Technical Field

The disclosed embodiments relate to a wearable asthma inhaler, and in particular a wearable asthma inhaler having a strap configured to be worn on the forearm.

Background of the Invention

The most widely used method of administering asthma medication is using a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI), which provides a short dosage of medication in an aerosol format. The success of the MDI remains its simplicity, as it requires little effort to inhale the medication.

Asthmatics are required to always carry their MDI to provide instantaneous relief of the symptoms of asthma attacks. Failure to prevent an attack can result in hospitalisation. Approximately, 1 in 12 adults and 1 in 11 children suffer from asthma, with every 8 seconds someone admitted to hospital due to its effects.

Currently, when an asthma sufferer is exercising or carrying out strenuous activities they have to carry their MDI in their pocket. This is not ideal as the inhaler may be loose in their pocket which may annoy and distract the user. Furthermore, many modern gym clothing ranges do not contain pockets, with the sufferer having to choose between the risks of not carrying their inhaler, or face the burden of holding it throughout exercise. Therefore, there is a need to provide a way of carrying and administering asthma medication during exercise which is easy and convenient for the user.

US 6,223,744 B1 discloses a wearable aerosol delivery apparatus for releasing an aerosol with an active ingredient into an oral or nasal passage of a user. The aerosol is contained in a reservoir integral with the housing of the delivery apparatus. Disadvantageously, this apparatus is not compatible with conventional MDIs and requires filling of the reservoir through a filling mechanism.

US 2010/0083963 A1 discloses a portable medication holder for discharging liquid agent into an air stream. The medication holder may be coupled to a wrist mount attachment for attaching the medication holder to the wrist, using a complex array of parts, including a seat and a plate.

Summary of Invention According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a wearable asthma inhaler comprising: a receptacle for holding an inhaler canister the receptacle having an axis extending between a first end of the receptacle and a second end of the receptacle wherein the first end is configured to removably receive the inhaler canister, and the second end comprises a mouthpiece; and a strap configured to be worn on a forearm, the strap comprising a bore adapted to receive the receptacle.

The wearable asthma inhaler provides a convenient way of carrying asthma medication by allowing the user to slot their conventional inhaler canister into the receptacle, which is then attached to the wearer's arm via the strap. The wearable asthma inhaler of the present invention holds the inhaler canister close to the forearm of the wearer in a secure way, providing an easy and intuitive way of administering the medication when required. The arrangement of the receptacle enables the user to easily raise and orientate their forearm such that the mouthpiece is accessible, whilst providing an intuitive way to administer the medication from the canister from the mouthpiece of the receptacle. A further advantage of the present invention is that the attachment between the strap and the receptacle is simpler than those known in the art. Having a bore or channel for receiving the receptacle provides an elegant way of holding the receptacle that is both simple and stylish. This is advantageous from a manufacturing stand point as few parts are required, and achieves the aesthetic appeal desired by modern wearable devices.

Preferably, the bore has a first end and a second end, wherein the strap comprises a first portion extending from the first end of the bore, and a second portion extending from the second end of the bore, the first and second portions attachable to one another, such that the receptacle is configured to be perpendicular to the length of the forearm, in use. This arrangement provides the wearer with easy access to the mouthpiece as the end of the receptacle is positioned away from the length of the forearm. To access the mouthpiece the user only has to orientate and raise their arm towards their mouth, rather than requiring any movement of the receptacle with respect to the strap.

Alternatively, in other embodiments the first and second portions of the strap may extend from the middle of the bore between the first end and the second end of the bore, such that the receptacle is orientated parallel to the length of the forearm.

Preferably, the first end and the second end of the receptacle protrude from the first end and second end of the bore, respectively. Specifically, the mouthpiece protrudes from the bore. This provides the user with a clear region to place in their mouth to form a tight seal to ensure the medication is administered effectively. Having both first and second ends protruding from the bore also helps with the removal of the receptacle from the bore, by providing regions to push and/or pull with respect to the strap.

Preferably, the first and second portions are attached to each other through complementary attachment mechanisms on the first and second portions, such that the first and second portions are configured to attach to one another to secure the wearable asthma inhaler to the forearm. The complementary attachment mechanism may comprise a tab on the first portion and a slot on the second portion, the slot for receiving the tab. Alternatively, a plurality of slots and/or tabs may be provided. In a preferred embodiment there is one tab, and in a more preferred embodiment there are two tabs. In a preferred embodiment there are four slots and in a more preferred embodiment there are nine slots. Preferably, the first and second portions of the strap comprise an inner and an outer surface. The tabs may be located on the inner surface of the first portion. The tabs may be formed on an insert that is attached to the first portion of the strap through two mating holes in the first portion of the strap, the tabs received by the mating holes to provide attachment to the first portion of the strap. The tabs may preferably be made from a material that is substantially harder than the strap. For instance, in some embodiments the tabs may be made of a hard plastic, or alternatively from metal. Advantageously, this enables a reliable connection between the tabs and the slots. Preferably, in embodiments where there are a plurality of slots and tabs, the slots and tabs are arranged such that when first tab is received by first slot, a second tab may also be received by a second slot, providing a more secure attachment. Alternatively, in other embodiments the second portion may comprise tabs and the first portion may comprise slots.

Advantageously, the attachment mechanism provides easy attachment of the wearable inhaler to the forearm. Having a plurality of tabs and/or slots enables the strap to accommodate wearers with different size arms to one another, with the tabs being able to be attached to the appropriate slots that provide the most secure and comfortable fit for the wearer.

Alternatively, in other embodiments the attachment mechanism may be any type of attachment known for wearable devices, for instance a buckle fastening. Alternatively, the first and second portions may be made from a unitary piece. In this instance the attachment may be provided by a clasp mechanism. The clasp or buckle may be made of a different material to the strap, such as hard plastic or metal. Alternatively, the strap may be expandable, such that it can be expanded to fit on the wearer's forearm or wrist, and elastically held in place. Regions of the strap could also be made of a fabric material that can be tied or attached around the wearer's forearm. Preferably, the receptacle is relatively rigid in comparison to the strap. This provides a secure protective region for receiving and holding the inhaler canister, protecting the inhaler canister from any knocks that may occur, particularly during exercise. A rigid receptacle also provides durability and reliability when administering the medication. Alternatively, or additionally the strap may be elastic. This advantageously provides a comfortable fit for the wearer allowing the strap to slightly mould to the wearers arm. The strap may be made from rubber, or any other type of elastic material, or plastic material. The receptacle may be made from plastic.

Preferably, the receptacle is held by elastic compression of the strap. The strap elastically holds the receptacle when it is received in the bore. This may be achieved by the strap being elastic and the receptacle being relatively rigid. The bore diameter may be comparable with, or smaller than, the diameter of the receptacle, such that when the receptacle is received within the bore, the diameter of the bore expands to elastically hold the receptacle. Advantageously, this provides a secure fit, holding the receptacle onto the strap, with the elasticity permitting removal of the receptacle when required by the wearer. Easy removal may be advantageous to aid in cleaning of the receptacle, for instance, after the medication from the inhaler canister has been administered several times, cleaning may be necessary to avoid the build-up of medication which may block up the inhaler. This arrangement allows the user to remove the receptacle without having to remove the strap from their arm.

In other alternative embodiments the receptacle may be attached to the strap by glue in addition, or alternatively, to elastic compression. This would be useful in embodiments where removing the receptacle from the strap is not required. When used in combination with the elastic compression this provides an additional, and thereby more secure attachment between the receptacle and the strap. Preferably, the receptacle comprises an outer surface, the outer surface comprising a recessed region in which the strap is accommodated when the receptacle is received in the bore. The recessed region preferably extends along a portion of the axis of the receptacle, and may be recessed with respect to the outer surface at the first and second end of the receptacle. Advantageously, this aids in the connection of the receptacle to the strap, as the strap comfortably fits within the recessed region, with the regions either side of the recessed region preventing the strap from slipping in normal use. In some embodiments the recessed region may have a depth, with the thickness of the strap substantially matched to the depth, such that a substantially flush finish between the receptacle and the strap is achieved. This is desirable as it provides a sleek and elegant finish to the wearable asthma inhaler. In other example embodiments, the strap may be thicker than the depth of the recessed region. This may be required if the strap is to provide a more secure hold, or alternatively if the strap is to accommodate other additional elements onto its surface.

Preferably, the mouthpiece has an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the receptacle, such that medication from the inhaler canister is administered through the mouthpiece in a plane substantially parallel to the axis of the receptacle. The mouthpiece may have a fixed axis with respect to the axis of the receptacle. This provides a simple compact design with the mouthpiece at one end of the receptacle and the inhaler canister received at the opposing end. The mouthpiece may be unitary with the receptacle, or alternatively may be formed of a separate piece. For instance, the mouthpiece may in some embodiments be an insert, inserted into the receptacle. The mouthpiece may have the same profile cross-section as the receptacle. Alternatively, the mouthpiece may have a tapered nozzle, or any other shape that can be envisaged.

The first end of the receptacle may also comprise an insert. Advantageously, having an insert at either end of the receptacle may provide additional support to the receptacle and may aid in easy removal for cleaning.

Preferably, the receptacle comprises an inner surface the inner surface comprising a plurality of ridges extending along the axis of the receptacle, for providing support to the inhaler canister. In some embodiments there may be provided six ridges arranged uniformly around the inner surface. In other embodiments there may be more or fewer ridges. The ridges help support the inhaler canister, rather than it contacting directly against the inner surface of the receptacle. The ridges also help provide an air gap between the inhaler canister and the receptacle, promoting the air to flow down the inner sides of the receptacle. Preferably, the receptacle is cylindrical. Advantageously, the receptacle is the same shape as a typical inhaler canister. This enables the size of the receptacle to perfectly contour the outer surface of an inhaler canister received. This results in a slimmer sleeker design as is desirable for wearable devices. Alternatively, the receptacle may be any other shape, such as hexagonal. Advantageously, this would provide easy gripping of the wearable inhaler when administering medication.

Preferably, at least a portion of the strap is textured to facilitate gripping. In some embodiments at least one of the outer surface of the first and second portions of the strap are textured. In some embodiments the region of the strap that receives the receptacle has an outer surface which may comprise a textured surface. The textured surface may be a series of raised ridges on the strap, or any other raised pattern. Alternatively, a textured material may be attached to the strap. The textured strap provides the advantage that when administering the medication, the user can retain a firm hold on the strap, ensuring the correct dose is administered.

Preferably, the receptacle comprises a receiving portion for receiving a nozzle of the inhaler canister, such that when in use, to administer the medication of the inhaler canister, the nozzle is pushed against the receiving portion. The receiving portion may be connected to the receptacle by support regions extending from the inner surface of the receptacle. The support regions may contact the inner surface at four distinct locations, forming a cross like shape. In some embodiments the receiving portion may be attached to a circular insert that is inserted into the receptacle. This insert may be unitary with the mouthpiece. The receiving portion may be located towards the second end of the receptacle, such that it is nearest to the mouthpiece. This arrangement allows the inhaler canister to be received within the receptacle such that substantially the whole length of the canister is enclosed within the receptacle. The receptacle is configured such that the end of the inhaler canister furthest from the nozzle protrudes out the end of the receptacle. When administering the medication the end of the inhaler canister is pushed, causing the nozzle to be pushed against the receiving portion, with the medication administered in a manner similar to conventional inhalers.

The wearable asthma inhaler may be suitable for attaching to the forearm or any other portion of the arm including the wrist or upper arm. Various embodiments may have different size straps. For instance, one example wearable inhaler may have a strap with a length between 13.7 to 15.8 cm, for accommodating a small forearm. A further example wearable inhaler may have a strap with a length between 15.8 to 19.3 cm for accommodating a medium size forearm. A further example wearable inhaler may have a strap with a length between 19.3 to 21.1 cm for accommodating a large size forearm. Here where forearm is stated, this is intended to cover the conventional location for wearing a wrist watch. In a further aspect of the invention there may be provided the wearable asthma inhaler as described above, further comprising an inhaler canister containing asthma medication. The asthma inhaler canister may be any type of asthma inhaler canister that is known in the art, for instance from a MDI.

For instance, the inhaler is preferably a reliever inhaler, containing medication such as salbutamol.

Conventional asthma inhalers are disposable as they only contain a set number of doses of medication. Asthmatics that carry out regular exercise will typically have to replace their inhaler frequently as they are likely to often require asthmatic relief. The wearable asthma inhaler according to the invention provides the user with a quick and easy way to switch between a conventional MDI inhaler and the wearable device.

In a further aspect of the invention there may be provided a wrist worn asthma inhalant administration medical device comprising of: (a) Plastic platform that will sit on the upper part of the wearers wrist that will house the standard size pressure activated inhalant bottle (patent to extend to the user of adapted size bottles in the future) at the rear and include a plastic hollow mouthpiece/straw that opens from the housing at the front, (b) The plastic platform will have a hollow pathway inside from the bottle housing to the mouthpiece so when activated the inhalant can easily travel to the users mouth to be able to breathe. (c) To secure the platform to the wearers wrist the platform will be attached to a watch-like strap. With holes for adjustment and a buckle to secure the strap (future versions may see the watch-like strap replaced with elastic material bands or a fastening clip), (d) The first version of the Inhaler Bracelet will not include a feature on the front of the plastic platform that allows the wearer to see the time (shown as an example of location in the 3d model - future versions may see the introduction of a watch/time feature into the platform of the bracelet).

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention shown facing the first end of the receptacle;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention shown facing the second end of the receptacle;

Figure 3 is a side-on perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention shown facing the first end of the receptacle;

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention shown facing the second end of the receptacle; Figure 6 is a top-down perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to the first embodiment of the invention and an asthma inhaler canister; Figure 8 is a side-on perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention with an inhaler canister next to the first end of the receptacle.

Figure 9 is a side-on perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention with an inhaler canister fully received in the receptacle;

Figure 10 is a side-on perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention with an inhaler canister fully received in the receptacle and a plume of medication exiting the mouthpiece; Figure 1 1 is a side on perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 6 show different perspective views of a wearable asthma inhaler 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The wearable asthma inhaler 10 comprises a receptacle 101 accommodated on a strap 103.

The strap 103 has a first portion 105 and a second portion 107 for attaching the wearable asthma inhaler 10 to a wrist of a wearer.

The first 105 and second 107 portions of the strap 103 extend from opposing ends of a bore 109 formed in the strap 103, in which the receptacle 101 is received. The bore 109 and the receptacle 101 are both cylindrical, with the diameter of the bore 109 being slightly larger than the diameter of the receptacle 101 to provide a secure fit.

The strap 103 of the wearable asthma inhaler according to the first embodiment is made from rubber, and the receptacle 101 is made from hard plastic. When the receptacle 101 is received within the bore 109 the elastic nature of the rubber strap 103 securely holds the receptacle 101 , owing to their similar diameter. Two tabs 1 15 are located on the inside surface of the first portion of the strap 105 and a number of slots 1 19 are present on the second portion of the strap 107. The size of the slots 1 19 are matched to the tabs 117 such that the tabs 1 17 can be received by the slots 1 19. The slot 1 19 and tab 1 15 arrangement provide a convenient way of securing the strap 103 to the wearer's arm. In the embodiment shown there are nine slots 1 19 and two tabs present, however there could be any number of slots 119 and tabs 115.

As can be seen from Figure 1 the tabs 1 15 are formed on a plate 1 17 separate to the strap 1 10. The plate 1 17 is attached to the first portion of the strap 105 by the tabs 1 15 being received in through-holes located in the first portion of the strap 105. The plate 1 17 and the tabs 1 15 are made from the same plastic as the receptacle 101 to enhance their durability. In alternative embodiments the tabs 115 may be unitary with the strap 103 with no plate 1 17 required.

The receptacle 101 has first 1 1 1 and second 1 13 opposing ends that project out from the bore 109, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 3. The axis of the receptacle 101 between the first 1 1 1 and second 1 13 ends is substantially straight. A first end cap 121 is attached onto the first 1 1 1 end of the receptacle and a second end cap 122 is attached onto the second end of the receptacle 113. The second end cap 122 forms a mouthpiece 123, which the user places in their mouth when administering the medication.

As can be seen in Figure 2, and clearly shown in the end perspective views of the wearable inhaler 10 in Figures 4 and 5, attached to the inside surface of the second end cap 122 is a receiving portion 125, such that the receiving portion 125 is positioned on the axis of the receptacle 101. The receiving portion 125 is attached to the inside surface of the second end cap 122 via four supports 127. The receiving portion 125 is slightly set back from the mouthpiece 123 such that there is a gap between the mouthpiece 123 and the receiving portion 125. A nozzle receiver 129 is located at the centre of the receiving portion 125 for receiving the nozzle of an inhaler canister. The nozzle receiver 129 has a hole 131 at its centre, for providing a fluid connection between the nozzle of the inhaler canister and the mouthpiece 123. As can be seen from Figure 1 a number of ridges 130 extend along the inside surface of the receptacle 101 and the inside surface of first end cap 121. Shown in Figure 1 are three of such ridges 130, with a further three ridges 130 not in view. The six ridges 130 are equally spaced around the inner surface of the receptacle 101 and the first end cap 121. The ridges 130 extend along the axis of the receptacle 101 and end where the receptacle 101 meets the second end cap 122.

Regions of the outer surface of the strap 103 are textured. The textured regions are provided by gripping ridges 133 spaced along the length of the first 105 and second portions 107 of the strap, extending from the bore 109. The gripping ridges 133 nearest the bore 109 are curved, with the curvature of the gripping ridges 133 located further from the bore 109 less pronounced, such that the gripping ridges 133 furthest from the bore 109 are straight. The gripping ridges 133 provide a non-slip region for the user to hold onto when administering medication from the wearable inhaler 10.

Figure 7 is an exploded view of the wearable inhaler 10. It can be seen that the receptacle 101 has a recessed region 135 extending between the first 1 1 1 and second ends of the receptacle 1 13. The recessed region 135 extends around the entire circumference of the receptacle 101. As shown in Figures 1 to 6 when the receptacle 101 is received within the bore 109, the strap 103 contacts the recessed region 135. The depth of the recessed region 135 is matched to the thickness of the strap 103 such that there is a flush finish between the strap 103 and the receptacle 101.

Figure 8 is a side-on perspective view of a wearable asthma inhaler according to a first embodiment of the invention with an inhaler canister 201 next to the first end of the receptacle 11 1.

The inhaler canister 20 is inserted nozzle 201 end first and is pushed from the second end of the canister 203, such that the nozzle 201 is received by the nozzle receiver 129 of the receiving portion 125. The inhaler canister is supported away from the inner walls of the receptacle 101 via the ridges 130. Figure 9 shows the inhaler canister 20 fully inserted into the receptacle 101. Although it cannot be seen from the perspective view shown in Figure 9, the second end of the inhaler canister 203 slightly protrudes from the first end of the receptacle 11 1. The wearable asthma inhaler 10 as shown in Figure 9 is in the configuration ready for activation, as it would be when worn during exercise.

When a dose of medication is required, the user places their mouth around the mouthpiece 123. The user then pushes the second end of the canister 203 further into the receptacle 101 causing the nozzle 201 of the canister to be pressed against the receiving portion 125, thus administering a dose of medication. The medication passes through the hole 131 of the receiving portion 125 and exits out through the second end of the receptacle 1 13 into the users mouth by means of the mouthpiece 123. This is clearly illustrated in Figure 10, where the medication 30 can be seen to be exiting the second end of the receptacle 1 13. As can be seen in Figure 8 the inhaler canister is a conventional MDI asthma inhaler canister that has been removed from its housing. In this embodiment, a reliever inhaler canister is shown, containing asthma medication such as salbutamol.

Figure 1 1 illustrates a wearable asthma inhaler 40 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this example wearable asthma inhaler, the receptacle 401 has a curved axis between the first 41 1 and second 413 ends. This may be advantageous for providing the wearer with a more convenient orientation of the mouthpiece 423. In the second embodiment, there is also provided only one tab 415, which has a rounded shape to match the shape of the rounded slots 419.