Nasal irrigation device and system with faux collapsible cartridge element
Inventors
Hoke, Martin R. • Schilling, Robert D. • Brown, Patrick W. • Taggart, Jeffrey S.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10383984-B2
Publication Date
2019-08-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
A nasal irrigation device communicates an irrigant to a device user and comprises a mechanics module and a reservoir assembly wherein a source of saline comprising a cartridge is disposed within the mechanics module adjacent a lid assembly for piercing the cartridge upon closing of a lid for releasing the cartridge contents into the reservoir assembly. A faux collapsible cartridge for testing operability of a nasal irrigation device comprises a housing including a shaft, a spring biased rod extending from the housing shaft, and a flange depending from a housing wall whereby the rod and flange are disposed to actuate a trigger assembly of the nasal irrigation device.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention is a nasal irrigation device for communicating an irrigant to a device user. A mechanics module includes a capsule tower assembly with a lid assembly, and a reservoir assembly that includes an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir. The capsule tower is configured to receive a source of saline comprising a capsule adjacent to the lid assembly.
The lid assembly opens the capsule upon closing of the lid for releasing the capsule contents into the reservoir assembly. The upper reservoir is disposed around a circumference of the capsule tower assembly, placing the upper reservoir in circumferential relation to the capsule tower. The arrangement supports release of saline concentrate from the capsule into the reservoir assembly upon lid closure.
The invention further includes a nasal interface arranged with the mechanics module to form a fluid passageway connecting the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir. A mechanics module includes an evacuating pump, and operation of the pump and opening of the fluid passageway is enabled based on receipt of the capsule in the capsule tower assembly and closing of the lid. A trigger assembly including an actuator linkage engages the capsule upon lid closing and triggers a lockout switch to preclude operation of an on/off switch absent presence of the capsule in the capsule tower assembly.
Safety and fluid-path features include a float valve to preclude irrigant rising into the mechanics module from the lower reservoir. Capsule actuation is described through an activation linkage trigger positioned to engage a capsule primary actuation button. The disclosure additionally includes a “faux collapsible cartridge” element with a spring biased rod and flange to simulate capsule actuation for testing device operability.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims include a nasal irrigation device structure centered on a capsule tower, an upper/lower reservoir assembly, lid-triggered capsule opening to release contents into the reservoirs, and circumferential placement of the upper reservoir relative to the capsule tower. The main inventive features across the independent claim set focus on lid/capsule-dependent release into reservoirs and mechanics that enable fluid passageway/pump operation only with capsule presence plus lockout and float-valve functionality.
Capsule-receiving capsule tower with lid opening
A capsule tower assembly configured to receive a source of saline comprising a capsule adjacent to the lid assembly such that the lid assembly opens the capsule upon closing of a lid for releasing the capsule contents into the reservoir assembly.
Upper and lower reservoir assembly with circumferential upper reservoir
A reservoir assembly which includes an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir, wherein the upper reservoir is disposed around a circumference of the capsule tower assembly.
Nasal interface forming a fluid passageway connecting reservoirs
A nasal interface arranged with the mechanics module to form a fluid passageway that connects the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir through repeated flow through the mechanics module and the nasal interface.
Evacuating pump and trigger enabling fluid passageway opening
A mechanics module including an evacuating pump and a trigger assembly that enables operating of the pump and opening of the fluid passageway upon receipt of the capsule in the capsule tower assembly and closing of the lid.
Capsule-dependent trigger linkage and on/off lockout
A trigger assembly that includes an actuator linkage that engages the capsule upon lid closing and triggers a lockout switch to preclude operation of an on/off switch absent presence of the capsule in the capsule tower assembly.
Float valve to preclude irrigant rising into the mechanics module
A mechanics module with a float valve to preclude irrigant rising into the mechanics module from the lower reservoir.
Activation linkage trigger engaging capsule primary actuation button
An activation linkage trigger positioned to engage the capsule’s primary actuation button.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a capsule tower and lid assembly that opens a saline capsule to release contents into an upper/lower reservoir arrangement, with an upper reservoir disposed around the capsule tower. It further covers a nasal interface forming a fluid passageway, pump operation enabled by capsule presence and lid closure, a capsule-dependent lockout preventing on/off operation absent capsule presence, and a float valve to preclude irrigant rising into the mechanics module.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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