Injector

Abstract

To provide an automatic injection medical device that injects medicine.SOLUTION: Provided is an injector including (a) a housing, (b) a controller releasably fixed to the housing, and (c) a syringe movably positioned within the housing. When released, the controller drives the syringe to expose a portion of the syringe outside of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present teachings relate generally to automated medical devices and, more particularly, to automatic injection medical devices that inject one or more pharmaceutical agents. [Background technology]

[0002] An epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) is a life-saving medical device used during anaphylactic reactions by over 15 million Americans who suffer from food allergies. An epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) is an emergency injection ("shot") of epinephrine. This medication is used for life-threatening allergic reactions such as severe swelling, breathing problems, or a drop in blood pressure. Allergic or anaphylactic reactions can be caused by stinging or biting insects, allergy shots, foods, medicines, exercise, or other known and / or unknown causes.

[0003] EAIs are usually packaged in individual protective cases with doses ranging from 0.15 mg to 0.3 mg depending on the prescription. Because patients may experience different responses from the use of the medication, it is recommended that patients carry two EAIs.

[0004] Similarly, injections of insulin or other medicines may be required by the more than 30 million people in the United States who suffer from diabetes. Without insulin injections, diabetics may suffer from severe hypoglycemia, or diabetic shock, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, diabetics carry insulin with them in case of hypoglycemia. Insulin is available in autoinjector cartridges for rapid use. However, for the cartridges currently in use, the insulin must be stored between 56°F and 80°F (13.3°C and 26.6°C). Because insulin injections are required by the majority of people with diabetes, it is necessary to have insulin on hand at all times.

[0005] A common problem is that an auto-injector may not be available promptly when needed. Another problem is that an auto-injector may expire without the user's knowledge. A further problem with auto-injectors is that users may be careless about how they use the injector to inject. In addition, caregivers, including doctors, nurses, and family members, often want to monitor medication use and proper use of the auto-injector for individuals, especially if the individual is a child or elderly.

[0006] Examples of such autoinjectors can be found in PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US / 2018 / 018031, as well as U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 726,895, filed September 4, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 729,589, filed September 11, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 735,238, filed September 24, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 737,249, filed September 27, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 743,713, filed October 10, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 785,357, filed December 27, 2018, all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. It would be attractive to have an autoinjector that is easily accessible to a user. What is needed is an autoinjector that can be stored on a mobile device case. It would be attractive to have an injector that automatically injects medication into a user with minimal user interface. What is needed is an autoinjector that has a single control and / or button to perform the injection action. It would be attractive to have a portable autoinjector with a protective casing that protects the user from unwanted contact with one or more components of the autoinjector. What is needed is an autoinjector with a moveable sheath that protects the user from contact with one or more components of the autoinjector before injection, after injection, or both. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 148741 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present teachings fulfill one or more of the existing needs by providing an injector comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a controller releasably secured to the housing; and (c) a syringe movably positioned within the housing, where the controller, when released, drives the syringe to expose a portion of the syringe outside the housing.

[0009] The present teachings provide an injector comprising: an injector having an exposed portion of the syringe that is a needle; the syringe containing a medication that is dispensed through the needle and into a user via a plunger actuated by a controller; the controller is actuated by one or more biasing members; the injector further comprises a sheath that movably protects the needle before the controller is released, after the controller is released, or both; the injector is housed within a mobile device case, within an injector case secured to the mobile device case, or both; the controller is released via a force applied to a button on the housing that engages the controller; a stopper secures the controller to the housing such that when the stopper is removed from the injector, the controller is released to engage the syringe; the stopper is a pin movably secured to the housing; the injector is configured for a single injection; the injector is configured for multiple injections; the one or more biasing members are springs; the sheath is secured to the housing; one or more of the existing needs are met by providing an injector wherein: the sheath is attached to the housing such that when the syringe is actuated by the controller, the syringe contacts a portion of the sheath releasing the sheath from the housing to encase the exposed portion of the syringe; the sheath is secured to the housing via one or more biasing members such that after an injection from the syringe, the sheath is biased to extend over the exposed portion of the syringe; the one or more biasing members of the sheath are springs; the pin releasably engages a button on the housing; the injector case is releasably secured to the phone case; a first section of the injector case is fixedly secured to the phone case and a second section of the injector case is releasably secured to the phone case; the second section of the injector case is fixedly attached to the injector; the second section of the injector case is a portion of the housing of the injector; or a combination thereof.

[0010] The present teachings meet one or more of the existing needs by providing an injector having a sheath, the sheath attached to a plate fixed within a housing, and when a syringe is actuated by a controller, the controller contacts opposing fingers securing the sheath and releases the fingers, causing the sheath to become free and extend to encase the exposed portion of the syringe; the sheath is biased via a biasing member, such that the sheath extends upon becoming free; the sheath is fixed to a protrusion on the plate and the fingers are rotatably fixed to a plurality of holes disposed on the plate; or a combination thereof.

[0011] The present teachings meet one or more of the existing needs by providing an autoinjector that is easily accessible to a user; an autoinjector that can be stored on a mobile device case; an autoinjector that automatically injects medication into a user with minimal user interface; an autoinjector that has a single control and / or button for performing an injection action; a portable autoinjector that has a protective casing that protects the user from unwanted contact with one or more components of the autoinjector; and a movable sheath that protects the user from contact with one or more components of the autoinjector before, after, or both.

[0012] The injector may further include one or more near field communication sensors. The one or more near field communication sensors may be adapted to identify and / or monitor the location of the medical device with reference to a telephone connected to the housing. The one or more near field communication sensors may be adapted to identify and / or monitor the temperature of the medical device. A user may be adapted to receive a notification that the temperature of the medical device is outside a predefined acceptable range. One or more predefined third party devices may be adapted to receive a notification when the medical device is separated from the telephone. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telephone case having an injector. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telephone case having an injector. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a phone case with the injector released from the phone case. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a phone case with the injector released from the phone case. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the injector case and the telephone case. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of a phone case with an injector. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the injector. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the injector in a rest position prior to activation. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 8A during injection. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the injector in a rest position prior to activation. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 9A during injection. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 9A with the sheath assembly partially articulated after injection. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 9A with the sheath assembly fully articulated after injection. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sheath assembly. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a front view of a telephone case having a near field communication sensor arrangement. [Figure 11B] FIG. 1 is a front view of a phone case having a near field communication sensor and a temperature sensor arrangement. [Figure 11C] FIG. 13 is a front view of the injector with a temperature sensor arrangement. [Figure 12A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the injector in a rest position. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a side view of the injector of FIG. 12A in an engaged position. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12B is a side view of the injector of FIG. 12A in an extended position. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a side view of the injector. [Figure 14A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the injector. [Figure 14B] FIG. 2 is a side view of the injector. [Figure 15A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the injector in a rest position. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a side view of the injector of FIG. 15A in an engaged position. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15B is a side view of the injector of FIG. 15A in an extended position. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a side view of the injector in a rest position. [Figure 17A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the injector in a rest position. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a side view of the injector of FIG. 17A in an engaged position. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17B is a side view of the injector of FIG. 17A in an extended position. [Figure 18A] FIG. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a side view of the injector of FIG. 18A. [Figure 19] FIG. 18B is an exploded view of the injector of FIG. 18A. [Figure 20A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the injector in a rest position. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a side view of the injector of FIG. 20A in an engaged position. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20B is a side view of the injector of FIG. 20A in an extended position. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a side view of the injector. [Figure 22] FIG. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the injector of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the injector. [Figure 25A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the injector. [Figure 25B] FIG. 25B is a side view of the injector of FIG. 25A during the initiation of an injection operation. [Figure 25C]FIG. 25C is a side view of the injector of FIG. 25B with the cover removed. [Figure 25D] FIG. 25D is a side view of the injector of FIG. 25C in an engaged position. [Figure 25E] FIG. 25D is a side view of the injector of FIG. 25C in an extended position. [Figure 26] FIG. 25B is an exploded view of the injector of FIGS. 25A-25E. [Figure 27A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the injector in a rest position prior to activation. [Figure 27B] FIG. 27B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 27A during injection. [Figure 27C] FIG. 27B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 27A with the sheath assembly fully extended after injection. [Figure 28] 27B is a housing of the injector of FIG. 27A. [Figure 29] 29 is a cover for the housing of FIG. 28. [Diagram 30] 27B is a controller for the injector of FIG. 27A. [Diagram 31] 27B is a sheath assembly of the injector of FIG. 27A. [Figure 32A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the injector in a rest position prior to activation. [Figure 32B] FIG. 32B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 32A during injection. [Figure 32C] FIG. 32B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 32A with the sheath assembly fully extended after injection. [Diagram 33] 32B is a housing of the injector of FIG. 32A. [Diagram 34] 34 is a cover for the housing of FIG. 33. [Diagram 35] 32B is a controller for the injector of FIG. 32A. [Diagram 36] 32B is a sheath assembly of the injector of FIG. 32A. [Figure 37A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the injector in a rest position prior to activation. [Figure 37B] FIG. 37B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 37A during injection. [Figure 37C]FIG. 37B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 37A with the sheath assembly fully extended after injection. [Figure 38] 37B is a housing of the injector of FIG. 37A. [Figure 39] 39 is a cover for the housing of FIG. 38. [Diagram 40] FIG. 37B is a controller for the injector of FIG. 37A. [Diagram 41] 37B is a sheath assembly of the injector of FIG. 37A. [Figure 42A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the injector in a rest position prior to activation. [Figure 42B] FIG. 42B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 42A during injection. [Figure 42C] FIG. 42B is a cross-sectional view of the injector of FIG. 42A with the sheath assembly fully extended after injection. [Diagram 43] 42B is a housing of the injector of FIG. 42A. [Diagram 44] 42B is a sheath driver for the injector of FIG. 42A. [Diagram 45] 42B is a sheath assembly of the injector of FIG. 42A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] This application is a continuation of the following earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 726,895, filed September 4, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 729,589, filed September 11, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 735,238, filed September 24, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 737,249, filed September 27, 2018; This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 743,713, filed September 10, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 785,357, filed December 27, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 841,360, filed May 1, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 860,726, filed June 12, 2019, all of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0015] The explanations and illustrations provided herein are intended to familiarize those skilled in the art with the teachings, their principles, and their practical application. Those skilled in the art can adapt and apply the teachings in numerous forms that best suit the requirements of a particular application. Thus, the specific embodiments of the teachings shown are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings. Thus, the scope of the teachings should be determined not with reference to the description herein, but instead with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and patent publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations that can be gleaned from the appended claims are also possible, and such combinations are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

[0016] The teachings herein relate to portable injectors. The injector may function to inject a medication to one or more users. The injector may be fully automated or partially automated to inject a medication to a user. The injector may be any injector carrying a fast acting or required medication. The injector may contain a temperature sensitive substance. The injector may include an epinephrine autoinjector (EAI), an inhaler, an insulin autoinjector (IAI), and / or similar devices. The epinephrine or other medication may be in the form of a nasal spray, a fluid, or both. More specifically, the teachings are directed to an injector that may be attached to a mobile device. The injector may be integrated into the attachment device. The injector may be removably attached to the attachment device. The mobile device may include a computing device small enough to be held and operated by an individual's hand and may include mobile technologies that transmit and receive data using radio waves (e.g., 3G, 4G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communication). The mobile device may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, similar equipment, or any combination thereof.

[0017] The injector may include a housing. The housing may function to house one or more components of the injector. The housing may house a syringe, one or more biasing members, one or more actuators, one or more controls, additional components, or a combination thereof. The housing may surround the syringe such that the syringe can move within the housing. For example, the syringe may be adapted to move in one or more directions relative to the housing when enclosed within the housing based on one or more biasing members. The housing may include one or more cavities, one or more walls, one or more pockets, one or more segments, or a combination thereof. The housing may include one or more holes, one or more protrusions, one or more projections, one or more recesses, or a combination thereof. The housing may be of any size and shape configured to house the syringe, additional components, or both. The housing may be integrally formed or may include multiple pieces assembled together. The housing may include one or more openings to allow a syringe to protrude from the housing and access the user for injection of medication.

[0018] The housing may include one or more platforms. The platform may function to fix the position of the syringe. The platform may be fixedly positioned or may be free to move. For example, the platform may be movable between an initial position and an injection position to inject the medicament into the user. The platform may be multiple platforms. For example, a first platform and a second platform may sandwich the syringe between them to fix the syringe during movement. The platform may be structurally rigid. The platform may be mechanically articulated via one or more biasing members. Alternatively, the platform may be articulated via one or more actuators, motors, or both.

[0019] The housing may include a cap. The cap may function to allow portions of the housing to be opened and closed. The cap may be a piece of the housing that comes free from the housing to allow replacement of the syringe, inspection of the interior of the injector, or both. The cap may include threads for securing the cap to the housing. The cap may be unthreaded. For example, the cap may be adapted to be secured to the housing using a push-fit provision between the cap and the housing.

[0020] The housing may include a cover. The cover may function to enclose all or part of the housing. The cover may be configured to protect one or more internal cavities of the housing from external debris, moisture, or both. The cover may enclose a syringe located within the housing to maintain sterility of the syringe. The cover may be removable. For example, the cover may be removable to replace a syringe within the injector. The cover may be hermetically sealed to the housing. The cover may have a shape substantially similar to one or more surfaces of the housing. The cover may be integrally formed with the housing or may be secured to the housing. For example, the cover may be pivotally engaged to the housing via one or more hinges. The cover may be secured to the housing via one or more adhesives, one or more fasteners, or a combination thereof. The cover may be structurally rigid. The cover may be transparent to allow a user of the injector to view one or more components, such as a syringe, located within the housing.

[0021] The cover may include one or more tabs. The tabs may function to secure the cover to the housing. The tabs may extend from a face of the cover. The tabs may be adapted for insertion into one or more slots, notches, or both in the housing. The tabs may be flexible to flex around a peripheral edge of the housing to secure the cover to the housing. The tabs may be teeth, latches, hooks, or combinations thereof. The tabs may be located anywhere along the cover. The tabs may be positioned along one or more peripheral edges of the cover. The tabs may extend from the housing at any desired angle. The tabs may be any size and shape based on the size and shape of the housing. The tabs may be integrally (i.e., monolithically) formed with the cover. For example, the cover may be an injection molded piece formed with multiple tabs.

[0022] The syringe can function to store the medication and dispense the medication into the user. The syringe may include a needle, a plunger, or both to administer the medication. The injector may include interchangeable or customizable syringes for changing medications, for swapping syringe sizes, or both. The syringe may be located within the injector housing so that the syringe is protected from tampering prior to injection. A portion of the syringe or the entire syringe can be actuated via one or more biasing members, one or more actuators, or both, to contact the user. The syringe may be of any size and shape suitable for the desired application, the desired medication, or both.

[0023] The syringe may include a plunger. The plunger may function to force the medicine stored in the syringe into the needle of the syringe. The plunger may provide a functional fit within the cavity of the syringe. For example, the plunger may include one or more compressible members that frictionally abut the inner tube of the syringe to force the medicine in a desired direction. The plunger may include a shaft that is connected to a friction member that directly contacts the medicine. The friction member may be a washer, a nipple, a stopper, or a combination thereof. The plunger may be removably secured to the syringe. For example, the plunger may be stored on an exterior surface of the syringe, the housing, or both prior to injection, and then inserted into the syringe for injection.

[0024] The plunger can push the medication into the needle. The needle can function to administer the medication into a user, a subject, or both. The needle can be any needle configured to receive the medication, administer the medication into a user, or both. The needle can be any medical needle configured for use with a syringe. The needle can be replaceable, customizable, or both. The needle can vary in size, shape, or both. For example, needles having different lengths can be interchangeable based on a desired application.

[0025] The needle may be housed within a sterile covering. The sterile covering may function to protect the needle from dirt, bacteria, or both prior to injection. The sterile covering may be any covering that protects the needle prior to injection. The sterile covering may be adapted to be torn off, compressed, broken, or a combination thereof during the injection action. For example, the needle may pierce the sterile covering during actuation of the syringe. The sterile covering may be a laminate, a capsule, a film, a housing, or a combination thereof. The sterile covering may be of any size and shape that accommodates the needle.

[0026] A pharmaceutical may be stored within the syringe. The pharmaceutical may be injected into a user. The pharmaceutical may be any pharmaceutical configured to be administered using a syringe. The pharmaceutical may be a liquid, mixture, solution, or combinations thereof. For example, the pharmaceutical may be epinephrine, amphetamine, an anesthetic, an analgesic, an antacid, an antibiotic, an anticoagulant, an antidepressant, an antidote, an antihistamine, an anti-inflammatory, an antiretroviral, a contraceptive, a decongestant, a depressant, a steroid, a vaccine, or combinations thereof.

[0027] The syringe may be adapted to be driven within the housing via a controller. The controller may function to contact the syringe and move the syringe in a desired direction. The controller may move the syringe such that the needle of the syringe is exposed outside the housing for contact with the user. The controller may be structurally rigid to drive the syringe. The controller may include one or more bends, one or more angles, one or more protrusions, one or more projections, one or more tabs, one or more ears, or combinations thereof. The controller may drive the syringe to a desired position. The controller may drive the plunger of the syringe such that the plunger pushes the medicinal product into the needle for injection. The controller may be biased against one or more walls of the housing. The controller may be adapted to release the sheath assembly or a portion of the sheath assembly during movement of the controller. For example, the controller may actuate the syringe until it abuts an inner surface of the housing (e.g., one or more ledges in the housing) that secures one or more sheath engagement features of the sheath assembly, thereby releasing the sheath engagement features and allowing the sheath assembly to freely extend. Alternatively, the controller may lock the sheath assembly in a compressed state prior to activation, and then after activation of the controller (i.e., releasing and actuating the controller), the sheath assembly is released and allowed to freely extend.

[0028] The controller may be adapted to be released from a biased compressed position via one or more buttons. The buttons may function to initiate movement of the controller. The buttons may function to initiate injection of the medicinal product via articulation of the injector. A force may be applied to the buttons to initiate the injection. The buttons may be of any size and shape. The buttons may be located along an exterior surface of the housing. The buttons may be any object that can be pressed to activate the injector.

[0029] The button can initiate an injection after the stopper is released. The stopper can function to maintain a rest position of the injector. The rest position can be any position of the injector prior to injection. For example, the rest position can include a state in which the controller abuts an interior surface of the housing such that when initiated, the controller is actuated via one or more biasing members to advance the syringe and initiate the injection. The stopper can maintain the position of the controller relative to the housing, the syringe, or both. The stopper can be a pin, a latch, a hook, a protrusion, a fastener, a clip, or a combination thereof. For example, the stopper can be a pin that releases from a receiving hole extending through the housing and the controller to allow the controller to move relative to the housing. Alternatively, the stopper can be a sliding latch that releases from an engagement feature on the controller to allow the controller to move relative to the housing. The stopper can be an integral component with the controller, the housing, or both that is broken from the controller, the housing, or both to initiate movement of the controller relative to the housing. The stopper may be adapted to be moved to directly initiate articulation of the controller (i.e., begin the injection motion). Alternatively, the stopper may be adapted to be moved to allow one or more additional components, such as buttons, to be activated to initiate articulation of the controller. The stopper may determine the starting point of the syringe, the sheath, or both prior to activation.

[0030] The needle may extend out of the housing and be encased by the sheath assembly after injection. The sheath assembly may function to extend the sheath around the exposed portion of the needle. The sheath assembly may be located within the housing, outside the housing, or both. For example, the mounting portion of the sheath assembly may be fixed within the housing and the articulating sheath of the sheath assembly may extend out of the housing. The sheath assembly may be located near the needle such that the sheath assembly can encase the needle. The sheath assembly may include one or more stationary (i.e., fixed) components, one or more movable components, or both.

[0031] The sheath assembly may include a plate. The plate may function to secure one or more components of the sheath assembly to the housing. The plate may be secured within the confines of the housing such that the sheath of the sheath assembly may be positioned around the needle. The plate may be of any size and shape that secures the sheath assembly to the housing. The plate may be structurally rigid. The plate may be flexible.

[0032] The plate may include one or more protrusions. The protrusions may function to secure one or more components of the sheath assembly. The protrusions may function as attachment portions of the plate. For example, the biasing member, the sheath, or both may be secured to the plate via the protrusions. The protrusions may be of any size and shape. For example, a first set of protrusions may be substantially cylindrical and a second set of protrusions may be substantially rectangular in shape. The protrusions may extend from any face of the plate at any angle. The protrusions may extend from the face of the plate at an angle of about 30 degrees or more, about 60 degrees or more, or about 90 degrees or more. The protrusions may extend at an angle of about 170 degrees or less, about 140 degrees or less, or about 110 degrees or less. The protrusions may be monolithically (i.e., integrally) formed with the plate. The protrusions may be secured to the plate as a secondary component. The protrusions may be located anywhere along the plate.

[0033] One or more holes in the plate may be used in conjunction with or in place of the protrusions to secure one or more components of the sheath assembly. The holes may function to secure one or more components of the sheath assembly to the plate. The holes may be located anywhere along the plate. The holes may be of any size and shape. The holes may include one or more chamfered edges. The holes may include one or more lubricants around one or more edges. The holes may extend through the entire thickness of the plate or may extend more partially through the thickness of the plate. The holes may movably secure one or more fingers of the sheath assembly. Alternatively, one or more holes may be located in the housing to allow one or more portions of the sheath assembly to move within the housing.

[0034] The fingers can function to secure the sheath in a desired position. The fingers can function to release the sheath so that it can be articulated to the desired position. The fingers can function to articulate the sheath to the desired position. The fingers can be fixed within the holes in the plate such that the fingers are rotatable about the axis of the hole. The fingers can include one or more engagement features that secure the fingers to the holes. The one or more engagement features can be protrusions, buttons, fingers, extensions, hooks, latches, fasteners, or combinations thereof. For example, the engagement feature can be a button that is substantially shaped like the hole such that the button creates a push fit with the hole to allow rotation of the fingers about the axis of the hole. The fingers can be articulated between one or more positions. The fingers may be adapted to articulate between an engaged position, in which the fingers secure the sheath in a first position, and a released position, in which the fingers disengage from the sheath, allowing the sheath to move to a second position. The fingers may be adapted to articulate between one or more positions via engagement of a controller. For example, the controller may contact the fingers and articulate the fingers away from the sheath, releasing the sheath to move freely to the extended position. The fingers may be disposed within a housing. The fingers may include one or more locking features that engage the sheath. For example, the fingers may include hooks that are received by one or more openings in the sheath. The fingers may be adapted to articulate to rotate one or more portions of the sheath until the sheath extends around an exposed portion of the syringe (e.g., an exposed portion of the needle). The fingers may be adapted to articulate via a force applied to a portion of the fingers. The fingers may be formed integrally (i.e., monolithically) with the sheath such that any articulation of the fingers results in articulation of the sheath. The interconnection between the fingers and the sheath may be a joint, a bend, a thin wall along a portion of the sheath, or a combination thereof.

[0035] The sheath can function to retract the needle of the syringe after injection to prevent unwanted contact with the needle. The sheath can extend from the housing, be integral with the housing, or both. The sheath can be removably attached to the housing. The sheath can be adapted to automatically encase the needle after injection. For example, the sheath can be biased against an exterior surface of the housing, a plate within the housing, or both, and one or more projections of the controller can contact a finger to release the sheath. After the needle is removed from contact with the user, the released sheath can encase the needle via one or more biasing members. The sheath can be structurally rigid or flexible. The sheath can include one or more bendable or movable portions. The sheath can be adapted to move between one or more positions. For example, the sheath can be adapted to move between a first position in which the sheath is biased away from the exposed needle and a second position in which the sheath is deployed and encases the needle. The sheath may include one or more bendable portions that fold around the exposed needle. The sheath may include one or more holes to allow the needle to extend through the sheath before the sheath encases the exposed needle. The sheath may be secured to a plate of the sheath assembly. The sheath may include one or more holes secured to a projection of the plate. The sheath may be positioned substantially near the finger, the biasing member, or both. The sheath may be secured to the finger, the biasing member, or both. The sheath may be collapsible. The sheath may include one or more flex points. The one or more flex points may be monolithically formed with the sheath to allow the sheath to articulate based on a biasing force from the one or more biasing members.

[0036] The movement of the sheath can be stopped via a sheath brake. The sheath brake can function to prevent movement of the sheath beyond a desired length. The sheath brake can be positioned to prevent the sheath from overstretching and / or becoming disconnected from the housing while allowing the sheath to move freely until it is extended around the exposed portion of the syringe. The sheath brake can be part of the housing. The sheath brake can be part of the sheath assembly. The sheath brake can be a wedge, a protrusion, a hook, a latch, a peg, or a combination thereof. The sheath brake can prevent overextension of the sheath, retraction of the sheath, or both. For example, the sheath brake can be one or more flexible portions of the sheath extending outwardly from the sheath for abutting one or more teeth located along an inner surface of the housing such that the sheath brake prevents retraction of the sheath. The teeth can be located anywhere within the housing. For example, the teeth may extend from one or more interior walls of the housing to abut against a sheath brake and prevent movement in the retraction direction but still allow movement in the extension direction, or vice versa.

[0037] The sheath may be releasably secured to a portion of the housing, a portion of the controller, a portion of the syringe, or a combination thereof by one or more engagement mechanisms. The engagement mechanisms may function to connect the sheath to the housing, the controller, the syringe, or a combination thereof to prevent movement of the sheath prior to activation of the injector. After injection, the engagement mechanisms may break free from the housing, the controller, the syringe, or a combination thereof to allow movement of the sheath so that the sheath can expand around the exposed portion of the syringe. The engagement mechanisms may be adapted to secure the sheath to one or more holes along the housing. The one or more holes may be of any size and shape. The one or more holes may be located anywhere along the exterior surface of the housing, within the housing, or both. For example, the engagement mechanisms may secure the sheath to one or more holes in the housing by extending through the holes. The engagement mechanisms may be push clips that break free from the housing with an applied force. The force may be applied via activation of the injector, actuation of the controller, or both. For example, the controller may release and bump against the engagement mechanism, thereby releasing the engagement mechanism and the sheath. The engagement mechanism may be a latch, clasp, hook, clip, finger, arm, or combination thereof. The engagement mechanism may engage one or more ledges (e.g., one or more interior surfaces of the housing, one or more surfaces of the controller, or both that are configured to receive and / or secure the engagement mechanism) prior to release. One or more ledges may extend away from the engagement mechanism to allow movement of the sheath, or the engagement mechanism may be bent, moved, or otherwise released from the ledge to allow movement of the engagement mechanism.

[0038] The engagement features may be supported by one or more ledges. The ledges may function to engage a portion of the sheath assembly. The ledges may function to prevent movement of the sheath prior to syringe injection. The ledges may receive and / or support one or more engagement features of the sheath assembly. The ledges may be an inner surface of the housing. The ledges may be part of the controller. The ledges may be substantially shaped to receive the engagement features. The ledges may be a notch, cutout, recess, planar surface, step, or combinations thereof.

[0039] One or more biasing members may be disposed within the injector. The one or more biasing members may function to bias a sheath, a controller, or both of the injector. The one or more biasing members may be adapted to drive the sheath, the controller, or both during an injection operation. For example, a first set of biasing members may drive the controller to move the syringe, and a second set of biasing members may drive the sheath to encase the needle after injection. The first and second sets of biasing members may or may not be similar. The one or more biasing members may be springs, elastic members, compressible members, or combinations thereof.

[0040] The one or more biasing members may be disposed along the post of the controller, the post of the sheath assembly, or both. The post may function to fix the position of the biasing member within the injector. The post may be disposed within an interior portion of the biasing member. For example, the post may extend within a spring, with the coils of the spring wrapped around the post. The post may be of any desired size and shape. Alternatively, the biasing member may not be connected to one or more posts and may be disposed anywhere within the housing to move the sheath assembly, the controller, or both.

[0041] One or more biasing members can be used in place of or in conjunction with one or more actuators. The one or more actuators can function to drive the syringe, the sheath, or both. The one or more actuators can be linear actuators fixed to the syringe, the sheath, or both. The one or more actuators can be actuated based on initiation of a button on the injector. The injector can include multiple actuators. For example, a first actuator can actuate the syringe and a second actuator can actuate the sheath after injection.

[0042] The sheath can be driven by one or more sheath drivers. The sheath drivers can function to apply a force to a portion of the sheath assembly to move the sheath. The sheath drivers can be adapted to apply a force to the sheath assembly via one or more biasing members. For example, the sheath drivers can extend through holes in the housing to apply a force to one or more fingers of the sheath assembly. The applied force can articulate the fingers which in turn articulate the sheath. The sheath drivers can include an engagement mechanism. For example, upon activation of the injector, the engagement mechanism of the sheath drivers can be released simultaneously with the controller such that the drivers apply a force to the sheath assembly. The sheath drivers can be of any size and shape. The sheath drivers can have a substantially columnar portion for receiving one or more biasing members, for extending through one or more holes in the housing, or both. The sheath drivers can be located anywhere within the housing.

[0043] The one or more actuators may be adapted to receive a signal from a controller of the injector. The controller may function to control the operation of the actuators, one or more additional electrical components, or both. The controller may be in communication with a button on the injector. The controller may be in communication with one or more external electrical components. For example, the controller may be in communication with a mobile phone, or the controller may be a mobile phone controller fixed to the injector. The controller may include a printed circuit board (PCB), one or more transistors, one or more capacitors, one or more memory storage units, or a combination thereof. The controller may be housed in the housing of the injector or may be wirelessly connected to the injector. The controller may include an internal power unit. The power unit may be replaceable, rechargeable, or both.

[0044] The injector can be secured to the electronic device, the case of the electronic device, or both. For example, the injector can be secured within a mobile phone case. The phone case can function to house the mobile phone, the injector, or both. For example, a back section of the phone case can house the mobile phone, while a front section of the phone case can secure the injector. The phone case can be configured for any phone size and shape. The phone case can be structurally rigid, flexible, or both. The phone case can include one or more projections, one or more cavities, one or more holes, one or more protrusions, one or more buttons, one or more latches, or a combination thereof.

[0045] The phone case may include a syringe case. The syringe case may function to house the syringe prior to use. The syringe case may be integrally formed with the phone case, removably secured to the phone case, or both. The syringe case may include one or more sections integrally formed, one or more sections removably attached to one another, or both. For example, the syringe case may include a first syringe case section and an opposing second syringe case section such that the second syringe case section slides away from the first syringe case section to expose the syringe for use.

[0046] The first and second syringe case sections may be secured to one another via a release latch that may be switched between a locked position (i.e., the first and second syringe case sections are fixedly secured to one another) and an unlocked position (i.e., the second syringe case section is freed from the first syringe case section, or vice versa). The release latch may function to releasably secure the first and second syringe case sections, the syringe housed within the first and second syringe case sections, or both. The release latch may be any mechanical locking mechanism capable of releasably securing the syringe case sections. The release latch may include a button, a toggle, a switch, a latch, a tab, a pin, or a combination thereof. The release latch may be integrally formed with the syringe case or may be removable from the syringe case.

[0047] The phone case, the injector, or both may include one or more sensors. The sensor may function to communicate between the mobile device and the injector. The sensor may be attached to the phone case such that it abuts the sensor when the injector is secured into the phone case. The sensor may be a Near Field Communication (NFC) sensor. The NFC sensor may determine a position of the injector relative to the phone case, the injector case, the mobile device, or a combination thereof. The sensor may be a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may determine a temperature of the injector, a temperature of a medication in the injector, or both. The sensor may be adapted to relay messages to one or more users of the mobile device, or to one or more third parties that are permitted to receive information regarding the injector. For example, a user of the mobile device may receive a notification when the injector reaches an elevated temperature that may be harmful to the medication indicated by the sensor. Alternatively, a third party may be notified when the injector requires a syringe change, when the injector is used, or both.

[0048] Turning now to the figures, Figures 1 and 2 depict perspective views of a phone case 60 housing an injector 10 in accordance with the present teachings. The phone case 60 includes a back section 62 for receiving a mobile device (not shown). An injector case 64, including a first injector case section 64A and a second injector case section 64B, is secured to the front section (i.e., the side opposite the back section 62) of the phone case 60. A release latch 66 is located on the first injector case section 64A. When the first injector case section 64A and the second injector case section 64B are separated from each other, the injector 10 therein is exposed. The movement of the release latch 66 determines whether the first injector case section 64A and the second injector case section 64B are in a disconnected position (as shown), a connected position encasing the injector 10, or both. As shown in FIG. 2, the injector 10 may include a removable stopper 40 that can be removed by a user to allow activation of the injector 10 .

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a phone case 60 with the injector 10 released therefrom. The phone case 60 includes a back section 62 for receiving a mobile device (not shown). An injector case 64 including a first injector case section 64A and a second injector case section 64B is secured to the front section of the phone case 60 (i.e., the side opposite the back section 62). A release latch 66 is located on the first injector case section 64A. As shown, when the first injector case section 64A and the second injector case section 64B are separated from each other, the injector 10 therein is exposed. The movement of the release latch 66 determines whether the first injector case section 64A and the second injector case section 64B are in a disconnected position (as shown), a connected position encasing the injector 10, or both. The syringe 10 further includes a stopper 40 that allows a user to remove the stopper 40 to permit activation of the syringe 10 (see Figures 7 and 8).

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a phone case 60 with the injector 10 released therefrom. The phone case 60 includes a back section 62 for receiving a mobile device (not shown). An injector case 64 including a first injector case section 64A and a second injector case section 64B is secured to the front section of the phone case 60 (i.e., the side opposite the back section 62). A release latch 66 is located on the first injector case section 64A. As shown, when the first injector case section 64A and the second injector case section 64B are separated from each other, the injector 10 therein is exposed. The movement of the release latch 66 determines whether the first injector case section 64A and the second injector case section 64B are in a disconnected position (as shown), a connected position encasing the injector 10, or both. Injector 10 further includes a stopper (not shown) that allows a user to remove the stopper to permit activation of injector 10 (see Figures 3, 7, and 8). Once activated, the user can inject a medication via an actuation needle 28 housed within injector 10.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the injector case 64 disconnected from the phone case 60. The phone case 60 includes a back section 62 for receiving a mobile device (not shown). The injector case 64, including a first injector case section 64A and a second injector case section 64B, is removably secured to the front section of the phone case 60 (i.e., the side opposite the back section 62). A release latch 66 is located on the first injector case section 64A. When the first injector case section 64A and the second injector case section 64B are separated from each other, the injector therein is exposed (see FIGS. 1-4). The movement of the release latch 66 determines whether the first injector case section 64A and the second injector case section 64B are in a disconnected position, a connected position (as shown) encasing the injector 10, or both. The syringe 10 further includes a stopper 40 that allows a user to remove the stopper 40 to permit activation of the syringe 10 (see Figures 3, 7 and 8).

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a syringe case 64 secured to a phone case 60. The phone case 60 includes a back section 62 for receiving a mobile device (not shown). The syringe case 64, including a first syringe case section 64A and a second syringe case section 64B, is secured to the front section (i.e., the side opposite the back section) of the phone case 60. A release latch 66 is located on the first syringe case section 64A. When the first syringe case section 64A and the second syringe case section 64B are separated from each other, the syringe therein is exposed (see FIGS. 1-4). The movement of the release latch 66 determines whether the first syringe case section 64A and the second syringe case section 64B are in a disconnected position, a connected position (as shown) enclosing the syringe, or both. The syringe 10 further includes a stopper 40 that allows a user to remove the stopper 40 to permit activation of the syringe 10 (see Figures 3, 7 and 8).

[0053] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the injector 10. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12 having a cover 20. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a stopper 40 of the injector 10 is removed to permit activation of a button 44 located on the housing 12 of the injector 10. As shown, the stopper 40 may be a removable member such as a pin. After the stopper 40 is removed, a force is applied to the button, which in turn releases the controller 24, driving the syringe 14 via a pair of biasing members to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). The syringe 14 is driven until it contacts an inner surface of the housing 12, which prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe 14 abuts the inside surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 into contact with the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. After injection, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, whereupon the sheath 32 moves to enclose the exposed needle 28. Note that the sheath 32 can include one or more articulating pieces that actuate one or more additional biasing members to encase the exposed needle 28.

[0054] 8A and 8B depict the injector 10 in a rest position prior to activation and during injection, respectively. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a stopper 40 of the injector 10 is removed in a direction (R) to permit activation of a button 44 located on the housing 12 of the injector 10. After the stopper 40 is removed, a force (F) is applied to the button 44, which in turn releases the controller 24 and drives the syringe 14 via a pair of biasing members 26 to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is driven until it contacts an inner surface of the housing 12, which prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe 14 abuts the inside surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 into contact with the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. After injection, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, whereupon the sheath 32 moves to enclose the exposed needle 28. Note that the sheath 32 can include one or more articulating pieces that actuate one or more additional biasing members to encase the exposed needle 28.

[0055] 9A and 9B depict the injector 10 in a rest position prior to activation and during injection, respectively. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface. After positioning the injector 10, a force (F) is applied to the button 44, which in turn releases the controller 24, driving the syringe 14 via a pair of biasing members 26, exposing the needle 28 and contacting the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is driven until it contacts an inner surface of the housing 12, which prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe 14 abuts the inner surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 actuates the plunger 16 into contact with the medicament 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. In addition, as the controller 24 actuates the plunger 16, the controller 24 also releases a number of fingers 34 of the sheath assembly 30.

[0056] As depicted in Figures 9C and 9D, after injection, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, whereupon the sheath 32 of the sheath assembly 30 articulates to encase the exposed needle 28. As shown in Figure 9C, the sheath 32 is biased by a biasing member 26 secured on a plurality of prongs 38, so that when the fingers 34 are released to disconnect the sheath 32, the sheath 32 begins to extend and deploy over the exposed needle 28. Once the sheath 32 is fully extended and deployed, the needle 28 is no longer exposed and is completely enclosed within the sheath 32, as shown in Figure 9D.

[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of the sheath assembly 30. The sheath assembly includes a plate 36 having a plurality of projections 38 and a plurality of holes 42. As illustrated, the biasing member 26 is secured to a pair of projections 38 that are substantially cylindrical in shape. A pair of opposing fingers 34 each include an engagement feature 46 that is inserted into one of the holes 42 in the plate 36 to allow the fingers 34 to rotate relative to the plate 36 when engaged with the controller of the injector to articulate between an engaged position in which the fingers 34 are engaged with the sheath 32 and a released position in which the fingers 34 are disengaged from the sheath 32 (see FIGS. 9A-9D). The holes 42 in the sheath 32 are secured to the projections 38 that are substantially rectangular in shape and attached to the biasing member 26 such that when the fingers 34 release the sheath 32, the sheath 32 articulates to unfold and extend around the needle of the injector (see FIGS. 9A-9D).

[0058] 11A, 11B, and 11C depict a phone case 60 including one or more sensors 84. As shown in FIG. 11A, the phone case 60 includes a syringe case 64 secured to the phone case 60. The phone case 60 includes a near field communication reader (e.g., NFC sensor) 84A that communicates with the syringe 10 located within the syringe case 60. As shown in FIG. 11B, the phone case 60 may further include a temperature sensor 84B located within the syringe case 60 to monitor the temperature of the syringe. It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 11C, the temperature sensor 84B may be secured within the syringe 10 and secured in the syringe case 64 along with the syringe 16. It should be noted that the sensor 84 may be adapted to monitor the syringe 16, the medication within the syringe 16, or both. Such monitoring may include monitoring the location of the injector 10 and / or medication, monitoring the temperature of the injector 16 and / or medication, or both. One or more of the sensors 84 may act as a tag and be placed on the injector 10. Upon placement of the injector 10 in the injector case 64, a mobile phone (not shown) secured within the phone case 64 may read the tag. Upon reading the tag, one or more of the location of the injector 10, the temperature of the injector 10, or the presence of the injector 10 with the mobile phone may be monitored. If the temperature reading is outside of an acceptable range, the mobile phone may display a visual notification to the user. The mobile phone may utilize short-range wireless communication to monitor the proximity of the injector 10 to the mobile phone. Such proximity may be used by the user to verify that the injector 10 is still secured with the mobile phone. Such proximity can be utilized to determine whether and when the injector 10 has been used by the user, and notification of such use may be distributed to predefined devices including the user and / or the user's caregivers (i.e., predetermined individuals designated to receive such notifications).The monitored temperature of the injector 10 may be utilized to determine the proximity of the injector 10 to a mobile phone. Multiple sensors 84 may be utilized to determine the real-time temperature of the injector 10. Although the injector 10 is discussed herein with respect to Figures 11A-11C, it should be noted that the injector 10 may be any medical device.

[0059] 12A-12C depict side views of the injector 10. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 is positioned between a movable first platform 70 and a movable second platform 72. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned on the user's skin surface and a force (F) is applied to the controller 24 of the injector 10 to move the syringe 14. As shown in FIG. 12A, the injector 10 is in a rest position prior to injection. As shown in FIG. 12B, after the force (F) is applied to the controller 24, the controller 24 disengages a pair of syringe engagement features 68A protruding from the first platform 70. The syringe engagement mechanism 68A is released, causing the first biasing member 26A to move the syringe 14 so that the plunger 16 is positioned substantially axially with the axis of the second biasing member 26B and the needle 28 extends out of the housing 12 to contact the user. Once the plunger 16 and the second biasing member 26B are aligned, the second biasing member 26B is released to urge the plunger 16 into the medication 18 so that the medication 18 is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. During engagement, the pair of projections 74 of the second platform 72 contact the pair of sheath engagement mechanisms 68B of the sheath 32 to release the sheath 32 from the housing 12. After injection, as shown in FIG. 12C, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, causing the pair of biasing members 26 to extend the sheath 32 to surround the needle 28.

[0060] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the injector 10. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 enclosed within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 that is movably opposed to a medication 18 enclosed within the syringe 14. The injector 10 is configured to allow a user to remove a cap 76 of the injector 10 to expose a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for injection. To inject, the needle 28 is inserted into the user's skin, and when a force (F) is applied to the controller 24 of the injector 10, a first biasing member 26A drives the plunger 16 to expel the medication 18 through the needle 28 and into the user. The injector 10 further includes a movable sheath 32 that is biased against the housing 12 via a second biasing member 26B. The sheath 32 is configured to compress the second biasing member 26B during injection so that once injection is completed, the second biasing member 26B extends the sheath 32 to its original position enveloping the needle 28 and preventing accidental contact with the needle 28.

[0061] 14A and 14B depict side views of an injector 10 having a removable plunger 16. A syringe 14 is secured within the housing 12 of the injector 10. During an injection, the plunger 16 is moved to abut the housing 12 of the injector 10 and align the plunger 16 with the medication 18 of the syringe 14. To inject, a force (F) is applied to the controller 24, which causes a biasing member 26 to urge the plunger 16 into the medication 18, thereby forcing the medication 18 through the needle 28 and into the user. The injector 10 further includes a movable sheath 32 that protects the user from accidental contact with the needle 28 before, after, or both.

[0062] 15A-15C depict side views of the injector 10. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned on the user's skin surface and a stopper 40, which fixes the position of the controller 24 of the injector 10, is removed. As shown in FIG. 15A, the injector 10 is in a rest position prior to injection. As shown in FIG. 15B, after the stopper 40 is removed, the controller 24 drives the syringe 14 via the first biasing member 26A to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is driven until it contacts a surface of the housing 12 that prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe abuts the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 into contact with the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. During engagement, the syringe 14 contacts the sheath 32, which then releases the sheath 32 from the housing 12. After injection, as shown in Figure 15C, the injector 10 is moved away from the skin surface, whereupon the second biasing member 26B extends the sheath 32 until the sheath brake 33 abuts the surface of the housing 12, causing the sheath 32 to surround the needle 28.

[0063] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the injector 10 in a resting position. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a stopper 40, which secures the position of the controller 24 of the injector 10, is removed. After the stopper 40 is removed, the controller 24 drives the syringe via the first pair of biasing members 26A to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is driven until it contacts a surface of the housing 12 that prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe abuts the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 to contact the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. During engagement, the syringe 14 contacts the sheath 32, causing the sheath 32 to be released from the housing 12. After injection, the injector 10 is moved away from the skin surface, whereupon the second pair of biasing members 26B extends the sheath 32 until the sheath brake 33 abuts the face of the housing 12, and the sheath 32 surrounds the needle 28.

[0064] 17A-17C depict side views of the injector 10. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a force (F) is applied to the controller 24 of the injector 10. After the force (F) is applied, the controller 24 drives the syringe 14 via a first pair of biasing members 26A to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface. As shown in FIG. 17A, the injector 10 is in a rest position prior to injection. As shown in FIG. 17B, the syringe 14 is driven until the syringe 14 contacts a surface of the housing 12 that prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe abuts the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 into contact with the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. During engagement, the syringe 14 contacts and ruptures the sheath engagement feature 68B, thereby releasing the sheath 32 from the housing 12. After injection, as shown in FIGURE 17C, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, causing the second pair of biasing members 26B to expand the sheath 32 to surround the needle 28.

[0065] 18 and 18B depict a perspective view and a side view of the injector 10, respectively. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a stopper 40, which secures the position of the controller 24 of the injector 10, is removed. After the stopper 40 is removed, the controller 24 drives the syringe 14 via a pair of biasing members (not shown) to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is driven until the syringe 14 contacts a surface of the housing 12 that prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe 14 abuts the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 into contact with the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. After injection, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, whereupon the sheath 32 surrounds the exposed needle 28 (see FIG. 16).

[0066] FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of the injector 10 of FIG. 18. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a stopper 40 that secures the position of the controller 24 of the injector 10 is removed. After the stopper 40 is removed, the controller 24 drives the syringe via a pair of biasing members 26 to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is driven until it contacts a surface of the housing 12 that prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe contacts the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 to contact the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. After injection, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, whereupon the sheath 32 surrounds the needle 28 (see FIG. 16).

[0067] 20A-20C depict side views of the injector 10. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface, the stopper 40 is released, and a force (F) is applied to a button 44 of the injector 10. After the force (F) is applied, the button 44 releases the controller 24, which is biased against the housing, to drive the syringe 14 via the first pair of biasing members 26A, exposing the needle 28 and contacting the user's skin surface. As shown in FIG. 20A, the injector 10 is in a rest position prior to injection. As shown in FIG 20B, the syringe 14 is actuated until the syringe 14 contacts the surface of the housing 12, causing the needle 28 to pierce the sterile cover 78 and extend out of the housing 12. Once the syringe 14 abuts the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 actuates the plunger 16 to contact the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. During engagement, the projection 74 of the controller 24 contacts the sheath engagement feature 68B, causing the sheath 32 to release from the housing 12. After injection, the injector 10 is moved away from the skin surface, causing the second pair of biasing members 26B to extend the sheath 32 to surround the needle 28, as shown in FIG 20C.

[0068] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of the injector 10. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a force (F) is applied to a button 44 located on the housing 12. Engagement of the button 44 results in a signal being sent to a controller 82 of the injector 10. The controller 80 communicates with a first linear actuator 80A that drives the syringe 14 to activate the first linear actuator 80A, which causes the needle 28 to extend beyond the housing 12 and contact the user's skin surface. After the needle 28 contacts the skin surface, the second linear actuator 80B is activated to drive the plunger 16, dispensing the medication 18 into the needle 28 and into the user.

[0069] FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the injector 10. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a stopper 40, which secures the position of the controller 24 of the injector 10, is removed. After the stopper 40 is removed, the controller 24 drives the syringe via a pair of biasing members (not shown) to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is driven until it contacts a surface of the housing 12 that prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe contacts the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 to contact the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. After injection, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface and a sheath (not shown) surrounds the needle 28 (see Figures 20A-20C).

[0070] FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of the injector 10 of FIG. 7. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a stopper 40, which secures the position of the controller 24 of the injector 10, is removed. After the stopper 40 is removed, the controller 24 drives the syringe via a pair of biasing members 26 to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is driven until it contacts a surface of the housing 12 that prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe contacts the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 to contact the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. After injection, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, whereupon the sheath 32 surrounds the needle 28 (see Figures 20A-20C).

[0071] FIG. 24 illustrates an exploded view of the injector 10. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12 having a cover 20. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a stopper 40 of the injector 10 is removed or articulated to expose a button 44 of the injector. As shown, the stopper 40 may be a latch or sliding member. After the stopper 40 is removed, a force is applied to the button 44, which in turn releases the controller 24 and drives the syringe 14 via a pair of biasing members 26 to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface (see FIGS. 20A-20C). The syringe 14 is driven until it contacts a surface of the housing 12 that prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe 14 abuts against the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 into contact with the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. After injection, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface and the two-piece sheath 32 extends around and encases the needle 28.

[0072] Figures 25A and 25B depict side views of the injector 10. The injector 10 includes a housing 12 having a removable cover 20. A stopper 40 is movably secured within the housing 12 such that, when the stopper 40 is moved, a button 44 can be actuated to initiate articulation of the injector 10. To initiate articulation of the injector 10, the stopper 40 is moved in a removal direction (R) to permit activation of the button 44. After removal of the stopper 40, the button 44 is activated by application of a force (F), which in turn initiates articulation of the injector 10 to dispense the medicinal product stored within the injector 10 (see Figures 25C-E).

[0073] 25C-25E depict side views of the injector 10 of FIG. 11B with the cover 20 removed. As shown in FIG. 25C, the injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within the housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into the needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a stopper 40, which secures the position of the controller 24, is removed. After the stopper 40 is removed, a button 44 located on the housing 12 is activated, which causes the controller 24 to drive the syringe 14 via the first pair of biasing members 26A to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface. As shown in FIG. 25D, the syringe 14 is driven until the syringe 14 contacts a surface of the housing 12 that prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe 14 abuts against the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 drives the plunger 16 into contact with the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. After injection, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, causing the two sheath halves 32 to move via a pair of sheath biasing members 26C to surround the needle 28 (see FIG. 25E).

[0074] FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded view of the injector 10 of FIGS. 25A-25E. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12 having a cover 20. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and a stopper 40 of the injector 10 is removed or articulated to permit activation of a button 44 located on the housing 12 of the injector 10. As shown, the stopper 40 may be a removable member. After the stopper 40 is removed, a force is applied to the button 44, which in turn releases the controller 24 and drives the syringe 14 via the first pair of biasing members 26A to expose the needle 28 and contact the user's skin surface (see FIGS. 25A-25E). The syringe 14 is actuated until it contacts a surface of the housing 12 that prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe 14 abuts against the surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 actuates the plunger 16 to contact the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. After injection, the injector 10 is moved away from the skin surface, whereupon the two sheath halves 32 move via a pair of sheath biasing members 26C to surround the needle 28.

[0075] 27A and 27B depict the injector 10 in a resting position prior to activation and during injection, respectively. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and the injector 10 is activated by a button or other activation device (not shown, see FIG. 9A for an example) along a peripheral surface of the injector 10. Once the injector 10 is activated, the controller 24 is released to drive the syringe 14 via a first pair of biasing members 26A secured about a post 90 of the controller 24 to extend the needle 28 through the sterile cover 78 and into contact with the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is actuated until the controller 24 contacts the pair of sheath engagement features 68B and the inner surface of the housing 12 which prevents further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe 14 contacts the inner surface of the housing 12, the controller 24 actuates the plunger 16 into contact with the medication 18 which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user.

[0076] After injection, as depicted in FIG 27C, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, whereupon the sheath 32 of the sheath assembly 30 expands to surround the exposed needle 28. As depicted, the sheath 32 is biased against an interior portion of the housing 12 by a pair of sheath biasing members 26C so that, during injection, when the sheath engagement mechanism 68B is contacted by the controller 24 and released from the ledge 86 of the housing 12, the sheath 32 extends to surround the exposed needle 28 when the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface until the pair of sheath engagement mechanisms 68B are stopped by the sheath brake 33 of the housing. As depicted, once the sheath 32 is fully extended, the needle 28 is no longer exposed but is fully enclosed within the sheath 32.

[0077] Figure 28 illustrates the housing 12 of the injector of Figure 27 A. As illustrated, the housing 12 includes opposed ledges 86 that secure the sheath engagement mechanism prior to release of the sheath engagement mechanism and articulation of the sheath by the controller (see Figures 27A-27C).

[0078] FIG. 29 illustrates a cover 20 that can be secured to the housing of FIG. 28 via a number of tabs 88 that engage slots, recesses, peripheral edges, or combinations thereof in the housing 12.

[0079] Figure 30 illustrates the controller 24 of the injector of Figure 27A. The controller 24 includes a pair of posts 90 configured to be inserted into interior portions of the first pair of biasing members to secure the first pair of biasing members (see Figures 27A-27C).

[0080] Figure 31 illustrates the sheath assembly 30 of the injector of Figure 27A. The sheath assembly 30 includes a sheath 32 that extends around the exposed needle after injection to completely encase the needle and prevent unwanted contact with the needle. The sheath 32 is extended around the exposed needle by releasing a pair of sheath engagement features 68B from a ledge on the injector housing (see Figures 27A-27C).

[0081] 32A and 32B depict the injector 10 in a rest position prior to activation and during injection, respectively. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and the injector 10 is activated via a button or other activation device (not shown, see FIG. 9A for an example) along a peripheral surface of the injector 10. Once the injector 10 is activated, the controller 24 is released to drive the syringe 14, via a first pair of biasing members 26A secured about a post 90 of the controller 24, to extend the needle 28 through the sterile cover 78 and into contact with the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is actuated until the controller 24 contacts the sheath engagement feature 68B, which is positioned within the bore of the housing 12 and secured to a ledge 86 located within the housing 12. Once the controller 24 contacts the sheath engagement feature 68B and the ledge 86, the syringe 14 is prevented from further movement. Once the syringe 14 is prevented from further movement within the housing 12, the controller 24 actuates the plunger 16 into contact with the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user.

[0082] After injection, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, as depicted in FIG. 32C, whereupon the sheath 32 of the sheath assembly 30 expands to surround the exposed needle 28. As depicted, the sheath 32 is biased against an inner portion of the housing 12 by a pair of sheath biasing members 26C secured around a post 90 of the sheath assembly 30, so that when the sheath engagement mechanism 68B is contacted by the controller 24 and released from the ledge 86 of the housing 12 during injection, the sheath 32 expands to surround the exposed needle 28 when the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface. The sheath 32 can extend until the sheath brake 33 of the sheath assembly 30 engages one or more protrusions, projections, walls, pegs, or combinations thereof of the housing 12 located within the housing 12. As depicted, once the sheath 32 is fully extended, the needle 28 is no longer exposed and is fully enclosed within the sheath 32.

[0083] Figure 33 illustrates the housing 12 of the injector of Figure 32A. As illustrated, the housing 12 includes a ledge 86 that secures the sheath engagement mechanism prior to release by the controller of the sheath engagement mechanism passing through the housing bore 42 (see Figures 32A-32C).

[0084] FIG. 34 illustrates a cover 20 that can be secured to the housing of FIG. 33 via a number of tabs 88 that engage slots, recesses, peripheral edges, or combinations thereof in the housing 12.

[0085] Figure 35 illustrates the controller 24 of the injector of Figure 32A. The controller 24 includes a pair of posts 90 configured to be inserted into interior portions of the first pair of biasing members to secure the first pair of biasing members (see Figures 32A-32C).

[0086] Figure 36 illustrates the sheath assembly 30 of the injector of Figure 32A. The sheath assembly 30 includes a sheath 32 that extends around the exposed needle after injection to completely encase the needle and prevent unwanted contact with the needle. By releasing the sheath engagement mechanism 68B from the ledge of the injector housing and actuating the sheath assembly 30 via a pair of sheath biasing members secured around a post 90 of the sheath assembly 30, the sheath 32 is extended around the exposed needle until the sheath brake 33 contacts a portion of the housing (see Figures 32A-32C).

[0087] 37A and 37B depict the injector 10 in a resting position prior to activation and during injection, respectively. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and the injector 10 is activated via a button or other activation device (not shown, see FIG. 9A for an example) along a peripheral surface of the injector 10. Once the injector 10 is activated, the controller 24 is released to drive the syringe 14, via a first pair of biasing members 26A secured about a post 90 of the controller 24, to extend the needle 28 through the sterile cover 78 and into contact with the user's skin surface. Syringe 14 is actuated until controller 24 contacts the inside surface of housing 12, thereby preventing further movement of syringe 14. Once syringe 14 is prevented from further movement within housing 12, controller 24 actuates plunger 16 into contact with medication 18, which is dispensed into needle 28 and then into the user.

[0088] After injection, as depicted in FIGURE 37C, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, whereupon the sheath 32 of the sheath assembly 30 expands to surround the exposed needle 28. As shown, the sheath 32 is biased against an interior portion of the housing 12 by a pair of sheath biasing members 26C. When the controller 24 is actuated during injection, the ledge 86 of the controller 24 is actuated away from the syringe engagement mechanism 68A, thereby allowing the sheath assembly 30 to expand around the exposed needle 28. After the sheath engagement mechanism 68A is released, the sheath assembly 30 can remain in place until the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface. Once the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, the sheath assembly 30 is free to extend around the exposed needle 28 until the sheath brake 33 abuts against teeth 92 along the inner wall of the housing 12 to prevent unwanted retraction of the sheath 32, exposure of the needle 28 after enclosure within the sheath 32, or both.

[0089] Figure 38 illustrates the housing 12 of the injector of Figure 37A. As illustrated, the housing 12 includes teeth 92 along its inner wall that abut against the sheath brake of the sheath assembly to prevent unwanted retraction of the sheath 32, exposure of the needle 28 after it is enclosed within the sheath, or both, after the sheath assembly has expanded around the exposed needle (see Figures 37A-37C).

[0090] FIG. 39 illustrates a cover 20 that can be secured to the housing of FIG. 38 via a number of tabs 88 that engage slots, recesses, peripheral edges, or combinations thereof in the housing 12.

[0091] Figure 40 illustrates the controller 24 of the injector of Figure 37A. The controller 24 includes a pair of posts 90 configured to be inserted into an interior portion of the first pair of biasing members to secure the first pair of biasing members (see Figures 37A-37C). The controller 24 further includes a pair of ledges 86 that abut against a syringe engagement feature of the sheath assembly prior to activation of the injector (see Figure 37A).

[0092] Figure 41 illustrates the sheath assembly 30 of the injector of Figure 37A. The sheath assembly 30 includes a sheath 32 that extends around the exposed needle after injection to completely encase the needle and prevent unwanted contact with the needle. By releasing the ledge of the controller from the syringe engagement mechanism 68A, thereby allowing the sheath assembly 30 to extend, the sheath 32 is extended around the exposed needle until the sheath brake 33 abuts the teeth of the housing (see Figures 37A-C).

[0093] 42A and 42B depict the injector 10 in a resting position prior to activation and during injection, respectively. The injector 10 includes a syringe 14 secured within a housing 12. The syringe 14 includes a plunger 16 configured to dispense a medication 18 into a needle 28 of the syringe 14 for administration to a user. To inject the medication 18 into a user, the injector 10 is positioned against the user's skin surface and the injector 10 is activated via a button or other activation device (not shown, see FIG. 9A for an example) along a peripheral surface of the injector 10. Once the injector 10 is activated, the controller 24 is released to drive the syringe 14, via a first pair of biasing members 26A secured about a post 90 of the controller 24, to extend the needle 28 through the sterile cover 78 and into contact with the user's skin surface. The syringe 14 is actuated until the controller 24 contacts an inner surface of the housing 12, thereby preventing further movement of the syringe 14. Once the syringe 14 is prevented from further movement within the housing 12, the controller 24 actuates the plunger 16 into contact with the medication 18, which is dispensed into the needle 28 and then into the user. During activation, the sheath engagement mechanism 68B of the pair of sheath drivers 94 is also released, thereby applying a biasing force against the fingers 34 of the sheath assembly 30 via a sheath biasing member 26C secured about the sheath driver 94.

[0094] After injection, as depicted in Figure 42C, the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, whereupon the sheath 32 of the sheath assembly 30 expands to surround the exposed needle 28. As shown, once the injector 10 is removed from the skin surface, a biasing force applied via the sheath driver 94 articulates the fingers 34 so that the sheath 32 is positioned around the exposed needle 28.

[0095] Figure 43 illustrates the housing 12 of the injector of Figure 42A. As illustrated, the housing 12 includes an aperture 42 that allows extension of the sheath driver into contact with the fingers of the sheath assembly so that the sheath assembly can be articulated to surround the exposed needle (see Figures 42A-C).

[0096] Figure 44 illustrates the sheath driver 94 of Figure 42A. The sheath driver 94 includes a sheath engagement mechanism 68B that can be released from the portion of the housing that secures the sheath driver during activation of the injector (see Figures 42A-42C).

[0097] Figure 45 illustrates the sheath assembly 30 of the injector of Figure 42A. The sheath assembly 30 includes a sheath 32 that extends around the exposed needle after injection to completely encase the needle and prevent unwanted contact with the needle. The sheath 32 is extended around the exposed needle by articulating the fingers 34 of the sheath assembly 30 via a sheath driver, thereby allowing the sheath 32 to extend around the exposed needle (see Figures 42A-42C).

[0098] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the teachings contemplate that any member of a genus (list) may be excluded from the genus and / or any member of a Markush grouping may be excluded from the grouping.

[0099] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of "about" or "approximately" in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30," inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

[0100] Unless otherwise stated, teachings using the terms "about" or "approximately" in conjunction with a numerical quantity include teachings of the stated amount as well as approximations of the stated amount. As an example, a teaching of "about 100" includes a teaching of 100 + / - 10.

[0101] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and patent publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of" to describe a combination is intended to include the identified elements, components, ingredients, or steps, as well as such other elements, components, ingredients, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe a combination of elements, components, ingredients, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist of or consist essentially of the elements, components, ingredients, or steps in question.

[0102] A plurality of elements, components, ingredients, or steps may be provided by a single integrated element, component, ingredient, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, ingredient, or step could be divided into separate elements, components, ingredients, or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element, component, ingredient, or step is not intended to exclude additional elements, components, ingredients, or steps. For example, the embodiment of the present invention is as follows. [Embodiment 1] a) a housing; b) a controller releasably secured to the housing; and c) a syringe movably positioned within said housing; and In an injector comprising: The injector, wherein the controller, when released, drives the syringe to expose a portion of the syringe outside the housing. [Embodiment 2] 2. The injector of embodiment 1, wherein the exposed portion of the syringe is a needle. [Embodiment 3] 3. The injector of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the syringe contains a medicinal agent that is dispensed through the needle into the user via a plunger actuated by the controller. [Embodiment 4] 13. The injector according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is actuated by one or more biasing members. [Embodiment 5] An injector according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a sheath that movably protects the needle before release of the control, after release of the control, or both. [Embodiment 6] 11. The injector of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the injector is housed within a mobile device case, within an injector case secured to the mobile device case, or both. [Embodiment 7] An injector according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is released via force applied to a button on the housing that engages the controller. [Embodiment 8] An injector according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein a stopper secures the controller to the housing such that when the stopper is removed from the injector, the controller is released to engage the syringe. [Embodiment 9] 9. The syringe of embodiment 8, wherein the stopper is a pin movably fixed to the housing. [Embodiment 10] 11. The injector of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the injector is configured for a single injection. [Embodiment 11] 11. The injector of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the injector is configured for multiple injections. [Embodiment 12] 5. The injector of embodiment 4, wherein the one or more biasing members are springs. [Embodiment 13] The injector of embodiment 5, wherein the sheath is attached to the housing such that when the syringe is actuated by the controller, the syringe contacts a portion of the sheath, releasing the sheath from the housing and encasing the exposed portion of the syringe. [Embodiment 14] An injector as described in embodiment 13, wherein the sheath is fixed in the housing in a compressed state via one or more biasing members, and the sheath is biased to extend over the exposed portion of the syringe after injection from the injector. [Embodiment 15] 15. The injector of embodiment 14, wherein the one or more biasing members are springs. [Embodiment 16] An injector according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pin releasably engages the button on the housing. [Embodiment 17] 13. The injector of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the injector case is releasably secured to the phone case. [Embodiment 18] An injector as described in any one of the above embodiments, wherein a first section of the injector case is fixedly secured to the telephone case and a second section of the injector case is removably secured to the telephone case. [Embodiment 19] 19. The syringe of embodiment 18, wherein the second section of the syringe case is fixedly attached to the syringe. [Embodiment 20] 20. The injector of embodiment 19, wherein the second section of the injector case is part of the housing of the injector. [Embodiment 21] The injector of embodiment 5, wherein the sheath is attached to a plate fixed within the housing, and when the syringe is actuated by the controller, the controller contacts and releases opposing fingers that secure the sheath, causing the sheath to become free and expand to encase the exposed portion of the syringe. [Embodiment 22] 22. The injector of embodiment 21, wherein the sheath is biased via a biasing member such that the sheath expands upon being freed. [Embodiment 23] An injector as described in embodiment 21 or embodiment 22, wherein the sheath is fixed to a protrusion of the plate and the fingers are rotatably fixed to a plurality of holes disposed on the plate. [Embodiment 24] 13. An injector according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising one or more near field communication sensors. [Embodiment 25] An injector described in any one of the above embodiments, comprising one or more short-range wireless communication sensors adapted to identify and / or monitor the location of the medical device as the injector by reference to a telephone connected to the housing. [Embodiment 26] An injector according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising one or more near-field wireless communication sensors adapted to identify and / or monitor the temperature of the medical device as the injector. [Embodiment 27] 27. The injector of embodiment 26, wherein a user receives a notification that the temperature of the medical device is outside a predetermined acceptable range. [Embodiment 28] 26. The injector of embodiment 25, wherein one or more predefined third party devices receive a notification when the medical device is disconnected from the telephone. [Embodiment 29] An injector as described in embodiment 5, wherein when the syringe is actuated by the controller, the controller contacts a sheath engagement mechanism that secures the sheath to the inner portion of the housing and releases the sheath engagement mechanism, causing the sheath to free up and expand to encase the exposed portion of the syringe. [Embodiment 30] An injector as described in embodiment 5, wherein when the syringe is actuated by the controller, a shelf on the controller releases support from the syringe engagement mechanism of the sheath assembly, thereby allowing the sheath to extend until a sheath brake abuts against teeth along an inner portion of the housing, and the sheath encases the exposed portion of the syringe. [Embodiment 31] 6. The injector of embodiment 5, wherein when the controller is released from the housing, one or more sheath drivers are also released from the housing and the sheath drivers apply force to fingers of a sheath assembly to articulate the fingers and extend the sheath around the exposed portion of the syringe. [Embodiment 32] 30. The injector of embodiment 29, wherein the sheath extends until one or more sheath brakes abut the sheath engagement mechanism and prevent further movement of the sheath. [Embodiment 33] 33. The injector of embodiment 32, wherein the sheath extends until one or more sheath brakes of the sheath abut against one or more pegs, protrusions, extensions, or combinations thereof in the housing, thereby preventing further movement of the sheath.

[0103] It is understood that the above description is illustrative and not intended to be limiting. Many embodiments other than the examples provided, as well as many applications, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be determined with reference to the above description, but instead with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and patent publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the appended claims should not be construed as a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be deemed that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the subject matter of the disclosed invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10 syringe 12. Housing 14 Syringe 16 Plunger 18 Pharmaceuticals 20 Cover 24 Controller 26 Pressurizing member 26A First biasing member (or first pair) 26B Second biasing member (or second pair) 26C Sheath biasing member 28 needles 30 Sheath assembly 32 Sheath 33 Sheath Brake 34 Finger 36 Plate 38 Protrusion 40 Stopper 42 holes 44 Buttons 46 Engagement Features 60 Phone Case 62 Back section 64 Injector Case 64A First injector case section 64B Second injector case section 66 Release Latch 68 Engagement mechanism 68A Syringe engagement mechanism 68B Sheath engagement mechanism 70 First Platform 72 The Second Platform 74 Protrusion 76 Cap 78 Sterile Cover 80 Actuator 80A First Linear Actuator 80B Second Linear Actuator 82 Controller 84 Sensors 84A Near Field Communication (NFC) Sensor 84B Temperature Sensor 86 Shelf 88 Tabs 90 Column section 92 teeth 94 Sheath Driver F (force applied to button) R Stopper removal direction

Claims

1. In the injector, a) a housing; b) a syringe movably positioned within the housing, the syringe including a plunger and a needle and containing a medicinal agent therein; and c) a removable member that is removable from the housing; and d) a controller having a controller release portion and releasably secured to the housing, the controller automatically actuating the syringe to expose the needle outside the housing and automatically actuating a plunger of the syringe to dispense the pharmaceutical agent through the needle when a force acts on the controller release portion to release the controller; e) one or more biasing members disposed between the housing and the controller and engaging the housing and the controller, the one or more biasing members moving the controller when a force is applied against a release portion of the controller; f) a sheath in movably communication with the housing by a biasing member, the sheath being biased to disengage from the housing and automatically cover the needle when the controller is released; the injector is housed within the mobile device case or within an injector case secured to the mobile device case; the controller remains within the housing before and after the needle is exposed outside the housing; An injector, wherein the removable member secures the controller to the housing to prevent a release portion of the controller from releasing the controller, and after the removable member is removed from the injector, when the force is applied, the controller can be released from the housing to engage the syringe.

2. The injector of claim 1 , wherein the sheath movably protects the needle before and after release of the control.

3. The injector of claim 2 , wherein the removable member is a pin, a latch, a hook, a protrusion, a fastener, a clip, or a combination thereof.

4. The injector of claim 1 , wherein the injector is configured for single injection or multiple injections.

5. 3. The injector of claim 2, wherein the sheath extends until one or more sheath brakes engage the housing and prevent further movement of the sheath.

6. An injector as described in claim 3, wherein the force acting on the release portion of the controller acts on a button, and the removable member is a pin releasably engaged with the button.

7. The injector of claim 1, wherein the injector includes one or more short-range wireless communication sensors adapted to identify and / or monitor a location of the injector by reference to a telephone connected to the housing, and the one or more short-range wireless communication sensors adapted to identify and / or monitor a temperature of the injector.

8. 8. The injector of claim 7, wherein a user receives notification that the temperature of the injector is outside a predefined acceptable range.

9. 8. The injector of claim 7, wherein one or more predefined third party devices receive a notification when the injector is disconnected from the phone.

10. The injector of claim 1, wherein the removable member engages with both the housing and the release portion of the controller prior to disengagement.

11. The injector of claim 10, wherein the force is applied manually by a user.

12. The injector of claim 11, wherein the syringe is driven when the controller drives the plunger until the syringe contacts the housing.

13. The injector of claim 12, wherein movement of the controller is relative to the syringe.

14. The injector of claim 13, wherein movement of the controller is relative to the plunger.

15. An injector as described in claim 14, wherein the movement of the controller is reciprocal with the syringe in a first movement stage and reciprocal with the plunger in a second movement stage, the second movement stage coming after the first movement stage.

16. The injector of claim 15, wherein the one or more biasing members actuating the controller function to both expose the needle and dispense the medicine.

17. The injector of claim 16, wherein the one or more actuators actuating the controller function to expose the needle and dispense the medicine, and extend the sheath.

18. The injector of claim 17, wherein the controller directly engages the plunger.

19. The injector of claim 18, wherein the one or more biasing members include two biasing members disposed on opposite sides of the syringe.

Images