Patent Abstract:
A multi-compartment container for the secure storage of therapeutic agents comprises at least a base portion having at least two cavities, said at least two cavities serving as the location where said therapeutic agents are stored, and a child resistant device. Said child resistant device allows for the secure storage of said therapeutic agents. Said child resistant device may be in the form of a typical prescription pill container cap or may be more complex, such as a combination lock. Other features may include covers to keep said therapeutic agents in place, hinges to open said multi-compartment container, and labels corresponding to related cycles for said therapeutic agents.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present multi-compartment container relates in general to a container for storing therapeutic agents and more specifically to a multi-compartment container for securely storing therapeutic agents such as pills, vitamins, etcetera, to be taken on a periodic basis. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In simple form, a pill container holds a given amount of medication in a cylindrical container with a screw-on threaded lid. Such a container is generally of a size that can easily be placed in a medicine cabinet with several other similar pill containers. Such a container may also be readily carried in a purse, or in the pocket of a pair of pants. 
         [0003]    Generally, a pill container is designed such that the lid is not easily removable, as is the case with many pill containers having a screw-on threaded lid. In other words, pill containers tend to be “child resistant.” Some child resistant pill containers require the pill taker to push down on the cap and then turn the lid in order to access the pill contained therein. Others are designed such that the pill taker must squeeze on opposite ends of the cap in order to be able to turn the cap and access the pills. Yet others are designed such that both the container and the lid of the container must be perfectly aligned before the cap may be removed and access to the contents may be gained. 
         [0004]    More complex pill containers allow for several medications, various dosages of medications, vitamins, and other therapeutic agents, to be stored in one container separated by various compartments. Medications, for example, may be stored in various compartments or cavities labeled by the day of the week or month to correspond with a concomitant cycle. The problem with these types of multi-compartment containers however, is that they lack safety mechanisms, including the types of safety mechanisms as described above. These types of containers and their contents may be easily accessed by children and others for whom the contents were not meant to be used. 
         [0005]    There is a need in the art for a multi-compartment container that is able to store various therapeutic agents and is child resistant. It is to these ends that the present multi-compartment container has been developed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present multi-compartment container describes a container for storing therapeutic agents that may comprise a lower portion having one or more lower cavities for storing said therapeutic agents, an upper portion having one or more upper cavities for storing said therapeutic agents, a child resistant mechanism, such that said therapeutic agents stored in said lower portion and said upper portion are secured from tampering, at least one hinge connecting said lower portion and said upper portion, one or more lower walls in said lower portion, wherein said one or more lower walls is placed such that said one or more lower walls create said one or more lower cavities, and one or more upper walls in said upper portion, wherein said one or more upper walls is placed such that said one or more upper walls create said one or more upper cavities. 
         [0007]    Said container may further one or more lower portion covers, placed upon and releasably attached to said lower portion such that said therapeutic agents within said one or more lower cavities are secured within said one or more lower cavities, one or more upper portion covers, placed upon and releasably attached to said upper portion such that said therapeutic agents within said one or more upper cavities are secured within said one or more upper cavities, and labels for said one or more lower cavities and said one or more upper cavities. 
         [0008]    It is an objective of the present multi-compartment container to safely and securely store a variety of therapeutic agents. 
         [0009]    Is another objective of the present multi-compartment container to efficiently organize a variety of therapeutic agents. 
         [0010]    These and other advantages and features of the present multi-compartment container are described herein with specificity so as to make the present multi-compartment container understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Elements in the FIGS. have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the multi-compartment container. Elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the multi-compartment container. Furthermore, reference numerals have been repeated throughout the FIGS. to indicate sufficiently corresponding elements and to simplify the disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a three dimensional view of a multi-compartment container. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a three dimensional view of said multi-compartment container in  FIG. 1 , said multi-compartment container being slightly ajar. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a three dimensional view of said multi-compartment container in  FIG. 1 , said multi-compartment container being in a substantially open position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of a multi-compartment container. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  is a three dimensional view of said multi-compartment container in  FIG. 4 , said multi-compartment container being slightly ajar. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5B  is a close-up three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of male connecting threads. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a three dimensional view of said multi-compartment container in  FIG. 4 , said multi-compartment container being in a substantially open position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a three dimensional view of another alternative embodiment of a multi-compartment container. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a three dimensional exploded view of said multi-compartment container in  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present multi-part container, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the multi-compartment container may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the multi-compartment container. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 1-3  depict an embodiment of multi-compartment container  101 . In particular,  FIG. 1  is a three dimensional view of multi-compartment container  101 . Multi-compartment container  101  may generally be comprised of lower portion  102 , upper portion  103 , cap  104 , and hinge  106 . Multi-compartment container  101  may also be constructed out of various materials including plastic, metal, or other natural or synthetic materials, or any combination of the above mentioned materials. 
         [0023]    As depicted, lower portion  102  may be comprised of two primary sections  107 . Each section  107  of lower portion  102  may run the length of multi-compartment container  101 . Each section  107  of lower portion  102  may also be parallel to one another. It may also be noted that sections  107  comprising lower portion  102  have flat bottoms. Said flat bottoms may make storing multi-compartment container  101  on a shelf, for example, more practicable and stable as compared to a rounded bottom. 
         [0024]    It may also be noted that the ends of sections  107  are also flat as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Similar to the flat bottoms of sections  107 , flat ends may allow for multi-compartment container  101  to be more efficiently stored, as multi-compartment container  101  may be placed flush against the wall in a medicine cabinet, for example, allowing for maximal space to be utilized both within said medicine cabinet and multi-compartment container  101 . Although  FIG. 1  depicts each section  107  of lower portion  102  as curving upward on each side except for the ends, this is not to limit the scope of multi-compartment container  101 . Rather than being somewhat rounded in shape, multi-compartment container  101  may be of a substantially rectangular shape, having no curved edges. Multi-compartment container  101  may also be more curved in shape. For example, it is within the scope of multi-compartment container  101  to have ends that are of a curvy nature rather than completely flat. Other shapes and styles may be utilized without departing from the scope of multi-compartment container  101 . 
         [0025]    Upper portion  103  may be an exact replica of lower portion  102 . Thus, upper portion  103  may also be comprised of two partially curved and partially flat sections  107  as described above. Because upper portion  103  may mimic lower portion  102 , this may allow for multi-compartment container  101  to rest upon a shelf, for example, upside down, and yet still be stable. 
         [0026]    The four sections  107  depicted in  FIG. 1  are not to limit the scope of multi-compartment container  101 . In another embodiment, for example, lower portion  102  may be comprised of a single section  107 , and upper portion  103  may also be comprised of a single section  107 . In another embodiment, lower portion  102  and upper portion  103  may be comprised of a disproportionate number of sections  107 , yet still be within the spirit of multi-compartment container  101 . 
         [0027]    Cap  104  may be employed to securely close multi-compartment container  101 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , this may be accomplished by male connecting threads  105  located on multi-compartment container  101 , and female connecting threads (not shown) located on cap  104 . 
         [0028]    Cap  104  may also be of a child resistant nature. For example, when cap  104  is secured to the entirety of multi-compartment container  101 , cap  104  may be removed from multi-compartment container  101  by pressing down on cap  104  and then turning such that cap  104  is removed. In another embodiment, cap  104  may be removed from multi-compartment container  101  by pressing simultaneously on both sides of cap  104  and then turning. In yet another embodiment, cap  104  may be of a nature such that it cannot be removed unless it is aligned in a certain configuration. Other similar caps may be employed by multi-compartment container  101 . In another embodiment, however, another child resistant device may be used that would make it difficult for access to be gained. This may include a combination lock, or design such that the multi-compartment container may be opened by pressing on either end first. 
         [0029]    Hinge  106  may be of a nature such that it solidly connects upper portion  103  and lower portion  102  along the length of the rear side of multi-compartment container  101 . Although not fully depicted in  FIG. 1 , hinge  106  may run the entire length of multi-compartment container  101 . In another embodiment, hinge  106  may be a series of one or more separate connectors, similar to the hinges found on a typical household door. In yet another embodiment, hinge  106  may not be employed at all. Rather, lower portion  102  may be configured to receive upper portion  103  such that upper portion  103  merely snaps into place onto lower portion  102  or vice versa. In this embodiment, a security feature may be added such that a button or a lever may be engaged in order to separate said upper portion  103  and lower portion  102 , such that multi-compartment container  101  retains child resistant properties. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a three dimensional view of multi-compartment container  101 , said multi-compartment container  101  being slightly ajar.  FIG. 2  reveals additional features that may comprise multi-compartment container  101 , i.e. cavities  201  and walls  202 . It is within said cavities  201  that various therapeutic agents may be stored. As shown in  FIG. 2  the front section  107  of lower portion  102  is comprised of seven cavities  201  aligned side by side and separated by walls  202 . In another embodiment a different number of cavities  201  may be employed. For example, it is within the spirit of the invention that front section  107  of lower portion  102  may be comprised of as little as one cavity  201  while upper portion  103  is comprised of a concomitant number. In another embodiment, lower portion  102  and upper portion  103  may be comprised of a disproportionate amount of cavities  201 . 
         [0031]    It may also be noted that the member comprising male connecting threads  105  may be divided into separate parts during the manufacturing process with one hemisphere located on lower portion  102  and another hemisphere located on upper portion  103 . This “broken” design may allow strategic placement of cap  104 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a three dimensional view of multi-compartment container  101  in a substantially open position. As noted above, each section  107  in  FIG. 3  contains seven cavities  201 , however, this is not to limit the scope of multi-compartment container  101 . Again, each section  107  may contain more or less cavities  201  depending on the type and duration of therapeutic agents employed by the particular multi-compartment container  101 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  further depicts section covers  301 . Section covers  301  may serve to help keep therapeutic agents contained in cavities  201  secured in place when opening and closing multi-compartment container  101 . Section covers  301  may be of a transparent nature in order to see the actual therapeutic agents contained in multi-compartment container  101 . However, in another embodiment, section covers  301  may be designed such that they serve as a visual block to the therapeutic agents contained in multi-compartment container  101 . Thus, although as depicted in  FIG. 3  section covers  301  are clear, this is why it may be more accurate to depict cavities  201  as being represented by a dotted line in the event that an opaque cover  301  were to be employed by multi-compartment container  101 . 
         [0034]    Furthermore, section covers  301  and/or cavities  201  themselves may be labeled. One form of labeling may include days of the week, such as Sunday through Saturday. Utilizing the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , each cavity  201  may correspond to each day of the week, and being as there are four sections  107  each having seven cavities  201 , four weeks, or twenty-eight days of therapeutic agents may be stored in multi-compartment container  101 . Other embodiments may utilize fewer or more cavities  201  and sections  107 . Thus, it is within the scope of multi-compartment container  101  to be comprised of two cavities  201  or  365  cavities  201 . Said cavities  201  may correspond to a cycle, such as a treatment cycle using varying doses of medication, or a calendar cycle such as hours of the day, days of the week, days of a month, months of a year, etc. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 4-6  depict an alternative embodiment of multi-compartment container  101 .  FIGS. 4-6  are of substantially the same nature as  FIGS. 1-3 , with some minor differences in the configuration of cap  104  and male connecting threads  105 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the circular configuration of male connecting threads  105  may be located entirely on lower portion  102 .  FIG. 4  additionally depicts tab  401 , which may be solidly connected to upper portion  103 , and extend toward lower portion  102 . When multi-compartment container  101  is closed, as shown in  FIG. 4 , tab  401  may come to rest and be secured in aperture  501  (not shown) located on an upper portion of male connecting threads  105 . 
         [0036]    After tab  401  is secured in aperture  501 , cap  104  may be attached. As discussed above, cap  104  may comprise a variety of child resistant designs. In  FIG. 4  however, the child resistant design of tab  401  secured within male connecting threads  105  may not necessitate further child resistant safety measures, however this is not to limit the spirit of multi-compartment container  101 . In another embodiment, several different child safety designs may be employed on a single multi-compartment container  101  to further secure therapeutic agents from tampering. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5A  is a three dimensional view of multi-compartment container  101  shown in  FIG. 4 , said multi-compartment container  101  being slightly ajar.  FIG. 5A  depicts further detail of the alternative embodiment utilizing tab  401 , lip  502 , and aperture  501 . From this perspective, it may be noted how tab  401  may be placed in or taken out of aperture  501 . Tab  401  may further be comprised of lip  502  and a spring mechanism (not shown). Lip  502  may be a slight protrusion from tab  401 , such that when tab  401  is inserted into aperture  501 , more force may be necessary to fully close and secure multi-compartment container  101 . Conversely, when opening multi-compartment container  101 , it may be necessary to depress lip  502  which may be held up by said spring mechanism in order to open multi-compartment container  101 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 5B  is a close-up three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of male connecting threads  105 . In this embodiment it may be noted that rather than having aperture  501 , male connecting threads may utilize opening  503  to achieve a similar result. Rather than aperture  501  receiving tab  401 , opening  503  may alternatively receive tab  401  in a similar manner, namely tab  401  may come to rest in opening  503  rather than be placed in a hole, as depicted by aperture  501  depicted in  FIG. 5A . Cap  104  may thereafter be placed on male connecting threads  105  to secure the contents of multi-compartment container  101 . Cap  104  may be placed such that when fully in place, multi-compartment container  101  may not be opened, as lip  502 , which may protrude from tab  401 , may catch cap  104 . As such multi-compartment container  101  may not be opened unless cap  104  is removed after which lip  502  may not be blocked by cap  104 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is a three dimensional view of multi-compartment container  101  shown in  FIG. 4  in a substantially open position. It may be noted that  FIG. 6  is representative of one embodiment of multi-compartment container  101 . Other embodiments may include multi-compartment-container sans covers  301 . Another embodiment may include the alternative male connecting threads  105  and opening  503  as discussed in  FIG. 5B , rather than the embodiment disclosing aperture  501  in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a further alternative embodiment of multi-compartment container  101 . Unlike the embodiments discussed thus far having both upper portions  103  and lower portions  102 , the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7  is comprised of a singular base portion  701 . This embodiment further comprises an alternative cover  301 , which may be placed over base portion  701  such that the contents of base portion  701  are secured in the event that multi-compartment container  101  were to be jostled or flipped. Multi-compartment container  101  may then be further secured with cap  104 . Cap  104  may be of the same child resistant designs as discussed above. Other child resistant techniques may be utilized, however, to keep therapeutic agents contained in said multi-compartment container  101  safe. 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  depicts seven cavities  201  which comprise base portion  701  which may logically correspond to the days of the week. In other embodiments, however, base portion  701  may be comprised of more cavities  201  or less cavities  201 , and said cavities  201  may correspond to other cycles as discussed above. Furthermore, the shape of multi-compartment container  101  may vary. As such, another embodiment similar to that depicted in  FIG. 7  may be of a substantially square shape. Such other embodiments do not digress from the essence of multi-compartment container  101 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of said multi-compartment container  101  in  FIG. 7 . In this exploded view, it may be noted how cap  104  may be secured to multi-compartment container  101 , i.e., male connecting threads  105  and female connecting threads on cap  104  (not shown). It may also be noted that an additional cavity  201  may be utilized immediately beneath where cap  104  is placed. 
         [0043]    A multi-compartment container for the secure storage of therapeutic agents has been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the multi-compartment container has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the multi-compartment container to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the multi-compartment container. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS 
       [0000]    
       
           101 : multi-compartment container 
           102 : lower portion 
           103 : upper portion 
           104 : cap 
           105 : male connecting threads 
           106 : hinge 
           107 : section 
           201 : cavity 
           202 : wall 
           301 : cover 
           401 : tab 
           501 : aperture 
           502 : lip 
           503 : opening 
           701 : base portion

Technology Classification (CPC): 0