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Publication Number
US-9999567-B2
Publication Date
2018-06-19
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 nasal irrigation devices that use a source of saline solution and an effluent receptacle, together with a nasal interface that engages a user’s first and second nostrils with first and second nozzles. The first and second nozzles are disposed relative to the source of saline solution for gravitational inducement of the saline solution to the nasal interface. A fluid passageway communicates the source with the effluent receptacle through first and second fluid conduits and a nasal cavity so that the first and second nozzles are respectively mounted to the first and second fluid conduits.
In addition, the invention includes a vacuum source for forming a relative vacuum in the effluent receptacle, and a switch assembly for selectively controlling the vacuum source and controlling a flow of the saline solution through the fluid passageway. This control enables saline solution to flow from the source of saline solution to the effluent receptacle while the saline solution travels into the first nostril, around a posterior margin of a nasal septum, out of the second nostril, and into the effluent receptacle.
The arrangement also supports a hand-held nasal irrigation device in which the first and second fluid conduits, the nasal interface, and a switch are self-contained within the device. Structural embodiments include arrangements with and without a vacuum pump, removable or interchangeably swapped components such as a cartridge and receptacle concept, and a pressure relief valve associated with the vacuum or negative pressure and/or connected to the saline solution source and effluent receptacle.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims. Together they cover a nasal irrigation device with gravitational inducement, a vacuum source at the effluent receptacle, and selective control of the vacuum source and saline flow, as well as a hand-held nasal irrigation device with a valve and self-contained components. Across these independent claims, the core inventive features include a dual-nostril nasal interface, paired conduits and nozzles, and a flow route around a posterior margin of a nasal septum into the effluent receptacle.
Gravity-driven dual-nostril saline delivery through paired conduits and nozzles
A nasal interface engages a user’s first and second nostrils with first and second nozzles disposed relative to the source of saline solution for gravitational inducement of the saline solution to the nasal interface, and a fluid passageway communicates the source with the effluent receptacle through first and second fluid conduits and a nasal cavity.
Vacuum at the effluent receptacle forming relative vacuum during irrigation
A vacuum source forms a relative vacuum in the effluent receptacle, with a switch assembly selectively controlling the vacuum source and a flow of the saline solution through the fluid passageway so that saline solution travels into the first nostril, around a posterior margin of a nasal septum, out of the second nostril, and into the effluent receptacle.
Hand-held self-contained nasal interface, conduits, and switch
A hand-held nasal irrigation device has the first and second fluid conduits, the nasal interface, and a switch self-contained within the device, with a source of saline solution, an effluent receptacle, and a fluid passageway communicating the source with the effluent receptacle through a nasal cavity of the user.
Valve selectively controls gravity-inducement flow path via dual-nostril anatomy route
A valve selectively controls a flow of the saline solution through the fluid passageway for gravitational inducement of the saline solution into the first nostril, around a posterior margin of a nasal septum, out of the second nostril, and into the effluent receptacle.
The claims emphasize gravitational inducement through paired nozzles and conduits, selective control of vacuum or flow by a switch assembly or valve, and a hand-held self-contained device architecture. The described flow path routes saline solution through the first nostril, around a posterior margin of a nasal septum, and out of the second nostril into the effluent receptacle.
Stated Advantages
Enables saline solution to flow from the source of saline solution to the effluent receptacle while traveling into the first nostril, around a posterior margin of a nasal septum, out of the second nostril, and into the effluent receptacle.
Supports selective control of vacuum formation in the effluent receptacle and selective control of saline solution flow through the fluid passageway.
Documented Applications
Hand-held nasal irrigation for irrigating a user’s nasal cavity using saline solution delivered to both nostrils and routed around a posterior margin of a nasal septum into an effluent receptacle.
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