Surgery – Liquid medicament atomizer or sprayer – Pre-pressurized container holding medicament
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-20
2001-06-05
Dawson, Glenn K. (Department: 3761)
Surgery
Liquid medicament atomizer or sprayer
Pre-pressurized container holding medicament
C128S200220, C128S200140
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240917
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an aerosol holding chamber for a metered-dose inhaler.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A standard metered-dose inhaler, such as sold under the trade name “FLOVENT” by GlaxoWellcome, “PROVENTIL” or “VANCERIL” by Key Pharmaceutical, or “AEROBID” by Forest Pharmaceuticals, comprises a small pressurized medication-filled cartridge and a holder formed with a short tubular mouthpiece. After shaking the device the mouthpiece is inserted into the mouth between the lips and teeth. Then the patient exhales deeply to empty his or her lungs and then takes a slow deep breath as the cartridge is actuated to release a puff of the medication that is then drawn down into the lungs, normally to apply an antiinflammatory agent to them.
Such a system is extremely effective only if used perfectly. A particular problem is that the medication must be taken deep into the lungs, so that the lungs must be as empty as possible before aspirating the medication. These devices are, however, invariably being used by those suffering from breathing difficulties who are in fact often gasping for breath when the device is being used so that getting the procedure correct is a problem, in particular for children.
This has led to the development of aids that are used with an inhaler. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,855,202 and 5,012,804 describe such a chamber that has a rigid cylindrical compartment provided at one end with a tubular extension serving as mouthpiece and of substantially the same size and shape as the mouthpiece of the inhaler. The other end of the compartment is provided with a hole into which the mouthpiece of the inhaler is fitted and a one-way valve at this other end allows air to be drawn into the compartment. Thus, after fitting the inhaler to the compartment, the user places the mouthpiece of the holding chamber in his mouth, actuates the inhaler to shoot a puff of the medication into the compartment, and then slowly inhales to draw in the charge from the compartment. Such an arrangement can even allow the user to draw in the medication in two breaths. It is known to provide a noisemaker or whistle in the wall of the compartment so that the user can test the seal around the inhaler by sucking on the mouthpiece to see if the whistle sounds. If it does not, there is a leak.
The disadvantage of these known systems is that they still require the patient to fully empty his or her lungs before aspirating the medications. It is very difficult for many people, in particular those with breathing difficulties, to exhale deeply and then not take in any more air before using the device. Usually as the mouthpiece of the holding chamber is inserted into the user's mouth, a short breath is stolen.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved aerosol holding chamber for a metered-dose inhaler.
Another object is the provision of such an improved aerosol holding chamber for a metered-dose inhaler which over-comes the above-given disadvantages, that is which makes it easy for the user to properly fully exhale before aspirating the medication.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An aerosol holding chamber for use with a metered-dose inhaler having a tubular outlet has according to the invention an elongated body having a rear end wall formed with a hole shaped to fit snugly around the tubular outlet of the inhaler, a front end provided with a mouthpiece, and a partition defining in the body a front compartment at the mouthpiece and a rear compartment at the rear wall. A vent passage opens outward from the front compartment and a first check valve at the partition permits gas flow through the partition only from the rear compartment to the front compartment. A second check valve permits gas flow only out of the front compartment through the vent passage. An air-flow actuated noise maker in the vent passage generates an audible sound when air blown into the front compartment exits through the vent passage.
Thus the device is inserted into the user's mouth and the user first exhales into it, with the noisemaker indicating that this is happening. Once the noise stops, which indicates that the user cannot breath out any more, he or she actuates the inhaler to inject a dose into the chamber and inhales, taking the medicament in. During the entire process the mouthpiece of the chamber remains in the user's mouth and audible feedback is provided so that it is easy to ensure that the user's lungs are as empty as possible before the drug is taken in.
The noisemaker is formed with a flow passage and has a tongue-like reed projecting into the passage. It can also be constructed as a whistle. When formed with a reed it is easy to set it up so it only vibrates with flow in one direction as a further aid for proper use.
The body has a wall formed with a through going aperture provided with another air-flow actuated noisemaker. It can operate only with outgoing air, while the first noisemaker only sounds with incoming air, and can even have a different note or sound quality from the first noisemaker.
The partition is formed with at least one through going hole. A valve disk having a flap overlying the hole in the partition forms the first check valve. The body can have an annular surface and the valve disk can have a rim engageable with the annular surface and forming the second check valve. Thus a single valve disk forms both check valves. The body is formed adjacent the surface with a plurality of inwardly open notches.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4809692 (1989-03-01), Nowacki et al.
patent: 5012804 (1991-05-01), Foley et al.
patent: 5040527 (1991-08-01), Larson et al.
patent: 5042467 (1991-08-01), Foley
patent: 5848588 (1998-12-01), Foley et al.
patent: 6026807 (2000-02-01), Puderbaugh et al.
patent: 6039042 (2000-03-01), Sladek
Dawson Glenn K.
Dubno Herbert
Erezo Darwin P.
Wilford Andrew
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