Multi-lancet unit, method and lancet device using the multi-lancet unit, and method of assembling and/or making the multi-lancet unit

Abstract

Lancet device includes a housing, a trigger, a system for placing the lancet device in a trigger-set or armed position. A plurality of lancets arranged one in front of the other and positioned in the housing. Each lancet has a front end, a needle which extends from the front end, and a rear end. The front end of at least one of the plurality lancets is removably connected to the rear end of another of the plurality of lancets.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A lancet device having lancet ejection and depth of penetration adjustment, comprising:
 a housing;   a wall arranged inside the housing and having an opening;   the wall being arranged closer to a rear end of the housing than to a front end of the housing;   a front cover having a skin engaging surface and an opening allowing a needle of a lancet to pass therethrough during skin puncturing;   a trigger arranged on a side of the housing and being closer to the front end of the housing than to the rear end of the housing;   the trigger having a portion extending outside the housing so as to be contacted by a user;   a cocking system configured to place the lancet device in a trigger-set or armed position;   the cocking system comprising a cocking member arranged in an area of the rear end of the housing and having a portion extending into the housing and a portion extending outside the housing;   a lancet holding member axially movable within the housing and comprising:
 a rear portion arranged on a rear side of the wall; 
 a front portion arranged on a front side of the wall; 
 an opening arranged behind a front end of the lancet holding member; 
 a projection; and 
 a longitudinal length that is greater than a longitudinal length of the housing; 
   said projection being configured to retain the lancet holding member in the trigger-set or armed position;   a first spring disposed in front of the wall and surrounding a portion of the lancet holding member;   a second spring disposed behind the wall, surrounding another portion of the lancet holding member, and extending into a space disposed inside the cocking member;   a rear end of the lancet holding member being arranged axially in front of a rear end of the cocking member when the lancet device is in the trigger-set or armed position;   a lancet ejector arranged on a side of the housing and being closer to the front end of the housing than to the rear end of the housing;   the lancet ejector comprising:
 a portion disposed inside the housing; 
 a portion extending outside the housing; 
 a portion that can extend into the opening of the lancet holding member and contact a lancet; and 
 a portion that can be slid forward to a position overlying a portion of the front end of the lancet holding member when the front cover is removed, 
   wherein the lancet holding member is capable of moving between an initial position and a puncturing position, and   wherein the lancet device is capable of assuming plural different depth of penetration adjustment positions.   
     
     
         22 . The lancet device of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a lock member that is movable to a locking position that prevents axial movement of the lancet holding member; and   a multi-lancet unit comprising a plurality of lancets arranged one in front of the other and positioned in the housing.   
     
     
         23 . A lancet device comprising:
 a housing;   a trigger;   a cocking system configured to place the lancet device in a trigger-set or armed position;   the cocking system comprising a cocking member arranged in an area of a rear end of the housing;   a multi-lancet unit comprising a plurality of lancets arranged one in front of the other and positioned in the housing;   each lancet comprising a front end, a needle which extends from the front end, and a rear end;   a lancet holding member receiving therein the multi-lancet unit and being movable within the housing;   a retaining member holding the holding member in a trigger-set position;   the retaining member releasing the holding member when a user activates the trigger;   a lock member that is movable to a locking position upon activation of a lancet ejection system and that prevents axial movement of the lancet holding member,   wherein the front end of at least one of the plurality lancets is removably connected to the rear end of another of the plurality of lancets.