Patent ID: 8048102
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An internal nasal dilator adapted for use within a nose having first and second nostrils separated by a septum, each of the nostrils defining an internal nasal passageway, and an interior outer wall surface generally opposite the septum, wherein the passageway defines a longitudinal axis, and a cross-sectional plane generally perpendicular to the axis, said dilator comprising: a clip configured to contact and apply an inward force to the septum when the dilator is donned, wherein the clip is configured to contact the septum along first and second planar engaging surfaces; and first and second nostril expanders, each of the nostril expanders including a nostril engaging engaging element having inner and outer surfaces and configured to overlay only a portion of the interior wall surface of a respective nostril when the dilator is donned, and a compressible arm interconnecting the inner surface of the nostril engaging element and the clip wherein the element and clip are interconnected solely by the arm, the arm presents a major axis, a major surface parallel to said major axis, a minor axis perpendicular to the major axis, and a minor surface parallel to the minor axis, when the arm is positioned in the nasal passageway, the arm is oriented such that the major axis and major surface extend in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nasal passageway, the arm defines a curved longitudinal profile within the cross-sectional plane, and is oriented so as to form superjacent layers with the portion of the outer wall surface, the nostril engaging element, arm, and clip are cooperatively configured to exert an outward force upon the portion of the interior outer wall surface, and minimize obstruction within the passageway.