Abstract:
A nasal filter structure includes an artificial filter that inconspicuously covers the nasal passage with a screened nasal dilator. The structure includes a nasal dilation strip preferably positioned to affect the area of nasal flex points to aid in dilating a nasal passage in an area near a nasal flex point.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/482,275 filed May 4, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a nasal filter structure with a screened nasal dilator. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     An object of the disclosure is to provide a respiratory nasal filter that is esthetically pleasing to wear. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a respiratory nasal filter that is extends across a users&#39; nostril. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to a first implementation, a nasal filter structure comprises an outer ring having an outer periphery and an inner periphery sized to the periphery of a user&#39;s nasal orifice; a filter layer having an outer periphery larger than the inner periphery of the outer ring, but smaller than the outer periphery of the outer ring, and being bonded to a side of the outer ring; an adhesive on an opposite side of the outer ring for bonding the outer ring to the columella, a nasal sill, an alar sidewall and the facet of the user&#39;s nose; an additional adhesive at opposing locations of the adhesive and positioned to bond to natural flex points of the user&#39;s nose; and a dilator positioned between the additional adhesive. In other implementations, a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure includes an outer filter layer positioned over the filter layer. 
     The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view an embodiment of a nasal filter structure in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a cut-away view of the  FIG. 1  structure. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure positioned in a nasal passage. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure including a dilator. 
         FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C illustrate an embodiment of a dilator in accordance with the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a dilator in accordance with the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate an embodiment of a dilator in accordance with the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure on an applicator. 
         FIG. 11  schematically illustrates a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure positioned on a nose. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view an embodiment of a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure. Referring to  FIG. 1  a nasal filter  10  comprises a generally oval-shaped configuration dimensioned to be slightly larger than the usual size of the periphery of a person&#39;s nasal orifice, namely a person&#39;s nostril.  FIG. 2  is a cut-away view of the  FIG. 1  structure. In  FIG. 2 , the nasal filter  10  comprises a filter layer  12  that includes a microporous filter material. The microporous filter material of the filter layer  12  can comprise a moisture resistant filter material with sufficient pore size to filter out the unwanted particulate, bacteria or virus. 
     In an embodiment of the disclosure, the microporous filter can be, for example, a nonwoven spunlaced polyester fabric. An example of a nonwoven fabric is PS-1025 available form Polymer Science, Inc. of 2787 S. Freeman Rd., Monticello, Ind. 47960, the technical disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The PS-1025 is a ¾ ounce beige colored apertured spunlaced polyester fabric, with a total thickness of 0.003 inches. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, various color nonwoven fabrics could be utilized so as to match the color of nasal filter as closely as possible to the color and hue of the user&#39;s skin, further diminishing the visibility of the nasal filter when worn. Similarly, transparent nonwoven fabrics could be utilized, which would also reduce the visibility of the nostril filter when worn. This fabric is comfortable while also mechanically stable allowing the fabric to be used effectively in the nasal filter disclosed herein. The filter  12  is also preferably designed to be up to 99% percent effective at screening particulate matter and other matter such as respiratory droplets and carcinogens. 
     The placement of a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure in the nasal passage allows the structure to be automatically flush when the wearer exhales. Thus, the nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure is self-cleaning for long periods of use or during long work periods. This effect is also increased by the proximity of the screen placement to the nasal passage by the outer ring. 
     The filter layer  12  is adhered in a fixed manner to the upper surface of an oval ring-shaped base layer  14 , preferably comprising a clear plastic material. An adhesive  16  is applied to the underside of the base layer  14 . Adhesive  16  is designed to securely adhere to the peripheral edge of the person&#39;s nostril, yet is removable when desired. The ring-shaped base layer  14  may comprise an appropriate size and configuration that fits a traditional nostril size such that it only adheres to the peripheral edge of the nostril. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter layer  12  and ring-shaped base layer  14  are flexible. Flexibility allows the nasal filter to completely seal a nostril. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the ring-shaped base layer  14  is preferably no more than 1/16 of an inch wide, and preferably as small as 1/32 of an inch wide. This minimal size combined with the flexibility of the material is sufficient to firmly attach the nostril filter  10  to the user&#39;s nostril, regardless of the shape and size of the respective nostril. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a nasal filter of an embodiment of a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure can include a secondary outer filter layer  17 . The secondary outer filter layer may be applied in addition to the filter layer  12 . The secondary outer filter layer  17  can have a lesser filtering efficiency. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the secondary outer filter layer  17  can comprise a material such as PS-1025-2a provided by Polymer Science Inc., 2787 S. Freeman Rd., Monticello, Ind. 47960. With this exemplary material, smaller partials pass through the secondary outer filter layer  17  to the filter layer  12 . In an embodiment of the disclosure, the secondary outer filter layer  17  can be sprayed, such as an outer surface thereof, with a very light adhesive. An example adhesive is PS-1034A available from Polymer Science Inc., 2787 S. Freeman Rd., Monticello, Ind. 47960. The light adhesive allows the secondary outer filter layer  17  to trap larger particles that can be subsequently examined under microscope to determine what someone is being exposed to. With such a subsequent analysis of the material trapped by the filter, a person can be treated for what they are being exposed to and not what they are allergic. This may save billions of dollars and many lives as well especially effective for molds and particulate matter. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an embodiment of a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure. Referring  FIG. 3  an embodiment of the nasal filter  10  of the invention comprises a clear, oval ring-shaped base layer  14  with the adhesive  16  applied to the underside of the base layer  14 . The filter layer  12  is formed in a smaller size relative to the clear base layer  14  and is affixed to the underside of the base layer  14 , while secondary outer filter layer  17  has, in the illustrate exemplary embodiment is larger than the filter layer  12 , but smaller than the base layer  14 . As seen from  FIG. 3 , the base layer  14  slightly overlaps the peripheral edge of the filter layer  12  such that the filter layer  12  is adhered to its underside by the adhesive  16 . However, the size of the base layer  14  is sufficiently large to define an adhesive area  14 A on the base layer  14  beyond the periphery of the filter layer  12 . The adhesive  16  thus functions to permanently adhere the filter layer  12  to its underside while also providing adhesive area  14 A that removably adheres to the person&#39;s skin about the periphery of the person&#39;s nostrils. 
     It is noted that additional adhesiveness may be provided to the adhesive area  14 A. More specifically, a stronger adhesive  165  may be applied to the inner portions of the filter layer  12  that overlap with the base layer  14 . As shown, the stronger adhesive  165  may comprise spots of adhesive  165  that are applied to opposing sides of the overlapping of the filter layer  12  and base layer  14 . In this regard, it is believed that only two spots are necessary to provide adequate adherence to the peripheral edge of the person&#39;s nostril. 
     Different strength adhesives can be utilized for different uses. For instances, industrial uses where high level of airborne contaminants are present benefit from stronger adhesives. These stronger adhesives securely maintain the seal around the user&#39;s nostril preventing contaminants from entering the user&#39;s nasal passage. A preferred industrial adhesive is a double coated medical grade acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive such as Polymer Science, Inc.&#39;s PS-1006, the technical specifications of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Polymer Science, Inc.&#39;s PS-1006 is a double coated high performance medical grade acrylic adhesive with a polyethylene carrier on a 54#C2S paper differential release liner. Adhesives such as the PS-1006 from Polymer Science, Inc. bond well to most porous and non-porous surfaces. Additionally, these adhesives have high initial tack, enabling immediate application to a user&#39;s nostril once the nasal filter is removed from its packaging. Similarly, these adhesives provide exceptional skin adhesion and leave no residue when removed from the skin. 
     Alternatively, for more recreational usages whereby the contaminant level is not so severe, a lighter weight adhesive suffices. A preferred recreational adhesive is a single coated medical grade acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, such as Polymer Science, Inc.&#39;s PS-1010, the technical specifications of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Polymer Science, Inc.&#39;s PS-1010 is a single coated high performance medical grade acrylic adhesive with a polyethylene carrier on a 54#C2S paper differential release liner. Adhesives such as the PS-1010 from Polymer Science, Inc. bond well to most porous and non-porous surfaces. Additionally, these adhesives have high initial tack, enabling immediate application to a user&#39;s nostril once the nasal filter is removed from its packaging. Similarly, these adhesives provide exceptional skin adhesion and leave not residue when removed from the skin. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure can include a dilator  15 . Preferably, the dilator  15  comprises a clear plastic so as to be inconspicuous. The dilator  15  can have a variety of different structures depending upon the application or cost target of the nasal filter structure. For example, it can be either a solid, a hinged locking, or a ratcheting piece of soft but firm plastic. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure the dilator  15  can comprise a central portion  15 A and two curved portions  15 B and  15 C. The curved portions  15 B and  15 C are preferably curved to the shape of the curve of the nasal filter structure and the natural curve of the flex points of a nasal passage. The two curved portions  15 B and  15 C can also flex and shape to individual nasal passage shape and are connected by a center extension  15 A extending across the center of the nasal passage as shown in, for example,  FIG. 4 . The dilator  15  creates a rigid center to tighten the nasal filter structure and expand the nasal passage wider than normal to increase breathability. In preferred embodiments, the center extension  15 A can be solid, ratcheting, or include a center self-locking hinge assembly that locks or snaps in place. The center extension  15 A will also prevent nasal screen from being inhaled or accidentally inserted.  FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure positioned in a nasal passage. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the dilator  15  extends between nasal flex points to aid in opening the nasal passage. In an illustrative embodiment, the two curved portions  15 B and  15 C can be sandwiched between both seals and under (e.g., directly) the nasal passage half-moon shaped inner seal  165  shown in  FIG. 3 . This design and placement helps provide extra support and helps with proper placement of the dilator  15  at a flex point of a nose. 
     The dilator  15  does not necessarily need to be used with curved portions  15 B and  15 C. In an embodiment of the nasal filter structure such as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the dilator  15  can be used in a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure without the curved portions  15 B and  15 C. In this embodiment, the dilator  15  aids in tightening the filter media, e.g., filter layer  12  and secondary outer filter layer  17  if it is used. 
       FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C illustrate an embodiment of a dilator center extension  15 A in accordance with the disclosure.  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C illustrate a locking mechanism. In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C, the locking mechanism includes a hinged locking mechanism, which can be a cylinder locking mechanism. Referring to  FIG. 6B , the center extension  15 A includes a flexible cylinder locking mechanism comprises a cylinder  200  and a complementary curved portion  210 . The cylinder  200  snaps into or is press fit into the complementary curved portion  210 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cylinder  200  and complementary curved portion  210  each have a latch portion. In one exemplary embodiment a latch portion can comprise a concave portion on either the cylinder  200  or the complementary curved portion  210 , and a protruding portion on the other of the cylinder  200  or complementary curved portion  210 . The corresponding latch portions latch when the flexible cylinder locking mechanism is in the locked position such as shown in  FIG. 6C .  FIG. 6A  illustrates the flexible cylinder locking mechanism in a relaxed, non-latched position. For example, with the illustrative exemplary latch portion mentioned above, when the flexible cylinder locking mechanism is in the locked position, the protrusion portion engages the concave portion to tend to hold the structure in place via, for example a dimple and detent type action. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a dilator in accordance with the disclosure, including a locking mechanism. In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the locking mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the dilator  15  includes two opposing arms,  215  and  220 . The opposing arms are joined by a ratcheting mechanism  225 . When pressured is applied along the length of the dilator  15 , the clips  230  within the ratcheting mechanism  225  lock. The ratcheting mechanism  225  allows the wearer to adjust how much extension, and therefore how much dilation is applied to a nasal passage. In one example, the ratcheting mechanism  225  can provide ⅛ th  inch extension per clip  230 . Depending upon the dimensions of the dilator and the amount of extension desired, air flow can be increased up to 100%. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate an embodiment of a dilator in accordance with the disclosure. Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the dilator  15  includes a secondary extension  235 . The secondary extension  235  extends onto an extension  240  of, for example the layer  14 . This structure allows the extension  235  and  240  to conform around the natural curve of the flared portion of a nasal passage. The secondary extension  235  creates a slight outward pull. Such a slight outward pull tends to improve the users breathing ability and increase air flow. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary extension  235  can be covered by a curved tab of clear adhesive to remain inconspicuous as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
     In the illustrative embodiments mentioned above, applying an outward force to the nasal filter structure causes the two sides of the dilator  15  to stretch away from one another. The action causes the locking mechanism to close (e.g., snap close). This allows the dilator to open the nasal passage and allows the user to breath a greater volume of air compared to not using a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure. Referring to  FIG. 9 , a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure can include tabs  250 . The tabs  250  aid in positioning the nasal filter structure with the user&#39;s nose  255 . This aids in properly positioning the nasal filter structure as a whole and in particular the dilator  15 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure on an applicator  265 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , the applicator  265  includes the tabs  250  mentioned above. Each nasal filter structure is positioned upside down on the applicator  265  and held in position with easy release adhesive  260 . The easy release adhesive allows the nasal filter structures to be held in place on the applicator  265 , while allowing the applicator  265  to be easily pealed away from the nasal filter structure when in position, using, for example the tabs  250  to assist in positioning the nasal filter structure on a user&#39;s nose. The use of the applicator also avoids the user touching the nasal filter structure during application, reducing the risk of unnecessary contamination. As noted above, the tabs  250 , when placed at the tip of a nasal passage on either side of a nose will automatically apposition the nasal filter structure. This allows easy application regardless of the direction of the nasal passage. 
       FIG. 11  schematically illustrates a nasal filter structure in accordance with the disclosure positioned on a person&#39;s nose  270 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , an outer clear seal  16  conforms to the shape of the nasal passage  275 . In the illustrated embodiment, the curved portions  15 B,  15 C of the dilator  15  are positioned in the area of the half moon portions  165 , which in the illustrated embodiment correspond to a natural flex point of the user&#39;s nose  270 . 
     Having thus described illustrative embodiments of the invention of the disclosure in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.