Patent Publication Number: US-2011061653-A1

Title: Dispenser for pulverulent substances contained in a separate pack

Description:
The invention relates, in first instance, to a dispenser for pulverulent substances contained in a separate pack, in particular substances contained in a blister pack, the pack having a container part and a pull-off container covering, furthermore a sucked-in air stream being sucked, at least in part, through the container part, following removal of the container covering from the container part, and the container covering projecting out of a pull-off opening of the dispenser for actuating purposes. 
     Dispensers of the type in question are known. These serve predominantly for the inhalation of pulverulent medicament substances which are provided in portions in cavity-forming container parts in particular of a blister pack. The container parts filled with the substance which is to be inhaled are covered by a laminated-on aluminum foil. Also known in this respect, in particular, are portable dispensers in the form of inhalers, as known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,169. These inhalers contain a container part which is opened immediately prior to inhalation by virtue of the container covering being pulled off. This action of pulling off the container covering is facilitated by an end of the container covering which is exposed beyond a pull-off opening of the dispenser, so that, by virtue of this exposed end being subjected to pulling action, the container covering unrolls to uncover the container part. The inhalation process takes place by virtue of the air flow which is produced when the user breathes in during inhalation flowing through the container part, the stored medicament being drawn out of the container part and breathed in. 
     In respect of the above-described prior art, a technical problem of the invention is considered that of improving a dispenser of the type in question in a constructionally simple manner so as to achieve functionally reliable handling during the inhaling process. 
     This problem is solved first and foremost by the subject matter of claim  1 , this being based on the fact that the air stream is sucked into the dispenser laterally, in relation to a pull-off direction of the container covering, and that the container covering closes the pull-off opening. This configuration gives a dispenser of the type in question which is distinguished by functionally reliable handling during the inhalation process. The air stream which draws the substance out of the container part is sucked in, during inhalation, on the far side of the container covering, which has been pulled off into the opening position for the container part, and, accordingly, it does not flow over this container covering, which, with corresponding air-stream action, can result in interference in the air flow for example as a result of the container covering flapping about. Flow over the container covering, furthermore, may result in the container covering standing up in an uncontrolled manner, which, ultimately, can even result in the air-inflow opening of the dispenser being closed by the container covering. The known arrangement may lead to the inhaling result being insufficient. This disadvantage is counteracted by the lateral inflow according to the invention. The air stream which clears out the container part, in this case, is guided specifically past the container covering and on to the container part, the container covering furthermore closing the pull-off opening and thus counteracting any intake of additional air. The closure of the pull-off opening by the container covering alone here is not necessarily air-tight. Rather, the sealing in practice is achieved, ultimately, by the negative pressure inside the device, this negative pressure being produced as the container part is cleared out and forcing the container covering with sealing action against the pull-off opening. 
     The invention also relates to a dispenser according to the features of the preamble of claim  1 . In order to improve a dispenser of the type in question, it is proposed that the air stream, following passage through the container part, enters, in the same plane, into a deflecting portion of a vortex chamber, the vortex chamber extending over two levels and, furthermore, one or more additional outside-air openings opening out in the vortex chamber. As a result of this configuration, the pulverulent substance drawn out of the container part is distributed uniformly in the suction air which is to be inhaled. Configuring the vortex chamber over two levels gives rise to the vortex path being extended, and this, in addition, allows an arrangement in which the container part, the vortex chamber and the suction mouth are disposed one behind the other in the main throughflow direction. With a desired vortex-chamber extent of more than 180°, the vortex-chamber entrance may thus be disposed, at least in one projection, opposite the exit. 
     The features of independent claims  1  and  2  described above are pertinent both in themselves and in any combination, it also being possible to combine features of an independent claim  1  or  2  with the features of a further independent claim or with features of a number of independent claims, and also with just individual features of one or more of the further independent claims  1  to  2 . 
     Further features of the invention will be explained hereinbelow, also in the description of the figures, often in their preferred association with the subject matter of claims  1  and/or  2  or with the features of further claims. However, they may also be important in association with just individual features of claim  1  and/or claim  2  or of the respective further claim or independently in each case. 
     Thus, in a development of the subject matter of the invention, it is provided that the incoming air passes, in first instance, through a collecting channel which splits up into a direct channel, which leads to a suction mouth, bypassing the container part in the process, and also into a container channel, which leads to the container part. The container channel terminates in a preferred configuration, prior to the container covering being pulled off, as a blind passage in the region of the container part, the latter, once the container covering has been pulled off, being part of the container channel, as a result of which the divided-off air flow guided via the container channel clears out the container part. It is preferable here for the divided-off air stream to penetrate through the container part. In a development of the subject matter of the invention, the air flows downstream of the collecting channel are divided up uniformly. However, non-uniform divisions are also possible, for example a division of 60% to 40% or 70% to 30% in respect of the distribution between the direct channel and the container channel. 
     In an advantageous configuration of the subject matter of the invention, it is provided that the container channel and the direct channel open out in the vortex chamber, so that, accordingly, the partial air streams combined here leave the suction mouth together. It is also preferred in this respect if the container channel and the direct channel combine upstream of the vortex chamber, so that the partial air streams enter into the vortex chamber in an already combined state. As a result of this configuration, the container channel is formed in the manner of a bypass channel in relation to the direct channel, further preferably upstream of the vortex chamber, as seen in the flow direction. 
     It is advantageously further provided that the container channel and/or the direct channel enter/enters into an upper level of the vortex chamber, which is formed over two levels. This results in flow taking place through the double-level vortex chamber from top to bottom. As an alternative, however, it is also possible for flow to take place into the lower level, and to exit from the upper level, of the vortex chamber. 
     An easy-to-handle configuration is achieved in that the dispenser is configured such that it can be swung open in order for the container part to be placed in position. The holder for the container part is thus easily accessible, and can thus also be exposed, in particular by virtue of the dispenser part being swung open, preferably over its entire surface area, this preferably also relating to the pull-off region of the container covering. The opening flap provided for this purpose can extend, furthermore, over the entire, or more or less entire, basic surface area of the dispenser. A preferred configuration in this respect is one in which the opening flap is formed on the pull-off side of the vortex chamber, i.e. merely on that side of the vortex chamber which is directed away from the suction mouth, and the dispenser part formed here has the holder for the container part and also has the pull-off opening and the air-entry opening. The vortex chamber preferably cannot be opened by the flap. 
     In a simple configuration, the opening flap may be a sheet-like component which is provided, in the manner of a lid, with a planar underside. A preferred configuration in this context, however, is one in which the opening flap has shaped structures which, in conjunction with the accommodating region for the container part, create the desired air paths. Accordingly, the air paths in the dispenser, in particular the air paths upstream of the vortex chamber, as seen in the flow direction, are formed by corresponding shaped structures of the opening flap and of the dispenser part which is fixed in relation to the flap. Furthermore, it is preferred if the opening flap is articulated on the dispenser such that it can be pivoted about a flap axis, which opening axis runs parallel to the pull-off direction of the container covering. In a development of the subject matter of the invention, the opening flap is transparent, and is further preferably made of a transparent plastics material, and in a preferred configuration the entire dispenser is a plastics injection molding. 
     The transparent configuration of the opening flap proves to be advantageous to the extent that, as a result thereof, a marking line is visible to the user, and this means that the container covering can be pulled off in an appropriate manner. The marking line here may be a constituent part of the dispenser. As an alternative, the marking line may also be part of the container part or part of the container covering. In any case, the marking line serves as a visual positioning aid for the user, and indicates to the user the minimum pull-off position of the container covering, in which minimum pull-off position the container part is reliably exposed over the entire opening surface area. This ensures that the container part is cleared properly and completely by the air flow guided through the container channel. 
     It is further preferable for a plurality of inlet openings, thus for example five to fifteen, preferably seven to ten, further preferably eight, inlet openings, to be formed for the incoming air, these openings, furthermore, being formed in particular in a groove-like manner. These inlet openings open out directly into the collecting channel. 
     Furthermore, the inlet openings are oriented preferably transversely to the direction in which the dispenser extends, in addition transversely to the pull-off direction of the container covering and thus also transversely to the longitudinal extent of the collecting channel, it also being the case that the inlet openings, covering over the collecting channel in a grid-like manner, open, in part, in the upward direction and, in part, laterally. In one configuration of the subject matter of the invention, the inlet&#39;openings extend on the upper side over the entire width of the collecting channel, as seen transversely to the longitudinal extent of the collecting channel, whereas the inlet openings along the vertical extent of the collecting channel are formed only approximately over half the height of the same. 
     Finally, it is provided that the flow path of the lower level is formed, at least in part, inside the flow path of the upper level. Accordingly, in a plan view of the dispenser, the inner, lower flow path forms the eye of the upper flow path, further preferably in a configuration in which the air flow enters into the upper level and exits through the suction mouth via the lower level. This can result, as seen over two levels, in a helical flow within the vortex chamber. The central flow path of the lower level is preferably the partial flow path which is connected to the additional outside-air opening and is not laden with substance. 
     The numerical ranges given in each case also include—if not already given by way of example—all intermediate values, to be precise limited in increments of a tenth from the lower and/or upper limit in the direction of the respective other limit. “And” here means that both limits are shifted by one or more tenths in each case in the direction of the other limit, i.e. they are narrowed down. 
    
    
     
       The invention will be explained in more detail hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawing, which illustrates merely an exemplary embodiment and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective illustration of a dispenser of the type in question in the not-in-use position; 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of the dispenser; 
         FIG. 3  shows a further perspective illustration of the dispenser, following removal of a protective cap for the suction mouth; 
         FIG. 4  shows the plan view in this respect; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective illustration of the dispenser in a standby position for being fitted with a container part; 
         FIG. 6  shows a further perspective illustration of the dispenser in the fitting-standby position; 
         FIG. 7  shows the section along section plane VII-VII in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  shows a sectional illustration corresponding to  FIG. 7 , but relating to the dispenser-standby position; 
         FIG. 9  shows the section along line IX-IX in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a sectional illustration corresponding to  FIG. 8 , but during an inhaling process; 
         FIG. 11  shows a partially exploded, partially sectional perspective illustration of the dispenser during the inhaling process; 
         FIG. 12  shows the perspective view from beneath of the dispenser during the inhaling process; 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective illustration of a storage box for accommodating the dispenser and a plurality of container parts to be associated with the dispenser; and 
         FIG. 14  shows the section along line XIV-XIV in  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     A dispenser  1  along the lines of an inhaler, realized as a device which is convenient to carry in one&#39;s pocket, will be illustrated and described, in first instance with reference to  FIG. 1 . This device has a substantially elongate rectangular housing  2  with a length/width ratio of approximately 2:1 to 2.5:1 and a height, as seen perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent, corresponding approximately to a quarter of the longitudinal extent. The parts of the dispenser  1  are realized as plastics injection moldings. 
     A mouthpiece  3  projects from the housing  2  in continuation of the longitudinal extent of the latter. With a single-piece configuration overall, the transition from the housing  2  to the mouthpiece  3 , in relation to the widthwise extent of the housing  2 , is waisted. 
     The mouthpiece  3  has a suction channel  4  passing through along its longitudinal extent, the suction channel  4  terminating in a suction mouth  5  at the outlet end. 
     When the dispenser  1  is not in use, the mouthpiece  3  can be covered over, in accordance with the illustrations in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , by a closure cap  6 . The latter takes up the width of the housing  2  and can be plugged on in the region of the waist-like transition from the mouthpiece  3  to the housing  2 . 
     A round vortex chamber  7  is formed in the housing  2  in association with the transition region from the housing  2  to the mouthpiece  3 . This vortex chamber extends over two levels over the entire height of the housing  2 , the chamber cover  8  and the chamber base  9  being formed by circular-disc-shaped covering plates which can be plugged on the housing  2 . In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the chamber cover  8  and chamber base  9  are transparent and are plugged on the housing  2  such that they can be removed for easy cleaning of the vortex chamber  7 . 
     The housing part which is directed away from the mouthpiece  3 , and adjoins the vortex chamber  7 , is of stepped formation heightwise. The remaining surface of this housing part  10 , this surface being offset vertically in relation to the cover  8  of the vortex chamber, extends in a center plane for example in relation to the vertical extent of the housing  2 . 
     At the end, i.e. directed toward the offset plane of the housing part  10 , an air channel  12  opens out in the step  11 , which adjoins the vortex chamber  7  on the side opposite to the mouthpiece  3 , this air channel being oriented along the longitudinal extent of the housing  2 . This air channel has a diameter adapted to the height of the step. At its other end, the air channel  12  opens out in the vortex chamber  7 . 
     A holder  13  is formed in the housing part  10  and opens in the direction of the planar surface. It has a slot-like outline in plan view and is also formed, at a distance from the air-channel mouth in step  11 , in axial continuation of the air channel  12 . The contour and depth of the holder  13  are adapted to the contour and height of a container part  14  which is to be accommodated. 
     As is evident from the further illustrations, the container part  14  is configured in the manner of a blister pack, the container part  14  storing a pulverulent substance M. For this purpose, the container part  14  is produced in a bowl-like manner from a plastics material, a supporting portion  15  with a planar surface also adjoining the encircling opening periphery of the container part  14 . Overall, the container part  14  is formed from the supporting portion  15  as an indentation. 
     The substance M stored in the container part  14  is sealed-in, in the not-in-use position, by an aluminum foil which covers over the supporting portion  15  and the container part  14  over the entire surface area and constitutes the container covering  16 . This container covering  16  can be pulled off in order to uncover the container part  14  and/or the substance M stored therein, for which purpose the aluminum foil or the container covering  16 , starting from a narrow region of the supporting portion  15  oriented transversely to the longitudinal extent of the container part  14 , continues freely in the opposite direction and covers over that region of the container covering  16  which seals the container part  14  and the supporting portion  15 , resting freely on this region of the container covering  16  in the process. The free end of the container covering  16  projects freely beyond that end peripheral edge of the supporting portion  15  which s directed away from the region of inflection of the container covering  16 , and it forms a pull-off handgrip  17  in the process. 
     The holder  13  for the container part  14 , this holder being formed in the housing part  10 , is positioned in a region which is offset at a lower vertical level than the surface of the housing part. The vertical offset corresponds substantially to the material thickness of the blister  18  outside the container part  14 , the blister being made up of the container part  14 , container covering  16  and supporting portion  15 . Furthermore, in particular the length of the recess, as seen along the longitudinal extent of the housing  2 , is adapted to the length of the supporting portion  15 , as seen along the longitudinal extent of the container part  14 . That surface of the recess which surrounds the opening  13  serves as a support for supporting portion  15  when the blister  18  is placed in position. 
     An opening flap  19  is associated with the housing part  10 . This opening flap is articulated on the housing part  10  in the region of the step  11  such that it can be swung about an axis x directed transversely to the longitudinal extent of the housing. The opening flap  19  has a flap cover  20 . Side walls  21  running on both sides along the longitudinal extent of the housing  2  are formed in one piece with the flap cover  20  and, in the closed position of the flap, flank the associated side surfaces of the fixed housing part  10 . 
     The opening flap  19  is latched in the flap-closure position, for which purpose latching recesses  22  are provided in the side walls  21 , and protrusions  23  with lens-shaped heads on the housing part penetrate into these recesses. The resulting latching action can easily be disabled by the user for the purpose of opening the flap  19 . 
     In the flap-closure position, the underside  24  of the cover rests with surface contact on the facing upper side of the housing part  10 , that is to say at least on the planar surface surrounding the recess which accommodates the holder  13 . With the blister placed in position in the recess in the housing part and, at the same time, the vertical offset in the housing part  10  being balanced out, the underside  24  of the cover is correspondingly located on the blister  18 , in particular on the container covering  16 , which forms the pull-off handgrip  17  in the free end region. Accordingly, the blister  18 , once placed in position, is secured in the flap-closure position on the one hand by virtue of the container part  14  being accommodated in a more or less positively locking manner in the holder  13  and also, on the upper side and underside, by the flap cover and the associated surface of the recess in the housing part, furthermore lateral support of the blister  18  via the supporting portion  15  being achieved, on the one hand, by the step  11  and the associated side wall  21  of the opening flap  19  and, on the other hand, by the peripheral boundary of the recess. 
     The blister  18  should be positioned in the dispenser  1  such that the folded-over edge of the container covering  16 , being aligned parallel to the flap axis x, is directed toward the air channel  12  and, furthermore, the freely extending pull-off handgrip  17  projects in the opposite direction, beyond the boundary of the recess, out of the housing  2 , in doing so passing through a slot-like pull-off opening  25  which is left correspondingly between the housing part  10  and the opening flap  19  when it is pivoted into the closure position. This pull-off opening  25  has its width, as seen transversely to the longitudinal extent of the housing  2 , adapted to the width of the container covering  16 . The vertical height of the pull-off opening  25  corresponds substantially to the material thickness of the container covering  16 , so that the latter closes the pull-off opening  25 . 
     Correct orientation of the blister  18  to be placed in position in the dispenser  1  is achieved by the holder  13  being disposed eccentrically along the longitudinal extent of the dispenser  1  and/or of the recess in the housing part  10 . Accordingly; the supporting portion  15  of the blister  18  has different leg lengths adapted along the longitudinal extent to the eccentric arrangement of the holder  13 , so that the blister  18  can be placed in position exclusively in the predetermined orientation. 
     The pull-off opening  25  is formed in a region of the housing part  10 , and of the opening flap  19 , which is set back in the direction of the holder  13  in relation to the rear wall  26  of the device, so that in the standby position, i.e. in the flap-closure position with the blister  18  placed in position, the pull-off handgrip  17 , which is exposed in the outward direction, through the pull-off opening  25 , in a tab-like manner, is flanked on one side by the housing-part/opening-flap portion having the rear wall  26 . 
     That region of the opening flap  19  which carries the rear wall  26  and projects beyond the portion forming the pull-off opening  25  is provided with a collecting channel  27  which runs along the longitudinal extent of the housing  2  and of the  25 , opening flap  19 . This collecting channel  27  opens in first instance over its entire surface area towards the underside  24  of the cover and is bounded on a longitudinal side by the associated side wall  21 . On the upper side, the collecting channel  27  is substantially covered over by the flap cover  20 . For connecting the collecting channel  27  to the surroundings, the flap cover  20  has groove-like inlet openings  29  passing through it, these openings being aligned parallel to the flap axis x and opening, correspondingly, in the upward direction and also laterally, passing through the associated side wall  21  in the process. This gives rise to an inlet-grid-like covering of the collecting channel  27 , and in the exemplary embodiment illustrated eight groove-like inlet openings  29  are distributed uniformly over the length of the collecting channel  27 . 
     A branch-like container channel  30  extends transversely to the collecting channel  27 . This container channel  30  is configured to be open, in first instance, in the direction of the underside  24  of the cover, in the same way as the collecting channel  27 . Once the opening flap  19  has been pivoted into the closure position, both the collecting channel  27  and the container channel  30  are closed-off on the base side by the facing surface of the housing part  10  and, in the case of the container channel  30 , by the facing surface of the blister  18 . 
     In respect of the flap-closure position, the container channel  30  extends as far as a position in which it overlies the container part  14 , this being associated, furthermore, with that end region of the placed-in-position container part  14  which is directed away from the step  11 . 
     Furthermore, a direct channel  31  which is likewise formed in the opening flap  19 , and is likewise open towards the underside  24  of the cover when the flap is in the open position, extends from the region in which the container channel  30  is rooted in the collecting channel  27 . As seen in the plan view according to the illustration in  FIG. 4 , this direct channel  31  extends, enclosing approximately an angle of 30° in relation to the longitudinal extent of the collecting channel  27 , in the direction of a combining portion  32  which, in the closed position of the flap, is associated with the air channel  12  in the step of the housing part  10 . This combining portion  32  and the direct channel  31  are closed at the base, in the flap-closure position, by the associated blister surface (container covering  16  and supporting portion  15 ). 
     In the flap-closure position, the combining portion  32 , which is formed in the flap and opens in the direction of the underside  24  of the cover, extends from the air channel  12 , which opens out at the step, into a position in which it coincides with that end portion of the holder  13 , or of the container part  14  accommodated in the holder  13 , which is directed toward the step  11 . 
     The air channel  12 , which is formed in the housing and opens in the direction of the housing part  10 , opens out, at the other end, in a deflecting portion  28  of the vortex chamber  7 , and further in the upper level  33  of the vortex chamber  7 , this upper level  33  extending substantially above the separating plane between the housing part  10  and opening flap  19 . 
     The upper level  33  of the vortex chamber  7  is substantially annular, for which purpose an annular wall  34  is provided centrally to extend over the entire height of the upper level  33 . Starting from the air-channel entrance, the annular channel  35  of the upper level  33  extends approximately over an angle of 270° (in the clockwise direction in relation to the illustration in  FIG. 4 ) before the annular space  35 , after passing through an aperture  37  which opens the base  36  of the level in question, merges into an annular space  39 , which is similarly formed in the level  38  disposed beneath. This annular space  39  is also bounded radially on the inside by the annular wall  34 , which runs through substantially over the entire vertical height of the vortex chamber  7 . 
     The opening  37  in the base is followed immediately downstream, in the region of the upper level  33 , by a partition wall  40  which closes the annular space in the direction of circumferential flow in relation to the entrance of the air channel  12  and extends radially from the associated annular-wall portion. 
     From the opening  37  to the upper level  33 , the annular space  39  of the lower level  38  likewise extends over approximately 270° as far as the port to the suction channel  4  of the mouthpiece  3 . 
     This gives rise to substantially helical guidance of air in the vortex chamber  7 , and this is done with the air which is sucked through the vortex chamber  7  circulating through a total of 540°, this furthermore including passage through two planes disposed one beneath the other. 
     An outside-air opening  41  opens out into the central region of the vortex chamber  7 , this central region being left in the center of the vortex chamber  7  by the annular wall  34  and being screened by the annular wall  34  substantially in relation to the annular spaces  35  and  39 , and the outside-air channel  42  of this outside-air opening is oriented radially in relation to the vortex-chamber axis y. The free end of the outside-air channel  42  opens out in the waist-like transition region from the housing  2  to the mouthpiece  3 , as a result of which the outside-air channel  42 , or an intake direction defined by the latter through the channel  42 , is directed, with the inclusion of an angle of approximately 45° in relation to a longitudinal axis of the housing, more or less counter to the main air flow of the dispenser  1 , this main air flow being substantially in the same direction as the longitudinal extent of the housing  2  and/or a pull-out direction r of the container covering  16 , that is to say, furthermore, starting substantially from the rear wall  26  of the housing  2  or of the opening flap  19  and extending up to the suction mouth  5  at the mouthpiece end. 
     In order to inhale a substance M, in first instance, once the opening flap  19  has been pivoted open into the open position according to  FIG. 7 , the blister  18  is placed in position such that the container part  14  is accommodated in the holder  13 , with the supporting portion  15  of the blister being supported on the associated, recessed surface of the housing part  10 . The freely projecting pull-off handgrip  17  extends freely beyond the end of the housing for operating purposes. 
     Once the opening flap  19  has been closed, the blister  18  is secured in the housing  2 . The container part  14  is then opened by virtue of the container covering  16  being pulled off with unrolling action, for which purpose the pull-off handgrip  17 , which projects out through the pull-off opening  25 , is pulled in pull-off direction r. This pull-off operation is visible, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, as a result of the opening flap  19  being transparent. The opening flap  19  has a for example colored marking line  43 , up to which the container covering  16  has to be pulled. Accordingly, this shows the user how to use the dispenser  1  properly. Pulling-off of the container covering  16  beyond the desired position is prevented by a non-detachable connection between the container covering  16  and the supporting portion  15  at the end. 
     Once the container covering  16  has been pulled off from the container part  14 , the substance M in the housing  2  is exposed. As a result of the covering being absent, the container part  14 , then, is connected in terms of flow, at one end, to the direct channel  31 , which leads to the collecting channel  27 , and, at the other end, to the combining portion  32 , so that the container part  14  then connects the direct channel  31  in terms of flow to the combining portion  32 , and thus forms part of the channel. 
     For inhalation purposes, the dispenser  1  is held in the manner of a whistle, preferably between the thumb and forefinger. By virtue of the user sucking in via the mouthpiece  3 , air enters into the collecting channel  27  through the inlet openings  29 , whereupon the incoming air divides up for passing through the direct channel  31  and for passing through the container channel  30 . The pulverulent substance M stored in the container part  14  is discharged by means of this container channel  30 , whereupon the substance-containing fraction of air b in the combining portion  32  combines with the fraction of air a through the direct channel  31 . Passage through the helical, double-level vortex chamber  7  gives rise to uniform distribution of the substance M in the air stream. Prior to exiting from the vortex chamber  7  to the suction channel  4  of the mouthpiece  3 , further outside air c enters via the outside-air opening  41 . The outside air c, which is taken in here in the manner of additional air, passes through the outside-air channel  42  into the central space  44  of the vortex chamber  7  and is sucked in via a throughflow opening  45  which is oriented in the direction of the lower annular space  39 , directly toward the suction channel  4 , and this results in the outside air being combined with the substance-laden air stream a, b from the housing  2  immediately upstream of the transition into the suction channel  4 . 
     During the inhaling process, the free container-covering tab closes the pull-off opening  25 , and this works against additional air being taken in. 
     As a result of the configuration described, air is taken in and/or guided within the housing  2  while bypassing the container covering  16 , which is displaced into the pull-off position for inhalation purposes and, at the same time, closes the pull-off opening  25  during inhalation. The suction-air stream which removes the substance M from the container part  14  is guided without causing any interference. 
     As is illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the dispenser  1  may be accommodated in a portable storage box  46 , for which purpose the latter has an accommodating compartment  47  formed in accordance with the plan-view outline of the dispenser  1 . A compartment  48  adjacent to the accommodating compartment  47  stores a multiplicity of blisters  18 , in the exemplary embodiment illustrated five blisters  18 . 
     The compartment  48  has holders  49 , corresponding to the holder  13  in the housing  2 , for holding the blisters  18  securely. The container parts  14  of the blisters  18  are placed in position in these holders  49 . 
     For ease of removal of the blisters  18 , the free ends of the blisters project freely over a cavity  50  formed in the compartment  48 . 
     The storage box  46  can be closed by a lid  51 . 
     The storage box  46  is of a manageable size overall, and this allows it to be carried around, for example, in a jacket pocket. 
     All features disclosed are (in themselves) pertinent to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated/attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also included in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of incorporating features of these documents in claims of the present application. 
     LIST OF DESIGNATIONS 
     
         
           1  Dispenser 
           2  Housing 
           3  Mouthpiece 
           4  Suction channel 
           5  Suction mouth 
           6  Closure cap 
           7  Vortex chamber 
           8  Chamber cover 
           9  Chamber base 
           10  Housing part 
           11  Step 
           12  Air channel 
           13  Holder 
           14  Container part 
           15  Supporting portion 
           16  Container covering 
           17  Pull-off handgrip 
           18  Blister 
           19  Opening flap 
           20  Flap cover 
           21  Side walls 
           22  Recess 
           23  Protrusion 
           24  Underside of the cover 
           25  Pull-off opening 
           26  Rear wall 
           27  Collecting channel 
           28  Deflecting portion 
           29  Inlet opening 
           30  Container channel 
           31  Direct channel 
           32  Combining portion 
           33  Upper level 
           34  Annular wall 
           35  Annular space 
           36  Base of the level 
           37  Opening 
           38  Lower level 
           39  Annular space 
           40  Partition wall 
           41  Outside-air opening 
           42  Outside-air channel 
           43  Marking line 
           44  Central space 
           45  Throughflow opening 
           46  Storage box 
           47  Accommodating compartment 
           48  Compartment 
           49  Holder 
           50  Cavity 
           51  Cover 
         a Air stream 
         b Air stream 
         c Air stream 
         M Substance 
         r Pull-off direction 
         x Flap axis 
         y Vortex-chamber axis