Patent Description:
A medicine housing device is conventionally known as a container with a measuring device capable of measuring the required number of tablets (Patent Literature <NUM>). As shown in <FIG>, a medicine housing device <NUM> includes a container body <NUM> having a bottle shape to house the tablets, and a dispensing device <NUM> as a measuring device to be attached to a top part of the container body <NUM>.

The dispensing device <NUM> includes a chamber <NUM> having a bottomed cylindrical shape, an inlet <NUM> through which the tablets are introduced from the inside of the container body <NUM> into the chamber <NUM>, a movable baffle <NUM> that covers substantially the half of a bottom plate of the chamber <NUM>, and an outlet <NUM> through which the tablets are discharged from the chamber <NUM> to the outside. A plurality of holding sections <NUM> that allow the tablets to respectively fit thereinto are provided on the top side of the bottom plate of the chamber <NUM>. The movable baffle <NUM> can be rotated relative to the chamber <NUM> around a cylindrical axis of the chamber <NUM> as the center axis. The movable baffle <NUM> is rotated to change the position of the movable baffle <NUM> in a circumferential direction to thereby allow the movable baffle <NUM> to cover or expose the holding sections <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>.

The medicine housing device <NUM> is used in the case where, for example, a patient measures a large number of tablets in the prescribed dose. Specifically, the patient rotates the movable baffle <NUM> to expose a desired number of the holding sections <NUM> (i.e., corresponding to the number of tablets in the prescribed dose), and opens the inlet <NUM> with the outlet <NUM> kept closed to thereby introduce the tablets from the container body <NUM> into the chamber <NUM>. Next, the patient places the tablets in all the exposed holding sections <NUM> and then opens the outlet <NUM> with the inlet <NUM> kept closed so that the patient can take out the tablets from the chamber <NUM>. Thus, the medicine housing device <NUM> makes it possible to freely set the number of tablets to be measured by the dispensing device <NUM> and take out the desired number of tablets.

Further examples of prior art are disclosed in, e.g., <CIT> and <CIT>.

<CIT> relates to a device for dosing or counting objects, comprising: a plate provided with a plurality of recesses, each suitable for receiving a single object, said recesses being arranged in at least two series of at least two rows disposed in parallel along a longitudinal axis, such that the recesses in a first row of one series are offset longitudinally relative to the recesses in the second row of the same series by a non-zero pitch; and a pull element arranged to slide relative to the plate along the longitudinal axis, said pull element comprising at least two adjacent tongues, each designed to cover or reveal a corresponding series of rows, said tongues being arranged to slide relative to one another over a distance equal to the pitch and being coupled by a drive mechanism configured such that the sliding of the pull element along the longitudinal axis over a distance greater than the pitch causes the simultaneous movement of the two tongues.

<CIT> relates to a dispensing device for metering and dispensing a predetermined number of multiparticulates from a container. The dispensing device comprises a chamber which includes an inlet through which multiparticulates can enter the chamber and an overflow through which multiparticulates can leave the chamber. There is also an outlet through which multiparticulates can be dispensed from the chamber. The chamber comprises a metering surface which includes at least one retaining portion. The, or each, of the retaining portions is configured to be able to releasably retain a single multiparticulate.

The medicine housing device makes it possible to freely change the number of tablets to be measured and thus enables the patient to freely set the number of tablets (i.e., the number of the tablets to be dosed).

However, for example, even in the case where a pharmacist or other pharmacy personnel prepares the dose for the tablets according to his or her individual prescription, a patient may change the number of tablets to be measured by his or her arbitrary decision at the time of administration without following the prescription. In this case, there is a risk that an appropriate number of tablets on the basis of the prescription are not taken by the patient.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a measuring device and a container with the measuring device that make it possible to select the number of tablets such as medicines in a tablet form to be measured and allow a user to follow the dosage by taking the appropriate number of tablets.

A measuring device of the present invention includes: a tablet measuring part that includes a plurality of housing parts that are each configured to house one tablet; a measuring-number selecting part that enables to select a measuring number of tablets by selecting the number of housing parts available for housing tablets out of the plurality of the housing parts; and a measuring-number fixing part that locks the measuring-number selecting part to prevent the measuring number selected by the measuring-number selecting part from being changed, wherein the measuring-number fixing part has an annular shape, the tablet measuring part comprises a measurement body part in which the plurality of the housing parts are provided, and the measurement body part comprises a substantially cylindrical sidewall part and a top face wall part in which the plurality of the housing parts are provided.

The measuring device can be configured such that the measuring-number selecting part is configured to move relative to the tablet measuring part to select the measuring number, and the measuring-number fixing part is configured to be attached to the tablet measuring part to restrict movement of the measuring-number selecting part to thereby fix the measuring number.

The measuring device can be configured such that the measuring-number fixing part is configured to be attached to the tablet measuring part while being held in engagement with the measuring-number selecting part and being held in immovable engagement with the tablet measuring part, to thereby restrict the selection of the measuring number by the measuring-number selecting part.

The measuring device can be configured such that the tablet measuring part is configured to be attached to a container body that houses tablets, and the measuring-number fixing part is disposed between the tablet measuring part and the container body in a state where the tablet measuring part is attached to the container body.

A container with a measuring device of the present invention includes: a container body that houses tablets; and a measuring device that is attached to the container body, in which the measuring device is the measuring device described above.

An embodiment of the present invention will be hereinafter described with reference to <FIG>. A container with a measuring device according to this embodiment is used when a required number of tablets are to be prepared. For example, a parent of a pediatric patient who handles tablets on a routine basis is assumed as an intended user.

As shown in <FIG>, a measuring device-equipped container <NUM> includes a container body <NUM> and a measuring device <NUM> to be attached to the container body <NUM>.

The container body <NUM> is a member for housing tablets. The container body <NUM> has, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape. Specifically, the container body <NUM> is a bottle. The container body <NUM> of this embodiment has a mouth <NUM> that is located on a top side and a housing body <NUM> that is continued with the mouth <NUM> and has an outer diameter larger than that of the mouth <NUM>.

The mouth <NUM> is an outlet through which tablets as a content are taken out from the container body <NUM>. The mouth <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The mouth <NUM> includes, for example, a cylindrical mouth body <NUM> and a container screw part <NUM> that is a screw provided on the periphery of the mouth body <NUM>.

The mouth body <NUM> of this embodiment has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a uniform diameter. An end edge <NUM> located on the top side of the mouth body <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> of the mouth <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a direction in which the mouth <NUM> extends, that is, a height direction of the mouth <NUM> (i.e., a vertical direction in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) will be simply referred to as "the vertical direction". A direction toward the extended end of the mouth <NUM> will be also referred to as "upward". A direction opposite to the direction toward the extended end of the mouth <NUM> (i.e., a direction toward a proximal end of the mouth <NUM>) will be referred to as "downward".

The housing body <NUM> has a shoulder part <NUM> that is continued with the mouth <NUM>. An upper surface <NUM> of the shoulder part <NUM> is, for example, a flat surface.

The measuring device <NUM> is a member that makes it possible to measure and take out a desired number of tablets among a plurality of tablets housed in the container body <NUM>. The measuring device <NUM> includes a tablet measuring part <NUM> that measures tablets, a measuring-number selecting part <NUM> that enables to select the number of tablets to be measured, and a measuring-number fixing part <NUM> that is configured to lock the measuring-number selecting part to prevent the measuring number selected by the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> from being changed. The measuring device <NUM> of this embodiment includes an overcap <NUM> that can protect the tablet measuring part <NUM> by being attached to the tablet measuring part <NUM>.

The tablet measuring part <NUM> is a member including a plurality of housing parts <NUM> that are each configured to house one tablet. The tablet measuring part <NUM> of this embodiment is a substantially cylindrical member.

Further, the tablet measuring part <NUM> is configured to be attached to the container body <NUM>. That is, the tablet measuring part <NUM> is provided as a separate member from the container body <NUM>. Moreover, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is detachably attached to the tablet measuring part <NUM>.

The tablet measuring part <NUM> of this embodiment includes a measurement body part <NUM> in which the plurality of the housing parts <NUM> are provided. The tablet measuring part <NUM> includes a measurement defining assembly <NUM> that defines a measuring space <NUM> that houses the tablets at the time of measurement. The tablet measuring part <NUM> has an inlet <NUM> through which the tablets enter the measuring space <NUM> from the container body <NUM>, and an outlet <NUM> through which the tablets exit from the measuring space <NUM> to the outside (see <FIG>).

In the tablet measuring part <NUM> of this embodiment, the inlet <NUM> is provided inside the tablet measuring part <NUM>. In the tablet measuring part <NUM>, the outlet <NUM> is provided in a side of the tablet measuring part <NUM>.

The shape of the measurement body part <NUM> of this embodiment is a cylindrical shape having a top part closed by a top face wall. Specifically, the measurement body part <NUM> includes a substantially cylindrical sidewall part <NUM> and a top face wall part <NUM> in which the plurality of the housing parts <NUM> are provided. The measurement body part <NUM> further includes a plurality of body ribs <NUM> which extend radially and downward and are aligned with each other in a circumferential direction (see <FIG>) with gaps therebetween. The measurement body part <NUM> further includes an inlet defining part <NUM> that extends downward and defines the inlet <NUM>. Each of the body ribs <NUM> forms an inclined surface extending upward as it advances toward the inlet defining part <NUM>.

The plurality of the housing parts <NUM> are provided in the top face wall part <NUM> of the measurement body part <NUM> to be aligned in the circumferential direction of the sidewall part <NUM> (see <FIG>). In the measurement body part <NUM> of this embodiment, the housing parts <NUM> are disposed in a substantially half-peripheral part of the top face wall part <NUM>. Further, a top face wall opening 402a is provided at a central part of the top face wall part <NUM>. Thus, the top face wall part <NUM> has an annular plate shape. Further, the top face wall part <NUM> forms an inclined surface extending downward as it advances toward the top face wall opening 402a.

Each of the housing parts <NUM> is in the form of at least one of a through hole and a recess. The housing parts <NUM> of this embodiment are, for example, recesses. Further, twelve housing parts <NUM> are provided in the top face wall part <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The housing parts <NUM> are partially aligned with each other in the radial direction. The housing parts <NUM> adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction can be separated from each other or continuous with each other. The housing parts <NUM> adjacent to each other in the radial direction can be separated from each other or continuous with each other.

In the housing parts <NUM> of this embodiment, some (e.g., six) of the housing parts <NUM> are disposed on an inner peripheral side of the top face wall part <NUM> and the remaining housing parts <NUM> (e.g., six housing parts <NUM>) are disposed on an outer peripheral side of the top face wall part <NUM>. Specifically, some of the housing parts <NUM> are disposed on the inner peripheral side of the top face wall part <NUM> to be aligned in the circumferential direction and the remaining housing parts <NUM> are disposed on the outer peripheral side of the top face wall part <NUM> to be aligned in the circumferential direction.

The inlet defining part <NUM> has a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape (see <FIG>). Specifically, the inlet defining part <NUM> includes a defining cylindrical part <NUM>, a part of which is cut away (e.g., a half part in the circumferential direction), and a defining bottom part <NUM> provided at a bottom of the defining cylindrical part <NUM>. The defining bottom part <NUM> extends inward in the circumferential direction from the lower end edge of the defining cylindrical part <NUM>. The defining bottom part <NUM> has, for example, a disc shape.

First engagement parts <NUM> are provided on an outer peripheral surface of the sidewall part <NUM> of the measurement body part <NUM> to allow the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> to come into engagement with the first engagement parts <NUM> (see <FIG>). Further, a second engagement part <NUM> is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sidewall part <NUM> to allow the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> to come into engagement with the second engagement part <NUM>. Moreover, a third engagement part <NUM> is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sidewall part <NUM> to allow the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> to come into engagement with the third engagement part <NUM>. Further, symbols representing numbers which correspond to the numbers measurable are represented (e.g., printed) side by side on a top of the sidewall part <NUM>. A screw is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the sidewall part <NUM> to be ale to come into threaded engagement with the container screw part <NUM>.

Each of the first engagement parts <NUM> of this embodiment is, for example, a groove extending in a vertical direction. A plurality of first engagement parts <NUM> are disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the sidewall part <NUM>, for example, at equal intervals, and respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the representations of the measuring numbers. Further, the number of the first engagement parts <NUM> is the same as the number of the housing parts <NUM> (specifically, <NUM> housing parts). The first engagement parts <NUM> of this embodiment are disposed in a substantially half-peripheral part of the outer peripheral surface of the sidewall part <NUM>. Further, the first engagement parts <NUM> are disposed in an area on a radially outward side of a first portion <NUM>, in which no housing parts <NUM> of the top face wall part <NUM> are provided.

The second engagement part <NUM> of this embodiment is a rib that protrudes in a radially outward direction. The number of the second engagement part <NUM> is, for example, one. Specifically, the second engagement part <NUM> has a lower part to come into engagement with the measuring-number fixing part <NUM>. Further, the second engagement part <NUM> has an upper part to come into engagement with the overcap <NUM>.

The third engagement part <NUM> of this embodiment is a rib that protrudes in the radially outward direction. The third engagement part <NUM> extends in the circumferential direction. Further, a pair of third engagement parts <NUM> are provided in the circumferential direction with the second engagement part <NUM> therebetween. The third engagement part <NUM> is disposed in an area on a radially outward side of a second portion <NUM>, in which the housing parts <NUM> of the top face wall part <NUM> are provided. Further, the third engagement part <NUM> is disposed at a substantially center part in the vertical direction of the outer peripheral surface of the sidewall part <NUM>, and the third engagement part <NUM> has an upper part to come into engagement with the overcap <NUM>.

Three or more of third engagement parts <NUM> can be disposed in the circumferential direction at intervals. Further, the third engagement part <NUM> can be disposed entirely in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the sidewall part <NUM>.

The measurement defining assembly <NUM> is a member that defines the measuring space <NUM> in cooperation with the measurement body part <NUM> (e.g., the top face wall part <NUM>). Further, the measurement defining assembly <NUM> defines the measuring space <NUM> above the measurement body part <NUM> (e.g., the top face wall part <NUM>). The measurement defining assembly <NUM> of this embodiment includes a first defining part <NUM> that defines a side of the measuring space <NUM> and a second defining part <NUM> that defines a top of the measuring space <NUM>.

The first defining part <NUM> has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape. Specifically, the first defining part <NUM> includes a defining cylindrical part <NUM> having a cylindrical shape and a defining extension part <NUM> extending from an inner peripheral surface of the defining cylindrical part <NUM> in a radially inward direction. The outlet <NUM> is formed in the first defining part <NUM> (e.g., in the defining cylindrical part <NUM>) by partly cutting out an upper half in the circumferential direction of the first defining part <NUM> (e.g., the defining cylindrical part <NUM>).

The second defining part <NUM> is a member that provides isolation or communication between the inside of the container body <NUM> and the measuring space <NUM>. Further, the second defining part <NUM> is configured to open and close at least one of the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> through which the tablets are introduced in and discharged from the tablet measuring part <NUM>. The second defining part <NUM> of this embodiment is configured to open and close both of the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>.

The second defining part <NUM> of this embodiment has a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape. Further, the second defining part <NUM> can change its position between a take-out position at which the tablets can be taken out (see <FIG>) and a measuring position at which the tablets cannot be taken out (see <FIG>). Specifically, the second defining part <NUM> is rotatable relative to the measurement body part <NUM> around a cylindrical axis of the sidewall part <NUM> as a central axis, and this rotational movement enables the second defining part <NUM> to change its position between the take-out position and the measuring position. When the second defining part <NUM> is held at the take-out position, the second defining part <NUM> opens the outlet <NUM> while closing the inlet <NUM>, and when the second defining part <NUM> is held at the measuring position, the second defining part <NUM> closes the outlet <NUM> while opening the inlet <NUM>.

The second defining part <NUM> is, for example, a transparent member. Therefore, it is possible to visually observe through the second defining part <NUM> whether or not the tablets are housed in the housing parts <NUM> of the measurement body part <NUM>.

The second defining part <NUM> of this embodiment has an outlet opening and closing part <NUM> that has a cylindrical shape and is configured to open and close the outlet <NUM> (see <FIG>). Further, the second defining part <NUM> has a closing part <NUM> that closes the measuring space <NUM> from above, while closes a bottom of the outlet opening and closing part <NUM>. Further, the second defining part <NUM> has a measurement engaging part <NUM> that extends upward from the closing part <NUM> and can engage with the overcap <NUM>. Further, the second defining part <NUM> has an inlet opening and closing part <NUM> that extends downward from the closing part <NUM> and is configured to open and close the inlet <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the outlet opening and closing part <NUM> has a cutout <NUM> formed by partially cutting out a lower half in the circumferential direction of the outlet opening and closing part <NUM>. The cutout <NUM> has a shape and a size to enable itself to overlap with the outlet <NUM> of the tablet measuring part <NUM>.

The closing part <NUM> is a disc-shaped member (see <FIG>). Further, the closing part <NUM> extends from the inner peripheral surface of the outlet opening and closing part <NUM> in the radially inward direction.

The measurement engaging part <NUM> extends, for example, in the circumferential direction of the second defining part <NUM>, while extending upward. Specifically, the measurement engaging part <NUM> is an arc-shaped rib when viewed from above. In other words, the measurement engaging part <NUM> has a cylindrical shape with a partial (e.g., half) cut in the circumferential direction.

In the second defining part <NUM> of this embodiment, the cutout <NUM> is disposed along a half circumference close to the measurement engaging part <NUM> in the outlet opening and closing part <NUM>. Specifically, the cutout <NUM> is disposed on the outside of the central part in the circumferential direction of the measurement engaging part <NUM> in the outlet opening and closing part <NUM>.

The inlet opening and closing part <NUM> extends, for example, in the circumferential direction of the second defining part <NUM>, while extending downward. Specifically, the inlet opening and closing part <NUM> is an arc-shaped rib when viewed from below. In other words, the inlet opening and closing part <NUM> has a cylindrical shape with a partial (e.g., half) cut in the circumferential direction. The inlet opening and closing part <NUM> of this embodiment is located on the same side as the cutout <NUM> with respect to the central axis (e.g., a cylindrical axis of the second defining part <NUM>). That is, the inlet opening and closing part <NUM> is disposed on a virtual line connecting the central axis of the second defining part <NUM> (e.g., a cylindrical axis of the second defining part <NUM>) and the cutout <NUM> when viewed from above.

An outer diameter of the inlet opening and closing part <NUM> of this embodiment is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the defining cylindrical part <NUM> of the measurement body part <NUM> (see <FIG>). The inlet opening and closing part <NUM> is disposed inside (in the radially inward side) of the defining cylindrical part <NUM> in the state of being fitted into the top face wall opening 402a of the measurement body part <NUM>.

The aforementioned second defining part <NUM> is, when it is located at the measurement position, disposed to have the cutout <NUM> not overlapping with the outlet <NUM> (specifically, to have the cutout <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> located on the sides opposite to each other with the central axis of the second defining part <NUM> therebetween) to thereby close the outlet <NUM> (see <FIG>). At this time, the second defining part <NUM> is disposed to have the inlet opening and closing part <NUM> not overlapping with the inlet <NUM> (specifically, to have the inlet opening and closing part <NUM> and the inlet <NUM> located on the sides opposite to each other with the central axis of the second defining part <NUM> therebetween) to thereby open the inlet <NUM>.

Further, the second defining part <NUM> is, when it is located at the take-out position, disposed to have the cutout <NUM> overlapped with the outlet <NUM> to thereby open the outlet <NUM> (see <FIG>). At this time, the second defining part <NUM> is disposed to have the inlet opening and closing part <NUM> overlapped with the inlet <NUM> to thereby close the inlet <NUM>. Further, the inlet defining part <NUM> including the defining bottom part <NUM> can reliably prevent the tablets from moving from the internal space of the housing body <NUM> into the measuring space <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the measuring space <NUM> has a main measuring space <NUM> that allows the tablets to move thereinto and a spare measuring space <NUM> that does not allow the tablets to move thereinto. Further, the measuring space <NUM> is a substantially annular space when viewed from above. A part of the measuring space <NUM> of this embodiment is the main measuring space <NUM> and the remaining space is the spare measuring space <NUM>.

The main measuring space <NUM> is located above at least a part of the second potion <NUM> of the top face wall part <NUM>, in which the second portion <NUM> includes the housing parts <NUM>. The spare measuring space <NUM> is located above at least a part of the first portion <NUM> of the top face wall part <NUM>, in which the first portion <NUM> does not include the housing parts <NUM>.

The measuring-number selecting part <NUM> enables to select the measuring number by selecting the number of the housing parts <NUM> available for housing in the plurality of the housing parts <NUM>. The measuring-number selecting part <NUM> of this embodiment is configured to close the housing parts <NUM> that are not desired to house the tablets in the plurality of the housing parts, to thereby select the number of the housing parts <NUM> available for housing. Specifically, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> is configured to select the number of the housing parts <NUM> available for housing by closing the housing parts <NUM> that are not desired to house the tablets in the plurality of the housing parts provided in the main measuring space <NUM>.

Further, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> is configured to move relative to the tablet measuring part <NUM> to select the measuring number. Specifically, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> selects the measuring number by moving relative to the tablet measuring part <NUM> along the circumferential direction of the tablet measuring part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> of this embodiment is configured to close none of the housing parts <NUM> to set the number of the housing parts <NUM> available for housing to the number of all of the housing parts <NUM> provided in the tablet measuring part <NUM>. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> is configured to close the housing parts <NUM> provided in the main measuring space <NUM> except for some of them to set the number of the housing parts <NUM> available for housing to the number of those of the housing parts <NUM>. Moreover, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> is configured to close the housing parts <NUM> provided in the main measuring space <NUM> except for one housing part <NUM> to set the number of the housing parts <NUM> available for housing to one.

Further, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> of this embodiment includes a selective closing part <NUM> that is located above the top face wall part <NUM> of the measurement body part <NUM> and can close the housing parts <NUM>. Moreover, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> moves relative to the tablet measuring part <NUM> along the circumferential direction of the tablet measuring part <NUM> to change the number of housing parts <NUM> to be closed, to thereby select the measuring number.

Moreover, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> includes a selecting extension part <NUM> extending to the outside the measuring space <NUM> from the selective closing part <NUM> disposed in the measuring space <NUM> (see <FIG>). Specifically, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> includes a selecting operation part <NUM> that forms at least a part of the selecting extension part <NUM> and extends from the selective closing part <NUM> in the radially outward direction (e.g., in an outward direction of the measuring space <NUM>). Further, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> includes a selecting fixing part <NUM> that forms at least a part of the selecting extension part <NUM> and extends downward further from an extension end of the selecting operation part <NUM>. Moreover, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> includes a selecting wall part <NUM> provided in the selective closing part <NUM>.

The selective closing part <NUM> is a plate-shaped member extending in the circumferential direction of the top face wall part <NUM>. Further, the selective closing part <NUM> has a size and a shape to be able to close at least a part of the housing parts <NUM> (e.g., a part of housing parts <NUM> in the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> of this embodiment) provided in the tablet measuring part <NUM>. Specifically, the selective closing part <NUM> has an annular plate shape that is partly cut out in the circumferential direction.

The selecting extension part <NUM> is a member that is engaged with the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> to fix the measuring number selected by the measuring-number selecting part <NUM>. Further, the selecting extension part <NUM> extends along the outer peripheral surface of the sidewall part <NUM> of the measurement body part <NUM>. The selecting extension part <NUM> of this embodiment includes the selecting operation part <NUM> and the selecting fixing part <NUM>.

The selecting operation part <NUM> is, for example a lever to be operated for selection of the measuring number. Specifically, a protrusion is provided inside the lever. When the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> of this embodiment moves relative to the tablet measuring part <NUM> to follow the number of the tablets according to the prescription, the protrusion provided inside the lever is engaged with each of the first engagement parts <NUM> of the measurement body part <NUM>. This protrusion engagement makes it possible to obtain click feeling, which facilitates position adjustment of the lever.

A display window <NUM> for allowing the measuring number (e.g., the measuring number displayed (printed) on the sidewall part <NUM>) to be displayed therethrough is provided in the selecting operation part <NUM> of this embodiment. When the display window <NUM> displays a specific measuring number, the selective closing part <NUM> allows the number of the housing parts <NUM> corresponding to this specific measuring number to open.

The selecting fixing part <NUM> can engage with the measuring-number fixing part <NUM>. The selecting fixing part <NUM> of this embodiment has fixing protrusions <NUM> protruding in the radially outward direction as shown in <FIG>, as engaging parts that can engage with the measuring-number fixing part <NUM>. For example, a pair of the fixing protrusions <NUM> are aligned in the circumferential direction.

The selecting wall part <NUM> extends in the radially outward direction (specifically, from an inner edge to an outer edge of the selective closing part <NUM>), while extending upward from the selective closing part <NUM> (see <FIG>). Further, the selecting wall part <NUM> partitions between the main measuring space <NUM> and the spare measuring space <NUM> in cooperation with the defining extension part <NUM> and the inlet opening and closing part <NUM>. Moreover, the position at which the main measuring space <NUM> and the spare measuring space <NUM> are partitioned is changed to change the sizes of the both spaces.

The measuring-number fixing part <NUM> of this embodiment is configured to be attached to the tablet measuring part <NUM> to restrict movement of the measuring-number selecting part <NUM>, to thereby fix the measuring number. Further, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is configured to be attached to the tablet measuring part <NUM> in a state where the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> engages with the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> and immovably engages with the tablet measuring part <NUM>, to thereby restrict the selection of the measuring number by the measuring-number selecting part <NUM>. Moreover, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is configured to be disposed between the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the container body <NUM> in a state where the tablet measuring part <NUM> is attached to the container body <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> has a ring shape (e.g., an annular shape). Further, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> restricts rotational movement of the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> relative to the tablet measuring part <NUM>. Moreover, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> non-rotatably engages with the tablet measuring part <NUM>. The measuring-number fixing part <NUM> of this embodiment is fitted around the tablet measuring part <NUM> and engages therewith to be thereby non-rotatably fitted to the tablet measuring part <NUM>.

The thickness in the radial direction of the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> of this embodiment is not uniform. In the measuring-number fixing part <NUM>, a first fixing area <NUM> that is a part thereof in the circumferential direction has a large thickness, and a second fixing area <NUM> that is the remaining area in the circumferential direction has a small thickness.

Further, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> has a first fixing portion <NUM> that fits to the sidewall part <NUM> (e.g., the second engagement part <NUM>) of the measurement body part <NUM> to come into locking engagement with the sidewall part <NUM> (see <FIG>). Moreover, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> has a second fixing portion <NUM> that fits to the selecting extension part <NUM> (e.g., the selecting fixing part <NUM> (specifically, each of the fixing protrusions <NUM>)) of the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> for locking engagement.

Moreover, the first fixing portion <NUM> comes into locking engagement with the measurement body part <NUM> to thereby restrict the rotational movement of the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> relative to the measurement body part <NUM>. In this state, the second fixing portion <NUM> comes into locking engagement with the selecting extension part <NUM> of the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> to thereby lock the rotational movement of the measuring-number selecting part <NUM>.

The aforementioned measuring device <NUM> includes the measurement body part <NUM> that is provided with the plurality of the housing parts <NUM> and the measurement defining assembly <NUM> that defines the measuring space <NUM> in cooperation with the measurement body part <NUM> (see <FIG>). Further, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> includes the selective closing part <NUM> that is disposed inside the measuring space <NUM> and can close the housing parts <NUM>, and the selecting extension part <NUM> that extends from the selective closing part <NUM> to the outside of the measuring space <NUM>. Moreover, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> comes into locking engagement with the selecting extension part <NUM>, while coming engagement with the measurement body part <NUM>, to thereby restrict movement of the measuring-number selecting part <NUM>. Further, the selecting extension part <NUM> extends along the outer peripheral surface of the measurement body part <NUM>, and the measuring-member fixing part <NUM> comes into locking engagement with the outer peripheral surface of the measurement body part <NUM> while coming into locking engagement with the selecting extension part <NUM> on the outer peripheral surface, to thereby restrict movement of the measuring-number selecting part <NUM>.

The overcap <NUM> is a member that protects the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the like, and serves as a tray for receiving the tablets taken out from the measuring space <NUM>. Further, the overcap <NUM> can fit to the second defining part <NUM> set at the measuring position and cannot fit to the second defining part <NUM> set at the take-out position.

The overcap <NUM> of this embodiment has a cylindrical shape with a top closed by a top face wall. Specifically, the overcap <NUM> includes a cap cylindrical part <NUM> having a substantially cylindrical shape, and a cap top plate <NUM>. Further, the overcap <NUM> includes a cap extension part <NUM> extending from an inner surface of the cap top plate <NUM>.

The cap cylindrical part <NUM> is a portion that protects the side portion of the tablet measuring part <NUM>. In the cap cylindrical part <NUM>, a cylindrical-part engaging part <NUM> that can engage with the side portion (e.g., the second engagement part <NUM> of the measurement body part <NUM>) of the tablet measuring part <NUM> is formed by partly cutting out an lower portion in the circumferential direction of the cap cylindrical part <NUM>.

The cap top plate <NUM> is a portion that protects a top of the tablet measuring part <NUM>. In the cap top plate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, a measurement groove <NUM> that enables simple and easy measurement of the number of tablets when used as a tray is provided.

The measurement groove <NUM> is disposed on an inner surface of the cap top plate <NUM>. Further, the measurement groove <NUM> extends in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the measurement groove <NUM> extend in an arc shape. Note that the measurement groove <NUM> can be disposed on the outer side of the cap top plate <NUM>.

The cap extension part <NUM> can engage with the top (e.g., the measurement engaging part <NUM> of the measurement defining assembly <NUM>) of the tablet measuring part <NUM> (see <FIG>). Further, the cap extension part <NUM> extends, for example, in the circumferential direction of the cap cylindrical part <NUM>, while extending downward. Specifically, the cap extension part <NUM> is a rib having the same shape and the same size as those of the measurement engaging part <NUM> when viewed from above.

Moreover, the cap extension part <NUM> is configured to be able to interfere with the tablet measuring part <NUM> in a state where tablets can be taken out therefrom. Specifically, since the cap extension part <NUM> does not interfere with the second defining part <NUM> (e.g., the measurement engaging part <NUM>) located at the measuring position as shown in <FIG>, the overcap <NUM> can fit to the second defining part <NUM>. At this time, since the cap extension part <NUM> interferes with the second defining part <NUM> (e.g., the measurement engaging part <NUM>) located at the take-out position as shown in <FIG>, the overcap <NUM> cannot fit to the second defining part <NUM>.

Next, one form of the usage of the measuring device <NUM> will be described.

First, a pharmacist or other pharmacy personnel prepares the measuring device <NUM>, in which the measuring number is fixed on the basis of the prescription. For example, the pharmacist selects the measuring number in the measuring device <NUM> by selecting the number of the housing parts <NUM> available for housing out of the plurality of the housing parts <NUM> using the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> (see <FIG>). Specifically, the selecting operation part <NUM> is operated to move the selective closing part <NUM> to set the number of the housing parts <NUM> to be closed by the selective closing part <NUM> to correspond to the measuring number according to the prescription. More specifically, the selective closing part <NUM> is moved to allow the number seen through the display window <NUM> of the selecting operation part <NUM> to be the number corresponding to the measuring number according to the prescription. For example, on the basis of the prescription, for example, "<NUM> tablets per dose to be administered only in morning for <NUM> days", the pharmacist moves the selective closing part <NUM> to set the number seen through the display window <NUM> of the selecting operation part <NUM> to be the number corresponding to "<NUM>" which is the measuring number according to the prescription (see <FIG>).

Next, the pharmacist puts a plurality of tablets into the container body <NUM> on the basis of the prescription. For example, the pharmacist puts <NUM> tablets into the container body <NUM> on the basis of the aforementioned prescription.

Further, the pharmacist sets the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> between the container body <NUM> and the tablet measuring part <NUM>. Specifically, the tablet measuring part <NUM> with the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> attached thereto is connected with the container body <NUM>. In a state where the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is arranged between the container body <NUM> and the tablet measuring part <NUM>, the upper limit position of the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is set by the third engagement part <NUM> of the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the lower limit position of the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is set by the shoulder part <NUM> of the container body <NUM>. Thus, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is prevented from falling off (see <FIG>). Moreover, the measuring-number in the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> is not changed unless the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is removed.

Lastly, the pharmacist attaches the overcap <NUM> to the measuring device <NUM> in a state where the second defining part <NUM> is located at the measuring position.

At the time of administration of tablets by a user such as a patient, the overcap <NUM> is removed from the measuring device <NUM>, followed by placing upside down the container with the measuring device <NUM> (i.e., the container body <NUM> with the measuring device <NUM> attached thereto). Accordingly, the tablets move from the container body <NUM> into the measuring space <NUM> via the inlet <NUM>. Then, when the user returns the container with the measuring device <NUM> to the original posture and shakes it laterally, excess tablets not entering the housing parts <NUM> return from the inlet <NUM> to the container body <NUM> so that the only the number of tablets fixed in the housing parts are measured. The user can see the measuring number through the transparent second defining part <NUM>.

Upon confirmation that the tablets have been measured, the user opens the outlet <NUM> of the tablet measuring part <NUM>, while closing the inlet <NUM> of the tablet measuring part <NUM> (see <FIG>). By keeping this state, the user can take out the tablets that have been measured from the container with the measuring device <NUM>. Since the overcap <NUM> also serves as a tray in the container with the measuring device <NUM> of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the tablets from getting wet by taking the tablets that have been measured on hand, without the necessity to separately prepare the tray (see <FIG>).

According to the aforementioned measuring device <NUM>, the measuring number can be selected by the measuring-number selecting part <NUM>. In addition, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> that locks the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> to prevent the measuring number of tablets selected by the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> from being changed. Thus, for example, when the tablets are dispensed, it is possible to restrict the user's operation of the measuring-number selecting part <NUM>, and therefore it is possible for the user to measure an appropriate number of tablets and take the appropriate number of tablets by selecting the measuring number on the basis of the prescription by the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> and then fixing the selected measuring number by the measuring-number fixing part <NUM>.

In the container with the measuring device <NUM> of this embodiment, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is fixed between the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the container body <NUM>. Therefore, it is unlikely that the restriction of the position applied to the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> is released by mistake, and this configuration enables the user to reliably take the appropriate number of tablets. Furthermore, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> hardly falls off from the tablet measuring part <NUM> in the container with the measuring device <NUM> of this embodiment.

It is a matter of course that the container according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the scope of the present invention defined in the claims.

The container with the measuring device <NUM> of the above embodiment can be configured such that, when connection of the container body <NUM> and the tablet measuring part <NUM> has been completed, the connection cannot be released. Specifically, a stopper that fixes the container body <NUM> and the tablet measuring part <NUM> at a position, at which the connection of the container screw part <NUM> and a screw in the inner peripheral surface of the sidewall part <NUM> of the measuring body <NUM> is completed, can be provided. In this case, the restriction on the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> is not released by mistake since the tablet measuring part <NUM> is unable to be removed from the container body <NUM>.

In the container with the measuring device <NUM> of the above embodiment, the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> are separately provided, but can be integrally formed with each other by being connected with each other by breakable bridges <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The bridges <NUM> of this embodiment extend from the lower end of the measurement body part <NUM> (e.g., the sidewall part <NUM>). In this case, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> does not fall off from the tablet measuring part <NUM>. Further, the user is not required to take actions other than pressing the tablet measuring part <NUM> from above in assembling the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the measuring-number fixing part <NUM>, which enables easy assembling.

In the container with the measuring device <NUM> of the above embodiment, the third engagement part <NUM> that is a rib extending in the radially outward direction of the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is disposed between the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the container body <NUM>, but a different part of the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> can be disposed between the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the container body <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the lower end of the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> can be disposed between the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the container body <NUM>. Specifically, it is conceivable that the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> includes a fixing body part <NUM> that extends in the vertical direction and a fixing extension part <NUM> that extends in the radially inward direction from an inner peripheral surface (e.g., the lower end edge of the inner peripheral surface of the fixing body part <NUM>) of the fixing body part <NUM>. The fixing extension part <NUM> is disposed between the tablet measuring part <NUM> (e.g., the sidewall part <NUM> of the measurement body part <NUM>) and the container body <NUM> (e.g., the shoulder part <NUM> of the container body <NUM>).

In the container with the measuring device <NUM> of the above embodiment, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is disposed between the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the container body <NUM> so that the upper limit position of the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is set by the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the lower limit position of the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is set by the container body <NUM>. However, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> can be, for example, fixed between the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the container body <NUM>. Specifically, the fixing extension part <NUM> can be sandwiched between the lower end edge of the sidewall part <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the shoulder part <NUM> of the container body <NUM>. That is, the thickness (i.e., the dimension in the vertical direction) of the fixing extension part <NUM> can be substantially the same as the dimension between the lower end edge of the sidewall part <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the shoulder part <NUM> of the container body <NUM>. Also even in this case, the restriction on the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> is hardly released by mistake, and this configuration enables the user to reliably take the appropriate number of tablets.

The measuring-number fixing part <NUM> can be fixed between the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the container body <NUM> by being bonded to at least one of the tablet measuring part <NUM> and the container body <NUM>.

In the container with the measuring device <NUM> of the above embodiment, the measuring device <NUM> includes the measuring-number fixing part <NUM>, but it can be configured such that the container body <NUM> includes the measuring-number fixing part <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, it can be configured such that the container with the measuring device <NUM> includes the measuring device <NUM> that measures the tablets and the container body <NUM> that has the measuring device <NUM> attached thereto and houses the tablets, and that the container body <NUM> includes the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> that locks the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> to prevent the measuring number selected by the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> from being changed. In this case, the measuring device <NUM> includes the tablet measuring part <NUM> provided with the plurality of the housing parts <NUM> that respectively house the tablets to measure the number of the tablets, and the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> that enables to select the measuring number of the tablets by selecting the number of the housing parts <NUM> in open state out of the plurality of the housing parts <NUM>. In the container with the measuring device <NUM>, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> is disposed to, for example, surround the mouth <NUM> of the container body <NUM>.

Also in this configuration, in addition to the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> that enables to select the measuring number, the measuring-number fixing part <NUM> that locks the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> to prevent the selection of the measuring number of the tablets selected by the measuring-number selecting part <NUM> from being changed. Thus, for example, when the tablets are dispensed, it is possible to restrict the user's operation of the measuring-number selecting part <NUM>, and it is possible for the user to measure an appropriate number of tablets and take the appropriate number of tablets by selecting the measuring number on the basis of the prescription, and then fixing the selected measuring number by the measuring-number fixing part <NUM>.

In the container with the measuring device <NUM>, a circumferential protrusion <NUM> provided on an outer surface of the mouth <NUM> of the container body <NUM> comes into locking engagement with a circumferential protrusion 401a provided on an inner surface of the sidewall part <NUM> of the measurement body part <NUM>, so that the container body <NUM> and the measurement body part <NUM> are fitted to each other. Thereby, the tablet measuring part <NUM> cannot be removed from the container body <NUM> after the container body <NUM> and the measurement body part <NUM> are once fitted to each other, to thereby prevent the measuring number from being changed.

The measuring device <NUM> can be formed without including at least one of the measurement defining assembly <NUM>, the second defining part <NUM>, the overcap <NUM>, and the like, as long as the measuring device <NUM> includes a portion to be provided with the housing parts <NUM> in the tablet measuring part <NUM>, the measuring-number selecting part <NUM>, and the measuring-number fixing part <NUM>.

The container body <NUM> of the above embodiment is a tall bottle, but can be a jar container with a low height, and can be a flat container or a compact container.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a measuring device and a container with the measuring device that make it possible to select the number of tablets such as medicines in a tablet form to be measured and allow a user to follow the dosage by taking the appropriate number of tablets.

The measuring device includes: a tablet measuring part that includes a plurality of housing parts that are each configured to house one tablet; a measuring-number selecting part that enables to select the number of tablets to be measured by selecting the number of the housing parts available for housing tablets out of the plurality of the housing parts; and a measuring-number fixing part that is configured to lock the measuring-number selecting part to prevent the measuring number selected by the measuring-number selecting part from being changed.

According to this configuration, in addition to the measuring-number selecting part that enables to select the number of tablets to be measured, the measuring-number fixing part that locks the measuring-number selecting part to prevent the measuring number of tablets selected by the measuring-number selecting part from being changed. Thus, for example, when the tablets are dispensed, it is possible to restrict the user's operation of the measuring-number selecting part, and therefore it is possible for the user to measure an appropriate number of tablets and take the appropriate number of tablets by selecting the measuring number on the basis of the prescription, and then fixing the selected measuring number by the measuring-number fixing part.

The measuring device can be configured such that the measuring-number selecting part moves relative to the tablet measuring part to select the measuring number, and the measuring-number fixing part is attached to the tablet measuring part to restrict movement of the measuring-number selecting part to thereby fix the measuring number.

According to this configuration, in addition to the measuring-number selecting part that moves to enable to select the measuring number of tablets, the measuring-number fixing part restricts movement of the measuring-number selecting part to prevent the measuring number of tablets from being changed. Thus, it is possible for the user to measure an appropriate number of tablets and therefore take the appropriate number of tablets.

According to this configuration, the measuring-number fixing part that is engaged with the measuring-number selecting part and attached to the tablet measuring part restricts the number of tablets selected by the measuring-number selecting part. Thus, it is possible for the user to reliably measure an appropriate number of tablets and take the appropriate number of tablets.

The measuring device can be configured such that the tablet measuring part is attached to a container body that houses tablets, and the measuring-number fixing part is disposed between the tablet measuring part and the container body in a state where the tablet measuring part is attached to the container body.

According to this configuration in which the measuring-number fixing part is disposed between the tablet measuring part and the container body, the restriction on the measuring-number selecting part is hardly released by mistake. Thus, it is possible for the user to reliably take an appropriate number of tablets.

A container with a measuring device of the present invention includes: a container body that houses tablets; and a measuring device that is attached to the container body, in which this measuring device is the measuring device described above.

According to this configuration, in addition to the measuring-number selecting part that enables to select the measuring number, the measuring-number fixing part that locks the measuring-number selecting part to prevent the selection in the measuring number of the tablets by the measuring-number selecting part from being changed, for example, when the tablets are dispensed, it is possible to restrict the user's operation of the measuring-number selecting part, and therefore it is possible for the user to measure an appropriate number of tablets and take the appropriate number of tablets by selecting the measuring number on the basis of the prescription, and then fixing the selected measuring number by the measuring-number fixing part.

A container with a measuring device includes: a measuring device that measures tablets; and a container body that is attached with the measuring device and house tablets, the measuring device including a plurality of housing parts that are each configured to house one tablet, and a measuring-number selecting part that enables to select a measuring number of tablets by selecting the number of housing parts in open state out of the plurality of the housing parts, and the container body including a measuring-number fixing part that locks the measuring-number selecting part to prevent the measuring number selected by the measuring-number selecting part from being changed.

Claim 1:
A measuring device (<NUM>) comprising:
a tablet measuring part (<NUM>) that comprises a plurality of housing parts (<NUM>) that are each configured to house one tablet;
a measuring-number selecting part (<NUM>) that enables to select a measuring number of tablets by selecting the number of housing parts (<NUM>) available for housing tablets out of the plurality of the housing parts (<NUM>); and
a measuring-number fixing part (<NUM>) that locks the measuring-number selecting part (<NUM>) to prevent the measuring number selected by the measuring-number selecting part (<NUM>) from being changed, wherein
the measuring-number fixing part (<NUM>) has an annular shape,
the tablet measuring part (<NUM>) comprises a measurement body part (<NUM>) in which the plurality of the housing parts (<NUM>) are provided, and
the measurement body part (<NUM>) comprises a substantially cylindrical sidewall part (<NUM>) and a top face wall part (<NUM>) in which the plurality of the housing parts (<NUM>) are provided.