Medication holding and dispensing system

Abstract

A product delivery and/or dispensing system is realized by providing a housing or holding zone constructed for securely retaining any desired product or item which a user or gift-giver wishes to be delivered or dispensed with the housing or holding zone being automatically activated or moved from a first, fully retained position into a second, outwardly extending position whenever a slider panel is moved in a direction which is opposite from the direction of the movement of the housing or holding zone. By moving the slider in a first direction, the housing or holding zone moves in an opposite direction, typically to the surprise and excitement of the user. Furthermore, the slider is constructed to enable any desired information to be placed thereon thereby allowing a particular message or product information to be communicated to the user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/876,058, filed Dec. 19, 2006 entitled MEDICATION HOLDING AND DISPENSING SYSTEM.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to child-proof/senior friendly packaging and, more particularly, to an easily manufactured, inexpensive, sliding holder for blister-pack pharmaceutical products and other high value products.

BACKGROUND ART

With the ever increasing quantity of products being offered to consumers, substantial interest has been given to products which are able to provide the surprise delivery of a concealed item as well as the controlled delivery of specialty products or items. In particular, products which provide child-proof and/or senior friendly packaging for dispensing pharmaceuticals, medications, prescription and non-prescription vitamins, supplements and the like. In this regard, a wide variety of packaging has been developed over the years in an effort to create a pharmaceutical product dispensing device that can be easily used by a senior citizen and which provides optimum safety against unwanted access to the pharmaceutical products by children. Due to the deluge of products to which average consumers are constantly exposed, greater emphasis has been placed upon developing an inexpensive and easy to use pharmaceutical dispenser which is accessible to a consumer and which is child resistant.

Although attempts have been made to satisfy this demand, prior art products have failed to provide the desired result, typically due to the high cost of production for complex packaging systems. In addition, senior citizens with limited hand mobility have found many of the prior art dispensing systems are difficult to access which have made many of these prior art systems unpopular.

Furthermore, manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, medicine, and or drug containing and dispensing products also require product information to be associated with the product when it is sold. In many instances, maintaining such product information in direct association with the pharmaceutical product itself is often desirable, to assure the availability of the information when needed by the consumer.

In addition, in an attempt to provide product packaging which enables the user to be in complete compliance with all of the use requirements of the particular pharmaceutical, drug, medicine, and the like, a wide variety of additional printed information and indicia directly associated with the product package is desired. This information includes not only the dosing instructions, but also a readily visible system for enabling the user to know the amount of each dose and the day or frequency for taking the medication. Although the need and desire for compliance packaging has long existed, the prior art products have failed to satisfy the needs and demands of manufacturers, distributors, and consumers.

Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a pharmaceutical dispensing product which is capable of being produced at a reasonable cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical dispensing system having the characteristic features described above which is easily employed by senior citizens.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical dispensing system having the characteristic features described above which employs a locking system, assuring inaccessibility to the product by a child.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical dispensing system having the characteristic features described above which provides a wide variety of convenience and compliance information for assisting the user in taking the proper dosage of the medication.

Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By employing the present invention, all of the difficulties and inabilities of the prior art are eliminated and a unique product delivery and/or dispensing system is realized. In accordance with the present invention, a housing or holding zone is provided for securely retaining any desired product or item which a user or gift-giver wishes to be delivered or dispensed. In this regard, the particular product or item may be secretly retained in the housing or holding zone, or maintained in the holding zone for limited or controlled distribution.

Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the activation or movement of the housing or holding zone from a first, fully retained position into a second, outwardly extending position is achieved by activating a slider panel to move in a direction which is opposite from the direction of the movement of the housing or holding zone. By moving the slider in a first direction, the housing or holding zone moves in an opposite direction, typically to the surprise and excitement of the user.

In addition, in accordance with the present invention, the slider is constructed to enable any desired information to be placed thereon thereby being able to communicate a particular message or product information to the user. Furthermore, the housing or holding zone is typically constructed in a manner which enables the product or item retained therein to be fully concealed in the housing or holding zone for delivering a wide variety of products, ranging from high-value, small gifts, to prescription medications, drugs, pharmaceutical products, and the like. Furthermore, if desired, prescription medication can be packaged in small or individualized dosage amounts, each of which are separately sealed for assuring controlled use of the particular product or medication.

As is evident from the foregoing discussion, as well as the detailed disclosure provided herein, the present invention can be employed in a wide variety of alternate constructions and configurations, as well as employed for a wide variety of purposes and product deliveries. Although the wide variety of constructions and products for which the present invention can be employed share common features, one principal use of the product invention is in the delivery of pharmaceutical products such as prescriptions, medications, drugs, vitamins, supplements, and the like, in a manner which assures controlled use as well as dosage compliance. Consequently, the following detailed discussion will focus upon the use of the present invention as a unique, senior friendly, child-proof or child resistant pharmaceutical dispensing system and the particular features associated with this product. However, it is to be understood that the use of the present invention is not limited to pharmaceutical products and can be employed with equal efficacy for numerous alternate products.

In order to provide a pharmaceutical dispensing system which meets all of the needs and requirements of the industry, the dispensing system must incorporate a locking feature which will prevent or reduce the ability of children gaining access to the pharmaceutical product contained therein. As a result, each of the embodiments of the present invention is constructed for providing a pharmaceutical delivery system which incorporates a locking element which is easily accessed by individuals, particularly senior citizens, while being resistant or incapable of activation by children. In the following discussion, each of these alternate embodiments is fully detailed.

In the overall construction of the pharmaceutical dispensing system of the present invention, a housing is provided which incorporates an upper panel and a lower panel interconnected to each other along their side edges, thereby enabling the panels to be mounted in juxtaposed, spaced, overlying, facing relationship to each other, defining an interior zone therebetween. In addition, a slider panel is mounted in the housing along with a product retaining panel or product holding container.

In accordance with the present invention, the slider panel and the product retaining panel/container are cooperatively associated with each other for enabling movement of the slider panel to automatically cause movement of the product retaining panel/container. In this regard, in the preferred construction, the housing incorporates an interior partition or wall fixedly mounted therein in juxtaposed, spaced relationship to the upper panel and lower panel, with an endless loop belt or band peripherally surrounding the interior panel.

Finally, one surface or portion of the slider panel is affixed to a first side of the endless loop belt/band, while one surface or portion of the product retaining panel/container is affixed to a second side of the endless loop belt/band. As a result, longitudinal movement of the slider automatically causes longitudinal movement of the product retaining panel/container, as the endless loop belt/band moves about the interior support panel. In this way, movement of the slider panel in a first direction causes the product retaining panel/container to move simultaneously in an opposite direction, with both components moving outwardly from the housing.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the desired locking feature is achieved by forming a key-hole shaped cut-out zone in the upper panel of the housing, while the slider panel or product retainer panel/container incorporates a cooperating locking tab. In operating this embodiment, the locking tab must be disengaged from the cut-out zone in order to activate the slider operation.

By employing this construction, an inexpensive and senior friendly pharmaceutical dispensing product is obtained which enables a consumer to gain easy access to the pharmaceutical product that is mounted within the housing. By longitudinally moving an upper support member in a first direction relative to the housing, movement of the lower support member containing the pharmaceutical product is presented to the consumer once the locking member is disengaged.

In order to prevent, or substantially reduce, the ability of a child to gain access to the medication contained on the lower support member, the locking tab formed on the upper support member is positioned for locking engagement in the key-hold shaped slot of the upper panel of the housing. With the locking tab placed in its raised position, movement of the upper support member is prevented since the locking tab is incapable of passing through the narrow passageway portion of the key-hole slot. As a result, any attempt by a child to longitudinally move the upper support member to cause the lower support member with the medication to be displayed will be prevented.

Furthermore, by employing the present invention, any other individuals, including seniors or people with reduced manual dexterity, are able to easily unlock the system and gain access to the medication. In this regard, the individual only needs to press the locking tab downwardly, in order to force the locking tab to move below the key-hole shaped cut out slot of the upper panel. Once the locking tab is below the key-hole shaped slot, movement of the upper support member is easily achieved.

Since the upper support member is affixed to one side of the endless band, the longitudinal movement of the upper support member causes the endless band to slidably rotate about the interior partition to which the band is mounted. In addition, since the lower support member is affixed to the opposed side of the endless band, the movement of the band causes the lower support member to move simultaneously therewith in a longitudinal direction opposite from the direction in which the first upper support member is moved.

As a result of this construction, the consumer-generated longitudinal movement of the upper support member automatically causes the lower support member to pop-up out of the housing in a direction opposite from the direction in which the upper support member is being moved.

In an alternate embodiment, the child resistant/child proof lock construction comprises an upstanding finger or tab member mounted to the slider panel which is cooperatively associated with an abutment surface mounted to the upper panel of the housing. In addition, a finger accessible recess or cavity is formed in the upper panel and the slider panel for enabling the user to quickly and easily engage a portion of the slider panel for initiating the movement of the slider panel.

Due to the locking engagement of the finger/tab member with the abutment surface, longitudinal movement of the slider panel is incapable of being achieved while the finger/tab member is in its locked position. However, by pressing a specific designated area of the upper panel of the housing, the finger/tab member is moved, disengaging the finger/tab member from the abutment surface. Once the finger/tab member has been disengaged, the slider panel is able to be quickly and easily longitudinally moved outwardly from the housing, causing the product retaining panel/container to be longitudinally moved outwardly of the housing in the opposite direction. In this way, the user must employ two hands to gain access to the medication.

In a preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention, the locking finger/tab member is mounted along a side edge of the slider panel enabling the finger/tab member to be readily accessed by the user when the slider panel has been longitudinally moved out of the housing. Once in this position, the locking finger/tab member can be removed from the slider member in its entirety, thereby disconnecting the locking mechanism. As a result, in those instances where children are not present and a childproof or child resistant construction is not needed, the user is able to physically disable the locking mechanism on a permanent basis, thereby eliminating any needed to physically disengage the locking finger/tab from engagement with the abutment surface.

In a third alternate embodiment of the present invention, a folded panel is mounted to the slider plate and positioned for engaging the side edge of a reinforcing plate or abutment plate mounted to the top surface of the housing. In addition, an enlarged movable flap is formed in the top surface of the housing directly above the position of the folded panel when the slider is fully engaged in the housing. As with the previous embodiment, a cutaway zone is formed in the top panel of the housing in direct association with a finger receiving cavity or depression formed in the slider panel and positioned for enabling the user to quickly and easily gain access to the slider panel for causing the slider panel to move.

By employing this embodiment of the present invention, the user gains control of the slider plate with a first hand by engaging the finger receiving cavity or depression formed therein and attempting to pull the slider panel for withdrawing the slider panel from the housing. However, due to the locked engagement of the abutment plate with the folded panel, longitudinal movement of the slider plate is prevented.

In order to overcome the lock engagement of the folded panel with the abutment plate, the user presses upon the enlarged flap with a second hand to dislodge the folded panel from the abutment plate. Once dislodged, longitudinal movement of the slider plate is easily achieved. In this way, the user is able to withdraw the slider plate from the housing and simultaneously cause the associated product holding plate/container to move longitudinally from the housing in the opposite direction. Once removed from the housing, the user is able to gain access to the medication or other product retained in the product holding plate/container.

As is evident from the foregoing detailed discussion, by employing any of the alternate embodiments detailed above, an easily constructed, highly effective, childproof/child resistant medication holding and dispensing system is realized. In addition, by providing an elongated slider plate and an elongated product retaining plate/container fully integrated in a cooperating housing, all of the required elements for providing complete information regarding the medications or prescription items, directions regarding the usage and dosages of the medicine, warning labels, and other pertinent information is easily contained and displayed on the components of the dispensing system. In this way, a highly effective medication containing and dispensing system is achieved.

The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and relation of elements which will be exemplified in the articles hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the medication holding and dispensing system of the present invention, shown in its locked position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 1 shown in its locked position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 1 shown in its unlocked position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 1 shown in its unlocked position;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 1 shown in its unlocked position with the control card and medication retaining card longitudinally extending outwardly from the housing;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 1 shown in its unlocked position with the control card and medication retaining card longitudinally extending outwardly from the housing;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the medication holding and dispensing system of the present invention shown in its locked position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 7 shown in its open and fully extended position;

FIG. 9 is an exploded, top plan view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 8 showing the components forming the dispensing system prior to assembly;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 7 shown in its open and fully extended position with the lock assembly fully disengaged;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further alternate preferred embodiment of the medication holding and dispensing system of the present invention shown in its locked position;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 13 shown in its open and partially extended position;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an exploded top plan view of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 13 showing the components forming the dispensing system prior to assembly;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the slider panel which forms one component of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the product holding panel/container which forms one component of the medication holding and dispensing system of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

By referring to FIGS. 1-18, along with the following detailed discussion, several alternate embodiments of the product dispensing system 20 of the present invention are fully depicted. As discussed above, in accordance with the teaching of the present invention, product dispensing system 20 can be implemented for use with a wide variety of various products, particularly high value gifts, prizes, medications, prescription drugs, pharmaceutical products, vitamins, herbal supplements, and the like. However, in view of the unique packaging and dosage requirements imposed upon prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, pharmaceutical products, vitamins, herbal supplements, etc., the various embodiments of the present invention are detailed herein in connection with the packaging, sale, and distribution of these products.

In addition, although the following detailed discussion and the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-18, focus upon the use of the present invention as a unique, senior friendly, child proof or child resistant package or distribution system for the sale and distribution of various medicines, the construction, operation, and use of the present invention is not limited to these specific products. Consequently, it is to be understood that the alternate embodiments of the present invention which are detailed herein are provided for exemplary purposes only and are not intended as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, alternate constructions as well as alternate products for which the present invention can be employed are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

As detailed herein, each embodiment of lockable medication holding and dispensing system 20 is constructed to enable medication to be retained in a holding system which is both child safe and senior friendly. In this regard, a child safe or child resistant packaging is achieved which prevents children from easily gaining access to the medication contained in holding/dispensing system 20. In addition, lockable medication holding/dispensing system 20 is also constructed to be quickly and easily unlocked by all individuals, except young children, regardless of hand dexterity in order to gain access to the medication when required.

In accordance with the present invention, each embodiment of lockable, medication holding/dispensing system 20 is constructed in a manner which is similar to the construction detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,265. In this prior art Patent, a promotional display system is detailed which incorporates an outer housing containing two cooperating slidable components retained in the housing and constructed for cooperating movement in opposite directions. As detailed in this Patent disclosure, by manually removing one component from the housing in a first axial direction, a second component is automatically simultaneously removed from the housing in the opposite axial direction. As a result, as taught in this Patent, a unique visually exciting and interest generating promotional display system is achieved.

In the present invention, the lockable, medication holding/dispensing system 20 incorporates housing 21, which is constructed for peripherally surrounding and retaining axially movable slider member or panel 22, which is mounted in cooperating association with product or medication retaining panel or holding container 23. In the preferred construction, the product comprises a desired medication, typically in pill form, and is affixed to holding panel or container 23 for being securely retained therewith, ready for removal when desired by the user.

In addition, product holding panel/container 23 is cooperatively associated with axially movable slider panel 22 which is mounted in housing 21 and is easily reached by the user for being withdrawn from housing 21 in a first direction. Using the concept taught in the above identified U.S. Patent, the axial movement of slider panel 22 automatically causes medication holding panel/container 23 to be axially moved out of housing 21, advancing in a direction opposite from the direction of slider panel 23. In this way, the user is able to quickly and easily obtain access to the desired medication by pulling slider panel 22 in a first direction and causing medication holding panel/container 23 to be automatically advanced out of housing 21 in the opposite axial direction.

Although medication holding and dispensing system 20 of the present invention provides a unique, easily used, and readily accessible medication retaining and delivery package for use by all individuals, it has been found to be particularly desirable to incorporate a safety locking feature as an integral component of medication holding and dispensing system 20 in order to impart a child safety or child resistant feature to the present invention for establishing holding/dispensing system 20 of the present invention as being child resistant. In this way, additional complex security measures for preventing easy access to medication by small children is avoided.

In accordance with the present invention, housing 21 comprises upper panel 26, lower panel 27, and side edges 28 and 29. All of these components are preferably interconnected to each other to form housing 21 and interior zone 30.

In addition, in accordance with the present invention, upper panel 26 of housing 21 incorporates key-hole shaped slot 33 formed therein. Preferably, key-hole shaped slot 33 comprises arcuate curved, generally circular-shaped portion 34 and narrow passageway 35. As shown, circular-shaped portion 34 comprises one or more arcuate curved section which extend a total of about 260° to 340°. The remainder of the circular-shaped portion 34 comprises narrow passageway 35.

As depicted, curved portion 34 may comprise a plurality of curved sections. However, regardless of the construction for forming curved poriton 34, the curved zone ranges between about 260° to 340° and has an overall diameter which is about two times greater than the width of passageway 35.

In completing the construction of the locking system preferably incorporated into medication holding/dispensing system 20, the top surface of slider panel 22 is formed incorporating an upstanding tab member 38. Preferably, tab member 38 is formed as a half-circle extending upwardly from the top surface of slider panel 22. Furthermore, tab member 38 is positioned and constructed for co-operating with circular-shaped portion 34 of key-hole shaped slot 33.

In order to achieve the desired locking engagement of slider panel 22 with housing 21, tab member 38 comprises a diameter slightly less than the diameter of circular-shaped portion 34. In this way, tab member 38 is able to extend through circular-shaped portion 34 of key-hole shaped slot 33.

As depicted, although tab member 38, when in its raised, upwardly extending position, appears to represent the element that should be pulled in order to longitudinally withdraw slider panel 22 from housing 21, any attempt to pull tab member 38, or any other portion of slider panel 22, will not result in any movement of slider panel 22. Due to the construction detailed above, the diameter tab member 38 prevents tab member 38 from being able to pass through narrow passageway 35. Instead, tab member 38, when extending upwardly as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, effectively locks slider panel 22 in the fully retained position within housing 21, preventing slider panel 22 from being longitudinally movable. In this way, any child who attempts to gain access to the medication affixed to product holding panel/container 23, will be incapable of gaining access to the medication.

In order to achieve a medication holding and dispensing system which not only prevents children from gaining access to the medication but allows senior citizens and individuals with manual dexterity difficulties to easily gain access to the medication, medication holding and dispensing system 20 of the present invention is quickly and easily moved into its unlocked position. However, due to the unique construction of the locking system, young children are unlikely to understand the maneuvers required for dis-engaging the locking system.

In accordance with the present invention, in order to disengage the locking system incorporated into medication holding and dispensing system 20, an individual needs only to press tab 38 downwardly in order to cause a tab 38 to pass below curved circular shaped portion 34 of keyhole shaped slot 33. Once tab member 38 has been moved into its down position, tab member 38 is retained in this position due to the curved elements of circular shaped portion 34 overlying tab member 38. In addition, once locked below curved, circular shaped portion 34, tab member 38 easily passes below narrow passageway 35, enabling slider panel 22 to be longitudinally withdrawn from housing 21, whenever desired.

As detailed above, whenever an individual longitudinally moves slider panel 22 outwardly from housing 21, medication retaining panel/container 23 longitudinally moves outwardly from housing 21 in an opposite direction. Once medication retaining panel/container 23 longitudinally extends outwardly from housing 21, an individual is able to quickly and easily remove the medication secured thereto for use as directed.

In this way, medication holding and dispensing system 20 is realized which is capable of reducing the likelihood of young children gaining access to medication, while also providing a system which is the easily used by individuals with reduced manual dexterity. As a result, all of the goals and objectives sought for the present invention are realized.

By referring to FIGS. 7-12, along with the following detailed discussion, a second preferred embodiment of the lockable, medication holding/dispensing system 20 of the present invention can best be understood. As detailed herein, all of the desired attributes for an effective, easily employed, lockable mediation holding/dispensing system are achieved with this second alternate embodiment.

In the preferred construction of this alternate embodiment, lockable medication holding/dispensing system 20 incorporates housing 21, slider panel 22, and product retaining or holding panel/container 23, all of which are cooperatively associated with each other for providing the desired automatic movement of product retaining panel/container 23 in response to the movement of slider panel 22. In the preferred construction, housing 21 comprises upper panel 26, lower panel 27, and side edges 28 and 29. With each of these components cooperatively associated with each other, interior zone 30 is formed within housing 21.

The preferred construction of housing 21 is completed by incorporating interior partition or wall 33, with partition/wall 33 affixed to side edge 28, side edge 29, or both side edges for extending therefrom into interior zone 30. Finally, endless loop belt or band 34 is mounted to interior partition/wall 33 in a peripherally surrounding manner for enabling endless loop belt/band 34 to be continuously rotated about partition/wall 33 when desired by the user. In this way, the simultaneous movement of product retaining panel/container 23 in response to the axial movement of slider panel 22 is provided.

As detailed above in connection with the first preferred embodiment, longitudinal or axial movement of slider panel 22 in a first direction out of housing 21 automatically causes product retaining panel/container 23 to move longitudinally or axially out of housing 21 in an opposite direction. In this way, the user is able to quickly and easily gain access to the medication secured to product retaining panel/container 23. In order to achieve this preferred operation, slider panel 22 is affixed to endless loop belt/band 34 on one side of interior partition/wall 33, while product retaining panel/container 23 is affixed to endless loop belt/band 34 on the opposed surface of interior partition/wall 33.

As a result of this construction, the longitudinal movement of slider panel 22 relative to housing 21 causes endless loop belt/band 34 to rotate about interior partition/wall 33 as slider panel 22 is longitudinally moved outwardly from housing 21. In addition, since product retaining panel/container 23 is affixed to endless loop belt/band 34, the movement of belt/band 34 by the activation of slider panel 22 causes product retaining panel/container 23 to move simultaneously in the opposition direction automatically emerging from housing 21 in response to the movement of slider panel 22. In this way, the user is able to quickly and easily gain access to the medication secured to product retaining panel/container 23 whenever desired.

Furthermore, in order to assure that medication holding/dispensing system 20 provides the desired physical characteristics for enabling individuals to consume their desired medication in compliance with all requirements and physician instructions, slider panel 22 and product retaining panel/container 23 are constructed with indicia printed thereon for enhancing and assisting in enabling the user to be completely compliant with the proper usage and dosage of the desired medication. In this regard, slider panel 22 incorporates any desired instructions and pertinent information for communicating to the user all important information regarding the dosage and the medication being consumed. In addition, since slider panel 22 is normally retained within housing 22, this information remains in a concealed position, until slider panel 22 is withdrawn from housing 21, thereby revealing to the user all of the pertinent information the consumer requires upon usage of the medication.

Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, product retaining panel/container 23 maintains the prescription drugs, medications, or other products in a closed, sealed environment, in order to prevent access to these products by children. Furthermore, product retaining panel/container 23 may be constructed as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 10, with each individual pill, tablet, and the like forming the prescription drugs or medicine securely retained in individual housings or retaining zones 47 which must be separately broken to gain access to the medication. In addition, each housing or retaining zone 47 may be labeled with specific indicia to assist the user. Such indicia may comprise specific dosing instructions or days of the week in order to assure the medication is taken at the appropriate time.

In this embodiment of the present invention, medication holding/dispensing system 20 incorporates a locking system in order prevent the medication from being easily accessed by small children. As a result, this alternate embodiment of the present invention also achieves a child resistant or child proof construction.

In this embodiment of the present invention, slider panel 22 incorporates aperture or cavity 40 formed therein adjacent the leading edge thereof, with aperture/cavity 40 being dimensioned for easily receiving the fingertip of an individual. In this way, any individual wishing to remove slider panel 22 from housing 21 is able to quickly and easily insert their fingertip into aperture/cavity 40 and then pull on slider panel 22 to move slider panel 22 outwardly from housing 21. Furthermore, in order to enable aperture/cavity 40 to be easily accessible, upper panel 26 of housing 21 incorporates a cut-out area 41 formed therein and positioned in overlying aligned relationship with aperture/cavity 40.

Although slider panel 22 is constructed for providing the user with ease of access to slider panel 22 as the means for initiating the longitudinal movement of slider panel 22 relative to housing 21, medication holding/dispensing system 20 incorporates a stop assembly or movement control assembly to prevent slider plate 22 from being easily moved by small children. In this regard, slider panel 22 incorporates tab assembly 50 formed along a side edge of slider panel 22 with tab assembly 50 being constructed for cooperating engagement with abutment or stop plate 51.

In the preferred embodiment, abutment or stop plate 51 is mounted on the inside surface of upper panel 26 of housing 21 directly adjacent side edge 29. In addition, tab assembly 50 is folded relative to the side edge of slider panel 22 in order to achieve an upstanding flexible arm member 49 extending outwardly from the surface of slider panel 22 with the terminating edge thereof positioned for engaging the edge of abutment or stop plate 51. In this way, when slider panel 22 is inserted completely within housing 21, the terminating edge of arm member 49 engages the edge of abutment/stop plate 51 effectively preventing slider panel 22 from being axially or longitudinally withdrawn from housing 21. This position is clearly seen in FIG. 11.

Whenever the user wishes to obtain access to the medication affixed to an product retaining panel/container 23, the user merely inserts a fingertip into aperture/cavity 40 and, prior to longitudinally moving slider panel 22, the user presses pushbutton or flexible plate 52 formed in upper panel 26 of housing 21 in vertically aligned, and cooperating relationship with arm member 49. The vertical movement caused by pressing pushbutton/flexible plate 52, causes arm member 49 to move downwardly, disengaging the terminating edge thereof from abutment/stop plate 51. Once arm member 49 is disengaged from abutment/stop plate 51, slider panel 22 is free to be longitudinally withdrawn from housing 21.

As discussed above, when slider panel 22 is longitudinally moved outwardly from housing 21, medication retaining panel/container 23 longitudinally moves outwardly from housing 21 in an opposite direction. In this way, the user is able to quickly and easily gain access to the medication securely affixed to product retaining panel/container 23.

Furthermore, by employing this embodiment of the present invention, a senior friendly product is realized which is quickly and easily used by older individuals, regardless of any reduced manual dexterity. However, although this embodiment of medication holding/dispensing system 20 is easily employed by individuals with reduced manual dexterity, the overall construction of the locking system employed prevents or substantially reduces the ability of small children being able to gain access to the medication due to the requirement that two separate and independent actions must be performed simultaneously.

As a result, the desired goals of a senior friendly and child resistant or childproof medication holding and dispensing system are realized. Furthermore, as detailed above, in addition to the stop construction formed as an integral component of medication holding and dispensing system 20, the present invention also provides a construction which provides enlarged, readily viewable surface areas on which desired instructions, labels, dosing requirements, and use control elements are easily incorporated. As a result, in addition to providing a senior friendly, child proof/child resistant construction, the medication holding and dispensing system of the present invention also achieves a construction which enhances optimum medication dosing information and compliance. In this way, all of the goals and objectives sought for a product of this nature are realized.

Finally, the preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention also enables the user to physically remove the locking mechanism from medication holding and dispensing system 20. As a result, any individual who has no concern of the medication being opened by small children is able to physically remove the locking system for allowing medication holding and dispensing system 20 to be freely opened, without the requirement of simultaneous disengagement of locking arm of 49 from the edge of abutment plate 51.

In this regard, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, tab assembly 50 can be quickly and easily removed, in its entirety, from slider panel 22. Once tab assembly 50 has been physically separated completely from slider panel 22, no structure remains for engaging abutment plate 51 mounted to housing 21. As a result, slider panel 22 can be freely moved longitudinally outwardly from housing 21 without requiring the activation of pushbutton/flexible plate 52.

In FIGS. 13-18, a third preferred embodiment of medication dispensing system 20 of the present invention is fully depicted. By referring to these drawings along with the following detailed discussion, the construction and operation of this third alternate preferred embodiment can best be understood. In this embodiment, a lockable medication holding/dispensing system 20 is realized which provides the user with easy access to the desired medication, while also being child resistant or childproof. As a result, individuals can be assured that any desired medication, drugs, prescription items, and the like can be easily obtained and used in the desired manner, while also being assured that access to this medication by small children is thwarted or prevented.

As with the embodiments detailed above, this construction of medication holding/dispensing system 20 also incorporates housing 21, slider panel 22, and product retaining or holding panel/container 23. In addition, these components are cooperatively associated with each other, in the manner detailed above, to provide the desired automatic movement of product retaining panel/container 23 in response of movement of slider panel 22.

For ease of disclosure and understanding, the elements forming this embodiment of medication holding and dispensing system 20 are shown in FIGS. 13-18 with reference numerals identical to the reference numerals used in FIGS. 7-12 where the components are structurally and/or functionally identical. In addition, the detailed disclosure provided above regarding these components is repeated and incorporated herein by reference, in order to avoid duplication and repetition. In this way, any questions concerning these components is fully disclosed and made evident from the discussion provided above in reference to FIGS. 7-12, with the following disclosure focusing on the components which are structurally and functionally different from the previous embodiments.

The principal variation between this embodiment and the other embodiments detailed above is the locking system construction employed. In this embodiment, the locking system incorporates plate 60 which is mounted to the inside surface of upper panel 26 of housing 21 with terminating edge 61 of plate 60 forming an abutment stop. As shown in FIG. 16, plate 60 may be formed integrally with upper panel 26 and folded relative therein onto the inside surface of panel 26. The length of plate 60 is controlled in order to position edge 61 in the desired location.

In addition, slider panel 22 incorporates enlarged flange 64 extending from the end of slider panel 22 opposite finger receiving cavity 40. Preferably, enlarged flange 64 comprises folded end 66 for extending upwardly from slider panel 22 towards plate 60, while also incorporating folded arm 65 which extends from flange 64.

Completing this construction is flat panel 68 which incorporates portion 69. In the preferred construction, folded portion 69 of panel 68 is sandwiched between arm 65 and flange 64 and secured in this position. As a result, these components extend upwardly from slider panel 22 and engage terminating end 61 of plate 60.

Finally, housing 21 incorporates cut-out, movable flap 70 formed in upper panel 26 vertically adjacent arm 65, flange 64, and portion 69. As detailed below, movement of flap 70 causes movement of these elements away from edge 61.

In operation, any movement of slider panel 22 outwardly from housing 21 causes flange 64, arm 65, and folded portion 69 of panel 68 to engage terminating edge 61 of plate 60 preventing slider panel 22 from being longitudinally moved. In this way, medication holding and dispensing system 20 is automatically in its locked position.

Whenever a user wishes to gain access to the medication mounted to product retaining panel/container 23, the user pushes cut-out, movable flap 70, causing flap 66 to contact flange 64, arm 65, and portion 69 and move these elements away from terminating edge 61 of plate 60.

With these elements pushed below edge 61 of plate 60, slider panel 22 is able to be freely moved outwardly from one end of housing 21. In addition, as slider panel 22 is moved outwardly from housing 21, product retaining panel/container 23 automatically moves outwardly from the opposite end of housing 21, enabling the user to gain access to the desired medication.

In this way, a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided wherein a child resistant, child proof medication holding and dispensing system is achieved which also provides complete information regarding the use of the medication. As a result, children are protected while the medication user is provided with complete information for promoting complete compliance with all of the use and dosage requirements.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A product retaining and delivering system constructed for enabling any product to be distributed in a sealed and locked manner, said system comprising: whereby a lockable product retaining and delivering system is realized which requires positive disengagement of the lock system in order to enable the product holding panel/container to be accessible.

A. a housing having an upper panel, a lower panel, and side edges interconnecting the upper panel with the lower panel and establishing an interior zone therebetween;

B. an interior partition mounted in the housing in spaced relationship with the upper panel and the lower panel;

C. an endless loop band mounted to the interior partition in peripheral surrounding relationship therewith for being continuously movable about the interior partition;

D. a sliding panel mounted in the housing on one side of said partition and affixed to a portion of the endless loop band;

E. a product holding panel/container mounted in the housing on the opposed side of said partition and affixed to a portion of the endless loop band whereby longitudinal movement of the sliding panel causes the simultaneous longitudinal movement of the holding panel/container in an opposite direction; and

F. a lock system cooperatively associated with the sliding panel and the housing for preventing longitudinal movement of the sliding panel unless the lock system has been disabled;

2. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 1, wherein the lock system is further defined as comprising two cooperating members constructed for being movable between a first engaged and locked position wherein movement of the slider panel relative to the housing is prevented, and a second, disengaged, released position wherein the slider panel is freely movable relative to the housing.

3. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 2, wherein the two cooperating members forming the lock system are further defined as comprising a first member movably mounted to the slider panel and a second member cooperatively associated with the housing and positioned for cooperative, locking interengagement with the first member when the slider panel is fully engaged in the housing.

4. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 3, wherein the locking interengagement of the first member with the second member occurs automatically whenever the slider panel is placed in a fully retained, stowed position in the housing.

5. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 3, wherein the first member comprises an upstanding flap movably mounted to the slider panel and the second member comprises a cutout zone formed in the upper panel of the housing in cooperating, associated relationship with the flap of the slider panel, with said cutout zone being constructed for preventing movement of the slider panel whenever the flap is engaged in the cutout zone while allowing free movement of the slider panel relative to the housing when the flap is disengaged from the cutout zone.

6. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 5, wherein the cutout zone is further defined as comprising a first, enlarged, substantially circular portion cooperatively associated with a second, narrow portion, extending from the first portion to the terminating edge of the housing, and said flap is further defined as being dimensioned for preventing movement of the flap through the second, narrow portion.

7. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 3, wherein said first member comprises a flexible arm movably mounted to the slider panel and extending therefrom, and the second member comprises a plate affixed to the inside surface of the upper panel of the housing with said plate forming an abutment stop positioned for locking interengagement with the arm, whereby the flexible arm engages the abutment stop thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the slider panel relative to the housing when in the first, locked position.

8. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 7, wherein said plate forming the abutment stop is further defined as comprising a separate, substantially flat panel member affixed to the inside surface of the upper panel of the housing.

9. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 7, wherein said plate forming the abutment stop is further defined as being integrally formed with the upper panel of the housing as an elongated extension thereof, and is folded relative to the upper panel of the housing for forming the abutment stop on the inside surface of the upper panel.

10. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 7, wherein the flexible arm is further defined as comprising an extension panel or plate affixed to the slider panel and incorporating at least one folded portion integrally formed therein and constructed for radially extending upwardly from the slider panel for engaging the abutment stop.

11. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 10, wherein the upper panel of the housing is further defined as incorporating a preformed, movable designated zone positioned in vertical alignment with the flexible arm for enabling the flexible arm to be disengaged from the abutment stop when desired, thereby enabling the slider panel to be longitudinally moved outwardly from the housing.

12. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 11, wherein the movable designated zone is further defined as comprising a cutout area formed in the upper panel of the housing and incorporating at least one portion affixed to the upper panel of the housing with the remainder thereof being independent of the housing, thereby enabling the cutout area to be flexible relative to the upper panel of the housing for moving the arm member out of engagement with the abutment stop.

13. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 10, wherein the extension panel or plate is further defined as being formed along the side edge of the slider panel and positioned for enabling the extension panel or plate to be removed in its entirety from the slider panel when the slider panel is fully extended outwardly from the housing, thereby enabling the user to disengage the lock assembly in its entirety.

14. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 10, wherein the flexible arm is further defined as being mounted to the distal end of the slider panel in position for enabling the flexible arm to be removed in its entirety from the slider panel in order to disengage the lock assembly in its entirety.

15. The product retaining and delivering system defined in claim 7, wherein the slider panel is further defined as comprising a finger receiving cavity formed along one edge thereof and positioned for easy access by the user when longitudinal movement of the slider panel is desired.

16. A medication retaining and delivering system constructed for enabling any medication to be distributed in a sealed and locked manner for providing a child resistant configuration, said system comprising: whereby a lockable medication retaining and delivering system is realized which requires positive disengagement of the lock system simultaneously with the movement of the slider panel in order to enable the medication holding panel/container to be accessible, thereby achieving a child resistant construction.

A. a housing having an upper panel, a lower panel, and side edges interconnecting the upper panel with the lower panel and establishing an interior zone therebetween;

B. an interior partition mounted in the housing in spaced relationship with the upper panel and the lower panel;

C. an endless loop band mounted to the interior partition in peripheral surrounding relationship therewith for being continuously movable about the interior partition;

D. a sliding panel mounted in the housing on one side of said partition and affixed to a portion of the endless loop band;

E. a medication holding panel/container mounted in the housing on the opposed side of said partition and affixed to a portion of the endless loop band whereby longitudinal movement of the sliding panel causes the simultaneous longitudinal movement of the holding panel/container in an opposite direction; and

F. a lock system cooperatively associated with the sliding panel and the housing for preventing longitudinal movement of the sliding panel unless the lock system has been disabled simultaneously with the longitudinal movement of the slider panel;

17. The medication retaining and delivering system defined in claim 16, wherein the slider panel and medication holding panel/container comprises indicia printed thereon for assisting the user in achieving proper medication usage and compliance.

18. The medication retaining and delivering system defined in claim 17, wherein said medication is further defined as being separately retained on the medication holding panel/container in sealed zones thereby providing a further deterrent to access by children.