Powder inhaler
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- APTAR FRANCE SAS
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing powder inhalers, particularly those designed for pharmaceutical use, face challenges in manufacturing and assembly complexity, making them costly and difficult to use in emergencies or by individuals with disabilities. Additionally, there is a lack of devices capable of administering two consecutive doses, such as one dose to each nostril.
A powder inhaler with a body that receives two individual containers, each containing a dose of powder, is designed. The inhaler features a head portion and two support portions connected by joints, allowing the device to be easily opened and closed. A perforated element is used to open the container upon actuation, and the device can be reused with multiple containers.
The inhaler is easier to manufacture and assemble, reducing costs and complexity. It is also more user-friendly, particularly for emergencies or use by individuals with disabilities. The ability to administer two consecutive doses enhances its functionality.
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to powder inhalers. [Background technology]
[0002] Powder inhalers, particularly of the pharmaceutical type, are well known in the art and come in a variety of types.
[0003] The first type of inhaler comprises a container containing multiple doses of powder and the inhaler is provided with metering means so that on each actuation a dose of powder can be removed from the container and conveyed to an exhaust duct for administration to the user.
[0004] Another type of inhaler contains the powder doses in individual pre-administered containers, one of which is opened with each actuation of the inhaler. This type of implementation allows for a more effective sealing of the powder, as each dose is only opened immediately before it is expelled. Various techniques have been proposed to create these individual containers, including elongated blister strips and blisters arranged on a rotating circular disk.
[0005] All existing types of inhalers, including those mentioned above, have both advantages and disadvantages associated with their construction and method of operation.
[0006] Multi-dose inhalers and inhalers with multiple individual containers are typically complex devices made up of many parts and are therefore costly to manufacture and assemble.
[0007] To reduce the complexity and cost of the device, single-dose inhalers have been proposed that contain a single individual container, such as a capsule or blister, that is loaded into the inhaler before use. The advantage of such devices is that they can be made smaller, as it is not necessary to store the entire dose within the device.
[0008] Prior art devices are described in WO 2007 / 129127, WO 2007 / 129128 and WO 2012 / 004485.
[0009] These devices have drawbacks: for example, single-dose inhalers require difficult assembly of individual containers, making them difficult to use in emergency situations or for people with disabilities. Similarly, these devices usually have multiple parts, making them complex to manufacture and assemble.
[0010] Other devices of the prior art are described in WO 2016 / 091386 and WO 2007 / 144614, where WO 2016 / 091386 describes a clothespin-type single-dose device and WO 2007 / 144614 describes an oral inhaler.
[0011] None of these documents describes a bidose device adapted to administer two doses in succession, for example a first dose to a first nostril and a second dose to a second nostril. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0012] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2007 / 129127 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2007 / 129128 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2012 / 004485 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2016 / 091386 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2007 / 144614 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a powder inhaler which does not have the above mentioned drawbacks.
[0014] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an inhaler which is simple and cheap to manufacture and assemble, and which is reliable in use. [Means for solving the problem]
[0015] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a powder inhaler comprising a body for receiving a container having a cavity containing a dose of powder and a closing membrane sealing the cavity, the body having a head part and two support parts, the head part being connected to each support part by at least one joint, the head part having an outlet and a piercing element connected to the outlet, the piercing element being designed, when actuated, to pierce the closing membrane and open the container placed on the support parts, the first support part receiving a first container containing a first dose and the second support part receiving a second container containing a second dose, the body being formed as a single unit.
[0016] Advantageously, said outlet opening is formed at the axial end of a nasal endpiece intended to be inserted into the nostril during operation.
[0017] Advantageously, each of said joints is formed by a bridge of foldable material.
[0018] Advantageously, the head portion has at least one window and each of the support portions has at least one protrusion for engaging with the corresponding window, in particular by a snap fit, in the closed position of the inhaler to lock the closed position.
[0019] Advantageously, the closed position is unlockable allowing the body to be reused with multiple containers.
[0020] Advantageously, each of said supports has a recess suitable to receive said cavity of said container.
[0021] Advantageously, said container has at least one locating opening and each said support has at least one stud for receiving a corresponding locating opening.
[0022] Advantageously, after the container has been positioned on the support, each stud is deformed, in particular by snapping it on, so that the container is irremovably fixed on the support.
[0023] Advantageously, the head portion has at least one blocking tab for blocking the inhaler in an intermediate position in which the piercing element has not pierced the closure membrane of the container, such that in order to activate the inhaler, the user must break or deform the at least one blocking tab during actuation.
[0024] Advantageously, the two supports are arranged symmetrically on either side of the head. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0025] The characteristics, advantages and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent with reference to the detailed description given below, by way of non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a single-dose powder inhaler according to a first advantageous embodiment, showing the inhaler in an open position prior to assembly of the container; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a container that can be fitted to the inhaler shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view similar to FIG. 1, showing the container installed in the inhaler in the open position; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the inhaler in an open position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing the inhaler in the closed position. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing a single dose powder inhaler according to another advantageous embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing the inhaler in an intermediate position. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a dual dose powder inhaler according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, showing the inhaler in the open position prior to first use. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the first support being pivoted to dispense the first dose. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the device ready to dispense the first dose. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the first support being pivoted after administration of the first dose. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the second support pivoting to administer the second dose. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing the device ready to administer the second dose. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Figures 1 to 7 illustrate a first advantageous embodiment of a single dose powder inhaler device, in which all the features applicable to the embodiment according to the invention shown in Figures 8 to 13 are described in detail.
[0027] The inhaler has a one-piece body 10 formed as a single piece by molding synthetic material. The body 10 has a head portion 11 and a support portion 12, the head portion 11 and the support portion 12 being connected by at least one joint 13.
[0028] This allows the body 10 to be deformed between an open position, shown in Figures 1 and 3, and a closed position, shown in Figure 5. Preferably, the head part 11 and the support part 12 pivot about 180° between the open and closed positions, relative to the joints 13. Advantageously, the one or more joints 13 are formed by one or more bridges of foldable material.
[0029] The head part 11 is provided with an outlet 110, preferably formed at the axial end of a nasal endpiece 111 which is inserted into the nostrils by the user when using the inhaler. The outlet 110 is connected to a piercing element 112. Advantageously, the head part is further provided with at least one window 113, advantageously with two windows 113.
[0030] The support 12 is for receiving individual containers 20, for example in the form of blisters.
[0031] An example of such a container 20 is shown in FIG.
[0032] The container 20 comprises a cavity 21 in which a dose of powder is accommodated and a closing membrane 22 which seals said cavity 21. The closing membrane 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 aluminium or a suitable multi-layer structure.
[0033] The container 20 is provided with at least one, and preferably two, positioning openings 23 .
[0034] The support 12 is provided with a recess 120 suitable for receiving the cavity 21 of the container 20. The support 12 is also provided with at least one, and preferably two, studs 121 for receiving the positioning opening 23 of the container 20.
[0035] The support part 12 also has at least one, and preferably two, projections 122 which engage, in particular by means of a snap fit, with the windows 113 of the head part 11 in the closed position of the inhaler to lock said closed position.
[0036] Advantageously, each projection 122 has a snap-fit profile that snaps into a corresponding window 113 in the closed position as shown in FIG.
[0037] Advantageously, this lock can be released, allowing the inhaler to be reopened and the emptied container replaced with a new full container, allowing the inhaler to be reused to administer multiple doses. In this case, the projections 122 can be of a different shape, with a snap-fit profile facing inwards, rather than outwards as in the example shown in Figures 1-7.
[0038] When a user wishes to use the inhaler, the body 10 is opened to the open position and the container 20 is placed on the support 12 .
[0039] The cavity 21 of the container 20 is placed in the recess 120, and the studs 121 (two in the illustrated example) are inserted into the positioning openings 23 (two in the illustrated example), so that the closing membrane 22 faces upward in the position shown in FIG.
[0040] The user then closes the body 10 by pivoting the head 11 on the support 12 by approximately 180° about the joints 13 (two in the illustrated example). During this closing movement, the piercing element 112 penetrates the closure membrane 22 of the container 20 and enters the cavity 21. In the closed position, the projections 122 of the support 12 snap into the windows 113 of the head 11, locking this closed position during actuation.
[0041] When the user inserts the nasal endpiece 111 into the nostril and inhales, the powder in the cavity 21 is expelled through the piercing element 112 and the outlet port 110 .
[0042] If the inhaler is for single use and is discarded, then the locking in the closed position is preferably permanent.
[0043] Conversely, if the inhaler is to be reused, the user can unlock the closed position, return the body 10 to the open position and remove the emptied container from the support part 12. Advantageously, the body 10, and in particular the head part 11, can be cleaned or washed before reuse.
[0044] In a variant of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the container 20 can be permanently fixed to the support 12 .
[0045] For example, container 20 can be placed on support 12 with cavity 21 in recess 120 and stud 121 in locating opening 23, and then stud 121 can be deformed, for example by snap-fitting, which causes stud 121 to expand and secure container 20 on the support.
[0046] Alternatively, it is conceivable for the positioning opening 23 to snap onto the stud 121 and may have a matching profile.
[0047] This implementation allows the container 20 to be pre-attached to the inhaler and the pre-assembled assembly to be delivered, so that the user does not need to place the container on the support 12 before using the inhaler, but only needs to close the support 12.
[0048] The head portion 11 of the example shown in Figures 6 and 7 may also be provided with at least one, and preferably two, blocking tabs 115 for preventing pivoting and locking the inhaler in an intermediate position in which the piercing element 112 has not pierced the closure membrane 22 of the container 20.
[0049] This intermediate position is shown in Figure 7. In this intermediate position, an end of each blocking tab 115 abuts a surface of the support part 12. Thus, in order to activate the inhaler, the user must break or deform these blocking tabs 115 during actuation.
[0050] In this example, the device can provide an intermediate position, with the container 20 pre-attached, so that to activate, the user only needs to push the body 10 hard enough to break or deform the blocking tab 115. When the body 10 is closed to the closed position, the piercing element 112 pierces the closure membrane 22 of the container, allowing the dose of powder to be inhaled.
[0051] 8 to 13 are highly schematic diagrams illustrating an advantageous embodiment of the invention relating to a two-dose powder inhaler device.
[0052] This embodiment corresponds to a two-dose version of the device described in the first embodiment, and all the features and variants described in the scope of the first embodiment with reference to Figures 1 to 7 apply to this embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 13.
[0053] According to the invention, the body 10 has two supports 12a, 12b, the support 12a being connected to the head 11 by at least one joint 13a and the support 12b being connected to the head 11 by at least one joint 13b. Preferably, these two supports 12a, 12b are arranged symmetrically on either side of the head and are advantageously identical.
[0054] The first support 12a receives a first container containing a first dose and the second support 12b receives a second container containing a second dose.
[0055] To administer the first dose, the user rotates the first support 12a carrying the container corresponding to the first dose by approximately 180°, as shown by arrow F1 in FIG. 9, and administers the first dose.
[0056] After the first dose is administered, the first support part 12a is returned to its initial position, as shown by arrow F2 in FIG. 11, and then the second support part 12b, which has a container corresponding to the second dose, is rotated approximately 180° to administer the second dose, as shown by arrow F3 in FIG. 12.
[0057] Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A powder inhaler, The device comprises a main body (10) that receives a container (20) having a cavity (21) containing a quantity of powder and a sealing membrane (22) that seals the cavity (21), The main body (10) has a head portion (11) and two support portions (12a, 12b), The head portion (11) is connected to each support portion (12a, 12b) by at least one joint portion (13a, 13b), The head portion (11) has a discharge port (110) and a piercing element (112) connected to the discharge port (110), The perforating element is designed to perforate the closing membrane (22) when in operation, thereby opening the container (20) placed on the support parts (12a, 12b). A powder inhaler characterized in that a first support portion (12a) receives a first container containing a first dose, a second support portion (12b) receives a second container containing a second dose, and the main body (10) is formed as a single unit.
2. The powder inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge port (110) is formed at the axial end of a nasal end piece (111) intended to be inserted into the nostril during operation.
3. The powder inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the aforementioned joints (13a, 13b) is formed by a bridge of a foldable material.
4. The powder inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the head portion (11) has at least one window (113), and each support portion (12a, 12b) has at least one projection (122) for locking the closed position of the inhaler by engaging with the corresponding window (113), particularly by snap-fitting.
5. The powder inhaler according to claim 4, characterized in that the lock in the closed position can be released and the main body can be reused in multiple containers (20).
6. The powder inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the support parts (12a, 12b) has a recess (120) suitable for accommodating the cavity (21) of the container (20).
7. The powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the container (20) has at least one positioning opening (23), and each support (12) has at least one stud (121) for receiving the corresponding positioning opening (23).
8. The powder inhaler according to claim 7, characterized in that after the container (20) is positioned on the support parts (12a, 12b), each stud (121) is particularly snap-fitted and deformed so that the container (20) is irremovably fixed on the support parts (12a, 12b).
9. The powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the head portion (11) has at least one blocking tab (115) for locking the inhaler in an intermediate position where the perforating element (112) has not perforated the closing membrane (22) of the container (20), and in order to operate the inhaler, the user must break or deform the at least one blocking tab (115) while operating it.
10. The powder inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two support parts (12a, 12b) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the head part (11).