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.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/340,790, filed Nov. 30, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable medical kit.

FIG. 2 is a view of the portable medical kit showing the top lid opened to expose the interior pocket and the removable compartments.

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.

FIG. 4 is a view of the rear of the portable medical kit showing the pair of backpack straps deployed from the rear pocket.

FIG. 5 shows the removable compartments as removed from the main case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

	Top lid	16.5 × 5.75	inches
	Main lid	15.5 × 8	inches
	Front pocket	7 × 8	inches
	Side pockets	7 × 8	inches

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.

A preferred representative inventory of medicines and equipment 40 to be provided in the case is as follows:

Number
Compartment 1 (cuts and abrasions):
Plano case                       1
gauze (2 × 2)                    20
gauze (4 × 4)                    20
nonstick gauze                   4
petroleum gauze                  2
cohesive elastic bandage         1
flexible skin closures (¼ inch - 3 pack) 3
flexible skin closures (½ 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 (½ 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

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:

• • abrasions
  • allergic reactions
  • bites
  • breathing problems
  • burns
  • carbon monoxide poisoning
  • common respiratory infections
  • cuts
  • dental injuries
  • diving injuries
  • ear problems
  • eye complaints
  • fish hook removal
  • food poisoning
  • fungal rashes
  • headache
  • head and neck injuries
  • heart attack
  • limb amputations
  • medications
  • nail injuries nosebleeds
  • orthopedics
  • overdoses
  • oxygen instructions
  • seasickness
  • stings
  • stroke
  • thermal injuries
  • vaccinations

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.

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.

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.