Patent Publication Number: US-2006006091-A1

Title: Child-resistant container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No. 10/941,588, filed Sep. 14, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,677, filed Dec. 2, 2002 and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/334,409, filed Nov. 30, 2001 and entitled “Child-resistant Container”. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a child-resistant container and more specifically to a child-resistant container for storing a blister pack having an arrangement of blisters each of which contains a tablet or capsule.  
      Many pharmaceutical products such as tablets and capsules are packaged in blister packs to deter children from obtaining and ingesting the products, to provide a small quantity of medication in a cost effective package and to allow for compliance throughout the medication cycle. In addition, the blister packs are commonly utilized as physician samples for specific drugs and are not always packaged in a child-resistant package/container. The designer of such blister packs is confronted with conflicting requirements. The blister pack should be child-resistant and at the same time able to be opened without unreasonable difficulty. Typical blister packs are known to be difficult for some adults to open while still failing to be a deterrent for unsupervised children. In addition, blister packs are often utilized to help users keep track of their daily dosage of medication, which is taken over long periods of time. Storage of multiple blister packs in a single location aids a patient in remembering to take their medication each day over the months and years that the patient may need the medication.  
      A child-resistant container for storing blister packs provides a second layer of safety. To be effective the container should require a degree of perception and manual dexterity above the abilities of unsupervised children attempting to gain access to the contents of the blister pack and should also be easy for adults to use. A container requiring the coordinated use of both hands and the simultaneous application of a force to both a latch and a lock assembly to gain access to the blister pack, such as the container of the invention disclosed herein, should provide the requisite level of protection.  
      A container that is able to conveniently store multiple blister packs that also present a convenient tool for a patient to remember to take their medication over numerous months and years is also disclosed herein. The container may include a number of trays that require the coordinated use of both hands to open and store a plurality of blister packs corresponding to multiple days, months or years worth of medication for a patient.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Briefly stated, the present application is directed to a child-resistant container for holding at least one item wherein the container includes a housing having upper and lower walls and a tray including a sidewall and a base plate mounted to the housing for movement between a retracted position in which the tray is positioned in the housing and an exposed position in which the tray extends from the housing. The sidewall and base plate define a storage cavity. A lid is movably mounted to the tray and is moveable between a closed position covering the storage space and an open position exposing the storage space.  
      In another aspect, the present application is directed to a tray for a child-resistant container that stores a plurality of blisters of a blister pack. The tray includes a generally planar base plate and a sidewall extending generally perpendicularly from a peripheral edge of the base plate. The base plate and sidewall define a storage space. At least one dividing wall extends across the base plate within the storage space. The sidewall and the at least one dividing wall define a plurality of storage wells within the storage space. Each storage well includes a blister positioned therein and a hole in the base plate for alignment with a medication dose in the blister. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.  
      In the drawings:  
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the child-resistant container in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention  
       FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the child-resistant container IN  FIG. 1  showing the tray in the second (open) position;  
       FIG. 2A  is a top perspective view of the child-resistant container in  FIG. 1  showing the tray in the second (open) position and a second embodiment of a second locking mechanism;  
       FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the second locking mechanism of  FIG. 2A , taken along line  2 B- 2 B of  FIG. 2A ;  
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the child-resistant container in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3A  is a greatly enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 3  showing the latch assembly;  
       FIG. 4  is a right side elevation view of the child-resistant container in  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the child-resistant container in  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 6  is an exploded top perspective view of the child-resistant container in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the child-resistant container in  FIG. 1  showing a preferred ornamental design for the top of the housing;  
       FIG. 8  is a partial top plan view of the child-resistant container in  FIG. 1 , showing another preferred ornamental design for the top of the housing.  
       FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a child-resistant container in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present application;  
       FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a tray for a child-resistant container including blister packs exploded therefrom in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present application;  
       FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a child-resistant container including a rotatable blister pack therein, in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present application;  
       FIG. 12  is an exploded top perspective view of a child-resistant container in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present application; and  
       FIG. 13  is an exploded top perspective view of the child-resistant container of  FIG. 12  showing an alternative tray therein. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the child-resistant container and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.  
      Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-7  a first preferred embodiment of a child-resistant container  10  in accordance with the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 1-7  and  11 , the container  10  of the first preferred embodiment is for containing a blister pack  202  (see also  FIG. 10 —blister packs  120 ,  122 ) having an arrangement of blisters, each containing a medication dose or tablet  202   a . One having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the blister pack  202  typically includes a generally transparent top layer and a generally opaque rear layer that is bonded to the top layer such that moisture or other foreign matter is unable to penetrate the blister pack  202 . The rear layer of the blister pack  202  is rupturable such that the medication dose  202  may be urged through the rear layer by applying a force, generally perpendicular to the top layer, to the medication dose  202 . The top layer is typically constructed of a polymeric material and the rear layer is typically constructed of a foil-type material or a laminate with at least one layer of foil therein.  
      Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that contents or items other than tablets or capsules can be contained in the container  10  of the present application. For example, liquid or granular pharmaceuticals, contact lenses suspended in liquid or similar items potentially hazardous to children or adults can be safely contained in a readily accessible and convenient manner using the container  10  of the present invention. Accordingly, while the first preferred embodiment of the container  10  is discussed below as having a tray  20  for holding a blister pack, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the present invention is not limited to containers for containing blister packs.  
      The container  10  may be used to contain other contents without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The necessary changes to the container  10  to accommodate contents other than a blister pack would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art when considered in combination with this disclosure. Accordingly, for brevity, the below disclosure is directed to a container  10  for blister packs having an arrangement of tablets with the understanding that the invention is not limited to containing blister packs or tablets.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1-3  and  6 , the container  10  includes a housing  18 , a tray  20 , a latch  22 , and a lock assembly  24 . The housing  18  has a generally rectangular shape. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the container  10  of the present invention is not limited to a container having a housing of any particular shape. For example, the housing  18  may be cylindrically shaped, triangularly shaped, cubically shaped or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the rectangular-shaped housing  18  has first, second, third, and fourth comers  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   d , each of which has a generally arcuate shape. The first corner  18   a  preferably has a radius of curvature greater than the second, third and fourth comers  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   d  and is adjacent to the second and fourth comers  18   b ,  18   d . As will be discussed further below, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the first corner  18   a  having the greater radius of curvature enables a user to readily ascertain the orientation of the container  10 . The artisan will also understand that there are numerous other methods that may be employed to enable the user to determine the orientation of the container  10 , such as a faceted corner or the use of a textured surface. Thus the invention is not limited to the use of generally arcuate comers, one of which having a distinguishable difference in its radius of curvature over others, as the sole method for determining orientation.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 2-3  and  6 , the housing  18  has a base  26 , a top  28 , at least one closed side  30  and at least one open side  32 . The at least one closed side  30  extends between the base  26  and the top  28  along a first portion  34  of a perimeter  36  of the base  26 . The at least one open side  32  extends between the base  26  and the top  28  along a second portion  38  of the perimeter  36  of the base  26  and at least from the fourth corner  18   d  to the first corner  18   a . Preferably the at least one closed side  30  comprises a base component  30   a  and a top component  30   b . The base component  30   a  extends upwardly from the base  26  and the top component  30   b  extends downwardly from the top  28 . The top edge  40   a  of the base component  30   a  of the at least one closed side  30  has a rabbet  42   a  with an outwardly projecting lip  44   a . The bottom edge  40   b  of the top component  30   b  of the at least one closed side  30  has a rabbet  42   b  with an inwardly projecting lip (not shown) for mating in a snap fit connection with the corresponding rabbet  42   a  and lip  44   a  of the top edge  40   a  of the at least one closed side  30 .  
      Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand from the present disclosure that the base component  30   a  and the top component  30   b  of the at least one closed side  30  are preferably formed as an integral part of the base  26  and top  28 , respectively. The artisan also will understand that the base component  30   a  and the top component  30   b  may be secured to each other by a variety of other well known fastening methods such as an interference fit, screws, adhesives or the like. Further, the artisan will understand that the base component  30   a  and the top component  30   b  need not be formed as an integral part of the base  26  and top  28 , respectively, but rather may be separate structures secured to the base  26  and top  28 , respectively, by the methods discussed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
      A pivot  46  extends between the base  26  and the top  28  through the tray  20  as discussed below. The pivot  46  is preferably positioned proximal to the fourth corner  18   d  of the housing  18  and comprises a first cylindrical structure  46   a  and a second cylindrical structure  46   b . The first cylindrical structure  46   a  is integral with the base and extends upwardly from the base  26 . The second cylindrical structure  46   b  is integral with the top  28 , extends downwardly from the top  28  and engages the first cylindrical structure  46   a  in peg-in-hole like union. Those skilled in the art will understand from this disclosure that the pivot  46  may be any of a variety of well known connectors that provide for angular displacement between to the connected structures, such as a hinge, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
      The tray  20  preferably has a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the base  26  and is preferably generally rectangular in shape. The tray  20  is pivotably connected to the housing  18 . Preferably the tray  20  has a pivot hole  48  therethrough that is journaled with the pivot  46 . The tray  20  is pivotable between a first (or closed) position  50  ( FIG. 1 ) in which the tray  20  is in the housing  18  and a second (or open) position  52  ( FIG. 2 ) in which the tray  20  extends through the at least one open side  32  of the housing  18 . The tray  20  has at least one side  54  that extends upwardly along a first portion  56  of the perimeter  58  of the tray  20  and that corresponds to the at least one open side  32  of the housing  18 . Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand from this disclosure that the at least one side  54  preferably, but not necessarily, extends around the entire perimeter  58  of the tray  20 . The tray  20  additionally has a plurality of access holes  60  for providing access to the corresponding arrangement of blisters of the blister pack securable to the tray  20  by a plurality of pins  62  integral with the tray  20  and extending upwardly therefrom.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 3, 3A  and  6 , the latch  22  comprises a flexible member  64  associated with the tray  20  and a notch  66  associated with the housing  18 . The flexible member  64  has a first end  64   a  that is integral with the at least one side  54  of the tray  20  and a second end  64   b  that has an outwardly projecting tang  68 . The flexible member  64  is elastically biased outwardly. The notch  66  is in an inwardly facing surface of the at least one closed side  30  of the housing  18 . The notch  66  is proximal to the first corner  18   a  of the housing and is positioned for releasably engaging the tang  68  when the tray  20  is in the first position  50  ( FIG. 1 ). The outwardly facing surface of the latch  22  preferably, but not necessarily, is a textured surface. Those skilled in the art will understand from the present disclosure that the latch  22  may be one of a variety of well known latching devices, such as a slider or a snap without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the lock assembly  24  is connected to the housing  18  and is engageable with a security aperture  70  in the tray  20  when the tray  20  is in the first position  50  ( FIG. 1 ). The lock assembly  24  preferably comprises a flexible upper tab  24   a  and a flexible lower tab  24   b . The upper tab  24   a  is preferably formed from a partial cutout in the top  28  and has a first end  72   a  integral with the top  28  of the housing  18  and a second free end  72   b . The upper tab  24   a  is elastically biased outwardly and displaceable inwardly. The lower tab  24   b  is elastically biased inwardly and displaceable outwardly. An upwardly extending push rod  76  is integral with the lower tab  24   b  proximal to the second free end  74   b  and engages the upper tab  24   a . An upwardly extending security boss  78  spaced from the push rod  76  is also integral with the lower tab  24   b  and is positioned for removable insertion into the security aperture  70  in the tray  20 , when the tray  20  is in the first position  50 . Those skilled in the art will understand from the present disclosure that other methods may be used to lock the tray  20  in the first position  50  such as an outwardly biased bolt slideable within a bore in the top  28  of the housing  18 , without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      Referring to  FIG. 2A , a second embodiment of the lock assembly  24  or second locking mechanism  24 ′ is movably mounted to the top wall  28  of the housing  18  and includes an arm  25  that extends downwardly from an upper tab  24   a ′ with a hook-shaped member  25   a  at a distal end. The second locking mechanism  24 ′ is movable between a locking position and a release position. The second locking mechanism  24 ′ engages and locks the tray  20  within the housing  18  when the tray  20  is in the retracted position and the second locking mechanism  24 ′ is in the locking position. In this embodiment the second locking mechanism  24 ′ does not include the lower tab  24   b  that is mounted to the base component  30   a  of the housing  18 . The second embodiment of the second locking mechanism  24 ′ further includes a cam surface  25   b  and a shoulder  25   c  on the tray  20 . In the preferred alternative embodiment, the cam surface  25   b  and shoulder  25   c  are integrally molded into the side  54  of the tray  20  adjacent a corner of the tray  20 .  
      In operation, the cam surface  25   b  moves the second locking mechanism  24  from the locking position to the release position as the tray  20  pivots from the exposed position toward the retracted position. The second locking mechanism  24 ′ engages the shoulder  25   c  when the tray  20  is in the retracted position, thereby locking the tray  20  in the retracted position. To release the tray  20  from the retracted position, the upper tab  24   a ′ is depressed toward the tray  20 , thereby moving the hook-shaped member  25   a  out of engagement with the shoulder  25   c , the latch  22  is actuated and the tray  20  is released to pivot toward the open position upon the application of a torque to the tray  20 . When returning the tray  20  to the retracted position from the open position, the cam surface  25   b  contacts the hook-shaped member  25   a , moving the upper tab  24   a ′ from the locking position to the release position. When the hook-shaped member  25   a  clears the cam surface  25   b , the resilient upper tab  24   a ′ urges the hook-shaped member  25   a  to the locking position, thereby engaging the hook-shaped member  25   a  with the shoulder  25   c  and locking the tray  20  in the retracted position.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the upper tab  24   a  and the upper tab  24   a ′ of the second preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism  24 ′ preferably includes an ornamental design such as a star or a target applied to its outer surface as depicted in the referenced figures to direct the user&#39;s attention to the location of the upper tab  24   a ,  24   a ′ on the container  10 . Additionally, preferably, but not necessarily, the top  28  of the container  10  may bear markings such as the markings shown in  FIGS. 7, 8  and  11  providing guidance to the user regarding how to operate the device. The ornamental design on the upper tab  24   a ,  24   a ′ is not limited to a star or target and may take on nearly any ornamental shape or pattern that provides in indication to a user for actuating the locking mechanism  24 ,  24   a′.    
      Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand from the above disclosure that the tray  20  is secured in the first position  50  by the latch  22  and one of the lock assemblies  24 ,  24 ′ and is angularly displaceable from the first position  50  toward the second position  52  upon the simultaneous application of an inwardly directed force to the flexible member  64  of the latch  22  and one of the upper tabs  24   a ,  24   a ′ of the locking mechanism  24 ,  24 ′ and a torque to the tray  20 .  
      Preferably, but not necessarily, the above-disclosed components of the container  10  are fabricated from die-formable polymeric materials. However, a wide variety of well-known materials including but not limited to metals such as aluminum or stainless steel may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.  
      The container  10  is preferably ergonomically designed for simplicity of use as follows. The container  10  with the tray  20  in the first or closed position  50  grasps the container  10  in the left hand with the at least one closed side  30  facing the palm of the user&#39;s hand, the top  28  facing upwardly and the left thumb placed over the upper tab  24   a  of the lock assembly  24 . The index finger of the user&#39;s right hand is placed on the flexible member  64  of the latch  22 . To open the container  10 , the user simultaneously applies with the left thumb and right index finger an inwardly directed force to the upper tab  24   a  and the flexible member  64  respectively and a torque to the tray  20 . The force applied to the upper tab  24   a  causes the upper tab  24   a  to be displaced inwardly and thereby transfer the force to the push rod  76  of the lower tab  24   b  which, in turn, is displaced downwardly and outwardly to withdraw the security boss  78  from the security aperture  70  and unlock the tray  20 .  
      The application of the inwardly directed force to the flexible member  64  causes an inward displacement of the flexible member  64 , which in turn causes the withdrawal of the tang  68  from the notch  66  in the at least one closed side  30  of the housing  18 . The simultaneous withdrawal of the security boss  78  and the tang  68  frees the tray  20  for angular displacement about the pivot  46 . With both the upper tab  24   a  and the flexible member  64  inwardly displaced, the application of the torque to the tray  20  pivots the tray  20  form the first (closed) position  50  to the second (open) position  52 .  
      When the tray  20  is in the open position  50 , the user may place a new blister pack in the tray  20  and secure it in position with the blister pack retention pins  62 , remove a tablet from a blister of an already contained blister pack or replace an already present blister pack with another.  
      The application of a reverse torque to the tray  20  returns the tray  20  to the closed position  50 . When the tray  20  is returned to the closed position  50 , in the absence of the force applied to the upper tab  24   a  and the flexible member  64 , the tang  68  is inserted in the notch  66  and the security boss  78  is inserted in the security aperture  70  due to the biased positioning of the latch  22  and the lock assembly  24 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 9 , a second preferred embodiment of a child-resistant container  110  for holding at least one item includes a housing  118  having an upper wall  118   a  and a lower wall  118   b . In the preferred embodiment, the housing  118  also includes sidewalls  118   c  that cover at least portions of three sides of the housing  118 . The housing  118  is preferably constructed of a generally rigid, injection molded polymeric material and has a generally boxy-shape. The preferred housing  118  has a similar construction to the housing  18  of the first preferred embodiment. However, one having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the housing  118  may be constructed of nearly any material and have nearly any shape that is able to withstand the normal operating conditions and meet the requirements of the child-resistant container  110  of the second preferred embodiment.  
      A first tray  112  is mounted on a pivot axis  114  for movement between a retracted position in which the first tray  112  is positioned in the housing  118  and an exposed position ( FIG. 9 ) in which the first tray  112  extends from the housing  118 . In the second preferred embodiment, the first tray  112  is preferably constructed of the same or a similar material as the housing  118  and has a similar construction or essentially the same construction as the tray  20  of the first preferred embodiment. However, one having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the first tray  112  may have nearly any shape, construction or be produced using nearly any process that permits the first tray  112  to be mounted to the housing  118  and to be moveable between the retracted and exposed positions.  
      The child-resistant container  110  of the second preferred embodiment also includes a second tray  116  that is pivotally mounted to the housing  118 . The second tray  116  is mounted to the housing  118  for movement between a retracted position in which the second tray  116  is positioned in the housing  118  and an exposed position in which the second tray  116  extends from the housing  118  ( FIG. 9 ). In the second preferred embodiment, the second tray  116  has the same or a similar construction when compared to the first tray  112 , however, one having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the second tray  116  may have nearly any construction or shape that is able to be mounted to the housing  118  and is moveable between the retracted and exposed positions.  
      In the second preferred embodiment, the second tray  116  is pivotally mounted to the housing  118  on the pivot axis  114  immediately adjacent the first tray  112 . The first and second trays  112 ,  116  may be mounted on a pivot shaft (not shown) that extends between the upper wall  118   a  and lower wall  188   b , preferably adjacent one corner of the housing  118 . This construction and positioning of the pivot axis  114  and pivot shaft accommodates movement of the first and second trays  112 ,  116  between the retracted and extended positions, respectively. One having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the first and second trays  112 ,  116  are not necessarily both pivotally mounted to the housing  118  on the pivot axis  114  and may be mounted in a different fashion to the housing  118  or at an alternative position. For example, the first tray  112  may be pivotally mounted along the pivot axis  114  and the second tray  116  may be slideably mounted to the housing  118  or pivotally mounted to the housing  118  on a different axis that is preferably positioned at one of the other comers of the housing  118 .  
      The first and second trays  112 ,  116  are adapted for holding the at least one item, which in the preferred embodiment is comprised of first and second blister packs  120  ( FIG. 10 ). The first blister pack  120  is preferably mounted on the first tray  112  and the second blister pack  120  is preferably mounted on the second tray  116 . The first and second trays  112 ,  116  are preferably sized and have a shape that accommodates the blister packs  120  and allows simple mounting of the blister packs  120  to the trays  112 ,  116 . The first and second blister packs  120  are preferably mounted to the first and second trays  112 ,  116  such that the blister packs  120  are inaccessible when the first and second trays  112 ,  116  are in the retracted positions and are exposed when the first and second trays  112 ,  116  are in the exposed positions, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the blister packs  120  include seven colunms and four rows of medication. This configuration represents the medication for a patient during a four week period or for approximately one-month. The first and second trays  112 ,  116  are preferably configured to accept this type of blister pack  120 ,  122  such that the individual doses of medication are exposed from the trays  112 ,  116 . One having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the first and second blister packs  120 ,  122  and first and second trays  112 ,  116  are not limited to the above-described one-month dose configuration and may be configured to accommodate nearly any shape and sized blister pack or other item that is convenient for storage in the child-resistant container  110 . In addition, one having ordinary skill in the art will realize the above-described configuration results in twenty-eight single items of medication on each tray, which would store doses of medication that is taken each day for a four week period or slightly short of one month in most cases. Additional slots for extra doses of medication for particular months may be inserted to accommodate single does for each day of a month.  
      A common locking mechanism  124  engages the first and second trays  112 ,  116  to releasably lock the first and second trays  112 ,  116  in the retracted positions, respectively. In the second preferred embodiment, the common locking mechanism  124  is mounted to the housing  118  and releasably locks the first tray  112  and the second tray  116  in the retracted positions. The preferred common locking mechanism  124  is constructed in a similar manner and has a similar operation to the lock assembly  24  of the first preferred embodiment. Specifically, the common locking mechanism  124  preferably includes a flexible tab  126  that is mounted to the upper wall  118   a  and has a target thereon. The common locking mechanism  124  also preferably includes a plurality of flexible lower tabs (not shown) that are similar in construction and operation to the flexible lower tab  24   b  of the first preferred embodiment. The flexible lower tabs of the second preferred embodiment are preferably mounted to intermediate walls  128  of the housing  118  that are vertically spaced between the upper and lower walls  118   a ,  118   b.    
      One having ordinary skill in the art will realize how the flexible lower tabs are accommodated by the intermediate walls  128  with one flexible lower tab accommodated by the lower wall  118   b . The flexible lower tabs will not be described in further detail, as being understood by one having ordinary skill in the art in structure and operation. In addition, one having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the child-resistant container  118  of the second preferred embodiment does not require flexible lower tabs constructed in the same manner as the flexible lower tabs  24   b  of the first preferred embodiment and may include a single flexible lower tab with a single push rod extending between the flexible tab  126  at the upper wall  118   b  and being mounted to the lower wall  118   b . The single push rod would include cantilevered locking arms (not shown) extending therefrom to releaseably engage at least the first and second trays  112 ,  116  in the retracted positions. This configuration would be similar to the second preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism  24 ′ shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B .  
      In the second preferred embodiment, the first and second trays  112 ,  116  each include an individual locking mechanism  130 . The individual locking mechanisms  130  are releaseably engageable with the housing  118  to releaseably lock the first and second trays  112 ,  116  in the retracted positions in association with the common locking mechanism  124 . In second the preferred embodiment, the individual locking mechanisms  130  are constructed and operate in the same manner as the latch  22  of the first preferred embodiment ( FIG. 3A ). However, one having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the individual locking mechanisms  130  are not limited to the identical structure and/or construction of the latch  22  of the first preferred embodiment and may be constructed and have a structure of nearly any locking mechanism that releaseably secures the first and second trays  112 ,  116  in the retracted positions.  
      In the second preferred embodiment, the first and second trays  112 ,  116  are only removable from the retracted positions to the exposed positions upon simultaneously releasing the common locking mechanism  124  and the respective individual locking mechanism  130 . For example, to release the first tray  112  from the retracted position to the exposed position, the flexible tab  126  is depressed toward the lower wall  118   b , thereby releasing the common locking mechanism  124  and the individual locking mechanism  130  is depressed toward a center of the first tray  112 , which releases the individual locking mechanism  130  from the housing  118 . A torque may then be applied to the first tray  112  about the pivot axis  114  to move the first tray  112  from the retracted position to the exposed position. An item that is mounted to the first tray  112  may be removed from the tray  112 , for example, a unit of medication may be removed from a blister pack  120  that is mounted to the first tray  112 . The torque may be applied manually by a patient at the individual locking mechanism  130  or anywhere that is accessible on the first tray  112  or may be applied by a spring (not shown) that is mounted at one end to the first tray  112  and to the housing  118  at another end.  
      One or more supplemental trays  132  may be pivotally mounted to the housing  118  on the pivot axis  114  in the second preferred embodiment. The supplemental tray  132  or trays  132  are separate from the first and second trays  112 ,  116  and are also pivotable between retracted ( FIG. 9 ) and exposed positions. Nearly any number of supplemental trays  132  may be mounted to the housing  118  in a stacked manner or in nearly any configuration that allows mounting of the supplemental trays  132  to the housing  118  and movement of the supplemental trays  132  to and between the retracted and exposed positions. The supplemental trays  132  preferably have the same shape, construction, configuration and operation as the first and second trays  112 ,  116 .  
      The common locking mechanism  124  is mounted to the housing  118  and releasably maintains the supplemental trays  132  in the retracted position. The supplemental trays  132  also include an individual locking mechanism  130  that releaseably engages the housing  118  when the supplemental trays  132  are in the retracted position. The supplemental trays  132  preferably accommodate additional items for use by the patient. For example, the supplemental trays  132  may accommodate additional blister packs  120  that contain medication associated with different months or periods of time than the medication contained in the first and second trays  112 ,  116  or may be associated with different medication than the medication mounted to the first tray  112  or the second tray  116 .  
      The individual locking mechanisms  130  releaseably engage the housing  118  when of the supplemental trays  132  are in the retracted position. The inclusion of the common locking mechanism  124  and individual locking mechanisms  130  prevent easy access to the item mounted to one of the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  to a child or an individual having limited manual dexterity. Specifically, in order to pivot the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  from the retracted to the exposed position, the common locking mechanism  124  must be released and the individual locking mechanisms  130  must be released concurrently.  
      The preferred first, second and supplemental trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  are movable from the retracted position by application of a release force to the common locking mechanism  124  and a depression force to the respective individual locking mechanism  130 . Accordingly, both the common and individual locking mechanisms  124 ,  130  must be released to release one of the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132 . For example, simply releasing the common locking mechanism  124  results in the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  being retained in the retracted positions by the individual locking mechanisms  130 . Likewise, releasing one of the individual locking mechanisms  130  of any of the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  results in the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  being locked in the retracted positions by the common locking mechanism  124 .  
      Any of the trays  112 ,  116   132  may be individually moved from the retracted to the exposed position without releasing any of the other trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  from the retracted to the exposed positions. For example, to release only the second tray  116  from the retracted to the exposed position, the common locking mechanism  124  is released, the individual locking mechanism  130  of the second tray  116  is released and the second tray  116  is pivoted from the retracted to the exposed position. The first and any other supplemental trays  132  are locked or retained in the retracted position by the respective individual locking mechanisms  130  in this situation.  
      The preferred supplemental trays  132  are mounted to the housing  118  on the pivot axis  114 . One having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the supplemental trays  132  are not limited to being pivotally mounted to the housing  118  on the pivot axis  114  and may be slideably mounted to the housing  118  or pivotally mounted to the housing  118  at a location other than at the pivot axis  114 . However, mounting of all the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  on the pivot axis  114  is preferred for a simple and consistent structure that is relatively simple to operate.  
      In the second preferred embodiment, the first, second and supplemental trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  are stacked in the housing  118  between the upper and lower walls  118   a  and  118   b  when each of the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  is in the retracted position. Such a configuration consolidates the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  within the housing  118  and provides for relatively easy access to the item that is mounted to one of the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  and a simplified construction and operation for the child-resistant container  110  of the second preferred embodiment. However, one having ordinary skill in the art will realize that alternative constructions of the child-resistant container  110  of the second preferred embodiment may be employed where the trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  are not stacked when they are in the retracted positions.  
      In the second preferred embodiment, the first, second and supplemental trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  include blister packs  120  mounted thereto that store medication for a predetermined month or other time period. Accordingly, the individual trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  may each store a different medication for a single month or other time period or may store the same medication for consecutive months for use by a patient. For example, the child-resistant container  110  may be comprised of the first tray  112 , the second tray  116  and ten supplemental trays  132  that store the same medication for the twelve months of one year. Accordingly, a patient&#39;s medication for one year may be stored in a single child-resistant container  110  on twelve trays  112 ,  116 ,  132 . Alternatively, the twelve trays  112 ,  116 ,  132  may retain twelve different medications that will be taken over one month by a patient.  
      Referring to  FIG. 10 , a tray  140  for a child-resistant container of a third preferred embodiment (not shown) that stores a plurality of blister packs  120  includes a generally planar base  142  and a sidewall  144  extending generally perpendicularly from a perpendicular edge of the base plate  142 . The base plate  142  and sidewall  144  of the tray  140  define a storage space  146 . The child-resistant container of the third preferred embodiment preferably has a similar construction as the child-resistant container  10  of the first preferred embodiment besides having a generally greater distance between the top and base walls  28 ,  26 , as will be described in greater detail below.  
      In the preferred embodiment, the tray  140  is constructed of a generally rigid polymeric material and has a generally shoe box-type configuration. One having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the tray  140  may be constructed of nearly any material and have nearly any shape or configuration that is able to withstand the normal operating conditions and requirements of the tray  140 .  
      The tray  140  also includes a first stake  148  that extends generally perpendicularly from the base plate  142 . The plurality of blister packs  120  are removably mounted to the first stake  148  and are positioned within the storage space  146  in a confined position. In a preferred embodiment, the storage space  146  is large enough to accommodate three blister packs  120  therein, which are each mounted to the first stake  148  to retain the blister packs  120  within the storage space  146  in the confined position.  
      The preferred tray  140  has a wall height H w  that is defined by the sidewall  144 , is at least one-half inch (½″) and is preferably three-quarters of an inch (¾″). One having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the wall height H w  is not limited to being between one-half and three quarters of an inch and may have nearly any dimension that creates a storage space  146  on the tray  140 . For example, if low profile blister packs  120  are mounted on the first stake  148  of the tray  140 , the wall height H w  may be less than ½″ to accommodate the low profile blister packs  120 . Alternatively, the wall height H w  may be greater than three-quarters of an inch (¾″) to accommodate thick or high profile blister packs  120  or any number of stacked blister packs  120 . The typical stack of three blister packs  120  is accommodated by a three-quarter inch (¾″) wall height H w .  
      A second stake  150  extends generally perpendicularly from the base plate  142  in a preferred embodiment and is spaced from the first stake  148 . The blister packs  120  are preferably removably mounted to the first and second stakes  148 ,  150  in the confined position. The second stake  150  is not required for the operation of the tray  140  and is typically provided on the tray  140  to provide additional stability for the mounting of the blister packs  120  to the tray  140 .  
      In the preferred embodiment, the blister packs  120  include a pair of holes  120   a  at one of their ends that are adhesively bonded to the first and second stakes  148 ,  150 . One having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the blister packs  120  are not limited to the inclusion of the holes  120   a  or to being adhesively bonded at the holes  120   a  to the first and second stakes  148 ,  150 . For example, the blister packs  120  may be clamped, bolted or secured by hook and loop material to only the first stake  148  to mount the blister packs  120  to the tray  140  or to the base plate  142  or sidewall  144 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2  and  10 , the tray  140  may be adapted for use with the child-resistant containers  10 ,  110  of the first or second preferred embodiments. For example, the tray  140  may be pivotally mounted to the housing  18  on the first and second cylindrical structures  46   a ,  46   b . The tray  140  would be pivotable between a retracted position wherein the tray  140  is positioned within the housing  18  between the upper and lower walls  28 ,  32  and an exposed position wherein the tray  140  and blister packs  120  are accessible in the tray  140 . This preferred tray  140  would also include a manual locking mechanism  152  that has a structure, configuration and operation that is preferably the same as the latch  22  of the first preferred embodiment but not so limited. The preferred manual locking mechanism  152  is mounted to the sidewall  144  and engages the housing  18  to releasably lock the tray  140  in the retracted position. One having ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes how the tray  140  is adaptable to inclusion in the child-resistant container  10  of the first preferred embodiment as a replacement for the tray  20  of the first preferred embodiment.  
      Mounting the plurality of blister packs  120  in the storage space  146  permits a user to store multiple blister packs  120  including identical medication for various months of the year or different medications for the same month, while storing the medication in the storage space  146  of the tray  140 . The inclusion of a plurality of blister packs  120  in the tray  140  enhances the convenience and access to the item or medication in the blister packs  120 .  
      In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of blister packs  120  are secured to the first and second stakes  148 ,  150  and the items of medication from the uppermost blister pack  120  are removed and used before any of the lower blister packs  120 . When all of the items or medications are removed from the uppermost blister pack  120 , the uppermost blister pack  120  may be ripped or released from the first and second stakes  148 ,  150 , thereby completely exposing the next lowest blister pack  120  from the storage space  146 . The lower blister packs  120  may then be exhausted of their medication or additional blister packs  120  may be mounted on top of the lower blister packs  120  to the first and second stakes  148 ,  150 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , one having ordinary skill in the art will also realize that the tray  140  may be adapted for use in the child-resistant container  110  of the second preferred embodiment. Specifically, multiple trays  140  may be stacked in the housing  118  such the trays  140  are movable between the retracted position and the exposed position. In the retracted position, the trays  140  would be locked by the common locking mechanism  124  and the manual locking mechanism  152 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 11 , in a fourth preferred embodiment, a container  200  for holding at least one, generally disc-shaped blister pack  202  includes a housing  210  having an upper wall  210   a  and a lower wall (not shown). A tray  220  is mounted to the housing  210  for pivotal movement between a retracted position in which the tray  220  is positioned in the housing  210  and an exposed position ( FIG. 11 ) in which the tray  220  extends from the housing  210 . The tray  220  is pivotable on a plane that is generally parallel to the upper and lower walls  210   a . In the preferred embodiment, the housing  210  and tray  220  have a similar configuration and operation when compared to the above-described trays  20 ,  112 ,  116 ,  132  and housings  18 , as will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.  
      In the fourth preferred embodiment, the tray  220  includes a hole  220   a  therein. The hole  220   a  preferably extends through the tray  220  and has a generally circular or oval cross-section. The hole  220   a  is not limited to circular or oval cross-sections and may have nearly any cross-section that permits the hole  220   a  to perform its normal operating function, as will be described in greater detail below.  
      The blister pack  202  includes a plurality of medication doses or tablets  202   a  therein and is rotatably mounted to the tray  220  such that one of the plurality of medication doses  202   a  selectively aligns with the hole  220   a  depending upon a rotational orientation of the blister pack  202 . One having ordinary skill in the art is familiar with the general structure and construction of the blister pack  202  and the mounting of individual medication doses  202   a  therein.  
      Therefore, the structure and construction of the blister pack  202  will not be described in further detail. In the fourth preferred embodiment, the individual medication doses  202   a  have a generally circular cross-section that is slightly smaller than the generally circular or oval cross-section of the hole  220   a . Accordingly, the individual medication doses  202   a  are able to move, through the hole  220   a  without becoming wedged within the hole  220   a . The medication doses  202   a  are not limited to generally circular or oval cross-sections and may take on nearly any shape or size and the hole  220   a  may also take on nearly any shape or size that permits the individual medication doses  202   a  to move through the hole  220   a  without becoming wedged or jammed therein.  
      In the fourth preferred embodiment, the container  200  also includes a blister disc  230  that is removably and rotatably mountable to the tray  220 . The blister pack  202  is fixed to the blister disc  230  and the blister disc  230  includes a plurality of slots  230   a  that correspond to the plurality of medication doses  202   a  of the blister pack  202 . In the fourth preferred embodiment, the blister pack  202  has a generally disc-shaped configuration and is adhesively bonded to the blister disc  230 . The blister disc  230  also has a generally circular, disc-shape with the slots  230   a  positioned within and adjacent to a peripheral edge  230   b  of the blister disc  230 . The slots  230   a  preferably have generally a similar cross-sectional shape as the hole  220   a  and individual medication doses  202   a . The blister pack  202  is preferably fixed to the blister disc  230  such that the individual medication doses  202   a  are positioned immediately above and adjacent to the slots  230   a . Accordingly, when a force is applied to the blister pack  202  at one of the medication doses  202   a , the individual medication dose  202   a  is urged out of the blister pack  202  and through the respective slot  230   a.    
      In the fourth preferred embodiment, a post (not shown) extends generally perpendicularly from the tray  220  and is positioned generally at the center of the tray  220 . The blister disc  230  is rotatably mounted to the post and is rotatable about a rotation axis  250 . One having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the blister disc  230  is not limited to being rotatably mounted to the tray  220  on a post or to the inclusion of the blister disc  230 . For example, the blister pack  202  may be rotatably mounted directly to the tray  220  in a generally circular groove (not shown) on the tray  220  that slidably engages a peripheral edge  202   b  of the blister pack  202   
      The fourth preferred embodiment further includes a disc knob  260  that is removably mountable to the post. The disc knob  260  is mounted to a distal end of the post  240  when the blister disc  230  is mounted to the tray  220  to rotatably secure the blister disc  230  on the tray  220 . The disc knob  260  removably secures the blister disc  230  to the tray  220  through a releasable force fit with the post. Accordingly, the disc knob  260  removably and rotatably secures the blister disc  230  to the tray  220 . One having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the disc knob  260  is not required for successful use of the blister disc  230  and the blister disc  230  may be secured to the post or another component of the tray  220  such that the blister disc  230  is rotatable relative to the tray  220 .  
      The fourth preferred embodiment also includes an alignment indicator  270  located on an exposed face of the tray  220  adjacent the hole  220   a . The alignment indicator  270  provides an indication to a user regarding when one of the individual medication doses  202   a  is aligned with the hole  220   a  such that a force applied to the individual medication dose  202   a  toward the tray  220  urges the individual medication dose  202   a  through the blister pack  202  and the hole  220   a . The hole  220   a  is covered by the blister pack  202  when the blister pack  202  is mounted to the tray  220 . The alignment indicator  270  is visible on the exposed face adjacent the peripheral edge  202   b  when the blister pack  202  is mounted to the tray  220 . In the most preferred embodiment, the individual medication doses  202   a  are aligned with the corresponding slots  230   a  in the blister disc  230 . Further, when one of the individual medication doses  202   a  is aligned with the alignment indicator  270 , the corresponding slot  230   a  is aligned with the hole  220   a.    
      The tray  220  of the fourth preferred embodiment may include an information panel  222  on its face that may provide written information or instructions for a user when the tray  220  is in the exposed position. For example, the information panel  222  may include directions for use, ingredients, dosage or other instructions related to the medication doses  202   a . However, the information panel  222  is not limiting and may be eliminated or expanded depending upon the specific application of the tray  220 .  
      In operation, the generally disc-shaped blister pack  202  is adhesively bonded to the blister disc  230  and the blister disc  230  is rotatably mounted to the tray  220 . The disc knob  260  is mounted to the tray  220 , thereby removably and rotatably securing the blister disc  230  to the tray  220 . The blister disc  230  and attached blister pack  202  may be rotated about the rotation axis  250  to selectively align individual medication doses  202   a  and corresponding slots  230   a  with the alignment indicator  270  depending upon the rotational orientation of the blister pack  202  and blister disc  230 . When a predetermined medication dose  202  is aligned with the alignment indicator  270 , a force is applied to the individual medication dose  202   a  that is aligned with the alignment indicator  270  toward the tray  220 , thereby urging the individual medication dose  202   a  through the blister pack  202 , the slot  230   a  and the hole  220   a . A user may position their hand on an opposite side of the tray  220  from the exposed face such that the individual medication dose  202   a  falls into their hand when released from the blister pack  202 . When the individual medication dose  202   a  is released from the blister pack  202 , the blister disc  230  may be rotated such that another individual medication dose  202   a  and corresponding slot  230   a  is aligned with the hole  220   a . A force may again be applied to urge the second individual medication dose  202   a  from the blister pack  202 . Each individual medication dose  202   a  may be associated with a specific medication, for example, daily doses, weekly doses or monthly doses. Cycle indicators (not shown) may also be associated with the individual medication doses  202   a  to indicate the particular day, week, month, etc. during which the individual medication dose  202   a  should be taken. Accordingly, the preferred tray  220  conveniently stores the individual medication doses  202   a  and provides an indication to the patient if an individual medication dose  202   a  has been missed or if the patient should take an individual medication dose  202   a.    
      Referring to  FIGS. 1-2A ,  12  and  13 , in a fifth preferred embodiment, the child-resistant container  10  includes a tray  310  having a sidewall  312  and a base plate  314  mounted to the housing  18  for movement between a retracted position ( FIG. 1 ) in which the tray  310  is positioned in the housing  18  and an exposed position ( FIG. 2 ) in which the tray  310  extends from the housing  18 . The sidewall  312  and the base plate  314  define a storage space  346  for storing or holding at least one item. The tray  310  generally operates and includes a child resistant locking mechanism that is similar to or the same as the structure, locking mechanism and operation of the above-described preferred containers. For example, in the fifth preferred embodiment, the tray  310  is pivotally mounted to the housing  18  on the first and second cylindrical structures  46   a ,  46   b  and preferably includes the latch  22  thereon. In addition, the housing  18  preferably includes the upper and lower tabs  24   a ,  24   b  for locking the tray  310  in the retracted position for child-resistant purposes. In addition, the tray  310  is preferably constructed of an injection molded polymeric material but is not so limited. The tray  310  may be constructed of nearly any material that is able to take on the general shape and withstand the normal operating conditions of the tray  310 .  
      In the fifth preferred embodiment, the tray  310  further includes dividing walls  318  within the storage space  346 . The dividing walls  318  preferably separate the storage space  346  into storage wells  320 . In the preferred embodiment, the tray  310  including the sidewall  312 , base plate  314  and dividing walls  318  are integrally formed by injection molding to form the storage space  346  and storage wells  320 . The tray  310  is not limited to being formed by injection molding and each of the components may be separately formed and assembled to construct the tray  310 , as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. The sidewall  312  and dividing walls  318  preferably extend generally perpendicularly from the base plate  314  to form generally square or rectangular-shaped storage wells  320  within the storage space  346 . Specifically, the sidewall  312  preferably extends generally perpendicularly from a peripheral edge of the base plate  314  and the dividing walls  318  preferably extend continuously through the storage space  346  from one edge on the sidewall  312  to an opposite edge on the sidewall  312 . The storage wells  320  are preferably separated from each other by the dividing walls  318  such that an item positioned within one of the storage wells  320  has a tendency to remain in the selected storage well  320  as opposed to moving into one of the adjacent storage wells  320 . The storage wells  320  are not limited to the above-described shapes or configurations and may have nearly any shape or configuration that permits a user to position an item therein for storage purposes on the tray  310 .  
      In the fifth preferred embodiment, the tray  310  includes seven (7) storage wells  320  representing the seven days of a week. The tray  310  including the seven storage wells  320  may be filled with items that a user would need on one of the seven days of the week. For example, many patients who take daily doses of medication are prescribed a plurality of medications which must be taken on predetermined days of the week and the patient often takes a different number of pills during different days of the week and different types of pills are taken on specific days of the week. Accordingly, the patient may insert the proper medication into one of the storage wells  320  that is designated for a particular day of the week such that the patient takes the proper medications on the predetermined day of the week. The tray  310  with the seven storage wells  320  increases the likelihood that the patient will take the correct medication on each day of the week by identifying the medications stored in the predetermined storage wells  320  with a day of the week. The tray  310  is not limited to the inclusion of seven storage wells  320  and may include nearly any number of storage wells  320 . For example, the tray  310  may include twenty-eight (28), thirty (30) or thirty-one (31) storage wells  320  therein designating the days of a selected month for insertion of an item that is needed on a particular day of the month or may include twenty-four (24) storage wells  320  therein for storage of items that are needed at one hour intervals during a day.  
      The tray  310  of the child-resistant container  10  of the fifth preferred embodiment further includes a lid  316  movably mounted to the tray  310 . The lid  316  is movable between a closed position covering the storage space  346  and an open position exposing the storage space  346 . The lid  316  is preferably constructed of an injection molded polymeric material. The material of the lid  316  may be transparent such that a user is able to view items within the storage space  346  or storage wells  320  when the lid  316  is in the closed position. In addition, the lid  316  may be opaque, potentially to protect the stored items from light. The lid  316  is not limited to polymeric construction and may be constructed of nearly any material that is able to take on the general shape of the lid  316  and withstand the normal operating conditions of the lid  316 .  
      In the fifth preferred embodiment, the lid  316  includes individual covers  316   a  that are associated with each of the storage wells  320 . Each of the covers  316   a  is moveable between the closed and open positions, alternatively covering and exposing the storage wells  320 . For example, the preferred lid  316  includes seven covers  316   a  that alternatively cover or expose the seven storage wells  320 . Accordingly, a user may insert an item, such as medication into one of the storage wells  320  that is designated by a day of the week and store the medication in the selected storage well  320  with the cover  316   a  in the closed position. When the selected day or time period is reached, the user may move the individual cover  316   a  to the open position to remove the medication, while the remaining storage wells  320  are covered or sealed by the other covers  316   a  in the closed positions. Preferably, the covers  316   a  snap fit to the tray  310  in the closed position such that some force is required to move the covers  316   a  from the closed to the open position. However, the covers  316  are not so limited and may rest on the sidewall  312  or the dividing walls  318  or may be biased toward the closed position in a manner that would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art.  
      The lid  316  or individual covers  316   a  of the fifth preferred embodiment are pivotally mounted to the tray  310 . In the most preferred embodiment, the lid  316  includes a spine  322  having the individual covers  316   a  pivotally mounted thereto. The spine  322  is preferably integrally molded with the individual covers  316   a  and is preferably constructed of a polymeric material. The spine  322  is not limited to being integrally molded with the covers  316   a  and may be separately constructed, as would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. The covers  316   a  are preferably pivotally mounted to the spine  322  by living hinges  324 . The living hinges  324  promote the pivotal movement of the covers  316   a  relative to the tray  310  for movement between the closed and open positions. The covers  316   a  are not limited to being mounted to the spine  322  by living hinges and may be mounted to the spine  322  or directly to the sidewall  312  or dividing walls  318  of the tray  310  using mechanical hinges or nearly any mechanism that permits movement or, preferably, pivotal movement of the covers  316   a  relative to the tray  310 . In addition, the covers  316   a  may be mounted to the tray  310  such that they slide or fold between the closed position and the open position.  
      Referring to  FIG. 13 , the spine  322  of the lid  316  may extend downwardly from its top to a depth that is generally the same as a height of the dividing walls  318 . The spine  322 , in this configuration, defines at least one of the storage wells  320  along with the sidewall  312  and dividing walls  318 . That is, the spine  322  forms a central wall  325  through the storage space  346  to define the storage wells  320 . The spine  322  extends from one side of the tray  310  to an opposite side of the tray  310  and forms the central wall  325  that the dividing walls  318  butt against in an assembled configuration. In this embodiment, when the tray  310  includes seven storage wells  320 , the spine  322  forms the central wall  325  of each of the storage wells  320 . The spine  322  is not limited to extending to a depth similar to or the same as the height of the dividing walls  318 , and may not aid in defining any of the storage wells  320 , as is shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 12 .  
      In the fifth preferred embodiment, the lid  316  includes a snap post  326  and the tray  310  includes a post recess  328 . The snap post  326  preferably engages the post recess  328  to mount the lid  316  to the tray  310 . A bottom of the snap post  326  is preferably press fit into the post recess  328  to mount the lid  316  to the tray  310 . The snap post  326  and post recess  328  preferably provide for snap fitting of the lid  316  to the tray  310  to ease assembly of the child-resistant container  10 . The lid  316  is not limited to being snap fit to the tray  310  or to the inclusion of the snap posts  326  and post recesses  328 . For example, the lid  316  may be mounted to the tray  310  by adhesively bonding or ultrasonically welding the spine  322  to the tray  310  or otherwise securing the lid  316  to the tray  310  such that the covers  316   a  are able to move from the closed to the open position.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in the fifth preferred embodiment, the tray  310  is used to store a blister pack  330  or individual blisters  330   a . The individual blisters  330   a  include a tablet or medication dose  332  stored therein for dispensing from the blister  330   a  in a manner that is well-known by one having ordinary skill in the art. Each storage well  320  preferably includes a blister  330   a  positioned therein and each storage well  320  also preferably includes a hole  320   a  in the base plate  314  for alignment with the medication dose  332 . Accordingly, when the blisters  330   a  are positioned in the storage wells  320  such that the medication doses  332  are aligned with the holes  320   a , a user may press downwardly on the medication dose  332  such that the dose  332  is dispensed out of the hole  320   a . The tray  310  and storage wells  320  are not limited to storing blister packs  330  or blisters  330   a  or to the inclusion of the holes  320   a . For example, the storage wells  320  may include solid floors or a solid base plate  314  and may store capsules, marbles, powdered medication or nearly any object that is able to fit within the storage wells  320 . However, the preferred tray  310  is convenient for the storage of blisters  330   a  in the individual storage wells  320 , dispensing of the medication doses  332  from the holes  320   a  and sales of blister pack-type medication to consumers. Specifically, the final user receives a child-resistant container  10  with their own seven-day regimen of blister pack-type medication therein for relatively simple dispensing and dosage monitoring.  
      The preferred blister pack  330  of the fifth preferred embodiment has an L-shape for insertion into the tray  310  such that each one of the blisters  330   a  is associated with one of the storage wells  320 . The blister pack  330  may be inserted into the tray  310  at least partially intact or the individual blisters  330   a  may be separated from their blister pack  330  and individually inserted into the storage wells  320 . In operation, the partially separated blister pack  320  or the individual blisters  330   a  are inserted into the storage wells  320  such that the medication doses  332  are aligned with the holes  320   a . The blister packs  330  or blisters  330   a  are preferably inserted into the tray  310  by a blister pack manufacturer. The lid  316  is then snapped fit to the tray  310  by engaging the snap posts  326  with the post recesses  328 . The individual covers  316   a  preferably cover each of the storage wells  320  and the blisters  330   a  to hold the blisters  330   a  and any other items within the wells  320 . The remainder of the child-resistant container  10  is then assembled around the tray  310  as was described above. The assembled child-resistant container  10  may be distributed and sold to an end user, preferably a patient who is prescribed blister pack-type medication.  
      The user of the blister packs  330  may unlock the child-resistant container  10  as was described above such that the tray  310  is exposed from the housing  18  and the blisters  330   a  are secured in the storage wells  320  by the lid covers  316   a . The blisters  330   a  are preferably positioned within the wells  320  when the user or patient receives the container  10 , but the blisters  330   a  may be inserted by the user or at nearly any time during the process. The user may then move any one or any combination of the covers  316  from the closed to the open position such that additional medication or items may be inserted into the individual storage wells  320 . For example, a user may insert a medication tablet that is only taken on Wednesday into a storage well  320  identified as a Wednesday well and an alternate medication that is taken only on Tuesdays and Fridays into the storage wells  320  that may be identified as Tuesday and Friday wells. The user may also insert additional medications or items into the storage wells  320  such that they are identified by an individual day of the week or other predetermined time period. The user is then able to move the tray  310  to the storage position inside the housing  18  and the medications within the child-resistant container  10  are stored for later use. When the predetermined day arrives, the tray  310  is moved to the exposed position and the predetermined lid  316  is pivoted to the open position. Any loose medication in the storage well  320  may be removed and the medication dose  332  in the blister  330   a  may be dispensed out of the hole  320   a . The lid  316  is then moved to the closed position and the tray  310  is pivoted to the storage position such that the additional medication and blisters  330   a  in the storage space  346  are retained in the tray  310  for later use.  
      Those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. By way of example, the above-described child-resistant containers may be combined and adapted into a plurality of various configurations employing features from the various embodiments in a number of different ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. For example, a child-resistant container could be constructed including the child-resistant container  110  of the second preferred embodiment that includes at least one tray  140  from the third preferred embodiment and a tray  220  including the rotatable blister disc  240  of the fourth preferred embodiment. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.