NO20180903A1 - System comprising a device connectable to a cord and a detachable retractable cord reel - Google Patents

Description

System comprising a device connectable to a cord and a detachable retractable cord reel

Field of the invention

The present invention concerns a retractable cord reel comprising an external transverse groove for a cord, where the groove is designed such that the cord reel is easily detachable from the cord. The present invention also concerns a system comprising a connectable device connected to a cord and a detachable retractable cord reel with an external transverse groove for the cord. The system comprising the detachable retractable cord reel is suitable e.g. for use with an insulin pump with a hose connected to the injection device.

Background of the invention

Retractable cord reels are useful when it is advantageous that a cord is in a desired length. For some user it will also be advantageous if the cord reel is easily detachable from the cord or from a hose. This could for example be helpful for a diabetic using an insulin pump.

An insulin pump is a medical device used for the administration of insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The device configuration may vary depending on design. A traditional pump includes:

the pump (including controls, processing module, and batteries)

a disposable reservoir for insulin (inside the pump)

a disposable infusion set, including a cannula for subcutaneous insertion (under the skin) and a tubing system to connect the insulin reservoir to the cannula.

By use of such a known device it could be a problem for user that the hose is problematic to handle, and the hose is not always in a desired length. A retractable cord reel is useful in connection with devices where it is advantageous to handle a cord in a desirable length in an easy way. Patent document US7216665 B1 discloses a tube included in an infusion set used with an insulin pump and, more particularly. It comprises a retractable reel for retracting, storing, and releasing the tube when needed.

An automatic cord spool device for earphones, power cords and other cords is disclosed in the link below;

https://www.inspiredhousehold.com/products/headset-storagebox?variant= 12134492340267

This device is different and less practical for the intended use of the present invention, due to the following reasons: 1) More open and less protection of the cord. 2) Because the cord/hose must be attached to the devices hook, the two ends of the cord is reeled in parallel from one side, creating less stability in a situation where the devices is thought to be attached to a cord, that in turn is attached to a person. 3) There is none, or a much less practical approach to tension the cord spring.

The mini Hub is a retractable cord reel for example for use with mobile phones, iPad or other units with need of cords, (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/klinkokids/thehub-mini-hub). Managing the cord by use of this unit is relatively easy. The cord is however fastened in an inner groove and to swap the cord, a lid must be removed.

This device is different and less practical for the intended use of the present invention, due to the following reasons: 1) To tension the cord spring, the user must remove two protective lids before being able to, in a more difficult manner, manually tension the cord. 2) After manually rotating and tensioning the cord, one must simultaneous press a button and insert the cord. 3) The form of the groove that the cord is inserted in, has a less practical design, making it more difficult to attach the cord to the device.

For some users, for example a diabetic using an insulin pump with an insulin hose comprising insulin, it is important that it is no wear on the hose. It would therefore be advantageous that the groove in which the hose is fastened is straight across the cord reel i.e. with no or only small bends in the hose and the groove. It is also easier for the user to fasten the hose when the groove is without angles.

The present invention is advantageous related to the known prior art by that; 1) The mechanism to tension the cord is easier, more intuitive and faster. 2) The straight form of the groove makes it easier to attach a cord/hose. 3) The angle between the upper and lower part of the groove keeps the cord in the groove. 4) Due to the aforementioned reasons, the device's design and low weight, this device can and is intended to, be in close proximity to the user's body.

It is desirable to provide devices that are usable for different types of cords or hoses and where the length of the hose can be adjusted after the need. It is also desirable that it is easy to change the cord or hose.

Known devices are designed for a specific hose or cord. A user of an insulin pump has to change the hose about each 3rd day. It is therefore desirable to provide devices that are usable for different types of hoses and where the length of the hose can be adjusted after the need. It is also desirable that it is easy to change the hose, since it has to be changed/replaced regularly.

Known prior art is also design for use with only one cord or hose, and it would in some cases be advantageous to provide a device which is usable with more than one cord or hose on the same device.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide system that addresses at least one of these problems while retaining the benefits of prior art.

Summary of the invention

This is achieved according to the invention by providing a retractable cord reel comprising an external transverse groove for a cord and a system comprising a connectable device connected to a cord comprising a detachable retractable cord reel with an external transverse groove for the cord. It is also provided a method for use of the system and retractable cord reel, where a cord runs from a connectable device, characterized by;

pushing the lock button in a direction against the groove,

opening the external groove by twisting the upper shell and the lower shell in opposite directions, until the external groove aligns with a peripheral groove in the internal reel,

pushing the lock button away from the groove to lock the outer shell to the internal reel and connect the spring,

twisting the upper shell and the lower shell in opposite to tension the clock spring, inserting the cord into the groove,

pushing the lock button in a direction against the groove to release the internal mechanism; spring support unit and unwind the clock spring and the cord to a variable length, and

pulling the cord out from both ends to desirable lengths during use.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be described in greater detail below be means of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows the insulin pump injection system according to the invention where the cord reel is released from the cord.

Figure 2 shows the insulin pump injection system according to the invention with the cord reel fastened to the cord.

Figure 3 shows the exterior of the cord reel from above, with an external groove for the insulin hose.

Figure 4a shows the exterior upper shell of the cord reel.

Figure 4b shows the internal side of the upper shell of the cord reel.

Figure 4c shows an internal part of the cord reel; an internal reel and a rotation lock. Figure 4d shows the lower shell with the internal clock spring, of the cord reel.

Figure 5 shows details of fig. 4c, illustrating the function of the mechanism that tensions the clock spring.

Figure 6a shows a cross-section of the cord reel where the lock button is in locked position (lock button is positioned away from the groove),

Figure 6b shows shows a cross-section of the cord reel when the lock button is positioned near the groove.

Figure 6c shows shows a cross-section of the cord reel when the lock button is in a middle position.

Figure 7 illustrates the exterior of the retractable cord reel 3 from one side showing the lower and upper shells and the external groove.

Detailed description

Figure 1 illustrates a system 1 according to the invention comprising a connectable device 8 connected to a cord 2 comprising a detachable retractable cord reel 3 with an external groove 7 for the cord 2. The device 8 could for example be an insulin pump 8 and the cord 2 is then an insulin hose 2 that fluidly connects to a cannula in an injection part 4. The retractable cord reel 3 comprises in this embodiment an external transverse groove 7 that is adapted to the insulin hose 2. Figure 1 illustrates the insulin pump injection system according to the invention where the detachable cord reel 3 is released from the cord 2. In figure 2 the system is illustrated while the cord reel is fastened to the cord.

The external groove 7 in the cord reel 3 is adapted to inserting and fastening the insulin hose 2 or any other cords in an easy way. This is possible because that the groove 7 for inserting the hose is located outside the device. Cf. fig. 3 and 4a illustrating the exterior upper shell of the cord reel. Figure 4b shows the internal side of the upper shell of the cord reel. The groove 7 can be design and adapted to fit different hoses or cords of any dimensions and materials. In one embodiment the upper shell 3a comprises more than one groove 7 such that the system is usable for different cords or hoses and for variable areas of use.

The cord or an insulin hose 2 extends from the device 8 for example an insulin pump to the first end 5 of the groove across the cord reel 3 in the external groove 7 and further via the second end 6 of the groove to a cannula in the injection part 4 or other suitable devices.

The system 1 comprises a lock button 9 located on the upper shell 3a of the retractable cord reel 3. This lock button 9 is connected to an internal mechanism in the cord reel 3 enabling by pushing the lock button 9, the cord or insulin hose 2 to be pulled in and fixed in correct position and also to release the insulin hose or cord 2 from both ends 5, 6 such that the hose extends at a desired length on both sides of the cord reel 3.

The invention is especially suitable for systems where it is advantageous to easily remove and insert the cord. A user of an insulin pump has to change the hose about each 3. day and the invention is there for very helpful for a diabetic. It is also advantageous that the hose always can be in a desirable length and tight or loos as needed.

The system 1 of the invention comprising a connectable device 8 connected to a cord 2 comprising a detachable retractable cord reel 3 is also useful for devices as intravenous infusion sets, different catheter types, tubes on oxygen masks, earphone wires, charging cables, power cords etc. Other devises where it is advantageous that the cord is retractable and also that the cord reel 3 is easily detachable from the cord 2 can also have benefits from using the cord reel 3 of the invention. Larger cord reels 3 for power cords for example tools can be provided with more than one groove for several cords if needed. The groove could also be deeper and/or wider and adapted for more one than one cord.

Figure 4c shows an internal reel 3c of the cord reel 3. The internal reel 3c comprises peripheral grooves 7' adapted for the cord 2 or cords. The external groove 7 is opened for inserting the cord when the groove 7' in the internal reel 3c is aligned with the external groove 7.

The external groove 7 is designed such that the cord reel 3 is easily detachable from the cord 2 and it is also easy to insert the cord or hose 2. The groove 7 is sloping inwards at the upper part such that the cord 2 is appropriate fastened. The groove 7 is in one embodiment designed with a wider opening in one or both of the ends 5 and 6 to make it easier to inserting and release the cord 2 from the groove 7. The groove 7 has also in one embodiment narrower sections to better fastening the cord 2. In one embodiment the external groove 7 also includes a bend or angle to better fastening the cord 2.

In one embodiment the upper shell 3a of the retractable cord reel 3 comprises several external grooves 7. This could be advantageously on for example larger units where the cord reel 3 is used for inserting several cords. The clock spring 10 (internal mechanism) is then stronger and more powerful.

The retractable cord reel 3 comprises an upper shell 3a and a lower shell 3b surrounding the internal reel 3c and a coiling mechanism, including a clock spring 10. The lock button 9 and the transverse groove 7 are located on the upper shell 3a. The upper shell 3a and lower shell 3b, as illustrated in figure 7, are twistable in relation to each other. These are connected to the internal mechanism in such a way that the groove 7 can be opened and adapted to inserting the cord 2.

The movable outer lock button 9 is also connected to the internal mechanism and movable to lock the clock spring 10 and the cord 2, and to release the clock spring 10 and the cord 2. Figures 6a -6c show three different positions of the lock button 9.

The lock button 9 is located on the upper shell 3a can be positioned in three different positions;

a): The button 9 is positioned away from the groove 7 towards the circumference of the upper shell 3a of the retractable cord reel 3.

b): The lock button 9 is positioned near the groove 7 in the upper shell 3a.

c): The lock button 9 is positioned in in an intermediate position between a) and b).

In position a) as illustrated in figure 6a the upper shell 3a is connected to the inner clock spring 10 such so it can be pulled up, it is a mechanism (one-way ratchet function) that causes the spring does not spin even if you release the outer shell.

When the cord is inserted in the external groove 7 and the lock button 9 is in position b) the cord is reeled. In position b) the user can manually pull the hose, but the spring 9 will pull it back on the internal reel 3c such that the cord remains tight.

When the lock button 9 is in position c) i.e. the intermediate position (see figure 6c) the user can also pull the cord 2, but now the cord remains loose, this is if the user wants to slacken the hose i.e. not a tight cord. The button is then free from the inner spring but the ratchet function is still in engagement with the spring such that the user can adjust how much of the wire that is available without that the spring pulls in the cord.

The method of how to use the devices of the system according to the invention is described in the following steps;

pushing the lock button 9 in a direction against the groove 7,

opening the external groove 7 by twisting the upper shell 3a and/or the lower shell 3b in opposite directions, until the external groove 7 align with a peripheral groove 7' in the internal reel 3c,

pushing the lock button 9 away from the groove 7 to lock the outer shell to the internal reel 3c and connect the spring,

twisting the upper shell 3a and the lower shell 3b in opposite directions to tension the clock spring 10,

inserting the cord 2 into the groove 7,

pushing the lock button 9 in a direction against the groove 7 to release the internal mechanism; internal reel 3c and unwind the clock spring 10 and the cord 2 to a variable length, and

pulling the cord 2 out from both ends 5, 6 to desirable lengths during use.

When the user wants to change the cord 2 or hose, the cord 2 is released from the retractable cord reel 3 by pulling the cord 2 out from one of the sides 5,6 of the retractable cord reel 3. The grooves 7,7' must then first be adjusted into aligned positions. A diabetic who uses the system according to the invention can thereby easily replace the insulin hose 2 when needed. The hose 2 with insulin runs from the insulin pump 8 to an injection part 4 with a cannula.

Details about the internal mechanism of the retractable cord reel 3

The lock button 9 interacts with the internal reel mechanism and the clock spring that affects the cord 2. The internal mechanism of the cord reel 3 is described below.

With reference to figures 4c and 4d, a spring #1 is positioned around a hole #3a and presses a rotation lock #2 upwards.

Figure 5 illustrates how the mechanism that strains the spring works. The rotation lock #2 is movable upward and downward, but it cannot be rotated. The internal reel 3c can be rotated, but it cannot be moved upwards and downward.

The pins #2a on the rotation lock #2 engages with the pins #4a on the internal reel 3c, as illustrated in the coss-section views Γ-3'. The views Γ-3' is explained below;

1' : When the internal reel 3c rotates counterclockwise the sloped surfaces of #4a and #2 meet.

2' : #2a is pressed down and slips below #4a.

3' : When #4a and #2a has past beyond each other, the spring #1 presses #2 (and #2a) upwards. #4a and #2a is now positioned with their two parallel surfaces against each other, these are perpendicular to rotation return. 3c can still rotate counterclockwise but not in the opposite direction.

Figures 6a - 6c illustrate how the lock button's position is related to the internal mechanism. When the button 9 is pushed apart from the center (see fig. 6a), it locks part 3a to the internal reel 3c, such that 3c can be rotated by rotating 3a. This drawing also illustrates that the internal reel 3c and #2 is engaged as mentioned above. Where 3c can be rotated counterclockwise to tension the spring.

Figure 6b illustrates that the lock button 9 is pushed against the center. It then pushes the sloped surfaces I and II against each other such that #2 is pressed downward and #2a is clear of #4a at the same time as III (on 9) disconnects 9 (and 3a) from 3c such that the spring 10 is released.

Figure 6c illustrates that the lock button 9 is in the middle position. Ill is then clear of the notch in the internal reel 3c, which again disconnects it from the upper shell 3a. #2a and #4a is however still in engagement such that the tensioned spring 10 cannot be released. In this position it is possible to pull the cord 2 to release more of the cord length, without that 10 automatically draws the cord in again.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific examples and embodiments, the scope of the invention is determined by the accompanying claims.

Reference numerals to the drawings

Insulin pump injection system 1 Spring #1

Cord 2

Rotation lock #2

Pins #2a

Retractable cord reel 3

Upper shell 3a

Hole #3a

Lower shell 3b

Internal reel 3c

Injection part 4

Pins #4a

First end of the external groove 5 Second end of the external groove 6 External transverse groove 7 Peripheral groove 7' in internal reel 3c Connectable device 8

Lock button 9

Clock spring 10

Internal attaches 11

Claims (15)

Claims

1. Retractable cord reel (3) characterized by comprising an external transverse groove (7) for a cord (2).

2. Retractable cord reel (3) according to claim 1, where the external groove in the cord reel (3) extends straight across the cord reel (3).

3. Retractable cord reel (3) according to any of the preceding claim, where the groove (7) is designed such that the cord reel (3) is easily detachable from the cord (2).

4. Retractable cord reel (3) according to any of the preceding claim where the groove (7) is sloping inwards at the upper part such that the cord (2) is appropriate fastened.

5. Retractable cord reel (3) according to any of the preceding claim, comprising an upper shell (3a) and a lower shell (3b) surrounding a coiling mechanism, including a clock spring (10), and where a lock button (9) and the transverse groove (7) is located on the upper shell (3a).

6. Retractable cord reel (3) according to any of the preceding claim, where the upper shell (3a) and a lower shell (3b) are twistable in relation to each other and connected to an internal mechanism in such a way that the groove (7) can be opened and adapted to inserting the cord (2) and also such that the internal spring (10) can be coiled up.

7. Retractable cord reel (3) according to any of the preceding claim, where the movable outer lock button (9) is connected to the internal mechanism and movable to lock the clock spring (10) and the cord (2), and to release the clock spring (10) and the cord (2).

8. Retractable cord reel (3) according to any of the preceding claim where the internal mechanism comprising the clock spring (10), works by moving the lock button (9) in three different positions, which interact with an internal rotation lock (#2) which is movable upward and downward, but it cannot be rotated and an internal reel (3c) that can be rotated, but it cannot be moved upwards and downward, where pins (#2a) on the rotation lock (#2) engages with pins (#4a) on the internal reel (3c), affecting the tension of the spring 10 and thereby the cord 2.

9. System (1) comprising a connectable device (8) connected to a cord (2) characterized by comprising a detachable retractable cord reel (3) with an external transverse groove (7) for the cord (2).

10. System (1) according to claim 9, where the device (8) is an insulin pump (8) and where the cord (2) is an insulin hose (2) that fluidly connects to a cannula in an injection part (4), and where the retractable cord reel (3) comprises the external transverse groove (7) adapted for the insulin hose (2).

11. System (1) according to any of claim 9-10, where the external groove (7) in the cord reel (3) is adapted to inserting and fastening the insulin hose (2) in an easy way, and where the insulin hose (2) extends from the insulin pump (8) to the first end (5) of the external groove across the cord reel (3) in the groove (7) and further via the second end (6) of the external groove to the cannula in the injection part (4).

12. System (1) according to any of the preceding claim 9-11, where the lock button (9) is connected to an internal mechanism in the cord reel (3) enabling by pushing the lock button (9), the insulin hose (2) to be pulled in and fixed in correct position and also to release the insulin hose (2) from both ends (5, 6) such that the hose extends at a desired length on both sides of the cord reel (3).

13. Method for use of a system and a retractable cord reel (3) according to any of claims 1-12, where a cord (2) runs from a connectable device (8), characterized by;

pushing the lock button (9) in a direction against the groove (7) opening the external groove (7) by twisting the upper shell (3a) and/or the lower shell (3b) in opposite directions, until the external groove (7) align with a peripheral groove (7') in the internal reel (3c), pushing the lock button (9) away from the groove (7) to lock the outer shell to the internal reel (3c) and connect the spring,

twisting the upper shell (3a) and the lower shell (3b) in opposite directions to tension the clock spring (10),

inserting the cord (2) into the groove (7),

pushing the lock button (9) in a direction against the groove (7) to release the internal mechanism; internal reel (3c) and unwind the clock spring (10) and the cord (2) to a variable length, and

pulling the cord (2) out from both ends (5, 6) to desirable lengths during use.

14. Method for use of a retractable cord reel (3) according to claim 13, where the cord (2) is released from the retractable cord reel (3) by pulling the cord (2) out from one of the sides (5,6) of the retractable cord reel (3) when the grooves (7,7') are in aligned positions.

15. Method for use of a retractable cord reel (3) according to any of claim 13-14, where the cord (2) is an insulin hose (2) which is replaced when needed and where the hose (2) with insulin runs from an insulin pump (8) to an injection part (4) with a cannula.