Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12310918-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-27
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 provides a hand-held nasal irrigation device that includes a source receptacle and an effluent receptacle, with a housing that has a nasal interface comprising first and second nozzles configured to simultaneously contact first and second nostrils, respectively, of a device user's nose. The nasal interface and the source receptacle are located above the effluent receptacle, and the device uses a fluid passageway for communicating irrigant from the source receptacle to the effluent receptacle via a nasal cavity of the device user.
The fluid passageway includes a supply conduit from the source receptacle to the first nozzle and an effluent conduit from the second nozzle to the effluent receptacle, with the supply conduit separate and distinct from the effluent conduit. A vacuum source applies a relative vacuum to at least a portion of the fluid passageway, and the arrangement supports gravity-inducement of saline from the higher source receptacle while the relative vacuum mediates suction to draw saline through the nasal cavity for cleansing and massaging.
The device emphasizes limiting vacuum through a pressure relief feature to avoid damaging pressure at Eustachian tube ostia, and describes safe operation intended to prevent damaging pressure while still applying a relative vacuum. The document further describes alternatives including gravity-only embodiments without vacuum, gravity plus vacuum embodiments, and variations in bottle placement, removable or replaceable nasal cushions, switch or trigger control locations, and variable-speed pump configurations.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim recites a nasal irrigation device with a vacuum source applying relative vacuum to a fluid passageway in a specific two-nozzle, two-conduit arrangement. The dependent claims refine control and safety by adding selectable vacuum control, trigger-controlled irrigant flow, pressure relief elements, fluid-tight sealing at both nostrils, and battery-powered pump assembly implementation.
Simultaneous dual-nostril nasal interface with vertically arranged receptacles
A nasal interface comprising first and second nozzles configured to simultaneously contact first and second nostrils, respectively, of a device user's nose, wherein both the nasal interface and the source receptacle are located above the effluent receptacle.
Separate supply and effluent conduits through a nasal cavity
A fluid passageway for communicating irrigant from the source receptacle to the effluent receptacle via a nasal cavity of the device user, wherein the fluid passageway comprises a supply conduit from the source receptacle 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.
Vacuum source applying relative vacuum to the fluid passageway
A vacuum source for applying a relative vacuum to at least a portion of the fluid passageway.
Switch selectively controlling the vacuum source
A housing further comprising a switch for selectively controlling the vacuum source.
Trigger controlling irrigant flow through the fluid passageway
The nasal irrigation device further comprises a trigger for controlling a flow of the irrigant through the fluid passageway.
Pressure relief conduit and pressure relief valve to permit air replacement
A pressure relief conduit and pressure relief valve in communication with the source receptacle to permit air to replace the irrigant.
Battery-powered pump assembly as the vacuum source
The pump assembly is battery powered.
Fluid-tight seal against both nostrils by first and second nozzles
The first and second nozzles are further configured to simultaneously form a fluid-tight seal against the first and second nostrils, respectively, of the device user's nose.
Across the independent and refined features, the device combines a dual-nozzle nasal interface contacting both nostrils, separate supply and effluent conduits through a nasal cavity, and a vacuum source applying relative vacuum to at least a portion of the fluid passageway, with further refinements for selective control, pressure relief to permit air replacement, battery-powered pumping, and fluid-tight sealing at both nostrils.
Stated Advantages
Safe operation by limiting vacuum and pressure to avoid damaging pressure at Eustachian tube ostia.
Cleansing and massaging of the nasal cavity using suction mediated by a relative vacuum.
Documented Applications
Nasal cleansing and massaging using saline delivered through a sealed nasal interface and vacuum-mediated suction.
Interested in licensing this patent?