Powder inhaler
The powder inhaler's monobloc design with a deformable body and movable parts simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and ensures reliable dose delivery, addressing the complexity and cost issues of existing inhalers.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023015507
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-12-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing powder inhalers, particularly those with multiple doses or individual reservoirs, are complex and costly to manufacture and assemble, and often lack reliability in use.
A powder inhaler design featuring a monobloc body with a deformable and movable head and support portions, incorporating individual reservoirs sealed by a sealing layer, and a perforation element that opens each dose upon actuation, with a tank strip mechanism allowing easy dose advancement without requiring full device reopening.
The design simplifies manufacturing and assembly, reduces costs, and ensures reliable operation by enabling easy dose delivery and reservoir advancement, enhancing user convenience and reducing complexity.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Powder inhaler
[0001] The present invention relates to a powder inhaler.
[0002] Powder inhalers, particularly those of the pharmaceutical type, are well known in the prior art. Several types exist. One type of inhaler contains a reservoir holding multiple doses of powder. The inhaler is equipped with dosing means that, with each actuation, separates one dose of this powder from the reservoir and delivers it through an expulsion channel to the user. Another type of inhaler consists of placing the powder doses in individual pre-dosed reservoirs, and then opening one of these reservoirs with each actuation of the inhaler. This design ensures better powder sealing, since each dose is only opened at the moment of expulsion. Various methods have been proposed for manufacturing these individual reservoirs, such as an elongated strip of blisters or blisters arranged on a rotating circular disc.All the types of inhalers described above and those currently available have advantages and disadvantages related to their structure and operation. Multi-dose inhalers and inhalers containing several individual reservoirs are generally complex devices, made up of a large number of parts, and therefore expensive to manufacture and assemble.
[0003] The present invention aims to provide a powder inhaler, which does not reproduce the aforementioned disadvantages.
[0004] In particular, the present invention aims to provide such an inhaler which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and reliable to use.
[0005] The present invention therefore relates to a powder inhaler, comprising a body receiving a strip of at least two individual reservoirs, each individual reservoir having a cavity containing a dose of powder and a sealing layer for sealing said cavity airtight, said body comprising a head portion and a support portion, said head and support portions being connected by at least one articulation, so that said body is deformable and / or movable between an open position and a closed position, said head portion comprising a dispensing orifice and a perforation element connected to said dispensing orifice and adapted, upon actuation, to pierce said sealing layer to open an individual reservoir, said head portion comprising at least one axial projection associated with said perforation element,said tank strip comprising at least one lateral edge provided with cutouts arranged between said individual tanks, defining flaps at the level of each individual tank, each axial projection folding a respective flap upon actuation.
[0006] Advantageously, said tank strip is arranged in a housing of said support part, said housing being provided with a shoulder cooperating before actuation with one of said flaps to prevent a displacement of said tank strip relative to said support part.
[0007] Advantageously, said tank strip extends beyond the area containing said individual tanks by means of a narrower strip portion, which the user pulls to move said strip relative to said support portion.
[0008] Advantageously, said body is made of a single monobloc piece.
[0009] According to a first advantageous embodiment, said head part includes at least one window and said support part includes at least one projection to cooperate in the closed position of the inhaler with a respective window, in particular by snapping, to lock said closed position.
[0010] According to a second advantageous embodiment, said head part has an elongated opening next to each axial projection, and said support part has at least one vertical projection provided with a boss to cooperate with a respective elongated opening in the actuation position.
[0011] Advantageously, said support part includes a locking member for locking said head part onto said support part in the closed position of said body.
[0012] Advantageously, said head portion includes a viewing window, which, in the closed position of said body, displays a dose indication, such as a number, present on a narrower portion of said tank strip.
[0013] Advantageously, said tank strip comprises four individual tanks.
[0014] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which
[0015] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective view of a powder inhaler according to a first advantageous embodiment, after assembly and before the first use of the inhaler,
[0016] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of a powder inhaler according to a second advantageous embodiment, after assembly and before the first use of the inhaler,
[0017] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic side view of the inhaler of [Fig.2], in actuation position,
[0018] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view similar to that of the [Fig.2], before final assembly, in the open position of the inhaler,
[0019] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a partial schematic perspective view cut out of the position of [Fig.2],
[0020] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view similar to that of [Fig.5], according to another plane of cut,
[0021] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a detail view similar to that of [Fig.5], in position reversed,
[0022] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic view from below, in the position of [Fig.2],
[0023] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view similar to that of [Fig.5], in the position of the [Fig. 3], and
[0024] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view from below, in the position of [Fig. 3],
[0025] The inhaler comprises a body 10, preferably monobloc, in particular made from a single piece by molding a synthetic material. The body 10 comprises a head portion 11 and a support portion 12, said portions 11, 12 being connected by at least one joint 13. Thus, the body 10 is deformable and / or movable, in particular by pivoting, between an open position, shown in Figures 1 and 4, and a closed position, shown in Figures 2 and 3. Preferably, the head portion 11 pivots relative to the support portion 12 at the joints 13. Advantageously, the joint(s) 13 is / are formed by one or more bridge(s) of flexible material.
[0026] The head portion 11 includes a distribution orifice 110, preferably formed at the axial end of a nasal tip 111 that the user places in a nostril when using the inhaler. The distribution orifice 110 is connected to a perforation element 112. At least one, preferably two axial projections 115 are arranged around said perforation element 112.
[0027] The support portion 12 is intended to receive at least two individual reservoirs 20a, 20b, made in the form of blisters. Preferably, the support portion receives more than two individual reservoirs, for example four reservoirs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d as in the examples in the figures.
[0028] Each individual reservoir 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d comprises a cavity 21 containing a dose of powder, and a sealing layer 22 for sealing said cavity 21 airtight. The sealing layer 22 is advantageously made of a material suitable for protecting the powder contained in the cavity 21, in particular against moisture, for example a metal such as aluminum or a suitable multilayer structure.
[0029] The at least two individual tanks 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are made in the form of a strip 20 of tanks, arranged in a housing 120 of the support part 12, said housing 120 being provided with a shoulder 125.
[0030] This strip 20 of tanks has, at the level of the individual tanks 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, at least one lateral edge provided with cutouts 24a, 24b, 24c arranged between the individual tanks 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, thus defining flaps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d at the level of each individual tank 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. In the example shown, the strip 20 has two identical lateral edges, with flaps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d arranged around each individual tank 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, as seen in Figures 1 and 4.
[0031] The band 20 of tanks extends beyond the area containing the individual tanks 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d by means of a narrower band portion 23, on which the user can pull to move the band 20 relative to the support portion 12.
[0032] As can be seen in figures 1 and 7, after assembly of the strip 20 of tanks on the support part 12, and before the first actuation, the first flaps 25a butt against the shoulder 125 of the housing 120, preventing any movement of the strip 20.
[0033] When the user operates the inhaler to insert the perforation element 112 into the cavity 21 of the first individual reservoir 20a, the axial projections 115 deform the first flaps 25a by bending them, as illustrated in [Fig. 9]. Thus, after inhalation, when the perforation element 112 is withdrawn from the cavity 21 of the first individual reservoir 20a, the user can pull on the band 20 to bring the second individual reservoir 20b face to face with the perforation element 112, with the second flaps 25b abutting against the shoulder 125 of the housing 120.
[0034] The device is then ready for another actuation.
[0035] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment, in which the user must reopen the device between each actuation, to move the strip 20 of tanks, and thus position the next individual tank 20b facing the perforation element 112.
[0036] After inhalation, the user therefore unlocks the closed position and returns the body 10 to the open position.
[0037] Advantageously, the head part 11 has at least one window 113, preferably two, and the support part 12 has at least one projection 122, preferably two, to cooperate in the closed position of the inhaler with the window(s) 113, in particular by snapping, to lock the closed position of the body 10.
[0038] Advantageously, each projection 122 has a snap-in profile which snaps into a respective window 113 in the closed position. The projections 122 can have any suitable shape, for example with the snap-in profile facing outwards as in the example of [Fig. 1].
[0039] This lock is unlockable, which allows the inhaler to be reopened to move the band 20 of reservoirs.
[0040] Optionally, a band 20 with empty reservoirs can also be replaced by a new band 20 with full reservoirs, and the inhaler can thus be reused.
[0041] When the user wishes to use the inhaler, he takes the body 10 in the open position and positions a strip 20 of reservoirs on the support part 12, as seen in [Fig.1].
[0042] The user then closes the body 10 by pivoting the head portion 11 on the support portion 12 around the joints 13, of which there are two in the examples shown. During this closing movement, the perforation element 112 will pierce the sealing layer 22 of the first individual reservoir 20a and penetrate the cavity 21. In the closed position, the projections 122 of the support portion 12 snap into the windows 113 of the head portion 11 to lock this closed position during actuation.
[0043] The user then places the nasal tip 111 in a nostril and aspirates, which distributes the powder contained in the cavity 21 through the perforation element 112 and the distribution orifice 110.
[0044] After inhalation, the user unlocks the latch of the projections 122 in the windows 113, and reopens the body 10, so that the perforation element 112 comes out of the cavity 21 of the first reservoir 20a.
[0045] The first flaps 25a having been folded by the axial projections 115 during the first actuation, they no longer block the movement of the band 20 of tanks, and the user can pull on the narrower part of the band 23 to advance the band 20 and position the second individual tank 20b facing the perforation element 112.
[0046] This actuation cycle can then be repeated for the other remaining doses.
[0047] Figures 2 to 10 show a second embodiment, in which the body 10 does not need to be reopened to move the band 20 of reservoirs after each inhalation.
[0048] Advantageously, the support part 12 includes a locking member 129 for locking the head part 11 onto the support part 12 in the closed position of the body 10.
[0049] Advantageously, the head portion 11 has a viewing window 119, which, in the closed position of the body 10, displays a dose indication, such as a number, present on the narrower portion 23 of the band 20 of reservoirs.
[0050] In this second embodiment, the head part 11 has an elongated opening 116 next to each axial projection 115, therefore two elongated openings in this example.
[0051] Correspondingly, the support part 12 has two vertical projections 126, each provided with a boss 127.
[0052] When the body 10 is closed, after assembly of the tank strip 20 onto the support part 12, each vertical projection 126 passes through a corresponding elongated opening 116, and the head part 11 can be locked onto the support part 12 via the locking member 129.
[0053] In this closed position of the body 10, the perforation element 112 is not disposed in a reservoir, as can be seen in figures 5 to 7.
[0054] To activate the inhaler, the user must press on the upper surface of the head portion 11 to move the perforation element 112 into the cavity 21 of the first reservoir 20a, as illustrated by the arrows in [Fig. 3]. During this activation, each elongated opening 116 clicks into place under the boss 127 of the respective vertical projection 126, to lock the activation position, as seen in [Fig. 9].
[0055] After inhalation, the user presses on the vertical projections 126 to release the latch of the elongated openings 116 under the bosses 127, and thus return the body to the closed position, with the perforation element 112 disposed outside the reservoir.
[0056] The first flaps 25a having been folded by the axial projections 115 during the first actuation, they no longer block the movement of the band 20 of tanks, and the user can pull on the narrower part of the band 23 to advance the band 20 and position the second individual tank 20b facing the perforation element 112.
[0057] This actuation cycle can then be repeated for the other remaining doses.
[0058] Various modifications are also possible for a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims.
Claims
Demands
1. A powder inhaler, comprising a body (10) receiving a band (20) of at least two individual reservoirs (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), each individual reservoir having a cavity (21) containing a dose of powder and a sealing layer (22) for sealing said cavity (21) airtight, said body (10) comprising a head portion (11) and a support portion (12), said head portions (11) and support portions (12) being connected by at least one joint (13), such that said body (10) is deformable and / or movable between an open position and a closed position, said head portion (11) comprising a dispensing orifice (110) and a perforation element (112) connected to said dispensing orifice (110) and adapted, upon actuation, to pierce said sealing layer (22) to open an individual reservoir (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d),characterized in that said head portion (11) comprises at least one axial projection (115) associated with said perforation element (112), said strip (20) of reservoirs comprising at least one lateral edge provided with cutouts (24a, 24b, 24c) arranged between said individual reservoirs (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), defining flaps (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) at the level of each individual reservoir (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), each axial projection (115) folding a respective flap (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) upon actuation, said strip (20) of reservoirs being disposed in a housing (120) of said support portion (12), said housing (120) being provided with a shoulder (125) cooperating prior to actuation with one of said flaps (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) to prevent displacement of said strip (20) of tanks relative to said support part (12).
2. Inhaler according to claim 1, wherein said band (20) of reservoirs extends beyond the area comprising said individual reservoirs (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) by means of a narrower band portion (23), on which the user pulls to move said band (20) relative to said support portion (12).
3. Inhaler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body (10) is made of a single, monobloc piece.
4. An inhaler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said head portion (11) comprises at least one window (113) and said support portion (12) comprises at least one projection (122) to cooperate in closed position of the inhaler with a respective window (113), in particular by snapping, to lock said closed position.
5. Inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said head portion (11) has an elongated opening (116) next to each axial projection (115), and said support portion (12) has at least one vertical projection (126) provided with a boss (127) to cooperate with a respective elongated opening (116) in the actuation position.
6. Inhaler according to claim 5, wherein said support part (12) includes a locking member (129) for locking said head part (11) onto said support part (12) in the closed position of said body (10).
7. Inhaler according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said head portion (11) has a viewing window (119), which, in the closed position of said body (10), displays a dose indication, such as a number, present on a narrower portion (23) of said band (20) of reservoirs.
8. Inhaler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said strip (20) of reservoirs comprises four individual reservoirs (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).