TW202348268A - Nozzles, heads and aerosol dispersers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to aerosol dispensers, heads for aerosol dispensers and nozzles for heads for aerosol dispensers. A nozzle (1) for spraying a fluid of an aerosol container (41) is provided. The nozzle (1) comprises a proximal region (25) configured to receive a fluid transportation tube (30) configured to provide fluid communication to the aerosol container (41). The nozzle (1) further comprises a distal region (26) comprising an output through hole (16), the output through hole (16) having a diameter of, or less than, 0.20 mm, and having a length between 2 and 6 mm.

Description

Nozzles, spray heads and aerosol dispensers

The present invention relates to an aerosol dispenser, and in particular to a nozzle for an aerosol dispenser and a nozzle for a nozzle of an aerosol dispenser. More specifically, the present invention relates to aerosol dispensers, spray heads and nozzles for cold therapy.

Post-infection topical treatments are often used to treat skin warts and/or other types of warts or other skin disorders that occur on the soles or toes of the feet. From these topical treatments, cold therapy is well known.

Cold therapy is commonly used in the medical field to remove skin lesions in mammals, including humans. Cold therapy is a treatment that freezes superficial skin lesions. However, cold therapy can sting and may be painful both during and at various times afterwards. In some cases, extreme cold can freeze the blood vessels that supply blood to the abnormal cells.

Some known cold therapy techniques combine the effectiveness of traditional cold therapy with modern aerosol technology. This involves a fairly simple and user-friendly treatment device. In these technologies, the coolant solution is typically stored in a pressurized container, and a certain amount of the coolant solution is dispensed from the container on demand (ie, upon activation by the user).

One known aerosol container contains norflurane. Norflurane is also known as HFC-134A and has a chemical structure called 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Under pressure, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane is compressed into a liquid, which absorbs large amounts of heat energy as it evaporates. As a result, it greatly reduces the temperature of anything it comes into contact with as it evaporates, i.e. in this case skin lesions or warts.

Aerosol spray heads and aerosol dispensers suitable for cold therapy have been described in WO 2018115447 A1. The aerosol dispenser described in this prior art document represents a significant improvement in spray accuracy and user-friendliness. A more precise spray beam may help treat skin lesions while reducing damage to healthy skin surrounding skin lesions and reducing unnecessary spillage.

The present invention aims to provide a further improvement over the prior art.

In one aspect of the invention, a nozzle for spraying fluid from an aerosol container is provided. The nozzle includes a proximal region configured to receive a fluid delivery tube configured to provide fluid communication with the aerosol container. The nozzle further includes a distal region including an output through hole. The output through hole has a diameter of 0.20 mm or less. The output via has a length between 2mm and 6mm.

According to this aspect, the nozzle has an output through-hole through which the fluid of the aerosol container received from the tube connected to the aerosol container can be ejected. The output through-hole has specific dimensions that allow a particularly narrow spray jet to be emitted. Narrowing may be understood here in particular as a spray that maintains a relatively small cross-sectional size of the spray over an increased spray length, ie the spray not only narrows when leaving the nozzle but also remains narrow over an increased spray path.

Therefore, spray accuracy can be improved even when the spray is applied by a relatively inexperienced user or medical professional. For example, if a skin lesion is treated with a cold therapy spray fluid, the risk of damaging healthy skin tissue surrounding the skin lesion can be reduced. Additionally, wastage or unnecessary use of active ingredients can be reduced. At the same time, the dimensions are selected to maintain appropriate pressure drop and manufacturability.

The output via may in some examples have a diameter of 0.18 mm or less, such as 0.15 mm or less, particularly between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm, and more particularly between 0.08 mm and 0.12 mm. The diameter may allow for increased precision in spraying while being relatively easy to provide. In some examples, the output via may have a diameter between 0.15 mm and 0.19 mm.

Additionally, the specific size selected has been found to be more patient friendly in terms of noise generated during spraying. Particularly suitable for young patients, e.g. children, where the noise produced by the spray may be uncomfortable. The size of the output via reduces noise.

In some examples, the nozzle may include a nozzle output tube that includes an output through hole and the nozzle output tube is inserted into the distal region. In some of these examples, the nozzle output tube may include or may be made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Providing the output through-hole in a separate tube may be easier and may help provide an output through-hole of the required size while avoiding deformation or damage to the nozzle.

The nozzle may further include a mount extending between the open proximal end and the open distal end. The mount may include a proximal internal conduit configured to receive a fluid delivery tube, and a distal internal conduit configured to receive a nozzle output tube. Providing internal access to the mount may assist in assembling the nozzle.

In some examples, the mount may further include an intermediate internal duct connecting the proximal internal duct and the distal internal duct. The intermediate internal conduit may be formed between a first wall configured as a stop for the fluid delivery tube and a second wall configured as a stop for the nozzle output tube. A fluid connection between the fluid delivery tube and the output through-hole of the nozzle delivery tube can thus be provided, while the fluid delivery tube and the nozzle delivery tube can remain in the nozzle.

Pipes are to be understood in this context as closed channels. Therefore, when referring to the diameter of a pipe, one is referring to the diameter of the channel, and therefore to the inner diameter.

Optionally, the nozzle may further include a nozzle output tube holder surrounding at least the distal portion of the mount. The output tube holder has a flange that projects beyond the open distal end of the mount and prevents the nozzle output tube from moving out of the distal internal conduit of the mount. The retention of the nozzle output tube can be correspondingly further increased.

Nozzles as described herein may be used in combination with any suitable aerosol spray head and any suitable aerosol container.

In a further aspect of the invention, a spray head for an aerosol container is provided. The spray head includes a base configured to couple with the aerosol container, wherein the base includes an outlet portion. The base further includes a nozzle according to any of the examples described herein. The base further includes a fluid delivery tube within the base. The fluid delivery tube extends through the outlet portion on the exterior of the base and into the nozzle.

The nozzle may be attached to the outlet portion of the base. This can help reduce the risk of movement of the fluid delivery tube, for example if the tube is flexible. Improves spray accuracy and control.

The fluid delivery tube may be flexible. When the user activates the aerosol, the flexible tube adjusts its shape and maintains fluid communication.

The fluid delivery tube may be continuous. Continuous tubing reduces the risk of crystal formation in cryogenic applications. If two or more fluid delivery tubes are connected (e.g. via a connector), there may be an increased risk of fluid expansion at the junction between the tubes, which may lead to crystal formation.

The aerosol spray head may further include a resiliently deformable actuator. The deformable actuator may include a lever arm and a coupling portion integrally formed with the lever arm. The coupling portion may be configured to fit around a portion of the fluid delivery tube, the aerosol valve outlet, and the aerosol valve actuator. The coupling portion may be configured such that when the user deforms the lever arm, the coupling portion acts on the valve actuator of the aerosol container. Therefore, the elastic deformability of the lever arm may cause the coupling portion mounted around the valve actuator to deform/move downward, thereby directly or indirectly pressing on the valve actuator, causing the propellant contained in the aerosol container to and the active ingredient flows out of the valve outlet and through the fluid delivery tube. Because the outlet portion forms part of the base of the spray head and because it is constructed separately from the elastically deformable actuator and fluid delivery tube, it may not move when the coupling portion deforms to actuate the valve actuator. The stationary outlet section helps improve spray accuracy. The lever arm provides easy operation of the aerosol applicator for users, whether experienced or entry-level health practitioners.

In yet another aspect of the invention, an aerosol dispenser is provided. The aerosol dispenser includes a spray head and an aerosol container according to any of the examples described throughout this disclosure. The aerosol container includes a valve assembly including a valve outlet and a valve actuator for selectively opening a passage from an interior of the aerosol container to the valve outlet.

The nozzles, spray heads, and aerosol dispensers described throughout this invention may be used in other medical or non-medical applications besides cold therapy, including spraying with an aerosol dispenser, and particularly where a narrow spray beam is required. . For example, nozzles, spray heads, and aerosol dispensers as described herein may be used in preventive treatments, cosmetic treatments, and spray painting.

In one aspect, a nozzle 1 suitable for spraying fluid from an aerosol container 41 is provided. An example of a nozzle 1 is provided in Figure 1A. Figure 1A is an example of an axial cross-section of a nozzle 1 of a nozzle head 40 for an aerosol container 41. The nozzle 1 is attached to the outlet portion 43 of the base 42 of the spray head 40, and a fluid delivery tube 30 (e.g., a flexible hose) extends through the base and into the nozzle 1 in this figure. Although the nozzle is shown attached to the outlet portion 43 of the base 42 of a spray head for an aerosol container 41, it should be noted that the nozzle 1 may be provided as a separate and independent element. Figure 1B shows an enlarged view of the distal portion of the nozzle 1 of Figure 1A.

Nozzle 1 includes a fluid delivery tube 30 configured to receive a fluid delivery tube configured to provide fluid communication with aerosol container 41 . Fluid delivery tube 30 may be flexible. The nozzle 1 further includes a distal region 26 including an output through-hole 16 (see Figure IB). The output through hole 16 has a diameter of 0.20 mm or less, such as a diameter of 0.18 mm or less, such as a diameter of 0.15 mm or less, such as a diameter between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm. In some examples, the diameter may be between 0.15mm and 0.19mm. In some examples, the diameter may be between 0.08mm and 0.12mm. The diameter may be approximately 0.1 mm, for example. It should be understood that the diameter is always greater than 0, because if the diameter is 0, there is no through hole.

The output through-hole 16 has a length of between 2 mm and 6 mm, ie a diameter of 0.20 mm or less, for example between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm (and in particular between 0.08 mm and 0.12 mm, more particularly about 0.1 mm) extends over a length of 2-6mm. In some examples, the length may be between 4mm and 5mm. The length may be about 4.4mm, 4.5mm or 4.6mm, for example. The diameter can be measured in the radial direction 22 of the nozzle and the length can be measured in the axial direction 21 of the nozzle. The radial direction 22 is understood to be the direction perpendicular to the axial direction 21 in the axial cross-section.

The fluid to be sprayed therefore travels through the output through-hole 16 of the nozzle and exits the nozzle 1 through its distal end. The size (ie, diameter and length) of the output through hole 16 may provide a narrower spray jet over an increased spray length (ie, the distance away from the through hole) compared to prior art. An increased length of the small diameter of the outlet opening 16 is associated with a higher pressure drop, while a decreased length is associated with a less concentrated spray jet. The selected length range (combined with the specified diameter) gives a narrow spray jet which allows precise treatment of, for example, skin lesions and reduces spillage.

In the example of FIG. 1A , the nozzle extends between open proximal end 27 and open distal end 28 . The nozzle 1 includes a nozzle outlet pipe 20 . The nozzle output tube 20 is inserted into the distal region 26 and has the precisely sized output through hole 16 previously mentioned. The use of a separate nozzle output tube 20 to provide the output through hole 16 and then inserting the nozzle output tube 20 into the nozzle (eg into the mount 10) has been found to be an efficient manufacturing and assembly method to provide the required size of the output through hole 16.

In some examples, nozzle output tube 20 may be made from, or may include, polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The nozzle output tube 20 may be extruded PEEK tube. This material may be particularly useful in providing output vias 16 having the previously mentioned diameter and length. Prior art attempts to provide small diameter vias of significant length using drilling and molding have been unsuccessful.

The nozzle of the example of FIG. 1A also includes a mount 10 . The seat frame 10 extends between the open proximal end 3 and the open distal end, see Figure 2 . Mount 10 includes a proximal region 31 configured to receive a fluid delivery tube 30 (eg, a flexible tube) configured to provide fluid communication with aerosol container 41 . The mount 10 also includes a distal region 32 . Distal region 32 may be configured to receive nozzle output tube 20 . The open proximal end 3 and the open distal end 6 of the mount 10 may in some examples be the open proximal end 27 and the open distal end 28 of the nozzle 1 .

In the example of FIG. 1A , the mount 10 , and therefore the nozzle 1 , is elongated in the axial direction 21 . Elongated here may mean that the outer diameter of an element (eg a nozzle) is smaller, and in particular is significantly smaller than the length of the element. In other examples, the length of the nozzle or mount may not need to be longer than the outer diameter of the nozzle or mount, respectively. The mount and nozzle may in some examples have a substantially circular radial cross-section. In other examples, the mount and nozzle may have radial cross-sections of different shapes, such as square, triangular, or other radial cross-sectional shapes.

The mount 10 surrounds the nozzle output tube 20 . The distal region 26 of the elongated mount 10 may in some instances clamp or press against at least a portion of the nozzle output tube 20 , such as against a proximal portion of the nozzle output tube 20 . In these or other examples, there may be adhesive between the nozzle output tube 20 and the inner wall of the distal region of the mount.

The axial direction 21 and the radial direction 22 of the nozzle and the seat correspond to the axial direction 21 and the radial direction 22 of the nozzle output tube 20 . The nozzle output tube may have a substantially circular radial cross-section. In other examples, the mount 10 may have different radial cross-sections, such as square, triangular, or other radial cross-sections.

Figure 2 shows an axial cross-section of the mount 10 of the nozzle 1 of Figure 1A. In some examples, the mount 10 includes a proximal internal conduit 2 configured to receive a fluid delivery tube 30 . The proximal internal duct 2 may be provided in the proximal region 31 of the frame 10 . The proximal internal duct 2 may extend between the open proximal end 3 of the seat frame 10 and the first wall 4 . The first wall 4 of the mount 10 may be configured as a stop for the fluid delivery tube 30 . For example, the fluid delivery tube 30 may be inserted into and through the proximal internal conduit 2 until it contacts the first wall 4 and cannot move further in the axial direction 21 . In some examples, first wall 4 may be substantially perpendicular to axial direction 21 .

The diameter of the proximal internal conduit 2 may be approximately the outer diameter of the contemplated fluid delivery tube 30 . In some examples, the proximal internal conduit 2 may be slightly tapered toward the first wall 4 . For example, the inner wall defining the proximal internal duct 2 may be inclined at an angle between 0.3 and 0.7 degrees relative to the axial direction 21 , for example about 0.5 degrees. This taper may help maintain the fluid delivery tube 30 in a desired position, such as within the proximal internal conduit 2 and against the first wall 4 . One, two or more inner radial protrusions 23, provided for example close to the proximal tip 3, see Figure 2, can easily separate the seat frame 10 from the injection mold. In some examples, the inner radial protrusions 23 may also help to hold the fluid delivery tube 30 in place. The example of Figure 3 shows two inner radial projections 23 extending radially.

The inside of the proximal end portion 31 of the seat frame 10 may widen towards the proximal end 3 of the seat frame 10 . This may facilitate the introduction of the fluid delivery tube 30 into the proximal internal conduit 2 . In some examples, the length 24 of the proximal internal conduit 2 may be between 20 mm and 30 mm. For example, the proximal internal conduit may have a length of approximately 25 mm. In other examples, lengths less than 20 mm and lengths greater than 30 mm are possible. In the example where the mount 10 is attached to a mount for the spray head 40 of the aerosol container 41 , a smaller or greater length of the proximal internal duct 2 may be used, for example, depending on the skin lesion to be treated and in some examples. The desired distance between the spray head 40 and the aerosol holder is selected.

Mount 10 may further include a distal internal conduit 5 configured to receive nozzle output tube 20 . A distal internal duct 5 may extend between the open distal end 6 of the seat frame 10 and the second inner wall 7 of the seat frame. The second wall 7 may serve as a stop for the nozzle output tube 20 within the distal inner duct 5 . For example, the nozzle output tube 20 may be inserted through the distal inner duct 5 until it contacts the second wall 7 and cannot move further in the axial direction 21 . In some examples, the second wall 7 of the mount may be substantially perpendicular to the axial direction 21 .

The diameter of the distal inner conduit 5 may be approximately the outer diameter of the nozzle output tube 20 . In some examples, the distal inner conduit 5 may be slightly tapered toward the open distal end 6 of the mount 10 . For example, the distal internal conduit 5 may have a diameter of 1.5 mm at its proximal end and a diameter of 1.6 mm or 1.7 mm at its distal end. This taper may help to maintain the nozzle output tube 20 in a desired position, such as within the distal inner duct 5 and against the second wall 7 . In some examples, the length 58 of the distal internal conduit 5 may be between 2 mm and 6 mm, such as between 4 mm and 5 mm.

The seat frame 10 may further include an intermediate inner duct 11 connecting the proximal inner duct 2 and the distal inner duct 5 . When the nozzle output pipe 20 is inserted into the distal internal pipe 5 , the middle internal pipe 11 connects the proximal internal pipe 2 and the output through hole 16 of the nozzle output pipe 20 . When a fluid delivery tube 30 (eg, a flexible tube) is disposed within the proximal internal conduit 2 , fluid can advance through the fluid delivery tube 30 and then through the intermediate internal conduit 11 and output through hole 16 . The middle inner duct 11 may be provided in the middle part of the nozzle 33 . The middle part may be understood as, for example, the part bridging between the proximal part 31 and the distal part 32 .

The middle inner duct 11 may have a diameter of between 0.2 mm and 0.9 mm, such as about 0.8 mm in some examples. In other examples, the intermediate inner conduit 11 may have a diameter between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, such as about 0.3 mm or about 0.4 mm. The diameter of the intermediate internal conduit 11 and the inner diameter of the fluid delivery tube 30 may be substantially the same in one example. Having a diameter of the intermediate inner duct 11 between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm and an inner diameter of the fluid delivery tube can, in combination with the size of the output through-hole 16 of the nozzle 1, give a particularly good narrow spray jet while reducing the risk of aerosol leakage. The amount of fluid removed from the container 41. Similar or equal inner diameters of the fluid delivery tube 30 and the intermediate internal tube 11 may also reduce the risk of crystal formation between the fluid delivery tube 30 and the intermediate internal tube 11 . In some examples, the length of the intermediate inner conduit 11 may be between 2 mm and 6 mm, such as between 2.5 mm and 4 mm.

In some examples, the diameter of the intermediate inner conduit 11 may be between 1.5 and 4 times greater than the diameter of the output through hole 16 , such as greater than 2 or 3 times. This ratio may allow the amount of fluid within the aerosol container 41 to be used to be reduced while achieving a more precise spray. Therefore, the number of times the fluid is sprayed can be increased. For example, if an aerosol dispenser is to be used to treat skin warts, more therapeutic doses can be obtained for a given aerosol dispenser contents.

In some instances, the intermediate internal conduit 11 may be omitted. That is, the proximal internal conduit 2 may be adjacent the output through hole 16 of the nozzle.

The mount 10 may be rigid. A non-flexible mount 10 may help maintain the fluid delivery tube 30 (eg, a tube that is more flexible than the mount) in a specific location for spraying, such as once the nozzle is coupled to the spray head 40 for the aerosol container 41 of seat frame. Provides better control over the direction of the spray. In some examples, mount 10 may be made of or may include polypropylene. Other plastics or materials that make the mount 10 relatively resistant to bending may also be used.

When the output through hole 16 is provided in the nozzle output tube 20 , the nozzle 1 may further include a nozzle output tube holder 35 surrounding at least the distal portion of the mount 10 . As shown in the example of FIG. 1A , the nozzle output tube holder 35 may also at least partially surround the middle portion of the mount 10 . The middle portion of the mount 10 may be stepped radially inwardly 39 . The proximal end of the nozzle output tube holder 35 may extend to the step 39 formed by the seat frame 10 . A stronger connection between the nozzle outlet tube holder 35 and the mount 10 results in a better fixation of the nozzle outlet tube 20.

The nozzle output tube holder 35 may be radially flush with a portion of the mount 10, see Figure 1A. That is, the nozzle output tube holder 35 and the mount 10 may form a substantially flat outer surface along the length of the nozzle. This facilitates and more comfortable introduction of the nozzle 1 into a body cavity, such as the mouth.

The nozzle output tube holder 35 may have a flange 36 that protrudes beyond the open distal end 6 of the mount 10 , which prevents the nozzle output tube 20 from moving out of the distal internal conduit 5 of the mount 10 . The flange 36 may project radially inwardly in the axial direction 21 as shown in Figure IB. Providing a nozzle output tube holder 35 may help further secure the nozzle output tube 20 within the distal inner conduit 5 .

The flange 36 may have a radial surface 37 facing the open distal end 6 of the mount 10 , and this radial surface 37 may project radially beyond the mount 10 by an amount for stopping the nozzle output tube 20 . The amount by which the radial surface 37 extends can be adjusted to properly secure the nozzle output tube 20 and avoid interrupting the spray jet flow. Radial surface 37 may, in some examples, extend radially less than 8 to 10 times the inner diameter of distal internal conduit 5 .

The flange 36 may have an inner surface 38 extending away from the open distal end 6 of the mount 10 . The angle between the two opposing inner surfaces 38 of the flange may be between 45° and 75°, such as between 55° and 65°, such as about 60°. This angle can be measured in axial cross-section. These angles avoid interrupting the flow of the spray jet and also reduce or avoid dripping.

The nozzle output tube holder 35 may be attached to the mount 10 by ultrasonic welding. This manner of joining the two elements provides a strong attachment between the nozzle output tube holder 35 and the mount 10 . Other ways of linking them are also possible. For example, adhesives may be used additionally or alternatively. In some examples, flange 36 may be attached to open distal end 6 of mount 10, for example, by ultrasonic welding. Providing the attachment at the open distal end 6 of the mount may further help increase the strength of the attachment.

In a further aspect of the invention, a spray head 40 for an aerosol container 41 is provided. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol spray head 40. Figure 4 shows a side view of an example of an aerosol spray head 40. FIG. 5 shows a perspective front view of the aerosol spray head 40 . Spray head 40 is configured to couple to aerosol container 41 . Spray head 40 includes a base 42 configured to couple to an aerosol container 41 . The base 42 further includes an outlet portion 43 . The spray head 40 further includes a nozzle 1 as described herein. The spray head 40 further includes a fluid delivery tube 30, such as a flexible tube, located within the base 42. The fluid delivery tube 30 extends through the outlet portion 43 on the exterior of the base 42 and into the nozzle 1 . The base 42 may be coupled to the aerosol container, such as by a snap fit or mating threads of the bottom portion 52 of the base 42 .

Since the fluid delivery tube 30 is provided to provide fluid communication between the aerosol container 41 having a specific diameter and a specific length of the nozzle 1 and the output through hole 16, the fluid within the aerosol container 41 can be accurately sprayed. Compared to other nozzles with output through-holes 16 of different sizes, a narrower spray jet can be obtained.

In some examples, nozzle 1 may be attached to outlet portion 43 of base 42, such as by ultrasonic welding. The nozzle 1 may have a proximal flange 44 to facilitate attachment in this or other manner. Other ways of attaching nozzle 1 and base 42 may be used in other examples. For example, adhesive, clamping or threaded couplings may be used, for example using mating threads. Attachments can be fixed, ie non-removable, or removable. For example, mating threads provide removable attachment, while ultrasonic welding provides fixed attachment. Ultrasonic welding can provide a strong and durable attachment between the nozzle 1 and the base 42. Attaching the nozzle 1 to the outlet portion 43 of the base 42 may help increase accuracy as the position of the fluid delivery tube 30 may be better controlled. Movement and oscillations of the fluid delivery tube 30 are reduced in this manner. The attachment between the nozzle 1 and the outlet portion 43 of the base 42 may be via the distal end 3 of the mount 10 of the nozzle 1 , for example via the proximal flange 44 .

In other examples, proximal region 25 of nozzle 1 may be attached to fluid delivery tube 30 . For example, an inner wall of the mount 10 of the nozzle 1 , such as the inner wall of the proximal internal conduit 2 , may be attached to the fluid delivery tube 30 . Attachment may be fixed or may be removable. Adhesives may, for example, be used to provide a fixed, non-removable attachment. In other examples, the tapering of the proximal inner conduit 2 toward the output through hole 16 may be sufficient to secure the nozzle 1 to the fluid delivery tube 30 . For example, an axial or inclined (relative to the axial direction) inner wall of the proximal internal conduit 2 may help retain the fluid delivery tube 30 therein. The mount 10 may be rigid. The movement of the fluid delivery tube 30 may be further limited and controlled by the inflexible or barely bendable mount 10 . Immobilization of fluid delivery tube 30 may be achieved in some examples.

The inner diameter of the fluid delivery tube 30 and the diameter of the intermediate internal conduit 11 may be substantially the same. This may help avoid or at least reduce crystal formation between the distal end of the fluid delivery tube 30 and the first wall 4 . This may also help reduce the amount of fluid within the aerosol container 41 used each time a spray is performed.

The spray head 40 may further include an elastically deformable actuator 50 for pressing directly or indirectly on the valve actuator 45 of the aerosol container 41 such that fluid therein, such as propellant and active ingredient, flows out through the valve outlet 46 and The fluid flows through the fluid delivery tube 30 to the output through-hole 16 of the nozzle 1 . The fluid delivery tube 30 can be a continuous tube, that is, it can be formed in one piece. Fluid delivery tube 30 having a single tube section may help reduce crystal formation.

The elastically deformable actuator 50 may include a lever arm 57 and a coupling portion 48 integrally formed with the lever arm 57 . Coupling portion 48 may be configured to fit around a portion of fluid delivery tube 30 , valve outlet 46 , and valve actuator 45 . The coupling portion 48 may have a through hole 56 for the fluid delivery tube 30 to pass therethrough. The coupling portion 48 may be configured such that when the user deforms the lever arm 57, the coupling portion 48 acts on the valve actuator 45 of the aerosol container 41, thereby opening the valve outlet 46 and releasing the contents of the aerosol container 41 . The coupling portion 48 may include a downward projection 54 .

In some examples, the base of showerhead 40 may include a removable top flange 49. This may assist in assembling the aerosol dispenser tip 40. In other examples, the base of the showerhead 40 may be formed in one piece.

The disc 51 may be received inside the base 42, corresponding to the bottom end portion 52 of the base 42, see Figure 3 . The disc 51 may be rotatable and may include an extension 53 for operation by a user, see Figure 4 . The disc 51 may include two or more steps of different heights, and the downward projection 54 of the coupling portion 48 may be configured to contact any step. The extension 53 of the disc 51 may allow the disc 51 to be rotated within the bottom end portion 52 of the base of the spray head 40 and to engage the different steps of the disc 51 . The lever arm 57 may be configured to be actuated by the user until the downward projection 54 strikes one of the steps of the disc. Therefore, these steps may provide a limit to the downward movement allowed by the linkage portion 48 and the strikes a user can make on the lever arm 57 .

A step in the disk may have a height such that downward movement of the downward projection 54 of the coupling part 48 is prevented and the lever arm 57 may therefore not be actuated. This step may be called a "security step" or an "off step". A step having a height such that the lever arm 57 can be actuated may be referred to as an "on step". In some examples, the disk 51 may have "opening steps" and "closing steps", for example. In further examples, additional intermediate steps may be incorporated.

Note that in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, extension 53 has been rotated out of the cross-sectional plane and is therefore not visible in this particular view.

In an example, the body of the showerhead, top flange 49 and/or disc 51 may be made, for example, from polypropylene (PP) such as Bormed™ HD810MO, commercially available from Borealis. The flexible tube may, for example, be made of another polypropylene (PP) such as what is commercially available from Raumedic. The nozzle holder may also be made of commercially available polypropylene (PP), such as Bormed™ HD810MO. Also, the aerosol container or canister can be made of aluminum. The aforementioned output tube can be made of PEEK.

In another aspect of the invention, an aerosol dispenser 47 is provided. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol dispenser. The aerosol dispenser includes an aerosol container 41 and an aerosol spray head 40 according to any example described herein.

Aerosol container 41 includes valve assembly 55 . The valve assembly 55 includes a valve actuator 45 having a valve outlet 46 for selectively opening passage from the interior of the aerosol container to the valve outlet 46. In some examples, such as the one shown, valve actuator 45 may be a stem that is biased upward (to a closed position) by a spring. Below the valve actuator 45 a dip tube may be provided. As valve actuator 45 is moved downward, the spring may be compressed and a passage from the dip tube toward valve outlet 46 may be opened. Generally, any suitable valve actuator 45 may be used. The aerosol container may include norflurane, in some examples, for example, as a propellant. In other examples, the aerosol container may contain HFO 1234ze or HFO 152a. Like norflurane, HFO 1234ze and HFO 152a can be used as propellants.

In further examples, other valves with other valve actuators may be used.

In further examples, different compositions may be used in combination, any composition or mixture of compounds as propellant and as active ingredient, particularly suitable for use in cold therapy. In examples, the composition may include liquid nitrogen as the active ingredient and/or propellant. In further alternatives, compositions comprising dimethyl ether, propane and/or isobutylene are foreseen.

It has been found that the combination of a relatively narrow and long output tube coupled with the valve assembly 55 produces a pleasant "stop" sound for the patient after use. When spraying ceases, the propellant and active ingredient located between the valve assembly 55 and the outlet of the nozzle may backflow and escape around the valve assembly 55, producing a slight sound indicating that operation has ceased.

This written description uses examples to disclose the teachings, including the preferred embodiments, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the teachings, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods . The patentable scope is limited by the scope of the patent application and may include other examples that a person with ordinary skill in the technical field to which this case belongs can think of. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claim if they have structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claimed scope, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not materially differ from the literal language of the claimed scope. within the range. Aspects from the various embodiments described, and other known equivalents of each described aspect, may be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional implementations in accordance with the principles of this application. examples and techniques. If element symbols related to the drawings are placed in parentheses in the claimed scope, they are only intended to increase the understandability of the claimed scope and should not be construed as limiting the claimed scope.

1:Nozzle 2: Proximal internal duct 4: First wall 5: Distal internal duct 6:Open distal end 7:Second wall 10:Seat frame 11: Middle internal pipe 16:Output through hole 20:Nozzle output pipe 21: Axial direction 22: Radial direction 23:Inner radial protrusion 24:Length 25: Near end area 26:Remote area 27: Open proximal end 28: Open distal end 30: Fluid delivery pipe 31: proximal area/proximal end part/proximal part 32:Remote area/remote part 33:Nozzle 35:Nozzle output tube holder 36:Flange 37: Radial surface 38:Inner surface 39:ladder 40:Nozzle 41:Aerosol container 42:Base 43:Export part 44:Proximal flange 45:Valve actuator 46: Valve outlet 47:Aerosol dispenser 48:Connection part 49:Top flange 50: Actuator 51: disc 52: Bottom part 53:Extension 54:Protrusion 55:Valve assembly 56:Through hole 57: Lever arm 58:Length

Non-limiting examples of the invention are shown schematically in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1A shows an axial cross-section of an example of a nozzle of a spray head for an aerosol container.

Figure IB shows an enlarged view of the distal portion of the nozzle of Figure IA.

Figure 2 shows an axial cross-section of the mount of the nozzle of Figure 1A.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol spray head.

Figure 4 shows a side view of an example of an aerosol spray head attached to an aerosol container.

Figure 5 shows a perspective front view of an example of an aerosol spray head.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol dispenser.

1:Nozzle

10:Seat frame

20:Nozzle output pipe

21: Axial direction

22: Radial direction

25: Near end area

26:Remote area

27: Open proximal end

28:Open distal end

30: Fluid delivery pipe

35:Nozzle output tube holder

36:Flange

43:Export part

44:Proximal flange

Claims (15)

A nozzle (1) for spraying fluid from an aerosol container (41). The nozzle (1) includes: a proximal region (25) configured to receive a fluid delivery tube (30) configured to provide fluid communication with the aerosol container (41); and A distal region (26) including an output through hole (16) having a diameter of 0.20 mm or less and a length of between 2 mm and 6 mm. The nozzle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned output through hole (16) has a diameter of 0.18mm or less, especially 0.15mm or less than 0.15mm, especially between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm, and more particularly between 0.08 mm and 0.12 mm. The nozzle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a nozzle output pipe (20), the nozzle output pipe (20) including the output through hole (16) and being inserted into the distal region (26) middle. The nozzle (1) according to claim 3, wherein the nozzle output pipe (20) includes or is made of polyetheretherketone. The nozzle (1) according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a seat frame (10) extending between the opening proximal end (3) and the opening distal end (6), the aforementioned seat frame (10) including : a proximal internal conduit (2) configured to receive the aforementioned fluid delivery tube (30); and A distal internal conduit (5) configured to receive the aforementioned nozzle output tube (20). The nozzle (1) according to claim 5, wherein the holder (10) further includes an intermediate internal pipe (11) connecting the proximal internal pipe (2) and the distal internal pipe (5). The nozzle (1) of claim 6, wherein the aforementioned intermediate internal duct (11) is formed between the first wall (4) and the second wall (7), wherein the aforementioned first wall (4) is configured As a stop of the aforementioned fluid delivery pipe (30) and/or the aforementioned second wall (7) is configured as a stop of the aforementioned nozzle output pipe (20). The nozzle (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the aforementioned intermediate internal pipe (11) has a diameter between 0.2 mm and 0.9 mm. The nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the nozzle (1) further includes a nozzle output tube holder (35) surrounding at least the distal portion of the seat frame (10), the aforementioned The nozzle output tube holder (35) has a flange (36) that protrudes beyond the opening distal end (6) of the seat frame (10) and prevents the nozzle output tube (20) from moving out of the seat. The aforementioned distal internal pipe (5) of the frame (10). A nozzle (40) for an aerosol container (41). The nozzle (40) includes: A base (42) configured to be coupled with the aerosol container (41), the base (42) including an outlet portion (43); The nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is connected to the aforementioned base (42); and The fluid delivery pipe (30) in the aforementioned base (42) extends through the aforementioned outlet portion (43) outside the aforementioned base (42) and enters the aforementioned nozzle (1). The nozzle (40) according to claim 10, wherein the diameter of the aforementioned middle internal pipe (11) is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the aforementioned fluid delivery pipe (30). The nozzle (40) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the nozzle (1) is attached to the outlet portion (43) of the base (42). The nozzle (40) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the fluid delivery pipe (30) is flexible and/or continuous. The nozzle (40) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising an elastically deformable actuator (50), the aforesaid actuator (50) comprising: Lever arm (57); and a coupling portion (48) integrally formed with the aforementioned lever arm (57) and configured to be mounted around a portion of the aforementioned fluid delivery tube (30), the valve outlet (46), and the valve actuator (45), Wherein, the aforementioned coupling portion (48) is configured such that when the user deforms the aforementioned lever arm (57), the aforementioned coupling portion (48) actuates the aforementioned valve actuator (45) of the aforementioned aerosol container (41). An aerosol dispenser comprising: A sprinkler head (40) as described in any one of claims 12 to 14; and An aerosol container (41) including a valve assembly (55) including a valve outlet (46) and a valve actuator (45) for selectively Open the passage from the inside of the aerosol container (41) to the valve outlet (46).