GB2092108A - Pill dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing one or more items, such as pills, from a container (10) comprises a dispensing member (120) located at or near the top of the container and having an aperture (20). When the container is closed by a cover (12) and inverted, an item such as a pill (26) passes through the aperture and is positioned between the cover and the top surface of the dispensing member. When the container is turned back to its initial position and the cover removed, a pill can easily be taken off the outer surface of the dispensing member. The dispensing member (120) may form part of the container; may be inserted as a separate member in the container; or it may be located in the cover (12) for the container. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Dispenser This invention relates to the dispensing of items from a coverable container. This invention also concerns relocating items in a container from a position adjacent to the bottom thereof to a position adjacent to the top thereof. More particularly, this invention concerns a dispenser apparatus in a container such as a pill bottle or vial or the cap of such container to dispense one or more pills at a time easily and without contaminating the remaining pills.

In the past decade, there has been a great deal of attention directed to developing "kiddyproof" containers for pharmaceuticals in pill, tablet, and capsule form. Accordingly, the serious problem of accidental overdosage of young children has been greatly alleviated by the proliferation of many ingenious container closures and pill dispensers.

In U.S. Patents 3,067,787; 3,622,041; 3,637,109 and 3,833,147, resilient diaphragms with central openings are utilized in order to dispense pills. All of the devices disclosed in these patents require some manipulation and/or pressure in order to engage the pill in a socket or pocket located in the cover of the pill container.

The above-described patents are more concerned with making pill containers "kiddyproof", than with making pill dispensing easier.

The problem of each of pill dispensing is diametrically opposed to the problem of making pill containers "kiddyproof". A patient who suffers from arthritis, for example, is not so much concerned with taking an overdose of pills, as with being able to easily get a pill out of a pill bottle. It would be quite advantageous to dispense pills without having to reach down the bottom of a bottle, or spilling out all of the pills and contaminating the same, when the patient only wants to take one or two pills. The present invention alleviates these problems and makes pill dispensing a much easier and more sanitary process.

Summary of the Invention There has now been discovered a dispenser apparatus for dispensing at least one item at a time from a container holding items to be dispensed. The dispenser apparatus has a dispensing member disposed in the container which can be formed as part of the container, inserted as a separate member in the container, or associated with the cover for the container. The container has an opening at least at one end thereof through which items can be dispensed.

The dispensing member has at least one aperture.

The aperture is at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed. The dispensing member usually has an inner surface juxtaposed to the items held in the container and an outer surface juxtaposed to the open end of the container. The outer surface of the dispensing member has means for receiving and retaining items dispensed through the aperture.

The container can have an openable cover overlying the opening such that when the container is turned upside down and then turned at least partially rightside up with the cover over the opening, the dispensed item is deposited on the outer surface of the member. The outer surface of the member being of sufficient size and shape to support at least one dispensed item which passes through the aperture. When the cover is disengaged from the container, the dispensed item is available for access on the outer surface of the dispensing member.

In some instances, the container can be fully righted whereas in other instances it is preferable to keep the container tilted (partially righted) as the pill is removed.

A further aspect of this invention concerns a dispenser apparatus for dispensing at least one item at a time in which the dispensing member is disposed in a cover for the container. The dispenser apparatus includes a container having an opening at least at one end thereof through which items can be dispensed with an openable cover overlying said opening. The container holds items for dispensing. The dispensing member in the cover has at least one aperture and the aperture is at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed. The member has an inner surface juxtaposed to the opening of the container and an outer surface juxtaposed to the top surface of the cover.The outer surface of the member is of a sufficient size and shape to support at least one dispensed item which passes through the aperture when the container is turned upside down and then turned at least partially rightside up.

This invention also concerns an apparatus for relocating at least one item at a time from a first location to a second location which is higher than the first location. The apparatus has a lower chamber containing the items in the first location to be relocated and an upper chamber for relocation of the items to the second location.

The upper chamber has a bottom opening communicating with the lower chamber, a top opening and a relocation member. The member has at least one aperture therethrough which is at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be relocated. The member also has an inner surface juxtaposed to the bottom opening and an outer surface juxtaposed to the top opening. The outer surface of the member further has means for receiving and retaining items passed through the aperture.

The relocation apparatus can also have an openable cover overlying the top opening in the upper chamber. The outer surface of the member is of a sufficient size and shape to support items which pass through the aperture in the member from the lower chamber to the upper chamber when the apparatus is turned upside down and then turned at least partially rightside up with the cover over the top opening of the upper chamber.

The relocated item is then available for access on the outer surface of the member upon the disengagement of the cover from the upper chamber.

This invention also relates to an apparatus for relocating at least one item at a time from a first location to a higher second location in which the relocation member is located in a cover. The relocation apparatus includes a lower chamber containing the items in said first location to be relocated and an upper chamberfor relocation of the items to the second location. The upper chamber has a bottom opening communicating with the lower chamber, a top opening, an openable cover overlying the top opening and a member disposed within said cover. The member has at least one aperture therethrough. The aperture is at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be relocated. The member also has an inner surface juxtaposed to the top opening and an outer surface juxtaposed to the top surface of the cover.

The outer surface of the member is a sufficient size and shape to support items which pass from the lower chamber through the aperture when the apparatus is turned upside down and then turned at least partially rightside up.

This invention also concerns methods for dispensing and relocating items. One method for dispensing items involves locating the dispensing member adjacent to the opening in the container and inverting the container (from an initial position with its opening facing upward) to allow one or more items to pass through the aperture. The container is then turned back to its initial position so as to allow the items which passed through the aperture to be received on retaining means on the outer surface of the dispensing member.

Furthermore, an openable cover can be provided for overlying the opening in the container. The container's opening is covered when the container is inverted. After the container is turned back toward its initial position, items passing through the aperture are received on retaining means on the outer surface of the dispensing member. The cover is then disengaged from the container and dispensed items are removed from the outer surface of the member.

Another method for dispensing at least one item at a time from a container for holding items to be dispensed concerns a container having an opening at least at one end thereof through which items can be dispensed with an openable cover overlying the opening. A dispensing member is provided within the cover for the container. The member has at least one aperture. The aperture is at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed. The member also has an inner surface juxtaposed to the opening of the container and an outer surface juxtaposed to the top surface of the cover. The container has an initial position in which the opening faces upward. The container is inverted from the initial position with the cover over the opening to allow one or more items to pass through the aperture.The container is then turned toward its initial position so as to allow the items passing through the aperture to be received on retaining means on the outer surface. The cover is then disengaged from the container and the dispensed items are removed.

A method for relocating items from a first position to a higher second position involves providing the relocation member adjacent to the top opening in the plane of the second position.

The method includes inverting the two chambers from an initial position with the opening in the top chamber facing upward to allow one or more items to pass through the aperture. The chambers are then turned backward to their initial position to allow the items which passed through the aperture to be received on retaining means on the outer surface. Furthermore, an openable cover can be provided for overlying the top opening of the upper chamber. The cover is engaged over the top opening when the chambers are inverted and removed to take relocated items off the outer surface after the items have passed through the aperture of the member and have been received on the retaining means of the member.

The invention also concerns another method for relocating at least one item at a time from a first location to a higher second location. The method comprises providing a dispensing member within an openable cover overlying a top opening for an upper chamber. The upper chamber has a bottom opening communicating with a lower chamber.

The lower chamber contains items to be relocated from the first location. The member has at least one aperture therethrough. The aperture is slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be relocated. The member also has an inner surface juxtaposed to the top opening and an outer surface juxtaposed to the top surface of the cover. The upper chamber has an initial position in which the opening thereof faces upward. The chambers are inverted from the initial position with the cover over said top opening to allow one or more items passing through the aperture to be received on retaining means on said outer surface.

The cover is then disengaged from the upper chamber and the relocated items are removed.

There has also now been discovered an insertable dispenser apparatus for dispensing at least one item at a time. The dispenser has a body member having at least one aperture. The aperture is at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed.

The body member has a shelf disposed on the inner surface of the member to retain dispensed items. The body member further has a lip with at least a portion thereof being flexible. The lip is disposed along the outer periphery of the member and extends outwardly from the body member so as to have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the body member.

The radial thickness of the flexible part of the lip is substantially less than the radial thickness of the rigid annular body member. It is preferred that the shelf has a bevel such that the inner peripheral axial length of the body member is smaller than the outer peripheral axial length of the body member.

This invention also concerns an insertable apparatus for relocating one item at a time from a first location to a second location, the second location being higher than the first location. The apparatus has an upper chamber, an insertable body member adjacent said upper chamber and has at least one aperture therethrough, the aperture being slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed. The member has a shelf disposed on the inner surface of the member to retain relocated items. The member also has a lip with at least a portion thereof being flexible, the lip being disposed on the outer periphery of the member. The lip also extends outwardly from said member so as to have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the member.

The radial thickness of at least the flexible part of the lip is substantially less than the radial thickness of the member. The lower chamber contains the items in the first location to be relocated and the lower chamber is in communication with the upper chamber so as to allow passage of items between the chambers.

Brief Description of the Drawings For the purpose of Illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

Figure 1 is an elevational view of one embodiment of a dispenser/relocater apparatus of this invention.

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1, but with the container being in the inverted position.

Figure 3 is a perspective detail, on an enlarged scale, showing the dispensing member of Figures 1 and 2 with the outer surface visible.

Figure 4 is a perspective detail, on an enlarged scale, showing the dispensing member of Figures 1 and 2 with the inner surface visible.

Figure 5 is a partial sectional view of a container having another form of a dispensing member in accordance with this invention. This dispensing member has a concave outer surface and a convex inner surface.

Figure 6 is a partial sectional view of a container having a further form of a dispensing member in accordance with this invention. This dispensing member has a concave sloping outer surface and a straight (flat) inner surface.

Figure 7 shows a partial sectional view of a container having still another dispensing member in accordance with this invention. This dispensing member has a concave outer surface and a straight (flat) inner surface having a baffle (shelf) disposed beneath the centrally located aperture.

Figure 8 shows a partial sectional view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 6 with a cover for the container attached to the dispenser.

Figure 9 is a partial sectional view of a container having a further embodiment of a dispensing member in accordance with this invention. The dispensing member has an outer surface which forms a partial frusto-conical section and a flat inner surface.

Figure 10 is a partial sectional view of a container having a dispensing member located in the cover (cap) of the container.

Figure 11 is a partial sectional view of a container having another embodiment of a dispensing member located in the cover (cap of the container.

Figure 12 is a partial sectional view of a container having a removably engageable dispensing member with a removably engageable lid.

Figure 1 3 is an elevational view of a dispensing member with a non-centrally located aperture.

Figure 14 is an elevational view of a dispensing member with a non-centrally located aperture and a flat outer surface.

Figure 1 5 is a top plan view of the dispensing apparatus shown in Figures 1 3 and 14.

Figure 1 6 is a partial sectional view of a container having a dispensing member with its outer surface generally flat and generally perpendicular to its side wall.

Figure 1 7 is a top plan view of the dispensing apparatus shown in Figure 1 6.

Figure 1 8 is an elevational view of a dispensing apparatus longitudinally segmented into two compartments with each compartment having its own dispensing member with a centrally located aperture thereto.

Figure 19 is taken along line 1 9-19 of Figure 1 8 and shows a top plan view of the segmented dispensing apparatus.

Figure 20 is a partial sectional view of a dispensing apparatus longitudinally segmented into two compartments with each compartment having its own dispensing member with noncentrally located apertures.

Figure 21 is taken along line 21-21 of Figure 20 and shows a top plan view of the segmented dispensing apparatus.

Figure 22 is a top plan view of an insertable dispensing member having flexible nipples on the outer circumference thereof.

Figure 23 is a partial sectional view of the dispensing member of Figure 20 disposed in a container.

Figure 24 is a partial sectional view of a dispensing apparatus wherein the dispensing member has a smaller diameter than the container with flanges holding the dispensing member in place. This dispensing apparatus thus provides for an annular aperture for dispensing.

Figure 25 is a top plan view taken along line 25-25 of Figure 24.

Figure 26 is an elevational view of a dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention wherein a ledge is provided on the circumference of the container.

Figure 27 is a top plan view take along line 27-27 of Figure 26.

Figure 28 is an elevational view of a dispenser apparatus wherein a ledge is provided on the circumference of the container by the thick side wall of the container.

Figure 29 is an elevational view of a dispenser apparatus where a ledge is provided on the circumference of the container by a projection formed from the thin side wall of the container.

Figure 30 is a partial sectional view of a dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention wherein the dispensing member is a flat disc.

Figure 31 is a side plan view of the dispensing member in Figure 30 before insertion in a container.

Figure 32 is a top plan view taken along line 30-30 of Figure 30.

Figure 33 is a partial sectional view of a dispenser apparatus in accordance with this invention wherein the circumference of the dispensing member is tapered.

Figure 34 is a top plan view taken along line 34-34 of Figure 33.

Figure 35 is a perspective view of a dispensing member in accordance with this invention.

Figure 36 is a partial sectional view of a dispenser apparatus utilizing the dispensing member depicted in Figure 35. The depiction of the dispensing member is taken along line 36-36 of Figure 35.

Figure 37 is a partial sectional view of a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing member composed of two annular rings with a live hinge interposed between the rings.

Figure 38 in a top plan view taken along line 38-38 of Figure 37.

Figure 39 is an elevational view of the insertable dispenser apparatus of this invention disposed in a container.

Figure 40 is a top perspective view of the dispenser apparatus depicted in Figure 39.

Figure 41 is a bottom perspective view of the dispenser apparatus depicted in Figure 39.

Figure 42 is an elevational view of the insertable dispenser apparatus of this invention disposed in a container wherein the lip is nearly aligned with the body of the dispenser.

Figure 43 is a top perspective view of the dispenser apparatus depicted in Figure 42.

Detailed Description of the Invention Although the dispenser of this invention can be utilized for a wide variety of items, it is particularly useful to dispense pharmaceuticals in the form of pills, tablets, capsules, etc. from vials and bottles.

The dispensing member of this invention is optimally located at or near the top of a container, adjacent to the opening of the container. The dispensing member can be located either inside the container itself (such as formed as part of the container, or as a separate member inserted thereto) or within a cover for the container. This invention can also serve to relocate items from a position adjacent to the bottom of a container to a new position adjacent to the top of the container for ease of removal.

The dispensing member has an aperture. The aperture can be positioned anywhere on the dispensing member. It is preferred that the aperture be adjacent to the side of the container and most preferred that the aperture be generally centrally located. The aperture can have any convenient shape such as circular, semi-circular, truncated circular section, square, rectangular, etc.

The aperture can be fitted with a removable plug.

Furthermore, the aperture can be tapered to lead pills and especially capsules for dispensing and relocating.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the dispensing member forms at least a partial frusto-conical surface which slopes downward from the rim of the open end of the container. The angle of the slope from the horizontal is between about 50 and about 900, preferably between about 100 and 350. The outer surface can also form a complete frusto-conical section.

Alternatively, the outer surface can slope down at an angle as given above and then proceed horizontally for a distance before terminating in a centrally positioned aperture. This outer surface can thus form a "partial" frusto-conical section.

If desired, the outer surface of the dispensing member can have a rough texture, for example, having ridges, grooves, or undulations, to prevent the dispensed item from slipping back through the aperture. It is also preferred that there be a slightly raised rim around the circumference of the aperture to prevent dispensed items from falling back into the container.

The inner and outer surfaces of the dispensing member can be either straight or sloped. If sloped, the shape could be either concave or convex. A shelf or baffle can be placed underneath the aperture to further aid in the dispensing of items.

The dispensing member can be constructed from any suitable material. When used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, the material should be sanitary to avoid contamination of the medicine. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials are plastic and rubber, preferably a relatively rigid, pliable plastic.

The shape of the dispensing member will be dictated by the shape of the container it is associated with. A cylindrical container would thus require a cylindrical dispensing member.

The container in which the dispensing member is disposed has an opening at least at one end thereof. Preferably, the container has a cover to close said opening. The cover can be removably engageable. Alternatively, one's hand can operate as a cover.

The number of pills dispensed or relocated from the bottom to the top of the pill vial is a function of one or more variables. These variables include the degree of the slope of the outer surface of the dispensing member (which can even be a flat horizontal surface), the size of the aperture and the location of the aperture in relation to the vertical distance between the aperture and the cover of the container. This vertical distance is ascertained when the cover closes the opening.

If the slope and aperture size are too large, the pills will have a great tendency to fall back to the bottom of the container when the container is turned upright again. It is preferred that this vertical distance, slope and aperture size be such as to limit the number of pills dispensed or relocated to one or two. Any one or more of the variables of vertical distance from aperture to cover, slope of the outer surface, or aperture size can be adjusted in order to control the amount of dispensed items. For example, aperture size and the vertical distance between the aperture and the cover can be controlled to limit the number of items dispensed at one time. Illustrations of this are in Figures 1 and 10 where the vertical distance from the aperture to the cover is limited such that after one pill is dispensed, the dispensed pill acts to block the dispensing of further pills.

The dispensing action in accordance with this invention is accomplished by first inverting the covered container. This action ultimately places an item, for example, a tablet, adjacent the inner surface of the dispensing member. The item can then pass through the aperture of the dispensing member and be positioned on the upper surface of the dispensing member for ready removal. In some instances, mere inversion of the container may be insufficient to displace the item through the aperture. Therefore, it may be necessary to slightly agitate or shake the container in order to pass an item through the aperture. The container is then turned back into its original position (covered opening of container facing upward) and the item is disposed along the outer surface of the dispensing member.The cover of the container is then removed and one can easily take the item off the top surface, regardless of whether the surface is in the container or cover.

Referring now to the drawings, in all of which like parts are designated by like reference numerals, and referring particularly to Figures 1-4, the dispensing member of this invention is particularly adapted for use as a pill dispenser and as herein described and illustrated comprises a bottle, vial, or container 10. The bottle, vial, or container 10 may be made of any suitable, well known material such as glass or plastic. The upper end containing the opening of the bottle 10 can be covered by a cover (cap or lid) 12 which is removable and adapted to fit snugly over the container 10. The cover 12 is generally made of a resilient material such as a plastic. The bottle, vial or container 10 is adapted to contain undispensed pills 22.

Adjacent the open end of the bottle 10 is a dispensing member 1 4. Outer surface 1 6 of the dispensing member 14 is a frusto-conical shape which slopes downward and terminates at a centrally located circular aperture 20. The inner surface 1 8 of the dispensing member 14 is also a frusto-conical section which slopes downward from the aperture 20 to the container wall. Around the aperture 20 of the dispenser 14 is a slighly raised rim 24.

Figure 2 shows the container 10 of Figure 1 in the inverted position. By gravity, the undispensed pills 22 fall to rest adjacent the inner surface 18 of the dispensing member 14. One or more dispensed pills 26 can thus pass through the aperture and rest on the bottom surface of the cover 12 between the cover 1 2 and the outer section 1 6 of the dispensing member 14.

Figure 5 shows another embodiment of this invention. The dispensing member 28 has an inner surface 30 that slopes downward from the wall of the container 10 to the aperture 20 to form a convex surface.

Figure 6 shows still another embodiment of this invention. In Figure 6, the dispensing member 32 has a flat inner surface 34. As shown in Figures 1, 5, 7 and 8, the dispensing member is retained in position in the upper position of the container 10 by a snug, friction lit, and by a slight slope or outward flare of the container wails at the opening. However, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 6, the dispensing member 32 could also be provided with a flange 36 which rests on the top of the container wall.

Figure 7 shows still another embodiment of this invention. In this figure, the dispensing member 38 has a baffle 40 on the inner surface 42. The baffle is aligned directly under the aperture 20.

This arrangement allows the dispensing of a single pill or tablet each time the container is inverted, since it is not possible for more than one pill at a time to pass under the baffle so long as the baffle is not too far from the bottom surface 42 of the dispenser, i.e., less than two times the width or thickness of the item to be dispensed. The length of the baffle would generally correspond to the diameter of the aperture. The length of the baffle can be slightly longer or shorter than the aperture diameter, but not so long as to inhibit dispensing, or so short as to be ineffective.

In Figure 8, the container cover 44 is connected directly to the dispensing member 46 by a flexible hinge 48 which passes through a slot 50 in the container wall.

In Figure 9, the outer surface of the dispensing member 52 forms a partial frusto-conical section.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 all show dispensing members 54, 56 and 62 respectively, located in the lid for the containers 10. In the embodiments shown in Figures 10 and 11, once the item is disposed on the outer surface 58 and 60 respectively of the dispensers 54 and 56 the dispenser lid must be removed and agitated so that the item can pass back through the aperture 20. Alternatively, the diameter of the aperture 20 can be of such size to permit relatively easy removal of the dispensed pill without requiring agitation.

As shown in Figure 11, the inner surface of lid 56 has a triangular configuration, however, any configuration can be employed, such as a flat surface.

Figure 12 illustrates a form of the present invention in which the dispensing member 62 is removably engageable on the container 10 so as to function as a container cover, with the dispensing member 62 itself having a removably engageable lid 64. In this embodiment, once the item is positioned on the outer surface 66 of the dispensing member 62, no agitation of the container 10 or cover is required. The removably engageable lid 64 is then removed and the item can easily be taken away. Although surface 66 is depicted in Figure 12 as having a downward slope toward aperture 20, surface 66 can also have other configurations such as a flat or curved (concave) configuration.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate dispensing members in which the aperture is not centrally located. The apertures 20 in Figures 13 and 14 are located at the side of the container 10. The dispensing member 68 of Figure 13 has a sloped outer surface 70. The dispensing member 72 of Figure 14 has a flat outer surface 74. As can be seen in Figure 15, which shows a top view of dispenser members 68 and 72, the aperture 20 is a truncated circular section.

Figures 1 6 and 1 7 depict a dispenser member 112 in which its outer surface 114 is generally flat and generally perpendicular to its side wall 11 6.

The length of side wall 1 6 can be utilized as an indicator to position the dispenser member 11 2 from the top opening of the container 10.

In Figures 18-21, dispensing apparatus for dispensing two different types of items are shown.

The container 10 is segmented into two sections by a longitudinal partition 76. Each section has its own dispensing members 78 and 80 associated therewith. In Figure 20-21, the apertures 20 of dispensing members 78 and 80 are off-center and disposed to one side to facilitate pill dispensing upon tilting of the container 1 0.

In Figures 22 and 23, a dispenser having a flat disc dispensing member 82 with numerous flexible nipples 84 disposed on the outer surface thereof is shown. The flexible nipples 84 allow for accommodation of dispensing member 82 in various diameter sizes of container 1 0. For a larger container than that depicted in Figure 23, the nipple would extend anywhere from 900 to 1800 relative to member 82.

In Figures 24 and 25, a dispensing member 86 is shown. Member 86 is a circular flat member having a diameter smaller than container 10.

Flanges 88 on either side of member 86 secure member 86 to the container 10. A pill 26 thus passes through annular space 90 to rest upon member 86.

Figures 26 and 27 depict a dispenser apparatus in which a ridge 92 is formed on at least part of the circumference of the container 10 adjacent to the opening of container 10. When the container is tilted, an undisposed pill 22 from the bottom of container 10 is captured on the ridge 92 as the container 10 is righted. The ridge 92 is of sufficient size and shape to accommodate a dispensed pill 26. The ridge 92 can be composed of projections of spaced fingers disposed around the circumference of the container 1 0. It is preferred that the ridge 92 has a dish-like configuration.

Depicted in Figures 28 and 29 are two further embodiments of the dispenser apparatus of the general nature as shown in Figure 26. In Figure 28, a thick internal wall 11 8 of container 10 forms a circumferential ridge 92. Alternatively, in Figure 29, ridge 92 is formed as a projection from the thin internal wall of container 10.

In Figures 30-32, a dispensing member 94 is depicted. Dispensing member 94 is a flat flexible disc which is convex when in free form (see Figure 31) and becomes concave (see Figure 30) when inserted in a container 10 having a smaller diameter than the diameter of member 94.

A dispensing member 96 having a taper on its outer circumference is shown in Figures 33-34.

If member 96 were placed in a container 10 having a smaller diameter than the diameter of member 96, then member 96 would have a convex configuration such as shown in Figure 31.

In Figures 35-36, a dispensing member 98 having alternating thin and thicker radial elements, respectively 100 and 102, is shown. The thin elements 100 buckle when the dispensing member 98 is inserted in a container 10 which has a larger diameter than member 98 (see Figure 36).

in Figures 37-38, a dispensing member 104 composed of two annular rings 106 and 108 separated by a live flexible hinge 110 is depicted.

The hinge buckles when the dispensing member 104 is inserted in a container 10 having a larger diameter than the member 104.

The insertable dispenser 120 of this invention is particularly adapted for use as a pill dispenser and as herein described and illustrated comprises a bottle, vial, or container 1 0. The bottle, vial, or container 10 may be made of any suitable, well known material such as glass or plastic. The container 10 would generally be either a 7, 8, 11 or 12 dram size.

The upper end containing the opening of the container 10 can be covered by a cover (cap or lid) 12 which is openable and adapted to fit snugly over the container 10. The cover 12 is generally made of a resilient material such as a plastic.

Alternatively, one's hand can operate as a cover.

The bottle, vial or container 10 is adapted to contain pills.

Adjacent the open end of the container 10 is a dispenser 120. The dispenser 120 can be fabricated from any suitable rigid, resilient material. When used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, the material should be sanitary to avoid contamination of the medicine. Nonlimiting exampies of suitable materials are plastic and rubber It is preferred that the outer surface 130 of the dispenser 1 30 have a rough texture, for example, having ridges, grooves, or undulations, to prevent the dispensed item from slipping back through the aperture 20.

The inner surface 128 of the dispenser 120 can be either straight or sloped. If sloped, the shape could be either concave or convex. A baffle (not shown) can be placed underneath the aperture 20 to further aid in the dispensing of items.

The shape of the dispenser 120 will be dictated by the shape of the container 10 it is associated with. A cylindrical container 10 would thus require a cylindrical dispenser 120.

The dispenser 120 has a rigid annular body member 122 having an aperture 20 therethrough.

The aperture 20 can be positioned anywhere on this surface. If is preferred that the aperture 20 be centrally located. The aperture 20 can have any convenient shape such as circular, semi-circular, truncated circular section, square, rectangular, etc.

The aperture 20 can be fitted with a removable plug. Furthermore, the aperture 20 can be tapered to lead pills and especially capsules for dispensing and relocating. In a preferred embodiment, a rim 24 can be disposed around the aperture 20.

As shown, the rigid body member 122 has a bevel 124 such that its inner peripheral axial length is smaller than its outer peripheral length.

The bevel 1 24 is at an angle from the horizontal of between about 50 and about 900 and preferably between about 100 and 35 . The body member 122 also has an annular shelf 24 to retain dispensed pills 26.

A lip 1 32 with at least a portion thereof being flexible is disposed along the outer periphery of the body member 1 22. It is preferred that the lip 132 be composed of a number of separated sections with openings between the sections.

However, thin connecting webs could exist between the sections. The lip 132 functions as a live hinge for body member 122 and can be disposed at any convenient angle such as between 900 and about 1 800 with respect to said body member to snugly hold the dispenser 1 20 in friction fit with various diameter size containers 10. Thus the lip 132 can assume positions such as those shown in Figures 2 and 5 and all positions therebetween, as well as a fully upright position.

The lip 132 extends outwardly from the body member 122 so as to have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the body member 122. This allows the dispenser 120 to form a snug friction-fit with container 1 0.

If the diameter of the container 10 is approximately the same diameter size as the body member 122, the body member 122 can act as a spring to snugly friction fit the dispenser 120 in the container 10. In such case, the body member 1 22 would be flexible with a spring-type action.

Also in such case, the lip 132 will be at approximately a right angle to the body member 122 and would form part of the internal wall of container 10.

The length of the lip 134 can serve as a locator of the dispenser 120 within the container 10. The length of the lip 132 can indicate how far the body member 122 is to be inserted from the top of container 1 0.

When the dispenser 120 is inserted in a container 10, pills 26 are dispensed through aperture 20 onto shelf 126 by inverting the container 10 with a cover 12 or with one's hand overlying the open end of container 10. The pill 26 then passes through aperture 20. The container 10 is then at least partially righted to allow the pill 14 to be captured on shelf 126. In some embodiments, the container 10 can be fully righted whereas in other it is preferable to keep the container 10 tilted (partially righted) as the pill is removed. After the container 10 is partially or fully righted the cover 12 is removed and the dispensed pill 14 is taken off the shelf 126.

In some instances, mere inversion of the container 10 may be insufficient to displace a pill through the aperture 20. Therefore, it may be necessary to slightly agitate or shake the container 10 in order to pass a pill through the aperture 20.

The present invention offers many advantages.

Pills can now be taken out of a vial without having to put one's fingers into the bottom of the vial and thus contaminate any of the pills. Also, people who suffer from arthritis or who would otherwise have difficulty in removing pills from bottles, can now easily take their needed medication.

Furthermore, by use of this invention, the required number of pills can be dispensed thus reducing pill contamination due to the dispensing of unused pills which must be returned to the pill vial.

As used herein, "frusto-conical" is not intended to be limited to a flat surface, but may include a slightly curved (e.g., concave or convex) surface or a surface with ridges, grooves, undulations or other surface contours.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, references should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims (56)

1. A dispenser apparatus for dispensing at least one item at a time which comprises a dispensing member disposed in a container for holding items to be dispensed, the container having an opening at east at one end thereof through which items can be dispensed, said member having at least one aperture, said aperture being at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to the items held in the container and an outer surface juxtaposed to the open end of the container, said outer surface having means for receiving and retaining items dispensed through said aperture.

2. A dispenser apparatus for dispensing at least one item at a time which comprises: (a) a container having an opening at least at one end thereof through which items can be dispensed with an openable cover overlying said opening, said container holding items for dispensing; and (b) a dispensing member having at least one aperture, said aperture being at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to said held items and an outer surface juxtaposed to said opening of the container, said outer surface of a sufficient size and shape to support at least one dispensed item which passes through said aperture when said container is turned upside down and then turned at least partially rightside up with said cover over said opening, whereby said dispensed item is available for access on said outer surface upon the disengagement of said cover from said container.

3. An apparatus for relocating at least one item at a time from a first location to a second location, said second location higher than said first location, which comprises: (a) a lower chamber containing said items in said first location to be relocated; and (b) an upper chamber for relocation of said items to said second location comprising a bottom opening communicating with said lower chamber, a top opening and a member having at least one aperture therethrough, said aperture being at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be relocated, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to said bottom opening and an outer surface juxtaposed to said top opening, said outer surface having means for receiving and retaining items passed through said aperture.

4. An apparatus for relocating at least one item at a time from a first location to a second location, said second location higher than said first location, which comprises: (a) a lower chamber containing said items in said first location to be relocated; and (b) an upper chamber for relocation of said items to said second location comprising a bottom opening communicating with said lower chamber, a top opening, an openable cover overlying said top opening and a member, said member having at least one aperture therethrough, said aperture being at least slightly larger than the diameter of the iargest item desired to be relocated, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to said bottom opening and an outer surface juxtaposed to said top opening, said outer surface of a sufficient size and shape to support items which pass from said lower chamber through said aperture when the apparatus is turned upside down and then turned at least partially rightside up with said cover over said top opening, whereby said relocated item is available for access on said outer surface upon the disengagement of said cover from said upper chamber.

5. A dispenser apparatus for dispensing at least one item at a time which comprises: (a) a container having an opening at least at one end thereof through which items can be dispensed with an openabie cover overlying said opening, said container holding items for dispensing; and (b) a dispensing member disposed within said cover, said member having at least one aperture, said aperture being at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to said opening of said container and an outer surface juxtaposed to the top surface of said cover, said outer surface of a sufficient size and shape to support at least one dispensed item which passes through said aperture when said container is turned upside down and then turned at least partially rightside up.

6. An apparatus for relocating at least one item at a time from a first location to a second location, said second location higher than said first location, which comprises: (a) a lower chamber containing said items in said first location to be relocated; and (b) an upper chamber for relocation of said items to said second location comprising a bottom opening communicating with said lower chamber, a top opening, an openable cover overlying said top opening and a member disposed within said cover, said member having at least one aperture therethrough, said aperture being at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be relocated, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to said top opening and an outer surface juxtaposed to the top surface of said cover, said outer surface of a sufficient size and shape to support items which pass from said lower chamber through said aperture when the apparatus is turned upside down and then turned at least partially rightside up.

7. The apparatus of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein said outer surface of said member slopes downward to form at least a partial frusto-conical section which terminates in said aperture, said aperture being generally centrally positioned on said member, said slope not so great as to allow items which have passed through said aperture to readily fall back through said aperture.

8. The apparatus of claims 7 wherein said slope is at an angle from the horizontal of between about 5 and about 900.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said slope is at an angle from the horizontal of between about 100 and about 350.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein said member is fabricated from a rigid, pliable plastic.

11. The apparatus of claim 1,2,3, 4,5 or 6 wherein there is a slightly raised rim around said aperture.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein said aperture is circular.

13. The apparatus of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein said items are pills.

14. The apparatus of claim 1,2, 3,4, 5 or 6 wherein said inner surface of said member is of a frusto-conical shape.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said frusto-conical shape forms a convex surface.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said frusto-conical shape forms a concave surface.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein said inner surface of said member is flat.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein a baffle is disposed beneath said aperture, said baffle spaced from said inner surface of said member less than two widths of the diameter of the largest item dispensed.

1 9. The apparatus of claim 2 or 4 wherein said member is located in said cover and said cover has an openable lid.

20. The apparatus of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein said aperture is fitted with a removable plug.

21. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2 wherein said container is longitudinally segmented by a partition into one or more compartments with each compartment having a dispensing member associated therewith.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said apertures are centrally located on said members.

23. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the aperture of one member is disposed adjacent said container and the aperture of the other member is adjacent said partition.

24. The apparatus of claim 3 or 4 wherein said chambers are longitudinally segmented into one or more compartments with each compartment having a member associated therewith.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said apertures are centrally located on said members.

26. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the aperture of one member is disposed adjacent the container and the aperture of the other member is adjacent said partition.

27. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein said member has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the container so that said aperture is an annular space between said member and the container to allow for the passage of items through the annular space for capture on said outer surface of said member.

28. The apparatus of claim 3 or 4 wherein said member has a diameter smaller than the diameter of said upper chamber so that said aperture is an annular space between said member and said upper chamber to allow for the passage of items through the annular space for capture on said outer surface of said member.

29. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said cover is directly connected to said dispensing member by a flexible hinge which passes through the wall of the container.

30. A dispenser and relocater apparatus for dispensing at least one item at a time which comprises a container for holding items to be dispensed, said container having an opening at least at one end thereof through which said items can be dispensed, said container having a ridge adjacent to the opening of said container and formed on at least part of the circumference thereof, said ridge of sufficient size and shape to capture said items upon tilting and at least partially righting of said container, whereby said dispensed item is available for access on said ridge.

31. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said member is a flat disc having a plurality of flexible nipples disposed around the outer circumference thereof so as to snugly friction fit said member in a container.

32. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said member is a flat flexible disc which has a convex configuration in a free form and a concave configuration when inserted in a container having a smaller diameter than the diameter of said member.

33. The aparatus of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said member has a taper on its outer circumference.

34. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said member is comprised of alternatively thin and thicker radial elements such that the thin elements can buckle and bend when said member is inserted in a container which has a larger diameter than said member.

35. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said member is comprised of a plurality of annular rings separated by flexible hinges, said hinges buckle when said member is inserted in a container which has a larger diameter than said member.

36. A method for dispensing at least one item at a time from a container for holding items to be dispensed, the container having an opening at least at one end thereof through which items can be dispensed which comprises providing a dispensing member adjacent to said opening, said member having at least one aperture, said aperture being slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to the items held in the containter and an outer surface juxtaposed to the open end of the container, the container having an initial position in which the opening thereof faces upward, inverting the container, from the initial position with its opening facing upward, to allow one or more items to pass through said aperture and turning the container back towards said initial position so as to allow the items passing through the aperture to be received on retaining means on said outer surface.

37. A method for dispensing at least one item at a time from a container for holding items to be dispensed, the container having an opening at least at one end thereof through which items can be dispersed with an openable cover overlying the opening which comprises providing a dispensing member adjacent to said opening, said member having at least one aperture, said aperture being slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to the items held in the container and an outer surface juxtaposed to the opening of the container, the container having an initial position in which the opening thereof faces upward, inverting the container from the initial position with said cover over said opening to allow one or more items to pass through said aperture, then turning the container back toward its initial position so as to allow the items passing through the aperture to be received on retaining means on said outer surface, disengaging said cover from the container and removing the dispensed items from said outer surface.

38. A method for dispensing at least one item at a time from a container for holding items to be dispensed, the container having an opening at least at one end thereof through which items can be dispensed with an openable cover overlying the opening which comprises providing a dispensing member within said cover, said member having at least one aperture, said aperture being at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to said opening of the container and an outer surface juxtaposed to the top surface of said cover, the container having an initial position in which the opening faces upward, inverting the container from the initial position with said cover over said opening to allow one or more items to pass through said aperture, turning the container back toward its initial position so as to allow the items passing through the aperture to be received on retaining means on said outer surface, disengaging said cover from the container and removing the dispensed items.

39. A method for relocating at least one item at a time from a first location to a second location, said second location higher than said first location which comprises providing a member adjacent to a top opening in the plane of the second position in an upper chamber, said upper chamber having a bottom opening communicating with a lower chamber, said lower chamber containing said items to be relocated from said first location, said member having at least one aperture therethrough, said aperture being at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be relocated, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to said lower chamber and an outer surface juxtaposed to said top opening, the upper chamber having an initial position in which the opening thereof faces upward, inverting said chambers from the initial position to allow one or more items to pass through said aperture, turning said chambers back toward said initial position to allow the items passing through the aperture to be received on retaining means on said outer surface.

40. A method for relocating at least one item at a time from a first location to a second location, said second location higher than said first location which comprises providing a dispensing member adjacent to a top opening with an openable cover overlying said top opening, said member in an upper chamber having a bottom opening communicating with a lower chamber, said lower chamber containing said items to be relocated from said first location, said member having at leastone aperture therethrough, said aperture being slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be relocated, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to said bottom opening and an outer surface juxtaposed to said top opening, the upper chamber having an initial position in which the opening thereof faces upward, inverting said chambers from the initial position with said cover over said-top opening to allow one or more items passing through the aperture to be received on retaining means on said outer surface, disengaging said cover from said upper chamber and removing the relocated items from said outer surface.

41. A method for relocating at least one item at a time from a first location to a second location, said second location higher than said first location which comprises providing a dispensing member within an openable cover overlying a top opening for an upper chamber, said upper chamber having a bottom opening communicating with a lower chamber, said lower chamber containing said items to be relocated from said first location, said member having at least one aperture therethrough, said aperture being slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be relocated, said member having an inner surface juxtaposed to the top surface of the cover, the upper chamber having an initial position in which the opening thereof faces upward, inverting said chambers from the initial position with said cover over said top opening to allow one or more items passing through the aperture to be received on retaining means on said outer surface, disengaging said cover from said upper chamber and removing the relocated items.

42. The method of claim 36,37,38, 39,40 or 41 wherein the outer surface forms at least a partial frusto-conical section which slopes downward from'the rim of said opening and terminates in said aperture, said aperture being generally centrally positioned, said slope not so great as to allow items which have passed through said aperture to readily fall back through said aperture.

43. The method of claim 37 or 39 wherein said cover is removably engagable.

44. The method of claim 36, 37, 38, 39,40 or 41 wherein said container is agitated when inverted.

45. The method of claim 37 or 39 wherein the size of said aperture and said distance between said aperture and said cover are such that only one item passes through said aperture at a time.

46. An insertable dispenser for insertion in an opening in a container for dispensing at least one item at a time from the container, comprising a body member having at least one aperture therethrough, said aperture being at least slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed, said member having a shelf disposed on the inner surface of said member to retain dispensed items and said member having a lip with at least a portion thereof being flexible, said lip being disposed along the outer periphery of said member and extending outwardly from said member so as to have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of said member.

47. An insertable dispenser for relocating at least one item at a time from a first location to a second location, said second location higher than said first location, which comprises an upper chamber, and insertable body memberadjacent said upper chamber and having at least one aperture-therethrough, said aperture being slightly larger than the diameter of the largest item desired to be dispensed, said member having a shelf disposed on the inner surface of said member to retain relocated items, said member having a lip with at least a portion thereof being flexible, said lip being disposed on the outer periphery of said member and extending outwardly from said member so as to have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of said member and a lower chamber containing said items in said first location to be relocated, said lower chamber in communication with said upper chamber so as to allow passage of items between said chambers.

48. The insertable dispenser of claim 46 or 47 wherein the radial thickness of said lip is substantially less than the radial thickness of said member.

49. The insertable dispenser of claim 46 or 47 wherein said member has a bevel such that the inner peripheral axial length of said member is smaller than the outer peripheral axial length of said member.

50. The insertable dispenser of claim 46 or 47 wherein said lip comprises a plurality of separated sections with openings between said sections.

51. The insertable dispenser of claim 46 or 47 wherein said aperture has a rim disposed along its periphery.

52. The insertable dispenser of claim 46 or 47 wherein said dispenser is fabricated from plastic.

53. The insertable dispenser of claim 46 or 47 wherein said dispenser is fabricated from rubber.

54. The insertable dispenser of claim 46 or 47 wherein the lip can be disposed at an angle between about 900 and about 180 with respect to said body member.

55. The insertable dispenser of claim 46 or 47 wherein the length of said lip is utilized to locate said body member from the top of the container.

56. The invention as substantially shown and described in the specification and drawings.