Patent Publication Number: US-6216694-B1

Title: Stuff-in type nose plug with air filters

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a stuff-in type nose plug with air filters, which is made up a pair of plug units that are integrally connected to each other at one end and has an air filter made of active carbon fixed to the air inlet of each plug unit. Each plug unit made of soft material can be closely engaged with the nostril respectively so as to permit air to be inhaled via each active carbon air filter so that dirt and filthy air can be completely filtered into fresh air before being inhaled by a person. 
     Air pollution has become a global problem in urban areas all over the world. Exhausted waste from motorcycles and automobiles mainly contribute to the serious problem especially in large cities. Masks have been widely used by people to protect themselves from polluted air. However, a tightly fixed mask makes a wearer subject to heat and sweat in one aspect and a person wearing a mask can not talk naturally and not eat with ease. A mask in practical use can easily spoil make-up especially on lips of a female wearer. Besides, a mask can not be easily fit on the face of a wearer, permitting filthy air to flow into from the periphery thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, the primary object of the present invention is to provide for a stuff-in type nose air filter, which is equipped with a pair of integrally, connected hollow plug units substantially in a conic shape. A belt section connects the two conic plug units to each other. The conic plug units are made of soft material so that they can be fitted in nostrils of a person with comfort. A filter made of active carbon is secured to the inlet of each conic plug unit for filtering filthy air. The front tip of each conic tube is made to have a slanted plane opening so that they can be fitted and comfortable in contact with the Nose Bridge of a wearer. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide for a stuff-in type nose air filter, which can be retained in the nostrils of a person even when the person is eating, drinking and talking without producing uncomfortable feeling. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram showing the exploded components of stuff-in type nose air filter; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing the assembly of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a top elevation view of thereof; 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the practical application of the stuff-in type nose plug. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  2 , the stuff-in nose air filter of the present invention comprises a plug embodiment  10  having a pair of plug units  11  integrally connected to each other at one enlarged end thereof by a belt section  12 . Each plug unit  11  of a hollow tube made in substantially conic shape is equipped with an air inlet  111  and outlet  112 . Each air inlet  111  has a filter  20  made of active carbon material and in a shape in conformance to the air inlet  111 . 
     As shown in FIG. 4, in the practical application, the plug embodiment  10  is stuffed in the nostrils of a person until each plug unit  11  is completely fitted and retained in the nostrils  30 . Each plug unit  11  has its air outlet  112  designed in a slanted plane with respect to its axial direction. Such a slanted air outlet  112  can prevent the uncomfortable pressing of the plug unit  11  against the cartilage of the nose in long term usage. 
     To make the plug units  11  fit smoothly and engage with nostrils  30  of a wearer and look appealing to eyes, each plug unit  11  is provided with an arc concave contour  113  at the large end thereof in match with the shape of the tip of a nostril. When breathing, air is inhaled via the two air filters  20  made of active carbon and further through the air inlets  111  into the lungs of the wearer. To take the plug embodiment  10  out of the nostrils  30 , a person has to only pull the belt section  12  disposed between the plug units  11 .