CA2060796A1 - Portable medicine dispenser - Google Patents
Portable medicine dispenserInfo
- Publication number
- CA2060796A1 CA2060796A1 CA 2060796 CA2060796A CA2060796A1 CA 2060796 A1 CA2060796 A1 CA 2060796A1 CA 2060796 CA2060796 CA 2060796 CA 2060796 A CA2060796 A CA 2060796A CA 2060796 A1 CA2060796 A1 CA 2060796A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- dispenser according
- pills
- timer
- compartment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/0015—Devices specially adapted for taking medicines
- A61J7/0038—Straws
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/0015—Devices specially adapted for taking medicines
- A61J7/0053—Syringes, pipettes or oral dispensers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
- A61J7/0409—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers
- A61J7/0472—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers of the count-down type, i.e. counting down a predetermined interval after each reset
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/0015—Devices specially adapted for taking medicines
- A61J7/0046—Cups, bottles or bags
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
- A61J7/0409—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers
- A61J7/0481—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers working on a schedule basis
Abstract
PATENT
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A dispenser (10) of pills (16) and other medicine comprises a housing (12), a compartment (14) formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills, and a reservoir (18) formed within the housing for containing either a liquid medicine or a quantity of another liquid such as water to assist in taking the pills. A timer (20) contained within the housing indicates when the medicine should be taken. A straw (30) extends through a cap (34) and into the reservoir to assist in drinking the liquid. The cap is hinged (34b) in such a manner that when it closes it bends the straw so that it forms a seal that prevents leakage of the liquid. The pill compartment can be extended from the housing, and it has a sliding lid (52) that can be closed to prevent the pills from spilling or opened to afford access to the pills. The medicine dispenser has a flattened shape so that it can be carried easily in a pocket or purse.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A dispenser (10) of pills (16) and other medicine comprises a housing (12), a compartment (14) formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills, and a reservoir (18) formed within the housing for containing either a liquid medicine or a quantity of another liquid such as water to assist in taking the pills. A timer (20) contained within the housing indicates when the medicine should be taken. A straw (30) extends through a cap (34) and into the reservoir to assist in drinking the liquid. The cap is hinged (34b) in such a manner that when it closes it bends the straw so that it forms a seal that prevents leakage of the liquid. The pill compartment can be extended from the housing, and it has a sliding lid (52) that can be closed to prevent the pills from spilling or opened to afford access to the pills. The medicine dispenser has a flattened shape so that it can be carried easily in a pocket or purse.
Description
2 0 ~ 0 7 9 g PATENT
BACR~;ROlJ~D QF ~E IN~Nq!ION
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a portable medicine dispenser and more particularly to a novel and highly effzcti~2 dispenser of liquid medicine or of pills plus a liquid to aid in taking thP
pills .
Description o~ the Prior Art A major problem of physicians in managing their patients and of those with illnesses in managing their own medication with or without the supervision of a physician is ensuring that the prescribed medicine is taken at the prescribed times.
It is often o~ the utmost importance that medicine prescribed by a physician be taken on schedule. If taken at intervals that are too lengthy, the medicine may not have its intended curative effect. If taken at intervals that are too brie~, the ~edicine may produce dangerous side e~fects. A common side ef~ect is drowsiness that can make i~ hazardous to drive a car or to operate other heavy machinery. The list of side effects resulting fro~ th~ misuse of prescription medicines is virtually endless and includes potential damage to every organ of the body and even the death of the patient. Over-the-counter medicines are generally less dangerous but can also easily produce serious side e~fects including death if taken at intervals sv brief as to result in a massive overdose. Often 6~796 PATENT
medicine is taken at intervals that are alternately too lengthy and too brief. This can cause both less-than-optimum efficacy and dangerous side effects.
A prime reason for failure to take medication at intended intervals is simple forgetfulnes~s. Another reason is that either the medication or some liquid to aid in swallowing it is not at hand at the prescribed time.
Various attempts have been made heretofore to overcome the problem of forgetfuln~ss mentioned above. In the case of a prescription medicine, a label is typically applied to its container directing that it be taken every so many hours, or with meals, or at bedtime, for example. In the case of an over-the-counter medicine, there may be a label bearing directions to take it as often a~ desired, but, for example, not more often than once every four hours. The problem is that one tends to forget to take the medicine at, say, 2:00 p.m. as prescribed by a physician or~ in the case of an over-the-counter medicine, as intended by the patient, but remembers and takes it at, say, 4:00 pm. By the next scheduled time, say ~:00 p.m. one may forget whether the medicine was last taken at 2:00 p.m., 3:QO p.m., or 4: 00 p . ma Even if one remembers clearly that it was 4:00 p.m~, there may be doubt whether to ~eet the 6:00 p.m. schedule or to delay it by two hours or perhaps by le~s than that, in view of the earlier delay.
Another conventional attempt to deal with the problem of forgetfulness involves asking a spouse or companion for help in remembering. This can improve the odds that the medicine will 2~6~9S
PATENT
be taken at proper intervals but it is certainly not a total solution and moreover burdens the memories of two persons and requires that the second person be present or make a phone call, etc., at the time the medicine is to be taken.
A conventional attempt to deal with the problem of the unavailability of the medicine or of some liquid to aid in s~allowing it at the prescribed time involves the use of portable pill boxes and flasks. However, pill boxes and ~lasks can become separated, require separate handling, and can be inconvenient to use.
It is believed that no ideal solution to the problems outlined above has been found heretofore.
O~J T8,3~C=e9nyaRy O~ T~ Nv~NrIoN
An object o~ the invention is to provide a remedy for the problems outlined above and more particularly to provide a novel and highly effective dispen~er of liquid medicine or of pills and a liguid to aid in taking the pills. The term "pills"
is used generically herein to include all medicines that are not in liquid for~, including pills, tablets, capsules, caplets and powders.
The foregoing and other objects are a tained in accordance with the invention by providing a pill dispenser comprising a housing, a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills, and a timer contained within the housing for indicating when the pills should be taken.
2~07~1~
PATENT
In accordance with an independent aspect of the invPntion, adapted particularly for disp~nsing a liquid medicine, a medicine dispenser is provided comprising a ~ousing, a reser~oir formed within the housing for containing a quantity of liquid medicine, and a timer contained w:ithin the housing for indicating when the medicine should be taken.
In accordance with another independent aspect of the invention, a pill dispenser is provided comprising a housing, a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills, and a reservoir formed within the housing for containing a quantity of liquid to assist in taking the pills.
In accordance with the best mode known to the inventor for practicing the invention, there is provided a pill dispenser comprising a housing, a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills, a re~ervoir formed within the housing for cvntaining a quantity of liquid to assist in taking the pills, ~nd a timer contained within the housing ~or indicating when the pills should be taken.
B~ DB8CR~P~IO~ OF I~ DAilN~
A better understanding o~ the objects, features and advantage~ of the invention can be gained ~rom a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof, in con3unction with the appended figure of the drawing, wherein a given re~erence character always refers to the same element or part, and wherein:
2~07~
PATENT
Fig. 1 is a view in f ront elevation of a prPferred e~bodiment of a medicine disp~nser construc~ed in ac~ordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a view in right-side elevatisn of the medicine dispenser of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the medicine dispenser;
Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof;
Fig. 5 i~ a left-side elevation thereof;
Fig. 6 is a rear elevation thereof:
Fig. 7 is a perspective view thereof;
Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing a cap and straw removed for adding liquid to a reservoir formed in the medicine dispenser;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the cap open and the straw extended for drinking liquid from a reservoir;
Fig. 10 is a top plan vie~ of the dispenser with the cap open;
~ ig. 11 is a perspective view of the dispenser with a pill compart~ent thereof in an extended position and a lid of the pill compartment closed;
Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 showing the lid o~ the pill compartment open:
Fig. 13 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 11 but showing the di penser from the rear;
Fig~. 14, 15 and 16 ar~ sectional view~ showing the operation of the pill compartment and its lid; and Fig. 17 is a sectional view on a larger scale taken in 2~79~
, PATENT
74~5/39577 a directisn at right angles to ~he views of Figs. 14-16.
D~8CRIP~ O~ OF ~ P~F~ ODX~NT~
The figures show a medi~ine dispenser lO constructed in accordance with the invention. It comprises a housing 12, a compartment 14 formed within the housing 12 for cont~ining a quantity of pills 16 (Fig. 12), a reservoir 18 (Fig. 9) formed within the housing 12 ~or containing a quantity of liquid (either liguid medicine or a plain liquid such a~ water to assist in taking the pills 16), and a timer 20 contained within the housing 12 and including a display for indicating when the pills should be taken.
The housing 12 plus at laast two of the three elements 14, 18 and 20 are included in a dispenser constructed in accordance with the invention a~ broadly conceived. Preferably, all three of the ele~entR 14, 18, and 20 are included in the dispenser.
As the ~i~ures show, the hou6ing 12 is ~lattened so as to be conveniantly carried in a pocket or purse. The reservoir 18 hold~ a quantity of liquid at least su~icient to facilitate the swallowing of aR many pills 16 as are intended to be taken at a predetermined time.
The timer 20 is preferably digital, though an analogue timer can be employed in accordance with the invention. The timer 12 can be either a 12-hour timer or a 24-hour timer that in eithe~ ca~e can be set to show local ti~e. Alternatively, or 2~ 9~
PAl'ENT
in addition, the tim~r 20 may count up ~rom zero to a predetermined indication or down from a pr~edetermined indication to zero. For example, i~ medicine is to be tak~n every four hours, the timer 20 may be constructed to count ~rom O to 4 hours. On the other hand, ths timer can also be constructed to count down from a predetermined indication to zero. That is, 4 hours may be set manually into the timer 20 and its display by means of an hour button 22 and a minute button 24, and the timer may count from that value down to 0.
Whether the counter counts up or down, it can pre~erably be cleared manually by a clear button 26.
Alternatively, it can be reset automatically upon completing its count.
Pre~erably, the medicine dispenser 10 also includes means responsive to the timer 20 for generating a signal to indicate when the pills should be taken. Ideally~ a sound signal such as a ~Dne or be~p is generated. A sound opening 28 comprising for example perforations in the housing 12 is provided to facilitate the propagation of the sound fro~ the housing 12.
A straw 30 ext0nds through an aperture 32 in a cap 34 and into the reservoir 18 to facilitate drinking water or another liquid including a liquid ~edicine. The cap 34 is articulated and includes a top portion 34a hinyed at 34b. When the top portion 34a v~ the cap 34a swings to the clo~ed position, the straw 30 i5 bent over and ~orms a seal so that the liquid in the reservoir 18 cannot leak out.
As Fig. 8 shows, the straw 30 extends through a fitting 2 0 ~ 6 PAT~NT
36 having a plurality of projections such as lugs 38. The lugs 38 are adapted to pass through corresponding recesses 40 formed in a retainer 42 secured in an aperture fo~med in the housing 12.
With the straw 30, cap 34 and fitting 3~ withdrawn as in Fig. 8, a liquid can be poured into the reservoir 18. When the luqs 38 are moved down to the underside of the retainer 42 in which the recesses 40 are formed and the cap 34 is then oriented to the position shown for example in Fig. 7, the lugs 38 are out of alignmen~ with the recesses 40 and are held by the retainer 42 to form a watertight seal. An o-ring can be added to ensure that the seal is absolutely watertight.
The articulated top portion 34a of the cap 34 includes a latch 44 (Fig. 9) adapted to latch under an undercut ledge 46 (Fig. 10) when the top portion 34a is in the closed position shown for example in FigO 7~ The di~tal end 44a of the latch 44 extend~ through an opening 48 in the lid 34 ~Fig. 10~ and enters a recess 50 ~Fig. 8), thereby preventing accidental pivoting of the lid 34 and fitting 36 with respect to the housing 12 when the dispenser 10 is being carried in a pocket or purse.
The dispenser 10 can thus safely be carried in a pocket or a pur~ without th~ risk of spilling the liquid contained in the reservoir 18.
The pill compartment 14 is for~ed with a lid 52 that can be moved between a closed position shown for exampla in Figs.
11, 14 and 15 and an open position shown in Figs. 12 and 16. The entire co~partment 14 can be extended fro~ the housing 12 as shown in Figs. 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16. To this end, the drawer 2~79~
PATENT
or compartment 14 is ~ormed with an incurved runner 54 (Fig. 17) that coop~rates with an inverted T guide 56 at either side of the drawer or compartment 14 to facilitate sliding of the drawer 14 betw~en the closed posi~ion illustrated in Fig. 14 and the open position illustrated in Fig. 15 f~r example. The lid 52 is formed with a tab 58 that can be acco~modated in either or both of slots 60 ~Fig. 11 for exa~ple) and 62 (Fig. 12 for example).
When the compartment 14 is closed, the tab 58 is accommodated in both the slot 60 and the slot 62. A boss 68 snaps past the rear wall 70 o~ the compartment 14 when the lid 52 is in the closed position shown in Fig. 15, thu keeping the drawer 52 in the closed position until it is intentionally opened.
Ridges 64 (see Figs. 5 and 6 ~or example) ~ormed on the bottom of the drawer or compartment 14 ~acilitate a grip that enables the drawer or compartment 14 to be opened by ha~d. The tab 58 of the lid 52 is retained in the slot 62 so that when the drawer 14 is initially opened the lid 52 i5 in the closed posikion, preventing accidental spilling of the pills 16. Also, in this position, as Fig. 13 indicates, a screw 66 closing a battery compartment is e.xposed, enabling changing of the battery that power~ the timer 20.
In order to open the lid 52, the tab 58 is engaged by a finger as indicated in Fig. 11 and tha lid 52 is pushed to the rear so that the rear wall 70 moves to the rear of the boss 68.
The lid 52 can then be moved further to the rear until th~ tab 52 is enga~ed in the slot 60, thereby exposing the pills 16 so that one or more can be withdrawn as required. When the ~079~
PATENT
compartment 14 is closed, the lid 52 abuts a wall 70, which prevents i~ from moving further to the rear. ~he outside wall of the compaxtment 14 on the other hand slides over a ledge 72.
This automatically moves the lid 52 to its closed position, thereby sa~eguarding the pills 16 against spilling the next time the compartment l~ is opened.
Thus there is provided in accordance with the invention a novel and highly effective portable medicine dispenser that can be used to dispense a liguid medicine, or to dispense pills plus a liquid to aid in taking the pills. Many modifications of the preferred embodiment of the invention described above will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this disclosure. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except by the appended claims.
~`
BACR~;ROlJ~D QF ~E IN~Nq!ION
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a portable medicine dispenser and more particularly to a novel and highly effzcti~2 dispenser of liquid medicine or of pills plus a liquid to aid in taking thP
pills .
Description o~ the Prior Art A major problem of physicians in managing their patients and of those with illnesses in managing their own medication with or without the supervision of a physician is ensuring that the prescribed medicine is taken at the prescribed times.
It is often o~ the utmost importance that medicine prescribed by a physician be taken on schedule. If taken at intervals that are too lengthy, the medicine may not have its intended curative effect. If taken at intervals that are too brie~, the ~edicine may produce dangerous side e~fects. A common side ef~ect is drowsiness that can make i~ hazardous to drive a car or to operate other heavy machinery. The list of side effects resulting fro~ th~ misuse of prescription medicines is virtually endless and includes potential damage to every organ of the body and even the death of the patient. Over-the-counter medicines are generally less dangerous but can also easily produce serious side e~fects including death if taken at intervals sv brief as to result in a massive overdose. Often 6~796 PATENT
medicine is taken at intervals that are alternately too lengthy and too brief. This can cause both less-than-optimum efficacy and dangerous side effects.
A prime reason for failure to take medication at intended intervals is simple forgetfulnes~s. Another reason is that either the medication or some liquid to aid in swallowing it is not at hand at the prescribed time.
Various attempts have been made heretofore to overcome the problem of forgetfuln~ss mentioned above. In the case of a prescription medicine, a label is typically applied to its container directing that it be taken every so many hours, or with meals, or at bedtime, for example. In the case of an over-the-counter medicine, there may be a label bearing directions to take it as often a~ desired, but, for example, not more often than once every four hours. The problem is that one tends to forget to take the medicine at, say, 2:00 p.m. as prescribed by a physician or~ in the case of an over-the-counter medicine, as intended by the patient, but remembers and takes it at, say, 4:00 pm. By the next scheduled time, say ~:00 p.m. one may forget whether the medicine was last taken at 2:00 p.m., 3:QO p.m., or 4: 00 p . ma Even if one remembers clearly that it was 4:00 p.m~, there may be doubt whether to ~eet the 6:00 p.m. schedule or to delay it by two hours or perhaps by le~s than that, in view of the earlier delay.
Another conventional attempt to deal with the problem of forgetfulness involves asking a spouse or companion for help in remembering. This can improve the odds that the medicine will 2~6~9S
PATENT
be taken at proper intervals but it is certainly not a total solution and moreover burdens the memories of two persons and requires that the second person be present or make a phone call, etc., at the time the medicine is to be taken.
A conventional attempt to deal with the problem of the unavailability of the medicine or of some liquid to aid in s~allowing it at the prescribed time involves the use of portable pill boxes and flasks. However, pill boxes and ~lasks can become separated, require separate handling, and can be inconvenient to use.
It is believed that no ideal solution to the problems outlined above has been found heretofore.
O~J T8,3~C=e9nyaRy O~ T~ Nv~NrIoN
An object o~ the invention is to provide a remedy for the problems outlined above and more particularly to provide a novel and highly effective dispen~er of liquid medicine or of pills and a liguid to aid in taking the pills. The term "pills"
is used generically herein to include all medicines that are not in liquid for~, including pills, tablets, capsules, caplets and powders.
The foregoing and other objects are a tained in accordance with the invention by providing a pill dispenser comprising a housing, a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills, and a timer contained within the housing for indicating when the pills should be taken.
2~07~1~
PATENT
In accordance with an independent aspect of the invPntion, adapted particularly for disp~nsing a liquid medicine, a medicine dispenser is provided comprising a ~ousing, a reser~oir formed within the housing for containing a quantity of liquid medicine, and a timer contained w:ithin the housing for indicating when the medicine should be taken.
In accordance with another independent aspect of the invention, a pill dispenser is provided comprising a housing, a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills, and a reservoir formed within the housing for containing a quantity of liquid to assist in taking the pills.
In accordance with the best mode known to the inventor for practicing the invention, there is provided a pill dispenser comprising a housing, a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills, a re~ervoir formed within the housing for cvntaining a quantity of liquid to assist in taking the pills, ~nd a timer contained within the housing ~or indicating when the pills should be taken.
B~ DB8CR~P~IO~ OF I~ DAilN~
A better understanding o~ the objects, features and advantage~ of the invention can be gained ~rom a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof, in con3unction with the appended figure of the drawing, wherein a given re~erence character always refers to the same element or part, and wherein:
2~07~
PATENT
Fig. 1 is a view in f ront elevation of a prPferred e~bodiment of a medicine disp~nser construc~ed in ac~ordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a view in right-side elevatisn of the medicine dispenser of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the medicine dispenser;
Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof;
Fig. 5 i~ a left-side elevation thereof;
Fig. 6 is a rear elevation thereof:
Fig. 7 is a perspective view thereof;
Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing a cap and straw removed for adding liquid to a reservoir formed in the medicine dispenser;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the cap open and the straw extended for drinking liquid from a reservoir;
Fig. 10 is a top plan vie~ of the dispenser with the cap open;
~ ig. 11 is a perspective view of the dispenser with a pill compart~ent thereof in an extended position and a lid of the pill compartment closed;
Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 showing the lid o~ the pill compartment open:
Fig. 13 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 11 but showing the di penser from the rear;
Fig~. 14, 15 and 16 ar~ sectional view~ showing the operation of the pill compartment and its lid; and Fig. 17 is a sectional view on a larger scale taken in 2~79~
, PATENT
74~5/39577 a directisn at right angles to ~he views of Figs. 14-16.
D~8CRIP~ O~ OF ~ P~F~ ODX~NT~
The figures show a medi~ine dispenser lO constructed in accordance with the invention. It comprises a housing 12, a compartment 14 formed within the housing 12 for cont~ining a quantity of pills 16 (Fig. 12), a reservoir 18 (Fig. 9) formed within the housing 12 ~or containing a quantity of liquid (either liguid medicine or a plain liquid such a~ water to assist in taking the pills 16), and a timer 20 contained within the housing 12 and including a display for indicating when the pills should be taken.
The housing 12 plus at laast two of the three elements 14, 18 and 20 are included in a dispenser constructed in accordance with the invention a~ broadly conceived. Preferably, all three of the ele~entR 14, 18, and 20 are included in the dispenser.
As the ~i~ures show, the hou6ing 12 is ~lattened so as to be conveniantly carried in a pocket or purse. The reservoir 18 hold~ a quantity of liquid at least su~icient to facilitate the swallowing of aR many pills 16 as are intended to be taken at a predetermined time.
The timer 20 is preferably digital, though an analogue timer can be employed in accordance with the invention. The timer 12 can be either a 12-hour timer or a 24-hour timer that in eithe~ ca~e can be set to show local ti~e. Alternatively, or 2~ 9~
PAl'ENT
in addition, the tim~r 20 may count up ~rom zero to a predetermined indication or down from a pr~edetermined indication to zero. For example, i~ medicine is to be tak~n every four hours, the timer 20 may be constructed to count ~rom O to 4 hours. On the other hand, ths timer can also be constructed to count down from a predetermined indication to zero. That is, 4 hours may be set manually into the timer 20 and its display by means of an hour button 22 and a minute button 24, and the timer may count from that value down to 0.
Whether the counter counts up or down, it can pre~erably be cleared manually by a clear button 26.
Alternatively, it can be reset automatically upon completing its count.
Pre~erably, the medicine dispenser 10 also includes means responsive to the timer 20 for generating a signal to indicate when the pills should be taken. Ideally~ a sound signal such as a ~Dne or be~p is generated. A sound opening 28 comprising for example perforations in the housing 12 is provided to facilitate the propagation of the sound fro~ the housing 12.
A straw 30 ext0nds through an aperture 32 in a cap 34 and into the reservoir 18 to facilitate drinking water or another liquid including a liquid ~edicine. The cap 34 is articulated and includes a top portion 34a hinyed at 34b. When the top portion 34a v~ the cap 34a swings to the clo~ed position, the straw 30 i5 bent over and ~orms a seal so that the liquid in the reservoir 18 cannot leak out.
As Fig. 8 shows, the straw 30 extends through a fitting 2 0 ~ 6 PAT~NT
36 having a plurality of projections such as lugs 38. The lugs 38 are adapted to pass through corresponding recesses 40 formed in a retainer 42 secured in an aperture fo~med in the housing 12.
With the straw 30, cap 34 and fitting 3~ withdrawn as in Fig. 8, a liquid can be poured into the reservoir 18. When the luqs 38 are moved down to the underside of the retainer 42 in which the recesses 40 are formed and the cap 34 is then oriented to the position shown for example in Fig. 7, the lugs 38 are out of alignmen~ with the recesses 40 and are held by the retainer 42 to form a watertight seal. An o-ring can be added to ensure that the seal is absolutely watertight.
The articulated top portion 34a of the cap 34 includes a latch 44 (Fig. 9) adapted to latch under an undercut ledge 46 (Fig. 10) when the top portion 34a is in the closed position shown for example in FigO 7~ The di~tal end 44a of the latch 44 extend~ through an opening 48 in the lid 34 ~Fig. 10~ and enters a recess 50 ~Fig. 8), thereby preventing accidental pivoting of the lid 34 and fitting 36 with respect to the housing 12 when the dispenser 10 is being carried in a pocket or purse.
The dispenser 10 can thus safely be carried in a pocket or a pur~ without th~ risk of spilling the liquid contained in the reservoir 18.
The pill compartment 14 is for~ed with a lid 52 that can be moved between a closed position shown for exampla in Figs.
11, 14 and 15 and an open position shown in Figs. 12 and 16. The entire co~partment 14 can be extended fro~ the housing 12 as shown in Figs. 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16. To this end, the drawer 2~79~
PATENT
or compartment 14 is ~ormed with an incurved runner 54 (Fig. 17) that coop~rates with an inverted T guide 56 at either side of the drawer or compartment 14 to facilitate sliding of the drawer 14 betw~en the closed posi~ion illustrated in Fig. 14 and the open position illustrated in Fig. 15 f~r example. The lid 52 is formed with a tab 58 that can be acco~modated in either or both of slots 60 ~Fig. 11 for exa~ple) and 62 (Fig. 12 for example).
When the compartment 14 is closed, the tab 58 is accommodated in both the slot 60 and the slot 62. A boss 68 snaps past the rear wall 70 o~ the compartment 14 when the lid 52 is in the closed position shown in Fig. 15, thu keeping the drawer 52 in the closed position until it is intentionally opened.
Ridges 64 (see Figs. 5 and 6 ~or example) ~ormed on the bottom of the drawer or compartment 14 ~acilitate a grip that enables the drawer or compartment 14 to be opened by ha~d. The tab 58 of the lid 52 is retained in the slot 62 so that when the drawer 14 is initially opened the lid 52 i5 in the closed posikion, preventing accidental spilling of the pills 16. Also, in this position, as Fig. 13 indicates, a screw 66 closing a battery compartment is e.xposed, enabling changing of the battery that power~ the timer 20.
In order to open the lid 52, the tab 58 is engaged by a finger as indicated in Fig. 11 and tha lid 52 is pushed to the rear so that the rear wall 70 moves to the rear of the boss 68.
The lid 52 can then be moved further to the rear until th~ tab 52 is enga~ed in the slot 60, thereby exposing the pills 16 so that one or more can be withdrawn as required. When the ~079~
PATENT
compartment 14 is closed, the lid 52 abuts a wall 70, which prevents i~ from moving further to the rear. ~he outside wall of the compaxtment 14 on the other hand slides over a ledge 72.
This automatically moves the lid 52 to its closed position, thereby sa~eguarding the pills 16 against spilling the next time the compartment l~ is opened.
Thus there is provided in accordance with the invention a novel and highly effective portable medicine dispenser that can be used to dispense a liguid medicine, or to dispense pills plus a liquid to aid in taking the pills. Many modifications of the preferred embodiment of the invention described above will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this disclosure. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except by the appended claims.
~`
Claims (24)
1. A pill dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills; and a timer contained within the housing for indicating when the pills should be taken.
a housing;
a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills; and a timer contained within the housing for indicating when the pills should be taken.
2. A medicine dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a reservoir formed within the housing for containing a quantity of liquid medicine; and a timer contained within the housing for indicating when the medicine should be taken.
a housing;
a reservoir formed within the housing for containing a quantity of liquid medicine; and a timer contained within the housing for indicating when the medicine should be taken.
3. A pill dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills; and a reservoir formed within the housing for containing a quantity of liquid to assist in taking the pills.
a housing;
a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills; and a reservoir formed within the housing for containing a quantity of liquid to assist in taking the pills.
4. A pill dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills;
PATENT
a reservoir formed within the housing for containing a quantity of liquid to assist in taking the pills; and a timer contained within the housing for indicating when the pills should be taken.
a housing;
a compartment formed within the housing for containing a quantity of pills;
PATENT
a reservoir formed within the housing for containing a quantity of liquid to assist in taking the pills; and a timer contained within the housing for indicating when the pills should be taken.
5. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein the housing is flattened so as to be conveniently carried in a pocket or purse.
6. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein the reservoir holds a quantity of liquid at least sufficient to facilitate the swallowing of as many pills as are intended to be taken at a predetermined time.
7. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein the timer is digital.
8. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein the timer is a 12-hour timer that can be set to show local time.
9. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein the timer is a 24-hour timer that can be set to show local time.
10. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein the timer counts up from zero up to a predetermined indication.
11. A dispenser according to claim 10 wherein the timer is PATENT
manually resettable.
manually resettable.
12. A dispenser according to claim 10 wherein the time is automatically reset to zero upon reaching the predetermined indication.
13. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein the timer counts down from a predetermined indication to zero.
14. A dispenser according to claim 13 wherein the timer is manually resettable.
15. A dispenser according to claim 13 wherein the timer is automatically reset to the predetermined indication upon reaching zero.
16. A dispenser according to claim 4 further comprising means responsive to the timer for generating a signal for indicating when the pills should be taken.
17. A dispenser according to claim 16 wherein the signal is audible.
18. A dispenser according to claim 4 further comprising a straw extending into the reservoir to facilitate drinking liquid from the reservoir.
PATENT
PATENT
19. A dispenser according to claim 18 further comprising an articulated cap movable between an open position and a closed position, the cap in the closed position bending the straw to form a seal therein for preventing the liquid in the reservoir from spilling.
20. A dispenser according to claim 19 further comprising a fitting, the straw extending through the fitting, and the housing being formed with an aperture in which the fitting is received, the fitting being formed with lugs removably engageable with the housing so that the fitting can be withdrawn together with the straw and cap for permitting a liquid to be poured into the reservoir and can be inserted so that the lugs engage the housing and secure the cap and straw in position with the straw extending into the reservoir.
21. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein the compartment is movable with respect to the housing so that it can be extended therefrom.
22. A dispenser according to claim 21 further comprising a lid for the compartment constructed so that, when the compartment is moved to the extended position, the lid is normally in a closed position preventing spilling of pills contained within the compartment.
23. A dispenser according to claim 22 wherein the lid PATENT
is constructed os that it can be manually engaged for movement from a position in which it closes the compartment to a position in which it provides access to pills contained within the compartment.
is constructed os that it can be manually engaged for movement from a position in which it closes the compartment to a position in which it provides access to pills contained within the compartment.
24. A dispenser according to claim 23 wherein the lid is constructed so that when the compartment is moved to the closed position with respect to the housing the lid is automatically moved to its closed position with respect to the compartment.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US74301891A | 1991-08-09 | 1991-08-09 | |
| US743,018 | 1991-08-09 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2060796A1 true CA2060796A1 (en) | 1993-02-10 |
Family
ID=24987193
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2060796 Abandoned CA2060796A1 (en) | 1991-08-09 | 1992-02-06 | Portable medicine dispenser |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0533300A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH05111526A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1081992A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2060796A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8423181B2 (en) | 2007-04-11 | 2013-04-16 | Medicpen Ab | Tablet dispenser system |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9622680D0 (en) * | 1996-10-31 | 1997-01-08 | Haberman Mandy N | Container for drinks and medication |
| US6249717B1 (en) * | 1996-11-08 | 2001-06-19 | Sangstat Medical Corporation | Liquid medication dispenser apparatus |
| AU2002312577A1 (en) | 2001-06-22 | 2003-01-08 | Ronald D. Sekura | Prescription compliance device and method of using device |
| US7500579B2 (en) | 2005-09-26 | 2009-03-10 | Crossley David W | Cup with a pill shelf |
| US9931277B2 (en) | 2015-06-11 | 2018-04-03 | Zahra Miswak QAYSI | Drug and fluid dispenser |
| ES2944032B2 (en) * | 2023-02-06 | 2023-10-18 | Montiu Javier Ferro | Dual action dispenser for oral medications and dietary supplements |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2042351A (en) * | 1935-03-11 | 1936-05-26 | William T Mehaffey | Indicator |
| US2766796A (en) * | 1953-01-12 | 1956-10-16 | Earl S Tupper | Vacuum and seal type of receptacle |
| US3302644A (en) * | 1963-07-26 | 1967-02-07 | Harold J Kennedy | Oral medicine administering device for children |
| US3773243A (en) * | 1971-07-21 | 1973-11-20 | Ezem Co | Container for administering barium sulfate for upper gastro-intestinal radiological examination |
| US4419016A (en) * | 1982-07-02 | 1983-12-06 | American Cyanamid Company | Device for indicating last medication usage |
| US4448541A (en) * | 1982-09-22 | 1984-05-15 | Mediminder Development Limited Partnership | Medical timer apparatus |
| JPS59210198A (en) * | 1983-05-16 | 1984-11-28 | フジミ工研株式会社 | Method of construction of tunnel secondary lining in method of natm construction by precast member |
| DE3518531A1 (en) * | 1985-05-23 | 1986-11-27 | Dieter Dipl.-Phys. Dr. 8500 Nürnberg Hafner | Device for the storage and time-prompted taking of medicaments |
| US4939705A (en) * | 1988-11-23 | 1990-07-03 | Aprex Corporation | Drug dispensing event detector |
| US5020037A (en) * | 1989-01-26 | 1991-05-28 | Raven Malcolm R | Alarm pill box |
-
1992
- 1992-02-06 CA CA 2060796 patent/CA2060796A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-02-07 AU AU10819/92A patent/AU1081992A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-02-27 JP JP4075715A patent/JPH05111526A/en active Pending
- 1992-03-04 EP EP92250047A patent/EP0533300A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8423181B2 (en) | 2007-04-11 | 2013-04-16 | Medicpen Ab | Tablet dispenser system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH05111526A (en) | 1993-05-07 |
| AU1081992A (en) | 1993-02-11 |
| EP0533300A1 (en) | 1993-03-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |