Abstract:
A set of color coded luggage containers comprising a foldable flat “clam shell” member. The set is color coded, the color reflecting the contents thereof.

Description:
[0001]     This patent application claims priority from and incorporates by reference provisional patent application No. 60/487,818 filed Jul. 16, 2003. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Luggage containers including clam shell style luggage containers that fold in half.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Luggage containers are often adapted or modified to be used for a specific purpose. Applicant has found a novel combination of features that have specific utility in the medical area.  
         [0004]     In a natural disaster, terrorist attack or other emergency situation which there is a sudden need for immediate medical attention to a large number of people with injuries ranging from severe to minor, a medical team is often required at the scene.  
         [0005]     Applicants provide a novel system of luggage containers that are particularly appropriate to this situation.  
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical team with a system of luggage that will allow them to easily respond in an emergency, mass injury situation.  
         [0007]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a system of color coded luggage with indicia thereon to allow a medical team to quickly and efficiently distribute medical supplies at a mass injury scene.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     These objects and other objects are provided for in Applicants&#39; novel system comprising a multiplicity of clam shell luggage containers.  
         [0009]     Applicants&#39; novel system of clam shell luggage containers are color coded and have hooks on one cover half to hang the container vertically from a support surface.  
         [0010]     Applicants&#39; novel system of clam shell luggage containers with hooks for hanging vertically adjacent a support surface also includes clear pockets, fold-down pockets, and indicia on the color coded exterior surface thereof.  
         [0011]     Applicants have found that a series of color coded—indicia coded clam shell luggage containers provide an efficient means for a medical team response at a mass injury site. For example, a clam shell luggage container in a orange color prominently featuring “Suture Pack” prominently on the outside covers thereof may contain, for example, the following supplies: suture material, needles and forceps. These supplies would be used for suturing patients. Another clam shell luggage container in the same set may be designated anesthesia pack and have a surface color of black and contain the following supplies or instruments: anesthesia and syringes. This particular luggage container would be selected by those personnel who would administer anesthesia. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a container in an unfolded down position hanging vertically from a support surface by hooks.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the container as set forth in  FIG. 1  above.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of the container set forth in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a right side elevational view of the container as set forth in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the container in a closed position.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5A  is a front elevational view and  FIG. 5B  is a side elevational view of the container in a closed configuration.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of  FIG. 2  showing how the pockets may be removably secured to the inside surface of the cover.  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a front elevational view showing a second container of applicants&#39; system having similar (but not necessarily identical) exterior dimensions, but having a different color and having at least some of the pockets inside being of different dimensions. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0020]      FIGS. 1 through 6  illustrate a luggage container ( 10 ) having an outer cover ( 12 ) thereon. The luggage container ( 10 ) may have a longitudinal axis (LA) (see  FIG. 3 ), which longitudinal axis will be vertical when the luggage container is in the open and hanging in the position illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0021]     Thus, it is seen that there are two “halves” to this clam shell design, which halves are separated by hinged member ( 18 ) and connectable to one another by a cover zipper ( 17 ) or other fastener so that, in an open position, the luggage container ( 10 ) may hang as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3  and in a closed position appears as set forth in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0022]     Both first cover half ( 14 ) and second cover half ( 16 ) typically have the same color which is typically the same color as inner surface ( 19 ). Furthermore, indicia ( 15 ) is typically provided, prominently displayed on one of either first cover half or second cover half or on both covers. Indicia color will contrast against optional background color panel ( 21 ), for example, indicia may be black, background color white (or vice versa) on all bags—and both colors contrast with the color of the outer cover ( 12 ) of the luggage container. Further, indicia ( 15 ) may also be printed on the inner surface ( 19 ) as illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0023]     Hooks ( 20 ) or other hanging means (grommets, straps or the like) are provided, typically two and spaced apart as set forth in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Hooks ( 20 ) are provided to locate luggage container ( 10 ) stably against a vertical surface, such that when in use attached pockets ( 22 ) and the optional fold out pocket ( 24 ) are easily accessible. Note that attached pockets ( 22 ) are typically attached to inner surface ( 19 ) in a manner such that a pocket zipper ( 28 ) is available in or adjacent pocket top wall ( 30 ) to allow access to the contents of the pocket. At least some of the pockets are clear vinyl to allow identification of the contents thereof.  
         [0024]     The multiple pockets are typically sized to conform to the medical instruments or supplies carried therein. Furthermore, pocket side walls ( 26 ) are typically at least partially non opaque. Pocket dividers ( 32 ) typically are provided separating the interior volume defined by the walls of the pocket into separate spaces. The pockets are typically accessible through the top by means of pocket closure means such as zippers or Velcro.  
         [0025]     There are attached pockets ( 22 ) which are typically affixed, either temporarily as by Velcro fastener means (VL and VH,  FIG. 6 ) on the back walls of the attached pockets ( 22 ) to the inner cover, or permanently affixed as by sewing to the cover inner surface ( 19 ).  
         [0026]     There exists also a novel fold out pocket ( 24 ) with a front wall ( 24 A), typically non-opaque and a typically opaque rear wall ( 24 B). Attachment edge ( 24 C) is provided, which maybe along the top wall and side edge ( 24 D) is provided which may be capable of opening, as by Velcro or the like. Optionally, elastic loops ( 34 ) are sewn into the inside of the covers to provide or storage and retention of instruments and/or supplies provided with the kit.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  discloses a similarly dimensioned kit, except for the color, indicia and dimensions of some of the pockets, designed as they are for instruments and supplies required by the suture technicians.  
         [0028]     The table below illustrates the proposed set of kit names, kit colors and kit contents:  
         [0029]     The external dimensions in a closed configuration as set forth in  FIG. 5  are about 18″×18″. When folded out, it will hang to have about 18″×36″. The cover material may be made preferably from a heavy duty cordura. The pockets may be made, in opaque portion, of the same material. The non-opaque or transparent portion of the pockets may be made from clear vinyl. The pockets may be edged with reinforcement material such as nylon tape.  
                                                       KIT NAME   COLOR   CONTENTS                           OR Pack   Red   OR Pack           OR Patient Pack   Green   OR Patient           Suture Pack   Orange   Suture           Staple Pack   Maroon   Staplers           Team Prep Pack   Grey   Team Prep           OR Ans. Pack   Black   OR Anesthesia           OR Ans. Patient Pack   Teal   OR Anesthesia           Pre-Op Pack   Purple   Pre-Op           Pre-Op Patient Pack   Royal Blue   Pre-Op Patient           Post Op Pack   Olive Drab   Post Op           Post Op Patient Pack   Navy Blue   Post Op Patient                      
 
         [0030]     While the color coded luggage is provided with medical kits and supplies, the same system may be used for other items, such as veterinary supplies or even tools. Moreover, the shape and design of the luggage container need not be of a clam shell design—in the broadest sense the invention relates to any color coded, indicia bearing luggage set.  
         [0031]     Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.