Nasal delivery device

Abstract

A nasal dispensing device for a fluid or powdered product comprising a dispensing head (10) having a dispensing orifice (11) and adapted to be at least partially inserted into a nostril during actuation, said dispensing head (10) being mounted on a reservoir (30) containing said fluid or powdered product to be dispensed, a dispensing member (20) being provided to dispense the product contained in said reservoir (30) in a metered manner, said device comprising a nozzle (40) disposed around said dispensing head (10) and comprising a support surface (41) which, during use, is adapted to rest against the entrance of a nostril, and a finger rest surface (45) to receive the fingers of a user during the use of said device, the axial distance between the bottom of said reservoir (30) or of a support element which supports said reservoir (30), on which the user places their thumb during actuation,and the axial apex of said finger rest surface (45), in the rest position of said device, having a length L1 between 30 and 50 mm, in particular between 30 and 40 mm "figure for the abbreviation: figure 1",

Description

Title of the invention: Nasal dispensing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a nasal delivery device for fluid products.

[0002] Nasal delivery devices are well known and used in various applications. These devices generally comprise a delivery head incorporating the product delivery orifice, at least a portion of said head being intended to be inserted into the user's nostril during product delivery. The user then operates the device to expel a dose of product into the nostril.

[0003] In certain applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical field, the products dispensed by nasal delivery devices can be expensive and / or must be dosed efficiently. Therefore, the aim is to achieve maximum efficiency in the dose of product dispensed into the nostril with each actuation.

[0004] The ergonomics of the distribution device are very important in this respect, and a good grip on the device by the user improves the positioning of the device in the nostril during actuation, and therefore the efficiency of dose distribution.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a nasal delivery device which does not reproduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0006] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a nasal dispensing device which, when actuation, allows the product to be distributed efficiently into the nostril.

[0007] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a nasal dispensing device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a nasal delivery device which is simple and reliable for any user.

[0009] The present invention therefore relates to a nasal dispensing device for a fluid or powdered product, comprising a dispensing head having a dispensing orifice and adapted to be at least partially inserted into a nostril during actuation, said dispensing head being mounted on a reservoir containing said fluid or powdered product to be dispensed, a dispensing member being provided to dispense the product contained in said reservoir in a metered manner, said device comprising a nozzle disposed around said dispensing head and having a support surface which, during use, is adapted to rest against the entrance of a nostril, and a finger rest surface to receive the fingers of a user during the use of said device, the axial distance between the bottom of said reservoir or a support element which supports said reservoir, on which the user places his thumb when actuation, and the axial apex of said finger rest surface, in rest position of said device, having a length L1 between 30 and 50 mm, in particular between 30 and 40 mm.

[0010] Advantageously, the axial distance between said axial apex of said finger rest surface and said support surface has a length L2 between 15 and 60 mm, preferably between 20 and 50 mm.

[0011] Advantageously, the axial distance between said support surface and said distribution orifice has a length L3 between 15 and 25 mm.

[0012] Advantageously, said finger rest surface is convex upwards, forming an upwards curved cylindrical section which extends radially on either side of said distribution head.

[0013] Advantageously, said finger rest surface has axially projecting profiles on its upper surface in contact with the user's fingers when using the device.

[0014] Advantageously, said distribution unit is a pump.

[0015] Alternatively, said distribution element is a valve.

[0016] Alternatively, said distribution member is a piston, such as a syringe piston.

[0017] According to a first advantageous embodiment, said tip is attached and fixed on said head, in a removable or non-removable manner.

[0018] According to a second advantageous embodiment, said tip is molded in one piece with said head.

[0019] 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, and on which

[0020] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nasal dispensing device according to a first embodiment, in the resting position,

[0021] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.1], in the actuated position, and

[0022] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic side view of a distribution device nasal according to a second embodiment, in a resting position.

[0023] In the description, the terms "superior", "top" and "bottom" refer to the upright position of the device, visible in Figures 1 to 3. The terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the longitudinal central axis of the device.

[0024] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the nasal dispensing device comprises a nasal dispensing head 10 provided with a dispensing orifice 11, said head 10 being mounted on a reservoir 30 containing the fluid or powdered product to be dispensed, with a dispensing member 20, such as a pump in this example, provided to dispense the product contained in the reservoir 30 in a metered manner.

[0025] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the distribution member 20 is a pump, in which a piston slides back and forth between its rest and actuation positions to, at each cycle, distribute a dose of product and draw a new dose from the reservoir.

[0026] It should be noted that the pump shown in figures 1 and 2 is only an example, the pump could be any type.

[0027] The invention also applies to devices comprising a metering valve as a distribution element 20, in which a valve moves back and forth between its rest and actuation positions to, at each cycle, distribute a dose of product under the effect of a propellant gas and load a new dose from the reservoir.

[0028] The invention also applies to unit doses or bidoses, in which a piston, such as a syringe piston, is moved in one direction only in the reservoir, so that with each movement a dose of product is expelled.

[0029] A nozzle 40 is provided to cooperate with the nasal delivery head 10 by being disposed around said head 10, so that the head 10 passes through said nozzle 40. The part of said head 10 which extends axially beyond said nozzle 40 is then adapted to be inserted into a nostril when the device is actuation.

[0030] This nozzle 40 has a support surface 41 which, during use, rests against the entrance of the nostril. Depending on the shape of this support surface 41, it can be used to define the insertion depth of the head 10 in the nostril and / or the orientation of said head 10 inside the nostril. This optimizes the efficiency of the distribution of the fluid product into the nostril.

[0031] The nozzle 40 also includes a finger rest surface 45 on which the user places their fingers when using the device to dispense a dose of liquid or powdered product. Generally, the user's thumb is placed on the bottom of the reservoir 30, or on the bottom of a support piece that holds the reservoir 30, and two fingers, for example the index and middle fingers, are placed on either side of the head 10 on the finger rest surface 45. The device is actuated by pressing the thumb on the reservoir 30 and the two fingers on the finger rest surface 45, and thus on the dispensing head 10, to move the head 10 axially relative to the reservoir 30.

[0032] Advantageously, the finger rest surface 45 is axially offset from the support surface 4L. In this way, the user's fingers during actuation do not come into contact with the nose, and do not disturb the positioning and depth of insertion of the distribution head 10 into the nostril.

[0033] According to a first embodiment, the nozzle 40 is formed by a separate part from the distribution head 10, and it is assembled around said head, as shown in figures 1 and 2. This assembly may be removable or non-removable.

[0034] According to a second embodiment, said tip 40 is an integral part of the head 10, the head 10 and the tip 40 then being molded from a single monobloc piece, as seen in [Fig.3].

[0035] Advantageously, the finger rest surface 45 is convex upwards. It forms an upwardly curved cylindrical section that extends radially on either side of the head 10.

[0036] Advantageously, the horizontal length L between the two lateral edges of the finger rest surface 45 is between 15 and 30 mm, preferably between 20 and 25 mm.

[0037] Advantageously, the axial height H between the lowest axially point (at the level of the two lateral edges) and the highest axially point (at the level of the top of the finger rest surface 45, substantially in the middle between the two lateral edges) is between 2.5 and 6 mm, preferably between 3 and 5 mm.

[0038] Advantageously, the vertical section of the finger rest surface 45 forms an arc of a circle, the radius of curvature R of which is between 7.5 and 46.5 mm, preferably between 15 and 20 mm.

[0039] A particularly advantageous configuration of the finger rest surface 45 is obtained with a horizontal length L of 25 mm, an axial height H of 5 mm, and a radius of curvature R of 18.125 mm.

[0040] This particular shape of the finger rest surface 45 allows it to adapt to the natural curvature of the user's fingers when they are placed on the finger rest surface 45. Ergonomics and user comfort are therefore optimized for the user, especially compared to flat finger rest surfaces.

[0041] Advantageously, the finger rest surface 45 has axially projecting profiles 46 on its upper surface in contact with the user's fingers during operation of the device. These profiles 46 further improve ergonomics and user comfort during actuation. These profiles 46 can, for example, be formed by ribs extending transversely across the radial extent of the finger rest surface 45. Other profiles are possible, such as raised bumps distributed across the finger rest surface 45.

[0042] According to the invention, the axial distance between the bottom of the reservoir 30 (or of any support element that would support the reservoir 30), on which the user places their thumb during actuation, and the top of the finger rest surface 45, in the rest position of the device, has a length L1 of between 30 and 50 mm, preferably between 30 and 40 mm. This provides the best ergonomics for the user, who, in the position of The resting position must exert its maximum force to trigger the actuation. Too great a distance between the thumb on the bottom of the reservoir 30 and the two fingers on the finger rest surface 45 makes actuation more difficult. The same is true of too small a distance, which could also negatively impact the actuation of the device depending on the stroke required to actuate the distribution element 20.

[0043] Advantageously, the axial distance between the top of the finger rest surface 45 and the support surface 41 has a length L2 between 15 and 60 mm, preferably between 20 and 50 mm.

[0044] Advantageously, the axial distance between the bearing surface 41 and the dispensing orifice is a length L3 of between 15 and 25 mm. Below 15 mm, the penetration of the head 10 into the nostril is insufficient, which negatively impacts the deposition of the dispensed product in the nostril. Above 25 mm, the discomfort for the user becomes too great, with an excessive depth of insertion.

[0045] The operation of the device is as follows.

[0046] The user inserts the head 10 into a nostril. During this operation, the support surface 41 of the nozzle 40 comes to rest against the nostril, to define the depth of insertion and orient the head 10 in the nostril.

[0047] Advantageously, the bearing surface 41 can also come to rest on the upper lip, under the nose.

[0048] Advantageously, the bearing surface 41 is formed as a disk or oval around the head 10.

[0049] The user then activates the device and the dose of product is distributed in the desired area.

[0050] The present invention thus provides a simple and inexpensive nasal dispensing device that is easy and easy to manufacture and assemble. This device is also simple and reliable for anyone to use, as its ergonomics are optimized to ensure proper operation.

[0051] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, it is understood that it is not limited by the examples described. On the contrary, a person skilled in the art may make any useful modifications to it without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A nasal dispensing device for a fluid or powdered product comprising a dispensing head (10) having a dispensing orifice (11) and adapted to be at least partially inserted into a nostril during actuation, said dispensing head (10) being mounted on a reservoir (30) containing said fluid or powdered product to be dispensed, a dispensing member (20) being provided for dispensing the product contained in said reservoir (30) in a metered manner, said device comprising a nozzle (40) disposed around said dispensing head (10) and comprising a support surface (41) which, during use, is adapted to rest against the entrance of a nostril, and a finger rest surface (45) for receiving the fingers of a user during the use of said device, characterized in that the axial distance between the bottom of said reservoir (30) or of a support element which supports said reservoir (30),on which the user places their thumb during actuation, and the axial apex of said finger rest surface (45), in the rest position of said device, has a length L1 between 30 and 50 mm, in particular between 30 and 40 mm.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the axial distance between said axial apex of said finger rest surface (45) and said support surface (41) has a length L2 between 15 and 60 mm, preferably between 20 and 50 mm.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial distance between said bearing surface (41) and said distribution orifice (11) has a length L3 between 15 and 25 mm.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said finger rest surface (45) is convex upwards, forming an upwards curved cylindrical section which extends radially on either side of said distribution head (10).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said finger rest surface (45) has axially projecting profiles (46) on its upper surface in contact with the user's fingers when using the device.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said distribution member (20) is a pump.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said distribution member (20) is a valve.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said distribution member (20) is a piston, such as a syringe piston.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tip (40) is attached and fixed to said head (10), in a removable or non-removable manner.

10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said tip (40) is molded as a single piece with said head (10).

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