pill dispenser

Abstract

Tablet dispensers and methods of use are provided herein. In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser has a dose actuator that allows a user to select a desired dose to dispense from the dispenser. Changing the selected dose may change the volume of a collection space of the tablet dispenser. The tablet dispenser may be configured to be attached to a tablet container. With the tablet dispenser attached to the tablet container, a user can tilt the tablet container to cause tablets from the tablet container to fall into the collection space. Tablets from the collection space may then be dispensed from the tablet dispenser for administration to a patient.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to tablet dispensing devices and related methods of use. [Background technology]

[0002] Tablets, also called pills or capsules, are a common dosage form. A common and convenient route of drug delivery is by oral ingestion, and tablets are commonly taken orally. Tablets can also be administered via other routes of administration, such as sublingually (under the tongue), buccally (between the cheek and gums), rectally, or vaginally.

[0003] Minitablets, also known as microtablets, are tablets smaller than conventional tablets. Due to their small size, minitablets may be easier to swallow than conventional tablets and therefore may be useful for administration to pediatric patients and / or patients with swallowing difficulties (e.g., dysphagia). In some instances, minitablets may be mixed with food and / or dissolved in liquid prior to administration to facilitate administration. Also, due to their small size, minitablets may allow for dosage flexibility. Minitablets can be applied with different functional coatings to achieve modified release profiles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a tablet dispenser comprising: a cap configured to be attached to a tablet container; and a collection space coupled to the cap and configured to receive tablets from the tablet container. The collection space has an adjustable volume. The tablet dispenser further comprises a dose actuator. Actuation of the dose actuator to change the selected dose changes the volume of the collection space.

[0005] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a tablet dispenser is disclosed that includes a cap configured to be attached to a tablet container and an outlet through which tablets are dispensed from the cap. The cap has an opening configured to receive tablets from the tablet container. The tablet dispenser further includes a passageway in the cap and a plurality of pegs disposed in the passageway. The passageway connects the opening to the outlet.

[0006] According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of dispensing tablets from a tablet dispenser is disclosed, the method including coupling the tablet dispenser to a tablet container, setting a dose using a dose actuator to set a volume of a collection space, tilting the tablet dispenser while the tablet container is attached to the tablet dispenser to allow tablets to move from the tablet container to the collection space, and dispensing tablets from the collection space out of the tablet dispenser.

[0007] It should be understood that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the disclosure is not limited in this respect. Furthermore, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated in various figures may be represented by a similar numeral. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings, [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a front right perspective view of one embodiment of a tablet dispenser. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear right-side perspective view of the tablet dispenser of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 shows the tablet dispenser of FIG. 1 engaged with a tablet container to form a tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cap of a tablet dispenser. [Figure 6A] 6 is a cutaway view of the cap of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. [Figure 6B] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. [Figure 6C] 6C is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 5 taken along line CC of FIG. 6B. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly, with the tablet dispenser in a first configuration. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly, with the tablet dispenser in a second configuration. [Figure 8] 10A-10C illustrate steps for removing caps from pill containers according to one embodiment using a pill dispenser. [Figure 9] 9A-9C illustrate steps for engaging a tablet dispenser with the tablet container of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates the steps of actuating a dose actuator to select a desired dose. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the dose actuator and collector of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 10A-10C illustrate steps of rotating the collector relative to the pill container into a collecting configuration. [Figure 13] 13A-13D illustrate the step of tapping the tablet dispenser and / or tablet container to move tablets from the tablet container to a collector. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 shows the features of a tablet dispenser through which tablets move. [Figure 15] 10A-10C illustrate steps of rotating the collector relative to the pill container into a dispensing configuration. [Figure 16] 10A-10C illustrate the steps of inverting the tablet dispenser to dispense tablets from the tablet dispenser. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a safety lock, according to one embodiment. [Figure 18] 19A and 19B illustrate the operation of the safety lock of FIG. 18. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the cap, safety lock and collector with the spring arm of the safety lock hidden from view for clarity. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the safety lock of FIG. 19, with the spring arms hidden from view for clarity. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the cap of FIG. 19. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a safety feature of a tablet dispenser according to one embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 illustrates a tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly engaged with a dock, according to one embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the dock of FIG. 23. [Figure 25] 13A-13D illustrate removal of the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly from the dock. [Figure 26] 10A-10D illustrate docking of the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly into the dock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In some embodiments, devices and methods are provided for dispensing tablets, hi some embodiments, the tablets are mini-tablets (also called micro-tablets).

[0010] Tablets, especially mini-tablets, can be difficult to handle individually. A user may need to remove a precise number of tablets from a container that holds multiple tablets to achieve a desired dosage. Removing and handling tablets can be difficult for users, especially for users with limited dexterity. In some embodiments, mini-tablets, which may have a diameter of about 6 mm or less, can be particularly difficult for users to handle. Therefore, the present inventors have recognized the need for a tablet dispenser that allows a user to select a desired dosage and dispenses the correct number of tablets to achieve the selected desired dosage.

[0011] In some conventional tablet processing devices, tablets may fall, forming an arch of tablets across the exit port through which the tablets are discharged, causing a jam that prevents tablets from being dispensed. Accordingly, the present inventors have recognized a need for a tablet dispenser that helps prevent tablet arching.

[0012] The inventors also recognize the need for a safety feature to help prevent unwanted access to the tablets, for example, by children.

[0013] Thus, in some embodiments described herein, the tablet dispenser may address one or any combination of the aforementioned needs and shortcomings with conventional dispensers. In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser may include a dose actuator that allows a user to select and dispense a desired dose of tablet. In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser includes a tablet divider that helps prevent tablet arching. In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser includes one or more child-resistant features that prevent the dispensing of tablets. However, it should be understood that the tablet dispensers described herein are not limited to addressing the above-identified needs, and instead may address needs other than those identified above.

[0014] According to one aspect, the tablet dispenser is configured to attach directly to a tablet container (e.g., a container that holds multiple tablets). In use, a user removes the cap from the tablet container and replaces the cap with the tablet dispenser. The tablet dispenser may have threads that cooperate with threads on the tablet container such that the tablet dispenser screws onto the tablet container to attach the tablet dispenser to the tablet container.

[0015] In some embodiments, a user can set a desired dose on the tablet dispenser. In some embodiments, a user sets a dose on the tablet dispenser by operating a dose selector on the tablet dispenser. In some embodiments, the dose selector is a slider. The slider may be connected to a movable wall that is movable within the channel. The volume of the space bounded by the channel and the movable wall may include a collection space that receives tablets from the tablet container. The volume of the collection space may therefore be set by the position of the slider. The position of the slider therefore determines the number of tablets that can be accommodated in the collection space. For example, moving the slider from a larger dose selection to a smaller dose selection may move the movable wall in a direction that decreases the volume of the collection space. Similarly, moving the slider from a smaller dose selection to a larger dose selection may move the movable wall in a direction that increases the volume of the collection space.

[0016] In use, with the tablet dispenser attached to the tablet container, a user can tilt or invert the tablet container so that tablets from within the container fall by gravity into the collection space. In some embodiments, a user may repeatedly tap the tablet container to encourage tablets to leave the tablet container and enter the collection space. The tablets can continue to fall into the collection space until the collection space is filled with tablets. The user can then dispense the collected tablets from the collection space.

[0017] In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser may include a tablet dispenser between the tablet container and the collection space, which may help facilitate metered drop of the tablets and / or help prevent tablet arching. In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser includes a tablet dispenser having a plurality of spaced apart pegs. In some embodiments, the pegs may be arranged in a Galton board configuration. The spacing between the pegs may be sized to allow the tablets to pass through. In some embodiments, tablets exiting the tablet container may first travel through the tablet dispenser before entering the collection space.

[0018] In some embodiments, fluid communication between the collection space and the tablet container may be selectively opened and closed. Prior to use, fluid communication between the collection space and the tablet container may be closed. A user may open fluid communication between the collection space and the tablet container, invert or tilt the tablet container to dispense tablets into the collection space, and then close fluid communication between the collection space and the tablet container. In some embodiments, the collection space is part of a collector pivotally fitted to the cap of the tablet dispenser. A user may pivot the collector (and thus the collection space) from a first configuration to a second configuration to open fluid communication between the collection space and the tablet container, and the user may pivot the collection space back to the first configuration to close fluid communication between the collection space and the tablet container. In some embodiments, when the collection space is in the first configuration, the collection space is open to the external environment to allow tablets in the collection space to be dispensed from the tablet dispenser.

[0019] In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser may have one or more childproof features. In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser includes a childproof lock that prevents the collector from pivoting when the lock is engaged. In some embodiments, a dock may be provided to receive and hold the tablet dispenser engaged with the tablet container. The dock may include a childproof clamp that functions to prevent removal of the tablet dispenser and tablet container from the dock.

[0020] The tablets may be prescription or over-the-counter medications. The tablet container may be one that the patient obtains from a pharmacy or other drug store. The tablet dispenser may be provided to the patient along with the tablet container or separately from the tablet container. In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser is reusable with different tablet containers. For example, after one tablet container runs out of tablets using the tablet dispenser, a user may subsequently use the tablet dispenser with a second tablet container. As another example, a user may switch between different tablet containers using the same tablet dispenser, for example, to dispense different types of tablets.

[0021] In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser is configured to dispense mini-tablets. In some embodiments, the mini-tablets may have a maximum dimension (e.g., diameter) that is about 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, or 0.5 millimeters (mm) or less. In some embodiments, the mini-tablets may have a maximum dimension (e.g., diameter) that is at least about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, or 4 mm. It should be understood that combinations of the above ranges are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the mini-tablets may have a maximum dimension (e.g., diameter) of about 1-4 mm, 1-3.5 mm, 1-3 mm, 1-2.5 mm, 1-2 mm, 1-1.5 mm, 1.5-4 mm, 2-4 mm, 2.5-4 mm, 3-4 mm, 3.5-4 mm, 1.5-3 mm, 1.5-2.5 mm, or 1.5-2 mm. In some embodiments, the mini-tablets may have a cylindrical shape having a diameter and a height.

[0022] In other embodiments, the tablet dispenser is configured to dispense larger tablets. In some embodiments, the tablets may have a maximum dimension of at least about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 mm. In some embodiments, the tablets may have a maximum dimension of no more than about 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, or 5 mm. It should be understood that combinations of the above ranges are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the tablet may have a maximum dimension of about 5-25 mm, 5-20 mm, 5-15 mm, 5-10 mm, 5-9 mm, 5-8 mm, 5-7 mm, 5-6 mm, 10-25 mm, 15-25 mm, 20-25 mm, or 10-20 mm.

[0023] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a front right perspective view and Figure 2 is a back right perspective view of one embodiment of a tablet dispenser that may be used to dispense tablets, including mini-tablets. The tablet dispenser 1 may comprise a cap 10, a collector 30, and a dose actuator 50. The cap 10 may be configured to mate with a tablet container 4, as seen in Figure 3. In use, a tablet may exit the tablet container 4, enter the cap 10, pass through the tablet dispenser 20 within the cap, enter a collection space 40 within the collector 30, and then exit the collection space through a dispensing outlet.

[0024] An exploded view of the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly is shown in Figure 4. The cap 10 may include a cap cover 11, a cap body 12, and a tablet dispenser 20. The collector 30 may include a channel 42 and a cover 33 covering the channel 42. The dose actuator 50 may be a slider having a movable wall 52 configured to slide through the channel 42. The collection space of the collector may be the volume within the channel 42 bounded by the cover 33 and the movable wall 52. Thus, in some embodiments, the position of the dose actuator 50 can determine the volume of the collection space. Actuating the dose actuator to increase the dose can increase the volume of the collection space, and actuating the dose actuator to decrease the dose can decrease the volume of the collection space.

[0025] While the dose actuator is shown as a manual slider in the exemplary embodiment shown, it should be understood that other configurations of the dose actuator are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the position of the movable wall may be controlled via a powered or stored energy device, such as a motor, servo, solenoid, pneumatic device, or any other suitable device. The dose actuator need not be purely mechanical, but instead may include one or more buttons that send a signal to, for example, a controller and / or a display, such as an LCD display.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cover 33 is transparent to allow the user to see or partially see the channel 42, for example, to help the user determine if the collection space is filled with tablets. In some embodiments, the cover 33 is also shaped as a magnifying lens, e.g., curved. The cover 33 can help to expand the view of the contents within the channel 42.

[0027] In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser may include a tablet dispenser between the tablet container and the collection space, which can help facilitate the metered drop of tablets and / or help prevent tablet arching. An exemplary embodiment of a tablet dispenser is shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C. The tablet dispenser 20 includes a plurality of pegs 25 spaced apart from one another. The spacing between the pegs may be sized to allow the tablets to pass through while reducing the likelihood of tablet arching. With the tablet dispenser coupled to the tablet container, the user tilts or inverts the tablet container to allow the tablets to fall into the cap by gravity. The tablets continue to move through the cap 10 by gravity. An exemplary tablet movement path is shown in FIG. 6A. Some tablets can move from the tablet container along a movement path 28 through the dispenser inlet 16 and into the cap 10. The tablets then move through the tablet dispenser 20 and exit through the cap outlet 26. The dispenser inlet 16 is an intermediate opening between the opening 15 into the cap and the cap outlet 26. It should be understood that tablets may travel between any of the pegs of the tablet dispenser, not just the pegs between which the exemplary travel path 28 passes.

[0028] A top view of the tablet dispenser 20 is shown in FIG. 6C. Tablets move from the dispenser inlet 16 toward the cap outlet 26, passing between the tablet dispenser pegs 25. The tablet dispenser 20 illustratively includes multiple rows of pegs. For example, the tablet dispenser 20 includes a first row of pegs 21, a second row of pegs 22, and a third row of pegs 23. Each row of pegs need not have an equal number of pegs. In some embodiments, each subsequent row of pegs moving from the dispenser inlet toward the cap outlet has a decreasing number of pegs. However, in some embodiments, each row of pegs has an equal number of pegs, or in some embodiments, each subsequent row of pegs moving from the dispenser inlet toward the cap outlet has an increasing number of pegs. In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser 20 may include side walls 27. In some embodiments, the distance between the side walls 27 decreases moving in the direction from the dispenser inlet 16 toward the cap outlet 26, forming a funnel that directs tablets toward the cap outlet 26. In some embodiments, the portion of the sidewall toward the cap outlet 26 has a jagged shape 29 that continues to funnel inward toward the cap outlet 26. This jagged shape 29 functions to reduce the likelihood of tablet arching or otherwise preventing tablets from stagnation within the tablet dispenser during a dispensing operation.

[0029] In some embodiments, adjacent rows of pegs are staggered. For example, the second row of pegs 22 may be staggered from the first row of pegs 21, and the third row of pegs 23 may be staggered from the second row of pegs 22. In some embodiments, alternating rows of pegs are aligned with one another. For example, two pegs in the third row of pegs 23 may be aligned with two pegs in the first row of pegs 21. In some embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6C, the pegs of the tablet dispenser form a quincunx or "Galton board" arrangement.

[0030] In some embodiments, tablets exiting the tablet dispenser cap can enter a collection space of a collector. According to one aspect, fluid communication between the collection space and the tablet dispenser cap (and tablet container) can be selectively opened and closed. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, control of fluid communication between the collection space and the tablet container is achieved by the rotational position of the collector 30 relative to the cap 10. The collector 30 has a first configuration, shown in FIG. 7A, and a second configuration, shown in FIG. 7B. When the collector 30 (and thus the collection space 40) is in the first configuration, fluid communication between the collection space 40 and the cap 10 is closed. In some embodiments, when the collector 30 (and thus the collection space 40) is in the first configuration, fluid communication between the collection space 40 and the tablet container 4 is closed. As shown in FIG. 7A, in the first configuration, the opening 41 to the collection space 40 is offset from the cap outlet 26. In the first configuration, the shoulder 43 of the collector 30 abuts the cap outlet 26 and therefore prevents tablets from exiting through the cap outlet 26 .

[0031] In the second configuration, also referred to herein as the collection configuration, shown in FIG. 7B , the collector 30 is rotated away from the receptacle tablets 4. When the collector 30 (and thus the collection space 40) is in the second configuration, fluid communication between the collection space 40 and the cap 10 is opened. In some embodiments, when the collector 30 (and thus the collection space 40) is in the second configuration, fluid communication between the collection space 40 and the tablet receptacle 4 is opened. As shown in FIG. 7B , in the second configuration, the opening 41 to the collection space 40 is aligned with the cap outlet 26, thus opening fluid communication between the collection space 40 and the cap 10, and between the collection space 40 and the tablet receptacle 4. In the second configuration, the shoulder 43 of the collector 30 has moved to a position where it no longer blocks the cap outlet 26. When the collector 30 is in the second configuration, tablets from the tablet receptacle 4 can pass through the cap 10 and enter the collection space 40.

[0032] In some embodiments, when the collector 30 is in the first configuration, the longitudinal axis 140 of the collection space 40 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 102 of the cap opening 15 (which in some embodiments may coincide with the longitudinal axis of the tablet container 4). In some embodiments, when the collector 30 is in the second configuration, the longitudinal axis 140 of the collection space 40 is at an angle θ with respect to the longitudinal axis 102 of the cap opening 15 (which in some embodiments may coincide with the longitudinal axis of the tablet container 4). In some embodiments, the angle θ is at least about 10, 20, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, or 200 degrees. In some embodiments, angle θ is equal to or less than about 200, 180, 160, 140, 120, 100, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 20, or 10 degrees. Combinations of the above ranges are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, angle θ is between about 10 degrees and about 200 degrees, between about 20 degrees and about 160 degrees, between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees, between about 35 degrees and about 70 degrees, or between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees.

[0033] In some embodiments, the collector 30 may be rotatably fitted to the cap 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the collector 30 may include a pivot pin 38 and a sweep pin 39 that are received by the hinge 14 of the cap 10. As shown in FIG. 6B, the hinge 14 may include a first barrel 18 and a second barrel 19, with the second barrel 19 having an extended sweep passage 117. The first barrel 18 may receive the pivot pin 38, and the second barrel 19 may receive the sweep pin 39. The collector may rotate relative to the cap 10 about the pivot pin 38. While the collector 30 rotates relative to the cap 10, the pivot pin 38 may rotate within the first barrel 18, and the sweep pin 39 may both rotate and translate. When the collector 30 is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, the sweep pin 39 moves through the extended sweep passage 117 and enters the second barrel 19. When the collector 30 is moved from the second configuration to the first configuration, the sweep pin 39 exits the second barrel 19 and travels through the extended sweep passage 117 .

[0034] In some embodiments, after the tablets enter the collection space, the tablets in the collection space are dispensed from the tablet dispenser. In some embodiments, the tablets are prevented from leaving the collection space until a user activates the tablet dispenser to the dispensing configuration. In some embodiments, the collector is in a specific rotational position when the tablet dispenser is in the dispensing configuration.

[0035] In some embodiments, the dispensing configuration is the same as the first configuration described above and shown in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the collector 30 is in the first configuration, the opening 41 to the collection space 40 is aligned with the dispenser outlet 126, which may be a through-hole in the cap 10. By inverting the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly when the collector 30 is in the first configuration, tablets collected in the collection space 40 can be caused to fall from the collection space 40 through the dispenser outlet 126, thereby exiting the tablet dispenser. In some embodiments, fluid communication between the collection space 40 and the dispenser outlet may be selectively opened and closed. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the collector 30 is in the second configuration, fluid communication between the collection space 40 and the dispenser outlet 126 is closed. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the collector 30 is in the first configuration, fluid communication between the collection space 40 and the dispenser outlet 126 is opened.

[0036] It should be understood that in some embodiments, a separate and distinct dispenser outlet 126 from the opening 41 into the collection space 40 may not be necessary. In some embodiments, the opening 41 into the collection space 40 itself may function as the dispenser outlet.

[0037] It should also be understood that the dispensing configuration need not be the same as the first configuration. In some embodiments, the dispensing configuration and the first configuration are separate and distinct configurations. For example, in some embodiments, in the dispensing configuration, the collector is in a different position (e.g., a different rotational position) relative to the tablet dispenser cap than in the first and second configurations.

[0038] In some embodiments, a dispenser outlet valve or other cover is included to allow one-way movement of objects through the dispenser outlet (e.g., tablets can exit the tablet dispenser through the dispenser outlet, but objects outside the tablet dispenser cannot or are prevented from entering the dispenser outlet). One example of a dispenser outlet valve is a flap that opens only one way, such as a living hinge or other hinged component. The dispenser outlet valve or other cover may be located at or near the dispenser outlet.

[0039] In some embodiments, to place the tablet dispenser in a dispensing configuration, a user interacts with an actuator to open the dispenser outlet. For example, the user can press a button that uncovers the dispenser outlet. Alternatively, the user may slide a dispenser outlet cover from a closed position to an open position.

[0040] 8-16, one embodiment of a series of operational steps involved in dispensing tablets from a tablet dispenser will now be described. With reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8-16, a user is provided with a tablet container 4 having an associated tablet container cap 5, as shown in FIG. 8. The user removes the tablet container cap 5 from the tablet container 4 by turning the tablet container cap 5 and lifting it off the tablet container 4. The user replaces the tablet container cap 5 with a tablet dispenser 1 cap 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the tablet dispenser cap 10 is attached to the tablet container 4 by lowering the cap 10 onto the tablet container 4 and screwing the cap 10 onto the tablet container 4 so that the tablet dispenser cap 10 covers the tablet container opening 6. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cap 10 can include threads 17 for engaging threads on the tablet container.

[0041] The tablet dispenser in Figure 9 is shown in a first configuration in which fluid communication between the collection space and the cap is closed. After the tablet dispenser is coupled to the tablet container, fluid communication between the collection space and the tablet container is also closed when the tablet dispenser is in the first configuration.

[0042] 10 and 11 show how a user may select a desired dose, according to some embodiments. The collector 30 includes a plurality of indicia 37 indicating different doses. The user slides, for example manually, the dose actuator 50 until the dose actuator window 51 overlies the desired dose indicia.

[0043] 11 , the movable wall 52 is coupled to the dose actuator 50 such that movement of the dose actuator 50 also moves the movable wall 52. The movable wall 52 is configured to move through the channel 44 of the collector 30. The movable wall 52 defines the lower boundary of the collection space 40, and therefore the position of the movable wall 52 defines the volume of the collection space 40. As the dose actuator 50 moves towards a smaller dose marking, the volume of the collection space 40 decreases, and as the dose actuator 50 moves towards a larger dose marking, the volume of the collection space 40 increases.

[0044] In some embodiments, the dose actuator may include a tactile feedback element to assist in dose selection. As shown in FIG. 11 , a plurality of recesses 45 and protrusions 54 coupled to the dose actuator 50 interact to form detents. The recesses 45 are illustratively arranged along the channel 44 of the collector 30, with each recess aligned with a corresponding dose indicia. When the protrusions 54 enter the recesses, the user senses (e.g., feels and / or hears) that the protrusions have clicked into place, providing the user with tactile and / or audible feedback of dose selection. The engagement between the recesses and protrusions holds the dose actuator in place until a threshold force applied to the dose actuator is exceeded. Such an arrangement may reduce the likelihood of inadvertent dose changes.

[0045] In some embodiments, the dose actuator 50, the movable wall 52, and the protrusion 54 are integrally formed with one another. As used herein, parts that are "integrally formed" with one another are formed as one component, such that they are formed from a single monolithic component, for example, cast simultaneously as a single piece, such as by die casting or injection molding, or cut from a single material, such as by stamping or die cutting. In other embodiments, the dose actuator, the movable wall, and the protrusion are formed separately and then attached to one another. Any combination of these manufacturing arrangements may be used as well, for example, two of the three components are integrally formed with one another and the third component is attached later.

[0046] After selecting a dose using the dose actuator, the user can cause a tablet to enter the collection space from the tablet container. As shown in FIG. 12 , the user first rotates the collector 30 relative to the tablet dispenser cap 10 away from the tablet container 4, thus placing the tablet dispenser in a second configuration. As previously described, rotating the collector 30 to the second configuration opens fluid communication between the cap 10 and the collector's collection space. Next, as shown in FIG. 13 , the user can tilt the tablet container and tablet dispenser assembly to allow tablets in the tablet container to fall into the cap 10 by gravity. In some embodiments, the user taps the cap 10 and / or tablet container 4 to move tablets from the tablet container 4 into the cap 10, move tablets through the tablet dispenser in the cap 10, move tablets from the cap 10 into the collection space of the collector 30, or any combination of the above. In some embodiments, the tapping action is directed toward the cap exit to encourage tablets to enter the collection space. Further details of the tablet movement path are shown in FIG. 14 . First, tablets move from the tablet container 4 into the tablet dispenser cap 10. The tablets pass through the dispenser entrance 16 into the tablet dispenser 20, which may include a plurality of spaced pegs as described above. The tablets are then moved through the tablet dispenser 20, for example, by the user tilting the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly forward and tapping the cap 10 and / or tablet container 4, as shown in FIG. 14. The tablets then exit the cap 10 and enter the collection space 40 of the collector 30. FIG. 14 shows an array of tablets 101 that have entered the collection space 40. In some embodiments, the depth of the collection space 40 is bounded by a movable wall 52, the position of which is set by the position of the dose actuator 50.

[0047] The user can continue to tap or otherwise prompt the tablet into the collection space until the collection space is filled with tablets. In some embodiments, the user may visually confirm that the collection space has been filled with tablets. As discussed herein, the collector's cover 33 may be transparent to allow the user to view, or partially view, the collection space 40 to visually confirm that the collection space has been filled. In some embodiments, the cover 33 is shaped to provide an optical magnification effect to help the user better visualize the contents within the collection space.

[0048] In some embodiments, the collection space is sized to encourage the tablets to form a single file (e.g., a linear array of tablets) within the collection space. In some embodiments, the width of the collection space is only slightly larger than the width or diameter of the tablets. In some embodiments, the width of the collection space is within at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 percent of the width of the tablets. In some embodiments, the width of the collection space is within about 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 percent of the width of the tablets. It should be understood that combinations of the above ranges are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the width of the collection space is within at least about 1-25, 5-20, 10-15, 5-10, or 1-10 percent of the width of the tablet.

[0049] It should be understood that the collection space need not be sized to encourage the tablets to form a linear array, but instead may be sized to allow the tablets to fill the space in any suitable arrangement, such as multiple rows of tablets, or a collection of tablets that do not form an organized arrangement.

[0050] After the collection space is filled with the desired number of tablets, the tablets may be dispensed from the collection space and tablet dispenser. As shown in Figure 15, the user can rotate the collector 30 back towards the container 4 to return it to the dispensing configuration. The user can then invert the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly to dispense tablets 101 from the dispenser outlet 126, as shown in Figure 16.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 15, the dispensing configuration of the tablet dispenser is the same as the first configuration shown in Figure 9, in which fluid communication between the tablet container and the collection space is closed.

[0052] According to one aspect, the tablet dispenser may include one or more safety features that may require a specific action to unlock. The safety features prevent or reduce the possibility of inadvertent dispensing of tablets and / or unwanted access to tablets, for example, by children. In some embodiments, the action(s) required to unlock the safety feature(s) may be more difficult for a child to perform than an adult.

[0053] In some embodiments, the safety feature maintains closed fluid communication between the tablet dispenser cap / tablet container and the collection space, hi some embodiments, the safety feature achieves such positioning by preventing rotation of the collector relative to the tablet dispenser cap until the user unlocks the safety feature.

[0054] An exemplary embodiment of a safety lock 110 is shown in Figure 17. The safety interlock 110 is also illustratively integrated with the tablet dispenser in other figures, such as Figures 3 and 4. The safety lock 110 includes a ring 116 sized to fit around the collar 13 of the cap 10 (see, e.g., Figure 4 for collar 13). The safety lock 110 illustratively includes a compressible spring coupled to the ring 116. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 17, the spring includes a plurality of spring arms 114. The ring 116 and the spring arms 114 are integrally formed in the exemplary embodiment. The safety lock 110 may also include wings 112 that a user may interact with to unlock the safety lock.

[0055] While the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures includes a spring arm for the safety lock spring, other arrangements for the spring may be used as this aspect is not so limited. For example, the spring may be a coil spring, a leaf spring, a compressible foam, or any other suitable spring. The spring need not be integral with the safety lock component but instead may be a separate and distinct component disposed between the safety lock and the cap.

[0056] An exemplary operation of the safety lock 110 is shown in FIG. 18. A user lifts or raises the safety lock 110 by pulling the wing 112 away from the container 4. As the safety lock 110 is lifted, the tab 111 on the safety lock clears the catch 211 on the collector 30, thus freeing the collector 30 to rotate relative to the cap 10. As the safety lock 110 is lifted, the spring arm 114 is compressed against the cap 10. The spring arm 114 is shown in a compressed state in the lower right portion of FIG. 18. When the user stops applying force to the safety lock 110, the spring arm 114 decompresses, pushing the safety lock back into the locked configuration. The spring arm 114 is shown in an uncompressed state on the left side of FIG. 18. Thus, the spring arm 114 biases the safety lock 110 into the locked position.

[0057] In some embodiments, the safety lock and collector may be configured to return to the locked configuration without requiring the user to directly interact with the safety lock. As shown in FIG. 18 , the catch 211 on the collector 30 includes a sloped surface 213, and the tab 111 on the safety lock 110 includes a curved surface 115. When the collector 30 is rotated back toward the first configuration (also, in some embodiments, the dispensing configuration), the sloped surface 213 of the collector catch 211 slides against the curved surface 115 of the safety lock tab 111, pushing the safety lock 110 up and compressing the spring arm 114. The catch 211 then clears the tab 111, allowing the collector 30 to return to the first configuration. In some embodiments, a tactile and / or audible click can be felt / heard as the collector 30 returns to the first configuration. The exploded view in FIG. 19 shows the interaction between the safety lock 110, cap 10, and collector 30 (the spring arm of the safety lock 110 is hidden for clarity). In some embodiments, the safety lock 110 includes guide pins 113 that are sized to fit within bosses 122 on the cap 10. These guide pins help guide the linear movement of the safety lock 110 relative to the cap 10 as the safety lock 110 is lifted toward the cap 10. The guide pins 113 are also shown in FIG. 20, where the spring arms of the safety lock 110 are hidden for clarity. The bosses 122 are also shown in FIG. 21, which shows the underside of the cap 10.

[0058] In one embodiment, the safety lock is configured to reduce the likelihood of the tablet dispenser being inadvertently separated from the tablet container 4. In this embodiment, the safety lock is deformable by a squeezing force to allow the attachment mechanism of the dispenser 1 to separate from the container 4. As shown in Figure 22, to separate the tablet dispenser 1 from the tablet container 4, a user squeezes the safety lock radially inward and pulls it away from the tablet container 4.

[0059] In some embodiments, a dock is provided to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent dispensing of tablets from the tablet dispenser. The dock is configured to receive and hold the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly. In some embodiments, the dock includes a clamp that helps prevent removal of the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly from the dock and helps prevent removal of the tablet dispenser from the tablet container. In some embodiments, releasing the clamp may require an amount of force that is difficult for a child to administer.

[0060] An exemplary embodiment of a dock is shown in Figure 23. A dock 80 is engaged with the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly. The dock includes a holder 81 and a toggle clamp 82, which includes a locking arm 83 and a clamp 84. The holder 81 receives at least a portion of the tablet container 4. The locking arm 83 of the toggle clamp contacts a portion of the cap 10 of the tablet dispenser 1. The toggle clamp 82 prevents removal of the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly from the holder 81. An exploded view of the dock shown in Figure 24 shows the various components of the dock.

[0061] 25 and 26 illustrate operation of the dock. To remove the tablet dispenser and pill container assembly from the dock, a user releases the toggle clamp by rotating clamp 84 upward, as shown in FIG. 25. Disengaging clamp 84 releases locking arm 83, which rotates away from the tablet dispenser, thereby freeing the tablet dispenser and pill container assembly for removal from the dock. A threshold force may be required to release the toggle clamp. In some embodiments, the threshold force is at least about 10-15 Newtons, although other suitable threshold forces may be implemented.

[0062] To dock the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly, the assembly is inserted into holder 81. The user locks the toggle clamp by rotating clamp 84 downward, as shown in Figure 26, which causes locking arm 83 to clamp downward onto the tablet dispenser cap. In some embodiments, the tablet dispenser must be placed in a first configuration (e.g., fluid communication between the tablet containers and the collection space is closed) before the tablet dispenser and tablet container assembly can be secured to the dock.

[0063] While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

1. a cap configured to be attached to a tablet container, the cap including a tablet dispenser having an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway from the inlet to the outlet, the tablet dispenser configured to receive tablets from the tablet container through the inlet and dispense tablets through the outlet and from the passageway, the tablet dispenser including a plurality of pegs spaced apart from one another in the passageway; a collector coupled to the cap and having a collection space configured to receive tablets from the outlet of the tablet dispenser, the collection space having an adjustable volume, the collector having a first configuration in which fluid communication between the collection space and the cap is closed and a second configuration in which fluid communication between the collection space and the cap is open; a dose actuator, actuation of which to change a selected dose changes the volume of the collection space.

2. 2. The tablet dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dose actuator comprises a slider coupled to the collector, the slider configured to slide relative to the collection space.

3. 3. The tablet dispenser of claim 2, wherein the volume of the collection space is partially bounded by a movable wall, the movable wall being connected to the slider.

4. when the collector is in the first configuration, the collection space is open to the external environment to allow tablets in the collection space to be dispensed from the tablet dispenser; 2. The tablet dispenser of claim 1, wherein when the collector is in the second configuration, the collection space is prevented from dispensing tablets therein from the tablet dispenser.

5. 2. The tablet dispenser of claim 1, wherein the collector comprises an arm-like collector pivotally fitted to the cap, the arm-like collector configured to pivot relative to the cap between the first configuration and the second configuration.

6. 6. The tablet dispenser of claim 5, further comprising a safety lock having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration, the safety lock prevents the arm-like collector from pivoting relative to the cap, and in the unlocked configuration, the arm-like collector is free to pivot relative to the cap.

7. The plurality of pegs comprises a plurality of rows of pegs; 2. The tablet dispenser of claim 1, wherein each successive row in the plurality of rows from the entrance toward the exit has a decreasing number of pegs.

8. 10. A dock configured to accommodate the tablet dispenser of claim 1 while the tablet dispenser is attached to a tablet container, the dock having a clamp that prevents removal of the tablet dispenser from the dock.

9. 2. The tablet dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pegs includes a first row of pegs and a second row of pegs, the first row of pegs being staggered with respect to the second row of pegs.

10. 10. The tablet dispenser of claim 9, wherein the plurality of pegs form a Galton board arrangement.

11. 10. The tablet dispenser of claim 1, wherein the pegs are evenly spaced apart.

12. the cap includes threads configured to engage threads on a pill container; 10. The tablet dispenser of claim 1, wherein the tablet dispenser is positioned above the threads of the tablet container.

13. A tablet dispenser as described in claim 7, wherein the tablet distributor has a side wall along at least a portion of the passage, the side wall forming a funnel tapering in a direction from the inlet toward the outlet.

14. 1. A method of dispensing tablets from a tablet dispenser, comprising: coupling a cap of the tablet dispenser to a tablet container, the tablet dispenser including a collector coupled to the cap, the cap including a tablet distributor having an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of spaced pegs disposed in a passage between the inlet and the outlet; setting a dose using a dose actuator to set the volume of the collection space of the collector; moving the collector from a first configuration in which fluid communication between the collection space and the cap is closed to a second configuration in which fluid communication between the collection space and the cap is open; tilting the tablet dispenser while the tablet container is attached to the tablet dispenser to allow tablets to move from the tablet container through the passageway of the tablet dispenser and into the collection space; and dispensing the tablets from the collection space out of the tablet dispenser.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising tapping the tablet dispenser or tablet container to force the tablet into the collection space.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising removing a tablet container cap from the tablet container before coupling the cap of the tablet dispenser to the tablet container.

17. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising rotating the collector away from the tablet container relative to the cap of the tablet dispenser to open fluid communication between the tablet container and the collection space.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising rotating the collector from the second configuration to the first configuration relative to the cap of the tablet dispenser to close fluid communication between the tablet container and the collection space and allow tablets in the collection space to be dispensed from the tablet dispenser.

19. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein setting the dose comprises sliding a movable wall that partially bounds a volume of the collection space.

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