Dispenser with detachable trays and cup

Abstract

An article dispenser having a detachable base, one or more detachable trays, and a detachable cup. The base, tray, and cup have corresponding cylindrical sidewalls to permit vertical stacking, attachment, and rotation. The tray consists generally of a hollow cavity for storing articles such as pills or vitamins and an outlet appendage through which the articles may be dispensed. Stacking a tray atop the base and then turning the tray with a clockwise, rotating motion guides the tray to a centered position and secures it to the base. The base, one or more trays, and the cup may be stacked in this manner to assemble the device. Rotating a stacked and secured tray further clockwise, beyond its centered position, reveals the tray outlet appendage and enables the user to dispense a loaded item. Conversely, rotating a stacked and secured tray counter-clockwise, beyond its centered position, releases the tray and enables it to be removed from the stack and filled. The cup is configured to contain and dispense liquid for drinking, thus aiding in the act of consumption.

1 . A dispenser comprising: 
 a) a base having a planar bottom and a substantially cylindrical sidewall;    b) a plurality of trays, each having a planar bottom, a substantially cylindrical sidewall interrupted by an opening, and an outlet appendage extending outward from the cylindrical sidewall;    c) a cup having a planar bottom and a substantially cylindrical sidewall; and    d) means for releasably securing said base, said trays, and said cup to each other.    
   
   
       2 . The dispenser of  claim 1  wherein said dispenser is made of plastic.  
   
   
       3 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , said dispenser comprising said base, one tray, and said cup.  
   
   
       4 . The dispenser of  claim 1  wherein said trays have disparate heights and capacities.  
   
   
       5 . The dispenser of  claim 1  wherein the surfaces of said trays are marked with indicia.  
   
   
       6 . The dispenser of  claim 1  wherein the releasable securing means comprises a plurality of lateral flanges extending from the cylindrical sidewalls of said base, said trays, and said cup.  
   
   
       7 . The dispenser of  claim 1  wherein the releasable securing means comprises helical threads located on the cylindrical sidewalls of said base, said trays, and said cup.  
   
   
       8 . The dispenser of  claim 1  wherein the releasable securing means comprises a plurality of lateral ribs located on the cylindrical sidewalls of said base, said trays, and said cup.  
   
   
       9 . The dispenser of  claim 1  wherein the releasable securing means comprises the cylindrical sidewalls of said base, said trays, and said cup, which fit together frictionally.