Nasal dilator devices

A nasal dilator device comprises a substantially U-shaped body including a central portion arranged to span a septum of a nose when worn by a user and first and second leg members extending from the central portion in a first plane. The device further comprises a first cantilever rib member extending outward from the U-shaped body in a second plane and a second cantilever rib member extending outward from the U-shaped body in a third plane, wherein the first and second cantilever rib members extend away from each other. The device further comprises a first intermediate section connecting an end of the first leg member to a proximal end of the first cantilever rib member, wherein the first intermediate section extends between the first plane and second plane and a second intermediate section connecting an end of the second leg member to a proximal end of the second cantilever rib member, wherein the second intermediate section extends between the first plane and the third plane.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a National Phase entry of International Application No. PCT/AU2014/000649, filed Jun. 20, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Described embodiments generally relate to nasal dilator devices for facilitating respiration. Some embodiments relate to nasal dilator devices to be fitted to the nose to facilitate or improve respiration during sleeping and/or sporting activities and/or for general day-to-day wear. Some embodiments relate to nasal dilator devices including filtration mechanisms to filter airflow during respiration and other embodiments relate to nasal dilator devices including agent delivery mechanisms for delivery of fragrances and/medicaments to the nose during respiration.

BACKGROUND

Nasal dilator devices are worn by users to dilate their nasal cavities when sleeping and/or partaking in sporting activities to thereby facilitate respiration. However, many nasal dilator devices are uncomfortable to wear and/or become easily dislodged from a user's nose during such activities.

It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings of prior nasal dilator devices, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments relate to a nasal dilator device comprising: a substantially U-shaped body including: a central portion arranged to span a septum of a nose when worn by a user; and first and second leg members extending from the central portion in a first plane; a first cantilever rib member extending outward from the U-shaped body in a second plane; a second cantilever rib member extending outward from the U-shaped body in a third plane; wherein the first and second cantilever rib members extend away from each other; a first intermediate section connecting an end of the first leg member to a proximal end of the first cantilever rib member, wherein the first intermediate section extends between the first plane and second plane; and a second intermediate section connecting an end of the second leg member to a proximal end of the second cantilever rib member, wherein the second intermediate section extends between the first plane and the third plane.

In some embodiments, the first and second cantilever rib members may be arcuate cantilever rib members, each having a curvature along its length. In some embodiments, the first and second intermediate sections are arcuate intermediate sections, each having a curvature along its length.

The first and second intermediate sections may be arranged, in use, to extend along a length of the septum and the first and second cantilever rib members may be each arranged, in use, to extend from a floor of a respective nasal orifice to an inner wall of the nostrils.

In some embodiments, the first and second intermediate portions may extend obtusely from the ends of the first and second leg members. The second and third planes may be converging planes. In some embodiments, the first and second cantilever rib members may exhibit an elongate arched profile which approximates at least a portion of one of a circle, ellipse or parabola.

In some embodiments, the first and second leg members may be inclined towards each other such that a relatively greater distance is provided between the first and second leg members towards the central portion to accommodate a columella of a nose when donned by the user. In some embodiments, the first and second intermediate sections may be inclined away from each other to assist in urging the respective first and second cantilever rib members against inner walls of respective nostrils when worn by the user.

The first and second cantilever rib members may comprise respective first and second nostril engaging elements for engaging with an inner wall of a respective nostril. The first and second nostril engaging elements may be disposed at distal ends of the first and second cantilever rib members, respectively. Enlarged pads may be disposed on the first and second nostril engaging elements to engage with inner walls of the nostrils.

In some embodiments, the nasal dilator device may further comprise a first and second releasable attachment mechanism for releasably attaching the first and second cantilever rib members, respectively, to the U-shaped body. For example, the releasable attachment mechanisms may be arranged to releasably attach the first and second nostril engaging elements to the first and second leg members, respectively. In some embodiments, the releasable attachment mechanisms may be arranged to releasably attach the first and second nostril engaging elements to the first and second intermediate sections, respectively.

The releasable attachment mechanisms may each comprise an arm and a socket arranged to receive and engage the arm. A stopper may be disposed at an end of the arm to hinder the arm from withdrawing from the socket. In one embodiment, the arms may be disposed on an inner surface of first and second nostril engaging elements of the first and second cantilever rib members, respectively, and the sockets may be disposed on the first and second leg members. In another embodiment, the arms may be disposed on an inner surface of first and second nostril engaging elements of the first and second cantilever rib members, respectively, and the sockets may be disposed on the first and second intermediate sections. In another embodiment, the sockets may be disposed on an inner surface of first and second nostril engaging elements of the first and second cantilever rib members, respectively, and the arms may be disposed on the first and second leg members. In another embodiment, the sockets may be disposed on an inner surface of first and second nostril engaging elements of the first and second cantilever rib members, respectively, and the arms may be disposed on the first and second intermediate sections.

In some embodiments, a capsule may be provided within the socket and may be arranged to be activated by the arm when the arm is received by the socket. The capsule may include at least one of a medicament or compound. The arm may comprise a coating disposed thereon arranged to release a scent in response to abrasion of the coating. An aperture may be disposed in each of the first and second nostril engaging elements. The aperture may be arranged to receive at least one of a compound, a medicament, and a capsule comprising a medicament or compound emanating a scent.

Some embodiments relate to a nasal dilator device a nasal dilator device comprising: a substantially U-shaped body including: a central portion arranged to span a septum of a nose when worn by a user; and first and second leg members extending from the central portion in a first plane; a first closed loop structure extending outward from a longitudinal axis of the U-shaped body in a second plane and defining a first aperture; a second closed loop structure extending outward from a longitudinal axis of the U-shaped body in a third plane and defining a second aperture; wherein the first and second closed loop structures extend away from each other; a first intermediate section connecting an end of the first leg member to a proximal end of the first loop structure, wherein the first intermediate section extends between the first plane and second plane; and a second intermediate section connecting an end of the second leg member to a proximal end of the second loop structure, wherein the second intermediate section extends between the first plane and the third plane.

In some embodiments, the first loop structure may comprise a first flange portion and the second loop structure may comprise a second flange portion, wherein the first and second flange portions are arranged to form a seal with the walls nasal passage in use.

In some embodiments, the first and second loop structures may each comprise a filter spanning the first and second apertures defined by the first and second loop structures. The filters may be arranged to snap fit into the first and second loop structures. The filters may be welded to the first and second loop structures.

In some embodiments, the first and second intermediate sections are arcuate intermediate sections, each having a curvature along its length. The first and second intermediate portions may extend obtusely from the ends of the first and second leg members.

The first and second intermediate sections may be arranged, in use, to extend along a length of the septum and the first and second loop structures may be each arranged, in use, to extend from a floor of a respective nasal orifice along an inner wall of the nostrils such that the first and second apertures are aligned with a nasal passage of the nose.

In some embodiments, the second and third planes may be converging planes.

The first and second leg members may be inclined towards each other such that a relatively greater distance is provided between the first and second leg members towards the central portion to accommodate a columella of a nose when donned by the user. The first and second intermediate sections may be inclined away from each other to assist in urging the respective first and second loop structures against inner walls of respective nostrils when worn by the user.

In some embodiments, the nasal dilator device may further comprise a film disposed on a surface of the nasal dilator and a removable seal provided on the film to mitigate release of a compound from the film.

In some embodiments, the nasal dilator device may further comprise an overmould disposed on at least one of the central portion, the leg members, the intermediate sections and the arcuate cantilever rib members. The overmould may be infused with a compound, a medicament, a fragrance or an aroma. The nasal dilator device may be composed of a substrate material infused with a medicament, a fragrance or an aromatic agent.

In some embodiments, the central portion comprises a tab extending in a direction substantially opposite to the first and second leg members to assist with insertion, removal and/or placement of the nasal dilator device. The tab may be removeable from the nasal dilator device.

Some embodiments relate to a nasal dilator device comprising a substantially U-shaped body including: a central portion arranged to span a septum of a nose when worn by a user; and first and second leg members extending from the central portion; first and second cantilever rib members extending outward from a longitudinal axis of the U-shaped body and away from one another; a first intermediate section connecting an end of the first leg member to a proximal end of the first cantilever rib member; and a second intermediate section connecting an end of the second leg member to a proximal end of the second cantilever rib member; wherein the first and second leg members are arranged, in use, to extend inward of respective nasal orifices along the septum, the first and second intermediate sections are arranged, in use, to extend along a length of the septum behind the columella and alar fibrofatty tissue of the nose and the first and second cantilever rib members are each arranged, in use, to extend from a floor of the respective nasal orifices to an inner wall of the nostrils.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Described embodiments generally relate to nasal dilator devices for facilitating respiration. Some embodiments relate to nasal dilator devices to be fitted to the nose to facilitate or improve respiration during sleeping and/or sporting activities and/or for general day-to-day wear. Some embodiments relate to nasal dilator devices including filtration mechanisms to filter airflow during respiration and other embodiments relate to nasal dilator devices including agent delivery mechanisms for delivery of fragrances and/medicaments to the nose during respiration.

Referring toFIG.1A to1E, there is illustrated a nasal dilator device, generally indicated at100and substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis L, according to some embodiments. The nasal dilator device100comprises a generally U-shaped body102having a central portion104and first and second leg members,106aand106b, respectively, extending from the central portion104in a first plane P1.

The nasal dilator device comprises a first intermediate section108aextending from an end107aof the first leg member106aand a second intermediate section108bextending from an end107bof the second leg member106b. In some embodiments, and as depicted inFIGS.1A to1E, the first and second intermediate portions108a,108b, may be curved or arcuate along their length. In other embodiments, the first and second intermediate portions108a,108bmay be substantially straight along their length or may comprise a plurality of angled or arcuate portions. For example, the first and second intermediate portions108a,108bmay extend obtusely from the first and second ends107a,107b, for example, substantially at an angle of between approximately 95° and 130° to the longitudinal axis. For example, the first and intermediate sections108a,108bmay deviate by approximately 100° from the longitudinal axis.

Referring again toFIGS.1A to1E, the nasal dilator device100comprises a first rib member110aprojecting from the first intermediate section108ain a second plane P2and a second rib member110bprojecting from the second intermediate section108bin a third plane P3. In some embodiments, the first and second rib members110a,110bmay project substantially outward or laterally of the longitudinal axis of the U-shaped body102. For example, the first and second rib members110a,110bmay be cantilever rib members that extend from the first and second intermediate sections108a,108b, respectively outwardly from the longitudinal axis and away from one another in a substantially cantilever manner. In some embodiments, the first and second rib members110a,110bmay be arcuate rib members110a,110bor arcuate cantilever rib members110a,110b.

In some embodiments, the first and second rib members110a,110bmay exhibit an elongate arched or bow-like profile which may approximate at least a portion of a circle, ellipse or parabola. For example, the first and second rib members110a,110bmay extend arcuately along the second and third planes, P2and P3, respectively in a direction substantially toward the first plane P1.

The first and second rib members110a.110bmay be flexible and resiliently biased away from the first and second intermediate sections108a,108b, respectively, to allow the first and second rib members110a,110bto be compressed for insertion into the nose of a user and to reform once placed inside the nose to thereby dilate the nostrils as discussed in more detail below with reference toFIGS.3A and3B. As best depicted inFIGS.1A and1B, the first intermediate section108amay extend or transition between the first plane P1and the second plane P2to interconnect the end107aof the first leg member106ato a proximal end109aof the first rib member110aand the second intermediate section108bmay extend or transition between the first plane and the third plane to interconnect the end107bof the second leg member106bto a proximal end109bof the second rib member110b.

In some embodiments, the configuration of the first and second intermediate sections108a,108bmay be associated with an orientation or location of the first and second rib members110a,110bwith respect to the U-shaped body104. For example, the configuration of the first and second intermediate sections108a,108bmay dictate or define an angle between the first plane P1and the second plane P2and between the first plane P1and the third plane P3, respectively. The second and third planes, P2and P3, may each form an acute angle, a right angle, or substantially right angle or an obtuse angle with the first plane P1. For example, the second and third planes P2and P3, may be converging planes and may each form an obtuse angle of approximately 95° to 130° with the first plane P1such that the first and second intermediate sections108a108btake the form of obtuse arcuate sections. In some embodiments, the first, second and third planes, P1, P2, P3may be different from each other and in some embodiments, the second and third planes, P2, P3may be the same plane and may be different to the first plane P1.

The first and second intermediate sections108a.108bmay be inclined away from or diverge from one another to assist in urging the respective first and second rib members110a,110bagainst inner walls of respective nostrils when worn by the user.

As depicted inFIGS.1A to1E, the first and second rib members110a,110b, of the nasal dilator device100may comprise respective first and second nostril engaging elements,112aand112b, disposed at distal ends114a,114b, of the first and second arcuate rib members110a,110b, respectively, for engaging with inner walls of respective nostrils when worn by a user. In some embodiments, the first and second nostril engaging elements,112a,112bmay comprise relatively large surface areas116a,116bwith respect to the first and second arcuate rib members110a,110b.

In some embodiments, the first and second nostril engaging elements112a,112bmay have pads118a,118b, disposed thereon, to engage with the inner walls of the nostrils. For example, the pads118a,118bmay be disposed on the relatively large major surface areas116a,116bof the nostril engaging elements,112aand112band may be enlarged with respect to the first and second arcuate rib members110a,110b, and/or the nostril engaging elements,112aand112b.

Referring now toFIG.2, there is illustrated a nasal dilator device, generally indicated at200, according to some embodiments. The nasal dilator device200may comprise similar components and elements to those of nasal dilator device100depicted inFIGS.1A to1Eand accordingly those similar components and elements are denoted like numerals.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG.2, the pads118a,118bof the nasal dilator device200may be composed of a relatively soft overmould material, for example a polymer material such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and/or may be provided with a series of protrusions, fins or fin-like structures220to provide a comfortable and/or grippable surface for engaging with the inner walls of the nostrils. In some embodiments, such an overmould material may be provided on at least a portion of the rib members110a,110, and/or on at least a portion of the intermediate sections108a,108b.

The nasal dilator device100,200may be configured to be orientated in a manner such that the first and second nostril engaging elements112a,112bmay be positioned at a junction of the greater alar cartilage and lateral nasal cartilage, providing improved support for dilation of the nasal passage308, as discussed in more detail with reference toFIGS.3A and3Bbelow.

FIG.3Ais a perspective view of a user, generally indicated at300, wearing or donning the nasal dilator device100ofFIG.1AandFIG.3Bis a cross sectional view taken along a midline A-A of the nose of the user ofFIG.3A.

As depicted inFIGS.3A and3B, the nasal dilator device100is configured to be orientated such that the central portion104spans a septum302, and in particular, a columella310(the terminal section or fleshy external end of the septum) of a nose304and is positioned toward a tip306of the nose304and the first and second leg members106a,106bextend inward, along a nasal passage308. For example, the first and second leg members106a,106b, may extend inward at an angle of approximately 30 to 40 degrees to a midline A-A of the nose304. The first and second intermediate sections108a,108bmay extend along a length of the septum302behind the columella310and the fibrofatty tissue305or bulbous region around the base of the nostrils314and the first and second rib members110a,110b, each may extend from a floor312of the nasal passage308behind the columella310and the fibrofatty tissue305or bulbous region around the base of the nostrils314to an inner wall (not shown) of the nostrils314. In this way, the nasal dilator device100may be securely retained within the nose304with little or no pinching of or pressure being exerted on the septum302. Furthermore, the ergonomic shape of the intermediate portions108a,108ballows the nasal dilator device to sit within the nose in a manner that may accommodate various shapes and sizes of noses, including those having hanging columellas310.

In some embodiments, the first and second rib members110a,110bof the nasal dilator device100are composed of a flexible material and are generally squeezed or compressed by a user into a compressed state to allow insertion into the nasal passages308of the nose304. The first and second rib members110a,110bmay be biased to reform or revert to a natural uncompressed state and once inserted into the nasal passage308, the first and second rib members110a,110bmay each exert an outward force on the inner wall (not shown) of the nostril314and on the floor312of the nose304, to thereby dilate the nasal passage308. Thus, as opposed to exerting pressure on the septum302to dilate the nasal passage308, the intermediate portions108a,108b, of nasal dilator device100are effective to cause the first and second rib members110a,110bto use the floor312of the nose304as a support structure for dilation of the nostrils314. By using the floor312of the nose304as a support structure or anchor from which the first and second rib members110a,110bmay launch or push off from, any pinching or exertion of force on the septum may be mitigated or avoided and a more comfortable and natural or anatomical fit may be achieved.

The nasal dilator device100is configured to cooperate with internal contours of the nose304and sit securely and comfortably in the nose, whilst mitigating obstruction of air flow through the nasal passage308. For example, the rib members110a,110b, may be curved or arcuate along their length to correspond with the internal contours of the nose304and provide a more comfortable fit. In some embodiments, the first and second leg members106a.106bmay be inclined toward each other or converge such that a relatively greater distance is provided between the first and second leg members106a,106btowards the central portion104in order to accommodate the columella310and to assist in holding the nasal dilator device100in place when worn.

Referring now toFIGS.4A to4D, there is illustrated a nasal dilator device, generally indicated at400, according to some embodiments. The nasal dilator device400may comprise similar components and elements to those of nasal dilator device100depicted inFIGS.1A to1Eand accordingly those similar components and elements are denoted like numerals.

In addition to those similar components and elements of nasal dilator device100, nasal dilator device400may comprise a first and second releasable attachment mechanism402aand402b, respectively. The first and second releasable attachment mechanism402a,402bmay comprise mating or interlocking components and may be employed to releasably attach the first and second rib members,110aand110b, respectively, to the U-shaped body102, to thereby define first and second adjustable looped structures,411a, and411b, respectively.

In some embodiments, the first and second releasable attachment mechanisms402a.402bmay comprise respective arms404a,404b, such as pins or ratchets, extending from respective reverse or inner surfaces406a,406bof the first and second nostril engaging elements112a,112b. The first and second releasable attachment mechanisms402a,402bmay comprise respective sockets408a,408bfor receiving and/or engaging the respective arms404a,404b. The first and second releasable attachment mechanisms402a,402bmay be configured to allow a user to selectively adjust a degree of dilation or expansion and contraction of the first and second rib members110aand110bwith respect to the U-shaped body102.

For example, and as best illustrated inFIGS.4C and4D, the arms404a,404bmay include at least one of or a series of serrations, detents or protrusions410arranged to engage with at least one or a series of grooves or ridges412provided on or within the sockets408a,408b. For example, the grooves or ridges412may extend downwardly from a upper jaw portion414of the sockets408a,408band/or may extend upwardly from a lower jaw portion416.

Application of sufficient force by a user to the first and second releasable attachment mechanisms402a,402bmay be effective to move the arms404a,404bwith respect to the sockets408a,408band overcome a restrictive force between the detents410and the grooves412to allow the detents410and/or the grooves412to deform and the degree or level of dilation to be adjusted. The engagement of the detents410with the grooves412may provide a sufficient restrictive force to hold the arms404a,404bfixed when provided in the nose304, as depicted inFIG.5.

The arms404a,404bmay comprise stoppers414at their ends to prevent or hinder the arms404a,404bfrom disengaging from or withdrawing from the respective sockets408a,408b. For example, application of a relatively large pulling force may be sufficient to cause the arms404a,404bto withdraw from the sockets408a,408b. In some embodiments, the stoppers414may be arrow shaped.

In some embodiments, the sockets408a,408bmay be disposed on the first and second intermediate sections108a,108band extend therefrom towards the respective arms404a,404b. The releasable attachment mechanisms402a,402bmay be arranged to releasably attach or lock the first and second nostril engaging elements112a,112bto the first and second intermediate sections108a,108b.

In other embodiments, the sockets408a,408bmay be disposed on the first and second leg members106a,106band extend therefrom towards the respective arms404a,404b. The releasable attachment mechanisms402a,402bmay be arranged to releasably attach or lock the first and second nostril engaging elements112a,112bto the first and second leg members106a,106b.

In other embodiments, the sockets408a,408bmay be disposed on the first and second rib members110a,110band extend therefrom towards the respective arms404a,404b. The attachment mechanisms402a,402bmay be arranged to releasably attach or lock the first and second nostril engaging elements112a,112bto the first and second rib members110a,110b.

In other embodiments, the first and second releasable attachment mechanisms402a,402bmay comprise respective sockets408a,408b, extending from the respective reverse or inner surfaces406a,406b, of the first and second nostril engaging elements112a.112band respective arms404a,404bextending from the first and second intermediate sections108a,108b, the first and second leg members106a,106b, or the first and second rib members110a,110b.

As illustrated inFIG.4C, the arms404a,404bmay be fully or substantially fully inserted into the respective sockets408a,408bto enable the nasal dilator device400to adopt or assume a fully closed or substantially fully closed state, to thereby tighten or contract the looped structures411a,411b.

As illustrated inFIG.4Dthe arms404a,404bmay be partially inserted into the sockets408a,408bto enable the nasal dilator device400to adopt or assume a partially closed state, to provide for looser or less tight looped structures411a,411band accommodate variations in nasal passage sizes.

Referring toFIGS.6A and6B, there is depicted a nasal dilator device600according to some embodiments. The nasal dilator device600may comprise similar components and elements to those of nasal dilator device400depicted inFIGS.4A to4Dand accordingly those similar components and elements are denoted like numerals.

The nasal dilator device600comprises at least one capsule602disposed within respective sockets408a.408b. The capsule602may include an agent such as a medicament and/or a fragrance or aromatic agent. As depicted inFIG.6B, the arms404a.404bare configured to activate, pierce or burst the capsules602to release the agent, medicament and/or fragrance or aromatic agent when inserted into the sockets408a,408b. In this way, the medicament and/or fragrance or aromatic agent is released only when the capsule602is activated, pierced or burst, thereby increasing a longevity or “shelf-life” and/or protecting the integrity of the medicament and/or aromatic agent. For example, the agent may be an aromatic scent such as an essential oil blend or synthetic fragrance blend to provide an olfactory and/or physiological response such as decongesting the nasal passages318, promoting relaxation, promoting sleepiness, suppressing appetite or a medicament such as a drug to reduce pain such as a migraine.

Referring toFIGS.7A and7B, there is depicted the nasal dilator device700according to some embodiments. The nasal dilator device700may comprise similar components and elements to those of nasal dilator device400depicted inFIGS.4A to4Dand accordingly those similar components and elements are denoted like numerals. The nasal dilator device700comprises at least one coating or film702arranged to release a fragrance, aroma or medicament. In some embodiments, the film702is arranged to release a fragrance, aroma or medicament in response to abrasion, such as scratching, scraping. The film702may be provided with an outer cover, seal or strip704to protect the film702from unintended abrasion, as depicted inFIGS.7A and7Bat two separate stages of removal from the nasal dilator device400.

In other embodiments, the coating or film700may be arranged to release a fragrance, aroma or medicament in response to the removal or peeling off of the outer cover, strip or seal704. In some embodiments, a fragrance, aroma or medicament may be provided or retained between two strips or films702forming a blister.

The coating or film702may be comprise a polymer or a fibre. The coating or film702may be in the form of a “scratch and sniff” technology or peel off technology.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIGS.7A and7B, the coating or film702may be disposed on a surface of at least one of the attachment mechanisms402a,402b, such as on an inner surface of the looped structures411a,411b. In other embodiments, the coating or film702may be disposed on the central portion102, the first and second leg members106a,106b, the first and second intermediate sections108a,108b, the rib members110a,110b, and/or the first and second nostril engaging elements112a,112b.

In some embodiments, an aperture (not shown) is disposed in each of the first and second nostril engaging elements and is arranged to receive an agent, a compound, a medicament, a capsule, and/or a housing or compact arranged to receive an agent, medicament and/or a fragrance or aromatic agent. The agent may be absorbed by the inner walls of the nostrils transdermally and/or may be absorbed by mucosa in the nostrils314.

Referring toFIGS.8A and8B, there is depicted a nasal dilator device, generally indicated at800and substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis L, according to some embodiments. The nasal dilator device800may comprise a generally U-shaped body802having a central portion804and first and second leg members,806aand806b, respectively, extending from the central portion804in a first plane P1.

The nasal dilator device800comprises a first intermediate section808aextending from an end807aof the first leg member806aand a second intermediate section808bextending from an end807bof the second leg member806b. In some embodiments, and as depicted inFIGS.8A and8B, the first and second intermediate portions808a,808b, may be curved or arcuate along their length. In other embodiments, the first and second intermediate portions808a,808bmay be substantially straight along their length or may comprise a plurality of angled or arcuate portions. For example, the first and second intermediate portions808a.808bmay extend obtusely from the first and second ends807a,807b, for example, substantially at an angle of between approximately 95° and 130° to the longitudinal axis.

As depicted inFIGS.8A to8C, the nasal dilator device800comprises a first loop structure811aprojecting from the first intermediate section808ain a second plane P2and a second loop structure811bprojecting from the second intermediate section808bin a third plane P3. In some embodiments, the first and second loop structures811a,811bmay project substantially outward or lateral of the longitudinal axis of the generally U-shaped body802and away from one another. In some embodiments, the looped structure811a,811bmay exhibit an elongate arched or curved profile which may substantially take the form of a circle, ellipse or parabola.

In some embodiments, the first intermediate section808amay extend or transition between the first plane P1and the second plane P2to interconnect the end807aof the first leg member806ato a proximal end809aof the first loop structure811band the second intermediate section808bmay extend or transition between the first plane P1and the third plane P3to interconnect the end807bof the second leg member806bto a proximal end809bof the second loop structure811b.

In some embodiments, the configuration of the first and second intermediate sections808a,808bmay be associated with an orientation or location of the first and second loop structures811a,811bwith respect to the U-shaped body804. For example, the configuration of the first and second intermediate sections808a,808bmay dictate or define an angle between the first and second planes, P1and P2and between the first and third planes, P1and P3, respectively. The second and third planes, P2and P3, may each form an acute angle, a right angle, or substantially right angle or an obtuse angle with the first plane P1. For example, the second and third planes P2and P3, may be converging planes or intersecting planes and may each form an obtuse angle of approximately 95° to 130° with the first plane P1such that the first and second intermediate sections108a108btake the form of obtuse arcuate sections. In some embodiments, the first, second and third planes, P1, P2, P3may be different from each other and in some embodiments, the second and third planes, P2, P3may be the same plane and may be different to the first plane P1.

In some embodiments, the first and second leg members806a,806bmay be inclined toward each other or converge such that a relatively greater distance is provided between the first and second leg members806a,806btowards the central portion804in order to accommodate the columella310and to assist in holding the nasal dilator device800in place when worn.

In some embodiments, the first and second intermediate sections808a,808bmay be inclined away from or diverge from one another to assist in urging the respective first and second loop structures811a,811bagainst inner walls of the nose when worn by the user.

In some embodiments, the first and second looped structures811aand811bmay comprise first and second flanged portions,812aand812b, respectively. For example, the flanged portions812aand812bmay provide additional compliance to the looped structures811a,811b. In some embodiments, the first and second flanged portions812aand812bmay be comprise an overmould material, for example, flexible TPE, to thereby provide an improve sealing of the looped structures811aand811bto the nasal orifices.

Referring toFIG.9, there is depicted the nasal dilator device900according to some embodiments. The nasal dilator device900may comprise similar components and elements to those of nasal dilator device800depicted inFIGS.8A to8Cand accordingly those similar components and elements are denoted like numerals.

The first and second loop structures811a,811b, of the nasal dilator device900may be each arranged to receive a filter902a, and902b, respectively. The filters902a,902b, may be arranged or configured to span apertures defined by the first and second loop structures811a,811b.

The filters902a,902bmay be composed of a fine woven mesh or an open celled porous material, such as a foam or compressed fibre. The filters902a,902bmay be employed to filter out airborne particles such as bacteria, dust, pollens, and/or other allergens.

In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG.9, the filters902a,902b, may be replaceable and may be arranged to be removeably connected to the first and second loop structures811a,811brespectively. For example, the filters902a,902b, may be configured to “snap-fit” into the first and second loop structures811a,811brespectively.

Referring toFIG.10, there is depicted the nasal dilator device1000according to some embodiments. The nasal dilator device1000may comprise similar components and elements to those of nasal dilator device800depicted inFIGS.8A to8Cand accordingly those similar components and elements are denoted like numerals

The filters902a,902bof the nasal dilator device1000may be fixed to the first and second loop structures811a,811brespectively. For example, the filters902a,902bmay be integrally formed with the first and second looped structures811a,811bor may be welded or ultrasonically welded to the first and second loop structures811a,811b.

In some embodiments, the nasal dilator device100,200,400,600,700,800,900,1000may comprise an overmould disposed on at least one of the central portion, the leg members, the intermediate sections and the rib members. The overmould may be infused with a medicament and/or fragrance.

In some embodiments, the nasal dilator devices100,200,400,600,700,800,900,1000may comprise a tab (not shown) extending outward from the central portion in a direction substantially opposite to the first and second leg members to assist with insertion, removal and/or placement of the nasal dilator device100,200,400,600,700,800,900,1000. The tab (not shown) may be removeable from the nasal dilator device, for example, by tearing the tab along a perforated line connecting the tab to the central portion104,804.

The U-shaped body102,802, the intermediate sections108a,108b,808a,808b, the rib members110a.110b, and the looped structure811a,811bmay be composed of a polymer material such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and/or thermoplastic polypropylene (PP). In some embodiments, the U-shaped body102and/or the intermediate sections108a,108bmay are configured to be more rigid than the rib members110a,110b. For example, the U-shaped body102and/or the intermediate sections108a,108band/or the rib members110a.110bmay be composed of different materials or materials having differing hardness or stiffness. In some embodiments, the relative flexibility of the rib members110a.110bwith respect to the U-shaped body102and/or the intermediate sections108a,108bmay be derived from the length and/or thickness of the rib members110a,110b.

In some embodiments, an overall width of the nasal dilator device100,200,400,600,700,800,900,1000may be in a range of approximately 20 mm to 35 mm when fully closed and approximately 25 mm to 40 mm when fully open, a length of the central portion102,802may be in a range of approximately 5 mm to 10 mm, a length of the leg members106a,106b,806a,806bmay be within a range of approximately 5 mm to 12 mm, and a length of the intermediate sections108a,108b,808a,808bmay be in a range of approximately 7 mm to 15 mm and the rib members110a,110b,810a,810bmay be in a range of approximately 15 mm to 30 mm. For example, in one embodiment, the overall width of the nasal dilator device100,200,400,600,700,800,900,1000may be 25 mm when fully closed, 27.4 mm when open and the length of the leg members106a,106b,806a,806bmay be 14.6 mm. In another embodiment, the overall width of the nasal dilator device100,200,400,600,700,800,900,1000may be 27.2 mm when fully closed, 29.3 mm when open and the length of the leg members106a,106b,806a,806bmay be 17.5 mm. In another embodiment, the overall width of the nasal dilator device100,200,400,600,700,800,900,1000may be 29 mm when fully closed, 31.6 mm when open and the length of the leg members106a,106b,806a,806bmay be 20.4 mm.