Abstract:
An easy pill intake reminder that screws on the top of a container for articles such as medications and or vitamins in the form of pills, caplets, capsules, and or tablets and which serves as a cap there on, is surmounted by a cylinder housing a number of wedge shaped buttons marking a periodic time frame such as the days of the week all arrayed around a central circular button. Each wedge shape button can be lowered individually to mark a respective period of time such as a day, and stays lowered until the central button is pushed down. The lowering of the central button resets the surrounding wedge buttons to their upper position and thereby enabling the users to repeat the process.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Application Ser. No. 29/327,763 which is hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth fully herein. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the field of pill, caplet, capsule, and tablet intake reminder devices. Moreover, it pertains specifically to a pill intake reminder and container cap device that allows a person to maintain a count of their pill intake while at the same time acting as a pill container cap. 
     People often need an easy reminder of their pill intake. Today a large number of the population has a daily regiment of medications and or vitamins in the form of pills, caplets, capsules, and or tablets. Keeping count of their intake can be a confusing task. Various pill intake reminder are known among the prior art. One type of reminder is comprised of a dial system consisting of very small print. This small print renders the device difficult to read. Such a device cannot be used without careful examination and can lead to mistakes. Another type of reminder uses a digital readout. However, the cost of such a device prohibits its wide scale use. Most pill intake reminders are comprised of many small and delicate pieces, they can be clunky and difficult to use and even more difficult to manufacture due to their complexity. They can also break easily if the device is dropped. 
     The present invention is intended to cure these deficiencies. First, the present invention provides a pill intake reminder &amp; container cap device that serves as both an article intake reminder as well as a container cap. The pill intake reminder aspect of this invention provides the user with an easy and reliable means to check his or her daily intake of medications and/or vitamins in the form of pills, caplets, capsules, and or tablets. Furthermore, the cap portion of the device, being a simple threaded cap, can be equipped with any number of established child proofing devices should the intended application require child proofing. 
     Second, the present invention is easy to read. The tops of the buttons may be embossed, imprinted, colored, or otherwise marked with the user&#39;s intake regiment. The tops of the buttons may also be labeled in Braille for use by visually impaired persons. Additionally, the tops of the buttons themselves may be shaped to permit the user to tactilely feel the number of buttons that have been depressed and monitor usage thusly. 
     Finally, the present invention is a simple, robust design. The invention is comprised of three basic types of parts: the reminder buttons, a housing/cap and a reset button. These parts may be manufactured by conventional machining processes; however, they may also be made utilizing inexpensive, injection molding processes. Thus, unlike more expensive intake reminders, the present invention may be considered a disposable item. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 : A prospective view of the invention ( 2 ) attached to a pill bottle ( 1 ), seven buttons ( 3 ) with one button depressed ( 3 . 1 ) and the center reset button ( 4 ). 
         FIG. 2 : A prospective view of the invention showing: seven radial buttons ( 3 ); said radial buttons ( 3 ) each further comprising an outer radius plane ( 3 A); an upper surface ( 3 B) and the inner radius plane ( 3 D); the center reset button ( 4 ); the main body ( 5 ); main body containment lip ( 5 C); outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D); seven pairs of wedge shaped guides ( 6 ); central locking lip ( 7 ); reset button guide ( 8 ); and the reset button post container ( 9 ). 
         FIG. 2A : A bottom view of a single button ( 3 ) showing: the outer radius plane ( 3 A); outer button tabs ( 3 C); the inner radius plane ( 3 D); and the inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E). The dashed wedges represent the spatial location of the guides ( 6 ) within the button&#39;s hollow lower cavity. 
         FIG. 3 : A top view of the invention ( 2 ) showing seven identical equidistantly spaced buttons ( 3 ); a center reset button ( 4 ); and the main body ( 5 ). 
         FIG. 4 : A top view of the main body ( 5 ) depicting: an interior dashed cylinder showing the spatial relationship of the center reset button ( 4 ); seven equidistantly spaced outer radius plane ramps ( 5 D) and seven sets of equidistantly spaced wedge shaped button guides ( 6 ). The outer dashed circumference indicates how the spatial relationship of the outer button tabs ( 3 C) to the containment lip ( 5 C) within the outer radius of the main body ( 5 ). The dashed outline of a button is included at the 9:00 location in the drawing to demonstrate the spatial location of the button, the outer radius plane ( 3 A) and the inner radius plane ( 3 D) to the outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D); wedge shaped guides ( 6 ) and central locking lip ( 7 ). 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of taken along the plane marked as  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4  depicting: a fully extended button ( 3 ); a fully extended outer radius plane ( 3 A); a cross sectional view of the upper surface of the button ( 3 B); an outer bottom tab in dashed outline ( 3 C); a fully relaxed inner radius plane ( 3 D); the inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E); the center reset button ( 4 ); the center reset button post ( 4 A); the center reset button post retainer ( 4 B); the main body threaded lower section ( 5 A); the main body upper section ( 5 B); the main body containment lip ( 5 C); the outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D); a wedge shaped guide ( 6 ) the central locking lip ( 7 ); reset button post container ( 9 ); and, an optional reset spring ( 10 ). 
         FIG. 6  depicts the actuation of one of the buttons. Finger pressure is applied to the top surface of the button ( 3 B). The force compresses the outer radius plane ( 3 A) causing it to slide along the outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D). The force also causes the lower radius of the inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E) to slide over the central locking lip ( 7 ), thereby compressing the inner radius plane ( 3 D). The center reset button ( 4 ) remains at its fully extended position. Also labeled in this figure are the: button outer bottom tab ( 3 C); center reset button post retaining ring ( 4 B); center reset button curved lower surface ( 4 C); and, reset button post container ( 9 ). 
         FIG. 7  depicts the fully compressed/actuated button ( 3 ). When sufficient pressure is applied to the upper surface of the button ( 3 B), the outer radius ( 3 A) and inner radius planes are compressed to a point where the inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E) snaps over the central locking lip ( 7 ) and the button ( 3 ) is held in its depressed position. Also labeled in this figure are the: center reset button ( 4 ); center reset button post ( 4 A); center reset button retainer ring ( 4 B); center reset button curved lower surface ( 4 C); main body threaded lower section ( 5 A); outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D); and, reset button post container ( 9 ). 
         FIG. 8  depicts the method for resetting the depressed buttons ( 3 ). The user depresses the center reset button ( 4 ) the curved lower surface of the center reset button ( 4 C) contacts the inner radius plane ( 3 D), thereby depressing the inner radius plane and causing the inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E) to disengage from the central locking lip ( 7 ). As pressure is released from the center reset button ( 4 ), the center reset button and button(s) ( 3 ) rise in unison. Also labeled in this figure are the: the outer radius ( 3 A); button top surface ( 3 B); inner radius ( 3 D) planes; center reset button post ( 4 A); center reset button retainer ring ( 4 B); and, main body threaded lower section ( 5 A). 
         FIG. 9  is a top view depicting an alternative seven button embodiment wherein equidistantly spaced cylindrical button guides ( 11 ) are used in place of wedge shaped guides. One should note that a single cylindrical button guide ( 11 ) replaces a pair of wedge shaped guides ( 6 ) utilized in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 . This embodiment also lends itself to the elimination of the outer radius planes ( 3 A) on the buttons and outer radius plane ramps ( 5 D) on the upper body main section ( 5 B), i.e., the “outer springs.” In place of these “outer springs,” a coil spring ( 10 ) could be placed either inside the button guide containment cylinder ( 3 F) or exterior to the button guide containment cylinder ( 3 F). See  FIG. 10 . The dashed lines at 9:00 in the figure show the spatial relationship of one of the buttons to the cylindrical button guides. Also labeled in this figure are the: button outer bottom tabs ( 3 C); inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E); center reset button ( 4 ); and, the central locking lip ( 7 ). 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of taken along the plane marked as  10 - 10  in  FIG. 9 . The features labeled in this view include the: button ( 3 ); outer radius plane ( 3 A); button upper surface ( 3 B); button outer bottom tab ( 3 C); inner radius plane ( 3 D); inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E); button guide containment cylinder ( 3 F); center reset button ( 4 ); center reset button post ( 4 A); main body threaded lower section ( 5 A); main body upper section ( 5 B); main body containment lip ( 5 C); outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D); central locking lip ( 7 ); reset button containment cylinder ( 9 ); and, cylindrical button guides ( 11 ). This view also shows the potential placement of coil springs ( 10 ) inside the button guide containment cylinder ( 3 F) and exterior to the button guide containment cylinder ( 3 F), which coil springs would either replace or assist the “outer springs” found in this embodiment. 
         FIG. 10A  is a bottom expanded view of one of the buttons for the embodiment comprising cylindrical button guides. Depicted are: the outer radius plane ( 3 A); outer bottom tab ( 3 C); inner radius plane ( 3 D); inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E); and button guide containment cylinder ( 3 F). 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of an alternative seven button embodiment wherein the outer radius plane ramps ( 5 D) have been doubled in number and relocated from the outer radius of the device to an inner radius between the outer wall of the housing and the center reset button and equidistantly spaced between the cylindrical button guides ( 11 ).  FIG. 11  also shows a view of a button at the 9:00 position. This depiction also shows the following features of the button ( 3 ): two outer radius planes ( 3 A), outer bottom tab ( 3 C); an inner radius plane ( 3 D); an inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E); and, a button guide retainer cylinder ( 3 F). 
         FIG. 11A  is an expanded view of one of the buttons ( 3 ) of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11 . The numbered features include: dual outer radius planes ( 3 A); outer bottom tab ( 3 C); inner radius plane ( 3 D); inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E); and button guide containment cylinder ( 3 F). 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the embodiment wherein the outer radius plane ramps ( 5 D) have been doubled and relocated from the outer radius of the device to an inner radius between the outer wall of the housing ( 5 ) and the center reset button. This view shows the upper surface of the button ( 3 B); the outer radius plane ( 3 A), the inner radius plane ( 3 D) the inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E); a cross sectional view of the button guide retainer cylinder ( 3 F); the center reset button ( 4 ); the center reset button retainer ring ( 4 B); the main body threaded lower section ( 5 A); main body upper section ( 5 B); the main body containment lip ( 5 C); outer radius plane ramps ( 5 D); a cross sectional view of the central locking lip ( 7 ); reset button post container ( 9 ); and, cylindrical button guides ( 11 ). 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the seven button embodiment having a center reset button. In this example, abbreviations for the days of the week are found on the top surfaces of the buttons. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of a six button embodiment having a center reset button. Such a reminder cap could be utilized when the user is required to take pills every four hours. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of a five button embodiment having a center reset button. Such a reminder could be utilized when the user is required to take pills only five times per day or per week. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of a four button embodiment having a center reset button. Such a reminder could be utilized when the user is required to take pills every six hours. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of a three button embodiment having a center reset button. Such a reminder could be utilized when the user is required to take pills every eight hours. 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of a two button embodiment having a center reset button. Such a reminder could be utilized when the user is required to take pills every twelve hours. 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of an alternative ornamental design of the seven button embodiment having a center reset button. In this embodiment, the “inner radius” is a flat surface and the center reset button is a heptagon. In this example, abbreviations for the days of the week are found on the top surfaces of the buttons. 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of an alternative ornamental design of the six button embodiment having a center reset button. In this embodiment, the “inner radius” is a flat surface and the center reset button is a hexagon. 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of an alternative ornamental design of the one button embodiment having a center reset button. 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of an alternative ornamental design of the five button embodiment having a center reset button. In this embodiment, the “inner radius” is a flat surface and the center reset button is a pentagon. 
         FIG. 23  is a top view of an alternative ornamental design of the four button embodiment having a center reset button. In this embodiment, the “inner radius” is a flat surface and the center reset button is a square. 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of an alternative ornamental design of the three button embodiment having a center reset button. In this embodiment, the “inner radius” is a flat surface and the center reset button is an equilateral triangle. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Figure Number Identification: 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                  1. 
                 Pill Bottle 
               
               
                  2. 
                 Complete Invention 
               
               
                  3. 
                 Button 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 3A 
                 Outer radius plane 
               
               
                   
                 3B 
                 Button upper surface 
               
               
                   
                 3C 
                 Button outer bottom tab 
               
               
                   
                 3D 
                 Inner radius plane 
               
               
                   
                 3E 
                 Inner radius plane retainer latch 
               
               
                   
                 3F 
                 Button guide containment cylinder 
               
             
          
           
               
                  4. 
                 Center reset button 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 4A 
                 Center reset button post 
               
               
                   
                 4B 
                 Retaining ring 
               
               
                   
                 4C 
                 Curved lower surface 
               
             
          
           
               
                  5. 
                 Main Body 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 5A 
                 Main body threaded lower section 
               
               
                   
                 5B 
                 Main body upper section 
               
               
                   
                 5C 
                 Main body containment lip 
               
               
                   
                 5D  
                 Outer radius plane ramp 
               
             
          
           
               
                  6. 
                 Wedge Shaped Button Guides 
               
               
                  7. 
                 Central locking lip 
               
               
                  8. 
                 Reset Button Guide 
               
               
                  9. 
                 Reset Button Post Container 
               
               
                 10. 
                 Reset Spring 
               
               
                 11. 
                 Cylindrical Button Guides 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As set forth in  FIGS. 1 through 24 , the invention ( 2 ) is generally comprised of four categories of parts: one or more buttons ( 3 ), a center reset button ( 4 ); a main body ( 5 ); and, an optional reset spring ( 10 ). While these parts could be fabricated using conventional machining methods, with the exception of the optional reset spring ( 10 ), each of the aforementioned parts could be fabricated from plastics via injection molding. The ease of manufacturing these parts, and the overall small number of different types of parts needed, are significant advantages over those similar devices existing in the prior art. Furthermore, these parts snap together and are held in place by mechanical locks that are built into the design of the various pieces, rendering fasteners unnecessary. 
     The reminder buttons ( 3 ) are comprised of: an outer radius plane ( 3 A); an upper surface ( 3 B); an outer bottom tab ( 3 C); an inner radius plane ( 3 D); and, an inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E). An optional button guide containment cylinder ( 3 F) is required for embodiments utilizing cylindrical button guides ( 11 ). See, e.g.,  FIGS. 10 and 10A . The preferred material for the reminder buttons is a pliable, yet memory resilient, plastic. 
     Each of the reminder buttons has a front, rear, top, bottom and sides. The rear section of the button ( 3 ) is comprised of a center section and two sides. The center section is the outer radius plane ( 3 A). The two side sections contain the bottom outer tabs ( 3 C). See, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 and 2A . The outer radius plane ( 3 A) acts as a spring and may be referred to herein as the “outer spring.” 
     When a downward force is applied the top surface of the button ( 3 B), this “outer spring” ( 3 A) interacts with the outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D); that is, it compresses and stores energy. See, e.g.,  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Thus, the preferred plastic for this “outer spring” must be both pliable and memory resilient. The “outer spring” must be pliable so that it does not break while being compressed. The “outer spring” must also be resilient so that it tends to retain its shape while compressed and thus wants to return to its pre-compressed shape when the downward force is removed. See, e.g.,  FIG. 8 . 
     While using a plastic “outer spring” ( 3 A) and ramp ( 5 D) is the most cost effective and easiest to method to manufacture this invention, an alternative embodiment exists that utilizes coil springs ( 10 ) to assist or replace the “outer spring”/ramp combination ( 3 A)/( 5 D). In this alternative embodiment, coil springs ( 10 ) are either wrapped around the outside of the button guide containment cylinder ( 3 F), or alternatively, placed within the button guide containment cylinder ( 3 F) on top of the cylindrical button guide ( 11 ). See,  FIG. 10 . 
     The upper surface of the button, ( 3 A) may also contain a usage indicator to permit the user to identify when his or her last pill was taken. For example, the top surface of the buttons could be imprinted, embossed, painted, or otherwise marked with commonly recognized usage indicators, such as AM, PM, the days of the week, or their commonly held abbreviations, foreign languages, symbols, letters, colors or even numbers (for example, a prescription that required the user to take a pill four times per day could simply be marked with the numbers one through four). Furthermore, a tactile sign, such as the Braille equivalents of said usage indicators could also be used separately or in conjunction with visual indicators.) 
     The front of the button ( 3 ), is the surface of the button closest to the center reset button ( 4 ) when the device is fully assembled. See, e.g.,  FIG. 2 . The center of the front of the button comprises a second “inner spring,” identified as the inner radius plane ( 3 D). See, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A and  8 . The surface of the inner radius plane ( 3 D) most proximate to the center reset button ( 4 ), the “inner surface,” curves outward, that is, towards the center reset button. This curvature begins at the approximate midpoint of the inner radius plane and continues towards the button&#39;s bottom, thereby creating a ramp. See, e.g., ( 3 D)  FIG. 10A . The portion of the inner radius plane ( 3 D) farthest from the upper surface of the button ( 3 B), i.e., the bottom of the inner radius plane, terminates in a latch referred to as the inner radius plane retainer latch ( 3 E). See, e.g.,  FIG. 2 . When the button ( 3 ) is fully depressed, the inner radius plane latch ( 3 E) snaps over the central locking lip ( 7 ) causing the button to remain in the down position. See,  FIG. 7 . 
     The main body of the invention ( 5 ) is comprised of seven parts: the threaded lower section ( 5 A); the upper section ( 5 B); the containment lip ( 5 C); outer radius plane ramps ( 5 D); guides ( 6 ) or ( 11 ); the reset button containment cylinder ( 9 ); and, the central locking lip ( 7 ). The lower section of the main body ( 5 A) is threaded and may be equipped with one of any number of existing child proofing devices, such as those that require the user to press down forcefully on the top of the cap to turn and remove it. The threaded lower section ( 5 A) allows the invention to act as the lid or cap of the pill bottle. 
     The upper section of the main body ( 5 B) comprises the intake reminder portion of the invention. The main body upper section comprises: the containment lip ( 5 C); the outer radius plane ramps ( 5 D); button guides ( 6 ) and/or ( 11 ); the central locking lip ( 7 ); the reset button guide ( 8 ) and the reset button post container ( 9 ). See, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  9 , and  11 . As with the buttons, the entire main body ( 5 ) is comprised of plastic. 
     Assembly of the device is achieved and maintained without the use of fasteners. The main body upper section ( 5 B) houses the reminder buttons ( 3 ) and the center reset button ( 4 ) utilizing a snug, snap together, fit. 
     The buttons ( 3 ) are installed by first aligning them over the guides ( 6 ) or ( 11 ) such that the outer radius plane ( 3 A) is centered over the outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D). See  FIG. 4 . Next, sufficient force is applied to the top surface of the button ( 3 B) to cause the button&#39;s outer bottom tabs ( 3 C) to snap over the main body&#39;s containment lip ( 5 C). Once the buttons are snapped into place, the rear of the button is effectively locked into the main body. See, e.g.,  FIG. 10 . 
     Once all of the reminder buttons ( 3 ) are installed in the main body ( 5 ), the center reset button ( 4 ) is aligned so that its post ( 4 A) is concentric with the reset button post container ( 9 ). Next, the center reset button is snapped into place. (Note: Depending upon the application and the ability of the “outer springs” to raise both the buttons ( 3 ) and the center reset button ( 4 ) when the device is reset, it may be necessary to install a reset spring ( 10 ) between the reset button post container ( 9 ) and the reset button guide prior to snapping the center reset button in place). See,  FIG. 5 . Once in place, the retaining ring ( 4 B) on the center post ( 4 A) prevents the center reset button from coming out of the reset button post container ( 9 ). Furthermore, the presence of the center reset button ( 4 ), in conjunction with the curved front surfaces of the buttons ( 3 ), (i.e., the ramps of the inner radius planes ( 3 D)), lock the fronts of the reminder buttons ( 3 ) into the main body upper section ( 5 B) of the invention. 
     A comparison of  FIGS. 4 ,  9  and  11  demonstrates the flexibility of the invention&#39;s design.  FIG. 4  is illustrative of the design utilizing dual wedges ( 6 ) as the button guides. This dual wedge design produces a very robust intake reminder cap as each vertical surface of the button is supported by a robust structure. That is, the buttons ( 3 ) are rigidly held in their respective space by not only the main body containment lip ( 5 C) at the outer radius of the main body ( 5 ) and the center reset button ( 4 ), but also by two wedge shaped guide rods ( 6 ) running along the radii of the button. The strength of this design may make it the preferred design in situations where a more robust design is desired—perhaps on children&#39;s vitamin bottle caps. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a design wherein the dual radial wedges have been replaced by a single interior cylindrical post ( 11 ). This design is very flexible. One could replace the plastic outer radius plane ( 3 A) and outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D) combinations, i.e., the “outer springs,” with a simple coil spring ( 10 ) that was either wrapped around or lodged inside the button containment cylinder ( 3 F). See,  FIG. 10 . This design would be less dependent upon the type of plastic used to form the buttons, however, the use of coil springs would increase the cost of the device as well increase the assembly complexity. Additionally, as this device utilizes only one cylindrical button guide ( 11 ), it is less robust than the design shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Finally,  FIG. 11  presents a “dual spring” design. Each button has two sets of outer radius plane/outer radius plane ramp combinations. However, although the device has greater spring power than each of the designs described above, it is not as robust as the dual wedge design depicted in  FIG. 2 , as it has only a single cylindrical button guide ( 11 ). 
     Method of Use: 
     The method of use is first decided by the pill manufacturer or provider. Once a dosage is decided, an appropriate reminder cap would be installed on the pill bottle. For example, a vitamin company may call for one tablet to be taken daily. A reminder cap, such as the one depicted in  FIG. 13 , might be chosen. Thereafter, the user would utilize the methods graphically depicted in  FIGS. 6 through 8  to track his or her pill consumption. 
     First, the user would remove the cap and dispense a pill. Once the user consumed the pill, he or she would put pressure on the upper surface of the reminder button ( 3 B) bearing the appropriately labeled day of the week. As force was applied to the upper surface of the button ( 3 B), the outer radius plane ( 3 A) would begin traveling downward and inward along the outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D) as it compresses and the retainer latch ( 3 E) on the bottom of the inner radius plane ( 3 D) would begin to move outward and begin to snap over the central locking lip ( 7 ). As the retainer latch ( 3 E) slides over the central locking lip ( 7 ), it slightly compresses the inner radius plane ( 3 D). See  FIG. 6 . 
     As increased force is applied to the top surface of the button ( 3 B), the outer radius plane ( 3 A) would continue traveling downward and inward along the outer radius plane ramp ( 5 D). When sufficient force is applied to the top surface of the button ( 3 B), the retainer latch ( 3 E) on the bottom of the inner radius plane ( 3 D) would snap over the central locking lip ( 7 ). As the retainer latch ( 3 E) slides completely over the central locking lip ( 7 ), the stored force caused by the compression of the inner radius plane ( 3 D) would cause the retainer latch ( 3 E) to snap closed under the central locking lip ( 7 ), locking the button in the down position. See,  FIG. 7 . 
     Finally, once a week&#39;s worth of pills was consumed, the user must reset the reminder. To do so, the user applies pressure to the center reset button ( 4 ). The curved lower surface ( 4 C) of the center reset button ( 4 ) contacts the outwardly curved surface of the inner radius plane ( 3 D). When the curved lower surface ( 4 C) of the center reset button ( 4 ) sufficiently compresses the inner radius plane ( 3 D), the retainer latch ( 3 E) will unlatch. The force stored in the device&#39;s outer radius planes ( 3 B) will cause all the buttons ( 3 ) and, the center reset button ( 4 ), to rise to their fully extended positions. (Note: If the combined force stored by the device&#39;s outer radius planes is insufficient to raise the center reset button ( 4 ), a reset spring ( 10 ) may be installed to raise the reset button. See  FIG. 5 )