NASAL CAVITY FILTER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a nasal cavity filter.

More specifically, the filter according to the present invention is disposable, and provides mainly for protecting the respiratory tracts from atmospheric pollution. BACKGROUND ART

As is known, concern has repeatedly been expressed regarding the harmful effects of air pollution, of which concentrations of sulphur dioxide and fine powder in industry and transport, and pollution by carbon monoxide, ozone, and benzene are among the major threats to human health.

Scientific research leaves no doubt as to the close relationship between the concentration of these pollutants in air and the occurrence of respiratory diseases .

At present, the market offers no comfortable, easy- to-use products designed to combat or at least partly solve the problem.

DISCLOSURES OF INVENTION

.It is an object of the present invention to provide a device designed to prevent inhalation of harmful particles present in air. According to the present invention, there is provided a nasal cavity filter as claimed in the accompanying Claims .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A non-limiting embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a view in perspective of a preferred embodiment of a device comprising two filters in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a further view in perspective of the Figure 1 device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 in Figures 1 and 2 indicates as a whole a nasal cavity filter device comprising two filters 2 in accordance with the present invention; and a connecting member 3 positioned, in use, in front of the nasal septum. Each filter 2 is housed, in use, inside a respective nostril, and connecting member 3 serves to prevent overly forceful insertion of filters 2 inside the nostrils, and easy withdrawal of filters 2 from the nostrils .

Each filter 2 comprises a supporting wall 4, which is truncated-cone-shaped to adapt to the nasal cavity,

and an inner surface 5 of which defines a through cavity 6, through which the air inhaled and exhaled by the user flows in use.

Each filter 2 comprises a number of fins 7 extending from inner surface 5 of supporting wall 4 and housed longitudinally inside cavity 6. More specifically, each filter 2 comprises a first group of four fins 7a joined in the form of a cross and located close to a large- diameter opening 6a of cavity 6; and a second group of four fins 7b, which are separate and converge with one another, are offset 45° with respect to the group of fins 7a, and are located close to a small-diameter opening 6b of cavity 6. A shoulder 8 is formed on inner surface 5, between the first group of fins 7a and the second group of fins 7b, and facing the large-diameter opening βa.

A number of surfaces are thus formed inside cavity 6, which generate turbulence in the inhaled airflow and, hence, an extensive impact area of the inhaled air on the surfaces . Fins 7 are preferably molded from polymer material in one piece with supporting wall 4.

Supporting wall 4 and fins 7 are made of soft material, such as latex, alimentary silicone or medical silicone, and are optionally covered with outer material, such as paper, rubber-coated paper, silk, cotton, sponge, teased silk, or hypoallergenic plastic. Supporting wall 4 is of soft consistency to adhere perfectly to the nasal cavity and so ensure perfect sealing and firm seating,

unaffected by inhalation and exhalation, inside the nasal cavity.

Supporting wall 4 is designed to adapt to the nasal pyramid with no impairment in operation of the sebaceous glands, or in respiratory, olfactory or phonatory functions .

All the surfaces inside cavity 6 are preferably coated with water-base gel. In a further preferred embodiment, the gel is charged electrostatically, so that particles in the inhaled air are retained by viscosity as well as electrostatically.

The water-base gel may comprise one or more excipients from the group comprising: thymol, essential oils of various woods, essential oil of myristica, white Vaseline, lanolin, hydrogenated fatty acid triglycerides, glycerine, polyethylene glycols, and starch; and one or more active principles from the group comprising: camphor, essential oil of turpentine, menthol, essential oil of eucalyptus, kaolin, and bentonite. In one particular embodiment, the filter according to the present invention may comprise a transverse filter comprising absorbent materials, such as active carbon, to more effectively retain gas-carried aerosol substances.

As will be clear from the above description, the device according to the present invention is highly straightforward and reliable, by combining the formation of turbulence in the inhaled air with an extensive impact area of the inhaled air on the particle retaining

surfaces .

The electrostatic gel, in particular, provides for effective particle retention by combining the electrostatic effect and viscosity of the gel. Clearly, the materials and designs, particularly of fins 7, may differ from those described, provided they ensure turbulent airflow through cavity 6 and particle retention performance in accordance with the present invention. It should be pointed out that, in addition to pollution protection, the filter according to the present invention may also be used for medical and surgical purposes, by also employing homeopathic and/or allopathic substances .