U.S. patent application number 10/799469 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-29 for hiking and survival staff.
Invention is credited to Dooley, David L..
Application Number | 20050211284 10/799469 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34988351 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050211284 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dooley, David L. |
September 29, 2005 |
Hiking and survival staff
Abstract
A trekking staff having a solid shaft portion and a hollow
elongated chamber portion provides sufficient strength for allowing
a user to dynamically load the trekking staff with a significant
portion of the user's bodyweight with a minimal possibility of the
shaft portion bending or failing. The hollow elongated chamber
portion is detachably coupled to the solid shaft portion, and can
include a direction finding device, a compass, a personal water
purification system, a personal water collection system, a personal
first aid kit, survival equipment, unidirectional or bidirectional
communication equipment, a transmitter that transmits a homing
signal and/or a positional information signal. A grip portion has a
shape that conforms to a shape of the trekking staff and can
include a strand of cord-like material. A light emitting device can
be selectably controlled to emit either a constant light or a
flashing light.
Inventors: |
Dooley, David L.;
(Hillsboro, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOSEPH P. CURTIN
1469 N.W. MORGAN LANE
PORTLAND
OR
97229
US
|
Family ID: |
34988351 |
Appl. No.: |
10/799469 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/65 ;
135/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 3/00 20130101; A45B
2009/005 20130101; A45B 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/065 ;
135/066 |
International
Class: |
A45B 001/00; A45B
009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A trekking staff, comprising: a solid shaft portion having a
first end and a second end; and a hollow elongated chamber portion
having a first end and a second end, the second end of the hollow
chamber being detachably coupled to the first end of the solid
shaft portion.
2. The trekking staff according to claim 1, wherein the hollow
elongated chamber portion includes a direction finding device.
3. The trekking staff according to claim 2, wherein the direction
finding device is a mechanical magnetic compass.
4. The trekking staff according to claim 2, wherein the direction
finding device is an electronic magnetic compass.
5. The trekking staff according to claim 2, wherein the direction
finding device is a global positioning system receiver.
6. The trekking staff according to claim 1, further comprising a
grip portion.
7. The trekking staff according to claim 6, wherein the grip
portion conforms to a shape of the trekking staff.
8. The trekking staff according to claim 6, wherein the grip
portion includes a strand of cord-like material.
9. The trekking staff according to claim 8, wherein the grip
portion is spool shaped, and wherein the strand of cord-like
material is wrapped around the spool-shaped grip portion.
10. The trekking staff according to claim 8, wherein the strand of
cord-like material includes a loop.
11. The trekking staff according to claim 10, wherein the loop is
adjustable in size.
12. The trekking staff according to claim 1, further comprising a
light emitting device.
13. The trekking staff according to claim 12, wherein the light
emitting device is selectably controllable to emit one of a
constant light and a flashing light.
14. The trekking staff according to claim 13, wherein the light
emitting device is selectably controllable to emit a flashing light
containing a message in Morse code.
15. The trekking staff according to claim 12, wherein the light
emitting device emits a plurality of light colors.
16. The trekking staff according to claim 12, wherein the light
emitting device is controllable to emit light of a selected
color.
17. The trekking staff according to claim 1, further comprising a
tip portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of
the tip portion being detachably coupled to the second end of the
solid shaft portion, and the second end of the tip portion being
tapered.
18. The trekking staff according to claim 17, wherein a
cross-sectional shape of the second end of the tip portion is
round.
19. The trekking staff according to claim 17, wherein a
cross-sectional shape of the second end of the tip portion is
square.
20. The trekking staff according to claim 1, further comprising a
tip portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of
the tip portion being detachably coupled to the second end of the
solid shaft portion, and the second end of the tip portion
including an aperture having a size that allows a cord-like
material to pass through the aperture.
21. The trekking staff according to claim 1, wherein the hollow
elongated chamber portion contains a water purification system.
22. The trekking staff according to claim 1, wherein the hollow
elongated chamber portion contains a water collection system.
23. The trekking staff according to claim 1, wherein the hollow
elongated chamber portion contains a first aid kit.
24. The trekking staff according to claim 23, wherein the first aid
kit includes a single-use medication dispenser comprising: a
reservoir containing a single-use portion of a liquid-type bandage
material; and a tearable opening through which the liquid-type
bandage material is dispensed.
25. The trekking staff according to claim 23, wherein the first aid
kit includes a single-use medication dispenser comprising: a
reservoir containing a single-use portion of antiseptic; and a
tearable opening through which the antiseptic is dispensed.
26. The trekking staff according to claim 1, wherein the trekking
staff includes a single-use medication dispenser comprising: a
reservoir containing a single-use portion of a liquid-type bandage
material; and a tearable opening through which the liquid-type
bandage material is dispensed.
27. The trekking staff according to claim 1, wherein the trekking
staff includes a single-use medication dispenser comprising: a
reservoir containing a single-use portion of antiseptic; and a
tearable opening through which the antiseptic is dispensed.
28. The trekking staff according to claim 1, wherein the hollow
elongated chamber portion contains survival equipment.
29. The trekking staff according to claim 1, wherein the hollow
elongated chamber portion contains a communication device.
30. The trekking staff according to claim 29, wherein the
communication device includes a communication receiver.
31. The trekking staff according to claim 29, wherein the
communication device includes a transmitter.
32. The trekking staff according to claim 31, wherein the
transmitter transmits a voice communication.
33. The trekking staff according to claim 31, wherein the
transmitter transmits a homing signal.
34. The trekking staff according to claim 31, wherein the
transmitter transmits positional information of the trekking
staff.
35. The trekking staff according to claim 29, wherein the
communication device is a bidirectional communication device.
37. The trekking staff according to claim 1, wherein the hollow
elongated chamber portion contains an MP3 player.
38. A trekking staff, comprising: a shaft portion having a first
end and a second end; and a hollow elongated chamber portion having
a first end and a second end, the second end of the hollow chamber
being detachably coupled to the first end of the solid shaft
portion, the hollow elongated chamber portion containing an audio
reproduction device.
39. The trekking staff according to claim 38, wherein the audio
reproduction device is an MP3 player.
40. The trekking staff according to claim 38, wherein the audio
reproduction device is a tape player.
41. The trekking staff according to claim 38, wherein the shaft
portion is a solid shaft.
42. The trekking staff according to claim 38, wherein the shaft
portion is a tubular shaft.
43. A single-use medication dispenser comprising: a reservoir
containing a single-use portion of a liquid-type bandage material;
and a tearable opening through which the liquid-type bandage
material is dispensed.
44. A single-use medication dispenser comprising: a reservoir
containing a single-use portion of antiseptic; and a tearable
opening through which the antiseptic is dispensed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to walking sticks. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a walking stick that
includes survival equipment.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Hiking typically involves traversing uneven or previously
undisturbed terrain, such as an ascent or descent of a slope;
navigating rocks, boulders and/or cliffs; and/or crossing creeks
and streams. Often, vegetation is pushed aside as the terrain is
traversed. It is instinctive to attempt to aid oneself with
additional support while traversing terrain, such as by steadying
oneself using a tree or a rock. Additional support, such as a
hiking stick or a pole, is sometimes used in order that a person
may maintain a normal, erect posture. It has also become common to
use a hiking stick in each hand.
[0005] Existing hiking sticks and poles are lightweight and made of
a tubular construction and have a length that is adaptable to a
user. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,348 to Axton and U.S.
Pat. No. 4,407,318 to Stuever. Additionally, hiking sticks and
poles have been used as multi-purpose supports for various hiking
and other outdoor gear, such as a camera support, a gun rest, a
shelter pole and/or prop, a pick head and ski pole attachments.
[0006] One drawback with conventional hiking sticks and poles
having a tubular construction is that they lack sufficient strength
for allowing a user to dynamically load the hiking stick with any
significant portion of the user's bodyweight without the
possibility of the tubular sections bending or failing. A similar
drawback with conventional hiking sticks and poles having length
adjustable sections is that when a user dynamically loads the
hiking stick with a significant portion of the user's bodyweight,
there is a possibility that any of the length adjusting mechanisms
between may fail, thereby causing the pole to collapse.
[0007] A drawback with conventional hiking sticks and poles having
length-adjustable sections is that the adjustable sections
terminate at a height that is at the approximate height of a user's
hand. Consequently, conventional poles lack sufficient height for
allowing a user to conveniently deflect vegetation and other
obstacles from the user's head and chest area without disengaging
the pole from the ground, thereby eliminating the pole's utility as
a balance or support-assisting device. Moreover, the relatively
short length of such conventional hiking sticks and poles do not
permit a user to conveniently place the bottom of a pole into a
creek or stream of some depth when crossing the creek or stream
without the user bending over to uncomfortable or unbalanced
positions.
[0008] Additionally, survival devices have been developed for
assisting a person in remaining alive until rescued. Most of these
devices, however, are cumbersome, do not include particular
features for sustaining life for a period of time while affording
the additional utility as a balance or support assisting device as
a hiking stick or pole. Accordingly, conventional survival devices
are frequently left at home or used only occasionally.
[0009] Consequently, what is needed is a hiking stick or pole that
(1) has sufficient strength for allowing a user to dynamically load
the hiking stick with a significant portion of the user's
bodyweight with a minimal possibility of the hiking stick bending
or failing; (2) allows a user to conveniently deflect vegetation
and other obstacles from the user's head and chest area without
disengaging the pole from the ground; (3) allows a user to
conveniently place the bottom of the hiking stick into a creek or
stream of some depth when crossing the creek or stream; and (4)
includes survival devices for sustaining life for a period of time
without losing the utility as a balance or support assisting
device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a trekking staff having
sufficient strength for allowing a user to dynamically load the
trekking staff with a significant portion of the user's bodyweight
with a minimal possibility of the trekking staff bending or
failing. Additionally, the trekking staff of the present invention
is long enough to allow a user to conveniently deflect vegetation
and other obstacles from the user's head and chest area without
disengaging the trekking staff from the ground. Further still, the
trekking staff of the present invention allows a user to
conveniently place the bottom of the hiking stick into a creek or
stream of some depth when crossing the creek or stream. Moreover,
the trekking staff of the present invention includes survival
devices for sustaining life for a period of time without losing the
utility as a balance or support assisting device.
[0011] The advantages of the present invention are provided by a
trekking staff having a solid shaft portion and a hollow elongated
chamber portion. The hollow elongated chamber portion is detachably
coupled to the solid shaft portion. The hollow elongated chamber
portion can include a direction finding device, such as a
mechanical magnetic compass, an electronic magnetic compass, or a
global positioning system receiver. Additionally or in the
alternative, the hollow elongated chamber portion can contain a
personal water purification system, a personal water collection
system, a personal first aid kit, survival equipment,
unidirectional or bidirectional communication equipment, and/or a
transmitter that transmits a homing signal and/or a positional
information signal. The hollow chamber portion can also contain an
MP3 player. The first aid kit can include a single-use medication
dispenser having a reservoir containing a single-use portion of an
antiseptic liquid-type bandage material and a tearable opening
through which the liquid-type bandage material is dispensed.
[0012] The trekking staff of the present invention can also include
a grip portion that has a shape that conforms to a shape of the
trekking staff and can include a strand of cord-like material. In
one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the grip portion
is spool shaped and the strand of cord-like material is wrapped
around the spool-shaped grip portion. The cord-like material can
also be long enough to include a loop that is adjustable in
size.
[0013] The trekking staff of the present invention can also include
a light emitting device that is selectably controllable to emit one
of a constant light and a flashing light. Additionally, the light
emitting device can be selectably controllable to emit a flashing
light containing, for example, a message in Morse code. The light
emitting device can also emit a plurality of light colors that are
selectably controlled.
[0014] The trekking staff of the present invention includes a tip
portion that is detachably coupled to the solid shaft portion. The
tip portion can be tapered and have a cross-sectional shape that is
round or square. Alternatively, the tip portion can include an
aperture having a size that allows a cord-like material to pass
through the aperture.
[0015] The present invention also provides a trekking staff having
a shaft portion having a first end and a second end and a hollow
elongated chamber portion having a first end and a second end, the
second end of the hollow chamber being detachably coupled to the
first end of the solid shaft portion, the hollow elongated chamber
portion containing an audio reproduction device. The audio
reproduction device can be an MP3 player or a tape player.
Moreover, the shaft portion can be a solid shaft or a tubular
shaft.
[0016] Further still, the present invention provides a single-use
medication dispenser having a reservoir containing a single-use
portion of liquid-type bandage material, and a tearable opening
through which the liquid-type bandage material is dispensed.
Alternative, the single-use medication dispenser contains a
single-use portion of antiseptic.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and
not by limitation in the accompanying figures in which like
reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts a cut-away view of an exemplary top portion
for a first exemplary embodiment of a trekking staff according to
the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 2A-2C depict exemplary portions of a trekking staff
according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of a hollow
chamber according to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram for an exemplary
light emitting device according to the present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 5A-5C show exemplary tip portions having eyes for the
trekking staff according to the present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 6A and 6B respectively depict a section of an
exemplary upper portion and an exemplary lower portion of a second
exemplary embodiment of a trekking staff according to the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 6C shows an alternative configuration of the second
exemplary embodiment of a trekking staff according to the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a survival wand according to the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 7B shows plug 701 having a loop 702 and an adjustable
slide 703 that are fastened to plug 701 at lanyard loop 704;
and
[0027] FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively show top and side views of an
exemplary embodiment of a single-use medication dispenser according
to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention provides a multi-purpose trekking
staff that overcomes the drawbacks of conventional hiking sticks
and poles. In that regard, the trekking staff of the present
invention has sufficient strength for allowing a user to
dynamically load the trekking staff with a significant portion of
the user's bodyweight with a minimal possibility of the trekking
staff bending or failing. Additionally, the trekking staff of the
present invention has a length that allows a user to conveniently
deflect vegetation and other obstacles from the user's head and
chest area without disengaging the trekking staff from the ground.
Further, the length of the trekking staff of the present invention
is sufficient to allow a user to conveniently place the bottom of
the trekking staff into a creek or stream of some depth when
crossing the creek or stream. Further still, the present invention
includes survival devices for sustaining life for a period of time
without losing the utility as a balance or support assisting
device.
[0029] FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C depict exemplary portions of a first
exemplary embodiment of a trekking staff 100 according to the
present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 depicts a cut-away view of
an exemplary top portion of a trekking staff 100. FIG. 2A depicts
an exemplary middle portion of a trekking staff 100. FIG. 2B
depicts an exemplary bottom portion of a trekking staff 100, and
FIG. 2C depicts an exemplary tip portion of a trekking staff 100.
Trekking staff 100 includes a solid shaft portion 101 (FIGS. 2A and
2B) and a hollow elongated chamber portion 102 (FIG. 1). Hollow
chamber 102 is detachably coupled to solid shaft portion 101 in a
well-known manner, such as by a threaded engagement of threads 104a
with threads 104b (FIG. 2A). Similarly, a tip portion 103 (FIG. 2C)
is detachably coupled to solid shaft portion 101 in a well-known
manner, such as by a threaded engagement of threads 114a with
threads 114b. While FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C only show portions of
trekking staff 100, it should be understood that the overall size
of trekking staff 100 is preferably at least six feet in
length.
[0030] Solid shaft portion 101 is preferably made from a strong
lightweight material, such as aluminum or titanium, but can be made
from other strong materials such as steel, wood or a carbon fiber
material. Regardless of the material used, solid shaft portion 101
has sufficient strength to be dynamically loaded with a significant
portion of a user's bodyweight with a minimal possibility of the
shaft portion bending or failing.
[0031] Hollow chamber 102 can be formed from a hollow aluminum
tubing that includes a compartment containing a number of items,
such as survival gear, a personal water purification system, a
personal water collection system, a personal first aid kit,
unidirectional or bidirectional communication equipment, direction
finding equipment, like a compass or a global positioning system
(GPS) receiver, a transmitter that transmits a homing signal and/or
a positional information signal. Hollow chamber 102 can also have
direction finding equipment that is visible and/or accessible on
the outside surface of chamber 102. For example, FIG. 1 shows
hollow chamber 102 having a mechanical magnetic compass 105.
Alternatively, the direction finding equipment that is visible
and/or accessible on the outside of chamber 102 can be an
electronic compass or a GPS receiver. As yet another alternative
configuration, hollow chamber 102 can contain an MP3 player so that
music of the user's preference can accompany the user as trekking
staff is being used.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of hollow
chamber 102 according to the present invention. Items for building
a fire that can be contained in hollow chamber 102 can include are
tinder and charred material 301 and a flint and striker 302. Items
for being heard or seen can include a whistle 303, vinyl tape 304
and flagging tape 305. Vinyl tape 304 can have sufficient strength
and adhesive properties to be used for signaling and/or forming
shelter. Other items that can be included in hollow chamber 102 can
include a knife 306, a first aid kit 307, a fishing kit 308
containing, for example, fishing line, hooks and a lure, plastic
bags 309, such as whirl-pack-type bags, a length of, for example,
1/8'.times.{fraction (1/16)}.times.".times.8'plastic tubing 310,
and a water purification system, such as water purification tablets
311 or a water filter. Still other items can include a
6'.times.6'.times.2 mil plastic sheet 312 that can be used for
shelter and/or for collecting water, a wire saw 313, and a space
blanket 314. A housing 315 for compass 105 can be threaded at 316
onto the top of hollow chamber 102. A housing 317 for a light
emitting device 111, such as a super bright LED, can be threaded at
318 onto housing 315. Housing 317 is large enough to hold a circuit
board, an actuator, super bright LED and batteries. Housing 317
shown in FIG. 3 is an alternative configuration from the
configuration shown in FIG. 1. In particular, housing 317 includes
a concave reflective surface 319. Additional details regarding the
light emitting device are given elsewhere in this disclosure.
[0033] Trekking staff 100 includes a grip portion 106 that
generally conforms to the shape of trekking staff 100. FIG. 2A
shows an exemplary grip portion 106. Grip portion 106 preferably
includes flanges 107 so that grip portion 106 has the general shape
of a spool and to provide a stopping surface for a user's hand. A
length of a cord-like material 108, such as a piece of rope or
string, that is wrapped around grip portion 106 to provide a
gripable surface for grip portion 106. Cord-like material 108
preferably has a sufficient length to form a loop 109 having an
adjustable slide 110. A user's hand can be placed through loop 109
while gripping grip portion 106, thereby connectively securing
trekking staff 100 to a user by cord-like material. Slide 110
permits the size of loop to be adjusted to the preference of a
user.
[0034] Hollow chamber 102 can include a light emitting device 111.
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary light emitting device 111 that is located
at the top of trekking staff 100. Preferably, light emitting device
111 is an LED that can be controlled in a well-known manner to be
either continuously on (or pulsed to appear to be continuously on),
or flashing. FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram for light
emitting device 111. A controller 401 is responsive to actuator 402
to turn LED 403 on and off. A battery power supply is not shown in
FIG. 4. Actuator 402 can be a mechanical switch that is physically
actuated by a user or can alternatively be a Hall-Effect-type
sensor that outputs an actuator signal in response to a magnet
passing in close proximity to actuator 402. Such a magnet can be,
for example, attached to loop 109 or contained within slide 110 so
that it is conveniently available to a user. Additionally,
controller 401 can selectably control LED 403 to flash a message in
Morse code, such as SOS. LED 403 can emit a single colored light,
such as white, for illuminating an area, and/or can emit one or
more of a plurality of colored lights that are selectable by a
user. Light emitting device 111 can be fixed to hollow chamber 102,
or can be detachable from hollow chamber 102 and stored within
hollow chamber 102. Further, light emitting device 111 can have a
slidable shroud or an adjustable lens with which a user can
generally illuminate an area, or can alternatively form a
directionally shaped beam of light.
[0035] Tip portion 103 is detachable secured to solid shaft portion
101 so that a user can select a tip that has an appropriate shape
and/or is made from an appropriate material for the terrain the
user will be traversing. For example, FIG. 2C shows an exemplary
tip portion 103 that has a generally tapered and rounded end 112
that can be made from, for example, aluminum, titanium, steel,
wood, rubber, etc. Tip portion 103 can have any of a number of
cross-sectional shapes, including round and square. Alternatively,
tip portion 103 can have a pointed end or a flat end. As yet
another alternative, tip portion 103 can be shaped to form an eye
113, such as shown in FIG. 5A, having a sufficient size that a
string can pass through eye 113 and a user can use trekking staff
100 as a fishing pole. FIGS. 5B and 5C respectively show
longitudinal and end views of an alternative tip configuration
having an eye 513 and so a user can use trekking staff 100 as a
fishing pole. For the alternative tip configuration shown in FIGS.
5B and 5C, tip end 112 is threadably removable so that washer and
eye assembly 512 can be fitted between solid shaft portion 101 and
tip portion 103.
[0036] FIGS. 6A and 6B respectively depict a section of an
exemplary upper portion 601 and an exemplary lower portion 602 of a
second exemplary embodiment of a trekking staff 600 according to
the present invention. As depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, trekking
staff 600 is a hollow tubular shaft formed from, for example, a
strong lightweight material, such as aluminum or titanium, but can
be made from other strong materials such as steel or a carbon fiber
material. As shown in FIG. 6A, upper portion 601 includes a chamber
602 containing an audio reproduction device 603, such as an MP3
player, and a power source 604, such as batteries, for powering
audio reproduction device 603. Audio reproduction device 603 can
include such features as a headphone jack 606, and/or a battery
charger jack 607 and or controls (not shown). Upper portion 601 is
detachably coupled to a hollow chamber (not shown in FIG. 6A), such
as hollow chamber 102 shown in FIG. 3, by, for example, a threaded
engagement 605. Alternatively, upper portion 601 is detachably
coupled to a hollow chamber having selected features of exemplary
hollow chamber 102 that is shown in FIG. 3. Trekking staff 600 also
includes a tip portion (not shown) that can be any of the exemplary
tip portions shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. FIG. 6C shows an alternative
configuration of trekking staff 600 in which the lower portion of
trekking staff 600 is a solid shaft formed from, for example, a
strong lightweight material, such as aluminum or titanium, but can
be made from other strong materials such as steel, wood or a carbon
fiber material. While FIGS. 6A and 6B (and FIG. 6C) only show
portions of trekking staff 600, it should be understood that the
overall size of trekking staff 600 is preferably at least six feet
in length.
[0037] Hollow chamber 102, shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, can serve as a
survival wand that is significantly smaller than trekking staff
100, but provides many of the same survival resource features.
Accordingly, the survival wand of the present invention can be
placed in, for example, a backpack or hung from a belt. FIG. 7A
shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a
survival wand 700 according to the present invention. A plug 701
can be threaded into threads 104. Items contained in survival wand
700 are identified in connection with FIG. 3. FIG. 7B shows plug
701 having a loop 702 with an adjustable slide 703 that is fastened
to plug 701 at a lanyard attachment loop 704.
[0038] FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively show top and side views of an
exemplary embodiment of a single-use medication dispenser 800
according to the present invention. Single-use medication dispenser
800 is small, like a condiment package, and includes a reservoir
801 containing a single-use amount of medication, such as a
liquid-type bandage material, an antiseptic ointment, or a
cleanser. A suitable liquid-type bandage material can use a
cyanoacrylate-based adhesive or a pyroxylin-based adhesive, such as
a product marketed under the tradename NEW-SKIN and made by Medtech
Laboratories of Jackson, Wyo. The overall shape of single-use
medication dispenser 800 can be any convenient shape. A suitable
material for single-use medication dispenser 800 is disclosed by
U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,531 to Whiting, Jr., and which is incorporated
by reference herein. Medication dispenser 800 is used in manner
similar to a condiment package, for example, by cutting or tearing
package 800 between cuts 802a and 802b, thereby opening application
nozzle 803. Accordingly, single-use medication dispenser 800 can be
an item contained in hollow chamber 102 of survival staff 100 (FIG.
1), first aid kit 307 (FIG. 3) and in survival wand 700.
[0039] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be
apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced
that are within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the
present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not
restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details
given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents
of the appended claims.
* * * * *