US3243081A - Tablet dispenser - Google Patents

Description

March 29, 1966 E. F. SCHMANK 3,

TABLET DISPENSER Filed Nov. 29, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. EDWARD F. SCHMANK BY MAHONEY, MILLER 8 RAMBO BY ATTORNEY w i March 29, 1966 E. F. SCHMANK 3,243,031 I TABLET DISPENSER Filed Nov. 29. 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG-7 I INVENTOR. EDWARD F. SCHMANK BY MAHONEY,MILLER 8| RAMBO March 29, 1966 E. F. SCHMANK TABLET DISPENSER 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 29. 1963 'l'lf'lll'l'l dill/ll, Nu EDDDDDEE INVENTOR. EDWARD F. SCHMANK BY MAHONEYJMLLER 8: RAMBO E. F. SCHMANK TABLET DISPENSER March 29, 1966 Filed Nov. 29. 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. EDWARD F. SCHMANK BY MAHONEY, MILLER a RAMBO United States Patent 3,243,881 TABLET DISPENSER Edward F. Schrnank, 1831 Baird Ave., Portsmouth, Ohio Filed Nov. 29, 1963, Ser. No. 326,707 1 Claim. (Cl. 221-186) This invention relates, in general, to medicinal tablet dispensers. It relates, more specifically, to a tablet dispenser of simple construction and which may be readily operated to selectively and singularly dispense tablets from an internally carried magazine.

Utilization of medicinal drugs in the form of tablets for numerous illnesses is a well known practice as the tablets may be conveniently carried by the person until needed. Although convenient to carry, the tablets present a problem at the time they are needed or should be taken as it is often difficult to select a tablet or a number of tablets from the usual bulk storage type container or pill box. Not only is it necessary that the person utilizing the tablets possess the requisite physical dexterity for handling the relatively small objects but adequate lighting must be provided to permit correct visual ascertainment of the tablet or tablets selected. Also, the particular activity in which the person is engaged at the time may prevent or seriously inconvenience the taking of the tablet at the prescribed time or when needed. Although tablet dispensers have been devised, these prior art dispensers have not been found to be fully satisfactory because of their inaccuracy in selectively dispensing a tablet, inconvenient operation, relatively high cost, and inconvenience of carrying, or other reasons.

It is, therefore, the primary objective of this invention to provide a tablet dispenser which may be selectively operated to accurately dispense a single tablet with a relatively simple motion.

It is another object of this invention to provide a tablet dispenser having a structural housing and a relatively movable tablet containing magazine which selectively dispenses a tablet therefrom on predetermined movement of the magazine.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a tablet dispenser of simple, rugged construction which is convenient to carry and utilize and is economical to manufacture.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof and the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: 7

FIGURE 1 is a medial, longitudinal sectional view of a tablet dispenser of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 22 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the dispenser with a portion of the housing broken away.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken along line 44 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 but with the tablet magazine moved to a position to release a tablet into a position for subsequent dispensing.

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 but with the tablet magazine moved to a position Where the tablet is dispensed.

FIGURE 7 is a medial, longitudinal sectional vie of a tablet dispenser of modified construction.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged perspective view, partly in section, of the modified dispenser.

FIGURES 9, 10 and 11 are enlarged, fragmentary sectional views diagrammatically illustrating in sequence the dispensing of a tablet from the modified disepnser.

FIGURE 12 is a medial, longitudinal sectional view of a second tablet dispenser of modified construction.

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIGURE 12.

FIGURES 14 and 15 are enlarged, fragmentray sectional views illustrating the dispensing of a tablet from the second modified tablet dispenser.

FIGURE 16 is a fragmentary, enlarged sectional view of a modification of the dispenser illustrated in FIG- URES 12l5.

FIGURE 17 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 1717 of FIGURE 16 but with the magazine moved downwardly to its lowermost position as indicated in broken lines in FIGURE 16.

Having reference to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 6, inclusive, a tablet dispenser constructed in accordance with this invention for the selective dispensing of a single tablet. The dispenser comprises a rigid structural housing 20 and a tablet containing magazine 21 supported within the housing for movement relative thereto. The housing 20 is of elongated, tubular from having an open end through which the magazine 21 may project. The magazine 21 is also of elongated, tubular form and is formed with an interior shape adapted to accommodate a particular type or' shape of tablet T. As is best illustrated in FIGURE 2, this particular embodiment utilizes a magazine of rectangular cross section which is suitable for receiving the well known disc-shaped tablets. The end of the magazine 21 projecting through the open end of the housing 20 is also open to admit and discharge the tablets T therefrom.

Rigidly connected to the opposite end of the magazine 21 is an actuating knob 22 having an elongated shaft which is threaded into the end of the magazine and an enlarged knob portion suitable for gripping by the fingers. A support and guide for reciprocating movement of the magazine 21 is provided by an end wall 23 integrally formed with the housing at this end. Centrally formed in the end wall 23 is an aperture through which the shaft of the actuating knob 22 may project. The end wall 23 also provides a convenient stop for limiting the movement of the magazine 21.

Selective dispensing of a single tablet T from within the magazine 21 is accomplished by means of a resilient band 25 supported at the open end of the housing. The band 25 in the present embodiment consists of an endless ring which is looped over diametrically opposed clips 26 attached to the marginal end of the housing 20. The clips 26 grip the band 25 and retain it in a position extending across the open end of the housing 21), as indicated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3. The band 25 is thus divided into two portions 27 and 28 which are disposed on opposite sides of the magazine 21. A pair of slots 29 and 30 are formed in the walls of the magazine 21 at the marginal open end portion adjacent the respective members 27 and 28 of the band. Each slot 29 and 30 extends transversely to the magazine 21 and is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis thereof, as is best indicated in FIGURES 4 through 6. The slots also extend inwardly of the magazine a distance sufficient to prevent passage of a tablet T through the magazine when the respective band members 27 and 28 are positioned at the innermost or terminal end thereof. The slots are disposed in spaced parallel relationship with the spacing being substantially equal to the diameter of a tablet and each has a stop formed on the outer wall of the magazine 21 to prevent the band memher from being inadvertently displaced from its respective slot and thereby become disengaged from the magazine. Each stop comprises a laterally projecting lug 31 and 32 formed on the exterior of the magazine. The lug 31 is positioned above the slot 29 and has a downwardly opening recess which forms a continuation of the slot. The lug 32 is positioned between the open end of the magazine 21 and the slot 30 and is formed with an upwardly opening, curved recess which forms a continuation of the slot.

When the dispenser is assembled, the magazine 21 will be supported within the housing 20 with the band members 27 and 28 disposed within their respective slots 29 and 30 as best illustrated in FIGURE 4. Each band member 27 and 28 will be disposed at the innermost end of its respective slot as a result of its resilient characteristics and prevent passage of the tablet T through the magazine. The magazine 21 will thus be seen to be suspended or supported by the resilient band 25 at a central or neutral position but may be reciprocated longitudinally in either direction. Operation of the dispenser will normally be in a substantially vertical position or a position at least inclined relative to the horizontal. The inclination must be sufiicient to cause the tablets to gravitate toward the discharge end and for purposes of explanation, it will be assumed that the dispenser is being held in a vertical position with direction of movement being noted accordingly. Displacement of the magazine 21 upwardly, to the position indicated in FIGURE 5, will cause the band member 28 to move downwardly in its slot 30 until engaged by the curved recess in the lug or stop 32. In this position, the band member 28 will be removed from the interior of the magazine 21 and thereby permit a tablet T to move downwardly through the interior of the magazine. The band member 27, however, will remain at the inner or terminal end of its slot 29 and prevent the tablet T from proceeding further through the magazine 21.

Reciprocating movement of the magazine 21 downwardly through the housing to the position illustrated in FIGURE 6 will permit the tablet T that was previously supported by the band member 28 to continue through the magazine and to be dispensed therefrom. In this extreme downward position, the magazine 21 will have been moved to a position at the opposite side of its central or neutral position of FIGURE 4 and the band member 28 will have been returned to the inner or terminal end position of its slot 30. The band member 27 will now have been removed from its inner position and will be retained in the curved recess of lug 31 at the exterior surface of the magazine. Thus, the tablet T which was previously supported by the band member 27, as illustrated in FIGURE 5, will be permitted to continue movement through the interior of the magazine and outwardly of the end thereof. While the lowermost tablet T is thus being discharged from the magazine, the band member 28 will engage the next tablet T Within the magazine and prevent its simultaneous discharge.

The dispenser illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 6 will thus be seen to be capable of accurately dispensing a single tablet by a simple, selective, reciprocating movement of the magazine 21 relative to the housing 20. A slight upward movement of the magazine 21 relative to the housing 20 will position a tablet T in position for dispensing. Subsequent downward reciprocating movement of the magazine 21 will discharge this selected tablet while retaining the remaining tablets within the magazine. The movement may be accomplished by holding the housing 20 in the palm of the hand while manipulating the actuating knob 22 with the index finger and thumb. This is a convenient, single-handed operation which may be readily performed by anyone at: the time that a tablet is needed. A tablet will not be dispensed without a positive upward movement of the knob 22 and the inadvertent discharge of a tablet is thus effectively prevented. The resilient band 25 also prevents damaging of the tablets during the operation of the dispenser.

The housing 20 and the magazine 21 may be fabricated from any suitable material which will provide the necessary structural rigidity although, in the present embodiment, these elements are fabricated from a thermosetting plastic material which may be readily molded or extruded in the desired shape. The clips 26 for supporting the resilient band 25 may be of metal and are embedded in the marginal end portions of the housing 20.

A protective nose or discharge nozzle is also provided to further facilitate the convenient utilization of the dispenser. The nozzle 33 is of tubular form which frictionally engages the marginal end portion of the housing adjacent the open end thereof with the walls converging therefrom toward an open end through which the tablets are discharged. The exterior shape or form of the nozzle may be fabricated as desired but the illustrated shape is suitable for insertion in the mouth, if desired, to eliminate the necessity of subsequently handling the tablet.

The dispenser is preferably constructed to permit removal and replacement of the magazine for conveniently replenishing the supply. It is for this purpose that the actuating knob 22 is removably attached to the magazine 21 as the cooperatively threaded portions may be readily disengaged. The discharge nozzle 33 is frictionally retained in position on the housing 20 and may be removed by simply pulling outwardly. After removal of the nozzle 33 and disengagement of the knob 22 from the magazine 21, the band may be disengaged from the slots 29 and 36 thereby permitting the magazine to be removed from the housing 20. The magazine just removed may either be refilled with the necessary number of tablets or a second magazine which was previously filled and the filled magazine may be replaced with the housing by a reversal of the above operations.

It is also desirable that a means be provided to facilitate ascertainment of the presence of tablets in the magazine and the magazine 21 and the housing 20 may be fabricated from a transparent material thus permitting visual observation. In the present embodiment, the housing is fabricated from an opaque material for better appearance and a small window 34 is formed in the wall of the housing adjacent the discharge end thereof. Thus, the presence of tablets in the magazine may be readily ascertained by visual inspection through the window 34 when the dispenser is held in a substantially vertical position.

, A dispenser of modified construction is illustrated in FIGURES 7 through 11. The modified dispenser also comprises a housing 35 which is of elongated, tubular form and a tablet magazine 36 which is supported within the housing 35. The magazine 36 projects from both open ends of the housing 35 and is provided with an actuating knob 37 secured to the upper end thereof. The knob 37 is preferably of cylindrical form having a diameter substantially equal to that of the housing 35 and will thus engage the housing and assist in maintaining the magazine within the housing. The relatively large diameter of the knob 37 also facilitates the gripping thereof for operation of the dispenser.

The magazine 36 is shown as being adapted to receive and dispense therefrom tablets T of the disc shape or configuration and as will be best seen in FIGURE 8, the magazine will also be of rectangular cross section as is the magazine 21 of the dispenser illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 6. Formed in the marginal end portion of the magazine 36 which is opposite the operating knob 37 and projects a distance from the housing, are a pair of longitudinally spaced notches 38 and 39. The notches 38 and 39 are formed in the narrow side wall of the magazine 36 and are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the diameter of the tablet T. Also, the notches are formed in opposite side walls of the magazine 36 and extend a distance inwardly to communicate with the interior of the magazine.

Restriction of movement of the tablets T through magazine 36 and control of the dispensing thereof is accomplished by means of a pair of resilient bands 40 and 41. The bands 40 and 41 are supported by a bracket 42 projecting axially from the housing 35 and having one end thereof embedded rigidly within the wall of the housing. The bracket 42 consists of a flat strip of metal having sufiicient strength to resist bending in the present application and is formed with two semi-circular loops 43 and 44 which are longitudinally spaced and shaped to receive the resilient bands 40 and 41.

With the dispenser assembled as illustrated in FIG- URES 7'an'd 8, the bands 49 and 41 will be disposed in circumscribing relationship to the magazine 36 and the bracket 42. Each'band 40 and 41 will thus be positioned in its respective recess 43 and 44 of the bracket 42 and extend around the magazine 36. Referring to FIGURE 9 which illustrates the initial or starting position of the magazine for a dispensing operation, it will be noted that the magazine 36 is positioned with the notch 38 disposed oppositely to the bracket 42 while the notch 39 is disposed adjacent to the bracket. In this position, the band 40 will be contracted to its smallest dimension with a portion thereof extending transversely through the magazine 36 and preventing passage of a tablet T downwardly through the magazine. Subsequent rotation of the magazine 36 through a 180 arc will transpose the position of the slots 38 and 39 with the slot 39 now opening outwardly from the bracket 42 while the slot 38 is adjacent the bracket as shown in FIGURE 10. During the rotational movement of the magazine 36, the band 40 will have been stretched and removed from its slot 38 and will now be supported exteriorly of the magazine. The" band 41 which previously had been supported exteriorly of the magazine 36 will now have entered its respective slot 39 and a portion thereof will be extending through the interior of the magazine. Although the band 40 will have been removed from the interior of the magazine and a tablet will have dropped or moved through the magazine, it will not be discharged from the magazine as the band 41 will now prevent its further progress. Continuing the rotation of the magazine 36 through another 180 are, or reversing the rotation for a 180 arc, will return the magazine to its initial position of FIGURE 9 or as illustrated in FIGURE 11. Band 40 will now have contracted and will be disposed in its respective slot 38 and prevent further passage of a succeeding tablet through the magazine. Band 41 will have been expanded and removed from its slot 39 and permit the tablet T which had been previously disposed between the bands 40 and 41 to continue through the magazine and be discharged therefrom thus completing the selective dispensing of a single tablet.

The bands 40 and 41 in cooperation with the bracket 42 assist the actuating knob 37 in maintaining the magazine 36 withinthe housing 35. The dispenser may be readily operated by simple rotative motion of the knob 37 through one complete revolution or through a half revolution and return. During the rotative motion of the magazine 36, a tablet T will be first placed in a dispensing position and then be subsequently discharged from the magazine. The two bands. 40 and 41 cooperate to selectively dispense a single tablet for each revolution of the magazine 36. p This dispenser is also provided with a discharge nozzle 45 of hollow, conical form which is attached or secured to the end of the housing 35. An opening is provided at the opposite endof the nozzle 45 for passage of a tablet T therethrough. I a I A second modification of the tablet dispenser is illustrated in FIGURESv 1 2 through.l5 and includesa spring return or biasing memberand therefore is operated by a singleforce application. Thespring also prevents inadvertent discharge of I a tablet. This dispenser also includes an elongated, tubular housing 50 and a tablet maga zine 51. supported centrally thereof. One end, of the housing 50 is .open and the opposite end is provided with a wall 52 formed with a central aperture and operates as a guide and stop for movementof the magazine 51.

The magazine 51 is illustrated as being of rectangular cross sectional shape for receiving and dispensing a discshaped tablet T and is engaged at one end thereof by a slide or actuating member 53. The slide 53 is of cylindrical form adapted to reciprocably slide within the housing 50 and is formed with an axially projecting button 54 adapted to extend through the aperture of the end wall 52, A socket 53a is formed in the opposite end ofthe slide for receiving the end of the magazine 51. If desired, the magazine 51 may be rigidly secured to the slide 53. A dispensing nozzle 55 is threaded into the opposite end of the housing 50 and is formed with an axially extending bore for receiving the'marginal end portion of the magazine 51. A helically wound spring 56 is mounted on the magazine 51 with one end thereof in engagement with the inwardly facing end of the discharge nozzle 55 and the opposite end in engagement with a pair of laterally projecting ears or lugs 57 attached to the magazine. With the nozzle 55 threaded into the end of the housing 50, the spring 56 will bias the magazine 51 upwardly and maintain the slide 53 in engagement with the end wall 52.

The marginal end of the magazine 51 which projects within the nozzle 55 is closed by an end wall 51a and is provided with an opening 58 in one of the narrow side walls which communicates interiorly of the magazine. The opening 58 is of a width sufiicient to permit passage of .a tablet T therethrough. To facilitate movement of the tablets T into or from the magazine, the cooperating surfaces of the opening 58 and the end wall 51a of the magazine may be appropriately curved or inclined as is best indicated in FIGURES 14 and 15.

When in its upwardly biased position, the magazine 51 will be positioned as indicated in FIGURE 15 relative to the nozzle 55. In this position, the opening 58 will be opposite a flat portion 59 of the interior wall of the nozzle which will prevent the discharge of a tablet T from the magazine 51. Upon movement of the magazine 51 downwardly, the opening 58 will be aligned with an enlarged recess 60 formed in the body of nozzle 55 to accommodate a tablet T. The recess 60 will be shaped to fully receive the tablet T therein and permit the magazine 51 to be moved upwardly leaving the tablet T Within the nozzle 55. The transfer of a tablet T to the recess 60 is illustrated in FIGURE 14 where the magazine 51 has been reciprocated to its lowermost position. Subsequent movement of the magazine '51 to its uppermost position will again position the magazine as illustrated in FIGURE 15. In this position, the "magazine 51 will not block the discharge opening from the nozzle 55 and the tablet T discharged from the magazine into the recess 60 may continue its movement out of the nozzle.

The operation of this modified tablet dispenser is also simple and may be readily accomplished'by the person utilizing the tablets. The tablets will be maintained within the magazine 51 in a protected position until theuser pushes the button 54 downwardly thereby moving the magazine 51 downwardly until the opening 58 thereof is aligned with the recess 60. In this position a tablet T will be discharged from the magazine 51 into the recess and the magazine, upon subsequent retraction upwardly, will permit the tablet T thus discharged to exit from the nozzle 55. When in the retracted upper position, the magazine 51 will be positioned with the opening 58 opopsite the surface'59 and the surface will thus efl ectively seal the opening to protect the tablets therein from foreign material and reduce their contact with the air which could result in their deterioration.

To assist in theaccurate, selective dispensing of a single tablet for each cyclic, reciprocating movement of the magazine 51, the discharge nozzle 55 may be provided with a resilient, magazine-restricting member 61 as indicated. The resilient member 61 is supported on the interior wall of the nozzle 55 by means of a pair of hooks 62 attached to diametrically opposed portions of the wall and adapted to securely grip 'the' member. Formed in the marginal end portion of the magazine 51 is an elongated slot 63 for receiving the resilient member 61 and which extends transversely to the 'm-agazine opening at the side wall thereof opposite the discharge opening 58. The slot 63 projects upwardly and inwardly of the magazine 51 with the terminal end being at substantially the central longitudinal axis of the magazine and in alignment with the center of the opening 58. With the resilient member 61 disposed in the slot 63 at the terminal end thereof as indicated in FIGURE 14, the resilient member will extend transversely through the interior of the magazine passageway and prevent the discharge of tablets which are positioned in the magazine above the member. By withdrawing the resilient member 61 from the terminal end of the slot 63 to a position where it will not extend through the central passage of the magazine 51 as indicated in FIGURE 15, the tablets T will be permitted to discharge through the opening 58. Through appropriate location of the hooks 62, the resilient member 61 will be automatically withdrawn to this position when the magazine 51 is disposed in its uppermost position. Preferably, the slot 63 is formed with an upwardly curved recess 63a adjacent the exterior wall surface of the magazine 51 to prevent the disengagement of the member 61 from the slot when the magazine is in its uppermost, retracted position.

The resilient member 61 also operates advantageously to assist in ejecting the tablet to be discharged from the magazine. As the magazine moves downwardly from the position shown in FIGURE 15, the resilient member 61 will be displaced toward the inner terminal end of the slot 63 and will engage the edge of the tablet T supported on the upper surface of the end wall 51a. Upon further downward movement of the magazine to the position shown in FIGURE 14 where the opening 58 is aligned with the recess 60, the resilient member 61 will assist in ejecting the tablet as it will be exerting a laterally directed force thereon. Simultaneously with the lateral movement of the tablet through the opening 58, the resilient member 61 will assume a position at the terminal end of the slot in engagement with the edge of the next succeeding tablet in the magazine and thereby prevent discharge of the remaining tablets.

Subsequently, after release of the downwardly directed force on the button 54, the magazine 51 will be moved upwardly toward the position shown in FIGURE 15. During the upward movement, the resilient member 61 will be displaced toward the outer surface of the magazine 51 and permit the tablet previously engaged thereby to move downwardly until supported by the end Wall 51a of the opening 58 in preparation for a succeeding operation. At this time the opening 58 will be opposite the surface 59 and the tablet will be prevented from leaving the magazine.

The tablet dispenser construction of FIGURES l2l5 is modified in FIGURES 16 and 17 to eliminate the resilient magazine-restricting member. This modification is of the same general structure including a housing 65, a reciprocably mounted tablet magazine 66 and a biasing spring 67 operating to maintain the magazine in the uppermost position. A discharge nozzle 68 is also threaded into the end of the housing 65 and is formed with a central bore 69 for slidably receiving the end of the magazine 66. The lower end of the magazine 66 is closed by an angularly disposed end wall 70 and an opening 71 is formed in the side wall associated with the lower edge of the end wall 70 for passage of the tablets therethrough. When the dispenser is held in a vertical position, the tablets will tend to move downwardly and then laterally through the opening 71. Lateral movement of the tablets through the opening 71 is prevented while the magazine 66 is maintained in its uppermost position by means of a surface 72 of the nozzle bore which is coextensive with the opening 71 in this position and effectively blocks the opening. I

Discharge of a tablet T in the lowermost position in the magazine 66 is effected by a downward movement of the magazine to a position Where the opening 71 will be 1 aligned with a cavity 73 formed in the body of the discharge nozzle 68 and opening to the central bore 69 thereof. The cavity 73 is shaped to have a depth substantially equal to the diameter of the tablet with the opposed side walls being spaced apart a distance sufficient to fully receive the tablet. Thus, the lowermost tablet T in the magazine will gravitate into the cavity 73 with the next succeeding tablet assuming the position adjacent the opening 71. This tablet will now be supported on the end wall 70 and will be prevented from passing through the opening 71 by the tablet in the cavity 73 with which it is in engagement. As long as the magazine 66 is maintained in its lowermost position, the tablet in the cavity 73 will be prevented from being discharged from the nozzle 63. Upon subsequent movement of the magazine 66 upwardly, the opening 71 will again be positioned adjacent the surface 72. During the upward movement, the lowermost tablet in the magazine will also engage the surface 72 and be maintained within the magazine. After the magazine 66 is returned to its uppermost position, the cavity 73 will be open to the central bore 69 and the tablet contained therein will be free to gravitate into the bore and out of the nozzle. To facilitate this movement of the tablet, the lower surface 730 of the cavity is preferably inclined as illustrated to induce movement of the tablet.

Although the dispensers have been illustrated and described as being preferably fabricated from thermosetting plastic materials, it is to be understood that other materials may also be utilized. The specific size of the dispensers, particularly the magazine and nozzles, will be constructed in accordance with the size or shape of the tablet which .is to be dispensed. It will be apparent that spherical, oval or elongated tablets may also be utilized in the dispensers of this invention with only the necessary and obvious modifications. The length of the dispenser will be determined by the number of tablets which the magazine is designed to carry and which may be any convenient number. It will be noted that the magazines may be replaced within a particular housing, if desired, to provide a convenient means to replenish the supply when needed.

It is readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description of the tablet dispenser and the modifications thereof of this invention that the tablet dispenser is capable of accurately and selectively dispensing a single tablet from a magazine. The dispenser is simple to operate requiring only a simple mechanical motion to selectively release a single tablet from the magazine for discharge from the dispenser. The dispenser is of simple construction with few elements resulting in minimum cost of manufacture. It may also be of a relatively small size as determined by the size of the tablet with which it will be utilized. Being of small size, the dispenser is convenient to carry and will thus be readily available at all times when a tablet is needed or should be taken.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles of this invention have been explained and have been illustrated and described in what are now considered to represent the best embodiments. However, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claim, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

Having thus described this invention, what is claimed 1s: A tablet dispenser comprising a rigid, elongated housing formed with an axially extending bore opening at one end of said housing, a rigid, elongated tablet magazine formed with an axially extending tablet receiving bore opening at one end of said magazine and which is adapted to be disposed in axially aligned relationship within said .housing bore with the open ends cooperatively related to permit passage of a tablet therethrough and being selec tively rotatable relative to said housing, said magazine having a p r of diametrically disposed slots formed in the wall thereof in relative, longitudinally spaced relationship whereby a tablet may be positioned therebetween, each of said slots being transversely disposed relative to said magazine and extending a distance around the periphery thereof and in communication with said magazine bore, a band support, and a pair of resilient, endless bands trained about said magazine and said band support with each of said bands being supported in cooperative relationship to a respective one of said slots and adapted to be selectively positioned in said slot for obstructing said magazine bore and preventing passage of a tablet therethrough, each of said bands being alternately movable between a magazine bore obstructing position and a non-obstructing position in response to rotative movement of said housing relative to said magazine with at least one of said bands being disposed in obstructing relationship to said magazine bore at all times.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 5/ 1935 Austria. 12/ 1954 France.

7/ 1962 France.

9/ 1934 Germany.

RAPHAEL M. LUPO, Primary Examiner.

KENNETH N. LEIMER, Examiner.

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