NZ623029B2 - A device for improving air flow through a nasal cavity - Google Patents

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)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

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.