Abstract:
A rack/module assembly for first aid supplies comprises a plurality of modules which are insertable into a receptacle of a rack. Each module is semi-transparent or transparent and has a front cover portion which is pivotal to provide access to first aid supplies within the module enclosure. An integral latch mechanism releasably latches the cover in a closed position. Each of the modules contains first aid supplies specific to a given first aid treatment.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates generally to devices and assemblies for holding and displaying first aid supplies. More particularly, this disclosure relates generally to assemblies for displaying first aid supplies and organizing same in a user friendly environment. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    Briefly stated, a rack/module assembly for first aid supplies comprises a rack which has a plurality of generally oblong receptacles. The receptacles are disposed in an end to end relationship and have a frontal skirt with an upper edge and a wall with at least one interior vertical retaining rib. An integral mounting bracket extends rearwardly from the wall. A module is received in each of the receptacles in a generally interference fit relationship. Each module has a generally oblong cylindrical shape which forms an enclosure with an integral hinged frontal cover. Upon seating of the module in the receptacle, the cover hinge is disposed above the upper edge of the skirt. The cover is permitted to be pivoted forwardly to allow access to the enclosure. The cover has an integral latch which permits the cover to be latched to a top portion of the module to close the enclosure and to be efficiently unlatched if required. 
         [0003]    In one embodiment, there are three receptacles and three modules. Each receptacle has at least three vertical retaining ribs. One rib defines a recess. A module has a projection which is receivable in the recess for retentive engagement in the receptacle. The hinge is a living hinge. Each module is preferably constructed from two components having integral connectors which engage to secure together the components. Each module is semi-transparent or transparent to allow ready inspection of the contents. Each module preferably has a different label affixed to a frontal portion of the module. The latch projects rearwardly from the cover and has an upwardly protruding catch which engages a downwardly protruding catch at the top portion of the module. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view, partly in schematic, of a rack/module assembly; 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the rack/module assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the rack/module assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the rack/module assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the rack/module assembly of  FIG. 1  with the modules removed, taken along the line  5 - 5  thereof; 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is a perspective pre-assembly view of the rack/module assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view, partly in phantom, of a module; 
           [0011]      FIG. 8  is a elevational view of a module, wherein the cover is pivoted to provide access to the module enclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view, partly in phantom, of a module showing the latch mechanism in a closed position; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the latch mechanism of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0014]    With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures, a station for holding and displaying first aid supplies in an efficient and organized manner is generally designated by the numeral  10 . The station comprises a rack  12  of molded form which may be mounted to a wall (not illustrated). Modules  14  which are appropriately labeled and are filled with various first aid supplies are received by the rack. The station  10  is illustrated in terms of a three module assembly although any number of modules may be employed. 
         [0015]    The rack  12  and the individual modules  14 , which are substantially identical except for their contents and their exterior markings, cooperatively interengage to provide a stable, upright orientation for each of the modules. The modules  14  are appropriately labeled and are preferably transparent or semi-transparent, so the contents (not illustrated) therein may be easily observed from the exterior. 
         [0016]    The rack  12  is preferably a unitary molded member which has one or more oblong receptacles  20  positioned in linear end to end relationship ( FIG. 5 ). Each receptacle is configured to receive a module  14  which is downwardly inserted and seated therein. With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a support plate  30  is disposed at the rear of the rack. A mounting bracket  32  extends rearwardly from the support plate  30 . The mounting bracket  32  includes a generally planar support panel  34  with a pair of spaced keyhole openings  36  for receiving a head of the fastener (not illustrated) for securing the bracket and rack to a vertical wall. Transverse support braces  38  may extend between the support plate and the bracket to provide reinforcement for the mounting bracket. 
         [0017]    The front portion of the rack and each receptacle is traversed by a skirt  40  which includes opposite rounded end portions. The skirt  40  is traversed by an upper edge  42  which generally has a uniform height above a generally planar floor  44  of the receptacle. Dividers  26  extend upwardly from the floor of the receptacle at the rear end terminus thereof and taper inwardly to integrally join the rear support plate  30  panel to separate the receptacles. Each of the receptacles  20  is vertically traversed by generally parallel retention ribs  46 . A rib  46  at a central rear portion includes a generally medial recess  48 . Other ribs may also include a recess. 
         [0018]    Each of the modules  14 , preferably has an oblong, cylindrical shape with an exterior bottom portion  16  which is dimensioned for close reception and seating in a receptacle  20  and engagement by ribs  46 , as will be described below. Each module  14  preferably has a transparent or semi-transparent construction so that the contents therein may be observed. With reference to  FIG. 7 , each module  14  is preferably constructed from two molded components  50  and  52  which meet along a generally, central co-planar interface and snap together to form a sealed enclosure. Joining of the two members is facilitated by opposed pairs of tabs  54  with catches  55  which resiliently engage complementary detents  57  in the opposed component to form a one-way lock. 
         [0019]    The frontal component  50  has a pair of opposed medial slits  56  at the side thereof and equidistantly spaced above the connecting tabs  54 . A living hinge  58  is formed between the two slits to permit the upper cover portion  60  of the frontal component  50  to centrally pivot forwardly to provide access to the interior of the module. It will be appreciated that the hinge  58  is vertically spaced from the bottom of the module a greater distance than the distance of the edge  42  of the skirt  40  above the rack floor  44  so that when the module is fully received and seated in the receptacle of the rack, the cover may be forwardly pivoted to provide the access to the module enclosure without interference from the skirt  40 . 
         [0020]    An integral tab  62  projects rearwardly from a top central portion of the frontal panel and includes an upwardly projecting catch  64  receivable in a complementary detent  66  at the central upper underside of the rear component. The resilience of the tab  62  produces a bias so that when the cover  60  is moved rearwardly, the catch  64  engages with the detent  66  to close and latch the cover and thus the module. It will be appreciated that access can be made to the module by merely grasping the frontal cover  60  with a slight downward force and pivoting the cover forwardly to provide access to the module. The catch  55 /detent  57  locking engagement previously described may be similar in form and function to the catch  64 /detent  66  latching engagement. 
         [0021]    The lower exterior portions  16  of the modules and the receptacles  20  are dimensioned so that the modules may be snugly inserted in a downward fashion into the modules. The ribs  46  project inwardly to engage the resilient sides of the module and to provide a snug interference fit. The rear surface of the rear component  52  includes an integral projection  68  which, upon insertion of the module into the rack, slides into the recess  48  of a rib  46  to provide a resilient retention mechanism. Other projections retentively receivable in rib recesses may also be employed. 
         [0022]    Each of the modules  14  is affixed with appropriate markings or a label  70 A,  70 B,  70 C (shown schematically in  FIG. 1 ) on the frontal portion of the cover to indicate the type of first aid materials that are contained within the module. By way of example only, one module label  70 A may indicate “burns” and list various items that are contained within the module to treat burns, such as burn ointment packets, cotton tip applicators, gauze pads and tape. Another module label  70 B may indicate “cuts and scrapes” and list the materials that are contained within the module such as, for example, gauze pads, easy bandages of various sizes and wipes. Another module label  70 C may indicate “bumps” and contain a listing of its contents which may be, for example, cold packs. There are various other module intended medical treatment conditions and contents that are possible. 
         [0023]    The rack/module assembly  10  as described provides a first aid station which presents prominent display of the various first aid material, as well as ready access to such materials in case they need to be used. In addition, because the modules  14  are transparent or semi-transparent, once the materials begin being used, it is relatively easy to inventory the materials on hand. Replacement modules may thus be easily substituted and inserted into the receptacle. Additional supplies may be placed in the module. 
         [0024]    While preferred embodiments have been set forth for purposes of description, the foregoing should not be deemed a limitation of the invention. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.