U.S. patent number 3,881,634 [Application Number 05/379,362] was granted by the patent office on 1975-05-06 for inhalant disperser.
This patent grant is currently assigned to A-T-O Inc.. Invention is credited to James L. Thrun.
United States Patent |
3,881,634 |
Thrun |
May 6, 1975 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Inhalant disperser
Abstract
An inhalant disperser comprising an ampoule contained within an
enclosure formed of an outer layer of liquid absorbent paper and an
inner layer of material having an impermeable portion confining the
fragments of a broken ampoule within the enclosure and a perforated
portion permitting the passage of the ampoule contents therethrough
for permeating the outer layer.
Inventors: |
Thrun; James L. (Orchard Park,
NY) |
Assignee: |
A-T-O Inc. (Willoughby,
OH)
|
Family
ID: |
23496923 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/379,362 |
Filed: |
July 16, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/3; 222/187;
128/203.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M
15/0028 (20130101); A61M 15/0031 (20140204); A61M
2202/0468 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61M
15/00 (20060101); B67b 007/24 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/107,187,3,80,81,92
;128/266,198,195,200 ;239/34,43,57 ;206/484,205 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Blunk; Evon C.
Assistant Examiner: Slattery; James M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Christel & Bean
Claims
I claim:
1. An inhalant disperser comprising: an enclosure; a frangible
ampoule containing a vaporizable liquid and encapsulated within
said enclosure; said enclosure comprising an outer layer of liquid
absorbing paper and a protective inner layer of impermeable
material; said enclosure being shaped to define a pocket for said
ampoule wherein said protective inner layer extends around a major
portion of the periphery of said ampoule so as to confine ampoule
fragments within said enclosure and prevent egress of such
fragments outwardly through said enclosure; said enclosure also
being shaped to include an interior region extending from said
pocket; said enclosure comprising a pair of opposed wall portions
each having said outer layer and said protective inner layer, said
wall portions being integrally joined together along a common edge
and shaped to form said pocket, the wall portions extending from
said pocket in a converging relation to a common juncture; said
protective inner layer fitting snugly around said ampoule to
maintain the latter in substantially fixed position within said
enclosure; the remaining edges of said opposed wall portions being
sealed together to complete said enclosure; and at least certain
portions of said inner layer in communication with said extending
interior region of said enclosure having means for establishing
passage of said liquid through said inner layer for impregnating
said liquid absorbing paper.
2. A disperser according to claim 1 wherein said passage means
comprises opneings formed in said inner layer of impermeable
material.
3. A disperser according to claim 1 wherein said inner layer of
impermeable material has a solid portion extending around said
ampoule and beyond the periphery thereof; the remaining portion of
said inner layer being provided with openings to form said passage
means communicating with said outer layer of said enclosure.
4. A disperser according to claim 1 wherein said impermeable
material in an adhesive meltable under elevated temperatures.
5. A disperser according to claim 1 wherein said enclosure
comprises a pair of opposed walls integrally joined together along
a common rounded edge to form a bulbuous portion encompassing said
ampoule and engaging the major portion of the periphery thereof;
the remaining edges of said opposed walls being sealed together to
complete said enclosure.
6. A disperser according to claim 1 wherein said inner layer of
impermeable material is a film of plastic material and said passage
means comprises a multiplicity of closely spaced, minute apertures
extending through said film.
7. A disperser according to claim 6 wherein said plastic material
is polyethylene.
8. A disperser according to claim 1 wherein said enclosure is
generally rectangular and of an elongated trough formation.
9. An inhalant disperser comprising: an enclosure; a frangible
ampoule containing a vaporizable liquid and encapsulated within
said enclosure; said enclosure comprising an outer layer of liquid
absorbing paper and a protective inner layer of impermeable
material; said enclosure being shaped to define a pocket for said
ampoule wherein said protective inner layer extends around a major
portion of the periphery of said ampoule so as to confine ampoule
fragments within said enclosure and prevent egress of such
fragments outwardly through said enclosure; said enclosure also
being shaped to include an interior region extending from said
pocket; said enclosure comprising a pair of opposed walls
integrally joined together along a common rounded edge to form a
bulbuous portion encompassing said ampoule and engaging the major
portion of the periphery thereof; said inner layer of impermeable
material having a solid portion extending from said common edge
through said bulbuous portion and therebeyond toward the opposite
edges of said opposed walls; the remaining edges of said opposed
walls being sealed together to complete said enclosure; and the
remaining portion of said inner layer in communication with said
extending interior region of said enclosure being provided with
openings to provide passages communicating with said outer layer of
said enclosure for establishing passage of said liquid through said
inner layer for impregnating said liquid absorbing paper.
10. A disperser according to claim 7 wherein said remaining
portions are approximately 50% covered with said impermeable
material.
11. An inhalant disperser comprising: an enclosure; a frangible
ampoule containing a vaporizable liquid and encpasulated within
said enclosure; said enclosure comprising an outer layer of liquid
absorbing paper and a protective inner layer of impermeable
material; said enclosure being shaped to define a pocket for said
ampoule wherein said protective inner layer extends around a major
portion of the periphery of said ampoule so as to confine ampoule
fragments within said enclosure and prevent egress of such
fragments outwardly through said enclosure; said enclosure also
being shaped to include an interior region extending from said
pocket; and at least certain portions of said inner layer in
communication with said extending interior region of said enclosure
having means for establishing passage of said liquid through said
inner layer for impregnating said liquid absorbing paper, said
passage means comprising openings formed in said inner layer of
impermeable material, said openings being defined by a plurality of
intersecting lines of said inner layer of impermeable material
located in said certain portions of said inner layer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a disperser and, more
particularly, to an inhalant disperser for dispelling vaporizable
liquids.
Inhalant dispersers or inhalators for releasing ammonia or
medicated vapors for treating persons suffering from fainting
spells and the like are well known. Such devices generally comprise
an inner container or ampoule of a frangible material containing a
vaporizable liquid and encapsulated within a liquid absorbent
material, such as cotton for example. In use, the container is
broken to release the liquid, which is absorbed by the cotton and
dispelled as a vapor through the porous cotton material. While many
such inhalators are admirably suited for their intended purposes,
they possess certain disadvantages. For example, the cotton fabric
often is saturated with a starch solution prior to tightly wrapping
the same about the container. After wrapping, the package is dried
under controlled temperatures to substantially rigidify and
strengthen the finished product. The starch tends to close the
pores of the cotton material and retards, to some degree,
subsequent impregnation thereof by the liquid solution released
from the container. This, in turn, retards the escape of vapors for
inhalation by the user.
In another approach, the step of wetting the cotton material with a
starch solution is eliminated. Instead, the strip of cotton is
wrapped loosely about the frangible container and then bound by a
fabric netting, which confines the cotton material and serves as a
container for the finished product. While such packaged inhalators
do speed up liquid impregnation of the cotton material and
consequent vaporization, they do not effectively confine the
fragments of the broken container thereby subjecting the user to
possible injury.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a simple
and improved inhalant disperser which obviates the above
disadvantages and provides virtually instant vaporization upon
release of the ampoule contents.
Another object of this invention is to provide the foregoing
disperser with a protective enclosure for effectively confining the
fragments of a broken ampoule within the disperser package while
readily permitting the escape of vapors therefrom.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an inhalant
disperser which is simple and strong in construction, sufficiently
durable and rugged to withstand abuse during handling without
damaging the inner frangible ampoule, relatively low in costs, and
which is well adapted to commercial mass production by known
manufacturing techniques.
In one aspect thereof, the inhalant disperser of this invention is
characterized by an enclosure formed of filter paper and provided
with an inner protective layer of materials confining the ampoule
fragments within the enclosure while permitting the dispersion of
vapors outwardly therethrough.
The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and characterizing
features of the present invention will become clearly apparent from
the ensuing detailed description of illustrative embodiments
thereof, taken together with the accompanying drawing wherein like
reference characters denote like parts throughout the various
views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an inhalant disperser
constructed in accordance with this invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view thereof;
FIG. 4 is an end elevational view thereof;
FIG. 5 is a tranverse cross sectional view, on an enlarged scale,
taken about on line 5--5 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of a strip of material forming the
disperser package, showing a major portion of the inner layer and a
small portion of the outer layer; and
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing another form of inner
layer for the strip of material forming the disperser package.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
Referring now in detail to the illustrative embodiment depicted in
the accompanying drawing, there is shown in FIG. 1 an inhalant
disperser, generally designated 10, constructed in accordance with
this invention, comprising a frangible or breakable ampoule 12
completely enclosed within a protective covering or enclosure 14 in
the form of an envelope package.
Ampoule 12 comprises an hermetically sealed tubular casing 16
preferably formed of onion skin glass and having a relatively thin
wall 18 (FIG. 5) so as to be easily breakable upon the application
of pressure by the user's fingers. However, the ampoule wall is
sufficiently strong to withstand, in a vacuum chamber, a pressure
of 1.68 psia, which is the equivalent of subjecting the ampoule to
an altitude of 50,000 feet.
Ampoule 12 contains an ammonia solution which, when released,
readily evaporates for emergency inhalation by persons subjected to
fainting spells and the like. However, it should be understood that
the ampoule incorporated in the disperser of this invention can be
filled with various vaporizable liquids or medicaments, as desired,
such as stimulants for patients having a heart condition or for
treating nasal and pulmonary afflictions, for example.
The protective enclosure 14 is formed of a strip of a suitable
liquid abosrbent filter paper 20 constituting the outer layer of
enclosure 14 and having an inner layer or film 22 (FIG. 6) of an
impermeable material adhered thereto as will hereinafter be more
fully described. As shown in FIG. 1, enclosure 14 comprises a body
having a generally rectangular outline in elevation and provided
with an upper longitudinal edge 24, a pair of opposite ends 26 and
28, and a lower longitudinal edge 30 formed with a central,
recessed rounded edge 32 therein. The terms upper, lower, top,
bottom and the like, as used herein, are applied only for
convenience of description with reference to FIG. 1 of the drawing
and are not used in a limiting sense.
Enclosure 14 is provided with opposed walls 34 and 36 (FIGS. 4 and
5) extending from the rounded, common, lower edge 32 upwardly and
around the sides of ampoule 12, and then upwardly at an angle in a
converging relation to a common upper juncture formed by the
overlapping ends of walls 34 and 36, which are sealed together
along strip portion 40 extending lengthwise of enclosure 14
adjacent the upper edge 24 thereof. The opposite ends of enclosure
walls 34 and 36 also are sealed together along strip portions 42
and 44 extending transversely of enclosure 14 adjacent the opposite
ends thereof to complete the enclosure. The lower rounded edge 32
of enclosure 14 forms a bulbous portion 38 fitting snugly about the
major portion of ampoule 12 to maintain the latter substantially
fixed in position within enclosure 14.
In forming the disperser package, an elongated strip 46 of a
suitable liquid absorbent filter paper 20 is coated with a suitable
"hot melt" adhesive to form inner layer 22. As used herein, a hot
melt adhesive is one that liquifies at certain elevated
temperatures and becomes readily fusible. As shown in FIG. 6, the
elongated central area of strip 46 is completely covered with the
desired adhesive to eliminate any voids and form an impermeable
central barrier or liner 48 preventing the passage of any glass
particulates therethrough. This coating of adhesive on the inner
surface of the filter paper strip 46 strengthens the same and
inhibits the tearing or destruction thereof. The remaining area of
strip 46 is only partially covered with adhesive to form perforated
bands 50 and 52 extending lengthwise of strip 46 along the opposite
longitudinal edges thereof. As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6,
the adhesive deposited on bands 50 and 52 preferably is in the form
of a pattern comprising diagonally extending, intersecting lines 54
and 56 defining a multiplicity of diamond shaped openings 58
therebetween for the passage of the ampoule liquid contents
therethrough. Preferably, approximately 50 percent of the area of
bands 50 and 52 is covered with adhesive, the remainder being left
open to provide the desired passages. This partial covering of
paper 20 along bands 50 and 52 also serves to strengthen the same
and maintain the integrity thereof.
After the adhesive coating operation, strip 46 can be severed at
equally spaced longitudinal intervals to form discrete lengths
thereof. Each such length is then folded lengthwise or along its
longitudinal axis to form an elongated trough formation for
receiving an ampoule 12 therein. After ampoule 12 is placed in the
trough formation, the opposite longitudinal edges of the strip are
brought together and heat sealed, as at 40, in a conventional
manner, the adhesive along such edges fusing together upon the
application of heat thereto. Simultaneously, the opposite ends of
the folded strip are heat sealed along strips 42 and 44 in the same
manner to complete enclosure 14. As shown in FIG. 5, the bulbous
portion 38 of folded enclosure 14 snugly engages the periphery of
ampoule 12 along a major portion thereof to substantially retain
the latter in a fixed position therein.
In a commercial, mass production operation, strip 46 can be severed
into discrete lengths after the heat sealing operation. In such an
operation, an elongated, continuous flat strip or filter paper 20
of the desired width and gauge is continuously advanced
longitudinally and coated with adhesive to form the central
impermeable barrier portion 48 and the perforated bands 50 and 52
in the pattern illustrated in FIG. 6.
As the adhesively coated strip advances, it passes through a
folding station wherein the opposite longitudinal edges of strip 46
are urged toward each other to form an elongated trough along the
longitudinal axis of strip 46. Ampoules 12 are then deposited in
the trough at selective, equally spaced distances during continued
advancement of strip 46. At the next downstream station, the
longitudinal edges of the strip 46 are brought together and heat
sealed along such edges and along equally spaced, transverse strips
extending crosswise of the folded strip and between each adjacent
pair of longitudinally spaced ampoules 12. Subsequently, the folded
and sealed strip is severed into discrete lengths along transverse
lines centrally of the transversely extending sealed strips to form
the finished, packaged dispersers 10.
In use, the frangible ampoule 12 is crushed or broken by the
pressure of the user's fingers to release the liquid contents
thereof. The liquid flows through openings 58 and is absorbed by
filter paper 20 for release as vapor. The solid, central,
impermeable barrier 48 located about bulbous portion 38 prevents
the egress of the ampoule fragments outwardly through enclosure 14
to avoid injury to the user's fingers while the large open area
defined by the multiplicity of openings 58 in perforated bands 50
and 52 permits rapid flow of the liquid therethrough for quickly
permeating filter paper 20. The liquid immediately spreads and
diffuses throughout filter paper 20 and is released therefrom as
vapors for inhalation by the user. Disperser 10 provides virtually
instant vaporization upon breakage of ampoule 12. While the
diamond-shaped pattern on bands 50 and 52 illustrated in FIG. 6 is
preferable for maximum protection against glass fragmentation and
optimum flow of the ampoule contents in the finished product, it
should be understood that various designs may be utilized so long
as a sufficiently large total open area is provided for relatively
unrestricted flow of the ampoule contents therethrough.
As shown in FIG. 5, the impermeable barrier 48 extends about pocket
38, around and well beyond the periphery of ampoule 12 to insure
retention of the ampoule fragments within the confines of enclosure
14. Moreover, enclosure 14 tightly embraces ampoule 12 over a major
portion of its circumferential periphery and overlies the upper
side portions thereof, as viewed in FIG. 5, to retain ampoule 12 in
a substantially fixed position within enclosure 14, thereby
minimizing the possibility of accidentally bursting ampule 12.
Moreover, the relatively wide sealing strips or areas along the
three edges of enclosure 14 render the latter sufficiently stiff
and rigid to withstand normal handling without damage to ampoule
12.
The particular shape of enclosure 14, i.e. the generally
rectangular configuration thereof providing a large width relative
to the length enables disperser 10 to be conveniently handled by
human fingers for effective use.
While ampoule 12 of disperser 10 preferably is filled with an
ammonia solution or other suitable vaporizable medicament, it
should be understood that other commercial vaporizable solutions,
such as perfumes or deodorants for example, can be contained
therein, as desired. Also, the relatively wide, flat sealed strip
portions can be effectively used as applicators when saturated with
the ampoule contents, for applying the latter to human or other
surfaces.
FIG. 7 illustrates another form of the invention in which the inner
layer of material applied to filter paper 20 is a relatively thin
film or liner 60 of thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene
for example, in lieu of an adhesive. The thermoplastic film 60 in
strip form is laminated or otherwise applied to filter paper 20 and
is folded lengthwise therewith to provide a trough formation for
the reception of ampoules 12. The longitudinal edges of the
composite strip are then heat sealed together, the thermoplastic
material along such edges fusing together upon the application of
heat thereto. Also, the opposite ends of the folded strip are heat
sealed in a similar manner to complete the enclosure.
A multiplicity of perforations in the form of closely spaced,
minute apertures 62 are formed in liner 60 for the passage of the
ampoule contents therethrough. These apertures 62 can be spaced
over the entire liner area and made small enough to preclude the
passage of ampoule fragments therethrough. while permitting the
flow of the ampoule contents therethrough. The total open area
defined by apertures 62 is sufficiently large to facilitate rapid
saturation of filter paper 20 by the ampoule contents. Alternately,
apertures 62 can be made relatively large and located only in the
areas along the opposite longitudinal edges of the strip in the
same manner as perforated bands 50 and 52 are formed. In any event,
the number and placement of apertures 62 in liner 60 is such as to
effect immediate flow of the ampoule contents therethrough upon the
release thereof from ampoule 12 to allow rapid impregnation of
filter paper 20 and virtually instantaneous dispersement of the
fumes or vapors therefrom.
Apertures 62 can be formed in 6 liner 60 prior to or after the
application thereof to filter paper 20, as desired. This form of
the invention also lends itself to commercial mass production in
the same manner described above in connection with the first form
of the disperser described.
From the foregoing, it is apparent that the objects of the present
invention have been fully accomplished. As a result of this
invention, an improved inhalant disperser is provided for rapidly
dispelling vapors upon release of the ampoule contents while
confining the fragments of a broken ampoule safely within the
protective enclosure of the disperser. The disperser package can be
conveniently handled and is sufficiently stiff and rigid to
withstand normal handling without damaging the ampoule contained
therein.
Preferred embodiments of this invention having been disclosed in
detail, it is to be understood that this has been done by way of
illustration only.
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