Protruding jaw cartridge for body puncture device - Patent Application 2007023333

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus and system for decorative piercing of a body part, including a body piercing cartridge (100) for use with a reusable body piercing device (102). The body piercing cartridge (100) includes a feature (704) that engages with a corresponding feature (802) on the device (102) coupled to the finger grip (112) of the device (102). The engaging feature (704) on the jaw (106) is positioned rearward of the end of the jaw (106) so that the end of the jaw (106) protrudes beyond the forward extension (126) of the body piercing device (102) to achieve a protruding jaw (106). The protruding jaw (106) reduces the likelihood of the body piercing device (102) coming into contact with the body, thereby reducing the chance of infection. The protruding jaw (106) is particularly useful for placing clutchless piercings, such as in the nostrils. [Selected Figure] Figure 1B

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] 2. Background of the Invention 1. Field of the invention FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to devices and methods for decorative piercing of body parts, and more particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for cartridges for use with body piercing devices.

[0002] 2. Description of Related Technology In recent years, body puncture has become increasingly common in the United States and around the world. Although the puncturing of body parts is an ancient practice, its practice is quickly becoming a routine act, often performed by laypeople with no medical experience or training. It is also important to understand that mainstream body puncture has evolved to include puncturing of other body parts in addition to the ear. For example, body puncture near the navel or belly button, eyebrows, lips, etc., is much more common than in the past. At present, several manual devices are available that allow for the puncturing of body parts in a safe, hygienic, and easy-to-use manner. Examples of such systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,343, issued to Reil on March 5, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,170, issued to Reil on August 11, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,774, issued to Reil on February 9, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,306, issued to Reil on July 29, 2003, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,990, issued to Reil on September 28, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] In addition to completely manual puncture with a needle, there are various body puncture systems available today. These various body puncture systems basically comprise a stud (also called an earring or piercing earring) including an associated ornamental piece with a post (also called a stud, pin, or puncture pin) and a nut (sometimes called a clasp or clutch) attached to a cartridge. The cartridge is used with a body puncture instrument (a "gun-type" device) to support and operate the cartridge. In the puncture process, a body part (e.g., an earlobe) is placed between the post and the nut, and the cartridge is compressed either by hand or by operation in a special body puncture system (or "gun", instrument, or assembly) so that the post punctures the body part and engages the nut. Ideally, the body puncture instrument does not contact the body during use, only the cartridge. Thus, while body puncture cartridges are typically disposable, the body puncture instrument is reusable.

[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for devices and systems that provide body punctures that are simple, accurate, repeatable, and safe. In particular, there is a need for such methods and devices that provide improved hygiene during use. Additionally, there is a need for such methods and devices to function in punctures that are performed without the use of nuts or clutches. As described below, the present invention meets these and other needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An apparatus and system for decorative piercing of a body part is disclosed that includes a body piercing cartridge for use with a reusable body piercing device. The body piercing cartridge includes features that engage with corresponding features on a device coupled to the finger grip of the device. The jaw engagement features are positioned rearward of the jaw ends such that the jaw ends extend beyond the forward extension of the body piercing device to achieve protruding jaws. The protruding jaws reduce the likelihood of the body piercing device contacting the body, thus reducing the chance of infection. The protruding jaws are particularly useful for placing clutchless piercings in nostrils and the like.

[0006] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a cartridge for a body lancing device comprising a main housing having a rear edge for engagement with a body lancing device having a slidably engaged finger grip and palm grip portions, the rear edge of the main housing engaging a push support rigidly coupled to the palm grip portion, the body lancing device cartridge including a post holder supporting a post and slidably engaging a post holder track in the main housing, the body lancing device cartridge including a jaw slidably engaged to the main housing by a jaw track, the jaw track being parallel to the post holder track, the jaw including a feature for engaging a corresponding feature rigidly coupled to the finger grip portion of the body lancing device, the feature of the jaw being positioned rearward of the end of the jaw such that the end of the jaw projects beyond a forward extension from the finger grip portion of the body lancing device. The jaws support a backing platform for lancing a body part with the post as the jaws and main housing move relative to one another along the jaw track by pressure applied between the finger grip, which engages the corresponding feature of the body lancing device, and the palm grip, which engages a rear edge of the main housing with the push support of the body lancing device. Typically, the forward extension from the finger grip may taper to a blunt tip. Additionally, the blunt tip of the forward extension comprises a lip, the feature of the jaw comprises a transverse slot, and the corresponding feature of the finger grip comprises the lip.

[0007] In some embodiments, the post holder can include separate portions held together to support the post when slidably engaged in the post holder track in the main housing, the separate portions separating to release the post after exiting the post holder track. In some cases, the post can include conical barbs for clutchless mounting of the pierce.

[0008] The body lancing device can include a spring disposed between the finger grip and the palm grip to resist movement of the jaws and main housing relative to one another after the rear edge of the main housing engages the push support of the palm grip and the features of the jaws engage the corresponding features of the finger grip. The jaws can include a push catch that slides past the post holder to engage a rear end of the post holder as the jaws and main housing move relative to one another during lancing, and that pushes the post holder out of the post holder track when the jaws and main housing are pushed apart by the spring after lancing.

[0009] The backing platform may include a surface for supporting a user's body part in an area surrounding the back of the lancing location and a through hole aligned with the post. The through hole may be elongated vertically to accommodate some vertical movement by the post during lancing. In some embodiments, the backing platform may contain a clutch disposed within a vertical slot that may engage the post during lancing and then slide out of the vertical slot. Each of the finger grip portion and the palm grip portion may include a series of ridges or projections for improved gripping.

[0010] An exemplary method embodiment of the present invention includes a method of lancing a body part, the method comprising engaging a rear edge of a main housing of a body lancing cartridge with a push support of a body lancing device, the body lancing device having a finger grip slidably engaged with a palm grip, the push support rigidly coupled to the palm grip, the body lancing cartridge having a jaw slidably engaged with the main housing at a jaw track, a post holder supporting a post slidably engaged with a post holder track in the main housing, the jaw track being parallel to the post holder track, the method includes engaging a feature on the jaw of the body lancing cartridge with a corresponding feature rigidly coupled to the finger grip of the body lancing device, the feature of the jaw being located rearward of the end of the jaw such that an end of the jaw projects beyond a forward extension from the finger grip of the body lancing device. The method includes the steps of placing a body part against a backing platform of the jaws such that the body part is located between the jaws and the post, placing one or more fingers of a user's hand in the finger grips of the body lancing device, and placing the palm of the user's hand in the palm grip of the body lancing device. The method includes the steps of applying pressure between the palm and the one or more fingers to create pressure between the finger grips engaging the corresponding features of the body lancing device and the palm grip engaging a rear edge of the main housing with the push support of the body lancing device to move the jaws and the body of the cartridge relative to one another along the jaw track such that a post pierces the body part against the backing platform of the jaws. The method embodiments of the present invention may be modified in accordance with any of the devices or systems described herein.

[0011] An embodiment of the system of the invention includes a main housing, a jaw slidably engaged to the main housing at a jaw track, a post holder supporting a post and slidably engaged to the main housing at a post holder track, the jaw track being parallel to the post holder track, a body lancing device including a slidably engaged finger grip and palm grip, a push support rigidly coupled to the palm grip, the jaw including features that engage corresponding features rigidly coupled to the finger grip of the body lancing device, the features of the jaws being positioned rearward of the front ends of the jaws such that the front ends of the jaws project beyond a forward extension from the finger grip of the body lancing device. The jaws support a backing platform for piercing a body part with the post as the jaws and main housing move relative to one another along the jaw track by pressure applied between the finger grip, which engages the corresponding feature of the body lancing device, and the palm grip, which engages a rear edge of the main housing with the push support of the body lancing device.Embodiments of the system of the present invention may be modified in accordance with any of the devices or methods described herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] Referring now to the drawings, like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

[0013] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary body lancing cartridge and body lancing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] [Figure 1B] 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary body lancing cartridge and body lancing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] [Figure 2A]1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary body lancing cartridge and body lancing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in a compressed state.

[0016] [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary body lancing cartridge and body lancing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the open post carrier after lancing.

[0017] [Figure 2C] 1 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary body piercing cartridge and body piercing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in a compressed state.

[0018] [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body piercing cartridge embodiment of the present invention in a ready-for-use state.

[0019] [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body piercing cartridge embodiment of the present invention in use compressed to pierce a body part.

[0020] [Figure 3C] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body piercing cartridge embodiment of the present invention in use released to eject the post holder.

[0021] [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary post holder for use with an embodiment of a manual body puncture cartridge of the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary post holder for use with an embodiment of a manual body puncture cartridge of the present invention.

[0023] [Figure 5A]1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary conical barbed post for use in an embodiment of a body piercing cartridge of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 5B] 1 shows a rear perspective view of an exemplary conical barbed post for use in an embodiment of a body piercing cartridge of the present invention;

[0025] [Figure 5C] 1 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary conical barbed post for use in an embodiment of a body piercing cartridge of the present invention;

[0026] [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary main housing for use in an embodiment of a body piercing cartridge of the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary main housing for use in an embodiment of a body piercing cartridge of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 7A] 1 shows a rear, bottom perspective view of an exemplary jaw for use in an embodiment of a body piercing cartridge of the present invention.

[0029] [Figure 7B] 1 shows a rear perspective view of an exemplary jaw for use in an embodiment of a body piercing cartridge of the present invention.

[0030] [Figure 7C] 1 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary jaw for use in an embodiment of a body piercing cartridge of the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 8A]1 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary body lancing device for use with an embodiment of a body lancing cartridge of the present invention.

[0032] [Figure 8B] 1 shows a rear perspective view of an exemplary body lancing device for use with an embodiment of a body lancing cartridge of the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 9] 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operating an embodiment of a body lancing system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] In the following description including the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0035] 1.0 Disposable Manual Cartridge Body Lancing Device As mentioned above, various embodiments of the present invention are designed to be used with and include a body piercing cartridge for decorative piercing of a body part. Although embodiments of the present invention are particularly suited for piercing the nose, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, they can be used to pierce almost any body part. Embodiments of the present invention provide a compact, disposable cartridge that is attached to and used with a manual body piercing device. Typically, the cartridge is provided in a sealed, sterile package. The cartridge is preloaded with a post (including a stud ornament) and can be simply operated to cause the piercing of a body part and then discarded. The body piercing device can be reused with a new cartridge.

[0036] 1A and 1B show side and perspective views of an exemplary body piercing cartridge and body piercing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a body piercing device cartridge 100 mounted on a body piercing device 102 prior to actuation. The body piercing cartridge 100 includes a main housing 104 and a jaw 106 that are slidably engaged with one another. A rear edge 108 of the main housing 104 engages a push support 110 of the body piercing device 102. The body piercing device 102 includes a finger grip 112 and a palm grip 114 that are also slidably engaged. A portion of the palm grip 114 is enclosed within the finger grip 112, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1A. The push support 110 is rigidly coupled to the palm grip 114 of the body piercing device 102 and is positioned to protrude from the interior of the upper portion of the finger grip 112. An instrument spring 122 (compression spring) is disposed between the interior of the palm grip 114 and finger grip 112 to resist pressure from the user's hand and return the instrument to the open position when pressure is released. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, alignment of the spring 122 can be ensured by posts and / or sockets mounted within either or both of the palm grip 114 and finger grip.

[0037] As previously mentioned, one important feature of embodiments of the present invention is that the end of the jaw 106 extends beyond the forward extension 126 from the finger grip 112 of the body lancing device 102. In other words, the jaw 106 projects beyond the end of the forward extension 126 by a projection distance 124. This projection reduces the possibility of contact with the subject's body, thus reducing the possibility of infection, and allowing for reuse of the lancing device 102. To further reduce the possibility of contact, the forward extension 126 from the finger grip 112 can also be tapered to a blunt tip as shown.

[0038] Engagement of cartridge 100 with instrument 102 is ensured between a rear edge 108 of main housing 104 of cartridge 100 and a bottom feature of jaw 106. Rear edge 108 may include a horizontal groove (or slot) that engages with a lip in a pocket of push support 110 (details shown below in Figures 6A-6B and 8A-8B). Similarly, the bottom feature of jaw 106 may include a horizontal groove (or slot) that engages with a lip at the end of forward extension 126 of finger grip 122 (details shown below in Figures 7A-7C and 8A-8B).

[0039] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an exemplary body lancing cartridge 100 and body lancing device 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Within the cartridge, a post holder 116 supporting a post 118 is slidably engaged in a post holder track within the main housing 104. Similarly, the jaw 106 is slidably engaged in a jaw track within the main housing 104. The jaw track is parallel to the post holder track. The jaw 106 supports a backing platform 120 for piercing the body part with the post 118 as the jaw 106 and main housing 104 move relative to one another along the jaw track. Compressive movement of the jaw 106 and body 104 may be opposed by a compression spring disposed within and between these two components (details are shown in FIGS. 3A-3C). When the cartridge 100 is engaged with the instrument 102 , the movement between the finger grip 112 and palm grip 114 of the instrument 102 is also parallel to the movement of the jaws 106 and post holder 116 .

[0040] Typically, embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured from a sterilizable injection molded plastic material, although any other suitable material is possible. The main housing 104, jaws 106, and separate moldings for the post holder 116 can all be formed from opaque plastic. However, it is desirable to mold the post holder 116 from a clear plastic so that the stud decoration in the post holder 116 can be seen prior to use of the cartridge 100. Although embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured from machined materials, such as metal, molded materials are preferred because they allow for inexpensive manufacture, a priority for disposable products. Embodiments of the present invention are preferably provided in a sealed, sterile blister package such that the device is used only once to effect puncture with a pre-loaded post and then discarded.

[0041] 2A-2C show various views of an exemplary body lancing cartridge 100 and body lancing device 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the body lancing device in a compressed state (thus compressing the cartridge 100). Compression is achieved by placing one or more of a user's fingers into finger grip 112, placing the palm (or thumb) of the user's same hand into palm grip 114, and the user applying pressure between finger grip 112 and palm grip 114, as indicated by the arrow. This action pushes palm grip 114 into finger grip 112, thereby displacing push support 110, which is rigidly coupled to the palm grip, the same distance (along the illustrated arrow).

[0042] 3A-3C show cross-sectional views of an exemplary body lancing cartridge embodiment of the present invention at various stages of operation. A user first engages the body lancing cartridge 100 with the body lancing device 102. The user then places the (other person's) body part 300 against the backing platform 120. Pressure applied by the user's hand to the device 102 as previously described causes the jaws 106 and body 104 of the cartridge 100 to move relative to one another, resulting in the post 118 lancing the body part 300. Following this, when the user's hand is relaxed, pressure from the spring 302 causes the jaws 106 and body 104 to move apart, resulting in the post 118 being released from the post holder 116, leaving the body part 300 pierced (the spring 122 shown in FIG. 1A within the device 102 also aids in the separation of the jaws 106 and body 104 in addition to the separation of the finger grips 112 and palm grips 114).

[0043] 3A shows a cross-sectional view of the disposable body piercing cartridge 100 in a ready-to-use condition. As shown, the post 118 is supported in a post holder 116 in a post holder track 304 of the main housing 104. A body part 300, such as an earlobe, nostril, navel flap, etc., is positioned against a backing platform 120 of the jaw 106. The jaw 106 slidably engages the jaw track 304 of the main housing 104. A spring 302 is positioned within the main housing 104 to urge the main housing 104 and jaw 106 apart to resist movement of the jaw 106 and main housing 104 relative to one another. A catch 306 attached to the jaw 106 and hooked to an edge within the main housing 104 prevents the force of the spring 302 from pushing the jaw 106 out of the jaw track 308 of the main housing 104.

[0044] 3B shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an exemplary body lancing cartridge 100 of the present invention manipulated with a compressed body lancing device 102 to lancing a body part 120. To accomplish this, one or more fingers of a user's hand, such as the index finger, are placed in the finger grip 112 of the device 102, while the palm or thumb of the user's hand is placed in the palm grip 114 of the device 102. Applying pressure between the palm / thumb and the one or more fingers causes the jaws 106 and body 104 to move relative to one another along the jaw track 308 such that the post 118 pierces the body part 300 against the backing platform 120 of the jaws 106. The pointed end of the post 118 enters a hole in the backing platform 120 of the jaws 106 after lancing the body part 300. The spring 302 is compressed against the pressure of the user's hand pressing the jaws 106 and body 104 together. In addition, a push catch 310 having an upwardly angled cantilever spring configuration is attached to the jaw 106 and moves rearward past the post holder 116 and projects out behind the post holder 116 .

[0045] 3C shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an exemplary body lancing cartridge 100 of the present invention manipulated with the body lancing device 102 released to eject the post holder 116. When the user's hand is released, pressure from the spring 302 pushes the jaws 106 and the body 104 apart. As the jaws 106 move along the jaw track 308 under the force from the spring 302, the push catch 310, which had already popped out behind the post holder 116, now pushes the post holder 116 forward and out of the post holder track 304. The post holder 116 comprises two parts that are held together to surround and support the post 118 only when located within the post holder track 304, as will be described in more detail below. Once the post holder 116 exits the track 304, the two parts of the post holder 116 separate, releasing the post 118 that has pierced the body part 300.

[0046] 2.0 Post holder and post with conical barb An embodiment of the present invention uses a post 118 supported by a post holder 116 slidably engaged in a post holder track 304 in the main housing 104. Preferably, the post holder 116 comprises separate parts that are held together as long as the post holder 116 is slidably engaged in the walls of the post holder track 304, but drop off to release the post 118 after exiting the post holder track 304. For example, the separate parts may comprise two halves 402A, 402B each having a socket half 406A, 406B for the stud ornament of the post 118, which mate to completely surround the stud ornament of the post 118 while allowing a pointed post end to protrude from the post holder 116. Additionally, the two halves may be further aligned with one another by a pin 404A located in one half and a corresponding socket 404B located in the other half that engage with one another when assembled around the post 118.

[0047] 4A and 4B show perspective views of an exemplary post holder 106 for use in an embodiment of the body piercing cartridge 100 of the present invention. The separate halves 402A, 402B are split along a vertical plane to include socket halves 406A, 406B for supporting a post 118 when each half 402A, 402B is mated together in the post holder track 304 of the main housing 104. In each of the two halves 402A, 402B, a corresponding pin 404A and hole 404B are located on the vertical plane that divides the two halves 402A, 402B to aid in aligning the two halves 402A, 402B when they are mated together. The pins 404A and holes 404B may be located on the left and right sides of the post holder 116, or on the right and left sides.

[0048] 5A-5C show various views of an exemplary conical barbed post for use in an embodiment of the body piercing cartridge 100 of the present invention. An embodiment of the cartridge 100 of the present invention may employ any suitable post 118 design. The post 118 includes a decoration 502 at one end that is surrounded by a socket formed by half sockets 406A, 406B of the post holder 116. In addition, the half sockets 406A, 406B also form a channel that supports the shaft 504 of the post 118 that protrudes from the post holder 116 toward the backing platform 120 of the jaw 106.

[0049] The tip 506 at the other end of the shaft 504 may be a pointed end of any suitable form. For example, the tip 506 may comprise a cannula form, a conical tip, a barb, or any other known tip for body piercing. In one notable example, the tip 506 comprises a conical barb with a pointed conical end that widens to a diameter larger than that of the shaft 504. An inverted conical section (having the same taper angle as the pointed conical end) inverts the diameter from the largest diameter to the diameter of the shaft 504. This conical barb shape allows for the formation of a body piercing, for example through a nostril, that stays in place without the need for a clutch to secure the pointed end. The widened conical barb prevents the post from falling out in a clutchless piercing.

[0050] 3.0 Main housing track 6A and 6B show various views of an exemplary main housing 104 for use in an embodiment of the body piercing cartridge 100 of the present invention. The main housing 104 includes a post holder track 304 and a jaw track 308. It should be noted that the shapes of the post holder track 304 and the jaw track 308 may vary. It is only necessary that the post holder track 304 and the jaw track 308 exhibit a projecting cross section that matches the respective element portions, i.e., the post holder 116 and the jaw 106, that they receive to provide a slidable engagement.

[0051] As previously mentioned, the jaw 106 further includes a catch 306 for holding the jaw 106 engaged in a jaw track 308 of the main housing 104 against the spring 302 urging the jaw 106 and main housing 104 apart. The catch 306 is designed to engage a bottom horizontal edge 602 of the jaw track 308 located at the position of the catch 306 shown in FIG. 3C. In addition, the main housing 104 further includes a spring engagement pin 600 for locking the cylindrical compression spring 302 in place when the cartridge 100 is assembled. This mates with a spring engagement socket 706 of the jaw 106 described below.

[0052] Additionally, as previously mentioned, engagement of cartridge 100 with instrument 102 is secured between rear edge 108 of main housing 104 of cartridge 100 and a bottom feature of jaw 106. Rear edge 108 of main housing 104 includes a horizontal groove (or slot) 604 that engages with a lip 800 in a pocket of push support 110. See also Figures 8A and 8B.

[0053] 4.0 Jaw and Backing Platform 7A-7C show various views of an exemplary jaw for use in an embodiment of a manual body piercing cartridge of the present invention. The backing platform 120 can include a surface for supporting a user's body part in an area surrounding the back of the piercing location and a through hole 700 aligned with the post 118. The through hole 700 can be elongated vertically to accommodate some vertical movement by the post 118 during piercing. Alternatively, the backing platform 120 can house a clutch disposed within a vertical slot that can engage the post during piercing and then slide out of the vertical slot. In some examples, the jaw 106 can include a reinforcing beam or stiffener 702 disposed behind the instrument engagement feature 704 to stabilize the movement of the jaw 106 and body 104 during piercing.

[0054] Importantly, the jaws 106 may include a push catch 310 that slides past the post holder 116 and engages a rear end of the post holder 116 when the jaws 106 and main housing 104 are moved relative to one another during puncturing. The push catch 310 then pushes the post holder 116 out of the post holder track 304 when the spring 302 pushes the jaws 106 and main housing 104 apart after puncturing.

[0055] As previously mentioned, the jaws 106 include features 704 for engaging corresponding features on the body piercing device 102 to engage the cartridge 100 to the device 102. In one example, a feature on the bottom of the jaws 106 can include a horizontal groove (or slot) 704 that engages with a lip 802 on the end of the forward extension 126 of the finger grip 122. See also Figures 8A and 8B. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will appreciate that many different types of known mechanical engagement features can be used within the scope of the present invention, both for engagement with the push support 110 of the body 104 and for engagement with the forward extension 126 of the jaws 106. Ideally, the engagement of these two sets of elements is easily accomplished by hand with a snap fit such that the cartridge 100 cannot fall off the device 102, but can be removed with only light force.

[0056] 5.0 Body piercing devices 8A and 8B show various views of an exemplary body lancing device 102 for use with an embodiment of the body lancing cartridge 100 of the present invention. The body lancing device 102 includes a slidably engaged finger grip 112 and palm grip 114. The push support 110 is rigidly coupled to the palm grip 114 of the body lancing device 102 and is positioned to protrude from the interior of the upper portion of the finger grip 112. In this example, the blunt tip of the forward extension 126 can include a lip 802 as a corresponding feature for engaging with the feature of the jaw 106. Thus, the feature of the jaw 106 can include a transverse slot 704, and the corresponding feature of the finger grip 112 includes a lip 802 that engages with the slot 704 when the cartridge 100 is installed in the device. At the same time, the body 104 includes a horizontal groove (or slot) 604 at the rear edge 108 that engages with a lip 800 in the pocket of the push support 110 of the instrument 102 .

[0057] 6.0 PROJECTING BODY PENING CARTRIDGE METHODS 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operating an embodiment of a body lancing cartridge of the present invention. Method 900 begins with step 902 of engaging a rear edge of a main housing of the body lancing cartridge with a push support of a body lancing device. The body lancing device includes a finger grip slidably engaged with a palm grip, and the push support is rigidly coupled to the palm grip. Additionally, the body lancing cartridge includes a jaw slidably engaged with the main housing at a jaw track, and a post holder supporting a post slidably engaged with a post holder track in the main housing, and the jaw track is parallel to the post holder track. In step 904, a feature on the jaw of the body lancing cartridge engages a corresponding feature rigidly coupled to the finger grip of the body lancing device. The jaw feature is positioned rearward of the end of the jaw such that the end of the jaw projects beyond a forward extension from the finger grip of the body lancing device. Next, in step 906, the body part is placed against the backing platform of the jaws such that the body part is located between the jaws and the post. In step 908, one or more fingers of the user's hand are placed in the finger grips of the body lancing device. In step 910, the palm (or thumb) of the user's hand is placed in the palm grip of the body lancing device. In step 912, pressure is applied between the palm and one or more fingers to create pressure between the finger grips that engage corresponding features of the body lancing device and the palm grip that engages a rear edge of the main housing with a push support of the body lancing device to move the jaws and body of the cartridge relative to one another along the jaw track such that the post punctures the body part against the backing platform of the jaws.

[0058] This completes the description including the preferred embodiment of the invention. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

[0059] It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the device and method of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. a body piercing cartridge including a main housing, a jaw slidably engaged with said main housing at a jaw track, and a post holder supporting a preloaded post and slidably engaged with said main housing at a post holder track, said jaw track being parallel to said post holder track; a body lancing device including a finger grip and a palm grip that are slidably engaged, the push support being rigidly coupled to the palm grip; Equipped with the jaws include features that engage corresponding features rigidly coupled to the finger grip of the body-piercing device, the features of the jaws being positioned rearward of the forward end of the jaws such that the forward end of the jaws projects beyond a forward extension from the finger grip of the body-piercing device; the jaws support a backing platform for piercing a body part with the post as the jaws and main housing move relative to one another along the jaw track by pressure applied between the finger gripping portion, which engages the corresponding feature of the body piercing device, and the palm gripping portion, which engages a rear edge of the main housing with the push support of the body piercing device; A body puncturing system wherein the end of the jaw protrudes beyond the forward extension from the finger grip of the body puncturing device, and the main housing and palm grip of the body puncturing device and post holder do not move relative to one another when the jaw and main housing move to puncture a body part with the post.

2. 2. The body lancing system of claim 1, wherein the forward extension from the finger grip tapers to a blunt tip, the blunt tip of the forward extension comprising a lip, the feature on the jaw comprising a transverse slot, and the corresponding feature on the finger grip comprising the lip.

3. 3. The body lancing system of claim 2, wherein the body lancing device includes a spring disposed between the finger grip and the palm grip to resist movement of the jaw and main housing relative to one another after the rear edge of the main housing engages the push support of the palm grip and the features of the jaw engage the corresponding features of the finger grip.

4. The body piercing system of claim 1 , wherein the post includes a conical barb for clutchless mounting of the piercing.

5. The body lancing system of claim 1 , wherein the finger grip portion and the palm grip portion each include a series of ridges or projections for improved gripping.

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