Abstract:
A nose cover or nose protector, for adventurers, sports fans, and people who love outdoor activities, comprises a nose piece formed from sheets of paper, plastic, fabric, foam, laminated materials, pressure heat cut and seal materials, and/or die-cut materials to fit and cover the nose. Additional materials of adhesive pieces and soft metal sheets are used to fold and contour the nose cover onto the wearer&#39;s nose. A corresponding “hook and loop” strap or “hook” patch is used to connect the nose cover to the bridge of eyewear. This nose cover can also consist of heat packs, cold packs, and/or medicated packs to comfort the user. The nose cover can be used with or without eyewear, and with variety of optional accessories.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]     This application claim the benefit of priority from pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/509,395, entitled “Nose Cover,” filed Oct. 7, 2003, and U.S. Design Patent No. D29/374,507, “Nose Protector,” granted Oct. 8, 1996, which are both herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates to the field of nose covers.  
         [0004]     Portions of the disclosure of this patent document contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office or records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.  
         [0005]     2. Background Art  
         [0006]     The incidence of skin cancer is increasing rapidly, primarily because of increase recreational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and increased longevity. Lack of nose protection options prevent people with skin cancer of the nose enjoy outdoor activities.  
         [0007]     The most common concern from outdoor activities is the exposure of the skin to sunburn or frost. However, currently there are only few types of nose shields in the market. Most of these nose shields are pre-attached to a set of goggles and, thus, leave no options to the wearer but use the whole gadget. Often these nose shields are tough, heavy, uncomfortable, and/or difficult to use. Additionally, these nose covers, which are typically made of vinyl, aluminum, or some sort of other solid material that is not breathable, will result in a sweaty nose. Some of these inventions come with self-adhesive backings too. But, a wet nose from sweat will result in adhesive not to stick to the wet skin. Furthermore, these nose shields are only good for sun protection. Thus, there is a need for an alternative nose cover protector.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention overcomes this problem by using breathable and flexible layered material for the nose cover, which provides convenient nose protection. This invention consists of multiple embodiments. These embodiments include, but are not limited to, a nose protector made out of a disposable perforated paper; a nose protector which contains a silicone lining; a nose protector containing a hot pack(s) and/or cold pack(s) for adverse temperatures; and a nose protector comprising of a stretchable fabric cover which would encompass the nose cover like a glove on a hand. The stretchable fabric cover will form a pocket that allows for items to be inserted. For example, multiple hot or cold packs could be placed inside the pocket. The pocket would allow for the packs to be easily replaced. In another embodiment, a nose protector could be formed using foam laminated materials. These laminated materials could have a logo embossed onto them and could secure a hot or cold pack as well along with wicking type fabrics. In another embodiment, a nose protector could have a strap which would enable it to attach to eyewear easily. For example, the strap could be made out of “hook and loop” material, which is also known as velcro. In an another embodiment, an aluminum strip could be attached to front portion of the nose cover that would allow for the nose cover to pinch securely onto the nose. Also, in another embodiment, the nose cover could contain velcro compatible fabrics or adhesive pads that are able to attach to eyeglass nose rests to secure the nose cover. In an alternative embodiment, the nose cover could have an adhesive patch on its underside that directly adheres to the nose.  
       ADVANTAGES  
       [0009]     Accordingly, besides the advantages of the nose cover described above, there are other additional advantages of the present invention. One advantage is that it provides nose protection for all types of weather without sweaty results. Another advantage is that the wearer of the nose shield has options of materials that it is fabricated out of. For example, some of these options include perforated paper or plastic, foam laminated fabric, wire mesh laminated fabrics, fabric with an aluminum strip, fabric with an adhesive-lining, and/or fabric with a “hook and loop” strap attachment.  
         [0010]     Additionally, another advantage is to provide a nose cover with different kinds of linings, which may or may not have adhesive, and may or may not have “hook” velcro compatible properties. For example, an adhesive lining can be fabricated out of a foam pad adhesive, a thin adhesive strip, or silicone which will be able to re-stick to the nose. The comfortable fabric lining may be velcro compatible to secure a replaceable hot or cold pack with “hook and loop” velcro compatibility.  
         [0011]     An additional advantage of the present invention is to provide for a cheap, disposable nose protector that is light weight, breathable, convenient, and easy to use. For example, the disposable perforated nose cover could have logos on it so that it could be used for marketing purposes. These nose covers could be inserted in a magazine, program, or simply handed out at events and would incorporate a four color printing technology called sublimation.  
         [0012]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a fashionable nose cover that can be produced in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes, while still providing comfort. The templates or the outline of the nose cover are designed in such a way that it not only efficiently covers all types of noses, but so that the nose cover won&#39;t flip up in high winds or during high speed activities. The creases and/or wedge cuts located at both the top and bottom portions of the template fit the contours of the nose in such a way that it creates a slight arch that best hugs the nose&#39;s curves at both the bridge and the tip of the nose. This not only keeps the nose cover from flipping up but it also helps secure the fit of the eyewear. Further more, the metal properties of the nose cover also give the nose cover memory or substance that allows the wearer to form the product most effectively to all types of noses. This also helps keep eyewear in place, so that the eyewear and nose cover won&#39;t slip down on the nose.  
         [0013]     Other advantages include to provide a nose protector that can be used with or without sunglasses or ski goggles. The embodiments of the nose cover each have special features for satisfying nose protection. The nose cover may be worn both with and without eyewear and may or may not include a strap or adhesive properties for a secure fit. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1   a  illustrates a top view of nose with a removable strap.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a top view of nose cover that is on a perforated sheet.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a top view of a nose cover which has a metal patch embedded inside it.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates the layers of a nose cover.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates the underside of two nose covers that each have adhesive patches.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4A  illustrates the underside of a nose cover that has a hot or cold pack.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4B  illustrates the underside of a nose cover that has a silicone adhesive.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5A  illustrates an exploded view of  FIG. 4A .  
         [0023]      FIG. 5B  illustrates an exploded view of  FIG. 4B .  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates the top and side view of a nose cover with a metal patch embedded inside it.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7A  illustrates the top and side view of a nose cover with a removable strap.  
         [0026]      FIG. 7B  illustrates the top and side view of a nose cover.  
         [0027]      FIG. 8A  illustrates two “hook and loop” nose pads.  
         [0028]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a nose cover with a “hook and loop” patch being attached to eyeglasses.  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  illustrates a nose cover with a “hook and loop” patch being attached to goggles. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]     The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and an apparatus for covering the nose. In the following description, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, will known features have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.  
         [0031]     The present invention consists of a cover that is formed in the shape of a nose that protects the nose from harsh environmental elements. The cover can be manufactured in various materials. Also, the cover can be attached to the nose, glasses, goggles, or other eyewear in a variety of ways.  
         [0032]      FIG. 1A  depicts the top view of a nose cover  110  with a removable strap  111  in one embodiment of the invention. The removable strap  111  allows for the nose cover  110  to be attached to all sorts of eyewear. The nose cover  110  comprises a flexible material with vertical creases (upper  114  and lower  115 ), two horizontal slits  113 , and an attached soft metal strip  112 . In this embodiment, the removable strap can be made out of “hook and loop” material, also known as velcro. Also, in this embodiment, the nose cover  110  can be fabricated in many different materials. For example, some materials include laminated foam fabric, fleece, paper, plastic, metal, thermal conductive materials (e.g., hot and/or cold pack), and laminated wire mesh. When using laminated foam fabric, the edges of the nose cover may be heat sealed, and/or the foam fabric itself may embossed, printed, silkscreened, or sublimated with a logo of some sort.  
         [0033]     In  FIG. 1A , the top portion of the strap  111  comprises “loop” fabric  116  and the lower portion of the strap comprises “hook” fabric  117 . The removable strap  111  is to be inserted in the two horizontal slits  113 . Once the removable strap  111  is inserted, the strap  111  is to be wrapped around the bridge of any eyewear. The nose cover  110  is secured to the eyewear by fastening the “loop” portion  116  of the removable strap  111  to the “hook” portion of the strap. The upper vertical crease  114  and the lower vertical crease  115  allow the nose cover  110  to bend around the contours of the nose. The metal strip  112  can be fastened to the nose cover  110  in a variety of ways. The metal strip  112  can be pinched onto the nose by the user, which allows for the nose cover  110  to fit more securely onto the nose.  
         [0034]      FIG. 1B  illustrates another embodiment of a nose cover  220  that is on a perforated sheet  227 . The perforation allows the nose over  220  to be available in a variety of sizes for the user. Also, the perforated sheet  227  is convenient for advertising and can be implemented by inserting it inside of a magazine. There is a wide variety of materials that nose cover  220  can be fabricated from. For example, some materials include laminated foam fabric, paper, and plastic. The nose cover  220  size can be selected by tearing the perforations at the user&#39;s preferred size. For example, if the user wants a small size nose cover  220 , he will tear perforation  223 . Or, if the user wants a medium size nose cover  220 , he will tear perforation  224 . Similarly, if the user wants a large size nose cover  220 , he will tear perforation  225 . The top surface area of the nose cover  220  can have multiple air vent perforations  226  that can be lifted from the sheet. Also, the nose cover  220  can have vertical creases and or reattached/sewn wedge cuts (upper crease  221  and lower crease  222 ) which allow for the cover to be bend around the contours of the nose.  
         [0035]      FIG. 1C  depicts another embodiment of a nose cover  310  that contains a metal patch  313  that is embedded inside. The metal patch  313  allows for the nose cover  310  to be securely fitted onto the nose. In order for the nose cover  310  to be secured onto the nose, the user simply pinches the metal patch to the nose&#39;s contours. The metal patch  313  lies in a cavity  311  of the top layer  314  of the nose cover  310 . The hook patch  312  covers metal patch  313 .  
         [0036]     In  FIG. 1C , the nose cover  310  can be secured to eyewear by the hook patch  312  that is fabricated from “hook” velcro. Since the hook patch  312  is made from “hook” velcro, it can be fastened to “loop” velcro that is attached to the eyewear. Nose cover  310  consists of three layers (top layer  314 , middle layer  315 , and bottom layer  314 ). There is a provision of choices of materials that nose cover  310  can be fabricated from. For example, layers  314 ,  315 , and  316  can be made from polyester, foam, and nylon, respectively.  
         [0037]      FIG. 2  also illustrates the layers of a nose cover. In one embodiment, the nose cover can contain multiple layers. In  FIG. 2 , for example, the nose cover comprises three layers (top layer  118 , middle layer  117 , and bottom layer  116 ). The layers  118 ,  117 , and  116  can be made of a wide variety of materials. Some materials include polyester, foam, nylon, metal, wire mesh, plastic, and paper.  
         [0038]      FIG. 3  depicts another embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 3 , the underside of two nose covers that each have adhesive patches is illustrated. Nose cover  328  has adhesive patch  228  on its underside that allows for the nose cover  328  to adhere to the user&#39;s nose. In  FIG. 3 , materials  400  and  401  illustrate the discarded perforation materials if the user chose to tear out the small sized nose cover  328 .  
         [0039]     Similarly, in  FIG. 3 , nose cover  329  has adhesive patch  229  on its underside that allows for the nose cover  329  to adhere to the user&#39;s nose. Also, nose cover  329  has air vent perforations  330  that allow for air flow. Also, in  FIG. 3 , materials  402  and  403  illustrate the discarded perforation materials if the user chose to tear out the small sized nose cover  329 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 4B  depicts another embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 4B , the underside of a nose cover  231  that contains a heat or cold pack is illustrated. The nose cover  231  contains a hot or cold pack that can be used to comfort the user in harsh weather. In  FIG. 4B , the hot or cold pack is embedded inside or attached to the nose cover  231 . Nose cover  231  has an adhesive strip  232  on its underside. The adhesive strip  232  allows for the user to adhere the nose cover  231  to his nose. The nose cover  231  size can be selected by the user by tearing perforation  233 ,  234 , or  235  for a small sized nose cover  231 , a medium sized nose cover  231 , or a large sized nose cover  231 , respectively.  
         [0041]     In another embodiment, the nose cover can be covered by a stretch fabric. The stretch fabric can be stretched around the nose cover. This stretch fabric can have an opening that will allow for packets to be inserted inside. Various types of packets can be used, such as heat packs, cold packs, scented packs, menthol packs, electronic music packs, miniature light bulbs (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) packs, and radio transmitter and/or receiver packs.  
         [0042]      FIG. 4B  depicts another embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 4A , the underside of a nose cover  230  that has a silicone adhesive is illustrated. The nose cover  230  has a silicone adhesive that allows for the nose cover to be adhered to the user&#39;s nose. The silicone adhesive also has the characteristic of cooling the user&#39;s nose. Paper lining  236  is to be lifted by the user in order to expose the silicone adhesive. The nose cover  230  size can be selected by the user by tearing perforation  237 ,  238 , or  239  for a small sized nose cover  230 , a medium sized nose cover  230 , or a large sized nose cover  230 , respectively.  
         [0043]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict exploded views of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , respectively.  
         [0044]      FIG. 6  depicts a top and side view of a nose cover  310  with a metal patch embedded inside it. In  FIG. 6 , illustration  610  shows a top view of a nose cover  310 . A side view of a nose cover  310  is depicted in illustration  620 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 7A  illustrates the top and side views of a nose cover  110  with removable strap  111 . In  FIG. 7A , illustration  710  shows a top view of a nose cover  110  with a removable strap  111 . A side view of a nose cover  110  with a removable strap  111  is depicted in illustration  720 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 7B  illustrates the top and side views of a nose cover  110  with the removable strap  111  removed. In  FIG. 7B , illustration  730  shows a top view of a nose cover  110  without the removable strap  111 . A side view of a nose cover  110  without a removable strap  111  is depicted in illustration  740 .  
         [0047]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, nose cover  310  that has a metal patch embedded inside is attached to glasses  820  via “hook and loop” (i.e., velcro) material.  FIG. 8A  depicts two nose pads fabricated out of “loop” material. While,  FIG. 8B  illustrates a nose cover  310  being attached to glasses  820 . In  FIG. 8B , the nose cover patch  312  is fabricated out of “hook” material. The nose cover  310  is attached to the glasses  820  by attaching the “hook” material of the nose cover patch to the “loop” material of the nose pads.  
         [0048]      FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, nose cover  310  that has a metal patch embedded inside is attached to goggles  830  via “hook and loop” (i.e. velcro) material. In  FIG. 9 , a nose cover  310  being attached to goggles  830  is illustrated.  FIG. 9  shows a nose cover patch  312  that is fabricated out of “hook” material. In  FIG. 9 , the googles&#39;  830  foam rim  840  consists of foam that is laminated with “hook and loop” compatible materials. The nose cover  310  is attached to the googles  830  by attaching the “hook” material of the nose cover patch to the “loop” material of the googles foam rim  840 .