Inhaler article holder with electrostatic discharge

Abstract

The present invention provides an inhaler article holder that includes an electrostatic discharge circuit. [Solution] The inhaler article holder 30 for the inhaler article 20 includes a housing 32 defining a housing cavity and an outer surface, and a sleeve positioned within the housing cavity, the sleeve being arranged to receive the inhaler article, and the sleeve being movable between a first position and a second position within the housing cavity, the through-element 50 being arranged to penetrate the inhaler article received within the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position. The sleeve is electrically connected to the housing to form an electrostatic discharge circuit when the housing is electrically grounded.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an inhaler article holder, which includes an electrostatic discharge circuit when held by a consumer. [Background technology]

[0002] Dry powder inhalers are not always perfectly suitable for delivering dry powder particles to the lungs at inhalation volumes or airflows that fall within the range of inhalation volumes or airflows of conventional smoking methods. Dry powder inhalers can be complex to operate or may involve moving parts. Dry powder inhalers often attempt to deliver the entire dry powder dose or capsule load in a single breath.

[0003] Inhaler articles may hold capsules containing dry powder. These capsules may be activated by penetrating an opening through the capsule wall. The user inhales (breathes in or inhales) from the mouthpiece side of the consumable. This action forces air through the dry powder inhaler. It is generally known that drug delivery in dry powder / aerosol inhalers may be hindered by the electrostatic attraction of the drug substance to surfaces along the drug path. [Overview of the project]

[0004] As dry particles flow through the dry powder inhaler system, the interaction between the particles and the surfaces they encounter through the system causes static electricity buildup, or charging. This static electricity buildup causes the dry particles to attract each other and to the surfaces they encounter through the system. This can lead to the adhesion of dry particles to the surfaces they encounter through the system. The adhesion or accumulation of dry powder on these surfaces degrades the operation of the dry powder inhaler. The adhesion or accumulation of dry powder on these surfaces increases the maintenance required to keep the dry powder inhaler functioning effectively.

[0005] It is desirable to provide an electrical conduction path within the dry powder inhaler system to prevent or minimize the accumulation of static electricity in the dry powder flow path. It is also desirable to provide an inhaler article holder that prevents or minimizes the accumulation of static electricity and the attraction of dry powder particles to the holder surface. To prevent dry powder from accumulating on the holder surface along the dry powder flow path, it is desirable to effectively discharge any static electricity from the inhaler article holder during use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an inhaler article holder is provided comprising a housing defining a housing cavity and an outer surface, and a sleeve positioned within the housing cavity. The sleeve is disposed to receive an inhaler article, and the sleeve is movable between a first position and a second position within the housing cavity. A through-element is disposed to penetrate the inhaler article received within the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position. The sleeve is electrically connected to the housing to form an electrostatic discharge circuit when the housing is electrically grounded.

[0007] Advantageously, providing an electrical path for static electricity from the sleeve eliminates static electricity buildup in the sleeve and prevents or reduces the accumulation of dry powder on the sleeve surface. Reducing static electricity prevents or reduces the accumulation of dry powder, maintaining a clean equipment surface and reducing equipment maintenance. Reducing the accumulation of dry powder within or on the equipment surface provides more dry powder to the user and improves equipment efficiency. Utilizing antistatic materials for the sleeve and elements of the electrostatic discharge circuit provides inhaler articles that are simple and easy to assemble.

[0008] The present disclosure is directed to a holder for an inhaler article, referred to as an "inhaler article holder". The inhaler article holder includes a single offset through element. The inhaler article holder is configured to receive a consumable inhaler article, activate a capsule within the inhaler article by passing through the capsule, and induce a swirling inhalation airflow into the inhaler article during consumption. The inhaler article holder and the inhaler article may form an inhaler system that is the subject of the present disclosure.

[0009] A portion of the inhaler article holder, particularly the portion of the movable sleeve that receives the inhaler article, may come into contact with dry powder particles entrained in the inhalation airflow. For example, the airflow element forms a portion of the sleeve and also extends into the sleeve lumen and into the received inhaler article. The applicant has discovered that due to the electrostatic attraction of dry particles that interact with this electrically insulating airflow element, dry powder tends to accumulate on its surface during consumption.

[0010] Forming these sleeve portions to be antistatic and then electrically connecting these sleeve portions to the conductive housing of the inhaler article holder forms an electrostatic discharge circuit when the user grounds the housing by contacting the housing during consumption of the inhaler article. Then, the static electricity is pulled away from the surface of the inhaler article holder that interacts with the dry powder particles entrained during consumption. The reduction of static electricity prevents or reduces the accumulation of dry powder, maintains a clean device surface, and reduces the maintenance of the device.

[0011] The inhaler article holder described herein may be combined with an inhaler article that includes a capsule. The inhaler article may be used to activate the inhaler article by piercing through the capsule, which provides reliable activation of the capsule by piercing the capsule using a piercing element of the inhaler article holder. Particles may be released from the capsule as they draw or create an air stream around the pierced capsule. Thus, the inhaler system delivers dry powder particles to the consumer. The inhaler article holder is separate from the inhaler article, but the consumer utilizes both the inhaler article and the inhaler article holder while consuming the dry powder particles released within the inhaler article. A plurality of these inhaler articles may be combined with the inhaler article holder to form a system or kit. A single inhaler article holder may be utilized with 10 or more, or 25 or more, or 50 or more, or 100 or more inhaler articles to activate (pierce or penetrate) the capsules contained within each inhaler article and to provide reliable activation. The inhaler article may optionally provide a visual indication (marking) of activation of the inhaler article for each inhaler article.

[0012] The inhaler article has an air flow path. The air flow is introduced into the inhaler article by inhalation (or puffing) from the user. The inhaler article holder creates a swirling inhalation air flow. This swirling inhalation air flow is introduced into the inhaler article. The distal or most upstream end of the inhaler article includes an open aperture that defines an open central passage of an open tubular element configured to receive the swirling inhalation air flow.

[0013] The swirling inhalation air flow then continues downstream into the capsule cavity, inducing rotation of the capsule within the capsule cavity. The activated capsule then releases a dose of particles into the downstream swirling inhalation air flow that reaches the consumer through the mouthpiece. Thus, the swirling inhalation air flow is created upstream from the inhaler article and the swirling inhalation air flow enters the distal or most upstream end of the inhaler article.

[0014] The inhaler article comprises an elongated tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler from the mouthpiece end to the distal end. The mouthpiece end is the proximal or downstream end. The distal end is the upstream end. The capsule cavity is defined within the body, bounded downstream by a filter element and bound upstream by an open tubular element defining a central passage. The distal end of the inhaler article may be closed before insertion into the inhaler article holder. The distal end of the inhaler article may be open after insertion into the inhaler article holder. The distal end of the inhaler article may interact with complementary structures within the inhaler article holder so that the distal end of the inhaler article may open as the inhaler article is introduced into the inhaler article holder. When introduced into the inhaler article holder, the distal end of the inhaler article has a central passage that forms an open air intake opening extending from the distal end of the body into the capsule cavity. The capsule is located within the capsule cavity, and the central passage may have a smaller diameter than the capsule. Therefore, the capsule does not need to pass through the central passage and is held within the capsule cavity.

[0015] The inhaler article holder includes a housing comprising a housing cavity for receiving an inhaler article and a sleeve configured to hold the inhaler article within the housing cavity. The housing cavity is defined by a single housing opening that extends into the housing along the longitudinal axis of the housing to a closed end. The single housing opening is configured to receive the inhaler article. The housing is formed of a conductive material. Preferably, the housing is formed of a metal such as aluminum.

[0016] The sleeve is contained within the housing cavity and is movable between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The sleeve may also be slidable between the first position and the second position along the longitudinal axis of the housing. In the first position, the sleeve is located adjacent to a single housing opening. In the second position, the sleeve is further away from the single housing opening by a lateral distance along the longitudinal axis.

[0017] The sleeve extends from an open end to a closed (or restricting) end, defining a cylindrical lumen along its longitudinal axis. The open end of the sleeve aligns with a single housing opening.

[0018] The closed end of the sleeve includes an airflow element and an opening to allow a penetrating element to pass through the closed end and extend into the sleeve lumen. The airflow element includes one or more inhalation air intakes that provide airflow communication from the annular space around the sleeve to the sleeve cylindrical lumen. This airflow element is configured to induce a rotational or swirling inhalation airflow directly into the sleeve cylindrical lumen and into the inhaler article capsule cavity. This swirling or rotational inhalation airflow may be directed into the inhaler article to rotate the capsule and release the dry powder contained within the capsule.

[0019] The airflow element of the sleeve includes a tubular element having a central passage that is in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity. The airflow element has at least one air intake that allows intake air to enter the central passage. The at least one air intake extends in a direction that is tangential to the central passage to generate a swirling or rotating intake airflow.

[0020] The airflow element of the sleeve includes a tubular element having a central passage that is in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity. The airflow element has at least two air intakes that allow intake air to enter the central passage. The at least two air intakes extend in a direction tangential to the central passage to generate a swirling or rotating intake airflow.

[0021] The airflow element of the sleeve includes a tubular element having a central passage that is in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity. The airflow element has at least three air intakes that allow intake air to enter the central passage. The at least three air intakes extend in a direction tangential to the central passage to generate a swirling or rotating intake airflow.

[0022] The inhaler article holder may further include a through-element fixed to and extending from the inner surface of the hollow housing. The through-element is configured to extend through the closed end of the sleeve and into the sleeve cavity along the longitudinal axis of the housing. As the sleeve moves from a first position to a second position, the through-element contacts and penetrates the capsule of the received inhaler article. Moving the sleeve from the second position to the first position removes the through-element from the capsule, exposing an opening in the capsule, which allows dry particles contained within the capsule to be released as the inhaled air rotates the capsule. The through-element is preferably conductive. The through-element is preferably made of metal.

[0023] The through-element may electrically connect the sleeve to the housing. The through-element may contact the sleeve with an airflow element. The airflow element may include an opening for receiving the through-element and allowing the through-element to pass through the airflow element.

[0024] The closed end of the sleeve may further include a sleeve bottom element that substantially forms the closed end of the sleeve. The sleeve bottom element may be fixed and in contact with an airflow element. The sleeve bottom element may extend away from the airflow element for a distance along the sleeve's longitudinal axis toward the closed end of the housing cavity. The sleeve bottom element may have an opening that accommodates a through element and allows the through element to pass through the opening in the sleeve bottom element.

[0025] The through-element may contact the sleeve at the sleeve bottom element. The sleeve bottom element may electrically connect the sleeve or the airflow element to the housing. The through-element may electrically connect the sleeve to the housing via both the sleeve bottom element and the airflow element.

[0026] The inhaler article holder may further include a spring member configured to bias the sleeve away from the through element. The spring member may bias the sleeve away from a second position to a first position. The spring member may be relaxed at the first position of the sleeve. The spring member may be compressed at the second position. The through element is preferably located within the spring member. The spring member is preferably conductive. The spring member is preferably made of metal.

[0027] The spring member may electrically connect the sleeve to the housing. The spring member may contact the airflow element and electrically connect the sleeve or the airflow element to the housing. The spring member may contact the bottom element of the sleeve and electrically connect the sleeve to the housing via both the bottom element and the airflow element.

[0028] The sleeve may include an elongated slot extending along the longitudinal length of the sleeve. The housing may further include a pin extending from the inner surface of the housing cavity. The pin may be configured to engage with the elongated slot to maintain the alignment of the sleeve as it moves between a first position and a second position.

[0029] The internal housing may be contained within the housing cavity. The internal housing may separate at least a portion of the sleeve from the inner surface of the housing cavity. The internal housing may separate the fixed end of the through element from the inner surface of the housing cavity. The internal housing may separate the spring member from the inner surface of the housing cavity.

[0030] The internal housing may electrically connect the sleeve to the housing. The internal housing may contact a spring member and electrically connect the sleeve or airflow element to the housing. The internal housing may contact a through element and electrically connect the sleeve to the housing via both the sleeve bottom element and the airflow element.

[0031] The sleeve may have a surface resistivity of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 10 ohm / sq. The sleeve may be formed of a plastic material having a surface resistivity of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 10 ohm / sq.

[0032] The airflow element has a surface resistivity of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 10 ohm / sq. The airflow element may be formed of a plastic material having a surface resistivity of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 10 ohm / sq.

[0033] The sleeve bottom element has a surface resistivity of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 10 ohm / sq. The sleeve bottom element may be formed of a plastic material having a surface resistivity of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 10 ohm / sq.

[0034] The inner housing has a surface resistivity of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 10 ohm / sq. The inner housing has a surface resistivity of less than 1×10 12 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 11 ohm / sq, or less than 1×10 10It may be formed from a plastic material having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq.

[0035] The term "surface resistivity" refers to the material's ability to discharge an electrostatic load. Surface resistivity is measured using the standard method ASTM D 257 ESD STM11.11 IEC 60093. Surface resistivity is the resistance to leakage current along the surface of an insulating material. Two parallel electrodes, at a distance from each other equal to the contact length of the two electrodes, are in contact with the surface of the material to measure surface resistivity. Thus, the quotient of the potential gradient (V / m) and the current per unit length of the electrodes (A / m) represent the resistivity. Since the four ends of the electrodes form a square, the length over which the surface resistivity and quotient cancel each other out is generally measured in ohms. However, some test results use ohms per square due to their more descriptive nature. Surface resistivity defines the electrical resistance of a fixed surface length on an insulating material. This measurement does not take into account physical dimensions such as thickness or diameter. Since this determines only surface resistivity, only one physical measurement is required. As a result, surface resistivity is measured between electrodes along the surface of the insulating material.

[0036] Plastic materials are typically 1 x 10 12 These plastic materials typically have a surface resistivity greater than ohms / sq. These plastic materials allow electrostatic forces to accumulate on their surfaces. The accumulated electrostatic forces attract dry powder particles, causing these dry powder particles to adhere to the surface of these plastic materials.

[0037] The antistatic material is 1 x 10 12 Less than ohms / sq, or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 11 Less than ohms / sq, or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 10It has a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq. Antistatic plastic materials are commercially available, for example, from RTP Company (Winona, Minnesota, USA) under the trade names RPT 399 X 155792 B NS Polycarbonate, RPT 2599 X 156311 NS Polycarbonate / ABS Alloy, RPT 1199 AX 155793 NS Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol Modified PETG, or RPT 899 X 149765 B Acetal (POM).

[0038] The inhalable powder may contain various activators. The activators may include alkaloids such as nicotine, anatabine, or anabasine. Preferably, the activator contains a solid salt of an alkaloid, such as a nicotine salt.

[0039] The amount of activator may be selected based on the desired or intended use of the inhalable dry powder. For example, the amount of activator may be 0.5% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the dry powder particles. The dry powder particles may contain 0.5% or more, 1% or more, 2% or more, or 3% or more of activator, and 12% or less, 10% or less, 9% or less, 8% or less, or 7% or less of activator, or 0.5% to 10% by weight, 1% to 8% by weight, 1.5% to 6% by weight, or 2% to 5% by weight of activator.

[0040] The dried powder particles may contain 0.5% by weight or more, 1% by weight or more, 2% by weight or more, or 3% by weight or more of nicotine, and 12% by weight or less, 10% by weight or less, 9% by weight or less, 8% by weight or less, or 7% by weight or less of nicotine, or 0.5% to 10% by weight, 1% to 8% by weight, 1.5% to 6% by weight, or 2% to 5% by weight of nicotine.

[0041] The amount of activator may also be selected based on a dose-by-dose criterion. The inhalable powder may be packaged in a single dose form or in multiple dose forms. For example, the inhalable powder may contain 0.5 mg or more, 1 mg or more, 2 mg or more, or 5 mg or more of activator per dose. The inhalable powder may contain 500 mg or less, 200 mg or less, 100 mg or less, 50 mg or less, 20 mg or less, or 10 mg or less of activator per dose. In some embodiments, the inhalable powder contains 0.01 to 10 mg of anatabine, nicotine, or anabasine per dose, 0.05 to 5 mg of anatabine, nicotine, or anabasine per dose, or 0.1 to 1 mg of anatabine, nicotine, or anabasine per dose.

[0042] In an embodiment, the capsule contains 1 to 20 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 1 to 10 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 10 to 20 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 1 dose. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 2 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 3 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 4 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 5 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 6 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 7 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 8 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 9 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 10 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 11 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 12 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 13 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 14 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 15 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 16 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 17 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 18 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 19 doses. In an embodiment, the capsule contains 20 doses.

[0043] The dried powder particles may have particle sizes in the range of 20 μm or less, 10 μm or less, or 5 μm or less, or 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, or 0.5 μm or more, or 0.5 μm to 10 μm, or 0.75 μm to 5 μm, or 1 μm to 5 μm, or 1 μm to 3 μm, or 1.5 μm to 2.5 μm. The desired particle size range may be achieved by spray drying, grinding, sieving, or a combination thereof.

[0044] The dry powder particles may be further mixed with a second group of particles to form a powder system. Preferably, the second group of particles has a different particle size from the dry powder particles, or a larger particle size than the dry powder particles. For example, the second group of particles may have a particle size in the range of approximately 20 μm or more, or approximately 50 μm or more, 200 μm or less, 150 μm or less, or 50 μm to 200 μm, or 50 μm to 150 μm. The second group of particles may have any useful size distribution for selective inhalation delivery into the user's mouth or oral cavity. A larger second group of flavoring particles may help deliver the dry powder particles to the inhaled airflow to the user.

[0045] The dry powder particles and the second group of particles may be combined in any useful relative amounts so that the user will notice the second group of particles when consumed together with the dry powder particles. Preferably, the dry powder particles and the second group of particles form at least about 90% by weight, or at least about 95% by weight, or at least about 99% by weight, or 100% by weight of the total weight of the powder system.

[0046] The dry powder particles may be further mixed with a second group of flavoring particles to form a powder system. The second group of flavoring particles preferably has a different particle size from the dry powder particles, or a larger particle size than the dry powder particles. For example, the flavor particles may have a particle size in the range of approximately 20 μm or more, or approximately 50 μm or more, 200 μm or less, 150 μm or less, or 50 μm to 200 μm, or 50 μm to 150 μm. The second group of flavoring particles may have any useful size distribution for selective inhalation delivery into the user's mouth or oral cavity. A larger second group of flavoring particles may assist in the delivery of the dry powder particles to the inhaled airflow to the user.

[0047] The second group of dry powder particles and flavoring particles may be combined in any useful relative amounts so that the user will notice the second group of flavoring particles when consumed together with the dry powder particles. Preferably, the second group of dry powder particles and flavoring particles constitute at least about 90% by weight, or at least about 95% by weight, or at least about 99% by weight, or 100% by weight of the total weight of the powder system.

[0048] Dry powder particles or powder systems may be provided in a suitable dosage form. For example, dry powder particles or powder systems may be provided in capsules. The dosage form (e.g., capsules) may be configured for use with a suitable inhaler. For example, capsules may be used with an inhaler device having a capsule cavity. Airflow control through the capsule cavity of the inhaler device may rotate the capsule contained therein during inhalation and consumption. Capsules may contain dry powder particles or powder systems.

[0049] Unless otherwise specified, the term "particle size" here refers to the aerodynamic median particle diameter (MMAD) of a particle or set of particles. These values ​​represent the same aerodynamic behavior as the characterized particle, 1 gm / cm². 3 This is based on the distribution of aerodynamic particle diameters, which are defined as the diameter of spheres having a certain density.

[0050] Specifically, for powder systems, the median aerodynamic particle diameter (MMAD), one of the most broadly applicable indices as a single numerical descriptor of the aerodynamic particle size distribution, is commonly referred to. MMAD is a statistically derived value for a particle sample; for example, an MMAD of 5 micrometers means that 50 percent of the total sample mass consists of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 micrometers, and the remaining 50 percent consists of particles with an aerodynamic diameter greater than 5 micrometers. In the context of this invention, when describing a powder system, the term "particle size" preferably refers to the MMAD of the powder system.

[0051] Powder-based MMAD is preferably measured using a cascade impactor. A cascade impactor is a widely used instrument for sampling and separating airborne particles to determine the aerodynamic size classification of aerosol particles. In practice, a cascade impactor separates an incoming sample into individual fractions based on particle inertia, which is a function of particle size, density, and velocity. A cascade impactor typically comprises a series of stages, each with a plate having a specific nozzle arrangement and collection surface. As the number of stages increases, both the nozzle size and total nozzle area decrease, so the velocity of the air containing the sample increases as it moves through the instrument. At each stage, particles with sufficient inertia deviate from the main airflow and collide with the collection surface. Thus, at any given flow rate, each stage is associated with a cutoff diameter (a numerical value that defines the size of the particles being collected). As the number of stages increases, the velocity increases, and therefore the stage cutoff diameter decreases. Hence, the cutoff diameter associated with a given stage is a function of the airflow rate used in the test. To reflect their performance during use, nebulizers may be tested regularly at 15 L / min, and dry powder inhalers may be tested at flow rates up to 100 L / min.

[0052] In the context of the present invention, powdered MMAD is preferably measured using a Next Generation Impactor (NGI) 170 (available from Copley Scientific AG). The NGI is a high-performance, high-precision particle classification cascade impactor having seven stages and a micro-orifice collector (MOC). The features and operating principle of the NGI are described, for example, in Marple et al., Journal of Aerosol Medicine - Volume 16, Number 3 (2003). The measurement is more preferably performed at 20 ± 3 degrees Celsius and 35 ± 5 percent relative humidity.

[0053] Dry powder formulations typically contain about 15% by weight or less of moisture, preferably about 10% by weight or less, and more preferably about 6% by weight or less. Most preferably, dry powder formulations contain about 5% by weight or less of moisture, or even more preferably about 3% by weight or less, or even more preferably about 1% by weight or less of moisture.

[0054] All values ​​reported as percentages are considered to be weight percentages based on total weight.

[0055] All scientific and technical terms used herein have their meanings as commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are intended to facilitate the understanding of certain terms that are frequently used herein.

[0056] As used herein, the singular forms ("a," "an," and "the") include embodiments that have plural subjects, unless otherwise clearly defined by their content.

[0057] As used herein, "or" is generally used to mean "and / or," unless otherwise clearly defined by the context. The term "and / or" means one or all of the enumerated elements, or any combination of two or more of the enumerated elements.

[0058] As used herein, “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” “comprise,” “comprising,” and similar terms are used in their unrestricted sense, generally meaning “include, but not limited to.” Naturally, “consisting essentially of,” “consisting of,” and similar terms are subsumed under “comprising” and similar terms.

[0059] The terms “preferred” and “preferred” refer to embodiments of the present invention that may provide certain advantages under specific circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the enumeration of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are unhelpful, nor is it intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure, including the claims.

[0060] As used herein, the term “substantially” is synonymous with “significantly” and can be understood to modify the relevant term by at least approximately 90%, at least approximately 95%, or at least approximately 98%. As used herein, the term “substantially not” is synonymous with “significantly not” and can be understood to have the opposite meaning of “substantially” and to modify the relevant term by only 10% or less, 5% or less, or 2% or less.

[0061] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0062] Example 1. An inhaler article holder comprising a housing defining a housing cavity and an outer surface, and a sleeve positioned within the housing cavity. The sleeve is disposed to receive an inhaler article and is movable between a first position and a second position within the housing cavity. A through-element is disposed to penetrate the inhaler article received within the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position. The sleeve is electrically connected to the housing to form an electrostatic discharge circuit when the housing is electrically grounded. Example 2. The inhaler article holder according to Example 1, further comprising a spring member that contacts a portion of the sleeve, wherein the spring member electrically connects the sleeve to the housing. Example 3. An inhaler article holder according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein a through-element electrically connects the sleeve to the housing. Example 4. An inhaler article holder according to Example 2 or Example 3, wherein the through-element is located within the spring member. Example 5. An inhaler article holder according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the through element is located inside the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position. Example 6. An inhaler article holder according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the housing is made of metal. Example 7. An inhaler article holder according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the through-element is made of metal. Example 8. An inhaler article holder according to Examples 2-7, wherein the spring member is made of metal. Example 9. The sleeve is 1 × 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 10An inhaler article holder according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, formed from a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq (ASTM D 257 ESD STM11.11 IEC 60093). Example 10. An inhaler article holder according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the sleeve comprises an airflow element having two or more airflow inlets configured to form a swirling airflow within the sleeve, and the airflow element is electrically connected to a housing. Example 11. The airflow element is 1 × 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 10 The inhaler article holder according to Example 10, formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq. Example 12. The inhaler article holder according to Example 11, wherein the sleeve extends from an open end to a closed end and defines a cylindrical lumen for receiving an inhaler article, and the open end of the sleeve is aligned with an opening in the housing for receiving an inhaler article. Example 13. The inhaler article holder according to Example 12, wherein the sleeve closing end comprises a sleeve bottom element that substantially closes the sleeve at the closing end, and an airflow element is connected to the sleeve bottom element, and the airflow element extends from the sleeve bottom element into the sleeve cylindrical lumen, and the airflow element is electrically connected to the housing through the sleeve bottom element and a spring member or through element. Example 14. An inhaler article holder according to Example 12, wherein the sleeve extends from an open end to a closed end and defines a cylindrical lumen for receiving an inhaler article, the open end of the sleeve aligns with an opening in the housing for receiving an inhaler article, the closed end of the sleeve includes a sleeve bottom element that substantially closes the sleeve at the closed end, and an airflow element is connected to the sleeve bottom element, and also extends away from the sleeve bottom element and into the cylindrical lumen of the sleeve, and the airflow element is electrically connected to the housing through the sleeve bottom element and a spring member or through element. Example 15. The sleeve bottom element is 1 × 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 10An inhaler article holder according to Example 13 or Example 14, formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq. Example 16. 1 × 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 10 An inhaler article holder according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, further comprising an internal housing formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq, wherein the internal housing electrically connects a spring member to the housing. Example 17. The inhaler article holder according to Example 16, wherein the internal housing electrically connects the through-element to the housing. Example 18. An inhaler article holder according to any of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the housing is grounded to a user who is in contact with the outer surface of the housing. Example 19. Each element of the electrostatic discharge circuit is 1 × 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 10 An inhaler article holder according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq. Example 20. An inhaler article holder according to Example 12, wherein an opening in the housing receives an inhaler article, defines an air intake port into the housing, and provides inhaled air into a sleeve-shaped cylindrical lumen through an airflow element. Example 21. An inhaler system comprising an inhaler article holder as described in any of Examples 1 to 20, and an inhaler article containing a capsule disposed within the capsule cavity of the inhaler article. The capsule contains pharmaceutically active particles containing nicotine, the pharmaceutically active particles having an aerodynamic median particle diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 0.5 micrometers to about 4 micrometers, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers. Example 22. The system according to Example 21, wherein the capsule further contains a second population of flavor particles having an aerodynamic median particle diameter of about 20 micrometers or more, or about 50 micrometers or more, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 micrometers, or in the range of about 50 to about 150 micrometers.

[0063] Here, we will further describe the examples with reference to the following figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0064] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary inhaler article holder. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler system in which an inhaler article is received in an inhaler article holder and penetrates a capsule in a second position. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary inhaler system of Figure 3A, in which the penetrating element is retracted from the capsule in the first position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is another schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 3B illustrating the inhalation airflow path through the inhaler system. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary inhaler article holder. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is another schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary inhaler article holder. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0065] The schematic diagrams are not necessarily to scale and are presented for illustrative purposes only, not limiting purposes. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments described in this disclosure. However, naturally, other embodiments not illustrated in the drawings are within the scope and intent of this disclosure.

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler system 10. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary inhaler article holder 30. Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler system 10 in which the inhaler article 20 is received in the inhaler article holder 30 and penetrates the capsule 25 in a second or compressed position. Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary inhaler system 10 of Figure 3A in which the penetrating element 50 is retracted from the capsule 25 in a first or relaxed position. Figure 4 is another schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 3B illustrating the path (arrow) of the inhaled airflow 150 through the inhaler system 10.

[0067] The inhaler article holder 30 is configured to receive a separate consumable inhaler article 20 and to induce a swirling inhalation airflow into and through the inhaler article 20 during consumption. The inhaler article holder 30 and the inhaler article 20 form the inhaler system 10. The inhaler article 20 remains in the inhaler article holder 30 during use by the consumer. The inhaler article holder 30 is configured to induce a swirling inhalation airflow into the received inhaler article 20.

[0068] An exemplary inhaler article 20 includes a body 22 extending from a mouthpiece end 21 to a distal end 23. A capsule cavity 24 is defined within the body 22. A capsule 25 is contained within the capsule cavity 24. The aforementioned dry powder particles may be contained within the capsule 25. The capsule 25 may be perforated to form an opening through the body of the capsule 25, and inhaled air may flow through the inhaler article 20, releasing the dry powder particles from the perforated capsule 25 into the inhaled airflow and outside the mouthpiece end 21.

[0069] The inhaler article holder 30 includes a housing 32 that defines a housing cavity defined by the inner surface 34 and outer surface 35 of the housing. The sleeve 40 is positioned within the housing cavity. The sleeve 40 is arranged to receive the inhaler article 20 and is movable within the housing cavity between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis of the housing cavity.

[0070] The through-element 50 is positioned to penetrate the capsule 25 in the inhaler article 20 received within the sleeve 40 when the sleeve 40 is in the second position, as shown in Figure 3A. The sleeve 40 is electrically connected to the housing 32 to form an electrostatic discharge circuit when the housing 32 is electrically grounded, for example when it is held by the user during inhalation.

[0071] The through-element 50 may be configured to extend into the sleeve 40 along the longitudinal axis of the housing 32. The inhaler article holder 30 may include a spring member 60 configured to bias the sleeve 40 and any received inhaler article 20 away from the through-element 50.

[0072] The sleeve 40 extends from an open end 42 to a closed end 44 (or restricting end), defining a sleeve cavity 45 or cylindrical lumen 45 along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 40. The open end 42 of the sleeve aligns with a single housing opening 36.

[0073] The closed end 44 of the sleeve includes an airflow element 46 and an opening to allow a penetrating element to pass through the closed end 44 and extend into the sleeve cavity 45. The airflow element 46 includes one or more intake air inlets 47 that provide airflow communication from the annular space around the sleeve 40 into the sleeve cylindrical lumen 45. The airflow element 46 is configured to directly induce a rotational or swirling intake airflow into the sleeve cylindrical lumen 45 and into the inhaler article capsule cavity 24. This swirling or rotational intake airflow may be directed into the inhaler article 20 to rotate the capsule 25 and release the dry powder contained within the capsule 25.

[0074] The airflow element 46 of the sleeve 40 includes a tubular element having a central passage that is in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity 45. The airflow element 46 has at least one air intake port 47 that allows intake air 150 to enter the central passage. The at least one air intake port 47 extends in a direction that is tangential to the central passage to generate a swirling or rotating intake airflow.

[0075] The sleeve 40 includes a tubular element that may extend about 5 mm into the sleeve cavity 45 and may have an outer diameter of about 5.5 mm and an inner diameter of about 4 mm. The open distal end 23 of the received inhaler article 20 may have an inner diameter of about 5.5 mm to provide a tight fit with the tubular element of the airflow element 46.

[0076] The closed end 44 of the sleeve may further include a sleeve bottom element 48 that substantially forms the closed end of the sleeve 40. The sleeve bottom element 48 may be fixed and in contact with the airflow element 46. The sleeve bottom element 48 may extend away from the airflow element 46 over a distance along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and toward the closed end of the housing cavity. The sleeve bottom element 48 may have an opening that encloses a through element 50 and allows the through element 50 to pass through the opening in the sleeve bottom element 48.

[0077] The internal housing 70 may be enclosed within the housing cavity. The internal housing 70 may separate at least a portion of the sleeve 40 from the inner surface of the housing cavity. The internal housing 70 may separate the fixed end of the through element 50 from the inner surface of the housing cavity. The internal housing 70 may separate the spring member 60 from the inner surface of the housing cavity.

[0078] The annular cover 38 may secure the internal housing 70 and sleeve 40 within the housing cavity. The annular cover 38 defines a single housing opening 36 for receiving the inhaler article 20. The annular cover 38 may be secured to the housing 32 using pin elements 39.

[0079] Figure 4 illustrates the path of the inhalation airflow 150 through the inhaler system 10. The inhalation airflow 150 enters the inhaler article holder 30 along the outer surface of the received inhaler article 20 and the annular cover 38. Once inside the housing cavity, the inhalation air 150 proceeds along the length of the sleeve 40 to the closed end 44 of the sleeve 40. The inhalation air 150 then enters the air intake 47 of the airflow element 46, forming a swirling or rotating inhalation airflow 150 within the sleeve lumen 45. This swirling or rotating inhalation air is then delivered directly into the distal end 23 of the inhaler article 20 and into the capsule cavity 24. The swirling inhalation airflow rotates or agitates the capsule 25, and dry powder particles are entrained within the inhalation airflow. The entrained inhalation airflow then flows out of the inhaler article through the mouthpiece end 21 and flows to the user 100. In Figure 4, the path of the inhalation airflow 150 is illustrated by arrows.

[0080] Figure 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary inhaler article holder. Figure 6 is another schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary inhaler article holder.

[0081] In Figure 5, the circuit includes a sleeve or airflow element 46 electrically connected to the housing 32, and the housing 32 is grounded via a user 100 in contact with the housing 32. Electrostatic force e -The electrostatic force e is conducted through the sleeve or airflow element 46 to the housing and then to ground, and on the surface of the sleeve or airflow element 46 - To effectively minimize [the problem].

[0082] In Figure 6, the circuit includes an airflow element 46 electrically connected to the housing 32, and the housing 32 is grounded via a user 100 in contact with the housing 32. Electrostatic force e - The electrostatic force e on the surface of the airflow element 46 is conducted through the airflow element 46 to the sleeve bottom element 48, then to the spring member 60 or through element 50, then to the internal housing 70, then to the housing 32, and then to ground. - To effectively minimize [the problem].

[0083] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., should be understood in all cases as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 2%. In this context, the number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error to the measurement of the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some cases as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of deviation does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics(s) of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Furthermore, this specification includes at least the following: (1) Inhaler article holder, A housing that defines the housing cavity and outer surface, A sleeve positioned within the housing cavity, disposed to receive the inhaler article, and movable between a first position and a second position within the housing cavity, The sleeve comprises a penetrating element disposed to penetrate the inhaler article received within the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position, An inhaler article holder wherein, when the housing is electrically grounded, the sleeve is electrically connected to the housing to form an electrostatic discharge circuit. (2) The inhaler article holder according to (1), further comprising a spring member that contacts a portion of the sleeve, wherein the spring member electrically connects the sleeve to the housing. (3) The inhaler article holder according to (1) or (2), wherein the through-element electrically connects the sleeve to the housing. (4) The inhaler article holder according to (2) or (3), wherein the through element is disposed within the spring member. (5) An inhaler article holder according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the housing is made of metal. (6) The aforementioned sleeve is 1 × 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 10 An inhaler article holder according to any one of (1) to (5), formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq. (7) The inhaler article holder according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the sleeve comprises an airflow element configured to form a swirling airflow, and the airflow element is electrically connected to the housing. (8) The aforementioned airflow element is 1 × 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 10 The inhaler article holder according to (7), which is formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq. (9) The inhaler article holder according to (8), wherein the sleeve extends from an open end to a closed end and defines a cylindrical lumen for receiving an inhaler article, the open end of the sleeve is aligned with an opening in the housing for receiving an inhaler article, the closed end of the sleeve comprises a sleeve bottom element that substantially closes the sleeve at the closed end, and the airflow element is connected to the sleeve bottom element, and the airflow element extends away from the sleeve bottom element and into the cylindrical lumen of the sleeve, and the airflow element is electrically connected to the housing through the sleeve bottom element and a spring member or through element. (10) The sleeve bottom element is 1 × 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 10 The inhaler article holder according to (9), which is formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq. (11) 1 x 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 × 10⁻⁶ 10 An inhaler article holder according to any one of (2) to (10), further comprising an internal housing formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq, wherein the internal housing electrically connects the spring member to the housing. (12) The inhaler article holder according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the housing is grounded to a user who is in contact with the outer surface of the housing. (13) The inhaler article holder according to (11), wherein the internal housing electrically connects the through-element to the housing. (14) An inhaler system comprising an inhaler article holder as described in any one of (1) to (13), and an inhaler article containing a capsule disposed within the capsule cavity of the inhaler article, wherein the capsule contains pharmaceutically active particles containing nicotine, and the pharmaceutically active particles have an aerodynamic median particle diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 0.5 micrometers to about 4 micrometers, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers. (15) The inhaler system according to (14), wherein the capsule further contains a second population of flavor particles having an aerodynamic median particle size of about 20 micrometers or more, or about 50 micrometers or more, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 micrometers, or in the range of about 50 to about 150 micrometers.

Claims

1. Inhaler article holder, A housing that defines the housing cavity and outer surface, A sleeve positioned within the housing cavity, disposed to receive the inhaler article, and movable between a first position and a second position within the housing cavity, The sleeve comprises a penetrating element disposed to penetrate the inhaler article received within the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position, An inhaler article holder wherein, when the housing is electrically grounded, the sleeve is electrically connected to the housing to form an electrostatic discharge circuit.

2. The inhaler article holder according to claim 1, further comprising a spring member that contacts a portion of the sleeve, wherein the spring member electrically connects the sleeve to the housing.

3. The inhaler article holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the through-element electrically connects the sleeve to the housing.

4. The inhaler article holder according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the through-element is disposed within the spring member.

5. The inhaler article holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing is made of metal.

6. The aforementioned sleeve is 1 x 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 x 10⁻⁶ 10 An inhaler article holder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq.

7. The inhaler article holder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sleeve comprises an airflow element configured to form a swirling airflow, and the airflow element is electrically connected to the housing.

8. The aforementioned airflow element is 1 × 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 x 10⁻⁶ 10 The inhaler article holder according to claim 7, which is formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq.

9. The inhaler article holder according to claim 8, wherein the sleeve extends from an open end to a closed end and defines a cylindrical lumen for receiving an inhaler article, the open end of the sleeve is aligned with an opening in the housing for receiving an inhaler article, the closed end of the sleeve comprises a sleeve bottom element that substantially closes the sleeve at the closed end, and the airflow element is connected to the sleeve bottom element, and the airflow element extends away from the sleeve bottom element and into the cylindrical lumen of the sleeve, and the airflow element is electrically connected to the housing through the sleeve bottom element and a spring member or through element.

10. The sleeve bottom element is 1 × 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 x 10⁻⁶ 10 The inhaler article holder according to claim 9, which is formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq.

11. 1 x 10 11 Less than ohms / sq or 1 x 10⁻⁶ 10 An inhaler article holder according to any one of claims 2 to 10, further comprising an internal housing formed of a polymer having a surface resistivity of less than ohms / sq, wherein the internal housing electrically connects the spring member to the housing.

12. The inhaler article holder according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing is grounded to a user who contacts the outer surface of the housing.

13. The inhaler article holder according to claim 11, wherein the internal housing electrically connects the through-element to the housing.

14. An inhaler system comprising an inhaler article holder according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and an inhaler article containing a capsule disposed within a capsule cavity of the inhaler article, wherein the capsule contains pharmaceutically active particles containing nicotine, and the pharmaceutically active particles have an aerodynamic median particle diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 0.5 micrometers to about 4 micrometers, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers.

15. The inhaler system according to claim 14, wherein the capsule further contains a second group of flavor particles having an aerodynamic median particle size of about 20 micrometers or more, or about 50 micrometers or more, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 micrometers, or in the range of about 50 to about 150 micrometers.

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