IES84958Y1 - Capsule, filled with a medicine, in particular an inhalable medicine - Google Patents
Capsule, filled with a medicine, in particular an inhalable medicineInfo
- Publication number
- IES84958Y1 IES84958Y1 IE2007/0894A IE20070894A IES84958Y1 IE S84958 Y1 IES84958 Y1 IE S84958Y1 IE 2007/0894 A IE2007/0894 A IE 2007/0894A IE 20070894 A IE20070894 A IE 20070894A IE S84958 Y1 IES84958 Y1 IE S84958Y1
- Authority
- IE
- Ireland
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- capsule
- basic body
- fixating
- medicine
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 117
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 32
- 230000003213 activating Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- VUKAUDKDFVSVFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-[6-[4,5-bis(2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-(2-hydroxypropoxymethyl)-6-methoxyoxan-3-yl]oxy-4,5-dimethoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-5-methoxyoxane-3,4-diol Chemical compound COC1C(OC)C(OC2C(C(O)C(OC)C(CO)O2)O)C(COC)OC1OC1C(COCC(C)O)OC(OC)C(OCC(C)O)C1OCC(C)O VUKAUDKDFVSVFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 210000001331 Nose Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 229920000159 gelatin Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 235000019322 gelatine Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000001866 hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000010979 hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 229920003088 hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 108010010803 Gelatin Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000008273 gelatin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000011852 gelatine desserts Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000001828 Gelatine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0028—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up
Abstract
ABSTRACT The present invention relates to an assembly of a tube—shaped basic body and a tube—shaped cap, which are open at one distal side, and which are destined to be connected to each other by means of a snap connection and forming a capsule for enclosing a quantity of medicine in doing so, wherein fixating means comprising fixating parts which are adapted to engage each other tightly in order to realize a fixed snap connection are provided, wherein one of the fixating parts is arranged on one of an outer surface of the basic body and an inner surface of the cap, and wherein another of the fixating parts is arranged on another of the outer surface of the basic body and the inner surface of the cap.
Description
Capsule, filled with a medicine, in particular an
Title:
inhalable medicine
The present invention relates to an assembly of a tube—shaped
basic body and a tube—shaped cap, which are open at one distal side,
and which are destined to be connected to each other by means of a
snap connection and forming a capsule for enclosing a quantity of
medicine in doing so, wherein fixating means comprising fixating
parts which are adapted to engage each other tightly in order to
realize a fixed snap connection are provided, wherein one of the
fixating parts is arranged on one of an outer surface of the basic
body and an inner surface of the cap, and wherein another of the
fixating parts is arranged on another of the outer surface of the
basic body and the inner surface of the cap.
Such an assembly is known from GE 1 442 121. This publication
shows a capsule in which the basic body can be slid into the cap
along a certain distance in order to realize a releasable closure of
the capsule, and wherein it is also possible to slide the cap
further into the cap in order to realize a total closure. There is a
need for a releasable closure in View of a situation prior to
filling the capsule, in which it is common that the basic body and
the cap are transported together and are offered to a machine for
filling the capsule together. In the filling machine, the basic body
and the cap are pulled apart, for example under the influence of a
vacuum, after which the filling is supplied, and the basic body and
the cap are joined again. In that situation, there is a need for
realizing a total closure, wherein it is not possible to separate
the basic body and the cap from each other under normal
circumstances.
For the purpose of realizing the releasable closure, axial
ridges are arranged on an inner surface of the cap, which are
extending in a longitudinal direction, and which are adapted to
Contact an outer surface of the basic body, wherein the cap is
retained under the influence of friction between the axial ridges of
the cap and the outer surface of the basic body. The connection
between the basic body and the cap on the basis of friction can be
released by applying forces which are higher than the friction
forces, for example Vacuum forces.
For the purpose of realizing the total closure, circumferential
ridges are arranged on the inner surface of the cap, which are
extending over a portion of a circumference of the cap, wherein the
basic body has a circumferential area which is adapted to slide over
the circumferential ridges and subsequently retain the
circumferential ridges. In particular, the circumferential area is
realized on the basis of a constriction of the basic body. when the
basic body and the cap are slid into each other, the basic body and
the cap are being pressed apart somewhat, in a radial direction,
until the circumferential ridges are entirely located in the
circumferential area. At that moment, the basic body and the cap
resume their original shapes, and a form closure is realized, which
can not be released under normal circumstances, in particular the
circumstances which will further be encountered by the capsule. In
particular, the basic body and the cap can no longer be slid from
each other, because an outer diameter of a portion of the basic body
over which the circumferential ridges should be pulled in that case
is larger than an inner diameter of the circumferential edges, at
the position of an area of the circumferential ridges located most
to an inside. On the basis of this fact, the obtained form closure
can also be indicated as snap connection.
For sake of completeness, it is noted that in respect of both
the axial ridges and the circumferential ridges, it is true that
these are positioned over the circumference of the cap with a
certain intermediate space, so that air can escape when the basic
body and the cap are being slid into each other.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly
of a basic body and a cap as described above, with which it is
possible to realize an extra solid and secure closure of the capsule
which is manufactured on the basis of the basic body and the cap,
after supply of the filling of the capsule has taken place. This
object is achieved by providing an assembly as described in the
first paragraph, wherein an inner diameter of the fixating part on
the inner surface of the cap, at the position of a most far
projecting area of this fixating part, is at the most equal to an
outer diameter of the fixating part on the outer surface of the
basic body, at the position of a most far projecting area of this
fixating part.
Preferably, the fixating means comprise a combination of at
least one bulge and at least one recess which is adapted to snugly
receive the bulge. For sake of clarity, in the following explanation
of the present invention, it will be assumed that the at least one
bulge is arranged in the inner surface of the cap, and that the at
least one recess is arranged in the outer surface of the basic body.
That does not alter the fact that an opposite situation is also
possible, i.e. a situation in which the at least one bulge is
arranged in the outer surface of the basic body, and that the at
least one recess is arranged in the inner surface of the cap.
When the present invention is applied, it is achieved that when
the basic body and the cap are slid into each other so far that the
fixating bulge of the cap is received in the recess in the basic
body, a form closure is realized. In the case that the inner
diameter of the fixating bulge of the inner surface of the cap, at
the position of an area of the fixating bulge located most to an
inside, is smaller than an outer diameter of the recess in the outer
surface of the basic body, at the position of an area of the recess
located most to an inside, a press fit is obtained, which offers
extra firmness on the basis of a permanent deformation of the basic
body and/or the cap. This is a consequence of the fact that prior to
joining the basic body and the cap, a smallest inner diameter of the
fixating bulge of the cap is smaller than a smallest outer diameter
of the recess in the basic body. In that situation, the basic body
and the cap are not only fixed with respect to each other on the
basis of a snap connection, wherein the basic body and the cap
deform temporarily until the fixating bulge of the cap is fully
received in the recess of the basic body. Also, a permanent
deformation of the basic body and/or the cap takes place, wherein
the basic body and or the cap are inclined to move toward each other
in a radial direction, so that extra forces need to be overcome when
it would be intended to move the basic body and the cap apart.
An important advantage of the assembly of the basic body and
the cap according to the present invention is that on the basis of
this, it is possible to compose a capsule with a closure which is so
strong that during further processing and handling of the capsule,
there is practically no risk of the basic body and the cap getting
disconnected. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply a seal, which
is often done in certain applications in which the capsule is
subjected to pulling forces in order to obtain an extra, exterior
connection between the basic body and the cap. Such a seal comprises
a gelatine ribbon, for example, and is extending over adjoining
outer surfaces of the basic body and the cap, wherein the seal is
attached to both outer surfaces.
In a practical embodiment of the assembly according to the
present invention, a number of fixating bulges is arranged in the
inner surface of the cap, which are evenly distributed over a
circumference of the cap, and which are located substantially at an
equal longitudinal position on the cap. In this way, a good closure
of the capsule is guaranteed, over the entire circumference thereof,
while it is also possible to let air escape when the basic body and
the cap are slid into each other for the purpose of closing the
capsule as a consequence of the intermediate spaces between the
fixating bulges.
Preferably, in the inner surface of the cap, at a position
closer to the open distal side of the cap than the fixating bulge,
at least one retaining bulge is arranged, which is destined to be
releasably received in the recess in the outer surface of the basic
body in order to realize a releasable snap connection, wherein an
inner diameter of the retaining bulge, at the position of an area of
this bulge located most to an inside, is larger than an inner
diameter of the fixating bulge, at the position of an area of this
bulge located most to an inside, and is larger than the outer
diameter of the recess in the outer surface of the basic body, at
the position of the area of the recess located most to an inside. On
the basis of the presence of the retaining bulge, which is smaller
than the fixating bulge, a temporary connection between the basic
body and the cap can be realized prior to filling of the capsule, as
is also the case with the assembly known from GB 1 442 121.
In a practical embodiment of the assembly according to the
present invention, a number of retaining bulges is arranged in the
inner surface of the cap, which are evenly distributed over a
circumference of the cap, and are located substanially at an equal
longitudinal position on the cap. In this way, a good releasable
closure of the capsule over the entire circumference thereof is
guaranteed, while it is also possible to let air escape when the
basic body and the cap are slid into each other for the purpose of
establishing the temporary closure, as a consequence of intermediate
spaces between the retaining bulges.
It is also practical when a single recess is arranged in the
outer surface of the basic body, which is extending over an entire
circumference of the basic body. For example, such a recess can be
realized in a relatively simple way by providing the basic body with
a constriction, as is the case with the basic body known from GB
121.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a capsule which
is filled with a medicine, and which is manufactured on the basis of
the above-described assembly according to the present invention,
wherein the basic body and the cap are connected to each other by
means of a fixed snap connection, and wherein the fixating bulge in
the inner surface of the cap is received in the recess in the outer
surface of the basic body. The medicine with which this capsule is
filled can be any medicine that is suitable to be enclosed by a
for example. Moreover,
capsule, and can be an inhalable medicine,
the medicine can have any suitable shape, and can be in the shape of
powder, for example.
Preferably, both the basic body and the cap are manufactured
from a material which is common in the context of capsules filled
with a medicine, for example gelatin or hydroxy propyl methyl
cellulose (HPMC).
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a capsule which
is particularly destined to be applied in an inhalation apparatus,
and which is filled with an inhalable medicine.
An inhalation apparatus is known per se, for example from GE
1 485 163, and comprises a space having two compartments, namely a
compartment which is suitable for receiving a capsule which is
filled with an inhalable medicine, and a larger compartment which is
directly in communication with it. For sake of clarity, the first
compartment will hereinafter be indicated as capsule receiving
compartment, while the latter compartment will hereinafter be
indicated as mixing chamber.
The inhalation apparatus comprises a number of movably arranged
needles for piercing the capsule when this is located in the capsule
receiving space, so that a number of holes can be made in the
capsule, through which the content thereof can be released.
Furthermore, the inhalation apparatus is provided with means for
conducting air through the apparatus, in particular through the
mixing chamber. The inhalation apparatus known from GB l 485 163
comprises two channels for supplying air to the mixing chamber,
wherein the channels are connected to the mixing chamber at
different positions, and wherein longitudinal axes of the channels
are extending in directions which are substantially corresponding to
directions of tangents to the mixing chamber. Furthermore, the
inhalation apparatus comprises a suction tube which is also
connected to the mixing chamber.
The inhalation apparatus is applicable for administering an
inhalable medicine, wherein a user of the inhalation apparatus takes
in the medicine himself/herself. Roughly speaking, the functioning
of the inhalation apparatus known from GB 1 485 163 is as follows.
Firstly, the user places a capsule which is filled with an inhalable
medicine in the capsule receiving space of the inhalation apparatus.
In View of placing and removing of capsules, the inhalation
apparatus is constructed in such a way that the capsule receiving
space can be opened and closed. Subsequently, the user operates the
needles for piercing the capsule, and after that, the user exerts a
suction force, through the suction tube. As a consequence of the
under pressure which is obtained owing to this, air is supplied to
the mixing chamber by the two channels, and as a consequence of the
positioning of the two channels, an air swirl is obtained in the
process, in the mixing chamber. Under the influence of the suction
force, the capsule is displaced from the capsule receiving space to
the mixing chamber, and under the influence of the air swirl in the
mixing chamber, the capsule starts to rotate, wherein the capsule
regularly collides against walls of the mixing chamber. The rotation
movement and the collisions of the capsule contribute to emptying of
the capsule. Under the influence of the air flow which is realized
in the suction tube by the user of the inhalation apparatus, the
inhalable medicine is supplied to the mouth or nose of the user
through the suction tube. Apart from that, at the position of a
connection of the suction tube to the mixing chamber, a grate is
arranged, so that it is prevented that the capsule exits the mixing
chamber.
In respect of a capsule which is destined to be applied in an
inhalation apparatus, it is important that the parts of which the
capsule is composed are tightly connected to each other. It has
appeared in practice that when the capsule is pierced by the needles
and the needles are subsequently retracted, the capsule parts are
inclined to move along with the needles and to move apart as a
consequence thereof under the influence of adhesion forces between
the needles and the walls of the openings just created. when this
actually happens and the connection between the capsule parts is
broken, the capsule parts are slid apart until they touch walls of
the capsule receiving space, at both sides. The capsule which is
extended in this way is then stuck in the capsule receiving space,
as a result of which the inhalation apparatus is malfunctioning,
because the capsule can no longer move freely in the mixing chamber.
it is bothersome for the user to remove
Moreover, in such a case,
the capsule from the capsule receiving space.
According to the state of the art, for the purpose of the
connection of the parts of a capsule, a seal is applied, which is
arranged over outer surfaces of the parts. Also, solutions are
provided which are having for an object decreasing the adhesion
forces between the needles and the walls of the openings in the
capsule. For example, it is described in US 6 488 027 that it is
advantageous when the needle is manufactured from metal and is
provided with a layer of a copolymer, wherein Teflon is a practical
possibility.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a capsule
in which the connection between the parts of which the capsule is
composed is sufficiently strong to enable application of the capsule
in an inhalation apparatus, while the seal is omitted, without a
risk that the connection between the parts is broken when the
capsule is pierced and the needles or other means which are applied
to this end are retracted. Omitting the seal has as an important
advantage that the number of steps of the manufacturing and filling
process of the capsule is reduced, as a result of which this process
takes less time and, as a consequence, costs less money. The object
is achieved by providing a capsule which is filled with an inhalable
medicine, and which comprises parts which are connected to each
other exclusively through a fixed snap connection.
In general, for the purpose of realizing a snap connection, use
is made of a bulge and a recess for receiving the bulge, wherein the
bulge is arranged in one part, and the recess in another part. when
the material of the parts is somewhat flexible, the parts can be
moved over each other, wherein the parts are pressed apart to some
extent as long as the bulge is not yet fully located in the recess.
However, as soon as the bulge reaches the correct position in the
recess, the parts resume their original shape. In that situation, it
is not just possible to move the parts still further with respect to
each other, or to realize a reverse movement, because the bulge is
retained by a barrier which is being formed by a portion of a wall
of the recess.
In a practical embodiment, the capsule according to the present
invention comprises the following parts:
- a tube-shaped basic body, wherein at least one recess is arranged
in an outer surface of the basic body, and wherein the basic body is
open at one distal side; and
— a tube—shaped cap, wherein at least one bulge is arranged in an
inner surface of the cap, and wherein the cap is open at one distal
end;
wherein the basic body and the cap are connected to each other
exclusively by means of a fixed snap connection, wherein the bulge
of the inner surface of the cap is snugly received in the outer
surface of the basic body.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for
releasing an inhalable medicine. According to this method, a capsule
is provided which is filled with an inhalable medicine, and which
comprises parts which are connected to each other by means of a
fixed snap connection, and at least one hole is arranged in the
capsule. The method can furthermore comprise the step of moving the
capsule.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to an assembly of an
inhalation apparatus and a capsule which is filled with an inhalable
medicine, and which comprises parts which are connected to each
other by means of a fixed snap connection, wherein the inhalation
apparatus comprises an interior space which, among other things, is
suitable for receiving the capsule; and means which are adapted to
make at least one hole in the capsule. Preferably, these latter
means comprise at least one movably arranged needle.
The inhalation apparatus which is part of the assembly
according to the present invention can for example be the inhalation
apparatus known from GB 1 485 163. In particular, the inhalation
apparatus can comprise at least two holes for passing on air to the
interior space, wherein the air passage holes are located at
different positions with respect to the space, so that in a
situation in which air is supplied to the space through the holes,
an air swirl in the space is obtained. In this way, with the help of
the inhalation apparatus, a rotation of the capsule can be realized,
which contributes to a good course of the process of emptying the
capsule.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for
releasing an inhalable medicine, comprising the following steps:
— providing an assembly of an inhalation apparatus and a capsule
according to the present invention, as described above;
— positioning the capsule in the interior space of the inhalation
apparatus;
- activating the means of the inhalation apparatus which are adapted
to make at least one hole in the capsule; and
- conducting air through the space of the inhalation apparatus.
Preferably, the method furthermore comprises the step of
letting the capsule move in the interior space of the inhalation
apparatus. This step can be realized by carrying out the step of
conducting air through the internal space, for example, when an air
swirl is realized in the process, in the interior space, as a result
of which the capsule can be brought to rotation.
The invention provides an assembly as claimed in Claim 1, a
capsule as claimed in Claim 2, a method as claimed in Claim 3, an
assembly as claimed in Claim 4 and a method as claimed in Claim 5.
The present invention will further be explained on the basis of
the following description. With this, reference will be made to the
drawing, in which equal reference signs indicate equal or similar
components, and in which:
figure 1 diagrammatically shows a partially cut—away perspective
view of an assembly of a basic body and a cap according to the
present invention;
figure 2 diagrammatically shows a side View of the cap shown in
figure 1;
figure 3 diagrammatically shows a partially cut—away perspective
view of a capsule according to the present invention, which
comprises the basic body shown in figure 1 and the cap shown in
figure 1; and
figure 4 diagrammatically shows an exploded drawing of an inhalation
apparatus.
Figure 1 shows an assembly of a basic body 10 and a cap 20
according to the present invention, and figure 2 shows a side View
of the cap 20.
Both the basic body 10 and the cap 20 are tube—shaped, wherein
and wherein another side 12, 22 is open.
one side 11, 21 is closed,
In the shown example, an outer diameter of the basic body 10 is
equal for any longitudinal position, except at the position of a
recess 13 which is located close to the open side 12 of the basic
body 10, where the outer diameter is smaller.
The cap 20 comprises a number of bulges 23, 24 which are
directed inwardly. In the following, bulges 23 which are located at
a position closer to the closed side 21 of the cap 20 are indicated
as fixating bulges 23, and bulges 24 which are located at a position
closer to the open side 22 of the cap 20 are indicated as retaining
bulges 24. In respect of both types of bulges 23, 24, it is true
that they are evenly distributed over a circumference of the cap 20,
wherein intermediate spaces 25, 26 are present between the bulges
23, 24. Close to the open side 22 of the cap 20, a groove 27 is
arranged in an outer surface of the cap 20, over the entire
circumference of the cap 20.
In the shown example, a smallest inner diameter of the fixating
bulges 23 of the cap 20 is smaller than a smallest outer diameter of
the recess 13 in the basic body 10. A smallest inner diameter of the
retaining bulges 24 of the cap 20 is larger than the smallest inner
diameter of the fixating bulges 23. The smallest inner diameter of
the retaining bulges 24 of the cap 20 is also larger than a smallest
outer diameter of the recess 13 in the basic body 10, and smaller
than an outer diameter of the other portion of the basic body 10.
Figure 1 shows a mutual position of the basic body 10 and the
cap 20 in which the cap 20 is partially slid over the basic body 10,
and wherein the retaining bulges 24 of the cap 20 are located at the
position of the recess 13 in the basic body 10. In this mutual
position, on the basis of the fact that the retaining bulges 24 of
the cap 20 are located in the recess 13 of the basic body 10, a snap
connection between the basic body 10 and the cap 20 is realized. A
difference of inner diameter between the retaining bulges 24 of the
cap 20 and an adjacent area located closer to the open side 22 of
the cap 20 is relatively small, so that only a relatively small
barrier needs to be bridged when it is intended to break the snap
connection between the basic body 10 and the cap 20. On this basis,
the snap connection which is established on the basis of a
cooperation between the recess 13 in the basic body 10 and the
retaining bulges 24 of the cap 20 is typified as releasable snap
connection.
The mutual position of the basic body 10 and the cap 20 as
shown in figure 1, wherein the cap 20 is partially slid over the
basic body 10, and wherein the retaining bulges 24 of the cap 20 are
located at the position of the recess 13 in the basic body 10 is a
position in which the assembly of basic body 10 and cap 20 is
transported and is supplied to a machine (not shown) for detaching
the basic body 10 and the cap 20, filling the basic body 10 with a
filling agent, for example a medicine, and putting the cap 20 back
on the basic body 10, wherein a fixed snap connection is realized in
order to obtain a tightly closed capsule 30. This capsule 30 is
shown in figure 3. The way in which the capsule 30 is manufactured
on the basis of the assembly of the basic body 10 and the cap 20 as
shown in figure 1 will hereinafter be further explained.
In a first step, the snap connection between the basic body 10
and the cap 20 is broken by moving the basic body 10 and the cap 20
apart under the influence of suitable pulling forces, for example
vacuum forces. When the cap 20 has been removed from the basic body
, an interior space of the basic body 10 is freely accessible
through the open side 12, and the basic body 10 can be filled. The
filling agent can be a medicine, for example, and can have any
suitable shape. For example, the basic body 10 can be filled with a
powder or small tablets.
After the step of filling the basic body 10 has taken place,
the cap 20 is slid over the basic body 10 again. The basic body 10
and the cap 20 are moved toward each other, until the fixating
bulges 23 of the cap 20 are located at the position of the recess 13
in the basic body 10. During the relative movement of the basic body
and the cap 20, air can escape through the intermediate spaces
, 26 of the bulges 23,
As a consequence of the fact that the smallest inner diameter
of the cap 20.
of the fixating bulges 23 of the cap 20 is smaller than the smallest
outer diameter of the recess 13 in the basic body 10, exertion of
pressure is necessary to eventually take care that the fixating
bulges 23 of the cap 20 end up at the position of the recess 13 in
In the process, a permanent deformation of the
the basic body 10.
basic body 10 and/or the cap 20 is obtained, and a press fit is thus
obtained. Once the fixating bulges 23 of the cap 20 are at the
position of the recess 13 in the basic body 10, a fixed snap
connection is realized, which is practically not releasable without
damaging the capsule 30 obtained in this way.
The groove 27 in the outer surface of the cap 20 does not have
a function in establishing a snap connection between the basic body
and the cap 20. For sake of completeness, it is noted that this
groove 27 plays a role in guaranteeing a desired circular shape of a
cross-section of the cap 20 during a manufacturing process of the
cap 20, in particular during a step in which the material of the cap
is dried. Due to the presence of the groove 27, it is prevented
that the cross—section of the cap 20 gets an oval shape. As a matter
of fact, the application of the groove 27 is known per se from EP 0
246 804.
The basic body 10 and the cap 20 can be made of any suitable
material. Examples of common materials for capsules 30 are gelatin
and HPMC.
On the basis of the fact that the parts 10, 20 of the capsule
are connected to each other very tightly on the basis of a fixed
snap connection, wherein the cap 20 is clamped tightly on the basic
body 10, it is not necessary to arrange extra connection means such
as a sealing ribbon on the capsule 30. Due to this, a step in the
manufacturing process of the capsule 30 is saved, which contributes
to a reduction of the cost prize of the capsule 30.
The capsule 30 according to the present invention is suitable
for a variety of applications. An application which will be
described below is the application in an inhalation apparatus 40 as
shown in figure 4.
The inhalation apparatus 40 comprises an inhalation housing 41
and a mouthpiece 42 having a suction tube 43. In an assembled
condition of the inhalation apparatus 40, the inhalation housing 41
and the mouthpiece 42 are connected to each other, wherein it is
possible to rotate the inhalation housing 41 and the mouthpiece 42
with respect to each other about a rotation axis extending in a
longitudinal direction.
The inhalation housing 41 comprises an interior space 44,
wherein a compartment 45 of this interior space 44 is suitable for
receiving a capsule 30. This compartment 45 will hereinafter be
indicated as capsule receiving space 45, while another part of the
interior space 44 of the inhalation housing 41 will hereinafter be
indicated as mixing chamber 46. For the purpose of air supply to the
mixing chamber 46, two cavities 47 are arranged in the inhalation
housing 41.
In the inhalation housing 41, two groups of four needles (not
shown) are disposed, at such positions that they are capable of
piercing a capsule 30 which is located in the capsule receiving
space 45, at both distal ends. The groups of needles are operable by
means of push-buttons 48.
The inhalation apparatus 40 is applied by a user to take in the
content of a capsule 30 with an inhalable medicine. To this end, the
user first puts the inhalation housing 41 and the mouthpiece 42 in a
mutual position in which the interior space 44 of the inhalation
housing 41 is freely accessible, places a capsule 30 in the capsule
receiving space 45 of the inhalation housing 41, and subsequently
puts the inhalation housing 41 and the mouthpiece 42 in a position
in which the mouthpiece 42 is located in a straight line in front of
the capsule 30. In this mutual position of the inhalation housing 41
and the mouthpiece 42, the interior space 44 of the inhalation
housing 41 is in communication with the outside air only through the
cavities 47 and the suction tube 43 of the mouthpiece 42.
After the capsule 30 has been placed in the inhalation
apparatus 40, the user operates the push-buttons 48, so that the
needles penetrate the capsule 30 and make holes in the capsule 30.
Subsequently, the user creates an underpressure in the interior
space 44 of the inhalation housing 41 by exerting a suction force
with mouth or nose, through the suction tube 43 of the mouthpiece
42. As a consequence of this under pressure, air is sucked in,
through the cavities 47. The shape of the mixing chamber 46 and the
positioning of the cavities 47 are such that an air swirl is created
in the mixing chamber 46. As a consequence of the suction force
which is exerted by the user, the capsule 30 is sucked from the
Capsule receiving space 45 into the mixing chamber 46. In the mixing
chamber 46, the capsule 30 is taken along by the air swirl, and
starts carrying out a rotation movement due to this. As a
consequence of this movement, and the fact that the capsule
regularly collides with walls of the mixing chamber 46, the capsule
is emptied through the holes arranged in it, after which the
released medicine is displaced through the suction tube 43 of the
mouthpiece 42, in the direction of mouth or nose of the user of the
inhalation apparatus 40. Apart from that, a grate (not shown) is
arranged at an entrance of the suction tube 43 of the mouthpiece 42,
so that it is prevented that the capsule 30 can leave the mixing
chamber 46 and end up in the suction tube 43.
In the use of the inhalation apparatus 40, it is important that
a capsule 30 having a firm connection between the basic body 10 and
the cap 20 is applied. Due to this, it is prevented that the basic
body 10 and the cap 20 are pulled apart when the needles retract
after piercing the closed sides 11, 21 of the basic body 10 and the
cap 20, which happens as soon as the user releases the push—buttons
, and a good and reliable functioning of the inhalation apparatus
is guaranteed.
It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope
of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed in
the foregoing, but that several amendments and modifications thereof
are possible without deviating from the scope of the invention as
defined in the attached claims.
In the foregoing, among other things, an assembly of a tube-
shaped basic body 10 and a tube-shaped cap 20 is described, wherein
both the basic body 10 and the cap 20 are open at one distal side
12, 22. The assembly is provided to manufacture a capsule 30 for
enclosing a medicine.
At least one recess 13 is arranged in an outer surface of the
basic body 10, wherein at least one fixating bulge 23 is arranged in
an inner surface of the cap 20, which is destined to be snugly
received in the recess 13 in the outer surface of the basic body 10
in order to realize a fixed snap connection between the basic body
and the cap 20. A smallest inner diameter of the fixating bulge
23 of the cap 20 is equal to or smaller than a smallest outer
diameter of the recess 13 in the basic body 10, which contributes to
realizing a fixed snap connection which is firm to such an extent
that the capsule 30 is suitable for application in an inhalation
apparatus 40 comprising means for piercing the capsule 30 at at
least one place.
Claims (5)
1. Assembly of a tube—shaped basic body (10) and a tube—shaped cap (20), which are open at one distal side (12, 22), and which are destined to be connected to each other by means of a snap connection and forming a capsule (30) for enclosing a quantity of medicine in doing so, wherein fixating means comprising fixating parts (13, 23) which are adapted to engage each other tightly in order to realize a fixed snap connection are provided, wherein one of the fixating (13, 23) is arranged on one of the outer surface of the basic body (10) and an inner surface of the cap (20), wherein another of parts the fixating parts (13, 23) is arranged on another of the outer surface of the basic body (10) and the inner surface of the Cap (20), and wherein an inner diameter of the fixating part (23) on the inner surface of the cap (20), at the position of a most far projecting area of this fixating part (23), is at the most equal to (13) the basic body (10), at the position of a most far projecting area (13). an outer diameter of the fixating part on the outer surface of of this fixating part
2. Capsule (30) which is filled with a medicine, and which is manufactured on the basis of an assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one recess (13) is arranged in an outer surface of the basic body (10), wherein at least one fixating bulge (23) is arranged in an inner surface of the cap (20), wherein the basic body (10) (20) are connected to each other by means of a fixed snap connection, and wherein the fixating bulge (23) (13) and the cap in the (20) is received in the recess in the (10). inner surface of the cap outer surface of the basic body
3. Method for releasing an inhalable medicine, comprising the following steps: — providing a capsule (30) according to claim 2; and — creating at least one hole in the capsule (30). (30) (40) and a capsule
4. Assembly of an inhalation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inhalation apparatus (40) comprises an interior space (44; 45, 46) which, among other things, (30); and means which are is suitable for receiving the capsule adapted to make at least one hole in the capsule (30).
5. Method for releasing an inhalable medicine, comprising the following steps: - providing an assembly of an inhalation apparatus (40) and a capsule (30) according to claim 4 - positioning the capsule (30) in the interior space (44; 45) of the inhalation apparatus (40); — activating the means of the inhalation apparatus (40) which are adapted to make at least one hole in the capsule (30); and — conducting air through the interior space (44; 46) of the inhalation apparatus (40).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NLTHENETHERLANDS13/12/20061033047 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
IES84958Y1 true IES84958Y1 (en) | 2008-08-20 |
Family
ID=
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