Abstract:
A multiple dispensing container system includes an external housing and a container insert disposed therein. The external housing may be formed from an upper container unit section and a lower container unit section that releasably attach to each other. The container insert is provided with a plurality of cavities adapted for holding and releasing small articles, for example pills or medications.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/291,863 filed on May 18, 2001. The contents of the aforementioned application are hereby incorporated by reference. This application also is related to European Patent Application No. 02010550.8, the contents of which is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention relates to a system for organizing and dispensing medication or other small articles such as pills or tablets.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0003]    Management of patients with complex diseases or multiple disease entities may require the administration of medication on a complicated schedule. A number of pill dispensers and similar devices exist that provide timed dispensation of medications. However, there remains a need in the art for a system adaptable to the administration of multiple different drugs at different times during a day, a week, or some other interval. Their further remains a need in the art for a flexible dispensing system that can be adjusted to adapt to varying administration requirements. A convenient, easy to handle medication dispenser would be useful even for those patients whose medication schedules are not particularly complicated.  
           [0004]    The need for such a system is heightened by the demographics of the population, where elderly patients may require complex medication schedules and overall organization of their medication regime. Furthermore, it is desirable that a medication system be usable by visually impaired patients. In addition, it is recognized that a secure mechanism for opening and closing the dispensing system at appropriate times would be useful. A convenient, easy to handle method of opening and closing the dispensing system is particularly advantageous.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0005]    Described herein is an easy-to-use, multi-use dispensing container for storing and sequentially dispensing solid contents such as medications, foods, and other commercial products. Depending on the dimensions of the container and compartments within the container, as well as the size of the dispensing opening(s), the dimensions of the contents may be varied in size and shape. Defined single or multiple dispensing may be preformed at each dispensing opening, depending on the compartment used. The OPEN and CLOSED positions of the dispensing container are fixed by a catch lock system.  
           [0006]    The small dimensions and dispensing function make the container ideal for everyday transport in a handbag, jacket, or pocket. The dispensing container consists essentially of three individual parts joined to two main parts: an upper part made of tinplate varnished on both sides, and a lower part made of polypropylene having a varnished tin plate disk inserted from the outside. The design allows both upper and lower parts to be easily put together and pulled apart. Depending on the configuration of the catch pins, the two parts may be counter-rotated in two directions, or only in one direction, and engage in provided fixed positions such as OPEN and CLOSED. The upper and lower parts may be put together and pulled apart in any position. However, and INITIAL POSITION is provided with a visible, tactile notch. This position is located between the start and the end of a complete rotation, in the CLOSED position. The notches facilitate putting the container together, especially for the visually impaired.  
           [0007]    Through appropriate shaping and choice of materials, the dispensing container offers ample printing options for putting information and graphic designs on the container.  
           [0008]    One example of a possible use of the dispensing container is for medications, with fixed dispensing times such as morning, midday, and evening. The particular pill of interest may be removed by simply rotating the upper and lower parts of the dispensing opening is uncovered and locked into place. After removal, the upper and lower parts of the dispensing container are further rotated by one catch point to close the dispensing container.  
           [0009]    The individual dispensing openings may be characterized by different numbers of raised bumps or other tactilely perceptible markings on the gripping edge of the lower part of the dispensing container, which allow the visually impaired to easily identify them by touch. For example, a different numbers of bumps for each dispensing opening (for example, 0; 00; 000=morning, midday, and evening) enable the desired dispensing time to be freely defined. The dispensing container may be filled from the side, into the individual dispensing compartments, or directly into the individual compartments of the lower part by pulling off the upper and lower parts.  
           [0010]    In one aspect, a multiple dispensing container system is provided for dispensing small articles. The system may include an individual dispensing unit having upper container unit section, a lower container unit section and a container insert. In one embodiment, the upper container unit section and the lower container unit section may be releasably attachable to each other to form an external housing. The container insert may be removably insertable into the external housing. The external housing may have at least one dispensing opening. Additionally, the container insert may have a plurality of cavities for retaining small articles with a preselected number of small articles being disposed in each cavity. Each cavity of the container insert may have an exit aperture extending through an outer circumferential aspect of the container insert. The exit aperture may be alignable with the at least one dispensing opening of the external housing. In certain embodiments, the external housing may be rotatable relative to the container insert. The relative rotation means that either the external housing is rotatable of the container insert remains stationary, the container insert rotates while the external housing remains stationary, or both components rotate with respect to each other. In certain embodiments, a latching mechanism may be provided to direct relative rotation in only one rotational direction. A multiple dispensing container system may comprise a plurality of individual dispensing units, each removably fixable to others. These individual dispensing units may be identical or dimensionally different. In one embodiment, either the upper container unit section or the lower container unit section may bear an embossing. In certain embodiments, a top cover may be provided that is removably attachable to the upper container unit section and a bottom cover may be provided that is removably attachable to the lower container unit section. In another embodiment, an annular ring may be provided that is insertable between an individual dispensing unit and at least one of the top cover and a bottom cover. In certain embodiments, at least one of the cavities within the container insert has an open top. In certain of these embodiments, the container insert may be removably coverable with a cover that has at least one radially disposed divider wall which can be inserted into at least one of the cavities to divide it into subcavities. The cavities of the container insert may also be divided into subcavities by other means. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0011]    The various properties and advantageous features of a multiple dispensing container system will be appreciated more fully from the following further description thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers represent like structures.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2A shows a lateral projection view of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2B shows a lateral projection view of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 shows a lateral projection view of an external component of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 shows a lateral projection view of another external component of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 shows a top projection view of the component shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 shows a lateral projection view of a top component and a bottom component of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of a portion of the multiple dispensing container system shown in FIG. 2A.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 shows a top projection view of an internal component of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the component shown in FIG. 8.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 shows a partial cross-section of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 shows a top projection view of an internal component of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 shows a top projection view of an internal component of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 shows a top projection view of an internal component of a multiple dispensing container system.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 14 shows a top projection view of a portion of a multiple dispensing container system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0027]    With reference to the following figures, a detailed description is provided for embodiments of a multiple dispensing container system. In certain embodiments, individual multiple dispensing containers may be joined together and disconnected again for particular applications. In certain embodiments, individual multiple dispensing containers may be refilled. Containers may be opened and closed by simple rotation of components of the system, as will be described below in more detail. In certain embodiments, tactile information may be provided on the external aspect o f multiple dispensing containers, for example for the visually impaired. Desirably, the visually impaired user may be able to determine, for example, opening and closing positions for components of the system. The system provides flexibility, so that there can be a varying number of openings for access to the container&#39;s contents, depending upon the application. Desirably, opening and closing of the container takes place by rotation in only one rotational direction, and the open and closed positions are securely locked. By changing the diameter and the height of a multiple dispenser container, a container may be suitable for larger or smaller fill quantities. Similarly, the amount of fill for any cavity in the container may be varied as needed for a particular application.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1 depicts a multiple dispensing container  10  with three component parts: an upper container unit section  12 , a lower container unit section  14  and a container insert  8 . The figure depicts the upper container unit section  12  viewed from above, and the lower container unit section  14  viewed from below. When assembled, however, the container insert  8  may be disposed within the upper container unit section  12  and the lower container unit section  14 , with each of these sections external to the container insert  8  and with each of these sections adapted for snap-fitting together. The upper container unit section  12  and the lower container unit section  14  may be releasably fitted together to form an external housing (not shown) that encases the container insert  8 . As can be seen in this figure, the container insert  8  may be separated into a plurality of cavities  52 , each cavity  52  having an exit aperture  56  through which the contents of the cavity  52  may exit. The exit apertures  56  may also be used to fill the cavities  52  with contents. Access to the cavities  52  through their respective exit apertures  56  is achieved in certain embodiments by aligning the exit aperture  56  with the upper dispensing opening  24  in the upper container unit section  12  and/or by aligning the exit aperture  56  with the lower dispensing opening  26  in the lower container unit section  14 , as will be described in more detail below. Each cavity  52  may have an exit aperture  56  extending through an outer circumferential aspect  9  of the container insert  8 , the exit aperture  56  being alignable with the dispensing opening in one or both components of the external housing. In certain embodiments, either the upper container unit section  12  or the lower container unit section  14  may bear the dispensing opening with which the exit aperture  56  is to be aligned. In these embodiments, the component not bearing the dispensing opening will have a lateral profile that does not obstruct the dispensing opening of the other component. An example of such an embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. If the exit aperture  56  of the container insert  8  is not aligned with appropriate dispensing openings, the contents of the respective cavity  52  remains contained therein, so that the cavity  52  is closed. When the three components described above are fitted together, they form an individual dispensing unit, described in more detail below.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 2A and 2B show a side view of the external aspect of embodiments of a multiple dispensing container  10 . A multiple dispensing container  10  may include one or more individual dispensing units  18 , each individual dispensing unit  18  having an upper container unit section  12  releasably attached to a lower container unit section  14  as shown in this figure. As described above, each individual dispensing unit  18  may also contain within it a container insert (not shown). Each individual dispensing unit  18  may be available for stacking on top of another individual dispensing unit  18 , as shown in FIG. 2B. A multiple dispensing container  10  may further include an upper cover  20  and a lower cover  22 . In the depicted embodiment, a dispensing opening  24  is provided in the upper container unit section  12 . In this embodiment, the upper container unit section has a lateral profile  11 , and the lower container unit section has a lateral profile  13 . The lateral profile  13  of the lower container unit  14  is sufficiently low that it does not obstruct the dispensing opening  24  of the upper container unit section  12  from aligning with the exit aperture (not shown) on the container insert (not shown) so that the contents thereof may exit therefrom. If the lower container unit section  14  has a higher lateral profile  13 , the lower container unit section  14  may have a dispensing opening (not shown) that lines up with the dispensing opening  24  on the upper container unit section  12 , with both dispensing openings further aligning with the exit aperture of the container insert so that the contents of the container insert may exit therefrom. In the depicted embodiment, the dispensing opening  24  may be released or closed by rotating the upper container unit section  12  or the lower container unit section  14  relative to the container insert (not shown) and its exit apertures. In certain embodiments the upper unit  12  may be rotated while the lower unit  14  remains stationary, or vice versa. In other embodiments, both units  12  and  14  may be rotated in opposite directions relative to each other. An integrated locking system (not shown) may be incorporated so that the upper unit  12  and/or the lower unit  14  can rotate in only one direction. The opening and closing positions for the dispensing opening  24  may be fixed or identified by a stop location (not shown). These opening and closing positions in certain embodiments may be perceived by touch by means of a special embossing pattern  15 , useful, for example, for the visually impaired. As used herein, the term “embossing pattern” or “embossing” may include any tactilely perceptible pattern, whether embossed, engraved, etched, attached as a separate unit, or formed in any other way, as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the embossing for the upper or lower container units may be designed to convey tactile information, for example, for the visually impaired. In certain embodiments, embossing may function to enhance the graspability or manipulability of the device. The embossing may also have an ornamental function.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 2B shows in more detail a stack arrangement of two individual dispensing units  18   a  and  18   b  to form a multiple dispensing container  10 . For each individual dispensing unit  18   a  and  18   b,  an upper container unit section  12   a  and  12   b  and a lower container unit section  14   a  and  14   b  are shown. Each individual dispensing unit  18   a  and  18   b  has its own dispensing opening  24   a  and  24   b,  and each may have within it its own container insert (not shown) An upper cover  20  and a lower cover  22  are provided for the multiple dispensing container  10 , the upper cover  20  covering the top of the individual dispensing unit  18   a,  and the lower cover  22  covering the bottom of the lower individual dispensing unit  18   b.  As shown in this figure, an annular ring  28   a  may be interposed between the upper cover  20  and the top of the upper individual dispensing unit  18   a.  The annular ring  28   a  may be used to provide additional structural support, to facilitate connection of the components, to increase visibility of the device or its components, to enhance visual appeal or to add other functionality. Similarly, and annular ring  28   b  may be interposed between the lower cover  22  and the bottom of the lower individual dispensing unit  18   b.  The annular rings  28   a  and  28   b  may be made of metal, enamel, resin, plastic or other materials familiar to skilled artisans. Embossing patterns are shown at  15   a  and  15   b.  While this figure illustrates only two individual dispensing units stacked together, any number of units may be stacked in similar manner.  
         [0031]    As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the individual dispensing unit  18  may include two specially shaped or punched external drawn parts, the upper container unit section  12  and the lower container unit section  14 , which can be made of various materials, including plastic, or metals such as painted and/or printed tinplate or aluminum. These two parts can be disconnected for example by a snap-rolling action, and connected again for refilling. Owing to their external shape they can be connected together with other identical dispensing units  18  or with other containers having the same diameter. Each individual dispensing unit  18  may contain a container insert (not shown), each container insert capable of being filled with different substances or quantities, and capable of having different inner configurations, with the set of individual dispensing units  18  being assembled to form one multiple dispensing container  10 . The multiple dispensing container  10  may be disassembled, for example, for refilling of individual dispensing units  18  or for transferring an individual dispensing unit  18  to another multiple dispensing container  10 .  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an upper container unit section  12 . The upper container unit section  12  may have an opening  24  for filling and removal, an embossing pattern  30  to facilitate grasping and to provide tactile clues for operation, for example by a visually impaired person, and upper and lower adapters  32  and  34  to facilitate connection to a lower container unit section  14  or to a cover (not shown). Such adapters  32  and  34  enable a user of a container  10  to readily snap together or apart its components. The upper container unit section  12  of this figure has a lateral profile  11  that extends to cover the lateral aspect of the container insert (not shown). Accordingly, in the depicted embodiment, the upper container unit section is provided with the opening  24  that lines up with the exit opening (not shown) in the container insert so that the contents of the container insert may exit or may be inserted. An embossing pattern  30  may be provided to assist grasping or to facilitate use, for example by the visually impaired.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 4 depicts a side view of a lower container unit section  14 . As with the upper container unit section  12  shown in the previous figure, the lower container unit section  14  may have an embossing pattern for permitting tactile recognition and may also have upper and lower adapters  40  and  42  for snap assembly and disassembly. In the depicted embodiment, the lower container unit section  14  has a lateral profile  13  that does not extend to cover the lateral aspect of the container insert (not shown). In this embodiment, no opening is required, because this lateral profile  13  would not impede the egress of contents from the container insert. In other embodiments, where the lateral profile  13  would cover the lateral aspect of the container insert, an opening may be provided that lined up with the exit opening in the container insert. Depending on the lateral profile for the upper container unit, the opening in the lower container unit may provide the only opening that need be aligned with the exit opening in the container insert. If the upper container unit has a high lateral profile, as shown in FIG. 3, and the lower container unit  14  also has a high lateral profile  13 , each container unit may be provided with an opening that lines up with the other and that both line up with the exit opening in the container insert  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the upper container unit section  12  having an embossing pattern  30  and having an opening  24  that can be aligned with an exit opening in the container insert (not shown). As previously described, the container insert resides within the mated unit of upper container unit section  12  and lower container unit section  14 . In certain embodiments, the upper container unit section  12  may also have a latching mechanism  44  to permit rotation of the upper container unit section  12  in only one direction. As shown in this figure, the latch may be formed as an indentation that mates with a counterpart protrusion on an adjacent component. In certain embodiments, the latch and protrusion may form an integrated locking system as previously described.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 6 shows the upper cover  20  and the lower cover  22  of a dispensing container. These components also may be fabricated from plastic, enamel, resin, metal, or other materials familiar to skilled artisans. Each cover has an adapter  48  and  50  to facilitate snap-on assembly and disassembly of a dispensing container. The adapters  48  and  50  are formed to meet with adapters on the upper or lower aspects (respectively) of adjacent components such as the upper container unit section  12  for the lower container unit section  14 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 7 shows in more detail a cross-section of a dispensing container, the cross-section being taken following the dotted lines x and y on FIG. 2A. This detail view shows an annular ring  28  disposed about the circumference of the dispensing container, here interposed between the top cover  20  and the upper dispensing container unit  12 . The annular ring  28  may be provided at various locations circumferentially around the dispensing container, for example, between the lower dispensing container unit and its cover. As previously described, the annular ring  28  may serve a number of functions, including providing additional structural support, facilitating connection of components, increasing visibility of the dispensing container, and enhancing its visual appeal.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 8 provides a top view of an embodiment of a container insert  8  showing aspects of its internal configuration. A plurality of cavities  52  are disposed within the container insert  8 . These cavities  52  may be disposed radially as illustrated in this figure. The cavities may be formed so that their tops are open, to be closed off with, for example, a removable cover or set of covers; in other embodiments, the cavities may be formed within the substance of the container insert  8  so that each cavity  52  is formed with its own roof, floor and walls. In certain embodiments, where the cavities  52  have open tops, the cavities  52  may be filled from above and then closed off by properly positioning the removable cover or set of covers. Cavities  52  may have capacities that are equal to or different from each other. In certain embodiments, the cavities  52  are formed as part of the container insert  8 , each thus having a fixed and preselected volume. In other embodiments, the container insert  8  may be provided with removable or interchangeable plastic inserts  62   a  and  62   b  that divide a single cavity  52  into a plurality of the sub cavities  52   a,    52   b,  and  52   c.  In certain embodiments, the container insert  8  may be equipped with a removable cover that has radially disposed divider walls (not shown) acting in the same way as the plastic inserts that divide a single cavity into a plurality of sub cavities. In this way, the inner configuration of an individual container insert  8  may be determined by the inclusion of an exchangeable insert, for example, one made of plastic. For example, a container insert  8  may be constructed having cavities sized to accommodate a specific number of capsules of known sizes. The container insert  8  may further include latch notches  58  to regulate the alignment of the exit apertures  56  of the cavities  52  with a dispensing opening (not shown) in an external component such as the upper container unit section or the lower container unit section, as described above. The exchangeable container insert  8  may also be connected to one of the two external container parts or may be formed as a separate unit or set of units. The container insert  8  may further be divided into one or several compartments, depending on the application. In this way, maximum flexibility of cavity and sub cavity configuration may be attained.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 9 show a cross-section taken along line a′-a″ in FIG. 8. This figure shows a removable cover  60  adapted to fit, for example by snap fit, over the container insert  8 . The cover  60  functions to close off the open top of the cavity  52  that has been prepared in the container insert  8 . As previously described, the removable cover  60  may have one or more radially disposed divider walls (not shown) capable of dividing the cavity  52  into sub cavities as desired by a particular application. The removable cover  60  permits a cavity  52  to be filled from above. In certain embodiments, the removable cover may itself the initially filled, for example by insertion of pills or other contents between its divider walls while the cover is upside down on a flat surface. The container insert  8  may then be turned upside down and fitted to the cover  60  so that its cavity  52  is divided by the divider walls into sub cavities, and so that the preselected number of pills or other contents are disposed properly in each sub cavity. After snap fitting the two components together, the device may optionally be returned to its upright or other desired position so that the cover  60  then rests atop the container insert  8 . As shown in this figure, a latch  64  may be provided on the undersurface of the upper container unit, or on any other surface thereof, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. This latch  64  may serve to prevent back-rotation or to align a particular cavity  52  with a dispensing opening (not shown).  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of a multiple dispensing container  10  with its external component parts, including an upper container unit section  12 , a lower container unit section  14 , an upper cover  20  and a lower cover  22 . Each cover is held in place by an adapter that permits snap-fit of the cover to the underlying component. An adapter  21  permits snap-fit of the upper cover  20  to the upper container unit section  12 . A lower adapter  23  permits snap-fit of the lower cover  22  to the lower container unit section  14 . The upper container unit section  12  and the lower container unit section  14  intersect at a snap-fit intersection  54 . As shown in this embodiment, various snap-fit connections permits easy assembly and disassembly of the external components. Inserted within the multiple dispensing container  10  is a container insert  8 . In the depicted embodiment, a cavity  52  is shown having an open top  53 . This open top  53  is closed in the depicted embodiment by a removable cover  60 . The cavity  52  has an exit aperture  56 . Due to the high lateral profile  11  of the upper container unit section  12 , this latter structure will be provided with openings (not shown) that may be lined up with the exit aperture  56  so that the contents (not shown) of the cavity  52  may be inserted or removed in accordance with the particular application. It will be noted that the lower container unit section  14  has a low profile  13 , so does not require an opening that is alignable with the exit aperture  56 . As previously described, the external components may be made from a variety of materials. Desirably, the upper container unit section and the lower container unit section may be made from metal, for example, a tin-plated sheet metal. In the depicted embodiment, an antirotational latching system  70  is provided on the bottom of the lower container unit section  14  where it intersects with the lower cover  22 . It is understood that a variety of antirotational latching systems may be provided in various parts of the multiple dispensing container to effect the desired antirotational function.  
         [0040]    A variety of configurations of cavities  52  within container inserts  8  can be arranged. Exemplary embodiments are depicted in FIGS.  11 - 13 . Each of these figures shows a latch notch  58  previously described to prevent back rotation and/or to align a cavity  52  with a dispensing opening (not shown). Other latch mechanisms may be incorporated in the design of the container insert  8 , as previously described.  
         [0041]    As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, an container insert  8  may be provided with a plurality of cavities  52 , certain of which may be divided into sub cavities  52   a  and  52   b  by divider walls  62 . Each sub cavity may contain an individual pill  68 . A cavity  52  may also contain one or more pills  68 . Although each pill  68  in these figures appears similar, it is understood that pills or other contents may be varied in their size or shape.  
         [0042]    An example of varying pill size is provided at FIG. 13. In this figure, pills  68   a  and  68   b  are shown disposed within a cavity  52 , the contour and volume of which has been adapted to hold these two different-sized pills. Other arrangements may be readily envisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art. While FIG. 13 does not show any divider walls within a cavity  52 , it will be understood that such divider walls may be provided, as previously described.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 14 shows in more detail an example of a latching mechanism designed to restrict the motion of the container insert  8  relative to an external component of the multiple dispensing container, either the upper container unit section  12  as shown in this figure, or the lower container unit section  14  as previously described. The effective direction of rotation  72  for the container insert  8  relative to the upper container unit section  12  in the depicted embodiment is counterclockwise. To permit this rotation and further to affix the container insert  8  relative to the upper container unit section  12 , a latching mechanism may be provided such as that shown in this figure. The latching mechanism shown in this figure has two parts: a protrusion  43  formed on the inner aspect of the upper container unit section  12  and a notch  58  formed on the outer aspect of the container insert  8 . The protrusion  43  may have a sloping edge  45  that permits the protrusion  43  to slide out of the notch  58  when force is applied in the appropriate clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Furthermore, the exit aperture  56  also may have a sloping edge  57  that permits the protrusion  43  with its sloping edge  45  more readily to disengage from the exit aperture  56  when force is applied in the appropriate direction. When the protrusion  43  inserts itself into the notch  58 , this fixes an alignment between the exit aperture  56  and the dispensing opening  24  of the upper container unit section  12 . To facilitate the temporary deformations required for engagement and disengagement of the protrusion  43  with either the exit aperture  56  or the notch  58 , the protrusion  43  may be formed of a relatively deformable material, for example a flexible metal or plastic. Alternatively, the container insert  8  may be made of a material whose rigidity is sufficient to permit the necessary temporary deformations. Other arrangements of a latching mechanism to permit forward rotation and to prevent back rotation may be readily envisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the protrusion  43  may be located on the container insert  8  with the notch  58  being located on the external component. Either the upper or the lower container unit sections may bear the external part of the latching assembly. Other types of latches will be familiar to skilled artisans. Preferably, the open and closed positions are securely locked using the latching mechanism. In other embodiments, a locking system may be used to replace the latches shown, so that back-rotation is relatively permanently prevented, or so that forward rotation may only be carried out with the unlocking of a lock. For example, a programmable timer or other system may be built into the device to govern the availability of the contents of a particular cavity  56 . Using such a system, the device may permit advancement of the container insert relative to the external components only on a prescribed schedule, so that the contents of a cavity  56  may not be made available until a preselected time.  
         [0044]    To illustrate certain advantages of the multiple dispensing container system, the following example is provided. For example, three different products are to be used in a 1-2-3 cycle during a period of 4 days. These three different products may be packaged in units of four in three individual dispensing units which can be connected together to form a multiple dispensing container.  
       Exemplary Dispensing Operation  
       [0045]    1. The OPEN and CLOSED positions are reached and locked in place in the provided fixed position by ROTATING.  
         [0046]    2. The cycle begins in the CLOSED (initial) position, which is visible. Filling is performed by means of a notch in the lower part of the container. The container is locked in place.  
         [0047]    3. Counter-rotation of the upper and lower parts leads to the next catch position, characterized by a bump on the smooth gripping edge of the lower part, thus arriving at the first OPEN position. The container is again locked in place.  
         [0048]    4. The container is CLOSED by again counter-rotating the upper and lower parts, leading to the next catch position. The container is again locked in place.  
         [0049]    5. The procedure is repeated. The individual positions for the OPEN position may be characterized by different numbers of raised bumps.  
       Exemplary Assembly Operation  
       [0050]    1. PULL OFF  
         [0051]    2. PUT TOGETHER  
         [0052]    1. Rotate the container to the INITIAL POSITION and screw down the upper and lower parts.  
         [0053]    2. Bring the catch from the upper part together with the continuous notch from the lower part, and press the upper and lower parts together with light pressure.  
         [0054]    Other uses for the multiple dispensing container system as described herein include: an additional use for an integrated pill separator with storage compartment for one-half of a cut pill; an additional use for releasably joining several individual containers; an additional use for a turnstile with a built-in programmable timer system.  
         [0055]    Certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.  
         [0056]    While certain embodiments have been shown and described in detail herein, various modifications, improvements and alternate embodiments will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.