Nebulizer and Spacer for the Topical Application of a Liquid and/or Solid to a Surface

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nebulizer, such as a spray can, for the topical application of a liquid and/or solid to a surface. The nebulizer is characterized by a valve comprising a mixing chamber designed for forming a colloidal mixture comprising a dispersed phase consisting of a liquid and/or a solid substance and a continuous phase consisting of a propellant gas before delivering the colloidal mixture to the nozzle. The invention also relates to a method for the topical cooling of the skin of a person or animal. In addition, the invention relates to various other uses of the device.

Claims

1-40. (canceled)

41. Nebulizer device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90), such as a spray can, for the topical application of a liquid to a surface, comprising: a container (2, 11, 21, 33, 41, 56, 91) comprising a propellant gas (57, 92) and a liquid (58, 93); an actuatable valve (12, 54, 94) attached to the container (2, 11, 21, 33, 41, 56, 91); and a nozzle (3, 13, 24, 34, 42, 55, 99) attached to the valve (12, 54, 94), designed for generating a stream or spray, wherein the valve (12, 54, 94): comprises a mixing chamber (53, 96) attached to the nozzle (3, 13, 24, 34, 42, 55, 99); and comprises a first (51, 97) and a second (52, 98) inlet attached to the mixing chamber (53, 96), wherein the mixing chamber (53, 96) is provided with a Venturi (59, 95) and is designed for forming a colloidal mixture before delivering the colloidal mixture to the nozzle (3, 13, 24, 34, 42, 55, 99), characterized in that the device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) is configured such that in use: the first (51, 97) inlet delivers the propellant gas (57, 92) to the mixing chamber (53, 96) and the second (52, 98) inlet delivers the liquid (58, 93) to the mixing chamber (53, 96); and the first inlet (51, 97) connects to the Venturi (59, 95) such that the liquid (58, 96) is delivered via the second inlet (52, 98) by using the suction effect of the Venturi (59, 95); and the colloidal mixture formed in the mixing chamber (53, 96) comprises a dispersed phase consisting of the liquid (58, 96) and a continuous phase consisting of the propellant gas (57, 92).

42. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in claim 41, characterized in that the liquid (58, 93) comprises a skin cooling liquid.

43. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in claim 41 or 42, characterized in that the colloidal mixture is a colloidal mixture of cooling medium.

44. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid (58, 93) is selected from the group consisting of liquid nitrogen, dimethyl ether, propane and dimethyl ether/propane mixture.

45. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (51, 97) and/or second (52, 98) inlet is provided with inlet blocking means which closes the first (51, 97) and/or second (52, 98) inlet when the device is in a pre-defined inactive orientation.

46. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the closed state the pressure in the container (2, 11, 21, 33, 41, 56, 91) and the pressure in the actuatable valve (12, 54, 94) attached to the container (2, 11, 21, 33, 41, 56, 91) is the same.

47. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in claim 46, characterized in that the pressure is greater than 2.0 bar, preferably greater than 3.0 bar, preferably approximately 4.0 bar, preferably approximately 5.0 bar, preferably approximately 12 bar, preferably approximately 60 bar.

48. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) further comprises a blocking element for blocking the valve in at least one position.

49. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (12, 54, 94) is designed for the uninterrupted delivery of a colloidal mixture of cooling medium.

50. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling medium comprises at least one active compound comprising an antiviral agent, terpene and/or essential oil.

51. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the propellant gas (57, 92) comprises a cooling agent with a boiling point below 10 C.

52. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in claim 51, characterized in that the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of propane, n-butane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, dimethyl ether and dimethyl ether/propane mixture.

53. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) is connected to a spacer (4, 14, 22, 32, 43, 81), which spacer (4, 14, 22, 32, 43, 81) is designed for adjustment of the distance between the nozzle (3, 13, 24, 34, 42, 55, 99) of the device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) and the surface to be treated, said spacer (4, 14, 22, 32, 43, 81): is connected to a cover means (6, 26, 31, 44) provided with an opening (6a, 36, 46, 84), wherein the center axis of the stream or spray to be generated by the device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) extends through the opening (6a, 36, 46, 84); and is designed for fixing the minimal distance between the nozzle (3, 13, 24, 34, 42, 55, 99) attached to the device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 80, 90) and the opening (6a, 36, 46, 84) provided in the cover means (6, 26, 31, 44), wherein the size of the opening (6a, 36, 46, 84) provided in the cover means (6, 26, 31, 44) is variable, characterized in that the cover means (6, 26, 31, 44) comprises at least two screen parts (35, 45a, 45b) movable relative to one another into at least two different positions, and that in the different positions openings (6a, 36, 46, 84) with different dimensions are enclosed.

54. Device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in claim 53, characterized in that the cover means (6, 26, 31, 44) comprises at least one screen element adjustable strip (7, 16, 25) provided with openings (7a) of different dimensions, which can be moved by guide means belonging to the cover means (6, 26, 31, 44) and/or the spacer (4, 14, 22, 32, 43, 81).

55. Method of treating the skin of a person or animal using the device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, by topical application of a liquid to the skin of the person or animal.

56. Method of treating the skin of a person or animal using the device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, by topical application of a cooling medium to the skin of the person or animal.

57. Method as claimed in claim 55 or 56, characterized in that the person or animal is suffering from skin problems or skin conditions.

58. Method as claimed in claim 57, characterized in that the skin problems are selected from the group consisting of topical burns, pustules, itching and skin irritation.

59. Method as claimed in claim 57, characterized in that the skin conditions include warts.

60. Method for treating the skin of a person or animal using the device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of claims 41-54, comprising the following steps: i. providing the device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) as claimed in any of claims 41-54; ii. bringing the device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 90) into an active orientation; and iii. delivering the liquid to the skin by actuating the valve (12, 54, 94).

61. Method as claimed in claim 60, characterized in that the method further comprising the step of, in case present, placing the cover means (6, 26, 31, 44) on the skin during step ii)) and bringing the opening (6a, 36, 46, 84) into overlap with the center axis, wherein the size of said opening (6a, 36, 46, 84) corresponds to the size of the area to be cooled.

62. Method as claimed in claim 60 or 61, wherein in step iii) the liquid is delivered without interruption.

63. Method as claimed in any of claims 60-62, characterized in that the liquid comprises a skin cooling liquid.

Description

[0050] In the following, the present invention will be explained further based on the accompanying drawings, which show the following:

[0051] FIG. 1: a schematic representation of the nebulizer according to the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 2: a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 3: a perspective view of a detail of an embodiment of part of the assembly according to the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 4: a perspective view of a embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention;

[0055] FIGS. 5a-b: a rendering of a top view of an embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 6: a perspective view of a spacer of adjustable length; and

[0057] FIG. 7: a schematic representation of the nebulizer according to the present invention with a controllable liquid inlet.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the nebulizer 50 according to the present invention. The nebulizer 50 comprises a first inlet 51, shown here in the form of a tube, and a second inlet 52. Both inlets 51, 52 are connected to a mixing chamber 53 which is incorporated in the valve 54. The valve 54 also comprises a nozzle 55 which is connected to the mixing chamber 53. The container 56 in which the valve 54 is placed comprises a propellant gas 57 (continuous phase) with a liquid 58 (dispersed phase). It is to be noted that the valve also comprises a Venturi 59 which is designed for drawing up liquid 58 when the valve is opened. The assembly as illustrated in FIG. 1 is most efficient in use when the nebulizer 50 is established with the nozzle 55 pointed downward (i.e., at least a position in which the nozzle 55 is at a lower level than the container 56 connected to the valve 54). In such use, upon activating the nebulizer, propellant gas 57 is delivered via the first inlet 51 to which the liquid is to be drawn up by the Venturi effect via second inlet 52. Since the mixing chamber 53 is located inside of the container 56, it should be noted that the pressure in the mixing chamber 53 should be largely equal to the pressure exerted on the liquid 58 and propellant gas 57 located in the container 56.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the assembly 1 according to the present invention in which the spacer 4 is connected to a nebulizer 50 having a container 2. The container 2 as illustrated in FIG. 2 refers to a container for a spray can, and is therefore usually cylindrical in shape. However, any arbitrary shape can be used. The container 2 preferably contains a cooling medium in the form of a liquid which is held under pressure. The nebulizer 50 also comprises a nozzle 3 connected by means of a valve (not shown here) to the container, which upon actuation of the nebulizer 50 produces a directed stream of cooling medium. The assembly 1 also comprises a spacer 4 which in FIG. 2 has a very open elliptical paraboloid shape. In addition the spacer has an integrated actuating element 5 which is connected to the tip 3. The actuating element 5 triggers the generation of a stream of cooling medium by pressing in the tip 3 (and the valve, not shown). In FIG. 2 the actuating element 5 is integrated in the spacer 4, which has the result that a stream of cooling medium can be generated either by pressing in the container 2 or by pressing in the spacer 4. The spacer 4 is connected to a cover means 6. The cover means 6 can assume the form of a cap, wherein the cover means also comprises an opening 6a (the outline of which is not visible in FIG. 2). Preferably the cover means 6 comprises an edge 6b directed toward the outside, which obstructs the application of cooling medium on the surrounding skin. The spacer 4 also comprises an adjustable strip 7 which is provided with openings 7a of different dimensions. FIG. 2 illustrates two such openings 7a. The adjustable strip 7 can be adjusted by the user by moving the adjusting knob 7b. The spacer 4 is provided with guides (not illustrated), which guide the adjustable strip 7 during the moving of the adjustable strip 7 and the positioning of the desired opening 7a in front of the opening 6a of the cover means 6. The assembly 1 of FIG. 2 also comprises a delimiting ring 8 for blocking the spacer 4 in at least one position.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows a detailed rendering of part of an embodiment of the assembly 10 according to the present invention. In FIG. 3 the nozzle 13 is connected to a valve 12 which is connected to the container 11, which container contains a cooling medium (not illustrated here). FIG. 3 also shows a part of the spacer 14 which comprises an integrated actuating element 15. In addition, the assembly 10 of FIG. 3 comprises an adjustable strip 16 which has an adjusting knob 16a. The openings of different dimensions made in the adjustable strip 16 are not shown in FIG. 3. The adjustable strip 16 can be moved by guiding in the guides 17 placed in the spacer 14. The assembly 10 also comprises a delimiting ring 18 which comprises a groove 18a which limits the movement of the spacer 14 to that of making a radial rotating movement. The delimiting ring 18 is also provided with a groove 18b extending in the axial direction which enables pressing the spacer 14 into a predetermined position and thus actuation of the assembly 10.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the assembly 20 according to the present invention comprising a container 21 and a spacer 22. Also shown in FIG. 4 is the actuating element 23 which is connected to the nozzle 24. The assembly 20 also shows an adjustable strip 25 having an adjusting knob 25a for moving the adjustable strip 25. The cover means 26 is integrated in the spacer 22.

[0062] FIG. 5a illustrates an embodiment of the assembly 30 comprising a spacer 32 connected to a container 33. The spacer comprises a cover means 31. The container 33 also comprises a nozzle 34 connected to a valve (not visible here). The cover means 31 comprises screen parts 35 that overlap one another in all positions. The screen parts 35 as illustrated in FIG. 5a together form a diaphragm which describes an opening 36 variable in size. The user can vary the size of opening 36 by moving lever 37 in one of the directions indicated by arrow P.sub.1.

[0063] FIG. 5b illustrates an embodiment of the assembly 40 comprising a container 41 and a nozzle 42 attached to a valve (not visible here). The container 41 is connected to a spacer 43. The spacer 43 is connected to a cover means 44 comprising screen parts 45a, 45b. The screen parts 45a, 45b in this embodiment are formed by adjustable strips which are separate from one another and which can overlap one another in the opening 46 made in the cover means. The ends of the adjustable strips 45a, 45b preferably describe a V-shape (not illustrated here) or half circle. In FIG. 5b the ends of the adjustable strips 45a, 45b are located some distance apart, but preferably the ends of the adjustable strips 45a, 45b overlap to prevent the ends of the adjustable strips 45a, 45b from abutting against one another when they are moved together and thus blocking further movement of the adjustable strips 45a, 45b. However, the ends of the adjustable strips 45a, 45b can be shaped such that the adjustable strips 45a, 45b overlap when they are being moved toward one another but without coming to rest against one another. The spacer 43 comprises at least two adjusting knobs 47a, 47b for manually moving the adjustable strips 45a, 45b. A first adjustable strip 45a can be moved by means of a first adjusting knob 47a by moving the adjusting knob 47a in one of the directions indicated by arrow P.sub.3. As a result of the movement of the adjusting knob 47a, the end of adjustable strip 45a will also move in a direction indicated by arrows P.sub.3. A second adjustable strip 45b, independently of the first adjustable strip 45a, can be moved by means of a second adjusting knob 47b by moving adjusting knob 47b in one of the directions indicated by arrow P.sub.2. As a result of the movement of the adjusting knob 47b the end of adjustable strip 45b will also move in a direction indicated by arrows P.sub.2. The size and shape of opening 46 can be varied by moving one or both ends of adjustable strips 45a, 45b.

[0064] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the assembly 80 comprising a spacer 81 which is connected to a nebulizer 82. The spacer 81 is provided with adjusting knobs 83 for adjustment of the distance between the nozzle (not illustrated here) and the opening 84 provided in the spacer 81 or the surface to be treated (not illustrated here) in the direction of arrows P.sub.4.

[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a nebulizer 90 comprising a container 91 comprising a propellant gas 92 and a liquid 93. The nebulizer 90 also comprises a valve 94 in which a Venturi 95 is affixed which connects with a mixing chamber 96. The valve 94 comprises a first inlet 97 for delivering the propellant gas 92 and a second inlet 98 for delivering the liquid. The valve 94 also comprises a nozzle 99 which is coupled with an actuator 100. The actuator 100 is connected by means of a screw connection 101 to the nozzle 99. Screwing the actuator 100 farther onto the nozzle 99, i.e., in the direction of arrow P.sub.5 means that the nozzle 100 and the valve 94 cannot be pressed in as far. As a result, the second inlet 98 will also be moved over a short distance. As is apparent from the assembly shown, in this way the opening of the second inlet 98 is decreased. The sloping walls 102 affixed in the valve ultimately determine the final bore of the second inlet 98 and therefore the quantity of liquid 93 that is drawn in through the valve 94. Naturally, screwing the actuator 100 farther out in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow P.sub.5 will result in a larger quantity of liquid 93 being able to be drawn up. Then the opening of the second inlet 98 will ultimately come to be completely free with regard to the sloping wall 102 affixed in the valve 94.