U.S. patent application number 12/247467 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-08 for universal multi-wearable interface for an infusion system.
This patent application is currently assigned to DISETRONIC LICENSING AG. Invention is credited to Heiner Kaufmann, Gerald Studer.
Application Number | 20090250494 12/247467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41132331 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090250494 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Studer; Gerald ; et
al. |
October 8, 2009 |
Universal Multi-wearable interface for an Infusion System
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to a universal interface
for an infusion system. Specifically it relates to a new carrier
system for an infusion system with improved wearing comfort and
handling.
Inventors: |
Studer; Gerald; (Selzach,
CH) ; Kaufmann; Heiner; (Bern, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DISETRONIC LICENSING AG
KIRCHBERGSTRASSE 190
BURGDORF
CH-3401
CH
|
Assignee: |
DISETRONIC LICENSING AG
Burgdorf
CH
|
Family ID: |
41132331 |
Appl. No.: |
12/247467 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60979279 |
Oct 11, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/257 ;
224/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/02 20130101; A45F
2005/006 20130101; A45F 2200/0583 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/257 ;
224/269 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/02 20060101
A45F005/02; A45F 3/14 20060101 A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. A textile carrying case for an infusion pump to pump fluid into
the body of a user, the carrying case comprising: a base that is
carried by the user; an elastic band attached to the base such that
the infusion pump is attached to the band.
2. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the base has hooks such
that it can be removably attached to the user's clothing.
3. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the elastic band is in
form of a holster.
4. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the elastic band is in
form of a neckband.
5. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the base further includes
an adhesive layer, such that on application of heat, it can be
attached to the user's clothing.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No: 60/979,279 filed on Oct.
11, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a universal
interface for an infusion system. Specifically it relates to a new
carrier system for an infusion system with improved wearing comfort
and handling.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Medical devices that pump medication into an individual is
known and commonly used in the medical industry. Typically the
medication that is delivered from such medical devices depends on
the medical condition that is sought to be treated. For example, it
is getting increasingly common to deliver insulin using an insulin
pump to treat a diabetic patient.
[0004] Typically, the medical pump devices use a reservoir or a
cartridge that contains the medicine to be delivered. Due to
miniaturization of products there is an expectation that such
infusion systems that carry the medication would be smaller thereby
making the ability to wear and operate the system more discreet. As
different users would like to hide the infusion system in different
places, it is important to provide an interface that will allow a
user this flexibility.
[0005] Therefore there is a need in the industry to design a an
interface where the infusion system can be properly carried by the
user, does not hinder in the proper operation of the infusion
device and is comfortable for carrying on the body of the user.
SUMMARY
[0006] It is against the above background that the present
invention proves certain unobvious advantages and advancements over
the prior art.
[0007] The present invention generally relates to an interface for
carrying an infusion system on a user such that the infusion system
can be concealed from view. In particular, the interface is
designed with improved wearing comfort and handling.
[0008] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed
description of the invention taken together with the accompanying
claims. It is noted that the scope of the claims is definitely by
the recitations therein and not by the specific discussion of the
features and advantages set forth in the present description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the
present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction
with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with
like reference numerals and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a textile carrying system
according to one aspect of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carrying system that is
integrated into the clothes of the user according to another aspect
of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a double patch system
according to another aspect of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an expanded view of introducing the infusion pump
into the textile carrier in accordance with the invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is perspective view of the infusion pump inside the
textile carrier in accordance with the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 6 and 6A are top view plan of an infusion pump on a
patch clip carrier;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the double patch system in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 8 TO 11 show different views of a textile holster in
accordance with the teachings of the invention;
[0018] FIGS. 12 TO 14 show different views of a textile triangle in
accordance with the teachings of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a textile neckband in
accordance with the teachings of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a textile neckband with a
hanger in accordance with the teachings of the invention;
[0021] FIGS. 17 and 18 show different views of a textile carrier
with an adhesive coating paste; and
[0022] FIGS. 19 to 25 represent different forms and places a
textile carrier can be carried by a user.
[0023] Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other
elements to help improve understanding of the embodiment(s) of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following description of the preferred embodiment is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention or its application or uses.
[0025] The present invention generally relates to a small size
infusion system to be carried on the body of a user using an
interface that allows for an increased comfort of carrying the
infusion system and for discreet operation of the infusion
system.
[0026] Referring in particular to FIG. 1, an infusion system is
generally shown. The infusion system comprises an infusion pump or
a unit 2, a tube or a catheter 12, and an infusion set 13. As
shown, the infusion pump 12 is connected to the infusion set 13 via
the tube 12. Although not shown in the drawing, the infusion pump 2
comprises a fluid storing device and the medication is delivered
from the fluid storing device through the infusion set 13.
[0027] Although not expressly shown in the figures, the infusion
pump 2 has at least one control to control the infusion of
medication from fluid storing means. Alternatively, the infusion
pump 2 may have display and controls or be void of both display and
controls. Although not shown in the drawings the infusion pump 2
may be controlled remotely to dispense medication using a remote
control device such as a smart phone, a PDA or any other mobile
devices. Although not specifically mentioned, the infusion pump 120
may be a one time use pump such that after the dispensing of the
medication the pump is disposed.
[0028] In accordance with this invention, there are 3 possibilities
to carry the infusion pump close to the body: directly stick the
infusion pump on the skin using a carrier system such as a patch
clip, wear it with different textile carrying systems or integrate
it in clothes.
[0029] In order to give maximum flexibility to the users, different
carrying systems need to be optimized for different everyday
situations (Sport, Office, Driving, etc). Since it is not possible
to expect a user to exchange a carrier system depending on the
activity they are engaged in, it is important to design an
universal easy (dis)connectable interface between the infusion pump
and the different carrying systems (patch clip, textile carrying
and integrated in clothes systems).
[0030] Multi-wearability of the interface signifies different ways
in which the infusion pump can be carried. For example, the
infusion pump may be carried in a conventional way, or to adhere
the pump on directly on the skin or to carry it with ergonomic
textile carrying systems or to integrate it in the everyday
clothes. In order to have an interface, the infusion pump may have
a mechanical durable part for example a press button 6 as shown in
FIG. 4 is integrated in the infusion pump housing to connect the
infusion pump to different carrying systems.
[0031] In order to achieve connectibility with different carrying
systems it's necessary to separate these the pump 2 from the
infusion set 13. The disposable insulin path has the unique
function to transport insulin as in conventional actual insulin
pumps. A conventional fluid path (reservoir-catheter 12-canula) is
appropriate to separate the infusion site from the carrying site of
the infusion pump and permits the multiwearability of the
interface.
[0032] The preferred solution to allow multiwearability is to use a
conventional fluid path containing a reservoir in the infusion pump
and a catheter or tube (12) which connects the reservoir with the
canula in the infusion set head (13) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
This configuration permits to separate the fluid path/canula-skin
connection of the carrying system-fluid path/canula connection.
[0033] A carrier is an element of the infusion System which
attaches or joins the infusion unit (2) to a carrying system. As
shown in FIG. 4, preferably, the infusion unit 2 is provided with a
mechanical attachment such as press button (6) which is integrated
into the infusion unit (2) so as not protrude out of the housing of
the infusion unit (2). This mechanical attachment permits to fix
the infusion unit (2) on 2 different types of carriers: Elastic
textile carrier (1) and Patch clip carrier (10). The elastic
textile carrier (1) is fixed on different textile carrying systems,
could be attached with a small hanger (FIG. 16) to a bra or a
neckband (FIG. 15) or ironed (FIG. 17, FIG. 18) with an adhesive
surface on clothes. The patch clip carrier (10) is fixed on a
plaster or adhesive.
[0034] Elastic Textile Carrier
[0035] The elastic textile carrier (1) is made of a textile or
plastic flexible base (4) on which is attached an elastic belt (3)
through which the infusion unit (2)can be slided (FIG. 1). The
press button with ribbon (5) (female part) locks the press button
(6) (male part) on the infusion unit (2).
[0036] A textile or plastic hanger (FIG. 16) could be attached at
the elastic textile carrier to suspend the infusion unit (2) from a
bra, a neckband (FIG. 15) or other accessories. This hanger (FIG.
16) could be opened/closed and adjusted in length with a press
button, a Velcro or any other fastener.
[0037] On the backside of the elastic textile carrier (1) could
additionally include an adhesive coating paste covered with a
protective film (FIG. 18). In this configuration the elastic
textile carrier (1) could be stuck on clothes with heat (ironing
for example) which allows the adhesive coating paste to smelt and
stick.
[0038] Patch Clip Carrier
[0039] The patch clip carrier (10) is stuck on skin with a plaster
and therefore has a more rigid structure compared to the elastic
textile holder (1). The infusion unit (2)is slided with a rail in
this structure and fixed with the same sort of press button as for
the elastic textile holder (1). The plaster is attached on the
backside of the patch clip carrier. This configuration is called
double patch (FIG. 7) because the infusion unit (2) and the
infusion set head (13) are both stuck on the skin.
[0040] Carrying Systems
[0041] As shown in the figures the are several types of carrying
systems. For example, one such carrying system is a Double Patch
system (FIG. 3, FIG. 7) which consists of sticking the infusion
unit (2) onto the body. Textile carrying systems (FIG. 1) are worn
under clothes and clothes-integrated carrying systems (FIG. 2) are
adhered (FIG. 17, FIG. 18) or attached (FIG. 16) on clothes.
[0042] Textile Carrying Systems (FIG. 1)
[0043] Textile holster (FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11). The
textile holster is made of a light, comfortable tissue and worn
directly onto the skin. There are different cuts possible to allow
ergonomic qualities. The elastic textile carrier (FIG. 9) is
attached to it to hold the infusion unit (2). The band around the
chest is adjustable to different physiologies (FIG. 11).
[0044] Textile triangle (FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14). The textile
triangle is an elastic band worn directly onto the skin. The
elastic textile carrier (FIG. 14) is attached to it to hold the
infusion unit (2). Elasticity is high enough that a broad range of
physiologies can wear it. There is the possibility to make the
elastic band adjustable.
[0045] Neckband (FIG. 15, FIG. 16). An adjustable band around the
neck from which hangs the elastic textile carrier with hanger (FIG.
16). Other possible textile carrying systems are showed in
different figures. The elastic textile carrier (1) is attached on
the different showed systems to hold the IU (2).
[0046] Clothes-Integrated Carrying Systems (FIG. 2)
[0047] Elastic textile carrier with hanger (FIG. 16). The elastic
textile carrier with hanger can be affixed to a bra, other clothes
or accessories.
[0048] Elastic textile carrier with adhesive coating paste (FIG.
17, FIG. 18). The elastic textile carrier with adhesive coating
paste can be glued with a flat iron on clothes. A protective film
(FIG. 18) has to be removed from the adhesive coating paste before
ironing.
[0049] Double Patch System (FIG. 3).
[0050] Double patch system (FIGS. 3, 6, 7). Stick the IU (2) on the
skin. The press button (5 & 6) allows it to fix the IU (2) on
the patch clip carrier (10).
[0051] It is noted that terms like "preferably", "commonly", and
"typically" are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the
claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical,
essential, or even important to the structure or function of the
claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to
highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be
utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] For the purposes of describing and defining the present
invention it is noted that the term "substantially" is utilized
herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be
attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or
other representation. The term "substantially" is also utilized
herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative
representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting
in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at
issue.
[0053] Having described the invention in detail and by reference to
specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modification
and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the
invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically,
although some aspects of the present invention are identified
herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is
contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited
to these preferred aspects of the invention.
* * * * *