Container for storing materials for use by diabetics

• US 4,848,587 A
• Filed: 05/07/1987
• Issued: 07/18/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kenneth Nipp
• Original Assignee: Kenneth Nipp
• Inventors: Nipp, Kenneth
• Primary Examiner(s): Marcus, Stephen
• Application Number:
  US07/046,923
• Time in Patent Office: 803 Days
• Field of Search: 206/570, 206/571, 206/534, 206/538, 206/459, 220/334, 220/335, 220/22
• US Class Current: 206/571
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/3008 having multiple compartments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/31 Carrying cases or bags, e.g. doctors' bags
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/003 Kits for diabetics

Abstract

An improved container for storing medical supplies most commonly used by diabetics is described. Five compartments are provided arranged within an openable rectangular box with substantially no waste space. A first longitudinal compartment runs the entire length of the box for receiving packaged sterile syringes. A second longitudinal compartment parallel to the first runs part way down the length of the box for storing sterilizing swabs or wipes in sealed packages. Between this second compartment and the far end of the box is a third smaller longitudinal compartment for holding glucose test tapes, and in the remaining space are two serially arranged square or round compartments for receiving upright insulin bottles or the like. The rear wall of the box and the partitions separating the compartments are lower than the other sides of the box to make removal of the contents easier. An optional clip is provided inside the lid for retaining a prefilled syringe for emergency use. The hinge between the lid and the compartmented box is preferably arranged to hold the lid in a partially upright position when open with its center of gravity behind the hinge points so that gravity prevents it from falling shut.

Claims

1. A container for storing medical supplies for diabetics comprising:

a box having a lower bottom portion and a mating upper lid portion, wherein said lower portion comprises first and second ends and front and rear sides and a bottom, wherein said sides are longer than said ends, and wherein said height of said front side is greater than said height of said rear side;

a first longitudinal partition within said box extending between said ends and to said bottom and substantially parallel to said front side and having a height less than said height of said front side, wherein said first partition together with portions of said front side, said ends, and said bottom form a first compartment extending between said ends, said first compartment having a length and width sufficient to store packaged sterile syringes;

a second transverse partition extending from said first partition to said rear side and said bottom and having at least one face substantially parallel to said first end and having a height less than said rear side, and wherein said second partition together with portions of said first partition, said first end, said rear side, and said bottom form a second compartment extending from said first end to said second partition, said second compartment having a length and width sufficient to store pre-packaged alcohol pads or swabs;

a third longitudinal partition extending from said second partition to said second end and to said bottom and having a height less than said rear side, and wherein said third partition together with portions of said second partition, said second end, said bottom, and said first partition form a third compartment extending from said third partition to said second end, said third compartment having a length and width sufficient to store glucose test tapes;

a fourth transverse partition extending from said third partition to said rear side and to said bottom and having a height less than said rear side, and wherein said fourth partition together with portions of said third partition, said bottom, said second partition, and said rear side form a fourth compartment, and wherein said fourth partition together with portions of said third partition, said bottom, said second end, and said rear side form a fifth compartment, said fourth and said fifth compartment being substantially equal in size and each having a width and length sufficient to store a small insulin bottle; and

hinge means pivoted on said first and second ends and fixed to said top portion for allowing said portion to swing up and away from said bottom portion.

2. A diabetic supply container comprising:

a closeable box split into a top portion and bottom portion by a joint which is at a first height from the bottom of said box adjacent a first side and at a second smaller height from the bottom of said box adjacent a second opposite side; and

open compartments disposed within said bottom portion of said box and comprising a first longitudinal compartment extending from end to end of said box, said first longitudinal compartment having a length and width sufficient to store packaged sterile syringes, a second parallel longitudinal compartment adjacent said first compartment and extending from a first end of said box part way toward a second end of said box, said second parallel longitudinal compartment having a length and width sufficient to store pre-packaged alcohol pads or swabs, a third longitudinal compartment parallel and adjacent to said first compartment and extending from said second compartment to said second end, said third longitudinal compartment having a length and width sufficient to store glucose test tapes, and fourth and fifth compartments extending serially from said second compartment to said second end adjacent said third compartment, said fourth and said fifth compartment being substantially equal in size and each having a width and length sufficient to store a small insulin bottle, wherein said first, second, and third longitudinal compartments have respectively diminishing lengths and wherein said fourth and fifth compartments have internal lateral shape for snugly receiving upright cylindrical bottles, and wherein said compartments are separated by partitions.