US20080200848A1

US20080200848A1 - Vibrating Device For Treating Nasal Congestion and Sinusitis Symptoms and Method Thereof

Info

Publication number: US20080200848A1
Application number: US11/916,314
Authority: US
Inventors: Yuval Avni
Original assignee: ADS and B INVESTMENT FUND LP
Current assignee: ADS and B INVESTMENT FUND LP
Priority date: 2005-06-02
Filing date: 2006-05-24
Publication date: 2008-08-21
Also published as: EP1915186B1; ES2379383T3; ATE537864T1; EP1915186A2; US20140323931A1; EP1915186A4; WO2006129305A2; US10022511B2; WO2006129305A3

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method of treating nasal congestion and/or relieving sinusitis symptoms in a patient comprising attaching a vibration generating means to the patient head, at a location adjacent to sinuses to be treated, generating a vibration by said vibration generating means, and delivering the same to said patient. The present invention also discloses a device for treating nasal congestion and/or relieving sinusitis symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching means and a vibration generating means; said attaching means are in communication with the patient's head in a location adjacent to said nasal cavity, nasal passageway or sinuses to be treated; said generating means are adapted to vibrate said attaching means, to vibrate the location adjacent to said nasal cavity or sinuses and thus improved mucociliary clearance of secretions in nasal cavity or sinuses.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a vibrated medical device for the treatment and relieving of symptoms caused by nasal congestion and sinusitis and to a method of treating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sinusitis is a medical condition that affects the lives of many millions of people around the world. As much as 15 million people each year develop symptoms of sinusitis, which are often annoying and disturbing a patient to conduct his everyday life. The symptoms of sinusitis usually comprise pain, tenderness, and swelling depending on the affected sinus. Known treatment for sinusitis comprises use of nasal sprays and medication that cause blood vessels to narrow and are aimed to improve sinuses drainage. Other types of sinusitis require the use of antibiotics. However, the known suggested treatments are often not useful. Furthermore, for said medications used have often short-term expediency and most of the medication has undesirable side effects.
There is therefore a need in the art for a simple, safe, relatively cheep, as well as devoid of side effect treatment form that is not surgical. There is further need for a treatment modality that has a high efficacy and a long-term effect on the person inflicted with nasal congestion and/or sinusitis symptoms.
Upper respiratory disorders such as viral upper respiratory tract infections or “common cold”, allergic rhinitis, and rhinosinusitis are associated with impairment in mucociliary clearance in the nasal passages. Although the causes of these disorders are varied, they share a common set of nasal symptoms such as rhinorrhea, nasal congestion/blockage, and post-nasal drip. In these conditions the mucous membranes of the nose and paranasal sinuses become irritated, leading to symptoms. In some patients, this irritation is sufficient to hinder the normal drainage of the sinuses into the nasal cavity, resulting in blockage that may lead to additional impaired ciliary activity, intense pressure/pain, and increased likelihood of infection.
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a condition that results from exposure to allergens, either at specific times of the year (seasonal allergic rhinitis) or year-round (perennial allergic rhinitis). Up to one-half of AR patients suffer from both seasonal as well as perennial AR, approximately one-third suffer from seasonal AR alone and another one-third from perennial AR alone. In either seasonal or perennial AR, the symptoms and treatment approaches are similar. Symptoms most often include nasal congestion or stuffiness, rhinorrhea and nasal itching. Allergic rhinitis affects nearly 150 million people in the world's seven major pharmaceutical markets, and annual sales of prescription products to treat allergic rhinitis are estimated to total more than $4.5 billion worldwide. The treatments currently available include primarily prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and nasal corticosteroids, delivered by nasal sprays, evaporation devices, and ointments.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) and the common cold affect all ages and are uncomfortable conditions with lost work and school days.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is one object of the present invention to disclose a novel method of treating nasal congestion and/or relieving sinusitis symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching a vibration generating means to the patient head, at a location adjacent to sinuses.
It is in the scope of the present invention wherein the delivering the vibration is applied in one course, by cycles of intermittent vibrations or pulses and/or by applying vibration of various amplitudes.
It is in the scope of the present invention wherein additionally to the vibrating, the method comprising forcing a stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration tracks, preferably wherein the fluid is a mixture of air and at least one liquid or gas or powder other than air, and wherein the respiration tracks are selected from the nasal tracks and the pulmonary system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost effective device for treating nasal congestion and/or relieving sinusitis symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching means and a vibration generating means. The attaching means are in communication with the patient's head in a location adjacent to said sinuses to be treated. The generating means are adapted to vibrate the attaching means and thus to vibrate the location adjacent to the sinuses.
It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the device also comprising medicament dispersing means and/or further comprising means for forcing a stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration tracks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which

FIG. 1 is presenting a schematic illustration of a device (1) with several possible modules according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are illustrating a schematic front and side views of a device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is presenting a lateral view of a device (without the housing's cover) showing some of the device's modules according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is presenting a side view of an incorporated vibrating and venting mechanisms actuated by a single electrical motor according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is presenting a side view of the venting and inhaling means according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is presenting a side view of the housing of the medicament's container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 schematically presenting a side view of a disc pulsed inhaler (incomplete mechanism) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; said device comprising multiple motors, e.g., a vibrator (71) potentially enveloped by a sponge (73), and a disc motor (72) in communication with a fan-like disc (74);

FIG. 8 schematically presenting a side view of a disc pulsed inhaler (complete mechanism) according to said multiple-motors containing embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 schematically presenting a side view of the envelope of a disc pulsed inhaler according to said multiple-motors containing embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 10 schematically presenting a top and front view of the same, only partially covered by its envelope.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide means and method of treating nasal congestion and/or relieving sinusitis symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching a vibration generating means to the patient head, at a location adjacent to sinuses to be treated, generating a vibration by said vibration generating means, and delivering the same to said patient.
The term ‘body portions adjacent to nasal cavity, nasal passageways sinus or sinuses’ refers hereinafter to any location at the head of the patient, and especially to locations selected from the nasal bone, root-, dorsum- or bridge- of the nose, nostrils, frontal bone, temporal bone, maxilla bone, superciliary arch or any combination thereof. The term is further related to the pulmonary system.
The method defined in the present invention is preferably, yet not limited to a procedure in which 10 vibration cycles are applied, each of the cycle comprise about 30 seconds of vibration and about 20 seconds of relief and vice versa.
It is according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the hereto-disclosed method additionally comprising forcing a stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration tracks. The term ‘forcing a stream of fluid’ refers hereinafter to the generation of flowing fluid and its directions either as a contentious flow of fluid or a pulses of the same by means of vents, fans, jets, injectors, compressors, pumping means or other means known in the art adapted to force a fluid towards at least one predetermined location. Preferably, the aforesaid fluid is air. Alternatively, the aforesaid fluid is a mixture of air and at least one liquid or gas other than air.
It is according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the hereto defined method additionally comprising vaporizing (and/or inhaling) at least one of the group of Braochodilators, especially sympatic mimetics, alfa antagonists, anti cholinergics; nasal decongestants, such as pseudoehedrines, ephedrines; steroids; anti histamines; anti prostaglandins, alternative or homeopathic medicaments; vaso constrictors; local anesthetics; mast cell stabilizers; antibiotics, such as biocides, fungicides etc; pleasant odor; pheromones; hormone treatments, such as ADH, insulin, growth hormones; vapors, humidifiers; drying compositions; hot or cold vapors; hyper-, iso- or hypotonic vapors or any combination thereof, and/or essential oils, volatile compounds, etheric oils, terepenes, terpanols and either water miscible or water-immiscible extracts, especially oils or extracts obtained from Amyris, Balsam, Bay Run, Black Pepper, bornyl acetate, Cajeput, Camphor, Cedarwood, Cedarleaf oil, Chamomile, chlorbutanol, Cinnamon, Clary Sage Rosewood, Clove, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon essential oils, levomenthol, Lime, Menthol, Mint, Myrrh, nutmeg oil Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Rose Eucalyptus, rosemary, Rosewood, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Tea Tree, terpinol, turpentine oil, thymol, Ylang Ylang or any combination thereof.
Otherwise, and yet in a non-limiting manner, the aforesaid method comprising vaporizing (and/or inhaling) of at least one of the group of compositions and commercial available medicaments, their derivatived, or by-products provided thereof, selected from: Acrivastine, Aller-Eze Clemastine, Aller-Eze nasal spray, Azatadine maleate, Azelastine nasal spray, Beclometasone nasal spray, Beclometasone nasal spray, Beconase hayfever nasal spray, Beconase hayfever relief for adults, Beconase nasal spray, Benadryl allergy relief, Benadryl, Benadryl, Benadryl plus, Brompheniramine maleate, Budesonide nasal spray, Calimal Antihistamine, Cetirizine, Chlorphenamine, Clarityn, Clemastine, Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, Desloratadine, Dexa-Rhinaspray Duo. Dimotane elixir, Dimotane plus, Dimotapp elixir, Dimotapp elixir paediatric. Dimotapp LA, Flixonase allergy nasal spray, Flixonase aqueous nasal spray, Fluticasone propionate nasal spray, Galpharm hayfever and allergy relief, Galpseud Plus, Haymine, Histafen, Ipratropium bromide nasal spray, Levocabastine nasal spray, Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, Livostin direct nasal spray, Livostin nasal spray, Loratadine, Medised, Medised, Mistamine, Mizolastine, Mizollen, Mometasone furoate nasal spray, Nasacort, Nasobec nasal spray, Nasonex nasal spray, Neoclarityn tablets/syrup, Optimine syrup, Periactin, Phenergan, Piriteze, Piriton, Pollenase hayfever nasal spray, Promethazine hydrochloride elixir, Promethazine hydrochloride, Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinolast allergy nasal spray, Rhinolast nasal spray, Rinatec nasal spray, Rino clenil nasal spray, Rynacrom allergy nasal spray, Rynacrom nasal spray, Semprex, Sodium cromoglicate nasal spray, Sudafed Plus, Syntaris nasal spray, Tavegil, Telfast 120, Terfenadine, Terfinax, Triamcinolone acetonide, Vista-Methasone, Xyzal tablets, Zirtek allergy relief tablets, Zirtek allergy tablets/solution, Afrazine, Anadin, Beechams all-in-one, Beechams products, Benylin products, Contac, Day Nurse, Dimotapp elixir, Dimotapp elixir paediatric, Dimotapp products, Galpseud, Karvol decongestant products, Lemsip products, Meggezones, Merocets Plus lozenges, Nurofen Cold and Flu, Otrivine Menthol Nasal Spray, Otrivine Metered Dose Sinusitis Spray, Otrivine prducts, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, Sterwin real lemon cold powders and other products, Strepsils Menthol and Eucalyptus and other products, Sudafed and its products, Xylometazoline nasal drops, Bactroban Nasal, Fusafingine, Locabiotal, Naseptin nasal cream, Ipratropium bromide nasal spray, Rinatec nasal spray, pseudoephedrine, propylhexedrine, L-Desoxyephedrine, xylometazoline hydrochloride or any combination thereof. Inhaling of a dispersed medicament while vibrating the respiratory tracks thus is thus the core of the present invention.
It is according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the medicament is introduced to the dispenser by means of a disposable capsule or the like. Said capsule comprises an envelope adapted to be punctured such that at least a limited measure of the medicament contained in said enveloped is forced to flow toward the pulsed column of fluid in a predetermined flux.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention the medicament is contained into an envelope (capsule). The insertion of this capsule may initiate the medicament delivery by means of a micro-switch triggered by the detergent dispensing cabinet when said cabinet is closed. Said capsule may provides coded information for activating the dispensing of the medicament. It is another embodiment of the present invention in which the medicament delivery is provided by 2D or 3D specific and predetermined fitting mechanism, e.g., fitting by means of shape and sizes. In a further embodiment of the present invention the shape of the capsules inside the inhaler envelope provides key-in-lock information for activating the inhaler.
It is according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein said method additionally comprising heating of said fluid before or in the process of forcing it towards the respiratory tracks. Such a heating step provides for an effective dispersion or evaporation of the fluid, the medicaments or both. It is further acknowledged in this respect that said method may also comprising a step or steps of physical or chemical activating a medicament by reacting it with one or more reactants before or in the process of forcing the same towards the respiratory tracks.
A device for treating nasal congestion and/or relieving sinusitis symptoms in a patient is further presented. This novel device is comprised of both an attaching means and a vibration generating means being either incorporated or interconnected.
While the description sets forth various embodiment specific details, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting the invention. Furthermore, various applications of the invention, and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein. The portable device of the present invention, generally designated 100, is shown in FIG. 1, applied to the eye of a person, Device 100 can be applied directly to the cornea 102 of the eye of a person, or to the eyelid 104 of a person when the person closes his eyelids. Device 100 can be applied to the persons cornea 102 when preferably a connecting media such eye drops are applied to the cornea of the eye. Device 100 can be applied directly to the closed eyelid or to the eyelid having connecting medium thereof. Device 100 comprises two main components, a body 106 which contains all the machinery parts responsible for the device operation, and a plate or membrane 108 that is applied to the cornea or the eyelid. As seen in FIG. 1 the person suffering from Glaucoma 110 operates the device by holding body 106 by his hand and gently applying plate 108 to his cornea or eyelid. In operation plate 108 of device 100 vibrates as a result of action of inner machinery of device 100 situated in body 106. The vibration of plate 108 is transferred to the body tissue, more specifically the eyelid or the cornea. The person 110 may switch the device on or off by pressing button 112. The vibration cycle or vibration amplitude or duration can be controlled by changing the settings of the device 100. For example, dial 114 allows the patient 110 to change the amplitude of the vibration. Preferably, the amplitude will range from about 5 vibrations per second (Hertz) to a range greater than 1000 Hertz. High ranges of vibrations can be effectively applied to the eye to relieve intraocular pressure. Another like dial (not shown) will enable the patient to change the duration of time during which vibration waves 116 are applied to the eye. In addition, another dial may enable the user of the device to increase or decrease the vibration amplitude by changing the range of movement of the plate or amplitude of the vibration transporting part. Thus, increasing the vibration amplitude will allow the vibrating plate or membrane 108 to travel additional distance between one position and a second position comprising the vibration movement range. On the other hand reducing the vibration amplitude will restrict the vibration movement range of the plate or membrane 108 thus resulting in weaker vibration transfer. The vibration generated by the device 100 is then conveyed through the tissue to the inner parts machinery of the eye where the vibration action takes place. The vibration action increases the iridocorneal angle and enhances aqueous flow 118 through the trabecular mash 120 and Schlemm's canal 122. It should be clear to the person skilled in the art that other vibration producing elements other then plate 108 can produce said vibration. Such can be small air jets of short duration emitted from device 100 as well as other like vibration generating membranes. As can be seen from FIG. 1 the device 100 is portable and light, preferably operated via batteries or other cheap and effective sources of energy, including an external power source. The device can be carried by the patient and provide effective relief of symptoms at any time.
FIG. 2 illustrates a one possible embodiment of the device of the present invention. The present invention may provide a single integral unit or a mechanism comprising from various parts which provide the vibration to be transported to the eye of the patient. FIG. 2 represents a non-limiting exemplary preferred embodiment of the present device, in which vibrating external eye parts of a person alleviate this condition. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that other mechanisms can be used to generate a vibration and transport said vibration to the eye of the patient. Once such exemplary device can be an electrical engine powered by batteries rotating a screw driving a shaft connected to a series of stellar wheels and/or discs transforming the rotating screw relatively slow movement into a fast rotating disc having speeds of 5-100 Hertz. The rotating disc may have a flap thereon. Each turn of the rotating disc the flap hits a rigid material which generates a vibration. The vibration is transported from the rigid material directly to plate 108 of FIG. 1. The vibration may likewise be generated through the use of a piezoelectric device directly vibrating plate 108 of FIG. 1. Another exemplary mechanism can include an electro-magnetic drive instead of the electric engine. Yet another example may include a device having strings which can be wound. A handle may be provided to wind the string. When the string is wound a release button may allow the spring to unwind and generate a circular motion which will drive the shaft driving the series of wheels and the disc having a flap, the flap hitting the rigid material generating the vibration and transporting the vibration to the plate 108 of FIG. 1. Such device will not require external or internal power source. The plate 108 of FIG. 1 can be replaced by a membrane which can be replaceable after each use or every predetermined period of time. Another exemplary mechanism for generating the vibrations to be applied to the eye of the patient can include a pneumatic pump, preferably a micro pump, vibrating the membrane 108 or a diaphragm that will provide vibrations directly to the eye. The micro pump will be generating fast air movements the impact of which vibrates the membrane 108 or a diaphragm. Another exemplary embodiment provides a mechanism for discharging air bursts from a wide plate like chute towards the eye of the patient. This device will include a pressurized container having pressurized air there within. The pressurized air will be released in 5-1000 releases per second. A piezoelectric device can open and close the pressurized air tank every predetermined times per second. The pressurized air tank can be replaced when depleted. Alternatively, the air tank can be refilled by an air pump activated by internal or external power source. The preferred device of the present invention may also include a small, low power consuming processing unit (such as a microcontroller) for storing and managing various treatment programs. The frequency and amplitude of the vibration can be preprogrammed before treatment begins. Alternatively, varying amplitude or frequency can be used by a single treatment. Yet, another alternative would be to provide a series of treatments preprogrammed and providing a changing frequency and/or amplitude from treatment to treatment or even within the same treatment. Thus, for example, a treatment of 5 hertz at amplitude of 1 millimeter can be generated in a first activation of the device and a treatment of 50 hertz at amplitude of 2 millimeters can be provided during the second time the device is activated. Various programs can be used and adapted to each patient personally. It will be appreciated that for the device to be effective the vibration frequency and amplitude regime must change over time in order to provide an effective treatment for glaucoma through the use of vibrating of the eye. One skilled in the art can will appreciate that the device according to the invention can be applied an orbital bone of the eye for providing a relief and/or reducing intraocular pressure in the eye.
It will be easily appreciated that the device of FIG. 2 can be designed with different embodiments as well. FIG. 2 illustrates device 100 a motor and power source housing 2, a mechanism housing 1 and plate or membrane 3. Motor and power source housing 2 and mechanism housing 3 may comprise a single housing element. Motor and power source housing 2 has a base 4 that substantially seals device 100 from insertion of any object within device 100. Base 4 also allows changing of the batteries and maintenance of the device 100. Motor and power source housing 2 functions as a handle for user 110 as viewed in FIG. 1. According to other preferred embodiments of the present invention motor and power source housing or other handle of a device according to the invention comprises a shock absorber that absorbs part of the vibrating movement of device. Vertically oriented axis pivot 9 shown in FIG. 2 rotates and generates vibrations as the mechanism depicted in view of the figures below rotates. While the vibrations generated by the mechanism depicted below is transported to plate or membrane 3 through the body and housing of the device, vertical axis pivot 9 is specifically in contact with the device internal housing 1, 2 to ensure the vibrations (even at lower frequencies) are transported to plate or membrane 3. Device 100 provides a user with the possibility hold device 100 with housing 2 and placing plate 3 against eyelid or cornea of user 110 viewed in FIG. 1.
The device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprising ingredients selected from attaching means (100) adapted to attach device (1) to the patient's head (200), especially to the nasal bridge (201); vibrating means (300); means for forcing a stream of fluid (400); medicaments, reactants and/or fluids other then air container (500); power supply (600), and a light housing (See dashed line, 1) or any combination thereof.
The attachment of attaching means (100) to the patient's face is preferably provided by physical means, such as clippers, fasteners, vacuum means or a combination thereof. The size and shape of said attaching means is preferably adjustable and expendable. It may be characterized by various shapes, such as clipper-like, glasses or spectacles-like, mask-like or other shapes are utilized. While device (1) may be immobilized to the patent's face without a continuous help of the patient, other modes, requiring the patient to carry the device for a prolong time, are also possible. The proximal end of attaching means (100) may wide and comprise of a relatively wide contacting surface, yet it may alternatively be characterized by a figure-like end, massaging the patients with narrow effecting tips.
A secondary vibrating means are provided according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein said attaching means comprising at least one joint, passively translating a vibration along one axis to movement along at least one other axis.
It is further in the scope of the present invention wherein said proximal portion is heated to a predetermined measure above the ambient temperature, for example up to about 45° C.
Vibration generating means (300) are adapted to generate vibrations, e.g., oscillations, sharp movements etc in a predetermine frequency and intensity protocol. Said protocol is selected in a non-limiting manner from continues or pulsed, equal or varied vibration characteristics. Said vibrating means, as other ingredients of device, is regulated by the user, (on/Off switch, regulator or program selection know, not shown), and/or by a remote controller. Preferably, the amplitude will range from about 5 vibrations per second (Hertz) to a range greater than about 1,000 Hertz, while the each session in the procedure is provided for about 1 to about 15 minutes.
It is according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the vibrating means comprising an electrical or electro-magnetic motor.
Reference is made now to FIG. 3, illustrating the various modules of device 1 defined above, wherein vibrating means (300) are interconnected with the attaching means (100) by at least one mutual axle, here, and in a non-limiting manner, a coaxial transmitter (301).
It is according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein device 1 additionally comprising means for forcing a stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration tracks. Said venting to dispersing means is either separated from the vibrating and attaching means or incorporated tone mechanism. Reference is made thus to FIG. 4 schematically presenting one electrical engine incorporated in one end to the vibrating means (upper portion) and to a rotating cyclone (lower portion).
It is according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the fluid forced towards is air, either at ambient temperature or of lower/higher temperature. The heating is easily provided by forcing the fluid throughout a heated labyrinth, wherein its cooling is provided by wetting it or force it at a Peltier device. Alternatively, the fluid forced by the venting mechanism is a mixture of air and at least one liquid, solid powder or gas other than air or powder with air. This heating or cooling means adapted to heat or chill said fluid is preferably provided before or in the process of forcing it towards the respiratory tracks.
It is according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein device 1 additionally comprising means to store medicaments and other fluids and to provide its inhalation by the respiratory tracks of the patients, e.g., via his nasal or oral systems. The term ‘medicaments’ is hereinafter related in a non-limiting manner to any medicament, fluid, essential oil, volatile compound, etheric oil, terpene, terpanol and either water miscible or water-immiscible extracts, especially oils or extracts of vegetables or fruits or powder. Additionally, said device may also comprising activating means adapted to activate said medicament by reacting it with one or more reactants before or in the process of forcing the same towards the respiratory tracks.
Reference is made now to FIG. 5, presenting a close look to said inhaling system, wherein rotating cyclone (400) is forcing ambient air towards a thin path (501) such that medicament accommodated in container (500) is dispersed. The fluid, now comprising a predetermined measure of the released medicament (502) is forced towards the client respiratory tracks. Possibly, operating knob (503) provides said release, e.g., by opening said container's cover. The release mechanism (510), here comprising two knobs are also described.
It is further in the scope of the present invention wherein the released medicament (502) is forced towards the client respiratory tracks directly as defined above or indirectly, e.g. via one or more dispensing means being either active or passive. Active dispensing means are selected in a non-limiting manner from medicament dispensers, such as inhalers of Ventolin™ (Salbutamol™) or the like, humidifiers etc. It is thus according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the dispersed medicaments forced outside the invented device is fed into said active dispensers. Passive dispensing means are either flexible or rigid pipes, tubes and other conducting means adapted to force or purge at least a portion of the dispersed material towards a predetermined, e.g., focused target being either adjacent to the invented device or located in a remote location.
Reference is made now to FIG. 6, schematically presenting a close look the medicament container (500) in its housing. Said housing and the container's releasing mechanism provides for a quick and easy displacement of the medicament's container. A possible heating device allowing an increase of the dispersion of the medicaments is not shown.
Reference is also made now to FIG. 7-10, illustrating a multiple-motors containing inhaler; wherein FIG. 7 schematically presents a side view of a disc pulsed inhaler (incomplete mechanism) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The portable and cost effective device comprising multiple motors, e.g., a vibrator (71) potentially enveloped by a sponge (73), and a disc motor (72) in communication with a fan-like disc (74). FIG. 8 schematically presents a side view of the same (complete mechanism); FIG. 9 schematically illustrates side view of the envelope of a disc pulsed inhaler and FIG. 10 schematically discloses a top and front view of the same, only partially covered by its envelope.

Claims

1-26. (canceled)

27. A method of treating nasal congestion and/or relieving sinusitis symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching a vibration generating means to the patient head, at a location adjacent to sinuses to be treated, generating a vibration by said vibration generating means, and delivering the same to said patient.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the body portions adjacent to nasal cavity, nasal passageway, sinus or sinuses of the patient are selected from the nasal bone, root-, dorsum- or bridge- of the nose, nostrils, frontal bone, temporal bone, maxilla bone, superciliary arch or any combination thereof.

29. The method according to claim 27, wherein delivering the vibration is applied by cycles of intermittent vibrations or pulses and/or by applying vibration of various amplitudes.

30. The method according to claim 27, additionally comprising pulsating a stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration tracts wherein the fluid is air or a mixture of air and at least one liquid or gas or powder.

31. The method according to claim 30, comprising vaporizing essential oils, volatile compounds, etheric oils, terepenes, terpanols and either water miscible or water-immiscible extracts, especially oils or extracts obtained from Amyris, Balsam, Bay Rum, Black Pepper, bornyl acetate, Cajeput, Camphor, Cedarwood, Cedarleaf oil, Chamomile, chlorbutanol, Cinnamon, Clary Sage Rosewood, Clove, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon essential oils, levomenthol, Lime, Menthol, Mint, Myrrh, nutmeg oil Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Rose Eucalyptus, rosemary, Rosewood, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Tea Tree, terpinol, turpentine oil, thymol, Ylang Ylang or any combination thereof.

32. The method according to claim 30, comprising vaporizing at least one of the group of Braochodilators, especially sympatic mimetics, alfa antagonists, anti cholinergics; nasal decongestants, such as pseudoehedrines, ephedrines; steroids; anti histamines; anti prostaglandins, alternative or homeopathic medicaments; vaso constrictors; local anesthetics; mast cell stabilizers; antibiotics, such as biocides, fungicides etc; pleasant odor; pheromones; hormone treatments, such as ADH, insulin, growth hormones; vapors, humidifiers; drying compositions; hot or cold vapors; hyper-, iso- or hypotonic vapors or any combination thereof.

33. The method according to claim 30, comprising vaporizing at least one of the group of compositions and commercial available medicaments, their derivatives, or by-products provided thereof, selected from Acrivastine, Aller-Eze Clemastine, Aller-Eze nasal spray, Azatadine maleate, Azelastine nasal spray, Beclometasone nasal spray, Beclometasone nasal spray, Beconase hayfever nasal spray, Beconase hayfever relief for adults, Beconase nasal spray, Benadryl allergy relief, Benadryl, Benadryl, Benadryl plus, Brompheniramine maleate, Budesonide nasal spray, Calimal Antihistamine, Cetirizine, Chlorphenamine, Clarityn, Clemastine, Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, Desloratadine, Dexa-Rhinaspray Duo. Dimotane elixir, Dimotane plus, Dimotapp elixir, Dimotapp elixir paediatric. Dimotapp LA, Flixonase allergy nasal spray, Flixonase aqueous nasal spray, Fluticasone propionate nasal spray, Galpharm hayfever and allergy relief, Galpseud Plus, Haymine, Histafen, Ipratropium bromide nasal spray, Levocabastine nasal spray, Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, Livostin direct nasal spray, Livostin nasal spray, Loratadine, Medised, Medised, Mistamine, Mizolastine, Mizollen, Mometasone furoate nasal spray, Nasacort, Nasobec nasal spray, Nasonex nasal spray, Neoclarityn tablets/syrup, Optimine syrup, Periactin, Phenergan, Piriteze, Piriton, Pollenase hayfever nasal spray, Promethazine hydrochloride elixir, Promethazine hydrochloride, Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinolast allergy nasal spray, Rhinolast nasal spray, Rinatec nasal spray, Rino clenil nasal spray, Rynacrom allergy nasal spray, Rynacrom nasal spray, Semprex, Sodium cromoglicate nasal spray, Sudafed Plus, Syntaris nasal spray, Tavegil, Telfast 120, Terfenadine, Terfinax, Triamcinolone acetonide, Vista-Methasone, Xyzal tablets, Zirtek allergy relief tablets, Zirtek allergy tablets/solution, Afrazine, Anadin, Beechams all-in-one, Beechams products, Benylin products, Contac, Day Nurse, Dimotapp elixir, Dimotapp elixir paediatric, Dimotapp products, Galpseud, Karvol decongestant products, Lemsip products, Meggezones, Merocets Plus lozenges, Nurofen Cold and Flu, Otrivine Menthol Nasal Spray, Otrivine Metered Dose Sinusitis Spray, Otrivine products, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, Sterwin real lemon cold powders and other products, Strepsils Menthol and Eucalyptus and other products, Sudafed and its products, Xylometazoline nasal drops, Bactroban Nasal, Fusafungine, Locabiotal, Naseptin nasal cream, Ipratropium bromide nasal spray, Rinatec nasal spray, pseudoephedrine, propylhexedrine, L-Desoxyephedrine, xylometazoline hydrochloride or any combination thereof.

34. The method according to claim 30, additionally comprising cooling or heating said fluid before or in the process of forcing it towards the respiratory tracks.

35. The method according to claim 30, additionally comprising activating a medicament by reacting it with one or more reactants before or in the process of forcing the same towards the respiratory tracks.

36. The method according to claim 30, additionally comprising inhaling a dispersed medicament.

37. A device for treating nasal congestion and/or relieving sinusitis symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching means and a vibration generating means; said attaching means are in communication with the patient's head in a location adjacent to said nasal cavity, nasal passageway or sinuses to be treated; said generating means are adapted to vibrate said attaching means, to vibrate the location adjacent to said nasal cavity or sinuses and thus improved mucociliary clearance of secretions in nasal cavity or sinuses.

38. The device according to claim 37, wherein the vibrating means comprises a motor, a power source, at least one wheel for transporting the power generated by the motor to a circular movement rotating cogwheels and at least one weight, the position there between generates a torque translated into vibrations to be transported to a plate or membrane.

39. The device according to claim 38, wherein said cogwheels hit a rigid material with at least every one rotation, the impact on the rigid material generates vibrations to be transported to a plate or membrane.

40. The device according to claim 38, wherein the vibrating means comprises a motor, a power source and a rotor in communication with an axle rotating coaxially, said rotation being translated to a vibration and further being delivered to body portion adjacent sinuses of the patient.

41. The device according to claim 37, wherein the vibrating means comprising an electrical or electro-magnetic motor.

42. The device according to claim 37, additionally comprising means of forcing a stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration tracks and/or medicament dispersing means further wherein the medicament delivery is provided by 2D or 3D specific and predetermined fitting mechanism between the capsule and the device's envelope, or by any other physical parameter.

43. The device according to claim 42, wherein the fluid is air or a mixture of air and at least one liquid, gas or solid powder other than air.

44. The device according to claim 37, additionally comprising heating means adapted to heat said fluid before or in the process of forcing it towards the respiratory tracts.

45. The device according to claim 42, additionally comprising activating means adapted to activate a medicament by reacting it with one or more reactants before or in the process of forcing the same towards the respiratory tracts.

46. The inhalator as defined in claim 37, wherein the medicament is at least partially contained in a capsule.

47. The device according to claim 37, additionally comprising one or more dispensing means being either active or passive means, adapted to force or purge at least a portion of the dispersed material towards a predetermined, e.g. focused target being either adjacent to the invented device or located in a remote location.