Inhaler article holder with electrostatic discharge

Abstract

An inhaler article holder for an inhaler article includes a housing defining a housing cavity and an outer surface, and a sleeve positioned within the housing cavity. The sleeve is arranged to receive an inhaler article, and the sleeve is movable within the housing cavity between a first position and a second position. A piercing element is arranged to pierce an inhaler article received within the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position. The sleeve is electrically coupled to the housing to form an electrostatic discharge circuit when the housing is electrically grounded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an inhaler product retainer that includes an electrostatic discharge circuit when held by a consumer. Background Technology

[0002] Dry powder inhalers are not always perfectly suited to delivering dry powder particles to the lungs at inhalation or airflow rates within the range of those used in conventional smoking. Operating a dry powder inhaler can be complex or may involve moving parts. Dry powder inhalers typically aim to deliver the entire dry powder dose or capsule load in a single breath.

[0003] Inhaler products hold a capsule containing dry powder. These capsules are activated by puncturing an opening in the capsule wall. The user inhales (inhales) from the mouthpiece side of the consumer product. This action forces an airflow through the dry powder inhaler. It is known that drug delivery in dry powder and aerosol inhalers can be obstructed by electrostatic attraction of the drug substance to surfaces along the drug flow path.

[0004] As dry particulate matter flows through a dry powder inhaler system, the interaction between the particles and the surfaces encountered by the system causes electrostatic buildup. This buildup attracts the dry particles to each other and to the surfaces encountered by the system. This can result in dry particles adhering to these surfaces. Dry powder adhesion or buildup on these surfaces impairs the operation of the dry powder inhaler. It also increases the maintenance required for effective operation of the dry powder inhaler. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is desirable to provide a conductive path within the dry powder inhaler system to prevent or minimize static buildup within the dry powder flow path. It is desirable to provide an inhaler article retainer that prevents or minimizes static buildup and attraction of dry powder particles to the retainer surface. It is desirable to effectively discharge any static electricity from the inhaler article retainer during use to prevent dry powder from accumulating on the retainer surface along the dry powder flow path.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, an inhaler article retainer is provided, comprising a housing defining a housing cavity and an outer surface, and a sleeve positioned within the housing cavity. The sleeve is arranged to receive an inhaler article, and the sleeve is movable within the housing cavity between a first position and a second position. A piercing element is arranged to pierce the inhaler article received within the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position. The sleeve is electrically connected to the housing to form an electrostatic discharge circuit when the housing is electrically grounded.

[0007] Advantageously, the electrostatic path provided from the sleeve removes static charge buildup at the sleeve and prevents or mitigates the accumulation of dry powder on the sleeve surface. Reduced static charge prevents or mitigates dry powder buildup, maintaining a clean device surface and reducing device maintenance. Reducing dry powder buildup on or in the device surface provides the user with more dry powder, improving device efficiency. The use of antistatic materials for the sleeve and electrostatic discharge circuit components provides a simple and easy assembly of the inhaler product holder.

[0008] This disclosure relates to a retainer for an inhaler article, referred to as an "inhaler article retainer." The inhaler article retainer includes a single offset puncture element. The inhaler article retainer is configured to receive a consumable inhaler article, activate a sac within the inhaler article by puncturing the sac, and introduce a vortex inhalation airflow into the inhaler article during consumption. The inhaler article retainer and the inhaler article may form the inhaler system according to this disclosure.

[0009] A portion of the inhaler article retainer (specifically, the portion of the movable sleeve that receives the inhaler article) may come into contact with dry powder particles entrained in the inhalation airflow. For example, an airflow element forms part of the sleeve and extends into the sleeve cavity and into the received inhaler article. The applicant has found that, during consumption, dry powder tends to accumulate on the surface of the airflow element due to electrostatic attraction of the dry particles interacting with the electrically insulating airflow element.

[0010] These sleeve portions are formed to be antistatic and then electrically connected to the conductive housing of the inhaler product holder. An electrostatic discharge circuit is formed when the user grounds the housing by contacting it during use. Static electricity is then drawn from the surface of the inhaler product holder during use, interacting with entrained dry powder particles. This reduction in static electricity prevents or mitigates dry powder buildup, maintaining a clean device surface and reducing device maintenance.

[0011] The inhaler product retainer described herein can be combined with an inhaler product containing a capsule. The inhaler product can be used to activate the inhaler product by puncturing the capsule, providing reliable capsule activation by penetrating the capsule with the puncture element of the inhaler product retainer. Particles can be released from the capsule during inhalation or by generating an airflow around the punctured capsule. Thus, the inhaler system delivers dry powder particles to the consumer. The inhaler product retainer is separate from the inhaler product, but the consumer uses both the inhaler product and the inhaler product retainer while consuming the dry powder particles released within the inhaler product. Multiple such inhaler products can be combined with the inhaler product retainer to form a system or kit. A single inhaler product retainer can be used on 10 or more, or 25 or more, or 50 or more, or 100 or more inhaler products to activate (penetrate or puncture) the capsule contained within each inhaler product and provide reliable activation. Optionally, each inhaler product may be provided with a visual indication (marker) for activation of the inhaler product.

[0012] The inhaler article has an airflow path. Airflow is introduced into the inhaler article by inhalation (or inhalation) from the user. The inhaler article retainer generates a vortex inhalation airflow. This vortex inhalation airflow is introduced into the inhaler article. The distal or upstream end of the inhaler article includes an open orifice that defines an open central passage of an open tubular element configured to receive the vortex inhalation airflow.

[0013] The vortex-induced inhalation airflow then continues downstream into the capsule cavity, causing the capsule within the cavity to rotate. The activated capsule then releases a dose of particles into the vortex-induced inhalation airflow, which travels downstream through the mouthpiece to the consumer. Thus, a vortex-induced inhalation airflow is generated upstream of the inhaler article, and this vortex-induced inhalation airflow reaches the distal or most upstream end of the inhaler article.

[0014] The inhaler article comprises an elongated tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler from a mouthpiece end to a distal end. The mouthpiece end is the proximal or downstream end. The distal end is the upstream end. A bladder cavity is defined within the body, its downstream end defined by a filter element, and its upstream end defined by an open tubular element defining a central passage. The distal end of the inhaler article may be closed before insertion into an inhaler article retainer. After insertion into the inhaler article retainer, the distal end of the inhaler article may be open. The distal end of the inhaler article may interact with complementary structures in the inhaler article retainer such that the distal end of the inhaler article can be opened when the inhaler article is introduced into the inhaler article retainer. When introduced into the inhaler article retainer, the distal end of the inhaler article has a central passage forming an open air inlet orifice extending from the distal end of the body to the bladder cavity. The bladder is disposed within the bladder cavity, and the central passage may have a smaller diameter than the bladder. Therefore, the bladder cannot pass through the central passage and is held within the bladder cavity.

[0015] The inhaler article retainer includes: a housing comprising a housing cavity for receiving an inhaler article, and a sleeve configured to retain the inhaler article within the housing cavity. The housing cavity is defined by a single housing opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing into the housing to a closed end. The single housing opening is configured to receive the inhaler article. The housing is formed of a conductive material. Preferably, the housing is formed of a metal such as aluminum.

[0016] The sleeve is contained within the housing cavity and is movable along the longitudinal axis of the housing between a first position and a second position. The sleeve is also slidable along the longitudinal axis of the housing between the first and second positions. In the first position, the sleeve is positioned close to a single housing opening. In the second position, the sleeve is further away from the single housing opening by a lateral distance along the longitudinal axis.

[0017] The sleeve extends from the open end to the closed end (or restricted end) and defines a cylindrical inner cavity along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The open end of the sleeve is aligned with a single housing opening.

[0018] The sleeve closure includes an airflow element and an orifice to allow a piercing element to pass through the closure and extend into the sleeve cavity. The airflow element includes one or more inhalation air inlets that provide airflow communication from the annular space surrounding the sleeve into the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve. This airflow element is configured to induce a rotating or vortexing inhalation airflow into the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve and directly into the inhaler article's capsule cavity. This vortex or rotating inhalation airflow can be delivered into the inhaler article to rotate the capsule and release the dry powder contained within.

[0019] The airflow element of the sleeve includes a tubular element having a central passage in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity. The airflow element has at least one air inlet to allow intake air to enter the central passage. The at least one air inlet extends in a direction tangential to the central passage to generate a vortex or rotating intake airflow.

[0020] The airflow element of the sleeve includes a tubular element having a central passage in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity. The airflow element has at least two air inlets to allow intake air to enter the central passage. The at least two air inlets extend in a direction tangential to the central passage to generate a vortex or rotating intake airflow.

[0021] The airflow element of the sleeve includes a tubular element having a central passage in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity. The airflow element has at least three air inlets to allow intake air to enter the central passage. The at least three air inlets extend in a direction tangential to the central passage to generate a vortex or rotating intake airflow.

[0022] The inhaler article retainer may further include a piercing element fixed to and extending from the inner surface of the housing. The piercing element is configured to extend along the longitudinal axis of the housing through a closed end of the sleeve and into the sleeve cavity. Once the sleeve is moved from a first position to a second position, the piercing element contacts and pierces the capsule of the received inhaler article. Moving the sleeve from the second position to the first position removes the piercing element from the capsule and exposes an orifice in the capsule that allows dry particles contained within the capsule to be released from the capsule when inhaled air rotates the capsule. Preferably, the piercing element is conductive. Preferably, the piercing element is formed of metal.

[0023] The piercing element electrically connects the sleeve to the housing. The piercing element can contact the sleeve at the airflow element. The airflow element may include an orifice to receive the piercing element and allow the piercing element to pass through the airflow element.

[0024] The sleeve closure end may further include a sleeve bottom element that substantially forms the closure end of the sleeve. The sleeve bottom element may be fixed and in contact with the airflow element. The sleeve bottom element may extend a distance along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and toward the closure end of the housing cavity away from the airflow element. The sleeve bottom element may have an orifice containing a piercing element and allowing the piercing element to pass through the orifice of the sleeve bottom element.

[0025] The piercing element can contact the sleeve at the bottom element of the sleeve. The bottom element of the sleeve can electrically connect the sleeve or the airflow element to the housing. The piercing element can electrically connect the sleeve to the housing via both the bottom element of the sleeve and the airflow element.

[0026] The inhaler article retainer may further include a spring member configured to bias the sleeve away from the piercing element. The spring member can bias the sleeve from a second position to a first position. The spring member can be in a relaxed state in the first position of the sleeve. The spring member can be in a compressed state in the second position. Preferably, the piercing element is disposed within the spring member. Preferably, the spring member is conductive. Preferably, the spring member is formed of metal.

[0027] The spring member electrically connects the sleeve to the housing. The spring member can contact the airflow element and electrically connect the sleeve or airflow element to the housing. The spring member can contact the bottom element of the sleeve and electrically connect the sleeve to the housing via both the bottom element of the sleeve and the airflow element.

[0028] The sleeve may include an elongated slot extending along the longitudinal length of the sleeve. The housing may further include a pin extending from an inner surface of the housing cavity. The pin may be configured to mate with the elongated slot to maintain alignment of the sleeve as the sleeve moves between a first position and a second position.

[0029] The inner housing may be contained within the housing cavity. The inner housing may separate at least a portion of the sleeve from the inner surface of the housing cavity. The inner housing may separate the fixed end of the piercing element from the inner surface of the housing cavity. The inner housing may separate the spring member from the inner surface of the housing cavity.

[0030] The inner housing can electrically connect the sleeve to the housing. The inner housing can contact the spring member and electrically connect the sleeve or airflow element to the housing. The inner housing can contact the piercing element and electrically connect the sleeve to the housing via both the sleeve bottom element and the airflow element.

[0031] The sleeve can have a size of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Surface resistivity in ohms / sq. The sleeve can be made of material with a surface resistivity less than 1×10⁻⁶ ohms / sq. 12 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Plastic materials with an ohm / sq ratio are formed.

[0032] The airflow element has a size of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Surface resistivity of ohms / sq. Airflow elements can be made of materials with a surface resistivity of less than 1×10⁻⁶ ohms / sq. 12 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Plastic materials with an ohm / sq ratio are formed.

[0033] The bottom element of the sleeve has less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Surface resistivity in ohms / sq. The bottom element of the sleeve can be made of material with a surface resistivity of less than 1×10⁻⁶ ohms / sq. 12 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Plastic materials with an ohm / sq ratio are formed.

[0034] The internal shell has a size of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Surface resistivity in ohms / sq. The inner shell can be made of material with a surface resistivity of less than 1×10⁻⁶ ohms / sq. 12 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 11ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Plastic materials with an ohm / sq ratio are formed.

[0035] The phrase "surface resistivity" refers to a material's ability to discharge electrostatic loads. Surface resistivity is measured using standard methods ASTM D 257, ESDS™ 11.11, and IEC 60093. Surface resistivity is the resistance to leakage current along the surface of an insulating material. Two parallel electrodes, spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to their contact length, are placed in contact with the surface of the material to measure the surface resistivity. Therefore, the quotient of the potential gradient (V / m) and the current per unit electrode length (A / m) represent the resistivity. The length at which the surface resistivity and quotient cancel each other out is usually measured in ohms because the four ends of the electrodes form a square. However, some test results use ohms / square because it is more descriptive. Surface resistivity defines the resistance over a fixed surface length on an insulating material. This measurement does not take into account physical dimensions such as thickness and diameter. Since it only determines the resistivity of a surface, only a single physical measurement is required. Therefore, the surface resistivity is measured along the surface of the insulating material between electrodes.

[0036] Plastic materials typically have a density greater than 1×10⁻⁶. 12 The surface resistivity is measured in ohms / sq. These plastic materials typically allow electrostatic forces to accumulate on their surfaces. The accumulated electrostatic forces attract dry powder particles and cause these particles to adhere to the surface of these plastic materials.

[0037] Antistatic materials have a strength of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Surface resistivity in ohms / sq. Antistatic plastic materials are commercially available, for example from RTP (Winona, Minnesota, USA), traded as RPT 399X 155792BNS polycarbonate, RPT 2599X 156311NS polycarbonate / ABS alloy, RPT1199A X155793NS polyethylene terephthalate modified PETG, or RPT 899X 149765B acetal (POM).

[0038] Inhalable powders may include various active agents. For example, active agents may include alkaloids such as nicotine, neonicotinoids, or nifedipine. Preferably, the active agent comprises a solid salt of an alkaloid, such as a nicotine salt.

[0039] The amount of surfactant can be selected based on the desired or intended use of the inhalable dry powder. For example, the amount of surfactant can be between 0.5% by weight and 10% by weight of the total weight of the dry powder particles. The dry powder particles may include 0.5% by weight or more, 1% by weight or more, 2% by weight or more, or 3% by weight or more of surfactant, and include 12% by weight or less, 10% by weight or less, 9% by weight or less, 8% by weight or less, or 7% by weight or less of surfactant, or include 0.5% by weight to 10% by weight, 1% by weight to 8% by weight, 1.5% by weight to 6% by weight, or 2% by weight to 5% by weight of surfactant.

[0040] The dry powder particles may contain 0.5% or more, 1% or more, 2% or more, or 3% or more of nicotine, and may contain 12% or less, 10% or less, 9% or less, 8% or less, or 7% or less of nicotine, or may contain 0.5% to 10% of nicotine, 1% to 8% of nicotine, 1.5% to 6% of nicotine, or 2% to 5% of nicotine.

[0041] The amount of active agent can also be selected based on each dose. Inhalable powder can be packaged in single-dose or multi-dose form. For example, each dose of inhalable powder may contain 0.5 mg or more, 1 mg or more, 2 mg or more, or 5 mg or more of active agent. Each dose of inhalable powder may contain 500 mg or less, 200 mg or less, 100 mg or less, 50 mg or less, 20 mg or less, or 10 mg or less of active agent. In some embodiments, each dose of inhalable powder contains 0.01 to 10 mg of neonicotinoids or nicotine or chenopogonin, each dose contains 0.05 to 5 mg of neonicotinoids or nicotine or chenopogonin, or each dose contains 0.1 to 1 mg of neonicotinoids or nicotine or chenopogonin.

[0042] In one embodiment, the capsule contains 1 to 20 doses. In another embodiment, the capsule contains 1 to 10 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 10 to 20 doses. In one embodiment, the capsule contains 1 dose. In another embodiment, the capsule contains 2 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 3 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 4 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 5 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 6 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 7 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 8 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 9 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 10 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 11 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 12 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 13 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 14 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 15 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 16 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 17 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 18 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 19 doses. In yet another embodiment, the capsule contains 20 doses.

[0043] The dry powder particles may have a particle size ranging from 20 μm or smaller, 10 μm or smaller, or 5 μm or smaller, or 0.1 μm or larger, 0.2 μm or larger, or 0.5 μm or larger, or within the range of 0.5 μm to 10 μm, or 0.75 μm to 5 μm, or 1 μm to 5 μm, or 1 μm to 3 μm, or 1.5 μm to 2.5 μm. The desired particle size range can be achieved by spray drying, grinding, sieving, or a combination thereof.

[0044] The dry powder particles can be further mixed with a second particle group to form a powder system. Preferably, the second particle group has a different particle size or a larger particle size than the dry powder particles. For example, the second particle group may have a particle size in the range of about 20 μm or larger, or about 50 μm or larger, 200 μm or smaller, 150 μm or smaller, or in the range of 50 μm to 200 μm, or 50 μm to 150 μm. The second particle group may have any useful size distribution suitable for selective inhalation and delivery to the user's oral cavity or buccal cavity. A larger second flavoring particle group may facilitate delivery of the dry powder particles to the user's inhalation airflow.

[0045] The dry powder particles and the second particle group can be any useful relative combination such that the second particle group is detectable by the user when consumed together with the dry powder particles. Preferably, the dry powder particles and the second particle group form at least about 90% by weight, at least about 95% by weight, at least about 99% by weight, or 100% by weight of the total weight of the powder system.

[0046] The dry powder particles can be mixed with a second flavoring particle group to form a powder system. Preferably, the second flavoring particle group has a different particle size or a larger particle size than the dry powder particles. For example, the flavor particles may have a particle size in the range of about 20 μm or larger, or about 50 μm or larger, 200 μm or smaller, 150 μm or smaller, or in the range of 50 μm to 200 μm, or 50 μm to 150 μm. The second flavoring particle group may have any useful size distribution suitable for selective inhalation delivery to the user's oral cavity or buccal cavity. A larger second flavoring particle group may facilitate delivery of the dry powder particles to the user's inhalation airflow.

[0047] The dry powder particles and the second flavoring particle group can be combined in any useful relative amount such that the second flavoring particle group is detectable by the user when consumed together with the dry powder particles. Preferably, the dry powder particles and the second flavoring particle group form at least about 90% by weight, at least about 95% by weight, at least about 99% by weight, or 100% by weight of the total weight of the powder system.

[0048] Dry powder particles or powder systems may be provided in suitable dosage forms. For example, dry powder particles or powder systems may be provided in capsules. The dosage form (e.g., capsule) may be configured for use in a suitable inhaler. For example, capsules may be used in inhaler devices having a capsule cavity. Airflow management through the capsule cavity of the inhaler device allows the capsule contained therein to rotate during inhalation and consumption. The capsule may contain dry powder particles or powder systems.

[0049] Unless otherwise stated, the term "particle size" is used herein to refer to the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of a particle or aggregate of particles. Such values ​​are based on a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 1 gm / cm², defined as having the same aerodynamic behavior as the particle being characterized. 3 The distribution of the density of the sphere's diameter and the diameter of the aerodynamic particles.

[0050] Specifically, for powder systems, the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) is typically referenced, as it is one of the most widely used measures as a single numerical descriptor of aerodynamic particle size distribution. MMAD is a statistically derived graph of a particle sample: for example, an MMAD of 5 micrometers means that 50% of the total sample mass will be present in particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 micrometers, and the remaining 50% of the total sample mass will be present in particles with an aerodynamic diameter greater than 5 micrometers. In the context of this invention, when describing powder systems, the term "particle size" preferably refers to the MMAD of the powder system.

[0051] MMAD for powder systems is preferably measured using a cascade impactor. Cascade impactors are instruments widely used to sample and separate airborne particles to determine the aerodynamic size classification of aerosol particles. Essentially, a cascade impactor separates an incoming sample into discrete parts based on particle inertia, which varies with particle size, density, and velocity. A cascade impactor typically comprises a series of stages, each including a plate with a specific nozzle arrangement and collection surface. The velocity of the sample-carrying air increases as the number of stages increases, while the nozzle size and total nozzle area decrease with increasing stage number. At each stage, particles with sufficient inertia detach from the main airflow to impact the collection surface. Therefore, at any given flow rate, each stage is associated with a cutoff diameter, which numerically defines the size of the collected particles. As the number of stages increases, the velocity increases, and thus the stage cutoff diameter decreases. Therefore, the cutoff diameter associated with a given stage is a function of the airflow rate used for testing. To reflect in-service performance, aerosol inhalers are routinely tested at 15 L / min, and dry powder inhalers can be tested at flow rates up to 100 L / min.

[0052] Preferably, in the context of this invention, the MMAD of the powder system is measured using a Next-Generation Impactor (NGI) 170 (purchased from Copley Scientific AG). The NGI is a high-performance, precise cascade impactor for particle sorting with seven stages plus a micropore collector (MOC). The features and operating principles of the NGI are described, for example, in Marple et al., Journal of Aerosol Medicine – Vol. 16, No. 3 (2003). More preferably, the measurements are performed at 20 ± 3 degrees Celsius and 35 ± 5% relative humidity.

[0053] Dry powder formulations typically contain less than or equal to about 15% by weight of water, preferably less than or equal to about 10% by weight, and even more preferably less than or equal to about 6% by weight. Most preferably, dry powder formulations contain less than or equal to about 5% by weight of water, or even less than or equal to about 3% by weight, or even less than or equal to about 1% by weight.

[0054] All values ​​reported as percentages are assumed to be weight percentages based on total weight.

[0055] All scientific and technical terms used in this article have their common meanings in the field, unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided are for ease of understanding of certain terms used frequently in this article.

[0056] As used herein, unless the content explicitly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” cover embodiments having plural references.

[0057] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated by the content, "or" is generally used in the sense of including "and / or". The term "and / or" means one or all of the listed elements or any combination of two or more of the listed elements.

[0058] As used in this text, "having," "containing," "including," etc., are used in their open sense and generally mean "including (but not limited to)." It should be understood that phrases such as "basically composed of," "composed of," etc., fall under the category of "including."

[0059] The terms "preferred" and "ideally" refer to embodiments of the invention that provide certain benefits in certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred in the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are useless, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure, including the claims.

[0060] As used herein, the term “substantially” has the same meaning as “significantly” and can be understood as modifying the relevant term by at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98%. As used herein, the term “substantially not” has the same meaning as “significantly not” and can be understood as having the opposite meaning to “substantially”, i.e., modifying the relevant term by no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2%.

[0061] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0062] Example Ex1. An inhaler article retainer includes a housing defining a housing cavity and an outer surface, and a sleeve positioned within the housing cavity. The sleeve is arranged to receive an inhaler article, and the sleeve is movable within the housing cavity between a first position and a second position. A piercing element is arranged to pierce the inhaler article received within the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position. The sleeve is electrically connected to the housing to form an electrostatic discharge circuit when the housing is electrically grounded.

[0063] The inhaler article retainer of Example Ex2.Ex1 further includes a spring member that contacts a portion of the sleeve, and the spring member electrically connects the sleeve to the housing.

[0064] Example Ex3. An inhaler article retainer of any of the preceding examples, wherein the piercing element electrically connects the sleeve to the housing.

[0065] Example Ex4. An inhaler article retainer of Example Ex2 or Ex3, wherein the piercing element is disposed within the spring member.

[0066] Example Ex5. An inhaler article retainer of any of the preceding examples, wherein the piercing element is disposed within the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position.

[0067] Example Ex6. An inhaler article retainer of any of the preceding examples, wherein the housing is formed of metal.

[0068] Example Ex7. An inhaler article retainer of any of the preceding examples, wherein the puncturing element is formed of metal.

[0069] Example Ex8. Inhaler article retainer of Examples Ex2 to Ex7, wherein the spring member is formed of metal.

[0070] Example Ex9. An inhaler article retainer of any of the preceding examples, wherein the sleeve is made of material with a surface resistivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Polymer formation at ohm / sq. (ASTM D 257, ESD STM11.11, IEC 60093)

[0071] Example Ex10. An inhaler article retainer of any of the preceding examples, wherein the sleeve includes an airflow element having two or more airflow inlets configured to form a vortex airflow entering the sleeve, and the airflow element is electrically connected to the housing.

[0072] Example Ex11.Ex10 inhaler article retainer, wherein the airflow element is made of material with a surface resistivity of less than 1×10⁻⁶. 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Polymer formation of ohm / sq.

[0073] Example Ex12.Ex11 is an inhaler article holder, wherein the sleeve extends from an open end to a closed end and defines a cylindrical inner cavity for receiving an inhaler article, the open end of the sleeve being aligned with an opening in the housing for receiving the inhaler article.

[0074] Example Ex13.Ex12 is an inhaler article retainer, wherein the sleeve closure end includes a sleeve bottom element that substantially closes the sleeve at the closure end, and an airflow element is coupled to the sleeve bottom element and extends from the sleeve bottom element into the cylindrical inner cavity of the sleeve, and the airflow element is electrically connected to the housing via the sleeve bottom element and a spring member or puncture element.

[0075] Example Ex14.Ex12 is an inhaler article holder, wherein the sleeve extends from an open end to a closed end and defines a cylindrical cavity for receiving an inhaler article, the open end of the sleeve being aligned with an opening in the housing for receiving the inhaler article, the closed end of the sleeve including a sleeve bottom element that substantially closes the sleeve at the closed end, and an airflow element coupled to the sleeve bottom element and extending away from the sleeve bottom element and into the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve, and the airflow element being electrically coupled to the housing via the sleeve bottom element and a spring member or piercing element.

[0076] Inhaler article retainers of examples Ex15, Ex13, or Ex14, wherein the bottom element of the sleeve is made of material with a surface resistivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Polymer formation of ohm / sq.

[0077] Example Ex16. An inhaler article retainer of any of the foregoing examples, further comprising a surface resistivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 An inner housing is formed of a polymer of ohm / sq, and the inner housing electrically connects the spring member to the housing.

[0078] The inhaler article retainer of Examples Ex17 and Ex16, wherein the inner housing electrically connects the puncture element to the housing.

[0079] Example Ex18. An inhaler article retainer of any of the preceding examples, wherein the housing is grounded to a user who contacts the outer surface of the housing.

[0080] Example Ex19. An inhaler article retainer of any of the preceding examples, wherein each of the electrostatic discharge circuit elements has a capacitance of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 11 ohm / sq or less than 1×10 10 Surface resistivity in ohm / sq.

[0081] An inhaler article retainer of example Ex20.Ex12, wherein an opening in the housing receives the inhaler article and defines an air inlet into the housing, and provides inhaled air to the cylindrical inner cavity of the sleeve via the airflow element.

[0082] Example Ex21. An inhaler system comprising an inhaler article retainer and an inhaler article according to any of the foregoing examples, the inhaler article comprising a sac disposed within a cavity of the inhaler article. The sac contains pharmaceutically active particles comprising nicotine, the pharmaceutically active particles having a median aerodynamic diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 0.5 micrometers to about 4 micrometers, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers.

[0083] Example Ex22. According to the system of Ex21, the capsule further contains a second fragrance particle group having a median aerodynamic diameter of about 20 micrometers or greater, or about 50 micrometers or greater, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 micrometers or about 50 to about 150 micrometers. Attached Figure Description

[0084] The embodiments will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0085] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an exemplary inhaler system;

[0086] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary inhaler product retainer;

[0087] Figure 3A It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler system, wherein the inhaler article is received in an inhaler article holder and punctured in a second position;

[0088] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler system, in which the puncturing element retracts from the sac in a first position;

[0089] Figure 4 yes Figure 3B Another cross-sectional schematic diagram shows the inhalation airflow path through the inhaler system;

[0090] Figure 5 It is a schematic circuit diagram of a replica inhaler retainer; and

[0091] Figure 6 This is another schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary inhaler product retainer.

[0092] The illustrations are not necessarily to scale and are presented for illustrative rather than limiting purposes. The accompanying drawings depict one or more aspects described in this disclosure. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0093] Figure 1This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary inhaler system 10. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary inhaler article retainer 30. Figure 3A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler system 10, wherein the inhaler article 20 is received in the inhaler article retainer 30 and punctures the bladder 25 in a second or compressed position. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler system 10, wherein the puncture element 50 is retracted from the sac 25 in a first or relaxed position. Figure 4 yes Figure 3B Another cross-sectional schematic diagram shows the path (arrow) of the inhalation airflow 150 through the inhaler system 10.

[0094] The inhaler product holder 30 is configured to receive a single consumable inhaler product 20 and, during consumption, induce a vortex inhalation airflow into and through the inhaler product 20. The inhaler product holder 30 and the inhaler product 20 form the inhaler system 10. During use by the consumer, the inhaler product 20 is held in the inhaler product holder 30. The inhaler product holder 30 is configured to induce a vortex inhalation airflow into the received inhaler product 20.

[0095] The exemplary inhaler article 20 includes a body 22 extending from a mouthpiece end 21 to a distal end 23. A cavity 24 is defined within the body 22. A sac 25 is housed within the cavity 24. The aforementioned dry powder particles may be contained within the sac 25. The sac 25 may be punctured to form an opening through the body of the sac 25, and inhaled air may flow through the inhaler article 20 to release the dry powder particles from the punctured sac 25 and into the inhaled airflow, exiting from the mouthpiece end 21.

[0096] The inhaler article holder 30 includes a housing 32 defining a housing cavity defined by an inner housing surface 34, and an outer surface 35. A sleeve 40 is positioned within the housing cavity. The sleeve 40 is arranged to receive the inhaler article 20, and the sleeve 40 is movable within the housing cavity between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis of the housing cavity.

[0097] like Figure 3A As shown, the piercing element 50 is arranged to pierce the capsule 25 received within the inhaler article 20 inside the sleeve 40 when the sleeve 40 is in the second position. The sleeve 40 is electrically connected to the housing 32 to form an electrostatic discharge circuit when the housing 32 is electrically grounded (e.g., when gripped by a user during inhalation).

[0098] The piercing element 50 may be configured to extend into the sleeve 40 along the longitudinal axis of the housing 32. The inhaler article retainer 30 may include a spring member 60 configured to bias the sleeve 40 and any received inhaler article 20 away from the piercing element 50.

[0099] The sleeve 40 extends from the open end 42 to the closed end 44 (or the restricted end) and defines a sleeve cavity 45 or a cylindrical inner cavity 45 along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 40. The open end 42 of the sleeve is aligned with a single housing opening 36.

[0100] The sleeve closure end 44 includes an airflow element 46 and an orifice to allow a piercing element to pass through the closure end 44 and extend into the sleeve cavity 45. The airflow element 46 includes one or more inhalation air inlets 47 that provide airflow communication from the annular space surrounding the sleeve 40 into the cylindrical inner cavity 45 of the sleeve. The airflow element 46 is configured to induce a rotating or vortex inhalation airflow into the cylindrical inner cavity 45 of the sleeve and directly into the inhaler article cavity 24. This vortex or rotating inhalation airflow can be delivered to the inhaler article 20 to rotate the capsule 25 and release the dry powder contained within the capsule 25.

[0101] The airflow element 46 of the sleeve 40 includes a tubular element having a central passage in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity 45. The airflow element 46 has at least one air inlet 47 to allow intake air 150 to enter the central passage. The at least one air inlet 47 extends in a direction tangential to the central passage to generate a vortex or rotating intake airflow.

[0102] The sleeve 40 includes a tubular element that extends into the sleeve cavity 45 by about 5 mm and has an outer diameter of about 5.5 mm and an inner diameter of about 4 mm. The open distal end 23 of the received inhaler article 20 may have an inner diameter of about 5.5 mm to provide an interference fit with the tubular element of the airflow element 46.

[0103] The sleeve closure end 44 may further include a sleeve bottom element 48 that substantially forms the closure end of the sleeve 40. The sleeve bottom element 48 may be fixed and in contact with the airflow element 46. The sleeve bottom element 48 may extend a distance along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and toward the closure end of the housing cavity away from the airflow element 46. The sleeve bottom element 48 may have an orifice that includes a piercing element 50 and allows the piercing element 50 to pass through the orifice of the sleeve bottom element 48.

[0104] The inner housing 70 may be contained within the housing cavity. The inner housing 70 may separate at least a portion of the sleeve 40 from the inner surface of the housing cavity. The inner housing 70 may separate the fixed end of the piercing element 50 from the inner surface of the housing cavity. The inner housing 70 may separate the spring member 60 from the inner surface of the housing cavity.

[0105] The annular cover 38 secures the inner housing 70 and the sleeve 40 into the housing cavity. The annular cover 38 defines a single housing opening 36 for receiving the inhaler article 20. The annular cover 38 can be secured to the housing 32 with a pin element 39.

[0106] Figure 4 The path of the inhalation airflow 150 through the inhaler system 10 is shown. The inhalation airflow 150 enters the inhaler article holder 30 along the outer surface of the received inhaler article 20 and the annular cap 38. Once inside the housing cavity, the inhalation air 150 travels along the length of the sleeve 40 to the closed end 44 of the sleeve 40. The inhalation air 150 then enters the air inlet 47 of the airflow element 46 and forms a vortex or rotating inhalation airflow 150 within the sleeve cavity 45. This vortex or rotating inhalation air is then directly transmitted to the distal end 23 of the inhaler article 20 and enters the capsule cavity 24. The vortex inhalation airflow rotates or agitates the capsule 25, and dry powder particles are entrained in the inhalation airflow. The entrained inhalation airflow then flows out of the inhaler article via the mouthpiece end 21 and flows to the user 100. Figure 4 The arrow in the middle shows the path of the intake airflow 150.

[0107] Figure 5 This is a schematic circuit diagram of a retainer for an exemplary inhaler product. Figure 6 This is another schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary inhaler product retainer.

[0108] exist Figure 5 In this circuit, a sleeve or airflow element 46 is electrically connected to the housing 32, and the housing 32 is grounded via contact between the user 100 and the housing 32. Electrostatic force e - Electrostatic forces are conducted to the housing via the sleeve or airflow element 46 and then grounded to effectively minimize the electrostatic force e on the surface of the sleeve or airflow element 46. - .

[0109] exist Figure 6 In this circuit, an airflow element 46 is electrically connected to the housing 32, and the housing 32 is grounded via contact between the user 100 and the housing 32. Electrostatic force e - The airflow is conducted through the airflow element 46 to the bottom element 48 of the sleeve, then to the spring member 60 or the piercing element 50, and then to the inner housing 70, and then to the housing 32, and then to grounding, so as to effectively minimize the electrostatic force e on the surface of the airflow element 46. - .

[0110] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated elsewhere, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein. Thus, in this context, the numeral A is understood to be A ± 2% A. Within this context, the numeral A can be considered as a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the numeral A. In certain instances used in the appended claims, the numeral A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein.

Claims

1. An inhaler product retainer, comprising: A housing defining a housing cavity and an outer surface, the housing being made of a conductive material that allows electrical connection with the user's hand; A sleeve positioned within the housing cavity, wherein the sleeve is arranged to receive an inhaler article, and the sleeve is movable within the housing cavity between a first position and a second position; as well as A piercing element arranged to pierce the inhaler article received within the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position, wherein the piercing element electrically connects the sleeve to the housing; The sleeve is electrically connected to the housing to form an electrostatic discharge circuit when the housing is electrically grounded.

2. The inhaler article retainer of claim 1, further comprising a spring member contacting a portion of the sleeve, and the spring member electrically connecting the sleeve to the housing.

3. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 2, wherein the puncture element is disposed within the spring member.

4. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing is formed of metal.

5. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sleeve is made of material with a surface resistivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 11 Polymer formation of ohm / sq.

6. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sleeve includes an airflow element configured to form a vortex airflow, and the airflow element is electrically connected to the housing.

7. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 6, wherein the airflow element is made of material with a surface resistivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 11 Polymer formation of ohm / sq.

8. The inhaler article retainer of claim 7, wherein the sleeve extends from an open end to a closed end and defines a cylindrical cavity for receiving an inhaler article, the open end of the sleeve being aligned with an opening in the housing for receiving an inhaler article, the closed end of the sleeve including a sleeve bottom element that substantially closes the sleeve at the closed end, and the sleeve bottom element having an orifice containing the piercing element and allowing the piercing element to pass through the orifice of the sleeve bottom element, and the airflow element being coupled to the sleeve bottom element and extending away from the sleeve bottom element into the cylindrical cavity of the sleeve, and the airflow element being electrically coupled to the housing via the sleeve bottom element and a spring member or piercing element.

9. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 8, wherein the bottom element of the sleeve has a surface resistivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 11 Polymer formation of ohm / sq.

10. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 2, further comprising a surface resistivity of less than 1×10⁻⁶. 11 An inner housing is formed of a polymer of ohm / sq, and the inner housing electrically connects the spring member to the housing.

11. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing is grounded to a user who contacts the outer surface of the housing.

12. The inhaler article retainer of claim 10, wherein the inner housing electrically connects the puncture element to the housing.

13. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sleeve is made of material with a surface resistivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 10 Polymer formation of ohm / sq.

14. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 6, wherein the airflow element is made of material with a surface resistivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 10 Polymer formation of ohm / sq.

15. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 8, wherein the bottom element of the sleeve has a surface resistivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 10 Polymer formation of ohm / sq.

16. The inhaler article retainer according to claim 2, further comprising a surface resistivity of less than 1×10⁻⁶. 10 An inner housing is formed of a polymer of ohm / sq, and the inner housing electrically connects the spring member to the housing.

17. An inhaler system comprising an inhaler article retainer and an inhaler article according to any one of the preceding claims, the inhaler article comprising a sac disposed within a cavity of the inhaler article, the sac containing pharmaceutically active particles comprising nicotine, the pharmaceutically active particles having a median aerodynamic diameter of 5 micrometers or less.

18. The inhaler system of claim 17, wherein the median aerodynamic diameter of the pharmaceutically active particles is in the range of 0.5 micrometers to 4 micrometers.

19. The inhaler system of claim 17, wherein the median aerodynamic diameter of the pharmaceutically active particles is in the range of 1 micrometer to 3 micrometers.

20. The inhaler system according to any one of claims 17-19, wherein the sac further comprises a second fragrance particle group having a median aerodynamic diameter of 20 micrometers or greater.

21. The inhaler system according to any one of claims 17-19, wherein the sac further comprises a second fragrance particle group having a median aerodynamic diameter of 50 micrometers or greater.

22. The inhaler system according to any one of claims 17-19, wherein the capsule further comprises a second fragrance particle group having a median aerodynamic diameter in the range of 50 to 200 micrometers.

23. The inhaler system according to any one of claims 17-19, wherein the capsule further comprises a second fragrance particle group having a median aerodynamic diameter in the range of 50 to 150 micrometers.

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