Spray device

The present invention relates to a spray device (eg an inhaler) comprising an aerosol formulation administered to the respiratory or nasal tract in which the level of formulation remaining in the device can be readily inspected.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a vial in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. A glass vial 1 has a conventional aerosol outlet 2 secured by means of a crimped cap 3 . The vial 1 is formed of glass with an outer coating of polypropylene 6 . A window 4 extending axially of the vial is formed by polishing a portion of the polypropylene coating so that the level of liquid within the vial 1 can be observed. Gradations 5 allow a user to check whether the quantity of liquid available for dispensing is within predetermined maximum and minimum limits. FIG. 3 shows the vial of FIGS. 1 and 2 inverted for insertion into a conventional metered dose inhaler body 7 . The body 7 includes a nozzle 8 defining a mouthpiece 8 . The portion 9 of the body 7 into which the vial 1 is inserted may be composed of transparent or translucent material so that the vial 1 can be observed without removal from the body 7 . FIG. 4 illustrates the vial 1 inverted for insertion into a Norton EASI-BREATHE (Registered Trade Mark) metered dose inhaler. The inhaler comprises a body portion 10 adapted to receive the vial 1 and having a pivotable cap 11 which may be opened to facilitate dispensing of the drug. A cap 12 secured to the body 10 may be twisted to prime the metered dose inhaler mechanism (not shown). In use, the cap 12 may be removed from the body 10 to allow inspection of the vial 1 . Alternatively a window (not shown) may be provided in the side of the body 10 to facilitate inspection of the vial 1 without removal from the body 10 . FIG. 5 illustrates a nasal spray device in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. The vial 1 is engaged in a cap 21 having an outlet 22 for insertion into the nasal cavity. The base 20 into which the body of the vial 1 is received incorporates a window 24 having gradations 25 . In use the window 4 is aligned with the window 24 so that the level of liquid within the vial 1 may be observed without removing the latter from the base 20 . In this embodiment, the gradations 5 are optional but may serve to confirm to a patient by alignment with the gradations 25 that the vial is correctly inserted into the spray cap 21 and base 20 .