Patent Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to medical packaging for the accommodation of medical supplies. The medical packaging discussed herein has a plurality of panels, including a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel, that are releasably secured together to establish a first sterile environment between the first panel and the second panel for the retention of a first medical supply, and a second sterile environment between the second panel and the third panel for the retention of a second medical supply. The panels are configured for relative movement such that movement of the first panel relative to the second panel reveals the first medical supply without compromising the second sterile environment, and movement of the second panel relative to the third panel reveals the second medical supply. The panels are arranged for sequential separation in accordance with the steps of the procedure in which the medical supplies are employed.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/569,047, filed on Sep. 29, 2009, which claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/100,796, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, the entire contents of each application incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates generally to a foldable package. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a foldable package for the accommodation of medical supplies. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    The packaging of medical supplies presents a particular concern given the general necessity to maintain such supplies in a sterile environment. The packaging must not only preserve the sterility of the medical supplies at all times during transport, but must also protect the medical supplies from damage that may be sustained during handling and/or storage. Any rupturing, piercing, or damage to the packaging may compromise the integrity of the sterile environment, thus resulting in the use of a potentially unsafe product, the communication of undesirable substances or agents to a patient, and perhaps even infection. 
         [0006]    Generally, medical supply packaging will include the instruments that will be used during the course of the procedure, in addition to the corresponding instruction-for-use (I.F.U.). Either prior to, or during the medical procedure, the packaging is opened to expose the instruments, and the I.F.U. is generally removed and set aside for later reference by a practitioner. However, accessing the instruments and the I.F.U. in this way unnecessarily exposes the entire contents of the package to the ambient, and clutters the work environment by separating the medical instruments from the I.F.U. and the packaging. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for improved packaging that will address these issues. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In one aspect of the present disclosure, a medical package is disclosed that is configured and dimensioned to accommodate medical supplies employable during a medical procedure. The medical package has a plurality of panels, including a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. 
         [0008]    The panels are releasably secured together to establish a first sterile environment between the first panel and the second panel for retention of a first medical supply, and a second sterile environment is established between the second panel and the third panel for retention of a second medical supply. The panels are configured for relative movement such that movement of the first panel relative to the second panel reveals the first medical supply without compromising the second sterile environment, and movement of the second panel relative to the third panel reveals the second medical supply. The panels are arranged for sequential separation in accordance with a plurality of steps performed during the medical procedure that are described in corresponding instructions for use supported on the first panel. 
         [0009]    The first panel is movable relative to the second panel in a first direction, and the second panel is movable relative to third panel in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are different. To facilitate manual manipulation of the panels, the first panel may include a first tab, the second panel may include a second tab, and the third panel may include a third tab. 
         [0010]    The plurality of panels may be fixedly attached to one another, or alternatively, at least one of the plurality of panels may be removable from the medical package. Additionally, it is envisioned that the plurality of panels may be foldably interconnected, e.g., through a plurality of living hinges. 
         [0011]    In an alternative embodiment, the medical package further includes a fourth panel that is releasably secured to the third panel to establish a third sterile environment therebetween for retention of a third medical supply. To reveal the third medical supply, the third panel is configured for movement relative to the fourth panel in the second direction. The fourth panel may include a fourth tab configured to facilitate manual manipulation of the fourth panel. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, the medical package further includes a fifth panel that is releasably secured to the fourth panel such that a fourth sterile environment is established therebetween for retention of a fourth medical supply. The fourth panel is configured for movement relative to the fifth panel in the second direction to reveal the fourth medical supply. The fifth panel may include a fifth tab configured to facilitate manual manipulation of the fifth panel. In this embodiment, the third panel is configured for movement relative to the fourth panel to reveal the third medical supply without compromising the fourth sterile environment. 
         [0013]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, a medical package is disclosed that is configured and dimensioned to accommodate medical supplies employable during a medical procedure. The medical package has a plurality of panels including a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The first and second panels are releasably secured together to establish a first sterile environment therebetween for retention of a first medical supply, and the second and third panels are releasably secured together such that a second sterile environment is established therebetween for retention of a second medical supply. The first panel is movable relative to the second panel from a first position, in which the first medical supply remains concealed within the first sterile environment, to a second position, in which the first medical supply is revealed, and the second panel is movable relative to the third panel from a first position, in which the second medical supply remains concealed within the second sterile environment, to a second position, in which the second medical supply is revealed. The plurality of panels are arranged for sequential separation in accordance with a plurality of steps performed during the medical procedure. 
         [0014]    In a final aspect of the present disclosure, a medical procedure is disclosed that includes the step of providing a medical package with a plurality of panels including at least a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The plurality of panels are releasably secured together to establish a first sterile environment between the first panel and the second panel for retention of a first medical supply, and a second sterile environment between the second panel and the third panel for retention of a second medical supply. The plurality of panels are configured for relative movement such that movement of the first panel relative to the second panel reveals the first medical supply without compromising the second sterile environment, and movement of the second panel relative to the third panel reveals the second medical supply. 
         [0015]    In addition, the method includes the steps of moving the first panel relative to the second panel to reveal the first medical supply, using the first medical supply, moving the second panel relative to the third panel to reveal the second medical supply, and using the second medical supply. 
         [0016]    These and other features of the medical packaging and procedure disclosed herein will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art through reference to the detailed description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in, and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Together with the general description given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, the accompanying drawings serve to explain the principles of the medical packaging and method disclosed herein. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a top, perspective view of one embodiment of a medical package, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, that includes a top panel, a bottom, panel, and a plurality of intermediate panels positioned therebetween for the accommodation of medical supplies; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a top, perspective view of the medical package of  FIG. 1  after lifting the top panel to expose a first intermediate panel, and a swab positioned thereon, for using during a surgical procedure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 1  illustrating movement of the first intermediate panel to expose a second intermediate panel; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 3  illustrating the second intermediate panel, and a first collection of securement tape positioned thereon, for using during the surgical procedure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 4  illustrating movement of the second intermediate panel to expose a third intermediate panel; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 5  illustrating the third intermediate panel, and a dressing positioned thereon, for using during the surgical procedure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 6  illustrating movement of the third intermediate panel to expose the bottom panel; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 7  illustrating the bottom panel, and a second collection of securement tape, together with a label, positioned thereon, for using during the surgical procedure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a top, perspective view of another embodiment of a medical package, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, that includes a plurality of panels for the accommodation of medical supplies; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 9  after lifting a first panel and illustrating a bottom face of a third panel, and a swab positioned thereon, for use during a surgical procedure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 10  illustrating movement of the third panel to expose a top face of a second panel; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 11  illustrating the top face of the second panel, a first collection of securement tape positioned on the top face of the second panel for use during the surgical procedure, and a bottom face of a fourth panel; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 12  illustrating movement of the fourth panel to expose a top face of the third panel and a backing panel positioned on a top face of the fourth panel; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 13  illustrating the top face of the third panel, a dressing positioned on the top face of the third panel for use during the surgical procedure, and the backing panel; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 14  illustrating movement of the backing panel to expose the top face of the fourth panel; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a top, perspective view of the medical package seen in  FIG. 15  illustrating the top face of the fourth panel, and a second collection of securement tape, together with a label, positioned thereon, for use during the surgical procedure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    Various embodiments of the presently disclosed medical packaging and procedure will now be described in detail with reference to the foregoing figures wherein like reference characters identify similar or identical elements. 
         [0035]    In the figures, and in the description which follows, the various embodiments of the disclosed medical packaging and procedure will be discussed in connection with an intravenous (IV) catheter protection system. However, one skilled in the art will envision that the medical packaging discussed herein below may be used in connection with any medical instruments or supplies, either presently known or later devised. Without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 1-8  illustrate one embodiment of a medical package  100  that houses and accommodates the aforementioned IV catheter protection system in a sterile environment until the medical package  100  is opened by a practitioner. The IV catheter protection system includes a swab  10  ( FIG. 2 ), a first collection of securement tape  12  ( FIG. 4 ), a dressing  14  ( FIG. 6 ), and a second collection of securement tape  16  ( FIG. 8 ) in addition to a label  18 . The method of use corresponding to the IV catheter protection system includes four steps that are outlined for the practitioner on instructions-for-use I.F.U. ( FIGS. 2-8 ) that are supplied with the medical package  100 . 
         [0037]    The medical package  100  may be formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to paperboard, coated papers, polymer films, spunbound polymer fibers (e.g., TYVEK®), metalized polymer films, foils, and the like, either exclusively or in combination, and includes a plurality of panels  102  ( FIG. 1 ) extending from a top edge  104  to a bottom edge  106  to define a length “L.” In the specific embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , the medical package  100  includes a top panel  108 , a bottom panel  110 , and plurality of intermediate panels  112 . 
         [0038]    As can be ascertained through reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the top panel  108  is connected to the bottom panel  110  along the length “L” through the employ of a living hinge  118  such that the top panel  108  is movable in the direction indicated by arrow  1 . However, in alternative embodiments of the medical package  100 , any binding suitable for the intended purpose of facilitating opening and closing of the medical package  100  may be used. Prior to opening the medical package  100 , the respective top and bottom panels  108 ,  110  are releasably secured along the peripheries thereof. The respective top and bottom panels  108 ,  110  may be secured together in any manner suitable for the intended purpose of establishing and maintaining a sterile environment therebetween until such time that a practitioner intentionally opens the medical package  100 . For example, it is envisioned that the respective top and bottom panels  108 ,  110  may be attached through the use of a medical grade, sterile adhesive (not shown). The top and bottom panels  108 ,  110  include tabs  114   T  and  114   M , respectively, which are each configured for grasping by the practitioner to facilitate separation of the top panel  108  from the bottom panel  110 , and thus opening of the medical package  100 . 
         [0039]    The top panel  108  defines a bottom face  116   B  ( FIG. 2 ) that accommodates the I.F.U. outlining the use of the IV catheter protection system. The I.F.U. may be either removably attached to the bottom face  116   B  of the top panel  108 , or alternatively, the I.F.U. may be fixedly or integrally formed therewith. For example, the I.F.U. may be fastened to the bottom face  116   B  of the top panel  108 , e.g., through the use of sterile adhesive, or the I.F.U. may be written or inscribed thereon. Positioning the I.F.U. on the bottom face  116   B  of the top panel  108  allows the I.F.U. to remain visible to the practitioner at all times during the medical procedure, as will be discussed in further detail below. 
         [0040]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1-8 , the aforementioned intermediate panels  112  are positioned between the top panel  108  and the bottom panel  110 . The intermediate panels  112  are arranged such that they are exposed sequentially according to the order in which the steps of the corresponding medical procedure are performed, as outlined in the I.F.U. The intermediate panels  112  support a number of the medical supplies included in the medical package  100 . As such, in the embodiment of the medical package  100  seen in  FIGS. 1-8 , the intermediate panels  112  support individual components of the intravenous (IV) catheter protection system. Specifically, the intermediate panels  112  include a first intermediate panel  112   A  ( FIG. 2 ) supporting the swab  10 , a second intermediate panel  112   B  ( FIG. 4 ) supporting the first collection of securement tape  12 , and a third intermediate panel  112   C  ( FIG. 6 ) supporting the dressing  14 . In alternate embodiments of the medical package  100 , however, greater or fewer numbers of intermediate panels  112  may be included depending upon the number of individual medical supplies accommodated by the medical package  100 . The final component of the IV catheter protection system, i.e., the second collection of securement tape  16  and the label  18 , are supported on a top face  116   T  of the bottom panel  110 , rather than on an additional intermediate panel  112 , to reduce the overall number of components in the medical package  100 , and thus, decrease manufacturing costs. However, an embodiment of the medical package  100  including a plurality of intermediate panels  112  corresponding in number to the number of components housed by the medical package  100 , i.e., an embodiment wherein the top face  116   T  ( FIG. 3 ) of the bottom panel  110  does not support any medical supplies, is not beyond the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0041]    The first intermediate panel  112   A  includes a tab  114   A , the second intermediate panel  112   B  includes a tab  114   B , and the third intermediate panel  112   C  includes a tab  114   C . As discussed above with respect to the tabs  114   T ,  114   M  respectively included on the top and bottom panels  108 ,  110 , the tabs  114   A ,  114   B ,  114   C  are each configured for grasping by the practitioner to facilitate separation of the respective first, second, and third intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C , and thus, exposure of the components of the IV catheter protection system retained within the medical package  100  in accordance with the procedure set forth below. 
         [0042]    When the medical package  100  is assembled, a bottom face  116   B  ( FIG. 3 ) of the first intermediate panel  112   A  is releasably secured to a top face  116   T  of the second intermediate panel  112   B , a bottom face  116   B  ( FIG. 5 ) of the second intermediate panel  112   B  is releasably secured to a top face  116   T  of the third intermediate panel  112   C , and a bottom face  116   C  ( FIG. 7 ) of the third intermediate panel  112   C  is releasably secured to the top face  116   T  of the bottom panel  110 . It is also envisioned that intermediate panel  112   A  may be larger in size than intermediate panel  112   B  and that intermediate panel intermediate panel  112   B  may be larger in size than intermediate panel  112   C  such that intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C  are each releasably secured to the top face  116   T  of the bottom panel  110 . As discussed above with respect to the top panel  108  and the bottom panel  110 , the respective first, second, and third intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C , and the bottom panel  110 , may be attached in any manner suitable for the intended purpose of establishing and maintaining a sterile environment therebetween, e.g., through the use of a medical grade, sterile adhesive (not shown). In the embodiment of the medical package  100  seen in  FIGS. 1-8 , the intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C  are connected to each other, and/or to the bottom panel  110 , at one or more points along the top edge  104  such that the intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C  can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow  2 . To facilitate movement of the intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C  in the direction of arrow  2 , the tabs  114   A ,  114   B ,  114   C  may be positioned in the lower right-hand corners  120  of the respective first, second, and third intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C , as seen in  FIGS. 2-8 , or in any other suitable location. 
         [0043]    In an alternative embodiment of the medical package  100 , it is envisioned that the intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C  may be connected to each other, and/or the bottom panel  110 , at one or more points along the bottom edge  106  such that the intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C  can be moved in the direction of arrow  3  ( FIG. 3 ). In this embodiment, the tabs  114   A ,  114   B ,  114   C  may be respectively positioned on the first, second, and third intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C  in any suitable location, such as an upper right-hand corner  122  of the intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C . 
         [0044]    The connections between the intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C , and the bottom panel  110 , may be fixed, such that the intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C  are simply folded in the direction of arrow  2 , and thus remain integrally formed components of the medical package  100 . Alternatively, however, the connections between the intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C , and the bottom panel  110 , may detachable, such that the intermediate panels  112   A ,  112   B ,  112   C  are removable from the medical package  100  after separation from an adjacent panel  102  and/or the bottom panel  110 . 
         [0045]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1-8 , use of the medical package  100  will be discussed. To open the medical package  100 , the practitioner grasps the tab  114   T  ( FIG. 1 ) included on the top panel  108 , and lifts the top panel  108  in the direction indicated by arrow  1  to thereby separate the top panel  108  from the bottom panel  110 , and expose the swab  10  ( FIG. 2 ). Following separation of the top panel  108  from the bottom panel  110 , it should be appreciated that the integrity of the sterile environment established between the intermediate panels  112  and the bottom panel  110  remains intact, and that the becomes exposed for reference by the practitioner. After opening the medical package  100 , the practitioner can utilize the swab  10  to clean the site where the IV catheter (not shown) will be inserted. 
         [0046]    Following use of the swab  10  and insertion of the IV catheter (not shown), as seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the practitioner can grasp the tab  114   A  included on the first intermediate panel  112   A , and lift the first intermediate panel  112   A  in the direction indicated by arrow  2  to thereby separate the first intermediate panel  112   A  from the second intermediate panel  112   B , and expose the first collection of securement tape  12  ( FIG. 4 ). Following separation of the first intermediate panel  112   A  from the second intermediate panel  112   B , the sterile environment previously established between the intermediate panels  112   B ,  112   C  and the bottom panel  110  remains uncompromised. 
         [0047]    By positioning the I.F.U. on the bottom face  116   B  ( FIG. 2 ) of the top panel  108 , and moving the first intermediate panel  112   A  in the direction of arrow  2 , the practitioner remains in plain view of the I.F.U. such that the practitioner can continually reference the I.F.U. and prepare for the next step in the medical procedure. Thereafter, the practitioner can utilize the first collection of securement tape  12  to limit relative movement between the IV catheter (not shown) and the patient&#39;s skin. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the practitioner can then grasp the tab  114   B  included on the second intermediate panel  112   B , and lift the second intermediate panel  112   B  in the direction indicated by arrow  2  to thereby separate the second intermediate panel  112   B  from the third intermediate panel  112   C , and expose the dressing  14  ( FIG. 6 ). Following separation of the second intermediate panel  112   B  from the third intermediate panel  112   C , the sterile environment previously established between the third intermediate panel  112   C  and the bottom panel  110  remains uncompromised, and the remains visible for reference by the practitioner. Thereafter, the practitioner can position the dressing  14  as desired. 
         [0049]    Finally, referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the practitioner can grasp the tab  114   C  included on the third intermediate panel  112 , and lift the third intermediate panel  112   C  in the direction indicated by arrow  2  to thereby separate the third intermediate panel  112   C  from the bottom panel  110 , and expose the second collection of securement tape  16  and the label  18  ( FIG. 8 ). The practitioner can then use the second collection of securement tape  16  to further limit relative movement between the IV catheter (not shown) and the patient&#39;s skin, as well as the label  18 . 
         [0050]    With reference now to  FIGS. 9-16 , an alternative embodiment of the medical package, referred to generally by the reference character  200 , will be discussed. The medical package  200  is substantially similar to the medical package  100  discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-8 , and accordingly, will only be discussed with respect to its differences therefrom. 
         [0051]    The medical package  200  includes a plurality of panels  202  extending from a top edge  204  to a bottom edge  206  to define a length “L,” as well as a backing panel  202   BP  ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ). In the embodiment of the medical package seen in  FIGS. 9-16 , the medical package  200  houses the components of the IV catheter protection system discussed above, and is thus illustrated as including a first panel  202   A , a second panel  202   B , a third panel  202   C , and a fourth panel  202   D , in addition to the aforementioned backing panel  202   BP . However, alternate embodiments of the medical package  200  are also envisioned that may include greater or fewer numbers of panels  202  dependent upon the medical supplies intended to be accommodated thereby. 
         [0052]    The first panel  202   A  includes a bottom face  210   B , a top face  210   T , and a tab  212   A , the second panel  202   B  includes an bottom face  210   B  and a top face  210   T , the third panel  202   C  includes a bottom face  210   B  having a tab  212   C  affixed thereto and a top face  210   T , and the fourth panel  202   D  includes a bottom face  210   B  having a tab  212   D  affixed thereto and a top face  210   T . As seen in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the fourth panel  202   D  also includes the aforementioned backing panel  202   BP . The backing panel  202   BP  has a tab  212   BP  affixed thereto, and is releasably attached to the top face  210   T  of the fourth panel  202   D  such that a sterile environment is established therebetween, e.g., through the use of a medical grade, sterile adhesive (not shown). The plurality of panels  202  are connected along their length “L” ( FIG. 1 ) through the employ of a plurality of living hinges  214 , which are best seen in  FIG. 16 . However, any binding suitable for the intended purpose of facilitating opening and closing of the medical package  200  may be used. 
         [0053]    The bottom face  210   8  of the first panel  202   A  accommodates the I.F.U. pertaining to use of the IV catheter protection system, which may be either releasably connected to the bottom face  210   B , or integrally formed therewith, as discussed above with respect to, the medical package  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . The top face  210   T  of the second panel  202   B  accommodates the first collection of securement tape  12  ( FIG. 12 ), the top face  210   T  of the third panel  202   C  accommodates the dressing  14  ( FIG. 14 ), the top face  210   T  of the fourth panel  202   D  accommodates the second collection of securement tape  16  and the label  18  ( FIG. 16 ), which are positioned beneath the backing panel  202   BP  secured to the fourth panel  202   D , and the bottom face  210   B  of the third panel  202   C  accommodates the swab  10  ( FIG. 10 ). 
         [0054]    As discussed above with respect to the medical package  100  seen in  FIGS. 1-8 , the medical package  200  is assembled such that the practitioner will sequentially expose the components of the IV catheter protection system according to the order in which the steps of the corresponding medical procedure are performed, as outlined in the I.F.U. Specifically, in the embodiment of the medical package seen in  FIGS. 9-16 , the medical package  200  is assembled such that the bottom face  210   B  of the first panel  202   A  is releasably attached to the bottom face  210   B  of the third panel  202   C , the top face  210   T  of the second panel  202  is releasably attached to the bottom face  210   B  of the fourth panel  202   D , and the top face  210   T  of the third panel  202  is releasably attached to the top face  210   T  of the fourth panel  202   D . However, additional arrangements for the medical package  200  are not beyond the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0055]    The panels  202  may be attached in any manner suitable for the intended purpose of establishing and maintaining a sterile environment between adjacent panels  202  ( FIG. 1 ), e.g., through the use of a medical grade, sterile adhesive (not shown), until such time that the practitioner intentionally separates adjacent panels  202  to open the medical package  200 . 
         [0056]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 9-16 , use of the medical package  200  will be discussed. To open the medical package  200 , the practitioner grasps the tab  212   A  included on the first panel  202   A , and lifts the first panel  202   A  in the direction indicated by arrow  1  ( FIG. 9 ) to separate the bottom face  210   B  of the first panel  202   A  from the bottom face  210   B  of the third panel  202   C , and thereby expose the swab  10  ( FIG. 2 ) and the I.F.U. for reference by the practitioner during the medical procedure. Thereafter, the practitioner can utilize the swab  10  to clean the site where the IV catheter (not shown) will be inserted. 
         [0057]    With specific reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , following use of the swab  10  and insertion of the IV catheter (not shown), the practitioner can grasp the tab  212   C  included on the bottom face  210   B  of the third panel  202   C , and use the tab  212   C  to move the third panel  202   C  in the direction indicated by arrow  2 . Referring now to  FIG. 12  as well, movement of the third panel  202   C  in the direction of arrow  2  separates the bottom face  210   B  of the fourth panel  202   D  from the top face  210   T  of the second panel  202   B , and exposes the first collection of securement tape  12  without obscuring the practitioner&#39;s view of the I.F.U., thereby allowing the practitioner to continually reference the I.F.U., if necessary. The practitioner can then utilize the first collection of securement tape  12  to limit relative movement between the IV catheter (not shown) and the patient&#39;s skin. 
         [0058]    After placement of the first collection of securement tape  12 , with reference now to  FIGS. 12-14 , the practitioner can grasp the tab  212   D  included on the bottom face  210   B  of the fourth panel  202   D , and use the tab  212   D  to move the fourth panel  202   D  in the direction indicated by arrow  2 . Movement of the fourth panel  202   D  in the direction of arrow  2  separates the top face  210   T  of the third panel  202   C  from the top face  210   T  of the fourth panel  202   D , and exposes the dressing  14  without obscuring the practitioner&#39;s view of the I.F.U. When the third panel  202   C  is separated from the fourth panel  202   D , the backing panel  202   BP  maintains the sterile environment previously established for the second collection of securement tape  16  and the label  18 . The practitioner can then position the dressing  14  as desired. 
         [0059]    Finally, and with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the practitioner can grasp and use the tab  212   BP  ( FIG. 14 ) included on the backing panel  202   BP  to move the separate the backing panel  202   BP  from the top face  210   T  of the fourth panel  202   D  to thereby expose the second collection of securement tape  16  and the label  18 . The backing panel  202   BP  can be either removably connected to the top face  210   T  of the fourth panel  202   D  as shown in  FIG. 15  such that the backing panel  202   BP  can be completely removed from the medical package  200 , or alternatively, the backing panel  202   BP  can be fixedly secured to the top face  210   T  of the fourth panel  202   D  at one or more locations such that the backing panel  202   BP  remains attached to the medical package  200 . Following separation of the backing panel  202   BP  from the top face  210   T  of the fourth panel  202   D , the practitioner can use the second collection of securement tape  16  to further limit relative movement between the IV catheter (not shown) and the patient&#39;s skin, for example, as well as the label  18 . 
         [0060]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 10-16 , the tabs  212   C ,  212   D  are respectively attached to the bottom face  210   B  of the third and fourth panels  202   C ,  202   D  at the upper left-hand corner  216  thereof, and the tab  212   BP  is attached to the upper left-hand corner  216  of the backing layer  202   BP  such that the panels  202   C ,  202   D  are movable in the direction of arrow  2 . It should be appreciated, however, that the tabs  212   C ,  212   D ,  212   BP  can be alternately positioned in any location suitable for the intended purpose of facilitating movement of the third panel  202   C , the fourth panel  202   D , and the backing panel  202   BP  to expose the components of the IV catheter protection system as discussed above. 
         [0061]    While the above is a complete description of the various embodiments of the medical package and method disclosed herein, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents are also envisioned that do not depart from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments discussed above are intended to be non-limiting and exemplary only, and accordingly, that the present disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0