Patent Abstract:
A device for nasal lavage is described. The device ejects a gentle flow of fluid under pressure. The fluid stream provides a high quantity of fluid at low pressure. The low pressure fluid stream is more comfortable for a user than a high pressure fluid stream that is delivered by some types of pressurized cans of solution.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/708,681, filed Dec. 7, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/567,518, filed Sep. 25, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,343,114). The disclosures of the prior applications are considered part of and are incorporated by reference in the disclosure of this application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This invention relates to nasal lavage. 
         [0003]    People in many parts of the world perform nasal cleansing (or nasal irrigation) using a neti pots or other products on a routine basis, like brushing their teeth or showering. Nasal cleansing is even incorporated into some forms of yoga practice, such as in Jala neti. Jala neti is a Sanskrit term that refers to cleansing and means “water cleansing.” Often, the solution for rinsing the nasal passages using a neti pot or other product is a saline solution. Some people use nasal rinsing to reduce allergies, improve breathing, eliminate post-nasal drip or sinus infections, moisten dry nasal passages, avoid catching a cold or to generally improve one&#39;s health. Some people also claim that nasal lavage improves ones vision by cleaning the tear ducts, improves the sense of smell and improves ones sense of taste. 
         [0004]    Some problems with nasal lavage products can be that the canisters containing rinse solution may be under excessive pressure, causing solution flow to be somewhat uncomfortable during use. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The device described herein is configured for ease of use, controllability of the solution exiting the device, and comfort for the user. 
         [0006]    In one aspect, a device is described that ejects fluid. The device includes a body surrounding a chamber, wherein the body is configured to resist a change in shape when a pressure change occurs within the body, a valve, an actuator having a fluid path that is fluidly connected to the chamber when the valve is in an open position and a tip, wherein the tip is configured to attenuate a pressure of fluid flow exiting the actuator. 
         [0007]    Embodiments of the device can include one or more of the following features. A tube can be within the chamber and connected to the valve. The device can include a bag, wherein the bag comprises a flexible material, is within the body, and surrounds the tube and an interior of the bag is hermetically sealed from a space between the body and an exterior of the bag. The tip can be formed of a flexible material. The tip can be formed of silicone. The actuator can be formed of a material that is more rigid than the tip. The tip can have a distal portion and a proximate portion, an aperture in the proximate portion defines an interior of a collar that surrounds a portion of the actuator, the distal portion has one or more apertures and a stop, the stop of the tip can be positioned to block the fluid flow exiting the aperture and causes the fluid flow to be redirected toward the proximate portion of the tip. The tip can have an exterior circumference of less than 1.5 cm. The device can have one or more apertures in the distal portion include at least four apertures and the at least four apertures surround the stop. The device can have a canal between the aperture that defines an interior of the collar and the stop tapers inwardly from the collar to the stop. The exterior of the tip can taper outwardly between the distal portion and the proximate portion. The exterior can be curved between the distal portion and the proximate portion. The device can include a sterile saline solution within the body, wherein when the body is held in an upright orientation with the tip furthest from ground and no obstructions are beyond the tip to affect the fluid flow, actuating the actuator causes the fluid flow to exit the actuator and exit the tip in a stream, wherein an entirety of the stream projects up and away from the tip and curves back toward the ground within 6 centimeters of the tip, without the tip the fluid flow exits the actuator in a stream that extends away from the actuator along a substantially straight and unchanging trajectory at 6 centimeters from the actuator. A canal can be between the at least four apertures and the aperture that defines the interior of the collar and each of the four apertures is fluidly connected to an annular chamber, and the annular chamber is fluidly connected to the canal. A greatest extent of the at least four apertures together can be greater than an external circumference of the annular chamber. The device can include a circular chamber between the canal and the annular chamber. The external circumference of the annular chamber can be greater than a circumference of the circular chamber. The circumference of the circular chamber can be less than a minimum circumference of the canal by at least 0.1 mm. The canal can have an internal volume of at least 0.47 cm 3 . An area of the apertures in the distal portion of the tip can be greater than an area of the circular chamber. The tip can have one or more grooves extending from an open proximal portion and at least 50% of a length of the tip. The tip can have an aperture along a side surface of the tip that is fluidly connected to an interior channel extending from the open proximal portion. The tip can have two apertures across from one another, the apertures and the interior channel configured in the shape of a T. 
         [0008]    The devices described herein may include one or more of the following advantages. A gentle flow of solution can be expelled from a soft or compliant tip. The tip material can be comfortable against a user&#39;s nose. The gentle flow can be used to irrigate or cleanse a tissue, such as the interior of a nostril. The gentle flow of fluid can be less irritating or painful than a more intense stream of fluid. A user is more likely to use a gentle flow of fluid and treatment compliance can be higher. This can result in a more effective treatment of the patient. 
         [0009]    The details of one or more implementations of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a device. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 2 and 3  are a schematic top view and a schematic plan view of a tip used on the device. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are schematic perspective views of a tip used on the device. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a schematic side view of the tip. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view of the device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a schematic perspective view of the device in use. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an implementation of a tip and actuator. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a top view of an implementation of a tip. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a tip on an actuator. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a fluid ejection device  10  is shown. The fluid ejection device  10  includes a tip  12  that is attached to an actuator  13 , which in turn is attached to a body  14 . The body  14  can be, for example, a container of saline solution or any other fluid suitable for irrigating nasal cavities. The fluid ejection device  10  can be used, for example, to provide nasal rinsing (or irrigation or nasal lavage), such as to treat allergies, improve breathing, eliminate post-nasal drip or sinus infections, moisten dry nasal passages, etc. The tip  12  can attenuate the pressure of fluid stored in the body  14 , dispensing fluid at a significantly more gentle pressure but at a higher volume or flow rate. The gentle pressure can be sufficient pressure to delivery a flow of fluid to nasal tissue without the pressure being so great as to apply sufficient pressure to the tissue to displace the tissue. 
         [0021]    In some implementations, the body  14  can be a fluid container (e.g., can, canister, bottle, etc.) having bag-on valve technology where there is a bag inside the can and the valve can release the solution when the actuator is actuated, i.e., pressed. In some implementations, the fluid ejection device  10  can be used on a plastic bottle which is pressurized and has a solution inside the bottle. In some implementations, the fluid delivery is from an aerosol type can, but the fluid is ejected from the tip  12  in a fluid stream, rather than an aerosol. 
         [0022]    The tip  12  can be operable to provide an attenuated pressure of fluid flow from the body  14 . For example, the body  14  can be a commercially-available, pressurized container of saline solution or other sterile fluid which ordinarily dispenses fluid at a pressure that may be unsuitable, uncomfortable or unsafe for use in nasal lavage. As such, the tip  12  can include features that facilitate the delivery of fluid in a generally more gentle stream through at least one (e.g., about four or more) apertures  16  at the end of the tip  12 . Fluid flow can be controlled, for example, by pressing the tip  12 . In some implementations, the tip  12  can be pressed straight against the nose, allowing fluid to flow from the tip. In other implementations, pressing the tip  12  from the side can control fluid flow. 
         [0023]    The tip  12  includes a distal portion  20  and a proximate portion  22 . The distal portion  20  of the tip  12  can be approximately conically shaped, with a convex curved surface leading from the apertures  16  toward the proximate portion  22 . In other implementations, the distal portion  20  can be approximately gumdrop- or mushroom-shaped. The tip  12  can include a tapered surface  30  that permits the tip  12  to conform to nostrils of different sizes. Specifically, the exterior of the tip  12  can be tapered outwardly along the distal portion  20 . In other words, the tip  12  tapers from a wide portion  30   a  up to a narrow portion  30   b,  where the narrow portion  30   b  is closer to the apertures  16  than to the proximate portion  22 . Moreover, the tip  12  can be sized to prevent the wide portion  30   a  from extending all the way into the user&#39;s nostril. 
         [0024]    The distal portion  20  can contain the features of the tip  12  that facilitate fluid flow, at an attenuated pressure, from the apertures  16 . A stop  24  can be the ceiling of the interior fluid canal within the tip  12 , positioned to block the fluid flow exiting the body  14 , and causing the fluid flow to be redirected toward the proximate portion  22  of the tip  12 . As a result, fluid can “pool” or otherwise accumulate inside the tip  12  and be dispensed at a reduced pressure through the apertures  16 , while being replenished from fluid from the body  14  which dispenses at a higher pressure. 
         [0025]    The apertures  16  can be arranged, for example, on a mesa  32  at the end of the distal portion  20 . As depicted, the mesa  32  has a relatively flat surface, but other shapes (e.g., a convex shape) can be used that are effective at distributing the apertures  16  for efficient dispensing of fluid. 
         [0026]    An aperture  26  in the proximate portion  22  can define the interior boundary of a collar  28  that surrounds, and securely attaches to, a portion of the actuator  13 . In some implementations, if the actuator  13  is relatively small (e.g., a spray-paint can&#39;s spray button size), the aperture  26  can attach directly to the body  14 . For example, the collar  28  can provide a snap-fit, screw-fit, or other such sealed connection between the proximate portion  22  (of the tip  12 ) and the body  14 . However, when the actuator  13  is significantly larger, as it can be in some implementations, the tip  12  can attach directly to the actuator  13 . In general, the tip  12  can be manufactured in various sizes or be adjustable to fit any size actuator  13  or body  14 . 
         [0027]    To aid in comfort of use, the tip  12  can be formed of a flexible material, such as silicone or some another soft, flexible material (e.g., plastic, rubber, non-permeable cloth, etc.) that can generally feel comfortable against the user&#39;s skin. The tip  12  can have an exterior circumference of less than 2 cm, such as less than 1.5 cm, allowing it to fit snugly against, but not extend all the way into, an average sized user&#39;s nostril. The actuator  13  can be formed of a material that is significantly more rigid than the tip  12 . As such, the actuator  13  can hold its shape during use. 
         [0028]    The body  14  surrounds a chamber  38 . The body  14  can be configured to resist a change in shape when pressure changes occur within the body  14  due to the contents of the chamber  38 . For example, if the body  14  is formed of a generally rigid material (e.g., metal, such as steel or aluminum, plastic, such as a recyclable resin, such as polyethylene, polycarbonate or polypropylene, etc.), the body  14  can retain its shape when the chamber  38  is fully-pressurized (e.g., full of fluid), partially-pressurized, and essentially un-pressurized (e.g., when the fluid is essentially depleted). 
         [0029]    In some implementations, the body  14  can include a bag  40  inside the chamber  38 . The bag  40  can contain the fluid stored by the body  14  and can be formed of a flexible material, such as a pliable plastic. Further, the bag  40  can be hermetically sealed from the space between the body  14  and an exterior of the bag  40 . As a result, using the bag  40  or a device similar to the bag-on valve technology (e.g., a pressurized can or pressurized bottle) can provide a sterile solution suitable for use in a body cavity or with a wound. 
         [0030]    As will be described in more detail below, the body  14  can include a valve  42  and a tube  44 . The valve  42 , such as any type of valve used on spray cans, can be used to control (e.g., start, stop, etc.) the flow of fluid from the chamber  38  to the tip  12 . The fluid can flow through the tube  44  which can extend into the bottom end of the body  14 , or the end that is most distal from the tip  12 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary top view  50  of the fluid ejection device  10  is shown. The top view  50  shows the apertures  16   a - 16   d  arranged on the mesa  32 , located on the tip of the distal portion  20 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , in some implementations, the centers of any pair of adjacent apertures  16   a - 16   d  are spaced at between about 1 and 4 millimeters, such as about 3 millimeters, as shown by distances  52   a  and  52   b . Specifically, the distance  52   a  corresponds to the distance between the centers of apertures  16   a  and  16   b.  Similarly, the distance  52   b  corresponds to the distance between the centers of apertures  16   c  and  16   d.  The tip  12  can have an exterior circumference of less than 1.5 cm. 
         [0032]    The diameters of the apertures  16   a - 16   d  can be any value (e.g., between about 1 and 2 millimeters, such as about 1.5 millimeters) such that, for example, the combination of the group of apertures  16   a - 16   d  produces a sufficient stream when the fluid ejection device  10  is in use. In some implementations, as the number of apertures is increased, the diameter of the apertures generally can be reduced. 
         [0033]    In some implementations, different sizes of the apertures  16   a - 16   d  and/or other spacing between the apertures  16   a - 16   d  can be used, and fewer or additional apertures  16   a - 16   d  can exist, with varying distances between any of the apertures  16   a - 16   d.  In some implementations, distances  52   a  and  52   b  may be less than, or greater than, 3 millimeters. In some implementations, there are two, three, four, five or six apertures in the tip  12 . The total cross sectional area of the apertures  16   a - 16   d  is generally less than the cross sectional area at any cross section of the canal  60  (e.g., having diameters  66  described with respect to  FIG. 3 ) carrying the supply of fluid through the tip  12 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary side cross-section view  56  of the fluid ejection device  10  is shown. The view  56  shows the tapered shape of the tip  12 , including the tapered surface  30  that extends along the distal portion  20  toward its intersection with the proximate portion  22 . The view  56  further shows a cross-section of the features of the interior of the tip  12 . 
         [0035]    Fluid can flow through the tip  12  by entering a base area  57 . For example, the base area  57  can include the collar  28  that serves as the connection point between the tip  12  and the actuator  13  and some adjacent region of the tip  12 , such as a lower third of the tip. The collar  28  can surround or fit over a portion of the actuator  13 , such as the portion of the actuator  13  from which fluid can flow. Fluid dispensed from within the chamber  38  can flow through the base area  57  and through the interior of the tip  12 , exiting through the most distal end of the distal portion  20 . In some implementations, the fluid can flow through the tube  44  and valve  42  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0036]    The view  56  further shows internal features of the tip  12 . A canal  60  in the interior of the tip  12  can provide fluid connectivity between the chamber  38  (e.g., via the actuator  13 ) and the apertures  16 . Specifically, the canal  60  can extend from (and define the shape of) the aperture  26 , defining the interior of the collar  28  The canal  60  can extend to, and be fluidly connected to, an annular chamber  62 . In some implementations, a circular or cylindrical chamber  64  can exist, and be fluidly attached to, annular chamber  62  and canal  60 . The canal  60  and the chambers  62  and  64  can work in combination, for example, based on their dimension, to attenuate the pressure of the fluid received from the body  14  that flows through and exits the tip  12 . For example, the fluid entering the tip  12  can generally pool within the canal  60 , and the chambers  62  and  64  can facilitate the flow of the fluid through the tip  12  at suitable pressure through the apertures  16 . For instance, the shape and size of the chambers  62  and  64  can restrict the flow of fluid to a volume that is ideal for delivery to the apertures  16 . 
         [0037]    Various dimensions of components of the tip  12  can exist. For example, the canal  60  can have a tapered shape, having dimensions that include, for example, a diameter  66   a  of in the range between about 5 and 9 mm, such as about 7 mm at the aperture  26 , a diameter  66   b  of in the range between about 5 and 7 mm, such as about 6 mm roughly halfway up through the canal  60 , and an even smaller diameter  66   c  such as in the range between about 4 and 6 mm, such as about 5.5 mm or less approaching the apertures  16 . The annular chamber  62  can have, for example, an outer diameter  66   d  equal to or less than  66   c,  such as in the range between about 4 and 5.2 mm, such as about 4.6 mm and an inner diameter  66   f  of in the range between about 1 and 1.5 mm, such as about 1.3 mm. The circular chamber  64  can have a diameter  66   e  equal to or less than that of diameter  66   c  in the range between about 3 and 5 mm, such as about 3.7 mm. In some implementations, the diameter  64  is less than the outer diameter of chamber  62 . The diameters  66   a - 66   f  are just examples, as other diameters can be used in other implementations. 
         [0038]    Various other dimensions of components of the tip  12  can exist. For example, the circular chamber  64  can have a thickness  66   g  in the range between about 1 and 2 mm, such as about 1.5 mm. The annular chamber  62  can have a thickness  66   h  in the range between about 0.5 and 1.2 mm, such as about 0.8 mm. The region between the mesa  32  and the stop  24  at the end of the distal portion  20  can have a thickness  66   i  in the range between about 0.8 and 1.2 mm such as about 1 mm. The canal  60  can have a length  66   j  in the range of between about 20 and 30 mm, such as about 25 mm. These thicknesses and lengths can vary in other implementations; however the side wall integrity of the tip  12  needs to be maintained. 
         [0039]    Internal features of the tip  12  can vary in size and proportion to each other, the advantages of which can include better control of pressure attenuation. For example, in some implementations, the external circumference of the annular chamber  62  can be greater than the circumference of the circular chamber  64 . In some implementations, the greatest extent of the apertures  16  (e.g., the sum of the surface areas of the apertures  16 ) can be greater than an external circumference of the annular chamber  62 . In some implementations, the circumference of the circular chamber  64  is less than the minimum circumference of the canal  60  by in the range between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, such as at least about 0.1 mm. In some implementations, the canal  60  can have an internal volume of in the range between 0.3 cm 3  and 0.5 cm 3 , such as at least about 0.4 cm 3 . In some implementations, the combined area of the apertures  16  in the distal portion  20  of the tip  12  can be greater than an area of the circular chamber  64 . 
         [0040]    In some implementations, the total cross sectional area of apertures  16  is greater than the cross sectional area of the valve  42 . Without being bound to any particular theory, liquid exits from chamber  38  at a high pressure, such as at a pressure greater than about 10 psi, such as in the range of 20 and 200 psi, such as at a pressure of greater than about 30 psi and enters canal  60  directed toward the apertures  16 . The high pressure fluid contacts an end wall (e.g., the stop  24 ), which redirects the fluid toward aperture  26 . Some fluid exits apertures  16  while canal  60  fills with fluid. Once the canal  60  fills, because the overall effective area of the apertures  16  area is greater than the valve  42  exit area in combination with the availability of fluid in the canal  60 , the pressure of fluid exiting the chamber  38  is attenuated and the fluid exits the apertures  16  in a gentle contiguous stream. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of the fluid ejection device  10  is shown. Although the implementation shown in  FIG. 4  includes four apertures  16  of the same size, other implementations can include more (or fewer) of the apertures  16 . Further, the apertures  16  can have various sizes and spacing, for example, as can be determined through experimentation to deliver a stream of fluid more suitable for nasal lavage. 
         [0042]    In some implementation, various models of the fluid ejection device  10  can exist, each having the advantage of a different configuration of apertures  16 . For example, some users may prefer using a specific “Model X” over “Model Y” because of a difference in operation or “feel” of each, such as a noticeable difference in the strength of the stream of fluid from each. In some implementations, additional versions of the fluid ejection device  10  can have significantly larger tips  12  (e.g., for adults with significantly larger nostrils) or significantly smaller tips  12  (e.g., for babies or toddlers). As such, different models or versions of the fluid ejection device  10  can be produced. 
         [0043]    Although implementations of the tip  12  and the fluid ejection device  10  are generally intended for human use, other implementations can include models or versions that are intended to use for animals, such as pets or livestock. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a cross-section of a perspective view of the fluid ejection device  10  is shown. The view shows half of the tip  12  exposed, and as such exposes half of the distal portion  20  and the proximate portion  22 , as well as revealing the canal  60 . 
         [0045]    Fluid can flow through the tip  12  in the direction indicated by arrows  72   a - 72   c . Specifically, fluid from the body  14  can enter the tip  12 , as indicated by arrow  72   a.  Fluid entering the tip  12  does so through the aperture  26 , as defined by the inner dimension of the collar  28 . Fluid flows through the canal  60 , on the interior of the tip  12 , as indicated by arrow  72   c.  Fluid exits the tip  12  at the apertures  16 , as indicated by arrow  72   c . Before reaching the apertures  16 , the fluid can flow through the annular chamber  62 , the circular chamber  64 , and any other chambers not depicted. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , exemplary dimensions of the tip  12  are shown. For instance, in some implementations, the diameter  74   a  of the widest part of the distal portion  20  (and of the tip  12  itself) can be, for example, in the range between 15 and 25 mm, such as about 20 mm or any other size that is suitable for use with human nostrils. In some implementations, the length  74   b  of the tip  12  can be, for example, in the range between 20 and 40 mm, such as about 30 mm, or any other suitable length. For instance, longer tips  12  can be necessary to fit different types of actuators  14 , depending on the size of any exposed tube  44  and valve  42 . The diameter  74   c  of the proximate portion  22  of the tip  12  can be, for example, in the range between 7 and 14 mm, such as about 10 mm, or any other size that can enable the tip  12  to fit the portion of the actuator  13  or body  14  to which the tip  12  is attached. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the fluid ejection device  10  is shown with the tip  12  covering the aperture  26  and the valve  42  which are both extruding from the body  14 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an exemplary stream of fluid  76  flowing from the fluid ejection device  10  is shown. The stream of fluid  76  can have a gentle arc, as depicted, due to the pressure-attenuating features of the tip  12 . For example, while the fluid in the body  14  may be stored and released at a generally high pressure (e.g., too forceful for nasal lavage), the tip  12  can receive the fluid at high pressure, attenuate the pressure, and dispense the fluid at a lower pressure, but having a higher volume. In this way, the fluid stream can achieve an arc and flow as generally depicted by the stream of fluid  76 . The stream of fluid  76  can exit the tip  12  along a trajectory that is along a central axis of the canal  60 . The apex of the arc of fluid occurs within a range of between about 4 and 12 cm, such as 8 cm, such as within 7 cm or within 5 cm of the apertures. In some implementations, fluid is ejected in a stream rather than ejected as a mist or as individual droplets. 
         [0049]    In some implementations, the tip  12  can include, or be fluidly connected to, the actuator  13  that can be used to start and stop the flow of fluid from the body  14 . The actuator  13  depicted here in  FIG. 8  is larger than the embodiment of the actuator  13  depicted in  FIG. 1 . As such, the tip  12  can connect directly to the larger actuator  13 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , in some implementations, the tip  112  is approximately conically shaped from top to bottom. The tip  112  can have a base  157  with a circular inner diameter and an outer diameter that is either circular or approximately circular. Thus, the tip has an internal channel extending from the base  157  to an end upper region  130  of the tip  112 . The tip  112  can include one or more grooves  120 , such as two, three, four, five or six grooves. The grooves  120  can extend from the base  157  to the upper region  130  of the tip  112 . In some implementations, the grooves extend at least 80% of the length of the tip  112 . The tip has a thickness in the grooved area that is less than the thickness in the non-grooved area. Therefore, the grooved area can be more flexible than the non-grooved areas and can stretch more in a lateral direction, the lateral direction being perpendicular to the long axis of the internal channel, than the non-grooved areas. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 11 , in some implementations, the upper region  130  of the tip has a smooth curved end  141 . The upper region  130  of the tip can have one or more apertures  147  extending from the interior channel to the outer surface of the tip  112 . In some implementations, the apertures  147  are not in the end  141 , but are just below the end  141  and on the sides of the end  141 . In some implementations, the apertures  147  are aligned with the thick portions of the tip  157  and not with the grooves  120 . In some implementations, the tip  112  includes two apertures  147 , each one directly across from one another so that the channel and the apertures together form a T-shape. 
         [0052]    As with the first described tip, this tip can be formed of a flexible material, such as silicone or some another soft, flexible material (e.g., plastic, rubber, non-permeable cloth, etc.) that can generally feel comfortable against the user&#39;s skin. The actuator can be formed of a material that is significantly more rigid than the tip  112 . As such, the actuator can hold its shape during use. 
         [0053]    The tip  112  can fit over an actuator  200 . The actuator can be similar to or the same as the actuator shown in  FIG. 9 . The actuator  200  has aperture  205  in its upper end. The aperture  205  is fluidly connected to a channel that extends the length of the actuator  200 . The actuator  200  has a flat region  220  for depressing the actuator  200  and causing it to actuate a valve to which the channel is fluidly connected. The aperture  205  in the end of the actuator can be small, such as between 0.2 and 1 mm, e.g., around 0.4-0.6 mm in diameter. In some implementations, the aperture  205  in the actuator  200  is smaller than the apertures  147  in the tip  112 . 
         [0054]    Because of the flexibility of the tip  112 , the tip can fit snugly around an end of the actuator. In some implementations, the snug fit is all around the circumference of the actuator. Thus, a liquid tight fit can be achieved around the actuator. In some implementations, at least 25%, such as at least 50%, for example, more than 60% of the tip length is over the actuator. This can prevent the tip from being pushed off of the actuator by the fluid pressure coming out of the dispenser. The shape of the actuator can be wider at the base than the tip. In some implementations, the tip has a cylindrical portion at a distal end, which transitions into widening portion that extends to the base. Because the tip can be flexible and stretch, the width of the tip can be equal to or smaller than the width of the actuator when the tip is not stretched or is in a relaxed state. 
         [0055]    Between the end of the actuator and the apertures in the tip the channel forms a pocket  175  where fluid can pool before being pushed out of the apertures. The pocket  175  can have a length of between about 0.5 and 1.5 cm, such as around 1 cm. The pocket diameter can be between 0.2 and 0.6 cm. 
         [0056]    In some implementations, the external diameter of the tip  112  at its base  157  is between 0.8 and 1.4 cm, such as between 0.9 and 1.2 cm. The thick regions of the tip  112  at the base  157  can be between 0.7 and 2 mm, such as around 1.7 mm. The thin regions, that is, the regions with the grooves, can be between 0.5 and 1 mm, such as about 0.7 or 0.8 mm. The length of the tip  112  can be between 2 and 5 cm, such as about 4 cm. The end of the tip  141  can be between 0.2 and 0.6 cm wide, such as about 0.4 cm. The apertures  147  can have a diameter of between about 0.6 and 1.5 mm, such as around 1 mm. The apertures  147  can be circular in shape. 
         [0057]    Unlike the tip shown in  FIG. 8 , the tip with the apertures on a side surface of the tip causes fluid to exit the tip at approximately a right angle to the longest length of the tip. 
         [0058]    During use of the fluid ejection device, a user can partially insert the tip into a nasal cavity. The fluid ejection device can be held, for example, is in the upright position, where the tip is generally above the body. Controlling the flow of fluid from the tip can be accomplished, for example, by pressing a flat-shaped button area, operable to engage (or disengage) the valve (not shown) inside the actuator when the button area is pressed (or released). This fashion of controlling fluid flow differs from that described with respect to  FIG. 1  in which the entire tip can be pressed. In  FIG. 1 , fluid flow can be controlled, for example, by pressing downwardly or at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the tip. In some implementations, the tip can be pressed straight against the nose so that the actuator is effectively depressed, allowing the valve to open and fluid to flow from the tip. In some implementations, such as those shown in  FIG. 8 , the actuator can be depressed, such as with a finger, to cause solution to exit the tip. In other implementations, pressing the tip from the side actuates the valve and causes the fluid flow into the tip. Other implementations can include other controls, such as switches, levers, or electronic controls capable of opening and closing the valve. In some implementations, an additional control or button may exist that allows the valve to be locked in the open position. The tip can provide a gentler and more comfortable rinsing experience for a user. 
         [0059]    A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, instead of attenuating a fast stream of liquid into a gentle flow, a mist exiting the actuator can be transformed into a gentle cleansing stream of fluid. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0