Patent Publication Number: US-2009221987-A1

Title: Portable sinus and throat cleansing system and method

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to providing relief, and more specifically, a portable sinus and throat cleansing system and method for removing mucus from the nostrils, mouth, and throat of a user. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A large number of individuals are afflicted with sinus conditions, respiratory allergies, and other discomforts of the nasal cavity and throat. These afflictions come from a variety of sources including viral infections, bacteria, air pollution, and the like. The nasal cavity, mouth, and throat are common places for holding these infectious agents that may cause allergic reactions and other ill consequences. 
     The most effective way to combat those infectious agents is to upkeep personal hygiene by irrigating the mucus from the nasal cavity and throat. Spray bottles devices have often been used for irrigating the mucus from the nasal cavity. Such devices, however, have several drawbacks. Many of these drawbacks are due to the fact that the user applies an unregulated force to squeeze the spray bottle, thus making the amount of fluid or dosage of spray administered to the nose not precisely determinable. Also, the uncontrolled force being applied would cause problems in damaging sensitive nasal membranes due to too much force being applied, or even a messy back flow of fluid and possibly nasal mucous onto the user. Furthermore, the spray bottle devices do not remove lingering mucus located within the mouth and throat. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for providing relief to the nasal cavity, mouth, and throat. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a mucus cleansing kit is presented. The kit includes a container lid, at least one or more packets of dry saline, and a spoon for mixing the dry saline from the at least one or more packets with water to produce a saline solution. Also, the kit includes a pot for holding the saline solution, wherein the saline solution from the pot is poured into a nostril of a user cleansing a nasal cavity of mucus. Further, the kit includes at least one or more packets of dry salt. The spoon is used for mixing the dry salt from the at least one or more packets with water to produce a salt solution. The salt solution is poured into the mouth of the user cleansing a mouth and throat of mucus. The kit includes a container for collecting the saline solution, salt solution, and mucus. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of cleansing mucus is presented. The method includes removing mucus from a nasal cavity by pouring a saline solution into a nostril of a user. The method also includes removing mucus from a mouth and throat by pouring a salt solution into a mouth of the user. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for cleansing mucus with a kit is presented. The cleansing kit includes at least one or more packets of dry saline, a pot, a spoon, a container, and a container lid. The method includes mixing the at least one or more packets of dry saline and water with the spoon. Furthermore, the method includes inserting a spout of the pot into a first nostril of the user and rotating the head of the user so that the first nostril with the spout is above a second nostril. The method also includes placing the container under the second nostril and pouring the saline solution into the first nostril of the user, wherein the saline solution and the mucus empties out of the second nostril into the container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary pot used for mixing and pouring solutions into a nostril of a user in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an exemplary side view of a pot for pouring solutions into a nostril of a user in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an exemplary container used for collecting solutions and other materials from a nostril in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an exemplary container lid used for mixing solutions in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary spoon used for mixing solutions in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates exemplary pre-mixed saline and salt dry ingredient packages in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary portable sinus cleansing kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is an example of an initial step for using a portable sinus cleansing kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6B  is an example of the next step for using a portable sinus cleansing kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     This invention generally relates to providing relief. More specifically, the invention is a portable sinus and throat cleansing system and method for removing unwanted bacteria from the nostrils, mouth, and throat of a user. The system and method provide the user with a clean way to remove mucus from the nostrils, mouth, and throat. Furthermore, the present invention is a self-enclosing kit capable of holding each item used to cleanse mucus allowing portability of the kit. 
     Those skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that the present invention is also applicable to other mucus producing membranes. The following first provides a description of each of the individual components of the kit. Next, the portable cleansing kit will be described. Then a description of the cleansing method will be described. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same result. 
     To provide a context for describing embodiments of the invention, the cleansing kit includes at least one or more packets of dry saline, a pot, a spoon, a container, and a container lid.  FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary pot  12  used for mixing and pouring solutions into a nostril of a user in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the pot  12  is for illustrative purposes and may come in a wide variety of shapes and forms. In this embodiment, the pot  12  includes a main body  12   a.    
     On the top portion of the pot  12  is an opening  12   b . Generally, the opening  12   b  of the pot  12  includes a lid so that liquid will not spill out. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lid can tightly seal the opening  12   b  of the pot  12  in order to prevent any liquid or solution from coming out. Alternatively, the lid can be loosely attached to the opening  12   b  of the pot  12 . In another embodiment, the pot  12  does not contain a lid to cover the opening  12   b . In yet another embodiment, the lid allows liquids and other substances to enter through the opening  12   b  of the pot  12  without letting the liquid or substances exit though the opening  12   b  of the pot  12 . One skilled in the art would appreciate that there are many different combinations for combining a lid to the opening  12   b  of the pot  12 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 1A , the pot  12  also includes a spout  12   c . Through the spout  12   c  of the pot  12 , liquid or solution may funnel through the opening of the spout  12   d . As will be described later, the opening of the spout  12   d  includes a portion that creates a tight seal between the user&#39;s nostril and the pot  12 . 
     The pot  12  also contains a handle  12   e . As shown, the handle includes a circular portion with a hole in it in order for the user to easily hold the pot  12 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the handle  12   e  of the pot  12  includes texture giving the user better grip of the pot  12 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the handle  12   e  of the pot  12  includes a rough material to give the user better grip of the pot  12 . 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates an exemplary side view of a pot  12  for pouring solutions into a nostril of a user in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Similar to  FIG. 1A , the side view of the pot  12  in  FIG. 1B  includes a main body  12   a , an opening  12   b , a spout  12   c , an opening of the spout  12   d , and a handle  12   e . In one embodiment of the invention, the pot  12  has a length of 2¼ inches, a height of 2 inches, and a spout opening  12   d  of ⅛ of an inch. This allows for the user to pour solutions within the pot  12  into the nose without having the spout  12   c  inserted too far into the nose. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the measurements can be changed depending on the user&#39;s preferences and their physical features. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2A , an exemplary container  14  used for collecting solutions and other materials from a nostril in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is presented. The container  14  includes a v-shaped recessed lip  14   b . The v-shaped recessed lip  14   b  allows for collection of mucus and liquids. One skilled in the art would appreciate that there are different types of lips  14   b  that can be placed onto a container  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , typical dimensions of the container  14  include 8½ inches for the diameter, 6½ inches for height, and ¾ inches from the top of the container  14  to the lip  14   b  of the container  14 . One skilled in the art would appreciate that these dimensions are exemplary. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the container  14  may come in a variety of shapes and is not limited to a cylinder. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2B , an exemplary container lid  14   a  used for mixing solutions in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is presented. The container lid  14   a  can be attached to the container  14  through various ways. In one embodiment of the invention, the container lid  14   a  includes a set of corkscrew engravings on the inside, while the container  14  includes an opposite set of corkscrew engravings on the outside. When the container lid  14   a  is screwed onto the container  14 , the container lid  14   a  and the container  14  create a tight seal and can hold items within it. In one embodiment, the items for cleansing the mucus are held within the container lid  14   a  and container  14 . One skilled in the art would appreciate that there are many ways of attaching the container lid  14   a  to the container  14 . 
     As shown in this embodiment, the container lid  14   a  has a height of 4 inches and has a diameter of 11¼ inches. Typically, the container lid  14   a  can come in many dimensions, forms, and shapes depending on the size of the items to be placed within the container  14  and the container lid  14   a.    
     On the side of the container lid  14   a  are a number of measurement guides for displaying the amount of liquid or solution inside the container lid  14   a . The container lid  14   a  includes an 8 oz. marker  14   c  printed on the outside of the container lid  14   a . Typically, the 8 oz. marker  14   c  is used for making a salt solution. Further, the container lid  14   a  includes a 4 oz. marker  14   d  printed on the outside of the container lid  14   a . Generally, the 4 oz. marker  14   d  is used for making the saline solution. Although only two markers  14   c   14   d  are shown, one skilled in the art would appreciate that there can be any number of markers indicating any amounts of liquid outside the container lid  14   a.    
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary spoon  16  used for mixing solutions in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dimensions of the spoon  16  is ¾ inch wide by 4½ inches high. The spoon  16  can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The spoon  16  can also be composed of different elements including metal, plastic, or the like. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , exemplary pre-mixed saline  18   a  and salt  18   b  dry ingredient packets in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention are presented. In one embodiment of the present invention, 40 pre-mixed saline dry ingredient packets  18   a  and 40 pre-mixed salt dry ingredient packets  18   b  are included. One skilled in the art, however, would appreciate that any number of saline  18   a  or salt  18   b  packets can be included within the present invention. 
     Typically, the active ingredients in each pack of saline  18   a  include 700 mg of sodium bicarbonate and 2300 mg of sodium chloride, while the active ingredients in each pack of salt  18   b  include 590 mg of sodium chloride and 2 mg of calcium silicate. Generally, no inactive ingredients exist either in the saline  18   a  or salt  18   b  packets. 
     When the dry saline  18   a  or salt  18   b  is mixed with water, the saline and salt solutions provides temporary relief of symptoms associated with soar throat, sinusitis, common cold, influenza, or allergies. The solutions also reduce sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and post nasal drip. By breaking down the mucus, the solutions aid the nasal and sinus drainage. Furthermore, the solutions relieve sinus pressure and soothes soar throat by reducing the swelling of the throat and nasal membranes. 
     The process of using the salt and saline solutions is a drug free system that uses natural ingredients. The solutions aid in the body&#39;s natural defense in the battle against foreign elements entering into the body&#39;s respiratory system and lungs. Because of this reason, the solutions can be used as often as needed. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary portable sinus cleansing kit  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The container  14  and the container lid  14   a  house each of the above mentioned components of the kit  10  including the pot  12 , the spoon  16 , and the saline  18   a  and salt  18   b  packets. Because of the container  14  and container lid  14   a  packaging, the kit is portable and convenient for the user. 
     The method of using the portable sinus and throat cleansing kit  10  includes removing mucus from a nasal cavity by pouring a saline solution into a nostril of a user and removing mucus from a throat by pouring a salt solution into a mouth of the user. For a nasal cavity wash, the user empties the contents of one dry saline ingredient packet  18   a  into the pot  12 . Typically, the user will start with ½ a packet  18   a  per pot  12 . One skilled in the art would appreciate that the more saline packets  18   a  used, the higher the concentration of the saline. 
     In turn, the user fills the container lid  14   a  to a marked line on the lid  14   a  with lukewarm water depending on the amount of dry saline  18   a  placed into the pot  12  and the desired concentration. Typically, the user will add 4 oz. of water for every half packet of dry saline  18   a  used, which corresponds to the 4 oz. marker  14   d  on the container lid  14   a . When the user empties a complete packet of dry saline  18   a , 8 oz. of water should be used, which corresponds to the 8 oz marker  14   c  on the container lid  14   a . The water should be lukewarm to dissolve the dry saline  18   a . Alternatively, the pot  12  can be heated with the water inside. Further, the container lid  14   a  can be microwave safe so that the water can be heated in the microwave. One skilled in the art would appreciate that there are many ways to heat the water. 
     The user then stirs or mixes the water with the spoon  16  to dissolve the dry saline  18   a . The user continues to stir thoroughly until the dry saline  18   a  has completely dissolved. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6A , an initial step for using a portable sinus cleansing kit  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is presented. As shown, the user leans over their head with their nose  22  bent down. The user then holds the pot  12  in their left hand and gently inserts the end of the spout  12   c  of the pot  12  with the saline solution  20  into the left nostril  22   a  so that it forms a comfortable seal. 
     The user then places the v-shaped recessed lip  14   b  of the container  14  against the right nostril  22   b  using their right hand. This creates a seal between the lip  14   b  of the container  14  and the right nostril  22   b . This prevents the solution and mucus from running down the cheeks and onto clothing. Typically, the user should breathe with their mouth open in order to breathe properly. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 6B , an example of the next step for using a portable sinus cleansing kit  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is presented. As shown, the user rotates their head so that the left nostril  22   a  is above the right nostril  22   b . During this process, the forehead should remain higher than the chin. 
     Next, the user raises the handle of the pot  12  so that the solution  20  enters the left nostril  22   a . Solution  20  will begin to drain out of the right nostril  22   b  and into the container  14 . Typically, the user does not inhale or snort the solution  20  into the nose and the user should continue to breathe out of their mouth. When the pot  12  is empty, the user exhales through both the left nostril  22   a  and the right nostril  22   b  to clear them of excess mucus and solution  20 . The mucus and the saline solution  20  can be placed in the container  14 . In addition, the user can blow their nose  22  with a tissue. This procedure should be repeated on either side to thoroughly clean the nasal cavity. After the user completes cleaning the nasal cavity, the user should clean all parts of the kit  10  after each use. 
     After removing mucus and other irritants from the nasal cavity, the user removes mucus from their mouth and throat. Inflammation can still exist even though the nasal cavity has been cleaned out. The mouth is the most common route of entry for organisms other than the nose that cause cold and flu symptoms. As such, the kit  10  can also be used to cleanse the mouth and throat of the user 
     To cleanse the mouth and throat of the user, the user fills the container lid  14   a  with lukewarm water. In one embodiment of the present invention, the container lid  14   a  is filled up to the 8 oz mark with water. The user then empties half the dry salt packet  18   b  into the container lid  14   a . The user stirs the contents of the container lid  14   a  with a spoon  16  until the contents have been completely dissolved forming the salt solution. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the concentration of the salt solution depends on the amount of salt and the amount of water. 
     To remove mucus or any other irritants in the mouth and throat, the user pours the salt solution into their mouth. The user slides the salt solution quickly over their tongue. In turn, the user throws their head back and lets the solution rest inside the mouth right above the epiglottis. Typically, the user will gargle the salt solution for about 45 sections. The user can then discharge the solution into the container  14 . Alternatively, the user can discharge the solution into a sink. In general, the user will gargle the salt solution three times a day to flush away the unwanted mucus, bacteria, and other viruses of the throat. 
     The user can repeat the steps for cleaning out the nasal cavity and the mouth and throat as many times as they desire. After the user is finished, the user cleans the kit  10  and easily packs it away. 
     While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept.