AU2016231465A1 - Improved Portable Nebulizer Device for Medical Fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

Portable nebulizer device (1) for medical fluids, comprising a grip base (2), a vibrating element (30), a nebulization mesh (10) made to vibrate by said vibrating element (30) and a dispensing head (3) associated with the grip base and comprising a dispensing mouth (34) and a reservoir (33) for said medical fluids. The nebulization mesh (10) being inserted in a fluid path between the reservoir (33) and the dispensing mouth (34) and the dispensing head (3) comprising a first and a second half-shell (31, 32) movable with respect to each other between an operating configuration where they are joined together and a separated configuration allowing access to said nebulization mesh (10). This portable nebulization device (1) for medical fluids further comprising a mesh group (11) including the nebulization mesh (10), removably mounted on the first half-shell including the reservoir (33), coaxially in proximity of the vibrating element (30). [Fig. 3] 19 36a 37 31 335 38 ~' , Figure 3

Description

2016231465 19 Sep 2016 P/00/011 Regulation 3.2(2)

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

Application No. Lodged: ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT

Invention Title: IMPROVED PORTABLE NEBULIZER DEVICE FOR MEDICAL FLUIDS

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to: 2 2016231465 19 Sep 2016

IMPROVED PORTABLE NEBULIZER DEVICE FOR MEDICAL FLUIDS

DESCRIPTION

Field of Application [0001] The present invention relates to a portable nebulizer device for medical fluids, in particular to a portable nebulizer device of the vibrating mesh type.

[0002] The aforementioned nebulizer apparatus is usefully employed in the medical sector, in particular in the sector of aerosol therapy.

Prior Art [0003] The discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventors and/or the identification of certain prior art problems by the inventors.

[0004] Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

[0005] The administration of drugs by air by means of special nebulization devices is a therapeutic practice normally used in connection with numerous pathologies, in particular those affecting the respiratory apparatus.

[0006] Recently, there has been a significant increase in the use of ultrasound nebulization apparatus based on so-called "Vibrating Mesh Technology" (VMT) envisaging the insertion, at the nebulized fluid dispensing outlet, of a very thin membrane (known in the sector as "mesh") having a multitude of very fine micrometric holes. This membrane, which is made to vibrate at high frequency, finely nebulizes the drug, forcing it to pass through its holes. 3 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 [0007] The introduction of the aforementioned technology, in addition to allowing more effective nebulization of the drug, has also allowed the manufacture of portable devices thanks to the lightweight and compact characteristics due to the fact that the nebulizer device is battery-powered.

[0008] Although complying with the requirements of the sector, portable nebulizers of the vibrating mesh type have a number of drawbacks associated with the need for maintenance of the device.

[0009] So that the apparatus is able to retain over time its good performance characteristics it is in fact recommended that the proprietor should perform periodically washing of the mesh which, in view of the micrometric dimensions of the holes, may become easily blocked up by the calcified residue of the nebulized medical liquid.

[0010] This requirement has resulted in the development of models which are nowadays more common on the market and which offer the possibility of access to the mesh element, allowing it therefore to be extracted in order to perform maintenance and/or replacement of the component.

[0011] The extractability of the mesh, however, exposes the device to a greater risk of damage, in particular if the maintenance operations are carried out without due care.

[0012] In particular, it is particularly important to ensure that the mesh group is correctly repositioned inside the corresponding seat since the correct alignment and contact of the vibrating element with respect to the mesh are fundamental requisites for ensuring that the drug is nebulized in a sufficient quantity.

[0013] In fact, if the mesh is not arranged coaxially with the vibrating element, oscillation thereof may not be correctly performed and the drug passes only through some of the available through-holes, with the result of lacking nebulization.

[0014] Disadvantageously, in the current devices, the means provided for supporting the mesh are unable to ensure that this condition is fulfilled, leaving it up to the user to check whether the apparatus is operating correctly. 4 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 [0015] Italian patent application No. MI2012A001923, in the name of the same Applicant, describes for example a nebulizer device which allows access to the mesh. As shown in Figure 1 attached here, taken from this prior art document, the dispensing end of the nebulizer device is formed by a pair of half-shells which are hinged together and which allow access to a seat inside which the mesh is housed. This mesh is mounted on an annular support of synthetic material which, in addition to being removable, is subject to the risk of misalignment relative to the vibrating element (or sonotrode) when it is inserted inside the specially formed seat inside the device.

[0016] In this way, the mesh has a certain freedom of movement with respect to the seat and may be misaligned relative to the vibrating element. This freedom of movement, albeit present to a small degree, may compromise the efficiency of the nebulizer, reducing the working life of the mesh.

[0017] Moreover, it has been found that the user often does not insert the mesh support properly and this compromises its entirety when the two half-shells of the dispensing end are closed, damaging part of the annular support.

[0018] A second drawback associated with the use of ultrasonic nebulizers of the vibrating membrane type is that the holes of the mesh provide a through-flow section for the fluid contained in the reservoir even when the device is not in operation. This may result in undesirable leakage of fluid if the nebulizer is deactivated when the reservoir has not been completely emptied.

[0019] The drawbacks described above are particularly disadvantageous when considered in relation to the portable nature of the device, since it should be ensured not only that the liquid contained inside the device is properly sealed, but also that the maintenance operations may be easily performed.

[0020] The technical problem underlying the present invention is, therefore, that of devising a portable nebulizer apparatus with vibrating mesh which allows the usual maintenance operations to be carried out on the device without the risk of compromise the entirety of the mesh and therefore the correct operation of the nebulizer, while at the same time ensuring easy use and perfect isolation of the drug. 5 2016231465 19 Sep 2016

Summary of the Invention [0021] The aforementioned technical problem is solved by a portable nebulizer device for medical fluids, comprising a grip base, a vibrating element, a nebulization mesh made to vibrate by said vibrating element and a dispensing head associated with the grip base and comprising a dispensing mouth and a reservoir for said medical fluids. The nebulization mesh is inserted in a fluid path between the reservoir and the dispensing mouth, while the dispensing head comprises a first and a second half-shell, movable with respect to each other, between an operating configuration where they are joined together and an open configuration allowing access to said nebulization mesh. The aforementioned nebulizer device is characterized by comprising a mesh group including the nebulization mesh, removably mounted on the first half-shell, including the reservoir, coaxially in proximity of the vibrating element.

[0022] Preferably, the mesh group inside which the nebulization mesh is housed is a structure which can be individually handled and snap-inserted in a receiving seat formed in the first half-shell.

[0023] The mesh group further comprises at least one pair of prongs removably engaged with female-seat protrusions projecting peripherally from the receiving seat.

[0024] In a particularly convenient embodiment, the mesh group comprises an open-chamber support comprising a collection element and a front sealing profile; said collection element and sealing profile being assembled together so as to define a recovery tray downstream of the aforementioned nebulization mesh with respect to the fluid path, said recovery tray being adapted to contain any non-nebulized liquid passing through the mesh so as to prevent undesired leakage thereof from the portable nebulizer device.

[0025] Preferably, the prongs included in the mesh group are made as one piece with the collection element.

[0026] In addition, the mesh group further comprises a fixing ring supporting the mesh, a containment gasket inside which the nebulization mesh support engages and an 6 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 element for anchoring to the gasket.

[0027] In particular, the aforementioned containment gasket is fastened to the nebulization mesh by means of the anchoring element and subsequently engaged on the back of the collection element by means of the anchoring element.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the fixing ring, the containment gasket, the anchoring element and the nebulization mesh are held between the collection element of the mesh group and the receiving seat of the dispensing head.

[0029] Preferably, the front sealing profile is made of flexible material so that the mesh group may be partially disassembled.

[0030] In order to allow opening of the dispensing head and therefore access to the mesh group, said dispensing head is composed of a first and a second half-shell which are movable with respect to each other between an operating configuration joined together and a separated configuration. In the specific case the first half-shell of the dispensing head comprises the reservoir, the vibrating element and the receiving seat of the mesh group, while the second half-shell comprises the dispensing mouth.

[0031] Finally, the dispensing head is removably mounted on the grip base and defines a constraint which prevents the relative movement of the first and second halfshells when said dispensing head is mounted on the grip base.

[0032] Further characteristic features and advantages will emerge more clearly from the detailed description provided hereinbelow of a preferred, but not exclusive embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the attached figures, provided by way of a non-limiting example.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the dispensing head of a portable nebulizer device provided according to the teachings of the prior art; 7 2016231465 19 Sep 2016

Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a nebulizer device provided according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the portable nebulizer device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a nebulizer device provided according to the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the portable nebulizer device shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a nebulizer device according to the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the portable nebulizer device shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a particular assembly of a mesh group incorporated in the nebulizer device according to the invention and realized combining the embodiments of Figures 4 and 6;

Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a particular assembly of a mesh group incorporated in the nebulizer device according to the invention and realized combining the embodiments of Figures 2 and 6.

Detailed Description [0033] With reference to the accompanying figures, and in particular to the examples shown in Figures 2 to 9, 1 denotes overall a portable nebulizer device for medical fluids, in particular for aerosol therapy, provided according to the invention. 8 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 [0034] Such a nebulizer device 1 is shown in Figure 2 arranged vertically, according to a preferred operating configuration. In the continuation of the present description, the positions and orientations, relative and absolute, of the various elements which form the device, defined by means of terms such as "upper" and "lower", "above" and "below", "horizontal" and "vertical" or other equivalent terms, will be expressed with reference to this configuration without their representing a limitation of the rights of the Applicant.

[0035] The same configuration must be taken into consideration when interpreting terms such as "front" and "rear", "front" and "back", assuming that the front portions correspond to the proximal zones facing the patient during therapy.

[0036] The nebulizer device 1 uses a vibrating mesh technology (VMT) and it is advantageously of the portable type, namely has dimensions and weight such as to allow easy transportation of the device and its use in environments other than a domestic and/or hospital environment.

[0037] The nebulizer apparatus 1 comprises essentially a grip base 2 and a dispensing head 3 fastened thereto in a removable manner.

[0038] The grip base 2 has externally an ergonomic profile which facilitates gripping by the patient during therapy and comprises internally the electric and electronic means for control and electrical powering of the device as well as dc power supply batteries. The grip base 2 further comprises a control interface which is accessible by the user and which, in the case in question, consists of two control pushbuttons 21 visible on a front side of the nebulizer apparatus 1.

[0039] The dispensing head 3 is removably mounted on top of the grip base 2 by means of attachment and release means designed to ensure a relative interlocking fit of the two elements forming it and their stable joining together.

[0040] These attachment means may comprise a system of guides and counterguides formed, respectively, on the bottom surface of the dispensing head 3 and on the top surface of the grip base 2, and locking mechanisms designed to prevent accidental detachment of the two portions (grip base and dispensing head) 2, 3. 9 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 [0041] The dispensing head 3 contains the functional elements by means of which it is possible to perform the real nebulization, via a reservoir 33 for containing a drug in liquid form and a dispensing mouth 34 which is formed at the front on the aforementioned dispensing head.

[0042] A fluid path F is defined between the reservoir 33 and the dispensing mouth 34 and it is intercepted by a nebulization mesh 10 in the form of a thin vibratile plate provided with a plurality of micrometric nebulization holes for nebulization of the medical liquid to be dispensed.

[0043] The nebulization mesh is inserted in the fluid path F between the reservoir 33 and the dispensing mouth 34.

[0044] Nebulization of the medical fluid therefore is performed inside the dispensing head 3 by means of the nebulization mesh 10 which makes contact with a vibrating element 30, called sonotrode and visible in the cross-section of Figure 3, which causes vibration of the nebulization mesh 10. The mesh 10 is also in communication with the medical fluid contained inside the reservoir 33.

[0045] In this way, owing to the contact established between the aforementioned vibrating element and vibratile nebulization mesh, when the device 1 is operated, the vibrating element 30 connected to the control electronics present in the grip base 2 is made to vibrate, in turn causing oscillation of the nebulization mesh 10.

[0046] The dispensing head 3 comprises a first and a second half-shell 31,32 which define, respectively, the upstream part and the downstream part of the fluid path F and enclose the nebulization mesh 10 between them.

[0047] The first half-shell 31 incorporates internally the reservoir 33 and the vibrating element 30, while the second half-shell 32 comprises the dispensing mouth 34.

[0048] According to the present invention, in order to protect the nebulization mesh 10 from damage, the aforementioned mesh is incorporated in a semi-rigid mesh group 11 especially shaped to contain and protect it. 10 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 [0049] The first and second half-shells 31,32 are joined together so as to enclose the mesh group 11.

[0050] The coupling between the first and second half-shells 31, 32 is performed by means of a hinge arranged at the bottom along a common axis X, perpendicular to the plane of Figure 3, and via first pressure-releasable retaining means 36a and 36b positioned at the top.

[0051] As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5, the hinge which defines the common axis X is located at the interface between the grip base 2 and the dispensing head 3.

[0052] When the aforementioned first retaining means 36a, 36b are released, the hinge allows hinged the book-type opening of the two half-shells 31, 32 so as to define an open configuration for the aforementioned dispensing head 3. On the other hand, when the two half-shells 31,32 are snap-engaged together, an operating configuration is defined where the fluid path F between the reservoir 33 and the dispensing mouth 34 is defined.

[0053] When the first and second half-shells 31, 32 are in the open configuration, the fluid path F is interrupted in the region of the mesh group 11 which in this way is accessible from the outside of the dispensing head 3.

[0054] In other words, opening of the dispensing head 3, when the first and second half-shells 31, 32 are arranged in the open configuration, allows the entire nebulization group 11 to be accessed and manually extracted.

[0055] More precisely, the entire mesh group 11, enclosed between the first and second half-shells 31,32 of the dispensing head 3, is housed inside a receiving seat 35 provided in the first half-shell 31 comprising the reservoir 33, in proximity of the sonotrode 30.

[0056] The receiving seat 35 of the mesh group 11 is formed in an inner wall of the first half-shell 31 inside a circular opening 35a which communicates with the bottom of the reservoir 33 and from which one end of the vibrating element 30 projects. 11 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 [0057] Moreover, as can be clearly seen in Figures 4 and 5, the mesh group 11 is fastened to the inner wall of the first half-shell 31, so as to adhere substantially to the receiving seat 35, fitting with the free end of the vibrating element 30.

[0058] The mesh group 11 is in fact fastened to the receiving seat 35 by means of a snap-engaging mechanism described below.

[0059] At least two projections 35, projecting peripherally from the circular opening 35a of the seat 35, are provided on opposite sides of the receiving seat 35. These projections 35c act at respective ends female seats for receiving corresponding prongs 12c formed in the structure of the mesh group 11. The latter is kept in position by the quick-fitting coupling between the two prongs 12c and the female seats 35a projecting on the two sides of the seat 35.

[0060] Preferably, the prongs 12c are integrally made with a portion 12 supporting the mesh, described below, and are positioned diametrically opposite with respect to the nebulization mesh 10, in a similar manner to the projections 35c arranged symmetrically with respect to the end of the vibrating element 30 which projects centrally from the circular opening 35a of the receiving seat 35. In this way, the coaxiality of the nebulization mesh 10 with respect to the free end of the vibrating element 30 is ensured and maintained during operation of the device.

[0061] The two prongs 12c, when the mesh group 11 is repositioned in the receiving seat 35, slide inside the two female seats 35c until they reach an end-of-travel stop which is defined by means of teeth 12d formed on the surface of the aforementioned prongs 12c and shaped so as to interlock inside corresponding windows 35d provided in the female seats 35c.

[0062] The teeth 12d and the windows 35d form a snap-engaging or quick-fitting mechanism. Obviously, nothing prevents from providing a coupling which is dual with respect to the one described herein.

[0063] The position of the aforementioned end-of-travel and engaging means (teeth 12d and windows 35d) is chosen so that the mesh 10 is located in proximity of the free 12 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 end of the vibrating element 30.

[0064] In this way it is ensured that the vibrating element 30 is in operational contact with the nebulization mesh 10, when the mesh group 11 is retained inside the corresponding receiving seat 35.

[0065] More particularly, the mesh group 11 comprises an open-chamber support 12 which also serves to collect any leaking medical fluid. This support 12 comprises a collection portion which includes a front sealing profile 12a and a rear collection element 12b, essentially shaped of an overturned droplet so as to engage with each other and with other elements included in the mesh group 11. These elements comprise: a fixing ring 16, a containment gasket 13, an anchoring element 14 and the open-chamber support 12, in addition to the aforementioned mesh 10. A smaller number of these components may also be used, as will become clear in the continuation of the description with reference to the variations of embodiment of the invention.

[0066] As can be seen from Figures 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9, which show respective exploded views, the mesh group 11 is assembled by housing firstly the mesh 10 inside a fixing ring 16 which may be made also by means of overmoulding or fastened to the mesh 10 by means of ultrasound.

[0067] This fixing ring 16 is then engaged onto a containment gasket 13 and retained there by means of an anchoring element 14, with a U-shaped cross-section, designed to engage with both the elements.

[0068] The Applicant has envisaged alternative embodiments for retaining the mesh 10 on the mesh group 11. For example Figures 6 and 9 show a variation of embodiment in which an anchoring element 14' is inserted with interference inside a seat 22 shaped in the manner of an expansion plug. The mesh 10, with its fixing ring 16, is retained snap-engaged inside the seat 22 by the element 14'. In this case a containment gasket 13' surrounds at the rear and on the outside the plug-like seat 22.

[0069] Over and above the different modes of associating the components of the mesh group 11, what is important for the purposes of the present invention is that the 13 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 mesh group should form a coherent unit which can be handled by the user for quickfitting insertion inside the seat 35 associated with the first half-shell 31.

[0070] With reference again to Figures 2, 4 and 8 the containment gasket 13 housing the nebulization mesh 10 is mounted on the back of the rear element 12b of the open-chamber support 12. The gasket 13 is inserted inside a matching seat present on the back of the rear element 12b.

[0071] The front sealing profile 12a specially shaped to form a kind of connection element between the mesh group 11 and the inner wall of the half-shell 32 around the dispensing mouth 34 is fitted onto the open-chamber support 12. This front sealing profile is optional since it could be formed by the front perimetral edge of the rear element 12b.

[0072] This front sealing profile 12a is made of flexible, relatively soft, plastic material and is fitted onto the front perimetral edge of the support 12.

[0073] It can be noted how the front sealing profile 12a bears against the inner wall of the second half-shell 32.

[0074] In this way a recovery tray 17 for the medical liquid between the second halfshell 32 and the collection portion 12b of the open-chamber support is defined. This tray 17 is delimited by a shoulder 18 - visible in the cross-section of Figures 3, 5 and 7 integrally formed and projecting internally from the dispensing mouth 34.

[0075] This shoulder cooperates with the collection element 12b so as to form a small chamber for retaining any leaking medical liquid which could seep through the mesh 10 when the device 1 is switched off before the end of dispensing.

[0076] Essentially, the aforementioned recovery tray 17, which is part of the mesh group 11, downstream of the mesh 10 along the fluid path F, collects any non-nebulized medical liquid which may seep out of the reservoir 33 through the holes in the mesh 10, thus preventing this liquid from leaking outside of the portable device. 14 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 [0077] The front sealing profile 12a may be further secured to the collection element 12b by means of a coupling by plug 19 and retaining ring 20 integrally formed with the front sealing profile 12a and the rear collection element 12b, respectively, of the support 12. Obviously a possible dual coupling to the one described herein would perform the same function.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment visible in Figures 6 and 7 a front sealing profile 12a' comprises a bottom wall 27 so as to define the aforementioned recovery tray 17 irrespective as to the presence or not of the shoulder 18 projecting internally from the mouth 34 of the second half-shell 32.

[0079] In this case, the front sealing profile 12a' is provided with a substantially circular opening 28 which is coaxial and aligned with the dispensing mouth 34 so as to prevent interruption of the fluid path F.

[0080] The person skilled in the art will understand that the examples of embodiment shown in Figures 2, 4 and 6 may be combined together, as shown for example in Figures 8 and 9, so as to provide the mesh group which is most suitable depending on the needs of the manufacturer.

[0081] For example, nothing prevents to adopt the solution for assembly of the mesh 10 shown in Figure 4 with a front sealing profile 12a' provided with a bottom wall 27, as shown in Figure 8. Alternatively, nothing prevents to adopt the solution for assembly of the mesh 10 shown in Figure 2 with a front sealing profile 12a having a fixing plug 19, as shown in Figure 9.

[0082] As already mentioned, the mesh group 11 is positioned inside the seat 35 in the operating configuration of the dispensing head 3, in the proximity of the inner wall of the first half-shell 31 such that the mesh 10 is located in substantial operational contact with the free end of the vibrating element 30 and is substantially wetted by the medical fluid from the reservoir 33.

[0083] In the present invention the aforementioned mesh group 11 maintains this stable position even when the dispensing head 3 is arranged in the open configuration. 15 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 [0084] For the sake of completeness it is pointed out that first releasable retaining means 36 are provided on the top of the two portions 31, 32 of the dispensing head 3. These retaining means 36 cooperate with the bottom hinge, arranged along the common axis X, so as to keep the first and the second half-shells 31,32 in the engaged operating configuration.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, these releasable retaining means 36 comprise two hooks 36a projecting from the inner wall of the first half-shell 31 and two displaceable segments 36b contained in the second half-shell 32. The aforementioned displaceable segments 36b may be manually operated by means of special pushbuttons present on the second half-shell 32.

[0086] When the two half-shells 31, 32 of the dispensing head 3 are rotated so as to assume the closed operating configuration, the hooks 36a are inserted inside corresponding slits present on the displaceable segments 36b. When performing this operation it is not necessary for the pushbuttons to be pressed so as to align the hooks 36a with the aforementioned slits.

[0087] When the aforementioned pushbuttons are released, the displaceable segments 36b slide in the body of the second half-shell 32 owing to an elastic element, such that one side of the aforementioned slits engages inside the corresponding hook 36a.

[0088] In this way the hooks 36a are interlocked inside the aforementioned slits of the displaceable segments and the first and the second half-shells 31, 32 of the dispensing head are locked with respect to each other in the engaged operating configuration.

[0089] Alternatively, locking of the first and second half-shells 31,32 of the dispensing head 3 may be performed by means of retaining means which are functionally equivalent, but having a different form.

[0090] As can be seen from the attached figures, a semi-circular lid 37 of the reservoir 33 is hinged along a hinging axis Y parallel to the common axis X, at the top end of the second half-shell 32 of the dispensing head 3. 16 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 [0091] This semi-circular lid 37, in order to ensure closing of the reservoir, is rotated and closed snap-engaged on the supply opening of the aforementioned reservoir by means of special closing means. It should be noted that closing of the reservoir may be performed only when the dispensing head is in the operating configuration with the two-half-shells 31,32 joined together.

[0092] Finally, a mouth-piece, intended to come into direct contact with the patient's lips and designed to facilitate inhalation of the nebulized drug, can be removably engaged on the dispensing mouth 34, on the outside of the device.

[0093] Alternatively, a cap 38, which is especially designed to close the aforementioned dispensing mouth and further isolate the liquid drug contained inside the reservoir 33, when the apparatus is not in operation, may be fitted onto the dispensing mouth 34.

[0094] At this point, the differences present between the present invention and the devices of the prior art, in particular the prior art device shown in Figure 1, are clear.

[0095] A person skilled in the art will appreciate how, as a result of assembly of the mesh group 11 on the first half-shell 31, which comprises the reservoir 34 and the vibrating element 30, it is possible to obtain good positioning precision of the mesh 10, ensuring the correct alignment, the coaxiality and the operative contact thereof with the free end of the vibrating element.

[0096] A further advantage also arises from the fact that the mesh is kept stably in the correct position with respect to the vibrating element, also following small knocks or shaking, to which a portable device such as the nebulizer according to the invention is frequently subject.

[0097] Furthermore, the presence of a snap-engaging connection of the mesh group onto the first portion of the dispensing head, minimizes the possibility of error in repositioning of the mesh, also in the case where maintenance is performed by a nonexpert user, the prongs and projections being designed to allow fastening in a simple manner. 17 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 [0098] In addition it can be noted that the small dimensions of the end-of-travel means (teeth and windows) and the plastic material, from which they are made, ensure both stability and easy release of the interlocking connection, thus not hindering the possibility of detaching the mesh group manually.

[0099] A person skilled in the art will also appreciate how, by means of the introduction of a recovery tray 17, the disadvantages associated with any leakage of medical fluid through the mesh, owing to incorrect use of the device 1, have been eliminated. The recovery tray 17 in fact collects any non-nebulized leaking liquid, preventing it from seeping out, this being a drawback for a portable device.

[0100] In this way, transportation of the device by the user may be performed safely, without the risk of leaking liquid, even when the reservoir has not been completely emptied.

[0101 ] A person skilled in the art will note, finally, how the ease of use of the portable nebulizer according to the invention has been maintained, albeit ensuring a greater degree of precision in relative positioning of the functional elements, such as the mesh and the vibrating element, and improving the leak-tightness thereof.

[0102] “Comprises/comprising” and “includes/including” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’ and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0103] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to 2016231465 19 Sep 2016 18 which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0104] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0105] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0106] Obviously a person skilled in the art, in order to satisfy any specific requirements which might arise, may make numerous modifications and variations to the invention described above, all of which are contained moreover within the scope of protection of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims (14)

1. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids, comprising: a grip base; a vibrating element; a nebulization mesh made to vibrate by said vibrating element; a dispensing head associated with the grip base and comprising a dispensing mouth and a reservoir for said medical fluids; the nebulization mesh being inserted in a fluid path (F) between the reservoir and the dispensing mouth; said dispensing head comprising a first and a second half-shell, movable with respect to each other, between an operating configuration where they are joined together and an open configuration allowing access to said nebulization mesh ; characterized by comprising a mesh group, including the nebulization mesh , removably mounted on the first half-shell including the reservoir, coaxially in proximity of the vibrating element.

2. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to claim 1, wherein the mesh group is a structure which can be individually handled and is snap-inserted in a receiving seat formed in the first half-shell.

3. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to claim 2, wherein the mesh group comprises at least one pair of prongs removably engaged with protrusions having female seat ends projecting peripherally from the receiving seat.

4. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mesh group comprises an open-chamber support which includes a collection element and a front sealing profile; said collection element and sealing profile being assembled together so as to define a recovery tray downstream of the nebulization mesh with respect to the fluid path (F), said recovery tray being adapted to contain possible non-nebulized liquid passing through the mesh so as to prevent undesired leakage of medical fluid from the portable nebulizer device.

5. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to claim 4, wherein said front sealing profile has a bottom wail delimiting said recovery tray.

6. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to claim 4, wherein said recovery tray is delimited by a shoulder integrally formed with the second half-shell and projecting internally from the dispensing mouth.

7. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein said prongs are made as one piece with said collection element.

8. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein said mesh group further comprises a fixing ring, an anchoring element and a containment gasket inside which the nebulization mesh with associated fastening ring engages; said containment gasket being coupled to said open-chamber support.

9. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to claim 8, wherein the fixing ring, the containment gasket, the anchoring element and the nebulization mesh are held between the collection portion of the mesh group and the receiving seat of the first half-shell of the dispensing head when in the operating configuration.

10. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the front sealing profile of the open-chamber support is made of flexible material.

11. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first half-shell of the dispensing head comprises the reservoir, the vibrating element and the receiving seat of the mesh group while the second half-shell of the dispensing head comprises the dispensing mouth.

12. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing head is removably mounted on the grip base; said dispensing head defining a constraint that prevents the relative movement of the first and second half-shells when said dispensing head is mounted on the grip base.

13. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to claim 4, wherein the nebulization mesh is housed within a ring which is engaged on a containment gasket and it is retained there by means of an anchoring element.

14. Portable nebulizer device for medical fluids according to claim 13, wherein said anchoring element is inserted with interference inside a seat which is formed in the open-chamber support and is shaped as an expansion plug and inside which the mesh with associated fixing ring is housed.