WO2005062996A2

WO2005062996A2 - Modular wound-care system

Info

Publication number: WO2005062996A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/044079
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip F. Pastan; Kathryn A. Fossa; John Cronin; Nancy Edwards; Cynthia Timblin
Original assignee: Pastan Philip F; Fossa Kathryn A; John Cronin; Nancy Edwards; Cynthia Timblin
Priority date: 2003-12-23
Filing date: 2004-12-23
Publication date: 2005-07-14
Also published as: CN1997577A; WO2005062996A3; US20050178783A1; JP2007516812A; CA2551120A1; AU2004308529A1; EP1711100A2

Abstract

A customizable system (100) made up of a plurality of individual modules for dispensing minor wound-care products with one hand. The modules are easily attached to and disconnected from each other to provide an integrated dispensing device of variable size that may be accessed quickly and efficiently. The system includes one or more disposable bandage modules (110) having a top wall (111), a bottom wall (112), a front wall (113), a back wall (114), a right side wall (115), and a left side wall (116). The walls are permanently joined together to form a body (117) having an internal cavity (118). The bandage modules include an opening (119) on the front wall, a cutting edge (120) within the opening, and one or more module joining attachments (121) on said side walls (115) and (116). The system may also include one or more accessory modules.

Description

MODULAR WOUND-CARE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to dispensing devices and more particularly to a first-aid dispensing system having a plurality of dispensing modules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] First-aid supplies, including adhesive bandages and antibacterial cream, are widely used in homes, schools, and places of work for treatment of skin injuries such as minor cuts, punctures, and abrasions. These supplies are typically contained in different packages and stored in drawers, cabinets, or shelves, often requiring a user to search for several packages in order to provide adequate first aid.

[0003] A group of individually packaged adhesive bandages, e.g., twenty to thirty bandages, are typically contained in a cardboard or metal box having a hinged lid. Often, different sizes of adhesive bandages are packaged together in a single box. The conventional manner of storing and packaging adhesive bandage strips has a number of drawbacks. It may be difficult to observe and select the desired bandage strip from the conventional container due to the tendency of its contents to become disorganized over time. It may be difficult to determine whether a particular size needs replenishing without emptying the whole box. There may be a tendency to run out of the more popular types of adhesive bandage strips in the assortment, thereby leaving an excess of the types of bandage strips that are used less often. In addition, conventional containers of adhesive bandage strips are easy to misplace and upset.

[0004] Often, the use of adhesive bandages is accompanied by the use of an antibacterial cream or gel. These creams or gels are generally packaged in a squeezable tube and stored in a drawer, cabinet, or shelf. These tubes do not easily stand upright, resulting in a disorganized appearance in a cabinet or on a shelf. Moreover, the tubes do not stack neatly next to adhesive bandage boxes, resulting in them often being stored in a different location than the adhesive bandage. [0005] Often, injuries require that direct pressure be applied to the cut, leaving only one hand to prepare the first-aid bandage and related applications. It may be difficult to remove the cap on a tube, squeeze out its contents, and reapply the cap on the tube with one hand. It may also be difficult to locate an adhesive bandage box, retrieve the correct size bandage from it, remove the protective packaging, and apply the bandage with one hand.

[0006] It is widely recommended in the health care profession that cuts and abrasions should be cleansed before adhering a bandage to reduce the threat of infection. If one does not have easy access to a sink, cleansing wipes are sometimes used. These wipes are often sold in small pre-packaged packets to prevent them from drying out. These packets are difficult to open with one hand, result in wasted packaging, and often appear disorganized on a shelf, in a drawer, or in a cabinet.

[0007] There are hundreds of items that may be used with first-aid products. Analgesic tablets or capsules, anti-itch cream, gauze, and cotton balls are a few examples. Each person may have a different combination of items that they prefer to use as first aid. Regardless of the different combination of first-aid items used, usage of first-aid products often necessitates some waste, which may include removing an old bandage or removing the packaging from an individually wrapped product.

[0008] A variety of first-aid kits have been designed for use in providing care in an emergency. They generally consist of a box that contains many items related to first-aid, including adhesive bandages, creams and gels, and cleansing wipes. First-aid kits are typically compact, to allow for easy storage, and portable, to allow users to bring the first-aid kit with them in a variety of situations. Conventional first-aid kits have a number of drawbacks. They quickly become very disorganized, making it difficult to find the required product without emptying most of the kit. In addition, in most first-aid kits, there is no clear indicator when a certain product has been depleted, so users may only be aware of a missing product when they look for it in an emergency. Replenishing items in a first-aid kit often consists of purchasing a first-aid product like a box of bandages, removing some of them from the packaging and placing them in the kit, and then storing the remainder of the box elsewhere. Moreover, the kit and its contents are difficult to access with one hand. Finally, the portable nature of a first-aid kit makes it easy to misplace and time-consuming to retrieve from its stored location in an emergency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a dispensing system for storing and dispensing bandages and other first-aid supplies. The dispensing system includes the following: a plurality of bandages; one or more single-use disposable bandage modules, each of the modules having a plurality of walls joined with one another to form a substantially sealed body having an internal cavity for receiving the plurality of bandages, one of the walls having an opening through which the bandages may be dispensed from the cavity, wherein said walls are constructed and joined to one another so that the cavity is not accessible without damaging the walls.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a single-use, disposable module for storing and dispensing bandages. The module includes the following: a plurality of walls permanently connected together to form a substantially sealed body having an internal cavity for receiving a plurality of bandages; an opening formed in at least one of the plurality of walls through which the plurality of bandages may be dispensed from the cavity; and wherein the module is preloaded with the plurality of bandages at the time of manufacture such that the module may not be refilled without damaging one or more of the plurality of walls.

[0011] Still another aspect of the present invention is a method of forming a first-aid dispensing system for mounting on a surface. The method includes the following steps: obtaining at least two single-use type, non-refillable, disposable bandage modules; connecting the at least two modules together; and positioning the modules on a surface.

[0012] Still another aspect of the present invention is a surface-mounted dispensing system for dispensing bandages. The system includes the following: one or more single-use disposable bandage modules, each of the modules having a plurality of walls joined with one another to form a substantially sealed body having an internal cavity for receiving the plurality of bandages, one of the walls having an opening through which the bandages may be dispensed from the cavity, wherein the walls are constructed and joined to one another so that the cavity is not accessible without damaging the walls; structure for releasably joining the modules to one another; and structure for releasably mounting the modules to a surface.

[0013] Other features, utilities and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show a form of the invention that is presently preferred. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front isometric view of a customizable first-aid dispensing system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. IB is a rear isometric view of a customizable first-aid dispensing system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of a mounting backplate according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 A is a front isometric view of a customizable first-aid dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention, with its cover in a closed position;

FIG. 3B is a front isometric view of the customizable first-aid dispensing system in FIG. 3A, with its cover in an open position; FIG. 3C is a rear isometric view of the customizable first-aid dispensing system in FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of a customizable first-aid dispensing system having a lid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a front isometric view of a customizable first-aid dispensing system having a paper towel attachment module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention is a customizable modularized first-aid dispensing system made up of individual modules that contain first-aid products and that are connected to each other and mounted on a surface. The dispensing modules are easily attached to and disconnected from each other to provide an integrated dispensing device of variable size that may be accessed quickly and efficiently with one hand or two. The modules may be discarded when their originally loaded supply is exhausted, thereby clearly indicating which products remain stocked (those with the modules showing) and which need replenishment. The pre-loaded modules may contain a variety of first-aid products: adhesive bandages in a roll or stack with minimal packaging; lotions, creams, and gels; wipes; and gauze pads. The system may also include a user-defined module that the user may fill with any first-aid product desired. The system may further include a trash receptacle module to collect waste.

[0016] An example of the disclosed invention is depicted in FIGS. 1-5, although it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to this (or any other) particular embodiment, but rather is intended to cover any dispensing modules or module assemblies that fairly fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. In the drawings, like elements include like element numbers.

[0017] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 A illustrates a customizable first-aid dispensing system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. First-aid dispensing system 100 includes a disposable bandage module 110 having a top wall 11 1, a bottom wall 112, a front wall 113, a back wall 114 (see FIG. IB), a right side wall 1 15, and a left side wall 116. The walls are permanently joined together to form a body 117 having a substantially sealed internal cavity 118. The walls of module 110 are permanently joined using permanent joining materials or methods such as adhesives, staples, welded seams, tapes, corner connectors, folds, and the like. Once joined, adjacent walls may not be disconnected without causing damage to each wall and may not be re-joined or repaired without using additional joining materials.

[0018] Because cavity 118 is substantially sealed in that it does not include any openings other than opening 119, bandages are typically loaded in cavity 118 during fabrication of module 110. In addition, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, because opening 119 is generally only large enough to facilitate the removal of a single bandage, the opening may not be used to efficiently refill cavity 118 with a new supply of bandages or other first-aid materials. Generally, it is preferred that the size of opening 119 be minimized to further maintain the level of sterility in cavity 118. Thus, because cavity 118 may not be readily accessed for refilling, empty modules 110 are typically discarded and replaced in favor of new, fully-loaded modules.

[0019] In one embodiment, opening 119 is positioned on front wall 113 of module 110, a cutting edge 120 is positioned within the opening, and one or more module-joining attachments 121 are positioned on said right and left side walls 115 and 116, respectively. As described in greater detail below, system 100 may include a plurality of other modules containing various first-aid supplies. Typically, each of the modules will include substantially the same structural configuration as module 110. In addition, the specific dimensions of a module are generally selected according to the specific dimensions of the particular first-aid supply it will contain.

[0020] Module 110 is designed to dispense adhesive bandages contained in either an elongated, folded stack or an unfolded stack of individual bandages. Opening 119 and cutting edge 120 are sized according to the bandages being dispensed. Opening 119 may be variably positioned on module 110. In use, the leading edge of the strand of bandages is pulled from opening 119 until an entire bandage is exposed, then the strand is pulled sharply against cutting edge 120 to completely break the perforation. The bandage is then removed from the protective wrapping and applied to a wound. Of course, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, in some instances, the bandage may not include protective wrapping and may be applied to a wound immediately after pulling the bandage from opening 119. As the bandage is withdrawn from module 110, the next successive bandage is pulled partially through opening 1 19 to be accessible for future use.

[0021] Module 110, as well as the other modules described herein, are typically the individual containers in which the first-aid products are sold. These containers are formed of any suitable material to provide an attractive appearance for first-aid dispensing system 100, such as cardboard, plastic, or metal. For example, module 110 may be formed of a standard metal box, such as those in which adhesive bandages are often sold, with the additional features of opening 1 19 and cutting edge 120.

[0022] Module 110 as well as the other modules described herein may be formed of a clear plastic or of an opaque material. In FIG. 1A, modules 110 and 122 are formed of clear or semi- transparent material to allow visual inspection of their respective contents. Of course, all of the modules described herein may be formed of an opaque material, which could be metal, cardboard, or plastic, to allow for clear labeling of the modules' contents.

[0023] The design of module 110 as wells as the other modules described herein reflects the type of product dispensed. For example, dispensing heavier items may require a particular module to be formed of a sturdier material. Alternatively, a module may be provided with a counterweight to facilitate dispensing of heavier items.

[0024] As mentioned above, each module in first-aid dispensing system 100 may be attached to neighboring modules by module-joining attachments 121. Module-joining attachments 121 may be any conventional holding means that provide ready attachment and removal of modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150, such as a tab-and-slot closure (e.g., "cereal box" closure), a light and temporary adhesive, a strip fastener (e.g., Velcro® brand hook and loop-type fasteners), an anchor-peg and keyhole mechanism, a mating groove-and-track mechanism, or a male-female snap mechanism. Attachment 121 is provided on opposing sides of module 110 as well as the other modules described herein. Attachment 121 is a variable mechanism that is suitable for the type of material used to form a module. Any exposed attachment 121 on first-aid dispensing system 100 may be covered with an end piece to conceal the attachment from view for aesthetic purposes.

[0025] First-aid dispensing system 100 also includes a module 122 with an opening 123, a cutting edge 124, and module-joining attachments 121 on opposing sides (not shown). Module 122 is a module for dispensing a roll of adhesive bandages. Opening 123 and cutting edge 124 are sized according to the bandages being dispensed. Opening 123 may be variably positioned on module 122. In use, the leading edge of the strand of bandages is pulled from opening 123 until an entire bandage is exposed, then the strand is pulled sharply against cutting edge 124 to completely break the perforation. The bandage is then removed from the excess wrapping, if any, and applied to a wound. As the bandage is withdrawn from module 122, the next successive bandage is pulled partially through opening 123 to be accessible for future use.

[0026] First-aid dispensing system 100 also includes one or more accessory modules 129. A plurality of moist cleaning wipes, which are stacked in layers like the sheets in a facial tissue box, may be dispensed through a wipe dispenser module 130 with an opening 132 and module- joining attachments 121 on opposing sides (not shown). Opening 132 is sized according to the wipes being dispensed. Opening 132 may be variably positioned on module 130. The top wipe is pulled through opening 132, and the fold of the wipe serves to pull the wipe below it partially out of opening 132 for future access.

[0027] Another accessory module 129 in system 100 is a flip-top utility module 140 that includes a flip top 142 and module-joining attachments 121 on opposing sides (not shown). The contents of module 140 are dispensed through flip top 142. The user may determine the contents of module 140 based on personal preferences as to the type of wound-care related products to be included in system 100. Module 140 may also take the form and function of any of the other modules described herein. [0028] Yet another accessory module 129 in system 100 is a lotion dispenser module 150 with a nozzle 152 for dispensing lotions, fluids, or the like, a conventional liquid or semi-liquid dispensing mechanism 154, and module-joining attachments 121 on opposing sides (not shown), for dispensing semi-liquid first-aid products, such as antibacterial creams or gels. Nozzle 152 and mechanism 154 may be variably positioned on module 150. Mechanism 154 may include a lever, button, or other device, and applies pressure to the semi-liquid product so that it may be dispensed through nozzle 152.

[0029] FIG. 1A shows first-aid dispensing system 100 with five different individual dispensing modules. However, first-aid dispensing system 100 is not limited to five dispensing modules and may include one or any number of the same or different types of dispensing modules. The dispensing modules may be of varying widths to accommodate different widths of product. Modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 may be attached in any order or combination to provide an integrated freestanding dispensing device of variable size that is accessed quickly and efficiently.

[0030] FIG. IB illustrates a rear perspective view of first-aid dispensing system 100. Modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 each include a plurality of module mounting attachments 160 for attachment to a wall or other surface. Attachments 160 may be any conventional holding means, such as a light and temporary adhesive or a strip fastener (e.g., Velcro® brand hook and loop-type fasteners), that allows modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 to be readily attached to and removed from a surface. Attachments 160 are provided on the back (i.e., the wall side) of modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150. Attachments 160 are a variable mechanism that is suitable for the type of material used to form modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150. Of course, in alternative embodiments, modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 may not include attachments 160. For example, modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 may be located on a shelf or some other mounting mechanism that does not require attachments 160.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the integrated dispensing device may hold other products, such as pills, lotions, shampoos, medicinal and cosmetic creams, tape, ribbon, string, or any other product suitable for dispensing. For example, modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 may dispense a collection of five different colored ribbons or five different types of string.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a mounting backplate 200 to which modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 may be releasably attached. Backplate 200 is intended to be mounted on a wall or other object having a suitable mounting surface. Backplate 200 includes a plurality of module- retaining attachments 210 that attach backplate 200 to attachments 160 on the back of modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150. Backplate 200 is a fixed size to accommodate a specified number of dispensing modules. Additional backplates 200 and modules may be used to expand the capacity of first-aid dispensing system 100. Backplate 200 is attached to a surface such as a wall by any suitable well-known attachment means, such as an adhesive pad, an adhesive pad with a strip fastener (e.g., Velcro® brand hook and loop-type fasteners), an adhesive pad with a slide-on or snap-in track mechanism, or magnets that allow backplate 200 to be removably attached to the surface. In an alternative embodiment, backplate 200 is permanently attached with screws to a vertical surface such as a wall or a cabinet. In another alternative embodiment, first-aid dispensing system 100 may not include a backplate. Rather, as mentioned above, modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 may reside on a shelf or be retained by some other mechanism.

[0033] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of forming a first-aid dispensing system for mounting on a surface. A user attaches mounting backplate 200 to a surface such as a wall. Next, the user purchases a variety of boxes of first-aid products, such as modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150, and attaches them via module-joining attachments 121 in a desirable arrangement to module-retaining attachments 210 on backplate 200 to form first-aid dispensing system 100. The modules are single use and disposable. For example, a user dispenses bandages from module 110 through opening 119 or other first-aid products from the other modules as described above. In the case of module 110, when the last adhesive bandage has been dispensed, the empty module is removed from first-aid dispensing system 100 by disconnecting the empty module from the other modules and backplate 200. A replacement may be purchased and inserted in first-aid dispensing system 100 by connecting it to the other modules and backplate 200 using attachments 121 and 160, respectively. [0034] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. First-aid dispensing system 300 includes a cover system 302. Cover system 302 includes a cover 310 joined to a module mounting case 320 via a connection 322. The latter may be a hinge or other suitable connector. Cover system 302 forms a fixed enclosure over module mounting case 320, which holds modules 122 and a trash receptacle module 330. A back surface 340 of module mounting case 320 includes a plurality of attachments 350 to attach module mounting case 320 to a surface 352. Modules 110, 130, 140, and 150 may also be mounted in first-aid dispensing system 300. As one skilled in the art appreciates, module mounting case 320 may be made of plastic, metal, or a combination of materials.

[0035] Back surface 340, which is similar in composition to backplate 200, is attached by attachments 350 to vertical surface 352, such as a cabinet, refrigerator, or wall, to enable first- aid dispensing system 300 to be centrally positioned. Attachments 350 may be any suitable well-known attachment means such as an adhesive pad, an adhesive pad with a strip fastener (e.g., Velcro® brand hook and loop-type fasteners), an adhesive pad with a slide-on or snap-in track mechanism, or magnets that allow removable attachment of back surface 340 to surface 352. In an alternative embodiment, back surface 340 is permanently attached with screws to a surface such as a wall or a cabinet.

[0036] In yet another alternative embodiment, first-aid dispensing system 300 is attached to a horizontal surface such as a countertop or table via a bottom plate (not shown) that provides a suitable removable attachment mechanism, such as an adhesive pad with a strip fastener (e.g., Velcro® brand hook and loop-type fasteners), an adhesive pad with a slide-on or snap-in track mechanism, magnets, or a suitable permanent attachment mechanism such as screws.

[0037] First-aid dispensing system 300 operates in a similar manner as first-aid dispensing system 100, differing in that the user must open cover 310 before dispensing the first-aid products. Cover 310 is designed to be opened with one hand and remain opened until closed. [0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a first-aid dispensing system 500 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. First-aid dispensing system 500 may be composed of customized modules, for example, modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150, secured together and mounted to mounting backplate 200, which is attached to a vertical surface (not shown). In addition, first-aid dispensing system 500 contains a lid 510 that attaches with one or more conventional connectors 512, e.g., hinges, to backplate 200 and covers modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150. Typically, lid 510 is made out of a clear or opaque plastic or a metal. Lid 510 further protects the contents of first-aid dispensing system 500 from dust and dirt and creates a uniform look that visually ties the device together. Several lids 510 of varying size may be produced to accommodate a varying number of modules. As an example, FIG. 5 shows five modules, including modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 with lid 510.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 5, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, first aid dispensing system 600 includes a rack system 610 having a paper towel attachment module 620 for providing a supply of paper towels to a system user. Rack system 610 includes a shelf portion 630 and mounting backplate 200. A plurality of modules, i.e., modules 110, 122, 130, and 150, may be mounted to mounting backplate 200 and supported by shelf portion 630. Mounting backplate 200 may be mounted to a vertical surface such as a wall.

[0040] The first-aid dispensing system of the present invention is customizable and includes individual packages of first-aid products that are connected to each other and mounted on a surface to create a modularized system. The dispensing modules are easily attached to and disconnected from each other by module-joining attachments, to provide an integrated, variably-sized dispensing system that may be accessed quicldy and efficiently with one hand or two. The dispensing modules may be discarded when empty, thereby clearly indicating which products are in stock (those with the modules showing) and which need replenishment. Preloaded modules may contain a variety of first-aid products including: adhesive bandages in a roll or stack with minimal packaging; lotions, creams, and gels; wipes and gauze pads; and other first-aid products. Because the modules are designed to be pre-loaded and non-refillable, the level of sterility of the environment in which the bandages are stored is better maintained. The system may include a user-defined module, which the user fills with any first-aid product desired, and a trash receptacle module to collect waste.

[0041] While the present invention has been described in connection with specified embodiments, it will be understood that it is not so limited. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A dispensing system for storing and dispensing bandages and other first-aid supplies, comprising: a plurality of bandages; one or more single-use disposable bandage modules, each of said modules having a plurality of walls joined with one another to form a substantially sealed body having an internal cavity for receiving said plurality of bandages, one of said walls having an opening through which said bandages may be dispensed from said cavity, wherein said walls are constructed and joined to one another so that said cavity is not accessible without damaging said walls.

2. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , further including joining attachments for releasably joining said modules to one another, said joining attachments being attached with at least one of said walls.

3. A dispensing system according to claim 1, further including module mounting attachments for releasably joining said modules with a mounting backplate, said mounting attachments being attached with at least one of said walls, said mounting backplate having a mounting surface including module retaining attachments for releasably retaining said mounting attachments.

4. A dispensing system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more accessory modules selected from the group consisting of a lotion dispenser module, a wipe dispenser module, a flip-top utility module, and a trash receptacle module.

5. A dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said body is transparent.

6. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of bandages in one of said modules is same size.

7. A dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of bandages is a stack of individual bandages.

8. A dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of bandages is a continuous roll of bandages.

9. A dispensing system according to claim 1, further including a cutting edge proximate said opening.

10. A dispensing system according to claim 1, further comprising a cover system having a mounting case and a cover, said cover being pivotally connected to said mounting case so as to be movable between open and closed positions.

11. A dispensing system according to claim 1 , further comprising a lid sized to cover at least said opening of said module when in a closed position.

12. A dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of walls includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall.

13. A dispensing system according to claim 12, wherein said opening is positioned on one of said front wall and said bottom wall.

14. A dispensing system according to claim 12, wherein said joining attachments are positioned on said side walls.

15. A dispensing system according to claim 12, wherein said mounting attachments are positioned on said back wall.

16. A dispensing system according to claim 1, further comprising a paper-towel holder attachment module.

17. A single-use, disposable module for storing and dispensing bandages, comprising:

a. a plurality of walls permanently connected together to form a substantially sealed body having an internal cavity for receiving a plurality of bandages; b. an opening formed in at least one of said plurality of walls through which said plurality of bandages may be dispensed from said cavity; and

c. wherein said module is pre-loaded with said plurality of bandages at the time of manufacture such that said module may not be refilled without damaging one or more of said plurality of walls.

18. A single-use, disposable module according to claim 17, wherein said body is transparent.

19. A single-use, disposable module according to claim 17, wherein each of said plurality of bandages is the same size.

20. A single-use, disposable module according to claim 17, wherein said plurality of bandages is a stack of individual bandages.

21. A single-use, disposable module according to claim 17, wherein said plurality of bandages is a continuous roll of bandages.

22. A single-use, disposable module according to claim 17, further including a cutting edge proximate said opening.

23. A single-use, disposable module according to claim 17, wherein said plurality of walls includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall.

24. A single-use, disposable module according to claim 23, wherein said opening is positioned on one of said front wall and said bottom wall.

25. A single-use, disposable module according to claim 17, further including a plurality of joining attachments for releasably joining said modules to one another, said joining attachments being attached with at least one of said walls.

26. A method of forming a first-aid dispensing system for mounting on a surface, comprising the steps of: a. obtaining at least two single-use type, non-refillable, disposable bandage modules;

b. connecting said at least two modules together; and

c. positioning said modules on a surface.

27. A method according to claim 26, further comprising the steps of obtaining one or more accessory modules selected from the group consisting of a lotion dispenser module, a wipe dispenser module, a flip-top utility module, and a trash receptacle module and mounting said accessory modules proximate said at least two modules.

28. A method according to claim 26, wherein said disposable bandage modules in said obtaining step include a transparent body.

29. A method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of replacing used ones of said bandage modules with new, single-use type, non-refillable, disposable bandage modules.

30. A surface-mounted dispensing system for dispensing bandages, comprising:

a. one or more single-use disposable bandage modules, each of said modules having a plurality of walls joined with one another to form a substantially sealed body having an internal cavity for receiving said plurality of bandages, one of said walls having an opening through which said bandages may be dispensed from said cavity, wherein said walls are constructed and joined to one another so that said cavity is not accessible without damaging said walls;

b. means for releasably joining said modules to one another; and

c. means for releasably mounting said modules to a surface.

31. A surface-mounted dispensing system according to claim 30, wherein said means for releasably joining said modules to one another includes at least one of a tab-and-slot closure, a light and temporary adhesive, a strip fastener, an anchor-peg and keyhole mechanism, a mating groove-and-track mechanism, or a male-female snap mechanism.