WO2023012593A2

WO2023012593A2 - Nasal respiratory resistance trainer device

Info

Publication number: WO2023012593A2
Application number: PCT/IB2022/056911
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eduard Johannis Adrianus REUVERS
Original assignee: Reuvers Eduard Johannis Adrianus
Priority date: 2021-08-01
Filing date: 2022-07-27
Publication date: 2023-02-09
Also published as: WO2023012626A1; WO2023012593A3

Abstract

Described herein is a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device [100] comprising a hollow portion [102] and an airflow resistance varying unit [106], Hollow portion [102] defines a cavity [102a] and includes an external surface [102b] defining at least two openings [102c, 102d], The airflow resistance varying unit [106] is positioned within either the cavity [102a], the first opening [102c], the second opening [102d] or attached to the external surface [102b] of the hollow portion [102], wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] selectively varies, either statically or dynamically, obstruction to the nasal airflow. The NRRT device [100] is capable of being positioned at least partially within either a nostril or a nasal cavity, such that at least a portion of the external surface [102b] engages with an inner surface of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user.

Description

NASAL RESPIRATORY RESISTANCE TRAINER DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a nasal respiratory resistance trainer device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a nasal respiratory resistance trainer device capable of being switched between various configurations for imparting various levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to provide information relating to the field of the invention and thus any approach or functionality described below should not be assumed to be qualified as prior art merely by its inclusion in this section.

Various diseases are known these days, for example, migraine, epilepsy, febrile seizures, asthma, vascular disease, COPD, headache, sleep apnea, pneumonia, which can be treated with breath trainings/exercises. One example for treating the aforementioned diseases is by hyper-capnic breath training/exercise. Such hyper-capnic breath trainings/exercises include imparting obstruction to nasal airflow. It is very commonly known that such breath trainings/exercises, by imparting obstruction to nasal airflow, imparts therapeutic effects to the user, particularly, while treating aforementioned diseases. In yoga or various hyper-capnic breath trainings for treating the aforementioned diseases, the obstruction to nasal airflow requires continuous attention of the user, and also requires manual effort to carry out such exercises.

As an alternate solution, various breath training devices are disclosed, for example as disclosed in United States Patent number US 8376752, United States patent application US 20130157810, and the like, which provides obstruction to the nasal airflow. However, such devices are to be worn over mouth or nose, and are thus aesthetically non-appealing to the user. Additionally, such devices are loosely positioned onto the mouth or nose, and also fails to provide varied levels of obstructions to the nasal airflow.

United States Patent number US 8376752 (hereinafter referred to as "US'752") discloses devices and methods useful for enhancing respiration quality in humans. US'752 discloses several device embodiments that increase the difficulty of nasal breathing. Most embodiments of the invention disclosed in US'752 are applied to the external surface of the nose, reducing the cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity. This reference discloses a long tube/tubular shaped compressible foam inserts, which can be inserted within the nasal cavity of the user, to impart a level of obstruction to the nasal airflow, without manual effort thereof. Such long tube/tubular shaped compressible foam inserts, as disclosed in this disclosure, are loosely positioned in the nasal cavity, and also fails to provide varied levels of obstructions to the nasal airflow.

In addition to aforementioned drawbacks of the aforementioned devices, there is a well felt need of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer device capable of being relatively tightly positioned in the nasal cavity, and also capable of imparting varied levels of obstructions to the nasal airflow.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device comprising a hollow portion and an airflow resistance varying unit. The hollow portion defines a cavity and includes an external surface defining at least two openings. The airflow resistance varying unit is positioned within either the cavity, the at least two openings or attached to the external surface of the hollow portion, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit selectively varies, either statically or dynamically, obstruction to the nasal airflow. The NRRT device is capable of being positioned at least partially within either a nostril or a nasal cavity of a user, such that at least a portion of the external surface engages with an inner surface of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user. One or more of the at least two openings are positioned proximal to an airway opening of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user, while one or more other of the at least two openings is positioned distal from an airway opening in either of the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user. The NRRT device imparts an obstruction to a nasal airflow released through the airway opening of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user. The NRRT device is capable of being switched between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that the first configuration imparts a first level of obstruction to the nasal airflow through the NRRT device, whereas the second configuration imparts a second level of obstruction, greater than the first level of obstruction, to the nasal airflow through the NRRT device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. These and other details of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:

Figure la is a perspective view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure lb is a front view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device, in accordance with a first embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 2a is a perspective view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device, in accordance with a second embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 2b is a rear view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device, in accordance with a second embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 3a is a perspective view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device, in accordance with a third embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 3b is a front view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device, in accordance with a third embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 5a is an exploded perspective view of the nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device of figures 2a and 2b, illustrating a second embodiment of airflow resistance varying unit as a wheel unit, in accordance with the second embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 5b is an exploded perspective view of the nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device of figures 2a and 2b, illustrating a third embodiment of airflow resistance varying unit as a rotatable panel unit, in accordance with the second embodiment of the hollow portion. Figure 5c is an exploded side view of the nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device of figures 2a and 2b, illustrating a fourth embodiment of airflow resistance varying unit as a suspended flap unit, in accordance with the second embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 5d is an exploded side view of the nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device of figures 2a and 2b, illustrating a fifth embodiment of airflow resistance varying unit as a resiliently- actuated obstruction unit, in accordance with the second embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 5e is an exploded side view of the nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device of figures 2a and 2b, illustrating a sixth embodiment of airflow resistance varying unit as a slider unit, in accordance with the second embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 5f is an exploded perspective view of the nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device of figures 2a and 2b, illustrating a seventh embodiment of airflow resistance varying unit as a flexible membrane unit, in accordance with the second embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 5g is an exploded side view of the nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device of figures 2a and 2b, illustrating a eighth embodiment of airflow resistance varying unit as a resiliently-actuated ball obstruction unit, in accordance with the second embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 5h is an exploded side view of the nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device of figures 2a and 2b, illustrating a ninth embodiment of airflow resistance varying unit as a pivotally openable hinged door unit, in accordance with the second embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 5i is perspective view of a tenth embodiment of airflow resistance varying unit as a multiple-diaphragm shutter mechanism, in accordance with the second embodiment of the hollow portion.

Figure 5j is a perspective view of the twelfth embodiment of airflow resistance varying unit as a combination of a polygonal arrangement of a plurality of membranes positioned within the cavity defined by the hollow portion, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the hollow portion. Figure 5k is a perspective view of the nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device showing an application of the second embodiment of the airflow resistance varying unit with the fourth embodiment of the hollow portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.

Unless otherwise stated, the terms "include" and "comprise" (and variations thereof such as "including", "includes", "comprising", "comprises", "comprised" and the like) are used inclusively and do not exclude further features, components, integers, steps or elements.

Figure la is a perspective view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device [100], in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure lb is a front view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device [100], in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2a is a perspective view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device [100], in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2b is a rear view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device [100], in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3a is a perspective view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device [100], in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3b is a front view of a nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device [100], in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a perspective view of nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device [100], in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure la, lb, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and 4 should be referred to in conjunction with each other in order to clearly understand the concepts of the present disclosure. The nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device [100], as disclosed in the present disclosure, is used for hyper-capnic breath training. Specifically, the NRRT device [100] restricts a volume of a nasal airflow, thus having a training effect on the autonomous respiratory system of the brain in a way which provides healing effect to the body and the mind. In other words, the NRRT device [100] assists in gently training the human respiratory system to get used to a reduced minute volume of breathing. For such purposes, the NRRT device [100] imparts a level of obstruction to the nasal airflow released through an airway opening of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user. Furthermore, the NRRT device [100] is also capable of either imparting a constant level of obstruction or capable of varying the level of obstruction imparted to the nasal airflow released through an airway opening of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user. Notably, the 'nasal cavity' and the 'nostril' herein refers to an internal airway passage defined within a nose of a user.

The NRRT device [100] includes a hollow portion [102] and an airflow resistance varying unit [106], The hollow portion [102] defines a cavity [102a] therein and includes an external surface [102b] defining at least two openings [102c, 102d], In one embodiment, one or more of the at least two openings [102c, 102d] of the hollow portion [102], are defined as a combination of a curved profile section, and optionally two narrowing linear profile sections extending from the curved profile section. In another embodiment, one or more of the at least two openings [102c, 102d] are defined as square profile section with optionally at least one narrowing linear profile sections extending from the square profile section. Further, in a first embodiment, as is shown in figures la and lb, the hollow portion [102] has an Ovoid shaped section, such that the external surface [102b] is a combination of an external Ovoid surface [102e], a first flat surface [102f] defining a first opening [102c] of the at least two openings [102c, 102d], and a second flat surface [102g] defining a second opening [102d] of the at least two openings [102c, 102d], thereof. In a second embodiment, as is shown in figures 2a and 2b, the hollow portion [102] has a circular section, such that the external surface [102b] is a combination of an external curved peripheral surface [102h] defining the first opening [102c] and the second opening [102d] of the at least two openings [102c, 102d] thereof, and two side surfaces [102i, 102j] . In a third embodiment, as is shown in figures 3a and 3b, the hollow portion [102] has an Ovoid shaped section, such that the external surface [102b] is a combination of an external convex Ovoid surface [102k] defined between a first lip portion [1021] and a second lip portion [102m], where in the first lip portion [1021] defines the first opening [102c] of the at least two openings [102c, 102d], while the second lip portion [102m] defines the second opening [102d] of the at least two openings [102c, 102d], In the fourth embodiment, as shown in figure 4, the hollow portion [102] is a combination of the external curved peripheral surface [102h] defining a plurality of openings distributed along the external curved peripheral surface [102h], and two side surfaces [102i, 102j] . Notably, in each of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, the hollow portion [102] defines two openings, i.e. the first opening [102c] and the second opening [102d], whereas in the fourth embodiment, the hollow portion [102] defines the plurality of openings [102c, 102d] thereof. In each of these embodiments, the NRRT device [100] is capable of being positioned at least partially within either a nostril or a nasal cavity of a user, such that at least a portion of the external surface [102b] engages with an inner surface of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user. In the first, second, and third embodiment of the hollow portion [102], the first opening [102c] is positioned proximal to an airway opening of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user, while the second opening [102d] is positioned distal from the airway opening of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user. Moreover, in the fourth embodiment of the hollow portion [102], the positioning of the NRRT device [100] within the nasal cavity/nostril, can be effected at any rotational angle, and therefore, the relative position of each of the plurality of openings [102c, 102d] in the nostril or nasal cavity does not affect the functioning of the NRRT device [100], Notably, in the third embodiment of the NRRT device [100], the second lip portion [102m] extends outwards of either the nostril or the nasal cavity to engage with an external periphery of either of the nostril or the nasal cavity, while the NRRT device [100] is positioned within either the nostril or the nasal cavity. The external periphery of either of the nostril or the nasal cavity a user is uniquely shaped. For achieving a better fit, the external surface [102b] of hollow portion [102] in each of the embodiments may be custom made for the unique shape of the external periphery of either of the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user.

The airflow resistance varying unit [106] is positioned within either the cavity [102a], the at least two openings [102c, 102d], or attached to or part of the external surface [102b] of the hollow portion [102], The airflow resistance varying unit [106] selectively varies, either statically or dynamically, obstruction to the nasal airflow. The airflow resistance varying unit [106] is positioned within either the cavity [102a], the at least two openings [102c, 102d] or attached to the external surface [102b] of the hollow portion [102], The airflow resistance varying unit [106] selectively varies, either statically or dynamically, obstruction to the nasal airflow.

Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the NRRT device [100] is capable of being switched between a first configuration and a second configuration, and a plurality of intermediate configurations, such that, the first configuration imparts a first level of obstruction to the nasal airflow through the NRRT device [100], the second configuration imparts a second level of obstruction greater that the first level of obstruction, to the nasal airflow through the NRRT device [100], and the plurality of intermediate configuration imparts a plurality of intermediate levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow greater than the first level of obstruction to the nasal airflow and lesser than the second level of obstruction to the nasal airflow. Notably, the NRRT device [100] is adjusted between the first configuration, the second configuration, and the plurality of intermediate configurations, by rotating the NRRT device [100] while being positioned at least partially within either of the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user, by way of holding the NRRT device [100] at the holder portion [106], The hollow portion [102] further comprises relief holes [102n] for allowing the nasal airflow in the second configuration of the NRRT device [100],

Moreover, the airflow resistance unit [106] is provided to either statically or dynamically vary the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow. Notably, the airflow resistance unit [106] imparts the level of obstruction, over and above the first level of obstruction (in the first configuration of the NRRT device [100]), the plurality of intermediate levels of obstructions (in the intermediate configuration of the NRRT device [100]), and the second level of obstruction to the nasal airflow (in the second configuration of the NRRT device [100]). Although, the airflow resistance unit [106] in present disclosure hereinafter is described as applied to the second embodiment of the NRRT device [100], it may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that similar airflow resistance unit [106] may be deployed in the first, third and fourth embodiments of the hollow portion [102] of NRRT device [100] as well, for statically or dynamically varying the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow. Various embodiments of the airflow resistance unit [106] are possible, and applicable to each of the aforementioned four embodiments of the hollow portion [102], For ease in reference and understanding, a first embodiment of the airflow resistance unit [106] is shown and described as applied with the first embodiment (Figure la) and the second embodiment (Figure 2a) of the hollow portion [102], a second to tenth embodiment of the airflow resistance unit [106] is shown and described as applied with the second embodiment (Figures 5a-5i) of the hollow portion [102], while an eleventh and twelfth embodiment of the airflow resistance unit [106] is shown and described as applied with the fourth embodiment (Figure 5j) of the hollow portion [102], It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that various embodiments of the airflow resistance unit [106], may be used with various embodiments of the hollow portion [102], A few combinations of the same has been described below.

In a first embodiment, as shown in figures la and 2a, the airflow resistance unit [106] is a holder portion [106] extending outwardly from the external surface [102b] of the hollow portion [102], such that the holder portion [106] extends outwards of the nostrils or the nasal cavity, when the NRRT device [100] is positioned therein.

In a second embodiment, as shown in figure 5a, the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a wheel unit [106] with outwardly extending vanes [106a], such that the wheel unit [106] rotates to dynamically vary the level of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The wheel unit [106] rotates following the direction of the nasal airflow and imparts obstruction thereto. The wheel unit [106] requires significant nasal airflow for rotation. The rotational speed of the wheel unit [106] is proportional to the breathing effort of the user. The resistance of the wheel unit [106] may be adjustable using an interface on the external surface [102b] of the NRRT device [100], An application of the second embodiment of the airflow resistance varying unit [106] with the fourth embodiment of the hollow portion [102], is as shown in fig. 5k.

In a third embodiment, as shown in figure 5b, the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a rotatable panel unit [106] concentrically positioned within the cavity [102a] defined by the hollow portion [102] of the NRRT device [100], such that the rotatable panel unit [106] can be selectively manually rotated about a central axis to statically vary the level obstruction to the nasal airflow. In a first position, the rotatable panel unit [106] will impart maximum obstruction to the nasal airflow, whereas, in a second position, the rotatable panel unit [106] will impart minimum obstruction to the nasal airflow. The rotatable panel unit [106] can be manually rotated using an interface on the external surface [102b] of the NRRT device [100], to achieve an intermediate position between the first and the second position, thereby imparting an intermediate level of obstruction to the nasal airflow.

In a fourth embodiment, as shown in figure 5c, the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a suspended flap unit [106] extending within the cavity [102a] defined by the hollow portion [102] of the NRRT device [100], such that the suspended flap unit [106] bends to dynamically vary the levels of obstruction imparted to the nasal airflow. The suspended flap unit [106] is made of thin and moderately flexible material, possibly a thin sheet of metal. The suspended flap unit [106] may have a corrugated portion proximal to the recess. The corrugated portion enables easier movement due to nasal airflow pressure. A high breathing effort will result in larger movement of the suspended flap unit [106], thereby allowing more space for the nasal airflow and imparting lower level of obstruction. The suspended flap unit [106] is rigidly connected within the cavity [102a], It will be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the corrugated portion can be substituted with a hinge allowing similar range of movement.

In a fifth embodiment, as shown in figure 5d, the airflow resistance unit [106] is a resiliently- actuated obstruction unit [106] with a combination of a central obstruction panel [106b] and at least one resilient member [106c] attached between the central obstruction panel [106b] and the inner surface of the hollow portion [102] such that the central obstruction panel [106b] normally restricts the flow of the nasal airflow through the hollow portion [102], The central obstruction panel [106b] is resiliently shifted towards either of the first opening [102c] or the second opening [102d] to dynamically vary the level of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The elongation or the compression of the at least one resilient member [106c] attached to the central obstruction panel [106b] and the inner surface of the hollow portion [102] is proportional to the breathing effort of the user. When the breathing effort is low, the elongation and the compression of the at least one resilient member [106c] attached to the central obstruction panel [106b] and the inner surface of the hollow portion [102] is low. Accordingly, the central obstruction panel [106b] imparts maximum obstruction to the nasal airflow as it substantially blocks the path of the nasal airflow through the hollow portion [102],

In a sixth embodiment, as shown in figure 5e, the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a slider [106] capable of selectively and controllably covering either of the first opening [102c], the second opening [102d] or the cavity [102a], The slider is manually adjustable and statically varies the level obstruction imparted to the nasal airflow.

In a seventh embodiment, as shown in figure 5f, the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a flexible membrane [106] installed within either of the first opening [102c], the second opening [102d] or the cavity [102a], which dynamically vary the level of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The flexible membrane [106] is made of rubber-like elastic material. The flexible membrane [106] has a left and a right part with a thin opening in the middle along the vertical length. Due to elasticity of the material, the flexible membrane [106] will give way to the nasal airflow when enough breathing effort. Therefore, the level of obstruction imparted to the nasal airflow by the flexible membrane only depends on the elasticity of the material.

In an eighth embodiment, as shown in figure 5g, the airflow resistance unit [106] is a combination of a central obstruction unit defining a circular opening [106d], a ball unit [106e] and at least one resilient member [106c] attached between the ball unit [106e] and the inner surface of the hollow portion [102], The ball unit [106e] normally conforms with and abuts with the circular opening in the central obstruction unit (defining a circular opening) [106d] to normally restrict the nasal airflow through the cavity [102a] of the hollow portion [102], The ball unit [106e] is resiliently shifted towards either the first opening [102c] or the second opening [102d] to dynamically vary the level of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The elongation or the compression of the at least one resilient member [106c] attached to the ball unit [106e] and the inner surface of the hollow portion [102] is proportional to the breathing effort of the user. When the breathing effort is low, the elongation and the compression of the at least one resilient member [106c] attached to the ball unit [106e] and the inner surface of the hollow portion [102] is low. Accordingly, the ball unit [106e] imparts maximum obstruction to the nasal airflow as it substantially blocks the path of the nasal airflow through the cavity [102a] of the hollow portion [102],

In a ninth embodiment, as shown in figure 5h, the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a pivotally openable hinged door unit [106], which dynamically vary the level of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The doors of the pivotally openable hinged door unit [106] rotate in accordance with the breathing effort and the direction of the nasal airflow. The hinges [106f] of the pivotally openable hinged door unit [106] have some inbuilt level of resistance to turning. It will be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the hinges [106f] can be substituted with a corrugated portion allowing similar range of movement.

In a tenth embodiment, as shown in figure 5i, the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a combination of multiple diaphragms [106] arranged in a shutter mechanism, to statically vary the level of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The level of obstruction imparted by the opening created by the combination of multiple diaphragms [106] remains constant and independent of the breathing effort of the user. The user can change the size of opening created by moving the combination of multiple diaphragms [106] using the shutter mechanism or an interface on the external surface [102b] of the NRRT device [100], thereby changing the level of obstruction imparted to the nasal airflow.

In an eleventh embodiment, the airflow resistance unit [106] is a combination of at least one obstruction unit [106g] positioned within the cavity defined by the hollow portion [102], and at least one resilient member[106c] for resiliently suspending the obstruction unit [106g] from the hollow portion [102], The at least one obstruction unit [106] is resiliently shifted towards either of the at least two openings [102c, 102d] defined by the external curved peripheral surface [102h], to dynamically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow. It would be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the at least one obstruction unit [106g] can take any shape in accordance with the vacant space within the hollow portion.

In a twelfth embodiment, as shown in figure 5j, the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a combination of: a polygonal arrangement of a plurality of membranes positioned within the cavity defined by the hollow portion. The polygonal arrangement operates to dynamically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow.

There are various advantages of the NRRT device [100] as disclosed in the present disclosure. For example, the user can wear the NRRT device [100], as disclosed in the present disclosure, in a way which does not attract attention as the NRRT device [100] stays hidden within the nostril or the nasal cavity. The NRRT device [100], as disclosed in the present disclosure, makes it easier to do other work, leisure or sports activities while using the NRRT device [100], The NRRT device [100], as disclosed in the present disclosure, trains breathing without requiring the ongoing attention of the user. The NRRT device [100], as disclosed in the present disclosure, offers a way to do breathing exercises using the healthier nasal breathing ratherthan the less healthier mouth breathing.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

List of Components:

[100]- Nasal Respiratory Resistance Trainer (NRRT) device

[102]- Hollow portion

[102a]-Cavity

[102b]-External Surface

[102c]-First Opening

[102d]-Second Opening

[102e]-External Ovoid surface

[102f]-Firstflat surface

[102g]-Second flat surface

[102h]-External curved peripheral surface

[102i],[102j]-Two side surfaces

[102k]-External convex Ovoid surface

[1021] -First lip portion

[102m]-Second lip portion

[102n ]-relief holes

[106]- Airflow resistance varying unit

[106a]-Vanes

[106b]-Central obstruction panel

[106c]-at least one resilient member

[106d]-Central obstruction unit defining a circular opening

[106e]-Ball unit

[106f]-Hinges

[106g]-0bstruction unit

Claims

claim: A nasal respiratory resistance trainer (NRRT) device [100] comprising: a hollow portion [102] defining a cavity [102a] and including an external surface [102b] defining at least two openings [102c, 102d]; and an airflow resistance varying unit [106] positioned within either the cavity [102a], the at least two openings [102c, 102d] or attached to the external surface [102b] of the hollow portion [102], wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] selectively varies, either statically or dynamically, obstruction to the nasal airflow; the NRRT device [100] is capable of being positioned at least partially within either a nostril or a nasal cavity of a user, such that at least a portion of the external surface [102b] engages with an inner surface of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user, one or more of the at least two openings [102c, 102d] are positioned proximal to an airway opening of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user, while one or more of the at least two openings [102c, 102d] are positioned distal from an airway opening of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user, and the NRRT device [100] imparts an obstruction to a nasal airflow released through the airway opening of either the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user; the NRRT device [100] is capable of being switched between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that the first configuration imparts a first level of obstruction to the nasal airflow through the NRRT device [100], whereas the second configuration imparts a second level of obstruction, greater than the first level of obstruction, to the nasal airflow through the NRRT device [100], The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the NRRT device [100] is capable of being switched between a plurality of intermediate configurations between the first configuration and the second configuration, such that the plurality of intermediate configurations imparts a plurality of intermediate levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow greater than the first level of obstruction to the nasal airflow and lesser than the second level of obstruction to the nasal airflow.

3. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a holder portion [106] extending outwardly from the external surface [102b] of the hollow portion [102],

4. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least two openings [102c, 102d], are defined as a combination of a curved profile section, and two narrowing linear profile sections extending from the curved profile section.

5. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least two openings [102c, 102d], are defined as square profile section.

6. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the NRRT device [100] is adjusted between the first configuration, the second configuration, and the plurality of intermediate configurations, by rotating the NRRT device [100] while being positioned at least partially within either of the nostril or the nasal cavity of the user, by way of holding the NRRT device [100] at the holder portion [106],

7. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow portion [102] has a circular section, such that the external surface [102b] is a combination of an external curved peripheral surface [102h] defining the at least two openings [102c, 102d] thereof, and two side surfaces [102i, 102j] .

8. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow portion [102] has an Ovoid shaped section, such that the external surface [102b] is a combination of an external Ovoid surface [102e], a first flat surface [102f] defining one of the at least two openings [102c, 102d], and a second flat surface [102g] defining another of the at least two openings [102c, 102d] thereof.

9. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow portion [102] has an Ovoid shaped section, such that the external surface [102b] is a combination of an external convex Ovoid surface [102k] defined between a first lip portion [1021] and a second lip portion [102m], such that the second lip [102m] portion extends outwards of either the nostril or the nasal cavity to engage with an external periphery of either of the nostril or the nasal cavity while the NRRT device [100] is positioned within either the nostril or the nasal cavity.

10. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least two openings [102c, 102d], includes a first opening [102c] and a second opening [102d], defined on opposite side of the external curved peripheral surface [102h] .

11. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least two openings [102c, 102d], includes a first opening [102c] and a second opening [102d], defined on the first flat surface [102f] and the second flat surface [102g], respectively.

12. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least two openings [102c, 102d], includes a first opening [102c] and a second opening [102d], defined on the first lip portion [1021] and the second lip portion [102m], respectively.

13. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least two openings [102c, 102d], includes a plurality of openings [102c, 102d], distributed along the external curved peripheral surface [102h],

14. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claims 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a wheel unit [106] with outwardly extending vanes [106a], such that the wheel unit [106] rotates to dynamically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow.

15. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claims 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a rotatable panel unit [106] concentrically positioned within the cavity [102a] defined by the hollow portion [102] of the NRRT device [100], such that the rotatable panel unit [106] can be selectively manually rotated about a central axis to statically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow.

16. The NRRT device as claimed in claims 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a suspended flap unit [106] extending within the cavity [102a] defined by the

16 hollow portion [102] of the NRRT device [100], such that the suspended flap unit bends to dynamically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow.

17. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claims 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a combination of: a central obstruction panel [106b]; at least one resilient member [106c] attached between the central obstruction panel [106b] and the hollow portion [102]; and the central obstruction panel [106b] normally restrict the flow of nasal airflow through the cavity [102a] of the hollow portion [102], while the central obstruction panel [106b] is resiliently shifted towards either of the at least two openings [102c, 102d], to dynamically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow.

18. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claims 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a slider unit [106] capable of selectively and controllably covering either of the at least two openings [102c, 102d], or the cavity [102a], to statically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow.

19. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claims 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a flexible membrane unit [106] installed within either of the at least two openings [102c], or the cavity [102a], which dynamically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow.

20. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claims 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a combination of: a central obstruction unit defining a circular opening [106d]; a ball unit [106e]; at least one resilient member [106c] attached between the ball unit [106e] and the hollow portion [102]; and the ball unit [106e] normally conforms with and abuts with the circular opening in the central obstruction unit [106d] to normally restrict the nasal airflow

17 through the cavity [102a] of the hollow portion [102], while the ball unit [106e] is resiliently shifted towards either of the at least two openings [102c], to dynamically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claims 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a pivotally openable hinged door unit [106], which dynamically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claims 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] is a combination of multiple diaphragms [106] arranged in a shutter mechanism, to statically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] comprises: at least one obstruction unit [106g] positioned within the cavity defined by the hollow portion, and at least one resilient member for resiliently suspending the obstruction unit [106g] from the hollow portion, such that the at least one obstruction unit [106g] is resiliently shifted towards either of the at least two openings [102c, 102d] defined by the external curved peripheral surface [102h], to dynamically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claim 7 to 13, wherein the airflow resistance varying unit [106] comprises: a polygonal arrangement of a plurality of membranes, positioned within the cavity defined by the hollow portion, such that the polygonal arrangement operates to dynamically vary between the levels of obstruction to the nasal airflow. The NRRT device [100] as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein a couple of relief holes [102n] are defined in the hollow portion [102] allowing the nasal airflow in the second configuration of the NRRT device [100],

18