Abstract:
A self-contained portable kit that provides the convenience and ability to easily carry various items of personal value, sentimental value or necessity that bring comfort to the user of the kit, or other items for a variety of uses that are specific and personal to the user. The kit contains a closable, folding wallet having a plurality of sealable containers and a pricking device removably fastened to an inner surface of the wallet for storing a variety of items or substances. A closable pocket is coupled to another inner surface of the wallet for storing a variety of items. A method for producing the self-contained portable kit is also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     This disclosure pertains to self-contained portable kits for carrying personal items. The kits are comprised of multiple parts that can contain various items of personal value, sentimental value or necessity. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art 
     Portable kits are known in the art for combining various related items to be used in a convenient and transportable manner for a variety of reasons. Such types of known kits include emergency medical kits, bee sting treatment kits, manicure kits, travel game kits, and the like. 
     There are currently no known portable kits that allow the user of the kit to personalize the contents of the kit in any manner desired. What is needed is a portable kit that provides the convenience and ability to easily carry various personal items of sentimental value that bring comfort to the user of the kit, or other items for a variety of uses that are specific and personal to the user. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Accordingly, in accordance with a first broad aspect of the invention, a portable kit for storage of personal items is provided, comprising a foldable wallet having a plurality of stabilizing fasteners coupled to a first inner surface of the wallet and a closable pocket coupled to a second inner surface of the wallet. The kit also comprises a plurality of sealable containers for coupling to the plurality of stabilizing fasteners and dimensionally sized to fit inside the wallet and a pricking device configured to produce a droplet of blood from a person&#39;s finger. The kit further comprises a set of instructions for using the portable kit dimensionally sized to fit into the closable pocket inside the wallet. 
     In some embodiments, the kit comprises at least one closable fastener located on an outer surface of the wallet. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a plurality of cards dimensionally sized to fit inside the closable pocket. In some embodiments, the pricking device is a lancet. In some embodiments, the pricking device is a pin or needle. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a sealed alcohol swab packet dimensionally sized to fit inside the closable pocket. In some embodiments, the wallet is comprised of a durable, flexible synthetic material. In some embodiments, the wallet is comprised of a leather material. In some embodiments, the at least one closable fastener located on the outer surface of the wallet comprises a zipper. In some embodiments, the at least one closable fastener located on the outer surface of the wallet comprises snap means. In some embodiments, the at least one closable fastener located on the outer surface of the wallet comprises hook and loop means. In some embodiments, the plurality of sealable containers are vials having screw-top closing means. In some embodiments, the vials are comprised of glass. In some embodiments, the vials are comprised of a durable synthetic material. In some embodiments, the plurality of stabilizing fasteners coupled to the inner surface of the wallet comprise hook and loop means. In some embodiments, the plurality of cards includes a suggestion card. In some embodiments, the closable pocket comprises at least one closable fastener located on an inner surface of a flap and an outer surface of the closable pocket. In some embodiments, the at least one closable fastener comprises hook and loop means. In some embodiments, the at least one closable fastener comprises snap means. In some embodiments, the set of instructions is provided on a card or sheet. In some embodiments, the set of instructions comprises steps for pricking the person&#39;s finger in order to produce a droplet of blood, introducing the droplet of blood into one of the plurality of sealable containers, wherein the introducing comprises directly dropping the droplet of blood into one of the plurality of sealable containers, placing the droplet of blood onto a tissue and introducing the tissue into one of the plurality of sealable containers, or placing the droplet of blood onto a test strip and introducing the test strip into one of the plurality of sealable containers. 
     In accordance with a second broad aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a portable kit is provided, the method comprising providing a foldable wallet having a plurality of stabilizing fasteners coupled to a first inner surface of the wallet and a closable pocket coupled to a second inner surface of the wallet, coupling to the plurality of stabilizing fasteners a plurality of sealable containers dimensionally sized to fit inside the wallet, providing a pricking device configured to produce a droplet of blood from a person&#39;s finger, and providing a set of instructions for using the portable kit dimensionally sized to fit into the closable pocket inside the wallet. 
     In some embodiments, the method further comprises introducing into the closable pocket a plurality of cards dimensionally sized to fit inside the closable pocket. In some embodiments, the method further comprises introducing into the closable pocket a sealed alcohol swab packet dimensionally sized to fit inside the closable pocket. In some embodiments, the method further comprises introducing a desired substance into each of the plurality of sealable containers. In some embodiments, the method further comprises introducing printed text or images onto each of the plurality of cards. In some embodiments, the method further comprises removing an alcohol swab from the alcohol swab packet and using the alcohol swab to sterilize the person&#39;s finger from whom blood is to be produced using the pricking device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises using the pricking device to produce blood from person&#39;s finger, wherein the blood is introduced into one of the plurality of sealable containers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of the internal portions of the portable kit of the present invention, with its removable contents. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of the internal portions of the portable kit of the present invention, without its removable contents. 
         FIG. 3A  is a schematic representation of a vial included in the portable kit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a schematic representation of a sealable container included in the portable kit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3C  is a schematic representation of a safety lancet device included in the portable kit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3D  is a schematic representation of a safety lancet device included in the portable kit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3E  is a schematic representation of an alcohol swab packet included in the portable kit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3F  is a schematic representation of an index card included in the portable kit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  shows a front view of an embodiment of the external portions of the portable kit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  shows a side view of an embodiment of the external portions of the portable kit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows an example of an instruction card of an embodiment of the portable kit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing the steps of the method of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a portable kit for storage of personal items is provided, comprising a foldable wallet having a plurality of stabilizing fasteners coupled to a first inner surface of the wallet and a closable pocket coupled to a second inner surface of the wallet, a plurality of sealable containers for coupling to the plurality of stabilizing fasteners and dimensionally sized to fit inside the wallet, a pricking device configured to produce a droplet of blood from a person&#39;s finger, and a set of instructions for using the portable kit dimensionally sized to fit into the closable pocket inside the wallet. 
     According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a portable kit that allows the user of the kit to personalize the contents of the kit in any manner desired. The portable kit provides the convenience and ability to easily carry various personal items of sentimental value that bring comfort to the user of the kit, or other items for a variety of uses that are specific and personal to the user. Some possible uses for the kit include a person preparing his or her own kit for his or her own burial, an active-duty soldier carrying his or her own personal memorable items in a pocket of his or her uniform to bring comfort in knowing he or she has a closer connection to a loved one back home, a person placing the kit containing personal memorable items into the casket of a deceased loved one to aid in the relief of grief. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to these uses, as will become readily apparent from the description herein. 
       FIG. 1  shows by way of example a portable kit generally designated  10  in an open position such that the internal structure of the kit  10  is viewed. The kit  10  is generally comprised of a wallet  20 , which may be fabricated from a durable synthetic material, leather, or a similar material. The wallet  20  is closed using a closable fastener  30 , which may be a zipper, snap means, hook and loop means, or any other fastening means. For illustrative purposes only, an example of such a wallet is the Fridge-to-go® Travel Wallet by KADO Industrial Company Limited, and example of such hook and loop means is the Velcro® brand Hook and Loop Sew on Tape by Velcro Industries B.V. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular materials or fastening means using technology now known or developed in the future. In  FIG. 1 , kit  10  is shown with small vials  40 , large vials  50 , and a safety lancet device  60  securely fastened to the kit  10  via a plurality of stabilizing fasteners  90 . Index cards  80  (not shown) and alcohol swab packet  70  (not shown) are inserted into a closable pocket  100 . The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the arrangement of the inner contents of kit  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Various items may be placed in vials  40  and  50 , such as water from a favorite stream or other body of water, sand from a beach, dirt from one&#39;s homestead or memorable place, a treat to give to a pet, edible snacks, cigarettes, matches, or anything else that can fit into the vials  40  and  50  by any means, such as by crushing or pulverizing. Besides the alcohol swab packet  70  and the index cards  80 , various other items may be placed in the closable pocket  100 , such as a tear-stained tissue, a photograph, a note from a special person, a next-life suggestion for god, or anything else that can fit into the closable pocket  100 . The index cards  80  may have any manner of text or picture printed, written or drawn on them, such as a favorite poem, contact information, a suggestion list for using the kit or instructions for using the kit  10 , such as instruction card  150  shown in  FIG. 5  by way of example. Furthermore, the safety lancet device  60  may be used to extract a droplet of blood from a person&#39;s finger such that the blood may be placed into one of the vials  40  or  50 , or otherwise deposited onto a tissue or other material, such as test strips, that can be placed into one of the vials  40  or  50  or placed into the closable pocket  100 . In an alternative embodiment, the blood may also be stored in the lancet device using a capillary effect, rather than placing the blood in one of the vials. In another alternative embodiment, rather than using a lancet device, a droplet of blood may be extracted using a standard diabetic lance, a pin, a needle or any other pricking mechanism that can be sterilized. Such use of a person&#39;s blood may be for remembrance of a loved one, as part of a “blood brothers” style pact, or for various other psychological or personal reasons. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any of the particular contents or uses of kit  10  described herein. 
       FIG. 2  shows by way of example the kit  10  in an open position such that the internal structure of the kit  10 , without removable contents, is viewed. Closable fastener  30  is opened, in this embodiment unzipped, such that wallet  20  is in a flat, open position. On one inner surface  120 , stabilizing fasteners  90  are coupled to the wallet  20 . The stabilizing fasteners  90  may be coupled to the wallet  20  by sewing, gluing, or other attachment means. The stabilizing fasteners  90  coupled to the wallet may comprise hook and loop means. The stabilizing fasteners  90  are arranged in a manner such that several items may be placed in the wallet  20  to maximize storage space. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the arrangement of the stabilizing fasteners  90  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     On another inner surface  130 , a closable pocket  100  is coupled to the wallet  20 . The closable pocket  100  may be coupled to the wallet  20  by sewing, gluing, or other attachment means. The closable pocket  100  is dimensionally sized such that several items may be placed in the closable pocket  100  to maximize storage space. Closable pocket  100  has a flap  140  with closing means  110 . Closing means  110  may be snap means, hook and loop means, or any other fastening means. Closing means  110  may be coupled to the flap  140  by sewing, gluing, or other attachment means. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the size of the closable pocket  100  shown in  FIG. 2 , nor to any particular fastening means using technology now known or developed in the future. 
       FIGS. 3A-3F  show by way of example the removable components of the kit  10  that are to be inserted into the kit  10  shown in  FIG. 2 . The present invention provides for various sealable containers to be inserted into the kit  10 . In some embodiments, the sealable containers are vials.  FIG. 3A  shows a small vial  40  with a screw top  45 .  FIG. 3B  shows a large vial  50  with a screw top  55 . For illustrative purposes only, an example of such a vial is the 2 Dram Amber Glass Vial with Black Cone Lined Closure by SKS Bottle and Packaging, Inc. 
       FIGS. 3C and 3D  show side and top views of a safety lancet device  60 . For illustrative purposes only, an example of such a safety lancet device is the SurgiLance® SLB200 Safety Lancet by MediPurpose®.  FIG. 3E  shows an alcohol swab packet  70 . For illustrative purposes only, an example of such an alcohol swab packet is the BD® Alcohol Swab by Becton, Dickinson and Company.  FIG. 3F  shows an index card  80  on which instructions for use and/or suggestions for use are printed. For illustrative purposes only, an example of such an index card is the Oxford® Index Card by Esselte®. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular size, shape or material for any of the removable components of kit  10  using technology now known or developed in the future. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show by way of example the kit generally designated  10 ; front and side views are shown. The kit  10  is generally comprised of a wallet  20 , which may be fabricated from a durable synthetic material, leather, or a similar material. The wallet  20  is closed using a closable fastener  30 , which may be a zipper, snap means, hook and loop means, or any other fastening means. For illustrative purposes only, an example of such a wallet is the Fridge-to-go® Travel Wallet by KADO Industrial Company Limited, and example of such hook and loop means is the Velcro® brand Hook and Loop Sew on Tape by Velcro Industries B.V. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular materials or fastening means using technology now known or developed in the future. 
       FIG. 6  shows by way of example a flowchart generally designated as  160  having basic steps or actions  160   a ,  160   b , . . .  160   k  for implementing the inventive method according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, in the inventive method according to some embodiments of the present invention, a foldable wallet is provided (step  160   a ), a plurality of stabilizing fasteners are coupled to a first inner surface of the wallet (step  160   b ), a plurality of sealable containers dimensionally sized to fit inside the wallet are coupled to the plurality of stabilizing fasteners (step  160   c ), a closable pocket is coupled to a second inner surface of the wallet (step  160   d ), a pricking device configured to produce a droplet of blood from a person&#39;s finger is provided (step  160   e ), a set of instructions for using the portable kit dimensionally sized to fit into the closable pocket inside the wallet is provided (step  160   f ), a sealed alcohol swab packet is introduced into the closable pocket (step  160   g ), a desired substance is introduced into each of the plurality of sealable containers (step  160 H), a plurality of cards are introduced into the closable pocket (step  160   i ), an alcohol swab is removed from the alcohol swab packet to sterilize a person&#39;s finger from whom blood is to be produced (step  160   j ), the pricking device is used to produce blood from the person&#39;s finger and the blood is introduced into one of the plurality of sealable containers (step  160   k ). Alternatively, the blood may be stored in the lancet device via a capillary effect, thereby removing the need to place the blood into one of the plurality of sealable containers. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the order in which the steps or actions in  FIG. 6  are performed. It is to be understood that the aforementioned method may include other steps or actions known in the art that do not form a part of the underlying invention. Further, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology now known or developed in the future for assembling and arranging a kit as disclosed. 
     It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Further, the invention contemplates all embodiments that may be inferred directly or indirectly from the disclosure and drawings whether or not expressly stated and claimed.