Patent Publication Number: US-2022211382-A1

Title: Nose clamp

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/856,320 filed Jun. 3, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of a nose clamp, and more particularly, to exemplary embodiments of a nose clamp that can stop nose bleeds. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Nose bleeds warranting medical attention have been controlled by methods and devices which have been shown to be ineffective. Expandable sponges or surgical gauze packs are typically inserted into a nostril to engage the bleeding area of the septum. These devices are typically not able to apply sufficient pressure on the blood vessel to effectively control the bleeding. There is a need for a safe, simple, and reliable device which can provide ease of use, be inexpensive and effective in controlling nose bleeds. 
     SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for a nose clamp comprising a first arm having an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion extends outward and upward from the middle portion and the lower portion curves inward from the middle portion, a second arm having an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion extends outward and upward from the middle portion and the lower portion curves inward from the middle portion, and a spring mechanism provided between the first arm and second arm, the spring mechanism having a first prong configured to extend within the upper portion of the first arm and a second prong configured to extend within the upper portion of the second arm, the first and second prongs providing a tensioning mechanism that pushes the upper portion of the first arm away from the upper portion of the second arm such that the lower portion of the first arm and the lower portion of the second arm are directed toward each other, wherein an inner surface of the lower portion of the first arm and an inner surface of the lower portion of the second arm have a concave shape and are configured to contour externally around a user&#39;s nostrils. The spring mechanism can be provided between the middle portion of the first arm and the middle portion of the second arm. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the nose clamp can further comprise a first recess provided in the upper portion of the first arm, and a second recess provided in the upper portion of the second arm, wherein the first prong of the spring mechanism fits and is secured within the first recess of the first arm and the second prong of the spring mechanism fits and is secured within the second recess of the second arm. In some exemplary embodiments, an upper end of the first prong is curved to fit within a curvature of the first recess and an upper end of the second prong is curved to fit within a curvature of the second recess. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the nose clamp can further comprise a first wall and second wall extending from the first arm, a first wall and second wall extending from the second arm, wherein the first and second walls of the first arm extend outward of the first and second walls of the second arm, and the spring mechanism is provided within the first and second walls of the second arm. In some exemplary embodiments, the nose clamp can further comprise a pin, wherein the first and second walls of the first arm have holes that align with holes of the first and second walls of the second arm and the spring mechanism, and the pin is provided through the holes of the first and second walls of the first arm, the first and second walls of the second arm and the spring mechanism to secure the first arm, second arm and spring mechanism to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the nose clamp can further comprise a first middle wall provided between and joining the first and second walls of the first arm, and a second middle wall provided between and joining the first and second walls of the second arm. In some exemplary embodiments, the nose clamp can further comprise a first recess provided by the first middle wall within the upper portion of the first arm, and a second recess provided by the second middle wall within the upper portion of the second arm, wherein the first prong of the spring mechanism fits and is secured within the first recess and the second prong of the spring mechanism fits and is secured within the second recess. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the nose clamp can further comprise one or more ridges provided at an outer portion of the upper portion of the first arm for providing a gripping surface at the upper portion of the first arm, and one or more ridges provided at an outer portion of the upper portion of the second arm for providing a gripping surface at the upper portion of the second arm. In some exemplary embodiments, the nose clamp can further comprise one or more structural supports provided at an outer portion of the middle portion of the first arm for providing structural support to the first arm, and one or more structural supports provided at an outer portion of the middle portion of the second arm for providing structural support to the second arm. The structural supports of the first arm and the second arm can comprise vertically extending rigid support structures. In some exemplary embodiments, the first arm and second arm are comprised of a blend of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects of the present disclosure will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and claims, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a nose clamp according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the nose clamp according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the nose clamp being applied on a user&#39;s nose according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a nose clamp according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective broken parts view of a nose clamp according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the nose clamp being applied on a user&#39;s nose according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF DISCLOSURE 
     The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for a nose clamp and a method of using the nose clamp that can be used to stop nose bleeds. Exemplary embodiments of the various methods and apparatuses will now be described with reference to the figures. The following description of the various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a nose clamp  100  and  FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the nose clamp  100  according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The nose clamp  100  can have a center coiled spring  110  that provides a compression force. The spring  110  can have multiple winding coils as shown to provide the compression force and can be made of steel or other materials such as other metals or plastic. The spring  100  can have one or more coils that extend downward from the center portion to form legs  120 ,  130 . In some exemplary embodiments, each leg  120 ,  130  can be made of two coils that form a circular loop at the ends. The loop ends can aid in more compression on the nasal walls as described below. The spring  110  can have one or more coils that extend upward from the center portion to form arms  140 ,  150 . In some exemplary embodiments, each arm  140 ,  150  can be made of two coils that form a circular loop at the ends. 
     Preferably, the center compression spring  110 , legs  120 ,  130  and arms  140 ,  150  are made of a single unitary element. The compression force created by the compression spring forces the legs  120 ,  130  toward each other and the arms  140 ,  150  away from each other, such that external pressure can be applied to the nasal walls by the clamping force applied by the legs  120 ,  130 , as explained below. 
     A base portion  125  can be provided on the leg  120  and a base portion  135  can be provided on the leg  130 . The base portions  125 ,  135  can have orifices to receive the legs  120 ,  130  and can have a snug friction fit such that the base portions  125 ,  135  do not slide in use. In some exemplary embodiments, the base portions  125 ,  135  are malleable and can be made of a transparent silicon polymer (or any type of plastic material or other soft material), and can be removable and replaceable, allowing the base portions  125 ,  135  to be removed and cleaned or replaced (e.g., disposable). 
     The inner surfaces  122 ,  132  of the base portions  125 ,  135 , respectively, can have a concave shape that is contoured and configured to make contact with an outer portion of a user&#39;s nostrils. The surfaces  122 ,  132  can be angled to contour externally around the nasal walls and a dental roll packed inside the nostril to help prevent a nosebleed. The base portions  125 ,  135  can have bottom surfaces  126 ,  136 , respectively, that can have a slight recessed curvature as shown to allow for maximum compression of a feeding blood vessel to the nose. The contoured area of the surfaces  122 ,  132  in conjunction with the curved bottom surfaces  126 ,  136  can allow for maximum internal and external compression surface areas to stop the nosebleed no matter where in the nose it may be. 
     A handle portion  145  can be provided on the arm  140  and a handle portion  155  can be provided on the arm  150 . The handle portions  145 ,  155  can have orifices to receive the arms  140 ,  150  and can have a snug friction fit such that the handle portions  145 ,  155  do not slide in use. In some exemplary embodiments, the handle portions  145 ,  155  are malleable and can be made of a transparent silicon polymer (or any type of plastic material or other soft material) and can be removable and replaceable, allowing the handle portions  145 ,  155  to be removed and cleaned or replaced (e.g., disposable). The handle portions  145 ,  155  can have an ergonomic shape and grip on the outer surfaces to be easily pressed to apply on a user&#39;s nasal walls. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the nose clamp  100  being applied on a user&#39;s nose according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. A user can press the arms  140 ,  150  inward by applying pressure to the handle portions  145 ,  155 . Applying pressure on the arms  140 ,  150  in a direction toward each other causes the legs  120 ,  130  to separate from each other due to the compression spring  100 . A user can then apply the nose clamp on a user&#39;s nose and let go of the arms  140 ,  150 , which will cause the legs  120 ,  130  to move in a direction toward each other, clamping the user&#39;s nasal walls. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a nose clamp  200  and  FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective broken parts view of the nose clamp  200  according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The nose clamp  200  can have a first arm  220  and a second arm  230 . The first arm  220  can have an upper portion  222  that extends upward and outward from a middle portion  225 , and a lower portion  224  that curves inward from the middle portion  225 . The second arm  230  can have an upper portion  232  that extends upward and outward from a middle portion  235 , and a lower portion  234  that curves inward from the middle portion  235 . Each arm  220 ,  230  can be a single integral structure, and can be made of a blend of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. In some exemplary embodiments, the arms can be made of any material, such as metal, plastic, wood or a composite thereof. 
     Inner surfaces  226 ,  236  of the lower portions  224 ,  234 , respectively, can have a concave shape that is contoured and configured to make contact with an outer portion of a user&#39;s nostrils. The lower portions  224 ,  234  can have a bottom portion that curves outward which can allow for compression of the artery to prevent a nosebleed. The contoured area of the inner surfaces  226 ,  236  in conjunction with the curved bottom portions of the lower portions  224 ,  234  can allow for maximum internal and external compression surface areas to stop the nosebleed no matter where in the nose it may be. 
     When in a rest position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the lower portion  224  of the first arm  220  can abut the lower portion  234  of the second arm  230 . The first arm  220  and  230  can have one or more ridges  240  at an outer portion of the upper portions  222 ,  232  that can be helpful in, e.g., gripping the nose clamp  200  when affixing to a user&#39;s nose. Structural support can be provided by one or more support portions  242  provided along a middle portion of the arms  220 ,  230 . The supports  242  can be vertically extending rigid support structures to keep the nose clamp  200  intact through repeated use. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first arm  220  can have a pair of walls  228  with holes  229  extending therethrough, and second arm  230  can have a pair of walls  238  with holes  239  extending therethrough. The pair of walls  228  can be connected by a middle curved wall  219 , and the pair of walls  238  can be connected by a middle curved wall  219 . The middle curved wall  219  provides a recess  217  between the wall  219  and the inner portion of the upper portions  222 ,  232 . A spring coil  210  is provided having upwardly extending prongs  214  and  216 , and a hole  212  passing therethrough. The walls  228  of the first arm  220  extend outward and over the walls  238  of the second arm  230 , such that the holes  229  and  230  align with each other, as well as the hole  212  of the spring, which is placed within the walls  238  of the second arm  230 . A pin  250  is then fit through the holes  239  of the walls  238  of the second arm  230 , the holes  229  of the walls  228  of the first arm  220 , and the hole  212  of the spring  210 . A friction fit can be provided such that the pin  250  stays within the holes of the walls, or a locking mechanism (not shown) can be provided on the opposite side of the pin  250 . 
     When the nose clamp  200  is in the assembled rest state, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the spring  210  provides a tension between the first arm  220  and second arm  230  such that the lower portions  224 ,  234  are directed toward each other as the prongs  214 ,  216  push the upper portions  222 ,  232  away from each other. The upper portions of the prongs  214  and  216  of the spring  210  can be curved and can fit within the recess  217  provided in the inner areas of the upper portions  222  and  232  of the first arm  220  and second arm  230  to secure the spring  210  between the first arm  220  and second arm  230 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the nose clamp  200  being applied on a user&#39;s nose  290 . As shown, a user&#39;s nostrils are placed within the inner bottom surfaces  226  and  236  of the lower portion  224  of the first arm  220  and lower portion  234  of the second arm  230 . The inner bottom surfaces  226  and  236  of the first arm  220  and the second arm  230 , respectively, can be angled to contour externally around the nasal walls and a dental roll packed inside the nostril to help prevent nose bleeds. 
     A method of using the nose clamp  100  can also be provided according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. A nosebleed kit can be provided having the nose clamp  100  and an instructional step by step guide (e.g., manual, booklet, DVD, software application). When a user&#39;s nose begins to bleed, a user or someone else can open the kit. The user can reference the guide/DVD. If a user is applying the nose clamp  100  themselves, a reflective mirror or sticker can be provided to help apply the clamp on the user first. 
     Then, based on a nasal/nostril size and anatomy (e.g., septal deviation), a properly sized dental cotton roll (e.g., a 7 mm×38 mm versus a 10 mm×38 mm) can be used in each nostril. The kit can have several different sizes of dental rolls included. The dental rolls to be used can be soaked in, e.g., oxymetazoline HCl 0.05%. In some exemplary embodiments, other medications approved for nasal decongestion can be applied, such as but not limited to phenylephrine hydrochloride 0.25% and azelastine hydrochloride 0.1%. Regardless of which nostril is bleeding, a dental roll is placed in both nostrils. The oxymetazoline soaked dental roll is then inserted in a corkscrew fashion in each nostril, rotating outwards towards the eye, allowing for ease in maximal insertion. 
     The nose clamp  100  can then be inserted over the lower third of the nose, just over the cartilage and not the bone (an appropriate photo/video can be provided in the manual/DVD). The user can then allow for approximately 20 minutes of medication and compression to take effect. In some exemplary embodiments, the DVD/mobile software application can provide a timer counting down on the screen. The DVD/mobile software application can also include an audio or audiovisual breathing rate teaching aid for the user to employ to diminish the user&#39;s blood pressure and decrease the user&#39;s anxiety. The rate can be approximately 12 breaths per minute. 
     After 20 minutes have passed, the user can re-assess the nose and remove the nose clamp  100 . If there is no further bleeding, a calcium alginate pad in the kit can then be opened and used. In some exemplary embodiments, other type of medicated pads can be used, such as but not limited to a Kaolin impregnated gauze or an oxidized regenerated cellulose gauze. The medicated pad can be rolled into a cylindrical pattern. The dental roll is then be removed from the bleeding nostril and replaced with the medicated pad for further hemostasis. If both nostrils were bleeding at the same time, the process would be performed on both nostrils. The nose clamp  100  is then re-applied, and compression is repeated for another 20 minutes. The DVD/mobile software app can have a timer countdown. The same breathing pattern can then be repeated (e.g., 12 breaths per minute). The user can then remove the clamp and, if bleeding has stopped, also remove the medicated pad from the initially bleeding nostril and the dental roll from the non-bleeding nostril, or the user can remove a medicated pad from each initially bleeding nostril. 
     If after the initial 20 minutes have passed and bleeding still persists after removing the nose clamp  100 , the dental roll can be removed from the bleeding nostril and replaced again with a new cotton roll soaked in oxymetazoline, and the nose clamp  100  can be re-applied. In some exemplary embodiments, the user can keep the dental roll(s) in place while the dental roll(s) is re-saturated using the oxymetazoline spray bottle. Sniffing in gently to facilitate absorption of spray into the dental rolls, the nose clamp  100  can then be re-applied, and compression can be repeated for another 20 minutes. The DVD/mobile software app can again have a timer countdown. The same breathing pattern can then be repeated (e.g., 12 breaths per minute). If the nose clamp  100  is removed, and the bleeding has now stopped, the user can remove the dental roll from the bleeding nostril(s), and apply a medicated pad in place, monitoring for cessation of bleeding. The medicated pad may stay in place for approximately 6-12 hours if bleeding is persistent, prior to removing the medicated pad. If bleeding still persists after the medicated pad is removed, it would be recommended that the user call for medical help. 
     To prevent recurrence if the bleeding has stopped, the kit can provide daily maintenance instructions. For example, the user can be directed to avoid aggressive nose blowing for the first few days (e.g., 5 days) after the initial nosebleed. The steps below should be conducted for, e.g., at least five days (the steps can be outlined in the manual/DVD/mobile software app). Upon awakening, the user can use a nasal saline spray bottle (which can be provided in the kit) to irrigate each nostril. The user can apply petroleum jelly to an inside of their nostrils, coating the lateral nasal wall and septum. The user can irrigate both nostrils a few times (e.g., 3 times) with nasal saline throughout the day in lieu of nose blowing. Prior to bedtime, the user can irrigate the nostrils again with nasal saline and apply petroleum jelly to their nostrils, coating the lateral nasal wall and septum. 
     The words “ranging”, “ranges from”, “ranges between” and other similar notations, are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals there between. It should be noted that where various embodiments are described by using a given range, the range is given as such merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. 
     The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, manufacture and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.