Patent Publication Number: US-2021171272-A1

Title: First Aid Cabinet with Dispenser

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/704,244 filed on Dec. 5, 2019. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates to cabinets which contain organized first aid supplies. More particularly, this disclosure relates to cabinets which are mountable to a wall and have a cover which pivots to provide access to first aid items. 
     For cabinets to which the present disclosure relates, a compact durable cabinet has a structure which protects first aid supplies and readily opens to provide access to the supplies. Various compartments are provided in the cabinet to organize the first aid supplies. The cabinet is also typically organized in a fashion which permits a ready location of a first aid item and facilitates inventory of the supplies. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly stated, a cabinet comprises a base section and a cover section pivotally joined to the base section. The cover section is positionable between an opened and a closed position forming a housing. A receptacle is mounted to the cover section and accessible through the cover section in the closed position. The receptacle has a spring which is biased toward an interior surface of the receptacle. 
     The receptacle further receives a stack of first aid items and biases the stack to urge the stack toward a front portion of the cover section. A dispenser chute forms an opening through the cover section. An item of the stack is withdrawable through the chute while the cabinet is in the closed position. 
     A second receptacle is mounted to the cover section. The second receptacle is accessible through the front cover in the closed position. A spring biases the stack of first aid items received in the second receptacle to urge the stack toward the front panel portion of the cover section. A second dispenser chute forms an opening in the cover section so that the first aid item in the second receptacle is also withdrawable through the opening while the cabinet is closed. 
     The base section and the cover section cooperatively form a recess and a handle. The base section has a rear panel which defines a pair of keyhole openings. A pivotal locking plate secures the cabinet in a closed position. The cover section may be transparent or semi-transparent. 
     A first aid cabinet comprises a base section and a front cover section pivotally joined to the base section. The cover section is positionable between an opened and a closed position forming a housing for first aid supplies. A dispenser receptacle is carried by the front cover section and accessible through the cover section in the closed position. A compartment module member has a plurality of compartments pivotally mounted to the base section and pivotal to a slant position when the cover section is in an opened position. 
     The dispenser receptacle further receives a stack of first aid items and a spring biases the stack to urge the stack toward a front panel of the cover section. A chute forms an opening through the cover section and an item of the first aid stack is withdrawable through the chute in the closed position. A second dispenser receptacle is carried by the front cover section and the second dispenser receptacle is also accessible through the cover section in the closed position. A spring engages a stack of first aid items received in the second receptacle. The second chute provides an opening so that the first aid item in the second receptacle is withdrawable through the opening. The cover section is preferably transparent or semi-transparent. 
     A cabinet comprises a first shell and a second shell pivotally joined in the first shell and positionable between an opened and a closed position housing first aid supplies. The first shell forms a restricted opening. A dispenser receptacle is mounted to the first shell and is accessible through the restricted opening in the closed position. The dispenser receptacle has a panel spaced from a front panel of the first shell and a spring biased toward the front panel and having an effective force characteristic of 0.25 to 2.0 lbs. A stack of first aid items is received in the dispenser receptacle and removably retained by the spring so that an item is removable from the receptacle through the restricted opening in the closed position. 
     A second dispenser receptacle is mounted to the first shell and is accessible through the first shell in the closed position. The second receptacle has a second receptacle panel spaced from a front panel of the first shell and a second spring biased toward the front panel. A second stack of items in the second dispenser receptacle is biased by the spring wherein an item of the second stack is withdrawable through the second restricted opening of the first shell when the first shell is in the closed position. 
     A dispenser receptacle is carried by the cover section when the cover section is pivotally moved from the closed position to the opened position. The dispenser receptacle is accessible through the opening through the cover section in the closed position. The dispenser receptacle receives a stack of first aid items. An integrated leaf spring engages and biases the stack to urge the stack toward the cover section. 
     The integrated leaf spring comprises a flat mounting portion and an arm terminating in a contoured portion. The arm is disposed at an acute angle to the mounting portion. The dispenser receptacle has a cover. The mounting portion is mounted to the cover. 
     The cabinet cover section further has a second opening adjacent the first opening. The second opening has an arcuate shape defined in the top and a generally rectangular shape with a shallow concave portion defined in the side. A second receptacle is carried by the cover section and is accessible through the second opening in the closed position. 
     A second integrated leaf spring engages a stack of first aid items received in the second receptacle. The second integrated leaf spring has a mounting base and an arm extending at an acute angle and spaced from the base. The arm has a contoured distal end portion. The second receptacle has a cover and the mounting base is mounted to the cover. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first aid cabinet; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 1  in an open position; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of the first aid cabinet in an open position from a different perspective to that of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a left side elevational view of the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a right side elevational view of the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the cabinet of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear elevational view of the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an annotated schematic view illustrating a pair of exteriorly accessible dispenser receptacles of the first aid kit of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of a pivotal multi-compartment member for the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view, partly in section, of the compartment member of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14A  is a front view of a locking plate for the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14B  is a side perspective view of the locking plate of  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 14C  is a second perspective view of the locking plate of  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 14D  is a sectional view through the locking plate of  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective annotated view of the first aid cabinet  FIG. 1  schematically illustrating the withdrawal of first aid items from exteriorly accessible dispenser receptacles thereof; 
         FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of a panel for a receptacle for the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16B  is a diagrammatic plan view of the panel of  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIG. 16C  is a side diagrammatic view of the panel of  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIGS. 17A-17C  are respectively a perspective view, a plan view and a side view of a spring employed with the panel of  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIG. 18A  is a perspective view of a second cover for a second exteriorly accessible receptacle for the cabinet of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 18B  is a diagrammatic plan view of the panel of  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIG. 18C  is a side view of the panel of  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIGS. 19A-19C  are respectively a perspective view, a side view and a plan view of a spring employed for the dispenser receptacle panel of  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a first aid cabinet; 
         FIG. 21  is a front elevational view, partly diagrammatic and partly in phantom, of the cabinet of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a side elevational view, partly diagrammatic and partly in phantom, of the cabinet of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a first aid cabinet illustrated in an opened position and with dispenser receptacles being illustrated in an opened position; 
         FIGS. 24A and 24B  are respectively a front elevational view and an interior elevational view in a closed position of the first aid cabinet of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIGS. 25A-25D  are respectively an enlarged respective bottom plan view, perspective bottom view, perspective top view and side view of a dispenser receptacle for the cabinet of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIGS. 26A-26C  are respectively an enlarged perspective view, top plan view and side schematic view of an integrated base and leaf spring for a dispenser receptacle of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIGS. 27A-27D  are respectively an enlarged bottom plan view, perspective bottom view, perspective top view and a side view of a cover for another dispenser receptacle of  FIG. 23 ; and 
         FIGS. 28A-28C  are respectively an enlarged perspective view, side schematic elevational view and an integrated base top plan view of leaf spring for another dispenser receptacle of  FIG. 23 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures, a first aid cabinet is generally designated by the numeral  10 . The first aid cabinet  10  has a pair of front and back shells  12  and  14 , respectively, which are pivotally joined by a pair of hinge pins  16 . The shells cooperate to form a protective housing for first aid items. The cabinet is formed of a durable material and includes multiple molded components. The cabinet  10  has an aesthetically pleasing contoured external appearance. The cabinet  10  may be translucent, semi-transparent and, in particular, front shell  12  may be transparent in some embodiments. Alternatively, the shells may be pivotally joined about a vertical axis. 
     The cabinet  10  is preferably mounted to a wall in an upright orientation. The cabinet  10  also forms an upper recess which is bridged by a contoured handle  18  so that it may be efficiently carried. The cabinet pivots from a closed position to an opened position which readily displays various first aid items. The shells  12  and  14  are secured in a closed position by a pivotal locking plate  16  having a catch  17 . See  FIGS. 14A-14D . A feature of the cabinet is that in the closed position, the cabinet is configured to provide ready access to various frequently used items stored within the cabinet without opening the cabinet. 
     Back or rear shell  14  has a semi-rectangular lower panel  20  from which project opposing parallel side panels  22  and  24  and a lateral back panel  26 . The opposed panel  28  forms a pair of opposing ends which extend to a medial partially contoured recess for the handle  18 . A bridge  30  transverses the recess and partially forms the handle. The panels  20 ,  22 ,  24  and  28  preferably have a uniform transverse depth. 
     The panels  22  and  24  each interiorly mount a pair of opposed inwardly projecting sockets  32  and  34  at intermediate positions along the panels. Ribs  36  extend from the back panel  28  to the sockets to provide reinforcement. 
     Substantially identical elongated compartment row modules  40  are each pivotally mounted to the sockets. The compartment row modules  40  include a pair of substantially perpendicular shelf elements  42  and  44  and contoured end panels  46 . The end panels each mount a projecting cylindrical protuberance  48  which is received in a socket  32  or  34  for limited pivotal rotation therewith. The compartment row modules  40  each have a plurality of intermediate partitions  49  which define a multiplicity of linearly arranged compartments. It will be appreciated that the compartments are each adapted to receive first aid items of various quantities and types. In some embodiments, the compartment row members and the compartments are not identical in shape, size or numbers. Compartments alternatively may be provided as fixed non-pivoting mail-slot structures. 
     The back panel  26  preferably includes a pair of keyhole slots  21  which facilitate hanging the cabinet on a wall. The lower panel  20  may also include a pair of protruding supports  25  which facilitate support of the cabinet in an upright orientation while the cabinet rests on a horizontal surface. 
     A generally rectangular box-like receptacle  50  has two pairs of parallel engagement ribs  52  at each of its four sides. The interior of the shell mounts outwardly projecting studs  54 . The studs  54  are generally complementary to the ribs  52  and are somewhat resilient to provide a secure engagement when the receptacle is slidably inserted into the shell for engagement against the panel to provide a fixed open receptacle for various first aid items. 
     The front shell  12  has a front panel  60  which includes and partially forms a pair of dispenser chutes  62  and  64  adjacent a lower side portion thereof. The dispenser chutes  62  and  64  provide restricted interior access to a limited number of items in the cabinet upon closure. The front shell  12  includes a lower panel  61  and side panels  63  and  65  and upper panel  67  which mate along peripheral edges with corresponding panels  20 ,  22 ,  24  and  28  in the closed position. Protruding supports  69  extend from the bottom panel  67  and cooperate with supports  25  to support the cabinet on a horizontal surface, if desired. 
     The dispenser chutes  62  and  64  are preferably located at the front and intersecting side portion of the front shell, but other locations are possible. The dispenser chutes each preferably define an arcuate recessed opening of a small transverse depth to allow for the fingertips of a user to access the outer extremities of the chute. The front shell  12  mounts a pair of rectangular box-like receptacles  70  and  80  which open into a respective chute  62  and  64  to allow selected items in the cabinet to be withdrawn. The receptacles  70  and  80  are fixed to and carried by the front shell  12  and are accessible via the respective chutes  62  and  64 . 
     A substantially rectangular enclosure includes a rectangular frame  71  which preferably integrally extends interiorly from the front panel  60 . With reference to  FIGS. 16A-16D , a back panel  72  has a resilient tab  74  and lip/rim structures which allow the back panel to be snapped into place onto the frame  71  at the interior of the shell. The panel has a pair of slotted bosses  73  which mount a spring  75  ( FIGS. 17A-17C ). The spring  75  has a quasi-U-shaped medial portion  76  adapted to engage the top of a stack of first aid supplies, such as, for example, 10-12 bandages B (See  FIG. 11 ). The spring is configured and has a force characteristic which is in the range of 0.25 to 2.0 lbs and exerts a pressure of 0.040 to 0.420 psi which allows the stack of supplies to be gently forced against the interior surface of the front panel  60 , but allows for relatively easy sequential withdrawal of an item from the stack. As schematically illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the chute  62  provides an access to the receptacle  70  from the front exterior so that as one item is pulled from the chute, the remaining items in the stack of supplies are urged outwardly toward the front panel  60  so that the succeeding item engages the inside surface of the panel  60 . 
     Likewise, a second substantially rectangular receptacle  80  has a substantially rectangular frame  81  integrally extending inwardly from the cover  60 . With additional reference to  FIGS. 18A-18C , the frame  81  receives a back panel  82  with a resilient tab  84  and lip/rim structures which allow the back to panel  82  be snapped into place onto the frame at the interior of the shell to enclose the receptacle. The panel  82  also includes a pair of slotted bosses  83  which mount a spring  85  ( FIGS. 19A-19C ). The spring  85  is configured with a quasi-U-shaped medial portion  86  and has a spring force (preferably 0.25 to 2.0 lbs) to provide a sufficient pressure (preferably 0.040 to 0.420 psi) against supplies received in the receptacle. With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 15 , when a supply item such as wipe W is removed through the chute  64 , the next item moves against the inside of the front panel and is urged by the spring to engage the bottom of the stack to retain the stack in the receptacle at the inside surface of the panel  60 . The receptacle dimensions may also be varied for a given application. 
     Only one or more than two dispenser receptacles and chutes may be provided. 
     The cabinet is preferably provided with first aid supplies which are placed in each of the compartments as well as in the receptacle  50 . In addition, wipes W or bandages B are respectively placed in stack-like form in the receptacles, as best illustrated for cabinet  10  in  FIG. 11 . The cabinet is then pivoted to the closed position. It will be appreciated that wipes and bandages may be withdrawn or dispensed through the dispenser chutes  62  and  64  in the front surface without requiring the cabinet be opened. Naturally, items other than wipes and bandages may be loaded into the dispenser receptacle. The stacks of items are reloadable either through the chutes or by removing the rear panels  72  and  82 , loading the stacks and snapping each panel against the corresponding frame to close the receptacle. If additional other first aid items are required, the cabinet may then be pivotally opened, at which time, the compartment row modules  40  will slightly pivot to provide access to various supplies and to provide a ready inspection of the supplies in the cabinet for inventory purposes. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20-22 , another embodiment of a first aid cabinet is generally designated by the numeral  110 . The first aid cabinet  110  has a pair of shell-like members  112  and  114  which are pivotally joined by a pair of hinge pins  116 . The front shell member  112  is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material which allows the contents of the cabinet to be viewed when the cabinet is closed. The cabinet  110  is otherwise formed of molded durable material and includes multiple molded components, as well as metal springs  175  and  185 , further described below. 
     The cabinet  110  is preferably mountable to a wall in an upright orientation. The cabinet  110  also forms an upper recess which is bridged by a contoured handle  118  so that it may be efficiently transported. A feature of the cabinet  110  is that in the closed position, the cabinet is again configured to provide ready access to selected items stored within the cabinet without opening the cabinet. 
     The components of cabinet  110 , which corresponds to analogous components of cabinet  10  are designated with corresponding numerals preceded by the numeral  1 . The height h, width w and depth d for one embodiment is approximately 298 cm, 271 cm and 76 cm, respectively. 
     The rear shell  114  has a semi-rectangular lower panel  120  from which project opposing parallel side panels  122  and  124  and the lateral back panel  126 . The upper opposed panel  128  forms a pair of opposing ends which extend to a medial partially contoured recess for the handle  118 . A bridge  130  traverses the recess and partly forms the handle. The panels  120 ,  122 ,  124  and  128  have a generally uniform transverse depth as illustrated in  FIG. 20 . 
     The cabinet  110  has a single pivotal compartment module  140  which extends from a pair of opposed inwardly projecting sockets  132  and  124 . Compartment row module  140  has a plurality of intermediate partitions  149  which define a multiplicity of compartments. Each of the compartments is adapted to receive first aid items of various quantities and types. The compartment members and the compartments may not be identical in shape, size or number. In the illustrated embodiment, some compartments have identical shapes. For some embodiments, all compartments are fixed and have no pivotal compartment modules. 
     The back panel  126  preferably includes a pair of keyhole slots (not illustrated) which facilitates hanging the cabinet on a wall. The bottom panel  120  may also include a pair of protruding supports  125  to facilitate support of the cabinet in an upright orientation while the cabinet rests on a horizontal surface. 
     Generally rectangular open receptacles  156 ,  157  and  158  are provided for various first aid items. Each receptacle  156 ,  157  and  158  also preferably includes a frontal contoured skirt-like retainer which allows supplies to be retained in a receptacle. Other receptacles of various sizes and shapes may be formed in the rear shell and secured therewith. 
     The front cover  112  includes a front panel  160  which mounts a pair of dispenser chutes  162  and  164 . The dispenser chutes provide limited interior access to a limited number of items in the cabinet upon closure. The front shell  114  mounts a pair of rectangular receptacles  170  and  180  having interior rear panels which open into a respective chute  162  and  164  to allow selected items in the cabinet to be withdrawn. 
     Receptacles  170  and  180  have the same structural elements and functions as receptacles  70  and  80 , respectively. Enclosure  170  includes a back panel or cover with tabs  174  which allow the panel to be snapped into place onto a rectangular frame which integrally extending from the shell. The panel has a pair of bosses which mount a spring  175 . The spring has a quasi-U-shaped medial portion adapted to engage a stack at the top of a first aid supply such as wipes. The spring  175  is configured to and has a force characteristic in the range of 0.25 to 2.0 lbs and allows a stack of supplies to be gently forced against the front panel but allows for withdrawal of an item from the top of the stack. As best illustrated in  FIG. 15 , for chute  62 , chute  162  provides access to the receptacle from the front exterior so that a supply is slidably pulled from the chute. A stack of supplies is urged downwardly against the rear panel. 
     Likewise, a second receptacle  180  receives a rear panel or cover with tabs  184  which allow the cover to be snapped into place at the interior of the shell to enclose the receptacle. The receptacle also includes a pair of slotted bosses which mounts a spring  185 . The spring is configured for the quasi-U-shaped medial portion and has a spring force of approximately 0.25 to 2.0 lbs to provide sufficient pressure (approximately 0.040 to 0.420 psi) against the supplies received in the receptacle when a supply item is removed through the chute. 
     Cabinet  110  is preferably provided with first aid supplies placed in each of the compartments as well as in the receptacle. Bandages and wipes are respectively placed in stack-like form in the receptacles. The cabinet may then be pivoted to the closed position. It will be appreciated that the wipes and bandages may be withdrawn through the chutes and the front surface without requiring the cabinet to be opened. When the cabinet is opened, the bandages and wipes are secured to the front cover by the enclosures  170  and  180  which move with the front shell or cabinet cover. Naturally, other items may be placed in the receptacles. 
     When the cabinet  110  is pivotally opened, a compartment module will slightly pivot to provide access to various supplies, and the other compartments will be readily accessible so that the supplies may be removed. The transparent or semi-transparent nature of the cover also provides for a ready inspection of the supplies in the cabinet for inventory purposes. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 23-28C , another embodiment of a first aid cabinet is generally designated by the numeral  210 . The first aid cabinet  210  has a pair of shell-like members  212  and  214  which are pivotally joined by a pair of hinge pins  216 . The front shell member  212  is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material which allows the contents of the cabinet to be viewed when the cabinet is closed. The cabinet  210  is otherwise formed of molded durable material and includes multiple molded components, as well as metal integrated base and leaf springs  275  and  285  illustrated in  FIGS. 26A-26C  and  FIGS. 28A-28C , respectively, and further described below. 
     The cabinet  210  is preferably mountable to a wall in an upright orientation. The cabinet  210  also forms an upper recess which is bridged by a contoured handle  218  so that it may be efficiently transported. A feature of the cabinet  210  is that in the closed position, the cabinet is again configured to provide ready access to selected items stored within the cabinet without opening the cabinet. 
     The components of cabinet  210 , which corresponds to analogous components of cabinet  10  are designated with corresponding numerals preceded by the numeral  2 . The height h, width w and depth d for cabinet  210  in one preferred embodiment is approximately 298 cm, 271 cm and 76 cm, respectively. 
     The rear shell  214  has a semi-rectangular lower panel  220  from which project opposing parallel side panels  222  and  224  and the lateral back panel  226 . The upper opposed panel  228  forms a pair of opposing ends which extend to a medial partially contoured recess for the handle  218 . A bridge  230  traverses the recess and partly forms the handle. The panels  220 ,  222 ,  224  and  228  have a generally uniform transverse depth as illustrated in  FIG. 23 . 
     The cabinet  210  has a single pivotal compartment module  240  which extends from a pair of opposed inwardly projecting sockets. Compartment row module  240  has a plurality of intermediate partitions  249  which define a multiplicity of compartments. Each of the compartments is adapted to receive first aid items of various quantities and types. The compartment members and the compartments may not be identical in shape, size or number. In the illustrated embodiment, some compartments have identical shapes. For some embodiments, all compartments are fixed and have no pivotal compartment modules. 
     The back panel  226  preferably includes a pair of keyhole slots (not illustrated) which facilitates hanging the cabinet on a wall. The bottom panel  220  may also include a pair of protruding supports  225  to facilitate support of the cabinet in an upright orientation while the cabinet rests on a horizontal surface. 
     Generally rectangular open receptacles  256 ,  257 ,  258  and  259  are provided for various first aid items. The receptacles  256 ,  257 ,  258  and  259  also preferably includes a frontal contoured skirt-like retainer which allows supplies to be retained in a receptacle. Other receptacles of various sizes and shapes may be formed in the rear shell and secured therewith. 
     The front cover  212  includes a front panel  260  which mounts a pair of dispenser chutes  262  and  264  having respective openings  263  and  265 . The openings each have an arcuate shape in the front and a shallow rectangular slightly concave shape in a top side portion at side  213 . The dispenser chutes provide expedited access to a limited number of items in the cabinet upon closure. The front shell  214  mounts a pair of rectangular receptacles  270  and  280  having interior rear panels or covers. The receptacles  270  and  280  open at one end to form the respective chute  262  and  264  to allow selected items in the cabinet to be withdrawn through the respective openings  263  and  265  while protecting the selected items when the cabinet is closed. 
     Receptacles  270  and  280  have substantially the same structural elements and functions as receptacles  70  and  80 , respectively. Enclosure  270  includes a back panel or cover  272  with tabs and a resilient latch tab  274  which allows the panel to be snapped into place onto the rectangular frame integrally extending from the shell. The panel  272  has a pair of bosses which mounts an integrated base and leaf spring  275 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26A-26C , the integrated leaf spring  275  has a flat anchor or base portion  276 , an angled extension  277  extending approximately 159° in a rest state and a shallow contoured distal end portion  278 . The angled extension  277  is adapted to engage a stack at the underside of a first aid supply such as bandages. The spring is configured to and has a force characteristic in the range of 0.25 to 2.0 lbs and allows a stack of supplies to be gently forced against the front panel but allows for ready withdrawal through opening  263  of an item from the top of the stack. The base portion  276  is mounted to the back or cover panel  272 , and the contoured end portion  278  is disposed adjacent the side of the front panel. As best illustrated in  FIG. 15 , for chute  62 , chute  262  provides access to the receptacle from the front exterior so that a supply item is slidably sequentially pulled from the chute through the opening  263 . The stack of supplies is urged toward the front panel. 
     Likewise, with reference to  FIGS. 23, 27A-27D , a second receptacle  280  receives a rear panel cover  282  with tabs and a resilient latch  284  which allows the cover to be snapped into place at the interior of the shell to enclose the receptacle. The cover plate  282  also includes a tab  281  and two pairs of slotted bosses  283  which mounts an integrated base and leaf spring  285 . With reference to  FIGS. 28A-28C , the integrated leaf spring  285  is configured in an angled form having a flat anchor base  286  and a reverse engagement arm  287  at an acute angle and having a shallow contoured distal end  288 . The base  286  is mounted to the underside of the rear panel  282 , and the contoured distal end  288  is adjacent the side panel of the cover. The integrated leaf spring  285  has a spring force of approximately 0.25 to 2.0 lbs to provide appropriate pressure (approximately 0.040 to 0.420 psi) against the supplies (preferably antiseptic wipes) received in the receptacle when a supply item is removed through the chute opening  265 . 
     Cabinet  210  is preferably provided with first aid supplies placed in each of the compartments as well as in the receptacle. Bandages and wipes are respectively placed in stack-like form in the receptacles  270  and  280 . The cabinet may then be pivoted to the closed position. It will be appreciated that the wipes and bandages may be easily and quickly accessed and sequentially withdrawn in expedited fashion through the chutes without requiring the cabinet to be opened. The openings  263  and  265  and the respective leaf springs  275  and  285  are cooperatively configured to provide the latter feature and to protect the first aid items and maintain same in an orderly fashion. When the cabinet is opened, the bandages and wipes are secured to the front cover by the dispenser receptacles  270  and  280  which move with and are carried by the front shell or cabinet cover. Naturally, other items may be placed in the receptacles. 
     While preferred embodiments of the foregoing have been set forth for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the invention herein. 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.