Nasal protective method and device

Protective method and apparatus for the nasal passages comprising a U-shaped wire spring each leg of which being embedded within, and held by friction, an ellipsoidal-like nub for closing the nose by pressing it on its sides and to raise the temperature of the nasal passages.

This application is an improvement over that of Applicant's application 
Ser. No. 610,655, filed Sept. 5, 1975, entitled "Nasal Protective Splint" 
and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,342 on July 5, 1977. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to an improvement in nasal protectors for the 
protection of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
The prior art teaches the use of numerous nasal protective devices, but 
does not teach the use of a device that closes off the nasal passages for 
the purpose of creating in the nose nasal passage a condition 
substantially equivalent to inflammation, the natural defensive reaction 
to irritation. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,317,236 is typical of the prior art wherein a nose clip 
closes the nasal passages but under conditions that will not develop the 
natural defensive reaction of inflammation. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The apparatus of the invention is a nasal splint having a U-shaped wire 
spring with an ellipsoidal-like shaped nub on each leg of the spring. Each 
nub is rotationally and longitudinally adjustable with regard to each leg 
of the spring to adjust the splint to human noses of different sizes. 
The method of using the inventive device above requires that the splint be 
positioned on the nose to close off the nasal passages and exert a firm 
pressure on the septum for a period of 30 minutes or more causing the 
nasal temperature to rise sufficiently to create a condition in the nose 
substantially equivalent to inflammation, the natural defensive reaction 
to irritation but without the pain and suffering of inflamed and swollen 
membranes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
This invention relates to an improvement in nasal protectors and has for 
its object the protection of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. 
To this end inhalation of airborne irritants entering the nose are trapped 
and minimized; reactions to a stimulus (which are manifested by sneezing) 
are inhibited, and "inflammation" (the natural defensive reaction to 
irritation) is simulated. 
Toward this objective (1) the nose of the human is closed to a degree 
sufficient to trap and minimize inhalation of airborne irritants entering 
the nose but insufficient to block breathing and watery secretions 
therefrom, (2) the nose is wholly closed off by exerting a firm pressure 
on its sides for 30 minutes or more (during which time forceful attempts 
to inhale through nose should be exercised) to inhibit the explosive 
actions of sneezing by control of voluntary muscles of the nose, and (3) 
the nasal temperature is caused to rise sufficient to create a condition 
substantially equivalent to inflammation (inflamed and swollen membranes), 
the natural defensive mechanism of the nose. Thus precluding or abating 
the inflammatory process whereby the evils therefrom are arrested or 
alleviated. 
The means employed for implementing this invention is a small improved 
nasal splint comprising a resilient and adjustable music wire spring 2 
(ranging in diameter 0.030 of an inch) each leg 4 and 6 of which is 
embedded along the central axis holding by friction an ellipsoidal-like 
nub 8 and 10, preferably of polyethylene, having a certain elastic quality 
to permit adjustment of each nub along and around each leg of the spring, 
thus adapting the nasal splint to conform with comfort to the size and 
shape of the nose. 
This invention has two unique improvements over that of my previous U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,033,342 issued July 5, 1977. In that patent, each leg of the 
U-shaped spring was rigidly embedded in a different one of the nubs, 
whereas in this improved invention, each nub is held to a different leg of 
the spring only by friction but with sufficient gripping power thus 
providing for easy adjustment, more comfort to the wearer and adaptability 
to conform with the shape and size of nose. 
The second and major improvement in this invention is the period of time of 
closing off the nasal passages. In my previous U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,342, 
the time period of closing the nose was only two or three minutes for the 
purpose of inhibiting sneezing. Whereas this improved invention requires 
closing off the nose for a period of 30 minutes or more causing a rise in 
nasal temperature and thus creating a temporary condition in the nose 
substantially equivalent to inflammation, the natural defensive mechanism 
of the nose. 
During the fall, winter and spring seasons particularly, the nasal mucous 
membranes of the individual are subjected to attack by countless airborne 
irritants which are constantly being breathed into the nose, some of which 
are often infectious. Many of these agents, after entering the nose, are 
conveyed by the mucous blanket back to the throat where they are swallowed 
and rendered harmless. But, unfortunately, some succeed in escaping this 
movement to the throat and, instead, land in and attack the membranes. 
Irritation then begins and evils generate and develop. When this condition 
is reached, the individual soon succumbs to the explosive actions of 
sneezing--and as sneezing is well known to irritate the nasal mucous 
membranes--the problem then becomes compounded, causing a rapid 
development of the inflammatory process which results in nasal blockage 
and in other complications. When an irritating agent attacks the nasal 
mucosa, irritation therefrom ensues. Two things then promptly occur, (1) 
the small vessels of the nasal membranes dilate and watery secretions 
therefrom are increased, and (2) nature reacts to this irritation by 
sneezing which appears to be nature's way of removing the agent that is 
causing the irritation. If the causative agent is non-infectious, sneezing 
will often dislodge it and the secretions, which are part of nature's 
defense cycle, can wash it back in the throat to be swallowed. However, 
the non-infectious invader can often become so entrenched in the nasal 
mucosa that sneezing will fail to dislodge it, and along with its 
continued irritation coupled with that from sneezing, complications can 
surely be expected to follow. If, on the other hand, the irritation is 
being caused by an infectious agent, a different situation develops, that 
is, the agent has succeeded in gaining entrance to a living cell from 
which it gains protection from being dislodged by sneezing. So here again, 
an invader is inflicting irritation and setting the stage for 
complications to follow, which in this case are perhaps more serious. In 
both of these cases, irritation of the nasal passages causes the 
inflammatory process to develop, resulting in nasal blockage and inflamed 
membranes, but when the inflammatory process is caused by an infectious 
agent, favorable conditions are thereby created under which this 
infectious agent may multiply and produce results that are injurious. 
An object of this invention first of all is to (1) reduce to a minimum the 
inhalation of irritating agents entering the nose, (2) inhibit the 
reactions of sneezing to these irritants which escape the mucous blanket 
and initiate irritation in the nasal mucosa, and (3) simulate 
inflammation, the natural defensive reaction to irritation. 
From my own observations and clinical studies by research scientists, the 
average nasal disorder generally called a common head cold or hay fever is 
diagnosed usually only by guess. But one thing is quite certain, the 
symptoms are virtually the same. The disorder is generally sensed by 
repeated spells of sneezing, water dropping from nose and, at times, a 
slight scratchy feeling in the throat. During the first 36 to 48 hours, 
all the usual painful symptoms are developing until the peak of nasal 
obstruction is finally reached and then something significant happens. 
That is, all symptoms are brought to a halt and begin shortly thereafter 
to subside progressively toward zero, but it takes five or more days for 
all symptoms to disappear. 
What brought about this phenomenon? It cannot be credited to antibodies 
because more than one clinical study has discovered that the antibodies 
present in such cases are not due to the infecting virus. So the 
overcoming of such illnesses is left in the hands of mother nature to 
develop inflammation (heat and swelling) as the last resort to end such 
disorders. And those two vital conditions, heat (increased nasal 
temperature) and swelling (nasal blockage), provide the defensive action 
which ultimately overcomes nasal disorders such as hay fever and common 
head colds. Thus, when the nose is closed with this nasal splint, nasal 
blockage occurs and the nasal temperature rises, thereby simulating or 
mimicking inflammation, the natural defensive mechanism, of the nose. 
In brief, this improved method of prolonging the time of closing off the 
nasal passages is precisely the difference between failure and success in 
preventing the inflammatory process and arresting nasal disorders. Hence, 
when repeated spells of sneezing occur, the nasal splint should be 
adjusted and applied to close off the nasal passages and to exert a firm 
pressure on the nasal septum (position 1, FIG. 1); and while holding this 
position for a period of 30 minutes or more, forceful attempts to inhale 
through the nose should be exercised. At the end of the said period, 
adjust the splint to a degree only sufficient to breath comfortably 
through the nose, yet retain a degree of constriction in the nasal 
passages (position 1', FIG. 1). In this adjusted position of the nasal 
splint, it will trap and minimize inhalation of irritants entering the 
nose and enhance its filtering system. It can be worn in this position as 
long as desired with safety and little or no discomfort. 
It should be noted that when the nasal mucous membranes are under attack, 
watery secretions of the nose occur. By actual experience, I have 
discovered that blotting these secretions rather than blowing the nose has 
proved most helpful toward achieving the objective of the invention. 
Furthermore, use of this nasal splint will operate as a deterrent to nose 
blowing. 
This invention resides not merely in using a nasal clip, but in making a 
nasal protective splint adaptable for a new and inventive use. The prime 
object of the invention is to fulfill a health need long desired but never 
attained which fact is manifested by its absence of availability for 
public benefit. My invention is novel since it is out of the ordinary and 
unobvious because it is insufficiently evident as to arrest attention. 
The nasal splint has striking properties over conventional nasal protective 
devices, namely, (1) practicability (more acceptable for public use); (2) 
less unsightly to wear; (3) comfortable to wear; (4) no health hazard; (5) 
manufacturing costs will be at a minimum since it comprises only two 
simple parts; (6) a lower price level can be created by making volume 
production easier. 
In two tests to determine rise in temperature in the nasal passages, the 
following temperature/times were recorded: 
______________________________________ 
Test 1 
Time 
Nose Closed Off Temperature 
(mins.) in Nasal Passage 
______________________________________ 
0 33.5.degree. C. (92.3.degree. F.) 
5 35.8.degree. C. (96.4.degree. F.) 
10 36.4.degree. C. (97.5.degree. F.) 
15 36.5.degree. C. (97.7.degree. F.) 
20 36.5.degree. C. (97.7.degree. F.) 
25 36.7.degree. C. (98.06.degree. F.) 
30 36.7.degree. C. (98.06.degree. F.) 
______________________________________ 
______________________________________ 
Test 2 
Time 
Nose Closed Off Temperature 
(mins.) in Nasal Passage 
______________________________________ 
0 33.degree. C. (91.4.degree. F.) 
5 35.8.degree. C. (96.4.degree. F.) 
10 36.4.degree. C. (97.5.degree. F.) 
15 36.6.degree. C. (97.8.degree. F.) 
20 36.6.degree. C. (97.8.degree. F.) 
______________________________________ 
During both tests, the temperature in the mouth was 97.4.degree. F. The 
average normal temperature in the nose is 33.degree. C. (91.4.degree. F.). 
The higher temperatures are in the range of inflamed nasal mucous 
membranes, a vital condition of inflammation.