US20140350586A1 - Lancet having adjustable penetration depth - Google Patents
Lancet having adjustable penetration depth Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140350586A1 US20140350586A1 US14/457,977 US201414457977A US2014350586A1 US 20140350586 A1 US20140350586 A1 US 20140350586A1 US 201414457977 A US201414457977 A US 201414457977A US 2014350586 A1 US2014350586 A1 US 2014350586A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- holding member
- needle holding
- guide wall
- distal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150175—Adjustment of penetration depth
- A61B5/15019—Depth adjustment mechanism using movable stops located inside the piercing device housing and limiting the travel of the drive mechanism
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150015—Source of blood
- A61B5/150022—Source of blood for capillary blood or interstitial fluid
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150175—Adjustment of penetration depth
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150175—Adjustment of penetration depth
- A61B5/150198—Depth adjustment mechanism at the proximal end of the carrier of the piercing element
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150351—Caps, stoppers or lids for sealing or closing a blood collection vessel or container, e.g. a test-tube or syringe barrel
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150374—Details of piercing elements or protective means for preventing accidental injuries by such piercing elements
- A61B5/150381—Design of piercing elements
- A61B5/150412—Pointed piercing elements, e.g. needles, lancets for piercing the skin
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150374—Details of piercing elements or protective means for preventing accidental injuries by such piercing elements
- A61B5/150381—Design of piercing elements
- A61B5/150503—Single-ended needles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/151—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of capillary blood, e.g. by lancets, needles or blades
- A61B5/15101—Details
- A61B5/15103—Piercing procedure
- A61B5/15107—Piercing being assisted by a triggering mechanism
- A61B5/15113—Manually triggered, i.e. the triggering requires a deliberate action by the user such as pressing a drive button
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/151—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of capillary blood, e.g. by lancets, needles or blades
- A61B5/15101—Details
- A61B5/15115—Driving means for propelling the piercing element to pierce the skin, e.g. comprising mechanisms based on shape memory alloys, magnetism, solenoids, piezoelectric effect, biased elements, resilient elements, vacuum or compressed fluids
- A61B5/15117—Driving means for propelling the piercing element to pierce the skin, e.g. comprising mechanisms based on shape memory alloys, magnetism, solenoids, piezoelectric effect, biased elements, resilient elements, vacuum or compressed fluids comprising biased elements, resilient elements or a spring, e.g. a helical spring, leaf spring, or elastic strap
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/151—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of capillary blood, e.g. by lancets, needles or blades
- A61B5/15101—Details
- A61B5/15126—Means for controlling the lancing movement, e.g. 2D- or 3D-shaped elements, tooth-shaped elements or sliding guides
- A61B5/1513—Means for controlling the lancing movement, e.g. 2D- or 3D-shaped elements, tooth-shaped elements or sliding guides comprising linear sliding guides
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/151—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of capillary blood, e.g. by lancets, needles or blades
- A61B5/15101—Details
- A61B5/15126—Means for controlling the lancing movement, e.g. 2D- or 3D-shaped elements, tooth-shaped elements or sliding guides
- A61B5/15132—Means for controlling the lancing movement, e.g. 2D- or 3D-shaped elements, tooth-shaped elements or sliding guides comprising tooth-shaped elements, e.g. toothed wheel or rack and pinion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/151—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of capillary blood, e.g. by lancets, needles or blades
- A61B5/15186—Devices loaded with a single lancet, i.e. a single lancet with or without a casing is loaded into a reusable drive device and then discarded after use; drive devices reloadable for multiple use
- A61B5/15188—Constructional features of reusable driving devices
- A61B5/1519—Constructional features of reusable driving devices comprising driving means, e.g. a spring, for propelling the piercing unit
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/53657—Means to assemble or disassemble to apply or remove a resilient article [e.g., tube, sleeve, etc.]
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a lancet device whose penetration depth is adjustable.
- the lancet device is adapted to be substantially inexpensive to manufacture and easy and safe to use by physically impaired individuals who take their own blood samples.
- Lancets which allow adjustment of the penetration depth include U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,584 to LANGE et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- This document discloses a blood lancet device for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes.
- the penetration depth of this blood lancet device may be adjusted by adjusting the position of a sealing cap relative to a housing.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,879 to O′BRIEN discloses a blood lancet device.
- the penetration depth may be adjusted by adjusting the position of a skin surface sensor which may be a small socket head screw.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,978 to HARDING discloses an adjustable tip for a lancet device.
- the penetration depth of this lancet may be adjusted by adjusting the position of an outer cylindrical sleeve relative to an inner sleeve.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,147 to BODICKY et al. discloses a lancet injector which includes an elongate tubular housing with a penetration depth selector provided thereon. Rotation of the penetration depth selector causes a control member to contact different contact edges to thereby control the distance that a lancet tip protrudes through a central opening.
- the surgical device includes a lance or blade whose penetration depth may be adjusted by inserting or removing a stop bar from the path of the lance or blade.
- the present invention is directed toward a lancet device, such as a reusable lancet device, to be utilized with a lancet whose penetration depth is adjustable.
- the penetration depth may be adjusted by adjusting the length of a needle holding member, by adjusting the length of a housing, by adjusting the position of a stop, and/or by adjusting the depth of a cavity of a proximal segment of a needle holding member.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lancet device which provides for facilitated and effective cap positioning by impaired individuals.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lancet device which is comfortably positionable within a user's hand and will not roll around within a user's hand or on a flat surface.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved lancet device which does not necessitate that an exteriorly exposed plunger assembly be utilized in order to position the lancet in a retracted, ready-to-use position.
- the device of the present invention is designed to be utilized by individuals to do their own routine blood test such as individuals who do home monitoring of their blood such as diabetes patients.
- the present invention requires precise adaptation to make it effective yet safe for the user.
- the device of the present invention is comprised of a small number of individual pieces, thereby making the lancet device easier and substantially more cost effective to manufacture and provide for use by patients, without compromising any of the safety needs and in fact increasing the safety of use.
- the present invention is directed to a lancet device, including: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and a travel adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting a length of travel of said needle holding member, said travel adjustment mechanism being positioned within at least one of said housing and said cap during at least a portion of the length of travel of said needle holding member.
- the travel adjustment mechanism may be completely positioned or completely contained within at least one of the housing and the cap during at least a portion of the length of travel of the needle holding member.
- the needle holding member comprises a first component and a second component
- the travel adjustment mechanism comprises a threaded connection between the first component and the second component.
- the travel adjustment mechanism may further include a protruding element on one of the first component and the second component, and grooves on the other of the first component and the second component, with the protruding element being capable of engaging the grooves.
- the protruding element may comprise a nipple or a spring-biased ball.
- the needle holding member comprises a first component and a second component
- the travel adjustment mechanism comprises a spring-biased element on one of the first component and the second component, and a plurality of recesses in the other of the first component and the second component, with the spring-biased element being capable of engaging the recesses.
- the needle holding member comprises a first component and a second component
- the travel adjustment mechanism comprises grooves in one of the first component and the second component, and a ridge on the other of the first component and the second component, with the ridge being capable of engaging the grooves.
- the needle holding member comprises a first component and a second component
- the travel adjustment mechanism comprises grooves in one of the first component and the second component, and at least one leaf spring on the other of the first component and the second component, with the at least one leaf spring being capable of engaging the grooves.
- the housing comprises a plurality of stops
- the needle holding member comprises a protrusion for engaging the stops one at a time.
- the needle holding member and the housing may be capable of rotating relative to each other.
- the travel adjustment mechanism is positioned within said housing and said cap during the length of travel of said needle holding member.
- the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing, a length of the needle holding member being adjustable; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; and a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position.
- the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing containing at least one stop; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing, the needle holding member having at least one protrusion for striking the at least one stop of the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and an alignment mechanism capable of aligning the at least one stop of the housing and the at least one protrusion of the needle holding member to adjust the extended position of the needle holding member.
- the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing
- the alignment mechanism comprises a threaded connection between the upper housing and the lower housing.
- the at least one stop may comprise a guide collar on the lower housing.
- the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing
- the alignment mechanism comprises a spring between the upper housing and the lower housing to bias the lower housing into the upper housing
- the alignment mechanism comprises a spacer between the upper housing and the lower housing to act against a biasing force of the spring.
- the at least one stop may comprise a guide collar on the lower housing.
- the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing, with the lower housing having the at least one stop which comprises a plurality of stops, and the alignment mechanism comprises a threaded connection between the upper housing and the lower housing.
- the plurality of stops may comprise stops at different radial and axial positions on an interior of the lower housing.
- the at least one stop comprises a plurality of stops
- the alignment mechanism comprises a rotary connection between the housing and the needle holding member.
- the plurality of stops may comprise stops at different radial and axial positions on an interior of the housing.
- the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member comprising a cavity having a depth for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and an adjustable member disposed within the cavity of the needle holding member for adjusting the cavity depth of the needle holding member.
- the adjustable member comprises a screw.
- the needle holding member comprises a turn-key having a pinion
- the adjustable member comprises a nail having a tail which has a rack for engaging the pinion
- the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and means for adjusting a penetration depth of a lancet by adjusting a travel distance of the needle holding member, the means for adjusting the penetration depth being capable of being contained within the housing and the cap.
- the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and means for adjusting a penetration depth of a lancet by adjusting a length of the needle holding member.
- the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing containing at least one stop; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing, the needle holding member having at least one protrusion for striking the at least one stop of the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and means for adjusting a penetration depth of a lancet by aligning the at least one stop of the housing and the at least one protrusion of the needle holding member.
- the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member comprising a cavity having a depth for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and means for adjusting a penetration depth of a lancet by adjusting the cavity depth of the needle holding member.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device that includes a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end.
- a first guide wall is disposed within the first housing.
- the first guide wall comprises an opening.
- a cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the first housing and is utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface.
- a needle holding member is provided for holding a lancet.
- the needle holding member is at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall.
- a first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- a movable trigger is arranged on a side of the first housing.
- the trigger has a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a movable second housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the second housing.
- the second guide wall comprises an opening.
- a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall.
- the second housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing.
- the proximal end of the second housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing.
- a second spring is utilized for biasing the second housing towards the first housing.
- the second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and another shoulder of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the lancet device may further comprise a lock retainer mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member.
- the first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.
- the other shoulder of the needle holding member may be arranged at a distal end of the needle holding member.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end.
- a first guide wall is arranged within the first housing.
- the first guide wall comprises an opening.
- a cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the first housing and is utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface.
- a needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet.
- the needle holding member is at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall.
- a first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- a trigger is arranged on a side of the first housing.
- the trigger having a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a second housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall.
- the second housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing.
- the second guide wall comprises an opening. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall.
- the proximal end of the second housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing.
- a second spring is utilized for biasing the second housing towards the first housing.
- the second spring surrounds a distal portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and a distal end of the needle holding member.
- a lock retainer is mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the second spring may be arranged between the lock retainer and the second guide wall.
- the first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.
- the distal end of the needle holding member may comprises a shoulder.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end.
- a first guide wall is arranged inside the first housing.
- the first guide wall comprises an opening.
- a cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the first housing.
- the cap has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface.
- a movable needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet.
- the needle holding member is at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall.
- a first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds at least a portion of the needle holding member.
- the first spring is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- a trigger is arranged on a side wall of the first housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a movably mounted second housing comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The second housing comprises a second guide wall. The second housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved axially away from the first housing.
- the second guide wall comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall.
- the proximal end of the second housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing.
- a second spring is utilized for biasing the second housing towards the first housing.
- a lock retainer is mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and the lock retainer. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.
- the distal end of the needle holding member may comprise a shoulder.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end.
- a guide wall is arranged in the main housing and extends transverse to an axis running through the main housing.
- the guide wall comprises an opening.
- a cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the main housing.
- the cap has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface.
- a movable needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet.
- the needle holding member is at least partially contained within the main housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall.
- a first spring biases the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member.
- the first spring is arranged between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- a trigger is arranged on a side wall of the main housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a distal housing comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The distal housing comprises a guide wall. The distal housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing.
- the guide wall of the distal housing comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing.
- the proximal end of the distal housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing.
- a second spring is utilized for biasing the distal housing towards the main housing.
- a lock retainer is mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member. The second spring surrounds a distal portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and the lock retainer. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the main housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.
- the distal end of the needle holding member comprises a shoulder.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end.
- a guide wall is arranged in the main housing and extends transverse to an axis running through the main housing.
- the guide wall comprises an opening.
- a cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the main housing.
- the cap has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface.
- a movable needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet.
- the needle holding member is at least partially contained within the main housing.
- a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall.
- a first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member.
- the first spring is disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- a movable trigger is arranged on a side of the main housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a distal housing is arranged at the distal end of the main housing. The distal housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing. The distal housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing.
- the guide wall of the distal housing comprises an opening.
- a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing.
- the proximal end of the distal housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing.
- a second spring biases the distal housing towards the main housing. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the lancet device may further comprise a lock retainer mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member.
- the main housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.
- the lancet device may further comprise a distal shoulder arranged at the distal end of the needle holding member.
- the needle holding member may comprise a mechanism that cooperates with the trigger to retain the needle holding member in a retracted position.
- the mechanism may comprise a shoulder.
- the lancet device may further comprise a fastening mechanism for securing the cap to the main housing.
- the proximal end of the main housing may be open and the distal end of the main housing may be open.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end.
- a first guide wall is disposed within the first housing.
- the first guide wall comprises an opening.
- a cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the first housing and utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface.
- a needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet.
- the needle holding member is at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall.
- a first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- a movable trigger is arranged on a side of the first housing.
- the trigger has a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a movable second housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a shoulder arranged between the proximal end and the distal end, and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the second housing.
- the second guide wall comprises an opening.
- a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall.
- the second housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing.
- the proximal end of the second housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing.
- a second spring is utilized for biasing the second housing towards the first housing.
- the second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and another shoulder of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the lancet device may further comprise a lock retainer mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member.
- the first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped and polygonal.
- the other shoulder of the needle holding member may be arranged at a distal end of the needle holding member.
- the shoulder of the second housing may be sized to be larger than the proximal end of the second housing, whereby the shoulder of the second housing limits movement of the second housing towards the first housing.
- a second housing is at least partially disposed in the first housing.
- a guide wall is arranged on the second housing.
- the guide wall is disposed within the first housing.
- the guide wall comprises an opening.
- a removably mounted cap is utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface.
- a needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet.
- the needle holding member is at least partially contained within the first housing and the second housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the second housing.
- a first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position.
- the first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the second housing and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- a trigger is arranged on a side of the first housing. The trigger has a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a third housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall. The third housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the third housing is moved away from the first housing.
- the guide wall of the third housing comprises an opening. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the third housing.
- the proximal end of the third housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing.
- a second spring is utilized for biasing the third housing towards the first housing.
- the second spring surrounds a distal portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the third housing and a distal end of the needle holding member.
- a lock retainer is mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the second spring may be arranged between the lock retainer and the guide wall of the third housing.
- the first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.
- the distal end of the needle holding member may comprise a shoulder.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end.
- a first guide wall is arranged on a second housing. The second housing is at least partially disposed within the first housing.
- the first guide wall is disposed inside the first housing.
- the first guide wall comprises an opening.
- a removably mounted cap. The cap has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface.
- a movable needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall.
- a first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds at least a portion of the needle holding member.
- the first spring is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- a trigger is arranged on a side wall of the first housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a movably mounted third housing comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The third housing comprises a second guide wall. The third housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the third housing is moved axially away from the first housing.
- the second guide wall comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall.
- the proximal end of the third housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing.
- a second spring is utilized for biasing the third housing towards the first housing.
- a lock retainer is mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and the lock retainer. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.
- the distal end of the needle holding member may comprise a shoulder.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end.
- An inner housing is at least partially disposed in the first housing.
- a guide wall is arranged at an end of the inner housing. The guide wall extends transverse to an axis running through the main housing. The guide wall comprises an opening.
- a cap is disposed at the proximal end of the main housing. The cap is removable and has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface.
- a movable needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the main housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall.
- a first spring biases the needle holding member toward an extended position.
- the first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member.
- the first spring is arranged between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- a trigger is arranged on a side wall of the main housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a distal housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall. The distal housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing.
- the guide wall of the distal housing comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing.
- the proximal end of the distal housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing.
- a second spring is utilized for biasing the distal housing towards the main housing.
- a lock retainer is mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member. The second spring surrounds a distal portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and the lock retainer. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the main housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.
- the distal end of the needle holding member may comprise a shoulder.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a main housing comprising an open proximal end and an open distal end.
- An inner housing is at least partially disposed in the main housing.
- a guide wall is arranged on the inner housing and within the main housing.
- the guide wall comprises an opening.
- a removably mounted cap is provided.
- the cap has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface.
- a movable needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the main housing.
- a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall.
- a first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member.
- the first spring is disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- the needle holding member has a proximal end that projects from the open proximal end of the main housing when the needle holding member is in the extended position.
- a movable trigger is arranged on a side of the main housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a distal housing is disposed at the distal end of the main housing. The distal housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing.
- the distal housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing.
- the guide wall of the distal housing comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing.
- the proximal end of the distal housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing.
- a second spring biases the distal housing towards the main housing. The second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the lancet device may further comprise a lock retainer mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member.
- the main housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.
- the lancet device may further comprise a distal shoulder arranged at the distal end of the needle holding member.
- the needle holding member may comprise a mechanism that cooperates with the trigger to retain the needle holding member in the retracted position.
- the mechanism comprises a shoulder.
- the lancet device may further comprise a fastening mechanism for securing the cap to the main housing.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end.
- a movable trigger is arranged on a side wall of the first housing.
- a first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall extends transverse to an axis running through the first housing and comprising an opening.
- a removably mounted cap is utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface.
- a needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall.
- a first spring biases the needle holding member toward an extended position.
- the first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- the needle holding member comprises a projecting portion arranged between a proximal end of the needle holding member and the shoulder of the needle holding member. The projecting portion acts to retain the needle holding member in the retracted position.
- the trigger has a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a movable second housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the second housing.
- the second guide wall comprises an opening.
- a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall.
- the second housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing.
- the proximal end of the second housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing.
- a second spring is utilized for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and a distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- the invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end.
- a movable trigger is arranged on a side wall of the first housing.
- a guide wall is disposed within the first housing.
- the guide wall comprises an opening.
- a removably mounted cap is utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface.
- a needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall.
- a first spring biases the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member.
- the needle holding member comprises a projecting portion arranged between a proximal end of the needle holding member and the shoulder of the needle holding member.
- the projecting portion acts to retain the needle holding member in the retracted position.
- the trigger has a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position.
- a movable distal housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing.
- the guide wall of the distal housing comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing.
- the distal housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing.
- the proximal end of the distal housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing.
- a second spring biases the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the main housing.
- FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of the lancet device of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 3A , 3 B, 3 C, and 3 D are isolated, cross-sectional views of the lancet device illustrating the functioning of the lancet.
- FIG. 4 is an isolated view of the trigger button of the lancet device of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the triangular cap segment of the lancet device of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is an isolated perspective view of the lancet device illustrating the positioning of a disposable lancet therein.
- FIG. 7 is an isolated cross-sectional view illustrating the positioning of the biasing element of the lancet device according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its fully extended position.
- FIG. 8 is an isolated perspective view of a second embodiment of the stopper of the lancet device.
- FIG. 9 is a top view of the proximal central segment of the present invention showing grooves for engaging a protruding element of the proximal segment.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member involving a spring-biased element for engaging holes.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member involving a proximal segment having grooves and a proximal central segment having ridges for engaging the grooves of the proximal segment.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member involving a proximal segment having grooves and a proximal central segment having a pair of leaf springs for engaging the grooves of the proximal segment.
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal central segment of FIG. 12 before insertion into the proximal segment.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the housing involving a threaded upper housing which engages a threaded lower housing having a guide collar for engaging a flanged end of the needle holding member, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its fully extended position.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the housing involving a spring which biases an upper housing and a lower housing against a spacer, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its fully extended position.
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the housing, involving a spring which biases a needle holding member in a retracted position and threaded members for adjusting the length of the housing, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its retracted position.
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting which stop is engaged involving a threaded upper housing which engages a threaded lower housing having a plurality of stops for engaging a finger of a needle holding member, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its fully extended position.
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting which stop is engaged involving a housing having a plurality of stops and a rotatable needle holding member which has a finger for engaging the plurality of stops one at a time, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its fully extended position.
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting a cavity depth involving an adjustable bottom member which is a screw.
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting a cavity depth involving an adjustable bottom member which is adjusted by use of a rack and pinion.
- the lancet device includes an elongate housing, which is preferably triangular, adapted to fit within the user's hand.
- This housing includes a first end, which can be closed or open, an open second end, and an elongate channel therein which extends from the first end to the second end.
- an elongate needle holding member Disposed within this elongate channel is an elongate needle holding member.
- This needle holding member is movable between a cocked, retracted position and an extended position.
- the needle holding member is structured to hold a disposable lancet therein, such that a point thereof extends away from the needle holding member.
- a biasing element is disposed within the housing.
- the biasing element is adapted to urge the needle holding member into an extended position for penetrating a user's skin when not held in a retracted position.
- the penetration depth of the lancet i.e., for adjusting the maximum distance which the lancet in the needle holding member extends out of the housing.
- the penetration depth may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the needle holding member, by adjusting the length of the housing, by adjusting the position of a stop, and/or by adjusting the depth of a cavity of the needle holding member. Adjusting the penetration depth is important because different penetration depths are necessary to draw blood from different people due to differences in skin thickness, differences in healing time of the skin puncture, differences in pain tolerances, and differences in the amount of blood needed to be drawn.
- the present invention includes a stopper system to prevent axial movement of the needle holding member within the housing. Utilizing the stopper system, the needle holding member will always be retained within the channel despite its movement from the cocked, retracted position to the extended position.
- the needle holding member is held in the cocked, retracted position, and accordingly a biasing element is held in a retracted, compressed position, until released by a trigger.
- the trigger releases the needle holding member from the cocked, retracted position which results in an immediate movement of the needle holding member to the extended position as a result of the functioning of the biasing element.
- the lancet device also includes a cap segment, which is preferably triangular, with an open first side and a closed second side containing a piercing opening therein.
- the open first side is adapted to be matingly fitted over the open second end of the housing, thereby containing the needle holder member and disposable lancet therein.
- the needle holding member When in a cocked, retracted position, or after use, the needle holding member is disposed such that the point of the disposable lancet is concealed within the cap segment.
- the needle holding member During use, upon release by the trigger, the needle holding member is immediately moved to the extended position wherein the point of the disposable lancet will momentarily extend through a piercing opening into a piercing position which punctures a hole in a user's skin and then retracts back beneath the cap segment.
- the illustrated reusable lancet device is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,418 to SCHRAGA, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- FIGS. 1-9 illustrate embodiments of the present invention which involve adjusting the penetration depth of a disposable lancet by adjusting the length of a needle holder member via a threaded connection between two segments of the needle holder member.
- the reusable lancet device 10 is preferably formed of a lightweight, rigid or semi-rigid, and substantially inexpensive plastic material and is adapted for use with a standard type of disposable lancet 60 .
- the reusable lancet device 10 includes primarily an elongate, substantially triangular shaped housing 20 .
- the housing 20 includes the substantially triangular shape, with slightly rounded corners, such that it will be easy to manipulate and will not unnecessarily roll around within a user's hand, especially if the user is sick, old, or otherwise impaired.
- the housing 20 may be other shapes such as round but is preferably any shape that will not roll around on a flat surface such as D-shaped, rectangular, or octagonal. As evident from the above discussion and from the drawings, the housing 20 preferably has a longitudinal axis A.
- the elongate triangular housing 20 includes a closed first end 22 , an open second end 24 , and an elongate channel 26 . Further, the housing 20 is preferably molded of two halves to be joined together, so as to facilitate manufacture. The elongate channel 26 extends from the closed first end 22 to the open second end 24 .
- an elongate needle holding member or lancet holding member 30 Slidably positioned within the channel 26 is an elongate needle holding member or lancet holding member 30 .
- This needle holding member 30 which is movable between a cocked, retracted position, illustrated in FIG. 2 , and an extended position, illustrated in FIG. 3B , includes four segments. Specifically, the needle holding member 30 is formned of a distal segment 32 , a distal central segment 35 , a proximal central segment 31 , and a proximal segment 38 .
- the lancet holding member or lancet holder 30 preferably has a longitudinal axis B.
- the proximal segment 38 and the proximal central segment 31 cooperate to form an adjustment mechanism 70 for adjusting the length of the needle holding member 30 .
- the length adjustment mechanism 70 involves a threaded connection between the proximal segment 38 and the proximal central segment 31 .
- the proximal segment 38 includes external threads 72 and the proximal central segment 31 includes internal threads 74 for engaging each other.
- the threading is reversed such that the proximal segment 38 has internal threading and the proximal central segment 31 has external threading.
- the threaded length adjustment mechanism includes a protruding element 76 on the proximal segment 38 which engages grooves 78 on the proximal central segment 31 .
- the protruding element 76 is shown as a single nipple but may be more than one nipple and may be one or more spring-biased balls in alternative embodiments.
- the overall length of the needle holding member 30 is increased or decreased depending upon the direction of rotation.
- the protruding element 76 snaps into and out of grooves 78 such that the length of the needle holding member may be fixed at a particular length by leaving the protruding element 76 engaged in a particular groove 78 .
- FIG. 9 shows how the grooves 78 and internal threads 74 are positioned within the interior of the proximal central segment 31 .
- Other techniques for setting the position of threaded elements may also be used to fix the length of the needle holding member 30 , such as using a set screw, using washers, or using screws often used on bicycles which have nylon inserts for deterring rotation of the screw.
- the proximal segment 38 which protrudes from the open second end 24 of the housing 20 is adapted to hold the disposable lancet 60 therein.
- the disposable lancet 60 includes a main body 65 and a point 61 , which until use is contained within a protective cap 62 .
- the body 65 is inserted into a cavity 39 of the proximal segment 38 , as illustrated in FIG. 2 , then the protective cap 62 is pulled or twisted from the point 61 .
- the cavity 39 and disposable lancet 60 are shown as being round, the cavity 39 and disposable lancet 60 could be any other shapes, such as square, octagonal, etc., so long as the disposable lancet can be engaged in the cavity 39 .
- the disposable lancet 60 is held in the proximal segment 38 such that the point 61 points away from the housing and such that sliding movement of the needle holding member 30 will result in corresponding movement of the disposable lancet 60 .
- the needle holding member or lancet holding member or lancet holder 30 may be separate from the disposable lancet 60 .
- the stopper system includes a guide collar or guide wall 28 disposed within the housing 20 .
- the guide collar or guide wall 28 extends transversely to the housing axis A-A and is adapted to receive the distal segment 32 of the needle holding member 30 slidably therethrough. This occurs because the guide wall 28 has a through opening that allows a portion of the needle holding member 30 to move within it.
- the needle holding member 30 is preferably flat such that it will slide through the opening in the guide wall or collar 28 , but will not rotate axially therein, thereby assuring that the needle holding member 30 will remain properly oriented when moved into its cocked, retracted position.
- the guide collar 28 is sized to retain a flanged end 33 of the distal segment 32 of the needle holding member 30 between the closed first end 22 of the housing 20 and the guide collar 28 . In this manner, inward movement of the needle holding member within the housing 20 is limited by the flanged end 33 contacting the closed first end 22 of the housing 20 , and outward movement of the needle holding member 20 is limited by the flanged end 33 of the distal segment 32 contacting the guide collar 28 . In this manner, the needle holding member 30 will be retained within the channel 26 .
- an alternative embodiment of the stopper system includes an elongate slot (also referred to as elongate opening and elongate hole) disposed in the distal segment 32 of the needle holding member 30 .
- the slot or opening or hole is positioned such that a peg (also referred to as post) 28 ′ which extends from an interior of the housing 20 passes therethrough.
- the peg or post 28 ′ remains within the elongate slot or opening or hole at all times thereby limiting movement of the needle holding member 30 to a length of the slot or opening or hole and assuring that the needle holding member 30 is retained within the channel 26 of the housing 20 .
- positioning of the peg or post 28 ′ within the slot or opening or hole will not allow axial rotation of the needle holding member 30 .
- an alternative embodiment of the stopper system includes an elongate slot (also referred to as elongate opening and elongate hole) 33 ′ disposed in the distal segment 32 of the needle holding member 30 .
- the slot or opening or hole is positioned such that a peg (also referred to as post) 28 ′′ which extends from an interior of the housing 20 passes therethrough.
- the peg or post 28 ′′ remains within the elongate slot or opening or hole 33 ′ at all times thereby limiting movement of the needle holding member 30 to a length of the slot or opening or hole 33 ′ and assuring that the needle holding member 30 is retained within the channel 26 of the housing 20 .
- positioning of the peg or post 28 ′′ within the slot or opening or hole 33 ′ will not allow axial rotation of the needle holding member 30 .
- stopper systems of FIGS. 7 and 8 involve an interaction between the distal segment 32 of the needle holding member 30 and a stationary element
- the stopper system could involve an interaction between another segment of the needle holding member and a stationary element.
- the stopper system could involve interaction of the distal central segment 35 with an element attached to the housing 20 .
- a triangular cap segment 50 is included.
- the triangular cap segment 50 includes an open first side 51 and a closed second side 52 .
- the cap segment 50 is adapted to have substantially the same configuration as the housing 20 and is sized such that the open first side 51 may be matingly fitted over the open second end 24 of the housing 20 .
- the cap segment 50 may be other shapes depending upon the shape of the housing 20 .
- the open second end 24 of the housing 20 extends from a lip 25 formed in the housing 20 , the lip 25 being disposed such that the open first side 51 of the cap segment 50 slides onto the housing 20 over the open second end 24 of the housing 20 and will abut the lip 25 providing a smooth contoured finish.
- the cap segment 50 will be removably fitted on the housing 20 preferably through corresponding proportioning of an interior dimension of the open first side 51 of the cap segment 50 relative to the open second end 24 of the housing 20 , but alternatively engagement ridges or a similar removable fastener system may be included to secure the cap segment 50 on the housing 20 .
- Other removable fastener systems include threads, locking clips, and locking buttons.
- FIG. 3B shows the needle holding member 30 in its fully extended position with the length of the needle holding member 30 adjusted such that the disposable lancet 60 will strike the cap segment 50 in the fully extended position.
- FIG. 3C also illustrates the needle holding member 30 in its fully extended position.
- the length of the needle holding member 30 has been shortened such that the disposable lancet 60 does not strike the cap segment 50 in the fully extended position.
- adjusting the length of the needle holding member 30 adjusts the penetration depth of the disposable lancet 60 .
- a biasing element is included. While other types of biasing elements may be used, the biasing element is preferably in the form of a coil spring 40 disposed about the distal segment 32 of the needle holding member 30 . Other types of springs which may be useful as biasing elements include leaf springs and C-springs.
- the spring 40 is positioned such that it will abut a flanged lip 34 formed in the needle holding member 30 and will abut the housing 20 . Preferable a side of the spring 40 which abuts the housing 20 will have a larger relaxed diameter than an opposite side of the spring 40 .
- one end of the spring 40 is positioned to contact the guide collar 28 of the housing 20 and is preferably embedded in an annular ridge 42 formed in the housing 20 .
- the opposite side of the spring 40 which abuts the needle holding member 30 is preferably contained within an annular ridge 43 formed at the flanged lip 34 .
- the spring 40 abuts the housing 20 at peg 28 ′ which is positioned through the slot 33 ′ in the distal segment 32 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the spring 40 abuts peg 28 ′′ which is also positioned through the slot 33 ′ in the distal segment 32 .
- the spring 40 With the spring 40 positioned appropriately, when extended, the spring 40 will urge the needle holding member 30 toward the open second end 24 of the housing 20 . When the needle holding member 30 is in its retracted, cocked position, as detailed in FIG. 2 , the spring 40 is compressed. Once the needle holding member 30 is allowed to move to its extended position, the spring 40 will quickly and immediately move the needle holding member 30 to the fully extended position with the point 61 of the disposable lancet 60 protruding through the piercing opening 53 to puncture a desired surface.
- the spring or biasing element 40 preferably expands in a direction of the longitudinal axis B of the lancet holding member or lancet holder 30 and preferably pushes the lancet holding member or lancet holder 30 .
- the disposable lancet 60 will strike the cap segment 50 , (see FIG. 3B ), or will not strike the cap segment 50 , (see FIG. 3C ), in the fully extended position.
- the spring 40 relaxes such that the needle holding member 30 will move slightly back toward the closed first end 22 of the housing 20 , as illustrated in FIG. 3D , into a relaxed position wherein the point 61 of the disposable lancet 60 is contained within the cap segment 50 and will not accidentally contact a user unnecessarily.
- a trigger In order to hold the needle holding member 30 in its cocked, retracted position, and subsequently allow release by a user in order to initiate movement of the needle holding member 30 to its extended position, a trigger is included.
- the trigger preferably includes an aperture 29 foamed in the housing 20 near the open second end 24 thereof.
- an outwardly biased engagement segment or cantilever extension 36 which extends from the distal central segment 35 of the needle holding member 30 .
- the engagement segment or cantilever extension 36 includes a distal lip segment 37 which contacts an interior of the housing 20 as the needle holding member 30 slides within the channel 26 .
- a trigger button 45 is disposed within the aperture 29 .
- the trigger button 45 includes an upper section 46 which protrudes through the aperture 29 to an exterior of the housing 20 and a flanged base portion 47 which is disposed within the housing 20 so as to assure that the trigger button 45 does not get pushed out of the housing 20 through the aperture 29 .
- Disposed within the base 47 is a channel 48 positioned such that the distal lip segment 37 of the engagement segment 36 will slide therethrough and be able to engage the housing 20 within the aperture 29 .
- the reusable lancet device 10 of the present invention includes a relatively small number of distinct pieces.
- the use of such a small number of pieces enables quick and substantially inexpensive manufacturing of the reusable lancet device 10 of the present invention, thereby making a cost effective product which can be available to the public without compromising safety.
- the needle holding member 30 is moved to its retracted, cocked position by removing the cap segment 50 , placing the disposable lancet 60 within the needle holding member 30 , and pushing the disposable lancet 60 and accordingly the needle holding member 30 into the housing 20 until the trigger engages.
- the protective cap 62 can be removed from the disposable lancet 60 so as to expose the point 61 , and the cap segment 50 is replaced thereover. Due to the triangular shape, the cap segment 50 will securely and properly fit over the housing 20 no matter which orientation a user utilizes to push the cap segment 50 onto the housing 20 .
- the lancet holding member or lancet holder 30 is preferably separate from the lancet 60 .
- the cap segment 50 When a user wishes to adjust the length of the needle holding member 30 , the cap segment 50 is removed. The proximal segment 38 and the proximal central segment 31 are rotated relative to each other by use of the threaded connection such that the protruding element 76 snaps into and out of grooves 78 . To fix the length of the needle holding member, the user leaves the protruding element 76 engaged in a particular groove 78 . The cap segment 50 is then put back on the housing to cover the length adjustment mechanism 70 so that the reusable lancet device is again ready for use. At this point, it should be noted that once the user adjusts the penetration depth to an appropriate depth, the penetration depth usually does not need to be adjusted again.
- FIG. 10 shows another embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member.
- the proximal central segment 31 is provided with a spring-biased cylindrical element 80 comprised of a protruding element 82 and a spring 84 .
- the spring-biased element 80 is shown as being cylindrical, other shapes such as square may be useful.
- the spring-biased element 80 is perpendicular to an axis of the proximal central segment 31 . Of course, the spring-biased element 80 does not need to be exactly perpendicular to the proximal central segment 31 .
- the proximal segment 38 is provided with a plurality of holes 86 .
- the holes 86 are located at different positions with respect to the axial length of the proximal segment 38 .
- the holes 86 may be located at different axial and radial positions so as to foam a spiral effect about the proximal segment 38 .
- the proximal segment 38 could be provided with recesses for the spring-biased element 80 to engage.
- the spring-biased element 80 and the holes 86 are designed to engage each other to fix the length of the needle holding member 30 .
- the length of the needle holding member 30 may be adjusted by changing the hole 86 in which the spring-biased element 80 is engaged.
- the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 may be modified such that the proximal segment is provided with the spring-biased element and the proximal central segment is provided with the holes.
- FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member 30 .
- the proximal segment 38 has an interior provided with a plurality of grooves 90 formed by ridges 92 .
- the proximal segment 38 which is formed of a resilient material, also has a pair of handles 94 on a distal end which can be grabbed by a user to separate the sides having the grooves 90 .
- the proximal central segment 31 includes a neck 96 provided with two ridges 98 .
- the ridges 98 are designed to engage the grooves 90 of the proximal segment 38 .
- the length of the needle holding member 30 is adjusted by changing the groove 90 in which the ridges 98 of the neck 96 are engaged. To facilitate changing the length, a user may grab handles 94 to increase the distance between the grooves 90 .
- the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 may be modified to form the ridges as a single ridge which forms a circle about the top of the head of the proximal central segment.
- the groove in which the ridge is engaged is changed by forcing the ridge from one groove to another groove. Accordingly, handles are omitted from this modified embodiment.
- the ridges may also number greater than two.
- FIG. 12 shows another embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member.
- the proximal segment 38 has an interior which is provided with a plurality of grooves 100 formed by ridges 102 .
- the proximal central segment 31 has a pair of leaf springs 104 for engaging the grooves 100 . Although a pair of leaf springs 104 are shown, a different number of leaf springs may be used. A distal end of each leaf spring is preferably provided with a pair of buttons 106 which allow a user to push the leaf springs 104 together.
- FIG. 13 shows the proximal central segment 31 as molded to show the direction in which the leaf springs 104 are biased.
- the leaf springs 104 are shown as being made of a resilient plastic, the leaf springs may be a separate piece formed of a metal such as stainless steel or brass.
- the length of the needle holding member 30 is adjusted by changing the groove 100 in which the leaf springs 104 are engaged.
- a user squeezes the leaf springs 104 together through use of buttons 106 to reduce the distance between the leaf springs 104 .
- the length of the needle holding member may be fixed and the length of the housing is adjusted to adjust the penetration depth of the lancet.
- the device is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,418 to SCHRAGA, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, except for the housing length adjustment mechanisms as discussed below.
- the needle holding member includes a distal segment, a central segment, and the proximal segment.
- FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment for adjusting the housing length.
- the needle holding member 30 is shown in its fully extended position.
- the housing 20 comprises an upper housing 20 A and a lower housing 20 B.
- the upper housing 20 A includes internal threads 110
- the lower housing 20 B includes external threads 112 .
- the position of the upper housing 20 A relative to the lower housing 20 B may be adjusted via rotation about threads 110 , 112 .
- the guide collar 28 of this embodiment is provided on the lower housing 20 B.
- the flanged end 33 of the distal segment 32 of the needle holding member cooperates with the guide collar in the same manner as described above.
- the guide collar 28 engages the flanged end 33 provided on the needle holding member 30 to thereby limit the amount of travel of the needle holding member 30 .
- the guide collar 28 of the lower housing 20 A limits the extent to which the needle holding member 30 extends in its fully extended position such that adjusting the position of the guide collar 28 adjusts the penetration depth.
- FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment for adjusting the length of the housing.
- the needle holding member 30 is shown in its fully extended position.
- the housing 20 comprises an upper housing 20 A and a lower housing 20 B.
- a spring 120 is disposed between the upper housing 20 A and the lower housing 20 B to bias the housing 20 into a short length.
- Spacers 122 of varying lengths may be inserted between the spring-biased members of the housing 20 to set the length of the housing 20 at desired lengths.
- the spacers 122 may be formed of most any material but are preferably formed of rubber or nylon. Alternatively, the spacers may be in the form of C-clip spacers.
- the lower housing 20 B includes a guide collar 28 for engaging a flanged end 33 of the needle holding member 30 to thereby limit the amount of travel of the needle holding member 30 .
- adjusting the position of the guide collar 28 limits the extent to which the needle holding member 30 extends in its fully extended position.
- FIG. 16 illustrates yet another embodiment for adjusting the length of the housing.
- the needle holding member 30 is shown in its fully retracted position.
- the housing 20 comprises an upper housing 20 A, a lower housing 20 B, and a middle housing 20 C.
- the upper housing 20 A includes internal threads 170 which cooperate with external threads 172 on the middle housing 20 C for adjusting the length of the housing 20 .
- adjusting the length of the housing involves screwing or unscrewing the lower housing 20 B relative to the middle housing 20 C.
- Adjusting the length of the housing 20 adjusts the position of a guide collar 174 located on the middle housing 20 C.
- the guide collar 174 is designed to cooperate with a flange 176 located on the needle holding member 30 to thereby limit the amount of travel of the needle holding member 30 .
- adjusting the position of the guide collar 174 limits the extent to which the needle holding member 30 extends in its fully extended position.
- a coil spring 178 is disposed between a lower housing guide collar 180 and a lock retainer 182 .
- the lock retainer 182 includes two holes 184 into which two fingers 186 of the needle holding member 30 are inserted and snapped into place.
- the lower housing 20 B includes a cap 188 which provides access into the lower housing 20 B. Access into lower housing 20 B facilitates positioning of coil spring 178 during assembly.
- the needle holding member 30 is inserted into lower housing 20 B.
- the lock retainer is attached to the needle holding member 30 to hold the coil spring 178 in position.
- the cap 188 is inserted into the lower housing 20 B to prevent access to the interior of the lower housing 20 B.
- the lower housing 20 B is pulled out of the middle housing 20 C to pull the needle holding member 30 until a trigger, not shown, which is similar to the trigger of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7 , engages the needle holding member 30 .
- the coil spring 178 biases the lower housing 20 B back into the middle housing 20 C.
- the housing 20 A may comprise a distal end opening.
- the lancet device may further comprise an end cap ( 20 B and 188 ) covering the distal end opening of the housing 20 A.
- the lancet device may further comprise an additional biasing element 178 which biases the end cap ( 20 B and 188 ) toward the housing 20 A.
- the end cap ( 20 B and 188 ) may be associated with the lancet holding member 30 , wherein the lancet device is cocked by pulling the end cap ( 20 B and 188 ) away from the housing 20 A until the trigger 45 engages the lancet holding member 30 .
- a portion of the end cap ( 20 B and 188 ) may be positioned within the housing 20 A.
- the lancet device may include a generally elongate housing 20 A having a forward end opening and a back end opening; a cap 50 with a through hole 53 at a forward end; a lancet holder 30 , slidably mounted within the housing 20 A; a biasing element 40 which biases the lancet holder 30 toward the forward end opening of the housing 20 A; a button 45 , movable between a first position in which the lancet holder is restrained when the lancet device is cocked and a second position in which the restraint is removed, permitting the biasing element 40 to thrust the lancet holder 30 forward; and a closure ( 188 , 20 B) at the back end of the housing, including an adjustment element comprising a protrusion 174 that stops the forward motion of the lancet holder 30 at a predetermined position, and wherein the adjustment element adjusts the position of the protrusion 174 to controllably change and reset the predetermined
- the lancet device may be cocked by pulling the closure ( 188 , 20 B) away from the housing until the button 45 engages the lancet holder 30 .
- the adjustment element may comprise a threaded connection for attaching the closure ( 188 , 20 B, 20 C) to the housing 20 A, whereby rotating the closure ( 188 , 20 B, 20 C) on the housing 20 A positions the protrusion 174 forward and back.
- FIG. 16 also relates to an embodiment in which a first guide wall 174 is disposed within a first housing 20 A.
- the first guide wall 174 extends transverse to an axis A-A running through the first housing 20 A and the wall 174 includes an opening.
- the needle holding member 30 is at least partially contained within the first housing 20 A. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall 174 .
- a first spring 40 biases the needle holding member 30 toward an extended position.
- the first spring 40 surrounds a portion of the needle holding member 30 and is disposed between the first guide wall 174 and a shoulder 34 of the needle holding member 30 .
- the needle holding member 30 includes a projecting portion 37 arranged between a proximal end of the needle holding member 30 and the shoulder 34 of the needle holding member 30 .
- the projecting portion 37 acts to retain the needle holding member 30 in the retracted position (see e.g., FIG. 2 ).
- a movable second housing 20 B includes an upper or proximal end, a lower or distal end and a second guide wall 180 arranged at the proximal end of the second housing 20 B.
- the second guide wall 180 extends transversely to axis A-A and includes an opening. A portion of the needle holding member 30 is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall 180 .
- the second housing 20 B is configured to move the needle holding member 30 to the retracted position when the second housing 20 B is moved away from the first housing 20 A.
- the proximal end of the second housing 20 B is configured to move axially within the lower or distal end of the first housing 20 A.
- a second spring 178 is utilized for biasing the second housing 20 B towards the first housing 20 A.
- the second spring 178 surrounds a portion of the needle holding member 30 and is disposed between the second guide wall 180 and a distal end 186 of the needle holding member 30 .
- a lock retainer 182 is mounted to the distal end 186 of the needle holding member 30 and the distal end 186 of the needle holding member 30 has shoulders that engage the lock retainer 182 .
- at least a portion of the needle holding member 30 is always retained within the first housing 20 A.
- FIG. 16 also relates to an embodiment in which a first housing 20 A includes a proximal end and a lower or distal end.
- a second housing 20 C is at least partially disposed in the first housing 20 A.
- a guide wall 174 is arranged on the second housing 20 C.
- the guide wall 174 extends transversely to the axis A-A and is disposed within the first housing 20 A.
- the guide wall 174 include an opening.
- the needle holding member 30 is at least partially contained within the first housing 20 A and the second housing 20 C. At least a portion of the needle holding member 30 is able to move within the opening of the guide wall 174 of the second housing 20 C.
- a first spring 40 is utilized for biasing the needle holding member 30 toward an extended position.
- the first spring 40 surrounds a portion of the needle holding member 30 and is disposed between the guide wall 174 of the second housing 20 C and a shoulder 34 of the needle holding member 30 .
- a third housing 20 B includes an upper or proximal end, a lower or distal end and a guide wall 180 .
- the third housing 20 B is configured to move the needle holding member 30 to the retracted position when the third housing 20 B is moved away from the first housing 20 A.
- the guide wall 180 of the third housing includes an opening. At least a portion of the needle holding member 30 is able to move within the opening of the guide wall 180 of the third housing 20 B.
- the proximal end of the third housing 20 B is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing 20 A.
- a second spring 178 is utilized for biasing the third housing 20 B towards the first housing 20 A.
- the second spring 178 surrounds a distal portion of the needle holding member 30 and is disposed between the guide wall 180 of the third housing 20 B and a distal end 186 of the needle holding member 30 .
- a lock retainer 182 is mounted to the distal end 186 of the needle holding member 30 . As is evident from FIG. 16 , at least a portion of the needle holding member 30 is always retained within the first housing 20 A.
- the penetration depth is adjusted by rotating the housing relative to the needle holding member to cause the needle holding member to engage different stops.
- the stops are arranged such that aligning the needle holding member with different stops results in different penetration depths.
- the needle holding member may be of fixed length with a distal segment, a central segment, and a proximal segment as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,418 to SCHRAGA, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment for adjusting the penetration depth by changing which stop is engaged by rotating a portion of the housing 20 relative to the needle holding member 30 .
- the housing comprises an upper housing 20 A and a lower housing 20 B.
- the upper housing 20 A includes internal threads 130
- the lower housing 20 B includes external threads 132 .
- the position of the upper housing 20 A relative to the lower housing 20 B may be adjusted via rotation about threads 130 , 132 .
- the lower housing 20 B includes a plurality of stops 134 for limiting the travel of the needle holding member 30 .
- the stops 134 are located at different radial positions and at different axial positions to preferably form a spiral staircase effect on the interior of the lower housing 20 B.
- the needle holding member 30 includes a finger 136 for engaging one of these stops 134 at a time. Rotation of the upper housing 20 A and lower housing 20 B relative to each other causes the finger 136 of the needle holding member 30 to become aligned with different stops 134 , one at a time. Since the stops 134 are located at different positions relative to the axial length of the lower housing 20 B, the amount of travel of the needle holding member 30 is limited to different lengths. Thus, changing which stop engages the finger 136 of the needle holder member 30 adjusts the extent to which the needle holding member 30 extends in its fully extended position such that the penetration depth is adjusted.
- the depth adjustment mechanism ( 20 B, FIG. 14 ; 20 C, FIG. 16 ; 20 B, FIG. 17 ) may be rotatably mounted on the housing 20 A. Also as evident from the above discussion and from FIGS. 14 , 16 , and 17 , rotation of the depth adjustment mechanism may be limited by the housing.
- FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment for adjusting which stop is engaged, wherein rotation of the needle holding member relative to the housing adjusts the penetration depth.
- a housing 20 includes a plurality of stops 140 for limiting the travel of the needle holding member 30 .
- the stops 140 are located at different radial positions and at different axial positions to preferably form a spiral staircase effect on the interior of the housing 20 .
- the needle holding member 30 includes a finger 142 for engaging one of these stops 140 at a time. Rotation of the needle holding member 30 relative to the housing 20 causes the finger 142 of the needle holding member 30 to become aligned with different stops 140 , one at a time. Since the stops 140 are located at different positions relative to the axial length of the housing 20 , the amount of travel of the needle holding member 30 is limited to different lengths. Thus, changing which stop 140 engages the finger 142 of the needle holder member 30 adjusts the extent to which the needle holding member 30 extends in its fully extended position to adjust the penetration depth.
- the reusable lancet device is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,418 to SCHRAGA, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, and includes a needle holding member which includes a distal segment, a central segment, and a proximal segment.
- the structure of the proximal segment for holding the disposable lancet includes a cavity.
- the bottom of this cavity includes a member whose location may be adjusted. By adjusting the location of this member, the depth of the cavity is adjusted such that the distance which the lancet extends out of the cavity is adjusted to adjust the penetration depth.
- FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment for adjusting the cavity depth.
- a proximal segment 38 of the needle holding member 30 includes a cavity 150 for holding a disposable lancet 60 .
- the shape of the cavity 150 is preferably round, but is designed to accept a disposable lancet.
- the bottom of the cavity 150 is formed by an adjustable bottom member such as a screw 152 . By screwing or unscrewing the screw 152 before the disposable lancet 60 is placed in the cavity 150 , the depth of the cavity 150 may be adjusted to change the distance that the disposable lancet 60 extends out of the cavity 150 . By changing the distance that the disposable lancet 60 extends out of the cavity 150 , the penetration depth is adjusted.
- FIG. 20 shows another embodiment for adjusting the cavity depth.
- a proximal segment 38 of the needle holding member includes a cavity 160 for holding a disposable lancet 60 .
- the preferred shape of cavity 160 is round.
- the bottom of the cavity 160 is formed by an adjustable bottom member which comprises a nail 162 having a tail 164 provided with a rack 166 .
- the proximal segment 38 of the needle holding member 30 also includes a turn-key 168 disposed perpendicular to the nail 162 , and a head (not shown) which is exposed on the exterior of the proximal segment 38 .
- the turn-key 168 is a screw provided with a pinion 169 at a distal end for engaging the rack 166 of the nail 162 .
- the location of the adjustable bottom member may be changed to adjust the depth of the cavity 160 of the proximal segment. Changing the location of the adjustable bottom member changes the distance that the disposable lancet 60 extends out of the cavity 160 to thereby adjust the penetration depth.
- the rotational position of the turn-key 168 could be locked by changing the vertical position of the turn-key 168 such that the pinion 169 engages a surface or a notch (not shown in the drawings) of the proximal segment 38 .
- the turn-key may also interact with the adjustable bottom member in other manners in which rotational motion in one direction may be converted into translational motion in a perpendicular direction, such as a worm gear arrangement in which the turn key and the adjustable bottom member have threads which interact with each other.
- the depth adjustment mechanism is preferably disposed out of contact with the cover when the cover is covering the proximal end opening of the housing.
- the components of the reusable lancet device of the present invention are made of plastic.
- plastics include polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, linear polyoxymethylene-type acetal resin, e.g., “DELRIN”, and polycarbonate (PC), e.g., “LEXAN”.
- indicia can be included on members that change position relative to each other when the penetration depth is adjusted.
- indicia 87 and 88 can be included on proximal segment 38 and proximal central segment 31 .
- the indica can comprise elements which can be viewed by shape and/or color, such as reference numerals, letters, lines and geometric shapes. Moreover, the indica may be sensed by touch, such as raised elements, including braille.
- indica 87 includes a line and indica 88 includes reference numerals.
- the reference numerals can be numbers, such as from 0 to 5, with 0 being no penetration to 5 being maximum penetration.
Abstract
Lancet device including a first housing. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall includes an opening. A cap removably mounted to the first housing. A needle holding member for holding a lancet. At least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening. A first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger having a first position and a second position. A movable second housing including a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end. The second guide wall including an opening. A portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The second housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing. The proximal end of the second housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the second guide wall and another shoulder of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
Description
- The present application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/087,957 filed on Apr. 15, 2011, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/929,164 filed on Oct. 30, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,057, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/463,535 filed on Jun. 18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,718, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/592,680, filed Jun. 12, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,641, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/433,366, filed Nov. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,051 and which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/095,902, filed Jun. 11, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,366. The entire disclosures of U.S. application Ser. Nos. 13/087,957, 11/929,164, 10/463,535, 09/592,680, 09/433,366 and 09/095,902 are considered as being part of the disclosure of the present application, and the entire disclosures of U.S. application Ser. Nos. 13/087,957, 11/929,164, 10/463,535, 09/592,680, 09/433,366 and 09/095,902 are expressly incorporated by reference herein their entireties.
- The present application also expressly incorporates by reference herein the entire disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/095,905, entitled “Adjustable Length Member Such as a Cap of a Lancet Device for Adjusting Penetration Depth”, filed Jun. 11, 1998, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,114.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a lancet device whose penetration depth is adjustable. The lancet device is adapted to be substantially inexpensive to manufacture and easy and safe to use by physically impaired individuals who take their own blood samples.
- 2. Description of Background Information
- The field relating to disposable and reusable lancet devices is substantially crowded. U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,418 to SCHRAGA, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses a reusable lancet device having an elongate triangular housing and triangular cap segment.
- Lancets which allow adjustment of the penetration depth include U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,584 to LANGE et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This document discloses a blood lancet device for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes. The penetration depth of this blood lancet device may be adjusted by adjusting the position of a sealing cap relative to a housing.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,879 to O′BRIEN, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses a blood lancet device. The penetration depth may be adjusted by adjusting the position of a skin surface sensor which may be a small socket head screw.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,978 to HARDING, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses an adjustable tip for a lancet device. The penetration depth of this lancet may be adjusted by adjusting the position of an outer cylindrical sleeve relative to an inner sleeve.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,147 to BODICKY et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses a lancet injector which includes an elongate tubular housing with a penetration depth selector provided thereon. Rotation of the penetration depth selector causes a control member to contact different contact edges to thereby control the distance that a lancet tip protrudes through a central opening.
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,135,465 to POLLOCK, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses a lancet. The distance that a plunger is allowed to move forward may be changed by an adjustable movement limiting or regulating collar.
- Canadian Patent No. 523,078, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses a surgical device for use in the treatment of snake bites. The surgical device includes a lance or blade whose penetration depth may be adjusted by inserting or removing a stop bar from the path of the lance or blade.
- SUTOR et al., “Bleeding from Standardized Skin Punctures: Automated Technic for Recording Time, Intensity, and Pattern of Bleeding”, A.J.C.P., Vol. 55, pp. 542-549 (May 1971), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses a Mayo automatic lancet. A knurled thumb screw allows adjustment of depth of cut by regulating distance between a plunger and a striking head by means of a millimeter scale.
- Although there are several devices which allow adjustment of the penetration depth, there are important factors relating to the safe and effective use of lancet assemblies which have not been addressed by such devices. Specifically, there is a need for a lancet device having an adjustable penetration depth whose penetration depth adjustment mechanism is reliable and difficult to accidentally change.
- The present invention is directed toward a lancet device, such as a reusable lancet device, to be utilized with a lancet whose penetration depth is adjustable.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a lancet device which has an adjustable penetration depth. The penetration depth may be adjusted by adjusting the length of a needle holding member, by adjusting the length of a housing, by adjusting the position of a stop, and/or by adjusting the depth of a cavity of a proximal segment of a needle holding member.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a lancet device having a penetration depth adjustment mechanism which is contained entirely within a housing to reduce the possibility of accidental misadjustment of the penetration.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a lancet device having a penetration depth adjustment mechanism with a simplified cap construction.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a lancet device which is substantially cost effective to manufacture due to a small number of individual pieces to be put together, yet will still be substantially safe during use.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lancet device which provides for facilitated and effective cap positioning by impaired individuals.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lancet device which is comfortably positionable within a user's hand and will not roll around within a user's hand or on a flat surface.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved lancet device which does not necessitate that an exteriorly exposed plunger assembly be utilized in order to position the lancet in a retracted, ready-to-use position.
- Further, the device of the present invention is designed to be utilized by individuals to do their own routine blood test such as individuals who do home monitoring of their blood such as diabetes patients. As a result, the present invention requires precise adaptation to make it effective yet safe for the user. As a result, the device of the present invention is comprised of a small number of individual pieces, thereby making the lancet device easier and substantially more cost effective to manufacture and provide for use by patients, without compromising any of the safety needs and in fact increasing the safety of use.
- In accordance with one aspect, the present invention is directed to a lancet device, including: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and a travel adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting a length of travel of said needle holding member, said travel adjustment mechanism being positioned within at least one of said housing and said cap during at least a portion of the length of travel of said needle holding member. The travel adjustment mechanism may be completely positioned or completely contained within at least one of the housing and the cap during at least a portion of the length of travel of the needle holding member.
- In accordance with another aspect, the needle holding member comprises a first component and a second component, and the travel adjustment mechanism comprises a threaded connection between the first component and the second component. The travel adjustment mechanism may further include a protruding element on one of the first component and the second component, and grooves on the other of the first component and the second component, with the protruding element being capable of engaging the grooves. The protruding element may comprise a nipple or a spring-biased ball.
- In accordance with yet another aspect, the needle holding member comprises a first component and a second component, and the travel adjustment mechanism comprises a spring-biased element on one of the first component and the second component, and a plurality of recesses in the other of the first component and the second component, with the spring-biased element being capable of engaging the recesses.
- In accordance with still another aspect, the needle holding member comprises a first component and a second component, and the travel adjustment mechanism comprises grooves in one of the first component and the second component, and a ridge on the other of the first component and the second component, with the ridge being capable of engaging the grooves.
- In accordance with still another aspect, the needle holding member comprises a first component and a second component, and the travel adjustment mechanism comprises grooves in one of the first component and the second component, and at least one leaf spring on the other of the first component and the second component, with the at least one leaf spring being capable of engaging the grooves.
- In accordance with still another aspect, the housing comprises a plurality of stops, and the needle holding member comprises a protrusion for engaging the stops one at a time. The needle holding member and the housing may be capable of rotating relative to each other.
- In accordance with another aspect, the travel adjustment mechanism is positioned within said housing and said cap during the length of travel of said needle holding member.
- In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing, a length of the needle holding member being adjustable; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; and a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position.
- In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing containing at least one stop; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing, the needle holding member having at least one protrusion for striking the at least one stop of the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and an alignment mechanism capable of aligning the at least one stop of the housing and the at least one protrusion of the needle holding member to adjust the extended position of the needle holding member.
- In accordance with another aspect, the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing, and the alignment mechanism comprises a threaded connection between the upper housing and the lower housing. The at least one stop may comprise a guide collar on the lower housing.
- In accordance with still another aspect, the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing, and the alignment mechanism comprises a spring between the upper housing and the lower housing to bias the lower housing into the upper housing, and the alignment mechanism comprises a spacer between the upper housing and the lower housing to act against a biasing force of the spring. The at least one stop may comprise a guide collar on the lower housing.
- In accordance with yet another aspect, the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing, with the lower housing having the at least one stop which comprises a plurality of stops, and the alignment mechanism comprises a threaded connection between the upper housing and the lower housing. The plurality of stops may comprise stops at different radial and axial positions on an interior of the lower housing.
- In accordance with another aspect, the at least one stop comprises a plurality of stops, and the alignment mechanism comprises a rotary connection between the housing and the needle holding member. The plurality of stops may comprise stops at different radial and axial positions on an interior of the housing.
- In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member comprising a cavity having a depth for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and an adjustable member disposed within the cavity of the needle holding member for adjusting the cavity depth of the needle holding member.
- In accordance with still another aspect, the adjustable member comprises a screw.
- In accordance with yet another aspect, the needle holding member comprises a turn-key having a pinion, and the adjustable member comprises a nail having a tail which has a rack for engaging the pinion.
- In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and means for adjusting a penetration depth of a lancet by adjusting a travel distance of the needle holding member, the means for adjusting the penetration depth being capable of being contained within the housing and the cap.
- In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and means for adjusting a penetration depth of a lancet by adjusting a length of the needle holding member.
- In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing containing at least one stop; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing, the needle holding member having at least one protrusion for striking the at least one stop of the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and means for adjusting a penetration depth of a lancet by aligning the at least one stop of the housing and the at least one protrusion of the needle holding member.
- In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lancet device, comprising: a housing; a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface; a needle holding member comprising a cavity having a depth for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the housing; a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position; a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position; and means for adjusting a penetration depth of a lancet by adjusting the cavity depth of the needle holding member.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device that includes a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall comprises an opening. A cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the first housing and is utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface. A needle holding member is provided for holding a lancet. The needle holding member is at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall. A first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger is arranged on a side of the first housing. The trigger has a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A movable second housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the second housing. The second guide wall comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The second housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing. The proximal end of the second housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring is utilized for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and another shoulder of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The lancet device may further comprise a lock retainer mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member. The first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal. The other shoulder of the needle holding member may be arranged at a distal end of the needle holding member.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A first guide wall is arranged within the first housing. The first guide wall comprises an opening. A cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the first housing and is utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface. A needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet. The needle holding member is at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall. A first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A trigger is arranged on a side of the first housing. The trigger having a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A second housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall. The second housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing. The second guide wall comprises an opening. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The proximal end of the second housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring is utilized for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounds a distal portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and a distal end of the needle holding member. A lock retainer is mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The second spring may be arranged between the lock retainer and the second guide wall. The first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal. The distal end of the needle holding member may comprises a shoulder.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A first guide wall is arranged inside the first housing. The first guide wall comprises an opening. A cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the first housing. The cap has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface. A movable needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet. The needle holding member is at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall. A first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds at least a portion of the needle holding member. The first spring is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A trigger is arranged on a side wall of the first housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A movably mounted second housing comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The second housing comprises a second guide wall. The second housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved axially away from the first housing. The second guide wall comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The proximal end of the second housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring is utilized for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. A lock retainer is mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and the lock retainer. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal. The distal end of the needle holding member may comprise a shoulder.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A guide wall is arranged in the main housing and extends transverse to an axis running through the main housing. The guide wall comprises an opening. A cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the main housing. The cap has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface. A movable needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet. The needle holding member is at least partially contained within the main housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall. A first spring biases the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member. The first spring is arranged between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A trigger is arranged on a side wall of the main housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A distal housing comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The distal housing comprises a guide wall. The distal housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing. The guide wall of the distal housing comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing. The proximal end of the distal housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing. A second spring is utilized for biasing the distal housing towards the main housing. A lock retainer is mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member. The second spring surrounds a distal portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and the lock retainer. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The main housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal. The distal end of the needle holding member comprises a shoulder.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A guide wall is arranged in the main housing and extends transverse to an axis running through the main housing. The guide wall comprises an opening. A cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the main housing. The cap has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface. A movable needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet. The needle holding member is at least partially contained within the main housing. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall. A first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member. The first spring is disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger is arranged on a side of the main housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A distal housing is arranged at the distal end of the main housing. The distal housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing. The distal housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing. The guide wall of the distal housing comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing. The proximal end of the distal housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing. A second spring biases the distal housing towards the main housing. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The lancet device may further comprise a lock retainer mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member. The main housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal. The lancet device may further comprise a distal shoulder arranged at the distal end of the needle holding member. The needle holding member may comprise a mechanism that cooperates with the trigger to retain the needle holding member in a retracted position. The mechanism may comprise a shoulder. The lancet device may further comprise a fastening mechanism for securing the cap to the main housing. The proximal end of the main housing may be open and the distal end of the main housing may be open.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall comprises an opening. A cap is removably mounted to the proximal end of the first housing and utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface. A needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet. The needle holding member is at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall. A first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger is arranged on a side of the first housing. The trigger has a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A movable second housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a shoulder arranged between the proximal end and the distal end, and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the second housing. The second guide wall comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The second housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing. The proximal end of the second housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring is utilized for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and another shoulder of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The lancet device may further comprise a lock retainer mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member. The first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped and polygonal. The other shoulder of the needle holding member may be arranged at a distal end of the needle holding member. The shoulder of the second housing may be sized to be larger than the proximal end of the second housing, whereby the shoulder of the second housing limits movement of the second housing towards the first housing.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprises a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A second housing is at least partially disposed in the first housing. A guide wall is arranged on the second housing. The guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The guide wall comprises an opening. A removably mounted cap is utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface. A needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet. The needle holding member is at least partially contained within the first housing and the second housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the second housing. A first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the second housing and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A trigger is arranged on a side of the first housing. The trigger has a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A third housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall. The third housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the third housing is moved away from the first housing. The guide wall of the third housing comprises an opening. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the third housing. The proximal end of the third housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring is utilized for biasing the third housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounds a distal portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the third housing and a distal end of the needle holding member. A lock retainer is mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The second spring may be arranged between the lock retainer and the guide wall of the third housing. The first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal. The distal end of the needle holding member may comprise a shoulder.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A first guide wall is arranged on a second housing. The second housing is at least partially disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall is disposed inside the first housing. The first guide wall comprises an opening. A removably mounted cap. The cap has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface. A movable needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall. A first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds at least a portion of the needle holding member. The first spring is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A trigger is arranged on a side wall of the first housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A movably mounted third housing comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The third housing comprises a second guide wall. The third housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the third housing is moved axially away from the first housing. The second guide wall comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The proximal end of the third housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring is utilized for biasing the third housing towards the first housing. A lock retainer is mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and the lock retainer. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The first housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal. The distal end of the needle holding member may comprise a shoulder.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. An inner housing is at least partially disposed in the first housing. A guide wall is arranged at an end of the inner housing. The guide wall extends transverse to an axis running through the main housing. The guide wall comprises an opening. A cap is disposed at the proximal end of the main housing. The cap is removable and has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface. A movable needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the main housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall. A first spring biases the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member. The first spring is arranged between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A trigger is arranged on a side wall of the main housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A distal housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall. The distal housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing. The guide wall of the distal housing comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing. The proximal end of the distal housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing. A second spring is utilized for biasing the distal housing towards the main housing. A lock retainer is mounted to a distal end of the needle holding member. The second spring surrounds a distal portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and the lock retainer. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The main housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal. The distal end of the needle holding member may comprise a shoulder.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a main housing comprising an open proximal end and an open distal end. An inner housing is at least partially disposed in the main housing. A guide wall is arranged on the inner housing and within the main housing. The guide wall comprises an opening. A removably mounted cap is provided. The cap has a proximal end for engaging a skin surface. A movable needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the main housing. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall. A first spring is utilized for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member. The first spring is disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. The needle holding member has a proximal end that projects from the open proximal end of the main housing when the needle holding member is in the extended position. A movable trigger is arranged on a side of the main housing. The trigger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A distal housing is disposed at the distal end of the main housing. The distal housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing. The distal housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing. The guide wall of the distal housing comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing. The proximal end of the distal housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing. A second spring biases the distal housing towards the main housing. The second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The lancet device may further comprise a lock retainer mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member. The main housing may be one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal. The lancet device may further comprise a distal shoulder arranged at the distal end of the needle holding member. The needle holding member may comprise a mechanism that cooperates with the trigger to retain the needle holding member in the retracted position. The mechanism comprises a shoulder. The lancet device may further comprise a fastening mechanism for securing the cap to the main housing.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a first housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A movable trigger is arranged on a side wall of the first housing. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall extends transverse to an axis running through the first housing and comprising an opening. A removably mounted cap is utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface. A needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the first guide wall. A first spring biases the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. The needle holding member comprises a projecting portion arranged between a proximal end of the needle holding member and the shoulder of the needle holding member. The projecting portion acts to retain the needle holding member in the retracted position. The trigger has a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A movable second housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the second housing. The second guide wall comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The second housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing. The proximal end of the second housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring is utilized for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the second guide wall and a distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
- The invention also provides for a lancet device comprising a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A movable trigger is arranged on a side wall of the first housing. A guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The guide wall comprises an opening. A removably mounted cap is utilized for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface. A needle holding member is utilized for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the first housing. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall. A first spring biases the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. The needle holding member comprises a projecting portion arranged between a proximal end of the needle holding member and the shoulder of the needle holding member. The projecting portion acts to retain the needle holding member in the retracted position. The trigger has a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position. A movable distal housing comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing. The guide wall of the distal housing comprises an opening. A portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing. The distal housing is configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing. The proximal end of the distal housing is configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing. A second spring biases the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounds a portion of the needle holding member and is disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the main housing.
- The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of non-limiting drawings, and wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of the lancet device of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 3A , 3B, 3C, and 3D are isolated, cross-sectional views of the lancet device illustrating the functioning of the lancet. -
FIG. 4 is an isolated view of the trigger button of the lancet device of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the triangular cap segment of the lancet device of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is an isolated perspective view of the lancet device illustrating the positioning of a disposable lancet therein. -
FIG. 7 is an isolated cross-sectional view illustrating the positioning of the biasing element of the lancet device according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its fully extended position. -
FIG. 8 is an isolated perspective view of a second embodiment of the stopper of the lancet device. -
FIG. 9 is a top view of the proximal central segment of the present invention showing grooves for engaging a protruding element of the proximal segment. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member involving a spring-biased element for engaging holes. -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member involving a proximal segment having grooves and a proximal central segment having ridges for engaging the grooves of the proximal segment. -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member involving a proximal segment having grooves and a proximal central segment having a pair of leaf springs for engaging the grooves of the proximal segment. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal central segment ofFIG. 12 before insertion into the proximal segment. -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the housing involving a threaded upper housing which engages a threaded lower housing having a guide collar for engaging a flanged end of the needle holding member, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its fully extended position. -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the housing involving a spring which biases an upper housing and a lower housing against a spacer, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its fully extended position. -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting the length of the housing, involving a spring which biases a needle holding member in a retracted position and threaded members for adjusting the length of the housing, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its retracted position. -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting which stop is engaged involving a threaded upper housing which engages a threaded lower housing having a plurality of stops for engaging a finger of a needle holding member, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its fully extended position. -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting which stop is engaged involving a housing having a plurality of stops and a rotatable needle holding member which has a finger for engaging the plurality of stops one at a time, wherein the needle holding member is shown in its fully extended position. -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting a cavity depth involving an adjustable bottom member which is a screw. -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for adjusting a cavity depth involving an adjustable bottom member which is adjusted by use of a rack and pinion. - Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the various embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
- Before referring to the Figures, a broad overview of preferred aspects of the invention is provided. The lancet device includes an elongate housing, which is preferably triangular, adapted to fit within the user's hand. This housing includes a first end, which can be closed or open, an open second end, and an elongate channel therein which extends from the first end to the second end.
- Disposed within this elongate channel is an elongate needle holding member. This needle holding member is movable between a cocked, retracted position and an extended position. The needle holding member is structured to hold a disposable lancet therein, such that a point thereof extends away from the needle holding member.
- A biasing element is disposed within the housing. The biasing element is adapted to urge the needle holding member into an extended position for penetrating a user's skin when not held in a retracted position.
- According to the present invention, there are several different embodiments for adjusting the penetration depth of the lancet, i.e., for adjusting the maximum distance which the lancet in the needle holding member extends out of the housing. The penetration depth may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the needle holding member, by adjusting the length of the housing, by adjusting the position of a stop, and/or by adjusting the depth of a cavity of the needle holding member. Adjusting the penetration depth is important because different penetration depths are necessary to draw blood from different people due to differences in skin thickness, differences in healing time of the skin puncture, differences in pain tolerances, and differences in the amount of blood needed to be drawn.
- Regardless of how the penetration depth is adjusted, the present invention includes a stopper system to prevent axial movement of the needle holding member within the housing. Utilizing the stopper system, the needle holding member will always be retained within the channel despite its movement from the cocked, retracted position to the extended position.
- The needle holding member is held in the cocked, retracted position, and accordingly a biasing element is held in a retracted, compressed position, until released by a trigger. The trigger releases the needle holding member from the cocked, retracted position which results in an immediate movement of the needle holding member to the extended position as a result of the functioning of the biasing element.
- The lancet device also includes a cap segment, which is preferably triangular, with an open first side and a closed second side containing a piercing opening therein. The open first side is adapted to be matingly fitted over the open second end of the housing, thereby containing the needle holder member and disposable lancet therein. When in a cocked, retracted position, or after use, the needle holding member is disposed such that the point of the disposable lancet is concealed within the cap segment. During use, upon release by the trigger, the needle holding member is immediately moved to the extended position wherein the point of the disposable lancet will momentarily extend through a piercing opening into a piercing position which punctures a hole in a user's skin and then retracts back beneath the cap segment.
- Moreover, before referring to the Figures, the illustrated reusable lancet device is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,418 to SCHRAGA, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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FIGS. 1-9 illustrate embodiments of the present invention which involve adjusting the penetration depth of a disposable lancet by adjusting the length of a needle holder member via a threaded connection between two segments of the needle holder member. Thereusable lancet device 10 is preferably formed of a lightweight, rigid or semi-rigid, and substantially inexpensive plastic material and is adapted for use with a standard type ofdisposable lancet 60. Thereusable lancet device 10 includes primarily an elongate, substantially triangular shapedhousing 20. Thehousing 20 includes the substantially triangular shape, with slightly rounded corners, such that it will be easy to manipulate and will not unnecessarily roll around within a user's hand, especially if the user is sick, old, or otherwise impaired. Although the most preferred shape of thehousing 20 is triangular, thehousing 20 may be other shapes such as round but is preferably any shape that will not roll around on a flat surface such as D-shaped, rectangular, or octagonal. As evident from the above discussion and from the drawings, thehousing 20 preferably has a longitudinal axis A. - The elongate
triangular housing 20, as illustrated inFIG. 2 , includes a closedfirst end 22, an opensecond end 24, and anelongate channel 26. Further, thehousing 20 is preferably molded of two halves to be joined together, so as to facilitate manufacture. Theelongate channel 26 extends from the closedfirst end 22 to the opensecond end 24. - Slidably positioned within the
channel 26 is an elongate needle holding member orlancet holding member 30. Thisneedle holding member 30, which is movable between a cocked, retracted position, illustrated inFIG. 2 , and an extended position, illustrated inFIG. 3B , includes four segments. Specifically, theneedle holding member 30 is formned of adistal segment 32, a distalcentral segment 35, a proximalcentral segment 31, and aproximal segment 38. As evident from the above discussion and from the drawings, the lancet holding member orlancet holder 30 preferably has a longitudinal axis B. - The
proximal segment 38 and the proximalcentral segment 31 cooperate to form anadjustment mechanism 70 for adjusting the length of theneedle holding member 30. Thelength adjustment mechanism 70 involves a threaded connection between theproximal segment 38 and the proximalcentral segment 31. Theproximal segment 38 includesexternal threads 72 and the proximalcentral segment 31 includesinternal threads 74 for engaging each other. In an alternative embodiment which is not shown in the drawings, the threading is reversed such that theproximal segment 38 has internal threading and the proximalcentral segment 31 has external threading. - To allow the length of the needle holding member to be set at a particular length, the threaded length adjustment mechanism includes a protruding
element 76 on theproximal segment 38 which engagesgrooves 78 on the proximalcentral segment 31. The protrudingelement 76 is shown as a single nipple but may be more than one nipple and may be one or more spring-biased balls in alternative embodiments. - Upon rotation of the
proximal segment 38 and the proximalcentral segment 31 relative to each other about the threaded connection of thelength adjustment mechanism 70, the overall length of theneedle holding member 30 is increased or decreased depending upon the direction of rotation. During rotation, the protrudingelement 76 snaps into and out ofgrooves 78 such that the length of the needle holding member may be fixed at a particular length by leaving the protrudingelement 76 engaged in aparticular groove 78.FIG. 9 shows how thegrooves 78 andinternal threads 74 are positioned within the interior of the proximalcentral segment 31. Other techniques for setting the position of threaded elements may also be used to fix the length of theneedle holding member 30, such as using a set screw, using washers, or using screws often used on bicycles which have nylon inserts for deterring rotation of the screw. - The
proximal segment 38, which protrudes from the opensecond end 24 of thehousing 20 is adapted to hold thedisposable lancet 60 therein. Specifically, thedisposable lancet 60 includes amain body 65 and apoint 61, which until use is contained within aprotective cap 62. When used, thebody 65 is inserted into acavity 39 of theproximal segment 38, as illustrated inFIG. 2 , then theprotective cap 62 is pulled or twisted from thepoint 61. Although thecavity 39 anddisposable lancet 60 are shown as being round, thecavity 39 anddisposable lancet 60 could be any other shapes, such as square, octagonal, etc., so long as the disposable lancet can be engaged in thecavity 39. Thedisposable lancet 60 is held in theproximal segment 38 such that thepoint 61 points away from the housing and such that sliding movement of theneedle holding member 30 will result in corresponding movement of thedisposable lancet 60. As evident from the above discussion and from the drawings, the needle holding member or lancet holding member orlancet holder 30 may be separate from thedisposable lancet 60. - The overall sliding and axial movement of the
needle holding member 30 is regulated by a stopper system. In the preferred embodiment, detailed inFIG. 2 , the stopper system includes a guide collar or guidewall 28 disposed within thehousing 20. The guide collar or guidewall 28 extends transversely to the housing axis A-A and is adapted to receive thedistal segment 32 of theneedle holding member 30 slidably therethrough. This occurs because theguide wall 28 has a through opening that allows a portion of theneedle holding member 30 to move within it. Theneedle holding member 30 is preferably flat such that it will slide through the opening in the guide wall orcollar 28, but will not rotate axially therein, thereby assuring that theneedle holding member 30 will remain properly oriented when moved into its cocked, retracted position. Further, theguide collar 28 is sized to retain aflanged end 33 of thedistal segment 32 of theneedle holding member 30 between the closedfirst end 22 of thehousing 20 and theguide collar 28. In this manner, inward movement of the needle holding member within thehousing 20 is limited by theflanged end 33 contacting the closedfirst end 22 of thehousing 20, and outward movement of theneedle holding member 20 is limited by theflanged end 33 of thedistal segment 32 contacting theguide collar 28. In this manner, theneedle holding member 30 will be retained within thechannel 26. - Turning to
FIG. 7 , an alternative embodiment of the stopper system includes an elongate slot (also referred to as elongate opening and elongate hole) disposed in thedistal segment 32 of theneedle holding member 30. The slot or opening or hole is positioned such that a peg (also referred to as post) 28′ which extends from an interior of thehousing 20 passes therethrough. The peg or post 28′ remains within the elongate slot or opening or hole at all times thereby limiting movement of theneedle holding member 30 to a length of the slot or opening or hole and assuring that theneedle holding member 30 is retained within thechannel 26 of thehousing 20. Also, positioning of the peg or post 28′ within the slot or opening or hole will not allow axial rotation of theneedle holding member 30. - Turning to
FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment of the stopper system includes an elongate slot (also referred to as elongate opening and elongate hole) 33′ disposed in thedistal segment 32 of theneedle holding member 30. The slot or opening or hole is positioned such that a peg (also referred to as post) 28″ which extends from an interior of thehousing 20 passes therethrough. The peg or post 28″ remains within the elongate slot or opening orhole 33′ at all times thereby limiting movement of theneedle holding member 30 to a length of the slot or opening orhole 33′ and assuring that theneedle holding member 30 is retained within thechannel 26 of thehousing 20. Also, positioning of the peg or post 28″ within the slot or opening orhole 33′ will not allow axial rotation of theneedle holding member 30. - Although the stopper systems of
FIGS. 7 and 8 involve an interaction between thedistal segment 32 of theneedle holding member 30 and a stationary element, the stopper system could involve an interaction between another segment of the needle holding member and a stationary element. For instance, the stopper system could involve interaction of the distalcentral segment 35 with an element attached to thehousing 20. - So as to contain and shield the exposed
point 61 of thedisposable lancet 60, atriangular cap segment 50 is included. Thetriangular cap segment 50 includes an openfirst side 51 and a closedsecond side 52. Thecap segment 50 is adapted to have substantially the same configuration as thehousing 20 and is sized such that the openfirst side 51 may be matingly fitted over the opensecond end 24 of thehousing 20. Of course, although thecap segment 50 is shown as being triangular, thecap segment 50 may be other shapes depending upon the shape of thehousing 20. - Further, the open
second end 24 of thehousing 20 extends from alip 25 formed in thehousing 20, thelip 25 being disposed such that the openfirst side 51 of thecap segment 50 slides onto thehousing 20 over the opensecond end 24 of thehousing 20 and will abut thelip 25 providing a smooth contoured finish. Thecap segment 50 will be removably fitted on thehousing 20 preferably through corresponding proportioning of an interior dimension of the openfirst side 51 of thecap segment 50 relative to the opensecond end 24 of thehousing 20, but alternatively engagement ridges or a similar removable fastener system may be included to secure thecap segment 50 on thehousing 20. Other removable fastener systems include threads, locking clips, and locking buttons. - Disposed in the closed
second side 52 of thecap segment 50 is a piercingopening 53. The piercingopening 53 is positioned such that when theneedle holding member 30, containing adisposable lancet 60 therein, is moved to its fully extended position, thepoint 61 of thedisposable lancet 60 will protrude through the piercingopening 53 to puncture a desired surface.FIG. 3B shows theneedle holding member 30 in its fully extended position with the length of theneedle holding member 30 adjusted such that thedisposable lancet 60 will strike thecap segment 50 in the fully extended position. -
FIG. 3C also illustrates theneedle holding member 30 in its fully extended position. The length of theneedle holding member 30, however, has been shortened such that thedisposable lancet 60 does not strike thecap segment 50 in the fully extended position. Thus, adjusting the length of theneedle holding member 30 adjusts the penetration depth of thedisposable lancet 60. - So as to move the
needle holding member 30 from its cocked, retracted position to its fully extended position, a biasing element is included. While other types of biasing elements may be used, the biasing element is preferably in the form of acoil spring 40 disposed about thedistal segment 32 of theneedle holding member 30. Other types of springs which may be useful as biasing elements include leaf springs and C-springs. Thespring 40 is positioned such that it will abut aflanged lip 34 formed in theneedle holding member 30 and will abut thehousing 20. Preferable a side of thespring 40 which abuts thehousing 20 will have a larger relaxed diameter than an opposite side of thespring 40. In a first embodiment, illustrated inFIG. 2 , one end of thespring 40 is positioned to contact theguide collar 28 of thehousing 20 and is preferably embedded in anannular ridge 42 formed in thehousing 20. The opposite side of thespring 40, which abuts theneedle holding member 30 is preferably contained within anannular ridge 43 formed at theflanged lip 34. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-7 , thespring 40 abuts thehousing 20 atpeg 28′ which is positioned through theslot 33′ in thedistal segment 32 as shown inFIG. 7 . In an alternative embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8 , thespring 40 abuts peg 28″ which is also positioned through theslot 33′ in thedistal segment 32. - With the
spring 40 positioned appropriately, when extended, thespring 40 will urge theneedle holding member 30 toward the opensecond end 24 of thehousing 20. When theneedle holding member 30 is in its retracted, cocked position, as detailed inFIG. 2 , thespring 40 is compressed. Once theneedle holding member 30 is allowed to move to its extended position, thespring 40 will quickly and immediately move theneedle holding member 30 to the fully extended position with thepoint 61 of thedisposable lancet 60 protruding through the piercingopening 53 to puncture a desired surface. As evident from the above discussion and from the drawings, the spring or biasingelement 40 preferably expands in a direction of the longitudinal axis B of the lancet holding member orlancet holder 30 and preferably pushes the lancet holding member orlancet holder 30. Depending upon how the length of theneedle holding member 30 is set, thedisposable lancet 60 will strike thecap segment 50, (seeFIG. 3B ), or will not strike thecap segment 50, (seeFIG. 3C ), in the fully extended position. - After this initial release and movement to the fully extended position, the
spring 40 relaxes such that theneedle holding member 30 will move slightly back toward the closedfirst end 22 of thehousing 20, as illustrated inFIG. 3D , into a relaxed position wherein thepoint 61 of thedisposable lancet 60 is contained within thecap segment 50 and will not accidentally contact a user unnecessarily. - In order to hold the
needle holding member 30 in its cocked, retracted position, and subsequently allow release by a user in order to initiate movement of theneedle holding member 30 to its extended position, a trigger is included. The trigger preferably includes anaperture 29 foamed in thehousing 20 near the opensecond end 24 thereof. Also included as part of the trigger is an outwardly biased engagement segment orcantilever extension 36 which extends from the distalcentral segment 35 of theneedle holding member 30. The engagement segment orcantilever extension 36 includes adistal lip segment 37 which contacts an interior of thehousing 20 as theneedle holding member 30 slides within thechannel 26. Contact is made due to the outwardly biasing nature of theengagement segment 36, and when theneedle holding member 30 is pushed into thehousing 20 so as to be in its retracted, cocked position, thedistal lip segment 37 extends upwardly into theaperture 29 formed in thehousing 20 so as to contact thehousing 20 inside theaperture 29 and maintain theneedle holding member 30 in its retracted, cocked position and thespring 40 in its compressed position. - In order to release the
needle holding member 30 from its retracted, cocked position, theengagement segment 36 must be pushed such that thedistal lip segment 37 exits theaperture 29 and theneedle holding member 30 can move freely to its fully extended position due to the biasing force of thespring 40. In order to push theengagement segment 36, atrigger button 45 is disposed within theaperture 29. Thetrigger button 45, as detailed inFIG. 4 , includes anupper section 46 which protrudes through theaperture 29 to an exterior of thehousing 20 and a flanged base portion 47 which is disposed within thehousing 20 so as to assure that thetrigger button 45 does not get pushed out of thehousing 20 through theaperture 29. Disposed within the base 47 is achannel 48 positioned such that thedistal lip segment 37 of theengagement segment 36 will slide therethrough and be able to engage thehousing 20 within theaperture 29. - The
reusable lancet device 10 of the present invention, as recited, includes a relatively small number of distinct pieces. The use of such a small number of pieces enables quick and substantially inexpensive manufacturing of thereusable lancet device 10 of the present invention, thereby making a cost effective product which can be available to the public without compromising safety. - During use, the
needle holding member 30 is moved to its retracted, cocked position by removing thecap segment 50, placing thedisposable lancet 60 within theneedle holding member 30, and pushing thedisposable lancet 60 and accordingly theneedle holding member 30 into thehousing 20 until the trigger engages. Once properly positioned, theprotective cap 62 can be removed from thedisposable lancet 60 so as to expose thepoint 61, and thecap segment 50 is replaced thereover. Due to the triangular shape, thecap segment 50 will securely and properly fit over thehousing 20 no matter which orientation a user utilizes to push thecap segment 50 onto thehousing 20. After a single use of thedisposable lancet 60, thecap 50 is removed, thedisposable lancet 60 is removed and discarded appropriately, and thereusable lancet device 10 of the present invention is ready for an additional use. As evident from the above discussion and from the drawings, the lancet holding member orlancet holder 30 is preferably separate from thelancet 60. - When a user wishes to adjust the length of the
needle holding member 30, thecap segment 50 is removed. Theproximal segment 38 and the proximalcentral segment 31 are rotated relative to each other by use of the threaded connection such that the protrudingelement 76 snaps into and out ofgrooves 78. To fix the length of the needle holding member, the user leaves the protrudingelement 76 engaged in aparticular groove 78. Thecap segment 50 is then put back on the housing to cover thelength adjustment mechanism 70 so that the reusable lancet device is again ready for use. At this point, it should be noted that once the user adjusts the penetration depth to an appropriate depth, the penetration depth usually does not need to be adjusted again. -
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member. The proximalcentral segment 31 is provided with a spring-biasedcylindrical element 80 comprised of a protrudingelement 82 and aspring 84. Although the spring-biasedelement 80 is shown as being cylindrical, other shapes such as square may be useful. The spring-biasedelement 80 is perpendicular to an axis of the proximalcentral segment 31. Of course, the spring-biasedelement 80 does not need to be exactly perpendicular to the proximalcentral segment 31. - The
proximal segment 38 is provided with a plurality ofholes 86. Theholes 86 are located at different positions with respect to the axial length of theproximal segment 38. For example, theholes 86 may be located at different axial and radial positions so as to foam a spiral effect about theproximal segment 38. Instead ofholes 86, theproximal segment 38 could be provided with recesses for the spring-biasedelement 80 to engage. - The spring-biased
element 80 and theholes 86 are designed to engage each other to fix the length of theneedle holding member 30. The length of theneedle holding member 30 may be adjusted by changing thehole 86 in which the spring-biasedelement 80 is engaged. The embodiment shown inFIG. 10 may be modified such that the proximal segment is provided with the spring-biased element and the proximal central segment is provided with the holes. -
FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment for adjusting the length of theneedle holding member 30. Theproximal segment 38 has an interior provided with a plurality ofgrooves 90 formed byridges 92. Theproximal segment 38, which is formed of a resilient material, also has a pair ofhandles 94 on a distal end which can be grabbed by a user to separate the sides having thegrooves 90. - The proximal
central segment 31 includes aneck 96 provided with tworidges 98. Theridges 98 are designed to engage thegrooves 90 of theproximal segment 38. - The length of the
needle holding member 30 is adjusted by changing thegroove 90 in which theridges 98 of theneck 96 are engaged. To facilitate changing the length, a user may grabhandles 94 to increase the distance between thegrooves 90. - The embodiment shown in
FIG. 11 may be modified to form the ridges as a single ridge which forms a circle about the top of the head of the proximal central segment. In this modified embodiment, the groove in which the ridge is engaged is changed by forcing the ridge from one groove to another groove. Accordingly, handles are omitted from this modified embodiment. The ridges, of course, may also number greater than two. -
FIG. 12 shows another embodiment for adjusting the length of the needle holding member. Theproximal segment 38 has an interior which is provided with a plurality ofgrooves 100 formed byridges 102. - The proximal
central segment 31 has a pair ofleaf springs 104 for engaging thegrooves 100. Although a pair ofleaf springs 104 are shown, a different number of leaf springs may be used. A distal end of each leaf spring is preferably provided with a pair ofbuttons 106 which allow a user to push theleaf springs 104 together.FIG. 13 shows the proximalcentral segment 31 as molded to show the direction in which theleaf springs 104 are biased. Although theleaf springs 104 are shown as being made of a resilient plastic, the leaf springs may be a separate piece formed of a metal such as stainless steel or brass. - The length of the
needle holding member 30 is adjusted by changing thegroove 100 in which theleaf springs 104 are engaged. To facilitate changing the length, a user squeezes theleaf springs 104 together through use ofbuttons 106 to reduce the distance between the leaf springs 104. - In another group of embodiments, the length of the needle holding member may be fixed and the length of the housing is adjusted to adjust the penetration depth of the lancet. In this group of embodiments, the device is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,418 to SCHRAGA, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, except for the housing length adjustment mechanisms as discussed below. Thus, in this group of embodiments, the needle holding member includes a distal segment, a central segment, and the proximal segment.
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FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment for adjusting the housing length. InFIG. 14 , theneedle holding member 30 is shown in its fully extended position. Thehousing 20 comprises anupper housing 20A and alower housing 20B. Theupper housing 20A includesinternal threads 110, and thelower housing 20B includesexternal threads 112. The position of theupper housing 20A relative to thelower housing 20B may be adjusted via rotation aboutthreads - The
guide collar 28 of this embodiment is provided on thelower housing 20B. Theflanged end 33 of thedistal segment 32 of the needle holding member cooperates with the guide collar in the same manner as described above. Thus, theguide collar 28 engages theflanged end 33 provided on theneedle holding member 30 to thereby limit the amount of travel of theneedle holding member 30. Thus, theguide collar 28 of thelower housing 20A limits the extent to which theneedle holding member 30 extends in its fully extended position such that adjusting the position of theguide collar 28 adjusts the penetration depth. -
FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment for adjusting the length of the housing. InFIG. 15 , theneedle holding member 30 is shown in its fully extended position. Thehousing 20 comprises anupper housing 20A and alower housing 20B. Aspring 120 is disposed between theupper housing 20A and thelower housing 20B to bias thehousing 20 into a short length.Spacers 122 of varying lengths may be inserted between the spring-biased members of thehousing 20 to set the length of thehousing 20 at desired lengths. Thespacers 122 may be formed of most any material but are preferably formed of rubber or nylon. Alternatively, the spacers may be in the form of C-clip spacers. - The
lower housing 20B includes aguide collar 28 for engaging aflanged end 33 of theneedle holding member 30 to thereby limit the amount of travel of theneedle holding member 30. Thus, similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 14 , adjusting the position of theguide collar 28 limits the extent to which theneedle holding member 30 extends in its fully extended position. -
FIG. 16 illustrates yet another embodiment for adjusting the length of the housing. InFIG. 16 , theneedle holding member 30 is shown in its fully retracted position. Thehousing 20 comprises anupper housing 20A, alower housing 20B, and amiddle housing 20C. Theupper housing 20A includesinternal threads 170 which cooperate withexternal threads 172 on themiddle housing 20C for adjusting the length of thehousing 20. Thus, adjusting the length of the housing involves screwing or unscrewing thelower housing 20B relative to themiddle housing 20C. - Adjusting the length of the
housing 20 adjusts the position of aguide collar 174 located on themiddle housing 20C. Theguide collar 174 is designed to cooperate with aflange 176 located on theneedle holding member 30 to thereby limit the amount of travel of theneedle holding member 30. Thus, similar to the embodiments ofFIGS. 14 and 15 , adjusting the position of theguide collar 174 limits the extent to which theneedle holding member 30 extends in its fully extended position. - A
coil spring 178 is disposed between a lowerhousing guide collar 180 and alock retainer 182. Thelock retainer 182 includes twoholes 184 into which twofingers 186 of theneedle holding member 30 are inserted and snapped into place. Thelower housing 20B includes acap 188 which provides access into thelower housing 20B. Access intolower housing 20B facilitates positioning ofcoil spring 178 during assembly. - During assembly, the
needle holding member 30 is inserted intolower housing 20B. After thecoil spring 178 is placed around theneedle holding member 30, the lock retainer is attached to theneedle holding member 30 to hold thecoil spring 178 in position. After this assembly, thecap 188 is inserted into thelower housing 20B to prevent access to the interior of thelower housing 20B. - Once the device has been assembled, to cock the
needle holding member 30, thelower housing 20B is pulled out of themiddle housing 20C to pull theneedle holding member 30 until a trigger, not shown, which is similar to the trigger of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-7 , engages theneedle holding member 30. Upon release of thelower housing 20B, thecoil spring 178 biases thelower housing 20B back into themiddle housing 20C. - As evident from the above discussion and from the drawings, the
housing 20A may comprise a distal end opening. The lancet device may further comprise an end cap (20B and 188) covering the distal end opening of thehousing 20A. The lancet device may further comprise anadditional biasing element 178 which biases the end cap (20B and 188) toward thehousing 20A. The end cap (20B and 188) may be associated with thelancet holding member 30, wherein the lancet device is cocked by pulling the end cap (20B and 188) away from thehousing 20A until thetrigger 45 engages thelancet holding member 30. A portion of the end cap (20B and 188) may be positioned within thehousing 20A. - Thus, as evident from the above discussion and from the drawings, the lancet device may include a generally
elongate housing 20A having a forward end opening and a back end opening; acap 50 with a throughhole 53 at a forward end; alancet holder 30, slidably mounted within thehousing 20A; a biasingelement 40 which biases thelancet holder 30 toward the forward end opening of thehousing 20A; abutton 45, movable between a first position in which the lancet holder is restrained when the lancet device is cocked and a second position in which the restraint is removed, permitting the biasingelement 40 to thrust thelancet holder 30 forward; and a closure (188, 20B) at the back end of the housing, including an adjustment element comprising aprotrusion 174 that stops the forward motion of thelancet holder 30 at a predetermined position, and wherein the adjustment element adjusts the position of theprotrusion 174 to controllably change and reset the predetermined position at which thelancet holder 30 is stopped. The lancet device may be cocked by pulling the closure (188, 20B) away from the housing until thebutton 45 engages thelancet holder 30. The adjustment element may comprise a threaded connection for attaching the closure (188, 20B, 20C) to thehousing 20A, whereby rotating the closure (188, 20B, 20C) on thehousing 20A positions theprotrusion 174 forward and back. -
FIG. 16 also relates to an embodiment in which afirst guide wall 174 is disposed within afirst housing 20A. Thefirst guide wall 174 extends transverse to an axis A-A running through thefirst housing 20A and thewall 174 includes an opening. Theneedle holding member 30 is at least partially contained within thefirst housing 20A. At least a portion of the needle holding member is able to move within the opening of thefirst guide wall 174. Afirst spring 40 biases theneedle holding member 30 toward an extended position. Thefirst spring 40 surrounds a portion of theneedle holding member 30 and is disposed between thefirst guide wall 174 and ashoulder 34 of theneedle holding member 30. Theneedle holding member 30 includes a projectingportion 37 arranged between a proximal end of theneedle holding member 30 and theshoulder 34 of theneedle holding member 30. The projectingportion 37 acts to retain theneedle holding member 30 in the retracted position (see e.g.,FIG. 2 ). A movablesecond housing 20B includes an upper or proximal end, a lower or distal end and asecond guide wall 180 arranged at the proximal end of thesecond housing 20B. Thesecond guide wall 180 extends transversely to axis A-A and includes an opening. A portion of theneedle holding member 30 is able to move within the opening of thesecond guide wall 180. Thesecond housing 20B is configured to move theneedle holding member 30 to the retracted position when thesecond housing 20B is moved away from thefirst housing 20A. The proximal end of thesecond housing 20B is configured to move axially within the lower or distal end of thefirst housing 20A. Asecond spring 178 is utilized for biasing thesecond housing 20B towards thefirst housing 20A. Thesecond spring 178 surrounds a portion of theneedle holding member 30 and is disposed between thesecond guide wall 180 and adistal end 186 of theneedle holding member 30. Alock retainer 182 is mounted to thedistal end 186 of theneedle holding member 30 and thedistal end 186 of theneedle holding member 30 has shoulders that engage thelock retainer 182. As is evident from the embodiment shown inFIG. 16 , at least a portion of theneedle holding member 30 is always retained within thefirst housing 20A. -
FIG. 16 also relates to an embodiment in which afirst housing 20A includes a proximal end and a lower or distal end. Asecond housing 20C is at least partially disposed in thefirst housing 20A. Aguide wall 174 is arranged on thesecond housing 20C. Theguide wall 174 extends transversely to the axis A-A and is disposed within thefirst housing 20A. Theguide wall 174 include an opening. Theneedle holding member 30 is at least partially contained within thefirst housing 20A and thesecond housing 20C. At least a portion of theneedle holding member 30 is able to move within the opening of theguide wall 174 of thesecond housing 20C. Afirst spring 40 is utilized for biasing theneedle holding member 30 toward an extended position. Thefirst spring 40 surrounds a portion of theneedle holding member 30 and is disposed between theguide wall 174 of thesecond housing 20C and ashoulder 34 of theneedle holding member 30. Athird housing 20B includes an upper or proximal end, a lower or distal end and aguide wall 180. Thethird housing 20B is configured to move theneedle holding member 30 to the retracted position when thethird housing 20B is moved away from thefirst housing 20A. Theguide wall 180 of the third housing includes an opening. At least a portion of theneedle holding member 30 is able to move within the opening of theguide wall 180 of thethird housing 20B. The proximal end of thethird housing 20B is configured to move axially within the distal end of thefirst housing 20A. Asecond spring 178 is utilized for biasing thethird housing 20B towards thefirst housing 20A. Thesecond spring 178 surrounds a distal portion of theneedle holding member 30 and is disposed between theguide wall 180 of thethird housing 20B and adistal end 186 of theneedle holding member 30. Alock retainer 182 is mounted to thedistal end 186 of theneedle holding member 30. As is evident fromFIG. 16 , at least a portion of theneedle holding member 30 is always retained within thefirst housing 20A. - In yet another group of embodiments, the penetration depth is adjusted by rotating the housing relative to the needle holding member to cause the needle holding member to engage different stops. The stops are arranged such that aligning the needle holding member with different stops results in different penetration depths. In this group of embodiments, the needle holding member may be of fixed length with a distal segment, a central segment, and a proximal segment as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,418 to SCHRAGA, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment for adjusting the penetration depth by changing which stop is engaged by rotating a portion of thehousing 20 relative to theneedle holding member 30. The housing comprises anupper housing 20A and alower housing 20B. Theupper housing 20A includesinternal threads 130, and thelower housing 20B includesexternal threads 132. The position of theupper housing 20A relative to thelower housing 20B may be adjusted via rotation aboutthreads - The
lower housing 20B includes a plurality ofstops 134 for limiting the travel of theneedle holding member 30. Thestops 134 are located at different radial positions and at different axial positions to preferably form a spiral staircase effect on the interior of thelower housing 20B. - The
needle holding member 30 includes afinger 136 for engaging one of thesestops 134 at a time. Rotation of theupper housing 20A andlower housing 20B relative to each other causes thefinger 136 of theneedle holding member 30 to become aligned withdifferent stops 134, one at a time. Since thestops 134 are located at different positions relative to the axial length of thelower housing 20B, the amount of travel of theneedle holding member 30 is limited to different lengths. Thus, changing which stop engages thefinger 136 of theneedle holder member 30 adjusts the extent to which theneedle holding member 30 extends in its fully extended position such that the penetration depth is adjusted. - As evident from the above discussion and from
FIGS. 14 , 16, and 17, the depth adjustment mechanism (20B,FIG. 14 ; 20C,FIG. 16 ; 20B,FIG. 17 ) may be rotatably mounted on thehousing 20A. Also as evident from the above discussion and fromFIGS. 14 , 16, and 17, rotation of the depth adjustment mechanism may be limited by the housing. -
FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment for adjusting which stop is engaged, wherein rotation of the needle holding member relative to the housing adjusts the penetration depth. Ahousing 20 includes a plurality ofstops 140 for limiting the travel of theneedle holding member 30. Thestops 140 are located at different radial positions and at different axial positions to preferably form a spiral staircase effect on the interior of thehousing 20. - The
needle holding member 30 includes afinger 142 for engaging one of thesestops 140 at a time. Rotation of theneedle holding member 30 relative to thehousing 20 causes thefinger 142 of theneedle holding member 30 to become aligned withdifferent stops 140, one at a time. Since thestops 140 are located at different positions relative to the axial length of thehousing 20, the amount of travel of theneedle holding member 30 is limited to different lengths. Thus, changing which stop 140 engages thefinger 142 of theneedle holder member 30 adjusts the extent to which theneedle holding member 30 extends in its fully extended position to adjust the penetration depth. - In yet another group of embodiments, the reusable lancet device is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,418 to SCHRAGA, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, and includes a needle holding member which includes a distal segment, a central segment, and a proximal segment. In this group of embodiments, the structure of the proximal segment for holding the disposable lancet includes a cavity. The bottom of this cavity includes a member whose location may be adjusted. By adjusting the location of this member, the depth of the cavity is adjusted such that the distance which the lancet extends out of the cavity is adjusted to adjust the penetration depth.
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FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment for adjusting the cavity depth. Aproximal segment 38 of theneedle holding member 30 includes acavity 150 for holding adisposable lancet 60. The shape of thecavity 150 is preferably round, but is designed to accept a disposable lancet. The bottom of thecavity 150 is formed by an adjustable bottom member such as ascrew 152. By screwing or unscrewing thescrew 152 before thedisposable lancet 60 is placed in thecavity 150, the depth of thecavity 150 may be adjusted to change the distance that thedisposable lancet 60 extends out of thecavity 150. By changing the distance that thedisposable lancet 60 extends out of thecavity 150, the penetration depth is adjusted. -
FIG. 20 shows another embodiment for adjusting the cavity depth. Aproximal segment 38 of the needle holding member includes acavity 160 for holding adisposable lancet 60. The preferred shape ofcavity 160 is round. The bottom of thecavity 160 is formed by an adjustable bottom member which comprises anail 162 having atail 164 provided with arack 166. Theproximal segment 38 of theneedle holding member 30 also includes a turn-key 168 disposed perpendicular to thenail 162, and a head (not shown) which is exposed on the exterior of theproximal segment 38. The turn-key 168 is a screw provided with apinion 169 at a distal end for engaging therack 166 of thenail 162. By rotating the turn-key 168, the location of the adjustable bottom member may be changed to adjust the depth of thecavity 160 of the proximal segment. Changing the location of the adjustable bottom member changes the distance that thedisposable lancet 60 extends out of thecavity 160 to thereby adjust the penetration depth. Once the height of the adjustable bottom member is set appropriately, the rotational position of the turn-key 168 could be locked by changing the vertical position of the turn-key 168 such that thepinion 169 engages a surface or a notch (not shown in the drawings) of theproximal segment 38. The turn-key may also interact with the adjustable bottom member in other manners in which rotational motion in one direction may be converted into translational motion in a perpendicular direction, such as a worm gear arrangement in which the turn key and the adjustable bottom member have threads which interact with each other. - As evident from the above discussion and from the drawings, the depth adjustment mechanism is preferably disposed out of contact with the cover when the cover is covering the proximal end opening of the housing.
- Preferably, the components of the reusable lancet device of the present invention are made of plastic. Examples of desirable plastics include polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, linear polyoxymethylene-type acetal resin, e.g., “DELRIN”, and polycarbonate (PC), e.g., “LEXAN”.
- To assist in determining the penetration depth of the lancet, indicia can be included on members that change position relative to each other when the penetration depth is adjusted. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 1 ,indicia proximal segment 38 and proximalcentral segment 31. The indica can comprise elements which can be viewed by shape and/or color, such as reference numerals, letters, lines and geometric shapes. Moreover, the indica may be sensed by touch, such as raised elements, including braille. As illustrated, indica 87 includes a line andindica 88 includes reference numerals. The reference numerals can be numbers, such as from 0 to 5, with 0 being no penetration to 5 being maximum penetration. - While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments so that aspects thereof may be more fully understood and appreciated, it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (8)
1. A lancet device comprising:
a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;
a guide wall arranged in the main housing and extending transverse to an axis running through the main housing;
the guide wall comprising an opening;
a cap removably mounted to the proximal end of the main housing;
the cap having a proximal end for engaging a skin surface;
a movable needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the main housing;
at least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall;
a first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position;
the first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member;
the first spring being disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member;
a movable trigger arranged on a side of the main housing;
the trigger being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position;
a distal housing arranged at the distal end of the main housing;
the distal housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing;
the distal housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing;
the guide wall of the distal housing comprising an opening;
a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing;
the proximal end of the distal housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing;
a second spring that biases the distal housing towards the main housing; and
the second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member,
wherein at least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.
2. The lancet device of claim 1 , further comprising a lock retainer mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member.
3. The lancet device of claim 1 , wherein the main housing is one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal.
4. The lancet device of claim 2 , further comprising a distal shoulder arranged at the distal end of the needle holding member.
5. The lancet device of claim 4 , wherein the needle holding member comprises a mechanism that cooperates with the trigger to retain the needle holding member in a retracted position.
6. The lancet device of claim 5 , wherein the mechanism comprises a shoulder.
7. The lancet device of claim 4 , further comprising a fastening mechanism for securing the cap to the main housing.
8. The lancet device of claim 4 , wherein the proximal end of the main housing is open and wherein the distal end of the main housing is open.
Priority Applications (1)
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US14/457,977 US20140350586A1 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2014-08-12 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
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US09/095,902 US6022366A (en) | 1998-06-11 | 1998-06-11 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
US09/433,366 US6156051A (en) | 1998-06-11 | 1999-11-03 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
US09/592,680 US7175641B1 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2000-06-12 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
US10/463,535 US7311718B2 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2003-06-18 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
US11/929,164 US7947057B2 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2007-10-30 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
US13/087,957 US8834503B2 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2011-04-15 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
US14/457,977 US20140350586A1 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2014-08-12 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
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US13/087,957 Continuation US8834503B2 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2011-04-15 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
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US11/929,164 Expired - Fee Related US7947057B2 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2007-10-30 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
US13/087,957 Expired - Fee Related US8834503B2 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2011-04-15 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
US14/457,977 Abandoned US20140350586A1 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2014-08-12 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
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US11/929,164 Expired - Fee Related US7947057B2 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2007-10-30 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
US13/087,957 Expired - Fee Related US8834503B2 (en) | 1998-06-11 | 2011-04-15 | Lancet having adjustable penetration depth |
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-
2000
- 2000-06-12 US US09/592,680 patent/US7175641B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-06-18 US US10/463,535 patent/US7311718B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-10-30 US US11/929,164 patent/US7947057B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-04-15 US US13/087,957 patent/US8834503B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2014
- 2014-08-12 US US14/457,977 patent/US20140350586A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7311718B2 (en) | 2007-12-25 |
US20110196406A1 (en) | 2011-08-11 |
US7947057B2 (en) | 2011-05-24 |
US20030225430A1 (en) | 2003-12-04 |
US20080045992A1 (en) | 2008-02-21 |
US7175641B1 (en) | 2007-02-13 |
US8834503B2 (en) | 2014-09-16 |
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