CA2397704C - Handheld eye washing apparatus - Google Patents
Handheld eye washing apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2397704C CA2397704C CA002397704A CA2397704A CA2397704C CA 2397704 C CA2397704 C CA 2397704C CA 002397704 A CA002397704 A CA 002397704A CA 2397704 A CA2397704 A CA 2397704A CA 2397704 C CA2397704 C CA 2397704C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- eyecup
- agitator
- housing
- rim
- driver
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H35/00—Baths for specific parts of the body
- A61H35/02—Baths for specific parts of the body for the eyes
Abstract
A handheld eye flushing apparatus comprises an eyecup (21).
Eyecup (21) holds eyewash liquid (20) in it for eye flushing. Eyecup (21) has a wider rim, contoured to the eye orbit and rests on the eye orbital area.
Further, this eyecup (21) has a stirring mechanism (22) inside of it to stir the eyewash liq-uid (20) during usage. The contents of the stirring mechanism (22) are attached to the eyecup (21).
Eyecup (21) holds eyewash liquid (20) in it for eye flushing. Eyecup (21) has a wider rim, contoured to the eye orbit and rests on the eye orbital area.
Further, this eyecup (21) has a stirring mechanism (22) inside of it to stir the eyewash liq-uid (20) during usage. The contents of the stirring mechanism (22) are attached to the eyecup (21).
Description
Patent application of ICuldip Chand Tangri Title: Handheld Eye Washing Apparatus Field of the invention This invention relates to the maintenance and hygiene of the eye, specifically washing proteins, eyelash and foreign objects from the eye.
Background--of the invention Nature made eyes self-cleaning and lubricating. Sometimes due to unexplainable reasons or with a,ging it ceases to provide adequate tear flow which in turn causes the eyes to feel crusty and tired. A satisfactory hygienic apparatus for eye washing is not readily available in the marketplace at the present time. There are numerous apparatuses exist to wash the proteins from contact lenses for the eyes, but there is nothing currently available to wash the proteins from the actual eyes. The few eyecups, which do exist in the marketplace, are quite ineffective. A cursory search of the US issued patents revealed sprayers, mist generators and squeeze bottles, etc., but nothing close. Except U.S. Patent No. 4,758,237 (Sacks) discloses device with an eye chamber in which eyewash liquid moves in a direction transverse to the axis of the chamber opening and along the eye surface. Mr. Sacks tried to achieve an effective eye.
washer design but the design is still inadequate. It may be expensive to make.
There are possibilities of flaws such as focusing of eyewash liquid towards the eye improperly and if filter 8 is clogged, it could damage the eyeball due to the pressure build up in chamber 3.
Further possibilities of eyewash liquid contamination, high quantity of eyewash liquid utilization due to separate sump for the eyewash liquid and a pump to pump the eyewash liquid etc. Comparing to Mr. Sacks's device, The Handheld Eye Washing apparatus covers all of the eye and area around the eye. It is very inexpensive to make, no knoivm flaivs, adaptable due to its size, no liquid lines from the pump, no sump, no sump pump, no filter.
Only one chamber, it is used similar to the traditional eyecup by filling with eyewash liquid except it has an agitator to stir the eyewash liquid in it. It makes a small quantity of eyewash liquid plentiful to flood the eye with it. Its rim and opening size is widened to gain the utmost comfort around the eye. Its size is little larger then an inhaler (a drug-dispensing device for the human lungs in U.S.). It can be carried in a purse.
Summary In this invention, an eyecup has a stirring mechanism to stir the eyewash liquid inside of it during utilization and it has an appropriate opening with an appropriate width rim contoured to fit the eye orbital. It has ample room for the eyelids and eyeball movement.
Its rim compensates orbital variation, seals better and comforts around the eye.
Further, an optional soft-liner may be added to the rim. The stirring mechanism consists of an agitator and a driver for the agitator. The agitator is inside and the driver and its operating necessities are outside the eyecup. In some cases eyecup is made separable from driver means as an adapter eyecup, similar to electric toothbrush head from the driver and electric toothbrush driver is used as a driver for this eyecup. Its access port is made according to the brand to be utilized. Last but not least an eyecup is built around the toothbrush head and bristles of the toothbrush head are replaced with an agitator. The contour of the left and right eyes is different. This device has a universal rim; it may be made contoured to the left and right eye individually or joint for both eyes. The eyecup of this apparatus has a grille between the rim and the agitator to protect the eye injury from the moving parts. A magnetic strip to attract ferrous Mattel during the utilization. To make it compact, components of the Handheld Eye Washing Apparatus may be laid out differently and an eyewash liquid warmer may be added to this apparatus. Depending on consumer and the manufacturing needs, this eyecup can be made in sections and assembled accordingly. Further, a single driver may be used with multi eyecups by making the driver detachable from the eyecup. To utilize user doesn't need to move head side to side or tilt backward. Just fill the eyecup with eyewash liquid or even with clean water at room temperature. Tilt the head forward to place the eyecup, rim matching against the eye orbital, IZold it firmly, bring the head straight up, operate the stirring mechanism and it is done. To remove the eyecup for cleaning storage reverse the procedure.
Objects of invention The object of this invention is to provide a handy, portable and an inexpensive hygiene-aiding apparatus for the eye and it is well achieved. It provides an effective flow of eyewash liquid to flush out the proteins and foreign materiel from the eye and it is a boon for the contact lens wearers. The description and the drawings of all the embodiments are included to justify the attached claims.
Brief Description of the drawings Fig.1 is a side elevation view of the present invention, applied to the eye.
Fig.2 is a top view of the apparatus. Fig.3 is a bottom view of the apparatus. Fig.4, is a frontal view or view from the rim of the apparatus. Fig.5 is a rear view of the apparatus. Fig.6, 7, and 8 are shown disassembled apparatus to show the assembly achievement of the agitator in different situations. Fig.9, is an assembled device of embodiments shown in fig, 7 and 8; it is similar to the embodiment in fig. 1 except aperture 45 in the driver housing 25 between the eyecup and the driver for the drainage. Fig. 10 Handheld Eye Washing Apparatus is laid out differently and the outlook of the eyecup is different. Fig. 11 has a hand-operated driver and magnetic coupling between agitator and driver where agitator is ferrous metal impregnated. Fig. 12 uses electromagnet as a driver and agitator is a ferrous metal impregnated straiglit blade mouiited inside the eyecup. Fig. 13 is a detachable rim. Fig 14 is an eyecup wliere rim of fig. 13 fits.
Fig. 15 is an explicit view of the detachable eyecup from the driver. Fig. 16 is an assembly of fig. 15 and Fig 17 is the top view of the device in fig. 16. Fig 18 is one of the numerous drivers available in the market can be used with detachable eyecup.
Description of the drawings Fig.1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the apparatus. It is shown in use. It is a one-piece molded throwaway type where a user uses it a certain number of times and throws it away like a toothbrush. In this figure user fills the eyecup 21, with eyewash liquid 20, and places it on the eye orbital area by tilting the head forcvard and bringing the head straight up.
Then pushes the momentary switch 24, to activate the driver 23, which is an electrical motor, electrical motor 23 activates agitator 22 inside of eyecup 21. Momentary switch 24 has an internal circuitry to stop the apparatus after a predetermined time even the switch is held on (close). To restart the driver the momentary switch must be released and pushed again. Driver 23, powering source and the momentary switch 24 are held accordingly in housing 25. Its access door 35 for batteries is watertight. Rim 27 of the eyecup 21 is contoured to fit the eye orbit. Grille 28 is a physical barrier within eyecup 21 to prevent the user's eye from inadvertently contacting the agitator 22. Magnetic strip 29 attached to the eyecup 21 closer to the bottom part of the rim, to attract and retain ferrous metal particles.
Fig.2 is the top view of the apparatus. It illustrates eyecup 21 with momentary switch 24 and housing 25 for the driver, powering source and the momentary switch for the driver.
Rim 27 and magnetic strip 29 as dotted line.
Fig.3 it illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus. Eyecup2l, rim 27 and magnetic strip 29.
Fig. 4 shows rim 27 and through this rim, a grille 28, further in is an agitator 22 and on the top housing 25 to hold the driver and required components for the driver.
A momentary pushbutton switch 24.
Fig.5 is a posterior view of the apparatus, eyecup 21, rim 27 and housing 25.
Fig.6 illustrates detached driver 23 from the eyecup 21 and agitator 22 mounted on shaft 33. The shaft side of the driver 23 is watertight. When it is assembled the portion of the driver 23 is press fitted into the aperture 31 of the eyecup 21. In this fig.
Assembly of agitator is achieved through the main opening that is through rim 27, grille 28 is snapped in afterwards and 29 is a magnetic strip.
Fig.7 illustrates an embodiment in which eyecup 21 consist of two detacliable parts, that is front eyecup 51 and posterior eyecup 50. In this embodiment, shaft 33 of the driver 23 is detached from the agitator 22, and agitator remains within the interior of posterior eyecup 50.
Seal 41 mounted in aperture 31. and when assembled, shaft 33 penetrates seal 41, thus preventing eyewash liquid leakage. As in previous diagrams rim 27, grille 28 and magnetic strip 29. It is shown assembled in figure 9.
Fig.8 is similar to No.7 except the eyecup 21 does not come apart and the agitator 22 has an extended hollow shaft. It is extended out through seal 41 where seal 41 is mounted in the opening 31. When it is assembled shaft 33 of driver 23 enters the hollow shaft of the agitator 22. This embodiment of the apparatus is used to make internal parts of the apparatus corrosion resistive where the agitator is made of corrosion resistive material. In this embodiment grille 28 is snapped in from the main opening after the agitator is assembled, similar to fig.6.
Fig.9 this embodiment is similar to embodiment of Fig.1 except there is an aperture 45 in housing 25 between the driver 23 and the eyecup 21 to prevent eyewash liquid accumulation and reentering the eyecup 21 if sea141 leaks. This seal is not shown in this Fig. And it is shown in Fig.7 and S. Where this is an assembled embodiment of Fig.7 or Fig.g.
20 is liquid in the eyecup 21, an agitator 22 mounted on the shaft of motor 23, a momentary switch 24, housing 25 and battery access door35, rim 27, grille 28 and a magnetic strip 29.
Fig. 10 is another embodiment of the apparatus where housing 25 for the driver 23, powering source and momentary switch 24 for the driver is laid out differently. The eyecup 21 is shaped different and it is detachable. Where 31 is an opening of the eyecup 21 and the eyecup can be detached from the housing 25. Agitator 22 stays on the driver 23. Further housing has a switching mechanism not to let the driver go on unless eyecup is attached to it. It is not shown. All other numbers correspond to embodiment of Fig. 1.
Fig. 11 illustrates a hand operated driver 43 instead electric motor 23 of the preferred embodiment. Driver 43 is an arrangement of gears to get the proper speed for the agitator where a thumb wheel 44 operates driver 43. A hand crank or a spring-loaded hand winding meclianism is also appropriate in place of thumb wheel. It also uses magnetic coupling to transfer the power from driver to the agitator. In this embodiment, the disc 46 is impregnated with magnetic segments and it is installed on the shaft 33 of the driver 43.
Further, it is aligned with agitator 42 to form a magnetic coupling to transfer the power from driver 43 to agitator 42. Agitator 42 is impregnated with ferrous metal. It can be impregnated with magnetic segments to match the disc 46 as well. This embodiment does not have any opening in the eyecup wall or a direct coupling between disc 46 and agitator 42 except magnetic force. 26 is an axle for the agitator attached to the wall of the eyecup 21. 36 are the magnetic impregnation.
When it is assembled the magnetic force makes a coupling between agitator 42 and disc 46, driver 43 turns the disc 46 and it turns agitator 42 inside the eyecup 21. As in previous diagrams rim 27 and magnetic strip 29. 28 grille is eliminated. In this embodiment, switching and powering mechanism is not needed. Remaining assembly is similar to as in figure 1.
Fig. 12 has different agitator and driver where agitator 32 is a straight blade impregnated with ferrous metal mounted inside the eyecup 21 to stir the eyewash liquid.
Outside of the eyecup 21 electromagnet driver 34 has an oscillator (not shown) to control its energizing frequency. When driver 34 is energized, it pulls the straight blade agitator 32 towards driver 34 and when it is de energized it releases the agitator 32 to move back to its original position. It causes the agitator 32 move back and forth and creates an agitation in the eyecup and to the eyewash liquid inside of the eyecup 21. Oscillator is not shown in the diagram because it is a well-known art. Rest powering, controlling and housing system for this driver is similar to the embodiment in Fig. 1.
Fig. 13 is a detachable adapter rim 37. It has a groove 47 to fit on the rim of a straight rim eyecup shown in fig. 14. This detachable adapter rim may be made to use on the previously known eyecups or for the manufacturing conveniences.
Fig. 14 shows an eyecup without a wide rim 57, it is the rim where the groove 47 of the detachable adapter rim 37 shown in fig. 13 fits. Remaining Numbers correspond to embodiment in Fig. 1.
Fig. 15 in this seventh embodiment where driver 64 (Fig.18) is detachable in a manner similar to any off the shelf electric toothbrush [Braun D 8511]. In this particular embodiment, a family can have multi eyecups and a single driver. It illustrates an embodiment in which eyecup 21 comprises of two detachable parts similar to fig. 7. Front eyecup component 51 and posterior eyecup component 50. Rim 27 and magnetic strip 29 correspond to embodiment Fig. 1. Driver 64 (fig. 18) doesn't operate in circular motion it operates back and forth with a limited stroke (sonic). To make eyecup detachable, adaptable and to stabilize the agitator for driver 64 (fig. 18) a gearbox 69 is added. It has its own gear arrangement to improve the stroke of the agitator, agitator shaft stabilization system and seals as needed. This gear box has agitator shaft 33A, a skirt 62, inside of skirt 62 there is a sub skirt 61 and a port 63 for the movable shaft 67 of toothbrush driver 64 (fig.18). Skirt 62 and sub skirt 61 slide on the driver's non-moving part 66, 65 and beyond the moving part 67 until 67 engages into 63 which is powering port of the gear box 69. Skirt 62 and sub skirt 61 hold the eyecup in place on driver 64 while shaft 67 moves port 63 of gearbox 69. Port 63 is keyed to slid on shaft 67. Gearbox 69 shaft 33A for the agitator fits into the eyecup through aperture 31. In simple this eyecup functionally slides on and off the driver (fig.18) as easy as its toothbrush.
Fig. 16 shows assembly of Fig. 15 all the numbers correspond to fig. 15 except 31, 61 and 63 are not shown and agitator 22 is in place.
Fig. 17 illustrates the components of Fig. 15 the seventh embodiment in top view. Rim 27, posterior eyecup component 50, front eyecup component 51, sub skirt 61, skirt 62, gearbox port 63 and gearbox 69.
Fig. 18 illustrates an electrical toothbrush driver 64(handle) its nonmoving parts 65,66 and moving part 67. It is Braun model number D8511. It also shows an eyecup is built around the tootlibrush head and bristles of the toothbrush are replaced with an agitator. A seal or ring 38 is provided by the manufacturer. Body of the toothbrush head in this case may call eyecup detachment 48, agitator 49 and posterior eyecup 50.
In all embodiments.
Eyewash liquid 20, an eyecup 21, agitator 22, motor 23, momentary switch 24, housing 25, rim 27, grille 28, magnetic strip 29.
Aperture 31, ferrous metal impregnated straight blade agitator 32, shafts 33 and 33A, electromagnet driver 34, battery access door 35, magnetic segments 36, detachable rim 37 and a seal or a ring 38.
Seal 41, ferrous metal impregnated agitator blade 42, hand operable driver 43, thumb wheal 44, aperture in the housing 45, magnetic impregnated disc 46, groove on detachable rim 47 and eyecup detachment 48.
Eyecup 21 divided into two parts posterior 50, front 51, a place to fit detachable rim 57.
Sub skirt 61, skirt 62, gearbox port for the driver 63, Braun electric tooth brush driver 64, nomnoving parts of the driver 65and66, moving part of driver 67 and gearbox 69.
In some cases aperture 31 has circular groove to compensate seal 41.
Assembly is achieved with all available options in the known art.
I3alidle is a name of the toothbrush driver picked by the manufacturer.
An agitator is a part of stirring mechanism.
Background--of the invention Nature made eyes self-cleaning and lubricating. Sometimes due to unexplainable reasons or with a,ging it ceases to provide adequate tear flow which in turn causes the eyes to feel crusty and tired. A satisfactory hygienic apparatus for eye washing is not readily available in the marketplace at the present time. There are numerous apparatuses exist to wash the proteins from contact lenses for the eyes, but there is nothing currently available to wash the proteins from the actual eyes. The few eyecups, which do exist in the marketplace, are quite ineffective. A cursory search of the US issued patents revealed sprayers, mist generators and squeeze bottles, etc., but nothing close. Except U.S. Patent No. 4,758,237 (Sacks) discloses device with an eye chamber in which eyewash liquid moves in a direction transverse to the axis of the chamber opening and along the eye surface. Mr. Sacks tried to achieve an effective eye.
washer design but the design is still inadequate. It may be expensive to make.
There are possibilities of flaws such as focusing of eyewash liquid towards the eye improperly and if filter 8 is clogged, it could damage the eyeball due to the pressure build up in chamber 3.
Further possibilities of eyewash liquid contamination, high quantity of eyewash liquid utilization due to separate sump for the eyewash liquid and a pump to pump the eyewash liquid etc. Comparing to Mr. Sacks's device, The Handheld Eye Washing apparatus covers all of the eye and area around the eye. It is very inexpensive to make, no knoivm flaivs, adaptable due to its size, no liquid lines from the pump, no sump, no sump pump, no filter.
Only one chamber, it is used similar to the traditional eyecup by filling with eyewash liquid except it has an agitator to stir the eyewash liquid in it. It makes a small quantity of eyewash liquid plentiful to flood the eye with it. Its rim and opening size is widened to gain the utmost comfort around the eye. Its size is little larger then an inhaler (a drug-dispensing device for the human lungs in U.S.). It can be carried in a purse.
Summary In this invention, an eyecup has a stirring mechanism to stir the eyewash liquid inside of it during utilization and it has an appropriate opening with an appropriate width rim contoured to fit the eye orbital. It has ample room for the eyelids and eyeball movement.
Its rim compensates orbital variation, seals better and comforts around the eye.
Further, an optional soft-liner may be added to the rim. The stirring mechanism consists of an agitator and a driver for the agitator. The agitator is inside and the driver and its operating necessities are outside the eyecup. In some cases eyecup is made separable from driver means as an adapter eyecup, similar to electric toothbrush head from the driver and electric toothbrush driver is used as a driver for this eyecup. Its access port is made according to the brand to be utilized. Last but not least an eyecup is built around the toothbrush head and bristles of the toothbrush head are replaced with an agitator. The contour of the left and right eyes is different. This device has a universal rim; it may be made contoured to the left and right eye individually or joint for both eyes. The eyecup of this apparatus has a grille between the rim and the agitator to protect the eye injury from the moving parts. A magnetic strip to attract ferrous Mattel during the utilization. To make it compact, components of the Handheld Eye Washing Apparatus may be laid out differently and an eyewash liquid warmer may be added to this apparatus. Depending on consumer and the manufacturing needs, this eyecup can be made in sections and assembled accordingly. Further, a single driver may be used with multi eyecups by making the driver detachable from the eyecup. To utilize user doesn't need to move head side to side or tilt backward. Just fill the eyecup with eyewash liquid or even with clean water at room temperature. Tilt the head forward to place the eyecup, rim matching against the eye orbital, IZold it firmly, bring the head straight up, operate the stirring mechanism and it is done. To remove the eyecup for cleaning storage reverse the procedure.
Objects of invention The object of this invention is to provide a handy, portable and an inexpensive hygiene-aiding apparatus for the eye and it is well achieved. It provides an effective flow of eyewash liquid to flush out the proteins and foreign materiel from the eye and it is a boon for the contact lens wearers. The description and the drawings of all the embodiments are included to justify the attached claims.
Brief Description of the drawings Fig.1 is a side elevation view of the present invention, applied to the eye.
Fig.2 is a top view of the apparatus. Fig.3 is a bottom view of the apparatus. Fig.4, is a frontal view or view from the rim of the apparatus. Fig.5 is a rear view of the apparatus. Fig.6, 7, and 8 are shown disassembled apparatus to show the assembly achievement of the agitator in different situations. Fig.9, is an assembled device of embodiments shown in fig, 7 and 8; it is similar to the embodiment in fig. 1 except aperture 45 in the driver housing 25 between the eyecup and the driver for the drainage. Fig. 10 Handheld Eye Washing Apparatus is laid out differently and the outlook of the eyecup is different. Fig. 11 has a hand-operated driver and magnetic coupling between agitator and driver where agitator is ferrous metal impregnated. Fig. 12 uses electromagnet as a driver and agitator is a ferrous metal impregnated straiglit blade mouiited inside the eyecup. Fig. 13 is a detachable rim. Fig 14 is an eyecup wliere rim of fig. 13 fits.
Fig. 15 is an explicit view of the detachable eyecup from the driver. Fig. 16 is an assembly of fig. 15 and Fig 17 is the top view of the device in fig. 16. Fig 18 is one of the numerous drivers available in the market can be used with detachable eyecup.
Description of the drawings Fig.1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the apparatus. It is shown in use. It is a one-piece molded throwaway type where a user uses it a certain number of times and throws it away like a toothbrush. In this figure user fills the eyecup 21, with eyewash liquid 20, and places it on the eye orbital area by tilting the head forcvard and bringing the head straight up.
Then pushes the momentary switch 24, to activate the driver 23, which is an electrical motor, electrical motor 23 activates agitator 22 inside of eyecup 21. Momentary switch 24 has an internal circuitry to stop the apparatus after a predetermined time even the switch is held on (close). To restart the driver the momentary switch must be released and pushed again. Driver 23, powering source and the momentary switch 24 are held accordingly in housing 25. Its access door 35 for batteries is watertight. Rim 27 of the eyecup 21 is contoured to fit the eye orbit. Grille 28 is a physical barrier within eyecup 21 to prevent the user's eye from inadvertently contacting the agitator 22. Magnetic strip 29 attached to the eyecup 21 closer to the bottom part of the rim, to attract and retain ferrous metal particles.
Fig.2 is the top view of the apparatus. It illustrates eyecup 21 with momentary switch 24 and housing 25 for the driver, powering source and the momentary switch for the driver.
Rim 27 and magnetic strip 29 as dotted line.
Fig.3 it illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus. Eyecup2l, rim 27 and magnetic strip 29.
Fig. 4 shows rim 27 and through this rim, a grille 28, further in is an agitator 22 and on the top housing 25 to hold the driver and required components for the driver.
A momentary pushbutton switch 24.
Fig.5 is a posterior view of the apparatus, eyecup 21, rim 27 and housing 25.
Fig.6 illustrates detached driver 23 from the eyecup 21 and agitator 22 mounted on shaft 33. The shaft side of the driver 23 is watertight. When it is assembled the portion of the driver 23 is press fitted into the aperture 31 of the eyecup 21. In this fig.
Assembly of agitator is achieved through the main opening that is through rim 27, grille 28 is snapped in afterwards and 29 is a magnetic strip.
Fig.7 illustrates an embodiment in which eyecup 21 consist of two detacliable parts, that is front eyecup 51 and posterior eyecup 50. In this embodiment, shaft 33 of the driver 23 is detached from the agitator 22, and agitator remains within the interior of posterior eyecup 50.
Seal 41 mounted in aperture 31. and when assembled, shaft 33 penetrates seal 41, thus preventing eyewash liquid leakage. As in previous diagrams rim 27, grille 28 and magnetic strip 29. It is shown assembled in figure 9.
Fig.8 is similar to No.7 except the eyecup 21 does not come apart and the agitator 22 has an extended hollow shaft. It is extended out through seal 41 where seal 41 is mounted in the opening 31. When it is assembled shaft 33 of driver 23 enters the hollow shaft of the agitator 22. This embodiment of the apparatus is used to make internal parts of the apparatus corrosion resistive where the agitator is made of corrosion resistive material. In this embodiment grille 28 is snapped in from the main opening after the agitator is assembled, similar to fig.6.
Fig.9 this embodiment is similar to embodiment of Fig.1 except there is an aperture 45 in housing 25 between the driver 23 and the eyecup 21 to prevent eyewash liquid accumulation and reentering the eyecup 21 if sea141 leaks. This seal is not shown in this Fig. And it is shown in Fig.7 and S. Where this is an assembled embodiment of Fig.7 or Fig.g.
20 is liquid in the eyecup 21, an agitator 22 mounted on the shaft of motor 23, a momentary switch 24, housing 25 and battery access door35, rim 27, grille 28 and a magnetic strip 29.
Fig. 10 is another embodiment of the apparatus where housing 25 for the driver 23, powering source and momentary switch 24 for the driver is laid out differently. The eyecup 21 is shaped different and it is detachable. Where 31 is an opening of the eyecup 21 and the eyecup can be detached from the housing 25. Agitator 22 stays on the driver 23. Further housing has a switching mechanism not to let the driver go on unless eyecup is attached to it. It is not shown. All other numbers correspond to embodiment of Fig. 1.
Fig. 11 illustrates a hand operated driver 43 instead electric motor 23 of the preferred embodiment. Driver 43 is an arrangement of gears to get the proper speed for the agitator where a thumb wheel 44 operates driver 43. A hand crank or a spring-loaded hand winding meclianism is also appropriate in place of thumb wheel. It also uses magnetic coupling to transfer the power from driver to the agitator. In this embodiment, the disc 46 is impregnated with magnetic segments and it is installed on the shaft 33 of the driver 43.
Further, it is aligned with agitator 42 to form a magnetic coupling to transfer the power from driver 43 to agitator 42. Agitator 42 is impregnated with ferrous metal. It can be impregnated with magnetic segments to match the disc 46 as well. This embodiment does not have any opening in the eyecup wall or a direct coupling between disc 46 and agitator 42 except magnetic force. 26 is an axle for the agitator attached to the wall of the eyecup 21. 36 are the magnetic impregnation.
When it is assembled the magnetic force makes a coupling between agitator 42 and disc 46, driver 43 turns the disc 46 and it turns agitator 42 inside the eyecup 21. As in previous diagrams rim 27 and magnetic strip 29. 28 grille is eliminated. In this embodiment, switching and powering mechanism is not needed. Remaining assembly is similar to as in figure 1.
Fig. 12 has different agitator and driver where agitator 32 is a straight blade impregnated with ferrous metal mounted inside the eyecup 21 to stir the eyewash liquid.
Outside of the eyecup 21 electromagnet driver 34 has an oscillator (not shown) to control its energizing frequency. When driver 34 is energized, it pulls the straight blade agitator 32 towards driver 34 and when it is de energized it releases the agitator 32 to move back to its original position. It causes the agitator 32 move back and forth and creates an agitation in the eyecup and to the eyewash liquid inside of the eyecup 21. Oscillator is not shown in the diagram because it is a well-known art. Rest powering, controlling and housing system for this driver is similar to the embodiment in Fig. 1.
Fig. 13 is a detachable adapter rim 37. It has a groove 47 to fit on the rim of a straight rim eyecup shown in fig. 14. This detachable adapter rim may be made to use on the previously known eyecups or for the manufacturing conveniences.
Fig. 14 shows an eyecup without a wide rim 57, it is the rim where the groove 47 of the detachable adapter rim 37 shown in fig. 13 fits. Remaining Numbers correspond to embodiment in Fig. 1.
Fig. 15 in this seventh embodiment where driver 64 (Fig.18) is detachable in a manner similar to any off the shelf electric toothbrush [Braun D 8511]. In this particular embodiment, a family can have multi eyecups and a single driver. It illustrates an embodiment in which eyecup 21 comprises of two detachable parts similar to fig. 7. Front eyecup component 51 and posterior eyecup component 50. Rim 27 and magnetic strip 29 correspond to embodiment Fig. 1. Driver 64 (fig. 18) doesn't operate in circular motion it operates back and forth with a limited stroke (sonic). To make eyecup detachable, adaptable and to stabilize the agitator for driver 64 (fig. 18) a gearbox 69 is added. It has its own gear arrangement to improve the stroke of the agitator, agitator shaft stabilization system and seals as needed. This gear box has agitator shaft 33A, a skirt 62, inside of skirt 62 there is a sub skirt 61 and a port 63 for the movable shaft 67 of toothbrush driver 64 (fig.18). Skirt 62 and sub skirt 61 slide on the driver's non-moving part 66, 65 and beyond the moving part 67 until 67 engages into 63 which is powering port of the gear box 69. Skirt 62 and sub skirt 61 hold the eyecup in place on driver 64 while shaft 67 moves port 63 of gearbox 69. Port 63 is keyed to slid on shaft 67. Gearbox 69 shaft 33A for the agitator fits into the eyecup through aperture 31. In simple this eyecup functionally slides on and off the driver (fig.18) as easy as its toothbrush.
Fig. 16 shows assembly of Fig. 15 all the numbers correspond to fig. 15 except 31, 61 and 63 are not shown and agitator 22 is in place.
Fig. 17 illustrates the components of Fig. 15 the seventh embodiment in top view. Rim 27, posterior eyecup component 50, front eyecup component 51, sub skirt 61, skirt 62, gearbox port 63 and gearbox 69.
Fig. 18 illustrates an electrical toothbrush driver 64(handle) its nonmoving parts 65,66 and moving part 67. It is Braun model number D8511. It also shows an eyecup is built around the tootlibrush head and bristles of the toothbrush are replaced with an agitator. A seal or ring 38 is provided by the manufacturer. Body of the toothbrush head in this case may call eyecup detachment 48, agitator 49 and posterior eyecup 50.
In all embodiments.
Eyewash liquid 20, an eyecup 21, agitator 22, motor 23, momentary switch 24, housing 25, rim 27, grille 28, magnetic strip 29.
Aperture 31, ferrous metal impregnated straight blade agitator 32, shafts 33 and 33A, electromagnet driver 34, battery access door 35, magnetic segments 36, detachable rim 37 and a seal or a ring 38.
Seal 41, ferrous metal impregnated agitator blade 42, hand operable driver 43, thumb wheal 44, aperture in the housing 45, magnetic impregnated disc 46, groove on detachable rim 47 and eyecup detachment 48.
Eyecup 21 divided into two parts posterior 50, front 51, a place to fit detachable rim 57.
Sub skirt 61, skirt 62, gearbox port for the driver 63, Braun electric tooth brush driver 64, nomnoving parts of the driver 65and66, moving part of driver 67 and gearbox 69.
In some cases aperture 31 has circular groove to compensate seal 41.
Assembly is achieved with all available options in the known art.
I3alidle is a name of the toothbrush driver picked by the manufacturer.
An agitator is a part of stirring mechanism.
Claims (33)
1. A handheld eye washer apparatus comprising:
an eyecup having a rim shaped to fit around an eye socket and a cup portion spanning the rim which is capable of holding a cleansing fluid; and an agitator supported for movement within the cup portion to agitate the fluid against an eye.
an eyecup having a rim shaped to fit around an eye socket and a cup portion spanning the rim which is capable of holding a cleansing fluid; and an agitator supported for movement within the cup portion to agitate the fluid against an eye.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising an electric motor and a power source mounted to the eyecup for driving movement of the agitator.
3. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the agitator further comprises a hand operated driver mechanism.
4. The apparatus of Claim 1 agitator further comprises an oscillating blade.
5. The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising a grill in the eyecup.
6. The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising a magnetic element affixed to the eyecup.
7. The apparatus of Claim 2 further comprising a momentary switch for operating the electric motor.
8. The apparatus of Claim 7 wherein there is provided a stop timer for automatically ceasing operation of the agitator upon expiration of an elapsed period of time.
9. The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising a housing attached to the eyecup, said housing having a watertight wall adjacent to the eyecup between the agitator supported within the cup portion and a driver mechanism of the agitator supported within the housing.
10. The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the housing further comprises a removable panel.
11. The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the housing is mounted at a substantially right angle to the eyecup.
12. The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the housing is mounted distally from the rim.
13. The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the housing further comprises a selectively separable body from the eyecup.
14. The apparatus of Claim 13 wherein the driver mechanism and the agitator are selectively separable from one another.
15. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the eyecup further comprises at least two separable members, and one of said members houses the agitator.
16. The apparatus of Claim 15 further comprising a housing attached to the member housing a driver for the agitator, said housing having a watertight wall adjacent to the eyecup.
17. The apparatus of Claim 16, wherein the housing further comprises an opening to ambient to drain cleansing fluid therefrom.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rim further comprises an adapter rim removably attached to the rim.
19. The apparatus of Claim 18, wherein the adapter rim further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching to the rim.
20. The apparatus of Claim 19, wherein the mounting mechanism further comprises a mounting groove for attaching to the rim.
21. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the eyecup includes a longitudinal axis and wherein there is provided a housing having its longitudinal axis mounted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the eyecup.
22. The apparatus of Claim 21, wherein the housing houses an electric motor, and a power source for driving movement of the agitator within the cup portion.
23. The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the eyecup further comprises an opening to receive a shaft there through coupled between the driver mechanism and the agitator.
24. The apparatus of Claim 23, wherein the housing is selectively separable from the eyecup and the agitator is selectively separable from the shaft.
25. The apparatus of Claim 23, wherein the opening is sealed about the shaft.
26. The apparatus of Claim 13 further comprising a lock-out mechanism to prevent operation of the agitator when the housing is separated from the eyecup.
27. The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein the hand operated driver mechanism further comprises a gear set and a hand operated power source.
28. The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the housing further comprises a magnetic coupling to transfer power between the driver mechanism and the agitator.
29 The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein there is provided a housing mounted to the eyecup, distally from the rim and an electromagnet driver mechanism supported within the housing for driving movement of the agitator within the cup portion.
30. The apparatus of Claim 29, wherein the impeller further comprises an oscillating rod.
31. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the eyecup is molded in a single piece.
32. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the agitator and the eyecup are selectively separable from one another, the eyecup being disposable for replacement thereof.
33. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein there is provided a driver mechanism adapter supported on the eyecup and coupled to the agitator, the driver mechanism adapter being arranged for connection with a conventional electric toothbrush handle in place of a toothbrush attachment normally connected to the electric toothbrush handle for driving the agitator with a conventional electric toothbrush by communication through the driver mechanism adapter.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US17758400P | 2000-01-22 | 2000-01-22 | |
| US60/177,584 | 2000-01-22 | ||
| US09/574,944 US6458108B1 (en) | 2000-01-18 | 2000-05-19 | Handheld eye washing apparatus |
| US09/574,944 | 2000-05-19 | ||
| PCT/US2001/001976 WO2001072261A2 (en) | 2000-01-22 | 2001-01-22 | Handheld eye washing apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2397704A1 CA2397704A1 (en) | 2001-10-04 |
| CA2397704C true CA2397704C (en) | 2008-04-08 |
Family
ID=26873461
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002397704A Expired - Fee Related CA2397704C (en) | 2000-01-22 | 2001-01-22 | Handheld eye washing apparatus |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (2) | AU2001276812B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2397704C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2001072261A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108478414B (en) * | 2018-03-01 | 2019-12-17 | 南京天朗制药有限公司 | Hand-operated eye cleaner |
| CN109044805A (en) * | 2018-07-21 | 2018-12-21 | 卢乐 | Cleaning device for eyes |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4758237A (en) * | 1987-01-20 | 1988-07-19 | Herman Sacks | Device for applying liquid to the corneal surface of the eye |
| US5401259A (en) * | 1992-04-06 | 1995-03-28 | Py Daniel C | Cartridge for applying medicament to an eye |
| US5607410A (en) * | 1993-02-16 | 1997-03-04 | Branch; John D. | Vision directed eye wash |
-
2001
- 2001-01-22 AU AU2001276812A patent/AU2001276812B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2001-01-22 CA CA002397704A patent/CA2397704C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-01-22 WO PCT/US2001/001976 patent/WO2001072261A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-01-22 AU AU7681201A patent/AU7681201A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2397704A1 (en) | 2001-10-04 |
| AU2001276812B2 (en) | 2005-11-17 |
| WO2001072261A2 (en) | 2001-10-04 |
| AU7681201A (en) | 2001-10-08 |
| WO2001072261A3 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |