Inhaler article with powder leakage protection

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inhaler article comprising an upstream compartment. A pierceable bladder containing powder is disposed in the upstream compartment. The inhaler article also includes a downstream compartment. The downstream compartment is fluidly connected with the upstream compartment via an air inlet disposed in a proximal wall of the downstream compartment. The downstream compartment includes an air outlet disposed in a distal portion of the downstream compartment. The inlet of the air outlet is disposed proximally away from the distal wall of the downstream compartment. The invention also relates to an inhaler article holder, and to an inhaler system comprising an inhaler article and an inhaler article holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhaler article. The present invention also relates to an inhaler article holder and to an inhaler system comprising an inhaler article and an inhaler article holder. Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an inhaler system, which comprises an inhaler product holder that can be combined with an inhaler product that comprises a capsule. The inhaler product holder can be used to activate the inhaler product by piercing the capsule with a piercing element. Particles can be released from the capsule when suction or around the pierced capsule to produce an air flow. Therefore, the inhaler system delivers dry powder particles to the consumer. The inhaler product holder is separated from the inhaler product, but the consumer can utilize both the inhaler product and the inhaler product holder to consume the dry powder particles released in the inhaler product simultaneously. A plurality of these inhaler products can be combined with the inhaler product holder to form a system or a kit. A single inhaler product holder can be used on a plurality of inhaler products to activate (pierce or puncture) the capsule contained in each inhaler product. Summary of the invention

[0003] It would be desirable to have an inhaler article with protection against powder leakage. It would be desirable to have an inhaler article with reliable powder delivery. It would be desirable to have an inhaler system with protection against powder leakage.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a kind of inhaler product is provided, and it comprises an upstream compartment.The pierceable capsule that comprises powder is arranged in the upstream compartment.The inhaler product also comprises a downstream compartment.The downstream compartment is connected with the upstream compartment fluid via the air inlet arranged in the proximal wall of the downstream compartment.The downstream compartment comprises an air outlet arranged in the distal part of the downstream compartment.The inlet of the air outlet is arranged to be proximally away from the distal wall of the downstream compartment.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a kind of inhaler product is provided, and it can comprise an upstream compartment.The pierceable capsule that comprises powder can be arranged in the upstream compartment.The inhaler product can also comprise a downstream compartment.The downstream compartment can be connected with the upstream compartment fluid via the air inlet arranged in the proximal wall of the downstream compartment.The downstream compartment can comprise the air outlet arranged in the distal part of the downstream compartment.The inlet of the air outlet can be arranged to the distal wall away from the downstream compartment proximally.

[0006] The air outlet is arranged proximally away from the distal wall of the downstream compartment to prevent powder from leaking out from the air outlet, on the contrary, the powder is collected between the distal wall of the downstream compartment and the air outlet. If the user rotates the inhaler product during use or between uses, the leakage of powder may be particularly problematic, and the arrangement of the air outlet described herein solves this leakage problem or at least reduces the leakage of powder in this case.

[0007] The air outlet may comprise an outlet extension axis. An outlet angle of at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, more preferably at least 15°, most preferably at least 20° may be provided between the outlet extension axis and the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.

[0008] In other words, the air outlet can be tilted. The air outlet can be tilted away from the longitudinal axis of the inhaler product. The tilting of the air outlet can reduce the leakage of powder through the air outlet. In addition, the tilting of the air outlet can produce eddy vortex in the air flow, which can improve the delivery of powder to the consumer.

[0009] The air outlet may be inclined so that the air flowing out of the outlet flows primarily at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article. This may be beneficial because the air carrying the powder may be directed in a desired manner, for example primarily towards the user's tongue or throat.

[0010] The air inlet may comprise an inlet extension axis. An inlet angle of at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, more preferably at least 15°, most preferably at least 20° may be provided between the inlet extension axis and the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.

[0011] In other words, the air inlet can be tilted. The air inlet can be tilted away from the longitudinal axis of the inhaler product. The tilting of the air inlet can reduce the leakage of powder through the air inlet. In addition, the tilting of the air inlet can produce eddy vortices in the air flow, which can improve the delivery of powder to the consumer.

[0012] Similar to the tilting of the air outlets, the air inlets may be tilted to influence the airflow towards the user in a desired manner.

[0013] Air outlet can tilt towards the first sidewall of inhaler goods, preferably tilt towards the first sidewall of the downstream compartment of inhaler goods.Air inlet can tilt towards the second sidewall of inhaler goods, preferably tilt towards the second sidewall of the downstream compartment of inhaler goods.The first sidewall can be arranged relatively with the second sidewall.

[0014] In other words, the air outlet can be inclined toward one side or the first side wall, while the air inlet can be inclined toward the opposite side or the second side wall. This inclination toward the air inlet and the opposite side of the air outlet can prevent leakage of powder. The reason for this is that when the air outlet is inclined toward the opposite side of the air inlet, a straight line cannot be drawn from the air outlet to the air inlet. When the device is rotated during use, preventing a straight line between the air outlet and the air inlet can result in reduced leakage.

[0015] The air outlet may be offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.

[0016] In other words, the outlet extension axis may be parallel to and away from the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.Providing an air outlet offset from the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article may prevent or reduce leakage of powder from the air outlet.

[0017] The air inlet may be offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.

[0018] In other words, the inlet extension axis may be parallel to and away from the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.Providing an air inlet offset from the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article may prevent or reduce leakage of powder from the air inlet.

[0019] Air inlet and air outlet can each be offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article. In other words, the air outlet can be offset laterally relative to the air inlet. The air inlet can be offset in the lateral direction opposite to the air outlet relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article. This arrangement can cause preventing the straight line between the air inlet and the outlet. This can reduce powder leakage.

[0020] The air outlet may include an outlet blocking wall.The outlet blocking wall may be arranged so that a straight line cannot be drawn from the air outlet to the air inlet.

[0021] In the case where the air outlet is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler product, the outlet blocking wall can be arranged facing the longitudinal axis of the inhaler product. The outlet blocking wall can be inclined. The outlet blocking wall can be inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the inhaler product.

[0022] The air inlet may include an inlet blocking wall.The inlet blocking wall may be arranged so that a straight line cannot be drawn from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0023] In the case where the air inlet is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article, the inlet barrier wall can be arranged facing the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article. The inlet barrier wall can be inclined. The inlet barrier wall can be inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.

[0024] The outlet of the air inlet may be arranged distally away from the proximal wall of the downstream compartment.

[0025] Due to this arrangement of the outlet of the air inlet, powder can be prevented from leaking out of the air inlet in the event that the consumer rotates the inhaler article during or between uses.

[0026] The inlet of the air outlet may be arranged proximally away from the distal wall of the downstream compartment, such that a slot may be formed adjacent to the distal wall of the downstream compartment for excess powder.

[0027] The groove may be used to collect powder and thus prevent or reduce leakage of powder. The air outlet may be defined by the groove. The groove may be arranged coaxially with the air outlet. The air outlet may be arranged at the center of the groove. The air outlet may be elevated compared to the base of the groove. The base of the groove may be formed by the distal wall of the downstream compartment. The peripheral sidewall of the groove may be formed by the sidewall of the downstream compartment. The inner sidewall of the groove may be formed by the elevated air outlet.

[0028] In the case where the air inlet is arranged to be distally away from the proximal wall of the downstream compartment, a similar groove can be formed around the air inlet. In the case where the inhaler article rotates, powder can be stopped from leaking out from the downstream compartment because powder can be retained in the groove around the air inlet or around the groove of the air outlet.

[0029] The tank may have a capacity of at least 10% of the powder contained in the article.

[0030] The downstream compartment may further include a central post extending in a distal direction from a proximal wall of the downstream compartment.

[0031] When the inhaler product rotates, the center post can prevent powder from falling through the air outlet. The center post can be arranged above the air outlet. The center post can be arranged away from the air outlet so that air can flow into the air outlet laterally between the air outlet and the center post. The center post can be arranged to hang above the air outlet. The center post can be installed to or attached to the proximal wall of the downstream compartment. The air inlet can be arranged in the proximal wall of the downstream compartment near the center post.

[0032] The proximal wall of the downstream compartment can be a dividing wall between the downstream compartment and the upstream compartment. The proximal wall of the downstream compartment can be a distal wall at the upstream compartment. The proximal wall of the downstream compartment can be arranged between the downstream compartment and the upstream compartment. The proximal wall of the downstream compartment can be divided into compartments of similar size for the inhaler products. These compartments of similar size can be the downstream compartment and the upstream compartment.

[0033] The proximal wall of the downstream compartment may include an orifice. The air inlet may form the orifice. The air inlet may enable air to be sucked from the upstream compartment to the downstream compartment. The proximal wall of the downstream compartment including the air inlet may create a separation between the upstream compartment and the downstream compartment. The air inlet may allow powder to be sucked from a capsule arranged in the upstream compartment to the downstream compartment.

[0034] The central column may be solid. This may prevent powder from falling through the central column. Alternatively, the central column may be hollow. However, in this case, the side walls and the distal end of the central column are preferably closed. The proximal end of the central column may be attached to the proximal wall of the downstream compartment and is therefore also closed.

[0035] The outer diameter of the central column may be greater than the inner diameter of the air outlet.

[0036] This can effectively prevent the powder from reaching the air outlet and leaking out of the air outlet in the absence of a user taking a puff.

[0037] The distal end of the central post may be conical.

[0038] This may increase the amount of powder that is drawn through the air outlet when the user draws.

[0039] The center column may be connected to the air outlet.

[0040] This arrangement can be closed to the passage of air outlet in the connecting area between center column and air outlet.Therefore can limit where air can flow into air outlet, and can prevent air from flowing into air outlet from all lateral directions.If one or both of air inlet and air outlet are inclined, then this arrangement may be particularly beneficial.If one or both of air inlet and air outlet are offset relative to the longitudinal axis of inhaler article, then this arrangement may also be particularly beneficial.In all these cases, a side of the longitudinal axis of air outlet facing aerosol generation article can be closed by the connection between center column and air outlet.A side of air outlet facing the longitudinal axis of aerosol generation article is preferably a side of air outlet facing air inlet.

[0041] Air outlet can have the inlet facing sideways.The inlet facing sideways can be arranged in the direction opposite to the direction of the longitudinal axis towards the inhaler article.In other words, the inlet facing sideways can face the sidewall of the inhaler article.In other words again, the inlet facing sideways can face outwards.

[0042] The portion of the central post connecting the central post with the air outlet may be chamfered.

[0043] The invention also relates to an inhaler article holder having a cavity configured for receiving an inhaler article as described herein.The inhaler article holder may comprise a piercing element for piercing the capsule.

[0044] The piercing element can be a needle. The piercing element can be slidable. The piercing element can extend into the cavity. The piercing element can be arranged to be retracted from the cavity. The piercing element can be arranged to slide into the cavity for piercing the capsule of the inhaler product arranged in the cavity. The piercing element can be arranged to be retracted from the cavity after piercing the capsule of the inhaler product. The piercing element can be arranged in the cavity in a centered alignment. The piercing element can be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler product. Alternatively, the piercing element can be arranged to offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler product. The longitudinal axis of the inhaler product can be identical with the longitudinal axis of the inhaler product holder.

[0045] The piercing element may be arranged at the base of the cavity.The piercing element may be arranged in an aperture at the base of the cavity.The piercing element may be arranged to be retractable through the aperture at the base of the cavity.

[0046] The inhaler article holder can be configured to receive the inhaler article. The inhaler article holder can be configured to be used with a plurality of inhaler articles. After the inhaler article is exhausted, a new inhaler article can be received in the cavity of the inhaler article holder.

[0047] The present invention also relates to an inhaler system comprising an inhaler article as described herein and an inhaler article holder as described herein.

[0048] During the user's puffing, the dry powder particles can leave the capsule through the orifice in the capsule. The dry powder particles can be entrained in the inhalation airflow to the consumer. The orifice in the capsule can be produced by a piercing element. Before use, the capsule can be airtightly sealed.

[0049] The inhalable powder of the capsule of the inhaler article can include various activating agents. For example, the activating agent can include alkaloids, such as nicotine or anatabine or quinoline. Preferably, the activating agent includes a solid salt of alkaloids, such as a nicotine salt.

[0050] The amount of active agent can be selected based on the desired or intended use of the inhalable dry powder. For example, the amount of active agent can be between 0.5% by weight and 10% by weight of the total weight of the dry powder particles. The dry powder particles can include 0.5% by weight or more, 1% by weight or more, 2% by weight or more, or 3% by weight or more of active agent, 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 active agent, 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 active agent.

[0051] The dry powder particles may include 0.5 wt % or more, 1 wt % or more, 2 wt % or more, or 3 wt % or more nicotine, and include 12 wt % or less, 10 wt % or less, 9 wt % or less, 8 wt % or less, or 7 wt % or less nicotine, or include 0.5 wt % to 10 wt %, 1 wt % to 8 wt %, 1.5 wt % to 6 wt %, or 2 wt % to 5 wt % nicotine.

[0052] The amount of activating agent also can be selected based on every dose.Inhalable powder can be in single dose form or with multi-dose form packaging.For example, every dose of inhalable powder can comprise 0.5mg or more, 1mg or more, 2mg or more or 5mg or more activating agent.Every dose of inhalable powder can comprise 500mg or less, 200mg or less, 100mg or less, 50mg or less, 20mg or less or 10mg or less activating agent.In certain embodiments, every dose of inhalable powder comprises 0.01 to 10mg anatabine or nicotine or quinoline, every dose comprises 0.05 to 5mg anatabine or nicotine or quinoline, or every dose comprises 0.1 to 1mg anatabine or nicotine or quinoline.

[0053] In embodiments, a capsule contains 1 to 20 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 1 to 10 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 10 to 20 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 1 dose. In embodiments, a capsule contains 2 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 3 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 4 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 5 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 6 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 7 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 8 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 9 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 10 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 11 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 12 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 13 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 14 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 15 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 16 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 17 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 18 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 19 doses. In embodiments, a capsule contains 20 doses.

[0054] The dry powder particles may have a particle size in the range of 20 μm or less, 10 μm or less, or 5 μm or less, or 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, or 0.5 μm or more, or 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 may be achieved by spray drying, grinding, sieving, or a combination thereof.

[0055] Dry powder particles can also be mixed with the second particle group to form a powder system. Preferably, the second particle group has a particle size different from the dry powder particles or a larger particle size than the dry powder particles. For example, the second particle group can have a particle size of about 20 μm or larger, or about 50 μm or larger, 200 μm or less, 150 μm or less, or in the range of 50 μm to 200 μm, or 50 μm to 150 μm. The second particle group can have any useful size distribution suitable for selectively inhaling delivery to the user's oral cavity or buccal cavity. Larger second flavoring agent particle group can contribute to the delivery of dry powder particles to the inhaled air stream to the user.

[0056] The dry powder particles and the second particle population can be combined in any useful relative amounts so that the second particle population is detected by the user when consumed with the dry powder particles. Preferably, the dry powder particles and the second particle population form at least about 90 weight % or at least about 95 weight % or at least about 99 weight % or 100 weight % of the total weight of the powder system.

[0057] Dry powder particles can be mixed with the second flavoring agent particle group to form a powder system. Preferably, the second flavoring agent particle group has a particle size different from the dry powder particles or a larger particle size than the dry powder particles. For example, the flavor particles can have a particle size of about 20 μm or larger, or about 50 μm or larger, 200 μm or less, 150 μm or less, or in the range of 50 μm to 200 μm, or 50 μm to 150 μm. The second flavoring agent particle group can have any useful size distribution suitable for selectively inhaling delivery to the user's oral cavity or buccal cavity. Larger second flavoring agent particle group can contribute to the delivery of dry powder particles to the inhaled air stream to the user.

[0058] The dry powder particles and the second flavoring particle population can be combined in any useful relative amounts so that the second flavoring particle population is detected by the user when consumed with the dry powder particles. Preferably, the dry powder particles and the second flavoring particle population form at least about 90% by weight, or at least about 95% by weight, or at least about 99% by weight, or 100% by weight of the total weight of the powder system.

[0059] Dry powder particles or powder systems can be provided in suitable dosage forms. For example, dry powder particles or powder systems can be provided in capsules. Dosage forms (e.g., capsules) can be configured to be used in suitable inhalers. For example, capsules can be used in inhaler devices with capsule cavities. Airflow management through the capsule cavities of inhaler devices can cause capsules contained therein to rotate during suction and consumption. Capsules can contain dry powder particles or powder systems.

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, the term "particle size" is used herein to refer to the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of a particle or collection of particles. Such values ​​are based on a particle having a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 1 gm / cm2, which is defined as having the same aerodynamic behavior as the particle being characterized. 3 Distribution of aerodynamic particle diameters as a function of the density of the diameter of a sphere.

[0061] In particular, for powder systems, reference is often made to the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), which is the most widely adopted measure as a single number descriptor of the aerodynamic particle size distribution. The MMAD is a statistically derived graph of a sample of particles: for example, an MMAD of 5 microns means that 50% of the total sample mass will be present in particles having an aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns, and the remaining 50% of the total sample mass will be present in particles having an aerodynamic diameter of greater than 5 microns. In the context of the present invention, when describing a powder system, the term "particle size" preferably refers to the MMAD of the powder system.

[0062] The MMAD of the powder system is preferably measured with a cascade impactor. The cascade impactor is an instrument that has been widely used to sample and separate airborne particles to determine the aerodynamic size classification of aerosol particles. In fact, the cascade impactor separates the incoming sample into discrete parts based on the particle inertia, which varies with particle size, density and speed. The cascade impactor generally includes a series of stages, each of which includes a plate with a specific nozzle arrangement and a collection surface. When the nozzle size and the total nozzle area decrease as the number of stages increases, the speed of the air carrying the sample increases as it advances through the instrument. At each stage, particles with sufficient inertia are separated from the main airflow to impact the collection surface. Therefore, at any given flow rate, each stage is associated with a cutoff diameter, and the size of the collected particles is digitally defined. As the number of stages increases, the speed increases, so the stage cutoff diameter decreases. Therefore, the cutoff diameter associated with a given stage is a function of the airflow rate used for testing. In order to reflect the in-use performance, the nebulizer is routinely tested at 15L / min, and the dry powder inhaler can be tested at a flow rate of up to 100L / min.

[0063] Preferably, in the context of the present invention, the MMAD of the powder system is measured with a Next Generation Impactor (NGI) 170 (available from Copley Scientific AG). The NGI is a high performance, accurate particle classification cascade impactor with seven stages plus a microporous collector (MOC). The characteristics and operating principle of the NGI are described, for example, in Marple et al., Journal of Aerosol Medicine - Vol. 16, No. 3 (2003). More preferably, the measurement is carried out at 20 ± 3 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 35 ± 5%.

[0064] The dry powder formulation typically contains less than or equal to about 15% by weight of moisture, preferably less than or equal to about 10% by weight of moisture, and even more preferably less than or equal to about 6% by weight of moisture. Most preferably, the dry powder formulation contains less than or equal to about 5% by weight of moisture, or even less than or equal to about 3% by weight of moisture, or even less than or equal to about 1% by weight of moisture.

[0065] All values ​​reported as percentages are assumed to be weight percentages based on the total weight.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Example ex1. An inhaler product, comprising:

[0068] an upstream compartment, wherein a pierceable capsule containing a powder is arranged in said upstream compartment, and

[0069] a downstream compartment, wherein the downstream compartment is fluidly connected to the upstream compartment via an air inlet arranged in a proximal wall of the downstream compartment,

[0070] Wherein the downstream compartment comprises an air outlet arranged in a distal portion of the downstream compartment, and wherein an inlet of the air outlet is arranged proximally away from a distal end wall of the downstream compartment.

[0071] Example ex2. An inhaler product according to example ex1, wherein the air outlet comprises an outlet extension axis, and wherein an outlet angle of at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, more preferably at least 15°, most preferably at least 20° is provided between the outlet extension axis and the longitudinal axis of the inhaler product.

[0072] Example ex2a. An inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the interior length of the downstream compartment can be such that, together with the selected outlet angle, powder is prevented from falling out of the air outlet.

[0073] Example ex3. An inhaler product according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the air inlet comprises an inlet extension axis, and wherein an inlet angle of at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, more preferably at least 15°, most preferably at least 20° is provided between the inlet extension axis and the longitudinal axis of the inhaler product.

[0074] Example ex3a. An inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the interior length of the downstream compartment can be such that, together with the selected inlet angle, powder is prevented from falling out of the air inlet.

[0075] Example ex4. The inhaler article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the air outlet is angled toward a first sidewall of the inhaler article, wherein the air inlet is angled toward a second sidewall of the inhaler article, wherein the first sidewall is disposed opposite the second sidewall.

[0076] Example ex5. The inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the air outlet is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.

[0077] Example ex6. The inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the air inlet is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.

[0078] Example ex7. The inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the air outlet is laterally offset relative to the air inlet.

[0079] Example ex8. The inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the air outlet comprises an outlet blocking wall, wherein the outlet blocking wall is arranged so that a straight line cannot be drawn from the air outlet to the air inlet.

[0080] Example ex9. The inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the air inlet comprises an inlet blocking wall, wherein the inlet blocking wall is arranged so that a straight line cannot be drawn from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0081] Example ex10. The inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the outlet of the air inlet is arranged distally away from the proximal wall of the downstream compartment.

[0082] Example ex11. The inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the inlet of the air outlet is arranged proximally away from the distal wall of the downstream compartment so that a slot is formed adjacent to the distal wall of the downstream compartment for excess powder.

[0083] Example ex12. The inhaler article according to the preceding example, wherein the groove has a capacity of at least 10% of the powder contained in the article.

[0084] Example ex13. The inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream compartment further comprises a central post extending in a distal direction from the proximal wall of the downstream compartment.

[0085] Example ex14. The inhaler article according to the preceding example, wherein the central column is solid.

[0086] Example ex15. The inhaler article according to any one of the two preceding examples, wherein the outer diameter of the central post is greater than the inner diameter of the air outlet.

[0087] Example ex16. The inhaler article according to any one of the three preceding examples, wherein the distal end of the central column is conical.

[0088] Example ex17. The inhaler article according to any one of the four preceding examples, wherein the central post is connected to the air outlet.

[0089] Example ex18. The inhaler article of the preceding example, wherein the air outlet has a laterally facing inlet.

[0090] Example ex19. The inhaler article according to any one of the two preceding examples, wherein the portion of the central post connecting the central post to the air outlet is chamfered.

[0091] Example ex20. An inhaler article holder having a cavity configured to receive an inhaler article according to any preceding example, wherein the inhaler article holder comprises a piercing element for piercing the capsule.

[0092] Example ex21. An inhaler system comprising the inhaler article according to any one of examples ex1 to ex12 and the inhaler article holder according to the previous example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention.

[0094] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0095] Figure 1 A and 1B show inhaler articles;

[0096] Figure 2 A, 2B and 2C show the rotation of the inhaler article;

[0097] Figure 3 A and 3B show embodiments of inhaler articles having a central post in the downstream compartment;

[0098] Figure 4 A, 4B and 4C show the rotation of an inhaler article having a central column;

[0099] Figure 5 Variations of the central column of the inhaler article are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] Figure 1 B shows an inhaler article 10 and schematically shows an inhaler article holder 12. The inhaler article 10 is received in a cavity of the inhaler article holder 12.

[0101] The inhaler article 10 includes a proximal opening 14 disposed at a proximal end 16 of the inhaler article 10. The proximal opening 14 is received in a cavity of the inhaler article holder 12. Air can be drawn into the inhaler article 10 through the proximal opening 14. The proximal opening 14 can also enable a piercing element of the inhaler article holder 12 to be inserted into the inhaler article 10.

[0102] The inhaler article 10 comprises an upstream compartment 18 and a downstream compartment 20. A capsule 22 containing an inhalable powder is arranged in the upstream compartment 18. The capsule 22 can be pierced by inserting a piercing element of the inhaler article holder 12 into the upstream compartment 18 of the inhaler article 10.

[0103] A partition wall 24 is arranged between the upstream compartment 18 of the inhaler article 10 and the downstream compartment 20 of the inhaler article 10. The partition wall 24 is a proximal wall of the downstream compartment 20 and a distal wall of the upstream compartment 18. The partition wall 24 prevents the capsule 22 from entering the downstream compartment 20. In other words, the partition wall 24 keeps the capsule 22 in the upstream compartment 18.

[0104] An air inlet 26 is formed in the partition wall 24. The air inlet 26 allows air to be drawn from the upstream compartment 18 into the downstream compartment 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 Indicated by the arrow in B. The air inlet 26 has an arrangement to prevent or reduce leakage of powder if the inhaler article 10 is rotated during or between uses.

[0105] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1A , the extension axis 28 of the air inlet 26 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 30 of the inhaler article 10. In addition, the air inlet 26 includes an air inlet blocking wall 32 facing the longitudinal axis 30 of the inhaler article 10. The air inlet blocking wall 32 together with the inclined configuration of the air inlet 26 prevents leakage of powder from the air inlet 26 toward the air outlet 34 of the downstream compartment 20.

[0106] The air outlet 34 of the downstream compartment 20 is also inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 30 of the inhaler article 10, similar to the inclination of the air inlet 26. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2A , the air outlet 34 also has an extension axis 36 that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 30 of the inhaler article 10. The air outlet 34 is inclined in the opposite direction compared to the inclination of the air inlet 26. Figure 1 A, the air outlet 34 is inclined toward the first side wall 38 of the downstream compartment 20, while the air inlet 26 is inclined toward the opposite second side wall 40 of the downstream compartment 20. In addition, the air outlet 34 includes an air outlet barrier wall 42 facing the longitudinal axis 30 of the inhaler article 10.

[0107] The opposing inclinations of the proximal opening 14 and the air outlet 34 , together with the air inlet blocking wall 32 and the air outlet blocking wall 42 , prevent a straight line 44 from being drawn between the air inlet 26 and the air outlet 34 .

[0108] Figure 1 Also shown is the elevation of the air outlet 34 from the distal wall 46 of the downstream compartment 20. In other words, a distance 48 is provided between the air outlet 34 and the distal wall 46 of the downstream compartment 20. This distance 48 creates an air outlet slot 50 around the air outlet 34 between the air outlet 34 and the distal wall 46 of the downstream compartment 20. Powder that would normally leak from the air outlet 34 can be prevented from leaking out of the air outlet 34 because the powder falls into the air outlet slot 50.

[0109] Similarly, the air inlet 26 is arranged distally away from the dividing wall 24 to create an air inlet slot 52 surrounding the air inlet 26 .

[0110] Figure 2 The prevention of leakage of the powder 54 is shown in the case where the inhaler article 10 is rotated during or between uses. Figure 2 In A, powder 54 leaking from the capsule 22 that is not sucked out of the air outlet 34 during the normal consumption process is prevented from leaking out of the air outlet 34. This leaking powder 54 falls into the air outlet slot 50 formed between the distal wall 46 of the downstream compartment 20 and the raised air outlet 34 next to the air outlet 34.

[0111] Figure 2 B shows the movement of powder 54 when the inhaler article 10 is rotated 180 °. In this case, powder 54 falls to upstream compartment 18 inside downstream compartment 20. However, since the configuration of air inlet 26 is similar to that of air outlet 34, powder will not leak into upstream compartment 18. Therefore, powder falls into air inlet groove 52 around air inlet 26. In particular, due to the opposite orientation of the tilt of air inlet 26 and air outlet 34 and air inlet blocking wall 32 and air outlet blocking wall 42, powder 54 is prevented from leaking from downstream compartment 20.

[0112] Figure 3 C shows that the inhaler article 10 is rotated 180° again. In other words, the inhaler article 10 is rotated back to Figure 3 The orientation shown in A. The powder 54 that has been held near the air inlet 26 in the downstream compartment 20 now falls again toward the air outlet 34 in the downstream compartment 20. However, the powder is prevented from leaking out of the air outlet 34 and instead falls into the air outlet slot 50 surrounding the air outlet 34.

[0113] Figure 3 An embodiment is shown in which a central column 56 is provided, which extends from the dividing wall 24 between the upstream compartment 18 and the downstream compartment 20 and in the distal direction towards the air outlet 34. The central column 56 has an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the air outlet 34, so that a straight line 44 cannot be drawn from the air inlet 26 to the air outlet 34. Figure 3 The air inlet 26 is not explicitly depicted in FIG. However, the air inlet 26 is arranged in the partition wall 24 near the central column 56, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 A is indicated by line 44. Thus, the air inlet 26 is arranged laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis 30 of the inhaler article 10.

[0114] Figure 3B shows a more detailed view of the distal end of the central post 56 , and the outer diameter of the central post 56 is greater than the inner diameter of the air outlet 34 .

[0115] Figure 4 Shows something like Figure 2 The rotation of the rotating inhaler product 10 shown in FIG. However, in this case, Figure 3 Where a central post 56 is shown, the movement of powder 54 is shown. Figure 4 The central post 56 in the illustrated embodiment is provided with a conical distal end to facilitate the inhalation of powder 54 into the air outlet 34 during normal use. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the air outlet 34 is elevated so that an air outlet slot 50 is formed adjacent the air outlet 34. During rotation of the inhaler article 10, the loose powder 54 is deposited in the air outlet slot 50 rather than leaking out of the inhaler article 10.

[0116] Figure 5 A variation of the embodiment of the central column 56 is shown, in which the central column 56 is connected to the air outlet 34. A lateral opening 58 is provided in the central column 56, so that air can still reach the air outlet 34. The lateral opening 58 faces the side wall of the downstream compartment 20, so that air can only enter the air outlet 34 through this laterally facing lateral opening 58.

Claims

1. An inhaler product, comprising: an upstream compartment, wherein a pierceable capsule containing a powder is arranged in said upstream compartment, and a downstream compartment, wherein the downstream compartment is fluidly connected to the upstream compartment via an air inlet arranged in a proximal wall of the downstream compartment, wherein the downstream compartment comprises an air outlet arranged in a distal portion of the downstream compartment, and wherein an inlet of the air outlet is arranged proximally away from a distal end wall of the downstream compartment, wherein the air outlet is angled toward a first sidewall of the inhaler article, wherein the air inlet is angled toward a second sidewall of the inhaler article, wherein the first sidewall is disposed opposite the second sidewall.

2. The inhaler article according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet comprises an outlet extension axis, and wherein an outlet angle of at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, more preferably at least 15°, most preferably at least 20° is provided between the outlet extension axis and the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.

3. An inhaler article according to any preceding claim, wherein the air inlet comprises an inlet extension axis, and wherein an inlet angle of at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, more preferably at least 15°, most preferably at least 20° is provided between the inlet extension axis and the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article.

4. An inhaler article according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the following are true: The air outlet is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article, The air inlet is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article, and The air outlet is laterally offset relative to the air inlet.

5. The inhaler article of any preceding claim, wherein the air outlet comprises an outlet blocking wall, wherein the outlet blocking wall is arranged such that no straight line can be drawn from the air outlet to the air inlet.

6. An inhaler article according to any preceding claim, wherein the air inlet comprises an inlet blocking wall, wherein the inlet blocking wall is arranged such that no straight line can be drawn from the air inlet to the air outlet.

7. An inhaler article according to any preceding claim, wherein the outlet of the air inlet is arranged distally away from the proximal wall of the downstream compartment.

8. An inhaler article according to any preceding claim, wherein the inlet of the air outlet is arranged proximally away from the distal wall of the downstream compartment such that a slot is formed adjacent the distal wall of the downstream compartment for excess powder.

9. The inhaler article of any preceding claim, wherein the downstream compartment further comprises a central post extending in a distal direction from the proximal wall of the downstream compartment.

10. An inhaler article according to the preceding claim, wherein one or more of the following are true: The outer diameter of the central column is greater than the inner diameter of the air outlet, The distal end of the central column is conical, and The central column is connected to the air outlet.

11. Inhaler article according to the preceding claim, wherein the air outlet has a laterally facing inlet.

12. An inhaler article according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the portion of the central post connecting the central post with the air outlet is chamfered.

13. An inhaler article holder having a cavity configured for receiving an inhaler article according to any preceding claim, wherein the inhaler article holder comprises a piercing element for piercing the capsule.

14. An inhaler system comprising an inhaler article according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and an inhaler article holder according to the preceding claim.

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