Patent Description:
Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a human nose <NUM> is shown. The human nose <NUM> comprises a tip (1a) located at the end of the nose and a bridge (1b) at the top of the nose between the eye sockets. A dorsum (1c) extends between the tip and the bridge. Nasal sidewalls (1d) are cartilaginous portions arranged on either side of the dorsum, anterior to the nasal bone.

It is known that compression, cooling and/or heating can provide a supporting and soothing effect to an injured nose. The compression, cooling and/or heating can also help to control inflammation and swelling of the injured nose.

Nosebleeds typically occur in an anteroinferior part of the nasal septum, medial to the nasal sidewalls (sometimes referred to as the Kiesselbach's plexus or in Little's area). It is commonly advised to apply a pinching pressure to the nose to stem the blood flow. There is also evidence that cooling and/or heating can help to promote the clotting of the blood.

Additionally, it has been found that compression, cooling and/or heating can benefit noses intra-operatively or post-operatively so as to control inflammation and swelling.

Devices may be utilised to compress an injured nose. However, current nose compressing devices are typically complex and comprise multiple parts. They are not self-holding and include complicated closure mechanisms that require manual adjustment to fit the nose. These manually adjustable closure mechanisms allow for user error and can lead to under tightening or over-tightening. The closure mechanisms can also increase the overall size, weight and cost of the devices. It has been found that the compressing effect provided by some devices is limited and has little beneficial effect. Certain other devices provide a pointed compressing effect over a limited surface area of the nose, and this prolonged point compression can lead to point necrosis damaging tissues in the nose. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose nose clamps of the prior art.

The present invention seeks to provide an alternative and improved nose clamp and method of mounting a nose clamp. The present invention also seeks to address the problems mentioned above.

The invention is defined in appended independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>, further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a nose clamp. The nose clamp comprises a resilient clamping body and a temperature altering body, wherein the resilient clamping body is configured to apply a compressing force so as to compress a user's nose and urge the temperature altering body into contact with the nose.

The resilient clamping body comprises a bridge extending between a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein each jaw comprises an outer wall, an inner wall and a folding joint between the outer wall and the inner wall such that the inner wall folds inwardly from a lower end of the outer wall. In use, the clamping body seats the nose clamp on the nasal sidewalls of the user's nose, anterior to the nasal bone. The bridge is configured to extend over the dorsum of a user's nose, and the jaws are configured to extend around the nasal sidewalls of the user's nose and engage with the temperature altering body.

The clamping body is resilient so as to allow for deformation from its original shape during the mounting on the user's nose and urge the nose clamp back into its original shape after deformation. Therefore, when mounted on a nose, the deformed jaws exert a compressing force, that has a clamping effect on the nasal sidewalls, as they seek to spring back to their original position.

The compressing force provided by the jaws is able to hold the temperature altering body in abutting contact against the nasal sidewalls so that the temperature altering body can provide a cooling and/or heating effect on the user's nose. The compressing force provided by the jaws is also sufficient to control (preferably minimise) inflammation and swelling of the user's nose and provide support. If the nose is bleeding, the compressing force acting on the nasal sidewalls is able to compress ruptured blood vessels and encourage clotting.

By using resilient jaws, the nose clamp is easy to operate, it is self-holding and self-adjusting to a user's nose. No manual adjustment mechanisms are necessary and user error is mitigated.

The inner walls of the jaws are inwardly folded from the lower end of the respective outer walls by the folding joints such that they extend in a return direction towards the bridge on the inner sides of the respective outer walls. The double walled jaw configuration provides additional resilience to enhance the compressing force of the clamping body. The folding joints act as resilient joints that allow the inner walls to flex independently of the respective outer walls, and this further augments the clamping effect.

Due to the double walled jaw configuration, the compressing force of the clamping body acts via the inner walls. The inner walls of the jaws are preferably configured to correspond to the shape of the respective nasal sidewalls. As a consequence, the fit of the nose clamp is improved and is more comfortable to wear for the user. Also, the compressing force of the clamping body is exerted via the inner wall more evenly and applied substantially across all the surface area of the nasal sidewalls of the user's nose. Hence, the risk of point necrosis is avoided. Additionally, the inner walls are able to urge the temperature altering body into improved abutting contact with the nasal sidewalls to achieve a more even cooling and/or heating effect and substantially across all the surface area of the nasal sidewalls.

In an embodiment, the resilient clamping body may be a one-piece body. As a one-piece clamping body, the bridge and jaws are integrally formed. As a result, the clamping body is a simple and compact design, and it can be manufactured easily with minimal waste and reduced weight in comparison to known nose clamps.

The clamping body may be made of either nylon or polypropylene, or any suitable resilient material.

The bridge may comprise a central region, a first haunch region and a second haunch region.

The first haunch region and second haunch region may curve inwardly from the central region. As a consequence, the rigidity and tension of the clamping body is improved, which in turn aids the compressing effect of the nose clamp.

In an embodiment, the clamping body may comprise at least one reinforcement ridge extending between the bridge and at least one of the jaws. The reinforcement ridge acts to increase the resilience of the clamping body and thereby improve the compressing effect of the nose clamp. The reinforcement ridge also improves the rigidity of the nose clamp to reduce stress at the joint between the bridge and the at least one jaw. As a consequence, the nose clamp can undergo increased operational cycles and so the life of the nose clamp is prolonged.

The bridge may comprise a front edge located proximal the tip of the user's nose in use, and a rear edge located distal the tip of the user's nose in use. Likewise, the outer and inner walls of each of the jaws may each comprise a front edge located proximal the tip of a nose in use and a rear edge located distal the tip of the user's nose in use.

In an embodiment, the front edge of the bridge may comprise a first recess and/or the rear edge of the bridge may comprise a second recess. The rear edges of the outer walls of the jaws may each comprise a recess. The recesses in the bridge and/or jaws reduce the overall weight of the clamping body. The recesses also help to improve the fit of the bridge or jaws by providing a more ergonomic design and avoid contact between the nose clamp and the user's nasal bone.

The front edges of the inner and outer walls of each of the jaws may be substantially perpendicular and/or flush.

The rear edges of the outer walls of the jaws may be inclined and/or curved. Preferably, the inclination and/or curving of the rear edges of the outer walls follow the contours of the user's face, therefore improving user comfort and avoiding contact between the nose clamp and the user's nasal bone.

At least a portion of the rear edges of the inner walls of the jaws may be inclined or inwardly curved. Preferably the inclined or inwardly curved portions follow the contours of the nasal sidewalls and further contribute to user comfort by avoiding contact between the nose clamp and the user's nasal bone.

The rear edge of the inner walls may be recessed from the rear edge of the outer walls. Advantageously, this provides a more ergonomic design, allowing the shape of the inner wall to follow the contours of the nasal sidewalls of the nose.

The temperature altering body is configured to provide a cooling, heating or an alternate cooling and heating effect on the nose, as desired.

In use, the temperature altering body is engaged by one or both inner walls of the jaws for placement against one or both of the nasal sidewalls. The cooling and/or heating effect on the nasal sidewalls of the nose can provide a soothing effect, control inflammation and swelling, and promote the clotting of blood from any ruptured blood vessels in the user's nose to help stop a nosebleed.

The temperature altering body may be separate from the clamping body and mountable on the user's nose such that it extends over the nasal sidewalls and is urged against the nose by the clamping body. The temperature altering body may be fixable to one or both jaws of the clamping body. Alternatively, the temperature altering body may be integrally formed with the jaws of the clamping body.

The temperature altering body may be a one-piece body fixable to the inner wall of one or both jaws. Alternatively, the temperature altering body may comprise a first pad fixable to the first inner wall and a second pad fixable to the second inner wall.

Also disclosed but not claimed is a method of clamping a user's nose using the nose clamp according to the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises:.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a kit of parts for a nose clamp, the kit comprising a clamping body and a temperature altering body according to the first aspect of the invention.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect reference shall now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Referring now to <FIG>, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a nose clamp. The nose clamp (N) comprises a resilient clamping body (C) and a temperature altering body (T). In use, the clamping body is configured to apply a compressing force to compress the user's nose and urge the temperature altering body into contact with the nose.

The nose clamp is suitable for use with injured noses, including nosebleeds, intra-operative noses or post-operative noses.

The nose clamp may be appropriately dimensioned for use on a human or animal nose.

<FIG> depict different embodiments of the nose clamp (N) where the resilient clamping body (C) comprises a bridge (<NUM>,<NUM>') extending between a first jaw (<NUM>,<NUM>') and a second jaw (<NUM>,<NUM>'). The bridge is configured to extend over the dorsum (1c) of the user's nose. The jaws are configured to extend around the nasal sidewalls (1d) of the nose and engage with the temperature altering device that is arranged between the clamping body and the nasal sidewalls. As such, the clamping body seats the nose clamp on the nasal sidewalls of the user's nose.

As depicted in the Figures, the resilient clamping body may be a one-piece body whereby the bridge and jaws are integrally formed. The resilient clamping body may be formed from any suitable resilient material, including for example, nylon or polypropylene.

The bridge comprises a central region, first haunch region and second haunch region.

The bridge may have an arc shape or any suitable shape to extend over the dorsum of a user's nose. The bridge may have a low or high profile arc shape. The bridge may be curved with a three centre point arc shape.

In a first embodiment of the clamping body depicted in <FIG>, the bridge (<NUM>) comprises a central region (<NUM>), first haunch region (<NUM>) and second haunch region (<NUM>) wherein the first and second haunch regions curve inwardly from the central region. The inward curve of the first and second haunch regions may range from <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

In a second embodiment of the clamping body depicted in <FIG> & <FIG>, the bridge (<NUM>') comprises a central region (<NUM>'), first haunch region (<NUM>') and second haunch region (<NUM>') wherein the first and second haunch regions curve downwardly from the central region. The downward curve of the first and second haunch regions may range from <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

To enhance the overall resilience of the clamping body and thereby the clamping effect, the jaws of the clamping body are doubl walled jaws. The first jaw comprises a first outer wall, a first inner wall and a first folding joint between the first outer wall and first inner wall. The second jaw comprises a second outer wall, a second inner wall and a second folding joint between the second outer wall and second inner wall. The folding joints are arranged between the lower ends of the outer walls and inner walls of the jaws. The inner walls are inwardly folded at the folding joints from the respective outer walls such they form a 'return wing' extending in a direction towards the bridge on the inner side of the outer walls.

As shown in the Figures, the folding joints may be a return bend in the jaw ranging from <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Alternatively, the folding joint may be any suitable joint to provide the folding effect between the outer walls and inner walls. The folding joints are resilient joints that allow the inner walls to flex independently of the respective outer walls.

In the first embodiment of the clamping body depicted in <FIG>, the first jaw (<NUM>) comprises a first outer wall (<NUM>), a first inner wall (<NUM>) and a first folding joint (<NUM>) between the first outer wall and first inner wall. The second jaw (<NUM>) comprises a second outer wall (<NUM>), a second inner wall (<NUM>) and a second folding joint (<NUM>) between the second outer wall and second inner wall. In the original position, the outer walls of the jaws are substantially straight and extend downwardly (generally perpendicularly) from the respective haunch regions (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the bridge. The folding joints are <NUM>° return bends arranged at the bottom of each jaw between the lower ends of the outer walls and inner walls. The inner walls are substantially straight. Due to the configuration of the <NUM>° return bends of the folding joints the inner walls return from the respective outer walls and extend in a direction upwardly towards the bridge, generally parallel to the respective outer walls.

In the second embodiment of the clamping body depicted in <FIG> & <FIG>, the first jaw (<NUM>') comprises a first outer wall (<NUM>'), a first inner wall (<NUM>') and a first folding joint (<NUM>') between the first outer wall and first inner wall. The second jaw (<NUM>') comprises a second outer wall (<NUM>'), a second inner wall (<NUM>') and a second folding joint (<NUM>') between the second outer wall and second inner wall. In the original position, the outer walls extend downwardly from the respective haunch regions (<NUM>', <NUM>') of the bridge with an inwardly curved profile. The folding joints are <NUM>° return bends arranged at the bottom of each jaw between the lower ends of the outer walls and inner walls. The inner walls are substantially straight. Due to the configuration of the <NUM>° return bends of the folding joints the inner walls return from the respective outer walls and extend upwardly towards the bridge, at an incline away from the inner side of the respective outer walls.

Due to the double walled jaws, the compressing force of the clamping body acts via the inner walls to compress the nasal sidewalls and urge the temperature altering body into contact with the nasal sidewalls. The inner walls are preferably configured to correspond to the shape of the nasal sidewalls so as to optimise indirect contact of the inner walls on the nasal sidewalls and direct contact of the temperature altering body on the nasal sidewalls. As a result, the inner walls are able to conform to the contours of the nasal sidewalls so that they are able to more evenly apply a compressing force over substantially all the surface area of the nasal sidewalls when the nose clamp is in use. Also, the inner walls enhance the abutting contact between the temperature altering body and the nasal sidewalls so that the cooling and/or heating effect is provided more evenly and substantially across all the surface area of the nasal sidewalls.

To augment the resilience of the clamping body, and thereby the compressing effect and lifespan of the nose clamp, the clamping body may comprise one or more reinforcement ridge. In the first embodiment of the clamping body depicted in <FIG>, the clamping body comprises a first reinforcement ridge (<NUM>) extending from the first haunch region (<NUM>) of the bridge along at least part of the first outer wall (<NUM>) of the first jaw and a second reinforcement ridge (<NUM>) extending from the second haunch region (<NUM>) of the bridge along at least part of the second outer wall (<NUM>) of the second jaw.

The inner walls of the jaws may comprise lips located distal from the respective folding joints. The lips are configured to aid the mounting of the nose clamp and user comfort by avoiding inner wall contact with the dorsum of the nose. As shown in the second embodiment of the clamping body depicted in <FIG> & <FIG>, the first inner wall (<NUM>') comprises a lip (<NUM>') and the second inner wall (<NUM>') comprises a lip (<NUM>'). These lips are located distal from the respective folding joints and bend towards the respective outer walls.

The bridge of the clamping body comprises a front edge located proximal the tip of the user's nose in use, and a rear edge located distal the tip of the user's nose in use. Likewise, the walls of each jaw each comprise a front edge located proximal the tip of the user's nose in use and a rear edge located distal the tip of the users nose in use.

One or more edges of the bridge and/or walls of the jaws may comprise a recesses to aid the fit of the clamping body on the user's nose and reduce the weight of the clamping body.

In the first embodiment of the clamping body depicted in <FIG>, the bridge (<NUM>) comprises a front edge (<NUM>) with a front recess (<NUM>) and a rear edge (<NUM>) with a rear recess (<NUM>). The front recess and rear recess are generally curved.

The front edges of the outer and inner walls of the jaws are preferably flush as shown in the embodiments depicted in <FIG>.

The rear edge of the outer walls and/or inner walls of the jaws may be inclined, curved and/or recessed to follow the contours of the user's face and nose, thereby improving the fit and comfort of the nose clamp.

In the first embodiment of the clamping body depicted in <FIG>, the first outer wall (<NUM>) comprises a rear edge (<NUM>), the first inner wall (<NUM>) comprises a rear edge (<NUM>), the second outer wall (<NUM>) comprises a rear edge (<NUM>) and the second inner wall comprises a rear edge (<NUM>). The rear edges of the outer walls are inclined such that they taper towards the lower end of the outer wall. The rear edges at the lower ends of both the outer wall and inner walls are radiused. The rear edge of the inner walls are recessed from the rear edge of the respective outer walls so as to follow the shape of the nasal sidewalls, thereby contributing towards user comfort and the clamping effect.

In the embodiment depicted in <FIG> & <FIG>, the first outer wall (<NUM>') comprises a rear edge (<NUM>') with a rear recess (<NUM>') and the second outer wall (<NUM>') comprises a rear edge (<NUM>') with a rear recess (<NUM>'). The recesses are mirror recesses and generally C shaped.

The nose clamp comprises a temperature altering body to provide a temperature altering effect on the nose. The temperature altering body may be selected to provide a cooling effect, heating effect or an alternate cooling and heating effect. Temperature altering technology for providing a cooling and/or heating effect is well known. For example, the temperature altering body may comprise hydrocolloid or any other suitable cooling gel material to provide a cooling effect. The temperature altering body may provide a heating effect using an exothermic oxidation or crystallisation. The temperature altering body may comprise a Peltier device to provide an alternating cooling and heating effect.

The temperature altering body may be disposable or reusable. The temperature altering body may be manually activated, for example by squeezing or shaking. The temperature altering body may be activated by the compressing force of the clamping body as the temperature altering body is urged into abutting contact with the nose.

The temperature altering body may a one piece elongate body separately mountable on the user's nose from the clamping body. This type of body may be configured to be initially placed over a user's nose and extend along the nasal sidewalls. The clamping body is then mounted to sit on the nasal sidewalls of the user's nose over the temperature altering body so as to urge the temperature altering body into abutting contact with the nasal sidewalls and provide a temperature altering effect.

The temperature altering body may be a one piece elongate body fixable to both the inner walls of the clamping body.

In the embodiment depicted in <FIG> & <FIG>, the temperature altering body is a one piece elongate cooling pack (<NUM>) comprising menthol infused hydrocolloid on a mesh backing. The cooling pack comprises a first portion (<NUM>) coupled to an inner surface of the first inner wall (<NUM>) of the first jaw, a second portion (<NUM>) coupled to an inner surface of the second inner wall (<NUM>) of the second jaw, and a third portion (<NUM>) forming a central loop between the first portion and second portion.

The first and second portions are configured to correspond to the shape of the inner walls, and thereby the shape of the nasal sidewalls. Hence, when the nose clamp is seated on the nasal sidewalls as shown in <FIG> & <FIG> and the compressing force of the inner walls of the clamping body urge the cooling pack towards the nose, contact with the nasal sidewalls is optimised and an even cooling effect substantially across the surface area of the nasal sidewalls is achieved.

The first and second portions may be permanently adhered to the inner walls using adhesive or any other suitable permanent fixing. Alternatively, the first and second portion may be removably attached to the inner walls using any suitable removable fixing.

The temperature altering body may comprise two pieces fixable to the respective inner walls of the clamping body.

In the embodiment depicted in <FIG> & <FIG>, the temperature altering body is a two piece cooling pack (<NUM>') comprising a first cooling member (<NUM>') coupled to the inner surface of the first inner wall (<NUM>) of the first jaw, a second cooling member (<NUM>') coupled to the inner surface of the second inner wall (<NUM>) of the second jaw.

The first and second cooling members (<NUM>', <NUM>') are configured to correspond to the shape of the inner walls, and thereby the shape of the nasal sidewalls. Therefore, when the nose clamp is seated on the nasal sidewalls of the user's nose and the compressing force of the inner walls of the clamping body urge the cooling pack members towards the nose, contact with the nasal sidewalls is optimised and an even cooling effect substantially across the surface area of the nasal sidewalls is achieved.

The first and second cooling members may be permanently adhered or removably attached to the inner walls.

Alternatively, the temperature altering body may be integrally formed in the inner walls of the clamping body. For example, the inner walls may comprise a cooling material, heating material, or a Peltier device to achieve the desired effect.

Also disclosed is a method of mounting the nose clamp on a user's nose.

In order to mount the nose clamp onto a user's nose, the first jaw and the second jaw of the clamping body are separated further apart, the clamping body is then positioned over the user's nose such that the bridge extends over the dorsum of the user's nose and the first inner wall and the second inner wall are located adjacent the nasal sidewalls of the user's nose. The jaws are then released such that the first inner wall (<NUM>, <NUM>') and the second inner wall (<NUM>, <NUM>') exerts a compressive force compressing the nasal sidewalls 1d of the user's nose and urging the temperature altering body against the nasal sidewalls. The clamping body exerts a compressive force on the nasal sidewalls and temperature altering device by virtue of the resilience of the clamping body.

The clamping body is configured to apply a compressing force that is sufficient to provide a supporting effect, control inflammation and swelling, and when necessary, compress blood vessels to stem a nosebleed.

The cooling and/or heating effect provided by the temperature altering body on the nasal sidewalls of the nose also provides a soothing effect, and can control inflammation and swelling. The cooling and/or heating has been found to cause vasoconstriction which increases the rate at which blood clots and help reduce the time for a nosebleed to stop.

If the temperature altering body is fixable to the clamping body, then the method further comprises fixing the temperature altering body to the first and second inner walls of the jaws. Alternatively, if the temperature altering body is separate from the clamping body, then the method further comprises arranging the temperature altering body over the user nose and along the nasal sidewalls prior to seating the clamping body on the nasal sidewalls.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a kit of part to form the nose clamp. The kit comprises the clamping body and the temperature altering body as described above.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to therein, and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain", and any variations of the words, means "including but not limited to" and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other features, elements, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise.

Claim 1:
A nose clamp comprising a resilient clamping body and a temperature altering body to provide a temperature altering effect on a user's nose, the clamping body comprising:
a bridge (<NUM>) to extend over a dorsum of a user's nose; and
a first jaw (<NUM>) and a second jaw (<NUM>) to extend from the bridge (<NUM>) along respective nasal sidewalls of the user's nose so as to apply a compressing force to compress the nasal sidewalls of a user's nose and urge the temperature altering body into contact with the nasal sidewalls;
wherein each jaw (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises an outer wall (<NUM>, <NUM>), an inner wall (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a resilient folding joint (<NUM>, <NUM>) between the outer wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the inner wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) to fold the inner wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) inwardly from the outer wall (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the shape of the inner wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) of each jaw (<NUM>, <NUM>) corresponds to the shape of the respective nasal sidewall.