WO1999048562A2

WO1999048562A2 - Nose protection element

Info

Publication number: WO1999048562A2
Application number: PCT/BE1999/000038
Authority: WO
Inventors: Louis Van Den Bergh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-03-20
Filing date: 1999-03-19
Publication date: 1999-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2000-09-20
Also published as: BE1011848A6; WO1999048562A3; WO1999048562A8; AU3020099A

Abstract

A nose protective element (10) comprising a pair of protection elements (11, 12) provided for insertion into both nostrils of a user, and wherein each protection element (11, 12) is substantially barrel shaped, and wherein at least a part thereof is provided with holes (14) and hereby acts as a nose filter.

Description

"Nose Protection Element"

This invention relates to a nose protection element of the nose cap type that acts as a filter.

The problem of air pollution is currently becoming more and more serious. This particularly affects people who, for example, are susceptible to allergies, etc. This problem is also more apparent due to the increasing use of air-conditioning in buildings, public transport, etc.

The consequence of this is that the susceptible people must protect themselves against these external aggressions or attacks. Such means of protection are already known. So-called mouthpieces are thus known which in this case, contain wadding.

However, these have the disadvantage that everything that is exhaled cannot escape and is consequently inhaled again. This is very bad because impure air is inhaled again. Consequently, there is a lack of fresh oxygen. This is actually due to the fact that the use of the above- mentioned means results in the oral cavity being completely covered. Therefore, no means of escape is present for the air that is exhaled. This is also a problem for people who wear spectacles, because the presence of such a mouthpiece produces condensation on the spectacles which is also disadvantageous. The negative effects are so pronounced that one can even become sick as a result of this mouth masks which also cover the nose are also known. This is also dangerous.

It has been proven that an increasing number of working days are being lost due to nose infections. This problem discussed here also has an economic effect. The object of this invention is to provide a solution for the above-mentioned disadvantages. It is however known that inhaling via the mouth is less harmful to health due to the presence of saliva in it. This, according to the invention, a protection element is provided for the nose comprising a pair of protection elements intended for insertion into both nostrils of the user. Particularly each protection element is substantially barrel shaped, so that at least a part of this is provided with holes and hereby acts as a nose filter.

Thus, thanks to the nose cap according to the invention, a solution has been found for the above-mentioned problems thanks to the use of a capsule that can be put into the nose comprising two dippers made of a non-woven having a density of 0.01 μm. Thanks to this, the user can continue to breathe normally whereby the nose cap used acts as a filter in an efficient manner, in other words, as a buffer with respect to the aggressive environment.

Moreover, according to an advantageous embodiment of a protective element, according to the invention, each protection element or blocking element also has lateral grooves or recesses with bulges extending along the inside of the tub. The means thus defined also contribute to improved filter operation of the complete element.

According to preferred embodiment of the protective element, both protection elements are connected to each other by a bridging element that is intended to be pressed against the inter-nasal septum of the user. Thanks to the bridging element, only the nose cap can be inserted in the nostrils.

According to a special embodiment of the protective element, said bridging element presents at least one transverse fold line. Thanks to the fold lines, the mutual orientation of the protection elements can be adjusted and be adapted to any internal nose configuration. This effect is improved further and made more practical with hinged fold lines and by an elastic bridging element so that the protective element is self-adjusting.

More specifically, the said holes are round. In particular, the holes are distributed substantially homogeneously along the base, and more specifically, the distribution of the holes is such that maximum use is made of the base surface by the holes. Thanks to the above- mentioned distribution of the holes, the filter works extremely efficiently and adequate respiration is also achieved. This effect is further enhanced in the case of honeycomb distribution.

According to a special embodiment, the holes have a variable section, more specifically, a discontinuous section with a stage profile, and even more specifically, a widened section towards the top. In an advantageous manner, the said bulges extend substantially radially from the surface of said protection elements. Said grooves also extend over part of the height of the casing surface and longitudinally in relation to this. This also enhances the operation of the filter.

According to another preferred embodiment invention, the protective element has a substantially rectangular section. Said protection elements preferably also have a conical profile with truncated top. Thanks to the design of the protection elements defined above, elements are obtained that are well adapted to the internal morphology of the nose. In particular, thanks to the conical profile of the protection elements, one obtains good stackability of the protective elements or even the protection elements so that these occupy less space when they are stored.

The tops of both protection elements are characterized in that they point towards each other so that their respective axes form an angle α between them. Thanks to this particular orientation, one obtains _, improved adaptation to the morphology of the nose. According to a special embodiment, the angle α is included in a range so that α is less than 20°.

The grooves provided in an advantageous manner can also be foreseen substantially at the height of the ribs of the substantially rectangular casing surface.

According to other distinguishing features, the protection element consists of one part composed of plastic, and is also manufactured by injection moulding.

This enables an extremely inexpensive nose cap to be obtained, with the latter being disposable. Moreover, it is also made washable.

Further characterized in that the construction is completely modular. Thanks to this modularity, certain damaged parts can be replaced and these can be easily stored in an extremely advantageous manner.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention which is illustrated on the basis of the annexed drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a protective element according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a view analogous to figure 1 , but from an opposite observation point.

Figures 3 to 5 are schematic representations of a side view, a top view and a profile view respectively, of the protective element shown in figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1 shows a nose cap comprising two dippers that act as protection and blocking elements 11 , 12 for the nostrils of a user.

Both protection elements 11 , 12 are connected to each other by means of a bridging element 13. The bridging element 13 is, for example, formed by a lip manufactured from the same material as the protective elements 11 , 12. The bridging element 13 is connected to 11 , 12 by means of, for example, a permanent welded connection 17. Said connection can however also be of the click-in type so that the bridging elements can easily be removed from each other. Moreover, the bridging element 13 shows two fold lines 31 ,

32 in an advantageous manner that are intended to be positioned on both sides of the inter-nasal septum in order to ensure adjustment of the mutual orientation of the protection elements 11 , 12 in an advantageous manner. These form a mutual angle α that, in this way, is easily adjustable. The fold lines can be hinged in an advantageous manner. Said fold lines 31, 32 are clearly shown in figure 2. The bridging element could also be adjustable in width and in height. This enables to adapt the nose cap to the morphology of the nose.

The mutual orientation angle α is clearly shown in figure 5 so, that the angle α is determined by the angle which is formed between the axis of both protection elements 11, 12 which are symbolised by the arrow F. The direction of the arrow also denotes the way in which the nose cap must be inserted in the nasal cavities.

Each protection element advantageously has a barrel shape with a casing surface 1 around the periphery and a top surface 2 that comes into contact with the inside of the nose. Said top surface 2, which forms the base of the barrel shape, is provided with a holes pattern so that the holes 14 are preferably homogeneously distributed across the top surface 2, and in particular, with maximum degree of occupation by the holes in said surface 2. In the example illustrated, the pattern of the holes 14 is in accordance with a so-called honeycomb, so that the holes possess the angular points of a regular hexagon.

The holes show, in an advantageous manner, walls which extend via stage section 24. Moreover, grooves are also foreseen that - extend longitudinally over at least part of the height of the casing surface. The latter shows, in an advantageous manner, a substantially rectangular section with slightly curved sides so that it perfectly matches the internal morphology of the nostrils. Said grooves 15 with bulges 16 in the extension of these are located beside the ribs thus formed on the casing surface 1. Said corner zones show, in an advantageous manner, reinforcements 4 which moreover can act as connecting elements between the substantially flat parts 6 of the casing surface 1. In an advantageous mariner, elements 3 of the same type are provided with reinforcing on the one hand, and for connecting on the other hand, between the top surface 2 and the casing surface 1.

By making all of the building elements 6, 3, 4, 2, 13 so that they can be clicked-in, one obtains a completely modular constructed nose cap.

Each protection element preferably has a barrel shape with conical profile with truncated top, A truncated pyramid shape is also advantageous so that the cross-section of the protection element is substantially rectangular and also has slightly curved sides. This creates a profile that perfectly matches the internal morphology of the nostrils. Thanks to the conicity, the protection elements, on the one hand, or the nose caps as an entity, on the other hand, can be easily stacked on top of each other. This enables storage space to be saved, or in the case of a modular nose cap, the latter can be stored within a limited space.

The tops of the protection elements 11 , 12 are preferably oriented towards each other according an angle α, that preferably is less than 20°. This angle can then be adjusted to perfectly match the internal morphology of the nose and, more specifically, the size of each user.

The nose caps are preferably manufactured of plastic so that they are easy to wash and can be subsequently reused. The modular aspect is thus extremely hygienic because in this case by . dismantling the composite parts, dirt can be prevented from being lodged in the extreme corners. Total cleanliness and tidiness can consequently be obtained. Of course, this also has the advantage that it is extremely light so that the user hardly notices that he is wearing a nose cap on his nose. Moreover, when they are made of plastic, a disposable product is obtained.

The nose cap can also be manufactured as a single element and even manufactured by using an injection moulding process.

This enables extremely inexpensive nose caps to be produced so that one immediately has a disposable product available. The nose caps could also be made of another material such as gold or silicon.

In order to fit to the morphology of Western, African and Asiatic noses, the front and rear parts of the barrels are designed in a sloping form going from high in the inner parts to low to the outer parts.

The specific shaping of the barrels enable a better perception of fragrances, scents and odours.

Through the morphology shape of the barrels, a vacuum is created between the barrels and the septum, when the nose cap is carried. This vacuum protects the nose cap from being lost during heavy efforts or exercises. In order not to harm the inner side of the nose, all the edges of the barrel are smooth and rounded.

The morphology shape of the barrels opens the nose. This will enable easier breathing for people with an obstructed septum and will have a positive effect on snoring. Furthermore, it will enhance the rhino manometry which has a positive effect on headache.

The morphologic shape of the barrels avoids decompression of the nose. Also the slime-fleece cannot be injured.

When worn the morphologic shaping of the barrels does not alter the aesthetic aspect of the nose. The morphologic shape of the barrels supports the nostrils. When worn this will protect the weak nostrils from flipping in.

Claims

1. A nose protective element (10) comprising a pair of protection elements (11 , 12) provided for insertion into both nostrils of a user, characterized in that each protection element (11 , 12) is substantially barrel shaped and wherein at least a part thereof provided with holes (14) and hereby acts as a nose filter.

2. A protective element according to claim 1 , characterized in that each protection element or blocking element (11 , 12) also comprises lateral grooves or recesses (15) with bulges (16) extending in the inner side (5) of the barrel.

3. A protective element according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that both protection elements (11 , 12) are connected to each other by a bridging element (13) that is provided to be pressed against the inter-nasal septum of the user.

4. A protective element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said bridging clement (13) has at least one transverse fold fine (31 , 32).

5. A protective element according to anyone of the claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said fold lines (31, 32) are hinged.

6. A protective clement according to anyone of the claims 3 to 5 inclusive, characterized in that said bridging element (31 , 32) is elastic.

7. A protective element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said holes (14) are round.

8. A protective clement according to anyone of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the distribution of the holes across the base (2) is substantially homogenous.

9. A protective element according to anyone of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the distribution of the holes is such that maximum use is made of the base surface (2) by the holes (14).

10. A protective element according to anyone of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a honeycomb distribution is used for the holes.

11. A protective element according to anyone of claims 1 to

10, characterized in that the holes (14) exhibit a variable section (24).

12. A protective element according to anyone of claims 1 to

11 , characterized in that the holes have a discontinuous section with a stage profile (24).

13. A protective element according to anyone of claims 1 to

12, characterized in that the holes (14) have a widened section at the top.

14. A protective element according to anyone of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that said bulges (16) extend substantially radial from the casing surface (1) of said protection elements (11, 12).

15. A protective element according to anyone of the claims 2 to 14, characterized in that said grooves (15) also extend over part of the height of the casing surface (1) and longitudinally with respect thereto.

16. A protective element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that each protection element (11, 12) has a substantially rectangular section.

17. A protective clement according to anyone of the claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said protection elements (11 , 12) have a conical profile with truncated top (2).

18. A protective element according to one of the claims 3 to 17, characterized in that the tops of both protection elements point towards each other so that their respective axis form an angle (α) _ between them.

19. A protective element according to claim 18, characterized in that the angle (α) is less than 20°.

20. A protective element according to one of the claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the grooves (15) are substantially at the height of the ribs (4) of the substantially rectangular casing surface (1 ).

21. A protective element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it consists of one part.

22. A protective element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 21 , characterized in that it is composed of plastic.

23. A protective element according to claim 22, characterized in that it is manufactured by injection moulding.

24. A protective element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 23, characterized in that its construction is completely modular.

25. A protective element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the material is made of gold or silicon.