Nasal Filters

Abstract

A nasal filter composed of companion pads of porous textile material, each pad secured in a reinforcing peripheral band. Outward base guards are carried by the pads to check their insertion into the nostrils beyond a prescribed extent. The pads are adapted for impregnation with a volatile solution, and valves are applied to the inner surfaces of the pads for the absorption of vapors from the solution on inhalation, but check the emission of such vapors on exhalation. Modified bands have perforations for the passage of vapors in outward direction on inhalation.

Description

This invention relates to nasal filters designed for arresting the inhalation of harmful or undesirable ingredients in the atmosphere, or carrying cosmetic and/or medicinal solutions, and more particularly to filters which have connected companion sections, and one object is to provide a filter of this character which may be shaped to fit the internal form of the nose or correct the shape thereof as may be desired.

A further object is to provide filter sections which are made of porous textile substance, each section secured in a peripheral band of reinforcing material sufficiently pliable to fit snugly in nostrils of different shapes without discomfort.

A still further object is to extend the peripheral bands of the filter sections with outward guard means serving as stops to check the insertion of the filter in the nostrils beyond a prescribed depth.

Another object is to provide a filter suitable for impregnation with a cosmetic or medicinal solution, and means to allow the inhalation of vapors from the solution, but check wasting the same during exhalation.

A better understanding of the invention may be gained by reference to the accompanying drawing, in which

FIG. 1 is a fragmental elevation showing the filter mostly inserted in the nose;

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the fully inserted position of the filter;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of one form of the filter;

FIG. 4 is a side view;

FIG. 5 is a top view;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, partly broken away, showing the guard means mentioned above in continuous form;

FIG. 7 is a variant of FIG. 6, where the guard means are in the form of a series of tabs;

FIG. 8 is a top view showing a system of valve flaps over the sections of the filter;

FIG. 9 is a variant of FIG. 8 employing lateral valve tabs and suitable for extension with the marginal guard means of FIGS. 6, 7 and 10; and

FIG. 10 is a modification of FIG. 5 in perspective, showing a pair of filter sections of frusto-conical form, such sections made of more rigid material and variable in contour to correct the shape of outer nasal walls or support those where bones are missing or have been removed surgically.

Referring specifically to the drawing, 15 denotes the companion sections of the filter, which are pads of cotton or other substance which is porous and absorbent. The sections are shown in lobe form, but may vary in form and size to fit different nasal cavities.

The filter sections 15 are fitted in peripheral bands 16 of corresponding form, such bands being of firm but flexible material, such as soft plastic -- polyurethane, or other suitable material; and the insert sections are fitted in the bands with a sanitary adhesive in order to be in one piece with the same. Between the sections the bands are connected by integral or attached tapes 17 to hold the sections together in spaced relation.

While a filter made as described may be simply retained by its frictional fit in the nose, FIG. 6 shows the bands 16 extended outwardly at the bottom with lips 18 which serve as guards on the insertion of the filter to limit its depth to a desired or safe point, and FIG. 7 shows that the guards may be made as a series of tabs 19 having the same function.

The filter is suitable for impregnation with a cosmetic or medicinal solution which emits vapors when inhaled. However, exhalation not only deprives the user of the vapors and their benefits, but actually forces them in outward direction to be wasted, shortening the beneficial use of the filter. FIG. 8 therefore shows the bands 16 extended over the top surface of the filter with a series of valve flaps 20. When the user inhales the flaps rise, allowing the suction to draw solution vapor from the entire surface of each filter section. On the other hand, when the user exhales, the flaps close on the filter pads, preventing a substantial portion of the solution therein from issuing outwardly as wasted vapors. A variant of the valve flaps 20 is seen in the form of side flaps 21 which pivot on their inner portions 21a.

In cases where the nostrils are wide, it is preferable to employ the modification of FIG. 10. The frusto-conical pad 22 of each filter section is fitted retentively in a correspondingly-formed rim 22a which has the guard flange 22b on the outer side, the pad being compressible to vary its contour for fitting in noses of different shapes. The rim has many perforations 22c for drawing solution vapors out of the filter into the nose when inhaling.

It is now apparent that the invention provides a filter whose sections will keep their shape because they are reinforced by stronger peripheral bands. Further, the sections carry simple guards for limiting the insertion of the filter to the proper depth. Further, the filter carries means allowing the full inhalation of solution vapors while counteracting the waste thereof on exhalation. Further, the filter may also serve as a booster, where the side of the nose has collapsed, to restore the same to its normal shape. While embodying these advantages, the filter is quite simple and of a nature to be produced and maintained in a sanitary condition.

Claims

I claim:

1. A nasal filter comprising a flat pair of pads of absorbent material arranged in edgewise companion relation, each pad adhesively secured in a peripheral reinforcing band, tapes connecting the facing portions of the bands at the lower edge thereof, the lower edge of each band being extended with a marginal enlargement, and a set of yieldable valve flaps applied to the upper face of each pad.

2. The structure of claim 1, and each flap directed with a neck portion inwardly from the pad periphery to terminate with a head portion.