Abstract
An emergency case (100, 200) comprises at least one case shell (10), wherein a handle (12) is formed in the case shell (10). Shoulder ends of the handle are located on the upper outer corners (14a, 14b) of the case shell (10). First portions (16a, 16b) of the handle extend vertically upward, and second portions (18a, 18b) extend towards the inner longitudinal edge of the case shell. A third portion connects the two second portions (18a, 18b) along the inner longitudinal edge (22).
Claims
1. First-aid case (100), characterized in that at least one partial area of the first-aid case (100) contains a phosphorescent material.
2. First-aid case (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first-aid case (100) has two case shells (10) and the partial regions which contain the phosphorescent material are attachments which can be attached to the case shells (10).
3. First-aid case (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the attachable add-on parts are selected from at least one of the following elements: Handle (20), component of the handle (20), in particular insert part (30), fastener (40), component of the fastener (40), in particular actuating element, stack centering device (50), decorative strip.
4. First-aid case (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the handle (20) and/or a case shell (10) contains or contain phosphorescent material.
5. First-aid case (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the phosphorescent material has an afterglow duration of at least 1 h, preferably at least 2 h, particularly preferably at least 3 h.
6. First-aid case (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mass fraction of the phosphorescent material in the partial regions or the case shell (10) is at least 10%, preferably at least 30%.
7. First-aid case (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the phosphorescent material is a pigment containing particles of SrAl2O4:Eu, Dy, which preferably have mean diameters d50=25+4 m and d9060 m.
8. First-aid case (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first-aid case (100) is filled with at least one of: plasters and dressing material, disposable gloves, first aid scissors and tweezers, hygienic face mask, hygienic clothing, emergency showers and eyewash, disinfectants and dispensers, defibrillators and accessories, respiratory masks.
9. First-aid case (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least partial surface regions (60) are metallized.
10. A method of manufacturing a first aid case (100) comprising providing two case shells (10) and a handle (20); providing add-on parts which can be attached to the case shells (10) and/or the handle (20) and which contain a phosphorescent material; connecting the two case shells (10) to form a first aid case (100); attaching the handle (20) to a case shell (10); attaching the attachable attachments to the case shells (10) and/or the handle (20).
11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the case shells (10) and the handle (20) are produced from a thermoplastic material, preferably from an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic, in a first injection molding process; the attachable attachment parts are produced in a second injection molding process from a thermoplastic material, preferably from an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic, the phosphorescent material being added to the plastic prior to the injection molding process.
12. Method according to claim 11, wherein phosphorescent material is added to the thermoplastic for the production of the case shells (10) and/or the handle (20) before the first injection molding process.
13. A first aid case (100), characterized in that at least one section of the first aid case (100) contains a phosphorescent material, wherein the phosphorescent material has been applied to an outer surface of the first aid case (100) in one layer as part of a hot stamping process.
14. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the phosphorescent material is provided in the form of a pigment which contains particles of SrAl.sub.2O.sub.4:Eu, Dy, which preferably have an average diameter d905 m.
15. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the layer containing the phosphorescent material has a layer thickness of between 5 and 15 g/m.sup.2, preferably of between 9 and 13 g/m.sup.2, particularly preferably of between 10 and 12 g/m.sup.2.
16. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the phosphorescent material is provided in one layer, which also contains a protective coating and/or a colored coating.
17. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, characterized by a further layer, also applied in the hot stamping process, between the layer containing the phosphorescent material and the outer surface, wherein the further layer is transparent or comprises a white coating.
18. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the layer containing the phosphorescent material provides decoration and/or information, in particular in the form of lettering and/or at least one symbol.
19. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the first aid case (100) comprises two case shells (10) and the outer surface is provided on an outer wall of one case shell (10).
20. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, in which the first aid case (100) comprises two case shells (10) and bodies are add-on parts which can be affixed to the case shells (10) in the form of sections which contain the phosphorescent material.
21. The first aid case (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that the add-on parts that can be affixed are selected at least from one of the following elements: handle (20), component of the handle (20), in particular insert part (30), closure (40), component of the closure (40), in particular actuating element, stacking centering apparatus (50), decorative strip.
22. The first aid case (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that the handle (20) and/or a case shell (10), in the form of bodies, contain phosphorescent material.
23. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the phosphorescent material has a time of persistence of at least 1 hour, preferably at least 2 hours, particularly preferably at least 3 hours.
24. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one body of the first aid case (100) consists of a material that contains phosphorescent material, wherein the mass percentage of the phosphorescent material in the body is at least 10%, preferably at least 30%.
25. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the first aid case (100) is filled with at least one of: plasters and dressings, disposable gloves, first aid scissors and tweezers, hygienic face masks, hygienic clothing, emergency showers and eyewash kits, disinfectants and dispensers therefor, defibrillators and accessories, respiratory masks.
26. The first aid case (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one surface section (60) is metal-coated.
27. A method for producing a first aid case (100), which comprises: providing two case shells (10) and a handle (20); performing at least one hot stamping process, wherein, in the entirety of all the hot stamping processes, a layer containing phosphorescent particles is applied to at least one of the case shells (10) and/or the handle (20); connecting the two case shells (10) to form a first aid case (100); affixing the handle (20) to a case shell (10).
28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that each hot stamping process is performed using a hot stamping die, which is brought to a temperature of between 130 C. and 165 C. and/or is pressed against the case shell (10) or the handle (20) for a duration of between 0.25 seconds and 5 seconds and/or is pressed against the case shell (10) or the handle (20) at a pressure of between 3 and 9 bar, preferably between 5 and 7 bar and/or is pressed against the case shell (10) or the handle (20) by applying a weight of between 600 and 1000 kg, preferably between 720 and 880 kg.
29. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the case shells (10) and the handle (20) are produced from a thermoplastic material, preferably from an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastics material, in an injection-molding process.
30. The method according to claim 29, wherein phosphorescent material is added to the thermoplastic material for producing the case shells (10) and/or the handle (20) before the injection-molding process.
31. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, in each hot stamping process, a hot stamping foil is used, which comprises a transfer sheet that contains phosphorescent particles of SrAl.sub.2O.sub.4:Eu, Dy.
32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that the phosphorescent particles have average diameters d.sub.905 m.
33. The method according to claim 27, comprising the additional step of: metal-coating at least surface sections (60) of the case shells (10) and/or the handle (20), wherein the metal-coating is preferably implemented by means of the following steps: etching the surface sections (60) of the first aid case (100) with a solution consisting of chromic acid, sulfuric acid, and water, wherein the etching is carried out at a temperature of at least 60 C., preferably at 70 C.; activating the surface sections (60) with palladium, wherein the palladium is colloidally dissolved and is surrounded by a protective colloid shell or is present in ionic form; wetting the surface sections (60) with an accelerator solution, wherein the accelerator solution is selected such that it reduces ionically present palladium or, in the case of colloidally dissolved palladium, removes the protective colloid shell surrounding the colloidal palladium; chemically depositing nickel on the surface sections (60); galvanically depositing copper on the nickel-plated surface sections (60); galvanically depositing nickel on the copper-plated surface sections (60); galvanically depositing chromium on the surface sections (60) nickel-plated by galvanic deposition; drying the surface sections (60), preferably at a temperature of 67 C., wherein the surface sections (60) are rinsed with water, preferably with deionized water, between the individual steps.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING VIEWS
[0675] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0676] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the emergency case according to the invention;
[0677] FIG. 2 is a front view of the emergency case from FIG. 1;
[0678] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the emergency case from FIG. 1;
[0679] FIG. 4 is a view from below of the emergency case from FIG. 1;
[0680] FIG. 5 is a side view of the emergency case from FIG. 1;
[0681] FIG. 6a shows the emergency case from FIG. 1 when it is open;
[0682] FIG. 6b further illustrates this when the two inner lids are open;
[0683] FIG. 6c further illustrates this when the two inner lids have been folded over to one side;
[0684] FIG. 6d shows an emergency case half of the emergency case from FIG. 1 in the open state with partition elements located therein;
[0685] FIG. 6e-6h show partition elements of different sizes;
[0686] FIG. 6i is an enlarged view of the partition element from FIG. 6f for illustrating the connection apparatuses for the partition elements;
[0687] FIG. 6k is a plan view of a series of emergency case halves of different sizes divided into compartments;
[0688] FIG. 7a is a perspective view from a first side of a second embodiment of the emergency case according to the invention; and
[0689] FIG. 7b shows this from a second side; and
[0690] FIG. 8 is a front view of the emergency case from FIG. 7a;
[0691] FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b are two different side views of the emergency case from FIG. 7a;
[0692] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the emergency case from FIG. 7a; and
[0693] FIGS. 11a to 11c show the emergency case from FIG. 7a in views corresponding to FIGS. 6a to 6c;
[0694] FIG. 12a is a perspective view from a first side of an emergency case half as an emergency case according to a third embodiment of the invention; and
[0695] FIG. 12b shows this from a second side;
[0696] FIG. 12c shows the situation in which two emergency case halves are joined together;
[0697] FIG. 12d is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the clamping principle used;
[0698] FIG. 12e is a perspective view of a case shell without a handle in the closed state;
[0699] FIG. 12f is a perspective view of the case shell from FIG. 12e in the open state;
[0700] FIG. 13 shows a stacking centering element on the left upper outer corner of the emergency case from FIG. 7;
[0701] FIG. 14 shows a stack of a plurality of emergency cases;
[0702] FIG. 15a is a detail from FIG. 1 with the handle; and
[0703] FIG. 15b is a detail from FIG. 6a with the handle;
[0704] FIG. 15c shows the main body of the handle from FIG. 15b on its own, without the insert part;
[0705] FIG. 15d shows the insert part (closure cap) that can be inserted into the main body on its own;
[0706] FIG. 15e shows the complete handle, on its own, with the main body from FIG. 15c and the insert part from FIG. 15d inserted therein;
[0707] FIG. 15f is a section through the emergency case in order to render visible an electronics module located in its handle;
[0708] FIG. 15g is an enlarged circular detail from FIG. 15f;
[0709] FIG. 16a shows the situation in which a first aider is grasping the case standing on the ground; and
[0710] FIG. 16b shows the situation in which a first aider is grasping the case lying on the ground.
[0711] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the first aid kit according to the invention;
[0712] FIG. 17a shows the case lying on the ground with a handle in the open state of the knob apparatuses;
[0713] FIG. 17b is an enlarged circular detail from FIG. 17a;
[0714] FIG. 17c is a cross section through a view according to FIG. 17a;
[0715] FIG. 17d is a perspective oblique front view of the emergency case with a handle with the knob apparatus closed;
[0716] FIG. 17e shows the case from FIG. 17d with the knob apparatus open;
[0717] FIG. 17f shows the case from FIG. 17d and FIG. 17e with the knob apparatuses in a stowed position;
[0718] FIG. 18 shows a front view of the first-aid kit of FIG. 1;
[0719] FIG. 18a is a front view of the wall bracket which can be used with the emergency case in a version without a lock;
[0720] FIG. 18b is a side view of the wall bracket from FIG. 18a;
[0721] FIG. 18c is a perspective front side view of the wall bracket from FIG. 18a;
[0722] FIGS. 18d, 18e, and 18f are views corresponding to FIGS. 18a, 18b, and 18c, respectively, of the same type of wall bracket, but provided with a lock;
[0723] FIG. 18g shows the wall bracket without a lock with the emergency case hanging thereon in the closed state;
[0724] FIG. 18h shows the wall bracket from FIG. 18g with the emergency case now in the open state;
[0725] FIGS. 18i and 18k is a front view and a side view, respectively, of the wall bracket with the open emergency case from FIG. 18h; and
[0726] FIGS. 18l, 18m, 18n, and 180 are views corresponding to FIGS. 18g, 18h, 18i, and 18k, respectively, of the same wall bracket, but with a lock.
[0727] FIGS. 18p and 18q are separate perspective oblique front and oblique rear views, respectively, of the fastener cap for providing the fastener;
[0728] FIG. 18r illustrates the fastener cap from FIGS. 18p and 18q being pulled out on the wall bracket;
[0729] FIGS. 18s and 18t are separate perspective oblique front and oblique rear views, respectively, of the cover cap, which can be used instead of the fastener cap;
[0730] FIG. 19 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the first aid kit according to the invention;
[0731] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the first aid case according to the invention;
[0732] FIG. 21 is a side view of the first aid case from FIG. 20; and
[0733] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the first aid case from FIG. 20; and
[0734] FIG. 23 shows the layered structure of a hot stamping foil used when providing the phosphorescent material for the first aid case.
[0735] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the emergency case according to the invention, with the seal being omitted;
[0736] FIG. 24b is a perspective view of the emergency case from FIG. 1 with the seal;
[0737] FIG. 24c is a perspective view of the emergency case from FIGS. 1 and 1b in the closed state;
[0738] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the emergency case comprising variable sub-sections;
[0739] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the emergency case according to the invention with the seal being omitted;
[0740] FIG. 26b is a perspective view of the emergency case from FIG. 3 with the seal;
[0741] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the double emergency case according to the invention with the seal being omitted;
[0742] FIG. 27b is a perspective view of the double emergency case from FIG. 4 with the seal;
[0743] FIG. 27c is a perspective view of the emergency case from FIGS. 4 and 4b in the closed state; and
[0744] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the application of the flowable sealing component in an embodiment of the method according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0745] An emergency case, denoted by 100 as a whole, comprises two case shells 10, which are identical in the present case and, in the case of the emergency case 100, each have identical handles 12. The case shells 10 comprising the handles 12 together form an emergency case, wherein, in the case of the emergency case 100, two emergency case halves can be exactly complementary to one another.
[0746] The handles are fastened to the upper outer corners 14a, 14b of each case shell 10, i.e. a first end of the handle 12 is inserted on the first upper outer corner 14a and a second end of the handle 12 is inserted on the other upper outer corner 14b of the case shell 10. In a first portion, the handle 12 extends vertically upward proceeding from the respective upper outer corner; in the present case, these are the portions 16a (first portion on the first handle end) and 16b (first portion on the second handle end) shown in FIG. 1. Vertically upward is understood to mean that the tilt angle 1 at the first handle end and the tilt angle 2 at the second handle end are each between 70 and 110, preferably less than 90. In the present case, both tilt angles 1 and 2 are preferably identical and have a value of approx. 75 for this purpose, for example.
[0747] The plan view according to FIG. 3 shows how the handle 12 extends: in a second portion 18a and 18b, respectively, each handle extends toward the inner longitudinal edge 22 of the case shell. In the present case, the second portion contains two sections, namely the portion 18a contains the portion 181a, which still extends in parallel with the outer longitudinal edge 24 of the case shell 10, and the portion 182a, which extends from the outer longitudinal edge 24 toward the inner longitudinal edge 22. The angle 1 of the tilt of the second section 182a relative to the first section 181a is between 1 and 20, in the present case approx. 15. In an analogous manner, the second portion 18b is divided into the sections 181b and 182b, in which the angle 2 is preferably likewise between 1 and 20 and preferably has the same value as the angle 1.
[0748] The third portion 20 of the handle 12 extends at the end of the second portion 18b, in particular at the end of its second section 182b in the region of the inner longitudinal edge 22. This central portion extends in particular in parallel with the inner longitudinal edge 22, and in the emergency case 100, the third portion 20 of the first emergency case half on the first case shell 10 and the third portion 20 of the corresponding second emergency case half contact one another immediately above the inner longitudinal edge 22. The length d3 of the third portion 20 is almost a third of the total length of the entire case and therefore each of the portions 18b and 18a make up the other third, or are slightly longer than the third. These dimensions ensure that the case is balanced out when the user grasps the case by the one third portion 20.
[0749] The case can be opened up according to FIG. 6a, which shows that there is a preferably opaque inner lid 26 on the case shell 10. The opened-up emergency case can be optimally grasped by the third portion, which is pointing upward when said case is lying down, such that, for use in an emergency situation on the patient on site, it is possible to rapidly pull over the case, for example in the direction according to the arrow 28 in FIG. 6a.
[0750] According to FIG. 6b, the two inner lids 26 can be lifted up and opened up vertically in a manner complementary to one another.
[0751] According to FIG. 6c, the two lids that are latched to one another can also be folded to just one side, in the present case the rear side in FIG. 6c.
[0752] The second embodiment 200 of the emergency case according to FIG. 7a to FIG. 11c, as explained in the following, differs from the above-described embodiment 100 of the emergency case in that the handle 12 is formed on just one case shell 10, while cover caps 42a, 42b are attached to the other case shell 10 on the upper outer corners. The cover caps replace the handle on the case shell 10.
[0753] Because a handle is omitted, the emergency case 200 is then lighter than the emergency case 100. Owing to the shape of the handle, its portability is greatly improved, however. FIGS. 11a to 11c correspond to FIGS. 6a to 6c.
[0754] So that the emergency cases can be suitably stacked up with other emergency cases (for example in an ambulance), there are so-called stacking centering apparatuses. Apparatuses of this kind are generally complementary to one another in pairs (so as to be reversed).
[0755] FIG. 13 shows a stacking centering apparatus on a left upper outer corner of the emergency case 200, i.e. on the cover cap 42a. The description of an exemplary configuration in this regard applies to all the stacking centering apparatuses. Proceeding from a smooth, flat surface that adjoins the surface outside the cover cap 42a, there is a projection 62, in this case having a longitudinal extension in parallel with the upper edge of the case shell 10. Below the projection 62, there is a recess 64 which is complementary in shape to the projection 62. The roles of projection and recess are swapped in the stacking centering apparatuses that are provided so as to be reversed. For example, on the right upper outer corner, there is a recess at the top and a projection below on the stacking centering apparatus 42b. Therefore, the projection of a case shell fits into the recess on another case shell of another emergency case.
[0756] In detail with regard to the stacking centering apparatuses: in the emergency case 100, the stacking centering apparatuses 30a and 30b, which are reversed relative to one another, are provided on the handle ends on the upper outer corners of the case shell 10. Stacking centering apparatuses 32a, 32b are in turn formed on the lower corners, wherein the stacking centering apparatus 32a is complementary to the stacking centering apparatus 32b. The stacking centering apparatus 32a is also complementary to the stacking centering apparatus 30a, and the stacking centering apparatus 32b is complementary to the stacking centering apparatus 30b (so as to be reversed).
[0757] So that open emergency cases can also be stacked, the inner lids 26 also comprise stacking centering apparatuses; see reference signs 34a, 34b and 36a, 36b on one inner lid. The stacking centering apparatuses 38a and 38b that are complementary thereto on the other case half and 40a, 40b are complementary in pairs to the stacking centering apparatuses: 38a to 34a, 38b to 34b, 40a to 36a, and 40b to 36b. In this way, the two inner lids 26 can also be effectively latched to one another, as shown in FIG. 6b.
[0758] In emergency cases with and without a handle, each case shell comprises partition elements for forming compartments. An open emergency case half is shown in FIG. 6d. The partition elements used therein are shown individually in FIGS. 6e to 6h, and the partition element from FIG. 6f is shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 6i.
[0759] In the present case, as shown in FIG. 6d, a series of connection apparatuses 66 is provided on all four inner walls of the rectangular case shell. The connection apparatuses 66 have dovetail-shaped inlets, into which the partition elements 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d can each be inserted. As shown in FIGS. 6e to 6h, each of the partition elements 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d comprises a strip-shaped main body 310a, 310b, 310c, and 310d, respectively. In turn, there are connection apparatuses on each strip-shaped main body; in FIG. 6i, this is illustrated in particular for the partition element 300c, which comprises exactly two of these connection apparatuses 320-1 and 320-2. Each connection apparatus 320-1, 320-2 comprises a plurality of lugs, as can be seen in the present case on the basis of the connection apparatus 320-2: the lugs 322 alternate with one another on the right and left, with each lug 322 being opposite a cut-out 324, which is no more than a protrusion which again exactly corresponds to a lug on the rear face that can be imagined in FIG. 6i. Therefore, the cut-outs also alternate with one another on the right and left.
[0760] Each partition element comprises a sliding track 330. This can be inserted into the dovetail-shaped cut-outs in the connection apparatus 66 and thus can be directly fitted therein. By being able to be directly fitted to the inner walls of the case shell, this ensures that there is a particularly stable arrangement. So that the connection apparatus 66 does not weaken the case shell wall, there are reinforcement ribs 68, i.e. thickened portions or protrusions on the outer wall, which correspond exactly thereto on the outside.
[0761] The partition elements 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d have the lengths of a common multiple of a basic unit, namely the partition element 300a having five basic units, the partition element 300b having four basic units, the partition element 300c having three basic units, and the partition element 300d having two basic units. The compartmentalization according to FIG. 6d can be achieved by the partition element 300a, the partition element 300b, the partition element 300c, and the partition element 300d, each being simple to use. Here, the partition element 300a is inserted into opposite connection apparatuses on the inner walls, the partition element 300b is inserted into a connection apparatus on the partition element 300a on one side and a connection apparatus on the other inner wall of the emergency case half on the other side. The partition element 300c is inserted into the central connection apparatus of the partition element 300b by a sliding track and into a connection apparatus on the front inner wall of the emergency case half by the other sliding track, and lastly the partition element 300d is inserted into the central connection apparatus on the other side of the partition element 300b from the partition element 300c by a sliding track, and the partition element 300d is inserted into a connection apparatus 66 on the rear inner wall of the emergency case half by the other sliding track.
[0762] FIG. 6k shows that, by selecting the suitable size ratios in a series of emergency cases 100a, 100b, and 100c of different sizes, said partition elements can be reused over and over again. In a measurement direction with the same height, the upper emergency case 100a has an extension of five units, the middle emergency case 100b has an extension of four units, and the lower, smallest emergency case has an extension of three units. Therefore, in the emergency cases, the same partition elements can be used over and over again, which simplifies the production of different series.
[0763] The two emergency case halves comprising the case shells 10 and the handle 12 in the emergency case 100 from FIGS. 1 to 6c and the corresponding case halves of the emergency case 200 can also be used on its own, as shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b. In particular, the two emergency case halves in the emergency cases 100 and 200 are detachable from one another. Connection devices that are complementary to one another are provided in the lower region of the respective emergency case half: a rod 50 on the lower region of the emergency case half comprising the shell 10 and the handle 12 can be inserted into the resilient connection device 52, which is C-shaped in cross section, of an identically constructed emergency case half. The apparatuses 54a, 54b, and 54c for fastening the inner lid are also located along the axis. The corresponding apparatuses can be fitted into the gaps 56a, 56b, 56c in the complementary emergency case half, such that a closed axis of rotation is formed.
[0764] FIG. 12c illustrates the situation in which the two emergency case halves 10 are just being interconnected: here, the rod 50 of one emergency case half is inserted into the connection device 52 of the identically constructed other emergency case half (see arrow 57a) and, accordingly, the rod 50 of the other emergency case half is inserted into the connection device 52 of the one emergency case half (see arrow 57b).
[0765] FIG. 4 shows how the thus assembled emergency case 100 looks from the outside. (The same applies to the emergency case 200:) The gaps 56a, 56b, 56c can no longer be seen, but instead the hinges 54a, 54b, 54c, to which the corresponding C-shaped resilient connection elements of the inner lid 26 are attached, are each joined to the complementary emergency case half.
[0766] FIG. 12d is a cross section of the rod 50 beside the connection device 52. By pulling the connection device 52 open, the rod can be inserted therein, and is retained therein once said device has sprung back.
[0767] FIGS. 12e and 12f show a case shell 10 without a handle. Except for the teaching relating to the handle, that which is set out here in relation to the emergency case half or case shell 10 is applicable to the above case shell. That which is set out here in relation to the case shell 10 is applicable to the case shell 10, unless it relates to the omission of the handle.
[0768] The clamping tabs 58a and 58b are formed in one piece with the remaining portion of the inner lid 26. Alternatively, they are added onto an inner lid. The clamping tab 58a corresponds to the latching lug 59a to which it can be latched, and the clamping tab 58b corresponds to the latching lug 59b to which it can be latched. Therefore, the inner lid 26 can be securely closed so that the respective case shell 10 or also 10 can be carried on its own without anything falling out.
[0769] The inner lid 26 is fastened to the case shell 10 using the same clamping principle as described above with reference to FIG. 12d: in the region of the hinges 54a, 54b, and 54c, a rod to which a C-shaped resilient connection device of the inner lid is securely clamped is formed on the case shell 10 or 10 in each case. These C-shaped resilient connection devices are all formed in one piece with the remaining portion of the inner lid 26. Alternatively, they are added onto an inner lid.
[0770] FIG. 14 shows a stack of a) the emergency case as in FIG. 12a, b) the emergency case 200 from FIG. 7a, and the emergency case 100 from FIG. 1. The stacking centering apparatuses contribute to the stability.
[0771] FIG. 15a is a detail of the handle from FIG. 1, as viewed from the outside. This figure shows that the handle comprises a frame having an upper frame part 70 and a lower frame part 72. An insert part 74 of the handle is inserted between the two frame parts 70 and 72. The insert part 74 can be glued or pressed in, and optionally can also be clipped to elements located in the inside of the handle.
[0772] FIG. 15b is a detail of the handle from FIG. 6a, which is visible therein from its inner face. Here too, the insert part 74 can be seen between the frame parts 70 and 72. It can be the same insert part as in FIG. 15a. Alternatively, two insert parts can be provided (not shown).
[0773] FIG. 16a illustrates how a first aider 1 kneels beside a patient 2. The emergency case 200 comprising a handle 12 can be grasped by the first aider 1 using their hand 1H on the portion 18c, and when they stand up, it is pulled closer to them.
[0774] According to FIG. 16b, in the other situation, the first aider 1 uses their hand 1H to pull over the emergency case 200 that is lying down by grasping it on the portion 20.
[0775] FIG. 15c shows the handle from FIG. 15b on its own, without the insert part, i.e. only the main body of the handle, which is preferably injection-molded from plastics material. A cavity 76 is visible in the main body. It is open to one side, namely toward the upper face in the present case. In the main body, a series of circular cut-outs 78 is provided over the entire above-described extension (first region, second region, each in duplicate, and a third region therebetween).
[0776] The insert part 74, can also be referred to as a closure cap, is shown on its own in FIG. 15d as a whole. Studs 82 which can be inserted into the cut-outs correspond to the circular cut-outs 78 on the main body, the latching taking place in a simple manner. They are distributed over the strip-shaped main body 80 of the insert part/the closure cap 74. There is an insert tab 84 in the center, corresponding to the third region of the handle.
[0777] As shown in the sectional view according to FIG. 15f, the insert tab 84 ensures that an electronics module 86 introduced into the cavity 76 in the main body is particularly effectively retained. This can for example comprise a memory, in which it is indicated what materials should or need to be contained in the emergency case/first aid case. The electronics module 86 can allow this information to be read out wirelessly and, for example, by means of a query signal, can obtain energy for sending a response signal by means of which this information is output.
[0778] The emergency case half can be carried on its own, also because the inner lid 26 is suitable for being latched to the case shell 10 or 10. This can, for example, be implemented by a peripheral lip on the inner lid, which simply continuously engages over the frame of the case shell 10, 10. Because the inner lid 26 is opaque, the material in the dressing case is protected against aging due to ultraviolet radiation. Third parties also cannot see into the interior of the emergency case half when it is being carried on its own. Alternatively, the inner lid is configured to be transparent.
[0779] The insert part 74 can be configured to be fluorescent, for example by adding fluorescent particles, as marketed by American Permalight Corp. under the brand name PERMALIGHT. The insert part also bears a logo in the example. This means that the handle is also clearly visible at night, for example to the doctor kneeling beside the patient who wants to pull it toward them.
[0780] The emergency case can also be configured to be a different color from the insert part.
[0781] It can also be fluorescent, preferably less fluorescent than the insert part of the handle. In the simplest case, a fluorescent film can be applied, and then a textured pattern can be made to glow.
[0782] Furthermore, the inner lid 26 can likewise be fluorescent so that an emergency case half can also be identified particularly easily on its own.
[0783] FIG. 17 shows a first aid kit according to the invention, designated 100. The case shells 10 do not contain any phosphorescent material. On the other hand, the handle 20, the insert 30, the closures 40 and the stack centering devices 50 contain phosphorescent material. The design of the handle 20 is expressly not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 clearly shows that the phosphorescent design of individual sections, in particular the phosphorescent design of the attachable parts handle 20, insert 30, closures 40 and stack centering devices 50, already increases the visibility of the case, even if it is mounted, for example, in a wall mount at eye level, which is located on the side of the first aid case facing away from the viewer. The handle 20 is shown here, in abbreviated form, in an S-shape. Other shapes of the handle 20 are also conceivable, such as simple handle grips.
[0784] The emergency case can be opened and closed in a particularly simple manner owing to the design of the knob apparatuses 90a, 90b. For this purpose, FIG. 17a shows the emergency case 200 in the state in which the knob apparatuses are just being opened. FIG. 17b is the enlarged circular detail from FIG. 17a.
[0785] It shows that each knob apparatus 90a and 90b substantially comprises three components, namely the actual knob 92, which is cross-shaped in the present case. The cross shape has legs of equal length that are at an angle of 90 to one another, of which the lower leg 93a and the upper leg 93b are opposite one another. The knob 92 is flat on the front face of the cross shape and has side walls that are substantially perpendicular to the front flat surface on each leg.
[0786] The second component is the hollow shaft 94, which is formed on the leg 93a and is inserted into a flange 95 on the associated case shell.
[0787] The third component of the knob apparatus 90a, 90b is a rear-engaging element in the form of a rear-engaging lug 96, which can also be called a rear-engaging hook or a rear-engaging claw. During closing, the rear-engaging lug 96 engages behind the latching lug 98 on the other case shell that is not associated with the knob apparatus. When setting down the case, the front left knob apparatus is associated with the lower case shell, and the front right knob apparatus is associated with the upper case shell. Accordingly, the latching lug 98 behind which the left knob apparatus 90a engages is formed on the upper case shell and a corresponding latching lug 98 behind which the right knob apparatus 90b engages is formed on the lower case shell (the latter not being shown in this figure).
[0788] With regard to these latching lugs 98, it should also be noted that they are preferably formed as in FIG. 17b: On the case shell (in FIG. 17b, the upper case shell), the side wall is reinforced (base plate for the latching lug), on which there is then also a pair of feet, from which (preferably substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the front wall of the case shell and therefore the base plate) a small arm projects which bears the latching lug. The rear-engaging lug 96 is pivotable by means of the arm and, owing to the rounded shape of the feet, the rear-engaging lug 96 can pull the other case shell (the upper case shell in FIG. 17b) slightly downward, such that the emergency case is closed in a sealed manner.
[0789] It is noteworthy that, owing to its legs of equal length, the cross shape has its geometric midpoint M exactly in the center, the point of intersection of the two lines forming the cross. According to the arrangement of the hollow shaft 94 on one of the legs, the knob apparatus is therefore eccentrically mounted.
[0790] This eccentric mounting has the advantage that the knobs are pivotable to a considerably greater extent than they would be with different mounting. In particular, they are even pivotable, and not just rotatable.
[0791] FIG. 17d shows the emergency case 200 in the closed state. The arrows 99a and 99b show the pivot direction in which the knobs 92 of the knob apparatus 90a or 90b have to be pivoted. In a transition to FIG. 17e, the rear-engaging lug 96 pivots behind the latching lug 98 into the open position shown in FIG. 17e. In the latter figure, the emergency case can already be open.
[0792] According to further rotation in the direction according to the arrows 99a and 99b, a stowed position, as shown in FIG. 17f, can also be reached. This stowed position has the advantage that the emergency case can be opened more easily and, in particular, the knob apparatuses cause less disruption. This is particularly helpful when the emergency case 200, as set out above, is intended to be divided into two emergency case halves.
[0793] In the transition from FIG. 17d to FIG. 17e, i.e. from the closed position into the rest position, the knob is rotated (pivoted) by 90. In the further transition to the stowed position according to FIG. 17f, a further rotation by another 90 is performed. Overall, from the closed position into the stowed position, the knob is pivoted by 180.
[0794] FIG. 18 illustrates from the front view that the handle 20, the closures 40 and also the stack centering devices 50 increase the visibility of the case due to their phosphorescent design, even if it is at eye level on a shelf, for example. The case shells 10 do not contain any phosphorescent material. The insert 30 is not shown in FIG. 2.
[0795] FIGS. 18a, 18b, and 18c show a wall bracket 400 that can be used in connection with the above-described emergency cases 100 and 200 or emergency case half thereof, and FIGS. 18d, 18e, and 18f show the same wall bracket, but with a lock.
[0796] Except for the configuration of the left finger once with and once without a lock, the configurations of the wall bracket 400 also entirely apply to the wall bracket 400 with a lock.
[0797] The wall bracket 400 comprises a rear bar, which is T-shaped, i.e. comprises a straight bar of substantially the same width, from which two smaller bars branch off, in the present case to be slightly bent upward. At the end of the two smaller bars of the T shape, a thickened shoulder for drill holes 412, 414 is provided, through which threaded bolts can be guided in order to fasten the wall bracket 400 to a wall (not shown). The thickened portions for the drill holes 412, 414 already belong to the retaining arms 420 (left) and 422 (right), which are the same length in the present case, i.e. are configured to be symmetrical to one another. As particularly clearly shown in FIG. 18c, the retaining arm 420 provides a seat 424 for a portion of the emergency case handle, and the retaining arm 422 provides a corresponding seat 426 for another portion of the handle. The retaining arm 420 further comprises the retaining finger 428, and the retaining arm 422 comprises the retaining finger 430.
[0798] As shown in FIG. 18g, in particular the region 18a of the handle 12 of the emergency case 200 can be placed onto the seat 426 of the right retaining arm 422 and the second region 18b of the handle can be placed onto the seat 424 of the left retaining arm 420 of the wall bracket 400. Furthermore, FIG. 18g also shows that, owing to the sufficient distance between the fingers 428, 430 of the retaining arms 420 and 422, the third region 20 between the two second regions 18a and 18b of the handle is particularly easily accessible, and this is made easier by the shape of the handle (the third portion extends along the inner longitudinal edge). The entire case can be taken down in one go by grasping the third portion 20. In the case not shown in the figure in which the emergency case 100 comprising two handles is used, the emergency case can of course be grasped by the two third regions 20 together, similar to that described above in FIG. 16a for the first aider.
[0799] As also shown in FIGS. 18a, 18b, and 18c, the wall bracket 400 comprises a stop 450 for the emergency case. Drill holes 462, 464 are also provided here. The stop 450 first of all contains a seat 452, on which the rear (i.e. wall-side) emergency case half can sit. In the front region, the stop 450 comprises protrusions 454 and projections 456, of which the dimensions correspond exactly to the ribs on the case shell of the emergency case; see FIG. 6d and the associated description of the ribs 68 matching to the connection apparatuses 66.
[0800] In this way, the emergency case can be retained in a particularly effective and stable manner in the wall bracket in the opened-up state, as shown in FIGS. 18h, 18i, and 18k, and can be brought from the non-opened-up state according to FIG. 18g into the opened-up state according to FIG. 18h.
[0801] The wall bracket 400 shown in FIG. 18d, 18e, 18f as well as 181, 18m, 18n, 180 differs from the wall bracket 400 only in that the fastener (lock) 440 is provided on the finer 428 of the retaining arm 420; see in particular FIG. 18f and FIGS. 18p, 18q, and 18r.
[0802] In this embodiment, the emergency case, as shown in FIG. 18l, is secured to the wall bracket by the wall-side, rear emergency case half by means of the fastener/lock 440. Therefore, nobody can remove this emergency case half from the wall without opening the lock. This ensures that corresponding first aid material and the like is available, which is contained in the emergency case half. In the opened-up state according to FIG. 18m, however, the front emergency case half that has been opened downward can be separated from the rear emergency case half in the manner described above with reference to FIGS. 12a to 12d and can later be reattached thereto. Therefore, in the room in which the wall bracket is fastened to the wall, it is ensured that one emergency case half remains in the room in any event, while material urgently required by the first aider can be provided by the other emergency case half. Unlike in FIGS. 18l and 18m, the emergency case 100 can also be used such that the separated emergency case half can be provided with a handle.
[0803] The following is to be stated with regard to the fastener 440: the fastener 440 is provided in the form of a fastener cap, which is fitted to the finger 428 and is shown separately as a whole in FIGS. 18p and 18q.
[0804] The fastener cap 440 comprises a front plate 470, on which a pull tab 472 (in the shape of a loop here) is formed. On the rear of the front plate 470 is a pin 474, which is supported to engage in a cut-out (hole) at a suitable point on the emergency case. On a preferably outer side in the wall bracket (and only on this side), there is a side plate 476, at the rear there is a rear plate 478 for support on the emergency case, and there is a base plate 480, which reinforces the assembly. A cut-out 482 in the base plate 480 leaves space for the foot of the finger 428.
[0805] As shown in FIG. 18r, the entire fastener cap 440 can be pulled forward in one, in order to thus be able to bring the pin 474 out of engagement with the emergency case and remove said case from the wall bracket.
[0806] It is advantageous for a spring (not shown in the drawings) on which the fastener cap 440 is supported and which is supported on the retaining arm 420 at the other end to pull the fastener cap 440, after being pulled forward, backward (toward the wall) again in a restoring manner, i.e. into the finger 428 of the wall bracket.
[0807] FIG. 18r also illustrates that the pin 474 first engages in a cut-out (through-hole) 488 on the finger 428 and can engage in a cut-out (not shown) in the emergency case therebehind.
[0808] If a fastener is not required, the fastener cap 440 can simply be omitted.
[0809] For practical and/or aesthetic reasons, a cover cap 490 can be provided, which is shown separately as a whole in FIGS. 18s and 18t and can be accordingly inserted on the finger 428.
[0810] The cover cap 490 differs from the fastener cap 440 substantially only in that a pull tab is not provided on the front plate 470, and therefore this front plate 470 has a flat surface, and in that the pin 474 is shorter than the pin 474, since the pin 474 is not supposed to engage in a cut-out in the emergency case, but is merely supposed to ensure that the cover cap 490 is retained on the finger 428, i.e. can only be inserted into a cut-out (such as into the cut-out 488 from FIG. 18r). Optionally, the base plate 480 is also provided with a smaller cut-out 482 than the cut-out 482 in the fastener cap 440. No clearance needs to be provided for greater movability. The base plate 480 then has only a small amount of clearance relative to the finger 428; it can be fastened in an interlocking fit where necessary.
[0811] FIG. 19 shows a first aid kit 100 whose handle 20, fasteners 40 and stack centering devices 50 contain phosphorescent material. The insert part 30 cannot be seen in FIG. 3. The metallized surface sections 60 reflect the light emitted by the aforementioned add-on parts to an even greater extent than would be the case with conventional plastic surfaces, thus improving the visibility of the first aid kit 100 in general and the visibility of the add-on parts in particular. It is also conceivable that the surfaces of-preferably raised-elements such as first aid or first aid kit lettering or symbols such as a first aid cross could be metallized. As a result, these elements stand out visually from the surrounding phosphorescent sections and thus become visible to the first aider, who can more quickly deduce the contents of the case. This is particularly conceivable with phosphorescent case shells, as particularly large lettering or symbol elements with a metallized surface can be implemented here. However, a first-aid cross with a metallized surface could also be arranged in the handle area of the first-aid kit, for example, so that it stands out visually from a phosphorescent wall and is thus easily visible to the first aider treating the patient.
[0812] FIG. 20 shows a first aid case according to the invention, denoted by 100 as a whole. The case shells 10 do not contain any phosphorescent material. However, the handle 20, the insert part 30, the closures 40, and the stacking centering apparatuses 50 can contain phosphorescent material. The configuration of the handle 20 is expressly not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 20. It is clear from FIG. 20 that the phosphorescent configuration of individual sections, in particular the phosphorescent configuration of the add-on parts that can be affixed, namely the handle 20, the insert part 30, the closures 40, and the stacking centering apparatuses 50, increases the visibility of the case, even if it is fastened at eye level in a wall bracket which is located on the side of the first aid case facing away from the observer. In this case, the handle 20 is, in short, shown in an S shape. Other shapes of the handle 20 are also conceivable, such as simple loop handles. In the present case, information in the form of a symbol and lettering is provided at least in one area 70 by means of a hot stamping process. This is shown in detail in FIG. 21: a cross 72 is provided here as the symbol and the lettering First Aid, denoted by 74, is provided as a second piece of information. Attention is also drawn to the area 60, shown by way of example, in which surface sections are metal-coated. Any surface sections on the case shells and/or add-on parts can be metal-coated.
[0813] Beyond the area 70 shown in FIG. 21, add-on parts can also be provided with a phosphorescent material in a hot stamping process. Here, for example, the handle 20 and/or the cross-shaped closures 40 also act as the stacking centering apparatuses.
[0814] By way of the plan view, FIG. 22 shows that, in the optional phosphorescent configuration of the handle 20, the closures 40, and also the stacking centering apparatuses 50, the visibility of the case is increased, even if it is on a shelf at eye level, for example. The case shells 10 do not have to contain any phosphorescent material.
[0815] Overall, by means of the phosphorescent material that has been applied by means of a hot stamping process, the first aid case is more clearly visible to the first aider, meaning that they can deduce the contents of the case more rapidly.
[0816] The hot stamping known per se can, for example, be described using a device such as that described in DE 10 2012 109 315 A1. This document describes how a non-flat surface can be stamped. It goes without saying that, for a stamped flat surface, the process is actually somewhat easier.
[0817] The hot stamping foil used in the invention is shown in FIG. 23, and is denoted by 200 as a whole therein. It comprises a carrier foil 210 and a transfer sheet 220. As far as layers and/or sheets are being discussed in the present case, this can also always be a multi-layered structure which amounts to a layer/sheet overall.
[0818] The carrier foil 210 consists of polyester material, e.g. PET, of polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, PMMA, ABS, and/or polyamide.
[0819] The transfer sheet 220 comprises a plurality of sub-sheets or sub-layers, namely first of all the separation layer 221, which consists of wax or wax-containing compounds which melt during the hot stamping and thus ensure that the transfer sheet 220 becomes detached from the carrier foil 210 as a whole at the stamped points, i.e. in a structured manner. There is also a protective coating layer 223, which is provided with phosphorescent particles having a particle diameter d905 m in the present case. A heat-activated adhesive layer 225 is provided on the side facing away from the carrier foil 210. By means of this heat-activated adhesive layer 225, the transfer sheet adheres to the base according to the structure predetermined by the stamping die, i.e. for example to the case shell 10 in the present case, which can be produced from a thermoplastic material, for example from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastics material.
[0820] After application, the layer 224 is located below the protective coating layer containing the phosphorescent particles. Here, a transparent material 224 and/or white coating can be provided in order to enhance the effect of the phosphorescence. The layer 224 can also be completely omitted.
[0821] The layer 222 can also be a decorative and/or functional layer. This layer 222 can also optionally be omitted.
[0822] The above-mentioned metal-coating can also be carried out indirectly in that a metal coating is provided in one or both of the layers 222 and 224. In this respect, the metal coating can also be applied by hot stamping in the above-mentioned region 60. Optionally, in the region 60, a layer can be applied by means of a separate hot stamping process using a further hot stamping foil having a comparable structure, by means of which a metal coating is provided in the layer 223, for example, with the phosphorescent particles being omitted from the further hot stamping foil. Two hot stamping processes are easier to implement than the one hot stamping process and additional steps of metal-coating involving etching, galvanizing, etc. It should be noted that, in general, a metal-coating layer can be applied by hot stamping even to first aid cases that do not have phosphorescent material applied by hot stamping.
[0823] Each of the layers 222 and 224 can also comprise a plurality of sub-layers.
[0824] The thickness ratios shown in FIG. 4 are not to scale.
[0825] The individual layers of the transfer sheet are between 1 nm and 50 m thick.
[0826] FIG. 24 shows an emergency case according to the invention, denoted by 100 as a whole, which comprises two case shells 10 and 10. For the sake of improved clarity, the seal 20, which an emergency case 100 according to the invention comprises, is not shown in FIG. 24 (cf. FIG. 24b for a corresponding view of the same emergency case 100 with the seal 20). The case shells 10 and 10 are not identical in the embodiment shown here. The case shell 10 that is located substantially in the upper half is formed to be flat and serves primarily as a lid. The lower case shell 10 comprises a distinctly pronounced indentation and serves to receive first aid materials and/or first aid devices, such as plasters and dressings, disposable gloves, first aid scissors and tweezers, hygienic face masks, hygienic clothing, emergency showers and eyewash kits, disinfectants and dispensers therefor, defibrillators and accessories, respiratory masks, and the like.
[0827] A peripheral receiving groove is arranged along the edge of the upper case shell 10, which groove serves to receive the seal 20 (not shown in FIG. 24). It is arranged within the receiving groove 40 and is materially bonded to the case shell 10. In the closed state of the emergency case 100 (cf. FIG. 24c for a corresponding view), both case shells 10 and 10 are in contact with the seal 20. As a result, the interior of the emergency case 100 is sealed from the external environment, and so the risk of contamination of the contents of the emergency case 100 by germs or dirt particles getting in from the outside, for example, is reduced. In addition, the possibility of moisture getting in from the outside, which can compromise the safe operation of first aid materials or first aid devices, is thus minimized.
[0828] In order to increase the strength of the sealing, a pressing element 30 is arranged to run around the edge of the case shell 10, which pressing element exerts mechanical pressure on the seal 20 (not shown in FIG. 24) in the closed state of the emergency case 100. For this purpose, in the embodiment shown here, the pressing element 30 and the receiving groove 40 are formed and arranged relative to one another such that the pressing element 30 projects into the receiving groove 40 in the closed state of the emergency case 100. Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown here, it is likewise conceivable for the seal 20 to project beyond the receiving groove 40 and for the pressing element 30 to accordingly exert mechanical pressure on the seal 20 in the closed state of the emergency case 100 without the pressing element 30 projecting into the receiving groove 40. Owing to the deformation of the seal 20 that this brings about, the contact surface between the seal 20 and the emergency case half 10 is enlarged, meaning that the strength of the sealing of the interior of the emergency case 100 from the external environment is increased. This effect is achieved to a particularly great extent if the pressing element 30, as mentioned above, projects into the receiving groove 40 in the closed state of the emergency case 100.
[0829] An exemplary, particularly advantageous approach to producing the material bond of the sealing material to the case shell 10, with an emergency case 100 according to the invention not being explicitly limited thereto and having been produced using this approach, consists in applying a flowable sealing component to the case shell 10 using a machine, wherein the flowable sealing component forms a chemical bond with the surface of the case shell 10 and itself reacts to form the sealing material in order to form a seal 20. This exemplary approach can be attributed to formed-in-place foam gasket technology (FIPFG).
[0830] FIG. 24b shows the same emergency case 100 as in FIG. 24, with the view in FIG. 24b showing the seal 20, which is arranged within the receiving groove 40 (not shown in FIG. 24b, since it is concealed by the seal 20) and is materially bonded to the case shell 10.
[0831] It can be seen that the pressing element 30 exerts mechanical pressure on the seal 20 in the closed state of the emergency case 100 by projecting into the seal 20. As a result, in the closed state, the interior of the emergency case 100 is even more strongly sealed from the external environment than would be the case without the pressing element 30, since the seal 20 would only be in slight contact with the case shell 10.
[0832] FIG. 24c, which shows the emergency case 100 from FIGS. 24 and 25 in the closed state, shows that the case shells 10 and 10 have a substantially identical outline, wherein the case shells 10 and 10 latch to one another by means of clamping tabs and latching lugs. By means of this latching, the mechanical pressure on the seal 20 (not shown in FIG. 24c) is maintained by the pressing element 30 of the case shell 10 and the interior of the emergency case 100 is reliably sealed from the external environment in the closed state.
[0833] FIG. 25 shows the option of variably forming sub-sections by means of partition elements 50 that can be inserted into the case shell 10. A plurality of seals 20 are arranged on the case shell 10 opposite the insertable partition elements 50, which seals are oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the emergency case 100 in this exemplary view. In this way, by appropriately arranging the insertable partition elements 50, a large number of sealed sub-sections can be produced. In this case, the seals 20 contact the longitudinal edges of the insertable partition elements 50 oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the emergency case 100. The sub-sections are thus protected against contamination originating from the outside, such as germs or dirt particles. These sealed sub-sections are also protected against contamination originating from other sections of the emergency case 100. The emergency case 100 also comprises a pressing element 30 on the upper edge of the case shell 10 and a peripheral seal 20 on the case shell 10. Similarly to the description of FIG. 24, the pressing element 30 accordingly exerts mechanical pressure on the seal 20 in the closed state of the emergency case 100, meaning that the strength of the sealing of the interior of the emergency case 100 from the external environment is increased. Alternatively or additionally to the exemplary embodiment described here, additional seals 20 can be arranged on the case shell 10 such that the longitudinal edges of those insertable partition elements 50 that are oriented in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the emergency case 100 are contacted by the seals 20 once this case is closed.
[0834] FIG. 26 shows a second embodiment of an emergency case according to the invention, denoted by 100 as a whole, in which fixed partition elements 60 having upwardly pointing longitudinal edges are formed on the case shell 10 for forming fixed sub-sections. For the sake of improved clarity, the seal 20, which an emergency case 100 according to the invention comprises, is not shown in FIG. 26 (cf. FIG. 26b for a corresponding view of the same emergency case 100 with the seal 20). The fixed sub-sections, which are formed by the fixed partition elements 60, serve to separately store first aid materials and/or first aid devices. In addition, the longitudinal edge of one of the fixed partition elements 60 comprises a receiving groove 40 for receiving a seal 20 (not shown in FIG. 26). Instead of a pressing element 30, in the embodiment shown here, the case shell 10 comprises a peripheral receiving groove 40 for receiving a seal 20 on the upper edge.
[0835] By contrast with the emergency case 100 from FIGS. 24 to 24c, the case shell 10 shown here also does not comprise a receiving groove 40. The surface of the case shell 10 pointing toward the interior of the emergency case 100 is instead substantially planar, in order to come into contact with the seals 20, 20 (not shown in FIG. 26) arranged in the receiving grooves 40 and 40 in the closed state of the emergency case 100. Alternatively or additionally, analogously to the case shell 10 of the emergency case 100 shown in FIG. 24-25b, the case shell 10 could comprise one or more pressing elements 30, which project into the receiving grooves 40 and 40 in the closed state of the emergency case 100. This situation clarifies that the arrangement of the receiving groove 40, 40 or the pressing element 30 or a plurality of the two is explicitly not linked to a specific case shell 10 or 10, but instead both elements can be arranged on corresponding case shells 10, 10 so as to be opposite one another.
[0836] FIG. 26b shows the configuration of the embodiment of the emergency case 100 according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 26, with the seal 20 being shown in FIG. 26b. The seal 20 is arranged within the receiving groove 40 (not shown in FIG. 26b) on the upper edge of the case shell 10, is materially bonded to the case shell 10, and projects upward beyond the receiving groove 40. In an analogous manner, the seal 20 is arranged within the receiving groove 40 (not shown in FIG. 26b) on the longitudinal edge of one of the fixed partition elements 60, is materially bonded thereto, and projects beyond the receiving groove 40 in a manner analogous to the seal 20. By the seals 20, 20 projecting upward beyond the receiving grooves 40, 40, the planar surface of the case shell 10 comes into contact with the seals 20, 20 in the closed state of the emergency case 100 and also exerts mechanical pressure thereon, which increases the strength of the sealing of the interior of the emergency case 100 from the external environment. In this way, the additional seal 20 generates a sub-section of the emergency case 100 that is sealed from the rest of the interior.
[0837] FIG. 27 shows a double emergency case according to the invention, denoted by 200 as a whole, which comprises two emergency cases 100 and 100 according to the invention. In this case, the emergency cases 100, 100 each have the same construction as the emergency case 100 shown in FIGS. 24 to 24c, with the seal 20 not being shown for the sake of improved clarity (cf. FIG. 27b for a corresponding view with the seal 20). When the emergency case 100 is open, which is substantially shown in the left half of FIG. 27, the pressing element 30 can be seen on the case shell 10 here.
[0838] The receiving groove 40 for receiving the seal 20 (not shown) is arranged on the case shell 10. The emergency cases 100 and 100 are detachably connected to one another by means of connection devices that are complementary to one another and are arranged on the upper edge of the side facing the respectively other case shell 100 or 100. In this case, a case shell 10 for forming a closed emergency case 100, 100 can be locked to the corresponding case shell 10 of the same emergency case 100, 100 in each case.
[0839] FIG. 27b shows the configuration of the embodiment of the double emergency case 200 according to the invention from FIG. 27, with the seal 20 being shown in FIG. 27b. The seal 20 is arranged within the receiving groove 40 (not shown in FIG. 27b) running around the edge of the case shell 10 and is materially bonded to the case shell 10. In the closed state, the seal 20 is in contact with the case shell 10, wherein the pressing element 30 exerts additional mechanical pressure on the seal 20, and so the strength of the sealing of the respective interiors of the emergency cases 100, 100 from the external environment is increased. The same applies to the emergency case 100, the interior construction of which is concealed in FIG. 27b by the opened-up case shell 10.
[0840] FIG. 27c, which shows the double emergency case 200 from FIGS. 27 and 27b in the closed state, clarifies that the emergency cases 100, 100 have substantially the same configuration. By locking the case shells 10 to the respectively corresponding case shell 10 in order to produce a closed emergency case 100, 100, it is ensured that the seals 20 are each in contact with the corresponding case shells 10, wherein a constant additional mechanical pressure acts on the seals 20 (not shown) by means of the pressing elements 30 (not shown), and so the strength of the sealing of the respective interiors of the emergency cases 100, 100 from the external environment is increased.
[0841] FIG. 28 is a snapshot of the application of the flowable sealing component, as can be carried out according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention. In this case, the application is carried out by means of an applicator, which is shown on the upper edge of FIG. 28. A sealing component flows out of said applicator into a receiving groove 40, which is arranged on the case shell 10, while the applicator is moved along the receiving groove 40 in the direction indicated by the arrow labeled movement direction on the upper edge of FIG. 28. In this case, the flowable sealing component is preferably metered and guided along the receiving groove 40 using a machine. The flowable sealing component forms a chemical bond with the surface of the case shell and reacts, while foaming, to form a sealing material which forms a seal 20 while the applicator is moved further along the receiving groove 40, such that the sealing material does not come into contact with the applicator owing to the time delay of the foaming. In this exemplary view, the seal 20 projects beyond the receiving groove 40.
[0842] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should go without saying that the invention is not limited to these examples and that numerous modifications can be intended and conceived by a person skilled in the art once they have considered the examples.
