Modular medication inhaler
First Claim
1. A modular medication inhaler comprising a cylindrical body having an axis of rotation and having an upstream entering end and a downstream exit end and open at both ends, an integral inwardly directed peripheral flange at the exit end transverse of said axis of rotation, said flange having an outer surface a fitting on the entering end adapted to receive structure for applying misted medication into said cylindrical body, a flexible diaphragm at said exit end and having a slit therein, said diaphragm flexing and opening said slit upon inhalation for passing air and medication, and a fitting at the exit end of said cylindrical body and secured to said body, said exit end fitting havingan outer cylindrical flange snugly encircling said cylindrical body on the exterior of said body, an inwardly directed flange transverse of said axis, and arcuate protruberance means on said inwardly directed fitting flange engaging said diaphragm adjacent the periphery thereof and inwardly of said cylindrical body and clamping said diaphragm against the outer surface of said inwardly directed peripheral flange, and further including retaining means on said cylindrical body, comprising means providing a plurality of apertures arcuately spaced in said cylindrical body and said exit end integral inwardly directed flange and defining retaining edges on said flange, and a plurality of inwardly directed teeth on said exit end fitting cylindrical flange snapped over said retaining means and securing said exit end fitting on said cylindrical body.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A medication inhaler is provided having a cylindrical body usable with different inlet and outlet fittings at the opposite ends thereof. An inlet end fitting is provided with inner and outer cylindrical flanges gripping the upstream end of the cylindrical body and adapted to receive structure for misting medication into said cylindrical body. The downstream or outlet end fitting snaps over the downstream end of the cylindrical body and is provided with an axially extending protrusion impinging against and securing a flexible diaphragm to an inwardly directed flange at the exit end of the cylindrical body. The outlet end fitting may take different forms such as a mouthpiece to fit into a patient'"'"'s mouth, a mask to fit over a patient'"'"'s mouth and nose, or a connection for flexible tubing leading to an endotracheal tube.
163 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A modular medication inhaler comprising a cylindrical body having an axis of rotation and having an upstream entering end and a downstream exit end and open at both ends, an integral inwardly directed peripheral flange at the exit end transverse of said axis of rotation, said flange having an outer surface a fitting on the entering end adapted to receive structure for applying misted medication into said cylindrical body, a flexible diaphragm at said exit end and having a slit therein, said diaphragm flexing and opening said slit upon inhalation for passing air and medication, and a fitting at the exit end of said cylindrical body and secured to said body, said exit end fitting having
an outer cylindrical flange snugly encircling said cylindrical body on the exterior of said body, an inwardly directed flange transverse of said axis, and arcuate protruberance means on said inwardly directed fitting flange engaging said diaphragm adjacent the periphery thereof and inwardly of said cylindrical body and clamping said diaphragm against the outer surface of said inwardly directed peripheral flange, and further including retaining means on said cylindrical body, comprising means providing a plurality of apertures arcuately spaced in said cylindrical body and said exit end integral inwardly directed flange and defining retaining edges on said flange, and a plurality of inwardly directed teeth on said exit end fitting cylindrical flange snapped over said retaining means and securing said exit end fitting on said cylindrical body.
Specification