U.S. patent application number 13/594601 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-20 for rapid deployment first aid kit and system for refilling.
This patent application is currently assigned to Genuine First Aid International Ltd.. Invention is credited to Michael Holstein.
Application Number | 20120318706 13/594601 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43496361 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120318706 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holstein; Michael |
December 20, 2012 |
RAPID DEPLOYMENT FIRST AID KIT AND SYSTEM FOR REFILLING
Abstract
A first aid kit organized with pockets containing first aid and
emergency preparedness supplies and equipment and a system for
refilling. Each pocket in the kit contains supplies and equipment
useful in providing initial care for a particular illness or injury
and is quickly identified through textual labels and transparent
elements. The pockets are connected into a strip of pockets which
is folded to fit within a case. The strip of pockets is easily
deployed from the case facilitating rapid and accurate
identification, selection, and acquisition of items appropriate for
initial care of a particular illness or injury by comprehensive
visual presentation of the organizational scheme and the supplies
and pieces of equipment themselves.
Inventors: |
Holstein; Michael;
(Clearwater, FL) |
Assignee: |
Genuine First Aid International
Ltd.
Road Town
VG
|
Family ID: |
43496361 |
Appl. No.: |
13/594601 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13424209 |
Mar 19, 2012 |
8302775 |
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13594601 |
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12509321 |
Jul 24, 2009 |
8167130 |
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13424209 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/568 ;
206/216; 206/570; 206/572; 206/573; 206/577 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 17/00 20130101;
Y10S 206/803 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/568 ;
206/570; 206/572; 206/216; 206/573; 206/577 |
International
Class: |
B65D 77/04 20060101
B65D077/04; A61F 17/00 20060101 A61F017/00 |
Claims
1. A kit for administering first aid comprising: (a) a case that
defines an interior compartment and includes a means of providing
rapid access to its contents; and (b) a plurality of
similarly-sized pockets connected into a strip of pockets, the
strip of pockets being foldable to fit within the interior
compartment of the case; each pocket containing one or more first
aid supplies or pieces of equipment useful in providing initial
care for a particular injury or illness.
2. The kit of claim h wherein the strip of pockets is folded within
the interior compartment of the case to facilitate rapid removal
from the case and comprehensive visual presentation of all pockets
once removed.
3. The kit of claim 1, further comprising a first aid guide that
provides instructions for identification and initial care of injury
and illness.
4. The kit of claim 3, wherein at least one pocket in the strip of
pockets contains a at least one of: a CPR breathing barrier, a
sterile dressing, a pair of disposable gloves, a bandage, triple
antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a roller bandage, a sterile gauze
pad, a triangular bandage, burn cream, a cotton-tipped applicator,
an antiseptic towelette, a butterfly wound closure, a roll of first
aid tape, an alcohol cleansing pad, a safety pin, an insect sting
relief pad, a pair of tweezers, a cold pack, a pair of scissors,
and a wooden finger splint.
5.-31. (canceled)
32. The kit of claim 1, wherein the case is bi-fold, soft-sided,
zippered, and made of water resistant material.
33. The kit of claim 1, wherein the case is bi-fold, hard-sided,
and made of plastic, the case having a carrying handle which
facilitates wall mounting.
34. (canceled)
35. The kit of claim 1, wherein the strip of pockets comprises two,
three, four, five, six, seven, or eight pockets.
36. A kit for responding to an emergency comprising: (a) a case
that defines an interior compartment and includes a means of
providing rapid access to its contents; and (b) a plurality of
similarly-sized pockets connected into a strip of pockets, the
strip of pockets being foldable to fit within the interior
compartment of the case; each pocket containing one or more
emergency preparedness supplies or pieces of equipment useful in
responding to an emergency.
37. The kit of claim 35, wherein the strip of pockets is folded
within the interior compartment of the case to facilitate rapid
removal from the case and comprehensive visual presentation of all
pockets once removed.
38. The kit of claim 35, wherein at least one pocket in the strip
of pockets contains at least one of: a face mask, an emergency
poncho, an emergency blanket, a whistle, a radio, a chemical light
stick, a flashlight, a battery, eye protection, hearing protection,
a whistle, drinking water, water purification tablets, a water
purification filter, and food.
39. The kit of claim 35, wherein the case is bi-fold, soft-sided,
zippered, and made of water resistant material.
40. The kit of claim 35, wherein the case is bi-fold, hard-sided,
and made of plastic, the case having a carrying handle which
facilitates wall mounting.
41. The kit of claim 35, wherein the strip of pockets comprises
two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight pockets.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Medical emergencies pose a serious and prevalent threat to
society. Emergency departments in the United States average
approximately 400 visits for each 1000 people each year. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans
suffered 11,570 non-fatal injuries and 59 fatal injuries for each
100,000 people in 2007. Medical emergencies are often associated
with natural or man-made disasters that involve temporary loss of
services such as water, electricity, natural gas, and
communications.
[0002] First aid is the initial care of illness or injury provided
before professional medical care can be obtained in a professional
medical facility. The key aims of first aid are to: preserve life,
prevent further harm, and promote recovery. In the initial care of
illness and injury, it is well established that a victim's life and
chances for recovery are best protected when they receive care
within a short period of time. The term "golden hour" is often used
to represent the core principle of rapid intervention.
[0003] A first aid kit, which is a collection of supplies and
equipment useful in providing first aid, can improve the ability of
an initial caregiver to provide effective care. First aid kits
known in the art commonly contain supplies such as bandages of
various sizes and types, dressings, eye pads, gauze pads, butterfly
closure strips, saline, antiseptic wipes, burn dressings, adhesive
tape, and even oral and topical medications. In addition, first aid
kits commonly contain equipment such as gloves, eye protection,
face masks, scissors, tweezers, alcohol pads, chemical cold packs,
hand sanitizer, thermometers, and blankets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Described herein is a kit for administering first aid that
includes a case that defines an interior compartment and includes a
means of providing rapid access to its contents. The kit further
includes a plurality of pockets that are connected into a strip of
pockets. The strip of pockets is foldable to fit within the
interior compartment of the case. Each pocket in the strip is
optionally re-sealable and contains one or more first aid supplies
and/or pieces of equipment useful in providing initial care for a
particular injury or illness. Each pocket includes transparent
elements allowing rapid visualization of its contents and bears a
textual label indicating the type of condition its contents are
useful in treating. One or more pockets bears a pictogram depicting
instructions for use and one or more pockets bears a list of
contents.
[0005] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
strip of pockets folded within the interior compartment of the case
to facilitate rapid removal from the case and comprehensive visual
presentation of all pockets once removed.
[0006] In further embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
first aid guide that provides instructions for identification and
initial care of injury and illness. In certain of these
embodiments, the guide makes specific reference to first aid
supplies and equipment contained in the kit.
[0007] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
strip of six pockets and the contents of each is respectively
useful for: small cuts and burns, medium cuts and scratches, severe
bleeding and burns, CPR, protection, and instruments. In other
embodiments, the kit described herein includes a strip of six
pockets and the contents of each is respectively useful for:
emergency preparedness, small-medium cuts and burns, severe
bleeding and burns, CPR, protection, and instruments.
[0008] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
case that is bi-fold, soft-sided, zippered, and made of
water-resistant material. In other embodiments, the kit described
herein includes a case that is bi-fold, hard-sided, made of
plastic, and includes a carrying handle which facilitates wall
mounting.
[0009] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes
emergency preparedness supplies and equipment.
[0010] Also disclosed herein is a system for refilling a first aid
kit that includes a case that defines an interior compartment and
includes a means of providing rapid access to its contents. The
system further includes a plurality of re-sealable pockets
connected into a strip of pockets. The strip of pockets is foldable
to fit within the interior compartment of the case. Each pocket
contains one or more first aid supplies useful in providing initial
care for a particular injury or illness. The system further
includes a refill kit designed for each pocket that contains a
subset of the most commonly used first aid supplies useful in
providing initial care for the particular injury or illness.
[0011] The terms "first aid" and "initial care" as used herein,
refers to any act directed toward prevention, treatment, or
management of illness or injury provided before professional
medical care can be obtained in a professional medical facility.
First aid includes care provided by lay people and care provided by
people skilled in any healthcare art when the full compliment of
tools, equipment, and facilities known to those skilled in the art
are not available to them. First aid includes the initial care
provided to a victim of illness or injury and subsequent care
provided before professional medical care can be obtained in a
professional medical facility.
[0012] The term "illness" as used herein, refers to deviation from
physical, mental, or social well-being of a person or animal and
includes by way of non-limiting examples, infection, disorder, or
medical condition of the cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal,
integumentary, digestive, endocrine, immune, nervous, reproductive,
respiratory, or urinary systems. Illness further includes, by way
of non-limiting examples, stroke, cerebral aneurism, aortic
aneurism, difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, myocardial
infarction, angina, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmia, shock,
sepsis, encephalitis, and appendicitis. Illness includes emergent
and non-emergent conditions that indicate care.
[0013] The term "injury" as used herein, refers to damage, harm, or
trauma caused to the structure or function of the body of a person
or animal either accidentally or intentionally and includes, by way
of non-limiting examples, bruises, hemorrhage, contusions, wounds,
cuts, scrapes, grazes, lacerations, burns, excess heat exposure,
chemical exposure, excess cold exposure, fractures to bones and
teeth, dislocations, concussion, brain trauma, penetrating objects,
crushing, sprains, strains, ruptures, amputation, poisoning,
overdose, bites, stings, blast, evisceration, choking,
asphyxiation, drowning, electrocution, hernia, or surgery and other
medical treatments. Injury includes emergent and non-emergent
conditions that indicate care.
[0014] The term "first aid kit" as used herein, refers to any soft
or hard, fixed or portable container that houses one or more
supplies or pieces of equipment useful in providing first aid. The
term includes kits designed for general use and those designed to
facilitate initial care for a particular condition or in a
particular setting. Particular conditions include, by way of
non-limiting examples, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest,
difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, sports injury, vehicle
accident, and drowning. Particular settings include, by way of
non-limiting examples, pools, beaches, ski areas, wilderness areas,
sporting events, jails and prisons, childcare facilities,
residences, garages, kitchens, restaurants, automobiles, boats,
schools, and business offices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a plurality of similarly-sized pockets 1
connected into a strip of pockets 2.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a strip of pockets 3
partially folded to fit within the interior compartment of a case
4.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the front 5 and back 6 of a
strip of pockets, focusing on the details of a single pocket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] We have undertaken an analysis of prior art first aid kits.
Although such kits may offer a variety of supplies and equipment,
they uniformly fail to aid the initial caregiver in rapid
identification, selection, and acquisition of items appropriate for
initial care of a particular illness or injury. In fact, it is our
contention that unorganized presentation of a multitude of first
aid supplies can substantially delay initial care and result in
initial care that is less likely to achieve the key aims of first
aid. We have therefore identified an unrecognized need for a first
aid kit that can be rapidly deployed with a simple physical action
and comprehensively presents the initial caregiver with easily
identified categories of first aid supplies which are easily
accessible.
[0019] Thus, a primary objective of the kits described herein is to
enhance the ability initial caregivers to provide rapid and
effective care for illness and injury. Advantages of the kit
include, but are not limited to faster visual presentation of first
aid supplies and equipment, more comprehensive visual presentation
of first aid supplies and equipment, and presentation of first aid
supplies and equipment clearly organized into categories to provide
initial care for a particular illness or injury. These advantages
allow the initial caregiver to rapidly identify, select, and
acquire items appropriate for initial care of a particular illness
or injury.
[0020] In addition, another of the objectives of the kits described
herein is to enhance the ability of caregivers to prevent harm to
themselves, to victims of injury or illness, and to others in the
event of a natural or man-made emergency or disaster. Illness and
injury are commonly associated with these types of emergencies or
disasters which involve loss of services such as water,
electricity, natural gas, and communications. Advantages of the kit
include, but are not limited to providing protection against
airborne particulates and pathogens, temperature extremes,
darkness, and being lost or cut off from communication.
[0021] Case and Strip of Pockets
[0022] Described herein are kits for administering first aid that
include a case that defines an interior compartment and includes a
means of providing rapid access to its contents. The case is
optionally a soft pack, a hard pack, or a combination thereof. The
interior of the case is optionally accessed by means of zippers,
clips, hook-and-loop strips, a key/lock, a combination thereof, or
the like. Rapid access to the interior of the case is
preferred.
[0023] The kit further includes a plurality of similarly-sized
pockets that are connected into a strip of pockets. In further
embodiments, the pockets vary in size. In either of these
embodiments, there are optionally two pockets, three pockets, four
pockets, five pockets, six pockets, seven pockets, or eight
pockets.
[0024] In some embodiments, the pockets are connected into a strip
of pockets in a way that allows separation or detachment of each
pocket from the strip. In further embodiments, the pockets are
re-connectable.
[0025] The strip of pockets is foldable to fit within the interior
compartment of the case. Each pocket in the strip is optionally
re-sealable and contains one or more first aid supplies and/or
pieces of equipment useful in providing initial care for a
particular injury or illness. Each pocket optionally includes one
or more transparent elements sufficient to allow rapid
visualization of its contents and optionally bears a textual label
indicating the type of condition its contents are useful in
treating. One or more pockets optionally bear a pictogram depicting
instructions for use and one or more pockets optionally bear a
textual list of contents.
[0026] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
strip of pockets folded within the interior compartment of the case
to facilitate rapid removal from the case and comprehensive visual
presentation of all pockets once removed.
[0027] In further embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
first aid guide that provides instructions for identification and
initial care of injury and illness. In some embodiments, the first
aid guide comprises a series of mini-guides. In other embodiments,
the first aid guide is foldable in the same configuration as the
strip of pockets and comprises sections that correspond to the
pockets in the strip of pockets.
[0028] In some embodiments where the kit described herein includes
a first aid guide, the guide makes specific reference to first aid
supplies and equipment contained in the kit.
[0029] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
strip of six pockets and the contents of each is respectively
useful for: small cuts and burns, medium cuts and scratches, severe
bleeding and burns, CPR, protection, and instruments. In other
embodiments, the kit described herein includes a strip of six
pockets and the contents of each is respectively useful for:
emergency preparedness, small-medium cuts and burns, severe
bleeding and burns, CPR, protection, and instruments.
[0030] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
case that is bi-fold, soft-sided, zippered, and made of
water-resistant material. In other embodiments, the kit described
herein includes a case that is bi-fold, hard-sided, made of
plastic, and includes a carrying handle which facilitates wall
mounting.
[0031] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes
emergency preparedness supplies and equipment.
[0032] Strip of Pockets
[0033] In further embodiments is a plurality of similarly-sized
pockets that are connected into a strip of pockets, the strip of
pockets finding use, for example, in a first aid kit. In further
embodiments, the pockets vary in size. In either of these
embodiments, there are optionally two pockets, three pockets, four
pockets, five pockets, six pockets, seven pockets, or eight
pockets.
[0034] In some embodiments, the pockets are connected into a strip
of pockets in a way that allows separation or detachment of each
pocket from the strip. In further embodiments, the pockets are
re-connectable.
[0035] The strip of pockets is foldable to fit within a case to
form a first aid kit; however, such pockets optionally form a first
aid kit without need for a case. In the latter instance, the strip
of pockets is optionally folded and the fold held in place using a
fastener. The folded and fastened strip of pockets optionally
includes a means for carrying or transporting or storing the folded
and fastened strip of pockets. That is the folded and fastened
strip of pockets is a stand-alone first aid kit, in the absence of
a carrying case.
[0036] Each pocket in the strip is optionally re-sealable and
contains one or more first aid supplies and/or pieces of equipment
useful in providing initial care for a particular injury or
illness. Each pocket optionally includes one or more transparent
elements sufficient to allow rapid visualization of its contents
and bears a textual label indicating the type of condition its
contents are useful in treating. One or more pockets optionally
bear a pictogram depicting instructions for use and one or more
pockets optionally bear a textual list of contents.
[0037] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
strip of pockets folded within the interior compartment of the case
to facilitate rapid removal from the case and comprehensive visual
presentation of all pockets once removed.
[0038] In further embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
first aid guide that provides instructions for identification and
initial care of injury and illness. In some embodiments, the first
aid guide comprises a series of mini-guides. In other embodiments,
the first aid guide is foldable in the same configuration as the
strip of pockets and comprises sections that correspond to the
pockets in the strip of pockets.
[0039] In some embodiments where the kit described herein includes
a first aid guide, the guide makes specific reference to first aid
supplies and equipment contained in the kit.
[0040] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
strip of six pockets and the contents of each is respectively
useful for: small cuts and burns, medium cuts and scratches, severe
bleeding and burns, CPR, protection, and instruments. In other
embodiments, the kit described herein includes a strip of six
pockets and the contents of each is respectively useful for:
emergency preparedness, small-medium cuts and burns, severe
bleeding and burns, CPR, protection, and instruments.
[0041] Systems For Refilling
[0042] As an additional point, it is our contention that prior art
first aid kits lack an effective system to facilitate refill of
spent supplies. Without such a system, prior art first aid kits may
be improperly refilled and therefore unable to facilitate effective
initial care when illness or injuries strike. Without such a
system, prior art first aid kits may also be wastefully discarded
when depleted of commonly used supplies. We have therefore
identified a further unrecognized need for a system to easily and
consistently refill specific contents of such a first aid kit.
[0043] Thus, another primary objective of our systems is to provide
those refilling the first aid kit with a more cost-effective, more
efficient, more consistent, and more accurate means of refilling
spent first aid supplies and equipment. Advantages of the systems
include, but are not limited to prevention of refill errors such as
under-filling, over-filling, inconsistent filling, and inclusion of
inappropriate items in any particular part of the kit.
[0044] Thus, also disclosed herein are systems for refilling first
aid kits that includes a case that defines an interior compartment
and includes a means of providing rapid access to its contents. The
system further includes a plurality of re-sealable pockets
connected into a strip of pockets. The strip of pockets is foldable
to fit within the interior compartment of the case. Each pocket
contains one or more first aid supplies useful in providing initial
care for a particular injury or illness. The system further
includes a refill kit designed for each pocket. In some
embodiments, a refill kit contains a subset of the most commonly
used first aid supplies useful in providing initial care for the
particular injury or illness. In some embodiments, the refill kit
contains all of the first aid supplies useful in providing initial
care for the particular injury or illness.
[0045] Prior Art
[0046] Examples of prior art include U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,487,014;
5,117,981; 5,848,700; 5,931,304; 6,016,915; 6,460,702; and
6,957,738.
[0047] U.S. Pat. No. 1,487,014 discloses a first aid kit that lacks
transparent elements for visualization of first aid devices. In
addition, the cartons in the first aid kit are not connected to
each other and are not organized to facilitate the rapid
identification, selection, and acquisition of first aid
devices.
[0048] U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,981 discloses a first aid kit that lacks
a plurality of pockets and therefore lacks a strip of connected
pockets. The kit lacks internal organization that facilitates rapid
identification, selection, and acquisition of first aid
devices.
[0049] U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,700 discloses a first aid kit that lacks
transparent elements for visualization of first aid devices. In
addition, the compartments of the kit are not organized to
facilitate the rapid identification, selection, and acquisition of
first aid devices. Moreover, the compartments lack pictograms
depicting instructions for use and lists of contents.
[0050] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,931,304, 6,460,702, and 6,957,738 disclose
first aid kits that lack a plurality of re-sealable pockets. In
addition, the packs in the first aid kits lack lists of contents
and are not connected to each other in a strip.
[0051] U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,915 discloses a first aid kit that lacks
re-sealable pockets. In addition, the compartments of the kit lack
textual labels, pictograms depicting instructions for use, and
lists of contents.
[0052] Various Non-Limiting Embodiments
[0053] Described below are various non-limiting embodiments of our
first aid kits and refilling systems.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, described herein is a kit for
administering first aid that includes a case that defines an
interior compartment and includes a means of providing rapid access
to its contents and a plurality of similarly-sized pockets 1
connected into a strip of pockets 2. Referring to FIG. 2, the strip
of pockets is foldable 3 to fit within the interior compartment of
the case 4. Referring to FIG. 3, each pocket in the strip of
pockets contains one or more first aid supplies 13 useful in
providing initial care for a particular injury or illness. Each
pocket in the strip of pockets is re-sealable and has one or more
transparent elements sufficient to allow visualization of its
contents 12. Each pocket in the strip of pockets bears a textual
label on its front 7 and back 10 indicating the type of condition
its contents are useful in treating. One or more pockets in the
strip of pockets described herein bears a list of first aid
supplies and equipment 8 contained therein. One or more pockets in
the strip of pockets described herein bears a pictogram 9 depicting
instructions for use.
[0055] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, each pocket in the
strip of pockets described herein bears a list of first aid
supplies and equipment 8 contained therein.
[0056] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, each pocket in the
strip of pockets described herein bears a pictogram 9 depicting
instructions for use.
[0057] An aspect of the kit described herein is a case that defines
an interior compartment. A suitable case is a soft pack, a hard
pack, or a combination thereof. A suitable soft pack case is made
of a flexible or crushable material that is sufficiently durable
and water resistant to protect the strip of pockets containing the
supplies and equipment from everyday dust and moisture. Suitable
materials for a soft pack case include, by way of non-limiting
examples, textiles of natural fiber (e.g., cotton, wool, linen, and
hemp), textiles of synthetic fiber (e.g., nylon, polyester, aramid,
olefin, and acrylic), plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride,
low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene), rubber, neoprene,
silicone, and leather. Suitable materials for a hard pack case
include, by way of non-limiting examples, wood, plastic (e.g.,
polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl
chloride, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene, and polyamide), metal, and carbon fiber. The
case includes a means of providing rapid access to its contents to
facilitate rapid deployment of the strip of pockets. Means of rapid
access include, by way of non-limiting examples, zippers with one
slider, zippers with two sliders, hook-and-loop strips, zip-lock
closures, slider zipper closures, snaps, ties, buttons, temporary
adhesive, latches, clasps, and magnets.
[0058] In some embodiments, the case described herein is portable
being sized and weighted to facilitate carrying or wearing. In
other embodiments the case described herein is stationary or
mounted to an object that is not portable including, by way of
non-limiting examples, vehicles, buildings, and natural features of
the earth. In some embodiments, the case described herein includes
a handle that facilitates portability. In further embodiments, the
handle includes holes to provide a means to mount the kit. In some
embodiments, the case described herein is bi-fold, opening in two
equal or unequal halves.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, an aspect of the kit described herein
is a plurality of pockets 2. A pocket is optionally sealed on three
sides and open (i.e., re-sealable) on one side forming a container.
A pocket is optionally sealed on two sides and open (i.e.,
re-sealable) on two sides forming a container. A pocket is
optionally sealed on one side and open (i.e., re-sealable) on three
sides forming a container.
[0060] The pockets are connected at one or two edges via standard
manufacturing techniques into a strip of pockets. In some
embodiments, the pockets are oriented side-by-side such that an
open side is at the top of each pocket and the top of the strip of
pockets. In other embodiments, the pockets are oriented vertically
in the strip of pockets. The strip of pockets is foldable, such
that, when folded, it fits into the interior compartment defined by
the case. Folding includes pleating by folding the strip onto
itself at the connections between pockets in alternating directions
and also includes, by way of non-limiting examples, rolling and
bunching. To facilitate folding, the strip of pockets is made of a
flexible material. Suitable flexible materials include, by way of
non-limiting examples, textiles of natural fiber (e.g., cotton,
wool, linen, and hemp), textiles of synthetic fiber (e.g., nylon,
polyester, aramid, olefin, and acrylic), plastic (e.g., polyvinyl
chloride, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene), rubber,
neoprene, silicone, and leather. The strip of pockets facilitates
rapid removal of all supplies and equipment contained in the kit
from the case in a simple physical motion while maintaining the
organization scheme. The strip of pockets further facilitates
comprehensive visual presentation of all the particular types of
injury and illness for which the kit is useful in providing initial
care.
[0061] In some embodiments, the pockets described herein are made
of thin, flexible, transparent plastic and are folded in
alternating directions at the connections between pockets to fit
within the interior of the case.
[0062] In some embodiments the pockets number two, three, four,
five, six, seven, or eight.
[0063] In some embodiments, the pockets are connected into a strip
of pockets in a way that allows separation or detachment of each
pocket from the strip. In further embodiments, the pockets are
re-connectable.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, an aspect of the kit described herein
is each pocket containing one or more first aid supplies, pieces of
first aid equipment, emergency preparedness supplies, or emergency
preparedness equipment known to those skilled in the art 13. First
aid supplies include, by way of non-limiting examples, adhesive
plastic bandages, junior adhesive plastic bandages, knuckle fabric
bandages, adhesive spot bandages, fingertip fabric bandages,
elbow/knee adhesive bandages, dressings, sterile eye pads, sterile
eye wash, sterile saline solution, sterile gauze pads (e.g.,
2.times., 3.times.3, and 4.times.4), roller gauze bandages (e.g., 3
and 4 inches wide), butterfly wound closure strips, antiseptic
wipes, antiseptic towelettes, alcohol cleansing pads, povidone
iodine, hydrogen peroxide, insect sting relief pads, cotton-tipped
applicators, burn dressings, first aid adhesive tape, combine pads
(e.g., 5.times.9, 8.times.71/2 and 8.times.10), triangular
bandages, oral medications (e.g., syrup of ipecac, antacid tablets,
ibuprofen tablets, acetaminophen tablets, and chewable aspirin
tablets), topical medications, and glucose paste or liquid. First
aid equipment includes, by way of non-limiting examples, CPR
breathing barriers, defibrillators, rescue breathing bags,
compressed oxygen, face masks (e.g., paper or cloth), disposable
gloves (e.g., vinyl, rubber, plastic, or nitrile, powdered or
powder-free), eye protection (e.g., goggles, glasses, or eye
shield), hearing protection, scissors (e.g., metal or plastic),
tweezers (e.g., metal or plastic), alcohol pads, chemical cold
packs, chemical heat packs, hand sanitizer, thermometers (e.g.,
liquid crystal strips, glass alcohol, or electronic), wooden finger
splints, wire splints, and blankets (e.g., cloth, plastic,
reflective metalized plastic, or Nomex). Emergency preparedness
supplies and equipment includes, by way of non-limiting examples
one or more of the following: face masks (e.g., paper or cloth),
eye protection (e.g., goggles, glasses, or eye shield), hearing
protection, emergency blankets (e.g., cloth, plastic, reflective
metalized plastic, or Nomex.RTM.), emergency ponchos (e.g., cloth,
plastic, reflective metalized plastic, or Nomex.RTM.), chemical
light sticks, antiseptic towelettes, triple antibiotic ointment,
hand sanitizer, whistles, emergency radios, flashlights,
combination radio/flashlights, batteries, water purification
tablets, water purification filters, water, and human and animal
food.
[0065] In some embodiments, one or more supplies or pieces of
equipment are useful in providing initial care for one type of
injury or illness and are contained in one pocket in the strip of
pockets. In some embodiments, one or more of the supplies or pieces
of equipment are useful in providing initial care for more than one
particular injury or illness and are contained in more than one
pocket in the strip of pockets. In some embodiments, the kit
described herein contains one instance of one or more particular
supplies or pieces of equipment. In some embodiments, the kit
described herein contains a plurality of one or more particular
supplies or pieces of equipment.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, an aspect of the kit described herein
is a strip of pockets wherein each pocket contains one or more
items appropriate for initial care of a particular type of illness
or injury 13.
[0067] In some embodiments, pockets containing supplies and
equipment are organized within the strip of pockets to facilitate
identification, selection, and acquisition of items appropriate for
initial care of a particular illness or injury. In further
embodiments, the pockets are completely or partially organized from
left to right within the strip of pockets in order of increasing
severity of the particular illness or injury each pocket is stocked
to address. In other embodiments, the pockets are completely or
partially organized from left to right within the strip of pockets
in order of decreasing severity of the particular illness or injury
each pocket is stocked to address. In other embodiments, the
pockets are completely or partially organized from left to right
within the strip of pockets according to the principles of simple
triage, advanced triage, or reverse triage. In other embodiments,
the pockets are completely or partially organized from left to
right within the strip of pockets to match the order of topics
addressed in a first aid guide or published first aid standards. In
still other embodiments, the pockets are completely or partially
organized from left to right within the strip of pockets to
facilitate identification, selection, and acquisition of items
appropriate for initial care of illness or injury in a particular
setting.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, an aspect of the kit described herein
is pockets with optionally re-sealable closures 11 connected into a
strip of pockets. Means of opening and re-sealing pockets include,
by way of non-limiting examples, adhesive flaps, hook-and-loop
strips, zip-lock closures, slider zipper closures, snaps, ties,
buttons, magnets, and the like. Re-sealable closures facilitate
refilling of spent supplies after care is rendered and management
of supplies and equipment in multi-illness and/or multi-injury
situations. Another aspect of the kit described herein is pockets
with one or more optional transparent elements 12 connected into a
strip of pockets. Transparent elements facilitate rapid
identification, selection, and acquisition of items appropriate for
initial care of a particular illness or injury by allowing the
caregiver to visualize the supplies and equipment in the pocket
before the pocket is opened. When pockets with transparent elements
are connected into a strip of pockets the caregiver can
comprehensively visualize the supplies and equipment contained in
the entire kit a one glance once the folded strip is deployed from
the case. Another aspect of the kit described herein is pockets
with optional textual labels 7, 10 indicating the particular
illness or injury the supplies and equipment therein are useful to
treat connected into a strip of pockets. Textual labels include, by
way of non-limiting examples, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, SMALL-MEDIUM
CUTS AND BURNS, SMALL CUTS AND BURNS, MEDIUM CUTS AND SCRATCHES,
SEVERE BLEEDING AND BURNS, CPR, EYE, BONE, POISONING, SPRAINS,
BITES AND STINGS, PROTECTION, and INSTRUMENTS.
[0069] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the pockets
connected into a strip of pockets have re-sealable plastic adhesive
flaps 11 at the top of their back side. In some embodiments, the
pockets connected into a strip of pockets bear textual labels 7, 10
at the top of their front 5 and back 6 sides. In further
embodiments, one or more pockets connected into a strip of pockets
bear a textual list 8 of supplies and equipment therein. The
textual labels and lists are written in one or more languages
including, by way of non-limiting examples, Mandarin, Urdu/Hindi,
Spanish, English, Arabic, Portuguese, Bengali, Russian, French,
Japanese, German, Telugu, Punjabi, Korean, Wu, Javanese, Tamil,
Persian, Marathi, Vietnamese, and Italian. In still further
embodiments, one ore more pockets connected into a strip of pockets
bear one or more pictograms 9 depicting instructions for use. The
pictograms are graphic symbols that represent an idea or concept
and communicate meaning through pictorial resemblance to a physical
object or objects.
[0070] In some embodiments, the strip of pockets described herein
is folded within the interior compartment of the case to facilitate
rapid removal from the case and comprehensive visual presentation
of all pockets once removed. In some embodiments the strip of
pockets described herein is not connected to the case and is
deployed entirely free from the case. In other embodiments, the
strip of pockets described herein is connected to the case and once
deployed, remains attached to the case.
[0071] In some embodiments, the kit described herein includes a
first aid guide that provides instructions for identification and
initial care of injury and illness. The guide is written in one or
more languages including, by way of non-limiting examples,
Mandarin, Urdu/Hindi, Spanish, English, Arabic, Portuguese,
Bengali, Russian, French, Japanese, German, Telugu, Punjabi,
Korean, Wu, Javanese, Tamil, Persian, Marathi, Vietnamese, Spanish
and Italian. In certain of these embodiments, the guide makes
specific reference to first aid supplies and equipment contained in
the kit. In further embodiments, the guide includes a symbol or
icon that directs the caregiver to particular supplies contained in
the kit described herein.
[0072] Also described herein is a system for refilling a first aid
kit that includes a case that defines an interior compartment which
includes a means of providing rapid access to its contents.
Referring to FIG. 1, the system described herein also includes a
plurality of similarly-sized, re-sealable pockets 1 connected into
a strip of pockets 2. Referring to FIG. 2, the strip of pockets 3
is foldable to fit within the interior compartment of the case 4.
Referring to FIG. 3, each pocket in the strip of pockets contains
one ore more first aid supplies and/or pieces of equipment 13
useful in providing initial care for a particular injury or
illness. The system also includes a refill kit designed for each
pocket comprising a subset of the most commonly used first aid
supplies useful in providing initial care for the particular injury
or illness.
[0073] In some embodiments, one or more of the refill kits
described herein contains all of the supplies and equipment that
the pocket they are designed for contains prior to use. In some
embodiments, one or more of the refill kits described herein
contains a subset of the supplies and equipment that the pocket
they are designed for contains prior to use. In further
embodiments, one or more of the refill kits described herein
contains the most commonly used first aid supplies useful in
providing initial care for the particular injury or illness for
which the corresponding pocket is designed.
EXAMPLES
[0074] The following illustrative examples are representative
embodiments of the rapid deployment first aid kit and system for
refilling described herein and are not meant to be limiting in any
way.
Example 1
Soft-sided Rapid Deployment First Aid Kit
[0075] A case was constructed from a flexible, water-resistant
textile of nylon fiber by techniques well known to the
manufacturing arts. The case was bi-fold and symmetrical,
consisting of two equal halves. A plastic zipper with two sliders
was included to provide a means of rapid to the contents of the
case. In addition, a strip of pockets was constructed from thin,
flexible, transparent plastic by techniques well known to the
manufacturing arts. The strip of pockets consisted of six pockets,
all oriented in the same direction, each of which was sealed on
three sides and open on one side forming a container. Each pocket
had a flap of plastic at the top of its back side to provide a
means of opening and closing the pocket. The flaps of plastic were
coated with a strip of lightly-binding adhesive by techniques well
known to the manufacturing arts which allowed them to be sealed and
re-opened many times. The front side of the strip of pockets, as
well as the flap on the back sides of each pocket, was coated with
a permanent opaque colorant by techniques well known to the
manufacturing arts. This rendered the coated surfaces opaque and
allowed printing of text and images.
[0076] All pockets were printed with a textual label at the top of
the front side as well as on the flap of the back side which
indicated the medical condition for which its planned contents were
useful in providing initial care. The first pocket was labeled
"SMALL CUTS AND BURNS." The second pocket was labeled "MEDIUM CUTS
AND SCRATCHES." The third pocket was labeled "SEVERE BLEEDING AND
BURNS." The fourth pocket was labeled "CPR BREATHING BARRIER." The
fifth pocket was labeled "PROTECTION." The sixth pocket was labeled
"INSTRUMENTS."
[0077] The first, second, third, fifth, and sixth pockets were
printed, on the front side just below the textual label, with a
list of planned contents. The first pocket listed ANTISEPTIC
TOWELETTES, STERILE GAUZE PADS, ADHESIVE BANDAGES, ANTIBIOTIC
OINTMENT, BURN CREAM, and COTTON TIP APPLICATORS. The second pocket
listed CLEANSING WIPES, STERILE GAUZE PADS, EYE WASH 10 ML, EYE
PADS, PRESSURE BANDAGES, and BUTTERFLY WOUND CLOSURES. The third
pocket listed FIRST AID TAPE ROLL and BLOOD STOPPER DRESSING 10
CM.times.10 CM. The fifth pocket listed VINYL GLOVES, ALCOHOL
CLEANSING PADS, and CHEWABLE ASPIRIN TABLETS. The sixth pocket
listed ASSORTED SAFETY PINS and EMERGENCY FIRST AID GUIDE.
[0078] The first, second, third, and fourth pockets were printed,
on the front side just below space for the list of contents, with a
pictogram depicting instructions for use. The pictograms on the
first, second, and third pockets were further labeled with
text.
[0079] The pockets were filled by techniques known in the art with
the first aid supplies and equipment described in the printed list
for each.
[0080] The emergency first aid guide in the sixth pocket was
printed by the American Red Cross according to first aid standards
they endorse. The instructions in the guide include icons when
first aid supplies or equipment are called for to render initial
care.
[0081] The strip of six pockets was folded at the five connections
between pockets in alternating directions such that the strip of
pockets fit into the interior compartment of the soft-sided
case.
[0082] To use the kit described in this example, an initial
caregiver will first identify one or more victims of illness or
injury. The initial caregiver will unzip the case and in a single
motion deploy the folded strip of pockets. Once deployed, the strip
will comprehensively visually inform the caregiver of the illness
or injury for which each pocket is stocked to provide initial care.
The caregiver will get this information via the textual labels on
the front and back side of each pocket as well as via the
transparent elements of the back side of each pocket which will
allow the caregiver to see the individual supplies and equipment
contained in each pocket. The caregiver may or may not choose to
consult the emergency first aid guide. The caregiver will select
one or more pockets stocked to provide initial care for the
situation and after a glance at the pictogram depicting
instructions for use, use the re-sealable flap on the back of the
each pocket to access the supplies and equipment. The caregiver
will then render initial care. If the caregiver chooses to consult
the emergency first aid guide, they will be directed to particular
supplies and equipment which they will identify via the
comprehensive visual presentation that the strip of pockets in the
kit will provide.
Example 2
Refill System For Rapid Deployment First Aid Kit
[0083] The first aid kit described in Example 1 was constructed.
The system for refilling included the first aid kit and refill
kits. Refill kits were constructed that were specifically designed
for each of the six pockets in the strip of pockets of the first
aid kit. Refill kits were constructed using techniques well known
to the manufacturing arts. Each refill kit included a subset of the
most commonly used supplies and/or pieces of equipment useful in
providing initial care for the particular injury or illness
addressed by each pocket. Each refill kit was clearly marked to
indicate which pocket of the kit it was designed to refill.
[0084] Refill kits were constructed for pockets that address
emergency preparedness, small cuts and burns, medium cuts and
scratches, severe bleeding and burns, CPR, protection, and
instruments. The refill kit for the emergency preparedness pocket
contained face masks, an emergency blanket, a light stick,
antiseptic towelettes, triple antibiotic cream, and hand sanitizer.
The refill kit for the small cuts and burns pocket contained
adhesive plastic bandages, junior plastic bandages, knuckle fabric
bandages, adhesive spot bandages, fingertip fabric bandages,
elbow/knee adhesive bandages, burn cream, antiseptic towelettes,
antibiotic ointment, 2.times.2 sterile gauze pads, and cotton
tipped applicators. The refill kit for the medium cuts and
scratches pocket contained antiseptic towelettes, 2.times.2 sterile
gauze pads, 3.times.3 sterile gauze pads, 4.times.4 sterile gauze
pads, a roller gauze bandage, a sterile eye pad, 10 ml sterile eye
wash, and butterfly wound closures. The refill kit for the severe
bleeding and burns pocket contained a roll of first aid tape, a
5.times.9 combine pad, an 8.times.10 combine pad, and a roller
gauze bandage. The refill kit for the CPR pocket contained a CPR
breathing barrier. The refill kit for the protection pocket
contained exam quality vinyl gloves, an instant cold compress
alcohol cleansing pads, an insect sting relief pad an emergency
blanket, chewable aspirin tablets, and a triangular bandage. The
refill kit for the instruments pocket contained plastic tweezers,
scissors, assorted safety pins, and finger splints.
[0085] The system for refilling a first aid kit will be used after
one or more pockets of the rapid deployment first aid kit are used
and one or more of the supplies or pieces of equipment spent. The
caregiver, or another, will empty the contents of the appropriate
refill kit into each pocket that was used. Once refilled, each
pocket will be re-sealed by means of its adhesive plastic flap.
* * * * *