Water steam inhaler

Abstract

The present application relates to a method for inhaling water steam, usually mixed with volatile substances, by capturing the steam in immediate proximity of the hot free surface of the water-based liquid by means of a portable, handheld, mouth-inhaler. The inhalation occurring by means of an air tube having its lower opening in proximity of said hot liquid surface, at adjustable distance and inclination, for an optimal inhalation experience. According to the invention, pure water steam or water steam mixed with volatile substances can be inhaled, the latter originating from substances immersed in the water-based liquid. During inhalation no energy supply (batteries, network) is needed, thanks to high thermal insulation quality of the body of the inhaler. Fast heating of the water or water-based liquid occurs in-between inhalation periods, by placing the inhaler on its holder, the latter providing for energy supply. The inhalation is performed for health, well-being or pleasure purposes.

Description

[0001] BACKGROUND

[0002] Water steam inhaling is an old and still widely appreciated method for helping with congestion in the lungs. For relieving symptoms of colds. And for relaxing the throat muscles, which reduces coughing. The process is well known: a pot of water is heated to the point the water surface releases steam in the air. Then the pot is removed from the stove and the person inhales the steam by keeping his face above the steaming water surface. Often, solid substances like herbs or water-based liquids are added to the steaming water, for improving benefits from the inhalation.

[0003] The present invention derives from this method. It concerns a portable, lightweight steam mouth-inhaler characterized by three key elements when used: 1. a steaming water-based liquid surface; 2. maintaining steaming for a longer time period, without needing energy supply during use. 3. optimizing the inhalation experience by regulating distance and inclination of the inhalation tube opening, with respect to the steaming water-based liquid surface.

[0004] In recent years there has been an extensive proliferation of patents covering inhaling devices, mostly belonging to the field of electronic cigarettes or, alternatively , to therapeutic and clinical breathing devices, both being based on vaporization, nebulization, aerosol processes with ultrasonic vaporizers, piezo atomizers, other components remaining active in use, usually energy intensive. Their physical working principles are very different from inhaling the water steam released by a hot water free-surface and they don't exhibit one of the three above mentioned key elements. In fact, we can consider the most relevant prior art for the present invention the old method of inhaling steam from a hot water pot. Still not considering it as relevant prior art for the present application, we mention some patents relating to inhalers: US8739786B2 (Portable hand-held vaporizer), WO2015116934A1 (Methods and apparatus for producing herbal vapor), US8869792B1 (Portable vaporizer), JP2023134844A (Device for the care of respiratory wellbeing), CN209422678U (Personal inhaling device), WO1999025406A1 (Inhalation device), WO2016075436A1 (Electronic vapour inhaler), US10219543B2 (Electronic steam inhaler), WO2015076515A1 (Steam inhaler).

[0005] The applicant has recently filed an application (CH001377 / 2023) for a warm air inhaler. It describes a device where outside air is conveyed through a system of tubes inside the inhaler. Said tubes are warmed-up by being immersed in a substance previously warmed-up by a heating element immersed in said substance. In this way the air inside the tubes is warmed-up by the heat released by the tubes and is conveyed to the outlet of the inhaler, where inhalation occurs. This recently filed application is outside the scope of the present application. It claims a device for inhaling air conveyed by tubes through a heated water volume inside the device itself, said heated water volume having the function to heat the air inside said tubes made of thermally conductive material.

[0006] DESCRIPTION

[0007] CROSS REFERENCE: this application claims the benefits of and priority to Swiss Patent Application CH000089 / 2024, filed on January 25, 2024, the entirety of such application being incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] The health benefits produced by inhaling water steam released by a hot water surface have been well documented in clinical studies and have already been mentioned above.

[0009] It is a common habit in many countries in colder periods of the year and takes advantage from the high thermal capacity of water, hot water in a pot releasing steam for a longer period of time without continuous need of heating it. Traditionally, for improving health benefits, certain substances (solid or liquid) are added to steaming water, the steaming water becoming a steaming water-based liquid.

[0010] For the term "water-based liquid" we shall use in the present description the abbreviation "W-B liquid", with the undestanding that "W-B liquid" obviously includes pure water.

[0011] The present invention wants to bring the principle of inhaling steam released by a hot W-B liquid surface into a portable, handheld, lightweight device for personal use, allowing the user to optimize inhaling by controling two critical parameters: the distance of the lower end of the inhalation air tube from the hot W-B liquid surface and the inclination of said tube with respect to said surface.

[0012] In case inhalation is performed primarily for pleasure, said distance becomes the main factor for the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0013] The reason being the complex physical system represented by the thin air layer immediately above the hot W-B liquid surface.

[0014] A membrane, sometimes looking to naked eyes as a milky skin, is floating on the hot W-B liquid surface and is made by small droplets levitating due to rising evaporation flow.

[0015] The position of minimum distance (DI, Fig.5a) between the lower end of the inhalation air tube and the hot surface of the W-B liquid, i.e. the distance which, if further reduced, produces sipping of the W- B liquid instead of inhaling W-B steam, allows the inhaling person to capture said levitating droplets. Said droplets having a high concentration of volatile substances released by solid substances immersed in the W-B liquid, such as herbs, ob by aroma components of the W-B liquid itself. Provided the diameter of the air tube conveying the W-B steam to the mouth has an inner diameter clearly higher than said minimum distance, the final result is a pleasant inhalation experience.

[0016] Said position of minimum distance is also depending on the inhalation effort exerted by the person inhaling and has consequently to be adjusted accordingly.

[0017] Considered temperatures are not higher than 85-90°C (185-194°F) for the hot W-B liquid surface and the adjacent hot steam, becoming warm steam by reaching the mouth.

[0018] The composition of the W-B liquid is depending from the purpose of the inhalation. Medical and healing herbs such as thymian, lavender, eucaliptus and other can be immersed in the water of the inhaler before heating the same. Essential oils can be added to the water. With the method of the present invention impressive results are obtained using mint, an example being dried peppermint leaves, combining health benefits with sensorial pleasure.

[0019] Inhaling according to the teachings of the present application, just for pleasure but with no harm to the health, is obtained by using natural tobacco.

[0020] Harmful substances present in natural tobacco, such as nitrosamines or polyphenols as well as nicotine causing dependence, having a high molecular weight and, more relevant, a very low vapour pressure value at 90°C (194°F) can not reach the gaseous state and remain in the W-B liquid phase: they are not inhaled. Water's vapour pressure at 90°C is 70.000 Pa, nicotine's is 15 Pa.

[0021] On the other hand, at 90°C, volatile aromas of natural tobacco, having a much higher vapour pressure compared to the mentioned substances, can be inhaled, contributing to the pleasure of inhaling.

[0022] Caffeine has a much higher vapour pressure (2000 Pa at 80°C) compared to nicotine and consequently shall be present in the steam released by the W-B liquid. This result being reached by immersing in the water, before heating, ground coffee (container 5, Figg. 4, 5a, 5b) or by adding to the water coffee bean - extracts and flavours in liquid form.

[0023] Fig.l shows a schematic view of just the main components of an embodiment according to the present application, with no limiting purposes.

[0024] A lower part 1 comprises an outer body 2 providing for highest thermal insulation of its inner volume 3 with respect to the external environment. Said outer body 2 preferably, but not necessarily, consisting in sealed double-walled elements containing vacuum with an air pressure value not higher than 50 mbar, which means a thermal insulation value not less than 10X the value for air at the same temperature. The vacuum is produced inside the sealed outer body 2 preferably by using a Venturi vacuum pump. Materials used for the outer body 2 are preferably copper, aluminium or polycarbonate, the latter now being used also for water boilers.

[0025] The inner volume 3 comprises a solid structure 4 holding a small container 5 apt to be filled with herbs or other substances releasing volatile components when immersed in hot water. The structure 4 consists in an open framed structure or, alternatively, in a container open at its top. In both cases the structure 4, with the container 5, can be easily extracted and separated from the outer body 2 for cleaning purposes.

[0026] The container 5 comprises above a tiltable cover for maintaing substances inside said container, when immersed in the water based liquid.

[0027] It is important to note that the design of container 5 as shown in Fig.l and all the other figures of the present application is just one of many different alternative embodiments of container 5 within the scope of the present application, said design and materials depending from which substances are selected to fill container 5.

[0028] The inhaler in use, vertically oriented as in Fig 1, has the inner volume 3 filled with a W-B liquid, the liquid surface level being just above the container 5. In case of structure 4 having an open framed design, the W-B liquid shall be in contact with the inner faces of the outer body 2. Consequently the material selected for the inner face of the outer body 2 shall have to be compatible with the material of other components exposed to water such as contaner 5, for avoiding electrochemical corrosion. A preferable solution is using copper, aluminium, stainless steel or polycarbonate for the inner wall of the outer body 2.

[0029] The outer body 2 is fixed below to a socket 6. The socket 6 includes on its upper face a planar heating element 7 and is provided with an electrical connection on its lower face (not shown in Fig.l).

[0030] This allows to supply electrical energy to the heating element 7 by placing the inhaler on its holder 9, connected with the electrical network.

[0031] In case the structure 4 has an open framed design, the heating element 7 shall heat directly the W-B liquid. Alternatively, in case structure 4 is a container, it shall release heat to the W-B liquid inside and its material shall be electrochemically compatible with container 5. The inhaler comprises a safety sensor for stopping electricity supply to the heating element 7 by the holder 9, just before water boiling temperature is reached, for safety reasons.

[0032] On top of the outer boby 2 a cover element 10 is firmly applied, but can easily be removed for cleaning or substitution purposes. A large variety of element 10 designs are within the scope of this application. They all comprise an air tube for inhaling 11, which can, if desired, have a mouthpiece at its upper opening. Said tube 11 may contain a safe-use element 13, for avoiding hot water entering it when the inhalator is inclined upwards. All embodiments of element 10 also comprise an opening for outside air entering into the inhaler while inhaling. The opening is provided with manual opening / closing means or, alternatively, with one of two kinds of automatic opening / closing systems. The first being rotating elements 12 which open due to air motion while inhaling and return afterwards in "close" position after inhaling. The second being rotating elements which open by gravity, allowing air passage when the inhaler is slightly inclined for more confortable inhaling. Both kinds of inlet air openings allow air passage only while inhaling in order to minimize heat loss by the W-B liquid during inhalation pauses.

[0033] Fig.2a shows a preferred embodiment according to the present application.

[0034] The outer body 2 is a sealed double-walled structure with vacuum inside, for highest thermal insulation performance. Above its flat bottom surface, a heating element 7 is fixed. The outer body 2 is fixed below to a socket 6. The heating element 7 is electrically connected to the pins 8 on the lower face of the socket. The electric wires connecting element 7 to pins 8 run inside an air sealed conduit, not shown in Fig. 2a, in order to preserve vacuum's thermal insulation performance.

[0035] The outer body 2 incorporates an inner volume 3. Said inner volume 3 comprises an inner structure 4 holding a small container 5. A tiltable cover element on the top of container 5 allows to close it. The container 5 has the body and the cover comprising a metallic net for allowing hot W-B liquid to fully impregnate the substance or product inside the container 5. 10

[0036] When in use, the inner volume 3 is partially filled with hot W-B liquid, previously heated by placing the inhaler on its holder (9, Fig.l). The level of the W-B liquid surface 14 leaves the container 5 fully immersed and an air volume above it contains steam released by the hot W-B liquid surface, to be inhaled.

[0037] On the top of the outer body 2 a cover element 15 is firmly applied. It comprises on its top an air tube 16 for inhaling steam, which is inserted in an air conduit 17. The air conduit 17 comprises on its inside one or two safe use elements 20. If a child rotates upwards the inhaler, as when drinking from a bottle, elements 20 rotate by gravity, stopping the flow of hot W-B liquid into the air tube 16.

[0038] A second air conduit 18 allows ambient air from the outside to enter the volume 3, above the W-B liquid surface 14, for air changing while inhaling. When not inhaling, a revolving element 19 avoids steam-air to flow through conduits 17 and 18, with a loss of heat above the W- B liquid surface 14. By inhaling, the inspiring of air causes the revolving of the element 19, consequently the opening of the two air passages, in and out.

[0039] The inhaler shown on Fig.2a is designed for inhalation with the inhaler in vertical position or close to it (max. 10° clockwards). By lowering the position of container 5 inside structure 4 and changing the height of the W-B liquid surface level 14, inhalation with a more inclined inhaler is possible.

[0040] As humid air is involved, good cleaning and disinfection are important. The preferred embodiment of Fig.2a can be designed for easily separating the cover element 15 and the structure 4 from the outer body 2, as shown by arrows 21 in Fig.2b. Container 5 can be 11 easily removed from structure 4. Some devices on the market designed and produced according to the present application shall comprise a cover element 15, and perhaps also structure 4 with container 5, being single-use parts, made of recyclable material.

[0041] Fig. 3a shows another preferred embodiment according the present invention. While the outer body 2 with all parts inside it and the socket 6 with the electrical connection (pins 8) are essentially the same as in the embodiment shown on Fig.2a, the cover element 22 comprises on one side an oblong element recalling the stem of a tobacco smoking pipe. This allows a handling and holding of this embodiment similar to that of a tobacco smoking pipe, well known gestures for many people.

[0042] Said oblong element comprises inside an air conduit 23 for inhaling steam and has, if desired, a mouthpiece applied at the inhaling end (not shown). A second air conduit 24 allows ambient air from the outside to enter the volume 3, above the W-B liquid surface 14, for air changing while inhaling. A revolving element 25 works with the same principle as the revolving element 19 of Fig.2a., favouring heat retention inside volume 3.

[0043] A safe use element 26 avoids that, by inclining upwards the "pipe" inhaler of Fig.3a, as if drinking from a bottle, hot W-B liquid can enter into conduits 24 and 25. When inclined upwards, the cylinder 26 moves by gravity, being its rotating axis supported by two tracks on both sides, until it closes the openings of conduits 24 and 25.

[0044] As already shown in Fig.2b for the embodiment of Fig.2a, also this embodiment of Fig.3a can be designed and produced for easily separating the individual parts, as shown by the arrows 27 in Fig. 12

[0045] 3b, for cleaning and disinfection purposes. Some of the parts, such as element 22, being possibly single-use.

[0046] Another innovative steam inhalation method accordind the present application is now described and shown in Fig.4, 5, 6, 7.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of just the main components of such an embodiment according to the present application, with no limiting purposes.

[0048] The inhaling air tube 28 comprises an element 29 for manually lowering or raising it precisely along its axis, what can also be done, while inhaling, by gently pressing it with the mouth. This action can be combined by slightly inclining the inhaler, which reduces the distance between the opening of the inhaling tube 28 and the hot W- B liquid surface.

[0049] During the inhalation period, the level of the hot W-B liquid surface slowly lowers. By moving downwards the air tube 28, the critical distance between its lower end and the W-B liquid surface can be maintained.

[0050] Furthermore, minimizing the distance between the opening of the inhaling tube 28 and the hot W-B liquid surface, almost touching it, produces, by inspiring the steam, the inspiring of tiny liquid particles.

[0051] An outside ambient air inlet is provided on cover element 30, including a revolving element 31 which opens the air passage by gravity, when slightly incling the inhaler during use. 13

[0052] In the present embodiment of Fig.4, parts 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, (9 not shown in Fig.4), are essentially the same and perform the same functions as in the embodiments of Fig.l, 2, 3.

[0053] Fig.5a shows an embodiment in accordance with the embodiment shown on Fig.4. The inhaling air tube 32 comprises an element 33 for manually lowering or raising it along its axis. Its lowest position D2 being just above the upper cover element of container 5. The distance DI indicates the proximity of the lower opening of tube 32 to the hot W-B liquid surface 14.

[0054] Fig.5b shows the same embodiment of Fig.5a when slightly inclined for confortable inhalation and for allowing outside ambient air entering the inhaler by rotation by gravity of element 34.

[0055] Fig.6a shows another embodiment in accordance with the teachings of the present application. It combines the inhalation of the steam through the inhaling tube 35 and, simultaneously, the sipping of tiny quanitites of the W-B liquid filling the inside of the inhaler, through the tube 36. Its lower end opening 37 being fully immersed in the W- B liquid. Said tiny quantities of W-B liquid reaching the upper end opening of tube 36, when inhaling, with the contribution of the capillarity effect. By means of the inner face of tube 36 having a surface chracterized by a low contact angle of said W-B liquid when in contact with the same surface. Additionally, and preferably, tube 36 having a flattened section shape, for instance a flexible soft tube which conforms to the more rigid tube 35 as shown in Fig.6b, showing the top view of tubes 36 and 36, following the direction of the arrow. 14

[0056] The flattened shape of tube 36 produces a high percentage of water based liquid molucules in proximity to the inner wall of said tube, what is needed for the efficacy of the capillarity effect. It also allows that the tiny quantities of hot W-B liquid entering the tube 36 through its opening 37, when reaching the upper end opening of tube 36, have reached a lower temperature and can be sipped.

[0057] The inner thickness 38 of tube 36 (Fig.6b) should not be less than 1 mm, preferably, but not necessarily, around 2mm. The external profiles of tubes 35 and 36, as shown in Fig.6b, should combine together, in section view, in a circular shape, eventually both tubes running inside a round sheath (dotted line 39). Effective inhaling with sipping, following teachings of embodiment shown in Fig.6a and 6b, needs conforming lips to one round inhaling profile, not separated tube section profiles.

[0058] Fig.7 shows an embodiment according the present application, maintaing the manual lowering or raising of the lower end opening of the inhaling tube with respect to the W-B liquid surface, as with embodiments shown on Fig. 4, 5, 6, but with an overall design and handling recalling a tobacco smoking pipe.

[0059] While the outer body 2 with all parts inside the same and the socket 6 with the electrical connection (pins 8) are essentially the same as in the embodiments shown on Fig.4 and 5, the cover element 40 comprises on one side an oblong element recalling the stem of a tobacco smoking pipe.

[0060] Said oblong element containing inside an air conduit 41, with a mouthpiece applied at one end and a connection with a flexible air tube 42 at the other end, said air tube made preferably of heat 15 resistant silicon tube, pharma-grade. Said flexible air tube 42 being connected at its other end with a rigid air tube 43.

[0061] The lower end of said air tube 43 being just above the hot W-B liquid surface, for capturing steam and fragrances. Its higher end protrudes from the top of said cover element 40 and has a shape for easily pressing down or raising air tube 43, the latter performing the same function as tube 32 in the embodiment of Fig.4 and 5.

[0062] An outside air inlet 44 is opened / closed manually by displacing cover element 45.

[0063] Fig.8a shows an embodiment in accordance with the embodiment shown on Fig.7.

[0064] The cover element 46 comprises on one side an oblong element with a mouthpiece at one end. It further comprises inside an air conduit 47. The oblong element may also comprise vacuum portions 48, for best thermal insulation. Said air conduit 47 is connected with a flexible tube 49 which bends following the displacements of air tube element 50. The dotted line shows the lowest positions of the assembly.

[0065] Fig.8b shows the embodiment of Fig.8a when inclined for a more confortable and effective inhaling (the lower end of air tube 50 almost in contact with hot W-B liquid surface 14).

[0066] Fig. 9 shows the "pipe" embodiment of Fig. 8a and 8b from above. The cover element 51 comprises a round element 54 which allows pressing and raising of air tube 50 (Fig.8a and 8b). At its side, an inlet opening 52 allows outside ambient air to enter the inhaler. This opening is closed / reopened by moving element 53.

[0067] Fig.10 shows an alternative embodiment 55 for container 5, in 16 accordance with all embodiments of the present application previously described. It comprises an element 56 open above, made of thermally conductive material, apt to be filled with liquid. The hot water in the inhaler heats said liquid, which then releases fragrances, aromas, other volatile substances. Element 55 is placed and turned in the inhaler for bringing the position of element 56 precisely under the lower end of air tube 50 (Fig.8a and 8b).

[0068] Fig.11a and Fig. lib show a technical solution, according the teachings of the present application, which can be considered for all previously described embodiments. For different reasons, like further decreasing the weight of the handheld inhaler, the heating element is not comprised in the inhaler itself but becomes part of its holder. In this case the flat base of the inhaler 58, made of thermally conductive material such as aluminium, copper etc., transfers heat from the heating element 64 to the W-B liquid inside the inhaler, by placing the inhaler on its holder 65, connected with the electric network.

[0069] Once removed from its holder 65 after the water heating process, the inhaler is placed in the socket 69. It is made of thermally insulating material 61 and includes magnets 62 (or other fastening means) and possibly a double walled base 63, with vacuum inside, for high thermal insulation.

[0070] The socket 69 remains applied to the inhaler while inhaling, then removed for the next heating process on said holder 65.

[0071] Concerning emptying and refilling inhalers with W-B liquid, according to the teachings of the present application, inhalers can be turned upside down for emptying. By emptying and refilling, the liquid is conveyed through said inlet air tube or said steam outlet tube, depending on the specific design inside the cover element.

[0072] Alternatively, when for instance said small container 5 has to be replenished with herbs or other solid substances, by easily removing said cover element and pour the W-B liquid directly in said inner volume of the inhaler.

[0073] Fig.12a and Fig. 12b show persons inhaling with embodiments according the teachings of the present application.

[0074] The aesthetic appearance and design of the outside of embodiments according to the present application are not within the scope of this application. Designers shall create the preferred design for the outside, an example of an outside form profile being shown in Fig.13.

[0075]

Claims

CLAIMS1. A handheld, portable, mouth-inhaler for inhaling water steam mixed with volatile substances, said water steam captured proximal to the free surface of a hot water-based liquid releasing said water steam, said liquid releasing said steam during a long time period without active energy supply, by means of the high thermal insulation quality of inhaler's body; said water-based liquid being heated when no inhalation occurs, with a heating element, by placing the inhaler on its holder connected to the electrical network.

2. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein the vertical distance between the lower end of the air tube capturing said water steam and the underlying free surface of the hot water-based liquid is such that a further lowering of said distance produces, with a normal inhaling effort through said air tube, the sipping of liquid particles instead of the inhaling of steam.

3. The inhaler of claim 2 wherein said vertical distance can be regulated and minimized by the user while inhaling, depending on the inhalation effort, for obtaining the most effective and pleasant inhalation experience.

4. The inhaler of claims 1-3 wherein one or more substances, in solid form, are immersed in the water before heating the inhaler on its holder, said substances releasing volatile components to be inhaled with said water steam.

5. The substances of claim 4 including healing herbs, mint, tobacco, coffee and their liquid extracts and flavours6. The inhaler of claims 1-5 comprising an outer body with a double walled structure with vacuum inside; an inside structure holding a small container ready to be filled with substances such as herbs or other solid particles, said container being immersed in said water-based liquid when inhaling; a cover element comprising a first opening as ambient air inlet and a second opening as oulet for the steam to be inhaled, said second opening comprising an air tube segment capturing steam at its lower end, and releasing steam in the mouth at its upper end; in-flowing air and out-flowing steam conduits provided with opening and closing means operating by gravity when the inhaler is inclined or by air flow produced by inhalation.

7. The inhaler of claim 6, comprising on its bottom base, a heating element and its socket with two pins for electric connection with said holder to be connected with the electric network.

8. The inhaler of claims 1-7 wherein said outlet air tube segment capturing steam above the water based liquid surface is coupled along its length with a second smaller tube having its lower end opening fully immersed in said water-based liquid; the air inspiration effort producing the combined result of inhaling steam and simultaneously sipping tiny quantities of the water-based liquid through said second tube.

9. The inhaler of claim 8, wherein the section profile of said second tube conforming to the section profile of said steam capturing tube, in order for both to be felt in the mouth, while inhaling, as a single round tube opening; the inner surface of said second tube characterized by a low contact angle of said water-based liquid when in contact with said surface and said second tube having a flattened section profile for favouring capillarity.

10. The inhaler of claims 1-9, wherein said cover element comprises on its side an oblong element with inside an air conduit for conveying steam to the mouth, giving said inhaler the overall design and handling recalling a tobacco smoking pipe.

11. The inhaler of claim 10, wherein means are provided for connecting said air conduit inside said oblong element to said air tube capturing steam and wherein means are provided forthe distance between the lower end opening of said steam capturing air tube and the hot water-based liquid surface just below, to be regulated and minimized while inhaling.

12. The inhaler of claims 1-11, wherein said small container has a design allowing to be filled with a liquid or solid substance which remains separated from said water-based liquid while inhaling.

13. The inhaler of claims 1-6, 8-12, wherein said heating element is fixed part of said holder and wherein, after the heating process, the inhaler is removed from its holder and placed on a socket providing best thermal insulation at the base of the inhaler, said socket remaining applied to said inhaler while inhaling.

14. The inhaler of claims 1-13, wherein the inhaler is emptied by turning the inhaler upside down, then rifilled with said water-based liquid being conveyed through the air inlet or steam outlet tubes, depending on the specific design of the embodiment; or, alternatively, by easily removing said cover element when, additionally, said small container is filled with solid substances.

15. The inhaler of claims 1-14, wherein the inhaler is designed for easy disassembling into main parts for cleaning and disinfection purposes;the inhaler is comprising single-use parts; examples of disassembled parts being shown in Fig.2b and 3b of the description.

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