U.S. patent application number 13/362359 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-01 for multi-day pill container assembly with attachment tab.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Kroupa. Invention is credited to Robert Kroupa.
Application Number | 20130193030 13/362359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48869341 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130193030 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kroupa; Robert |
August 1, 2013 |
MULTI-DAY PILL CONTAINER ASSEMBLY WITH ATTACHMENT TAB
Abstract
A multi-day pill container comprising a plurality of pill
holding cases, each pill holding case having a top portion, an
interior chamber, and an exterior surface. The top portion of each
pill holding case is moveable between a first position closing
access to the interior chamber and a second position providing
access to that chamber. Each pill holding case has a first snap
lock element on the exterior surface to removably fasten each pill
holding case and a second snap lock element associated with a
multiple pill case holder. Each pill holding case may include an
attachment tab on the exterior surface adapted to removably attach
the pill holding case to an item supported by a user of the pill
holding case. In another embodiment, each pill holding case has
mating snap lock elements that permit each pill holding case to be
removably attached to another pill holding case.
Inventors: |
Kroupa; Robert; (Chicago,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kroupa; Robert |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48869341 |
Appl. No.: |
13/362359 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/534 ;
206/534.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/50 20130101;
B65D 71/70 20130101; A61J 1/03 20130101; B65D 21/0204 20130101;
A61J 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/534 ;
206/534.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/04 20060101
B65D083/04 |
Claims
1. A multi-day pill container assembly comprising: A plurality of
pill holding cases, each pill holding case having a top portion, an
interior chamber, and an exterior surface, the top portion movable
between a first position closing access to said interior chamber
and a second position providing access to said chamber; each pill
holding case having at least one first snap lock element on said
exterior surface, said at least one first snap lock element adapted
to removably fasten each pill holding case to at least one second
snap lock element, said second snap lock element associated with
one of a multiple pill case holder and another pill case.
2. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 1, wherein: each
pill holding case has an attachment tab on said exterior surface,
the attachment tab adapted to removably attach the pill holding
case to an item supported by a user of the pill holding case.
3. The multi-day pill container of claim 1, wherein: said second
snap lock element is molded with one of said multiple pill case
holder and said another pill case.
4. The multi-day pill container of claim 1, wherein: said second
snap lock element is attached to one of said multiple pill case
holder and said another pill case.
5. A multi-day pill container comprising: a multiple pill case
holder having a plurality of apertures, each aperture removably
receiving and holding a pill holding case; each pill holding case
having a top portion, an interior chamber, and an exterior surface,
the top portion movable between a first position closing access to
said interior chamber and a second position providing access to
said chamber.
6. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 5, wherein: each
pill holding case has an attachment tab on said exterior surface,
the attachment tab adapted to removably attach the pill holding
case to an item supported by a user of the pill holding case.
7. The pill container assembly of claim 5, wherein: each said pill
holding case is removably held in a corresponding aperture by a
snap lock mechanism.
8. The pill container assembly of claim 7, wherein: said snap lock
mechanism comprises at least one semi-flexible rib on one of the
exterior of said pill holding case and a wall of said pill case
holder forming said corresponding aperture, and at least one recess
in the other of one of said pill holding case and said wall of said
pill case holder, said at least one flexible rib removably engaging
said at least one recess when said pill holding case is inserted
into said corresponding aperture.
9. The pill container assembly of claim 5, wherein: the pill case
holder comprises web portions extending between said apertures in
said pill case holder.
10. The pill container assembly of claim 6, wherein: each
attachment tab extends outwardly from the exterior of a
corresponding pill holding case.
11. The pill container assembly of claim 10, wherein: each
attachment tab includes an aperture, said aperture adapted to
receive the item supported by the user of the pill holding
case.
12. The pill container assembly of claim 5, wherein; each said pill
holding case displays an indicia representing one of the days of
the week.
13. The pill container assembly of claim 7, wherein each said snap
lock mechanism comprises: at least one locking member extending
outward from the exterior of each pill holding case; at least one
slot in a wall of the pill case holder; said at least one locking
member extending into said at least one slot and removably
attaching each said pill holding case to said pill case holder.
14. The pill container assembly of claim 7, wherein each said snap
lock mechanism comprises: at least one locking member extending
outward from the exterior of each pill holding case; at least one
indentation in a wall of the pill case holder; said at least one
locking member extending into said at least one indentation and
removably attaching each said pill holding case to said pill case
holder.
15. The pill container assembly of claim 7 wherein each said snap
lock mechanism comprises: at least one protrusion extending from an
upper edge of each wall of said pill case holder, said each wall at
least partially circumscribing each said aperture, said at least
one protrusion adapted to removably engage said attachment tab and
removably attach said pill holding case to said pill case
holder.
16. The pill container assembly of claim 15, wherein each snap lock
mechanism further comprises: at least one indentation in the
exterior of the pill holding case; at least one protrusion
extending from each said wall of said pill case holder and into
said aperture; at least one recess in the exterior of said pill
holding case; said at least one protrusion entering said recess
when said pill holding case is inserted into said aperture, said at
least one protrusion and said at least one recess removably
attaching said pill holding case to said pill case holder.
17. The pill container assembly of claim 7 wherein each said snap
lock mechanism comprises: at least one first protrusion extending
from an upper edge of each wall of said pill case holder, each said
wall at least partially circumscribing each said aperture, said at
least one first protrusion adapted to removably engage an
attachment tab extending outwardly from said exterior surface of
said pill holding case, said attachment tab adapted to removably
attach said pill holding case to said pill case holder; at least
one indentation in the exterior of the pill holding case; at least
one second protrusion extending from each said wall of said pill
case holder and into said aperture; at least one recess in the
exterior of said pill holding case; said at least one second
protrusion entering said recess when said pill holding case is
inserted into said aperture, said at least one second protrusion
and said at least one recess removably attaching said pill holding
case to said pill case holder; said at least one first protrusion
located on a diametrically opposite side of said wall from said at
least one second protrusion.
18. The pill container assembly of claim 7 wherein: each aperture
in said pill case holder is formed by a downwardly extending wall
in said holder, each wall having a bottom portion and at least one
semi-flexible engagement tooth extending from said bottom portion
and partially into said aperture; each pill holding case having a
circumferential recess adjacent a bottom portion of the exterior of
the pill holding case; said snap lock mechanism removably attaching
said pill holding case to said pill case holder as said at least
one semi-flexible engagement tooth engages said recess.
19. The pill container assembly of claim 7, wherein: each said
aperture in said pill case holder comprises a circumferential rim,
said rim extending in an axial direction the full depth of said
aperture; said snap lock mechanism comprising at least one
engagement tooth on said rim, said engagement tooth extending in a
radial direction into said aperture; and a recess formed on the
exterior of each said pill holding case, said at least one
engagement tooth removably engaging said recess and removably
attaching said pill holding case to said pill case holder.
20. The pill case container assembly of claim 7, wherein: each said
aperture in said pill case holder is at least partially
circumscribed by an axially extending wall; a slot in said wall,
and an entrance port in said wall, said entrance port communicating
with said slot; at least one locking flange extending laterally
from the exterior surface of each pill holding case, said locking
flange entering said entrance port when said pill holding case is
inserted in said aperture, and said locking flange entering said
slot when said pill holding case is partially rotated to removably
attach said pill holding case to said pill case holder.
21. The pill case container assembly of claim 20, wherein: said
wall includes a portion extending across said slot and said
entrance port adjacent the exterior of the pill holding case; a
locking detent on one of said wall portion and said locking tab; a
locking recess on the other of said wall portion and said locking
flange; said locking detent engaging said locking recess when said
pill holding case is partially rotated.
22. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 1 wherein: each
pill holding case has a locking portion of a defined shape
extending outwardly from the exterior surface of said pill holding
case; each pill holding case also has a cavity portion formed on
the exterior surface of the pill holding case, the cavity portion
having substantially the same dimensions as said locking portion;
said locking portion and said cavity portion located on
diametrically opposite sides of said each pill holding case; said
locking portion of each pill holding case removably attaching said
each pill holding case to another adjacent pill holding case when
said locking portion of a first of said pill holding cases is
inserted into said cavity portion of a second pill holding
case.
23. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 22, wherein: one
of said locking portion and said cavity portion of each pill
holding case includes a laterally extending protuberance and the
other of said locking portion and said cavity portion includes a
recess, said first and second pill holding cases removably attached
to each other when said locking portion is inserted into said
cavity portion, and said protuberance engages said recess.
24. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 22, wherein:
each first and second pill holding case has an attachment tab on
the exterior of the pill holding case, the attachment tab adapted
to removably attach the pill holding case to an item supported by a
user of the pill holding case.
25. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 1, wherein: each
pill holding case has a first flange member laterally extending
from the exterior surface of the pill holding case, and at least
one attachment button mounted on and extending axially from said
flange member; each pill holding case has a second flange member
laterally extending from the exterior surface of the pill holding
case, said second flange member located on a diametrically opposed
surface of the exterior surface from the first flange member; at
least one aperture in said second flange member; said first and
second pill holding cases removably attached to each other when the
at least one attachment button of said flange on said first pill
holding case is inserted in said at least one aperture of said
flange member of said second pill holding case.
26. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 25, wherein:
each first and second pill holding case has an attachment tab on
the exterior of the pill holding case, the attachment tab adapted
to removably attach the pill holding case to an item supported by
the user of the pill holding case.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to multi-day pill holding case
assemblies, and more particularly to embodiments of pill case
holder and pill holding case assemblies where individual pill
holding cases can be manually removed from the assembly and carried
in the purse or pocket of a user, or attached to an item supported
by a user, such as an article of clothing, a backpack, purse,
keychain or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many people today take several pills and/or capsules each
day, either prescribed by their doctor or over-the-counter
medicines they take at the suggestion of their medical advisor. In
addition, many individuals also consume several vitamin pills and
capsules each day. Most, if not all, of these pills and/or capsules
are taken on a daily dosage frequency schedule, such as once a day,
twice a day, after meals, etc. The prescribed or recommended dosage
frequency may require a user to ingest specified pills or capsules
during the day while the user is away from the home. In such
situations, it is advantageous for the user to have access to his
or her medication and vitamins at any time during the day.
[0003] Presently available personal multi-day pill cases and pill
case assemblies typically include a single case having a plurality
of pill and capsule holding compartments or chambers with either a
common or individual closure device. Each compartment or chamber
may hold the various pills and capsules constituting the pills and
capsules to be taken at one time, or over the course of a single
day. Some such containers include indicia designating one of the
days of the week. Normally, in a pill container assembly of
multiple pill holding compartments or chambers, the user fills the
compartment periodically, usually on a weekly basis from the pill
container obtained from a pharmacy, nutrition food store, grocery
store, or the like.
[0004] A pill container adapted to hold a week's supply of pills
and vitamins is normally too large to fit in a user's pocket or
small purse. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a user with
a pill and vitamin container assembly that, in an embodiment,
comprised a plurality of daily pill holding cases that were
removably mounted in a multi-case holder for weekly filling, and
were individually removable from the holder on a daily basis. The
individual pill holding cases are small enough to fit within the
purse or pocket of the user.
[0005] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a
pill/capsule holding case assembly where each pill holding case
includes male and female mating elements on opposite sides of the
exterior of each pill holding case. The male mating element of each
pill holding case is adapted to fit into the female mating element
of an adjacent pill holding case, and removably attach one pill
holding case to another to form a container assembly of any desired
number of days.
[0006] In each of the embodiments of the present invention
mentioned above, each individual pill holder case includes an
attachment tab extending outwardly from the exterior of the pill
holding case. This tab has an aperture extending through the tab,
which may be used to attach the individual pill holding case to an
item worn by or otherwise supported by the user, such as a
keychain, belt loop, purse or purse strap, backpack strap or hook,
and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A multi-day pill container assembly includes a multiple pill
case holder with a plurality of apertures, each aperture removably
receiving and holding a pill holding case. Each pill holding case
includes a top potion, an interior chamber, and an exterior. The
top portion is movable between a first position closing access to
the interior chamber and a second position providing access to said
chamber. Each pill holding case has an attachment tab on the
exterior of the pill holding case, the attachment tab removably
attaching the pill holding case to an item supported by a user of
the pill holding case, such as a purse strap, key chain, backpack
strap, belt loop, or the like.
[0008] The term "pill" as used hereinafter in the description of
the present invention, includes solid and semi-solid ingestible
products that are small enough to fit in the pill holding cases
described, and includes items such as capsules, caplets, tablets,
lozenges and other shapes and sizes of medicant and vitamin
products. If desired, the pill holding case of the present
invention may also be used to enclose and transport other small
confectionary items such as candies, mints, gums and the like,
whether or not such confectionary items include an active medicant
or vitamin ingredient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The following description of the drawings, and the drawings
themselves are illustrations of several embodiments of the
invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention
as defined in the appended claims.
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
the present invention, illustrating a pill case holder with one
pill holding case inserted into one of the apertures of the holder,
and a second pill holding case being inserted into another aperture
of the holder, and a first snap-lock feature removably attaching
the pill holding cases to the holder;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the pill case holder and pill
holding cases of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing pill holding
cases inserted into each of the apertures of the pill case
holder;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with pill holding cases inserted
into each of the apertures of the pill case holder;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the pill case holder of FIG. 1,
shown with all pill holding cases removed;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the pill case holding of
FIG. 1, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of each of the pill holding
cases illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a first side elevation view of the pill holding
cases illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of one of the pill holding cases
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a second side elevation view of the pill holding
cases illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the pill holding cases
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;
[0020] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of the present invention, showing one pill holding case
inserted into an aperture of the pill case holder and a second pill
holding case being inserted into another aperture of the holder,
with an alternate snap lock feature removably attaching the pill
holding cases to the holder;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of a pill holding case of
the embodiment of FIG. 11 shown inserted in an aperture of the pill
case holder, taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a further
embodiment of the present invention, illustrating one pill holding
case inserted into an aperture of the pill case holder, and showing
a plurality of protrusions for removably attaching each pill
holding case to the holder;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross section view of three apertures of the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 13 with
pill-holding cases inserted in each of the apertures, taken along
line 14-14 of FIG. 13;
[0024] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a further
embodiment of the present invention, showing one pill holding case
inserted into an aperture of the pill case holder, and a second
pill holding case being inserted into the holder, where the holder
is formed as a strip;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a cross section view of a pill holding case
inserted into the strip-shaped holder of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 15, taken along line 16-16;
[0026] FIGS. 17A and 17B are top and opposite side perspective
views of another embodiment of the present invention, where each
pill holding case includes a male protrusion and a mating female
indentation or cavity providing a snap lock feature for releasably
attaching one pill holding case to another;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view showing two pill holding
cases of FIG. 17A and 17B releasably attached to each other, and a
third pill holding case of FIGS. 17A and 17B in the process of
being releasably attached to the second pill holding case;
[0028] FIGS. 19A and 19B are top and opposite side perspective
views of a further embodiment of the present invention, where each
pill holding case includes opposing buttoned tabs on, and apertures
in, laterally extending flanges, wherein adjacent pill holding
cases are releasably attached to each other by inserting the
buttons of one case into the apertures of another case;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of two pill holding cases of
FIGS. 19A and 19B shown releasably attached;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the two pill holding
cases of FIG. 20;
[0031] FIG. 22A is a detail schematic view showing the two pill
holding cases of FIGS. 19A and 19B in the process of being
releasably attached to each other;
[0032] FIG. 22B is a detail schematic view showing the two pill
holding cases of FIGS. 19A and 19B releasably attached to each
other;
[0033] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of the present invention, illustrating one pill holding
case inserted into an aperture of the pill case holder, and a
second pill holding case in the process of being inserted into
another aperture of the holder, including a twist and lock feature
for releasably attaching each pill holding case to the holder;
and
[0034] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a further
embodiment of the present invention, illustrating one pill holding
case inserted into an aperture of the pill case holder, and a
second pill holding case in the process of being inserted into
another aperture of the holder, including an alternate structure
forming a twist and lock feature for releasably attaching each pill
holding case to the holder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The present invention comprises, in an embodiment, a pill
case holder assembly wherein a plurality of pill holding cases are
removably attached to a pill case holder, with each pill holder
bearing an indicia designating the day of the week the pills in a
respective case should be taken. Each individual pill holding case
can be readily removed from the holder assembly, and be carried in
the purse, pocket, backpack or the like, of the user that is worn
or supported by the user, for ready access by the user when the
user desires to ingest the pills in the case. Also, each individual
pill holding case comprises an attachment tab, whereby each pill
holding case can be attached to a part of a garment worn by a user,
such as a belt loop, or to an item supported by the user such as a
purse loop or strap, or a strap of a backpack, a handle of a
briefcase or a keychain. After use, the individual pill holding
case is returned to its place in the pill case holding assembly,
and refilled for the next use. While the present invention is
illustrated and described with seven pill holding cases in the
holder, one for each day of the week, a holder with a lesser or
greater number of pill holding cases can be furnished within the
scope of the present invention.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present
combination pill case holder and removable pill holding cases is
generally designated by the numeral 10. Pill case holder 12
comprises a plurality of apertures 14 extending through the
thickness 16 of holder 12. In the embodiment of the invention
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, holder 12 includes seven apertures 14
corresponding to the number of days in the week. However, the
number of apertures 14 could vary, depending upon various desired
uses of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 1-5, the apertures 14 are separated by a web of material 15
formed as a part of the holder 12.
[0037] Each aperture 14 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is
configured to releasably and removably attach a corresponding pill
holding case 18 to holder 12. Each case 18 comprises a circular
slightly conical outer surface 20 and a bottom surface 22 (FIG. 2),
which surfaces define a hollow chamber (not shown) inside casing
18. The chamber is adapted to store a quantity of pills or like
items to be used during a given time period, such as one day, by a
user. Each case 18 also includes a lid 24 that is suitably hinged
or otherwise moveable from a first position closing the chamber of
case 20 to a second position providing user access to the pills or
other items stored in case 18. In one embodiment, the lid 24 is
pivotally attached to outer surface 20 of case 18 by a living hinge
(not shown), and is held in the closed position by a snap lock
between lid 24 and outer surface 20 of case 18. Other forms of
closure for the chamber of case 18 are feasible, such as a lateral
sliding opening and closing panel, and other opening and closure
means as are known in the art. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, each of
the lids 24 of the pill holding cases 18 bear an indicia 25
indicating a different day of the week. These indicia can be
embossed into the individual lids 24 when each case 18 is molded,
or the indicia can be printed or otherwise displayed on each lid
24, as is known in the art.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment
the lower portion 26 of each aperture 14 in holder 12 includes a
plurality of radially inwardly protruding semi-flexible ribs 28
that are formed with, or suitably attached to holder 12. Each pill
holding case 18 includes a mating recess 30 extending around outer
surface 20 of the pill case. When a case 18 is inserted into a
corresponding aperture 14 as depicted by the arrow `A` in FIG. 1,
pressure is applied to lid 24 until ribs 28 enter into and engage
mating recess 30 of the case 18. Upon engagement, ribs 28 and
mating recess 30 form a snap fit releasably holding the case 18 in
holder 12. To remove a pill holding case 18 from holder 12, manual
upward pressure is applied to bottom surface 22 of a selected case
18 while securing holder 12 with the other hand. The manual upward
pressure causes a separation of ribs 28 from mating recess 30,
enabling the user to remove the case from the holder without
causing lid 24 to move, thus maintaining the chamber of case 18 in
its closed position.
[0039] The present invention permits the pill holding cases 18 to
be opened for filling either while still lodged in aperture 14, or
after the case has been removed from holder 12. As seen in FIG. 3,
the lids 24 engage the top of outer surface 20 of each case 18
above the upper surface 32 of each aperture 14 of holder 12. Also,
once removed from holder 12, each pill case 18 may be individually
filled by opening lid 24, and then closing lid 24 after filling,
whereby lid 24 will engage outer surface 20 of case 18 with the
snap lock described previously.
[0040] The present invention also provides a means for attaching
each individual pill holding case to a garment worn by the user, or
an item carried by or supported by the user. For this purpose, each
pill holding case includes an attachment tab 34 attached to or
formed with the outer surface 20, which attachment tab extends
radially outward from surface 20. In the illustrated embodiment,
each tab 34 includes an aperture 36 to be used to attach the pill
holding case to a garment worn, or an item supported by a user. In
the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-10, the attachment tab has
tapered side edge surfaces 38 that enable each case a certain
degree of rotative movement when a plurality of cases 18 are lodged
side-by-side in apertures 14 of holder 12, as will be described in
more detail regarding the embodiments of the present invention
illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24.
[0041] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 11 and 12, wherein like elements as shown in FIGS. 1-10
are designated with the same numeral. In this embodiment, each
aperture wall 40 includes a pair of substantially opposed slots 42
extending through opposite sides of the thickness of wall 40. A
corresponding semi-flexible locking member 44 is attached to or
formed with the outer surface 20 of each pill holding case. Each
locking member 44 is dimensioned to fit into a corresponding slot
42 to form a snap lock between case 18 and holder 12, as shown in
FIG. 11, and each locking member includes a tapered outer surface
46 as shown in FIG. 12. Pill case holder 12 in this embodiment
includes a bottom wall surface 50 through which aperture 48 extends
for purposes to be explained.
[0042] Upon manual insertion of a pill holding case 18 into an
aperture 14 of holder 12 in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12
(arrow B), the downward pressure on case 18 causes tapered surfaces
46 to advance downwardly along wall 40 until each locking member 44
snaps into a corresponding slot 42 on aperture wall 40, thus
removably attaching the pill holding case to holder 12.
[0043] To remove a pill holding case 18 from a corresponding
aperture 14 in the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12, upward manual
pressure is applied to the bottom surface 22 of pill case 18
through aperture 48 in the bottom wall 50 of each aperture 14. The
upward pressure on case 18 forces locking members 44 to bear
against the upper rims of slots 42, causing the side walls of
holder 12 to flex outward, allowing locking members 44 to pass out
of their respective slots 42, thus releasing case 18 from holder
12.
[0044] A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 13 and 14, where like parts shown in the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-10 are identified with like numerals. In FIGS. 13 and 14, a
pair of snapping, semi-flexible front protrusions 52 are formed in
or otherwise attached to upper surface 32 of holder 12, in a spaced
relation on one lateral side of each aperture 14. The front
protrusions 52 each have a shaped inwardly extending surface (not
shown) to provide a releasable snap lock feature between holder 12
and each pill holding case, as will be explained.
[0045] On the opposite wall 40 of each aperture 14 at upper surface
32 is a rear protrusion 54 that extends slightly radially inward,
as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14. A corresponding recess 56 is located on
surface 20 of each pill holding case 18 opposite attachment tab 34
(FIG. 14).
[0046] Each pill holding case 18 is inserted into an aperture 14
using downwardly applied manual pressure with attachment tab 34
facing ninety degrees outward from the longitudinal axis of holder
12. As case 18 reaches the downward end of its motion, the shaped
inwardly extending surfaces (not shown) of front protuberances 52
flex and engage opposing sides of tab 34 as seen in FIGS. 13 and
14, forming a snap lock to releasably hold one side of case 18 in
its corresponding aperture 14. Simultaneously, rear protrusion 54
slides into recess 56 on the other side of surface 20 of case 18,
releasably holding the other side of pill holding case 18 in
corresponding aperture 14 by a snap lock, as viewed in FIG. 14.
[0047] To manually release a pill holding case 18 from holder 12,
finger pressure is upwardly applied to attachment tab 34, which
causes front protrusions 52 to flex and release tab 34 from their
grip. Due to the inherent flexibility of the materials holder 12
and case 18 are made of, case 18 may pivot slightly about a
horizontal axis in aperture 14, causing rear protrusion 54 to slide
out of recess 56. Continued upward pressure applied to case 18 will
release the case from holder 12.
[0048] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention, where like elements shown in the embodiment of FIGS.
1-10 have the same numerals. In this embodiment, pill case holder
58 has a thickness 60 where thickness 60, is substantially less
than thickness 16 of holder 12 in the embodiment of the invention
shown in FIGS. 1-10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, holder
58 comprises a plurality of connected rings 62, with each ring
having a plurality of semi-flexible ribs 64 extending radially
inward from the inner vertical wall 66 of each ring 62, as seen in
FIG. 15.
[0049] Pill holding case 18 includes a mating recess or groove 68
closely adjacent to upper surface 70 (FIG. 16) of the chamber
formed in case 18. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, recess
68 extends around the circumference of outer surface 20 of case 18,
and as seen in FIG. 16, has a double tapered surface forming the
groove 68. Groove 68 could also comprise other configurations to
provide a snap lock with ribs 64, as is known in the art.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 16, a pill holding case 18 is
inserted into pill case holder 58 by inserting the case downward
into an aperture 14 as shown by arrow 67 until the mating recess 68
engages ribs 64 as ribs 64 slightly flex and enter recess 68. At
this point, case 18 is releasably held in aperture 14 of a
corresponding ring 62.
[0051] To remove case 18 from a corresponding ring 62, upward
finger pressure is applied to bottom surface 22 of case 18, forcing
ribs 64 to flex slightly and withdraw from mating recess 68.
Continued upward movement of case 18 fully removes the case from
engagement with ring 62.
[0052] In the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, the number of rings 62
would be seven for storing a week's supply of pills in the various
cases 18. However, it is contemplated that a three or five day
holder 58 could be furnished to a user. Also, the holder 58 in this
embodiment is significantly thinner than the holder 12 of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-10, thus providing a lighter holder with less
manufacturing costs. The holder 12 of FIGS. 1-10 could also display
advertising or branding on the side of the holder over the
thickness 16, while the holder 58 of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and
16 does not have adequate lateral space to display advertising or
branding.
[0053] FIGS. 17A, B and 18 illustrate an embodiment of the present
invention wherein each pill holding case 18 includes mating and
diametrically opposed protruding flanges 72 attached to or formed
with outer surface 20, and indented cavities 74 formed in outer
surface 20. The bottom portion of each flange 72 includes two
opposed protrusions 76 (only one shown in FIG. 17A), each adapted
to engage with a corresponding recess 78 on a side wall 80 of each
cavity 74. Each flange 72 is dimensioned to slide and snap into a
snug fit with a corresponding cavity 74 to form a snap lock, as
will be explained. Each case 18 also includes attachment tab 34
with aperture 36 as described in relation to the previous
embodiments.
[0054] In the embodiment of FIGS. 17A, B and 18, one pill case 18
is removably attached to another case by sliding protruding flange
72 of one case into the indented cavity 74 of another case 18 until
protrusions 76 engage a corresponding recess 78 as schematically
shown in FIG. 18 by arrow C. The dimensions of flange 72 and cavity
74, as explained previously, are such that a snug but releasably
snap lock between each flange 72 and a corresponding cavity 74 is
provided. As seen in FIG. 18, any number of a plurality of cases 18
may be linearly attached to form a multi-day container comprising
several cases 18.
[0055] To separate one case 18 from another in the embodiment of
FIGS. 17A, B and 18, two adjacent cases 18 are each grasped by the
fingers of the user, and one case is pulled laterally upward
relative to the other case. Protrusions 76 disengage from recesses
78, and flange 72 slides downward in its corresponding cavity 74
until the cases 18 are separated. The cases may then be
re-assembled as described above.
[0056] FIGS. 19A, B, 20, 21 and 22A, B, illustrate a further
embodiment of the present invention, again with like numerals used
to identify similar elements described in association with the
previously described embodiments. In this embodiment, two adjacent
pill holding cases 18 are removably attached using a button and
aperture structure, as described below. Referring to FIGS. 19A and
19B, each case 18 includes oppositely extending tabs 80, 82 made of
a semi-flexible material and attached to or molded with case 18.
Each tab 80 includes at least one protruding button 84 made of a
semi-flexible material. Buttons 84 could extend upward or downward
from tabs 80. Each button 84 includes a concave shaped stem 86, as
best seen in FIGS. 22A and 22B. The tops 88 of each button 84 could
be flat, convex, or concave.
[0057] Each tab 82 includes at least one aperture 90, with two
apertures 90 shown in the illustrated embodiment. Tabs 82 are made
of a semi-flexible material, so each aperture 90 can stretch to fit
over top 88 of a corresponding button 84, as will be explained.
Each aperture 90 has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of
top 88 of each button 84.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, to removably fasten two
adjacent cases 18 together, the two cases are manually manipulated
such that the buttons 84 on tab 80 of one case are inserted into
apertures 90 of the second adjacent case, as schematically shown by
arrows D in FIGS. 19A and 19B. Apertures 90 will stretch to
accommodate the diameter of top 88 of corresponding button 84.
Apertures 90 then extend snugly around stem 86 of the corresponding
button 84, attaching one case 18 to another by means of a snap
lock. Any number of cases 18 can be removably joined as desired by
the user.
[0059] To remove one case 18 from an adjacent case, the two cases
18 are each grasped by the user's fingers, and one case is moved
vertically relative to the adjacent case. Apertures 90 stretch and
allow tops 88 of each button 84 to slide through and be detached
from a corresponding aperture 90. Adjacent cases 18 can
subsequently be re-attached as described above.
[0060] Further embodiments of the present invention are illustrated
in FIGS. 23 and 24, where twist lock systems removably attach pill
holding cases 18 to pill case holder 12. As previously, like
numerals identify similar elements described in prior
embodiments.
[0061] In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the outer or exterior surfaces
20 of each pill case 18 include substantially diametrically opposed
locking flanges 92 molded with or attached to the outer surfaces 20
of case 18. In FIG. 23, only one flange 92 is illustrated. The
upper surfaces 32 surrounding each aperture 32 of pill case holder
12 include substantially diametrically opposed slots 94, with
access to each slot 94 provided by an opening 96 in the upper
surface portion 32 adjacent each slot 94. Each opening 96 has a
lateral width sufficient to allow locking flange 92 of a
corresponding pill holding case to move downwardly into slot 94
when a pill holding case is inserted in a downward direction into
aperture 14. Each locking flange 92 also has a vertical dimension
to allow each locking flange 92 to frictionally fit into a
corresponding slot 94.
[0062] Upon insertion of a pill holding case 18 into an aperture 14
of pill case holder 12 in the embodiment of FIG. 23, as illustrated
by arrow E, locking flanges 92 on both sides of case 18 enter
corresponding openings 96. The pill holding case 18 is then rotated
counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 23, and both locking flanges 92
are frictionally engaged by the upper and lower surfaces of slots
94, as illustrated at 98 in FIG. 23. The cases 18 are frictionally
held in holder 12 until the user desires to remove an individual
pill case 18 from holder 12, at which time a given pill holding
case 18 is rotated clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 23, whereby each
locking flange 92 overcomes the frictional holding force between
the locking flange 92 and the slot 94, and aligns with a
corresponding opening 96. The case 18 can then be lifted vertically
and out of aperture 14.
[0063] In the embodiment of FIG. 24, the outer or exterior surfaces
20 of each pill case 18 include substantially diametrically opposed
locking flanges 100 molded with or attached to the outer surfaces
20 of case 18. In FIG. 24, only one flange 100 is illustrated. Each
flange 100 includes a protuberance 102 extending radially outward
from the flange 100.
[0064] The upper surface 32 surrounding each aperture 14 of pill
case holder 12 includes substantially diametrically opposed
L-shaped channels 104 molded into each aperture wall 40. A detent
106 is located in the vertically extending side wall 108 of each
L-shaped channel 104. The lateral dimensions of each locking flange
100 enable the flange 100 to move downwardly through the upper
opening 110 in each L-shaped slot 104. Also, the vertical dimension
of each locking flange 100 allows the locking flange to be
frictionally held between the upper and lower walls 112 of each
L-shaped slot.
[0065] Upon insertion of a pill holding case 18 into an aperture 14
of pill case holder 12 in the embodiment of FIG. 24, as illustrated
by arrow F, locking flanges 100 on both sides of case 18 enter
corresponding L-shaped channels 104 until the bottom surface of
each locking flange 100 contacts lower wall 112 of channel 104. The
case 18 is then manually rotated counterclockwise, whereby each
locking flange 100 is frictionally engaged between upper and lower
walls 112 of each corresponding L-shaped channel 104, whereby
protuberance 102 enters detent 106 to lock case 18 in its proper
rotative position relative to pill case holder 12.
[0066] To remove a pill holding case 18 from holder 12 in the
embodiment of FIG. 24, a manual rotative force is applied in the
clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 24, to the case to be
removed, whereby protuberances 102 are disengaged from
corresponding detents 106 and opposed locking flanges 100 are
positioned adjacent openings 110 in side wall 108. From this
position, the pill case is lifted upward and away from pill case
holder 12. The pill case can then be inserted into the pocket or
purse of the user, or attached to a backpack strap or other item
worn by or supported by the user.
[0067] The foregoing descriptions of the illustrated embodiments of
the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and
description, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed. The description was
selected to best explain the principles of the invention and
practical application of these principles to enable others skilled
in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be
limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set
forth below.
* * * * *