U.S. patent application number 11/894090 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for dual compartment medicine container.
Invention is credited to Paula Devaux-Day.
Application Number | 20090050514 11/894090 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40381161 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090050514 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Devaux-Day; Paula |
February 26, 2009 |
Dual compartment medicine container
Abstract
A dual compartment prescription pill container is provided. A
first compartment that can function as a traditional prescription
pill bottle has a closure that is engaged by a second, smaller
compartment of a second container. The interior volume of each
container can be accessed independently. The second container
provides a receptacle in which a daily or weekly dosage of medicine
may be housed to make it easier for a patient to determine if the
day's dose was taken. Optionally, the second compartment can be
removed to make it easier for a smaller quantity of medicine to be
carried by a patient.
Inventors: |
Devaux-Day; Paula; (Mauldin,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
J. BENNETT MULLINAX, LLC
P. O. BOX 26029
GREENVILLE
SC
29616-1029
US
|
Family ID: |
40381161 |
Appl. No.: |
11/894090 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/538 ; 215/6;
220/23.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 1/03 20130101; B65D
81/3205 20130101; B65D 83/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/538 ; 215/6;
220/23.6 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/04 20060101
B65D083/04; B65D 51/28 20060101 B65D051/28 |
Claims
1. A container for medicine in the form of pills, tablets, and
capsules comprising: a first container having a receptacle and a
closure, said closure engaging said receptacle in a reversible
fashion; and, a second container having a receptacle and a closure,
said receptacle further defining a base, said base adapted for
reversibly engaging an exterior of said closure of said first
container.
2. A prescription pill bottle comprising: a first container
defining an interior volume; a closure adapted for securing to said
first container, said closure further defining an upper surface
defining a circumferential rim; and, a second container defining an
interior volume, said second container having a base adapted for
engaging said circular rim of said closure of said first container,
said second container having a closure.
3. The prescription pill bottle according to claim 2 wherein said
circumferential rim is threaded and is adapted for engaging a mated
threaded portion defined by said base of said second container.
4. The prescription pill bottle according to claim 2 wherein said
closure of said first container and said closure of said second
container are child-resistant closures.
5. A prescription pill bottle comprising: a first receptacle having
a floor, a cylindrical body wall, and an opening; a closure for
engaging said opening of said first receptacle, said closure
defining at least one circumferential exterior rim when said
closure is operatively engaged to said first receptacle; a second
receptacle having a floor, a cylindrical body wall, and an opening,
said opening adapted for receiving a closure and said floor being
positioned within an interior of said receptacle so as to define an
enclosure between said floor and said opening, said floor further
defining a cavity between said floor and a portion of said
cylindrical body wall and opposing said enclosure, said interior
wall of said cavity adapted for reversibly engaging said at least
one circumferential exterior rim of said closure of said first
receptacle.
6. A prescription pill bottle according to claim 5 wherein said
closure of said first receptacle and said closure of said second
receptacle are substantially identical.
7. The pill bottle receptacle according to claim 5 wherein said
floor is positioned along an approximate mid-point of said body
wall of said second receptacle.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed to a dual compartment container
which may be used as a prescription bottle as typically dispensed
from a pharmacy. The dual compartment bottle defines a second
compartment that engages the safety lid of a conventional
prescription bottle providing an accessory compartment that may be
used to hold a smaller amount of pills or capsules. In this manner,
the accessory compartment may be used to hold a smaller amount of
pills or capsules to make it easier for the user to determine
whether a recent dosage of medicine has been taken or not.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known in the art to provide containers having multiple
compartments and storage recesses. For instance, various dual
compartment storage containers can be seen in reference to U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,475,654; 4,634,011; 5,850,919; 6,478,155; 7,055,709;
and published application US 2003/0111467, the specifications of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0003] While a variety of dual compartment containers are known in
the art, such containers have not achieved acceptance in the
marketplace. It is believed that there remains a need for a
low-cost and easy to manufacture multiple compartment container and
which can be adapted for use with conventional commercially used
prescription pill bottles. Accordingly, there remains room for
improvement and variation within the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is one aspect of at least one embodiment of the present
invention to provide a prescription pill container having dual
compartments in which an upper compartment is designed to engage
with a closure portion of a lower compartment.
[0005] It is yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the
present invention to provide for a pill storage container having a
child-proof closure and a floor in which the floor is designed to
interengage with a closure of a first pill storage bottle.
[0006] It is yet a further and more particular object of at least
one aspect of the present invention to provide for a dual
compartment pill storage container in which the first container
houses an initial dispensed supply of medicine while a second
compartment is positioned on and supported by a closure of the
first compartment, the second compartment having a smaller volume
which may be used to hold a single day's supply of medicine and
having a closure similar to the closure of the first
compartment.
[0007] It is yet a further and more particular aspect of at least
one embodiment of the present invention to provide for a dual
compartment storage container in which the first storage
compartment and the second storage compartment may be accessed
independently of the other.
[0008] It is yet a further and more particular aspect of at least
one embodiment of the present invention to provide for a medicinal
pill storage compartment having a child proof closure, a storage
area adapted to be reversibly secured by the child proof closure
and a circumferential rim extending beyond the floor of the storage
compartment, the circumferential rim adapted for engagement with a
closure portion of a prescription pill bottle which when so engaged
provides for a container having dual storage compartments.
[0009] It is a further more particular aspect of at least one
embodiment of the present invention to provide for a dual
compartment storage container in which a first compartment
comprises a cylindrical container having a first child proof
closure and a second container having a child proof closure,
wherein a bottom portion of the second container is adapted for
reversible engagement with the first closure.
[0010] It is yet a further and more particular aspect of at least
one embodiment of the present invention to provide for a child
resistant pill bottle having a first storage unit and a second
storage unit the first and the second storage units each being
adapted for receiving identical caps for securing pills within said
respective compartments.
[0011] It is yet a further and more particular object of at least
one embodiment of the invention to provide for a container for
medicine in the form of pills, tablets, and capsules comprising: a
first container having a receptacle and a closure, the closure
engaging said receptacle in a reversible fashion; and, a second
container having a receptacle and a closure, the receptacle further
defining a base, the base adapted for reversibly engaging an
exterior of the closure of the first container.
[0012] It is yet a further and more particular object of at least
one embodiment of the invention to provide a prescription pill
bottle comprising: a first container defining an interior volume; a
closure adapted for securing to the first container, the closure
further defining an upper surface defining a circumferential rim;
and, a second container defining an interior volume, the second
container having a base adapted for engaging the circular rim of
the closure of the first container, the second container having a
closure.
[0013] It is yet a further and more particular object of at least
one embodiment of the invention to provide a prescription pill
bottle comprising: a first receptacle having a floor, a cylindrical
body wall, and an opening; a closure for engaging the opening of
the first receptacle, the closure defining at least one
circumferential exterior rim when the closure is operatively
engaged to the first receptacle; a second receptacle having a
floor, a cylindrical body wall, and an opening, the opening adapted
for receiving a closure and the floor being positioned within an
interior of the receptacle so as to define an enclosure between the
floor and the opening, the floor further defining a cavity between
the floor and a portion of the cylindrical body wall and opposing
the enclosure, the interior wall of the cavity adapted for
reversibly engaging the at least one circumferential exterior rim
of the closure of the first receptacle.
[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A fully enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the
art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the
specification, including reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2A is an exploded view showing the separate
compartments of the dual compartment container.
[0018] FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the two compartments
positioned in a tandem arrangement.
[0019] FIG. 3A is an exploded sectional view showing the component
parts of the dual compartment container.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 1
illustrating the joined components of the dual compartment
container.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below.
Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention,
not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations
can be made in the present invention without departing from the
scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention cover such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the
present invention are disclosed in the following detailed
description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary
embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader
aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are
embodied in the exemplary constructions.
[0022] In describing the various figures herein, the same reference
numbers are used throughout to describe the same material,
apparatus, or process pathway. To avoid redundancy, detailed
descriptions of much of the apparatus once described in relation to
a figure is not repeated in the descriptions of subsequent figures,
although such apparatus or process is labeled with the same
reference numbers.
[0023] As seen in reference to FIG. 1, a dual compartment pill
storage container is set forth in which there is a first container
20 seen here in the form of a cylindrical container having a
closure 30 seen in the form of a child resistant cap. Container 20
and closure 30 may be of conventional design such as the container
seen in reference to U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,442, which is incorporated
herein by reference. As is well known in the art, the conventional
container as seen by container 20 and closure 30 has a child proof
closure system which, when closure 30 is reversed is adapted for
threading into the interior of container 20 in a conventional, non
child proof feature.
[0024] For the purposes of illustration, closure 30 is depicted as
being engaged with compartment 20 in the protective child proof
orientation. A second smaller container comprising the compartment
40 and a closure 50 is designed to interengage with the top of
closure 30. Ideally, closure 30 and closure 50 may be of identical
construction. Likewise, the engagement threads between closure 50
and compartment 40 may be identical to the closure engagement means
between closure 30 and compartment 20.
[0025] As best seen in reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the
relationship and orientation between the first lower container
comprising closure 30 and the compartment 20 is designed to
interengage in an axial fashion with an upper compartment
comprising compartment 40 and closure 50. As seen in reference to
FIG. 2B, a recessed floor 46 within the compartment 40 allows an
outer rim 48 to define a cavity 44 positioned within rim 48 and
opposite floor 46. The cavity 44 is designed to engage with an
upper portion 32 of closure 30.
[0026] As best seen in references to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
interengagement between the first container comprising the
compartment 20 and closure 30 can be seen with respect to the
interengagement of the second compartment 40 having closure 50. As
best seen in reference to FIG. 3B, the resulting dual compartment
container allows for medicines such as pill "P" to be removed from
compartment 20 such that a smaller quantity, such as a single day's
or week's dosage, may be placed within the interior housing 42 of
the compartment 40. As seen, both the upper compartment and the
lower compartment have respective lids to keep the contents safe.
Either compartment can be accessed independently of the other.
[0027] One advantage of the dual compartment container described
herein is that by placement of a single day's dosage of medicine
within compartment 42, an individual may quickly ascertain if a
required dosage has been taken or not. Frequently, it is difficult
to remember if a pill was taken at a scheduled interval or not.
Having a smaller quantity such as a single day's dosage placed in
compartment 42, the user may readily ascertain if the medicine was
taken at a required interval or not. For instance, if a pill is to
be taken three times a day at meals, if, following lunch, a patient
is unable to recall if the medicine was taken with his meal, a
visual determination of the number of pills remaining in the
compartment 42 will indicate if a dosage was skipped or not. Absent
the easier to track system provided by the dual compartments, a
person would have to count all the remaining pills in a typical
container and calculate from the initial quantity and the remaining
days if a dosage had been skipped. Such calculations are tedious,
prone to error, and may be beyond the skill of some patients may
lack the alertness to carry out such a calculation.
[0028] As seen in reference to FIG. 3A, in its simplest design,
compartment 40 can be adapted to friction fit the upper portion 32
of closure 30. As seen in reference to FIG. 3A, multiple portions
of the exterior surface of closure 30, as seen in reference to 34A
and 34D may define circumferential rims that may be used as a basis
for interengagement with an appropriately sized rim portion 48
upper compartment. As illustrated, rim portion 48 is designed to
interengage with the exterior rim 34B of closure 30 such that both
the lower container 20 and the upper container 40 have circular
edge walls of substantially identical diameter.
[0029] While the illustrated embodiment sets forth a friction fit
connection, the interior portion of rim 48 could be threaded to
interengage with a corresponding mated threaded portion defined by
an exterior of closure 30. The friction fit can be of sufficient
tolerance that the respective compartments will not casually
disengage.
[0030] One feature of the present embodiment seen in FIG. 3A is
that the closure 50 and compartment 40 may be removed from the
lower compartment comprising closure 30 and compartment 20. In this
way, the smaller compartment having a limited supply of pills may
be more easily carried in a person's pocket, handbag, etc. In this
way, the user does not have to carry around a larger container but
can carry only a day's worth of medicine as he or she goes about
their day's activities. The limited number of pills present within
the housing 42 allows the user to monitor whether the proper dose
has been taken and avoids having to carry a larger supply of pills
than needed.
[0031] While not illustrated, it is well within one of ordinary
skill in the art to allow for the rim portion 48 and cavity 44 to
define threads or other securement structures such that the upper
and lower compartments can be matedly joined for a more secure
connection. Such an arrangement still allows for the respective
compartments to be separated without compromising the integrity of
the respective upper and lower compartments each having their own
closure. Alternatively, the rim portion 48 and cavity 44 could be
permanently affixed to the closure of a lower compartment by use of
an adhesive or sonic welding.
[0032] While not required, it is believed desirable that the
material used to construct the upper compartment 40 may be
identical to the materials used to construct compartment 20. Such
materials are typically a plastic or polycarbonate which is tinted
to reduce the amount of potentially damaging light that may
adversely affect the contents of the enclosures.
[0033] While the illustrated embodiment is directed to one possible
construction using a prescription pill body of a conventional
design, the concept may be easily adapted for other types of
prescription pill bottles. For instance, rim 48 and cavity 44 could
be adapted for securing to any conventional closure by having a
shape and dimensions sufficient to interengage with the closure
mechanism. For instance, rim 48 and cavity 44 could be of any size
and shape so as to interengage an exterior of any shaped
conventional prescription bottle closure or lid. By so doing, the
resulting second compartment when placed in operative engagement
with the conventional prescription pill bottle, now provides for a
dual compartment pill bottle. While not required, it is believed
beneficial if the closure 50 of the small upper compartment is
identical to the closure 30 of the conventional prescription pill
bottle. While not believed as advantageous, it is also possible to
have the compartment 40 adapted for engaging a bottom portion of
container 20. In addition, it is also possible to have the upper
compartment define a substantially flush bottom in which an
adhesive tab is used to secure to the cap of a conventional pill
container. Alternatively, an adhesive tab can be used on the upper
surface of closure 50 which could then be positioned to a bottom
portion of container 20.
[0034] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described using specific terms, devices, and methods, such
description is for illustrative purposes only. The words used are
words of description rather than of limitation. It is to be
understood that changes and variations may be made by those of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or the
scope of the present invention which is set forth in the following
claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the
various embodiments may be interchanged, both in whole, or in part.
Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not
be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained
therein.
* * * * *