대표
청구항
▼
The invention claimed is: 1. A tamper proof product dispenser for a plurality of product units of a solid dosage product, the dispenser comprising: a dispensing assembly comprising a housing having an upper and a lower wall for holding and dispensing the product; the upper wall having an outer face and a plurality of outlets, where each outlet is in its use associated with a product unit which is retained between the upper and lower wall and proximate a respective outlet; an outer cover for covering at least the outer face to thereby prevent access to t...
The invention claimed is: 1. A tamper proof product dispenser for a plurality of product units of a solid dosage product, the dispenser comprising: a dispensing assembly comprising a housing having an upper and a lower wall for holding and dispensing the product; the upper wall having an outer face and a plurality of outlets, where each outlet is in its use associated with a product unit which is retained between the upper and lower wall and proximate a respective outlet; an outer cover for covering at least the outer face to thereby prevent access to the product stored within the dispenser; and tamper indication means for indicating a prior displacement of the outer cover, the dispensing assembly includes ejection means located within the dispensing assembly for ejecting the product units therefrom, the ejection means comprising at least one slide mechanism having an actuation arm received between the upper and lower wall which is slidably retained therebetween and upon which is slidably mounted a rider member adapted to eject the product; and the actuation arm being movable to be reciprocal within the housing, whereby motion of the actuation arm in one direction moves the rider member into an engagement with a product unit such that the solid dosage product is urged out of the dispensing assembly to thereby dispense the product therefrom and on motion of the actuation arm in another direction the rider remains stationary within the housing. 2. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 1, the dispenser is adapted to accommodate at least one solid dosage product bubble wrapped sheet, each sheet including a plastic membrane having a plurality of depressions to provide a cavity within which each solid dosage product is respectively located, and an aluminum foil covering the plastic membrane to thereby seal the product therein. 3. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 2, the dispensing assembly includes an outer shell for accommodating the at least one bubble wrapped sheet. 4. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 3, a plurality of openings are provided through the outer shell through which the product may exit the dispensing assembly, each said bubble wrapped sheet being located within the shell, with the foil side of the sheet facing the openings, these openings being aligned with a respective cavity of the sheet. 5. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 4, the outlets are also provided in the lower wall, the outlets on each side being for a respective row of the solid dosage product. 6. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 2 wherein the upper and lower walls each having said at least one set of outlets, said housing being adapted to accommodate two said sheets therein, each wall associated with an actuating arm and a rider. 7. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 6 wherein a plurality of said actuating arms are located within the housing each actuating arm being located in opposed relation to a set of outlets and in use to be associated with a row of said product units accommodated within the housing, each actuating arm slidably supporting a rider. 8. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the actuating arm is are slidably supported by an inner support frame located within the housing. 9. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 1, a plurality of the slide mechanisms each having an actuation arm are located within the dispensing assembly, each said actuation arm being located adjacent an associated row of solid dosage product accommodated in the dispensing assembly. 10. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 9, the actuation arms are slidably supported by a support frame located within the dispensing assembly. 11. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 1, an abutment extends from the rider member, whereby the motion of the actuation arm moves the rider member and urges the abutment of the rider membrane against a said solid dosage product so that product can be ejected out of the dispensing assembly to thereby dispense that product therefrom. 12. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 11, the ejection means further includes a first ratchet mechanism between the actuating arm and the slider limiting the motion of the rider member relative to the slider to the other direction only. 13. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 12, the first ratchet mechanism includes a plurality of flexible fingers extending from the actuation arm, each said flexible finger extending at an acute angle from the plane of the actuation arm and all pointing towards the forward direction of the actuation arm, the rider member being movable in the forward direction over the top of each finger, with each finger acting to push the rider member along the actuation arm. 14. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 13, a second ratchet mechanism in the form of flexible ratchet fingers are provided on a side guide wall of the support frame adjacent the or each actuation arm, the ratchet fingers extending at an acute angle from the plane of the side guide wall and engaging the rider to limit the motion of the rider within the housing to the one direction of the actuation arm. 15. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 1, a resiliently supported wedge shaped intermediate abutment member is located adjacent each solid dosage product, whereby the motion of the actuation arm moves the rider member against an intermediate abutment member such that said solid dosage product is urged by the intermediate member and ejected out of the dispensing assembly to thereby dispense the product therefrom. 16. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 1, each actuation arm includes a finger rest on one end thereof, the finger rest being located in an exposed surface on the outside of the dispensing assembly, such that the actuation arm can be moved by applying a force on the finger rest. 17. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 16, a removable spacer is provided between the finger rest and a shoulder on the dispensing assembly, the spacer preventing motion of the actuation arm until the spacer is removed from between the finger rest and the shoulder. 18. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 1, the outer cover is slidably supported over the dispensing assembly, and the tamper indication means prevents sliding motion of the cover over the dispensing assembly which will allow access to the product located therein. 19. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 18, further comprising a childproofing means for preventing a child from readily removing the cover, the child proofing means includes a button mounted on the end of a tongue, the other end of the tongue being hingedly connected to the rest of the dispensing assembly, and means for engaging the outer cover. 20. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 19, the engagement means is in the form of a male lug provided on an inner surface of the outer cover, with a cooperating aperture or cavity being provided in the tongue, the lug being captured within the aperture or cavity in the tongue when the cover is closed over the dispensing assembly, such that pivotal displacement of the tongue away from the lug by applying a lateral force on the button releases the aperture or cavity of the tongue from the lug thereby allowing movement of the cover over the dispensing assembly. 21. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 20, a portion of the tamper indication means is located under an edge of the button to prevent movement thereof until such times as the tamper indication means is separated from the outer cover. 22. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 18, the tamper indication means is in the form of a removable part of the outer cover, the removable part being coupled to or partially secured to the dispensing assembly, the separation of the removable part releasing the outer cover from the dispensing assembly allowing relative movement therebetween as well as providing a visual indication that the dispenser has been opened. 23. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 22, the removable part is in the form of an elongate tag, at least a portion of the opposing sides of the tag being secured to the outer cover, the tag being secured to the outer cover by a frangible membrane. 24. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 23, the tag is formed integrally with the outer cover. 25. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 23, wherein one end of the elongate tag is provided with a raised ledge that is positioned away from an outer surface of the outer cover, the ledge providing a means whereby a person can lift the end of the tag away from the rest of the dispenser to thereby separate the rest of the tag therefrom, the opposing end of the elongate tag being coupled to the dispending assembly and being uncoupled therefrom when the elongate tag is removed from the dispenser. 26. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 25, the opposing end of the elongate tag is located under an undercut provided on the dispensing assembly when coupled thereto. 27. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 1, further including child proofing means for preventing a child from readily moving the cover thereby preventing access to the product contained therein. 28. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 1, the outer cover is hingedly supported adjacent one end thereof on the dispensing assembly, the tamper indication means preventing pivotable motion of the outer cover away from the dispensing assembly which would allow access to the product located therein. 29. A tamper proof product dispenser according claims 28, wherein the cover (101) is hingedly connected to the housing adjacent one end of the housing (3), said one end of the cover being further interconnected by a coupling arrangement to the actuating arm (59) of the ejection means of the dispensing assembly such that pivotal movement of the cover (101) away from the housing will result in the displacement of the actuating arm (59) in the first direction, and such that the return of the cover (101) back to its initial position against the housing (3) results in the actuating arm (59) being refracted back to its initial position. 30. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 28, the outer cover is hingeably connected adjacent one end of the outer cover, said one end of the cover being further interconnected by a coupling arrangement to the actuation arm of the ejection means of the dispensing assembly such that the pivotable movement of the outer cover away from the dispenser assembly will result in the displacement of the actuation arm in the forward direction, and such that the return of the outer cover back to its initial position against the dispensing assembly results in the actuation arm being retracted back to its initial position prior to actuation thereof. 31. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 30, the coupling arrangement includes at least one pivot pin engaged to a cooperating slot arrangement, the pivot pin being supported on and adjacent the one end of the outer cover, the pivot pin having a pivot axis extending at least substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the outer cover, the cooperating slot arrangement being provided on a rear end of the actuation arm. 32. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the coupling arrangement includes at least one pivot pin (107) engaged to a cooperating slot arrangement (108), the pivot pin (1-7) being supported on and adjacent the one end of the cover (101), the pivot pin (107) having a pivot axis extending at least substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the cover, the cooperating slot arrangement (108) being provided on a rear end of the actuating arm. 33. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 28, the tamper indication means is in the form of a removable part of the outer cover, the separation of the removable part therefrom enabling the outer cover to be pivotally displaced away from the dispensing assembly. 34. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 33, further including a child proofing means for preventing a child from readily moving the outer cover thereby preventing access to the product contained therein. 35. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 34 wherein the child proofing means includes an engagement means (115) for retaining the cover (101) over the outlets (37). 36. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 34, the child proofing means includes an engagement means for engaging the outer cover to the dispensing assembly. 37. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 36, wherein the engagement means (115) includes at least one tag ((124) extending from an inner face of the cover (101). 38. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 36, the engagement means includes one or more tags extending from an inner face of the cover, said tag(s) forming part of a coupling arrangement for engaging the outer cover of the dispensing assembly. 39. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 38, wherein the coupling arrangement includes an aperture (125) provided in the at least one tag (124) for engaging at least one cooperating lug (123) provided within the housing (3), the at least one cooperating lug (123) being supported from a manual actuator (119) which is supported from the housing (3) and is resiliently biased to a looked position at which position the at least one cooperating lug (123) engages the at least one tag (124) and (new) the release of the at least one tag (124)_from the at least one cooperating lug (123) with resilient displacement of the manual actuator (119) allows the pivotal movement of the cover (101). 40. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 38, the coupling arrangement includes an aperture provided in the tag(s) for engaging a cooperating lug provided within the dispensing assembly, the lug(s) being resiliently biased and supported on a manual actuator mechanism for allowing the release of the lug(s) from the cooperating tag thereby allowing the pivotal movement of the outer cover from the dispenser assembly. 41. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the removable part of the tamper indication means (117) is provided on the cover, the removable part when present preventing movement of the manual actuator (119) from the locked position. 42. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 40, the manual actuator mechanism includes a biased latch, whereby movement of the latch disengages the coupling arrangement. 43. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 42, the locking element of the tamper indication means is provided on the outer cover, the locking element preventing movement of the latch thereby preventing the release of the cover from the dispensing assembly. 44. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 43, wherein the removable part includes a locking tab located immediately adjacent the manual actuator, the locking tab being connected to the cover by a frangible connection (118). 45. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 43, the locking element includes a locking tab located immediately adjacent the latch, the locking tab being connected to the outer cover by a frangible connection. 46. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 45, wherein the locking tab is integrally formed with the cover with a relatively thin wall section (118) between the locking tab and the rest of the cover to provide the frangible connection. 47. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 45, the locking tab is integrally formed with the outer cover with a relatively thin wall section between the locking tab and the rest of the outer cover to provide frangible connection portion for the locking tab. 48. A tamper proof dispenser for a solid dosage product the solid dosage product is in the form of a plurality of discrete product units arranged in at least one elongate row at spaced intervals along the at least one row, the dispenser comprising housing and a cover, the housing having an upper and a lower wall, the upper wall formed with at least one set of the outlets in the upper wall for dispensing the product, said the outlets arranged in correspondence to the in correspondence with the product units to be accommodated within the housing; the cover adapted for covering at least the upper wall to thereby prevent access to the outlets, and tamper indication means for indicating a prior displacement of the cover, the dispenser further comprising at least one actuating arm accommodated between the upper and lower wall and associated with one of the at least one row of outlets to be located to the opposite side of the product units to the wall, said actuating arm being slidable accommodated within the housing for reciprocating movement in a direction parallel to the elongate row of outlets, the actuating arm slidably supporting a rider member, the rider member being capable of slidable movement along the actuating arm, a first interconnection between the rider and the actuating arm to permit movement of the rider in one direction along the actuating arm, the rider in part supported within the housing through a second interconnection which is adapted to permit movement of the rider within the housing in one direction only whereby on longitudinal movement of the actuating arm in a first direction the rider is moved through the housing by the actuating arm and on movement of the actuating arm in the opposite direction the rider is held stationary within the housing, the degree of movement of the actuating arm within the housing being substantially limited to the spacing between product units, the rider adapted to sequentially bear upon each product unit with each movement of the actuating arm in the first direction to push a product unit from within the housing through the respective outlet, the actuating arm being associated with a member operable from outside of the dispensing assembly to reciprocally actuate said actuating arm. 49. A tamper proof product dispenser as claimed at claim 48, wherein the housing is adapted to accommodate at least one solid dosage product bubble wrapped sheet, each sheet including a plastic membrane having a plurality of depressions to provide a cavity within which each product unit is respectively located, and a foil covering the plastic membrane to thereby seal the product unit therein, said sheet to be supported within the housing such that the foil side of the sheet faces the outlets. 50. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 49 wherein the dispenser includes an outer shell for accommodating one or more of the sheets. 51. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 48 wherein a plurality of said actuating arms are located within the housing each actuating arm being located in opposed relation to a set of outlets and in use to be associated with a row of said product units accommodated within the housing, each actuating arm slidably supporting a rider. 52. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 48, wherein the actuating arm is are slidably supported by an inner support frame located within the housing. 53. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 48, wherein an abutment extends from the rider member, the abutment being intended in use to bear upon said product unit on the movement of the rider within the housing. 54. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 48 wherein a resiliently supported wedge shaped intermediate abutment member is located adjacent the intended position of each product unit and an abutment extends from the rider member, the abutment being intended in use to engage intermediate abutment member to cause the intermediate abutment member to bear upon said product unit on the movement of the rider within the housing. 55. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 48, wherein the first and second interconnection each comprises a first and a second ratchet mechanism respectively. 56. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 55, wherein the first ratchet mechanism includes a plurality of spaced flexible first fingers extending from the actuating arm, each first finger extending at an acute angle from the actuating arm and the inclined face of the first fingers being convergent with the actuating arm in the second direction. 57. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 56, wherein the second ratchet comprises a set of spaced flexible second fingers supported from the housing adjacent the actuating arm, the second ratchet fingers extending at an acute angle from the housing and the inclined face of the second fingers being convergent with the housing in the first direction. 58. A tamper proof product dispenser according claim 48 wherein the member comprises a finger rest on one end of the actuating arm, the finger rest being located in an exposed position on the outside of the housing, such that the actuating arm can be moved by applying a force to the finger rest. 59. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 58, wherein a removable spacer is provided between the finger rest and an opposing shoulder on the housing, the spacer preventing motion of the actuating arm until the spacer is removed from between the finger rest and the shoulder. 60. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 48, wherein the cover is slidably supported over the housing, and the tamper indication means prevents sliding motion of the cover over the housing which will allow access to the product located therein. 61. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 60, wherein the tamper indication means is in the form of a removable part of the cover, the removable part being coupled to or partially secured to the housing, the separation of the removable part releasing the cover from the dispensing assembly to allow relative movement therebetween as well as providing a visual indication that the dispenser has been opened. 62. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 61, wherein the removable part is in the form of an elongate tag, at least a portion of the opposing sides of the tag being secured to the cover, the tag being secured to the cover by a frangible membrane. 63. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 62, wherein the tag is formed integrally with the cover. 64. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 62, wherein one end of the elongate tag is provided with a raised ledge that is positioned away from an outer surface of the cover, the ledge providing a means whereby a person can lift the end of the tag away from the rest of the dispenser to thereby separate the rest of the tag therefrom, the opposing end of the elongate tag being coupled to the cover and being uncoupled therefrom when the elongate tag is removed from the dispenser. 65. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 64, wherein the opposing end of the elongate tag is coupled with the cover to prevent the movement of the cover when coupled thereto. 66. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 48, further including child proofing means for preventing a child from readily moving the cover thereby preventing access to the product contained therein. 67. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 66, wherein the child proofing means includes a button mounted on the end of a tongue, the other end of the tongue being hingedly coupled to the housing, the tongue engaged with the cover whereby manipulation of the button will release the cover from the tongue to enable it to be moved to provide access to the outlets. 68. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 67, wherein the tongue has an aperture or cavity, a male lug provided on an inner surface of the cover and positioned to be received in the aperture or cavity when the cover is positioned to cover the outlets and displacement of the tongue away from the lug by applying a force on the button releases the aperture or cavity from the lug to allow said movement of the cover. 69. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 68, wherein the cover is slidably supported over the housing, and the tamper indication means prevents sliding motion of the cover over the housing which will allow access to the product located therein, the tamper indication means is in the form of a removable part of the cover, the removable part being coupled to or partially secured to the housing, the separation of the removable part releasing the cover from the dispensing assembly to allow relative movement therebetween as well as providing a visual indication that the dispenser has been opened, the removable part is in the form of an elongate tag, at least a portion of the opposing sides of the tag being secured to the cover, the tag being secured to the cover by a frangible membrane, the tag is formed integrally with the cover, one end of the elongate tag is provided with a raised ledge that is positioned away from an outer surface of the cover, the ledge providing a means whereby a person can lift the end of the tag away from the rest of the dispenser to thereby separate the rest of the tag therefrom, the opposing end of the elongate tag being coupled to the cover and being uncoupled therefrom when the elongate tag is removed from the dispenser wherein the opposing end of the elongate tag is coupled with the cover to prevent the movement of the cover when coupled thereto and wherein the opposing end of the tamper indication means is located under an edge of the button to prevent movement thereof until the tamper indication means is separated from the cover. 70. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 48 wherein the cover is hingedly supported adjacent one end thereof on the housing, the tamper indication means preventing pivotal motion of the cover away from the outlets. 71. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 70, wherein the tamper indication means is in the form of a removable part of the cover, the separation of the removable part therefrom enabling the cover to be pivotally displaced away from the outlets. 72. A tamper proof product dispenser according to claim 71, further including a child proofing means for preventing a child from readily moving the cover thereby preventing access to the product contained therein.
