Pill storage receptacle for use in an automated pill dispensing apparatus

Abstract

A pill storage container is provided and includes a housing having an open first end and a closed second end with a first locking feature being formed proximate the open first end. The pill storage container also includes a removable lid assembly positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position with respect to the housing. The lid assembly includes an outer cover; a first part having depressable locking tabs; and a second part rotatably coupled to the outer cover. The second part includes first locking slots for receiving the locking tabs to prevent rotation of the second part in the locked position and the second part further includes a second locking feature which releasably mates with the first locking feature in the locked position, wherein depressing the locking tabs and rotation of the second part results in the second locking feature disengaging from the first locking feature and the lid assembly being removable in this unlocked position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of medical care, and more specifically, to a pill storage receptacle having certain security and safety features and intended for use in an automated pill dispensing apparatus.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The issue of medication errors is one of the most critical health care challenges currently facing our country and the medical and pharmaceutical professions. A number of hospitalized patients have their health jeopardized and in some events, patients have lost their lives due to a medical error. Unfortunately, a number of these medical errors are of the type that are caused by medicating errors. Accurate medicating of patients is one of the most important aspects of the medical care industry.

[0003] Health care providers to the long term care industry have continued with archaic, manual methods of medication administering systems, such as the unit dose system, despite the errors that can result and the potential safety concerns of the patient. For example, the administrator of medication following the unit dose system typically records the relevant information on the patient's medication chart. The administrator will thus record the time that the medication was dispensed and will initial the record to attest to the fact that the medication was delivered. Unfortunately, there are a number of deficiencies with such a system, namely, the patient's medication chart can be continuously changing due to doctor's orders or the like and therefore, there is a risk that the medication chart has not been updated to reflect very recent changes in the medication regiment. Also, the entries in the medication chart can be or become illegible over time and therefore, an error can be made based on these reasons. Further, there are instances of incorrectly medicating patients as a result of giving the wrong drug to a patient or giving a patient the wrong dose.

[0004] Unfortunately, theft of medication even by those that are responsible for the administration of the medication is another challenge facing the health care industry. There are a number of reasons why there is an increasing prevalence of such theft, with one reason being that many medications have a high street value and thus represent instant cash and another reason being that the medication is sometimes stolen to fuel an existing drug addiction by the administrator. While, such situations still represent a very small amount of the overall transactions that occur in the health care industry, it is desirable to reduce such events as theft ultimately drives up the cost of providing health care and also places the public at risk.

[0005] While automated devices have been developed which are capable of retrieving and dispensing pills, there is a need for incorporating additional security and safety measures into the automated devices that are used to administer pills. It would therefore be desirable to provide additional security and safety features that can be incorporated into components used in an automated drug dispensing apparatuses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A pill storage container is provided and includes a housing having an open first end and a closed second end with a first locking feature being formed proximate the open first end. The pill storage container also includes a removable lid assembly positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position with respect to the housing. The lid assembly includes an outer cover; a first part having depressable locking tabs; and a second part rotatably coupled to the outer cover. The second part includes first locking slots for receiving the locking tabs to prevent rotation of the second part in the locked position and the second part further includes a second locking feature which releasably mates with the first locking feature in the locked position, wherein depressing the locking tabs and rotation of the second part results in the second locking feature disengaging from the first locking feature and the lid assembly being removable in this unlocked position. The lid assembly also has a bottom lid part that is securely coupled to the outer cover with the first and second parts being disposed between the outer cover and the bottom lid part. Only the second part is rotatable since the outer cover and the bottom lid part are held stationary in the housing and the first part is non-rotatably coupled to the bottom lid part. To permit access to the depressable locking tabs and the second part, in general, the outer cover has a series of access openings or slots formed therein that are aligned with the locking features of the first and second parts.

[0007] Advantageously, the lid assembly is constructed to include a self-contained locking mechanism (namely, the first and second inner locking members) that makes it more difficult for a user or the like to manipulate or defeat the locking mechanism to gain unauthorized access to an interior of the pill storage container or medication, such as pills, is held. A special tool is required to access the locking mechanism for pressing down the lockable tabs and for rotating the second part in a direction that causes the second locking feature to disengage the first locking feature and thereby disengage the lid assembly and permit the lid assembly to be removed from the housing.

[0008] In another aspect of the present application, a method of locking and unlocking a pill storage container is provided. The pill storage container has a housing including a first locking feature and a removable lid assembly positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lid assembly includes an outer cover and a locking mechanism including a first part having depressable locking tabs and a second part rotatably coupled to the outer cover and including first locking slots that receive the locking tabs in the locked position and a second locking feature. The method of unlocking the lid assembly includes the steps of: (1) inserting a tool through access openings formed in the outer cover so that the tool engages the locking tabs as well as the second part; (2) depressing the locking tabs so that they disengage the first locking slots and the second part is free to rotate relative to the outer cover and the first part; (3) rotating the second part in a first direction relative to the outer cover so that the second locking features disengage the first locking feature resulting in the lid assembly being in the unlocked position and being removable from the housing; and the method of locking the lid assembly includes the step of: (1) rotating the second part in a second direction relative to the outer cover so that the second locking features interlock with the first locking feature while the locking tabs are received within the first locking slots to prevent rotation of the second part relative to the outer cover and the first part.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, a computer controlled medication cart is provided and includes a plurality of compartments and means for locking the compartments to prevent unwanted access or tampering. At least one of the compartments is a drawer having a pill container bed defined by a plurality of receiving slots. At least one pill storage container is provided for reception in one of the receiving slots in a releasably interlocking manner. The pill storage container includes a housing having an open first end and a closed second end and a removable lid assembly positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the housing. The lid assembly includes a locking mechanism disposed below the exterior cover for locking the lid assembly to the housing. A first locking feature is disposed along an outer surface of the housing and it engages a complementary second locking feature associated with the pill container bed so that the container sufficiently engages one of the receiving slots to resist axial displacement of the container housing when the lid assembly is removed.

[0010] These and other features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters represent like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0011] The foregoing and other features of the exemplary embodiments will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings of illustrative embodiments that are not necessarily drawn to show exact likeness or necessarily to scale in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pill storage receptacle according to an exemplary embodiment and with a lid assembly being in a locked position;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the pill storage receptacle of FIG. 1 with the lid assembly in an open, removed position;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the pill storage receptacle of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a section of the pill storage receptacle of FIG. 5;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the pill storage receptacle of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a rotatable part of the locking mechanism of the pill storage container of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a plan view of one exemplary tool for locking and unlocking the lid assembly, the tool being shown in the locked position;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the tool of FIG. 11 in the unlocked position; and

[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pill storage receptacle being disposed in storage bed associated with one exemplary drug dispensing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Referring first to FIGS. 1-3 in which an exemplary pill storage receptacle (container) 10 is illustrated. The pill storage receptacle 10 includes a housing 20 that has a hollow interior 12 for receiving and storing pills and a removable lid assembly 100 that releasably interlocks with the housing 20 to permit and restrict access to the pills or the like that are disposed in the interior 12. The housing 20 thus is a member that has an open first end 22 and an opposing closed end 24 with a vertical side wall 26 extending between the ends 22, 24 to define the hollow interior 12. In one exemplary embodiment, the housing 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape and circular cross-section; however, it will be appreciated that the housing 20 can be formed to have any number of different shapes. For example, the housing 20 can have an oval, an oblong, or square cross-section. The housing 20 preferably includes a locating member 30 that is formed as part of the housing 20. In one application, pill storage receptacle 10 is used in a drug dispensing apparatus 200 (FIG. 13) and is disposed within an opening formed in a pill receptacle bed construction where a number of pill storage receptacles 10 are stored. In this application, the locating member 30 serves as a locating feature since it provides a different shape compared to the rest of the housing 20 which is generally circular in cross-section. Thus, the opening that receives the pill storage receptacle 10 has a slot portion for receiving the member 30 such that if the member 30 is not axially aligned with the slot portion of the opening, the pill storage receptacle 10 will not fit into the opening. The member 30 and complimentary slot portion thus act as a key to permit the pill storage receptacle to only be disposed within the opening in one way. Further, the member 30 serves as an information element in that identifying information, such as bar code labels or the like, can be disposed on the surface of the member 30. For example, a bar code label can be affixed to an upper surface of the member 30 and extend over onto a side surface of the member 30.

[0026] The housing 20 also contains a protrusion 31 or the like that is formed on an outer surface thereof. The illustrated protrusion 31 is square shaped; however, the protrusion 31 can have any number of other shapes. The protrusion 31 serves to releasably lock the housing 20 to a bed frame (not shown) that holds a number of pill containers 10 according to an arranged pattern. More specifically, when the housing 10 is inserted into an opening of the bed frame, the protrusion 31 engages and interlocks with an undercut formed as part of the bed frame. The protrusion 31 locks the pill container 10 in place in the bed frame so that if a pulling force (e.g., a suction force) is applied to the container 10, the housing 20 does not simply become dislodged from the bed frame. One will appreciate that the feature 31 is not limited to a protrusion but rather can have any number of different forms so long as it is intended to mate with a complementary feature formed in the bed frame so as to permit the housing 20 to be sufficiently engaged to resist axial displacement thereof when the lid assembly 100 is removed. For example, the feature 31 can be a locking recess and the feature that is formed as part of the housing 20 can be in the form of a flexable locking tab that is biased into the locking position in which it is releasably received within the locking recess.

[0027] The open first end 22 of the exemplary housing 20 is of a lipped construction in that a flange 40 extends around the periphery of the open first end 22. When the housing 20 includes the member 30, the ends of the peripheral flange 40 extend to the member 30. The flange 40 provides a lip at the first end 22 since the flange 40 extends outwardly away from an outer surface of the vertical side wall 26. The flange 40 has a top surface 42 that is preferably in the same or substantially the same plane as an outer surface of the lid assembly 100 in the locked position.

[0028] The flange 40 also defines a peripheral rim is formed around the hollow interior 12. The peripheral rim includes a smooth, planar platform 43 that receives a section of the lid assembly 100 as will be described and also a shoulder 45 is formed around the hollow interior 12 as part of the peripheral rim. This shoulder 45 also serves to locate the lid assembly 100 when the lid assembly 100 is placed in its locked position. While the peripheral rim is generally arcuate in shape due to the circular shape of the housing, the rim does include two flats 47 that are formed opposite one another. Each flat 47 is a section of the peripheral rim that is not arcuate in shape but rather it is a section where the rim is another shape (e.g., linear) for a length therefrom in the illustrated embodiment. One of the flats 47 is located at the interface between the member 30 and the housing 20 and the other is formed 180° thereapart. The flat 47 formed at the handle 30 is actually defined by a section of the member 30.

[0029] The housing 20 also includes one or more (and preferably a pair of) locking slots 50 formed therein near the open first end 22. The slots 50 are formed within the vertical side wall 26 such that the slots 50 open into the hollow interior 12; however, the slots 50 do not extend completely through the vertical side wall 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 50 are formed in the vertical side wall 26 opposite one another (180° apart from one another) and each has a generally rectangular shape. In one arrangement, one slot 50 is formed in the housing 20 where the member 30 is formed so that the one slot 50 is formed in the vertical side wall 26 opposite to where the member 30 connects to the housing 20. It will be appreciated that the locking slots 50 can have other shapes besides rectangular.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, the lid assembly 100 is of a type that provides increased safety and security features to the pill storage receptacle 10. The lid assembly 100 is formed of a number of different individual parts that mate together in a way that permits the lid assembly 100 to be locked to the housing 20 to prevent unauthorized access to the interior 12 where the medication (e.g., pills) is stored (FIG. 1), while at the same time, the lid assembly 100 can be removed from the housing 20, in the unlocked position, to permit access to the hollow interior 12 (FIG. 2). As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the lid assembly 100 is constructed so that a tool (not shown) is used to unlock the lid assembly 100 from the housing 20.

[0031] One exemplary lid assembly 100 is formed of four parts, namely an outer cover 110, a lid bottom 120 and first and second inner locking members 130, 140 that are disposed between the outer cover 110 and the lid bottom 120 and cooperate with one another to lock and unlock the lid assembly 100 to the housing 20. The outer cover 110 has an outer surface 112 and an opposing inner surface 114 and is preferably formed of a rigid material, such as a plastic material. The shape of the outer cover 110 is complementary to the shape of the housing 20 so that the lid assembly 100 can mate with and be releasably interlocked with the housing 20. More specifically, the outer cover 110 has a peripheral edge 116 that is generally arcuate in shape with the exception of two flats 118 formed as a part thereof for aligning with and mating with the complementary flats 47 formed as part of the housing 20. When the lid assembly 100 is locked in place to the housing 20, the inner surface 114 of the outer cover 110 seats against the planar platform 43 with the flats 118, 47 abutting each other. The abutting flats 118, 47 serve not only to locate the outer cover 110 relative to the housing 20 but also serve to prevent rotation of the outer cover 110 relative to the housing 20. The irregular shape of the outer cover 110 and the provision of flats 118, 47 make the user place the outer cover 110 on the housing 20 in its proper orientation to ensure that the outer cover 110 securely fits and mates with the housing 20 to ensure alignment between locking fingers 160 and the slots 50.

[0032] The outer cover 110 also includes one or more (and preferably a plurality of) access openings or slots 111 formed therein. The access slots 111 are formed completely through the outer cover 110 so as to permit a tool, finger, etc. to extend through the slots 111 to engage the internal locking parts as will be described in detail hereinafter. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer cover 110 includes four access slots 111, with each access slot 111 having an oblong, arcuate shape (arcuate kidney like shape). The slots 111 are arranged in a generally circular pattern on the outer cover 110 such that a solid circular shaped platform is formed between the slots 111. While, the slots 111 are illustrated as having identical shapes and sizes, it will be appreciated that one or more of the slots 111 can have a different shape and/or size relative to the other slots 111.

[0033] The outer cover 110 also includes a first hub member 113 that extends downwardly from the inner surface 114 of the outer cover 110 as illustrated in FIG. 6. The first hub member 113 is a hollow member that protrudes outwardly from the inner surface 114. The first hub member 113 is thus defined by a shaped wall that is integrally connected to the inner surface 114 at one end thereof and is open at the other end. In other words, the wall defines a hollow interior that is closed at one end by the inner surface 114 of the outer cover 110 and is open at the other end. Preferably, the first hub member 113 is a central hub member that is formed centrally in the outer cover 110 and more specifically, the first hub member 113 is formed at a location between the slots 111. In one exemplary embodiment, the first hub member 113 has a circular tube-like shape.

[0034] The lid bottom 120 is securely coupled to the outer cover 110 so that the two rotate together and a space 121 is formed therebetween for receiving and containing the first and second inner locking members 130, 140. The lid bottom 120 is a rigid part formed of a suitable material, such as a plastic material, and includes a bottom base platform 122 and a side wall 124 that extends upwardly from a peripheral edge of the base platform 122. The side wall 124 is not normal to the planar base platform 122 but rather the side wall 124 joins the base platform 122 at an angle and therefore, the side wall 124 represents a beveled edge of the lid bottom 120. The side wall 124 and the base platform 122 define a well like structure that can receive and contain other working parts of the lid assembly 100 as will be described.

[0035] The side wall 124 of the lid bottom 120 has a pair of cut-outs or windows 126 formed therein. Each cut-out 126 is formed in an upper section of the side wall 124 such that the cut-out 126 is open at its top edge and its bottom edge is formed in the side wall 124 at a location above the planar base platform 122. In other words, the cut-out 126 does not extend completely to the base platform 122 but rather there is a section of the side wall 124 underneath the cut-outs 126. The number of cut-outs 126 preferably equals the number of locking slots 50 formed in the housing 20 and also the shape of the cut-outs 126 is complementary to the shape of the locking slots 50. The exemplary cut-outs 126 are rectangular shaped and therefore, each cut-out 126 also includes two side edges that are parallel to one another and normal to the bottom edge. However, the cut-outs 126 are not limited to having rectangular shapes and can have any number of suitable shapes so long as they are complementary to the locking slots 50. The cut-outs 126 are preferably formed opposite one another, e.g., 180° apart from one another.

[0036] The lid bottom 120 also includes a pair of tabs 127 that are formed at one edge of the cut-out 126. More specifically, tab 127 is an elongated vertical protrusion that extends upwardly from the base platform 122 along the side wall 124 at one of the side edges of the cut-out 126. More specifically, the tab 127 is formed as part of the side wall 124 at one end of the cut-out so that the tab 127 does not-extend into the cut-out 126. Preferably, the height of the tab 127 is such that the top of the tab 127 is above the bottom edge of cut-out 126. At the other side edge of the cut-out 126, the side wall 124 includes a beveled surface 129 that is angled into the cut-out 126. The tab 127 serves as a stop for limiting the degree of rotational movement of the first inner locking member 130 as will be described.

[0037] The lid bottom 120 also includes a second hub member 150 that mates with the first hub member 113 in a manner to ensure that the outer cover 110 is securely coupled to the lid bottom 120. More specifically, the second hub member 150 is integrally formed with the base platform 122 and extends upwardly from an inner surface thereof. The second hub member 150 can have a number of different shapes and according to one exemplary embodiment, the second hub member 150 has an irregular shape and has a bore 152 formed therethrough. In other words, the second hub member 150 is a hollow member. The irregular shape of the illustrated second hub member 150 is generally in the shape of an eye in that it includes a generally circular center section but the side wall thereof tapers inwardly and converges at both ends. Both the first and second hub members 113, 150 have planar ends that permit the two to mate together and be rigidly assembled to one another. For example, the first and second hub members 113, 150 can be mechanically fastened to one another using conventional techniques, such as a snap fit connection, a sonic weld or other type of bond, etc.

[0038] Because the outer cover 110 is coupled to the housing 20 such that it is prevented from rotating and the lid bottom 120 is connected to the outer cover 110, the lid bottom 120 likewise cannot rotate. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the lid bottom 120 is disposed between the side wall 26 of the housing 20 such that the lid bottom 120 is free of connection to the housing 20. Thus, the outer diameter of the lid bottom 120 is less than the inner diameter of the housing 20 so that the lid bottom 120 can be received within the interior 12.

[0039] The first and second inner locking members 130, 140 represent the inner working parts of the lid assembly 100 that permit the lid assembly to be locked and removably unlocked to the housing 20. The first inner locking member 130 is a rotatable member that is operatively coupled to the outer cover 110 and has an outer surface 131 that faces the outer cover 110 and an inner surface 161 that faces the second inner locking member 140. The first inner locking member 130 is a relatively plate-like structure that has a number of different locking features. The first inner locking member 130 has a main body section 133 that is generally circular shaped with arcuate edges. The first inner locking member 130 has a pair of locking fingers 160 that extend radially outwardly from the main body section 133. The locking fingers 160 are arranged so that they extend around a peripheral edge of the main body section 133 in opposite directions.

[0040] Each locking finger 160 has a first end 162 that is integrally connected to the main body section 133 and a second end 164 that is spaced from the main body section 133. A slot or opening 166 is formed between the locking finger 160 and the main body section 133. The second end 164 of one locking finger 160 is spaced across from the first end 162 of the other locking finger 160 and therefore, the locking fingers 160 extend in opposite directions along the circumferential edge of the main body section 133. A side edge 168 of each finger 160 has a series of beveled cam surfaces that facilitate the inward flexing of the fingers 160 as a result of a disengaging action as will be described hereinafter. The formation of the slot 166 and the fabrication of the locking finger from a suitable plastic material or the like permits the locking fingers 160 to have a resilient nature in that the locking fingers 160 are positionable between a relaxed state and a biased state in which the locking fingers flex inwardly toward the main body section 133. The distal end sections 164 have the greatest potential for flexing inwardly due to the sections 164 being the farthest from the connection points to the main body section 133.

[0041] The first inner locking member 130 has a number of openings and slots formed therein. More specifically, the first inner locking member 130 includes a central opening 132 that is shaped and sized to receive the first hub member 113 for coupling the first inner locking member 130 to the outer cover 110. In one exemplary embodiment, the central opening 132 is circular in shape since the first hub member 113 is likewise circular in shape. By disposing the first hub member 113 through the central opening 132, the first inner locking member 130 is rotatably coupled to the outer cover 110. The first inner locking member 130 has a pair of side openings 134 that are formed therethrough and preferably located in the first inner locking member 130 where the locking fingers 160 do not extend therearound. The side openings 134 and the central opening 132 are preferably axially aligned and in one exemplary embodiment, the side openings 134 are circular shaped. The side openings 134 are intended to receive a tool for unlocking the lid assembly 100 as will be described. The first inner locking member 130 also includes one or more and preferably a pair of second locking openings or slots 136 formed therein for interlockingly receiving locking features of the second inner locking member 140. Preferably, the two second locking slots 136 are formed in the second inner locking member 130 at locations radially around the central opening 132 and proximate to the locking fingers 160. In other words, the side openings 134 are formed opposite one another and the two second locking slots 136 are formed opposite one another.

[0042] Each second locking slot 136 has two distinct segments, namely a first segment 137 that is generally an arcuate channel having a rounded first end and a second segment 138 that is formed at the opposite second end of the arcuate channel. The second segment 138 is an opening that extends inwardly toward the central opening 132 and terminates in a straight edge at the end facing and closes to the central opening 132. The opening of the second segment 138 has a generally rectangular shape; however, the shape and size can be varied according to a given application so long as it can receive locking features of the second inner locking member 140 as will be described.

[0043] The second inner locking member 140 is also received between the outer cover 110 and the lid bottom 120 and more specifically, the second inner locking member 130 is disposed between the first inner locking member 130 and the lid bottom 120. The second inner locking member 140 has some similarity to the first inner locking member 130 in that both are generally plate-like structures. The exemplary second inner locking member 140 is generally S-shaped and includes a main section 142 that includes an opening 144 formed therethrough. The opening 144 is shaped and sized to receive the second hub member 150 in such a manner that the second inner locking member 140 is not rotatable about the second hub member 150. Because the second hub member 150 has an irregular shape and the opening 144 has a complementary irregular shape, the second inner locking member 140 is not rotatable about the second hub member 150 but rather the shapes of these elements prevent such rotation. Thus, the lid bottom 120 and the second inner locking member 140 are not rotatable with respect to one another. It will be appreciated that the shapes of the second hub member 150 and the opening 144 are not limited to the illustrated shape since any number of other shapes (regular and irregular) can be used so long as the second inner locking member 140 is prevented from freely rotating about the second hub member 150.

[0044] The second inner locking member 140 has a pair of resilient arms 146 that are formed as part thereof and are integrally connected to the main section 142. Each resilient arm 146 has an arcuate shape and has a first end 141 that is connected to the main section 142 and a second end 143 that represents a distal, free end and is spaced from the main section 142. The arcuate or curved nature of the resilient arms 146 permits the arms 146 to follow the contour of the main section 142, with a gap 145 being formed between the resilient arms 146 and the main section 142. The formation of the gap 145 and the connection between each finger 146 to the main section 142 at only one location provides the finger 146 with its resilient characteristics. In other words, if a force is applied to the top or bottom face of the finger 146, the finger 146 will flex either downward or upward, respectively. The finger 146 also can have a degree of lateral movement since it can at least flex slightly inward toward the main section 142; however, the main action of the resilient fingers 146 in the illustrated embodiment is the flexing motion in the up and down directions.

[0045] The second inner locking member 140 also preferably has a variable thickness across its surface so as to provide the resiliency to the arms 146. More specifically, the thickness of the second inner locking member 140 is greatest at the main section 142 and the thickness decreases as the arm 146 is formed such that each arm 146 has a thickness less than the thickness of the main section 142. However, the inner surfaces (the surfaces facing the first inner locking member 130) of the arms 146 are preferably substantially planar with the inner surface of the main section 142. In other words, an underside of each arm 146 is shaved to reduce the thickness of the arms 146 and also to create a gap between the arms 146 and the lid bottom 120. The decreased thickness thus provides the resilient nature of the arms 146 since the arms 146 have a degree of flexing movement since the arms 146 can flex toward the lid bottom 120.

[0046] Each resilient arm 146 includes a locking tab 149 formed at or near the second end 143 thereof. The locking tab 149 is in the form of a protrusion that extends upwardly from the inner surface of the arm 146. The shape and size of the locking tab 149 are complementary to the second locking slot 136, and more specifically, the second segment 138 thereof. Thus, the illustrated locking tab 149 has a generally rectangular shape and is received within the rectangular opening defined as the second segment 138. The locking tab 149 can only be received within the second locking slot 136 when it aligns with the second segment 138 at which time, the locking tab 149 extends through the second locking slot 136. The locking tabs 149 thus serve to lock the first inner locking part 130 and prevent rotation thereof since the reception of the locking tabs 149 within the second locking slots 136 engages and fixes the first inner locking member 130 to the second inner locking member 140, thereby preventing the free rotation of the first inner locking member 130 about the first hub member 113. The locking tabs 149 cannot fit within the remaining sections of the second locking slots 136 and thus the first and second inner locking members 130, 140 interlock only when the locking tabs 149 align with the second locking slots 136. When interlocked, the lid assembly 100 can secure the opening 12 of the housing 20 in a closed condition. The resilient nature of the arms 146 permits the locking tabs 149 to be disengaged from the second locking slots 136 as described below and this disengagement of the locking tabs 149 frees the first inner locking member 130 to rotate.

[0047] The operation of the pill storage receptacle 10 is now described. The lid assembly 100 is positionable between a locked position where it is securely attached to the housing 20 and an unlocked position in which the entire lid assembly 100 can be removed from the housing to permit access to the interior 12.

[0048] In the locked position, the lid assembly 100 interlocks with the housing 20 and cannot be removed and the lock mechanism consisting of the first and second inner locking members 130, 140 cannot be easily accessed by an individual since they are disposed between the outer cover 110 and the lid bottom 120. By placing the locking mechanism away from direct contact by the user, the lid assembly 100 is more tamper proof and this results in increased safety benefits being provided. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, in the locked position, the resilient locking fingers 160 of the first inner locking member 130 interlockingly engage the locking slots 50 formed in the side wall 26 of the housing 20. More specifically, the distal ends of the locking fingers 160 extend through the cut-outs 126 of the lid bottom 120 in the locked position and are received within the locking slots 50. The locking tabs 149 of the resilient arms 146 engage and are received within the second locking slots 136 to thereby interlock the first inner locking member 130 to the second inner locking member 140. This prevents rotation of the first inner locking member 130 about the first hub member 113 and thus, the locking fingers 160 remain interlocked with the locking slots 50. Thus, in the locked position, all four parts of the lid assembly 20 are held stationary and fixed relative to one another.

[0049] Now referring to FIGS. 1-12, to unlock the lid assembly 100, a tool 300 is used. In one exemplary embodiment, the tool 300 is a four prong tool that has a pair of first prongs 310 and a pair of second prongs 320. The first and second prongs 310, 320 are arranged in a manner that is complementary to the arrangement of the access slots 111 so that the first and second prongs 310, 320 can extend into and through the access slots 111. The first prongs 310 are designed to interface with the locking tabs 149 for pressing the locking tabs 149 downward so as to disengage the locking tabs 149 from the second locking slots 136. Thus, after the first prongs 310 extend through two of the access slots 111, the first prongs 310 extend into the second segments 138 of the second locking slots 136 and make contact with an upper surface of the locking tabs 149. The first prongs 310 are driven downward and this is translated into downward movement of the locking tabs 149. As the locking tabs 149 are driven downward, the locking tabs 149 become disengaged from the second locking slots 136 once the locking tabs 149 clear the first inner locking member 130. The locking tabs 149 are thus driven downward a sufficient distance so that the locking tabs 149 clear the first inner locking member 130, thereby freeing the first inner locking member 130 to rotate about the first hub member 113 since the first inner locking member 130 is no longer fixed to the second inner member 140. The first inner locking member 130 is thus the only part of the lid assembly 100 that is free to rotate relative to the other parts. In one exemplary embodiment, the first prongs 310 are fixed to the tool 300 in a stationary manner in that the first prong 310 do not move relative to the other sections of the tool 300.

[0050] The second prongs 320 serve to rotate the first inner locking member 130 from its locked position to an unlocked position by being received through the other access slots 111 of the outer cover 110 and then extending into the side openings. 134 of the first inner locking member 130. The second prongs 320 are thus rotatably fixed in the tool 300 so that upon actuation, the second prongs 320 rotate a prescribed amount. More specifically, the tool 300 includes slots 302 that limit the degree of rotation of the second prongs 320 (which can be rotated using conventional means, such as an electric motor, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 302 have a slightly arcuate shape and the rotatable second prongs 320 are positionable between a locked position (FIG. 11) and an unlocked position (FIG. 12). When the tool 300 is in the locked position, the second prongs 320 are disposed at one end of their respective slots 302 and when actuated and rotated to the unlocked position, the second prongs 320 are disposed at the other end of their respective slots 302, as illustrated. The slots 302 thus limit the degree that the second prongs 320 can rotate.

[0051] Preferably, the outer dimensions of the second prongs 320 are slightly less than the dimensions of the side openings 134 to permit the second prongs 320 to be received within the side openings 134 such that if any space is formed therebetween it is very small. The degree of movement of the second prongs 320 in the side openings 134 is minimal so as to prevent slippage and ensure that the movement of the second prongs 320 is translated into movement of the first inner locking member 130.

[0052] To effectuate rotation of the first inner locking member 130, the second prongs 320 are rotated clockwise, while the first prongs 310 are held stationary. The access slots 111 define the degree of movement of the second prongs 320 since the outer cover 110 does not move and therefore, when the lid assembly 100 is in the locked position, the side openings 134 are each disposed at one end of one access slot 111 and therefore, the second prongs 320 are disposed at one end of the access slots 111 when initially disposed through the side openings 134. Thus, the maximum degree of rotation of the first inner locking member 130 is accomplished by moving (rotating) the second prongs 320 to the other end of the access slots 111. Because the first inner locking member 130 is disengaged from the second inner locking member 140, the rotational movement of the second prongs 320 is directly translated into rotation of the first inner locking member 130.

[0053] The stationary first prongs 310 are accommodated during the rotation of the first inner locking member 130 by the first segments 137 of the second locking slots 136. As the first inner locking member 130 is rotated, the locking tabs 149 remain disposed underneath the first inner locking member 130 and the first prongs 310 transition from the second segments 138 to the first segments 137 of the respective second locking slots 136. The length of the first segments 137 thus define the degree of movement of the first prongs 310 within the second locking slots 136. The access slots 111 positioned above the second locking slots 136 also define the degree of movement of the first prongs 310; however, the arcuate length of these two slots is preferably about the same. As with the second prongs 320, the first prongs 310 are initially disposed at one end of the access slots 111 before the second prongs 320 are rotated.

[0054] The clockwise rotation of the first inner locking member 130 by the second prongs 320 causes the resilient locking fingers 160 to disengage from the locking slots 50 in the following manner. As the first inner locking member 130 rotates clockwise, the cam surfaces of the side edge 168 of each finger 160 contact the beveled surface 129 of the side wall 124 of the lid bottom 120. The two cam surfaces thus engage one another and this facilitates the inward flexing of the fingers 160 as the first inner locking member 130 is continuously rotated relative to the stationary lid bottom 120. Each beveled surface 129 thus contacts one respective locking finger 160 at the first end 162 thereof and as the first inner locking member 130 is rotated, the beveled surface 129 successively contacts the locking finger 160 at points closer to the second end 164.

[0055] It will be appreciated that the continuous clockwise rotation of the first inner locking member 130 causes the inward flexing of the resilient locking fingers 160 due to the beveled surface 129 of the lid bottom 120 engaging the side edges 168 of the locking fingers 160 and applying a sufficient force thereagainst to cause the inward flexing of the resilient locking fingers 160 toward the main body section 133. As the first inner locking member 130 is further rotated, the lid bottom 120 forces the locking fingers into a disengaged, unlocked position where the resilient fingers 160 are disposed within the side wall 124 instead of extending through the cut outs 126.

[0056] The stoppers 127 (tabs) also serve to restrict the degree of rotation of the first inner locking member 130. As the first inner locking member 130 rotates, the distal end of each locking finger 160 travels toward one stopper 127 and if the user continues to rotate the first inner locking member 130, the distal ends of the locking fingers 160 strike the stoppers 127. Once the distal ends of the locking fingers 160 contact the stoppers 127, the first inner locking member 130 cannot be rotated any further. Once the resilient fingers 160 are disengaged from the locking slots 50, the lid assembly 100 is free to be removed from the housing 20. This task can be performed in any number of different ways. For example, the tool 300 can also include an element that positively engages and lifts the lid assembly 100 from the outer cover 110 or the tool 300 can include a suction element for applying suction to the outer cover 110 such that the suction is of sufficient strength that the lid assembly 100 can be lifted by the outer cover 110. Once the lid assembly 100 is removed, access is provided to the interior 12. By having four prongs 310, 320 as part of the tool 300, the tool 300 is harder to overcome and duplicate since it requires four prongs of the correct relative lengths, etc., to be used to open and close the lid assembly 100. Thus, the specificity of the tool 300 is a security measure for preventing unauthorized tampering of the lid assembly 100 to gain unauthorized access to the interior 12.

[0057] To install the lid assembly 100 back into the housing 20, the user can install the lid assembly 100 in either its locked or unlocked positions. If the user installs the lid assembly 100 in its unlocked position, the locking fingers 160 remain contained within the side wall 124 of the lid assembly 120 (i.e., the locking fingers 160 do not extend through the cut outs 126). The lid assembly 100 is placed into the housing 20 so that the outer cover 110 seats against the planar platform and the shoulder 45 of the housing 20 with flats 118, 47 abutting one another. In this position, the locking tabs 149 remain disposed underneath the first inner locking member 130 and out of engagement with the second locking slots 136. The lid assembly 100 is then locked to the housing 20 using tool 300 by disposing the second prongs 320 through the respective access slots 311 and into the side openings 134 of the first inner locking member 130. The second prongs 320 are advanced to a location where there is a space between their ends and the first inner locking member 130 (the second prongs 320 should not contact and create interference with the second inner locking member 140).

[0058] The second prongs 320 are then rotated counterclockwise and this is translated into counterclockwise rotation of the first inner locking member 130. As the first inner locking member 130 is rotated counterclockwise, the side edges 168 of the locking fingers 160 travel along the side wall 124 of the lid bottom 120 in a direction toward respective cut outs 126. The beveled edges on the side edge 168 of each resilient finger 160 is directed into one respective cut out 126 by the beveled edge 129, which is angled into the cut out 129. The natural biasing action of the resilient fingers 160 causes the fingers to flex outwardly into and through the cut outs 126 and then ultimately into the locking slots 50.

[0059] As the resilient locking fingers 160 engage the locking slots 50 due to the counterclockwise rotation of the first inner locking member 130, the relative position between the locking tabs 149 and the second locking slots 136 changes. More specifically, the locking tabs 149 travel underneath the first segment 137 toward the second segment 138 and as soon as the locking tabs 149 align with the first segment 137, the natural biasing force of the resilient arms 146 causes each locking tab 149 to engage and extend into one first segment 137 of one respective second locking slot 136. At the same time, the resilient locking fingers 160 assume their locked positions relative to the housing 20. Once the resilient locking fingers 160 are disposed in the locking slots 50, the first inner locking member 130 is prevented from rotating due to the presence of the locking tabs 149 within the second locking slots 136.

[0060] It will be appreciated that the installation of the lid assembly 100 into the housing 20 and locking of the lid assembly 100 does not require the use of the first prongs 310 of the tool 300 (as described above); however, the first prongs 310 can be used. When the first prongs 310 are used, they are initially received through the access slots 111 and within the first segments 137 of the second locking slots 136 where they can engage the locking tabs 149 that lie underneath the second inner locking member 140. As the first inner locking member 130 is rotated, the first prongs 310 travel within the first segments 137 and then into the second segments 138 as the locking tabs 149 engage the second locking slots 136.

[0061] Alternatively, the lid assembly 100 can be installed into the housing 20 in a locked position where the resilient locking fingers 160 are extending outward through the cut outs 126 of the side wall 124 of the lid bottom 120. When the user places the lid assembly 100 into the housing 20, the diameter measured between the distal ends of the locking fingers 160 is greater than the diameter of the interior 12 and therefore, the lid assembly 100 does not simply slide within the interior 12 due to the projecting locking fingers 160. However, the resilient nature of the locking fingers 160 permits the locking fingers 160 to flex inward as the locking fingers 160 contact the inner surface of the housing 20.

[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 9-10, each locking finger 160 includes a lead-in chamfer 163 that facilitates the inward flexing of the resilient locking fingers 160 when the locking fingers 160 contact the inner surface of the housing 20. More specifically, the lead-in chamfer 163 permits the locking finger to better engage the inner surface of the housing 20 and thereby, it facilitates applying an inward force to the locking fingers 160. The resilient nature of the locking fingers 160 permits the locking fingers 160 to close inwardly due to contact with the housing 20. The locking fingers 160 close slightly inward to a degree that permits the lid assembly 100 to be received within the housing 20 and to travel downwardly therein until the distal ends of the locking fingers 160 align with and engage the locking slots 50 by being disposed therein. Thus, once the locking fingers 160 register with the locking slots 50, the locking fingers 160 flex into and are engaged to the locking slots 50, thereby securely fastening the lid assembly 100 to the housing 20 (the lid assembly is now in the locked position).

[0063] It will also be appreciated that instead of tool 300, a modified version of tool 300 can be used. For example, the tool 300 does not have to be a four prong tool but rather it can be a simpler two prong tool. In this embodiment, the second prongs 320 and the side openings 134 are eliminated and the first prongs 310 serve not only to depress the locking tabs 149 but also serve to rotate the first inner locking member 130. In other words, the first prongs 310 engage the locking tabs 149 and the first prongs 310 are rotated so that the first prongs 310 travel from the second segments 138 to the first segments 137 of the second locking slots 136. This motion causes the rotation of the first inner locking member 130 and thus the lid assembly 100 can be positioned between the locked and unlocked positions using the modified tool 300 that includes only two prongs, namely the first prongs 310.

[0064] In alternative embodiments, the lid assembly 100 can be configured to require more than two prongs to release the lid from the housing 200. The specific arrangement selected should balance the need to discourage and frustrate individuals who might otherwise gain access to the housing's contents against the complexity of the tool needed to open the device of the mechanism required to drive the tool so as to open the housing 20.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 13, the pill storage container 10 is preferably arranged in a bed that is part of a rollable medication cart 400 that is used to bring a variety of medications closer to a patient, a patient's room, or wherever a dispensary might best be utilized. The cart 400 includes a user interface including a display 410 and data entry panel 420 at which a health care professional can identify himself or herself as well as enter and read/scan information about a particular patient. An automated pill sorting and dispensing mechanism, generally indicated at 500, is provided for retrieving one or more pills from pill storage container 10 using the tool 300 which can be incorporated into the automated components of the medication cart 400. A master controller can control the movements of a probe for retrieving one or more pill from one selected pill storage container 10 of the entire bed of pill storage containers 10 and the master controller can control the actuation of the tool 300. The tool 300 is preferably guided along guide rails that permit it (like the probe) to move in the x, y and z directions and further, the tool 300 is connected to the controller so that it can easily be actuated to cause rotation of the second prongs 320 from the locked position (FIG. 11) to the unlocked position (FIG. 12).

[0066] As previously mentioned, the container includes the feature 31 that is intended to mate with a complementary feature 33 formed in the bed frame so as to permit the housing 20 to be sufficiently engaged to resist axial displacement thereof when the lid assembly 100 is removed. For example, the feature 33 can be a locking recess and the feature 31 that is formed as part of the housing 20 can be in the form of a flexable locking tab that is biased into the locking position in which it is releasably received within the locking recess or the opposite can be true in that the feature 33 can be flexible tab and the feature 31 can be a recess that receives the feature 33 when they are axially aligned and once the feature 33 is biased therein.

[0067] The pill storage containers 10 can be arranged according to any number of patterns or arrangements in the bed. The openings that receive the pill storage containers 10 are contoured to receive the pill storage container 10 and the bed preferably, includes location and other locking features that ensure that the pill storage containers 10 are disposed properly in place and that they remain in place when the probe retrieves one or more pills from the interior 12 of the pill storage container 10.

[0068] Advantageously, the lid assembly 100 includes a self-contained locking mechanism (the first and second inner locking members 130, 140) that makes it more difficult for a user or the like to manipulate or defeat the locking mechanism to gain unauthorized access to the interior 12 of the pill storage container 10.

[0069] While the invention has been particularly shown and described shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pill storage container comprising: a housing having an open first end and a closed second end with a first locking feature being formed proximate the open first end; and a removable lid assembly positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lid assembly including: an outer cover; a first part having depressable locking tabs; and a second part rotatably coupled to the outer cover and including first locking slots for receiving the locking tabs to prevent rotation of the second part in the locked position, the second part including a second locking feature which releasably mates with the first locking feature in the locked position, wherein depressing the locking tabs and rotation of the second part results in the second locking feature disengaging from the first locking feature and the lid assembly being removable in this unlocked position.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid assembly further includes a lid bottom part that is non-rotatably coupled to the outer cover and includes a pair of cut-outs formed along a peripheral edge thereof for receiving the second locking features in the locked position, wherein rotation of the second part causes the second locking feature to contact the peripheral edge of the lid bottom part and disengage from the first locking feature, thereby permitting the lid assembly to be removed.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the outer cover is coupled to the lid bottom part by two central hubs that extend therebetween and are securely connected to one another.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein the lid bottom part comprises a ring member having a floor with a vertical side wall extending upwardly therefrom, the vertical side wall having two cut-outs formed at upper edges of the vertical side wall, the floor including a first central hub member that mates with a second central hub member formed as part of the outer cover to couple the outer cover to the lid bottom part.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the two cut-outs are formed opposite one another.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the first locking feature is at least one locking slot formed in the housing such that the locking slot opens into an inner cavity defined by the housing where pills can be stored.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the first locking feature comprises two locking slots formed in the housing opposite one another.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the second part comprises a plate structure having the first locking slots formed therein and the second locking feature comprises a pair of resilient fingers that extend radially around a section of the plate, wherein in the locked position, each resilient finger is in a relaxed condition with a distal section thereof received within one of the second locking slots that comprise the first locking feature and rotation of the second part causes the resilient fingers to flex inwardly and be disengaged from the second locking slots.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the first part is disposed below the second part so that the locking tabs extend upwardly into the first locking slots in the locked position and when the locking tabs are depressed so that they clear the first locking slots, the locking tabs are free to travel along an underside of the second part which is free to rotate relative to the outer cover and the first part.

10. The container of claim 2, wherein the lid bottom part includes a floor with an annular flange extending upwardly therefrom around a periphery thereof, the annular flange having two cut-outs formed at upper edges of the vertical side wall, the floor including a first hub member that mates with a second hub member formed as part of the outer cover, wherein the second part has a central opening that receives the second hub member in a manner that permits the second part to rotate about the second hub member and the first part includes a central opening that receives the first hub member in such a manner that prevents the first part from rotation about the first hub member.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the first hub member has an irregular shape and the central opening of the first part has a complementary irregular shape so that rotation of the first part is prevented.

12. The container of claim 10, wherein the first hub member is coupled to the second hub member in a snap-fit manner so as to securely attach the outer cover to the lid bottom part.

13. The container of claim 10, wherein the first hub member is mechanically fastened to the second hub member.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the first part comprises a plate having a main section and a pair of resilient arcuate shaped arms that extend outwardly therefrom, one locking tab being formed at a distal end of one of the resilient arcuate shaped arms.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the first part is generally S-shaped and the resiliency of the arcuate shaped arms causes the arms to flex downwardly toward the lid bottom part when a downward force is applied against the locking tabs resulting in the locking tabs disengaging from the first locking slots.

16. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer cover has one or more access openings formed therein for providing access to the depressable tabs of the first part which is disposed below the outer cover.

17. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the first locking slots formed in the second part comprises an opening formed through the second part, each first locking slot having a channel section that has increased dimensions at one end to receive one depressable locking tab in the locked position such that remaining portions of the channel section have dimensions smaller than the locking tab to prevent receipt thereof.

18. The container of claim 8, wherein each resilient finger includes a beveled section near a distal end thereof that releasably interlocks with an edge of one of a pair of second locking slots that are formed in the housing and comprise the first locking feature.

19. The container of claim 1, wherein the second part includes one or more openings formed therein for receiving a tool for rotating the second part, the first locking slots being opposite one another and the one or more openings being formed radially between the first locking slots.

20. The container of claim 2, wherein the lid bottom part includes a pair of stoppers, each stopper being formed adjacent one cut-out for restricting the rotation of the second locking feature in the unlocked position.

21. The container of claim 20, wherein each stopper is a tab that extends outwardly from the peripheral edge and extends upwardly from a floor of the lid bottom part, the tab limiting the radial movement of one resilient locking finger that forms a part of the second locking feature so as to prevent over-rotation of the second part.

22. A pill storage container comprising: a housing having an open first end and a closed second end with a first locking feature being formed proximate the open first end; and a removable lid assembly positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lid assembly including: an outer cover; a lid bottom part that is connected to the outer cover; and a locking mechanism disposed in a space between the outer cover and the lid bottom part such that access thereto from the outer cover and the lid bottom part is restricted, the locking mechanism including a second locking feature that releasably interlocks with the first locking feature in the locked position and a release feature that permits disengagement of the second locking feature from the first locking feature for placing the lid assembly in the unlocked position and permitting removal thereof.

23. The container of claim 22, wherein the first locking feature comprises a first pair of locking slots formed in the housing and the second locking feature comprises a pair of resilient locking fingers that interlock with the locking slots in the locked position and are disengaged therefrom in the unlocked position.

24. The container of claim 22, wherein the locking mechanism includes: a first part having depressable locking tabs that function as the release feature; and a second part rotatably coupled to the outer cover and including a pair of second locking slots for receiving the depressable locking tabs to prevent rotation of the second part, the second locking feature being in the form of resilient locking fingers that extend radially outward from a main section of the second part, wherein depressing the locking tabs and rotation of the second part disengages the resilient locking fingers from a pair of first locking slots that are formed in the housing and represent the first locking feature.

25. The container of claim 24, wherein the outer cover includes a plurality of access slots that permit access to the locking tabs, a length of each access slot defining a degree of rotation of the second part when a tool is used to rotate the second part.

26. The container of claim 24, wherein the second part includes at least one opening formed therein for receiving a tool to effectuate rotation of the second part once the locking tabs are disengaged from the first part.

27. The container of claim 22, wherein the lid bottom part comprises a ring member having a floor with a vertical side wall extending upwardly therefrom, the vertical side wall having a plurality of cut-outs formed at upper edges of the vertical side wall, the second locking feature extending through the cut-outs and lockingly engaging the first locking feature in the locked position.

28. The container of claim 24, wherein the first part is rotatable about a first hub member that extends from an underside of the outer cover and the second part is non-rotatably coupled to the lid bottom part by being received on a second hub member that extends from an inner surface of the lid bottom part.

29. The container of claim 24, wherein the first part comprises a plate structure having a variable thickness and having the main section and a pair of resilient arcuate shaped arms that extend outwardly therefrom, one locking tab being formed at a distal end of one of the arms, each arm having a thickness less than a thickness of the main section to permit flexing of the resilient arms to free the locking tabs from the second locking slots.

30. A method of locking and unlocking a pill storage container having a housing including a first locking feature and a removable lid assembly positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lid assembly including an outer cover and a locking mechanism including a first part having depressable locking tabs and a second part rotatably coupled to the outer cover and including first locking slots that receive the locking tabs in the locked position and a second locking feature, the method of unlocking the lid assembly comprising the steps of: inserting a tool through access openings formed in the outer cover so that the tool engages the locking tabs as well as the second part; depressing the locking tabs so that they disengage the first locking slots and the second part is free to rotate relative to the outer cover and the first part; rotating the second part in a first direction relative to the outer cover so that the second locking features disengage the first locking feature resulting in the lid assembly being in the unlocked position and being removable from the housing; and the method of locking the lid assembly includes the step of: rotating the second part in a second direction relative to the outer cover so that the second locking features interlock with the first locking feature while the locking tabs are received within the first locking slots to prevent rotation of the second part relative to the outer cover and the first part.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of inserting a tool comprises the steps of: inserting first prongs through access openings of the outer cover and into the first locking slots so that the first prongs engage the locking tabs; inserting at least one second prong through at least one access opening formed in the outer cover and into a tool opening formed in the second part; and holding the first prongs stationary in engagement with the locking tabs while the at least one second prong is rotated clockwise to cause clockwise rotation of the second part.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein lengths of the access openings and the first locking slots define a degree of rotation of the second part.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein rotation of the second part in the first direction relative to the outer cover causes the resilient locking fingers that define the second locking feature to flex inwardly due to contact with an annular side wall of a lid bottom part that is attached to the outer cover and this inward flexing disengages the resilient locking fingers from the locking slots formed in the housing that define the first locking feature.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the tool comprises a base section with the first prongs fixed to the base section in a stationary manner, the second prongs being rotatably mounted to the base section.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the second prongs are disposed through slots formed in the base section, each slot having a first end where the respective second prong is situated in the locked position and a second end where the second prong is situated in the unlocked position, the length of the slots defining a degree of rotation for the second prongs.

36. A computer controlled medication cart comprising: a cart housing including a plurality of compartments and means for locking the plurality of compartments to prevent unwanted access or tampering, at least of the compartments comprising a drawer having a pill container bed defined by a plurality of receiving slots; at least one pill storage container for reception in one of the receiving slots in a releasably interlocking manner, the pill storage container including: a housing having an open first end and a closed second end; a removable lid assembly positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the housing, the lid assembly including a locking mechanism for locking the lid assembly to the housing; and a first locking feature disposed along an outer surface of the housing and engaging a complementary second locking feature associated with the pill container bed so that the container sufficiently engages one of the receiving slots to resist axial displacement of the container housing when the lid assembly is removed.

37. The medication cart of claim 36, wherein one of the first and second locking features comprises a locking tab disposed at a prescribed location along the outer surface of the housing and projecting at least a predetermined amount therefrom and the other of the first and second locking features comprises a recess formed in one of the receiving slots of the pill container bed, the projecting tab releasably engaging the recess so as to locate and lock the container in place within the pill container bed.

38. The medication cart of claim 36, wherein the lid assembly includes an exterior cover that is irrotatable relative to the housing and the locking mechanism is disposed below the exterior cover.