Nasal air purifying devices and associated cases

Abstract

A nasal air purification device is provided for purifying and / or reducing undesirable substances from air intended to enter the nasal cavity. The nasal air purification device can include an air purification device, a housing component, a power component, a fan component, a filtration component, a germicidal irradiation component, an aroma component, an odorant delivery component, a nose plug component, a monitoring component, and a case. The case can reversibly enclose and power the device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 310,650, filed February 16, 2022, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 29 / 849,707, filed August 12, 2022, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 982,355, filed November 7, 2022, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 994,293, filed November 26, 2022. The foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to nasal air purification devices, and more particularly to purifying and / or reducing undesirable substances from air intended to enter the nasal passages. [Background technology]

[0003] For generations, society has been aware of environmental conditions that can pose health hazards, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, vigilance against airborne viruses and other harmful substances is widespread around the world. As people seek to maintain optimal health without contracting COVID-19 or other harmful airborne viruses and pathogens, there is an increased demand for devices that help prevent the inhalation of viruses and other harmful pathogens in the environment.

[0004] Carbon air filters are well known to be effective in removing harmful gaseous chemicals and certain odors from the air. In contrast, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor) air filters are mechanical in nature. HEPA filters are well known to remove unwanted particulate matter from the air. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that carbon air filters and HEPA filters can be used together.

[0005] Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation with a shorter wavelength than visible light and a longer wavelength than X-rays. Ultraviolet light is well known to exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties. Short wavelength ultraviolet light (UV-C) is considered "germicidal ultraviolet light." The nucleic acids that make up the DNA of viruses and bacteria can exhibit defects when exposed to UV-C light. These defects can prevent effective replication, thus eliminating or substantially reducing the virus or bacteria's ability to replicate.

[0006] The sense of smell plays a vital role in physiological effects such as mood, stress, and task performance. The large population of olfactory receptors present in humans are genetically engineered to detect thousands of different scents. It has been recognized for many years that prolonged exposure to certain scents or fragrances can positively affect human psychophysiological activity. See, for example, K. Sowndhararajan & S. Kim, Influence of Fragrances on Human Psychophysiologylogical Activity With Special Reference to Human Electroencephalographic Response, 84(4) Sci. Pharm.724 (2016). Thus, there exists a need to address the deficiencies present in the prior art.

[0007] What is needed is a device that removes contaminants, particulates, and other undesirable elements from the air before it is inhaled by a user. What is needed is an air purification device to reduce contact of undesirable elements with tissue in the nasal cavity, or other tissue associated with the respiratory system. What is needed is a device that removes impurities from the air before it enters the nasal cavity by filtering and / or providing germicidal irradiation. What is needed is a portable device that is comfortably inserted into the nostrils and performs the air purification function. What is needed is a rechargeable air purification device that can detect conditions related to and at least partially purify the incoming air. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure preferably provide a device that removes contaminants, particulates, and other undesirable elements from the air prior to inhalation by a user. Aspects of the present disclosure preferably provide an air purification device that reduces contact of undesirable elements with tissue in the nasal cavity or other tissues associated with the respiratory system. Aspects of the present disclosure preferably provide a device that removes impurities from the air prior to entering the nasal cavity by filtering and / or applying germicidal irradiation. Aspects of the present disclosure preferably provide a portable device that is comfortably inserted into the nostrils and performs the air purification function. Aspects of the present disclosure preferably provide a rechargeable air purification device that can detect conditions related to the incoming air and at least partially purify it.

[0009] Accordingly, the present disclosure may feature a nasal air purifying device including a housing, an air processing component, a power component, and a nose plug component. The housing may substantially enclose an interior space. The air processing component may be disposed within the interior space for at least partially purifying the air. The air processing component may include a filtering component for removing impurities from the air, and a fan component for actively passing air through the filtering component. The power component may be disposed substantially within the interior space for providing power to the air processing component. The nose plug component is operably attached to the housing for removably insertion into the nostril to form at least a partial seal with the nasal cavity.

[0010] In another aspect, the power component may include a battery that reversibly stores power, a power supply device that transfers power from the battery to the air treatment component, and a battery charging device that receives external power from an external power source, conditions the external power to a charging power receivable by the battery, and stores at least a portion of the charging power in the battery for use as power by the air treatment component.

[0011] In another aspect, the housing can include an upper housing portion, a lower housing portion removably attached to the upper housing portion, and a housing inlet disposed in the lower housing portion to allow air to flow into the interior space. The fan component can receive air from the housing inlet for passing through the filtering component. Air passing through the filtering component can travel to the nasal cavity through the nose plug component.

[0012] In another aspect, the housing can further include a locking interface. The locking interface can include a locking interface upper portion operably attached to the upper housing portion, a locking interface lower portion operably attached to the lower housing portion, a locking member provided by the locking interface upper portion and receiving at least a portion of the locking lip of the locking interface lower portion, and a locking gap provided by the locking interface lower portion having a width sufficient to receive the locking member. The locking interface can be reversibly set to a locked position by rotating the locking member through the locking gap in a first locking direction to receive the locking lip. Additionally, the locking interface can be reversibly set to an unlocked position by rotating the locking member in a second locking direction to release the locking lip.

[0013] In another aspect, the air treatment component further includes a germicidal irradiation component for emitting ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation that at least partially sterilizes pathogens from the air prior to it entering the nasal cavity.

[0014] In another aspect, the air treatment component may further include an aroma component having an aroma reservoir for reversibly retaining fragrance material having an aroma that may be at least partially transferred from the fragrance material into the air.

[0015] In another aspect, the filtration component can include a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

[0016] In another embodiment, the filtration component can include activated carbon.

[0017] In another aspect, a case may be provided that receives at least a portion of the housing, the housing being removably housed by the case.

[0018] In another aspect, the case may include electrical contacts for interfacing with the power component. The power component may further include a battery for reversibly storing power received from the case for use by the air treatment component.

[0019] In another aspect, a monitoring component is provided that includes a sensor that detects an air condition contained in an environmental space adjacent the sensor, the condition being reportable via a communicatively connected display device.

[0020] In another aspect, the case may include a case housing and a case lid. The case housing may include a case receiving slot for selectively receiving the housing. The case lid may be removably attachable to the case housing for configuring the case between a case open state and a case closed state. The electrical contacts may be disposed in the case receiving slot for interfacing with a power component. The power component may further include a battery for reversibly storing power received from the case for use by the air handling component. The housing may be selectively inserted into and removed from the case receiving slot when the case is configured in the case open state. Such a housing received by the case receiving slot is substantially enclosed by the case while the case is configured in the case closed state.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment, the present disclosure may feature a nasal air purification device including a housing, a nose plug component, an air treatment component, a power component, and a case. The housing may substantially enclose an interior space. The nose plug component is operatively attached to the housing for removably insertion into the nasal passage to form at least a partial seal with the nasal passage. The air treatment component may be disposed within the interior space for at least partially purifying air for delivery to the nasal passage. The air treatment component may include a germicidal irradiation component for emitting ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation that at least partially sterilizes pathogens from the air prior to entry into the nasal passage. The power component may be disposed substantially within the interior space for providing power to the air treatment component. The housing may be selectively received by and selectively removable from the case.

[0022] In another aspect, the air handling component can include a filtration component for removing impurities from the air and a fan component for actively passing the air through the filtration component.

[0023] In another aspect, the housing may include an upper housing portion, a lower housing portion removably attached to the upper housing portion, and a housing. An inlet in the lower housing portion allows air to enter the interior space.

[0024] In another aspect, the power components can include a battery, a power supply device, and a battery charging device. The battery can reversibly store power. The power supply device can transmit power from the battery to the air treatment component. The battery charging device can receive external power from an external power source, condition the external power into charging power receivable by the battery, and store at least a portion of the charging power in the battery for use as power by the air treatment component.

[0025] In another aspect, the air treatment component can include an aroma component having an aroma reservoir for reversibly retaining an aroma material having an aroma that is at least partially diffused into the air so as to be detectable by the olfactory nerves.

[0026] In another aspect, the filtration components can include high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and carbon filters.

[0027] In another aspect, the case may include a case housing with a case receiving slot for selectively receiving the housing. The case may further include a case lid removably attached to the case housing for configuring the case between a case open state and a case closed state. Electrical contacts may be provided by the case for interfacing with a power component. The power component may further include a battery for reversibly storing power received from the case for use by the air handling component. The housing is selectively inserted into and removed from the case receiving slot when the case is configured in the case open state. Such a housing received by the case receiving slot may be substantially enclosed by the case while the case is configured in the case closed state.

[0028] In another aspect, an odorant delivery component is provided for administering a deliverable substance to the nasal cavity.

[0029] In another aspect, the monitoring component is provided with a sensor that detects an air condition contained in an environmental space adjacent to the housing, the condition may be reported via a communicatively connected display device.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment, the present disclosure may feature a nasal air purification device including a housing and an air treatment component. The housing may substantially enclose an interior space. The air treatment component may be disposed within the interior space to at least partially purify the air for delivery to the nasal cavity. The air treatment component may include a filtration component to remove impurities from the air. The air treatment component may further include an aroma component comprising an aroma reservoir that reversibly retains a fragrance material having an aroma detectable by the olfactory nerve, the aroma being at least partially transferred from the fragrance material into the air delivered to the nasal cavity. A skilled artisan will recognize additional components that may be included by the air treatment component, without limitation.

[0031] The terms and expressions used throughout this disclosure are to be interpreted broadly. Terms are intended to be understood according to the definitions provided by this specification. Technical dictionaries and general meanings understood in the applicable technical field are intended to supplement these definitions. If a suitable definition cannot be determined from this specification or technical dictionaries, such terms should be understood according to their plain and ordinary meaning. However, the definitions provided by this specification take precedence over all other sources of information.

[0032] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages set forth in the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary air purification device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary air purification device shown at another angle with a housing attached, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary air purification device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of an exemplary air purification device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an exemplary air purification device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of an exemplary air purification device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary air purification device shown in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary air purification device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary air purification device contained within an embodiment of a case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of an exemplary air purification device contained within an aspect of the case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary air purification device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary air purification device showing a lower portion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary air purification device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary air purification device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary air purification device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the exemplary air purification device shown in FIG. 13 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary air purification device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a partially exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary air purification device showing a replaceable filter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of an exemplary air purification device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a front view of a third embodiment of an exemplary air purification device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a top view of a third embodiment of an exemplary air purification device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of an exemplary air purification device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of an alternative configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 22 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an exemplary perspective view of an air purification device enabled by the present disclosure in use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary air purification device including a case configured in a case closed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an exemplary air purification device including a case configured in a case-open state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the exemplary air purification device shown in FIG. 25 including a case having a case lid according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] The following disclosure is provided to describe various embodiments of the nasal air purification device. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional embodiments and applications of the present invention that extend beyond the examples of this disclosure. Terms contained by any claim are to be interpreted as defined within this disclosure. Singular forms should be read to envision and disclose plural alternatives. Similarly, plural forms should be read to envision and disclose the singular alternative. Conjunctions should be read as inclusive unless otherwise stated.

[0061] Phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C" should be read to permit either A, B, or C alone or in combination with the remaining elements. Furthermore, such groups may include multiple instances of one or more elements within the group, which may be included with other elements of the group. All numbers, measurements, and values ​​are given as approximations unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0062] For the purpose of clearly describing the components and features discussed throughout this disclosure, without limitation, several frequently used terms are defined here. The term "HEPA filter" as used throughout this disclosure is defined as a high efficiency particulate adsorption filter having, using, or including a filter that is typically designed to capture a significant portion of airborne particles, e.g., 99.97 percent of airborne particles with a diameter of 0.3 micrometers or greater, from the air passing through the filter. The term ultraviolet (UV) light as used throughout this disclosure is defined as light having a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays, including UV-C short-wave ultraviolet light that may be used for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. The term nose as used throughout this disclosure is defined as relating to the nose and related features. The term nostril as used throughout this disclosure is defined as the opening to the nasal cavity.

[0063] Various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in detail without limitation. In the following disclosure, a nasal air purification device is described. Those skilled in the art will recognize alternative designations of the nasal air purification device as a nasal filter device, a nasal filtration device, a portable powered air purification device, the present invention, or other similar designations. Similarly, those skilled in the art will recognize alternative designations of the nasal air purification device as an air filtration operation, an irradiation and / or filtration technique, an air quality monitoring and improvement method, a method, an operation, the present invention, or other similar designations. The skilled reader should not consider the inclusion of any alternative designations as limiting in any way.

[0064] Modes for carrying out the invention

[0065] The nasal air purifying device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1-27. The nasal air purifying device may include a housing, a power component, a fan component, a filtration component, a germicidal irradiation component, an aroma component, an olfactory substance delivery component, a nose plug component, a monitoring component, a case, and additional components described in more detail below. The nasal air purifying device may operate one or more of these components interactively with other components to purify and / or reduce undesirable substances from air intended to enter the nasal cavity.

[0066] To clearly present the invention, the following disclosure is discussed in the context of various exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that features discussed in the context of one embodiment may be included in additional embodiments even if not explicitly set forth when discussing such embodiments, and thus the teachings of the present disclosure should be viewed as a whole and not as a collection of disjointed embodiments or otherwise limited.

[0067] Next, an air purification device will be described. Figures 1-27 clearly show examples of air purification devices in various embodiments. The air purification device can include various components that collectively provide an improved ability to favorably remove pathogens, pollutants, particulates, and / or other undesirable elements from the air before it enters the respiratory system of a user. In some embodiments, the air purification device can include various components disposed within or attached to the housing. Such components can include, but are not limited to, an air treatment component, a power component, a nose plug component, and other components. The air treatment component can include various aspects for improving the quality of the air before it is received by the user, including, but not limited to, a filtration component, a fan component, a germicidal irradiation component, an aroma component, an olfactory substance supply component, and / or other components that will become apparent to those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure. Each of these components will be described in more detail throughout this disclosure in the context of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that each aspect can be included by alternative embodiments.

[0068] The housing will now be described in more detail. Figures 1-5, 7-10, 11-14, 16-24, and 26-27 clearly show examples of the housing, which may also be shown in other figures. The housing 1210, 2210, 3210 may be provided to substantially enclose an interior space within an air purifying device enabled by the present disclosure. The housing 1210, 2210, 3210 may provide an enclosure for at least partially enclosing some of the functional components of the air purifying device within an interior space defined within the housing.

[0069] In an exemplary configuration, the housing 1210, 2210, 3210 may be at least partially constructed of, but is not limited to, plastic. The housing may have virtually any diameter and height that maintains operability of the air handling components. In one embodiment, the housing may have a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, but is not limited to, between about 10 millimeters and about 30 millimeters in diameter. The housing may have a height sufficient to enclose the air handling components, for example, but is not limited to, between about 7 millimeters and about 14 millimeters.

[0070] The cylindrical shape may preferably accommodate the user's nostrils for improved comfort, fit, and sealing upon insertion into the nostrils. Additionally, the use of a cylindrical shape may preferably aid in removal of the air purifying device enabled by the present disclosure when use of such device is no longer desired. In additional embodiments, the housing may be provided in, but is not limited to, a non-cylindrical shape. For example, at least a portion of the housing may be provided in, but is not limited to, a rectangular shape, a conical shape, a rounded shape, and / or another shape that will be understood by those skilled in the art after having the benefit of the present disclosure. In an example of a rectangular shape, the housing may be, but is not limited to, between about 10 millimeters and about 30 millimeters in width and between about 7 millimeters and about 14 millimeters in height.

[0071] The housing 1210, 2210, 3210 may be constructed using a variety of parts, such as upper housing portion 1220, 2220, 3220, lower housing portion 1222, 2222, 3222, and / or other parts that will become apparent after having the benefit of this disclosure. The housing 1210, 2210, 3210 may be sized with sufficient interior space to receive, hold, and enable operation of additional components, including power components 1310, 2310, 3310, air handling components, and / or other components that may be included within the interior space.

[0072] The housing 1210, 2210, 3210 may include access points to enable interaction with components contained within the interior space of the housing from outside the housing. The access points may include housing switch access points 1236, 2236, 3236 to enable access with switches 1360, 2360, 3360, such as may be provided by the power component 1310, 2310, 3310. The access points may further include housing charging port access points 2244, 3244 to provide interaction with a charging plug, and / or housing electrical contact access points 1242 to facilitate interaction with contact pins, each of which may provide an electrical charge to aspects of the power component 1310, 2310, 3310 and / or additional components held within the interior space of the housing 1210, 2210, 3210.

[0073] In some embodiments, additional access points may be provided to enable additional functionality of the air purification device enabled by the present disclosure. Such additional access points may include sensor access points, display access points, points for accessing additional interactive elements associated with air handling and / or power components, etc.

[0074] The housing 1210, 2210, 3210 may further include housing inlets 1228, 2228, 3228 through which air may pass from a respective exterior location of the housing into an interior space substantially enclosed by the housing. For example, the housing 1210, 2210, 3210 may include multiple housing inlets 1228, 2228, 3228 at a lower location relative to the housing, such as near a lower end of the lower housing portion 1222, 2222, 3222. This configuration may be advantageous if the interior space is configured such that air may pass substantially unrestricted through aspects of the power component 1310, 2310, 3310 and be received by additional air processing components before being provided to the user's nasal passages.

[0075] In another embodiment, the housing inlet 1228, 2228, 3228 can be located near an upper location of the lower housing portion 1222, 2222, 3222. This configuration can be advantageous when the interior space is configured such that the lower portion of the lower housing portion 1222, 2222, 3222 is substantially filled with the power components 1310, 2310, 3310, and airflow is maximized by entering the interior space of the housing 1210, 2210, 3210 above where the power components are stored.

[0076] The housing inlets 1228, 2228, 3228 may be configured at various angles, which may affect the flow characteristics of air entering the interior space of the housing 1210, 2210, 3210 from an external location. For example, the housing inlets 1228, 2228, 3228 may be configured at an angled orientation, which may improve the flow characteristics of air circulating within the interior space of the housing 1210, 2210, 3210, as may be moved by the fan component 1410, 3410. In other embodiments, the housing inlets 1228, 2228, 3228 may be provided in a substantially vertical orientation, which may suitably provide flow characteristics that improve circulation to alternative fan configurations that will be apparent to those of skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure. Those of skill in the art will recognize additional configurations of the housing inlets 1228, 2228, 3228, including, without limitation, horizontal, curved, angled, slotted, mixed, and other configured orientations.

[0077] In some embodiments, the lower housing portion 1222 may be provided in multiple pieces. For example, the lower housing portion 1222 may be provided having a lower housing portion first piece 1224 and a lower housing portion second piece 1226. The lower housing portion first piece 1224 may be received and substantially retained by the lower housing portion second piece 1226. For example, the lower housing portion first piece 1224 may include one or more housing male connecting members 1232 and the lower housing second piece 1226 may include one or more housing female connecting members 1234. The housing male connecting members 1232 on the lower housing portion second piece 1226 may be oriented to correspond with the housing female connecting members 1234 on the lower housing portion second piece 1226. In this configuration, the housing male connecting member 1232 can be inserted into the housing female connecting member 1234 to substantially hold both the lower housing portion first piece 1224 and the lower housing portion second piece 1226 together in the coupled state.

[0078] In some embodiments, the housing 1210 may include guideways to facilitate insertion of the housing 1210 into the case 1810, which is described in more detail later in this disclosure. The guideways may advantageously aid in the housing 1210 being received in the case 1810 in a preferred orientation. For example, the case 1810 may be provided to include electrical contacts 1844 capable of providing power to an air purification device enabled by the present disclosure having corresponding electrical contacts 1370. In this example, the guideways may aid in orienting the housing 1210 to align the case 1810 with the device's charging contacts to enable the transfer of power. In additional embodiments, the guideways may include features to aid in improving secure reception of the air purification device enabled by the present disclosure within the case 1810 upon insertion.

[0079] In another embodiment, the lower housing portion 1222, 2222, 3222 may include a housing switch access point 1236, 2236, 3236 and / or a housing charging port access point 2244, 3244 on its bottom surface. In this embodiment, the switch 1360, 2360, 3360 and / or the charging port 2380, 3380 provided by the power component 1310, 2310, 3310 may be at least partially threaded to the access point such that it may be interacted with by a user. For example, if a housing switch access point 1236, 2236, 3236 is included, the switch 1360, 2360, 3360 provided by the power component 1310, 2310, 3310 may be threaded to the housing switch access point 1236, 2236, 3236 such that sufficient material of the switch 1360, 2360, 3360 is accessible to be operated by a user. In another embodiment, if a housing charging port access point 2244, 3244 is provided, the charging port 2380, 3380 may be at least partially threaded through the housing charging port 2380, 3380 access point so as to receive a charging cable and / or other cable that may enable both power and / or data transfer.

[0080] The housing 1210, 2210, 3210 may further include an interface for receiving and / or retaining the nose plug component 1710, 2710, 3710, which may be distal to a bottom surface of the housing. The nose plug component 1710, 2710, 3710 will be described in further detail later in this disclosure. In this embodiment, the housing 1210, 2210, 3210 may include features for applying friction to the nose plug component 1710, 2710, 3710, textured aspects or protrusions for receiving corresponding recesses on an inner surface of the nose plug component 1710, 2710, 3710, or may otherwise be configured to operably retain the nose plug component 1710, 2710, 3710 to the housing 1210, 2210, 3210 in a removably attached configuration.

[0081] In some embodiments, the housing 2210 can include a locking interface 2250. In some example embodiments having a locking interface, the locking interface 2250 can function as at least a part of the housing 2210, such as being included by the upper housing portion 2220. In other example embodiments having a locking interface, the locking interface 2250 can be separate and distinct from the upper housing portion 2220. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these various examples are included as non-limiting.

[0082] The locking interface 2250 can include a locking interface upper portion 2252 and a locking interface lower portion 2254. The locking interface upper portion 2252 can include a locking member 2256 that projects downwardly to be received by the locking interface lower portion 2254. The locking interface lower portion 2254 can include a locking lip 2258 that continues at least partially around the circumference of the locking interface lower portion 2254. The locking lip 2258 can include a locking gap 2260 having a sufficient width such that the locking member 2256 of the locking interface upper portion 2252 can pass through the locking gap 2260.

[0083] The distance between the lower portions of the locking members 2256 can be configured such that, once threaded through the locking gap 2260, the locking members 2256 can be rotated in a first locking direction to receive the locking lip 2258 and configure the locking interface 2250 in a locked position. Once configured in the locked position, the locking members 2256 can be substantially restricted from longitudinal movement by reception of the locking lip 2258, substantially restricting access to an interior space provided by the housing 2210.

[0084] Additionally, the locked position may be reversible by rotating the locking interface top portion 2252 in a second, locking direction to disengage the locking lip 2258 from the locking member 2256 and configure the locking interface 2250 to an unlocked position. Once configured in the unlocked position, the locking member 2256 can be withdrawn through the locking gap 2260 to provide access to an interior space enclosed by the housing 2210.

[0085] In some embodiments, the locking interface top portion 2252 can include a ring of material extending at least partially around the circumference of the locking interface top portion 2252. If included, the ring of material provided by the locking interface top portion 2252 can advantageously aid in inserting the locking member 2256 into the locking gap 2260 to a depth sufficient to accommodate the locking lip 2258.

[0086] The power components will now be described in further detail. Figures 1-5, 7-8, 12-14, 16-17, 22-23, and 27 clearly show examples of power components, which may also be shown in other figures. The power components 1310, 2310, 3310 may be disposed substantially within the interior space to provide power to the air treatment components. The power components 1310, 2310, 3310 may suitably assist in conditioning, storing, and providing power to the various components of the air purification device enabled by the present disclosure. For example, the power components 1310, 2310, 3310 may provide power to the various air treatment components held within the interior space provided by the housings 1210, 2210, 3210. The power components 1310, 2310, 3310 may include a power supply device 1330, a battery 1340, 2340, 3340, a battery charging device 1350, and other aspects that assist in the transmission and delivery of power.

[0087] The power component 1310, 2310, 3310 may include a battery 1340, 2340, 3340. In some embodiments, the battery may be rechargeable. In other embodiments, the battery may be removable and replaceable from the interior space. The battery 1340, 2340, 3340 may be of substantially any size that can fit within the housing 1210, 2210, 3210. For example, the battery may be substantially cylindrical without limitation. In one example configuration, the battery may be, without limitation, between about 14 millimeters and about 20 millimeters in length and between about 5 millimeters and about 8 millimeters in diameter.

[0088] Those skilled in the art will appreciate various additional configurations of batteries that may be used with air purification devices as enabled by the present disclosure. Exemplary batteries include, but are not limited to, lithium ion batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, rechargeable batteries, replaceable batteries, and / or other battery types as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0089] The power component 1310, 2310, 3310 may include a battery charging device 1350. In one embodiment, the battery charging device 1350 may receive external power from an external power source, condition the external power into charging power receivable by the battery 1340, 2340, 3340, and store at least a portion of the charging power in the battery for use as power by the air treatment component. The power component 1310, 2310, 3310 may control the application of charging power to the battery 1340, 2340, 3340 to improve the state of charge of the battery while advantageously reducing the likelihood of the battery being overcharged. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various configurations of the battery charging device 1350 that are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional battery charging equipment and other functions may be included by the power components 1310, 2310, 3310 to monitor, without limitation, the state of charge of the battery, the number of charge cycles applied to the battery, the number of discharge cycles applied to the battery, the battery temperature, the battery voltage, irregularities detected in or about the battery, and other functions that may be provided by the battery charging equipment.

[0090] The power components 1310, 2310, 3310 may further include a power supply device 1330 for supplying power from the battery 1340, 2340, 3340 to various components contained within the interior space of the air purification device enabled by the present disclosure. The power supply device 1330 may suitably control the flow of power to various processing components that operate using the power. For example, the power supply device 1330 may control the power state of the fan components 1410, 3410, the operating speed of the fans contained by the fan components, the operation of the UV light sources 3630 contained by the germicidal irradiation component 3610, the duty cycle of such UV light sources 3630, such as if provided as LEDs, and other power-related operating variables that will be understood by those of skill in the art after having the benefit of the present disclosure.

[0091] The power components 1310, 2310, 3310 may include electrical wires 1332, 3332 that may facilitate the transmission of electrical power from various aspects contained by the power components. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, without limitation, additional configurations in which the electrical wires 1332, 3332 may be replaced, at least in part, by electrical contacts 1370, electrical traces provided on a circuit board, and / or the like.

[0092] The power component 1310, 2310, 3310 may include a switch 1360, 2360, 3360 that may be toggled by a user to enable or disable application of power to various air treatment components contained within the interior space of an air purification device enabled by the present disclosure. The switch 1360, 2360, 3360 may be toggled between various states that may include, but are not limited to, an on state and an off state. In some embodiments, the switch 1360, 2360, 3360 may include additional states to control selective engagement of various air treatment components dependent on the power provided by the power component 1310, 2310, 3310. In additional embodiments, the switch 1360, 2360, 3360 may be operable via a sensor that detects contact. In other embodiments, the switch may be provided as a continuous selection of power application, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In various embodiments, the switches 1360, 2360, 3360 and other power control mechanisms may be located substantially anywhere in relation to the housing 1210, 2210, 3210, provided such location does not interfere with the operability of the air handling components.

[0093] The power components 1310, 2310, 3310 may include an interface to allow the battery charging device 1350 to receive external power from an external power source. In one example, such an interface may include electrical contacts 1370. In this example, the electrical contacts 1370 may be configured to align with corresponding electrical contacts from the external power source, e.g., the case 1810 with the case electrical contacts 1844. In this example, once aligned, the electrical contacts 1370, 1844 may enable the flow of external power from the external power source through the electrical contacts 1370 and to the battery charging device 1350 before being stored in the battery 1340.

[0094] In another example, the interface that allows the battery charging device to receive external power may include a charging port 2380, 3380. In some embodiments, the charging port 2380, 3380 may be provided as a USB-based port. Examples of USB-based ports may include USB Type-A, USB Type-B, micro USB, USB Type-C, and other USB standards that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize additional plugs and corresponding ports that can supply power that are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure, without limitation.

[0095] In some embodiments, the charging port 2380, 3380 and corresponding charging cable may be configured to allow data transmission in addition to the transmission of external power. In this embodiment, the functionality of the air purification device enabled by the present disclosure may be controlled, modified, updated, or otherwise affected in response to data transmitted via the charging port 2380, 3380. In another example, a monitoring component provided by an air purification device enabled by the present disclosure may transmit data from such air purification device to an external computing device to perform analysis regarding sensor-sensed conditions, operational logs, battery health, and / or other information that may be detected, stored, and made available by the monitoring component and / or other aspects of the air purification device enabled by the present disclosure. The data transmission may establish a wired connection with another electronic device, such as a console, that may analyze the transmitted information regarding the presence or absence of a virus in a user utilizing the air purification device, such as, but not limited to, the presence or absence of the COVID-19 virus.

[0096] The air treatment component will now be generally described. Various components included by the air treatment component will be described in more detail throughout this disclosure. The air treatment component may interact with air flowing through an interior space of an air purification device such as that enabled by the present disclosure to alter the characteristics of such air. For example, the air treatment component may include a filtration component 1510, 2510, 3510 to remove particulates, pathogens, and other undesirable elements from the air passing through the interior space. In another example, a germicidal irradiation component 3610 may at least partially sterilize aspects of the air passing through the interior space. These and other components included in the air treatment component will be described in more detail below.

[0097] The fan component will now be described in more detail. Figures 1, 7-8, 20-23 clearly show examples of fan components, which may also be shown in other figures. The fan component 1410, 3410 may be provided to assist in the movement of air throughout the interior space of an air purifying device, such as that enabled by the present disclosure, during operation. The fan component 1410, 3410 may include a motor 1420, a fan 1440, 3440 having fan blades 1442, 3442, and optionally a fan shroud 1444. The motor 1420 may be operably attached to a power supply device 1330 and / or a battery 1340, 2340, 3340 to receive power that may be used to drive the motor 1420. The speed at which the motor 1420 is operated may be controlled, at least in part, by the power supply 1330, for example, by controlling the voltage applied to the motor, by controlling the frequency of pulses supplied to a pulse width modulated motor, or in other manner as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0098] The fan 1440, 3440 may be oriented to draw air from the housing inlet 1228, 2228, 3228. This drawn air may be moved at least in part by rotating fan blades 1442, 3442 provided by the fan 1440, 3440 and through, over, past, or otherwise relative to other air treatment components contained within the interior space. The fan component 1410, 3410 may preferably provide active pressure within the interior space, such as through filters provided by the filtration component 1510, 2510, 3510, through a UV light source 3630 provided by a germicidal irradiation component 3610, through a fragrance material provided by an aroma component 2530, 3530, and / or as may otherwise be provided by air treatment components included within the interior space of an air purification device enabled by the present disclosure.

[0099] In one embodiment, the fan blades 1442 may be at least partially surrounded by a fan shroud 1444. In this embodiment, the fan shroud 1444 may help control the direction and movement of air passing by the fan blades. In some embodiments, the fan shroud 1444 may be included by at least a portion of the housing 1210. For example, the fan shroud 1444 may be incorporated into at least a portion of the upper housing portion 1220. In other embodiments, the fan shroud 1444 may be provided as a distinct member contained within an interior space defined within the upper housing portion 1220, 2220, 3220 and the lower housing portion 1222, 2222, 3222. In some embodiments, the fan shroud 1444 may include an inner diameter to accommodate a filter provided by the filtration component 1510, 2510, 3510. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fan shroud 1444 should be included in such embodiments and additional advantageous uses of the fan shroud 1444.

[0100] The filtration component will now be described in more detail. Figures 7-8, 16-18, 20-23 clearly show examples of filtration components, which may also be shown in other figures. The filtration component 1510, 2510, 3510 may include various filters and other elements to affect the composition of the air passing through or around the filtration component. In one embodiment, the filtration component 1510, 2510, 3510 may include a carbon filter 1524, 2524, 3524, which may suitably remove undesirable particulates and other matter from the air passing through such carbon filter. In one example provided without limitation, the carbon filter may provide a thickness between about 5 millimeters and about 10 millimeters. Air may be passed through the carbon filter 1524, 2524, 3524 by positive pressure applied by the fan component 1410, 3410 described above. In some embodiments, the carbon filter may include activated carbon, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0101] The carbon filter 1524, 2524, 3524 can reduce the entry of airborne pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, into the respiratory system. The carbon filter 1524, 2524, 3524 can filter gaseous volatile organic compounds and other undesirable substances, such as, without limitation, cigarette smoke, dried paint, benzene, toluene, xylene, and / or other substances. Carbon filtration can further filter unpleasant odors from the air, such that it can contribute to a reduction in stress, an increase in feelings of calmness and well-being on the part of the user. The carbon filter 1524, 2524, 3524 can include activated charcoal.

[0102] In another embodiment, the filtration device can include a high efficiency particulate adsorption (HEPA) filter, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In one example provided without limitation, the HEPA filter can be provided having a wafer configuration having a thickness between about 5 millimeters and about 10 millimeters. The HEPA filter 1522, 2522, 3522 can reduce potentially harmful agents and contaminants such as airborne bacteria, dust, pollen, mold, and other types of airborne particles. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, HEPA filtration can remove at least about 98% of airborne contaminants having a size of about 0.3 microns or larger.

[0103] In some embodiments, either the carbon filter 1524, 2524, 3524 or the HEPA filter 1522, 2522, 3522 may be provided as the only filtering technology included by the filtering component. In other embodiments, a two-stage filtering process may be provided, whereby air is moved using a fan through the carbon filter 1524, 2524, 3524 for an initial filtering pass, and then moved through the HEPA filter 1522, 2522, 3522 for an additional filtering pass. In some embodiments, the filters may include and / or provide, without limitation, a substance that is scented or otherwise capable of interacting with the olfactory nerves. One skilled in the art will appreciate additional filter types that may be included that may be positioned by the filtering component to affect the removal of particulates, pathogens, and other undesirable elements from the air passing through the filtering component 1510, 2510, 3510.

[0104] The aroma component will now be described in more detail. Figures 17-19 and 24 clearly show examples of aroma components, which may also be shown in other figures. The inclusion of the aroma component 2530, 3530 may favorably enhance the user's sense of well-being or calm, thereby reducing the user's stress. The aroma component may be disposed within the housing 2210, 3210, without limitation, as contemplated herein. The aroma component may be disposed after the filtration component 2510, 3510 to receive air after it has passed through the filtration component.

[0105] In one embodiment, an aroma component 2530, 3530 may be included to enhance the aroma of the air passing through the interior space. The aroma may be detected by one or more olfactory nerves present in the nasal cavity and / or associated olfactory sensory organs. The aroma component 2530, 3530 may suitably apply a pleasant or otherwise desirable aroma to the air, as the aroma interacts with the one or more olfactory nerves, for example, enhancing the mood and psychological well-being of a user operating an air purification device such as that enabled by the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the aroma component 2530, 3530 may provide essential oils, nasal decongestant fluids, and / or other substances that may be added to the air before being delivered to the user's nasal cavity.

[0106] The aroma component 2530, 3530 may include an aroma reservoir for holding an aroma material capable of providing an aroma. Exemplary aroma reservoirs may include porous materials, sponges, sponge-like materials, wafers, meshes, absorbent materials, liquid bowls, and other materials or containers that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Without being limiting, an exemplary aroma reservoir configured as a porous material may have a thickness between about 5 millimeters and about 10 millimeters. The aroma material may be a perfume, an essential oil, an aroma solution, a natural ingredient, a synthetic ingredient, and / or another material that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0107] The aroma component 2530, 3530 may be configured such that upon application of positive pressure by the fan component 1410, 3410, air passes through an interior space of an air purification device, such as that enabled by the present disclosure, into sufficient contact with the aroma reservoir, thereby transferring at least a portion of the aroma provided by the aromatic material to the air. The aromatic air may then pass through the nose component into the user's nasal cavity and engage olfactory receptors, providing the user with a psychological and / or pleasurable sensation.

[0108] The olfactory delivery component will now be described in more detail. The inclusion of an olfactory delivery component can advantageously assist in the provision of a deliverable substance via the operation of the air purification device and / or the included air treatment components. For purposes of this disclosure, the deliverable substance may include pharmacological substances, nutritional supplements, holistic treatments, essential oils, atomized liquids, and / or other substances that will be understood by those of skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the deliverable substance may include nanoparticles, which may include ultrafine particles having a diameter in the range of about 1-100 nanometers. Features may be provided to assist in delivering only the desired dosage of the deliverable substance. In one example provided without limitation, a pharmaceutical treatment for Alzheimer's disease may be administered to a user via the olfactory delivery component.

[0109] The olfactory supply component may be disposed within the housing 1210, 2210, 3210, as contemplated herein, but is not limited thereto. The olfactory supply component may be disposed after the filtration component 1510, 2510, 3510 and / or the aroma component 2530, 3530, but is not limited thereto, to receive air after it has passed through the filtration component.

[0110] In one embodiment, an olfactory supply component may be included to provide a supplyable substance to the nasal cavity and / or associated nasal cavity. The olfactory supply component may include a supplying substance reservoir for holding a supplying substance that can be administered to a user. Exemplary supplying substance reservoirs may include porous materials, sponges, sponge-like materials, wafers, meshes, absorbent materials, liquid bowls, and other materials or containers that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Without being limited thereto, exemplary supplying substance reservoirs constructed as porous materials may have a thickness between about 5 millimeters and about 10 millimeters. The supplying substance may be a medicine, a drug, a dietary supplement, a preservative solution, a natural ingredient, a synthetic ingredient, and / or another substance that will be understood by those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0111] The odorant supply component may be configured such that upon application of positive pressure by the fan component 1410, 3410, air passes through an interior space of an air purification device, such as that enabled by the present disclosure, sufficiently to contact the supply reservoir, thereby transferring at least a portion of the supply substance provided by the odorant supply component to the air. The air carrying the supplyable substance may then pass through the nose component and into the user's nasal cavity where it engages olfactory and / or other receptors, providing the user with a medically, therapeutically, psychologically, and / or otherwise satisfying sensation.

[0112] The germicidal irradiation component will now be described in further detail. Figures 21-23 clearly show examples of germicidal irradiation components, which may also be shown in other figures. The germicidal irradiation component 3610 can emit ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation that at least partially kills harmful microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in the air before they enter the nasal cavity.

[0113] The germicidal irradiation component 3610 may be configured to emit electromagnetic energy capable of at least partially sterilizing material contained in air that passes through and comes into contact with the electromagnetic energy. For the sake of simplicity of this disclosure, the electromagnetic energy is discussed in the context of ultraviolet light, without limitation. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional electromagnetic energy that may additionally provide germicidal and / or disinfecting benefits that are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0114] The germicidal illumination component 3610 can include a light source capable of emitting light having a frequency that promotes sterilization of undesirable contaminants, pathogens, and other elements in the air passing by the germicidal illumination component 3610. The light source can be an ultraviolet light source capable of emitting light in a frequency range within the ultraviolet spectrum, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source can include a light emitting diode (LED) 3630 that emits or otherwise provides light in the ultraviolet spectrum. In some embodiments, multiple ultraviolet light sources can be included on a substrate 3640, such as, for example, a circuit board, on which the ultraviolet light source 3630 is mounted.

[0115] The ultraviolet light source 3630 may be at least partially powered by the power supply 1330 of the power component 3310, for example via the substrate 3640. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source may be provided in a dimmable and / or otherwise controllable configuration. For example, the brightness and power applied to the ultraviolet light source may be controlled at least in part by acting on the duty cycle at which the light source operates. The duty cycle may be controlled by, but is not limited to, the power supply, other aspects included by the germicidal irradiation component 3610, and / or the power component 3310.

[0116] In some embodiments, the germicidal illumination component 3610 can include multiple substrates 3640, each of which includes multiple ultraviolet light sources 3630 capable of emitting a sufficient amount of ultraviolet light to substantially sterilize contaminants contained in air passed by the germicidal illumination component 3610. The intensity of light emitted by the ultraviolet light sources 3630 can be controlled with respect to the number of ultraviolet light sources included by the germicidal illumination component 3610. For example, multiple high intensity ultraviolet light sources may be provided by the germicidal illumination component 3610 such that a high degree of germicidal light is emitted by a selected number of the ultraviolet light sources. In another example, more ultraviolet light sources can provide germicidal light at a lower intensity, but collectively provide a sufficient amount of germicidal light over a larger coverage area from the more ultraviolet light sources.

[0117] In some embodiments, the germicidal illumination component 3610 can include additional light emitting sources and / or other electromagnetic energy emitting sources to further sterilize aspects of the air passing through the germicidal illumination component 3610. Such light sources can include properties indicative of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light, also known as short wavelength ultraviolet light, that destroy the ability of pathogens and other materials to replicate after exposure to the emitted ultraviolet light. Additional germicidal light sources will be understood by those of skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0118] The nose plug component will now be described in more detail. Figures 1-4, 6-13, 15-20, 22-24, and 26-27 clearly show examples of nose plug components, which may also be shown in other figures. The nose plug components 1710, 2710, 3710 may be operatively attached to the housings 1210, 2210, 3210 for removably insertion into the nostrils to form at least a partial seal with the nasal passages. The nose plug components 1710, 2710, 3710 may be constructed of durable materials to minimize potential damage when they are handled, which materials are substantially non-toxic to humans, such as silicon or graphene.

[0119] The nose plug component 1710, 2710, 3710 may be operably attached to at least a portion of the housing 1210, 2210, 3210 provided by an air purification device enabled by the present disclosure. The nose plug component 1710, 2710, 3710 may include a nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 having a nose plug proximal end 1722, 2722, 3722 and a nose plug nostril end 1724, 2724, 3724. The nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 may have a circumference and diameter sized such that when inserted into the nostril, it can remain in place within the nostril secured by friction. In one embodiment, the nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 may have, without limitation, a diameter between about 8 millimeters and about 14 millimeters, and a length between about 15 millimeters and about 25 millimeters.

[0120] The nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 can include a nose plug opening 1726, 2726, 3726 near the nose plug nostril end 1724, 2724, 3724. The nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 can further include a nose plug protruding lip 1728, 2728, 3728 near the nose plug proximal end 1722, 2722, 3722. Additional features may be provided by the nose plug, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0121] In one embodiment provided without limitation, the nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 may be configured at least partially using a flexible material, such as silicone, such that it may be inserted into a user's nasal passage with minimal or negligible irritation. Furthermore, by using a flexible material, the nose plug may provide at least a partial seal within the nostril to provide access to the user's nasal passage upon operation. The nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 may be configured such that it may be at least partially inserted into the nostril providing a passage from the interior space provided by the housing 1210, 2210, 3210 through the nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 into the nasal passage. Thus, in use, such nose plug components 1710, 2710, 3710 may extend into the nostril to a depth of, without limitation, between about 15 millimeters and about 25 millimeters, as shown in FIG. 24 .

[0122] The nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 may include a nose plug opening 1726, 2726, 3726 that extends substantially through the interior of the nose plug. The nose plug opening 1726, 2726, 3726 may extend substantially from the nose plug proximal end 1722, 2722, 3722 through the nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 to the nose plug nostril end 1724, 2724, 3724. Air may be moved through the nose plug opening 1726, 2726, 3726 actively by operation of the fan component 1410, 3410 described above, passively by breathing by a user, and / or in other manners as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the nose plug openings 1726, 2726, 3726 can include a mesh material that can act as an additional filtration layer for any remaining undesirable particulate matter that has not yet been filtered as air moves through an air purification device enabled by the present disclosure.

[0123] The nose plug component 1710, 2710, 3710 may include a nose plug protruding lip 1728, 2728, 3728, which may preferably prevent the nose plug from being inserted undesirably deep into the user's nasal passage. The nose plug protruding lip 1728, 2728, 3728 may be substantially continuous with the nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720 and may be constructed using the same material as the nose plug. The nose plug protruding lip 1728, 2728, 3728 may preferably provide a stop mechanism and therefore physical resistance from overinsertion of the nose plug 1720, 2720, 3720. In some embodiments, the nose plug protruding lip may provide increased stiffness over the portion of the nose plug that is inserted into the nostril, increasing its stopping ability.

[0124] The case will now be described in further detail. Figures 9-10 and 25-27 clearly show examples of cases, which may also be shown in other figures. In some embodiments, a case 1810 may be provided to receive, store, charge, and otherwise interact with an air purification device, such as those enabled by the present disclosure. For example, the case 1810 may be configured to receive the air purification device when not in use, such as when not inserted into a user's nasal cavity.

[0125] In one embodiment, the case 1810 can include a case housing 1820 extending from a case housing lower end 1824 to a case housing upper end 1822. The case housing 1820 can include a case receiving slot 1830 at its case housing upper end 1822 for receiving and / or substantially securing a housing 1210 of an air purification device enabled by the present disclosure. The case housing receiving slot 1830 can include a case receiving slot opening 1832 through which the housing 1210 can be inserted. The case housing receiving slot 1830 can include a protruding guideway that can interact with a recessed guideway included by the housing 1210 to assist in properly orienting the housing 1210 upon insertion into the case receiving slot 1830.

[0126] In some embodiments, the case 1810 can include a case lid 1850 operably attached to the case housing 1820 to collectively form the case 1810. The case lid 1850 can be operably attached to the case housing 1820 such that the case 1810 can be manipulated between a closed case state and an open case state. In one example, the case lid 1850 can be operably attached to the case housing 1820 via a case hinge 1852. In this example, the case lid 1850 can include a first portion of material that extends into a recessed second portion of material provided by the case housing 1820 to align a passage associated with the case hinge 1852 configured to receive the case hinge pin 1854, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. This example can advantageously facilitate alternating between the closed case state and the open case state by pivoting the case lid 1850 about an axis aligned with the case hinge 1852 about which the case hinge pin 1854 is oriented.

[0127] In other embodiments, other configurations can be used to removably attach case lid 1850 to case housing 1820. Example configurations include, but are not limited to, friction, snap interfaces, magnetic, ribs, latches, and / or other configurations that will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0128] The case lid 1850 may include a case inner lid 1856 that may be at least partially seated in an interior space provided by the case lid 1850. The inclusion of the case inner lid 1856 may advantageously aid in securing the housing 1210 seated on the case 1810 via the case receiving slot 1830 while the case 1810 is configured in the case closed state. For example, the case inner lid 1850 may include sufficient clearance to accommodate the nose plug component 1710 attached to the housing 1210 in a manner that holds the housing 1210 in place while the case lid 1850 is closed and the case 1810 is configured in the case closed state. In addition, the case inner lid 1856 may be positioned to facilitate insertion and removal of the housing into and from the case receiving slot 1830 with minimal interference with the housing 1210 held by the case 1810 when the case 1810 is configured in the case open state.

[0129] The case housing 1820 may include a case base 1858 that may be at least partially mounted in an interior space provided by the case housing 1820. The inclusion of the case base 1858 may advantageously aid in securing the housing 1210 mounted to the case 1810 by providing a case receiving slot 1830 for removably receiving the housing 1210 and substantially securing the received housing 1210 while the case 1810 is configured in the case closed state. For example, the case base 1858 may include sufficient space to accommodate the housing 1210 in a manner that holds the housing 1210 in place while the housing is inserted into the case receiving slot 1830. The housing 1210 may be retained by the case base 1858 in both the case open state and the case closed state, with the housing 1210 beginning to be insertable and removable while the case 1810 is configured in the case open state.

[0130] The case 1810 may include a case power device 1840 to assist in charging or otherwise providing power to an air purification device enabled by the present disclosure when inserted into the case 1810. For example, the case 1810 may include a case power device 1840 that may receive external power from an external power source via a case charging port 1842 that may be accessible via a case charging port access point 1834. The case power device 1840 may condition and / or otherwise act on the external power to make it a charging power that may be received by an electrical contact 1370 provided by the power component 1310 of an air purification device enabled by the present disclosure. For example, when the housing 1210 of the air purification device is inserted into the case receiving slot 1830, the electrical contact 1370 provided by the air purification device may operatively connect with an electrical contact 1844 provided by the case 1810 that is accessible via the case receiving slot 1830. Once contact is established, charging power is provided by the case 1810 to the battery 1340 of the air purification device. In some embodiments, the electrical charging circuitry of the air purification device can interact with power received by the case 1810 and condition the power for storage in the battery 1340 contained by the power component 1310. In other embodiments, power may be provided by the case 1810 to be applied directly to the battery 1340, thus eliminating the need for a separate electrical charging circuitry within the air purification device itself.

[0131] The case 1810 may include a case charging port 1842, which may be provided as a USB port and / or other port capable of transmitting power, as described above in the context of the power component 1310. In some embodiments, the case charging port 1842 may enable transmission of data received from an air purification device located within the case receiving slot 1830. The case 1810 may operate as a pass-through device providing access between the case charging port 1842 provided by the case 1810 and components held within the interior space of the air purification device. In other embodiments, active devices may be included within the case 1810 that may at least in part regulate power, facilitate data transmission, and / or otherwise assist in the operation of an air purification device received by the case receiving slot 1830.

[0132] The case 1810 may include a case bottom panel 1826 located at a case housing bottom end 1824. The case bottom panel 1826 may be removably attached to the case 1810 and may provide access to the interior volume of the case upon removal from the case. One or more case feet 1828 may optionally be provided to improve stability of the case 1810 when placed on a surface and / or reduce the possibility of damage to a surface on which the case may be placed.

[0133] In some embodiments, the case 1810 may be configured to receive multiple housings, which may be facilitated by providing multiple case receiving slots 1830. For example, the case may be configured to receive, hold, and / or charge six or eight air purification devices. Those skilled in the art will appreciate additional embodiments of the case that may be configured to hold various numbers of housings and / or air purification devices, such as, without limitation, configured to hold 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or another number of housings and / or air purification devices.

[0134] The monitoring component will now be described in more detail. In one embodiment, a monitoring component may be provided that includes a sensor that detects the condition of the air contained by the environmental space adjacent to the sensor. The condition may be reported via a communicatively connected display device. The monitoring component may include one or more sensor components that assist in monitoring aspects of the user's health, air quality, operational effectiveness, and other metrics that will be understood by those skilled in the art. The monitoring component may further include technology that can detect the presence or absence of potentially dangerous viruses, bacteria, and / or other agents in the user.

[0135] The monitoring component may include sensors capable of detecting one or more environmental conditions in the vicinity of a user of the device. The environmental conditions may include, but are not limited to, the presence or absence of viruses, bacteria, carcinogens, pollutants in the air, as well as temperature, precipitation, and humidity. The sensor component may be communicatively and operatively connected to a display component capable of displaying data regarding the environmental conditions.

[0136] The monitoring component may operate using a computing device including a processor and operating instructions stored in memory that can be read from a memory, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, or the monitoring component may assist in the analysis and presentation of information performed by, but not limited to, an external computing device related to the operation of the monitoring component.

[0137] Industrial Applicability

[0138] In operation, the air purification device enabled by the present disclosure may be used to purify and / or reduce undesirable materials from air intended to enter the nasal cavity. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the methods of use enabled by the above disclosure. Those skilled in the art, after having the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate additional methods within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure for performing the operations provided by the examples herein. Such additional methods are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0139] Although various aspects have been described in the above disclosure, the description of the disclosure is intended to illustrate, not limit, the scope of the invention. The invention is defined by the appended claims, not by the examples and examples provided in the above disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate additional aspects of the invention that may be realized in alternative embodiments after having the benefit of the above disclosure. Other aspects, advantages, embodiments, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A nasal air purifying device a housing substantially enclosing an interior space; an air treatment component disposed within the interior space for at least partially purifying the air, the air treatment component comprising: A filtering component that removes impurities from the air; an air handling component comprising: a fan component that actively passes the air through a filtering component; a power component disposed substantially within the interior space for providing power to the air handling component; and and a nose plug component operably attached to the housing for removably insertion into a nostril to form at least a partial seal with the nasal cavity.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power component further comprises: A battery that reversibly stores power; a power supply device for transmitting power from the battery to the air handling component; and a battery charging device that receives external power from an external power source, conditions the external power into charging power usable by the battery, and stores at least a portion of the charging power in the battery for use as power for the air treatment component.

3. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: An upper housing portion; a lower housing portion removably attached to the upper housing portion; a housing inlet located in the lower housing portion for allowing the air to enter the interior space; the fan component receives air from the housing inlet for passing through the filtering component; A device in which air passes through the filtering component and travels through the nose plug component into the nasal cavity.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the housing further comprises: a locking interface upper portion operably attached to the upper housing portion; a locking interface lower portion operably attached to the lower housing portion; the locking interface upper portion comprises a locking interface comprising a locking member adapted to receive at least a portion of a locking lip of the locking interface lower portion; a locking gap provided by a lower portion of the locking interface having a width sufficient to receive the locking member; the locking interface is reversibly set to a locked position by rotating the locking member through the locking gap in a first locking direction to receive the locking lip; The locking interface is reversibly set to an unlocked position by rotating the locking member in a second, locking direction to release the locking lip.

5. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air treatment component further comprises: The device includes a germicidal irradiation component that emits ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation to at least partially kill pathogens from air prior to entering the nasal cavity.

6. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air treatment component further comprises: an aroma component including an aroma reservoir for reversibly retaining an aroma material having an aroma detectable by an olfactory nerve; An apparatus for transferring fragrance at least partially from said fragrance material into said air.

7. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filtration component comprises a High Efficiency Particulate Adsorption (HEPA) filter.

8. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filtration component comprises activated carbon.

9. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, a case for receiving at least a portion of the housing; The housing is a device that is removably housed by the case.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, the case includes electrical contacts for connecting with the power component; The apparatus, wherein the power component further comprises a battery that reversibly stores power received from the case for use by the air handling component.

11. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, a monitoring component including a sensor for detecting an air condition contained in an environmental space adjacent to the sensor; The device, wherein the status is reportable via a communicatively connected display device.

12. 1. A nasal air purifying device comprising: a housing substantially enclosing an interior space; a nose plug component operatively attached to said housing for removably insertion into a nostril to form at least a partial seal with the nasal cavity; an air treatment component disposed within the interior space for at least partially purifying air for delivery to the nasal cavity, the air treatment component comprising: an air treatment component including a germicidal irradiation component that emits ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation to at least partially kill pathogens from the air prior to the air entering the nasal cavity; a power component disposed substantially within the interior space and configured to provide power to the air handling component; The housing is selectively received by and selectively removable from a case.

13. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the air treatment component further comprises: a filtering component for removing impurities from the air; a fan component that actively moves the air through the filtering component.

14. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the housing comprises: An upper housing portion; a lower housing portion removably attached to the upper housing portion; a housing inlet disposed in the lower housing portion for allowing the air to enter the interior space.

15. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the power component further comprises: A battery that reversibly stores the power; a power supply device for transmitting power from the battery to the air handling component; and a battery charging device that receives external power from an external power source, conditions the external power into charging power usable by the battery, and stores at least a portion of the charging power in the battery for use as the power by the air treatment component.

16. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the air treatment component further comprises: An apparatus comprising an aroma component comprising an aroma reservoir that reversibly retains an aroma material that is at least partially diffused into the air and has an aroma detectable by the olfactory nerves.

17. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the filtration component comprises a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and a carbon filter.

18. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, The case further comprises: a case housing having a case receiving slot for selectively receiving the housing; a case lid removably attached to the case housing to set the case between a case open state and a case closed state; the electrical contacts comprising: electrical contacts for connecting with the power component; The power component further comprises: a battery that reversibly stores power received from the case for use by the air handling component; the housing is selectively inserted into or removed from the case receiving slot when the case is set in the case open state; An apparatus in which a housing received by the case receiving slot is substantially enclosed by the case while the case is configured in the case closed state.

19. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, The device further comprises an odorant delivery component capable of administering a deliverable substance to said nasal cavity.

20. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, a monitoring component including a sensor for detecting a condition of the air contained in an environmental space adjacent to the housing; The device, wherein the status is reportable via a communicatively connected display device.

21. 1. A nasal air purifying device comprising: a housing substantially enclosing an interior space; an air treatment component disposed within the interior space for at least partially purifying air for delivery to the nasal cavity, the air treatment component comprising: a filtering component for removing impurities from the air; An aroma component comprising an aroma reservoir that reversibly holds an aroma material having an aroma detectable by the olfactory nerves, wherein the aroma at least partially migrates from the aroma material into the air and is delivered to the nasal cavity.

Images