Adjustable tip for a lancet device and method

Abstract

A lancet device and a lancet device tip for a lancet device. The tip includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve at least partially contained within the first sleeve. The second sleeve includes a stop surface. Rotation of the first sleeve relative to the second sleeve causes the second sleeve to move at least axially without changing an overall length of the lancet device tip.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tip for a lancet device, comprising:
 a front assembly comprising a side wall portion, a skin-engaging portion at least partially defining a plane beyond which a lancet needle may extend, and a lancet stop element;   a slot disposed in one of the sidewall portion and the lancet stop element;   at least one following element extending into the slot; and   an actuator comprising a generally annular rotatable member that engages the at least one following element;   wherein the lancet stop element is moveable towards and away from the plane in response to movement of the at least one following element.   
     
     
         2 . The tip of  claim 1 , wherein the slot is disposed on the sidewall portion. 
     
     
         3 . The tip of  claim 2 , wherein the slot comprises a camming slot. 
     
     
         4 . The tip of  claim 1 , further comprising an outer generally annular rotatable member. 
     
     
         5 . The tip of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one following element is guided within the slot when the lancet stop element is moved axially or rotated. 
     
     
         6 . The tip of  claim 1 , wherein the lancet stop element comprises a opening for allowing the needle to project therethrough. 
     
     
         7 . The tip of  claim 1 , further comprising a rotatable nut disposed on the front assembly comprising one of a plurality of projections and grooves disposed on an outer surface. 
     
     
         8 . The tip of  claim 7 , wherein the nut further comprises indicating marks and the front cap further comprises a reference mark. 
     
     
         9 . The tip of  claim 7 , wherein the nut further comprises a distal wall which includes an opening for allowing the needle to project therethrough. 
     
     
         10 . A front cap mechanism for a lancet device wherein the front cap mechanism includes a proximal end for attaching to the lancet device and a distal end for allowing a needle to project therefrom, a lancet of the lancet device having a surface from which the needle projects, the mechanism comprising:
 a front cap having a distal opening adapted to allow the needle to project therethrough;   a nut rotatably disposed on an outer surface of the front cap;   a stop cap movably disposed within the front cap and adapted to allow the needle to project therethrough;   the stop cap comprising a lancet stop surface and an opening;   wherein the lancet stop surface is adapted to allow the needle to project through the opening and is adapted to prevent further movement of the lancet when the surface of the lancet contacts the lancet stop surface.   
     
     
         11 . A method of puncturing a surface of skin using a lancet device which includes a lancet firing mechanism and a tip for a lancet device comprising a front assembly comprising a side wall portion, a skin-engaging portion at least partially defining a plane beyond which a lancet needle may extend, and a lancet stop element, a slot disposed in one of the sidewall portion and the lancet stop element, and at least one following element extending into the slot, wherein the lancet stop element is moveable towards and away from the plane in response to movement of the at least one following element, the method comprising:
 adjusting a set depth of penetration of the needle by moving the at least one following element to a set position;   disposing the distal end of the lancet device against a surface of skin; and   triggering the firing mechanism to cause the needle to penetrate the surface of the skin to the set depth;   wherein the puncture allows a blood sample to be taken.