Nasal Support Device and Method

• US 20110023891A1
• Filed: 08/02/2010
• Published: 02/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Winease LLC
• Original Assignee: Winease LLC
• Inventors: Blach, Edward L., Chiapetta, James R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,182,505 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/207.18
• CPC Class Codes: A61D 7/00 Devices or methods for introducing solid, liquid, or gaseous remedies or other materials into or onto the bodies of animals for reproduction or fertilisation A61D19/00 ; devices for implanting pellets, radon seeds or the like A61M37/0069
• CPC Class Codes: A61D 7/04 Devices for anaesthetising animals by gases or vapours; Inhaling devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61D 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/08 Devices for correcting deformities of the nose ; Devices for enlarging the nostril, e.g. for breathing improvement
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 29/00 Dilators with or without means for introducing media, e.g. remedies instruments for performing visual medical inspections of cavities or tubes of the body A61B1/00

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Claims

1-19. -19. (canceled)

20. A nasal support device comprising:

a. a first edge, the first edge including;

(i) a middle region and a first and second lateral extent extending away from the middle region;

(ii) a first curved surface and a first and second scalloped surface positioned at each of the first and second lateral extents; and

(iii) a transverse dimension C_T;

b. a second edge, the second edge including;

(i) a middle region and a third and fourth lateral extent extending away from the middle region;

(ii) a second curved surface and a third and fourth scalloped surface positioned at each of the third and fourth lateral extents; and

(iii) a transverse dimension W_T, wherein W_T is greater than C_T;

c. a central region between the first and second edges, the central region having a central region transverse dimension less than W_T;

d. a support layer comprising at least a first lift member, the first lift member having a first length, a middle region and first and second lateral extents extending away from the middle region; and

e. an engaging layer, a portion of the engaging layer extending beyond the lateral extents of the first lift member.

21. The nasal support device of claim 20, wherein the first edge has a convex portion of the first curved surface.

22. The nasal support device of claim 20, wherein the second surface further includes a tongue extending in a direction away from the first edge beyond the third and fourth scalloped surfaces.

23. The nasal support device of claim 22, wherein the tongue has a transverse dimension R_T, wherein R_T is less than C_T.

24. The nasal support device of claim 20, wherein the first lift member includes a first notch extending for a portion of the first length from the first lateral extent to the middle region and second notch extending for a portion of the first length from the second lateral extent to the middle region.

25. The nasal support device of claim 20, wherein the support layer comprises a second lift member, the second lift member having a second length, a middle region and first and second lateral extent extending away from the middle region.

26. The nasal support device of claim 25, wherein the first and second lift members have a space between one another for a portion of the first and second lengths.

27. The nasal support device of claim 26, wherein the first and second lift members have a space between one another along the first and second lengths and the middle regions.

28. The nasal support device of claim 25, wherein the first and second lift members are in parallel configuration to one another.

29. The nasal support device of claim 26, wherein the first and second lift members are the same length.

30. The nasal support device of claim 20, wherein the first and second scalloped surfaces extend beyond the first lift member in a direction away from the second edge and the third and fourth scalloped surfaces extend beyond the first lift member in a direction away from the first edge.

31. The nasal support device of claim 26, wherein the first and second scalloped surfaces extend beyond the first lift member in a direction away from the second edge and the third and fourth scalloped surfaces extend beyond the second lift member in a direction away from the first edge.

32. The nasal support device of claim 31, wherein the first and second scalloped surfaces extend beyond the first lift member in a direction away from the second edge and laterally beyond the lateral extents of the first lift member and the third and fourth scalloped surfaces extend beyond the second lift member in a direction away from the first edge and laterally beyond the lateral extents of the second lift members.

33. The nasal support device of claim 20, further comprising a surface layer.

34. The nasal support device of claim 20, wherein the nasal support device is sized for a human nose.

35. The nasal support device of claim 20, wherein the engaging layer comprises a double sided adhesive.

36. The nasal support device of claim 20, wherein when in use, the second edge is oriented in a rostral direction.

37. A nasal support device comprising:

a. a first edge, the first edge including;

(i) a middle region and a first and second lateral extent extending away from the middle region;

(ii) a first curved surface and a first and second scalloped surface positioned at each of the first and second lateral extents; and

(iii) a transverse dimension C_T;

b. a second edge, the second edge including;

(i) a middle region and a third and fourth lateral extent extending away from the middle region;

(ii) a second curved surface and a third and fourth scalloped surface positioned at each of the third and fourth lateral extents; and

(iii) a transverse dimension W_T, wherein W_T is greater than C_T;

c. a central region between the first and second edges, the central region having a central region transverse dimension less than W_T, wherein the first scalloped surface extends laterally beyond the third scalloped surface and the second scalloped surface extends laterally beyond the fourth scalloped surface;

d. a support layer comprising at least a first and second lift member, each lift member, having a first length, a middle region and first and second lateral extents extending away from the middle region, wherein the first and second lift members have a space between one another for a portion of their lengths and wherein the first and second lift members are in parallel configuration;

e. an engaging layer, a portion of the engaging layer extending beyond the lateral extents of the first and second lift members; and

f. a release liner for protecting the engaging layer prior to use.

38. The nasal support device of claim 37, wherein the nasal support device is sized for a human nose.

39. The nasal support device of claim 37, wherein the first and second lift members have a space between one another along the first and second lateral extents and the middle regions.