Patent Publication Number: US-11660255-B1

Title: Liquid medication dispenser

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/953,024, filed on Dec. 23, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to medication, and more particularly, to a liquid medication dispenser which is suitable to expeditiously dispense or load liquid medication from multiple medication containers into syringes of different sizes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the medical field, various devices have been designed to transfer precisely measured quantities of liquid medications from a container and administer the medications to a patient. For example, the transfer and administration of medications is often carried out using syringes. A syringe is typically filled with the liquid medication by inserting a syringe needle or a syringe tip into the container in which the medication is stored, and then withdrawing the plunger of the syringe to draw the medication through the needle or tip into the barrel. The medication loaded into the syringe may then be injected into the patient. The use of syringes facilitates precise control in the quantity or volume of medication which is administered to a patient. Syringes may also enable medical personnel to administer a mixture of medications into a patient in a single administration. 
     Under circumstances in which multiple medications are to be repeatedly administered to a patient throughout a day or other time period, drawing the correct quantity of each medication for each administration may be laborious and time-consuming. Much care must be undertaken to insert the syringe needle or syringe tip into the container from which the medication is to be drawn, extend the plunger of the syringe the correct distance from the syringe barrel and withdraw the syringe needle or syringe tip from the container after the medication has been drawn into the syringe barrel. Repeated execution of the syringe filling and injection procedure may result in inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the administration of the optimum quantity of each medication over time. 
     A gastrostomy tube (G-tube) is a device which is inserted into the abdomen of a patient to administer nutrition directly to the stomach of the patient. The conventional method of loading the nutritious medium into a G-tube for subsequent administration to the patient is by opening a container which contains the medium, tilting the container and drawing the medium from the container using a syringe. The G-tube is then used to administer the medium from the syringe to the patient. 
     The conventional method of loading a nutrient medium into a syringe and then administering the medium to the patient from the syringe via the G-tube is laborious and time-consuming, particularly for patients who have special needs or frequently take multiple liquid medications on a daily basis. 
     Accordingly, there is an established need for a solution to at least one of the aforementioned problems. For example, there is a need for a device, equipment or system which facilitates dispensing or loading liquid medication from multiple medication containers into multiple syringes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a liquid medication dispenser which is suitable for dispensing or loading liquid medication into multiple syringes. 
     In a first implementation of the invention, a liquid medication dispenser, suitable for loading liquid medication from a plurality of medication containers into different syringes, may include a dispenser housing having a housing interior. A plurality of medication dispensing openings may be formed through the dispenser housing. A plurality of sets of syringe openings may be formed through the dispenser housing, each set of syringe openings comprising two or more different-sized syringe openings. The liquid medication dispenser may further include a plurality of medication distribution assemblies, which may be arranged in the housing interior. Each medication distribution assembly may provide fluid communication between a respective medication dispensing opening of the plurality of medication dispensing openings and a respective set of syringe openings of the plurality of sets of syringe openings. 
     In a second aspect, the dispenser housing may further include a plurality of medication container seats in the housing. Each medication container seat may be configured to receive a respective medication container. A respective medication dispensing opening of the plurality of medication dispensing openings may be located at each medication container seat. 
     In another aspect, each medication container seat may be recessed into an outer surface of the dispenser housing. 
     In another aspect, the medication dispensing openings are formed through a top wall of the dispenser housing. 
     In another aspect, the top wall of the dispenser housing may be movable between a closed position enclosing the housing interior and an open position allowing access to the housing interior. 
     In yet another aspect, the liquid medication dispenser may further include a cover assembly mountable on the dispenser housing. The cover assembly may comprise a cover assembly frame defining a cover assembly interior. The cover assembly interior may be configured to house a plurality of medication containers in an upright position with each medication container of the plurality of medication containers arranged over a respective medication dispensing opening of the plurality of medication dispensing openings. 
     In another aspect, the cover assembly may include at least one storage compartment. 
     In another aspect, the cover assembly may include a plurality of container receptacles arranged in the cover assembly interior. Each container receptacle may be configured to contain a respective medication container in an upright position, and may be arranged in vertical alignment with a respective medication dispensing opening of the plurality of medication dispensing openings when the cover assembly is mounted on the dispenser housing. 
     In another aspect, the cover assembly may include a partition arranged in the cover assembly interior. The partition may comprise a plurality of partition openings formed through the partition and configured to receive a top opening of a respective medication container of a plurality of medication containers housed in the cover assembly interior. The liquid medication dispenser may further include a movable body insertable into and movable along a first area of the cover assembly interior. The movable body may include a plate having a plurality of plate openings configured to align with the plurality of partition openings. The plate may further comprise a plurality of container cap receivers, each container cap receiver arranged at a respective plate opening of the plurality of plate openings and configured to carry a respective container cap and prevent a transverse movement of the respective container cap relative to the respective plate opening. The movable body may be selectively movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the plate of the movable body may be arranged within the cover assembly interior and each plate opening of the plurality of plate openings may be adjacent to and aligned with a respective partition opening of the plurality of partition openings. In the second position, the plate of the movable body may be moved away from the plurality of partition openings allowing access to the partition openings. 
     In yet another aspect, the cover assembly may include a plurality of container receptacles arranged in the cover assembly interior and beneath the partition. Each container receptacle may be configured to contain a respective medication container in an upright position, and may be arranged in vertical alignment with a respective medication dispensing opening of the plurality of medication dispensing openings when the cover assembly is mounted on the dispenser housing. Each partition opening may face a respective container receptacle of the plurality of container receptacles. 
     In another aspect, the movable body may include a handle extending from the plate. 
     In another aspect, the cover assembly may include at least one storage compartment in a second area of the cover assembly interior separated from the first area. 
     In another aspect, a front wall of the dispenser housing may include a plurality of sets of through openings, each set of through openings comprising two or more through openings. The dispenser housing may further include a face plate mountable on the front wall of the dispenser housing, the face plate comprising a plurality of sets of syringe barrel cavities, each set of syringe barrel cavities comprising two or more syringe barrel cavities. Each syringe barrel cavity of the two or more syringe barrel cavities may be aligned with a respective through opening of the two or more through openings, such that each syringe barrel cavity and respective through opening form a respective syringe opening of the two or more syringe openings. 
     In yet another aspect, the face plate may be detachably mountable on the front wall. The two or more syringe barrel cavities may be sized differently to each other. 
     In another aspect, each medication distribution assembly of the plurality of medication distribution assemblies may include an inlet conduit and two or more outlet conduits. The inlet conduit may extend from the respective medication dispensing opening. Each outlet conduit of the two or more outlet conduits may extend from the inlet conduit to a respective syringe opening of the respective set of syringe openings. 
     In another aspect, the two or more syringe openings of the respective set of syringe openings may be arranged in vertical alignment. The two or more outlet conduits of each medication distribution assembly may also be arranged in vertical alignment. 
     In another aspect, the two or more syringe openings of the respective set of syringe openings may be arranged in spaced-apart relationship. The two or more outlet conduits of each medication distribution assembly may also be arranged in spaced-apart relationship. 
     In yet another aspect, the plurality of sets of syringe openings may be formed through a front wall of the dispenser housing, and the two or more outlet conduits of each medication distribution assembly may be arranged in a front-to-back direction of the dispenser housing. 
     In another implementation, the dispenser housing may have a bottom wall and a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of side walls extending from the bottom wall. The dispenser housing may have a housing interior and a housing lid which closes the housing interior. A plurality of medication container seats may be provided in the housing lid. A plurality of medication dispensing openings may extend through the housing lid at the medication container seats, respectively. The medication container seats may be sized and configured to accommodate a plurality of medication containers, respectively, each of which contains a supply of liquid medication. A container opening may extend through the bottom of each medication container in registration with each corresponding medication dispensing opening. 
     A plurality of syringe openings may be provided in the front wall of the dispenser housing. A face plate may be deployable over the front wall of the dispenser housing. The face plate may include a plurality of syringe barrel cavities that may have various sizes. The syringe barrel cavities may align or register with the respective syringe openings in the dispenser housing. Accordingly, the syringe barrel cavities in the face plate may be sized and configured to accommodate the syringe barrels of respective syringes having different sizes as the tips of the syringes extend through the syringe openings in the front wall of the dispenser housing. 
     A plurality of medication distribution assemblies may be disposed in the housing interior of the dispenser housing. The medication distribution assemblies may establish fluid communication between the medication dispensing openings in the respective medication container seats in the housing lid and the respective syringe openings in the front wall of the dispenser housing. Each medication distribution assembly may include an inlet conduit which extends from each corresponding medication container seat and at least one outlet conduit which extends from the inlet conduit and terminates in fluid communication with the corresponding syringe opening in the front wall of the dispenser housing. 
     In an illustrative application of the liquid medication dispenser, liquid medication is placed in each medication container. Each medication container is then placed in a corresponding medication container seat in the housing lid with the container opening in each medication container disposed in sealing engagement with the inlet conduit of the corresponding medication distribution assembly through the corresponding medication dispensing opening. The tip of a syringe which is to be filled with medication is inserted first through the syringe barrel cavity which corresponds to the size of the barrel of the syringe and then through the registering syringe opening into the outlet conduit of the corresponding medication distribution assembly, respectively. The barrel of the syringe is then seated in the syringe barrel cavity as the plunger of the syringe is extended to draw medication from the medication container through the medication distribution assembly into the barrel of the syringe, respectively. The syringe barrel of the syringe is then withdrawn from the syringe barrel cavity and used to inject the liquid medication into a patient typically in the conventional manner. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    presents a top front isometric view of a liquid medication dispenser in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the liquid medication dispenser shown with six illustrative medication containers received in corresponding medication container seats of the liquid medication dispenser for dispensing liquid medication therefrom; 
         FIG.  2    presents an exploded, top front isometric view of the liquid medication dispenser of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    presents a top front isometric view showing a medication distribution assembly with a medication container disposed in fluid communication therewith; 
         FIG.  4    presents a top plan view of the liquid medication dispenser of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    presents a top front isometric view of the liquid medication dispenser of  FIG.  1    in typical application thereof, for which several syringes are connected to the liquid medication dispenser; 
         FIG.  6    presents an exploded top front isometric view illustrating deployment of a cover assembly on the dispenser housing of the liquid medication dispenser of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    presents a top front isometric view of the cover assembly of  FIG.  6    deployed in place on the dispenser housing and the cover lid of the cover assembly removed; and 
         FIG.  8    presents a cross-sectional side elevation view, the cross section taken along section plane  8 - 8  indicated in  FIG.  1   , of a medication container disposed in fluid communication with a medication distribution assembly and a plurality of syringe barrel cavities in the face plate of the liquid medication dispenser of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    presents a top front isometric view of cover assembly of a liquid medication dispenser in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the cover assembly comprising a movable body carrying a plurality of container caps; 
         FIG.  10    presents an exploded, top front isometric view of the cover assembly and container caps of  FIG.  9   , together with a corresponding plurality of medication containers, the figure including an enlarged view of one of the container cap receivers comprised in the movable body; 
         FIG.  11    presents an exploded, bottom front isometric view of the cover assembly, container caps and medication containers of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    presents a cross-sectional front elevation view of the cover assembly of  FIG.  9   , the cross section take along section plane  12 - 12  indicated in  FIG.  9   , with a movable body carrying the container caps shown in a lowered position relative to the cover assembly frame and the medication containers; 
         FIG.  13    presents a cross-sectional front elevation view similar to  FIG.  12   , with the movable body carrying the container caps shown in a raised position relative to the cover assembly frame and the medication containers; 
         FIG.  14    presents a top front isometric view of a liquid medication dispenser in accordance with a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention, with a pivotable front cover shown in a closed position and the cover assembly shown placed on the dispenser housing; 
         FIG.  15    presents an exploded, top front isometric view of the dispenser housing of the liquid medication dispenser of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  16    presents an exploded, bottom rear isometric view of the dispenser housing of the liquid medication dispenser of  FIG.  14   , the view further revealing medication distribution assemblies housed inside the dispenser housing; 
         FIG.  17    presents an enlarged, top front isometric view of the medication distribution assemblies housed inside the dispenser housing of the liquid medication dispenser of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  18    presents a top, front isometric view of the cover assembly and movable body of the liquid medication dispenser of  FIG.  14   , together with a set of medication containers and respective container caps; 
         FIG.  19    presents a bottom, rear isometric view of the components of  FIG.  18   ; and 
         FIG.  20    presents a top perspective view of the liquid medication dispenser of  FIG.  14   , with the cover assembly lid and the front cover shown in an open position. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG.  1   . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a liquid medication dispenser which is suitable for dispensing or loading liquid medication from multiple medication containers into multiple syringes. The liquid medication dispenser can expedite and/or increase precision in loading liquid medication into multiple syringes, including syringes of different sizes. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 8    of the drawings, a first illustrative embodiment of the liquid medication dispenser is generally indicated by reference numeral  100 . With reference initially to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the liquid medication dispenser  100  may include a dispenser hollow body or housing  102 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  2  and  8   , in some embodiments, the dispenser housing  102  may be generally elongated and rectangular with a floor or bottom wall  112  ( FIG.  8   ). A front wall  104  and a rear wall  106  may extend from the bottom wall  112 . A pair of side walls  108  may extend from the bottom wall  112  between the front wall  104  and the rear wall  106 . A housing interior  110  may be defined by and between the bottom wall  112 , the front wall  104 , the rear wall  106  and the side walls  108  of the dispenser housing  102 . As further illustrated in  FIG.  2   , a plurality of syringe openings  114  may extend through the dispenser housing  102 , and more preferably, through at least one of the front wall  104 , the rear wall  106  and the side walls  108 , with the bottom wall  112  configured instead to rest on a surface such as a countertop or tabletop. In some embodiments, one or more of the syringe openings  114  may be threaded. For example, in the present embodiment, the plurality of syringe openings  114  is provided in the front wall  104 . The syringe openings  114  can be provided in a selected pattern and spacing for purposes which will be hereinafter described. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the dispenser housing  102  may include a face plate  118  provided over the front wall  104 . In some embodiments, the face plate  118  may be detachably attached to the front wall  104  of the dispenser housing  102 , such as by magnetic fasteners, snap fasteners, threaded fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, detachable or repositionable adhesive materials, friction fitting, or other fastening mechanisms. A plurality of sets of syringe barrel cavities  120  may be provided in the face plate  118 , and may extend through the face plate  118 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . The syringe barrel cavities  120  may align or register with the respective syringe openings  114  in the front wall  104  of the dispenser housing  102 . In some embodiments, one or more of the syringe barrel cavities  120  may be threaded. In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, each set of syringe barrel cavities  120  may include syringe barrel cavities  120  of various sizes (e.g., small, medium and large) to accommodate the syringe barrels  154  of syringes  150  having respective diameters, as will be hereinafter further described. 
     The face plate  118  being disconnectable allows, for instance, for customization of the liquid medication dispenser  100 . For example, more than one face plate  118  can be included and may be interchangeably connectable to the front wall  103 , with the different-sized barrel cavities arranged in a different configuration (relative size, relative position, and number of cavities of each specific size) in each face plate  118  relative to the other. By interchanging the face plates  118 , the user may configure the different-sized syringe barrel cavities  120  of the liquid medication dispenser. For example, the user may choose to mount a face plate  118  having only small- and medium-sized syringe barrel cavities  120 . In other applications, a face plate  118  having large-, medium- and small-sized syringe barrel cavities  120  may be mounted instead. 
     A housing lid  124  may be provided on the dispenser housing  102  to close the housing interior  110 . In some embodiments, the housing lid  124  may be removable from the dispenser housing  102 . A plurality of medication container seats  126  may be provided in the housing lid  124 ; for instance, in the present embodiment, the medication container seats  126  are recessed into a top side  125  of the housing lid  124 . A plurality of medication dispensing openings  128  may extend through the housing lid  124  at the respective medication container seats  126 . The medication container seats  126  may be sized and configured to accommodate a plurality of medication containers  142 , respectively, each of which contains a supply of liquid medication  146  ( FIG.  8   ) and may have a detachable container cap  148 . As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , a container opening  144  may extend through the bottom of each medication container  142 . The container opening  144  may align or register with each corresponding medication dispensing opening  128  when the medication container  142  is seated in the corresponding medication container seat  126 . 
     As particularly illustrated in  FIGS.  2 ,  3  and  8   , a plurality of medication distribution assemblies  130  may be disposed in the housing interior  110  of the dispenser housing  102 . The medication distribution assemblies  130  which include fluid conduits and are configured to establish fluid communication between the medication dispensing openings  128  in the respective medication container seats  126  of the housing lid  124  and the respective syringe openings  114  in the front wall  104  of the dispenser housing  102 . For instance, in the present embodiment, each medication distribution assembly  130  is configured to facilitate flow of liquid medication  146  from each medication container  142  to a corresponding set of syringe openings  114  in the front wall  104  of the dispenser housing  102 , and to a corresponding set of small, medium and large syringe barrel cavities  120  in the face plate  118 . As best shown in  FIG.  2   , each medication distribution assembly  130  may include a vacuum fitting with an inlet conduit  131  which extends from each corresponding medication container seat  126  in, for instance, a vertically downward direction as shown. As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , a resilient seal  134  made of rubber, plastic or other elastic material may impart a fluid-tight seal between each inlet conduit  131  and the corresponding medication dispensing opening  128  in the housing lid  124 . While the seal  134  of the present embodiment extends through both the container opening  144  of the medication container  142  and the medication dispensing opening  128  in the housing lid  124 , alternative embodiments are contemplated; for example, the seal  134  may comprise a first seal and a second seal, wherein the first seal extends about the container opening  144  and second seal extends about the medication dispensing opening  128 . Furthermore, while the inlet conduit  131  is shown extending through both the medication dispensing opening  128  and container opening  144 , alternative embodiments are contemplated such as, but not limited to, the inlet conduit  131  extending into the medication dispensing opening  128  but not into the container opening  144 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  2 ,  3  and  8   , a plurality of outlet conduits  132  may extend from the inlet conduit  131 , such as along a front-to-back direction of the dispenser housing  102  and frontward, towards the front wall  104  of the dispenser housing  102 , as shown. The outlet conduit  132  may terminate in fluid communication with a corresponding syringe opening  114  in the front wall  104  of the dispenser housing  102 . Accordingly, each set of different-sized syringe barrel cavities  120  in the face plate  118  may communicate with the respective outlet conduits  132  of the medication distribution assembly  130  through the respective syringe openings  114  in the front wall  104 . As shown, each outlet conduit  132  may be disposed in perpendicular relationship to the inlet conduit  131  from which it extends. In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the plurality of outlet conduits  132  of each inlet conduit  131  may be arranged in vertical alignment, spaced apart from and parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the outlet conduits  132  may be horizontal, as shown; however, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the outlet conduits  132  may be sloped downstream, towards the syringe openings  114 . Similarly, the depicted inlet conduit  131  may comprise one or more horizontal portions, as shown; in some embodiments, said portion(s) may be sloped downstream, to favor fluid flow towards the syringe openings  114 . 
     In some embodiments, a seal sleeve  136  may be provided on each outlet conduit  132  of each medication distribution assembly  130 . As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , each seal sleeve  136  may surround the corresponding outlet conduit  132  and sealingly engage an interior surface of the front wall  104  such as to capture any potential liquids therewithin. A compress and seal fitting  138  may terminate each outlet conduit  132  exterior to the front wall  104 . The compress and seal fitting  138  may engage an exterior surface of the front wall  104  for fluid sealing purposes. 
     In typical application of the liquid medication dispenser  100 , one or more liquid medications  146  ( FIG.  8   ) may be placed in a plurality of the medication containers  142 . Each medication container  142  may contain a same or different type of liquid medication  146 . Each medication container  142  may then be seated in a corresponding medication container seat  126  in the housing lid  124  of the dispenser housing  102 . Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the inlet conduit  131  of each medication distribution assembly  130  may be sealingly disposed in fluid communication with the medication container  142  through the corresponding medication dispensing opening  128  in the housing lid  124  and container opening  144  in the medication container  142 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , a syringe  150  may be selected for use in injecting a selected volume of a selected liquid medication  146  into a patient (not illustrated), for use in preparing a formulation or for other applicable uses. A syringe barrel cavity  120  which corresponds to the medication container  142  having the selected liquid medication  146  and corresponds to the diameter of the syringe barrel  154  of the syringe  150  may be identified among the available syringe barrel cavities  120  corresponding to the medication container seat  126  in which the medication container  142  having the selected liquid medication  146  is seated. The syringe  150  may be deployed in place by initially inserting the tip of the syringe barrel  154  through the selected syringe barrel cavity  120  of the face plate  118  and the corresponding registering syringe opening  114  in the front wall  104  and then into the outlet conduit  132  of the corresponding medication distribution assembly  130 ; alternatively, the syringe  150  may be deployed in place by inserting a syringe barrel tip through the selected syringe barrel cavity  120  of the face plate  118 . The syringe plunger  152  may then be extended from the syringe barrel  154  of the syringe  150  to draw the liquid medication  146  from the medication container  142  through the container opening  144 , medication dispensing opening  128  and inlet conduit  131  and outlet conduit  132 , respectively, of the medication distribution assembly  130 , and then through the syringe barrel tip into the syringe barrel  154 . Once the syringe barrel  154  has been loaded with liquid medication  146 , the syringe barrel  154  of the syringe  150  may be removed from the syringe barrel cavity  120  and the syringe  150  used to inject the liquid medication  146  into a patient (not illustrated) or for other applicable use. As shown, by having each medication distribution assembly  130  provide fluid communication from each medication dispensing opening  128  to a plurality of syringe barrel cavities  120  of different sizes, each medication container  142  may communicate with syringe barrel cavities  120  configured to accommodate syringes  150  having different volumes. Thus, the user can select which syringe barrel cavity  120 , depending on the volume of the liquid medication  146  which is to be injected into the patient. In some embodiments, each outlet conduit  132  may include a respective one-way valve to prevent inward fluid flow from the corresponding syringe barrel cavity  120  when said corresponding syringe barrel cavity  120  is not in use. For instance, in the present embodiment, each elastic, compress and seal fitting  138  may sealingly close the end of the outlet conduit  132  facing the syringe barrel cavity  120  and be opened if a syringe barrel tip is inserted into and through the compress and seal fitting  138 . 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the liquid medication dispenser  100  may provide an alternative to conventional techniques for loading liquid medication into a syringe in order to feed the medication to a patient via a G-tube (gastrostomy tube). The liquid medication dispenser  100  may facilitate direct loading of the liquid medication into a syringe and direct administration of the liquid medication using a G-tube. This expediting may save considerable time and hassles for patients who have special needs or take liquid medication frequently. The liquid medication dispenser  100  enables a user to line up multiple medication containers  142  and draw out a selected quantity or volume of liquid medication which is needed using a universal syringe type. Each medication container  142  may be emptied from the bottom up, and the container cap  148  may be detached from the medication container  142  to facilitate refilling of the medication container  142 . Accordingly, in applications in which a G-tube is used to administer the liquid medication  146  to a patient, different liquid medications  146  can be drawn out using whichever type of syringe  150  is being used instead of having to separately “tilt and draw” the liquid medication  146  from each medication container  142 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , in some embodiments, the liquid medication dispenser  100  may further include a removable cover assembly  160  that may be deployed on the dispenser housing  102  to cover or conceal the medication container seats  126  in the housing lid  124  for transport and/or storage of the liquid medication dispenser  100 . The cover assembly  160  may include a cover assembly frame  162 . A cover assembly lid  164  may detachably engage the cover assembly frame  162 . A finger notch  166  may be provided in the cover assembly lid  164  to facilitate selective removal or detachment of the cover assembly lid  164  from the cover assembly frame  162 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , where the cover assembly lid  164  has been removed from the cover assembly frame  162 , at least one compartment  168 ,  170  may be provided in the cover assembly frame  162 . In some embodiments, the at least one compartment  168 ,  170  may include at least one syringe compartment  168  which is sized and configured to contain at least one syringe  150 . Alternatively or additionally, the at least one compartment  168 ,  170  may include at least one medication container compartment  170  sized and configured to contain at least one medication container  142 . For example, in the present embodiment, each medication container compartment  170  is sized and configured to contain a respective medication container  142 . Accordingly, when preparing to use the liquid medication dispenser  100 , the cover assembly  160  can be removed from the dispenser housing  102  to reveal the mediation container seats  126 , and the cover assembly lid  164  may be removed from the cover assembly frame  162  to access the syringe  150  and the medication containers  142  for use. The user may extract the needed medication container  142  and the syringe  150 , and fit them respectively into a medication container seat  126  and the corresponding syringe barrel cavity  120 . The liquid medication dispenser  100  may then be used as described heretofore to load the syringe  150 . 
     In some embodiments, the cover assembly  160  may include an open bottom configured to allow the medication containers  142  to be fitted into the medication container seats  126  while the cover assembly  160  is mounted on the dispenser housing  102 , allowing the liquid medication dispenser  100  to be used without removing the cover assembly  160  from the dispenser housing  102 . When needed, each medication containers  142  may be removed from the corresponding medication container compartment  170  for refill, and may be easily fitted back into the corresponding medication container seat  126  as guided by the corresponding medication compartment  170 . Alternatively, the open-bottom cover assembly  160  may be removed from the dispenser housing  102  prior to using the liquid medication dispenser  100 , if needed or desired. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  9 - 13   , a cover assembly  252  in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown. The cover assembly  252  may be used together with a dispenser housing  102  and medication dispensing mechanisms and elements carried by the dispenser housing  102  as described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 8   , to easily and conveniently dispense medications from one or more medication containers  142  into one or more syringes  150 . 
     Similarly to the previous embodiment, the cover assembly  252  comprises a cover assembly frame or cover housing  254  that may be generally elongated and rectangular and may include a bottom wall  270 , best shown in  FIG.  11   . The cover housing  254  may include a front wall  272 , a rear wall  274  and pair of side walls  276  extending from the bottom wall  270  and delimiting a cover assembly interior  278  ( FIG.  10   ). 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  10  and  12   , the cover housing  254  further includes an inner wall or partition  280  arranged in an intermediate or central area of the cover assembly interior  278  and preferably horizontally arranged, as best shown in  FIG.  12   . The partition  280  divides the cover assembly interior  278  into a top interior compartment  278   a  and a bottom interior compartment  278   b  and includes openings  282  extending through the partition  280  and communicating the top and bottom interior compartments  278   a  and  278   b . With continued reference to  FIG.  12   , the cover housing  254  further includes a plurality of container receptacles  284 , arranged within the bottom interior compartment  278   b  of the cover assembly interior  278 . Each container receptacle  284  extends between the bottom wall  270  and the partition  280 , and ends, and bottom and top ends thereof, in a bottom opening  286  formed in the bottom wall  270  and in a corresponding opening  282  of the partition  280 . Each container receptacle  284  is configured to receive a respective one of the medication containers  142  through the bottom opening  286  such that a neck  147  of the medication container  142  extends through the opening  282  of the partition  280  and into the top interior compartment  278   a  for purposes that will be described hereinafter. 
     The cover assembly  252  of the present embodiment further includes a movable support or body  290  movably received within the cover assembly interior  278 . The movable body  290  is movable by a user and is configured to carry the container caps  148  such that user operation or maneuvering of the movable body  290  allows all container caps  148  to be jointly and easily separated from, or reattached to, the respective medication containers  142 . The movable body  290  may include a base or plate  292 , which may be rectangular in some embodiments. A plurality of openings  294  are formed through the plate  292 , wherein each opening  294  is configured to align with a respective opening  282  of the partition  280 , to enable the corresponding bottle neck  147  to also extend through the opening  294  when the movable body  290  is in a lowered position, as will be described hereinafter. The plate  292  further includes a plurality of container cap receivers  296 . The container cap receivers  296  are configured to receive the container caps  148 , i.e. to allow the connection or engagement thereto of the container caps  148 . In preferred embodiments of the invention, when receiving the container caps  148 , the container cap receivers  296  sufficiently prevent movement of the container caps  148  relative to the plate  292  so that user operation of the movable body  290  to move the movable body  290  is unable to cause a transverse or vertical movement of the container caps  148  relative to the plate  292 ; i.e., the container cap receivers  296  are preferably such that the container caps  148  remain connected thereto and carried thereby while the movable body  290  is moved by the user. Furthermore, the container cap receivers  296  are configured to allow the container caps  148  to be connected to and disconnected from the container cap receivers  296  by adequately manipulating each container cap  148  relative to the corresponding container cap receiver  296 . For instance and without limitation, the container cap receivers  296  may take the form of a male or female thread which is threadably connected to a corresponding threaded portion formed in the container caps  148 . In another example, the container cap receivers  296  may frictionally retain, clamp, clip, snap-fit or otherwise retain the container caps  148  thereto; for instance, in the present embodiment, each container cap receiver  296  comprises two concentric circular ridges  296   a ,  296   b  protruding outwardly (upwardly) from the plate  292  and delimiting a gap  298  therebetween, wherein the gap  298  is shaped and sized to snugly receive a bottom edge  149  of the corresponding container cap  148 . In some embodiments, as shown, the ridges  296   a ,  296   b  may extend continuously or in a fully circular shape, and the gap  298  may be annular; however, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which one or both of the ridges  296   a ,  296   b  may be formed as discrete portions and yet be able to retain the bottom edge  149  of the container cap  148  therebetween. 
     The movable body  290  further includes a handle  299  extending upward from the plate  292  such that a user can grasp the handle  299  to raise or lower the movable body  290 . In some embodiments, as shown, the handle  299  may be shaped as a vertical rod or post, optionally provided with a wider end portion or head  299   a  to facilitate manually exerting an upward or downward force on the handle  299 ; however, alternative embodiments are contemplated, such as but not limited an L-shaped, T-shaped, or O-shaped protrusion, or other ergonomic protrusion or feature, to facilitate lifting and lowering the movable body  290 , without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Operation of the cover assembly  252  will now be described with reference to  FIGS.  12  and  13   . With reference initially to  FIG.  12   , firstly, the container caps  148  may be removed from medication containers  142 . The medication containers  142  may then be inserted through the bottom openings  286  and into the corresponding container receptacles  284  formed in the bottom interior compartment  278   b  of the cover assembly interior  278 , so that the container necks  147  extend through the openings  282  of the partition  280  and the openings  294  in the plate  292 , as shown in the figure. The container caps  148  may then be fitted onto or received within the container cap receivers  296  of the movable body  290 . The user may then grasp the handle  299  of the movable body  290  and carry the movable body  290  (jointly with the attached container caps  148 ). The user may insert the movable body  290  into the top interior compartment  278   a  of the cover assembly interior  278 , and lower the movable body  290  and attached container caps  148  to a position in which the container caps  148  are fitted onto the container necks  147 , as shown in  FIG.  12   . In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the movable body  290  may be shaped and sized such that, in the lowered position of the movable body  290 , the plate  292  rests on the partition  280 , said resting providing a stop which indicates the user that the container caps  148  have been correctly fitted onto the container necks  147  and are adequately closing the medication containers  142 . The cover assembly  252  and connected (and closed) medication containers  142  may then be placed on the dispenser housing  102  ( FIGS.  1 - 8   ) in order to dispense the medicines contained by the medication containers  142 , as described heretofore with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 8   . 
     Should the user wish to refill one or more medication containers  142 , the user may simply grasp the handle  299  and pull the movable body  290  upward as shown in  FIG.  13   . Upward pulling of the movable body  290  causes the movable body  290  and container caps  148  to lift off of the container necks  147 . Sufficient upward pulling eventually allows the user to remove the movable body  290  and container caps  148  and set them aside, and proceed to refill the medication container(s)  142  as needed. Once the medication containers  142  are ready for further use, the user may then proceed to insert and lower the movable body  290 , and container caps  148  carried thereon, as described with reference to  FIG.  12   . 
     Thus, the cover assembly  252  of the present embodiment provides a convenient and easy to use mechanism for uncapping and recapping the medication containers and thereby facilitates refilling the containers as required by repeated or frequent use of the liquid medication dispenser. 
     The illustrations of  FIGS.  14 - 20    present a liquid medication dispenser  300  in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. With reference initially to  FIG.  14   , similarly to the previous embodiments, the liquid medication dispenser  300  comprises a dispenser housing  302 . The dispenser housing  302  includes a front wall  304 , a rear wall  306 , and side walls  308 , defining a housing interior  310 . As shown in  FIG.  18   , the dispenser housing  302  has an open bottom; however, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the dispenser housing  302  may include a bottom wall closing the bottom of the dispenser housing  302 . As shown in  FIG.  15   , a plurality of syringe openings  314  may extend through the dispenser housing  302 , such as through the front wall  304 , as shown. In some embodiments, one or more of the syringe openings  314  may be threaded. The syringe openings  314  can be provided in a selected pattern and spacing for purposes which will be hereinafter described. 
     Also similarly to the previous embodiments, and as further shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , a face plate  318  may be provided on the front wall  304 . Similarly to aforementioned embodiments, the face plate  318  may be detachably attached to the front wall  304 . For instance, the depicted face plate  318  is disconnectably attached to the front wall  304  by a clipping connection between a pair of elastically deformable arms  400  provided on the face plate  318  and configured to fit into corresponding openings  402  formed in the front wall  304  of the dispenser housing  302  and to elastically clip to the front wall  304 . 
     The face plate  318  includes a plurality of sets of syringe barrel cavities  320 , wherein each syringe barrel cavity  320  extends through the face place  318  and aligns with a respective syringe opening  314  in the front wall  304  of the dispenser housing  302 . A housing lid or housing top wall  324  provided on the dispenser housing  302  to close the housing interior  310 . In the present embodiment, the housing lid or housing top wall  324  forms a fixed or integral part of the dispenser housing  302 , i.e. is non-removable; however, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the housing lid or housing top wall  324  may be removable, similarly to embodiments heretofore described. The housing lid  324  includes a plurality of medication dispensing openings  328 , for receiving a plurality of medication containers  342 . In some embodiments, the housing lid  324  may include a corresponding plurality of medication container seats, similarly to the previous embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  18  and  19   , each medication container  342  includes a neck  347  and a container opening  344 , arranged at a top and bottom of the medication container  342 , respectively. The neck  347  may be threaded, as shown, allowing for disconnectable threading thereto of a respective container cap  348 . In turn, the container opening  344  extends through the bottom of the medication container  342 , and may be provided by a bottom neck  404 , which may be threaded, as shown. The container neck  404  and container opening  344  may align or register with each corresponding medication dispensing opening  328 . 
     As particularly illustrated in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , a plurality of medication distribution assemblies  330  may be disposed in the housing interior  310 , wherein each medication distribution assembly provides fluid communication between a respective medication dispensing opening  328  at the top wall or housing lid  324  and a respective set of three, vertically-aligned syringe openings  314  on the front wall  304 . As best shown in  FIG.  17   , each medication distribution assembly  330  may include an inlet conduit  331  which may extend from each corresponding medication dispensing opening  328  vertically downward and also horizontally, to direct fluid towards the front wall  304  of the dispenser housing  302 . Each inlet conduit  331  comprises a thread  406  at a top end thereof, wherein the thread  406  is configured to thread to the threaded neck  404  of a respective medication container  342  and provide a disconnectable and preferably fluid-tight connection between the medication container  342  and the inlet conduit  331 . As shown in  FIG.  15   , in some embodiments, the thread  406  of the inlet conduit  331  may extend at least partially through the medication dispenser opening  328  of the housing lid  324  to facilitate threading the neck  404  onto the thread  406 . Alternatively or additionally, a resilient seal may be included, similarly to the resilient seal  134  described with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 8   . As further shown in  FIG.  17   , a plurality of outlet conduits  332  may extend from each inlet conduit  331 , such as along a front-to-back direction of the dispenser housing  302  and frontward, towards the front wall  304  of the dispenser housing  302 . The outlet conduit  332  may terminate in fluid communication with a corresponding syringe opening  314  in the front wall  304  of the dispenser housing  302 . The outlet conduits  332  may be spaced apart with one another, in vertical alignment with one another, parallel to one another, and/or horizontal or sloped, as described with reference to previous embodiments. Similarly to previous embodiments, each outlet conduit  332  may include one or more sealing members at or near a front end thereof, the one or more sealing members configured to block fluid leaks between the front end of the outlet conduit  332  and a syringe connected to said front end. For instance, the one or more sealing members may include a compress and seal fitting  338  and/or a seal sleeve (not shown, but otherwise similar to the seal sleeve  136  described heretofore). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  14 - 16   , the liquid medication dispenser  300  may include a front cover  410 , which may be operable to adopt a closed position ( FIG.  14   ) and an open position ( FIG.  20   ) relative to the dispenser housing  302 . In the closed position, the front cover  410  covers the syringe barrel cavities  320  in the face plate  318 . In the open position, instead, the front cover  410  exposes and allows access to the syringe barrel cavities  320 . In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the front cover  410  may be pivotably connected to the face plate  318 , such as by a hinged connection formed between two flanges  412  formed on opposite sides of the front cover  410  and two corresponding pins  414  provided on opposite sides of the face plate  318 . Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the front cover may instead be hinged to the dispenser housing  302 , such as to the front wall  304  or side walls  308 . In other non-limiting examples, the front cover may be slidable, removable, and/or secured by friction fitting, snap fitting, magnets or other fasteners. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  16   , a rear side of the front cover  410  may be provided with a plurality of protrusions  416 , wherein each protrusion  416  is shaped and sized to match a respective syringe barrel cavity  320  of the face plate  318  that faces the protrusion  416 . In some embodiments, the protrusions  416  may be elastic and configured to sealingly fit into the respective syringe barrel cavities  320  to seal the syringe barrel cavity  320  and block fluid from passing therethrough. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  14 ,  18  and  19   , in some embodiments, the liquid medication dispenser  300  may further include a removable cover assembly  360  that may be deployed on the dispenser housing  302  to cover or conceal the medication dispensing openings  328 . The cover assembly  360  may include a cover assembly frame  362  and a cover assembly lid  364  detachably or movably engaging the cover assembly frame  362  such that the cover assembly lid  364  can be opened and closed. For instance, as shown in  FIG.  20   , the cover assembly lid  364  may be pivotably connected to the cover assembly frame  362 . A finger notch  366  may be provided to facilitate selective removal or detachment of the cover assembly lid  364  from the cover assembly frame  362 . In the present embodiment, the finger notch  366  is formed in the cover assembly frame  362 . The cover assembly frame  362  may include a front wall  372 , a rear wall  374  and pair of side walls  376  delimiting a cover assembly interior  378 . As best shown in the exploded view of  FIG.  18   , at least one compartment  368  may be provided in the cover assembly interior  378  of the cover assembly frame  362 , such as for storing one or more syringes or other applicable items. 
     As best shown in  FIGS.  18  and  20   , the cover assembly frame  362  further includes an inner wall or partition  380  arranged in an intermediate or central area of the cover assembly interior  378 . The partition  380  divides the cover assembly interior  378  into a top interior compartment  378   a  and a bottom interior compartment  378   b  and includes openings  382  extending through the partition  380  and communicating the top and bottom interior compartments  378   a  and  378   b . As shown in  FIG.  19   , the cover assembly frame  362  further includes a plurality of container receptacles  384 , arranged within the bottom interior compartment  378   b  of the cover assembly interior  378 . Each container receptacle  384  extends downward from the partition  380 , and more specifically, from a respective opening  382  of the plurality of openings  382  of the partition  380 , and ends in a respective bottom opening  386 . Each container receptacle  384  is configured to receive a respective one of the medication containers  342  through the bottom opening  386  such that the top neck  347  of the medication container  342  extends through the opening  382  of the partition  380 , and is threadable to a respective container cap  348 . 
     Similarly to the embodiment of  FIGS.  9 - 13   , the cover assembly  360  of the present embodiment further includes a movable support or body  390  movably received within the cover assembly interior  378 . The movable body  390  may include a base or plate  392 , which may be rectangular in some embodiments. A plurality of openings  394  are formed through the plate  392 , wherein each opening  394  is configured to align with a respective opening  382  of the partition  380 , to enable the corresponding bottle neck  347  to also extend through the opening  394  when the movable body  390  is in a lowered position. The plate  392  may include a plurality of container cap receivers  396  configured to receive the container caps  348  and prevent transverse movement of the container caps  348  relative to the plate  392 . The container cap receivers  396  may be constructed similarly or the same as the container cap receivers  196  described with reference to  FIGS.  9 - 13   , i.e. may include, for instance, two concentric ridges defining an annular gap therebetween for receiving a bottom end of the container cap  348 . The movable body  390  further includes a handle  399  extending upward from the plate  392 . The handle  399  may end, for instance, in a T-shaped head  399   a , as shown. A user may grasp the T-shaped head  399   a  and exert a pulling or pushing force thereon to raise or lower the movable body  390 , respectively. 
     In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, one or more sidewalls  420  can extend upward from the partition  380  and divide the top interior compartment  378   a  in two or more parts or sub-compartments. For instance, in the present embodiment, a C-shaped sidewall  420  extends upward from the partition  380  and divides the top interior compartment  378   a  into a first area or sub-compartment  422  and a second area or sub-compartment  424 . The movable body  390  is movably received within the first sub-compartment  422 , while the second sub-compartment  424  provides the aforementioned compartment  368  for storing one or mode syringes or other items. In this manner, operation of the movable body  390  is independent of the storage compartment  348 , allowing to simultaneously operate the movable body  390  while holding items in the compartment  348 . In some embodiments, the second sub-compartment  424  may be divided into more than one storage compartment  368 , such as by including a different number of sidewalls extending from the partition  380 . 
     An example of operation of the liquid medication dispenser  300  will now be described. Initially, the medication containers  342  may be connected to the liquid medication dispenser  300  by threaded the bottom neck  404  of each medication container  342  to a corresponding thread  406  accessible via a corresponding medication dispensing opening  328  in the housing top wall or housing lid  324 . Next, the container caps  348  may be unthreaded from the medication containers  342 . 
     The cover assembly  360  may then be fitted over the medication containers  342  such that the medication containers  342  are inserted through the bottom openings  386  and into the corresponding container receptacles  384  formed in the bottom interior compartment  378   b  of the cover assembly interior  378 , and the container necks  347  extend through the openings  382  of the partition  380 . In turn, the container caps  348  may be fitted onto or received within the container cap receivers  396  of the movable body  390 . The user may then grasp the handle  399  of the movable body  390 , carry the movable body  390  (jointly with the attached container caps  348 ), insert the movable body  390  into the first sub-compartment  422  of the top interior compartment  378   a  of the cover assembly interior  378 , and lower the movable body  390  and attached container caps  348  to a position in which the container caps  348  are fitted onto the container necks  347 . The user may then optionally rotate the container caps  348  to thread onto the container necks  347 . The user may then open the front cover  410  and connect one or more syringes (which may have been stored until then in the compartment  368 , i.e. the second sub-compartment  424 ) to one or more syringe barrel cavities  320  to establish fluid communication between each syringe and a corresponding medication container  342  in order to load the syringe with medication. 
     Should the user wish to refill one or more medication containers  342 , the user may unthread each container cap  348  from the corresponding top neck  347  (if previously threaded), and then grasp the handle  399  and pull the movable body  390  upward. Upward pulling of the movable body  390  causes the movable body  390  and container caps  348  to lift off of the container necks  347 . Sufficient upward pulling eventually allows the user to remove the movable body  390  and container caps  348  from the first sub-compartment  422  and set them aside, and proceed to refill the medication container(s)  342  as needed. 
     Alternative embodiments are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, the liquid medication dispenser may a number of medication distribution assemblies other than six, such that the liquid medication dispenser may receive a number of medication containers other than six. For example, the liquid medication dispenser may include a single medication distribution assembly configured to establish fluid communication between a single medication distribution opening and a set of two or more (e.g., three) syringe openings and corresponding syringe barrel cavities, preferably of different sizes (corresponding to different syringe sizes). 
     In summary, the present invention provides a liquid medication dispenser that will contribute to simplify a consumer, patient or caregiver&#39;s everyday life. The medication dispenser stores liquid medication (via medication containers) and enables the user to draw medication directly from the medicine containers through a face plate, and directly dispense the medication into G tubes, orally, etc. The invention allows to avoid the time-consuming gathering of bottles, one by one opening of bottles, drawing medicine from each bottle one at a time, re-closing the medicine bottles, and then administering the medications (orally or through G tube). This may save significant amounts of time for many users who need to frequently take medications. For example, it must be noted that most special-need individuals or sick individuals must consume medications up to 30 times a day. The present invention relieves such individuals or their caregivers from having to open and close medication bottles that many times a day. Furthermore, the invention is easy to use and relieves the tiring and stressful routine of dispensing liquid medication. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.