U.S. patent application number 11/264156 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for portable medical bag apparatus.
Invention is credited to Philip Michael Kenney.
Application Number | 20060131206 11/264156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36594343 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060131206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kenney; Philip Michael |
June 22, 2006 |
Portable medical bag apparatus
Abstract
A portable medical bag apparatus includes a first compartment
which includes a first compartment space. First-compartment closure
means are connected to the first compartment for permitting access
to the first compartment space. A second compartment is connected
to a wall of the first compartment, external to the first
compartment space. The second compartment includes a second
compartment space, and second-compartment closure means are
connected to a wall of the second compartment for permitted access
to the second compartment space. The first compartment and the
second compartment form a unified, integrated structure.
Preferably, the second compartment is shaped and dimensioned for
reception of a standard Sharps disposable container. Preferably,
indicia indicating a biohazard are attached to the second
compartment or the second-compartment closure means. In addition,
one or more handles and a shoulder strap are included. Third,
fourth, fifth, and sixth compartments are also provided.
Inventors: |
Kenney; Philip Michael;
(Baltimore, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Marvin S. Towsend;Patent Attorney
8 Grovepoint Court
Rockville
MD
20854
US
|
Family ID: |
36594343 |
Appl. No.: |
11/264156 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60636098 |
Dec 16, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 50/31 20160201;
A61B 2050/318 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/570 |
International
Class: |
B65D 69/00 20060101
B65D069/00 |
Claims
1. A portable medical bag apparatus, comprising: a first
compartment which includes a first compartment space, wherein said
first compartment includes first-compartment side walls and
first-compartment end walls, first-compartment closure means
connected to said first compartment for permitting access to said
first compartment space, a second compartment connected to a wall
of said first compartment, external to said first compartment
space, wherein said second compartment includes a second
compartment space, second-compartment closure means connected to a
wall of said second compartment for permitted access to said second
compartment space, wherein said first compartment and said second
compartment form a unified, integrated structure, wherein said
second compartment and said first compartment share a common wall,
and wherein said second compartment is shaped and dimensioned for
reception of a standard Sharps disposable container.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein respective walls of said
apparatus are made from materials which have antimicrobial
characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: indicia indicating
a biohazard attached to said second compartment or said
second-compartment closure means.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said indicia indicating a
biohazard is a quantity of red ribbon attached to said
second-compartment closure means.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: one or more first
handles attached to said first compartment.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a first-compartment
top wall connected between said first-compartment side walls and
said first-compartment end walls, and a shoulder strap assembly
connected to said first-compartment top wall.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second compartment and
said first compartment share a common end wall of said first
compartment.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second compartment is
shaped and dimensioned for reception of a standard one quart Sharps
disposable container.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a third compartment
connected to said first compartment, external to said first
compartment space, wherein said third compartment includes a third
compartment space, and wherein said third compartment and said
first compartment share a common wall, and third-compartment
closure means connected to said third compartment for permitting
access to said third compartment space.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further including: a fourth
compartment connected to said third compartment, external to said
third compartment space, wherein said fourth compartment includes a
fourth compartment space, and wherein said fourth compartment and
said third compartment share a common wall, and fourth compartment
closure means connected to said fourth compartment for permitting
access to said fourth compartment.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further including: a fifth
compartment connected to said first compartment, external to said
first compartment space, wherein said fifth compartment includes a
fifth compartment space, and wherein said first compartment and
said fifth compartment share a common wall, and fifth-compartment
closure means connected to said fifth compartment for permitting
access to said fifth compartment.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, further including: one or more
second handles attached to said fifth compartment.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, further including: a sixth
compartment connected to a wall of said first compartment, external
to said first compartment space, wherein said sixth compartment
includes a sixth compartment space, sixth-compartment closure means
connected to a wall of said sixth compartment for permitted access
to said sixth compartment space, wherein said first compartment and
said sixth compartment form a unified, integrated structure,
wherein said sixth compartment and said first compartment share a
common wall.
14. A portable medical bag apparatus, comprising: a first
compartment which includes a first compartment space defined by a
first-compartment first side wall, a first-compartment bottom wall
connected to a bottom portion of said first-compartment first side
wall, a first-compartment first end wall connected to respective
first ends of said first-compartment first side wall and said
first-compartment bottom wall, a first-compartment second end wall
connected to respective second ends of said first-compartment first
side wall and said first-compartment bottom wall, a
first-compartment second side wall connected to said
first-compartment bottom wall, said first-compartment first end
wall, and said first-compartment second end wall, and a
first-compartment top wall connected to said first-compartment
first side wall, said first-compartment first end wall, said
first-compartment second end wall, and said first-compartment
second side wall, first-compartment closure means connected to said
first compartment for gaining access to said first compartment
space, a second compartment which includes a second compartment
space defined by a second-compartment first side wall connected to
said first-compartment first end wall, a second-compartment bottom
wall connected to said second-compartment first side wall, a
second-compartment second side wall connected to said
second-compartment first side wall and said second-compartment
bottom wall, and a second-compartment top wall connected to said
second-compartment first side wall and said second-compartment
second side wall, and second-compartment closure means connected to
said second compartment for gaining access to said second
compartment space.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further including: a stiff
reinforcement bottom panel located next to said first-compartment
bottom wall outside of said first compartment space.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further including: feet located
under said stiff reinforcement bottom panel.
17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said first-compartment
closure means are connected to said first-compartment top wall.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said first-compartment
closure means include a first-compartment zipper closure.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said first-compartment zipper
closure includes a pair of independently operable and interlockable
first-compartment zipper closure units.
20. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said second compartment is
shaped and dimensioned for reception of a standard Sharps
disposable container.
21. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said second compartment is
shaped and dimensioned for reception of a standard one quart Sharps
disposable container.
22. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said second-compartment
closure means include a second-compartment zipper closure.
23. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said first-compartment first
end wall and said second-compartment first side wall are a unified
integrated wall structure.
24. The apparatus of claim 14 further including: a third
compartment which includes a third compartment space defined by a
third-compartment first side wall connected to said
first-compartment second side wall, a third-compartment bottom wall
connected to said first-compartment bottom wall and said
third-compartment first side wall, a third-compartment first end
wall connected to respective first ends of said third-compartment
bottom wall and said third-compartment first side wall, a
third-compartment second end wall connected to respective second
ends of said third-compartment bottom wall and said
third-compartment first side wall, a third-compartment second side
wall connected to said third-compartment bottom wall between said
third-compartment first end wall and said third-compartment second
end wall, and a third-compartment top wall connected between said
third-compartment first side wall, said third-compartment first end
wall, said third-compartment second end wall, and said
third-compartment second side wall, and third-compartment closure
means connected to said third compartment for gaining access to
said third compartment space.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said third-compartment
closure means include a third-compartment zipper closure.
26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said third-compartment zipper
closure includes a pair of independently operable and interlockable
third-compartment zipper closure units.
27. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said third-compartment first
side wall is contiguous with said first-compartment second side
wall.
28. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said third-compartment first
side wall and said first-compartment second side wall are a unified
integrated wall structure.
29. The apparatus of claim 24, further including: a plurality of
individually closeable pocket assemblies connected to said
third-compartment first side wall and said third-compartment second
side wall inside said third compartment space.
30. The apparatus of claim 24, further including: a plurality of
binder rings connected to said third-compartment bottom wall inside
said third compartment space, and a plurality of individually
closeable flexible bags connected to said binder rings by
respective moveable connections.
31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said individually closeable
flexible bags include ring-reception apertures for receiving said
binder rings.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said individually closeable
flexible bags are transparent and include ziplock closures.
33. The apparatus of claim 24, further including: a fourth
compartment which includes a fourth compartment space defined by a
fourth-compartment first side wall, external to said third
compartment space, connected to said third-compartment second side
wall and a fourth-compartment second side wall connected to said
fourth-compartment first side wall, and fourth-compartment closure
means connected to said fourth-compartment second side wall for
permitted access to said fourth compartment space, wherein said
fourth-compartment first side wall is contiguous with said
third-compartment second side wall, and wherein said
fourth-compartment first side wall and said third-compartment
second side wall are a unified integrated structure.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said fourth-compartment
closure means include a fourth-compartment zipper closure.
35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said fourth-compartment
zipper closure includes independently operable and interlockable
fourth-compartment zipper closure units.
36. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising: a fifth
compartment which includes a fifth compartment space defined by a
fifth-compartment first side wall, external to said first
compartment space, connected to said first-compartment first side
wall, a fifth-compartment bottom wall connected to said
first-compartment bottom wall and said fifth-compartment first side
wall, a fifth-compartment first end wall connected to respective
first ends of said fifth-compartment bottom wall and said
fifth-compartment first side wall, a fifth-compartment second end
wall connected to respective second ends of said fifth-compartment
bottom wall and said fifth-compartment first side wall, a
fifth-compartment second side wall connected to said
fifth-compartment bottom wall between said fifth-compartment first
end wall and said fifth-compartment second end wall, and a
fifth-compartment top wall connected between said fifth-compartment
first side wall, said fifth-compartment first end wall, said
fifth-compartment second end wall, and said fifth-compartment
second side wall, and fifth-compartment closure means connected to
said fifth compartment for gaining access to said fifth compartment
space,
37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said fifth-compartment
closure means include a fifth-compartment zipper closure.
38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said fifth-compartment zipper
closure includes a pair of independently operable and interlockable
fifth-compartment zipper closure units.
39. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said fifth-compartment first
side wall is contiguous with said first-compartment first side
wall.
40. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said fifth-compartment first
side wall and said first-compartment first side wall are a unified
integrated wall structure.
41. The apparatus of claim 36, further including: a plurality of
binder rings connected to said fifth-compartment bottom wall inside
said fifth compartment space, and a plurality of individually
closeable flexible bags connected to said binder rings by
respective moveable connections.
42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said individually closeable
flexible bags are transparent and include ziplock closures.
43. The apparatus of claim 36, further including: a sixth
compartment which includes a sixth compartment space, external to
said first compartment space, defined by a sixth-compartment first
side wall connected to said first-compartment second end wall, a
sixth-compartment bottom wall connected to said sixth-compartment
first side wall, a sixth-compartment second side wall connected to
said sixth-compartment first side wall and said sixth-compartment
bottom wall, and a sixth-compartment top wall connected to said
sixth-compartment first side wall and said sixth-compartment second
side wall, and sixth-compartment closure means connected to said
sixth compartment for gaining access to said sixth compartment
space.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority based upon my copending
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/636,098, filed Dec. 16,
2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to portable bags,
and, more particularly, to portable bags especially adapted for
carrying medical supplies and instruments.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Portable bags for carrying medical supplies and instruments
are well known in the art. For example, the Catalog Volume 201 for
Hopkins Medical Products, 5 Greenwood Place, Baltimore, Md. 21208
sets forth a wide variety of medical bags.
[0006] Of particular interest in the present patent, are Sharps
containers which are containers especially designed for carrying
biohazard materials, and more especially, for carrying sharp
objects such as needles which are contaminated with biohazard
materials.
[0007] More specifically, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) requires (see 29 CFR 10.0) that Sharps
containers, which contain biological wastes, are separated from
diagnostic instruments and clean medical products, such as
bandages, swabs, and washing solutions, among others. The catalog
of Hopkins Medical Products mentioned above, for example on pages
16 and 17, sets forth a number of Sharps containers and a number of
portable carriers for the Sharps containers.
[0008] Some of the portable carriers are designed to carry one
Sharps container. With such a portable carrier, a snug fit is
provided for the portable carrier and the respective Sharps
container. Yet such portable carriers are not designed for carrying
diagnostic instruments and clean medical products, such as
bandages, swabs, and washing solutions, etc. Therefore, if a user
wishes to carry (a) Sharps containers in a snug fitting carrier and
(b) diagnostic instruments and clean medical products in a carrier,
the user must employ two separate portable carriers: one for the
Sharps containers; and the other for the diagnostic instruments and
clean medical products. To avoid the inconvenience and expense of
employing two separate portable carriers, it would be desirable if
a single portable bag were provided for carrying Sharps containers
in a snug fitting compartment and for carrying diagnostic
instruments and clean medical products in other compartments that
are separated from the Sharps containers to comply with the OSHA
separation requirements mentioned above.
[0009] Another type of portable carrier in the catalog of Hopkins
Medical Products has a number spacious compartments wherein a
Sharps container can be placed on one of the spacious compartments,
and clean medical products can be placed in other spacious
compartments. In this way, the Sharps containers can be kept
separate from the clean medical products. However, because the
compartment holding the Sharps container is so spacious, the Sharps
container does not fit in the spacious compartment with a snug fit.
As a result, the Sharps container can move around and tip over
while inside the spacious compartment. Because of the nature of the
biohazard materials inside the Sharps container, it is very
desirable that the Sharps container cannot move around inside and
tip over while inside a spacious compartment. Therefore, it would
be desirable if a multi-compartment portable carrier had a
compartment that retains a Sharps container with a snug fit so that
the Sharps container cannot move around and tip over while inside
the compartment.
[0010] The catalog of Hopkins Medical Products also sets forth a
transport pouch for a Sharps container that can be temporarily
attached to and then removed from a portable carrier. Once the
transport pouch is attached to the portable carrier, when the user
lifts the portable carrier, both the portable carrier and the
transport pouch are lifted together. Yet, the attachment of the
transport pouch to the portable carrier is provided by only one
strap at the top of the transport pouch. As a result, the transport
pouch and the Sharps container held snugly therein can swing back
and forth as the user is transporting the portable carrier.
Moreover, the swinging motion of the transport pouch can be
substantially independent from any swinging action of the portable
carrier because of the simple strap connection between the portable
carrier and the transport pouch. Such substantially independent
swinging action between a portable carrier and a transport pouch
attached thereto may make it difficult for the user to prevent
uncontrolled-swinging and spillage in the transport pouch. In this
respect, it would be desirable if a multi-compartment carrier for a
Sharps container and for clean medical products prevents
independent swinging action between the compartment holding the
Sharps container and the compartment holding the clean medical
products.
[0011] An independent transport pouch for a Sharps container has
four vertical walls. An independent portable carrier has its own
vertical wall adjacent to a vertical wall of the independent
transport pouch. For purposes of economy in the use of materials,
it would be desirable if one of the vertical walls of the transport
pouch could be integrated into one of the walls of the portable
carrier, whereby a net reduction in one vertical wall would occur.
Moreover, by sharing a common wall between a portable carrier and a
transport pouch, the portable carrier and the transport pouch
cannot swing independently of one another.
[0012] For carrying medical products, it is often desirable that a
portable carrier have flexible vertical walls and be in the form of
a portable bag. Flexible walls provide the benefit of
collapsibility when the portable bag is empty. Also, flexible walls
provide that the portable bag occupies a volume only a little
greater than the volume necessary to store and carry the items
stored in the portable bag. In this respect, it would be desirable
if a portable bag for carrying medical products were provided with
flexible walls.
[0013] Portable bags that are used by health care professionals,
such as visiting nurses, are often used to carry three classes of
items: diagnostic instruments; clean medical products; and dirty
medical products. In this respect, it would be desirable for a
portable bag used by health care professionals to have at least
three separate compartments, one for diagnostic instruments, one
for clean medical products, and one for dirty medical products.
[0014] In addition, when the health care professional needs to
carry a Sharps container, it would be desirable for a portable bag
used by health care professionals to have at least four separate
compartments, one for diagnostic instruments, one for clean medical
products, one for dirty medical products, and one for a Sharps
container.
[0015] When a number of items are to be stored in a particular
compartment, particular items of interest can become mixed up and
hidden by other items in the compartment. Sometimes, a particular
item of interest can move to bottom of a pile of other items and
not be easily visible to the potential user of the particular
item.
[0016] To avoid the mixing up and hiding of items inside a
compartment, throughout the years, a number of innovations have
been developed by which particular items are segregated from other
items in a compartment using plural sub-compartments. In one class
of innovations, the sub-compartments are permanently attached to an
inside wall of the compartment. In another class of innovations,
the sub-compartments are attached to a ring binder. In these
respects, the following U.S. patents disclose sub-compartments that
are permanently attached to an inside wall of a compartment: U.S.
Pat. Nos. 1,914,087 and 4,852,293. In addition, the following U.S.
patents disclose sub-compartments that are attached to a ring
binder: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,394,638 and 5,632,113. It is also noted
that the sub-compartments in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,394,638 and 5,632,113
are transparent and have ziplock type closures. It is further noted
that none of the compartments shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,394,638 and
5,632,113 are in portable bags that are used by health care
professionals.
[0017] As matters of interest, U.S. Pat. No. 2,423,817 discloses a
book in which pages are bound together by ring binders; U.S. Pat.
No. 2,807,265 discloses transparent, zippered pockets for a ring
binder; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,052 discloses the use of a flexible
bag which has a press fit, tongue and groove type seal which is
known in the art under the trade name "ZIPLOC". None of these
patents discloses a portable bag having specific features desirable
for use by health care professionals.
[0018] For health care professionals, it would be desirable to
provide a portable bag that has sub-compartments that are
permanently attached to an inside wall of a compartment.
[0019] Moreover, for health care professionals, it would also be
desirable to provide a portable bag that has sub-compartments that
are attached to a ring binder and that are transparent and have
ziplock type closures.
[0020] For health care professionals, there is a requirement to
provide for the privacy of patients records. Such privacy
requirements are set forth in the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA). In this respect, it would be desirable
to provide a portable bag for health care professionals that has a
lockable compartment for keeping patients records therein in
privacy.
[0021] Hereinabove, the use of Sharps containers is discussed.
Another pertinent point relating to Sharps containers is that a
common capacity for a Sharps container is one quart. In this
respect, it would be desirable if a portable, multi-compartment bag
for health care professionals were provided which has a compartment
that retains a one quart capacity Sharps container with a snug
fit.
[0022] The following U.S. patents are also of interest: U.S. Pat.
Nos. 2,577,670 and 3,830,348.
[0023] More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 2,577,670 discloses a
traveling bag that has two equal size compartments. The traveling
bag has a handle and a shoulder strap. This bag also has protective
buttons or feet at the bottom of the bag.
[0024] Turning to U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,348, a three-compartment
collapsible luggage is shown in FIG. 5. In addition, in FIG. 3, a
pair of separate compartments are integrated onto the outside side
wall of one of the compartments.
[0025] However, in neither of U.S. Pat. No. 2,577,670 or U.S. Pat.
No. 3,830,348 is there a disclosure of a bag or luggage which has
specific features that are useful for health care professionals
such as (1) a separate compartment for a Sharps containers, such as
(2) separate compartments for (a) diagnostic instruments, (b) clean
medical products, and (c) dirty medical products, and such as (3) a
lockable compartment for retaining patients records in privacy.
[0026] Also, in neither of U.S. Pat. No. 2,577,670 or U.S. Pat. No.
3,830,348 is there a disclosure of the provision of a plurality of
separate sub-compartments, either attached to an inside compartment
wall or attached to a ring binder inside a compartment, for
retaining a plurality of clean medical products separated from one
another or for retaining a plurality of dirty medical products
separated from one another.
[0027] Also, as a matter of interest, a commercially available bag
is made by Bass Pro Shops, Springfield, Mo., that is known as the
Bass Pro Shops, Extreme Binder Bag, Jumbo Exterior which is made
for storing fishing tackle and related items. This Bass Pro bag
includes sub-compartments that are attached to a ring binder. It is
noted that the sub-compartments in the Bass Pro bag are transparent
and have ziplock type closures. Pictures of the Bass Pro bag can be
seen on the Internet at the URL
http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=13318&hvarTarget-
=search&cmCat=SearchResults. The Bass Pro bag does not have
features set forth above that are suitable for a portable bag used
by health care professionals. In this respect, the Bass Pro bag is
not suitable for use by health care professionals.
[0028] Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to
be well known to use portable medical bags, the prior art described
above does not teach or suggest a portable medical bag apparatus
which has the following combination of desirable features: (1)
carries Sharps containers in a snug fitting compartment and carries
diagnostic instruments and clean medical products in other
compartments that are separated from the Sharps containers to
comply with OSHA separation requirements; (2) provides a
multi-compartment portable carrier which has a compartment that
retains a Sharps container with a snug fit so that the Sharps
container cannot move around and tip over while inside the
compartment; (3) provides a multi-compartment carrier for a Sharps
container and for clean medical products which prevents independent
swinging action between the compartment holding the Sharps
container and the compartment holding the clean medical products;
(4) provides that one of the vertical walls of the transport pouch
can be integrated into one of the walls of the portable carrier,
whereby a net reduction in one vertical wall occurs; (5) provides a
portable bag used by health care professionals to have at least
three separate compartments, one for diagnostic instruments, one
for clean medical products, and one for dirty medical products; (6)
provides a portable bag used by health care professionals to have
at least four separate compartments, one for diagnostic
instruments, one for clean medical products, one for dirty medical
products, and one for a Sharps container; (7) provides a portable
bag for health care professionals that has sub-compartments that
are permanently attached to an inside wall of a compartment; (8)
provides a portable bag for health care professionals that has
sub-compartments that are attached to a ring binder and that are
transparent and have ziplock type closures; (9) provides a portable
bag for health care professionals that has a lockable compartment
for keeping patients records therein in privacy; and (10) provides
a portable, multi-compartment bag for health care professionals
which has a compartment that retains a one quart capacity Sharps
container with a snug fit. The foregoing desired characteristics
are provided by the unique portable medical bag apparatus of the
present invention as will be made apparent from the following
description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over
the prior art also will be rendered evident.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present
invention, briefly described, provides a portable medical bag
apparatus which includes a first compartment which includes a first
compartment space. The first compartment includes first-compartment
side walls and first-compartment end walls. First-compartment
closure means are connected to the first compartment for permitting
access to the first compartment space. A second compartment is
connected to a wall of the first compartment, external to the first
compartment space. The second compartment includes a second
compartment space, and second-compartment closure means are
connected to a wall of the second compartment for permitting access
to the second compartment space.
[0030] Preferably, the first compartment and the second compartment
form a unified, integrated structure. Preferably, the second
compartment and the first compartment share a common wall, and the
second compartment is shaped and dimensioned for reception of a
standard Sharps disposable container. Preferably, indicia
indicating a biohazard are attached to the second compartment or
the second-compartment closure means. For example, the indicia
indicating a biohazard can be a quantity of red ribbon attached to
the second-compartment closure means.
[0031] In addition, one or more first handles are attached to the
first compartment. Also, preferably, a shoulder strap assembly is
connected to the first-compartment top wall.
[0032] More specifically, the second compartment can be shaped and
dimensioned for reception of a standard one quart Sharps disposable
container.
[0033] Preferably, a third compartment is connected to the first
compartment, external to the first compartment space. The third
compartment includes a third compartment space, and the third
compartment and the first compartment share a common wall.
Third-compartment closure means are connected to the third
compartment for permitting access to the third compartment
space.
[0034] Preferably, a fourth compartment is connected to the third
compartment, external to the third compartment space. The fourth
compartment includes a fourth compartment space, and the fourth
compartment and the third compartment share a common wall. Fourth
compartment closure means are connected to the fourth compartment
for permitting access to the fourth compartment.
[0035] Preferably, a fifth compartment is connected to the first
compartment, external to the first compartment space. The fifth
compartment includes a fifth compartment space, and the first
compartment and the fifth compartment share a common wall.
Fifth-compartment closure means are connected to the fifth
compartment for permitting access to the fifth compartment.
[0036] Preferably, a sixth compartment is connected to a wall of
the first compartment, external to the first compartment space. The
sixth compartment includes a sixth compartment space, and
sixth-compartment closure means are connected to a wall of the
sixth compartment for permitting access to the sixth compartment
space. Preferably, the sixth compartment and the first compartment
share a common wall. In this respect, the first compartment and the
sixth compartment form a unified, integrated structure.
[0037] More specifically, in accordance with the invention, a
portable medical bag apparatus includes a first compartment which
includes a first compartment space defined by a first-compartment
first side wall, a first-compartment bottom wall connected to a
bottom portion of the first-compartment first side wall, and a
first-compartment first end wall connected to respective first ends
of the first-compartment first side wall and the first-compartment
bottom wall, a first-compartment second end wall connected to
respective second ends of the first-compartment first side wall and
the first-compartment bottom wall. The first compartment space is
also defined by a first-compartment second side wall connected to
the first-compartment bottom wall, the first-compartment first end
wall, and the first-compartment second end wall. Also, a
first-compartment top wall is connected to the first-compartment
first side wall, the first-compartment first end wall, the
first-compartment second end wall, and the first-compartment second
side wall. First-compartment closure means are connected to the
first compartment for gaining access to the first compartment
space.
[0038] A second compartment includes a second compartment space
defined by a second-compartment first side wall connected to the
first-compartment first end wall and a second-compartment bottom
wall connected to the second-compartment first side wall. A
second-compartment second side wall is connected to the
second-compartment first side wall and the second-compartment
bottom wall, and a second-compartment top wall is connected to the
second-compartment first side wall and the second-compartment
second side wall. Second-compartment closure means are connected to
the second compartment for gaining access to the second compartment
space.
[0039] Preferably, a stiff reinforcement bottom panel is located
next to the first-compartment bottom wall outside of the first
compartment space. Also, feet are located under the stiff
reinforcement bottom panel.
[0040] Preferably, the first-compartment closure means are
connected to the first-compartment top wall. The first-compartment
closure means can include a first-compartment zipper closure. The
first-compartment zipper closure includes a pair of independently
operable and interlockable first-compartment zipper closure
units.
[0041] The second-compartment closure means include a
second-compartment zipper closure. The first-compartment first end
wall and the second-compartment first side wall are a unified
integrated wall structure.
[0042] Preferably, the portable medical bag apparatus further
includes a third compartment which includes a third compartment
space defined by a third-compartment first side wall connected to
the first-compartment first side wall. A third-compartment bottom
wall is connected to the first-compartment bottom wall and the
third-compartment first side wall. A third-compartment first end
wall is connected to respective first ends of the third-compartment
bottom wall and the third-compartment first side wall. A
third-compartment second end wall is connected to respective second
ends of the third-compartment bottom wall and the third-compartment
first side wall. A third-compartment second side wall is connected
to the third-compartment bottom wall between the third-compartment
first end wall and the third-compartment second end wall. A
third-compartment top wall is connected between the
third-compartment first side wall, the third-compartment first end
wall, the third-compartment second end wall, and the
third-compartment second side wall. Third-compartment closure means
are connected to the third compartment for gaining access to the
third compartment space.
[0043] Preferably, the third-compartment closure means can include
a third-compartment zipper closure. The third-compartment zipper
closure includes a pair of independently operable and interlockable
third-compartment zipper closure units.
[0044] Preferably, the third-compartment first side wall is
contiguous with the first-compartment first side wall. The
third-compartment first side wall and the first-compartment first
side wall are a unified integrated wall structure.
[0045] Preferably, a plurality of individually closeable pocket
assemblies are connected to the third-compartment first side wall
and the third-compartment second side wall inside the third
compartment space.
[0046] Preferably, a plurality of binder rings are connected to the
third-compartment bottom wall inside the third compartment space,
and a plurality of individually closeable flexible bags are
connected to the binder rings by respective moveable connections.
The individually closeable flexible bags include ring-reception
apertures for receiving the binder rings. Preferably, the
individually closeable flexible bags are transparent and includes
ziplock closures.
[0047] Also, a plurality of binder rings can be connected to the
fifth-compartment bottom wall inside the fifth compartment space,
and a plurality of individually closeable flexible bags are
connected to the binder rings by respective moveable connections.
The individually closeable flexible bags are transparent and
includes ziplock closures.
[0048] Preferably, a fourth compartment includes a fourth
compartment space defined by a fourth-compartment first side wall,
external to the third compartment space which is connected to the
third-compartment second side wall. A fourth-compartment second
side wall is connected to the fourth-compartment first side wall.
Fourth-compartment closure means are connected to the
fourth-compartment second side wall for permitting access to the
fourth compartment space. The fourth-compartment first side wall is
contiguous with the third-compartment second side wall. Preferably,
the fourth-compartment first side wall and the third-compartment
second side wall are a unified integrated structure.
[0049] Preferably, the fourth-compartment closure means include a
fourth-compartment zipper closure. The fourth-compartment zipper
closure includes independently operable and interlockable
fourth-compartment zipper closure units.
[0050] Preferably, a fifth compartment includes a fifth compartment
space defined by a fifth-compartment first side wall, external to
the first compartment space, which is connected to the
first-compartment second side wall. A fifth-compartment bottom wall
is connected to the first-compartment bottom wall and the
fifth-compartment first side wall. A fifth-compartment first end
wall is connected to respective first ends of the fifth-compartment
bottom wall and the fifth-compartment first side wall. A
fifth-compartment second end wall is connected to respective second
ends of the fifth-compartment bottom wall and the fifth-compartment
first side wall. A fifth-compartment second side wall is connected
to the fifth-compartment bottom wall between the fifth-compartment
first end wall and the fifth-compartment second end wall, and a
fifth-compartment top wall is connected between the
fifth-compartment first side wall, the fifth-compartment first end
wall, the fifth-compartment second end wall, and the
fifth-compartment second side wall. Fifth-compartment closure means
are connected to the fifth compartment for gaining access to the
fifth compartment space.
[0051] Preferably, the fifth-compartment closure means can be a
fifth-compartment zipper closure. The fifth-compartment zipper
closure includes a pair of independently operable and interlockable
fifth-compartment zipper closure units. The fifth-compartment first
side wall is contiguous with the first-compartment second side
wall. Preferably, the fifth-compartment first side wall and the
first-compartment second side wall are a unified integrated wall
structure.
[0052] Preferably, a sixth compartment includes a sixth compartment
space defined by a sixth-compartment first side wall which is
connected to the first-compartment second end wall. A
sixth-compartment bottom wall is connected to the sixth-compartment
first side wall. A sixth-compartment second side wall is connected
to the sixth-compartment first side wall and the sixth-compartment
bottom wall, and a sixth-compartment top wall is connected to the
sixth-compartment first side wall and the sixth-compartment second
side wall. Sixth-compartment closure means are connected to the
sixth compartment for gaining access to the sixth compartment
space.
[0053] The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the
more important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood,
and in order that the present contributions to the art may be
better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of
the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be
for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0054] In this respect, before explaining a number of preferred
embodiments of the invention in detail, it is understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of the
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0055] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized
as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for
carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is
important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0056] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved portable medical bag apparatus which has
all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the
disadvantages.
[0057] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved portable medical bag apparatus which may be easily
and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
[0058] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved portable medical bag apparatus which is of durable
and reliable construction.
[0059] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved portable medical bag apparatus which is
susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both
materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of
low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such
portable medical bag apparatus available to the buying public.
[0060] Still yet a further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved portable medical bag apparatus which
carries Sharps containers in a snug fitting compartment and carries
diagnostic instruments and clean medical products in other
compartments that are separated from the Sharps containers to
comply with OSHA separation requirements.
[0061] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a new and improved portable medical bag apparatus that provides a
multi-compartment portable carrier which has a compartment that
retains a Sharps container with a snug fit so that the Sharps
container cannot move around and tip over while inside the
compartment.
[0062] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved portable medical bag apparatus which provides a
multi-compartment carrier for a Sharps container and for clean
medical products which prevents independent swinging action between
the compartment holding the Sharps container and the compartment
holding the clean medical products.
[0063] Even another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved portable medical bag apparatus that provides that
one of the vertical walls of the transport pouch can be integrated
into one of the walls of the portable carrier, whereby a net
reduction in one vertical wall occurs.
[0064] Still a further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved portable medical bag apparatus which
provides a portable bag used by health care professionals to have
at least three separate compartments, one for diagnostic
instruments, one for clean medical products, and one for dirty
medical products.
[0065] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved portable medical bag apparatus that provides a
portable bag used by health care professionals to have at least
four separate compartments, one for diagnostic instruments, one for
clean medical products, one for dirty medical products, and one for
a Sharps container.
[0066] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a new and improved portable medical bag apparatus which provides a
portable bag for health care professionals that has
sub-compartments that are permanently attached to an inside wall of
a compartment.
[0067] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved portable medical bag apparatus that provides a
portable bag for health care professionals that has
sub-compartments that are attached to a ring binder and that are
transparent and have ziplock type closures.
[0068] Still a further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved portable medical bag apparatus that
provides a portable bag for health care professionals that has a
lockable compartment for keeping patients records therein in
privacy.
[0069] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved portable medical bag apparatus which provides a
portable, multi-compartment bag for health care professionals which
has a compartment that retains a one quart capacity Sharps
container with a snug fit.
[0070] These together with still other objects of the invention,
along with the various features of novelty which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0071] The invention will be better understood and the above
objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will
become more apparent after a study of the following detailed
description thereof. Such description makes reference to the
annexed drawing wherein:
[0072] FIG. 1 is a front end view a first embodiment of the
invention, wherein, from left to right, the third and fifth
compartments are in an open condition, and wherein each of the
third and fifth compartments includes a plurality of ziplock bags
retained on a ring binder.
[0073] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 1, wherein the plurality of ziplock bags from the
third compartment have been removed from the ring binder.
[0074] FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 1, wherein the third compartment is in a closed
condition.
[0075] FIG. 4 is a top view of a plurality of ziplock bags that
have been removed from a ring binder.
[0076] FIG. 5 is a rear end view the embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 1.
[0077] FIG. 6 is a front end view a second embodiment of the
invention, wherein, from left to right, the third and fifth
compartments are in an open condition, and wherein each of the
third and fifth compartments includes a plurality of ziplock bags
retained on a ring binder.
[0078] FIG. 7 is a front end view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 6 with the embodiment shown is a zipped-up,
closed condition.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0079] With reference to the drawings, a number of embodiments of a
new and improved portable medical bag apparatus embodying the
principles and concepts of the present invention will be
described.
[0080] Turning to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown a first embodiment of
the portable medical bag apparatus of the invention generally
designated by reference numeral 10. In general terms, in the first
embodiment, the portable medical bag apparatus 10 includes a first
compartment which includes a first compartment space. The first
compartment includes first-compartment side walls and
first-compartment end walls. First-compartment closure means are
connected to the first compartment for permitting access to the
first compartment space. A second compartment is connected to a
wall of the first compartment, external to the first compartment
space. The second compartment includes a second compartment space,
and second-compartment closure means are connected to a wall of the
second compartment for permitted access to the second compartment
space.
[0081] Preferably, the first compartment and the second compartment
form a unified, integrated structure. Preferably, the second
compartment and the first compartment share a common wall, and the
second compartment is shaped and dimensioned for reception of a
standard Sharps disposable container. Preferably, indicia 21
indicating a biohazard is attached to the second compartment or the
second-compartment closure means. For example, the indicia 21
indicating a biohazard 21 can be a quantity of red ribbon attached
to the second-compartment closure means.
[0082] In addition, one or more first handles 23 are attached to
the first compartment. Also, preferably, a shoulder strap assembly
24 is connected to the first-compartment top wall 18.
[0083] The portable medical bag apparatus 10 of the invention is
especially useful to healthcare professionals who make visits to
the sick and post surgical patients in their homes. The portable
medical bag apparatus 10 provides a well organized bag permitting
easy access to supplies, providing enhanced productivity, and
complying with Federal and industry regulatory standards.
[0084] The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
requires (see 29 CFR 10.0) that Sharps containers, which contain
biological wastes, are separated from diagnostic instruments and
clean medical products, such as bandages, swabs, and washing
solutions, among others. In this respect, the second compartment
space of the integrated second compartment is separated from the
first compartment space of the first compartment and from other
compartments and other compartment spaces as described below.
[0085] A Sharps disposable container (not shown) can be readily
placed into the second compartment space and can be readily removed
from the second compartment space. When the second-compartment
zipper closure 50 is zipped up, the Sharps container is secured in
the second compartment space. To remove the Sharps container from
the second compartment space, the second-compartment zipper closure
50 is unzipped, and the Sharps container is removed from the second
compartment space. More specifically, the second compartment can be
shaped and dimensioned for reception of a standard one quart Sharps
disposable container.
[0086] Preferably, a third compartment is connected to the first
compartment, external to the first compartment space. The third
compartment includes a third compartment space, and the third
compartment and the first compartment share a common wall.
Third-compartment closure means are connected to the third
compartment for permitting access to the third compartment
space.
[0087] Preferably, a fourth compartment is connected to the third
compartment, external to the third compartment space. The fourth
compartment includes a fourth compartment space, and the fourth
compartment and the third compartment share a common wall. Fourth
compartment closure means are connected to the fourth compartment
for permitting access to the fourth compartment.
[0088] Preferably, a fifth compartment is connected to the first
compartment, external to the first compartment space. The fifth
compartment includes a fifth compartment space, and the first
compartment and the fifth compartment share a common wall.
Fifth-compartment closure means are connected to the fifth
compartment for permitting access to the fifth compartment.
[0089] Preferably, a sixth compartment is connected to a wall of
the first compartment, external to the first compartment space. The
sixth compartment includes a sixth compartment space, and
sixth-compartment closure means are connected to a wall of the
sixth compartment for permitted access to the sixth compartment
space. The first compartment and the sixth compartment form a
unified, integrated structure.
[0090] If desired, the sixth compartment can be shaped and
dimensioned for reception of a standard Sharps disposable
container, such as a one quart Sharps disposable container.
[0091] More specifically, with reference to FIGS. 1-5, in
accordance with the invention, a portable medical bag apparatus 10
includes a first compartment which includes a first compartment
space defined by a first-compartment first side wall 12, a
first-compartment bottom wall 16 connected to a bottom portion of
the first-compartment first side wall 12, a first-compartment first
end wall 20 connected to respective first ends of the
first-compartment first side wall 12 and the first-compartment
bottom wall 16, and a first-compartment second end wall 22
connected to respective second ends of the first-compartment first
side wall 12 and the first-compartment bottom wall 16. The first
compartment space is also defined by a first-compartment second
side wall 14 connected to the first-compartment bottom wall 16, the
first-compartment first end wall 20, and the first-compartment
second end wall 22. Also, a first-compartment top wall 18 is
connected to the first-compartment first side wall 12, the
first-compartment first end wall 20, the first-compartment second
end wall 22, and the first-compartment second side wall 14.
First-compartment closure means are connected to the first
compartment for gaining access to the first compartment space.
[0092] A second compartment includes a second compartment space
defined by a second-compartment first side wall 40 connected to the
first-compartment first end wall 20 and a second-compartment bottom
wall 42 connected to the second-compartment first side wall 40. A
second-compartment second side wall 41 is connected to the
second-compartment first side wall 40 and the second-compartment
bottom wall 42, and a second-compartment top wall 44 is connected
to the second-compartment first side wall 40 and the
second-compartment second side wall 41. Second-compartment closure
means are connected to the second compartment for gaining access to
the second compartment space.
[0093] Preferably, a stiff reinforcement bottom panel 17 is located
next to the first-compartment bottom wall 16 outside of the first
compartment space. Also, feet 19 are located under the stiff
reinforcement bottom panel 17. The stiff reinforcement bottom panel
17 and the feet 19 help to keep the portable medical bag apparatus
10 in an upright orientation when a health care worker attends to
patients in a medical home care setting.
[0094] Preferably, the first-compartment closure means are
connected to the first-compartment top wall 18. The
first-compartment closure means can include a first-compartment
zipper closure 46. The first-compartment zipper closure 46 includes
a pair of independently operable and interlockable
first-compartment zipper closure units 47.
[0095] The second-compartment closure means include a
second-compartment zipper closure 50. The first-compartment first
end wall 20 and the second-compartment first side wall 40 are a
unified integrated wall structure.
[0096] Preferably, the portable medical bag apparatus 10 further
includes a third compartment which includes a third compartment
space defined by a third-compartment first side wall 34 connected
to the first-compartment second side wall 14. A third-compartment
bottom wall 26 is connected to the first-compartment bottom wall 16
and the third-compartment first side wall 34. A third-compartment
first end wall 30 is connected to respective first ends of the
third-compartment bottom wall 26 and the third-compartment first
side wall 34. A third-compartment second end wall 32 is connected
to respective second ends of the third-compartment bottom wall 26
and the third-compartment first side wall 34. A third-compartment
second side wall 36 is connected to the third-compartment bottom
wall 26 between the third-compartment first end wall 30 and the
third-compartment second end wall 32. A third-compartment top wall
38 is connected between the third-compartment first side wall 34,
the third-compartment first end wall 30, the third-compartment
second end wall 32, and the third-compartment second side wall 36.
Third-compartment closure means are connected to the third
compartment for gaining access to the third compartment space.
[0097] Preferably, the third-compartment closure means can include
a third-compartment zipper closure 48. The third-compartment zipper
closure 48 includes a pair of independently operable and
interlockable third-compartment zipper closure units 49.
[0098] Preferably, the third-compartment first side wall 34 is
contiguous with the first-compartment second side wall 14. The
third-compartment first side wall 34 and the first-compartment
second side wall 14 are a unified integrated wall structure.
[0099] Preferably, a plurality of individually closeable pocket
assemblies 72 are connected to the third-compartment first side
wall 34 and the third-compartment second side wall 36 inside the
third compartment space. The individually closeable pocket
assemblies 72 in the third compartment can be transparent and can
be used to keep items separate from one another, to keep the items
clean, and to keep the items easy to find. Each of the individually
closeable pocket assemblies 72 can have its own respective zipper
66.
[0100] Preferably, a plurality of binder rings 73 are connected to
the third-compartment bottom wall 26 inside the third compartment
space, and a plurality of individually closeable flexible bags 74
are connected to the binder rings 73 by respective moveable
connections. The individually closeable flexible bags 74 include
ring-reception apertures 79 for receiving the binder rings 73.
Preferably, the individually closeable flexible bags 74 are
transparent and include ziplock closures 67. The individually
closeable flexible bags 74 can be used to store medical dressings
in a clean environment and in an easy to find way.
[0101] The individually closeable pocket assemblies 72 and the
individually closeable flexible bags 74 are especially useful for
storing and containing a plurality of small items in an easily
retrieved manner. Without such a plurality of individually
closeable pocket assemblies 72 and individually closeable flexible
bags 74, a plurality of small items may fall to the bottom of a bag
causing inefficient and wasted time in finding them, product
spoilage, and bag clutter.
[0102] Viewing the contents of each of the respective individually
closeable flexible bags 74 is made easy by being able to rotate
each respective individually closeable flexible bag 74 around the
binder rings 73 so as to able to clearly see the contents of the
respective bags one at a time. Access to the contents of each
individually closeable flexible bag 74 is readily obtained by
opening a respective ziplock closure 67.
[0103] Preferably, a fourth compartment includes a fourth
compartment space defined by a fourth-compartment first side wall,
external to the third compartment space which is connected to the
third-compartment second side wall 36. A fourth-compartment second
side wall 65 is connected to the fourth-compartment first side
wall. Fourth-compartment closure means are connected to the
fourth-compartment second side wall 65 for permitting access to the
fourth compartment space. The fourth-compartment first side wall is
contiguous with the third-compartment second side wall 36.
Preferably, the fourth-compartment first side wall and the
third-compartment second side wall 36 are a unified integrated
structure.
[0104] Preferably, the fourth-compartment closure means include a
fourth-compartment zipper closure 80. The fourth-compartment zipper
closure 80 includes independently operable and interlockable
fourth-compartment zipper closure units 81.
[0105] The fourth compartment can be used for retaining patients
records in a private manner. The independently operable and
interlockable fourth-compartment zipper closure units 81 provide
fulfillment of patients privacy requirements set forth in the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). More
specifically, the independently operable and interlockable
fourth-compartment zipper closure units 81 can be locked together,
such as with a key-operated lock or combination lock to prevent
unauthorized access to the fourth compartment space.
[0106] A fifth compartment includes a fifth compartment space
defined by a fifth-compartment first side wall 52, external to the
first compartment space, which is connected to the
first-compartment first side wall 12. A fifth-compartment bottom
wall 54 is connected to the first-compartment bottom wall 16 and
the fifth-compartment first side wall 52. A fifth-compartment first
end wall 56 is connected to respective first ends of the
fifth-compartment bottom wall 54 and the fifth-compartment first
side wall 52. A fifth-compartment second end wall 58 is connected
to respective second ends of the fifth-compartment bottom wall 54
and the fifth-compartment first side wall 52. A fifth-compartment
second side wall 60 is connected to the fifth-compartment bottom
wall 54 between the fifth-compartment first end wall 56 and the
fifth-compartment second end wall 58, and a fifth-compartment top
wall 62 is connected between the fifth-compartment first side wall
52, the fifth-compartment first end wall 56, the fifth-compartment
second end wall 58, and the fifth-compartment second side wall 60.
Fifth-compartment closure means are connected to the fifth
compartment for gaining access to the fifth compartment space.
[0107] Preferably, the fifth-compartment closure means can be a
fifth-compartment zipper closure 70. The fifth-compartment zipper
closure 70 includes a pair of independently operable and
interlockable fifth-compartment zipper closure units 71. The
fifth-compartment first side wall 52 is contiguous with the
first-compartment first side wall 12. The fifth-compartment first
side wall 52 and the first-compartment first side wall 12 are a
unified integrated wall structure.
[0108] Also, a plurality of binder rings 73 can be connected to the
fifth-compartment bottom wall 54 inside the fifth compartment
space, and a plurality of individually closeable flexible bags 74
are connected to the binder rings 73 by respective moveable
connections. The individually closeable flexible bags 74 are
transparent and includes ziplock closures.
[0109] The individually closeable pocket assemblies 72 in the fifth
compartment can be transparent and can be used to keep items
separate from one another, to keep the items clean, and to keep the
items in an easy to find manner.
[0110] Alternatively, if desired, the individually closeable pocket
assemblies 72 in the fifth compartment can be used to retain dirty
items. In this respect, when the individually closeable pocket
assemblies 72 in the third compartment are used to store clean
items, and the individually closeable pocket assemblies 72 in the
fifth compartment are used to store dirty items, clean and dirty
items are separated from one another in the portable medical bag
apparatus 10, and such separation of clean items from dirty items
is highly desirable for reasons of sanitation and for compliance
with health regulations.
[0111] Preferably, a sixth compartment includes a sixth compartment
space defined by a sixth-compartment first side wall 75 which is
connected to the first-compartment second end wall 22. A
sixth-compartment bottom wall 76 is connected to the
sixth-compartment first side wall 75. A sixth-compartment second
side wall 77 is connected to the sixth-compartment first side wall
75 and the sixth-compartment bottom wall 76, and a
sixth-compartment top wall 78 is connected to the sixth-compartment
first side wall 75 and the sixth-compartment second side wall 77.
Sixth-compartment closure means are connected to the sixth
compartment for gaining access to the sixth compartment space.
[0112] The respective connections between the respective walls,
bottoms, and tops can be in the form of sewn seams.
[0113] In the embodiment of the invention described above, the
first-compartment side walls are longer than the first-compartment
end walls. Also, the third-compartment side walls are longer than
the third-compartment end walls. However, if desired, the
first-compartment side walls can be made longer than the
first-compartment end walls, and the third-compartment side walls
can be made longer than the third-compartment end walls.
[0114] With the first embodiment of the invention shown in the
drawings, the first compartment is the center compartment. The
center compartment can be used to store diagnostic equipment, such
as a stethoscope and a blood pressure pulseoximeter.
[0115] With the first embodiment of the invention shown in the
drawings, the third compartment and the fifth compartment are side
compartments. In addition, with the first embodiment of the
invention shown in the drawings, the second compartment and the
sixth compartment are end compartments.
[0116] As stated above, the fourth-compartment zipper closure units
81 can be locked together, such as with a key-operated lock or
combination lock to prevent unauthorized access to the fourth
compartment space. In addition, respective zipper closure units for
other compartments can be locked together, such as with a
key-operated lock or combination lock, to prevent unauthorized
access to the respective compartments.
[0117] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment 11 of the
invention is shown. Reference numerals are shown that correspond to
like reference numerals that designate like elements shown in the
other figures. In general the second embodiment 11 of the portable
medical bag apparatus is substantially the same as the first
embodiment of the portable medical bag apparatus 10 of the
invention.
[0118] The key difference between the first embodiment of the
invention and the second embodiment of the invention relates to the
placement of respective handles. More specifically, the first
handles 23 of the first embodiment of the invention are attached to
the first compartment. In contrast, with the second embodiment 11
of the invention, a pair of second handles 25 are attached to the
third compartment and the fifth compartment, respectively. More
specifically, one of the second handles 25 is attached to the
outside edge of the third-compartment top wall 38, and the other of
the second handles 25 is attached to the outside edge of the
fifth-compartment top wall 62, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0119] The portable medical bag apparatus 10 of the invention can
be called EZ View Med Bag.TM..
[0120] The components of the portable medical bag apparatus of the
invention can be made from inexpensive and durable cloth, plastic,
and metal materials.
[0121] More specifically, there are materials which have
antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth, and
such materials are known by the name Microban.TM. and are made or
licensed for manufacture by Microban Products Company,
Huntersville, N.C. More specifically, antimicrobial acrylic
materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,305, incorporated
herein by reference. In addition, fiber reinforced plastic
composites having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit
bacterial growth are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,554,
incorporated herein by reference. Such materials which have
antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth can be
used in making the portable medical bag apparatus of the
invention.
[0122] As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant
invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and
accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage
and operation need be provided.
[0123] It is apparent from the above that the present invention
accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and
improved portable medical bag apparatus that is low in cost,
relatively simple in design and operation, and which may
advantageously be used to carry Sharps containers in a snug fitting
compartment and to carry diagnostic instruments and clean medical
products in other compartments that are separated from the Sharps
containers to comply with OSHA separation requirements. With the
invention, a portable medical bag apparatus provides a
multi-compartment portable carrier which has a compartment that
retains a Sharps container with a snug fit so that the Sharps
container cannot move around and tip over while inside the
compartment. With the invention, a portable medical bag apparatus
provides a multi-compartment carrier for a Sharps container and for
clean medical products which prevents independent swinging action
between the compartment holding the Sharps container and the
compartment holding the clean medical products. With the invention,
a portable medical bag apparatus provides that one of the vertical
walls of the transport pouch can be integrated into one of the
walls of the portable carrier, whereby a net reduction in one
vertical wall occurs. With the invention, a portable medical bag
apparatus provides a portable bag used by health care professionals
to have at least three separate compartments, one for diagnostic
instruments, one for clean medical products, and one for dirty
medical products.
[0124] With the invention, a portable medical bag apparatus
provides a portable bag used by health care professionals to have
at least four separate compartments, one for diagnostic
instruments, one for clean medical products, one for dirty medical
products, and one for a Sharps container. With the invention, a
portable medical bag apparatus provides a portable bag for health
care professionals that has sub-compartments that are permanently
attached to an inside wall of a compartment. With the invention, a
portable medical bag apparatus provides a portable bag for health
care professionals that has sub-compartments that are attached to a
ring binder and that are transparent and have ziplock type
closures. With the invention, a portable medical bag apparatus
provides a portable bag for health care professionals that has a
lockable compartment for keeping patients records therein in
privacy. With the invention, a portable medical bag apparatus
provides a portable, multi-compartment bag for health care
professionals which has a compartment that retains a one quart
capacity Sharps container with a snug fit.
[0125] Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the
drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in
connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical
and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof
may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set
forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size,
materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly
and use.
[0126] Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be
determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended
claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all
relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification.
* * * * *
References