NZ585887A - Disposable nasal plug for absorbing excess nasal fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for absorbing excess nasal fluid is disclosed. The device, made from a unitary piece of absorbent material, comprises a body, a stop, and a pair of absorbent pads. The body comprises a pair of prongs where each prong is for positioning in a users nasal passage and the stop prevents further insertion of the prongs into the nasal passages. One of the pair of absorbent pads is positioned on each prong and configured to exert a gentle pressure upon the Kiesselbach's area of the nasal mucosa and absorb excess nasal fluid from the nasal passage.

Description

Received at IPONZ 8/12/2010 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION DISPOSABLE NASAL PLUG I Phillipa Scott, a New Zealand citizen of 28 McMaster Road, Saddle Hill, RD1, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: Received at IPONZ 8/12/2010 DISPOSABLE NASAL PLUG TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a disposable nasal plug. In particular, the present invention relates to a disposable nasal plug for treating excess nasal fluid generally mucus in the event of a runny nose or of blood occurring with a nosebleed. No prior training is required to use the device in the situation of a runny or bleeding nose, which enables the sufferer to safely continue any prior activity with no further distraction or danger.

BACKGROUND ART Excess nasal fluid such mucus or blood caused by either a runny or bleeding nose is a medical problem almost universally suffered. Even though the runny and bleeding nose are not usually severe enough to warrant medical attention, no simple, safe and convenient standard method 15 has previously existed for controlling either 'runny nose' or 'bleeding nose' in any first aid situation. There are many variable examples of treatments for the issue; in the case of a runny nose: tissues to wipe away excess mucus, nasal sprays to help temporarily control the excess mucus and Vaseline type ointments to sooth the dry red skin under the nasal cavity are a few known home-remedy treatments used to temporarily treat the excess fluid and its effects. In the 20 case of a nosebleed, typical home remedies include the tilting back of the head, application of cold compresses to the neck, forehead or other areas around the nose, or manual attempts to compress the nostrils to control the flow of the blood. In the situation of home remedy treatments concerning a runny nose, most prove insufficient in controlling the distraction and discomfort resulting from 'sniffing' and awareness of the excess fluid, as well as the resulting dry 25 red skin underneath the nose. In the case of a "simple" or "common" nosebleed, the actual bleeding site corresponds to the location of a vascular plexus comprising a network of minute blood vessels and capillaries on the midline nasal partition or nasal septum. This vascular complex of the internal nose coverage's an area on the front part of the nasal septum and lies approximately within an inch inside of the nose as measured from the nostril. Approximately 90 30 percent of all nosebleeds occur within this region. This anatomically significant vascular plexus is commonly referred to as the Kiesselbach's Area or plexus (indicated by arrow 1 on Figure 1) and it is from this vascular plexus that the great majority of nosebleeds originate. While more complicated or severe nosebleeds should be treated by trained medical practitioners through the use of specialized medical equipment and techniques such as nasal packing, no quickly 2 Received at IPONZ 8/12/2010 effective, reliable methodology or instrument, which allows the sufferer to continue any activity safely and with no further distraction, currently exist for the treatment of the common nosebleed by the medically untrained layman since present first aid measures and home remedies do not reach the source of bleeding internally of the nose as referred to above.

In spite of the general lack of efficiency associated with prior home or first aid treatment for excess nasal fluid, there has been no lack of effort or imagination in prior attempts to deal with the problem. A patented example of a simple prior device intended to control excess nasal fluid in specific to that of a nosebleed is disclosed by Herman J Hohauser in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,756, this patent describing a nose bleed clip is composed of a U- shaped metal or plastic 10 clip which holds cotton pads on the ends of each tip to be inserted into the nasal cavity and exert force directly upon the mucosa from which common nose bleeds typically originate. However the structure of the patented device could prove fatally dangerous in the case of continuing any physical activity as the plastic and or metal prongs inserted in the nose pushed with any great force as a result of physical activity, could dismiss the devices stop function and 15 force the device further into the nasal passage resulting in serious injury. The structure is also not very discreet and may cause further distraction due to the extent of which it extends outside of the nasal passage. While the device superficially resembles at least one embodiment of the present invention the patent is not as efficient in safely solving the given problem without causing distraction or danger. Nor does it address the total issue of excess nasal fluid, being 20 specific to the treatment of a bleeding nose.

Surgical packs and similar nasal hemostats are described in a number of prior patents, these prior devices requiring use by experienced medical personnel. As examples, Stevens in U.S. Pat No. 2,179,964; McMillan in U.S. Pat. No. 2,215,126; Fortay in U.S. Pat. No. 3,420,237; and Kriwkowitsch in U.S. Pat. No. 3,049, 125 describe nose packs and methodology for treating 25 severe epistaxis. Kriwkowitsch in particular describes an inflatable body adapted to be expanded into the nasal cavity for control of severe nasal hemorrhage, the device including a manometer bulb for inflation of the balloon-like body for maintaining pressure against a bleeding vessel. Gottschalk in U.S. Pat. No. 3,850,176, describes a self- retaining nasal tampon intended for controlling nasal hemorrhage and also including inflatable members for exerting pressure 30 against hemorrhaging nasal vessels. While these prior devices provide useful treatment modalities for severe nose bleed when administrated by medically trained personnel, the art has failed to provide a safe, simple and reliable means which is simple in use, inexpensive and effective in controlling excess nasal fluid and which can even be used even by the patient himself without prior training, providing little distraction or added danger in participating in any 35 activity.

The present invention provides for the first time a simple, inexpensive and effective device for controlling excess nasal fluid, that is safe to use in any activity, the device being sufficiently 3 Received at IPONZ 8/12/2010 inexpensive intended to be formed of a total fabric material such as cotton, and can be configured for disposable use, even a possibility of sustainable quality. Further, individuals lacking medical training can utilize the devices configured according to the present invention. It can even be safely and effectively used by the person himself (herself) suffering the excess 5 nasal fluid.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

It is another object of the present invention to provide devices for treatment of excess nasal fluid in preventing it from escaping the nasal passage, the device being completely absorbent.

It is a further object of the invention to provide simple, inexpensive and effective disposable devices which enable an untrained layman to treat excess nasal fluid and participate safely in any activity, as the total device is completely made of fabric and is prevented from exceeding a safe or necessary distance inside the nasal cavity due to the base of the U-shaped structure.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide simple reliable devices, which can be used by 15 an untrained layman either on himself or on another with minimum instruction as to the effective use of the devices, the devices being of a size and cost which allows ready and common provision thereof in first aid kits and medicine cabinets so that the devices will be readily available for immediate treatment of an individual suffering from excess nasal fluid from runny or bleeding noses.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide devices for controlling runny noses and simple nosebleeds wherein the devices can be configured in sizes adequate for use in children and adults and which can be packaged in airtight casings, thus the devices being maintained in an antiseptically clean environment and kept readily available for emergency use.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby 25 incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the 30 common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 4 Received at IPONZ 8/12/2010 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides one basic embodiment a device for controlling those common forms of excess nasal fluid, which do not require medical attention. In particular the present 5 device can be utilized by untrained individuals for the majority of simple runny or bleeding noses encountered in daily situations and which typically involve common cold or virus among other health issues in consideration of a runny nose or minor direct nasal injury from a blow to the nose, respiratory infections, low humidity, sneezing, nasal drug abuse, hypertension, persons using a variety of blood thinners and the picking of the nose as well as those forms of sudden, 10 unexplained and spontaneous bleeding nose in the second form of excess nasal fluid of which these represent approximately 70 percent.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for absorbing excess nasal fluid, comprising: • a body comprising a pair of prongs, each prong configured to be positioned in a users nasal passage; • a pair of absorbent pads, each pad positioned on each prong and configured to absorb excess nasal fluid from the nasal passage wherein the body also comprises a stop configured to prevent further insertion of the prongs 20 into the nasal passages.

The preferred embodiment of the device involve a total fabricated U-form, composed ideally from compressed cotton and functions in the same way as a women's tampon to absorb excess fluid. The two prongs of the body are inserted into the nasal passage in which they come in contact with that portion of the nasal mucosa on the midline nasal septum which the 25 overwhelming majority of nose bleeds originate. These prongs are configured to safely and painlessly reach and contact this portion of the nasal mucosa lying approximately three-quarter to one inch inside the nose on the nasal septum.

Ideally the device will be available in various sizes of which one-inch would be the longest that these prongs would stretch to avoid extending past this safe distance. Because the device is 30 configured to expand when in contact with fluid this gentle pressure will help to stop the nose bleed and prevent the fluid from escaping the nasal cavity in any case of excess fluid and specific to a runny nose prevent or reduce the effect of dry, red, sore skin beneath the nasal cavity.

In a first embodiment of the invention the body is U-shaped, the bridge of the "U" acting as a 35 stop to prevent further insertion of the prongs of the device into the nasal passages. The pads are made from absorbent fabric such as cotton, with two parallel legs no more than one inch in Received at IPONZ 8/12/2010 length in the example of an average adult size, extending upward from a latitude base of the same material and because of expansion the beginning width on average of one centimeter squared in a round form narrowing to a rounded point due to the narrowing structure of the nostril. These average measurements will vary in size dependent on the nostril size of the user.

Preferably, the body also comprises a stabilising portion configured to stabilise the device on an external surface of the nose of a user when each prong is positioned in a nasal passage. More preferably, the stabilising portion is a pair of arms, each arm extending from the body at a position distal from a prong.

A complete fabric structure removes danger of damage to the nasal cavity due to the soft nature of the material, also compressed cotton allows for great absorbency and expansion that will be an asset in the aiding of nosebleeds by exerting a gentle pressure within the vascular plexus known as the Kisselbach's area. In which applying pressure works to control and stop the blood flow. In the event of a bleeding nose the upwards, parallel prongs of the device are inserted into 15 the nostrils and are thus caused to bias gently inwards towards the nasal septum to contact the nasal mucosa from which nose bleeds commonly originates. The base piece of the II' conjoining the two parallel pads prevents the parallel prongs from becoming stuck or extending past a safe or desired distance into the nostril. The two compressed cotton pads, which swell when in contact with fluid, prevent mucus from escaping the nasal passage and creating a painful dry 20 area of skin beneath the nose or prevent the area from getting worse. A substance such as a fragrance; lotion; ointment; cream; medicament; or any combination of the foregoing, such as Aloe Vera could also infused into the pads of the device to soothe this. The swelling of the two compressed cotton pads in the case of a 'common' nose bleed would swell to move towards each other and compress the nasal septum and thus exert gentle pressure sufficient to constrict 25 the blood vessels and therefore control bleeding from the most common site of common anterior nose bleed.

In the case of a runny nose that has already created a painful dry area of skin or has created other problems such as difficulty in sleeping additions to the device could include as stated before an aloe Vera or additional product to soothe the pain or a scent such as lavender or 30 chamomile proven to help people sleep. Another addition to the invention could be an extra two parallel prongs extending from the base which would contain a mild aloe Vera or hydrogen cream and would grip around the outside of the nose to help sooth prior painful red dry skin.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a medical kitset 35 comprising at least one device for absorbing excess nasal fluid, comprising: • a body comprising a pair of prongs, each prong configured to be positioned in a users nasal passage; 6 Received at IPONZ 8/12/2010 • a pair of absorbent pads, each pad positioned on each prong and configured to absorb excess nasal fluid from the nasal passage wherein the body also comprises a stop configured to prevent further insertion of the prongs into the nasal passages.

Thus preferred embodiments of the present invention have a number of advantages over the prior art including: • improved safety by preventing further insertion of the device into the nasal passages of a user; and • improved effectiveness in preventing excess fluid from escaping from the nasal passages of a user, both by absorbing the excess nasal fluid and by reducing secretion of excess fluid from the nasal mucosa by exerting gentle pressure on the Kisselbach's area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the human head with a section taken through the midline of the nasal partition to show the confluence of minute vessels constituting the vascular plexus from which the majority of simple nosebleeds originate; Figure 2 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a disposable nasal plug; Figure 3 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2 prior to be insertion of the prongs into the nasal passages of the nose of a user; Figure 4 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3; and Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a disposable nasal plug to be inserted into the nasal passages of the nose of a user.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Received at IPONZ 8/12/2010 In a preferred form of the invention a disposable nasal plug is generally indicated by arrow 1. Referring to Figures 2 to 4 the plug 1 comprises a body 2 comprising a base portion 3 and a pair of prongs 4 upstanding from the base portion 3. The body 2 thus forms a U-shape with the base portion 3 forming a stop to prevent configured to prevent further insertion of the 5 prongs into the nasal passages 110 of a nose 100 of a user after. Each prong 4 has an absorbent pad 5 positioned on it. Each pad 5 is configured to absorb excess nasal fluid from the nasal passages 110 of the nose 100 of the user.

The plug 1 is a complete unitary piece structure totally constructed out of an absorbent fabric in the form of compressed cotton. However a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the body 10 2 may be made of a different material to the pads 5 such as plastic, metal, or a renewable material such as compressed algae, starch or corn. The body 2 material may be coloured. The base 3 acts as a barrier preventing the plug from exceeding a safe distance (between 3A and 1 inch) into the nasal passage and also prevents the upstanding prongs 4 from becoming stuck acting as a means to remove the plug. The improved safety of the plug 1 allows the user the 15 user to wear the plug for extended time periods such as during sleep.

The unitary construction of the plug 1 allows the plug 1 to be manufactured relatively cheaply. The size of the plug 1 can be varied to suit infants, toddlers, children and small, medium and large adults. The simple construction also provides for ease of use in fitting and removing the plug 1 from the nasal passages 110 of a users nose 100.

The absorbent material of the pads 5 in the form of cotton is chosen as not to irritate the skin or nasal mucosa. However a person skilled in the art would appreciate other materials can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention such as polyester, polyacrylate rayon, carboxymethyl-cellulose, viscose rayon, sea sponges or other renewable material.

The upstanding prongs 4 become narrower to a point as they extend from the base 3. The 25 tapered profile of the prongs 4 allow the plug 1 to function without hitting or binding on the nasal collumella. The plug 1 is preferably packaged in an airtight plastic or foil package to keep the plug sanitary. Such a pre-packaged plug 1 can be kept in the home in the medicine cabinet, schools, hospitals or workplaces in first aid kits for the immediate treatment of a bleeding nose or continuous treatment of runny noses situation. When such an even does occur, the packet 30 can be readily opened and the plug 1 slipped into the nose 100 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The base 3 prevents the upward standing prongs 4 from becoming stuck or exceeding a safe distance within the nasal passage. Once the pads 5 are sufficiently disposed within the nostril 110 the absorbent material of the pads 5 will expand as it absorbs the excess fluid preventing it from further escaping the nasal passage 110. In the circumstance of a bleeding nose the gentle 35 pressure caused by the expansion of pads 5 against the nasal mucosa, will constrict the flow of the minute blood vessels and capillaries within the nasal mucosa to help cease the blood flow. 8 Received at IPONZ 8/12/2010 Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the disposable nasal plug with the addition of a stabilising portion in the form of a pair of arms 6, each arm 6 extending from the body 2 at a position distal from a prong 4 so that each arm 6 is configured to stabilise the plug 1 on an 5 external surface of the nose 100 of a user when each prong 4 is positioned in a nasal passage 110. The two extra upstanding arms 6 along with the base 3 and pads 5 could be infused with a substance such as a soothing natural lotion or calming scent such as Aloe Vera, chamomile or lavender in order to soothe the painful dry area of skin often resulting from a runny nose and or aid in the sleeping of the sufferer which is another consequence of the excess nasal fluid. The 10 substance could also be an ointment or a medicament. When the plug 1 is to be removed the nasal passages 110 in use it is simply pulled gently via the base 3 and the inserted prongs 4 and pads 5 being attached to said base 3 will respectively withdraw from the nose 100.

The pads are configured to contact the Kiesselbach's area of the nasal passages 110 (as 15 shown in Figure 1), this area being that region of the nasal mucosa from which the great majority of nose bleeds occur. The application of pressure created from the swelling fabric of the pads 5 is typically adequate to assist in the controlling of nosebleeds as well as preventing the excess fluid from escaping the nasal passage 110.

The device 1 has applications to participants of contact sports such as rugby, wrestling, boxing, hockey etc so that the participants can continue playing sports in safety. The device 1 could also have application to schools and hospitals and to users who find sleeping difficult due to a sore and/or running nose. In addition the device 1 could be used in beauty markets to prevent the red nose appearance as a result of soreness due to a running nose 100.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 9

Claims (7)

Received at IPONZ 21/07/2011 WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A device for absorbing excess nasal fluid, comprising: • a body comprising: o a pair of prongs, each prong configured to be positioned in a users nasal passage; and o a stop configured to prevent further insertion of the prongs into the nasal passages • a pair of absorbent pads, each pad positioned on each prong and configured to exert a gentle pressure upon the Kiesselbach's area of the nasal mucosa and absorb excess nasal fluid from the nasal passage wherein the device is made from a unitary piece of absorbent material.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body is U-shaped.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the pair of prongs are upstanding from a base portion of the body.

4. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the body also comprises a stabilising portion configured to stabilise the device on an external surface of the nose of a user when each prong is positioned in a nasal passage.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the stabilising portion is a pair of arms, each arm extending from the body at a position distal from a prong.

6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the pads are infused with a substance selected from the group consisting of: fragrance; lotion; ointment; cream; medicament; or any combination of the foregoing.

7. A device for absorbing excess nasal fluid substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to any one of Figures 2 to 5. Phillipa Scott By her Attorneys James & Wells Intellectual Property 10