Medicine dispenser

Abstract

A dispenser (1) for attachment to a pharmaceutical container, configured in use to transport a dose (2) of pharmaceutical product from the container, comprising: an outer part (3) having a dose delivery chamber (4), a peripheral wall (5) and a dose dispensing outlet (6) in the peripheral wall (5), and an inner part (7) rotatably arranged within the outer part (3), the inner part (7) having a dispensing opening (8), a peripheral wall (9) and a dose dispensing outlet (10) in the peripheral wall (9), the outer part (3) being rotatable relative to the inner part (7) between a dispensing position in which the dispensing opening (8) is in communication with the dose dispensing chamber (4) to allow the dose (2) to pass through the dispensing opening (8) and into the dose dispensing chamber (4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for attachment to a pharmaceutical container, the dispenser being configured in use to deliver a dose of pharmaceutical from the container. [Background technology]

[0002] Pharmaceutical containers are often sealed to preserve their contents. In some cases, pharmaceutical containers may contain a modified atmosphere, such as an inert gas. This may be the case when the pharmaceutical is in powder or solid form, such as a bottle of tablets, pills, or capsules, and the pharmaceutical is sensitive to oxidation or moisture. It is desirable to be able to deliver pharmaceuticals from a bottle with a modified atmosphere without significant dilution of the atmosphere through repeated opening and closing. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispenser for attachment to a pharmaceutical container, the dispenser configured in use to deliver a dose of pharmaceutical from the container, the dispenser comprising: an outer portion having a dose delivery chamber, a peripheral wall, and a dose dispensing outlet in the peripheral wall; an inner part rotatably disposed within the outer part, the inner part having a dispensing opening, a peripheral wall, and a dose-dispensing outlet in the peripheral wall; The outer part is rotatable relative to the inner part between a dosing position in which the dosing opening communicates with the dose dispensing chamber to allow a dose to pass through the dosing opening and into the dose dispensing chamber, and a dispensing position in which the dose dispensing chamber, an outlet in the peripheral wall of the inner part, and an outlet in the peripheral wall of the outer part are aligned to define a dose dispensing path from the dispenser for delivery of a dose to a user.

[0004] Thus, the present invention provides a simply constructed dispenser with an airlock function that prevents the exchange of gas between the outside and the inside of the container in which the dispenser is attached.

[0005] The inner and outer portions may be concentrically disposed about a common longitudinal axis, which becomes the axis of rotation of the outer portion when it is rotated relative to the inner portion.

[0006] The peripheral wall of the inner part may be positioned between the dosage dispensing chamber and the peripheral wall of the outer part, and when the inner part and the outer part are positioned in the dosage dispensing position, the peripheral wall of the inner part closes the outlet in the peripheral wall of the outer part.

[0007] Thus, at any location of the outer portion relative to the inner portion, there is no direct path through the dispenser for gas exchange.

[0008] When the inner and outer parts are placed in the dose-dispensing position, the dispensing opening may be closed by the outer part.

[0009] The outer portion may further comprise a channel for conveying the dose from the dose-dispensing chamber to the peripheral wall of the inner portion.

[0010] The dose dispensing path is linear and unobtrusive, allowing doses to be dispensed with minimal manipulation of the bottle.

[0011] The inner portion may comprise a dividing wall extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to divide the interior of the inner portion into an upper region and a lower region, the dispensing opening being provided in the dividing wall.

[0012] The outer portion may comprise a lower wall extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and bounding an interior of the outer portion by a peripheral wall; the outer portion further comprising a cylindrical projection extending from the lower wall into an interior of the outer portion; The dose-receiving chamber is formed as a recess in the upper surface of the cylindrical projection.

[0013] An outer surface of the cylindrical projection may be spaced from an inner surface of the peripheral wall of the outer portion to form a channel, with the peripheral wall of the inner portion being received within such channel.

[0014] An upper surface of the cylindrical projection of the outer portion may abut a lower surface of the dividing wall of the inner portion.

[0015] The inner surface of the peripheral wall of the inner portion may abut the outer surface of the cylindrical projection of the outer portion.

[0016] The outer surface of the peripheral wall of the inner portion may abut the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the outer portion.

[0017] Thus, the inner portion fits snugly within the outer portion.

[0018] The inner and outer portions are capable of forming an airtight seal at their mating surfaces.

[0019] The dose-dispensing path may lie in a dispensing plane, the dispensing plane being substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the outer portion.

[0020] The inner portion may be configured to be fixedly attached to the medication container such that when the dispenser is attached to the medication container, the outer portion is rotatable relative to the inner portion and the medication container.

[0021] The inner portion may be configured for threaded or bayonet attachment to the pharmaceutical container.

[0022] The dispenser may be configured for use with tablets or capsules.

[0023] The inner portion may include an edge extending from the dividing wall and configured to pierce a seal of the pharmaceutical container.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention there is also provided a method of using a dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 14 together with a medicine bottle containing a medicine, the method comprising: attaching the dispenser to the bottle by securing an interior portion of the dispenser to a neck portion of the bottle; placing the inner and outer portions of the dispenser in a dispensing position; inverting the bottle so that the medicinal product collects in a neck portion of the bottle above the dispenser and a single dose of the medicinal product is disposed within the dispensing opening; rotating the outer portion relative to the inner portion into a dispensing position to cause the dose to pass through the opening and into the dispensing chamber; and tilting the bottle to cause the dose to fall from the dispensing chamber along the dose delivery path.

[0025] The dispenser may include an edge extending from the inner portion and configured to pierce a seal of the pharmaceutical bottle, and attaching the dispenser to the bottle may include piercing the seal as the dispenser is attached to the bottle.

[0026] Attaching the dispenser to the bottle may include forming an airtight seal between the dispenser and the bottle.

[0027] The dispenser may be attached to the bottle by threaded engagement of an inner portion of the dispenser with a correspondingly threaded portion of the neck portion of the bottle.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispenser for attachment to a pharmaceutical container, the dispenser configured in use to deliver a dose of pharmaceutical from the container, the dispenser comprising: a housing defining a dosage-dispensing channel; a rotary dispenser disposed within the channel and configured to form an airtight seal between an inlet portion and an outlet portion of the channel; The rotary dispenser is provided with compartments for holding doses of medicinal product, the rotary dispenser being configured to rotate to deliver the compartments between the inlet and outlet portions of the channel.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention there is also provided a method of using a dispenser according to claim 17 with a medicine bottle containing a medicine, the method comprising the steps of: Attaching the dispenser to the bottle by securing an inlet portion of the dispenser onto a neck portion of the bottle; setting the rotary dispenser in a dispensing position; inverting the bottle so that the medicine collects in the neck of the bottle above the dispenser and a single dose is placed in a rotating dispenser compartment; rotating the rotating dispenser to a dispensing position and causing the doses to fall from the compartments for collection by a user.

[0030] The dispenser may be configured to pierce a seal of the pharmaceutical bottle, and attaching the dispenser to the bottle may include piercing the seal as the dispenser is attached to the bottle.

[0031] Attaching the dispenser to the bottle may include forming an airtight seal between the dispenser and the bottle.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical container containing a pharmaceutical product comprising a dispenser according to any of the above statements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a dispenser for attachment to a pharmaceutical container. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows the inner part of the dispenser. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 shows the outer portion of the dispenser. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows the dispenser in a dispensing position. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows the dispenser in a dispensing position. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows the dispenser in a dispensing position. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows a dispenser attached to a pharmaceutical container. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 illustrates another dispenser for attachment to a pharmaceutical container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Figure 1 shows a dispenser 1 for attachment to a pharmaceutical container 25 according to one embodiment of the invention. The dispenser 1 comprises an inner portion 7 and an outer portion 3. The inner portion 7 is configured to be fixedly attached to the pharmaceutical container 25, as shown in Figure 8. The outer portion 3 is configured to rotate relative to the inner portion 7 to dispense a dose 2 of pharmaceutical from the container 25.

[0035] The details and function of the inner part 7 and the outer part 3 will now be described with reference to Figures 2-4. The inner and outer parts 7, 3 are generally cylindrical and each have a peripheral wall 9, 5. The inner and outer parts 7, 3 are concentrically arranged about a common longitudinal axis AA, with the inner part 7 being partially received within the outer part 3. When rotated relative to the inner part 7, the outer part 3 rotates about the common axis AA. The inner and outer parts 7, 3 are closely fitted together such that an inner surface 19 of the peripheral wall 5 of the outer part 3 slides across an outer surface 23 of the peripheral wall 9 of the inner part 7 as the outer part 3 is rotated.

[0036] The inner part 7 comprises a dividing wall 11. The dividing wall 11 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA within the peripheral wall 9. The dividing wall 11 separates the interior of the inner part 7 into upper and lower parts 12, 13.

[0037] When the inner part 7 is fixedly attached to the pharmaceutical container 25, the upper interior 12 forms an extension of the interior of the container 25. A dispensing opening 8 is provided in the dividing wall 11 for selectively connecting the upper interior 12 of the inner part 7 with the dispensing chamber 4 of the outer part 3.

[0038] The outer portion 3 includes a lower wall 14 which extends across one end of the peripheral wall 5 so that the outer portion 3 is cup-shaped.

[0039] A cylindrical projection 16 rises from the lower wall 14 into the interior 15 of the outer part 3. An outer surface 18 of the cylindrical projection 16 is spaced from an inner surface 19 of the peripheral wall 5 of the outer part 3 to form a channel 20 between the two surfaces 18, 19. The peripheral wall 9 of the inner part 7 is located within the channel 20. The cylindrical projection 16 extends into the lower inner part 13 of the inner part 7. An upper surface 17 of the cylindrical projection 16 abuts a lower surface 21 of the dividing wall 11 of the inner part 7, so that when the outer part 3 is rotated relative to the inner part 7, the upper surface 17 of the cylindrical projection 16 slides across the lower surface 21 of the dividing wall 11.

[0040] The dispensing chamber 4 is formed as a receptacle in the upper surface 17 of the cylindrical projection 16. When the outer part 3 is in the dispensing position, the dispensing opening 8 in the dividing wall 11 is aligned with the dose-dispensing chamber 4 to allow the dose 2 to pass through the dispensing opening 8 and into the dose-dispensing chamber 4. The outer part 3 further comprises a channel 26 leading from the dose-dispensing chamber 4 to an opening 27 in the outer surface 18 of the cylindrical projection 16.

[0041] The peripheral wall 9 of the inner part 7 and the peripheral wall 5 of the outer part 3 each comprise a dose-dispensing outlet 10, 6. The dose-dispensing outlet 10, 6 is an opening for allowing the dose 2 to pass through the peripheral walls 9, 5. The dose-dispensing outlet 10, 6 in the peripheral wall 5 of the outer part 3 is located directly opposite the opening 27 of the channel 26. As shown in Figure 5, when the outer part 3 is in the dosing position, the outlets 10, 6 of the inner and outer parts 7, 3 do not align and the peripheral wall 9 of the inner part 7 blocks communication between the channel opening 27 and the dispensing outlet 6 of the outer part 3.

[0042] In use, the outer part 3 is rotated relative to the inner part 7 between a dispensing position and a dispensing position, which is shown in Figure 6. In the dispensing position, the dose dispensing outlets 10, 6 of the inner and outer parts 7, 3 are aligned so that a dose 2 can pass from the dose dispensing chamber 4 along the channel 26 and through the dispensing outlets 10, 6 of the inner and outer parts 7, 3 for delivery to a user. It will be appreciated that in Figures 5 and 6 the outer part 7 is shown in transparent form to better illustrate the difference between the dose and dispensing positions.

[0043] When in the dispensing position, the opening 8 in the dividing wall 11 of the inner part 7 does not align with the dose-dispensing chamber 4, but is instead blocked by the upper surface 17 of the cylindrical protrusion 16 of the outer part 3. Also, when in the dispensing position, the outlets 10, 6 of the inner and outer parts 7, 3 do not align and the peripheral wall 9 of the inner part 7 blocks communication between the channel opening 27 and the dispensing outlet 6 of the outer part 3. Thus, in any position of the outer part 3 relative to the inner part 7, there is no direct path through the dispenser 1 for exchange of gas. Due to the close fit of the inner part 7 within the outer part 3, the inner part 7 and the outer part 3 form an airtight seal at the abutment surfaces 19, 23, 17, 21. In particular, when the inner and outer parts 7, 3 are in the dispensing position, gas is prevented from passing through the dispensing opening 8 in the dividing wall 11 by the upper surface 17 of the cylindrical protrusion 16, and when the inner and outer parts 7, 3 are in the dosing position, gas is prevented from passing through the outlet 6 of the outer part 3 by the peripheral wall 9 of the inner part 7. Thus, when the dispenser 1 is attached to the drug container 25, it prevents the ingress of atmospheric air into the drug container 25 or the escape of modified atmosphere from the drug container 25. By preventing such exchange of gas, dilution of the atmosphere inside the drug container 25 is significantly reduced or eliminated each time a dose 2 is dispensed. In addition, if desired, the outer surface 18 of the cylindrical protrusion 16 can be abutted against the inner surface 22 of the peripheral wall 9 to further improve the air-tight seal of the inner and outer parts 7, 3. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inner and outer parts 7, 3 are provided with gasket seals 34, 35, 36. First and second gasket seals 34, 35 are provided in the upper surface 17 of the cylindrical projection 16 to seal the upper surface 17 against the lower surface 21 of the dividing wall 11. The first gasket seal 34 is provided around the edge of the dispensing opening 8 while the second gasket seal 35 is provided offset from the edge of the upper surface 17 of the cylindrical projection 16. A third gasket seal 36 is provided in the outer surface 23 of the peripheral wall 9 of the inner part 7 to seal the outer surface 23 against the inner surface 19 of the peripheral wall 5 of the outer part 3. The third gasket seal 36 is provided around the dosage dispensing outlet 10.It should be understood that any or all of the gasket seals 34, 35, 36 are optional and that where relatively tight manufacturing tolerances apply, an airtight seal may be formed by any of the abutting surfaces 19, 23, 18, 22, 17, 21 without the need for a gasket seal. Advantageously, the gasket seals 34, 35, 36 ensure the formation of an airtight seal between the abutting surfaces 19, 23, 17, 21 of the inner and outer portions 7, 3, even allowing for relatively large manufacturing tolerances. The gasket seals 34, 35, 36 may thus reduce the manufacturing costs of the dispenser 1.

[0044] The dispenser further comprises a seal breaker 28 disposed on the inner portion 7. The seal breaker 28 is configured to break a seal of the pharmaceutical container 25 when the dispenser 1 is attached to the container 25. The pharmaceutical container typically comprises a bottle 25 having a neck portion and a paper, polymer, or aluminum foil membrane sealed across an opening in the neck portion. In conventional dispensers, the seal is broken and the dispenser is attached. However, this results in dilution of the atmosphere within the pharmaceutical container due to gas exchange. The dispenser 1 of the present invention is configured to break the seal when attached to the bottle 25, which can minimize or eliminate leakage of gas from within the bottle 25 or ingress of air into the bottle 25. The inner portion 7 of the dispenser 1 further comprises an internal thread 29 on an inner surface 30 of the peripheral wall 9 of the upper portion 12. The internal thread 29 is configured to engage with a corresponding external thread provided on an outer surface of the neck portion of the bottle 25. Thus, the inner part 7 can be screwed onto the neck portion of the bottle 25 by engagement of the male and female threads and fixedly attached thereto. The seal breaker 28 comprises an edge 24 which pierces the membrane of the bottle 25 as the dispenser 1 and the bottle 25 are screwed together. Upon rotation of the dispenser relative to the bottle 25, the edge 24 cuts a circular opening in the membrane.

[0045] The edge 24 is the edge of a projection 31 rising from the dividing wall 11. The projection 31 comprises a first surface 32 and a second surface 33, the first surface 32 rising perpendicularly to the dividing wall 11, while the second surface 33 rising obliquely from the dividing wall 11 and joining the first surface 32 at the edge 24. The first surface 32 has a semicircular cross section, giving the edge a curved shape. The first surface 32 is spaced from the peripheral wall 9 to allow space for the neck portion of the bottle 25. Advantageously, the second surface 33 forms a ramp 33 which, in use, guides the dose 2 to the dispensing opening 8.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 1 is provided with internal threads 29, however it will be appreciated that other air tight attachment mechanisms may be employed, such as a bayonet fitting, for example.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the pharmaceutical doses 2 are shown as tablets 2, however, the dispenser 1 may be used to dispense other forms of solid doses 2, even powdered pharmaceuticals, as well. It should also be understood that the term "pharmaceutical" is intended to cover more traditional pharmaceuticals as well as dietary supplements or supplements.

[0048] When the inner and outer parts 7, 3 are placed in the dispensing position, the dispensing chamber 4, the channel 26 and the outlets 10, 6 are aligned to define a dose dispensing path DP, as shown in FIG. 7. The dose dispensing path DP is straight and unobtrusive, allowing the dose 2 to be dispensed with minimal manipulation of the bottle 25. Preferably, the dose dispensing path DP lies in a plane DP' substantially perpendicular to the common axis AA. Thus, the dose 2 can be dispensed by slightly tilting the bottle 25. When an oval tablet 2 is dispensed in the illustrated figure, the tablet 2 is dispensed along a dose dispensing path DP parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tablet 2.

[0049] In one embodiment, the dispenser 1 is used with a pharmaceutical bottle 25 containing tablets 2 according to the following steps. 1. Attach dispenser 1 to bottle 25 by screwing inner portion 7 of dispenser 1 onto a correspondingly threaded neck portion of bottle 25. 2. Set the inner and outer parts 7, 3 of the dispenser 1 into the dispensing position. 3. The tablets 2 are collected in the neck of the bottle 25 above the dispenser 1 and the bottle 25 is inverted so that a single tablet 2 is placed in the dispensing opening 8. 4. The outer part 3 is then rotated relative to the inner part 7 into the dispensing position, causing the tablet 2 to pass through the opening 8 and into the dispensing chamber 4. 5. Tilt the bottle 25 to cause the tablet 2 to fall from the dispensing chamber 4 along the channel 26 and out the outlets 10,6 in the peripheral walls of the inner and outer portions 7,3 to deliver the tablet 2 to the user.

[0050] Steps 2-5 may be repeated until all of the tablets 2 in the bottle 25 have been dispensed. Once all of the tablets 2 have been dispensed, the dispenser may be removed for reuse with another bottle 25.

[0051] The dispenser 1 may further be fitted with a counter indicating the number of tablets 2 that have been dispensed. For example, an electronic counter (not shown) with a digital display may be provided in the peripheral wall 5 of the outer part 3. Each time the outer part 3 is rotated relative to the inner part 7 between the dosing position and the dispensing position, the counter may increment its count by one and display a number accordingly. Thus, the user is assisted in keeping track of the number of tablets 2 that have been dispensed. To maintain the count, the electronic counter is provided with a power source (e.g. a 2032 battery or the like), which may be located in the lower wall 14 of the outer part 3. To provide an electrical connection to the counter, a conductive strip may be fitted in the peripheral wall 5 of the outer part 3. The electrical contacts may have terminals on the inner surface 19 of the peripheral wall 5 of the outer part 3. The electrical terminals may then be connected by a conductive strip fitted in the outer surface of the peripheral wall 9 of the inner part 7 when the outer and inner parts 7, 3 are in the dispensing position. This connection completes a circuit that sends a signal to the counter recording that an additional tablet 2 has been dispensed.

[0052] The dispenser 1 described with reference to Figures 1-7 may be manufactured using additive layer techniques, more commonly known as 3D printing. For example, the inner and outer parts 7, 3 of the dispenser 1 may be 3D printed from any suitable material and then assembled by press-fitting the inner part to the outer part 7, 3. The inner and outer parts 7, 3 may thus have a monolithic structure.

[0053] In another embodiment, shown in Figure 9, a dispenser 100 is provided for attachment to a medicinal product container 25. The dispenser 100 is configured to, in use, transport a dose 2 of medicinal product from the container 25 and comprises a housing 101 defining a dose-dispensing channel 102. The dose-dispensing channel 102 has an inlet portion 103 and an outlet portion 104 which are divided by a rotating dispenser 105 which forms an airtight seal between the inlet portion 103 and the outlet portion 104. The rotating dispenser 105 is provided with a compartment 106 for holding a dose 2 of medicinal product and is configured to rotate to transport the compartment 106 between the inlet portion 103 and the outlet portion 104 of the channel 102.

[0054] The inlet portion 103 includes internal threads 107 on an inner surface 108 of the inlet portion 103 for attachment to a pharmaceutical bottle 25 that includes corresponding external threads on a neck portion of the bottle 25. When the dispenser 100 is attached to the bottle 25 in this manner, the inlet portion 103 forms an extension of the bottle 25 that is sealed within the outlet channel 102 by the rotating dispenser 105.

[0055] The rotary dispenser 105 is operated by a knob 109 disposed on the exterior of the housing 101. A shaft 110 couples the knob 109 to the rotary dispenser 105. Thus, rotation of the knob 109 causes the rotary dispenser 105 to rotate.

[0056] The longitudinal axis of the dispenser is defined parallel to the dispensing channel, and thus when the dispenser is attached to the bottle 25, the bottle 25 and the dispenser share a common longitudinal axis. The rotating dispenser and knob are configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0057] The rotating dispenser 105 is rotatable between a dosing position and a dispensing position, in which the compartment 106 is arranged facing an inlet portion 103 of the dispensing channel 102 for receiving a dose 2 of medicinal product, while in the dispensing position the compartment 106 is arranged facing an outlet portion 104 for delivering the dose 2 to a user.

[0058] The rotating dispenser 105 may be spherical and may have a smooth, curved outer surface. A ring seal 111 may be disposed between the housing 101 and the curved outer surface of the rotating dispenser 105, thereby sealing the rotating dispenser 105 at the outlet 102 regardless of its orientation between the dosing and dispensing positions.

[0059] Dispenser 100 optionally comprises a cap 112. Cap 112 is a threaded cup-shaped cover that is attachable to an external threaded portion 113 of outlet portion 104 of dispensing channel 102. Thus, once a dose 2 of medicinal product has been dispensed, it falls into cap 112. Cap 112 can then be removed and handed to a patient without direct handling of the medicinal product by a user of dispenser 100.

[0060] In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 is used in conjunction with a pharmaceutical bottle 25 containing tablets 2 according to the following steps. 1. Attach dispenser 100 to bottle 25 by screwing the inner portion of dispenser 100 onto a correspondingly threaded neck portion of bottle 25. 2. Set the rotating dispenser 105 in the dispensing position. 3. The bottle 25 is inverted so that the tablets 2 collect in the neck of the bottle 25 above the dispenser 100 and a single tablet 2 is placed in compartment 106 of the rotating dispenser 105. 4. The knob 109 is then rotated to the dispense position causing the tablet 2 to drop from the compartment 106 into the cap 112. 5. The cap 112 can then be unscrewed from the dispenser 100 and the tablet 2 can be removed.

[0061] Steps 2-5 may be repeated until all of the tablets 2 in the bottle 25 have been dispensed. Once all of the tablets 2 have been dispensed, the dispenser 100 may be removed for reuse with another bottle 25.

Claims

1. A dispenser (1) for attachment to a medicinal product container, configured in use to deliver a dose (2) of medicinal product from said container; an outer part (3) having a dose delivery chamber (4), a peripheral wall (5) and a dose dispensing outlet (6) in said peripheral wall (5); an inner part (7) rotatably arranged in said outer part (3), said inner part (7) having a dispensing opening (8), a peripheral wall (9) and a dose dispensing outlet (10) in said peripheral wall (9); Equipped with a dispensing position in which the dose-dispensing chamber (4), the outlet (10) in the peripheral wall (9) of the inner part (7), and the outlet (6) in the peripheral wall (5) of the outer part (3) are aligned to define a dose-dispensing path (DP) from the dispenser (1) for delivery of the dose (2) to a user;

2. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer parts (7, 3) are arranged concentrically about a common longitudinal axis (A-A), the longitudinal axis (A-A) being the axis of rotation of the outer part (3) when the outer part (3) is rotated relative to the inner part (7).

3. 3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the peripheral wall (9) of the inner part (7) is arranged between the dosage-dispensing chamber (4) and the peripheral wall (5) of the outer part (3), and when the inner part (7) and the outer part (3) are arranged in the dosage-dispensing position, the peripheral wall (9) of the inner part (7) closes the outlet (6) in the peripheral wall (5) of the outer part (3).

4. 4. A dispenser according to claim 3, wherein at any position of the outer part (3) relative to the inner part (7), there is no direct path through the dispenser (1) for gas exchange.

5. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the inner and outer parts (7, 3) are placed in the dose-dispensing position, the dispensing opening (8) is closed by the outer part (3).

6. 6. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer part (3) further comprises a channel for conveying the doses (2) from the dose-dispensing chamber (4) to the peripheral wall (9) of the inner part (7).

7. 7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the dose dispensing path (DP) is straight and unobtrusive, allowing doses to be dispensed with minimal manipulation of the container.

8. 8. A dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the inner part (7) comprises a dividing wall (11) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A-A) to divide the interior of the inner part (7) into an upper area (12) and a lower area (13), and wherein the dispensing opening (8) is provided in the dividing wall (11).

9. 9. A dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the outer part (3) comprises a lower wall (14) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A-A) and bounding an interior (15) of the outer part (3) by the peripheral wall (5), the outer part (3) further comprising a cylindrical protrusion (16) rising from the lower wall (14) into the interior (15) of the outer part (3), the dose-receiving chamber (4) being formed as a recess in an upper surface (17) of the cylindrical protrusion (16).

10. 10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein an outer surface (18) of the cylindrical protrusion (16) is spaced from an inner surface (19) of the peripheral wall (5) of the outer portion (3) to form a channel (20), and the peripheral wall (9) of the inner portion (7) is received within the channel (20).

11. 11. The dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the upper surface (17) of the cylindrical protrusion (16) of the outer part (3) abuts against the lower surface (21) of the dividing wall (11) of the inner part (7), and / or the inner surface (22) of the circumferential wall (9) of the inner part (7) abuts against the outer surface (18) of the cylindrical protrusion (16) of the outer part (3), and / or the outer surface (23) of the circumferential wall (9) of the inner part (7) abuts against the inner surface (19) of the circumferential wall (5) of the outer part (3), and / or the inner part (7) and the outer part (3) form an airtight seal at the abutting surfaces.

12. The dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the dose-dispensing path (DP) lies in a dispensing plane (DP'), the dispensing plane (DP') being substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A-A) of the outer part (3).

13. 13. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the inner part (7) is configured to be fixedly attached to the drug container such that when the dispenser (1) is attached to the drug container, the outer part (3) is rotatable relative to the inner part (7) and the drug container.

14. 14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the inner part (7) is adapted for screw or bayonet attachment to the medication container.

15. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser (1) is adapted for use with tablets or capsules (2).

16. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner portion (7) comprises an edge (24) depending from the dividing wall (11) and adapted to pierce a seal of a pharmaceutical container.

17. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser (1) includes an airlock feature to prevent exchange of gas between the inside and outside of the container.

18. A method of using a dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 17 together with a medicine bottle containing a medicine, comprising: attaching the dispenser to the bottle by securing the interior portion of the dispenser to a neck portion of the bottle; placing the inner and outer portions of the dispenser in the dispensing position; inverting the bottle so that the medicinal product collects in the neck portion of the bottle above the dispenser and a single dose of medicinal product is disposed within the dispensing opening; rotating the outer portion relative to the inner portion into the dispensing position to cause the dose to pass through the opening and into the dispensing chamber; tilting the bottle to cause the dose to fall from the dispensing chamber along the dose delivery path; A method comprising:

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the dispenser includes an edge extending from the inner portion configured to pierce a seal of the pharmaceutical bottle, and wherein attaching the dispenser to the bottle can include piercing the seal as the dispenser is attached to the bottle.

20. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein attaching the dispenser to the bottle includes forming an airtight seal between the dispenser and the bottle.

21. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the dispenser is attached to the bottle by threaded engagement of the interior portion of the dispenser with a corresponding threaded portion of the neck portion of the bottle.

22. a dispenser for attachment to a medication container, the dispenser configured in use to deliver a dose of medication from said container; a housing defining a dosage-dispensing channel; a rotary dispenser disposed within the channel and configured to form an airtight seal between an inlet portion and an outlet portion of the channel; A dispenser, wherein the rotary dispenser is provided with compartments for holding doses of a medicinal product, the rotary dispenser being configured to rotate to transport the compartments between the inlet and outlet portions of the channel.

23. 23. A method of using the dispenser of claim 22 with a medicine bottle containing a medicine, comprising: attaching the dispenser to the bottle by securing the inlet portion of the dispenser onto the neck portion of the bottle; placing the rotary dispenser in a dispensing position; inverting the bottle so that the medication collects in the neck portion of the bottle above the dispenser and a single dose is placed in the compartment of the rotary dispenser; rotating the rotating dispenser to the dispensing position and causing the doses to fall from the compartments for collection by a user; A method comprising:

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the dispenser is configured to pierce a seal of the pharmaceutical bottle, and attaching the dispenser to the bottle includes piercing the seal as the dispenser is attached to the bottle.

25. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein attaching the dispenser to the bottle includes forming an airtight seal between the dispenser and the bottle.

26. A pharmaceutical container containing a pharmaceutical product, comprising a dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

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