Inhaler article with tangential airflow end element

Abstract

The present invention provides an inhaler product, the inhaler product comprising: a body extending from a mouthpiece end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis; a capsule cavity defined in the body; and a tubular element extending from the distal end toward the capsule cavity. The tubular element defines a central channel extending from the distal end toward the capsule cavity. The tubular element includes at least one air inlet for allowing air to enter the central channel. The at least one air inlet extends in a direction tangential to the central channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inhaler article having a tangential airflow end member and an inhaler system including the inhaler article. Background Art

[0002] Disinhalers may not always be fully suitable for providing dry powder particles to the lungs at an inhalation rate or airflow rate within a conventional smoking mode inhalation rate or airflow rate. The operation of a Disinhaler may be complicated, or may involve moving parts. Disinhalers usually attempt to provide a whole dry powder dose or capsule load in a single breath.

[0003] Dry powder inhalers are usually formed of non-biodegradable materials. In addition, these dry powder inhalers are usually formed of materials that may require injection molding or casting, and the assembly of these parts may present a bottleneck in the manufacturing process and is difficult to produce at high speed.

[0004] It is desirable to provide a substantially biodegradable dry powder inhaler. It is desirable to provide an inhaler article that can be assembled at high speeds. It is also desirable to provide an inhaler article that has a form that is easy to grip and familiar to the user, similar to a conventional cigarette. It is also desirable to provide an inhaler article that is convenient for the consumer to use.

[0005] The inhaler article comprises: a body extending from a mouthpiece end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis; a capsule cavity defined in the body; and a tubular element extending from the distal end toward the capsule cavity. The tubular element defines a central passage extending from the distal end toward the capsule cavity. The tubular element comprises at least one air inlet for allowing air to enter the central passage. The at least one air inlet extends in a direction tangential to the central passage.

[0006] Advantageously, the inhaler article provides a simplified structure, which utilizes tangential inhaled airflow to enter the central channel to cause rotation or vortex airflow in the tubular element. This rotation or vortex airflow is transferred to the capsule chamber of the inhaler article. Rotation or vortex airflow causes the capsule contained in the capsule chamber to rotate and releases particles into the rotation or vortex airflow to the consumer.

[0007] Preferably, at least one air inlet is near the far-end of the inhaler article body. The central channel can comprise the first end of the upstream boundary that limits the capsule cavity and the second opposite end that limits the far-end of the inhaler article body. Preferably, the second opposite end limits the open far-end of the inhaler article body. The central channel can extend along the longitudinal axis of the main body of the inhaler article, and limits the opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the main body of the inhaler article at the far-end of the main body of the inhaler article. Preferably, the lateral distance between at least one air inlet and the capsule cavity is greater than the lateral distance from the far-end of the inhaler article body to at least one air inlet.

[0008] Advantageously, the tubular element can define an open aperture along the longitudinal axis and may not have an element that blocks or obstructs the open distal end of the inhaler article to reduce the complexity of the inhaler article. The consumer can simply block or obstruct the open distal end with a retainer or a consumer's finger to guide the inhaled air flow to pass substantially through the tangential air inlet on the inhaler article.

[0009] The tubular element may include at least two air inlets. The at least two air inlets extend in a direction tangential to the central passage. The open tubular element may include at least three air inlets. The at least three air inlets extend in a direction tangential to the central passage.

[0010] Preferably, the tubular element is formed of a biodegradable material. Preferably, the tubular element comprises a fibrous material. Preferably, the tubular element is formed of a porous material. Preferably, the tubular element is formed of a cellulosic material, such as cellulose acetate. Preferably, the tubular element is formed of a polylactic acid material.

[0011] Advantageously, the tubular element may be formed from a material used to assemble conventional cigarettes.Advantageously, the inhaler article may be formed from a biodegradable material.

[0012] Preferably, the capsule is retained within the capsule cavity. The central passage of the tubular element may have a diameter in the range of about 50% to about 90% of the capsule diameter. It should be appreciated that as the diameter of the central passage of the tubular element increases, the overall diameter of the tubular element may also increase in order to provide an air inlet of sufficient length to direct the airflow into a tangential airflow.

[0013] Advantageously, the distal tubular element may generate a "vortex" airflow from the tangential air inlet into the central channel of the tubular element. After the capsule is pierced, this vortex airflow helps to efficiently exhaust the capsule during consumption. Advantageously, the "vortex" effect may cause rotation of the capsule to provide uniform entrainment of a portion or a small portion of nicotine particles from the capsule in two or more, or five or more, or ten or more inhalations or "puffs" by the user. Summary of the invention

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a kind of inhaler system is provided, comprises inhaler product as herein described, and it has the capsule that is arranged in the capsule cavity and the holder that receives inhaler product.The holder comprises the housing with the housing cavity that is used to receive inhaler product and is configured to keep the inhaler product in the housing cavity.The sleeve comprises the sleeve cavity, and the sleeve can move along the longitudinal axis of the housing in the housing cavity.The sleeve comprises a first open end and a second opposite end.The first open end is configured to receive the inhaler product, and the second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to contact the distal end of the inhaler product.

[0015] Preferably, the second opposing end of the sleeve is configured to direct substantially all of the inhaled air to flow through the inhaler article, the at least one air inlet extending in a direction tangential to the central passageway.

[0016] Advantageously, the retainer may cooperate with the inhaler article to direct substantially all inhaled air flow through the tangential air inlet on the inhaler article.

[0017] Preferably, the holder further comprises a piercing element fixed to and extending from the inner surface of the housing. The piercing element is configured to extend through the second opposite end of the sleeve and into the capsule cavity to pierce the capsule along the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0018] Preferably, the capsule contains pharmaceutically active particles. The pharmaceutically active particles may include nicotine. The mass median aerodynamic diameter of the pharmaceutically active particles may be about 5 microns or less, or in the range of about 0.5 microns to about 4 microns, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 3 microns.

[0019] Inhaler articles as described herein can be combined with a piercing element or a retainer comprising a piercing element, to deliver nicotine particles from a capsule to a user. A piercing element or a piercing device (or retainer) can be separated from a part of an inhaler article, or do not form a part of an inhaler article. A plurality of inhaler articles can be combined with a piercing element or a piercing device (or retainer) to form a kit.

[0020] Advantageously, the inhaler system effectively provides nicotine particles to the lung at an inhalation rate or airflow rate in a conventional smoking mode inhalation rate or airflow rate. The inhaler delivers nicotine powder by having an inhaler product with a form similar to conventional cigarettes. Inhaler system as herein described can provide dry powder to the lung at an inhalation rate or airflow rate in a conventional smoking mode inhalation rate or airflow rate. The consumer can inhale or "puff" multiple times, wherein each "puff" delivers a fraction of the dry powder contained in the capsule contained in the capsule cavity. The inhaler product can have a form similar to conventional cigarettes, and can simulate the habit of conventional smoking. The inhaler product can be easy to manufacture and is convenient for the consumer to use.

[0021] The airflow management by the capsule cavity of the inhaler article can cause the capsule contained therein to rotate during suction and consumption. The capsule can contain particles (also referred to as "nicotine powder" or "nicotine particles") comprising nicotine, and optionally contain particles (also referred to as "flavor particles") comprising flavors. The rotation of the pierced capsule can be suspended, and the nicotine particles released into the inhaled air from the pierced capsule are atomized, and the inhaled air moves through the inhaler article. Flavor particles can be larger than nicotine particles, and can contribute to the nicotine particles being delivered to the user's lungs, while the flavor particles are preferentially maintained in the user's oral cavity or cheek space. Nicotine particles and optional flavor particles can utilize the inhaler article to deliver at an inhalation rate or airflow rate within a conventional smoking mode inhalation rate or airflow rate.

[0022] The term "nicotine" refers to nicotine and nicotine derivatives, such as free base nicotine, nicotine salts, and the like.

[0023] The term "flavorant" or "flavor" refers to a sensory compound, composition or material that alters and is intended to alter the taste or aroma characteristics of nicotine during its consumption or inhalation.

[0024] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative position of the elements of the holder, inhaler article, and inhaler system being described with respect to the direction of the inhaled airflow as it passes through the body of the holder, inhaler article, and inhaler system.

[0025] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used to describe the relative position of a part or part of a part of an inhaler article, a retainer or a system. A retainer or element (such as a sleeve) forming a retainer according to the present invention has: a proximal end, which receives the inhaler article in use; and a relative distal end, which can be a closed end, or an end with a proximal end closer to the retainer. An inhaler article according to the present invention has a proximal end. In use, nicotine particles leave the proximal end of the inhaler article to deliver to the user. The inhaler has a distal end relative to the proximal end. The proximal end of the inhaler article can also be called a mouth end.

[0026] The holder that is used for inhaler products can be combined with the inhaler products (described herein) that comprise capsule, be used for activating inhaler products by piercing capsule, reliable activation (by piercing capsule with the piercing element of holder) of capsule in inhaler products is provided, and discharge the particle contained in capsule, and make products can deliver particle to consumer.The holder is separated from inhaler products, but consumer can utilize inhaler products and holder, consume the particle that releases in inhaler products simultaneously.A plurality of these inhaler products can be combined with holder to form system or suite.Can use single holder on 10 or more or 25 or more or 50 or more or 100 or more inhaler products, to activate (pierce or pierce) the capsule contained in each inhaler products, and provide reliable activation and optional visual indication (marking) for each inhaler product of activation of inhaler products.

[0027] The holder for inhaler products comprises a housing for receiving the housing cavity of the inhaler products and a sleeve configured to keep the inhaler products in the housing cavity. The sleeve comprises a sleeve cavity and can move along the longitudinal axis of the housing in the housing cavity. The sleeve comprises a first open end and a second opposite end. The first open end is configured to receive the far end of the inhaler products. The second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to contact the far end of the inhaler products. The second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to guide substantially all inhaled air flows through the inhaler products, and at least one air inlet extends in a direction tangential to the central channel.

[0028] Inhaler system comprises inhaler product as herein described, and it has the capsule that is arranged in the capsule cavity and the holder that receives inhaler product.The holder comprises the housing with the housing cavity that is used to receive inhaler product and is configured to the sleeve that inhaler product is retained in the housing cavity.Sleeve comprises sleeve cavity, and sleeve can move along the longitudinal axis of housing in the housing cavity.Sleeve comprises first open end and second opposite end.The first open end is configured to receive inhaler product, and the second opposite end of sleeve is configured to contact the far end of inhaler product.

[0029] Method comprises that inhaler article is inserted in the sleeve of the retainer for inhaler article, as described herein, until the second opposite end of the far-end contact sleeve of inhaler article.Inhaler article comprises main body, and this main body extends main body length from the mouthpiece end to the far-end along the inhaler longitudinal axis, and capsule is arranged in the inhaler article main body.Then, move inhaler article and sleeve towards piercing element, until piercing element pierces capsule.Then, air is sucked in the second opposite end of the sleeve of retainer, enter the tangential air inlet on the inhaler article to guide the inhaled air flow, thereby form the rotation or vortex air flow of the central channel of the tubular element by inhaler article.When inhaler article is arranged in the retainer for inhaler article, this vortex inhaled air flow is transferred in the capsule chamber.Then, consumed inhaler article can be removed and discarded from retainer.Then, fresh inhaler article can be inserted in the retainer, and described method is repeated.

[0030] The inhaler article comprises a main body extending from a mouthpiece end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis, a capsule cavity defined in the main body, and a tubular element arranged at the distal end and extending from the distal end to the capsule cavity. The tubular element defines a central channel extending from the distal end to the capsule cavity. The tubular element comprises at least one air inlet allowing air to enter the central channel. The at least one air inlet extends in a direction tangential to the central channel.

[0031] The main body or "inhaler body" of inhaler article can have any suitable shape. The size and shape of the main body or "inhaler body" of inhaler article can be similar to smoking articles or traditional cigarettes. The inhaler body can have an elongated cylindrical main body extending along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article. In other words, the length of the inhaler body can be substantially greater than other dimensions of the inhaler body. The inhaler body can have a substantially consistent outer diameter along the length of the inhaler body. The inhaler body can have a substantially consistent internal diameter along the length of the inhaler body. The inhaler body can have any suitable transverse cross-sectional shape. For example, the transverse cross section can be circular, oval, square or rectangular. The inhaler body preferably has a circular cross section that can be consistent along the length of the inhaler body, thereby forming an elongated cylindrical main body.

[0032] The external diameter of the inhaler body can be at about 6mm to about 10mm, or about 7mm to about 10mm, or about 7mm to about 9mm, or about 7mm to the scope of about 8mm or be about 7.2mm. The length of the inhaler body (along the longitudinal axis) can be at about 40mm to about 100mm or about 40mm to about 80mm or about 40mm to the scope of about 65mm.Preferably, the length of the inhaler body is identical with the length of the inhaler goods.Preferably, the length of the inhaler goods is about 45mm.Preferably, the length of the inhaler body is chosen to make the mouthpiece end of the inhaler goods outstanding from retainer.

[0033] Inhaler body can be formed by polymer or cellulose material or any other suitable material.Inhaler body can be formed by biodegradable material.Inhaler body can be formed by paperboard or cardboard.Inhaler body can have uniform thickness along its length.The thickness of inhaler body can be in the scope of about 1mm to about 2mm.

[0034] The inhaler body can form an integral structure, wherein the body extends continuously from the tubular element to the mouthpiece end. The distal tubular element, the capsule cavity (and the capsule, if present) and the porous support element (or filter) can be continuously arranged in the inhaler body. In other words, the distal tubular element, the capsule cavity (and the capsule, if present), the porous support element (or filter) can be arranged end-to-end along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler body. The porous support element (or filter) can be arranged in the mouthpiece of the body. The mouthpiece air channel can extend from the capsule cavity to the mouthpiece end. The porous support element (or filter) can extend from the capsule cavity to the mouthpiece end of the inhaler article.

[0035] Described inhaler body can be formed by two or more parts.Two parts or more than two parts can be aligned in abutting relation axially in turn, and join together to form inhaler body.Wrapper can be used for these two parts or more than two parts join together.Wrapper can be biodegradable material.Wrapper can be wrapping paper.

[0036] The distal tubular element is configured to introduce vortex airflow into the capsule chamber of the inhaler body. The distal tubular element can comprise an open central passage with tangential air inlet, which is used for introducing vortex suction airflow into the capsule chamber. When air flows through the tangential air inlet and through the capsule chamber, the distal tubular element can cause rotating airflow or vortex airflow.

[0037] Preferably, airflow through the inhaler article enters the inhaler article through the inhaler article sidewalls and into the central channel and then exits along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article, via the capsule and filter, at the mouthpiece end at the proximal end of the inhaler article.

[0038] The tubular element may be disposed at the distal end of the body.The tubular element may define the distal end of the inhaler article.

[0039] The tubular member defines an open central passage ("central passage"). The central passage may include a first end defining an upstream boundary of the capsule cavity and a second opposite end defining a distal end of the inhaler article body.

[0040] The second opposite end can limit the open distal end of the inhaler article body.The central channel can extend along the longitudinal axis of the main body of the inhaler article, and limits the opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the main body of the inhaler article at the distal end of the main body of the inhaler article.The central channel can limit the opening aperture extending longitudinally to the capsule chamber from the distal end of the inhaler article.During use, the consumer can block or block the distal end opening aperture so that substantially all inhaled air flows to the central channel by tangential air inlet (by the tubular element sidewall), and is guided through the capsule chamber and flows out from the mouth end of the inhaler article.

[0041] Blocking or obstructing the second opposite end of the tubular element allows the tubular element to define a vortex generating element configured to generate a vortex or rotational inhaled airflow. Such a vortex or rotational inhaled airflow can be transmitted into the capsule cavity to rotate the capsule and release the dry powder contained in the capsule.

[0042] The tubular element has one or more air inlets near or close to the far end of the inhaler article. One or more air inlets allow inhaled air to enter the central passage of the tubular element. Described at least one air inlet extends on a direction tangent to described central passage.

[0043] The tubular element has two or more air inlets near or close to the far end of the inhaler article. Two or more air inlets allow inhaled air to enter the central passage of the tubular element. Described at least two air inlets extend on the direction tangent to described central passage.

[0044] The tubular element has three or more air inlets near or close to the far end of the inhaler article.Three or more air inlets allow the inhaled air to enter the central passage of the tubular element. Said at least three air inlets extend on the direction tangent to said central passage.

[0045] The tubular element has four air inlets near or close to the far end of the inhaler article. The four air inlets allow the inhaled air to enter the central channel of the tubular element. The four air inlets extend in a direction tangential to the central channel.

[0046] The tubular element may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.

[0047] The one or more air inlets may extend through the side wall forming the tubular element.Preferably, the one or more air inlets enter the central passage in a direction tangential to the inner surface defining the central passage.

[0048] At least one air inlet extending on a direction tangential to the central channel enters the central channel near the second opposite end of the tubular member.At least one air inlet extending on a direction tangential to the central channel enters the central channel near the open far end of the inhaler article.Preferably, at least one air inlet extending on a direction tangential to the central channel enters the central channel at the second opposite end of the tubular member.Preferably, at least one air inlet extending on a direction tangential to the central channel enters the central channel at the far end of the inhaler article.When the tangential air inlet was closer to the second opposite end location of the tubular member, the capsule was exhausted and improved.

[0049] Preferably, the lateral distance between the at least one air inlet and the capsule cavity is greater than the lateral distance from the distal end of the inhaler article body to the at least one air inlet.

[0050] Tubular element can have the length between first end and second opposite end, and this length extends along the longitudinal axis of inhaler body.Tubular element can have any suitable length, such as between about 3mm to about 10mm.Tubular element can have the length in the scope of about 5mm to about 8mm.Central channel length can equal the length of tubular element.

[0051] The tubular element can fill the internal diameter of the inhaler body basically.The tubular element can have an external diameter in the scope of about 6mm to about 8mm.The size and shape of the tubular element can be set to fit in the inner surface of the main body and against the inner surface of the main body.The tubular element can have an external diameter that is enough to form a friction fit or an interference fit with the inner surface of the inhaler body.

[0052] The tubular element may have a central channel having a uniform opening diameter. The opening diameter of the central channel may be in the range of about 2 mm to about 5 mm or about 3 mm to about 4 mm.

[0053] At least one air inlet is near the distal end of the inhaler article. Placing at least one air inlet near, close to or proximate to the second opposite end of the tubular element can improve depletion of particles from the capsule compared to placing at least one air inlet closer to the first end of the tubular element.

[0054] Preferably, at least one air inlet is placed in about 2mm or about 1mm of the far-end of inhaler goods.Preferably, at least one air inlet is placed in about 2mm or about 1mm of the second opposite end of tubular element.Preferably, at least one air inlet is placed in about 2mm or about 1mm of the far-end of the second opposite end of tubular element and inhaler goods.Preferably, at least one air inlet is placed in about 2mm or about 1mm of the far-end of the second opposite end of tubular element and inhaler goods.

[0055] The tubular element may be formed of a fibrous material. The tubular element may be formed of a porous material. The tubular element may be formed of a biodegradable material. The tubular element may be formed of a cellulose material, such as cellulose acetate. The tubular element may be formed of a polylactic acid material.

[0056] The central channel can have a uniform internal diameter or an opening diameter extending from the capsule chamber to the open distal end or the most upstream end of the inhaler article. The central channel can have an internal diameter of at least about 50% or at least about 70% or at least about 75% of the diameter of the main body distal end. The central channel can have an internal diameter in about 50% to about 90% scope of the diameter of the capsule retained in the capsule chamber.

[0057] The central channel may have a uniform inner or opening diameter in the range of about 3 mm to about 6.5 mm, or about 4 mm to about 6 mm, or about 5 mm to about 6 mm, or about 5 mm to about 6 mm, or about 5.5 mm.

[0058] The open tubular element defining the open central passage may have a thickness in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm or about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

[0059] The filter element located downstream of the capsule cavity may extend from the capsule cavity to the mouthpiece end of the inhaler article. The filter element may have a length in the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm, preferably about 15 mm to about 25 mm, and more preferably about 20 mm to about 22 mm.

[0060] The capsule cavity can be axially aligned with the tubular element and arranged in sequence with the tubular element downstream. The tubular element can form the upstream or distal end or boundary of the capsule cavity. The capsule cavity can define a cylindrical space configured to accommodate a capsule. The capsule cavity can define a space configured to receive a capsule with an elliptical or rounded rectangular shape. The capsule cavity can have a substantially consistent or consistent diameter along the length of the capsule cavity. The capsule cavity can have a circular transverse cross-section along the length of the capsule cavity. The capsule cavity can have a cylindrical shape. The configuration of the capsule cavity relative to the capsule can allow the capsule to rotate with a certain stability in the capsule cavity. During inhalation, the longitudinal axis of the capsule can rotate with a certain stability around the longitudinal axis of the inhaler body.

[0061] The capsule cavity may have a fixed cavity length defined on the upstream end of the first end of the tubular element and defined on the downstream end by a porous support element or filter. The cavity length of the capsule cavity may be at least about 110% to less than about 200% of the length of the capsule contained therein, or about 120% to about 130% of the capsule length, or about 125% of the capsule length. The cavity length may be in the range of about 15 mm to about 25 mm and the capsule length may be in the range of about 14 to about 18 mm, or the cavity length may be about 20 mm and the capsule length may be about 16 mm. The cavity length may be about 20 mm. The capsule cavity and the tubular element may have a combined length of about 25 mm to about 35 mm, or the combined length may be about 27 mm to about 32 mm.

[0062] The capsule cavity has a cavity inner diameter orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the capsule has a capsule outer diameter. The capsule outer diameter may be in the range of about 80% to about 99% of the cavity inner diameter, or the capsule outer diameter may be in the range of about 85% to about 95% of the cavity inner diameter, or the capsule outer diameter may be about 90% of the cavity inner diameter. The capsule outer diameter may be in the range of about 5.4 mm to about 6.4 mm, and the cavity inner diameter may be in the range of about 6 mm to about 7 mm.

[0063] The insert body may be included in the capsule cavity. The insert body may define a cylindrical space configured to accommodate the capsule. The insert body may provide additional rigidity to the body along the capsule cavity. The insert body may have a substantially uniform or consistent diameter along the length of the capsule cavity. The length of the insert body may be at least about 110% to less than about 200% of the length of the capsule accommodated therein, or about 120% to about 130% of the capsule length, or about 125% of the capsule length. The insert body may be formed of the same or different material as the body. Preferably, the insert body is formed of paperboard or cardboard.

[0064] The capsule cavity may be defined on the upstream end by a tubular element and on the downstream end or mouthpiece side by a porous support element or filter. These elements may be connected to the wrapper in abutting axial alignment.

[0065] The tubular element and the porous support element or filter can cooperate to contain the capsule longitudinally in the capsule chamber. The tubular element and the porous support element can fill the internal diameter of the elongated inhaler body separately. The porous support element can allow airflow to present uniform airflow along the cross section of the elongated inhaler body through the porous support element. The porous support element can serve as a filter or diffuser to reduce turbulent effects or edge effects, and ensure or maintain the desired airflow pattern through the capsule chamber. The porous support element can support the capsule in the capsule chamber during capsule activation, for example, by piercing the element being received in the inhaler product at the far end and piercing the capsule to activate the capsule, providing support for the capsule.

[0066] Capsule can be sealed in the inhaler product before consumption.For transportation and storage, the inhaler product can be contained in a sealed or airtight container or bag.The inhaler product can include one or more peelable sealing layers for covering the air outlet at the one or more air inlet channels at the far end of the inhaler product or the mouthpiece end of the inhaler product.This can ensure that the inhaler product keeps suitable hygiene and freshness, or can prevent the capsule from drying or hardening or being fragile.

[0067] The capsule can rotate around its longitudinal or central axis when air is drawn through the inhaler article. The capsule can be formed by an airtight material that basically contains particles inside the capsule. The capsule can be configured to be pierced or punctured by a piercing element when the capsule is located in the capsule cavity. The piercing element can be separated or combined with the inhaler article. The capsule can be formed by any suitable material. The capsule can be formed by a metal or polymeric material for keeping the capsule from contamination, but can be pierced or punctured by a piercing element before consumption so that nicotine particles can be released from the capsule. The capsule can be formed by a polymer material. The polymer material can be hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The capsule can have any suitable size. The capsule can be a size 1 to size 4 capsule, or a size 3 capsule, or a size 3 capsule.

[0068] The system may include a separate piercing element, such as a metal or rigid needle. The piercing element may form a single orifice through the capsule received in the capsule cavity. The piercing element may be configured to pass through the tubular element and into the capsule cavity.

[0069] The capsule may contain pharmaceutically active particles comprising nicotine (also referred to as "nicotine powder" or "nicotine particles"), and optionally particles comprising flavors (also referred to as "flavor particles"). The capsule may contain a predetermined amount of nicotine particles and optional flavor particles. The capsule may contain enough nicotine particles to provide at least 2 inhalations or "puffs", or at least about 5 inhalations or "puffs", or at least about 10 inhalations or "puffs". The capsule may contain enough nicotine particles to provide about 5 to about 50 inhalations or "puffs", or about 10 to about 30 inhalations or "puffs". Each inhalation or "puff" may deliver about 0.1 mg to about 3 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or deliver about 0.2 mg to about 2 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or deliver about 1 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs.

[0070] Based on the specific formulation used, the nicotine particles can have any applicable nicotine concentration. The nicotine particles can have at least about 1%wt of nicotine up to about 30%wt of nicotine, or about 2%wt to about 25%wt of nicotine, or about 3%wt to about 20%wt of nicotine, or about 4%wt to about 15%wt of nicotine, or about 5%wt to about 13%wt of nicotine. Preferably, about 50 to about 150 micrograms of nicotine can be delivered to the user's lungs per inhalation or "puff".

[0071] The capsule may contain at least about 5 mg of nicotine particles or at least about 10 mg of nicotine particles. The capsule may contain less than about 900 mg of nicotine particles, or less than about 300 mg of nicotine particles, or less than 150 mg of nicotine particles. The capsule may contain from about 5 mg to about 300 mg of nicotine particles or from about 10 mg to about 200 mg of nicotine particles.

[0072] When the flavor particles are blended or combined with the nicotine particles within a capsule, the flavor particles may be present in an amount that provides the desired flavor with each inhalation or "puff" delivered to the user.

[0073] The nicotine particles may have any useful particle size distribution to preferably deliver inhalation into the lungs of the user. The capsule may include particles other than nicotine particles. The nicotine particles and other particles may form a powder system.

[0074] The capsule can hold or contain at least about 5 mg of dry powder (also referred to as a powder system) or at least about 10 mg of dry powder. The capsule can hold or contain less than about 900 mg of dry powder, or less than about 300 mg of dry powder, or less than about 150 mg of dry powder. The capsule can hold or contain about 5 mg to about 300 mg of dry powder, or about 10 mg to about 200 mg of dry powder, or about 25 mg to about 100 mg of dry powder.

[0075] The dry powder or powder system may be such that at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight of the powder system is comprised of nicotine particles having a particle size of about 5 microns or less, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 5 microns.

[0076] The mass median aerodynamic diameter of particles including nicotine may be about 5 microns or less, or in the range of about 0.5 microns to about 4 microns, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 3 microns, or in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 2.5 microns. Preferably, the mass median aerodynamic diameter is measured using a cascade impactor.

[0077] The mass median aerodynamic diameter of the particles including the fragrance may be about 20 microns or greater, or about 50 microns or greater, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 microns, or in the range of about 50 to about 150 microns. Preferably, the mass median aerodynamic diameter is measured using a cascade impactor.

[0078] The average diameter of the dry powder may be about 60 microns or less, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 40 microns, or in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 25 microns. The average diameter refers to the average diameter per unit mass, and is preferably measured by laser diffraction, laser diffusion or electron microscopy.

[0079] The nicotine in the powder system or nicotine particles can be pharmaceutically acceptable free base nicotine or nicotine salt or nicotine hydrate. Applicable nicotine salt or nicotine hydrate includes, for example, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine citrate, nicotine aspartate, nicotine lactate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine fumarate, nicotine monopyruvate, nicotine glutamate or nicotine hydrochloride. The compound that forms a salt or hydrated salt in combination with nicotine can be selected based on its expected pharmacological effect.

[0080] Preferably, the nicotine particles include amino acids. Preferably, the amino acid can be leucine, such as L-leucine. Providing amino acids such as L-leucine to particles including nicotine can reduce the adhesion of particles including nicotine, and can reduce the attraction between nicotine particles and thus reduce the agglomeration of nicotine particles. Similarly, the adhesion with particles including spices can also be reduced, thereby also reducing the agglomeration of nicotine particles and spices particles. Therefore, even when nicotine particles are combined with spices particles, the powder system described herein can also be a free-flowing material and each powder component has a stable relative particle size.

[0081] Preferably, the nicotine may be a surface-modified nicotine salt, wherein the nicotine salt particles include coated or composite particles. Preferably, the coated or composite material may be L-leucine. A particularly suitable nicotine particle may be nicotine bitartrate combined with L-leucine.

[0082] The powder system may comprise a population of flavor particles. The flavor particles may have any size distribution suitable for selective delivery into the mouth or buccal cavity of a user by inhalation.

[0083] The powder system may include at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight of the flavor particle population of the powder system in particles having a particle size of about 20 microns or greater. The powder system may include at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight of the flavor particle population of the powder system in particles having a particle size of about 50 microns or greater. The powder system may include at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight of the flavor particle population of the powder system in particles having a particle size ranging from about 50 microns to about 150 microns.

[0084] The particles comprising flavors may include compounds for reducing adhesion or surface energy and the agglomeration caused. The flavor particles may be surface modified using compounds that reduce adhesion to form coated flavor particles. A preferred compound that reduces adhesion may be magnesium stearate. Providing compounds that reduce adhesion such as magnesium stearate to flavor particles, especially coating flavor particles, can reduce the adhesion of the particles comprising flavors and can reduce the attraction between the flavor particles, and thus reduce the agglomeration of the flavor particles. Therefore, the agglomeration of flavor particles and nicotine particles can also be reduced. Therefore, even when nicotine particles are combined with flavor particles, the powder system described herein may also have a stable relative particle size of particles comprising nicotine and particles comprising flavors. Preferably, the powder system is free-flowing.

[0085] Because active particles may be too small and not affected by the simple airflow through the inhaler, conventional formulations for dry powder inhalation contain fluidized carrier particles in order to increase active particles. Powder systems can include carrier particles. These carrier particles can be sugars that can have a particle size greater than about 50 microns, such as lactose or mannitol. Carrier particles can be used for improving the uniformity of dosage by serving as a diluent or a loosening agent in the formulation.

[0086] The powder system used in conjunction with the nicotine powder delivery system described herein may be carrier-free or substantially free of sugars such as lactose or mannitol. Being carrier-free or substantially free of sugars such as lactose or mannitol may allow nicotine to be inhaled and delivered to the user's lungs at an inhalation rate or airflow rate similar to the inhalation rate or airflow rate of a typical smoking style.

[0087] Nicotine particles and flavors can be combined in a single capsule. As described above, nicotine particles and flavors can each have reduced adhesion, thereby producing a stable particle formulation in which the particle size of each component does not substantially change when combined. Alternatively, the powder system includes nicotine particles contained in a single capsule and flavor particles contained in a second capsule.

[0088] The nicotine particles and the flavor particles can be combined in any useful relative amounts so that the flavor particles are detectable by the user when consumed with the nicotine particles. Preferably, the nicotine particles and the flavor particles form at least about 90%wt, or at least about 95%wt, or at least about 99%wt or 100%wt of the total weight of the powder system.

[0089] Compared to conventional dry powder inhalers, inhalers and inhaler systems may be less complex and have simplified airflow paths. Advantageously, the rotation of the capsule in the inhaler body atomizes the nicotine particles or powder system and can help maintain free-flowing powder. Therefore, the inhaler product may not require the higher inhalation rate that conventional inhalers usually utilize to deeply deliver the nicotine particles described above to the lungs.

[0090] Inhaler products can use flow rates of less than about 5 L per minute, or less than about 3 L per minute, or less than about 2 L per minute, or about 1.6 L per minute. Preferably, the flow rate can be in the range of about 1 L per minute to about 3 L per minute, or about 1.5 L per minute to about 2.5 L per minute. Preferably, the inhalation rate or flow rate can be similar to the rate of Health Canada smoking method, that is, about 1.6 L per minute.

[0091] Consumers can use the inhaler system like smoking a conventional cigarette or puffing an electronic cigarette. Such smoking or vaping can be characterized by two steps: a first step, in which a small amount containing the entire amount of nicotine desired by the consumer is inhaled into the oral cavity; followed by a second step, in which the small amount of aerosol containing the desired amount of nicotine is further diluted by fresh air and inhaled more deeply into the lungs. Both steps are controlled by the consumer. During the first inhalation step, the consumer can determine the amount of nicotine to be inhaled. During the second step, the consumer can determine the amount used to dilute the first amount to be inhaled more deeply into the lungs, thereby maximizing the concentration of the active agent delivered to the respiratory epithelial surface. This smoking mechanism is sometimes referred to as "puff-inhale-exhale".

[0092] The dry powder used together with the dry powder inhaler of the present invention can eliminate or reduce substantially any exhalation of the pharmaceutically active particles in the "exhale" stage. Preferably, almost all or at least about 99% or at least about 95% or at least 90% of the pharmaceutically active particles have a particle size that is delivered to the lung but is not small enough to be exhaled by tidal breathing. This pharmaceutically active particle size can be at about 0.75 micron to about 5 microns, or at 0.8 micron to about 3 microns, or at 0.8 micron to about 2 microns in the scope.

[0093] The holder that is used for inhaler products can be combined with the inhaler products (described herein) that comprise capsule, be used for activating inhaler products by piercing capsule, reliable activation (by piercing capsule with the piercing element of holder) of capsule in inhaler products is provided, and discharge the particle contained in capsule, and make products can deliver particle to consumer.The holder is separated from inhaler products, but consumer can utilize inhaler products and holder, consume the particle that releases in inhaler products simultaneously.A plurality of these inhaler products can be combined with holder to form system or suite.Can use single holder on 10 or more or 25 or more or 50 or more or 100 or more inhaler products, to activate (pierce or pierce) the capsule contained in each inhaler products, and provide reliable activation and optional visual indication (marking) for each inhaler product of activation of inhaler products.

[0094] The holder for inhaler products comprises a housing for receiving the housing cavity of the inhaler products and a sleeve configured to keep the inhaler products in the housing cavity. The sleeve comprises a sleeve cavity and can move along the longitudinal axis of the housing in the housing cavity. The sleeve comprises a first open end and a second opposite end. The first open end is configured to receive the far end of the inhaler products. The second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to contact the far end of the inhaler products. The second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to guide substantially all inhaled air flows through the inhaler products, and at least one air inlet extends in a direction tangential to the central channel.

[0095] Inhaler system comprises inhaler product as herein described, and it has the capsule that is arranged in the capsule cavity and the holder that receives inhaler product.The holder comprises the housing with the housing cavity that is used to receive inhaler product and is configured to the sleeve that inhaler product is retained in the housing cavity.Sleeve comprises sleeve cavity, and sleeve can move along the longitudinal axis of housing in the housing cavity.Sleeve comprises first open end and second opposite end.The first open end is configured to receive inhaler product, and the second opposite end of sleeve is configured to contact the far end of inhaler product.

[0096] The holder may further include a piercing element fixed to and extending from the inner surface of the housing. The piercing element may be configured to extend through the second opposite end of the sleeve and into the capsule cavity to pierce the capsule along the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0097] Retainer can also comprise spring element, and described spring element is configured to bias described sleeve towards described open proximal end of described housing, and biases between relaxed position and compressed position.Spring element can be contained in the inhaler product chamber of retainer, and is compressed when movable sleeve and inhaler product move towards piercing element.Spring element can be between the far-end of sleeve and housing and contact the far-end of sleeve and housing.Spring element can be between the far-end of sleeve and housing.Spring element can contact the far-end of sleeve and housing.Spring element can be arranged on piercing element around.Spring element can be coaxial with piercing element.Spring element can be conical spring.

[0098] The spring element is with the inhaler product bias away from the piercing element.In use, the user can insert the inhaler product into the inhaler product chamber of the retainer.By doing this, the spring can be compressed, thereby allow the inhaler product to move towards the far end of the inhaler product chamber.Finally, the piercing element can penetrate the capsule that is arranged in the inhaler product.In case this happens, the user can release the inhaler product, thereby allow the spring towards the near end of the inhaler product chamber and away from the piercing element biasing inhaler product.Then, the user can suck on the near end of the inhaler product.

[0099] The sleeve may define a first air inlet area, the first air inlet area including at least one air orifice through the sleeve. The first air inlet area is close to the proximal end of the sleeve. The first air inlet area is configured to allow air to flow from the interior of the sleeve to the airflow channel formed between the sleeve and the inner surface of the housing. The sleeve may include a second air inlet area, the second air inlet area including at least one air orifice through the sleeve. The second air inlet area is close to the distal end of the sleeve. The second air inlet area is configured to allow air to flow from the airflow channel to the interior of the sleeve.

[0100] Unless otherwise specified, all scientific and technical terms used herein have the meaning commonly used in the art. Definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms frequently used herein.

[0101] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" encompass embodiments having plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0102] As used herein, "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and / or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0103] As used herein, "having", "comprising", "including", etc. are used in their open sense and generally mean "including (but not limited to)". It should be understood that "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", etc. are included in "comprising", etc.

[0104] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. In addition, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and other embodiments are not intended to be excluded from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0105] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0106] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler article along the longitudinal axis;

[0107] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary inhaler article along the longitudinal axis;

[0108] Figures 3 to 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary tubular element having one to four tangential air inlets;

[0109] Fig. 7A is a schematic side elevation view of an illustrative flat holder for use with an inhaler article;

[0110] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A A top elevational schematic view of an exemplary flat retainer of ; and

[0111] Figure 7C It is taken along line AA Figure 7B A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an exemplary flat retainer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] The schematic diagrams are not necessarily drawn to scale and are presented for illustrative rather than limiting purposes. The accompanying drawings depict one or more aspects described in the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0113] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary inhaler article 110 is shown. The inhaler article 110 can include a capsule 160 disposed within the inhaler article 110.

[0114] Inhaler article 110 includes a body 112 extending from a mouthpiece end 113 to a distal end 114 along a longitudinal center axis "A". Mouthpiece end 113 forms a downstream end, and distal end 114 forms an upstream end of inhaler article 110. In other words, as shown by the arrow, mouthpiece end 113 is downstream of the distal end. Capsule cavity 116 is defined in body 112. Tubular element 130 extends from distal end 114 toward capsule cavity 116.

[0115] The tubular member 130 defines a central passage 132 extending between a first end 134 and a second opposite end 136, the second opposite end defining a distal surface 136 of the inhaler article 110, and the first end 134 facing the sleeve cavity 116. The tubular member 130 includes at least one air inlet 138 that allows air to enter the central passage 132. The at least one air inlet 138 extends in a direction tangential to the central passage 132.

[0116] In this example, the second opposite end 136 is shown as being directly located at the distal end 114 of the body 112. In addition, in this example, there are no parts between the second opposite end 136 and the distal end 114 of the body 112. This simplifies the construction of the inhaler article 110, and facilitates airflow through the inhaler article 110. However, it should be understood that the tubular element 130 "at" the distal end 114 should be interpreted as the tubular element 130 around the same position as the distal end 114. For example, the tubular element 130 can deviate from the distal end 114 along the longitudinal axis toward or away from the mouthpiece end 113.

[0117] In this example, the second opposite end 136 is shown as being directly at the distal end 114 of the body 112. However, it should be understood that the tubular element 130 at the distal end 114 should be interpreted as the tubular element 130 being at the same location about the distal end 114. For example, the tubular element 130 may be offset from the distal end 114 along the longitudinal axis toward or away from the mouthpiece end 113.

[0118] The tubular member 130, the capsule cavity 116 (and the capsule 160, if present), and the porous support member 170 may be axially aligned and sequentially disposed within the body 112. The tubular member 130 may form an upstream or distal end or boundary of the capsule cavity 116. The capsule cavity 116 may define a space configured to accommodate the capsule 160. The capsule cavity 116 may have a fixed cavity length defined on the first end 134 of the tubular member 130 and defined on the downstream end by the porous support member 170. Figure 1 As shown, the porous support element 170 may be disposed within the mouthpiece air passage portion 133 of the body 110. The mouthpiece air passage portion 133 may extend beyond the porous support element 170 to the mouthpiece end 113.

[0119] The tubular member 130 can be disposed within the distal end 114 of the body 112. The second opposing end 136 of the tubular member 130 can be substantially aligned with the distal end 114 of the body 112.

[0120] like Figure 2 As shown, the inhaler article 110 may include an insert body 140 defining a capsule cavity 116 that houses a capsule 160 and provides support and rigidity to the body 112 along the capsule cavity 116. A filter or porous support member 170 extends from the capsule cavity 116 to the mouthpiece end 113.

[0121] Figures 3 to 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary tubular member 130 having a central passage 132 with one to four tangential air inlets 138. The inner diameter of the tubular member 130 may be about 4 mm. Figure 3 A single tangential air inlet 138 is shown having a diameter of approximately 1.45 mm. Figure 4 Two tangential air inlets 138 are shown, each having a diameter of approximately 1 mm and entering the tubular element 130 at an angle of 180 degrees to each other. Figure 5 Three tangential air inlets 138 are shown, each having a diameter of approximately 0.85 mm and entering the tubular element 130 at an angle of 120 degrees to one another. Figure 6 Four tangential air inlets 138 are shown, each having a diameter of approximately 0.6 mm and entering the tubular element 130 at 90 degrees to one another.

[0122] refer to 7A to 7C , the inhaler system 100 includes an inhaler article 110 and a holder 150. The inhaler article 110 includes a body 112 defining an outer surface of the inhaler. The inhaler article 110 may be similar to Figure 1 or Figure 2 Any exemplary inhaler article 110. The body 112 extends from a mouthpiece or proximal end 113 to a distal end 114 along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler - a body length.

[0123] Retainer 150 that is used for inhaler goods 110 comprises housing 151 and piercing element 101.Retainer 150 can also comprise marking element 190.Housing 151 has housing outer surface and housing inner surface.Housing inner surface limits the inhaler goods chamber 154 that is configured to receive inhaler goods 110.Housing 151 extends to open proximal end 156 from far-end 155 along housing longitudinal axis, limits housing length.Open proximal end 156 is configured to receive the far-end 114 of inhaler goods 110 in the inhaler goods chamber 154.

[0124] The retainer 150 for inhaler article 110 comprises a housing 151 comprising a housing cavity 154 for receiving the inhaler article 110 and a sleeve 201 configured to retain the inhaler article 110 in the housing cavity 154. The sleeve 201 comprises a sleeve cavity, and can move along the longitudinal axis of the housing in the housing cavity 154. The sleeve 201 comprises a first open end 202 and a second opposite end 203. The first open end 202 is configured to receive the distal end 114 of the inhaler article 110. The second opposite end 203 of the sleeve 201 is configured to contact the distal end 114 of the inhaler article 110. The second opposite end 203 of the sleeve is configured to guide substantially all inhaled air flows through the inhaler article 110, and at least one air inlet extends in a direction tangential to the central passage.

[0125] The piercing element 101 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing and extends from the inner surface of the housing to a piercing element length in the inhaler product chamber 154 along the piercing element longitudinal axis. The piercing element 101 is recessed a certain recess distance from the open proximal end 156. The piercing element 101 is configured to be movable to extend through the central passage of the tubular element 130 and extend to the capsule 160 contained in the capsule chamber 116 to pierce the capsule 160. The spring element 200 can bias the inhaler product 110 away from the piercing element 101.

[0126] The above exemplary embodiments are not limiting. Other embodiments consistent with the above exemplary embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An inhaler product (110), comprising: a body (112) extending along a longitudinal axis from a mouthpiece end (113) to a distal end of the inhaler article; a capsule cavity (116), the capsule cavity being defined within the body (112); A tubular element (130) extending from the distal end (114) of the body toward the capsule cavity (116), the tubular element (130) defining a central channel (132) having a uniform opening diameter extending from the distal end (114) of the body toward the capsule cavity (116), the tubular element (130) comprising at least one tangential air inlet (138) for allowing air to enter the central channel (132), the at least one tangential air inlet (138) extending in a direction tangential to the central channel (132).

2. The inhaler article of claim 1, wherein the at least one tangential air inlet is proximate the distal end of the body of the inhaler article.

3. An inhaler article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the central channel includes a first end (134) defining an upstream boundary of the capsule cavity and a second opposite end (136) defining the distal end of the body of the inhaler article.

4. The inhaler article of claim 3, wherein the second opposing end defines an open distal end of the body of the inhaler article.

5. The inhaler article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the central channel extends along the longitudinal axis of the body of the inhaler article and defines an opening at the distal end of the body of the inhaler article that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the body of the inhaler article.

6. The inhaler article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lateral distance between the at least one tangential air inlet and the capsule cavity is greater than the lateral distance from the distal end of the body of the inhaler article to the at least one tangential air inlet.

7. The inhaler article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tubular element comprises at least two air inlets extending in a direction tangential to the central passage.

8. The inhaler article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tubular element comprises at least three air inlets extending in a direction tangential to the central passage.

9. The inhaler article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tubular element is formed from a cellulose acetate material.

10. The inhaler article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tubular element is formed from a polylactic acid material.

11. The inhaler article of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a capsule (160) retained within the capsule cavity.

12. The inhaler article of claim 11, wherein the central passage of the tubular element has a diameter in the range of 50% to 90% of the diameter of the capsule.

13. An inhaler system (100), comprising: An inhaler article (110) according to any preceding claim and a capsule (160) disposed within the capsule cavity (116); as well as A holder (150) for receiving the inhaler article (110), the holder (150) comprising: a housing (151) comprising a housing cavity (154) for receiving an inhaler article (110); as well as A sleeve (201) configured to retain an inhaler article (110) within the housing cavity (154), the sleeve (201) comprising a sleeve cavity (154) and being movable within the housing cavity along a longitudinal axis of the housing (151), wherein the sleeve (201) comprises a first open end (202) and a second opposite end (203), the first open end (202) being configured to receive the inhaler article, and the second opposite end of the sleeve being configured to contact the distal end of the inhaler article.

14. The inhaler system of claim 13, wherein the second opposing end of the sleeve is configured to direct substantially all of the inhaled air to flow through the inhaler article, at least one tangential air inlet extending in a direction tangential to the central passage.

15. The inhaler system of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising a piercing element (101) fixed to and extending from an inner surface of the housing, the piercing element being configured to extend through the second opposite end of the sleeve and into the capsule cavity to pierce the capsule along the longitudinal axis of the housing.

16. An inhaler system according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the capsule contains pharmaceutically active particles comprising nicotine, the pharmaceutically active particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter of 5 microns or less.

17. The inhaler system of claim 16, wherein the pharmaceutically active particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter in the range of 0.5 microns to 4 microns.

18. The inhaler system of claim 17, wherein the pharmaceutically active particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter in the range of 1 micron to 3 microns.

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