WO2003043528A2

WO2003043528A2 - Disposable finger-worn device for safe cleaning of the ear

Info

Publication number: WO2003043528A2
Application number: PCT/IL2002/000923
Authority: WO
Inventors: Doram Sobol; Shai Barkan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-11-20
Filing date: 2002-11-20
Publication date: 2003-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2004-05-20
Also published as: EP1471859A2; AU2002353460A8; AU2002353460A1; WO2003043528A3

Abstract

A disposable finger-worn device (100) for safe cleaning of an ear canal, the device_includes an at least semi-rigid base (10) having an opening ring (18) for receiving and securing at least an end of a finger; a projection (20) having a soft and flexible tip for cleaning the ear canal; and an at least semi-rigid neck (25) extending past the finger, the neck (25) having a narrow end connecting to the projection (20) and widening to a wide end connecting to the base (10), so as to arrest the neck (25) on an ear cap of the ear canal when the device (100) is disposed within the ear canal.

Description

Disposable Finger- Worn Device for Safe Cleaning of the Ear

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a disposable finger worn device for safe

and efficient cleaning of the inner part of the ear, a device that eliminates the

risk of medical damage to the eardrum or to the surrounding tissues of the user.

A standard cotton swab intended for consumer use consists of a stick,

approximately 8 - 9 centimeters in length, both ends of which are wrapped in

cotton to produce bulbous swab ends. The stick may be made of paper, plastic,

wood, or metal, and may be rigid or flexible to a predetermined degree.

Medical swabs or those intended for industrial use are typically longer than the

consumer version, about 10 - 25 centimeters in length.

The most common use of a cotton swab is as a personal care product.

In this area, the swabs are used to apply cosmetics, in baby care, apply

ointments and oils, but most often, to clean the ear canal from a build up of ear

wax and to satisfy a real or perceived "itch" in the ear canal.

Although cleaning the ear canal is the most common use of the

traditional cotton swab, physicians would be more likely to use the term

"misuse", as the application of such swabs to the ear canal is a major source of

ear infections, eardrum tears, and other complications. One problem with a

standard cotton swab is that it is simply too long. Hence, while pushing,

twisting and turning the swab all the way into the ear canal, the user is actually pushing any wax or accumulation of foreign matter in towards the eardrum. In

this manner, there is a good possibility that an accumulation of matter will be

formed at the inner reaches of the ear canal, in effect creating a mass or plug

that is compacted with frequent use of swabs and may eventually block the

eardrum. This process may also contribute to ear infections and other

irritations in the ear canal.

Much of this process is due to the fact that most people are not aware of

the simple fact that ear wax is mainly formed in the outer 1/3 of the ear canal.

There is thus absolutely no reason for sticking the cotton swab all the way in.

Traditional cotton swabs are simply not designed for safe and efficient

cleaning of the ear canal.

The risk of damaging the ear is even more prevalent when one person

inserts the swab into the ear of another person, e.g., when cleaning the ear of a

baby, a small child, or a geriatric patient. In such cases, the person applying

the swab is largely insensitive to the depth of the stick within the inner ear.

It must be emphasized that even special swab designs, such as the large

head "baby swab", generally share the basic swab's inherent design flaw of

being potentially dangerous to use in the ear.

One important advance in swab safety and utility is taught by U.S.

Patent No. 5,807,301 to Nadam. U.S. Patent No. 5,807,301 discloses a

disposable ear-cleaning device having a thimble and a rigid extension

protruding from the top portion thereof. The extension is tightly wrapped with a layer of cotton. The disclosed device largely prevents damaging of the ear,

since it has a predetermined extension length that is shorter than the distance

between the outer side of the ear canal and the eardrum.

It is conceded by U.S. Patent No. 5,807,301 that the distance between

the outer side of the ear canal and the eardrum varies with the age of the

individual. This distance also varies between individuals. Consequently, the

ear-canal cleaning extension must be fabricated in different sizes.

This is disadvantageous for several reasons. As a display item in a

personal care product line sold in drug stores and the like, inventory costs

increase appreciably to accommodate three or four sizes of the same product.

More significantly, many consumers will decide to buy one package to meet

the needs of the family, rather that buying and storing several open packages of

different swab length. Moreover, even in the ideal case in which a consumer

purchases and stores a plurality of swab packages, according to family needs,

there is a finite risk that an inappropriately long swab will be applied

inadvertently to an ear, greatly increasing the risk of ear infections, eardrum

tears, and other complications.

There is therefore a recognized need for, and it would be highly

advantageous to have, a disposable finger-worn device for safe and efficient

cleaning of the ear. It would be of further advantage for such a device to be

designed so as to enable universal sizing, i.e., for a single swab device to be

appropriate for ears of different sizes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a disposable, finger-worn swab for safe and

efficient cleaning of the ear canal.

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided a

disposable finger worn device for safe cleaning of an ear canal of a user, the

device including: (a) an at least semi-rigid base having an opening for

receiving and securing at least an end of a finger; (b) a projection having a soft

and flexible tip for cleaning the ear canal, and (c) an at least semi-rigid neck

extending past the finger, the neck having a narrow end connecting to the

projection and widening to a wide end connecting to the base, so as to arrest

the neck on an ear cap of the ear canal when the device is disposed within the

ear canal.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is

provided a disposable finger worn device for safe cleaning of an ear canal of a

user, the device including: (a) an at least semi-rigid base having an opening for

receiving and securing at least an end of a finger, the base including a spring

mechanism for self-tightening of the base to the finger, and (b) a projection

having a soft and flexible tip for cleaning the ear canal.

According to further features in the described preferred embodiments, the base includes a mechanism for tightly securing the base to the finger.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the neck is designed and configured for universally adapting the

device, such that upon insertion, the tip is arrested in a spaced-apart relation

5 with respect to an ear-drum of the ear canal, thereby allowing for safe

penetration of human ear canals of substantially all sizes.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments,

■Cneck ^ Lcanai, ^an

I U t-'neck •L'earcap 31 L_neck,

wherein L_canaι is a length of an ear canal of a typical small baby, L_neCk is a

length from a distal end of the tip to a location along an axis of the neck; D_neck

is a diameter of the neck at the length

from the distal end of the tip, and

D_earca is a diameter of an external opening to the ear canal of the user.

15 According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the neck is designed and configured for universally adapting the

with respect to an ear-drum of the ear canal, thereby allowing for safe

penetration of human ear canals of all sizes.

0 According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, L_neck is less than 0.7 -L_canai.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the inverse tangent of 0.5-D_nec_k L_nec_k is 7° to 50°, more

preferably, 10° to 40°, most preferably, 12° to 30°.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the mechanism includes at least one crimped leg.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the mechanism includes at least three crimped legs.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the mechanism includes at least one notch for easing entry of the

finger into the opening.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the outer surface of the projection has ridges for contacting a

surface within the ear canal.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the outer surface has at least one recess between the ridges, the

recess for receiving loosened wax from the ear canal.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, an exterior surface of the crimped leg is concave, so as to

accommodate a thumb associated with the finger.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the projection includes a stick wrapped with cotton.

According to still further features in the described preferred

embodiments, the soft and flexible tip includes a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane.

The present invention of a disposable finger worn device for cleaning

the ear canal is simple, reliable and inexpensive, and provides a safe, robust,

efficient and convenient device with respect to devices of the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with

reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the

drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of

example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred

embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of

providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood

description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this

regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more

detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the

description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the

art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a universal

disposable finger worn device for safe cleaning of the ear, the device having a

cotton- wrapped tip; Figure 2 is similar to the inventive device of Figure 1, but has a soft tip

that is integral with the conical projection;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of the device of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present

invention, in which the cylindrical tip has ridges and recesses, and

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present

invention, in which the device has another type of ridged tip and an open ring

configuration for securing an index finger.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a disposable, fmger-worn swab for safe and

efficient cleaning of the ear canal.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it

is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the

details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the

following description or illustrated in the drawing. The invention is capable of

other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also,

it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is

for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1 to 5 show different

embodiments of a disposable finger- worn device 100 for safe cleaning of the ear canal. The device of the present invention consists of a flexible fmger-

worn base 10 for detachably securing to the finger and a projection 20 having a

soft exterior for contacting the ear canal.

Base 10 is typically made of common flexible plastic materials

including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polycarbonate, and

may be of various designs for comfortable, effective, conforming engagement

with the finger (not shown in the drawings). In Figures 1 and 2, for instance,

flexible legs 14 are crimped so as to receive and automatically tighten around

the holding index finger. Flexible legs 14 may contain notches 30, as shown in

Figure 1, which enable legs 14 to widen slightly around the finger achieving a

tight, but comfortable, engagement to the finger, substantially irrespective of

finger width. In Figure 5, the engagement to the finger is achieved by a design

of a partially open ring 18, the opening of which may be widened by the

pressure of an inserted index finger.

The above-described designs are effective in engaging the finger,

provide comfort in use, including breathability, and allow for a cleaning

motion that is similar to the cleaning motion of a finger inserted into the ear.

The cleaning element of the present invention is an at least semi-rigid

projection, the exterior of which is sufficiently soft for cleaning the inner part

of the ear without causing any medical damage. Some exemplary designs of

projection 20 are shown in the drawings. In Figure 1, the cleaning projection

20 includes a short stick 27 tightly wrapped with cotton 24, and as such, is similar to the end of conventional cotton swabs. Cleaning is preferably

achieved by alternately rotating the index finger, disposed within device 100,

so as to rotate device 100 in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

In Figure 2, projection 20 has a truncated conical shape, with the narrow

side of the truncated cone for inserting into the ear. In this embodiment,

projection 20 is typically made of soft materials such as PVC or polyurethane

foam.

Whereas prior art designs limit the length of projection 20, in an effort

to inhibit medical damage to the inner ear, it has been observed by the inventor

that this solution is inadequate, because the depth of the ear varies greatly

between individuals, and more particularly between infants, children and

adults. It has been further discovered by the inventor that a fairly constant

ratio exists between the depth of the ear (corresponding to the length of

projection 20 introduced to the ear) and the diameter of the outer side of the

ear canal. Consequently, when projection 20 is conical, truncated conical, or

the like, and designed and configured to have the requisite slope, the widening

cone is eventually arrested by the ear tissue surrounding the ear canal, such that

the length of the inserted projection 20 is appropriate for cleaning the outer

section of the ear-canal, yet does not present a medical risk to the ear drum, nor

to the sensitive tissues around the ear drum.

Consequently, in the inventive devices, base 10 is connected to

projection 20 by means of a neck 25. Neck 25, which is made of an at least semi-rigid material, extends past base 10. The narrow end of neck 25 is

attached to projection 20, with neck 25 widening to form a wide end

connecting to base 10. When the device 100 is inserted into or disposed within

the ear canal, device 100 is arrested along neck 25 by the ear cap at the

entrance to the ear canal, thereby precluding the possibility of damaging the

ear drum.

It has been found that the requisite slope (corresponding to angle θ) is

7° to 50°, more preferably, from 10° to 40°, still more preferably, from 12° to

30°. The requisite slope is best defined in conjunction with Figure 3. The

angle θ is the inverse tangent of 0.5-D_nec /L_neck; where D_neck is the diameter of

the neck at length L_neck from the distal end of the tip (along the axis of the

device).

Moreover, if we define L_canaι to be the length of the ear canal of a small

baby, and D_{ea caP} is a diameter of an external opening to the ear canal of the

user, the device of the present invention should conform to the following

relationships:

Lneck L_canaι and

"nec -^ A'earcap &"- •'-'neck.

Preferably, L_neck should not exceed 0.7-L_canaι. Also, D_neck should

preferably be at least 1.2-D_earcap at L_neck. These safety factors substantially

ensure that damage to the ear drum will not ensue from the application of the

device to the ear canal. It should be emphasized that the same basic design principles of a neck

having specific length and diameter requirements, are included in of all the

embodiments of the present invention, as is evident from Figures 1-5.

Figures 4 and 5 show designs of projection 20 that are more

sophisticated than a natural finger and include shapes configured especially for

safe, gentle, yet effective scraping of the ear-canal. These embodiments have

edges 26 that improve the scraping and cleaning efficacy, as well as provide an

open space 28 for the loosened dirt to cling to, as opposed to being smeared

around by the outer surface of the cleaning projection, as in conventional

swabs. Projection 20 is geometrically designed to enable safe entry into the

outer part of the ear canal.

The device of the present invention may be produced in one piece using

known injection mold technologies, e.g., using double injection technology for

producing the relatively stiff base, and subsequently, the more flexible and soft

projection.

Apart from ear cleaning, the present invention can be used in a wide

variety of applications, including sensitive cleaning operations (sensitive

mechanical equipment, sanitary applications, etc.), application and removal of

cosmetics, and the application of medicines, lotions, and other materials,

wherein the material is absorbed in the applicator, as well as cleaning

electronic circuits of various instruments during or after fabrication and

medical uses such as taking samples, doing smears, bacteriological use, and application of fluids. In comparison to the conventional devices, the device of

the present invention improves control on the device, enables the user to

perform delicate and accurate small movements on the treated object.

Typically, the length of projection 20 for each application is about 10 - 25

centimeters determined solely by the specific need, while the consumer device

is about 8 - 9 centimeters in length.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific

embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and

variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is

intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall

within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications,

patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein

incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same

extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was

specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall

not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to

the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A disposable finger worn device for safe cleaning of an ear canal of a

user, the device comprising:

(a) an at least semi-rigid base having an opening for receiving and

securing at least an end of a finger;

(b) a projection having a soft and flexible tip for cleaning the ear

canal, and

(c) an at least semi-rigid neck extending past said finger, said neck

having a narrow end connecting to said projection and widening

to a wide end connecting to said base, so as to arrest said neck on

an ear cap of the ear canal when the device is disposed within the

ear canal.

2. The device of claim 1, said base including a mechanism for tightly

securing said base to said finger.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said neck is designed and configured for

universally adapting the device, such that upon insertion, said tip is arrested in a

spaced-apart relation with respect to an ear-drum of the ear canal, thereby

allowing for safe penetration of human ear canals of substantially all sizes.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein:

L_canai is a length of an ear canal of a baby;

L_neck i a length from a distal end of said tip to a location along an axis of

said neck;

D_nec is a diameter of said neck at said length L_neck from said distal end of

said tip, and

D_earcap is a diameter of an external opening to the ear canal of the user,

and wherein:

Lneck ^< Lcanai, ^and

J-^neck -^ tJearcap L/_neck.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said neck is designed and configured for

spaced-apart relation with respect to an ear-drum of the ear canal, thereby

allowing for safe penetration of human ear canals of all sizes.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein:

■L/neck ^"^ U. / ^■.Lcanai.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein an inverse tangent of 0.5-D_neck/L_neck is 7°

to 50°.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said inverse tangent is 10° to 40°.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein said inverse tangent is 12° to 30°.

10. The device of claim 2, wherein said mechanism includes at least one

crimped leg.

11. The device of claim 2, wherein said mechanism includes at least three

crimped legs.

12. The device of claim 2, wherein said mechanism includes at least one

notch for easing entry of said finger into said opening.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of said projection has

ridges for contacting a surface within the ear canal.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein said outer surface has at least one recess

between said ridges, said recess for receiving loosened wax from the ear canal.

15. The device of claim 10, wherein an exterior surface of said crimped leg

is concave, so as to accommodate a thumb associated with said finger.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein said projection includes a stick wrapped

with cotton.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein said soft and flexible tip includes a

material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and

polyurethane.

18. A disposable finger worn device for safe cleaning of an ear canal of a

user, the device comprising:

(a) an at least semi-rigid base having an opening for receiving and

securing at least an end of a finger, said base including a spring

mechanism for self-tightening of said base to said finger, and

(b) a projection having a soft and flexible tip for cleaning the ear

canal.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein said spring mechanism includes at least

one crimped leg.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein said spring mechanism includes at least

three crimped legs.

21. The device of claim 19, wherein said crimped leg includes at least one

notch for enabling said legs to bend so as to widen said opening, thereby easing

entry of said finger to said base.

22. The device of claim 19, wherein an exterior surface of said crimped leg

is concave, so as to accommodate a thumb associated with said finger.

23. The device of claim 18, wherein said projection includes a stick wrapped

with cotton.

24. The device of claim 18, wherein said soft and flexible tip includes a

material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and

polyurethane.