Kit comprising dry powder inhaler and storage cartridge

Abstract

A kit comprising: a dry powder inhaler comprising: a body (110) comprising a chamber (111) and a suction nozzle (120); a dry powder reservoir (10) movable between an unloaded position, in which the reservoir is at least partially disposed outside the chamber, and a loaded position, in which the reservoir is completely disposed in the chamber; the invention relates to an inhaler (100) comprising:-a reservoir (200) comprising a hollow blind body (201) having a bottom wall (203) supporting an axial projection (205), in a storage position when the inhaler is disposed in the storage box, and an actuation member (130) for moving the reservoir from its non-loading position to its loading position, and-a storage box (200) comprising a hollow blind body (201) having a bottom wall (203) supporting the axial projection (205), in the storage position when the inhaler is disposed in the storage box, an axial projection passes through the nozzle and the chamber for contact with the reservoir to lock the reservoir in its unloaded position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a kit comprising a dry powder inhaler and a storage box.

[0002] Dry powder inhalers are well known in the art. There are various types.

[0003] The first type of multi-dose inhaler comprises a reservoir for accommodating a multi-dose powder, the inhaler being provided with a dosing device so that a dose of the powder can be separated from the reservoir at each actuation so that the dose of powder can be introduced into a discharge conduit, thereby dispensing the dose of powder to the user. Such a device requires a complicated and therefore expensive dosing device, and the accuracy and reproducibility of the dose cannot be guaranteed. In addition, when the inhaler is used, there is a risk that the powder disposed in the reservoir is contaminated.

[0004] Another type of multi-dose inhaler comprises several independent reservoirs that are provided, and several independent reservoirs hold a certain dose of powder separately, and then opens one of these reservoirs when each inhaler is actuated.This implementation guarantees that powder is better sealed, because each dose of powder is only exposed to the atmosphere when discharged.In order to produce this suite with a single reservoir, different modifications have been proposed, such as blister strips or blister trays.About opening a single reservoir, a closed layer of peeling or peeling off the blister has been proposed.Its shortcoming is that it is difficult to control in order to ensure that the applied force is opened fully when there is no risk of opening the next reservoir, particularly when the opening device needs to be actuated by suction.Another solution is to pierce the closed membrane of the blister when actuated at each time, which requires a complicated and therefore expensive piercing device.

[0005] Furthermore, the above-mentioned multi-dose inhalers suffer from the problem of not ensuring an optimal dispensing effect, since in order to obtain a beneficial therapeutic effect, a large part of the dose will effectively penetrate into the lungs of the user.

[0006] In order to make the device less complicated and therefore less expensive, a single dose inhaler has been proposed, which comprises a single independent reservoir, such as a blister or a capsule, which must be loaded into the inhaler before it is used. The advantage of this single dose device is that all doses do not need to be stored in the device, so the size of the device can be reduced. By contrast, it is more complicated to use for the user, because they have to load the blister or capsule into the inhaler before each use. In addition, these single dose inhalers also have other shortcomings. Therefore, the blister or capsule do not allow the distribution of a large dose, generally a large dose greater than 100mg. In addition, particularly for the capsule or blister to be pierced, it is necessary to open and use a complicated piercing device, and there is also the risk that the pierced film remains in the distributed powder. In addition, the emptying performance of the reservoir is not always optimal, because a part of powder can stay in the reservoir during the suction process.

[0007] In the attempt to overcome these shortcomings, document WO 98 / 26828 proposes a single-dose inhaler, which comprises a tubular reservoir provided with a lateral opening, which is arranged in a tubular chamber with a larger diameter, so that during the inhalation process, the reservoir is displaced in the chamber according to orbital motion, which causes powder to be discharged. This implementation can effectively improve distribution efficiency, substantially completely empty the reservoir and cause a greater portion of the dosage to penetrate effectively into the lungs. However, the shortcoming of this device is that, when the inhaler falls, the reservoir may be displaced in the chamber in an undesirable manner under the effect of impact, resulting in the risk of losing powder or contamination.

[0008] Documents WO 2013 / 008037 A1, WO 2008 / 001132 A1, TW 2009 24806 A, WO 03 / 030974 A1 and CN 107469206 A describe other prior art devices.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a kit which does not suffer from the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0010] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a kit of this type which prevents any risk of powder loss or contamination in the event that the inhaler is dropped.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a kit of this type which limits or even avoids the risks of contamination and / or staining of the powder.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a kit of this type which reduces the complexity of use for the user and ensures greater safety in use.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a kit of this type which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0014] Therefore, the present invention provides a kit comprising:

[0015] - a dry powder inhaler comprising: a body containing a chamber and a mouthpiece provided with a dispensing orifice through which a user inhales; a reservoir containing a dose of dry powder to be inhaled and comprising a lateral outlet orifice, said reservoir being movable between an unloaded position, in which the reservoir is at least partially arranged outside the chamber, and a loaded position, in which the reservoir is completely arranged in the chamber, the diameter of the reservoir being smaller than the diameter of the chamber; an actuating member for displacing the reservoir from its unloaded position to its loaded position, and

[0016] - a storage box comprising a blind hollow body including a bottom wall supporting at least one axial projection extending axially upwards, wherein in the storage position with the inhaler arranged in the storage box, the at least one axial projection passes through the mouthpiece and the chamber so as to come into contact with the reservoir, thereby locking the reservoir in its unloaded position.

[0017] Advantageously, said blind hollow body is open on the upper side and is closed by a cover.

[0018] Advantageously, the reservoir is formed by an upper reservoir part and a lower reservoir part which are assembled after being filled with a dose of powder.

[0019] Advantageously, said lower reservoir portion comprises said lateral outlet aperture.

[0020] Advantageously, in the storage position, said at least one axial projection of said storage box cooperates with said upper reservoir portion.

[0021] Advantageously, in the unloaded position of the reservoir, the lateral outlet orifice of the reservoir is closed by a closure element fixed to the body of the inhaler.

[0022] According to an advantageous variant, the reservoir comprises a closing element which is displaceable and / or deformable relative to the reservoir between a closed position of the lateral outlet orifice and an open position of the lateral outlet orifice, the closing element being in the closed position when the reservoir is in the unloaded position and in the open position when the reservoir is in the loaded position.

[0023] Advantageously, the chamber is arranged between the suction air inlet and the suction nozzle.

[0024] Advantageously, the tangential channel directs the intake air flow into the chamber in a tangential manner, which produces an orbital displacement of the reservoir in the chamber.

[0025] Advantageously, the reservoir contains a dose of powder greater than 50 mg, in particular greater than 100 mg.

[0026] Advantageously, in the loading position, the volume occupied by said reservoir in said chamber is greater than 50% of the volume of said chamber.

[0027] Advantageously, the reservoir has a radial diameter greater than its axial height.

[0028] Advantageously, the actuation member is axially displaceable relative to the body in order to move the reservoir from its unloaded position to its loaded position.

[0029] Advantageously, the actuating member comprises at least one oblique slot receiving at least one corresponding lug formed on the body or on an element fixed to the body, so that during axial displacement of the actuating member, the actuating member achieves a rotation in the body.

[0030] These and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent during the course of the following detailed description, which is given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a kit in a locked position according to a first advantageous embodiment,

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an inhaler according to a second advantageous embodiment in an unloaded position,

[0033] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of an inhaler of the invention, wherein the inhaler is in a loaded position,

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the reservoir in the chamber viewed from below in the loading position, and

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram viewed from above the nozzle.

[0036] In the following description, the terms "upper", "lower" and "lateral" are relative to Figures 1 to 3 The terms "axial" and "radial" are relative to the Figure 1 This is with respect to the longitudinal center axis A of the device shown in .

[0037] The drawings depict two embodiments of an inhaler suitable for forming part of a kit according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 1 A first embodiment of an inhaler is shown.

[0039] In this first embodiment, the inhaler comprises a body 110 comprising a chamber 111 and a mouthpiece 120 provided with a dispensing orifice 121 through which the user inhales.

[0040] Advantageously, the body 110 is formed of two body parts, an upper body part comprising the suction nozzle 120 and a lower body part comprising a cylindrical sleeve 112, the chamber 111 being defined by these two body parts fixed to each other.

[0041] Preferably, the chamber 111 is disposed between the suction air inlet and the mouthpiece 120 , so that when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 120 , the air flow will pass through the chamber 111 .

[0042] The inhaler comprises a reservoir 10 containing a dose of dry powder to be inhaled and comprising a lateral outlet orifice 11. The reservoir 10 is movable between an unloaded position, in which the reservoir 10 is at least partially arranged outside the chamber 111, and a loaded position, in which the reservoir 10 is completely arranged in the chamber 111. The reservoir 10 comprises a lateral outlet orifice 11 which is closed by a closure element 115 when the reservoir 10 is not in its loaded position. Advantageously, the lower reservoir part 10b comprises the lateral outlet orifice 11.

[0043] In this first embodiment, the closing element 115 is formed on the cylindrical sleeve 112 .

[0044] The diameter of the reservoir 10 is smaller than the diameter of the chamber 111, so that in the loading position, the reservoir 10 can be moved in the chamber 111. Advantageously, the tangential channels 115a, 115b, 115c bring the inhaled air flow into the chamber 111 in a tangential manner, thereby causing the reservoir 10 to shift in orbit in the chamber 111, the reservoir 10 rotating around the periphery of the chamber 111 along the side wall of the chamber 111 while rotating itself. This movement will allow the powder contained in the reservoir 10 to be discharged, which powder is brought towards the mouthpiece and the dispensing orifice by the inhaled air flow.

[0045] Advantageously, the reservoir 10 can contain a dose of powder greater than 50 mg, in particular greater than 100 mg. Alternatively, very large doses, in particular greater than 500 mg, can be envisaged.

[0046] Advantageously, the volume occupied by the reservoir 10 in the chamber 111 in the loading position is greater than 50% of the volume of the chamber 111 .

[0047] Advantageously, the radial diameter of the reservoir 10 is greater than its axial height.

[0048] Advantageously, the reservoir 10 is formed of an upper reservoir portion 10a and a lower reservoir portion 10b which are assembled after being filled with a dose of powder.

[0049] The inhaler further comprises an actuation member 130 for displacing the reservoir 10 from its unloaded position to its loaded position. The actuation member 130 is axially displaceable relative to the body 110 to push the reservoir 10 from its unloaded position to its loaded position.

[0050] Advantageously, the axial displacement of the actuation member 130 is produced by rotation of the actuation member 130 in the body 110 , for example by means of one or more lugs of the body 110 arranged in one or more oblique slots of the actuation member 130 .

[0051] Figure 2 and 3 A second embodiment of the inhaler is shown.

[0052] In this second embodiment, the lateral outlet orifice 11 of the reservoir is closed by a specific closing element 12, Figure 1 Unlike the closure element 115 of the inhaler, the closure element 12 is fitted on the reservoir and is not part of the inhaler.

[0053] This closure element 12 protects the powder contained in the reservoir until it is dispensed by actuating the inhaler.

[0054] Thus, the closing element 12 is displaceable and / or deformable relative to the reservoir 10 between a closed position and an open position of the lateral outlet orifice 11, wherein the closing element 12 is in the closed position when the reservoir 10 is in the unloaded position and in the open position when the reservoir 10 is in the loaded position.

[0055] Advantageously, in the unloaded position, the closure element 12 abuts against or is fixed to a portion of the body 110 , so that when the reservoir 10 is moved towards its loaded position, the closure element 12 remains locked in the body, thereby opening the lateral outlet orifice 11 .

[0056] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example of , the closing element 12 comprises a radial projection 13 which cooperates with a shoulder 113 of the cylindrical sleeve 112 .

[0057] Advantageously, radial projection 13 is arranged on a side of closing element 12, so that closing element is asymmetric.Therefore, when closing element 12 is in closed position on reservoir 10, reservoir 10 is also asymmetric; This forms the key to prevent mistakes for inserting reservoir 10 into the body 110 of inhaler, and this insertion can only be carried out on the single orientation of reservoir 10.When the external shape of reservoir 10 is substantially symmetrical, but lateral outlet orifice 11 is not arranged on the axial center of reservoir 10, this is particularly advantageous, as shown in the example in the accompanying drawings.In fact, in this case, it is desired that reservoir 10 is correctly oriented in inhaler for optimal operation, and the asymmetric shape of closing element makes it possible to realize this function.

[0058] Obviously, if the reservoir 10 is symmetrical, with the lateral outlet orifice 11 axially centered, the closure element 12 does not need to be asymmetrical. On the contrary, a closure element 12 forming a symmetrical unit with the reservoir 10 will allow the user to insert the unit into the inhaler in two orientations without any risk of malfunction or less efficient powder dispensing.

[0059] Advantageously, as can be Figure 5 As seen in FIG. 1 , the nozzle 120 may include a mesh 125 located upstream of the dispensing orifice 121 .

[0060] According to the present invention, a storage box 200 is provided for receiving the inhaler until it is used.

[0061] This box 200 comprises a blind hollow body 201 which is open at the upper side and which is closed by a cover 202 .

[0062] The blind hollow body comprises, on the lower side, a bottom wall 203 supporting at least one axial projection 205 extending axially upwards. Figure 1 In the example of , there is a single axial protrusion 205 .

[0063] The inhaler is inserted into the transport box 200 with the mouthpiece 120 oriented towards the bottom wall, as can be seen in FIG. Figure 1 Seen in.

[0064] In the storage position of the storage box with the lid closed, the at least one axial protrusion 205 passes through the nozzle 120 and the chamber 111 to contact the reservoir 10, in particular the upper reservoir part 10a. This locks the reservoir 10 in the unloaded position and the reservoir 10 will not accidentally shift to its loaded position even if the box 200 falls.

[0065] The kit formed by the inhaler and the storage box according to the invention is simple and effective. The kit consists of a small number of parts and is therefore inexpensive to manufacture and assemble and reliable in use. The kit allows optimal distribution of the powder due to the orbital movement of the reservoir during actuation while ensuring the integrity of the powder until it is used.

[0066] Various modifications may also be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A kit, characterized in that: The kit includes: - A dry powder inhaler, the inhaler comprising: a body (110), the body (110) comprising a chamber (111) and a mouthpiece (120), the mouthpiece being provided with a dispensing orifice (121) through which a user inhales; a reservoir (10), the reservoir (10) containing a dose of dry powder to be inhaled and comprising a lateral outlet orifice (11), the reservoir (10) being displaceable between an unloaded position and a loaded position, in which the reservoir is at least partially arranged outside the chamber (111), and in which the reservoir is completely arranged in the chamber (111), the diameter of the reservoir (10) being smaller than the diameter of the chamber (111); an actuating member (130), the actuating member (130) being used to displace the reservoir (10) from its unloaded position to its loaded position, and - a storage box (200) comprising a blind hollow body (201), said blind hollow body comprising a bottom wall (203) supporting at least one axial projection (205) extending axially upwards, said at least one axial projection (205) passing through the mouthpiece (120) and the chamber (111) in order to come into contact with the reservoir (10) in a storage position with the inhaler arranged in the storage box (200), thereby locking the reservoir (10) in its unloaded position.

2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein: The blind hollow body (201) is open on the upper side and is closed by a cover (202).

3. A kit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The reservoir (10) is formed by an upper reservoir part (10a) and a lower reservoir part (10b) which are assembled after being filled with a dose of powder.

4. The kit according to claim 3, wherein: The lower reservoir portion (10b) comprises the lateral outlet orifice (11).

5. A kit according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: In the storage position, the at least one axial protrusion (205) of the storage box (200) cooperates with the upper reservoir part (10a).

6. A kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the unloaded position of the reservoir (10), the lateral outlet orifice (11) of the reservoir (10) is closed by a closure element (115) which is fixed to the body (110) of the inhaler.

7. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The reservoir (10) comprises a closing element (12) which is displaceable and / or deformable relative to the reservoir (10) between a closed position of the lateral outlet orifice (11) and an open position of the lateral outlet orifice (11), the closing element (12) being in the closed position when the reservoir (10) is in the unloaded position and the closing element (12) being in the open position when the reservoir (10) is in the loaded position.

8. A kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The chamber (111) is arranged between the suction air inlet and the suction nozzle (120).

9. A kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Tangential channels (115a, 115b, 115c) direct the intake air flow into the chamber (111) in a tangential manner, which produces an orbital displacement of the reservoir (10) in the chamber (111).

10. A kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The reservoir (10) contains a dose of powder greater than 50 mg, in particular greater than 100 mg.

11. A kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the loading position, the reservoir (10) occupies a volume in the chamber (111) that is greater than 50% of the volume of the chamber (111).

12. A kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The radial diameter of the reservoir (10) is greater than its axial height.

13. A kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The actuating member (130) is axially displaceable relative to the body (110) in order to displace the reservoir (10) from its unloaded position to its loaded position.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein: The actuating member (130) comprises at least one oblique slot which receives at least one corresponding lug formed on the body (110) or on an element fixed to the body (110), so that the actuating member (130) is rotated in the body (110) during axial displacement of the actuating member.

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