Patent Abstract:
There is provided a plaster dispenser ( 1 ) for holding a plaster pack ( 2 ) and for removing plasters ( 3 ) individually from said plaster pack ( 2 ), which plaster pack ( 2 ) comprises a plurality of plasters ( 3 ), each accommodated in an individual pocket ( 16 ), wherein the pockets are located between first and second sheets ( 4   a    4   b ), said sheets and pockets being connected along a straight edge ( 5 ) that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of respective pockets and generally in a respective main plane of said pockets, said plaster dispenser ( 1 ) comprising: a) a first wall ( 6 ) limiting the movement of the plaster pack ( 2 ) in a direction opposite to the front direction; b) a first shoulder ( 7 ) limiting the movement of the first sheet part ( 4   a ) in the front direction; c) a second shoulder ( 8 ) limiting the movement of the second sheet part ( 4   b ) in the front direction; d) an opening ( 9 ) for removing individual plasters ( 3 ) from the plaster pack in the front direction; characterized in that the dispenser comprises a gate ( 10 ) comprising said opening ( 9 ) for removing individual plasters ( 3 ), said gate ( 10 ) further comprising said first ( 7 ) and second ( 8 ) shoulders, wherein said gate ( 10 ) can be opened so that the said movement of first and second sheets ( 4   a    4   b ) is no longer limited in the front direction, to make it possible to remove the plaster pack ( 2 ) from the dispenser ( 1 ). There is also provided a first aid kit container comprising a dispenser according to the invention.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Swedish Patent Application No. 1550692-6, filed May 28, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a dispenser for plasters, i.e. adhesive bandages for applying on minor wounds such as cuts, and a first aid kit container with such a dispenser. 
         [0003]    BACKGROUND 
         [0004]    Plasters—self-adhesive bandages for applying on minor wounds, such as small cuts—may be provided from plaster packs which comprise pockets that hold a number of plasters in a “booklet”-like fashion. Such plaster packs are well-known. A plaster pack may contain plasters in different sizes and materials. 
         [0005]    Plasters in a plaster pack may be dispensed from a wall mounted dispenser that holds the plaster pack. The wall mounted dispensers are usually provided at workplaces, schools, etc. where the plasters will then be easily available in the case of a minor injury. The dispenser holds the plaster pack so that users can pull plasters from the plaster packs when they need a plaster. 
         [0006]    When a plaster pack in a dispenser has been emptied of its contents, the empty pack is to be replaced with a new one. 
         [0007]    One problem with plaster dispensers for plaster packs is that the plaster pack—which contains a number of plasters—is susceptible to theft when it is in the dispenser. In order to solve this problem WO2006078201 discloses a wall-mounted plaster dispenser where the plaster pack cannot be removed in the direction of pulling out the plasters. Instead, the empty plaster pack is removed and replaced by accessing a space behind the dispenser. This may involve unlocking a door or accessing the space behind the dispenser. Alternatively a key is used to displace the plaster pack so that it can be removed. 
         [0008]    One problem associated with WO2006078201 is that it is rather cumbersome to change the plaster pack. This is necessary since the problems solved by WO2006078201 is to avoid theft of the plaster pack. 
         [0009]    The key solution has the disadvantage that the key can be misplaced. In general there is a need to improve the manner in which plaster packs in dispenser are replaced. 
         [0010]    Moreover, the plaster dispenser in WO2006078201 is rather bulky and intended to be mounted on a wall. Therefore it not suitable to be used in cars, small boats, on aircraft etc. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention will now be described in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1 a    is a schematic cross sections of a plaster dispenser seen in the direction of the main axis and where the front direction of the dispenser is to the left. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1 b    is a schematic cross section of a plaster pack. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is view of a plaster dispenser with the lid open. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a view of a plaster dispenser with the gate and the lid open. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a view of a plaster dispenser with the lid closed. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a view of a gate and the lid manufactured in one piece. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6-7  shows a first aid kit container. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  shows a cross section of a first aid kit container. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0020]    In a first aspect there is provided a plaster dispenser for holding a plaster pack and for removing plasters individually from said plaster pack, which plaster pack comprises a plurality of plasters, each accommodated in a pocket, wherein the pockets are directed in generally the same direction and located between first and second sheets, said sheets and pockets being connected along an edge that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of respective pockets, said edge being located opposite to the opening of the pockets, where the plaster dispenser has at least one compartment for holding a plaster pack, said compartment having a main opening for inserting and removing a plaster pack, said opening defining a front direction of the dispenser, where the plaster dispenser comprises: a) a first wall limiting the movement of the plaster pack in a direction opposite to the front direction, b) a first shoulder limiting the movement of the first sheet in the front direction; c) a second shoulder limiting the movement of the second sheet in the front direction; d) an opening for removing individual plasters from the plaster pack in the front direction; characterized in that the dispenser comprises e) a gate comprising said opening for removing individual plasters, said gate further comprising said first and second shoulders, wherein the gate can be opened or removed to make it possible to remove the plaster pack from the dispenser. 
         [0021]    One advantage with the inventive dispenser is that it is easy to replace the plaster pack, since it is not necessary to access the dispenser from the back side or unlocking a door. Instead the plasters pack is removed and replaced from the same direction from which plasters are dispensed. This does away with the need for access to the back side of the dispenser according to prior art. Moreover, no key is required when replacing the plaster pack. 
         [0022]    The gate may have a hinge for opening and closing the gate. This has the advantage that the gate is attached to the dispenser so it does not get misplaced. 
         [0023]    The dispenser may have a lid that is able to cover the opening for removing plasters and the gate. This has the advantage of protecting the plasters from dust and moisture. The lid may also cover the main opening for replacing the plaster pack. The lid may have a hinge. An advantage with this is that the lid does not get misplaced. 
         [0024]    The hinge of the gate and the hinge of the lid may be parallel and arranged to open in the same direction. This has the advantage that the lid and the gate does not block access to the openings. 
         [0025]    The lid and the gate may be made in one piece. The hinges may then be living hinges. This is an efficient way of manufacturing the lid and the gate, in order to obtain a dispenser that is flat and easy to integrate. 
         [0026]    In a second aspect there is provided a first aid kit container comprising an integrated plaster dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention. 
         [0027]    One advantage with this first aid kit container is that plasters are conveniently provided from a plaster pack connected to a first aid kit. The dispenser makes the plasters easy to grip and get ready for application to the wound. It is timesaving since only one adhesive-covering strip has to be removed. Moreover, the plaster pack keeps the plasters sorted by type, material and size and makes it easy for the user to choose the right type of plaster. Moreover, the comparatively small plasters are easy to locate compared to if they are lying loose together with other first aid kit components in a first aid kit container. 
         [0028]    Moreover the first aid kit according to the invention provides a plaster pack where the previous, wall-mounted dispensers are not suitable, for example in cars, boats, etc. This makes the plaster pack available at mobile work places, for example in a first aid kit that can be placed in cars used by craftsmen, policemen, salespersons, farmers etc. 
         [0029]    Also, the first aid kit container makes it possible to carry the plaster pack to the injured person who needs the plaster, rather than having the injured person located to the plaster pack. 
         [0030]    In a preferred embodiment, the first aid kit container comprises a main compartment and individual plasters can be removed and the plaster pack can be replaced without accessing said main compartment. This can be achieved for example when the opening for removing plasters, the gate and the main opening are accessible without accessing the main compartment. Thus the plaster pack is available from the outside of the main compartment. 
         [0031]    This avoids unnecessary opening of the main compartment of the first aid kit container when removing plasters or replacing the plaster pack and thereby protects the articles in the main space from contamination and dirt. 
         [0032]    Moreover, sometimes the main compartment of first aid kit containers are equipped with a seal that is broken the first time the first aid kit is used. This is usually the case in for example Germany where the local DIN standard provides for a seal on first aid kits. The purpose of the seal is to indicate whether the first aid kit has ever been opened and thus may need replacement of consumed articles. Sometimes the entire first aid kit is replaced when the seal is broken, which is costly. Plasters are, overall, used more often than the first aid kit components intended for larger wounds such as compresses. Therefore it is an advantage that plasters and the plaster pack is accessible from outside of the main compartment of the first aid kit container, so that plasters can be used, and the empty/finished plaster pack can be replaced, without breaking the seal. 
         [0033]    Also, the previously described key for removing the plaster pack is not suitable for use with a sealed first aid container kit because the key is not suitably placed in the main compartment (because of the seal) and is not suitable to be attached to the outside of the first aid kit (where it is easily accessible for someone who wants to steal the plaster pack.). 
         [0034]    Where the first aid kit container has a lid, the dispenser is advantageously integrated in the lid. This makes it even easier to access the plasters. 
         [0035]    In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing a first aid kit container comprising an integrated dispenser, the method comprising the steps of: a) forming a compartment forming part for the first aid kit container where the compartment forming part comprises a compartment for housing a plaster pack, b) forming a piece of polymer material comprising the gate and the lid of the dispenser, and c) attaching the piece to the lid so that a dispenser is formed, where steps a) and b) can be carried out in any order. The compartment forming part is preferably the lid. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]      FIG. 1 a    shows an embodiment of a dispenser  1  with the plaster pack  2  with plasters  3  in pockets  16 . Plasters  3  typically comprise a rectangular strip of flexible textile or plastic material with an adhesive on one side. The pockets  16  are usually made from a paper or plastic material. Plasters  3  can be removed by a user by grabbing the protruding end of the plaster  3  and pulling to the left in  FIG. 1 a    through opening  9  of dispenser (i.e. pulling in the front direction, see below) as indicated by arrow marked “PULL”. Thus, the arrow marked “PULL” indicates the front direction. For the sake of simplicity only three plasters  3  are shown in  FIG. 1   a.  However, the plaster pack  2  may comprise any suitable number of plasters  3 . Some pockets  16  in  FIG. 1 a    are shown empty and does not contain a plaster  3 . 
         [0037]    The plaster pack  2  shown in  FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b    has the general shape of a booklet, where the pockets  16  are the “pages” of the booklet, such that at least some pockets  16  are stacked on top of each other. The plaster pack  2  has covering sheets  4   a  and  4   b.  The sheets  4   a    4   b  are usually made in a stiff paper material or plastic material, such as for example thick paper or thin cardboard. The pockets  16  and the sheets  4   a    4   b  are connected at an edge  5  which is the “spine” of the “booklet”. The connecting edge  5  is opposite from the opening of the pockets  16 . The connection between sheets  4   a  and  4   b  is hinged near the edge  5  such that the angle between sheets  4   a  and  4   b  can be changed in somewhat the same fashion as the cover of a booklet. The pockets  16  all have their openings in generally the same direction, away from the edge  5 . “Generally same direction” shall mean that the angle α ( FIG. 1 b   ) between the sheets  4   a  and  4   b— which limits the movement of the pockets  16 —shall be at most 45°, more preferably at most 30° when the plaster pack  2  is inserted into the dispenser. When it is referred to the “general direction of the pockets  16 ” herein, it is meant the intermediate angle between sheets  4   a  and  4   b,  directed from the bottom of the pocket  16  towards the opening of the pockets  16 . 
         [0038]    One end of the plasters  3  protrudes from the pocket  16 . The adhesive side of this end of the plaster  3  is typically covered by a protective sheet, which is removed after removing the plaster  3  from the plaster pack  2  but before applying the plaster  3  on the wound. 
         [0039]    The main body  23  of the dispenser  1  has at least one compartment  24  for housing a plaster pack  2 . The compartment  24  has a main opening  31  for inserting and removing the plaster pack  2 . The plaster pack  2  is to be inserted into the dispenser  1  with the opening of the pockets  16  facing towards opening  9  (when gate  10  is closed) and main opening  31  and the edge  5  away from opening  9  and the main opening  31 . Thus the plaster pack  2  may be removed from the dispenser in the front direction of the dispenser  1 , which is the same direction that individual plasters are removed. 
         [0040]    The dispenser  1  has a front direction which is to the left in  FIG. 1 a    and  1   b.  The front direction is directed from innermost part of the compartment  24  towards main opening  31 . Thus the front direction may be parallel to the general direction of the pockets  16  when the plaster pack  2  has been inserted in the dispenser  1 . 
         [0041]    The dispenser  1  is shown with the front direction in a horizontal orientation in the figures. However, the front direction may be any direction in relation to a horizontal direction. For example, the front direction may be vertical such that plasters  3  are removed from the dispenser  1  by pulling upwards or downwards. Having a vertical front direction may be particularly useful when the dispenser  1  or first aid kit container  17  (see below) is wall mounted. 
         [0042]    The dispenser  1  has a main axis that is in the direction of viewing in  FIG. 1 a    and  1   b.  The main axis is perpendicular to the front direction of the dispenser  1 , and is in the same plane as the front direction. 
         [0043]    The main body  23  of dispenser  1  may have inner surfaces or walls for supporting the plaster pack  2  or a part of plaster pack  2 . Such a surface may support at least a part of sheets  4   a  and/or  4   b.  In  FIG. 1 a    it is shown how inner surface  19  supports sheet  4   b.  A side guide  29  ( FIG. 2 ) may limit the sideways mobility of the plaster pack  2 . Inner surfaces or walls may form compartment  24 . 
         [0044]    The dispenser  1  has an opening  9  from which users can access the plasters  3  and remove them by pulling them from the pockets  16 . When a plaster  3  is pulled from the plaster pack  2 , the plaster pack  2  is held in place in the dispenser  1  by first shoulder  7  that prevents sheet  4   a  from moving in the direction of pulling and second shoulder  8  that prevents sheet  4   b  from moving in the direction of pulling. Front edge  20   a  of sheet  4   a  will be stopped by rear surface of first shoulder  7  and front edge  20   b  of sheet  4   b  will be stopped by rear surface of second shoulder  8 . 
         [0045]    When inserting a plaster pack  2  into the dispenser  1  wall  6  receives edge  5  so that the plaster pack  2  does not move too far into the compartment  24  of dispenser  1 . Wall  6  may have a groove for receiving edge  5 . 
         [0046]    Shoulders  7  and  8  and opening  9  are arranged on a gate  10 . Gate  10  is able to cover a part of main opening  31 . When gate  10  is closed, plasters  3  can be removed one by one trough opening  9  but the entire plaster pack  2  is locked between wall  6 , and shoulders  7  and  8 . In order to remove the plaster pack  2 , the gate  10  is opened, as explained below. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the plaster dispenser  1  from a perspective. The ends of the plasters  3  that protrude from the pockets  16  of the plaster pack  2  are visible in  FIG. 2 . The dispenser  1 , shown in drawings  2 ,  3 ,  5 ,  6  and  8 , has two compartments  24 , each for holding one separate plaster pack  2 . Plasters  3  can be accessed from each of openings  9   a  and  9   b  in gate  10  when plaster packs  2  are present in both compartments  24 . However, the dispenser  2  may just as well have one compartment  24  and is then intended for one plaster pack  2 . The two plaster packs  2  of  FIG. 2  has a number of pockets with plasters arranged side-by-side, which is a common manner of arranging the plaster pack  2 . The dispenser  1  may also have more than two compartments  24 . When there is more than one compartment the compartments may have separate gates  10 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 2 and 3  shows how shoulder  7  and shoulder  8  are connected with arms  21  to form gate  10 . Gate  10  may have a hinge  13  allowing the gate  10  to be opened to enable insertion and removal of plaster pack  2 . When the gate  10  has a hinge  13 , it may snap lock to the main body of the dispenser  23  for example with a tight fit between front edge  22  of shoulder  8  and a part of main body  23  of dispenser  1 . However, the gate  10  may lock to the main body of dispenser  23  with other types of locks, for example a spring powered mechanism. An advantage with the gate  10  having a hinge is that the gate  10  can be opened without detaching the gate  10  from the dispenser  1 , lessening the risk of misplacement of gate  10 . 
         [0049]    The gate  10  may also be such that it is completely detachable from the main body  23  of dispenser  1  and then gate  10  may not have a hinge  13 . Gate  10  may then, for example, be attached to the main body  23  of dispenser  1  with a snap-lock mechanism, a press fit or a spring loaded locking mechanism. 
         [0050]    The dispenser may have a lid  11 . An example of a lid  11  is shown in its open state in  FIG. 2 . The lid  11 , when closed, covers the main opening  31 , opening  9 , the plaster pack  2  and the gate  10 . The purpose of lid  11  is to protect the plasters  3  from dust, moisture and other contamination. 
         [0051]    The lid  11  can be any type of lid. For example, it may be a roll-top type lid. Preferably, however, the lid  11  is a hinged lid. Then the lid  11  can be opened by means of hinge  12 . 
         [0052]    When both the gate  10  and the lid  11  have hinges, the hinges  12  and  13  may be non-parallel. For example hinge  12  and hinge  13  may be arranged at an angle of 90°. However, in a preferred embodiment the hinges  12  and  13  are parallel, and preferably they are parallel to the main axis of the dispenser  1  as shown in the figures. 
         [0053]    The gate  10  and lid  11  are preferably hinged so that they swing in the same direction. This has the advantage that the gate  10  and the lid  11  does not interfere when the user is replacing the plaster pack  2 . However, the lid  11  and a hinged gate  10  may also swing in opposite directions. 
         [0054]      FIG. 3  shows a dispenser  1  with hinged gate  10  in its open state without the plaster packs  2 . Here shoulders  7  and  8  do not prevent the movement of sheets  4   a  and  4   b  of plaster packs  2  (not shown). Thereby the user can remove the empty plaster pack  2 . A new plaster pack  2  may be inserted by the user either with the gate  10  open or closed. Thus, the gate  10  may be such that, when the dispenser  1  is empty, a plaster pack  2  can be inserted into compartment  24  without opening gate  10 . This may be advantageous because it saves time. Surface  19  that supports a part of sheet  4   b  is visible in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 4  shows an example of the dispenser  1  with lid  11  closed. 
         [0056]      FIG. 5  shows how the gate  10  and the lid  11  can be manufactured in one piece  25 , for example by moulding a polymer material. Hinges  12  and  13  are then preferably living hinges. Piece  25  may be attached to main body  23  by screwing or riveting through holes  26 . However piece  25  may be attached by other means, for example with glue. 
         [0057]    Alternatively, gate  10  and lid  11  may be manufactured as separate pieces. 
         [0058]      FIG. 6  shows a first aid kit container  17  comprising a plaster dispenser  1 . In  FIG. 6  the first aid container  17  has the shape of a briefcase. However, the first aid kit container  17  may have any suitable shape. The first aid kit container  17  of  FIGS. 6-8  has a main compartment  15  (see  FIG. 8 ) for storing articles normally present in a first aid kit such as bandages, blood stoppers, compresses, disinfectants and pharmaceuticals. Typically main compartment  15  is larger than compartment  24  for the plaster pack  2 . Main compartment  15  may have a seal that indicates whether main compartment  15  has been opened. 
         [0059]    The first aid kit container  17  is preferable made in a stiff and yet light material such as a polymer material or a metal such as aluminum. 
         [0060]    The first aid kit container  17  in  FIGS. 6-8  comprises two compartment forming parts  14 ,  18  which form the main compartment  15  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). In  FIGS. 6-7  the two compartment forming parts  14  and  18  are a main compartment box  17  and a lid  18 . However, the two compartment forming parts  14  and  18  may be of equal or almost equal size, and in that case it is pointless to regard one of the two compartment forming parts  14 ,  18  as a “lid”. 
         [0061]    The first aid kit container  17  has an integrated plaster dispenser  1 . The dispenser  1  may be integrated so that the front direction of the dispenser  1  is parallel to a wall of compartment forming parts  14  or  18 . The main body  23  of the dispenser  1  may be adjacent to or integrated into a wall of the compartment forming parts  14  or  18 . Certain parts of the dispenser  1 , for example wall  6 , surface  19  and side guides  29  may be parts of compartment forming parts  14  or  18 . 
         [0062]    The dispenser  1  is preferably arranged in the first aid kit container  17  so that opening  9 , gate  10  and main opening  31  are accessible from the outside of the main compartment  15  of first aid kit container  17 . Thus it is not necessary to access the main compartment  15  of the first aid kit container  17  in order to access the plasters  3  or to open the gate  10  to change the plaster pack  2 . Thus plaster dispenser  1  is preferably arranged in the first aid kit container so that the opening  9 , gate  10  and main opening  31  can be accessed without opening the main compartment  15 , for example by opening lid  18 . 
         [0063]    When the opening  9 , gate  10  and main opening  31  are accessible from the outside of the main compartment  15  of the first aid kit container  17 , the dispenser  1  preferably has a lid  11  that protects the plasters  3  from dirt and moisture. The outer surface of lid  11  of dispenser  1  is, when closed, preferably continuous or almost continuous with outer surface the compartment forming parts  14   18  of first aid kit container  17 , for example continuous or almost continuous with outer surface of lid  18  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0064]    The plaster dispenser  1  may preferably be integrated into a lid  18  of the main compartment  15 . An advantage with this is that the plasters  3  will be easily accessible since the lid  18  of the first aid kit container  17  is often facing towards the user, for example when the first aid kit container  17  is lying on a surface, as shown in  FIG. 6 , for example a table. Preferably the dispenser  1  is arranged such that the front direction of the dispenser  1  is parallel to the plane of the lid  18 , examples of which are shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . This has the advantage that the dispenser  1  fits within the thickness of the lid  18 . 
         [0065]    The dispenser  1  may be inserted in a hollow space in a compartment forming part  14 ,  18  preferably the lid  18 . 
         [0066]    As mentioned above certain parts of the dispenser  1 , for example wall  6 , surface  19  and side guides  29  may be parts of the compartment forming parts  14 ,  18  in particular the lid  18 , as seen in  FIG. 8 . The first aid kit container  17  with the integrated dispenser  1  may thus be such that is produced by two pieces of a polymer material: a first piece of polymer material forming a compartment forming part  14 ,  18  (preferably the lid  18 ) and the compartment  24  for the plaster pack  2 , and one piece of polymer material  25  forming the gate  10  and the lid  11 . Hinges  12  and  13  are then living hinges. This provides cost-efficient production. 
         [0067]    In an even more preferred embodiment the front direction of the dispenser  1  is parallel to a hinge (not shown) of lid  18  of first aid kit container  17  as not to interfere with handle  27  or locking mechanisms  28 . This is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         [0068]    Dispenser  1  and first aid kit container  17  are preferably made in a polymer material. Polypropylene and polyethylene are preferred, in particular for manufacturing of piece  25  since these materials are particularly well suited for the manufacture of a living hinge. 
         [0069]    Piece  25  can be manufactured by injection moulding. Another suitable material for the first aid kit container  17  is EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), in which case a container which is somewhat less stiff is obtained. 
         [0070]    Dispenser  1  and first aid kit container  17  may be produced by methods known in the art. Blow moulding and injection moulding are suitable methods for production. A preferred method for producing lid  18  is blow moulding. This has the advantage of forming a hollow space  30  in lid  18  at a low cost so that hollow space  30  can house dispenser  1 . 
         [0071]    While the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, the description is in general only intended to illustrate the inventive concept and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. The invention is generally defined by the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1