Latch mechanism for preventing lancet oscillation in a lancing device
Inventors
PUSEY, Lauren R. • Lamps, Greg
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12329524-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-17
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
A lancing device for use with a disposable lancet includes a housing defining a cavity, and a lancet carrier positioned within the cavity. The lancet carrier releasably engages the disposable lancet and is movable along a lancing stroke from a retracted position to an extended position where at least the sharp lancet tip projects out from the housing. A drive spring within the cavity propels the lancet carrier along an advancing portion of the lancing stroke, and a return spring propels the lancet carrier along a return portion to a neutral position.
A latch mechanism is operable to permit the lancet carrier to travel through the advancing portion and the return portion of the lancing stroke, and to thereafter prevent excess oscillation of the lancet carrier from the neutral position. The latch shifts to a blocking position after the lancet carrier reaches the neutral position so that further movement is blocked and secondary oscillations are prevented from re-contacting the skin.
In another implementation, the latch is provided as a sleeve/tube rotary latch member with an angled guide surface and tooth features interacting with a spring-biased latch retainer. The document also describes an optional ejection mechanism in which an endcap and ejection extension including an ejection finger interact with the housing so that the disposable lancet can be ejected after the lancing operation.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00008, and clm-00015. Across these claims, the main inventive coverage centers on a latch mechanism that prevents excess oscillation of a movable lancet carrier from a neutral position, combined with a removable cap for access and an ejection structure with an ejection finger and extension geometry.
Latch mechanism preventing excess oscillation from neutral position
A latch mechanism operable to permit the lancet carrier to travel through the advancing portion and the return portion of the lancing stroke, and to thereafter prevent excess oscillation of the lancet carrier from the neutral position.
Removable cap for access to cavity to replace 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 extension beyond ejection finger along lancing stroke direction
An ejection member having an ejection finger and an extension, the ejection member being movable distally to eject the disposable lancet from the lancet carrier, wherein at least portions of both the ejection finger and the extension extend along the direction of the lancing stroke, the extension extending distally beyond the ejection finger, and the ejection finger is configured to contact a proximal end of the disposable lancet.
Latch mechanism preventing excess oscillation from neutral position plus user button releasing carrier
A latch mechanism operable to permit the lancet carrier to travel through the advancing portion and the return portion of the lancing stroke, and to thereafter prevent excess oscillation of the lancet carrier from the neutral position; and 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.
Slot-mounted ejection finger contacting proximal end while extension extends distally beyond ejection finger
The lancet carrier has a slot, the ejection finger extends through the slot to contact a proximal end of the disposable lancet, and the extension extends along the direction of the lancing stroke distally beyond the ejection finger.
Across clm-00001, clm-00008, and clm-00015, the core claim coverage repeatedly requires a latch mechanism that permits travel through advancing and return portions and thereafter prevents excess oscillation from a neutral position, together with a removable cap for access and an ejection structure including an ejection finger and an extension extending distally beyond the ejection finger along the direction of the lancing stroke.
Stated Advantages
Prevents excess oscillation of the lancet carrier from the neutral position.
Prevents secondary oscillations from re-contacting the skin.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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