Container, indicator device with moveable piercing part, and nebulizer
AssigneeBoehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
InventorsJoachim Eicher, Gilbert Wuttke, Alfred Von Schuckmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A nebulizer as well as a container and an indicator device for such a nebulizer are proposed. The indicator device is fixedly mounted from the bottom of the container and comprises a piercing element for opening an aeration of the container. The indicator device and its piercing part are preferably actuated by axial movement of the indicator device and container within the nebulizer.
Claims35
An indicator device for a container containing a fluid to be nebulized by a nebulizer, the indicator device comprising:
- an indicator element for counting or indicating a number of uses performed or still possible with the container,
- a piercing part for opening an aeration of the container, and a housing,
- wherein the indicator element is arranged within an internal space of the housing,
- wherein the piercing part is arranged entirely within the internal space of the housing, if not actuated or before first use or actuation, and
- wherein the piercing part is moveable such that it protrudes outwards from the housing and external to the internal space of the housing for opening or piercing the container.
A container for a nebulizer,
- the container containing a fluid, and
- the container comprising an indicator device with an indicator element for counting or indicating a number of uses performed or still possible with the container,
- wherein the indicator device comprises a piercing part for opening an aeration of the container,
- wherein the indicator device comprises a housing,
- wherein the indicator element is arranged within an internal space of the housing,
- wherein the piercing part is arranged entirely within the internal space of the housing, if not actuated or before first use or actuation, and
- wherein the piercing part is moveable such that it protrudes outwards from the housing and external to the internal space of the housing for opening or piercing the container.
A nebulizer for a fluid, the nebulizer comprising:
- a replaceable container containing the fluid;
- a nebulizer housing for receiving the container;
- a housing part which can be detached from the nebulizer housing or opened for replacing the container;
- and
- an indicator device with an indicator element for counting or indicating a number of uses performed or still possible with the container;
- wherein the indicator device comprises a piercing part for opening an aeration of the container,
- wherein the indicator device comprises a housing,
- wherein the indicator element is arranged within an internal space of the housing of the indicator device,
- wherein the piercing part is arranged entirely within the internal space of the housing of the indicator device, if not actuated or before first use or actuation, and
- wherein the piercing part is moveable such that it protrudes outwards from the housing of the indicator device and external to the internal space of the housing of the indicator device for opening or piercing the container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.