US20040158202A1 - Cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover (101) for being located on an infusion device which cover (101) comprises an upper plate element (103) with an upper face (104) and a lower face (105) oriented towards the upper face of the infusion device, wherein the lower face (105) of the plate element (103) comprises attachment means (106), which means cooperate with elements on the infusion device.

Hereby the risk of bacteria and soil collected thereon penetrating into the construction is reduced considerably, and likewise the cover yields a smoother surface with an ensuing minimisation of the risk of the infusion device being torn off.

Description

• The invention relates to a cover for being located on an infusion device, said cover comprising an upper plate element with an upper face and a lower face oriented towards the upper face of the infusion device.[0001]
• In connection with an infusion device being located on the skin, it is known to shield it; such shielding, however, involving a complete covering of the infusion device and in such a manner that it becomes inaccessible to manipulation from the outside.[0002]
• One example of this is known for instance from WO 87/06474. This discloses a device that can be strapped to the body over the location of insertion of an intravenous needle to shield the puncture area against contact and for anchoring the tube so that the needle will not be pulled out inadvertently.[0003]
• However the construction necessitates use of an additional frame for securing the infusion device and also for securing the dome that shields the entire infusion device and is also manufactured to be very voluminous. There is thus a risk of it being torn off during use and, likewise, it prevents access to the infusion device and, furthermore, there is a risk of the adhesive effect ceasing and, likewise, it cannot be expected that adjustments of the shielding are possible as the adhesive effect will cease.[0004]
• It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a cover that remedies the problems that may occur in connection with the prior art covers and whereby complete or partial shielding of the upper free face of the infusion set is enabled, but wherein the lower face is unshielded and the side faces are also partially unshielded, and wherein a shielding of the plate takes place directly on the infusion device. Hereby it is obtained that the risk of bacteria and soil collected thereon penetrating into the construction is reduced considerably, and likewise the cover enables a smoother surface with an ensuing minimisation of the risk of the infusion device being torn off.[0005]
• This object is obtained by a cover like the one described in the preamble to claim[0006]1 and wherein the lower face of the plate element also comprises attachment means, said means co-operating with elements on the infusion device.
• Thus, the cover functions in that, by means of its attachment means that are provided on the lower free face, it fits into the upper face of the infusion device and by a press fitting ensures that the cover is securely attached onto the infusion device due to the clamping effect obtained between the individual attachment means and can be reinforced by the infusion device preferably comprising, as described in the attached claims, a side flange, and wherein this side flange cooperates with the attachment means to bring about a secure attachment of the cover on the infusion device.[0007]
• Preferably the upper face of the infusion device is configured with recesses, on the one hand longitudinally extending recesses and rather rounded cavities, and consequently the attachment means match these cavities and bring about the attachment. The upper face of the cover is smooth throughout and the entire lower face of the cover is essentially congruent with the upper face of the infusion device, whereby the adaptation is optimised. The cover may be removed by side flanges, if any, being seized thereby exposing the entire infusion device. The cover can be configured such that the upper plate does not cover the entire infusion device, but merely comprises a tongue portion that extends across a portion of the upper face of the infusion device and an essentially partially circular part that covers the remainder.[0008]
• By providing a cover according to the invention and as further featured in[0009]claim2, it is obtained that, in case the infusion device that consists of two parts is separated it is possible—due to the presence of the flange—for the cover to remain in place on the part designated the cannula part; the attachment means and the flange bringing about a squeezing effect that secures the cover in position.
• By provision of a cover in accordance with the invention and as further featured in[0010]claim3, an optimal complete or partial shielding of the infusion device is obtained.
• Provision of a cover according to the invention and as further featured in[0011]claim4 makes it possible to seize the exposed parts of the infusion device and thus to carry out a separation thereof.
• Provision of a cover in accordance with the invention and as further featured in claim[0012]5 enables close contact between the cover and the infusion device, and hereby a click-attachment is obtained.
• Provision of a cover in accordance with the invention and as further featured in[0013]claims5,7 and8 brings about a convenient shape of the attachment means.
• Provision of a cover in accordance with the invention and as further featured in[0014]claim9 enables separation of the hub and cannula part while simultaneously the cover remains in place on the cannula part.
• The invention will now be explained in further detail with reference to the drawing wherein[0015]
• FIGS.[0016]1-4 show an infusion set as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,803 and for which a cover in accordance with the invention can be used;
• FIG. 5 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a cover according to the invention, seen in a perspective view from above;[0017]
• FIG. 6 shows the cover shown in FIG. 5, in a perspective view seen from below;[0018]
• FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment according to the invention, seen in perspective view from the bottom;[0019]
• FIG. 8 shows a third exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, seen in perspective view and from the bottom;[0020]
• FIG. 9 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment seen in perspective view and from the bottom;[0021]
• FIG. 10 shows the cover shown in FIG. 5 located on an infusion set in accordance with FIG. 1.[0022]
• The infusion set of FIG. 1 comprises a cannula housing[0023]1 with asoft cannula2 secured therein and manufactured in a conventional manner of a suitable plastics material. The infusion set further comprises a connectinghub3 connected in a conventional manner through ahose4 with a lower coupling member5 to be used for the coupling thereof to an insulin pump (not shown).
• FIG. 2 shoves the cannula housing[0024]1 and the connectinghub3 on a larger scale and creating theinfusion device102. It appears clearly that together they are of a relatively flat shape and of a uniform thickness and have a substantially plane rear side. When seen from the top, they are together of a substantially circular shape, said shape being interrupted only byrecesses7 and8, respectively, for facilitating a finger-handling. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cannula housing1 and the connectinghub3 are divided substantially along a diametrical central plane, acentral projection9 being provided on said cannula housing1 and projecting into a mating recess in the connectinghub3. In FIG. 3, thecannula2 is slightly curved in order to illustrate that it is bendable.
• As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cannula housing comprises two[0025]guide openings16 and15 and twolocking openings17 and18 in addition to the rectilinear through bore10. These openings are symmetrically shaped about a plane including thecentral axis14 of the through passageway13 and extending perpendicular to the rear side6. Theguide openings15 and16 are elongate openings are adapted to receivemating guide pins21 and22 on the connectinghub3, cf. FIG. 4.
• The[0026]locking openings17 and18 adjacent theguide openings15 and16 and the central through bore10 follow a rectilinear course parallel to thecentral axis14 and consequently also parallel to theguide openings15 and16. Thelocking openings17 and18 at the bottom are connected to the surface of the cannula housing through a shaft orchannel27 and28, respectively, extending perpendicular from saidlocking openings17 and18.
• The[0027]locking openings17 and18 are adapted to receive mating symmetrically shapedlocking pins31 and32 on the connectinghub3. As illustrated in FIG. 4, theselocking pins31 and32 are engaging with thelocking openings17 and18.
• As illustrated in FIGS.[0028]2, curve-shaped recesses37 and38 are shaped on each side of thelocking pins21 and22. These recesses ensure that thelocking pins31 and32 can be moved easily by means of a finger.
• FIG. 4 shows furthermore that centrally the connecting[0029]hub3 comprises a needle40. When inserted through a membrane in the cannula housing1, this needle provides a connection between thehose4 of the infusion set and the through passageway13 of the cannula housing1.
• Reference now being made to FIGS.[0030]5-9, thecover101 will be described in further detail. FIG. 5 shows a first exemplary embodiment of acover101 seen from the top and comprising anupper plate portion103 which is shaped to be essentially planar and has anupper face104 which is plane and smooth. In this case, theupper plate portion103 is configured as a partiallycircular element115 that extends into atongue part114. At the delimiting edge of the plate element corresponding to the partially circular area, it extends into aflange108, wherein flange and plate element form an essentially 90° wide angle—a first angle—to each other. Furthermore, this angle has a partiallycircular recess116 essentially corresponding to the centre axis of the cover and arranged symmetrically thereabout, saidrecess116 ensuring that hoses can freely and unimpededly extend from whatever infusion device shielded by the cover. Thus the cover is configured symmetrically about its longitudinally extendingcentre axis119. Typically theupper plate portion103 will have a thickness within the range 1.5-2 mm. Typically the flange will assume approximately the same thickness, however, optionally thicker in the transition area between plate and flange.
• FIG. 6 shows the cover shown in FIG. 5, seen from below, from where the[0031]lower face105 of theplate element103 will appear which is essentially plane, optionally slightly curved; such, however, that this face is congruent with the infusion device on top of which it is to be located. This face comprises attachment means106 that comprise in this case two types, viz twoplate elements111 and two partially cylindrical elements110. The twoplate elements111 are each configured as rectangular plate elements that are cast integrally with the cover and are located perpendicular to thelower face105. The rectangular faces of the plate elements are in parallel with thecentre axis114 of the cover and are located with a second mutual spacing, corresponding to 9-10 mm. The plate elements are located in such a manner that, when the cover is located on an infusion device, they will fit into recesses on the infusion device, eg the recesses indicated in FIG. 2 by37 and38. Hereby a firm attachment of the cover to the infusion device is ensured, since—on the one hand—there is a span between the two rectangular plate elements and—on the other—a span between flange and plate elements.
• Conveniently the plate elements can be provided with a recess: a partially circular recess facing towards the flange and corresponding to the upper free edge, whereby a nail-shaped cavity is provided and being shown in the drawing with a[0032]concave face113 that extends into the side faces at a concavedelimiting edge112. It is the object of this recess to enable the cover to remain in place when the two parts of the infusion device, viz the cannula housing and the connection hub, are separated and wherein the infusion device remains in position on the cannula housing.
• Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment the attachment means[0033]106 also comprise the two partially cylindrical elements110 that are located with their centre axis perpendicular to thelower face105 and located at a first mutual distance in such a manner that they fit into the openings and channels on theinfusion device27 and28 that are shown in FIG. 2. The height of these partially cylindrical attachment means is typically in an order of magnitude of 1 mm. The height of the rectangular plate elements is typically 3.5 mm, whereas the length of the latter is comprised within the range 5-6 mm.
• FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a[0034]cover101 and wherein the difference over those described in FIGS. 5 and 6 resides in the shape of the attachment means and also the geometrical shape of theupper plate part103. In this case theupper plate element103 is shaped to be circular and, likewise, the flange is not provided with arecess116. The rectangular face elements are provided on the same location relative to the infusion device as in FIGS.5-6, but they do not comprise theconcave delimiting edge112, but constitute a true rectangular plate. Further attachment means are in this case located on the flange, theinner face109 of the flange being provided with twoblocks117, whose upper and lower delimiting faces are essentially in parallel with thelower face105 of theupper plate portion103. These blocks are able to engage either underneath the lower edge of the infusion device or in suitable recesses on the side faces of the infusion device as such.
• FIG. 8 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a cover according to the invention and wherein the difference between this and the teachings of FIGS.[0035]5-6 is firstly that the attachment means106 have plate elements11 that do not in this case either comprise aconcave delimiting edge112. These attachment means are thus true rectangular plates. Furthermore theflange108 comprises essentially two wall portions118 that extend perpendicular from the flange and has the same material thickness as the flange as such. This edge, which more or less corresponds to the delimiting edge of the flange—in such a manner, however, that the wall is interrupted—wherein thecircular recess116 is provided, can like the one shown in FIG. 7, engage either in convenient recesses on the infusion device or underneath this lower face. Furthermore the geometrical shape of the upper plate element is not completely circular; recesses having been provided that enable the fingers to more easily seize around the cover.
• FIG. 9 is essentially identical to the one shown in FIG. 8, but wherein the perpendicular[0036]118 extending from theflange108 is not provided.
• Conveniently the cover is made in an injection moulding process and wherein suitable materials are M-ABS and PC-ABS.[0037]
• FIG. 10 shows a cover essentially like the one shown in FIGS.[0038]5-6 located on an infusion device corresponding to an infusion device as taught in FIGS.1-4. Thus the cover is shown to cover any recesses and cut-outs present in the upper face of the infusion device, and wherein theflange108 engages downwards around the rear side face of the infusion device and corresponding to the rearmost face of the cannula housing and with acircular recess116 that ensures free access of the hose from the infusion device. When the infusion device is thus to be used, itsrecesses7 and8 are seized and wherein the fingers are pressed towards each other on each their side. By this process the cannula housing and the connection hub are separated from each other. Due to the shape of the cover and the engagement of the attachment means in relation to the infusion device, it remains in place on the cannula housing, while the connection hub is separated off. Subsequently the infusion device can be used as is also taught in eg U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,803.
• The cover is not intended for use merely in connection with such infusion device, of course it may also lend itself to other geometries, wherein the essential aspect is thus that the lower face of the cover has attachment means that engage with elements on the upper face of the infusion device, typically by male/female engagement functionality, wherein the male part is located on the lower face of the cover and wherein the female part are the recesses and other cut-outs that are typically present on the upper face of an infusion device. Whether the upper face of the infusion device is curved or concave, flat or triangular is of lesser relevance, the cover being essentially manufactured with a plate element which is congruent with the face and thus covers the same completely or partially.[0039]

Claims (9)

1. A cover (101) for being located on an infusion device, said cover (101) comprising an upper plate element (103) with an upper face (104) and a lower face (105) oriented towards the upper face of the infusion device, characterised in that the lower face (105) of the plate element (103) comprises attachment means (106), said means cooperating with elements on the infusion device.

2. A cover according toclaim 1, characterised in that the cover (101) further comprises a flange (108) that forms a first angle in relation to the upper plate (103) and is connected thereto.

3. A cover according toclaim 2, characterised in that the face of the flange (108) facing towards the outer side faces of the infusion device is essentially congruent therewith.

4. A cover according to claims2-3, characterised in that the expanse of the upper plate element (101) is smaller than the expanse of the upper face of the infusion device, and that the flange (108) extends partially around the side faces of the infusion device.

5. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the attachment means (106) are male parts and that the elements on the infusion device are provided by recesses.

6. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the attachment means (106) comprise at least two protruding partially cylindrical elements located (110) at a first mutual distance.

7. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the attachment means (106) comprise at least two protruding plate elements (111 ) located at a second mutual distance.

8. A cover according toclaim 7, characterised in that the protruding plate elements (111 ) are essentially rectangular plate-shaped and axis parallel with the centre axis of the infusion device.

9. A cover according toclaim 7 or8, characterised in that the protruding plate elements (111) comprise a concave delimiting edge (112) and concave side face (113).

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