EP0578296A1 - Distributeur de comprimés - Google Patents

Distributeur de comprimés Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0578296A1
EP0578296A1 EP93201748A EP93201748A EP0578296A1 EP 0578296 A1 EP0578296 A1 EP 0578296A1 EP 93201748 A EP93201748 A EP 93201748A EP 93201748 A EP93201748 A EP 93201748A EP 0578296 A1 EP0578296 A1 EP 0578296A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dispenser
tablet
package
cover
bottom portion
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.)
Ceased
Application number
EP93201748A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Kees Kooijmans
Alfred H. Van Elk
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Duphar International Research BV
Original Assignee
Duphar International Research BV
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Duphar International Research BV filed Critical Duphar International Research BV
Priority to EP93201748A priority Critical patent/EP0578296A1/fr
Publication of EP0578296A1 publication Critical patent/EP0578296A1/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
    • B65D83/0445—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills all the articles being stored in individual compartments
    • B65D83/0454—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills all the articles being stored in individual compartments the whole forming a circular container with rotating parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2583/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D2583/005—Dispensers provided with a replaceable cartridge, recharge or pouch located within the dispenser
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2583/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D2583/04—For dispensing annular, disc-shaped or spherical or like small articles or tablets
    • B65D2583/0404—Indications, e.g. directions for use
    • B65D2583/0409—Indications, e.g. directions for use of dates or follow-numbers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2583/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D2583/04—For dispensing annular, disc-shaped or spherical or like small articles or tablets
    • B65D2583/0472—For dispensing annular, disc-shaped or spherical or like small articles or tablets characterised by the dispensing action
    • B65D2583/0477—For dispensing annular, disc-shaped or spherical or like small articles or tablets characterised by the dispensing action the container is maintained in the same position during the dispensing of several successive articles or doses
    • B65D2583/049—One rotational action of a cylindrical, disc-like or sphere-like element around its own axis, e.g. step-by-step, reciprocating

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a tablet dispenser, comprising:
  • Such a tablet dispenser is known, for example from U.S. patents 4,165,709 and 4,646,936.
  • the latter patent discloses a pill dispenser including a periodicity indicator with an improved preset facility compared to the tablet dispenser described in the former patent.
  • Said known tablet dispensers comprise a separate tray, rotatebly connected to said support and having a plurality of circular-oriented openings.
  • the tablet package is disposed on said tray in such a manner that the tablets correspond with the openings in the tray.
  • the dispenser housing support provides an aperture for dispensing the tablets, and the tablets are accommodated in collapsible pockets.
  • the user opens the dispenser cover and manually rotates the tray relative to the dispenser housing until the particular day, indicated on the periodicity indicator, is in alignment with a pointer.
  • the corresponding tablet is pushed downwards out of the collapsible pocket, fracturing a frangible membrane covering the tablet package and passing through its corresponding opening in the tray and through the aperture in the dispenser housing, and can then be
  • This known tablet dispenser has various disadvantages.
  • the dispenser has a relatively large number of rotating components which makes the dispenser expensive and sensitive to interferences.
  • the operational convenience is unsatisfactory since the dispenser cover should be manually opened for each tablet delivery, the particular day should be adjusted and the tablet should be urged with thumb or finger through a frangible membrane out of its collapsible pocket. The last operation may frequently cause fracture of or damage to the tablets.
  • a tablet dispenser comprising a dispenser housing, a replaceable tablet package, an adjustable periodicity indicator and a single tablet dispensing aperture, as defined hereinbefore, which dispenser is characterized according to the present invention in that:
  • the tablet dispenser according to the present invention can easily be used by simply manipulating the operating member.
  • the tablet to be dispensed is thereby released and can be collected by overturning the dispenser.
  • a separate tray is absent, making the dispenser less complicated.
  • the window means are provided either in the dispenser housing support or in the dispenser cover, through which the relevant day on the periodicity indicator can be inspected, as well as, provided the package bottom portion or the package cover, respectively, is transparent, the supply of tablets present in the tablet compartments.
  • Said locking means between periodicity indicator and package bottom portion may be constituted, in a suitable embodiment, by a combination of a projection and a recess, said recess, provided in one of these dispenser-parts, forming an abutment for said projection, provided on the other.
  • rotation of the bottom portion effects simultaneous rotation of the, generally annular, periodicity indicator.
  • the operating member to be manipulated from the outside, permits use of the dispenser without opening the dispenser cover. This also improves the safety of the dispenser and reduces the risk of unintentional tablets release.
  • the mechanical operation of the dispenser of the invention is more reliable and prevents fracture of or damage to the tablets.
  • the dispenser cover should only be opened in case the empty tablet package should be replaced by a filled package.
  • the dispenser cover is preferably hingedly attached to the dispenser housing support and can be closed, preferably against a spring force, e.g. by a clamping, slide lock or snap lock mechanism.
  • the periodicity indicator can be adjusted prior to use of the dispenser, i.e. can be preset in a starting position.
  • the periodicity indicator allows rotation in the same direction as the joint rotational movement of indicator and package bottom portion during use of the dispenser, until the starting position is reached.
  • the tablet package is positioned into the dispenser housing.
  • the tablet package preferably can only be placed into the dispenser housing in one position, to preclude any possibility of errors. In this particular position, periodicity indicator and package bottom portion are interlocked to compel their joint rotational movement in one direction.
  • the opening in the tablet package cover is covered by a flap, removable, e.g. by tumbling, upon positioning the package into the dispenser housing and closing the dispenser cover, in order to allow dispense of the tablets through said opening upon use of the dispenser.
  • a pushing member e.g. a push pin
  • a pushing member may be provided in the dispenser housing, preferably on the inner wall of the dispenser cover, so that closing of said cover results in said flap being opened, in order to allow a tablet to be released.
  • the tablet dispenser of the present invention is constructed in such a manner, that a first manipulation of the operating member, after the tablet package has been positioned into the dispenser housing and the dispenser cover has been closed, effects a one-step rotational movement of the tablet package in order to dispose the first tablet in alignment with the opening in the package cover and with the aperture in the dispenser cover.
  • the dispenser is now in a position of use. In this position a first tablet can be collected by the user by simply overturning the dispenser.
  • interlocking means are provided between the dispenser housing support and the tablet package, which interlocking means are operative when during the periodicity cycle the dispenser cover is moved from the closed into the opened position, in order to prevent removal of the package from the dispenser housing in this position.
  • interlocking means may conveniently comprise a projection provided on the inner wall of the package bottom portion, which cooperates with a suitable fixation auxiliary in the dispenser housing, e.g. a fixation member connected on the dispenser housing support behind which said projection engages.
  • said operating means for effecting stepwise rotation of the package bottom portion relative to the dispenser housing comprise a resilient press-button, which can be manipulated from the outside, and interengaging means between said press-button and the package bottom portion, said interengaging means converting an inward movement of the former into a stepwise rotational movement of the latter.
  • the resiliency of the press-button can easily be obtained by use of a suitable spring.
  • said interengaging means comprise a catch or lever, which engages with one end the press-button and with its lever arm a cammed outer surface integrated with the annular periodicity indicator, engaging the package bottom portion.
  • each inward movement of the press-button effects a stepwise rotational movement of the package bottom portion to bring each individual tablet successively in a condition for dispense.
  • said "emerged" tablet is retained by a stop boss provided on the tablet package cover.
  • an additional indication is present, indicating that the last tablet has been dispensed from the tablet package.
  • the periodicity indicator cannot rotate further, because, for example, a projection provided on the package bottom portion abuts against said stop boss on the package cover.
  • safety locking means are provided.
  • the operating means are touch controlled locked, said touch control permitting unlocking of said operating means.
  • the operating means comprise a resilient press-button and interengaging means between press-button and package bottom portion, said interengaging means are locked in such a manner, that mere manipulation of the press-button does not effect stepwise rotation of the package bottom portion. Only simultaneous manipulation of the touch control, preferably conveniently operating against a spring resistance, and of the press-button effects unlocking of the operating means and, as a result, rotational movement of the package bottom portion in the dispenser housing.
  • the dispenser cover may be safety-locked, if so desired.
  • Suitable locking means comprise, for example, a touch control, preferably the same touch control as used to unlock the operating means. Only upon simultaneously manipulating the touch control, the dispenser cover is unlocked and can be opened.
  • the tablet dispenser presented in the Figures comprises a dispenser housing 10 for accommodating a tablet package 11 .
  • Said housing comprises a substantially flat support 12 and a cover 13, hingedly attached to the support.
  • the cover closing against a spring resistance (14,15), is provided with circular-oriented window means 16 for inspecting the tablet supply in the tablet package.
  • the cover comprises a window 17 for inspecting the relevant day on the annular periodicity indicator 18, and a single tablet dispensing aperture 19.
  • the window means are manufactured from a transparent material.
  • a slide lock 20, acting against a spring (21) power, is provided in the dispenser support 12 and locks the cover via a locking catch 22.
  • a touch control 23 is present as a safety lock, permitting opening of the cover by unlocking said safety lock.
  • the interior portion of the operating means is covered by a covering disk (tray) 24, mounted within the dispenser support and provided with a "start" indication and an arrow.
  • the periodicity indicator 18 can be rotated anti-clockwise to preset the indicator in the starting position, i.e. to indicate a specific day, e.g a Tuesday (DI) as the starting day.
  • the tablet package 11 is positioned into the dispenser housing.
  • the tablet package comprises a bottom portion 25 having a plurality of individual tablet compartments 26, arranged in circular orientation and in mutually spaced relationship.
  • a cover 27 of a transparent material, preferably manufactured of a transparent polypropylene, is rotatably connected to the bottom portion.
  • an opening 28 is recessed in alignment with the individual tablet compartments. This opening is covered by a flap 29, which can be removed by tumbling to allow the tablets to be dispensed via the opening upon use of the dispenser.
  • the tablet package can be placed into the dispenser housing in only one specific position (see Fig. 6), in which position a projection or positioning paw 39 on the tablet bottom portion engages behind a fixation insert 38, connected on the dispenser housing support.
  • An outwardly extending projection 30 on the outer edge of the tablet bottom portion engages a corresponding indent, forming part of a inwardly directed notched ring 41 ,integrated with the annular periodicity indicator 18. In this manner a locking means is provided between periodicity indicator and package bottom portion to compel joint rotational movement of indicator and bottom portion.
  • the operating means comprise a press-button 31 which can be pushed inwards against a spring (32) force.
  • the inward movement of the press-button is converted into a one-step rotational movement of the package bottom portion by means of interengaging means.
  • interengaging means encompass a lever 33, engaging via said spring 32 the press-button and engaging with its lever arm a cammed (34) outer surface integrated with the periodicity indicator 18.
  • the package bottom portion is rotatably moved under the influence of spring 35.
  • Each inward movement of the press-button disengages the lever arm from said cammed outer surface, effecting a stepwise rotational movement of periodicity indicator plus associated bottom portion.
  • safety locking means are provided.
  • the above touch control 23 is provided as a safety lock also for this purpose. Manipulation of said touch control, operating against a spring 36, effects unlocking of the press-button to allow said press-button to be moved inwards.
  • the tablet dispenser shown in the Figures, is explained below, more in particular with reference to Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7.
  • the tablet package is positioned into the dispenser housing in such a manner that its positioning pawl 39 engages behind insert 38 [pawl 39 can reach this position via an indent in this insert]; simultaneously its projection 30 engages one of the indents of the periodicity indicator's notched ring 41.
  • periodicity indicator and package bottom portion are interlocked and the Figure 6 situation has been reached.
  • dispenser cover 13 is closed, resulting in the Figure 7 situation.
  • the dispenser cover When during the periodicity cycle the dispenser cover is opened by simultaneously pushing inwards the touch control 23 (safety lock) and moving the slide lock 20, safety means become activated.
  • the dispenser cover is pushed open under the influence of spring 15, engaging pin 14, provided on the inner wall of the cover. In this position, the positioning pawl 39 of the package bottom portion is locked against fixation insert 38. As a result, removal of the tablet package from the dispenser housing is prevented.
  • the dispenser comprises an additional indication, that the last tablet has been dispensed from the tablet package and that said package should be replaced by a filled one.
  • Such an indication can conveniently be provided by projections (30,44), provided on package bottom portion and package cover, respectively, forming a mutual abutment in this condition.
  • the mutual abutment of these projections causes concurrent locking of lever 33.
  • these means are preferably protected in this position.
  • Such a protection may conveniently comprise a projection in the form of a pin provided on lever 33, which in sliding cooperation with a matching recess in the inward portion of press-button 31 permits the inward movement of said press-button without exerting force on locked lever 33 in this condition of the dispenser.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
EP93201748A 1992-07-01 1993-06-18 Distributeur de comprimés Ceased EP0578296A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP93201748A EP0578296A1 (fr) 1992-07-01 1993-06-18 Distributeur de comprimés

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP92201959 1992-07-01
EP92201959 1992-07-01
EP93201748A EP0578296A1 (fr) 1992-07-01 1993-06-18 Distributeur de comprimés

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0578296A1 true EP0578296A1 (fr) 1994-01-12

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93201748A Ceased EP0578296A1 (fr) 1992-07-01 1993-06-18 Distributeur de comprimés

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Country Link
EP (1) EP0578296A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000029306A1 (fr) * 1998-11-13 2000-05-25 Novo Nordisk A/S Distributeur de comprimes
WO2000043287A1 (fr) * 1999-01-22 2000-07-27 Astrazeneca Ab Dispositif de distribution
US6325241B1 (en) 1998-11-13 2001-12-04 Novo Nordisk A/S Tablet dispenser with rotating cover
CN108455095A (zh) * 2017-02-21 2018-08-28 山东园元智能装备制造有限公司 一种旋转式给药器
EP4226953A1 (fr) * 2019-01-22 2023-08-16 CooperVision International Limited Distributeur de lentilles de contact

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4667845A (en) * 1985-06-21 1987-05-26 Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation Tablet dispenser
US4915256A (en) * 1985-06-28 1990-04-10 Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation Dispenser

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4667845A (en) * 1985-06-21 1987-05-26 Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation Tablet dispenser
US4915256A (en) * 1985-06-28 1990-04-10 Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation Dispenser

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000029306A1 (fr) * 1998-11-13 2000-05-25 Novo Nordisk A/S Distributeur de comprimes
US6325241B1 (en) 1998-11-13 2001-12-04 Novo Nordisk A/S Tablet dispenser with rotating cover
WO2000043287A1 (fr) * 1999-01-22 2000-07-27 Astrazeneca Ab Dispositif de distribution
CN108455095A (zh) * 2017-02-21 2018-08-28 山东园元智能装备制造有限公司 一种旋转式给药器
CN108455095B (zh) * 2017-02-21 2023-07-14 李和伟 一种旋转式给药器
EP4226953A1 (fr) * 2019-01-22 2023-08-16 CooperVision International Limited Distributeur de lentilles de contact

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