US20210315342A1

US20210315342A1 - Medical Record Briefcase

Info

Publication number: US20210315342A1
Application number: US16/844,889
Authority: US
Inventors: Carleigh Joy Cadieux
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-04-09
Filing date: 2020-04-09
Publication date: 2021-10-14

Abstract

A medical record briefcase is a lightweight and durable apparatus that is easy to transport and organizes confidential medical documents. The apparatus also carries a variety of sanitary and stationery products for patients and caregivers. The apparatus includes a flexible casing panel, a lockable elongated fastener, an expandable pouch, a plurality of pockets, and a location-tracking device. The flexible casing panel surrounds and contains the medical documents and a variety of small essential items. The lockable elongated fastener secures the items stored within the flexible casing. The expandable pouch organizes and positions medical documents within the flexible casing panel. The plurality of pockets sorts and positions a variety of small essential items as well as other documents. The location-tracking device monitors and delivers the real-time location of the flexible casing panel to a corresponding portable computing device. The apparatus also includes a lock providing increased security and confidentiality.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to document organizers. More specifically, the present invention is medical record briefcase that organizes and protects sensitive medical documents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the patient naturally feels overwhelmed. Circumstances often feel chaotic and out of control for many patients. To make matters worse, there is a steep learning curve for new patients and their caregivers. Not only are new patients and their caregivers tasked with learning new medical lingo, but they are also trying to comprehend the scope of treatment options and specialists available. This frustrating situation is exacerbated when patients are bombarded with test results, medical paperwork, insurance claims, and pamphlets to read.
There have been many methods in which patients have attempted to stay organized during this extremely difficult time. The first method includes using a computer and scanner to digitally organize documents. There are many logistical drawbacks to this approach. First, a patient or caregiver must own or have access to a computer and scanner, along with the tech savvy skills required to operate each machine. Additional short comings include the time-consuming process of scanning and organizing, the digital documents. Managing digital documents can be difficult to locate when saved electronically, and there are numerous concerns about document privacy and security.
The second method includes using a large three ring binder for storage. The first issue with this method is the need for each paper that are hole-punched prior to insertion. If papers are do not have holes to accommodate the three ring binder, carrying a 3-hole puncher is a bulky item to transport that is also unnecessary. Additionally, these products often fail, the rings often malfunction after being opened and closed, fingers are pinched, pages tear out, the 3-hole puncher does not cut the circles correctly, and so on. Another concern with the second method is there is no logical place for pamphlets or brochures given that much of the writing would be punched through. This process is unnecessarily tedious and time consuming, requiring too many steps to stay organized.
The third method includes using a heavy file cabinet. These cabinets are far too to transport. A patient may therefore not always have the necessary information while sitting in the waiting room of a doctor's office. It is also common for papers and records to slip between hanging files becoming lost in the process. This third method is also an expensive option, requiring the purchase of a cabinet, along with hanging file folders and other supplies.
Given these three options, it is no wonder that most patients and caregivers simply opt out. Unfortunately, that means stacking important papers in various piles only to be lost or accidentally thrown away. Patients also record on improvised logs or scratch pieces of paper. These health metrics easily get misplaced or are not conveniently retrieved to provide for healthcare professionals. This haphazard method compounds upon a feeling of chaos for a patient and it increases stress and frustration in an already daunting situation.
The present invention allows for patients to customize, organize, secure, and transport all their paperwork and medical records. Rather than hole punching, scanning, or stacking, individuals are empowered to organize their documents. In order to do so, a user slides a paper into the front, on top of the other documents, of the corresponding file folder. To retrieve documents, a user would locate the labeled file theme and remove the papers stored within. Conveniently, the documents will be chronologically sorted, with the oldest on the bottom and the most recent on the top, making for ease of access.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front side view of the present invention in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a rear side view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention with a flexible casing panel fully expanded.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention with an expandable pouch opened.

FIG. 5 is a front side view of an insertable organizer of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the wireless communication of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a medical record briefcase that organizes and secures confidential medical documents. The present invention is portable and durable throughout transportation. In order for the present invention to facilitate the organization of confidential medical documents and any accessories that aid in the documentation of medical information and the maintenance of hygiene, the present invention comprises a flexible casing panel 1, a lockable elongated fastener 7, an expandable pouch 10, a plurality of pockets 15, and a location-tracking device 19, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. The flexible casing panel 1 houses and upholds medical documents, sanitary products, stationary products, medications, medical products and so on. The flexible casing panel 1 comprises a first cover portion 2, a second cover portion 3, a folding edge 4, an external face 5, and an internal face 6. The first cover portion 2 and the second cover portion 3 surround the items within the flexible casing panel 1. The first cover portion 2 and the second cover portion 3 are connected with each other along the folding edge 4. Moreover, the folding edge 4 allows the flexible casing panel 1 to fully expand in order to view and access items within the flexible panel 30 and to fold over in order to preserve a compact structure throughout transportation. The external face 5 comes into contact with the surrounding environment and protects the items within the flexible casing panel 1. The internal face 6 presses against the items within the flexible casing panel 1 and presses against items. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an anti-microbial layer traverses across the external face 5 in order to limit the transmission of microorganisms and bacteria. The lockable elongated fastener 7 locks and unlocks the first cover portion 2 and the second cover portion 3 with each other. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lockable elongated fastener 7 is a zipper. The lockable elongated fastener 7 comprises a first interlocking portion 8 and a second interlocking portion 9. The first interlocking portion 8 engages the first cover portion 2 with the second cover portion 3. Similarly, the second interlocking portion 9 engages the second cover portion 3 with the first cover portion 2. The expandable pouch 10 organizes medical documents and divides the medical documents according to type. The plurality of pockets 15 houses and contains a variety of small items. The plurality of pockets 15 also organizes the variety of small items and allows a user to easily view the variety of small items stored in each of the pockets. The location-tracking device 19 continuously monitors and delivers the real-time location of the flexible casing panel 1 to a compatible device. Further embodiments of the present invention may comprise an identification tag, seen in FIG. 1, that provides a set of contact information for a patient. The identification tag is readily visible by individuals who have come across the misplaced flexible casing panel 1.
The overall configuration of the aforementioned components securely stores and organizes confidential medical documents. The first cover portion 2 is positioned adjacent with the second cover portion 3 and is hingedly connected with the second cover portion 3 along the folding edge 4, seen in FIG. 3. This arrangement allows the flexible casing panel 1 to fully expand and expose the interior of the flexible casing panel 1. This arrangement also allows a user to easily access and the variety of items stored within the flexible casing panel 1. The medical documents and the variety of small items lay across the first cover portion 2 and the second cover portion 3, respectively, while stored within the flexible casing panel 1 as the first interlocking portion 8 is peripherally connected about the first cover portion 2. Similarly, the second interlocking portion 9 is peripherally connected about the second cover portion 3. The expandable pouch 10 and the plurality of pockets 15 is positioned adjacent to the internal face 6, preserving the compact structure of the flexible casing panel 1. More specifically, the plurality of pockets 15 is mounted onto the first cover portion 2, and the expandable pouch 10 is mounted onto the second cover portion 3. The plurality of pockets 15 and the expandable pouch 10 therefore remain connected with the flexible casing panel 1 while fully expanded. In order to determine the location of the flexible casing panel 1 and the confidential medical documents stored within the flexible casing panel 1, the location-tracking device 19 is integrated within the flexible casing panel 1.
In order to close the flexible casing panel 1, the lockable elongated fastener 7 and the flexible casing panel 1 are arranged into a closed configuration, seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The first cover portion 2 and the second cover portion 3 are positioned parallel to each other such that the first cover portion 2 and the second cover portion 3 are folded about the folding edge 4. The expandable pouch 10 and the plurality of pockets 15 are both housed between the first cover portion 2 and the second cover portion 3 as the first interlocking portion 8 and the second interlocking portion 9 are engaged to each other. The preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a lock 20 so that the first interlocking portion 8 and the second interlocking portion 9 remain locked with each other and provided restricted access to the confidential medical documents within the flexible casing panel 1. As seen in FIG. 1, the lock 20 is preferably three-dial combination lock 20. However, it is understood that the lock 20 may be a variety of locks that connect and disconnect the first interlocking portion 8 and the second interlocking portion 9. The security of the present invention is enhanced as the lock 20 is operatively coupled in between the first interlocking portion 8 and the second interlocking portion 9, wherein the lock 20 is used to selectively secure the engagement between the first interlocking portion 8 and the second interlocking portion 9.
The present invention further organizes important medical documents as the present invention comprises at least one cardholder 21, seen in FIG. 3. The at least one cardholder 21 retains and displays a business card for quick and easy reference. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one cardholder 21 comprises a first cardholder and a second cardholder, wherein the first cardholder contains an insurance card, and the second cardholder contains a business card of a medical provider. The at least one card holder 21 is positioned adjacent to the expandable pouch 10, opposite the first cover portion 2, in order to preserve the organization within the flexible casing panel 1. More specifically, the at least one card holder 21 is fixed with the expandable pouch 10.
The plurality of pockets 15 comprises a main pocket 16 and at least one supplementary pocket 17, also seen in FIG. 3. The main pocket 16 retains larger items and the at least one supplementary pocket 17 retains smaller items. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main pocket 16 and the at least one supplementary pocket 17 are mesh so that items within the main pocket 16 and the at least one supplementary are visible and quickly identifiable. The main pocket 16 is positioned adjacent and across the first cover portion 2. Moreover, the main pocket 16 is fixed with the first cover portion 2. The at least one supplementary pocket 17 is positioned adjacent to the main pocket 16, opposite the first cover portion 2. This arrangement preserves the compact structure of the present invention such that the first cover portion 2 and the second cover portion 3 remain relatively flat while in the closed configuration. More specifically, the at least one supplementary pocket 17 is positioned adjacent with the folding edge 4 and is fixed with the main pocket 16. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one supplementary pocket 17 comprises a plurality of supplementary pockets 18. The plurality of supplementary pockets 18 divides and organizes a variety of small items. The plurality of supplementary pockets 18 is distributed across the main pocket 16.
The present invention further comprises at least one pen holder 22, shown in FIG. 3. The at least one pen holder 22 retains a pen and allows a pen to be readily accessible within the flexible casing panel 1. The at least one pen holder 22 is positioned adjacent with the at least one supplementary pocket 17, opposite the first cover portion 2, further organizing the variety of small items within the flexible casing panel 1. Moreover, the at least one penholder is peripherally fixed with the plurality of pockets 15. Alternate embodiments of the present invention may also comprise a reading-glasses pouch and a strap compartment that are also fixed with the plurality of pockets 15. The reading-glasses pouch is preferably mesh and lined with a microfiber cloth in order to both store and clean lenses. The strap compartment contains and houses the length-adjustable strap 26 when disconnected with the flexible casing panel 1. The strap compartment prevents a user from losing the length-adjustable strap 26 when disconnected with the flexible casing panel 1.
The expandable pouch 10 also preserves the compact structure of the flexible casing panel 1 while organizing confidential medical documents as the expandable pouch 10 comprises a plurality of accordion folders 11, a plurality of tabs 12, an open end 13, and a closed end 14, seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. Each of the plurality of accordion folders 11 holds a type of confidential medical document. The plurality of accordion folders 11 may further hold editable laminated forms, trackers, and medical charts. The types of confidential medical documents within each accordion folder are identified with the plurality of tabs 12, respectively. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medical documents are chronologically ordered with the plurality of accordion folders 11 and the plurality of tabs 12 facilitating the identification of any desired medical document. Further embodiments of the present invention may comprise a sheet of stickers that visually identify each of the plurality of tabs 12. The sheet of stickers comprises a plurality of stickers that may be separated from the sheet of stickers and adhered to a corresponding tab of the plurality of tabs 12. The open end 13 allows confidential medical documents to be accessed within the plurality of accordion folders 11. The closed end 14 prevents the confidential medical documents from slipping past the each of the plurality of accordion folders 11.
The flexible casing panel 1 remains flat while in the closed configuration as the plurality of accordion folders 11 is serially positioned with each other, seen in FIG. 4. The closed end 14 is positioned adjacent with the folding edge 4, and the open end 13 is positioned opposite the closed end 14 about the plurality of accordion folders 11. This arrangement allows the confidential medical documents to be accessed through the open end 13 without having to fully expand the flexible casing panel 1 about the folding edge 4. Furthermore, each of the plurality of accordion folders 11 is hingedly connected with an adjacent accordion folder from the plurality of accordion folders 11 along the closed end 14, preventing the flexible casing panel 1 from bulging while in the closed configuration. This arrangement also allows the confidential medical documents to be viewed while still positioned within the plurality of accordion folders 11.
The expandable pouch 10 is opened and closed as the present invention comprises an elastic fastener 23, seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The elastic fastener 23 comprises an elastic band 24 and a hook 25. The elastic band 24 locks and unlocks the expandable pouch 10 with the first cover portion 2. The elastic band 24 latches with the hook 25 in order to close the expandable pouch 10. The elastic band 24 is tethered with the first cover portion 2 and is positioned adjacent with the open end 13 so that the elastic band 24 accommodates the varying width of the expandable pouch 10. The open end 13 may be closed, and the expandable pouch 10 is pressed against the first cover portion 2 as the hook 25 is positioned adjacent with the expandable pouch 10, opposite the first cover portion 2. Moreover, the hook 25 is fixed with the expandable pouch 10.
The present invention is easily transported as the present invention comprises a length-adjustable strap 26, seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. A first end 27 of the length-adjustable strap 26 is positioned opposite a second end 28 of the length-adjustable strap 26 along the length-adjustable strap 26 such that the length-adjustable strap 26 may be suspended from a shoulder. The first cover portion 2 and the second cover portion 3 may be opened and closed without being hindered by the length-adjustable strap 26 as the length-adjustable strap 26 is positioned adjacent to the external face 5. More specifically, the first end 27 and the second end 28 are attached onto the flexible casing panel 1 and are positioned offset from the folding edge 4. The first end 27 and the second end 28 are preferably attached with the flexible casing panel 1 with a couple of clasps, allowing for easy storage. The first end 27 and the second end 28 are positioned offset from each other so that the flexible casing panel 1 remains balanced while hanging off the shoulder of a user. Further embodiments of the present invention may comprise a couple of handles that allow a user to grasp the flexible casing panel 1 with a grip.
The medications of a patient are safely stored and easily accessible as the present invention further comprises an insertable organizer 29, seen in FIG. 5. The insertable organizer 29 comprises a flexible panel 30, a plurality of zippered pockets 31, and a plurality of identification flaps 32. The flexible panel 30 upholds and connects the plurality of zippered pockets 31 with one another. The plurality of zippered pockets 31 retains a variety of small items, preferably pills, medications, and supplements. The plurality of identification flaps 32 differentiates the types of small items contained in each of the plurality of zippered pockets 31. Similar with the plurality of pockets 15, the contents of the plurality of zippered pockets 31 is readily visible as the plurality of zippered pockets 31 is preferably transparent. The present invention may further comprise a drug classification card that is stored in a zippered pocket of the plurality of zippered pockets 31 for quick and easy reference. The insertable organizer 29 is positioned adjacent to the internal face 6 and is positioned in between the first cover portion 2 and the second cover portion 3, allowing the insertable organizer 29 to be transported with the flexible casing panel 1. The plurality of zippered pockets 31 is distributed across the flexible panel 30, preserving the compact and flat structure of the flexible casing panel 1. Moreover, each of the plurality of zippered pockets 31 is fixed onto the flexible panel 30. Each of the plurality of identification flaps 32 is fixed adjacent with a corresponding zippered pocket of the plurality of zippered pockets 31, effectively differentiating the plurality of zippered pockets 31 from one another.
In order to identify the current location of the flexible casing panel 1, the present invention further comprises a portable computing device 33, seen in FIG. 6. The portable computing device 33 is preferably a smart phone. However, the portable computing device 33 may be a variety of compatible devices that are synchronized with the location-tracking device 19. The portable computing device 33 displays the location of the flexible casing panel 1 preferably graphically through an application. The portable computing device 33 is communicably coupled with the location-tracking device 19 so that a user may view the current location with the portable computing device 33. In further embodiments of the present invention, the portable computing device 33 may include an app that provides electronic medical templates that may be printed for a patient according to the medical needs of the patient.
The present invention further facilitates the recording and tracking of the health of a patient by comprising medical document templates. The medical document templates are utilized to convey the complete health history of a patient. The medical document template is preferably a sturdy, laminated template that a patient would simply fill out with any current medications, prescribing physicians, and preferred pharmacy with a permanent marker. Once dried, the medical document template may be photocopied without smearing or rubbing off. If any adjustments with the information need to be made, the present invention further comprises a small spray bottle of cleaning solution and a wipe. It is understood that a variety of medical document templates may be stored within the flexible casing panel 1 in order to record medical family history, emergency contact information, mental health status, and so on.
The present invention further comprises a notepad that allows a user to quickly take note of any questions the user may have and the answers a physician or provider may have. The notepad is also stored within the flexible casing panel 1 and may be removably attached with the expandable pouch. The present invention may comprise an additional notepad that allows a user to make notes of gratitude in order to counterbalance any discouraging medical condition. Further embodiments of the present invention may comprise a plurality of foldable information cards. The plurality of foldable information cards is preferably stored within a pocket of the plurality of pockets 15. A user may write a variety of medical information for caretakers or medical providers and fold in half to reduce the size of the corresponding foldable information card to a business card size.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A medical record briefcase comprises:

a flexible casing panel;

a lockable elongated fastener;

an expandable pouch;

a plurality of pockets;

a location-tracking device;

the flexible casing panel comprises a first cover portion, a second cover portion, a folding edge, an external face, and an internal face;

the lockable elongated fastener comprises a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion;

the first cover portion being positioned adjacent with the second cover portion;

the first cover portion being hingedly connected with the second cover portion along the folding edge;

the first interlocking portion being peripherally connected about the first cover portion;

the second interlocking portion being peripherally connected about the second cover portion;

the expandable pouch and the plurality of pockets being positioned adjacent to the internal face;

the plurality of pockets being mounted onto the first cover portion;

the expandable pouch being mounted onto the second cover portion; and,

the location-tracking device being integrated within the flexible casing panel.

2. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

wherein the lockable elongated fastener and the flexible casing panel are arranged into a closed configuration;

the first cover portion and the second cover portion being positioned parallel to each other; and,

the first interlocking portion and the second interlocking portion being engaged to each other.

3. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

a lock; and,

the lock being operatively coupled in between the first interlocking portion and the second interlocking portion, wherein the lock is used to selectively secure the engagement between the first interlocking portion and the second interlocking portion.

4. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

at least one cardholder;

the at least one card holder being positioned adjacent to the expandable pouch, opposite the first cover portion; and,

the at least one card holder being fixed with the expandable pouch.

5. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the plurality of pockets comprises a main pocket and at least one supplementary pocket;

the main pocket being positioned adjacent and across the first cover portion;

the main pocket being fixed with the first cover portion;

the at least one supplementary pocket being positioned adjacent to the main pocket, opposite the first cover portion;

the at least one supplementary pocket being positioned adjacent with the folding edge; and,

the at least one supplementary pocket being fixed with the main pocket.

6. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

the at least one supplementary pocket comprises a plurality of supplementary pockets; and,

the plurality of supplementary pockets being distributed across the main pocket.

7. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

at least one pen holder;

the at least one pen holder being positioned adjacent with the at least one supplementary pocket, opposite the first cover portion; and,

the at least one pen holder being peripherally fixed with the plurality of pockets.

8. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the expandable pouch comprises a plurality of accordion folders, a plurality of tabs, an open end, and a closed end;

the plurality of accordion folders being serially positioned with each other;

the closed end being positioned adjacent with the folding edge;

the open end being positioned opposite the closed end about the plurality of accordion folders; and,

each of the plurality of accordion folders being hingedly connected with an adjacent accordion folder from the plurality of accordion folders along the closed end.

9. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

an elastic fastener;

the elastic fastener comprises an elastic band and a hook;

the expandable pouch comprises an open end and a closed end;

the open end being positioned opposite the closed end about the expandable pouch;

the closed end being positioned adjacent with the folding edge;

the elastic band being tethered with the first cover portion;

the elastic band being positioned adjacent with the open end;

the hook being positioned adjacent with the expandable pouch, opposite the first cover portion; and,

the hook being fixed with the expandable pouch.

10. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a length-adjustable strap;

a first end of the length-adjustable strap being positioned opposite a second end of the length-adjustable strap along the length-adjustable strap;

the length-adjustable strap being positioned adjacent to the external face;

the first end and the second end being attached onto the flexible casing panel;

the first end and the second end being positioned offset from the folding edge; and,

the first end and the second end being positioned offset from each other.

11. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

an insertable organizer;

the insertable organizer comprises a flexible panel, a plurality of zippered pockets, and a plurality of identification flaps;

the insertable organizer being positioned adjacent to the internal face;

the insertable organizer being positioned in between the first cover portion and the second cover portion;

the plurality of zippered pockets being distributed across the flexible panel;

each of the plurality of zippered pockets being fixed onto the flexible panel; and,

each of the plurality of identification flaps being fixed adjacent with a corresponding zippered pocket of the plurality of zippered pockets.

12. The medical record briefcase as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a portable computing device; and,

the portable computing device being communicably coupled with the location-tracking device.