Patent Description:
Dry powder inhalers used to dispense powdered medicaments often strive to provide an entire dry powder dose in a single dose. Such dry powder inhalers are often complex in their design and may involve moving parts. In addition, these complex dry powder inhalers are difficult to produce and assemble at high speeds.

Dry powder inhalers that are constructed to provide dry powder particles to the lungs at inhalation (air flow) rates that are within conventional smoking regime inhalation (air flow) rates may be designed with linear airflow paths between the powder receptacle and the outlet. Dry powder inhalers may contain inhalable powder in a capsule that may be pierced to access the powder. However, loose powder may sometimes unintentionally fall out of such inhalers if the inhaler is inverted or otherwise manipulated in a non-upright position.

<CIT> describes a dry powder inhaler having an air inlet, a reservoir and an airway assembly. The airway assembly has a first airway and a mouthpiece airway is connected to the first airway. An airway head is attached to the airway assembly, which extends into the reservoir cavity.

It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an inhaler article that mitigates unintentional powder leakage from the inhaler article. It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an inhaler article that captures loose powder within the inhaler in the event that the inhaler is turned upside down. It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an inhaler article that allows powder to be inhaled at inhalation (air flow) rates that are within conventional smoking regime inhalation (air flow) rates. It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece having a simple design that is easy to manufacture and an inhaler article that is easy to assemble.

The term "substantially" as used here has the same meaning as "significantly," and can be understood to modify the term that follows by at least about <NUM> %, at least about <NUM> %, or at least about <NUM> %.

The term "not substantially" as used here has the same meaning as "not significantly," and can be understood to have the inverse meaning of "substantially," i.e., modifying the term that follows by not more than <NUM> %, not more than <NUM> %, not more than <NUM> %, or not more than <NUM> %.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about. " Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± <NUM> % of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration.

The terms "a," "an," and "the" are used interchangeably with the term "at least one. " The phrases "at least one of" and "comprises at least one of" followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

As used here, the term "or" is generally employed in its usual sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used here, "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising" or the like are used in their open-ended sense, and generally mean "including, but not limited to. " It will be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are subsumed in "comprising" and the like. As used herein, "consisting essentially of," as it relates to a composition, product, method or the like, means that the components of the composition, product, method or the like are limited to the enumerated components and any other components that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the composition, product, method or the like.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

In the present disclosure, an inhaler article is provided that is suitable for inhaling a dry powder. The inhaler article generally includes an inhaler body and a mouthpiece element coupled with the inhaler body. The inhaler body includes a receptacle for housing an inhalable powder. An airflow path is provided through the mouthpiece element.

In some embodiments, the inhaler article may be used with a holder. For example, the inhaler article may be configured for use with a holder that is capable of opening a closed distal end of the inhaler article. The inhaler article may be configured for use with a holder that is capable of piercing a dry powder capsule housed in the receptacle. The inhaler article may be configured for use with a holder that provides an air inlet for the inhaler article.

According to embodiments, the mouthpiece element mitigates unintentional powder leakage from the inhaler article. The mouthpiece element is constructed to reduce or prevent loose powder from falling out of the inhaler article in the event that the inhaler article is turned upside down. The mouthpiece element allows powder to be inhaled at inhalation (air flow) rates that are within conventional smoking regime inhalation (air flow) rates, such as <NUM>/min or less, or <NUM>/min or less. The mouthpiece element has a simple design that is easy to manufacture. The mouthpiece element and inhaler article are easy to assemble.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inhaler article comprising an inhaler body comprising a tubular side wall defining an interior and a longitudinal center axis. The interior forms a receptacle for housing an inhalable powder. The inhaler article further comprises a mouthpiece element extending along the longitudinal center axis from a distal end to a proximal end. "Proximal" means the end to be accessed by the mouth of a user when in use. "Distal" means the end opposite the proximal end when in use. The distal end of the mouthpiece element is received in the interior of the inhaler body. The mouthpiece element comprises a tube extending coaxially with the inhaler body. The tube comprises an interior surface having a first diameter. The mouthpiece element comprises a blocker disposed at the distal end of the mouthpiece element, coaxial with the tube. The mouthpiece element comprises a collector surface. The mouthpiece element comprises an airflow channel extending through the mouthpiece element. The airflow channel comprises an off-set portion extending from the receptacle to the collector surface, and a discharge portion extending to an outlet at the proximal end of the mouthpiece element. The off-set portion is substantially parallel to and laterally off-set from the discharge portion.

According to an embodiment, the inhaler article of the present disclosure mitigates unintentional powder leakage from the inhaler article. The inhaler article includes one or more features that capture loose powder within the inhaler in the event that the inhaler is turned upside down. According to an embodiment, the inhaler article of the present disclosure comprises a mouthpiece with a blocker and a collector surface that are arranged such that the amount of powder inadvertently falling out of the inhaler is reduced or minimized when the inhaler is inverted. The collector surface is configured to collect or capture any loose powder inside the inhaler. The collector surface prevents or reduces the amount of powder falling out of the receptacle when the inhaler is inverted. According to an embodiment, the inhaler article of the present disclosure comprises a mouthpiece that has an off-set portion in the airflow channel and a collector surface where powder is collected. By providing a blocker and an airflow channel with an off-set portion (for example, a non-linear airflow channel), loose powder does not simply fall out of the receptacle through the airflow channel. Due to the design of the mouthpiece, any loose powder collected or captured on the collector surface may be dropped back into the receptacle by turning the inhaler upright. Alternatively, the inhaler article and mouthpiece may be cleaned by turning the inhaler article upside down and tapping the inhaler article against a surface (for example, a table). The inhaler article may be tapped several times to cause loose powder to fall out.

The inhaler article of the present disclosure allows powder to be inhaled at inhalation (air flow) rates that are within conventional smoking regime inhalation (air flow) rates. The inhaler body and the mouthpiece have a simple design that is easy to manufacture and easy to assemble into an inhaler article. According to an embodiment, the mouthpiece may be simply inserted into a tubular inhaler body.

According to an embodiment, the discharge portion of the mouthpiece airflow channel is parallel to the longitudinal center axis. The discharge portion may be coaxial with the longitudinal center axis. According to an embodiment, the off-set portion of the mouthpiece airflow channel is parallel to the longitudinal center axis. The off-set portion may be coaxial with the longitudinal center axis. In some embodiments, both the discharge portion and the off-set portion are parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal center axis, while being laterally off-set from one another. According to an embodiment, the inhaler article does not include an airflow path extending linearly from the receptacle to the outlet. The airflow channel may comprise an intermediate portion connecting the off-set portion and the discharge portion. The intermediate portion may extend radially inward from the off-set portion.

The collector surface is a surface of the mouthpiece that is constructed and configured to stop and/or capture loose particles inside the inhaler article when the inhaler article is turned from an upright position. An upright position in this context is considered to be the position where the proximal end and the mouthpiece of the inhaler article are pointing upward. For example, when the inhaler article is turned <NUM> degrees or more (for example, from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees) from the upright position, the collector surface may capture loose particles that may fall from the receptacle toward the proximal end. The collector surface may form a ring. For example, the collector surface may form a ring around a portion of the airflow channel. According to an embodiment, the inner diameter of the collector ring is greater than the first diameter (that is, the inner diameter of the tube). The outer diameter of the collector ring is greater than the second diameter (that is, the diameter of the blocker).

According to an embodiment, the mouthpiece element comprises a blocker disposed at the distal end of the mouthpiece element. The blocker may be arranged to block airflow through the center of the mouthpiece element at the distal end of the mouthpiece element.

According to an embodiment, the tube defines an outlet at the proximal end of the mouthpiece element. The proximal end of the mouthpiece element may be the mouth end of the inhaler article. The distal end of the mouthpiece element is inserted into or disposed inside the inhaler body. In some embodiments, a portion of the mouthpiece element is disposed inside the inhaler body. A portion of the mouthpiece element (for example, the mouth end) may be outside of the inhaler body. In one embodiment, a majority of or the entire mouthpiece element is disposed inside the inhaler body. The distal end of the mouthpiece element may form a proximal end of the receptacle. The receptacle may extend from the distal end of the inhaler body to the distal end of the mouthpiece element. The inhaler body may have a closed distal end. The distal end of the inhaler body may have a folded closure. For example, the distal end of the inhaler body may be folded closed by a fan fold. The distal end of the inhaler body may form the distal end of the receptacle.

According to an embodiment, the receptacle is constructed to receive a capsule containing inhalable powder. In some embodiments, the receptacle comprises a capsule containing inhalable powder. The inhaler article may be suitable for inhalation and delivery of various different inhalable powders. According to an embodiment, the capsule contains dry powder comprising particles containing one or more pharmaceutically active agents. Examples of pharmaceutically active agents include nicotine, anatabine, antiviral compounds such as acyclovir; anti-inflammatory compounds such as salicylic acid, aceclofenac, or ketoprofen; antidiabetic compounds such as metformin or glipizide; antihypertensive compounds such as oxprenolol; antiemetic compounds such as promethazine; antidepressant compounds such as seproxetine; anticoagulant compounds such as picotamide; bronchodilators such as clenbuterol; or anticancer compounds such as beta-lapachone. The pharmaceutically active agent may include a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the pharmaceutically active agent. Suitable salts include, for example, a salt of lactic acid ("lactate"), tartaric acid ("tartrate" or "bitartrate"), aspartic acid ("aspartate"), pyruvic acid ("pyruvate"), citric acid ("citrate"), salicylic acid ("salicylate"), glutamic acid ("glutamate"), gentisic acid ("gentisate"), benzoic acid ("benzoate"), fumaric acid ("fumarate"), hydrochloric acid ("hydrochlorate"), alfa-resorcylic acid ("alfa-resorcylate"), beta-resorcylic acid ("beta-resorcylate"), oxalic acid ("oxalate"), p-anisic acid ("anisate"), glutaric acid ("glutarate"), and the like. In some cases, the capsule contains nicotine powder. For example, the capsule may contain a dry powder comprising nicotine salt. The dry powder may further contain other components, such as sugar or sugar alcohol, amino acid, flavorant, cough suppressant, or other pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients that are suitable for use in inhalable powders. In one embodiment, the capsule contains nicotine powder comprising nicotine particles, where the nicotine particles comprise nicotine salt, sugar or sugar alcohol, and amino acid. The capsule may further comprise flavor particles, cough suppressant particles, or both flavor and cough suppressant particles. Flavor and cough suppressant particles are collectively referred to here as flavor particles. The capsule may contain an inhalable powder comprising pharmaceutically active agent particles with MMAD particle size in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. In one embodiment, the capsule contains nicotine powder comprising nicotine particles, where the nicotine particles have MMAD particle size in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. The capsule may further contain flavor particles having MMAD particle size of <NUM> or greater, <NUM> or greater, or <NUM> or greater. The flavor particles may have MMAD particle size of <NUM> or less, <NUM> or less, or <NUM> or less. The flavor particles may have MMAD particle size of <NUM> to <NUM> or from <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the capsule contains nicotine particles having MMAD particle size in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM> and flavor particles having MMAD particle size of <NUM> to <NUM> or from <NUM> to <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the capsule contains nicotine powder.

The inhaler body and the mouthpiece element may be constructed of any suitable materials. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece element is constructed of injectable, extrudable, or moldable polymeric material. In a preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece element is constructed of injectable polymeric material. Any suitable polymer may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece element is made of injection molded bioplastic. A bioplastic may be a polymer that is made from biobased ingredients or is biodegradable, or that is both made from biobased ingredients and is biodegradable. Biobased ingredients may be evaluated based on European standard CEN/TS <NUM>:<NUM>. Biodegradability may be determined based on European standard EN13432.

The inhaler body may be constructed of one or more of paper, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted tobacco paper, and cellophane. In some embodiments, the inhaler body is made of cellulosic material, such as paper, any other paper-based material, any other cellulose-based material, or a bioplastic-based material. Preferably the inhaler body is made from a biodegradable material. In a preferred embodiment, the inhaler body is made of paper or cardboard. The paper-based material may be bleached or unbleached. Paper-based materials may be one or more of light, cheap, and biodegradable. Preferably, the inhaler body exhibits sufficient mechanical strength and stiffness to withstand significant deformation during interaction with the receptacle, including the insertion of the mouthpiece element into the inhaler body. The inhaler body may be formed from a paper sheet. The inhaler body may be cut from a continuous sheet of paper. The inhaler body may be rolled from a continuous sheet of paper. This may simplify manufacturing of the inhaler body and the mouthpiece element.

The inhaler body and the mouthpiece element may be formed from materials that are biodegradable. Most preferably, the inhaler body is formed from a paper-based material, such as paper, paperboard or cardboard, and the mouthpiece element is formed from bioplastic, such as injection molded bioplastic.

The mouthpiece element may be designed to exhibit a desired resistance to draw ("RTD"). The RTD of a specimen refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of the specimen when it is traversed by an air flow under steady conditions in which the volumetric flow is <NUM> milliliters per second at the output end. The RTD of a specimen may be measured using the method set out in ISO Standard <NUM>:<NUM>. The mouthpiece element may have an RTD ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> mmWG. The mouthpiece airflow channel may be constructed to have any suitable dimensions to achieve a desired RTD. For example, the discharge portion of the airflow channel may have a cross sectional area of <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> or from <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>.

The inhaler article may further comprise a wrapper wrapped about at least a portion of the inhaler body. The wrapper may also be wrapped about at least a portion of the mouthpiece element. In some embodiments, the wrapper does not cover the entire length of the mouthpiece element such that a portion of the length of the mouthpiece element is left uncovered. The wrapper may be a paper wrapper, such as a cigarette wrapper or tipping paper. The wrapper may be adhered by an adhesive.

According to an embodiment, the distal end of the mouthpiece element is inserted into or disposed inside the inhaler body. In some cases, the entire mouthpiece element may be inserted into or disposed inside the inhaler body. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece element comprises a tubular side wall extending from the proximal end of the mouthpiece to the distal end of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece element may comprise an inner tube that forms a portion of the airflow channel. The tubular side wall may circumscribe the inner tube. The tubular side wall may be substantially straight, extending linearly along the length of the mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may have an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inhaler body such that the mouthpiece element may be completely disposed inside the inhaler body. The proximal end of the mouthpiece element may be aligned with a proximal end of the inhaler body.

The mouthpiece element may comprise a blocker that is in the shape of a cylinder. The cylindrical blocker may be coaxial with the longitudinal center axis of the mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may further comprise a plurality of brackets extending from the blocker to the side wall of the mouthpiece element. The plurality of brackets may be arranged to maintain the blocker in place inside the side wall. The plurality of brackets may be arranged symmetrically about the blocker.

The inner tube may extend coaxially within the tubular side wall. The inner tube may form the proximal-most portion of the airflow channel. Thus, the discharge portion of the airflow channel may extend through the inner tube. The inner tube and therefore the discharge portion may extend along the longitudinal center axis. The blocker may be disposed at the distal end of the mouthpiece and may have a diameter that is equal to or greater than the inside diameter of the inner tube. The blocker and the inner tube may be coaxial. The blocker and the inner tube may be arranged such that a gap is left between the blocker and the inner tube. The gap may have an axial distance or length of <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>. The length of the gap (shown as L224 in <FIG>) may be selected in view of the length between the axial midpoint of the gap and the proximal end of the collector surface (shown as L250 in <FIG>). When powder is being inhaled, some of the powder may become entrained in the space between the inner tube and the tubular side wall of the mouthpiece element. If the distance from the gap to the collector surface is increased, the length of the gap may also be increased to maintain the amount or powder discharged from the inhaler. A ratio of the length of the gap to the length between the axial midpoint of the gap and the proximal end of the collector surface, L224:L250, may range from <NUM> to <NUM> or from <NUM> to <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment the ratio is about <NUM>.

The off-set portion of the airflow channel may be arranged around the blocker. The off-set portion of the airflow channel may be formed of a plurality of channels disposed about the blocker. The plurality of channels may be symmetrically disposed about the blocker. The blocker may be held in place by brackets extending from the blocker to the tubular side wall of the mouthpiece element.

The collector surface may form a ring surrounding the inner tube. In some cases, the collector surface extends from the inner tube to the tubular side wall of the mouthpiece element. The collector surface may have any suitable shape. Preferably, the collector surface is shaped to enable capture of loose particles and return of the collected or captured particles to the receptacle. In some embodiments, the collector surface comprises a curved cross sectional shape in a cross section taken along the longitudinal center axis of the mouthpiece element. Preferably, the curved cross sectional shape is concave toward the distal end of the mouthpiece element.

The collector surface may be disposed proximally of the blocker. The collector surface may be disposed proximally of the gap between the blocker and the inner tube. At least a portion of the inner tube may extend from the collector surface toward the distal end of the mouthpiece element. The portion of the inner tube extending distally from the collector surface may have a length of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The mouthpiece airflow channel may be constructed to have any suitable dimensions to achieve a desired RTD. At the distal end, the available open area for airflow is limited by the size of the blocker. The inner diameter of the tubular side wall may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The blocker may have a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>. At the proximal end, the available area for airflow is determined by the size of the discharge portion. The discharge portion of the airflow channel may have a cross sectional area of <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> or from <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. The mouthpiece element may exhibit an RTD of <NUM> mmWG or greater, <NUM> mmWG or greater, or <NUM> mmWG or greater. The RTD may be <NUM> mmWG or less, <NUM> mmWG or less, or <NUM> mmWG or less. For example, the RTD may be from <NUM> to <NUM> mmWG, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> mmWG, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> mmWG. In one embodiment, the RTD is about <NUM> mmWG.

According to an embodiment, the distal end of the mouthpiece element is inserted into or disposed inside the inhaler body. In some cases, only a distal portion of the mouthpiece element is inserted into or disposed inside the inhaler body. That is, the mouthpiece element is only partially inserted inside the inhaler body. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece element comprises a recessed portion having a cross-sectional dimension (for example, diameter) that is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension (for example, diameter) of the blocker. The distal end portion of the mouthpiece element may be the blocker. The recessed portion may comprise a groove circumscribing the mouthpiece element. The recessed portion may define the collector surface. The recessed portion may comprise a plurality of airflow channel openings. The mouthpiece element may be inserted into the inhaler body such that at least the blocker and the recessed portion are disposed inside the inhaler body.

In some embodiments, the off-set portion of the airflow channel is formed between the tubular side wall of the inhaler body and a distal end portion of the mouthpiece element. The off-set portion of the airflow channel may extend from the receptacle to the recessed portion. The distal end portion of the mouthpiece element (for example, the blocker) may be disposed inside the inhaler body. The off-set portion of the airflow channel may be formed between the tubular side wall of the inhaler body and the blocker.

The airflow channel may further comprise an intermediate portion comprising at least one intermediate channel extending from at least one airflow channel opening to the discharge portion. The airflow channel may comprise a plurality of intermediate channels extending from the plurality of airflow channel openings to the discharge portion. The airflow channel may comprise one intermediate channel. The airflow channel may comprise two intermediate channels. The airflow channel may comprise three intermediate channels. The airflow channel may comprise four intermediate channels. In a preferred embodiment, the airflow channel comprises four intermediate channels. The plurality of intermediate channels are in fluid communication with the off-set portion and the discharge portion, connecting the two portions of the airflow channel. The plurality of intermediate channels may extend radially inward from the recessed portion. The plurality of channels may be orthogonal to the tube. The plurality of intermediate channels may be orthogonal to the discharge portion. The plurality of intermediate channels may be distributed symmetrically about the longitudinal center axis.

The mouthpiece element may comprise a molded shape. Preferably, the mouthpiece element comprises a cylindrical tube. The recessed portion may comprise a groove circumscribing the cylindrical tube. The mouthpiece element may comprise multiple sections or portions having varying cross sectional dimensions (for example, diameters). For example, the mouthpiece element may comprise a first reduced portion separating the mouth end disposed at the proximal end of the mouthpiece element from a main portion of the mouthpiece element. The first reduced portion may have a cross sectional dimension (for example, diameter) that is smaller than the cross sectional dimension (for example, diameter) of the mouth end and the cross sectional dimension (for example, diameter) of the main portion. The mouthpiece element may further comprise a second reduced portion between the main portion of the mouthpiece element and the recessed portion. The second reduced portion may have a cross sectional dimension that is smaller than a cross sectional dimension of the main portion and greater than the cross sectional dimension of the recessed portion. The difference in the dimensions of the second reduced portion and the main portion may be only slight. The difference in the dimensions of the second reduced portion and the main portion may account for the thickness of the tubular wall of the inhaler body such that when assembled, the inhaler wall appears to continue at about the same circumference from the inhaler body to the mouthpiece element. The difference in the dimensions of the second reduced portion and the main portion may be equal to the thickness of the tubular wall of the inhaler body.

The inhaler article may further comprise a wrapper. The transition from the inhaler body to the mouthpiece element may be covered by the wrapper. The wrapper may be wrapped about a portion of the mouthpiece element and at least a portion of the inhaler body. For example, the wrapper may extend distally from the main portion of the mouthpiece element. The first reduced portion and the mouth end of the mouthpiece element may be left uncovered by the wrapper. The wrapper may be a paper wrapper, such as a cigarette wrapper or tipping paper. The wrapper may be adhered by an adhesive.

The mouthpiece airflow channel may be constructed to have any suitable dimensions to achieve a desired RTD. The plurality of intermediate channels may have a combined cross sectional area of <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> or from <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. The discharge portion of the airflow channel may have a cross sectional area of <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> or from <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. The mouthpiece element may exhibit an RTD of <NUM> mmWG or greater, <NUM> mmWG or greater, or <NUM> mmWG or greater. The RTD may be <NUM> mmWG or less, <NUM> mmWG or less, or <NUM> mmWG or less. For example, the RTD may be from <NUM> to <NUM> mmWG, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> mmWG, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> mmWG. In one embodiment, the RTD is about <NUM> mmWG.

Schematic views of exemplary inhaler articles according to embodiments are shown in <FIG>. The inhaler article <NUM>, <NUM>' has a first, proximal end <NUM> and an opposing second, distal end <NUM>. A mouthpiece element <NUM>, <NUM> is disposed at the proximal end <NUM> of the inhaler article <NUM>. The outside surface of the inhaler article <NUM> may be formed, at least in part, by a wrapper <NUM>. The inhaler article <NUM> comprises an inhaler body <NUM> with a tubular side wall <NUM>. The inhaler body <NUM> defines an interior that forms a receptacle <NUM> for housing an inhalable powder. The inhalable powder may be provided in a capsule <NUM>. The inhaler body <NUM> further defines a longitudinal center axis A. The mouthpiece element <NUM>, <NUM> extends along the longitudinal center axis A.

The mouthpiece element <NUM>, <NUM> is at least partially inserted into the inhaler body <NUM>. The mouthpiece element <NUM>, <NUM> has a proximal end <NUM>, <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>, <NUM>. The distal end <NUM>, <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>, <NUM> is received in the interior of the inhaler body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the entire mouthpiece element <NUM> may be received in the inhaler body <NUM>. In another embodiment, shown in <FIG>, the mouthpiece element <NUM> is only partially inserted inside the inhaler body <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, cross-sectional views of the inhaler article <NUM> are shown. As noted above, the inhaler article <NUM> comprises an inhaler body <NUM> with a tubular side wall <NUM>. The inhaler body <NUM> defines an interior that forms a receptacle <NUM> for housing an inhalable powder. The inhalable powder may be provided in a capsule <NUM> disposed inside the receptacle <NUM>. The inhaler article <NUM> may have a closed distal end <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> may be folded closed, for example by a fan fold. The receptacle <NUM> may be limited at its proximal end by the distal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> and the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be assembled together and wrapped in a wrapper <NUM>. The inhaler article <NUM> comprises a receptacle <NUM> containing a capsule <NUM> containing an inhalable powder, and a mouthpiece element <NUM>, wrapped in a wrapper <NUM>.

The inhaler article <NUM> may be used with a holder <NUM>. The holder <NUM> may be configured to open the distal end <NUM> of the inhaler article <NUM>. The holder <NUM> may be configured to provide an air inlet <NUM> for the inhaler article <NUM>. The holder <NUM> may further be configured to pierce the capsule <NUM>. An airflow pattern <NUM> flowing through the inhaler article <NUM> is schematically shown by the arrows in <FIG>. Air flows from the air inlet <NUM>, through the receptacle <NUM>, through the mouthpiece element <NUM>, and out the outlet <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a dry powder may be inhaled from the inhaler article <NUM> at an airflow rate of <NUM>/min or less, or <NUM>/min or less.

A cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the mouthpiece element <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, respectively. The mouthpiece element <NUM> comprises a tubular side wall <NUM>. The tubular side wall <NUM> may be cylindrical. The tubular side wall <NUM> may be substantially straight, extending linearly along the length of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The tubular side wall <NUM> may extend from the proximal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM> to the distal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The mouthpiece element <NUM> comprises an inlet <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>.

The mouthpiece element comprises a tube <NUM> extending coaxially with the inhaler body <NUM>. The tube <NUM> comprises an interior surface <NUM> having an interior diameter D241. A blocker <NUM> is disposed at the distal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The blocker <NUM> may be coaxial with the tube <NUM>. The blocker <NUM> may be arranged to block airflow through the center of the mouthpiece element <NUM> at the distal end <NUM>. The blocker <NUM> may be shaped as a cylinder. The blocker <NUM> has a diameter D230 that is equal to or greater than the interior diameter D241 of the tube <NUM>. The mouthpiece element <NUM> may further comprise a plurality of brackets <NUM> extending from the blocker <NUM> to the side wall <NUM>. The plurality of brackets <NUM> may be arranged to maintain the blocker <NUM> in place inside the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The blocker <NUM> and the tube <NUM> may be arranged such that a gap <NUM> is left between the blocker <NUM> and the tube <NUM>. The gap <NUM> has an axial length L224.

The space between the blocker <NUM> and the side wall <NUM>, the gap <NUM>, and the tube <NUM> together form an airflow channel <NUM> through the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The space between the blocker <NUM> and the side wall <NUM> forms an off-set portion <NUM> of the airflow channel. The off-set portion <NUM> of the airflow channel <NUM> may be arranged around the blocker <NUM>. The off-set portion <NUM> of the airflow channel <NUM> may be formed of a plurality of channels disposed about the blocker <NUM>. The plurality of channels may be symmetrically disposed about the blocker.

The tube <NUM> forms the discharge portion <NUM> of the airflow channel <NUM>, terminating at an outlet <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The gap <NUM> forms the intermediate portion <NUM> of the airflow channel, connecting the off-set portion <NUM> and the discharge portion <NUM>.

The mouthpiece element <NUM> comprises a collector surface <NUM> comprising a ring <NUM>. The ring <NUM> surrounds the tube <NUM> and is disposed proximal to the blocker <NUM>. The ring <NUM> may be coaxial with the tube <NUM>. The ring <NUM> may be coaxial with the blocker <NUM>. The ring <NUM> defines an inner diameter D251 and an outer diameter D252.

The collector surface <NUM> may extend from the tube <NUM> to the side wall <NUM>. The collector surface <NUM> may have any suitable shape. For example, the collector surface <NUM> may have a curved cross sectional shape in a cross section taken along the longitudinal center axis A of the mouthpiece element <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Preferably, the curved cross sectional shape is concave toward the distal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The collector surface <NUM> is disposed proximally of the blocker <NUM>. The collector surface <NUM> may be disposed proximally of the gap <NUM>. The collector surface <NUM> may be disposed proximal to at least a portion of the tube <NUM>. At least a portion of the tube <NUM> may extend from the collector surface <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The portion of the tube <NUM> extending distally from the collector surface <NUM> may have a length L240.

The length L224 of the gap <NUM> may be selected in view of the length L250 between a midpoint of the gap <NUM> and the proximal end of the collector surface <NUM>. A longer length L250 may be coupled with a longer length L224 of the gap <NUM>. A shorter length L250 may be coupled with a shorter length L224 of the gap <NUM>.

The mouthpiece element <NUM> may have an outer diameter D200 that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inhaler body <NUM> such that the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be completely disposed inside the inhaler body <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be aligned with a proximal end <NUM> of the inhaler body <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

When a user uses the inhaler article <NUM>, air with entrained dry powder particles may flow through the mouthpiece element <NUM> as shown schematically in <FIG>. The air and particles may enter the mouthpiece element <NUM> airflow channel <NUM> through the inlets <NUM>. The air and particles flow through the off-set portion <NUM> of the airflow channel <NUM>. Some of the air and particles may flow past the gap <NUM> toward the collector surface <NUM> and then turn back toward the gap <NUM>. The air and particles may flow into the gap <NUM> and through the discharge portion <NUM>. The air and particles may flow out through the outlet <NUM> at the proximal end of the mouthpiece element <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, cross-sectional views of the inhaler article <NUM>' are shown. As above, the inhaler article <NUM>' comprises an inhaler body <NUM> with a tubular side wall <NUM> that defines a longitudinal center axis A. The inhaler body <NUM> defines an interior that forms a receptacle <NUM> for housing an inhalable powder. The inhalable powder may be provided in a capsule <NUM> disposed inside the receptacle. The inhaler article <NUM>' may have a closed distal end <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> may be folded closed, for example by a fan fold. The receptacle <NUM> may be limited at its proximal end by the distal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>.

The inhaler article <NUM>' may be used with a holder <NUM>. The holder <NUM> may be configured to open the distal end <NUM> of the inhaler article <NUM>'. The holder <NUM> may be configured to provide an air inlet <NUM> for the inhaler article <NUM>'. The holder <NUM> may further be configured to pierce the capsule <NUM>. An airflow pattern <NUM>' flowing through the inhaler article <NUM>' is schematically shown by the arrows in <FIG>. Air flows from the air inlet <NUM>, through the receptacle <NUM>, through the mouthpiece element <NUM>, and out the outlet <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a dry powder may be inhaled from the inhaler article <NUM>' at an airflow rate of <NUM> mUmin or less, or <NUM> mUmin or less.

The inhaler article may further comprise a wrapper <NUM>. The transition from the inhaler body <NUM> to the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be covered by the wrapper <NUM>. The wrapper <NUM> may be wrapped about a portion of the mouthpiece element <NUM> and at least a portion of the inhaler body <NUM>. For example, the wrapper <NUM> may extend distally from the main portion <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>.

Cross-sectional views and a perspective view of the mouthpiece element <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. The mouthpiece element <NUM> extends from the proximal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM> to the distal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The mouthpiece element <NUM> comprises an inlet (airflow channel opening) <NUM> adjacent the distal end <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>.

The mouthpiece element comprises a tube <NUM> extending coaxially with the inhaler body <NUM>'. The tube <NUM> comprises an interior surface <NUM> having an interior diameter D345. A blocker <NUM> is disposed at the distal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The blocker <NUM> may be coaxial with the tube <NUM>. The blocker <NUM> may be arranged to block airflow through the center of the mouthpiece element <NUM> at the distal end <NUM>. The blocker <NUM> has a diameter D330 that is greater than the interior diameter D345 of the tube <NUM>.

The mouthpiece element <NUM> comprises a recessed portion <NUM> having a cross-sectional dimension D351 that is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension D330 of the blocker <NUM>. The recessed portion <NUM> may be formed by a groove circumscribing the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The recessed portion <NUM> may comprise a plurality of airflow channel openings <NUM>.

A transverse cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece element <NUM> at the recessed portion <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The mouthpiece element <NUM> may further comprise a plurality of channels <NUM> extending from the plurality of airflow channel openings <NUM> to an interior of the tube <NUM> (to the discharge portion <NUM> of the airflow channel <NUM>). In a preferred embodiment, the inhaler article comprises four such intermediate channels. The plurality of channels <NUM> may extend radially inward from the recessed portion <NUM>. The plurality of channels <NUM> may be orthogonal to the tube <NUM>. The plurality of channels <NUM> may be distributed symmetrically about the longitudinal center axis A.

The space between the blocker <NUM> and the tubular side wall <NUM> of the inhaler body <NUM>, the plurality of channels <NUM>, and the tube <NUM> together form an airflow channel <NUM> through the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The space between the blocker <NUM> and the tubular side wall <NUM> of the inhaler body <NUM> forms the off-set portion <NUM> of the airflow channel. The off-set portion <NUM> of the airflow channel <NUM> may be arranged around the blocker <NUM>. The tube <NUM> forms the discharge portion <NUM> of the airflow channel <NUM>, terminating in an outlet <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The plurality of channels <NUM> form the intermediate portion <NUM> of the airflow channel, connecting the off-set portion <NUM> and the discharge portion <NUM>.

The mouthpiece element <NUM> comprises a collector surface <NUM> formed by the recessed portion <NUM>. The collector surface <NUM> may be coaxial with the tube <NUM>. The collector surface <NUM> may be coaxial with the blocker <NUM>. The collector surface <NUM> may also be considered to include the recessed wall <NUM> between the airflow channel openings <NUM>. The recessed portion <NUM> may form a collector region comprising the collector surface <NUM>, where particles that are not drawn into or do not fall into the discharge portion <NUM> are collected. The collected particles may later be dislodged by turning the inhaler article upright (with the distal end <NUM> facing down) and dropped back into the receptacle. Alternatively, the inhaler article and mouthpiece may be cleaned by turning the inhaler article upside down and tapping the inhaler article against a surface (for example, a table). The inhaler article may be tapped several times to cause loose powder to fall out.

The collector surface <NUM> may extend from the inner diameter D351 to the side wall <NUM> of the inhaler body <NUM>. The collector surface <NUM> is disposed proximally of the blocker <NUM>. The collector surface <NUM> may be disposed distal to the tube <NUM>. The collector surface <NUM> may have any suitable shape. For example, the collector surface <NUM> may have a curved cross sectional shape in a cross section taken along the longitudinal center axis A of the mouthpiece element <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The curved cross sectional shape may be concave toward the side wall <NUM> of the inhaler body <NUM>.

The mouthpiece element <NUM> may comprise multiple sections or portions having varying cross sectional dimensions (for example, diameters). For example, the mouthpiece element <NUM> (for example, the tube <NUM>) may comprise a first reduced portion <NUM> separating the mouth end <NUM> from a main portion <NUM> of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. The first reduced portion <NUM> may have a cross sectional dimension D341 (for example, diameter) that is smaller than the cross sectional dimension D343 (for example, diameter) of the mouth end <NUM> and the cross sectional dimension D344 (for example, diameter) of the main portion <NUM>. The mouthpiece element <NUM> may further comprise a second reduced portion <NUM> between the main portion <NUM> of the mouthpiece element and the recessed portion <NUM>. The second reduced portion <NUM> may have a cross sectional dimension D342 that is smaller than the cross sectional dimension D344 of the main portion <NUM> and greater than the cross sectional dimension D351 of the recessed portion <NUM>. The difference in the dimensions of the second reduced portion <NUM> and the main portion <NUM> may be only slight. The difference in the dimensions of the second reduced portion <NUM> and the main portion <NUM> may account for the thickness of the tubular wall <NUM> of the inhaler body such that the inhaler wall appears to continue at about the same circumference from the inhaler body <NUM> to the mouthpiece element <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
An inhaler article (<NUM>; <NUM>') comprising:
an inhaler body (<NUM>) comprising a tubular side wall (<NUM>) defining an interior and a longitudinal center axis, the interior forming a receptacle (<NUM>) for housing an inhalable powder;
a mouthpiece element (<NUM>; <NUM>) extending along the longitudinal center axis from a distal end (<NUM>; <NUM>) to a proximal end (<NUM>; <NUM>), the distal end of the mouthpiece element being received in the interior of the inhaler body, the mouthpiece element comprising:
a tube (<NUM>; <NUM>) extending coaxially with the inhaler body and comprising an interior surface (<NUM>; <NUM>) having a first diameter (D241; D345);
a blocker (<NUM>; <NUM>) disposed at the distal end of the mouthpiece element, coaxial with the tube and having a second diameter (D230; D330) that is greater than the first diameter, the blocker being arranged to block airflow through a center of the mouthpiece element at the distal end;
a collector surface (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising a ring (<NUM>) that is coaxial with and disposed proximally of the blocker, the ring defining an inner diameter (D251; D351) and an outer diameter (D252); and
an airflow channel (<NUM>; <NUM>) extending through the mouthpiece element and comprising an off-set portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) arranged around the blocker, a discharge portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) extending to an outlet (<NUM>; <NUM>) at the proximal end, and an intermediate portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) connecting the off-set portion and the discharge portion.