GB2519782A

GB2519782A - An inhaler

Info

Publication number: GB2519782A
Application number: GB1319145.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon James Smith; Lai Chiu Tang; Scott A Lewis
Original assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd; British American Tobacco Co Ltd
Current assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2013-10-30
Filing date: 2013-10-30
Publication date: 2015-05-06
Also published as: GB201319145D0

Abstract

An inhaler comprising a body 2 and a canister 8 having a longitudinal axis that defines a chamber to contain a formulation for inhalation, whereby the canister has a fluid release mechanism 9 at one end including first and second release elements (11 and 10 respectively, figure 7) . The canister and first release element are slideable within the body in an axial direction relative to the second release element for the release of formulation. An actuator 3 is mounted to the body and is depressible inwardly towards the axis so that it cooperates with the canister and slides the canister and the first release element relative to said second release element for the release of formulation from the chamber. Preferably the actuator (which can be pivotally mounted or deformable) includes a cam member 21 and the canister comprises a depression 22 on an outer wall, the depression having a first angled surface 23A, which acts as a cam surface to cooperate with the cam member of the actuator to slide the canister in an axial direction, and a second angled surface 24A, configured to prevent further rotation of the actuator. Preferably the fluid release mechanism is a pump and the fluid contains nicotine.

Description

An Inhaler

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an inhaler for administering a substance or formulittion by inhalation. The substance or formuhttion may contain nicotine and the inhaler may take the form of a nicotine delivery system. The invention a'so r&ates to a canister for containing a substance or formulation.

Background

Inhalers are known that comprise a mouthpiece, an actuator and a compartment containing a formulation for inhalation. Upon actuation of the actuator by a user, formulation is released from the compartment and is expelled through the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

Sununary According to the invention, there is provided an inha'er comprising a body and a canister having a longitudinal axis that defines a chamber to contain a formulation for inhalation, the canister having a fluid rekase mechanism at one end including first and second r&ease dements, the canister and first release element being sBdeahle within the body in an axial direction relative to the second release element for the release of formtflation from the chamber through the fluid release mechanism for inha'ation by a user, wherein an actuator is mounted to the body and is depressibe radiafly inwardly towards the axis so that it cooperates with the canister and slides the canister and the first release element r&ative to said second rdease element for the release of formiflation from the chamber.

In one embodiment, the actuator includes a cam member and the canister comprises a cam surface, the cam member and cam surface cooperating with each other when the actuator is depressed so that tile canister slides in an axial direction. The cam surface may be formed in an outer wall of the canister and may extend at an angle relative to the axis of the canister so that, as the cam member slides down the cam surface toward the axis, the canister slides in an axial direction.

In one embodiment, a depression is formed in said outer wall and the cam surface is s formed in the depression. The depression may comprise a first ang'ed surface and a second ang'ed surface, the cam surface being formed by said first an&ed surface. The second angled surface maybe configured to prevent further rotation of the actuator when the actuator contacts said second angled surface.

In one embodiment, the cam surface is formed at an end of the canister remote from the fluid release mechanism.

In one embodiment, the actuator is mounted to the body and is resiliently deformable.

In an aiternate embodiment, the actuator is pivotally mounted to the body.

io The canister maybe substantiafly cylindrical in shape.

The invention also provides a canister having a longitudinal axis that defines a chamber to contain a formulation for inhalation having a fluid release mechanism at one end and including first and second release elements, the canister and first release element being sbdeable in an axial direction relative to the second release element for the release of formulation from the chamber through the fluid release mechanism, wherein the canister comprises a cam surface for cooperation with a cam member on an actuator of an inhaler in which the canister can be located so that the canister and the first release element slide in an axial direction relative to the second release element for the release of formulation from the chamber.

The cam surface may be formed in an outer wall of the canister and may extend at an angle relative to the axis of the canister.

In one embodiment, a depression is formed in said outer wall and the cam surface is formed in the depression. The depression may comprise a first angled surface and a second angled surface, the cam surface being formed by said first angled surface.

The canister may be filled with a liquid that comprises nicotine.

In one embodiment, the fluid release mechanism comprises a pump and the first and second release elements comprise a pump housing and a pump stem respectively, and the pump housing is slidable within the body in an axial direction relative to the pump stem for the release of formulation from the chamber through the pump stem for inhalation by a user.

The invention also provides a nicotine delivery system comprising the inhaler according to the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention, with a mouthpiece cap removed; io Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inhaler of Figure 1, with the mouthpiece cap attached; Figure 3 is a top view of the inhaler of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a bottom view of the inhaler of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view of the inhaler of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a cross-sectiona' side view of the inhaler of Figure i; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view showing a pump of the inhaler of Figure 1, in a first position; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view showing the pump of the inhaler of Figure 1, in a second position; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a canister of the inhaler of Figure 1; and, Figure 10 is a side view of the canister of Figure 9.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figures 1 to 10, an inhaler 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The inhaler may be a nicotine delivery system and so be used as a substitute for cigarette, cigar or like smoking article. It comprises an outer housing 2 and an actuating mechanism 3. The outer housing 2 comprises a cylindrical body 4 with a mouthpiece at one end thereo The mouthpiece s has an outlet channel A and is coverabic by a mouthpiece cap 6.

An inner space 7is formed in the cylindrical body 4 of the outer housing 2 and contains a canister 8 and a fluid release mechanism comprising a pump assembly 9. The canister 8 contains a formulation for inhalation, a discrete amount of which is expelled out of the outlet channel 5A of the mouthpieces upon each operation of the pump 9. The pump 9 comprises a first release element comprising a pump housing ii that extends into the canister 8 and has a peripheral wall hA and a second release element comprising a pump stem 10 that is held in a fixed position in the inner space 7 of the cylindrical body 4. The pump stem 10 comprises a plunger bA that is slidably received in the pump housing ii and a rubber 0-ring 13 provides a seal between the phrnger bA and the pump housing peripheral wall uk Avahre chamber 12 is formed in the space between the plunger uoA and the inside surface of the peripheral wall nA of the pump housing 11. A stem channel ioB extends through the pump stem 10 and fluidly communicates the outlet channel 5A in the mouthpiece 5 with the valve chamber 12.

An inlet channel riB is formed in an end of the pump housing ii that is remote to the io pump stem 10 and fluidly communicates the valve chamber 12 with the inside of the canister 8. A first check valve 14 is disposed at an opening of the inlet channd tuB and is configured to permit the flow of formulation into the valve chamber 12 from the canister 8 whilst restricting fluid flow in the opposite direction. The first check valve 14 comprises a valve ball 14A that has a larger diameter than that of the inlet channel tuB is so that the valve bail 14A blocks the ifflet channd riB when it is disposed against the opening thereof.

The pump housing 11 is slidable relative to the pump stem 10 between first and second positions. In the first position, the plunger mA of the pump stem 10 is spaced from the inlet channel riB end of the pump housing ii (as shown in Figure 7). A biasing means 15, for example, a spring or portion of resilient material, is positioned between the plunger ioA and the pump housing ii and biases the valve housing 11 into the first position with respect to the pump stem 10. If a force is applied to the pump housing ii that is sufficient to overcome the force of the biasing member 15 then the pump housing ii will move into a second position wherein the plunger uoA is slid into the pump housing ii, towards the inlet channel riB, causing the volume of the valve chamber 12 to decrease and therefore the pressure therein to increase. When the pressure in the valve chamber 12 increases, so that it is higher than the pressure in the canister 8, the valve ball MA will be urged against the pump housing ii around the inlet channel riB to prevent fluid from flowing from the chamber 12 to the canister 8. The increased pressure in the valve chamber 12 will cause formulation in the chamber 12 to pass through the stem channel uoB and out of the outlet chann& 5A in the mouthpiece 5 50 that it may be consumed by the user.

When a force is no longer exerted on the pump housing 11 to overcome the force of the biasing means 15, the biasing means 15 will return the pump housing 11 to the first position and the plunger mA will slide into the first position so that the volume of the valve chamber 12 increases. A second check valve 16 is disposed in the outlet channel 5A and is configured to permit the flow of formulation from the valve chamber 12 to the ouflet of the ouflet channel 5A whilst restricting fluid flow in the opposite direction.

Therefore, when the volume of the valve chamber 12 is increased as the pump housing 11 moves to the first position, the pressure therein decreases so that it is less than the pressure in the canister 8, and the valve ball 14A will be urged away from the inlet channel iiB and formulation will flow from the canister 8, through the inlet channel iiB, and into the valve chamber 12. I0

The second check valve 16 comprises a static insert 17 and a sliding insert 18. The sliding insert i8 is slidably received in the outlet channel Atowards an end thereof that is spaced from the stem channel loB. The sliding insert i8 comprises an outlet aperture i8A therethrough that, in use, vents to user's mouth. The static insert 17 comprises an insert passage 17A and a face 17B that is distal to the stem channd loB.

The static insert 17 is disposed in the outlet channel 5A between the stem channel loB and the sflding insert 18 so that when the pressure in the valve chamber 12 is tower than the pressure at the outlet aperture iSA, the sliding insert 18 will be urged against the face 17B of the static insert l7so that the aperture iSA is blocked. When the pressure in the valve chamber 12 is higher than the pressure at the outlet aperture i8A, the sliding insert 18 will be urged away from the face 17B of the static insert 17 so that a gap is formed therebetween, allowing for fluid to flow from the valve chamber 12, through the stem channel ioB and insert passage 17A and then out of the outlet aperture iSA, via the gap formed between the static and sliding inserts 17, 18.

An aperture 19 is formed in the cylindrical body 4 and extends in the longitudinal direction thereof. The actuator 3 comprises a longitudinal member 20 that is integrally formed with the outer housing 2. The longitudinal member 20 extends into the aperture 19 in the ongitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 4 in a direction towards the mouthpiece 5. The longitudinal member 20 has a free end that is proximate to the mouthpieces and which has a button 2oA disposed on an outer surface thereof. A projection 21 protnides from an inside surface of the free end of the ongitudinal member 20.

The canister 8 is generally cylindrical in shape, has a longitudinal axis (shown by line X-X in Figures 9 and io) and has a cavity or depression 22 formed in a peripheral wall thereof. The cavity 22 is formed in the space between first and second angled walls 23, 24, which extend towards the longitudinal axis of the canister 8 and converge. The first angled wail 23 extends towards the axis at an angle away from the mouthpiece 5. The outer surface of the first angled wail 23 forms a cam surface 23A. The second angled wall 24 extends from the lower end of the first angled wall 23 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis in a direction away from the longitudinal axis and the mouthpiece.

The angle of inclination of the second angled wall 24 with respect to the longitudinal axis may be different from the angle of inclination of the first angled wall 23 with respect to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first angled wall 23 has a much steeper io angle of incilnation that the second angled wail 24. The first and second angled walls 23, 24 together forni a substantiafly "V" shaped groove or depression in the canister wall. The outer surface 24A of the second angled wall 24 prevents over rotation of the actuator, as will become apparent from the description that follows.

The ongitudinal member 20 of the actuator 3 is manufactured from a resilient material, for examp'e, metal, pthstic or rubber, so that the ongithdinal member 20 can flex relative to the outer housing 2 when the user applies a force to the button 2oA of the actuator 3. The longitudinal member 20 comprises a narrow section 20B that has a reduced dimension in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the member 20. The reduced width of the narrow section 2oB facilitates the flexible movement of the longitudinal member 20. When no force is applied to the button 20A, the outer surface of the longitudinal member 20 sits flush with the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body 4, and the projection 21 is adjacent to a first end of the cam surface 23Athat is remote of the central axis of the canister 8.

In use, a user positions the mouthpiece 5 between their lips and exerts a force on the button 2oAto press the free end of the longitudinal member 20 into the cavity 22 of the cylindrical body 4. This force will urge the projection 21 against the cam surface 23A of the first angled wall 23, resulting in the canister 8 being urged in the longitudinal direction towards the mouthpiece 5 end of the housing 2. As the projection 21 is urged against the cam surface 23A of the canister 8, the longitudinal member 20 wfll flex relative to the cylindrical body 4, until the longitudinal member 20 abuts the outer surface 24A of the second angled wall 24, at which point the button 2oA will be in a fully depressed position within the housing 2. The portion of the projection 21 that is urged against the cam surface 23A may have a rounded profile to facilitate smooth cooperation and movement between the projection 21 and the cam surface 23A.

When the canister 8 is slid within the housing 2 under the force of the actuator 3, the canister 8 urges the pump housing ii towards the mouthpiece 5 and the pump 9 is actuated, expelling a dosage of formulation through the ouflet channel A and into the user's mouth in the manner previously described. The user then releases the button 2oA and the biasing means 15 urges the canister 8 away from the mouthpiece in the longitudinal direction, causing the cam surface 23A to urge the projection 21 away from the central axis of the cylinder. In an alternate embodiment, the projection 21 is urged away from the central axis of the cylinder solely by the resflience of the actuator 3. I0

The outer surface 24A of the second angkd wall 24 limits the range of movement of the longitudinal member 20 relative to the cylindrical body 4 and therefore the range of longitudinal movement of the canister 8 and pump housing ii relative to the outer housing 2. Therefore, the maximum volume of formulation that is expelled from the pump 9 in one actuation of the button 2oA may be controlled by the arrangement of the outer surface 24A and/or the longitudinal member 20. Similarly, the angle of the cam surface 23A of the first angled wall 23 determines the range of movement of the canister 8 upon actuation of the actuator 3. Therefore, the maximum volume of formulation that is expelled from the pump 9 in one actuation of the button 20A may be pre-selected by selecting the angle of the cam surface 23A of the first angled wall 23.

A ventilation aperture (not shown) is provided in the end of the mouthpiece 5 and is fluidly communicated with the atmosphere. Therefore, when the user inhales the formulation that is expelled through the outlet channel A, air is also drawn into the user's mouth to mix with the formulation. The draw resistance of the ventilation aperture may be pre-selected, by selecting its length or diameter, so that when the user draws on the mouthpiece 5 to inhale the formulation the draw resistance of a cigarette is imitated. In an alternate embodiment, the ventilation aperture is omitted.

The mouthpiece 5 comprises an external rim B on a peripheral wall thereof and the mouthpiece cap 6 comprises a bead (not shown) that is configured to engage with the rim B when the cap 6 is positioned over the mouthpieces to secure the cap 6 thereto.

Therefore, the mouthpiece cap 6 may be releaseaNy attached to the mouthpiece to protect the mouthpieces from dirt and debris during storage of the inhaler 1. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the mouthpiece cap 6 comprises an internal screw thread (not shown) that corresponds to a screw thread (not shown) provided on a peripheral wall of the mouthpiece 5 so that the cap 6 maybe releasably screwed over the mouthpiece 5. In another embodiment (not shown), the cap 6 is omitted.

Although in the above described embodiment the pump 9 comprises a biasing means i to bias the pump housing 11 away from the pump stem 10, in an alternate embodiment (not shown) the biasing means of the pump 9 is omitted and instead a biasing means, for example, a spring or portion of resilient material, is provided in another portion of the outer housing 2, for example, between the canister 8 and the end of the outer housing 2 that is distal to the mouthpiece 5. I0

Although in the above described embodiment the outer housing 2 and actuator 3 are curved to form an inhaler 1 that is generally cylindrical in shape, in alternate embodiments (not shown) the inhaler 1 may be another shape, for example, cuboidal or an elongated cylinder.

It should be recognised that the invention is suitable for use with different types of pumps to the pump 9 described above, providing that the pump is linearly actuated. In one specific example embodiment, the pump comprises an Aptar Pharma (TM) Classic Line (TM) pump. In such an embodiment (not shown), the pump comprises a dip tube that fluidly communicates the inlet of the pump with the inside of the canister.

Alternatively, the dip tube may be omitted so that the inhaler 1 may be used in any orientation provided that the canister 8 is at least half-full of formulation. A pressurised canister may also be used so that the formulation is emitted as an aerosol upon activation of the inhaler. In one such embodiment (not shown), the fluid release mechanism comprising the pump is omitted and is replaced by an alternative fluid release mechanism comprising a valve, for example, a metering valve, pressure-relief valve, or a flow control valve. The valve has first and second release elements comprising a valve seat and a valve head respectively that are slidable relative to each other upon actuation of the actuator by a user to permit the flow of formulation through the valve tinder the pressure of the formulation in the chamber for inhalation by the user.

Although in the above described embodiment the first check valve 14 comprises a valve ball 14A that obstructs the inlet channel iiB when the pressure in the pump chamber 12 is greater than the pressure in the canister 8, in an alternate embodiment (not shown) the first check valve 14 is of a different configuration, for example, having a construction that is similar to the second check valve 16, comprising a static insert and a sliding insert.

Although in the above described embodiment the second check valve 16 comprises a static insert 17 and a sliding insert 18 so that the outlet channel 5A is blocked when the pressure in the pump chamber 12 is lower than the pressure at the exit of the outlet channel 5A, in an alternate embodiment (not shown) the second check valve i6 has a different configuration, for example, having a construction that is similar to the first check valve 14, comprising a valve ball that obstructs the outlet channel 5A. I0

Although in the above described embodiment the longitudinal member 20 is integrally formed with the outer housing 2 and the flexible movement therebetween is provided by manufacturing the longitudinal member 20 from a resilient material, in an alternate embodiment (not shown) the longitudinal member 20 is pivotally connected to the outer housing 2 by a hinge to enable the projection 21 to be urged against the cam surface 23A upon actuation by the user. In yet another embodiment, the actuator comprises a push-button that is slldable in a direction perpendicdar to the ongitudinal axis of the cylindrical body 4.

Although in the above described embodiment the canister 8 comprises a depression 22 formed in an outer wall of the canister 8 and the depression 22 comprises first and second angled walls 23, 24 with the cam surface 23A being formed on the outer surface of the first angled wall 23, in an alternate embodiment (not shown) the depression is omitted and instead the cam surface is formed at an end of the canister remote from the pump.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the c'aimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior inhaler. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments on'y, and are not exhaustive and/or exdusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the daimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examp'es, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and -10-modifications maybe made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentiafly of, various combinations of the disdosed e'ements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disdosure inchides other inventions not presently claimed, but which maybe claimed in future.

Claims

-ii -Claims 1. An inhaler comprising a body and a canister having a longitudinal axis that defines a chamber to contain a formulation for inhabtion, the canister having a fluid release mechanism at one end including first and second release elements, the canister and first release element being slideable within the body in an axial direction relative to the second release element for the release of formulation from the chamber through the fluid release mechanism for inhalation by a user, wherein an actuator is mounted to the body and is depressible inwardly towards the axis so that it cooperates with the canister io and shdes the canister and the first rdease dement relative to said second release element for the rdease of formulation from the chamber.
2. An inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a cam member and the canister comprises a cam surface, the cam member and cam surface cooperating with each other when the actuator is depressed so that the canister slides in an axial direction.
3. An inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the cain surface is formed in an onter wall of the canister.
4. An inhaler according to claim 3, wherein the cain surface extends at an angle relative to the axis of the canister so that, as the cain member slides down the cam surface toward the axis, the canister slides in an axial direction.
5. An inhaler according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein a depression is formed in said outer wall and the cam surface is formed in the depression.
6. An inhaler according to claim 5, wherein the depression comprises a first angled surface and a second angkd surface, the cam surface being formed by said first angled surface.
7. An inhaler according to daim 6, wherein the second angled surface is configured to prevent further rotation of the actuator when the actuator contacts said second angled surface.

-12 -
8. An inhaler according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the cam surface is formed at an end of the canister remote from the fluid release mechanism.
9. An inh&er according to any preceding daim, wherein the actuator is mounted to the body and is resiliently deformable.
10. An inhaler according to any of claims ito 8, wherein the actuator is pivotally mounted to the body.io
ii. An inha'er according to any preceding daim, wherein the canister is substantially cyHndrica in shape.
12. An inhaler according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid release mechanism comprises a pump and the first and second release elements comprise a pump housing and a pump stem respectively, and wherein when the pump housing is shdable within the body in an axial direction relative to the pump stem for the rdease of form&ation from the chamber through the pump stem for inhalation by a user.
13. A canister having a longitudinal axis that defines a chamber to contain a formulation for inhalation having a fluid release mechanism at one end and including first and second release elements, the canister and first release element being slideable in an axial direction relative to the second release element for the release of formulation from the chamber through the fluid release mechanism, wherein the canister comprises a cam surface for cooperation with a cam member on an actuator of an inhaler in which the canister can be located so that the canister and the first release element slide in an axial direction relative to the second release element for the release of formulation from the chamber.
14. A canister according to claim 13, wherein the cam surfacc is formed in an outer o wall of the canister.
15. A canister according to daim 14, wherein the cam surface extends at an an&e relative to the axis of the canister.
16. A canister according to claim 15, wherein a depression is formed in said outer wall and the cam surface is formed in the depression.-13 -
17. A canister according to claim 16, wherein the depression comprises a first angled surface and a second angled surface, the cam surface being formed by said first angled surface.
18. A canister according to any of claims 13 to 17, filled with a liquid that comprises nicotine.
19. A canister according to any of claims 13 to iS, wherein the fluid release Jo mechanism comprises a pump and the first and second release dements comprise a pump housing and a pump stem respectively, and wherein when the pump housing is slidable within the body in an axial direction relative to the pump stem for the release of formulation from the chamber through the pump stem for inhalation by a user.
20. A nicotine delivery system comprising the inhaler according to any of claims ito 12.