Claims:1. A respiratory plug (102) for insertion in a user’s nasal cavity to prevent particulates from entering into a human’s respiratory system, the respiratory plug (102) comprising:
a structure (202) comprising a left nasal plug (204) and a right nasal plug (206), wherein the structure (202) is an outer most part of the respiratory plug (102) that makes a contact with an inner nasal cavity of a human;
a connector (208) flexible and connecting the left nasal plug (204) and the right nasal plug (206);
a locking mechanism (210) capable of holding a part to a center ridge of the respiratory plug (102); and
a filtration media (212), coupled with the structure (202), for preventing particulates from entering into a respiratory system of the human.

2. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure (202) further comprises a flexible structure (302) and a rigid structure (304), wherein the flexible structure (302) is adapted to bend in order to accommodate the inner nasal cavity without creating any space for air leakage, and wherein the rigid structure (304), deployed adjacent to the connector (208) and the locking mechanism (210), facilitates to control direction of flow of air.

3. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the respiratory plug (102), fixation is achieved from the force exerted by the flexible structure (302) trying to regain its shape and locking mechanism (210) holding the respiratory plug (102) in case of sneezing and also diverts the flow of air to entering into the nasal cavity.

4. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a sealing means (402), coupled with the structure (202), to prevent leakage of air during breathing.

5. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure (202) comprises at least one of a multilayer filtration mechanism (502), a hinge mechanism (504), and a helix mechanism (506).

6. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hinge mechanism (504) comprises a hinge (504-1) is extended to a closed position, during inhaling, thereby allowing the air to flow through the filtration media (212), and wherein the hinge (504-1) is collapsed to an open position during exhaling, thereby allowing the air to bypass the filtration media (212).

7. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the helix mechanism (506) comprises an inner helix (506-1) and an outer structure (506-2), and wherein the helix mechanism (506) facilitates to control the flow of air in a specific direction, wherein the filtration media (212) in form of adhesive or ointment is dispersed along the inner helix (506-1).

8. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filtration media (212) for disposable or reuse is made of a woven material or a non-woven material, with or without surface modification, specialized material for medical treatment.

9. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure (202) provides shape to the nasal cavity, flexibly conforms the part in the nasal cavity and forms a base for the filtration media (212).

10. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure (202) or the filtration media (212) comprises a coating or at least one of Nitinol and metal strips.

11. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 1 where in the structure (202), the connector (208), and the locking mechanism (210) are constructed from a soft, flexible, biocompatible material including silicone, polypropylene, polyolefin, polyurethane, polystyrene, shape memory polymer and biodegradable polymer.

12. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filtration media (212) is constructed of non-woven material and woven material, and wherein the non-woven material is one of Rayon, Graphene, husk, Polyethylene terephthalate, Polypropylene, wood pulp, fiberglass, polyester, coconut fibers, jute, polyethylene, adhesive, ointment, silicone, Polytetrafluoroethylene, and wherein the woven material is one of polyester, cotton, and silk; foam includes polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and with or without coating includes; dust repellant, hygroscopic, antimicrobial, deodorizing, humidification and Polytetrafluoroethylene.

13. The respiratory Plug (102) as claimed in claim 1 includes motion and vibration created naturally by the breathing, nose flaring and also inclusion of metal strips attached to one of the structure (202) or filtration media (212), Nano filaments across the respiratory plug (102).

14. The respiratory plug (102) as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a retainer (214), coupled with the structure (202), to hold the filtration media (212).
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NASAL AIR FILTRATION

Applicant:
Faberz Technologies Private Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 2013
Having address:
Shop #2, Rajendra Apartments,
Gosaviwadi, Opp. Police Station, Nashik Road,
Nashik - 422101, Maharashtra, India

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[001] The present application does not claim priority from any application.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present disclosure described herein, in general, relates to a respiratory protection apparatus.

BACKGROUND
[003] Generally, respiratory masks are used for respiratory protection. As the pollution level increases, it becomes an utmost requirement to wear the respiratory protection while roaming around on the streets. Most of the respirator related problems have direct impact on the lungs. It is advisable to cover the nose and mouth as well so that the required protection is achieved. However most of the people avoid using the same due to discomfort during the day to day functional requirements. At present, it may be understood that the market is divided into regulated and unregulated market. In the regulated market, there are norms that are being followed and hence implementation is easy. On the other hand, in case of the unregulated market, using respiratory protection is additional cost to the wearer and hence is avoided. The present solutions that are available are easily visible and impact the look and feel of the individual. Alternate solutions that are available does not address three main factors, variation in the size and shape of the nasal cavity and leakage in case of fit variation, surface area available for filtration and improving the efficacy of the filtration unit. Typically, the respiratory mask relies on the fit. In the regulated market based on the particulate size of the matter the filter media is selected. It is mandatory to block both the access point nose and mouth in order to prevent the entry of the particulate matter into the respiratory track of the body. Whereas in the unregulated market, providing a nasal filter will have a control of the particulate matter through one access point the nose. Since the respiratory plug comes in different size, it becomes difficult for a wearer to choose a right size as each person has nostrils of different shape and size.

SUMMARY
[004] Before the present methods, are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular methods, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a respiratory plug for preventing particulates from entering into a human’s respiratory system through nose and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the disclosure nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the disclosure.
[005] According to various aspects of present disclosure, a respiratory plug for preventing particulates from entering into a human’s respiratory system is disclosed. The respiratory plug comprises a structure, a connector, a locking mechanism, and a filtration media. The retainer may be used in some case, where required. The structure further comprises a left nasal plug and a right nasal plug. In one aspect, the structure is an outer most part of the respiratory plug that makes a contact with an inner nasal cavity. The connector may connect the left nasal plug and the right nasal plug. The locking mechanism may be capable of holding a part to a center ridge of the respiratory plug. The filtration media, coupled with the structure, may prevent particulates from entering into a respiratory system of the human. The retainer if present will hold the filtration media in place. In another example, the shape of the locking feature is designed to divert the air, which will assist snoring and sleep anemia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[006] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawing. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[007] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figure. In the figure, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
[008] Figure 1 is a respiratory plug for preventing particulates from entering into a human’s respiratory system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[009] Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D various components of the respiratory plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0010] Figures 3 illustrates a flexible and a rigid components of the structure related to the respiratory plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible component deforms to adjust to the shape and size of the nasal cavity. In one of the examples, the sinusoidal structure provide space for compression and size adjustment.
[0011] Figures 4 illustrates a sealing means present in the respiratory plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible and/or rigid structure could also function as the sealing means.
[0012] Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D illustrate various filtration mechanisms, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D illustrate various filtration media, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] The figure depicts an embodiment of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0016] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0017] The proposed invention provides a respiratory plug for preventing particulates from entering into a human’s respiratory system is disclosed. It may be noted that the particulates may include, but not limited to, any form of pollution such as poisonous/harmful gases and allergents. The respiratory plug comprises of a structure comprising a pair of nasal plugs joined together with a connector, a filtration media and / or a retainer. The structure in is the form of ribs to provide the support structure for the filtration media. The design of the ribs is made in a way such that the same may be accommodated in any shape and size of nasal cavity. In one aspect, the respiratory plug may insert partially into the nasal cavity. The ribs may be in any form and any number with the primary function to anchor the part on the inner side of the nasal cavity and support the filtration media with increased surface area. The number of ribs along the circumference can vary from 2 to 25 numbers, based on the design. The cross-section of the ribs may be circular or Oval or Polygon or a mix of structures. The ribs form a mesh of open and closed structure to accommodate the size variation and at the same time provide the required rigidity to the product.
[0018] In one aspect, the design of the nasal plugs is dome shaped or profiled or pyramid, or may be designed based on shape of the nasal cavity. The design, in one aspect, has an outer minor diameter followed by a larger diameter for nose flaring and sudden reduction in the diameter at the top of the nasal plug. It may be understood that the design may be optimized to provide increased surface area in order to reduce the breathing resistance, once the dust particles starts blocking the pores of the filtration media. It may be understood that the design is also enhanced to use the natural motion of nose flaring as a self-cleaning mechanism of the filtration media.
[0019] It may be understood that the respiratory plug is a temporary device, mounted in the nasal cavity on either side, and set in position by means of the connector that does not allow access entry into the nasal cavity. In addition to the structure and the connector, the respiratory plug further comprises the filtration media directly coupled to the right and left cavity of the structure that forms the nasal plug. The structure is designed rigid for integrity of the product, flexible along the circumference to accommodate inside the nasal cavity. In other words, fixation from the force exerted by the flexible structure facilitates the respiratory plug to regain its shape and locking mechanism. In one of the embodiments the design controls the direction of flow of air. The filtration media is directly coupled to the pair of nasal plugs by any method found suitable to the material that is being used but not limited to ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, adhesive or insert molding or using additional component as a restrainer. The filtration media may be coupled in different combination of along the length and / or half the length and / or bottom edge and / or sealing means. In one embodiment, the restrainer is an additional component similar to the pair of nasal plugs that may be used in holding the filtration media with reference to the respiratory plug.
[0020] In one aspect, the nasal filter may have additional ribs, close to the connector, to provide extra locking to the respiratory plug so as to prevent tumbling of the respiratory plug, in case a person sneezes with very high intensity. In one example the locking is achieved through the force applied by the structure to attain its natural shape, and the nasal cavity restricting the expansion. In another example the base of the structure also forms the locking mechanism and leakage prevention mechanism. In another example the locking mechanism forms the stationary part of the hinge mechanism. In one aspect, the structure, the connector, and the locking mechanism are constructed from a soft, flexible, biocompatible material including silicone, polypropylene, polyolefin, polyurethane, polystyrene, shape memory polymer and biodegradable polymer.
[0021] In one example, the filtration media may comprise two components i.e. a fixed component and a movable component. The fixed component may be coupled to the ribs of the respiratory plug. The movable component, on the other hand, may be used to close the top portion of the respiratory plug. In one aspect, the movable component may be coupled to the respiratory plug by using a hinge mechanism acting as a single direction valve. During a breath out operation, the single direction valve may get open to allow the air pass freely. During a breath in operation, the movable component presses against an upper rib of the respiratory plug to ensure the filtration of the air entering into the respiratory system. In one aspect, the directional valve will be a good option for people not comfortable with insertion of the respiratory plug in the nasal cavity, with an impact on the aesthetics of the user.
[0022] In one embodiment, the filtration media may be made of a degradable pressure sensitive material. When the pores of the filtration media are blocked, the pressure increases leading to increase in the pressure on the material. The high pressure triggers the degradation of the polymers leading to creation of additional pores to assist in breathing. In addition to the above, the filtration media may further comprise carbon induced particles in order to give additional odor control. In one aspect, the carbon induced particles are a part of the filtration media used along with the respiratory plug.
[0023] Furthermore, the filtration media may be customized to include silver particles. In one aspect, the silver particles may be embedded in the filtration media for anti-microbial properties to prevent microbial growth in cases of contagious environment. Furthermore, the filtration media may be customized to include a set of metal strips. The set of metal strips during the breath out operation may produce vibrations in the filtration media to dislodge the dust particles attached to the filtration media. This may act as the self-cleaning mechanism to prevent clogging of the filtration media thus reducing the breathing resistance.
[0024] In one example, the filtration media is made up of either woven fabric or non-woven fabric. In one aspect, the non-woven fabric is made up of a material with less surface addition, preventing adhesion of the dust particles on the filtration media. It may be understood that any dust particles that are attached to the filtration media, during the breath in operation, are discarded during the breath out operation. In another example, the filtration media is provided with a coating in order to reduce the surface adhesion. In one aspect, the coating may prevent the dust particles from attaching to the filtration media. In yet another example, the filtration media may further be applied with surface modification techniques in order to reduce the surface tension. In another example the filtration media can be single layered or multilayered based on the application. Also in some cases there might be 2 or more filtration media that are stacked up as per the application. In another example the filtration media is formed in a particular shape.
[0025] In another example the filtration media is electrostatic charged to improve the filtration efficiency. In another example the filtration media will be impregnated with bioactive material and / or controlled drug release polymer, carbon black filtration media for additional gases and / or odor control, silver Nano particles dispersed for deodorizing and antibacterial effect. In another example the filtration media is in the form of solid flexible structure, flexible foam solution with or without ointment, with or without carrier, with or without substrate and with or without adhesive. In another example the electrostatic charge is created in the filtration media due to friction, improving the efficiency of the filtration media. In another example the filtration media is made of Nano tentacles to create a high density of hair effect. In another example the filtration material is modified to react with the automotive exhaust and provide improved efficiency.
[0026] In addition to the aforementioned design optimization, the respiratory plug further comprises a wave profile at the base, creating a sealing mechanism to prevent any air without filtration from entering the nasal cavity. The wave profile may be designed to deform for smaller sizes but still provide a leak proof seal. In yet another example of self-cleaning mechanism, the filtration media may be coupled to the nasal plugs at the base in order to allow filtration media to move freely during the breath in operation and the breath out operation. In another example, a movable spectrum creates vibration to prevent particulates from settling on the filtration media.

GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS AND SETUP
[0027] Referring to Figure 1, a respiratory plug 102 for preventing particulates from entering into a human’s respiratory system is shown. The respiratory plug 102 comes in different sizes for different nostrils making it difficult for a wearer to choose the right size. The respiratory plug 102 is more focused on a filtration mechanism to prevent dust particulates and does not take into consideration the breathing resistance that may be caused due to clogging of the dust particulates on the filtration mechanism.

RESPIRATORY PLUG 102
[0028] Referring to Figure 2A. The respiratory plug 102 comprises a structure 202, as illustrated in the figure 2A. It may be understood that the structure 202 is the outer most part of the respiratory plug 102 that may come in contact with an inner nasal cavity of the nose. The structure 202 further comprises a left nasal plug 204 and a right nasal plug 206. It may be understood that the structure 202 is an outer most part of the respiratory plug 102 that makes a contact with an inner nasal cavity of a human. The respiratory plug 102 further comprises a connector 208 connecting the left nasal plug 204 and the right nasal plug 206. In one aspect, the connector 208 forms a bridge between the left nasal plug 204 and the right nasal plug 206 and may be used to control the position of the structure 102 in the inner nasal cavity. The connector 208 may further assist easy removal of the structure 102 at the end of life.
[0029] The respiratory plug 102 further comprises a locking mechanism 210, as illustrated in figure 2B. The locking mechanism 210 is capable of holding a part to a center ridge of the respiratory plug 102. It may be understood that the shape and size of the locking mechanism 210 may vary based on a design of the respiratory plug 102. In one embodiment, the respiratory plug may be provided with magnets near to the connector. The magnets are placed on either side of the center ridge to hold the respiratory plug. It may be noted that the position of the magnets may be altered to use the product as a design accessory. The respiratory plug 102 further comprises a filtration media 212, as illustrated in figure 2C. In one aspect, the structure 202 consists of an outer structure and an inner structure which are symmetric in design and provide a provision to hold the filtration media 212. The filtration media 212 prevents particulates from entering into the respiratory system of the human. In one aspect, the filtration media 212 may be attached along the length / partially along the length / along the circumference by any method suitable for the material. The filtration media 212 may be provided the freedom to move within the cavity to assist the self-cleaning of the filtration media 212. In addition to the above, the respiratory plug 102 includes motion and vibration created naturally by the breathing, nose flaring and also inclusion of metal strips attached to one of the structure 202 or filtration media 212, Nano filaments across the respiratory plug 102. The respiratory plug illustrating all the components of the respiratory plug 102 including, a flexible structure 302, a rigid structure 304, the locking mechanism 210, a sealing means 402, and the connector 208 in the figure 2D. It may be noted that the description for the flexible structure 302, the rigid structure 304 and the sealing means 402 are described below.
[0030] Further referring to figures 2A, 2B, and 2C. As shown in the figure 2A, the respiratory plug 102 is made of the structure 202 for a left side and a right side of the nose along with the connector 208 and the locking mechanism 210. It may be noted that the structure 202 may be designed in different sizes and shapes for each size of nose. However, the most prominent shape may be something that is similar to the nasal cavity in case the structure is placed close to the inner nasal cavity. In some scenarios, the structure 202 may be circular in case the component is placed inside close to the nasal bone.
[0031] Now referring to figures 3 and 4. In one embodiment, the structure 202 may comprise the flexible structure 302 and the rigid structure 304, as illustrated in the figure 3. The flexible structure 302 may be adapted to bend in order to accommodate the inner nasal cavity without creating any space for air leakage. The rigid structure 304, on the other hand, facilitates to control direction of flow of air. In one aspect, the rigid structure 304 may provide structural stability to provide shape and base for the filtration media 212. The respiratory plug 102 further may comprises the sealing means 402, as illustrated in the figure 4. The sealing means 402, coupled with the structure 102, in order to prevent leakage of air during breathing. The leakage may be prevented by single or multilayered sealing means.
[0032] Now referring to figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D. In addition to the aforementioned components, the structure 202 further comprises a filtration mechanism to filter the air during the breath in operation. The filtration mechanism deployed in the structure 202 may include at least one or a multilayer filtration mechanism 502, a hinge mechanism 504, and a helix mechanism 506, as illustrated in the figures 5A, 5B and 5C, and 5D respectively.
[0033] The multilayer filtration mechanism 502 may further comprise at least two layers arranged in a series, as shown in the figure 5A. The hinge mechanism, on the other hand, further comprises a hinge. The hinge 504-1 may be extended to a closed position, during breath in operation, thereby allowing the air to flow through the filtration media 212, as shown in figure 5B. The hinge 504-1 may further collapse to an open position, during breath out operation, thereby allowing the air to bypass the filtration media 212, as shown in figure 5C. Further, the helix mechanism 506 comprises an inner helix 506-1 and an outer structure 506-2, as illustrated in the figure 5D. In one aspect, the helix mechanism 506 facilitates to control the flow of air in a specific direction.
[0034] In one embodiment, at least one of the multilayer filtration mechanism 502, the hinge mechanism 504, and the helix mechanism 506 filters the air, during the breath in operation, by using the filtration media 212. In one aspect, the filtration media 212 is made of a woven material or a non-woven material. The non-woven material is one of Rayon, Graphene, husk, Polyethylene terephthalate, Polypropylene, wood pulp, fiberglass, polyester, coconut fibers, jute, polyethylene, adhesive, ointment, silicone, Polytetrafluoroethylene. The woven material, on the other hand, is one of polyester, cotton, and silk; foam includes polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and with or without coating includes; dust repellant, hygroscopic, antimicrobial, deodorizing, humidification and Polytetrafluoroethylene. In one example, the filtration media 212 may be one of a hair like structure 602, an adhesive helix structure 604, a multilayered structure 606, and a profiled structure 608, as shown in figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D respectively.
[0035] As illustrated in the figure 6A, the hair like structure 602 protruding out along the circumference and placed in such a way to create a mesh along the thickness. On the other hand, the adhesive helix structure 604 consists of a helix form, as illustrated in the figure 6B. The surface of the adhesive helix structure 604 has a lining of adhesive, oil or any other media to provide an adhesive mechanism for the particulate matter. By way of the adhesive helix structure 604, the air flows in a particular path created by the helix structure 604, and the particulate matter gets adhered to the surface of the helix. In the multilayered structure 606, a single media may be made of multiple layers or multiple media are arranged in series to provide the required filtration efficiency, as show in the figure 6C. On the other hand, in the profiled structure 608, the surface area of the filtration media 212 is increased by providing a profile structure. For example, concave, convex, zig-zag, and like.
[0036] In one embodiment, the filtration media 212 comprises a coating of at least one of Nitinol and metal strips. In one aspect, the Nitinol and the metal strips may be provided along the circumference, part of the filtration media 212 anchored to the structure 202. The metal strips, based on the natural frequency, may create a vibration that assist in self-cleaning of the filtration media 212. The filtration media 212 may be treated with a coating to reduce the surface affinity to particulate matter. In one aspect, the filtration media 212 may be modified to have static properties, to filter minute particulate matter, carbon filter for odor control etc.
[0037] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[0038] Some embodiment of the present invention enables to solve the discomfort caused to the wearer from wearing a large respiratory protection.
[0039] Some embodiment of the present invention facilitates a small flexible respiratory plug that may be inserted into a nasal cavity making it almost invisible.
[0040] Some embodiment of the present invention facilitates the structure to be used with a variety of filtration media starting from prevention of the particulate from entering the respiratory system, odor control, humidity control, medicine activated etc.
[0041] Although implementations for a respiratory plug for preventing particulates from entering into a human’s respiratory system have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the implementations and/or embodiments are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described.