Monthly system for dispensing medication/supplements

Abstract

A monthly system of dispensing medications/supplements. The device includes a housing unit, paper chart attaching devices, divided tray that holds a plurality of semi-transparent storage containers, a removable time clock alarm system, a detachable paper caddy with writing instrument holder and a detachable cup or beverage holder. A lip extends below each side of the rectangle base of the housing unit enabling additional housing units to be securely stacked above on the housing unit top or below each housing unit. Preprinted reminding disks can be used in a container corresponding to a desired date.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to provisional application 60/585,136, filed on Jul. 2, 2004, entitled “Monthly System for Dispensing Medication/Supplements”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to pill boxes and more specifically it relates to a monthly system for dispensing medications or supplements, enhancing the manageability for dispensing medications/supplements on a time of day basis much easier and less burdensome in administration by recharging containers once per month, elimination of confusion through the use of a timer with clock alarm system, reminding disks, additionally to facilitating charting doses taken, and in general making the task of taking single or multiple medications or supplements on a time of day dosage more manageable thereby giving the user peace of mind in knowing that suggested or prescribed usages have been followed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

It can be appreciated that pillboxes have been in use for years. Typically, pill boxes are comprised of strips of molded compartments with lids, boxes with movable dividers, disks with dividers, pouches that close at one end, containers with four divided compartments, containers that snap into corresponding days on a wall mounted calendar which must be changed, cubes with fifteen compartments on one side and fifteen on the opposite side, octagon vials that snap into a tray in a hinged box, and automated pill dispensing machines.

The main problem with conventional pills boxes is that they are too limited in usage and/or too high in cost for the normal, low or fixed income user who does not need continuously monitored care. Another problem with conventional pillboxes are they do not provide a reminder of time to take pills nor do they provide access to information readily available about the medications/supplements or the case of charting progressive dispensing. Another problem with conventional pill boxes are although some are transportable they do not allow the user to easily carry single doses with them or combinations of doses desired by the user.

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for enhancing the manageability for dispensing medications or supplements on a time of day basis nor do they make it much easier and less burdensome in administration by recharging containers once per month, elimination of confusion through the use of reminder disks, a time with clock alarm system in additional to facilitating charting dose taken, and in general making the task of taking single or multiple medications/supplements on a time of day dosage more manageable thereby giving the user peace of mind in knowing that suggested or prescribed usages have been followed.

In these respects, the monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of enhancing the manageability for dispensing medications/supplements on a time of day basis much easier and less burdensome in administration by recharging containers once per month, elimination of confusion through the use of a timer with clock alarm system, reminding disks, in addition to facilitating charting doses taken, and in general making the task of taking single or multiple medications/supplements on a time of day dosage more manageable thereby giving the user peace of mind in knowing that suggested or prescribed usages have been followed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of pill boxes now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements construction wherein the same can be utilized for enhancing the manageability for dispensing medications/supplements on a time of day basis much easier and less burdensome in administration by recharging containers once per month, elimination of confusion through the use of a timer with clock alarm system and reminding disks, in addition to facilitating charting doses taken, and in general making the task of taking single or multiple medications/supplements on a time of day dosage more manageable thereby giving the user peace of mind in knowing that suggested or prescribed usages have been followed.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements that has many of the advantages of the pill boxes mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art pill boxes, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a housing unit with a top that has paper or chart attaching devices, a divided tray that holds a plurality of semitransparent storage containers, one of which may contain reminding disks a detachable adjustable securing strap with a detachable handle, a locking device, a removable timer clock alarm system, a detachable paper caddy with writing instrument holder and a detachable cup or beverage holder. The housing unit consists of a rectangle base with three walls rising up from the two short sides and one long side of the housing unit base to a height sufficient to exceed the tray of containers it holds, constructed to facilitate a detachable cup or beverage container holder, a detachable timer with clock alarm device, a detachable paper caddy with writing instrument holder. A lip extends below each side of the rectangle base of the housing unit enabling additional housing units to be securely stacked above on the housing unit top or below each housing unit. The top of the housing unit is a rectangle plane that is attached to the three walls of the housing unit and is designed to facilitate securing another housing unit or units on top of it for stationary stacking. The top of the housing unit has chart or paper attaching devices to facilitate charting of medications/supplements or notes on various contents stored within the housing unit. The try consists of a rectangle base with walls rising up from all sides. The front wall is somewhat shorter than the other three walls and is designed with an easily graspable front to enable it to be easily slid into and out of the front of housing unit. The tray is constructed in such a way as a divider separates the first row of containers it holds from the other containers thereby allowing the ease of opening the first row of eight containers thereby allowing the ease of opening the first row of eight containers with one hand. The containers are cylindrical or cubical in shape, semi-transparent, with attached or hinges lids and are designed to be easily opened and closeable. Reminding disks are smaller in diameter than the storage containers, may contain pre-printed messages or may be a write-on devices that may be added to a storage container to provide a reminder of events as the user desires. The securing strap is a flexible device designed to attach to and surround the housing unit or units when stacked and join together in a manner allowing the use of a locking device that not only inhibits spillage but enables the housing unit or units to be made child proof. The detachable handle is made of pliable material with loops on each end to allow it to be affixed to the adjustable securing device to aid in transportation. The timer with clock alarm system is composed of an alarm function tat is set to a large faced LCD digital clock. The buttons and switches are large, easily understood for setting the various functions or alarms and designed specifically to be user friendly to provide notification of times for pill dispensation. The paper caddy is designed to be a readily available storage place for notes on medications/supplements, additional charts, note paper, and a writing instrument. It consists of a rectangular solid structure that may be detached from the housing unit. The cup or beverage holder, that is detachable from the housing unit, provides a base with adjustable arms that securely holds a beverage container as desired by user. The device connects through the openings provided in the ends of the securing strap to secure the housing unit, aid in ease of transportation, and prevent spillage.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

An object of the present invention is to provide a monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements for enhancing the manageability for dispensing medications/supplements on a time of day basis much easier and less burdensome in administration by recharging containers once per month, elimination of confusion through the use of a timer with clock alarm system in addition to facilitating charting doses taken, and in general making the task of taking single or multiple medications/supplements on a time of day dosage more manageable thereby giving the user peace of mind in knowing that suggested or prescribed usages have been followed.

Another object is to provide a monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements that gives the user a system of storage, dispensing, charting, and reminding of time of day dosing for medications/supplements that ma be childproof, transportable, and expandable, with ease of administration on a monthly or other basis.

Another object is to provide a monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements that unlike prior art is a stackable housing unit which may provide stability to additional stacked units and the top of which may provide a writing surface with securing devices for notepaper or charts, that contains a tray of semitransparent containers which slides in and out of the front opening of the housing unit.

Another object is to provide a monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements that unlike prior art, allows the operation with the use of only one hand and holds a divided tray which may contain a plurality of semi-transparent containers, that may be used to store a complete months supply of medications/supplements that are taken by the user at a particular time of a day, and one of which may be used to store articles as desired by user.

Another object is to provide a monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements that is a semi-transparent container, either cylindrical or other shape with an easily opened lid, which stores a time of day dose of medications/supplements or other items desired by user.

Another object is to provide a monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements that has a detachable timer with clock alarm system with a minimum of two alarms that allow the user to select sound, vibration, or light notification or combination of same.

Another object is to provide a monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements that has a detachable paper caddy with writing instrument holder and detachable cup or beverage container holder.

Another object is to provide a monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements that utilizes a detachable securing device to secure units stacked upon each other and/or to prevent the spillage of contents stored within, to provide ease of transportation by a detachable handle and is designed to connect in a method so as to allow the use of a securing device to child proof the contents.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is top perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded front view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded rear view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cut away view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top front view of the housing unit.

FIG. 6 is a bottom rear view of the housing unit.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the divided tray.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the divided tray.

FIG. 9 is a right and left side view of the divided tray.

FIG. 10 is exploded view of storage container.

FIG. 11 is of the reminding disk.

FIG. 12 is the top and side views of the securing strap.

FIG. 13 is the top and side views of the detachable handle.

FIG. 14 is the top, front, and side views of the timer with clock alarm.

FIG. 15 is the top view, right and left side views, front view, and rear view of the paper caddy with writing instrument holder.

FIG. 16 is the top, side and front view of the cup or beverage holder.

FIG. 17 is of the locking device.

FIG. 18 is of the pre-printed and blank labels.

FIG. 19 is of the blank reminder disks and adhesive labels.

FIG. 20 is of the prescriptions chart.

FIG. 21 is of the time of day chart.

FIG. 22 is of the vital signs chart.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the attached figures illustrate a monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements, which comprises a housing unit with a top that has paper or chart attaching devices, a divided tray that holds a plurality of semi-transparent storage containers, one of which may contain reminding disks, detachable adjustable securing strap with a detachable handle, a locking device, a removable timer clock alarm system, a detachable paper caddy with writing instrument holder and a detachable cup or beverage holder. The housing unit consists of a rectangle base with three walls rising up from the two short sides and one long side of the housing unit base to a height sufficient to exceed the tray of containers it holds, constructed to facilitate a detachable cup or beverage container holder, a detachable timer with clock alarm device, a detachable paper caddy with writing instrument holder. A lip extends below each side of the rectangle base of the housing unit enabling additional housing units to be securely stacked above on the housing unit top or below each housing unit. The top of the housing unit is a rectangle plane that is attached to the three walls of the housing unit and is designed to facilitate securing another housing unit or units on top of it for stationary stacking. The top of the housing unit has chart or paper attaching devices to facilitate charting of medications/supplements or notes on various contents stored within the housing unit. The tray consists of a rectangle base with walls rising up from all sides. The front wall is somewhat shorter than the other three walls and is designed with an easily graspable front to enable it to be easily slid into and out of the front of housing unit. The tray is constructed in such a way as a divider separates the first row of containers it holds from the other containers thereby allowing the case of opening the first row of eight containers with one hand. The containers are cylindrical or cubical in shape, semi-transparent, with attached or hinged lids and are designed to be easily opened and closeable. Reminding disks are smaller in diameter than the storage containers, may contain pre-printed messages or may be a write-on devices that may be added to a storage container to provide a reminder of events as the user desires. The securing strap is a flexible device designed to attach to and surround the housing unit or units when stacked and join together in a manner allowing the use of a locking device that not only inhibits spillage but enables the housing unit or units to be made child proof. The detachable handle is made of pliable material with loops on each end to allow it to be affixed to the adjustable securing device to aid in transportation. The timer with clock alarm system is composed of an alarm function that is set to a large faced LCD digital clock. The buttons and switches are large, easily understood for setting the various functions or alarms and designed specifically to be user friendly to provide notification of times for pill dispensation. The paper caddy is designed to be a readily available storage place for notes on medications/supplements, additional charts, note paper, and a writing instrument. It consists of a rectangular solid structure that may be detached from the housing u nit. The cup or beverage holder, that is detachable from the housing unit, provides a base with adjustable arms that securely holds a beverage container as desired by user. The locking device may be either key or keyless. It may be of metal, plastic, or other material. The device connects through the openings provided in the ends of the securing strap to secure the housing unit, aid in case of transportation, and prevent spillage.

The housing unit consists of a rectangle base with three walls rising up from the two short sides and one long side of the housing unit base to a height sufficient to exceed the tray of containers it holds, constructed to facilitate a detachable cup or beverage container holder, a detachable timer with clock alarm device, a detachable paper caddy with writing instrument holder. A lip extends below each side of the rectangle base of the housing unit enabling additional housing units to be securely stacked above on the housing unit top or below each housing unit. The top of the housing unit is a rectangle plane that is attached to the three walls of the housing unit and is designed to facilitate securing another housing unit or units on top of it for stationary stacking. The top of the housing unit has chart or paper attaching devices to facilitate charting of medications/supplements or notes on various contents stored within the housing unit. The housing unit 20 (FIGS. 1,2,3,4,5 and 6) is rectangular in shape, preferably injection molded plastic, consists of a bottom (24), top (22), and three walls (26,28 and 30) that have attaching notches 27, 29, 31. The bottom or base (24) is a rectangle plane with two openings or slots (FIGS. 4 and 5) (34) to allow the threading of the securing strap (FIGS. 1,2,3,4 and 12) (100). The slots (34) are parallel to the back (FIGS. 3 and 6) (26) and front long side (FIGS. 1,2,4 and 5) (21) and perpendicular to the right (FIGS. 1,2,4 and 5) (30) and left (FIGS. 3 and 6) (28) short sides of the housing unit (20). A lip (FIGS. 1,2,3,4,5 and 6) (32) extends downward from each side of the base. The right (30), left (28) and back (26) walls extend upward from the respective sides of the base or bottom (24) of the housing unit (20) and are attached to the underside corresponding edges of the top (22) of the housing unit. The top (22) has two attaching nodes (FIGS. 1,2,4,5 and 6) (36) and a paper attaching device (FIGS. 1,2,4 and 5) (38) on each of the four sides of the top rectangular plane. The paper attaching devices (38) are entered at the midpoint of each side edge and extend perpendicular form the edge inward toward the center of the top. The material from which the “HOUSING UNIT” (20) is constructed may be of wood, metal, or other suitable material other than plastic. The shape could be changed to any configuration that would allow the accommodation of thirty-two containers. There are many ways that additional “Housing Units” could be attached to each other in a stacking manner. One would be to have feet extend from each of the bottom four corners of the housing unit (20) and fit into receiving openings on each corner of the top (24). The top (24) could be made as a separate reversible piece of the housing unit (20). During transportation or choice of the user it could be turned upside down so the paper attaching devices would be on the inside o the unit. It is recognized that there are many different paper attaching devices that could be used to secure charts, note paper, or directions for use to the top of the unit. Some of these could be various spring loaded clips made of metal, plastic or other material.

The tray consists of a rectangle base with walls rising up from all sides. The front wall is somewhat shorter than the other three walls and is designed with an easily graspable front to enable it to be easily slid into and out of the front of housing unit. The tray is constructed in such a way as a divider separates the first row of containers it holds from the other containers thereby allowing the case of opening the first row of eight containers with one hand. The divided tray (FIGS. 1,2,3,4,7,8 and 9) (40), also preferably injection molded plastic, has a rectangle shaped base or bottom (48) with front (42), right (50), left (52), and back (54) walls rising up on each side and a divider (46) rising up from the base to a height somewhat less than the thirty-two storage containers (FIGS. 1,2,4,7,8,9 and 10) (60) held within. The right (50), left (52), back (54) walls and the divider (46) are all the same height. The front (42) wall is shorter and has a tongue (44) centered in it that extends perpendicular out and away from the exterior of the front (42) wall. The divider (46) spans the width of the tray (40) and is attached to the right wall (50) and left wall (52). The divider (46) is constructed approximately one fourth the distance from the inside front wall (42) toward the back wall (54). The “DIVIDED TRAY” (40) may also be made fro wood, metal, fiberglass, or other composite material. It could contain more dividers than the preferred embodiment (FIG. 8) (46). The additional dividers could be five in number with three being vertical or parallel the right (50) and left (52) sides. The additional two dividers would be horizontal or parallel to the front (42) and back (54) walls thereby forming a plurality of compartments for the thirty-two storage containers (60). The divided tray could also contain no dividers but this would not allow support for the storage containers to be opened with one hand.

The containers are cylindrical or cubical in shape, semi-transparent, with attached or hinged lids and are designed to be easily opened and closeable. The storage container (FIGS. 1,2,4,7,8,9 and 10) (60) is a cylindrical shaped device made from injection molded semi-transparent United States Food and Drug Administration approved material for the storage of medications/supplements. The body (FIG. 10) (62) is tubular with a closed bottom (68) and a hinged (66) easily openable snap lid (64) with a protruding lip (70). The exterior surface of the lid (72) permits the attachment of a pre-printed adhesive labels (FIG. 18) (74) to indicate the corresponding numbers of a thirty-one day calendar month or blank adhesive write-on labels (FIG. 18) (88). The “STORAGE CONTAINER” (FIG. 10) (62) could be made cubical in shape and could be made to interlock with other containers either horizontally or vertically or both. The material from which they are made could be fiberglass, metal, and wood, a non food grade plastic or composite material. The lids to the containers could be screw on or twist off. The containers could be opaque and may be in different colors. The containers may be used to store items as selected by the user.

Reminding disks are smaller in diameter than the storage containers, may contain pre-printed messages or may be a write-on devices that may be added to a storage container to provide a reminder of events as the user desires. Reminding disks (FIGS. 2 and 11) (80) are thin smooth edged (86) disk shaped devices, preferably of poster board material, having both top (82) and bottom (84) that are a smaller diameter than the storage containers (60) and have either pre-printed (88) or blank write-on adhesive labels (90) that may be marked in Braille and attached. The “REMINDING DISKS” (FIG. 11) (80) may be made from plastic, wood, metal, fiberglass, or other composite material. The shape could vary from icons of animals, objects or common representations of anything chosen to trigger an appropriate response from the user on a given date. The icons could also be adhesive labels that attach to the disks. The edges of the disks could be grooved, raised or something other than smooth.

The securing strap is a flexible device designed to attach to and surround the housing unit or units when stacked and join together in a manner allowing the use of a locking device that not only inhibits spillage but enables the housing unit or units to be made child proof. The securing strap (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 12) (100), preferably of extrusion molded plastic, having two ends (102) and (104) is a thin elongated device having a top surface (106), a bottom surface (108) with openings or holes inset on each and (110) (112). The “SECURING STRAP” (FIG. 12) (100) could be made of nylon, cotton, metal, polypropylene, polyester, or composite material. It may also be elastic. Each end (102, 104) could have a plastic or metal tip. The holes or openings (110, 112) could have grommets attached for strength.

The detachable handle is made of pliable material with loops on each end to allow it to be affixed to the adjustable securing device to aid in transportation. The detachable handle (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 13) (120), preferably extrusion molded plastic, is a flat elongated device having a top side (122) a bottom side (124) with a slot or opening (126) (128) inset parallel to each end (130) (132). The “DETACHABLE HANDLE” (120) could be made out of plastic tubing, wood, metal, fiberglass, polypropylene, nylon, cotton, or a composite material. The shape could also vary the detachable handle could be cylindrical or round, ribbed, or grooved for gripping.

The timer with clock alarm system is composed of an alarm function that is set to a large faced LCD digital clock. The buttons and switches are large, easily understood for setting the various functions or alarms and designed specifically to be user friendly to provide notification of times for pill dispensation. The time clock alarm system (FIGS. 1,2 and 14) (140) is a rectangular shaped, preferably injection molded two part plastic cased device with a thickness sufficient to house the circuitry, speaker and power supply (not shown). The back (159) has an attachment device (142) to connect it to the housing unit. The top of the timer clock alarm case (151) has a light bulb (152) exposed to provide a flashing light alarm, an hour setting switch (148), a minute setting switch (149), and a clock set/on switch (146). The front of the clock alarm system (141) has the LCD clock face (144), alarm set/on switch (154), sound volume high/low switch (150), seven position slide alarm selection switch (155), and light notification on/off switch (156), sound notification on/off switch (157), and vibration notification on/off switch (158). The dividing line (143) bisects the top (151), right and (145), left end (147), and bottom (153). The “TIMER CLOCK ALARM SYSTEM” (140) may be of any shape, could have more than two divisible parts, and be made from wood, metal, fiberglass, polypropylene, or other composite material. The attachment device (142) on the back (159) may be a snap, hook, hook and eye, or other easily attachment device to secure the time clock alarm system (140) to the housing unit (FIGS. 1,2,3,5, and 6) (20). The configuration of the switches on the top of the timer clock alarm case (151) may be changed to the sides (145 and 147) of the case or to the front (141). The clock face (144) could be a standard dial face with hands. The number of sound alarms may be more or less than seven. The configuration of the switches and the type of switches used may be changed to smaller or larger size. Some switches may even be eliminated thereby changing the number of functions.

The paper caddy is designed to be a readily available storage place for notes on medications/supplements, additional charts, note paper, and a writing instrument. It consists of a rectangular solid structure that may be detached from the housing unit. The paper caddy (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 15) (160) with writing instrument holder (162), preferably extrusion molded plastic, is a rectangular device with a long front wall (166), a long back wall (168) that has an attaching notch (164) to attach to the housing unit (20), a dividing partition (170), and two short walls (172) (174). The device is open on both the top and bottom of the rectangle. A dividing partition (170) between the front and back walls of the device separates the paper holding compartment (176) from the writing instrument holder (162). The “PAPER CADDY” (FIG. 15) (160) could be molded by injection or other process and be constructed from metal, wood, fiberglass, composite or other material. The attaching notch (164) could be a hook that attaches to the housing unit (20), a hook and eye attaching method, snaps, or other means of securing the paper caddy to the housing unit. The bottom of the paper caddy (160) may be closed or have a bottom thereby limiting the size of paper that could be held within it. The paper caddy itself may be molded as a part of the housing unit.

The cup or beverage holder, that is detachable from the housing unit, provides a base with adjustable arms that securely holds a beverage container as desired by user. The cup or beverage container holder (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 16) (180), preferably injection molded plastic, is a device that has an elongated rectangular spine or back support (182). Attached to the bottom or lower end of the back support (182) is a circular base or bottom support (186) that extends out and away from the bottom front of the spine or back support (190) and has two flexible beverage container surrounding circular holding arms (188) attached to the top of the sides of the spine or back support that also extend out and away from the spine or back support. The back of the spine or back support (194) has an attaching notch (184). The “CUP OR BEVERAGE CONTAINER HOLDER” (FIG. 16) (180) could be made from metal, wood, fiberglass, polypropylene, a composite, or combination of all these materials. The bottom support (186) could be hinged to fold upward toward the back or spine support (182) when not in use. The flexible beverage container surrounding circular holding arms (188) could be hinged to fold down when not in use. The attaching notch (184) could be changed to a hook that would attach to the housing unit (FIGS. 1,2,3,4,5 and 6) (20) or other attaching methods such as hook and dye, or snaps could be used.

The locking device may be either key or keyless. It may be of metal, plastic, or other material. The device connects through the openings provided in the ends of the securing strap to secure the housing unit, aid in easy of transportation, and prevent spillage. The locking device (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 17) (200) is a standard metal padlock. The “LOCKING DEVICE” (FIG. 17) (200) could be made of plastic or composite material. It could be a combination lock.

The housing unit (FIGS. 1,2,3,4,5 and 6) (20), rectangular in shape, preferably injection molded plastic, serves as the base of operations for the invention. The housing units consists of a top (FIGS. 1,2,4 and 5) (22) that has paper attaching devices (FIGS. 1,2,4 and 5) (38) for holding charts, notes on medications, or other paper, also attaching notes (FIGS. 1,2,4,5 and 6) (36) that are part of and directly connected to the housing unit to facilitate the attachment of additional housing units if desired upon the top of the base housing unit for expandability, a bottom (FIGS. 1,2,3,5 and 6) (24) that has two slots or openings (34) parallel to the front edge of the bottom (23) to allow the attachment of the securing strap (FIGS. 1,2,3,4 and 12) (100), a right wall (FIGS. 1,2,4 and 5) (30) with an exterior attaching notch (31) to connect to the attaching notch (142) that is located on the exterior back (159) of the timer clock alarm system (FIGS. 1,2 and 14) (140), a left wall (FIGS. 1,2,3,5 and 6) (28) with an exterior attaching notch (29) to connect to the attaching notch (184) on the exterior back of the spine or support (194) of the cup or beverage holder (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 16) (180), and a back wall (FIGS. 3,4,5 and 6) (26) with an exterior attaching notch (27) to connect to the attaching notch (164) on the exterior back wall (168) of the paper caddy with writing instrument holder (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 15) that are all part of the housing unit and directly connected. The housing unit (20) is directly connected to the divided tray (FIGS. 1,2,3,4,7,8 and 9) (40) that slides in and out of the front opening of the housing unit (FIGS. 1,2,4 and 5) (26), the securing strap (FIGS. 1,2 and 14) (100) connected to the housing unit (20) through the slots (FIGS. 3,5 and 6) (34) in the bottom (FIGS. 1,2,3,5 and 6) (24), the timer clock alarm system (FIGS. 1,2 and 14) (140) by an attaching notch on the timer alarm system (FIG. 14) (142) that attaches to an attaching notch on the housing unit (FIGS. 2 and 5) (31), the paper caddy (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 15) (160) by an attaching notch on the paper caddy (FIGS. 2 and 15) (164) that attaches to an attaching notch on the housing unit (FIGS. 3 and 6) (27), and the cup or beverage holder (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 16) (180) by an attaching notch on the cup or beverage holder (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 16) (184) that attaches to the attaching notch on the housing unit (FIGS. 3 and 6) (29). Indirectly the housing unit is connected also to the storage containers (FIGS. 1,2,4,7,8,9 and 10) (60) through the divided tray (40) that holds them, the reminding disks (FIGS. 2 and 11) (80) that are held by the storage containers (60), the detachable handle (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 13) (120) that connects to the securing strap (100) through the openings at each end of the detachable handle (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 13) (126 and 128) to aid in transportation, and the locking device (FIGS. 1,2,3 and 17) (200) that connects through the openings (FIG. 13) (110 and 112) of the securing strap (100) when the user chooses to child proof or prevent spillage during transportation of the housing unit. The top of the housing unit (FIGS. 1,2,3,4 and 5) (22) provides the writing space for charting medications/supplements taken and the paper attaching devices (FIGS. 1,2,4 and 5) (38) hold the paper in place for easier writing or to prevent it from slipping. With the attaching notes (FIGS. 1,2,3,4 and 5) (36) on the top (FIGS. 1,2,3,4 and 5) (22) additional housing units may be attached securely on the top (22) of the housing unit (20). This is an important feature of the invention in that each housing unit (20), divided tray (40), and storage containers (60) with reminding disks (80) are intended to be used for a single time of day dosing. The attaching lip (FIGS. 1,2,3,4,5 and 6) (32) around the edges of the bottom (FIGS. 3,5 and 6) (24) of the housing unit (20) connects securely into the attaching notes (22) of another housing unit. This provides the user with a significant feature to allow expandability in order to better manage multiple times per day dosing of medications/supplements. The divided tray (FIGS. 1,2,3,4,7,8 and 9) (40) is directly connected to the housing unit (20) be being housed by it and sliding in and out of the front opening of the housing unit (26) to provide easy access to the storage containers (60) and the stored contents. The tongue or pull (FIGS. 1,2,4,7,8 and 9) (44) which protrudes outwardly perpendicular to the exterior front wall of the divided tray (40) is directly connected and part of the divided tray and intended to easy the removal or insertion of the divided tray (40) within the housing unit (20). The storage containers (FIGS. 1,2,4,7,8,9 and 10) (60) that are directly connected to but not part of the divided tray and indirectly connected to the housing unit (20) are held within the divided tray front (42), back (54), left (52), and right (50) interior walls that are directly connected and a part of the divided tray. The divider (46) that is directly connect to and part of the divided tray separates the first row of storage containers (60) from the remaining containers to enable the opening of the plurality of storage container's (FIG. 10) easily openable hinged (66) lids (64) by the use of the lip (70) with one hand. The reminding disks (FIG. 11) (80) and the pre-printed (88) or write on (90) adhesive backed labels that may be attached to the reminding disks (80) are directly connected to the storage container (60) by being contained in one or more of the storage containers as desired or needed and indirectly connected to the divided tray (40) which holds the storage containers (60). The pre-printed adhesive backed labels (FIG. 10) (74) are directly connected to the storage containers (60) when the user chooses to affix them to the outer surface of the lid (72) and indirectly connected to the divided tray (40). The securing strap (FIGS. 1,2,3,4 and 12) (100) made of molded plastic, is directly connected to the housing unit through the slots in the bottom of the housing unit. It is designed to e wrapped around the housing unit directly connecting it to the divided tray and preventing it from sliding out of the front opening of the housing unit when a securing or locking mechanism (FIGS. 1 and 17) (200) is directly attached through the holes or openings near each end of the securing strap (FIGS. 1,2,3,4 and 12) (110 and 112). The detachable handle (FIGS. 1,2 and 13) (122) is directly connected to the securing strap by having the securing strap passed through the slots near each end of the handle (FIG. 13) (126 and 128) and is indirectly connected to the housing unit by the securing strap passing through the slots in the bottom of the housing unit and around it to be secured by the locking device or padlock that connects the two ends of the securing strap by passing through the openings or holds near each end of the securing strap. The detachable handle is indirectly connected to both the divided tray and the locking device. The timer clock alarm is directly connected to the housing unit by attaching directly to it in such a way that it may be removed and carried with the user as they may choose. The paper caddy with writing instrument holder is directly connected to the housing unit. The cup or beverage holder is directly connected to the housing unit. The locking device is directly connected to the securing strap when passed through the holes or openings located near each end of the securing strap. The locking device is indirectly connected to the housing unit through the securing strap, the detachable handle, and the divided tray. The housing unit could have a detachable top that would be affixed to the unit in some manner as to allow the paper attaching devices and notes to be attached to the bottom side of the top of the housing unit. Additional housing units could be attached to the base unit through the use of a different type of latching device. An alternative device could be used to connect eh securing strap to an additional securing strap so both would wrap around the housing unit. One securing strap would wrap vertically and the other would wrap horizontally. The divided tray could have an additional two horizontal dividers and/or three vertical dividers that would form a separate compartment for each storage container or separate only the rows or columns. The storage containers could be other shapes than cylindrical and could be made to attach to each other either vertically or horizontally or both. The detachable handle could be made with hooks that slipped under the securing strap or attached to it in a manner different than having the securing strap threaded through it. The locking device could be one that is commonly referred to as a combination lock rather than the traditional padlock that is recommended.

The monthly system for dispensing medications/supplements operates by the use of a housing unit with attachments. Each housing unit holds a divided tray that in turn holds a plurality of semi-transparent USDA approved food grade storage containers for one time per day dosing for a complete month. A feature of the housing unit is the expandability that allows multiple times of day dosing not found in most all prior art. This is accomplished by the lip located around the bottom of the housing unit being inserted into the attaching nodes on the top of an additional housing unit. As each housing unit is added an additional time of day doses for a complete month are made available by the connecting of the units. It is rare for a patient to need more than six separate time of day doses but the current invention permits the flexibility for individual time of day dosing from once per day to as many as the user may need or want. Charting the history of doses taken daily is of great assistance in the evaluation of ongoing use of medications/supplements. The current invention promotes this valuable tool by providing a readily available writing surface with paper attachment devices on the top of the housing unit. The housing unit also provides an attachment notch for a paper caddy with writing instrument holder that may be utilized to hold various charts them for better organization. These labels may correspond to the numerals on a calendar or be written on to designate the contents wish to be stored. The reminding disks that may be stored in one of the storage containers may be thin flat disk or other shaped devices that will allow the user to attach pre-printed or unprinted plain write on adhesive backed labels. As the storage containers are recharged for a month's supply of medications/supplements some of the prescriptions will be exhausted and need refilling. The user may place disks in advance of the need for a refill to be ordered to remind them to order the refill or use the disks to remind them where they run out of a certain medication so when the new order of a medication is refilled, they will not be confused or forget to add them to storage containers that are missing that particular medication. Other uses for the reminder disks could include reminding the user of doctor appointments, birthdays, events, and etc. that may occur during a month that the user wishes to be reminded of by placing a reminder disk in the storage container which corresponds to the given date on a calendar. The securing strap is attached to the housing unit by threading it through the two slots in the bottom of the housing unit. The operation of the securing strap is to aid the transportation of the unit, to prevent possible spillage of the contents, and to secure the contents by wrapping around the housing unit as a locking device may be attached through the openings or holds in the securing strap at or near each end. The detachable handle attaches to the securing strap by threading the securing strap through the openings or slots at the end of the detachable handle.

This provides the user with an aid in transportation if desired. When the user grasps the handle, it adjusts to the size of their hand without loosening the securing strap and making the unit or units much easier to transport. The timer clock alarm is affixed to the housing unit by an attaching notch so it may be removed if the user desires to carry it with them on their person. It's primary purpose is to remind the user through the use of an alarm that may be vibration, light or sound that it sis time for them to take their medications supplements as directed. The use may easily set the functions of the timer clock alarm through the use of oversized switches and setting buttons. The timer clock alarm utilizes a battery as a power source or may use electricity converted through the use of a proper voltage converter. The alarms may be adjusted in loudness or turned off completely. The timer clock alarm may also be used as a traveling alarm clock or as a reminder of various events during a day. The paper caddy with writing instrument holder affixes to the outside of the housing unit to allow it to be moved to a higher unit or taken off the housing unit if desired by the user. The function of the paper caddy is to conveniently hold needed charting supplies or medication/supplement instructions or information and to make readily available a place to sore a writing instrument. The cup or beverage container holder affixes to the housing unit by an attaching notch to provide the user with a convenience place to store their liquid of choice for the use in the task of taking store medications. The base of the holder provides a way to keep moisture rings from forming on furniture where the housing unit may sit. The adjustable arms of the holder keep the container in place. The locking device is a common padlock that is used to secure the ends of the adjustable securing strap or the tongue of the divided tray to the housing unit to prevent tampering, possible accidental spillage of the contents of the housing unit, and to child proof the unit or units.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A dispensing device, holding a month's supply of medications or supplements comprising:

paper chart attaching device;

a divided tray forming a plurality of semi-transparent storage containers;

at least one reminding disk having a diameter less then the width of said divided tray;

a locking device;

a removable time clock alarm system; and

securing strap.

2) A dispensing device as in claim 1 wherein said disk has a written reminder inscribed thereon.

3) A dispensing device as in claim 1 wherein said Strap is pliable material with loops on each end that prevents spillage and renders the dispensing device child proof.

4) A dispensing device as in claim 1 further comprising a beverage holder.

5) A dispensing device as in claim 1 further comprising a detachable paper caddy and a writing instrument holder.

6) A dispensing device as in claim 1 wherein said device further comprises a rectangular base, said rectangular base having a lip extending below each side of said rectangular base and enabling additional devices to be to be securely stacked above or below said rectangular base.