Patent Application
20080097309
A detailed description of embodiments of the invention will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like numerals designate corresponding parts or cross-sections in the several figures.
As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the invention is embodied in a protective sleeve to provide insulation, durability, and impact resistance during the packaging, transport and/or usage phases of a reservoir, catheter set and/or any other external, easily portable attachment developed to deliver fluid to humans. In particular embodiments, the protective sleeve may be used with an insulin reservoir for an external infusion device of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,798 entitled “External Infusion Device with Remote Programming, Bolus Estimator and/or Vibration Alarm Capabilities,” which is specifically incorporated by reference herein. In additional embodiments, the infusion device may include an in-line drive system of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,093 entitled “Compact Pump Drive System,” which is specifically incorporated by reference herein. In further embodiments, the infusion device may be a patch pump, or any other type of external pump that facilitates the delivery of fluid into the body. In alternative embodiments, the sleeve may be used to protect other devices or attachments that are used to contain, transfer and/or administer fluids such as medication, drugs, vitamins, vaccines, hormones, antigens, water or the like. Such alternative embodiments may be adapted either for mobile or stationary fluid delivery devices.
An external infusion device typically includes a housing to enclose the pump drive system, a fluid containment assembly and a power supply. The device's drive system generally includes a small motor (DC, stepper, solenoid or other type) and drive train components such as gears, screws and levers that act in concert to convert rotational motor motion to translational displacement of a stopper in the fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the drive system may use gas, nitric or other types of pressure systems that induce displacement of a stopper in the fluid reservoir. The fluid containment assembly generally includes the reservoir with a stopper, flexible tubing and a catheter or infusion set that transports the fluid or medication from the infusion device to the body of the user. The device's electronic system may include programmable controls for regulating the motor, as well as for setting desired dosage intervals over a certain period of time. In other embodiments, the external device may be a patch pump, or any other type of external pump that delivers fluid to the user.
In general, subjecting a fluid reservoir to a variety of physical and/or thermal conditions could make it more susceptible to cracking or breakage. Providing cushioning across the reservoir's surface area and/or at identifiable stress points would serve to mitigate damage to the reservoir and decrease the likelihood of fluid leakage.
Moreover, in some instances, it may be important to stabilize the temperature of fluids within a reservoir during transportation, storage or usage. In particular embodiments, the protective sleeve may be a reservoir sleeve including a material that could aid in maintaining a particular fluid temperature within the reservoir. Sleeves may be made from different fluid insulation materials including, but not limited to foam, neoprene, rubber or the like. Stabilization of fluid temperature may give the pump user wider discretion in his or her choice of participating in warm and/or cold weather activities (i.e. desert hiking, snow skiing, or the like). In particular embodiments, the reservoir sleeve may be used with disposable reservoirs, pre-filled reservoirs, patient filled reservoirs or the like.
In other embodiments, the protective sleeve may form a protective covering for refillable cartridges, containers or the like. In still additional embodiments, fluid reservoirs or containers may be made from different materials including, but not limited to glass, ceramic, plastic, or the like. Further embodiments may be used with Topas® and/or COC reservoirs of the type described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/100,188 filed on Apr. 5, 2005 and entitled “Improved Fluid Reservoir for Use with An External Infusion Device,” which is specifically incorporated by reference herein.
While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
