Fluid delivery device

Abstract

To provide a fluid delivery device that can balance forces within the device and limit the possibility of unintended or premature activation of the trigger mechanism. [Solution] A fluid delivery device for dispensing a fluid comprises: a) a housing having a base end and a dispensing end having an outlet for dispensing the fluid; b) a container defining a chamber for storing the fluid and slidably movable relative to the housing from a storage configuration to a dispensing configuration; c) a trigger mechanism configured to apply a force to the container to move the container toward the outlet of the housing; and d) an engagement element configured to selectively resist movement of the container toward the outlet of the housing.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fluid delivery devices, and in particular to nasal, sublingual or ophthalmic fluid delivery devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Fluid delivery devices are known to dispense media such as powders and fluids for ejection into or onto the body.

[0003] WO2015008048 discloses a fluid delivery device for dispensing a fluid, the device comprising a housing, a piston pump, a biasing mechanism, and a trigger mechanism. The housing comprises a base end and a discharge end having an outlet for dispensing the fluid. The piston pump comprises a casing defining a pump chamber for storing the fluid, a piston slidably movable relative to the pump chamber, a piston plunger, and a delivery channel. The trigger mechanism is movable from a cock configuration to a trigger configuration, in which the trigger mechanism prevents transmission of a biasing force of the biasing mechanism to the casing, thereby preventing movement of the casing to the outlet of the housing, and in which the trigger mechanism allows transmission of a biasing force to the casing, thereby causing movement of the casing to the outlet of the housing, dispensing the fluid from the pump chamber along the delivery channel and through the outlet of the housing. The biasing mechanism comprises one or more flexible capture members and a manually operable trigger.

[0004] If assembly gaps and / or clearance spaces between components of the biasing mechanism are closed upon triggering of the mechanism, noise may be generated during operation of the device.

[0005] Unwanted movement of the container prior to actuation of the biasing mechanism can result in undesired dispensing of fluid. For example, this can occur if the fluid delivery device is dropped in an orientation that tends to push the container toward the outlet. In such movement, the container can move toward the piercer or relative to the plunger without the trigger mechanism being actuated, resulting in a loss of fluid from the vial prior to actuation of the mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015008048 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a fluid delivery device for dispensing a fluid, the fluid delivery device comprising: a) a housing including a base end and a discharge end having an outlet for discharging a fluid; b) a container defining a chamber for storing a fluid and slidably movable relative to the housing from a storage configuration to a dispensing configuration; c) a trigger mechanism configured to apply a force to the container to move the container toward the outlet of the housing; and d) an engagement element configured to selectively resist movement of the container toward the outlet of the housing; and Equipped with.

[0008] Optionally, the engagement element comprises one or more flexible arms. The or each flexible arm may be configured to be inserted into the open end of the container during movement of the container towards the outlet of the housing, and optionally biased outwardly to engage an inner surface and / or top edge of the container. The or each flexible arm may be biased towards a center of the container, thereby creating a frictional engagement with the container, and the or each flexible arm may optionally frictionally engage an outer surface of the container. The or each flexible arm may extend along or in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the device, and / or the or each flexible arm may extend circumferentially around the container when the container is in the storage configuration.

[0009] The or each flexible arm may be disposed between the container and the discharge end of the housing when the container is in the storage configuration. The or each flexible arm may be disposed transversely to the container and extend along at least a portion of the length of the container when the container is in the storage configuration. The or each flexible arm may extend from an extension of the housing.

[0010] The engagement element may comprise one or more protrusions configured to contact a surface of the container, thereby exerting a force on the container that may selectively resist movement of the container toward the outlet of the housing. Each of the one or more flexible arms may comprise one of the one or more protrusions. Each of the one or more protrusions may comprise one or more elongated ribs disposed about a periphery of the container.

[0011] The engagement element can be configured to engage the container, thereby selectively resisting movement of the container toward the outlet of the housing. The engagement element can be configured to engage one or more of an exterior surface, an interior surface, or a rim of an open end of the container.

[0012] The container may include at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion configured to engage with the engagement element.

[0013] The fluid delivery device may further comprise a container holder configured to hold a container, the engagement element being disposed on the container holder.

[0014] In a first movement stage, the trigger mechanism can be configured to urge the container towards the outlet of the housing to overcome the resistance of the engagement element before the container is moved to the dispensing configuration, and in a second movement stage, the trigger mechanism can be configured to urge the container towards the outlet of the housing such that the container is moved to the dispensing configuration.

[0015] The fluid delivery device may further comprise a biasing element; In the first stage of movement, the trigger mechanism is disposed in a cocking configuration in which the trigger mechanism is configured to prevent transmission of a biasing force of the biasing element to the container; The trigger mechanism is configured to move to a trigger configuration during a second stage of movement; In the trigger configuration, the trigger mechanism is configured to exert a biasing force on the container, thereby urging the container towards the outlet of the housing.

[0016] The trigger mechanism may include a sliding button configured to urge the container towards the outlet of the housing.

[0017] The trigger mechanism can include one or more flexible capture members that are captured in the housing in the cocked configuration and separated from the housing in the triggered configuration, and the sliding button can include an obstruction that engages the one or more flexible capture members to prevent separation of the one or more flexible capture members from the housing in the cocked configuration.

[0018] The trigger mechanism may include a slider biased by action of a biasing member, the slider being arranged to apply a biasing force to the sliding button in the trigger configuration; The slide may comprise a container holder configured to hold the container, the engagement element being disposed on or integral with the container holder.

[0019] The fluid delivery device comprises: a piercer defining a delivery channel for delivering a fluid toward the outlet of the housing; a pierceable stopper disposed within the chamber;

[0023] The pierceable stopper is configured to be pierced by a piercer to expel fluid from the chamber, along the delivery channel, and out the outlet of the housing.

[0020] The piercer may include a needle and a needle holder, the engagement element being disposed on the needle holder, the needle holder optionally being fixed in position relative to the housing.

[0021] The device may be a single use device.

[0022] Also provided is the above-mentioned fluid delivery device combined with a single dose of fluid contained in the chamber of the container. The fluid can include a medicine. As used herein, the term "medicine" is intended to encompass any medicine, compound, composition, pharmaceutical, drug or product that can be delivered or administered to humans or animals, such as medicines, drugs, biologicals and pharmaceuticals. For example, anti-allergy drugs, analgesics, bronchodilators, antihistamines, therapeutic proteins and peptides, antitussives, angina drugs, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, hormones, CNS therapeutics that target the blood-brain barrier, or sulfonamides, such as vasoconstrictor amines, enzymes, alkaloids, or steroids (including combinations of two or more thereof), etc. In particular, examples include isoproterenol [α-(isopropylaminomethyl)protocatechuyl alcohol], phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, glucagon, adrenochrome, trypsin, epinephrine, ephedrine, narcotine, codeine, atropine, heparin, morphine, dihydromorphinone, ergotamine, scopolamine, methapyrilene, cyanocobalamin, terbutaline, rimiterol, salbutamol, ipratropium bromide and salbutamol, flunisolide, colchicine, pirbuterol, beclomethasone, orcinol, tetracycline ... These include prenaline, fentanyl, diamorphine, midazolam, bagezupant, epinephrine, ketamine, zolmitriptan, dexmedetomidine, naloxone, nalmefene, streptomycin, penicillin, procaine penicillin, tetracycline, chlortetracycline and hydroxytetracycline, adrenocorticotropic hormones and adrenal corticosteroids (e.g., cortisone, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate and prednisolone), insulin, cromolyn sodium, and mometasone (including combinations of two or more of these).

[0023] The pharmaceutical agent may be used as a free base or as one or more salts conventionally used in the art, for example, acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, acid tartrate, bromide, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate, chloride, citrate, dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, fumarate, fluocalate, gluconate, glutamate, glycolylsanilate, hexylresorcinol, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroxyl, hydroxypropyl ... The salts are: sinaphthoate, iodide, isethionate, lactate, lactobionate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methyl bromide, methyl nitrate, methyl sulfate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, pamoate, (embonate), pantothenate, phosphate, diphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, acetate, succinate, sulfate, tannate, tartrate, triethiodide (including combinations of two or more of these). Cationic salts may also be used. For example, alkali metal, e.g., Na and K, and ammonium salts and salts of amines conventionally known to be pharma- ceutical acceptable, such as glycine, ethylenediamine, choline, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, octadecylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, 1-amino-2-propanol-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol, and 1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-isopropylaminoethanol.

[0024] The medicament is typically suitable for nasal inhalation and may be provided in any fluid form suitable for this purpose, for example as a solution or powder suspension in a solvent or carrier liquid. The solution may be an aqueous solution, or other solvents may be used, for example ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Alternatively, the medicament may be suitable for sublingual or ophthalmic administration.

[0025] The medicament is, for example, suitable for the treatment of asthma. Examples include salbutamol, beclomethasone, salmeterol, fluticasone, formoterol, terbutaline, sodium cromoglycate, budesonide and flunisolide, and physiologically acceptable salts (e.g., salbutamol sulfate, salmeterol xinafoate, fluticasone propionate, beclomethasone dipropionate, and terbutaline sulfate), solvates and esters (including combinations of two or more of these). Individual isomers, such as, for example, R-salbutamol, can also be used. The medicament is, for example, suitable for the treatment of migraine. For example, sumatriptan. As will be understood, the medicament can contain one or more active ingredients, an example of which is flutiform. Optionally, it can contain one or more surfactants.

[0026] The pierceable stopper may be formed from an elastomeric or thermoelastomer material such as EPDM, polychloroprene, hydrogenated nitrile, butyl, halobutyl, dynamically crosslinked EPDM / PP (Santoprene®, styrenic block copolymers, or blends thereof. Other suitable materials include high density and low density polyethylene. The housing may be formed from engineering plastics such as polypropylene, HDPE, ABS, polyester, POM, etc.

[0027] The container may be formed of any suitable material, such as glass, a cyclic olefin copolymer (e.g., Topas® COC available from TOPAS Advanced Polymers GmbH, Frankfurt-Hoechst, Germany), or a liquid crystal polymer (e.g., Zenite® LCP available from DuPont, Wilmington, USA).

[0028] The biasing mechanism, trigger mechanism and housing components may be formed from any suitable material having the required flexural properties, such as polypropylene, HDPE, ABS, polyester, POM, PBT, polypropylene, and the like.

[0029] By providing a movable container, any gaps between components present after assembly can be accommodated before the container is moved to the dispensing configuration, thereby reducing noise during dispensing. By providing an engagement element, the risk of unintended movement of the movable container can be reduced by balancing the forces within the device and limiting the possibility of unintended or premature actuation of the trigger mechanism. The engagement element can balance the forces within the trigger mechanism and reduce or eliminate the risk of premature triggering.

[0030] By arranging the sliding button to push the container towards the outlet of the housing before the trigger mechanism is triggered, actuation noise can be reduced and / or potential damage from spring bounce can be avoided.

[0031] The risk of accidental dispensing of fluid can be reduced by using an engagement element configured to selectively resist movement of the container toward the housing outlet, the resistance of the engagement element being overcome during movement of the slidable button and before the trigger mechanism moves to the trigger configuration. Additionally, such a mechanism can provide improved control of the release force required to press the slidable button to the trigger configuration.

[0032] By providing an engagement element that is bypassed before the trigger mechanism moves to the trigger configuration, the possibility that the added resistance of the engagement element will interfere with the output of the biasing element during actuation can be avoided.

[0033] By providing an engaging element where the or each flexible arm is in a neutral, unbiased position in the cocked configuration, the device can be made more robust due to avoiding the effects of material creep and / or manufacturing tolerances.

[0034] The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid delivery device according to a first embodiment, the container being in a storage configuration and the trigger mechanism being in a cock configuration; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid delivery device of FIG. 1, with the reservoir in a storage configuration and the trigger mechanism in a trigger configuration. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid delivery device of FIG. 1, with the container in a dispensing configuration and the trigger mechanism in a trigger configuration. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid delivery device according to a second embodiment, the container being in a storage configuration and the trigger mechanism being in a cock configuration; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic partial plan view of the vessel and vessel holder of the apparatus of FIG. 4 at XX, with other components omitted for clarity. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid delivery device according to a third embodiment, with the container in a storage configuration and the trigger mechanism in a cocking configuration, with the structure of the housing around the button omitted for clarity; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid delivery device of FIG. 6, with the reservoir in a storage configuration and the trigger mechanism in a trigger configuration. [Figure 8] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid delivery device according to a fourth embodiment, the container being in a storage configuration and the trigger mechanism being in a cock configuration; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic partial plan view of the vessel and vessel holder of the apparatus of FIG. 8, with other components omitted for clarity; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] In the following, the fluid delivery device is described purely by way of example as a device suitable for nasal delivery of fluids.

[0037] In a first embodiment as shown in Figures 1-3, a fluid delivery device 1 for dispensing a fluid comprises a housing 10 having a proximal end 10a and a dispensing end 10b, the dispensing end 10b having an outlet for dispensing a fluid. The fluid delivery device 1 comprises a container 20 defining a chamber for storing a fluid, the container 20 being slidably movable relative to the housing 10 from a storage configuration (shown in Figure 1) to a dispensing configuration (shown in Figure 3). The fluid delivery device 1 also comprises an engagement element 2 configured to selectively resist movement of the container 20 towards the outlet of the housing 10.

[0038] The housing 10 of the fluid delivery device 1 may be formed in two parts, an upper housing 14 and a lower housing 15. The upper housing 14 and the lower housing 15 may be joined by cooperating structures 18 and 19. The lower rim of the upper housing 14 and the upper rim of the lower housing 15 may be joined together during assembly of the device 1. If required, this joint may be provided with an optional additional snap-fit ​​arrangement or ultrasonic welding.

[0039] The housing 10 may define an interior for housing the remaining components of the device 1. The device 1 may be assembled by coupling the upper and lower housings 14 and 15 together about the other components. In particular, cooperating structures 18 and 19 of the upper and lower housings 14 and 15 may snap-fit ​​together to hold the upper and lower housings 14 and 15 together to resist easy disassembly of the device 1.

[0040] The upper housing 14 and the lower housing 15 may together define a sidewall 13 of the housing 10, a base 16 defining a proximal end, and a nasal piece 11 extending upwardly opposite the base 16 to an outlet in the form of an orifice 17 at the discharge end. The longitudinal axis of the device 1 may extend from the base 16 to the orifice 17. A shoulder 12 may be provided between the nasal piece 11 and the sidewall 13.

[0041] The nasal piece 11 may include a first extension 90, which may be tubular extending downwardly from an upper end of the nasal piece 11 within the device 1. A swirl chamber structure 11a may be provided at the upper end of the nasal piece 11 adjacent the orifice 17.

[0042] The upper housing 14 may also be tubular and may include a second extension 91 extending downwardly from the shoulder 12 towards the base 16. Towards the lower end of the second extension 91, two openings may be disposed, the two openings forming cooperating structures 18 of the upper housing 14 on opposite sides of the second extension 91. The lower end of the second extension 91 is open.

[0043] The lower housing 15 may include a base 16. The base 16 may include a recess 93 defined by a third extension 92 formed as part of the lower housing 15. The third extension 92 may be tubular and extends upwardly from the base 16.

[0044] The third extension 92 can include a lower portion 94 and an upper portion 95, which can be interconnected by a plurality of webs (not visible) defining openings between the webs. The upper portion 95 can have a smaller diameter than the lower portion 94.

[0045] 1, the upper portion 95 may include an inner extension 98, which may be tubular that creates an annular chamber 97. The inner extension 98 may extend upwardly from a lower flange 99 that closes a lower end of the annular chamber 97. The upper portion 95 may include an outwardly extending protrusion that forms a cooperating structure 19 of the lower housing 15.

[0046] The lower housing 15, including the lower portion 94 and the upper portion 95 of the third extension 92, may be formed as a single piece, for example as a molded part.

[0047] A piercer 40 may be provided within the housing 10. The piercer 40 may be coupled to and extend downwardly from the first extension 90. The piercer 40 may include a needle 41 and a needle holder 42. The needle 41 and the needle holder 42 may form a subassembly. The piercer 40 may be inserted and held in the first extension 90. The needle 41 may define at least a portion of a delivery channel that extends to an outlet of the orifice 17. The needle 41 may be fixed relative to the upper housing 14.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the container 20 may comprise a generally cylindrical body 21 having a closed base 22 at one end and an upper opening 23 at an end opposite the closed base 22. The container 20 defines a chamber 24 in which, in use, fluid 24a may be stored prior to dispensing upon actuation of the device 1. The generally cylindrical body 21 may comprise a thickened portion at an upper end. The thickened portion may form an externally protruding ridge 29 extending circumferentially around the generally cylindrical body 21.

[0049] The pierceable stopper 25 may be slidably moveable within the chamber 24 .

[0050] The pierceable stopper 25 may include a central portion 26 configured to be pierced by the piercer 40 and a sealing portion 27 disposed about the central portion 26 for sealing to the inner surface of the container 20. The central portion 26 may be relatively thinner in the axial direction of the container 20 than the sealing portion 27.

[0051] The pierceable stopper 25 , and in particular the sealing portion 27 , may include one or more sealing rings 28 on its outer surface that provide a sliding sealing interface with the inner surface of the cylindrical body 21 of the container 20 .

[0052] The fluid delivery device 1 comprises a trigger mechanism configured to apply a force to the container 20 to move the container 20 towards the outlet of the housing 10. The trigger mechanism can thereby move the container 20 towards the dispensing configuration.

[0053] The trigger mechanism can be configured such that the movement occurs in two stages. In a first movement stage, the trigger mechanism can push the container 20 from the storage configuration (as shown in FIG. 1 ) towards the outlet of the housing 10 in order to overcome the resistance of the engagement element 2. The first movement stage can end once the resistance of the engagement element 2 has been overcome. For example, the container 20 can be moved far enough such that the container 20 can overcome the engagement element 2 by physically bypassing or dodging it before it reaches the dispensing configuration, and the device 1 can be configured such that the container 20 overcomes the engagement element 2 before it reaches the dispensing configuration.

[0054] The trigger mechanism may comprise a manually operable slideable button 30 disposed at a proximal end of the housing 10. The slideable button 30 is configured to urge the container 20 towards the outlet of the housing 10 during a first movement stage to overcome the resistance of the engagement element 2. The slideable button 30 may be formed as a rigid unitary component.

[0055] The trigger mechanism may be further configured to urge the container 20 further towards the outlet of the housing 10 in a second stage of movement, such that the container 20 moves to the dispensing configuration (shown in FIG. 3).

[0056] The fluid delivery device 1 may comprise a biasing element 63, shown in the example of Figures 1 to 3 in spring form. In a first movement stage, the trigger mechanism may be arranged in a cocked configuration (as shown in Figure 1), where the trigger mechanism is configured to prevent transmission of a biasing force of the biasing element 63 to the container 20, such that the container 20 is adapted to move under the action of manual operation of the sliding button 30. The first movement stage, which involves overcoming the resistance of the engagement element 2, may occur while the trigger mechanism is in the cocked configuration.

[0057] The trigger mechanism can be configured to move to the trigger configuration during the second movement stage. The trigger mechanism can be moved to the trigger configuration by continuing to manually actuate the sliding button 30. In the trigger configuration, the trigger mechanism can apply a biasing force of the biasing element 63 to the container 20, thereby pushing the container 20 towards the outlet of the housing 10 so that the container 20 moves to the dispensing configuration. FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 after the trigger mechanism has moved to the trigger configuration, at which point the biasing element 63 is free to move the container 20 to the dispensing configuration since the trigger mechanism is no longer captured by the housing 10. In an embodiment in which the biasing element 63 is a spring, the spring is compressed when the trigger is in the cocking configuration, and a force can be transmitted by the extension of the spring towards its rest position when the trigger mechanism is in the trigger configuration.

[0058] The trigger mechanism may include a slider 50 that is biased by the action of a biasing element 63. The slider 50 may include an upper end 51 and a number of depending legs 52 extending downwardly from the upper end 51. Three or more depending legs 52 may be provided. A lower end of the biasing element 63 may seat within annular chamber 97 of the third extension 92.

[0059] The upper end 51 can include a cup-shaped extension 59 shaped and sized to engage the bottom of the container 20. The cup-shaped extension 59 can contact the closed base 22 and / or the bottom end of the generally cylindrical body 21. Thus, the cup-shaped extension 59 can function as a container holder for holding the container 20 when the device is in the storage configuration.

[0060] The trigger mechanism may include one or more flexible capture members that are captured in the housing 10 in the cocked configuration (shown in FIG. 1) and separated from the housing in the triggered configuration (shown in FIG. 3). Each of the legs 52 may include a flexible capture member in the form of an enlarged capture portion 53 located at or near the lower end of the leg 52. Each enlarged capture portion 53 may include an inward protrusion 60 and an outward protrusion 62. The outer edge of the enlarged capture portion 53 may include a downward chamfer. The inner edge of the lower surface of the protrusion 60 may include a downward chamfer. The outer edge of the upper surface of the protrusion 62 may include an upward chamfer.

[0061] The underside of the slideable button 30 may form a trigger surface contactable by a user's finger or thumb during use.

[0062] The sliding button 30 can include a cup-shaped body 30a with or coupled to an inward protrusion that includes an obstruction 70. When the trigger mechanism is in the cocked configuration, the obstruction 70 can engage the one or more flexible capture members to prevent separation of the one or more flexible capture members from the housing 10. As shown most clearly in Figures 1-3, the obstruction 70 can include an upper enlarged section 71 and a lower waisted section 72. A shoulder 73 can be formed at the junction between the enlarged section 71 and the waisted section 72.

[0063] The enlarged section 71 can extend upward and close to the bottom surface of the vessel 20. If desired, a small assembly gap can be provided therebetween. In the figures, the enlarged section 71 is shown as hollow. Alternatively, a solid enlarged section 71 can be used.

[0064] The engaging element 2 may comprise one or more flexible arms 3. In the illustrated example, the engaging element 2 comprises a plurality of flexible arms 3. The one or more flexible arms 3 may extend from the needle holder 42 in a direction generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the device and may be arranged around the circumference of the needle holder 42. Thus, the flexible arm 34 may extend from the first extension 90 towards the container 20 such that it is arranged between the container 20 and the discharge end of the housing 10 when the container 20 is in the storage configuration. The distal end of the or each flexible arm 3 may extend to an open end of the container 20 in the storage configuration. As will be explained in more detail below, the or each flexible arm 3 may be further inserted into the container 20 when the container 20 is moved from the storage configuration.

[0065] The or each flexible arm 3 may include a protrusion 4 disposed on an outer surface of the flexible arm 3. The protrusion 4 may be disposed at or near a distal end of the flexible arm 3 such that the protrusion 4 engages an inner surface, upper rim or protrusion of the container 20 as the container 20 is moved from the storage configuration. Thus, the flexible arm 3 and / or the protrusion 4 may selectively resist movement of the container 20 towards the outlet of the housing 10.

[0066] The flexible arms 3 and / or protrusions 4 may be deflected inwardly when the container 20 contacts the engagement element 2, such that the container 20 may move beyond the point where the flexible arms 3 and / or protrusions 4 resist movement of the container 20, thereby overcoming the resistance of the engagement element. The flexible arms 3 and / or protrusions 4 may be biased outwardly to improve engagement with the inner surface and / or top edge of the container 20. Alternatively, the flexible arms 3 and / or protrusions 4 may be disposed in a neutral, unbiased position when the device is in the storage configuration.

[0067] The arrangement of the flexible arm 3 relative to the container 20 and / or the position of the protrusion 4 on the flexible arm may be configured such that the container 20 moves beyond the point where the flexible arm 3 and / or the protrusion provides resistance before the trigger mechanism moves to the trigger configuration.

[0068] The one or more flexible arms may further comprise an end surface 43 for abutting the pierceable stopper 25 in use. The end surface 43 may be axially offset a fixed length from the tip of the needle 41 such that the end surface 43 abuts the pierceable stopper 25 when the needle 41 has pierced the fixed length through the pierceable stopper 25. The end surface 43 may be configured such that upon further movement of the container 20, the pierceable stopper 25 is forced further into the container 20 to expel fluid from the chamber 24.

[0069] In use, device 1 is actuated to dispense fluid by moving container 20 from the storage configuration to the dispensing configuration, which can be accomplished by manually depressing the trigger surface of slideable button 30, causing obstruction 70 to move upwardly.

[0070] FIG. 1 shows the fluid delivery device 1 with the container 20 in a storage configuration and the trigger mechanism in a tap configuration. In the tap configuration, the enlarged catch 53 of the leg 52 can engage with the housing 10, specifically with the inner extension 98 and / or the lower flange 99. The outward projection 62 can be captured under the lower flange 99. The upward chamfer of the outward projection can abut with a chamfer provided at the intersection of the inner extension 98 and the lower flange 99. The capture of the outward projection 62 can prevent the leg 52 from moving upward and transmitting the biasing force of the biasing element 63 to the container 20. At the same time, the inward deflection of the leg 52 to release the capture of the outward projection 62 can be prevented by the presence of the obstruction 70, as the inward projection 60 abuts the outer surface of the obstruction 70, specifically with the enlarged section 71. The inward projection 60 can also be captured under the shoulder 73.

[0071] During operation, in a first movement stage, upward movement of the obstacle 70 causes the distal end of the enlarged section 71 to contact the lower end of the container 20 by reducing the assembly gap between the obstacle 70 and the container 20.

[0072] Further upward movement can cause the container 20 to move upwardly relative to the housing 10, such that at least a portion of the container 20 moves past or overcomes the resistance of the engagement element 2 before the trigger mechanism moves to the trigger configuration.

[0073] Having overcome the resistance of the engagement element 2, in a second phase of movement the obstruction 70 can continue to push the container 20 further towards the outlet of the housing 10. This further upward movement causes the container 20 and the pierceable stopper 25 (as one unit) to move upwardly relative to the housing 10 and thus relative to the piercer 40, such that the pierceable stopper 25 is pierced by the tip of the needle 41, preferably through its central portion 26.

[0074] As sliding button 30 continues to be manually moved upward, enlarged section 71 of obstruction 70 may move out of alignment with enlarged catch 53. Once waisted section 72 is aligned with enlarged catch 53, leg 52 flexes under the force of biasing element 63 and engages projection 60 under shoulder 73.

[0075] 2 shows the fluid delivery device 1 at this point during the triggering of the trigger mechanism. The slider 50 is disengaged from the lower housing 15 such that the slider 50 is free to move rapidly upwardly under the biasing force of the biasing element 63. During this movement, the legs 52 are constrained to engage under the shoulder 73 while remaining deflected inwardly by the inner diameter of the inner extension 98 against which the enlarged catch 53 slides.

[0076] Further upward movement of the slide 50 may thus be caused by the biasing force of the biasing element 63, carrying the obstacle 70 and the container 20 together. The motive force may be applied to the container 20 by a shoulder of the cup-shaped extension 59 and / or by the distal end of the enlarged section 71 of the obstacle 70 contacting the closed base 22 of the container 20.

[0077] The rapid upward movement can cause further relative movement of the pierceable stopper 25 within the container 20 (as the container 20 is forced upward), which pressurizes the chamber 24 and causes the fluid therein to move up the needle 41, through the swirl chamber structure 11a and be dispensed from the orifice 17 as an atomized spray.

[0078] FIG. 3 shows the fluid delivery device 1 after fluid dispensing has been completed, with the obstruction 70, slide 50 and container 20 displaced fully upwards.

[0079] The piercing point of the pierceable stopper 25 (i.e. the point at which the container is in the dispensing configuration) can be configured to occur during manual movement of the container 20 before the device 1 achieves the trigger configuration, preferably during the second movement stage. Alternatively, the piercing point of the pierceable stopper 25 can be configured to occur during the movement of the container 20 caused by the biasing force of the biasing element 63, i.e. after the trigger configuration has been achieved. Various configurations can be achieved by appropriately adjusting the length dimensions of the obstruction 70 and the needle 41 and the position of the piercing stopper 25.

[0080] Operating noise can be significantly reduced because any assembly gaps in the device are closed before the sliders 50 are separated. Operating noise is also reduced by the presence of the inner extension 98 because it helps prevent the spring from bouncing and "snake-walking" that can occur if a large air gap is provided around the spring.

[0081] Additionally, the use of one or more assembly gaps can advantageously separate frictional joints between components during an actuation stroke, thereby reducing the maximum actuation force required. For example, static friction between the slidable button 30 and the enlarged catch 53 can be overcome (to effect relative motion therebetween) before static friction between the container 20 and the pierceable stopper 25 and / or piercer must be overcome.

[0082] The device 1 can be configured such that the slider 50 moves a predetermined actuation distance upon actuation of the device. The inner extension 98 can have a length equal to or greater than this actuation distance. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, after actuation, the foot 52 can be retained within the bore of the inner extension 98 and the enlarged catch 53 remains engaged under the shoulder 73. This can prevent the sliding button 30 from moving back downward to its initial position. This is advantageous in that it serves as a visual and tactile indication that the device has been actuated. Additionally, this provides a stable structure after actuation without components free to swing about.

[0083] Although the above description of the device has the expansion section 71 in direct contact with the container 20, it should be understood that closure of the assembly gap can be achieved by indirect contact via an intermediate component between the projection and the container 20. For example, the expansion section 71 can be formed from two or more parts that move in sequence.

[0084] Figures 4 and 5 show another embodiment of a fluid delivery device 101 according to the present disclosure. Only the differences compared to the above-mentioned fluid delivery device 1 will be described in detail. In all other respects, the fluid delivery device 101 may be the same as already described. Compared to the above-mentioned fluid delivery device 1, the fluid delivery device 101 of Figures 4 and 5 differs in the configuration of the engagement element 102.

[0085] The engagement element 102 may comprise one or more flexible arms 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement element 102 comprises a plurality of flexible arms 103. The flexible arms 103 may be disposed on an upper end of a cup-shaped extension 159 of the slider 150, the cup-shaped extension 159 forming a container holder for holding the container 20 when the container is in the storage configuration. The flexible arms 103 may be formed integrally with the cup-shaped extension 159. The flexible arms 103 may extend in a generally circumferential direction, such that the flexible arms 103 span around the container 20 when the container is in the storage configuration.

[0086] The recesses or openings 103a may be provided to allow the or the flexible arms 103 to flex outwardly from their resting position when the container 20 is received in the flexible arms 103 (e.g., when the container 20 is in a storage configuration).

[0087] The flexible arm 103 can be biased toward a center of the container 20 when the container 20 is received by the flexible arm 103 (e.g., when the container 20 is in the storage configuration), thereby creating a frictional engagement with the container. Thus, the flexible arm 103 can selectively resist movement of the container 20 toward the outlet of the housing 10.

[0088] In this embodiment, the flexible arm 103 can remain in contact with the container 20 during displacement of the container 20 or until the trigger mechanism moves to the trigger configuration. The resistance of the flexible arm 103 can be overcome when a sufficient force is applied to overcome the friction between the flexible arm 103 and the container 20, i.e., when the container 20 moves sufficiently relative to the engagement element that the engagement element provides reduced or no resistance to further movement of the container 20.

[0089] Figures 6 and 7 show another embodiment of a fluid delivery device 201 according to the present disclosure. Only the differences compared to the above-mentioned fluid delivery device 1 will be described in detail. In all other respects, the fluid delivery device 201 may be the same as already described. Compared to the above-mentioned fluid delivery device 1, the fluid delivery device 201 of Figures 6 and 7 has a different configuration of the engagement element 202.

[0090] The engaging element 202 may comprise one or more flexible arms 203. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging element 202 comprises a plurality of flexible arms 203. The flexible arms 203 may form part of a side wall of a cup-shaped extension 259 of the slider 250, the cup-shaped extension 259 forming a container holder for holding the container 20 when the container is in the storage configuration. The flexible arms 203 may be formed integrally with the cup-shaped extension 259. The flexible arms 203 may extend longitudinally to extend the length of the container 20 when the container is in the storage configuration. The flexible arms 203 may extend a portion, a majority or the entire length of the container 20. The flexible arms 203 may be distributed circumferentially around the container 20.

[0091] Each of the flexible arms 203 may include a protrusion 204 disposed on an inner surface of the flexible arm 203. The protrusion 204 is disposed at or near the top end of the flexible arm 203 such that the protrusion 204 engages a protrusion of the container 20 as the container 20 is moved from the storage configuration. The protrusion of the container 20 may include an outer protruding ring 29 extending around the generally cylindrical body 21. Thus, the flexible arms 203 and / or the protrusion 204 may resist movement of the container 20 towards the outlet of the housing 10.

[0092] The flexible arm 203 and / or the protrusion 204 may flex during movement of the container 20, as shown in Figure 7, allowing the container 20 to move beyond the point at which the flexible arm 203 and / or the protrusion 204 resists movement of the container 20. Thus, the flexible arm 203 and / or the protrusion 204 may selectively resist movement of the container 20 towards the outlet of the housing 10. Similar to Figure 2, Figure 7 shows the device with the container in the storage configuration and the trigger mechanism in the trigger configuration, just before the slide 250 begins to move under the action of the biasing element 63.

[0093] The flexible arm 203 can be biased towards a center of the container when the container 20 is received in the flexible arm 203 (e.g., when the container 20 is in a storage configuration), thereby creating a frictional engagement with the container 20. Alternatively, the flexible arm 203 can be in a neutral position when the container 20 is received in the flexible arm 203, and deflected from the neutral position when the protrusion 204 interacts with and bypasses a protrusion on the container 20.

[0094] The arrangement of the flexible arm 203 and / or the location of the protrusion 204 on the flexible arm relative to the container 20 may be configured such that the container 20 moves past a point where the flexible arm 203 and / or the protrusion 204 provides resistance before the trigger mechanism moves to the trigger configuration. This configuration may be achieved, for example, by selection of appropriate relative lengths of the flexible arm 203, the container 20 and / or the enlarged section 71 of the obstacle 70.

[0095] Figures 8 and 9 show another embodiment of a fluid delivery device 301 according to the present disclosure. Only the differences compared to the above-mentioned fluid delivery device 1 will be described in detail. In all other respects, the fluid delivery device 301 may be the same as already described. Compared to the above-mentioned fluid delivery device 1, the fluid delivery device 301 of Figures 8 and 9 has a different configuration of the engagement element 302.

[0096] The engaging element 302 may comprise one or more protrusions 304 in the form of longitudinally extending ribs disposed on a cup-shaped extension 359 of the slider 350, the cup-shaped extension 359 forming a container holder for holding the container 20 when the container is in the storage configuration. The protrusions 304 may be integrally formed with the cup-shaped extension 359. The protrusions 304 may be circumferentially distributed around the container 20, contacting an outer surface of the container 20 in the storage configuration, the protrusions 304 providing a frictional and / or biasing force against the outer surface, thereby resisting movement of the container 20. Optionally, the one or more protrusions 304 may be configured (e.g., by selecting a suitable polymeric material) to undergo plastic deformation by the container 20 when the container 20 is inserted into the cup-shaped extension 359 during assembly of the device. In this manner, the protrusions 304, 304 are able to deform with and thus grip the outer surface of the container 20, as best shown in FIG. 9, and thus accommodate any variations or tolerances in the diameter of the container 20.

[0097] In this embodiment, the resistance of the engagement element 302 can be overcome when sufficient force is applied to overcome the friction between the engagement element 302 and the container 20, i.e., when the container 20 moves sufficiently relative to the engagement element 302 that the engagement element 302 provides reduced or no resistance to further movement of the container 20.

[0098] One or more protrusions 304 may remain in contact with the container 20 during dispensing to axially align the container 20 with the container holder throughout the dispensing sequence.

[0099] The illustrated devices provide examples according to the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations of these examples are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Some possible variations are described below.

[0100] The flexible arms can be disposed to surround the container and can be biased radially inward to grip the container. Alternatively, the flexible arms can be disposed to be received within the container and can be biased radially outward to grip the container. In other embodiments, the flexible arms can be disposed in a neutral, unbiased position when the device is in the tapped configuration and can be biased by interaction with the container and / or slide.

[0101] As used herein, the term "dispensing configuration" may refer to a relative position of a container in which a delivery channel disposed in or around a piercer or plunger in contact with the container is in fluid communication with an outlet in the housing 10 and a chamber for storing fluid in the container. For example, a container may be in the "dispensing configuration" when a piercer has pierced a stopper disposed at an open end of the container and / or when a plunger has contacted fluid in the container such that fluid from the container is expelled through an outlet in the housing.

[0102] As used herein, the term "configured" may refer to an arrangement, relative size and / or shape and / or relative position of components selected to cause the described interaction to occur. For example, the size, shape and / or relative position of the components of the engagement element, container and trigger mechanism may be configured such that the engagement element 2 resists movement of the container 20 towards the outlet of the housing 10.

[0103] As used herein, the term "selectively resist movement" may refer to an engagement element resisting movement until a level of force is applied via a trigger mechanism to move the container to bypass the engagement element and / or while the container is in a particular configuration, as described herein.

[0104] As used herein, the term "overcoming the resistance of an engaging element" may refer to the engaging element being physically bypassed or circumvented such that the engaging element provides reduced or no resistance to further movement of the container, or the container being otherwise moved sufficiently relative to the engaging element such that the engaging element provides reduced or no resistance to further movement of the container.

[0105] It is to be understood that the present invention is independent of the exact trigger mechanism, fluid ejection mechanism, or container used in the device, and the present invention can be utilized with a wide range of trigger mechanisms, fluid ejection mechanisms, and containers, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Exemplary trigger mechanisms include those that allow the container to be moved directly by a user-applied force, rather than a button that releases a biasing element to move the container axially. Instead of a fluid ejection mechanism with a needle that pierces a stopper, as shown in the detailed description, a pressure-activated stopper can be used that ejects fluid when the pressure in the container is above a certain threshold. Such fluid ejection mechanisms are disclosed, for example, in WO2015008048. Examples of containers that can be used in the present invention include standard vials that are filled using vacuum or tube stoppers. Alternatively, the container can take other forms.

[0106] It should also be understood that the biasing element may be a spring, as shown, or may be any other suitable type of biasing element.

[0107] In any embodiment, the piercer may be omitted and an alternative means may be provided to facilitate transport of fluid from the container to the outlet. For example, the pierceable stopper may be replaced with a piston slidably movable relative to the pump chamber. The device may include a piston plunger including a delivery channel for delivering fluid discharged from the pump chamber to the outlet of the housing. The piston plunger may be fixedly attached to the housing such that its relative position relative to the housing is fixed, and may be disposed between the container and the outlet. As the container moves toward the outlet, it moves relative to the piston and the piston plunger, discharging fluid through the outlet of the piston into the delivery channel, and thereby into the outlet. In some embodiments, the engagement element may be disposed on one or more flexible arms extending from the piston plunger and engage the container in the manner described in the first embodiment above. In other embodiments, the engagement element may be disposed in any of the other configurations described above.

[0108] In either embodiment, the engagement element may be disposed on the housing or formed as part of the housing.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger mechanism includes a biasing element. In any embodiment, the trigger mechanism can be configured to move the container in the second movement phase by other means. For example, the trigger mechanism can be configured to move the container in the second movement phase by manually and continuously actuating a sliding button, and / or the trigger mechanism can include a volume of compressed or liquefied gas and the trigger mechanism can be configured to move the container in the second movement phase under the action of the compressed or liquefied gas.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the slidable button is shown as a rigid, one-piece part with the cup-shaped body and the obstruction integrally formed. In either embodiment, the slidable button can alternatively be formed from multiple parts. For example, the cup-shaped body and the obstruction can be formed separately and assembled. The cup-shaped body and the obstruction can be formed from rigid materials that are stationary relative to each other in use. Alternatively, the obstruction can be formed from a rigid member, and the cup-shaped body can be flexible such that at least a portion of the cup-shaped body can remain generally stationary relative to the housing in use, and such that the cup-shaped body can deform in use to accommodate the sliding movement of the obstruction upon actuation of the slidable button.

[0111] In either embodiment, an additional button-engaging element can be disposed between the slidable button and the housing. The button-engaging element can be disposed such that the resistance of the button-engaging element must overcome the manual actuation force before movement of the slidable button begins.

[0112] As used in this application, the terms "upper" and "lower" or similar refer to the device when in the orientation shown in the figures, with the "upper" end being in each case proximal to the discharge end of the device and the "lower" end being distal to the discharge end of the device. The terms "outward" or "inward" are used to denote directions radially or tangentially away from the central axis of the vessel and / or the longitudinal axis of the device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1. A fluid delivery device 2 Engagement element 10. Housing 10a proximal end 10b Discharge end 20 containers 24 Chamber 30 Sliding Button

Claims

1. 1. A fluid delivery device for ejecting a fluid, comprising: a) a housing including a base end and a discharge end having an outlet for discharging a fluid; b) a container defining a chamber for storing a fluid and slidably movable relative to said housing from a storage configuration to a dispensing configuration; c) a trigger mechanism configured to apply a force to the container to move the container toward the outlet of the housing; and d) an engagement element configured to selectively resist movement of the container toward the outlet of the housing; and 1. A fluid delivery device comprising:

2. The fluid delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the engagement element comprises one or more flexible arms.

3. 3. The fluid delivery device of claim 2, wherein the or each flexible arm is configured to be inserted into an open end of the container during movement of the container toward the outlet of the housing and is optionally biased outwardly to engage an inner surface and / or an upper edge of the container.

4. 3. The fluid delivery device of claim 2, wherein the or each flexible arm is biased towards a center of the container to create a frictional engagement with the container, and the or each flexible arm optionally frictionally engages an outer surface of the container.

5. the or each flexible arm extends along or in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the device; and / or 5. A fluid delivery device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the or each flexible arm extends circumferentially around the container when the container is in the storage configuration.

6. the or each flexible arm is located between the container and the discharge end of the housing when the container is in the storage configuration; or 6. The fluid delivery device of claim 2, wherein the or each flexible arm is arranged transversely to the container and extends along at least a portion of the length of the container when the container is in the storage configuration.

7. A fluid delivery device according to claim 2 , wherein the or each flexible arm extends from an extension of the housing.

8. 8. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the engagement element comprises one or more protrusions configured to contact a surface of the container, the protrusions contacting the surface of the container thereby exerting a force on the container selectively resisting movement of the container toward the outlet of the housing.

9. 9. The fluid delivery device of claim 8 when dependent on any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein each of the one or more flexible arms comprises one of the one or more protrusions.

10. The fluid delivery device of claim 8 , wherein each of the one or more protrusions comprises one or more elongated ribs disposed around a periphery of the container.

11. 8. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the engagement element is configured to engage with the container, and wherein the engagement element selectively resists movement of the container toward the outlet of the housing by engaging the container.

12. The fluid delivery device of claim 11 , wherein the engagement element is configured to engage one or more of an exterior surface, an interior surface, or a rim of an open end of the container.

13. The fluid delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the container comprises at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion configured to engage with the engagement element.

14. The fluid delivery device of claim 1 , further comprising a container holder configured to hold the container, the engagement element being disposed on the container holder.

15. 15. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein in a first movement stage, the trigger mechanism is configured to push the container toward the outlet of the housing to overcome the resistance of the engagement element before the container is moved to a dispensing configuration.

16. The fluid delivery device of claim 15 , wherein in a second movement stage, the trigger mechanism is configured to urge the container toward the outlet of the housing such that the container is moved to a dispensing configuration.

17. Further comprising a biasing element; In the first movement stage, the trigger mechanism is disposed in a cocking configuration in which the trigger mechanism is configured to prevent transmission of a biasing force of the biasing element to the container; the trigger mechanism is configured to move to a trigger configuration during the second stage of movement; In the trigger configuration, the trigger mechanism is configured to apply the biasing force to the container, thereby urging the container toward the outlet of the housing.

17. The fluid delivery device of claim 16.

18. 18. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a sliding button configured to urge the container towards the outlet of the housing.

19. the trigger mechanism includes one or more flexible capture members that are captured in the housing in the cocked configuration and separated from the housing in the triggered configuration; 19. The fluid delivery device of claim 17, wherein the sliding button, in the cock configuration, comprises an obstruction that engages the one or more flexible capture members to prevent separation of the one or more flexible capture members from the housing.

20. the trigger mechanism includes a slider biased by action of a biasing member, the slider being arranged to apply a biasing force to the slide button in a trigger configuration; 20. The fluid delivery device of claim 18, dependent on claim 17 or claim 19, wherein the sliding portion comprises a container holder configured to hold the container, and the engagement element is disposed on or integral with the container holder.

21. a piercer defining a delivery passage for delivering a fluid toward the outlet of the housing; a pierceable stopper disposed within the chamber; Further equipped with 21. The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the pierceable stopper is configured to be pierced by the piercer to expel the fluid from the chamber along the delivery channel and out the outlet of the housing.

22. 22. The fluid delivery device of claim 21, wherein the piercer comprises a needle and a needle holder, the engagement element being disposed on the needle holder, the needle holder optionally being fixed in position relative to the housing.

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