US20060169601A1

US20060169601A1 - Medicinal container

Info

Publication number: US20060169601A1
Application number: US11/295,714
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen Lyon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-12-23
Filing date: 2005-12-06
Publication date: 2006-08-03

Abstract

A medicinal container includes a substrate having at least one sealed compartment therein. The medicinal container can be attached or placed within a product to form a kit.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/745,252, filed on Dec. 23, 2003, entitled “Attachable Medicinal Container”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a pill container. More specifically, the present invention relates to an attachable pill container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In some instances, a person desires to carry a medication with them so that the medication is readily available. For example, a person with a medical history of heart attacks in a family may desire to carry aspirin. It is known that chewing an aspirin during the initial stages of a heart attack can be helpful. A Federal Drug Administration (FDA) study concluded that if a person chews an aspirin during the initial stages of a heart attack, the risk of vascular death is reduced by 23%. Therefore, as some adults reach an age where there is a higher risk of heart attack they may desire to carry aspirin so that it is readily available. Adults having a family history of heart attacks may have a very strong desire to carry aspirin in a place where it is readily available.
Other medications must be readily available to a person and carried with the person at all times. The availability of the medication can be a life or death matter. For example, a person who has angina pectoris needs to carry nitroglycerin pills in the case of an angina attack. The angina sufferer must immediately take a nitroglycerin pill orally when an attack occurs, and may need to take additional pills if the first is not successful in quelling the attack. Further, although not related to a condition causing an incapacitating attack, many people carry medication with them that must be taken regularly for convenience sake. There are many instances where persons must have a medication available or face grave health risks when the medication is not available. The nitroglycerin pill or capsule is just one instance. It is anticipated that other medications will become available for certain health conditions that users and physicians feel the patient must carry with them.
There are still instances where patients would find it convenient and advantageous to carry a medication with them. For example, relatively mild allergy sufferers that take dosages of allergy medications as needed would like to have one or more doses of the medication readily available. This occurrence may also become more common in the future. In short, there are many instances where a person may be required to carry a medication and other instances where the person desires to carry medication for the purpose of convenience.
All such emergency medications need to be current so they are effective when the patient needs them. Therefore, it is important to include a way to inform the patient of the effective date of a medication so that the patient can change the medication if it should become outdated. For example, aspirin expires over time and breaks down to acetic acid. With the breakdown acetic acid, aspirin becomes ineffective. The benefit of chewing the medicine vanishes if the medicine breaks down and is rendered ineffective. Other medications also may be rendered ineffective or less effective after the expiration date of the medication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, a more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures and:
FIG. 1 illustrates an attachable medicinal container attached to a key chain according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates the attachable medicinal container of FIG. 1 in an open position according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view of an attachable medicinal container of FIG. 1 in a closed position according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 4 is a top view of an attachable medicinal container in a closed position according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates the attachable medicinal container of FIG. 4 in an open position according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 6 is a top view of a sealed attachable medicinal container according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 7 is a side view of a sealed attachable medicinal container having a portion formed as a loop according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates a sealed attachable medicinal container attached to a key chain according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a sealed attachable medicinal container having a plurality of sealed containers attached to a key chain according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a kit including a package with an attachable medicinal container attached to the exterior of the package according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a kit including a package with an attachable medicinal container attached to the exterior of the package according to another embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a kit including a package with an attachable medicinal container provided within the package according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of a package including a plurality of attachable medicinal containers according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 14 is a top view of a blister pack type of package including a plurality of attachable medicinal containers according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 15 is a top view of a medicinal container without seals, according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a medicinal container, according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 17 is a side view of a medicinal container, according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 18 is a top view of a sealed medicinal container, according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 19 is a cut away side view of a sealed medicinal container with broken tabs, according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of a kit including a product package with the pill holder or medicinal container attached to the exterior of a product package, according to another embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of a kit including a product package with the pill holder or medicinal container provided within the product package, according to another embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 22 is a top view of a medicinal container having a plurality of pill cavities labeled with a specific day of the week, according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 23 is a top view of a medicinal container having a plurality of pill cavities labeled with a date of month and or order of use that pill should be taken, according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 24 is a top view of a medicinal container having flat surfaces for carrying print advertising, warnings, product information or other sorts of text, according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 25 is a top view of another embodiment of a medicinal container, according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 26 is a side view of another embodiment of a medicinal container, according to an embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 27 is a perspective side view of the embodiment of a medicinal container shown in FIG. 27, according to an embodiment of this invention.
The description set out herein illustrates the various embodiments of the invention and such description is not intended to be construed as limiting in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an attachable medicinal container 100 that is attached to a key ring 110, according to an embodiment of this invention. The key ring is in turn attached to a key 112. It should be noted that the attachable or wearable medicinal container 100 could also be attached to other items, such as a necklace, bracelet, watch chain or the like. In some embodiments, the medicinal container includes an attachment device, such as a key ring or plastic loop, or the like. All dimensions of an attachment device are contemplated, including attachment devices that include a fastener sufficiently thin to be thread though an opening in the tab of a zipper or in a button hole. Such an embodiment is attachable to a wide range of apparel and accessories carried by a patient.
The attachable medicinal container also includes a media display area 120 which can be used to carry advertising or instructions related to the medicinals held by the attachable or wearable medicinal container 100. For example, the message display area 120 could contain an advertisement for a doctor's office, a pharmacy or a particular drug or drug manufacturer. The message display area 120 could also have an expiration date related to the medicinal held by the attachable medicinal container 100 written on the message display area 120. The message display area 120 is also made of a material, in some embodiments, that can receive ink and remains permanently marked after a message is written on to the message display area 120. In other embodiments, the message display area is made of a material capable of receiving a printing.
Placing the expiration date on the attachable medicinal container informs the patient and others that the emergency medications are current so they are effective when the patient needs them. Including the expiration date on the display area alerts the patient or other caretakers when the medicine within the attachable medicinal container either expires or is about to expire. The patient or caretaker is alerted to change the medication for another current dosage before, or on, or after the expiration date. With the expiration date in clear view, the patient is more likely to have effective medication when the medicine is needed.
FIG. 2 illustrates the attachable medicinal container 100 of FIG. 1 in an open position according to an embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of the attachable medicinal container of FIG. 1 in a closed position, according to an embodiment of this invention. Now referring both to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the attachable or wearable medicinal container 100 will be further detailed. It should be noted that in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachable or wearable medicinal container 100 does not include medicinals or pills. These figures are illustrated without pills for the sake of clarity and simplicity. That attachable medicinal container 100 includes a sheet 210 having at least one compartment 212 therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet 210 has three compartments 212, 213, and 214. A lid 230 is movably attached to the sheet 210. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lid 230 is attached to the sheet 210 by a narrow hinged area 220. It should be noted that as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hinged area 220 necks down between the lid 230 and the sheet 210. It is contemplated that in other embodiments of the invention the hinge area 220 would not have to be necked down but could be of the same width as the lid 230 and the width of the sheet 210.
The lid 230 includes at least one cover 232, which engages and covers the compartment 212 in the sheet 210. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, there is more than one compartment 212, 213, 214 and, therefore, there is a corresponding number of covers 232, 233, 234 in the lid 230 for the compartments 212, 213, 214 in the sheet 210. Each of the compartments 212, 213, 214 and the corresponding covers 232, 233, 234 are constructed in substantially the same way. As a result, only one compartment 212 and the corresponding lid 232 will be further discussed with the understanding that the other compartments 213, 214 and the corresponding lids 233, 234 have substantially the same construction. The compartment 212 includes a compartment wall 240. Within the compartment wall are a first detent 241 and a second detent 242. The compartment 212 has a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the cover 232 on the lid 230. The cover 232 also has a wall 250. The wall 250 is provided with a first locking feature 251 and a second locking feature 252. The outside diameter of the cover 250 is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the compartment 240. Therefore, the cover fits within the inner diameter of the compartment 212. The features 251 and 252 associated with the wall 250 are sized to engage the detents 241, 242 within the wall 240 of the compartment 212. Thus, the cover 232 mates with the compartment 212 to form an enclosure for a medicinal or pill (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).
The features 251, 252 engage the detents 241, 242 to secure the cover 232 to the compartment 212. The features 251, 252 and corresponding detents 241, 242 are designed so that the cover 232 stays in place with the respect to the compartment 212 until the pill or medicinal housed within the enclosure formed by the compartment 212 and cover 232 are needed. The user is then-able to place a sufficient force on to the sheet 210 and the lid 230 so that the cover 232 is removed from the compartment 212 and access can be gained to the medicinal inside. It should be noted that FIGS. 2 and 3 show a circularly shaped compartment 212, 213, 214 and circularly shaped covers 232, 233, 234 and that in other embodiments of the invention the shapes could be different for different types of medicinals. For example, it is contemplated that the compartments 212, 213, 214 and the corresponding covers 232, 233, 234 could also be more oval-shaped to accommodate medicinals in the form of capsules. Compartments can be made in any desired shape.
Materials used in various embodiments of the invention may differ. For example, in one embodiment of the invention plastic is used to form the sheet 210 and the lid 230. The plastic can be either opaque or clear. Advantageously when the clear plastic is used, the medicinal within an enclosure formed by a compartment, such as 212, and a cover, such as 232, can be easily viewed. In this way a user can determine whether or not a medicinal is within the attachable or wearable medicinal container 100. If a medicinal is not within the attached or wearable medicinal container 100, the user can load an appropriate medicinal within the enclosures formed by the attachable or wearable medicinal container 100. Furthermore, if a clear plastic is used, the user is able to determine what type of medicinal is currently held within the wearable or attachable medicinal container 100. It should be noted that many types of medicinals can be held within the wearable or attachable medicinal container 100, such as allergy medications, aspirin, nitroglycerin, insulin-controlling medications, pain medications, and the like.
Also, the hinged area 220 can be a living hinge which is formed by folding a plastic. With a living hinge forming the hinged area 220, there is no need for additional hardware to movably attach the lid 230 to the sheet 210. The attachable or wearable medicinal container 100 is also provided with a fastener. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the fastener is a key ring 110. In other embodiments of the invention, the fastener 110 may be a loop of plastic which can be then attached to a necklace, bracelet or key ring. In still further embodiments, the fastener 100 can include a belt clip which includes a loop passing through the attachable or wearable medicinal container 100.
FIG. 4 is a top view of an attachable medicinal container 400 in a closed position according to an embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 illustrates an attachable medicinal container 400 in an open position according to an embodiment of this invention. Now looking to both FIGS. 4 and 5, the attachable or wearable medicinal container 400 will be further detailed. The attachable medicinal container 400 includes a sheet 410 having a first compartment 412 and a second compartment 413. It should be noted that at least one compartment is formed on the sheet 410 and that any number of compartments can be formed on the sheet 410. Attached to the sheet 410 is a first cover 432 and a second cover 433. The cover 432 is attached to the sheet 410 by hinge 422. The cover 433 is attached to the sheet 410 by hinge 423. Cover 433 covers the compartment 413. Cover 432 covers the compartment 412.
Each of the chambers 412, 413 has a similar construction and therefore only one chamber 412 will be discussed. Similarly, each of the covers 432, 433 has a similar construction and therefore only cover 432 will be discussed. The cover 432 has an inside diameter that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the chamber 412. The cover 432 includes a first feature 441 and a second feature 442 in the wall 440 of the cover 432. The chamber 412 also includes a wall 450. Within the wall 450 is a first detent 451 and a second detent 452. The features 441 and 442 engage the detents 451, 452 within the wall 450 of the chamber 412. The features 441, 442 and the corresponding detents 451 and 452 are dimensions so that the cover 432 engages the chamber 412, yet can be removed by the user. The detents 451 and 452 and the features 441, 442 are dimensions so that the cover 432 will stay in place on the compartment during normal wear and tear of the attachable medicinal container 400.
The attachable medicinal container 400 also includes a message display area 460. Further contemplated that messages could be displayed upon the backside surface of the wearable, attachable medicinal container 400. The backside surface is not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The sheet 410 includes an opening 415 therein. A fastening device 410, such as a key ring 110 or other fastener, is passed through the opening 415. The attachable wearable medicinal container 400 can then be attached to a key ring, necklace, bracelet, or the like. In one embodiment of the invention, a portion of a hook and loop fastener 417 can be attached to the fastening device 110. A corresponding portion or mating portion of a hook and loop fastener can then be attached to the person so that the attachable medicinal container 400 is wearable at a particular spot on the user's person. In one embodiment, the hook and loop fastener 417 that is used is a material called Velcro.
FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are directed to an attachable medicinal container 600. FIG. 6 shows a top view of a sealed attachable medicinal container 600 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a side view of the sealed attachable medicinal container 600 having a portion formed as a loop according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 illustrates a sealed attachable medicinal container 600 attached to a key chain according to an embodiment of the invention.
The sealed attachable medicinal container 600 includes a substrate 610 including at least one compartment 612. A medicinal 614 is sealed within the at least one compartment 612. A sealing layer 620 seals the compartment 612. One of the substrate 610 and the sealing layer 620 include a portion 630 adapted to receive a fastener 110. In one embodiment, the substrate 610 that includes the compartment 612 and the sealing layer 620 is a blister pack. One of the substrate 610 and the sealing layer 620 includes a tail 640. The portion adapted to receive a fastener 110 is an opening formed by looping the tail 640. The tail 640 includes an opening 641. The tail also includes a peg 642 with an enlarged head 643. A loop is formed by placing the peg 642 and specifically the enlarged head 643 of the peg into the opening 641. The enlarged head 643 prevents the peg 642 from dislodging from the opening 641. In other words, the enlarged head 643 of the peg 642 stops or prevents the end of the tail, and specifically the peg 642, from being removed from the opening 641. Placing the peg 642 into the opening 641 forms a loop 630 from the tail 640 of the substrate 610 in the sealing layer 620. The attachable medicinal container 600 also includes a message display area 660, which can be used to display advertising or an expiration date or other information about the medicinal 614 carried within the compartment 612. Advantageously, the medicinal 614 is sealed within the compartment 612 at the time of manufacture. Therefore, an expiration date can be placed on the message display area 660 so that the user can easily ascertain if the medicinal 614 has become dated. When the medicinal 614 expiration date has been passed, the user can then discard the sealed attachable medicinal container 600 and purchase a new one or substitute a new sealed attachable medicinal container 600 for the outdated one. The substrate 610 and the sealing layer 620 are selected so that the sealed attachable medicinal container 600 is sufficiently rugged to withstand normal wear and tear from being worn on the person and yet weak enough so that a patient is able to remove the medicinal 614 from the compartment 612 with a force that most patients could apply to the compartment 612, or to the sealing layer 620.
FIG. 9 illustrates a sealed attachable medicinal container 900 having a plurality of sealed containers 912, 914 that carry a first medicinal 922 and a second medicinal 923. It should be noted that the medicinals housed within the compartments 912 and 913 need not necessarily be the same type of medicine. Different types of medicinals 922, 923 can be housed within the compartments 912, 913. The sealed attachable medicinal container 900 also includes a message display area 960. As shown in FIG. 9, the message display area 960 is larger than the message display area shown on the sealed attachable medicinal container 600. A substrate 910 of the sealed, attachable medicinal container 900 has an opening 930 therein. A fastener or key ring 110 can be placed directly through the opening.
FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a kit 1000 including a package 1010 having an attachable medicinal container 1020 attached to the exterior of the package 1010, according to an embodiment of the invention. The package 1010 can carry a multiplicity of dosages of the same type as carried by the attachable medicinal container 1020. It should also be noted that the package 1010 need not carry medicinals at all. For example, the package 1010 could include a device to monitor health. Attached to the package could be the attachable and wearable medicinal container 1020 that includes a medicinal related to the product. For example, the product 1010 could be a glucose monitor and the medicinal contained within the wearable, attachable medicinal container 1020 could be a dosage of a medicine that could be used to control blood sugar. Therefore, the product 1010 need not necessarily by a medicine or a medicine bottle or a container for individual doses of a medication. As shown in FIG. 10, the wearable, attachable medicinal container 1020 is connected to the product 1010 with a band 1030. The band 1030 wraps around a portion of the product 1010 and also connects to the wearable, attachable medicinal container 1020.
FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a kit 1100 including a package 1110 with an attachable medicinal container 1120 attached to the exterior surface of the package 1110, according to another embodiment of this invention. As shown in this embodiment of the invention, the package 1110 is a box. The box 1110 contains the product or may contain a container that includes any type of product. The wearable, attachable medicinal container 1120 is attached to the product 1110 using a shrink wrap 1130. The shrink wrap is a transparent plastic that allows the labeling on the product 1110 to be clearly viewable or remain clearly viewable. The transparent shrink wrap also allows the wearable, attachable medicinal container to be viewed. Of course, promotional material regarding the package may include a promotion about the key chain or wearable, attachable medicinal container 1120 which is attached to the package 1110.
FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a kit 1200 which includes a package 1210 with an attachable medicinal container 1220 provided within the package 1210. As shown in FIG. 12, the wearable, attachable medicinal container 1220 is shown in phantom since the wearable, attachable medicinal container 1220 is within the package 1210. It should be noted once again that the package 1210 need not contain medicinals but can actually contain any type of product.
A kit includes a package including an item, and an attachable medicinal container associated with the package. In one embodiment, the attachable medicinal container is removably attached to the exterior of the package. In another embodiment, the attachable medicinal container is within the package. The first item can be a plurality of pills. In one embodiment, the attachable medicinal container includes a sheet having at least one compartment therein, and a lid movably attached to the sheet. The lid includes a cover for the at least one compartment, and at least one feature for releasably locking the lid and the sheet. In another embodiment, the attachable medicinal container includes a substrate having at least one compartment, a medicinal within the at least one compartment, a sealing layer sealing the compartment. At least one of the substrate and the sealing layer include a feature adapted to receive a fastener.
FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a package 1300 that includes a plurality of attachable medicinal containers. As shown in FIG. 13, the package 1300 includes four wearable, attachable medicinal containers 1320. 1321, 1322, and 1323. The container or package that includes the attachable medicinal containers 1320, 1321, 1322, 1323 may be semi-open to feature the wearable, attachable medicinal containers. In another embodiment, the package 1300 can totally contain the wearable, attachable medicinal containers 1320, 1321, 1322, 1323.
FIG. 14 is a top view of a blister pack type of package 1400 including a plurality of attachable medicinal containers 1420, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424, 1425, according to an embodiment of this invention. The package 1400 includes a plurality of attachable medicinal containers 1420, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424, 1425. Each attachable medicinal container 1420, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424, 1425 includes a substrate 1410 having at least one compartment 1430. A medicinal 1440 is contained within the compartment 1430. A sealing layer 1450 seals the compartment 1440. At least one of the substrate and the sealing layer include a feature 1460 adapted to receive a fastener. As shown in FIG. 14, the feature 1460 is an opening in the substrate 1410. The opening 1460 is remotely located from the compartment 1430 in the substrate 1410.
In another embodiment, the feature adapted to receive a fastener is a tail as shown and discussed with respect to FIGS. 6-8.
In one embodiment of the invention, the package is a blister pack and each of the plurality of attachable medicinal containers is separatable from the package.
The substrate 1410 of the entire package has perforation lines 1470, 1471, 1472, 1473, 1474, 1475. When a user desires a new wearable, attachable medicinal compartment, the next one can be removed from the package 1400 by tearing along one of the perforation lines 1471, 1472, 1473, 1474, 1475. Each of the wearable, attachable containers includes a message area 1480.
FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 are a top view, bottom view, and side view, respectively, of a medicinal container 1500 without seals, according to an embodiment of this invention. FIG.18 is a top view of a sealed medicinal container 1500, according to an embodiment of this invention and FIG. 19 is a cut away side view of a sealed medicinal container 1500 with broken tabs, according to an embodiment of this invention. Referring now to FIGS. 15-19, another example embodiment of medicinal container 1500 will be further detailed. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-19, the medicinal container 1500 includes a substrate 1512 having two major surfaces which are substantially flat and parallel to each other. The substrate 1512 includes at least one opening or cavity 1518 therein. As shown in FIG. 15, the substrate 1512 includes a first opening or cavity 1518 and a second opening or cavity 1528 therein. The opening or cavity 1518, 1528 is sufficient to house a medicinal, such as an aspirin, or other pill. The cavity 1518, 1528 includes a bottom 1518′, 1528′. The substrate 1512 is sufficiently thick to allow a cavity 1518, 1528 to house a medicinal. In one embodiment of the invention, the substrate will be approximately 0.15 inches thick. In other embodiments, the substrate will have a thickness in the range of 0.05 inches to 0.30 inches. Of course, the actual thickness of the substrate 1512 will be dependent on the thickness of the medicinal the cavity 1518, 1528 will hold. In one embodiment, the substrate 1512 has a length and width approximately equal to a credit card.
The substrate 1512 also includes a window 1513. At least one breakaway tab 1514 is positioned in the window. As shown in FIGS. 15-19, the medicinal container 1500 includes a first break away tab 1514 and a second breakaway tab 1524. The window 1513 is dimensioned to allow a human finger to go through to rupture or break the break away tabs 1514, 1524. The tab 1514, 1524 can be made to include the break away feature by making the tabs 1514, 1524 thinner than the substrate 1512. In another embodiment, the attached ends of the tabs 1514′, 1524′ can be scored or be molded to be of a lesser thickness than the corresponding thickness of the tab 1514, 1524. Positioned over the opening 1518 and the tab 1514 is a seal 1516. Similarly, positioned over the opening 1528 and the tab 1524 is a seal 1526. The seal 1516, 1526 seals the opening 1518, 1528 with respect to the environment to form a seal chamber for a medicinal. The seal 1516, 1526 also bridges across a portion of the substrate 1512 to the corresponding breakaway tab 1514, 1524. Of course, a medicinal, such as an aspirin or nitrogen dosage, is place in the opening 1518, 1528 prior to placing the seal 1516, 1526 over the opening or cavity 1518, 1528. The seals 1516, 1526 can be provided with an expiration date.
In operation, the substrate with seal and medicinals sealed therein is carried by the user until needed. When needed, the user inserts a finger into the window 1513 and breaks at least one of the tabs 1514, 1524. The broken tab is pushed through the window 1513 to the side of the substrate 1512 that includes the openings or cavities 1518, 1528. The broken tab 1514, 1524 can then be used as a handle for pulling the remaining portion of the seal 1516, 1526 from the opening 1518, 1528 to expose the enclosed medicinal or pill that the container 1500 is designed to hold. In addition to the expiration date, the seal 1516, 1526 can also include information regarding the pill contained in the opening or cavity 1518, 1528. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-19 also includes a flat space 1527 on the top and a flat space 1517 on the bottom of the container 1500 that can be used to print instructions, advertising or the like thereon.
FIG. 19 illustrates the function of the break away tab 1514, 1524 and the seal 1516, 1526. The tab 1514, 1524 hinges when ruptured through a window 13 by an object such as a human finger. The seal 1516, 1526 remains attached to the tab 1514, 1524 so when hinged and further pulled away from the substrate 1512, the pill in the cavity 1518, 1528 becomes exposed and ready to be removed. This also illustrates how the pill is held in from the bottom surface 1521, by a thin layer of the solid material that forms the substrate. It should be noted that in another embodiment, thinner materials, such as a layer of foil, can also be used to provide a bottom for the chamber or cavity 1518, 1528.
FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of a kit 2000 including a package 2010, having a pill holder 2020 attached to the exterior of the package, according to the embodiment of the invention. The package 2010 can carry a multiplicity of dosages of the same type as carried by the credit card size pill holder 2020. Attached to the package 2010 is the pill holder 2020 that includes a medicinal related to the product. For example, the product in the package 2010 could be a glucose monitor and the medicinal contained within the pill holder 2020 could be a medicine that could be used to control blood sugar. The pill holder 2020 can be attached to the package 2010 using shrink-wrap, glue, band or other comparable method. The transparent shrink wrap (illustrated here) 2030 wraps around the pill holder 2020 and the product or product package 2010. Since the shrink wrap 2030 is clear or transparent, it allows labeling on both the pill holder or medicinal container 2020 and the product package 2010 to show through. Of course promotional material regarding the package 2010 may include a message about the pill holder 2020 attached to the package 2010.
FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of a kit 2100 including a package 2110, having a pill holder 2120 provided within the package the credit card size pill holder 1120 is shown in phantom since the pill holder 2120 is within the package 2110. It should be noted once again that the package 2110 need not contain medicinals but can actually contain any type of product. Of course promotional material regarding the package may include a message about the pill holder 2120 attached to the package 2110. This may be printed on the outside of the package 2110 indicating the pill holder 1120 is inside.
FIG. 22 illustrates a medicinal container or pill holder 2200 for accommodating a multiplicity of dosages in a manner that includes labeling for the day of the week 2210. The window 2220 is shaped in a manner to accommodate the multiple dosages and the multiple of tabs 2230. The pill holder 2200 accommodates a multiplicity of pills. In other embodiments, medicinals need not be contained based on days of the week, but can also be random and not based on the logic shown in FIG. 22.
FIG. 23 illustrates yet another pill holder 2300 designed to accommodate a multiplicity of dosages in a manner that includes labeling 2310 day of month and or pill order of use that the pills should be taken. The window 2320 is shaped in a manner to accommodate the multiple dosages and the multiple of tabs 2330. The credit card size pill holder 2300 can be designed to accommodate a multiplicity of pills. However the quantity can also be random or otherwise thought out and not be based on the logic we show here to determine the quantity.
FIG. 24 illustrates how the pill holder 2400 having flat sides can accommodate text 2410. The window 2420 itself is see through and does not have a surface to accommodate text.
FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment of a medicinal container or a pill holder, according to yet another embodiment of this invention. In this case, the medicinal container 2500 is sized to be a key chain. The medicinal holder 2500 includes a substrate 2512 that includes an opening 2510 therein to accommodate a key ring or other attachment mechanism 2520. The attachment mechanism 2520 is threaded through the hole or opening 2510. Other objects can then be attached to the attachment mechanism 2520. The substrate 2512 has flat sides 2530 which, in some embodiments, could accommodate text for instructions or advertising or the like. This medicinal container or a pill holder 2500 includes a break away tab 2550. The break away tab 2550 is protected by a portion of the substrate 2512. The substrate includes a first arm 2560 and a second arm 2562 which protect the tab 2550 and provides protection from premature breaking of the tab 2550. The substrate includes an opening 2518 for housing a medicinal. A seal 2540 is placed over the opening 2518 and the breakaway tab 2550. In one embodiment, the breakaway tab 2550 is thinned or scored along line 2580. In operation, the user attaches the pill holder 2500 to a key chain and carries the pill holder 2500 until needed. When needed, the user breaks the break away tab 2550. The seal 2540 remains attached to the tab 2550 after initially being broken away. The tab 2550 is then used as a handle to remove the seal 2540 from the opening 2518 and expose the medicinal for the user. The seal 2540 can include an expiration date. The medicinal container 2500 is for use one time lustration allows you better to see how the tab may need to be scored 1580 (this may apply in other versions as well) to accommodate a clean break at a predetermined level of force required to open the tab.
FIG. 26 illustrates a side cut away view of the pill holder or medicinal container 2600, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of the medicinal container 2600. In this embodiment, the container 2600 is molded so the bottom side 2630 accommodates the shape a pill. The bottom surface or side 2630 includes a flat surface and a top surface 1620 also includes a flat surface to accommodate text for advertising, instructions or the like.
It will also be understood that, in addition to holding a medicinal, such as pill, the device can be used to for any drug, herb, food supplement or similar type product that would benefit from a holder with this function. It may even be a product in a different form than a pill (i.e., liquid, powder or crystal, etc.) It is further intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein are within the scope of the present invention.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments reveals the general nature of the invention sufficiently that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt it for various applications without departing from the generic concept, and therefore such adaptations and modifications are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.
It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A medicinal container comprising:

a substrate having at least one opening therein;

a tab attached to the substrate; and

a seal attached to the substrate over the opening and attached to the tab. attaching an attachment mechanism thereto.

2. The medicinal container of claim 1 further comprising an opening for attaching an attachment mechanism thereto.

3. The attachable container of claim 1 wherein the substrate includes a portion for protecting the tab.

4. The medicinal container of claim 1 wherein the tab is adapted to break away from the substrate.

5. The medicinal container of claim 1 further comprising a message display area.

6. The medicinal container of claim 5 wherein the message display area includes advertising.

7. The medicinal container of claim 5 wherein the message display area includes instructions related to a medicinal contained within the compartment.

8. The medicinal container of claim 1 attached to a product package.

9. The medicinal container of claim 1 further comprising a medicinal contained within the opening, wherein the opening and the seal over the opening form a sealed compartment.

10. The medicinal container of claim 9 wherein the seal includes an expiration date for the medicinal.

11. The medicinal container of claim 1 having a length and width approximately equal to a credit card.

12. The medicinal container of claim 1 further comprising a portion of hook and loop fastener attached to the medicinal container.

13. A kit comprising:

a package including an item; and

a medicinal container associated with the package, the medicinal container including a break away tab.

14. The kit of claim 13 wherein the medicinal container is removably attached to the exterior of the package.

15. The kit of claim 13 wherein the medicinal container is within the package.

16. The kit of claim 13 wherein the item includes a plurality of pills.

17. A package including a plurality of attachable medicinal containers, the package, each attachable medicinal container including:

a substrate including at least one compartment;

a medicinal within the at least one compartment; and

a sealing layer sealing the compartment, wherein one of the substrate and the sealing layer include a feature adapted to receive a fastener.

18. The attachable medicinal container of claim 17 wherein the package is a blister pack and each of the plurality of medicinal containers is separatable from the package.

19. The attachable medicinal container of claim 17 wherein the feature adapted to receive a fastener is an opening in at least one of the substrate and the sealing layer, the opening remotely located from the compartment in the substrate.

20. The attachable medicinal container of claim 15 wherein the feature adapted to receive a fastener is a tail.