Cylindrical pill dispenser and related methods of use

A pill dispenser includes an outer body for displaying one or more pills within the dispenser. A core is disposed within the outer body, and the core includes a channel extending along a length of the outer body to store the one or more pills within the channel. The pill dispenser further includes an actuator with a slot, and the actuator is joined to the outer body at a first end and rotatable about the core from a storage position to a dispensing position with the slot aligned with the channel. An actuator cover is joined to the actuator and includes an opening configured to align with the slot when the actuator is in the storage position.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The disclosed subject matter generally relates to containers for storing and dispensing medication.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Pill dispensers and packages can be designed to facilitate patient compliance with a desired dosing schedule. Such pill dispensers and packages can include a pill configuration, or other indicators, to allow a patient to identify and adhere to a dosing schedule. For example, push and hold dispensing package designs can be utilized by pushing a tablet from a blister pack while pulling and holding a tab of a secondary pack. In this manner, the tablet can be urged through a hole provided in the secondary packaging. In this configuration, the pills can be arranged in a calendar representation to allow the user to track the dosage schedule. Alternatively, in a squeeze and pull design, a user can dispense a dose by simultaneously squeezing tabs at each side of the package while pulling a blister pack out. In this manner, after pulling out the blister pack, the patient can push on a tablet from the blister pack to remove the pill, and then re-insert the blister pack in the package for seamless storage.

However, there remains a continued need for improved containers and techniques. For example, there remains a need for containers and techniques to allow the user to more easily detect a missed dose or an incorrect dose. Additionally, it can also be desirable for such containers to be simple to operate with less dexterity and/or force, for example by elderly or disabled persons.

SUMMARY

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a pill dispenser for storing pills and dispensing each pill one a time with simple patient actions. The pill dispenser includes an outer body for displaying one or more pills within the dispenser. A core is disposed within the outer body, and the core includes a channel extending along a length of the outer body to store the one or more pills within the channel. The pill dispenser further includes an actuator with a slot, and the actuator is joined to the outer body at a first end and rotatable about the core from a storage position to a dispensing position with the slot aligned with the channel. An actuator cover is joined to the actuator and includes an opening configured to align with the slot when the actuator is in the storage position.

As embodied herein, the outer body includes a first column of outer windows that are configured to be aligned with the channel of the core. The outer windows are configured to display the one or more pills therethrough. The outer body further includes a second column of outer windows that are configured to display an indicator proximate each window of the first column of outer windows. The core of the dispenser includes a plurality of channels extending along a length of the outer body, the plurality of channels spaced apart about the circumference of the core, each configured to store one or more pills. The actuator includes a groove, and a spring is disposed within the groove, configured to return the actuator to a storage position after actuator is rotated to the dispensing position. The groove includes a recess to receive a nub disposed on a corresponding side of the actuator cover. The actuator cover includes a locking rod that is inserted into an aperture within the actuator. In some embodiments, the stored pills are dispensed through the actuator slot and the opening of the actuator cover.

As further embodied herein, the dispenser can include a calendar sleeve disposed between the outer body and the core. The calendar sleeve includes one or more columns of pill windows and an indicator disposed proximate each pill window. The outer body can include a first column of outer windows configured to be aligned with one of the columns of pill windows, and a second column of outer windows configured to be aligned with the corresponding indicators of the pill windows. The calendar sleeve includes teeth configured to engage corresponding teeth of the outer body. When the teeth are disengaged from the corresponding teeth of the outer body the calendar sleeve is rotatable within the outer body.

As further embodied herein, the dispenser includes a shaft disposed within the core and a knob configured to engage with the core proximate an opposing end of the outer body and releasably engage with the shaft. The shaft includes teeth spaced circumferentially around the shaft and protruding radially therefrom. The knob includes teeth configured to be releasably engaged with the teeth spaced circumferentially around the shaft. The actuator cover engages the shaft at the first end of the dispenser. When the knob is disengaged from the shaft, the knob is rotatable by a user to rotate the core to align a selected channel with the actuator's slot when the actuator is in a dispensing position.

It is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed subject matter claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatus and methods presented herein can be used for storing and dispensing medication to a patient in an easily controlled manner and in accordance with a desired dosing schedule. As used herein, a “dispenser” or “pill dispenser” (used interchangeably herein) is intended to refer generally to a device to assist an individual (also referred to herein as a user or a patient) to store and/or carry beneficial agents, therapeutics, medication, drugs, or other consumable products which can be in the form of pills, tablets, capsules or the like. The dispenser can also dispense or provide the stored medication to the patient for the consumption in a measured dose (e.g., a number of pills over a period of time). The dispenser can also provide an indication of how many pills a patient has taken and/or will need to take over a certain time periods (e.g., days, weeks, months, etc.). The dispenser can be used to dispense a wide range of desired items, including therapeutic or beneficial products. Such products can be in the form of pills, capsules, tablets or other recognized dose forms. As used herein, and unless otherwise noted, the term “pill” is to be interpreted broadly to include all such recognized or desired forms.

A dispenser according to the disclosed subject matter can include indicators to a patient to more easily detect a missed dose or an incorrect dose of medication, and thus can facilitate compliance with treatment instructions. For example, a cylindrical pill dispenser can stack 7 days of pills in a column, and a plurality of columns can be arranged in a radial array to achieve a 6-week or 1-month supply, for example and as embodied herein. A dispenser can be configured to dispense a predetermined dose (e.g., a single pill) over a predetermined time period (e.g., a single day). The pill dispenser can also be configured to allow a patient to determine whether the predetermined doses have been dispensed over a period of time (e.g., one pill a day, two pills a day, one pill every 12 hours). Additionally, the dispenser can be easy to use by patients having hand mobility problems, e.g., elderly or disabled patients. For example, and as embodied herein, a patient can view a visual indication on the dispenser to determine, for example and without limitation, how many doses are remaining, how many doses have been taken, and whether a dose has been missed. The pill dispenser can thus facilitate patient compliance with medical prescription instructions.

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can include a pill dispenser having a cylindrical shape so as to be discreetly carried by the patient, such as in a purse or a pocket. The dispenser can include, for illustration and not limitation, an outer body or shell for displaying one or more pills within the dispenser. The outer body can include a set of windows or apertures to reveal the amount of pills contained within the dispenser. One or more indicators can be seen from the exterior of the dispenser to aid a patient in tracking the number or dose of pills that have been taken or consumed. The indicators can indicate a day or time period associated with each dose or pill. A core or column can reside within the outer body of the dispenser to store one or more of the remaining pills in a stacked formation. The core can include one or more channels extending longitudinally along the length of the outer body. The dispenser can include an actuator at one end of the dispenser, and the actuator can be partially mated with or attached to the outer body and rotatable about the dispenser.

By way of illustration and not limitation, the actuator can include one or more slots. The actuator can be rotated to align the slot of the actuator with at least one of the channels in the core. In this manner, the channel can be in an “open” configuration relative the actuator, and the pills stored in the open channel can be removed, for example and as embodied herein, by tilting the dispenser to urge a single pill through the slot in the actuator. The actuator can be rotated in an opposite direction to urge the slot out of alignment with the channel. In this manner, no further pills can be dispensed into the actuator without further rotation or twisting of the actuator. The patient can retrieve the dispensed pill by tilting the dispenser and removing the dispensed pill from the slot.

The patient can view an indicator on the dispenser to determine a number of pills remaining in the dispenser by looking through the windows or holes of the outer body. For example, and as embodied herein, remaining pills can be seen through the windows or holes of the outer body, and the remaining windows or holes can show an empty core. The outer body can include a day indicator, for example proximate each of the windows or apertures, which can include an indication or label for each day of the week, e.g., as an abbreviation for days Sunday through Saturday. The arrangement of the days on the outer body can be configured by the patient, as described further herein. Alternatively, other indicators can be used, for example and without limitation, to indicate hours, weeks or months.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter herein, the disclosed subject matter includes a dispenser. The pill dispenser includes an outer body for displaying one or more pills within the dispenser. A core is disposed within the outer body, and the core includes a channel extending along a length of the outer body to store the one or more pills within the channel. The pill dispenser further includes an actuator with a slot, and the actuator is joined to the outer body at a first end and rotatable about the core from a storage position to a dispensing position with the slot aligned with the channel. An actuator cover is joined to the actuator and includes an opening configured to align with the slot when the actuator is in the storage position.

Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, exemplary embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The structure and corresponding method of operation of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, exemplary embodiments of the pill dispenser are shown inFIGS. 1-11. While the present disclosed subject matter is described with respect to using the device to provide medicine in pill form to a patient, one skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the illustrative embodiment, and that the dispenser can be used to store and dispense any suitable substance into a user, including any nutritional or pharmaceutical products. In addition, the components and the method of using the dispenser are not limited to the illustrative embodiments described or depicted herein.

With reference toFIGS. 1A-1B, an exemplary assembled pill dispenser100is provided. For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, the dispenser100can have a substantially cylindrical shape and include an outer body103or shell that is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. For example, and as embodied herein, the outer body103can be a hexagonal or octagonal prism. The outer body103can include a number of windows105or apertures to allow a patient to view remaining pills stored within the dispenser. Additionally, and as embodied herein, each window105can be disposed proximate to and aligned with a corresponding day indicator107, which can indicate a time interval in which to dispense and consume a dose. The windows105can also be configured to align with, for example and as embodied herein, a channel or chamber within the dispenser configured to store pills (a channel may be shown by channel406ofFIGS. 6A-6B). For example, and as embodied herein, the windows105, channel, and indicators107can be in radial alignment, each at least partially overlapping each other and facing outwardly in a radial direction108from an interior of the dispenser.

As shown for example inFIG. 1A, and as embodied herein, a dispenser100acan be configured for daily pill dosage. In this configuration, outer windows105each can align with one of seven daily doses of pills stored within the dispenser100acorresponding to a week's regimen, and each outer window105can be disposed proximate to and aligned with a corresponding day indicators (e.g., seven day indicators107representing one week). Alternatively, as shown for example inFIG. 1B, and, a dispenser100bcan be configured for twice daily pill dosage. Twice daily pill dispenser100bcan include outer windows105disposed proximate to and aligned with either a morning dose of pills109or an evening dose of pills111each stored within the dispenser. As such, each pill window105acan align with a corresponding day indicator107and a corresponding time of day indicator120, which can include, for example and as embodied herein, an “AM” and “PM” indicator corresponding with each column105bof outer windows105a. Dispensers according to the disclosed subject matter can be configured to dispense any number of pills, e.g., one, two or more pills, over any time period, e.g., any number of hourly, daily or weekly increments.

Additionally, and as embodied herein, dispenser100can include a top cap113and a bottom cap115, which can engage the outer body103by any suitable engagement, for example and as embodied herein, a threaded engagement. The top cap113can receive and cover at least a portion of an actuator, which can be utilized to dispense pills as described further herein, and the bottom cap115can receive and cover a reset knob, which can be utilized to reset a calendar, as described further herein with respect toFIGS. 9-11. The top cap113and bottom cap115can provide a smooth exterior finish for the dispenser, and can prevent inadvertent access to the actuator or reset knob, for example to prevent unintentional dispensing of pills or resetting of the calendar.

With reference toFIGS. 2A-2B, a dispenser100aconfigured to store and dispense pills and provide an indication of dispensed pills is illustrated. For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, a dispenser100astoring a full week of pills can show a pill through each of the seven windows202to allow a patient to determine that the dispenser100ais full. Windows202can be arranged in any suitable manner, for example, windows202may be arranged in a column214. In some examples, the windows may be formed using a transparent or semi-transparent material to display the pills. Alternatively, the windows202can be configured as transparent or translucent features such as by injection molding processes or the like in the outer body or shell103of the dispenser100a. A user may dispense a pill204from the dispenser100a, e.g., by unscrewing a top cap113and rotating an actuator208, and a window202aand day indicator107(e.g., shown inFIG. 2Bas “Saturday”) associated with the dispensed pill can appear as an empty space proximate the indicator107as the pill204is no longer viewable through the window202. Other windows202can display the stored pills remaining in the dispenser100afor the remaining days of the week. As shown, day indicators107can be arranged in a manner corresponding to the windows202, for example, day indicators107may be arranged in a column212. In some examples, the day indicators may be arranged with later days or times towards the bottom cap115of the dispenser, and earlier days or times towards the top cap113.

With reference toFIGS. 3A-3D, an exemplary method for dispensing pills using a dispenser100is provided. For purpose of illustration, and not limitation, as embodied herein, dispenser100can include an outer body103with the set of windows202formed through the outer body103. The one or more pills can be stored in a first channel of a core within the outer body, wherein the channel is oriented along the length of the outer body103(as shown for example inFIG. 6). With reference toFIG. 3A, a user302, such as a patient (or a doctor, nurse, or health aide, for example) can initially remove a top cap113from one end of the dispenser, for example and as embodied herein, by unscrewing a threaded engagement. Referring now toFIG. 3B, user302can rotate an actuator208(as shown inFIG. 3C) at the one of the dispenser100, as embodied herein proximate the engagement for the top cap. The rotation of the actuator208can align a slot702(shown inFIG. 7A) in the actuator with the first channel of the core to allow a pill204to pass from the core into the slot. Referring now toFIG. 3C, the actuator can be rotated in the opposite direction to return the actuator to a storage position, and the patient can tilt the dispenser100to remove the pill204from the slot in the actuator208. The second rotation of the actuator can be by the user's302action, or can be automatic through a biasing mechanism, such as a spring. The return of the actuator208to a storage position can offset the slot within the actuator208from the first channel of the core, and can align the slot within the actuator208with an opening of an actuator cover to allow the user302to remove the pill204from the actuator's208slot and into the patient's hand. With reference toFIG. 3D, the user302can re-engage the top cap113onto the dispenser100.

With reference toFIG. 4A, exemplary components of a pill dispenser of the disclosed subject matter are illustrated. Pill dispenser100can include, for the purpose of illustration not limitation, a cylindrical outer body103configured to display one or more pills within the dispenser100therethrough. A core404can be disposed within the outer body103, and as embodied herein, can include one or more channels406to store the one or more pills. The one or more channels406can extend along the length of the outer body103and dispenser100. For a plurality of channels406in the core404, the channels406can be arranged radially around the core404to display the stored pills through the outer body103. An actuator208including a slot can be disposed at one end of the dispenser100and aligned with the channels406to allow rotation of the actuator to align the slot with one of the channels406storing the pills, as described herein. The actuator208can be configured to automatically return to an original position after rotation, for example and without limitation, and as embodied herein, by spring432disposed within actuator208. An actuator cover410can secure the actuator208to the dispenser100while allowing the actuator208to rotate. For example, and as embodied herein, the actuator cover410can be locked with a shaft412or knob holder engaging and disposed through the core404. As embodied herein, the actuator208and actuator cover410can be disposed proximate an upper end of the dispenser. For example, and as embodied herein, shaft412can be configured to be engaged with the actuator cover410through interlocking teeth414and/or through an adhesive applied proximate the actuator208. Additionally, and as embodied herein, a reset knob434can be disposed at an opposing end of the dispenser100from the actuator208and be configured to engage the core404to rotate the core404to allow dispensing of pills stored in a different channel406of the core404. The reset knob434can further be configured to be locked and unlocked with the shaft412. As embodied herein, the reset knob434can be disposed proximate a lower end of the dispenser.

With continued reference toFIG. 4B, and as embodied herein, a calendar sleeve416can be placed between the outer body103and the core404, and the calendar sleeve416can include one or more columns of pill windows202and a day indicator107associated with each window202. The outer body103can include outer windows105positioned along the length of outer body103. When assembled, outer windows105can align radially with the columns of pill windows202on the calendar sleeve416, and each window105can be disposed proximate a corresponding day indicator107.

For purpose of illustration and not limitation, and as embodied herein, dispenser100can include O-rings424at the top and bottom end of the outer body103to improve sealing or fastening of the top cap113and bottom cap428. The O-rings424can further provide a barrier from oxygen and moisture reaching the interior of the dispenser100, which can improve shelf-life and usage life of the stored pills. A fastener, such as screw430can also be provided to secure the actuator cover410to the shaft412, which can hold dispenser100in an assembled condition.

Referring now toFIG. 5, an exemplary calendar sleeve416is illustrated. Calendar sleeve416can include one or more columns of pill windows502. For purpose of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein, each column502can correspond with a week. However, it is recognized that any suitable units can be displayed in the window and column arrangements for the pills to be dispensed. Each window202can be associated with or labeled with a corresponding indicator107, which as embodied herein, can indicate a date or a day of the week. The calendar sleeve416can be disposed between the outer body and the core such that the calendar sleeve416is disposed within the outer body of the dispenser. For example, and as embodied herein, one of the columns502of the calendar sleeve416can be aligned with at least some of the outer windows on the outer body. As shown inFIG. 2A, for example, an outer body103can include a column of outer windows214to display a pill therethrough and a corresponding column of outer windows212to display the indicator107on the calendar sleeve416. As such, one of the columns502of the calendar sleeve416can be aligned with pill windows202for pill display, and the respective day indicators107of the calendar sleeve416can be aligned with the column of outer windows105for indicator display.

With continued reference toFIG. 5, as embodied herein, calendar sleeve416can be aligned at a radial position within the outer body such that outer windows105(as shown for example inFIG. 4) are radially aligned with pill windows202to allow a pill stored within the dispenser to be viewable through the outer body103. The calendar sleeve416can be configured to be engaged with the outer body103through interlocking teeth508on bottom of the calendar sleeve416. As embodied herein, the calendar sleeve416can be disposed within the outer body103, and the calendar sleeve416can be engaged with the outer body103through exterior locking teeth436on the outer body103(as shown for example inFIG. 4) engaged with interlocking teeth508. The patient can update or change the day, date, or time of prescription regimen, for example and as embodied herein, by pulling the interlocking teeth508outward along the length of the outer body103to disengage exterior locking teeth436, and rotating the calendar sleeve416to set the correct day on which the pill regimen is starting. In this manner, the calendar sleeve416can be disengaged from the outer body103and rotated within the outer body103. For example, and as embodied herein, a first column of day indicators510aon the calendar416can align with the group of windows for displaying the indicator107, and the regimen was started or will start on a Friday514. If a patient instead starts the regimen on Thursday512, the patient can adjust the calendar so that a different column of day indicators510b, corresponding to the day of the week on which the regimen starts, aligns with the group of windows for displaying the indicator107. For example, and as embodied herein, the patient can pull the calendar sleeve416to disengage the calendar sleeve416from the outer body103and rotate the calendar sleeve416counterclockwise.

Referring now toFIGS. 6A-6C, an exemplary core is illustrated. Core404can include one or more of channels406to store pills204within a dispenser. For example, and as embodied herein, core404can include a plurality of channels406extending along the length of the core404and spaced circumferentially about the core404. As shown for example inFIG. 6C, the pills204can be stacked in a column606lengthwise along a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of and within each channel406. As such, a single pill or dose of pills can be removed, as described herein. As embodied herein, the windows can be spaced apart so that each window displays a different pill stacked in a channel, which can allow the windows in the calendar sleeve416and outer body to display the correct number of pills remaining within the dispenser. When a channel is depleted of pills, the core can be rotated to align a different set of pills in a second channel to display the pills and allow the pills to be dispensed. For purpose of illustration and not limitation, core404can include one or more engagement features to engage with a reset knob, for example and as embodied herein, configured as grooves or rods608. Although embodiments ofFIG. 6illustrate four channels in a core, any number of channels can be included a core, for example six or eight. For example, a dispenser can be configured to dispense two pills a day (as shown for example in FIG.1B), and thus the core can include eight channels of weekly pill sets, for a total of 56 pills.

Referring now toFIGS. 7A-7F, an exemplary actuator, actuator cover410, and outer body103are illustrated. With reference toFIGS. 7A-7B, for purpose of illustration and not limitation, and as embodied herein, an actuator208can include a slot702to allow a pill to be dispensed therethrough from the core's channel406(as shown for example inFIG. 4). Slot702can be sized to receive a whole pill within the actuator208. As embodied herein, the actuator208can at least partially engage the outer body103of the dispenser, for example by an interlocking engagement of inner lip704disposed proximate the bottom side706of the actuator208with the outer body103. For example, and as embodied herein, a groove708can be sized to receive a spring, which can allow the actuator to automatically return to an original position after it is rotated by a patient to dispense a pill, as described herein. Actuator208can also be configured to mate with outer body103through a stopper709protruding from the bottom side706of the actuator, which can align the slot702with a channel of the core (e.g., channel406as shown inFIG. 4). With reference toFIGS. 7C and 7D, as embodied herein, an outer body103can include a groove750to receive the stopper709of the actuator208. As shown inFIG. 7D, the groove750can present or inhibit movement of the actuator208beyond a predetermined amount of rotation, for example and as embodied herein, 90 degrees of rotation. Other degrees of rotations may be desired, for example, based on the arrangement of the channels in the core.

With reference toFIGS. 7E-7F, as embodied herein, an actuator cover410can be joined with the actuator208, for example by inserting locking rod712into an aperture707within the actuator (aperture707shown atFIG. 7B). As embodied herein for illustration and not limitation, locking rod712can be locked with shaft412(shown inFIG. 4) to allow the actuator208to rotate about the locking rod712. Actuator cover410can lock with the shaft through actuator208proximate the top side of the actuator208. The actuator cover410can include an opening716to allow the pill dispensed into the actuator's slot702to pass through the actuator cover410and out of the dispenser. For example, and as embodied herein, opening716can be aligned with slot702when the actuator208is in a storage position. Furthermore, and as embodied herein, the opening716can have a similar size and shape as slot702.

Referring now toFIGS. 8A-8C, an exemplary actuator and actuator cover assembly is illustrated. In accordance with another aspect of the dispenser disclosed herein, actuator and actuator cover assembly801can be provided with a feature to include a grooved ring800disposed between actuator cover410and actuator208. For example and not limitation, the dispenser can inhibit or prevent tampering with the dispenser, such as by young children. In this manner, pressing the actuator208down to disengage the actuator208from the grooves of the grooved ring800can allow the actuator208to be turned to dispense a pill. Other tamper-resistant configurations can be possible.

With reference toFIG. 8B, at806, for purposes of illustration and not limitation, when actuator and cover assembly801is flipped upside down across symmetry line809, it can be seen that an opening716in the actuator cover410is aligned with a slot702in the actuator208when the actuator208is in a storage position. As embodied herein, a spring432can be disposed within a circumferential groove708within the actuator208. The spring432can be preloaded within the circumferential groove708to draw the actuator toward a storage position. The actuator208can include a recess820of the groove sized to receive a nub822disposed on the corresponding side of the actuator cover410. The actuator208thus can be rotated by a patient about its center axis, and the actuator cover410, which can be locked with a shaft, can be inhibited from rotating with the actuator208. In this manner, spring432can be compressed against the nub822. With the nub822rotated to a position proximate the end of the groove824, the slot of the actuator208can be aligned with one of the channels in the core. In this dispensing position, tilting downward of the top of the dispenser can allow a pill to drop out of the channel, through the actuator slot702, and out of the dispenser. With the actuator rotated out of the storage position, slot702is not aligned with opening716in the actuator cover410. As such, the dispensed pill in the actuator slot can be stopped by the actuator cover410to prevent a pill from being dispensed. When the spring432is released, with the nub822within recess820, the actuator208is biased toward the storage position. That is, in the dispensing position, with the spring432compressed at the end of the groove, the spring can urge the actuator208back toward the storage position when rotational force toward the dispensing position is no longer applied to the actuator208, for example and as embodied herein, by the patient releasing their hand from the actuator208. In the storage position, the slot702can again be aligned with the opening716in the actuator cover410and offset from the channel.

Referring now toFIG. 8C, an actuator208and cover assembly801for a dispenser configured to dispense two pills a day is provided. For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, reference is made to the dispenser ofFIG. 1B. In a dispenser100bconfigured to dispense two pills a day, as discussed herein with respect toFIG. 1B, the actuator208and actuator cover assembly801can be configured to rotate in two opposite directions to a first dispensing position and to a second dispensing position, each to dispense a different pill. For example, and as embodied herein, this embodiment, two springs830and832can be disposed within circumferential groove708in the actuator208, each spring830and832extending in opposing circumferential directions. A recess820can be formed proximate the center of groove708to provide space for the nub822on the corresponding size of the actuator cover410. In this manner, the actuator208can rotate in two opposite directions836and838relative the storage position to two dispensing positions, and the corresponding spring830and832when compressed can urge the actuator208to return to the storage position.

With reference toFIGS. 9A-9C, an exemplary reset knob is illustrated. For example, and as embodied herein, reset knob434can include grooves902sized to engage one or more engagement features of the core to rotate the core upon rotation of the knob434. Engagement features may be configured as grooves or rods608as shown inFIG. 6B, for example. Reset knob434can include a gripping feature, for example and as embodied herein, configured as a gripping flange. Additionally, and as embodied herein, reset knob434can include teeth904configured to engage shaft412(as shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 11for example) to prevent rotation of reset knob434until reset knob is disengaged from the shaft, for example by pulling the reset knob outward from the bottom of the dispenser, as described herein.

Referring now toFIG. 10, an exemplary shaft, reset knob and actuator assembly is illustrated. For example, and as embodied herein, reset knob434can be engage shaft412at one end, while the shaft is locked with an actuator cover (not shown) on the opposing end450of the shaft412, through actuator208. Reset knob434can be releasable from the shaft412while remaining engaged with the core, as described herein.

With reference toFIG. 11, an exemplary knob holder and reset knob assembly is illustrated. For purpose of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein, teeth452spaced circumferentially about shaft412can protrude radially therefrom. When the reset knob is pushed into the dispenser, teeth452can engage grooves902on the knob (as shown for example inFIG. 9). When a patient pulls the reset knob434out from the dispenser, as described herein, grooves902in the reset knob can be pulled out of circumferential alignment with teeth452, and thus reset knob434can be free to rotate about shaft412in recess454spaced along the shaft412from teeth452. In this manner, reset knob434can engage the core through grooves902while being free to rotate unlocked from the shaft412.

For purpose of illustration and not limitation, each of the dispenser's components or parts can be made of a variety of suitable materials, including compatible plastic, polymers, composites or the like. The components can be manufactured by recognized techniques, including but not limited to injection molding, in-mold labeling, casting, milling, 3D printing or the like. A wide variety of dimensions and ergonomic shapes and features (such as surface texture, flexibility, size, weight, color, etc.) can be used as desired and suitable for the intended use.

While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover, although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter can be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.

In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.