US-12616803-B2 - Apparatus for dispensing inhalant medicament

US12616803B2US 12616803 B2US12616803 B2US 12616803B2US-12616803-B2

Abstract

An inhaler apparatus for dispensing an inhalant medicament.

Inventors

Miles Lanham

Assignees

Metopi LLC

Dates

Publication Date: 20260505
Application Date: 20250609

Claims (16)

1 . An apparatus for dispensing an inhalant medicament comprising: a body for holding a container of the inhalant medicament; a nozzle inside the body for dispensing the inhalant medicament; a hollow mouthpiece having an opening on either end, a first opening for receiving the inhalant medicament from the nozzle and a second opening for a user of the apparatus to receive the dispensed inhalant medicament, wherein the mouthpiece is connected to the body and configured to pivot, flip, or fold, between a mouthpiece closed position and a mouthpiece open position, wherein in the mouthpiece open position the mouthpiece is configured to pivot, flip, or fold, upwards into the body and to the mouthpiece closed position such that the second opening is facing in an upwardly direction, and wherein in the mouthpiece open closed position the mouthpiece is configured to pivot, flip, or fold, downwards from the body to the mouthpiece open position providing user access to the second opening of the mouthpiece; and a cover connected to the body configured to move between a cover closed position and a cover open position, wherein in the cover closed position the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece closed position and the cover encloses the mouthpiece inside the body, and wherein in the cover open position the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece open position and the user is provided access to the second opening of the mouthpiece; and wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one groove that operatively engages with at least one peg on the cover, such that as the user opens the cover into the cover open position, the mouthpiece is guided into the mouthpiece open position.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein as the cover is moved into the cover closed position, the at least one peg operatively engaged with the at least one groove forces the mouthpiece to start moving into the mouthpiece closed position, and wherein as the cover reaches the cover closed position, the mouthpiece reaches the mouthpiece closed position, such that the mouthpiece is enclosed in the body by the cover.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one groove is operatively engaged with the at least one peg using a guide-and-mate or slide-in connection, providing for guided movement of the cover, the mouthpiece, or both.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a cavity within the body for holding the container of the inhalant medicament therein, and wherein the container is a pressurized cannister, wherein the inhalant medicament is aerosolized before inhalation by the user, wherein the inhalant medicament is in a dry powder form, wherein the inhalant medicament is provided to the user as a soft mist, wherein the inhalant medicament is released when the user inhales the inhalant medicament, or combinations thereof.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is a metered-dose inhaler, a dry powder inhaler, a soft mist inhaler, or a breath-actuated inhaler.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a removably attachable top, which is removed or detached to connect the container of the inhalant medicament to the removably attachable top, wherein once the container of the inhalant medicament is connected to the removably attachable top, the removably attachable top is reattached to the body such that the container of the inhalant medicament is inserted into the body, and wherein the removably attachable top is operatively attached to the body such that when the user pushes down on the removably attachable top, the inhalant medicament is dispensed through the nozzle and out the mouthpiece second opening.
7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the removably attachable top comprises a substantially vertical extension that engages a ratchet-and-pawl system in the body, such that pushing down on the removably attachable top causes the substantially vertical extension to engage one or more teeth of the ratchet-and-pawl system to move a dose counter number one position for each time the removably attachable top is pressed down.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece when in the mouthpiece closed position or the cover when in the cover closed position, prohibit dispensing of the inhalant medicament.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container of the inhalant medicament is part of the body itself, housed within the body, held within the body, located in a cavity of the body, embedded in the body, contiguous with the body, built-into the body, integrated with the body, seamless with the body, removable from the body, permanently in the body, fixed in the body, affixed to the body, secured to the body, fastened to the body, attached to the body, connected to the body, inseparable from the body, or manufactured or fabricated as part of the body; or wherein a part or a portion inside the body serves as the container of the inhalant medicament, wherein the container of the inhalant medicament is incorporated as a part or a portion of the body, or wherein all or part of the body act as the container of the inhalant medicament.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises two sides that completely or partially cover or overlap with two sides of the body when the cover is in the cover closed position, such that the two sides of the cover and the two sides of the housing body meet, and the two sides of the cover are held in the cover closed position against the two sides of the body using one or more of: a friction fit, a snap-lock, a snap-on fit, clamps or clips, a pressure fit, sealing mechanisms, gaskets, O-rings, a magnetic closure, a latch or locking mechanism, or an adhesive.
11 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein one or more outwardly facing surfaces of the two sides of the cover comprise: a texture, a braille-like textured surface, a linear protrusion, a handle, a rounded protrusion, one or more nubs, a grooved pattern, ridges, treads, a knurled pattern, a raised pattern, a textured pattern, one or more dimples, one or more indentations, a textured coating, rubber, silicone, grit, one more studs, one or more protuberances, a perforated pattern, or combinations thereof.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is sized to attach to a back of a cellular phone, a keychain, and/or a wristband.
13 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the inhalant medicament is selected from the group consisting of: albuterol, levalbuterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, formoterol, budesonide, fluticasone propionate, fluticasone furoate, mometasone, beclomethasone, ciclesonide, ipratropium bromide, tiotropium, aclidinium, umeclidinium, glycopyrrolate, vilanterol, olodaterol, indacaterol, epinephrine, cromolyn sodium, omalizumab, nedocromil, montelukast, nicotine, naloxone, ketamine, loxapine, tobramycin, colistimethate sodium, amikacin, insulin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1, tirzepatide, semaglutide, treprostinil, iloprost, antibiotics, antifungals, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, mucolytics, or any combination thereof, including any investigational, experimental, or approved respiratory, psychotropic, metabolic, anti-infective, or emergency therapeutic agents deliverable via inhalation.
14 . An apparatus for dispensing an inhalant medicament comprising: a body for holding a container of the inhalant medicament; a nozzle inside the body for dispensing the inhalant medicament; a hollow mouthpiece having an opening on either end, a first opening for receiving the inhalant medicament from the nozzle and a second opening for a user of the apparatus to receive the dispensed inhalant medicament, wherein the mouthpiece is connected to the body and configured to move between a mouthpiece closed position and a mouthpiece open position, wherein in the mouthpiece open position the mouthpiece is configured to pivot, move, or fold, upwards into the body and to the mouthpiece closed position, and wherein in the mouthpiece closed position the mouthpiece is configured to pivot, move, or fold, downwards from the body to the mouthpiece open position providing user access to the second opening of the mouthpiece; and a cover connected to the body configured to move between a cover closed position and a cover open position, wherein in the cover closed position the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece closed position and the cover encloses the mouthpiece inside the body, and wherein in the cover open position the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece open position and the user is provided access to the second opening of the mouthpiece; wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one groove that operatively engages with at least one peg on the cover, such that as the user opens the cover into the cover open position, the mouthpiece is guided into the mouthpiece open position; and wherein the at least one groove is curved such that as the at least one peg operatively engages with a first portion of the groove, the at least one peg forces the mouthpiece to start moving into the mouthpiece open position, wherein a second portion of the groove releases the at least one peg from the at least one groove such that the cover is separated from the mouthpiece, and wherein when closing the cover, the at least one peg operatively engages with the second portion of the at least one groove and moves into the first portion of the at least one groove to force the mouthpiece into the mouthpiece closed position.
15 . An apparatus for dispensing an inhalant medicament comprising: a body for holding a container of the inhalant medicament; a nozzle inside the body for dispensing the inhalant medicament; a hollow mouthpiece having an opening on either end, a first opening for receiving the inhalant medicament from the nozzle and a second opening for a user of the apparatus to receive the dispensed inhalant medicament, wherein the mouthpiece is connected to the body and configured to move between a mouthpiece closed position and a mouthpiece open position, wherein in the mouthpiece open position the mouthpiece is configured to pivot, move, or fold, upwards into the body and to the mouthpiece closed position, and wherein in the mouthpiece closed position the mouthpiece is configured to pivot, move, or fold, downwards from the body to the mouthpiece open position providing user access to the second opening of the mouthpiece; and a cover connected to the body configured to move between a cover closed position and a cover open position, wherein in the cover closed position the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece closed position and the cover encloses the mouthpiece inside the body, and wherein in the cover open position the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece open position and the user is provided access to the second opening of the mouthpiece; wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one groove that operatively engages with at least one peg on the cover, such that as the user opens the cover into the cover open position, the mouthpiece is guided into the mouthpiece open position; and wherein the body comprises at least one cutout to receive the at least one peg when the cover is in the cover closed position.
16 . An apparatus for dispensing an inhalant medicament comprising: a body for holding a container of the inhalant medicament; a nozzle inside the body for dispensing the inhalant medicament; a hollow mouthpiece having an opening on either end, a first opening for receiving the inhalant medicament from the nozzle and a second opening for a user of the apparatus to receive the dispensed inhalant medicament, wherein the mouthpiece is connected to the body and configured to move between a mouthpiece closed position and a mouthpiece open position, wherein in the mouthpiece open position the mouthpiece is configured to pivot, move, or fold, upwards into the body and to the mouthpiece closed position, and wherein in the mouthpiece closed position the mouthpiece is configured to pivot, move, or fold, downwards from the body to the mouthpiece open position providing user access to the second opening of the mouthpiece; and a cover connected to the body configured to move between a cover closed position and a cover open position, wherein in the cover closed position the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece closed position and the cover encloses the mouthpiece inside the body, and wherein in the cover open position the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece open position and the user is provided access to the second opening of the mouthpiece; wherein the mouthpiece is forced into the mouthpiece open position using one or more torsion springs; and wherein the mouthpiece further comprises one or more mouthpiece protrusions on either or both sides of the mouthpiece, wherein as the mouthpiece pivots, moves, or folds upwards into the body and into the mouthpiece closed position, the one or more mouthpiece protrusions pivot, move, or fold in a backwardly direction into or under one or more body protrusions or openings within the body that hold, snap, or lock, the one or more mouthpiece protrusions in position, such that the one or more torsion springs are locked in place or unable to unwind or release when the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece closed position, wherein moving the cover into the cover open position moves one or more pegs on the cover through an open groove or cutout in the body such that the peg forces the one or more mouthpiece protrusions out of or under from the one or more body protrusions or openings, thereby unlocking the one or more torsion springs and causing the one or more torsion springs to force the mouthpiece into the mouthpiece open position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application relies on the disclosures of and claims priority to and the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63/657,151, filed Jun. 7, 2024, 63/661,580, filed Jun. 19, 2024, 63/684,512, filed Aug. 19, 2024, 63/793,055, filed Apr. 23, 2025, and 63/793,605, filed Apr. 23, 2025. The disclosures of those references are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure is directed to the field of portable apparatus for dispensing inhalant medicaments, which are configured to improve safety, portability, convenience, and effectiveness, of using the inhalant medicament, such as, by of example only, an asthma medicament. BACKGROUND Asthma and other respiratory conditions are commonly managed with inhalant medications delivered through portable inhalers. Existing inhalers, such as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and soft mist inhalers, have become standard devices for administering medication quickly and efficiently. However, these conventional inhalers are often associated with several limitations that can impact their effectiveness, ease of use, and safety. One common issue with current inhalers is their susceptibility to contamination and medication degradation due to exposure to environmental contaminants such as dust, moisture, and dirt. Many inhalers lack effective protective features, requiring users to handle the device carefully to maintain medication integrity. Additionally, the mouthpieces in traditional inhalers are often exposed when not in use, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and accidental inhalation of foreign particles. Other common issues include susceptibility to forgetting to bring an inhaler when on the go, as well as inconvenience or uncomfortably carrying traditional inhalers. Another significant challenge is the difficulty some users face in correctly positioning and operating their inhaler devices, which can lead to improper delivery of medication and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. For example, difficulty in opening or closing the device, or improper sealing of the mouthpiece, can result in reduced medication delivery or wastage. Furthermore, many existing inhalers lack a convenient and hygienic way to shield the mouthpiece after use, which may discourage proper handling and storage. This can contribute to user error, inconsistent dosing, and reduced medication efficacy. Additionally, current solutions do not always provide an intuitive or user-friendly mechanism for opening and closing the inhaler or for maintaining the device's cleanliness between uses. The need exists for an improved portable inhaler that addresses these limitations by providing a hygienic, protected, and easy-to-use device. Such an invention would help to enhance medication integrity, reduce contamination risk, and improve overall user experience and compliance. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an innovative approach to the above unresolved issues by incorporating a mouthpiece cover that opens to reveal the mouthpiece, which folds down for inhalation, then closes securely to enclose the mouthpiece within the body of the apparatus. This design signifies a meaningful advancement over current inhaler technology, promising increased safety, convenience, and effectiveness in respiratory medication delivery. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body for holding the inhalant medicament or holding a container of the inhalant medicament, wherein the body also includes a nozzle for dispensing the inhalant medicament. The apparatus further comprises a hollow mouthpiece having an opening on either end, a first opening for receiving the inhalant medicament from the nozzle and a second opening for a user of the apparatus to receive the dispensed inhalant medicament, wherein the mouthpiece is connected to the body and configured to move between a mouthpiece closed position and a mouthpiece open position, wherein in the mouthpiece closed position the mouthpiece pivots, moves, or folds, upwards into the body, and wherein in the mouthpiece open position the mouthpiece pivots, moves, or folds, downwards from the body providing user access to the second opening of the mouthpiece. Another component of the first preferred embodiment is a cover connected to the body and configured to move between a cover closed position and a cover open position, wherein in the cover closed position the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece closed position and the cover encloses the mouthpiece inside the body, and wherein in the cover open position the mouthpiece is in the mouthpiece open position and the user is provided access to the second opening of the mouthpiece. In aspects of this embodiment, the mouthpiece has at least one groove that operatively engages with at least one peg on the cover, such that as the user opens the cover into the cover open