Abstract
The invention discloses an accessory for an inhalation device having a canister and a housing including a mouthpiece from which the medicament is dispensed. The accessory includes a jacket, which attaches to the housing; a cap for the mouthpiece and a plurality of elastomeric straps which secure the jacket to the cap. An inhalation device is also provided with the accessory attached.
Claims
1. An accessory for an inhaler, the accessory comprising: (a) a jacket which attaches to a housing; (b) a cap for a mouthpiece; (a) and a plurality of elastomeric straps which connect the jacket to the cap; wherein one end of each strap is secured to the jacket and the other end of each strap is secured to the cap.
2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein each strap is partially stretched by less than 10% when the cap is engaged with the mouthpiece.
3. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the jacket is permanently attached to the housing.
4. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the jacket is made from a rigid plastics material.
5. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the jacket is attached to the cap by a pair of elastomeric straps.
6. The accessory according to claim 5, wherein the elastomeric straps are made from a thermoplastic elastomer or a liquid silicone rubber.
7. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein each strap is pivotally secured to the jacket side wall by a separate pivot hinge assembly.
8. The accessory according to claim 7, wherein the pivot hinge assembly comprises a receiving member located on the jacket side wall and an engaging pivot member integrally moulded to the strap.
9. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein each strap is immovably secured to the cap by mechanical and physical means.
10. An inhaler for dispensing doses of a medicament, the inhaler comprising: (a) a housing including a mouthpiece from which the medicament is dispensed (b) and an inhaler accessory comprising: a jacket which attaches to the housing; a cap for the mouthpiece and a plurality of elastomeric straps which connect the jacket to the cap; wherein one end of each strap is secured to the jacket and the other end of each strap is secured to the cap.
11. The inhaler according to claim 10, wherein the inhaler is a pressurized metered dose inhaler.
12. The inhaler according to claim 10, wherein the cap is movable between first, second and third positions and remains attached to the jacket in each position; in a first position the cap is arranged to engage with the mouthpiece; in a second position the cap is drawn laterally outwards away from the mouthpiece and in a third position the cap is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction fully exposing the mouthpiece for use.
13. The inhaler according to claim 12, wherein the straps in the second position are stretched or fully stretched by at least 50% when compared to the original length of the strap.
14. The inhaler according to claim 12, wherein the straps in the third position are unstretched.
15. The inhaler according to claim 12, wherein the cap in the third position will have rotated by at least 70 degrees about a horizontal axis of rotation.
Description
FIGURES
[0088] The present invention is further described with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0089] FIG. 1a shows a front view of a first inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention.
[0090] FIG. 1b shows a side view of a first inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention.
[0091] FIG. 1c shows a back view of a first inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention.
[0092] FIG. 2a shows a front view of an alternative inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention.
[0093] FIG. 2b shows a side view of an alternative inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention.
[0094] FIG. 2c shows a back view of an alternative inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention.
[0095] FIG. 3a shows a side view of a key-hole shaped receiving aperture of the first inhaler accessory hinge assembly according to the invention.
[0096] FIG. 3b shows a side view of a strap end with an integrally moulded pivot pin thereon of the first inhaler accessory hinge assembly according to the invention.
[0097] FIG. 3c shows a side view of an assembled hinge of the first inhaler accessory hinge assembly according to the invention.
[0098] FIG. 3d shows a cross-sectional view of an assembled hinge of the first inhaler accessory hinge assembly according to the invention.
[0099] FIG. 4a shows a side view of a circular receiving aperture of an alternative inhaler accessory hinge assembly according to the invention.
[0100] FIG. 4b shows a side view of a strap end with an integrally moulded pivot pin thereon of an alternative inhaler accessory hinge assembly according to the invention.
[0101] FIG. 4c shows a side view of an assembled hinge of an alternative inhaler accessory hinge assembly according to the invention.
[0102] FIG. 4d shows a cross-sectional view of an assembled hinge of an alternative inhaler accessory hinge assembly according to the invention.
[0103] FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of an assembled inhaler, including the first inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention, the cap being shown in a closed position engaging with the mouthpiece (first position).
[0104] FIG. 5b shows a perspective view of an assembled inhaler, including the first inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention, the cap being drawn laterally outwards away from the mouthpiece (second position).
[0105] FIG. 5c shows a perspective view of an assembled inhaler, including the first inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention, the cap being shown in a fully open position exposing the mouthpiece for use (third position).
[0106] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an assembled inhaler, including an alternative inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention, the cap being shown in a closed position engaging with the mouthpiece (first position).
[0107] FIG. 7a shows a perspective view of a cap strap according to the invention, wherein the strap is in an unstretched, resting position.
[0108] FIG. 7b shows a perspective view of a cap strap according to the invention, wherein the strap is in a stretched or fully stretched position.
[0109] FIG. 8a shows a perspective view of an alternative cap strap according to the invention, wherein the strap is in an unstretched, resting position.
[0110] FIG. 8b shows a perspective view of an alternative cap strap according to the invention, wherein the strap is in a stretched or fully stretched position.
LIST OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES USED IN THE FIGURES
[0111]
TABLE-US-00001 1 Jacket 2 Jacket upper collar 3 Jacket semi-circular base 4a, 4b Jacket side walls 5a, 5b, 5c Jacket snap-fit or clip protrusions 6a, 6b Jacket semi-circular flange 7a, 7b Jacket circular aperture 8a, 8b Strap 9a, 9b Strap engaging protrusion i.e. pivot pin 10a, 10b Pivot hinge assembly 11a, 11b Cap strap end 12 Cap 13a, 13b Cap side wall 14a, 14b Central expansion region 15 Central expansion region openings 16a, 16b Raised jacket section 17a, 17b Jacket aperture recess 18 Metered dose inhaler 19 Canister 20 Actuator housing 21 Mouthpiece 22 Pivot pin head portion 23 Pivot pin circular rod portion 24 Pivot pin oval rod portion 25a, 25b Jacket key-hole shaped aperture 26 Central expansion region cuts
[0112] FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c are respectively side, front and back views showing a first inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention.
[0113] The jacket 1 is configured to receive and permanently attach to an actuator housing (not shown) of a medical device. The jacket 1 comprises an upper collar 2; a semi-circular base 3 and a pair of side walls 4a, 4b, which extend vertically between and connect to the upper collar 2 and the semi-circular base 3.
[0114] The upper collar 2 attaches to the top of the actuator housing (not shown). Attachment involves at least one snap-fit fixing or at least one clip fixing. This is achieved by the provision of protrusions 5a, 5b, which protrude inwardly from the inner surface of the upper collar 2. The upper collar 2 can have any suitable configuration. Depending on the shape of the actuator opening, the upper collar 2 may have an annular or non-annular configuration. The purpose of the upper collar 2 is to surround the external wall of the top of the actuator opening fixing the jacket 1 in place. Preferably the jacket is provided with an eyelet (not shown) which may be located near to the top of the jacket, more preferably on the outer surface of the upper collar 2.
[0115] Projecting downwards from the upper collar 2 towards the semi-circular base 3 are two side walls 4a, 4b. The lower end of each side wall is provided with a key-hole shaped receiving aperture 25a, 25b positioned on a raised section 16a, 16b.
[0116] The semi-circular base 3 is also provided with at least one snap-fit fixing or at least one clip fixing. Fixing is achieved by an inwardly protruding protrusion 5c from the inner surface of the semi-circular base 3, which engages with the base of the inhaler housing (not shown).
[0117] The jacket is attached to the cap by a pair of straps 8a, 8b. One end of each strap is pivotally attached to the jacket by engaging protrusions 9a, 9b, which are held captive by key-hole shaped receiving apertures 25a, 25b positioned centrally on raised sections 16a, 16b of the lower jacket side walls 4a, 4b. The engaging protrusions 9a, 9b are pivot pins with a flat circular head portion and an oval rod portion. This engaging/receiving arrangement, termed the pivot hinge assembly 10a, 10b ensures that each strap is securely attached to the jacket but remains freely rotatable.
[0118] The other end of each strap 11a, 11b is immovably secured to the cap 12 side walls 13a, 13b. Each strap is also provided with a central expansion region 14a, 14b having a plurality of substantially rectangular openings 15 that temporarily elongate during strap extension.
[0119] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c are respectively side, front and back views showing an alternative inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention. This alternative inhaler accessory corresponds to the first inhaler accessory supra in all aspects bar some of the structural features of the lower end of the jacket side walls 4a, 4b and the strap engaging protrusions 9a, 9b.
[0120] Here, the jacket 1 is also attached to the cap by a pair of straps 8a, 8b. One end of each strap is pivotally attached to the jacket by engaging protrusions 9a, 9b, which are held captive by circular receiving apertures 7a, 7b located on semi-circular flanges 6a, 6b of the lower jacket side walls 4a, 4b. The semi-circular flanges 6a, 6b can be considered an extension of the lower end of the jacket side walls 4a, 4b. The engaging protrusions 9a, 9b are pivot pins with a flat circular head portion 22 and a circular rod portion 23. This engaging/receiving arrangement, termed the pivot hinge assembly 10a, 10b ensures that each strap is securely attached to the jacket but remains freely rotatable.
[0121] FIGS. 3a and 3b show side views of the two hinge components and FIGS. 3c and 3d show respective side and cross sectional view of an assembled pivot hinge 10a of the first inhaler accessory according to the invention. FIG. 3a shows a key-hole shaped receiving aperture 25b located on a raised section 16b of a lower jacket side wall 4b. FIG. 3b shows a strap end with an integrally moulded pivot pin 9a thereon. The pivot pin consists of a circular flat head portion 22, and an oval rod portion 24. The circular flat head portion 22 is generally enlarged having a larger diameter than the diameter of the circular section of the key-hole shaped receiving aperture 25a. The pivot pin 9a is integrally moulded to one end of the strap, specifically to the side of the strap facing the jacket. Strap insertion generally involves a transfer of the pivot pin 9a from the tapered end of the key-hole shaped receiving aperture 25a to the circular section by temporary deformation of the oval rod portion 24.
[0122] FIGS. 4a and 4b show side views of the two hinge components and FIGS. 4c and 4d show respective side and cross sectional view of an assembled pivot hinge 10a of an alternative inhaler accessory according to the invention. FIG. 4a shows a circular receiving aperture 7a located on a semi-circular flange 6a. The circular receiving aperture 7a is provided with a recess 17a to ensure that the flat circular head portion of the pivot pin fits flush with the inner surface of the jacket wall. FIG. 4b shows a strap end with an integrally moulded pivot pin 9b thereon. The pivot pin consist of a circular flat head portion 22 and a circular rod portion 23. The circular flat head portion 22 is generally enlarged having a larger diameter than the diameter of the circular receiving aperture 7b, retaining the pin within the circular receiving aperture. The pivot pin is integrally moulded to one end of the strap, specifically to the side of the strap facing the jacket.
[0123] FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c show a perspective view of an assembled metered dose inhaler 18, including the first inhaler jacket 1 with cap attachment according to the invention in various cap positions. The inhaler 18 is illustrated as having a canister 19 of medication in place within the actuator housing 20. FIG. 5a shows the cap 12 in a closed or first position engaging with the mouthpiece 21. In this position the straps 8a, 8b are partially stretched. In order to move the cap 12 from this position to an open position ready for use as shown in FIG. 5c, it is necessary to pull the cap 12 away from the mouthpiece 21 so that the cap 12 extends beyond the axial extent of the mouthpiece 21 as shown in FIG. 5b. In this intermediate position (or second position) the straps 8a, 8b are stretched or fully stretched. The maximum extended length of each strap 8a, 8b must correspond to at least this stretched or fully stretched configuration. The cap 12 is then moved into an open position (or third position) fully exposing the mouthpiece 21 as shown in FIG. 5c, by moving the straps about their hinges 10a, 10b in an anti-clockwise direction. In this open position, when the user inhales, the straps 8a, 8b are unstretched.
[0124] In order to re-attach the cap 12, the user must move the straps 8a, 8b about their hinges 10a, 10b in a clockwise direction. The cap 12 is then pulled to stretch or fully stretch the straps 8a, 8b in order to axially align the cap with the mouthpiece 21. The cap 12 is then pushed towards the mouthpiece 21 until the mouthpiece 21 is fully engaged. The straps 8a, 8b then return to a partially stretched configuration.
[0125] FIG. 6, shows a perspective view of an assembled metered dose inhaler 18, including an alternative inhaler jacket with cap attachment according to the invention in the closed cap or first position. The process of cap removal and cap attachment will correspond in all aspects to the process described for the first inhaler with cap attachment (FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c) and so will not be discussed here any further.
[0126] FIGS. 7a and 7b show respectively a strap 8b of the present invention in two different configurations; the unstretched and stretched or fully stretched state. The strap 8b is provided with a central expansion region 14b which is flanked on one side by the end region that is immovably secured to a cap side wall 13b and on the other side by the end region that is pivotally secured to the corresponding jacket side wall 4b. Stretching or fully stretching the strap causes the plurality of rectangular openings 15 of the central expansion region 14b to temporarily change shape and elongate. The width of the rectangular openings 15 will increase and the height of the rectangular openings 15 will decrease.
[0127] Only upon removal of the applied stress will the strap return to an unstretched state and the rectangular openings revert back to their original shape.
[0128] FIGS. 8a and 8b show respectively an alternative strap 8b of the present invention in two different configurations; the unstretched and stretched or fully stretched state. The strap 8b is provided with a central expansion region 14b which is flanked on one side by the end region that is immovably secured to a cap side wall 13b and on the other side by the end region that is pivotally secured to the corresponding jacket side wall 4b (not shown). Stretching or fully stretching the strap causes the plurality of alternating top and bottom cuts 26 to separate. Only upon removal of all the applied stress will the strap return to an unstretched state and the central expansion region 14b revert back to its original shape.
