EP0812219A1 - A cover for a drug dispenser - Google Patents

A cover for a drug dispenser

Info

Publication number
EP0812219A1
EP0812219A1 EP96903154A EP96903154A EP0812219A1 EP 0812219 A1 EP0812219 A1 EP 0812219A1 EP 96903154 A EP96903154 A EP 96903154A EP 96903154 A EP96903154 A EP 96903154A EP 0812219 A1 EP0812219 A1 EP 0812219A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dispenser
sleeve
cover
inhaler
cover according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP96903154A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Christophthomas Marr
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Duncan Marr and Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Duncan Marr and Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Duncan Marr and Co Ltd filed Critical Duncan Marr and Co Ltd
Publication of EP0812219A1 publication Critical patent/EP0812219A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/38—Details of the container body
    • B65D83/384—Details of the container body comprising an aerosol container disposed in an outer shell or in an external container
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/009—Inhalators using medicine packages with incorporated spraying means, e.g. aerosol cans

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cover for a drug dispenser, and especially a cover for an asthma inhaler.
  • a cover for a drug dispenser comprises a member which is adapted to fit over the dispenser, and the member having an external appearance which is different from the appearance of the dispenser.
  • the drug dispenser may be an asthma inhaler for dispensing a drug which alleviates or mitigates the symptoms of asthma.
  • the member comprises a hollow sleeve.
  • the member fits over the dispenser in a tight fitting relationship with the dispenser and may be a friction fit on the dispenser.
  • the cover may include a top portion which covers or substantially fills an open end of the member.
  • the cover may include a top portion which attaches to the top of the dispenser before or after the member has been placed on the dispenser.
  • the top portion may attach to an end of a cartridge containing a drug.
  • the member may be manufactured from a plastic, polymeric, rubber or synthetic rubber material. Alternatively, any other suitable material may be used.
  • the external surface of the member may be textured or moulded to a shape different from the external shape of the dispenser onto which the member fits.
  • the member may have a pattern or ornament on its external surface.
  • Fig. 1 is a side view of an asthma inhaler, and a sleeve and button prior to fitting to the inhaler;
  • Fig. 2 is a side view showing the sleeve being put over the inhaler;
  • Fig. 3 is a side view showing the sleeve and button both fitted to the inhaler;
  • Fig. 4 is a plan view of the sleeve and button fitted to inhaler;
  • Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the sleeve and button fitted to inhaler.
  • Fig. 1 shows an inhaler 10 which comprises a casing 4 and a cap 5.
  • An asthma drug canister 2 is shown inserted into the casing 4 of the inhaler 10.
  • a sleeve 3 and a button 1 prior to fitting the sleeve 3 and button 1 onto the casing 4 and canister 2, respectively.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the sleeve 3 being slid over the casing 4.
  • the sleeve 3 is a friction fit on the casing 4 and the sleeve 3 grips the casing 4 by means of high friction rubber from which the sleeve is manufactured.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates the sleeve 3 fully fitted on to the casing 4.
  • the button 1 is also fitted to a top end of the drug canister 2. After the sleeve 3 and the button 1 have been fitted, the inhaler is ready to be used.
  • Figs, 4 and 5 show a plan view and a bottom view respectively of the inhaler 10 with the sleeve 3 and button 1 fitted.
  • Fig. 5 shows the area of the casing 4 which has been left uncovered by the sleeve 3.
  • the button 1 is attached to the drug canister 2 by adhesive.
  • the button 1 is supplied with the sleeve and a user of the inhaler fits the sleeve 3 and the button 1 to the inhaler 10.
  • the sleeve is tight fitting with respect to the casing 4. If high friction rubber is used to make the sleeve 3 this enhances the grip of the sleeve 3 on the casing 4.
  • the sleeve 3 may be made out of an elastomeric material or plastic material which is a friction fit onto the inhaler casing 4. Alternatively, any other suitable material could be used.
  • the sleeve 3 may have a pattern on its external surface. This pattern will differ in colour and in shape, depending on which model it is. For example, for children, sportsmen or women, teenagers or dress.
  • the sleeve can be textured and may be injection moulded from plastic in an injection moulding machine.
  • the sleeve 3 may be in the form of a grip which may appear similar to the shape of a ski-stick grip, that is with grooves large enough for fingers to grip the inhaler more effectively.
  • the basic concept is the same regardless of the outer shape of the sleeve 3.
  • the sleeve 3 may be adaptable to fit all inhalers with a similar shape to a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) which has been used as an example in Figs. 1 to 5
  • MDI Metered Dose Inhaler
  • Advantages of the invention are that it removes or reduces the stigma attached to the use of asthma inhalers. This is done by providing a cover which may be textured and/or patterned and/or coloured and is adapted to conform to the casing 4 of the inhaler 10.
  • the sleeve 3 will have some form of pattern.
  • the different models intended, for example, various children's models, various sports models and various 'teenager' models should make users of the inhaler more comfortable using it in public, thereby reducing the stigma attached to the use of such an inhaler.
  • the sleeve should reduce the stigma attached to using such a medical aid. In turn, more children, sportsmen and sportswomen will be encouraged to use their inhalers, thereby avoiding potential asthma attacks.

Abstract

A cover for a drug dispenser (10) includes a hollow sleeve (3) and a button (1). The hollow sleeve (3) fits over the dispenser (10) and the button (1) covers or substantially fills an open end of the dispenser (10). The invention is especially useful where the dispenser (10) is an asthma inhaler.

Description

A COVER FOR A DRUG DISPENSER
The invention relates to a cover for a drug dispenser, and especially a cover for an asthma inhaler.
There is at present a stigma attached to the use of such inhalers. When asthma sufferers, particularly sportsmen and children, use such a sleeve with their inhaler, their is a stigma attached. It is also known that the inhalers used are of different and dull colours, each colour identifying the different strength of medicine used with that particular inhaler. This colour coded system of inhalers allows hospitals, particularly in the case emergency, to quickly identify the medicine used by that asthma sufferer and can treat the patient accordingly. Using an asthma inhaler widens the air-pipe leading to the lungs, thereby allowing the sufferer to breath more easily.
It is known that the number of asthma sufferers has risen dramatically over the last twenty years, due mainly to rising levels of air pollution and increasing quantities of 'dust-mites' in households. Asthma sufferers are faced with the embarrassing but necessary task of using inhalers in public. The length of time an asthma sufferer uses the inhaler should consist normally of one inhalation, which is kept in the lungs for 30 seconds, followed by another inhalation, which is kept in the lungs for 30 seconds. This amount of time can attract attention to the user, thereby causing embarrassment, particularly for children. This stigma may deter children and sportsmen from using their inhaler in public. In the case of an emergency, the absence of such use could prove fatal.
In accordance with the present invention, a cover for a drug dispenser comprises a member which is adapted to fit over the dispenser, and the member having an external appearance which is different from the appearance of the dispenser.
Preferably, the drug dispenser may be an asthma inhaler for dispensing a drug which alleviates or mitigates the symptoms of asthma.
Typically, the member comprises a hollow sleeve.
Preferably, the member fits over the dispenser in a tight fitting relationship with the dispenser and may be a friction fit on the dispenser.
Typically the cover may include a top portion which covers or substantially fills an open end of the member. Alternatively, the cover may include a top portion which attaches to the top of the dispenser before or after the member has been placed on the dispenser. Typically, the top portion may attach to an end of a cartridge containing a drug. Preferably, the member may be manufactured from a plastic, polymeric, rubber or synthetic rubber material. Alternatively, any other suitable material may be used.
The external surface of the member may be textured or moulded to a shape different from the external shape of the dispenser onto which the member fits.
Alternatively, or in addition the member may have a pattern or ornament on its external surface.
An example of a cover for a drug dispenser in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
Fig. 1 is a side view of an asthma inhaler, and a sleeve and button prior to fitting to the inhaler; Fig. 2 is a side view showing the sleeve being put over the inhaler; Fig. 3 is a side view showing the sleeve and button both fitted to the inhaler; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the sleeve and button fitted to inhaler; and, Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the sleeve and button fitted to inhaler.
Fig. 1 shows an inhaler 10 which comprises a casing 4 and a cap 5. An asthma drug canister 2 is shown inserted into the casing 4 of the inhaler 10. Also shown is a sleeve 3 and a button 1 prior to fitting the sleeve 3 and button 1 onto the casing 4 and canister 2, respectively.
Fig. 2 illustrates the sleeve 3 being slid over the casing 4. The sleeve 3 is a friction fit on the casing 4 and the sleeve 3 grips the casing 4 by means of high friction rubber from which the sleeve is manufactured.
Fig. 3 illustrates the sleeve 3 fully fitted on to the casing 4. The button 1 is also fitted to a top end of the drug canister 2. After the sleeve 3 and the button 1 have been fitted, the inhaler is ready to be used.
Figs, 4 and 5 show a plan view and a bottom view respectively of the inhaler 10 with the sleeve 3 and button 1 fitted.
Fig. 5 shows the area of the casing 4 which has been left uncovered by the sleeve 3.
The button 1 is attached to the drug canister 2 by adhesive. The button 1 is supplied with the sleeve and a user of the inhaler fits the sleeve 3 and the button 1 to the inhaler 10. The sleeve is tight fitting with respect to the casing 4. If high friction rubber is used to make the sleeve 3 this enhances the grip of the sleeve 3 on the casing 4.
The sleeve 3 may be made out of an elastomeric material or plastic material which is a friction fit onto the inhaler casing 4. Alternatively, any other suitable material could be used.
The sleeve 3 may have a pattern on its external surface. This pattern will differ in colour and in shape, depending on which model it is. For example, for children, sportsmen or women, teenagers or dress. The sleeve can be textured and may be injection moulded from plastic in an injection moulding machine.
On another model of cover, the sleeve 3 may be in the form of a grip which may appear similar to the shape of a ski-stick grip, that is with grooves large enough for fingers to grip the inhaler more effectively.
The basic concept, however, is the same regardless of the outer shape of the sleeve 3. The sleeve 3 may be adaptable to fit all inhalers with a similar shape to a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) which has been used as an example in Figs. 1 to 5
Advantages of the invention are that it removes or reduces the stigma attached to the use of asthma inhalers. This is done by providing a cover which may be textured and/or patterned and/or coloured and is adapted to conform to the casing 4 of the inhaler 10. The sleeve 3 will have some form of pattern. The different models intended, for example, various children's models, various sports models and various 'teenager' models should make users of the inhaler more comfortable using it in public, thereby reducing the stigma attached to the use of such an inhaler. The sleeve should reduce the stigma attached to using such a medical aid. In turn, more children, sportsmen and sportswomen will be encouraged to use their inhalers, thereby avoiding potential asthma attacks.

Claims

1. A cover for a drug dispenser comprising a member which is adapted to fit over the dispenser and the member having an external appearance which is different from the appearance of the dispenser.
2. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the member comprises a hollow sleeve.
3. A cover according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the member fits over the dispenser in a tight fitting relationship with the dispenser.
4. A cover according to claim 3, wherein the member is a friction fit on the dispenser.
5. A cover according to any of the preceding claims, and further comprising a top portion which covers an open end of the member.
6. A cover according to claim 5, wherein the top portion attaches to an end of a cartridge containing a drug.
7. A cover according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface of the member is textured.
8. A cover according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface of the member has a pattern on it.
9. A cover according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface of the member has at least two colours.
10. A cover for an asthma inhaler according to any of the preceding claims.
EP96903154A 1995-02-25 1996-02-26 A cover for a drug dispenser Ceased EP0812219A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9503845 1995-02-25
GBGB9503845.1A GB9503845D0 (en) 1995-02-25 1995-02-25 Asthma inhaler sleeve
PCT/GB1996/000430 WO1996026755A1 (en) 1995-02-25 1996-02-26 A cover for a drug dispenser

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0812219A1 true EP0812219A1 (en) 1997-12-17

Family

ID=10770274

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96903154A Ceased EP0812219A1 (en) 1995-02-25 1996-02-26 A cover for a drug dispenser

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0812219A1 (en)
AU (1) AU4729596A (en)
GB (2) GB9503845D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1996026755A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106422008A (en) * 2011-11-01 2017-02-22 欧洲凯尔特公司 Dispenser cap arrangement

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997047344A1 (en) * 1996-06-12 1997-12-18 Kan Guru Pty. Ltd. Method and device for facilitating the use of medical apparatus by patients
US5704344A (en) * 1996-09-06 1998-01-06 Cole; Jeanne M. Device for relieving anxiety in respiratory patients
SE9701750D0 (en) 1997-05-12 1997-05-12 Astra Pharma Prod Inhalation device and method of manufacture thereof
US6352152B1 (en) 1998-12-18 2002-03-05 Smithkline Beecham Corporation Method and package for storing a pressurized container containing a drug
WO2001097888A2 (en) 2000-06-22 2001-12-27 Glaxo Group Limited Method and package for storing a pressurized container containing a drug
US6390291B1 (en) 1998-12-18 2002-05-21 Smithkline Beecham Corporation Method and package for storing a pressurized container containing a drug
GB2368098B (en) * 2000-10-20 2004-09-15 Gw Pharmaceuticals Ltd Secure dispensing of materials
GB2372214A (en) * 2001-02-20 2002-08-21 Derek Iain Bamber Inhaler cover
DE10210122A1 (en) * 2002-03-08 2003-09-18 Vwu Kanzlei Fuer Vermoegens Wi Storage and dispensing device for liquid and gaseous substances in educational form
GB0226020D0 (en) * 2002-11-07 2002-12-18 Glaxo Group Ltd A holder
DE202004007115U1 (en) * 2004-05-03 2004-07-08 Altana Pharma Ag Blindungsvorrichtung
GB2446781A (en) * 2007-02-23 2008-08-27 Martin Sabry Decorative cover for inhaler

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB843371A (en) * 1958-05-19 1960-08-04 Peerless Tube Company Pressure dispensing container
GB1120945A (en) * 1964-08-11 1968-07-24 Fisons Pharmaceuticals Ltd Applicator in combination with a pressurised aerosol dispensing container
FR2086553A5 (en) * 1970-04-01 1971-12-31 Oreal
NZ212911A (en) * 1984-07-31 1988-06-30 Glaxo Group Ltd Aerosol dispensing device; actuator lever acts when cover in open position
US4896832A (en) * 1987-09-07 1990-01-30 Bespak Plc Dispensing apparatus for metered quantities of pressurised fluid
GB2214891A (en) * 1988-02-05 1989-09-13 Fibrenyle Ltd Containers for pressurized material
GB2272162B (en) * 1992-11-06 1996-10-09 Paul Richard Yerbury Dust proof inhaler

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9626755A1 *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106422008A (en) * 2011-11-01 2017-02-22 欧洲凯尔特公司 Dispenser cap arrangement
CN106422008B (en) * 2011-11-01 2020-03-06 欧洲凯尔特公司 Dispenser cap and dispenser

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9503845D0 (en) 1995-04-19
GB9716845D0 (en) 1997-10-15
WO1996026755A1 (en) 1996-09-06
AU4729596A (en) 1996-09-18
GB2313787A (en) 1997-12-10
GB2313787B (en) 1999-09-01

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