Lancet

• US 20050131440A1
• Filed: 12/11/2003
• Published: 06/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles D. Starnes
• Original Assignee: Caribbean Medical Brokers Incorporated
• Inventors: Starnes, Charles
• Granted Patent: US 7,655,017 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/181
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150022 for capillary blood or interstitial fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150282 for piercing elements, e.g. blade, lancet, canula, needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150412 Pointed piercing elements, e.g. needles, lancets for piercing the skin blade-like piercing elements A61B5/150442
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150549 Protectors removed by rotational movement, e.g. torsion or screwing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150587 by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150618 Integrally moulded protectors, e.g. protectors simultaneously moulded together with a further component, e.g. a hub, of the piercing element
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150717 manually removed
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150885 Preventing re-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/15142 Devices intended for single use, i.e. disposable

Abstract

An improved lancet having a body integrally molded about an elongated shaft of a lancet needle and an easy twist off cap is disclosed. The lancet body further includes a cap integrally molded about the pointed end of the lancet needle and joined to the lancet body by a frangible junction connecting the distal end of the lancet body and the cap. The cap includes radially projecting, diametrically opposed tabs which provide structural members that may be grasped by the user to facilitate twisting and removal of the cap.

Claims

1. A lancet comprising:

a lancet body having a distal end and a needle piercing tip projecting from said distal end;

a cap connected to said distal end with said piercing tip embedded therein by a frangible junction;

said cap having at least one tab member projecting therefrom.

2. A lancet according to claim 1, wherein said cap is generally cylindrical and includes first and second diametrically opposed radially projecting tabs.

3. A lancet according to claim 1, wherein said cap defines an opening sized for mating engagement with said lancet distal end and an interior shoulder providing a stop upon engagement with said lancet distal end.

4. A lancet according to claim 1, wherein said cap defines an opening sized for mating engagement with said lancet distal end and an interior axially projecting hub for receiving at least a portion of said piercing tip embedded therein when said cap is placed on said lancet distal end.