FIRST AID MEDICAL TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

A first aid medical treatment apparatus, wherein the apparatus' case and duct tape allow for efficient and easy use and creation of different bandages without necessitating every type of bandage being part of the first aid kit.

Claims

1. A roll of medical grade tape, comprising: a non-adhesive side; an adhesive side comprising a medical grade adhesive; and one or more bandage patterns disposed on at least one of the non-adhesive side or the adhesive side, the one or more bandage patterns providing a visual indication of where to cut or tear the tape to form a bandage.

2. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 1, wherein the one or more bandage patterns comprises a single bandage pattern repeated multiple times along the length and/or width of the tape.

3. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 2, wherein the single bandage pattern is disposed on the tape in a plurality of different sizes.

4. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 1, wherein the one or more bandage patterns comprise a plurality of bandage patterns, the plurality of bandage patterns having of a plurality of different sizes, shapes, and/or styles.

5. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bandage patterns are grouped together.

6. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 5, wherein the plurality of bandage patterns are grouped together by size, shape, or style.

7. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 5, wherein the plurality of bandage patterns are grouped together with a mixture of sizes, shapes, and/or styles.

8. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 5, wherein the groups of the plurality of bandage patterns are repeated along the length and/or width of the tape.

9. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 1, wherein the one or more bandage patterns include bandage patterns have regular or irregular polygon shapes.

10. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more bandage patterns comprises a butterfly shape with two opposing ends and a narrower connecting portion.

11. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 1, wherein portions of the one or more bandages nest within one another.

12. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 1, wherein the one or more bandage patterns are printed on the tape.

13. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 1, wherein the one or more bandage patterns comprises labels identifying the bandage patterns.

14. A roll of medical grade tape, comprising: a non-adhesive side comprising a cloth material that is configured to be torn by hand to create individual bandages from the tape; an adhesive side comprising a medical grade adhesive; and a plurality of bandage patterns disposed on at least one of the non-adhesive side or the adhesive side, the plurality of bandage patterns providing a visual indication of where to tear the tape to form the individual bandages from the tape.

15. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 14, wherein the plurality of bandage patterns have of a plurality of different sizes, shapes, and/or styles.

16. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 15, wherein the plurality of bandage patterns are grouped together by size, shape, or style.

17. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 15, wherein the plurality of bandage patterns are grouped together with a mixture of sizes, shapes, and/or styles.

18. The roll of medical grade tape of claim 14, wherein the plurality of bandage patterns are repeated along the length and/or width of the tape.

19. A method for forming individual bandages from a roll of medical grade tape, comprising: providing a roll of medical grade tape, the medical grade tape comprising: a non-adhesive side comprising a cloth material that is configured to be torn or cute to create individual bandages from the tape; and an adhesive side comprising a medical grade adhesive; and cutting or tearing the medical grade tape into one or more individual bandages.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the tape comprises one or more patterns disposed thereon to indicate where to cut or tear the tape to create one or more individual bandages from the tape.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the one or more patterns comprising patterns comprising a plurality of different styles and/or sizes of bandage patterns.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's case;

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an enclosure for the first aid medical treatment apparatus;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape non- adhesive side;

[0039] FIG. 4 is a top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape non- adhesive side;

[0040] FIG. 5 is a top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape non- adhesive side;

[0041] FIG. 6 is a top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape non- adhesive side;

[0042] FIG. 7 is a top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape non- adhesive side;

[0043] FIG. 8 is a top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape non- adhesive side;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape non- adhesive side;

[0045] FIG. 10 is a top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape non- adhesive side;

[0046] FIG. 11 is a top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape non- adhesive side;

[0047] FIG. 12 is top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's case;

[0048] FIG. 13 is top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's case apparatus;

[0049] FIG. 14 is top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's case;

[0050] FIG. 15 is a perspective side view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape;

[0051] FIG. 16 is a perspective top view of the first aid medical treatment apparatus's case; and

[0052] FIG. 17 illustrates an example embodiment of medical grade duct tape with example bandage patterns disposed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0053] The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to the invention is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, various embodiments, and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase in one embodiment, or in an embodiment, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0054] Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

[0055] Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article a is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term or denotes at least one of the items but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

[0056] It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] The term coupled may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, coupled may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0058] The terms comprising, including, having, and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as open terms (e.g., the term including should be interpreted as including, but not limited to, the term having should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes, but is not limited to, etc.).

[0059] The term duct tape, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous with medical grade duct tape, or duct tape with an adhesive that may be used on humans.

[0060] As previously discussed, there is a need for a safe, portable first aid kit that can be used to create necessary bandages depending on the needs of users.

[0061] In one embodiment, a first aid medical treatment apparatus comprises a roll of duct tape and a case which may be placed in an enclosure for easy transport.

[0062] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a first aid medical treatment apparatus's case 100 comprises a first side 102 and a second side 104, the first side 102 configured to form different sized compartments 106 and 108, such compartments formed to hold different types of items (not shown), when filled with various items, the case 100 may be rolled up, side 102 forming the inside and second side 104 forming the outside of the case 100.

[0063] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an enclosure 200 for the first aid medical treatment apparatus comprises an enclosure and an opening 202.

[0064] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape 300 comprises a non-adhesive layer 301 and an adhesive layer 303, said non-adhesive layer 301 comprises various patterns such as a butterfly bandage 302, a medium dressing 304, and a small dressing 306, whereby the patterns are used to gauge the appropriate bandage to be used.

[0065] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape section 400 comprises a non-adhesive layer 401 and an adhesive layer 403, the duct tape section 400 showing a repeatable pattern of various bandages such as a butterfly bandage 402, another butterfly bandage 404, two small butterfly bandages 406, a small dressing 408, a medium dressing 410, and another dressing 412, whereby the user determines the need and, using the appropriate bandage pattern, cuts along the pattern and applies the bandage to a wound.

[0066] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5-11, a first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape bandages all having an adhesive side 502 602 702 802 902 1002 1102, and a non- adhesive side 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100, with butterfly bandages 500 600, small butterfly bandages 700 800, medium dressings 900 1000 and a small dressing 1100, each represents a portion of the duct tape's pattern separated from the roll of duct tape (not shown). [0066] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a first aid medical treatment apparatus's case 1200 unrolled having a first side 1202 and a second side 1208, said first side 1202 containing at least one pocket 1204 and common first aid items such as scissors 1206, a puncture wound plug 1210, a tongue depressor 1212, an alcohol pad 1214, a non-adherent pad 1216, a gauze pad 1218, among other first aid items such as medicines (not shown) and other items common to first aid kits (not shown), the case 1200, in this embodiment having many-sized compartments conforming to various shapes and sizes of first aid items.

[0067] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a first aid medical treatment apparatus's case 1300 having many pocket sizes a small pocket 1306 and a large pocket 1304, and many other compartments (not numbered individually) in a pattern shown on the case 1300, a cut-line 1302 on the case 1300 indicating the location to cut the case in order to create a tourniquet or sling.

[0068] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a first aid medical treatment apparatus's case 1400 having many pocket sizes a small pocket 1406 and a large pocket 1404, and many other compartments (not numbered individually) in a pattern shown on the case 1400, a cut-line 1402 on the case 1400 indicating the location to cut the case in order to create a tourniquet or sling.

[0069] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a first aid medical treatment apparatus's duct tape 1500 having a non-adhesive layer 1502 and an adhesive layer 1504, the non-adhesive layer 1502 containing patterns indicated in previous figures, a cylinder 1506 for the duct tape 1500 of a size allowing for a rolled up case (not shown) to fit within the cylinder 1506.

[0070] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a first aid medical treatment apparatus's case 1600 shown rolled up with the outside layer 1602 and an inside layer 1604, the inside layer 1604 having various compartments and first aid supplies (not shown).

[0071] FIGS. 17 illustrates example bandage patterns 1652 printed or otherwise disposed (scored, laser engraved, etc.) on a medical grade duct tape 1650. The patterns of bandages may be printed or disposed on a non-adhesive side of the duct tape, on the adhesive side of the duct tape, or on both sides of the duct tape. As can be seen in the figures, the patterns may include multiple bandage patterns on a single roll of duct tape. Alternatively, a roll of duct tape may include a single bandage pattern. The bandage patterns may provide a visual indication of where to cut or tear the duct tape in order to create a particular size, shape, and/or style of bandage from the duct tape. In some embodiments, the bandage patterns include solid and/or dashed lines to indicate where to cut the duct tape. The bandage patterns may also include other indicia (e.g., arrows, scissor images, words, labels, etc.) to identify the particular bandage patterns and/or provide instructions on how to create the bandages from the patterned duct tape.

[0072] When a single bandage pattern is included, the bandage pattern may be repeated along the length and/or width of the duct tape. In some embodiments, a single bandage pattern may be included in multiple sizes. For instance, a particular style or shape of bandage pattern may be included in small, medium, and/or large sizes on a single roll of duct tape.

[0073] When multiple bandage patterns are included, the bandage patterns may include different sizes, shapes, and/or styles of bandage patterns. The multiple bandage patterns may be arranged in groups. In some embodiments, the groups may include one bandage pattern of each size, shape, and style. In other embodiments, the groups may include one or more bandage patterns of a particular size, shape, and style and one or more other bandage patterns of another size, shape, and style. In still other embodiments, the groups may include bandage patterns of only a single size, shape, or style. In any case, the duct tape may include one or more groups. The one or more groups may optionally repeat along the length and/or width of the tape.

[0074] As shown in the drawings, the bandage patterns may include regular or irregular polygon shapes (e.g., squares, rectangles, triangles, pentagons, hexagons, parallelograms, rhombi, butterfly shapes (e.g., two opposing ends with a narrower connecting portion)).

[0075] The bandage patterns may be arranged on the duct tape to maximize use of the duct tape. For instance, the bandage patterns may be grouped or otherwise arranged close together to minimize the amount of the duct tape not used as part of a bandage. In some cases, the bandage patterns have borders (or portions thereof) that are shared between adjacent bandage patterns. In other embodiments, the bandage patterns are spaced apart such that they do not share borders. In still other embodiments, some of the bandage patterns may at least partially nest within one another. For instance, as shown at least some of the legs 1654 of the bandage patterns 1652 may nest within recesses 1656 of other bandage patterns 1652.

[0076] In one embodiment, a method of using a first aid medical treatment apparatus comprises assessing a wound, determining the wound requires irrigation with a syringe or injection of medication with a syringe, separating the first aid medical treatment apparatus, putting water or medicine in the space created, reassembling said apparatus, removing a plastic cap from said apparatus's small opening, attaching an irrigation top or needle to said small opening, positioning the irrigation top above the wound or inserting the needle into the wounded person's body, and compressing the apparatus's lid to irrigate the wound or to inject medicine into the wounded person's body.

[0077] In one embodiment, a method of using a first aid medical treatment apparatus comprises a cylinder, a backing, a removable lid, wherein duct tape is spooled around the circumference of the cylinder, the duct tape having a repeatable pattern indicating common bandage shapes, wherein a user unrolls a portion of the duct tape, and uses a sharp instrument cuts out a pattern shown on the duct tape to fashion a bandage as required, the bandage is then applied to a person's injury or injuries.

[0078] In one embodiment, a method of using a first aid medical treatment apparatus comprises a case, tape, and first aid supplies, the tape having a repeatable pattern indicating common bandage shapes, wherein a user unrolls a portion of the tape, and uses a sharp instrument and cuts out a pattern shown on the tape to fashion a bandage as required, the bandage is then applied to a person's injury or injuries.

[0079] In one embodiment, a method of using a first aid medical treatment apparatus comprises a case, tape, and first aid supplies, wherein a user unrolls the case and uses a sharp instrument to cut along the pattern shown on the case to fashion a sling as required, and then the sling is applied to a person's injury or injuries.

[0080] In one embodiment, not shown here, a first aid medical treatment apparatus comprises a case, tape, and first aid supplies in one unit wherein portions of the apparatus are not removable but are separable, and combinable.

[0081] In one embodiment, a method of using a first aid medical treatment apparatus comprises a case, tape, and first aid supplies, wherein a user unrolls the case and uses a sharp instrument to cut along the pattern shown on the case to fashion a tourniquet as required, and then the tourniquet is applied to a person's injury or injuries.

[0082] In one embodiment, a method of using a first aid medical treatment apparatus comprises a case, tape, and first aid supplies, the case comprises a top cylinder and a bottom cylinder, each cylinder comprises a plate and a ring, the plate having a diameter slightly larger than the ring thus creating a flange, the bottom cylinder's plate having a hole in its center to allow substances, usually liquids, to flow into and out of the space between it and the top cylinder, the bottom cylinder acting as the cylindrical tube or barrel of a syringe, and the top cylinder acting as the plunger of a syringe, wherein a user adds liquid, medicine, or both to the space between the top and bottom cylinders, the user pushes the cylinders together to apply a wound as required.

[0083] In one embodiment, a method of using a first aid medical treatment apparatus comprises a case, tape, and first aid supplies, the case comprises a top cylinder and a bottom cylinder, each cylinder comprises a plate and a ring, the plate having a diameter slightly larger than the ring thus creating a flange, the bottom cylinder's plate having a hole in its center to allow substances, usually liquids, to flow into and out of the space between it and the top cylinder, the bottom cylinder acting as the cylindrical tube or barrel of a syringe, and the top cylinder acting as the plunger of a syringe, wherein a user removes a needle from the first aid supplies, attaches the needle to the hole in the bottom cylinder, adds liquid, medicine, or both to the space between the top and bottom cylinders, then the user inserts the needle into an injured person and pushes the cylinders together to inject into the injured person.

[0084] It is appreciated that the first aid medical treatment apparatus allows a user to have a readily available first aid kit within a roll or tape, thus allowing for multiple items to be positioned into the apparatus, while still allowing for said apparatus to provide various functionality such as syringe-type functionality, and have a plethora of bandage types and sizes readily available from the tape.

[0085] It is appreciated that, although most embodiments have shown cylindrical portions which are separated from each other, the roll of tape could also be one piece which is separable but not removable from the other portions of the first aid medical treatment apparatus.

[0086] Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detain herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.