WO2006014355A2

WO2006014355A2 - Gift kits and method for increasing comfort and self-sufficiency of persons having specific medical conditions

Info

Publication number: WO2006014355A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/023538
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mona Blankshain
Original assignee: Mona Blankshain
Priority date: 2004-07-05
Filing date: 2005-07-05
Publication date: 2006-02-09
Also published as: WO2006014355A3

Abstract

Gift kits designed for increasing the comfort and self-sufficiency of people or patients. The kits include an upwardly open container (26) for bedside placement made of transparent acrylic flat panels (37) of rectangular shape including a bottom panel (36), a pair of side panels (39), and a pair of end panels (40) that define an upwardly open chamber (38) closable by a lid (28). A plurality of personal items (32) are stored within the container which are selected for the specific medical condition and relating to the hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, and amusement of the person. Such items include a mirror, toothbrush kit, lip balm, eye shade, vase, book, bookmark, puzzle, clamp, clip, flashlight, fan, batteries, highlighter and pen. The container may be supported on a swivel base (30) to allow rotation thereof. The container includes an additional chamber (42) by a divider panel (44) for receiving a lap desk (34).

Description

Gift KITS AND METHOD FOR INCREASING COMFORT

AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY OF PERSONS HAVING

SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS

SPECIFICATION Background of the Invention

[0001] Field: The present invention generally relates to gift products, and more particularly to those gift items which relate to hygiene, comfort, care, self- sufficiency, amusement, and the like of persons who have various illnesses, operations, or are otherwise hospitalized or recovering from other medical conditions.

[0002] State of the Art: The giving of gifts for special occasions has been done since the beginning of civilization and probably much longer. Such special occasions may include holy days such as Christmas and Easter, birthdays, new home, weddings, births, and the like. The giving of a gift provides pleasure for both the gift giver and the person who receives the gift. Examples of such gifts include flower arrangements, fruit baskets, cards, balloons, and just about any desired item. One special occasion for which gifts such as flowers are given is an illness or injury requiring hospitalization or other medical care, a pending hospitalization such as for surgery, and the like. The primary objects of such gift giving is to lift the spirits of the person receiving the gift and to let the person know people are thinking about them and they are not alone.

[0003] Persons who are hospitalized, particularly those whom are bedridden and thus cannot leave the hospital bed, are very or completely dependent on hospital workers such as nurses for their day-to-day needs including daily hygiene such as brushing teeth, bathing, and bathroom breaks. Additionally, these persons have needs that may not be so apparent relating to comfort, care, self-sufficiency, amusement, and the like. Relying on others for everything down to the smallest detail is one of the most frustrating things about being ill. Just needing to ask for help is sometimes mentally deflating especially when it involves personal hygiene. The problems is that the person may not have particular items needed to satisfy these needs and even if the particular item is available it may not be easily reached or used by the person. Examples of such necessary items may include Hp balm to relieve dry chapped lips, toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain dental health and freshen breath, mouth fresheners or mints to freshen breath, facial tissues for nose blowing and other uses, cold pack to relieve sore muscles and sites where surgery has been performed, books to read to take one's mind off the illness, a note pad to write on, and a pen or pencil for writing. Additionally, the necessary items depend on the specific medical condition of the person, such as general hospitalization, general surgery, plastic surgery, tonsil surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, vaginal childbirth, and Caesarian section childbirth. The necessary items also may vary for the same medical condition depending on the person's age and sex such as boys, girls, men, women, and babies. While most of the necessary items listed above are likely available for purchase at the hospital or other medical facility, there are many other personal items relating to hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, amusement, and the like of the person which are not readily available for purchase at the hospital or other medical facility, or even at a single retail location. Examples of such items include a flashlight, and a battery powered clip-on reading light so the person may comfortably and easily write in a hospital bed. [0005] An additional problem, particularly for bedridden persons, is reaching the necessary items and retaining the items once reached. This is due to the very limited mobility and dexterity of many such persons. The items are typically individually lying on various surfaces such as hospital room furniture, over-bed tables, and the like out of reach of the person rather than being all together within the person's reach. This typically requires assistance by a nurse or visitor to bring the item to the person leading to feelings of dependency and helplessness by the person. Once the item is grasped by the person, the limited dexterity of the person often causes inadvertent dropping of the item. Once dropped, it may be impossible for the person to retrieve, particularly if it falls to the floor. This necessitates additional assistance by the nurse or visitor to retrieve the item, leading to further feelings of dependency and helplessness by the person.

[0006] Various gift products have been developed over the years, some of which include a plurality of gifts packaged together as gift baskets which are usually a collection of items grouped by theme such as gourmet food, wine, bath products, and the like which are intended to be given as gifts in response to a celebratory occasion. The prior art gift products are not specifically designed for persons having various medical conditions. An example of a typical gift package kit is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,220,440 issued to Singerman on April 24, 2001. The kit includes an assortment of gifts, a decorative container of rectangular configuration, packing material, and a wrapping in which to present the gifts. The container made of a generally rigid material and is collapsible to a closed configuration for shipping with the packing material covering the gift items and the wrapping enclosing the packing material and gifts. The container is constructable to an open configuration for use upon receipt by a person having an open top, a plurality of sides, and a bottom to hold and allow access to the gift items contained therein. [0007] There is a need for a series of gift kits and a method of gift giving particularly designed for persons with specific medical conditions and for general categories of persons whom have various medical conditions with similar needs which: 1) are specialized units designed with personal items for the specific purpose of providing personal and other items needed to improve the hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, and amusement of the person; 2) places the personal items together for easy viewing and within easy reach of the person; 3) helps the person retain the personal items once reached; and 4) provides such personal items which may not be readily available at a hospital or other medical facility. Additionally, it is desirable in the series of gift kits that: 5) the personal items of each kit are presented in a single container in aesthetically pleasing way; 6) the personal items are of high quality and may be used long beyond the medical condition; 7) the personal items and presentation including the type of container are customizable by the person or a giver of the kit to permit selection of various personal items, containers for the personal items, written materials, cards, swivel bases, and the like which are then assembled together into a custom gift kit; 8) the series of gift kits are designed for universal appeal by persons with a wide variety of ages, sexes, and medical conditions; 9) persons who are recipients of the gift kits know that the gift giver put much thought into choosing and customizing the gift kit for them; 10) the gift kits last much longer than conventional gifts such as flowers that wilt and get well cards that are thrown away; 11) the kits may include a gift card from the gift giver to further deliver a beautiful message of care and love to the person; 12) the series of gift kits is a completely unique gift unlike any other currently on the market; 13) the gift kit series taps into a market that is not currently served by any companies; 14) the gift kits provide a personalized, memorable gift that can be easily customized and purchased over the internet and delivered to the person or gift giver from virtually anywhere in the world; and 15) optional requested items may be requested by the person or gift giver, approved, and delivered. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention are gift kits for increasing comfort and self- sufficiency of persons having specific medical conditions and for general categories of persons whom have various medical conditions with similar needs. The present invention also is a series of the gift kits designed for persons having the medical conditions and a method of providing customized gift kits.

[0009] The gift kits include a container adapted for bedside placement on a support surface with a main chamber for receiving items therein. A plurality of personal items are storable within the main chamber of the container which are selected for the specific medical condition and relating to one or more one of hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, amusement, and the like of the person.

[0010] In a preferred gift kit, the container is substantially transparent to allow the person to view the personal items contained therein, such as being made from clear acrylic material. The container has a bottom panel adapted to be supported on the support surface and an upstanding peripheral wall which define the main chamber which is upwardly open. The container is of rectangular configuration, the bottom panel is of flat rectangular shape, and the peripheral wall comprises a pair of side panels and a pair of square end panels each of flat rectangular shape. The main chamber is of rectangular configuration. The container includes an additional chamber adapted to receive at least one an additional item. A swivel base is removably connected to the bottom of the container which is adapted to swivelably support the container on the support surface. The swivel base is removably connected to the container so the container may be supported by the swivel base on the support surface or supported directly on the support surface. A foldable lap desk has a planar main writing surface and is adapted to fold to a stowed position supported by the container in the additional chamber. A plurality of written materials are removably held within the container which are adapted to help the person use the gift kit most effectively to make the hospital stay as comfortable as possible. The written materials may be a brochure with directions and tips for use of the gift kit, a checklist of necessary items not provided with the gift kit not readily available at a medical care facility, or a brochure which describes different series of the gift kit available for specific medical situations.

[0011] The series of gift kits comprise a plurality of gift kits of the types described herein designed for different medical conditions, each having a container adapted for bedside placement on a support surface with a main chamber for receiving items therein. A plurality of personal items are storable within the main chamber of the container selected for the specific medical condition and relating to at least one of hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, amusement, and the like of the person.

[0012] The method of providing customized gift kits comprises the steps of: 1) providing a customer with a choice of types of gift kits available for specific medical conditions; 2) accepting the choice made by the customer of the type of gift kit desired from the choices of types provided; 3) providing the consumer a with a choice of personal items available for the type of gift kit chosen; 4) accepting the choice made by the customer of the personal items desired from the choices of personal items provided; and 5) providing to the consumer with the gift kit of the type chosen with the personal items chosen. The method may include additional steps including: 6) providing the consumer an option to request at least one custom item not on the choice of personal items available for the type of gift kit desired; 7) accepting the request for at least one custom item for consideration as to whether they will be provided with the gift kit chosen; and 8) responding to the request for at least one custom item as to whether each custom item will be provided or not with the gift kit.

[0013] The steps of providing the customer with a choice of types of gift kits available for specific medical conditions, accepting the choice made by the customer of the type of gift kit desired from the choices of types provided, providing the consumer a with a choice of personal items available for the type of gift kit chosen, and accepting the choice made by the customer of the personal items desired from the choices of personal items provided are preferably conducted electronically by the customer accessing a website on the internet. The Drawings

[0014] The best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary gift kit of a series of gift kits of the present invention which is designed for persons having surgery, being shown on a support surface of an over-bed table, the gift kit shown having an upwardly open first version container, an optional lid, a removable first version swivel base, a plurality of personal items within the container, a foldable lap desk, and a plurality of written materials;

[0016] FIG. 2, an exploded perspective view of the first version container, lid, and first version swivel base;

[0017] FIG. 2a, a fragmentary exploded perspective view of a second version container and a second version swivel base; [0018] FIG. 3, a perspective view of personal items including a lip balm device for soothing chapped lips, a toothbrush kit for oral hygiene, a dispenser of mouth fresheners to freshen breath, and a pocket tissue device for nose blowing;

[0019] FIG. 4, a perspective view of more personal items including a cold pack device to relieve aches and pains, a misting device for personal refreshing, and a plurality of wet wipes to cleanse and refresh;

[0020] FIG. 5, a perspective view of a personal item in the form of a pill organizer to help in remembering when to take pills;

[0021] FIG. 6, a perspective view of more personal items including an eye shade to block out artificial light or sunlight for sleeping and a bud vase with flowers;

[0022] FIG. 7, a perspective view of more personal items including an inspirational book to help keep the person's spirits up, a bookmark to mark reading material such as the book, a puzzle to help keep the person's mind active, and Post-it tabs for marking information for later referral;

[0023] FIG. 8, a perspective view of more personal items including a pad of sticky notes for noting information for later referral, an all purpose clamp for securing to the hospital bed or other furniture to secure other of the personal items within easy reach, and a carabiner clip for attachment to the all purpose clamp;

[0024] FIG. 9, a perspective view of more personal items including a stretchable lariat having a large looped end for connection to the person's wrist or to the carbiner clip and a small looped end with attached spring clip for connection to other of the personal items to keep them within easy reach, a flashlight for locating medications and other items at night, and a hand-held fan for personal cooling;

[0025] FIG. 10, a perspective view of more personal items including a battery powered clip-on reading light to project light where needed such as for reading, a plurality of batteries to power the battery powered personal items, a highlighter to highlight and color documents, and a pen for writing letters and the like;

[0026] FIG. 11, a perspective view of a personal item in the form of a hand-held compact mirror for personal viewing;

[0027] FIG. 12, a perspective view of a lap desk in an unfolded, deployed position for use which also folds to a stowed position to fit directly into a tray chamber of the container;

[0028] FIG. 13, a perspective view of the lap desk in the stowed position ready for placement into the tray chamber of the container;

[0029] FIG. 14, a perspective view of the cold pack as worn on the arm of a person in an upright position in a hospital bed, the lap desk in the deployed position over the person's thighs supporting the bud vase with flowers, the lariat having a large looped end around the person's wrist and the spring clip connected to the highlighter, the book held in-hand by the person with the reading light clamped thereto, the all purpose clamp affixed to the lap desk with the carbiner clip attached thereto ready to connect to the large looped end of the lariat if removed from the person's wrist; and

[0030] FIG. 15, a perspective view of a plurality of written materials removably held within the container to help the person use the gift kit most effectively, including an instructional brochure showing how to use the personal items and the lap desk, a checklist of necessary items not provided with the gift kit, and a sales brochure showing different gift kits of the series available for specific medical situations. Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiments

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1 therein is shown an exemplary gift box or kit of the present invention for increasing comfort and self-sufficiency of persons who are having surgery in a hospital or other medical facility. However, this as well as the other gift kits may be used at home for home care by a nurse, at home by one's self, or for use elsewhere. Likewise, the gift kits are designed for increasing comfort and self-sufficiency of a persons having a specific medical condition (or conditions) or general categories of persons whom have various medical conditions with similar needs. However, this is not intended to be limiting only to include persons who are ill, but rather includes persons who have specific needs which may not be directly related to medical conditions, such as for older persons whom are healthy but less able to do certain things due to age. The exemplary gift kit, designated generally at 20, is shown as used setting on a support surface 22 of an over-bed table 24.

[0032] The gift kit 20 is part of a series of gift kits of the present invention designed for increasing comfort and self-sufficiency of persons having a specific medical condition. The series is also for general categories of persons whom have various medical conditions with similar needs. These include persons who are sick, in recovery following surgery, or in some way incapacitated, and may also be used long after treatment and recovery is completed. The gift kits 20 of the series help persons gain back a level of independence by offering personal items that help them to sustain a feeling of self-sufficiency, including items for hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, amusement, and the like of the person.

[0033] As best shown in FIG. 2, the exemplary gift kit 20 includes a first version container 26 which is upwardly open, an optional Hd 28, and a first removable first version spinner or swivel base 30 which swivelably supports container 26 on the support surface 22, a first attachment device in the form of a hook and loop fastening system 31, a plurality of personal items 32 removably held within container 26, a foldable lap desk 34, and a plurality of written materials 35. [0034] The container 26 is adapted for bedside placement on the support surface

22 and is substantially transparent, preferably being made from clear acrylic material, to allow the person to view the personal items 32 and the lap desk 34 contained therein. Container 26 is of rectangular configuration, preferably being made from sheet material in the form of a plurality of panels at least some of which are affixed together edgewise. The panels include a bottom panel 36 of flat rectangular shape adapted to be supported on the support surface 22, and an upstanding paneled peripheral wall 37 which define an upwardly open main chamber 38 of rectangular configuration for receiving the personal items 32 therein. The peripheral wall 37 includes a pair of side panels 39 of flat rectangular shape and a pair of end panels 40 of flat square shape. The container 26 includes an additional chamber in the form of a tray chamber 42 which is upwardly open and of rectangular configuration adapted to receive the lap desk 34. The tray chamber 42 is formed by an internal divider panel 44 of flat square shape adapted to divide off the tray chamber 42 from the main chamber 38. The panels 36, 39, 40, and 44 of container 26 are preferably made from sheet acrylic material of a thickness of between about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch which are adhesively affixed together edgewise. Affixing may be done such as by using a suitable liquid adhesive which dries or sets to a clear layer to match the clear acrylic sheet material. Alternatively, other sheet materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or even tempered glass may be used. The container 26 preferably has external dimensions of about 12 inches by 9 inches, by 9 inches high to conveniently fit on the support surface 22 of table 24. The container 26 is designed to be relatively lightweight but not so light as to easily tip over. Weight is important so the person can easily lift or move it because for most persons coming out of surgery lifting can be painful. A plurality of feet 48 of disk-shape each made of a rubber- like material are adhesively affixed to a bottom 50 of container 26 to allow placement directly on the support surface in engagement therewith. The container 26 may have a decorative or other indicia (not shown) printed thereon. The lid 28 is adapted to fit at an upper edge 51 of the container 26 to cover the main chamber 38. Lid 28 includes a rectangular top panel 52 having an outer periphery 54 of mating configuration to the upper edge 51 of container 26 and to an upper edge 57 of divider panel 44 so as to cover only the main chamber 38 while leaving the tray chamber 42 upwardly open. Lid 28 includes a lifting handle 58 affixed to a top surface 60 of top panel 52 using a flat head screw 62 which extends through a countersunk hole 64 of top panel 52 and threads into a threaded hole 66 of handle 58. The lid 28 includes a centering device in the form of a centering panel 68 of square shape which is adhesively affixed to a bottom surface 70 of top panel 52. Centering panel 68 slip-fits into the main chamber 38 at upper edge 51 between side panels 39, one of end panels 40, and divider panel 44. The centering panel 68 is adapted to laterally retain the lid 28 to the container 26 yet allow the lid 28 to be easily lifted from container 26 for ease of use by persons. The top panel 52 and the centering panel 68 are preferably made from clear acrylic sheet material to match container 26 and are of a thickness of between about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch. Alternatively, other sheet materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or even tempered glass may be used. The lifting handle 58 is preferably molded from clear acrylic material to match container 26, though likewise other materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or glass may be used. The lid 28 may be taped to container 26 for shipping purposes to retain the personal items 32 therewithin. Upon receipt, the lid 28 may be removed permanently removed for use if so desired to permit the person easy access to the personal items 32 therein without lifting lid 28. A decorative ribbon (not shown) may be tied about the lifting handle 58. The lid 28 may have a decorative or other indicia (not shown) printed thereon. The swivel base 30 includes a first version base member 74 of disk-shape adapted to support the container 26 on the support surface 22, and a ball bearing assembly 76 mounted to an upper surface 77 of base member 74. Bearing assembly 76 is connected to the bottom 50 of the container 26 to allow swiveling of the container 26 relative to the base member 74. The swivel base 30 is preferably removably connected to the bottom 50 of container 26 such that the container 26 may be supported by the swivel base 30 on the support surface 22 or alternatively container 26 may be supported directly on the support surface 22. Swivel base 30 is adapted to swivelably support the container 26 on the support surface 22 to allow easier viewing of the personal items 32 by the person easily swiveling container 26. Base member 74 is preferably made from clear acrylic sheet material to match container 26 and lid 28 of a thickness of between about 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch. Alternatively, other sheet materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or even tempered glass may be used. A plurality of the feet 48 are adhesively affixed to a bottom surface 80 of base member 74 for engagement with the support surface 22 of table 24. The ball bearing assembly 76 includes respective upper and lower disks 82 and 84 which are rotatably affixed together each preferably made from clear acrylic sheet material to match container 26, lid 28, and base member 74 of a thickness of between about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Alternatively, other sheet materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or even tempered glass may be used. A plurality of ball bearings 86 are preferably molded from a clear plastic material such as acrylic, polyethylene, or polypropylene, though conventional steel ball bearings 86 may be used. The upper and lower disks 82 and 84 have corresponding facing annular ball tracks 88 and 90 adapted to receive the ball bearings 86 and which together define an annular trackway 93 therebetween. The ball bearings 86 are disposed along the trackway 93 to rollably support the upper disk 82 on the lower disk 84. The upper and lower disks 82 and 84 are coaxially rotatably affixed together by the upper disk 82 having a bearing hole 94 disposed coaxially with the ball track 88 thereof, and the lower disk 84 having an upstanding pivot post 95 disposed coaxially with the ball track 90 thereof adapted to closely rotatably fit within the bearing hole 94. The pivot post 95 includes a plurality of locking members in the form of locking tabs 96 which extend radially therefrom adapted to engage a shoulder 98 of upper disk 82 coaxially disposed about bearing hole 94 to retain the upper and lower disks 82 and 84 rotatably affixed together. A lower surface 102 of lower disk 84 is affixed to the upper surface 77 of base member 74 such as by using a suitable adhesive.

[0037] The swivel base 30 is removably connected to the container 26 using the hook and loop fastening system 31 which includes a pair of mating hook and loop patches 106 and 107, such as known under the trade name VELCRO ™, each being of circular shape and each having an adhesive layer 108 temporarily covered by a corresponding protective sheet 109. The hook patch 106 is affixed to the bottom 50 of container 26 and the loop patch 107 is affixed to the upper surface 77 of upper disk 82 of swivel base 30. When the patches 106 and 107 are attached together, this configuration allows the container 26 to be supported by swivel base 30 with the feet 48 in engagement with the support surface 22. Likewise, with the swivel base 30 removed, the container 26 may be placed directly on the support surface 22 with the feet 48 in engagement with the support surface 22.

[0038] Alternatively, to the hook and loop fastening system 31, a second attachment device in the form of a post and socket fastening system 110 may be used to removably connect a second version swivel base 111 to a second version container 26a which is the same as container 26 but with a second version bottom panel 36a. The swivel base 111 is comprised of a second version base member 74a with the plurality of the feet 48 affixed to a bottom surface 80a thereof, and an upstanding post 112 affixed to an upper surface 77a thereof. A flat head screw 113 extends through a countersunk hole 114 through base member 74a and threads into a threaded hole 115 of post 112 to affix base member 74a to post 112. The bottom panel 36a is the same as bottom panel 36 except for a socket 118 formed or otherwise made therein adapted to closely rotatably receive the post 112. When the post 112 and socket 118 are attached together, this configuration allows the container 26a to be supported by swivel base 111 with the feet 48 in engagement with the support surface 22. Likewise, with the swivel base 111 removed, the container 26a may be placed directly on the support surface 22 with the feet 48 in engagement with the support surface 22.

[0039] The plurality of personal items 32 storable within the main chamber 38 of container 26 are selected for the specific medical condition relating to hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, amusement, and the like of the person. The personal items 32 as held within container 26 add a touch of color to the clear- paneled gift kit 20. The gift kit 20 is reusable such as after the person recovers and leaves the hospital or other medical facility and is a conversation piece. The personal items 32 are removably held within container 26 and selected to make the person's stay at the hospital or other medical facility as comfortable as possible. The personal items 32 of the gift kit 20 are exemplary of a wide variety of items which can be used, and thus not limited to the following.

[0040] In FIG. 3 is shown a lip balm device 120 includes a tube 121 of lip balm

122 comprised of natural oils and waxes that provide extra moisture needed to keep lip elasticity coverable by a cap 124. Many persons in hospitals are on unusual eating and drinking schedules which may cause dry, cracked, or chapped lips. The lip balm 122 assists in the healing of dry lips and dry skin, and contains pain relieving ingredients to help soothe burning lips. The lip balm device 120 is compact and ready to use to provides ready moisture, protect against further chapping and cracking, seal-in moisture to prevent chapped lips, and soothe burning lips.

[0041] In FTG. 3 is shown a toothbrush kit 125 for oral hygiene is provided including a case 126 comprised of respective interconnectable upper and lower case halves 127 and 128, a toothbrush 129, a toothpaste dispenser 132 in which toothpaste 134 is held comprised of a squeeze tube 136 and a removable screw cap 137 to allow the toothpaste 134 to be squeezed from tube 136 onto the toothbrush 129. The toothbrush kit 125 is for those persons which are able to get out of bed to brush their teeth themselves.

[0042] In FIG. 3 is shown a mouth freshener device 138 which includes a plurality of mouth fresheners 140 removably contained in a dispenser 141 comprised of a hollow body 142 and a hingedly movable lid 143 to remove the aftertaste of orally-administered medicines. The mouth fresheners 140 also reduce mouth odor which is especially important when speaking with doctors, visitors, and family members. Commonly available Listerine Oral Care Strips™ packaged under the trade name Listerine PocketPak™ are a particularly effective mouth freshener device 138 to kill germs that build up which cause bad breath and provides a fresh and clean feeling. The PocketPack™ is packaged well for the gift kit 20 as its small, easy to access, easy to open, and easy to use, discreet, and works quickly. This product is sugar free, alcohol-free, has no calories, and gets rid of most odor-causing bacteria in seconds. The PocketPack™ is particularly useful for persons which are bedridden and physically unable to get out of bed to brush their teeth.

[0043] In FIG. 3 is shown a pocket tissue device 144 includes a plurality of facial tissues 146 removably contained in a thin plastic package 148 with a perforated tissue removal slit 150, such as commonly sold under the trade name Kleenex™. The facial tissues 146 are particularly useful for persons which are bedridden for the occasional sniffles and for wound care after surgery. The pocket tissue device 144 is compact and preferably printed with an attractive design 152 on the package 148 to match the other personal items 32.

[0044] In FIG. 4 is shown a cold pack device 154 to relieve aches and pains, reduce swelling caused by injury or surgery, or for personal cooling. The cold pack device 154 includes flexible strap 156 to which a plurality of individual sealed cold packs 158 are attached. A hook patch 160 and a loop patch 162 of a hook and loop fastener system 164 such as commonly sold under the trade name Velcro™ are affixed to opposite ends 166 of strap 156 to secure the cold pack device 154 about an arm, leg, or other portion of the person's body. The cold packs 158 are cooled or completely frozen in a freezer prior to use and remain cold for up to about one hour. The cold pack device 154 as used for personal cooling is important because many persons who are confined to their bed become overly hot but are not physically able to remedy their discomfort.

[0045] In FIG. 4 is shown a misting device 168 for personal refreshing includes a bottle 170 containing a refreshing liquid 172, a closure cap 174 with integral sprayer 176 attached to bottle 170, and a removable guard cap 178 to cover and shield the sprayer 176 from inadvertent spraying. The misting device 168 is of a pressurized aerosol type in which the sprayer is a push- valve, the bottle 170 containing the refreshing liquid 172 is pressurized to facilitate spraying thereof, and the closure cap 174 is permanently attached to bottle 170 and is non-refillable. The misting device 168 may also be of a pump type in which the sprayer is reciprocally operable to pump and spray the refreshing liquid 172, and the closure cap 174 is removably attached to bottle 170 for refilling. Bedridden persons are often uncomfortable due to the limited ability to bathe, especially at their usual frequency. They appreciate virtually anything that will assist in feeling more clean and comfortable. The misting device 168 provides personal refreshing to help reinvigorate and revitalize the person by providing a more clean feeling. The misting device 168 may be used for skin conditioning and toning, depending on the composition of the particular refreshing liquid 172. For example, a commonly available aerosol misting device is sold under the trade names Evian Mineral Water Spray™ or the Evian Skin Care Atomizer™ and is recommended for burn patients to aid and speed healing by the combination of minerals and the pH thereof. It also moisturizes the skin allowing the person to feel invigorated and refreshed.

[0046] In FIG. 4 is shown a plurality of wipe devices 180 include wet wipes 182 packaged in respective foil wrappers 184 are removably joined together at perforated lines 186 therebetween. The wet wipes 182 are provided so that the person may cleanse and refresh their hands, face, and the like when needed despite being bedridden and unable to wash at a sink. The wet wipes 182 are pre-folded, moistened with aloe & vitamin E, hypo-allergenic, and alcohol free.

[0047] In FIG. 5 is shown a pill organizer 188 to arrange pills 190 on a daily basis which helps the person remember to take them each day at the right time. The pill organizer 188 includes a hollow base 192 divided into seven main compartments 194, one for each day of the week, by a plurality of divider walls 196 each with a corresponding lid 198 marked with different day of the week. The lids 198 are integral with base 192, being hinged thereto at respective living hinges 200, and snap-fitting to base 192 in easy-to-open manner. The pill organizer 188 is preferably made of transparent or translucent plastic to allow seeing whether the pills 190 have been taken without needing to open the lids 198. Each main compartment 194 is subdivided by a plurality of sub-divider walls 201 into four sub-compartments 202, one each for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and night-time, which is also marked on the lids 198 to help the person remember which pills 190 to take at what time. The pill organizer 188 is of a compact size that easily fits into container 26 of the gift kit 20 or into the person's pocket or purse.

[0048] In FIG. 6 is shown an eye shade 204 is provided to block out artificial indoor light or sunlight to facilitate the person resting or sleeping during the daytime. The eye shade 204 includes an opaque eye cover 206 with a nose indent 208 and an elastic strap 210 having opposite ends 212 affixed to the eye cover 206. The eye cover 206 fits over the person's eyes with the strap 210 retaining the eye shade 204 securely about the person's head.

[0049] In FlG. 6 is shown a decorative device 214 is provided comprising a bud vase 216 for real or artificial flowers 218 is provided as a token of friendship and remembrance for the person to get well soon so the person can have a flower nearby. One of the most difficult aspects of recovering from an injury or from surgery is keeping one's spirits during the period of recovery and healing. The presence of the flowers 218 triggers positive emotions and heightens feelings of life satisfaction which can facilitate quicker recovery. This is a simple, sincere, and unobtrusive way to lift the person's spirit, bring a smile to the face, and brighten up the person when not feeling well. Even if the recovery room is full of bouquets, the person's favorite flowers 218 are closest in the bud vase 216 such as on the over-bed table 24. [0050] In FIG. 7 is shown an inspirational book 220 provided to help keep the person's spirits up, emotions positive, hands busy, and mind active. The book 220 is preferably small so as to be easily held in-hand and fit within the container 26, in some cases a miniature book, and be easy to read and relatively short in length. Inspirational stories raise spirits and can be highly beneficial to the healing process.

[0051] In FIG. 7 is shown a bookmark 222 to mark reading material such as the book 220. The bookmark 222 may vary depending on which series of the gift kit 20. While the main purpose of the bookmark 222 is to mark your place in reading material, they may have certain features to make them more convenient, safe, and fun for the person. For example, in a children's gift kit 20 of the series, the bookmark 222 may be made of a soft flexible magnet 224 with various colorful pictures 226 printed thereon. The bookmark 222 may be used as a magnet for example to attach paper to ferrous metal surfaces such as the hospital bed. In a surgical gift kit 20 of the series, a bookmark 228 is made of satin ribbon material which is soft, flexible, and provides a beautiful colorful background. The soft, flexible, satin ribbon material is used instead of stiff paper or laminated paper and plastic material to prevent potential inadvertent injury to the person during use, particularly those areas of the body which are healing. The bookmarks 222 and

228 thus serve a safe and useful purpose, add color, fun, and spirit to the patient's gift kit 20.

[0052] In FTG. 7 is shown an exemplary puzzle 229 provided to help keep the person's spirits up, emotions positive, hands busy, and mind active. Puzzle 29 includes a frame 230 that supports a plurality of slidable tiles 231 which correctly form a design 232 when placed in the proper order on the frame 230. The puzzle

229 stimulates the person's mind while raising spirits which can be highly beneficial to the healing process, especially when giving birth, post partum depression, cosmetic surgery, and illnesses requiring long recovery times.

[0053] In FIG. 7 is shown a tab pack 233 comprising a plurality of marking tabs

234 contained in a clear plastic package 235. Such marking tabs 234, commonly sold under the trade name Post-it Tabs™, are provided to give the person a fast, convenient, effective way for marking important information while reading for future reference and the like. The marking tabs 234 allow easier noting and marking of critical information particularly on the over-bed table 24 which has a small support surface 22 on which to spread out reading materials and write.

[0054] In FIG. 8 is shown a pad 236 of sticky notes 237 which are commonly sold under the trade name Post-it Notes™ for noting information for later referral and the like. The sticky notes 237 are important to the person because of the atypical waking and sleeping hours often encountered in hospitals due to dozing off during the daytime and thus not sleeping during parts of the nighttime. There will be times when the person has an important thought or reminder to pass on during waking time with no other person present to receive verbally tell. The stick notes 237 allow the person to easily write down important messages, urgent reminders, and the like to stick in a prominent location for later notice and passing on to the proper person, note

[0055] In FIG. 8 is shown an all purpose clamp 238 provided to secure other of the personal items 32 to the hospital bed, over-bed table 24, night stand, or the like within easy reach and to prevent dropping or loss thereof, as bedridden persons are unlikely to be able to retrieve the personal items 32 if dropped. The clamp 238 includes a rigid, C-shaped body 240 of U-shape and a screw handle 242 of T-shape which threadably engages one leg 244 of the body 240 with a tip 246 to engage a portion hospital bed, over-bed table 24, or the like and clamp it against an opposite leg 248 of body 240. A loop 250 of body 240 is provided for attachment of a carbiner clip 252.

[0056] In FIG. 8 is shown the carabiner clip 252 provided commonly used in mountain climbing, which includes a body 254 of flattened C-shape with an opening 256. A closure lever 258 pivotally mounted to the body 254 and spring- biased to a closed position covering opening 256. The carabiner clip 252 easily attaches to the loop 250 of clamp 238, or to any other loop such as person's clothing, drawer pulls, and the like by pushing lever 258 from a closed position (dotted lines) to the open position shown. The carabiner clip 252 is provided for attachment of other of the personal items 32 using a lariat 260.

[0057] In FIG. 9 is shown the lariat 260 provided, which includes a flexible cord

262 which may be elasticized or made of a rubberlike material so as to be stretchable, having a central portion 264 and respective large and small looped ends 266 and 268 formed using a pair of crimp clamps 269. A spring clip 270 includes a loop portion 272 attached to the small looped end 268, a curved stationary portion 274, and a spring arm portion 276 adapted to be deflected from a closed position to an open position to uncover an opening 278 of spring clip 270. The large looped end 266 is adapted for connection to the carbiner clip 252 which is itself attached to the loop 250 of clamp 238, or to any other loop. The large looped end 266 may also be large enough such as by stretching cord 262 over the hand to attach directly about the wrist of the person (see FIG. 14). Likewise, the large looped end 266 may be large enough to loosely fit around the neck (not shown) of the person by having a detachable end (not shown) to facilitate attachment directly to the person. The spring clip 270 is adapted to attach to other of the personal items 32 as described below. This keeps such personal items 32 within easy reach of the person day or night, ensures that the person requires only a limited amount of movement to retrieve the needed personal item 32, and that the personal item 32 will not became misplaced. This is extremely useful for incapacitated persons who often wake up throughout the night and need or want to find something.

[0058] In FIG. 9 is shown a small, battery powered flashlight 280 is provided for locating medications and other items which are difficult to locate in the dark and for walking to the bathroom and other miscellaneous activities which are difficult to do in the dark. The flashlight 280 may also be used for reading or as a night light. The flashlight 280 includes a removable front casing 282 from light is emitted and a rear casing 284 which are separable to insert a plurality of batteries (see FIG. 10) to power the flashlight 280. The front and rear casings 282 and 284 have a rubber layer 286 thereabout to help avoid breakage if flashlight 280 is inadvertently dropped. A loop 288 of rear casing 282 is provided to permit attachment of the lariat 260 thereto using spring clip 270.

[0059] In FIG. 9 is shown a battery powered, hand-held personal fan 290 for discrete personal cooling includes a gripping handle 292 and a shroud 294 covering a plurality of rotatable blades 296. The fan 290 is of lightweight design for ease of use, has a powerful airflow, and is quiet during operation. A loop 298 of handle 292 is provided to permit attachment of the lariat 260 thereto using spring clip 270. The fan 290 is also freestanding, having a plurality of feet 300 of disk-shape and made of a rubber-like material affixed to handle 292 for positioning such as on support surface 22 of table 24. Unshrouded fans (not shown) preferably have soft safety blades to prevent injury to the person.

[0060] In FIG. 10 is shown a battery powered, clip-on reading light 302 includes a light emitting head 304 mounted on an arm 306 which is securable using a clamp 308. The reading light 302 is sleek and compact, with the head 304 and arm 306 being fully adjustable to project light where needed such as for reading. The clamp 308 securely anchors reading light 302 to reading material such as the book 220, a book holder (not shown), the lap desk 34, or the hospital bed. The person likely spends a lot of time reading in bed so it is very helpful that reading light 302 that is easily secured and positioned for reading.

[0061] In FIG. 10 is shown a plurality of batteries 310 are provided to power the flashlight 280, personal fan 290, and reading light 302.

[0062] In FIG. 10 is shown a highlighter 312 provided to highlight and color documents for amusement and more serious use such as related to business or the person's health. Persons who are bedridden have few activities which they can perform while lying in the hospital bed. The highlighter 312 is provided to highlight magazines (not shown) and books 220 while reading and to easily reference doctor prescribed instructions. The highlighter 312 includes a body 314 which contains a highlighting ink (not shown) and a protective cap 316. A loop 318 of body 314 is provided to permit attachment of the lariat 260 thereto using spring clip 270.

[0063] In FIG. 10 is shown a pen 320 provided to allow person to write notes, letters, reminders, correspondence, and the like. The pen 320 includes a barrel 322 that contains an elongate ink cartridge (not shown) containing writing ink which terminates at a writing tip 326 external of barrel 322. A loop 328 of barrel 322 is provided to permit attachment of the lariat 260 thereto using spring clip 270.

[0064] In FIG. 11 is shown a hand-held compact mirror 330 for personal viewing includes a hinged casing 332 having an upper case half 334 and a lower case half 336 interconnected by a locking hinge 338. A reflective panel 340 is mounted to the upper case half 334. The lower case half 336 may be held in-hand during use. The hinge 338 snaps to an open position for use and snaps to a closed position when not in use. A loop 342 of the lower case half 336 is provided to permit attachment of the lariat 260 thereto using spring clip 270. Mirror 330 has a plurality of feet 344 of disk shape made of a rubber-like material affixed to lower case half 336 for positioning such as on the support surface 22 of a table 24. In FIGS. 12-14 is shown the foldable lap desk 34 having a compact, planar main writing surface 346. Lap desk 34 is adapted to fold to a stowed position to fit directly into the tray chamber 42 supported by the container 26. Lap desk 34 is preferably made of clear acrylic so the personal items 32 within container 26 may be seen therethrough. The lap desk 34 includes a pair of writing panels 348 of rectangular shape which are pivotally joined together at adjoining edges 350 which are of an abuttable, right-angle configuration using a pair of hinge devices comprising hinges 352. Pivoting of the writing panels 348 is stopped at a deployed position by the adjoining edges 350 thereof abutting. Writing panels 348 have respective upper writing surfaces 354 which form the main writing surface 346 which is planar when pivoted to a deployed position of lap desk 34 with the adjoining edges 350 abutting. The writing panels 348 are preferably made from clear acrylic sheet material to permit viewing therethrough of the personal items 32 within container 26 and are of a thickness of between about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Alternatively, other sheet materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or even tempered glass may be used. Each writing panel 348 is about 8-3/4 inches long and about 15-1/4 inches wide to make the main writing surface 346 about 17-1/2 inches long and about 15-1/4 inches wide. This size closely removably fits within the tray chamber 42 extending upwardly out of container 26. A pair of lee panels 356 of rectangular shape are pivotally joined to respective bottom surfaces 358 of the writing panels 348 in a spaced-apart disposition by respective pairs of the hinges 352 disposed at respective panel edges 360 thereof. Pivoting of the leg panels 356 is stopped at the deployed position by the panel edges 360 contacting respective of the bottom surfaces 358 of the writing panels 348. The panel edges 360 are slightly beveled such that the leg panels 356 are each disposed at a slightly divergent angle "A" from vertical when in the deployed position. The leg panels 356 are preferably made from clear acrylic sheet material to permit viewing therethrough of the personal items 32 within container 26 and are of a thickness of between about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Alternatively, other sheet materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or even tempered glass may be used. Each leg panel 356 is about 14 inches long and about 8 inches high to fold within the periphery writing panels 348. As shown in FIG. 14, the lap desk 34 is used by a person 362 in an upright position of a hospital bed 364 by upwardly adjusting a backrest 366 of the bed 364 or by placing pillows (not shown) under the person's back 368. Lap desk 34 is maintained in the deployed position over the person's thighs 370 by the downward pull of gravity on lap desk 34 and anything placed thereon such as some of the personal items 32. The adjoining edges 350 of writing panels 348 in abutting contact maintain the main writing surface 346 planar, and the panel edges 360 abutting respective of the bottom surfaces 358 limit outward movement of the leg panels 356 to set the deployed position. The leg panels 356 are adapted to fold against respective of the writing panels 348 in the stowed position, and the writing panels 348 are adapted to fold together with the leg panels 356 sandwiched therebetween in the stowed position so the lap desk 34 closely removably fits within the tray chamber 42 extending upwardly out of container 26. [0067] Also shown in FIG 14 are the cold pack 154 as worn on the arm 371 of the person 362 in the hospital bed 364. The lap desk 34 is shown supporting the bud vase 216 with flowers 218. The lariat 260 is shown with the large looped end 266 around the person's wrist 372 and the spring clip 270 connected to the loop 318 of highlighter 312 to prevent dropping thereof. The book 220 is shown held in-hand by the person 362 with the reading light 302 clamped thereto to provide illumination. The all purpose clamp 238 is shown affixed to one of the writing panels 348 of lap desk 34 with the carbiner clip 252 attached to loop 250 thereof ready to connect to the large looped end 266 of lariat 260 if removed from the person's wrist 372.

[0068] The plurality of written materials 35 removably held within container 26 are adapted to help the person use the gift kit 20 most effectively to make the hospital stay as comfortable as possible. The written materials 35 of the gift kit 20 are exemplary of a wide variety of items which can be used, and thus not limited to the following.

[0069] In FIG. 15 is shown an instructional brochure 373 with directions and tips for use of the gift kit 20 including how to use the personal items 32 and lap desk 34 immediately and when the person has fully recovered from the illness.

[0070] In FIG. 15 is shown a checklist 374 of necessary items not provided with the gift kit 20 which may be comforting or necessary to the person yet may not be readily available at the hospital or other medical care facility. Therefore, the person may want to bring these items from home. Such necessary items are typically not provided with the gift kit 20 because of their large size which does not readily fit within the container 26 or takes up too much room therein, or due to perishability issues such as for certain medications and food items. The checklist 374 helps the person organize requirements for such items. This can be especially helpful prior to planned surgery while the person is preparing for surgery.

[0071] In FIG. 15 is shown a sales brochure 376 provided to identify the various gift kits 20 of the series available for specific medical situations and the like, including description of the contents thereof, the function, directions for use, and ideas for use of each item of the gift kits 20 of the series.

[0072] Exemplary medical conditions for the gift kits 20 of the series include, but are not limited to, general hospitalization, general man's hospitalization, general women's hospitalization, general boy's hospitalization, general girl's hospitalization, general baby's hospitalization, general surgery, plastic surgery, tonsil surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, maternity, and caesarian section maternity. Exemplary names of the gift kits 20 of the series include, but are not limited to the following: 1) The Basic Get Better™ Kit; 2) The Get Better™ Kit For Surgery; 3) The Get Better™ Kit For Little Girls; 4) The Get Better™ Kit For Little Boys; 5) The Get Better™ Kit For Maternity C-Section; 6) The Get Better™ Kit For Maternity; 7) The Get Better™ Kit For Mothers-To-Be Maternity Madness; 8) The Get Better™ Kit For Plastic Surgery; 9) The Get Better™ Kit For Schnozzes (runny noses due to colds); 10) The Get Better™ Kit For Babies; 11) The Get Better™ Kit For Tonsil Tinglers (tonsil removal); 12) The Get Better™ Kit For Facial Surgery; 13) The Get Better™ Kit For Women; and 14) The Get Better™ Kit For Men. These names identify the medical condition and persons for which the gift kit 20 is designed, but also have marketing appeal and some are even humorous.

[0073] The gift kits 20 of the series are designed for the specialized needs of the person. For example, the gift kit 20 includes personal items 32 specifically picked out for persons just getting out of surgery of any kind, except for cosmetic face surgery, and includes the compact mirror 330. However, a gift kit 20 with personal items specifically picked out for facial surgery may not include the compact mirror 330 since surgeons typically do not want the person looking at their face immediately following surgery. A gift kit 20 with personal items specifically picked out for women whom have just given birth vaginally varies from the gift kit 20 for women whom have just given birth by caesarean section, having several additional personal items specifically related to C-section births.

[0074] It is to be understood that the specific items including the design of the container 26, the number and types of personal items 32, and the design of the lap desk 34 may be varied from that shown in the figures while staying within the scope of the present invention. Likewise, the term "personal items" is deemed to include any items of personal or less personal disposition needed to fulfill the enumerated goals of the present invention. Likewise, custom items may be provided within the scope of the present invention as requested by the person for that added touch of personalization.

[0075] The series of gift kits 20 for increasing comfort and self-sufficiency of a persons having specific medical conditions includes a plurality of gift kits 20 designed for different medical conditions, each comprising a container 26 of the type described adapted for bedside placement on a support surface 22 with the main chamber 38 for receiving items therein, and a plurality of the personal items 32 storable within the main chamber 38 of the container 26 selected for the specific medical condition and relating to hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, amusement, and the like of the person.

[0076] The present invention further includes a method of providing customized gift kits for increasing comfort and self-sufficiency of a persons having a specific medical condition or general categories of persons whom have various medical conditions with similar needs comprises the steps of: 1) providing a customer with a choice of types of gift kits available for specific medical conditions; 2) accepting the choice made by the customer of the type of gift kit desired from the choices of types provided; 3) providing the consumer a with a choice of items available for the type of gift kit chosen; 4) accepting the choice made by the customer of the items desired from the choices of items provided; and 5) providing to the consumer with the gift kit of the type chosen with the items chosen. Each gift kit provided preferably includes the container (of the type described) adapted for bedside placement on the support surface with the main chamber for receiving the items therein, and wherein each item provided is storable within the main chamber of the container.

[0077] The method may include additional steps such as: 6) providing the consumer an option to request at least one custom item not on the choice of items available for the type of gift kit desired; 7) accepting the request for at least one custom item for consideration as to whether they will be provided with the gift kit chosen; and 8) responding to the request for at least one custom item as to whether each custom item will be provided or not with the gift kit.

[0078] The choice of personal items available for the type of gift kit chosen preferably relate to hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, or amusement.

[0079] The steps of providing the customer with a choice of types of gift kits available for specific medical conditions, accepting the choice made by the customer of the type of gift kit desired from the choices of types provided, providing the consumer a with a choice of items available for the type of gift kit chosen, and accepting the choice made by the customer of the items desired from the choices of items provided are preferably conducted electronically by the customer accessing a website on the internet. [0080] The specific medical conditions for the choice of types of gift kits available provided to the customer are preferably general hospitalization, general man's hospitalization, general women's hospitalization, general boy's hospitalization, general girl's hospitalization, general baby's hospitalization, general surgery, plastic surgery, tonsil surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, maternity, and caesarian section maternity.

[0081] The gift kits provide all of the above-enumerated improvements over the prior art which include: 1) includes many useful items in one convenient and beautifully decorated presentation kit; 2) the contents and presentation is unique as a stand alone container that houses a wide variety of quality items which are not readily available through one purchasing source; 3) addresses a problem and taps into a market which has not previously been addressed; 4) the personal items include mostly necessity items which make what might otherwise be a difficult time easier for the person; 5) contents and presentation are completely user- customizable by user or gift giver; 6) transcends all ages and healing scenarios to provide universal appeal; 7) person knows much thought went into choosing and customizing the gift; 8) lasts much longer than conventional patient gifts such as after flowers wilt and get well cards are thrown away; and 9) delivers a beautiful message of care and love; 10) a completely unique gift unlike any other currently on the market; and 11) taps into a market that is not currently penetrated.

[0082] Whereas this invention is here illustrated and described with reference to embodiments thereof presently contemplated as the best mode of carrying out such invention in actual practice, it is to be understood that various changes may be made in adapting the invention to different embodiments without departing from the broader inventive concepts disclosed herein and comprehended by the claims that follow.

Claims

Claims I claim:

1. A gift kit for increasing comfort and self-sufficiency of a person having a specific medical condition or general categories of persons whom have various medical conditions with similar needs, comprising: a container adapted for placement on a support surface with a main chamber for receiving items therein; and a plurality of personal items storable within said main chamber of said container selected for the specific medical condition and relating to at least one of hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, and amusement of the person.

2. The gift kit according to Claim 1, wherein the container is substantially transparent to allow the person to view the personal items contained therein.

3. The gift kit according to Claim 2, wherein the container is made from clear acrylic material.

5. The gift kit according to Claim 1, wherein the container comprises a bottom panel adapted to be supported on the support surface and an upstanding peripheral wall which define the main chamber which is upwardly open.

6. The gift kit according to Claim 5, wherein the container is of rectangular configuration, the bottom panel being of flat rectangular shape, and the peripheral wall comprising a pair of side panels and a pair of square end panels each of being of flat rectangular shape, and the main chamber being of rectangular configuration. 7. The gift kit according to Claim 1, wherein the container is made from sheet material.

8. The gift kit according to Claim 7, wherein the sheet material is of a thickness of between about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch.

9. The gift kit according to Claim 7, wherein the sheet material is in the form of a plurality of panels at least some of which are affixed together edgewise.

11. The gift kit according to Claim 1, wherein the container has external dimensions of about 12 inches by 9 inches by 9 inches high.

12. The gift kit according to Claim 1, wherein the container includes an additional chamber adapted to receive at least one said item.

13. The gift kit according to Claim 12, wherein the container includes at least one internal divider adapted to divide off the additional chamber from the main chamber.

14. The gift kit according to Claim 1, further comprising a lid adapted to fit at an upper edge of the container to cover the main chamber.

15. The gift kit according to Claim 14, wherein the lid includes a lifting handle.

16. The gift kit according to Claim 14, wherein the lid includes a centering device adapted to laterally retain said lid to the container at an upper edge thereof. 17. The gift kit according to Claim 1, further comprising a swivel base connected to the bottom of the container adapted to swivelably support said container on the support surface.

18. The gift kit according to Claim 17, wherein the swivel base is removably connected to the container such that said container may be supported by said swivel base on the support surface or supported directly on the support surface.

19. The gift kit according to Claim 18, wherein the swivel base is removably connected to the container using an attachment device chosen from the group consisting of a hook and loop fastening system wherein one of a pair of mating hook and loop patches thereof is affixed to the bottom of said container and another of said hook and loop patches is affixed to said swivel base, and a post and socket fastening system wherein said swivel base includes a base member and an upstanding post and said bottom of said container has a mating socket adapted to closely rotatably receive said post.

20. The gift kit according to Claim 1, wherein at least one of the personal items is chosen from the group consisting of a lip balm device, a toothbrush kit, a mouth freshener device, a pocket tissue device, a cold pack device, a misting device, a plurality of wipe devices, a pill organizer, an eye shade, a bud vase for flowers, a book, a bookmark, a puzzle, a tab pack containing a plurality of marking tabs, a pad of marking notes, all purpose clamp, a carabiner clip, a lariat, a battery powered flashlight, a battery powered personal fan, a battery powered clip- on reading light, batteries, a highlighter, a pen, and a compact mirror.

21. The gift kit according to Claim 1, further comprising a foldable lap desk having a planar main writing surface, said lap desk being adapted to fold to a stowed position supported by the container. 22. The gift kit according to Claim 21, wherein the lap desk comprises at least one writing panel having an upper writing surface, and a pair of leg panels which are pi votally joined to a bottom surface of said at least on writing panel at respective panel edges in a spaced-apart disposition, said leg panels being adapted to fold against said at least one writing panel in the stowed position.

23. The gift kit according to Claim 22, wherein the lap desk comprises a pair of writing panels pivotally joined together at respective adjoining edges, the upper surfaces thereof forming the main writing surface when pivoted to a deployed position of said lap desk with said adjoining edges abutting, and said writing panels being adapted to fold together with said leg panels sandwiched therebetween in the stowed position.

24. The gift kit according to Claim 23, wherein the writing panels and leg panels are pivotally joined together using hinge devices, pivoting of said writing panels is stopped at the deployed position by the adjoining edges thereof abutting, and pivoting of said leg panels is stopped at the deployed position by the panel edges contacting respective of the bottom surfaces of said writing panels, and said panel edges are slightly beveled such that said leg panels are disposed at a slightly divergent angle from vertical when in the deployed position.

25. A gift kit for increasing comfort and self-sufficiency of a persons having a specific medical condition or general categories of persons whom have various medical conditions with similar needs, comprising: a container adapted for placement on a support surface with a main chamber for receiving items therein, said container being substantially transparent and made from sheet material in the form of a plurality of panels at least some of which are affixed together edgewise; and a plurality of personal items storable within said main chamber of said container selected for the specific medical condition and relating to at least one of hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, and amusement of the person.

26. The gift kit according to Claim 25, further comprising a swivel base connected to the bottom of the container adapted to rotatably support said container on the support surface, said swivel base being removably connected to said container using an attachment device chosen from the group consisting of a hook and loop fastening system wherein one of a pair of mating hook and loop patches thereof is affixed to the bottom of said container and another of said hook and loop patches is affixed to said swivel base, and a post and socket fastening system wherein said swivel base includes a base member and an upstanding post and said bottom of said container has a mating socket adapted to closely rotatably receive said post, such that said container may be supported by said swivel base on the support surface or supported directly on the support surface.

27. The gift kit according to Claim 25, further comprising a foldable lap desk having a planar main writing surface, said lap desk being adapted to fold to a stowed position supported by the container.

28. The gift kit according to Claim 27, wherein the container is of rectangular configuration, the bottom panel being of flat rectangular shape, and the peripheral wall comprising a pair of side panels and a pair of square end panels each of being of flat rectangular shape, and the main chamber being of rectangular configuration, said container including an additional chamber adapted to receive the lap desk, said lap desk comprising a pair of writing panels each having an upper writing surface and being pivotally joined together at respective adjoining edges, and a pair of leg panels which are pivotally joined to respective bottom surfaces of said writing panels at respective panel edges in a spaced-apart disposition, said leg panels being adapted to fold against said at least one writing panel in the stowed position, said upper surfaces of said writing panels forming the main writing surface when pivoted to a deployed position of said lap desk with said adjoining edges abutting, and said writing panels being adapted to fold together with said leg panels sandwiched therebetween in the stowed position.

29. The gift kit according to Claim 25, further comprising a lid adapted to fit at an upper edge of the container to cover the main chamber, said lid having a lifting handle.

30. A series of gift kits for increasing comfort and self-sufficiency of a persons having specific medical conditions, comprising a plurality of gift kits designed for different medical conditions each comprising a container adapted for bedside placement on a support surface with a main chamber for receiving items therein and a plurality of personal items storable within said main chamber of said container selected for the specific medical condition and relating to at least one of hygiene, comfort, care, self-sufficiency, and amusement of the person.

31. The series of gift kits according to Claim 30, wherein the container of each gift kit is substantially transparent to allow the person to view the personal items contained therein, said containers each comprising a bottom panel adapted to be supported on the support surface and an upstanding peripheral wall which define the main chamber which is upwardly open, said containers being of rectangular configuration, said bottom panel being of flat rectangular shape, and the peripheral wall being comprised of a pair of side panels and a pair of square end panels each of being of flat rectangular shape, and said main chamber being of rectangular configuration, and further comprising a swivel base connected to the bottom of said container adapted to rotatably support said container on the support surface, and a foldable lap desk having a planar main writing surface, said lap desk being adapted to fold to a stowed position supported by said container.