Abstract
There is provided a dose counter assembly for use with a medicament dispenser, the dose counter assembly comprising: a) a units dose display means comprising a first count indicia and one or more driver teeth; b) a tens dose display means comprising a second count indicia; and c) a driver, wherein the first count indicia and second count indicia align at a common viewing area to collectively display a count sequence.
Claims
1. A dose counter assembly for use with a medicament dispenser, the dose counter assembly comprising: a) a units dose display means comprising a first count indicia and one or more driver teeth; b) a tens dose display means comprising a second count indicia; and c) a driver, wherein the first count indicia and second count indicia align at a common viewing area to collectively display a count sequence; wherein the units dose display means and the tens dose display means are non-coaxial.
2. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least the units dose display means or the tens dose display means is in the form of a wheel.
3. The dose counter assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least the units dose display wheel or the tens dose display wheel is in the form of a disc or a ring.
4. The dose counter assembly according to claim 3, wherein the units dose display wheel is in the form of a disc.
5. The dose counter assembly according to claim 3, wherein the tens dose display wheel is in the form of a disc.
6. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least the units dose display means or the tens dose display means is non-circular.
7. The dose counter assembly according to claim 6, wherein the tens dose display means is polygonal.
8. The dose counter assembly according to claim 7, wherein the tens dose display means is polygonal with central axis of rotation.
9. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least the units dose display means or tens dose display means is arranged to move rotationally.
10. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the units dose display means is arranged to rotate about a first axis of rotation.
11. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tens dose display wheel is arranged to rotate about a second axis of rotation
12. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein dose counter assembly further comprises a mount plate.
13. The dose counter assembly according to claim 12, wherein the mount plate comprises a locking arm.
14. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tens dose display means further comprises a locking key.
15. The dose counter assembly according to claim 14, wherein the locking key of the tens dose display means engages with the locking arm of the mount plate to lock the dose counter assembly at the end of the count sequence.
16. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tens dose display means is in the form of a slider.
17. The dose counter assembly according to claim 16, wherein the second count indicia are disposed on the tens dose display slider linearly.
18. The dose counter assembly according to claim 16, wherein the tens dose display slider is arranged to move linearly.
19. The dose counter assembly according to claim 18, wherein the tens dose display slider is arranged to move linearly and tangent to the units dose display wheel.
20. The dose counter assembly according to claim 16, wherein the tens dose display slider further comprises a set of teeth.
21. The dose counter assembly according to claim 20, wherein the teeth of the tens dose display slider disengage with one or more driver teeth at the end of the count sequence.
22. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the driver is arranged to rotate about a third axis of rotation.
23. The dose counter assembly according to claim 22, wherein the driver is in meshed relationship with the units dose display means.
24. The dose counter assembly according to claim 23, wherein the driver is adapted to couple with a dispensing mechanism of the medicament dispenser.
25. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tens dose display means comprises a set of teeth.
26. The dose counter assembly according to claim 25, wherein one or more driver teeth of the unit dose display means is arranged for intermittent meshing with the teeth of the tens dose display means.
27. The dose counter assembly according to claim 26, wherein the tens dose display means further comprises an end location wherein the teeth are absent.
28. The dose counter assembly according to claim 27, wherein the teeth of the tens dose display means disengage with one or more driver teeth at the end location.
29. The dose counter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tens dose display means further comprises a shutter.
30. The dose counter assembly according to claim 29, wherein the shutter appears at the common viewing area at the end of the count sequence.
31. The dose counter assembly according to claim 30, wherein the units dose display means continues to rotate without rotating the tens dose display means at the end of the count sequence.
32. The dose counter assembly according to claim 12, wherein the mount plate further comprises a pawl.
33. The dose counter assembly according to claim 32, wherein the pawl prevents reverse movement of the tens dose display means.
34. A medicament dispenser incorporating the dose counter assembly according to claim 1.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0096] The following figures and related description thereof are incorporated to explain better and exemplify the invention described herein, without limiting its scope.
[0097] Some elements of the embodiments of the dispenser or its components are exemplified in a particular form and, accordingly, are sometimes described in such exemplary embodiments with a descriptive name in connection with the description of the embodiments shown in the figures that follow below. To aid the reader in understanding the various exemplary embodiments of the invention described in connection with figures, the following description of several such terms is provided here:
[0098] The use of the term “meshed” is commonly used within the description of figures to describe a movable engagement between two components, e.g., which is present when two gear-like mechanisms interface with each other.
[0099] The driver is exemplified as a “driver gear”.
[0100] The units dose display means is exemplified as a “units dose display wheel” or “units wheel”
[0101] The tens dose display means is exemplified as a “tens dose display wheel” or “tens wheel” or “tens dose display slider” or “tens slider”.
[0102] As noted above, this description of terms used in connection with the embodiments described below in connection with the figures is intended to aid the reader in understanding such exemplary aspects of the invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Additional aspects of the invention described in connection with the figures will also be discussed below, but generally using terminology already introduced in this disclosure, such as the first waste capture component.
[0103] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of a dose counter assembly constituting a first embodiment of the disclosure.
[0104] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure along with the axis of rotation of the components.
[0105] FIGS. 3 to 5 show a working mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0106] FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic representation of a units dose display wheel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0107] FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic representation of a driver gear according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0108] FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic representation of a mount plate according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0109] FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of a tens dose display wheel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0110] FIG. 10 shows a locking mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0111] FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic representation of a dose counter assembly constituting a second embodiment of the disclosure.
[0112] FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure along with the axis of rotation of the components.
[0113] FIGS. 13 to 15 show a working mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0114] FIG. 16 shows a diagrammatic representation of a units dose display means according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0115] FIG. 17 shows diagrammatic representation of a topside view of a tens dose display means according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0116] FIG. 18 shows a diagrammatic representation of an underside view of the tens dose display means according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0117] FIG. 19 shows a locking mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0118] FIG. 20 shows a diagrammatic representation of a dose counter assembly constituting a third embodiment of the disclosure.
[0119] FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure along with the axis of rotation of the components.
[0120] FIGS. 22 to 24 show a working mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0121] FIG. 25 shows a diagrammatic representation of a topside view of a tens dose display means according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0122] FIG. 26 shows a diagrammatic representation of an underside view of the tens dose display means according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0123] FIG. 27 shows a diagrammatic representation an end location of the dose counter assembly according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0124] FIG. 28 shows a diagrammatic representation of a dose counter assembly constituting a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0125] FIG. 29 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure along with the axis of rotation of the components.
[0126] FIGS. 30 to 32 show a working mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0127] FIG. 33 shows a diagrammatic representation of a topside view of a units dose display wheel according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0128] FIG. 34 shows a diagrammatic representation of an underside view of the units dose display wheel according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0129] FIG. 35 shows a diagrammatic representation of a driver gear according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0130] FIG. 36 shows diagrammatic representation of the mount plate according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0131] FIG. 37 shows a diagrammatic representation of a topside view of the tens dose display wheel according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0132] FIG. 38 shows a diagrammatic representation of an underside view of the tens dose display wheel according to fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0133] FIG. 39 shows a locking mechanism according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0134] FIG. 40 shows a diagrammatic representation of a dose counter assembly constituting a fifth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0135] FIG. 41 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure along with the axis of rotation of the components.
[0136] FIGS. 42 to 44 show a working mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0137] FIG. 45 shows a diagrammatic representation of the mount plate according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0138] FIG. 46 shows a diagrammatic representation of a secondary driver according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0139] FIG. 47 shows a diagrammatic representation of a topside view of a driver gear and its components according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0140] FIG. 48 shows a diagrammatic representation of an underside view of the driver gear according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0141] FIG. 49 shows a diagrammatic representation of a transfer wheel according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0142] FIG. 50 shows a diagrammatic representation of a topside view of the units dose display wheel according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0143] FIG. 51 shows a diagrammatic representation of an underside view of the units dose display wheel according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0144] FIG. 52 shows a diagrammatic representation of a topside view of the tens dose display wheel according to fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0145] FIG. 53 shows a diagrammatic representation of an underside view of the tens dose display wheel in according to fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0146] FIGS. 54 to 55 show a locking mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0147] FIG. 56 shows a diagrammatic representation of a dose counter assembly constituting a sixth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0148] FIG. 57 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure along with the axis of rotation of the components.
[0149] FIGS. 58 to 60 show a working mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0150] FIG. 61 shows a diagrammatic representation of the mount plate according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0151] FIG. 62 shows a diagrammatic representation of a driver gear according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0152] FIG. 63 shows a diagrammatic representation of a topside view of a units dose display means according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0153] FIG. 64 shows a diagrammatic representation of an underside view of the units dose display wheel according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0154] FIG. 65 shows a diagrammatic representation of a tens dose display means according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0155] FIG. 66 shows a locking mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0156] FIG. 67 shows a diagrammatic representation of a dose counter assembly constituting a seventh embodiment of the disclosure.
[0157] FIG. 68 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure along with the axis of rotation of the components.
[0158] FIGS. 69 to 71 show a working mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0159] FIG. 72 shows a diagrammatic representation of the mount plate according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0160] FIG. 73 shows a diagrammatic representation of a topside view of the ten dose display means according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0161] FIG. 74 shows a diagrammatic representation of an underside view of the ten dose display means according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0162] FIG. 75 shows a diagrammatic representation of a topside view of the units dose display means according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0163] FIG. 76 shows a diagrammatic representation of an underside view of the units dose display means according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0164] FIG. 77 shows a locking mechanism of the dose counter assembly according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0165] FIG. 78 shows a partially exploded view of the medicament dispenser with the dose counter assembly of the present disclosure.
[0166] FIG. 79 shows a diagrammatic representation of a topside view of an embodiment of the dispensing mechanism of the medicament dispenser.
[0167] FIG. 80 shows a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the first waste collector that is compatible with the dose counter assembly and the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0168] FIGS. 81A to 81C show a demonstration of the advancement of the dose count in the viewing window of the medicament dispenser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0169] To better illustrate aspects of the invention, particular embodiments and their operation will be described in this section, often with reference to the devices and components shown in the Figures. It is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by any particular embodiment described herein. While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be noted that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Further, any single embodiment or aspect described within this disclosure can be combined with any one or more other herein described aspects or embodiments, the description of such combinations considered to be incorporated herein as if such a combination had been described in detail.
[0170] A FIRST embodiment of the dose counter assembly is shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.
[0171] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the dose counter assembly. The units wheel (81) and the tens wheel (82) are located on the mount plate (129). FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components along with the axis of rotation. The components include the units wheel (81), the tens wheel (82) and the driver gear (65). The units dose indicia are disposed on a disc (111) that can be affixed on the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) can rotate at the first axis of rotation, the tens wheel (82) can rotate at the second axis of rotation and the driver gear (65) can rotate at the third axis of rotation. The driver gear (65) rotates and increments the units wheel (81) during each actuation of the dispenser. Both the driver gear (65) and the units wheel (81) may rotate in same direction. The driver tooth (122) of the units wheel (see FIG. 6) drives the tens wheel (82) on every ten actuations of the dispenser. The units wheel (81) and tens wheel (82) may rotate in the opposite direction. The units wheel (81) and tens wheel (82) collectively display the dose count on the viewing window (48) of the dispenser. The pawl (119) prevents the reverse rotation of the tens wheel (82).
[0172] FIGS. 3 to 5 show working of the dose counter assembly and the movement of the dose indicia according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in sequence of begin, in motion and complete. The dose counter assembly can be driven by the first waste collector (11) (see FIG. 80). The medicament dispenser cover (3) is opened (rotated) in response to the user action causing the other components of the dispensing mechanism, the first waste collector (11) and the driver gear (65) to rotate. The first waste collector (11) rotates in the counter clockwise direction resulting in counter clockwise motion of the driver gear (65) and the units wheel (81). The driver gear (65) and the units wheel (81) are arranged such that when the user opens (rotates) the cover (3), the units wheel (81) rotates and a single indicium thereon is advanced (for example the ‘units’ count moves on one unit).
[0173] Where the previous visible count was x0 (e.g. 30 or 20 or 10), the counting action resulting from the use operation is subtly different. Once again, the cover (3) is rotated in response to user action causing the driver gear (65) to rotate and in turn rotation of the units wheel (81) and the ‘unit’ indicium moves on from ‘0’ to ‘9’. This rotation of the units wheel (81) however, also brings the one or more driver teeth (122) into meshed relationship with the teeth (105) of the tens wheel (82) such that the units wheel (81) rotates in the counter clockwise direction and in turn, the tens wheel (81) rotates in the clockwise direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the gearing of the relevant wheels 65, 81 and 82 is arranged such that the tens wheel (82) rotates and a single indicium thereon is advanced from ‘3’ to ‘2’ (for example the ‘tens’ count moves down exactly one unit).
[0174] When the user closes (rotates) the cover (3), the ratcheting mechanism of the dispensing mechanism and/or pawl (119) prevents the rotation of the of the dose counter assembly in the opposite direction.
[0175] It will be appreciated that the above usage of the counter has been described in terms of a dose counter assembly arranged to count downwards, but that the counter assembly may be straightforwardly modified to count upwards.
[0176] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) may include teeth (104) on its inner circumference and a driver tooth (122). The units wheel driver tooth (122) engages with the tens wheel teeth (105) after every ten actuations of the dispenser. The units dose indicia are disposed on a disc (111) that can be affixed on the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) rotates every discrete angle during each actuation of the dispenser to display the units integer of the dose in the viewing window (48).
[0177] FIG. 7 illustrates the driver gear (65) which may include teeth (113) and engaging slots (112). The driver gear (65) can be driven by the first waste collector (11) (see FIG. 80) via the driver gear engaging slots (112). The driver gear (65) rotates in one direction during each complete actuation of the dispenser and does not rotate in the opposite direction when the dispenser is being closed after use. The unit wheel teeth (104) can always be in a meshed relationship with the driver gear teeth (113). The units wheel (81) can be driven by the driver gear via teeth (113).
[0178] FIG. 8 illustrates an aspect of the mount plate (129). The components of the dose counter assembly can be located on the mount plate (129). The pawl (119) and the locking arm (106) can be integral to the mount plate (129). The opening (67) allow the first waste collector pins (60) to pass through the mount plate (129) and rotate the driver gear (65) via the engaging slots (112).
[0179] FIG. 9 illustrates an aspect of the tens wheel (82). The tens wheel (82) may include teeth (105) on its underside and a locking key (147) on the topside. The tens dose indicia are disposed on the tens wheel (81). The tens wheel (82) can be driven by the units wheel driver tooth (122) after every ten actuations of the dispenser. The locking key (147) comes in contact with the locking arm (106) of the mount plate at the end of count sequence and the dose count displays ‘00’ in the viewing window (48).
[0180] FIG. 10 shows an aspect of the locking mechanism of the dose counter and the dispenser. After the end of dispenser life when all doses are exhausted, the locking key (147) of the tens wheel comes in contact with the mount plate the locking arm (129) and locks the dose counter and the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser. At this position, the dose counter displays ‘00’ in the viewing window (48).
[0181] A SECOND embodiment of the dose counter assembly is shown in FIGS. 11 to 19 of the accompanying drawings.
[0182] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the dose counter assembly. The units wheel (81) and a polygonal tens wheel (82) are located on the mount plate (129). FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components along with the axis of rotation. The components include the units wheel (81), the tens wheel (82) and the driver gear (65). The units dose indicia are disposed on a disc (111) that can be affixed on the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) can rotate at the first axis of rotation, the tens wheel (82) can rotate at the second axis of rotation and the driver gear (65) can rotate at the third axis of rotation.
[0183] FIGS. 13 to 15 show working of the dose counter assembly and the movement of the dose indicia according to second embodiment of the present disclosure in sequence of begin, in-motion and complete. The driver gear (65) rotates and increments the units wheel (81) during each actuation of the dispenser. Both the driver gear (65) and the units wheel (81) may rotate in same direction. The driver teeth (122) of the units wheel (see FIG. 13) drives the tens wheel (82) on every ten actuations of the dispenser. The units wheel (81) and tens wheel (82) may rotate in the opposite direction. The units wheel (81) and tens wheel (82) collectively display the dose count in the viewing window (48) of the dispenser. The pawl (119) prevents the reverse rotation of the tens wheel (82). The movements of the units and tens indicia are same as described for the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0184] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) may include teeth (104) on its inner circumference and driver teeth (122). The units wheel driver teeth (122) engage with the tens wheel teeth (105) after every ten actuations of the dispenser. The units dose indicia are disposed on a disc (111) that can be affixed on the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) rotates every discrete angle during each actuation of the dispenser to display the units integer of the dose in the viewing window.
[0185] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate topside and underside of the tens wheel (82) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The tens dose indicia are disposed on the topside of the tens wheel (82). The tens wheel (82) may also include the shutter (149) on its topside and teeth (105) on the underside. The tens wheel (82) may also include an end location wherein the teeth (105) are removed or absent. The tens wheel (82) can be driven by the units wheel driver teeth (122) after every ten actuations of the dispenser. At the end of count sequence, the shutter (149) appears in the viewing window (48). Once the shutter (149) appears in the viewing window, the units wheel gear teeth (122) abuts with the end location (150) which in turn blocks the rotation of units wheel. In other words, the units wheel gear teeth (122) cannot rotate the tens wheel (82) due to absence of teeth at the tens wheel the end location (150).
[0186] FIG. 19 shows an aspect of the locking mechanism of the dose counter and the dispenser. After the end of dispenser life when all doses are exhausted, the shutter (149) appears in the viewing window (48). At this position, the units wheel gear teeth (122) cannot rotate the tens wheel (82) due to absence of teeth at the tens wheel the end location (150) and locks the dose counter and dispensing mechanism of the dispenser.
[0187] A THIRD embodiment of the dose counter assembly is shown in FIGS. 20 to 27 of the accompanying drawings.
[0188] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the dose counter assembly. The units wheel (81) and a pentagonal tens wheel (82) are located on the mount plate (129). FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components along with the axis of rotation. The components include the units wheel (81), the tens wheel (82) and the driver gear (65). The units dose indicia are disposed on the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) can rotate at the first axis of rotation, the tens wheel (82) can rotate at the second axis of rotation and the driver gear (65) can rotate at the third axis of rotation. The units wheel (81) may include teeth (104) on its inner circumference and driver teeth (122). The units wheel (81) rotates every discrete angle during each actuation of the dispenser to display the units integer of the dose in the viewing window (48).
[0189] FIGS. 22 to 24 show working of the dose counter assembly and the movement of the dose indicia according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure in sequence of begin, in-motion and complete. The driver gear (65) rotates and increments the units wheel (81) during each actuation of the dispenser. Both the driver gear (65) and the units wheel (81) may rotate in same direction. The driver teeth (122) of the units wheel (see FIG. 21) engage with the tens wheel teeth (105) after every ten actuations of the dispenser. The units wheel (81) and tens wheel (82) may rotate in the opposite direction. The units wheel (81) and tens wheel (82) collectively display the dose count on the viewing window (48) of the dispenser. The pawl (119) prevents the reverse rotation of the tens wheel (82). The movements of the units and tens indicia are same as described for the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0190] FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate the topside and underside of the tens wheel (82) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The tens dose indicia are disposed on the topside of the tens wheel (81). The tens wheel (82) may also include the shutter (149) on its topside and teeth (105) on the underside. The tens wheel (82) may also include an end location wherein the teeth (105) are removed or absent. The tens wheel (82) can be driven by the units wheel driver teeth (122) after every ten actuations of the dispenser. At the end of count sequence, the shutter (149) appears in the viewing window (48). Once the shutter (149) appears in the viewing window, the units wheel driver teeth (122) and the tens wheel teeth (105) no longer mesh. The units wheel driver teeth (122) cannot rotate the tens wheel (82) due to absence of the teeth the end location (153) of the tens wheel. In other words, the drive transmission from the units dose display wheel to the tens dose display wheel is disengaged.
[0191] FIG. 27 shows an aspect of the end location of the dose counter. After the end of dispenser life when all doses are exhausted, the shutter (149) appears in the viewing window (48). At this position, the units wheel driver teeth (122) cannot rotate the tens wheel (82) due to absence of teeth at the tens wheel end location (153). When user actuates the dispenser, the units wheel (81) continues to rotate without rotating the tens wheel (82) and the tens wheel shutter (149) remains at this position in the viewing window (48).
[0192] A FOURTH embodiment of the dose counter assembly is shown in FIGS. 28 to 39 of the accompanying drawings.
[0193] FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the dose counter assembly. The units wheel (81), the tens wheel (82) and the driver gear (65) are located on the mount plate (129). FIG. 29 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components along with the axis of rotation. The components include the units wheel (81), the tens wheel (82), the driver gear (65), the transfer wheel (103), the shutter (120) the cover (121). The units dose indicia are disposed on the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) and the tens wheel (82) can rotate at the first axis of rotation, the transfer wheel (103) can rotate at the second axis of rotation and the driver gear (65) can rotate at the third axis of rotation.
[0194] FIGS. 30 to 32 show working of the dose counter assembly and the movement of the dose indicia according to fourth embodiment of the present disclosure in sequence of begin, in-motion and complete. The units wheel (81) and the tens wheel (82) are concentric and rotate about the post (134). The driver gear (65) rotates and increments the units wheel (81) during each actuation of the dispenser. The tens wheel (82) can be driven by the transfer wheel (103). The driver tooth (122) of the units wheel (see FIG. 34) drives the transfer wheel (103) on every ten actuations of the dispenser. The units wheel (81) and tens wheel (82) may rotate in the opposite direction. The units wheel (81) and tens wheel (82) collectively display the dose count on the viewing window (48) of the dispenser. The pawl (119) prevents the reverse rotation of the tens wheel (82). The shutter (120) can be driven by the post (135) located on the tens wheel (82). The shutter (120) remains in the viewing window (48) when the dose count reaches ‘00’.
[0195] FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate the topside and underside of the units wheel (81) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The units dose indicia are disposed on the topside of the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) may include teeth (104) circumferentially and driver tooth (122) on its underside surface. The teeth (104) and the driver tooth (122) may be extended in the opposite direction. The units wheel teeth (104) are constantly in meshed relationship with the driver gear teeth (113). The units wheel (81) can be driven by the driver gear via gear teeth (113). The units wheel (81) rotates every discrete angle during each actuation of the dispenser to display the units integer of the dose in the viewing window. The units wheel driver tooth (122) comes in contact with the transfer wheel (103) after every ten actuations of the dispenser and thereby rotates the transfer wheel (103).
[0196] FIG. 35 illustrates the driver gear (65) which may include teeth (113) and engaging slots (112). The driver gear (65) can be driven by the first waster collector (11) (see FIG. 80) via the driver gear engaging slots (112). The driver gear (65) rotates in one direction during each complete actuation of the dispenser and does not rotate in the opposite direction when the dispenser is being closed after use. The driver gear (65) rotates during each actuation of the dispenser and thereby rotates the units wheel (81).
[0197] FIG. 36 illustrates an aspect of the mount plate (129). The components of the dose counter assembly can be located on the mount plate (129). The pawl (119) can be integral to the mount plate (129) and prevents the reverse rotation of the tens wheel (82). The opening (67) allow the first waste collector pins (60) to pass through the mount plate (129) and rotate the driver gear (65) via the engaging slots (112). The recess (124) can locate the driver gear (65). The transfer wheel (103) can rotate about the stud (133). The units wheel (81) and the tens wheel (82) can be concentric and rotate about the post (134).
[0198] FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate the topside and underside of the tens wheel (82) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The tens dose indicia are disposed on the topside of the tens wheel (81). The tens wheel (82) may also include the colored portion (148) and the post (135) on its topside and teeth (105) on the underside. The tens wheel (82) can be constantly in meshed relationship with transfer wheel (103) and thereby driven by the transfer wheel (103) after every ten actuations. The shutter (120) can be driven by the post (135) located on the tens wheel (82).
[0199] When the user actuates the dispenser, the driver gear (65) drives and increments the units wheel (81). After every ten actuations of the dispenser, the units wheel driver tooth (122) meshes and rotates the transfer wheel (103). The transfer wheel (103) which is constantly in meshed relationship with the tens wheel (82) rotates the tens wheel (82).
[0200] FIG. 39 shows an aspect of the locking mechanism of the dose counter and the dispenser. After the end of dispenser life when all doses are exhausted, the shutter (120) appears in the viewing window (48). The shutter (120) is locked at this position by the locking ridge (136) located on the dose counter cover (121) and thereby locks the entire dose counter mechanism along with the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser.
[0201] A FIFTH embodiment of the dose counter assembly is shown in FIGS. 40 to 55 of the accompanying drawings.
[0202] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of the dose counter assembly. The units wheel (81), the tens wheel (82) and the driver gear (65) are located on the mount plate (129). FIG. 41 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components along with the axis of rotation. The components include the units wheel (81), the tens wheel (82), the driver gear (65), the secondary driver gear (139), the transfer wheel (103) and the cover (121). The units dose indicia are disposed on the units wheel (81) and the tens dose indicia are disposed on the tens wheel (82). The units wheel (81) and the tens wheel (82) can rotate at the first axis of rotation, the transfer wheel (103) can rotate at the second axis of rotation, and the driver gear (65) and secondary driver gear (139) can rotate at the third axis of rotation.
[0203] FIGS. 42 to 44 show working of the dose counter assembly and the movement of the dose indicia according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in sequence of begin, in-motion and complete. The units wheel (81) and the tens wheel (82) are concentric and rotate about the post (134). The driver gear (65) rotates and increments the units wheel (81) during each actuation of the dispenser. The tens wheel (82) can be driven by the transfer wheel (103). The transfer wheel (103) can be driven by the secondary driver gear (139) located co-axially with the driver gear (65). The secondary driver gear teeth (140) are constantly in meshed relationship with the transfer wheel (103). The transfer wheel driver tooth (142) drives the tens wheel (82) during every ten actuations of the dispenser. The shutter (149) and the colored portion (148) are located on the tens wheel (82). The shutter (149) remains in the viewing window (48) when the dose count reaches ‘00’.
[0204] FIG. 45 illustrates an aspect of the mount plate (129). The components of the dose counter assembly can be located on the mount plate (129). The pawl (119) can be integral to the mount plate (129) and prevents the reverse rotation of the tens wheel (82). The opening (67) allow the first waste collector pins (60) to pass through the mount plate (129) and rotate the driver gear (65) via the engaging slots (112). The recess (124) can locate the driver gear (65). The transfer wheel (103) can rotate within the recess (137). The units wheel (81) and the tens wheel (82) can be concentric and rotate about the post (134).
[0205] FIG. 46 illustrates an aspect of the secondary driver gear (139). The secondary driver gear (139) can be located co-axially to the driver gear (65). The driver gear (65) drives the secondary driver gear (139) via the flat ends (141). The secondary driver gear teeth (140) are constantly in meshed relationship with the transfer wheel (103).
[0206] FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate the topside and underside of the driver gear (65) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The driver gear (65) which may include teeth (113) and engaging slots (112). The driver gear (65) can be driven by the first waste collector pins (60) via the driver gear engaging slots (112). The driver gear (65) rotates in one direction during each complete actuation of the dispenser and does not rotate in the opposite direction when the dispenser is being closed after use. The unit wheel teeth (104) can always be in a meshed relationship with the driver gear teeth (113). The units wheel (81) can be driven by the driver gear via teeth (113). The flat end (138) of the driver gear (65) mates with and the flat ends (141) of the secondary driver gear (139) and thereby both drive synchronously.
[0207] FIG. 49 illustrates as aspect of the transfer wheel (103). The transfer wheel (103) can be located eccentric to the units wheel (81) and the tens wheel (82). The driver tooth (142) of the transfer wheel (103) comes in contact with the tens wheel (82) during every ten actuations of the dispenser and thereby decrements the tens wheel count by one.
[0208] FIGS. 50 and 51 illustrate the topside and underside of the units wheel (81) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The units dose indicia are disposed on the front side of the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) may include teeth (104) circumferentially on its underside surface. The units wheel teeth (104) are constantly in meshed relationship with the driver gear teeth (113). The driver gear (65) rotates during each actuation of the dispenser and thereby rotates the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) rotates every discrete angle during each actuation of the dispenser to display the units integer of the dose in the viewing window.
[0209] FIGS. 52 and 53 illustrate the topside and underside of the tens wheel (82) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The tens dose indicia are disposed on the topside of the tens wheel (81). The tens wheel (82) may also include the shutter (149) and the colored portion (148) on its topside, and teeth (105) on the underside. The tens wheel (82) can be located concentrically with the units wheel (81). The transfer wheel tooth (142) drives the tens wheel (82) via teeth (105). Due to the eccentric location of the transfer wheel (103), the driver tooth (142) engages with the teeth (105) of the tens wheel (82) during every ten actuations of the dispenser. The shutter (149) is integral to the tens wheel (82) and appear in the viewing window when the dose count reaches ‘00’.
[0210] FIGS. 52 to 55 show an aspect of the end position of the dose counter assembly. After the end of dispenser life when all doses are exhausted, the shutter (149) appears in the viewing window (48). At this position, the units wheel (81) and the transfer wheel (103) continue to rotate. The transfer wheel driver tooth (142) is disengaged with the tens wheel tooth (105) due to the eccentric location of the transfer wheel (103). As a result, the tens wheel (82) does not rotate and the shutter (149) remains in the viewing window (48) even if the dispenser is actuated.
[0211] A SIXTH embodiment of the dose counter assembly is shown in FIGS. 56 to 66 of the accompanying drawings.
[0212] FIG. 56 shows a perspective view of the dose counter assembly. The units wheel (81), the tens slider (143) and the driver gear (65) are located on the mount plate (129). FIG. 57 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components along with the axis of rotation. The components include the units wheel (81), the tens slider (143) and the driver gear (65). The mount plate (129) can include a recess (124) and a rail (144). The units dose indicia are disposed on the units wheel (81) and the tens dose indicia are disposed on the tens slider (143). The units wheel (81) can move rotationally at the first axis of rotation and the driver gear can move rotationally at the second axis of rotation. The tens slider (143) can move linearly.
[0213] FIGS. 58 to 60 show working of the dose counter assembly and the movement of the dose indicia according to sixth embodiment of the present disclosure in sequence of begin, in motion and complete. The driver gear (65) rotates and increments the units wheel (81) during each actuation of the dispenser. The tens slider (143) can be driven by the units wheel (81) during every ten actuations of the dispenser. The tens slider (143) can be supported and guided by the rail (144) on the mount plate (129). The units wheel (81) and tens slider (143) collectively display the dose count on the viewing window (48) of the dispenser. The shutter (149) and the colored portion (148) are located on the tens slider (143). The shutter (149) remains in the viewing window (18) when the dose count reaches ‘00’. The pawl (119) prevents the reverse rotation of the tens slider (143).
[0214] FIG. 61 illustrates an aspect of the mount plate (129). The components of the dose counter assembly can be located on the mount plate (129). The pawl (119) can be integral to the mount plate (129) and prevents the reverse rotation of the tens slider (143). The opening (67) allow the first waster collector pins (66) to pass through the mount plate (129) and rotate the driver gear (65) via the engaging slots (112). The recess (124) can locate the driver gear (65). The tens slider (143) can be supported and guided by the rail (144) of the mount plate (129).
[0215] FIG. 62 illustrates the driver gear (65) which may include teeth (113) and engaging slots (112). The driver gear (65) can be driven by the first waste collector (11) (see FIG. 80) via the engaging slots (112). The driver gear (65) rotates in one direction during each complete actuation of the dispenser and does not rotate in the opposite direction when the dispenser is being closed after use. The unit wheel teeth (104) can be continuously in a meshed relationship with the driver gear teeth (113). The units wheel (81) can be driven by the driver gear via teeth (113).
[0216] FIGS. 63 and 64 illustrate the topside and underside of the units wheel (81) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The units dose indicia are disposed on the topside of the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) may include teeth (104) circumferentially and the driver tooth (122) on its underside surface. The teeth (104) and the driver tooth (122) may be extended in the opposite direction. The driver gear (65) rotates during each actuation of the dispenser and thereby rotates the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) rotates every discrete angle during each actuation of the dispenser to display the units integer of the dose in the viewing window. The units wheel driver tooth (122) meshes with the tens slider teeth (146) during every ten complete actuations of the dispenser.
[0217] FIG. 65 illustrates an aspect of the tens slider (143) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The tens dose indicia are disposed on the front side of the tens slider (81). The tens slider (143) may also include the shutter (149) and the colored portion (148) on its front side and teeth (146) extending on the right side surface. The tens slider (143) moves linearly over the rail (144) of the mount plate (129). The tens slider (143) can be driven by the driver tooth (122) of the units wheel (81) during every ten actuations of the dispenser. The shutter (149) can be integral to the tens slider (143) and appears in the viewing window (48) when the dose count reaches ‘00’.
[0218] When the user actuates the dispenser, the driver gear (65) drives and increments the units wheel (81). After every ten actuations of the dispenser, the units wheel driver tooth (122) meshes with tens slider teeth (146) and rotate the tens slider (143).
[0219] FIG. 66 shows an aspect of the locking mechanism of the dose counter and the dispenser. After the end of dispenser life when all doses are exhausted, the driver tooth (122) of the units wheel (81) no longer meshes with the tens slider teeth (146). As a result, the tens slider (143) does not move and the shutter (149) remains in the viewing window even though the dispenser is actuated.
[0220] A SEVENTH embodiment of the dose counter assembly is shown in FIGS. 67 to 77 of the accompanying drawings.
[0221] FIG. 66 shows a perspective view of the dose counter assembly. The units wheel (81) and the tens slider (143) are located on the mount plate (129). FIG. 67 shows an exploded view of the dose counter assembly with its components along with the axis of rotation. The components include the units wheel (81), the tens slider (143), the driver gear (65) and the idler gear (151). The units dose indicia are disposed on the units wheel (81) and the tens dose indicia are disposed on the tens slider (143). The units wheel (81) can move rotationally at the first axis of rotation, the idler gear (151) can move rotationally at the second axis of rotation, and the driver gear (65) can move rotationally at the third axis of rotation. The tens slider (143) can move linearly.
[0222] FIGS. 69 to 71 show working of the dose counter assembly and the movement of the dose indicia according to seventh embodiment of the present disclosure in sequence of begin, in-motion and complete. The driver gear (65) rotates and increments the units wheel (81) during each actuation of the dispenser. The tens slider (143) can be driven by the units wheel (81) via idler gear (151) during every ten actuations of the dispenser. The tens slider (143) can be supported and guided by the rail (144) on the mount plate (129). The units wheel (81) and tens slider (143) collectively display the dose count in the viewing window (48) of the dispenser. The shutter (149) and the colored portion (148) can be located on the tens slider (143). The shutter (149) remains in the viewing window (48) when the dose count reaches ‘00’. The pawl (119) prevents the reverse rotation of the tens slider (143).
[0223] FIG. 72 illustrates an aspect of the mount plate (129). The components of the dose counter assembly can be located on the mount plate (129). The pawl (119) can be integral to the mount plate (129) and prevents the reverse rotation of the tens slider (143). The opening (67) allow the first waster collector pins (66) to pass through the mount plate (129) and rotate the driver gear (65) via the engaging slots (112). The recess (124) can locate the driver gear (65). The tens slider (143) can be supported and guided by the rail (144) of the mount plate (129).
[0224] FIGS. 73 and 74 illustrate the topside and underside of the tens slider (143) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The tens dose indicia are disposed on the topside of the tens slider (81). The tens slider (143) may also include the shutter (149) and the colored portion (148) on its topside, and teeth (146) and the guide (152) on the underside. The guide (152) guides the tens slider (143) in linear motion within the rail (144) of the mounting plate (129). The tens slider (143) moves linearly over the rail (144) of the mount plate (129). The tens slider (143) can be driven by the driver tooth (122) of the units wheel (81) via idler gear (151) during every ten actuations of the dispenser. The shutter (149) can be integral to the tens slider (143) and appears in the viewing window when the dose count reaches ‘00’.
[0225] The driver gear (65) which may include teeth (113) and engaging slots (112). The driver gear (65) can be driven by the first waste collector (11) (see FIG. 80) via the driver gear engaging slots (112). The driver gear (65) rotates in one direction during each complete actuation of the dispenser and does not rotate in the opposite direction when the dispenser is being closed after use. The unit wheel teeth (104) can be continuously in a meshed relationship with the driver gear teeth (113). The units wheel (81) can be driven by the driver gear via gear teeth (113).
[0226] FIGS. 75 and 76 illustrate the topside and underside of the units wheel (81) according to another aspect of the disclosure. The units dose indicia are disposed on the topside of the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) may include teeth (104) circumferentially and the driver tooth (122) on its underside surface. The teeth (104) and the driver tooth (122) may be extended in the opposite direction. The driver gear (65) rotates during each actuation of the dispenser and thereby rotates the units wheel (81). The units wheel (81) rotates every discrete angle during each actuation of the dispenser to display the units integer of the dose in the viewing window. The units wheel driver tooth (122) meshes with the idler gear (151) which in turn rotates the tens slider teeth (146) during every ten complete actuations of the dispenser.
[0227] When the user actuates the dispenser, the driver gear (65) drives and increments the units wheel (81). After every ten actuations of the dispenser, the units wheel driver tooth (122) meshes with tens slider teeth (146) via the idler gear (151) and rotates the tens slider (143).
[0228] FIG. 77 shows an aspect of the locking mechanism of the dose counter and the dispenser. After the end of dispenser life when all doses are exhausted, the guide (152) of the tens slider (143) bottoms out at the end of the rail (144) of the mount plate (129). As a result, the tens slider (143) does not move and the shutter (149) remains in the viewing window (48) even though the dispenser is actuated.
[0229] FIG. 78 shows a partially exploded view of the medicament dispenser according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the medicament dispenser can comprise a top cover (13), a mount plate (129) which can incorporate the dose counter assembly, a base cover (14) which in this embodiment is shown as comprising components of the dispensing mechanism and a mouthpiece opening (25), and a mouthpiece cover (3). FIG. 78 further shows one or more pins (66) of the first waster collector (11).
[0230] FIG. 79 shows a topside view of the dispensing mechanism and first and second medicament carriers (5a) and (5b). The first and second medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) are positioned within respective left and right compartments of a inner housing assembly (4). Each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b) engages with respective carrier engagements (8a) and (8b). One carrier may contain one or more different medicament(s) than the other carrier. At an opening location (an opening location is a position within the medicament dispenser wherein the medicament carrier is opened or where an individual dose of medicament is otherwise held within the medicament carrier and positioned for access), the base sheet and the lid sheet parts of each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b) are peelably separable. The resulting empty base sheet (72a) and (72b) coils up in respective compartments. The first wastes collectors (11a) and (11b), for wrapping the base sheets of the two medicament carriers, each anchor the end of each respective base sheet (72a) and (72b) in the compartments. Progressive rotation of each respective waste collectors results in the base sheets (72a) and (72b) being wound up therearound into a tight coil. The rotation of each second waste collectors (7a) and (7b) is coupled to that of the respective carrier engagements (8a) and (8b) such the rotation of the carrier engagements (8a) and (8b) rotates new blister packs of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) into the appropriate position within the opening location, the second waste collectors (7a) and (7b) correspondingly winding the lid sheets peeled away from each respective medicament carrier base sheet. The resulting separated lid sheets are wound onto/into the respective waster collectors (7a) and (7b) respectively.
[0231] FIG. 80 show the first waste collector (11) according to one aspect of the disclosure. The first waste collector (11) can be driven by the components of the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser. The first waste collector teeth (68) can be driven directly or indirectly by the carrier engagement. The one or more pins (66) of the first waste collector (11) pass through the opening (67) of the mount plate (129) and rotate the driver gear (65) via the engaging slots (112).
[0232] FIGS. 81A and 81C illustrate the demonstration of the advancement of the dose count in the viewing window (48) of the medicament dispenser. In FIG. 80A, the mouthpiece cover (3) is in a closed position in which mouthpiece (29) is not visible. The viewing window (48) displays the dose count indicia reading of ‘30’. In FIG. 80B, the mouthpiece cover (3) has been moved to an opened position in which mouthpiece (29) is visible. As a result of the movement from the closed position to the opened position, the dispensing mechanism (not visible) is actuated in the dispenser to make a medicament dose available for inhalation. The movement has also resulted in the actuation of the dose counter assembly of the dispenser such as to decrease the dose count indicia shown in the viewing window (48) by one unit, here to a new reading of ‘29’. The patient can inhale the medicament through the mouthpiece opening (25). In FIG. 80C, after inhalation, the mouthpiece cover (3) has been returned to the closed position (as in FIG. 81A), and the viewing window (48) displays the same reading ‘29’.
[0233] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that some embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, blocks, and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
[0234] The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Numbers preceded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers and values that are ±10%.
[0235] Although certain embodiments and examples have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many aspects of the medicament dispensers shown and described in the present disclosure may be differently combined and/or modified to form still further embodiments or acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. A wide variety of designs and approaches are possible. No feature, structure, or step disclosed herein is essential or indispensable.
EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0236] The following example embodiments identify some possible permutations of combinations of features disclosed herein, although other permutations of combinations of features are also possible.
