Infusion device with safety feature for preventing inadvertent activation

• US 9,522,231 B2
• Filed: 04/12/2013
• Issued: 12/20/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Becton, Dickinson & Co
• Original Assignee: Becton, Dickinson & Co
• Inventors: Schneider, Jared, Guarraia, Mark, Boyaval, Margaux, Shafer, Ryan, Cronenberg, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Mehta, Bhisma
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEE, BRANDY SCOTT
• Application Number:
  US14/394,020
• Publication Number:
  US 20150080799A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,348 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14252 with needle insertion means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/2073 preventing premature release, e.g. by making use of a safety lock
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/276 preventing unwanted use
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/582 by tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/583 by visual feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/584 having a color code
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/586 Ergonomic details therefor, e.g. specific ergonomics for left or right-handed users
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14248 of the skin patch type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16831 Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies low-level float-valves causing cut-off A61M5/40; indicating or recording presence, absence or direction of flow in general G01P13/0066

Abstract

A safety feature for a wearable infusion device is disclosed. The safety feature is configured to prevent accidental activation of the infusion device by protecting the activation button of the infusion device prior to and after the actuation of the activation button. The safety feature includes a wall section that protrudes from the main body of the infusion device in the vicinity of the activation button. A cover device covers the activation button prior to the actuation of the activation button. The cover device slides on the main body of the infusion device. When the cover covers the activation button, movement of the cover is restricted by the protruding wall section adjacent to the activation button, to hold the cover in position over the activation button.

Claims

1. An infusion device having a safety feature for preventing accidental activation, comprising:

a main body for attachment to a user'"'"'s skin;

a reservoir housed in the main body, the reservoir comprising liquid medicament;

a delivery needle for delivering the medicament to the skin of the user, the delivery needle housed in the main body;

an activation button for actuating a drive mechanism;

a wall portion protruding from the main body near the activation button; and

a cover attachable to the main body to protect the activation button from accidental activation at a first cover position, the cover exposing the activation button to enable activation by the user at a second cover position;

wherein the cover further comprises a portion for shielding the activation button when the cover is at the first cover position, such that there is sufficient clearance between the shielding portion and the activation button to prevent accidental activation of the activation button if the shielding portion of the cover is pressed; and

wherein, when the cover is at the first cover position, a leading portion of the shielding portion of the cover is in contact with an outer edge of the protruding wall portion, preventing the cover from sliding over the protruding wall portion.

2. The infusion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shielding portion of the cover further comprises a bulbous portion for shielding the activation button when the cover is at its first position, such that there is sufficient clearance between the bulbous portion and the activation button to prevent accidental activation of the activation button if the bulbous portion of the cover is pressed.

3. The infusion device as claimed in claim 2, wherein when the cover is at its first position, the bulbous portion of the cover is in contact with the protruding wall portion, preventing the cover from sliding over the protruding wall portion.

4. The infusion device as claimed in claim 3, wherein a protrusion of the wall portion from the main body partially shields the activation button.

5. The infusion device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the wall portion is formed along a periphery of the activation button.

6. The infusion device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wall portion comprises edges that are rounded.

7. The infusion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body comprises one or more rail-type protrusions and the cover comprises one or more corresponding grooves, such that the cover is attachable to and slidable on the main body.

8. The infusion device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cover is slidable on the main body along the respective rail-type protrusions and grooves.

9. The infusion device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cover is slidable on the main body along the respective magnets and corresponding metallic or magnetic structures main body.

10. The infusion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body comprises one or more magnets and the cover comprises corresponding metallic or magnetic structures, such that the cover is attachable to the main body.

11. The infusion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover comprises one or more magnets and the main body comprises corresponding metallic or magnetic structures, such that the cover is attachable to and slidable on the main body.

12. The infusion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wall portion and activation button are disposed on a side of the main body that is opposite the side of the main body that is attached to the user'"'"'s skin.