as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2011/0218502 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Sep. 8, 2011
`
`Tio et al.
`
`US 20110218502A1
`
`(54) CARRYING CASE AND SYRINGE SYSTEM
`WITH SAME
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Toshiaki Iio, Ehime (JP); Yukihiro
`Takabatake, Ehime (JP)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`13/128,940
`
`(22)
`
`PCTFiled:
`
`Oct. 2, 2009
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT/JP2009/005135
`
`§ 371 (©),
`(2), (4) Date:
`
`May12, 2011
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Nov. 14, 2008
`
`IP) vovececceeeeeecreeeeeeeees 2008-292793
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`AGIM 5/178
`(2006.01)
`HO02J 7/00
`(2006.01)
`AGIB 17/06
`(52) U.S. Ch wu... 604/264; 320/107; 320/108; 206/438
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`A carrying case (1) for a pharmaceutical injection device (21)
`administering a pharmaceutical to a living body includes a
`case unit (2, 20) and an electric charging device (3a). The case
`unit (2, 20) accommodates the pharmaceutical
`injection
`device (21). The electric charging device (3a) is mounted in
`the case unit (2, 20), includesan electric charging terminal (9)
`electrically connectable to the pharmaceutical
`injection
`device (21), and electrically charges the pharmaceutical
`injection device (21). The carrying case (1) can prevent
`troubles including such a situation that a user cannot charge
`the pharmaceutical injection device (21) while being out with
`the carrying case.
`
`APPLE 1010
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1010
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 1 of 30
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`
`CARRYING CASE AND SYRINGE SYSTEM
`WITH SAME
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to a carrying case for a
`pharmaceutical injection device equipped with a pharmaceu-
`tical syringe containing a pharmaceutical for administering
`the pharmaceuticalto a living body, and relates to a syringe
`system with the same.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`[0002] Well-known carrying cases have been designed to
`accommodate and carry a predeterminedarticle, equipment
`attachedto the article, and the like. Some of the well-known
`carrying cases that have been commercially viable so far
`include a type in which an accommodationsection is entirely
`covered with a shock-absorbing material and a type in which
`such a shock-absorbing material is usedaseithera first shock-
`absorbing material or a second shock-absorbing material
`dependingonsituations.
`[0003]
`FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate an exemplary well-
`known carrying case. FIG. 30A illustrates a top view of a
`carrying case 101, whereas FIG. 30Billustratesa side view of
`the carrying case 101. As illustrated in the figures, the carry-
`ing case 101 includes a case unit 102, an article holding
`portion 105 for accommodating an article 106, and a lid (not
`illustrated in the figure). Further, the case unit 102 includes a
`first shock-absorbing material 103 and a second shock-ab-
`sorbing material 104 in the inside thereof for protecting the
`article 106 from shocks(see e.g., Patent Literature 1).
`[0004] Thecarrying case 101 can thus mitigate shocksto be
`appliedto thearticle 106.
`
`CITATION LIST
`
`Patent Literature
`
`Patent Literature 1: Specification of Japanese Patent
`[0005]
`No. 3010787
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Technical Problem
`
`[0006] However, when an article accommodated in the
`aforementioned well-known carrying case 101 is an elec-
`tronic device, an accurate instrument or the like requiring
`electrical power, a user is required to carry an electric charg-
`ing device (electric charger) with him/her for charging the
`device or the instrument, in addition to the carrying case.
`Therefore, a user is required to make the space for accommo-
`dating an electric charging device. Furthermore, it may some-
`times happen that a user may forget to bring the electric
`charging device with him/her.
`[0007] Meanwhile, the carrying case 101 does not include
`enough space to accommodate the other equipment and
`thereby cannot accommodate spare pharmaceuticals for
`which temperature control is required. The carrying case 101
`thereby lacks convenience.
`
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a
`[0008]
`carrying case and a syringe system for allowing a user to use
`a pharmaceutical injection device easily and safely.
`
`Solution to Problem
`
`[0009] A carrying case according to a first aspect of the
`present invention is a carrying case for a pharmaceutical
`injection device for administering a pharmaceutical to a liv-
`ing body and includes a case unit and an electric charging
`device. The case unit is configured to accommodate the phar-
`maceutical injection device therein. The electric charging
`device is mounted in the case unit. The electric charging
`device includes an electric charging terminal electrically con-
`nectable to the pharmaceutical injection device. The electric
`charging device is configuredto electrically charge the phar-
`maceutical injection device.
`[0010] The following structure is adopted herein for the
`carrying case configured to accommodate the pharmaceutical
`injection device so that a user no longer needs to separately
`carry an electric charging device with him/her.
`[0011] The carrying case includes the case unit, and the
`electric charging device is mounted andfixed to the case unit
`for electrically charge the pharmaceutical injection device.
`The electric charging device includes the electric charging
`terminalelectrically connectable to the pharmaceutical injec-
`tion device.
`[0012] The pharmaceutical injection device may be, for
`instance, an electronic device that accommodates a syringe
`containing a pharmaceutical and automatically injects the
`pharmaceutical into a living body. The aforementioned case
`unit may be a case unit that outlines the carrying case and
`includes, for instance, a pair of a bottom case and a cover
`connected to each other by meansof a hinge in an openable/
`closable manner. “Electrically connectable”refers to a state
`that power supply is available, and may bea state that con-
`ductive members are connected to each other or a non-contact
`
`state using electromotive force or the like (by means of a
`non-contact electric charging method). The electric charging
`device includes, for instance, a power supply circuit for elec-
`tric charging, and may include a primary battery and/or an AC
`adaptor for supplying electric power to the power supply
`circuit, a jack for allowing an AC adaptor to be connected
`thereto, or the like.
`[0013] Well-known carrying cases for accommodating
`electronic devices (including portable electronic devices) and
`the like enclose shock-absorbing materials and the like for
`absorbing shocks. However, users are required to separately
`carry the electric charging devices for supplying electric
`powerto the electronic devices. Therefore, users are required
`to secure the spaces for accommodating the electric charging
`devices and mayforget to bring the electric charging devices
`with them in somecases.
`
`In view ofthe above,the carrying case ofthe present
`[0014]
`invention includes the electric charging device in the case
`unit.
`
`Thestructure allowsa userto bring the pharmaceu-
`[0015]
`tical
`injection device and the electric charging device
`required for electrically charging the pharmaceutical injec-
`tion device while both of them are fixed to the carrying case.
`In other words,a useris allowedto bring an electric charging
`device and a pharmaceutical injection device in a single car-
`rying case.
`[0016] As aresult, a user is no longer required to secure the
`space for accommodating an electric charging device in the
`
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`US 2011/0218502 Al
`
`Sep. 8, 2011
`
`[0017] A carrying case according to a second aspectof the
`present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the
`first aspect of the present invention, in which the electric
`charging device includes a connector allowing an AC adaptor
`to be connectedthereto.
`
`rechargeable battery. The electric charging device is config-
`carrying case and separately carry an electric charging device
`with him/her, and the like. It is thereby possible to prevent
`ured to electrically charge the rechargeable battery.
`suchasituation that electric charging is not available when a
`[0032]
`Itis thereby possible to morereliably supply electric
`user is out because he/she forgets to bring an electric charging
`powerto the pharmaceutical injection device.
`device with him/her.
`[0033] A carrying case according to a sixth aspect of the
`present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the
`first aspect of the present invention. In the carrying case, the
`electric charging device includes either a manual electric
`charging unit or a solar battery unit.
`[0034]
`Itis thereby possible to more reliably supply electric
`powerto the pharmaceutical injection device.
`[0035] Acarrying case according to a seventh aspectof the
`present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the
`fifth aspect of the present invention.In the carrying case, the
`electric charging device is configured to electrically charge
`either the pharmaceutical injection device or the rechargeable
`battery in a non-contact manner.
`[0036]
`Itis thereby possible to more easily supply electric
`powerto the pharmaceutical injection device.
`[0037] Acarrying case according to an eighth aspect of the
`present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to one
`of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention. In the
`carrying case, the case unit includes a recess for accommo-
`dating the pharmaceutical
`injection device. The electric
`charging terminalofthe electric charging device is protruded
`from the recess in a retractable manner.
`
`[0018] The connector may be, for instance, a plug-in jack,
`a connector mounted on a circuit board includedin the elec-
`
`tric charging device,orthelike.
`[0019]
`It is thereby possible to connect an external AC
`adaptorto the electric charging device or to accommodate an
`AC adaptor electrically connected to the electric charging
`device in the carrying case.
`[0020] Asaresult, the electric charging device is allowed to
`receive electric power from a commercial power source
`through an AC adaptor.
`[0021] A carrying case according to a third aspect of the
`present inventionrelatesto the carrying case according to one
`of the first and second aspects of the present invention. In the
`carrying case, the electric charging device includes an AC
`adaptor. The AC adaptoris electrically connected to the con-
`nector.
`
`[0022] The electric charging device includes an AC adap-
`tor.
`
`Preferably, the AC adaptorhas a plug portion pro-
`[0023]
`truded to the outsideofthe case unit. The plug portion may be
`configured to be protruded by meansof a slide mechanism or
`the like.
`
`Itis thereby possible to preliminarily include an AC
`[0024]
`adaptor in the carrying case. Therefore, a user is no longer
`required to separately carry an AC adaptor with him/her.
`[0025] As a result, it is possible to prevent a user from
`forgetting to bring an AC adaptor with him/her.
`[0026] A carrying case according to a fourth aspect of the
`present inventionrelatesto the carrying case according to one
`of thefirst to third aspects of the present invention. In the
`carrying case, the electric charging device includes a primary
`battery.
`[0027] The electric charging device includes a primary bat-
`tery for electrically charging the pharmaceutical injection
`device.
`
`[0028] The primary battery herein refers to a battery that
`can supply electric powerbyitself.
`[0029]
`It is thereby possible to supply electric power for
`charging to the pharmaceutical injection device from the pri-
`mary battery without supplying electric power for charging
`thereto from the outside. Therefore, a user is allowed to
`execute electric charging of the pharmaceutical injection
`device even when he/sheis in a place without a commercial
`power source or when he/she is moving. Further, the AC
`adaptor and the primary battery may beselectively used
`dependingonsituations.
`[0030] As aresult, it is possible to provide a user-friendly
`carrying case with the electric charging function using a
`generally prevalent primary battery.
`[0031] A carrying case according to a fifth aspect of the
`present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the
`first aspector the fourth aspect ofthe present invention.In the
`carrying case,
`the electric charging device includes a
`
`[0038] The electric charging terminalis protruded from the
`recess for accommodating the pharmaceutical
`injection
`device in a retractable manner.
`
`Itis thereby possible to electrically connect a termi-
`[0039]
`nal receiver of the pharmaceutical injection device to the
`electric charging terminal while the pharmaceutical injection
`device is placed (accommodated) in the recess of the case
`unit. Therefore,
`the pharmaceutical
`injection device is
`allowed to be electrically charged while being accommodated
`in the case unit. The terminal receiver of the pharmaceutical
`injection device herein refers to a section allowing the electric
`charging terminal to be electrically connected thereto. The
`terminal receiveris electrically connected to a rechargeable
`battery (battery) provided in the pharmaceutical injection
`device.
`
`Asa result, it is possible to provide a carrying case
`[0040]
`that allows a pharmaceutical injection device to be accom-
`modated therein andto be electrically charged easily.
`[0041] A carrying case according to a ninth aspect of the
`present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the
`eighth aspect ofthe present invention.In the carrying case, the
`electric charging device includes an elastic memberattached
`to the electric charging terminal and configured to urge the
`electric charging terminalto be protruded from the top of the
`recess of the case unit.
`
`[0042] Examples of the elastic member include a metal
`spring such as a coil spring, a resin spring such as urethane
`and rubber, or other members madeof material with elastic-
`ity.
`Itis thereby possible to eliminate variation in sizes
`[0043]
`among the pharmaceutical injection device, the case unit and
`the electric charging device whenthe terminal receiver of the
`pharmaceutical injection device and theelectric chargingter-
`minalofthe electric charging device make contact with each
`other. Therefore, the electric charging terminal and the termi-
`nal receiver are allowedto reliably make contact with each
`other while the pharmaceutical injection device is accommo-
`dated in the recess of the case unit.
`
`33
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`US 2011/0218502 Al
`
`Sep. 8, 2011
`
`[0044] As a result, it is possible to prevent a failure of
`electric charging due to loose connection and avoid troubles
`such as shortage of electric power in use.
`[0045] A carrying case according to a tenth aspect of the
`present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the
`first aspect of the present invention. In the carrying case, the
`case unit includes an openable/closable pair of a cover and a
`bottom case. The electric charging device is configured to
`stopor start electric charging in conjunction with an opening
`or a closing action of the cover and the bottom case.
`[0046] Electric charging is allowed to be stoppedorstarted
`in conjunction with an opening action or a closing action of
`the case unit. Therefore,
`it
`is possible to automatically
`execute an electric charging operation without making a user
`awareofit.
`
`[0056] The input unit herein may be built in the carrying
`case or an external input unit.
`[0057] Acarrying case according to a seventeenth aspect of
`the present invention relates to the carrying case according to
`the first aspect of the present invention. In the carrying case,
`the case unit further includes a lock mechanism. The lock
`
`mechanism is configured to secure the pharmaceutical injec-
`tion device to the case unit such that the electric charging
`terminalof the electric charging device makes contact with a
`terminal receiver of the pharmaceutical injection device.
`[0058] The lock mechanism herein secures the pharmaceu-
`tical injection device to the electric charging device.
`[0059]
`For example,it is possible to use, as the lock mecha-
`nism, an engaging memberconfigured to secure the electric
`charging device and the pharmaceutical injection device with
`each other by the electric charging device engaging with a
`part ofthe pharmaceutical injection device. Whentheelectric
`charging terminal
`is protruded from the recess, the lock
`mechanism is preferably disposed such that the pharmaceu-
`tical injection device is secured to therecess.
`[0060]
`Itis thereby possible to reliably secure the pharma-
`ceutical
`injection device to the electric charging device.
`Whenthe electric charging terminal is protruded from the
`recess, the pharmaceutical injection device can be reliably in
`contact with and fixed to the electric charging device while
`being secured to the recess.
`[0061] As aresult, the pharmaceutical injection device can
`be prevented from being removed from the electric charging
`device due to vibrations or shocks. Therefore, the pharma-
`ceutical injection device can bereliably electrically charged.
`[0062] Acarrying case according to an eighteenth aspect of
`the present invention relates to the carrying case according to
`the first aspect of the present invention. In the carrying case,
`the case unit includes an openable/closable pair of a cover and
`a bottom case. The cover includes a transparent window por-
`tion, a translucent window portion or a cutout window por-
`tion.
`
`[0047] A carrying case according to an eleventh aspect of
`the present invention relates to the carrying case according to
`the first aspect of the present invention. The carrying case
`further includes a display unit.
`[0048]
`Itis thereby possible to enhance convenienceofthe
`carrying case.
`[0049] A carrying case according to a twelfth aspect of the
`present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the
`eleventh aspect of the present invention. In the carrying case,
`the display unit is configured to execute a display operation
`using a liquid crystal, an organic EL or an LED.
`[0050] A carrying case accordingto a thirteenth aspect of
`the present invention relates to the carrying case according to
`the eleventh aspect or the twelfth aspect of the present inven-
`tion. In the carrying case, the display unit is configured to
`display an electric charging status, a data communication
`status, a conduction status or error content.
`[0051] Acarrying case according to a fourteenth aspect of
`the present invention relates to the carrying case according to
`the thirteenth aspect of the present invention. In the carrying
`case, the display unit is configured to display, as the electric
`charging status, a remainder frequency of pharmaceutical
`[0063] The carrying case is divided into a cover and a
`injections by the pharmaceutical injection device.
`bottom case. The coveris provided with a windowportion for
`[0052] Acarrying case accordingto a fifteenth aspect ofthe
`allowing a user to check whether or not the pharmaceutical
`present inventionrelates to the carrying case according to the
`injection device is accommodated in the carrying case.
`first aspect ofthe present invention. The carrying case further
`includesatleast either ofan audio unit andavibration unit. At
`[0064] The cover and the bottom case are preferably con-
`nected to each other by meansof, for instance, a hinge or the
`leasteitherofthe audio unit and vibration unit is configured to
`like. For example, a transparentplastic, glass or the like may
`inform a user of predetermined information by means of an
`be used for the window portion.
`audio guide, an alert buzzer or a vibration.
`[0065]
`Itis thereby possible for a userto visually check the
`[0053] The predetermined information herein refers to a
`inside of the carrying case through the window portion.
`current status ofthe carrying case such as an electric charging
`Therefore, a user is allowed to easily check whetheror not the
`status, a communication status, a conduction status, warning,
`pharmaceutical injection device is accommodatedin the car-
`caution or the like (e.g., the remaining available number of
`rying case.
`times for injections by the pharmaceutical injection device
`based on the amount of injected pharmaceutical agent). The
`[0066]
`Asa result, it is possible to prevent a user from
`audio unit is configured to inform a userof the predetermined
`forgetting to put the pharmaceutical injection device in the
`information by meansof a buzzer, a sounder, a speakeror the
`carrying case.
`like. The vibration unit is configured to cause a vibratoror the
`[0067] A carrying case according to a nineteenth aspect of
`like to generate vibrations in the carrying case and thereby
`the present invention relates to the carrying case according to
`inform a user of the predetermined information.
`the eighteenth aspect of the present invention. In the carrying
`[0054]
`It is thereby possible to inform a visually and/or
`case, the bottom case includes an engaging mechanism. The
`auditory disabled user of information. Therefore, it is pos-
`engaging mechanism is configured to engage with the cover
`whenthe coveris in a closedstate.
`sible to enhance convenienceandsafety of the carrying case.
`[0055] A carrying case according to a sixteenth aspect of
`the present invention relates to the carrying case according to
`the first aspect of the present invention. The carrying case
`further includes an input unit configured to receive an infor-
`mation input by a user.
`
`Preferably, the engaging mechanismis, for instance,
`[0068]
`a slide knob including a slide mechanism orthelike.
`[0069]
`It is thereby possible to control opening and closing
`of the cover and the bottom case. Therefore, it is possible to
`prevent the carrying case from being accidentally opened.
`34
`
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`

`

`US 2011/0218502 Al
`
`Sep. 8, 2011
`
`[0070] As aresult, auser can safely carry the carrying case
`with him/her.
`
`[0071] A carrying case according to a twentieth aspect of
`the present invention relates to the carrying case according to
`the eighteenth aspect or the nineteenth aspect of the present
`invention. In the carrying case, the cover includes an equip-
`mentpresser rib. The equipmentpresserrib is configured to
`hold equipmentfor the pharmaceutical injection device to be
`accommodatedin the bottom case.
`
`[0072] Thecoveris provided with the equipmentpresserrib
`for holding equipment necessary for the pharmaceutical
`injection device.
`[0073] The equipmentincludes a needle to be used for the
`pharmaceutical
`injection device, a spare pharmaceutical
`syringe and the like. The bottom caseis preferably provided
`with an equipment accommodation portion for accommodat-
`ing the aforementioned equipment.
`[0074] The equipment can be thereby held while the cover
`is closed. Therefore, the equipment can be prevented from
`being scattered in the carrying case.
`[0075] Asa result, it is possible to provide a carrying case
`that is more user-friendly than well-known carrying cases.
`[0076] Acarrying case accordingto a twenty-first aspect of
`the present invention relates to the carrying case according to
`one of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects of the present
`invention. In the carrying case, the cover includes a first
`shock-absorbing memberin an innerside thereoffor protect-
`ing the pharmaceutical injection device.
`[0077] The shock-absorbing member includes a material
`for absorbing shocks, and may be madeofrubber.
`[0078] Even whenthe pharmaceutical injection device col-
`lides againstthe inside of the cover whenthe carrying case is
`in a closed state, shocks can be mitigated.
`[0079] Asaresult, itis possible to provide the carrying case
`for protecting the pharmaceutical injection device from being
`damagedor broken.
`[0080] Acarrying case according to a twenty-second aspect
`ofthe present inventionrelates to the carrying case according
`to oneofthe first to twenty-first aspects of the present inven-
`tion.
`In the carrying case,
`the electric charging device
`includes a second shock-absorbing member for protecting
`electronic components included in the electric charging
`device from shocks.
`
`Itis thereby possible to protect a primary battery, a
`[0081]
`powersupply circuit or the like includedin the electric charg-
`ing device from shocks.
`[0082] A carrying case according to a twenty-third aspect
`of the present invention is a carrying case configured to
`accommodate a pharmaceutical injection device for admin-
`istering a pharmaceutical to a living body. The carrying case
`includes: a case unit accommodating the pharmaceutical
`injection device therein; and a temperature regulation unit
`configured to regulate a temperature within the case unit. The
`temperature regulation unit includes: a cooling execution sec-
`tion configured to execute a cooling operation; a cooling fan
`configured to supply a cool air into the case unit; and a cooling
`control section configured to control the cooling execution
`section.
`
`[0083] The carrying case includes the temperature regula-
`tion unit and a coolair is supplied to the inside ofthe case unit
`by controlling and executing a cooling operation. Accord-
`ingly, a user is allowed to carry the pharmaceutical that
`
`requires a temperature control with him/her using the carry-
`ing case. Therefore, it is possible to enhancesafety and con-
`venienceof the carrying case.
`[0084] A carrying case according to a twenty-fourth aspect
`ofthe present inventionrelates to the carrying case according
`to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention. In the
`carrying case, the case unit further includesat least one tem-
`perature sensor. The cooling control section of the tempera-
`ture regulation unit is configuredto control the cooling execu-
`tion section based on a value/values measuredbytheat least
`one temperature sensor.
`[0085]
`For example, the cooling control section is config-
`ured to calculate a difference between the temperature data of
`the temperature sensor/sensors and a preliminarily set cool-
`ing setting temperature. The cooling control section then
`regulates the temperature inside the case unit by controlling a
`cooling level (rapid cooling, strong cooling, intermediate
`cooling, weak cooling andthe like) in accordance with that
`temperature difference.
`[0086]
`It is thereby possible to automatically regulate the
`temperature in the inside of the carrying case.
`[0087] Acarrying case according to a twenty-fifth aspect of
`the present invention relates to the carrying case according to
`the twenty-third aspect ofthe present invention. The carrying
`case further includesan electric charging device. The electric
`charging device is mounted in the case unit, includes an
`electric charging terminal electrically connectable to the
`pharmaceutical