Abstract:
A medical tool kit is provided for packaging, storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools of various types. The medical tool kit is capable of providing continuing sterilization to the medical instruments and toots kept inside the medical toot kit after the tool case is opened during its normal use in a medical procedure. The medical tool kit is further capable of emitting a GPS tracking signal to identify the location of an opened medical tool kit during an emergency as well as creating hands free communication between the user of the medical tool kit and local emergency institutions.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/228,085, filed Sep. 8, 2011, entitled MEDICAL TOOL KIT, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to a medical tool case for packaging, storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools. In particular, the invention relates to a medical tool kit capable of providing continuing sterilization of the medical instruments and tools kept inside the storage case, during the normal use of the medical tool kit. More particularly, the invention relates to a medical tool case equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) or other locator signal source that automatically emits a signal upon opening of the case to aid first responders in locating the case&#39;s (and by extension, the patient&#39;s) location. A further aspect of the invention provides the user with two way communication to the local emergency department by utilizing a microphone and speaker, and display, such as a touch screen liquid crystal display (LCD). More particularly the invention is equipped with access to a library of certified medical procedures as defined by state, regional, and local regulatory agencies. The invention further provides the user with an external light source and robust carrying handle assembly. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Various medical procedure kits have been used for packaging, storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools for diagnosis, treatment, and other medical procedures. Typically, medical instruments and tools are sterilized before being packaged in a sterilized storage case. The storage case is then sealed to prevent the sealed medical instruments and tools from contamination. 
     When using the medical procedure kits during a medical procedure, the user opens the storage case and removes a medical instrument and tool from the storage case as needed in a particular medical procedure. The non-selected medical instruments and tools remain in the storage case until they are need in the medical procedure. 
     Once the storage case is opened, the medical instruments and tools stored inside the storage case can be subjected to contamination, even when the medical procedure is conducted in an operation room. Such contamination can compromise the sterilization of the medical instruments and tools stored in the medical tool kit. 
     Further, prudent residents within areas prone to natural disasters, such as a hurricane, tornado, mudslide or earthquake, will include a first aid kit and/or other medical treatment paraphernalia in their disaster preparedness supplies. Nevertheless, in cases of serious injury during a disaster, receiving proper care in a timely manner is dependent upon emergency personnel and other first responders being able to quickly locate the injured. 
     Thus, it is desirable to provide a sterilizing medical kit, which is capable of maintaining the sterilized condition of the medical instruments and tools stored in the storage case after the storage case is opened during the medical procedure. The medical kit is further equipped with a signaling device, such as a GPS tracking device, which automatically activates upon opening of the kit so as to enable first responders to locate the kit and injured party. Upon locating the injured party, the medical kit provides the user with hands free audio and visual connection between local medical centers, emergency personnel and a certified database of regulated procedure protocols. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, a medical tool kit includes top and bottom halves. A tray holding medical instruments and tools is arranged in the bottom half and a UV light assembly is arranged in the top half. The top and bottom halves of medical tool kit are sealed in a closed position to maintain a sterile condition of the medical instruments and tools therein. Upon opening the medical tool kit, the UV light assembly directs UV light onto the medical instruments and tools stored inside the medical tool kit to prevent contamination while the instruments and tools are waiting to be used during a medical procedure. The kit may be designed to be procedure-specific with some indicia to indicate the particular use. In one embodiment, the medical tool kit is a disposable kit. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a medical kit includes a case housing with a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the first and second housing parts are movable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, one of the first and second housing parts being configured to hold at least one of a medical instrument, a tool, or a supply. The medical kit further includes a seal sealing an interior of the housing when the first and second housing parts are in the closed position, so that contamination of the at least one of the medical tool, the instrument, or the supply is prevented by the seal, whereby a sterile state of the at least one of the medical instrument, the tool, or the supply is maintained while the case remains in the closed position. The medial kit may further include a light assembly, such as a light emitting diode (LED) assembly arranged on the exterior of the first and/or second housing parts. Furthermore the medical tool kit contains a handle assembly. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a switch may be connected to the internal battery and the external LED assembly located on the exterior of the first and/or second housing parts. When actuated, the configured switch completes the electrical circuit between the internal battery and LED assembly. A UV lamp is arranged in the case housing and is actuatable when the housing is opened from the closed position to maintain the sterile state of the at least one of the medical instrument, the tool, or the supply when the case is in the open position. The medical kit further includes a global positioning system (GPS) tracking device as well as hands free audio and video communication devices. 
     The medical kit may comprise a lamp assembly connected to one of the first and second housing parts, the UV tamp being part of the lamp assembly. According to a further embodiment, the lamp assembly is pivotally mounted to the one of the first and second housing parts so that the lamp assembly is pivotable from a storage position to an operable position in which the UV radiation is directed onto the at least one of a medical tool, a medical instrument, or a medical supply. The lamp assembly may be held in the storage position against the second housing part in the closed position of the case housing and the lamp assembly may pivot away from the second housing part when the housing is open to the operable position in which the UV radiation from the UV lamp is directed onto the at least one of a medical instrument, a medical tool, or a medical supply. The tamp assembly extends approximately 90 degrees from the second housing part in the operable position. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a medical tool kit includes top and bottom halves. A tray holding medical instruments and tools is arranged in the bottom half and a two way communication assembly is arranged in the top half. Upon opening the medical tool kit, the two way communication devices such as a microphone, speaker, and touch screen enabled liquid crystal display assembly direct communication signals towards the user thereby allowing the user to acquire vital hands free procedure instructions and communication with local medical personnel. Furthermore the two way communication assembly allows the medical kit user to use voice activated commands. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a medical tool kit includes top and bottom halves. A tray holding medical instruments and tools is arranged in the bottom half and tablet assembly is arranged in the top half. The tablet assembly may be comprised of a customized tablet device similar to an Apple Ipad, Microsoft Surface, or Samsung Galaxy and mounting hardware so that the tablet device may become detachable from said top half. The tablet device may contain but is not limited to a two way communication assembly with microphone and speaker, GPS device, battery, touch screen LCD, programmable memory, a central processing unit, and wireless connectivity. 
     The medical kit may further comprise an LED assembly connected to one of the first and second housing parts. The medical kit further contains a mechanical switch located on the exterior of one of the first or second housing parts of first and second handles. The switch is connected to the battery located on the interior of the medical kit and to the LED assembly. Furthermore, the LED assembly is actuatable while the medical kit remains in the storage position and the handle assembly is in the operation position. 
     In a further aspect of the present invention, the medical kit may comprise a handle assembly connected to one of the first or second housing parts and associated external switch parts. Further the handle assembly can extend in a direction normal to the medical kit when in use to provide more space for the users hand and actuate power to the switch and LED assembly thereby creating the user control for the LED assembly. When not in use the handle can retract into its respective first or second housing part, thereby minimizing the footprint of the medical kit and cutting off power to the LED assembly and switch. 
     A switch may be used to control the UV light and be configured to actuate the UV light when the lamp assembly is proximate the operable position. 
     A second switch may be used to control the external LCD assembly and be configured to actuate the LED assembly when the user applies force. 
     A battery is connected to the UV light, communication devices, external LED assembly and GPS tracking device for powering the UV light, communication devices, external LED assembly and GPS tracking device. A switch controls the UV light, communication devices, and GPS tracking device and is configured to actuate the UV light, communication devices, and GPS tracking device when the case housing is proximate the open position. 
     The medical kit may further include an aerosol sprayer containing an antiseptic material. The aerosol sprayer may be automatically actuatable to spray the at least one medical instrument, medical tool, or medical supply when the housing is opened from the closed position. A switch controls the UV light, GPS tracking device, communication device and the aerosol sprayer and is configured to actuate the UV light, GPS tracking device, microphone, speaker, LCD screen and the aerosol sprayer when the case housing is proximate the open position. Furthermore, upon actuation the GPS device transmits time stamped geographical coordinates that may be used to allow a concerned party to become aware that the medical kit has been opened and is in use. 
     In one embodiment, first and second liners inserted in said first and second housing parts, respectively. In this embodiment, the seal may additionally or alternatively be arranged between said first and second liners. A tray holding the at least one of a medical tool, a medical instrument, and a medical supply is held in one of said first and second liners. 
     Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical tool case formed according to the invention in a closed position; 
         FIG. 1A  shows a detail of the medical tool case of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the medical tool case of  FIG. 1  in an open position; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a detail A of the medical tool case of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a detail B of the medical tool case of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the lower casing and bottom liner of the medical tool case of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded bottom perspective view of the lower casing and bottom liner of the medical tool case of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlarged view of detail A of  FIG. 4  showing a hinge piece; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the lower casings of the medical tool case of  FIG. 1  with the hinges installed; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an installed hinge piece of the lower casing of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the medical tool casing of  FIG. 1  showing the insertion of the top liner onto the hinge; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the medical tool case of  FIG. 1  showing the top liner in the installed state; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the opened medical tool case of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a cross section view of line A-A through  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 9B  is a cross section view of line B-B through  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the partially closed medical tool case of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross section view of line C-C through  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded schematic view of a lamp assembly; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the medical tool case of  FIG. 1  showing attachment of the lamp assembly; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the lamp assembly showing the attachment to the front of the top liner; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged view of detail B of  FIG. 13  showing a dashpot used to connect the lamp assembly to the top liner; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the medical tool assembly kit showing the attachment of the upper casing to the top liner; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the medical tool assembly kit showing the attachment of a tool support insert; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of detail J of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the complete medical tool kit assembly; 
         FIG. 19  is a sectional view through line G-G of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the medical tool assembly according to the present invention with an aerosol spray; 
         FIGS. 21A to 21E  shows the medical tool kit in normal use, in which the medical tool kit is opened from a closed position, while the sterilizing UV light is opened from a closed position to an operating position; 
         FIG. 22  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the medical tool assembly according to the present invention with a global positioning tracker; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the lower casings of the medical tool case of  FIG. 22  with the hinges installed; 
         FIG. 24A to 24C  are perspective and top views displaying an embodiment of the medical kit with the external LED assembly, handle assembly and switch in the operational position; 
         FIGS. 25A and 25B  are perspective and top views displaying an embodiment of the medical kit with external LED assembly, handle assembly and external switch in the storage position; 
         FIGS. 26A and 26B  are perspective and front views of an embodiment on the medical tool kit according to the present invention with a two way communication assembly comprised of a microphone, speaker, and display; 
         FIGS. 27A and 27B  are perspective and front views of an embodiment on the medical tool kit according to the present invention with a tablet assembly comprising a tablet device and mounting hardware; and 
         FIG. 28  is an exploded view of the embodiment of the medical tool kit shown in  FIGS. 27A and 27B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a medical tool kit  1  according to an embodiment of the present invention in closed and partially opened positions. The medical tool kit  1  generally includes upper and lower casings  10 ,  12 , which can be configured in various forms for storing and retaining various types of medical instruments and tools inside the medical tool kit  1 . In one example, the medical tool kit  1  includes a tool support insert  14  to be fit in the lower casing  1  and configured for supporting various types of medical instruments, tools, and supplies. The upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  can be joined to each other by any of various pivotal joints and hinges, so that the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  are movable into the open and closed positions. The detailed configuration of the medical tool kit  1 , including the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12 , will be described below. 
     The upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  of the medical tool kit  1  can be closed to seal the medical instruments and tools therein. In one example, the rims  16 ,  18  of the respective upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  are formed to seal against each other when the medical tool kit  1  is in a closed position. One or more locking devices  20  (see  FIGS. 2A and 2B  are provided to secure the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  in the closed position. For example, the locking device  20  can include one or more latches  22  formed on one of the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  for engaging a complimentary slot structure  38  in the other one of the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12 . Various other types of locking devices can also be employed to secure the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  in the closed position. 
     The upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  can be opened to an open position to allow access to the medical instruments and tools stored inside the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12 . In one example, each locking device  20  includes a lock release  24  (see  FIGS. 1A and 2A ) for releasing the latch  22  from a locking position to allow the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  to be opened to the open position. Here, the lock release  24  includes a tab or button  32  that can be pressed inward, i.e., toward an interior of the medical case. The tab  32  and latch  22  may be formed as part of the lower casing as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Alternatively, the latch and/or tab may comprise a separate component attached to the casing by adhesive, fastener, or any known or hereafter developed connection. A preferred embodiment of latch and tab is described in more detail below. 
     In the example shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each of the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  has a substantially rectangular shape. Additionally or alternatively, the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  can be formed by molding or various other known methods. The upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  can be formed of various materials suitable for medical usage. For example, metal (such as stainless steel) and plastic materials can be used to form the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12 . In one example, the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  can be made of medical grade resins. 
     The details of the various components of the medical tool kit  1 , as well as the process of forming and assembling the medical tool kit  1 , are illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 19  and will be described below. 
       FIGS. 3-5  show the lower casing  12  with a bottom liner  36 . On one example, the bottom liner  36  is closely fit inside and permanently attached to the lower casing  12 . Alternatively or additionally, the bottom liner  36  is welded or otherwise connected to the lower casing  12 . Although the embodiments depicted include a bottom liner  36  received in lower casing  12  and a top liner  36  received in the upper casing  10 , in an alternative embodiment the casings may be molded so that they do not require the liners. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 3-5 , a hinge  30  is provided to join the upper and lowers casings  10 ,  12  while allowing the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  to pivot between the open and closed positions. In one example shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , two hinge pieces  130  are pivotally connected to the lower casing  12 .  FIG. 6  is a detailed view of one of the hinge pieces  130  showing a boss or projection  130   d  pivotally connected to the lower casing  12 . A pivoting axis  135  of the hinge  30  is formed at a location away from the rim of the lower casing  12  so that when the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  are in the closed position, the medical tool kit is sealed along the upper and lower rims  16 ,  18  of the casings  10 ,  12  by a sealing gasket  19  to prevent the content inside the medical tool kit from being exposed to possible contamination (see  FIG. 2 ). To provide clearance for the opening and closing movement, the portions of the rims  16 ,  18  behind the pivoting axis  135  of the hinge  30  each have a curve  10   a ,  12   a  (see  FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A ), that avoids interference between the two parts. Optionally, a spring mechanism, such as spring  131  acting on the hinge piece  130 , can be incorporated in the hinge joint  30  to assist in opening the medical tool kit  1  in a known manner. 
       FIGS. 3-5  also show a battery  33  provided to supply power to one or more UV lamps  64  (see  FIG. 11 ), as is described below. In one example, the battery  33  is installed inside the medical tool kit  1 , thereby minimizing exposure of the interior of the medical tool kit  1  through an external electrical contact. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , the battery  33  is mounted between the lower casing  12  and the bottom liner  36  proximate the hinge joint  30  by various known or hereafter developed methods and electrically connected to the UV lamps  64 . However, the battery may also be arranged at any other suitable location in the medical tool kit  1 . In FIGS.  3 - 5 , the battery  33  is located in the lower casing  12  to minimize the weight of the upper casing  10 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , the lower casing  12  includes one or more buttons  32 , which can be subjected to deformation upon activation of the lock release  24 . For example, the release buttons  32  can be formed of a rubber material and co-molded with the lower casing  12 . The release buttons  32  are deformable inward by manual pressure to allow the user to activate the lock release  24  located inside the medical tool kit  1  as described in the embodiment below. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various other materials can be used to form the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12 . 
     In  FIGS. 7-8 , a top liner  34  is connected to the hinge pieces  130 , which are already pivotally mounted in the lower casing  12  and bottom liner  36 . Various methods can be used to form the top and bottom liners  34 ,  36 . For example, the top and bottom liners  34 ,  36  may be injection molded. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge pieces  130  are snap fit into the top liner  34 . However, any known or hereafter developed connection between the hinge pieces  130  and the top liner  34  may be used.  FIG. 9  shows the connected top liner  36  in the open position and  FIG. 9B  show cross sections of the respective hinge piece  130  in the open position.  FIG. 9B  shows an example of a snap fit connection in that resilient portion  34   a  of top liner  34  holds abutment portion  130   a  of hinge piece  130 .  FIG. 9B  shows a cross section of a center latch piece  132 , which will be described in more detail below. In addition, a resilient abutment  36   a  on the bottom liner  36  facilitates holding the top liner  34  in the open position.  FIG. 10  shows the top liner  34  in a partially closed position and  FIG. 10A  shows a cross section of center latch piece  132  in that position. Although two hinge pieces  130  are shown, one or more hinge pieces may alternatively be used. For example, a single one of the hinge pieces  130  may be used at the location of the central hinge piece  132  in an embodiment requiring only one hinge piece. 
     In the depicted example, the top and bottom liners  34 ,  36  are formed with one or more of the locking devices  20 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , a pair of locking devices  20  are located on the lateral sides of the lower liner  36 . The locking devices  20  are adapted to be released upon simultaneous operation of the lock release  24 , thereby preventing unintended opening of the medical tool kit  1  during handling. The locking devices  20  can be in various forms such as, for example, a latch  22 , formed on the lower liner  36 . The latch  22  engages a complimentary structure, such as the slot  38 , formed in the upper liner  34 . When the medical tool kit  1  is in the closed position, the latch  22  on the lower liner  36  is inserted in the slot  38  on the upper liner  34 , thereby locking the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  in the closed position, Instead of being arranged on liners  34 ,  36 , the latch  22  and slot  38  may be arranged on the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  or another element that is attached to the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12 . If the upper liner is not present, the latch is received in a slot  38  in the upper casing  10 . Likewise, if the lower liner is not present, the latch  22  is connected directly to the lower casing  12 . 
     The latch  22  for each locking device  24  is a plastic or metal piece that is inserted into the bottom liner  36  at or proximate the tab  32 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the latch includes a boss  22   a  interacting with the button  32  and a latch piece  22   b  that provides the locking function with the slot  38 . In a further embodiment, the latch  22  may be made as an integral part of one of the top and bottom liners  34 ,  36  instead of as a separate piece. In that embodiment, the top and bottom liners  34 ,  36  themselves may include respective sealing surfaces for hermetically sealing the top and bottom liners  34 ,  36 . The sealing surfaces include the rims of the respective top and bottom liners  34 ,  36 . In one example, the rims  44 ,  46  of the respective top and bottom liners  34 ,  36  overlap and hermetically seal against each other, when the medical tool kit  1  is in the closed position. In another example, the rim on the lower liner  36  can be formed with a rubber gasket to seal against the rim on the top line  34 . For example, the rubber gasket  48  can be co-molded with the lower liner  36 . As a result, the medical instruments and tools inside the medical tool kit  1  are protected against contamination. The seal created by the sealing surfaces can be used as an alternative to or in addition to the sealing of the upper and lower casings. 
       FIGS. 11-14  shows a lamp assembly  60  for keeping the medical instruments, tools, and supplies in the medical tool kit  1  sterile after the tool case  1  has been opened, using UV light. The LTV light prevents contamination of the medical instruments and tools stored inside the medical tool kit  1  while they are waiting to be used during a medical procedure. For example, the lamp assembly  60  is supported in the upper chamber  38  formed in the upper liner  34 . In an alternative embodiment without the upper liner  34 , the lamp assembly  60  is mounted directly in the upper casing  10 . The lamp assembly  60  includes a lamp assembly cover  62 , in which one or more UV lamps  64  are supported. The UV lamps  64  are electrically connected to and thus powered by the battery  33 . 
     In one example, one or more switches  82  are provided and connected between the UV lamps  64  and the battery  33  to control the operation of the UV lamps  64 . For example, the switch  82  can be manually turned on when the medical tool kit  1  is in normal use. In another example, the switch  82  is a position switch that is closed to connect the UV lamps  64  to the battery  33  for power supply when the lamp assembly  60  is opened to its operation position as is shown in  FIGS. 21D and 21E . 
     As  FIGS. 11-14  show, the lamp assembly  60  has a reflector  66  provided to direct the UV radiation generated by the UV tamps  64  during the operation of the lamp assembly  60 . In one example, the reflector  66  is positioned between the lamp assembly cover  62  and the UV lamps  64 . If desired, a clear panel  68  can be used to cover the UV lamps  64  for protection. 
     The various components of the lamp assembly  60  are assembled to form a unitary assembly  60 . For example, the lamp assembly cover  62 , the reflector  66 , and the clear panel  68  are mounted to one another through connecting pins  70  and corresponding connecting holes  72 ,  74 , or other know methods. In one example, a plurality of connecting pins  70  are formed on the lamp assembly cover  62  and pass through connecting holes  72 ,  74  formed on the reflector  66  and the clear panel  68 . The resulting lamp assembly  60  has a substantially rectangular shape and is received in the upper liner  34 . 
     In one embodiment, the lamp assembly  60  is pivotably attached to the upper liner  34 . A hinge pin  76  is provided to attach the lamp assembly  60  to the upper liner  34 . As  FIGS. 11-12  show, the upper liner  34  is formed with receiving holes  78  to accommodate the hinge pin  76 . In another example, a spring loaded hinge having a spring  80  connected, for example, between the upper liner  34  and the lamp assembly  60 , is provided to attach the lamp assembly  60  to the upper liner  34 . The spring loaded hinge assists the opening of the lamp assembly  60 . To slow the deployment of the lamp assembly  60  from the stored position to the opened position, a dashpot  86  is arranged between the lamp assembly  60  and the top liner  34  and/or upper casing  10  (see  FIG. 14 ). The center latch piece  132  holds the lamp assembly  60  in the top liner  34  until the upper casing  10  is opened to a predetermined extent that provides clearance for the lamp assembly  60  pivot to the open position. As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 10A , the center latch piece  132  includes a stop  132   a  which holds the lamp assembly in the top liner  34  until the upper casing  10  is near the fully open position.  FIG. 10A  shows that the lamp assembly is held in place and  FIG. 9A  shows that that the lamp assembly is free to pivot outward. 
     Although the lamp assembly  60  is shown as being pivotable, the lamp assembly may alternatively be stationarily mounted on the upper liner  34  or upper casing  10  such that the UV radiation is directed onto the medical instruments, tools or supplies when the upper casing is in the open position. 
       FIGS. 16-17  illustrate further details of the seal between the upper and lower casing. The upper and lower casing  10 ,  12  are formed with respective upper and lower rims  16 ,  18 . A sealing gasket  19  between the upper and lower rims  16 ,  18  seals the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  when the medical tool kit  1  is in the closed position. The sealing gasket  19  prevents dust, moisture, and/or bacteria from entering the closed medical tool kit  1  or otherwise contaminating the contents sealed in the medical tool kit  1 .  FIGS. 18-19  show the positions of the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  and the top and bottom liners  34 ,  36 , as well as the sealing gasket  19 , when the medical tool kit  1  is in the fully closed position. 
       FIG. 16  also shows the tool support insert  14 , i.e., a tray, formed to retain various types of medical instruments and tools (not shown). In the example shown in  FIG. 16 , the tool support insert  14  has a rectangular plate shape and be received inside the lower chamber  52  formed by the lower liner  36 . In an alternative embodiment, the lower liner  36  is not present and the tool support insert  14  is mounted directly into the lower casing  12 . The tool support insert  14  is formed with a plurality of tool wells  54  for accommodating portions of medical instruments, tools, and supplies to retain the same in place inside the medical tool kit  1 . As is shown in  FIG. 16  the tool wells  54  have various shapes in order to receive and retain different types of medical instruments, tools, and supplies. 
     The tool support insert  14  is removably fitted inside the lower chamber  52  formed by the lower liner  36 . In one example, the tool support insert  14  has one or more locking tabs  56  to be removably inserted in corresponding slots  58  formed in the lower liner  36 . For example, the locking tabs  56  and the corresponding slots  58  engage with each other by a snapping locking action. Various other locking elements can be provided to retain the tool support insert  14  in place inside the lower chamber in the lower liner  36 . As an alternative, the tool support insert  14  may be placed directly in the lower casing  10 . 
     The tool support insert  14  can be formed by various methods and of various materials. In one example, the tool support insert  14  is formed by molding a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material. 
     The different medical instruments, tools, and/or supplies stored in the medical tool kit  1  can be used in a particular given medical procedure including a diagnosis or treatment procedure. In one example, the medical tool kit  1  can include a predetermined indicia to indicate the purpose for the medical instruments and tools stored in the medical tool kit  1 . In addition, or alternatively, the medical tool kit may be personalized for a specific doctor. The medical tool kit  1  can be color coded to indicate the particular procedure or purpose of the medical instruments, tools, and/or supplies therein. The instruments and tools may comprise, for example, but not limited to, knives, cutting tools, and clamps. The supplies may comprise, for example, but not limited to, bandages, gauze, antiseptic. 
     In one embodiment, the medical tool kit  1  is a disposable sterile medical tool kit that provides a sterile environment for storing and transporting sterile disposable medical instruments, tools, and/or supplies. In this particular embodiment, the medical instruments, tools, and/or supplies and the medical tool kit  1  are sterilized, assembled and sealed at a sterile facility. The sterile medical tool kits then remain in the sterile environment within the case  1  until they are opened. 
     As mentioned above, procedure-specific disposable medical kits may be assembled for particular procedures, such as knee surgeries or shoulder surgeries. Alternatively, the sterile medial tool kit could include generic first aid instruments, tools, and/or supplies, such as, for example for a particular user. The medical tool kit may comprise a disposable one-time use kit, in which the disposable sterile medical tool kits are opened when required and then disposed of after use. This allows the medical instruments, tools, and/or supplies themselves to be made of inexpensive materials, such as plastics. In addition, it obviates the costly re-sterilization procedure, which is typically required for medical instruments and tools. 
       FIGS. 21A to 21E  shows the operation of the medical tool kit  1  in a medical procedure. When using the medical tool kit  1 , the user first unlocks the medical tool kit  1 . In an example shown in  FIG. 21A , the user can press the release covers  24  located on the lateral sides of the medical tool kit  1  to release the latches  22 . Once the medical tool kit is unlocked, the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  can be opened toward the open position, as is shown in  FIG. 21B . The opening step can be carried either automatically through the assist of various electrical and/or mechanical mechanism or manually by the user. In one example, the spring mechanism  131  incorporated in the hinge joint  30  assists in at least partially opening the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  when the latches  22  are unlocked. 
     During the process of opening the medical tool kit  1 , the lamp assembly  60  is pivoted into its operation position. In one example shown in  FIG. 21C , when the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  are opened to about 70° or more, the lamp assembly  60  pivots open to its operation position. In an example, the opening operation of the tamp assembly  60  is assisted by a spring mechanism in a spring loaded hinge as described above. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the UV lamps  64  can be turned on when the lamp assembly  60  is being opened to its operation position. In one example, the user can manually turn on a light switch connecting the ITV lamps  64  to the battery  33 . In another example, the UV lamps  64  can be automatically turned on through the operation of an appropriate electrical control circuit. For example, the UV lamps  64  are turned on when the lamp assembly  60  is opened to its operation position as is shown in  FIGS. 21D and 21E . 
     When the medical tool kit  1  is fully opened as is shown in  FIGS. 21D and 21E , the upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  are substantially perpendicular to each other to allow easy access to the medical instruments and tools inside the medical tool kit  1 . Additionally or alternatively, the lamp assembly  60  is oriented substantially parallel to the tool support insert  14  to allow UV light to illuminate the medical instruments and tools retained on the tool support insert  14 . The illumination can reduce the possibility of microbial contamination after the medical tool kit  1  is opened during normal use in a medical procedure. 
     In one embodiment, the lamp assembly  60  includes a switch  82 , which actuates the UV lamps  64  when the lamp assembly  60  is moved to the operation position (see  FIG. 11 ). The switch may be a mechanical switch that senses the position of the lamp assembly. In a further embodiment, the switch  82  may comprise an optical or light-sensitive switch that actuates the UV lamp  64  when the case is opened and the switch senses light. In embodiments in which the lamp assembly  60  does not move between a storage and operation position, the switch may alternatively be a manual switch. 
     Furthermore, the medical tool kit  1  may incorporate an aerosol sprayer  184  containing an antiseptic. In one embodiment, the aerosol sprayer  184  may simply be available as one of the supplies for use by a user. In a further embodiment, the sprayer may be actuated upon opening the case or when the lamp assembly  60  is in the operation position. The aerosol sprayer may be actuated mechanically or electrically using the same or a different switch for actuating the UV light using any known or hereafter developed method. In a specific embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 , the aerosol sprayer  184  is mounted in the upper casing  10 . Alternatively, the aerosol sprayer could be mounted in the upper liner  34 . An arm  186  has one end pivotally connected at a sidewall of the lower casing  12 . An opposing end of the arm is pivotally connected to a sliding member  187  that is mounted in a rail or guide  188  in the upper casing  10 . As the casings  10 ,  12  are opened, the sliding member  187  slides on the rail or guide  188  toward the aerosol sprayer  184  and actuates the sprayer  184  when the casings  10 ,  12  reach the open position. The mechanical actuation occurs by interaction between the sliding member  187  (or a part connected thereto) and a valve of the aerosol sprayer. 
     In one embodiment, the medical kits of the present invention are designed for a one-time field use. In that case, the antiseptic can be continuously sprayed because it is only required for the one use. However, if the case is to be reused, then the antiseptic and the UV light can be intermittently actuated to save the battery and/or aerosol spray for future use. 
     In accordance with the present invention, medical tool kit  1  may further incorporate a GPS tracking device or other position signaling device  190  as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . GPS device  190  may be secured within lower casing  12  proximate battery  33  and is actuatable by a switch, such as switch  82  described above. GPS device  190  is in an unpowered state (i.e. is not transmitting) when upper casing  10  is secured to lower casing  12  in a closed position. Upon opening the casing, such as during a medical emergency, the switch is closed thereby allowing battery  33  to supply electrical power to GPS tracking device  190  so as to cause the GPS device to broadcast the kit&#39;s location. In this manner, remote first responders or other medical personnel may quickly locate the kit (and presumably the injured party). Any suitable switch may be employed, such as a mechanical switch or an optical or light sensitive switch. Additional switches may include for instance, and without necessarily limited the present invention thereto, a magnetically actuated switching device such as a Hall Effect sensor or reed switch in operational configuration with latch  22  and lock release  24  (as shown in  FIG. 2A ) or latch  22  and slot  38  (as shown in  FIG. 8 ). Similarly, one or more of hinges  130 ,  132  may include a magnetic switch or other suitable mechanical switch such that pivoting upper casing  10  away from lower casing  12  results in power being supplied to the GPS tracking device  190 . GPS tracking device  190  may emit a continuous signal or may, for sake of prolonging battery life, emit a signal intermittently. 
     In accordance with the present invention, medical tool kit  1  may further include an external tight assembly, such as light emitting diode (LED) assembly  191 , and handle assembly  192  with external switch  193  as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , LED assembly  191  may be mounted to one or both of upper and lower casings  10 ,  12  and is connected to battery  33 , to supply power for the LED assembly  191 , and to an external switch  193 . The external switch  193  is capable of completing the electrical circuit containing the LED assembly  191 , battery  33  and sufficient electrical resistance. In one embodiment the handle assembly  192  can be in a storage position that reduces the overall footprint of the medical kit  1  as shown in  FIG. 25B  and the operation position in  FIG. 24C . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 26A and 26B , in accordance with the present invention, medical tool kit  1  may further comprise a two way communication assembly capable of connecting to local emergency personnel. In one aspect of the present invention, the two way communication assembly comprises a microphone speaker assembly  194  and a display  195 , such as a touch screen liquid crystal display (LED). Microphone speaker assembly  194  and display  195  may be configured to establish wireless communication with remove emergency personnel, such as through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. The microphone speaker assembly  194  and display  195  are connected to battery  33  (see  FIG. 3 ) whereby battery  33  supplies the necessary power to microphone speaker assembly  194  and display  195 . Battery  33  may be actuatable by a switch, such as switch  82  described above. Upon opening the casing, such as during a medical emergency, switch  82  is closed thereby allowing battery  33  to supply electrical power to the microphone speaker assembly  194  and display  195 . The two way communication assembly may use GPS tracking device  190  (see  FIG. 23 ) so as to cause medical kit  1  to initiate communications with local emergency personnel. Once a line of communication has been established, it is envisioned that medical kit  1  may be utilized to provide procedural instructions for the user, as well as streamlining the process of patient acceptance at a local medical center should the user need hospitalization. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 27A, 27B and 28 , in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, medical tool kit  1  may further comprise a tablet assembly comprising a tablet device  196  and associated mounting hardware  197 . Tablet assembly may be comprised of tablet device  196  and tablet mounting hardware  197  wherein tablet mounting hardware  197  may be mounted to one or both of upper and lower casings  10 ,  12 , with tablet device  196  removably secured within mounting hardware  197 . Tablet mounting hardware  197  may comprise a pair of generally C-shaped brackets, each of which defines a channel adapted to receive tablet device  196 . The channel may be dimensioned so as to be slightly larger than the width of tablet device  196  such that the tablet device resides snuggly within the channel. In one aspect of the present invention, each bracket is constructed of a rigid yet flexible material such that the channel may be flexed open a sufficient amount so as to enable insertion or removal of tablet device  196 . In a further aspect of the present invention, tablet mounting hardware  197  is constructed of a rigid material such that tablet device  196  may be inserted or removed by sliding within the channel. 
     The tablet device  196  may be configured to include microphone speaker assembly  194  and touch screen display  195  which are configured for wireless communication similar to the medical tool kit described above with regard to  FIGS. 26A and 26B . Tablet device  196  may further incorporate GPS device  190  ( FIG. 23 ), and battery  33  ( FIG. 3 ). Upon opening the casing, such as during a medical emergency as described above, switch  82  (see  FIG. 11 ) may be closed so as to thereby supply electrical power to the tablet device  196 . Alternatively, tablet device  196  may include a dedicated tablet battery which may be powered on via an actuator/switch (not shown) resident on tablet device  196 . Tablet device  196  may further be configured to include a memory storage device, a central processing unit (CPU) and associated. In cases where wireless communications are inoperable or should microphone speaker assembly  194  and/or touch screen display  195  be unable to establish a wireless communication connection, medical procedure information may be accessed via tablet device  196  by accessing stored data from the memory storage device using touch screen display  195  or other input device known in the art (not shown) In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, tablet device  196  is envisioned to be an Apple iPad, Microsoft Surface or Samsung Galaxy or similar electronic device. 
     Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.