Inhaler housing

Abstract

An inhaler housing with a receiving portion adapted to at least partially receive a container containing a medicament, and a dispensing portion through which the medicament is dispensed. The receiving portion and the dispensing portion are movable relative to one another between a storage condition, in which the receiving portion and the dispensing portion at least partially overlie one another and, a use condition. The dispensing portion and the receiving portion are configured to move between the storage condition and the use condition using both a sliding movement and a pivoting movement.

Claims

1. An inhaler housing, comprising: a receiving portion adapted to at least partially receive a container containing a medicament, the receiving portion comprises one or more retention members, and when the receiving portion is oriented in a tall vertical orientation, a retention member of the one or more retention members forms a lowest surface of the receiving portion; a dispensing portion through which the medicament is dispensed, the dispensing portion comprises a through hole at a bottom end portion of the dispensing portion, the through hole extends from an interior bottom surface of the dispensing portion to an exterior bottom surface of the dispensing portion, wherein the through hole is fully enclosed between the interior bottom surface and the exterior bottom surface; wherein the receiving portion and the dispensing portion are movable relative to one another between a storage condition, in which the receiving portion and the dispensing portion at least partially overlie one another; and wherein a use condition, in which the dispensing portion and the receiving portion are configured to move between the storage condition and the use condition using both a sliding movement and a pivoting movement; wherein the retention member of the one or more retention member is configured to be received by the through hole in an interference fit in order to retain the inhaler housing in the use condition, wherein the dispensing portion is provided with one or more protrusions which is a point about which the receiving portion and the dispensing portion pivots relative to one another, wherein one or more recesses, channels, or openings are provided on the receiving portion, and the one or more protrusions move within the one or more recesses, channels or openings between the storage condition and the use condition.

2. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 wherein the receiving portion is substantially tubular.

3. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 wherein the receiving portion includes a bore extending along at least a portion of a length thereof.

4. The inhaler housing according to claim 3 wherein the bore extends into the receiving portion from an open end of the receiving portion.

5. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 wherein the receiving portion includes one or more connection members adapted to allow connection of the inhaler housing to an item of clothing, a bag, or a belt.

6. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 further comprising one or more connection members configured to retain the inhaler housing in the storage condition.

7. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 wherein the receiving portion includes an actuation portion adapted to assist in the dispensing of the medicament from the container.

8. The inhaler housing according to claim 7 wherein the actuation portion includes a nozzle through which the medicament is directed towards a user's mouth.

9. The inhaler housing according to claim 8 wherein the nozzle is oriented at an angle of between about 60° and about 120° to a longitudinal axis of the receiving portion.

10. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing portion at least partially overlies the receiving portion when the inhaler housing is in the storage condition.

11. The inhaler housing according to claim 10 wherein, to move the inhaler housing from the storage condition to the use condition, a first movement in a form of the sliding movement followed by a second movement in a form of a pivotal movement of the receiving portion relative to the dispensing portion is required.

12. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 wherein abutment of the one or more protrusions against an end of the one or more recesses, channels or openings defines a limit of sliding movement of the dispensing portion relative to the receiving portion.

13. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 wherein the retention member of the one or more retention members comprise a nipple.

14. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 wherein, in the use condition, the dispensing portion and the receiving portion are oriented at an angle of between about 80° and about 110° to one another.

15. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing portion includes one or more cut-out portions sized so that at least an outer surface of the receiving portion is located in abutment with, or close proximity to, at least a portion of an edge of the cut-out portion in the use condition.

16. The inhaler housing according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing portion includes a first open end through which the medicament enters the dispensing portion from the receiving portion, and an opposed second open end through which the medicament exits the dispensing portion.

17. The inhaler housing according to claim 16 wherein the second open end of the dispensing portion includes a shaped portion adapted to allow connection of the inhaler housing to a spacer.

18. The inhaler housing according to claim 16 wherein the second open end of the dispensing portion is provided with a cover member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

(2) FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate isometric views of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of an inhaler housing in a use condition, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the inhaler housing of FIG. 12, in the use condition.

(14) FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of the inhaler housing of FIG. 12, in the use condition.

(15) FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inhaler housing through A-A of FIG. 14, in the use condition.

(16) FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion B of the inhaler housing of FIG. 15.

(17) FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the inhaler housing of FIG. 12, in a storage condition.

(18) FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of the inhaler housing of FIG. 12, in a storage condition.

(19) FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inhaler housing through C-C of FIG. 18, in the storage condition.

(20) FIG. 20 illustrates an end view of the of the inhaler housing of FIG. 12, in a storage condition.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(21) In FIGS. 1 and 2 there are illustrated isometric views of an inhaler housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing 10 is shown in the storage condition in which a receiving portion 11 is partly received within a dispensing portion 12.

(22) Both the receiving portion 11 and the dispensing portion 12 are substantially tubular, with the dispensing portion 12 having a slightly large diameter than the receiving portion 11 such that the dispensing portion partially overlies the receiving portion in the storage condition.

(23) A first end 13 of the receiving portion 11 is open so as to receive a container in the form of a pressurised canister 14 (shown in FIG. 2). The canister 14 contains a medicament to be dispensed through the inhaler housing 10.

(24) The inner surface 15 of the receiving portion 11 is provided with a plurality of ribs 16 that are adapted to provide a frictional engagement between the ribs 16 and the canister 14, thereby preventing unwanted or accidental removal of the canister 14 from the housing 10.

(25) The dispensing portion 12 is provided with a cut out portion 17 in an outer surface thereof. When the inhaler housing is in the use condition, a portion of the outer surface of the receiving portion 11 is received in the cut out portion 17, such that the outer surface abuts (or is retained in close proximity to) the edge 18 of the dispensing portion 12 in the region of the cut out portion 15.

(26) In the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an end of the dispensing portion 12 is provided with a cap 19 that covers an open end (obscured) of the dispensing portion 12 and extends along a portion of the sidewall of the dispensing portion 12. The cap 19 prevents contamination of the open end (obscured) of the dispensing portion 12 (over which a user will typically place their mouth) and also ensures that, if the medicament is accidentally discharged, the medicament will be retained in the housing 10, instead of in a user's pocket, handbag or the like. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that other types of caps and/or covers may be used to provide a similar function, including a cap that engages with an inside of the open end (much like a plug).

(27) In FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the inhaler housing 10 of FIG. 2 is illustrated. In this Figure it may be seen that the dispensing portion 12 overlies a portion of the receiving portion 11 when in the storage condition. The canister 14 is received in the receiving portion 11 and is retained therein in a frictional engagement with ribs 16 located in the bore 20 of the tubular receiving portion 11.

(28) The canister 14 includes a valve stem 21 that extends outwardly from the canister 14 and abuts an actuation portion 30 that includes an abutment surface 22. Further movement of the canister 14 relative to the housing 11 also results in movement of the canister 14 relative to the valve stem 21, thereby actuating a valve and dispensing medicament from the canister 14. The medicament exist the receiving portion 11 through an opening 23 in a sidewall thereof. When the inhaler housing 10 is in the use condition, the medicament exiting through the opening 23 enters the dispensing portion 12 and exits the housing through the end of the dispensing portion 12 on which the cap 19 is located in FIG. 3.

(29) The cap 19 is provided with ribs 24 that extend partway about an inner surface of a sidewall 25 of the cap 19. The ribs 24 are received in grooves 26 that extend partway about the outer surface of the dispensing portion 12. In this way, the cap 19 is retained on the inhaler housing 10 and the risk of unwanted or accidental removal of the cap 19 is reduced or eliminated.

(30) In FIG. 3 it may be seen that the inner surface of the dispensing portion 12 is provided with a pair of protrusions 27. The protrusions 27 are received within channels 28 in the outer surface of the receiving portion 11. As the inhaler housing 10 moves between the storage condition and the use condition, the dispensing portion 12 and the receiving portion 11 initially slide relative to one another. The limit of sliding movement of the dispensing portion 12 relative to the receiving portion 11 is defined by the abutment of the protrusions 27 against opposite ends of the channel 28.

(31) FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an inhaler housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, the inhaler housing 10 is in the use condition in which medicament may be dispensed to a user.

(32) To move the housing 10 from the storage condition shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 to the use condition shown in FIG. 4, the dispensing portion 12 and the receiving portion 11 are first moved in a sliding motion relative to one another. The dispensing portion 12 and the receiving portion 11 slide relative to one another until the protrusion (obscured) on the inner surface of the dispensing portion 12 abuts the end of the channel 28 in the sidewall of the receiving portion 11. At this point, the receiving portion 11 and the dispensing portion 12 are pivoted relative to one another into the use condition shown in FIG. 4.

(33) The point about which the receiving portion 11 and the dispensing portion pivot relative to one another is the location of the protrusion (obscured) located in the channel 28. The limit of pivotal movement of the dispensing portion 12 relative to the receiving portion 11 is defined by the point at which the wall of the receiving portion 11 abuts the edge 18 of the cut out portion 17 of the dispensing portion 12.

(34) In the use condition, the receiving portion 11 and the dispensing portion 12 are oriented relative to one another such that the included angle between the receiving portion 11 and the dispensing portion 12 is about 100°.

(35) In the use condition illustrated in FIG. 4, a medicament is dispensed to the user by applying a force to the canister 14 in a direction whereby the canister 14 is pushed further into the receiving portion 11. This movement of the canister 14 relative to the receiving portion 11 actuates the valve (obscured) thereby releasing a medicament into the actuation portion (obscured) of the receiving portion 11. Typically, the medicament forms an aerosol in the actuation portion (obscured) and is directed from the receiving portion 11 into the dispensing portion 12.

(36) Typically a user will place their mouth over the open end 31 of the dispensing portion 12 so that medicament that enters the dispensing portion 12 from the receiving portion 11 exits the dispensing portion 12 through the open end 31 and into the user's mouth where it is inhaled or ingested.

(37) FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of an inhaler housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inhaler housing 10 of FIG. 5 is the same as that shown in FIG. 4.

(38) In FIG. 5, the frictional engagement between the canister and the ribs 16 on the inner surface 15 of the receiving portion 11 may be more clearly seen. In addition, the abutment between the receiving portion 11 and the edge 18 of the cut out portion 17 of the dispensing portion 12 when the inhaler is in the use condition may be more clearly seen.

(39) Further, the groove 26 in the dispensing portion 12 may be seen in this Figure. The groove 26 is provided so that a rib (not shown) on the cap (not shown) may be retained therewithin, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of unwanted or accidental removal of the cap (not shown) from the dispensing portion 12.

(40) FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an inhaler housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inhaler housing 10 of FIG. 6 is essentially identical to that of FIG. 4 with the exception that the inhaler housing illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a clip 29 that allows the inhaler housing 10 to be retained on a user's belt, clothing, bag or the like.

(41) FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an inhaler housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, the inhaler housing 10 is in the use condition, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6.

(42) The function of the actuation portion 30 of the housing 10 may be more clearly seen in this Figure. The valve stem 21 of the canister 14 is located in abutment with the abutment portion, such that movement of the canister 14 further into the receiving portion 11 (typically achieved by applying a manual force to the end of the canister 14) results in movement of the valve stem 21 relative to the canister 14. This in turn actuates the valve (not shown) in the canister 14, dispensing medicament through the valve stem 21 into the actuation portion 30.

(43) The actuation portion 30 is provided with an expansion chamber 31 which medicament exiting the canister 14 enters and expands to form an aerosol. The aerosol then exits the actuation portion 30 through an outlet 32 in the actuation portion 30 and an opening 34 in the sidewall of the receiving portion 11 and enters the bore 33 within the dispensing portion 12. The medicament then exits the dispensing portion 12 where it is inhaled or ingested by a user.

(44) It will be noted in FIG. 7 that the end 35 of the receiving portion 11 adjacent the actuation portion is a closed end. In this way, medicament exiting the receiving portion 11 is directed through the opening 34, and cannot exit the receiving portion 11 in any other direction. This is important when the canister 14 provided a metered dose of medicament, as any medicament not directed through the opening 34 would not reach the user, meaning that the user would not receive the required does of medicament.

(45) It will also be noted that the end 35 of the receiving portion 11 adjacent the actuation portion 11 is substantially dome shaped. By providing such a shaped portion 51 on the end 35 of the receiving portion 11, a gap between the end 35 and the inner surface of the dispensing portion 12 may be reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of the loss of medicament between the end 35 and the dispensing portion 12.

(46) FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of an inhaler housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inhaler housing 10 is essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 4, with the exception that the open end 31 of the dispensing portion 12 is provided with a shaped portion 36. The shaped portion 36 is shaped so as to facilitate connection of the dispensing portion 12 to another item, such as a spacer (not shown).

(47) FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an inhaler housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inhaler housing 10 illustrated in FIG. 9 is that of FIG. 8, with the addition of a cap 19.

(48) The cap 19 includes a cover member 37 that covers the open end 31 of the dispensing portion 12. The cap 19 also includes an annular sidewall 25 that extends along an outer surface of the shaped portion 36. The inner surface of the sidewall 25 is provided with ribs 24 that are received in grooves 26 that extend partway about the outer surface of the shaped portion 36. In this way, the cap 19 is retained on the inhaler housing 10 and the risk of unwanted or accidental removal of the cap 19 is reduced or eliminated.

(49) FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of an inhaler housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of a receiving portion 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(50) In this Figure, a channel 28 is provided in the sidewall of the receiving portion 11. The protrusion (not shown) on the inner surface of the dispensing portion (not shown) slides within the channel 28 in order to move the receiving portion 11 and the dispensing portion (not shown) between the storage and use conditions.

(51) In FIG. 10, the channel 28 is provided with an extension 50. The extension 50 is oriented at approximately 90° to the channel 28 such that, as the dispensing portion (not shown) pivots relative to the receiving portion 11, the protrusion (not shown) on the inner surface of the dispensing portion (not shown) moves into the extension 50, thereby retaining the housing in the use condition.

(52) In FIG. 11 there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of an inhaler housing 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, the shaped portion 51 at the closed end 35 of the receiving portion 11 is provided with a groove 52 therein. The groove 52 is adapted to receive an edge 53 of the dispensing portion 12 therein when the housing 10 is in the use condition.

(53) It is envisaged that, as the edge 53 of the dispensing portion 12 enters the groove 52, an audible snap or click may be emitted, thereby indicating to the user that the housing 10 is in the use condition. In addition, the reception of the edge 53 in the groove 52 reduces or eliminates the accidental or unwanted movement of the housing 10 out of the use condition.

(54) The shaped portion 51 of the receiving portion 11 is also provided with an enlarged portion 54 adapted to further reduce or eliminate the accidental or unwanted movement of the housing 10 out of the use condition.

(55) FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of an inhaler housing 100, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The housing 100 is similar to the housing 10 and can move between a use condition, in which medicament may be dispensed to a user, and a storage condition.

(56) In particular, the housing 100 includes a receiving portion 105 and the dispensing portion 110, both of which are substantially tubular and are configured to pivot and slide relative to each other, as outlined below. The receiving portion 105 includes a container in the form of a pressurised canister 115 therein, and the dispensing portion 110 includes a shaped mouthpiece portion 120, which is shaped so as to facilitate connection of the dispensing portion 110 to another item, such as a spacer (not shown), or be used directly by a patient.

(57) An inner surface of the dispensing portion 110 is provided with a pair of protrusions (much like the protrusions of the dispensing portion 12) which are received within channels 125 in the receiving portion 105. The protrusions on the inner surface of the dispensing portion 110 slide within the channel 125 in order to move the receiving portion 105 and the dispensing portion 110 between the storage and use conditions.

(58) The channels 125 include extensions (obstructed by the dispensing portion 110), similar to the extension 50, which are oriented at approximately 90° to the channels 125 such that, as the dispensing portion 110 pivots relative to the receiving portion 105, the protrusions moves into the extension, thereby retaining the housing 100 in the use condition.

(59) As best illustrated in FIG. 13, a lower portion of the dispensing portion 110 includes support ribs 130, configured to provide strength and rigidity to the dispensing portion 110, particularly when a force is applied to the canister 115 in use. As such, the ribs 130 may prevent deformation of the dispensing portion 110 when pressure is applied to an underside thereof. The housing 100 further includes a clip 135, on the receiving portion 105 that allows the inhaler housing 10 to be retained on a user's belt, clothing, bag or the like, much like the clip 29.

(60) As best illustrated in FIG. 15, a lower end of the receiving portion 105 includes a retention member in the form of a nipple 140, which extends into, and locks into a corresponding retaining aperture of the dispensing portion 110 in a press-fit (interference fit) arrangement. The nipple 140, when locked into the retaining aperture, prevents the receiving portion 105 from pivoting relative to the dispensing portion 110, and thus further holds the housing in the use condition.

(61) The retaining aperture is located between first and second ribs 130. As such, any weakness in the dispensing portion 110 caused by the aperture is compensated for by the ribs 130. This is particularly useful as the aperture is located at a position where the user will hold (and press on) the housing 100.

(62) In FIG. 15, a cross-sectional view of the inhaler housing 100 along A-A of FIG. 14 is illustrated. The canister 115 includes a valve stem 21 that extends outwardly from the canister 14 and abuts an actuation portion 30, in the same manner as the housing 10. As such, movement of the canister 115 relative to the housing 100 actuates a valve causing dispensing of a medicament from the canister 115. The medicament exits the housing through the mouthpiece 120.

(63) To move the housing 100 from the use condition to the storage condition, force is applied to the dispensing portion 110 and the receiving portion 105 in a pivotal direction until the nipple leaves the retaining aperture, enabling the protrusions (obscured) to leave the extensions and enter the channels. At this point, an axis of the dispensing portion 110 and an axis of the receiving portion 105 become aligned, and may slide relative to each other such that an end of the receiving portion 105 is received within the dispensing portion 110, as illustrated in FIG. 17. In particular, the dispensing portion 110 has a slightly large diameter than the receiving portion 105 such that the dispensing portion 110 partially overlies the receiving portion 105 in the storage condition.

(64) In the storage condition, a retention member in the form of a second nipple 155, which is located on a sidewall of the receiving portion 105 adjacent to the clip 135, extends into, and locks into the retaining aperture of the dispensing portion 110 in a press-fit (interference fit) arrangement. The nipple 155, when locked into the retaining aperture, prevents the receiving portion 105 from sliding relative to the dispensing portion 110, and thus further holds the housing in the storage condition. This is particularly useful in that it prevents the housing 100 from inadvertently sliding open when held in a pocket or purse, for example.

(65) The shaped mouthpiece portion 120 is provided with a cap 145 that covers the mouthpiece portion 120, and prevents dust, dirt or debris from entering the mouthpiece portion 120. The cap 145 is provided with ribs (obscured) that that are received in grooves 150 of the mouthpiece portion to engage with the cap 145 and retain the cap 145 thereon.

(66) As best illustrated in FIG. 20, the dispensing portion 110 is oval in cross-section, as a width 110a of the dispensing portion 110 is larger than a height 110b of the dispensing portion 110. This prevents the housing 100 from rolling around when in the storage condition.

(67) In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

(68) Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

(69) In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.