Nose filter

Abstract

A filtering apparatus fits adjacent to the nostrils and nose of the user and includes a rigid base for retaining a filtering material thereon through which the user may breathe. The filter material takes the form of an open-cell foam, in the form of a pad, which is removably held between retainer members carried on the rigid base. The foam pad includes a peripheral sidewall and defines an open cavity in the thickness thereof. A clamping device included in the base has an upper and lower plate that are joined together by fasteners. A supporting arrangement for facial wearing comprises a pair of elongated ear support members arranged in spaced-apart relationship and joined together to define a pivot or hinge mechanism that is captured beneath the opposing surfaces of the base plates.

1. A nose filter comprising:
 a base assembly; 
 a filter material; 
 releasable attachment means carried on peripheral edge marginal regions of said base assembly for retaining said filter material thereon; 
 a single one-piece U-shaped ear support means pivotally carried on said base assembly for removably retaining said base assembly and said filter material on a facial area; 
 said base assembly includes a pair of rigid plates supporting said filter material and said ear support means; 
 said rigid plates having mated and aligned conformal grooves for pivotally mounting said ear supporting means; 
 said single one-piece U-shaped support means having a pair of support members with each member having a semi-loop at one end and having their opposite ends integrally joined by a rigid pivot bar rotatably mounted in said conformal grooves of said plates; 
 at least one of said rigid plates including a plurality of openings to allow passage of ambient air to said filter material; 
 said filter material is a pad composed of a close-mesh, open cell foam; and 
 said ear supported members are rigidly joined together by said rigid pivot bar and said pivot bar is disposed in rotational relationship in said conformal grooves whereby said ear support member rotates in unison as said pivot bar rotates in said conformal groove. 
 
     
     
       2. A nose filter comprising:
 a base assembly;   a filter material, said filter material removably attachable to said base assembly;   a single one-piece U-shaped ear support element pivotally connected to said base assembly for removably retaining said base assembly and said filter material on a facial area;   said base assembly including a pair of rigid plates supporting said ear support element;   said rigid plates having mated and aligned conformal grooves for pivotally mounting said ear support element;   said ear support element having a pair of support members with each member having a semi-loop at one end and having their opposite ends integrally joined by a rigid pivot bar rotatably mounted in said conformal grooves of said plates; and   at least one of said rigid plates including a plurality of openings to allow passage of ambient air to said filter material.   
     
     
       3. A nose filter comprising:
 a base assembly;   a filter material;   an attachment member for retaining said filter material on said base assembly;   a single one-piece U-shaped ear support element pivotally connected to said base assembly for removably retaining said base assembly and said filter material on a facial area;   said base assembly including a pair of rigid plates supporting said ear support element;   said rigid plates having mated and aligned conformal grooves for pivotally mounting said ear support element;   said ear support element having a pair of support members with each member having a semi-loop at one end and having their opposite ends integrally joined by a rigid pivot bar rotatably mounted in said conformal grooves of said plates; and   at least one of said rigid plates including a plurality of openings to allow passage of ambient air to said filter material.