NZ623029B2 - A device for improving air flow through a nasal cavity - Google Patents
A device for improving air flow through a nasal cavity Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ623029B2 NZ623029B2 NZ623029A NZ62302912A NZ623029B2 NZ 623029 B2 NZ623029 B2 NZ 623029B2 NZ 623029 A NZ623029 A NZ 623029A NZ 62302912 A NZ62302912 A NZ 62302912A NZ 623029 B2 NZ623029 B2 NZ 623029B2
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- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- belt
- rib
- surface area
- nasal cavity
- shaped body
- Prior art date
Links
- 210000003928 Nasal Cavity Anatomy 0.000 title claims abstract description 64
- 210000000614 Ribs Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 85
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- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
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- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 210000000492 Nasal Septum Anatomy 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 210000002850 Nasal Mucosa Anatomy 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003039 volatile agent Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 7
- 230000037081 physical activity Effects 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000000414 obstructive Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
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- 229960003116 Amyl Nitrite Drugs 0.000 description 3
- CSDTZUBPSYWZDX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Amyl nitrite Chemical compound CCCCCON=O CSDTZUBPSYWZDX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- MYWUZJCMWCOHBA-SECBINFHSA-N Levomethamphetamine Chemical compound CN[C@H](C)CC1=CC=CC=C1 MYWUZJCMWCOHBA-SECBINFHSA-N 0.000 description 3
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Abstract
Disclosed is a device for improving flow of air through a nasal cavity during physical activity. The device includes a substantially U-shaped body (6) and first (8) and second (9) adjustable bodies. The U-shaped body forms a bridge (7) for spanning adjacent nasal cavities of the wearer. The first and second adjustable bodies are mounted to opposite upright portions (7a, 7b) of the U-shaped body and each have a belt (10a, 10b) and a rib (12a, 12b). The belt is adjustable about an attachment mount (11a, 11b) on an upright portion of the U-shaped body. The rib (12a, 12b) extends outwardly and arcuately from a portion of the U-shaped body distal to the bridge. Each rib ends in a relatively large surface area which is connected to a portion of the belt. The large surface area portion of each rib is adapted for abutting internal wall surfaces of the nasal cavity of the wearer. The belt and rib form an open channel which defines an air flow pathway within the nasal cavity substantially free of obstruction. When in an operating condition, the belt or belts are tightened by a wearer to allow insertion and thereafter the belt(s) loosened to as to urge the large surface area portion of the ribs against nasal cavity walls. The large surface area portion of each rib may also include a depot or reservoir, housing a drug or medicament, which when in contact with the nasal cavity walls, is arranged to release an effective amount of an active agent. d second adjustable bodies are mounted to opposite upright portions (7a, 7b) of the U-shaped body and each have a belt (10a, 10b) and a rib (12a, 12b). The belt is adjustable about an attachment mount (11a, 11b) on an upright portion of the U-shaped body. The rib (12a, 12b) extends outwardly and arcuately from a portion of the U-shaped body distal to the bridge. Each rib ends in a relatively large surface area which is connected to a portion of the belt. The large surface area portion of each rib is adapted for abutting internal wall surfaces of the nasal cavity of the wearer. The belt and rib form an open channel which defines an air flow pathway within the nasal cavity substantially free of obstruction. When in an operating condition, the belt or belts are tightened by a wearer to allow insertion and thereafter the belt(s) loosened to as to urge the large surface area portion of the ribs against nasal cavity walls. The large surface area portion of each rib may also include a depot or reservoir, housing a drug or medicament, which when in contact with the nasal cavity walls, is arranged to release an effective amount of an active agent.
Description
A device for improving air flow through a nasal cavity
Technical Field
Some embodiments relates to an improved nasal cavity dilation device, which can be easily
adjustable for insertion in and dilation of the nasal cavity of a person to enhance flow of air
through the nasal passage.
Background
During sporting pursuits such as cycling, football, hockey and the like, it is common for an
athlete to wear a resilient plaster applied over the bridge of the nose to externally expand the
nostrils to assist opening the nasal passage so that an athlete can gain an advantage from
improved air flow during sport play or exercise.
A problem associated with the foregoing approach is that the effect is limited by both the
inherent resiliency of the plaster and its ability to exert a sufficient outward force to expand
and maintain a nostril cavity in an open condition. In addition the plaster requires painful
removal that could result in the tearing of skin.
Other devices are known for use in expanding the nasal cavity to try to improve air flow. One
such device, disclosed in United States Patent No 3710799, describes a pair of cage structures
joined together by a flexible chain of inter-locked links, the cages being slightly larger than
the nostrils but insertable therein so that the nose holds the cages in place. This device confers
a deal of discomfort for a wearer upon insertion because the device is generally larger than the
corresponding orifice in which it is to inserted. Conversely, if the device is too small the
device may be dislodged during physical activity. Such a device may be useful while a wearer
is asleep, however is not practical for use during physical exercise because some parts of the
cage structures provide a resistance to air flow therefore limiting air intake which is greater
during physical activity.
Other devices are available that include a resilient plastic strip with widened ends. This type
of device is usually bent prior to insertion with the wide ends being inserted into the nostrils.
The extent of dilation of the nostril cavity thereafter depends on the resiliency of the plastic to
return to its normal configuration, and the relative size of the nostrils. These type of dilators
however are provided in one size hence can be very uncomfortable for some wearer's because
the force generated by the resilient plastic often causes irritation to the inside lining of the
nose, and for other wearer's the plastic strip may not provide effective dilation for improved
air flow.
Other devices are disclosed in patent documents such as a device described in United States
Patent No. 5895409 that can be inserted within the nasal cavity. This device has a rigid
structure and requires manufacturers to make different sized devices to cater for a range of
cavity sizes. Also, problems frequently arise in a nasal application when a wearer exhibits a
deviated septum. A deviated septum is a curvature in the septum, the cartilage and bone that
separates the nostrils. A curved septum often renders one nasal cavity a different shape and
size to its neighbour and inhibits airflow through one side of the nose and can result in airflow
blockage through one nostril.
Prior art devices, of the type disclosed in United States Patent No. 5895409 that are insertable
within the nasal cavity, suffer the drawback that if one dilator of a symmetrical pair, to be
inserted, is of a sufficiently small size to enter one nostril then the remaining dilator of the
pair is too small to be effective in dilating the other nostril. Conversely, if one device of a
symmetrical pair is sufficiently large to effectively dilate one nostril, its pair is often too large
to be inserted in the other nostril.
There is thus an ongoing need for an improved device or means to enhance air flow through
the nasal passage of an athlete during a sporting activity, which is comfortable, can be
universally fitted, and effective in meeting the need for increased air intake during physical
activity.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, breathing intake can be adversely affected by reason of viral
infection. Viral infections including 'the common cold' can result in nasal and head congestion
diminishing breathing performance. Often such ailments are not sufficient to wholly prevent a
person from participating in a physical activity, however can be sufficient to detract from
optimal performance.
Devices are known which can be used to increase air flow through the nasal passage. For
example, a range of contraptions are known that can be worn like a mask on the face of a
sufferer to help maintain airways in an open condition. These types of devices involve
complex designs that are very conspicuous on a wearer. Clearly such devices are not practical
for use during sporting activities.
It should be understood that any reference to prior art does not constitute an admission of
common general knowledge. The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to
facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the
discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the matter referred to or
documents identified was part of the common general knowledge in Australia, or any other
country, as at the priority date of this application.
Throughout the specification the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or.
"comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or
group of elements, integers or steps but not to the exclusion of any other element, integer or
step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been
included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these
matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field
relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this
application.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device, which addresses or at least
ameliorates one or more of the difficulties of the prior art.
Summary of the Invention
Some embodiments relate to a device for improving flow of air through a nasal cavity of a
wearer, the device including:
a substantially U-shaped body forming a bridge for spanning a septum of a wearer; and
a first adjustable body and a second adjustable body mounted to opposite upright portions of
the U-shaped body, the first and second adjustable bodies each having:
a belt adjustable about an attachment mount on an upright portion of the U-shaped
body; and
a rib extending outwardly and arcuately from a portion of the U-shaped body distal
to the bridge, the each rib ending in a relatively large surface area portion connected to the
belt.
In some embodiments, the large surface area portion of the each rib is adapted for abutting
internal wall surfaces of the nasal cavity of a wearer and
the belt and rib form an open channel defining an air flow pathway within the nasal cavity,
whereby in an operating condition the belt or belts are tightened by a wearer to allow
insertion, and thereafter loosened so as to urge the large surface area portion of the ribs
against nasal cavity walls.The present device may be lightweight and may provide less
resistance to air flow than prior art devices. As a result, the instant device may be useful for
insertion during sporting activities such as cycling and the like which require greater intake of
air, hence reduces the sense of obstruction felt when exhaling through the nose under duress.
The device may be adjustable by a wearer to fit most nasal cavities as well as each nasal
cavity independently and to urge dilation of the cavity to enable passage of air/fluid through
the cavity, and may be effective for improving air flow for greater intake during physical
activity and delivery of medicament(s). In particular, the device may be an improved nasal
cavity dilation device which is suitable for use during physical activities in which increased
air flow capacity is required substantially without discomfort and may be adapted for
systemic drug delivery of a range of medicaments.
Each adjustable body may be sized and positioned within adjacent nasal cavity to exert a
positive pressure against the internal walls of the cavity thereby opening the cavity to enable
passage of air and/or fluid therethrough and to retain the device in its desired position within
the nostril.
In one embodiment the belt can include mating components on the rib and upright portion of
the U-shaped body.
In one embodiment, the belt may include a looped strap structure wherein a portion of the
strap is integral with the large surface area portion of the rib, and wherein one end of the strap
is fixedly mounted to an upright portion of the U-shaped body and the other end of the strap is
adjustable relative to the fixed end. In another embodiment, one end of the belt is integrally
connected to the large surface area portion of the rib and the other end of the belt is adjustably
connected to an upright portion of the U-shaped body.
In some embodiments, the device further comprises a releasable holding means mounted to an
upright portion of the U-shaped body, wherein the holding means includes a fastening means
which cooperates with the strap to allow the strap to tighten or loosen and wherein one end of
the strap is adjustably received by the fastening means, and the looped structure is retracted or
expanded upon tightening and loosening respectively, of the strap.
The strap may be adjusted by the holding means to provide a choice of one of a plurality of
open structures. The wearer/user can select an appropriate size looped structure relative to the
user's nasal cavity, and the fastening means can maintain the loop structure at a selected size
in a holding condition. Hence the device can be adjusted in situ by a wearer to suit the
wearers' specific air flow requirements.
The holding means may be releasably lockable to maintain the loop structure and large
surface area portion of the rib in a desired position. An advantage of the holding means is that
the size of the looped structure can be maintained in an adjusted configuration to enable
improved airflow that suits a wearers individual requirements.
The holding means may include a security tie member operatively connected thereto which is
adapted for fine adjustment of the looped structure in situ. Hence the amount of adjustability
of the device may be controlled by the wearer.
A substantial benefit in the reversible locking of the holding means may be its use in changing
the dimensions of the structure when the user has a different condition and the nasal cavity
size has changed or where a user over-expands the device prior to insertion; the holding
means allows for further fine adjustment. Such a condition can occur due to inflamed sinuses
or because of colds, influenza and other nose affecting ailments or due to physical damage
such as sunburnt noses, broken or damaged noses.
The holding means may comprise of mating or interlocking components on the upright
portion of the U-shaped body and on one end of the strap to releasably lock the strap.
In one embodiment, the holding means can include a sleeve or housing having a series of
internal teeth which resiliently and releasably engage with one end of the strap to reduce or
enlarge a channel opening defined by the looped structure.
The device may be suited to any size nostril, and may be economic, reusable and aesthetically
pleasing. The device may be made from polymeric materials, and can deliver a range of
agents including fragrance, natural products, essential oils, decongestants, medicated vapor
such as Vicks and medicaments.
In some embodiments, the device may include a means for delivery of a medicament or
medicated vapour. Such an embodiment may be advantageous to administer a medicament
through the nasal passage while concurrently expanding the nasal passage so as to both
improve intake of air and alleviate viral symptoms, for example, so that a person can
participate in a sporting activity effectively even with a viral infection.
In one embodiment, the enlarged ends of the rib members may comprise a matrix of plastic
material containing a saturated amount of a drug for controlled delivery of the drug
transdermally across the nasal cavity walls.
In a further embodiment, the enlarged surface area portion of the ribs may include a depot or
reservoir for housing a medicament. The reservoir or depot may comprise a pitted surface
applied to the enlarged surface area portion of the rib, which when in contact with nasal
mucosa, is arranged to release an effective amount of an active agent. In storage, the enlarged
surface area portion may be covered with a removable adhesive.
Alternatively, the large surface area portion of the ribs may include a series of spaced apart
parallel grooves into which a medicament formulation can be deposited. When the large
surface area portion of the ribs contacts internal nasal cavity walls, the grooves may
substantially minimize direct contact between the medicament formulation and nasal cavity
wall surfaces. This may be particularly useful where the medicated formulation is a medicated
vapor.
In a further embodiment, the large surface area portion of the ribs can include a matrix
suitable for release of volatile substances including amyl nitrite to treat heart disease such as
angina and also to treat cyanide poisoning.
One form of matrix may be heterogeneous including a polymer having a medicament
dispersed throughout, and wherein the matrix is partially sealed so as to define an air flow
pathway such that incoming air flow initiates release of volatile agent within the polymer
matrix.
The mode of delivery may include any of the following: (1) the "active agent" could be
infused through the enlarged surface area portion of a rib using by infusing drug into a matrix;
(2) the "substance" could be deposited in dimples that contact the drug directly with the inside
of the nose; or (3) the "substance" could be placed in a patch (pad) which sticks to the
enlarged area of a rib. In some embodiments, removal of a cover before insertion would
expose the "substance" for transdermal delivery.
The enlarged surface area portion of a rib may include a pad designed to release a volatile
substance over time. The pad may be a polymeric matrix including VICKS/essential
oils/natural products/amyl nitrite. For extended release the pad might be various thicknesses.
The pad may alternatively act as a depot system for release of an encapsulated solid, which
solid may permeate through the walls of the depot at a predetermined rate depending on the
thickness if the depot walls and permeation characteristics of the solid and depot.
The advantage of the delivery of medicated vapour by the present device is that any substance
such as 'Vapor Rub' can be held away from contact with the skin while allowing inhalation of
medicated vapour. Hence the substance is able to function purely as a vapour for inhalation
while substantially eliminating irritation that can otherwise be caused by direct contact with
the skin. In one instance a medicated delivery system can be mounted on the body of the
device.
In a further alternative embodiment, there is provided a nasal cavity dilation device for
improving flow of air through a nasal cavity, the device including:
an elongate U-shape body having an uppermost and lowermost portion, the lowermost portion
forming a bridge being sufficiently wide to span a nasal septum; and
a pair of symmetrical adjustable bodies mounted to the U-shape body distal to the bridge, the
adjustable bodies including:
a belt being fastened at one end to an upright portion of the U-shape body, the belt
being adjustable by a releasable locking means mounted on the U-shape body; and
a rib extending from an uppermost portion of the U-shape body downwardly and
arcuately ending in an enlarged section adapted to abut against internal wall of a nasal cavity,
whereby the enlarged section is connected to a portion of the belt;
wherein the belt forms a looped structure including the enlarged section of the rib so
as to form an opening for ingress of air; and
wherein the enlarged surface area portion of each rib comprises a matrix or depot
comprising a medicament for release in contact with nasal cavity walls.
The locking means may include a security tie member operatively connected thereto and may
be adapted for fine adjustment of the looped structure. The locking means may include a
fastening means which may cooperate with the belt to allow the looped structure to be
retracted or expanded upon tightening and loosening, respectively, of the belt. The locking
means may include mating or interlocking components on the upright portion of the U-shaped
body and on one end of the belt to releasably lock the belt to the U-shaped body.
The rib member on each of the first and second bodies may include flattened sections or
enlarged ends which terminate on a portion of the belt or strap, and abut against internal nasal
cavity walls to improve a wearers level of comfort. The rib members may be moved laterally
to expand or contract the looped opening channel formed by the strap structure by passing one
end of the strap through the sleeve until a tooth in the sleeve engages an appropriate end
section of the strap.
Further exemplifications of the present invention will be described as follows with reference
to the accompanying drawings. A brief description of the drawings follows:
Brief description of the drawings
Figure 1 is a schematic plan view from above of a device in accordance with a first
embodiment;
Figure 2 is a schematic front profile view of a body section of the embodiment in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of section A-A in the device of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the device in accordance with Figure
Figure 5 is schematic side or end view of the device in accordance with Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a schematic front perspective view of a rib element according to a further
embodiment;
Figure 7 is schematic perspective profile of the rib element shown in Figure 6; and
Figure 8 is an exploded schematic view of a device in accordance with an embodiment
without belt members showing various expanded/retracted rib positions.
Detailed Description
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an improved adjustable nasal cavity dilation device 5
insertable within a nasal cavity (not shown) for improving air flow during exercise or sporting
activity such as cycling, football, hockey, basketball and the like.
The nasal cavity dilation device 5 includes a U-shape body 6 forming a bridge 7 separating
adjacent upright support elements 7a and 7b, whereby the bridge 7 spans adjacent nasal
cavities of a wearer (not shown) in an operating condition. As shown, the upright resilient
support elements 7a and 7b of the U-shape body 6 diverge away from a central axis A-A'
(best seen in Figure 8) to allow ready insertion.
The device 5 further includes a first 8 and second 9 adjustable bodies mounted to opposite
upright portions 7a and 7b respectively of the U-shaped body.
The first 8 and second 9 body each include a belt 10a and 10b which describes a looped
structure. The belts 10a and 10b are releasably adjustable about an attachment mount lla and
1 lb on upright portions 7a and 7b of the U-shaped body. The bodies 8 and 9 also include a rib
12a and 12b extending outwardly and arcuately from an upper portion of the U-shaped body
distal to the bridge.
As shown, each rib 12a and 12b includes a first narrow portion 100 dependent from the upper
end portion of respective upright support elements 7a and 7b, and ending in a relatively
enlarged surface area portion 13a and 13b which in turn is connected to a portion of the belt.
The large surface area portion 13a and 13b of each rib rests against internal wall surfaces of
the nasal cavity of a wearer in an operating condition (not shown).
As shown, the each belt and respective rib form a substantially circular or elliptical opening
through which air flows substantially free of obstruction.
Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the attachment mount includes a releasable holding means 14a
and 14b, which is mounted to a portion of the respective upright support 7a and 7b. The
releasable holding means includes interlocking mating components on the upright support 7a
and 7b, and strap portions of the belt. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 the holding
means includes: (i) a ratchet mechanism 14b (best seen in Figure 3) mounted on a portion of
upright support element 7b of the U-shape body, which is adapted to move between a holding
and release condition, and (ii) a ratchet strap 45 located on a portion of the belt 12b of the
body 8.
As can be seen in Figure 3, the strap is adapted to pass between the ratchet mechanism 14b
and the upright support element 7b when the ratchet is in a release condition, and upon
obtaining a desired holding condition the strap is held by the ratchet mechanism to fasten the
belt about a portion of the upright support element in a holding condition.
In an operating condition the belt 10a and 10b of one or both bodies 8 and 9 is tightened by a
wearer to allow insertion, and thereafter the belt is loosened by releasing the ratchet
mechanism of the holding means so as to urge the large surface area portion of the ribs
against nasal cavity walls.
Referring to Figure 8, the enlarged surface area portion 13a and 13b of the ribs 12a and 12b,
are biased towards an expanded condition (represented by X in Figure 8).
For insertion of the device 5 within adjacent nasal cavities of a wearer, the belts 10a and 10b
(not shown in Figure 8) is/are tightened separately or together, to reduce the diameter of the
looped structure and thereby urge the enlarged surface area portions of the ribs towards
respective upright support elements. After insertion, the holding means is released to loosen
the belt allowing lateral expansion of the enlarged surface area portion of the rib(s) away from
respective upright support elements.
As shown in the Figures, the rib members 12a and 12b include a narrow portion 100
extending from an upper end portion of the upright support element(s), and an enlarged
surface area portion 13a and 13b attached to a portion of the belt 10a/10b. The narrow
portion 100 of the rib 12a acts as a living hinge allowing hinged movement of the enlarged
surface area portion 13a when the respective belt is loosed or tightened. The narrow portions
100 of the ribs provides a substantial reduction in resistance to flow of air allowing use in
sporting activities and the like which require increased requirement for respiration.
The device shown in Figures 1 and 7 can be retained in the nasal cavity in a suitably expanded
state without inadvertent removal. The ribs can be maintained in a relative position by mating
locking teeth in the belt and holding means. When the nostril cavity is expanded sufficiently
the teeth can be interlocked by the releaseable holding means to retain the ribs in a
new/expanded condition. When the enlarged surface area portions of a/the rib(s) are hingedly
displaced between a constricted condition and an expanded condition when the belt is
loosened, the enlarged surface area portion of each rib exerts a positive pressure against the
internal walls of a nasal cavity.
In this embodiment the device can be adjusted manually insitu to open the nasal cavity. The
upright support members of the U-shape body brace against one side of a nasal cavity. As best
seen in Figures 1 to 5, internal surfaces of the opposite upright support elements 7a and 7b
include a thickened region 17 and 18 to substantially reduce irritation with the nasal septum
when inserted. The bridge 7 interconnecting the upright supports 7a and 7b prevents the
device from being inadvertently inhaled by a user and acts as a rigid support for bracing a
surface of the nasal cavity wall. When the device adopts an expanded condition the enlarged
surface area portion of the ribs and the upright member (s) brace against the walls of the
cavity to effectively prevent inadvertent removal of the device from the cavity.
The device shown in Figures 1 to 8 can be moulded in a single step process. The device 5 is
symmetrical about axis A-A', best seen in Figure 8, hence for convenience an explanation has
been provided for one half of the device which will in turn apply for the equivalent opposite
symmetrical feature.
The enlarged surface area portion of the rib can comprise a flattened section or padded, which
in an operating condition rests against internal wall surfaces of a nasal cavity. The flattening
and broadening of the rib increases the surface area in contact with internal cavity walls to
spread the concentration of force exerted by the device over a wider surface as practicable.
If it is desired to tighten the belt and thereby reduce the diameter of the looped structure
adjustment is made by applying an external force against the enlarged surface area portion of
the rib in the direction of X to Y as in Figure 8. Conversely in order to apply an expanding
force against the nasal wall, a user can exert a force against the enlarged surface portion in a
direction of Y to X in Figure 8. This will release the ratchet mechanism of the holding means
and allow adjustment to an expanded looped structure.
In a further embodiment (not shown), the holding means can include mating teeth or a series
of interlocking troughs and recesses. Once inserted in a nasal cavity a user can apply an
outwardly directed force on the enlarged surface area portion of a rib. Once the rib is
sufficiently laterally moved to promote increased airflow, the position of the enlarged surface
area portion is releasably maintained by firm engagement of a trough between adjacent teeth
within the recess.
In use the bridge 7 of the U-shape body is seated outside the nasal septum and upright
members 7a and 7b include a raised or flat section 17, 18, which abuts internal wall structure
of a nasal cavity. Generally at least the bridge portion of the body is transparent or flesh
coloured so as to render the device inconspicuous from a casual observer, or fluorescent
colored for persons who may want to display their use of the device or favorite colors.
In a further embodiment, the device includes a means for delivery of a medicament or
medicated vapour. In one embodiment (not shown), the enlarged ends of the rib members
comprises a matrix of plastic material containing a saturated amount of a drug for controlled
delivery of the drug transdermally across the nasal cavity walls.
In a further embodiment best seen in Figure 6, the enlarged surface area portion of the rib
members includes a depot or reservoir for housing a medicament. The reservoir or depot
comprise a grooved surface 20 applied to the enlarged surface area portion of the rib member.
The enlarged surface as shown includes a series of spaced apart grooves into which a
formulation of medicament or fragrance releasing agent or the like can be inserted. Once in
the nasal cavity, the enlarged surface area portions of the ribs contact the nasal cavity walls
substantially, without direct contact between the formulation and wall, whereby in contact
with the nasal mucosa releases an effective amount of an active agent. In storage, the enlarged
surface area portion can be covered with a removable adhesive.
The mode of delivery can include any of the following; (a) the "active agent" could be infused
through the enlarged surface area portion of a rib using by infusing drug into a matrix (b) the
"substance" could be deposited in dimples that contact the drug directly with the inside of the
nose or (c) the "substance" could be placed in a patch (pad) which sticks to the enlarged area
of a rib. Removal of a cover before insertion would expose the "substance" for transdermal
delivery.
In a further embodiment (not shown), the enlarged surface area portion of a rib can be a pad
designed to be a volatile substance that will release substance over time (like VICKS/essential
oils/natural products/amyl nitrite). For extended release the pad might be various thicknesses.
The advantage of the delivery of medicated vapour by the present device is that any substance
such as 'Vapor Rub' can be held away from contact with the skin while allowing inhalation of
medicated vapour. Hence the substance is able to function purely as a vapour for inhalation
while substantially eliminating irritation that can otherwise be caused by direct contact with
the skin. In one instance a medicated delivery system can be mounted on the body of the
device.
The applicant does not intend to limit the invention to the disclosed embodiments, and any
modifications or alterations that are obvious to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure
are within the scope of this invention and covered herein.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that any modifications or changes to the particular
embodiments exemplified which can be made without that can be made without the need for
inventiveness or departing from the spirit of the invention are included within the scope of the
invention.
Claims (19)
1. A device for improving flow of air through a nasal cavity of a wearer, the device including: a substantially U-shaped body forming a bridge for spanning a septum of a wearer; a first adjustable body and a second adjustable body mounted to opposite upright portions of the U-shaped body, the first and second adjustable bodies each having: a belt adjustable about an attachment mount on an upright portion of the U- shaped body; and a rib extending outwardly and arcuately from a portion of the U-shaped body distal to the bridge, the rib ending in a relatively large surface area portion connected to the belt.
The device of claim 1, wherein the large surface area portion of the each rib is adapted for abutting internal wall surfaces of the nasal cavity of a wearer and the belt and rib form an open channel defining an air flow pathway within the nasal cavity; whereby in an operating condition the belt or belts are tightened by a wearer to allow insertion, and thereafter loosened so as to urge the large surface area portion of the ribs against nasal cavity walls.
The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the belt includes a looped strap structure wherein a portion of the strap is integral with the large surface area portion of the rib, and wherein one end of the strap is fixedly mounted to an upright portion of the U-shaped body and the other end of the strap is adjustable relative to the fixed end.
The device of claim 2, wherein one end of the belt is integrally connected to the large surface area portion of the rib and the other end of the belt is adjustably connected to an upright portion of the U-shaped body.
The device of claim 3 or 4, further comprising a releasable holding means mounted to an upright portion of the U-shaped body, wherein the holding means includes a fastening means which cooperates with the strap to allow the strap to tighten or loosen; and wherein one end of the strap is adjustably received by the fastening means and the looped structure is retracted or expanded upon tightening and loosening, respectively, of the strap.
The device of claim 5, wherein the holding means includes a security tie member operatively connected thereto and is adapted for fine adjustment of the looped structure.
7. The device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the holding means includes mating or interlocking components on the upright portion of the U-shaped body and on one end of the strap to releasably lock the strap.
8. The device of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the holding means includes a sleeve or housing having a series of internal teeth which resiliently and releasably engage with one end of the strap to reduce or enlarge a channel opening defined by the looped structure.
9. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the ribs of the first and second adjustable bodies further extend downwardly from the portion of the U-shaped body.
The device of any preceding claim, further including a means for delivery of a medicament or medicated vapour.
The device of any preceding claim, wherein the enlarged surface area portion of the ribs include a matrix of plastic material containing a saturated amount of a drug for controlled delivery of the drug transdermally across the nasal cavity walls.
The device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the enlarged surface area portion of the ribs includes a depot or reservoir for housing a medicament.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the reservoir or depot comprises a pitted surface applied to the enlarged surface area portion of the rib, which when in contact with nasal mucosa, is arranged to release an effective amount of an active agent.
The device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the large surface area portion of the ribs includes a series of spaced apart parallel grooves into which a medicament formulation can be deposited, whereby when the large surface area portion of the ribs contacts internal nasal cavity walls in use, the grooves substantially minimize direct contact between the formulation and a nasal wall surface.
15. The device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the large surface area portion of the ribs includes a matrix suitable for release of volatile substances.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the matrix is heterogeneous including a polymer having a medicament dispersed throughout, and wherein the matrix is partially sealed so as to define an air flow pathway such that incoming air flow initiates release of volatile agent within the polymer matrix.
17. A nasal cavity dilation device for improving flow of air through a nasal cavity, the device including: an elongate U-shape body having an uppermost and lowermost portion, the lowermost portion forming a bridge being sufficiently wide to span a nasal septum; and a pair of symmetrical adjustable bodies mounted to the U-shape body distal to the bridge, the adjustable bodies including: a belt being fastened at one end to an upright portion of the U-shape body, the belt being adjustable by a releasable locking means mounted on the U-shape body; and a rib extending from an uppermost portion of the U-shape body downwardly and arcuately ending in an enlarged section adapted to abut against internal wall of a nasal cavity, whereby the enlarged section is connected to a portion of the belt; wherein the belt forms a looped structure including the enlarged section of the rib so as to form an opening for ingress of air; and wherein the enlarged surface area portion of each rib comprises a matrix or depot comprising a medicament for release in contact with nasal cavity walls.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the locking means includes a security tie member operatively connected thereto and is adapted for fine adjustment of the looped structure.
19. The device of claim 17 or 18, wherein the locking means includes a fastening means which cooperates with the belt to allow the looped structure to be retracted or expanded upon tightening and loosening, respectively, of the belt. The device of claim 18 or 19, wherein the locking means includes mating or interlocking components on the upright portion of the U-shaped body and on one end of the belt to releasably lock the belt to the U-shaped body.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2012/000898 WO2014015358A1 (en) | 2012-07-27 | 2012-07-27 | A device for improving air flow through a nasal cavity during physical activity such as sporting pursuits |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ623029A NZ623029A (en) | 2014-11-28 |
NZ623029B2 true NZ623029B2 (en) | 2015-03-03 |
Family
ID=
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