GB2615580A

GB2615580A - Decongestant vapour delivery device

Info

Publication number: GB2615580A
Application number: GB2201873.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clarke Andrew; Clarke Tessa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-02-14
Filing date: 2022-02-14
Publication date: 2023-08-16
Also published as: GB202201873D0; WO2023152527A1

Abstract

A decongestant vapour delivery device incorporated into a soft toy or pillow 10 is disclosed. The plush item 10 comprises an outer cover having openings 12,16 on respective opposite sides and a chamber 20, for holding a quantity of decongestant liquid, formed of liquid-resistant material located within the body of the plush item 10. The void 20 has opposing openings immediately adjacent to the cover openings 12,16. One of the chamber openings has a substantially liquid-tight, vapour permeable, cover 14 that is integrated with the outer cover of the cushion/toy. The other chamber opening comprises a closure means 18 for releasably closing the second open end of the chamber. The device is primarily intended for use by a child, for enabling decongestant vapour to be safely delivered in a sustained manner over a period of time and in close proximity to the user.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G132201873.3 RTM Date:25 July 2022 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Olbas Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo DECONGESTANT VAPOUR DELIVERY DEVICE Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a decongestant vapour delivery device and, more particularly, to a decongestant aid, primarily but not necessarily exclusively intended for use by a child, for enabling decongestant vapour to be safely delivered in a sustained manner over a period of time and in close proximity to the user.

Backqround of the Invention Decongestants are well known and widely used by adults and children, to clear congested airways and aid breathing during a cold or other condition that causes congestion in the nose and chest. Many such decongestants are known, some being in the form of nasal sprays or drops intended for application directly into the nasal cavity. However, such remedies are rarely effective for more than a few hours, such that regular re-application is required to provide sustained relief. During the night, especially for young children, this can result in broken sleep and disturbed nights for both parent and child. Furthermore, many of these types of decongestant are not suitable or safe for use in babies and very young children.

One of the safest and most widely recommended methods of delivering a decongestant to infants in a sustained way, especially during the night, is to apply an essential oil mixture, such as Olbas oil, to a rag or the like, and place it near the infant, typically in or around their cot.

The oil mixture evaporates into the surrounding environment over time and the infant inhales the vapour while they sleep, which acts to unblock their airways and ease congestion. However, whilst highly effective, this method has its drawbacks.

Firstly, it is considered highly advisable to ensure that the rag carrying the oil is kept out of reach of the infant. This is because the oil itself, if touched or ingested, could cause skin irritation, eye irritation or sickness. However, in order to achieve this, the rag needs to be placed some distance from the sleeping infant, which means that the vapour is also released some distance from them and is dispersed widely in the surrounding environment. This, in turn, means that the vapour reaching the infant is highly diluted and less effective than it otherwise could be.

Secondly, because the oil on the rag is fully exposed to the air, the oil evaporates fairly rapidly and the vapour is dispersed through the surrounding environment. As there is a limit to the quantity of oil that can be applied to, and absorbed by the rag, its decongestant properties often do not last for more than a few hours, and the oil on the rag needs to be replenished regularly, which again can cause disturbed nights for both parent and child.

Statements of Invention

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to address at least one or more of these issues and, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is a provided decongestant vapour delivery device comprising a soft toy or pillow having an outer covering with first and second openings on respective opposing sides, the device further comprising a chamber formed of liquid-resistant material and located within the body of the soft toy or cushion for holding a quantity of decongestant liquid, the chamber having opposing first and second open ends, the first open end of the chamber being immediately adjacent to the first opening in outer covering of the soft toy or cushion and being covered with a substantially liquid-tight, vapour permeable material that is integrated with the outer covering of the soft toy or pillow, the second open end of the chamber being immediately adjacent to the second opening in the soft toy or cushion for enabling a said quantity of decongestant liquid to be placed in said chamber, the device further comprising a closure means for releasably closing the second open end of the chamber.

Beneficially, the chamber may be generally tubular, and optionally formed of a flexible liquid-tight material such as a synthetic fabric. In an embodiment, the chamber may be formed of multiple layers of a polyester fabric having a polyurethane (or similar) liquid-tight coating. Purely by way of example, 500D polyurethane coated polyester may be used. In an exemplary method of constructing the chamber, a flexible sheet of liquid-resistant material such as PU coated polyester may be wrapped multiple times, with the PU surface beneficially facing inwardly, to form a multi-layered tube.

In one embodiment of the invention, a small cushion may be provided that is small enough to fit into the chamber, the cushion being for receiving the decongestant liquid, preferably a decongestant oil, before being placed into the chamber via the second open end. The decongestant oil is thus held on, and absorbed by, the cushion and vapour therefrom is released from the chamber via the vapour permeable material over its first open end. The inner wall of the chamber may, beneficially have a wipeable surface, such as polyurethane (PU).

The first open end of the chamber may, beneficially, be covered with a first mesh layer that is joined at the edges of chamber. A second mesh layer may, beneficially, be provided over the first opening in the outer covering of the soft toy or pillow, immediately adjacent to, but optionally spaced apart from, the first mesh layer. In a preferred embodiment, the second mesh layer is configured so as to protrude or 'bulge' in an outwardly convex manner from the first opening in the outer cover of the soft toy or pillow.

The closure means may comprise two (or more) closure devices, a first, liquid-tight device for releasably sealing the second open end of the chamber, and a second closure device for releasably sealing the second opening in the outer covering of the soft toy or pillow. The second closure device may comprise a flap configured to releasably cover the second opening in the outer covering of the soft toy or pillow by means of, for example, a hook and loop fastening means. The first closure device may, optionally, also comprise a flap configured to releasably cover the second open end of the chamber by means of, for example, a hook and loop fastening means.

Although other fastening means could be used in some exemplary embodiments, in the case where the soft toy or pillow is intended for infants and very young children, the double hook and loop fastening closure means (both for closing the second opening in the outer cover of the device and for closing the second open end of the chamber for use) is thought to be most beneficial, especially in terms of security and safety.

The decongestant vapour delivery device may, for example, comprise a stuffed animal or similar toy.

In use, the decongestant oil is placed into the chamber through its second open end, via the second opening in the outer covering of the soft toy or cushion. The second open end of the chamber is closed and sealed by the closure means, such that the decongestant oil is held within the chamber, but its vapour can be released from the chamber via the liquid-tight, vapour permeable material over the first open end and introduced to the surrounding environment via the first opening in the outer covering of the soft toy or cushion, thereby safely delivering the decongestant vapour in close proximity to an infant that may be holding the soft toy or cushion and 'squeezing' it. Not only can the vapour be delivered in much closer proximity to the child, thereby increasing its effectiveness, the chamber can hold more oil than can be placed on a rag and the decongestant oil in the chamber evaporates over a much longer period of time than if it was simply exposed to the surroundings, such that the length of time that the device is effective is significantly increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, in which an embodiment of the invention is described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a decongestant vapour delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic rear view of the decongestant vapour delivery device of Figure 1 Figure 3 is a schematic transparent side view of the decongestant vapour delivery device of Figure 1, illustrating the location of the internal chamber; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a chamber for use in a decongestant 20 vapour delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of an absorbent cushion for use in a decongestant vapour delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a decongestant vapour delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a child's cuddly toy in the form of a teddy bear 10, having an outer covering that may or may not be furry, depending on preference. Most of the features of the cuddly toy are conventional, and will be known to a person skilled in the art. However, in the illustrated device, there is a first opening 12 in the outer cover of the teddy bear, located generally centrally on the stomach portion of the bear. In the example shown, the first opening 12 is generally circular in shape, but the present invention is not necessarily limited in this regard and the first opening 12 could be any desired shape, such as oval, square, even triangular, star-shaped, etc. The first opening is covered by a section 14 of vapour permeable mesh material, such as spacer mesh fabric. The mesh section is of substantially the same shape and size as the first opening 12 in the outer cover of the teddy bear, and is joined at its edge to the edge of the first opening 12, by stitching or other permanent joining means, so as to 'bulge' or protrude slightly (in an outwardly convex manner), to 'follow' the curved profile of the teddy bear's stomach portion in which it is so integrated.

A second opening 16 is provided in the outer cover of the teddy bear 10, the second opening 16 being located generally centrally on the back portion of the teddy bear, generally opposite the first opening 12. In the example shown, the second opening 16 is a longitudinal slit located along the rear longitudinal seam of the cuddly toy.

However, the present invention need not necessarily be limited in this regard, and the second opening could be any suitable shape to suit design preference.

A closure means 18 in the form of a rectangular flap of fabric is joined along one long edge to a side edge of the second opening 16 so that the rest of the flap 18 is accessible outside the cuddly toy and can be extended across the second opening 16 so as to cover it. Cooperative releasable fixing means, such as hook and loop fastening material, poppers, press studs, even buttons or hooks and eyes, are provided along the 'free' long edge of the flap 18 and the other side edge of the second opening 16 so that, in use, the flap 18 can be drawn across the second opening 16 to cover it, and secure it in that position by the cooperative fixing means.

For infants and very young children, the hook and loop fastening means is thought to be most beneficial, especially in terms of safety. However, it is to be understood that other exemplary embodiments, perhaps for older children, other fastening means could be used.

Referring additionally to Figure 3 of the drawings, inside the cuddly toy 10, between the first opening 12 and the second opening 16, there is provided a liquid-tight chamber 20 for, in use, receiving and holding a quantity of decongestant liquid or oil.

Referring to Figure 4 of the drawings, the chamber 20 comprises a generally tubular member formed of a flexible, substantially liquid-tight material or fabric and having first and second opposing open ends. In a specific exemplary embodiment, the chamber 20 may be formed by wrapping a sheet of PU-coated polyester multiple times (e.g. four times) into a tube (with the PU surface facing inwardly, so that the inside of the chamber can conveniently be wiped clean), and securing the free end to the outer wall of the tube so created, although the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard.

The first open end 22 of the chamber 20 is covered with a patch 24 of vapour-permeable (e.g. mesh) fabric or material, e.g. polyester spacer mesh or the like. The patch 24 is of substantially the same shape and size as the first open end 22 of the chamber 20, and is joined to the chamber, by stitching or other fixing means, to the edge of the chamber 20. In the example shown, the chamber 20 is of a substantially circular cross-section, but the invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. It could, alternatively, be of an oval or even square or rectangular cross-section, or indeed any suitable cross-section to suit design preference. The length of the chamber 20 is dictated by the distance between the first and second openings 12, 16 in the outer covering of the teddy bear, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The chamber 20 must be shaped and dimensioned to fit entirely into the inner cavity of the cuddly toy, between the first and second openings, and ideally sits along substantially the entire length of the distance between the first and second openings 12,16, with a very small spaces left between the ends of the chamber 20 and the edges of the first and second openings 12, 16. It is expected that the patch 24 will be slightly externally concave, rather than flat across the first opening of the chamber 20.

The chamber 20 is located inside the cuddly toy, as previously discussed, and secured in place by joining the end edge of the first (covered) open end of the chamber 20, internally, to the edge of the of the external mesh section 14. Because the internal mesh patch 24 is slightly concave (curves inwardly relative to the chamber 20) and the external mesh section 14 is outwardly convex, there is thus a small air pocket created between the two mesh layers 14, 24.

In theory, the chamber 20 could be configured, and appropriately sealable, to enable it to hold a quantity of decongestant liquid or oil. However, referring to Figure 5 of the drawings, a small absorbent cushion 26 may be provided for receiving and absorbing a quantity of decongestant liquid or oil, and being placed into the chamber 20 for use. Once the decongestant liquid or oil has been so applied, the cushion 26 can be placed within the chamber 20, via the second opening 16 in the outer covering of the teddy bear 10 and the second (uncovered) open end of the chamber 20. This makes the device safer for use by very young children and avoids the danger of the liquid or oil leaking out. The cushion may, for example, be formed of a cotton pouch with a polyester stuffing, but the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard and other suitable materials will be known to a person skilled in the art. Suffice it to say that the cushion will need to be absorbent and washable, and the materials used need to meet the safety standards required for the age group for which the device is intended.

The size of the cushion will be limited by the need to be able to insert it into the chamber 20 for use, but it can be of any suitable shape, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard.

In addition to the closure means 18 described above, for enabling the second opening 16 in the outer covering of the cuddly toy to be closed and hidden when access is not required to the chamber 20, a second closure means may be provided inside the device for covering the second open end of the chamber 20 before closing the second opening in the outer covering. Once again, this second closure means could be provided in the form of a 'flap', fixed at one side edge to the edge of the chamber 20 or even inside the outer covering, along the second opening 16 therein.

Once again, any suitable cooperative releasable fixing means, such as hook and loop fastening material or poppers can be used to secure the flap over the second open end of the chamber 20. Alternatively, a zip fastening could, for example be used instead of a flap. For the avoidance of doubt, hook and loop fastening means for the flap 18 covering the second opening in the outer cover of the cuddly toy and for the flap covering the second open end of the chamber 20 is thought to be most beneficial, in terms of security and safety, in embodiments of the invention intended for infants and very young children. However, for other embodiments, such as those intended for older children, other fastening means could be used.

In use, decongestant liquid or oil is applied to the small cushion 26 which absorbs the liquid or oil and holds it therein. The cushion 26 is then pushed through the open second opening 16 in the outer covering of the cuddly toy, into the chamber 20, via the second open end thereof. The second open end is then sealed using the above-referenced second closure means, before the second opening in the outer covering of the cuddly toy is also closed by securing the flap 18 across it. Vapour produced by the decongestant liquid or oil is released into the chamber and escapes therefrom via the mesh layer 24 and out into the surrounding environment via the mesh layer 14 covering the first opening in the outer covering of the cuddly toy. A child holding or cuddling the toy will be able to inhale the vapour as it is released, thereby quickly gaining relief from congested airways. The cushion 26 is able to hold a sufficient quantity of decongestant liquid or oil to provide such relief for extended periods of time. When the device needs to be refilled, an adult can simply open up the second opening in the outer cover and the second open end of the chamber 20, remove the cushion, re-apply decongestant liquid or oil thereto, and replace the cushion 26 in the chamber 20 before sealing off the chamber 20 and the second opening in the outer cover, as before. The cushion can be removed and washed as required, and the inner surface of the chamber 20 can be wiped clean.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, from the foregoing description, that zo modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, instead of a cuddly toy, the invention may be embodied in a small pillow or other head/neck support device, such as those conventionally used for travelling or on a child's car seat or buggy.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A decongestant vapour delivery device comprising a soft toy or pillow having an outer covering with first and second openings on respective opposing sides, the device further comprising a chamber formed of liquid-resistant material and located within the body of the soft toy or cushion for holding a quantity of decongestant liquid, the chamber having opposing first and second open ends, the first open end of the chamber being immediately adjacent to the first opening in outer covering of the soft toy or cushion and being covered with a substantially liquid-tight, vapour permeable material that is integrated with the outer covering of the soft toy or pillow, the second open end of the chamber being immediately adjacent the second opening in the soft toy or cushion for enabling a said quantity of decongestant liquid to be placed in said chamber, the device further comprising a closure means for releasably closing the second open end of the chamber.
2. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber is generally tubular.
3. A decongestant delivery device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the chamber is formed of a flexible liquid-tight material.
4. A decongestant delivery device according to claim 3, wherein the chamber is formed of multiple layers of a polyester fabric having a polyurethane liquid-tight 20 coating.
5. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface of the chamber is of a water-tight, wipeable material.
6. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a small cushion for receiving thereon, and absorbing, decongestant liquid or oil, the cushion being shaped and configured such that it can be placed, for use, into the chamber via the second open end.
7. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first open end of the chamber is covered with a first mesh layer 30 that is joined to the edges of the chamber.
8. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to claim 7, wherein a second mesh layer is provided over the first opening in the outer covering of the soft toy or pillow, immediately adjacent to the first mesh layer.
9. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to claim 7 or claim 8, 5 wherein the second mesh layer is configured so as to protrude or 'bulge' outwardly in a convex manner from the first opening in the outer cover of the soft toy or pillow.
10. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the first mesh layer is outwardly concave and the second mesh layer is inwardly concave such that the first and second mesh layers are spaced apart from each other by the 10 space between their concave surfaces.
11. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber is secured at its first open end to the inside of the outer covering of the soft toy or pillow.
12. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure means comprises at least two closure devices, a first, closure device for releasably closing the second open end of the chamber, and a second closure device for releasably closing the second opening in the outer covering of the soft toy or pillow.
13. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to claim 12, wherein the 20 second closure device comprises a flap configured to releasably cover the second opening in the outer covering of the soft toy or pillow.
14. A decongestant vapour delivery device according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the first closure device comprises a flap configured to releasably cover the second open end of the chamber.