US2549303A

US2549303A - Inhaler for crystalline pencilllin or the like

Info

Publication number: US2549303A
Application number: US88504A
Authority: US
Inventors: John H Friden
Original assignee: Bristol Laboratories Inc
Current assignee: Bristol Laboratories Inc
Priority date: 1949-04-20
Filing date: 1949-04-20
Publication date: 1951-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 1968-04-17

Description

133551 .1; H FRED-EN 2,549,303

EUR PENIGILLIN OR THE Filed April 2c 1949 K I 3s I lllllll! lllllllllllillllllllll INVEN TOR.

JOHN. H. F RIDEN ATTORNEY.

Patented Apr. 17, 1951 OR THE LIKE John H. Friden, Maplewood, N. J., assignor to Bristol Laboratories, Inc., Syracuse, N. Y., a

corporation of New York Application April 20, 1949, Serial No. 88,504

This invention relates to devices for the inhalationof relatively dry powdered medicaments, 'such as crystalline penicillin.

Inhalers constructed in accordance with this invention consist of two telescopically arranged basic units. One of the units is in the nature of a cartridge comprising a base, an upstanding, generally cylindrical tubular side wall that defines, with the base, a compartment for dry finely divided medicinal dust or powder, such as crystalline penicillin. A rupturable wall is disposed across the upper end of the tubular side wall to hermetically seal the medicinal powder within the compartment." l

The second unit comprises a body having a downwardly projecting, preferably frusto-conical extension at its lower end and a depending flange or tubular wall concentric with and spaced from the extension. The unit is provided with a pas* sage extending through the body and its exten sion. At the time of assembly, the tubular side Wall of the first unit is inserted in the flange of the second unit with its rupturable top wall po sitioned below the extension and spaced slightly therefrom.

-As will be explained in detail further along, the inhaler of this invention may have a single tip by which the medicament may be administered orally or through a nasal passage. It is within the purview of the invention to provide a pair of tips adapted, respectively, for nasal or oral administration, there being suitable valve means and associated devices for permitting the flow of air bearing the medicament through the selected tip.

It is the primary object of the invention to pro vide an inhaler for crystalline penicillin'or the like that is simple and compact in construction and capable of accomplishing its intended functions in an efiicient and trouble-free manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide an'inhaler for finely powdered medicament that is inexpensive in manufacturing cost.

The invention has for another object the provision of an inhaler adapted to readily apply dry finely divided medicaments, such as crystalline penicillin, to the surfaces of respiratory passages, such as the throat, the bronchial tube, and nasal passages.

The foregoing objects, as well as other objects, together with the advantages of the invention, will be' readily understood by persons skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawing, which respectively describe and 9 Claims. (Cl. 128-206) illustrate preferred forms of inhalers constructed in accordance with the invention.

In the drawing: Figure 1 is a view in elevation of one form of inhaler embodying the invention, the basic units thereof being shown in spaced-apart relation;

Figure 2 is a central vertical cross-sectional view of the inhaler shown in Figure 1, with the parts assembled in one relative position; Figure 3 corresponds to Figure 2, and shows the parts in another relative position;

Figure 4 is a view in side elevation of a modified form of the invention and corresponds generally to Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the device shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a central cross-sectional view in enlargement of the inhaler of Figure 4, with the parts assembled in one relative position; and

Figure 7 is a view in enlargement taken along line 1--1 of Figure 6.

Referring now to the drawing, wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout the several views, the inhaler shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 includes a first unit or cartridge III that comprises a circular base or bottom wall l2, having peripheral serrations, as indicated at I 4, to permit firm gripping by the user. Integral with the base is a generally cylindrical tubular side Wall l6, defining, with the base, a compartment 18' for containing a quantity of powdered medicament 20, such as crystalline penicillin. The base and tubular side wall are preferably formed of a suitable transparent plastic material that will not contaminate or adversely afiect the medicament contained therein. A rupturable diaphragm or top wall 22, made of a suitable rubber, plastic or the like, is disposed across the upper end of tubular side wall [6 and serves to hermetically seal the medicament within compartment l8.

Mounted on and frictionally engaging cartridge III is a second unit 24, which is also preferably made of a suitable plastic material. Unit 24 comprises a body 26, rounded at its upper end or tip to permit insertion in a nostril or in the mouth of a user and having a downwardly tapering *frusto-conical extension 28 at its lower end. As is best shown in Figures 2 and 3, an upwardly flaring central passage 30 extends through body 26 and its extension 28. Integral with body 26 is a depending flange or tubular member 32 that is concentric with and spaced from extension 28 and projects below the end of the extension. A plurality of angularly spaced grooves 34 are formed along the inner surface of tubular member 32 and connect with corresponding grooves 36 in the bottom of body 23, thereby establishing communication between the exterior of the device and the space between tubular member 32 and extension 28 when the parts are in assembled position.

Tubular wall 16 is partly disposed in tubular member 32, there being sufficient frictional engagement between these elements to maintain the units in the relative position shown in Figure 2. To the end that this frictional engagement may be attained, the peripheral surface of tubular member l6 and/or the inner surface of tub ular member 32 is tapered slightly. With the parts in the position shown in Figure 2, units l and 24 may be separated by exerting sufi'lcient pull to overcome the friction between the units. Also, when a person is ready to use the inhaler, unit ll) may be protracted with respect to unit 24-; that is, moved from the position shown in Figure 2 to that shown in Figure 3. This causes frusto-conical extension 28 to pierce rupturable wall 22 and enter compartment !8. The parts having assumed the position shown in Figure 3, the upper end of body 23 is inserted in the 'mouth or in a nostril of theuser.

For administration of the medicament through the mouth, air is first expelled from the lungs and the upper or tipend of body 26 is inserted between the lips and the lips are compressed. The user then inhales slowly and deeply through the mouth. This causes aspiration of air through the passages formed by

recesses

34 and 36, the picking up of the particles of the medicament by the air, and the flow of the air and entrained medicament through passage 38 and thence into the mouth and communicating respiratory passages.

If adminstration is to be made through the nose, the user exhales and then inserts the tip end of body 26 into one nostril and closesthe other nostril by fingerpressure. The user then inhales slowly and deeply through his nose, drawing in a quantity of air and medicament through passage 35 in the same manner as outlined above in connection with oral administration of the medicament.

The form of the invention shown in Figures 4-7 i similar in a number of respects to that shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, and includes a cartridge I!) that is preferably the same as the earlier described cartridge. The inhaler of Figures fi-T includes a second unit 38 comprising a body 39 having a pair of divergent upper ex tensionsM and 42. Extension 40 is generally circular in cross section and is intended for insertion in a nostril. Extension '42 is generally elliptical in cross section and is intended to be inserted in the mouth.

Body 39 is provided with a frusto-conical extension it and a depending circular flange or tubular member 46 that are preferably the same, in configuration and relativeposition, as extension 28 and tubular member 32 of the previously described form of the invention. Body 39 is also provided with a pair of oppositely disposed external depressions 48 to accommodate a user's fingers. v

A central blind bore 50 extends through extension 44 and terminates in body 39. A passage 52 communicates with bore 50 'and extends through extension 48. This passage consists of a lower portion of reduced diameter 54' and an upper portion of enlarged diameter 56 that is tapped at its outer end. A valve seat 58 is provided at the juncture of

passage portions

54 and 56 for a ball check valve 60. A threaded plug 62 is positioned in the tapped end of extension 40 and has a central passage 64 establishing communication between passage 52 and the exterior of unit 38-. Plug 52 is provided at its outer end with a screw driver slot 66 to permit or its ready insertion or removal, and at its inner end with cross slots 68 (Figure '7) to permit outward flow of air at such times as ball valve 58 may be disposed across the inner end of passage 64.

Unit 38 is provided with another passage 10 corresponding to passage 52. Passage 10 communicates with bore 55 and extends through end portion 52 of body 39. Within passage 10 are a valve seat l2, a ball valve 14 and a threaded plug 16 which are the same as valve seat 58, ball valve 59 and plug 62, earlier described.

Units IE3 and 38 are assembled and maintained in assembled position in the same manner as outlined above in connection with the form of the invention shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 Preparatory to using the inhaler shown in Figures 2-7, the user grips unit [0 with the fingersof one hand and unit 38 with the fingers of his other hand, and effects protraction of unit H] with respect to unit 38, thereby piercing rupturable wall 22 (Figure 6). It it is desired -to administer the powdered medicament nasally, the user inserts extension ll] in a nostril and inhales through that nostril, drawing air through recesses 18 and at, which air picks up particles of the medicament and then passe's, with the entrained medicament, upwardly through bore 56, passage 52, past ball valve til andth-rough passage 3 3. During nasal administration, ball valve H? is seated on its seat 12. Itit isdecided to administer the medicament orally, the user inserts extension 42 in his mouth and inhales through the mouth, air from the atmosphere and medicament entrained therein from compartment l8 flowing upwardly through bore 50, along passage '10, past valve 14, andthen through the passage in plug 16. It will be apparent that at such times, valve 66 remains on its seat 58.

From the foregoing, it is believed that the construction, operation and advantages of my present invention will be readily comprehended by persons skilled in the art. It is to be clearly understood, however, that the forms of the in vention herewith shown and described are be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an inhaler, 'a hollow first unit for containing crystalline penicillin or the like, said first 'unit comprising a bottom wall, a tubular side wall and a ruptu'rableto'p wall hermetically sealing the penicillin "within ithe'uni't, a second unit comprising a body having an upper end adapted to be inserted in a respiratory orifice, a tubular member integral with and extendin below the lower end or the body, an "element carried by the body for rupturing the rupturable wall, said element projecting within and being spaced from the tubular member, said tubular side wall being partly disposed within and engaging the inner surface of the tubular member with the rupturable wall positioned below the element, said second unit having -'a passage extending through the body and the element 'fo'i' ass- 08 establishing communication between the interior of the tubular member and the exterior of the body in the region ofthe upper end of the body, and means establishing communication between the exterior of the units and the space between the element and the tubular member.

2. In an inhaler, a hollow first unit for. cone taining crystalline penicillin or the like, said first unit comprising a bottom wall, a tubular side wall and a rupturable top wall hermetically sealing the penicillin within the unit, a second unit comprising a body having an upper end adapted to be inserted in a respiratory orifice, a tubular member integral with and extending below the lower end of the body, a downwardly tapering element carried by the body and projecting within the tubular member, said element being concentric with and spaced from the tubular member, said tubular side wall being partly disposed within and engaging the inner surface of the tubular member with the rupturable wall positioned below the element, said second unit having a passage extending through the body and the element for establishing communication between the interior of the tubular member and the exterior of the body in the region of the upper end of the body, and means establishing communication between the exterior of the units and the space between the element and the tubular member.

3. In an inhaler, a hollow first unit for containing crystalline penicillin or the like, said first unit comprising a bottom wall, a tubular side wall and a rupturable top wall hermetically sealing the penicillin within the unit, a second unit comprising a body having an upper end adapted to be inserted in a respiratory orifice, a tubular member integral with and extending below the lower end of the body, an element carried by the body for rupturing the rupturable wall, said element projecting within and being spaced. from the tubular member, said tubular side wall being partly disposed within and engaging the inner surface of the tubular member with the rupturable wall positioned below the element, said second unit having a passage extending through the body and the element for establishing communication between the interior of the tubular member and the exterior of the body in the region of the upper end of the body, said units defining a passage establishing communication between the exterior thereof and the space between the element and the tubular member.

4. In an inhaler, a hollow first unit for containing crystalline penicillin or the like, said first unit comprising a bottom wall, a tubular side wall and a rupturable top wall hermetically sealing the penicillin within the unit, a second unit comprising a body having an upper end adapted to be inserted in a respiratory orifice, a tubular member integral with and extending below the lower end of the body, a downwardly tapering element carried by the body and projecting within the tubular member, said element being concentric with and spaced from the tubular member, said tubular side wall being partly disposed within and frictionally engaging the inner surface of the tubular member with the rupturable wall positioned below the element, said second unit having a passage extending through the body and the element for establishing communication between the interior of the tubular member and the exterior of the body in the region of the upper end of the body, said units defining a passage establishing communi cation between the exterior. thereof and the space between the element and the tubular member.

5. In an inhaler, a hollow first unit for containing crystalline penicillin or the like, said first unit comprising a bottom wall, a tubular side wall and a rupturable top wall hermetically sealing the penicillin within the unit, a second unit comprising anelongated body rounded at its upper end for insertion in a respiratory orifice, said body carrying an integral depending fiangeand a concentric frusto-conical extension at its lower end, said extension being positioned within and spaced from the flange, said body and extension having a central through passage, said second unit having at least one recessformed along the interior of the flange and the under surface of the body, said recess originatingat the lower end of the flange and terminating inwardly thereof, the units being telescopically arranged with the'tubular side wall of the first unit positioned partly within the flange of the second unit and with the rupturable top Wall directly below the extension.

6. In an inhaler, a hollow first unit for containing crystalline penicillin or the like, said first unit comprising a bottom wall, a tubular side wall and a rupturable top wall hermetically sealing the penicillin within the unit, a second unit comprising a body having a pair of divergent upper extensions adapted for insertion in a nostril and in the mouth, respectively, a tubular member integral with and extending below the lower end of the body, and an element carried by the body for rupturing the rupturable wall,

I said element projecting within and being spaced from the tubular member, said tubular side wall being partly disposed within and engaging the inner surface of the tubular member with the rupturable wall positioned below the element, said second unit having a bore extending through the element and a pair of passages respectively communicating with the bore and extending through a, corresponding extension, and means establishing communication between the exterior of the units and the space between the element and the tubular member.

7. In an inhaler, a hollow first unit for containing crystalline penicillin or the like, said first unit comprising a bottom wall, a tubular side wall and a rupturable top wall hermetically sealing the penicillin within the unit, a second unit comprising a body having a pair of divergent upper extensions adapted for insertion in a nostril and in the mouth, respectively, a tubular member integral with and extending below the lower end of the body, an element carried by the body for rupturing the rupturable wall, said element projecting within and being spaced from the tubular member, said tubular side wall being partly disposed within and engaging the inner surface of the tubular member with the rupturable wall positioned below the element, said second unit having a bore extending through the element and a pair of passages respectively communicating with the bore and extending through a corresponding extension, and a check valve in each of the pair of passages, each check valve permitting fluid flow upwardly through the bore and then through a corresponding passage while preventing fluid flow in a reverse direction, and means establishing communication between the exterior of the units and the space between the element and the tubular member.

8. In an inhaler, a hollow first unit for containing crystalline penicillin or the like,- said first unit comprising a, bottom wall, a tubular side wall and a rupturable top wall hermetically sealing the penicillin within the unit, a second unit comprising a body having a pair of divergent upper extensions adapted for insertion in 2. nostril and in the mouth, respectively, a, tubular member integral with and extending below the lower end of the body, an element carried by the body for rupturing the rupturable wall, said element projecting within and being spaced from the tubular member, said tubular side wall being partly disposed within and engaging the inner surface of the tubular member with the rupturable wall positioned below the element, said second unit having a bore extending through the element and a pair of passages respectively communicating with the bore and extending through a corresponding extension, a ball check valve in each of the pair of passages, each ball check valve permitting fluid flow upwardly through the bore and then through a corresponding passage while preventing fluid flow in a reverse direction, and a removable plug at the free end of each extension, each plug having an opening establishing communication between the corresponding one of said pair of passages and the exterior of the extension said units defining a passage establishing communication be= tween the exterior thereof and the space between the element and the tubular member.

9. An inhaler in accordance with claim 8, wherein the element is frusto-conical and concentric with the tubular member and the tubular side wall frictionally engages the inner sur-' face of the tubular member.

JOHN H. FRIDEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,307,986 Bolte Jan. 12, 1943 2,478,715 Sehmitt Aug. 9, 1949'

Claims

2. IN AN INHALER, A HOLLOW FIRST UNIT FOR CONTAINING CRYSTALLINE PENICILLIN OR THE LIKE, SAID FIRST UNITL COMPRISING A BOTTOM WALL, A TUBULAR SIDE WALL AND A RUPTURABLE TOP WALL HERMETICALLY SEALING THE PENICILLIN WITHIN THE UNIT, A SECOND UNIT COMPRISING A BODY HAVING AN UPPER END ADAPTED TO BE INSERTED IN A RESPIRATORY ORIFICE, A TUBULAR MEMBER INTEGRAL WITH AND EXTENDING BELOW THE LOWER END OF THE BODY, A DOWNWARDLY TAPERING ELEMENT CARRIED BY THE BODY AND PROJECTING WITHIN THE TUBULAR MEMBER, SAID ELEMENT BEING CONCENTRIC WITH AND SPACED FROM THE TUBULAR MEMBER, SAID TUBULAR SIDE WALL BEING PARTLY DISPOSED WITHIN AND ENGAGING THE INNER SURFACE OF THE TUBULAR MEMBER WITH THE RUPTURABLE WALL POSITIONED BELOW THE ELEMENT, SAID SECOND UNTIL HAVING A PASSAGE EXTENDING THROUGH THE BODY AND THE ELEMENT FOR ESTABLISHING THROUGH MUNICATION BETWEEN THE INTERIOR OF THE TUBULAR MEMBER AND THE EXTERIOR OF THE BODY IN THE REGION OF THE UPPER END OF THE BODY, AND MEANS ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE EXTERIOR OF THE UNITS AND THE SPACE BETWEEN THE ELEMENT AND THE TUBULAR MEMBER.