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Publication Number
US-10665132-B2
Publication Date
2020-05-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides a training device for training a user to use a pressurised metered dose inhaler (PMDI). The device comprises a body, air expulsion means (e.g. bellows) for expelling air along an air flow path and an actuator for actuation of the air expulsion means. The air flow path comprises a restriction such that upon expulsion of air along the air flow path, an audible signal is generated. The audible signal mimics that generated during use of a PMDI.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a training device for training a user to use a pressurized metered dose inhaler, the device including an air expulsion means for expelling air without a release of any propellant gas along an air flow path. The air expulsion means includes a body element having a variable volume or a variable volume portion so that, as the volume is reduced, air is expelled along the air flow path. The device further includes an actuator for actuation of the air expulsion means and a body shaped to correspond to a pressurized metered dose inhaler.
The air flow path comprises a restriction such that upon expulsion of air along the air flow path, an audible signal is generated. The airflow restriction includes an upstream orifice with a smaller cross-sectional area and a downstream orifice with a larger cross-sectional area, optionally with a 90-degree deflection and with a sound box adjacent an outlet port to amplify sound. The air flow path extends from the air expulsion means to an outlet port in the actuator so that when the actuator is actuated by the user, the air is expelled out of the outlet port and away from the user’s mouth.
The invention also includes an inhalation flow path provided by an angled or releasable body extension with cleanable, notch-defined air inlets, where the areas and backpressure are configured to mimic common PMDIs. The device can include optional timing indicators, including an audible counter or a visual liquid/capillary counter to signal inhalation duration after actuation. An additional spacer attachment is described as providing an additional audible tone for correct inspired flow rate.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is directed to a PMDI training device that expels air without propellant gas using a variable-volume air expulsion means, where a restriction along the air flow path generates an audible signal during actuator actuation and where expelled air exits through an outlet port away from the user’s mouth. Dependent claims refine the restriction structure, add an acoustic sound box, further specify the air-expulsion/variable-volume structure, and add detailed body-extension features including notch-defined inlets with quantified area ranges.
Propellant-free air expulsion with variable-volume air-expulsion means
An air expulsion means for expelling air without a release of any propellant gas along an air flow path, wherein the air expulsion means comprises a body element which has a variable volume or comprises a body element which has a variable volume portion such that, as the volume of the variable volume body element/portion is reduced, air is expelled from the variable volume body element/portion along the air flow path.
Actuator for air-expulsion actuation
An actuator for actuation of the air expulsion means.
Restriction generating an audible signal along the air flow path
The air flow path comprises a restriction such that upon expulsion of air along the air flow path, an audible signal is generated.
Outlet-port air expulsion away from user's mouth
The air flow path extends from the air expulsion means to an outlet port in the actuator, such that when the actuator is actuated by the user the air is expelled out of the outlet port and away from the user's mouth.
Upstream smaller orifice and downstream larger orifice restriction
An air flow path restriction having an upstream orifice of smaller cross-sectional area and a downstream orifice of larger cross-sectional area.
Sound box adjacent the outlet port
A sound box positioned in the airflow path next to the outlet port.
Deformable wall portion for variable-volume reduction
A variable volume body/portion having a wall portion(s) that is deformable when the actuator is actuated, either in part or entirely.
Bellows as air-expulsion means
The air expulsion means includes bellows.
Notch-defined body extension with quantified notch total area
A tubular extension with a stepped join/ridge between a connecting portion and a receiving portion, where the total area of each notch in the connecting portion is between 20 and 150 mm².
Overall, the claims coverage centers on a propellant-free training device in which variable-volume air-expulsion, actuator actuation, and an air-flow-path restriction combine to produce an audible signal, with expelled air exiting through an outlet port away from the user’s mouth. Dependent features further specify the restriction geometry, include a sound box adjacent the outlet port, define variable-volume deformation including bellows, and add a detailed body-extension structure with notch-defined inlets and quantified notch-area ranges.
Stated Advantages
Generates an audible signal upon expulsion of air along the air flow path.
Expels air without release of any propellant gas along the air flow path.
Expelled air is expelled out of the outlet port and away from the user's mouth.
Documented Applications
Training a user to use a pressurized metered dose inhaler using the device’s audible cue produced by propellant-free air expulsion.
Use with a spacer attachment to provide an additional audible tone for correct inspired flow rate.
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