Medication carrying case

Abstract

Disclosed is a medication carrying case having a modular interior and a deployable tray work surface. The case structure is provided in several different sizes and designs, whereby medication and other articles are supported by removably attached organizational leaflets attached along the interior surfaces of the case. Each leaflet comprises a number of different pouches or organizational elements for supporting medication and accessory items. The deployable tray attaches along the exterior of the case and provides a clean work surface for organizing and preparing medication prior to use. For temperature sensitive medication, a cooling chamber is provided within the leaflet and behind a pouch to cool the pouch contents. Furthermore, an internal temperature sensing means and a timer element is provided to monitor the interior environment of the case and provide a means of notification for the user for administration of medication, respectively.

Claims

1. A medication carrying case, comprising: at least two opposing case flaps forming a structure having an interior volume wherein said flaps are joined by a zippered line of connection; said opposing case flaps having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said exterior surface forming an outer surface of said case, said interior surface facing inward within said case structure interior volume; an organizational leaflet having at least one medication pouch thereon being removably attached to at least one of said flap interior surfaces; a deployable tray pivotably extending from a peripheral edge of the exterior surface of at least one case flap; wherein the interior surface is entirely planar, void of obstruction so as to form a work surface when in a working position and configured to enclose the entire exterior surface of at least one case flap when in a closed position; an attachment flap disposed along a peripheral edge of the deployable tray, the attachment flap configured to secure the deployable tray to the opposing case flap to which the deployable tray is connected; wherein the attachment flap does not extend over the zippered line of connection when secured to the opposing case flap.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one leaflet comprises a planar structure, wherein said medication pouch comprises an elastic outer flap surface and an open upper to support articles therein.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one leaflet comprises a planar structure being removably attachable to said case interior surface, wherein said leaflet removable connection comprises an eyelet and hook attachment.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein: said at least one leaflet comprises a planar structure; at least one pouch having a backside pouch for housing a cooling means therein; said backside pouch comprising a moisture sealed cavity coextensive and behind said medication pouch.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein: at least one pouch having a backside pouch for housing a cooling means therein; said backside pouch comprising a moisture sealed cavity coextensive and behind said medication pouch; a temperature measuring means within said case interior to measure said interior volume temperature.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising an interval timer means that can be set by a user and produce audible alerts.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising an expansion zipper along an entire outer peripheral edge of one of said case flaps for expanding said interior volume.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the deployable tray comprises an upper edge, a lower edge, and a pair of opposing lateral edges orthogonal to the upper and lower edges; wherein the lower edge of the deployable tray is connected to the least one case flap; wherein the attachment flap comprises a plurality of attachment flaps secured to each of the upper edge and the pair of opposing lateral edges of the deployable tray.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment flap comprises a plurality of apertures and the opposing case flap comprises a plurality of securement snaps configured to align with and removably secure within each plurality of apertures when in the closed position.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the least two opposing case flaps comprise an upper edge, a lower edge, and a pair of opposing lateral edges orthogonal to the upper and lower edge, wherein the zippered line of connection is only disposed along the lower edge and the pair of opposing lateral edges of the least two opposing case flaps.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the deployable tray is detachable from the at least one case flap, such that the deployable tray is not directly connected to the at least one case flap.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a tray connector disposed between the deployable tray and the at least one case flap, wherein a linear length of the tray connector is smaller than a linear length of each of the deployable tray and the at least one case flap.

13. A medication carrying case, comprising: at least two opposing case flaps forming a structure having an interior volume wherein said flaps are joined by a zippered line of connection; said opposing case flaps having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said exterior surface forming an outer surface of said case, said interior surface facing inward within said case structure interior volume; a deployable tray pivotably extending from a peripheral edge of the exterior surface of at least one case flap; wherein the interior surface is entirely planar, void of obstruction so as to form a work surface when in a working position and configured to enclose the entire exterior surface of at least one case flap when in a closed position; an interior surface of the deployable tray configured to rest against the exterior surface of at least one case flap; an attachment flap disposed along a peripheral edge of the deployable tray, the attachment flap configured to secure the deployable tray to the opposing case flap to which the deployable tray is connected; wherein the attachment flap does not extend over the zippered line of connection when secured to the opposing case flap; an organizational leaflet having at least one medication pouch thereon being removably attached to at least one of said flap interior surfaces; and an interval timer means that can be set by a user and produce audible alerts.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein said at least one leaflet comprises a planar structure, wherein said medication pouch comprises an elastic outer flap surface and an open upper to support articles therein.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein said at least one leaflet comprises a planar structure being removably attachable to said case interior surface, wherein said leaflet removable connection comprises an eyelet and hook attachment.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein: said at least one leaflet comprises a planar structure; at least one pouch having a backside pouch for housing a cooling means therein; said backside pouch comprising a moisture sealed cavity coextensive and behind said medication pouch.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein: at least one pouch having a backside pouch for housing a cooling means therein; said backside pouch comprising a moisture sealed cavity coextensive and behind said medication pouch; a temperature measuring means within said case interior to measure said interior volume temperature.

18. The device of claim 13, further comprising an expansion zipper along an entire outer peripheral edge of one of said case flaps for expanding said interior volume.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention and the deployable tray in a working position.

(3) FIG. 2 shows the deployable tray connection with the case.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a binder style embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a cross section view of a cooling pack in conjunction with a leaflet holding insulin.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a connector element for an internal leaflet.

(7) FIG. 6 shows a mid-size embodiment of the medical carrying case.

(8) FIG. 7 shows a Z-shaped embodiment of the medical carrying case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the medical carrying case. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for carrying insulin and medication while traveling. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

(10) Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The device comprises a medical carrying case having a deployable medical tray 12, internal storage adapted to organize medication and medical supplies, and a means for supporting temperature sensitive articles. The device comprises an article of luggage or carry-all having an interior volume secured closed by a zippered securement means 16 along the perimeter of at least two flaps forming the case structure, wherein FIG. 1 the flaps comprise two standard suitcase ends forming a base 14 and a lid opening 13. Several designs for the case are contemplates. In FIG. 1, a briefcase style embodiment is shown, comprising a single fold and a single zipper opening 16 around the perimeter of the case lid 13. A second zipper 15 provides for an expansion chamber that extends the base 14 of the case for increased carrying capacity. When the lid 13 is closed, a deployable and optionally detachable medication tray 12 secures over the lid 13 via a plurality of attachment flaps 20 such that the tray is coextensive with the lid. The tray 12 is deployable from its connection to the case, whereby the tray provides an inner surface adapted to provide a clean working surface to support medication and medical supplies thereon. The tray outer surface comprises the same material as the exterior surfaces of the case, such that the exterior surface of the case is uniform and resistant to damage or wear. Along the upper portion of the case is further provided a carrying handle 18 and a shoulder strap for carrying the case and its contents over a distance.

(11) The tray 12 is deployable from the surface of the case opposite the lid 13, whereby the lid 13 opens towards the inner surface of the tray for withdrawing medication and supplies directly thereonto. When stowed, the tray 12 is placed against the lid 13 and secured thereto using a plurality of securement snaps 17 that affix a plurality of attachment flaps 20 of the tray thereto. The attachment flaps are elastic members that extend outward from the perimeter of the tray 12 along at least one side. Corresponding securement snaps 17 positioned about the lid 13 perimeter prevent the tray from inadvertently deploying when the user is transporting the case. The tray 12 therefore remains attached to the case 11 along its lower edge when deployed, or alternatively the tray 12 may be completely removed therefrom to provide an independent medication tray for the user. This lower edge connection may also comprise snap securement elements in the same fashion as the other tray flap connectors 17.

(12) Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a view of the present medication tray 12 in a deployed state and attached to the case. In this position, the case contents can be accessed and placed directly on the tray for inspection. The lid flap 13 is pivotable the base flap 14 along its peripheral edge once its zippered connection 16 is opened, while the tray 12 may be pivoted from its connection with either the base or the lid. The tray connector 21 and its location relative to the lid 13 is shown in one configuration in FIG. 2, whereby the flap 21 does not interfere with the operation of the lid 13. Since the tray has the ability to be completely removable from the case, it can be pivoted outward from any one of its attachment flaps to provide flexibility for the user when accessing the case interior and using the tray for its intended purpose. In any deployed state, access to the case interior 22 is necessary and therefore access to the lid zipper closure 16 is required. The interior 22 of the case houses the medication and supplies for which the user requires, therefore unencumbered access is required. The volume of the case can also be expanded 15 as necessary and its interior can be modified to accommodate a number of different medication and medical supplies types, as desired by the user and its application.

(13) Turning to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of the binder embodiment of the present invention and an internal view of the organizational elements utilized to secure items within the case interior. The carrying case of the present invention contemplates several different design variations depending on end user needs and the desired carrying capacity of the structure. The internal elements of the case include a plurality of features for efficiently organizing medication and medical accessories, whereby a user is capable of rapidly locating and accessing the items from within the case. At least one removable leaflet 30 is provided within the case interior that attaches to the inner walls of the case, whereby a leaflet comprises a number of different pouches, pockets and securement means for different medication and accessory items. Overall, it is desired to disclose a carrying case that utilizes removable interior leaflets that efficiently organize medical products for a user while traveling. The elements of the case structure are well known; however the use of interior leaflets and the presence of a deployable tray work surface directs the case to a medication storage and transport application.

(14) In a one embodiment, the interior leaflets comprise a plurality of accessible pouches 43 having an open upper 49 for accessing each pouch and for placing items therein, while a backside pocket 48 with a zipper closure 42 behind the pouch provides a means of placing a cooling pack behind the pouch 43 for cooling the pouch contents. The ability to place cooling packs directly behind a pouch allows for carrying temperature-sensitive products such as insulin, and preserving their contents over a period. Each of the pouches 43 comprises an elastic mesh or elastic material 44 for efficiently retaining items therein while promoting visualization of the items. This allows items to be secured without requiring the user to inspect each pouch individually when accessing the items. Along each of the pockets is a built-in label holder for labeling and easily identifying different medication if the user wishes to label specific pockets. Each leaflet 30 secures to the inner walls of the carrying case using an eyelet and hook system 31 or suitable alternative that allows the leaflets to be removable securable. Therefore the leaflets 30 can be readily removed or swapped for different interior configurations, whereby the user is not required to purchase different cases to tailor the case for a specific medication or a specific trip. Some leaflets may comprise a plurality of aligned pouches 43, whereby the pouches may be of different sizes, while other leaflets may comprise different accessory holders 41 or backside cooling pouches 48 for cooling articles within the pouches. The backside pouches 48 are preferably lined with water resistant material to prevent condensation from exiting, while the opening of the cooling pouches is preferably secured by a zip fastener closure means 42.

(15) Provided within the carrying case is a temperature sensing means 50 that notifies the user of the internal temperature within the case such that he or she may monitor the case contents against a minimum threshold. Temperature monitoring is critical for carrying temperature sensitive products such as insulin, which may spoil if left unrefrigerated for a period of time. In a preferred embodiment, an internal thermometer 50 is provided, which may be positioned along the binding of the case or may be provided along the exterior of a cooled pouch to provide more direct temperature measurements. The thermometer 50 may further be removed and placed into a cooled pouch 44 where insulin 45 is stored, whereafter the user can access the cooled pouch 44 and read the thermometer to determine if the insulin is still suitable for use.

(16) Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross section view of a leaflet pouch. In this view, there is show the leaflet surface 30, the backside pouch 48 containing the cooling means 46, the outer pouch 44 for securing the cooled item 45 therein and the means by which to access both the backside pouch 48 and the outer pouch. This arrangement allows a user to place an ice cube pack 46 or chemical ice pack directly behind the pouch 44 holding the item 45. Medication such as insulin requires a controlled climate to prevent spoilage. If a diabetic user is traveling, this leaflet arrangement allows the user to cool the insulin 45 over a period of time within the interior of the case. The cooling means 46 is contained within the backside pouch 48, whereby condensation from the pack is contained within water resistant walls 52, 47 of the pouch to prevent moisture from entering into the case interior. To access the backside pouch, a zipper closure 42 allows the user to place or remove the cooling means 46, while the medication 45 may be placed within the outer pouch 44 through its upper opening 49. The upper opening 49 and the outer pouch 44 is preferably an elastic material that conforms to the medication item 45 to prevent movement while in transit.

(17) Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a close-up view of the leaflet securement means within the interior of the case. The leaflets 30 are organizational structures that support items within the case. These articles are designed to be removable from the case to provide a modular carrying structure of different medication and different types of transport needs. The leaflets 30 secure to the interior surfaces of the case using an L-bracket 31 or hook and eyelet 33, whereby each corner of the leaflet is secured thereby to prevent relative movement between the leaflet 30 and the case interior surface. This also allows a user to access the interior pouches 43 and expand each pouch opening 49 without the leaflets pulling away from the case interior surface during use. As an alternative, the leaflets may be secured to the case interior using a number of different securement means, including hook and loop fasteners, snaps or other suitable means. Overall, it is desired that present invention provides modular and efficient means of storing and transporting medication while the user it on the go.

(18) Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there are shown a first 60 and second 70 design for the present case, whereby the interior volume of the case and its structure incorporates different arrangements and sizes for the purposes of supporting the internal leaflets 30. Each embodiment includes modular leaflets and a deployable tray 12, while the number of leaflets and the overall size of the case may vary between designs. Larger embodiments of the case comprise several compartments that connect 21 to one another, establishing a single fold, two fold or multiple-fold structure having aligned and accessible compartments. Each compartment 31 is includes a pair of opposed interior surfaces 31 supporting the leaflets 30, whereby the compartments are individually accessed via a zipper closure 16 along a line of connection between surfaces 31. The design of the interior leaflets also be a design consideration, where the arrangement of pockets and each pocket may include unique qualities for securing items within the case.

(19) Another feature of the present invention is an interval timer 91 element that may be incorporated into the structure of the case. This timer 91 may supplant the temperature sensing means as a way to determine whether a sensitive medication is still viable or if the cooling means needs replacement. The timer 91 may also function as a medication interval timer such that the timer 91 provides an audible alert for the user when to take a dose of a medication. This is important for elderly users traveling, who may forget to take regular doses of pills and other medication throughout the day. Toting an organized medication carrier with a dosage timer is convenient for those patients taking different medication on a regular basis while away from home.

(20) Overall, the present invention provides a new and novel carrying case that efficiently organizes medication and medical supplies for individuals traveling outside of the home. The case simplifies a user's process of organizing and dispensing medication throughout the day, while also providing a means of supporting temperature sensitive medication therein. The structure of the case is at least two opposing case flaps that form the case structure, wherein organizational leaflets are provided along the interior surface of each leaflet and a deployable tray offers a work space for the user. The size of the case and its design elements may be tailored to a specific user's needs for different carrying capacities and styles of case. The primary purpose of the case, however, is to efficiently transport medication, allow quick access to the medication and preserve temperature sensitive medication while traveling.

(21) It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

(22) Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.