Device for the NASAl Discharge of a Liquid Product

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a nasal fluid product delivery device, and more particularly a device for delivering a dose of pharmaceutical fluid product, in particular liquid, contained in a reservoir into a nostril, using a flow of compressed gas.

[0002] Documents WO9946055 and WO0245866 disclose nasal dispensing devices in which the fluid product contained in the reservoir is propelled by a pressurized airflow created by a manually operated air flush. Document WO2020154182 proposes replacing the manual air flush with a compressed propellant gas reservoir that is opened upon actuation to dispense the dose of fluid product. The device includes a double-pointed needle, and when the user presses on the bottom of the reservoir, the needle pierces both the fluid product reservoir and the compressed gas reservoir, thus allowing the compressed gas to propel and dispense the dose of fluid product.

[0003] The GB2536259 document describes another prior art device, comprising a tank containing a compressed propellant gas.

[0004] These known devices have drawbacks. In particular, the dosing accuracy of devices that mix air or gas with the fluid product is not optimal, as the expulsion of the complete dose is not guaranteed with this type of device. Furthermore, the use of a compressed propellant gas is costly and potentially harmful to the environment. In addition, such devices, which generally contain metal and plastic, are more complex to recycle. WO2021 / 069972A1 discloses the features of the preamble to claim 1.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a nasal fluid product delivery device that does not reproduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0006] The present invention aims in particular to provide such a device which guarantees the expulsion of the entire dose of fluid product.

[0007] The present invention also aims to provide such a device which uses a pressurized gas flow to distribute the fluid product, without the pressurized gas contacting said fluid product.

[0008] The present invention also aims to provide such a device which promotes the deposition of the fluid product in parts far from the nostril, in particular the ethmoids.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide such a device which is free of compressed propellant gas that is potentially harmful to the environment.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide such a device which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, assemble, fill and / or use.

[0011] The present design therefore relates to a fluid product dispensing device comprising a dispensing head whose axial end has a dispensing orifice, a reservoir containing a dose of fluid product, a compressed gas flow generation system adapted to generate a compressed gas flow upon actuation, and an intermediate part connecting said reservoir to said compressed gas flow generation system and comprising actuation means for actuating said device, said reservoir comprising a movable or deformable part adapted to expel the fluid product from said reservoir, said movable or deformable part being actuated by said compressed gas flow generated upon actuation, such that said compressed gas flow does not come into contact with said fluid product.said compressed gas flow generation system being formed by an air jet comprising an air chamber in which an air piston slides, loading means being provided to move said air piston in said air chamber to compress the air contained in said air chamber.

[0012] Advantageously, said air chamber has an opening closed by a shutter, said shutter being adapted to move and / or deform when actuation, to open said opening, thus generating a flow of compressed air.

[0013] Advantageously, said loading means are formed by a hood pivotally mounted on said device such that when said hood is moved from a closed position to an open position, said air piston is moved to compress the air contained in said air chamber.

[0014] According to a first advantageous embodiment, said reservoir comprises a cylindrical hollow body containing the fluid product and having an upper opening and a lower opening, said upper opening being connected to said distribution orifice, and said lower opening being closed by a piston mounted to slide in said cylindrical hollow body, said piston forming said movable or deformable part of the reservoir, so that the fluid product is distributed through said distribution orifice when said piston slides in said cylindrical hollow body during actuation.

[0015] According to a second advantageous embodiment, said reservoir comprises a deformable membrane or pouch having a top opening connected to said distribution orifice, said deformable membrane or pouch forming said movable or deformable part of the reservoir, so that the fluid product is distributed through said distribution orifice when said deformable membrane or pouch is deformed during actuation.

[0016] According to the invention, said actuation means comprise a lateral actuation button, movable radially relative to said distribution head between a rest position and an actuation position.

[0017] Advantageously, said actuation means comprise an axial actuation element, which can be moved axially relative to said distribution head between a rest position and an actuation position.

[0018] Advantageously, said intermediate part includes opening means which, when actuation, allow the flow of compressed gas to be released.

[0019] According to a first advantageous embodiment, said opening means comprise a perforated plate, movable laterally together with a lateral actuation button, said plate, before actuation, closing an outlet of said compressed gas flow generation system, and after actuation, a hole in said perforated plate comes to be positioned opposite said opening, allowing the compressed gas flow to exit.

[0020] According to a second advantageous embodiment, said opening means comprise a push element adapted to push a ball which, before actuation, closes an outlet of said compressed gas flow generation system.

[0021] According to a third advantageous embodiment, said opening means comprise a drilling element adapted to pierce a membrane sealing, before actuation, an outlet of said compressed gas flow generation system.

[0022] Advantageously, the said drilling element is fixed relative to the said tank.

[0023] Alternatively, the said drilling element is movable relative to said tank.

[0024] Advantageously, the said fluid product is a drug in liquid form.

[0025] These features and advantages, and others, will become clearer in the following detailed description, made with reference to the attached drawings, given as non-limiting examples, and on which: there figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid product distribution device according to a first advantageous embodiment, before use, the figure 2is a view similar to that of the figure 1 , after the air chamber is loaded and before activation, the figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid product distribution device according to a second advantageous embodiment, before actuation, the figure 4 is a view similar to that of the figure 3 , after activation, the figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid product distribution device according to a third advantageous embodiment, before actuation, the figure 6 is a view similar to that of the figure 5 , after activation, the figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid product distribution device according to a fourth advantageous embodiment, before actuation, and the figure 8 is a view similar to that of the figure 7 , after activation.

[0026] It is understood that in the description below, the terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the upright position of the device shown in the figures. The terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the longitudinal central axis A of the device, shown in the figure 1 .

[0027] The device comprises three main parts, namely a reservoir 10 containing a dose of fluid product to be distributed, a compressed gas flow generation system 20 adapted to generate a compressed gas flow when actuation to expel the dose of fluid product when actuation, and an intermediate part 30 connecting the reservoir 10 to the compressed gas flow generation system 20 and enabling the actuation of the device.

[0028] The reservoir 10 is integral with an axially elongated dispensing head 11, the axial end of which has a dispensing orifice 12, and which is intended to be inserted into the nostril of a user. The reservoir 10 can be formed directly within the dispensing head 11, as shown in the example of figures 5 and 6 Alternatively, as seen on the figures 1 to 4 And 7, 8 , the reservoir 10 can be formed separately from the distribution head 11, by being inserted and / or fixed into it.

[0029] Optionally, a spray pattern can be incorporated at the dispensing orifice 12 to deliver the fluid product as a spray. However, to reach more distant parts of the nose, such as the ethmoids, it is generally desirable to limit the lateral dispersion of the fluid product, and a very wide spray pattern would not be ideal in this case. A jet-like distribution may then be advantageous.

[0030] The dispensing orifice 12 can be closed by a removable cap 15 which is removed just before using the device, as shown in the figure 3 In the example of the figure 1 , it is a cover 27 which closes and protects the distribution orifice 12 before use.

[0031] The fluid product is preferably a liquid-based medication, but more or less viscous fluid products could also be used.

[0032] According to the invention, the tank 10 comprises a movable or deformable part adapted to expel the fluid product out of the tank, said movable or deformable part being actuated by said flow of compressed gas generated during actuation, without said flow of gas contacting the fluid product.

[0033] In advantageous embodiments, visible on the figures 1 to 6 The reservoir 10 comprises a cylindrical hollow body 101 containing the fluid product and provided with a top opening 102 and a bottom opening 103. The top opening 102 is connected to the distribution orifice 12, and the bottom opening 103 is closed by a piston 104 mounted to slide in the cylindrical hollow body 101.

[0034] In these embodiments, the piston 104 forms the movable or deformable part of the reservoir. The fluid product, disposed in the cylindrical hollow body 101 above the piston 104, is thus distributed through said upper opening 102 to said distribution orifice 12 when the piston 104 slides in the cylindrical hollow body 101 during actuation.

[0035] In another embodiment, visible on the figures 7 and 8 The reservoir 10 includes a deformable membrane or pouch 106. The reservoir 10 includes a top opening 107 connected to the distribution orifice 12.

[0036] During actuation, the deformable membrane or pouch 106 is deformed to expel the fluid product through said upper opening 107 towards said distribution orifice 12.

[0037] In this embodiment, the deformable membrane or pouch 106 forms the mobile or deformable part of the reservoir.

[0038] According to the invention, the compressed gas flow generation system 20 includes an air jet adapted to generate a compressed air flow.

[0039] This air chamber comprises an air chamber 25 in which an air piston 26 slides. The air chamber 25 has an opening 250 closed by a shutter 251. Loading means 27 are provided to move the air piston 26 in the air chamber 25 in order to compress the air contained in said air chamber 25.

[0040] In the example of figures 1 and 2 , these loading means are formed by the hinged hood mounted in such a way that when the hood 27 is moved from its closed position, visible on the figure 1 , towards its open position, visible on the figure 2 , the air piston 26 is moved to compress the air contained in the air chamber 25.

[0041] During actuation, the shutter 251 is moved and / or deformed to open the opening 250, thereby generating a flow of compressed air.

[0042] In other embodiments of figures 3 to 8 The compressed gas flow generation system 20 comprises a compressed gas reservoir 21 containing compressed gas. It should be noted that this solution with compressed propellant gas is not covered by the present invention, but these embodiments of figures 3 to 8 are interesting for other aspects of the device, and can also be applied to a device using an air jet, i.e. without compressed propellant gas potentially harmful to the environment.

[0043] This compressed gas reservoir 21 is sealed by closing means 22, 22', for example a membrane 22 in the examples of figures 3, 4 And 7, 8 , or a 22' ball in the example of figures 5, 6 .

[0044] During actuation, the closing means 22, 22' are opened, for example the membrane 22 is pierced or the ball 22' is expelled from its closing position, which releases the compressed gas contained in the compressed gas reservoir 21, thus generating a flow of compressed gas.

[0045] The intermediate part 30 includes actuation means 35 for actuating the device.

[0046] In the examples of figures 1 to 4 , 7 and 8 , these actuation means 35 include a lateral actuation button 350, movable radially relative to the distribution head 11 between a rest position and an actuation position.

[0047] In the example of figures 5 and 6 , the actuation means 35 comprise an axial actuation element 355, which can be moved axially relative to the distribution head 11 between a rest position and an actuation position.

[0048] The intermediate part 30 also includes opening means which, when actuation, allow the shutter 251 to be moved or the closing means 22, 22' to be opened, in order to release the flow of compressed gas.

[0049] In the example of figures 1 and 2 , these opening means comprise a perforated plate 251, movable laterally together with the lateral actuation button 350. Before actuation, the plate 251 closes the air chamber 25, and after actuation, the hole in the perforated plate 251 comes to be positioned opposite the opening 250 of the air chamber 25, allowing the compressed air to escape.

[0050] In the examples of figures 3, 4 And 7, 8 , a drilling element 40 pierces the closing membrane 22 of the compressed gas reservoir 21. Before actuation, the membrane 22 of the compressed gas reservoir 21 is held away from the drilling element 40 by a locking member 60 integral with the lateral actuation button 350.

[0051] In the example of figures 3 and 4 The drilling element 40 is fixed and the compressed gas reservoir 21 is forced by a spring 50 against said drilling element 40. The locking member 60 cooperates with the compressed gas reservoir 21 to prevent its movement, until the moment of actuation, which releases the locking member 60.

[0052] In the example of figures 7 and 8 The compressed gas reservoir 21 is fixed and the drilling element 40 is forced by a spring 50 against said compressed gas reservoir 21. The locking member 60 cooperates with the drilling element 40 to prevent its movement, until the moment of actuation, which releases the locking member 60.

[0053] In the example of figures 5 and 6 , a thrust element 45 pushes the ball 22' from the compressed gas reservoir 21. Before actuation, the thrust element 45 is held away from the ball 22', for example by a spring.

[0054] When the user wishes to use the device, he places the distribution head 11 in a nostril, and presses the actuation means 35 to trigger the opening means which will actuate the compressed gas flow generation system 20, thus generating a compressed gas flow.

[0055] In the examples of figures 1 to 4 , 7 and 8 The flow of compressed gas will move the piston 104 in the reservoir 10 to expel the dose of fluid product.

[0056] In the example of figures 5 and 6 The flow of compressed gas will deform the membrane or deformable pocket of the reservoir 10 to expel the dose of fluid product.

[0057] Thus, the flow of compressed gas does not mix with the fluid product, which promotes better dosing accuracy.

[0058] The device according to the invention improves the distribution of the fluid product in the nostril, allowing the product to reach more distant parts, such as the ethmoids.

[0059] The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and central sensitization syndrome.

[0060] In the context of allergic rhinitis, the fluid product may be chosen from the following list, given as a non-limiting example: fluticasone, mometasone, fluticasone furoate, budesonide, beclometasone, azelastine fluticasone, azelastine, tixocortol, triamcinolone acetonide, ipratropium bromide, prednisolone, ciclesonide, flunisolide, levocabastine, azelastine fluticasone furoate, olopatadine, azelastine mometasone, mometasone olopatadine, fluticasone olopatadine.

[0061] In the context of a central sensitization syndrome, the fluid product may be chosen from the following list, given as a non-limiting example: sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naloxone, fentanyl, esketamine, midazolam, butorphanol, dihydroergotamine, diazepam, tapentadol, alfentanil, diamorphine, ketorolac.

[0062] The present invention has been described with reference to various modes and variants of embodiment, but it is understood that a person skilled in the art may make any modifications to it, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims.

[0063] In particular, characteristics described with reference to one embodiment could also apply to other embodiments. Thus, for example, and without limitation, the embodiment of figures 5 and 6 could include a membrane 22 instead of a ball 22'. Similarly, the deformable pocket of the embodiment of the figures 7 and 8 could be replaced by a reservoir with a piston, as described in the embodiments of figures 1 to 6 .

[0064] Of course, other embodiments are also conceivable, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing fluid product, comprising a dispensing head (11) the axial end of which comprises a dispensing orifice (12), a reservoir (10) containing a dose of fluid product, a system for generating a flow of compressed gas (20) adapted to generate a flow of compressed gas during actuation, and an intermediate portion (30) connecting said reservoir (10) to said system for generating a flow of compressed gas (20) and comprising actuating means (35) for actuating said device, said reservoir (10) comprising a mobile or deformable portion (104, 106) adapted to expel the fluid product out of said reservoir (10), said mobile or deformable portion (104, 106) being actuated by said flow of compressed gas generated during the actuation, in a manner such that said flow of compressed gas does not come into contact with said fluid product, said system for generating a flow of compressed gas (20) being formed by an air blaster comprising an air chamber (25) in which an air piston (26) slides, loading means (27) being provided in order to displace said air piston (26) in said air chamber (25) in order to compress the air contained in said air chamber (25), characterized in that said actuating means (35) comprise a lateral actuating button (350) which is radially displaceable with respect to said dispensing head (11) between a rest position and an actuation position.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, in which said air chamber (25) comprises an opening (250) shut off by a shutter (251), said shutter (251) being adapted to be displaced and / or to be deformed during the actuation in order to open said opening (250), thereby generating a flow of compressed air.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which said loading means are formed by a cover which is pivotably mounted on said device in a manner such that when said cover (27) is displaced from a closed position towards an open position, said air piston (26) is displaced in order to compress the air contained in said air chamber (25).

4. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said reservoir (10) comprises a hollow cylindrical body (101) containing the fluid product and provided with an upper opening (102) and a lower opening (103), said upper opening (102) being connected to said dispensing orifice (12), and said lower opening (103) being closed by a piston (104) which is slidably mounted in said hollow cylindrical body (101), said piston (104) forming said mobile or deformable portion of the reservoir, in a manner such that the fluid product is dispensed through said dispensing orifice (12) when said piston (104) slides in said hollow cylindrical body (101) during the actuation.

5. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which said reservoir (10) comprises a deformable membrane or pouch (106) provided with an upper opening (107) which is connected to said dispensing orifice (12), said deformable membrane or pouch (106) forming said mobile or deformable portion of the reservoir, in a manner such that the fluid product is dispensed through said dispensing orifice (12) when said deformable membrane or pouch (106) is deformed during the actuation.

6. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said intermediate portion (30) comprises opening means which, during the actuation, enable the compressed gas to be released.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, in which said opening means comprise an apertured plate (251) which is laterally displaceable together with a lateral actuating button (350), said plate (251) shutting off an outlet (250) of said system for generating a flow of compressed gas (20) before actuation, and after actuation, an aperture of said apertured plate (251) becomes positioned facing said opening (250), letting out the flow of compressed gas.

8. The device as claimed in claim 6, in which said opening means comprise a push element (45) adapted to push a bead (22') shutting off an outlet of said system for generating a flow of compressed gas (20) before actuation.

9. The device as claimed in claim 6, in which said opening means comprise a piercing element (40) adapted to pierce a membrane (22) shutting off an outlet of said system for generating a flow of compressed gas (20) before actuation.

10. The device as claimed in claim 9, in which said piercing element (40) is fixed with respect to said reservoir (10).

11. The device as claimed in claim 9, in which said piercing element (40) is mobile with respect to said reservoir (10).

12. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said fluid product is a drug in liquid form.