Device for inhaling a product, in particular a pharmaceutical product

Abstract

Described herein is a device (10) for inhaling a product, in particular a pharmaceutical product, comprising: - a housing seat (23) for receiving a cartridge (100) containing a product to be inhaled; - a mouthpiece (44) for enabling a user to draw in the product to be inhaled; - a connection unit (24) for hydraulically connecting together a delivery nozzle (102) of the cartridge (100) and the mouthpiece (24); and - a spacer (40) defining inside it a chamber (42) of predefined volume, set between the connection unit (24) and the mouthpiece (44) and in fluid communication with both; wherein said spacer (40) is collapsible; said device further comprising a casing (20), which includes a first casing body (21), defined on which is said housing seat (23) of said cartridge (100), and a second casing body (22), rotatably connected to the first casing body (21), wherein, as a result of a relative rotation between said first and second casing bodies (21, 22), said casing (20) can be selectively set in a closed configuration, where the first and second casing bodies (21, 22) define together a closed internal compartment (36), in which said spacer (40) is laid in a collapsed state, and in an open configuration, where the spacer (40) is exposed outwards, in an expanded state where it defines said chamber (42) of predefined volume.

Description

[0001] "Device for inhaling a product, in particular a pharmaceutical product"

[0002] ****

[0003] TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a device for inhaling a product, in particular a pharmaceutical product, comprising: a housing seat for receiving a cartridge containing a product to be inhaled; a mouthpiece for enabling a user to drawn in the product to be inhaled; a connection unit for hydraulically connecting together a delivery nozzle of the cartridge and the mouthpiece; and a spacer defining inside it a chamber of predefined volume, set between the connection unit and the mouthpiece and in fluid communication with both.

[0006] As in itself already known in the art, the aforesaid spacer performs the function of constituting an expansion chamber into which the product to be inhaled is sprayed before being inhaled by the user. In this way, the particles of the product may be reduced in size inside the expansion chamber so as to be able to reach more easily the deeper airways of the user, and the user has available a nonzero lapse of time to inhale the product, after this has been sprayed into the device, without the need to co-ordinate perfectly the action of spraying of the product with the action of inhaling the latter.

[0007] Inhaling devices so far known of the type referred to above present, however, the drawback of being cumbersome, above all on account of the spacer, and hence inconvenient to carry by a user, for example in a pocket or else in a bag.

[0008] In this context, the object of the present invention is hence to provide an inhaling device that will presents reduced encumbrance, but that will at the same time guarantee the benefits discussed above deriving from the use of a spacer.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide an inhaling device improved also from the standpoint of ease of use. Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an inhaling device that will be able to improve the effectiveness of administration of the product.

[0010] In general, the present invention relates to an inhaling device according to claim 1.

[0011] The claims form an integral part of the teaching provided herein.

[0012] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly from the ensuing description with reference to the annexed drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example and in which:

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates the inhaling device described herein according to a preferred embodiment, set on a charging base;

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates the inhaling device of Figure 1 in an open configuration of use;

[0015] Figure 3 is a front view of the device of Figure 1 in a closed configuration;

[0016] Figure 4 is a front view of the device of Figure 1 in the open configuration of use;

[0017] Figure 5 is a side view of the device of Figure 1 in the open configuration of use;

[0018] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the device of Figure 1; and

[0019] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the device of Figure 1.

[0020] In the ensuing description various specific details are illustrated aimed at enabling an in-depth understanding of the embodiments. The embodiments may be provided without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, or materials, etc. In other cases, known structures, materials, or operations are not illustrated or described in detail so that various aspects of the embodiment will not be obscured.

[0021] The references used herein are provided merely for convenience and hence do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments.

[0022] With reference to the figures, the inhaling device described herein - designated as a whole by the reference number 10 - comprises a casing 20 formed by a first casing body 21 and a second casing body 22, which is rotatably connected to the first casing body 21. In one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated, the first casing body 21 has a generic hollow conformation and comprises a perimetral edge 21 A.

[0023] Provided inside the casing body 21 is a housing seat 23 for receiving a cartridge 100 containing a product to be inhaled.

[0024] Also the second casing body 22 has a generic hollow conformation and comprises a perimetral edge 22A.

[0025] The inhaling device 10 further comprises a spacer 40 constituted by a preformed membrane defining a chamber 42 of predefined volume. In one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated, the spacer 40 further comprises a mouthpiece 44 directly connected to the inner chamber 42.

[0026] The spacer 40 has a first end 40A, which is fixed in a permanent way, for example as a result of a welding or bonding operation, a first connection plate 52, and a second end 40B, fixed to which, once again in a permanent way, is a second connection plate 54.

[0027] Through the two connection plates 52, 54, the two ends 40A, 40B of the spacer 40 are connectable in a releasable way to the two casing bodies 21, 22, respectively.

[0028] In one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated, each connection plate 52, 54 sets itself against an internal contrast surface (visible in the figures is only the internal contrast surface 21C obtained in the casing body 21 - see Figure 6) of the corresponding casing body 21 or 22, which is located in a position set back with respect to the perimetral edge 21A or 22A of the body itself.

[0029] In one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated, each of the two connection plates 52, 54 carries on it a series of magnets (not illustrated) that are to co-operate with a corresponding series of magnets (not illustrated) arranged in positions corresponding to the aforesaid internal contrast surface of the casing body 21 or 22, to enable quick coupling between the connection plate and the casing body.

[0030] It is also possible to envisage alternative embodiments in which the ends 40A and 40B of the spacer 40 are connected to the two casing bodies 21, 22 in some other way, for example according to a snap-coupling mode in which the two ends 40A, 40B of the spacer directly engage the perimetral edges 21A, 22A of the two casing bodies 21, 22. With reference to Figure 7, at the bottom of the housing seat 23, the first casing body 21 comprises a connection unit 24 configured for hydraulically connecting a delivery nozzle 102 of the cartridge 100 with the inside of the chamber 42 of the spacer 40.

[0031] In one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated, the connection unit 24 comprises a connector 24A, configured to receive the nozzle 102 of the cartridge 100 and form therewith a shape coupling, preferably with interference fit, and an inner duct 24B, for hydraulically connecting the connector 24A to a first chamber 25 obtained in the first casing body 21.

[0032] The chamber 25 is set in fluid communication with the chamber 42 of the spacer 40 through an opening 52A obtained in the connection plate 52 and an corresponding opening (not illustrated) obtained in the end 40A of the spacer 40.

[0033] In one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated, the first casing body 21 further comprises an air inlet 26, which, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, is obtained on the same side 2 IB of the casing body 21 as the one from which the housing seat 23 is accessible from outside; the casing body 21 moreover has an internal passage 27 that extends from the inlet 26 as far as into a position corresponding to the chamber 25 and that is set in communication with the latter via holes 24C provided on the connection unit 24.

[0034] In one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated, the first casing body 21 and the second casing body 22 are connected together along the respective longitudinal edges 21 A, 22A, obtained on which are respective formations 28A, 28B that form a hinge 28 that connects together the first and second bodies 21, 22 rotatably about an axis of rotation I.

[0035] As a result of a relative movement of rotation of the two bodies 21, 22 about the axis I of the hinge 28, the casing 20 can be selectively set in a closed configuration (see Figures 1 and 3) and in an open configuration (see Figures 1, 4, and 5).

[0036] In the open configuration of the casing 20 (see Figures 2, 4, and 5) the spacer 40 is in an expanded state where it defines inside it the chamber maintained thanks to the action of withholding of the two ends 40A, 40B of the spacer 40 by the two casing bodies 21, 22.

[0037] On the other hand, in the aforesaid closed configuration of the casing 20, the first casing body 21 and the second casing body 22 delimit a closed internal compartment 36 in which the spacer 40 is laid in a collapsed state.

[0038] In particular, with reference to Figures 1 and 3, in the closed configuration the perimetral edges 21 A, 22A of the two casing bodies 21, 22 are coupled together and the two casing bodies 21 and 22 as a whole form a closed shell that encloses inside it the spacer 40 in the collapsed state.

[0039] In the example illustrated in the figures, the internal compartment 36 is substantially defined by a cavity 32 obtained in the second casing body 22, which is closed, with respect to the outside, by the first casing body 21, in the aforesaid closed configuration of the casing 20. Alternatively, the internal compartment 36 may be defined by a cavity of the first casing body 21, or else by the ensemble of respective cavities of one casing body 21 and of the other casing body 22.

[0040] In one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated, the spacer 40 extends in the direction of connection of the two opposite ends 40A and 40B according to an elbow-like development, so as to favour a flattening thereof following upon a relative rotation of the two casing bodies 21, 22 to bring the casing 20 into its closed configuration.

[0041] In one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated, the second casing body 22 comprises an appendage 34, projecting laterally, which is configured to set itself in a position corresponding to the side 2 IB of the first casing body 21 so as to prevent access from outside to the housing seat 23 in which the cartridge 100 is received, in the closed configuration of the casing 20. In this way, also the cartridge 100 is enclosed inside the casing 20 in the closed configuration.

[0042] In view of the foregoing, when the inhaling device 10 is not used, its casing 20 can be set in the closed configuration.

[0043] The inhaling device 10 thus assumes a considerably reduced encumbrance and is, moreover, able to protect the spacer 40 and the cartridge 100 from possible impact and from the risk of getting dirty.

[0044] When, instead, the user wishes to use the device 10, he or she simply has to arrange the casing 20 in its open configuration, an action that immediately brings about exposure outwards of the spacer 40 and of the cartridge 100.

[0045] By pressing on the bottom of the cartridge 100, the user will spray into the chambers 25 and 42 a predefined amount of product, which will then expand into the second chamber.

[0046] At this point, the user may draw in from the mouthpiece 44, generating a flow of air that traverses the device 10. In particular, this flow of air enters the device 10 through the inlet 26, passes along the internal passage 27, traverses the holes 24C of the connection unit 24, reaches the two chambers 25, 42 in which there is already present the product in the form of aerosol, and finally comes out of the device 10 through the mouthpiece 44, entraining with it the product in the form of aerosol present in the two chambers 25, 42.

[0047] In one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated, obtained inside the second casing body 22 is a space 38, housed in which is an electronic board 60, which carries a pressure sensor 61, a control unit 62, a battery 63, an indicator 64, and a wireless communication interface 65. In one or more alternative embodiments, one or more of the aforesaid components, may, instead, be arranged separate from the electronic board 60.

[0048] The pressure sensor 61 is configured to detect a pressure within the chamber 42 of the spacer 40. For this purpose, the connection plate 52 and the end 40B of the spacer 40 have respective corresponding openings (not illustrated) such as to enable the pressure sensor to project into the chamber 42.

[0049] The control unit 62 is configured to generate a signal indicating an unsuccessful or successful inhaling operation and / or a state of filling of the cartridge 100, on the basis of pressure data acquired by means of the pressure sensor 61. For instance, a pressure value below a given threshold, detected by the sensor 61, may indicate an unsuccessful inhaling operation and / or a state of insufficient filling of the cartridge 100; instead, a pressure value above a given threshold may indicate an operation of successful inhaling and / or a state of adequate filling of the cartridge 100.

[0050] The indicator 64 is visible on the outer side of the casing 20 and is configured to signal visually the aforesaid unsuccessful or successful operation of inhaling and / or the aforesaid state of filling of the cartridge 100. Moreover, via the wireless communication interface 65, data regarding the operations of inhaling already carried out and the state of filling of the cartridge 100 may be transmitted to an external electronic device, for example a smartphone or a tablet, for being recorded and made available on the device itself

[0051] The data referred to above enable the user to know the number of administrations of product already made, verify the effectiveness of the individual administrations, and keep under control the level of product inside the cartridge in use.

[0052] Finally, in one or more preferred embodiments like the one illustrated (see Figure 1) the inhaling device 10 comprises a charging unit 70 for charging the battery 63, in particular for inductive charging (as in the embodiment illustrated) or else for a charging by means of an electrical cable.

[0053] Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the embodiments may vary, even significantly, with respect to what has been illustrated herein purely by way of non-limiting example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the annexed claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device (10) for inhaling a product, in particular a pharmaceutical product, comprising:- a housing seat (23) for receiving a cartridge (100) containing a product to be inhaled;- a mouthpiece (44) for enabling a user to draw in the product to be inhaled;- a connection unit (24) for hydraulically connecting together a delivery nozzle (102) of the cartridge (100) and the mouthpiece (24); and- a spacer (40) defining inside it a chamber (42) of predefined volume, set between the connection unit (24) and the mouthpiece (44) and in fluid communication with both; wherein said spacer (40) is collapsible; said device further comprising a casing (20), which includes a first casing body (21), defined on which is said housing seat (23) of said cartridge (100), and a second casing body (22), rotatably connected to the first casing body (21), wherein, as a result of a relative rotation between said first and second casing bodies (21, 22), said casing (20) can be selectively set in a closed configuration, in which the first and second casing bodies (21, 22) define together a closed internal compartment (36) in which said spacer (40) is laid in a collapsed state, and in an open configuration, in which the spacer (40) is exposed outwards, in an expanded state where it defines said chamber (42) of predefined volume.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said spacer (40) has a first end (40A) connected to said first casing body (21) and a second end (40B) connected to said second casing body (22), in said open configuration of said casing said first and second casing bodies (21, 22) keeping said spacer (40) in said expanded state.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said first and second ends (40A, 40B) of said spacer (40) are connected, respectively, to said first and second casing bodies (21, 22) via quick-coupling means, preferably via magnets.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spacer (40) is constituted by a preformed membrane defining saidchamber (42) of predefined volume.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mouthpiece (44) is obtained on said spacer (40).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first casing body (21) has an air inlet (26) and wherein said connection unit (24) comprises one or more openings (24C) for setting said chamber (42) of predefined volume of said spacer (40) in fluid communication with said air inlet (26).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said closed configuration of said casing, said first and second casing bodies (21, 22) form together a closed shell constituting said casing (20) in said closed configuration.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein said second casing body has a cavity (32) defining said internal compartment (36) in which said spacer (40) is laid in said collapsed state, and wherein said first casing body (21) is configured to close with respect to the outside said cavity (32) containing said spacer (40) in said collapsed state, in said closed configuration of said casing (20).

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pressure sensor (61), configured to detect a pressure inside said chamber (42) of predefined volume of said spacer (40), and a control unit (62), configured to generate a signal indicating an unsuccessful or successful operation of inhaling and / or of a state of filling of said cartridge, as a function of pressure data acquired by means of said sensor (61).

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an indicator (64) set on said casing (20) and configured to signal visually said unsuccessful or successful operation of inhaling and / or said state of filling of said cartridge.

11. The device according to claim 9 or claim 10, comprising a wireless communication interface (65) for communicating data to a mobile electronic device, for example a smartphone or a tablet.

12. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising a battery (63) for supplying power to said sensor (61), said control unit (62), said indicator (64), and said wireless communication interface (65).

13. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein saidbattery (53) and / or said sensor (61) and / or said control unit (62) and / or said indicator (64) and / or said wireless communication interface (65) are arranged in said second casing body (22).

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein said second casing body has an internal space (38), housed in which is an electronic board (60) on which said battery (63) and / or said sensor (61), and / or said control unit (62), and / or said indicator (64), and / or said wireless communication interface (65) are carried.

15. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising a charging unit (70) for charging the battery (63), in particular for inductive charging or charging by means of an electrical cable.

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