GB2304583A

GB2304583A - Implement for cleaning aural and nasal cavities

Info

Publication number: GB2304583A
Application number: GB9518493A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hester Alleyne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-09-09
Filing date: 1995-09-09
Publication date: 1997-03-26
Also published as: GB9518493D0

Abstract

The implement comprises a shaft 11 having at least a first end 13 covered in soft material, such as cotton, and formed as a loop which may be open (as shown) or closed. The loop, which assists in the dislodgement of unwanted material, may lie in the same plane as the shaft or may extend at an angle thereto. The area surrounded by the loop may be occupied by a diaphragm of the soft material. In an alternative embodiment, the implement has a first end which is impregnated with e.g. moisturiser and water, or alcohol, aloe vera and water.

Description

An Implement for Cleaning Aural and Nasal Cavities This invention relates to an implement for cleaning aural and nasal cavities.

One of the most common ways of cleaning an aural cavities is to use a cotton bud which comprises a shaft having a first end covered in a soft material.

When cleaning the ear the cotton bud is inserted into the aural cavity, rotated and subsequently removed with at least some of the waxy substances to be removed.

However, this operation tends to push some of the substances to be removed further into the aural cavity.

It is quite common for the residual substances to be removed with paper clips and hair grips which is potentially harmful.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an implement for cleaning aural and nasal cavities which implement comprises a shaft having a first end covered in a soft material characterised in that said first end comprises a loop.

Advantageously said loop is closed although it could also be open.

Preferably, the loop lies in substantially the same plane as the shaft although it could be disposed at an angle thereto.

In one embodiment the loop may extend substantially perpendicular to the shaft.

Preferably, the implement comprises a second end covered in a soft material.

Advantageously, the second end comprises a loop covered in soft material.

Preferably, the soft material is soft fibrous material.

Advantageously, the soft material comprises cotton.

Preferably, the area surrounded by said loop is occupied by said soft material.

Advantageously the area surrounded by said loop is occupied by a diaphragm which may optionally be formed from said soft material.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided an implement for cleaning aural and nasal cavities which implement comprises a shaft having a first end covered in a soft material characterised in that said first end is impregnated with a liquid prior to packaging.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a prior art implement; Fig. 2 is a front plan view of one embodiment of an implement in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a side view of part of the implement shown in Figure 2; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines IV-IV of Figure 3; Fig. 5 is a front plan view of one end of a second embodiment of an implement in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 6 is a front plan view of one end of a third embodiment of an implement in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to Figure 1 there is shown a prior art implement commonly known as a cotton bud. The cotton bud comprises a shaft 1 with the two ends 3, 4. Each end 3, 4 is covered in a soft fibrous material 2 formed in a bulbous shape.

The implement 10 of Figures 2, 3 and 4 has a shaft 11 with two ends 13, 14. The shaft 11 is made from plastic coated wire.

During manufacture each end 13, 14 is covered in soft fibrous material 12. The soft fibrous material 12 is wound on to each end 13, 14 in a substantially linear fashion along the first four centimetre of each end 13, 14. Each end 13, 14 is then bent into an open loop.

The implement 20 of Figure 5 has a shaft 21 with two identical ends. However, only one end 23 is shown in figure. The end 23 of the shaft 21 has a preformed closed loop which is subsequently covered in soft material 22.

The implement 30 of Figure 6 has a hollow shaft 31 with two identical ends. However, only one end 33 is shown in the drawing. The cotton wool 32 is wound on to a piece of wire 38 near to the centre of the piece of wire 38 in a fairly linear fashion. The piece of wire 38 is subsequently bent into a loop, with the centre of the cotton wool forming the top of the loop. The ends of the wire are then placed into the hollow shaft 31.

The soft material 12,22 is impregnated with a liquid, for example alcohol, aloe vera and water, or a moisturiser and water before the implement is packaged.

Various modifications to the embodiment described are envisaged, for example the soft material may cover substantially the entire area enclosed by the loops. In another embodiment a diaphragm is provided which extends across the entire area surrounded by the loops.

In the embodiments described the loops lie in the same plane as the shaft. However, it is envisaged that the loop may extend at an angle; or even perpendicular to the shaft so that the implement can be used as a scraper.

In use, one end of an implement in accordance with the invention will be wetted (if not already prewetted), inserted in an aural or nasal cavity, manipulated to absorb and dislodge unwanted substances, withdrawn and discarded. The loop helps dislodge unwanted material. Embodiments provided with a diaphragm are particular useful for removing large debris.

Claims

1. An implement for cleaning aural and nasal cavities which implement comprises a shaft having a first end covered in a soft material characterised in that said first end comprises a loop.

2. An implement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said loop is closed.

3. An implement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said loop is open.

4. An implement as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said loop lies in substantially the same plane as said shaft.

5. An implement as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said loop extends substantially perpendicular to said shaft.

6. An implement as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said implement comprises a second end covered in a soft material.

7. An implement as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said second end a loop covered soft material.

8. An implement as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said soft material is soft fibrous material.

9. An implement as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said soft material comprises cotton.

10. An implement as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the area surrounded by said loop is occupied by said soft material.

11. An implement for cleaning aural and nasal cavities which implement comprises a shaft having a first end covered in a soft material, characterised in that said first end is impregnated with a liquid prior to packaging.

12. An implement for cleaning aural and nasal cavities substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, or Figure 5 or Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.