Abstract: An inhaler comprising an elongate housing containing a reservoir of inhalable composition. An outlet for the composition and suction port are provided at one end of the housing. A diaphragm is mounted in the housing defining a suction chamber such that suction on the suction port reduces the size of the suction chamber. An elongate leaf spring is mounted at one end to the housing at the end of the suction chamber opposite to the suction port, and is pivotally mounted at an intermediate portion about a pivot point. A valve element is at the end of the leaf spring opposite to the one end and is biased closed. Suction on the suction port deflects the diaphragm and hence the leaf spring between the one end and the pivot point causing the opposite end of the leaf spring to pivot about the pivot point thereby causing the valve element to open.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising an elongate housing containing a reservoir of inhalable composition. An outlet for the composition and suction port are provided at one end of the housing. A diaphragm is mounted in the housing defining a suction chamber such that suction on the suction port reduces the size of the suction chamber. An elongate leaf spring is mounted at one end to the housing at the end of the suction chamber opposite to the suction port, and is pivotally mounted at an intermediate portion about a pivot point. A valve element is at the end of the leaf spring opposite to the one end and is biased closed. Suction on the suction port deflects the diaphragm and hence the leaf spring between the one end and the pivot point causing the opposite end of the leaf spring to pivot about the pivot point thereby causing the valve element to open.

Abstract: An inhaler according to an embodiment has a breath operated valve with a valve element biased closed by a spring and a diaphragm arranged to deform when suction is applied to an outlet end generating low pressure above the diaphragm to lift the valve element against the biasing force of the spring allowing composition to flow out of the inhaler. The spring is a strip of resilient material forming a u-shape with a first arm extending from a position adjacent to the valve element along the diaphragm in a direction away from the outlet end so as to support the diaphragm to an apex where it extends away from the diaphragm into a second arm extending back towards the outlet end, the second arm engaging with the housing to generate a biasing force to urge the valve element closed.

Abstract: A pressurised container containing a liquid composition to be dispensed and a propellant to pressurise the container. The container has a non-metred outlet valve at its lower end such that it is in communication with liquid in the container when the container is oriented with the valve lowermost. The valve comprises a valve stem having an outlet towards the bottom end communicating with an inlet as a lateral port through the side of the stem, the lateral port being positioned such that it is moveable between a first position out of communication with the liquid and a second position in communication with the liquids. A resilient element biases the valve element to the first position. A sealing plate which surrounds the valve stem and has a first seal and a second seal. An end cap is fitted over the sealing plate.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising a breath operated valve with a valve element biased closed by a spring and a diaphragm arranged to deform when suction is applied to an outlet end generating low pressure above the diaphragm to lift the valve element against the biasing force of the spring allowing composition to flow out of the inhaler. The spring is a strip of resilient material forming a U-shape with a first arm extending from a position adjacent to the valve element along the diaphragm in a direction away from the outlet end so as to support the diaphragm to an apex where it extends away from the diaphragm into a second arm extending back towards the outlet end, the second arm engaging with the housing to generate a biasing force to urge the valve element closed.