NARHOLDER DEVICE

Abstract

The nasal spray storage and protection device disclosed herein may comprise, at least, a main body, a removably attached cover, a plurality of blister package receivers, and a means for attachment to a user. Such a device is advantageous to first responders, law enforcement officers, or military personnel in that it provides a rigid and convenient means for carrying a plurality of Narcan nasal sprays on their person while protecting the nasal spray dispensers from damage and interference. In a preferred embodiment of the device the cover is attached to the main body by a means that allows for single-handed opening so that a user can access the Narcan nasal spray more easily. The device may further comprise a solid base plate 112 or a vented base plate 112, depending on the unique needs of the individual user.

Claims

1. A nasal spray storage and protection device, comprising: a main body; a cover; a plurality of blister package receivers; and a means for attachment to a user; wherein said main body further comprises a front side, a rear side, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a base plate, and a central cavity; and wherein said plurality of blister package receivers are attached to an inner side of said first lateral side and an inner side of said second lateral side.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said plurality of blister package receivers comprise recesses in said inner side of said first lateral side and said inner side of said second lateral side.

3. The invention of claim 1, wherein said plurality of blister package receivers comprise a plurality of prominences and notches attached to said inner side of said first lateral side and said inner side of said second lateral side.

4. The invention of claim 1, wherein said central cavity of said main body is only large enough to hold one nasal spray blister package.

5. The invention of claim 4, wherein said plurality of blister package receivers are positioned near a rear edge of said inner side of said first lateral side and said inner side of said second lateral side.

6. The invention of claim 1, wherein said central cavity of said main body is only large enough to hold two nasal spray blister packages.

7. The invention of claim 6, wherein said plurality of blister package receivers are positioned at a center of said inner side of said first lateral side and said inner side of said second lateral side.

8. The invention of claim 1, wherein said cover further comprises a lip.

9. The invention of claim 8, wherein said lip further comprises a seal.

10. The invention of claim 1, wherein said cover further comprises a handle.

11. The invention of claim 1, wherein said cover is attached to said main body by a hinged attachment.

12. The invention of claim 1, wherein said cover is attached to said main body by an articulating attachment.

13. The invention of claim 1, wherein said base plate of said main body is a solid base plate.

14. The invention of claim 1, wherein said base plate of said main body is a slotted base plate.

15. The invention of claim 1, wherein said base plate of said main body is a vented base plate.

16. The invention of claim 1, wherein said main body and said cover comprise a crush-resistant material of construction.

17. The invention of claim 1, wherein said means for attachment to a user is a clip suitable for attachment to a duty belt.

18. The invention of claim 1, wherein said means for attachment to a user is a clip suitable for attachment to a protective vest.

19. The invention of claim 1, wherein said means for attachment to a user is a clip suitable for attachment to an epaulette.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates an overall view of a nasal spray blister package, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device cover, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device cover, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device having nasal spray blister packages placed within the storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device cover installed on a storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device storage compartment having a means for attachment to a user, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a top overall view of a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device storage compartment having a means for attachment to a user and a cover installed on a storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a top overall view of a second embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a top overall view of a second embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device having a nasal spray blister package placed within the storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a top overall view of a second embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device cover installed on a storage compartment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0042] It is to be understood that like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Certain terminology is used in the following description for reference only and is not limiting. The words front, rear, anterior, posterior, lateral, medial, upper, lower, outer, inner, and interior refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the invention, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. The term Naloxone may refer to any appropriate opioid antagonist. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms a, an, and the are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning at least one. The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0044] The present invention relates generally to storage devices, and, more specifically, to a nasal spray storage and protection device comprising, at least, a main body, a removably attached cover, a plurality of blister package receivers, and a means for attachment to a user.

[0045] When a first responder, law enforcement officer, or military personnel is exposed to Fentanyl or Carfentanil the exposure can cause injury or death. Preventable death occurs when the injured party does not receive medical treatment, and, more specifically, when Naloxone nasal spray is not administered in a timely fashion. Naloxone may be carried by such personnel, though there is a need for a secured method of carrying such Naloxone that can be operated single-handedly. In the event the first responder, law enforcement officer, or military personnel is exposed to Fentanyl or Carfentanil and falls to the ground while alone, the individual must be able to administer to him or herself the Naloxone nasal spray.

[0046] Traditional nasal spray carriers are made of nylon or other soft material, which may allow the plastic blister package containing the nasal spray to foul or accidently discharge the Naloxone because it is not protected against physical intrusion. Further, the Naloxone needs to be properly secured within the nasal spray carrier so that the nasal spray does not fall out of the carrier during aggressive physical activity. As an example, first responders, law enforcement officers, and military personnel routinely engage in physical activity such as foot pursuit, fighting, or vehicle searches. Even the act of falling to the ground as a result of exposure to Fentanyl or Carfentanil can cause destruction of the nasal spray device held in a soft carrier.

[0047] The illustrations of FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a first embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device. The figures specifically identify a main body 100, a cover 200, a plurality of blister package receivers 110, and a means for attachment to a user 300. The figures also identify a nasal spray blister package 400, onto which may be installed a nasal spray 402.

[0048] The first embodiment of the main body 100 may comprise a hollow rectangular shape large enough to contain two nasal spray blister packages 400, and may be defined by two long sides, which may be a front side 102 and a rear side 104, and two short sides, which may be a first lateral side 106 and a second lateral side 108. A bottom surface of the main body 100 may comprise a base plate 112, which may be permanently attached to the main body 100, and which may provide structural support to the device. A top surface of the main body 100 may be open so as to permit access to a central cavity formed internally to the main body 100. The corners of the main body 100 may be squared, though they are preferentially rounded or beveled so as to reduce the risk of snagging the device on, for example, a seat belt or article of clothing.

[0049] The first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 of the first main body 100 may further comprise a plurality of blister package receivers 110 attached to or integrated within their inner surfaces. In one embodiment, the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise recesses in the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 sufficiently wide enough to receive the edges of two nasal spray blister packages 400 placed back-to-back within the central cavity of the nasal spray storage and protection device. In one embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 numbers two receivers, one integrated into each of the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108.

[0050] In another embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise rectangular lengths divided into longitudinal prominences separated by longitudinal notches. The plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise three such prominences, a central prominence and two lateral prominences, and two such notches. The thickness of the notches may be defined by the spacing between the prominences, and is sized appropriately to receive an edge of a nasal spray blister package 400. In one embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 numbers two receivers, one affixed to each of the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108.

[0051] In either embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may be positioned both directly opposite to each other and in the center of each lateral side of the main body 100. In this orientation the plurality of blister package receivers 110 combine to hold the nasal spray blister packages 400 in place such that they do not move relative to the main body 100.

[0052] The base plate 112 may further comprise a solid base plate, a slotted base plate, or a vented base plate. The slotted base plate and vented base plate may further comprise a plurality of slots or a central vent opening 114, respectively. The solid base plate may serve to provide additional structural support and environmental protection to the nasal spray storage and protection device, though may also serve to contain fluids or contaminants that enter the central cavity in the main body 100. The slotted base plate or vented base plate may serve to allow fluids or contaminants that enter the central cavity in the main body 100 to be discharged automatically, though may also provide reduced structural support and environmental protection to the nasal spray storage and protection device.

[0053] The cover 200 may comprise a flattened rectangular plate having an upper side and a lower side, and being appropriately sized to sit on top of the main body 100. The upper side of the cover 200 may further comprise a handle 202 or other means for placing or removing the cover 200 on the main body 100.

[0054] The lower side of the cover 200 may further comprise a lip 204 or other means for engaging the top surface of the main body 100, and the lip 204 may further comprise an appropriate seal to create an air-tight container. The lip 204 of the cover 200 may be appropriately notched so as to fit around the plurality of blister package receivers 110.

[0055] The cover 200 may be removably attached to the main body 100, or may be attached to the main body 100 via a hinged or articulating mechanism. A hinged attachment between the cover 200 and the main body 100 may comprise, for example, a hinge mechanism affixed to the upper side of the cover 200 and the rear side 104 of the main body 100. An articulating attachment between the cover 200 and the main body 100 may comprise, for example, an articulating mechanism affixed to the upper side of the cover 200 and the two short sides of the main body 100. The method of attachment preferentially allows for single-handed opening or release of the cover 200 from the main body 100.

[0056] In one embodiment, the nasal spray storage and protection device may further comprise a means for attachment to a user 300, which may be attached to the main body 100 via a plurality of mounting holes. The plurality of mounting holes may comprise openings through the rear side 104 of the main body 100, and may serve to permit the affixing of a means for attachment to a user 300 to the nasal spray storage and protection device. The plurality of mounting holes may vary in number, shape, and location, as appropriate to the selected means for attachment to a user. In one embodiment the means for attachment to a user 300 may comprise a TEK-LOK clip or a COMP-TAC clip for attachment to a user's duty belt. In another embodiment the means for attachment to a user 300 may comprise a snap clip for attachment to a user's epaulette or protective vest.

[0057] The illustrations of FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a second embodiment of a nasal spray storage and protection device. The figures specifically identify a main body 100, a cover 200, and a plurality of blister package receivers 110.

[0058] The second embodiment of the main body 100 may comprise a hollow rectangular shape large enough to contain one nasal spray blister package 400, and may be defined by two long sides, which may be a front side 102 and a rear side 104, and two short sides, which may be a first lateral side 106 and a second lateral side 108. A bottom surface of the main body 100 may comprise a base plate 112, which may be permanently attached to the main body 100, and which may provide structural support to the device. A top surface of the main body 100 may be open so as to permit access to a central cavity formed internally to the main body 100. The corners of the main body 100 may be squared, though they are preferentially rounded or beveled so as to reduce the risk of snagging the device on, for example, a seat belt or article of clothing.

[0059] The first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 of the second main body 100 may further comprise a plurality of blister package receivers 110 attached to or integrated within their inner surfaces. In one embodiment, the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise recesses in the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 sufficiently wide enough to receive the edge of one nasal spray blister package 400 within the central cavity of the nasal spray storage and protection device. In one embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 numbers two receivers, one integrated into each of the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108.

[0060] In another embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise rectangular lengths divided into longitudinal prominences separated by longitudinal notches. The plurality of blister package receivers 110 may comprise one such prominence and one such notch. The thickness of the notch may be defined by the spacing between the prominence and the rear side 104 of the main body 100, and is sized appropriately to receive an edge of a nasal spray blister package 400. In one embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 numbers two receivers, one affixed to each of the inner surfaces of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108.

[0061] In either embodiment the plurality of blister package receivers 110 may be positioned both directly opposite to each other and near a rear edge of the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 of the main body 100. In this orientation the plurality of blister package receivers 110 combine to hold the nasal spray blister packages 400 in place such that they do not move relative to the main body 100.

[0062] The various components of the nasal spray storage and protection device may be substantially constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials, but typically is constructed of a resilient material or combination of materials such that the device is resistant to crushing and damage as a result of compression, stretching, twisting, heating, or submersion in water. As an example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, various exemplary embodiments of the nasal spray storage and protection device may be substantially constructed of one or more materials of plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate, steel, aluminum, brass, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the nasal spray storage and protection device may be coated, lined, or otherwise insulated to prevent fluid damage to the device. The material of construction of the plurality of blister package receivers 110 and cover 200 may be matched to the main body 100 so as to maintain the aesthetics of the device.

[0063] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.