Abstract:
The first aid kit of the present invention includes a case  12  which includes means for providing quick access to the contents carried by the case  12.  The case  12  further provides, on the inside, a plurality of compartments  37  arranged in sequence to obtain a card catalogue/file cabinet-like effect. Contained in the sequential compartments  37  are packs  40  which are specifically designed with products appropriate for a particular first aid situation. The first aid kit  10  further provides an instruction booklet  46  which contains detailed instructions regarding the products contained in each pack  40  as well as instructions on use of the products for different types of first aid situations. The first aid kit further includes an overview card  50  which is an overview of the components of the first aid kit  10,  identifying each of the packs  40,  for quick reference in a first aid situation. Finally, each of the packs  40  contains medical products specifically selected for different types of first aid situations as well as an instructional card  73  which gives quick reference instructions for administration of first aid in these situations.

Description:
[0001]    This is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/326,837 that is, in turn, a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/009,216, filed Jan. 20, 1998. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates in general to first aid kits and, in particular, to a first aid kit which is adaptable to a plurality of first aid environments.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The use of kits containing a select number of products appropriate for use in first aid conditions is known in the art. Typically, such kits consist of a small container into which products predicted to be applicable to a wide variety of first aid situations are included. A drawback of such kits, however, is that certain supplies of medical products found in such kits typically are used up after addressing a single first aid condition. An additional drawback is that no clear cut product usage instructions or resupply directions are delineated for the user. Thus, often the user must purchase a new kit after each use for a first aid condition. This results in the wasteful accumulation of unused products provided in the kit but not utilized in the first aid condition.  
           [0004]    In an effort to alleviate such waste, manufacturers have targeted first aid kits for different applications, such as for automobile travel, boating, camping, and the like. With these kits, medical supplies which are predicted to be more specifically suited for the types of injuries likely to occur in these environments are included. However, these specifically designed kits suffer from the same drawbacks in that, after one first aid situation is encountered, the kits are replaced.  
           [0005]    What would thus be advantages would be for a first aid kit which was adapted for use in a wide variety of different types of first aid situations. Such a kit would also appeal to a diversity of users by ease in selection and usage of the supplies. Such a kit would appeal to a diversity of users by ease in selection and usage of the instructions. Such a kit would also enable the user to replenish the kit after a first aid situation is encountered without the need to buy a new kit. Such first aid kit would provide quick access to the appropriate medical product for a given type of first aid condition. Such kit would further provide quick access to information regarding different first aid situations so that the users could appropriate and properly use the supplies found in the kit.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention provides a first aid kit which is adapted for use in a wide variety of different types of first aid situations. The present invention provides a first aid kit which appeals to a diversity of users by ease in selection and usage of the supplies. The present invention provides a first aid kit which appeals to a diversity of users by ease in selection and usage of the instructions. The present invention provides a first aid kit which also enables the user to replenish the kit after a first aid situation is encountered without the need to buy a new kit. The present invention provides a first aid kit which allows quick access to the appropriate medical product for a given type of first aid condition. The present invention provides a first aid kit which allows quick access to information regarding different first aid situations so that the users can appropriate and properly use the products.  
           [0007]    The first aid kit of the present invention includes a carrying case which includes means for providing quick access to the contents carried by the case. The carrying case further provides, on the inside, a plurality of compartments arranged in sequence to obtain a card catalogue/file cabinet-like effect. Contained in the sequential compartments are first aid packs which are specifically designed with products and instructions appropriate for a particular first aid situation. The first aid kit further provides an instruction booklet which contains detailed instructions regarding the products contained in each pack as well as instructions on use of the products for different types of first aid situations. The first aid kit further includes an overview card which includes an overview of the components of the first aid kit, identifying each of the packs, for quick reference in a first aid condition. Finally, each of the packs contains medical products specifically selected for different types of first aid situations as well as an instructional card which gives quick reference instructions for administration of assistance in these situations.  
           [0008]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the packs is designated a color for a first aid situation which is different than the colors designated for other first aid situations. Additionally, the guidebook is color coordinated with the packs such that the detailed first aid instructions are found on pages which have borders matching the color of the pack. Finally, the overview card is likewise color coordinated to assist the user in quickly finding the appropriate pack for the type of first aid situation encountered.  
           [0009]    In still a further preferred embodiment, in addition to color coordinating the packs, each pack is designated by a unique icon which is recognizable in any language. Again, the icons are utilized within the detailed guidebook as well as the first aid kit overview. Additionally, the instructional cards contained in the packs as well as the detailed instructions contained in the guidebook are set forth in graphical depictions to guide the user in the use of the medical products in the type of first aid situation encountered. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first aid kit made in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first aid kit of FIG. 1 showing a user opening the first aid kit for access to the contents.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the contents and orientation of a first aid kit made in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is an exemplary card made in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one of the packs of the first aid kit of FIG. 1.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another of the packs of the first aid kit of FIG. 1.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the extras pack of the first aid kit of FIG. 1. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0017]    Referring first to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a first aid kit  10  made in accordance with the principles of the present invention is seen. The first aid kit  10  is carried in a case  12  which has a top  14  and a base  16  having a bottom, two sides  20 , and two ends  22 . The sides  20  of the base  16  are generally rectangular and the ends  22  of the base  16  are generally square. The first aid kit  10  of the present invention is preferably made of a lightweight material to enable ease of carrying. In the preferred embodiment, the first aid kit  10  is made of a flexible material such as nylon. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the kit  10  can be made of a rigid, lightweight material such as plastic.  
         [0018]    To further aid in carrying, the first aid kit  10  is provided with a handle  24 . In the preferred embodiment, a handle  24  is provided on a side which enables the user to carry the first aid kit in a generally horizontal orientation. Additionally, a handle  26  can be provided on the end of the first aid kit which enables the user to carry the first aid kit in a vertical orientation. Alternatively, a shoulder strap (not shown) can be provided alone or in combination with a handle.  
         [0019]    The top  14  is secured to the base  16  by use of a closure means for enabling quick access to the contents of the first aid kit  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the closure means consist of a pair of zippers  28  which secure the top  14  to the sides  20 . A first end of the top  14  is secured to the base by a living hinge  31  integrally formed with that end of the base  16 . The end of the top  14  opposite the living hinge  31  is secured to the base  16  by a hook and loop style fastener  33  contained on an over-flap  35 . Thus, in use, a user simply pulls the over-flap  35  over the top  14  thereby releasing the hook and loop fastener  33 . On further pressure upward and rearward, the zippers  28  are automatically opened thus provided quick access to the content of the first aid kit  10 , as seen in FIG. 2.  
         [0020]    Referring to FIG. 3, the base  16  of the first aid kit  10  defines a plurality of compartments  37 . Each compartment  37  is sequentially oriented in front of the subsequent compartment. By so orienting the compartments  37  in this manner, a card catalogue/file cabinet like effect is provided in which contents can be carried in each compartment  37  in an easy to identify, upright position. Additionally, in each of the compartments  37 , flexible walls  39  are used such that contents of different thicknesses can fit into each of the compartments  37 .  
         [0021]    The contents of the first aid kit  10  include a plurality of packs  40 . Each of the packs  40  consist of a plastic bag  42 , an instructional card  44 , and a plurality of medical supplies provided for specific types of first aid situations. The first aid kit  10  further contains a detailed guidebook  46  which explains the use of the medical products in different types of first aid situations. In a further preferred embodiment, the first aid kit  10  contains an instructional video  48  which helps train the user on the use of the first aid kit  10 . A card  50  is provided which contains an overview of the first aid kit  10 .  
         [0022]    In addition to the individual packs targeted for different types of first aid situations, as seen in FIG. 7, an extras pack  52  can be provided. The extras pack  52  includes a resealable container  54  which allows the user to store additional medical product supplies which are useful in a variety of first aid situations, such as, for example, an ice pack  56 , bandages  58 , ointment  60 , disposable gloves  62 , scissors  64 , and a disposal bag  66 . The user can add to the extras pack  52  user specific medical products such as, for example, asthmatic medicine for asthma sufferers, pain medication and the like.  
         [0023]    The first aid kit further contains a magnetic card  69 , which includes magnetic identifiers, a locator for the first aid kit, and a card having background medical information regarding family members. Further, a plurality of self-adhesive identifiers  71  are provided which can be placed in various locations, such as in kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets and the like, to quickly identify where the first aid kit  10  is stored. Still further, the guidebook  46  contains a page for the user to fill in information about emergency numbers and particular family health conditions.  
         [0024]    The packs  40  contain specific medical supplies designed for specific types of first aid situations. In the preferred embodiment described herein, the different first aid situations include breathing, bleeding, shock, head and spine, bone, eye, burn and bites and stings. An instructional card  73  is provided for each of the different types of packs. The instructional card  73  for each pack  40  is color coordinated in a color unique to and different from the colors for the remaining packs  40 . In addition, the overview card  50  utilizes these colors to identify the different packs  40  and the guidebook  46  sets forth the instructions for each of the different types of procedures based on pages which are bordered in a coordinated color.  
         [0025]    For example, in the preferred embodiment described herein, a breathing pack is coordinated with the color blue, the bleeding pack is coordinated with the color red, the shock pack is coordinated with the color gold, the head and spine pack is coordinated with the color teal, the bone pack is coordinated with the color brown, the eye pack is coordinated with the color navy blue, the burn pack is coordinated with orange, the bite and sting pack is coordinated with the color magenta, and the extras pack is coordinated with the color grey. In addition, the guidebook  46  contains instructions for first aid conditions in which specific medical products are not used, such as, for example cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In the preferred embodiment, the CPR instructions are color coordinated purple. Additional instructions in the guidebook  46  include what to do if poison is ingested. The poison is color coordinated as green. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the packs  40  contained in the compartments  37  include, in sequential order, instructional cards for CPR and poison.  
         [0026]    In addition the color coordination, the packs  40 , guidebook  46  and overview card  50  employ icons for each of the first aid situations addressed. Thus, the icon for the breathing pack is a graphic depiction of the breathing channels in a human, the icon for the bleeding pack is a drop of blood, the icon for the shock pack is starburst, the icon for the head and spine pack is a human head, the icon for the bone pack is a broken bone, the icon for the eye pack is an eye, the icon for the burn pack is a flame, the icon for the bites and stings pack is a bee, and the icon for the extras pack is a medical bag. In addition, the guidebook  46  and instructional card  73  for CPR include an icon which is an electrocardiogram line while the guidebook  46  and instructional card  73  for the poison include an icon which is a skull and crossbones.  
         [0027]    It is a particular advantage of the present invention that the instructional cards  73  for each pack are oriented with information in the same area of the card  73 . Thus, once familiarized with the first aid kit  10 , the user knows where to find appropriate information on any of the cards  73 . Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary instructional card  73  is seen which is made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The upper edge of the card, which is visible to user when the pack is carried in the card catalogue/file cabinet type orientation of the carrying case, sets out an identification of the type of pack on a band  75  of the coordinated color. The sequential number  77  of the pack  40  is also identified so that if the user is colorblind, the user can easily recognize, as well as replace and reorder the packs  40  as explained in detail below. The sequential numbers  77  are offset from each other, as seen in FIG. 3, to further enhance to the card catalogue/file cabinet like effect. Additionally, positioned underneath the band of color coordination  75  is the icon  79  for the particular pack  40 . In the lower right portion of the front side of the card is an inventory  82  of the medical products in the pack  40 .  
         [0028]    Contained on the opposite side of the card  73  are instructions for use of the products contained in the pack  40 . Again, along the upper edge of the card visible to the user when in the carrying case is a band of the coordinated color  75 . Also positioned in the upper left-hand corner of the backside of the card is the icon  79 . Positioned underneath the color coordinated band  75  is a series of step-by-step instructions  84 , including a series of graphical instructions, on using the contents of the pack  40  in the care of the injured party. Positioned in the lower right-hand corner of the instructional card  86  is a toll-free number to call to reorder the pack  40 , as explained in more detail below.  
         [0029]    Utilizing this format, the packs  40  include contents directed toward specific first aid situations, as well as instructional cards  73  to direct the user how to use the products to care for the injured patient. In order to use one of the packs  40 , the user opens the pack  40  along a tear line  88  which is provided on the pack  40 . The pack  40  is provided sealed to maintain the sterility of the contents of the pack  40  while the tear line  88  allows the user easy access to the pack  40 . In the preferred embodiment described herein, the tear line  88  is made according to the description provided in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 30,726, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein.  
         [0030]    Referring to FIG. 5, the breathing pack  91  is depicted as an exemplary example of the packs  40 . The breathing pack  91  includes gauze sponges  93  which are used to clean fluid, saliva, etc. from around the mouth; a mouth guard  95  to allow for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while avoiding mouth-to-mouth contact; and disposable medical gloves  97  to reduce contact with body fluids. The bleeding pack includes gauze sponges to control bleeding, a rolled bandage to hold gauze in place, cloth tape to hold the bandages and gauze in place, larger bandages which are used in combination with the bandages on larger wounds and disposable medical gloves to reduce contact with body fluids. The shock pack includes a thermal blanket. The head and spine pack include gauze sponges to control bleeding, a rolled bandage to hold the gauze in place, cloth tape to hold bandages in place, and disposable gloves to reduce contact with body fluids.  
         [0031]    Referring to FIG. 6, the bone pack  100  is depicted as a further exemplary example of the packs  40 . The bone pack includes gauze sponges  102  which are used to control bleeding, rolled bandage  104  used to secure the splint and to hold the gauze in place, cloth tape  106  used to hold the gauze and splint in place, triangular bandage  108  used to make a sling to support a broken arm around the neck, wire splint  110  used to splint the injury, ice pack  112  used to reduce swelling and pain, and gloves  114  used to minimize contact with body fluids. The eye kit includes an eyewash solution to rinse the eyes, rolled bandage to hold an eye pad in place on the eyes, eye pads which are placed directly over the eyes, paper tape used to hold the eye pads and bandage in place, an ice pack which is used to reduce swelling and pain, and disposable medical gloves to reduce contact with body fluids. The burn pack includes gauze sponges to place on burns, rolled bandage to hold the gauze in place, cloth tape to hold the bandages and gauze in place, and gloves for use to reduce contact with body fluids. The bites and sting pack includes gauze bandages used to control bleeding, cloth tape to hold bandages in place, an ice pack used to reduce swelling and pain, alcohol pads to clean wound areas, tweezers to remove embedded insect parts, and disposable gloves to reduce contact with body fluids.  
         [0032]    It is particular advantage of the present invention that once the particular pack  40  is used to address a first aid situation, the entire first aid kit  10  does not have to be replaced. In particular, the present invention includes a method of stocking and refurbishing packs  40 . The kit  10  can be ordered as a standard, general purpose first aid kit. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the user can order different types of packs  40  within a kit  10  to address specific first aid situations. For example, user may equip the first aid kit  10  with packs  40  containing the types of injuries that are commonly associated with automobile accidents. Alternatively, the user can equip the first aid kit  10  with packs  40  particularly suited for boating accidents, camping accidents, and the like. After use of one of the packs  40 , the user simply calls a toll-free number, specifies the type of pack  40  that has been used and reorders the pack  40  to again complete the first aid kit.  
         [0033]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications preferred in to the embodiment described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without demising its attendance advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.