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Publication Number
US-12213939-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods for nasal irrigation are provided in which a nasal irrigation device includes a source of saline solution, an effluent receptacle, a nasal interface, a vacuum source, a fluid passageway to communicate the source of saline solution with the effluent receptacle through the nasal interface and a nasal cavity of a user, and a switch and valve assembly for selectively controlling the vacuum source and flow of the saline solution through the fluid passageway. The source of saline solution is disposed relative to the device to provide gravitational inducement of the saline solution to the nasal interface in engagement to the device user's nostrils. A combination of the gravitational inducement and a relative vacuum from the effluent receptacle generates a fluid flow for irrigating, cleansing and massaging the nasal cavity and ostia of the user. The entire device is assembled as a hand-held device for convenient lifting and disposal against the user's nostrils.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a hand-held nasal irrigation device that includes a source of irrigant and an effluent receptacle. A housing is located between the source of irrigant and the effluent receptacle, and the housing applies a vacuum source for applying a relative vacuum to the effluent receptacle.
The device includes a nasal interface having first and second nozzles configured to simultaneously contact first and second nostrils of a device user's nose. The device communicates irrigant from the source of irrigant to the effluent receptacle via a nasal cavity of the device user through a fluid passageway.
The fluid passageway comprises a supply conduit from the source of irrigant to the first nozzle and an effluent conduit from the second nozzle to the effluent receptacle, and the supply conduit is separate and distinct from the effluent conduit. The device is described as combining gravitational inducement with powered suction, with a switch and valve assembly selectively controlling vacuum and saline flow, and with battery power used to drive the vacuum.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is clm-00001, and it is directed to a nasal irrigation device having three inventive features: a vacuum applied to an effluent receptacle through a housing, a dual-nozzle nasal interface simultaneously contacting both nostrils, and a fluid passageway with separate supply and effluent conduits that communicate via a nasal cavity. Dependent claims refine additional vacuum, power, control, and pressure management features, as well as particular physical arrangements.
Vacuum-applied housing between irrigant source and effluent receptacle
A housing located between the source of irrigant and the effluent receptacle, the housing comprising a vacuum source for applying a relative vacuum to the effluent receptacle.
Simultaneous dual-nozzle nasal interface contacting both nostrils
A nasal interface comprising first and second nozzles configured to simultaneously contact first and second nostrils, respectively, of a device user's nose.
Separate supply conduit and effluent conduit communicating via nasal cavity
A fluid passageway for communicating the irrigant from the source of irrigant to the effluent receptacle via a nasal cavity of the device user, wherein the fluid passageway comprises a supply conduit from the source of irrigant to the first nozzle and an effluent conduit from the second nozzle to the effluent receptacle, and wherein the supply conduit is separate and distinct from the effluent conduit.
Effluent receptacle positioned below irrigant source
The effluent receptacle is located below the source of irrigant.
Vacuum source comprising a pump assembly
The vacuum source comprises a pump assembly.
Battery source powering the vacuum source
The housing further comprises a battery source for powering the vacuum source.
Pressure relief valve associated with effluent receptacle
The nasal irrigation device further comprises a pressure relief valve associated with the effluent receptacle.
Trigger for stopping irrigant flow through fluid passageway
The nasal irrigation device further comprising a trigger for stopping flow of the irrigant through the fluid passageway.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a nasal irrigation device with a housing applying relative vacuum to an effluent receptacle, a nasal interface with first and second nozzles simultaneously contacting both nostrils, and a fluid passageway in which a separate supply conduit and a separate effluent conduit communicate through a nasal cavity.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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