Inhaler

Abstract

The inhaler comprises a housing having a chamber for receiving the valved canister and stem block and a mouthpiece fluidly connected to the passageway of the stem block, and an actuation mechanism configured to actuate the outer surface of the stem block at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem block to move the stem block downward, actuate the valve, and eject the nebulizable liquid, thereby discharging a metered nebulized spray from the mouthpiece of the mechanical inhaler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to inhalers, and more particularly to manually operated metered dose inhalers.

Background Art

[0002] Metered dose inhalers are used to deliver aerosolized medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids to the lungs. These inhalers are commonly used during the treatment of various respiratory diseases and conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Metered dose inhalers are also used to deliver cannabinoids, including cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, such as the Vapen™ Clear Inhaler and the CBD LUXE™ CBD:THC Inhaler.

[0003] A metered dose inhaler generally includes a housing with a mouthpiece and an actuator, a canister containing the medication to be delivered, and a metering valve for attachment to the canister.

[0004] Typically, a metered dose inhaler is a simple resin device that allows the user to depress a metered spray canister to dispense a spray. These resin devices are generally of the same size, shape, and material. Inhalers require the user's hand or thumb strength to depress the canister to dispense the spray. A simple inhaler dispenses the spray at an angle of 45° from the opening. In particular, finger and hand weakness and stiffness, and hand size, of persons with arthritis affect the ability to use conventional metered dose inhalers.

[0005] There remains a need to improve the functionality and user experience of inhalers for patients who need to use an inhaler daily, particularly those with finger or hand weakness or stiffness, or small hands.

[0006] This background art is described for the purpose of providing known information that the applicant believes may be relevant to the present invention. It is not necessarily intended that any of the above information constitutes prior art against the present invention, nor should it be so construed.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an inhaler. According to an aspect of the present invention, an inhaler is provided.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stem block that receives a hollow valve stem of a valve assembly attached to a canister containing a pneumatically transportable liquid. The stem block includes a main body having an upper end and a lower end, a main body that defines an elongated passage in its inner portion, and the elongated passage configured to receive the hollow valve stem of the canister through a lower end of the elongated passage. The main body further defines a distribution passage in its inner portion, the dispensing passage being axially aligned with the elongated passage, a lower end of the dispensing passage being connected to an upper end of the elongated passage, the lower end of the dispensing passage having a width narrower than a width of the upper end of the elongated passage, thereby providing a step at an intersection of the dispensing passage and the elongated l passage. The step configured to contact an upper end of the hollow valve stem to prevent upward movement of the stem valve from the upper end of the hollow valve stem to the distribution passage forms an internal passage through the stem block between the lower end and the upper end together with the elongated passage and the distribution passage. The stem block has an outer surface configured to receive an external force from a predefined angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated passage, and moves the stem block axially downward to push the hollow valve stem into the canister.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for delivering a dose of an aerosolized spray. The apparatus comprises a canister having a hollow valve stem and a valve assembly containing a pneumatically aerosolizable liquid, and a dispensing stem block defining a body having an upper end and a lower end, and an elongated passage defined in an inner portion thereof, the elongated passage being configured to receive the hollow valve stem of the canister through a lower end of the elongated passage. The passage on the inner portion thereof is a dispensing passage axially aligned with the elongated passage, a lower end of the dispensing passage being connected to an upper end of the elongated passage, the lower end of the dispensing passage having a width narrower than a width of the upper end of the elongated passage, whereby a step is provided at an intersection of the dispensing passage and the elongated flow passage. The outlet valve portion is configured to contact an upper end of the hollow valve stem, preventing the stem valve from moving upward axially into the dispensing passage. The elongated passage and the dispensing passage together form an internal passage passing through the stem block between the lower end and the upper end. The stem block has an outer surface configured to receive an external force at a predefined angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated passage, moving the stem block axially downward and pushing the hollow valve stem into the canister.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inhaler for dispensing a dose of an air-solubilizable liquid from a canister having a hollow valve stem, comprising a stem block defining an internal passage configured to receive the hollow valve stem of the canister. The inhaler comprises a housing configured to internally receive the canister and the stem block, and a mouthpiece configured to be in fluid communication with the passage of the stem block, and an actuating mechanism including at least one stem block actuating element configured to move between a rest position and an activation position, wherein in the activation position, the stem block actuating element is configured to engage an outer surface of the stem block at a predefined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem block, causing downward movement of the stem block to activate the valve and release the air-pressure solubilizable liquid as a dose of aerosol spray.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a metered-dose inhaler for dispensing a medicament from a canister fitted with a metering valve, the inhaler comprising a housing with a mouthpiece, the actuating mechanism including at least one actuating button and a stem block, the actuating button including a stem block actuating element, and when the actuating button is actuated, the stem block actuating element engages the stem block, thereby activating the metering valve and releasing an aerosol from the mouthpiece of the inhaler.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising an inhaler, a stem block, and / or a canister with a valve as described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] These and other features of the present invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention provides an inhaler with improved functionality and ease of use.

[0015] In one aspect, the present invention provides a stem block for an inhaler. In some embodiments, the stem block is configured to be used with a canister having a hollow valve stem and a valve system / assembly containing a sprayable liquid.

[0016] The stem block includes a body having an upper end and a lower end, and a narrow passage is formed in an inner portion thereof. The narrow passage is configured to receive the hollow valve stem of the canister that enters the lower end thereof. The body further forms an injection passage through which fluid flows, and the injection passage has a width narrower than the width of the upper end of the valve stem passage and is configured to prevent upward movement of the stem valve into the injection passage.

[0017] In some embodiments, the injection passage is axially arranged with respect to the valve stem passage, the lower end of the injection passage is connected to the upper end of the thin passage, and the lower end of the injection passage has a width narrower than the width of the upper end of the thin passage, thereby forming a stepped portion at the connection portion between the injection passage and the thin passage. The stepped portion contacts the upper end of the hollow valve stem to prevent the hollow valve stem from moving upward in the axial direction into the injection passage. In some embodiments, the elongated stem valve passage and / or the injection passage can be cylindrical.

[0018] The stem block is configured to be actuated by receiving an external force at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the thin passage, so as to move the stem block downward in the axial direction and apply a force to push the hollow valve stem into the canister, and to eject a sprayable liquid through the injection passage.

[0019] In some embodiments, the stem block includes a nozzle connected to the upper end of the injection passage, and the nozzle is configured to inject a sprayable liquid. In some embodiments, the nozzle is axially connected to the upper end of the injection passage.

[0020] In some embodiments, the upper width of the injection passage is smaller than the lower width thereof.

[0021] In some embodiments, the stem block is disposed within the inhaler housing. In some embodiments, the stem block is removably disposed in the inhaler housing. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the stem block includes depressions, ridges, or texture elements to facilitate placement within the inhaler housing. In some embodiments, the stem block includes one or more grooves disposed around it to facilitate axial movement of the stem block within the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, a metering valve is attached to the canister.

[0023] The stem block can have various bottom shapes including circular, elliptical, or square. In some embodiments, the bottom shape is a rounded square. In some embodiments, the stem block is configured to facilitate self - alignment.

[0024] In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for metering a spray. The apparatus includes a canister having a hollow valve stem and a valve assembly containing a sprayable liquid, and a stem block as described herein connected to be in fluid communication with the hollow valve stem.

[0025] In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be housed within an inhaler housing. In some embodiments, the apparatus is removably disposed within the inhaler housing. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the stem block includes depressions, ridges, or texture elements to facilitate placement within the inhaler housing. In some embodiments, the stem block includes a plurality of grooves or depressions disposed around it to facilitate axial movement of the stem block within the housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a housing having a chamber configured to house the canister and the stem block therein. A mouthpiece is attached to the housing to be in fluid communication with the injection passage of the stem block. The housing includes an actuating mechanism configured to act on the outer surface of the stem block, and the actuating mechanism acts on the outer surface of the stem block at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem block to move the stem block downward, actuating the valve and injecting the sprayable liquid as a spray through the mouthpiece of the housing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism includes at least one stem block acting element that, upon actuation, acts on the outer surface of the stem block at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem block to move the stem block downward, actuate the valve, and cause the sprayable liquid to be quantitatively sprayed as a spray through the mouthpiece of the housing.

[0028] In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism includes an actuating button associated with the stem block acting element. When the actuating button is pressed, the stem block acting element contacts the outer surface of the stem block, moves the stem block downward, actuates the valve, and quantitatively sprays the sprayable liquid.

[0029] In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism includes two stem block acting elements disposed on opposite sides of the housing, and both stem block acting elements contact the outer surface of the stem block during actuation to move the stem block downward. In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism is such that each actuating button is connected to a respective stem block acting element, and pressing one or both of the actuating buttons moves the stem block downward.

[0030] In some embodiments, the housing chamber is configured to removably receive the canister and the stem block therein.

[0031] In some embodiments, the housing chamber includes internal elements to facilitate the placement of the canister, the stem block, or both the canister and the stem block.

[0032] In some embodiments, the internal elements include one or more track elements or grooves for receiving the stem block. In some embodiments, the internal elements include one or more track elements or grooves that interact with corresponding grooves and track elements provided on the outer surface of the stem block. In some embodiments, the internal element includes one or more runners or ridges corresponding to one or more grooves or indentations provided on the outer surface of the stem block.

[0033] In another aspect, the present invention provides an inhaler for metered spraying of a sprayable liquid from a canister used in conjunction with a stem block that forms an inner passage for receiving the hollow valve stem and to which a valve assembly having a hollow valve stem is attached. The inhaler comprises a housing having a chamber configured to receive therein the canister and the stem block, and a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the injection passage of the stem block.

[0034] The actuating mechanism includes at least one stem block actuating element configured to operate between a rest position and an actuated position. In the actuated position, the stem block actuating element contacts the outer surface of the stem block at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial axis of the stem block, moves the stem block downward to actuate the valve, and injects the sprayable liquid as a spray through the mouthpiece of the inhaler.

[0035] In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism comprises an actuating button associated with the stem block actuating element, and when the actuating button is pressed, the stem block actuating element is brought into contact with the outer surface of the stem block, moves the stem block downward, actuates the valve, and metered sprays the sprayable liquid.

[0036] In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism includes an elastic member coupled to the housing to bias the stem block actuating element to the rest position. In some embodiments, the elastic or spring member has one end continuous with or connected to the stem block actuating element and the other end is attached to the housing or configured such that a band or holder is positioned within the housing.

[0037] In some embodiments, the elastic member is an elongated flexible resin member continuous with the stem block engaging member.

[0038] In some embodiments, the inner passage of the stem block has a valve stem passage portion sized to receive a valve stem, and the valve stem passage portion is connected such that fluid communicates with a narrower injection passage portion. In some embodiments, the stem block has a step formed at the intersection of the valve stem passage and the spray passage. The step contacts the upper end of the hollow valve stem to prevent upward movement of the hollow valve stem into the injection passage.

[0039] In some embodiments, the stem block has a nozzle connected such that fluid communicates with the injection passage.

[0040] In some embodiments, the stem block, the valve stem, and the mouthpiece are arranged substantially linearly.

[0041] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece is detachable. In some embodiments, the inhaler housing has an open lower end with a detachable end cap. Thus, in some embodiments, the housing, the mouthpiece, and the bottom end cap include a compatible threaded connection. In other embodiments, the housing, the mouthpiece, and the bottom end cap are all snap-fitted together.

[0042] Some embodiments include a mouthpiece cover that can be screwed or snap-fitted into place. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece cover includes a female thread, and the mouthpiece includes a compatible threaded element.

[0043] In some embodiments, the inhaler further includes a stem block removably disposed within the chamber.

[0044] In some embodiments, the inhaler includes a canister having a valve assembly and a stem block disposed within the chamber.

[0045] In some embodiments, the valve is a metering valve and the inhaler is a metered-dose inhaler.

[0046] The housing may have any cross-section suitable for the canister. In some embodiments, the housing has a circular, oval, square, or rounded-square cross-section.

[0047] The opening of the mouthpiece can be of various sizes and shapes, including circular or oval.

[0048] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece and / or the housing may have a seal.

[0049] In some embodiments, the hollow housing includes an opening for the actuation button. The opening for the actuation button may be generally opposite or on the opposite side of the housing. The size and configuration of the opening generally depend on the size and configuration of the button. The surface of the button may be flush with the surface of the housing when attached.

[0050] In some embodiments, the opening in the housing and the actuation button are replaced by an actuation button pre-formed as part of the housing. The perimeter or edge of each button is configured to be elastically flexible such that after the button is pressed and released, the button returns to its starting position.

[0051] In other embodiments, the elastic or spring member is a living hinge.

[0052] Each button of the pair of activation buttons may be the same or may be configured in a unique shape according to the finger used to press the button. For example, the button pressed with the thumb may be larger than the button pressed with one finger. Alternatively, one button may be configured for the thumb and the second button may be configured for two adjacent fingers. The surface of the button may be arbitrarily textured.

[0053] Each activation button includes a button surface that is the contact surface of the user's finger, a stem block acting element, and an elastic or spring member. The activation button may be of a single structure or may be formed from two or more components. For example, by making the stem block acting element and the elastic or spring member into a single configuration, different materials may be used for the button surface.

[0054] In some embodiments, the inhaler is provided with the stem block and the canister fully assembled. Alternatively, the inhaler may be provided with a stem block but without an attached valved canister, or may be provided without a metered canister and a stem block.

[0055] The canister can be made of a metal such as aluminum. The canister contains a pressurized sprayable liquid that contains a drug or composition.

[0056] In some embodiments, the drug in the canister is a bronchodilator or a corticosteroid.

[0057] In some embodiments, the drug in the canister is cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabidiol, or a combination thereof.

[0058] In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit including an inhaler, a removable stem block, and / or a valved canister.

[0059] In some embodiments, the kit includes an inhaler having a removable stem block disposed within a housing, and a canister with a valve attached thereto.

[0060] In some embodiments, the kit includes an inhaler and a removable stem block that is combinable with a canister having a valve attached thereto.

[0061] In some embodiments, a canister with a valve attached thereto and the canister and stem block are provided as a kit. In this case, a new stem block is used for each new canister, reducing the possibility of malfunction, blocking, or sticking of the stem block. Optionally, a kit including the components of the inhaler may be provided.

[0062] For a better understanding of the invention described herein, the following examples are described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are not drawn to scale, and the components shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn in proportion to each other. It will be understood that these examples are intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Examples

[0063] Figs. 1 - 7 show an example of a metered dose inhaler 10 for ejecting a liquid that can be ejected as a spray sprayed from a canister 45.

[0064] As shown in Figs. 1 - 7, the metered dose inhaler comprises an open hollow housing 5 with a removable mouthpiece 30, to which a mouthpiece cover 15 and a bottom cap 25 are attached. The mouthpiece 30 and the bottom cap 25 are attached to the housing 5 by screwing or fitting. Figs. 2 and 3 show a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the metered dose inhaler 10 of Fig. 1 with the mouthpiece cover removed and the mouthpiece 30 visible. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the mouthpiece 30 may comprise a seal 32.

[0065] The hollow housing 5 is configured to accommodate a metering canister 45. The inhaler 10 further comprises two actuating buttons 20 coupled to be operable with respect to a stem block actuating element 55 that depresses the stem block 35. The stem block 35 is placed on a metering canister 45 to which a metering valve assembly is attached. When the actuating button 20 is actuated, i.e., pushed in a direction intersecting or perpendicular to the axis of the metered inhaler 10, the stem block 35 actuates the metering valve assembly and sprays a spray from the mouthpiece 30 of the inhaler 10.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the canister 45 comprises a metering valve assembly, in which a valve stem 41, which is a hollow ejection member slidably attached to the canister between an extended position, i.e., a position where the valve stem is biased by a biasing mechanism (not shown) within the valve assembly, and a depressed position, is provided. The movement of the valve stem 41 from the extended position to the depressed position determines the amount of the sprayed medicine or composition ejected from the canister 45.

[0067] The stem block 35 is configured to contact both the metering valve 41 of the canister and the stem block actuating element of the actuating button 20.

[0068] In the extended position of the valve stem 41, the pressurized medicine within the canister 45 flows into the metering chamber through the valve stem 41 such that the metering chamber is filled with the medicine. When the valve stem 41 is pressed, the pressurized medicine within the metering chamber is separated from the canister 45 and ejected to the outside through the stem block 35 and the mouthpiece 30. Accordingly, a measured amount of pressurized medicine (including a measured amount of medicine or composition) within the metering chamber is ejected to the outside through the valve stem 41, the stem block 35, and finally through the mouthpiece 30.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operating mechanism has two operating buttons 20 having a button surface which is a surface contacted by a user's finger, a stem block acting element shown as a protrusion 55, and an elongated elastic / spring member 22 made of a flexible resin member. The operating button 20 may be of an integral structure or formed from two or more components. For example, the stem block acting element and the elastic / spring member may be a single member, and the button surface may use different materials. In some embodiments, the stem block acting element can be an engaging protrusion 55.

[0070] The elastic / spring member 20 is attached so as to act on the operating button 20 and the engaging protrusion 55, and returns the button and the engaging protrusion 55 to the rest position after ejection. One end of the elastic / spring member is continuous or connected with the stem block acting element. The other end of the elastic / spring member is attached to either a belt 24 as shown in FIG. 6 or a holder 26 for a canister shown in FIG. 8.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the engaging protrusion 55 is shaped to move at a predetermined angle along the stem block when the button is pressed, thereby pushing the stem block downward.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, the hollow housing 5 has an opening 6 for the operating button 20. The opening 6 for the operating button is generally at a position directly opposite or on the opposite surface of the housing 5. The size and configuration of the opening 6 generally depend on the size and configuration of the button. Optionally, the surface of the button 20 may be flush with the surface of the housing 5.

[0073] In other examples, the opening 6 of the housing and the operating button 20 may be replaced with an operating button pre-formed as part of the housing 5. The perimeter or edge of each button is configured to be elastically flexible so that the button returns to its starting position after being pressed and released.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing 5 has, as internal elements, one or more tracks or runners 50 to facilitate the placement of the canister 45 and / or the placement of the stem block 35.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 10, the stem block 35 has a passage 37 sized for the hollow injection member of the metering valve or for the valve stem 41. The valve stem passage 37 is connected to a narrower injection passage 46. The lower end of the injection passage 46 is narrower than the upper end of the valve stem passage 37, and a step is formed at the intersection of the valve stem passage 37 and the injection passage 46 to prevent the stem valve from moving axially upward within the injection passage. In this example, the injection passage 46 narrows before widening at the nozzle 49.

[0076] Due to the linear internal design and configuration of the stem block 35 coupled to the valve stem 41 such that fluid flows straight through, the pressurized agent from the canister 45 can be ejected linearly along the axis of the inhaler 10, from the mouthpiece 30 of the inhaler 10.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the stem block 35 has one or more depressions / grooves 36 configured to fit into the track elements 50 inside the housing 5.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, the mouthpiece 30 is connected to the housing 5, and the activation button and associated mechanisms are disposed inside the housing 5. The stem block is installed on the metering canister and both are mounted inside the housing and locked in place by the bottom cap 25.

[0079] In the variant illustrated in FIG. 8, the canister 45 is attached to a holder 26 and then installed inside the housing.

[0080] When the button 20 is pressed simultaneously during use, the engaging projection 55 moves at a predetermined angle along the upper surface 39 of the stem block 35, moving the valve stem 41 from the extended position to the depressed position along the cylindrical axis of the inhaler 10 and actuating the metered cannister valve. After one spray is performed, the valve spring returns the stem block 35 to the extended position. The button 20 returns to its original predetermined position when the pressing force on the button 20 is removed. Further, the housing 5 has a bottom cap 25 for holding the cannister inside the housing.

[0081] FIG. 11 shows an example of a modified metered inhaler 100. The metered inhaler 100 includes a single actuating button 20 instead of the two actuating buttons in the metered inhaler 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 - 9. The single actuating button 20 is designed to enable an operation of depressing the stem block.

[0082] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the following claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0083] 5 Housing 6 Opening 10 Inhaler 15 Mouthpiece Cover 20 Actuating Button 22 Elastic / Spring Member 24 Band 25 Bottom Cap 26 Holder 30 Mouthpiece 32 Seal 35 Stem Block 36 Groove 37 Valve Stem Passage 39 Upper Surface 41 Valve Stem 45 Cannister 46 Injection Passage 49 Nozzles 50 Track Elements 55 Stem Block Actuating Elements 55 Protrusions 100 Metered Dose Inhaler

Claims

1. A stem block used in an apparatus for quantitatively spraying a spray, the stem block being provided with an actuating mechanism, the stem block being configured to receive a hollow valve stem of a valve assembly attached to a canister containing a sprayable liquid, the stem block comprising a main body having an upper end and a lower end, a valve stem passage being formed in an inner portion thereof, the valve stem passage being configured to receive the hollow valve stem of the canister that has entered its lower end, the main body further forming an injection passage in an inner portion thereof, the injection passage being axially arranged with respect to the valve stem passage, a lower end of the injection passage being connected to an upper end of the valve stem passage, a lower end of the injection passage having a width narrower than a width of an upper end of the valve stem passage, thereby forming a stepped portion at a connection portion between the injection passage and the valve stem passage, the stepped portion being in contact with an upper end of the hollow valve stem and configured to prevent an upward movement of the hollow valve stem into the injection passage, the valve stem passage and the injection passage being integrated to form an inner passage between a lower end and an upper end of the stem block, the main body having an upper end that is narrower than a lower end, the stem block having two opposing planar regions that form acute angles with respect to an axis of the stem block between a lower portion and an upper portion around the main body, the acute angles being such that two stem block actuating elements protruding inwardly in the actuating mechanism move along the planar regions of the stem block by an external force in a direction intersecting or perpendicular to an axis of the canister acting on the opposing planar regions, thereby moving the stem block downward in the axial direction and having an outer surface sized to push the hollow valve stem into the canister.

2. The stem block according to claim 1, further comprising a nozzle connected to an upper end of the injection passage, the nozzle being configured to inject a sprayable liquid.

3. The stem block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an upper width of the injection passage is smaller than a lower width thereof.

4. The stem block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve assembly is a metering valve.

5. An apparatus for quantitatively spraying a spray, the apparatus comprising A canister having a hollow valve stem and comprising a valve assembly containing a sprayable liquid, An apparatus comprising the stem block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein fluid communication occurs between the stem block and the hollow valve stem.

6. An apparatus for spraying a spray in a fixed quantity, a) A canister having a hollow valve stem and comprising a valve assembly containing a sprayable liquid, b) Comprising a stem block in fluid communication with the hollow valve stem, The stem block Comprises a body having an upper end and a lower end, and a valve stem passage is formed in an inner portion thereof. The valve stem passage is configured to receive the hollow valve stem of the canister that enters at its lower end. The body further forms an injection passage in its inner portion. The injection passage is axially arranged with respect to the valve stem passage, and a lower end of the injection passage is connected to an upper end of the valve stem passage. The lower end of the injection passage has a width narrower than the width of the upper end of the valve stem passage, thereby forming a step at a connection portion between the injection passage and the valve stem passage. The step is configured to contact an upper end of the hollow valve stem and prevent upward movement of the hollow valve stem into the injection passage. The valve stem passage and the injection passage are integrated to form an inner passage between a lower end and an upper end of the stem block. The stem block has two opposing planar regions having a predetermined angle with respect to the valve stem passage, respectively, so as to receive an external force in a direction intersecting or perpendicular to the axis of the canister for moving the stem block axially downward and pushing the hollow valve stem into the canister. c) Further comprising a hollow housing that further houses the canister and the stem block therein, The housing A mouthpiece in fluid communication with the injection passage of the stem block, And an operating mechanism configured to act on an outer surface of the stem block. The operating mechanism Two operating buttons arranged opposite to each other with the housing interposed therebetween, And two stem block acting elements connected to the respective operating buttons and protruding inward. When a pushing force from the outside acts on the two operating buttons, the stem block acting element contacts a flat surface area outside the stem block and moves along the flat surface area of the stem block, applying an external force in a direction intersecting or perpendicular to the axis of the canister to move the stem block downward, actuating the valve assembly, and quantitatively spraying the sprayable liquid as a spray mist. **Claim 7**: The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the canister and the stem block are detachably disposed within the housing. **Claim 8**: The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the stem block comprises a plurality of grooves / runners disposed around the stem block to facilitate axial movement of the stem block within the housing. **Claim 9** The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the housing has one or more track elements or grooves for receiving the stem block. **Claim 10** The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein it further comprises a nozzle connected to the upper end of the injection passage, the nozzle being configured to inject the sprayable liquid. **Claim 11** The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the upper width of the injection passage is smaller than the lower width thereof. **Claim 12** The valve assembly is a metering valve in the stem block according to any one of claims 6 to 11. **Claim 13** An inhaler for quantitatively spraying a sprayable liquid from a canister to which a valve assembly having a hollow valve stem is attached, wherein the inhaler comprises a stem block having an outer surface with two flat surface areas having an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem passage that forms a valve stem passage for receiving the hollow valve stem of the canister, a housing having a chamber configured to accommodate the canister and the stem block therein, and a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the injection passage of the stem block, an operating mechanism including two stem block acting elements configured to operate between a rest position and an operating position, wherein in the operating position, the stem block acting element contacts the flat surface area of the stem block, moves the stem block to actuate the valve, and quantitatively sprays the sprayable liquid. The actuating mechanism comprises two actuating buttons arranged opposite to each other with the housing therebetween, each actuating button being connected to a stem block actuating element protruding inward, when a force is applied to push the actuating button from the outside, the stem block actuating element contacts the planar area of the stem block and moves along the planar area of the stem block, applying an external force in a direction intersecting or perpendicular to the axis of the canister to move the stem block downward, actuating the valve assembly, and quantitatively spraying the sprayable liquid as a spray, the actuating mechanism being an inhaler including an elastic member coupled to the housing so as to bias the stem block actuating element to the stationary position.

14. The inhaler according to claim 13, wherein the elastic member is an elongated flexible resin member continuous with the stem block actuating element.

15. An inhaler according to claim 13, wherein the inner passage of the stem block has a valve stem passage sized to receive the valve stem, the valve stem passage being connected such that fluid communicates with the narrower injection passage, and the narrow side of the injection passage being connected such that fluid communicates with a nozzle that widens therefrom.

16. An inhaler according to claim 15, wherein the stem block includes a step formed at the intersection of the valve stem passage and the injection passage, the step being configured to contact the upper end of the hollow valve stem to prevent upward movement of the hollow valve stem into the injection passage.

17. An inhaler according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the stem block, the hollow valve stem, and the mouthpiece are arranged substantially linearly.

18. An inhaler according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising a mouthpiece cover.

19. An inhaler according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the stem block is detachably arranged in the chamber.

20. An inhaler according to claim 19, further comprising a canister with a valve attached.

21. The inhaler according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the valve assembly is a metering valve and the inhaler is a metered-dose inhaler.

22. A kit comprising an inhaler according to any one of claims 13 to 21 and a canister having a hollow valve stem attached thereto.

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