WO2006066363A1

WO2006066363A1 - Dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2006066363A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001980
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kon Wong; Peter Bayly
Original assignee: Acrux Dds Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-12-23
Filing date: 2005-12-23
Publication date: 2006-06-29

Abstract

This invention relates to a dispensing device (1) for dispensing a substance from a substance capsule (4). The device includes a body (2) and a cover member (7) which is movable relative to the body between a rest and in- use position. The cover member is used to space a nozzle (13) from a target area of a user's skin.

Description

DISPENSING DEVICE

This invention relates to a device for dispensing a substance, such as a pharmaceutical, medicinal, or therapeutic substance. The device is particularly, but not exclusively, suited for dispensing a substance in the form of a spray or mist. The invention will be hereinafter described with particular reference to transdermal and/or percutaneous delivery of substances, but it is to be understood that the invention has broader application.

It is usually the case that devices of the foregoing kind can be used on several occasions before the quantity of the substance stored in the device is exhausted. It is also a common requirement that an accurately metered amount of the substance is dispensed each time the device is operated.

Substance dispensing devices of the foregoing kind tend to suffer an unacceptable loss of the substance in the period between uses of the device. That loss is particularly evident in circumstances involving use of a volatile substance. Unintentional loss of the substance is wasteful, and can also interfere with the ability of the device to dispense an accurately metered quantity each time the device is operated. In that regard, accurate metering can be very important in some circumstances.

It is also desirable to guard against possible contamination of the substance by dust and/or other foreign material collecting at or adjacent the substance outlet of the device. That problem is sometimes attended to by providing the device with a removable dust cap which must be replaced after each use of the device. That solution is not entirely satisfactory because users may overlook the need to replace the cap, or may deliberately refrain from replacing the cap because of the inconvenience involved.

Still another difficulty encountered with conventional devices is the lack of protection against inadvertent or unintentional operation of the device. In the absence of such protection it may be possible for a child to operate the device, and in some circumstances that could have severe adverse consequences. Yet another problem arises because many devices of the foregoing kind are bulky and/or uncomfortable to use. Bulky devices are difficult to carry, and may be left behind for that reason. Devices that are uncomfortable to use may be neglected because of that fact. In either case - ie., bulky or difficult to use - there is a risk of the user not using the device according to a prescribed program, and as a consequence not obtaining the full benefit of the substance contained in the device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a substance dispensing device having means for preventing, or minimising, unintentional loss of the substance. It is a further object of the invention to provide a substance dispensing device that is able to dispense an accurately metered quantity of a substance during normal use. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a substance dispensing device having means to enable a full charge of the substance to be available for discharge preparatory to normal use of the device. Still another object is to provide a device that is particularly suitable for use in transdermal application of substances.

A further object of the invention is to provide a substance dispensing device having convenient and effective means for preventing, or minimising, collection of dust or other foreign material at or adjacent the substance outlet of the device. Still another object of the invention is to provide a substance dispensing device having means for preventing, or minimising, inadvertent or unintentional operation of the device. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a substance dispensing device that is of relatively compact and convenient to use form.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided A substance dispensing device for dispensing a metered quantity of substance over a target area of the users skin, the device including a hollow body that defines a chamber; a substance capsule located within the chamber, the substance capsule having means for dispensing a metered quantity of substance through a nozzle; an actuator for operating the means for dispensing; a cover member being movable relative to the body from a rest position to an in use position, the cover member having an outer end that is locatable adjacent the target area when the cover member is in the in use position so as to space the nozzle from the target area by an ideal distance over which the substance should be delivered to the target area.

It is preferred that the cover member covers the nozzle when in the rest position so as to guard against collection of dust adjacent the nozzle. It is further preferred that the cover member includes a protrusion extending from an inner surface thereof that engages the nozzle when the cover member is in the rest position. It is still further preferred that the protrusion seals the nozzle when the cover member is in the rest position so as to enable a full charge of the substance to be available to the means for dispensing.

The substance dispensing device preferable includes stop means that when operable prevents operation of the actuator. It is preferred that the stop means is operable when the cover member is in the rest position.

The actuator may form part of the cover member in which case it is preferred that the stop means includes a pin formed on an inner surface the cover member that locates in a track formed on an inner surface of the body, the track being configured to allow movement of the pin along the track when cover member is in the in use position, and to not allow movement of the pin along the track when the cover member is in the rest position.

Alternatively the actuator is a button being separate to cover member, in which case it is preferred that the stop means includes a stop section forming part of the cover member that locates within a recess of the button when the cover member is in the rest position to prevent operation of the actuator, and the stop section being movable to be clear of the recess when the cover member is in the in use position to allow operation the actuator. It is preferred that the substance dispensing device includes releasable locking means that when operable prevent movement of the cover member from at least the rest position. It is preferred that the releasable locking means is operable to prevent movement of the cover from the in use position. It is further preferred that the releasable locking means includes a detent forming part of the cover member for location within a cooperative recess formed in an inner surface of the body when the cover member is in the rest and in use positions, the detents being movable out of the recesses to release the locking means.

It is preferred that the button is movable between a lock position and a release position to prevent and allow operation of the actuator respectively. It is further preferred that the button is biased towards the lock position. It is further preferred that the button engages a stop forming part of the body when in the lock position, and disengages from the stop when in the release position.

It is preferred that the cover member is in the form of a partial shroud for containing lateral spread of the substance dispensed.

It is preferred that the substance dispensing device includes a dust cap associated with the cover member. It is preferred that the dust cap is releasably attached to the cover member. It is further preferred that the dust cap includes a wad located on an inner surface thereof for receiving a quantity of substance from the substance capsule.

It is preferred that the means for dispensing is a pump or alternatively the means for dispensing maybe an aerosol type dispenser.

It is preferred that the substance is a pharmaceutical, medicinal, or therapeutic substance in liquid form for transdermal and/or percutaneous delivery.

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in greater detail by reference to the accompanying drawings showing dispensing devices to which the invention, according to any one of its aspects, can be applied. The particularity of those drawings and the related description is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention according to each of its aspects. The drawings show example embodiments of each aspect of the invention previously identified.

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the dispensing device showing the cover member in the in-use position.

Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the dispensing device from Figure 1 with the cover member in the closed position.

Figure 3 illustrates the dispensing device from Figure 1 in cross section.

Figure 4 illustrates the dispensing device from Figure 1 in cross section with the cover member closed with the substance capsule removed.

Figure 5 illustrates the dispensing device in cross section with the cover member open with the substance capsule removed.

Figure 6 illustrates the body and cover member of the dispensing device in exploded view.

Figure 7 illustrates the dispensing device from Figure 2 in cross section.

Figure 8 illustrates the dispensing device in cross section with the substance capsule removed and the cover member in the rest position.

Figure 9 illustrates the dispensing device from Figure 8 with the cover member in the in-use position.

Figure 10 illustrates a side elevation of a further preferred embodiment of a dispensing device according to the invention. Figure 11 illustrates an isometric view of the dispensing device from Figure 10 with the cover member in the in-use position.

Figure 12 illustrates the dispensing device from Figure 10 in cross section.

Figure 13 illustrates the dispensing device from Figure 12 with the cover member in the in-use position.

Figure 14 illustrates a front elevation of a further preferred embodiment of a dispensing device according to the invention.

Figure 15 illustrates an isometric view of the dispensing device from Figure 14.

Figure 16 illustrates the dispensing device from Figure 14 in cross section.

Figure 17 illustrates a portion of the dispensing device from Figure 16 with the button in the release position.

Figure 18 illustrates a front elevation of a further preferred embodiment of a dispensing device according to the invention.

Figure 19 illustrates in cross section the dispensing device from Figure

18.

Figure 20 illustrates an isometric view of the dispensing device from Figure 18.

Figure 21 illustrates the dispensing device from Figure 19 with a dust cap. Figures 1 to 3 show an example device 1 to which an embodiment of each aspect of the invention has been applied. The device 1 includes a hollow body 2 that defines a chamber 3 (Figure 3) for receiving a substance capsule 4. The contents (the substance) of the capsule 4 will be selected to suit the intended use of the device 1 . In the example shown, the capsule 4 includes a manually operable pump 5 for dispensing a metered quantity of the substance, but other arrangements could be adopted, such as an aerosol-type dispenser.

In the arrangement shown, actuation of the pump 5 is effected through an actuator 6 that forms part of, or is connected to, a cover member 7. The cover member 7 is preferably pivotably mounted on an upper section of the body 2 so as to be movable relative to the body 2 about a pivot axis 8 (Figures

2 and 3). That mounting permits the cover member 7 to be moved between a use position, as shown by Figure 1 , and a rest position, as shown by Figures 2 and 3. The actuator 6 can be depressed to operate the pump 5 when the cover member 7 is in the use position, but preferably cannot operate the pump 5 when the cover member 7 is in the rest position.

Any suitable stop means may be employed to prevent operation of the actuator 6 when the cover member 7 is in the rest position. In the example shown by Figures 4 to 7 however, the stop means includes a stop shoulder 9 formed at an inner surface of the body 2, and stop pin 10 provided on the actuator 6. The stop pin 10 is arranged to locate above the stop shoulder 9 when the cover member 7 is in the rest position (Figure 4), and is thereby engageable with the shoulder 9 so as to prevent operation of the actuator 6.

When the cover member 7 is in the use position (Figure 5), the stop pin 10 is located clear of the stop shoulder 9, and consequently does not hinder downward movement of the actuator 6.

The stop shoulder 9 may form part of the side wall of a track 1 1 of inverted L shape provided within the inside surface of the body 2. The pin 10 is located within a downwardly extending leg portion 12 of the track 1 1 when the cover member is in the use position, and the disposition and length of the leg portion 12 is such that it allows adequate downward movement of the pin 10 during operation of the actuator 6.

As shown by Figure 6, it is preferred that the body 2 comprises two parts, 2a and 2b, and it is further preferred that a stop shoulder 9 is provided on each of those parts. In that event, the actuator 6 may have two stop pins 10, each of which is engageable with a respective one of the shoulders 9.

Operation of the pump 5 pressurises the contents of the capsule 4 in a known manner, and thereby forces a metered quantity of the substance to be expelled through an outlet nozzle 13 (Figure 1 ), possibly in the form of a spray or mist. As will be evident from Figure 1 , the nozzle 13 is exposed when the cover member 7 is in the use position, and as a consequence the substance expelled through the nozzle 13 can be delivered to a target area spaced from the nozzle 13. In the use position, the cover member 7 extends away from the nozzle 13 in the general direction of delivery of the substance to the target area.

It is preferred that the cover member 7 has a length such that the outer end 14 thereof is spaced from the nozzle 13 by a distance substantially equal to the ideal distance over which the substance should be delivered to a target area. In the absence of such a length relationship, the cover member 7 is nevertheless able to provide a guide as to proper positioning of the nozzle 13 relative to a target area.

The cover member 7 may also function as a partial shroud when in the use position. That is, as the substance is being delivered to a target area the member 7 functions to confine lateral spread of the substance in one direction.

When the cover member 7 is in the rest position, part of that member overlies and protects the nozzle 13. In the arrangement shown, the part of the cover member 7 that forms the actuator 6 is also the part that overlies the nozzle 13 in the rest position of the member 7. Other arrangements are clearly possible. In the arrangement shown, the nozzle 13 opens into a frusto-conical cavity 15 located at a front side of the body 2. It is preferred that a protrusion

16 at an inside surface of the cover member 7 locates within the cavity 15 when the member 7 is in the rest position. It is also preferred that the protrusion 16 has a cross-sectional shape such as to locate within or against the surface 17 surrounding the mouth of the nozzle 13 so as to thereby form an effective closure for the nozzle 13. The arrangement is such that, when the closure member 7 is in the rest position, the protrusion 16 substantially blocks access to the nozzle 13 and thereby effectively prevents or inhibits collection of dust and other foreign material on or adjacent the nozzle 13.

A depression 18 may be formed in the outer surface of the cover member 7 to provide a convenient location for a thumb or finger when the cover member 7 is in the rest position. Such an arrangement can assist the user to depress the actuator 6 and thereby operate the pump 5. It is preferred that the depression 18 is arranged substantially coincident with the protrusion 16, but that is not essential.

As best seen in Figure 3, the cover member 7 preferably fits neatly into the contour of the body 2 when the member 7 is in the rest position. That contributes to the compact nature of the device 1 , and also makes the device comfortable to handle and easy to store. A finger locatable recess (not shown) may be formed in a front wall of the body 2 to facilitate engagement with the end 14 of the member 7 when it is required to move that member into the use position.

Releasable locking means may be provided to prevent the cover member 7 being moved out of the rest position. In the particular arrangement shown by Figures 6, 8 and 9, that locking means includes a detent 19 attached to or formed integral with the member 7, and arranged to engage within a cooperative recess 20 formed within an inner surface of the body 2. As shown by Figures 8 and 9, the detent 19 engages within the recess 20 when the cover member 7 is in the rest position (Figure 8), and is located clear of the recess 20 when the cover member is in the use position (Figure 9). Other forms of locking means could be employed.

It is preferred that a detent 19 is provided on each of two opposite sides of the cover member 7, and that a cooperable recess is provided in each of the two body parts 2a and 2b (Figure 6). It is further preferred that each detent 19 is provided on, or formed integral with, a respective one of two relatively flexible side walls 21 that project laterally from the main body of the cover member 7. A slot 22 is provided at the front of each body part 2a and 2b (Figure 6) to allow passage of the side walls 21 during movement of the cover member 7 between the rest position and the use position.

The locking means may be released in any suitable fashion. In the particular arrangement shown, each detent 19 is able to be influenced by a release button 23 that forms part of the release means and is accessible at the outside of the body 2. For that purpose, the button 23 may be connected to the body 2 through a flexible hinge 24 attached to or formed integral with the body 2. In the particular arrangement shown a lateral projection 25 of each button 23 is engageable with a respective one of the two side walls 21 of the cover member 7. The arrangement is such that inward pressure applied to the buttons 23 causes the two walls 21 to flex inwards and thereby move the detents 19 out of location within their respective recesses 20. It is then possible to move the cover member 7 out of the rest position.

The flexible hinge 24 supporting each button 23 preferably has sufficient resilience to move the detent 19 into or towards a lock position when manually applied pressure is removed from the button 23. As a result, the detent 19 is automatically returned to locking engagement with the recess 19 when the member 7 is moved back into the rest position.

Effective operation of the release means by a child is made difficult by the fact that manual pressure must be retained on each button 23 while the member 7 is being moved out of the rest position. Premature release of pressure on one or both of the buttons 23 will result in at least one detent 19 moving back into the cooperative recess 20, thereby preventing the member 7 being moved to an extent sufficient to free the actuator 6 from the restraint of the stop means (9, 10).

Provision of a button 23, and associated detent 19, on each of two opposite sides of the body 2 permits convenient release of the locking means by a squeeze action applied by one hand of the user, while the other hand is used to lift the member 7 out of the rest position. It is nevertheless possible to have a satisfactory arrangement in which a detent 19 and cooperative recess 20 are provided at one side only of the body 2.

Means may be provided to releasably retain the cover member 7 in the use position. In the particular example shown by Figures 6, 8 and 9, such retaining means includes the detents 19, and an abutment 51 provided on each of two opposite sides of the body 2. Each abutment 51 is positioned to snap engage with a respective one of the detents 19 when the cover member 7 is being moved into the use position (Figure 5). Such snap engagement is made possible by the flexibility of the walls 21 on which the detents 19 are located. It is preferred that the engagement between the detents 19 and the abutments 51 is such as to provide only moderate resistance to movement of the carrier member 7 out of the use position. That is to be contrasted with the more positive resistance to movement of the cover member 7 that exists when the detents 19 engage within the recesses 20.

If desired, a viewing window 26 (Figure 3) may be provided in a wall of the body 2 to enable the user to see when the quantity of the substance in the capsule 4 is getting low. The window 26 may be such as to provide a suitable amount of magnification for convenience of the user.

Any suitable means may be provided to enable the capsule 4 to be removed from the chamber 3 for replacement by another capsule in circumstances where such replacement is permissible or necessary. Figures 10 to 13 show a modified version of the device shown by Figures 1 to 9. Components of the modified device corresponding to components of the previously described device will be given like reference numerals. The construction and operation of the device according to Figures 10 to 13 may be the same as that of the Figures 1 to 9 device, save for the exceptions described below.

The device of Figures 10 to 13 differs from the device of Figures 1 to 9 in that the actuator 6 is not connected to or formed integral with the member 7. In addition, the member 7 does not provide a cover for the outlet nozzle 13, but leaves that nozzle exposed when in either the rest position (Figures 10 and 12) or the use position (Figures 1 1 and 13).

In the device of Figures 10 to 13, the actuator 6 is in the form of a button that is movable relative to the member 7. The member 7 has the same distance regulating function as the member 7 of the previously described device, and in addition may function as the actuator stop means. In the particular arrangement shown, the stop means is formed by a section 27 of the member 7 that locates within a recess 28 of the actuator 6 when the member 7 is in the rest position (Figure 12). Because of that location, the stop section 27 prevents depression of the actuator 6 to the extent necessary to operate the pump 5.

The stop section 27 is moved clear of the recess 28 when the member 7 moves towards the use position (Figure 13), and as a consequence frees the actuator

6 for operation. It will be appreciated that other forms of stop means could be adopted, including stop means not having a direct association with the member

7.

Movement of the member 7 from the rest position to the use position may be prevented by any suitable releasable locking means. It is preferred however, that the locking means is the same as, or similar to, the locking means described in connection with the device of Figures 1 to 9. Also, the lock release means can be the same as, or similar to, that of the device according to Figures 1 to 9. Although not shown in Figures 10 to 13, nozzle closing means may be associated with the member 7. By way of example, the member 7 may carry a nozzle closing protrusion corresponding (at least in function) to the protrusion 16 of the previously described device.

Figures 14 to 17 show another device to which an embodiment of each aspect of the invention has been applied. Components of the Figures 14 to 17 device corresponding to components of the first described device (Figures 1 to 9) will be given like reference numerals.

One significant difference between the device of Figures 14 to 17 and the two devices previously described, is the direction in which a substance is delivered from the device 1 . Each of the devices 1 of Figures 1 to 9 and Figures 10 to 13 respectively, delivers the substance in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body 2, and that will be a preferred direction of delivery under some circumstances. The device 1 of Figures 14 to 17 however, delivers the substance in the axial direction of the body 2, and that will be a preferred direction of delivery in other circumstances.

Other differences between the device of Figures 14 to 17 and the two devices previously described will be apparent from the following description of the device as shown by Figures 14 to 17.

The body 2 of the device shown by Figures 14 to 17 is generally in form of a cylindrical tube, but that is not essential. As with the previous devices, a chamber 3 is defined within the body 2, and a substance capsule 4 is located within that chamber. If desired, means may be provided to enable the capsule

4 to be removed from the body 2 for replacement by another capsule in circumstances where such replacement is permissible or necessary. In the example shown, the capsule 4 includes a manually operable pump 5 for dispensing a metered quantity of the substance, but other arrangements could be adopted, such as an aerosol-type dispenser. It is preferred, as shown, that the capsule 4 is located in an inverted position within the chamber 3 so that the outlet nozzle 13 faces downwards. A cap 29 may be located over the nozzle 13 and needs to be depressed (ie., moved towards the base 30 of the capsule 4) in order to operate the pump 5. In the arrangement shown, the cap 29 rests on a lower end wall 31 of the body 2, and an actuator 6 is positioned at an upper end of the body 2 so as to be engageable with the capsule base 30. The arrangement is such that downward movement of the actuator 6 relative to the body 2 causes corresponding downward movement of the capsule 4, thereby resulting in depression of the cap 29 and consequent operation of the pump 5.

Releasable locking means may be provided to disable the actuator 6 and thereby prevent operation of the pump 5. In the particular arrangement shown, the locking means includes a finger engageable button 32 that is pivotally mounted on an operative member 33 of the actuator 6. The operative member 33 is engageable with the capsule base 30, as is best seen in Figures 16 and 17. The button 32 is movable about the pivot mounting 34 relative to the operative member 33 so as to adopt either a lock position, as shown by Figure 16, or a release position, as shown by Figure 17.

It is preferred that the button 32 is biased towards the lock position, and any suitable means may be employed for that purpose. In the particular arrangement shown, the button 32 is biased by a light spring 35 acting between the button 32 and the operative member 33.

When the button 32 is in the lock position (Figure 16), it engages with a stop 36 secured to or formed integral with the body 2. In the particular arrangement shown, the stop 36 locates within a recess 37 formed in a stem 38 of the button 32. The arrangement is such that, when the button 32 is in the lock position, downward pressure on the button 32 does not result in downward movement of that button or any other part of the actuator 6.

Movement of the button 32 into the release position (Figure 17) however, frees the button 32 from the obstructing influence of the stop 36, and thereby enables the button 32 to be depressed towards the body end wall 31 . Such downward movement of the button 32 causes corresponding movement of the member 33, which in turn presses the capsule 4 downwards. As a result, the cap 29 is depressed and the pump 5 is operated to pressurise the contents of the capsule 4 in a known manner and thereby force a metered quantity of the substance to exit through the nozzle 13 and an aligned opening 39 formed through the wall 23.

The device 1 may include distance regulating means to assist a user in positioning the nozzle 13 at a suitable distance from an intended target area preparatory to operation of the pump 5. In the arrangement shown, the distance regulating means includes a spacer leg 40 slidably mounted on the body 2 so as to be movable relative to the body 2 in the axial direction thereof.

The leg 40 is therefore able to be moved between a stored position, as shown by Figure 14, and an extended position, as shown by Figure 15. It is preferred that when the leg 40 is in the extended position, the lower end 41 thereof is spaced from the nozzle 13 by a distance substantially equal to the ideal distance over which the substance should be delivered to a target area.

Means may be provided to form a cover over the lower open end of the body 2 and thereby prevent or inhibit collection of dust and other foreign material on or adjacent the nozzle 13 when the device 1 is not in use. In the arrangement shown, that cover means includes a dust cap 7 that is releasably attached to the lower end 42 of the body 2 by any suitable means, such as snap engageable means. Also in the arrangement shown, the lower end 41 of the leg 40 is formed by a partial ring section 43, and it is preferred that the ring section 43 forms part of the structure to which the cap 7 is attached when mounted on the body 2.

When the leg 40 is in the stored position, the ring section 43 may fit within a complementary recess 44 (Figure 15) provided at the lower end 42 of the body 2 so as to thereby fit neatly within the general contour of the body 2. For the same reason, it is preferred that the leg 40 is slidably located in a slot 45 (Figure 15) formed in a side of the body 2. A finger engageable pad 46 may be provided at the upper end of the leg 40 to facilitate movement of that leg between each of its two positions.

The device 1 may be provided with means to permit the delivery system of the pump 5 to be primed in preparation for use to dispense a metered quantity of the substance. One possible form of priming means is shown by Figure 16. In that example, an absorbent pad or wad 47 is provided on the inside surface of the cap 7, preferably in a manner to enable removal for replacement by a fresh wad if and when necessary. Priming of the pump 5 is achieved by operating the pump 5 to spray a quantity of the substance onto the wad 47 while the cap 7 is placed over the open lower end of the body 2. It is usually necessary to fully depress the actuator 6 at least once to achieve satisfactory priming, and two or more full depressions may be required. The priming operation can be carried out while the cap 7 is secured to the body 2, or while it is held removed from the body 2. In the latter case however, the cap 7 is preferably held relatively close to the lower end 42 of the body 2.

In addition to, or alternative to, the use of a wad 47, the cap 7 may be provided with a nozzle closing member similar to the member 16 described in connection with Figures 1 to 9. An example of such an arrangement is shown by Figure 21 .

If desired, a viewing window 48 may be provided in the wall of the body 2 so as to enable the user to see when the quantity of the substance in the capsule 4 is getting low. In the particular arrangement shown, such a window is provided at the upper end of the slot 45 so as to be exposed when the leg 40 is moved towards or into the extended position. That is, the leg 40 covers the window 48 when the leg is in the stored position.

Figures 18 to 20 show a modified form of the device as shown by Figures

14 to 17. Components of the Figures 18 to 20 device corresponding to those of the Figures 14 to 17 device will be given like reference numerals. The construction and operation of the device according to Figures 18 to 20 may be the same as that of the Figures 14 to 17 device, save for the exceptions described below.

The device of Figures 18 to 20 employs a partial shroud 49 in place of the spacer leg 40 of the device of Figures 14 to 17. The shroud 49 has the same distance regulating function as the spacer leg 40, and has the additional advantage of confining the lateral spread of the discharged substance when in the use position (Figures 18 and 20). If desired, the lower end 41 of the shroud

49 can be arranged to support a cap 7 (with or without a wad 47) in the same or similar manner to that described in connection with the spacer leg 40.

Although not shown in Figures 18 to 20, the actuator 6 may be influenced by releasable locking means the same as, or similar to, the locking means described in relation to Figures 14 to 17.

Figure 21 shows a variation of the Figures 18 to 20 device in which the dust cap 7 carries a nozzle closing member 16 that functions in substantially the same manner as the member 16 described in connection with Figures 1 to 9. It is preferred, but not essential, that the end wall 50 of the cap 7 is flexible and imposes a nozzle closing force on the member 16 when the cap 7 is properly located on the lower end of the body 2 (Figure 21 ). That is, the length of the member 16 may be such that the cap 7 cannot be properly engaged with the body 2 without causing resilient distortion of the wall 50. The stress created by that distortion places the member 16 under compression and thereby produces a closing force between the member 16 and the nozzle 13.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that a substance dispensing device incorporating the invention has an effective and easy to use closure means for preventing unintentional loss of the substance. The invention also provides for an effective and easy to use cover that prevents or inhibits collection of dust or other foreign material at or adjacent the device outlet. In addition, a device incorporating the invention is not easily operated by a child, and therefore has a desirable factor of safety. Furthermore, the device is of compact form, and is comfortable to use. Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A substance dispensing device for dispensing a metered quantity of substance over a target area of the users skin, the device including a hollow body that defines a chamber; a substance capsule located within the chamber, the substance capsule having means for dispensing a metered quantity of substance through a nozzle; an actuator for operating the means for dispensing; a cover member being movable relative to the body from a rest position to an in use position, the cover member having an outer end that is locatable adjacent the target area when the cover member is in the in use position so as to space the nozzle from the target area by an ideal distance over which the substance should be delivered to the target area.

2. A substance dispensing device according to claim 1 wherein the cover member covers the nozzle when in the rest position so as to guard against collection of dust adjacent the nozzle.

3. A substance dispensing device according to claim 2 wherein the cover member includes a protrusion extending from an inner surface thereof that engages the nozzle when the cover member is in the rest position.

4. A substance dispensing device according to claim 3 wherein the protrusion seals the nozzle when the cover member is in the rest position so as to enable a full charge of the substance to be available to the means for dispensing.

5. A substance dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims including stop means that when operable prevents operation of the actuator.

6. A substance dispensing device according to claim 5 wherein the stop means is operable when the cover member is in the rest position.

7. A substance dispensing device according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the actuator forms part of the cover member.

8. A substance dispensing device according to claim 7 wherein the stop means includes a pin formed on an inner surface the cover member that locates in a track formed on an inner surface of the body, the track being configured to allow movement of the pin along the track when cover member is in the in use position, and to not allow movement of the pin along the track when the cover member is in the rest position.

9. A substance dispensing device according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the actuator is a button being separate to cover member.

10. A substance dispensing device according to claim 9 wherein stop means includes a stop section forming part of the cover member that locates within a recess of the button when the cover member is in the rest position to prevent operation of the actuator, and the stop section being movable to be clear of the recess when the cover member is in the in use position to allow operation the actuator.

1 1 . A substance dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims including releasable locking means that when operable prevent movement of the cover member from at least the rest position.

12. A substance dispensing device according to claim 1 1 wherein releasable locking means is operable to prevent movement of the cover from the in use position.

13. A substance dispensing device according to claim 1 1 or 12 wherein the releasable locking means includes a detent forming part of the cover member for location within a cooperative recess formed in an inner surface of the body when the cover member is in the rest and in use positions, the detents being movable out of the recesses to release the locking means.

14. A substance dispensing device according to claim 9 wherein the button is movable between a lock position and a release position to prevent and allow operation of the actuator respectively.

15. A substance dispensing device according to claim 14 wherein the button is biased towards the lock position.

16. A substance dispensing device according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the button engages a stop forming part of the body when in the lock position, and disengages from the stop when in the release position.

17. A substance dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover member is in the form of a partial shroud for containing lateral spread of the substance dispensed.

18. A substance dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims including a dust cap associated with the cover member.

19. A substance dispensing device according to claim 18 wherein the dust cap is releasably attached to the cover member.

20. A substance dispensing device according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the dust cap includes a wad located on an inner surface thereof for receiving a quantity of substance from the substance capsule.

21 . A substance dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for dispensing is a pump.

22. A substance dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the means for dispensing is an aerosol type dispenser.

23. A substance dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the substance is a pharmaceutical, medicinal, or therapeutic substance in liquid form for transdermal and/or percutaneous delivery.