Tablet dispenser

Claim 2

A tablet dispenser for dispensing tablets on a time-related schedule comprising, in combination, a case, having a base; a tablet disc rotatably mounted in said base, said disc defining a plurality of tablet-receiving compartments arranged in an annular pattern; a calendar element bearing a plurality of time identifications arranged in annular Pattern and corresponding numerically to the tablet-receiving compartments said calendar element being disposed in concentric relation to the tablet disc and being rotatable relatively thereto so as to have each of said time identifications in alignement with each of said tabletreceiving compartments; a clamp element fitting in said base and holding said calendar element and said tablet disc firmly in said base, the clamp element being provided with a tablet exit, and detent means for allowing the tablet disc to rotate in one direction only and for allowing said calendar element to rotate only in a direction opposite to that of the tablet disc and a time indicator mounted on said tablet disc and rotatable therewith so as to come into circumferential registration with any one of said time identifications on said calendar element.

Claim 3

A tablet dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said tablet disc has a ratcheted shoulder and said calendar member has a circular ratcheted shoulder and wherein said detent means consist of a first antireverse pawl engaging the ratcheted shoulder of said tablet disc and a second antireverse pawl engaging said ratcheted shoulder of said calendar element.

Claim 4

A tablet dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said case has a cover connected with said base.

Claim 5

A tablet dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein a breakaway seal is positioned on said clamp member over said tablet exit.

Claim 6

A tablet dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said calendar member includes a transparent annular surface positioned over said tablet-receiving compartments.

Claim 7

A tablet dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said base of said case has integral therewith guide means adjacent said tablet exit for guiding a tablet to the tablet exit.

Claim 8

A tablet dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein the perimeter of said clamp member is in close conformity with the interior perimeter of said base.

Claim 9

A tablet dispenser as defined in claim 5 wherein gripping lug means are provided on said ring for the rotation thereof.

Claim 10

A tablet dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said base has a hub centrally disposed thereon and integral therewith for receiving said tablet disc.

Claim 11

A tablet dispenser for dispensing tablets on a regular daily schedule synchronized with the personal physiological cycle of the user and in a predetermined sequence comprising, in combination: a case having a base; a tablet disc rotatably mounted in said base; said disc defining a plurality of tablet-receiving compartments physically arranged in an annular pattern, a calendar element bearing a plurality of day-of-week identifications of successive days corresponding to the physiological cycle of the user and numerically to the tablet-receiving compartments; said identifications being arranged in annular pattern, said element being disposed in concentric relation to said tablet disc and being rotatable relatively thereto so as to be able to bring each of said day-of-week identifications in alignment with each of said tablet-receiving compartments, a clamp element fitting in said base and holding said calendar element and said tablet disc firmly in said base; said clamp element being provided with a tablet exit, and detent means for allowing said tablet disc to rotate in none direction only and for allowing said calendar element ro rotate only in a direction opposite to that of the tablet disc, and a time reference indicator mounted on said tablet disc and rotatable therewith so as to come into circumferential registration with any one of said day-of-week identifications on said calendar element.

Claim 12

A tablet dispenser for dispensing tablets on a regular daily schedule synchronized with the personal physiological cycle of the user and in a predetermined sequence comprising, in combination: a case having a base; a tablet disc rotatably mounted in said base; said disc defining a plurality of tablet-receiving compartments physically arranged in an annular pattern, a calendar element bearing a plurality of day-of-week identifications of successive days corresponding to the physiological cycle of the user and numerically to the tablet-receiving compartments; said identifications being arranged in annular pattern, said element being disposed in concentric relation to said tablet disc and being rotatable relatively thereto so as to be able to bring each of said day-of-week identifications in alignment with each of said tablet-receiving compartments, a clamp element fitting in said base and holding said calendar element and said tablet disc firmly in said base; said clamp element being provided with a tablet exit, and detent means for allowing said tablet disc to rotate in none direction only and for allowing said calendar element ro rotate only in a direction opposite to that of the tablet disc, and a time reference indicator mounted on said tablet disc and rotatable therewith so as to come into circumferential registration with any one of said day-of-week identifications on said calendar element.

Claim 13

A dispenser as defined in claim 10 wherein the tablet-receiving compartments contain in a predetermined sequence a series of medication containing tablets and a series of nonmedication-containing tablets to be dispensed.