Latch mechanism for preventing lancet oscillation in a lancing device
Inventors
PUSEY, Lauren R. • Lamps, Greg
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11883171-B2
Publication Date
2024-01-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
A lancing device including a latch that pivots between a non-blocking position allowing a lancet carrier and a lancet to advance and retract through a first forward and reverse lancing stroke and a blocking position preventing further/excess/secondary oscillation of the lancet carrier and lancet. The pivotal latch can pivot about an axis perpendicular (e.g., for an L-shaped latch) or parallel/coaxial (e.g., for a sleeve latch) to the advancement and retraction motion of the lancet carrier and lancet.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a lancing device for use with a disposable lancet having a lancet body and a sharp lancet tip for penetrating skin. A housing defines a cavity in which a lancet carrier is movable along a lancing stroke from a retracted position to an extended position where the lancet tip projects out from the housing. A drive spring propels the lancet carrier to the extended position, and a return spring positions within the cavity propels the lancet carrier from the extended position to a neutral position.
The device includes a removable cap positionable over a distal end of the housing, where removal of the cap allows access to the cavity to remove and replace the disposable lancet. The device further includes an ejection member having an ejection finger and an extension that ejects the disposable lancet from the lancet carrier, with the extension extending longitudinally and at least a portion of the ejection finger being laterally offset relative to the extension. In one described geometry, the ejection finger extends through a slot to contact the disposable lancet, and the ejection member is movable distally to eject the disposable lancet from the lancet carrier.
The invention also addresses oscillation control by using a pivoting latch mechanism that allows a one forward-and-reverse lancet oscillation through a lancing stroke and then engages to prevent excess or secondary oscillation and prevent unintended re-contact with skin. Two latch geometries are described: an L-shaped latch pivoting about an axis transverse to lancet motion using a ramp and a spring-biased resilient finger, and a sleeve or rotary tubular latch pivoting about an axis parallel or coaxial with lancet motion using cam and guide surfaces and a drive-stop surface.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims. Each independent claim covers a lancing device architecture with a housing cavity, a movable lancet carrier driven by a drive spring and a return spring, a removable cap for replacing a disposable lancet, and a distally movable ejection member with an ejection finger and an extension having a defined lateral offset relationship.
Movable lancet carrier with drive spring and return spring
A lancing device comprising a housing defining a cavity, a lancet carrier positioned within the cavity and movable along a lancing stroke from a retracted position to an extended position with the sharp lancet tip projecting out, and a return spring configured to propel the lancet carrier from the extended position to a neutral position, and a drive spring configured to propel the lancet carrier from the retracted position to the extended position.
Removable cap for accessing and replacing the disposable lancet
A removable cap positionable over a distal end of the housing, wherein removal of the cap from the housing allows access to the cavity in order to remove and replace the disposable lancet.
Ejection member with laterally offset ejection finger relative to extension
An ejection member having an ejection finger and an extension, wherein the extension extends longitudinally, and wherein at least a portion of the ejection finger is laterally offset relative to the extension, and wherein the offset portion of the ejection finger is parallel to the extension and the ejection member is movable distally to eject the disposable lancet from the lancet carrier.
Button operably connected to the lancet carrier to hold and release
A button operably connected to the lancet carrier and configured to hold the lancet carrier in the retracted position and, when pressed, to release the lancet carrier and to allow the lancet carrier to move from the retracted position to the extended position.
Ejection finger through slot contacting disposable lancet with extension beyond the ejection finger
An ejection member having an ejection finger and an extension, the lancet carrier having a slot, wherein the ejection finger extends through the slot to contact the disposable lancet and the ejection member is movable distally to eject the disposable lancet from the lancet carrier, the extension extending along the direction of the lancing stroke distally beyond the ejection finger, wherein a portion of the ejection finger extends longitudinally and is laterally offset relative to the extension.
Across the provided independent claims, the covered inventive concepts include a cavity-based lancet carrier moved by a drive spring and returned by a return spring, a removable distal cap for replacing the disposable lancet, and an ejection member whose ejection finger and extension include a defined lateral offset relationship, with a button-based hold-and-release arrangement in one independent claim.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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