Abstract:
A nasal passageway opening device including a body defining an airflow channel therethrough for insertion in the nasal passageway. The body may be conical, and may include a plurality of external protrusions to increase frictional resistance with the nasal passageway. The body may be solid, or hollow to incorporate a medicament therein, such as a mentholated gel. If the body is hollow, the interior surface may include a plurality of apertures for release of the medicament. The device is positioned within the nasal passage a sufficient distance so that it is hidden from view, thus illuminating the need for unsightly external nasal strips or topical applications of odiferous mentholated gels.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to devices for clearing blocked nasal passages and, more particularly, to a nasal air passageway opening device adapted to fit within the nasal passage. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Everybody suffers from blocked nasal passages at one time or another. Congestion and stuffy noses are symptomatic of colds, influenza, hay fever, allergies, and other common maladies. More serious sinus problems, such as deviated septums, also may cause nasal congestion and/or constriction of the nasal passage. This general condition is shown in FIG. 1 in which a constriction  20  within the nasal passage  24  reduces airflow therethrough, and even results in complete blockage as indicated by the flow arrows  26 . 
     Various means are available for relieving nasal congestion, ranging from the time-tested remedy of a topical mentholated rub to the more extreme solution of surgery. All of these methods suffer from unique drawbacks. 
     Although a topical mentholated rub may prove effective for minor or temporary nasal congestions, it is generally insufficient to treat more serious sinus conditions. In addition, the mentholated rub emits a relatively strong odor that may be offensive in daily interpersonal contacts. 
     Another relatively simple solution that has been successfully marketed is external nasal strips that are placed on the exterior bridge portion of the user&#39;s nose. The nasal strip includes some type of therapeutic medication which is continuously inhaled through the nose to treat the blockage. Unfortunately, the nasal strips are relatively unsightly and many users are embarrassed to use them in public. In addition, nasal strips are not re-usable; that is, once removed, one cannot re-attach them. Most nasal strips are manufactured with an adhesive side, similar to BAND-AIDS. As with all such strips, once removed, the adhesive loses its effectiveness. Moreover, many people have relatively oily skin which interferes with an effective adhesion in the first instance. Therefore, the consumer, especially those with oily skin, must carry around a supply of nasal strips for use during the day. 
     Various other topical and orally-or nasally-administered medications are available for relieving sinus congestion. Unfortunately, use of such medications for chronic sinus congestion may cause negative side effects. For example, most sinus medications make the user drowsy, which limits the periods of use. More significantly, repeated use of some sinus medications may cause a buildup of toxins in the kidneys, which forces them to work harder, and may even result in long-term kidney damage requiring dialysis. 
     A deviated nasal septum is a genetic condition in which the nasal air passage has not developed normally. In other words, the walls of the nasal passages are positioned closer together to restrict airflow therethrough. This condition causes sinus pressure, headaches, dizziness, and at the very least stuffy noses. Again, over-the-counter medications provide little or no relief, and may actually cause more serious problems. A corrective surgical procedure may be recommended by an ear, nose and throat doctor. Unfortunately, the surgery may not be entirely effective, and may result in scar tissue forming inside the nose which perpetuates the problem. Sometimes a second surgery to remove the scar tissue is recommended, although again the surgery may not work. Moreover, surgery to correct a deviated septum is relatively painful. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a device for treating blocked nasal passages that is effective, comfortable and socially acceptable, and which reduces the need for potentially harmful long-term use of medications and surgery. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Various objects and advantages are provided by the present invention, including: 
     A device to provide fast, safe and effective relief from nasal sinus pressure. 
     A device that promotes nasal sinus drainage. 
     A device that provides an inexpensive and safe alternative to medications and inhalants. 
     An over-the-counter sinus congestion relief product eliminating the need for a prescription. 
     A device that provides a safe and effective alternative to corrective surgeries. 
     A sinus pressure relief device available in a variety of forms for sinus pressure sufferers of different ages. 
     A device that provides an effective way of obtaining sinus pressure relief without the embarrassment of wearing an external nasal strip, or an odiferous topical medication. 
     A nasal sinus pressure relief device insertable in the nasal passage that incorporates a mentholated gel. 
     In one aspect, the invention provides a nasal passageway opening device comprising a body having an exterior surface and interior surface. The interior surface defines an airflow channel therethrough, and the body is sized to fit within a nasal passageway of a wearer to ensure adequate airflow therethrough. Desirably, the body is conical. The body may be solid or hollow and define a cavity between the exterior and interior surfaces. A medicament may be positioned within the cavity, and a plurality of apertures formed in the interior surface permit evaporation and delivery of the medicament. A plurality of protrusions are desirably provided on the exterior surface, primarily to increase frictional resistance with the nasal passageway. 
     In another form, the invention provides a nasal passageway opening device, including a body sized to fit within a nasal passageway of a wearer, the body defining an airflow channel therethrough. A medicament is incorporated into the body and is in communication with the airflow channel for release of vapor to the wearer. The body may include an interior wall having a plurality of apertures, an exterior wall, and a cavity therebetween, the medicament being positioned within the cavity. The body may be conical or other wise. 
     A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a constricted nasal passage; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a sinus pressure relief device inserted in the nose to treat a constricted nasal passage; 
     FIG. 3A is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the sinus pressure relief device of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 3B and 3C are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the device of FIG. 3A; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through one embodiment of a sinus pressure relief device of the present invention, and 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through another embodiment of a sinus pressure relief device of the present invention incorporating a medicament. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention provides a nasal sinus pressure relief device that can be inserted in the nasal passage to improve airflow therethrough. Various shapes, surface textures, and functional aspects are described herein, but should not be considered limiting. For example, the invention contemplates a conical device to help in positioning the device in the nasal passage, but a tubular shape may be equally effective, although slightly more difficult to correctly position. Additionally, the various embodiments described herein include a single airflow channel therethrough, but those of skill in the art will understand that inner walls may be provided to divide the airflow passage into two or more channels. 
     With reference to FIG. 2, an exemplary sinus pressure relief device  30  is shown inserted into the nasal passage  24  of FIG. 1 at the approximate location of the constriction  20 . The device  30 , as described more detail below, opens the constriction  20  and provides an airflow channel therethrough. As seen by the arrows  32 , proper airflow results. Furthermore, the device  30  may incorporate a medication, such as a mentholated gel, and a therapeutic vapor  34  can be administered by the device directly into the sinus cavities located above the nasal passage  24  without propagating to the surrounding environment. 
     Importantly, the device  30  is desirably sized to be positioned sufficiently far from the nasal passage opening  36  so as to be hidden from view. Therefore, the wearer of the device  30  may go out in public without the embarrassment sometimes associated with external nasal strips. To insure such advantageous positioning, the device  30  is desirably manufactured in a number of sizes for different sized nasal passages  24 , or different levels of constriction  20 . That is, a small child may require a smaller-sized device  30  band would a full-grown adult. A conical shape is preferred for its tendency to wedge into a correct position, but still enable easy removal. 
     FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate one embodiment of the sinus pressure relief device  30  of the present invention. The device  30  comprises a hollow conical body  40  having a first end and associated first mouth  42 , and a second end and associated second mouth  44  that is smaller than the first mouth. Because of the conical shape of the body  40 , both the first and second mouths  42 ,  44  are circular. A conical interior wall  46  of the body  40  defines a single airflow channel therethrough, as indicated by the arrows  48 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the device  30  is aligned about an axis  50  so that the first and second mouths  42 ,  44  are concentric about the axis. Alternatively, the body  40  may extend in a curvilinear path so that the first and second mouths  42 ,  44  are offset for one another. Such a curved device  30  may be desired for irregularly-shaped nasal passages, such as with those with broken noses prior to corrective surgery. As mentioned above, in either the straight or curved configuration, the device  30  may have a first end larger than the second end, as shown, or the device may be tubular with the first and second ends being identically sized. 
     In a preferred embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 3A-3C, the exterior surface of the body  40  is covered in a plurality of bumps or corrugations  52 . As shown, the corrugations  52  comprise oval-shaped outward projections from the otherwise smooth, conical exterior surface of the body  40 . In a preferred embodiment, the major axis of each of the oval-shaped corrugations  52  is oriented generally laterally with respect to the central axis  50  to increase frictional resistance with the interior of the nasal passage  24 , often in conjunction with the nasal hair of the wearer. In addition, the corrugations  52  are of a sufficient height so as to create spaces between the body  40  and nasal passage  24  and permit some airflow therethrough. The spaces thus created further help to retain the device  30  within the nasal passage  24  by permitting moisture exuded from the nasal passage walls to drain. 
     Other configurations of the corrugations  52  may be substituted, such as for example, hemispherical or oval-shaped with the major axis aligned generally axially to further facilitate airflow around the device  30 . In each instance, the corrugations  52  are desirably rounded, or otherwise do not exhibit sharp edges, to reduce any discomfort to the wearer. Of course, the corrugations  52  are optional, and the exterior of the device  30  may be smooth if desired. 
     In addition to or in lieu of the corrugations  52 , flexible, porous or absorbent material may be provided on the exterior of the device  30 . For example, the exterior surface of the body  40  main be covered with a layer of cotton, or other material as a cushion of sorts to increase comfort to the wearer. An absorbent layer may be provided around the body  40  to help reduce the runny nose symptom of colds and flu, for example. 
     The device  30  can be made a number of materials, flexible or otherwise. For example, the device  30  may be made of a rubber, PTFE, or other relatively soft polymer. Preferably, the device is elastomeric (e.g., rubber) for maximum comfort. Alternatively, the device  30  may be made of a more rigid plastic or of fiberglass. If the device is rigid, a soft layer around the exterior of the device is desirably provided for the wearer&#39;s comfort. 
     As seen in FIG. 2, the sinus pressure relief device  30  is used by inserting it into nasal passage  24  to the region of a constriction. It is best to first clear the nostrils of excess mucus to avoid inadvertently plugging the interior channel. The device  30  is intended to relieve the symptoms of nasal constriction for a period of between 1-12 hours, depending on the severity of congestion and certain other factors. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary cross-section of a device  30 ′ of the present invention. In this is simplified embodiment, the body  40 ′ comprises a solid conical material having an exterior surface with a plurality of corrugations  52 ′ thereon, and an interior conical surface  46  defining a single airflow channel  60  therein. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a further exemplary cross-section of the device  30 ″ that incorporates a medicament. More particularly, the device  30 ″ is defined by a hollow conical body  40 ″ having an exterior wall  62  and interior wall  46 ″. The interior wall  46 ″ is radially spaced from the exterior wall  62  to define a conical cavity  64  therebetween. Both ends of the conical cavity  64  may be closed using annular plugs, such as seen at  66 . A series of small apertures  68  are formed in the interior wall  46 ″. The apertures  68  may be in a variety of configurations, including in a series of axial rows as shown. As before, a series of corrugations  52  are desirably provided on the exterior of the body  40 ″. 
     The conical cavity  64  contains a medicament  70 , such as a mentholated gel. The medicament  70 ′ is exposed to the interior channel  60 ″ via the apertures  68 . In this manner, vapor  72  from evaporation of the medicament  70  escapes into the channel  60 ″ for inhalation by the user. The medicament  70  may be in gel form, or may be a conical absorbent plug saturated with a medicament. Desirably, the apertures  68  are small enough so that the medicament  70 , if in gel form, will not extrude into the channel  60 ″. In the device  30 ″ of FIG. 5, therefore, an appropriate medication may be applied to the wearer&#39;s sinuses without the embarrassment of an external nasal strip, or the inconvenience of a topical application of mentholated gel. 
     While the foregoing is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. It will be obvious that certain other modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.