TRANSPORTABLE, SURFACE-MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR AN AUTO-INJECTION CASE

Abstract

A transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case. The storage system includes a mounting device for attaching to the auto-injection case. A first side of the mounting device conforms to a shape of the auto-injection case, and a second side of the mounting device is substantially flat, thereby enabling the mounting device to mount on a flat surface. The second side of the mounting device includes, preferably, a reusable attaching mechanism such as a magnet, adhesive strip, or suction device that attaches the mounting device including the attached auto-injection case to the flat surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to storage systems for auto-injection devices, and more particularly to transportable, surface-mounting storage systems for auto-injection cases that can be temporarily fixed and easily viewable at desired locations and are still capable convenient transportation.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many individuals are highly allergic to commonly encountered substances. Examples of common substances, which are also common allergens, include a variety of commonly encountered foods, latex, and venom from bee stings. Because these and other sources of allergy are prevalent in everyday life, one who is allergic to such a substance cannot predict when they may come in contact with it and have an allergic reaction. When reactions do occur, they can be severe (a condition called “anaphylaxis”); without immediate treatment, anaphylaxis is potentially life threatening. As a result, many people with known allergies must have medication readily available at all times to treat a reaction.

In order to treat anaphylaxis, many allergy sufferers utilize a device that enables them to quickly administer an appropriate medication, such as epinephrine. These devices are commonly referred to as “auto-injection devices” or “auto-injectors”, and are exemplified by the injector sold by DEY L.P., under EpiPen®. Auto-injection devices generally contain one or two doses of epinephrine and include a retractable needle for quickly injecting the medication intramuscularly. In most cases, it is recommended that allergy sufferers have an auto-injection device readily available at all times.

There are several difficulties associated with the process of constantly carrying an auto-injection device. First, because auto-injection devices include an injection needle and various movable parts, they are relatively fragile and in need of protection from mechanical forces. Second, users must guard against exposing epinephrine to temperature extremes, which can cause it to deteriorate. Third, constantly carrying epinephrine can increase its exposure to UV light, to which it is sensitive. Specifically, epinephrine will oxidize under UV light, turning brown in the process and becoming ineffective. For this reason, most auto-injection devices contain a window through which the color of the contained epinephrine can be visually inspected.

In response to the above issues, several protective cases have been developed for carrying an auto-injection device while shielding it from both mechanical forces and UV radiation. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,362 to Penney and U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,827 to Odom. Both patents disclose a case that surrounds and completely encloses an auto-injection device, protecting the device from damage and completely shielding it from light. Also, both types of cases are of appropriate size to be easily carried by a user, for example, in a typical pants pocket.

While the prior art protective cases for auto-injection devices, such as those disclosed by Odom and Penney, have alleviated some of the problems associated with the process of constantly carrying such a device, other difficulties persist. For example, because the prior art protective cases are relatively small and meant to travel with the device, they can be easily misplaced. In places visited regularly, such as a home or office, such cases are often stored out of view, in pockets or drawers, making them easily forgotten when traveling and difficult to locate in times of urgent need. This latter issue is highlighted in situations where the device user, who is often most capable of locating the device, is suffering an anaphylactic reaction and unable either to self-medicate or to describe the device location. In addition, the cases in the prior art replace the existing carrying case thereby concealing the recognizable device. This potentially delays the ability of a bystander to locate the device for individuals undergoing a reaction, and unable to communicate because of age or the reaction itself.

Aside from the above, special problems are encountered when using an auto-injection device in connection with an allergy-suffering child. While many allergy sufferers carry and use auto-injection devices themselves, young children are not capable of such self-medication. Older children, while potentially capable of operating an auto-injector, are likely to damage, misuse, lose, or forget to carry the device. For these reasons, auto-injection devices that are being used to treat child allergies are typically carried by an adult “administrator” (e.g., a parent, teacher, camp counselor, babysitter, etc.). This practice eliminates issues associated with children carrying auto-injectors; however, it also means that the auto-injection device is not kept immediately with the allergy sufferer, increasing the likelihood that an allergic reaction will occur outside the presence of the device. There is also a risk of forgetting to take an auto-injector when leaving a house. Further, even at home, school, day care center, camp or the like, an attending adult may be unable to find an auto-injection device or recognize the case holding the device. These issues are not addressed by the above-described prior art protective cases.

More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,686 to Prindle addressed some of these problems by creating a storage system for auto-injection devices that holds the devices at a location where anaphylaxis is more likely to occur or where an allergy sufferer is frequently found. Such a system could be used in place of, or in addition to, having each individual sufferer carry a device everywhere with him/her, and would hold devices ready at critical locations, such as a home or office, restaurants, malls, and schools.

While the prior art storage systems for auto-injection devices, such as that disclosed by Prindle, have alleviated some of the problems associated with each individual sufferer having to carry a device everywhere with him/her, and having devices ready at critical locations, such as a home or office, restaurants, malls, and schools, other difficulties persist. For example, the storage system in Prindle maintains the auto-injection device in a fixed location and substantially conceals the auto-injection device. Therefore, the convenience for allergy sufferers to be able to carry the auto-injection device with them is lost in Prindle. This then requires sufferers to purchase many more auto-injection devices in order to be protected when moving away from where the storage system of Prindle is fixed. Prindle also substantially conceals the auto-injection device, even though auto-injection devices are fixed at a location where anaphylaxis is more likely to occur or where an allergy sufferer is frequently found, this creates the potential for an allergy sufferer or care provider to not even recognize that an auto-injection device is present. The storage unit could also potentially delay access to the auto-injection device if an administrator is not familiar with its proper use or if the opening device malfunctions. Further, in locations where multiple auto-injectors are stored such as a nurses office in a school or a camp, the substantially larger size of the prior art compared with the existing case, may limit the number of auto-injection devices held in one location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been designed to solve the above and other problems occurring in the prior art, and an aspect of the present invention provides a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case that enables a user to mount an auto-injection device to be quickly located and accessed in times of need, which when mounted, avoids many of the problems associated with carrying individual devices, but still enables the user to easily transport the auto-injection device.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a system that enables the auto-injection device to be highly visible, thereby significantly reducing the potential for an allergy sufferer or care provider to not even recognize that an auto-injection device is present.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a portable apparatus is provided for temporarily mounting an auto-injector case to a surface, without concealing the auto-injector case. The apparatus includes a backing, a holder for receiving and holding the auto-injector case, and a mounting strip fixed an exterior of the backing for temporarily mounting the apparatus when the auto-injector case is received therein.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a portable apparatus is provided for temporarily mounting an auto-injector case to a surface, without concealing the auto-injector case. The apparatus includes a backing, a holder for receiving and holding the auto-injector case, and a mounting portion including a receiving slot for receiving the backing in the receiving slot.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a portable auto-injector case is provided, which is temporarily mountable to a surface. The portable auto-injector case includes a casing for completely surrounding an auto-injector device, a backing, and a mounting strip fixed an exterior of the backing for temporarily mounting the auto-injector case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mounting strip for a surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a surface-mounting system with an auto-injector case received therein according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a surface-mounting system with an auto-injector case received therein according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case of FIG. 5 with an auto-injection case received therein;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case of FIG. 7 with an auto-injection case received therein;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another view of the transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present invention, the same drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. Additionally, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when such a detailed description may obscure the subject matter of the present invention.

An auto-injection device, such as the EpiPen 0 the injector sold by DEY L.P., is commonly sold inside a plastic cylinder case, which protects the auto-injection device, preserving its integrity for future use. This case is usually a little larger in size than the auto-injector itself, in order to remain portable, and has nothing attached other than branding on the outside thereof. Therefore, while the case of the auto-injection device protects the auto-injection device and is of a size that it is portable, as indicated above, this case has no means for mounting and often stored inside drawers, cabinets, bags, etc., making it difficult to locate, when needed in an emergency situation.

The present invention provides a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case that enables a user to mount an auto-injection device to be quickly located, easily identified, and accessed in times of need, which when mounted, avoids many of the problems associated with carrying individual devices, but still enables the user to easily transport the auto-injection device.

FIG. 1 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1, provide three different perspective views of surface-mounting system. That is, perspective (A) is a front view of the surface-mounting system, perspective (B) is a side view of the surface-mounting system, and perspective (C) is a back view of the surface-mounting system.

Referring to FIG. 1, a transportable, surface-mounting system 100 for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention includes clip arms 101 that, as illustrated in FIG. 1, are shaped to receive a cylindrical case. Further, the surface-mounting system 100 includes a backing 102, which is attached perpendicularly to the clip arms 101, and a mounting strip 105, which is fixed to a back surface of the backing 102 and temporarily mounts the surface-mounting system 100 to a surface, such as a refrigerator door, wall, or goal post. The mounting is “temporary” in that it remains until the user chooses to easily dismount surface-mounting system 100, thereby keeping it portable. The mounting strip 105 can be a magnet, Velcro tape, double-sided tape, suction cup(s), or a re-useable adhesive pad, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,073 to Hiscock et al. The determination of the type of mounting strip 105 is preferably made based upon the surface to which it will be mounted. For example, when mounting on a refrigerator door, the mounting strip 105 is preferably a magnet.

However, as illustrated in FIG. 2, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting strip 105 includes multiple types of mounts 201, 202, and 203. For example, mount 201 is magnet, mount 202 is a re-usable adhesive pad, and mount 203 is Velcro. Although FIG. 2 illustrates 3 different mounts 201, 202, and 203 on the mounting strip 105, this is done merely for description purposes, and in no way should limit the present invention to 3 mounts, i.e., there may be fewer or more than 3 mounts on the mounting strip 105.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the clip arms 101 receive the auto-injector case and provide enough inward force, such that the auto-injector case held in position therein. Preferably, the surface-mounting system 100 is designed such that the clip arms 101 hold the auto-injector case firmly, but such that the auto-injector case can still be removed from the clip arms 101, for example, in the case where a user would like to use the surface-mounting system 100 for another auto-injector case.

Although the backing 102 and the mounting strip 105 illustrated in FIG. 1 are substantially flat in order to be mounted to a substantially flat surface, these components can also have a different shape depending on the surface to which they are intended to mount to. For example, when the surface-mounting system 100 is designed to magnetically attach to a round soccer goal post, then instead of being substantially flat, the backing 102 and a mounting strip 105 should have a curve that closely matches the roundness of the goal post, thereby enabling the surface-mounting system 100 to be mounted thereto.

Additionally, although the embodiment illustrated FIG. 1 uses a single pair of clip arms 101, it also possible to increase the number of clips arms, where the only limiting factor would be the length of the auto-injector case to be held.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the surface-mounting system 100 of FIG. 1 with an auto-injector case received therein according to embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates the surface-mounting system 100 with an auto-injector case 300 received therein. Further, FIG. 4 illustrates the surface-mounting system 100 with an auto-injector case 400 received therein, wherein the auto-injector case 400 is designed such that the clip arms 101 rest in a recess 401, which improves over the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, by further preventing slipping of the auto-injector case 400 through the clips arms 101.

As described above, in relation to FIGS. 1-4, the surface-mounting system 100 of the present invention receives an auto-injector case 300 (or 400) therein, and can be surface mounted to various surfaces, depending on the composition of the mounting strip 105. For example, assuming that the intended mounting location is a refrigerator door in a kitchen, the mounting strip 105 would preferably be magnet, such that the surface-mounting system 100 with the auto-injector case 300 (or 400) received therein can be magnetically mounted to the refrigerator door, thereby being readily available and easily accessible in case of a food allergy reaction.

Additionally, because the surface-mounting system 100 of the present invention receives the auto-injector case 300 (or 400) therein, without concealing the auto-injector case 300 (or 400), this substantially minimizes the risk that an allergy sufferer or care provider does not even recognize that an auto-injection device is present.

Further, as the surface-mounting system 100 of the present invention is relative small in size and easily removable from a mounted surface, the present invention still retains the convenience for allergy sufferers to be able to carry the auto-injection device with them. The portability is also enhanced by the design of the backing 102, which, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, runs parallel to the auto-injector case 300 (or 400) and can be used as a clip in order to clip the auto-injector case 300 (or 400) onto pockets, purses, belts, etc.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to another embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system 500, and FIG. 6 illustrates the transportable, surface-mounting system 500 for an auto-injection case 600.

Referring FIG. 5, the surface-mounting system 500 includes a backing 502, which is attached perpendicularly to clip arms 501, and a mounting strip 505, which is fixed to a back surface of the backing 502 and mounts the surface-mounting system 500 to a surface, such as a refrigerator door, wall, or goal post. The clip arms 501, the backing 502, and the mounting strip 505 serve the same function as the clip arms 101, the backing 102, and the mounting strip 105 of the surface-mounting system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, a description of these elements will not be given again in detail. However, the surface-mounting system 500 further includes retaining straps 506 and 507, which are attached to the clips arms 501, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, latch together to further strap the auto-injection case 600 therein. The retaining straps 506 and 507 can be made of lightweight metal or plastic, which preferably lock together when joined around the auto-injection case 600, thereby reinforcing the grip of the clips arms 501 on the auto-injection case 600.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to another embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system 700, and FIG. 8 illustrates the transportable, surface-mounting system 700 for an auto-injection case 800.

Referring FIG. 7, the surface-mounting system 700 includes a backing 702, which is attached perpendicularly to clip arms 701, and a mounting strip 705, which is fixed to a back surface of the backing 702 and mounts the surface-mounting system 700 to a surface, such as a refrigerator door, wall, or goal post. The clip arms 701, the backing 702, and the mounting strip 705 serve the same function as the clip arms 101, the backing 102, and the mounting strip 105 of the surface-mounting system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, a description of these elements will not be given again in detail. However, the surface-mounting system 700 further includes tie straps 706 and 707, which are attached to the clips arms 701, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, tie together to further strap the auto-injection case 800 therein. More specifically, the tie straps 706 and 707, which are commonly made of plastic, lock together when strap 706 is passed around the auto-injection case 600 into the locking mechanism of strap 707, thereby reinforcing the grip of the clips arms 701 on the auto-injection case 800.

FIG. 9 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to another embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system 901 for an auto-injection case 900.

Referring to FIG. 9, the surface-mounting system 901 includes a backing 902 and a mounting strip 905, which is fixed to a back surface of the backing 902 and mounts the surface-mounting system 901 to a surface, such as a refrigerator door, wall, or goal post. The backing 902 and the mounting strip 905 serve the same function as the backing 102 and the mounting strip 105 of the surface-mounting system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, a description of these elements will not be given again in detail. However, the surface-mounting system 901 further includes a ring 904, which holds the auto-injection case 900 therein. More specifically, the ring 904, which can be made of plastic or metal, for example, holds the auto-injection case 900 into the surface-mounting system 901. The ring 904 can hold directly onto the outer surface of the auto-injection case 900 or preferably, can hold the auto-injection case 900 in a recess, such as the recess 401 in FIG. 4, which further prevents slipping of the auto-injector case 900 through the ring 904. Additionally, although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 uses a single ring 904, it is also possible to increase the number of rings, where the only limiting factor would be the length of the auto-injector case to be held.

FIG. 10 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to another embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system 1001 for an auto-injection case 1000.

Referring to FIG. 10, the surface-mounting system 1001 includes a backing 1002 and a mounting strip 1005, which is fixed to a back surface of the backing 1002 and mounts the surface-mounting system 1001 to a surface, such as a refrigerator door, wall, or goal post. The backing 1002 and the mounting strip 1005 serve the same function as the backing 102 and the mounting strip 105 of the surface-mounting system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, a description of these elements will not be given again in detail. However, the surface-mounting system 1001 is further designed to be fixed directly to the auto-injection case 1000. More specifically, the surface-mounting system 1001, which can be made of plastic or metal, for example, can be attached to the surface of the auto-injection case 1000 or can be integrally formed with the auto-injection case 1000, for example, molded with the auto-injection case 1000.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to another embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIGS. 11 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system 1100 including a clip portion 1107 and a mounting portion 1104.

Referring FIG. 11, the clip portion 1107 of the surface-mounting system 1100 includes a backing 1102, which is attached perpendicularly to clip arms 1101, but does not include a mounting strip on a back surface of the backing 1102. Instead, the mounting portion 1104 of the surface-mounting system 1100 includes a mounting strip 1105 on a back surface thereof, and mounts the mounting portion 1104 of the surface-mounting system 1100 to a surface, such as a refrigerator door, wall, or goal post. The clip arms 1101, the backing 1102, and the mounting strip 1105 serve the same function as the clip arms 101, the backing 102, and the mounting strip 105 of the surface-mounting system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, a description of these elements will not be given again in detail. However, for the surface-mounting system 1100, the mounting portion 1104 of the surface-mounting system 1100 is mounted to a surface using the mounting strip 1105, includes a receiving slot 1106, which is designed such that it receives the backing 1102 therein. Preferably the backing 1102 slides into set position in the mounting portion 1104, and can be slid out when desired. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when an auto-injection case is received in arms 1101 and the mounting portion 1104 of the surface-mounting system 1100 is mounted to a surface using the mounting strip 1105, the backing 1102 can be inserted into the receiving slot 1106, thereby mounting the auto-injection case to the surface.

The mounting portion 1104 can mount to a surface using the mounting strip 1105 as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, but can also be mounted using any other more permanent method, such as by screwing, nailing, gluing, etc., as the backing 1102 can be easily removed from the receiving slot 1106, thereby keeping the surface-mounting system 1100 and the auto-injection case received therein, portable.

FIG. 13 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to another embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 13 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system 1301 for an auto-injection case 1300.

Referring to FIG. 13, the surface-mounting system 1301 includes a backing 1302 and a mounting strip 1305, which is fixed to a back surface of the backing 1302 and mounts the surface-mounting system 1301 to a surface, such as a refrigerator door, wall, or goal post. The backing 1302 and the mounting strip 1305 serve the same function as the backing 102 and the mounting strip 105 of the surface-mounting system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, a description of these elements will not be given again in detail. However, the surface-mounting system 1301 is further designed to include a cap piece 1306 for the auto-injection case 1300. More specifically, the surface-mounting system 1301, which can be made of plastic or metal, for example, can be snugly fit over either end of the auto-injection case 1300.

FIG. 14 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to another embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 14 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system 1401 for two auto-injection cases.

Referring to FIG. 14, a transportable, surface-mounting system 1400 for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention includes clip arms 1401 that, as illustrated in FIG. 14, are S-shaped, each to receive a cylindrical case. Further, the surface-mounting system 1400 includes two backings 1402, which are attached perpendicularly to the clip arms 1401, and two mounting strips 1405, which are fixed to a back surface of the backings 1402 and temporarily mounts the surface-mounting system 1400 to a surface, such as a refrigerator door, wall, or goal post. Each of the backings 1402 and the mounting strips 1405 serve the same function as the backing 102 and the mounting strip 105 of the surface-mounting system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, a description of these elements will not be given again in detail. However, it is noted that each of mounting strips 1405 may each be for mounting to a different type of surface. For example, one of the mounting strips 1405 may be magnet, while the other of the mounting strips 1405 may be double-sided tape, making the first of the mounting strips 1405 suitable for a metallic surface, and the second of the mounting strips 1405 suitable for a non-metallic surface. Further, each of the mounting strips 1405 may have multiple types of mounts, as described above and illustrated in FIG. 2.

Additionally, although the transportable, surface-mounting system 1400 of FIG. 14 includes two backings 1402, which are attached perpendicularly to the clip arms 1401, the transportable, surface-mounting system 1400 may also have only single backing extending from one of the clip arms 1401.

FIG. 15 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case according to another embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 15 illustrates a transportable, surface-mounting system 1501 for two auto-injection cases.

Referring to FIG. 15, a transportable, surface-mounting system 1500 for an auto-injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention includes clip arms 1501 that, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, are each shaped to receive a cylindrical case therein against a common center arm 1503. Further, the surface-mounting system 1500 includes a backing 1502, which is attached perpendicularly to the clip arms 1501, and a mounting strip 1505, which is fixed to a back surface of the backing 1502 and temporarily mounts the surface-mounting system 1500 to a surface, such as a refrigerator door, wall, or goal post. The backing 1502 and the mounting strip 1505 serve the same function as the backing 102 and the mounting strip 105 of the surface-mounting system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, a description of these elements will not be given again in detail.

As described above, the present invention provides various embodiments of a transportable, surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case that enables a user to mount an auto-injection device to be quickly located, easily identified, and accessed in times of need, which when mounted, avoids many of the problems associated with carrying individual devices, but still enables the user to easily transport the auto-injection device.

Further, although the present invention is described in relation to an auto-injection device, it may also be applicable to similar shaped devices that would benefit from being mounted in an area where a device would commonly be used.

While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable apparatus for temporarily mounting an auto-injector case to a surface, without concealing the auto-injector case, comprising:

a backing;

a holder for receiving and holding the auto-injector case; and

a mounting strip fixed an exterior of the backing for temporarily mounting the apparatus when the auto-injector case is received therein.

2. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a pair clip arms that wrap a distance around the auto injector case.

3. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a pair of clip arms for receiving the auto injector case.

4. The portable apparatus of claim 3, wherein the holder further comprises a pair of straps, wherein each the straps extends from an end of each of the clips arms and meet each other around the auto injector case.

5. The portable apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pair of straps comprises a pair of tie straps.

6. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holder holds the auto-injector case along a recessed area of the auto-injector case.

7. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a ring that wraps a complete distance around the auto injector case.

8. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting strip comprises at least one of a magnet, a re-usable adhesive pad, an adhesive pad, Velcro, and a suction cup.

9. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backing extends in a perpendicular direction from the holder and has a shorter length than a length of the auto-injector case, thereby enabling the backing to be used as a clip when the apparatus is not mounted to the surface.

10. A portable apparatus for temporarily mounting an auto-injector case to a surface, without concealing the auto-injector case, comprising:

a backing;

a holder for receiving and holding the auto-injector case; and

a mounting portion including a receiving slot for receiving the backing in the receiving slot.

11. The portable apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a mounting strip fixed to an exterior of the mounting portion for mounting the mounting portion to the surface.

12. The portable apparatus of claim 11, wherein the mounting strip comprises at least one of a magnet, a re-usable adhesive pad, an adhesive pad, Velcro, and a suction cup.

13. The portable apparatus of claim 10, wherein the backing extends in a perpendicular direction from the holder and has a shorter length than a length of the auto-injector case, thereby enabling the backing to be used as a clip when the apparatus is not received in the receiving slot of the mounting portion.

14. The portable apparatus of claim 10, wherein the holder comprises a pair of clip arms that wrap a distance around the auto injector case.

15. The portable apparatus of claim 10, wherein the holder comprises a pair of clip arms for receiving the auto injector case.

16. The portable apparatus of claim 15, wherein the holder further comprises a pair of straps, wherein each the straps extends from an end of each of the clips arms and meet each other around the auto injector case.

17. The portable apparatus of claim 16, wherein the pair of straps comprises a pair of tie straps.

18. The portable apparatus of claim 10, wherein the holder holds the auto-injector case along a recessed area of the auto-injector case.

19. The portable apparatus of claim 10, wherein the holder comprises a ring that wraps a complete distance around the auto injector case.

20. A portable auto-injector case that is temporarily mountable to a surface, comprising:

a casing for completely surrounding an auto-injector device;

a backing that runs parallel to the casing; and

a mounting strip fixed an exterior of the backing for temporarily mounting the auto-injector case.