Fluid Metering Device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispensing device (10; 100) comprising: a housing (20; 120) including an orifice (21; 121), the housing (20; 120) being configured to accommodate at least a portion of a spray delivery device (30; 130), the spray delivery device including an outlet (40; 140) through which a fluid stored in the spray delivery device (30; 130) can be released, the fluid dispensing device comprising: a protective cap (90; 190) defining an interior space (91, 191) configured to accommodate an outlet (40; 140) of a seat (30; 130), the protective cap (90; 190) including at least one cap member (90a; 190a), the protective cap (90; 190) configured to fit onto the housing (20; 120) at least in a closed position relative to the housing (20; 120), the cap member (90a, 190a) covering the orifice (21) in the closed position; and and an unloaded state, and configured to store mechanical energy in a preloaded state effective to generate a spray discharge of the spray delivery device (30; 130); a releasable interlock (70; 170; 270) configured to retain the biasing member (50; 150) in the preloaded state; and a manually actuable trigger (80; 180) operably engaged with the interlock (70; 170; 270) and configured to release the interlock (70; 170; 270) when actuated, wherein release of the mechanical energy stored in the preloaded mechanical biasing member (50; 150) by actuation of the trigger (80; 180; 280) is prevented as long as a cap member (90a, 190a) of a protective cap (90, 190) covers the orifice (21; 121).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of fluid dispensing devices, and in particular to fluid dispensing devices configured as nasal inhalers. Further, the present disclosure relates to spray devices configured to dispense a fluid or liquid substance by spraying or spraying. [Background technology]

[0002] Fluid dispensing devices operable to spray a liquid substance are known per se. Such devices typically include a nozzle or orifice. When a user applies force to an actuation lever or button, the fluid is dispensed through the nozzle or orifice. Such devices are arranged to dispense a single dose, or they comprise a container that provides a reservoir for the fluid, thereby enabling and supporting the dispensing of several doses.

[0003] The effectiveness of the dispensing action varies depending on the manner in which the device is actuated by the user: when the actuation force applied by the user is relatively low, or when the user-induced action is slower, the fluid is dispensed less efficiently.

[0004] So-called preloaded or pre-biased fluid dispensing devices are described in which the force required for the dispensing procedure is provided by a biasing member. Such preloaded fluid dispensing devices are configured to remain in a preloaded state for a relatively long period of time. With preloaded fluid dispensing devices, there is always a risk of uncontrolled, premature, or unintended dispensing of a dose of fluid. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved fluid dispensing device of the preloadable type that is less susceptible to uncontrolled, premature, or unintended dispensing. The fluid dispensing device should provide a relatively simple, effective, and intuitive approach to preventing uncontrolled, premature, or unintended dispensing of a preloaded fluid dispensing device. The intended prevention of uncontrolled, premature, or unintended fluid dispensing should be easily implementable. Each prevention mechanism should be reliable, robust, and durable over the life of the fluid dispensing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, a fluid dispensing device is provided. The fluid dispensing device includes a housing. The housing includes an orifice. The housing of the fluid dispensing device is further configured to accommodate at least a portion of a spray delivery device. Typically, the spray delivery device includes an outlet that can release fluid stored in the spray delivery device, for example, by spraying.

[0007] When properly positioned within or attached to the housing, the outlet of the spray dispensing device may cooperate with the orifice of the fluid dispensing device.

[0008] The fluid dispensing device further includes a protective cap defining an interior space, for example in the form of a hollow interior. The protective cap is configured to accommodate the outlet of the spray delivery device. The protective cap further includes a dedicated cap member. The protective cap is further configured to fit onto the housing at least in a closed position relative to the housing. In the closed position, the cap member of the protective cap covers the orifice of the housing of the fluid dispensing device.

[0009] The dispensing device further includes a mechanical biasing member reversibly transferable between a preloaded state and an unloaded state. The biasing member is configured to store mechanical energy in the preloaded state. The mechanical energy storable in the mechanical biasing member is effective to generate a spray discharge of the spray delivery device. In other words, the biasing member is operable to induce a spray discharge action of the spray delivery device when properly assembled to the housing of the fluid dispensing device.

[0010] The fluid dispensing device further includes a releasable interlock configured or operable to retain the biasing member in the preloaded state. The fluid dispensing device further includes a manually actuable trigger operably engageable with or operably engaged with the interlock. The trigger is operable to release the interlock when actuated.

[0011] Release of the interlock induced by trigger actuation releases the biasing member from the preloaded state, allowing the biasing member to move to an unloaded state, thereby releasing mechanical energy to induce or effect spray emission from the spray delivery device.

[0012] The fluid dispensing device prevents release of mechanical energy stored in the preloaded mechanical biasing member upon actuation of the trigger as long as the cap member of the protective cap covers the orifice, in other words, prevents release of energy stored in the mechanical energy reservoir upon actuation of the trigger unless the cap covering the orifice is removed.

[0013] In a situation where the protective cap is moved relative to the housing such that the cap member is in a state or configuration that does not cover the orifice, the cap member does not present an obstacle to the spray emission or delivery of the spray jet emanating from the outlet of the spray delivery device.

[0014] As long as the cap member covers the orifice, release of the mechanical energy stored in the preloaded mechanical biasing member can be prevented, thereby preventing unintentional waste of fluid or spray discharge, for example by impacting the inner surface of the protective cap.

[0015] Typically, the protective cap is displaceable between a closed position and an open position, and in or before reaching the open position, the cap member covers or blocks the orifice for a significant period of time.

[0016] In a further example, the protective cap is mechanically engaged with at least one of the interlock and the trigger when in the closed position. Typically, when in the closed position, the protective cap, or at least a cap member end thereof, at least partially covers the orifice of the fluid dispensing device. When in the open position, the orifice is uncovered and thus configured to dispense fluid, for example, by spraying. When in the closed position and covering the orifice, the protective cap substantially blocks and impedes a dispensing action of the fluid dispensing device, the dispensing action being initiated and / or achieved by a mechanical biasing member.

[0017] Typically, the mechanical biasing member is operatively engaged, directly or indirectly, with the spray delivery device, and when the biasing member undergoes a transition from a preloaded, and therefore biased, state to an unloaded, and therefore unbiased, state, the biasing member is operable to induce movement of the spray delivery device or a component thereof relative to the housing of the fluid dispensing device to induce or effect spray delivery through the outlet of the spray delivery device.

[0018] In some examples, the mechanical biasing member is configured to induce or effect movement of the first member of the spray delivery device relative to the second member of the spray delivery device. Here, relative movement of the first member of the spray delivery device relative to the second member of the spray delivery device results in spray emission through the outlet of the spray delivery device. In some examples, the spray delivery device includes an outlet and a container. Here, the outlet may represent the first member of the spray delivery device, and the container may represent the second member of the spray delivery device.

[0019] In another example, the spray delivery device includes a movable member and a container, where the movable member represents a first member of the spray delivery device and the container represents a second member of the spray delivery device. The movable member and the container are movable relative to one another. Here, the outlet is rigidly, i.e., immovably, connected to one of the movable member and the container.

[0020] In some examples, actuation of the trigger to release the interlock and / or to release the biasing member is substantially prevented or impeded so long as the protective cap is in the closed position. Furthermore, operation of the interlock can be substantially prevented and impeded so long as the protective cap is in the closed position, so long as the interlock maintains an interlocked configuration in which the mechanical biasing member is held and / or secured in a preloaded state.

[0021] In fact, dispensing operation of the fluid dispensing device is substantially prevented so long as the protective cap is in the closed position, and thus uncontrolled, premature, or unintended dispensing of fluid can be substantially prevented so long as the protective cap is in the closed position and in place relative to the housing.

[0022] In some examples, the mechanical biasing member is implemented as a spring element. The mechanical biasing member is capable of transitioning to a preloaded state against the restoring action of the spring element. When the biasing member transitions from the preloaded state to the unloaded state, the spring force is released, and the mechanical biasing member is operable to induce or achieve an ejection operation of the spray delivery device, for example, by applying a spring force to the spray delivery device, the housing, the container, and / or the movable member of the spray delivery device, respectively.

[0023] In a further example, the protective cap is at least one of removably connectable to the housing, pivotably connected to the housing, and slidably connected to the housing. Transferring the protective cap from the closed position to the open position may include one of removing the protective cap from the housing, uncovering, and exposing the nozzle.

[0024] Pivoting the cap relative to the housing can expose or provide access to the orifice, or can slide the protective cap along or relative to the housing so that the orifice for the outlet of the spray delivery device is unobstructed and therefore exposed. Typically, the housing and the protective cap include at least one fastener configured to hold the protective cap in a closed position. The fastener can include one of a flip joint, a snap-fit ​​engagement, or a clamp joint. Depending on the specific implementation of the joining or engagement between the housing and the protective cap, the housing and the protective cap can include corresponding interengaging fastening features. For example, when the fastener is implemented as a clip joint, the housing can include at least one clip feature configured to cooperate with a counter clip feature on the protective cap. When implemented as a snap-fit ​​engagement, the housing can include at least one snap feature configured to engage with a corresponding or complementary counter snap feature on the protective cap. In this manner, a releasable and / or removable engagement can be provided between the housing and the protective cap.

[0025] According to a further example, when in the closed position, the protective cap is operable or configured to block the trigger of the fluid dispensing device. To this end, the protective cap may include a blocking portion for engaging or cooperating with the trigger. Typically, the blocking portion of the protective cap at least partially overlaps or engages with the trigger when the cap is in the closed position, i.e., when the cap is assembled or attached to the housing. In this manner, the cap, i.e., its blocking portion, prevents actuation, e.g., depression, of the trigger relative to the housing. The fluid dispensing mechanism is therefore blocked and therefore not operable to dispense a dose of fluid as long as the protective cap remains in the closed position.

[0026] In a further example, the protective cap covers the trigger when in the closed position, where the trigger is positioned near a portion of the housing that can be covered by the protective cap when in the closed position. At least a portion of the protective cap covers and / or obstructs the trigger when and as long as the protective cap is in the closed position. In this way, the trigger is inaccessible to a user and cannot be easily activated to dispense a dose of fluid as long as the protective cap is attached to the fluid dispensing device or its housing.

[0027] In some examples, the blocking portion of the protective cap may be an extension of a dome-shaped side wall of the protective cap, which at least partially covers the trigger when the protective cap is attached to the housing, i.e., when the protective cap is in the closed position. In some examples, the trigger is recessed compared to the outer surface of the housing of the fluid dispensing device, or the trigger is at least flush with the housing. In either case, the trigger, implemented, for example, as a button or slider, does not protrude beyond the outer periphery of the housing.

[0028] Thus, covering the trigger with the protective cap does not affect the trigger. Typically, the protective cap, or a portion thereof, may extend over the entire trigger. The cap may abut against a wall portion of the housing that encloses the trigger, which is disposed in a recessed configuration relative to the outer surface of the respective wall portion of the housing. In this manner, the portion of the protective cap that substantially covers the trigger may abut against the housing portion. The effect of excessive force ultimately applied to the protective cap in the area of ​​the underlying trigger can be counteracted by the respective wall portion of the housing and has no effect on depressing or actuating the trigger located below or beneath the protective cap.

[0029] Additionally, covering the trigger with a protective cap has the added advantage that the user does not even know where the trigger actually is located as long as the cap is attached to the fluid dispensing device, thus substantially preventing and avoiding misuse of the device or unintended, premature, and uncontrolled actuation of the trigger.

[0030] In a further example, when in the closed position, the protective cap is operable to prevent release of the interlock. In particular, the protective cap, or a portion thereof, is operable and / or configured to impede or prevent movement of the interlock to maintain the interlock in a locked configuration in which the mechanical biasing member is retained in a preloaded state.

[0031] To this end, the protective cap, or a portion thereof, may be operably engageable with the interlock when the protective cap is in the closed position. The protective cap may be operably engaged only with the interlock. The protective cap may be operably engaged with both the interlock and the trigger when the protective cap is in the closed position. Alternatively, the protective cap, or a portion thereof, may be operably engageable with the trigger to prevent actuation of the trigger. Here, the protective cap, or a portion thereof, is configured exclusively to disable only actuation of the trigger, or to disable both actuation of the trigger and release of the interlock. It may be sufficient for the protective cap to be engaged with only one of the interlock and the trigger to prevent uncontrolled, premature, or unintended dispensing of the fluid dispensing device. In a further example, the protective cap, or a portion thereof, may be operably engageable with both the interlock and the trigger simultaneously when in or approaching the closed position.

[0032] In another example, the protective cap is transferable to an open position relative to the housing. Furthermore, the protective cap is operable to activate a trigger when the protective cap approaches or reaches the open position. Here, it is particularly advantageous when the protective cap reaches a distinct open position relative to the housing. This can be achieved, for example, by a permanent connection between the protective cap and the housing, especially when the protective cap is pivotably or slidably connected to the housing.

[0033] When the protective cap reaches or approaches the open position, an outwardly facing portion of the protective cap may engage a trigger of the fluid dispensing device that is accessible from outside the dispensing device. In this manner, semi-automated actuation of spray delivery can be initiated and achieved by moving the protective cap from the closed position to the open position.

[0034] In another example, the trigger may be located inside the housing and may not be accessible from outside the housing, and the trigger may then be operably engageable exclusively with the protective cap, which may include a cam configured and / or operable to actuate the trigger when the protective cap reaches or approaches the open position.

[0035] In another example of a fluid dispensing device, a manually actuable trigger is located in a recess or recessed portion of the housing. The trigger may be located within the housing. The trigger is recessed relative to the outer surface of the housing. The trigger does not protrude from the housing. Typically, a user-actuable surface or section of the trigger is located within the recess or recessed portion and is located a predetermined non-zero distance from the outer edge of the recess or recessed portion. Typically, the trigger is accessible from the outside of the housing. The recess or recessed portion of the housing has a relatively small cross-section. The cross-section of the recess or recessed portion in which the trigger is located is typically smaller than the diameter or cross-section of a human finger. To this extent, a specific tool is required to enter the recessed portion of the housing and actuate the trigger. In this way, unintentional actuation or depression of the trigger is substantially prevented.

[0036] In a further example, the protective cap includes a protrusion extending outward from an outer surface of the protective cap. The protrusion is sized and shaped to enter a recessed portion of the housing from outside the housing. The protrusion is further configured to engage or depress a manually actuatable trigger. When the protective cap is pivotally attached to the housing by a hinge including a hinge axis, the radial distance between the protrusion and the hinge axis may be somewhat equal to or comparable to the radial distance between the recessed portion of the housing and the hinge axis. In this manner, the hinged connection of the protective cap to the housing provides a forced guide for the protective cap, reducing the available degrees of freedom of movement of the protective cap. In this manner, it can be ensured that the protrusion of the protective cap engages with the manually actuatable trigger when approaching or reaching the open position.

[0037] In a further example, the interlock includes a slider slidably guided along the first movement direction by the guide structure of the housing. In this manner, the interlock is slidably displaceable relative to the housing between an interlock position and a release position. In the interlock position, the interlock is mechanically engaged with at least one of the spray delivery device and the mechanical coupler configured to receive or accommodate the spray delivery device. In the release position or configuration, the slider enables and supports movement of the spray delivery device or at least a portion thereof, the movement being effective to generate a spray release of the spray delivery device.

[0038] In a further example, the interlock is displaceable from an interlocked position or configuration to or toward a released position or configuration against the action of a return spring. In this manner, the interlock and / or a slider of the interlock is biased toward the interlocked position or configuration, thus providing self-actuating activation of the interlock when the mechanical biasing member is moved to the preload state.

[0039] In a further example, the fluid dispensing device further includes a mechanical coupler engaged with the mechanical biasing member. The mechanical coupler is displaceable relative to the housing to at least a preload position to move the biasing member to a preloaded state. Typically, the mechanical coupler is displaceable relative to the housing between a preload position and an unloaded position. The preload position and the unloaded position may also be referred to as a biased position and an unbiased position, respectively. Furthermore, one of the mechanical coupler and the biasing member of the fluid dispensing device is operably engageable with or operably engaged with the spray delivery device.

[0040] Typically, the mechanical biasing member has a first end and an opposite second end. One end of the mechanical biasing member mechanically engages or abuts with at least one of the housing and the mechanical coupler. The opposite end, i.e., the second end of the biasing member, is typically coupled to or abuts with one of the mechanical coupler and the container or one of the movable members of the spray delivery device.

[0041] In some instances, a mechanical biasing member is disposed between the housing and the mechanical coupler, where the biasing member is configured to induce relative displacement between the mechanical coupler and the housing of the fluid dispensing device, where the mechanical coupler is displaceable to a preloaded position relative to the housing against the action of the biasing member, where the mechanical coupler is displaceable from the preloaded position to an unloaded position under the action of the relaxing biasing member, where one end of the biasing member is coupled to or abuts the mechanical coupler and the other end of the biasing member is coupled to or abuts the housing of the fluid dispensing device.

[0042] In another example, the mechanical biasing member is disposed between the spray delivery device or one of its first and second members and the housing and one of the mechanical coupler of the fluid dispensing device. In this manner, the mechanical coupler is operable to induce displacement of the spray delivery device or one of its first and second members relative to at least one of the housing and the mechanical coupler of the fluid dispensing device. One end of the biasing member is coupled to or abuts the container of the spray delivery device, and the opposite end of the biasing member is coupled to or abuts the housing and one of the mechanical coupler of the fluid dispensing device.

[0043] When the mechanical biasing member is operable to induce displacement of one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device relative to the housing, the other of the first and second members of the spray delivery device is typically fixed to the housing. In particular, the outlet of the spray delivery device is fixed to the housing and / or the orifice of the dispensing device.

[0044] In another example, the mechanical biasing member is disposed between one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device, such as the movable member, and one of the housing and the mechanical coupler. In this manner, the mechanical coupler is operable to induce biasing of the biasing member. Here, one end of the mechanical biasing member is connected to or abuts the movable member of the spray delivery device, and the opposite end of the mechanical biasing member is connected to or abuts one of the housing and the mechanical coupler of the fluid dispensing device. Here, when the mechanical biasing member is operable to induce displacement of the movable member of the spray delivery device relative to the housing of the fluid dispensing device, one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device, such as the container of the spray delivery device, is fixed inside or to the housing of the fluid dispensing device.

[0045] In a further example of a spray delivery device, a mechanical coupler is operably engaged with the container of the spray delivery device. Here, a biasing member is typically engaged with the mechanical coupler and the housing of the fluid dispensing device. Thus, the mechanical coupler is displaceable relative to the housing against the action of the biasing member. The mechanical coupler can be fixed to the container or may abut against the container of the spray delivery device when the spray delivery device is assembled into the housing.

[0046] The movable member of the spray delivery device is fixed to the housing of the fluid dispensing device, insofar as the transfer of the biasing member from a preloaded state to an unloaded state results in the displacement of the mechanical coupler and the container relative to the housing of the fluid dispensing device and thus relative to the movable member, respectively, thereby resulting in the dispensing of a spray dose from the spray delivery device and thus from and through the nozzle of the fluid dispensing device.

[0047] In another example, the mechanical coupler can be operably engaged with the movable member. When the spray delivery device is assembled in the housing of the fluid dispensing device, the mechanical coupler can be coupled to and / or abut against the movable member. Here, the container of the spray delivery device is fixed in the housing of the fluid dispensing device. The biasing member is disposed between the housing and the mechanical coupler. Therefore, the transition of the biasing member from a preloaded state to an unloaded state results in the displacement of the mechanical coupler and the movable member relative to the housing.

[0048] Because the container is fixed to the housing, movement of the mechanical coupler and movable member relative to the housing results in displacement of the movable member relative to the container, thereby resulting in the metered dispensing of a dose of fluid from the spray delivery device and thus from and through the nozzle of the housing.

[0049] In another example, a biasing member is operably engaged with one of the container and the movable member, wherein one end of the biasing member is coupled to or abuts one of the container and the movable member of the spray delivery device, and an opposite end of the biasing member is coupled to or abuts a mechanical coupler, wherein displacement of the mechanical coupler to a preloaded position relative to the housing can result in transfer of the mechanical biasing member to the preloaded state.

[0050] The transfer of the biasing member from the preloaded state to the unloaded state may involve or result in a displacement of at least one of the container and the movable member relative to the mechanical coupler and / or relative to the housing of the fluid dispensing device, wherein the end of the biasing member coupled to or abutting at least one of the container and the movable member remains stationary during preloading of the biasing member, while the opposite end of the biasing member engaged with, i.e., coupled to or abutting the mechanical coupler, undergoes a displacement as the mechanical coupler is transferred to the preloaded position.

[0051] During and for the dispensing of the dose, the mechanical coupler may remain in a preloaded position. Only the end of the biasing member that is engaged with at least one of the container and the movable member may undergo a return movement upon release of the interlock. Here, similar to above, the biasing member is configured and operable to induce displacement of the movable member of the spray delivery device relative to the container of the spray delivery device, thereby resulting in the dispensing of a dose of fluid from the outlet of the spray delivery device, for example further through the orifice of the fluid dispensing device.

[0052] In instances where one of the mechanical coupler and the biasing member is operably engaged, i.e., coupled to or abutting the container of the spray delivery device, the movable member of the spray delivery device is secured within the housing of the fluid dispensing device when the spray delivery device is assembled within said housing. When the mechanical coupler or the biasing member is operably engaged with the movable member of the spray delivery device, the container of the spray delivery device is secured within the housing of the fluid dispensing device when the fluid dispensing device is assembled therein.

[0053] Typically, in almost all examples of fluid dispensing devices, one of the container and the movable member of the spray delivery device that is operably engaged with the mechanical coupler or biasing member of the fluid dispensing device is movable relative to the housing of the fluid dispensing device when the spray delivery device is assembled within or secured to the housing, and the other of the container and the movable member is secured within or secured to the housing.

[0054] According to another example, the protective cap is operably engageable with the mechanical coupler, and the protective cap is operable to displace the mechanical coupler to a preloaded position as the protective cap approaches a closed position, where movement of the protective cap from the open position to the closed position causes displacement of the mechanical coupler relative to at least one of the housing and the biasing member. In this manner, the biasing member can transition from an unloaded state to a preloaded state simply by moving the protective cap from the open position to the closed position.

[0055] During respective closing movements of the protective cap relative to the housing, the protective cap may operatively and / or mechanically engage with the mechanical coupler, thus slaving the mechanical coupler to respective directions of movement of the cap as the protective cap is moved toward and to the closed position. This cap-induced displacement or movement of the mechanical coupler is sufficient to place the mechanical coupler in a preload position, where an interlock is manually or automatically actuated to retain at least one of the biasing member and the mechanical coupler in the preload state or position.

[0056] The interengagement of the protective cap and the mechanical coupler is particularly advantageous for practical and user-friendly handling of the fluid dispensing device. Thus, after a dispensing procedure has been performed and the biasing member is in an unloaded state, the closing movement of the protective cap inherently and quasi-automatically results in the movement and displacement of the mechanical coupler toward and into the preloaded position. This movement of the coupler is accompanied by the transition of the biasing member from an unloaded state to a preloaded state. Thus, upon reaching the preloaded position, an interlock is activated, thereby maintaining the biasing member in the preloaded state until the trigger is activated or depressed.

[0057] The fluid dispensing device may be kept in a storage position with the protective cap attached, while its dispensing mechanism, provided by the mechanical biasing member, mechanical coupler, interlock, trigger, and housing, remains preloaded. As long as the protective cap is in the closed position, uncontrolled, premature, or unintentional actuation of the trigger and respective release of the interlock are substantially prevented.

[0058] The interengagement of the protective cap and the mechanical coupler provides a largely automated and self-actuated biasing or preloading of the biasing member during and by the closing action of the protective cap. In this manner, a user of the fluid dispensing device does not need to manually or individually preload or bias the dispensing mechanism. Once the protective cap is removed or opened, the fluid dispensing device is ready for use.

[0059] In a further example, the protective cap includes a longitudinal extension extending through an interior space. The interior space may include or form a hollow interior. The longitudinal extension may extend from a side wall or an end wall of the protective cap. The longitudinal extension may protrude into or even penetrate the interior space. The longitudinal extension is configured to extend through at least one of an orifice or a through-opening in an end face or side wall of the housing when the protective cap approaches the closed position. In this manner, the longitudinal extension, at least its free end, is permitted to enter the housing of the fluid dispensing device. In this manner, the longitudinal extension and / or the protective cap may operably or mechanically engage with a mechanical coupler disposed within the housing of the fluid dispensing device.

[0060] The longitudinal extension, which cooperates with the through-opening in the housing, allows for placement of the mechanical coupler entirely within the housing. Locating the mechanical coupler within the housing provides inherent protection against manual, unintentional, or prohibited manipulation or displacement of the mechanical coupler relative to the housing. In this manner, patient safety can be further improved. Typically, the through-opening is sized to receive only the longitudinal extension of the protective cap. The diameter or cross-section of the through-opening is typically smaller than the cross-section or diameter of, for example, a finger or a pen or pencil. In this manner, unauthorized manipulation or displacement of the mechanical coupler from outside the housing can be substantially prevented.

[0061] In a further example, the mechanical coupler includes an abutment configured to engage with the longitudinal extension of the protective cap. The abutment is particularly configured to engage with a free end of the longitudinal extension facing away from, for example, the hollow interior of the protective cap. Typically, the abutment of the mechanical coupler faces the through opening of the housing, and thus the longitudinal extension, when the longitudinal extension enters the housing through the through opening.

[0062] Typically, the abutment portion of the mechanical coupler and the through opening of the housing are disposed on an imaginary line or path. This line or path typically extends or runs substantially parallel to the elongation of the guide structure of the housing that defines the displacement path for the biasing member. In this manner, as the longitudinal extension enters and extends through the through opening and abuts the abutment portion of the mechanical coupler, further movement of the longitudinal extension along this imaginary line or path results in and induces a respective displacement of the mechanical coupler along the guide structure of the housing until the mechanical coupler reaches a preload position.

[0063] The imaginary line or path is geometrically adapted to the opening and closing movement of the protective cap relative to the housing. If the protective cap is arranged on the housing along a longitudinal sliding or longitudinal displacement movement, the longitudinal extension may be linear and may extend along or parallel to the direction of movement of the protective cap relative to the housing during the closing movement of the protective cap. In other examples where the protective cap is pivotally arranged on the housing and therefore undergoes a swivel or pivoting movement to reach the open and closed positions, respectively, the imaginary line or path between the abutment of the mechanical coupler and the through opening of the housing may include an arched structure or may trace a circle.

[0064] In a further example, the housing includes a longitudinal guidance structure operable to guide the mechanical coupler, the mechanical coupler being displaceable along the longitudinal guidance structure between a preloaded position and an unloaded position. Typically, the mechanical coupler is displaceable along the longitudinal guidance structure from the unloaded position toward and into the preloaded position against the action of a biasing member.

[0065] When the mechanical coupler is operably engageable or when the mechanical coupler is operably engaged with the spray delivery device or at least one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device, the spray delivery device and / or one of its first and / or second members is displaceable along the longitudinal guiding structure. The longitudinal guiding structure of the housing provides a longitudinal guiding function for at least the mechanical coupler and at least one of the spray delivery device and / or one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device to induce relative longitudinal movement between the movable member of the spray delivery device and the container.

[0066] The longitudinal guide structure may provide or define a displacement path for at least the mechanical coupler and at least one of the container and the first and second members of the spray delivery device implemented as a movable member of the spray delivery device. The displacement path may extend parallel to the movement direction of the protective cap, along which the protective cap must be displaced to move from the open state to the closed state. When the protective cap is pivotally disposed on the housing, the mutual abutment between the longitudinal extension of the protective cap and the abutment portion of the mechanical coupler can compensate for the radial displacement of the longitudinal extension relative to the mechanical coupler during the closing movement of the protective cap.

[0067] According to further examples, the interlock includes an aperture sized to receive at least one of the mechanical coupler and the spray delivery device. In some examples, the interlock includes a slider, and the slider includes an aperture sized to receive at least one of the mechanical coupler and the spray delivery device. In the interlocked position or configuration, the interlock is displaced relative to the position or dimensions of the mechanical coupler and / or the spray delivery device. At this time, an edge of the aperture of the interlock engages with an abutment of the mechanical coupler. Here, the edge of the aperture serves as a counter abutment for engaging with the abutment of the mechanical coupler.

[0068] The trigger-induced movement or deformation of the interlock serves to align the aperture of the interlock with the mechanical coupler, thereby disabling engagement or abutment between the abutment and the opposing abutment, allowing the mechanical coupler and / or other spray delivery device to enter or pass through the aperture of the interlock.

[0069] In a further example, the interlock includes an elastically deformable elliptical ring structure. When and as long as the interlock is in the interlocked position or configuration, the ring structure has a first ellipticity. When elastically deformed toward and / or into the released position or configuration, the ring structure has a second ellipticity. The second ellipticity is smaller than the first ellipticity. In other words, the second ellipticity is closer to a circular structure than the first ellipticity. The difference between the major and minor axes of the ring structure at the first ellipticity is greater than that of the ring structure at the second ellipticity.

[0070] In another example, the interlock includes a catch feature and a correspondingly shaped snap feature. The trigger is operable to apply a release force to the catch feature effective to disengage the catch feature from the snap feature. At least one of the catch feature and the snap feature is elastically deformable or displaceable, i.e., movable or pivotable against a restoring force to enable disengagement of the catch feature from the corresponding or complementary shaped snap feature. The catch feature and the snap feature are configured to engage with each other upon reaching the preload position of the mechanical coupler.

[0071] At least one of the catch feature and the snap feature is displaceable, pivotable, or elastically deformable against a restoring force effective to keep the catch feature and the snap feature interengaged so as to activate the interlock and hold the biasing member in a preloaded state. A user-induced and / or trigger-induced displacement of one of the catch feature and the snap feature relative to the other of the snap feature and the catch feature disengages the snap feature. The interlock is then released or deactivated, allowing or supporting relaxation or unloading of the biasing member, which is effective to induce relative movement between the container and the movable member of the spray delivery device when the spray delivery device is assembled into a fluid dispensing device.

[0072] In a further example, one of the catch feature and the snap feature is provided on or attached to the mechanical coupler, and the other of the catch feature and the snap feature is provided on or attached to the housing. In this manner, when approaching the preload position, the interlock is operable to snap the mechanical coupler into the preload position relative to the housing. Upon releasing the interlock, the mechanical coupler may undergo movement in the opposite direction under the effect of a relaxation or biasing member.

[0073] Here, it is particularly advantageous when the mechanical coupler is mechanically engaged or fixed to one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device, and the other of the first and second members of the spray delivery device is fixed to or abuts the housing of the metered dose device.

[0074] In another example, one of the catch feature and the snap feature is provided or attached to the mechanical coupler, and the other of the catch feature and the snap feature is provided or attached to one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device. Here, the container or the movable member of the spray delivery device may be stationary relative to the housing of the fluid dispensing device, while the mechanical coupler is displaced relative to the housing during and for guiding the mechanical coupler to the preload position. Here, at least one of the catch or snap feature provided on the mechanical coupler may engage with a complementary snap or catch feature provided on one of the container or the movable member of the spray delivery device. When the interlock is stopped or released, one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device is allowed to be displaced relative to the mechanical coupler. During the dispensing operation, the mechanical coupler may remain stationary relative to the housing, while at least one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device is typically displaced along a guide structure of the housing.

[0075] In this example, the biasing member is typically disposed between the mechanical coupler and at least one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device, such as the container and one of the movable members of the spray delivery device. Here, the biasing member is appropriately preloaded or biased by displacing the mechanical coupler from the unloaded position toward and into the preloaded position. When the preloaded position is reached, an interlock provided between the mechanical coupler and one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device is activated, thus locking the mechanical coupler in the preloaded position.

[0076] When the trigger is actuated, thereby deactivating or releasing the interlock, the mechanical coupler may remain stationary, but at least one of the first and second members of the spray delivery device is displaced under the action of the relaxing biasing member.When the mechanical biasing member is operably engaged with the mechanical coupler and the movable member of the spray delivery device, the container of the spray delivery device is typically fixed within the housing.When the biasing member is operably engaged with the mechanical coupler and the container of the spray delivery device, the container is typically the movable member of the spray delivery device fixed within the housing of the fluid dispensing device.

[0077] According to another example, the spray delivery device or a part thereof is disposed inside or attached to the housing of the fluid dispensing device.Typically, the spray delivery device includes a first member, for example, a movable member, and a second member, for example, a container.At this time, one of the first member and the second member, for example, one of the container and the movable member, is engaged with or attached to one of the mechanical coupler and the biasing member.The other of the mechanical coupler and the biasing member that is not engaged with or attached to one of the mechanical coupler and the biasing member is typically fixed in the housing.

[0078] In some examples, the second member of the device, for example, the container, is fixed and stationary within the housing. Here, the second member, for example, the movable member, is operably engaged with at least one of the biasing member and the mechanical coupler. In another example, the first member, for example, the movable member, is fixed within the housing of the fluid dispensing device. Then, at least one of the biasing member and the mechanical coupler is engaged, attached, or fixed to the second member of the spray delivery device, for example, fixed to the container. In any configuration, the biasing member is operable to provide a dispensing force effective to induce displacement or movement of the first member relative to the second member of the spray delivery device.

[0079] According to one example, a spray delivery device includes a movable member and a container. The container provides a reservoir for the fluid. The movable member is displaceable relative to the container between a preload position and an ejection position. The spray delivery device further includes an outlet as described above. Movement of the movable member relative to the container is effective to eject a spray jet from the outlet. In some examples, the outlet is integrally formed with the movable member. In this case, the outlet is movable relative to the container. In other examples, the outlet is stationary relative to the container. In this case, the movable member is movable relative to both the outlet and the container.

[0080] Typically, the reservoir of the spray delivery device is at least partially filled with a drug or agent. The reservoir includes a pre-filled reservoir that is pre-filled with the respective drug or agent. The reservoir, and thus the entire spray delivery device, is pre-assembled within the housing and thus the fluid dispensing device.

[0081] According to a further example, at least one of the outlet of the spray delivery device and the container is fixed within the housing of the fluid dispensing device, wherein the movable member of the spray delivery device is mechanically engaged or coupled with one of the mechanical coupler and the biasing member, thereby providing biasing member-induced displacement of the movable member relative to the container of the spray delivery device.

[0082] In another example, the outlet of the spray delivery device is fixed to the movable member of the spray delivery device. At this time, the container of the spray delivery device is mechanically engaged or coupled with one of the mechanical coupler and the biasing member. The outlet of the spray delivery device and the movable member are both fixed to each other and to the housing of the fluid dispensing device, but the container of the spray delivery device is mechanically engaged with one of the mechanical coupler and the biasing member, and is therefore fixed or coupled. In this way, the biasing member can directly or indirectly, i.e., via the mechanical coupler, induce displacement, for example, longitudinal movement, of the container relative to the movable member of the spray delivery device. In this way, a certain amount of fluid can be dispensed.

[0083] The outlet and the movable member may be interconnected or integrally formed. Thus, the outlet may be incorporated into or integrated with the movable member. It is particularly advantageous when the outlet and / or the movable member of the spray delivery device are connected to the housing of the fluid dispensing device, typically with the outlet of the spray delivery device in direct fluid communication with the nozzle of the fluid dispensing device.

[0084] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a fluid dispensing device. The fluid dispensing device includes a housing. The housing includes an orifice and is configured to accommodate at least a portion of a spray delivery device. The spray delivery device includes an outlet through which fluid stored in the spray delivery device can be released. The fluid dispensing device further includes a protective cap removably and / or movably disposed on the housing. The protective cap is at least one of movable and displaceable to an open position relative to the housing. In the open position, the protective cap is disengaged from or exposes the orifice. The protective cap is at least one of movable and displaceable to a closed position relative to the housing. In the closed position, the protective cap, i.e., at least a cap member thereof, covers the orifice of the housing.

[0085] The fluid dispensing device further includes a mechanical biasing member reversibly transferable between a preloaded state and an unloaded state. The mechanical biasing member is configured to store mechanical energy in the preloaded state effective to generate a spray emission of the spray delivery device. The fluid dispensing device further includes a releasable interlock configured to retain the biasing member in the preloaded state. The device further includes a manually actuable trigger operably engaged with the interlock and configured to release the interlock when actuated.

[0086] The protective cap, or at least a portion thereof, is configured or operable to actuate the trigger.

[0087] In some examples, the protective cap is operable to activate the trigger when approaching or reaching the open position. This is particularly true when the protective cap is movably or displaceably coupled to the housing. In some examples, the protective cap is pivotally attached to the housing. Transferring the protective cap from the closed position to the open position includes pivoting the protective cap from the closed position to the open position.

[0088] In some examples, the manually actuable trigger is located in a recessed portion of the housing or in a recess in the housing. In this manner, the manually actuable trigger cannot be depressed by a user. Instead, a specific tool must enter the recess in the housing to reach and / or actuate the manually actuable trigger. The protective cap may comprise the respective tool. In particular, the protective cap may include a protrusion sized to fit into the recess in the housing to mechanically engage with the manually actuable trigger. The protrusion may form or constitute the tool. The protective cap may include a protrusion extending outward from an outer surface of the protective cap. The protrusion is configured to enter the recess in the housing and engage the manually actuable trigger before or when the open position is reached.

[0089] When the protective cap is pivotally attached to the housing by a hinge having a hinge axis, the radial distance of the protrusion to the hinge axis is somewhat equal to or comparable to the radial distance of the recess to the hinge axis.

[0090] Generally, disposing a manually operable trigger in a recess or concave portion of the housing and depressing the trigger with a protrusion on the protective cap can be accomplished by both the protective cap being removably connectable to the housing and the protective cap being pivotally connected to the housing.

[0091] In some examples, the manually actuable trigger is located in a recessed portion of the housing such that the trigger is substantially prevented from being actuated unless the protective cap covers the orifice or is in the open position.

[0092] In some examples, the interlock includes a slider. The slider is slidably engaged with the housing. The slider is guided by a guide structure of the housing between an interlock position and a release position. In the interlock position, the interlock is mechanically engaged with at least one of the spray delivery device and a mechanical coupler configured to receive the spray delivery device. In the discharge position or configuration, the slider enables and supports movement of the spray delivery device or at least a portion thereof, the movement being effective to generate a spray discharge of the spray delivery device. The mechanical coupler is further engaged with a preloaded mechanical biasing member.

[0093] The slider may be displaceable from an interlocked position to a released position along a first direction of movement. The mechanical coupler and / or the spray delivery device may be displaceable from a preloaded or plugged state to an unloaded or released state along a second direction of movement. The first and second directions of movement extend at a non-zero angle relative to each other. The first direction of movement may extend at an angle of approximately 90° from the second direction of movement.

[0094] Movement of the mechanical coupler from a preloaded or plugged state to an unloaded or released state is accomplished by a mechanical biasing member, for example, a spring.

[0095] The mechanical biasing member may include a first end that abuts or engages with the mechanical coupler and a second end opposite the first end that abuts or engages with the housing of the fluid dispensing device.

[0096] For engagement with the mechanical biasing member, the mechanical coupler may include an abutment section or flange facing the second direction of movement. In some examples, the mechanical coupler includes a tubular or cylindrical sleeve including a radially outwardly projecting flange section or including radially outwardly projecting struts. The mechanical biasing member may then extend along a longitudinal axis of the mechanical coupler sleeve. The mechanical biasing member may surround the mechanical coupler and abut the radially outwardly projecting flange section or struts axially or longitudinally.

[0097] In some examples, the mechanical coupler and / or spray delivery device include an abutment for engaging with the interlock. To this end, the interlock may include a complementary opposing abutment to the abutment of the mechanical coupler or spray delivery device. The abutment of the mechanical coupler and / or spray delivery device and the opposing abutment of the interlock are configured to prevent movement of the mechanical coupler and / or spray delivery device relative to the interlock along the second movement direction. In this manner, the mechanical coupler and / or spray delivery device can be substantially maintained and / or fixed in a preloaded state or position.

[0098] Movement or deformation of the manually actuable trigger along the second direction of movement disengages the abutment and the counter abutment, thereby releasing the mechanical coupler and / or the spray delivery device, which may then undergo movement along the first direction of movement under the effect of the mechanical biasing member.

[0099] In some examples, the mechanical coupler includes multiple abutments. Multiple abutments may be provided, e.g., evenly spaced, along the outer surface of the mechanical coupler. At least two abutments may be provided at diametrically opposed locations on the mechanical coupler. The at least two abutments may protrude outward from a sleeve or barrel of the mechanical coupler. Both abutments may simultaneously engage opposing abutments provided by the body of the interlock, e.g., by an aperture therein. Having two or more abutments may provide the mechanical coupler with a relatively precise, tilt-free interlock.

[0100] In some examples, the slider of the interlock member is displaceable from the interlock position to the release position against the action of a return spring. In this manner, the return spring is biased and stores mechanical energy when moved into and / or toward the release position from the interlock position. As soon as the external force causing movement of the manually actuable trigger toward the release position is no longer present, the return spring acts to return the manually actuable trigger to the interlock position.

[0101] In some examples, the interlock includes an aperture sized to receive at least one of the mechanical coupler and the spray delivery device. In the interlock position, the interlock is displaced relative to the position or dimensions of the mechanical coupler and / or the spray delivery device. Then, for example, an edge of the aperture that forms the opposing abutment is engaged with the abutment of the mechanical coupler.

[0102] The trigger-induced movement or deformation of the interlock serves to align the aperture of the interlock with the mechanical coupler, thereby disabling the mechanical engagement between the abutment and the opposing abutment and allowing the mechanical coupler and / or other spray delivery device to enter or pass through the aperture of the interlock.

[0103] In some examples, the aperture of the interlock includes a mechanical code or keyed structure shaped to correspond to a counter mechanical code or keyed structure on the exterior surface of the mechanical coupler and / or spray delivery device. When the interlock is in the interlocked position or configuration, the mechanical code or keyed structure of the interlock is displaced or offset from the counter mechanical code or keyed structure. In this manner, the side edges of the aperture of the interlock block movement of the mechanical coupler and / or spray delivery device along the second direction of movement.

[0104] Movement or deformation of the interlock relative to the mechanical coupler and / or relative to the spray delivery device aligns the mechanical code or keyed structure of the interlock with the opposing mechanical code or keyed structure of the mechanical coupler. Movement of the mechanical coupler along the second direction of movement is then no longer prevented by the interlock. The mechanical coupler and / or spray delivery device, or portions thereof, can then be moved under the action of the relaxing or biasing mechanical biasing member.

[0105] In some examples, the interlock includes an elastically deformable ring structure including an aperture sized to receive at least one of the mechanical coupler and the spray delivery device. The elastically deformable ring structure may include an elliptical shape. When and as long as the interlock is in the interlock position or configuration, the ring structure has a first ellipticity. When elastically deformed toward and / or into the released position or configuration, the ring structure has a second ellipticity. The second ellipticity is smaller than the first ellipticity. In other words, the second ellipticity is closer to a circular structure than the first ellipticity. The difference between the major and minor axes of the ring structure at the first ellipticity is greater than that of the ring structure at the second ellipticity.

[0106] The resiliently deformable ring structure allows the interlock to tend to assume its initial oval shape in the absence of a deforming force, which may be applied via a manually actuable trigger, at which point the interlock may tend to automatically return to the interlocked position or configuration, thereby eliminating the need for a separate return spring.

[0107] Typically, the outer end of the elliptical deformable ring structure, located at the longitudinal end of the major axis of the ellipse, is mechanically engaged with or integrally formed with the trigger. The opposite end of the ring structure may be supported by or abut against the housing of the fluid dispensing device. Then, by depressing the trigger inward, the distance between the ends of the ring structure spaced apart along the major axis of the ellipse decreases, and the distance between the ends of the minor axis of the ellipse increases. This increase in the minor axis of the ellipse is caused by depressing the manually operable trigger. Furthermore, the increase in the length of the minor axis is such that the inner diameter or internal cross-section along the minor axis is equal to or greater than the outer dimensions of the mechanical coupler and / or spray delivery device, respectively.

[0108] In some examples, the manually actuatable trigger is part of the releasable interlock and / or the oval deformable ring structure of the interlock, thereby minimizing the number of parts required to assemble the fluid dispensing device.

[0109] It should be noted that any features and advantages disclosed herein in connection with one embodiment or example apply equally to all other embodiments and examples disclosed herein, unless such features or advantages are mutually exclusive.

[0110] The term "drug" or "medicament," as used herein, means a pharmaceutical preparation containing at least one pharmaceutically active compound; wherein in one embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound has a molecular weight of up to 1500 Da and / or is a peptide, a protein, a polysaccharide, a vaccine, DNA, RNA, an enzyme, an antibody or a fragment thereof, a hormone, or an oligonucleotide, or a mixture of the above-mentioned pharmaceutically active compounds, wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound is useful for the treatment and / or prevention of diabetes or a complication associated with diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, thromboembolic disorders, such as deep vein thromboembolism or pulmonary thromboembolism, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), angina, myocardial infarction, cancer, macular degeneration, inflammation, hay fever, atherosclerosis and / or rheumatoid arthritis, wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound comprises at least one peptide for the treatment and / or prevention of diabetes or complications associated with diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, wherein, in a further embodiment, the pharmaceutically active compound comprises at least one human insulin or a human insulin analog or derivative, a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) or an analog or derivative thereof, or exendin-3 or exendin-4 or an analog or derivative of exendin-3 or exendin-4.

[0111] Insulin analogues are, for example, Gly(A21), Arg(B31), Arg(B32) human insulin; Lys(B3), Glu(B29) human insulin; Lys(B28), Pro(B29) human insulin; Asp(B28) human insulin; human insulin in which the proline in position B28 is replaced by Asp, Lys, Leu, Val or Ala and the Lys in position B29 may be replaced by Pro; Ala(B26) human insulin; Des(B28-B30) human insulin; Des(B27) human insulin and Des(B30) human insulin.

[0112] Insulin derivatives include, for example, B29-N-myristoyl-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-palmitoyl-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-myristoyl human insulin; B29-N-palmitoyl human insulin; B28-N-myristoylLysB28ProB29 human insulin; B28-N-palmitoyl-LysB28ProB29 human insulin; B30-N-myristoyl-ThrB29Lys B30 human insulin; B30-N-palmitoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin; B29-N-(N-palmitoyl-γ-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-(N-lithocholyl-γ-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl)-des(B30) human insulin and B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl) human insulin.

[0113] Exendin-4 means, for example, exendin-4(1-39), a peptide with the sequence H-His-Gly-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Leu-Ser-Lys-Gln-Met-Glu-Glu-Glu-Ala-Val-Arg-Leu-Phe-Ile-Glu-Trp-Leu-Lys-Asn-Gly-Gly-Pro-Ser-Ser-Gly-Ala-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ser-NH2.

[0114] Exendin-4 derivatives include, for example, the compounds in the following list: H-(Lys)4-desPro36,desPro37 exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, H-(Lys)5-desPro36,desPro37 exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, desPro36 exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Asp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[IsoAsp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Met(O)14,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Met(O)14,IsoAsp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Trp(O2)25,IsoAsp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25,IsoAsp28]exendin-4(1-39); or desPro36[Asp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[IsoAsp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Met(O)14,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Met(O)14,IsoAsp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Trp(O2)25,IsoAsp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39), desPro36[Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25,IsoAsp28]exendin-4(1-39), (wherein the group -Lys6-NH2 may be attached to the C-terminus of the exendin-4 derivative);

[0115] Or an exendin-4 derivative of the following sequence: desPro36 Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2 (AVE0010), H-(Lys)6-desPro36[Asp28]Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2, desAsp28Pro36,Pro37,Pro38Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, H-(Lys)6-desPro36,Pro38[Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, H-Asn-(Glu)5desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-(Lys)6-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-Asn-(Glu)5-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-(Lys)6-desPro36[Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2, H-desAsp28Pro36,Pro37,Pro38[Trp(O2)25]exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, H-(Lys)6-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, H-Asn-(Glu)5-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-(Lys)6-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-Asn-(Glu)5-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-(Lys)6-desPro36[Met(O)14,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2, desMet(O)14 Asp28 Pro36,Pro37,Pro38 Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, H-(Lys)6-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, H-Asn-(Glu)5-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-(Lys)6-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-Asn-(Glu)5 desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-Lys6-desPro36[Met(O)14,Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2, H-desAsp28Pro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Trp(O2)25]exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, H-(Lys)6-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, H-Asn-(Glu)5-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-(Lys)6-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(S1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, H-Asn-(Glu)5-desPro36,Pro37,Pro38[Met(O)14,Trp(O2)25,Asp28]exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of any one of the foregoing exendin-4 derivatives. is selected from.

[0116] Hormones are, for example, pituitary or hypothalamic hormones or regulatory active peptides and their antagonists listed in the Rote Liste, 2008 edition, chapter 50, such as gonadotropins (follitropin, lutropin, chorion gonadotropin, menotropin), somatropin (somatropin), desmopressin, terlipressin, gonadorelin, triptorelin, leuprorelin, buserelin, nafarelin, goserelin.

[0117] The polysaccharide may be, for example, a glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid, heparin, low or very low molecular weight heparin or a derivative thereof, or a sulfated, e.g., polysulfated, form of the above-mentioned polysaccharides, and / or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. An example of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a polysulfated low molecular weight heparin is enoxaparin sodium.

[0118] Antibodies are globular plasma proteins (approximately 150 kDa) known as immunoglobulins that share a common basic structure. They are glycoproteins because they have sugar chains attached to amino acid residues. The basic functional unit of each antibody is an immunoglobulin (Ig) monomer (containing only Ig units); secretory antibodies can also be dimers with two Ig units, such as IgA, tetramers with four Ig units, such as IgM in bony fish, or pentamers with five Ig units, such as IgM in mammals.

[0119] An Ig monomer is a "Y"-shaped molecule consisting of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains joined by disulfide bonds between cysteine ​​residues. Each heavy chain is approximately 440 amino acids long, and each light chain is approximately 220 amino acids long. The heavy and light chains each contain intrachain disulfide bonds that stabilize these folded structures. Each chain is composed of structural domains called Ig domains. These domains contain 70–110 amino acids and are classified into different categories (e.g., variable, or V, and constant, or C) according to their size and function. They have a characteristic immunoglobulin fold, in which two beta sheets create a "sandwich" shape held together by interactions between conserved cysteines and other charged amino acids.

[0120] There are five types of mammalian Ig heavy chains, designated α, δ, ε, γ, and μ. The type of heavy chain present defines the antibody's isotype, and these chains are found in IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM antibodies, respectively.

[0121] Different heavy chains differ in size and composition, with α and γ containing approximately 450 amino acids, δ containing approximately 500 amino acids, and μ and ε containing approximately 550 amino acids. Each heavy chain contains two regions: the constant region (C H ) and variable region (V H) in a species. The constant regions are essentially identical in all antibodies of the same isotype, but differ in antibodies of different isotypes. Heavy chains gamma, alpha, and delta have constant regions composed of three tandem Ig domains and a hinge region for added flexibility, while heavy chains mu and epsilon have constant regions composed of four immunoglobulin domains. The variable region of the heavy chain differs in antibodies produced by different B cells, but is the same for all antibodies produced by a single B cell or B cell clone. The variable region of each heavy chain is approximately 110 amino acids long and is composed of a single Ig domain.

[0122] In mammals, there are two types of immunoglobulin light chains, designated λ and κ. Light chains have two continuous domains: one constant domain (CL) and one variable domain (VL). The approximate length of a light chain is 211-217 amino acids. Each antibody contains two light chains that are always identical, and only one type of light chain, κ or λ, exists for each mammalian antibody.

[0123] Although the general structure of all antibodies is very similar, the unique properties of a given antibody are determined by the variable (V) region, as detailed above. More specifically, three variable loops in each light chain (VL) and three variable loops in each heavy chain (VH) are involved in binding to an antigen, i.e., its antigen specificity. These loops are called complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Because CDRs from both the VH and VL domains contribute to the antigen-binding site, it is the combination of the heavy and light chains, not either alone, that determines the final antigen specificity.

[0124] An "antibody fragment" contains at least one antigen-binding fragment, as defined above, and exhibits essentially the same function and specificity as the intact antibody from which it was derived. Limited proteolytic digestion with papain cleaves the Ig prototype into three fragments. Two identical amino-terminal fragments, each containing one complete light chain and approximately half of a heavy chain, are the antigen-binding fragment (Fab). A third fragment, similar in size but containing the carboxyl-terminus of both heavy chain halves with interchain disulfide bonds, is the crystallizable fragment (Fc). The Fc fragment contains carbohydrate, complementary binding sites, and FcR sites. Limited pepsin digestion yields a single F(ab')2 fragment containing both the Fab fragment and the hinge region, including the interchain disulfide bond. F(ab')2 is bivalent for antigen binding. The disulfide bond of F(ab')2 can be cleaved to yield Fab'. Furthermore, the variable regions of the heavy and light chains can be fused to form a single-chain variable fragment (scFv).

[0125] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, for example, acid addition salts and basic salts. Acid addition salts include, for example, HCl or HBr salts. Basic salts include, for example, salts with an alkali or alkaline earth cation, such as Na, K, or Ca, or an ammonium ion N(R1)(R2)(R3)(R4), where R1-R4 independently represent hydrogen, an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl group, an optionally substituted C2-C6 alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C6-C10 aryl group, or an optionally substituted C6-C10 heteroaryl group. Further examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are described in "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences," 17th edition, edited by Alfonso R. Gennaro, Mark Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., USA, 1985, and Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology.

[0126] Pharmaceutically acceptable solvates are, for example, hydrates.

[0127] Various benefits, advantages, and configurations of some example fluid dispensing devices will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0128] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of an example of a fluid dispensing device. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device according to FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 1 shows the fluid dispensing device after removal of the protective cap and after actuation of the trigger. [Figure 4] 4 shows the device of FIG. 3 during or after a dispensing operation. [Figure 5] 5 shows the device of FIGS. 2 to 4 before or during reattachment of the protective cap. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views through further examples of fluid dispensing devices. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the dispensing device of FIG. 6 during reattachment of the protective cap. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are side views of further examples of fluid dispensing devices having pivotable protective caps. [Figure 9] 9 is another side view of the fluid dispensing device of FIG. 8 with the protective cap partially open. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIGS. 8 and 9 with the protective cap in the closed position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the device of FIG. 10 with the protective cap in an open position. [Figure 12] 12 shows the device of FIG. 11 after or during a dispensing operation. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 shows the device of FIG. 12 during the closing operation of the protective cap. [Figure 14]10 is a side view of another example of a fluid dispensing device including a pivotable cap. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is another side view of the device of FIG. 14 with the protective cap partially open. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view through the dispensing device of FIG. 14. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows the dispensing device of FIG. 16 with the protective cap in an open position. [Figure 18] 18 shows the device of FIG. 17 after or during a dispensing operation. FIG. [Figure 19] 19 shows the device of FIG. 18 during the closing operation of the protective cap. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through a further fluid dispensing device with the protective cap in a closed position. [Figure 21] 21 shows the fluid dispensing device of FIG. 20 with the protective cap removed during or after actuation of the trigger. [Figure 22] 21 shows the device of FIG. 20 during or after a dispensing operation. FIG. [Figure 23] 23 shows the device of FIGS. 20-22 during the process of reattaching the cap to the housing. FIG. [Figure 24] 10A-10C show further examples of fluid dispensing devices with protective caps installed. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 shows the device of FIG. 24 when the trigger is depressed after the protective cap has been removed. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows the device of FIG. 25 after or during a dispensing action. [Figure 27] 27 shows the device of FIG. 26 before or during reattachment of the protective cap. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a side view of another example of a fluid dispensing device. [Figure 29] 29 is another side view of the fluid dispensing device of FIG. 28 rotated 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 shows a particular cross section AA through the device of FIGS. 28 and 29 with the protective cap in the closed position. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 shows the device of FIG. 30 with the cap in an open position and the trigger actuated. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 shows the dispensing device of FIG. 31 after or during the dispensing of a dose of fluid. [Figure 33] 10A-10C illustrate the process of closing the protective cap from one side of the dispensing device. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is another side view of the configuration of FIG. 33. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 shows a further example of a dispensing device with a pivotable protective cap in a closed position. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 shows the device of FIG. 35 during the closing operation of the protective cap, seen from one side. [Figure 37] 37 shows the closing operation of FIG. 36 from the front side of the fluid dispensing device. FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. 1 shows a first type of spray delivery device in an initial configuration. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 shows the spray delivery device of FIG. 38 during dispensing operation. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 shows the device of FIGS. 38 and 39 during recovery. [Figure 41] FIG. 1 shows a second type of spray delivery device in an initial configuration. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 shows the spray delivery device of FIG. 41 during a dispensing operation. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 shows a second type of spray delivery device during restoration. [Figure 44] 10A-10C show further examples of fluid dispensing devices along a first cross section. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 shows the fluid dispensing device according to FIG. 44 when rotated by 90°. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a top view of the fluid dispensing device of FIGS. 44 and 45. [Figure 47] FIG. 45 shows a further illustration according to FIG. 44 with the protective cap in the open position. [Figure 48] 48 shows the device of FIG. 47 along the cross section of FIG. 45. [Figure 49] FIG. 48 shows the device of FIG. 47 when the protective cap depresses the trigger. [Figure 50] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view through the interlock of FIG. 44 before depression of the trigger. [Figure 51] FIG. 45 is a further cross-sectional view through the interlock of FIG. 44 during and after depression of the trigger. [Figure 52] 10A-10C illustrate further examples of elastically deformable interlocks in an initial configuration. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 shows the example of FIG. 52 after or during trigger depression. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0129] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an example of a fluid dispensing device 10 configured as a nasal inhaler. The fluid dispensing device 10 includes a housing 20. The housing 20 is configured to house a spray delivery device 30, as shown in cross-section in FIG. 2. The housing 20 includes an orifice 21 at an upper or distal end configured to dispense an amount of fluid provided within or by the spray delivery device 30. The fluid dispensing device 10 further includes a protective cap 90. In the closed position shown in FIG. 2, the protective cap 90 covers the entire upper section or upper end of the housing 20, and in particular the orifice 21.

[0130] Generally, it is sufficient that only a portion of the protective cap 90, i.e., the cap member 90a, covers at least a portion of the orifice 21. In the closed position shown in Figures 1 and 2, an interior space 91 of the protective cap 90, which may be, for example, cup-shaped and includes a hollow interior, substantially covers the orifice 21.

[0131] The interior of the housing 20 defines a receiving space 26 configured to receive and hold at least a portion of the spray delivery device 30. The spray delivery device 30 is pre-assembled within the housing 20 or replaceably assembled and disposed within the housing 20. The spray delivery device 30 shown in Figure 2 represents either a first or second type of spray delivery device, which will be described in more detail with respect to Figures 38-43.

[0132] 38-40 show a first type of spray delivery device 30. FIGS. 41-43 show a second type of spray delivery device 130. The spray delivery device 30 includes a container 32 configured to receive and hold a quantity of a liquid substance, and thus a fluid, for dispensing. The spray delivery device 30 further includes a movable member 35 movable relative to the container 32. The spray delivery device 30 further includes an outlet 40. In the first type of spray delivery device 30 shown in FIGS. 38-40, the movable member 35 and the outlet 40 are fixedly connected to each other. The movable member 35 and the outlet 40 may also be integrally formed. Here, the outlet 40 may be considered a first member of the spray delivery device 30, and the container 32 may be considered a second member of the spray delivery device 30.

[0133] Optionally, the spray delivery device 30 further includes a base 45 attached to the upper or outlet end of the container 32. The container 32 opens toward the base 45. The base 45 further includes a hollow chamber 38. A tube 31 is connected to the base 45. The tube 31 is implemented as a suction tube and extends into the container 32. The tube 31 is in flow communication with the hollow chamber 38. A spring 42 is provided inside or outside the chamber 38. The spring 42 is configured to bias the movable member 35 away from the container 32, thus in the vertical or upward direction shown in FIG. 38. The base 45 further includes an inlet valve 33. The inlet valve 33 is disposed between the tube 31 and the chamber 38. The base 45 further includes an outlet valve 36 disposed between the chamber 38 and the outlet 40. As shown in FIG. 38, the upper or free end of the movable member 35 is in flow communication with the chamber 38 via an elongated, rigid, hollow shaft 41.

[0134] 38, chamber 38 is filled with liquid substance drawn from the interior of container 32. Now, when a user applies pressure to movable member 35 effective to move movable member 35 toward container 32, shaft 41 enters chamber 38 and displaces fluid located within chamber 38. Fluid can only escape through hollow shaft 41 toward outlet 40. During displacement of movable member 35 relative to container 32, inlet valve 33 is closed, thus preventing fluid located within chamber 38 from re-entering container 32.

[0135] After release of the movable member 35, the spring 42 is operable to push the movable member 35 and the container 32 away from each other. In the configuration shown in Figure 40, the spring 42 is operable to displace the movable member 35 away from the container 32. This causes a pressure drop in the chamber 38 and therefore a suction-based drawing of a further dose of fluid from the container 32 through the tube 31 and into the chamber 38. The chamber 38 is then refilled and the first type spray delivery device 30 is ready for a subsequent dispensing procedure, which is initiated by repeatedly depressing or displacing the movable member 35 relative to the container 32.

[0136] A second type of spray delivery device 130 shown in Figures 41 to 43 operates according to a similar principle. Similar or analogous components compared to the spray delivery device 30 shown in Figures 38 to 40 are given the same reference numerals, increased by 100. Again, the spray delivery device 130 includes a container 132, a movable member 135, and an outlet 140. The spray delivery device 130 further includes a base 145 attached to the outlet end of the container 132. A tube 131 connected to a chamber 138 of the spray delivery device 130 is disposed inside the container 132. An inlet valve 133 is provided between the chamber 138 and the tube 131. An outlet valve 136 is provided at the free end of the outlet 140. The outlet valve 136 is implemented as a duckbill valve.

[0137] The operating principle of the second type spray delivery device 130 is similar to that of the first type spray delivery device 30. In the initial configuration shown in FIG. 41 , the chamber 138 is filled with a fluid. However, here, in contrast to the first type spray delivery device 30, the outlet 140 is fixed to the base 145. Conversely, the movable member 135 is displaceable relative to the container 132 and the outlet 140 against the action of the spring 142. As shown in FIGS. 41 to 43 , the base 145 provides an elongated hollow shaft, within which the movable member 135 is allowed to slide under and against the action of the spring 142.

[0138] When the movable member 135 is depressed, it at least partially enters the chamber 138, displacing the liquid contained within the chamber 138. During this movement, shown in FIG. 42, the inlet valve 133 is closed. Thus, liquid can only exit through the hollow rigid shaft 141 towards the outlet 140. The outlet valve 136 enables and supports the dispensing and / or spraying of the fluid.

[0139] Thereafter, upon release of the movable member 135, the relaxing spring 142 is effective to displace the movable member 135 away from the container 132. Because the outlet valve 136 is substantially closed, the spring-induced movement of the movable member 135 results in a buildup of negative pressure within the chamber 138. The negative pressure serves to open the inlet valve 133 and draw an additional amount of liquid from the interior of the container 132 into the chamber 138. Here, the movable member 135 may be considered a first member of the spray delivery device 30, and at least one of the outlet 140 and the container 132 may be considered a second member of the spray delivery device 30.

[0140] It should be noted that both the first and second types of spray delivery devices 30, 130 are equally applicable to many examples of fluid dispensing devices 10, 100 described herein.

[0141] For a dispensing operation, the movable member 35,135 only needs to undergo a displacement relative to the container 32,132.

[0142] Returning to the example of fluid dispensing device 10 shown in Figures 1-5, a first type of spray delivery device 30 is assembled inside the receiving space 26 of the housing 20. Here, the outlet 40 of the spray delivery device 30 is coupled or fixed to the orifice 21. At least one of the outlet 40 and the orifice 21 includes a jet nozzle 27 having a smaller diameter effective to atomize the stream of fluid dispensed through the outlet 40.

[0143] In all examples shown herein, the orifice 21 of the housing 20 of the fluid dispensing device is aligned with the outlet 40, 140 of the spray delivery device 30, 130.

[0144] Although not shown, there may be further examples in which the orifice 21 provides a through opening for the outlet 40, 140 of the spray delivery device 30, 130. Here, the outlet 40, 140 may extend and widen through the orifice 21. In other examples, the orifice 21 may comprise a relatively large opening in the housing 20, having a cross-section that is larger in size than the cross-section of the spray delivery device 30, 130. Here, the orifice 21 may facilitate and enable removal of the spray delivery device 30, 130 from the housing 20. The orifice 21 is sized and configured to enable insertion of the spray delivery device 30, 130 into the housing 20 from outside the housing 20.

[0145] In a further example, the orifice 21 of the fluid dispensing device 10, 100 is provided by the outlet 40, 140 of the spray delivery device 30, 130. Thus, the orifice 21 of the fluid dispensing device 10, 100 may coincide with the outlet 40, 140 of the spray delivery device 30, 130; or vice versa.

[0146] In the example of Figures 1-5, the outlet 40 is coupled to or integrally formed with the movable member 35 of the spray delivery device 30. The spray delivery device 30 is mechanically engaged with a mechanical coupler 60. The mechanical coupler 60 is a component of the fluid dispensing device 10. The mechanical coupler 60 is engaged with a biasing member 50. The biasing member is here configured as a compression spring having a first end 51 that abuts or engages with the mechanical coupler 60 and a second end 52 opposite the first end 51 that engages or abuts with the housing 20.

[0147] Under the effect of the biasing member 50, the mechanical coupler 60 is displaceable from the preloaded position shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the unloaded position shown in Figures 4 and 5. The mechanical coupler 60 is displaceable from the unloaded position to the preloaded position against the action of the biasing member 50. In the example shown here, the biasing member 50 is located and disposed between the bottom of the housing 20 and the bottom of the mechanical coupler 60. The container 32 and optionally also the base 45 of the spray delivery device 30 are fastened or fixed to the mechanical coupler 60. To that extent, movement of the mechanical coupler 60 relative to the housing 20 results in movement of the container 32 relative to the outlet 40 and thus the dispensing of a dose of fluid from the spray delivery device 30.

[0148] The mechanical coupler 60 is slidably displaceable within the housing 20 according to the longitudinal guide structure 25. As shown in FIG. 2 , the guide structure 25 includes at least two or more shaft portions 28 extending parallel to a surface normal of the bottom of the housing 20. The shaft portions 28 surround the mechanical coupler 60. Thus, the side guide structure 25 defines a longitudinal direction along which the mechanical coupler 60 is slidably displaceable relative to the housing 20 under and against the action of the biasing member 50. Instead of the at least two or more shaft portions 28, the housing 20 may include a hollow sleeve extending into the accommodating space 26 and configured and sized to slidably receive the mechanical coupler 60.

[0149] The fluid dispensing device 10 further includes an interlock 70 operable to retain the mechanical coupler in a preloaded position as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The interlock 70 is further operable to retain the biasing member 50 in the preloaded state as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The fluid dispensing device 10 further includes a trigger 80 operably engageable with the interlock 70 to release the interlock 70 and allow the biasing member 50 and / or the mechanical coupler 60 to be de-biased or unloaded.

[0150] As shown in Figures 2-5, the mechanical coupler 60 includes at least one strut 62 extending outward from the outer periphery of the, for example, cylindrical, mechanical coupler 60. The mechanical coupler 60 shown in Figures 2-5 includes at least two diametrically opposed struts 62, each extending through a slit or aperture provided in the guide structure 25 and thus in the shaft portion 28 of the guide structure 25. Two slits 29 or grooves are provided near the free upper end of the shaft portion 28. They provide distinct longitudinal guidance of the mechanical coupler 60 relative to the housing 20. Both struts 62 include an abutment 61 facing the distal or upper end of the housing 20.

[0151] Interlock 70 includes a catch feature 71 provided on the interior of housing 20 and a correspondingly or complementary-shaped snap feature 72 provided on mechanical coupler 60. Snap feature 72 is provided on an end section of strut 62 of mechanical coupler 60. In an initial configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, snap feature 72 of mechanical coupler 60 directly abuts inwardly protruding catch feature 71 secured to the interior of housing 20. As is apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3, strut 62 is elastically deformable to mechanically disengage catch feature 71 from snap feature 72, as shown in FIG. 3. Such temporary deformation or pivoting of snap feature 72 is achieved by depressing trigger 80.

[0152] The trigger 80 includes an inwardly extending pin 81. The entire trigger 80 and / or its pin 81 may include a resilient material. The trigger 80 is thus depressible inwardly, and thus into the receiving space 26. The or both triggers 80 are operable to apply a respective inward force effect to the interlock 70 and thus to the inwardly deformable or inwardly pivotable struts 62, thereby disengaging the corresponding snap features 72 and catch features 71. As long as the catch features 71 and snap features 72 abut each other, the respective engagement of the struts 62 with the housing 20 impedes and prevents displacement of the mechanical coupler 60 toward the orifice 21.

[0153] As soon as the interlocks 70 are released, for example by simultaneously depressing oppositely located triggers 80, the respective interlocks 70 are released and the mechanical coupler 60 is allowed to be displaced towards the orifice 21 under the action of the relaxing biasing member 50, as shown in Figure 4. As a result, movement of the container 32 relative to the outlet 40 expels a dose of fluid through the orifice 21.

[0154] Now, after the dose has been dispensed, the protective cap 90 can be reassembled to the housing 20. The cup-shaped hollow cap 90 comprises a hollow interior 91 into which at least one longitudinal extension 92 extends. In the example shown in Figures 2 to 5, the protective cap 90 comprises two longitudinal extensions 92 configured as rods. The upper end or upper end face 23 of the housing 20 comprises at least one through opening 22. In this example, two through openings 22 are provided, each of which is longitudinally aligned with the position of an abutment 61 of the mechanical coupler 60.

[0155] When the protective cap 90 is reassembled to the housing, the longitudinal extension 92 enters the through-opening 22 and extends through the through-opening 22 until it mechanically engages, and thus directly abuts, the abutment 61 of the strut 62 of the mechanical coupler 60. The abutting configuration shown in FIG. 5 is obtained before the protective cap 90 reaches the closed position. Starting from this intermediate assembly configuration shown in FIG. 5, the protective cap 90 can be further displaced or depressed downward, and thus toward the bottom of the housing 20, thereby biasing the mechanical coupler 60 toward the bottom of the housing 20 against the action of the biasing member 50, until the initial configuration shown in FIG. 2 is reached, with the protective cap 90 in the closed position. Upon or before reaching the closed position shown in FIG. 2, the interlock 70 automatically locks. The snap feature 72 re-engages with the catch feature 71, substantially preventing spring-induced displacement of the mechanical coupler 60.

[0156] In this configuration, the fluid dispensing device 10 can be stored until it is to be used for an ongoing dispensing operation.

[0157] As is apparent from a comparison of Figures 2 and 3, trigger 80 is positioned flush with side wall 24 of housing 20. Actuation of trigger 80, as shown in Figure 3, requires further inward depression of trigger 80. Trigger 80 may be integrated into side wall 24. Trigger 80 does not protrude from side wall 24. This allows for fairly smooth assembly of protective cap 90 onto the housing, to the extent that side wall 94 of protective cap 90 substantially and / or completely covers trigger 80.

[0158] In the closed position shown in FIG. 2 , the two triggers 80 are not externally accessible or depressible. The triggers 80 are substantially inoperable as long as the protective cap 90 is in the closed position. Operation or actuation of the triggers 80, and thus release of the interlock 70, requires the removal or opening of the protective cap 90. Only then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , do the triggers 80 become accessible for depression or actuation by a user of the device. In this manner, the fluid dispensing device 10 can be stored in a preloaded or pre-plugged state without substantial risk of unintended, uncontrolled, or premature release of the dispensing action.

[0159] The protective cap 90 is held in place in the closed position shown in FIG. 2 by at least one fastener, where an interior of a sidewall 94 of the protective cap includes at least one fastening feature 95 configured to engage and cooperate with a correspondingly shaped counterfastening feature 96 provided on the exterior surface of the housing 20. Typically, one of the fastening feature 95 and the counterfastening feature 96 includes a protrusion configured to engage with a correspondingly shaped or complementary recess in the other of the fastening feature 95 and the counterfastening feature 96. The fastening feature 95 and the counterfastening feature 96 are configured to form at least one of a positive connection and a frictional engagement. The fastening feature 95 and the counterfastening feature 96 may include corresponding snap or catch features.

[0160] A further example shown in Figures 6 and 7 differs slightly from the example shown in Figures 2 to 5. Here, the longitudinal extension 92 of the protective cap 90 has been shortened. In the closed position of the protective cap 90 shown in Figure 6, the longitudinal extension 92, and therefore the protective cap 90, is configured to prevent the release of the interlock 70. Here, the trigger 80 is actually accessible from the outside of the fluid dispensing device 10 when the protective cap 90 is attached thereto and when the protective cap 90 is in the closed position.

[0161] The longitudinal extension 92 of the protective cap is clamped between the support structure 82 and the strut 62. Here, the support structure 82 of the housing is implemented as an extension of the shaft portion 28 in the same manner as described above. The support structure 82 can provide a kind of side wall against which the longitudinal extension 92 abuts when the protective cap 90 reaches the closed position. In the closed position, the longitudinal extension 92 fills the free space between the strut 62 and the support structure 82 of the housing 20. In this way, inward movement of the strut 62 to disengage or release the interlock 70 is substantially blocked and prevented.

[0162] FIG. 7 shows an intermediate reassembly configuration of the protective cap 90, in which the free ends of the longitudinal extensions 92 are engaged with the abutment portions 61 of the struts 62. The longitudinal extensions 92 of the protective cap 90 include thickened shoe sections 93 at their free ends. The upper end of the support structure 82 includes an outwardly bulging portion 83. As the longitudinal extensions 92 with the shoe sections 93 slide along the bulging portion 83, the shoe sections 93 undergo elastic deformation in a lateral direction, e.g., outward. At the same time, as the protective cap 90 undergoes a closing movement toward the bottom of the housing 20, the free ends of the longitudinal extensions 92 exert respective pressure on the corner sections 63 of the struts 62. Upon reaching the closed position, the shoe sections 93 pass the bulging portion 83 and are thus allowed to deflect laterally back, e.g., inward, i.e., toward the center of the housing 20. This elastic relaxation causes the recessed portion 97 in the corner section of the shoe section 93 at the free end of the longitudinal extension 92 facing the side wall 24 to engage with the corner section 63 of the strut 62, thus locking the strut 62 in place.

[0163] Even if trigger 80 were externally accessible and a user were able to apply inward pressure to trigger 80, trigger 80 would be ineffective in releasing interlock 70 because strut 62 would be prevented from moving inward to the extent that interengaged snap feature 72 and catch feature 71 would disengage.

[0164] The illustrated example in FIGS. 1-7 shows an arrangement of a protective cap 90 in which the cap 90 is completely removable from the housing 20. In a further example shown in FIGS. 8-19, the protective cap 90 is pivotally attached to the housing 20. The protective cap 90 is pivotable about a pivot axis 98, as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, the cap 90 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 98 to open or close the cap 90. The protective cap 90 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 includes a cup-shaped geometry having a hollow interior 91. Compared to the protective cap of FIGS. 1-8, the protective cap 90 shown in FIGS. 8-13 includes two longitudinal extensions 99 configured and operable to cover the trigger 80 when the protective cap 90 is in a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. The extensions 99 protrude longitudinally from a side wall 94 of the protective cap. The operating principle and slidable support of the mechanical coupler 60 within the housing 20, as well as the engagement of the cap 90 with the mechanical coupler 60, are substantially the same as or equivalent to the examples shown in FIGS.

[0165] To this extent, only the configurations of Figures 8-13 that differ from the examples of Figures 2-5 will be described below. Figure 10 shows an initial configuration, in which side wall 94 of the protective cap completely covers trigger 80 when in the closed position. Opening the protective cap, and thus pivoting protective cap 90 about pivot axis 98, exposes and provides access to trigger 80, which is integrated into or located flush with side wall 24 of housing 20. In the closed position shown in Figure 10, extension 99 of protective cap 90 covers trigger 80.

[0166] 2 to 5. In comparison with the example of FIGS. 2 to 7, the through-opening 22 provided in the upper end surface 23 of the housing 20 is implemented as a longitudinal slit extending perpendicular to the extension of the pivot axis 98. In this way, the longitudinal extension 92 of the protective cap 90 is allowed to enter the housing 20 through the elongated slit as the protective cap 90 rotates or swivels.

[0167] In order to provide sufficient mutual abutment between the free end of the longitudinal extension 92 and the abutment portion 61 of the mechanical coupler 60, the abutment portion 61, and therefore the strut 62, includes an extension in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis 98, which extension allows movement of the free end of the longitudinal extension 92 in the radial direction, i.e., perpendicular to the pivot axis 98. This is to ensure that when the longitudinal extension 92 mechanically engages with the abutment portion 61 of the mechanical coupler 60, the engagement is maintained until the protective cap 90 reaches the closed position, as shown in FIG.

[0168] 14-19 is somewhat similar to the example previously shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , except that a protective cap 90 is pivotally coupled to the housing 20. Again, the protective cap 90 is pivotable relative to the housing 20 about a pivot axis 98. As shown in FIG. 9 , the side wall 94 of the protective cap 90 does not have an extension 99. Instead, similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the longitudinal extension 92 of the protective cap 90 is configured to prevent release of the interlock 70. Again, upon pivotal movement of the protective cap 90 between the open and closed positions, the through opening 22 in the end face 23 of the housing 20 includes an elongated slit to permit pivotal insertion of the longitudinal extension 92 of the cup-shaped protective cap 90.

[0169] Again, trigger 80 is permanently accessible from the outside, regardless of the configuration or temporary position of protective cap 90. When protective cap 90 is assembled to housing 20 and reaches the closed position as shown in FIG. 16 , shoe section 93 of longitudinal extension 92 is located between support structure 82 of housing 20 and a portion of strut section 62 facing support structure 82. In this way, lateral, e.g., inward, displacement of strut 62 toward support structure 82 is substantially prevented and impeded as long as protective cap 90 is in the closed position.

[0170] Only when the protective cap 90 is opened, i.e., by pivoting the protective cap 90 to the open position, does the longitudinal extension 92 move out of the receiving space 26, allowing trigger-induced displacement of the strut 62, which disengages the catch feature 71 and the snap feature 72 of the housing 20 and the mechanical coupler 60, as shown in Figure 17, thereby releasing the interlock 70. As a result, the biasing member 50 is allowed to de-energize and displace the mechanical coupler 60 towards the orifice 21, thus inducing movement of the container 32 relative to the outlet 40, thereby dispensing a dose of fluid through the orifice 21, as shown in Figure 18.

[0171] When the protective cap 90 is reinstalled on the housing 20 and the protective cap 90 is pivoted toward the closed position, the longitudinal extension 92 engages the abutment portion 61 of the strut 62, as shown in FIG. 19. Starting from this intermediate configuration shown in FIG. 19, where the longitudinal extension 92 has just entered and extended through the through opening 22, further closing and pivoting movement of the protective cap 90 relative to the housing 20 results in longitudinal displacement of the strut 62, and therefore the mechanical coupler 60, against the action of the biasing member 50, until the closed position is reached. Before or upon reaching the closed position, the interlock 70 is activated and repeated opening of the protective cap 90 will not affect the dispensing of fluid until the trigger 80 is again depressed.

[0172] 20-37 show a further example of a fluid dispensing device 100 utilizing a second type of spray delivery device 130. Here, a container 132 is fixed within a housing 120 of the fluid dispensing device 100, while a movable member 135 of the spray delivery device 130 is subject to displacement or movement relative to the housing 120. As is apparent, an outlet 140 of the spray delivery device 130 does not move relative to the container 132. The outlet 140 is fixed to the container 132. Conversely, the movable member 135 is displaceable relative to both the container 132 and the outlet 140. Again, the outlet 140 is fixed to the housing 120. The outlet 140 is in fluid engagement with an orifice 121 provided at the upper end of the housing.

[0173] The upper end of the housing 120, and therefore the end surface 123 including the orifice 121, is configured to be completely covered by a removable protective cap 190. The protective cap 190 includes a cap member 190a that is configured to cover and set or obstruct the orifice 121 of the previous delivery device 130 when the protective cap 190 is in the closed position. The cap 190 can be held in the closed position shown in FIG. 20 by corresponding fastening features 195 and 196 on the protective cap 190 and the housing 120, respectively. The fastening features and counterfastening features 195, 196 include one of a protrusion and a recess, for example, to provide a snap-fit ​​engagement between the protective cap 190 and the housing 120.

[0174] As shown in Figures 20 to 23, the movable member 135 of the spray delivery device 130 is fixedly coupled to a mechanical coupler 160. The mechanical coupler 160 is slidably displaceable within the housing 120 by a guide structure 125. The mechanical coupler 160 engages with a biasing member 150. One end 151 of the biasing member 150 abuts an inward portion of the housing 120, and a second end 152 of the biasing member 150 engages or abuts the mechanical coupler 160. In this manner, the mechanical coupler 160, and therefore the movable member 135 attached thereto, can be displaced relative to the housing 120 against the action of the biasing member 150.

[0175] In the initial configuration shown in FIG. 20 , the mechanical coupler is in a preload position. The mechanical coupler is held in the preload position by an activated interlock 170. The interlock 170 includes a resilient member 173, for example in the form of a deformable leg 174 attached to or integrally formed with the housing 120. The leg 174 includes a catch feature 171 for engaging a snap feature 172 on the mechanical coupler 160. In this way, the mechanical coupler 160 is prevented from moving toward the bottom of the housing 120 under the effect of the relaxing biasing member 150. Again, the biasing member 150 is implemented as a helically wound compression spring.

[0176] The trigger 180 is integral with or flush mounted to the side wall 124 of the housing 120. The trigger 180 may include a resiliently depressible knob or button 182. A bridging piece 176 is further provided within the interior of the housing 120, and thus within the receiving space 126, to provide a mechanical link between the trigger 180 and the legs 174, and therefore between the trigger 180 and the interlock 170. The bridging piece 176 may belong to the trigger 180 or may be integrally formed therewith. The bridging piece 176 includes one end that engages or abuts an inner portion of the trigger 180. The bridging piece 176 includes an opposite second end that abuts or engages with the legs 174 or the resilient member 173 of the interlock 170.

[0177] As shown in Figure 21, when trigger 180 is depressed, the respective movement is transmitted via bridging piece 176 to elastic member 173, thereby resulting in a releasing movement of catch feature 171 relative to snap feature 172. As a result, mechanical coupler 160, previously blocked by interlock 170, is not allowed to move towards container 132 under the action of relaxing biasing member 150, as shown in Figure 22. Because mechanical coupler 160 is connected and fixed to movable member 135, a dispensing action occurs and a portion of the fluid is expelled through outlet 140 and orifice 121, as shown in Figure 22.

[0178] Now, the protective cap 190 must be reassembled onto the housing 20 to bias the biasing member and move the biasing member 150 to the preloaded state shown in FIG. 20 . As previously mentioned, the protective cap 190 includes a cup-shaped hollow interior 191. The protective cap 190 further includes a longitudinal extension 192. As shown in FIG. 23 , the extension 192 includes a rack portion 168 such that a plurality of teeth faces the mechanical coupler 160. The mechanical coupler 160 includes a corresponding rack portion 164 facing the side wall 124 and therefore the trigger 180. A pinion 166 rotatably mounted on the housing 120 is provided between the rack portions 164, 168.

[0179] In the configuration shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 , the free end of resilient member 173 enters receptacle 165 of mechanical coupler 160 and is therefore prevented from relaxing back to the initial configuration shown in FIG. 20 . Here, resilient member 173 engages the sidewall of receptacle 165. To provide resilient return movement of resilient member 173, mechanical coupler 160 must be displaced back to the preloaded position shown in FIG. 20 . The catch and longitudinal guidance of the free ends of resilient member 173 and legs 174 within receptacle 165 is accompanied by the respective displacement of bridging piece 176. Thus, even when trigger 180 is released, bridging piece 176 remains in the depressed position because it is secured to resilient member 173.

[0180] The bridging piece 176 may further comprise a guide structure 177 effective to keep the rack portion 168 of the longitudinal extension 192 engaged with the pinion 166. The further rack portion 164 of the mechanical coupler 160 is permanently engaged with the pinion 166. Starting from the configuration shown in FIG. 23 , the protective cap 190 is now pressed into the closed position, so that the rack portion 168 of the longitudinal extension 192 remains engaged with the pinion 166. As the protective cap 190 is moved closer to the closed position shown in FIG. 20 , the pinion 166 begins to rotate, thereby transmitting a respective opposing motion to the rack portion 164. As the protective cap 190 is moved closer to the bottom of the housing 120, the mechanical coupler 160 is moved further away from the bottom and towards the top face 123.

[0181] This movement continues until interlock 170 is again activated and until catch feature 171 of resilient member 173 aligns with the recessed portion of snap feature 172. Once catch feature 171 and snap feature 172 are properly aligned, resilient member 173 is allowed to flex outward, thus bringing catch feature 171 and snap feature 172 into engagement. Interlock 170 is then activated. Mechanical coupler 160 is prevented from moving under the action of biasing member 150. The biasing member is held in a preloaded state, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Furthermore, lateral or relaxing movement of resilient member 173 has the additional effect of causing bridging piece 176 to abut the inside of trigger 180, as shown in FIG. 20. The longitudinal extension 192 bent toward the pinion 166 by the guide structure 177 of the bridging piece 176 also relaxes to its initial state, and the rack portion 168 of the longitudinal extension 192 disengages from the pinion 166 accordingly.

[0182] Again, as is evident from FIG. 20, the side wall 194 of the protective cap 190 completely covers the trigger 180, thus impeding and substantially preventing actuation of the trigger 180 so long as the protective cap 190 is in the closed position.

[0183] A further example of a fluid dispensing device 100 shown in the sequence of Figures 24-27 is very similar to the example previously shown in Figures 20-23. Here, in contrast to the previous example, the side wall 194 of the protective cap 190 is somewhat shorter so that the trigger 180 is always accessible, even when the protective cap 190 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 24. In this initial configuration, the interlock 170 is activated, preventing spring-induced displacement of the mechanical coupler 160.

[0184] The function of the fluid dispensing device 100 shown in Figures 24 to 27 is equivalent to or identical to that described above in connection with Figures 20 to 23. In this respect, reference is made to the previous example. To prevent uncontrolled, premature, or unintended release of the interlock 170, the protective cap 190 is effective in blocking the interlock 170 as long as the protective cap 190 is in the closed position. For this purpose, the housing 120 includes a further support 126 having a longitudinally extending support surface 127. The support surface faces the inside of the trigger 180. The support surface is located near the trigger 180, slightly below or immediately adjacent to the bridging piece 176. The support surface 127 extends longitudinally and is therefore substantially parallel to the extent of the longitudinal extension 192.

[0185] The distance between support surface 127 and the inside of trigger 180 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of protective cap 90, and therefore perpendicular to the direction of movement of longitudinal extension 92, is substantially equal to the thickness of guide structure 177 and the thickness of each of longitudinal extensions 192. As shown in FIG. 24 , when protective cap 190 is in the closed position, the side section of longitudinal extension 192 facing away from trigger 180 is in sliding engagement or abutment with support surface 127.

[0186] Thus, the longitudinal extension 192 is prevented from deflecting inwardly away from the trigger 180 when the protective cap 190 is in the closed position. The guide structure 177 of the bridging piece 176 abuts the side section of the longitudinal extension 192 facing the trigger 180. As a result, depression of the trigger 180 is prevented. Furthermore, the abutment and engagement of the longitudinal extension 192 with the support 126 and the support surface 127 prevents inward movement of the bridging piece 176, and therefore the elastic member 173, as long as the longitudinal extension 192 is located between the trigger 180 and the support 126, and the interlock 170 is locked and cannot be released, for example, by depression of the trigger. For this, the protective cap 190 must be moved to the open position shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 .

[0187] When the protective cap 190 is returned to the closed position as shown in FIG. 27, the rack portion 164 of the longitudinal extension 192 engages the pinion 166, thus inducing a bias and preload displacement of the mechanical coupler 160 and biasing member 150 as described above in connection with FIG. 23.

[0188] Further examples of fluid dispensing device 100 are shown in Figures 28-34. In Figure 28, the fluid dispensing device is shown from a side view, and in Figure 29, it is shown rotated 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis. Figure 29 shows a front view, with a protective cap 190 pivotally attached to the housing 120.

[0189] The cross-sectional view of Figure 30 shows a cross-section taken along the L-shaped line indicated in the upper left corner of Figure 30. Protective cap 190 is pivotally mounted to housing 120 and is pivotable about pivot axis 198. Protective cap 190 includes a hollow interior 191. An elongated protrusion 192 extends inward from the top of the cap toward the interior of protective cap 190. As previously mentioned, elongated protrusion 192 is configured and operable to enter and penetrate slit-shaped through-opening 122 provided in top surface 123 of housing 120.

[0190] The protective cap 190 may further include a handle section 193 located between extensions 199 on a side wall 194 of the protective cap 190. In the closed position shown in FIG. 30 , the extensions 199 substantially cover at least one trigger 180. The trigger 180 includes an elongated pin 181 that extends into the interior of the housing 120. The trigger 180 further includes a button 182 that is spring-biased by a spring 183 within a receptacle 128 provided in the side wall 124 of the housing 120.

[0191] In the closed position, the handle 193 may snap fit onto the housing 120 as shown in Figure 33, where the interior of the protective cap 190 is provided with a fastening feature 195 configured to engage with a corresponding counter fastening feature 196 provided on the exterior of the housing 120.

[0192] Additionally, inwardly extending protruding abutments 197 are provided that are configured to engage with the end face 123 of the housing 120, particularly the corner sections of the end face 123, to limit the closing movement of the protective cap 190.

[0193] In this example, the biasing member 150 is located between the mechanical coupler 160 and the movable member 135 of the spray delivery device 130. The reservoir 132 of the spray delivery device 130 is fixedly mounted within the housing 120. Additionally, a secondary spring 155 is provided that engages with the housing 120 and the mechanical coupler 160. A first end 156 of the secondary spring 155 abuts an extension 162 of the mechanical coupler 160, as best shown in FIG. 31 . A catch feature 171 of an interlock 170 is provided and disposed on the end of the extension 162 facing away from the relatively planar or disk-shaped mechanical coupler 160. A complementary snap feature 172 is provided on a free end of a resilient member 173 that is coupled to or integrally formed with the movable member 135 of the spray delivery device 130.

[0194] Similar to the previous example, the longitudinal extension 192 is effective to apply a displacement force to the abutment portion 161 of the mechanical coupler 160 to activate the interlock 170. Here, the interlock is formed between the mechanical coupler 160 and the movable member 135 of the spray delivery device 130. As shown in FIG. 30 , there is an interengagement or abutment between the catch feature 171 of the mechanical coupler 160 and the snap feature 172 of the movable member 135 of the spray delivery device 130.

[0195] Corresponding fastening and counterfastening features 195, 196 serve to hold protective cap 190 in a closed position and retain auxiliary spring 155 in a biased state, as shown in FIG. 30. When protective cap 190 is pivoted to an open position, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, there is no longer a downward force acting on mechanical coupler 160. To that extent, auxiliary spring 155 is operable to displace the assembly of mechanical coupler 160 and movable member 135 away from container 132. Because both movable member 135 and mechanical coupler 160 are subject to a common displacement relative to housing 120 induced by auxiliary spring 155, biasing member 150 is maintained in a preloaded state during this translational movement.

[0196] This movement, induced by the secondary spring 155, aligns the snap feature 172 with the pin 181 of the trigger 180. When the trigger 180 is then depressed, the snap feature 172 disengages from the catch feature 171. The mechanical coupler 160 is held in engagement with the top or end face 123 of the housing 120 by the secondary spring 155. Upon releasing the interlock 170, the movable member 135 is subjected to movement relative to the housing 120 and relative to the mechanical coupler 160 by the relaxing movement of the biasing member 150. As a result, the movable member 135 is moved toward the container 132 and a predetermined amount of fluid or medication is expelled through the orifice 121, as shown in FIG.

[0197] When the lid or protective cap 190 is re-closed, the longitudinal extension 192 enters the slit-shaped through opening 122 in the end face 123 of the housing 120. There, the longitudinal extension 192 engages with the abutment section 161 of the mechanical coupler 160. As a result, the mechanical coupler 160 is displaced toward the container 130 until the interlock 170 is re-engaged and the auxiliary spring 155 reaches a preloaded state as shown in FIG.

[0198] 34, it is apparent that mechanical coupler 160 and movable member 135 each include two diametrically opposed, mutually corresponding snap features 172 and catch features 171, respectively. Furthermore, fluid dispensing device 100 includes two triggers 180. In this manner, any forces for preloading biasing member 150, auxiliary spring 155, and any forces for disengaging interlock 170 can be symmetrically distributed and introduced into the respective components of fluid dispensing device 100. FIG. 34 further shows that protective cap 190 also includes two longitudinal extensions 192 to apply a relatively symmetrical biasing force to mechanical coupler 160.

[0199] Again, actuation of trigger 180 is substantially prevented as long as protective cap 190 is in the closed position.

[0200] 35-37 show an example similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 30-34. Here, in contrast to the previous example, the protective cap 190 does not have an extension 199 operable to cover the trigger 180 when the protective cap 190 is in the closed position. To prevent uncontrolled, premature, or unintended release of the interlock, the longitudinal extension 192 of the protective cap 190 includes a lateral abutment feature 185 that enters the free space between the mechanical coupler 160 and the inside of the trigger 180. In particular, the pin 181 includes a recessed portion 186 for engaging with the lateral abutment feature 185 when the protective cap 190 reaches the closed position. When the lateral abutment feature 185 engages with the pin 181, and thus its recessed portion 186, depression of the trigger is substantially blocked and prevented. Alternatively, in the closed position of the protective cap 190, the interlock 170, provided by the interlocking catch feature 171 and the correspondingly shaped snap feature 172, is located at a specific distance from the trigger 180. As long as the interlock 170 is offset from the trigger 180, depression of the trigger 180 has no effect on releasing the interlock 170. Only when the protective cap 190 is opened does the auxiliary spring 155 induce a sliding movement of the interlock 170, and the interlock 170 is aligned with and operatively engaged with the trigger 180.

[0201] The triggers described and illustrated in the examples of Figures 28-35 can be similarly implemented in any of the examples of Figures 1-27, and vice versa, and the trigger or trigger assembly 80 shown in Figures 2-27 can likewise be applied to Figures 28-35.

[0202] A further example of a fluid dispensing device shown in Figures 44 to 51 is somewhat similar to the example described above in relation to Figures 8 to 13. In particular, the reference numerals used above in relation to the example of Figures 1 to 19 and the reference numerals used in Figures 44 to 51 represent the same or similar components of the fluid dispensing device. In this respect, the description of Figures 1 to 19 also applies to the example shown in Figures 44 to 51 to a large extent.

[0203] The fluid dispensing device 10 depicted in Figures 44-51 includes a housing 20 having a sidewall 24. The housing is elongated and may be, for example, generally cylindrical in shape, but need not be. An orifice 21 is provided at the upper end of the housing 20 in flow communication with the outlet 40 of the spray delivery device 30.

[0204] The spray delivery device 30 is mounted on or in a mechanical coupler 60. The mechanical coupler 60 may include a tubular barrel that houses the spray delivery device 30, particularly the container 32 of the spray delivery device. The mechanical coupler 60 may include a hollow sleeve 64 or barrel in which the spray delivery device 30 is secured. The spray delivery device 30 is frictionally engaged with the sleeve 64 of the coupling member 60.

[0205] As described above, the coupling member 60 is biased by the mechanical biasing member 50. A first end 51 of the mechanical biasing member 50 abuts a flange section 66 that projects outward from the sidewall of the sleeve 64. An opposite second end 52 abuts an inwardly facing portion of the housing 20. In particular, the second end 52 of the biasing member 50 abuts a bottom portion of the housing 20. The biasing member 50 is disposed around the tubular guide structure 25. The guide structure may include or consist of an outer sleeve configured to receive the sleeve 64 as an inner sleeve. Thus, the outer sleeve of the guide structure 25 provides longitudinal guidance for the mechanical coupler 60.

[0206] Mechanical coupler 60 is held and secured in the preloaded position by interlock 70. Interlock 70 is displaceable or reconfigurable from an interlocked position or configuration shown in Figures 44, 45, 50, and 52 to a released position or configuration shown in Figures 49, 51, and 53. To move interlock 70 to the released configuration, protective cap 90 must approach the open position or configuration as shown in Figures 47 and 49.

[0207] Interlock 70 is further operably engaged with trigger 80. Trigger 80 is located within a recess 86 or recessed portion in sidewall 24 of housing 20. Trigger 80 includes a trigger button 84 that is located entirely within recess 86. Trigger button 84 does not protrude from recess 86. A depressible or user-actuable portion of button 84 is positioned a distinct, non-zero distance from the exterior surface of sidewall 24 of housing 20. This is particularly true when interlock 70 is in the interlocked configuration or position. In this manner, as shown, for example, in FIG. 44 , recessed portion 86 has a diameter or cross-section that is smaller than the respective cross-section of a human finger, such that interlock 70 and / or trigger 80 cannot be actuated by a user's finger.

[0208] Therefore, in order to actuate or depress the trigger 80, a tool must be inserted into the recess 86 of the housing 20. Here, the protective cap 90 is mounted on the housing 20 so as to be pivoted about a pivot axis 98, so that the protective cap 90 is provided with a respective tool, for example in the form of a protrusion 87, for entering the recess 86 and depressing the button 84 of the trigger 80.

[0209] Protective cap 90 includes a protrusion 87 extending outward from an outer surface of protective cap 90. Typically, as will be apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 44 and 47 , the radial distance between protrusion 87 and pivot axis 98 is the same as or corresponds to the radial distance between recess 86 and pivot axis 98. When protective cap 90 is pivoted toward the final open position shown in FIG. 47 , protrusion 87 is already in recess 86 and abuts depressible button 84 of trigger 80. A user can then induce further pivotal movement of protective cap 90 toward the final open position, causing protrusion 87 to further enter recess 86, thereby depressing button 84 of trigger 80.

[0210] Depression of button 80 displaces interlock 70 along a first direction of movement, which may be perpendicular to the axis of extension of mechanical biasing member 50 and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of sleeve 64 of mechanical coupler 60. As shown in the interlocking configuration in FIGS. 45 and 50, interlock 70 engages abutment 61 of mechanical coupler 60. Abutment 61 is provided as a radially enlarged shoulder portion that abuts interlock 70 vertically or axially.

[0211] 50 and 51, the interlock 70 includes a planar body 74 having an aperture 75. The aperture 75 is shaped to receive the mechanical coupler 60 therethrough.

[0212] 50, aperture 75 is positioned slightly offset along the first direction of movement from the cross section of mechanical coupler 60. Thus, radially outwardly projecting abutment 61 of mechanical coupler 60 is axially or vertically engaged with the underside of the side edge of aperture 75.

[0213] The slider 77 is slidably guided by a further guiding structure 25a of the housing 20. As is apparent from a comparison of Figures 50 and 51, the slider 77 is guided along a first direction of movement. Movement of the slider 77 is typically triggered by a respective depression of a button 84. The button 84, and therefore the trigger 80, is formed integrally with the interlock 70. The button 84 may be an integral component of the body 74. The aperture 75 of the slider 77 includes a shape and / or a mechanical code or keyed structure 79 that matches a mechanical code or keyed structure 67 provided on the outer periphery of the mechanical coupler 60.

[0214] The side edges of the keyed structure 79 and / or aperture 75 may include at least one recess 76 configured to receive a correspondingly shaped protrusion, for example in the form of a radially outwardly projecting abutment 61 of the mechanical coupler 60. In other examples, the keyed structure 67 of the mechanical coupler 60 includes at least one recess configured to engage or receive a recess in the aperture 75 or keyed structure 79 of the slider 77.

[0215] 51, the mechanical code or keyed structure 67 of the mechanical coupler 60 is aligned with the respective mechanical code or keyed structure 79 of the aperture 75. In this manner, the axial or longitudinal abutment between the mechanical coupler 60 and the interlock 70 is abolished and the mechanical coupler 60, with the spray delivery device 30 attached, is allowed to move towards the orifice 21 under the action of the relaxing mechanical biasing member 50.

[0216] 1-19, the interior of the protective cap 90 is provided with at least one longitudinal extension 92 configured to extend through the through opening 22 provided in the top end surface 23 of the housing. In this manner, when the cap 90 is closed, the protrusion 90 engages the top end wall or end surface 65 of the mechanical coupler 60. Then, during return movement of the protective cap 90 toward and into the closed position shown in FIG. 44, the mechanical coupler 60 and the spray delivery device 30 return to their initial position or configuration.

[0217] Trigger-induced movement of interlock 70 is accompanied by compression of return spring 85, as shown by a comparison of Figures 50 and 51, where compression spring 85 is disposed between abutment 78 of body 74 of interlock 70 and the inwardly facing surface of side wall 24 of housing 20. Biasing or moving interlock 70 to the released configuration shown in Figure 51 results in the biasing of return spring 85.

[0218] When the protective cap 90 is returned to the closed position, the protrusion 87 is disengaged from the recess 86. As long as the keyed structure 67 of the mechanical coupler 60 is engaged with the correspondingly shaped keyed structure 79 of the interlock 70, movement of the interlock 70 toward the interlocked position or configuration is substantially prevented.

[0219] Now, upon reaching the initial configuration shown in Figure 44, mechanical coupler 60 and its keyed structure 67 disengage from keyed structure 79 of interlock 70. Interlock 70 is then free to be displaced under the effect of return spring 85 to the interlocked position or configuration shown in Figure 50.

[0220] 52 and 53, the interlock 270 is also integrally formed with the trigger 280. Here, however, the interlock 270 includes a resilient ring structure 272. In the initial configuration shown in FIG. 52, the resilient ring structure 272 includes an elliptical shape. The major axis 276 of the elliptical ring structure 272 is greater than the diameter of the mechanical coupler 60, as shown in dashed lines, while the minor axis 278 of the ring structure 272 is shorter than the respective dimensions of the mechanical coupler 60.

[0221] 44, the aperture 275 of the elliptical ring structure does not match the outer periphery or outer shape of the mechanical coupler 60. Thus, the abutment 61 of the mechanical coupler 60 provided by the top end wall 65 at least partially abuts the axial or longitudinal abutment with the elliptical ring structure 272.

[0222] 52 and 53, the trigger button 284 extends outward from the ring structure 272. The trigger button 284 is located on the outer section of the ring structure 272. The trigger 280 and the outwardly extending trigger button 284 are provided at longitudinal ends of the major axis of the oval-shaped ring structure 272. The opposite end of the major axis abuts the side wall 24 of the housing 20.

[0223] Depressing trigger 280 radially inward advantageously decreases the length of major axis 276 and increases the length of minor axis 278 of elliptical ring structure 272. When deformation of ring structure 272 causes minor axis 278 of ring structure 272 to be equal to or greater than the diameter of mechanical coupler 60 along minor axis 278, axial abutment between interlock 70 and mechanical coupler 60 is substantially eliminated or canceled. Mechanical coupler 60 is then free to move longitudinally relative to interlock 270. [Explanation of symbols]

[0224] 10. Fluid Metering Device 20. Housing 21 Orifice 22 Through opening 23 End face 24 Side wall 25 Guidance structure 25a Guidance structure 26 Containment Space 27 Jet Nozzle 28 Shaft part 29 aperture 30 Spray Delivery Device 31 tube 32 Container 33 Inlet valve 35 Movable parts 36 Outlet valve 38 Chamber 40 exit 41 axes 42 Spring 45 base 50 biasing member 51 first end 52 Second end 60 Mechanical Coupler 61 Contact part 62 Strut 63 Corner Section 64 sleeve 65 End Wall 66 flange section 67 Keyed structure 70 Interlock 71 Catch function 72 Snap function 73 Elastic Member 74 Main Unit 75 aperture 76 Recess 77 Slider 78 Contact part 79 Keyed Structure 80 Trigger 81 pins 82 Support structure 83 Bulging part 84 buttons 85 Spring 86 Recess 87 Protrusion 90 Protective Cap 90 Cap member 91 Hollow interior 92 Extension 93 Shoe Section 94 Side wall 95 Fastening Function 96 Opposite fastening function 97 Recessed part 98 Pivot Axis 99 Extension 100 Fluid metering device 120 Housing 121 Orifice 122 Through opening 123 End face 124 Side wall 125 Guidance Structure 126 Support part 127 Support surface 128 receptacle 130 spray delivery device 131 tube 132 Container 133 Inlet valve 135 Movable parts 136 Outlet valve 138 Chamber 140 Exit 141 axes 142 Spring 145 base 146 axes 150 biasing member 151 first end 152 Second End 155 Auxiliary spring 156 First End 157 Second End 160 Mechanical Coupler 161 Contact part 162 Extension 164 Rack part 165 receptacle 166 Pinion 168 Rack part 170 Interlock 171 Catch function 172 Snap function 173 Elastic Members 174 Legs 176 Bridging Piece 177 Guidance Structure 180 Trigger 181 pins 182 buttons 183 Spring 185 Lateral contact function 186 Recessed part 190 Protective Cap 190a cap member 191 Hollow interior 192 Extension 193 Handle 194 Side wall 195 Fastening Function 196 Fastening Function 197 Contact part 198 Pivot Axis 270 Interlock 272 Ring Structure 275 aperture 276 Long axis 278 Short axis 280 Trigger 284 buttons

Claims

1. A fluid dispensing device (10; 100) comprising: a housing (20; 120) including an orifice (21; 121), the housing (20; 120) configured to accommodate at least a portion of a spray delivery device (30; 130), the spray delivery device including an outlet (40; 140) capable of releasing a fluid stored in the spray delivery device (30; 130); The outlet (40; 140) of the spray delivery device (30) is connected to or fixed to the orifice (21; 121); The fluid dispensing device comprises: a protective cap (90; 190) defining an interior space (91, 191) configured to accommodate an outlet (40; 140) of a spray delivery device (30; 130), the protective cap (90; 190) including at least one cap member (90a; 190a), the protective cap (90; 190) configured to fit onto the housing (20; 120) in a closed position relative to the housing (20; 120), the cap member (90a, 190a) covering the orifice (21) in the closed position; a mechanical biasing member (50; 150) reversibly transferable between a preloaded state and an unloaded state and configured to store mechanical energy in the preloaded state effective to cause spray emission of the spray delivery device (30; 130); a releasable interlock (70; 170; 270) configured to retain the mechanical biasing member (50; 150) in a preloaded state; an actuatable trigger (80; 180) operably engaged with the interlock (70; 170; 270) and configured to release the interlock (70; 170; 270) when actuated; wherein release of the mechanical energy stored in the preloaded mechanical biasing member (50; 150) upon actuation of the trigger (80; 180; 280) is prevented as long as the cap member (90a, 190a) of the protective cap (90, 190) covers the orifice (21; 121); Here, the protective cap (90; 190) can be transferred to an open position relative to the housing (20; 120), and the protective cap (90; 190) approaches or reaches the open position. When activated, the trigger (80; 180; 280) The fluid dispensing device.

2. 2. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the protective cap (90; 190) is pivotally connected to the housing (20; 120), the protective cap (90; 190) being displaceable between a closed position and an open position, and when in the closed position the protective cap (90; 190) covers the orifice (21; 121) and when in the open position the orifice (21; 121) is not covered.

3. 3. A fluid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when in the closed position the protective cap (90; 190) is operable to prevent release of the interlock (70; 170; 270).

4. A fluid metering device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operable trigger (80; 180; 280) is located in a recessed portion (85) of the housing (20; 120).

5. 5. A fluid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protective cap (90; 190) includes a protrusion (87) extending outwardly from an outer surface of the protective cap (90; 190) and configured to engage or depress an actuatable trigger (80; 180; 280).

6. 6. A fluid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the interlock (70) comprises a slider (77) slidably guided along a first direction of movement by a guide structure (25a) of the housing (20; 120) for slidably displacing the interlock (70) relative to the housing (20; 120) between an interlocked position and a released position.

7. Fluid dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interlock (70; 170; 270) is displaceable from the interlock position to or towards the release position against the action of a return spring (85).

8. 8. A fluid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a mechanical coupler (60; 150) engaged with the mechanical biasing member (50; 150) and displaceable to a preload position relative to the housing (20; 120) to move the mechanical biasing member (50; 150) to a preload state.

9. 9. The fluid dispensing device of claim 8, wherein the protective cap (90; 190) is operably engageable with the mechanical coupler (60; 160) and is operable to displace the mechanical coupler (60; 160) to a preloaded position when the protective cap (90; 190) approaches a closed position relative to the housing (20; 120).

10. 10. The fluid dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the interlock (70) includes an aperture (75) sized to receive at least one of the mechanical coupler (60) and the spray delivery device (30; 130), and wherein trigger-induced movement or deformation of the interlock (70) aligns the aperture of the interlock (70) with at least one of the mechanical coupler (60) and the spray delivery device (30; 130) and allows at least one of the mechanical coupler (60) and the spray delivery device (30; 130) to enter the aperture (75) of the interlock (70).

11. The protective cap (90; 190) is located in the interior space (91; 191) or in the interior space (9 11. A fluid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a longitudinal extension (92; 192) extending through an end face (23; 123) or a through opening (22; 122) in a side wall (24; 124) of the housing (20; 120) when the protective cap (90; 190) approaches a closed position, the longitudinal extension (92; 192) being configured to extend through at least one of an orifice (21) or a through opening (22; 122) in an end face (23; 123) or a side wall (24; 124) of the housing (20; 120).

12. 10. The fluid dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the mechanical coupler (60; 160) comprises an abutment (61; 161) configured to engage with a longitudinal extension (92; 192) of the protective cap (90; 190).

13. 10. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the housing (20; 120) includes a longitudinal guide structure (25; 125) operable to guide the mechanical coupler (60; 160), the mechanical coupler (60; 160) being displaceable along the longitudinal guide structure (25; 125) between a preloaded position and an unloaded position.

14. 14. A fluid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the spray delivery device (30; 130) or a part thereof is arranged inside the housing (20; 120), and the outlet (40) of the spray delivery device (30; 130) coincides with or is arranged in alignment with the orifice (21; 121).

15. The spray delivery device (30; 130) comprises: a container (32; 132) providing a reservoir for the fluid; a movable member (35; 135) displaceable relative to the container (32; 132) between a preload position and a discharge position, wherein movement of the movable part (35; 135) relative to the container (32; 132) is effective to discharge a spray jet from an outlet (40; 140) of the spray delivery device (30; 130); 15. The fluid dispensing device of claim 14, further comprising:

16. 16. A fluid dispensing device according to claim 15, wherein one of the container (32; 132) and the movable member (35; 135) is engaged with or attached to one of a mechanical coupler (60; 160) and a mechanical biasing member (50; 150).

17. 16. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein at least one of the outlet (40; 140) and the container (32; 132) is fixed inside the housing (20; 120), and the movable member (35; 135) of the spray delivery device (30; 130) is mechanically engaged or coupled to one of a mechanical coupler (60; 160) and a mechanical biasing member (50; 150).

18. 16. A fluid dispensing device as described in claim 14 or 15, wherein the outlet (40; 140) is fixed to a movable member (35; 135) of the spray delivery device (30; 130), and the container (32; 132) of the spray delivery device (30; 130) is mechanically engaged or coupled to one of a mechanical coupler (60; 160) and a mechanical biasing member (50; 150).

Images