CZ20002345A3 - Inhalation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A blister pack (3) for dispensing an inhaler the powder containing the drug inhaled contains inhaler a tube (7) through which the powder is aspirated during inhalation a user, and a blister pack unit (5) formed A master pack element (11) provided with a group blisters (12), each containing a single dose of powder and a connecting member (13) disposed on one side the blister pack element (11) to which it is in use the suction tube is attached to the inhaler (7)

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to an inhaler, in particular an inhaler for dispensing dry powder for inhalation, and a blister pack for an inhaler.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that certain drugs dispersed in a dry powder, adapted for inhalation, are used to treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma. It is also known to form unit doses of such powders in blister packs of a blister packaging element.

WO-A-97/40876 discloses an inhalation dry powder inhaler comprising a carrier unit for supporting a blister pack having a plurality of blisters formed in a pack, each blister containing a dose of medicament powder and a suction tube shaped to be inserted into one blister packs with which the user can inhale a dose of the drug powder. The carrier unit of the inhaler comprises a chamber having a hinged cap for keeping the suction tube in a non-operating position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an inhaler and a blister pack having improved design and ease of use by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by a blister pack for an inhaler for administering a powder containing medicament for inhalation according to the invention, characterized in that the pack comprises a suction tube through which the powder is sucked in during inhalation and inhalation by the user and a blister pack with a blister group. Each containing a dose of medicament powder and a connecting member disposed on one side of the blister packaging element to which the suction tube is attachable in a non-operational position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting member comprises at least one connecting element having a resilient configuration for holding the suction tube.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is provided with first and second connecting elements, which are designed so that, after the suction tube has been attached to the first or second connecting element, the second of the connecting elements acts as a cover protecting part of the suction tube.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is a flexible clamp.

The blister pack further comprises a connecting member for connecting the suction tube to the blister pack unit.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is movably connected to the suction tube.

The connecting member is preferably provided with a snap-on clip to which the suction tube is rotatably connected.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the connecting member is provided with an element that is slidably received in the blister packaging unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blister pack unit is provided with a longitudinal track in which the end member of the connecting member is slidably mounted.

The elongated elongate path preferably extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the blister pack unit.

In a further preferred embodiment of the inhaler, the blister pack unit is provided with an elongated open channel and the end member of the connecting member is slidably received in the open channel when using the inhaler. This elongated channel preferably extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the blister pack unit.

The blister pack unit comprises at least one air permeable chamber and filled with a moisture absorbing substance. Even more preferably, the at least one air-permeable chamber is located between the blister cavities.

In another preferred embodiment of the inhaler according to the invention, the suction tube comprises an elongated body having an inlet section with an inlet and a pruning assembly at one end thereof, comprising a pruning knife with a cutting edge for forming a cut in the blister sheet and at least one indentation knife provided. an abutment face for abutting the blister cover and pushing it into the blister cavity, the elongate body having an outlet section at its opposite end and having a mouthpiece, wherein an inhalation channel is formed between the inlet and outlet for their fluid connection and suction when inhaled by the user.

Each push knife is provided with at least one transverse bore. In one preferred embodiment, the at least one transverse bore is located in the rear axial direction behind the abutment surface of the push knife. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one transverse bore extends in the axial direction rearwardly from the abutment surface of the indentation knife. The at least one transverse bore is preferably located asymmetrically on the indentation blade.

It is also preferred that the at least one indentation blade is substantially planar.

Preferably, the inlet section of the suction tube is provided with additional air inlets opening into the inhalation channel in an axial position rearward of the inlet.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pruning is

the suction tube assembly provided with first and second indentation knives located on mutually opposite sides of the pruning knife.

It is believed more advantageous if each indentation knife is located at substantially the same radial distance from the pruning knife.

Preferably, the suction tube pruning assembly is formed such that the distance between the outermost points of the bearing surface of each indentation knife is approximately equal to the distance between the outermost points of the effective cutting width of the knife, and the adjacent outermost points of the bearing surface of each indentation knife.

The axial position of the inlet is such that when the inlet section is located in the blister, the inlet of the suction tube is located below the flat intersected by the upper edges of the holes of the blister cavities.

The invention also provides an inhaler for delivering a medicament-containing powder by inhalation, comprising the blister packet described in the previous section.

The inhaler according to the invention further comprises a carrier unit for supporting the blister pack.

In a preferred embodiment of the inhaler, the support unit comprises a wall portion which is provided with a plurality of apertures adjacent the blister pack, the blister pack of the blister pack being positioned such that the blister is positioned below each of the apertures.

The carrier unit is preferably provided with an elongate groove which, together with the elongated open channel in the blister pack unit, defines an elongate path within the blister package.

which is retained and slidably guided by the end element of the link.

Preferably, the elongate groove extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the support unit.

The elongate groove preferably comprises a tapered section having a smaller width than the end member of the link that cannot pass through the taper.

The elongate groove is preferably located in the wall portion of the support unit.

The invention also provides for the construction of an inhaler for dispensing a powder with inhaled medicament, comprising a suction tube through which the powder is inhaled by inhalation, a support unit for supporting a blister pack comprising a plurality of blisters each containing a single dose of medicament powder and a member connecting the suction tube to the support unit, the connecting member having an end element slidably mounted in the support unit.

The support unit is preferably provided with an elongate track in which the end member of the link is slidably mounted.

The connecting member is preferably movably connected to the suction tube.

In an even more preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is provided with a catch to which the suction tube is rotatably attached.

The suction tube is in another preferred embodiment of the invention an elongated body having an inlet section at one end thereof, and the inlet section is provided with an inlet and a pruning assembly comprising a pruning knife with a cutting edge for forming a cut in the layer of material covering the blister; , fitted with bearing front

A surface for abutting and pushing the blister cover into the blister cavity, the elongate body having an outlet section at its opposite end and having a mouthpiece, wherein an inhalation channel is formed between the inlet and the outlet for their flow connection and suction of the powder. when inhaled by the user.

The invention also provides a blister pack for an inhaler for delivering a medicament-containing powder during inhalation, comprising a suction tube that the user sucks the powder upon inhalation, a blister pack provided with a plurality of blisters each containing a single dose of powder and medicament, and a suction tube with a blister pack element, wherein the connecting member is provided with an end element slidably mounted in the blister pack element.

The connecting member is preferably movably coupled in a suction tube.

In an even more preferred embodiment, the connecting member comprises a tab to which the suction tube is rotatably mounted.

In one preferred embodiment, the blister packaging element is provided with an elongate track in which the end member of the link is slidably mounted.

In particular, the elongate path extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the blister packaging element.

In another preferred embodiment, the blister packaging element is provided with an elongated open channel and the end member of the link is slidably received in the open channel when using the inhaler.

The elongate channel preferably extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the blister packaging element.

The blister packaging element is preferably provided with at least one of the following:

9 9 9 9 9 • 99 99 99 9 a chamber whose walls are moisture-permeable and which contain a moisture-absorbing substance.

At least one of these moisture-permeable walls is located between the blister cavities.

The suction tube is in an advantageous embodiment of the invention an elongated body having an inlet section at one end thereof, and the inlet section is provided with an inlet and a pruning assembly comprising a pruning knife with a cutting edge for forming a cut in the layer of material covering the blister; having an abutment face for abutting and pushing the blister cover into the blister cavity, the elongate body having an outlet section at its opposite end and having a mouthpiece, wherein an inhalation channel is formed between the inlet and the outlet for flow connection and aspiration powder when inhaled by the user.

The invention also provides an inhaler for delivering a medicament-containing powder during inhalation, provided with the blister pack described in the previous section.

The inhaler according to the invention is further provided with a carrier unit for supporting the blister pack.

Preferably, the carrier unit comprises an upper wall portion having a plurality of apertures next to which, in use of the inhaler, a blister pack element of the blister pack is positioned, so that when using the inhaler each blister is placed under one aperture.

The support unit is further provided with an elongate groove which, together with the elongated open channel in the blister packaging element, defines an elongate pathway in which the end member of the link member is received and slidably guided.

The elongate groove preferably extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis

999 9

9999

carrying units.

Further, the elongate groove is preferably provided with a tapered position through which the end member of the connecting member cannot pass during its displacement.

The elongate groove is preferably formed in the upper wall portion of the support unit.

Medicaments suitable for administration by a powder inhaler according to the invention are all which can be administered by inhalation and contain, for example, 32-adrenoreceptor agonists, for example salbutamol, terbutaline, rimiterol, phenotrol, reproterol, adrenaline, pirbuterol, isoprenaline, orciprenaline, bitolterol, salméterol formoterol, clenbuterol, procaterol, broxaterol, TA-2005, mabuterol and the like and their pharmacologically acceptable esters and salts; anticholinergic bronchodilators; and salts; antiallergics such as sodium cromoglycate and nedocromil sodium, expectorants, mucolytics, antihistamines, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, leukotriene synthesis inhibitors, leukotriene antagonists, phospholipase-A2 (PLA2) inhibitors, platelet aggregation factor (PAF) antagonists and prophylactics for the treatment of arrhythmias, tranquillizers, glycosides for cardiacs, hormones, medicines for reducing high blood pressure, medicines for diabetics, medicines against parasites, medicines for treating cancer, sedatives, analgesic medicines, antibiotics, antirheumatics, immunotherapeutic agents, antifungal medicines, medicines low pressure elevators, vaccines, antiviral drugs, proteins, polypeptides and peptides, for example, peptide hormones and growth hormones, polypeptide vaccines, enzymes, endorphins, lipoproteins, and blood coagulation polypeptides, vitamins and other agents such as cell surface receptor blockers, anioxidants , vyplachova free radicals and organic salts of N, N'-diacetylstin.

9999

9999

99 · ·· · · A 9 ·

9 9 9 9 9

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 · A 9

9 9 9 9 9

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the inhaler of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the inhaler of FIG. Fig. 4 is a side view of the inhaler of Fig. 1 whose blister pack is separated from the support unit; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the inhaler of Fig. 1 whose blister pack unit is partially inserted into or is Fig. 6 is a side view of the inhaler of Fig. 1 whose blister pack unit is partially inserted into or partially withdrawn from the support unit; Fig. 7 is a plan view of the inhaler of Fig. 1 whose blister pack unit Fig. 8 is a side view of the inhaler of Fig. 1, the blister pack of which is inserted into the support unit; Fig. 9 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the inhaler of Fig. 1 taken along line II of Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the inhaler of Fig. 1 taken along plane II-II of Fig. 1; Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the inhaler of Figure 1 taken along line III-III of Figure 1; Figure 12 is an axonometric view of the blister pack unit of the inhaler of Figure 1; Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a partially exploded blister pack; 12, FIG. 14 is a partial vertical sectional view of the blister pack of FIG. 13, taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 13, FIG. 15 is a partial vertical sectional view of the blister pack of FIG. taken along the VV plane of FIG. 13, FIG. 16 (a), on an enlarged scale, a plan view of the blister pack element of the blister pack, FIG.

giant.

giant.

giant.

giant.

giant.

giant.

16 (b) a bottom view of FIG. 16 (a), (c) a side view of FIG. 16 (a),

16 (d) a front view of Fig. 16 (a), (e) a rear view of the blister pack shown in the blister pack shown in the blister pack shown in the blister pack shown in Fig. 16 (a),

16 (f) is a vertical sectional view, taken along the plane VI-VI of FIG. 16 (a), of the blister packaging element;

16 (g) is a vertical sectional view, taken along the plane VII-VII of FIG. 16 (a), of the blister packaging element;

17 (a) is an enlarged plan view of the attachment element of the blister packaging element of the blister pack of FIG. 12, viewed from below the attachment element of FIG. 17 (a), another view of the attachment element of FIG. 17 (a); side view of the connector shown

giant. 17 b giant. 17 (c) giant. 17 d on giant. 17 e

17 (a), 13 (a), on a larger scale, a first side view of the suction tube of the blister pack of FIG. 12, FIG. 18 (b), a second side view, taken at right angles; Fig. 18 (a), Fig. 18 (c) a plan view of the intake tube of Fig. 18 (a), Fig. 18 (d) a bottom view of the intake tube of Fig. 18; (a), Fig. 18 (e) a perspective view of a portion of the intake tube of Fig. 18 (a), Fig. 18 (f), a vertical section through the intake tube, taken along a plane

VIII-VIII of Fig. 18 (a), Fig. 18 (g) a vertical section of the intake

IX-IX of Fig. 18 (a), Fig. 19 (a) a plan view of the packaging assembly of the Fig. Through a tube, taken along the plane of the connection · 12, the blister pack; * Fig. 19 (b) lateral 19 (a), 20 (a) a plan view of the support unit of the inhaler of Fig. 1, shown in a closed or storage condition, FIG. 20 (b) a side view of the support unit of FIG. 20 (a), shown in the closed or storage state, FIG. 20 (c) a front view of the carrier unit of FIG. 20 (a), shown in the closed or storage state, FIG. 20 (d) a rear view of the carrier unit of FIG. Fig. 20 (a), shown in closed or storage condition, Fig. 20 (e) a plan view of the carrier unit of Fig. 20 (a), shown in an open or operational state, Fig. 20 (f) plan view of 20 (a), shown in an open or in operative condition, FIG. 20 (g) on an enlarged scale, a vertical section of a portion of the carrier unit of FIG. 20 (a), 20 (h) on an enlarged scale, a vertical section through part of the support unit of FIG. 20 (a) shown in the open or operating condition, taken along the XI-XI plane 20 (e), 20 (i), on an enlarged scale, a vertical section through part of the carrier unit of FIG. 20 (a), shown in the open or running condition, taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 20 (e); .21 (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the intake tube portion of Fig. 18 (a) taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 18 (b), when partially inserted into the blister; Fig. 18 (a), taken along line XIII-XIII of Fig. 21 (a), partially inserted into the blister; Fig. 22 (a) is a vertical section through part of the suction tube of Fig. 18 (a) taken along line IX-IX from Fig. Fig. 18 (b), at the next insertion in the blister, Fig. 22 (b), a horizontal section through part of the suction tube of Fig. 18 (a), taken along the XIV-XIV plane of Fig. 22 (a), at the next insertion in the blister ,

4444 • • «4

4

44

4 4 4 4 4

4 444

4 4 4 4 4 ·

4> 445

44 (a) a vertical section through part of the suction tube of FIG. 18 (a), taken along the plane IX-IX of FIG. 18 (b), when fully inserted into the blisters, FIG. 23 (b) a horizontal section of the section the suction tube of Figure 18 (a), taken along line XV-XV of Figure 23 (a), when fully inserted into the blisters, Figure 24 (a) is a perspective view of a portion of the first modified embodiment of the suction tube of the inhaler of Figure 1; Figure 24 (b) is a vertical sectional view of the suction tube of Figure 24 (a) taken along line XVI-XVI of Figure 24 (a); Figure 24 (c) is a vertical sectional view of the suction tube of Figure 24 (a); plane XVII-XVII of Fig. 24 (a), Fig. 25 (a) is an axonometric view of a portion of a second modified embodiment of the aspiration tube of Fig. 1, Fig. 25 (b) a vertical section of the aspiration tube of Fig. 25 (a) taken along line XVIII-XVIII of Figure 25 (a), Figure 25 (c), a vertical section through the suction tube of Figure 25 (a), taken along line XIX-XIX of Figure 25 (a), Figure 26 (a) ) is an axonometric view of a portion of a second modified embodiment 26 (b) a vertical section through the suction tube of FIG. 26 (a), taken along line XX-XX in FIG. 26 (a), FIG. 26 (c) a vertical section of the suction tube of FIG. 26 (a), taken along line XXI-XXI of FIG. 26 (a), FIG. 27 (a) is a perspective view of a portion of a second modified embodiment of the aspiration tube of the inhaler of FIG. 1;

giant. 27 (b) a vertical section through the intake tube of plane XXII-XXII of Fig. 27 (a); . giant. 27 (a), led giant. 27 (c) vertical section of the suction tube of plane XXIII-XXIII of Fig. 27 (a), giant. 27 (a), led giant. 28 is an axonometric view of a modified exemplary action of a blister pack for an inhaler of FIG prove- fig.1,

FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the blister pack element of the blister pack of FIG. 28; FIG. · Φ φ φ φ φ φ

Fig. 30 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion of the blister pack element of the blister pack of Fig. 28; Fig. 31 is an exploded vertical sectional view of the blister pack element of Fig. 28 taken along the plane;

XXIV-XXIV of Fig. 28, and Fig. 32 is an exploded vertical sectional view of the blister pack element of the blister pack of Fig. 28 taken along a plane.

XXV-XXV of Fig. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inhaler according to the invention comprises a carrier unit 1 and a blister pack 3, which is contained in the carrier unit 1 when the inhaler is used.

The blister pack 3 comprises a blister pack unit 5, a suction tube 7 and a connecting member to which the suction tube 7 is connected to the blister pack unit 5 to prevent unwanted separation of the suction tube 7 from the blister pack unit 5.

The blister pack unit 5 comprises a blister pack element 11, which in this exemplary embodiment is rectangular in shape and is provided with a plurality of blisters 12 each containing a dose of medicament-added powder and a connecting member 13 to which the suction tube 7 can be connected. is attached to the blister packaging element 11.

The blister packaging element 11 is formed by a planar thin film 17 in which a plurality of cavities 19 are formed, each forming part of a respective blister 12, and a first open channel 21 and a second open channel 23 separated from each other by a web element 25 and extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the blister packaging element 11. In this exemplary embodiment, the film 17 is made of metal, especially aluminum, and

they have a depth of about 4 mm and a hole diameter of about 7.5 mm. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the film 17 may be formed of plastic or laminate of metallic and plastic materials. The first open channel 21, having a U-shaped cross-section in this exemplary embodiment, is formed by the first wall portion 21a. the second wall portion 21b through the bottom 21c. The first open channel 21 is of relatively small length and extends to the narrow end 22 of the blister pack element 11 to allow for sliding guidance of the adapted portions of the attachment member 13, as will be described in more detail below. The bottom 21c of the first open channel 21 comprises a downwardly depressed recess 29 which serves as a stop for securing the attachment member 13 in the desired position relative to the blister packaging element 11, as will be described in more detail below. The second open channel 23, having in this exemplary embodiment its arcuate cross-sectional shape, is elongated and terminates at both ends with a first wall portion 23a and a second wall portion 23b. The web element 25 separating the first open channel 21 from the second open channel 23 is provided with a groove 35 extending across its width and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the blister packaging element 11.

The blister packaging element 11 is further provided with a thin layer 37 of material, which in this exemplary embodiment is divided into two sections which are attached to the planar surface area of the film 17 to cover the openings of all cavities 19 to close the doses of powder containing medicament. Each blister 12. In this exemplary embodiment, the thin material layer 37 is made of metal, especially aluminum, and is attached to the film 17 by welding or glue.

The connecting member 13 is formed by an elongate body 39 having substantially the same length as one of the narrow ends 22 of the blister packaging element 11, a first projection 41 and a second projection 43 that extend from the center point of one side

• 0 00

000 0 • 0 0 0 • 0 0 0

The surfaces of the elongated body 39 and together form a U-shaped channel 45 for receiving the first open channel 21 in the foil 17 of the blister pack 11 and the first tab 47 and the second tab 49 that extend from the opposite side of the elongated body 39 and each it is separately shaped to hold the suction tube 7 in a non-working position. In this exemplary embodiment, the grips 47, 49 are shaped such that the suction tube 7 is protected against damage by the other of the grips 47, 49 when it is attached in at least one of the grips 47, 49. The first projection 41, having in this exemplary embodiment its rectangular cross-sectional shape, has the same cross-sectional shape as the upper inner surface of the first open channel 21 in the foil 17 of the blister packaging element 11 so as to be in a tightly sliding fit. along the entire top surface. The second protrusion 43, having a U-shaped cross-section in this exemplary embodiment, is formed by a first side wall portion 43a and a second side wall portion 43b and a bottom portion 43c forming the bottom portion, the first projection 41 and the second projection 43 being formed such that the second side wall portion 43a, 43b and the bottom portion 43c of the bottom projection 43 are disposed adjacent the opposite side surfaces and the bottom of the first projection 43. The upper inner surface of the second projection 43 has the same cross-sectional shape as the outer lower surface surfaces of the first open channel 21 in the foil 17 of the blister pack 11 so that these portions are guided closely therebetween, the two side wall portions 43a, 43b of the second projection 43 being the bottom portion 43c of the bottom of the second projection 43 is provided with an opening 51 for receiving the downwardly directed depressions 29 formed in the bottom 21c of the first open channel 21 in the foil 17 of the blister packaging element 11 if the attachment member 13 is fastened to the blister packaging element 11 to secure the attachment member 13 in the desired position relative to the blister packaging element 11.

• · 0 0

• · · * 0 «0 0

0 0 0 • »0 0

The suction tube 7, which will be described in more detail below, is in the form of an elongated body 62 provided with an inlet section 63 at one end, which inlet section 63 comprises a cutting kit 64 for cutting a thin layer 37 of material overlying the blister cavity 19. in the blister packaging element 11, and an inlet 65 through which the medicament containing powder is sucked from the respective blister 12 upon inhalation of the user, an outlet section 67 at the opposite end, the outlet section 67 having an outlet 69 and a mouthpiece, and an inhalation channel 71 to provide flow communication The elongate body 62 of the suction tube 2 is provided on its outer peripheral surface with a plurality of circumferential ribs 73 to allow a secure grip by the user and a peripheral recess 75 for receiving a portion of the connecting member, as described later.

The connecting member 9 comprises a strip 76 of flexible material, in particular of plastic, such as nylon, a grip 77 secured to one end of the strip 76, which is located in the peripheral recess 75 on the outer peripheral surface of the elongate body 62 of the suction tube 7. anchored to the suction tube 2, ^and an element 79 secured to the other end of the strip 76 having larger dimensions than the thickness of the strip 76 and housed in use partially in the first open channel 21 in the foil of the blister packaging element 11. In this exemplary embodiment in the form of a part of the ring and is made of a resilient material so that it can snap around the elongate body 62 of the suction tube 7. In this design, the strip 76 is anchored to the suction tube 2, but the suction tube 2 can still rotate about its axis. As will be seen below, the suction tube 7, rotatable relative to the retainer 77 of the link 9, has a much greater freedom of movement and thus facilitates its use.

The carrier unit 1 comprises a housing 81 provided with an opening 82.

B · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · In use, the blister pack 3, and the cover pack 3, are inserted when and defining a cavity 83 into which the packaging element 11 of the blister element 84 for closing the blister device is not in an operational condition.

The housing 81 is formed by a first upper wall portion 85, which in the illustrated embodiment is planar and rectangular. The first upper wall portion 85 has an upper outer surface 85a and a lower inner surface 85b adjacent to which a blister pack element 11 of the blister pack 3 is disposed in use. The first upper wall portion 85 also has a free end 86 which delimits a portion of the aperture 82 in the housing. 81 ,. by which the blister packaging element 11 is inserted into the device during use. The first upper wall portion 85 is further provided with a plurality of apertures 87, each of which is located above one respective aperture of the blister cavities 19 in the blister packaging element 11, so that each blister 12 can be emptied by inserting the suction tube 9 into one of the apertures 87. In the exemplary embodiment, each aperture 87 in the top wall portion 85 is formed with the same circumferential shape as the inlet section 63 of the suction tube 7 so that the apertures 87 act as guides for guiding the inlet section 63 of the suction tube 7 into the respective blisters 12 of the blister packaging element. 87 is provided with a first extension 87a and a second extension 87b for receiving mutually shaped portions at the inlet section 63 of the suction tube 7, as will be described in more detail below. The radial extensions 87a, 87b of the openings 87 each comprise a web member 89 in the form of a transverse bridge having an upper surface 89a and a lower surface 89b that are substantially parallel to the upper surface 85a and the lower surface 85b of the upper wall portion 85 of the housing 81. have a smaller thickness than the upper wall portion 85 of the housing 81 and are positioned such that the upper surfaces 89a and the lower surfaces 89b are offset back from the respective upper surface 85a and the lower surfaces 85b of the upper wall portion 85. '., <K. 1 x. _f . . -gl® nsKmtSBSawawwsr '· -' x · »

- 1S

an elongate groove 91 extending from its free end 86 and in this exemplary embodiment in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing 81 and positioned above the second open channel 23 in the foil 17 of the blister pack 11 when positioned so that the strap 76 of the link 9 can be retracted inside and can move freely along its entire length. The elongate groove 91 has a first narrow section 91a in the top surface 85a of the top wall portion 85 whose width is less than the smallest dimension of the link member 79 so that the member 79 cannot pass the elongate groove 93, and a second wide section 91b at the bottom 85b of the upper wall portion 85 for receiving the link member 79. In this exemplary embodiment, the second wide section 91b of the elongate groove 91 has an arcuate cross-sectional shape and extends outwardly and towards the bottom surface 85b of the upper wall portion 85. it is further provided with a plurality of elongate ribs 93 extending from its lower surface 85b parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 81. The ribs 93 are designed to maintain the distance of the top surface of the blister pack 11 from the bottom surface 85a of the top wall portion 85 thereby providing airflow path. into the blisters 12 of the blister packaging element 11. In this p In an exemplary embodiment, one rib 93 is located on each side of the elongate groove 91 in the top wall portion 85, so that when the blister pack 2 is housed in the carrier unit 1, the second open channel 23 defines the foil 17 of the blister pack 11 and the second wide section. 91b of the elongated groove 91 a closed path in which the link member 79 is retained, wherein the movement limits of the link member 79 along the length of the closed path are defined by the wall portions 23a, 23b of the second open channel 23 in the foil 17 of the blister pack 11. appreciate that in a construction in which the link strip 76 is not fixed at one point, it is preferred that the link strip 76 has a length corresponding to the distance between the outermost opening 87 and the elongate groove 91 in the top wall portion .85, whereby

• 444 • 4 · 4 · 4 4 -4 4 4 4 494 44 44 44 4 4444

This distance corresponds, in the illustrated embodiment, to approximately half the width of the top wall portion 85. The top wall portion 85 of the housing 81 further comprises a recess 94 at its end opposite the opening 82 of the housing 81. 94 forms a shape that allows the user to push the blister packaging element 11 out of the housing 81 to a distance allowing gripping and pulling out of the blister packaging set 3.

The housing 81 further comprises a second lower wall portion 95, which in this exemplary embodiment is planar and rectangular in shape and spaced parallel to and spaced from the upper wall portion 85, a first side wall portion 97 and a second side wall portion 99 and an end wall. a wall portion 101 extending between the ends of the first side wall portion 97 and the second side wall portion 99 spaced from the opening 82 in the housing 81. In this exemplary embodiment, the side wall portions 97, 99 and the end wall portion 101 each include a groove 97 ', 99' 101 ^1, into which the rear end and boční'okraje blister pack element 11 of the blister packaging assembly 2 in operating position so that the blister pack element 11 is held in the desired position adjacent the bottom surface 85b of the upper wall portion of the housing 85 81st

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 84 is articulated to the housing 81 at its end adjacent the opening 82. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 81 and the cover element 84 of the carrier unit 1 are integrally formed of plastic such that the hinged joint of the housing 81 and the cover element 84 is an integral flexible hinge. The cover member 84 comprises, at its free end, a gripping member 102 adapted to engage a recess 94 in the top wall portion 85 of the housing 81 when the cover member 84 is closed and thereby maintained in a closed state.

As described in the previous section, the suction tube 7 * 9 99 9 is provided with an inlet section 63 comprising a pruning assembly 64 for pruning a thin layer 37 of material overlapping the cavities 19 of the blisters 12 in the blister packaging element 11.

The inlet section 63 of the suction tube 7 is further provided with a first arm 105 and a second arm 107 that extend forward in the direction of insertion of the suction tube 7 into the blisters 12 from opposite sides thereof and are resiliently pushed outwardly. The arms 105, 107 are both shaped so that they can slide in the radial extensions 87a, 87b of the openings 87 in the upper wall portion 85 of the housing 81. In this design, the suction tube 7 can be inserted into the opening 87 of the upper wall portion 85 of the housing 81 in one of the two possible orientations, and as will be apparent from the following section, because the pruning assembly 64 has dual rotational symmetry about the axis, the suction tube 11 cannot in any case be inserted in the undesired position into the blisters 12 so that however, it will be appreciated that in any exemplary embodiment in which the suction tube pruning kit 64 does not have such rotational symmetry, the first and second arms 105, 107 of the inlet section 63 may be the suction tubes 7 and the radial extension 87a, 87b of the opening 87 inh The housing wall portions 85 of the housing 81 are configured to allow the suction tube 7 to be inserted into the apertures 87 in the upper wall portion 85 of the housing 81 in only one orientation. The first and second arms 105, 107 are each provided with a gripping element 109, 111 which is each adapted to engage behind the web elements 89 in the radial extensions 87a, 87b of the openings 87. in the top wall portion 85 of the housing 81. the second legs 105, 107 each have a first inclined surface 109a, 111a having a forward facing component and acting as a guide surface and a second surface 109b, 111b that is directed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 62 of the suction tube 7 and acts as a locking flat. When using and fitting the suction tube 7 • '»999 • · 9 * *

9 · · 9 9 9 9

9

999 9 9 99 • 9 9999 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 locks the locking surfaces 109b, 111b of the gripping elements 109, 111 behind the corresponding one of the lower surfaces 89b of the web element 89 in the radial extensions 87a, 87b of the aperture 87 in the upper wall portion 85 of the housing 81 to prevent the suction tube 7 from falling out of the respective opening 87 and thereby eliminating the need to keep the suction tube 2 in position. It is preferred that the snap-fit elements 109, 111, when snapped in, provide the user with clear information that the suction tube 7 is correctly seated in the housing 81 and thereby inserted into the respective one of the blisters 12 in the blister packaging element 11. 109b, 111b of the gripping elements 109, 111 are designed to have only a small radial dimension so that, after use, the suction tube 7 can be removed from the respective opening 87 in the upper wall portion 85 of the housing 81 with a slight force.

The inlet section 63 of the suction tube 7 further comprises a plurality of brackets 115 extending therefrom in a radial direction each provided with a bottom surface 115 'forming a first arm acting to limit the depth of possible insertion of the suction tube 1 into the opening 87 in the top wall 85 of the housing 81 and hence into the respective blister 12 in the blister packaging element 11. In this exemplary embodiment, the brackets 115 are formed such that their legs formed by the lower surfaces 115 ¹ abut the upper surface 85a of the upper wall portion 85 of the housing 81 when the suction tube 7 is inserted. into one of the holes 87 of the top wall 85 of the housing 8.1. In this solution, the suction tube 2 cannot be pushed too deep into the blister 12, which could result in unwanted pushing of the pruning assembly 64 at the inlet section 63 of the suction tube 2 into the cavity 19 of any blister 12 when fastened to suction tube 2 in housing 81.

The inlet section 63 of the suction tube 7 is further provided with a first section

99 9

9 • 9 9 9 9

Φ Φ Φ ·

Φ Φ · Φ · Φ

Φ Φ φ »» »»

Φ * * φ

♦ Φ Φ ♦ • Φ Φ Φ Φ

9 9 9 9

99 with an axial member 117 and a second axial member 119, each of which is terminated by a lower surface 117 ¹ , 119 ¹ forming a second arm, disposed in an axial front direction in the sense of sliding the suction tube 7 into one of the apertures 87 in the upper wall part 85 of the housing 81 in front of the first leg formed by the lower surface 115 ^{1 of the} brackets 115. In this exemplary embodiment, the first and second axial members 117, 119 are formed such that the second leg formed by the lower surfaces 117 ', 119 ¹ abuts the upper surface of the blister packaging element. 11, when the first shoulder defined by the lower surfaces 115 of ^one of the brackets 115 engages the top surface 85a of the upper wall portion of the housing 85 on the 31st

The pruning assembly 64 of the inlet section 63 of the intake tube 2 comprises a pruning knife 127 and a first indentation knife 129 and a second indentation knife 131, which are positioned adjacent to the pruning knife 127.

The cutting knife 127 is provided with a cutting edge 133 extending transversely and disposed axially in front, in the sense of inserting the suction tube 7 into one of the holes 87 in the upper wall portion 85 of the housing 81 at the inlet 65 of the suction tube 7 so that 7, an opening is cut into one of the openings 87 in the top wall portion 85 of the housing 81 in a thin material layer 37 overlapping the opening of the cavity 19 of the blister 12 located underneath. In this exemplary embodiment, the cutter blade 133 of the cutting knife 127 includes a cutting point 133 ^& apos ^; . The pruning knife 127, which in this example is planar, is disposed along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body 62 of the suction tube 7 and comprises a first lateral section portion 127b that tapers into the front

127c, located in the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 62 of the suction tube 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the side sections 127a, 127b of the cutting knife 127 form an angle of about 120 °. The pruning knife 127 has an effective cutting length approaching the diameter of the hole in the cavity 19 of the blister 12 in the blister packaging element

127a and a second side pruning point

«9 9999 • 9 999 9999 - 23 *“ 999999 9999 • 9999 99 * '99 99

11, so that when the suction tube 7 is inserted into the respective one of the opening 87 in the upper wall part 85 of the housing 81, the cutting knife 127 cuts a thin layer 37 of material along the diameter of the opening into the cavity 19 of the respective blister. a cutting edge 133 to form an air flow path.

The first and second indentation knives 129, 131, which in this example are also substantially planar, are disposed on both sides of the cutter knife 127 and, as will be described in more detail below, are shaped to abut a thin layer 37 of the material covering the cavity 19 of the respective blister 12 cut through the cutter knife 127, and the indentation of the thin film section 37 pre-cut through the cutter knife 127, thereby opening the blister 12. In this example, the first and second indenters 129, 131 are positioned parallel to each other and equidistant from of the cutting blade 127. the first and second press-knife 129 includes a bottom 131.vždy axially forward surface 129 ^1, 131 ^1, which is disposed axially beyond an axially arranged frontmost cutting edge 133 of the cutting blade 127 such that the deflection blades 129, 131 acts on a thin material layer 37 that is at least partially, cut pruning knife 127. In this example, the front face 129 ^1, 131 ¹ deflection blades 129, 131 is substantially planar.

In a preferred embodiment, kit 64 is slitting the suction tube 7 is formed such that the effective length of each of the front surfaces 129 ^1, 131 ¹ deflection blades 129, 131, i.e. the distance between the outermost points of the front faces 129 ^1, 131 ¹ of each of the deflection blades 129 131 is approximately equal to the distance of the outermost points of the effective cutting width of the knife 127. In this embodiment, a thin layer 37 of material covering the opening in the cavity 19 of each blister 12 in the blister packaging element 11 ruptures and flaps are formed.

4 4 4 ♦ * · · · '44

- 24 - • 4 · «· 4 4 · t ·· · 4 9 9 · ® »» »· · # · · · ** ** · ♦ 4® 4 » 136a- f basically the same sizes. Pruning activity sets 64 of the suction tube 7 is clearly displayed help examples of the embodiments shown in FIG giant. 21 to 23. In the first step, shown in Fig. 21 (a)

and 21 (b), the slitting assembly 64 inserted into the blister 12 by its slitting knife 127 forms a cut 135 extending across the diameter of the cover portion of the thin film 37 covering the opening above the blister cavity 19. In a second step shown in Fig. 22 (a) and 22 (b), upon further insertion of the scoring assembly 64 into the blister 12 of the front face 129 ¹ , 131 ^{1 of the} indentation knives 129, 131 on the material thin layer 37 and cause the thin material layer 37 to rupture between adjacent outermost points of the front surfaces 129 ¹ , 131 'deflection blades 129, 131 and ends 135 ¹ and 135 cut to form six flaps 136a-f. As mentioned in the foregoing, in a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pruning knife 127 and the embossing knives 129, 131 are formed such that the flaps 136a-f are substantially the same size. In the final step shown in Figures 23 (a) and 23 (b), the slitting assembly 64 is inserted deeper into the blister 12 until the second arm formed by the lower surfaces 117 ¹ , 119 ^{1 of the} first and second axial members 117, 119 In this position, the suction tube 7 is fully inserted into the blister 12. Upon insertion of the scoring assembly 64 further into the blister 12, the pressing knives 129, 131 of the flap 136a-f press against the wall of the cavity 19 of the blister 12. to create as large an opening as possible in the thin film section 37 overlapping the blister 12, which is a prerequisite for aspirating powder in the interior of the blister 12.

The inlet section 63 of the suction tube 7 also includes first and second upper additional air flows into the inhalation duct 72 and a second upper additional air inlet 137, 139, a suction tube 7. First inlet 137, 139, ve 4444.

4444

4

4

4 4

444 44 flows into the inhalation duct 71, forming an auxiliary air flow path that, when inhaling a patient, allows aspiration of additional air into the inhalation duct 71 and mixing with the air and powder mixture sucked through the inhalation duct 71 from the blisters 12 in the blister packaging element 11. Advantageously, by providing this additional air flow path it is ensured that the female unit of air volume inhales the user a reduced dose of the drug-containing powder. In addition, the addition of an additional mixing air stream to the air / powder mixture drawn through the inhalation channel 71 induces a swirl in the flow of the mixture and contributes to disintegrating the powder agglomerates and better dispersing them in the air.

Giant. 24 to 27 show a modified exemplary embodiment of an aspiration tube 7 for an inhaler as described in the previous section. Structurally, these modified suction tubes 2 are similar to the suction tubes of the inhaler of the previous example and differ only in the exemplary embodiment of the inlet section 63, and in particular its pruning unit 64. For this reason and to avoid unnecessary repetition, modified suction tubes.

Giant. 24 (a) to 24 (c) show a first modification of the embodiment of the suction tube 2- This suction tube 2 differs from the suction tube 2 described in the previous section in particular in two features. First, each indentation knife 129, 131 is provided with an aperture 141. 143 extending in the axial direction rearwardly from the front surfaces 129 ', 131 ^{1 of the} indentation knives 129, 131 to create a shorter air flow path between the periphery of the blister cavity 19 adjacent the indentation knife. 129, 131, and inlet 65. In the second row, the inlet 65 of the inhalation channel 71 is positioned axially upstream, contemplated in the direction of insertion of the suction tube 2 into the blisters 12, the second arm formed by the lower surfaces 117 ¹ , 119 ^{1 of the} axial members 117.

4444

9 4 • 4 4

4 4

445 44 • *

4 4

4 4 4 4

4 4 4

4 <4

119, which in use are positioned at the level of the upper surface of the blister pack 11. In this embodiment, the inlet 65 of the inhalation channel 71 is located within each blister 12, and thus the user must inhale air from the lower regions of the cavity 19 of the blister 12.

Giant. 25 (a), 25 (b) and 25 (c) show a second modified exemplary embodiment of the intake tube 7. This intake tube 7 differs from the first exemplary embodiment of the intake tube 1 in that the transverse opening 141, 143 in each of the indentation knives 129, 131 is located inside the respective indentation knife 129, 131.

Giant. 26 (a), 26 (b) and 26 (c) show a third exemplary embodiment of the intake tube 7. This intake tube 7 differs from the first exemplary embodiment of the intake tube 7 by two design features. The first of these features is a design in which the inlet section 63 of the suction tube 7 is further provided with first and second lower auxiliary air inlets 147, 149 opening into the inhalation channel 71 in a position adjacent but in this example axially offset rearwardly in the direction fitting the suction tube 7 into the blister 12 from the second leg formed by the lower surfaces 117 ', 119 ^{1 of the} axial members 117, 119, which in use are disposed on the upper surface of the blister packaging element 11. These first and second lower access ports 147, 149 for the air, they form an additional air flow path to the inhalation channel 71 which promotes swirling air flow within the cavity 19 of the blister 12, wherein the swirling flow promotes emptying of the blister 12. The second feature is that the inlet 65 to the inhalation channel 71 is. positioned axially forward, contemplated in the direction of insertion of the suction tube 7 into the blister 12 from the second arm formed by the lower surfaces 117 ¹ , 119 ^{1 of the} axial members 117, 119, which in use are disposed on the upper surface of the blister packaging element

0 ··· * 00 · • · e · 00 · 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0

0 »00 00 0

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 00

As described in the foregoing in the explanation of the first exemplary embodiment of the suction tube 7, in this embodiment, the inlet 65 to the inhalation channel 71 is located within each blister 12 and thus air must be sucked deeper from the blister cavity 19 during inhalation.

Giant. 27 (a) to 27 (c) show a fourth exemplary embodiment of the suction tube 7. This suction tube 7 differs from the first embodiment of the suction tube 7 by two basic features. Firstly, the embossing knives 129, 131 are each provided with transverse holes 141, 143 to create a shorter air flow path between the periphery of the blister cavity 19 adjacent the embossing knives 129, 131 and the inlet 65. In this exemplary embodiment, the transverse holes 141, 143 are in the embossing knives. 129, 131 disposed asymmetrically to promote turbulent air flow in the cavities 19 of the blisters 12. A second difference is that the inlet 65 of the inhalation channel 71 is located in the axial direction upstream of the intake tube 7 into the blister 12. the second arm represented by the lower surface 117 ¹ , 119 ^{1 of the} axial member 117, 119, which in use is disposed on the upper surface of the blister packaging element 11. As also described in the previous section in explaining the first exemplary embodiment of the suction tube 7, 65 into the inhalation channel 71 positioned inside of each blister 12 and thus the air is forced to be drawn deeper from the cavity 19 of the blister 12 upon inhalation by the user.

28 to 32 show modified exemplary embodiments of the blister pack 3 of the inhaler described in the previous section. Structurally, the blister pack 2 is similar to the blister pack 2 of the inhaler described in the previous section, and differs only in the construction of the blister pack unit 5. For this reason, and to avoid unnecessary repetition of the description, only the structural differences of blisters will be described in more detail below. Χκάινύ-'Κ'Α; ·: -sS * • ti tititi * ti ti titi ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti • ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti This modified blister pack 5 differs substantially from the blister pack unit 5 of the blister pack 3 of the inhaler described in the preceding section in that the foil 17 of the blister pack element 11 is provided downwardly. a folded peripheral skirt 151 and a plurality of downwardly extending ribs 153 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blister pack This modified blister pack unit 5 is further distinguished from the blister pack set 3 of the inhaler described in the previous section by the method of connecting the attachment member 13 in that the blister pack element 11 is provided at one of its narrow ends 22 with a first projection 155 and a second a protrusion 157 onto which the connecting member 13 is snapped, also modified to not include first and second protrusions 41, 43. This modified blister pack unit 5 is further distinguished from the blister pack unit 5 of the blister pack set 3 of the inhaler described in the previous section thereby. and further comprising moisture-permeable chambers 159 and comprising a moisture absorber disposed on the underside of the foil 17 of the blister pack 11 at least at some joints between the cavities 19 forming the blister 12, the bottom surfaces of which are covered by a thin film 161.

When using the inhaler, the user grips the inhaler into one hand and opens the cover member 84 of the carrier unit 1 to release the suction tube 7 and the top wall portion 85 of the housing 81. The user then releases the suction tube 7 from the connection member 13 and inserts the inlet section 63 the suction tube 7 through the opening 87 in the upper wall part 85 of the housing 81 into the unused blister 12. When the inlet section 63 of the suction tube 7 is inserted into one of the openings 87 in the upper wall part 85 of the housing 81, the user first aligns the arms 105, 107 with radial extensions 87a, 87b apertures 87 and then pushes the suction tube 7 down until the first arms formed by the lower faces are fcfcfcfcfc fc · · · * and ··· · · · ··············· · · · · · · · ·

115 ^{1 of the} brackets 115 do not fit on the upper surface 85a of the upper wall portion 85 and the gripping elements 109, 111 on the arms 105, 107 do not click on the web elements 89 in the radial extensions 87a, 87b of the openings 87. 7a is inhaled so as to aspirate a dose of powder containing the medicament from the blisters 12 and get it into the lungs. After inhalation, the user pulls the suction tube 7 out of the opening 87 in the top wall portion 85 of the housing 81, requiring little force to overcome the gripping elements 109, 111 on the arms 105, 107 of the suction tube 7 and then snaps the suction tube 7 onto the suction tube. The application procedure may be repeated until all the blisters 12 of the blister pack 11 of the blister pack 2 have been emptied. Once all blisters 12 of the blister pack 11 have been used up, the user removes the blister pack 2 from the carrier unit 1 and replaces the blister pack used. packaging set 2 new blister packaging set 2 ·

It is to be understood that the solution according to the invention is not limited to the described exemplary embodiments, but that these examples can be further modified by various structural modifications which do not go beyond the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

Claims (15)

PATENT TOOLS An inhaler for dispensing powder by inhalation, characterized by a suction tube (7) for aspirating powder upon inhalation by a user, a carrier unit (1) for supporting a blister pack unit (11), provided with a plurality of blisters (12) each containing a dose of powder. and a connecting member (9) by which the suction tube (7) is connected to the support unit (1), the connecting member (9) being provided with an element (79) slidably disposed in the support unit (1). An inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that the support unit (1) is provided with an elongate groove (91) in which the member (79) of the coupling (9) is slidably received. Inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting member (9) is movably connected to the suction tube (7). Inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting member (9) is provided with a catch (77) to which the suction tube (7) is rotatably connected. Inhaler according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the suction tube (7) is formed by an elongated body (62) having an inlet section (63) with an inlet (65) and a pruning assembly (64) at one end thereof, comprising a pruning knife (127) with a cutting edge (133) for forming a cut in the material layer (37) covering the blister (12) and at least one indentation knife (129, 131) provided with an abutment face (129 ', 131') for abutting and pushing the blister cover layer (12) into the blister cavity (19), the elongate body (62) at its opposite end having an outlet section (67) with an outlet (69) and having a mouthpiece wherein an inhalation channel (71) is formed between the inlet (65) and the outlet (69) for flow-through connection and suction of the powder at 'iftgzaaKS ^ ;: • ·· · 9 9 9 9 9 9 • · 9 9 9 9 9 • · ··· · ♦ by inhalation by the user. Inhaler according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the blister packaging element (11) is provided with a plurality of blisters (12), each containing a dose of powder with the drug dispersed therein. An inhaler according to claim 6, characterized in that the blister packaging element (11) is provided with an elongated open channel (23) and the link member (79) is slidably mounted in the open channel (23) in use. Inhaler according to claim 7, characterized in that the elongated open channel (23) extends along the longitudinal axis of the blister packaging element (11). An inhaler according to claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the blister packaging element (11) is provided with at least one moisture-permeable chamber (159) and comprising a moisture absorber. An inhaler according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one moisture-permeable chamber (159) is located between the cavities (19) of the blisters (12). Inhaler according to claim 6, characterized in that the support unit (1) is formed by a wall part (85) with a plurality of openings (87) next to which a blister pack element (11) and its blisters (12) are located in use. are located below each opening (87). An inhaler according to claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the carrier unit (1) is provided with an elongate groove (91), which is defined in common with the elongated open channel (23) in the blister packaging element (11). ^{f 4 £} * __2_ <... x, _____ φφφφ · · · φ · φ · φφφφφφφφφφφφφφ 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 06 06 06 06 06 06 06 06 06 06 06 06 06 06 06 ΦΦΦΦ ΦΦ ΦΦΦ ΦΦΦΦ longitudinal path in which the link member (79) is engaged and slidably guided (9). Inhaler according to claim 12, characterized in that the elongate groove (91) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the support unit (1). Inhaler according to claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the elongate groove (91) comprises a narrow section (91a) preventing the passage of the member (79) of the link (9). An inhaler according to claim 12, characterized in that the elongate groove (91) is disposed in the wall portion (85) of the support unit (1).