MODULAR DISPENSER FOR INDIVIDUAL OBJECTS

Abstract

A modular dispenser includes a cartridge configured to hold a plurality of tablets. The cartridge includes an opening through which at least one tablet is configured to pass under the influence of gravity. A dispensing base is configured to receive the cartridge in a removable manner. The dispensing base includes a funnel with a funnel inlet near the cartridge opening and a funnel outlet separate from the funnel inlet. A dispensing assembly is rotatably coupled to the dispensing base. The dispensing base also includes at least one latch configured to receive at least one tablet when the latch is near the funnel outlet and to rotate the latch away from the funnel outlet to a position from which the tablet is retrievable by a user.

Description

MODULAR DOSING UNIT FOR INDIVIDUAL OBJECTS BACKGROUND

[0001] Many people take pills, such as medications, vitamins, and supplements, regularly, sometimes even daily or several times a day. Currently, pills are usually dispensed in a child-resistant or tamper-evident bottle, which can be difficult to handle, difficult to store, and unsightly to keep out of public view.

[0002] Consequently, there is a need for a modular dispenser that easily and conveniently stores and quickly dispenses pills of various shapes and sizes to a user. The modular dispenser should be suitable for storage on a countertop or in a visible and easily accessible location. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0003] A modular dispenser provides the user with the ability to quickly and easily organize and dispense a single pill or individual tablet.

[0004] In one aspect, a modular dispenser comprising a cartridge configured to hold a plurality of tablets. The cartridge comprises an opening through which at least one tablet is configured to

[0009] In some examples, the funnel comprises at least one fin movably retained within the funnel. Optionally, the at least one fin may be configured to agitate when the distribution assembly rotates away from the funnel outlet. The at least one fin may comprise an opening near the funnel inlet. The at least one fin is flexible and configured to return to a rest position after the distribution assembly has rotated completely 10 toward the funnel outlet.

[0010] In another example, a dispensing base is configured to dispense at least one pill under the influence of gravity. The dispensing base may comprise a funnel with a funnel inlet close to the cartridge opening and a funnel outlet separate from the funnel inlet. The dispensing base may also comprise a distribution assembly rotatably coupled to the dispensing base. The distribution assembly may also comprise at least one latch configured to receive at least one pill when the latch is close to the funnel outlet and to rotate the latch away from the funnel outlet to a position from which at least one pill is retrievable by a user.

[0011] An example of a method for assembling a modular dispenser may comprise one or more of the following steps performed in any order, including positioning a funnel adjacent to one on the left side or left panel and one on the right side or right panel of a dispensing base. The funnel may comprise a funnel inlet and a funnel outlet. The method may further comprise placing a dispensing assembly with at least one latch near the funnel and adjacent to one on the left side or left panel and one on the right side or right panel of the dispensing base on which the funnel is placed. The method may also comprise rotating the at least one latch away from the funnel outlet, coupling the left side or left panel to the right side or right panel of the dispensing base. The method optionally comprises coupling a front side or front cover to the left panel and the right panel.Optionally, the method also includes movably attaching a fin to the funnel.

[0012] All the examples and features mentioned above can be combined in any technically possible way. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] To further clarify the advantages and features mentioned above, and others in the examples, references to the examples are provided in the accompanying drawings. The figures represent only typical examples and should therefore not be considered limiting. One or more examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is an example of a modular dispenser with an example of a cartridge, a dispensing base, and a distribution assembly.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a left side or left panel of the dispensing base.

[0016] FIG. 3A - 3C are plan views of the left side or left panel of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 4A - 4C are plan views of an example of a right side or right panel of the dispensing base.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example of a left side or left panel of the dispensing base.

[0019] has FIG. 6A - 6C are plan views of the left side or left panel of FIG. 2.

[0020] FIG. 7A - 7C are plan views of another example of a right side or right panel of the dispensing base. iviA / a / zu¿o / uu ιοου

[0021] FIG. 8A and 8B are front and rear perspective views of a front side or front cover of the dispensing base.

[0022] FIG. 9 is an X-ray view and a close-up of the modular dispenser dispensing a pill.

[0023] FIG. 10A - 10C are perspective and plan views of an example of a distribution set.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view and close-up of the distribution set of FIG. 10A 10 10C.

[0025] FIG. 12A - 12C are perspective and plan views of another example of a distribution set.

[0026] FIG. 12D is a perspective view and close-up of the distribution set of FIG. 12A 15 12C.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of a funnel.

[0028] FIG. 14A and 14B are plan views of the funnel in FIG. 13.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another example of a funnel.

[0030] FIG. 16A - 16C are perspective and plan views of the funnel in FIG. 15.

[0031] FIG. 17A and 17B are perspective views of an example of a fin and the fin in the funnel of FIG.

[0032] FIG. 18 is an X-ray view of another example of a modular dispenser dispensing a pill.

[0033] FIG. one in of an example of a a security and a cover.

[0034] The FIG. 0A and 20B on the floor of 19.

[0035] The FIG. 21A one of FIG. 19.

[0036] FIG. 19.

[0037] The FIG. active of an assembly exercise of a modular unit.

[0038] numbers of element omuñes omun la of a

[0039] drawings no DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention will now be described further. In the following paragraphs, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly stated otherwise. In particular, any feature stated as preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features stated as preferred or advantageous.

[0041] For the purposes of this application, the term pill or pills is used to refer generically and collectively to one or more pills, capsules, softgels, lozenges, tablets, chewable tablets, medicines, vitamins, minerals, supplements, homeopathic substances and remedies, and the like.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a modular dispenser 10 with a removable and optionally refillable cartridge 12 configured to hold a plurality of tablets. A dispensing base 14 is configured to receive the cartridge 12 in a removable manner. The dispensing base comprises a distribution assembly 16 rotatably coupled to the dispensing base 14. The distribution assembly 16 may comprise at least one latch 18 configured to receive at least one tablet 500 when the at least one latch 18 is near a funnel outlet 88 and rotate the at least one latch 18 away from the funnel outlet 88 to a position from which a user can retrieve at least one tablet 500.

[0043] Figures 2 to 7C illustrate examples of a left panel or left side 20 and a right panel or right side 22 of the dispensing base 14. The left side 20 and right side 22 are normally mirror images of each other except for several complementary mating features, as will become clear in the following discussion. Furthermore, the example of the left side 20 and right side 22 illustrated in FIG. 2-4C includes many elements common to both the left side 20 and the right side 22. 22 illustrated in FIG. 5 - 7C, with any differences identified in the text and / or evident in the drawings. Any of the features illustrated in FIG. 2 4C may be used in addition to or as an alternative to any of the features illustrated in FIG. 5-7C and vice versa. Consequently, although most features will be illustrated and discussed within the context of the left side 20, the same feature may optionally exist on the right side 22 of the dispensing base 14.

[0044] The left side 2 0 and the right side 2 2 can be made of any material, such as metal, wood, and plastic. A molded or cast plastic is usually used to form the left side 20 and the right side 22. ινΐΛ / a / ^u^o / uu ιοου

[0045] The left side 20 may include at least one pair of ribs 24 on an inner portion of each side 20, 22. The ribs 24 are configured to receive a platform 102 from the funnel 78 as explained below. The ribs 24 may optionally project inward or outward from the left side 20 in a direction toward the right side 22.

[0046] The dispensing base 14 may include a ballast 36 as illustrated in FIG. 22. The ballast 36 can help maintain the modular dispenser 10 in an upright position or otherwise reduce the risk of the modular dispenser 10 tipping over during use. The ballast 36 can be made of any material, including metal or plastic, and is normally denser than the material from which the modular dispenser 10 and its subcomponents are made. The ballast 36 can be made of aluminum, stainless steel, and other similar metals. The left side 20 may include a ballast retaining structure 38 configured to retain the ballast 36 in position within the dispensing base 14.The ballast retention structure 38 may include one or more flat surfaces 4 0 extending away from the dispensing base 14, ballast ribs extending away from the dispensing base, alignment features on the underside 19 of the left side 20, or through holes 43 configured to receive a screw that is then attached to the ballast 36.

[0047] The dispensing base 14 may also include one or more alignment features 44 with complementary structures on the left side 20 and right side 22. The alignment features 44 may be a snap-fit, key and groove structure, recesses configured to receive flexible tabs / fingers, etc.

[0048] The dispensing base 14 may include complementary docking structures 46 on the outside of the left side 20 and the right side 22. The docking structures 46 may allow a user to dock and undock adjacent dispensing bases 14 to each other to allow easy and convenient storage of multiple dispensing bases 14 together. The docking structures 26 may be of any type, including a key and a slot (as illustrated, the core is a key that fits into a complementary slot), snap-fit ​​structures, etc.

[0049] The dispensing base 14 may include a front, front side, or front cap 48 configured to engage with one or both of the front and / or top of the left side 20 and right side 22, as best illustrated in FIG. 8A and 8B. The front side or front cap 48 may be formed from any material, such as metal, wood, and plastic. Typically, molded or cast plastic is used to form the front side 48. The front side 48 may include a front cap opening, opening, or hole 30 through which the dispensing assembly 16 is configured to rotate in and out of the dispensing base 14. The front side 48 may include a depression 52 configured to provide sufficient space for a user's finger to manipulate the dispensing assembly 16 when the dispensing assembly 16 is fully inserted into the dispensing base 14.The depression 52 may be at least partially concave in shape, although any shape is permissible. The front side 48 may also include one or more alignment features 54 with complementary structures on the left side 20 and right side 22. The alignment features 54 may be a snap-fit ​​structure, key and groove, recesses configured to receive flexible tabs / fingers, etc.

[0050] The distribution assembly 16 is best illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10A-10C, 11, and 12A-12D. The distribution assembly 16 can be made of any material, such as metal, wood, and plastic. Typically, molded or cast plastic is used to form the distribution assembly 16. The distribution assembly 16 may include a removable cap 56 to provide a tactile surface for the user's finger to grip. The removable cap may include a snap-fit ​​or other engagement mechanism configured to engage the removable cap 56 with a complementary engagement mechanism 57 of the distribution assembly 16.

[0051] The distribution assembly 16 can be configured to rotate around an axis 21 of a hub 23. The hub 23 can be tubular or swing-shaped or have a recess 25 configured to receive an attached post 27 extending away from at least one of the left side 20 and the right side 22, and around which the hub 23 can rotate. The center 23 can include a protrusion 24, such as a raised surface, bump, depression, recess, or other shape that provides tactile feedback to the user when the user rotates the distribution assembly toward the dispensing base 14 to indicate that the distribution assembly 16 is safely received.The flange 24 can fit with a complementary feature 29 on one or both of the left side 20 and right side 22 to retain the dispensing assembly 16 closed or fully received within the dispensing base 14 until a user engages the removable cover 56 to open or rotate the dispensing assembly 16.

[0052] The distribution assembly 16 may include an arc surface 26. The arc surface 26 may optionally be radially coupled to and detached from the hub 23.

[0053] The latch 18 can be attached to the surface of the arch 26 and can be of any shape. For example, the latch 18 can have a width 62 and a length 64 selected to fit a range of 500-size pills. The width 62 and length 64 can be the same, different, in diameter, or another dimension. The latch can have a single, uniform depth, or it can have a first depth 63 near the rear 67 of the latch 18 and a second depth 65 near the front 69 of the latch 18. The first depth 67 and the second depth 69 can be the same or different. As an example, and as illustrated, the first depth 67 is greater than the second depth 69. The bottom 70 of the latch 18 can be of any shape.As an example, the bottom 70 may be concave, spherical, or hemispherical and configured to receive the 500 pellet and securely hold the 500 pellet while rotating the distribution assembly and allow a user to easily remove the 500 pellet. The latch 18 may include at least one cutout 28 where the arc surface is relatively radially closer to the hub 23 than the arc surface 26 at the rear 67 or front 69 of the latch. This at least one cutout 28 may allow a user to more easily retrieve a 500 pellet from the latch with their fingers.

[0054] The distribution assembly 16 may include at least one fin 30 extending radially away from the surface of the arch 26. The at least one fin 30 may be positioned rearward from the latch 18 on the surface of the arch 26. The at least one fin 30 may include a plurality of fins. For example, the plurality of fins 30 may be two or more fins. The fins 30 may be separated laterally by a distance 32 above the surface of the arch 26 or the fins may be in a linear arrangement. The plurality of fins 30 may have the same shape (FIG. 12A - 12D) or they may have a different shape (FIG. 10A - 10C, 11). The fins 30 can optionally be radially separated (for example, one closer to latch 18 and one further from latch 18) by a distance 34. At least one fin 30 can have a constant chord 36 along a length 38 or the chord 36 can change along the length 38.The at least one fin may have a width 39. The at least one fin 30 may include a fin tip 42 with an increased chord 41 with respect to a chord 36 of fin 30.

[0055] The dispensing base 14 may include a lower grip 76 on one or both of a portion or all of a lower portion of the left side 20 and the right side, as illustrated in FIG. 27. The lower grip 76 may be configured to improve the stability of the dispensing base 14 during normal use when the dispensing base 14 rests on a counter or other surface. The lower grip 76 may be made of rubber, silicone, elastomer, or another material having a coefficient of friction greater than the coefficient of friction of the material from which the dispensing base 14 is formed. The lower grip 76 may include a self-adhesive, glue, mechanical connector (e.g., a sail fastener), or other layer (not illustrated) configured to adhere the lower grip 76 to one or both of the lower portion of the left side 20 and the right side 22.

[0056] The dispensing base 14 may include a funnel 7 8, illustrated in FIG. 9, 13, 14A, 14B, 15, 16A 16C, 18, 23 and 24, configured to receive and transport the tablet or tablets 500 -from the cartridge 12 through -the dispensing base 14 and into the latch 18 -of the distribution assembly 16. The funnel 78 may be made of any material, such as metal, wood and plastic. Typically, a molded or cast plastic is used to form the funnel 78, which may be made as an integral component or may be formed from two or more subcomponents coupled together through complementary alignment features 77, such as snap-on fittings (e.g., pin and spring, spring fingers configured to be received in recesses, keys and grooves, and the like), adhesives, welds of any kind, and the like.The surface of funnel 73 may be relatively smoother and / or shinier than the surfaces of the dispensing base and other components to reduce the coefficient of friction of the funnel 78 surface. For example, a coefficient of friction for a polypropylene material from which funnel 78 may be made may range from 0.23 to 0.4, and a slope angle (not labeled) of funnel 78 may increase as the coefficient of friction increases. As examples, the slope angle may range from 20 to 70 degrees, from 30 to 60 degrees, and from 40 to 50 degrees, or any interval between these ranges that overlaps.

[0057] Funnel 78 may have a funnel height that should be relatively less than the height 131 of cartridge 12, which could allow the user to better see the number of 500 tablets remaining in cartridge 12. The height of funnel 79 may be a function of a funnel slope angle (not labeled) to ensure that the funnel slope angle falls within a desired range to ensure that the 500 tablets slide or flow properly through funnel 78.

[0058] Funnel 78 may have a first funnel length 81 near the front of funnel 78 and a second funnel length 83 near the rear of funnel 78. The first funnel length 81 and the second funnel length 83 may be the same or they may be different. For example, the first funnel length 81 may be shorter (or longer) than the second funnel length 83.

[0059] The funnel '8 may include a funnel inlet or throat 80 configured to be positioned near a cartridge opening 130 when the cartridge 12 is attached to the dispensing base 14. Optionally, the funnel inlet 80 may be positioned inside the cartridge opening 130 when the cartridge 12 is attached to the dispensing base 14, which may reduce the risk of a 500 tablet becoming stuck or clogged inside the cartridge 12. The funnel inlet 80 may have an inlet width 82 and an inlet length 84 similar in size to the cartridge opening width 132 and cartridge opening length 134, or more commonly, the inlet width 82 and inlet length 84 may be similar in size to any dimension of a 500 tablet, i.e., smaller than the cartridge opening length 134. The inlet width 82 and the inlet length 84 can be the same and optionally can be a diameter. 0

[0060] The funnel 78 may include an alignment feature or coupling mechanism 86, such as snap-on fittings (e.g., pin and snap, spring fingers configured to be received in recesses, keys and slots, and the like), configured to be removably coupled to a funnel latch interface 142 near the cartridge opening 130 of the cartridge 14 as described below. The alignment feature or coupling mechanism 86 is flexible enough to allow a user to easily insert the dispensing base 14 / funnel 78 into the cartridge opening 130 and also to easily remove the dispensing base 14 / funnel 78 from the cartridge opening 130 while being rigid enough to prevent the dispensing base 14 / funnel 78 from being unintentionally removed from the cartridge opening 130 in the event of the modular dispenser 10 being unintentionally tipped over or disturbed.

[0061] The funnel / 8 also includes a funnel outlet 88 separate from the funnel inlet 80 as best illustrated in FIG. 13 and 15. The funnel outlet 88 is configured to be positioned close to the latch 18 of the dispensing assembly 16 when the dispensing assembly 16 is positioned inside the dispensing base 14. The funnel outlet 88 includes an outlet width 90 and an outlet length 92, which individually and collectively can be sized and shaped to allow a 500 pellet to flow easily through the funnel outlet 88 without the pellet 500 clogging or obstructing the funnel outlet 88. The outlet width 90 and outlet length 92 can be equal and can optionally be a diameter. The funnel outlet 88 can be optionally profiled to include a cut 8 9 or an extension 91 along a front portion of the funnel outlet 88.

[0062] The funnel / 8 may include a funnel platform 102 extending laterally away from the funnel 78. The funnel platform 102 may extend partially or fully around the funnel 78. The funnel platform 102 may be optionally sized and shaped to receive over or between one or more of the pair of ribs 24 of the dispensing base 14.

[0063] The funnel / 8 also optionally includes a funnel parapet 104 extending from the funnel 78 into the cartridge opening 130 when the cartridge 12 is attached to the dispensing base 12 / funnel 78. At least one of the funnel parapets 104 and the perimeter 136 of the cartridge opening 130 includes an alignment feature or coupling mechanism 86 configured to engage with the other funnel parapet 104 and the perimeter 136 of the cartridge opening 130. As discussed above, the alignment feature or coupling mechanism 86 may include a snap fit configured to engage with a sharp or ridged surface 146 on the perimeter 136 of the cartridge opening 130.

[0064] The funnel 78 optionally includes at least one, and in some examples at least a pair of slots 106 through which at least one or a plurality of fins 30 are configured to pass and rotate. The slots 106 may optionally be positioned on the same side of the funnel 78 or on opposite sides of the funnel 78. The slots 106 may be sufficiently wide and long to allow the fins 30 to pass freely without interference or restraint.

[0065] The funnel may also include a retaining mechanism 107 configured to retain a flap 108 as described below. The retaining mechanism 107 may be a groove, a recess, a press-fit connection, or other coupling that provides movable or flexible retention of the flap 108 within the funnel 78.

[0066] The dispensing base 14 may also include a two-fin, fin, or limb 108 as illustrated in Figures 17A, 17B, 23, and 24. The fin 108 may be formed of any material, such as metal, wood, and plastic. Typically, molded or cast plastic is used to form the fin 108. The fin 108 may optionally be flexible. The fin 108 is optionally flat with an inner surface 109 separated from an upper surface 111.

[0067] The flap 108 may include a retainer 110 configured to engage with the retaining mechanism 107 of the funnel 78 and movably retain the flap 108 within the funnel 78. Optionally, the flap 108 may be pivotally retained within the funnel 78. The retainer 110 may be a bar, rod, T-bar, snap-in connection, or other coupling that provides flexible, movable, rotating, or pivoting retention 10 of the flap 108 within the funnel 78. For example, and as illustrated, the retainer 110 is a T-bar that can be inserted into the retaining / slot mechanism 107 of funnel 78, after which the flap 108 is rotated into a position for use inside funnel 78. The flap 108 can be any shape or size, but generally fits inside funnel 78.

[0068] The fin 108 may also include an opening 112 with a width 114 and a length 116. The width 114 and the length 116 may be equal and, optionally, may have a diameter. The size of the opening 112 is configured to allow a pellet to be dispensed into the inlet of funnel 80 while reducing the risk of pellet 500 or a plurality of pellets 500 clogging the inlet of funnel 80.

[0069] In practice, as illustrated in FIG. 9 and 18, when a user opens or rotates the dispensing assembly 16 away from the dispensing base 14, at least one flap 30 is also rotated. Flap 30 extends through the slot 106. As flap 30 rotates, the end of flap 42 may begin to engage with a lower surface 109 of flap 108, agitating or causing the flap to flex and / or rise or rotate upward in a direction away from the end of flap 42. The movement of flap 108, limited to some extent by the retainer 110, agitates a tablet or tablets 500 within an upper portion of the funnel 78 and / or within the cartridge 12. The agitation of the tablet 500 may assist the tablet 500 to enter the inlet of the funnel 80 under the influence of gravity.In other words, the cooperative movement of fin 30 and fin 108 can improve the flow of the 500 tablets and reduce the risk of the 500 tablets becoming compacted or stuck inside funnel 78 or cartridge 12.

[0070] The cartridge 12 can be made of any material, such as metal, wood, and plastic. Usually, molded or cast plastic is used to form the cartridge 12. The plastic can optionally be clear, semi-transparent, or translucent to allow a user to see the 500 pellets inside the cartridge 12.

[0071] The cartridge 12 may include an opening or cartridge opening 130 through which the tablets 500 can be initially loaded and from which the tablets 500 can descend under the influence of gravity when the cartridge 12 is attached to the funnel 78 and / or dispensing base 14. The cartridge opening includes an opening width 132 and an opening length 134. The opening 130 may also include a perimeter 136 surrounding the opening 130. Optionally, the cartridge 12 may have any shape. For example, the shape of the cartridge 12 may be adapted to the shape of the dispensing base 14 / funnel 78 so that the proper orientation of the cartridge 12 relative to the dispensing base 14 / funnel 78 is visual and / or tactile.

[0072] An inner surface 137 of cartridge 12 may be vertical or inclined to improve the ability of the 500 tablets to move through cartridge 12 and into funnel 7 8 under the influence of gravity and to reduce the risk of any 500 tablets becoming stuck or retained within cartridge 12 under normal use.

[0073] One or more radii 140 may be present around an outer surface 139 of the cartridge 12. The radii 140 may provide a smooth intersection of two surfaces instead of a sharp corner. The cartridge 12 may also include at least one recess 141 on the outer surface 139. The recess 141 may be concave and / or hemispherical and configured to allow a user to use their finger to grip under the cap 152 when the cap 152 is placed over the cartridge to reduce the effort required to remove the cap 152 from the cartridge 12.

[0074] The opening 130 may include a funnel latch interface 142 configured to engage with the alignment mechanism or coupling mechanism 06 of funnel 7 8 as illustrated in FIG. 21B. The funnel latch interface 142 may include a vertical portion 144 and / or a tapered portion 146 configured to engage with the alignment feature or coupling mechanism 86 and / or a latch 87 of the coupling mechanism 86. The configuration of the coupling mechanism 86 and the funnel latch interface 142 should reduce the risk of a pellet or pellets 500 becoming stuck or obstructed against the engagement mechanism 86 and the funnel latch interface 142. The funnel latch interface 142 may also include a tapered surface 148. The tapered surface 148 may be separate from the vertical surface 144.The tapered surface 148 of the funnel 142 latch interface can be configured to engage with a latch mechanism 154 of the lid 152.

[0075] The perimeter of cartridge 136 may include a lip 148 configured to receive a removable tamper evidence seal 150. The tamper evidence seal 150 may include a tab (not illustrated) to allow the user to grip a surface when removing the tamper evidence seal 150 before inserting cartridge 12 into the dispensing base 14.

[0076] The cartridge 12 also optionally includes a cap 152 configured to engage with the cartridge 12 and detachably cover the opening 130. The cap 152 can be made of any material, such as metal, wood, and plastic. Typically, molded or cast plastic is used to form the cap 152. The cap 152 can optionally be flexible. The cap 152 can be symmetrical about a long axis and / or a short axis. The cap 152 can include a locking mechanism 154 configured to engage with the funnel locking mechanism 142. For example, a flexible snap 156 of the locking mechanism 154 can engage with the tapered surface 148 of the funnel locking mechanism 142 as illustrated in FIG. 21C.

[0077] An example of an assembly of a modular dispenser 10 for 500 tablets is illustrated in FIG. 23-27. The method includes placing funnel 78 next to one of the left panel 20 and the right panel 22 of the dispensing base 14, with funnel 78 including the inlet of funnel 80 and the outlet of funnel 88. Optionally, the method includes movably attaching flap 108 to funnel 78. The method may further include placing the distribution assembly 16 with at least one latch 18 close to funnel 78 and adjacent to one of the left panel 20 and the right panel 22 of the dispensing base 14 to which funnel 78 is attached. The method may include removing at least one latch 18 away from the outlet of funnel 88. The method may further include attaching left panel 20 to right panel 22 of the dispensing base 14. Optionally, the method also includes attaching front cover 48. 20 to the left panel and 22 to the right panel.

[0078] Several implementations have been described. However, it is understood that further modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concepts described herein and, consequently, other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular dispenser, comprising: a cartridge configured to hold a plurality of 5 tablets, the cartridge comprising an opening through which at least one tablet is configured to pass under the influence of gravity and a perimeter extending around the opening; a dispensing base configured to receive the 10 cartridge in a removable manner, the dispensing base comprising a funnel with a funnel inlet close to the cartridge opening and a funnel outlet separate from the funnel inlet; and a dispensing assembly rotatably coupled 15 to the dispensing base, the dispensing base comprising at least one latch configured to receive at least one tablet when the at least one latch is close to the funnel outlet and to rotate the at least one latch away from the funnel outlet to a position from which 20 a user can retrieve at least one tablet.

2. The modular dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the distribution assembly is configured to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the width of the dispensing base.

3. The modular dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing base further comprises: a left side; a right side; and a front cover comprising a door opening through which the latch of the dispensing assembly rotatably extends away from the dispensing base.

4. The modular dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the distribution assembly comprises a shaft around which the distribution assembly rotates.

5. The modular dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the distribution assembly comprises an arc surface coupled and radially separated from the hub.

6. The modular dispenser according to claim 5, wherein at least one latch is coupled to the surface of the arch.

7. The modular dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the arc surface comprises at least one fin extending radially away from the arc surface.

8. The modular dispenser according to claim 7, wherein at least one fin extends through a slot in a funnel well.

9. The modular dispenser according to claim 5, wherein at least one fin comprises a plurality of fins.

10. The modular dispenser according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of fins are laterally separated from each other.

11. The modular dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the funnel comprises a funnel platform extending laterally away from the funnel and the dispensing base comprises at least one pair of ribs configured to receive the funnel platform.

12. The modular dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the funnel comprises a funnel parapet extending from the funnel into the cartridge opening, wherein at least one of the funnel parapet and the perimeter of the cartridge opening comprises an engagement mechanism configured to engage the other of the funnel parapet and the perimeter of the cartridge opening.

13. The modular dispenser in accordance with reference 12, wherein the funnel parapet comprises the coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism comprising a press fit configured to engage with an edge on the perimeter of the cartridge opening.

14. The modular dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the funnel comprises at least one fin movably retained within the funnel.

15. The modular dispenser according to claim 8, wherein: the funnel comprises at least one fin movably retained within the funnel; and the at least one fin is configured to agitate the at least one fin when the dispensing assembly rotates away from the funnel outlet.

16. The modular dispenser according to claim 15, wherein at least one fin comprises an opening near the funnel inlet.

17. The modular dispenser according to claim 15, wherein at least one fin is flexible and is configured to return to a rest position after 20 the distribution assembly has rotated completely towards the funnel outlet.

18. A modular dispensing base configured to dispense at least one pill under the influence of gravity, the modular dispensing base comprising: a funnel with a funnel inlet close to the cartridge opening and a funnel outlet separate from the funnel inlet; and a dispensing assembly rotatably coupled to the dispensing base, the dispensing base comprising at least one latch configured to receive at least one pill when the at least one latch is close to the funnel outlet and to rotate the at least one latch away from the funnel outlet to a position from which a user can retrieve at least one pill.

19. A method for assembling a modular dispenser, comprising: placing a funnel adjacent to one of a left panel and one of a right panel of a dispensing base, the funnel comprising a funnel inlet and a funnel outlet; placing a dispensing assembly with at least one latch near the funnel and adjacent to one of the left panel and one of the right panel of the dispensing base in which the funnel is placed; removing the at least one latch away from the funnel outlet; attaching the left panel to the right panel of the dispensing base; and attaching a front cover to the left panel and the right panel.

20. The method in accordance with claim 19, further comprising movably attaching a fin to the funnel.

Images