Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a universal interface for an infusion system. Specifically it relates to a new carrier system for an infusion system with improved wearing comfort and handling.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No: 60/979,279 filed on Oct. 11, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a universal interface for an infusion system. Specifically it relates to a new carrier system for an infusion system with improved wearing comfort and handling. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Medical devices that pump medication into an individual is known and commonly used in the medical industry. Typically the medication that is delivered from such medical devices depends on the medical condition that is sought to be treated. For example, it is getting increasingly common to deliver insulin using an insulin pump to treat a diabetic patient. 
         [0004]    Typically, the medical pump devices use a reservoir or a cartridge that contains the medicine to be delivered. Due to miniaturization of products there is an expectation that such infusion systems that carry the medication would be smaller thereby making the ability to wear and operate the system more discreet. As different users would like to hide the infusion system in different places, it is important to provide an interface that will allow a user this flexibility. 
         [0005]    Therefore there is a need in the industry to design a an interface where the infusion system can be properly carried by the user, does not hinder in the proper operation of the infusion device and is comfortable for carrying on the body of the user. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    It is against the above background that the present invention proves certain unobvious advantages and advancements over the prior art. 
         [0007]    The present invention generally relates to an interface for carrying an infusion system on a user such that the infusion system can be concealed from view. In particular, the interface is designed with improved wearing comfort and handling. 
         [0008]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the invention taken together with the accompanying claims. It is noted that the scope of the claims is definitely by the recitations therein and not by the specific discussion of the features and advantages set forth in the present description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0009]    The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a textile carrying system according to one aspect of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a carrying system that is integrated into the clothes of the user according to another aspect of the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a double patch system according to another aspect of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an expanded view of introducing the infusion pump into the textile carrier in accordance with the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is perspective view of the infusion pump inside the textile carrier in accordance with the invention; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 6 and 6A  are top view plan of an infusion pump on a patch clip carrier; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the double patch system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 8 TO 11  show different views of a textile holster in accordance with the teachings of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 12 TO 14  show different views of a textile triangle in accordance with the teachings of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a textile neckband in accordance with the teachings of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a textile neckband with a hanger in accordance with the teachings of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 17 and 18  show different views of a textile carrier with an adhesive coating paste; and 
           [0022]      FIGS. 19 to 25  represent different forms and places a textile carrier can be carried by a user. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiment(s) of the present invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]    The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or uses. 
         [0025]    The present invention generally relates to a small size infusion system to be carried on the body of a user using an interface that allows for an increased comfort of carrying the infusion system and for discreet operation of the infusion system. 
         [0026]    Referring in particular to  FIG. 1 , an infusion system is generally shown. The infusion system comprises an infusion pump or a unit  2 , a tube or a catheter  12 , and an infusion set  13 . As shown, the infusion pump  12  is connected to the infusion set  13  via the tube  12 . Although not shown in the drawing, the infusion pump  2  comprises a fluid storing device and the medication is delivered from the fluid storing device through the infusion set  13 . 
         [0027]    Although not expressly shown in the figures, the infusion pump  2  has at least one control to control the infusion of medication from fluid storing means. Alternatively, the infusion pump  2  may have display and controls or be void of both display and controls. Although not shown in the drawings the infusion pump  2  may be controlled remotely to dispense medication using a remote control device such as a smart phone, a PDA or any other mobile devices. Although not specifically mentioned, the infusion pump  120  may be a one time use pump such that after the dispensing of the medication the pump is disposed. 
         [0028]    In accordance with this invention, there are 3 possibilities to carry the infusion pump close to the body: directly stick the infusion pump on the skin using a carrier system such as a patch clip, wear it with different textile carrying systems or integrate it in clothes. 
         [0029]    In order to give maximum flexibility to the users, different carrying systems need to be optimized for different everyday situations (Sport, Office, Driving, etc). Since it is not possible to expect a user to exchange a carrier system depending on the activity they are engaged in, it is important to design an universal easy (dis)connectable interface between the infusion pump and the different carrying systems (patch clip, textile carrying and integrated in clothes systems). 
         [0030]    Multi-wearability of the interface signifies different ways in which the infusion pump can be carried. For example, the infusion pump may be carried in a conventional way, or to adhere the pump on directly on the skin or to carry it with ergonomic textile carrying systems or to integrate it in the everyday clothes. In order to have an interface, the infusion pump may have a mechanical durable part for example a press button  6  as shown in  FIG. 4  is integrated in the infusion pump housing to connect the infusion pump to different carrying systems. 
         [0031]    In order to achieve connectibility with different carrying systems it&#39;s necessary to separate these the pump  2  from the infusion set  13 . The disposable insulin path has the unique function to transport insulin as in conventional actual insulin pumps. A conventional fluid path (reservoir-catheter  12 -canula) is appropriate to separate the infusion site from the carrying site of the infusion pump and permits the multiwearability of the interface. 
         [0032]    The preferred solution to allow multiwearability is to use a conventional fluid path containing a reservoir in the infusion pump and a catheter or tube ( 12 ) which connects the reservoir with the canula in the infusion set head ( 13 ) as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . This configuration permits to separate the fluid path/canula-skin connection of the carrying system-fluid path/canula connection. 
         [0033]    A carrier is an element of the infusion System which attaches or joins the infusion unit ( 2 ) to a carrying system. As shown in  FIG. 4 , preferably, the infusion unit  2  is provided with a mechanical attachment such as press button ( 6 ) which is integrated into the infusion unit ( 2 ) so as not protrude out of the housing of the infusion unit ( 2 ). This mechanical attachment permits to fix the infusion unit ( 2 ) on 2 different types of carriers: Elastic textile carrier ( 1 ) and Patch clip carrier ( 10 ). The elastic textile carrier ( 1 ) is fixed on different textile carrying systems, could be attached with a small hanger ( FIG. 16 ) to a bra or a neckband ( FIG. 15 ) or ironed ( FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18 ) with an adhesive surface on clothes. The patch clip carrier ( 10 ) is fixed on a plaster or adhesive. 
         [0034]    Elastic Textile Carrier 
         [0035]    The elastic textile carrier ( 1 ) is made of a textile or plastic flexible base ( 4 ) on which is attached an elastic belt ( 3 ) through which the infusion unit ( 2 )can be slided ( FIG. 1 ). The press button with ribbon ( 5 ) (female part) locks the press button ( 6 ) (male part) on the infusion unit ( 2 ). 
         [0036]    A textile or plastic hanger ( FIG. 16 ) could be attached at the elastic textile carrier to suspend the infusion unit ( 2 ) from a bra, a neckband ( FIG. 15 ) or other accessories. This hanger ( FIG. 16 ) could be opened/closed and adjusted in length with a press button, a Velcro or any other fastener. 
         [0037]    On the backside of the elastic textile carrier ( 1 ) could additionally include an adhesive coating paste covered with a protective film ( FIG. 18 ). In this configuration the elastic textile carrier ( 1 ) could be stuck on clothes with heat (ironing for example) which allows the adhesive coating paste to smelt and stick. 
         [0038]    Patch Clip Carrier 
         [0039]    The patch clip carrier ( 10 ) is stuck on skin with a plaster and therefore has a more rigid structure compared to the elastic textile holder ( 1 ). The infusion unit ( 2 )is slided with a rail in this structure and fixed with the same sort of press button as for the elastic textile holder ( 1 ). The plaster is attached on the backside of the patch clip carrier. This configuration is called double patch ( FIG. 7 ) because the infusion unit ( 2 ) and the infusion set head ( 13 ) are both stuck on the skin. 
         [0040]    Carrying Systems 
         [0041]    As shown in the figures the are several types of carrying systems. For example, one such carrying system is a Double Patch system ( FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 7 ) which consists of sticking the infusion unit ( 2 ) onto the body. Textile carrying systems ( FIG. 1 ) are worn under clothes and clothes-integrated carrying systems ( FIG. 2 ) are adhered ( FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18 ) or attached ( FIG. 16 ) on clothes. 
         [0042]    Textile Carrying Systems ( FIG. 1 ) 
         [0043]    Textile holster ( FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11 ). The textile holster is made of a light, comfortable tissue and worn directly onto the skin. There are different cuts possible to allow ergonomic qualities. The elastic textile carrier ( FIG. 9 ) is attached to it to hold the infusion unit ( 2 ). The band around the chest is adjustable to different physiologies ( FIG. 11 ). 
         [0044]    Textile triangle ( FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 14 ). The textile triangle is an elastic band worn directly onto the skin. The elastic textile carrier ( FIG. 14 ) is attached to it to hold the infusion unit ( 2 ). Elasticity is high enough that a broad range of physiologies can wear it. There is the possibility to make the elastic band adjustable. 
         [0045]    Neckband ( FIG. 15 ,  FIG. 16 ). An adjustable band around the neck from which hangs the elastic textile carrier with hanger ( FIG. 16 ). Other possible textile carrying systems are showed in different figures. The elastic textile carrier ( 1 ) is attached on the different showed systems to hold the IU ( 2 ). 
         [0046]    Clothes-Integrated Carrying Systems ( FIG. 2 ) 
         [0047]    Elastic textile carrier with hanger ( FIG. 16 ). The elastic textile carrier with hanger can be affixed to a bra, other clothes or accessories. 
         [0048]    Elastic textile carrier with adhesive coating paste ( FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18 ). The elastic textile carrier with adhesive coating paste can be glued with a flat iron on clothes. A protective film ( FIG. 18 ) has to be removed from the adhesive coating paste before ironing. 
         [0049]    Double Patch System ( FIG. 3 ). 
         [0050]    Double patch system ( FIGS. 3 ,  6 ,  7 ). Stick the IU ( 2 ) on the skin. The press button ( 5  &amp;  6 ) allows it to fix the IU ( 2 ) on the patch clip carrier ( 10 ). 
         [0051]    It is noted that terms like “preferably”, “commonly”, and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0052]    For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term “substantially” is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. 
         [0053]    Having described the invention in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modification and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.