Patent ID: 6053930
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A single-use lancet assembly comprising:a tubular body having a top end with a top opening and a bottom end with a bottom opening;a lancet disposed in said tubular body, said lancet having an upper end and a lower end, an encapsulating member removably attached to said lower end and encasing a needle tip protruding from said lancet, a bottom flange circumscribing said lancet adjacent said lower end, and an upper flange circumscribing said lancet adjacent said upper end;a closure attached to said bottom opening of said body and having a central aperture passing therethrough for passage of said encapsulating member;spring means positioned between said closure and said bottom flange of said lance for urging said lancet away from said closure; anda cap slidably fitting over said top end of said body, said cap including engagement means extending from an inner surface thereof for engaging said upper flange of said lancet for driving said lancet axially within said body until axial movement is opposed by a predetermined force, said engagement means being deflectable from said upper flange when movement of said lancet is resisted by a said predetermined force, said spring means being effective to retract said lancet needle tip into said body when said engagement means is deflected from said upper end of said lancet.