Pill dispenser system for before and after meals

Abstract

The invention is directed to a pill dispenser system for before and after meals. The system provides seven pill dispensers, corresponding to the days of the week and identifiable by printed tabs, which are provided. Each pill dispenser provides four sections, each corresponding to a meal or snack which is served during the course of a day. Each section further provides two compartments with tight fitting snap-down lids, corresponding to the period before and after each meal or snack. The pill dispensers are provided on a tray in sets of seven, corresponding to the seven days of the week. The tray provides a hinged tray lid which may be secured by a latch.

Claims

1-6. (canceled)

7. A pill dispenser, comprising: a tray having a tray lid that opens and closes about a hinge, wherein the tray includes a tray compartment; and seven pill dispensers adjacently positioned, in which each pill dispenser includes a tab on which an indication of a weekday is written, wherein each of the seven pill dispensers fit and are positioned within the tray compartment, and wherein the tray lid opens and closes while the seven pill dispensers are positioned within the tray compartment, wherein each of the seven pill dispensers comprise: four defined sections vertically aligned, each section having two compartments, a first compartment having a compartment lid labeled with an indication that signifies before, and a second compartment having a compartment lid labeled with an indication that signifies after, wherein the compartment lids open about a respective hinge horizontally relative to the vertical alignment of the four sections.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a top view of the first exemplary embodiment with the tray removed, displaying the pill dispensers 10.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment with the tray removed, displaying the pill dispensers 10.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of a pill dispenser of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the pill dispenser 10.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a pill dispenser of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the pill dispenser 10, the tab 11, and the sections 12.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment with the tray removed, displaying the pill dispensers 10.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a pill dispenser of the first exemplary embodiment with three lids raised, displaying the pill dispenser 10, the tab 11, the compartments 13, and the lids 14.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the tray component of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the tray 15, and the tray lid 16.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the tray component of the first exemplary embodiment with the tray lid raised, displaying the tray 15, the tray lid 16, the hinge 17, and the latch 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is a pill dispenser system for before and after meals.

[0029] The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of seven rectangular pill dispensers 10, each corresponding to a day of the week and identified by a large printed tab 11 which extends from the upper end of the pill dispenser 10. Each pill dispenser 10 is divided into four sections 12, each corresponding to a portion of the day: morning, lunch time, late afternoon, and evening. Each section 12 is divided into two compartments 13 wherein pills may be stored, each corresponding to before or after a meal or snack. The compartments 13 may be easily removed for more effective use, and may be transported as needed for greater convenience.

[0030] Each compartment 13 provides a tight-fitting, snap-down lid 14 which is printed in large type with the corresponding dosage time. The printed messages may be provided in any language as desired by the user.

[0031] The first exemplary embodiment is further comprised of a tray 15 which may be used to carry and store all seven pill dispensers 10. The tray 15 provides a tray lid 16, which provides a hinge 17 along the rear edge and may be secured by a latch 18.

[0032] To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may insert pills into the compartments 13 corresponding to their prescribed dosage times, and remove the pills for consumption as indicated by the printed tabs 11 and lids 14.

[0033] The tabs 11, the compartments 13, the lids 14, the tray 15, and the tray lid 16 are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials, such as plastic. The hinge 17 and the latch 18 are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials which provide substantial structural strength, such as steel, brass, and aluminum alloy. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

[0034] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.