Manually operated tablet dispenser and holder for two or more tablet dispensers

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to containers adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets Such a dispenser is disclosed in the EP0250636. Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to containers adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes in solid dosage form comprising capsules, pills, or tablets. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to handling of containers for medical or pharmaceutical purposes and / or to organize a schedule for pharmaceuticals or supplements (e.g. capsules, pills, or tablets). Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a manually operated tablet dispenser and a holder configured to support two or more tablet dispensers.BACKGROUND

[0002] For healthcare and pharmaceutical purposes, a patient often is supposed to have a predetermined medication. Further, there is an increasing demand for dietary supplements. A patients non-compliance with the administration of medication or an incorrect use of dietary supplements may result in lack of effect and may even be dangerous. Accordingly, tablets or pills are beneficially taking at the correct time and in the correct dosage. Further, omitting to take the pills is beneficially avoided.

[0003] Further, dispensers for pills or tablets may be difficult to handle. For example, containers may open suddenly or may shake upon the attempt to open the container. Tablets or pills may fall out of the container due to the accidental sudden movement of the container and can be complicated to be taken out. In addition, the refill of the containers may be complicated and can cause confusion.

[0004] Such problems may be even stronger for elderly, mentally ill patients, patients having a health issue with hands, shoulders or arms, or kids or teenagers. Generally, it is beneficial to support patients with dosage and timing of medication and / or with handling of medication. This is particularly true as a patient may be in a condition, for which both aspects suffer due to the specific situation resulting in tablet or pill usage. Additionally or alternatively, by simplifying the refill, a further enhancement for the patient security and an easing for the support can be achieved. Also for dietary supplements, an easy-to-use dispenser or dosage system is beneficial.SUMMARY

[0005] The invention is disclosed in the claims.

[0006] In light of the above, a manually operable tablet dispenser and a holder configured to support two or more tablet dispensers are provided. Further features, details, aspects and modifications can be derived from the dependent claims, the specification in the drawings.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a tablet dispenser with a plurality of compartments is provided. The tablet dispenser includes a container having an elongated shape, the container having at least two openings provided at end portions in the length dimension of the container; a drawer removable from the container and re-insertable in the container through one or more of the at least two openings by a sliding movement, wherein a storage space of the drawer has at least one compartment for inserting tablets by a user; at least two first magnet elements coupled to the container or the drawer; and at least one second magnet element coupled to the drawer or the container, and arranged to interact by a magnetic force with at least one of the at least two first magnet elements in a first position of the drawer within the container.

[0008] According to another embodiments a holder configured to support two or more tablet dispensers according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The holder includes a holder body; and two or more third magnet elements coupled to holder body and configured to interact by a magnetic force with at least one element selected from the group consisting of: the at least two first magnet elements and the at least one second magnet element.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] So that the manner in which the above recited features can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments and are described in the following: FIG. 1shows a schematic view of a tablet dispenser illustrating embodiments according to the present disclosure; FIGS. 2A and 2Bshow schematic views of a further tablet dispenser having a recess according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIGS. 3A to 3Cshow schematic views of a yet further tablet dispenser having a beveled or angled surface providing a recess according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4Ashows a schematic view of a tablet dispenser in open position according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4Bshows a schematic view of a container of tablet dispenser according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIGS. 5A and 5Bshow schematic views of tablet dispensers according to embodiments of the present disclosure and having a protrusion for providing a closed position; FIGS. 6A to 6Cshow schematic views of tablet dispensers illustrating various embodiments of first and second magnet elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 7shows a schematic view of a drawer of a tablet dispenser according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIGS. 8A and 8Bshow schematic views of a holder for a plurality of tablet dispensers and respective tablet dispensers according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 9shows a further option to utilize a tablet dispenser according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and FIGS. 10A to 10Cshow schematic views of a drawer to illustrate yet further details of embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to same components. Generally, only the differences with respect to individual embodiments are described. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation. Further, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the description includes such modifications and variations.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a tablet dispenser 100. The tablet dispenser includes a container 120, e.g. a housing. A drawer 140 can be provided in the container 120. For example, the container 120 can be a housing for the drawer. The container 120 includes at least a first opening 122. The drawer can be moved within the container as indicated by arrow 145. The drawer can be moved from a closed position, as for example shown in FIG. 1, to an open position as, for example, shown in FIG. 4A. For example, the movement can be a sliding movement of the drawer 140 relative to the container 120. As shown in FIG. 1, the sliding movement can be provided along a length direction of the tablet dispenser. Further, the drawer may be removed from the container through the at least first opening 122. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the drawer may include one or more compartments 142. The compartment can be provided by walls 144. The walls 144 can be sidewalls or separation walls defining the one or more compartments in the drawer 140. Tablets, pills or vitamins can be provided in the compartments, for example, according to a predetermined timing of medication or dietary supplements or usage of medication or dietary supplements.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure allow for organizing tablets, pills or vitamins. The present disclosure refers to the term "tablet" or "tablet dispenser". Yet, various kinds of pharmaceutical products in a solid form or dietary supplements in a solid form can be provided in the one or more compartments of the tablet dispenser. For example, tablets, hard capsules, soft capsules, lozenges, pills, dragées, or globules can be provided in the tablet dispenser. According to embodiments described herein, a tablet dispenser is to be understood as a dispenser for capsules, tablets, pills or any other products described herein. For example, the "tablets" can be medical products, pharmaceutical products, vitamins, or other dietary supplements.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a manually operable tablet dispenser with one or more compartments, for example, a plurality of compartments, is provided. The tablet dispenser includes a container having an elongated shape, the container having at least one opening provided at end portions in the length dimension of the container. A drawer removable from the container and re-insertable in the container through one or more openings by a sliding movement is provided. A storage space of the drawer has at least one compartment, i.e. a tablet compartment, for inserting tablets by a user. At least two first magnet elements coupled to the container or the drawer and at least one second magnet element coupled to the drawer or the container are provided. The at least one second magnet element is arranged to interact by a magnetic force with at least one of the at least two first magnet elements in a first position of the drawer within the container. According to some embodiments, the at least one second magnet element is arranged to interact by a magnetic force with another one of the at least two first magnet elements in a second position. For example, the first position and the second position can be an open position and a closed position, respectively.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows the at least two first magnet elements coupled to the container 120 of the tablet dispenser 100. A first magnet element 132 and a further first magnet element 134 are coupled to a side surface of the container 120. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the first magnet elements may also be provided in a recess or cavity in the container. The first magnet element 132 is provided adjacent to one end of the container in length direction and the further first magnet element 134 is provided adjacent to an opposing end of that can container in length direction. The second magnet element 152 is coupled to the drawer 140. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the second magnet element may also be provided in a recess or cavity in the drawer. FIG. 1 shows the tablet dispenser 100 in a closed position. The second magnet element 152 interacts by a magnetic force with the first magnet element 132. In an open position (see FIG. 4A) the second magnet element 152 can interact with the further first magnet element 134.

[0015] According to embodiments of the present disclosure first magnet elements and third magnet elements interact by a magnet force, particularly in positions at which a magnetic pole of one magnet element face a magnetic material or another magnetic pole of another magnet element. The magnetic elements are arranged to have attracting forces, particularly when the magnet elements face each other in an engaging position. The attracting forces pull the drawer towards the engaging position in the container. Further, the attracting forces result in increased friction between the container and the drawer in the engaging positions. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the container and the drawer are manufactured from and / or include a non-magnetic material. Accordingly, magnetic forces are provided mainly or are stronger at the engaging position. According the yet further optional embodiments, the material of the drawer and the container, particularly the portions in contact with a tablet may be configured for pharmaceutical use.

[0016] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, which can be combined with other embodiments, at least one of the first magnet elements and the second magnet element can be a permanent magnet. One of the first magnet elements and the second magnet element can be a magnetic material, for example, a ferromagnetic material. Accordingly, a magnetic force can be provided between the magnet elements. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the first magnet element and the second magnet element can be provided as permanent magnets. This may be advantageous since the forces provided in the first position and / or the second position can be increased while utilizing smaller magnets.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the tablet dispenser 100. The container 120 includes a lower wall and an upper wall. Further, the drawer or the compartments of the drawer have a lower wall and may be open at an upper side of the drawer. Openings at the upper side of the drawer are utilized for insertion and removal of the tablets. The openings at the upper side of the drawer are closed by the upper wall of the container when the drawer is in the closed position. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the first magnet elements and or the second magnet element can be provided at a lower wall of the container and a lower wall of the drawer, respectively.

[0018] FIG. 2A shows a further tablet dispenser 100 and can be used to explain further embodiments of the present disclosure. The tablet dispenser 100 shown in FIG. 2A includes the first opening 122 and a second opening 222 in the container 120. The first magnet elements and the second magnet element are provided at the drawer and the container 120, respectively. FIG. 2A shows a side view of a tablet dispenser and FIG. 2B shows a top view of the tablet dispenser of FIG. 2A. The container 120 includes a recess 210. For example, the recess 210 can be provided at an upper wall of the container 120. The recess 210 has a length 212 along the length direction of the container 120, which is, for example, at least 5 mm, preferably 10 mm or above.

[0019] The recess 210 facility the movement of the drawer in the container 120. The drawer can be pushed out of the container as indicated by arrow 245. Pushing the drawer out of the container, particularly along the length of the recess 210 allows for smooth operation of the tablet dispenser. The magnetic force provided between the first magnet element 132 and the second magnet element 152 allows for smooth operation of the sliding movement. This is further improved by allowing the drawer to be pushed out of the container, for example, along the length of the recess. After the drawer is moved out of the container by the length of the recess, the drawer can be held easily by a user at the side of the first opening 122 and can easily be further moved along arrow 245. For example, after an initial push by a user at the second side to overcome the magnetic force in the closed position, the drawer can be pulled on the side of the first opening 122 until the drawer is in a second position, i.e. an open position, at which the further first magnet element 134 interacts with the second magnet element 152.

[0020] According to some embodiments, a recess can be provided at the container one or more of the at least two openings. The recess can be configured to push the drawer out of the container at a side opposing the recess.

[0021] FIGS. 3A to 3C show a further tablet dispenser 100 to illustrate yet further embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein. FIG. 3A shows a side view of the tablet dispenser. FIG. 3B shows a top view of the tablet dispenser and FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet dispenser, for example, a long cross-section A-A. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the container 120 can have a polygon shape, for example, rectangular shape. Further shapes, such as cross-sectional shapes having oval or circular portions may also be provided. Accordingly, the tablet dispenser 100 may have a polygon shape, for example, at rectangular shape. According to embodiments described herein, the cross-sectional shape of the drawer and the cross-section shape of the container essentially correspond to each other to allow for a smooth movement of the drawer in the container, for example, a smooth substantially one-dimensional movement.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3C the container 120 may include a top wall 352, a bottom wall 354, a first side wall 356, and a second sidewall 358. According to some embodiments, it may be particularly beneficial to provide magnet elements, for example, a first magnet element 134 shown in FIG. 3C at the bottom wall 354 of the container 120. Providing a magnet element at the bottom wall can improve manufacturing, constructional design, and / or stability of the tablet dispenser if the recess is provided by a beveled shape, as described in more detail below.

[0023] According to yet further embodiments, additionally or alternatively, magnet elements may be provided at a side wall or at the top wall of the container 120. Magnet elements provided at the drawer can, then, be provided at the corresponding surface of the drawer. Exemplarily, FIG. 3C shows a magnet element 334 at the first sidewall 356. The tablet dispensers shown in the figures of the present disclosure have magnet elements coupled to the container 120 or the drawer 140 at the surface the container or the drawer, respectively. According to further modifications, magnet elements may be provided in a recess or a cavity provided in a wall of the container or provided in a wall of the drawer. For example, a magnet element can be coupled to the drawer or container by an adhesive or by pressing, for example, pressing into a recess.

[0024] A tablet dispenser 100, as exemplarily shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, may have a beveled or slanted side surface. For example, the recess can be provided by a beveled shape or a slanted shape of the container. FIG. 3A shows the length 212 of the recess, i.e. the difference in length of an upper wall of the container 120 and a lower wall of the container 120. The container having, for example, a rectangular cross-section, can be shape with an angle. For example, the angle can be 20° or above and / or 70° or below. Accordingly, according to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, a side view of the container 120 and / or the tablet dispenser can have a trapezoid shape or an essentially trapezoid shape. A drawer 140 may have a side surface, for example, a wall defining a compartment in the drawer having an angle corresponding to the shape of the container. The wall of the drawer can also be beveled or slanted. For example, the wall can provide a flat surface having an angle with respect to perpendicular cross-section along the length direction of the tablet dispenser.

[0025] Having a beveled, slanted or angled side provides an even further improved handling of the tablet dispenser. The drawer can be smoothly pressed out of the container. Yet further, the shape also indicates a preferential direction along the length dimension of the tablet dispenser that facilitates usage by, for example, visually handicapped patients. According to embodiments, the container has at least two openings provided at end portions in the length dimension of the container, and a first opening of the at least two openings being configured to define a preferential opening direction, for example, by the shape of the opening being beveled, slanted or angled, or by a recess at the first opening,

[0026] According to some embodiments, the container can have a beveled or slanted shape. For example, the recess can be provided by a beveled shape or slanted shape. Particularly, a second opening in the container can have a beveled or slanted shape. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the container includes a first opening, for example, first opening 122, defining a first plane and a second opening, for example, second opening 222, defining a second plane. The first plane and second plane can be angled by 20° to 70°. A length 212 along the length direction of the container 120 of the recess formed by the beveled or slanted shape can be, for example, at least 5 mm, preferably 10 mm or above. Further, the length 212 can be 30 mm or below.

[0027] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the beveled shape or slanted shape of the container can be provided by an angle plane having a first angle. The drawer may have an angled surface having the first angle, i.e. the same angle. Similarly, an opening at another side of the container may further plane at a second angle, e.g. a plane perpendicular to the length direction, and the drawer may have the surface with the same angle, for example, an angle of 20° to 70°.

[0028] FIG. 4A shows a side view of the tablet dispenser in an open position. The above described angle of the plane or surface, respectively, is indicated by reference 445 in FIG. 4A The further first magnet element is positioned adjacent to the second magnet element. A holding force is provided in the open position. The holding force reduces accidental removal of the drawer from the container. Accordingly, the drawer can be provided a stable open position. Upon exerting a further force to the drawer, e.g. pulling force at the first side (see e.g. FIG. 6A), the drawer can be removed from and / or separated from the container, i.e. the drawer can be moved beyond the stable open position.

[0029] As shown in the top view of FIG. 4B, according to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the magnet element can have a circular shape. For example, cylindrical magnets can be provided as magnet elements for embodiments described herein.

[0030] FIGS. 5A and 5B show further tablet dispensers illustrating embodiments having a stopper. For embodiments as exemplarily shown in FIG. 3A having a first opening 122 and a second opening 222 in the container 120, the drawer 140 can be removed from the container 120 along the first direction as indicated by arrow 245 or along a second direction, opposite to the first direction. Even though a preferential direction to move the drawer 140 can be provided by the angled surface of the tablet dispenser, the cross section of the container 120 and corresponding cross-section of the drawer may allow for a bidirectional movement of the drawer out of the container.

[0031] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, it may be beneficial to have a stopper for defining a position of the drawer in the container, for example, for defining the position of the drawer in the closed position of the tablet dispenser. FIG. 5 a shows an exemplary embodiment including a stopper. The stopper can be provided by a protrusion 540 at the drawer 140. For example, the protrusion can be provided at a side wall of the drawer. The protrusion 540 contacts a wall of the container 120 as indicated by arrow 541. For example, the protrusion 540 can contact a side face 520 of a wall of the container 120, for example, the upper wall of the container.

[0032] An embodiment with an alternative or additional modification of a stopper is shown in FIG. 5B. A protrusion 522 is provided at the container 120. For example, the drawer 140 can have a recess 544 corresponding to the protrusion 522. As indicated by arrow 541, the recess can engage with the protrusion in the closed position of the drawer within the container.

[0033] Embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B include a stopper. The stopper is configured to prevent movement from the closed position along one direction parallel to the length dimension of the tablet dispenser. Accordingly, the drawer can be moved out of the container in a first direction. A movement of the drawer out of the container in a second direction opposite to the first direction is prevented by the stopper. This may be advantageous for a container having a first opening and an opposing second opening. For example, the movement of the drawer out of the container can be limited to the preferential direction, e.g. defined by the angled surface of the tablet dispenser, wherein, for example, the preferential direction is provided by pushing at the angled side of the tablet dispenser. The preferential direction can also be provided by the shape of one or more openings of the container. For example, an opening in the container may have a beveled, slanted, or angled shape, a recess may be provided at the opening, or other features may be provided that provide a preferential direction and / or facilitate opening of the tablet dispenser. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, a protrusion defining a stopper can be provided, particularly a protrusion provided at the drawer.

[0034] FIGS. 6A to 6C show further tablet dispensers and illustrate variations and modifications of magnet element arrangements according to embodiments described herein. The modifications and variations of magnet element arrangements described with respect to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 6A to 6C can be combined with other embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, at least two first magnet elements coupled to the container or the drawer and at least one second magnet element coupled to the drawer or the container are provided. As described above, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment having a first magnet element 132, a further first magnet element 134, and a second magnet element 152. The second magnet element 152 provides a holding force in a first position, for example, a closed position, when interacting with the first magnet element 132. Further, the second magnet element provides a holding force in a second position, for example, an open position, when interacting with the further first magnet element 134. According to some embodiments, the at least two first magnet elements can be provided at the container 120 and the at least one second magnet element can be provided at the drawer 140. For example, the magnet elements can be provided adjacent to the opposing ends along the length direction of the tablet dispenser.

[0035] FIG. 6C shows an embodiment having the at least two first magnet elements at the drawer and having the at least one second magnet element at the container. For example, the magnet elements can be provided adjacent to opposing ends along the length direction of the tablet dispenser.

[0036] According to yet further additional or alternative modifications, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 6A, a tablet dispenser may include at least two first magnet elements and two or more second magnet elements. FIG. 6A shows a first magnet element 132 and a further first magnet element 134. Further, a second magnet element 152 and a further second magnet element 652 are provided. In the closed position shown in FIG. 6A, two first magnet elements and two second magnet elements interact which each other, for example, by having a magnetic force between corresponding first and second magnet elements. Accordingly, in the closed position the magnetic force holding the drawer within the container is increased as compared to embodiments having one second magnet element. This may be advantageous to better secure the drawer in the container.

[0037] According to yet further additional or alternative modifications, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 6B, more than two first magnet elements can be provided. The tablet dispenser shown in FIG. 6B includes, for example, three compartments. A first magnet element 132 is provided to engage with the second magnet element 152 in the closed position. A further first magnet element 134 is provided to engage with the second magnet element 152 in the open position. Yet further first magnet element 633 are provided to engage with the second magnet element 152 in positions corresponding to the compartments. Accordingly, the drawer 140 can be moved out of the container 120 by a distance corresponding to a length of a compartment to engage with a subsequent magnet. The drawer may be further moved out of the container by a second distance corresponding to the length of the second compartment to engage with a subsequent magnet. Engagement with subsequence magnets is possible until all compartments the drawer are provided outside of the container.

[0038] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the tablet dispenser includes N compartments, i.e. tablet compartments, for example, compartments provided in the drawer. The number of first magnet elements is N+1 to provide engagement positions corresponding to each of the compartments. Yet further, additionally or alternatively the at least one second magnet element can be two or more second magnet elements.

[0039] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, which can be combined with other embodiments, at least one of the first magnet elements and the second magnet element can be a permanent magnet. One of the first magnet elements and the second magnet element can be a magnetic material, for example, a ferromagnetic material. Accordingly, a magnetic force can be provided between the magnet elements. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the first magnet element and the second magnet element can be provided as permanent magnets. This may be advantageous since the forces provided in the first position and / or the second position can be increased while utilizing smaller magnets.

[0040] According to some embodiments, it may be particularly beneficial to have a tablet dispenser with a plurality of compartments, and including a container having an elongated shape, the container having at least two openings provided at end portions in the length dimension of the container; a drawer removable from the container and re-insertable in the container through one or more of the at least two openings by a sliding movement, wherein a storage space of the drawer has at least one compartment for inserting tablets by a user; at least two first magnet elements coupled to the container or the drawer; and at least two second magnet element coupled to the drawer or the container, and arranged to interact by a magnetic force with at least one of the at least two first magnet elements in a first position of the drawer within the container. Having two magnet elements at the drawer and two magnet elements at the container (see e.g. FIG. 6A) provides an engaging closed position and two engaging open positions, i.e. an engaging open position when the drawer is opened to one side of the tablet dispenser and when the drawer is opened to the other, opposing side of the tablet dispenser. Accordingly, an engaging position is provided at both ends before the drawer may be completely removed from the container.

[0041] According to other embodiments, a tablet dispenser with a plurality of compartments, and including a container having an elongated shape, the container having at least two openings provided at end portions in the length dimension of the container; a drawer removable from the container and re-insertable in the container through one or more of the at least two openings by a sliding movement, wherein a storage space of the drawer has at least one compartment for inserting tablets by a user; at least two first magnet elements coupled to the container or the drawer; at least one second magnet element coupled to the drawer or the container, and arranged to interact by a magnetic force with at least one of the at least two first magnet elements in a first position of the drawer within the container; and a protrusion defining a stopper, particularly wherein the protrusion is provided at the drawer. For embodiments having a stopper, an engaging position in the closed position of the drawer and engaging position in one open position can be provided. Due to the stopper, existence of a second open position is prevented such that a minimum of three magnet elements provide engaging positions, i.e. a position with an increased sliding force, in all open or closed positions. As described above, for embodiments with or without a stopper further engaging positions between the closed engaging position and the one or two open engaging positions may be provided by magnet elements. Yet further, for embodiments without a stopper, a preferential direction of the sliding movement can also be provided to improved handling of the tablet dispenser. For example, the preferential direction can be provided by a beveled shape or slanted shape at a side end of the length dimension of the tablet dispenser. The beveled or slanted shape, e.g. the drawer having a slanted or beveled side surface and the container having a slanted or beveled opening, provides a preferential direction and enables smooth an easy movement of the drawer.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a drawer 140 that can be used for dispensers according to embodiments described herein. The drawer 140 shown in FIG. 7 includes seven compartments 142. The compartments can be separated by walls 144. The drawer can, according to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, have a surface 442, for example, a flat surface, which is angled, beveled or slanted.

[0043] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the number of compartments may beneficially be seven corresponding to the days of the week. Accordingly, one compartment can be used for each day in order to have an improved organization of medication. According to yet further embodiments, the number of compartments may be four, for example, having a first compartment for the morning, second compartment for noon, a third compartment for the evening, and a fourth compartment for the night. According to yet further embodiments, the number of compartments may be three, for example having a first compartment for the morning, second compartment for noon and a third compartment for the evening. According to further embodiment, one compartment can be provided to allow insertion of medication for one day. As described above, a weekly tablet dispenser or different implementations of daily tablet dispensers can be beneficial.

[0044] Particularly for daily tablet dispensers, a holder configured to support one or more tablet dispensers can be provided. FIG. 8A shows a holder having a holder body 810. The holder may include, for example, seven support positions. Each support position can serve to support a daily tablet dispenser. Accordingly, the holder can provide weekly medication system including, for example, an array of daily tablet dispensers.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8B, a holder for two or more tablet dispensers can include two or more third magnet elements coupled to the holder body. The two or more third magnet elements are configured to interact by a magnetic force with at least one of the first magnet elements or the second magnet element (or second magnet elements). Accordingly, the third magnet element can serve to provide a stable position of the tablet dispenser in the holder.

[0046] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the number of tablet dispenser positions and the number of third magnet elements are the same. As shown in FIG. 8B, the holder body 810 includes seven third magnet elements 830. Each of the second magnet elements correspond to a support position of the tablet dispenser 100. According to yet further embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the support positions may include a beveled, slanted, or angled plane, wherein the angle corresponds to the above-described angle of the tablet dispenser.

[0047] According to yet further embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the holder body 810 can be provided by two or more holder body portions 812 joined together to form the holder body. Typically, the number of holder body portions 812 can correspond to the number of support positions for tablet dispensers. Providing holder body portions joined to each other may allow for easier manufacturing of the holder body including recessed portions for the third magnet elements. The third magnet elements may be provided by a magnetic material, for example, a ferromagnetic material and / or by a permanent magnet.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide tablet dispensers having at least two first magnet elements and at least one second magnet element. Interaction of corresponding ones of first and second magnet elements allow for an engagement of a drawer in a container in a closed position and at least a further position, for example an open position. The engagement in the first and at least the second position allow for a smooth movement of the drawer in the container with increased holding forces at the first position and the at least one second position. Between the first position and the at least one second position, a sliding movement mainly delimited by friction between the drawer and the container is provided. At the first position and the at least one second position and increased force for movement of the drawer is provided by the magnetic forces.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, the magnet elements, particularly permanent magnets, may further be utilized to attach the tablet dispenser 100 a household machine, for example, a door 90 of a refrigerator. Tablet dispenser 100 can be supported at positions in a household having a magnetic material, e.g. the refrigerator. This facilitates timely medication since the tablet dispensers can be supported at exposed positions reminding the user with respect to the medication schedule.

[0050] Figs. 10A, 10B, and 10C illustrate yet further implementations of a drawer 140 that may be used with a tablet dispenser according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 10A shows a schematic side view of the drawer 140. Fig. 10B shows the schematic side view of the drawer from an opposing side as compared to fig. 10A. Fig. 10C shows a top view of the drawer 140. The drawer 140 includes compartments 142. As described above, one or more compartments can be provided. For example, the number of compartments can vary depending on the schedule of taking pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements. The walls 144 separate the compartments 142 from each other. Further, a first sidewall 944 of the drawer 140 is shown in figs. 10A and 10C. The drawer 140 includes a second sidewall 946. The second sidewall 946 opposes the first sidewall 944. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the second sidewall 946 includes recessed portions 948. The number of recess portions correspond to the number of the compartments. A recessed portion at the second sidewall can be provided for a compartment. The recessed portions results in a height H2, i.e. a minimum height, of the second sidewall 946 being smaller than the height H1 of the first sidewall. The recessed portion or portions at the second sidewall allow for easier removal or insertion of the tablets into an out of a compartment. In a closed position of the drawer 140 in a container, the recessed portions are adjacent a wall of the container such that the tablets are securely stored in the compartment of the drawer.

[0051] According to yet further embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, a label or a text indicating the time of medication can be provided on the drawer. This is schematically shown by the term "Day" in FIG. 10B as indicated by reference numeral 150. According to some embodiments a label or text can be provided on the drawer. As compared to tablet dispensers having a label or text on the container, a housing or a lid, labelling the drawer has the advantage of reducing confusion when filling tablets in the tablet dispenser or removing tablets from the tablet dispenser, particularly when the drawer is completely removed from the container.

[0052] An exemplary embodiment of a tablet dispenser can be provided by manually operable tablet dispenser with plurality of compartments. The tablet dispenser may include a container having an elongated shape with a constant cross-section (see e.g. FIG. 3C) and, for example, having a wall with a defined thickness. The container having at least one opening provided at an end portion in the length dimension of the container. A drawer being dimensioned to fit into the container and to be removable and re-insertable through the at least one opening of the container by a sliding movement is provided, wherein a storage space of the drawer is divided into at least three tablet compartments for inserting tablets by a user, which are arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the drawer and are divided by wall sections, wherein the container has two first magnets, preferably on the same face of the container, and which are arranged so that a part of their magnetic field reaches into an interior space of the container, and wherein the drawer has at least one second magnet provided arranged to interact with at least one of the two first magnets.

Claims

1. A tablet dispenser (100) with at least one compartment (142), comprising: a container (120) having an elongated shape, the container (120) having at least two openings (122, 222) provided at end portions in the length dimension of the container (120), at least a first opening (122) of the at least two openings being configured to define a preferential opening direction; a drawer (140) removable from the container (120) and re-insertable in the container (120) through one or more of the at least two openings (122, 222) by a sliding movement, wherein a storage space of the drawer (140) has at least one compartment (142) for inserting tablets by a user; at least two first magnet elements (132, 134) coupled to the container (120) or the drawer (140); and at least one second magnet element (152) coupled to the drawer (120) or the container (140), and arranged to interact by a magnetic force with at least one of the at least two first magnet elements (132, 134) in a first position of the drawer (140) within the container (120).

2. The tablet dispenser (100) according to claim 1, wherein the drawer (140) is divided into at least two compartments (142), particularly, three, four, five, six or seven, compartments (142), which are arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the drawer (140) and are divided by wall sections.

3. The tablet dispenser (100) according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein a recess (210) is provided at the container (120) at one or more of the at least two openings (122, 222), the recess (210) being configured for push the drawer (140) out of the container (120) at a side opposing the recess (210).

4. The tablet dispenser (100) according to claim 3, wherein the recess (210) is provided by a beveled shape or slanted shape of the container (120).

5. The tablet dispenser (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein container (120) has a beveled shape or slanted shape at a side end of the length dimension.

6. The tablet dispenser (100) of any of claims 4 to 5, wherein the beveled shape or slanted shape is provided by an angled plane having a first angle (445) and the drawer (140) has an angled surface having the first angle (445).

7. The tablet dispenser (100) according to any of claim 1 to 6, further comprising: a protrusion (540) defining a stopper, particularly wherein the protrusion (540) is provided at the drawer (140).

8. The tablet dispenser (100) according to any of claim 1 to 7, wherein the at least two first magnet elements (132, 134) are coupled to the container (120), preferably on or at the same side wall of the container (120), and wherein the at least one second magnet element (152) is coupled to the drawer (140).

9. The tablet dispenser (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein N compartments (142) are provided in the drawer (140), and wherein the at least two first magnet elements (132, 134) are (N+1) first magnet elements (132, 134); and / or wherein the at least one second magnet element (152) are two or more second magnet elements (152).

10. The tablet dispenser (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the drawer (140) comprises: a first sidewall (944) and a second sidewall (946), at least one of the second sidewall (944, 046) having a recess portion (948) at the at least one compartment (142).