Patent Application
20220347002
The present disclosure relates to a nasal dilator as well as to a nasal dilator manufacture method.
A wide variety of nasal dilators are known.
The present disclosure expounds upon this background.
The aim of the present summary is to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure. The summary thus presents concepts and features of the present disclosure in a more simplified form and in looser terms than the detailed description below and should not be taken as limiting other portions of the present disclosure.
Loosely speaking, the present disclosure discloses a nasal dilator comprising a plurality of laminated components, including a resilient member that extends across an entire length of the nasal dilator, i.e. from edge to edge. Two of the laminated components have a major surface of a respective color, both of which are at least partly visible. The use of entire surfaces to provide a multi-color effect helps ensure proper color alignment (known in the art of printing as “registration”) without adversely affecting the manufacturability of the multi-color nasal dilator.
Loosely speaking, the present disclosure discloses a nasal dilator comprising a plurality of laminated components, including a plastic film. Part of the plastic film is transparent, while another part of the plastic film is of a first color, and another one of the laminated components has a major surface of a second color, with both the colored plastic film and the colored surface being at least partly visible. Such a nasal dilator provides a 3-D multi-color effect without adversely affecting the manufacturability of the multi-color nasal dilator.
Other objects, advantages and embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below, especially when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The Figures show:
The various embodiments of the present disclosure and of the claimed invention, in terms of both structure and operation, will be best understood from the following detailed description, especially when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Before elucidating the embodiments shown in the Figures, the various embodiments of the present disclosure will first be described in general terms.
The present disclosure discloses a(n external) nasal dilator, e.g. a nasal dilator configured to be flexed over the bridge of a user's nose to dilate a nasal passage.
The nasal dilator may comprise a plurality of components. Each of the components may be affixed—e.g. (adhesively) adhered, (ultrasonically, thermally, and/or adhesively) bonded, pressure bonded, or stitched—to at least one other component of the plurality of components. The plurality of components may form a plurality of layers, each layer comprising/consisting of at least one of the plurality of components. As such, the plurality of components may be termed a plurality of laminated components or simply a laminate. In a state of use, the laminate may constitute (an entirety of) the nasal dilator.
Each of the components may comprise a first major surface that faces in a first direction and a second major surface that faces in a second direction (opposite/anti-parallel to the first direction). Similarly, the laminate, i.e. the (overall) plurality of (laminated) components, may comprise a first outermost surface that faces in the first direction and a second outermost surface that faces in the second direction. The first outermost surface may define a first side of the laminate, and the second outermost surface may define a second side of the laminate. In use, the first outermost surface may constitute an outermost surface on a first side of the nasal dilator, and the second outermost surface may constitute an outermost surface on a second side of the nasal dilator.
At least 10%, at least 20%, at least 50%, at least 80%, or at least 90% (of a total area) of the first outermost surface of the laminate may be coated with a (biocompatible) adhesive, e.g. for (releasably) affixing the nasal dilator to a user's skin. The adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
The nasal dilator may comprise a (sheet-like) release liner that, e.g. during transport and/or storage of the nasal dilator, covers the adhesive on the first outermost surface of the laminate. The release liner may be releasably adhered to the laminate (via the adhesive). The release liner may be manually removable from the laminate, e.g. to expose the adhesive (immediately prior to affixing the nasal dilator to a user's skin). In the present specification, the term “manually” may be understood as meaning using (no other tool than) human hands. The presence of the release liner may be an indication of a (partially) protected state of the nasal dilator. As touched upon above, the absence/removal of the release liner may be a prerequisite for use of the nasal dilator, i.e. for the nasal dilator to be in a state of use. The release liner may cover an entire area of the first outermost surface of the laminate or at least 60%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of an entire area of the first outermost surface of the laminate. The release liner may comprise a substrate of a (Kraft) paper and/or a synthetic material, e.g. a plastic film. At least one major surface of the substrate may be coated with a release agent, e.g. silicone, or other coating. The release liner may constitute an outermost component (on the first side) of the nasal dilator (in a (partially) protected state).
The nasal dilator may comprise a (manually removable) cover liner. The cover liner may be (manually removably) affixed, e.g. via an adhesive, to the second outermost surface of the laminate. The presence of the cover liner may be an indication of a (partially) protected state of the nasal dilator. As touched upon above, the absence/removal of the cover liner may be a prerequisite for use of the nasal dilator, i.e. for the nasal dilator to be in a state of use. The cover liner may cover an entire area of the second outermost surface of the laminate or at least 60%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of an entire area of the second outermost surface of the laminate. The cover liner may comprise a sheet-like material such as (Kraft) paper and/or plastic film. The cover liner may constitute an outermost component (on the second side) of the nasal dilator (in a (partially) protected state).
The plurality of components may comprise at least one resilient member. For example, the nasal dilator may comprise one, two or three resilient member(s). In the present disclosure, the term “resilient member” may be understood as a component of the nasal dilator configured to provide therapeutic function by dilating an anatomical structure of a user, in particular a nasal passage. More specifically, the term “resilient member” may be understood as a component configured to be flexed over the bridge of a user's nose to (provide return forces that) dilate a nasal passage.
The plurality of components may comprise at least one base layer. For example, the nasal dilator may comprise one, two or three base layer(s). The first major surface of at least one base layer may constitute (an entirety of/at least a corresponding portion of) the first outermost surface. The second major surface of at least one base layer may face (the first major surface of) at least one of the at least one resilient member. Thus, in the present disclosure, the term “base layer” may be understood as a component of the nasal dilator, wherein the first major surface of said component constitutes at least a portion of the first outermost surface and wherein the second major surface of said component faces at least one of the at least one resilient member. In the present disclosure, the term “base layer” may be understood as a component of the nasal dilator configured to (directly/indirectly) interconnect at least one of the at least one resilient member with a user's skin. In the present disclosure, the term “base layer” may be understood as a component of the nasal dilator comprising an (manually) exposable adhesive on the first major surface of said component and wherein the second major surface is (directly) affixed to (the first major surface of) at least one of the at least one resilient member or (directly) affixed to an interface member, e.g. as described below, which interface member is (directly) affixed to (the first major surface of) at least one of the at least one resilient member.
The plurality of components may comprise at least one cover layer. For example, the nasal dilator may comprise one, two or three cover layer(s). The at least one cover layer may constitute (an entirety of/at least a corresponding portion of) the second outermost surface. The first major surface of at least one cover layer may face (the second major surface of) at least one of the at least one resilient member. In the present disclosure, the term “cover layer” may be understood as a component of the nasal dilator, wherein the first major surface of said component is (directly) affixed to (the second major surface of) at least one of the at least one resilient member. In the present disclosure, the term “cover layer” may be understood as a component of the nasal dilator, wherein the first major surface of said component is (directly) affixed to (the second major surface of) at least one of the at least one base layer and, wherein the second major surface of said component constitutes (an entirety of/at least a corresponding portion of) the second outermost surface.
The plurality of components may comprise at least one interface member. For example, the nasal dilator may comprise one, two or three interface member(s). In the present disclosure, the term “interface member” may be understood as a component of the nasal dilator situated between at least one of the at least one base layer and at least one of the at least one resilient member. In the present disclosure, the term “interface member” may be understood as a component of the nasal dilator, wherein the first major surface of said component is (directly) affixed to (the second major surface of) at least one of the at least one base layer and the second major surface of said component is (directly) affixed to (the first major surface of) at least one of the at least one resilient member.
The interface member may be of a soft (relative to human skin) material and/or of a supple (relative to human skin) material. The interface member may comprise/be of a foam material. Any (respective individual interface member) of the at least one interface member may have a peripheral shape that matches/corresponds to a peripheral shape of any (respective individual resilient member) of the at least one resilient member. (An elucidation of the term “any” is given in the closing paragraphs of this specification.) The plurality of components may comprise a plastic film. The plastic film may constitute one of the at least one base layer or may constitute one of the at least one cover layer.
A first portion of the plastic film may be transparent, and a(n entire) second portion of the plastic film may comprise coloring of a fifth (solid) color, e.g. may be of the fifth (solid) color or (solidly) colored with an ink/dye/coating of the fifth color. For example, the (entire) second major surface of the second portion of the plastic film may be printed and/or dyed with ink of the fifth color. Similarly, the (entire) second major surface of the second portion of the plastic film may be coated with a layer of ink and/or paint of the fifth color. Alternatively, the (entire) second major surface of the second portion of the plastic film may comprise a polychromatic coating. The polychromatic coating may comprise a metallic paint, a pearlescent paint, or a combination of materials that provide a “candy apple” effect. The polychromatic coating may be a polychromatic coating obtainable using a single batch of metallic/pearlescent paint. Similarly, the (entire) second portion of the plastic film may be treated/colored with a thermochromic substance and/or a photochromic substance. As such, the “color” of the second portion of the plastic film, i.e. the fifth color, may be polychromatic. Similarly, the “color” of the second portion of the plastic film, i.e. the fifth color, may be a (transient) color resulting, at least in part, from a thermochromic and/or photochromic substance, i.e. a (transient) color to which the thermochromic and/or photochromic substance contributes. In the present disclosure, the term “color” may be understood as a (humanly, visually) perceptible (monochromatic) color, not excluding black, white, or any shade of gray. Similarly, the term “color” may be understood in the present disclosure as a (humanly, visually) perceptible polychromatic appearance, not excluding (constituents of) black, white, and/or any shades of gray. Alternatively, the term “color” may be understood in the present disclosure as a (humanly, visually) perceptible (monochromatic) color, excepting black, white, and all shades of gray. Similarly, the term “color” may be understood in the present disclosure as a (humanly, visually) perceptible polychromatic appearance, excluding (constituents of) black, white, and any shades of gray.
The plurality of components may comprise a first component. An entirety of the second major surface of the first component may be of a first (solid) color. For example, the entirety of the first component may be of the first color, e.g. of a (synthetic or natural) material of the first color. Additionally or alternatively, the (entire) second major surface of the first component may comprise a coating and/or an overlay of the first color. The (entire) second major surface of the first component may be printed and/or dyed with ink of the first color. For example, the (entire) second major surface of the first component may be coated with a layer of ink and/or paint of the first color and/or be overlaid with a sheet of material (having a (painted/dyed) surface) of the first color.
The plurality of components may comprise a second component. An entirety of the second major surface of the second component may be of a second color. For example, the entirety of the second component may be of the second (solid) color. e.g. of a (synthetic or natural) material of the second color. Additionally or alternatively, the (entire) second major surface of the second component may comprise a coating and/or an overlay of the second color. The (entire) second major surface of the second component may be printed and/or dyed with ink of the second color. For example, the (entire) second major surface of the second component may be coated with a layer of ink and/or paint of the second color and/or be overlaid with a sheet of material (having a (painted/dyed) surface) of the second color.
The plurality of components may comprise a third component. An entirety of the second major surface of the second component may be of a third (solid) color. For example, the entirety of the third component may be of the third color, e.g. of a (synthetic or natural) material of the third color. Additionally or alternatively, the (entire) second major surface of the third component may comprise a coating and/or an overlay of the third color. The (entire) second major surface of the third component may be printed and/or dyed with ink of the third color. For example, the (entire) second major surface of the third component may be coated with a layer of ink and/or paint of the third color and/or be overlaid with a sheet of material (having a (painted/dyed) surface) of the third color.
The plurality of components may comprise a first set of components, wherein, for each component of the first set, a portion or an entirety of the first major surface of the respective component constitutes a corresponding portion of the first side/face of the nasal dilator (in use), i.e. of an outermost surface of the nasal dilator facing in the first direction (in use). The plurality of components may comprise a second set of components, wherein, for each component of the second set, the first major surface of the respective component is affixed—e.g. (adhesively) adhered, (ultrasonically, thermally, and/or adhesively) bonded, pressure bonded, or stitched—to the second major surface of at least one other component of the plurality of components and the second major surface of the respective component is affixed—e.g. (adhesively) adhered, (ultrasonically, thermally, and/or adhesively) bonded, pressure bonded, or stitched—to the first major surface of at least one other component of the plurality of components. In other words, each component of the second set may be sandwiched between other components of the plurality of components. The plurality of components may comprise a third set of components, wherein, for each component of the third set, a portion or an entirety of the second major surface of the respective component constitutes a corresponding portion of the second side/face of the nasal dilator (in use), i.e. of an outermost surface of the nasal dilator facing in the second direction (in use). The plurality of components may consist of the first, second and third sets.
As touched upon above, the first/second/third color may be a solid color. Alternatively, the (entire) second major surface of the first/second/third component may comprise a polychromatic coating and/or a polychromatic overlay. The polychromatic coating/overlay may comprise a metallic paint, a pearlescent paint, or a combination materials that provide a “candy apple” effect. The polychromatic coating/overlay may be a polychromatic coating/overlay obtainable using a single batch of metallic/pearlescent paint. Similarly, (the (entire) second major surface of) the first/second/third component may be of or comprise a thermochromic substance and/or a photochromic substance. As such, the first/second/third color may be a color of a polychromatic coating/overlay. Similarly, the first/second/third color may be a (transient) color resulting, at least in part, from a thermochromic and/or photochromic substance, i.e. a (transient) color to which the thermochromic and/or photochromic substance contributes.
Any of the plurality of components, e.g. any of the first, second, and third components, may comprise a minor surface intermediate the first major surface and the second major surface of the respective component. The minor surface may be (an entirety of) a circumferential surface that joins (an entirety/a portion) of a circumference of the first major surface and (an entirety/a portion) of a circumference of the second major surface of the respective component. An entirety of the minor surface may be of a fourth (solid) color. For example, the entirety of the respective component (comprising the minor surface) may be of the fourth color. e.g. of a (synthetic or natural) material of the third color. Additionally or alternatively, the (entire) minor surface may comprise a coating and/or an overlay of the fourth color. The (entire) minor surface may be printed and/or dyed with ink of the fourth color. For example, the (entire) minor surface may be coated with a layer of ink and/or paint of the fourth color and/or be overlaid with a sheet of material (having a (painted/dyed) surface) of the fourth color. As touched upon above, the fourth color may be a solid color. Alternatively, the (entire) minor surface may comprise a polychromatic coating and/or a polychromatic overlay. The polychromatic coating/overlay may comprise a metallic paint, a pearlescent paint, or a combination materials that provide a “candy apple” effect. Similarly. (the (entire) minor surface of) the respective component may be of or comprise a thermochromic substance and/or a photochromic substance. As such, the fourth color may be a color of a polychromatic coating/overlay. Similarly, the fourth color may be a (transient) color resulting using a thermochromic and/or photochromic substance, i.e. a (transient) color to which the thermochromic and/or photochromic substance contributes.
The (entire) second major surface of the first component may be (humanly, visually) perceptible as being of a different color than the (entire) second major surface of the second component and/or the (entire) second major surface of the third component and/or a(n entire) minor surface (as described above) of a respective component. The (entire) second major surface of the second component may be (humanly, visually) perceptible as being of a different color than the (entire) second major surface of the third component and/or a(n entire) minor surface (as described above) of a respective component. The (entire) second major surface of the third component may be (humanly, visually) perceptible as being of a different color than a(n entire) minor surface (as described above) of a respective component.
More specifically, the first color may be (humanly, visually) perceptibly different from the second color and/or the third color and/or the fourth color and/or the fifth color. The second color may be (humanly, visually) perceptibly different from the third color and/or the fourth color and/or the fifth color. The third color may be (humanly, visually) perceptibly different from the fourth color and/or the fifth color. The fourth color may be (humanly, visually) perceptibly different from the fifth color. In the present disclosure, one color may be considered (humanly, visually) perceptibly different from another color if a (first) sum of four halftone percentage values representing the one color in CMYK color space differs from a (second) sum of four halftone percentage values representing the other color in CMYK color space, e.g. by at least a minimum of 5, 8, 10, 15, or 20. As such, a (first) sum of four halftone percentage values representing the first/second/third/fourth color in CMYK color space may differ from a (second) sum of four halftone percentage values representing another of the first/second/third/fourth color in CMYK color space, e.g. by at least a minimum of 5, 8, 10, 15, or 20. For example, a shade of blue represented in CMYK color space by the four halftone percentage values C=78, M=38, Y=0, and K=14 may be considered (humanly, visually) perceptibly different from another shade of blue represented in CMYK color space by the four halftone percentage values C=78, M=32, Y=0, and K=14 since the sum (78+38+0+14=130) of the four halftone percentage values representing the one shade of blue differs from the sum (78+32+0+14=124) of the four halftone percentage values representing the other shade of blue by 6, i.e. by at least a minimum of 5. In the present disclosure, a color of one surface comprising any of a polychromatic coating, a polychromatic overlay, a thermochromic substance, and a photochromic substance may be considered (humanly, visually) perceptibly different from a color of another surface (that may, but need not comprise any of a polychromatic coating, a polychromatic overlay, a thermochromic substance, and a photochromic substance) if the color of the one surface is (humanly, visually) perceptibly different from the color of the other surface, e.g. as defined above, when viewed (e.g. under diffuse indoor lighting of at least 500 lux, e.g. from a source of white light) along each of at least three axes that differ from one another (with respect to at least one axis or at least two axes of 3-D space) by at least 30°.
The first/second/third/fourth/fifth color may be (humanly, visually) perceptibly different from a (closest) human skin color. For example, a (first) sum of four halftone percentage values representing the first/second/third/fourth/fifth color in CMYK color space may differ from a (second) sum of four halftone percentage values representing a (closest) human skin color in CMYK color space, e.g. by at least a minimum of 5, 8, 10, 15, or 20. In the present disclosure, the term “closest human skin color” may be understood as designating a color that is closest to the respective first/second/third/fourth/fifth color while still being a human skin color. In the present disclosure, the term “human skin color” may be understood as a color of human skin, e.g. as (humanly, visually, macroscopically) perceived from a distance of at least two meters. An exemplary gamut of “fair” skin colors can range from pale, tannish grey (e.g. 4, 3, 3, 0 in CMYK color space) through light tannish peach (e.g. 7, 15, 15, 0 in CMYK color space) to light brown (e.g. 34, 51, 56, 3 in CMYK color space). Similarly, an exemplary gamut of “dark” skin colors can range from milk chocolate brown (e.g. 22, 73, 91, 42 in CMYK color space) to dark brown (e.g. 45, 73, 79, 69 in CMYK color space). An exemplary gamut of “Caucasian” skin colors can range from light peach (e.g. 2, 20, 39, 0 in CMYK color space) through sandy brown (e.g. 6, 22, 49, 1 in CMYK color space) and sandy yellow (e.g. 2, 9, 40, 0 in CMYK color space) to orangish (e.g. 1, 34, 60, 0 in CMYK color space). An exemplary gamut of “Brown” skin colors can range from yellowish tan (e.g. 9, 40, 59, 3) to chocolate (e.g. 37, 76, 85, 46 in CMYK color space). An exemplary gamut of “White” skin colors can range from light pinkish (e.g. 3, 8, 11, 0 in CMYK color space) to peachy pink (e.g. 6, 25, 24, 0 in CMYK color space). In the present disclosure, the term “human skin color” may be understood as comprising any color interpolated from the aforementioned coordinates in CMYK color space, e.g. within any one of the aforementioned exemplary gamuts or between any (two or more) of the aforementioned exemplary gamuts.
The first component may be any one of the plurality of components, i.e. a component selected from the group consisting of, the at least one base layer, the at least one interface member, the at least one resilient member, and the at least one cover layer. The second component may be any other one of the plurality of components, i.e. another component selected from the group consisting of, the at least one base layer, the at least one interface member, the at least one resilient member, and the at least one cover layer. The third component may be any yet another one of the plurality of components, i.e. yet another component selected from the group consisting of, the at least one base layer, the at least one interface member, the at least one resilient member, and the at least one cover layer.
An entirety or at least a portion of the second major surface of the first component and at least a portion of the second major surface of the second component may be/constitute a visibly exposed surface of the nasal dilator, e.g. when the nasal dilator is viewed in the first direction onto the second side of the nasal dilator (in use). Similarly, an entirety or at least a portion of the second major surface of the third component may be/constitute a visibly exposed surface of the nasal dilator. As such, the first and second components as well as, optionally, the third component may belong to the aforementioned third set of components. For example, (at least a portion of) the second major surface of the first component and (at least a portion of) the second major surface of the second component—and, optionally, (at least a portion of) the second major surface of the third component—may collectively constitute an entirety/a corresponding portion of an outermost surface of the nasal dilator facing in the second direction. Similarly, any of the first, second and third components may belong to the aforementioned second set of components and be (at least partially) visible via a transparent component belonging to/constituting the aforementioned third set of components.
The second component and/or the third component may be affixed to the second major surface of the first component. As such, the second component and/or the third component may obscure a (corresponding) portion of the second major surface of the first component from visibility (when the nasal dilator is viewed in the first direction onto the second side of the nasal dilator (in use)).
An entirety or at least a portion of the second portion of the plastic film and an entirety or at least a portion of the second major surface of the first component may be/constitute a visibly exposed surface of the nasal dilator, e.g. when the nasal dilator is viewed in the first direction onto the second side of the nasal dilator (in use). Similarly, an entirety or at least a portion of the second major surface of the second component may be/constitute a visibly exposed surface of the nasal dilator. As such, e.g. if the plastic film constitutes a base layer of the nasal dilator, the plastic film, the first component as well as, optionally, the second component may belong to the aforementioned third set of components. For example, (at least a portion of) the second portion of the plastic film and (at least a portion of) the second major surface of the first component—and, optionally. (at least a portion of) the second major surface of the second component—may collectively constitute an entirety/a corresponding portion of an outermost surface of the nasal dilator facing in the second direction. Similarly, the first component and/or the second component may belong to the aforementioned second set of components and be (at least partially) visible, e.g. via the transparent first portion of the plastic film, the plastic film belonging to/constituting the aforementioned third set of components.
Each (individual, respective component) of the plurality of components may comprise a (respective, individual) outer periphery. The (respective, individual) outer periphery may comprise at least one straight-line segment parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nasal dilator. The (respective, individual) outer periphery may comprise at least one segment corresponding to at least a portion of an (overall) outer periphery of the nasal dilator. The (respective, individual) outer periphery consisting of at least one segment selected from the group consisting of a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nasal dilator and a segment corresponding to at least a portion of an outer periphery of the nasal dilator. For example, an entire outer periphery of any component belonging to the plurality of components may correspond to an outer periphery of the nasal dilator. The outer periphery of any component belonging to the plurality of components may comprise/consist of two straight segments parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nasal dilator, a first end of the two straight segments being joined by a first segment corresponding to a segment of the outer periphery of the nasal dilator, and a second end of the two straight segments being joined by a second segment corresponding to another segment of the outer periphery of the nasal dilator.
The nasal dilator may have an overall shape that permits n nasal dilators of said overall shape to be die-cut from a sheet of laminated materials, wherein the sheet of laminated materials has an area less than n times an area of a minimally sized rectangular bounding box for said overall shape.
The nasal dilator may be shaped to conform to a(n average) user's nose and to (contactingly) cover both a portion of a left cheek less than 2 cm or less than 1 cm below a left eye socket and a portion of a right cheek less than 2 cm or less than 1 cm below a right eye socket. The average user may be selected from the group consisting of an adult, an adolescent, and a pre-adolescent. The nasal dilator may comprise/consist of a central portion, a left cheek portion, and a right cheek portion. More specifically, the nasal dilator may comprise a central portion configured to bridge a nose (of an adult, an adolescent, or a pre-adolescent), e.g. for the sake of dilating a nasal passage of the (wearer's) nose, a left cheek portion configured to extend across a portion of a maxilla (upper jaw bone) less than 2 cm or less than 1 cm below a left eye socket to a portion of a left zygoma (a bone at a lower, outer corner of an eye socket) less than 2 cm or less than 1 cm below a left eye socket, and a right cheek portion configured to extend across a portion of the maxilla less than 2 cm or less than 1 cm below a right eye socket to a portion of a right zygoma (a bone at a lower, outer corner of an eye socket) less than 2 cm or less than 1 cm below a right eye socket. The central portion may cover at least 60% or at least 80% of a(n average) user's nose. The left cheek portion may have an area of at least 1 cm2, at least 1.5 cm2, at least 2 cm2, at least 2.5 cm2, or at least 3 cm2. The right cheek portion may have an area of at least 1 cm2, at least 1.5 cm, at least 2 cm2, at least 2.5 cm2, or at least 3 cm2. The left cheek portion may be larger than a rectangle having a length to width ratio of 2:1 and an area of at least 1 cm2, at least 1.5 cm2, at least 2 cm2, at least 2.5 cm2, or at least 3 cm2. The right cheek portion may be larger than a rectangle having a length to width ratio of 2:1 and an area of at least 1 cm2, at least 1.5 cm2, at least 2 cm2, at least 2.5 cm2, or at least 3 cm2. The left cheek portion may have an area of at least 1 cm2, at least 1.5 cm2, at least 2 cm2, at least 2.5 cm2, or at least 3 cm2. The right cheek portion may have an area of at least 1 cm2, at least 1.5 cm2, at least 2 cm2, at least 2.5 cm2, or at least 3 cm2. An entirety or at least 40%, at least 60%, or at least 80% of an entirety of an area (of a second major surface) of the left cheek portion may be of/coated with a material that absorbs at least 40%, at least 60%, or at least 80% of incident light (in the visible spectrum). An entirety or at least 40%, at least 60%, or at least 80% of an entirety of an area (of a second major surface) of the right cheek portion may be of/coated with a material that absorbs at least 40%, at least 60%, or at least 80% of incident light (in the visible spectrum). An entirety or at least 40%, at least 60%, or at least 80% of an entirety of an area (of a second major surface) of the central portion may be of/coated with a material that absorbs at least 40%, at least 60%, or at least 80% of incident light (in the visible spectrum). The light-absorbing material may be of a dark color. The dark color may be a color for which at least two, at least three, or all four of the four halftone percentage values representing the dark color in CMYK color space are (individually) larger than 50, larger than 60, or larger than 70. The dark color may be a color for which at least the K (key/black) component of the four halftone percentage values representing the dark color in CMYK color space is (individually) larger than 50, larger than 60, or larger than 70.
The resilient member may be of a natural material, a synthetic material, or a combination of natural and synthetic materials. For example, the resilient member may comprise a thermoplastic resin, e.g. a (biaxially oriented) polyester resin such as (biaxially oriented) poly(ethylene terephthalate), often referred to by the abbreviation boPET/PET. The resilient member may have a thickness (in a direction perpendicular to the first/second major surface of the resilient member) in the range of 0.05 mm to 1 mm, e.g. in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The resilient member may have a width of not less than 10%, not less than 20%, or not less than 30% of a minimum width of the nasal dilator (perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nasal dilator). The resilient member may have a width of not more than 30%, not more than 40%, or not more than 50% of a minimum width of the nasal dilator (perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nasal dilator). The resilient member may have a length (along a longitudinal axis of the nasal dilator coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the (respective) resilient member) of less than 90%, or less than 95% of a length of the nasal dilator (along a longitudinal axis of the nasal dilator coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the (respective) resilient member). Each longitudinal end of the resilient member may be distanced from an outermost peripheral edge of the nasal dilator, e.g. by at least 5% or at least 10% of a length of the nasal dilator (along a longitudinal axis of the nasal dilator coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the (respective) resilient member). The resilient member may have a length of not less than 80%, not less than 90%, or not less than 95% of a length of the nasal dilator (along a longitudinal axis of the nasal dilator coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the (respective) resilient member). The ends of the resilient member may coincide with respective edges of the nasal dilator. End regions of the resilient member may be forked. A longitudinal axis of any one of the at least one resilient member may be parallel or oblique (by no more than 5° or by no more than 10°) to a longitudinal axis of any other of the at least one resilient member. As touched upon above, each of the at least one resilient member may comprise a first major surface and a second major surface. Any of the at least one resilient member may exhibit rigidity and/or no (macroscopic) elasticity in response to (manual) forces parallel to the first/second major surface. Any of the at least one resilient member may be (manually) deformable. Any of the at least one resilient member may be (manually) deformable in response to (manual) forces perpendicular to the first/second major surface. Such deformation of the respective resilient member may comprise resiliently flexing the respective resilient member such that a longitudinal axis of the respective resilient member is bent. The at least one resilient member may be deformed as a result of affixing the nasal dilator to a nose, i.e. affixing the nasal dilator to a user's nostrils across a bridge of a (user's) nose. More specifically, the at least one resilient member may be deformed as a result of a (resilient) flexing of the nasal dilator over a bridge of a (user's) nose, i.e. as a result of a (resilient) flexing of the nasal dilator to at least partially conform to a contour of the bridge of the (user's) nose. The at least one resilient member may exert return forces in response to the deformation, e.g. return forces that, in the absence of other forces, would return the at least one resilient member to an undeformed/unbiased state. The return forces emanating from the at least one resilient member, e.g. in in response to a deformation of the at least one resilient member resulting from an affixing of the nasal dilator to a user's nostrils across a bridge of a nose, may (be sufficient to) dilate a nasal passage of the (user's) nose.
The base layer and/or the cover layer may be of a natural material, a synthetic material, or a combination of natural and synthetic materials. For example, the base layer and/or the cover layer may comprise a woven or nonwoven fabric and/or a plastic film, e.g. a flexible fabric/film that is (comfortably) conformable to human skin, e.g. to a human nose. The plastic film may be a medical grade and/or a biocompatible film. The plastic film may be a thermoplastic and/or polyurethane film. The plastic film may have a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 200 grams, at least 400 grams, or at least 800 grams per square meter per 24 hours. The moisture vapor transmission rate may be determined by a standard test such as, for example, ASTM F1249, ASTM E96, or ASTM2622. The plastic film may be an elastic film. The plastic film may be capable of stretching elastically in response to a (dilating/stretching) force in the plane of the plastic film. The plastic film may inherently return to an initial, unbiased state in response to cessation of such a (dilating/stretching) force. A total area of the first major surface of a component belonging to the at least one base layer or to the at least one cover layer may be (in terms of a numeric value) at least 10% and less than 50%, less than 40% or less than 30% of a total area of the first outermost surface. Similarly, the total area of the first major surface of a component belonging to the at least one base layer or to the at least one cover layer may be (in terms of a numeric value) at least 60%, at least 80%, at least 90% of a total area of the first outermost surface. The outermost peripheral edge of the base layer and/or the cover layer may define/correspond to an entire outermost peripheral edge of the nasal dilator or at least 60%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of an entire outermost peripheral edge of the nasal dilator. Similarly, the outermost peripheral edge of the base layer and/or the cover layer may define/correspond to less than 50%, less than 40%, or less than 30% of an entire outermost peripheral edge of the nasal dilator.
The present disclosure furthermore discloses a nasal dilator manufacture method, e.g. a method for manufacturing at least a sub-component of a nasal dilator as disclosed supra.
The method may comprise, for each of a plurality of components, laminating a respective one (component) of the plurality of components to at least one other (component) of the plurality of components. The plurality of components may be a plurality of components as described above. Any of the components belonging to the plurality of components may be in an unfinished state. For example, any of the components may be laminated before being cut into final shape. For example, any of the laminated components may be part of a sheet or strip of material from which the respective, individual component may be formed (merely) by cutting the material along (a path corresponding to) the outer perimeter of the nasal dilator. Similarly, any of the laminated components may be part of a sheet or strip of material that comprises at least two such individual components, e.g. components that may be separated in a later cutting operation. The laminating may yield a laminate as described above, i.e. a laminate that constitutes a structure of a nasal dilator.
The method may comprise adhering a (sheet of material that forms at least one) release liner to the first outermost surface of the laminate. Similarly, the method may comprise adhering a (sheet of material that forms at least one) cover liner to the to the second outermost surface of the laminate.
The method may comprise cutting, e.g. die-cutting, the laminate (together with the release liner and/or cover liner (material)), e.g. to yield a plurality of nasal dilators or a plurality of structures of a nasal dilator.
The various embodiments of the present disclosure having been described above in general terms, the embodiments shown in the Figures will now be elucidated.
In the Figures, stippling is used to schematically depict colors that cannot otherwise be depicted in black-and-white drawings. In each figure, differing stippling patterns are used to schematically depict differing colors, i.e. differing monochromatic/polychromatic appearances. More specifically, in each figure, a plurality of differing stippling patterns is used to schematically depict a corresponding plurality of differing colors, i.e. a corresponding plurality of differing monochromatic/polychromatic appearances. Each respective individual stippling pattern may represent a respective individual color, e.g. a color as described above. For example, a respective individual stippling pattern may represent a (humanly, visually) perceptible (monochromatic) color, not excluding black, white, or any shade of gray. Similarly, a respective individual stippling pattern may represent a (humanly, visually) perceptible polychromatic appearance, not excluding (constituents of) black, white, and/or any shades of gray.
In the present disclosure, the verb “may” is used to designate optionality/noncompulsoriness. In other words, something that “may” can, but need not. In the present disclosure, the verb “comprise” may be understood in the sense of including. Accordingly, the verb “comprise” does not exclude the presence of other elements/actions. In the present disclosure, relational terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom” and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.
In the present disclosure, the term “any” may be understood as designating any number of the respective elements, e.g. as designating one, at least one, at least two, each or all of the respective elements. Similarly, the term “any” may be understood as designating any collection(s) of the respective elements, e.g. as designating one or more collections of the respective elements, wherein a (respective) collection may comprise one, at least one, at least two, each or all of the respective elements. The respective collections need not comprise the same number of elements.
In the present disclosure, the expression “at least one” is used to designate any (integer) number or range of (integer) numbers (that is technically reasonable in the given context). As such, the expression “at least one” may, inter alia, be understood as one, two, three, four, five, ten, fifteen, twenty or one hundred. Similarly, the expression “at least one” may, inter alia, be understood as “one or more,” “two or more” or “five or more.”
In the present disclosure, expressions in parentheses may be understood as being optional. As used in the present disclosure, quotation marks may emphasize that the expression in quotation marks may also be understood in a figurative sense. As used in the present disclosure, quotation marks may identify a particular expression under discussion.
In the present disclosure, many features are described as being optional, e.g. through the use of the verb “may” or the use of parentheses. For the sake of brevity and legibility, the present disclosure does not explicitly recite each and every combination and/or permutation that may be obtained by choosing from the set of optional features. However, the present disclosure is to be interpreted as explicitly disclosing all such combinations/permutations. For example, a system described as having three optional features may be embodied in seven different ways, namely with just one of the three possible features, with any two of the three possible features or with all three of the three possible features.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made to the configuration, operation and form of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. In particular, it is noted that the respective features of the invention, even those disclosed solely in combination with other features of the invention, may be combined in any configuration excepting those readily apparent to the person skilled in the art as nonsensical. Likewise, use of the singular and plural is solely for the sake of illustration and is not to be interpreted as limiting. Except where the contrary is explicitly noted, the plural may be replaced by the singular and vice-versa.
The above disclosure may be summarized as comprising the following embodiments.
A nasal dilator, comprising:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 1, wherein:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein:
The nasal dilator of any one of Embodiments 1-3, wherein:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 4, wherein:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 4 or 5, wherein:
A nasal dilator, comprising:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 7, wherein:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 8, wherein:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 8 or 9, wherein:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 7, wherein:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 11, wherein:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 11 or 12, wherein:
The nasal dilator of any one of Embodiments 1-6 and 8-13, wherein:
The nasal dilator of any one of Embodiments 1-14, wherein:
The nasal dilator of Embodiment 15, wherein:
The nasal dilator of any one of Embodiments 1-16, wherein:
The nasal dilator of any one of Embodiments 6, 10 and 13, wherein:
The nasal dilator of any one of Embodiments 1-18, comprising:
A nasal dilator manufacture method, comprising:
A nasal dilator manufacture method, comprising:
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/201,501, filed on May 2, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is herein expressly incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63201501 | May 2021 | US |
