Abstract
A spacer device for use with a metered dose inhaler (MDI). The spacer device comprises an aerosol chamber for holding the aerosolized medication sprayed from the MDI. According to one particular design, the aerosol chamber has a forward shell, a rear shell, and an extendable barrel in between. The extendable barrel comprises a flexible plastic sheath that is supported by a coiled wire spring. The spacer device further comprises a mounting bracket to hold the MDI. The mounting bracket holds the MDI such that the spray outlet of the MDI is mated with the aerosol chamber. Also, the assembly is configured such that the aerosol chamber is aligned substantially parallel to the actuator boot of the MDI. During use, the aerosol chamber is folded downward away from the MDI. The aerosol chamber is then extended outward to increase its volume.
Claims
1. A method of using a metered dose inhaler (MDI) by a patient, comprising: having a metered dose inhaler that comprises a medication canister and an actuator boot with a protruding enclosed tunnel-shaped mouthpiece; having a spacer device comprising: (a) an aerosol chamber comprising a distal end, wherein the aerosol chamber has a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration; (b) a fastening means to couple the MDI to the spacer device; (c) a swivel adapter that is configured to swivel the aerosol chamber from a folded-up configuration to a folded-down configuration; (d) a spacer mouthpiece at the distal end of the aerosol chamber; placing the MDI onto the fastening means such that the MDI is positioned substantially parallel to the aerosol chamber when the aerosol chamber is in the folded-up configuration; inserting the protruding mouthpiece of the MDI into the swivel adapter; folding the aerosol chamber downward away from the MDI; expanding the aerosol chamber in a distal direction; inserting the spacer mouthpiece of the spacer device into the patient's mouth; actuating the MDI to spray aerosolized medication into the spacer device; inhaling the aerosolized medication.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the aerosol chamber is a corrugated tube.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after use, compressing the aerosol chamber back into its compressed configuration.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising folding the aerosol chamber back upward into the folded-up configuration such that the actuator boot of the MDI is substantially parallel to the aerosol chamber.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the swivel adapter has a collar and the protruding mouthpiece spray outlet of the MDI is inserted into the collar.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the angle of folding is in the range of 60-150°.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the angle of folding is in the range of 75-135°.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein folding the aerosol chamber downward comprises swiveling the aerosol chamber around the swivel adapter.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein expanding the aerosol chamber expands the internal volume of the aerosol chamber.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the fastening means has an opening, wherein the protruding mouthpiece of the MDI actuator boot is inserted into the opening of the fastening means.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the fastening means is a first fastening means; wherein the spacer device further comprises a second fastening means to couple the MDI to the spacer device; wherein the second fastening means comprises a mouthpiece cap that covers the spacer mouthpiece of the aerosol chamber.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises removing the mouthpiece cap off the spacer mouthpiece prior to folding down the aerosol chamber.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: after use, compressing the aerosol chamber back into its compressed configuration; folding the aerosol chamber back upward into the folded-up configuration; placing the mouthpiece cap back on the spacer mouthpiece.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein swivel adapter comprises an inner case and an outer case that are rotatably sliding relative to each other, and swiveling the swivel adapter causes the outer case to rotate around the inner case.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the inner case has a flexing finger with a bump and the outer case has a pivot groove with two detents, the bump on the flexing finger of the inner case engages and slides within the groove of the outer case, and the bump engages with the two detents to retain the aerosol chamber in a folded-up or folded-down configuration.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the fastening means is a mounting bracket for the MDI.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a support wall that is substantially parallel and flush against the aerosol chamber when the aerosol chamber is in the folded-up configuration.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the extendable barrel has an outer diameter in the range of 2-7 centimeters (cm).
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the length of the aerosol chamber is in the range of 318 cm when in the compressed configuration and in the range of 9-30 cm when in the expanded configuration.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein a gap between the aerosol chamber and the actuator boot of the metered dose inhaler is less than 2 cm when the aerosol chamber is in the folded-up configuration.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a metered dose inhaler and its mechanism of action.
(2) FIG. 2 shows a side view of an example of a conventional spacer device of the prior art.
(3) FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example of a compact spacer device of the present invention; FIG. 3A shows a perspective view; FIG. 3B shows a side view.
(4) FIGS. 4A-4E show how the compact spacer is operated by the user. FIG. 4A shows the metered dose inhaler separate from the compact spacer. FIG. 4B shows how the user combines the inhaler with the compact spacer so that they are bundled together in a compact configuration. FIG. 4C shows that the cap is lifted off the mouthpiece of the spacer, thus releasing the mouthpiece end from its attachment to the inhaler. FIG. 4D shows the spacer in its extended configuration. FIG. 4E shows a cutaway view of the user's head with the mouthpiece segment inserted into the user's mouth.
(5) FIG. 5 shows the various dimension parameters that may be selected for each segment of the spacer device.
(6) FIGS. 6A-6C show an example of a compact spacer of the invention, drawn in schematic form to focus attention on the dimensions. FIG. 6A shows the spacer in its compressed configuration. FIG. 6B shows the outer diameter of the main barrel segment. FIG. 6C shows the spacer in its extended configuration.
(7) FIGS. 7A-7C show an example of a compact spacer having a larger bore size for the main barrel segment. FIG. 7A shows the spacer in its compressed configuration. FIG. 7B shows the outer diameter of the main barrel segment. FIG. 7C shows the spacer in its extended configuration.
(8) FIG. 8 shows an example of an inhaler assembly in which a spacer of the present invention is permanently attached to an inhaler.
(9) FIGS. 9A-9C show another example of an inhaler assembly in which a spacer of the present invention is detachable or permanently attached to an inhaler. FIG. 9A shows the spacer and the inhaler as separate components. FIG. 9B shows the spacer being attached to the inhaler. FIG. 9C shows the spacer swiveled downward towards a straightened configuration.
(10) FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example of an inhaler assembly in which a spacer of the present invention is detachably associated with an inhaler. FIG. 10A shows the spacer detached from the inhaler. FIG. 10B shows the spacer and the inhaler assembled together.
(11) FIGS. 11A and 11B show perspective views of another example of a compact spacer device of the present invention.
(12) FIGS. 12A and 12B show the compact spacer device with the aerosol chamber swiveled down in preparation for use.
(13) FIG. 13 shows a rear perspective view of the spacer device with the inhaler omitted to show the interface between the two more clearly.
(14) FIG. 14 shows a cut-away, perspective side view of the compact spacer device with the aerosol chamber swiveled down in preparation for use.
(15) FIGS. 15A and 15B show the compact spacer device with the aerosol chamber in opened and extended configuration for use.
(16) FIG. 16 shows the dimensions of the spacer device in its compact configuration.
(17) FIG. 17 shows the dimensions of the spacer device in its fully extended configuration.
(18) FIG. 18 shows the interior part of the aerosol chamber in isolation from the rest of the spacer device.
(19) FIGS. 19A and 19B show parts of the spacer device in further isolation.
(20) FIGS. 20A and 20B show the outer case and rear shell in two halves.
(21) FIGS. 21A and 21B show the inner case and the mounting bracket in two halves.
(22) FIGS. 22A and 22B show perspective views of a silicone cushion that could be part of the spacer device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(23) To assist in understanding the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The drawings herein are not necessarily made to scale or actual proportions. For example, lengths and widths of the components may be adjusted to accommodate the page size.
(24) FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example of a compact spacer device 30 of the present invention; FIG. 3A shows a perspective view; FIG. 3B shows a side view. To specify orientation, the distal end is indicated by the reference label “D” and the proximal end is indicated by the reference label “P”. The spacer 30 comprises an aerosol chamber 31 that holds the aerosolized medication from the inhaler. The aerosol chamber 31 comprises a adapter segment 36 and a main barrel segment 32. The main barrel segment 32 is made as a flexible corrugated tube that has folding pleats that allow the tube to be extended and compressed along its longitudinal axis “X”. The folding pleats also allow the main barrel section 32 to be flexed. The main barrel segment 32 is made of an anti-static material or has an anti-static coating to avoid static interference with the aerosolized medication.
(25) Proximal to the main barrel segment 32, there is a flexible adapter segment 36 that fits onto the mouthpiece of the inhaler. The adapter segment 36 is made as a pleated tube of silicone rubber with high flexibility. The hollow interior of the adapter segment 36 is continuous with that of the main barrel segment 32. A collar 38 on the adapter segment 36 is designed to fit snugly onto the mouthpiece of an inhaler. The functional purpose of the highly flexible adapter segment 36 is explained below with respect to FIGS. 4A-4E.
(26) At the distal end of the aerosol chamber 31 is a flange 35 where the mouthpiece segment 34 connects. Mouthpiece segment 34 is also made as a corrugated tube. The mouthpiece segment 34 has a smaller diameter than the aerosol chamber 31. The distal tip of the mouthpiece segment 34 is a sturdy rim 37 for grasping when extending the mouthpiece segment outward. The sturdy rim 27 also helps to avoid flattening or crushing of the mouthpiece segment 34 when inside the user's mouth. The rim 37 could be made stiff by any suitable means, such as choice of harder materials, thicker wall, double wall, reinforcement (e.g. wire coils), or any other suitable manner.
(27) Affixed to the adapter segment 36 is an elastic strap 40 for wrapping around the actuator 19 of the inhaler 10. Accompanying the spacer 30 as an accessory part is a mouthpiece cover 50, which comprises an elastic ring 52, leash 56, and a cap 54. The elastic ring 52 fits around the canister 12 of the inhaler 10 and the cap 54 fits over the mouthpiece 34 of spacer 30. There is further information below about the function of elastic strap 40 and mouthpiece cover 50.
(28) FIGS. 4A-4E show how the compact spacer 30 is operated by the user. FIG. 4A shows the metered dose inhaler 10 separate from the compact spacer 30. As shown in FIG. 4B, the user combines the inhaler 10 with the compact spacer 30 so that they are bundled together in a compact configuration. The collar 38 of the adapter segment 36 is fitted onto the mouthpiece 16 of the inhaler 10. This is secured by elastic strap 40 that is wrapped around the actuator 19 of the inhaler 10.
(29) The mouthpiece cover 50 is used to secure the mouthpiece 34 end of the spacer 30 to the inhaler 10. The elastic ring 52 is encircled around the canister 12. At the other end, the cap 54 is seated onto the mouthpiece 34 of the spacer 30. With these attachments, the spacer 30 is held in a compact configuration alongside inhaler 10. The pleats on the main barrel segment 32 and mouthpiece 34 are compressed to minimize the length of spacer 30. The adapter segment 36 is made to bend so that the main barrel segment 32 is aligned parallel and flush to the actuator 19. The gap “G” separating the main barrel segment 32 from the actuator 19 is about 0.2 cm.
(30) As shown in FIG. 4C, when the user wishes to use the inhaler 10, the cap 54 is lifted off the mouthpiece 34 of the spacer 30, thus releasing the mouthpiece 34 end from its attachment to the inhaler 10. As allowed by the highly flexible adapter segment 36, the main barrel segment 32 is pulled downward towards a straightened configuration. As shown in FIG. 4D, the user pulls out the main barrel segment 32 and mouthpiece segment 34 to extend the spacer 30 in a longitudinal direction. This expands the volume inside the spacer 30. FIG. 4E shows a cutaway view of the user's head 70 with the mouthpiece segment 34 inserted into the user's mouth for inhaling the aerosolized medication. Because mouthpiece segment 34 has a smaller diameter than the main barrel segment 32, the user can easily place their lips 74 abutting against the flange 35 on main barrel segment 32.
(31) The narrow and extended length design of mouthpiece segment 34 adds flow resistance inside the hollow channel, thus slowing the inhalation flow rate. This helps to improve drug delivery to the lungs. Also, by reaching further into the user's mouth, the extended length design of mouthpiece segment 34 brings the distal end closer to the lungs, thereby improving the efficiency of drug delivery into the lung and reducing the deposition of aerosolized particles on the oropharynx 72 and upper airways.
(32) There are a range of dimensions suitable for design of the spacer and its various segments. FIG. 5 shows the various dimension parameters that may be selected for each segment of the spacer device. L.sub.1 represents the length of the adapter segment 36. L.sub.2 represents the length of the main barrel segment 32. L.sub.3 represents the length of the mouthpiece segment 34. L.sub.4 represents the length of the aerosol chamber as a whole. D.sub.1 represents the outer diameter of the main barrel segment 32. D.sub.2 represents the outer diameter of the mouthpiece segment 34. Possible numeric ranges for the dimensions are given in the “Summary” section above. The following illustrations show specific examples of dimensions that could be used.
(33) FIGS. 6A-6C show an example of a compact spacer 110 of the invention, drawn in schematic form to focus attention on the dimensions. The spacer 110 comprises an aerosol chamber comprised of an adapter segment 112 and a main barrel segment 114. The spacer 110 further comprises a mouthpiece segment 116. The main barrel segment 114 includes a one-way valve 118. FIG. 6A shows the spacer 110 in its compressed configuration. Here, the length of the main barrel segment 114 is about 4.8 cm. The length of the mouthpiece segment 116 is about 1.7 cm. The combined length of the main barrel segment 114 and the mouthpiece segment 116 is about 6.5 cm. As shown in FIG. 6B, the outer diameter of the main barrel segment 114 is about 3 cm. As shown in FIG. 6C, when the spacer 110 is extended for use, main barrel segment 114 lengthens to about 18 cm and the mouthpiece segment 116 lengthens to about 4 cm.
(34) FIGS. 7A-7C show an example of a compact spacer 120 having a larger bore size for the main barrel segment 124. The spacer 120 comprises an aerosol chamber comprised of an adapter segment 122 and the main barrel segment 124. The main barrel segment 124 includes a one-way valve 128. The spacer 120 further comprises a mouthpiece segment 126. As shown in FIG. 7A, in its compressed configuration, the main barrel segment 124 has a length of about 4 cm and the mouthpiece segment 126 has a length of about 1.7 cm. As shown in FIG. 7B, the larger-bore main barrel segment 124 has an outer diameter of about 5 cm. As shown in FIG. 7C, when the spacer 120 is extended for use, the main barrel segment 124 lengthens to 15 cm and the mouthpiece segment 126 lengthens to about 4 cm.
(35) The spacer and the metered dose inhaler may be provided in combination as an assembly, with the spacer as either a detachable component or a permanent attachment. FIG. 8 shows an example of an inhaler assembly in which a spacer 82 of the present invention is permanently attached to an inhaler 80. The collar 84 on the adapter segment 86 is permanently attached to the spray outlet 88 of the inhaler 80. A flexible tether 83 is permanently affixed to the inhaler 80. The tether 83 holds a mouthpiece cap 85 that fits over the mouthpiece of the spacer 82. The assembly is configured such that the main barrel segment of the spacer 82 is aligned parallel and flush to the actuator body of inhaler 80.
(36) FIGS. 9A-9C show an example of an inhaler assembly in which a spacer 140 of the present invention is detachably, or alternately permanently, attached to an inhaler 130. FIG. 9A shows the spacer 140 and the inhaler 130 as separate components. The inhaler 130 has a spray outlet 135, which functions as a socket for receiving the spacer 140. A flexible tether 134 is permanently affixed to the inhaler 130. The tether 134 holds a mouthpiece cap 136 that fits over the mouthpiece 146 of the spacer 140. At the proximal end of the spacer 140, there is a socket adapter 144, which has a round bottom shape to make a seal inside the outlet 135 of the inhaler 130. The socket adapter 144 on spacer 140 has a swivel post 148.
(37) As seen in FIG. 9B, the swivel post 148 slides down into the receiving slot 132 on the outlet 135 of inhaler 130. The mouthpiece cap 136 is fitted onto the mouthpiece 146 of the spacer 140. Thus, the inhaler assembly is configured such that the main barrel segment 142 of spacer 140 is aligned parallel and flush to the actuator body of inhaler 130.
(38) As shown in FIG. 9C, when the user wishes to use the inhaler assembly, the cap 136 is lifted off the mouthpiece 146 of spacer 140, thus releasing the mouthpiece 146 end from its attachment to the inhaler 130. As allowed by the swivel engagement of socket adapter 144 to the outlet 135, the main barrel segment 142 is swiveled downward towards a straightened configuration. The user would then pull out the main barrel segment 142 and mouthpiece segment 146 to extend the spacer 140 in a longitudinal direction.
(39) FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example of an inhaler assembly in which a spacer 100 of the present invention is detachably associated with an inhaler 90. FIG. 10A shows the spacer 100 detached from the inhaler 90. On the shell of the mouthpiece/outlet 96 of the inhaler 90 is a small protruding anchor 92. On the collar 102 of the adapter segment 108, there is a hole 104 for catching on anchor 92. The inhaler 90 also has a mouthpiece cap 94 that is attached to the body of inhaler 90 by a flexible tether 98. As shown in FIG. 10B, for assembling together, the collar 102 of the spacer 100 is snapped onto the mouthpiece/outlet 96 of the inhaler 90 via anchor 92 and hole 104. The tether 98 is flexed back slightly to accommodate the mouthpiece 106 of spacer 100. The mouthpiece cap 94 is then fastened onto the mouthpiece 106 of the spacer 100. The assembly is configured such that the main barrel segment of the spacer 100 is aligned parallel and flush to the actuator body of inhaler 90. Having the spacer 100 be detachable allows for easy cleaning of the spacer 100, as well as cleaning of the spray nozzle inside the inhaler 90.
(40) FIGS. 11A and 11B show perspective views of another example of a compact spacer device 230 of the present invention. FIG. 11A shows a side perspective view; FIG. 11B shows an underside perspective view. The spacer 230 comprises an aerosol chamber 231 that holds the aerosolized medication from the inhaler 210. The aerosol chamber 231 comprises a swivel adapter 236. The aerosol chamber 231 further comprises a forward shell 270 and a rear shell 272. In the compact configuration for the spacer device 230, the forward shell 270 and rear shell 272 are locked together via a twist lock 214. To specify orientation, the distal end is indicated by the reference label “D” and the proximal end is indicated by the reference label “P”. This orientation follows the direction of medication flow from the metered dose inhaler 210, through the aerosol chamber 231, through the mouthpiece (not shown) of the spacer device 230, and out to the patient.
(41) The inhaler 210 comprises a medication canister 212 held within an actuator body 219. The spacer device 230 further comprises a mounting bracket 296 and holder arms 294. The inhaler 210 is mounted onto the mounting bracket 296 and gripped in place by flexing holder arms 294. As seen in FIG. 11B, the swivel adapter 236 comprises an outer case 280 and an inner case 282 that are rotatably sliding relative to each other. Both the outer case 280 and the inner case 282 are made of hard plastic. On the inner case 282 of the swivel adapter 236, there is a collar 238 designed to receive the mouthpiece (hidden from view) of the inhaler 210. The collar 238 is made of soft silicone plastic to promote a snug fit around the mouthpiece of inhaler 210. The assembly is configured such that the aerosol chamber 231 of the spacer device 230 is aligned parallel to the actuator body 219 of inhaler 210.
(42) A leash 256 is affixed to the forward shell 270 of the aerosol chamber 231. (Alternatively, the leash 256 could be affixed to mounting bracket 296.) The leash 256 holds the mouthpiece cap 254 that fits over the mouthpiece (not shown) of the spacer device 230. At the distal end of the aerosol chamber 231 is a mouthpiece (not shown) that is covered by a mouthpiece cap 254. Referring back to FIG. 11A, the forward shell 270 also has a series of vent holes 244 to allow air to expel if the user exhales into the spacer device 230 before inhaling. Inside the forward shell 270, there is a one-way valve 240 (see FIG. 17) that diverts the exhaled breath through the vent holes 244.
(43) FIGS. 12A and 12B show the compact spacer device 230 with the aerosol chamber 231 swiveled down in preparation for use. FIG. 12A shows a side view; FIG. 12B shows a top perspective view. In this swiveled configuration, the outer case 280 of the swivel adapter 236 rotates around inner case 282 to give the swiveling motion.
(44) FIG. 13 shows a rear perspective view of the spacer device 230 with the inhaler 210 omitted to show the interface between the two more clearly. This view again shows the collar 238 on the swivel adapter 236 that is designed to fit around the mouthpiece of the inhaler 210. Also seen is the opening 288 for receiving the aerosolized medication from the inhaler 210 into the aerosol chamber 231. The mounting bracket 296 comprises a support wall 298. In the compact configuration for spacer device 230, the support wall 298 is parallel and flush against the aerosol chamber 231.
(45) FIG. 14 shows a cut-away, perspective side view of the compact spacer device 230 with the aerosol chamber 231 swiveled down in preparation for use. As seen in this view, the mouthpiece 237 of the inhaler 210 fits into the collar 238 of the swivel adapter 236. This view also shows the inside of aerosol chamber 231. In addition to the forward shell 270 and rear shell 272, there is an extendable barrel 232 in between. The extendable barrel 232 contains a coiled wire spring 260 that is shown in its collapsed configuration. Note that this version of the invention has a fin on the one-way valve 266, but that is not a necessary element.
(46) FIGS. 15A and 15B show the compact spacer device 230 with the aerosol chamber 231 in swiveled open and extended configuration for use. FIG. 15A shows a perspective view; FIG. 15B shows a cut-away view. Note that this version of the spacer device 230 has mating latches instead of a twist-lock. But referring to the other version, the aerosol chamber 231 is opened by untwisting the twist lock 214 and separating the forward shell 270 from the rear shell 272. The aerosol chamber 231 comprises an extendable barrel 232, which comprises a flexible plastic sheath 262 supported by a coiled wire spring 260 that serves as a framework. The sheath 262 is made of a soft plastic such as polyurethane. The forward shell 270 is pushed outward by the spring 260 to extend the barrel 232.
(47) The cut-away view of FIG. 15B shows the interior parts of the spacer device 230. The swivel adapter 236 encloses a hollow cavity. The hollow interior of the extendable barrel 232 is continuous with the cavity of the swivel segment 236. This view also shows the one-way valve 266 at the mouthpiece end of the aerosol chamber 231. Note that this version of the spacer device 230 has a fin on the one-way valve 266, but that is not a necessary element. After use, the extendable barrel 232 is pushed back to make it collapse and allow it to mate with the rear shell 272. The rear shell 272 and forward shell 270 are push against each other to latch them together.
(48) FIG. 16 shows the dimensions of the spacer device 230 in its compact configuration. Length L.sub.4 is the length from the swivel adapter 236, across the aerosol chamber 231 (comprising shells 272 and 270), and to the end of the mouthpiece (hidden from view) under cap 254. In this particular example, length L.sub.4 is about 11.7 cm. Length L.sub.5 is the width from the front face of the spacer device 230 (along the edge of swivel adapter 236 and aerosol chamber 231) to the back face (along the edge of the actuator body 219 and the flexing holder arms 294). In this particular example, length L.sub.5 is about 7.5 cm.
(49) FIG. 17 shows the dimensions of the spacer device 230 in its fully extended configuration. Length L.sub.6 represents the interior volume from the tip of the metered dose inhaler mouthpiece to the one-way valve 240 (see FIG. 18). In this particular example, length L.sub.6 is about 20.8 cm. Length L.sub.7 represents the overall length from the tip of the metered dose inhaler mouthpiece to the end of the mouthpiece on the distal end of the spacer device 230. In this particular example, length L.sub.7 is about 23.3 cm. The angle α is the angle between the metered dose inhaler 210 or support wall 298 of the mounting bracket relative to the longitudinal axis of the extended aerosol chamber 231.
(50) FIG. 18 shows the interior part of the aerosol chamber 231 in isolation from the rest of the spacer device 230. Shown here is the outer case 280 of the swivel adapter 236. On the inside surface of the outer case 280, there is a pivot groove 220 having two detents that help to retain the swivel adapter 236 in the folded-up or folded-down configuration. The interaction of the pivot groove 220 and the two detents are explained in reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B below. Also shown is the one-way valve 240 at the distal end of the extendable barrel 232.
(51) FIGS. 19A and 19B show parts of the spacer device 230 in further isolation. FIG. 19A shows the outer case 280; FIG. 19B shows the one-way valve 240. As shown in FIG. 19A, the outer case 280 has circular grooves 248 which engage with and hold the coiled wire spring 260 at its rear end. As shown in FIG. 19B, the one-way valve 240 also has circular grooves 242 that engage with and hold the coiled wire spring 260 at its forward end.
(52) FIGS. 20A and 20B show the outer case 280 and rear shell 272 in two halves. FIG. 20A shows an exterior view; FIG. 20B shows an interior view. As seen in FIG. 20B, the interior surface of the outer case 280 has a pivot groove 220 with two detents (shallow depressions).
(53) FIGS. 21A and 21B show the inner case 282 and the mounting bracket 296 in two halves. FIG. 21A shows an exterior view; FIG. 21B shows an interior view. As seen in FIG. 21A, a flexing finger 222 is cut into the side surface of the inner case 282. The flexing finger 222 has a small bump that engages with and slides within the pivot groove 220 on the inner surface of the outer case 280. As the bump slides within the pivot groove 220, it will engage with one of the two detents to hold the swivel adapter 236 in its folded-up or folded-down configuration.
(54) FIGS. 22A and 22B show perspective views of a silicone cushion 240 that could be part of the spacer device. The silicone cushion 240 is positioned between a support wall of a mounting bracket and the MDI. FIG. 22A shows the side facing the support wall of the mounting bracket; FIG. 22B shows the side facing the MDI. The silicone cushion 240 may be useful to dampen loose rattling of the MDI in the mounting bracket. The silicone cushion 240 here comprises a collar 246 to couple with the spray outlet of the MDI. The spray outlet of the MDI is inserted through the opening 248 of the silicone cushion 240. The silicone cushion 240 has an appendage 242 to rest against the support wall of the mounting bracket. The silicone cushion 240 also comprises a protruding mushroom head 244 on the appendage 242 to engage with a corresponding hole in the support wall of a mounting bracket. This helps retain the silicone cushion 240 against the mounting bracket.
(55) The foregoing description and examples have been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and are not intended to be limiting. Each of the disclosed aspects and embodiments of the invention may be considered individually or in combination with other aspects, embodiments, and variations of the invention. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the steps of the methods of the invention are not confined to any particular order of performance. Modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, and such modifications are within the scope of the invention.
(56) Any use of the word “or” herein is intended to be inclusive and is equivalent to the expression “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such, for example, the expression “A or B” means A, or B, or both A and B. Similarly, for example, the expression “A, B, or C” means A, or B, or C, or any combination thereof.
