Phokus Research Group has recently announced that they’ve received a patent on their Low Profile Medical Kit. The full release can be read below:
1.14.2015: For Immediate Release
Patent covers a system configured to fit behind ballistic plates of a protective vest.
San Diego, CA, January 14, 2015 – The United States Patent and Trademark Office issues Patent No. 8,925,115 to Phokus Research Group for their Low Profile Medical Kit.
Battle tested in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Phokus Trauma Kit’s lightweight packaging allows for quick deployment in the field. The innovative pressure sealed, flat design allows operators to comfortably wear medical gear that is concealable and instantly accessible, eliminating the need for bulky external medical pouches.
Designed as a system to fit behind the ballistic plates of a protective vest, the kit is protected from shrapnel and tearing, is easily locatable and removable and does not effect the user’s freedom of movement. When the kit is removed from its protected location, it presents the medical trauma supplies in a logical and easily viewable manner.
Phokus Trauma Kits feature high quality, combat proven components that follow all Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Guidelines. The contents are packed for priority of care and are sealed within heavy-duty medical grade vinyl that provides weatherproof protection of critical medical supplies. Radio Frequency (RF) welded seams provide superior loss protection of valuable equipment. Available in four sizes, Phokus Trauma Kits are designed to suit every Operator’s needs.
“Being able to provide life saving medical gear that can be wore by an operator has always been our goal and we continue to innovate products for this life saving system.” said Steve Friedlander, VP Sales and Marketing of Phokus Research Group.
Tags: Phokus Research Group
Good on them, but I’m no lawyer so what does this do to small companies that hook up needy police like the Thin Blue Line or companies like DARK angel? Hell I made a kit similar to this years ago and carry it on my armor at work.
I’d imagine no sh!ts would be given if you didn’t try to monetize it–either by claiming ideas or reproducing product in a way that “confuses” the market. Some “donations” are calculated to build legitimacy that spurs commerce–even when they make to people worthy of help.
Not sure if you’ve been following the evolution of Phokus’s “system” (important word that allows them to enforce their IP but prohibits them from suing everyone who keeps a packet of HemCon under their plate) but what started out as TTP has come to market as products and processes worth protecting in an industry all-to-prone to “lifting” ideas.
And the DARK kit is a completely different concept than the Phokus kit. EACH should be able to realize their investment in concept and execution…
I’m also not a lawyer, but I took some time and read the patent in detail. I’m familiar with Phokus’s product, which is great, but this patent is much broader than I would have expected and seems a though it could apply to A LOT of products that predate Phokus in this market space. I suppose the argument could be made that these other companies should have made the move first. Whether or not Phokus chooses to pursue every FAK manufacturer who builds a slim FAK that can be carried anywhere on the armor, rather than just those that are clear copies, will depend on their business ethics I suppose.
This is cool! Being on blood thinners and prone to bleeding out if i was ever badly injured, would be a very beneficial to carry in my car at all times. Way to go. please keep me up to date!
Patent is only as strong as legal team and $Do££ar$$ spent to defend it.