NOSE CLEANING SYSTEM

Abstract

A nose cleaning system for personal care and hygiene for the nose includes a nose cleaner having a cleaning head that has a textured surface; a neck that is wider than the cleaning head; a gripping body that is of smaller circumference (or perimeter) than the neck, and ergonomically designed to sit well in the fingers; a handle base; and a cover that is connectable to the neck; and a foaming nose cleanser having a pH of about 6. The foaming nose cleanser includes water (90%); a mix of synthetic detergents (6%); humectants or moisture enhancers (1.5%), salt (1.5%); and additives (1%).

Claims

1. A nose cleaning system for personal care and hygiene for the nose, comprising: a nose cleaner having: a cleaning head that has a textured surface; a neck that is wider than the cleaning head; a gripping body that is of smaller circumference (or perimeter) than the neck, and ergonomically designed to sit well in fingers; a handle base; and a cover that is connectable to the neck; and a foaming nose cleanser having a pH of about 6, and comprising: water (90%); a mix of synthetic detergents (6%); humectants or moisture enhancers (1.5%); salt (1.5%); and additives (1%).

2. A method of using the nose cleaning system in claim 1, comprising the steps of: engaging the nasal elements in the anterior nasal cavity with the nose cleaner and foaming nose cleanser; rotating the cleaning head in the anterior nasal cavity to loosen the elements; and rinsing the anterior nasal cavity with water by cupping the hands to the nose.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of nose cleaner, and

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagonal angle view of the nose cleaner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] The above objects of the invention and the accompanying drawings of an embodiment of the invention to be read with the detailed description will better exemplify the various aspects and cleaning mechanism of the present invention. The nose cleaner device 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided for illustrative purposes.

[0014] The nose cleaner 10 in FIG. 1 is a unibody device composed of a cleaning head 22, a neck 31, gripping body 44, handle base 53 and cover 67. While the cleaning head 22 may have symmetrical and asymmetrical sides in the embodiment provided, the key features of the shape are the broad tip of the cleaning head and smooth outline of the structure that tapers to the neck 31 of the nose cleaner. Cleaning head 22 also presents with both concave and convex sides to facilitate removal of nasal elements. The stubby tip of the cleaning head 22 offers a secondary safety mechanism to the neck 31 by signaling to the user an endpoint much like a finger will when used for nose picking, allowing the user to palpate the point up in the nose at which cleaning is intended and will not cause harm to surrounding structures. The neck 31 offers the primary safety mechanism in acting as a stopper by preventing the device from being pushed way up the delicate nasal structures. The neck 31 is defined by a larger width than the cleaning head 22 at its widest and also larger circumference than the nostril of the intended user whether a child or an adult. The lightly textured outline of the cleaning head 22 is also designed with safety in mind and in particular consideration for the mucous membranes and inner walls of the nose, which are densely lined with delicate nerve endings susceptible to scratches and cuts.

[0015] In the same embodiment in FIG. 1, the gripping body 44 is smaller in circumference than the perimeter of the neck 31, and gradually flutes to the handle base 53 allowing for it to be held by fingers. As a handheld and manually operated device, ergonomic design of the gripping body 44 makes it easier for the fingers and wrist to maneuver the nose cleaner 10 in the nose without much effort or strain. The handle base 53, as presented in FIG. 1, has a spherical presentation that goes well with the angular neck 31 for horizontal storage or stability when placed on a flat surface. In other embodiments, neck 31 can have a rounded circumference and an angular handle base 53 to provide the same stability and prevent the nose cleaner from rolling when placed flat. Similarly, the handle base 53 can have an angular structure and a flat bottom, or a suction cup bottom for upright storage. The square cover 67 in the present embodiment fits on the neck of the device for convenient storage. The cover 67 complements the preferred design and shape of the neck 31 for proper fit.

[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, nose cleaner 10 has a unibody construction for ease of manufacture, use, storage and recycling. The nose cleaner 10 is designed to be used with a nose cleanser formulated at a pH of about 6 to ensure compatibility with the naturally slightly acidic environment of the nasal cavity. The nose cleanser is prepared as liquid, but proposed to be dispensed as foam for use in cleaning the nose through the action of a foaming pump. For this purpose, the inventors find the following formulation of the nose cleanser to produce a velvety foam and effective nose cleaning action: water (90%); synthetic detergents, particularly anionic and zwitterionic surfactants (6%); humectants or moisture enhancers (1.5%); salt (1.5%); and additives (1%) such as stabilizers, preservatives and fragrances. Fragrances and plant essential oils can be an added option in the formulation of the nose cleanser to impart a fresh scent among others.

[0017] In the present nose cleaning system, the nose cleanser foam is dispensed onto the cleaning head 22 of nose cleaner 10 for use in cleaning the anterior nasal cavity of elements. The cleaning head 22 is inserted in the nostril along with the nose cleanser foam. The neck 31 ensures that the cleaning head does not overreach and injure the sensitive structures up the nasal passage. The texture offered by the embossed surface 46 of the gripping body 44 allows for the nose cleaner to be maneuvered within the anterior nasal cavity through a circular or rotational motion with ease. The nasal elements are effectively loosened through the combination of the cleaning action of the foaming nose cleanser and the cleaning head 22. The foam and the cleaning head 22 are meant to capture or loosen the nasal elements. On contact with the anterior nasal cavity, some of the foam disintegrates as it cleans the nasal walls and can be easily rinsed away with tap water by cupping hands to the nose. After which, the nose cleaner can be cleaned using the same foaming cleanser and rinsed before storage.

[0018] The embossed surface 46 of the gripping body 44 can take on various patterns and shapes to create a roughened surface for better grip. In FIG. 2, the embossed surface 46 is shown to take the form of spherical textures lining the gripping body 44 horizontally. Likewise, the surface of the cleaning head 22 is shown to have an embossed texture 24 for superior cleaning action. This embossed texture 24 may be randomly situated or form a pattern on the entire surface of the cleaning head 22, providing a bit of non-irritating abrasiveness, similar to the texture offered by fibrous materials or cloth, critical to the cleaning action of the device. The embossed texture 24 is shown to take a circular shape in FIG. 2.

[0019] The foregoing descriptions of the embodiment present an exemplary illustration of the novelty and functionality of the nose cleaning system. Various interpretations and embodiments may be made of the principles and concepts of the described invention. Dimensions of the nose cleaner 10 and respective parts were not specified in account of anatomical size variations with age and gender. In the tests conducted by the inventors among adult subjects, for example, the cleaning head 22 of nose cleaner 10 finds a suitable proportion at a height of not more than 25 mm, and width of not more than 13 mm at its widest; the neck 31, wider than the width of the cleaning head, at 21 mm; the gripping body 44 at a height of 65 mm and width at 12 mm at its narrowest; and the spherical handle base 53 at 17 mm at its diameter; and with the cover 67 on, the nose cleaner measures at 100 mm in height. The described embodiment is not to be seen as a restrictive interpretation of the essence of the invention.