WO2012037567A1

WO2012037567A1 - Housing for integrated blood glucose measurement device

Info

Publication number: WO2012037567A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/052191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Golnik; Charles Boiteau
Original assignee: Agamatrix, Inc.
Priority date: 2010-09-17
Filing date: 2011-09-19
Publication date: 2012-03-22

Abstract

A housing for a consumer electronic device in combination with a diagnostic measurement device comprises: a body portion having an interior configured to enclose the consumer electronic device in combination with the diagnostic measurement device; a first opening to provide access to a display of the consumer electronic device; a second opening to provide access to a display of the diagnostic measurement device; and a port to provide user access to a testing function of the diagnostic measurement device.

Description

Title

Housing for Integrated Blood Glucose Measurement Device

Statement of Related Cases

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/383,884 filed September 17, 2010, which application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes in countries permitting such incorporation.

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.

61/078,740 filed on July 7, 2008 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/498,227 filed on July 6, 2009 which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes in countries permitting such incorporation. This application is also related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/165,341 filed on March 31, 2009 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/749,707 filed on March 30, 2010 which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes in countries permitting such incorporation.

Background of the Invention

The use of portable consumer electronic devices (CED) has allowed users of such devices the ability to carry computing power with them and, in the case of web-enabled CEDs, has allowed users to have access to the world wide web in remote locations. CEDs include hand-held devices such as music storage devices (, iPod™ , MP3 players, and similar devices), cell phones (e.g., an iPhone™, a Blackberry™, a Treo™, Android™ phones and similar devices), personal data assistants, tablet style devices, and web access assistants such as the iPod Touch™ and iPad™. These CEDs allow users to connect to the Internet via wireless technology through wireless local area networks and/or through cell phone networks and towers. Alternatively, these CEDs may use a USB connection or propriety connection to connect to a computer that may be connected to the Internet. A user can download information as well as upload information to a personal computer and/or the Internet using these devices.

A user of these CEDs may have some physical impairment or ailment which may require a periodic checks (e.g. once an hour or several times a day, week, and/or month) to determine whether a personal physiological characteristic is nearing or has reached a threshold level where physical danger is approaching or has approached. One example of such a user is a diabetic patient whom may be required to test for the concentration of glucose within their blood stream several times a day. This diabetic user typically carries on their person lancets for the acquisition of blood samples, disposable diagnostic test strips to which they apply the blood samples, and a blood glucose meter (BGM) for analysis of the blood samples.

Much work has been done to make the analysis procedure for impaired patients as easy and painless as possible. However, it is inconvenient to carry a CED and a separate blood glucose meter. Further, it is easy for these devices to become separated from each other and/or for one of the devices to be forgotten or lost. One or both devices may also be damaged as they are carried. Additionally, CED technology is constantly evolving, and new and updated CEDs are being released.

Further, due to processing power requirements and other power requirements of CEDs (e.g. display power and wireless communication power requirements among others) the charge life of the self contained battery of the CED is often times short when the CED is in operation and the addition of a separate device (e.g. a BGM) and the associated power requirements of such are often times not feasible. However, due to the memory and processor requirements of the software disposed in the CEDs addition of advanced programs and equipment is not possible/preferable.

Summary of the Invention

A housing for a CED such as a web-enabled cellular telephone (e.g., an iPhone web-enabled portable device (e.g., an iPhone™ or an iPod ouch™) in combination with a diagnostic measurement device such as an analyte meter (e.g., blood glucose meter (BGM) is provided. Throughout the remaining text the diagnostic measurement device will be described within the context of an exemplary embodiment, with the diagnostic measurement device being an analyte measurement device that measures the concentration of glucose within a blood sample (e.g. the diagnostic measurement device will be described in the context of a BGM). In other implementations, the analyte measurement device may be any device that may be configured to determine the level of one or more analytes (e.g., ketones, cholesterol, lactate, and the like). Nothing within the following description however will limit the diagnostic device to a BGM unless such context is so limiting, as other diagnostic devices are contemplated and do not depart from the scope of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, a housing for a consumer electronic device in combination with a diagnostic measurement device comprises a body portion having an interior configured to enclose the consumer electronic device in combination with the diagnostic measurement device; a first opening to provide access to a display of the consumer electronic device; a second opening to provide access to a display of the diagnostic measurement device; and a port to provide user access to a testing function of the diagnostic measurement device.

In another embodiment, a housing for a web-enabled portable device and a blood glucose meter comprises an upper body portion having an opening to provide access to a display of the web-enabled portable device; and a lower body portion having an opening to provide access to a display of the blood glucose meter and a test strip port of the blood glucose meter. The upper body portion and the lower body portion are configured to slide together to enclose the web-enabled portable device and the blood glucose meter.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 A is an isometric view of a housing for an iPhone™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown). Figure IB is a top side elevation view of a housing for an iPhone™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 1C is a bottom side elevation view of a housing for an iPhone™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure ID is a right side elevation view of a housing for an iPhone™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure IE is a left side elevation view of a housing for an iPhone™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure IF is a front plan view of a housing for an iPhone™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 1G is a back plan view of a housing for an iPhone™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 1H is an exploded isometric view of a housing for an iPhone™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 2A is an isometric view of a housing for an iPod Touch™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 2B is a top side elevation view of a housing for an iPod Touch™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 2C is a bottom side elevation view of a housing for an iPod Touch™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 2D is a right side elevation view of a housing for an iPod Touch™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 2E is a left side elevation view of a housing for an iPod Touch™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 2F is a front plan view of a housing for an iPod Touch™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 2G is a back plan view of a housing for an iPod Touch™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown).

Figure 2H is an exploded isometric view of a housing for an iPod Touch™ (not shown) and a blood glucose meter (not shown). Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary analyte meter/CED combination.

Detailed Description

As explained above, it is desirable to co-locate a CED and a BGM for the convenience of the user. A housing adapted to contain both a CED and a BGM is described herein. The housing provides for co-location and protection of both the CED and the BGM without impairing or inhibiting access to or use of either device. Further, pairing both devices in the same housing reduces the likelihood of the smaller device (generally the analyte meter) getting lost. Additionally, because the housing creates the appearance that the analyte meter and the CED are one object, the analyte meter is disguised, thus reducing the social stigma associated with carrying and using a testing device and encouraging more regular/frequent testing.

The CED and BGM may communicate via direct electronic coupling (e.g. via universal serial bus (USB), 30 pin connecter, or the like) or via wireless communication (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, or the like). By providing a housing around the CED and the BGM, stress on the physical connectors of the devices is reduced while the devices are physically coupled. Components of the housing may slide together, snap together or be press fit together around the CED and the BGM. Further, the interior of the housing may include compressible features, non-angled features, or angled features to ensure that the CED and/or the BGM fit snugly within the housing. The housing may also include inserts that allow for the housing to accommodate devices of different sizes or thicknesses. The housing may also provide for a supplemental external power supply, such as the supplemental power supply as provided by Mophie, Inc. (www.mophie.com) which was acquired by mStation, Inc. (www.mstation.com) on about September 4, 2007, which has been found to be a preferable backup power supply of CEDs produced by Apple, Inc. such as the iPhone™ and the iPod Touch™.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 A through 1H, a housing for a CED such as an iPhone™ and a BGM is shown. The housing 100 shown has an upper body portion 100a and a lower body portion 100b, into which the CED and the BGM are inserted. As shown in FIG. 1H, the upper body portion 100a and the lower body portion 100b slide together. It should be understood that the body portions may be snapped together, press fit together, or similarly assembled. The housing 100 may comprise a rigid material (e.g., metal, plastic, and the like), semi-rigid material (e.g., plastic), or elastic material (e.g., rubber or silicone). It should also be understood that the housing may also be divided into front and back portions or left and right portions, or may be constructed of a single piece of elastic material that is stretched around the CED/BGM device combination. The housing 100 includes a variety of openings that allow for access to both the CED and the BGM. It should be appreciated that the location of these openings are non-limiting and may vary to provide access to various features of different CEDs and BGMs.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1H, opening 110 provides for access to the BGM, and allows for a user to see information displayed on the BGM. Opening 120 provides for access to the user interface/display of the CED. One or both of these openings may be covered by an optically clear material (e.g., polycarbonate, glass, etc.), to further protect the user interface/display of the BGM and/or CED. One or both of the openings may also be covered by a material (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.) that provides for a user to interact with the BGM and/or the CED the via a touch sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, or a thermal sensor. Further, the material may be electrically conductive.

Also shown in FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1H are numerous small openings 130 in the housing 100 provide for less obstructed sound transmission to/from the CED and use of microphone and/or speakers that may be included in the CED. Port 140, shown in FIGS. IB. 1C. and IE, provides for an opening for the lens of the CED's integrated camera. Port 160 of housing 100, shown in FIGS. 1A, IB, 1C, ID, and 1H, provides for access to the volume control of the iPhone™-. Port 170 of housing 100, shown in FIGS. 1A, IB, 1C, 1G, and 1H, provides for access to the headset jack of the iPhone™. Port 180, shown in FIGS. 1A, IB, 1C, 1G, and 1H, provides for access to the sleep/wake control of the iPhone™. It should be appreciated that any of these Ports 140, 160, 170, 180 may be provided with a fixed or removable covering for further protection of the CED. In some implementations, the housing 100 may include features that provide for a snug-fit of the CED and/or the BGM in the housing. Features 150 as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1H, for example, may be angled to push the CED into a snug-fitting state. Alternatively, features 150 may be compressible (e.g. made of foam or rubber layers, springs, or the like). In still other implementations, compressible inserts (e.g., made of foam, rubber, metal springs, and the like) may be inserted into the case to provide for a snug fit. Further, inserts of varying sizes (width, length, thickness) may be inserted into a case to adapt the case to fit different CEDs. For example, an insert may be added to adapt a case to accommodate different generations of the iPhone™ having varying dimensions.

In FIGS. 1 A through 1H, the lower housing 100b is adapted to accommodate the BGM. A strip port opening 195, shown in FIGS. 1A, 1C, IF, and 1H, allows diagnostic test strips to be inserted into the BGM to perform blood glucose measurements and calculations by the BGM portion of the combined device. A display on the BGM allows the user to see the results of the test (e.g. a value of 120) via opening 110, shown in FIGS. 1 A, IB, and 1H. Port 190, shown in FIGS. 1A, IB, 1C, IF, and 1H, provides access for a user to connect a USB cable to the BGM. The test results are then transmitted to the CED portion of the combined device via direct electronic connection (via, for example, the 30 pin iPod™ proprietary connector or USB connection) or wireless connection (via, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth™). The CED may then communicate the results to a server via the cellular telephone network or via a http protocol using a wireless local area network or by some other communication means to another network. The test results (e.g., 1-day averages, 7-day averages, 30 day averages) may be compiled and/or calculated on the BGM, the CED or at the server level. Feedback to the user can be given and displayed by the BGM, the CED, or both. The feedback can be in the form of text, images, audio, and/or video among other forms of visual, audible, and/or tactile feedback.

In an implementation, an external battery pack, the CED's power source, the optional battery contained in the BGM or some combination thereof power the combined device. The external battery pack may, in part, function as an insert to provide for the snug fit of the CED in the housing. Further, the external battery pack may be of a variable thickness and adaptable to accommodate CEDs of different or varying thicknesses. Additionally, the housing may include a receiver to enable wireless charging of the external battery pack, the CED's power source, the optional battery contained in the BGM, or any combination thereof, via inductive power transmission when used with a commercially available wireless charging device ("charging pad"). In yet another implementation, the housing may be configured to be coupled to a power source, and include a transmitter for wirelessly charging devices housed therein that are equipped with receivers for wireless charging. In still other implementations, the housing may include a kinetic energy charger, which can in turn charge the devices contained within the housing via wired connection or inductive power transmission.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2H, a housing for a CED such as an iPod Touch™ and a BGM is shown. The housing 200 shown has an upper body portion 200a and a lower body portion 200b, into which the CED and the BGM are inserted. As shown in FIG. 2H, the upper body portion 200a and the lower body portion 200b slide together. It should be understood that the upper and lower body portions may be snapped together, press fit together, or similarly assembled. The housing 200 may be made of a rigid material (e.g., metal, plastic, and the like), semi-rigid material (e.g., plastic), or elastic material (e.g., rubber or silicone). It should also be understood that the housing may also be divided into front and back portions or left and right portions, or may be constructed of a single piece of elastic material. The housing 200 includes a variety of openings that allow for access to both the CED and the BGM. It should be appreciated that the location of these openings are non-limiting and may vary to provide access to various features of different CEDs and BGMs.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, opening 210 provides for access to the BGM, and allows for a user to see information displayed on the BGM. Opening 220, shown in FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2H, provides for access to the user interface/display of the CED. One or both of these openings may be covered by an optically clear material (e.g., polycarbonate, glass, etc.), to further protect the user interface/display of the BGM and/or CED. One or both of the openings may also be covered by a material (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.) that provides for a user to interact with the BGM and/or the CED the via a touch sensor, such as a averages, 30 day averages) may be compiled and/or calculated on the BGM, the CED or at the server level. Feedback to the user can be given and displayed by the BGM, the CED, or both. The feedback can be in the form of text, images, audio, and/or video among other forms of visual, audible, and/or tactile feedback.

Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary analyte meter/CED combination. The exemplary combination 300 includes an iPhone™ 310 and a blood glucose meter (BGM) 350. The BGM 350 is physically coupled to the iPhone™ 310 via a proprietary 30 pin connector. The iPhone™ 310 includes a touch screen 320. The BGM includes a test strip port 330 and a display 340 for providing results of the test or other feedback. This display 340 remains visible to the user when the analyte meter/CED combination is inserted into the housing described herein.

In some implementations, the combined devices described above can be considered to provide additional benefits in that the BGM further comprises a circuit that permits preferential charging and/or draining of batteries found in the power sources (e.g., those of the BGM, the external battery pack, and the CED). capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, or a thermal sensor. Further, the material may be electrically conductive.

Port 260 of housing 200, shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2H, provides for access to the volume control of the iPod Touch™. Port 280, shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2G, and 2H, provides for access to the sleep/wake control of the iPod Touch™. It should be appreciated that any of these Ports 260 and 280 may be provided with a fixed or removable covering for further protection of the CED.

In some implementations, the housing may include features that provide for a snug-fit of the CED and/or the BGM in the housing. For example, features in the interior of the housing may be angled to push the CED into a snug-fitting state. Alternatively, features in the interior of the housing may be compressible (e.g. made of foam or rubber layers, springs, or the like). In still other implementations, compressible inserts (e.g. made of foam, rubber, metal springs, and the like) may be inserted into the case to provide for a snug fit. Further, inserts of varying sizes (width, length, thickness) may be inserted into a case to adapt the case to fit different CEDs. For example, an insert may be added to adapt a case to accommodate different dimensions of different generations of the iPod Touch™.

In FIGS. 2 A through 2H, the lower housing 200b is adapted to accommodate the BGM. A strip port opening 295, shown in FIGS. 2A, 2C, 2F, and 2H, allows diagnostic test strips to be inserted into the BGM to perform blood glucose measurements and calculations by the BGM portion of the combined device. A display on the BGM allows the user to see the results of the test (e.g., a value of 120) via opening 210, shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2H. Port 290, shown in FIGS. 2 A, 2B, 2C, 2F, and 2H, provides access for a user to connect a USB cable to the BGM. The test results are then transmitted to the CED portion of the combined device via direct electronic connection (via, for example, the 30 pin iPod™ proprietary connector or USB connection) or wireless connection (via, for example Wi-Fi or Bluetooth™). The CED may then communicate the results to a server via the cellular telephone network or via a http protocol using a wireless local area network or by some other communication means to another network. The test results (e.g., 1-day averages, 7-day

9 In the implementations described herein, the BGM/CED combinations provided herein are portable and can operate independent of each other.

In other implementations, input from a variety of sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, accelerometers, altimeters, inter alia) can be incorporated into the combined devices to interpret or provide for regional corrections of the electrochemical test performed by the BGMs. As is already known, BGM results may be affected by several environmental parameters such as temperature, altitude, humidity, etc.

The present invention provides a protective housing in which the CED and the diagnostic testing apparatus are co-located, and the display of the diagnostic testing apparatus is visible to a user. Having both devices within the same housing reduces stress on connectors if the devices are physically connected, reduces the likelihood that the diagnostic testing apparatus (which is frequently smaller than the CED) will be lost, and reduces the social stigma of testing by disguising the testing device as a phone. Furthermore, given the constantly evolving technology of CEDs, the present invention is adaptable to different CEDs because CEDs evolve much more rapidly than medical devices. Thus, the disclosed adaptable housing (including inserts) is beneficial since the same housing may be used with many different CEDs. Additionally, the disclosed housing can supplement the battery life of one or both of the CED and the diagnostic testing apparatus.

Claims

1. A housing for a consumer electronic device in combination with a diagnostic measurement device, the housing comprising:

a body portion having an interior configured to enclose the consumer electronic device in combination with the diagnostic measurement device;

a first opening to provide access to a display of the consumer electronic device;

a second opening to provide access to a display of the diagnostic measurement device; and a port to provide user access to a testing function of the diagnostic

measurement device.

2. The housing of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic measurement device is a blood glucose meter and the port is a strip port opening.

3. The housing of claim 1 , wherein an interior of the body portion comprises

compressible features, non-angled features, or angled features configured to hold at least one of the consumer electronic device and the diagnostic measurement device in place.

4. The housing of claim 1, further comprising an insert configured to decrease a volume of the interior of the body portion.

5. The housing of claim 4, wherein the insert is an external battery pack.

6. The housing of claim 1, wherein the first opening or the second opening is covered by an optically clear material.

7. The housing of claim 6, wherein the optically clear material is electrically conductive.

8. The housing of claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises a rigid material.

9. The housing of claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises a semi-rigid material.

10. The housing of claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises an elastic material.

11. The housing of claim 1 , wherein the body portion comprises an upper body portion and a lower body portion, and the upper body portion and the lower body portion slide together.

12. The housing of claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises an upper body portion and a lower body portion, and the upper body portion and the lower body portion are press fit together.

13. The housing of claim 1, further comprising one or more ports for access to functions of the consumer electronic device or the diagnostic measurement device.

14. The housing of claim 13, wherein the one or more ports are covered with a fixed or removable covering.

15. The housing of claim 1, further comprising a receiver configured to enable wireless charging of at least one of a power source in the consumer electronic device and a power source in the diagnostic measurement device via inductive power transmission.

16. The housing of claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to a power source.

17. The housing of claim 16, further comprising a transmitter for wirelessly charging at least one of the consumer electronic device and the diagnostic measurement device.

18. The housing of claim 1, further comprising a kinetic charger configured to charge at least one of the consumer electronic device and the diagnostic measurement device.

19. The housing of claim 1, wherein the consumer electronic device is an iPhone™ or an iPod Touch™.

20. A housing for a web-enabled portable device and a blood glucose meter, comprising: an upper body portion having an opening to provide access to a display of the web- enabled portable device; and

a lower body portion having an opening to provide access to a display of the blood glucose meter and a test strip port of the blood glucose meter,

wherein the upper body portion and the lower body portion are configured to slide together to enclose the web-enabled portable device and the blood glucose meter.