a medicament of a selected size.
[0119] FIG. 53 particularly shows the insert 206. The insert 206 has a generally disk-shaped body 244 sized for reception in the lower area 255 of the interior area 211 and onto the dispensary 204. As such, the hub 238 of the dispensary 204 has first and second slots 240a, 240b that are configured to receive first and second legs 246a, 246b of the disk 244. The insert 206 further has a plurality of removable segments 247 that correspond in number and general configuration to the medicament compartments 239 of the dispensary 204, the insert 206 having four (4) such removable segments, 247a-d corresponding to the four (4) medicament compartments 239a-d of the dispensary 204. Each removable segment 247a-d has a scored portion 248a-d that is positioned over the medicament compartments 239a-d of the hub 238 of the dispensary 204, and a shield 249a-d that is sized to extend into the appropriate medicament compartment. A segment 247 is removed to select which medicament compartment of the dispensary to use.
[0120] FIG. 54 particularly shows another dispensary 204a. The dispensary 204a has a generally cylindrical body 236a having a base 237a and a hub 238a. The hub 238a is sized to be received into the lower interior area 255 of the bottle 202, while the lower end 216 of the bottle 202 is received onto the base a 237a. The base 237a is preferably, but not necessarily, knurled or otherwise configured for rotational manipulation of the dispensary as shown. The base 237a includes a peripheral channel 242a that interacts with bottle structure to secure the dispenser onto the bottle. The hub 238a has a plurality of medicament compartments 239a the number of which may be chosen as desired, the hub 238a has three (3) such compartments, • medicament compartments 239a, 239ba, 239ca. Each compartment is sized to receive a single medicament of a range of sizes/configurations, and/or of a particular size/configuration. The dispensary 204a interacts with the bottle structures to rotationally dispense a medicament of a selected size.
[0121] FIG. 53 particularly shows the insert 206a. The insert 206a has a generally disk-shaped body 244a sized for reception in the lower area 255 of the interior area 211 and onto the dispensary 204a. As such, the hub 238a of the dispensary 204a has first and second, slots 240ab, 240ba that are configured to receive first and second legs 246aa, 246ba of the disk 244a. The insert 206a further has a plurality of removable segments 247 that correspond in number and general configuration to the medicament compartments 239a of the dispensary 204a, the insert 206a having three (3) such removable segments, 247aa, 247ba, 247ca corresponding to the three (3) medicament compartments 239aa, 239ba, 239ca of the dispensary 204a. Each removable segment 247aa, 247ba, 247ca has a scored portion 248aa, 248ba, 248ca that is positioned over the medicament compartments 239aa, 239ba, 239ca of the hub 238a of the dispensary 204a, and a shield 249aa, 249ba, 249ca that is sized to extend into the appropriate medicament compartment. A segment 247a is removed to select which medicament compartment of the dispensary to use.
[0122] Of course, other styles of dispensaries and inserts can be used and are contemplated.
[0123] Any and all references cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they supplement, explain, provide a background for or teach methodology or techniques employed herein.
