Abstract:
Described is an intra-nasal clip, and more particularly a nasal clip that diffuses the aromas or fragrances, such as those used in aromatherapy, of an aromatherapy sphere without irritation through direct contact with the inner nasal septum. The intra-nasal clip includes a bendable bridge extending between its outer distal ends, in which the distal ends comprise hollows with inlets. Aromatherapy spheres are within the hollows that contain aromatherapy materials.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of intra-nasal clips, and more particularly to a nasal clip that effuses aromas or fragrances, such as those used in aromatherapy, as well as for dispensing through the nasal passage aromatically ingestible medicines. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Various aromas/medications give relief in various forms including nausea in people such as pregnant women with morning sickness, people undergoing chemotherapy, people with motion sickness, and people with other various ailments that may cause dizziness or queasiness. Aromatherapy is the practice of using aromatic substances for the treatment of illnesses or to enhance the health and well-being of the patient. Aromatherapy may use essential oils such as those from volatile plant oils or pure essence of a plant that is generally broken down and distilled from various parts of a plant. It can also use other aromatic materials that enhance patient&#39;s quality of life that can have an energizing effect. 
     Aromatherapy is practical as it can enhance a patient&#39;s quality of life by easing certain symptoms such as nausea deriving from various ailments. This happens because the aroma of certain oils or substances may stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction. Inhalation is the principal method of administration, but doing so usually requires extra-nasal administration. For example, using a handkerchief that is dabbed in essential oils may allow for inhalation of the aromatic substance, but may be impractical for those substances, especially of the concentrated kind, that are irritable to the skin. There are many other methods for utilizing the aromatic substances for aromatherapy, but many of them such as steamers, candles, clay pots, etc are all products that diffuse the scent of the oil outside the nose and affect everyone in the area that would smell the product. 
     There are nasal clips that are used in aromatherapy, but many of them are extra-nasal clips that diffuse the oil outside the nose and emit fragrances from outside the nostril. However, in these extra-nasal clips, the clips may lose most of the aromas to the air outside of the nose, where the aromas are emitted, and not directly into the nostrils. This would make the extra-nasal clips to not have as potent an effect on the patient as an intra-nasal clip. Nasal administrations of medicines by direct contact from squirting or pumping medicine may irritate nasal tissue of the user. Clips that hold open the nasal septum would not be desirable in this context as user would want the administration of the aromatherapy to not be lost outside of the nasal septum. 
     Therefore, there is a need to provide an intra-nasal clip, which diffuses aromatherapy efficiently into the nasal septum of the user without risk of being an irritant to the inner nasal septum by exposing the user to irritating contact of the aromatherapy material. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention is directed to an aromatherapy dispensing intra-nasal clip which includes a bendable bridge extending between its outer distal ends, in which the distal ends comprise hollows with inlets. Within the hollows are aromatherapy spheres that contain either the essential oils or other aromatherapy materials that allow the oils to aerate through the inlets of the hollows without having to have liquid materials within the nose or risk irritation from direct contact of the aromatherapy materials with the inner nasal septum. The concentration of each type of aromatic substance will determine the length of time the aromatherapy spheres will be soaked. 
     An embodiment of the invention comprises an intra-nasal clip comprising a bridge, a distal end, a second distal end, an aromatherapy sphere for both the distal end and the second distal end, and a plurality of inlets located on both the distal end and the second distal end. The distal end further comprises a hollow which may be filled with the aromatherapy sphere in addition to essential oils, aromatherapy liquids or other substances. The plurality of inlets located on both the distal end and the second distal end further comprises a cross-shaped inlet. The plurality of inlets located on both the distal end and the second distal end further comprises a row of inlets. The distal end further comprises a distal bowl that holds the aromatherapy sphere, an end-lid, and a snap that connects to the end-lid that is moveable which allows for replacement of the aromatherapy sphere. The second distal end further comprises a distal bowl that holds the aromatherapy sphere, an end-lid, and a snap that connects to the end-lid that is moveable which allows for replacement of the aromatherapy sphere. The snap that connects to the end-lid that is moveable which allows for replacement of the aromatherapy sphere further comprises a snap that locks into an edge of the end-lids. The snap that connects to the end-lid that is moveable which allows for replacement of the aromatherapy sphere further comprises a snap that locks into an edge of the end-lids. 
     Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of administering aromatherapy. The method of administering aromatherapy comprises choosing an essential oil, aromatherapy liquid or other substance, installing an aromatherapy sphere inside a distal end of an intra-nasal clip; and inserting the intra-nasal clip inside a user&#39;s nose. 
     The inner surface of the bridge contacts the respective right and left sides of a user&#39;s nasal septum when the distal ends are inserted in the user&#39;s right and left nostrils. The bridge and distal ends are preferably molded of a resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or a number of other non-irritating plastic resins with suitable use in flexibility and compatibility with the aromatherapy material being used. The aromatherapy spheres within the distal ends are preferably made of rubber, wood, or a number of plastic resins that are appropriate in compatibility of the aromatherapy being used. The preferred embodiment uses a bridge having a geometry that utilizes pressure at its attachment points within the user&#39;s nasal septum. This geometry allows the bridge to fit over the bulbous end of the nasal septum while staying in place without obstructing the air passageway of the nose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention and other attributes of the invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawing in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a facial profile of a user with the present invention in use; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the current invention, intra-nasal dispenser clip; 
         FIG. 3  is a front cross section detail showing the aromatherapy spheres inside the hollow distal ends orbs; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the current invention, intra-nasal dispenser clip; 
         FIG. 5  is another perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the current invention, intra-nasal dispenser clip; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the current invention, intra-nasal dispenser clip; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the current invention, intra-nasal dispenser clip; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the hollow distal ends orbs containing the aromatherapy spheres; and 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the hollow distal ends orbs containing the aromatherapy spheres. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , user  101  will wear intra-nasal clip  103  for aromatherapy use or for uses that involve administering medicine nasally. Intra-nasal clip  103  is preferably molded of a resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or a number of other non-irritating plastic resins with suitable use in flexibility and compatibility with the aromatherapy material being used. When worn, the intra-nasal clip is hardly visible and fits comfortably within user  101  even while lying down as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , intra-nasal clip  201  comprises bridge  203 , distal ends  205 , and inlets  207 . Another requirement is to prevent contact of the aromatherapy material with the inner nasal septum to avoid irritation with the sensitive nasal mucous membranes. This is possible by connecting to bridge  203  with distal ends  205 . The preferred embodiment uses bridge  203  having a geometry that utilizes pressure at its attachment points within the user&#39;s nasal septum. This geometry allows bridge  203  to fit over the bulbous end of the nasal septum while staying in place without obstructing the air passageway of the nose. Distal ends  205  further comprise inlets  207 , which help to prevent spillage of aromatherapy materials inside the distal ends  205  to the outside. Distal ends  205  can take up a variety of geometries and shapes. Distal ends  205  are preferably molded of a resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, or a number of other non-irritating plastic resins with suitable use in flexibility and compatibility with the aromatherapy material being used. Inlets  207  may take a variety of geometries, of which in  FIG. 2 , we are shown slits that allow the aromatherapy vapors to escape from within distal ends  205 .  FIG. 2  shows a preferred embodiment of the intra-nasal aromatherapy clip by showing how the inlets on the sides of the distal ends allow the aromatherapy balls to diffuse the aroma or fragrance to the user without spillage of the aromatherapy material into the inner nasal septum. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , bridge  301  connects distal ends  303 . Distal ends  303  further comprise inlets  307  and aromatherapy spheres  305 . Distal ends  305  comprise inlets  307  which are on the outer side of distal ends  305  so that inlets  307  are facing outwards. Inlets  307  may take various geometries and shapes to allow for most effective aromatherapy use and may be adjusted to allow for various types of aromatherapies. Aromatherapy spheres  305  inside distal ends  303  of the intra-nasal clip may fit variably within distal ends  303  as may be appropriate for the aromatherapy as the aromatherapy spheres  305  may be comprised of material not limited to rubber, wood, and various other plastic resins. Aromatherapy spheres  305  within distal ends  303  are preferably made of rubber, wood, or a number of plastic resins that are appropriate in compatibility of the aromatherapy being used.  FIG. 3  displays one preferred embodiment of how aromatherapy spheres  305  fit within the distal ends  303  of the intra-nasal clip. Aromatherapy spheres  305  that contain either the essential oils or other aromatherapy materials allow the oils to aerate through inlets  307  of distal ends  305  without having to have liquid materials within the nose or risk irritation from direct contact of the aromatherapy materials with the inner nasal septum. The concentration of each type of aromatic substance will determine the length of time the aromatherapy spheres will be soaked. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , intra-nasal clip  401  comprises aromatherapy spheres  403 , end-lids  405 , distal ends  407 , distal bowls  409 , snaps  411 , and bridge  413 .  FIG. 4  displays one preferred embodiment of how intra-nasal clip  401  is comprised so that aromatherapy spheres  403  can be replaced and be allowed to be mixed and matched by user. Aromatherapy spheres  403  are placed into distal bowls  409 , where aromatherapy spheres  403  fits. In order to secure placement of aromatherapy spheres  403  in distal bowls  409 , end-lids  405  must be closed towards distal ends  407 . Once end-lids  405  are closed towards distal ends  407 , snaps  411  will lock into end-lids  405  to secure aromatherapy spheres  403  inside distal bowls  409 . Bridge  413  connects with snaps  411 , distal bowls  409 , and distal ends  407 . This particular preferred embodiment uses bridge  413  having a geometry that utilizes pressure at its attachment points within the user&#39;s nasal septum. This geometry allows bridge  413  to fit over the bulbous end of the nasal septum while staying in place without obstructing the air passageway of the nose. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of intra-nasal clip is shown, where inlets  501  is shown which once closed will secure aromatherapy spheres  503  inside distal ends  505 . Inlets  501  may take a variety of geometries, of which in  FIG. 5 , we are shown a cross formation that allow the aromatherapy vapors to escape from within distal ends  505 . Aromatherapy spheres  503  inside distal ends  505  of the intra-nasal clip may fit variably within distal ends  505  as may be appropriate for the aromatherapy as the aromatherapy spheres  503  may be comprised of material not limited to rubber, wood, and various other plastic resins. Aromatherapy spheres  503  within distal ends  505  are preferably made of rubber, wood, or a number of plastic resins that are appropriate in compatibility of the aromatherapy being used.  FIG. 5  displays one preferred embodiment of how aromatherapy spheres  3503  fit within the distal ends  505  of the intra-nasal clip. Aromatherapy spheres  503  that contain either the essential oils or other aromatherapy materials allow the oils to aerate through inlets  501  of distal ends  505  without having to have liquid materials within the nose or risk irritation from direct contact of the aromatherapy materials with the inner nasal septum. The concentration of each type of aromatic substance will determine the length of time the aromatherapy spheres will be soaked. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a side view of intra-nasal clip is shown, wherein aromatherapy spheres  601  are placed into distal ends  603 . In order to secure placement of aromatherapy spheres  601  in distal ends  603 , end-lids  605  must be closed towards distal ends  603 . Once end-lids  605  are closed towards distal ends  603 , snaps  607  will lock into end-lids  605  to secure aromatherapy spheres  601  inside distal ends  603 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a side view of intra-nasal clip is shown, wherein end-lids  703  are closed in on distal ends  701 . Distal ends  701  are connected with bridge  705 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a side view of distal end of intra-nasal clip is shown, wherein distal ends  801  holds aromatherapy spheres  803 . Distal ends  801  is held onto end-lids  809  by snaps  811 , which hold end-lids  809  in place to allow distal ends  801  to hold aromatherapy spheres  803 . Snaps  811  are held firm by pressure from edge  813  of end-lids  809 . End-lids  809  further comprises inlets  805 , which may comprise a variety of geometries as best seen fit to allow aromatherapy vapors to be allowed to escape from aromatherapy spheres  803 . Hollows  807  are the space between distal ends  801  and end-lids  809  and may contain essential oils, aromatherapy liquids or other substances to best adjust to the need or particular aromatherapy regime. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a perspective view of distal end of intra-nasal clip is shown, wherein distal ends  909  which is at the end of bridge  911  holds aromatherapy spheres  907 . Distal ends  909  is held onto end-lids  903  by snaps  901 , which hold end-lids  903  in place to allow distal ends  909  to hold aromatherapy spheres  907 . End-lids  903  further comprises inlets  905 , which may comprise a variety of geometries as best seen fit to allow aromatherapy vapors to be allowed to escape from aromatherapy spheres  907 . 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that the embodiments are merely illustrative and that the invention scope is not so limited. Any variations, modifications, additions, and improvements to the embodiments described are possible. These variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventions as detailed within the following claims.