CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit from U.S. Patent Application No. 12/490,347, filed June 24, 2009, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates in general to a nasal interface device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a nasal interface device for nasal ventilation systems employed to deliver a breathing gas for human beings, through which breathing gas or air are directed to the nasal passages and breathed; the nasal interface device includes a hinge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] US Patent 5,113,857 is believed to represent the state of the art. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0004] The nasal interface device of the present invention is to be used as a gas delivery terminal for any airway ventilation nasal system, employed to deliver a breathing gas into human beings, inter alia including forced airway ventilation nasal systems. Through the nasal interface device a breathing gas or air is directed into the nasal passages of a human being. The nasal interface device of the present invention is usable by forced breathing or forced airway ventilation nasal systems such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems. [0005] The nasal interface device of the present invention is a structural element having one inlet for gases and two outlets for the incoming gas. The two outlets match the anatomical structure of the nose, to fit the two nostrils and employ a novel type of adaptive mechanism to accommodate for variations which may exist in the nasal structure. A central feature in this respect is a mechanism which provides for an ergonomic affixing of the device onto the nose of a user, such that it may be worn without straps.

[0006] There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a nasal interface device including a Y-shaped hose member, two nostril engaging members, to be inserted into the nostrils of a user, and two nasal septum engaging units, each within one of the nostril engaging members. The Y-shaped hose member has an inlet connectable to a source of breathing gas and two outlets. Each nostril engaging member has an internal channel in flow communication with one of the outlets and the nasal septum engaging units operate together to clamp around a septum of the nose of the user.

[0007] Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nasal interface device further includes a gap adjuster to adjust a gap between the two nasal septum engaging units.

[0008] Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each nasal septum engaging unit includes a handle wing and nostril associated portion terminating with a nasal septum engaging plate, the handle wing being mounted on a pivot within the Y- shaped hose member.

[0009] Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nasal interface device further includes a gap adjuster to adjust a gap between the nasal septum engaging plates.

[0010] Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gap adjuster includes an adjustment lever.

[0011] Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gap adjuster further includes a hinge pivot mounted in the Y-shaped hose member a wedging member and an axial portion. The wedging member is operationally connected with the hinge pivot and has a cylindrical portion coaxially mounted on top of the Y-shaped hose member. The axial portion exerts force onto the adjustment lever.

[0012] Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nasal interface device further includes a biasing unit to urge the nasal septum engaging units closer together.

[0013] Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nostril engaging members are rotatable within the Y-shaped hose member. They may also have a pocket adapted to confine the nasal septum engaging plates.

[0014] There is also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a nasal interface device including a hose member to direct airflow to nostrils of a user; and two nasal septum engaging units in communication with the hose unit. The nasal septum engaging units are operative together to clamp around a septum of the nose of the user. [0015] Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nasal septum engaging units each include a nasal septum engaging plate and the device also includes a gap adjuster to adjust a gap between the engaging plates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of the nasal interface device of the present invention;

[0018] Fig. IA is a cross-sectional isometric view of the wye hose member of the nasal interface device of the present invention;

[0019] Fig. 2 is another cross-sectional isometric view of the wye hose member of the nasal interface device of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 2A is an enlarged view of adjustment lever and its environment;

[0021] Fig. 3 is an exploited isometric view of nasal interface device of the present invention;

[0022] Fig. 3A is an enlarged exploded view of the adjustment mechanism;

[0023] Fig. 4 is an isometric view of nasal interface device of the present invention;

[0024] Figs. 5A-D showing isometric views of gasket, linear connector, right angle connector and U-shaped connector, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Fig. 6 showing an isometric view of the nasal interface device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figs. 7 to 8A respectively showing an isometric cross-sectional view, isometric exploded view and an enlarged view thereof of nasal interface device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] Fig. 9 is a view showing the nasal interface device clamping around the septum of the nose of the user.

[0028] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation- specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0030] Reference is now made to Fig. 1 showing an isometric view of nasal interface device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A Y-shaped (hereinafter Wye) hose member 15 is furnished with nostril engaging members (hereinafter NEMs) 2OA and 2OB and has adjustment mechanism 25 for adjusting the tolerance gap between the nasal septum engaging plates, as will be elaborated hereinafter.

[0031] Reference is now made to Fig. IA, showing a sectional isometric view of section 15S of the wye hose member of the nasal interface device of the present invention. The arrows on Fig. IA indicate the bifurcating flow path of gases within the continuous portion of the wye hose member of the nasal interface device; from the one inlet thereof, for the incoming gas, and towards the two outlets thereof and further into the respective NEMs (not shown). [0032] Reference is now made to Fig. 2, showing a sectional isometric view of section 15S of the wye hose member of the nasal interface device of the present invention. A row of tubular portions 160, 161 and 162 are disposed in tandem leaving spaces for matching interleaving tubular portions of the respective section (not shown), in such a way as the lumens of all tubular portions are alignable so that a pivot can be inserted therethrough, thereby forming a hinge. Section 15S further includes handle wing 152 and nostril associated portion 165 terminating with nasal septum engaging plate 167. Although the wye hose member is in essence monolithic, it is somewhat deformable as to allow adjustment of the angle between nostril associated portions thereof, as will be explained below. [0033] Reference is now made to Fig. 2A showing an enlarged view of adjustment lever 170 and its environment. Lever 170 is a portion of the wye hose member of the nasal interface device and it is used to adjust the tolerance gap between the nasal septum engaging plates, as will be explained hereinafter.

[0034] Reference is now made to Fig. 3 showing an exploited isometric view of nasal interface device 10. Wye hose member 15 is typically made of a firm resilient material (such as silicon, rubber or latex) capable of being slightly buckled or deformed. NEMs 2OA and 2OB are typically made of an elastic resilient material and can be mounted on the respective cylindrical extensions of wye hose member 15. NEMs 2OA and 2OB are to be inserted into the nostrils of a user. The elasticity/resiliency of NEMs 2OA and 2OB provides for an expansion thereof within the nostrils of a user, due to an inflation thereof prompted by a positive pressure within device 10; thereby the outer surfaces of NEMs 2OA and 2OB sealingly adjoin the inner surfaces of user's nostrils.

[0035] Reference is now made to Fig. 3A showing an enlarged exploded view of adjustment mechanism 25. Adjustment mechanism 25 includes hinge pivot 250 operationally connected with button cap 255 and wedging member 260. Wedging member 260 has cylindrical portion 261 to be coaxially mounted on top of the upper tubular portions of the wye hose member of the nasal interface device, and axial portion 262 used to exert a force onto adjustment lever of the wye hose member.

[0036] Reference is now made to Fig. 4 showing an isometric view of nasal interface device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Nasal interface device 10 has gap 300 in the hinge portion thereof wherein biasing member 301 can be introduced. Biasing member 301, whose terminal ends are secured in position by pins 305 and 310, is used to exert a force onto wye hose member 15, thereby causing the nostril associated portions thereof to tighten around the hinge of device 10. Aperture 320 of wye hose member 15 is the inlet for accepting incoming gasses and for accomplishing that the end thereof can be furnished with various gaskets and/or connectors used to connect device 10 to any forced breathing or forced airway ventilation nasal system such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or any type of breathing and/or ventilation system for that matter.

[0037] To explain how the nasal interface device 10 is used, reference is now made to Figs 1-4. In order to apply nasal interface device 10, the user pushes handle wings of wye hose member 15, such as handle wing 152; thereby expanding nostril associated portions, such as portion 165, of wye hose member 15 radially around the hinge of nasal interface device 10. Continuous bifurcating portion 151 of wye hose member 15 is compressed and sustains gentle deformation during the radial expansion of the nostril associated portions of wye hose member 15. As a result of the radial expansion of wye hose member 15 the clearance between nasal septum engaging plates, such as plate 167, of nostril associated portions of wye hose member 15, such as portion 165, is increased and the user can consequently introduce NEMs 2OA and 2OB into his/her nostrils. The user subsequently releases the handle wings of wye hose member 15 and the clearance between nostril associated portions is decreased; thereby the nasal septum engaging plates are fastened on his/her nasal septum. The user can adjust the tolerance gap between the nasal septum engaging plates by radially and/or axially translating wedging member 260 that exerts a force onto adjustment levers of wye hose member 15, such as adjustment lever 170, thereby causing increment/decrement of the aforementioned tolerance and providing for adjusting nasal interface device 10 to fit the thickness of the nasal septum of an individual user. [0038] As best shown in Fig. 9, the nasal interface device clamps around the septum of the user, thereby maintaining the device on the head. It will be appreciated that, as a result, straps or other retaining devices are not required to hold the device on the head, though they may be used if desired.

[0039] Reference is now made to Figs. 5A-D showing isometric views of gasket 30, linear connector 35, right angle connector 40 and U-shaped connector 45, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Gasket 30 is mounted onto the inlet of the nasal interface device so that the rim thereof sealingly engages the exterior of the inlet of the device. Into the aperture in the centre of gasket 30 a connector, such as connectors 35, 40 or 45, or a tube, are introduced. [0041] Connectors 35, 40 and 45 are characterized by having elliptic aperture 400 covered by respectively matching lid 405. Elliptic aperture 400 and matching lid 405 can serve the purpose of a safety valve released at predetermined pressure threshold. Alternatively elliptic aperture 400 and matching lid 405 serve the purpose of an outlet for the air/gases exhaled by the user. Lid 405 has aperture 410.

[0042] Reference is now made to Fig. 6 showing an isometric view of nasal interface device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Wye hose member 105 having textured surface 110 is furnished with nostril engaging members (hereinafter NEMs) 120A and 120B and has adjustment mechanism 125 for adjusting the tolerance gap between the nasal septum engaging plates, as will be elaborated hereinafter.

[0043] Reference is now made to Figs. 7 to 8A, respectively showing an isometric cross- sectional view 10OS, isometric exploded view and an enlarged view thereof of nasal interface device 100. Device 100 comprises core members 130 pivoted about pivot 135. Pivot 135 is furnished with knob 136. Pivot 135 is threaded into tubular portions of core members 130 which are interposed with wedging member 137, thereby forming a hinge. Pivot 135 is secured by tightening nut 138.

[0044] NEMs supporting members (henceforth NSMs) 140 are mounted onto core members 130 being controllably rotatable relatively thereto. The rotation of NSMs 140 is restricted by an interaction of V-shaped grooves within core members 130, shown in Fig. 8A, and respective detent (not shown, within NSMs 140. The rotation of NSMs 140 relatively to core members 130 provides for adjusting the tolerance angle between the nasal septum engaging plates of NSMs 140.

[0045] Although the wye hose member is in essence monolithic, it is somewhat deformable as to allow adjustment of the angle between NSMs 140. Wye hose member 105 is typically made of a firm resilient material capable of being slightly buckled or deformed. NEMs 120A and 120B are typically made of an elastic resilient material and can be mounted on the respective cylindrical extensions of NSMs 140. NEMs 120A and 120B comprise a pocket at the distal portion thereof adapted to confine the nasal septum engaging plates of NSMs 140; thereby provide for a more resilient conformation of NEMs 120A and 120B.

[0046] NEMs 120A and 120B are to be inserted into the nostrils of a user. The elasticity/resiliency of NEMs 120A and 120B provides for an expansion thereof within the nostrils of a user, due to an inflation thereof prompted by a positive pressure within device 100; thereby the outer surfaces of NEMs 120A and 120B sealingly adjoin the inner surfaces of user's nostrils.

[0047] Adjustment mechanism 125 includes wedging member 137. Wedging member 137 has cylindrical portion coaxially disposed in-between of the portions of core members 130 and axial portion used to exert a force onto adjustment lever of core members 130. [0048] Nasal interface device 100 comprises biasing member 150. Biasing member 150 is used to exert a force onto core members 130; thereby causing NSMs 140 to tighten around the hinge of device 100. The inlet of wye hose member 105 for accepting incoming gasses is furnished with fitting 160 used to connect device 100 to any forced breathing or forced airway ventilation nasal system such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or any type of breathing and/or ventilation system for that matter.

[0049] Device 100 is operated essentially as device 10, with the addition of the rotation of NSMs 140 relatively to core members 130 which provides for adjusting the tolerance angle between the nasal septum engaging plates of NSMs 140.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly described and shown hereinabove and that numerous modifications, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention, exist. Thus for instance the nasal interface device may not include adjustment mechanism or the NEMs can be a continuum of wye hose member and not individual elements. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow.