U.S. patent application number 11/885619 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for lancet release mechanism.
Invention is credited to Derek Lok, Tieming Ruan, Weiping Zhong.
Application Number | 20080140105 11/885619 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55486356 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080140105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zhong; Weiping ; et
al. |
June 12, 2008 |
Lancet Release Mechanism
Abstract
A lancing device comprises a lancet assembly and a lancet
holder. The lancet assembly has a groove formed thereon. The lancet
holder forms a central aperature adapted to receive the lancet
assembly. The lancet holder includes a ridge extending into the
central aperture. The ridge is adapted to engage the groove of the
lancet assembly. The lancet holder is adapted to move the lancet
assembly between a resting position, a cocking position, and a
puncture position.
Inventors: |
Zhong; Weiping; (Granger,
IN) ; Ruan; Tieming; (Granger, IN) ; Lok;
Derek; (Granger, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON PEABODY LLP
161 N. CLARK STREET, 48TH FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60601
US
|
Family ID: |
55486356 |
Appl. No.: |
11/885619 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
March 3, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US06/07681 |
371 Date: |
August 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60658964 |
Mar 4, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/182 ;
606/181 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/150824 20130101;
A61B 5/150022 20130101; A61B 5/1519 20130101; A61B 5/15113
20130101; A61B 5/15117 20130101; A61B 5/150412 20130101; A61B
5/150816 20130101; A61B 5/150503 20130101; A61B 5/150183 20130101;
A61B 5/1411 20130101; A61B 5/150259 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/182 ;
606/181 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/151 20060101
A61B005/151 |
Claims
1. A lancing device comprising: a lancet assembly having a groove
formed thereon; and a lancet holder forming a central aperture
adapted to receive the lancet assembly, the lancet holder including
a ridge extending into the central aperture, the ridge adapted to
engage the groove of the lancet assembly, the lancet holder adapted
to move the lancet assembly between a resting position, a cocking
position, and a puncture position.
2. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the groove and ridge are
adapted to reduce the frictional contact between the lancet holder
and the lancet assembly.
3. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the groove and ridge are
adapted to increase the frictional contact between the lancet
holder and the lancet assembly.
4. A lancing device comprising: a lancet assembly having a ridge
formed thereon; and a lancet holder forming a central aperture
adapted to receive the lancet assembly, the lancet holder including
a groove formed thereon along the central aperture, the groove
adapted to engage the ridge of the lancet assembly, the lancet
holder adapted to move the lancet assembly between a resting
position, a cocking position, and a puncture position.
5. The lancing device of claim 4, wherein the groove and ridge are
adapted to reduce the frictional contact between the lancet holder
and the lancet assembly.
6. The lancing device of claim 4, wherein the groove and ridge are
adapted to increase the frictional contact between the lancet
holder and the lancet assembly.
7. A lancing device comprising: a main housing enclosing a portion
of a lancing mechanism, the main housing having an endcap support
located on a testing end of the main housing, the lancing mechanism
including a lancet holder forming a central aperture adapted to
receive a lancet assembly having a groove located thereon, the
lancet holder being attached to a shaft with a drive spring
surrounding a portion of the shaft, the drive spring being located
between the lancet holder and a portion of the main housing
opposite the testing end, the lancet holder including a ridge
extending into the central aperture, the lancing mechanism being
adapted to move between a resting position, a cocking position, and
a puncture position; and a movable housing adjacent the main
housing, the movable housing being adapted to move between a
resting position and a cocking position, the moveable housing
having an internal surface enclosing a portion of the shaft of the
lancing mechanism, wherein the ridge of the lancet holder extends
into the central aperture and engages the groove of the lancet
assembly.
8. The lancing device of claim 7, wherein the only engagement
between the lancet assembly and the lancet holder is the engagement
between the ridge and the groove.
9. The lancing device of claim 7, wherein the lancet assembly is
released from the lancet holder by disengaging the ridge of the
lancet holder from the groove of the lancet assembly.
10. The lancing device of claim 7, wherein the ridge extending into
the central aperture of the lancet holder is a triangular ridge.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to diagnostic
instruments and, more particularly, to a lancet-release mechanism
for a lancing device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The quantitative determination of analytes in body fluids is
of great importance in the diagnoses and maintenance of certain
physiological abnormalities. For example, lactate, cholesterol and
bilirubin should be monitored in certain individuals. In
particular, determining glucose in body fluids is important to
diabetic individuals who must frequently check their blood glucose
levels to regulate the glucose intake in their diets.
[0003] One method of obtaining a body fluid sample, such as a whole
blood sample, is to use a lancing device. The whole blood sample
may then be used to determine the glucose concentration of an
individual. Existing lancing devices use a lancet to pierce the
tissue of the skin, allowing a blood sample to form on the skin's
surface. Typically, lancing devices hold the lancet within them
when the lancet is not in use, so as to shield the user from injury
as well as to assist in preventing or inhibiting contamination.
[0004] Existing lancing devices require two-handed operation, are
dangerous, or are ineffective in releasing the lancet. Two-handed
operation requires that one hand hold the lancing device while the
other hand removes the lancet. This is inconvenient to many users
as the lancet is small, and may cause safety problems as the lancet
could pierce the user's skin inadvertently. This can cause the user
pain and may also transmit diseases. Some one-handed designs eject
the lancet too hard such that ejecting the lancet becomes dangerous
if the lancet is not re-shielded. Still other one-handed designs do
not eject the lancet effectively, as the lancet is not released
from the lancet holder even after the user depresses the release
mechanism. Yet other one-handed designs have complicated release
mechanisms internally, such that if a user drops the lancing
device, the release mechanism may jam and no longer eject the
lancet from the lancing device.
[0005] It would be desirable to have a lancing device and a method
for using a lancing device that addresses these issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention a
lancing device is disclosed. The lancing device comprises a lancet
assembly and a lancet holder. The lancet assembly has a groove
formed thereon. The lancet holder forms a central aperture adapted
to receive the lancet assembly. The lancet holder includes a ridge
extending into the central aperture. The ridge is adapted to engage
the groove of the lancet assembly. The lancet holder is adapted to
move the lancet assembly between a resting position, a cocking
position, and a puncture position.
[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention a
lancing device is disclosed. The lancing device is similar to the
above-described lancing device except that the lancet holder
includes a groove while the lancet assembly has a ridge formed
thereon.
[0008] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a lancing device is disclosed. The lancing device
comprises a main housing and a moveable housing. The main housing
encloses a portion of a lancing mechanism and has an endcap support
located on a testing end of the main housing. The lancing mechanism
includes a lancet holder forming a central aperture adapted to
receive a lancet assembly having a groove located thereon. The
lancet holder is attached to a shaft with a drive spring
surrounding a portion of the shaft. The drive spring is located
between the lancet holder and a portion of the main housing
opposite the testing end. The lancet holder includes a ridge
extending into the central aperture. The lancing mechanism is
adapted to move between a resting position, a cocking position, and
a puncture position. The movable housing is adjacent the main
housing. The movable housing is adapted to move between a resting
position and a cocking position. The moveable housing has an
internal surface enclosing a portion of the shaft of the lancing
mechanism. The ridge of the lancet holder extends into the central
aperture and engages the groove of the lancet assembly.
[0009] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present
invention. Additional features and benefits of the present
invention are apparent from the detailed description and figures
set forth below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1a is a top view of a lancing device, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 1b is a bottom view of the lancing device of FIG. 1a,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 1c is a bottom view of the lancing device of FIG. 1a,
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the lancing device of FIG. 1a.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, top view of the lancing device
of FIG, 2 in a resting position.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, top view of the lancing device
of FIG. 2 in a cocking position.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lancing mechanism,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of the lancing device of
FIG. 1b, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6b is a partial-side view of a portion of the lancing
mechanism of FIG. 5 and cantilever beam, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lancing device of
FIG. 1c, according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 8a is a bottom view of a lancing device including a
lancet-release mechanism, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8b is a perspective view of the lancet-release
mechanism of FIG. 8a.
[0022] FIG. 9a is a top view of a lancing device including a
lancet-release mechanism, according to yet another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9b is a bottom view of the lancing device of FIG.
9a.
[0024] FIG. 9c is a cross-sectional view of the lancing device of
FIG. 9a.
[0025] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of a lancet holder, according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10b is a perspective view of a lancet assembly adapted
to be received by the lancet holder of FIG. 10a, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The present invention is directed to a lancet-release
mechanism for incorporation into a stand-alone lancing device or
into a lancing device that is incorporated into a meter or similar
testing device. The lancing device is adapted to receive a lancet
for use in drawing a body fluid from a test subject. The body fluid
generally contains at least one analyte that may then be examined
to determine its concentration in the body fluid sample.
[0028] Lancing devices and lancets may be used to produce a blood
or body fluid sample from a test subject. This sample may then be
analyzed with a meter and test strip, or similar devices, to
determine the concentration of the analyte to be examined. Examples
of the types of analytes that may be collected with a lancing
device include glucose, lipid profiles (e.g., cholesterol,
triglycerides, LDL and HDL), microalbumin, hemoglobin A.sub.1c,
fructose, lactate, or bilirubin.
[0029] Turning now to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1-2, a
lancing device 10 for obtaining a fluid sample from a test subject
is illustrated, according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The lancing device 10 has a main housing 12 and a
movable housing 14 that is movable relative to the main housing 12.
An endcap support 16 is connected to the main housing 12 on the
testing end of the lancing device 10. An endcap 18 may be removably
attached to the endcap support 16. When attached, the endcap 18 is
retained on the endcap support 16 by a pair of support aims 20a-b
integrally formed with the endcap support 16.
[0030] According to one embodiment, the lancing device 10 also
includes a cantilever beam 26 (FIG. 1b) attached to the main
housing 12 near the testing end of the lancing device 10. As will
be explained in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 5-6b, the
cantilever beam 26 may be depressed to assist with releasing a
lancet assembly from the lancing device 10. The endcap 18 is
provided with an extension 28 that extends therefrom in the
direction of the main housing 12 of the lancing device 10. The
extension 28 helps to prevent an inadvertent depression of the
cantilever beam 26 when the endcap 18 is removably attached to the
endcap support 16 of the lancing device 10.
[0031] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the lancing device 10 also includes a release button 27 (FIG. 1c)
located within a housing insert (not shown) formed in the main
housing 12 near the testing end of the lancing device 10. A spring
mechanism 94 (FIG. 7) is located between the release button 27 and
the housing insert. The housing insert includes a central aperture
surrounded by a shelf. The shelf is adapted to support the spring
mechanism 94 and the release button 27. As will be explained in
greater detail with respect to FIGS. 5 and 7, the release button
may be depressed to assist with releasing a lancet assembly from
the lancing device 10.
[0032] To use the lancing device 10, the movable housing 14 is
pulled away from the main housing 12 to move an internal lancing
mechanism 29 (as best illustrated in FIG. 5) to a cocked position,
and then a pushbutton 22 is pushed to actuate the lancing mechanism
29 so that the sharp tip of a lancet is forced through an aperture
(not shown) in the endcap 18. The lancing device 10 may be provided
with a number of different endcaps 18, each having a different
width, to facilitate the formation of skin punctures of various
depths. Alternatively, the endcap 18 may include an adjustable dial
24 for allowing punctures of different depths to be performed
utilizing a single endcap 18.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of a portion
of the lancing device 10 is illustrated with the endcap 18 and
endcap support 16 not shown. A lancet assembly 30 having a lancet
body 32 and a lance 34 is received within an internal cylindrical
aperture 58 (FIGS. 6-7) formed in a generally cup-shaped lancet
holder 36. The lancet holder 36 is connected to an elongated shaft
38 by being integrally formed therewith. The shaft 38 has an
enlarged end 40 that is supported within the movable housing 14. A
drive spring 42 is disposed around the shaft 38 between the lancet
holder 36 and a spring stop 44 (see also FIG. 4) integrally formed
with the main housing 12.
[0034] The movable housing 14 has a pair of elongate spring trays
48 integrally formed therewith. A return spring 50 is disposed
within each of the spring trays 48, a first end of each return
spring 50 being disposed against an internal surface of the spring
tray 48 and a second end of each return spring 50 being disposed
against a spring stop 52 integrally formed with the main housing
12. The spring stops 52 extend into the spring trays 48 through an
elongate slot 54 (see FIG. 4) formed in the bottom portion of each
tray 48.
[0035] A damping arm 60 and a retaining arm 62 are disposed
adjacent opposite sides of the lancet holder 36. The damping arm 60
has a first end 64 that is hold within a retaining structure 66
integrally formed with the main housing 12. A second pointed end 68
of the damping arm 60 is disposed adjacent a corrugated surface 70
formed on an outside portion of the lancet holder 36. The retaining
arm 62 has a first end 72 that is held within a retaining structure
74 integrally formed with the main housing 12. A second pointed end
76 of the retaining arm 62 is disposed adjacent an angled stop
member 78. The lower side of the retaining arm 62 rests on a
support member 80. The arms 60, 62 are biased inwardly towards the
lancet holder 36 so that they make contact with the respective
outer sides of the lancet holder 36.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates the interior of the lancing device 10
when the lancing device 10 is not in use. In this position, the
lancet holder 36 is disposed in a resting position between a
puncture position and a cocked position. FIG. 4 illustrates the
interior of the lancing device 10 (the lancet assembly 30 is not
shown) when the lancet holder 36 is in a cocked position in which
the movable housing 14 has been pulled away from the main housing
12.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, to move the lancet holder 36 from its
resting position to its cocked position, the movable housing 14 is
pulled away from the main housing 12 in the direction of Arrow A.
The movable housing 14 continues to be pulled--against the force of
the drive spring 42--until the angled stop member 78 formed on the
lancet holder 36 moves past (to the right of as illustrated in FIG.
4) the pointed end 76 of the retaining aim 62. At that point, the
bias of the retaining aim 62 will force its pointed end 76
inwardly, so that the pointed end 76 makes contact with the side of
the lancet holder 36 disposed on the testing end side of the angled
stop member 78. When in that cocked position, movement of the
lancet holder 36 in the direction of Arrow B due to the drive
spring 42 is prevented because of the contact between the pointed
end 76 of the retaining arm 62 and the angled stop member 78. After
the lancet holder 36 is placed in the cocked position, the user
allows the return springs 50 to force the movable housing 14 back
to its initial position adjacent the main housing 12.
[0038] The lancet holder 36 is guided between its resting and
cocked positions by a guide rib 82 (FIG. 5) formed on the bottom
portion of the lancet holder 36 that rides within a groove 84
formed between a pair of raised guide rails 86 formed in a bottom
interior portion of the main housing 12.
[0039] To perform a puncture on a test subject's skin, the endcap
18 is attached to the lancing device 10. The lancet holder 36 may
be in the cocked position at the time the endcap 18 is attached or
may be cocked once the endcap 18 is in position. The endcap 18 is
then placed firmly against the skin where the puncture is to be
made, and the pushbutton 22 is depressed. Depressing the pushbutton
22 causes an angled release arm (not shown), integrally formed with
the bottom of the pushbutton 22 and which passes through an
aperture (not shown) in the main housing 12, to force the retaining
arm 62 away from the lancet holder 36. Thus, the lancet holder 36
is no longer prevented from moving in the direction of Arrow B by
the contact of the angled stop member 78 with the pointed end 76 of
the retaining aim 62. A spring mechanism--for example, an
elastically deformable foam material--may be disposed between the
pushbutton 22 and a portion of the main housing 12 to bias the
pushbutton 22 to its non-actuated position.
[0040] Upon release of the lancet holder 36 as described above, the
drive spring 42 will force the lancet holder 36 in the direction of
Arrow B until the sharp point of the lance 34 (FIG. 3) passes
through the aperture (not shown) in the endcap 18 to make the
puncture. When the puncture is made, the drive spring 42 will be in
a stretched position, and after the puncture is made the
contraction of the drive spring 42 will draw the lancet holder 36
back towards its resting position shown in FIG. 3.
[0041] As the lancet holder 36 moves from its puncture position
back to its resting position shown in FIG. 3, the pointed tip 68 of
the damping aim 60 will make frictional contact with the corrugated
surface 70. This frictional contact decelerates or dampens the
movement of the lancet holder 36. Such damping assists in
preventing or inhibiting the drive spring 42--and its natural
tendency to oscillate (due to its being elastically
deformable)--from causing a second, unintended skin puncture to be
made. As used herein, the term "corrugated" refers to a surface
having raised ribs or other structures, either regularly or
irregularly spaced, for providing an increased amount of friction
when the surface is brought into contact with a damping member.
[0042] The cantilever beam 26 (or release button 27, illustrated in
FIG. 7) includes a projection 56 extending therefrom through the
main housing 12. The projection 56 is adapted to engage the lancet
holder 36. As discussed above, the cantilever beam 26 and release
button 27 are depressible by a user from outside the main housing
12 to release the lancet assembly 30 from the lancet holder 36.
Depression by a user of the cantilever beam 26 or release button 27
causes the projection 56 to engage the lancet holder 36, as will be
explained in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 6-7.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the lancing
mechanism 29 is illustrated, according to one embodiment of the
present invention. The lancet mechanism 29 includes the lancet
holder 36 adapted to receive the lancet assembly 30. As illustrated
in FIG. 5, the lancet assembly 30 is disposed within the generally
cylindrical aperture formed in the lancet holder 36. The lancet
assembly 30 is shown with a protective cap 90 that has a portion
that is integrally formed with the lancet body 32 and which covers
the sharp point of the lance 34. Prior to using the lancing device
10, the lancet body 32 of a new lancet assembly 30 is inserted into
the cylindrical aperture disposed in the lancet holder 36, and then
the protective cap 90 is twisted off of the lancet assembly 30, in
the direction of the Arrow C shown in FIG. 5.
[0044] The lancet holder 36 includes a plurality of protuberances
92a,b that extend therefrom. The protuberances 92a,b are located
proximate the edges of a gap 96 that is located between a first
portion 98a and a second portion 98b of the lancet holder 36. In
one embodiment, the protuberances 92a,b are formed by a buildup of
material added during the molding process. The protuberances 92a,b
are attached to, or formed on, the lancet holder 36 such that, when
the cantilever beam 26 (FIG. 1b), or release button 27 (FIG. 1c),
is depressed, the projection 56 of the cantilever beam 26 or
release button 27 engages the protuberances 92a,b. The engagement
by the projection 56 forces the first and second portions 98a,b of
the lancet holder 36 apart, causing the internal cylindrical
aperture of the lancet holder 36 to expand. The expansion of the
lancet holder 36 allows the lancet assembly 30 to freely release
from the lancet holder 36.
[0045] Referring also to FIG. 6a, a cross-sectional view of the
lancing device 10 is illustrated, according to one embodiment. As
illustrated, the projection 56 of the cantilever beam 26 is
centered between the protuberances 92a,b of the lancet holder 36.
When the cantilever beam 26 is depressed in the direction of the
lancet holder 36, the projection 56 engages the protuberances
92a,b. As the cantilever beam 26 continues to be depressed, the
projection 56 forces the protuberances 92a,b apart, thus causing
the aperture 58 to enlarge and the lancet holder 36 to expand. As
the aperture 58 becomes larger, the lancet assembly 30 disengages
from the lancet holder 36 and is easily removed from the lancet
holder 36 via a user or gravity.
[0046] Referring also to FIG. 6b, a partial-side view of a portion
of the lancing mechanism 29 (FIG. 5) and cantilever beam 26 are
illustrated, according to one embodiment. The cantilever beam 26 is
integrally formed with the main housing 12 and may be formed, for
example, by laser cutting the main housing 12 to free the
cantilever beam 26 (as best illustrated in FIG. 1c). The cantilever
beam 26 is adapted to flex at a pivot 57 when a user depresses the
cantilever beam 26 in the direction of the lancet holder 36. This
depression--and the subsequent flexing--causes the projection 56 to
engage the lancet holder 36 as described above with respect to FIG.
6a.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of the lancing
device 10 is illustrated, according to another embodiment of the
present invention. The lancing device 10 includes the release
button 27 and the spring mechanism 94 disposed between the release
button 27 and the main housing 12. The release button 27 is
distinct from the main housing 12 and is free floating within a
housing insert (not shown). The spring mechanism 94 is used to bias
the free-floating release button 27 away from the protuberances
92a,b of the lancet holder 36 to assist in preventing or inhibiting
accidental engagement by the projection 56 formed on the release
button 27. When the release button 27 is depressed by a user
towards the lancet holder 36, the entire release button 27
depresses--compressing the spring mechanism 94--and causes the
projection 56 to engage the protuberances 92a-b. The spring
mechanism may be, for example, a deformable foam material or other
suitable material sufficient to bias the release button 27 away
from the lancet holder 36.
[0048] Turning now to FIGS. 8a-b, a lancing device 110 is
illustrated according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention. The lancing device 110 includes a movable housing
portion 114 and a main housing portion 112. The main housing 112
includes a pair of support arms 120a,b for removably attaching an
endcap 118 thereto. The endcap 118 includes an extension 128 that
assists in preventing a lancet release device from being
inadvertently depressed.
[0049] A release button 160 extends through an aperture 162 formed
in the main housing 112. The release button 160 is allowed to slide
within the aperture 162 as the lancing device 110 is moved between
a resting position, a cocked position, and a firing position. The
release button 160 is included in a lancet-release mechanism 126
and extends from a beam 132 attached to a lancet holder 136. The
lancet holder 136 includes a first portion 146a and a second
portion 146b partially separated by a plurality of gaps 196a,b. The
lancet holder 126 forms a central aperture 158 adapted to receive
the lancet assembly 30. The lancet-release mechanism 126 is
attached to the first portion 146a of the lancet holder 136,
opposite the release button.
[0050] To release a lancet assembly 30 from the lancet holder 136
once it has been received, the release button 160 is depressed in
the direction of the main housing 112 (illustrated by Arrow D in
FIG. 8b) towards the longitudinal axis of the lancet holder 136.
The depression of the release button 160 causes the lancet-release
mechanism 126 to separate the first portion 146a of the lancet
holder 136 from the second portion 146b. This separation enlarges
the central aperture 158 and thus, assists in releasing the lancet
assembly 30 from the lancet holder 136.
[0051] Turning now to FIGS. 9a-c, a lancing device 210 is
illustrated according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention. The lancing device 210 includes a movable housing
portion 214 and a main housing portion 212. The main housing 212
includes a pair of support arms 220a,b for removably attaching an
endcap 224 thereto. An endcap 218 includes a plurality of
extensions 228a,b that assists in preventing or inhibiting a
plurality of release buttons 260a,b from being inadvertently
depressed.
[0052] The plurality of release buttons 260a,b extends through a
respective aperture 262a,b formed in the main housing 212. The
release buttons 260a,b are allowed to slide within the apertures
262a,b as the lancing device 210 is moved between a resting
position, a cocked position, and a firing position. The release
buttons 260a,b are included in a lancet-release mechanism and each
extend from a respective beam 232a,b attached to a lancet holder
236. The lancet holder 236 includes a first portion 246a and a
second portion 246b partially separated by a plurality of gaps
296a,b. The lancet holder 226 forms a central aperture 258 adapted
to receive the lancet assembly 30. The beam 232a is attached to the
first portion 246a of the lancet holder 236, opposite the release
button, while the beam 232b is similarly attached to the second
portion 246b.
[0053] To release a lancet assembly 30 from the lancet holder 236
once it has been received, the release buttons 260a,b are depressed
in the direction of the main housing 212 (illustrated by Arrows E
in FIG. 9c), substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the lancet holder 236 (though the depression of the release
buttons 260a,b may cause a slight rotation of the beams 232a,b
around the longitudinal axis). The depression of the release button
260a,b causes the lancet-release mechanism to separate the first
portion 246a of the lancet holder 236 from the second portion 246b.
This separation enlarges the central aperture 258 and thus, assists
in releasing the lancet assembly 30 from the lancet holder 236.
[0054] Turning now to FIGS. 10a-b, a lancet holder 336 and a lancet
assembly 330 are illustrated, according to yet another embodiment
of the present invention. The lancet holder 336 is illustrated as
having a first portion 346a and a second portion 348b, though it
should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the lancet holder
336 may have a single portion such as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7.
Each portion 346a,b of the lancet holder 336 includes a respective
ridge 348a,b. The ridges 348a,b are adapted to be received within a
groove 350 formed on a lancet body 332 of the lancet assembly 330
once the lancet assembly 330 is received within a central aperture
358 of the lancet holder 336. A lance 334 adapted to pierce the
skin of a test subject extends from the lancet body 332.
[0055] The groove 350 and the ridges 348a,b can be triangular in
shape, as illustrated, or may be any other complimentary or similar
shapes so as to engage each other. According to one embodiment of
the present invention, a groove is formed in the lancet holder
while a corresponding ridge is formed on the lancet assembly.
[0056] By utilizing the ridges 348a,b to engage the groove 350, the
frictional contact required between the lancet assembly 330 and the
lancet holder 336 can be reduced or increased. Where the frictional
contact is reduced, the enlargement of the central aperture 358
necessary to freely release the lancet assembly 330 can be reduced.
As should be understood from the above, the lancet holder 336 and
lancet assembly 330 can be utilized individually within a lancing
device or may be used in conjunction with the above disclosed
release mechanisms or any other type of lancet release
mechanism.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT A
[0057] A lancing device comprising: [0058] a lancet assembly having
a groove formed thereon; and [0059] a lancet holder forming a
central aperture adapted to receive the lancet assembly, the lancet
holder including a ridge extending into the central aperture, the
ridge adapted to engage the groove of the lancet assembly, the
lancet holder adapted to move the lancet assembly between a resting
position, a cocking position, and a puncture position.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT B
[0060] The lancing device of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the
groove and ridge are adapted to reduce the frictional contact
between the lancet holder and the lancet assembly.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT C
[0061] The lancing device of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the
groove and ridge are adapted to increase the frictional contact
between the lancet holder and the lancet assembly.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT D
[0062] A lancing device comprising: [0063] a lancet assembly having
a ridge formed thereon; and [0064] a lancet holder forming a
central aperture adapted to receive the lancet assembly, the lancet
holder including a groove formed thereon along the central
aperture, the groove adapted to engage the ridge of the lancet
assembly, the lancet holder adapted to move the lancet assembly
between a resting position, a coercing position, and a puncture
position.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT E
[0065] The lancing device of Alternative Embodiment D, wherein the
groove and ridge are adapted to reduce the frictional contact
between the lancet holder and the lancet assembly.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT F
[0066] The lancing device of Alternative Embodiment D, wherein the
groove and ridge are adapted to increase the frictional contact
between the lancet holder and the lancet assembly.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT G
[0067] A lancing device comprising: [0068] a main housing enclosing
a portion of a lancing mechanism, the main housing having an endcap
support located on a testing end of the main housing, the lancing
mechanism including a lancet holder forming a central aperture
adapted to receive a lancet assembly having a groove located
thereon, the lancet holder being attached to a shaft with a drive
spring surrounding a portion of the shaft, the drive spring being
located between the lancet holder and a portion of the main housing
opposite the testing end, the lancet holder including a ridge
extending into the central aperture, the lancing mechanism being
adapted to move between a resting position, a cocking position, and
a puncture position; and [0069] a movable housing adjacent the main
housing, the movable housing being adapted to move between a
resting position and a cocking position, the moveable housing
having an internal surface enclosing a portion of the shaft of the
lancing mechanism, [0070] wherein the ridge of the lancet holder
extends into the central aperture and engages the groove of the
lancet assembly.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT H
[0071] The lancing device of Alternative Embodiment G, wherein the
only engagement between the lancet assembly and the lancet holder
is the engagement between the ridge and the groove.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT I
[0072] The lancing device of Alternative Embodiment G, wherein the
lancet assembly is released from the lancet holder by disengaging
the ridge of the lancet holder from the groove of the lancet
assembly.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT J
[0073] The lancing device of Alternative Embodiment G, wherein the
ridge extending into the central aperture of the lancet holder is a
triangular ridge.
[0074] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of
example in the drawings and are described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention
to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, the
intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *