Device for the metered dispensing of liquids with a spray attachment

Abstract

Device (1) for metered dispensing of liquids with an actuating head (2), a spray attachment (3) connected thereto and two separate outlet channels, characterized in that the outlet channels are arranged at a mutual distance which corresponds to the mean distance between the nostrils of a person.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the metered dispensing of liquids, in particular medical liquids or care solutions, as may be required for use on a person. The device has an actuating head, a spray nozzle connected thereto, and two separate outlet channels and is particularly suitable for the simultaneous dispensing of liquid into both nostrils. State of the art

[0002] From the prior art, such as DE 200 18 518' U1, devices for dispensing liquids are known which each have only a single spray nozzle or outlet opening.

[0003] If, for example, a liquid is to be introduced into both nostrils of a person simultaneously, the application must be carried out in each nostril sequentially. This means an additional handling step and lengthens the application process.

[0004] Furthermore, repeatedly applying the device to the second nostril, for example in a small child or a person requiring care, can lead to restlessness, defensive movements, or resistance. This creates the risk of inaccurate dosing, so that the intended amount of active ingredient is not completely or only unevenly delivered into the nasal cavities. Object of the invention

[0005] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device for dispensing liquids that enables the simultaneous and controlled delivery of the liquid into both nostrils of a person. For the purposes of this invention, a person is understood to include, in particular, newborns, infants, school-age children, adolescents, and adults. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] This problem is solved by a device for the metered dispensing of liquids, comprising an actuating head, a subsequent spray nozzle, and two separate outlet channels. According to the invention, the outlet channels are arranged at a distance from each other that corresponds to the average distance between a person's nostrils.

[0007] This reduces the time required for application, simplifies the dosage in both nostrils simultaneously, and improves treatment comfort, especially for small children or people requiring care.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the mean distance is in the range of 20 mm to 51 mm. The mean distance between the two nostrils of a newborn (0 to 12 months) is typically 20 mm to 25 mm. In adolescents or adults, this distance is in the range of 32 mm to 38 mm. Depending on ethnicity and sex, the distance can be up to 51 mm.

[0009] This ensures that the device can be adapted to different anatomical conditions and can be used in both newborns and adults.

[0010] It is advantageous if the spray nozzle has a branching section that divides into two protruding legs, with the outlet channels being formed in the shape of the two protruding legs.

[0011] This achieves a structurally simple yet reliable distribution of the fluid to both outlet channels, so that the fluid can be delivered evenly into both nostrils.

[0012] Advantageously, the legs are aligned from the branching section towards their respective outlet openings, ensuring even distribution of the liquid. In the case of a device designed as part of a nasal spray bottle, the legs are arranged outside the reservoir and extend outwards from the spray nozzle attached to the reservoir.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the legs of the branching section run symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the spray nozzle.

[0014] A symmetrical arrangement of the legs to the longitudinal axis of the spray nozzle supports ergonomic handling and even spray distribution.

[0015] An alternative advantageous embodiment is when the legs run asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the spray nozzle.

[0016] An asymmetrical arrangement allows for adaptation to different anatomical conditions of the person being treated, for example, differing distances or shapes of the nostrils.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the spray nozzle has a section of lower stiffness in the leg area than the adjacent areas of the spray nozzle. This section can be formed, for example, by using an elastomeric material, by reducing the wall thickness, or by a specific geometric design, such as an annular groove or a predetermined bending point.

[0018] This allows the legs to be adjusted relative to each other to a limited extent, so that the opening angle formed between them can be adapted to different anatomical conditions. In particular, this allows the distance between the outlet channels to be adjusted to the average distance between the nostrils of different people.

[0019] An opening angle of 10° to 150° can be formed between the thighs, allowing for adaptation to a person's facial anatomy.

[0020] A small opening angle at the bottom allows for a compact device design, while a larger opening angle enables better adaptation to the anatomical spacing of the nostrils of the person being treated. By selecting an opening angle within this range, the device can be used reliably in both infants and adults.

[0021] Advantageously, the spray attachment with the outlet channels in the shape of the legs is made of a thermoplastic material, which enables cost-effective production.

[0022] Alternatively, the spray nozzle with the outlet channels in the shape of the legs can be made of glass, thereby achieving chemical resistance to aggressive liquids.

[0023] The term "made of ..." is to be understood as indicating that the predominant material consists of the mentioned substance, without excluding the use of other materials.

[0024] The outlet channels preferably run conically, or alternatively cylindrically, towards the outlet opening located at their free end.

[0025] A conical shape promotes the formation of a defined spray pattern and supports precise metering of the dispensed liquid. A cylindrical shape, on the other hand, simplifies manufacturing, allows for a robust and stable design of the outlet channels, and can offer advantages in terms of cleaning and durability, particularly in reusable versions.

[0026] In a design where an intake tube is permanently connected to the actuating head, a particularly tight and stable connection is achieved, reliably protecting the device from leaks. In an alternative design, the intake tube can be designed to be connectable to the actuating head, allowing it to be replaced or adapted to different reservoirs as needed.

[0027] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described by reference to Fig. 1 explains. It shows: Fig. 1 A schematic side view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention for metered dispensing of liquids.

[0028] The Fig.Figure 1 shows a side view of a device 1 according to the invention for the metered dispensing of liquids according to an exemplary embodiment. The device 1 comprises an actuating head 2, which is connected to a spray nozzle 3 adjoining it. A branching section 4 extends from the spray nozzle 3, which divides into two legs 5a, 5b.

[0029] The spray attachment 3 including the branching section 4 with the two legs 5a, 5b is preferably formed in one piece, in particular by an injection molding process from a thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

[0030] The two legs 5a, 5b are oriented away from the branching section 4 towards their respective outlet openings. They are arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the spray attachment 3, ensuring consistent handling. An opening angle is provided between the legs 5a, 5b, which in the illustrated embodiment is approximately 30°.

[0031] The distance between the two legs 5a, 5b is dimensioned to correspond to the average distance between a person's nostrils. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance is approximately 35 mm, although a range of 20 mm to 51 mm is generally possible.

[0032] Legs 5a and 5b each taper conically towards the outlet openings located at their free ends. This shape facilitates spray distribution and enables a defined dispensing of liquid with each actuation of the actuating head 2.

[0033] Furthermore, a suction tube 6 is attached to or can be connected to the actuating head 2, which extends into the reservoir of a nasal spray bottle. The liquid is reliably conveyed from the lower part of the reservoir into the spray nozzle 3 via this suction tube 6.

[0034] The device 1 is particularly intended to be used in a nasal spray bottle, in which the liquid is drawn from the reservoir by actuating the actuating head 2, distributed in the spray attachment 3 and finally simultaneously delivered through the two legs 5a, 5b into the nostrils of a person.

[0035] The device 1 can optionally be designed as a single-use product for sterile application or for multiple uses, whereby the selection of the materials used (e.g. PP, PE, silicone) can be adapted accordingly. Reference symbol list (1) Device (2) Actuating head (3) Spray nozzle (4) Branching section (5a) thigh (5b) thigh (6) Intake manifold QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 200 18 518' U1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for metered dispensing of liquids with an actuating head (2), a spray attachment (3) connected thereto and two separate outlet channels, characterized by that the outlet channels are arranged at a mutual distance that corresponds to the mean distance between a person's nostrils. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the average distance lies in the range of 20mm to 51mm. [3] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spray attachment (3) has a branching section (4) which divides into two protruding legs (5a, 5b), with an outlet channel formed in each leg (5a, 5b). [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by , that the legs (5a, 5b) are aligned from the branching section (4) in the direction of their respective exit openings. [5] Device according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized by , that the legs (5a, 5b) run symmetrically or asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the spray attachment (3). [6] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the spray attachment (3) has a section of lower stiffness in the area of ​​the legs (5a, 5b) than the adjacent areas of the spray attachment (3). [7] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that an opening angle in the range of 10° to 150° is formed between the legs (5a, 5b). [8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the spray attachment (3) with the outlet channels is made of a thermoplastic material or of glass. [9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outlet channels run conically or cylindrically towards the outlet opening located at their free end. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an intake pipe (6) is attached to or can be connected to the actuating head (2).

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