Nasal dispensing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the nasal dispensing of a fluid or powdered product, the device comprising a dispensing head (10) that is provided with a dispensing opening (11) and is suitable for being at least partially inserted into a nostril during actuation, the dispensing head (10) being mounted on a reservoir (30) containing the fluid or powdered product to be dispensed, a dispensing member (20) being provided to dispense the product contained in the reservoir (30) in a dosed manner, the device comprising an end piece (40) arranged around the dispensing head (10) and comprising a bearing surface (41) which, in use, is designed to rest on the entrance of a nostril, and a finger-rest surface (45) for accommodating the fingers of a user when the device is being used, the finger-rest surface (45) curving upward, so as to form an upwardly curved cylindrical section that extends radially on either side of the dispensing head (10).

Description

Nasal delivery device

[0001] The present invention relates to a nasal delivery device for fluid products.

[0002] Nasal delivery devices are well-known and used in a variety of applications. These devices typically consist of a delivery head incorporating the product dispensing orifice, with at least a portion of this head designed to be inserted into the user's nostril during product dispensing. The user then activates the device to expel a dose of product into the nostril.

[0003] In certain applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical field, the products dispensed by nasal delivery devices can be expensive and / or require efficient dosing. Therefore, the goal is to achieve maximum efficiency in the dose of product delivered to the nostril with each actuation.

[0004] The ergonomics of the dispensing device are very important in this regard, and a good grip on the device by the user improves the positioning of the device in the nostril during actuation, and therefore the efficiency of dose distribution.

[0005] The documents CN213724172U, EP1714940A1, USD433123S, EP1878456A1, WO2024091453A1 and USD1028216S describe prior art devices.

[0006] One aim of the present invention is to provide a nasal delivery device that does not reproduce the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0007] More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a nasal dispensing device which, upon actuation, allows the product to be distributed efficiently into the nostril.

[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a nasal dispensing device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a nasal dispensing device which is simple and reliable for any user.

[0010] The present invention therefore relates to a nasal dispensing device for a fluid or powdered product comprising a dispensing head having a dispensing orifice and adapted to be at least partially inserted into a nostril during actuation, said dispensing head being mounted on a reservoir containing said fluid or powdered product to be dispensed, a dispensing member being provided to dispense the product contained in said reservoir in a metered manner, said device comprising a nozzle disposed around said dispensing head and comprising a support surface which, during use, is adapted to rest on the entrance of a nostril, and a finger rest surface to receive the fingers of a user during the use of said device, said finger rest surface being convex upwards, forming an upwardly curved cylindrical section which extends radially on either side of said dispensing head.

[0011] Advantageously, the horizontal length L between the two lateral edges of said finger rest surface is between 15 and 30 mm, in particular between 20 and 25 mm.

[0012] Advantageously, the axial height H between the lowest and highest axially points of said finger rest surface is between 2.5 and 6 mm, in particular between 3 and 5 mm.

[0013] Advantageously, the vertical section of the finger rest surface forms an arc of a circle, the radius of curvature R of which is between 7.5 and 46.5 mm, preferably between 15 and 20 mm.

[0014] Advantageously, said horizontal length L is about 25 mm, said axial height H is about 5 mm, and said radius of curvature R is about 18 mm.

[0015] Advantageously, said finger rest surface has axially projecting profiles on its upper surface in contact with the user's fingers when using the device.

[0016] Advantageously, the said distribution unit is a pump.

[0017] Alternatively, the distribution unit in question is a valve.

[0018] Alternatively, the said distribution element is a piston, such as a syringe piston.

[0019] According to a first advantageous embodiment, said tip is attached and fixed onto said head, in a removable or non-removable manner.

[0020] According to a second advantageous embodiment, said tip is molded in one piece with said head.

[0021] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example, and on which

[0022] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nasal dispensing device according to a first embodiment, in the resting position.

[0023] laest a view similar to that of the, in the activated position,

[0024] This is a schematic side view of a nasal dispensing device according to a second embodiment, in the resting position, and

[0025] This is a schematic detail view that shows the profile of the finger rest surface according to an advantageous embodiment.

[0026] In the description, the terms "superior", "top" and "bottom" refer to the upright position of the device, visible in Figures 1 to 3. The terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the longitudinal central axis of the device.

[0027] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the nasal dispensing device comprises a nasal dispensing head 10 having a dispensing orifice 11, said head 10 being mounted on a reservoir 30 containing the fluid or powdered product to be dispensed, with a dispensing member 20, such as a pump in this example, intended to dispense the product contained in the reservoir 30 in a metered manner.

[0028] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the distribution unit 20 is a pump, in which a piston slides back and forth between its rest and actuation positions to, in each cycle, distribute a dose of product and draw a new dose from the reservoir.

[0029] It should be noted that the pump shown in figures 1 and 2 is only an example; the pump could be any type.

[0030] The invention also applies to devices comprising a metering valve as a distribution element 20, in which a valve moves back and forth between its rest and actuation positions to, at each cycle, distribute a dose of product under the effect of a propellant gas and load a new dose from the reservoir.

[0031] The invention also applies to unit doses or bidoses, in which a piston, such as a syringe piston, is moved in one direction only in the reservoir, so that with each movement expels a dose of product.

[0032] A nozzle 40 is provided to cooperate with the nasal delivery head 10 by being disposed around said head 10, so that the head 10 passes through said nozzle 40. The part of said head 10 which extends axially beyond said nozzle 40 is then adapted to be inserted into a nostril when the device is actuation.

[0033] This nozzle 40 has a support surface 41 which, during use, rests against the entrance of the nostril. Depending on the shape of this support surface 41, it can be used to define the insertion depth of the head 10 into the nostril and / or the orientation of said head 10 within the nostril. This optimizes the efficiency of the distribution of the fluid product into the nostril.

[0034] The nozzle 40 also includes a finger rest 45 on which the user places their fingers when using the device to dispense a dose of liquid or powdered product. Generally, the user's thumb is placed on the bottom of the reservoir 30, or on the bottom of a support piece that holds the reservoir 30, and two fingers, for example the index and middle fingers, are placed on either side of the head 10 on the finger rest 45. The device is actuated by pressing the thumb on the reservoir 30 and the two fingers on the finger rest 45, and thus on the dispensing head 10, to move the head 10 axially relative to the reservoir 30.

[0035] Advantageously, the finger rest surface 45 is axially offset from the support surface 41. In this way, the user's fingers during actuation do not come into contact with the nose, and do not disturb the positioning and insertion depth of the dispensing head 10 in the nostril.

[0036] According to a first embodiment, the nozzle 40 is formed by a separate part from the distribution head 10, and it is assembled around said head, as shown in figures 1 and 2. This assembly may be removable or non-removable.

[0037] According to a second embodiment, said tip 40 is an integral part of the head 10, the head 10 and the tip 40 then being molded from a single monobloc piece, as seen in the.

[0038] According to the invention, the finger rest surface 45 is convex upwards, as seen in the figure. It forms an upwardly curved cylindrical section that extends radially on either side of the head 10.

[0039] Advantageously, the horizontal length L between the two lateral edges of the finger rest surface 45 is between 15 and 30 mm, preferably between 20 and 25 mm.

[0040] Advantageously, the axial height H between the lowest axially point (at the level of the two lateral edges) and the highest axially point (at the level of the top of the finger rest surface 45, substantially in the middle between the two lateral edges) is between 2.5 and 6 mm, preferably between 3 and 5 mm.

[0041] Advantageously, the vertical section of the finger rest surface 45 forms an arc of a circle, the radius of curvature R of which is between 7.5 and 46.5 mm, preferably between 15 and 20 mm.

[0042] A particularly advantageous configuration of the finger rest surface 45 is obtained with a horizontal length L of 25 mm, an axial height H of 5 mm, and a radius of curvature R of 18.125 mm.

[0043] This unique shape of the finger rest surface 45 allows it to adapt to the natural curvature of the user's fingers when placed on the surface. Ergonomics and user comfort are therefore optimized, particularly compared to flat finger rest surfaces. Patient studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this invention, notably improved grip and tactile feedback during operation with a finger rest surface that curves upwards.

[0044] Advantageously, the finger rest surface 45 has axially projecting profiles 46 on its upper surface that come into contact with the user's fingers during operation of the device. These profiles 46 further improve ergonomics and user comfort during actuation. These profiles 46 can, for example, be formed by ribs extending transversely across the radial extent of the finger rest surface 45. Other profiles are possible, such as raised bumps distributed across the finger rest surface 45.

[0045] Advantageously, the axial distance between the bottom of the reservoir 30 (or any supporting element that supports the reservoir 30), on which the user places their thumb during actuation, and the top of the finger rest surface 45, in the device's rest position, has a length L1 of between 30 and 50 mm, preferably between 30 and 40 mm. This provides optimal ergonomics for the user, who, in the rest position, must exert maximum force to trigger the actuation. Too great a distance between the thumb on the bottom of the reservoir 30 and the two fingers on the finger rest surface 45 makes actuation more difficult. The same is true of too small a distance, which could also negatively impact the actuation of the device depending on the stroke required to actuate the distribution element 20.

[0046] Advantageously, the axial distance between the top of the finger rest surface 45 and the support surface 41 has a length L2 between 15 and 60 mm, preferably between 20 and 50 mm.

[0047] Advantageously, the axial distance between the support surface 41 and the dispensing orifice 11 has a length L3 between 15 and 25 mm. Below 15 mm, the penetration of the head 10 into the nostril is insufficient, which negatively impacts the deposition of the dispensed product in the nostril. Above 25 mm, the discomfort for the user becomes too significant, with an excessive depth of insertion.

[0048] The device works as follows.

[0049] The user inserts the head 10 into a nostril. During this operation, the support surface 41 of the nozzle 40 comes to rest against the nostril, to define the depth of insertion and orient the head 10 in the nostril.

[0050] Advantageously, the support surface 41 can also rest on the upper lip, under the nose.

[0051] Advantageously, the bearing surface 41 is shaped like a disc or an oval around the head 10.

[0052] The user then activates the device and the dose of product is distributed in the desired area.

[0053] The present invention thus provides a simple and inexpensive nasal dispensing device that is easy and easy to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, this device is simple and reliable for anyone to use, as its ergonomics are optimized to ensure proper operation.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, it is understood that it is not limited by the examples described. On the contrary, a person skilled in the art may make any useful modifications to it without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

A nasal dispensing device for a fluid or powdered product comprising a dispensing head (10) having a dispensing orifice (11) and adapted to be at least partially inserted into a nostril during actuation, said dispensing head (10) being mounted on a reservoir (30) containing said fluid or powdered product to be dispensed, a dispensing member (20) being provided to dispense the product contained in said reservoir (30) in a metered manner, said device comprising a nozzle (40) disposed around said dispensing head (10) and comprising a support surface (41) which, during use, is adapted to rest against the entrance of a nostril, and a finger rest surface (45) for receiving the fingers of a user during the use of said device, characterized in that said finger rest surface (45) is convex upwards,forming an upwardly curved cylindrical section extending radially on either side of said distribution head (10). Device according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal length L between the two lateral edges of said finger rest surface (45) is between 15 and 30 mm, in particular between 20 and 25 mm. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial height H between the axially lowest and highest points of said finger rest surface (45) is between 2.5 and 6 mm, in particular between 3 and 5 mm. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical section of the finger rest surface (45) forms an arc of a circle, the radius of curvature R of which is between 7.5 and 46.5 mm, preferably between 15 and 20 mm. Device according to claims 2, 3 and 4, wherein said horizontal length L is about 25 mm, said axial height H is about 5 mm, and said radius of curvature R is about 18 mm. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said finger rest surface (45) has axially projecting profiles (46) on its upper surface in contact with the user's fingers when using the device. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said distribution member (20) is a pump. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said distribution member (20) is a valve. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said distribution member (20) is a piston, such as a syringe piston. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tip (40) is attached and fixed to said head (10), in a removable or non-removable manner. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said tip (40) is molded in one piece with said head (10).

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