Stem configuration to reduce seal abrasion in metered dose aerosol valves

• US 6,644,517 B2
• Filed: 10/15/2001
• Issued: 11/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kindeva Drug Delivery L.P.
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Thiel, Charles G., Hodson, Peter D., Bryant, Andrew M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bomberg, Kenneth
• Application Number:
  US09/978,816
• Publication Number:
  US 20020088828A1
• Time in Patent Office: 757 Days
• Field of Search: 222/402.2, 222/402.24, 251/325
• US Class Current: 222/402.24
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/009 using medicine packages with incorporated spraying means, e.g. aerosol cans pocket atomiser of the injector type A61M11/08
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 83/48 Lift valves, e.g. operated by push action B65D83/50 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 83/54 Metering valves ; Metering valve assemblies

Abstract

A valve stem for use in an aerosol valve such as a metered dose medicinal aerosol valve is described. The valve stem includes a flattened area around the side hole. The flattened area helps reduce damage to the diaphragm aperture upon repeated actuation of the metered dose inhaler. Also described is a metered dose valve and a metered dose inhaler, each including the flattened valve stem of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol valve stem comprising:

a generally cylindrical body having a tip at one end and a body wall defining a hollow core extending axially from the tip into the body;

a side hole through the body wall in fluid communication with the hollow core; and

a flattened area around the hole comprising a sealing section adjacent to the side hole.

2. The aerosol valve stem of claim 1 in which the side hole has an edge that is a planar circle.

3. The aerosol valve stem of claim 1 in which the flattened area entirely surrounds the hole.

4. The aerosol valve stem of claim 1 in which the edge of the side hole is beveled.

5. The aerosol valve stem of claim 1 in which the edge of the side hole is rounded.

6. The aerosol valve stem of claim 1 in which the flattened area around the side hole extends from the sealing section to the tip of the valve stem.

7. A metered dose valve comprising the aerosol valve stem of claim 1.

8. A metered dose inhaler comprising the aerosol valve stem of claim 1.

9. A device for delivering an aerosol comprising the valve stem of claim 1.

10. A method of delivering an aerosolized dose of medicine comprising:

providing an inhaler comprising the valve stem of claim 1;

providing a formulation of aerosolized medicine contained within the inhaler; and

actuating the inhaler.

11. An aerosol valve stem comprising;

a generally cylindrical body having a tip at one end and a body wall defining a hollow core extending axially from the tip into the body;

a side hole through the body wall in fluid communication with the hollow core, and comprising a beveled edge; and

a flattened area around the hole.

12. The aerosol valve stem of claim 11 further comprising a sealing section adjacent to the side hole.

13. The aerosol valve stem of claim 12 wherein the sealing section is substantially cylindrical.

14. An aerosol valve stem comprising:

a generally cylindrical body having a tip at one end and a body wall defining a hollow core extending axially from the tip into the body;

a side hole through the body wall in fluid communication with the hollow core, and comprising a rounded edge; and

a flattened area around the hole.

15. The aerosol valve of claim 14 further comprising a sealing section adjacent to the side hole.

16. The aerosol valve stem of claim 15 wherein the sealing section is substantially cylindrical.