GB1481045A - Medicament inhaler - Google Patents

Abstract

1481045 Medicament inhalers F Q MANSFIELD 26 June 1974 28455/74 Heading A5T A medicament inhaler comprises a vacuum flask 10, a mask 20 and a connector 30 which connects the mask removably to the flask, a tube (40) Fig. 1, (not shown), being located in said flask whereby vapours generated from a decongestant in the tube by a hot liquid in the flask may pass to the mask. The connector comprises an annular member 31 having a hollow boss 32 on the top thereof, which boss fits into a portion 21 of the mask, keys 33 on the boss engaging with grooves in portion 21, said connector screwing onto a closure member 19 on the flask. The boss contains a valve assembly comprising a dolly 35 having a flange 36 at its rear end and a flange 37 intermediate its ends. In a closed position, flange 36 abuts a valve seat provided around an opening 23 in the rear end of the boss and flange 37 abuts a seat around an opening (34) Fig. 3, (not shown) at the other end of the boss. In an open position, the dolly being pressed inwardly, the flanges are unseated and vapours may pass through opening 23 into the mask while air may pass into the tube through opening 34. The dolly is biassed into a closed position by a spring 45. The mask may be made of polypropylene, the tube being of glass or metal. In alternative embodiments the connector may comprise a tubular stem of the mask adapted to be press-fitted in the flask, or the mask or connector may have a stem with a screw-threaded lower portion arranged to be screwed to the top of the flask in place of a cup. It is possible to use the inhaler without the tube, the vacuum flask then being charged with hot water containing the medicament.