US20130193030A1

US20130193030A1 - Multi-day pill container assembly with attachment tab

Info

Publication number: US20130193030A1
Application number: US13/362,359
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Kroupa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-01-31
Filing date: 2012-01-31
Publication date: 2013-08-01

Abstract

A multi-day pill container comprising a plurality of pill holding cases, each pill holding case having a top portion, an interior chamber, and an exterior surface. The top portion of each pill holding case is moveable between a first position closing access to the interior chamber and a second position providing access to that chamber. Each pill holding case has a first snap lock element on the exterior surface to removably fasten each pill holding case and a second snap lock element associated with a multiple pill case holder. Each pill holding case may include an attachment tab on the exterior surface adapted to removably attach the pill holding case to an item supported by a user of the pill holding case. In another embodiment, each pill holding case has mating snap lock elements that permit each pill holding case to be removably attached to another pill holding case.

Description

The present invention relates to multi-day pill holding case assemblies, and more particularly to embodiments of pill case holder and pill holding case assemblies where individual pill holding cases can be manually removed from the assembly and carried in the purse or pocket of a user, or attached to an item supported by a user, such as an article of clothing, a backpack, purse, keychain or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people today take several pills and/or capsules each day, either prescribed by their doctor or over-the-counter medicines they take at the suggestion of their medical advisor. In addition, many individuals also consume several vitamin pills and capsules each day. Most, if not all, of these pills and/or capsules are taken on a daily dosage frequency schedule, such as once a day, twice a day, after meals, etc. The prescribed or recommended dosage frequency may require a user to ingest specified pills or capsules during the day while the user is away from the home. In such situations, it is advantageous for the user to have access to his or her medication and vitamins at any time during the day.
Presently available personal multi-day pill cases and pill case assemblies typically include a single case having a plurality of pill and capsule holding compartments or chambers with either a common or individual closure device. Each compartment or chamber may hold the various pills and capsules constituting the pills and capsules to be taken at one time, or over the course of a single day. Some such containers include indicia designating one of the days of the week. Normally, in a pill container assembly of multiple pill holding compartments or chambers, the user fills the compartment periodically, usually on a weekly basis from the pill container obtained from a pharmacy, nutrition food store, grocery store, or the like.
A pill container adapted to hold a week's supply of pills and vitamins is normally too large to fit in a user's pocket or small purse. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a user with a pill and vitamin container assembly that, in an embodiment, comprised a plurality of daily pill holding cases that were removably mounted in a multi-case holder for weekly filling, and were individually removable from the holder on a daily basis. The individual pill holding cases are small enough to fit within the purse or pocket of the user.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a pill/capsule holding case assembly where each pill holding case includes male and female mating elements on opposite sides of the exterior of each pill holding case. The male mating element of each pill holding case is adapted to fit into the female mating element of an adjacent pill holding case, and removably attach one pill holding case to another to form a container assembly of any desired number of days.
In each of the embodiments of the present invention mentioned above, each individual pill holder case includes an attachment tab extending outwardly from the exterior of the pill holding case. This tab has an aperture extending through the tab, which may be used to attach the individual pill holding case to an item worn by or otherwise supported by the user, such as a keychain, belt loop, purse or purse strap, backpack strap or hook, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-day pill container assembly includes a multiple pill case holder with a plurality of apertures, each aperture removably receiving and holding a pill holding case. Each pill holding case includes a top potion, an interior chamber, and an exterior. The top portion is movable between a first position closing access to the interior chamber and a second position providing access to said chamber. Each pill holding case has an attachment tab on the exterior of the pill holding case, the attachment tab removably attaching the pill holding case to an item supported by a user of the pill holding case, such as a purse strap, key chain, backpack strap, belt loop, or the like.
The term “pill” as used hereinafter in the description of the present invention, includes solid and semi-solid ingestible products that are small enough to fit in the pill holding cases described, and includes items such as capsules, caplets, tablets, lozenges and other shapes and sizes of medicant and vitamin products. If desired, the pill holding case of the present invention may also be used to enclose and transport other small confectionary items such as candies, mints, gums and the like, whether or not such confectionary items include an active medicant or vitamin ingredient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves are illustrations of several embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a pill case holder with one pill holding case inserted into one of the apertures of the holder, and a second pill holding case being inserted into another aperture of the holder, and a first snap-lock feature removably attaching the pill holding cases to the holder;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the pill case holder and pill holding cases of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing pill holding cases inserted into each of the apertures of the pill case holder;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with pill holding cases inserted into each of the apertures of the pill case holder;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the pill case holder of FIG. 1, shown with all pill holding cases removed;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the pill case holding of FIG. 1, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of each of the pill holding cases illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 7 is a first side elevation view of the pill holding cases illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of one of the pill holding cases illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 9 is a second side elevation view of the pill holding cases illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the pill holding cases illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing one pill holding case inserted into an aperture of the pill case holder and a second pill holding case being inserted into another aperture of the holder, with an alternate snap lock feature removably attaching the pill holding cases to the holder;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of a pill holding case of the embodiment of FIG. 11 shown inserted in an aperture of the pill case holder, taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention, illustrating one pill holding case inserted into an aperture of the pill case holder, and showing a plurality of protrusions for removably attaching each pill holding case to the holder;

FIG. 14 is a cross section view of three apertures of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 13 with pill-holding cases inserted in each of the apertures, taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention, showing one pill holding case inserted into an aperture of the pill case holder, and a second pill holding case being inserted into the holder, where the holder is formed as a strip;

FIG. 16 is a cross section view of a pill holding case inserted into the strip-shaped holder of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15, taken along line 16-16;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are top and opposite side perspective views of another embodiment of the present invention, where each pill holding case includes a male protrusion and a mating female indentation or cavity providing a snap lock feature for releasably attaching one pill holding case to another;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view showing two pill holding cases of FIG. 17A and 17B releasably attached to each other, and a third pill holding case of FIGS. 17A and 17B in the process of being releasably attached to the second pill holding case;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are top and opposite side perspective views of a further embodiment of the present invention, where each pill holding case includes opposing buttoned tabs on, and apertures in, laterally extending flanges, wherein adjacent pill holding cases are releasably attached to each other by inserting the buttons of one case into the apertures of another case;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of two pill holding cases of FIGS. 19A and 19B shown releasably attached;

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the two pill holding cases of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22A is a detail schematic view showing the two pill holding cases of FIGS. 19A and 19B in the process of being releasably attached to each other;

FIG. 22B is a detail schematic view showing the two pill holding cases of FIGS. 19A and 19B releasably attached to each other;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating one pill holding case inserted into an aperture of the pill case holder, and a second pill holding case in the process of being inserted into another aperture of the holder, including a twist and lock feature for releasably attaching each pill holding case to the holder; and

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention, illustrating one pill holding case inserted into an aperture of the pill case holder, and a second pill holding case in the process of being inserted into another aperture of the holder, including an alternate structure forming a twist and lock feature for releasably attaching each pill holding case to the holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention comprises, in an embodiment, a pill case holder assembly wherein a plurality of pill holding cases are removably attached to a pill case holder, with each pill holder bearing an indicia designating the day of the week the pills in a respective case should be taken. Each individual pill holding case can be readily removed from the holder assembly, and be carried in the purse, pocket, backpack or the like, of the user that is worn or supported by the user, for ready access by the user when the user desires to ingest the pills in the case. Also, each individual pill holding case comprises an attachment tab, whereby each pill holding case can be attached to a part of a garment worn by a user, such as a belt loop, or to an item supported by the user such as a purse loop or strap, or a strap of a backpack, a handle of a briefcase or a keychain. After use, the individual pill holding case is returned to its place in the pill case holding assembly, and refilled for the next use. While the present invention is illustrated and described with seven pill holding cases in the holder, one for each day of the week, a holder with a lesser or greater number of pill holding cases can be furnished within the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present combination pill case holder and removable pill holding cases is generally designated by the numeral 10. Pill case holder 12 comprises a plurality of apertures 14 extending through the thickness 16 of holder 12. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, holder 12 includes seven apertures 14 corresponding to the number of days in the week. However, the number of apertures 14 could vary, depending upon various desired uses of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the apertures 14 are separated by a web of material 15 formed as a part of the holder 12.
Each aperture 14 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is configured to releasably and removably attach a corresponding pill holding case 18 to holder 12. Each case 18 comprises a circular slightly conical outer surface 20 and a bottom surface 22 (FIG. 2), which surfaces define a hollow chamber (not shown) inside casing 18. The chamber is adapted to store a quantity of pills or like items to be used during a given time period, such as one day, by a user. Each case 18 also includes a lid 24 that is suitably hinged or otherwise moveable from a first position closing the chamber of case 20 to a second position providing user access to the pills or other items stored in case 18. In one embodiment, the lid 24 is pivotally attached to outer surface 20 of case 18 by a living hinge (not shown), and is held in the closed position by a snap lock between lid 24 and outer surface 20 of case 18. Other forms of closure for the chamber of case 18 are feasible, such as a lateral sliding opening and closing panel, and other opening and closure means as are known in the art. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, each of the lids 24 of the pill holding cases 18 bear an indicia 25 indicating a different day of the week. These indicia can be embossed into the individual lids 24 when each case 18 is molded, or the indicia can be printed or otherwise displayed on each lid 24, as is known in the art.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment the lower portion 26 of each aperture 14 in holder 12 includes a plurality of radially inwardly protruding semi-flexible ribs 28 that are formed with, or suitably attached to holder 12. Each pill holding case 18 includes a mating recess 30 extending around outer surface 20 of the pill case. When a case 18 is inserted into a corresponding aperture 14 as depicted by the arrow ‘A’ in FIG. 1, pressure is applied to lid 24 until ribs 28 enter into and engage mating recess 30 of the case 18. Upon engagement, ribs 28 and mating recess 30 form a snap fit releasably holding the case 18 in holder 12. To remove a pill holding case 18 from holder 12, manual upward pressure is applied to bottom surface 22 of a selected case 18 while securing holder 12 with the other hand. The manual upward pressure causes a separation of ribs 28 from mating recess 30, enabling the user to remove the case from the holder without causing lid 24 to move, thus maintaining the chamber of case 18 in its closed position.
The present invention permits the pill holding cases 18 to be opened for filling either while still lodged in aperture 14, or after the case has been removed from holder 12. As seen in FIG. 3, the lids 24 engage the top of outer surface 20 of each case 18 above the upper surface 32 of each aperture 14 of holder 12. Also, once removed from holder 12, each pill case 18 may be individually filled by opening lid 24, and then closing lid 24 after filling, whereby lid 24 will engage outer surface 20 of case 18 with the snap lock described previously.
The present invention also provides a means for attaching each individual pill holding case to a garment worn by the user, or an item carried by or supported by the user. For this purpose, each pill holding case includes an attachment tab 34 attached to or formed with the outer surface 20, which attachment tab extends radially outward from surface 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each tab 34 includes an aperture 36 to be used to attach the pill holding case to a garment worn, or an item supported by a user. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-10, the attachment tab has tapered side edge surfaces 38 that enable each case a certain degree of rotative movement when a plurality of cases 18 are lodged side-by-side in apertures 14 of holder 12, as will be described in more detail regarding the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24.
Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, wherein like elements as shown in FIGS. 1-10 are designated with the same numeral. In this embodiment, each aperture wall 40 includes a pair of substantially opposed slots 42 extending through opposite sides of the thickness of wall 40. A corresponding semi-flexible locking member 44 is attached to or formed with the outer surface 20 of each pill holding case. Each locking member 44 is dimensioned to fit into a corresponding slot 42 to form a snap lock between case 18 and holder 12, as shown in FIG. 11, and each locking member includes a tapered outer surface 46 as shown in FIG. 12. Pill case holder 12 in this embodiment includes a bottom wall surface 50 through which aperture 48 extends for purposes to be explained.
Upon manual insertion of a pill holding case 18 into an aperture 14 of holder 12 in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 (arrow B), the downward pressure on case 18 causes tapered surfaces 46 to advance downwardly along wall 40 until each locking member 44 snaps into a corresponding slot 42 on aperture wall 40, thus removably attaching the pill holding case to holder 12.
To remove a pill holding case 18 from a corresponding aperture 14 in the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12, upward manual pressure is applied to the bottom surface 22 of pill case 18 through aperture 48 in the bottom wall 50 of each aperture 14. The upward pressure on case 18 forces locking members 44 to bear against the upper rims of slots 42, causing the side walls of holder 12 to flex outward, allowing locking members 44 to pass out of their respective slots 42, thus releasing case 18 from holder 12.
A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, where like parts shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 are identified with like numerals. In FIGS. 13 and 14, a pair of snapping, semi-flexible front protrusions 52 are formed in or otherwise attached to upper surface 32 of holder 12, in a spaced relation on one lateral side of each aperture 14. The front protrusions 52 each have a shaped inwardly extending surface (not shown) to provide a releasable snap lock feature between holder 12 and each pill holding case, as will be explained.
On the opposite wall 40 of each aperture 14 at upper surface 32 is a rear protrusion 54 that extends slightly radially inward, as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14. A corresponding recess 56 is located on surface 20 of each pill holding case 18 opposite attachment tab 34 (FIG. 14).
Each pill holding case 18 is inserted into an aperture 14 using downwardly applied manual pressure with attachment tab 34 facing ninety degrees outward from the longitudinal axis of holder 12. As case 18 reaches the downward end of its motion, the shaped inwardly extending surfaces (not shown) of front protuberances 52 flex and engage opposing sides of tab 34 as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, forming a snap lock to releasably hold one side of case 18 in its corresponding aperture 14. Simultaneously, rear protrusion 54 slides into recess 56 on the other side of surface 20 of case 18, releasably holding the other side of pill holding case 18 in corresponding aperture 14 by a snap lock, as viewed in FIG. 14.
To manually release a pill holding case 18 from holder 12, finger pressure is upwardly applied to attachment tab 34, which causes front protrusions 52 to flex and release tab 34 from their grip. Due to the inherent flexibility of the materials holder 12 and case 18 are made of, case 18 may pivot slightly about a horizontal axis in aperture 14, causing rear protrusion 54 to slide out of recess 56. Continued upward pressure applied to case 18 will release the case from holder 12.
FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention, where like elements shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 have the same numerals. In this embodiment, pill case holder 58 has a thickness 60 where thickness 60, is substantially less than thickness 16 of holder 12 in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, holder 58 comprises a plurality of connected rings 62, with each ring having a plurality of semi-flexible ribs 64 extending radially inward from the inner vertical wall 66 of each ring 62, as seen in FIG. 15.
Pill holding case 18 includes a mating recess or groove 68 closely adjacent to upper surface 70 (FIG. 16) of the chamber formed in case 18. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, recess 68 extends around the circumference of outer surface 20 of case 18, and as seen in FIG. 16, has a double tapered surface forming the groove 68. Groove 68 could also comprise other configurations to provide a snap lock with ribs 64, as is known in the art.
As illustrated in FIG. 16, a pill holding case 18 is inserted into pill case holder 58 by inserting the case downward into an aperture 14 as shown by arrow 67 until the mating recess 68 engages ribs 64 as ribs 64 slightly flex and enter recess 68. At this point, case 18 is releasably held in aperture 14 of a corresponding ring 62.
To remove case 18 from a corresponding ring 62, upward finger pressure is applied to bottom surface 22 of case 18, forcing ribs 64 to flex slightly and withdraw from mating recess 68. Continued upward movement of case 18 fully removes the case from engagement with ring 62.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, the number of rings 62 would be seven for storing a week's supply of pills in the various cases 18. However, it is contemplated that a three or five day holder 58 could be furnished to a user. Also, the holder 58 in this embodiment is significantly thinner than the holder 12 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10, thus providing a lighter holder with less manufacturing costs. The holder 12 of FIGS. 1-10 could also display advertising or branding on the side of the holder over the thickness 16, while the holder 58 of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16 does not have adequate lateral space to display advertising or branding.
FIGS. 17A, B and 18 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention wherein each pill holding case 18 includes mating and diametrically opposed protruding flanges 72 attached to or formed with outer surface 20, and indented cavities 74 formed in outer surface 20. The bottom portion of each flange 72 includes two opposed protrusions 76 (only one shown in FIG. 17A), each adapted to engage with a corresponding recess 78 on a side wall 80 of each cavity 74. Each flange 72 is dimensioned to slide and snap into a snug fit with a corresponding cavity 74 to form a snap lock, as will be explained. Each case 18 also includes attachment tab 34 with aperture 36 as described in relation to the previous embodiments.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 17A, B and 18, one pill case 18 is removably attached to another case by sliding protruding flange 72 of one case into the indented cavity 74 of another case 18 until protrusions 76 engage a corresponding recess 78 as schematically shown in FIG. 18 by arrow C. The dimensions of flange 72 and cavity 74, as explained previously, are such that a snug but releasably snap lock between each flange 72 and a corresponding cavity 74 is provided. As seen in FIG. 18, any number of a plurality of cases 18 may be linearly attached to form a multi-day container comprising several cases 18.
To separate one case 18 from another in the embodiment of FIGS. 17A, B and 18, two adjacent cases 18 are each grasped by the fingers of the user, and one case is pulled laterally upward relative to the other case. Protrusions 76 disengage from recesses 78, and flange 72 slides downward in its corresponding cavity 74 until the cases 18 are separated. The cases may then be re-assembled as described above.
FIGS. 19A, B, 20, 21 and 22A, B, illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention, again with like numerals used to identify similar elements described in association with the previously described embodiments. In this embodiment, two adjacent pill holding cases 18 are removably attached using a button and aperture structure, as described below. Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, each case 18 includes oppositely extending tabs 80, 82 made of a semi-flexible material and attached to or molded with case 18. Each tab 80 includes at least one protruding button 84 made of a semi-flexible material. Buttons 84 could extend upward or downward from tabs 80. Each button 84 includes a concave shaped stem 86, as best seen in FIGS. 22A and 22B. The tops 88 of each button 84 could be flat, convex, or concave.
Each tab 82 includes at least one aperture 90, with two apertures 90 shown in the illustrated embodiment. Tabs 82 are made of a semi-flexible material, so each aperture 90 can stretch to fit over top 88 of a corresponding button 84, as will be explained. Each aperture 90 has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of top 88 of each button 84.
Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, to removably fasten two adjacent cases 18 together, the two cases are manually manipulated such that the buttons 84 on tab 80 of one case are inserted into apertures 90 of the second adjacent case, as schematically shown by arrows D in FIGS. 19A and 19B. Apertures 90 will stretch to accommodate the diameter of top 88 of corresponding button 84. Apertures 90 then extend snugly around stem 86 of the corresponding button 84, attaching one case 18 to another by means of a snap lock. Any number of cases 18 can be removably joined as desired by the user.
To remove one case 18 from an adjacent case, the two cases 18 are each grasped by the user's fingers, and one case is moved vertically relative to the adjacent case. Apertures 90 stretch and allow tops 88 of each button 84 to slide through and be detached from a corresponding aperture 90. Adjacent cases 18 can subsequently be re-attached as described above.
Further embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, where twist lock systems removably attach pill holding cases 18 to pill case holder 12. As previously, like numerals identify similar elements described in prior embodiments.
In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the outer or exterior surfaces 20 of each pill case 18 include substantially diametrically opposed locking flanges 92 molded with or attached to the outer surfaces 20 of case 18. In FIG. 23, only one flange 92 is illustrated. The upper surfaces 32 surrounding each aperture 32 of pill case holder 12 include substantially diametrically opposed slots 94, with access to each slot 94 provided by an opening 96 in the upper surface portion 32 adjacent each slot 94. Each opening 96 has a lateral width sufficient to allow locking flange 92 of a corresponding pill holding case to move downwardly into slot 94 when a pill holding case is inserted in a downward direction into aperture 14. Each locking flange 92 also has a vertical dimension to allow each locking flange 92 to frictionally fit into a corresponding slot 94.
Upon insertion of a pill holding case 18 into an aperture 14 of pill case holder 12 in the embodiment of FIG. 23, as illustrated by arrow E, locking flanges 92 on both sides of case 18 enter corresponding openings 96. The pill holding case 18 is then rotated counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 23, and both locking flanges 92 are frictionally engaged by the upper and lower surfaces of slots 94, as illustrated at 98 in FIG. 23. The cases 18 are frictionally held in holder 12 until the user desires to remove an individual pill case 18 from holder 12, at which time a given pill holding case 18 is rotated clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 23, whereby each locking flange 92 overcomes the frictional holding force between the locking flange 92 and the slot 94, and aligns with a corresponding opening 96. The case 18 can then be lifted vertically and out of aperture 14.
In the embodiment of FIG. 24, the outer or exterior surfaces 20 of each pill case 18 include substantially diametrically opposed locking flanges 100 molded with or attached to the outer surfaces 20 of case 18. In FIG. 24, only one flange 100 is illustrated. Each flange 100 includes a protuberance 102 extending radially outward from the flange 100.
The upper surface 32 surrounding each aperture 14 of pill case holder 12 includes substantially diametrically opposed L-shaped channels 104 molded into each aperture wall 40. A detent 106 is located in the vertically extending side wall 108 of each L-shaped channel 104. The lateral dimensions of each locking flange 100 enable the flange 100 to move downwardly through the upper opening 110 in each L-shaped slot 104. Also, the vertical dimension of each locking flange 100 allows the locking flange to be frictionally held between the upper and lower walls 112 of each L-shaped slot.
Upon insertion of a pill holding case 18 into an aperture 14 of pill case holder 12 in the embodiment of FIG. 24, as illustrated by arrow F, locking flanges 100 on both sides of case 18 enter corresponding L-shaped channels 104 until the bottom surface of each locking flange 100 contacts lower wall 112 of channel 104. The case 18 is then manually rotated counterclockwise, whereby each locking flange 100 is frictionally engaged between upper and lower walls 112 of each corresponding L-shaped channel 104, whereby protuberance 102 enters detent 106 to lock case 18 in its proper rotative position relative to pill case holder 12.
To remove a pill holding case 18 from holder 12 in the embodiment of FIG. 24, a manual rotative force is applied in the clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 24, to the case to be removed, whereby protuberances 102 are disengaged from corresponding detents 106 and opposed locking flanges 100 are positioned adjacent openings 110 in side wall 108. From this position, the pill case is lifted upward and away from pill case holder 12. The pill case can then be inserted into the pocket or purse of the user, or attached to a backpack strap or other item worn by or supported by the user.
The foregoing descriptions of the illustrated embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application of these principles to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A multi-day pill container assembly comprising:

A plurality of pill holding cases, each pill holding case having a top portion, an interior chamber, and an exterior surface, the top portion movable between a first position closing access to said interior chamber and a second position providing access to said chamber;

each pill holding case having at least one first snap lock element on said exterior surface, said at least one first snap lock element adapted to removably fasten each pill holding case to at least one second snap lock element, said second snap lock element associated with one of a multiple pill case holder and another pill case.

2. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 1, wherein:

each pill holding case has an attachment tab on said exterior surface, the attachment tab adapted to removably attach the pill holding case to an item supported by a user of the pill holding case.

3. The multi-day pill container of claim 1, wherein:

said second snap lock element is molded with one of said multiple pill case holder and said another pill case.

4. The multi-day pill container of claim 1, wherein:

said second snap lock element is attached to one of said multiple pill case holder and said another pill case.

5. A multi-day pill container comprising:

a multiple pill case holder having a plurality of apertures, each aperture removably receiving and holding a pill holding case;

each pill holding case having a top portion, an interior chamber, and an exterior surface, the top portion movable between a first position closing access to said interior chamber and a second position providing access to said chamber.

6. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 5, wherein:

7. The pill container assembly of claim 5, wherein:

each said pill holding case is removably held in a corresponding aperture by a snap lock mechanism.

8. The pill container assembly of claim 7, wherein:

said snap lock mechanism comprises at least one semi-flexible rib on one of the exterior of said pill holding case and a wall of said pill case holder forming said corresponding aperture, and

at least one recess in the other of one of said pill holding case and said wall of said pill case holder,

said at least one flexible rib removably engaging said at least one recess when said pill holding case is inserted into said corresponding aperture.

9. The pill container assembly of claim 5, wherein:

the pill case holder comprises web portions extending between said apertures in said pill case holder.

10. The pill container assembly of claim 6, wherein:

each attachment tab extends outwardly from the exterior of a corresponding pill holding case.

11. The pill container assembly of claim 10, wherein:

each attachment tab includes an aperture, said aperture adapted to receive the item supported by the user of the pill holding case.

12. The pill container assembly of claim 5, wherein;

each said pill holding case displays an indicia representing one of the days of the week.

13. The pill container assembly of claim 7, wherein each said snap lock mechanism comprises:

at least one locking member extending outward from the exterior of each pill holding case;

at least one slot in a wall of the pill case holder;

said at least one locking member extending into said at least one slot and removably attaching each said pill holding case to said pill case holder.

14. The pill container assembly of claim 7, wherein each said snap lock mechanism comprises:

at least one indentation in a wall of the pill case holder;

said at least one locking member extending into said at least one indentation and removably attaching each said pill holding case to said pill case holder.

15. The pill container assembly of claim 7 wherein each said snap lock mechanism comprises:

at least one protrusion extending from an upper edge of each wall of said pill case holder, said each wall at least partially circumscribing each said aperture, said at least one protrusion adapted to removably engage said attachment tab and removably attach said pill holding case to said pill case holder.

16. The pill container assembly of claim 15, wherein each snap lock mechanism further comprises:

at least one indentation in the exterior of the pill holding case;

at least one protrusion extending from each said wall of said pill case holder and into said aperture;

at least one recess in the exterior of said pill holding case;

said at least one protrusion entering said recess when said pill holding case is inserted into said aperture, said at least one protrusion and said at least one recess removably attaching said pill holding case to said pill case holder.

17. The pill container assembly of claim 7 wherein each said snap lock mechanism comprises:

at least one first protrusion extending from an upper edge of each wall of said pill case holder, each said wall at least partially circumscribing each said aperture, said at least one first protrusion adapted to removably engage an attachment tab extending outwardly from said exterior surface of said pill holding case, said attachment tab adapted to removably attach said pill holding case to said pill case holder;

at least one indentation in the exterior of the pill holding case;

at least one second protrusion extending from each said wall of said pill case holder and into said aperture;

at least one recess in the exterior of said pill holding case;

said at least one second protrusion entering said recess when said pill holding case is inserted into said aperture, said at least one second protrusion and said at least one recess removably attaching said pill holding case to said pill case holder;

said at least one first protrusion located on a diametrically opposite side of said wall from said at least one second protrusion.

18. The pill container assembly of claim 7 wherein:

each aperture in said pill case holder is formed by a downwardly extending wall in said holder, each wall having a bottom portion and at least one semi-flexible engagement tooth extending from said bottom portion and partially into said aperture;

each pill holding case having a circumferential recess adjacent a bottom portion of the exterior of the pill holding case;

said snap lock mechanism removably attaching said pill holding case to said pill case holder as said at least one semi-flexible engagement tooth engages said recess.

19. The pill container assembly of claim 7, wherein:

each said aperture in said pill case holder comprises a circumferential rim, said rim extending in an axial direction the full depth of said aperture;

said snap lock mechanism comprising at least one engagement tooth on said rim, said engagement tooth extending in a radial direction into said aperture; and

a recess formed on the exterior of each said pill holding case, said at least one engagement tooth removably engaging said recess and removably attaching said pill holding case to said pill case holder.

20. The pill case container assembly of claim 7, wherein:

each said aperture in said pill case holder is at least partially circumscribed by an axially extending wall;

a slot in said wall, and an entrance port in said wall, said entrance port communicating with said slot;

at least one locking flange extending laterally from the exterior surface of each pill holding case, said locking flange entering said entrance port when said pill holding case is inserted in said aperture, and said locking flange entering said slot when said pill holding case is partially rotated to removably attach said pill holding case to said pill case holder.

21. The pill case container assembly of claim 20, wherein:

said wall includes a portion extending across said slot and said entrance port adjacent the exterior of the pill holding case;

a locking detent on one of said wall portion and said locking tab;

a locking recess on the other of said wall portion and said locking flange;

said locking detent engaging said locking recess when said pill holding case is partially rotated.

22. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 1 wherein:

each pill holding case has a locking portion of a defined shape extending outwardly from the exterior surface of said pill holding case;

each pill holding case also has a cavity portion formed on the exterior surface of the pill holding case, the cavity portion having substantially the same dimensions as said locking portion;

said locking portion and said cavity portion located on diametrically opposite sides of said each pill holding case;

said locking portion of each pill holding case removably attaching said each pill holding case to another adjacent pill holding case when said locking portion of a first of said pill holding cases is inserted into said cavity portion of a second pill holding case.

23. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 22, wherein:

one of said locking portion and said cavity portion of each pill holding case includes a laterally extending protuberance and the other of said locking portion and said cavity portion includes a recess, said first and second pill holding cases removably attached to each other when said locking portion is inserted into said cavity portion, and said protuberance engages said recess.

24. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 22, wherein:

each first and second pill holding case has an attachment tab on the exterior of the pill holding case, the attachment tab adapted to removably attach the pill holding case to an item supported by a user of the pill holding case.

25. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 1, wherein:

each pill holding case has a first flange member laterally extending from the exterior surface of the pill holding case, and at least one attachment button mounted on and extending axially from said flange member;

each pill holding case has a second flange member laterally extending from the exterior surface of the pill holding case, said second flange member located on a diametrically opposed surface of the exterior surface from the first flange member;

at least one aperture in said second flange member;

said first and second pill holding cases removably attached to each other when the at least one attachment button of said flange on said first pill holding case is inserted in said at least one aperture of said flange member of said second pill holding case.

26. The multi-day pill container assembly of claim 25, wherein:

each first and second pill holding case has an attachment tab on the exterior of the pill holding case, the attachment tab adapted to removably attach the pill holding case to an item supported by the user of the pill holding case.