U.S. patent application number 12/883037 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-17 for first-aid and emergency preparedness kit bag.
Invention is credited to Mark J. Miller.
Application Number | 20110062051 12/883037 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43729442 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110062051 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Mark J. |
March 17, 2011 |
FIRST-AID AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT BAG
Abstract
A kit may be a first-aid kit or an emergency preparedness kit.
The kit includes contents that are selected for a specific
application for which the kit is intended. The contents of the kit
will vary based on the intended application. The kit includes a bag
which is flexible and relatively small such that it can be
conveniently stored in a variety of locations and, in particular,
in locations associated with the particular activity for which the
kit in intended. The kit can be self-standing to be easily
displayed in an upright position or displayed from a hanger.
Inventors: |
Miller; Mark J.; (Vancouver,
WA) |
Family ID: |
43729442 |
Appl. No.: |
12/883037 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61242629 |
Sep 15, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5805 20130101;
B65D 75/566 20130101; B65D 75/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/570 |
International
Class: |
B65D 69/00 20060101
B65D069/00 |
Claims
1. A kit comprising: a flexible bag; and, a plurality of components
in the bag, the components being selected from a group of
components to make an application-specific kit, the group of
components selected from the group consisting of first-aid items,
germ spreading prevention items, emergency preparedness items, and
basic survival items.
2. The kit of claim 1, wherein said bag is fluid-tight.
3. The kit of claim 1, wherein said bag includes a closable
opening.
4. The kit of claim 3, wherein said closable opening is
resealable.
5. The kit of claim 1, wherein said bag is pneumatically
sealed.
6. The kit of claim 1, wherein said bag is self-standing.
7. The kit of claim 1, wherein said bag further includes a hanger
opening for detachably securing said bag to a hanger.
8. The kit of claim 1, wherein said plurality of components in the
bag include items commonly used in a particular activity and the
exterior of the bag includes surface indicia to indicate said
particular activity.
9. The kit of claim 8, wherein said particular activity is selected
from the group consisting of handyman activities, outdoor
activities, gardening, sports activities, pet care, childcare,
kitchen-related activities, spill clean-up activities, automobile
care and maintenance, home activities, and flu & germ
protection.
10. The kit of claim 8, wherein said sports activities include
golf.
11. The kit of claim 8, further including a retailer positioning
said kit for sale in the area of a retail store where other
products associated with said particular activity are also grouped
for sale.
12. A plurality of kits of claim 8, wherein said particular
activity is different for each kit of said plurality of kits.
13. The plurality of kits of claim 11, wherein said kits are
bundled together and sold as an individual unit.
14. The plurality of kits of claim 8, wherein said kits are bundled
together and sold as a fund raising item.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application No. 61/242,629 filed on Sep. 15, 2009.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a kit and more
particularly to an application-specific kit and related method.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. This section
also provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a
comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its
features.
[0004] Conventional kits are sold and marketed for use in treating
an injury and/or for use during an emergency, generally. Such kits
typically include a series of bandages, gauze, and medication
suitable for use in treating various injuries and/or medical
conditions. The various components of the kit are grouped and
stored within a container and, once grouped within the container,
are generally referred to as a "first-aid" or "emergency
preparedness" kit.
[0005] The container housing the various components of a
conventional kit is typically a hard-walled structure that may be
stored in a readily accessible area of a household or business or
may be mounted to a wall of a common area of a household or
business for quick access to the contents of the container. Because
conventional kits are generic and may be used in virtually any
household or business, conventional kits often include bandages of
varying size and shape to accommodate a wide range of applications.
Likewise, such kits often include a myriad of medications and other
products in an effort to provide the kit with the ability to
address a wide range of injuries and/or medical conditions.
[0006] Conventional kits are not application-specific and, as a
result, are typically cumbersome and oftentimes include a large
container to accommodate a wide range of products designed to
address numerous injuries and/or medical conditions. Due to the
overall size and construction of a conventional kit, conventional
kits are typically not suitable for everyday transport in a small
bag such as a purse or backpack and are not designed for a
particular application or use.
[0007] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0009] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a kit in accordance
with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a back view of the kit of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG.
1A;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the kit of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of the kit of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a layout showing the construction of the bag used
in the kit of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIGS. 8A-17B are front and back views of the indicia of the
kit of FIG. 1 when in the form of a first-aid kit identifying the
contents of the kit;
[0017] FIGS. 18A-21B are front and back views of the kit of FIG. 1
when in the form of a fundraising first-aid kit identifying the
contents of the kit; and
[0018] FIGS. 22A-25B are front and back views of the kit of FIG. 1
when in the form of an emergency preparedness kit identifying the
contents of the kit.
[0019] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021] With reference to the figures, a kit 100 is provided and
includes a flexible bag 102 with contents therein that are selected
for a particular application which kit 100 is intended. Bag 102
includes a front side 104, a back side 106, a top 108, and a bottom
110. A pair of edges 112, 114 extends from bottom 110 to top 108
and separate front and back sides 104, 106. Front and back sides
104, 106 are adjacent one another along top 108 and edges 112, 114.
Front and back sides 104, 106 are spaced apart from one another
along bottom 110. As a result, an interior cavity 116 is formed
within bag 102 to allow storage of contents therein, as described
below. Bottom 110 forms a gusset 118 that maintains front and back
sides 104, 106 spaced apart from one another and allows bag 102 to
stand upright on a surface, such as a shelf. Gusset 118 is formed
during the manufacturing of bag 102, as described below.
[0022] Bag 102 includes a hanger opening 120 adjacent top 108.
Hanger opening 120 facilitates the displaying of kit 100 in a
retail store. The inclusion of hanger opening 120 advantageously
facilitates the display of kit 100 at a point of purchase location,
such as the checkout area, of a store. Thus, the inclusion of
hanger opening 120 and bottom 110 having a gusset 118 allows kit
100 to be displayed by either standing upright on a surface, such
as a shelf, or hanging from a hook or other device through hanger
opening 120.
[0023] Kit 100 includes a resealable mechanism 124 that allows kit
100 to be resealed after opening. Resealable mechanism 124 can be a
Ziploc.RTM. brand resealable mechanism and the like, by way of
non-limiting example. Resealable mechanism 124 is disposed adjacent
the top portion of bag 102 thereby allowing a user to remove and
replace contents of kit 100 from interior cavity 116 of bag
102.
[0024] Front and back sides 104, 108 are sealed together along top
108 and edges 112, 114 and are sealed to bottom 110. As such, kit
100 is a fluid-tight kit that can maintain the contents within kit
100 dry and in a useable condition regardless of the conditions
exterior to bag 102.
[0025] Bag 102 can include a notch 128 on one or both edges 112,
114 adjacent top 108. Notches 128 facilitate the removal of the top
portion of bag 102 to allow access to interior cavity 116 by a
user. Notches 128 are located above resealable mechanism 124 such
that after the top portion of bag 102 is removed kit 100 can be
sealed again by use of resealable mechanism 124.
[0026] Front side 104 and back side 106 can include areas 126 for
indicia indicative of the intended use of the kit along with the
contents therein. Additionally, a transparent window 130 can be
included so that the contents of kit 100 can be seen through bag
102. The particular indicia on each bag 102 will vary depending
upon the intended use or audience of kit 100 and the contents
therein. In some embodiments, kit 100 is a first-aid kit and
includes contents that facilitate the rendering of first aid. The
particular contents will vary depending upon the intended user for
a particular kit 100.
[0027] The contents of kit 100 when used as a first-aid kit can
include bandages, dressings and tape, wipes and ointments, and
medication and instruments, by way of non-limiting example. The
bandages may include plastic, fabric, knuckle, fingertip,
butterfly, elbow/knee, and patch bandages, by way of non-limiting
example. The dressings may include gauze, conforming gauze rolls,
and trauma pads, by way of non-limiting example. The tape may
include first-aid tape, by way of non-limiting example. The wipes
may include antiseptic cleansing wipes/towelletes, alcohol
cleansing wipes, insect sting relief pads, castile soap towelletes,
and the like, by way of non-limiting example. The ointments may
include first aid/burn cream, antibiotic ointment packets, hand
sanitizer, hydrocortisone, sunscreen, lip ointment, burn gel, and
the like, by way of non-limiting example. The medications may
include non-aspirin tablets, Ibuprofen, moleskin pads, and the
like, by way of non-limiting example. The instruments may include
safety pins, vinyl gloves, cotton tip applicators, instant cold
compresses, and the like, by way of non-limiting example.
Additionally, each kit 100 may also include a first-aid guide
providing basic first-aid instructions to a user to facilitate the
administration of first aid and usage of the contents of the kit
100.
[0028] The kits 100 can be configured for particular applications,
uses, jobs, and the like and the contents therein may correspond to
likely materials that may be necessary in the event of an injury.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and B, kit 100 can be configured
as a handyman kit and include contents that can provide first aid
to the injuries and/or medical conditions that are likely to occur
when doing simple chores around the house using tools and the like.
As shown in FIGS. 9A and B, kit 100 can be configured as an outdoor
first-aid kit and include contents that can provide first aid to
the injuries and/or medical conditions that are likely to occur
when doing outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and
the like. As shown in FIGS. 10A and B, kit 100 can be configured as
a gardening first-aid kit and include contents to provide first aid
for injuries and/or medical conditions that are likely to occur
during gardening. As shown in FIG. 11, kit 100 can be configured as
a golf first-aid kit and include contents to provide first aid for
injuries and/or medical conditions likely to be incurred while
golfing. As shown in FIGS. 12A and B, kit 100 can be configured as
a sport first-aid kit and include contents to provide first aid for
injuries and/or medical conditions likely to be occurred when
participating in a sport. As shown in FIGS. 13A and B, kit 100 can
be configured as a pet first-aid kit and include contents that can
be used to provide first aid for pets, such as dogs and cats. As
shown in FIGS. 14A and B, kit 100 can be configured as a children's
first-aid kit and include contents to render first aid to injuries
and/or medical conditions likely to be incurred by a child. As
shown in FIGS. 15A and B, kit 100 can be configured as a kitchen
first-aid kit and include contents to render first aid to injuries
and/or medical conditions likely to be incurred in a kitchen. As
shown in FIGS. 16A and B, kit 100 can be configured as an auto
first-aid kit and include contents to facilitate the rendering of
first aid to injuries and/or medical conditions that may be
incurred in an automotive setting. As shown in FIGS. 17A and B, kit
100 can be configured as a home first-aid kit and include contents
to render first aid to injuries and/or medical conditions that
typically occur in the home environment.
[0029] The various configurations of kits 100, such as those shown
in FIGS. 8A-17B, facilitate the placement of kits 100 at strategic
locations throughout a retail establishment. For example, the
handyman kits can be located in areas of a retail establishment
associated with tools and other implements for performing handyman
type activities while the automotive kits can be located in an
automotive area of a store. Similarly, the outdoor kits can be
located in sections of a store that include items for use in the
outdoors while the gardening kits can be located in areas
associated with gardening equipment and supplies. The golfing and
sports kits can be located in areas of a store associated with
golfing and other sports activities while the pet kits can be
located in areas of the store associated with pet products. The
children's kits can be located in areas of a store wherein
children's items are shown while the kitchen kits can be located in
areas of a store associated with kitchen equipment. The home
first-aid kits can be located also in a variety of locations within
a store.
[0030] The use of kits configured for particular applications
advantageously allows the kits to be located throughout various
locations of a store so that a potential purchaser can come in
contact with kits at numerous locations throughout their shopping
experience. Moreover, the specialized or particularly configured
kits can also be utilized in stores that are specialized, such as
automotive stores, pet stores, kitchen stores, sporting good
stores, children's stores, and the like.
[0031] The relatively small size of the kits along with their
limited contents also may provide a cost advantage over the larger
kits that are configured to provide materials for a larger range of
applications. Reduced costs may facilitate impulse purchases by
users such that more kits may be sold by having the kits tailored
to particular activities or associated therewith. Additionally, the
use of both a wide bottom 110 that allows the kits to stand upright
in conjunction with the inclusion of the hanger opening 120 also
facilitates a retail establishment displaying of the various kits
they offer for sale at a variety of locations utilizing the
existing display devices associated with those sections or areas of
the store.
[0032] Kits 100 can also be configured for fundraising activities.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 18A-21B, the kits can be configured
for particular activities and sold as fundraisers by various
organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and
the like, by way of non-limiting example. As shown in FIGS. 18A and
B, a kit 100 can be configured as an active first-aid kit and used
as a fundraiser and include contents that can facilitate the
rendering of first aid to injuries and/or medical conditions
associated with various activities, such as sports. As shown in
FIGS. 19A and B, kit 100 can be configured as auto first-aid kit
and sold as a fundraiser and include contents that facilitate
rendering of first aid to injuries and/or medical conditions
associated with automotive activities. As shown in FIGS. 20A and B,
kit 100 can be configured as a fundraising pet first-aid kit and
include contents that facilitate rendering of first aid to animals,
such as cats and dogs. As shown in FIGS. 21A and B, kit 100 can be
configured as a fundraising home first-aid kit and include contents
that facilitate the rendering of first aid to injuries and/or
medical conditions associated with the home environment. The
indicia used on the kits 100 associated with fundraising can be
different than that associated with the retail kits, such as those
shown in FIGS. 8A-17B. Additionally, in some embodiments the
fundraising kits 100 can include indicia associated with the
organization for which the fundraising activity is being
conducted.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 22A-25B, kits 100 according to the
principles of the present disclosure can be configured as emergency
preparedness kits. The emergency preparedness kits may include
contents therein that vary depending upon the particular intent of
the emergency preparedness kit and the desires of a purchaser of
such kits. The emergency preparedness kits may include contents for
flu and germ protection. The contents of an emergency preparedness
kit may include masks of various types, such as NIOSH certified N95
masks, ear loop face masks, soft duckbill masks, and dust-type
masks, by way of non-limiting example. The contents may also
include vinyl protective gloves and hand sanitizers along with a
guide regarding the prevention of the spreading of germs. Various
configurations for kits 100 when in the form of emergency
preparedness kits are shown in FIGS. 20A-25B and the contents
therein can vary, as shown. The indicia utilized on the emergency
preparedness kits can also include information associated with the
purchaser or provider of the kit. For example, governments or other
agencies may desire to purchase emergency preparedness kits and
have their name included thereon such that recipients will know who
provided the emergency preparedness kits. Furthermore, while the
kits shown in FIGS. 20A-25B have various contents listed thereon,
it should be appreciated that the contents can be varied or
customized based on the requirements of a purchaser of such
kits.
[0034] With particular reference to FIG. 7, construction of bag 102
will be explained. Each bag 102 can be formed from a single sheet
of material 132. Sheet 132 can be cut from a larger roll of the
material and can be imprinted with the desired indicia thereon.
Sheet 132 can be transparent such that areas without printing can
provide a window into interior cavity 116 so that the contents
therein are visible from the exterior of the resulting bag 102.
Sheet 132 can include the front indicia on one portion of it
(portion intended to become front side 104) while the back indicia
is on the different portion (portion intended to become back side
106). Notches 128 can be cut into sheet 132 prior to being formed
into bag 102. Sheet 132 can be folded along multiple lines 134 to
have various portions of the bag overlapping one another.
Resealable mechanism 124 can be added to sheet 132 at the
appropriate locations so that they align and can engage with one
another when sheet 132 is folded and formed into bag 102. In some
embodiments, resealable mechanism 124 is first attached to one
portion of sheet 132 and is later attached to the subsequent
portion, such as by heat sealing, during the forming of bag 102.
The overlapping portions can be sealed together, such as by heat
sealing, so that the bag 102 is formed with front and back sides
104, 106, a bottom 110, and an interior cavity 116 therein. Top 108
is not sealed during the initial construction bag 102 so that the
contents can be added to interior cavity 116 to form the particular
kit 100.
[0035] Once a bag 102 is formed, the appropriate contents can be
added to interior cavity 116 through top 108 to form the
appropriate kit 100 that corresponds with the indicia on the bag
102. After inserting the appropriate contents into bag 102 to form
the desired kit 100, top 108 can be sealed closed, such as by heat
sealing. The resulting kit 100 can then be packaged, such as in a
box, and shipped to the retailer or organization purchasing the
kits.
[0036] Kits 100 advantageously provide a relatively small package
that may include a variety of different content to address a
particular need for which kit 100 is designed. The limited nature
of the contents of each kit 100 facilitates a relatively small size
which can allow kit 100 to be conveniently stored by a user. For
example, the kit 100 may be easily stored in a purse, automotive
vehicle compartment, a cabinet around the house, a backpack, a
boat, golf bag, gym bag, an off-road vehicle, and the like, by way
of non-limiting example. Kit 100 being fluid-tight facilitates the
allowing of the storage of kit 100 in a variety of locations
without concern about the environment in which it is stored. For
example, if kit 100 were to be stored in a wet environment, such as
a marine environment, the exposure to water and the elements will
not affect the contents within kit 100. Additionally, the flexible
or non-rigid nature of bag 102 also facilitates the storage of kit
100 in a variety of locations where space may be at a premium or
the configuration of the space may require that the kit be
flexible. The inclusion of a resealable mechanism 124 can
advantageously allow the contents of the kit to be accessed while
allowing kit 100 to be returned to a fluid-tight condition after
use. The resealable nature thereby facilitates the continued
storage of the kit without concern for damage to the contents
therein due to the exterior environment. Additionally, the
resealable nature of bag 102 allows for the contents to be
replaced, as needed, or to allow a person to add additional
contents thereto while still maintaining the ability to reseal bag
102.
[0037] While kit 100 is described as shown with configurations for
various applications and includes particular contents for the
particular application, it should be appreciated that the contents
therein can be varied from that shown and described. Additionally,
the particular configurations or intended uses for kit 100 can also
be expanded from that shown and described. For example, an
emergency preparedness kit 100 can be configured as a survival kit
and include contents such as food, water, a whistle and/or a
compass, and the like by way of non-limiting example. Another type
of emergency preparedness kit 100 may be configured as an earth
quake kit and include contents such as food, water, reflective
blanket, flash light and the like by way of non-limiting example.
In still another example, an kit 100 may be configured as an
emergency spill clean up kit and includes contents useful for
containing and/or cleaning up a spill such as gloves and absorbent
material by way of non-limiting example.
[0038] Providing kit 100 with application-specific contents allows
various kits 100 to be stored and used in multiple locations rather
than having a single, centrally located kit. For example, while a
kit 100 having contents directed to use by humans generally may be
stored at any location within a home or business, a kit 100
containing contents for use in an automobile may be stored in a
glove compartment or trunk of the automobile. Likewise, a kit 100
for use during athletic or recreational activities may be stored in
a backpack or on a bicycle to allow the contents of the kit 100 to
be readily accessible during the athletic or recreational activity.
The application-specific nature of the kit 100 allows a user to
have multiple kits 100, whereby each kit 100 is directed to a
particular application and can be located in a specific area for
quick access during the particular activity.
[0039] As described above, the kit 100 is an application-specific
kit. As such, a retail store may sell the kits 100 in various
departments of the retail store. Namely, a first-aid kit 100
directed to use by humans generally may be sold in a Housewares
Section of the retail store, while an automotive-specific kit 100
may be sold in an Automotive Section of the retail store. If the
retail store does not include various departments, the kits 100 may
be bundled and displayed in a common area, which allows the
retailer to sell a bundle of application-specific kits 100.
[0040] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *