WO2009124567A1

WO2009124567A1 - Nose-dilating device with recess

Info

Publication number: WO2009124567A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/002867
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leif SÖDERBERG
Original assignee: Adactive Marketing Ab
Priority date: 2008-04-11
Filing date: 2008-04-11
Publication date: 2009-10-15

Abstract

An internal nose-dilating device (1), comprising at least one at least partially nostril-insertable portion (2), wherein the insertable portion is provided with at least one recess (14) for receiving a fluid, wherein said recess is arranged to prevent contact between the fluid received in the recess and an object introduced into the nostril-insertable portion.

Description

NOSE-DILATING DEVICE WITH RECESS

Technical field

The present document relates to an internal nose-dilating device provided with a recess for receiving a fluid.

Background

Breathing through the nose during sleep is highly advantageous compared with breathing through the mouth. When breathing through your mouth the saliva secretion decreases and the mucous membranes become dry. This provides a breeding ground for bacteria and causes dental problems, or an increase thereof, since there is no longer enough fresh saliva for efficacious rinsing. A further aspect of breathing through the mouth is that the teeth are not sufficiently supported and, when the jaws are being separated, thus start to grow at an angle, as there is no resistance. Breathing through the mouth increases the risk of snoring, since anatomically the throat becomes narrower and the airway smaller as a result of the lower jaw frequently dropping. This constriction of the throat often causes snoring and abnormal breathing. A narrow airway means that you must breathe harder to get enough oxygen, the result being even more snoring sounds.

To reduce or completely eliminate the snorings, snoring guards designed to reposition the lower jaw forward can be used, the guards being positioned in the mouth and retained by an occlusal hold. A drawback of these guards, however, is that they do not bring the jaws tightly together, which means that people with restricted nasal meatuses will tend to open their mouth to breath and, with the mouth open, the effect of snoring guards designed to reposition the lower jaw forward is lost. To improve the situation of these people, the snoring guard designed to reposition the lower jaw forward can be combined with a nose-dilating device, i.e. means arranged outside or inside the nose to dilate the nostrils. Some people may have a partly deformed nose, which results in an inaccurate air flow and when the person breathes heavily through the nose the nasal walls are simply sucked together, thus obstructing the passage of air. This may also be important, for example, when practicing sports, in which case an optimal air intake is desired.

There are currently a number of methods and means for creating and maintaining a satisfactory passage of air through the nose, for instance by means of external nose-dilating devices, such as nose adhesive strips, or internal nose dilating means, such as plastic springs provided between the nostrils or different types of devices which are placed in the nostrils, to dilate the nasal openings

It may further be advantageous to combine the physical dilation of the nostrils with a medicament, e.g. containing a decongestant. The medicament may be provided on the nose-dilating device, preferably on the inside in order to avoid direct contact with the mucous membranes.

The medicament may be provided solved in an ointment, and applied by the wearer to the inside of the nose-dilating device. This application may sometimes be quite messy for the wearer and may increase the risk of the decongestant contacting the mucous membranes. US 6,004,342 discloses an internal nose-dilating device, which comprises a pair of hollow, cylindrical members, which are made of an elastomeric material and have the shape of a nostril and are designed to be worn inside the nose, a handle portion connecting the two nasal inserts. This type of dilator may be provided with a medicament, for instance a decongestant, on the inside of the dilator, for instance by applying an ointment on the inside walls. When the user inserts the dilator into the nose he might however quite easily come in contact with the medicament, which may be quite messy, and he may risk that the ointment contacts the mucous membranes of the nose. The device may also be difficult to adjust to different types of forms of the nose.

US 5,895,409 discloses an internal nose-dilating device in the form of cylindrical convex tubes, which are inserted into the nose to dilate the nostrils and which are connected by means of a larger external portion. The tubes consist of an open framework having an interior portion and an exterior

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING AB\PATENT\_NoFamιlv\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Applιcatιontext_SZJ doc portion and a plurality of interconnected elongate members, which members extend between the interior and exterior portions and at least one of which is convex. The device described in this document is intended for use in connection with strenuous physical exercise and the administration of anaesthetics. Such devices are often rigid and clearly visible and, above all, rarely adapted to the anatomy of the nose and its different cavities. They are often too long and too bulky and therefore less comfortable and efficacious, since their straight lines make it difficult to keep them positioned in the nose. Furthermore, due to their design they do not fit all types of noses. The air flow obtained when using a completely round insert is not optimal, since a significant part of the air has to pass along the side, its passage being, in fact, partly obstructed by the device. Due to the exterior larger portion there is also an increased risk of the device flying out of the nose when touched. The design of the device is also unsuitable for applying e.g. a medicament such as a decongestant, since the open framework of the device greatly increases the risk of the medicament contacting the mucous membranes.

US 2004/0261791 A1 discloses a nasal dilator that comprises tubes formed as right cylinder, having a circular, oblong and radiused cornered rectangular cross sections. A tab or a rim may extend from the outer end, i.e. the end sticking out of the nose, for adjusting or rotating the dilator once it has been inserted in the nose. The dilator may be provided in different outside diameters for different nose types. This type of dilator may be provided with a medicament, such as a decongestant, on the inside of the dilator, for instance by applying an ointment on the inside walls. When the user inserts the dilator into the nose he might however quite easily come in contact with the medicament, which may be quite messy, and he may risk that the ointment contacts the mucous membranes of the nose.

There is hence a need for a nose-dilating device, which is easily and reliably insertable into the nose, to obtain an optimal dilation of the nose, whilst providing in improved way of providing the device with a medicament.

There is also further a need for a nose-dilating device which may fit into different types and sizes of the noses.

Summary

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING AB\PATENT\_NoFamιly\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Applιcatιontext_SZJ doc It is an object of the present disclosure, to provide an improved or alternative internal nose-dilating device, which eliminates or alleviates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art nose dilators.

The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims and in the following description and drawings.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an internal nose-dilating device, comprising at least one at least partially nostril-insertable portion, wherein the nostril-insertable portion is provided with at least one recess for receiving a fluid, wherein said recess is arranged to prevent contact between the fluid received in the recess and an object introduced into the nostril- insertable portion.

By this device there may be provided a way of applying a fluid to a nose-dilating device such that the user is prevented from smearing the fluid when touching the inside of the device, with e.g. a finger, which may for instance be necessary when the device is placed in the nose.

The fluid may be provided by means of a tube, e.g. provided with a pointed tip adapted to distribute the fluid in the recess.

This device may also be easy to clean and hence hygienic from a reusable point of view.

By fluid is meant any fluid or semi-fluid material, including, but not limited thereto, ointments, gels, creams, lotions, or any other material which is suitable for application in a nose-dilating device. By suitable for application is meant that the fluid must be viscous enough to not flow or leak from the recess.

The fluid may further contain any type of substance or medicament suitable for inhalation, including, but not limited thereto, a decongestant, a sedative agent, an arousing agent etc.. The fluid may further be such that it may easily emit the inhalable substance, for instance through evaporation. Suitable decongestants may include, but not limited thereto, eucalyptus, menthol, antihistamines etc..

The recess may be at least partially formed by a groove in an inner wall of the nostril-insertable portion.

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING AB\PATENT\_NoFamιly\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Applιcatιontext_SZJ doc The recess may be at least partially formed by at least two ridges and at least one trough, which may be alternately arranged on an inner wall of the nostril-insertable portion.

By alternately arranged is meant that one trough is arranged between two ridges.

An edge of at least on of the ridges may provide a prevention from contact between the fluid received in the trough and an object inserted in the nostril-insertable device.

The recess may be axially elongate. The recess may further present a substantially triangular cross section.

The ridges may present a substantially triangular cross section.

By substantially triangular is meant that the cross section may be truncated or have an acute angle at the base end of the recess.

By this configuration there may be provided a space to fill the fluid in, i.e. a groove or a trough, which may be arranged such that the user is prevented from contacting the fluid, i.e. by the edge of the groove or the edge of a ridge, once it has been filled in the recess. Not only may the users finger be protected from coming into contact with the fluid, but also the mucosal membranes in the nose. The device may, according to one embodiment, be provided with protrusions on the inner walls of the device.

By inside walls of the device is meant the walls that faces the nasal cavity.

The protrusions may be arranged in the proximity of the recess. By the protrusions being arranged in the proximity of the recess is meant that they are arranged such that they may provide a further prevention from contact with the fluid received in the recess.

According to a second aspect there is provided an internal nose- dilating device comprising at least two nostril-insertable portions, one for each nostril, wherein the portions are connected to each other by a connecting member, wherein the nostril-insertable portions comprise a respective wall portion arranged to extend upwardly in the nose and to contact the nasal septum, and a respective loop portion arranged to at least partially contact

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING AB\PATENT\_NoFamιly\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Applιcalιontext_SZJ doc and dilate the respective nostril, said loop portion having an upper edge oriented inwards towards the nasal cavity, wherein the wall portion extends beyond the upper edge of said loop portion.

By this configuration there may be provided a nose-dilating device which is easily insertable in the nostrils of a wearer. The device may also be adapted to fit with different types of noses.

The elongate wall portion may further both be stabilising and provide an easier way of placing and/or orientating the device in the nostrils. The configuration may also provide a nose-dilating device which is able to fit with different types of nose forms.

The wall portion may be provided with at least one recess for receiving a fluid, wherein said recess is arranged to prevent contact between the fluid received in the recess and an object introduced into the nostril-insertable portion. By providing the wall portion with a recess for receiving fluids there may be provided a device which may easily be filled with a fluid, e.g. containing a decongestant, which may be desirable as an additional effect of the nose dilation.

The recess may be formed by a groove in the wall of the nostril- insertable portion.

The recess may be formed by at least two ridges and at least one trough, which may be alternately arranged on an inner wall of the nostril- insertable device.

The edge of the ridges may provide a prevention from contact between the fluid received in the trough and an object introduced into the nostril- insertable portion.

The recess may be substantially axially elongate.

The recess may present a substantially triangular cross section.

The ridges may present a substantially triangular cross section. By substantially triangular is meant that the cross section may be truncated or have an acute angle at the base end of the recess.

By this configuration there may be provided a space to fill the fluid in, i.e. a groove or a trough, which may be arranged such that the user is

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING

ABVPATE NT\_NoFamιly\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Applιcatιontext_SZJ doc prevented from contacting the fluid, i.e. by the edge of the recess or the top surface of a ridge, once it has been filled in the recess.

The inner wall of the wall portion may be provided with protrusions.

By providing the inner wall of the wall portion with protrusions there may be provided a way of further ensuring that the user is prevented from contacting the fluid in the recess.

The loop portion may have a substantially rounded or bevelled cross section, wherein a convex portion is arranged to face the nose wall.

By this configuration there may be provided a way of ensuring that the loop portion is able to fit with the lower part of the nostril and properly stay in place during use.

By "nose wall" is substantially meant the nose wing, i.e. the portion of the nostril not being the nasal septum.

The loop portion may present a reinforced portion. By reinforcing the loop portion there may be provided a way of generating a proper dilation of the nostril, and increasing the durability and strength of the loop portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present solution will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a nose-dilating device. Fig. 2a is a schematic perspective view of one nostril-insertable portion.

Fig. 2b is a schematic cross sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 2a.

Fig. 2c is a schematic cross sectional view along the line B-B of Fig. 2a, also showing the application of a fluid. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view along the line B-B of Fig. 1 also showing a finger of a user.

Description of Embodiments

In the following description the term "axial" or "axial direction" refers to a direction which substantially corresponds to the direction of the nasal septum in an upwardly direction in the nose. The term "transverse" hence refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal septum.

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING AB\PATENT\_NoFamιly\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Apphcatιontext_SZJ doc Fig. 1 illustrates a nose-dilating device 1 with two nostril-insertable portions 2, 2'. The portions 2, 2' comprise a wall portion 3 and a loop portion 4, connected by a connecting member 6.

Fig. 2a illustrates one nostril-insertable portion, where the connecting member 6 has been substantially cut in half for illustrative purposes.

The wall portion 4 may extend in an axial direction, such that the nostril-insertable portion is properly supported by the nasal septum. The rear surface 11 of the wall portion may be smooth in order to not cause any chafing against the nasal septum during use. The wall portion may be substantially rectangular (not shown). The upper edge 12, which during use is turned upwardly and inwardly in the nose, may, according to one alterative, be bevelled or rounded, such that the wall portions substantially emulates the shape of the nostrils.

The length of the wall portion 4 may be such that it extends beyond an upper edge 7 of the loop portion 4. The wall portion may be two times the length of the loop portion, or it may be three times the length of the loop portion, alternatively four times, or even five times the length of the loop portion. This means that when the nostril-insertable portion has been inserted, the wall portion will extend upwardly in the nose and abut the nasal septum, while the loop portion remains at the lower end of the nose close to the nostril opening (not shown), and the connecting member 6 will remain outside of the nose.

The lower edge 9 of the wall portion may during use be directed out from the nose. The loop portion 4 may be attached to the wall portion 3. The loop portion may comprise an upper edge 7, which during use may be turned upwardly and inwardly in the nose. The lower edge 8 may during use be turned out from the nose.

The loop portion may be arranged such that the lower edge 8 is levelled with the lower edge 9 of the wall portion 4. The loop portion may, according to one embodiment, be arranged at a distance from the lower edge 9 of the wall portion (not shown).

As seen in a transverse direction, the loop portion 4 may have any shape suitable for providing a dilation of the nostril. The loop portion may hence substantially present a half circle shape. The loop portion may also have substantially right angles at the two corners facing away from the wall portion (not shown).

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING AB\PATENT\_NoFamιly\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Applιcatιontext_SZJ doc Fig. 2b illustrates that the loop portion 4 may comprise a bevelled or rounded cross section. The convex portion of the rounded part may contact the lower portion of the nose wing. Since the nostril or nose wing in most cases is slightly concave at this portion of the nose, the rounded loop portion 4 may be properly secured in the nose during use.

The loop portion 4 may further be reinforced, i.e. the goods may be thicker, at the waist portion 13 of the loop body. Alternatively the loop portion may be formed by a thinner, but more rigid material.

The inserts 2, 2' may be connected by a connecting member 6, which may be arranged to remain outside of the nose during use of the device 1. The connecting member 6 and the inserts 2, 2' may be formed in one piece. The connecting member may, according to one embodiment substantially be in the shape of a U-shaped strip. The connecting member may be attached to the lower edge 9 of the wall portion 3 on each insert 2, 2'. The wall portion 3 may be provided with at least one recess 14 arranged on the inner surface 11.

The recess 14 may be a groove arranged in the wall portion (not shown).

Fig. 2c illustrates that the recess 14 may comprise ridges 15, protruding from the inner surface 11 of the wall portion, and troughs 16, which may be arranged between the ridges in an alternating manner. The ridges may be arranged in one piece with the inner surface.

The recess 14 may present a substantially triangular cross section, such that the edge of a groove (not shown) may present a pointed angle. Fig. 2c illustrates that the ridge 15 may present a substantially triangular cross section, arranged such that the edge 17 may be present pointed angle. The cross section of the ridges may, according to one not shown embodiment, be substantially a half circle, or have edge with a varying topography. The troughs 16 may also present a substantially triangular cross section, or alternatively have a truncated triangular cross section, such that a fluid filled in the trough may lay on a flat surface at the bottom 19 of the trough.

Fig. 2c further illustrates that a fluid 40 may be filled in the troughs 16, for instance by a tube 30 with a pointed tip 31. The fluid 40 may also be filled in troughs by any other suitable means, e.g. a syringe or by a swab.

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING AB\PATENT\_NoFamιly\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Applιcatιontext_SZJ doc Fig. 3 illustrates that the edge 17, of the ridges 15 may prevent a user, illustrated by a finger 20, from coming into contact with the fluid filled in the troughs.

The edges of a groove may, according to one, not shown, alternative embodiment, prevent a user from coming into contact with the fluid filled in the groove.

The recess 14 may extend in an axially elongate direction. The recess may extend across the entire length of the wall portion (not shown). According to one embodiment the recess extends across a portion of the wall portion. The recess may extend from the upper edge 12 across a part of the inner surface 11 of the wall portion 3.

The recess may, according to one not shown embodiment, extend in a transversal direction across the wall portion 3. The recess may extend across the entire, or part of, the width of the wall portion. The recesses may have different lengths (not shown). One insert may be provided with axial recesses and the other with transversal recesses (not shown).

The recess 14 may be provided with border edge (not shown) at the upper and/or lower ends of the recess. The border edge may ensure that the fluid filled in the recess does not flow out of, or leak from, the ends of the recess.

As shown in Fig. 2, the recesses 14 may be open at both ends.

The wall portion 3 may, according to one embodiment, be provided with protrusions 18 (see Fig. 2a). The protrusions 18 may for instance be in the shape of spikes, pins, pin heads or knobs. The protrusions 18 may be arranged in the proximity of the recess(es) 14 such that the offer an additional prevention from contact with the fluid 40 filled in the recess 14. The protrusions 18 may, according to one alternative, be arranged scattered on the entire inner surface 11 of the wall portion 3. The device 1 may be formed from any plastic, silicone, rubber or polymer material, suitable for contact with the mucosal membranes of the nose. By suitable for contact is meant that the material does not cause any allergic or hypersensitiveness reaction. The material should further be such that it does not cause any chafing or discomfort to the user. The material may be transparent or have any colour, it may for instance be skin coloured to ensure that the device is discrete during use.

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING AB\PATENT\_NoFamιly\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Applιcatιontext_SZJ doc The device may, according to one embodiment, be formed by a thermoplastic material.

The device may be heated to a temperature where it is possible to form the material into any desired shape. The user may for instance heat the device by holding it in hot water for a period of time. The water may, according to one embodiment, be of a temperature from 45°C to 50°C and the period of time may range from about 20 seconds to about 40 seconds. The device may alternatively be heated by the wearer holding the device in the hand. The wall portions 3 and loop portions 4 may be made from the same material. The wall and loop portions and the connecting member may be made from the same material.

The wall portions 3 and loop portions 4 may be made from different materials. The wall and loop portions and the connecting member may be made from different materials.

The recess may, according to one embodiment, be made of the same material as the wall portion. The recess and wall portion may, according to an alternative embodiment, be made of different materials.

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING AB\PATENT\_NoFamιly\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Applιcatιontext_SZJ doc

Claims

1. An internal nose-dilating device, comprising at least one at least partially nostril-insertable portion, wherein the nostril-insertable portion is provided with at least one recess for receiving a fluid, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that said recess is arranged to prevent contact between the fluid received in the recess and an object introduced into the nostril-insertable portion.

2. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the recess is at least partially formed by a groove in an inner wall of the nostril- insertable portion.

3. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the recess is at least partially formed by at least two ridges and at least one trough, which are alternately arranged on an inner wall of the nostril- insertable device.

4. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein an edge of at least one of the ridges provides a prevention from contact between the fluid received in the trough and an object inserted in the nostril-insertable device.

5. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess is axially elongate.

6. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess presents a substantially triangular cross section.

7. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ridges presents a substantially triangular cross section.

8. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is provided with protrusions on the inside walls of the device.

9. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in 8, wherein the protrusions are arranged in the proximity of the recess.

10. An internal nose-dilating device comprising two at least partially nostril-insertable portions, one for each nostril, wherein the portions are connected by a connecting member, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the nostril-insertable portions comprise a respective wall portion arranged to extend upwardly in the nose and to contact the nasal septum, and a respective loop portion arranged to at least partially contact and dilate the respective nostril, said loop portion having an upper edge oriented inwards towards the nasal cavity, wherein the wall portion extends beyond the upper edge of said loop portion.

11. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the wall portion is provided with at least one recess for receiving a fluid, wherein said recess is arranged to prevent contact between the fluid received in the recess and an object introduced into the nostril-insertable portion.

12. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the recess is formed by a groove in an inner wall of the nostril-insertable portion.

13. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the recess is formed by at least two ridges and at least one trough, which are alternately arranged on an inner wall of the nostril-insertable portion.

2008-04-10 15 50 V \_NoOrganιsatιon\ADACTIVE MARKETING AB\PATENT\_NoFamιly\PCT\21036490\20080407_21036490_Apphcatιontext_S2J doc

14. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the edge of the ridges provides a prevention from contact between the fluid received in the trough and an object introduced into the nostril-insertable portion.

15. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in any one of claims 11-14, wherein the recess is substantially axially elongate.

16. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the recess presents a substantially triangular cross section.

17. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in any one of claims 13-14, wherein the ridges presents a substantially triangular cross section.

18. The internal nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the wall portion is provided with protrusions.

19. The nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the loop portion presents a substantially rounded or bevelled cross section, wherein a convex portion is arranged to face the nose wall.

20. The nose-dilating device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the loop portion presents a reinforced portion.