NASAL DILATOR APPARATUS

A “frame-like” nasal dilator that is configured to open a user's nasal passages and maintain the user's nasal passages in an open position to improve breathing. The nasal dilator has an overall shape that mimics the shape of a butterfly, with right and left stent sections or “wings” that apply gentle pressure to open the nasal passages.

Not Applicable

NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The technology of this disclosure pertains generally to nasal dilators, and more particularly to a nasal dilator apparatus configured to be worn inside a person's nasal cavity.

2. Background Discussion

Many individuals suffer from conditions such as a deviated septum or allergies that restrict the flow of air through their nasal passages, As a result, breathing through the nose becomes difficult and inconvenient. Some individuals who experience this difficulty compensate by breathing through their mouth which, when sustained over a long period of time, can cause lung irritation from inhaling foreign particles that would otherwise be filtered by breathing through the nose. Additionally, restricted nasal passages can lead to snoring and sleep disturbances. Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that can open an otherwise restricted nasal passage and which is easy and convenient to wear.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This disclosure describes a nasal dilator apparatus that is configured to open a user's nasal passages and maintain the user's nasal passages in an open position to improve breathing.

In one embodiment, the nasal dilator apparatus comprises a bilaterally symmetrical “frame-like” structure formed from a flexible material with sufficient stiffness to retain its shape but provide sufficient flexibility to be inserted into the nasal passages and adjust to the interior size and shape of the passages. For illustrative purposes, the apparatus comprises a right section, a left section, and a bridge section connecting the right and left sections in laterally spaced apart positions. The apparatus has an overall shape that mimics the shape of a butterfly, with the right and left sections or “wings” applying gentle pressure to open the nasal passages.

Insertion of the nasal dilator apparatus into user's nostrils opens occluded nasal passages and prevents occlusion during breathing. The nasal dilator apparatus provides an alternative to surgery for individuals who suffer from a condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult, such as in the case of a deviated septum or swelling due to allergies or other conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

By way of example, and not of limitation, this disclosure describes a nasal dilator apparatus configured to be worn inside a person's nasal cavity. In one embodiment, the “intranasal” dilator apparatus described herein rests anterior to the nasal concha within what is commonly referred to as the inside of the nose. It will be appreciated that the interior of the human nose is symmetrical and hence the nasal dilator apparatus has a corresponding symmetry.

Referring now toFIG. 1throughFIG. 5, in one embodiment the nasal dilator apparatus10comprises (a) a pair of intranasal stents12a,12b,(b) a pair of support sections14a,14b,and (c) a bridge section16.

Each of the stents12a,12bis arcuate in shape and is configured to be inserted into, and rest within, the posterior portion of the nasal cavity (e.g., inside the nostrils). More specifically, in one embodiment each stent12a,12bis defined by a corresponding main/posterior curve18a,18bthat terminates at a corresponding distal end20a,20b.The curvature is preferably semicircular to circular in shape such that the stent can extend in a posterosuperior direction and approximately follow the curve of the inferior edge of the piriform aperture of the nose. The most lateral portion of the curve applies pressure to the piriform aperture. In one embodiment, each stent has a C-shape as illustrated inFIG. 2.

Each of the support sections14a,14bhas a corresponding arcuate anterior portion22a,22bthat fits into the cone of the nose to provide support for a corresponding stent. Accordingly, the support sections anchor the stents and prevent them from falling downward. More specifically, in one embodiment each support section14a,14bcomprises a corresponding anterior curved portion22a,22bthat extends into (a) a corresponding substantially straight upper segment24a,24bthat in turn merges into a corresponding stent12a,12bat a corresponding location26a,26bproximal to the stent, and (b) a corresponding substantially straight lower segment28a,28bthat in turn merges into a corresponding side30a,30bof the bridge section16.

Two sides30a,30bof the bridge section16connect (“bridge”) the support sections14a,14bsuch that they are held in a substantially parallel spaced apart configuration. As a result, the stents12a,12bare also held in a spaced part configuration. However, as can be seen fromFIG. 1andFIG. 3, in one embodiment the stents12a,12bare not held in a parallel configuration but diverge laterally.

The bridge section16is also positioned distal to the anterior portions22a22bof the corresponding support sections14a,14b.In one embodiment, the bridge section16is arcuate and configured to fit against and straddle the columella of the nose which covers the nasal septum. This is the only portion of the nasal dilator apparatus that is visible when it is being worn. The visible portion is not limited to functionality and may be/include any number of decorative materials or designs. In one embodiment, the bridge section may include substantially straight segments32a,32aon each side that merge into the corresponding lower segments of the support sections.

Referring also toFIG. 6throughFIG. 8for context, when the nasal dilator apparatus10is placed inside the nose100, from a profile/side view, the arcuate anterior portion of each support section mimics the anatomical structure of, and rests within, the cone of the greater alar cartilage (inside the tip of the nose). As described above, this configuration anchors the apparatus in the nose. The combination of the arcuate shape, cranial direction, and flared spacing of the stents creates pressure on the nasal valve and dilates the nasal passages.

When properly adjusted by the individual user for their anatomy the nasal dilator apparatus will enlarge the nasal valve area by the diameter of the nasal passages, and thereby increase airflow through the nasal valve area without applying pressure to the lesser alar cartilage. For example,FIG. 7illustrates how the divergent spacing or “flare”34of the stents can be adjusted to accommodate a particular user. The angle of this flare can be adjusted based upon user preference to better fit their individual anatomy as illustrated by the positions of the dashed lines.FIG. 8shows how the curvature of a stent can be adjusted to accommodate a particular user as illustrated by the positions of the dashed lines.

When in place, the apparatus mimics the profile of a butterfly, with the stents being “wings” that apply gentle pressure to open the nasal passages. The support sections mimic the body portion of a butterfly with the body portion supporting the wings.

It will be appreciated that the interior of a human nose can vary in shape and size. Therefore, the nasal dilator apparatus described herein typically would not be a “one size fits all” type of device. The size, shape, angles, and curvatures of the stents, support sections and bridge section can be varied to accommodate a large array of nose anatomies.

FIG. 7throughFIG. 12illustrate areas of possible variability in size, shape, angle, curvature and positioning. By way of example, and not of limitation, ranges of variability for those areas are listed below.

200=from about 12 mm to about 25 mm.

202=from about 0 mm to about 100 mm.

204=from about 3 mm to about 5 mm.

206=from about 4 mm to about 15 mm.

208=from about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

210=from about 8 mm to about 20 mm.

212=from about 15 mm to about 25 mm typically, and up to about 50 mm if angle214is about 90 degrees where the stents are flat or horizontal.

214=from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, where 0 degrees is vertical and 90 degrees is where the stents are flat or horizontal, and typically about 15 degrees from vertical.

216=from about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

218a,218b=possible variability for repositioning the stents after the user sets the initial position, such as about a 5 degree to about a 10 degree adjustment throughout the day for comfort and function.

220=from about 2 mm to about 5 mm.

R1=from about 0 mm to about 1.5 mm, where an R1of 0 mm indicates that there is no spacing between an upper segment (24a,24b) and corresponding lower segment (28a,28b) as illustrated inFIG. 11.

R2=from about 4 mm to about 7.5 mm.

Again, the foregoing are examples only and indicate the wide degree of variability available for manufacturing different sizes of the apparatus, fitting the apparatus to a user's anatomy, and/or allowing the user to make adjustments.

Note that, even if angle214is extended to about 90 degrees wherein the stents are substantially flat or horizontal as illustrated inFIG. 12, the nasal dilator apparatus will remain in place by applying pressure to the inner side of the nasal orifices.

It will be appreciated that the nasal dilator apparatus described in this disclosure may be formed in various ways and from various materials known to those skilled in the art. For example, the stents, base sections, and bridge section can be one or more separate structures that are connected together. Another example is that each connection between a stent and a support section, and each connection between a support section and the bridge section, may be an integrated seamless connection such that a unitary structure is formed. The apparatus may comprise a single resilient wire that is formed into the stents, support sections, and bridge section.

Examples of materials that can be used to form the apparatus include, but are not limited to, coated metals and plastic materials. Preferably the material is malleable under certain forces to allow the individual user to make minor adjustments and customize it for their use. This also allows the apparatus to deform upon unexpected external forces. For example, the apparatus may be fabricated from a flexible metal alloy material that form the stents, support sections, and bridge section. The metal alloys may comprise, for example, stainless steel, nickel-titanium or titanium-molybdenum. All or a portion of the apparatus may be covered with a biocompatible material such as a polymer. Or, the apparatus itself may comprise a biocompatible material, such as a polymer, that is formed into the stents, support sections, and bridge section.

The apparatus may be formed, for example, from a flexible and bendable cylindrical shaped material having, for example, a diameter in the range from about 1.2 mm to about 0.5 mm, that can be bent into shape at the factory and adjusted by the user. In one embodiment, the material comprises FDA approved silicone coated stainless steel wire.

It will be appreciated that various terms have been used in this disclosure to assist the reader with understanding the structure, function and use of the nasal dilator apparatus. For example, the term “anterior” is used to refer to the front of the nose or nasal cavity, the term “posterior” is used to refer to the rear of the nasal cavity, the term “proximal” is used to refer to front, and the term “distal” is used to refer to rear. Those terms, as well as others used herein, are used according to their ordinary meanings.

From the description herein, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses multiple embodiments which include, but are not limited to, the following:1. A nasal dilator apparatus, comprising: first and second intranasal stents; first and second support sections; and an arcuate bridge section; wherein each support section comprises an arcuate anterior portion, a substantially straight upper segment extending from the arcuate anterior portion and merging into a corresponding stent, and a substantially straight lower segment extending from the arcuate anterior portion and merging into a corresponding side of the bridge section; wherein the bridge section symmetrically bridges the first and second support sections in a spaced apart lateral position and wherein the stents are spaced apart; and wherein the bridge section is positioned distal to the anterior portions of the support sections.2. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment:

wherein each stent is connected to a corresponding support section; wherein each support section is connected to a corresponding side of the bridge section; and wherein each connection between a stent and a support section, and each connection between a support section and the bridge section, is an integrated seamless connection.3. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the apparatus comprises a flexible metal alloy material.4. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the flexible metal alloy material comprises stainless steel, nickel-titanium or titanium-molybdenum.5. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein at least a portion of the apparatus is covered with a biocompatible material.6. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the biocompatible material comprises a polymer.7. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the apparatus comprises a single resilient wire formed into the stents, support sections, and bridge section.8. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the apparatus comprises a biocompatible material formed into the stents, support sections, and bridge section.9. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the biocompatible material comprises a polymer.10. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein each stent has an arcuate shape.11. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein each stent and associated support section in combination has a wing-like shape.12. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the stents have a posteriorly divergent lateral spacing.13. A nasal dilator apparatus, comprising: a first arcuate intranasal stent; a second arcuate intranasal stent; a first support section; a second support section; and an arcuate bridge section having a first side and a second side; wherein the first support section comprises an arcuate anterior portion, a substantially straight upper segment extending from the arcuate anterior portion and merging into the first stent, and a substantially straight lower segment extending from the arcuate anterior portion and merging into the first side of the bridge section; wherein the second support section comprises an arcuate anterior portion, a substantially straight upper segment extending from the arcuate anterior portion and merging into the first stent, and a substantially straight lower segment extending from the arcuate anterior portion and merging into the second side of the bridge section; wherein the bridge section symmetrically bridges the first and second support sections in a spaced apart lateral position and wherein the stents are spaced apart; wherein the stents have a posteriorly divergent lateral spacing; and wherein the bridge section is positioned distal to the anterior portions of the support sections.14. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment: wherein each stent is connected to a corresponding support section; wherein each support section is connected to a corresponding side of the bridge section; and wherein each connection between a stent and a support section, and each connection between a support section and the bridge section, is an integrated seamless connection.15. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the apparatus comprises a flexible metal alloy material formed into the stents, support sections, and bridge section.16. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the metal alloy material comprises stainless steel, nickel-titanium or titanium-molybdenum.17. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein at least a portion of the apparatus is covered with a biocompatible material.18. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the biocompatible material comprises a polymer.19. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the apparatus comprises a single resilient wire formed into the stents, support sections, and bridge section.20. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the apparatus comprises a biocompatible material formed into the stents, support sections, and bridge section.21. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the biocompatible material comprises a polymer.22. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein each stent and associated support section in combination has a wing-like shape.23. A nasal dilator apparatus, comprising: a first arcuate intranasal stent; a second arcuate intranasal stent; a first support section; a second support section; and an arcuate bridge section having a first side and a second side; wherein the first support section comprises an arcuate anterior portion, a substantially straight upper segment extending from the arcuate anterior portion and merging into the first stent, and a substantially straight lower segment extending from the arcuate anterior portion and merging into the first side of the bridge section; wherein the second support section comprises an arcuate anterior portion, a substantially straight upper segment extending from the arcuate anterior portion and merging into the first stent, and a substantially straight lower segment extending from the arcuate anterior portion and merging into the second side of the bridge section; wherein the bridge section symmetrically bridges the first and second support sections in a spaced apart lateral position and wherein the stents are spaced apart; wherein the stents have a posteriorly divergent lateral spacing; wherein the bridge section is positioned distal to the anterior portions of the support sections; and wherein stents, support sections, and bridge section are in combination a unitary structure.24. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment: wherein the apparatus comprises a flexible metal alloy material formed into the stents, support sections, and bridge section; and wherein the metal alloy material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, nickel-titanium and titanium-molybdenum.25. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein at least a portion of the apparatus is covered with a biocompatible polymer material.26. The apparatus of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the apparatus comprises a biocompatible polymer material formed into the stents, support sections, and bridge section.

Phrasing constructs, such as “A, B and/or C”, within the present disclosure describe where either A, B, or C can be present, or any combination of items A, B and C. Phrasing constructs indicating, such as “at least one of” followed by listing group of elements, indicates that at least one of these group elements is present, which includes any possible combination of these listed elements as applicable.

References in this specification referring to “an embodiment”, “at least one embodiment” or similar embodiment wording indicates that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with a described embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, these various embodiment phrases are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, or to a specific embodiment which differs from all the other embodiments being described. The embodiment phrasing should be construed to mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics of a given embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, system or method.