Locked pill bottle with timed dispense limits

摘要

The disclosed pill bottle allows for timed dispensing of medicine, as programmed by a doctor, pharmacist, or caregiver. The device has a slot for pill entry in any one of the walls, the slot being sealable and lockable. In an unlocked and open condition, the slot is a portal from the outside of the bottle into an inner cavity, the cavity being adapted for pill storage and extending between the slot/opening for pill entry and an exit tube. The exit tube is sized for single-file passage of a plurality of pills. A spring-loaded member is adapted to apply pressure in the exit tube on a single pill of the plurality of pills such that the pressure prevents exit of the single pill and the single pill blocks other pills of the plurality of pills from exiting. A button extends through a wall, such as the side wall, and is configured to release the pressure (defined as changing the static nature of the pill and spring placement) on the single pill, allowing it to fall.

主权项

1. A lockable pill bottle for a plurality of pills, comprising:
a bottom wall, side wall, and top wall with slot for pill entry in any one of said walls, said slot being sealable and lockable; an inner cavity adapted for pill storage, extending to said slot for pill entry and an exit tube; said exit tube sized for single-file passage of said plurality of pills; a spring-loaded member adapted to apply pressure in said exit tube on a single pill of said plurality of pills, such that said pressure prevents exit of said single pill and said single pill blocks other pills of said plurality of pills from exiting; and a button extending through said side wall configured to release said pressure on said single pill when pressed wherein said spring-loaded member comprises two springs in-line with each other, a first stronger and more rigid spring closer to said button, and a second weaker and less rigid spring closer to said exit tube, when comparing the relative strengths of said springs to each other.