US20100096350A1

US20100096350A1 - Rack/module assembly for first aid supplies

Info

Publication number: US20100096350A1
Application number: US12/288,148
Authority: US
Inventors: Man For Ma; Daniel Peter Sterling; Lee Webb; Jonathan A. Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Acme United Corp
Priority date: 2008-10-16
Filing date: 2008-10-16
Publication date: 2010-04-22

Abstract

A rack/module assembly for first aid supplies comprises a plurality of modules which are insertable into a receptacle of a rack. Each module is semi-transparent or transparent and has a front cover portion which is pivotal to provide access to first aid supplies within the module enclosure. An integral latch mechanism releasably latches the cover in a closed position. Each of the modules contains first aid supplies specific to a given first aid treatment.

Description

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to devices and assemblies for holding and displaying first aid supplies. More particularly, this disclosure relates generally to assemblies for displaying first aid supplies and organizing same in a user friendly environment.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, a rack/module assembly for first aid supplies comprises a rack which has a plurality of generally oblong receptacles. The receptacles are disposed in an end to end relationship and have a frontal skirt with an upper edge and a wall with at least one interior vertical retaining rib. An integral mounting bracket extends rearwardly from the wall. A module is received in each of the receptacles in a generally interference fit relationship. Each module has a generally oblong cylindrical shape which forms an enclosure with an integral hinged frontal cover. Upon seating of the module in the receptacle, the cover hinge is disposed above the upper edge of the skirt. The cover is permitted to be pivoted forwardly to allow access to the enclosure. The cover has an integral latch which permits the cover to be latched to a top portion of the module to close the enclosure and to be efficiently unlatched if required.
In one embodiment, there are three receptacles and three modules. Each receptacle has at least three vertical retaining ribs. One rib defines a recess. A module has a projection which is receivable in the recess for retentive engagement in the receptacle. The hinge is a living hinge. Each module is preferably constructed from two components having integral connectors which engage to secure together the components. Each module is semi-transparent or transparent to allow ready inspection of the contents. Each module preferably has a different label affixed to a frontal portion of the module. The latch projects rearwardly from the cover and has an upwardly protruding catch which engages a downwardly protruding catch at the top portion of the module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, partly in schematic, of a rack/module assembly;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the rack/module assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the rack/module assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the rack/module assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the rack/module assembly of FIG. 1 with the modules removed, taken along the line 5-5 thereof;

FIG. 6 is a perspective pre-assembly view of the rack/module assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view, partly in phantom, of a module;

FIG. 8 is a elevational view of a module, wherein the cover is pivoted to provide access to the module enclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view, partly in phantom, of a module showing the latch mechanism in a closed position; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures, a station for holding and displaying first aid supplies in an efficient and organized manner is generally designated by the numeral 10. The station comprises a rack 12 of molded form which may be mounted to a wall (not illustrated). Modules 14 which are appropriately labeled and are filled with various first aid supplies are received by the rack. The station 10 is illustrated in terms of a three module assembly although any number of modules may be employed.
The rack 12 and the individual modules 14, which are substantially identical except for their contents and their exterior markings, cooperatively interengage to provide a stable, upright orientation for each of the modules. The modules 14 are appropriately labeled and are preferably transparent or semi-transparent, so the contents (not illustrated) therein may be easily observed from the exterior.
The rack 12 is preferably a unitary molded member which has one or more oblong receptacles 20 positioned in linear end to end relationship (FIG. 5). Each receptacle is configured to receive a module 14 which is downwardly inserted and seated therein. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a support plate 30 is disposed at the rear of the rack. A mounting bracket 32 extends rearwardly from the support plate 30. The mounting bracket 32 includes a generally planar support panel 34 with a pair of spaced keyhole openings 36 for receiving a head of the fastener (not illustrated) for securing the bracket and rack to a vertical wall. Transverse support braces 38 may extend between the support plate and the bracket to provide reinforcement for the mounting bracket.
The front portion of the rack and each receptacle is traversed by a skirt 40 which includes opposite rounded end portions. The skirt 40 is traversed by an upper edge 42 which generally has a uniform height above a generally planar floor 44 of the receptacle. Dividers 26 extend upwardly from the floor of the receptacle at the rear end terminus thereof and taper inwardly to integrally join the rear support plate 30 panel to separate the receptacles. Each of the receptacles 20 is vertically traversed by generally parallel retention ribs 46. A rib 46 at a central rear portion includes a generally medial recess 48. Other ribs may also include a recess.
Each of the modules 14, preferably has an oblong, cylindrical shape with an exterior bottom portion 16 which is dimensioned for close reception and seating in a receptacle 20 and engagement by ribs 46, as will be described below. Each module 14 preferably has a transparent or semi-transparent construction so that the contents therein may be observed. With reference to FIG. 7, each module 14 is preferably constructed from two molded components 50 and 52 which meet along a generally, central co-planar interface and snap together to form a sealed enclosure. Joining of the two members is facilitated by opposed pairs of tabs 54 with catches 55 which resiliently engage complementary detents 57 in the opposed component to form a one-way lock.
The frontal component 50 has a pair of opposed medial slits 56 at the side thereof and equidistantly spaced above the connecting tabs 54. A living hinge 58 is formed between the two slits to permit the upper cover portion 60 of the frontal component 50 to centrally pivot forwardly to provide access to the interior of the module. It will be appreciated that the hinge 58 is vertically spaced from the bottom of the module a greater distance than the distance of the edge 42 of the skirt 40 above the rack floor 44 so that when the module is fully received and seated in the receptacle of the rack, the cover may be forwardly pivoted to provide the access to the module enclosure without interference from the skirt 40.
An integral tab 62 projects rearwardly from a top central portion of the frontal panel and includes an upwardly projecting catch 64 receivable in a complementary detent 66 at the central upper underside of the rear component. The resilience of the tab 62 produces a bias so that when the cover 60 is moved rearwardly, the catch 64 engages with the detent 66 to close and latch the cover and thus the module. It will be appreciated that access can be made to the module by merely grasping the frontal cover 60 with a slight downward force and pivoting the cover forwardly to provide access to the module. The catch 55/detent 57 locking engagement previously described may be similar in form and function to the catch 64/detent 66 latching engagement.
The lower exterior portions 16 of the modules and the receptacles 20 are dimensioned so that the modules may be snugly inserted in a downward fashion into the modules. The ribs 46 project inwardly to engage the resilient sides of the module and to provide a snug interference fit. The rear surface of the rear component 52 includes an integral projection 68 which, upon insertion of the module into the rack, slides into the recess 48 of a rib 46 to provide a resilient retention mechanism. Other projections retentively receivable in rib recesses may also be employed.
Each of the modules 14 is affixed with appropriate markings or a label 70A, 70B, 70C (shown schematically in FIG. 1) on the frontal portion of the cover to indicate the type of first aid materials that are contained within the module. By way of example only, one module label 70A may indicate “burns” and list various items that are contained within the module to treat burns, such as burn ointment packets, cotton tip applicators, gauze pads and tape. Another module label 70B may indicate “cuts and scrapes” and list the materials that are contained within the module such as, for example, gauze pads, easy bandages of various sizes and wipes. Another module label 70C may indicate “bumps” and contain a listing of its contents which may be, for example, cold packs. There are various other module intended medical treatment conditions and contents that are possible.
The rack/module assembly 10 as described provides a first aid station which presents prominent display of the various first aid material, as well as ready access to such materials in case they need to be used. In addition, because the modules 14 are transparent or semi-transparent, once the materials begin being used, it is relatively easy to inventory the materials on hand. Replacement modules may thus be easily substituted and inserted into the receptacle. Additional supplies may be placed in the module.
While preferred embodiments have been set forth for purposes of description, the foregoing should not be deemed a limitation of the invention. 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.

Claims

1. A rack/module assembly for first aid supplies comprising:

a rack defining a plurality of generally oblong receptacles disposed in end to end relationship and having a frontal skirt with an upper edge, a wall with an inwardly protruding retaining rib and an integral mounting bracket extending rearwardly from said wall; and

a module received in each said receptacle in generally interference fit relationship and having a generally oblong cylindrical shape defining an enclosure having a hinge with an integral frontal cover and, upon seating said module in said receptacle, having a hinge disposed relative to the upper edge of said skirt to permit said cover to be pivoted forwardly to allow access to said enclosure, said frontal cover having an integral latch to permit said cover to be releasably latched to a top portion of said module to close said enclosure.

2. The rack/module assembly of claim 1 wherein there are three receptacles and three modules.

3. The rack/module of claim 1 wherein each said receptacle has at least three inwardly protruding retaining ribs.

4. The rack/module of claim 3 wherein one rib defines a recess.

5. The rack/module of claim 4 wherein a module has a projection which is receivable in said recess for retentive engagement in said receptacle.

6. The rack/module of claim 1 wherein said hinge is a living hinge.

7. The rack/module of claim 1 wherein a said module is constructed from two components having integral connectors which engage to secure together the components.

8. The rack/module of claim 1 wherein a said module is semi-transparent or transparent.

9. The rack/module of claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of modules and each module has a different label affixed to a frontal portion thereof.

10. The rack/module of claim 1 wherein said latch projects rearwardly from said cover and has an upwardly protruding catch which engages a detent at a top portion of the module.

11. The rack/module of claim 1 wherein the bracket has a pair of keyhole shaped openings.