SAID DEVICE"

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This Patent Appl ication claims priority from Italian Patent Application No . 102021000027947 filed on November 3 , 2021 and from Italian Patent Application No . 102022000018813 filed on September 14 , 2022 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a device for cleaning ears and a related method for producing said device .

This invention preferably finds advantageous (but not exclusive ) application for cleaning the ear canal of the ear, like the ear' s auricle .

In particular, this invention finds advantageous (but not exclusive ) application for cleaning the human ear, like the animal ear .

More particularly, this invention finds advantageous (but not exclusive ) application in the field of personal hygiene , as in the medical and veterinary fields .

PRIOR ART

Ear wax is a waxy secretion produced by the ceruminous and sebaceous glands , located in the outer portion of the ear canal . Ear wax famously performs di f ferent functions , including: protecting the inner ear from dust, dead skin, loose hairs, bacteria and/or inflammation and lubricating the ear, contributing to keeping it clean. In fact, ear wax gathers detritus and, subsequently, when it comes out, it eliminates it from the ear canal autonomously.

The presence of ear wax in the ears or an excessive formation thereof is, in contrast, undesired aesthetically, but also hygienically . Therefore, proper cleaning of the ears is indispensable for minimising the risk of infection, preventing the appearance of plugs of ear wax and avoiding embarrassing discharges of aesthetically unpleasant ear wax.

For many years, devices for manual cleaning (principally mechanical via rubbing and scraping) of the ear, in order to remove the ear wax, have been known.

Among those known devices for the manual cleaning of the ears, there are the so-called "cotton swabs", i.e., rigid little sticks that have a coating in suitably shaped cotton at at least one end. These devices for cleaning were developed exclusively to be used externally in the ear (i.e., the auricle) and cannot be, in contrast, used for the internal cleaning of the ear (i.e., of the ear canal) since they tend to push the ear wax towards the inside of the ear, compacting it so as to form a plug of ear wax, which counteracts the natural process of ear wax being discharged from the ear (in particular from the ear canal of the ear) . Alternative devices for cleaning are also known, such as auricle cones or candles that through heat released by combustion of an end thereof the ear wax is softened, establishing a depression within the ear canal , which forces the ear wax to flow outwards from the ear . In any case , even these alternative devices for cleaning have multiple drawbacks . The heat generated by combustion of the auricle candle or cone is so high that it can cause serious inj uries in the ear . In addition, these types of cleaning devices have the disadvantage that the fal ling of the wax or pieces of burning cone on the user ' s face can burn the latter or could lead to involuntary combustion of the hair . In addition, it was found that , involuntarily, hot drops may penetrate the ear, damaging the ear canal or even perforating the membranes . Recent studies would also show how, in assiduous users of auricle cones and candles , it was found that the production of ear wax by their ears increased subsequent to use .

Devices are also found on sale for manual ear cleaning that comprise interchangeable cleaning heads with a spiral shape . These cleaning heads are made of stif f rubber . In any case , neither are these devices ef fective in the removal of ear wax and, instead, risk compacting it , by pushing it towards the inner ear . In addition, due to the shape of the cleaning head, it may happen that the ear canal is irritated or even inj ured .

On the other hand, medical devices are known, which can only be used by medical figures specialised in their use to ensure the removal of the ear wax completely safely .

Some of these medical devices remove ear wax from the ear canal via scraping ( also known as "curettage" ) that involves the aid of tools that have at one end a small loop, spring, or spoon made of plastic and/or metal . In any case , these medical devices cannot be used by an ordinary user, who , instead, would risk inj uring the ear canal , like the tympanic membrane .

Other medical devices for cleaning ears involve irrigation of the ear to carry out so-cal led "ear irrigation" . This irrigation involves the irrigation of the ear with a liquid that is , preferably, pressurised, which is inj ected into the ear canal to make the ear wax come out . The liquid used may be ( a non-exhaustive and non-limiting list ) : tepid water typically at a temperature ranging between 36 ° and 37 ° C or a physiological solution or a mix composed of 50% water and 50% oxygenated water (hydrogen peroxide ) . In any case , irrigation also has its drawbacks . In particular, it must be carried out by specialised medical figures . Therefore , it cannot be performed autonomously by ordinary users who would risk harming the ear . In addition, these medical devices cannot be used frequently, since they would irritate the ear .

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for cleaning ears and a related method for producing said device that are free of the drawbacks of the prior art and that are easy and cost-ef fective to produce .

According to this invention, a device for cleaning ears is provided according to what is set forth in the appended claims .

According to this invention, a related method for producing said device , as described in the attached claims , is provided .

The claims describe preferred embodiments of this invention forming an integral part of this description .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof , in which :

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an example of application of a device for cleaning ears produced in accordance with this invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic, perspective view of the cleaning device in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic, perspective view of the cleaning device , with a di f ferent orientation compared to Figure 2; and

Figure 4 is a schematic, side view of the cleaning device in Figures 2 and 3.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In Figure 1, the reference number 1 indicates, as a whole, a device for cleaning ears 0, in particular for removing ear wax.

In the discussion that follows, without losing generality, explicit reference is made to the removal, via the device 1, of ear wax. The term "ear wax" refers to the waxy secretion produced by the ceruminous and sebaceous glands located in the outer portion of the ear canal, like particles (solid or viscous) , such as, for example, detritus, comprised in it. It is understood that the device 1 also finds advantageous (but non-limiting) application for the removal of any particle or object present on and/or in the ear 0.

In the discussion that follows, explicit reference is made to the application example of Figure 1, comprising a human ear 0. It is clear that this invention finds advantageous application (without any loss of generality thereby) in an animal ear as well.

As is known, the ear 0 comprises an auricle PA and an ear canal CU (also known as external acoustic meatus) at the end of which a tympanic membrane is arranged (commonly also known as the "ear drum") .

The device 1 for cleaning ears 0 that is the subject of this invention comprises a support 2, a cleaning head 3, and a stop element 4.

The support 2 has an elongated shape and is provided with a longitudinal axis X. The support 2 has a proximal end EP and a distal end ED, which is opposite the proximal end EP. The proximal end EP acts as a grip for the user. The cleaning head 3 is, in contrast, connected (permanently or removably) to the distal end ED of the support 2.

The cleaning head 3 is configured, in use, to carry out the cleaning, or to remove the ear wax. The cleaning head 3 is arranged at the distal end ED of the support 2. The cleaning head 3 has a deformable lattice structure (i.e., a net, grill, or fabric) . In particular, the cleaning head 3 is elastically deformable. In other words, the cleaning head 3 has a structure so as to be deformed (in particular, compressed) on insertion in the ear canal CU or if pressed against the auricle PA and subsequently, on extraction from the ear canal CU or removal from the auricle PA, it basically returns to its original shape (prior to the deformation) .

The stop element 4 is arranged on the support 2 and is configured, in use, to define a maximum stroke (end stroke) of the device 1 in the ear 0. In other words, the stop element 4 defines the maximum insertion depth of the device 1 in the ear canal CU. In fact, on reaching the maximum depth, the stop element 4 is arranged abutting (or, is arranged against) the auricle PA.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the cleaning head 3 has a cylindrical shape. In particular, the cleaning head 3 has a cross section (i.e., orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X) with a circular shape and a longitudinal section (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis X) that is rectangular. According to a possible, but non-limiting, alternative embodiment (not illustrated) , the cleaning head 3 may have a cross-section with a polygonal or elliptical shape.

According to a possible, but non-limiting, alternative embodiment (not illustrated) , the cleaning head 3 may have a longitudinal section (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis X) of a circular, square, or contoured shape (for example, hourglass or wishbone) .

According to a possible, but non-limiting, alternative embodiment (not illustrated) , the cleaning head 3 has a parallelepiped-like or helical (i.e., which has an external surface of the cleaning head 3 that wraps, helically, around the longitudinal axis X) shape. In this regard, in the case of a helical shape, the pitch between one helix and the adjacent one (previous or successive) may be constant or variable. In addition, the transverse dimension, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, of at least one helix in relation to an adjacent helix (previous or successive) may be equal or different (i.e., increasing or decreasing) compared to the latter.

According to an additional, but non-limiting, alternative embodiment (not illustrated) , the cleaning head 3 is made of a single part (individual component) or several parts joined together.

Advantageously, but without limitation, as illustrated in the attached figures, the cleaning head 3 has a recess 5 at the distal end ED that is configured to facilitate holding the removed ear wax.

Advantageously, according to what is illustrated in the attached figures, the stop element 4 is arranged at a distance LI from the distal end ED of the cleaning head 3. In other words, the distance LI also comprises a dimension L2 of the cleaning head 3 (i.e., the dimension of the cleaning head 3 measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X) . The distance LI preferably ranges between 10% and 50% of the overall length of the device 1. In particular, the distance LI ranges between 5 and 3500 mm.

According to a possible, but non-limiting, alternative embodiment (not illustrated) , the distance LI coincides with the dimension L2 of the cleaning head 3. In other words, according to this embodiment, the cleaning head 3 abuts against (or projects from) the stop element 4.

Advantageously, the stop element 4 has a dimension DI, measured transversally (in particular orthogonally) to the longitudinal axis X, which is greater than a dimension D2 (measured in the same way as the dimension DI) of the support 2. In particular, the dimension DI is the diameter of the stop element 4 and the dimension D2 is the diameter of the support 2. The dimension D2 of the support 2 preferably ranges between 5% and 95% of the dimension DI of the stop element 4. In particular, the dimension DI of the stop element 4 ranges between 5 and 4500 mm and the dimension D2 of the support 2 ranges between 0.25 and 4275 mm.

Advantageously, according to what is illustrated in the attached figures, the stop element 4 is disc-shaped or cylindrical. In particular, the stop element 4 is coaxial to the support 2.

According to a possible, but non-limiting, alternative embodiment (not illustrated) , the stop element 4 is arranged eccentric to the support 2, and, thus, to the longitudinal axis X.

Advantageously, but without limitation, the stop element 4 consists of a single piece (in other words, it is manufactured seamlessly) with the support 2. According to a possible, but non-limiting, alternative embodiment, the stop element 4 is a separate element (i.e., made with gaps) from the support 2. In this case, the stop element 4 has a through opening through which the support 2 is arranged.

Advantageously, but without limitations, the device 1 is single-use (i.e., a so-called disposable device, which can be used once and then thrown in the bin) .

According to a possible, but non-limiting, alternative embodiment, the device 1 can be used several times (i.e., it is configured to be used several times) . In this case, the cleaning head 3 may be interchangeable. In other words, if the device 1 can be used several times, the cleaning head 3 is removably connected to the support 2 (for example, via gluing, a joint, or threaded connection) to be replaced after use with a new cleaning head 3 (i.e., not yet used) .

Advantageously, but without limitations, at least one element of the following: the support 2, the cleaning head 3, and the stop element 4 is made of plastic and/or metal and/or paper and/or biodegradable material (i.e., a material that meets the standard UNI EN 13432) , and/or hypoallergenic material and/or medical sector material.

In use, the user applies the cleaning head 3 and/or the stop element 4 on the support 2 (if not already arranged on it; if they were already present, the user would skip this step) . Subsequently, the user grips the device 1 with their fingers at the proximal end EP and moves the device 1 in the ear canal CU, for example with a cyclical movement, preferably rotational-translational ( clockwise or anticlockwise ) , inwards and outwards of the ear 0. In addition, or alternatively, prior and subsequent to the insertion of the device 1 in the ear canal CU, the user rubs the cleaning head 3 against the auricle PA so as to externally clean the ear 0 and/or the entrance to the ear canal CU .

According to an additional aspect of this invention, a method for producing the device 1 for cleaning ears 0 is provided . The production method comprises , mainly (but not exclusively) the steps of :

- preparing the elongated support 2 provided with a longitudinal axis X ;

- preparing the cleaning head 3 provided with the deformable lattice structure configured, in use , to carry out cleaning, and arranging said cleaning head 3 at the end of the support 2 ; and

- preparing the stop element 4 that is configured, in use , to define the maximum stroke of the device 1 in the ear 0 and arranging said stop element 4 on the support 2 .

According to a f irst , non-limiting example , at least one element of the cleaning device 1 chosen from the following : the support 2 , the cleaning head 3 , and the stop element 4 is produced via moulding ( for example , via inj ection moulding) . Advantageously, more than one element (preferably all of them) is made via moulding .

According to an additional , non-limiting example , at least one element of the cleaning device 1 chosen from the following : the support 2 , the cleaning head 3 and the stop element 4 is produced via 3D printing . Advantageous ly, more than one element (preferably all of them) is made via printing 3D .

The embodiments described herein may be combined between them without departing from the scope of protection of this invention .

The device 1 for cleaning described above has numerous advantages .

In the first place , the cleaning device 1 enables the simple , safe , and ef fective cleaning of the ears 0. The device 1 may be used autonomously by any user, both by an ordinary (non-expert ) person and by a healthcare professional , without the need for special application skills .

Secondly, since the cleaning head 3 has a deformable lattice structure , it adapts perfectly to the shape of the auricle PA and/or of the ear canal CU without inj uring these parts of the ear 0. Therefore , the device 1 can even be used in cases of mal formations of the ear canal CU .

In addition, thanks to the lattice conformation of the cleaning head 3, it is able to trap removed ear wax inside. Therefore, the cleaning head 3 prevents the compacting of the ear wax in the ear canal CU with resulting undesired formation of ear wax plugs.

This advantage is additionally amplified, if the cleaning head 3 is provided with a recess 5.

In addition, the cleaning head 3 has a high torsion capacity. In other words, the cleaning head 3 may be subjected to a lot of torsion (around the longitudinal axis X) , without being damaged, and elastically deforming without suffering plastic deformations (permanent ones) .

Thirdly, the stop element 4 basically defines an insertion end stroke (i.e., the maximum depth that can be reached) of the device 1 for cleaning in the ear canal CU and, therefore, prevents any injuries to the tympanic membrane. In particular, given that the dimension (diameter) DI of the stop element 4 is greater than the dimension of the ear canal CU, the stop element 4 obstructs and limits insertion of the device 1 for cleaning the ear 0.

Fourthly, the device 1 can be used both for human ears and for animal ears .

In addition, the device 1 can be made with dimensions so that it can be used for ears 0 of any size. Therefore, the device 1 can be applied to humans of any age, as with animals of any species, size, and age. Finally, the production method described enables the fast and accurate production of a high number of cleaning devices 1 for the ears 0.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST FOR FIGURES 1 cleaning device

2 support

3 cleaning head

4 stop element

5 recess ED distal end

EP proximal end

L distance

0 ear

PA auricle CU ear canal

X longitudinal axis