CA2221997A1 - Inhaler with collapsible chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

Respiratory apparatus (1) for use in an inhaler system comprising a first member including a mouthpiece (4) attachment; a second member including a means for introducing a substance into said apparatus (1); and, mounted therebetween, at least one collapsible chamber (2) whereby said members can be gripped and moved with respect to one another so as to wholly or partly erect or collapse said chamber (2).

Description

W O 96~37249 PCT~GB96~0~266 INHALER WITH COLLAPSIBLE CHAMBER

5 The invention relates to ~ tol~ apparatus and methods of theld~ciuLic agent delivery and, particularly but not exclusively, to respiratory a~ d~us for use in an inhaler system.

Conventiorl~l hand-held pocket sized inh~l~rs, in which a ~ ,ulised canister having a release valve is compressed so as to open the valve and direct a th~ eu~ic subst~nce and propellent at high speed into the mouth of a patient, have been known and used for many years. Such inh~l~ors are simple to use and easy to transport. Ln addition, it is known that such inhalers may be advantageously supplemented by the use of a dispersion chamber or spacer to distribute and reduce the speed of the tht:l~peuLic subst~nce before inh~ling In order to achieve this and to cater for a range of p~tientc having different needs and requiring differing doses, dispersion chambers or spacers of differing lengths and/or volumes have been developed.
For example, volumetric spacers or dispersion chambers comprising two rigid cupsor frusto-conical members typically releasably joined at their respective bases or rims and having an opening for an inhaler at one end and a mouth piece at the other end, have been developed. However, such spacers are bulky to store and ,25 often very difficult to assemble particularly for young or elderly patients.

In addition, conventional spacers have presented a number of problems in respectof therapeutic agent aerosol dispersion and therapeutic agent delivery within the spacer. In paIticular, efficient and accurate dispersion and diffusion of therapeutic agent, having an a~.u~lidl~ drop size and velocity ~ml~ng~t other things, for efficient ~rlmini~tration of same to an individual can be problematical.

~ltern~tive spacers in which the chamber is collapsible, the charnber having, for example, a concertina structure or nested interlocking rings, have also been developed. Though less bulky when collapsed, these spacers still present peripheral ridges and projectic)nc~ including typically a mouth piece, which makes them difficult to store and L.dl~o-l in, for example, a h~ndb~g or pocket. Such spacers can, if desired, be stored in a sepdldte carrying case. However, this further amplifies yet another problem with these types of chambers or spacers in that they are difficult to erect particularly by a patient who is young or elderly or who may be in an anxious state.

Typically, in order to erect the spacer chamber, a patient will have to extract the ap~dlus from its carrying case prior to assembling it. This takes time and delays delivery of the medicament to the patient. Assembly of the spacer or charnber may then in itself be problematical and incur further delay in that it is usually necessary for a patient to grasp the a~pardlus with both hands and to open or erect the spacer or chamber by axially separating his hands. The ends of the spacer are typically sloping and smooth and therefore it is easy for the spacer to slip out of a patient's grasp and also it may be difficult for a patient to coordinate his hands and exert the necessary steady axial motion on the spacer so as to erect it.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a re~ alo~y apparatus incorporating a dispersion chamber or spacer which is easy to erect and collapseeven by young or old patients or those in a distressed or anxious state.

It is a further object of the invention that such apparatus is easy to store, totransport and, in particular, to carry around in, for exarnple, a pocket or a handbag.

W 096137249 PCT~GB96~66 It is a further object of the invention that such dlJ~dldlUs can be varied in length so as to provide a di~el~;oll chamber or spacer of differing lengths and/or volume and/or shape.

It is a further object of the invention to provide appdldLus which enables efficient mini~ tiC)n of ~ iudl~ly agent or thcild~t;ulic subst~nre It is a further object of t-h-e invention that such apparatus is easy to clean.

It is a further object of the invention that such apL)ald~us can ~ccommodate convention~l hand-held pocket sized inh~ or drug delivery devices without leakage.

It is a further object of the invention that such appala~us is relatively cheap and simple to m~nllf~ctllre In one of its broadest aspect, the invention comprises respiratory ap~aldLus for use in an inhaler system cv~ a first member, a second mprnber and a coll~psihle chamber positioned between said first and second mçmbçrs.
According to the invention there is therefore provided a re~pilcLLoly ap~d~dLus for use in an inhaler system comprising a first member inclllrling a mouth piece hm~nt a second member inclllrling a means for introducing a subst~nce into said app~ "~, and, mounted therebetween, at least one collapsible chamber whereby said members can be gripped and moved with respect to one another so ~ as to wholly or partially erect or collapse said chamber.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that when erect, said collapsible chamber comprises a dispersion chamber or spacer for dispersing, mixing and retarding said substance which typically includes at least one therapeutic substance.

It will be further lln(i~rstood by those skilled in the art that said charnber can be simply and quickly erected in a single action when required and just as easily retracted and stored or carried around when not in use.

In a p~ d embodiment said first and second members are adapted to directly or indirectly engage theretogether so that said appaldLus can be releasably held in a coll~psecl state when not in use.

In a further preferred embodiment said members can be moved axially with respect to one another.

In a further ~,ef..led emborlim~nt, said apyaldLus is adapted to be releasably held in a wholly or partially erect state. Preferably said first member, said second members and/or said collapsible charnber cu~ ;se a snap fit In~h;.~ ... or othermeans known to those skilled in the art to releasably hold said collapsible chamber in a partially or wholly erect state. Preferably a plurality of such mech~nicms and/or other means are provided so that the collapsible chamber can be held in anumber of such states as required.

In a further ple~lled embodiment said collapsible chamber comprises at least twointer~ng~ging nestable members movable in relation to one another. Preferable said nestable members are adapted to move in telescopic fashion with respect to one another. Advantageously said nestable members are releasably lockable in a predet.o~nintod arrangement one with respect to another so as to provide a collapsible chamber of a desired length and/or volume and/or shape. Preferably a snap-fit mto~ ni~m is provided comprising at least one shaped recess on an innerside of one nestable member and a cooperating projection for releasably eng~gin~ said recess on or about the other nestable member, or visa versa.
Preferably said cooperating projection is resiliently mounted to an edge region of a nestable member. Ideally a plurality of said recesses are provided spaced axially W 096137249 PCT~G~9~0~2~6 along an inner surface of a nestable mçmber for ~n~ging the other nestable member in a variety of pre-l~t~rmin~d positions where a chamber of predeterminedlength and/or volume and/or shape can be provided.

In a further preferred embodiment at least one of and preferably both of said first and second members comprise a base. Preferably said base has at least one st~n~ling wall mounted thereto which wall co~ ";~e~ one of said at least two nestable members. Preferably the base of at least said first member comprises a dished portion.
Advantageously said second member and said llpst~n-lin~ wall mounted to the first m.omher or vice versa are provided with a cooL)eld~ g snap fit mechanism or other means for indirectly en~ging said first and second m~mb~ors theretogether when said chamber is in a collapsed state.
In a preferred embodiment the nrst~n-ling wall mounted to the second member is nestable within the ~lpst~n~lin~ wall mounted to the first member.

In a preferred embodiment when fully ~oYt~ntlerl the chamber has a volume of be~weell a~,u~ aLely 30 and 750ml.

In a further pleft:l,ed embodiment said ch~mher when wholly erect has a s -bst~nti~lly, smoothly, varying cross sectit-n~l area. Preferably the area increases subst~nti~lly linearly from said second member to said first member.
Preferably the walls of the chamber are at an angle of approximately a few degrees with respect to the central lon~iturlin~l axis of the spacer. Ideally, the walls are at an angle of approximately 1-2~ and ideally 1.5-1.7~ with respect tothis axis.

Advantageously, the ratio of length to change in ~ met.or of the collapsible chamber is lSO-lO. Preferably the ratio is a~lo~ at~ly 35.

It will be understood from the above that where a spacer according to the invention is provided having a predetermin~od size and/or geometry the amount ofmixing of le~ildtol y agent or therapeutic subst~nce within the spacer and/or the speed of propulsion of agent or suhst~nce can be controlled in order to ensure adequate di~ ion and diffusion of the agent prior to inhalation and therefore efficient ~r1mini~tration of the agent or s~lbs~nre In a further preferred embodiment said means for introducing a substance is adapted to releasably connect the outlet or outflow port of, preferably, a conv~ntirn~l hand-held pocket sized inhaler or drug delivery device which in useis in fluid connection with said chamber. Preferably a valve is provided in saidmeans so that fluid cannot flow out of said ~p~dlUS to said inhaler. Ideally themeans comprises an a~ellul~ in the base of the second member. Advantageously the ap~llul~ is sized and shaped to frictionally and sub~ lly se~lingly engage the outflow port of a conventional hand held pocket inhaler or drug delivery device. Altelllati~rely or in a-l~lition a seal, which is preferably resilient, is provided on or about the apt:llule for substantially se~lin~ly ~nf~ging said outflow port.

In a fu~ther preferred embodiment said appa-allls further comprises a cradle adapted to cooperate with an aperture in the base of said second member.
Preferably said cradle is sized and shaped to accom~nodate a conventional hand held drug delivery device or inhaler and to direct the outflow of said device orinhaler towards the collapsible chamber. Advantageously the cradle a~commodates such a device or inhaler in a predetermined position and/or orientation with respect to said chamber and/or said mouthpiece attachrnent of said first member. Ideallythe cradle is releasably lockable within the apellu~e when in use. Advantageously accommo~i~tes such a device or inhaler in a predeLe..l,ined position andlor orientation with respect to said chamber and/or said mouthpiece ~tt~hm~nt of said first member. Ideally the cradle is releasably loclcable within the aperture when in use. Advantageously the cradle is sized and shaped to be inserted into the chamber via said a~J~L~UL~, which chamber thereby provides a cont~inment unit for said cradle, when not in use. Preferably the cradle and/or the chamber are adapted so that the cradle is releasably held in a relatively fixed location with the chamber when inserted in the chamber.

In a further preferred embo~iim~nt said coll~rsihle chamber is releasably mounted between said first and second members. It will be understood by those skilled inthe art that the provision of a chamber which is, ideally, releasably mounted and therefore separable from said members and which comprises washable material ensures that the respiratory a~aL~LLlls and, in particular, the chamber is simple and easy to clean and/or replace. This is particularly illlpulL~lL when dealing with therapeutic snhst~n~P~ and their delivery since hygiene is of paramount importance. Furtherrnore, this allows the repl~c~m~nt of the collapsible chamberor said first and second members if any of these are broken or damaged.

In a further ~lert:.. ed embo~lim~nt. said mouth piece ~tt~f~hm~nt is adapted to be used as a mouth piece. ~lt~rn~tively, or in addition, said mouth piece att~-~hment is adapted to releasably attach a mouth piece in fluid connection to said chamber.
Ideally, a valve is provided in said ~tt~hm~nt so that fluid can only flow out of said chamber to said mouth piece when a patient inhales. Preferably, a range of differing mouth pieces can be so ~tt~h~ll In a preferred embodiment said chamber is suhst~nti~lly circular in cross-section at least in part. Alternatively said chamber is substantially polygonal, such astriangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal etc, in cross-section at least in part.~0 In a prt:feL,~d embodiment said first and second members are adapted to be gripped by the provision of gripping means, such as a knurled or ribbed surface,or a friction ~ng~ing surface or the like.

In a further preferred embo~im~nt, said first m~mber is or comprises a first storage member and said second member is or co~ ises a second storage member, and further one or both of said first and second storage members are adapted to directly engage the other of said first and second storage members sosaid members can engage theretogether to provide a col~li.;n.,\ent unit for saidch~m~ r.

In a ~ d embodiment, said chamber, when wholly or partially erect, has a greater cross-sectional area at a point part-way bekveen said storage members than at end regions of said fh~mher Preferably, said point is suhst~nti~lly half vay between said storage members when said chamber is fully erect. ~ltlorn~tively~ or in ~rlr3ition~ said chamber has a suhst~nti~lly co~ cross-sectional area along at least a part of its length.

In a further p~fe..e~d embodiment said collapsible chamber comprises a pluralityof nestable rings movably connecte~ theretogether. Ideally, said rings, which are preferably though not nec~s~rily cylindrical, have progressively increasing average diameters from a first ring adjacent said first storage member to a further ring adjacent said point partway between said storage members, and progressivelydecreasing average diameters from said ring adjacent said point to a second ringadjacent said second storage member. Preferably, said rings adjacent said first and second storage members have substantially the same average diameter. In this way, said chamber comprises two relatively inverted frusto-conical portions.

Preferably, at least one ring and ideally each ring is frusto-conical in shape.
Alternatively, or in addition, each ring has a substantially constant diameter, W 09613~249 PCT/GB96~01266 though this need not nec~cs~rily be the same as that of neighbounng rings.
Preferably, said rings are rigid and washable and, ideally, comprise plastic, plastic composite or the like.

In a ~l~f~ d embodiment as an ~lL~ ,e~ or in acl~ition, to the provision of nestable rings, said chamber compric~os at least one flexible tube. Preferably said tube is washable and, ideally, comprises flexible material such as flexible plastic, plastic composite, PVC coated cloth or the lilce.

In a further p~f~ d emborlimpnt~ one of said storage members, preferably said first storage member, and said ~et~h~ble mouthpiece are each provided with coopeldLillg mating members for releasably mounting said mouthpiece on said storage member when not required. Preferably, said storage member is provided with at least one ~ L.usion ext~n~ing from its inner most surface, and an inner bore of said mouthpiece is sized and shaped so as to be releasably mounted on said protrusion. Ideally, said means for introducing a substance on said second storage member comprises a hole through which said mouthpiece can be inserted for mounting on said protrusion when said storage members are engaged theretogether, so as to f~cilit~te storage of said mouthpiece when the apparatus is not in use.

In a further plt:fe~-~d embodiment, at least one and preferably both of said storage members are provided with a coopeldL~lg releasible snap-fit me~h~nicm for ~ng~ging said members theretogether. ~l IPI lli~l ;ve ways of releasably connecting said members theretogether will be understood by those skilled in the art and these alternatives are int~nc~e~l to be covered by this application. Ideally, said storage members are nested at least in part when engaged theretogether. Ideally said storage members, are washable and preferably comprise rigid plastic, plastic composite or the like. Ideally said storage members and said chamber are transparent.

Preferably said storage memhers are circular and/or dished and ideally, smoothlycontoured on at least their outermost surface so as to present no rough or sharpedges.
Accordingly to a second aspect of the invention there is also provided a coll~psihle chamber as herein described for use in said appa~dLus.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is also provided storage members as herein described for use in said apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising at least one pair of storage members and at least one collapsible chamber for moullLing therein. Preferably said kit comprises at least one mouth piece; at least one said a~dLd~u~ and at least one collapsible ~h~mh~r.

In a ~iere~d embodiment said kit comprises first and second members, said collapsible chamber and a cradle according to the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of dispersing a therapeutic s~lhst~n~e comprising: ejecting a stream of therapeuticsllhst~n~e and, ideally, a propellent into a dispersion chamber at high velocity;
eYp~n-ling the cross-section~l area of said stream in order to mix and distribute said substance prior to delivery to a patient; and contracting the cross-sectional area of said stream and preferably simultaneously directing said contracted stream towards an outlet from said chamber ready for delivery to a patient.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

W 096~37249 PCT~GB96~0~266 Figure 1 ~k~L~senLs a part sectionAl view of LeSpirak~y apparatus in accordance with the invention in a fully assembled and erect state.

Figure 2 L~L~se.lL~ the same part sectional view of the respiratory a~paLdlus seen in Figure 1.

Figure 3 ~ -t;sell~ a part section-Al view of ~pildtOIy ap~.aLdL~ls in a wholly CO11APSeC~ state.

Figure 4 represents a part sectional view of AlterrAtive L~iLalory appaLdL~Is according to the invention.

Figure 5 lt:p~serlL~ part sectionAl views of two All~l l.AI;ve res~iLdLc,-y appaLdL ls in accoldallce with the invention, seen on either side of line AA'.
Figure 6 Leplt:seLIL~ part sectil nAl views of two further Alt~ AI;ve Lespi,dLory apparatus in accor;lallce with the invention seen on either side of line BB'.

Figures 7a and 7b L~Lese~lL sectional side views of ~ l .,AIive respiratory apparatus in accordance with the invention in extended and collapsed state respectively.

Figure 7c represents part of the apparatus seen in Figures 7a and 7b.

Figure 8a and 8b l~ senL sectional side views of Alten-Ative respiratory - a~al dL~lS in accordance with the invention in extended and collapsed states respectively.

Figure 8c represents part of the appaldLIls seen in Figures 8a and 8b.

Figures 9A and 9B represent side views of further alternative respiratory apparatus in accordance with the invention, in ~ten~led and collapsed states respectively.

Figures 10A and 10B represent side views of further alternative respiratory apparatus in accordance with the invention, in eYtenlled and collapsed states W 09613~249 PCT~GB96~0~266 Refernng firstly to Figure 1, Lt~ à~ly apl~aLalus 1 cO~ .isillg a coll~psihle chamber 2, end covers 3A and 3B and a mollthpiece 4 is shown.

Referring now to Figure 2, the coll~p.sihle ch~mher 2 comprises nested interlocking rings 2A which have pro~r~ssively increasing and decreasing averagerli,,",~ from end cover 3A to end cover 3B. Rings 2A, which, in this particular embo-liment. are cylindrical in cross section and frusto-conical in shape, form when a,Yt~n~1e~ two relatively inverted frusto-conical halves SA and 5B
which meet at mid point 5 halfway b~Lweell end covers 3A and 3B. Nested rings 2A are movably conn~cterl theretogether by an interlocking me~h~ni~m (not shown) at regions 7 as would be well understood by those skilled in the art.
Halves 5A and 5B are connçcte~ theretogether at their respective bases or rims by ~ means 6.

End cover 3B is provided with an apeL~u,e or outlet 8 which typically co,llplises e~ ...elic material such as rubber for locating, in use, a conv~ntio~l hand-heldinhaler or puffer. End cover 3A comprises a recess 11 for releasably Illo~ li lgan annular rim or flange 4A of mouthpiece 4 therein. End covers 3A and 3B are also provided with coo~e.aLillg engagement me-~h~ni~m~ such as friction~lly fitting or snap fitting memhl~. In this particular ~mho~iment, storage members 3A and 3B are provided with cooperating frictionally ~nE~ging annular recesses 13A and 13B about their respective rims.

Typically end covers 3A and 3B and chamber 2 further comprise cooperating releasable mountings for collapsible chamber 2 (not shown). In this way - collapsible chamber 2 can be r~i~cor~nected from end covers 3A and 3B to f~cilit~te cleaning and/or replacement of chamber 2 or end covers 3A and 3B.
Though this is not ~ss~nti~l in the broadest sense of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the provision of releasable mountings for chamber 2 will also allow the provision of a number of chambers of differing W 096/372~9 PCTIGB96/01266 sizes and shapes which may be required to fulfill the differing needs of one or a range of patients.

dition~ end cover 3A is provided with a projection 9 having a valve 10 located therein. The distal end of projection 9 is adapted to frictionally engage, snap fit or otherwise cooperate with a remote end 4B of mouthpiece 4 when the ~aldLIls is not in use. This is shown more clearly in Figure 3, in which appa~dllls 1 is shown in a wholly coll~rse~l state ready for storage or transportation. As can be seen from this figure, mouthpiece 4 and in particular annular rim 4A of mouthpiece 4 has been removed from recess 11. Furthermore end 4B of mouthpiece 4 has been positioned on the distal end of projection 9 so as to f~cilit~te storage of mouthpiece 4. Projection 4 is mounted on the inner surface of end cover 3A by means of ribs 12.

Figure 3 also clearly shows frusto-conical rings 2A neatly and comp~ctly stackedtheretogether so enabling end covers 3A and 3B and in particularly recesses 13A
and 13B to engage theretogether so providing a storage unit for chamber 2.

Typically end covers 3A and 3B are provided on their outermost surfaces with knurled, pitted or friction ~ng~gin~ surfaces or other gripping means so that a patient may securely and firmly grip end covers 3A and 3B. This f~ilitates assembly and collapse of the inhaler.

In use, the patient has simply to insert mouthpiece 4 into recess 11 and to grasp end covers 3A and 3B and separate them axially with respect to each other in order to erect chamber 2 ready for delivery of a medicament. A conventional hand-held inhaler or puffer can then be inserted into inlet port 8 and used in the normal way to provide a mixture of therapeutic substance and propellent within chamber 2 prior to inh~ling of the contents of the chamber via valve 10 and mouthpiece 4.

W 096137249 PC~G~96~0~266 Typically port 8 and/or mollth~iece 4 will comprise ela~ .le~ic material such asrubber or the like in order to f~cilit~te, firstly, location of a conv~ ;on~l inhaler or puffer in port 8 and, sec~ n~tly, location of mouthpiece 4 on projection 9. It will also be a~pd~t:nt to those skilled in the art that a range of rh~mh~r~ of differing volumes and/or lengths and a range of mouthpieces may be provided so as to ~ccommo~te the needs or re~lui~me..b of di~r~ p~ti~nts. ~lt~rn~tive embo~ can be envisaged by those skilled in the art and these are int~nrl~rl to be covered by this apptir ~tir)n These include, for example, end covers 3A and 3B and chamber 2 which are not circular but polygonal, triangular or hexagonal, for example. Furthermore mouthpiece 4 may be suppl~m~nte~i or replaced by a permanent mouthpiece located adjacent or partially within recess 11.
Furthermore, chamber 2 need not colll~.ise nested rings and ~ltPrn~tive forms ofchamber 2 are shown in Figure 4 to 6.

In the following figures like referenced numerals refer to afore like referenced r~dLul~s.

Referring now to Figure 4, chamber 2 col-,~-ises a tube or bag of semi-flexible material constructed in a concertina fashion so as to f~cilit~te extension or retraction of the chamber. Here, the bag is suppl~m~nte~ by relatively rigid ribs 14 and pre-~efine~ creases 15 in the material of the bag. In order to erect or collapse chamber 2, end covers 3A and 3B are gripped and moved axially with respect to one another so that concertinaed sections 2B are e~cr~n~ or collapsed.
.

Referring now Figure 5, two ~ltern~tive arrangements for chamber 2 are shown.
- Firstly, to the left of line AA', interlocking nestable rings 2C each have substantially constant, though different, ~ mçt~r~ across their axial length.
However the size of adjacent rings varies so that a first ring adjacent a first end cover, for example, has a smaller tii~meter than a next adjacent ring. The ring adjacent point 5 midway between covers 3A and 3B has the greatest diameter.

To the right of line AA' similar interloclcing nestable rings 2D each of col~L~lt axial diameters are shown. However, the ~ met~r of ~jac~nt rings varies here, the ring of g~eaL~L rli~m~ter is position~cl closer to end cover 3A having mollthriçce 4 than to end cover 3B.
Providing a chamber having a greater cross-section~l area partway between end covers 3A and 3B than ~ c~nt covers 3A and 3B ensures that when one or more s~lhst~n~es are ejected into the chamber from inlet port 8, these substances aree7~p~n~1e~1 and distributed over a greater surface area so as to f~r~ilit~te mixing and distributing of same. Subsequently, the substances are contracted and furthe..llo.~, directed l~wanls an outlet for delivery to a mo-lthriece so as toensure that the now adequately mixed and distributed s~lhst~nc~s are delivered to the mouth of a patient.

Referring now to Figure 6, two yet further alL~.llaLive chambers 2E and 2F are illustrated. To the left of line BB', chamber 2E comprises a sl~bst~nti~lly constant diameter cylindrical tube of flexible and ideally washable material such as plastic, PVC, etc. Ideally, this tube is provided with rtinfolcing ribs 14 made from relatively rigid material such as plastic, metal or the like. Here ribs 14 comprise co~ ic rings though it will be understood by those skilled in the art that ribs 14 may be replaced or supplemPnte~l by one or more spiral ribs located on tube 2E.

To the left of line BB', tube or ~h~mb~r 2F similarly comprises flexible material such as plastic, PVC or the lilce. Here tube 2F has a greater rii~met~r at mid point 5 than at its end. Again, l~ihlroL~-e~llent by ribs 14 may be supplemented or replaced by one or more spiral ribs. Such an arrangement would facilit~te storage of the inhaler since spiral ribs would collapse within themselves whereas, individual concentric ribs would tend to lie on top of one another.

CA 0222l997 l997-ll-24 W ~96137249 PCr~GB96/~I266 Referring now to Figure 7a, altern~tive respiratory apparatus 1 is shown is an erect or ~xtP~ state ready for use. A~P~aLUS 1 comprises a collapsible ch~mber 2 formed from two interlocking telescoping portions 20a and 20b. Guide ridges 23 on the outer surface of portion 20a and the inner surface of portion 20b are provided for securing and guiding portion 20a within portion 20b during axial manipulation of the telescoping portion to extend or retract the a~pd,dLus.

Telescoping portions 20a and 20b are mounted between end members 21a and 21b. End member 21a is a base comprising an apelLu-e 22 formed therethrough which aperture is sized and shaped to aCcommocl~te a cradle 16. Cradle 16 is sized and shaped to accul.. o~l~te a c~-lve~l;on~l hand held puffer or drug delivery device and to position same so that the outflow from such a device is directed into coll~psihle ch~mher 2. Cradle 16 is also provided with a shaped and typically resilient portion 17 for frictic~n~lly and/or r~sili~ntly hol~ing cradle 16 in fixed position with respect to l~h~mhP.r 2 during use. In particular, portion 17 is provided with shaped and/or r~iliently mounted projections at 18 for eng~gingthe innermost edges of ape.Lule 22. Cooperating projections or recesses can alsobe provided on or about a~ellu~e 22 on base or end member 21a.

Telescoping portion 20a is provided on or about its upst~n-ling edge region, oneor more resilient projections 15a. This can be seen clearly in figure 7c.
projections 15a engage one or more corresponding lecesses 15b on the inner side of telescoping portion 20b when apparatus 1 is extended for use. In this way, projections 15a and recesses 15b comprise a snap-fit me~h~ni~m. Alt~rn~tive means of securing app~aLus 1 in an extended position can be envisaged by those skilled in the art and these are inten~e~ to be w*hin the scope of this application.

- Further recesses 15b can be provided axially along the inner surface of telescoping portion 20b so as to provide a plurality of locations for ~ng~ging projections 15a thus providing means for varying the length and/or shape and/or volume of apparatus as required.

When not in use, cradle 16 is inserted into telescoping portion 20a and 20a is retracted into portion 20b ~i~Png~ging projections 15a from recess or recesses 15b. When retracted, portion 20a is held within portion 20b by a coope,dLing snap-fit mecl~ ... typically positioned on or adjacent base or end member 21a and the free edge region of portion 20b or vice versa (not shown) as would be well understood by those skilled in the art.

Apparatus 1 is shown in a collapsed state ready for transport or storage in Figure 7b. Apparatus 1 is extended by moving members 21a and 21b axially apart until projections 15a engage recesses lSb. Where a plurality of recesses 15b are provided, ap~alaL~ls 1 can be varied to a predetermined length or volume etc as required. Cradle 16 is extracted from portion 20a and p~ shion~.1 within ape,Lule 22. A puffer is introduced into cradle 16 for ~mini~tration of the.dpetllic suhst~nre or agent to an individual via ~ s~ Lol.y apparatus 1 and mouthpiece 4.
In order to ensure efficient ~mini~tration of a the~dpeuLic sl~hst~n~e or agent,respiratory appa.allls 1 having a predeLt:"nined size and geometry is provided.
Typically a~a~dLus 1 has a length to change in diameter ratio of 35. Thus, cradle 16 securely locates a conventional puffer adjacent base and/or member 21a at a predetermined distance typically ?cm from mouthpiece 4. Also, telescoping portions 20a and 20b have a predetermined size and geometry in that they comprise two frusto conical portions having sides angled at a few degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. Typically the angle is 1.5~. Also, the collapsible chamber can be varied in length and volume etc as described in the preceding paragraphs thus the degree of mixing and the speed of propulsion of therapeutic substance or agent on reaching an individual can be controlled to ensure adequate diffusion and dispersal of the therapeutic agent or substance providing typically an appropriate drop size, thus ensuring efficient a~mini~tration of the therapeutic agent or substance. Typically, the chamber when wholly eYten(le-l has a volume of between applnxi.~.~tely 30 and 750ml.

- Referring now to Figures 8A, 8B and 8C, an alternative respiratory appa dLus 1 is shown. Here, an end member or base 21C which projects beyond the periphery of telescoping portion 20A is sho~vn. Typically, base or end member 21(: co~lises an aperture (not shown) for insertion of a conventional hand-held puffer or drug delivery device theretl~ough.
Alte,natively, end member 21C is releasably fitted onto base 21A (not shown). In this case, 21C is removed prior to insertion of a conventional hand-held puffer into apparatus 1 via base 21A. Base 21A or 21C and end member 21B may be provided with ridges, projections or other friction increasing means such as a rubber coating for f~cilit~tin~ gripping of same and thus manipulation of apparatus 1 particularly during extension and retraction.

Referring now to Figures 9A and 9B, an alternative r~ ato,y apparatus 1 is shown. This embodiment is function~lly similar to that shown in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C but is additionally supplied with an area 30 of raised ridges or ribs which aid the gripping of apparatus 1 when in use. This gripping means could, alLe",atively, take the form of a knurled or other friction-eng~ging surface.

As an alternative to the above-described snap-fit me~h~ni~m (projections 15A and recesses 15B), the embodiments of Figures 9A and 9B is provided with a locking tab 31 at the chamber-distant end of cradle 16.
Correspondingly shaped re~sses 32 ~nd 33 are prov-ded on telescoping portions 20A and 20B respectively. When apparatus 1 is in its collapsed form (Figure 9B) recesses 32 and 33 are substantially aligned with one another and - locking tab 31 snap-fits into said recesses so as to releasably lock apparatus 1 in its collapsed position.

As an alternative to projection 9 having a valve 10 located therein (see W 096/372~9 PCT/GB96/01266 Figures 2 and 7A), this arr~n~em~nt may be replaced by a baflle plate (not shown).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that respiratory apparatus S accordillg to the invention presents a number of advantages over the known art. In particular, the apparatus is easy and simple to erect and collapse and furthermore is particularly comr~ct for storage. In addition the apparatus according to the invention, by having a pre-selected size and geometry provides for controllable and predetermined dispersion and distribution of therapeutic agent within it and therefore efficient ~Amini.ctration of same to an individual. Furthermore, the apparatus is adapted for a range of patients having differing requirements. It is also adaptable to be easily cleaned or replaced in part and to accommodate a range of co-lvc;llLional inhalers or puffers without leakage. This is achieved in an elegantly simple design which is relatively easy to make and cheap to m~mlf~ctllre.

Claims (13)

1. Respiratory apparatus for use in an inhaler system comprising a first member including a mouthpiece attachment; a second member including a means for introducing a substance into said apparatus;
and, mounted therebetween, at least one collapsible chamber whereby said members can be gripped and moved with respect to one another so as to wholly or partly erect or collapse said chamber, 2. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that said first and second members are adapted to directly or indirectly engage theretogether so that said apparatus can be releasably held in a collapsed state when not in use.
3. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterised in that said members can be moved axially with respect to one another.

4. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims characterised in that said collapsible chamber further comprises at least two interengaging nestable members movable in relation to one another.

5. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 characterised in that said nestable members are adapted to move in a telescopic fashion with respect to one another.

6. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5 characterised in that said nestable members are releasably lockable in a predetermined arrangement one with respect to another so as to predetermined arrangement one with respect to another so as to provide a collapsible chamber of a desired length and/or volume and/or shape.

1. Respiratory apparatus for use in an inhaler system comprising a first member including a mouthpiece attachment; a second member including a means for introducing a substance into said apparatus;
and, mounted therebetween, at least one collapsible chamber whereby said members can be gripped and moved with respect to one another so as to wholly or partly erect or collapse said chamber, characterised in that the chamber provides a containment unit for an inhaler or drug delivery device when not in use.

2. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that said first and second members are adapted to directly or indirectly engage theretogether so that said apparatus can be releasably held in a collapsed state when not in use.

3. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterised in that said members can be moved axially with respect to one another.

4. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims characterised in that said collapsible chamber further comprises at least two interengaging nestable members movable in relation to one another.

5. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 characterised in that said nestable members are adapted to move in a telescopic fashion with respect to one another.

6. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5 characterised in that said nestable members are releasably lockable in a predetermined arrangement one with respect to another so as to provide a collapsible chamber of a desired length and/or volume and/or shape.

7. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims characterised in that said chamber when wholly erect has a substantially, smoothly, varying cross-sectional area.

8. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 7 characterised in that said apparatus further comprises a cradle adapted to cooperate with an aperture in the base of one of said nestable members.

9. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 characterised in that said cradle is sized and shaped to accommodate a conventional hand-held drug delivery device or inhaler and to direct the outflow of said device or inhaler towards the collapsible chamber.

10. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9 characterised in that said cradle is sized and shaped to be inserted into the chamber via said aperture, which chamber thereby provides a containment unit for said cradle, when not in use.

11. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims characterised in that said fist and second members are adapted to be gripped by the provision of gripping means, such as a knurled or ribbed surface, or a friction engaging surface or the like

12. Respiratory apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims characterised in that said first member is or comprises a first storage member and said second member is or comprises a second storage member, and further one or both of said first and second storage members are adapted to directly engage the other of said first and second storage members so said members can engage theretogether to provide a containment unit for said chamber.

13. Respiratory apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of the accompanying drawings.