U.S. patent application number 11/304088 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for modular pill case with separable pill-holding members.
Invention is credited to Matthew T. Coe, Richard Costa.
Application Number | 20070138048 11/304088 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38172196 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070138048 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coe; Matthew T. ; et
al. |
June 21, 2007 |
Modular pill case with separable pill-holding members
Abstract
A pill case includes a plurality of pill-holding members having
reversibly attachment means enabling adjacent pill-holding members
to be reversibly attached to each other. The pill-holding members
are juxtaposed in a closed loop construction where each of the
plurality of pill-holding members includes a first pill storing and
dispensing area enclosed by a reversibly closable flap. Optionally,
the pill case includes a central support member in operative
engagement to each of the pill-holding members.
Inventors: |
Coe; Matthew T.; (Annandale,
NJ) ; Costa; Richard; (Bedminster, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Allen R. Kipnes, Esq.;WATOV & KIPNES, P.C.
P.O. Box 247
Princeton Junction
NJ
08550
US
|
Family ID: |
38172196 |
Appl. No.: |
11/304088 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/528 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/528 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/42 20060101
B65D085/42 |
Claims
1. A pill case, comprising: a plurality of pill-holding members
comprising reversible attachment means enabling adjacent
pill-holding members to be reversibly attached to each other, said
pill-holding members being juxtaposed in a closed loop
construction; and each of said plurality of pill-holding members
comprising a first pill storing and dispensing area enclosed by a
reversibly closable flap.
2. The pill case of claim 1 wherein each pill-holding member
further comprises a second pill storing and dispensing area
enclosed by a reversibly closable flap accessible on the opposite
side from the first pill storing and dispensing area.
3. The pill case of claim 1 further comprises a central support
member in operative engagement to each of the pill-holding
members.
4. The pill case of claim 3 wherein the central support member
further comprises a central surface defining an area for placement
of the user's fingers.
5. The pill case of claim 4 wherein the central surface is adapted
to support the application of indicia thereon.
6. The pill case of claim 4 wherein the area of the central surface
is recessed relative to at least one of the upper and lower
surfaces of the pill-holding members.
7. The pill case of claim 1 in the form of a circular ring.
8. The pill case of claim 1 comprising at least two pill-holding
members.
9. The pill case of claim 8 comprising at least seven pill-holding
members.
10. The pill case of claim 9 further comprising seven pill-holding
members.
11. The pill case of claim 1 wherein the reversible attachment
means comprises a plug located on one pill-holding member, and a
recessed socket adapted for snugly receiving the plug located on an
adjacent pill-holding member.
12. The pill case of claim 1 in a form selected from the group
consisting of a disk, an ellipse, a triangle, a quadrangle, a
pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, and a polygon.
13. The pill case of claim 3 wherein the central support member is
located centrally among the plurality of pill-holding members.
14. The pill case of claim 13 wherein the central support member is
dimensioned to bias outwardly in a radial direction against the
plurality of pill-holding members.
15. The pill case of claim 13 wherein the central support member is
retained in place through a snap-in engagement with the plurality
of pill-holding members.
16. The pill case of claim 1 composed of a rigid, durable
lightweight, medically acceptable container type material.
17. The pill case of claim 16 wherein the material is selected from
the group consisting of molded plastic and extruded plastic.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is relates to pill cases, and more
particularly a pill case having separable pill-holding members
attached to one another in a closed loop construction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pill cases, also known as pill boxes, are compact containers
for securely housing medications such as pills, tablets, or
capsules. Such personal pill cases are known in the art, and are
typically designed to be small and unobtrusive so that they can be
stowed in a purse or in a shirt pocket or other convenient
location. They allow users to pack and conveniently carry limited
individualized dosages of one or more medications.
[0003] Physicians typically include instructions with prescriptions
pertaining to the frequency of ingestion of prescribed medication
in specific time intervals (e.g. once a day or after every meal).
Such intervals may range from a matter of hours to a day depending
on the medication and the condition being treated. Prescription
medications are typically filled for the user with the necessary
drug information supplied by the pharmacist. Many over-the-counter
medications include packaging printed with necessary drug
information such as administration instructions, dosing regimens,
symptoms and conditions to be treated, warnings, ingredients, and
the like. This information is necessary to enable users to properly
use the prescribed medication. The drug information accompanying
such medications, is important to ensure compliance by the patient
and that the patient is properly informed about the particulars of
the corresponding drug regimen.
[0004] Some examples of pills that are prescribed in a set dose and
periodic time regimen include those that are administered for birth
control, for regulating blood pressure, for regulating blood
lipids, antibiotics, and for treating a variety of other ailments
such as diabetes. Failure to properly follow the physician's
instructions can sometimes lead to unsuccessful treatment, and
possible injury or even death. It is important to ensure patient
compliance with prescription medications and other medications as
well.
[0005] Personal pill cases typically include multiple
pill-containing compartments, which are generally individually
accessible by the user through a common closure or individual
compartment closure. Each compartment is adapted to receive and
retain a single grouping or dose of one or more medications to be
taken at a particular time, which may be individually identified by
indicia printed on the closure or in proximity to the compartments.
In this manner, the personal pill cases can be implemented to
enable users to take their medication at the appointed times, thus
facilitating compliance.
[0006] The number or amount of dosages held in such personal pill
cases is limited, so the user must periodically refill the case
from the standard pill containers supplied by the pharmacist. Such
small, pocket-sized pill cases, which have been used for years,
allow the user to pre-fill the container with medication to be
dispensed for a period that may range from a day to a month, and to
conveniently carry it with them. These personal pill cases enhance
administration by reminding the user of the proper time for
dispensing of pills in a consistent manner. In addition, their
small size and compact profile make them especially convenient for
individuals needing to take medications at scheduled intervals.
However, the number of pill containing compartments in a pill case
is typically fixed (e.g. seven days), and provides little
flexibility for the user where it may be desirable to carry less
than the full complement of pill compartments.
[0007] Accordingly, it would be an advantage in the art of pill
case design to develop a pill case constructed with multiple
pill-holding members or compartments conveniently separable from
one another to enable the user to carry less than all of the
members. It would be an advantage in the art to develop a pill case
designed with a modular construction whereby the pill-holding
members are arranged in a configuration that improves handling.
There is a need for pill cases designed to accommodate one or more
dosable ingestible products typically in the form of pill
medications which may be administered at the same or different time
intervals and/or groupings during the day, while enhancing storage
and carry convenience. There is a need for pill cases ergonomically
designed for ease of operation and hand-holdable comfort especially
for users with limited hand dexterity. There is a further need for
pill cases that are easily accessible to the user, compact for
carrying in a purse, shirt pocket or the like, while advancing user
compliance and safety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates generally to a pill case
comprising a plurality of separable pill-holding members attached
to one another in a closed loop construction. The pill-holding
members each include at least one compartment or slot defining a
single area for holding a single pill or a group of pills as
broadly defined hereinafter. Each of the pill-holding members is
configured for reversible attachment to an adjacent member through
a reversible attachment mechanism. Accordingly the pill case may be
readily taken apart by the user to obtain a desired number of pill
compartments as needed to maximize or minimize the desired capacity
of the pill case or to carry a select number of pill-holding
members.
[0009] The pill-holding members are attached through the reversible
attachment mechanism to form a closed loop construction as
hereinafter described. The closed loop construction bolsters the
structural strength of the pill case by employing each of the pill
compartments as a supporting element for the pill case which
renders the pill case stronger than conventional linear pill cases.
The closed loop construction also enhances attachment between the
pill-holding members, and provides a shape and contour that
facilitates handling of the pill case by the user.
[0010] The present pill case is easier to open and close the
pill-holding members, as well as to add or remove individual
pill-holding members. The features of the present pill case provide
improved operability and improved access to the compartments of the
pill case. Accordingly, the pill case of the present invention is
especially useful for users with limited hand dexterity.
[0011] The pill case may further include a central support member
in operative engagement to the pill-holding members. The central
support member provides an additional surface for gripping and
enhances the overall structural rigidity and stiffness of the pill
case. The central support member may further enable addition and
removal of select pill-holding members from the pill case as
desired, while the rest of the pill-holding members of the pill
case remain intact, and connected to each other.
[0012] Each of the pill-holding members may further include indicia
to assist the user in identifying the pills contained therein, and
which dosages are to be administered at a particular scheduled
time. The pill case of the present invention permits the user to
visually determine whether a particular grouping of pills or dose
had been taken. The present invention provides the user with a
simple tool to organize, store, and remember the proper schedule
for administering medication, all within a personal pill case that
is compact so that is may be readily carried in a pocket, purse or
the like.
[0013] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the
pill case includes multiple pill-holding members each reversibly
attached to adjacent pill-holding members juxtaposed to yield a
closed loop construction, preferably in the form of a ring. The
pill-holding members each include at least one pill-holding cavity
or slot, and a corresponding flap or cover for reversibly enclosing
the cavity or slot. Optionally, the pill case may be at least
partially transparent, thus allowing the user to see the contents
of the pill-holding cavities.
[0014] The pill-holding members may be adapted to receive and
accommodate any number of pills depending on the maximum capacity
of the pill case for matching with a particular dosage regimen
particularly suited for the user. For example, if the user requires
a 7-day medication regimen or a 14-day regimen, then the
pill-holding members of the pill case may be filled to accommodate
the required number of pills.
[0015] The pill case of the present invention can therefore
accommodate short- and long-term prescriptions and thus is not
limited to dosage regimens that are multiples of seven.
[0016] It will be understood that reference to the term "pill" as
used herein shall include not only medication carrying articles of
a variety of shapes and sizes but all forms of dispensable solid
articles of manufacture such as chewing gums, confectionery
products (e.g., hard candies) which may include an active agent
such as a medication, vitamin, nutraceutical and the like which can
effectively be housed in the device of the present invention.
Examples of "pills" as used herein include any solid ingestible
product that can be carried in a pill case, including tablets,
capsules, lozenges, caplets and the like. Likewise, all reference
to a "pill case" shall mean a container, which can accommodate the
dispensable article of manufacture.
[0017] The term "closed loop construction" shall mean a plurality
of pill-holding members which when all connected together in the
form of a pill case are arranged in an endless path that closes
back on itself such as a disk, a circle or ring, an ellipse, a
triangle, a quadrangle (e.g., square), a pentagon, a hexagon, a
heptagon, a polygon or the like. The closed loop construction can
be reversibly altered when one or more of the pill-holding members
are removed from the pill case.
[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
modular pill case, comprising:
[0019] a plurality of pill-holding members comprising reversibly
attachment means enabling adjacent pill-holding members to be
reversibly attachable to each other, said pill-holding members
being juxtaposed to yield a closed loop construction; and
[0020] each of the plurality of pill-holding members comprising a
first pill storing and dispensing area enclosed by a reversibly
closable flap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The following drawings in which like reference characters
indicate like parts are illustrative of embodiments of the
invention and are not intended to limit the invention as
encompassed by the claims forming part of the application.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a pill case for one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the pill case of FIG. 1 in
accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the pill case in accordance
with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the pill case shown
with one of the pill-holding members detached therefrom in
accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 4B is an elevation view of the pill case shown with one
of the pill-holding members detached therefrom in accordance with
the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pill-holding member of the
pill case in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention is directed to a pill case that
comprises multiple pill-holding members or units reversibly joined
together in a closed loop construction as defined herein. The
closed loop construction bolsters the structural strength of the
pill case, enhances attachment between the pill-holding members,
and a shape and contour that facilitates handling of the pill case
by the user. The features of the present pill case provide improved
operability and improved access to the pill-holding compartments.
Accordingly, the pill case of the present invention is especially
useful for users with limited hand dexterity.
[0029] Optionally the pill case of the present invention may
further include a central support member in operative engagement to
the pill-holding members. The central support member provides a
further surface for gripping and enhances the structural rigidity
and stiffness of the pill case. The central support member may
further enable addition or removal of select pill-holding members
from the pill case as desired, while the rest of the pill-holding
members of the pill case remain intact, and connected to each
other.
[0030] The pill case of the present invention includes compliance
features useful for facilitating proper medication dosing over a
regimen period and enhances the ease and regularity of
administration by reminding the user of the proper time for
dispensing the pills. In addition, the small size and compact
profile of the pill case facilitates convenient use for those
requiring medications at scheduled intervals. The pill case of the
present invention is ergonomically designed to assist and enhance
medication compliance for the user and is sufficiently compact for
easy carry and storage in one's pocket, purse or other small space.
The pill case of the present invention is capable of accommodating
any number of doses, and reduces the time and expense associated
with packaging and dispensing pills. The pill case of the present
invention is simple to fabricate in a cost efficient manner, and
easy to implement, thus making them especially suitable for use by
patients and medical providers.
[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pill case
generally comprises a plurality of pill-holding members with
reversible attachment means enabling reversible attachment of
adjacent pill-holding members to each other, so that the
pill-holding members are juxtaposed in a closed loop construction.
Preferably, the closed loop construction as defined herein is in
the form of a disk- or ring-like structure. Optionally, the pill
case includes a central support member located centrally within the
closed loop construction, in operative engagement to the
pill-holding members.
[0032] Examples of "pills" as used herein include any solid
ingestible product that can be carried in a pill case, including
tablets, capsules, lozenges, caplets and the like. Likewise, all
reference to a "pill case" shall mean a container, which can
accommodate the dispensable product or article of manufacture. In
this manner, the present invention can be used to store and
dispense a variety of solid, edible articles including, but not
limited to, gums, confections, vitamins, nutraceuticals,
nutritional supplements, and the like, as previously described. For
illustrative purposes, reference hereinafter will be to a pill case
for dispensing pills, typically containing an active agent, such as
a medication.
[0033] The term "closed loop construction" shall mean a plurality
of pill-holding members which when all connected together in the
form of a pill case are arranged in an endless path that closes
back on itself such as a disk, a circle or ring, an ellipse, a
triangle, a quadrangle (e.g., square), a pentagon, a hexagon, a
heptagon, a polygon or the like. The closed loop construction can
be reversibly altered when one or more of the pill-holding members
are removed from the pill case. Although a circular loop pill case
is shown for one embodiment, it is understood that the present pill
case may be modified to encompass a range of desirable sizes and
closed loop shapes such as, for example, a disk, a triangle, a
quadrangle, an ellipse, a polygon such as a pentagon, a hexagon, a
heptagon, a polygon, or the like.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a pill case 10 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Typically,
a pharmacist or pharmaceutical supply vendor may load or fill the
pill case 10 with medication during dispensing. However, the pill
case 10 may be distributed through physicians or vendors where the
end user can load and fill from a standard prescription pill
container. For a pre-filled pill case 10, the pill case 10 may be
pre-packaged with a drug information/instruction pamphlet along
with the corresponding medication. The pre-filled pill case 10 may
thereafter be enclosed within a tamper resistant pouch on which a
pharmacist may apply a proper Rx label. The pill case 10 can be
fabricated from any rigid, durable, lightweight, medically
acceptable container-type material including, but not limited to,
plastics, and molded or extruded into any size, shape, color and
the like for easy identification or association with a particular
medication, brand of product and the like.
[0035] The pill case comprises a body 11 constructed from a
plurality of pill-holding members 12 arranged in juxtaposition to
form a closed loop construction as defined herein, and an optional
central support member 14 centrally located within the body 11. The
pill-holding members 12 are each adapted for reversible attachment
through a reversible attachment mechanism as hereinafter described
to form the closed loop construction. The closed loop construction
of the pill-holding members 12 provides an ergonomic shape and
contour that enables the user to readily grip the pill case, and
substantially bolsters the structure of the pill case for greater
durability, impact resistance and overall sturdiness.
[0036] The central support member 14 is adapted for reversible
retainment in the central portion of the body 11. The central
support member 14 is operatively engaged to the pill-holding
members 12 and fastened in place by the inner portion of the body
11 through a reversible attachment mechanism preferably providing
snap-in engagement. The central support member 14 includes a
surface 15 on each side thereof for providing a recessed placement
area for the user's fingers. The surface 15 facilitates gripping of
the pill case 10, while providing a platform on which indicia may
be printed for informational or advertising purposes. The central
support member 14 is dimensioned to radially exert pressure onto
the attached pill-holding members 12. This pressure generates
tension in the body 11 to yield a tighter coupling engagement
between attached pill-holding members 12, and greater structural
strength and durability to the pill case 10.
[0037] Each of the pill-holding members 12 includes an upper
closure flap 16 defining an upper interior compartment 20 (as shown
best in FIGS. 4A and 5), and a lower closure flap 18 on the opposed
side thereof defining a lower interior compartment (not shown). The
upper interior compartment 20 and the lower interior compartment
(not shown) each define a single area, respectively, for holding a
single pill or a group of pills. In the present embodiment, the
pill case 10 is shown with seven pill-holding members 12. However,
it is understood that the number of pull-holding members can vary
as needed.
[0038] In accordance with the present embodiment, the pill case 10
is adapted to store and dispense up to two daily dosages over a
seven-day period. Thus, the single areas of the upper interior
compartment 20 and the lower interior compartment (not shown) may
be designated as evening (PM) and morning dosages (AM),
respectively.
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pill-holding members 12
are arranged in juxtaposition along the outside periphery of the
central support member 14. The top and bottom sides of the pill
case 10 are symmetrical to one another. The pill-holding members 12
can be accessed through the corresponding upper and lower closure
flaps 16 and 18, respectively. Each of the upper and lower closure
flaps 16 and 18, respectively, are attached to the pill-holding
members 12 via living hinges 22 forming part of the inner portion
of the body 11. The living hinges 22 enable the flaps 16 and 18 to
move between the open and closed positions. The living hinges 22
are positioned to securely retain the central support member 14
through a snap-in engagement therebetween.
[0040] Each of the upper and lower closure flaps 16 and 18 includes
an upper finger tab 24 and a lower flip tab 26, respectively, for
engagement by the user to move the respective flaps 16 and 18 for
prompt access to the corresponding upper compartment 20 and lower
compartment (not shown).
[0041] The body 11 is shaped with a flattened circular profile
affording a natural and comfortable fit in the user's hand, while
the finger surfaces 15 of the central support member 14 are
recessed to provide a comfortable finger placement and grasping
area for the user's fingers on both sides of the pill case 10. This
feature provides the user with a firm hold with one hand on the
pill case 10. The user can access the corresponding pill-holding
members 12, or separate the pill-holding members 12 from the pill
case 10 with greater ease using the other hand.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the pill-holding members 12
are each configured to be individually taken apart from the pill
case 10 by the disengagement of the reversible attachment mechanism
between adjacent pill-holding members as previously described. The
pill-holding members 12 each comprise the reversible attachment
mechanism shown in this embodiment as a linking assembly comprising
a recessed socket 28 located at one end of the member 12, and a
plug 30 on the opposed end of the member 12 (as shown best in FIG.
4B). The recessed socket 28 and the plug 30 are oriented in such a
manner as to permit the recessed socket 28 of one pill-holding
member 12 to receive and accommodate the plug 30 of an adjacent
pill-holding member 12 to produce a secure reversible linking
engagement therebetween.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4B, the pill-holding member 12b is attached
to the pill case 10 through linking assemblies with adjacent
pill-holding members 12a and 12c. The attachment of the
pill-holding member 12b to the pill case 10 is generally made by
inserting the plug 30 of the pill-holding member 12a into the
corresponding recessed socket 28 of the pill-holding member 12b,
while simultaneously inserting the plug 30 of the pill-holding
member 12b into the recessed socket 28 of the pill-holding member
12c. Each of the pill-holding members 12 may be removed from the
pill case 10 by disengaging the respective plugs 30 from the
corresponding recessed slots 28.
[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, the central
support member 14 and the pill-holding members 12 may be adapted
for coupling engagement therebetween. In this manner, each of the
pill-holding members 12 can be removed or added independently from
one another, while the rest of pill-holding members 12 remain
linked to the central support member 14 in the pill case 10. The
user may remove or add the pill-holding members 12 depending on the
desired capacity corresponding to a particular scheduled
dispensing. Alternatively, the user may carry the individual
pill-holding member 12 removed from the pill case 10.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 5, a pill-holding member 12 is shown with
the upper closure flap 16 in an opened position. The upper closure
flap 16 is movably attached to the pill-holding member 14 through
the living hinge 22, and is securely retained in the closed
position by a latch 32 engaged to a corresponding latch receiving
portion (not shown) in the upper compartment 20. When the upper
closure flap 16 is in the opened position, the upper compartment 20
is adapted to receive the pills. With the upper closure flap 16 in
the closed position, the user can access the upper compartment 20
by applying upward pressure to the upper finger tab 24 to disengage
the latch 32. The lower closure flap 16 and the lower compartment
(not shown) are configured in a similar manner.
[0046] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the
art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the
accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes,
modifications and variations can be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *