US20070267949A1 - Medicine cabinet and associated sub-assembly - Google Patents

Medicine cabinet and associated sub-assembly Download PDF

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US20070267949A1
US20070267949A1 US11/436,741 US43674106A US2007267949A1 US 20070267949 A1 US20070267949 A1 US 20070267949A1 US 43674106 A US43674106 A US 43674106A US 2007267949 A1 US2007267949 A1 US 2007267949A1
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region
substrate
side region
medicine cabinet
secured
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US11/436,741
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David Paul McCarty
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Individual
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B67/00—Chests; Dressing-tables; Medicine cabinets or the like; Cabinets characterised by the arrangement of drawers
    • A47B67/02—Cabinets for shaving tackle, medicines, or the like

Abstract

A medicine cabinet sub-assembly, comprising: (a) a front substrate; (b) at least one rear substrate; (c) a top substrate; (d) a first side substrate; (e) a second side substrate; (f) a cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a spaced apart relationship of at least two of the front substrate, the at least one rear substrate, the top substrate, the first side substrate, and the second side substrate; and (f) a door, wherein the door comprises a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism releasably fastens the door to the front substrate.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The present invention relates in general to a medicine cabinet and associated sub-assembly, and more particularly, to a medicine cabinet which is operatively configured to house a plurality of medications or other personal articles in a secure, private, and/or non-private sub-assembly within the medicine cabinet.
  • 2. Background Art
  • Medicine cabinets have been known in the art for several years. To be sure, many homes and bathrooms include medicine cabinets for storing medications, toiletries, cosmetics, personal articles, etcetera. Typically, medicine cabinets are comprised of a mirrored door, wherein the personal articles are stored in a cabinet there behind. In this way, personal articles can be stored out of sight while remaining easily accessible. However, while conventional medicine cabinets have become popular, there remain several drawbacks and/or deficiencies.
  • Specifically, when storing a plurality of medications, toiletries, cosmetics, and/or other articles in a medicine cabinet, it is often desirable to lock dangerous or restricted substances, such as prescription medications, in a separate, secure portion of the medicine cabinet. In this way, individuals can allow certain items within the medicine cabinet to remain easily and commonly available, but can lock up other items in order to keep them away from, for example, children. It is therefore highly desirable for a medicine cabinet to include a sub-assembly therein which is able to securely, lockably house a plurality of items therein.
  • Furthermore, it is often desirable to lock any valuable, confidential, or otherwise personal items, such as, for example, jewelry or confidential medications, in a separate, secure, private or non-transparent portion of the medicine cabinet. Alternatively, individuals may desire to lock items such as, for example, an epi pen or other emergency medications, in a separate, secure, non-private or transparent portion of the medicine cabinet. It is therefore highly desirable to provide a medicine cabinet and associated sub-assembly which allows an individual to safely, securely, and privately and/or non-privately store items within the medicine cabinet.
  • Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to satisfy the commercial demand for a medicine cabinet which is operatively configured to house a plurality of medications or other personal articles in a secure, private, and/or non-private sub-assembly within the medicine cabinet.
  • These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is directed to a medicine cabinet sub-assembly, comprising: (a) a front substrate, wherein the front substrate comprises an upper region, a lower region, a first side region, a second side region, and an aperture; (b) at least one rear substrate, wherein the at least one rear substrate comprises an upper region, a lower region, a first side region, and a second side region; (c) a top substrate, wherein the top substrate comprises a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the top substrate is secured to at least a portion of the upper region of the front substrate, a rear region, a first side region, and a second side region; (d) a first side substrate, wherein the first side substrate comprises a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the front substrate, a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the at least one rear substrate, a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the top substrate, and a second side region; (e) a second side substrate, wherein the second side substrate comprises a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the front substrate, a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the at least one rear substrate, a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the top substrate, and a second side region; (f) a cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a spaced apart relationship of at least two of the front substrate, the at least one rear substrate, the top substrate, the first side substrate, and the second side substrate; and (g) a door, wherein the door comprises an upper region, a lower region, a first side region, a second side region, wherein at least one of the upper region, the lower region, the first side region, and the second side region of the door is hingeably associated with the front substrate, and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism releasably fastens at least one of the upper region, the lower region, the first side region, and the second side region of the door to the front substrate.
  • In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medicine cabinet sub-assembly further comprises a shelf, wherein the shelf is retained within the cavity, and wherein at least a portion of the shelf is positioned directly behind the aperture of the front substrate.
  • In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one rear substrate comprises two rear substrates.
  • In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper region of the at least one rear substrate, the lower region of the at least one rear substrate, and the rear region of the top substrate are free of securement to other substrates.
  • Preferably, at least a portion of the door is substantially transparent.
  • It is also preferred that the lower region of the door is hingeably associated with the front substrate, and that the locking mechanism releasably fastens the upper region of the door to the front substrate.
  • In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one rear substrate of the medicine cabinet sub-assembly is secured within a medicine cabinet.
  • Preferably, the locking mechanism further comprises: (a) a lockable tab member; (b) an energy source, wherein the energy source provides energy to actuate and de-actuate the lockable tab member to and from a locked and unlocked position; and (c) at least one of a fingerprint reader, wherein the fingerprint reader is in electrical communication with the energy source to actuate and deactuate the lockable tab member when a positive identification of a fingerprint is detected, and a digital keypad, wherein the digital keypad is in electrical communication with the energy source to actuate and deactuate the lockable tab member when a positive sequence of the digital keypad is entered.
  • It is also preferred that the medicine cabinet sub-assembly further comprises a bottom substrate, wherein the bottom substrate comprises: (a) a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the bottom substrate is secured to at least a portion of the lower region of the front substrate; (b) a rear region; (c) a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region of the bottom substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the first side substrate; and (d) a second side region, wherein at least a portion of the second side region of the bottom substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the second side substrate.
  • In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first side substrate and the second side substrate form a notch which mates with a protruding member of a medicine cabinet.
  • In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front substrate further comprises a plurality of beveled edges surrounding the aperture to, in turn, ensure a substantially flush seal between the door and the front substrate when the door is closed.
  • The present invention is also directed to a medicine cabinet sub-assembly, comprising: (a) a front substrate, wherein the front substrate comprises an upper region, a lower region, a first side region, a second side region, and an aperture; (b) at least one rear substrate, wherein the at least one rear substrate comprises an upper region, a lower region, a first side region, and a second side region; (c) a top substrate, wherein the top substrate comprises a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the top substrate is secured to at least a portion of the upper region of the front substrate, a rear region, a first side region, and a second side region; (d) a side substrate, wherein the side substrate comprises: (1) a first length, wherein the first length of the side substrate comprises a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the front substrate, a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the at least one rear substrate, and a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the top substrate; (2) a second length, wherein the second length of the side substrate emanates contiguously from the first length of the side substrate at a substantially 90° angle therefrom, and wherein the second length of the side substrate comprises a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region is secured to at least a portion of the lower region of the front substrate, and a rear region; and (3) a third length, wherein the third length of the side substrate emanates contiguously from the second length of the side substrate at a substantially 90° angle therefrom, and wherein the third length of the side substrate comprises a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the front substrate, a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the at least one rear substrate, and a second side region, wherein at least a portion of the second side region is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the top substrate; (e) a cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a spaced apart relationship of at least two of the front substrate, the at least one rear substrate, the top substrate, and the side substrate; and (f) a door, wherein the door comprises an upper region, a lower region, a first side region, a second side region, wherein at least one of the upper region, the lower region, the first side region, and the second side region of the door is hingeably associated with the front substrate, and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism releasably fastens at least one of the upper region, the lower region, the first side region, and the second side region of the door to the front substrate.
  • The present invention is further directed to a medicine cabinet, comprising: (a) an outer frame, wherein the outer frame comprises at least one wall and an inner peripheral geometry; (b) a door, wherein the door is hingeably associated with the outer frame; (c) a cavity, wherein the cavity is enclosed by the outer frame and the door; and (d) a medicine cabinet sub-assembly, wherein the medicine cabinet sub-assembly is secured to the at least one wall and within the inner peripheral geometry of the outer frame of the medicine cabinet, and wherein the medicine cabinet sub-assembly comprises: (1) a front substrate, wherein the front substrate comprises an upper region, a lower region, a first side region, a second side region, and an aperture; (2) at least one rear substrate, wherein the at least one rear substrate comprises an upper region, a lower region, a first side region, and a second side region; (3) a top substrate, wherein the top substrate comprises a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the top substrate is secured to at least a portion of the upper region of the front substrate, a rear region, a first side region, and a second side region; (4) a first side substrate, wherein the first side substrate comprises a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the front substrate, a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the at least one rear substrate, a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the top substrate, and a second side region; (5) a second side substrate, wherein the second side substrate comprises a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the front substrate, a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the at least one rear substrate, a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the top substrate, and a second side region; (6) a cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a spaced apart relationship of at least two of the front substrate, the at least one rear substrate, the top substrate, the first side substrate, and the second side substrate; (7) a shelf, wherein the shelf is retained within the cavity, and wherein at least a portion of the shelf is positioned directly behind the aperture of the front substrate; and (8) a door, wherein at least a portion of the door is substantially transparent, and wherein the door comprises an upper region, a lower region, wherein the lower region of the door is hingeably associated with the front substrate, a first side region, a second side region, and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism releasably fastens the upper region of the door to the front substrate.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:
  • FIG. 1 of the drawings is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a medicine cabinet sub-assembly showing, among other things, one rear substrate and a shelf, fabricated in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 of the drawings is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a medicine cabinet sub-assembly showing, among other things, two rear substrates, fabricated in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 3 of the drawings is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a medicine cabinet sub-assembly showing, among other things, two rear substrates, fabricated in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 4 of the drawings is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a medicine cabinet sub-assembly showing, among other things, a first and second side substrate and a bottom substrate, fabricated in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 5 of the drawings is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a medicine cabinet sub-assembly showing, among other things, an open door and an aperture of a front substrate, fabricated in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 6 of the drawings is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a medicine cabinet sub-assembly showing, among other things, a locking mechanism comprising a fingerprint pad, fabricated in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 7 of the drawings is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a medicine cabinet sub-assembly showing, among other things, a locking mechanism comprising a digital keypad, fabricated in accordance with the present invention; and
  • FIG. 8 of the drawings is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a medicine cabinet and associated sub-assembly, fabricated in accordance with the present invention.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
  • Referring now to the drawings and to FIGS. 1-8 in particular, perspective views of medicine cabinet 10 and associated medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 are shown. While medicine cabinet 10 and medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 are shown as comprising separate members comprising the same or different materials, which are fused, welded, fastened, or otherwise attached, it will be understood that a unitary member is also contemplated. In addition, it will be understood that FIGS. 1 through 8 are merely schematic representations of medicine cabinet 10 and associated sub-assembly 12. As such, some of the components may be distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity.
  • Medicine cabinet 10 is shown in FIG. 8 as generally comprising cavity 11, outer frame 14, and door 16. In addition, medicine cabinet 10 may further comprise at least one shelf 17 and at least one protruding member 19, such as a bar or rod. Cavity 11 is enclosed by outer frame 14 and door 16 and is configured to house medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 therein. Outer frame 14 comprises at least one wall 13 and inner peripheral geometry 15. Preferably, door 16 is hingeably associated with outer frame 14 via hinge 18, however, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the means for attachment of outer frame 14 and door 16. Both of outer frame 14 and door 16 may be fabricated from, for example, metals/alloys of metals or from any one of a number of natural and/or synthetic materials including numerous plastics, woods, combinations of the same, etcetera. Medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 may be releasably or non-releasably secured to at least one wall 13 and within inner peripheral geometry 15 of outer frame 14 of medicine cabinet 10.
  • Medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 is shown in FIGS. 1-8, collectively as generally comprising front substrate 20, at least one rear substrate 40, top substrate 60, and at least one side substrate 80. Front substrate 20 includes upper region 22, lower region 24, first side region 26, second side region 28, and aperture 30. As is shown in the figures, it is preferred that front substrate 20 comprises a substantially linear, substantially rectangular shape which comprises a height ranging from between approximately 1 inch to approximately 100 inches, and preferably between approximately 2 inches to approximately 24 inches, and which comprises a width ranging from between approximately 1 inch to approximately 100 inches, and preferably between approximately 2 inches to approximately 24 inches. However, it will be understood that front substrate 20 may comprise any one of a number of different shapes and sizes, such as square, triangular, polygonal, circular, oblong, arcuate, or arbitrary, and may also be multi-dimensional. It is also preferred that at least a portion of front substrate 20 is fabricated from a substantially clear, substantially transparent material, in order for an individual to be able to see what is inside medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12. However, in other applications, it is preferred that at least a portion of front substrate 20 is fabricated from a substantially non-transparent material, in order for an individual to be able to conceal what is inside medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12. As such, a combination of transparent and non-transparent regions of front substrate 20 may be preferred. As such, front substrate 20 may be fabricated from, for example, transparent and/or non-transparent plexi-glass, however, it will be understood that front substrate 20 may be fabricated from any one of a number of natural and/or synthetic materials including numerous metals and alloys, plastics, woods, combinations of the same, etcetera.
  • Aperture 30 is positioned between upper region 22, lower region 24, first side region 26, and second side region 28 of front substrate 20. As is shown in the figures, it is preferred that aperture 30 of front substrate 20 comprises a substantially rectangular shape, however, it will be understood that aperture 30 may comprise any one of a number of different shapes and sizes, such as square, triangular, polygonal, circular, oblong, arcuate, or arbitrary, so long as aperture 30 is within the boundaries of upper region 22, lower region 24, first side region 26, and second side region 28 of front substrate 20. Furthermore, inasmuch as aperture 30 provides ingress and egress into medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12, aperture 30 should be large enough for a hand, a medicine bottle, and/or other object to fit comfortably therethrough.
  • At least one rear substrate 40 includes upper region 42, lower region 44, first side region 46, and second side region 48. As is shown in FIG. 3, at least one rear substrate 40 may also comprise at least one fastener 41 for securing medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 to medicine cabinet 10. Fastener 41 may comprise any one of a number of fasteners known to those with skill in the art, such as, but not limited to, threaded and non-threaded fasteners, rivets, brackets, various tapes, adhesives—just to name a few. Although not shown, it is contemplated that any one or all of the substrates comprise at least one fastener 41 for securing medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 to medicine cabinet 10. At least one rear substrate 40 is spaced apart from front substrate 20. As is shown in FIGS. 1-8, it is preferred that at least one rear substrate 40 comprises a substantially linear, substantially rectangular shape which comprises a height similar to or less than that of front substrate 20 and a width similar to that of front substrate 20. However, it will be understood that at least one rear substrate 40 may comprise any one of a number of different shapes and sizes, such as square, triangular, polygonal, circular, oblong, arcuate, or arbitrary, and may also be multi-dimensional. At least one rear substrate 40 may be fabricated from a substantially transparent or non-transparent material, such as, for example, plexi-glass, however, it will be understood that at least one rear substrate 40 may be fabricated from any one of a number of natural and/or synthetic materials including numerous metals and alloys, plastics, woods, combinations of the same, etcetera. As is shown in FIG. 1, among others, at least one rear substrate 40 may comprise one rear substrate, or, alternatively, as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, among others, at least one rear substrate 40 may comprise first rear substrate 40A and second rear substrate 40B;
  • Top substrate 60 is shown in FIGS. 1-8 as comprising front region 62, rear region 64, first side region 66, and second side region 68. Top substrate 60 preferably comprises a substantially linear, substantially rectangular shape which comprises a depth ranging from between approximately 1 inch to approximately 30 inches, and preferably between approximately 2 inches to approximately 10 inches, and which comprises a width similar to the widths of front substrate 20 and at least one rear substrate 40. However, it will be understood that top substrate 60 may comprise any one of a number of different shapes and sizes, such as square, triangular, polygonal, circular, oblong, arcuate, or arbitrary, and may also be multi-dimensional. Top substrate 60 may be fabricated from a substantially transparent or non-transparent material, such as, for example, plexi-glass, however, it will be understood that top substrate 60 may be fabricated from any one of a number of natural and/or synthetic materials including numerous metals and alloys, plastics, woods, combinations of the same, etcetera. Top substrate 60 is positioned such that at least a portion of front region 62 is secured to at least a portion of upper region 22 of front substrate 20. Although not shown, at least a portion of rear region 64 of top substrate 60 may be secured to at least a portion of upper region 42 of at least one rear substrate 40. Alternatively, as is shown in the figures, rear region 64 of top substrate 60 may be free of securement to other substrates.
  • As is shown in FIGS. 4-8, among others, in one embodiment of medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12, at least one side substrate 80 comprises first side substrate 80A and second side substrate 80B, wherein each of first and second side substrates 80A and 80B, respectively, comprise front region 82, rear region 84, first side region 86, and second side region 88. In this embodiment, at least a portion of front region 82 of first side substrate 80A is secured to at least a portion of first side region 26 of front substrate 20, at least a portion of rear region 84 of first side substrate 80A is secured to at least a portion of first side region 46 of at least one rear substrate 40, and at least a portion of first side region 86 of first side substrate 80A is secured to at least a portion of first side region 66 of top substrate 60. Similarly, at least a portion of front region 82 of second side substrate 80B is secured to at least a portion of second side region 28 of front substrate 20, at least a portion of rear region 84 of second side substrate 80B is secured to at least a portion of second side region 48 of at least one rear substrate 40, and at least a portion of first side region 86 of second side substrate 80B is secured to at least a portion of second side region 68 of top substrate 60. As can be seen in FIG. 5, among others, second side regions 88 of first and second side substrates 80A, 80B may be free of securement to other substrates. Alternatively, as is shown in FIG. 4, among others, second side regions 88 of first and second side substrates 80A, 80B may be secured to bottom substrate 140. In addition, as can be see in FIGS. 4 and 8, first side substrate 80A and second side substrate 80B together form notch 89 which mates with protruding member 19 of medicine cabinet 10.
  • In an alternative embodiment, as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, among others, at least one side substrate 80 consists of one side substrate 80, which comprises first length 80C, second length 80D, and third length 80E. Second length 80D emanates contiguously from first length 80C at a substantially 90° angle therefrom, and third length 80E emanates contiguously from second length 80D at a substantially 90° angle therefrom, such that first length 80C is spaced apart from third length 80E and such that first side region 86 is substantially level with second side region 88. In this embodiment, at least a portion of front region 82 of first length 80C is secured to at least a portion of first side region 26 of front substrate 20, at least a portion of rear region 84 of first length 80C is secured to at least a portion of first side region 46 of at least one rear substrate 40, and at least a portion of first side region 86 is secured to at least a portion of first side region 66 of top substrate 60. At least a portion of front region 82 of second length 80D is secured to at least a portion of lower region 24 of front substrate 20. At least a portion of front region 82 of third length 80E is secured to second side region 28 of front substrate 20, at least a portion of rear region 84 of third length 80E is secured to second side region 48 of at least one rear substrate 40, and at least a portion of second side region 88 is secured to at least a portion of second side region 68 of top substrate 60. As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, among others, in this embodiment it is preferred that side substrate 80 comprises a substantially linear, substantially rectangular shape which comprises a depth similar to that of top substrate 60 and a total length capable of extending along first side region 26, lower region 24, and second side region 28 of front substrate 20. However, it will be understood that side substrate 80 may comprise any one of a number of different shapes and sizes, such as square, triangular, polygonal, circular, oblong, arcuate, or arbitrary, and may also be multi-dimensional. Side substrate 80 may be fabricated from a substantially transparent or non-transparent material, such as, for example, plexi-glass, however, it will be understood that side substrate 80 may be fabricated from any one of a number of natural and/or synthetic materials including numerous metals and alloys, plastics, woods, combinations of the same, etcetera.
  • In a preferred embodiment, medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 further comprises bottom substrate 140, as is shown in FIG. 4, among others. In this embodiment, bottom substrate 140 comprises front region 142, rear region 144, first side region 146, and second side region 148. Bottom substrate 140 preferably comprises a substantially linear, substantially rectangular shape which comprises a depth similar to that of top substrate 60 and a width similar to or less than the width of front substrate 20. However, it will be understood that bottom substrate 140 may comprise any one of a number of different shapes and sizes, such as square, triangular, polygonal, circular, oblong, arcuate, or arbitrary, and may also be multi-dimensional. Bottom substrate 140 may be fabricated from a substantially transparent or non-transparent material, such as, for example, plexi-glass, however, it will be understood that bottom substrate 140 may be fabricated from any one of a number of natural and/or synthetic materials including numerous metals and alloys, plastics, woods, combinations of the same, etcetera. Bottom substrate 140 is positioned such that at least a portion of front region 142 is secured to at least a portion of lower region 24 of front substrate 20. Although not shown, at least a portion of rear region 144 of bottom substrate 140 may be secured to at least a portion of lower region 44 of at least one rear substrate 40. Alternatively, as is shown in the figures, rear region 144 of bottom substrate 140 is free of securement to other substrates. At least a portion of first side region 146 is secured to at least a portion of second side region 88 of first side substrate 80A, and at least a portion of second side region 148 is secured to at least a portion of second side region 88 of second side substrate 80B.
  • Cavity 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-8 as being defined by a spaced apart relationship of at least two of front substrate 20, at least one rear substrate 40, top substrate 60, and at least one side substrate 80. While cavity 100 may or may not be completely enclosed, medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 is operatively configured to securely retain medications and/or other personal articles within cavity 100.
  • Preferably, medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 includes shelf 110, as is shown in FIG. 5, among others. Shelf 110 comprises front region 112, rear region 114, first side region 116, and second side region 118 and is positioned within cavity 100. Preferably, at least a portion of shelf 110 is positioned directly behind aperture 30 of front substrate 20, in order for a medicine bottle and/or other personal item to be easily placed on or below shelf 110. Shelf 110 can be secured within cavity 100 of medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12 in any one of a variety of ways. For example, first side region 116 and second side region 118 may be secured to at least one side substrate 80. Alternatively, or in addition, at least a portion of front region 112 may be secured to at least a portion of front substrate 20 and/or rear region 114 may be secured to at least one rear substrate 40. As is shown in FIG. 4, it is also contemplated that at least one of front substrate 20, at least one rear substrate 40, and at least one side substrate 80 comprise support 119, which may comprise a lip or a channel whereon shelf 110 may rest. Although not shown in the figures, it is also contemplated that more than one shelf 110 is included with medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12.
  • Door 120 is shown in FIGS. 1-8 as comprising upper region 122, lower region 124, first side region 126, second side region 128, and locking mechanism 130. When open, door 120 allows ingress and egress through aperture 30 of front substrate 20 and into cavity 100 of medicine cabinet sub-assembly 12. When closed, door 120 is in substantial abutment with edges 122′, 124′, 126′, and 128′ of front substrate 20 which surround aperture 30. Specifically, upper region 122 of door 120 is in substantial abutment with edge 122′ of front substrate 20, lower region 124 of door 120 is in substantial abutment with edge 124′ of front substrate 20, first side region 126 of door 120 is in substantial abutment with edge 126′ of front substrate 20, and second side region 128 of door 120 is in substantial abutment with edge 128′ of front substrate 20. 11. Edges 122′, 124′, 126′, and 128′ of front substrate 20 may be beveled in order to allow a smooth surface of door 120 and front substrate 20 and to ensure a substantially flush seal between door 120 and front substrate 20 when door 120 is closed. Such a configuration enhances security by preventing, for example, prying. Likewise, upper region 122, lower region 124, first side region 126, second side region 128 of door 120 may be beveled. Moreover, such beveled surfaces may be included on any regions of any substrates to allow for better securement. Preferably, lower region 124 is hingeably associated with edge 124′ of front substrate 20 via at least one attachment member 129. However, it will be understood that any one of upper region 122, lower region 124, first side region 126, and second side region 128 of door 120 may be hingeably associated with front substrate 20. Attachment member 129 may comprise any one of a number of attaching means known to those with ordinary skill in the art, such as, but not limited to, welding, fusing, threaded and non-threaded fasteners, rivets, brackets, hinges, various tapes, and adhesives—just to name a few. Although not shown, it is also contemplated that a 90° hinge, a stop, or a door chain be associated with door 120 to stop door 120 at a substantially 90° angle relative to front substrate 20 when door 120 is open. Door 120 is fabricated from a substantially transparent and/or non-transparent material, such as, for example, plexi-glass, however, it will be understood that door 120 may be fabricated from any one of a number of natural and/or synthetic materials including numerous metals and alloys, plastics, woods, combinations of the same, etcetera.
  • As is shown in FIGS. 1-8, locking mechanism 130 preferably releasably fastens upper region 122 of door 120 to front substrate 20. However, any of upper region 122, lower region 124, first side region 126, and second side region 128 of door 120 may be releasably fastened to front substrate 20 via locking mechanism 130. Locking mechanism 130 may comprise a key lock or any other locking mechanism known to those skilled in the art. For example, as is shown in FIG. 6, locking mechanism 130 may comprise lockable tab member 132, energy source 134, and fingerprint reader 136. Energy source 134 provides energy to actuate and de-actuate lockable tab member 132 to and from a locked and unlocked position, and fingerprint reader 134 is in electrical communication with energy source 134 to actuate and deactuate lockable tab member 132 when a positive identification of a fingerprint is detected. Alternatively, as is shown in FIG. 7, locking mechanism 130 may comprise digital keypad 138, wherein digital keypad 138 is in electrical communication with energy source 134 to actuate and deactuate lockable tab member 132 when a positive sequence of digital keypad 138 is entered.
  • The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A medicine cabinet sub-assembly, comprising:
a front substrate, wherein the front substrate comprises:
an upper region;
a lower region;
a first side region;
a second side region; and
an aperture;
at least one rear substrate, wherein the at least one rear substrate comprises:
an upper region;
a lower region;
a first side region; and
a second side region;
a top substrate, wherein the top substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the top substrate is secured to at least a portion of the upper region of the front substrate;
a rear region;
a first side region; and
a second side region;
a first side substrate, wherein the first side substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the front substrate;
a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the at least one rear substrate;
a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the top substrate; and
a second side region;
a second side substrate, wherein the second side substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the front substrate;
a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the at least one rear substrate;
a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the top substrate; and
a second side region;
a cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a spaced apart relationship of at least two of the front substrate, the at least one rear substrate, the top substrate, the first side substrate, and the second side substrate; and
a door, wherein the door comprises:
an upper region;
a lower region;
a first side region;
a second side region, wherein at least one of the upper region, the lower region, the first side region, and the second side region of the door is hingeably associated with the front substrate; and
a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism releasably fastens at least one of the upper region, the lower region, the first side region, and the second side region of the door to the front substrate.
2. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the medicine cabinet sub-assembly further comprises a shelf, wherein the shelf is retained within the cavity, and wherein at least a portion of the shelf is positioned directly behind the aperture of the front substrate.
3. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rear substrate comprises two rear substrates.
4. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper region of the at least one rear substrate, the lower region of the at least one rear substrate, and the rear region of the top substrate are free of securement to other substrates.
5. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the door is substantially transparent.
6. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower region of the door is hingeably associated with the front substrate, and wherein the locking mechanism releasably fastens the upper region of the door to the front substrate.
7. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rear substrate of the medicine cabinet sub-assembly is secured within a medicine cabinet.
8. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises:
a lockable tab member;
an energy source, wherein the energy source provides energy to actuate and de-actuate the lockable tab member to and from a locked and unlocked position; and
at least one of a fingerprint reader, wherein the fingerprint reader is in electrical communication with the energy source to actuate and deactuate the lockable tab member when a positive identification of a fingerprint is detected, and a digital keypad, wherein the digital keypad is in electrical communication with the energy source to actuate and deactuate the lockable tab member when a positive sequence of the digital keypad is entered.
9. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the medicine cabinet sub-assembly further comprises a bottom substrate, wherein the bottom substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the bottom substrate is secured to at least a portion of the lower region of the front substrate;
a rear region;
a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region of the bottom substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the first side substrate; and
a second side region, wherein at least a portion of the second side region of the bottom substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the second side substrate.
10. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first side substrate and the second side substrate form a notch which mates with a protruding member of a medicine cabinet.
11. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the front substrate further comprises a plurality of beveled edges surrounding the aperture to, in turn, ensure a substantially flush seal between the door and the front substrate when the door is closed.
12. A medicine cabinet sub-assembly, comprising:
a front substrate, wherein the front substrate comprises:
an upper region;
a lower region;
a first side region;
a second side region; and
an aperture;
at least one rear substrate, wherein the at least one rear substrate comprises:
an upper region;
a lower region;
a first side region; and
a second side region;
a top substrate, wherein the top substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the top substrate is secured to at least a portion of the upper region of the front substrate;
a rear region;
a first side region; and
a second side region;
a side substrate, wherein the side substrate comprises:
a first length, wherein the first length of the side substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the front substrate;
a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the at least one rear substrate; and
a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the top substrate;
a second length, wherein the second length of the side substrate emanates contiguously from the first length of the side substrate at a substantially 90° angle therefrom, and wherein the second length of the side substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region is secured to at least a portion of the lower region of the front substrate; and
a rear region; and
a third length, wherein the third length of the side substrate emanates contiguously from the second length of the side substrate at a substantially 90° angle therefrom, and wherein the third length of the side substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the front substrate;
a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the at least one rear substrate; and
a second side region, wherein at least a portion of the second side region is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the top substrate;
a cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a spaced apart relationship of at least two of the front substrate, the at least one rear substrate, the top substrate, and the side substrate; and
a door, wherein the door comprises:
an upper region;
a lower region;
a first side region;
a second side region, wherein at least one of the upper region, the lower region, the first side region, and the second side region of the door is hingeably associated with the front substrate; and
a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism releasably fastens at least one of the upper region, the lower region, the first side region, and the second side region of the door to the front substrate.
13. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 12, wherein the medicine cabinet sub-assembly further comprises a shelf, wherein the shelf is retained within the cavity, and wherein at least a portion of the shelf is directly behind the aperture of the front substrate.
14. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 12, wherein the at least one rear substrate comprises two rear substrates.
15. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 12, wherein the upper region of the at least one rear substrate, the lower region of the at least one rear substrate, the rear region of the top substrate, and the rear region of the second length of the side substrate are free of securement to other substrates.
16. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the door is substantially transparent.
17. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 12, wherein the lower region of the door is hingeably associated with the front substrate, and wherein the locking mechanism releasably fastens the upper region of the door to the front substrate.
18. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 12, wherein the at least one rear substrate of the medicine cabinet sub-assembly is secured within a medicine cabinet.
19. The medicine cabinet sub-assembly according to claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises:
a lockable tab member;
an energy source, wherein the energy source provides energy to actuate and de-actuate the lockable tab member to and from a locked and unlocked position; and
at least one of a fingerprint reader, wherein the fingerprint reader is in electrical communication with the energy source to actuate and deactuate the lockable tab member when a positive identification of a fingerprint is detected, and a digital keypad, wherein the digital keypad is in electrical communication with the energy source to actuate and deactuate the lockable tab member when a positive sequence of the digital keypad is entered.
20. A medicine cabinet, comprising:
an outer frame, wherein the outer frame comprises:
at least one wall; and
an inner peripheral geometry;
a door, wherein the door is hingeably associated with the outer frame;
a cavity, wherein the cavity is enclosed by the outer frame and the door; and
a medicine cabinet sub-assembly, wherein the medicine cabinet sub-assembly is secured to the at least one wall and within the inner peripheral geometry of the outer frame of the medicine cabinet, and wherein the medicine cabinet sub-assembly comprises:
a front substrate, wherein the front substrate comprises:
an upper region;
a lower region;
a first side region;
a second side region; and
an aperture;
at least one rear substrate, wherein the at least one rear substrate comprises:
an upper region;
a lower region;
a first side region; and
a second side region;
a top substrate, wherein the top substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the top substrate is secured to at least a portion of the upper region of the front substrate;
a rear region;
a first side region; and
a second side region;
a first side substrate, wherein the first side substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the front substrate;
a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the at least one rear substrate;
a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region of the first side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the first side region of the top substrate; and
a second side region;
a second side substrate, wherein the second side substrate comprises:
a front region, wherein at least a portion of the front region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the front substrate;
a rear region, wherein at least a portion of the rear region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the at least one rear substrate;
a first side region, wherein at least a portion of the first side region of the second side substrate is secured to at least a portion of the second side region of the top substrate; and
a second side region;
a cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a spaced apart relationship of at least two of the front substrate, the at least one rear substrate, the top substrate, the first side substrate, and the second side substrate;
a shelf, wherein the shelf is retained within the cavity, and wherein at least a portion of the shelf is positioned directly behind the aperture of the front substrate; and
a door, wherein at least a portion of the door is substantially transparent, and wherein the door comprises:
an upper region;
a lower region, wherein the lower region of the door is hingeably associated with the front substrate;
a first side region;
a second side region; and
a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism releasably fastens the upper region of the door to the front substrate.
US11/436,741 2006-05-18 2006-05-18 Medicine cabinet and associated sub-assembly Abandoned US20070267949A1 (en)

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US20150182076A1 (en) * 2013-12-31 2015-07-02 Berke, Inc. Locking shower caddy

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US9770137B2 (en) * 2013-12-31 2017-09-26 Tula Industries, Llc Locking shower caddy

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