초록 ▼

An indicating device for indicating the number of metered doses of medicaments that have been dispensed from or remain in a container having a valve stem extending longitudinally therefrom and moveable between an open and closed position. The indicating device includes a base member adapted to be mo

An indicating device for indicating the number of metered doses of medicaments that have been dispensed from or remain in a container having a valve stem extending longitudinally therefrom and moveable between an open and closed position. The indicating device includes a base member adapted to be mounted to the container, a cap member moveably connected to the base member, an indicator member rotatably mounted to the cap member and an indicating mechanism adapted to rotate the counter member an incremental amount upon a predetermined number of axial movements of the cap member relative to the base member. A preferred embodiment of the indicating device includes a ratchet wheel, a drive member selectively engaging the indicating member, a pawl selectively engaging the ratchet wheel, and a non-return member adapted to selectively engage the ratchet wheel so as to maintain a unidirectional rotation of the ratchet wheel. A method for indicating the number of metered doses dispensed from or remaining in the container comprises moving the cap member toward and away from the base member, engaging the ratchet wheel with the pawl and engaging the indicating member with the drive member. A method of assembling an inhalation device including an indicating device is also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of metered dosages that have been dispensed from or remain in a container, said indicating device comprising:a base member;a cap member moveably connected to said base member, said cap member moveable relative to s

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of metered dosages that have been dispensed from or remain in a container, said indicating device comprising:a base member;a cap member moveably connected to said base member, said cap member moveable relative to said base member along an axial path between at least a first and second position;a resilient cantilevered member extending from one of said base member and said cap member; anda ramped surface, wherein at least a portion of said resilient cantilevered member engages and is moveable along said ramped surface in a first direction as said cap member is moved from said first position to said second position, wherein said ramped surface biases said resilient cantilevered member to a flexed condition as said cap member is moved relative to said base member from said first position to said second position, and wherein said at least said portion of said resilient cantilevered member engages and is moveable along said ramped surface in a second direction opposite said first direction as said cap member is moved from said second position to said first position.