EP2180868B1 - Weekly dispenser for medicaments - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a storage device for medicaments, comprising a rectangular bottom part with 7 compartments (1) that are separated by partitions (2) and each have an independent pivotable lid (3) such that each compartment (1) can be individually accessed. Seven compartments (1) have a same-sized rectangular horizontal section within the bottom part (4) of the weekly dispenser, while at least one longitudinal side (4.2) of the bottom part (4), more specifically the access side, has a convex wall (4.3), and the top edge (2.3) of all partitions (2) has a uniform curvature having a radius R in the longitudinal direction thereof. The 7 dimensionally stable and elastic lids (3) have an adapted curvature R′ that matches said uniform curvature of the top edge (2.3) of the partitions (2). The closing parts (6) start detaching from one another when pressure is applied to the central or rear region of an arched elastic lid (3).

Description

The invention relates to a storage device for medicaments according to the preamble of claim 1, which is suitable, in particular fixed dosage forms - adapted to the medically prescribed individual intake rhythm of each patient - to presort in daily portions and ready that the administration in the correct dose the 7 weekdays can be done easily.

Weekly dosers are a reliable aid for all patients who regularly take medicines.

The weekly feeder is clearly organized with its 7 compartments and therefore easy to use.

All parts of the weekly dispenser are made of plastic.

Out DE 199 11 995 C2 a closable sorting container is known, which has a flat cuboid shape with a flat bottom and top surface.

For the construction of the sorting container insertable in a shell-like housing additional element is provided, which consists of a plurality of juxtaposed in the longitudinal direction of compartments. Each individual compartment has a small width (B) and a width (A) exceeding the small width (B), and the compartments are associated with each other such that a compartment having its small width (B) adjacent to the compartment having the small width (B) exceeding width (A) is arranged. Finally, each compartment has a separate, independent of the other subjects cover element, wherein the cover elements are hinged respectively on the side of the compartments, which have a small width (B). For the movable connection of the cover elements with the additional element film hinges are provided.

The disadvantage of this week meter is the confusing design and arrangement of the subjects and covers with the alternating opening directions. Another disadvantage is the double-walled construction of the lower part. US 2 007 006 296 4 discloses a weekly dispenser for medicaments with all the technical features of the preamble of claim 1.

Derived from this prior art, it is an object of the invention to develop a new weekly dispenser which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, i. With a simple and clear structure allows reliable handling.

An inventive solution to this problem is specified in claim 1. Further developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

According to the concept of the invention, the rectangular in plan and flat kept lower part of the week meter 7 has the same size compartments, which are divided by intermediate walls and closed by separate cover with uniform curvature. At the two end faces of the weekly feeder is limited by end walls.

The upper edge of all partitions has a uniform curvature in its longitudinal extent; the radius of curvature R is preferably about 45 to 55 mm.

At least one longitudinal side of the lower part, namely the removal side, has an outwardly curved wall, whereby the removal of tablets and the like. From the subjects is facilitated.

The 7 covers that cover and close the 7 compartments are dimensionally stable and elastic. They have an adapted curvature R ', wherein the longitudinal edges of the cover, which extend parallel to the partitions, span each of the partitions to about half, without the Touch the lid when closed or rest on the partitions.

The two end walls extend up to the height and along the outer contour of the curved lid.

They have on the inside a paragraph which extends to the height of the inner walls, has about half the thickness of the inner walls and has the same curvature.

For attachment and locking of the seven movable lids, the associated hinge parts and closure parts are arranged once on the narrow transverse edges of the lid and on the other hand on or along the two longitudinal sides of the lower part in the region of the 7 compartments.

The lying on the one longitudinal side of the lower part, outside the fan hinge parts A consist of two horizontal, arranged in an imaginary straight line parallel to the longitudinal side of the lower part pin, the pairwise, i. on both sides of the extended in the upper region of the partitions beyond the compartments addition intermediate walls and individually attack on the protruding inner sides of the two end walls of the lower part.

The closure parts C located on the other longitudinal side of the lower part are incorporated as recesses introduced from the outside with an upper-lying locking lip in each case centrally in the upper edge region of the compartments.

The curved with the radius R '7 lid have in the projected base a rectangular cross-section and have the complementary hinge parts B and closure parts D.

The hinge parts B are per lid in a first embodiment of two claws, which are formed on the narrow side of the lid edge, on the transverse edge of the lid. These claws are spaced about half the thickness of the intermediate walls of the longitudinal edges of the lid and comprise with a circumferential angle of greater than 180 °, preferably from about 200 ... 220 °, the associated pin of the hinge parts A.

In extension and with the thickness of the claws runs on the bottom and parallel to the longitudinal edge of the lid a rib reinforcement with a constant cross-section, which is quasi interrupted to form the claw opening. The claw-side end of the rib reinforcement forms the inner side of the claw opening which faces the underside of the lid.

Thus, the lid by means of claws captive rest on the pin, the claw once on the pin diameter and beyond the claw opening has a sector angle of about 140 to 160 °. Due to this sector angle, which lies below the semicircle, a certain resistance must be overcome when sliding the lid claws onto the pins on the lower part.

Although in a second embodiment of the hinge part B, the rib reinforcement also has a constant width, but its depth is extended in the hinge area so that the required formation of claw and claw opening with a sector angle of about 140 to 160 ° for sliding onto the respectively associated pin of Hinge part A can be done.

When pushing the hinge part B on the hinge part A, a certain resistance must be overcome analogous to the first embodiment.

The complementary closure parts D are arranged on the side opposite the hinge parts B side of the lid.

They consist of a latching web with at the web end and inside provided locking lip, the e.g. slides during the closing process over the complementary locking lip in the lower part and engages in the notch.

One with the new constructive design of the lid and closure mechanism by means of the closure parts C, D intended effect is that an easy opening of the lid can be done only by a certain opening procedure.

By applying a compressive force, e.g. Forefinger presses approximately in the middle of the curvature of the elastic lid, the lid is pressed slightly inward. This raises the closure part D, whereby the two locking lips begin to slide apart.

A user desired simultaneous lifting of the selected lid on the closure side is easily possible in this phase.

The closure construction described is therefore such that unwanted opening is avoided. Only by the finger pressure on the desired lid come by flattening the lid curl the closure elements in a position that allows the slight lifting of the lid from the opening side.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform des neuen Wochendosierers, bei der die ersten drei Deckel geöffnet sind;

Fig. 2

verschiedene Ansichten des Unterteils des Wochendosierers, nämlich Fig. 2.1 eine perspektivische Ansicht, Fig. 2.2 die Draufsicht und Fig. 2.3 die Seitenansicht;

Fig. 3

drei Ansichten eines Deckels mit der ersten Ausführungsform der Scharnierkrallen, wobei Fig. 3.1 eine perspektivische Ansicht, Fig. 3.2 die Seitenansicht und Fig. 3.3 der Stirnansicht zeigen;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Scharnieraufbaus im Einbauzustand;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Gesamtansicht auf einen Deckel, bei dem die Scharnierkrallen nach der 2. Ausführungsform gestaltet sind.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of an embodiment of the new weekly feeder, wherein the first three lids are open;

Fig. 2

different views of the lower part of the weekly feeder, namely Fig. 2.1 a perspective view, Fig. 2.2 the top view and Fig. 2.3 the side view;

Fig. 3

three views of a lid with the first embodiment of the hinge claws, wherein Fig. 3.1 a perspective view, Fig. 3.2 the side view and Fig. 3.3 show the front view;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of a hinge assembly in the installed state;

Fig. 5

an overall perspective view of a lid, in which the Hinge claws are designed according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention weekly dosing. The existing of seven individually accessible compartments 1 lower part 4 (see also Fig.2 ) has six intermediate walls 2.1 and two outer end walls 2.2 to set up the same size compartments 1 with a rectangular floor plan. The upper edge 2.3 of all partitions 2 is executed in its longitudinal extent with a radius of R = 46 mm curved. On the removal side of the lower part 4, the wall 4.3 is bent outwards to facilitate the tapping of tablets and the like. From the respective compartment 1, see. also Fig. 2 ,

The covers 3 have an adapted curvature R 'and are not in the closed state on the intermediate walls 2.1 or the paragraph 2.4 on the inside of the end walls 2.2.

For attachment and locking of the lid 3 are once on the transverse edges 3.2 of the lid 3 and on the other two sides 4.1, 4.2 of the lower part 4, s. also Fig. 2 , in each case in the region of the seven compartments 1, the associated hinge parts 5 and closure parts 6.1 to 6.4 are arranged.

Fig. 2 to complement the construction of the hinge parts 5.1 on the lower part 4 and the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 the structure of the hinge and closure parts on the lid. 3

The lying on the hinge and longitudinal side 4.1 of the lower part 4 outside of the compartments 1 pin 5.1 (hinge parts A) are arranged on the over the compartments 1 also extended partitions 2.1 in pairs and on the inside of the end walls 2.2 in a simple design.

The closing parts C located on the opposite longitudinal side 4.2 of the lower part 4 consist of notches 6.1 with an upper-lying locking lip 6.2 (see FIG. Fig. 1 ), which are introduced from the outside and in each case centrally in the upper edge region of the compartments.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 show the closure parts D on the lids 3, namely the locking bar 6.3 and the locking lip 6.4 in the same design.

The hinge parts B are in the Fig. 3 and 5 executed differently.

In an in Fig. 3 1 shown embodiment, two claws 5.2 are present at the transverse edge of the lid 3 3.2, which are spaced approximately half the thickness of the intermediate walls 2.1 of the longitudinal edges of the lid 3.1. These claws 5.2 extend in extension of the respective rib reinforcement 3.3. The claws 5.2 include with a circumferential angle of about 220 ° the associated, located at the bottom of 4 pin 5.1 of the hinge parts A. About the claw opening 5.3, which is significantly smaller than the diameter of the pin 5.1, during assembly of the lid 3 on the lower part. 4 the claws 5.2 tightly pushed onto the pin 5.1.

In the second embodiment of the claws 5.2 after Fig. 5 is the claw 5.2 and the claw opening 5.3 introduced into the respective, correspondingly enlarged in depth rib reinforcement 3.3.

Fig. 4 shows the in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 described hinge parts A and B in the assembled state.

The materials used for the parts of the weekly dispenser are, for example, for the base acrylic-buthanil-styrene (ABS) and for the covers polycarbonate (PC).

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1

Medicine compartments, subjects

2

Partitions 2.1 Intermediate walls 2.2 End walls 2.3 Upper edge 2.4 Paragraph on the inside of the end wall

3

Cover 3.1 longitudinal edges 3.2 transverse edges 3.3 rib reinforcement

4

Lower section 4.1 Longitudinal side - Hinge 4.2 Longitudinal side - Closure / removal 4.3 Outwardly curved wall - on the withdrawal side

5

Hinge parts 5.1 Spigot, hinge part A 5.2 Claw, hinge parts B 5.3 Claw opening, hinge parts B

6

Locking parts 6.1 Notching (locking parts C) 6.2 Locking lip (locking parts C) 6.3 Locking bar (locking parts D) 6.4 Locking lip (locking parts D)

Claims (9)

1. A weekly dispenser for medicaments consisting of a rectangular lower part with 7 compartments (1) that are divided by dividing walls (2) and each have their own foldable lid (3) so each compartment (1) is individually operable, characterised in that the 7 compartments (1) are configured in the lower part (4) of the weekly dispenser with a rectangular outline of equal size and at least one longitudinal side (4.2) of the lower part (4), namely the removal side, has an outwardly curved wall (4.3) and the upper edge (2.3) of all dividing walls (2) has a uniform curvature in its longitudinal extension with a radius R and the 7 dimensionally stable and resilient lids (3), which cover and seal the 7 compartments (1), have a curvature R' adapted to this in a mating manner, the longitudinal edges (3.1) of the lids (3) extending parallel to the dividing walls (2) and in each case spanning up to approximately half of the partition walls (2.1) without resting on them in the sealed state and the associated hinge parts (5) and sealing parts (6) being arranged once at the narrow transverse edges (3.2) of the lid (3) and also on or along the two longitudinal sides (4.1, 4.2) of the lower part (4), in each case in the region of the 7 compartments (1), in order to fix and lock the seven lids (3), the sealing parts (6) starting to detach from one another when a compressive force is exerted on the central or rear region of a curved, resilient lid (3).
2. The weekly dispenser according to claim 1, characterised in that the radius of curvature R of the upper edge (2.3) of all dividing walls (2) is approximately 45 to 55 mm.
3. The weekly dispenser according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the hinge parts A lying outside the compartments (1) on one longitudinal side (4.1) of the lower part (4) each consist of two pins (5.1) that are arranged horizontally in a virtual straight line parallel to the longitudinal sides of the lower part (4) and engage in pairs, i.e. on either side, with the partition walls (2.1) extended beyond the compartments (1) in the upper region of the dividing walls (2), and individually with the protruding inner faces of the two end walls (2.2) of the lower part (4).
4. The weekly dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the sealing parts C (6) lying on the other longitudinal side (4.2) of the lower part (4) are each incorporated centrally in the upper edge region for each compartment (1) as externally positioned notches (6.1) with an upper latching lip (6.2).
5. The weekly dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the 7 lids (3) curved with the radius R' have a projected area of rectangular cross-section and have the complementary hinge parts B (5.2, 5.3) and sealing parts D (6.3, 6.4) at the transverse edges (3.2).
6. The weekly dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the hinge parts B consist of two claws (5.2) per lid (3) that are integrally formed on the narrow side of the lid edge at the transverse edge (3.2), these claws (5.2) being spaced from the longitudinal edges (3.1) of the lid (3) by approximately half the thickness of the intermediate walls (2.1) and surround the associated pins (5.1) of the hinge parts A with an angle at circumference of approximately 200 to 220°.
7. The weekly dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a rib reinforcement (3.3) of constant cross-section is provided in the extension and with the thickness of the claws (5.2) at the underside and parallel to the longitudinal edges (3.1) of the lids (3) and is interrupted in order to form the claw opening (5.3), the claw-side end of the rib reinforcement (3.3) forming the inner face of the claw opening (5.3) facing the underside of the lid.
8. The weekly dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, characterised in that the rib reinforcement (3.3) of the hinge part B also has a constant width but its depth in the hinge region is enlarged in such a way that the necessary formation of claw (5.2) and claw opening (5.3) can be achieved with a sector angle of approximately 140 to 160° so as to slide onto the respective associated pin (5.1) of the hinge part A.
9. The weekly dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the complementary sealing parts D arranged at the end of the lid (3) opposite the hinge parts B consist of a latching ridge (6.3) with a latching lip (6.4) provided inwardly at the ridge end.

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