Lancet having adjustable penetration depth

Abstract

Lancet device including a first housing. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall includes an opening. A cap removably mounted to the first housing. A needle holding member for holding a lancet. At least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening. A first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger having a first position and a second position. A movable second housing including a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end. The second guide wall including an opening. A portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The second housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing. The proximal end of the second housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the second guide wall and another shoulder of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A lancet device comprising:
 a main housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;   a guide wall arranged in the main housing and extending transverse to an axis running through the main housing;   the guide wall comprising an opening;   a cap removably mounted to the proximal end of the main housing;   the cap having a proximal end for engaging a skin surface;   a movable needle holding member for holding a lancet, the needle holding member being at least partially contained within the main housing;   at least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall;   a first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position;   the first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member;   the first spring being disposed between the guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member;   a movable trigger arranged on a side of the main housing;   the trigger being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the trigger is moved to the second position, the needle holding member is allowed to move from a retracted position to an extended position;   a distal housing arranged at the distal end of the main housing;   the distal housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a guide wall arranged at the proximal end of the distal housing;   the distal housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the distal housing is moved away from the main housing;   the guide wall of the distal housing comprising an opening;   a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the guide wall of the distal housing;   the proximal end of the distal housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the main housing;   a second spring that biases the distal housing towards the main housing; and   the second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the guide wall of the distal housing and a distal end of the needle holding member,   wherein at least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.   
     
     
         2 . The lancet device of  claim 1 , further comprising a lock retainer mounted to the distal end of the needle holding member. 
     
     
         3 . The lancet device of  claim 1 , wherein the main housing is one of triangular, D-shaped, and polygonal. 
     
     
         4 . The lancet device of  claim 2 , further comprising a distal shoulder arranged at the distal end of the needle holding member. 
     
     
         5 . The lancet device of  claim 4 , wherein the needle holding member comprises a mechanism that cooperates with the trigger to retain the needle holding member in a retracted position. 
     
     
         6 . The lancet device of  claim 5 , wherein the mechanism comprises a shoulder. 
     
     
         7 . The lancet device of  claim 4 , further comprising a fastening mechanism for securing the cap to the main housing. 
     
     
         8 . The lancet device of  claim 4 , wherein the proximal end of the main housing is open and wherein the distal end of the main housing is open.