U.S. patent application number 11/605765 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for portable medical kit.
Invention is credited to Richard Townsend.
Application Number | 20080121554 11/605765 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39462542 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080121554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Townsend; Richard |
May 29, 2008 |
Portable medical kit
Abstract
A portable medical kit or pack comprising a case having a
protective bottom with a plurality of internal removable
compartments and a top lid with an internally accessible pocket
having a transparent window containing a removable pocket
compartment and an externally accessible pocket. Each of the
compartments is waterproof and contains medical supplies geared for
different emergencies or treatment situations. In addition, the
case comprises two external side pouches on opposing sides of the
case and a front pouch that contains a smaller, removable
cardiovascular equipment case. The C/V equipment case contains an
automated electronic defibrillator (AED) and a compact oxygen tank,
and can be removed from the main case for separate transport and
use independent of the main case. The case is provided with a
shoulder strap and two backpack straps and is padded to provide
protection for its contents.
Inventors: |
Townsend; Richard;
(Jacksonville, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROGERS TOWERS, P.A.
1301 RIVERPLACE BOULEVARD, SUITE 1500
JACKSONVILLE
FL
32207
US
|
Family ID: |
39462542 |
Appl. No.: |
11/605765 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/02 20130101; A45C
11/22 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 5/06 20130101; A61F 17/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/570 |
International
Class: |
A45C 15/00 20060101
A45C015/00 |
Claims
1. A portable medical kit comprising: a soft-sided main case
comprising a protective bottom, sides and a top lid collectively
defining an interior, said top lid joined to three of said sides by
closure means such that said top lid may be folded open, said top
lid comprising an external pocket and an internal pocket, said
internal pocket having a transparent window; a plurality of
removable compartments disposed within said interior of said main
case and a removable pocket compartment disposed within said
internal pocket of said top lid, each of said removable
compartments and said pocket compartment comprising a main body and
a hinged lid, said compartments being relatively rigid, transparent
and waterproof when closed; a front pocket disposed on said main
case, said front pocket receiving a removable C/V equipment case
containing an automated electronic defibrillator and a compact
oxygen tank; carrying straps disposed on said main case; and
medical supplies and equipment disposed within said
compartments.
2. The kit of claim 1 further comprising side pockets disposed on
said main case and additional medical supplies and equipment
disposed within said side pockets.
3. The kit of claim 1, said carrying straps comprising a shoulder
strap, a hand strap and a pair of backpack straps disposed on said
main case.
4. The kit of claim 1, further comprising printed instructions and
a DVD disposed within said main case and containing information on
use of said medical supplies and equipment.
5. The kit of claim 1, said removable C/V equipment case comprising
a carrying strap.
6. The kit of claim 1, wherein said closure means comprise
zippers.
7. A portable medical kit comprising: a soft-sided main case
comprising a protective bottom, sides and a top lid collectively
defining an interior, said top lid joined to three of said sides by
closure means such that said top lid may be folded open, said top
lid comprising an external pocket and an internal pocket having a
transparent window; a plurality of removable compartments disposed
within said interior of said main case and a removable pocket
compartment disposed within said internal pocket of said top lid,
each of said removable compartments and said pocket compartment
comprising a main body and a hinged lid, said removable
compartments and said pocket compartment being relatively rigid,
transparent and waterproof when closed; a front pocket disposed on
said main case, said front pocket receiving a removable,
soft-sided, C/V equipment case comprising closure means and a
carrying strap and containing an automated electronic defibrillator
and a compact oxygen tank; a shoulder strap, a hand strap and a
pair of backpack straps disposed on said main case; medical
supplies and equipment disposed within said compartments; side
pockets disposed on said main case and additional medical supplies
and equipment disposed within said side pocket; and printed
instructions and a DVD disposed within said main case and
containing information on use of said medical supplies and
equipment.
8. The kit of claim 7, wherein said protective bottom comprises
multiple layers of material.
9. The kit of claim 8, wherein said closure means comprise
zippers.
10. A portable medical kit comprising: a soft-sided main case
comprising a protective bottom, sides and a top lid collectively
defining an interior, said top lid joined to three of said sides by
closure means such that said top lid may be folded open, said top
lid comprising an internal pocket having a transparent window; a
plurality of removable compartments disposed within said interior
of said main case and a removable pocket compartment disposed
within said internal pocket of said top lid, each of said removable
compartments and said pocket compartment comprising a main body and
a hinged lid, said removable compartments and said pocket
compartment being relatively rigid, transparent and waterproof when
closed; a front pocket disposed on said main case, said front
pocket receiving a removable C/V equipment case containing an
automated electronic defibrillator and a compact oxygen tank; and
medical supplies and equipment disposed within said
compartments.
11. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a shoulder strap, a
hand strap and a pair of backpack straps disposed on said main
case.
12. The kit of claim 10, wherein said closure means comprise
zippers.
13. The kit of claim 10, further comprising an exterior pocket
disposed on said top lid.
14. The kit of claim 10, further comprising printed instructions
and a DVD disposed within said main case and containing information
on use of said medical supplies and equipment.
15. The kit of claim 10, further comprising side pockets disposed
on said main case and additional medical supplies and equipment
disposed within said side pockets.
16. The kit of claim 10, wherein said protective bottom comprises
multiple layers of material.
17. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a carrying strap
disposed on said C/V equipment case.
18. The kit of claim 10, wherein said C/V equipment case is
soft-sided and composed of material similar to the material
composing said main case.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/340,790, filed Nov. 30, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of portable
medical kits or packs containing medical supplies, medicines,
medical instruments or the like for the treatment of injuries or
other medical problems, particularly in an emergency situation or
when such problems occur in isolated or remote locations far from
doctors or hospitals. In particular, the invention relates to such
medical kits or packs that are directed toward use by the general
public. Even more particularly, the invention relates to such kits
or packs comprising an automated electronic defibrillator (AED) and
oxygen tank disposed in a removable interior pack.
[0003] There have been many portable first aid or medical kits
developed for paramedics and health professionals. Unfortunately,
the organization of such advanced kits do not lend themselves to
the average non-professional consumer. Known kits targeted to the
general public lack the comprehensive organizational style of that
geared for the health professional, and typically concentrate on
basic first aid for cuts and scrapes.
[0004] Examples of prior medical kits are seen in U.S. Pat. No.
6,454,097, issued in 2002 to Blanco, U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,304,
issued in 1999 to Hammond, U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,700, issued in 1998
to Horn, U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,303, issued in 1993 to Oswalt et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,113, issued in 1989 to Friedland et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 4,513,866, issued in 1985 to Thomas, U.S. Pat. No.
4,125,305, issued in 1978 to Kasinforf, U.S. Pat. No. 2,999,583,
issued in 1961 to Mancini, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,644,830, issued in
1927 to Henderson.
[0005] With aging consumers traveling greater distances for
vacations and business trips, trips which often include boat or
airplane travel, there is a need for advanced mobile first aid kits
designed for the average consumer. The kits should address not just
minor cuts and abrasions but give the consumer the tools to treat
life-threatening conditions. None of the known kits address these
problems appropriately with a compact, mobile, easily accessible,
flexible-sided, water-resistant case that incorporate an AED,
oxygen tank and other life saving equipment, along with suitable
instructions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention is a portable medical kit or pack comprising a
main case or bag made of canvas or a flexible synthetic polymer
material such as nylon or similar material, the case having a
protective bottom, a relatively large interior retaining a
plurality of relatively rigid, transparent, sealed, removable
compartments, and a top lid with an externally accessible pocket
and an internally accessible pocket with a transparent window and
containing another relatively rigid, transparent, sealed, removable
compartment. Each of the removable compartments is waterproof and
contains medical supplies geared for different emergencies,
including but not limited to orthopedic products, surgical
products, oral medicines and topical medicines. In addition, the
case comprises two external side pouches on opposing sides of the
case, the pouches containing general medical supplies and equipment
such as a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, thermometer and various
solutions. The case further comprises a front pouch that contains a
smaller, removable cardiovascular (C/V) equipment bag or pack. The
C/V equipment bag contains an automated electronic defibrillator
and a compact oxygen tank, and this cardiac kit or bag can be
removed from the main case for separate transport and use
independent of the main case.
[0007] The main case is preferably provided with a shoulder strap,
at least one hand strap and two backpack straps such that the case
can be carried quickly and safely while maintaining freedom for the
carrier's hands. The portable medical kit preferably weighs less
than 30 pounds for ease of transport and occupies a minimal area
and footprint for ease of storage in boats, motor homes, campers,
planes, ambulances, trucks, automobiles, offices, homes, etc. The
case is padded to provide protection for its contents, and the
removable compartments are preferably made of plastic with a rubber
gasket seal to protect the contents from water and moisture damage.
The zippers and snaps are preferably plastic to resist corrosion.
Reflective tape or the like may be applied to the outside to
increase visibility of the case at night. The case is waterproof or
at least water-resistant and preferably able to float. The
individual compartments allow for easy organization and replacement
of supplies. Both printed instructions and an instructional DVD are
provided to insure proper use of the medications and equipment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable medical
kit.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a view of the portable medical kit showing the top
lid opened to expose the interior pocket and the removable
compartments.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a view of the portable medical kit showing the C/V
equipment case removed from the main case and opened to expose the
automated electronic defibrillator and compact oxygen tank.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a view of the rear of the portable medical kit
showing the pair of backpack straps deployed from the rear
pocket.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows the removable compartments as removed from the
main case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be
described with regard for the best mode and the preferred
embodiments. The invention is a portable medical kit or pack 10
comprising a relatively soft-sided main case or bag 20 made of
canvas or a flexible synthetic polymer material such as nylon or
similar material, the case 20 having a protective bottom 21
composed of multiple layers of material, with at least one layer
preferably being of increased durability relative to the material
composing the remainder of the case 20. The case 20 further
comprises a plurality of internal, individually removable
compartments 30, preferably three in number, disposed vertically
within the large interior defined by the bottom 21 and sides 22 of
the case 20 and a top lid or flap 23, the top lid 23 opening on
three sides with closure means 26, preferably a zippered closure,
such that the top lid 23 can be folded completely open. The top lid
23 is provided with an external pocket 24 that preferably opens on
three sides with closure means 26, preferably a zippered closure,
and with an internal pocket 25 that preferably opens on three sides
with closure means 26, preferably a zippered closure. The internal
pocket 25 is composed primarily of or has a window 29 composed of a
transparent material and contains an additional or fourth removable
pocket compartment 35, such that the contents of the removable
pocket compartment 30 are visible through the transparent window 29
without requiring that the internal pocket 25 be opened. In this
manner, with the top lid 23 opened all of the internal removable
compartments 30, including the pocket compartment 35 retained
within the top lid internal pocket 25, are visible such that rapid
access to the proper medical supplies and equipment 40 is
provided.
[0014] Each of the removable compartments 30 and 35 is composed of
material that is relatively rigid and transparent, and each
compartment 30 and 35 is sealed in the closed state so as to be
waterproof. Each compartment 30 and 35 contains medical supplies
and/or equipment 40 organized for particular emergencies or
treatment situations, including but not limited to orthopedic
products, surgical products, oral medicines and topical medicines,
the medical supplies/equipment 40 being generally visible through
the compartments 30 and 35. The compartments 30 and 35 are
preferably generally rectangular with a main body 31 and a
corresponding hinged lid 32 having a closure means 33, such as a
snap lock mechanism. The hinged lid 32 mates with the main body 31
along a waterproof junction, which may comprise for example a
channel containing an O-ring seal.
[0015] In addition, the case 20 comprises two external side pouches
or pockets 27 on opposing sides 22 of the case 20 that preferably
open on three sides with a closure means 26 such as a zippered
closure, the side pockets 27 containing general medical
supplies/equipment 40 such as a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope,
thermometer and various solutions. The case 20 further comprises a
front pouch or pocket 28 that preferably opens on three sides with
closure means 26, preferably a zippered closure, and which contains
a smaller, removable cardiovascular (C/V) or cardiac equipment case
or bag 50 that preferably opens on three sides with a closure means
26, preferably a zippered closure, and is composed of a material
similar or identical to that of the main case 20. The C/V equipment
case 50 contains an automated electronic defibrillator 51 and a
compact oxygen tank 52, and the C/V equipment case 50 is completely
removed from the main case 20 for separate transport and use
independent of the main case 50, the CN equipment case 50 having a
dedicated carrying strap 53, formed either as a handle or
preferably as an adjustable-length shoulder strap. The C/V
equipment case 50, also referred to as a cardiac life unit, can be
utilized with other main case 20 configurations.
[0016] The case 20 is provided with various external carrying
straps 60, the straps 60 preferably being length-adjustable and
comprising a shoulder strap 61, one or more hand straps 63 and two
backpack straps 62 such that the case 20 can be carried quickly and
safely while maintaining freedom for the carrier's hands. The
backpack straps 62 are stored within a rear pocket 65 until needed.
The pack 10 preferably weighs less than 30 pounds for ease of
transport and occupies a minimal area and footprint for ease of
storage in boats, motor homes, campers, planes, ambulances, trucks,
automobiles, offices, homes, etc. The case 20 is padded to provide
protection for its contents. The closure means 26 and 33, such as
zippers and snaps, are preferably plastic to resist corrosion.
Reflective tape 63 or the like may be applied to the outside to
increase visibility of the pack 10 at night. The case 20 is
waterproof or at least water-resistant and preferably able to
float. The compartments 30 allow for easy replacement of
supplies.
[0017] A representative design and structure for the invention
comprises a main case 20 composed of a yellow Cordura nylon, black
nylon zippers, nickel and black sliders, webbing handles and
shoulder straps with black PVC hand pads, clear PVC windows, nickel
tri-rings and snap hooks, PVC accent stripes and a black PVC
bottom. Internal to the main case 20 is a gray nylon lining, a
clear PVC pocket, a black nylon zipper and PE foam padding. Typical
or representative dimensions are:
TABLE-US-00001 Top lid 16.5 .times. 5.75 inches Main lid 15.5
.times. 8 inches Front pocket 7 .times. 8 inches Side pockets 7
.times. 8 inches
[0018] For the cardiovascular removable equipment bag 50, a typical
construction has it composed of yellow Cordura nylon, a clear PVC
window, a black PVC border, and black nylon zippers and sliders,
with an inside composed of black nylon material, elastic, PE foam
padding and black nylon zippers and sliders.
[0019] A preferred representative inventory of medicines and
equipment 40 to be provided in the case is as follows:
TABLE-US-00002 Number Compartment 1 (cuts and abrasions): Plano
case 1 gauze (2 .times. 2) 20 gauze (4 .times. 4) 20 nonstick gauze
4 petroleum gauze 2 cohesive elastic bandage 1 flexible skin
closures (1/4 inch - 3 pack) 3 flexible skin closures (1/2 inch - 6
pack) 3 eye patch 1 adhesive bandages (strips) 10 adhesive bandages
(spots) 10 paper clips 3 alcohol wipes 20 syringe (30 cc) 1
syringe(10 cc) 1 irrigation tip 1 tourniquet 2 knife blades 2
staple gun 2 staple removal 1 forceps (tweezers) 2 tissue scissors
1 pliers/wire cutter 1 cotton balls 10 paper tape 2 gauze roll 2
dermabond 2 benzoine tincture 3 Compartment 2 (joints, bones,
muscle, neck): Plano case 1 cold pack 2 bandage scissors 1 web role
3 sam splint (large) 1 sam splint (finger) 1 elastic wrap (4 inch)
2 elastic wrap (3 inch) 2 soft cervical collar 1 cloth tape (1/2
inch) 2 cloth tape (1 inch) 2 arm sling 1 Compartment 3 (medicine):
Plano case 1 hibiclins 1 hydrogen peroxide 1 syrup of ipecac 1
saline nasal spray 1 hydrocortisone cream 1 bacitracin 1 miconazole
1 eye decongestant 1 artificial tears 1 sting-kill 5 ammonia
inhalant 2 oragel 1 nosebleed compound w/applicator 2 dental
filling w/applicator 1 mineral oil 1 nasal decongestant 1 vinegar
bottle w/vinegar 1 activated charcoal 1 swim ear 1 Compartment 4
(oral medicines, inhaler, epipen): Plano case 2 diphenhydramine 24
pseudoephedrine 10 meclizine 16 rantidine 8 imodium 18 docusate
sodium 10 antacid 1 aspirin 100 acetaminophen 50 ibuprofen 50
Removable C/V bag: Bag 1 monogram 3 AED 1 AED pads (pair) 1 AED
membership 1 oxygen tank w/regulator 1 O2 conserver 1 nasal cannula
1 CPR mask 1 pediatric reducer (optional) 1 Miscellaneous: Bag 1
monogram 1 BP cuff 1 stethoscope 1 thermometer 1 thermometer cover
1 saline bottle 3 non-sterile gloves 10 soft collar 1 quick
reference guide 1 first aid manual 1 instructional DVD 1 flashlight
1 shot card 4 pliers 1 bolt cutters 1
[0020] The printed first aid manual included in the case 20 is a
guide that discusses treatment for various medical conditions in a
manner that can be easily understood by the consumer. A preferred
representative list of topics included in the first aid manual is
as follows: [0021] abrasions [0022] allergic reactions [0023] bites
[0024] breathing problems [0025] burns [0026] carbon monoxide
poisoning [0027] common respiratory infections [0028] cuts [0029]
dental injuries [0030] diving injuries [0031] ear problems [0032]
eye complaints [0033] fish hook removal [0034] food poisoning
[0035] fungal rashes [0036] headache [0037] head and neck injuries
[0038] heart attack [0039] limb amputations [0040] medications
[0041] nail injuries nosebleeds [0042] orthopedics [0043] overdoses
[0044] oxygen instructions [0045] seasickness [0046] stings [0047]
stroke [0048] thermal injuries [0049] vaccinations
[0050] The instructional DVD revisits some of the topics discussed
in the first aid manual, while additionally providing visual
instructions and demonstrations of the proper use of medical
supplies/equipment 40 included in the pack 10, and in particular
visual instructions and demonstrations on the use of the automated
electronic defibrillators (AED) 51 and the oxygen tank 52. In the
past, AED's 51 were only obtainable by non-health professionals
through a prescription, however such equipment is now available
without a prescription.
[0051] It is understood that equivalents and substitutions to
certain elements set forth above may be obvious to those skilled in
the art, and therefore the true scope and definition of the
invention is to be as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *