GB2564379A

GB2564379A - Ear Cleaning container

Info

Publication number: GB2564379A
Application number: GB1709174.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Howden Guy
Original assignee: Hillcroft Surgery Supplies Ltd
Current assignee: Hillcroft Surgery Supplies Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-31
Filing date: 2018-01-31
Publication date: 2019-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-31
Also published as: GB201709174D0; GB2564379B

Abstract

A stackable container 10 to collect used cleaning fluid from an ear irrigation procedure, comprising a first open end 12 to be positioned adjacent an ear and a second closed end 14. A side portion 18 extends between the ends to define an internal cavity and may taper inwardly from the first to second end. An abutment portion 22 extends outwardly from the side to provide at least one abutment surface, may extend partially or entirely around the side, and may be positioned adjacent the first end such that it extends toward the second. The abutment surface may be parallel to the closed end surface. One or both end(s) may be a truncated circle or kidney shape. A kit comprising a plurality of containers stacked such that they abut at the abutment surfaces, that may comprise a tubular member shaped to receive the containers and abut the abutment portions.

Description

EAR CLEANSING CONTAINER

The present invention relates to an ear cleansing container, and in particular to a stackable ear cleansing container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Earwax is produced in the outer one third of the ear canal by secretions from glands that line the canal. Earwax helps to keep the ear clean and lubricated, and protected against infection. Earwax build-up and impaction in the external ear canal can however be a problem and can result in hearing loss, pain, ringing, dizziness, and infections.

There is a need for a simple to use, cost effective ear cleansing apparatus for safe removal of ear wax in order to prevent or reduce earwax build up, and the symptoms associated with earwax build up.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stackable ear cleansing container comprising: a pair of opposed ends comprising a first open end providing an opening configured to be positioned in use adjacent a user's ear, and a second opposed closed end; a side portion extending between the pair of opposed ends and defining an internal cavity extending from the opening of the first open end in a direction extending towards the second closed end; and an abutment portion extending outwardly from the side portion to provide at least one abutment surface.

The term "ear cleansing container" is used herein to refer to a container for use in cleaning the ear canal, and in particular the external ear canal. The ear cleansing container is configured to receive used cleansing fluid which exits the ear canal during and/or after cleansing.

The container is preferably an elongate container comprising a longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by at least one of the first and/or second ends. In one embodiment, the second end comprises a substantially flat base portion. The longitudinal axis preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the substantially flat base portion. It is however to be understood that the second end may comprise a rounded, conical or domed base portion.

The side portion preferably tapers inwardly in a direction extending from the first end towards the second end of the container.

The cavity is preferably substantially centrally located within the container. The term "centrally" is used herein to refer to the cavity being located centrally between opposing sections of the side portion.

The opening at the first open end and/or the second closed end may have any suitable shape, such as for example circular, ovaloid, or polygonal such as for example square, rectangular or triangular. At least one of the opening at the first open end and/or the second closed end is preferably a truncated circle shape or truncated oval shape or kidney-shape. The term "truncated" is used herein to refer to a shape which has a portion missing. For example, the term "truncated circle shape" is used to refer to a shape which is substantially circular and which has a portion of the circle shape removed by an edge extending between opposing portions of the circle. The truncated circle or oval shape may have at least two corners. The edge extending between opposing portions of the circle or oval may be linear or arcuate in shape. The edge may comprise a plurality of linear and/or arcuate portions. The truncated circle shape may include, but is not limited to, a semi-circle. The distance between the opposing portions of the circle or oval from which the edge extends, and or the length of the edge may be less than the overall diameter of the substantially circular shape or the maximum diameter of the oval shape.

The abutment portion preferably extends in a peripheral direction across at least part of the side portion. The abutment portion may be provided by a plurality of discrete, spaced apart abutment members. Each abutment member may extend outwardly from the side portion and may be located such that the abutment portion extends in a peripheral direction across at least part of the side portion. The plurality of abutment portions may be aligned to extend within the same plane as each other. The abutment portion preferably extends across the entire periphery of the side portion. The abutment portion preferably defines a transverse plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container.

The abutment portion and/or the at least one abutment surface is preferably located at or adjacent the first open end of the container.

The abutment portion preferably extends outwardly from or adjacent the first open end in a direction extending towards the second end of the container.

The abutment portion preferably provides a first abutment surface extending substantially perpendicular to the adjacent side portion. The abutment portion preferably provides a first abutment surface extending substantially parallel to a substantially flat base portion provided by the second closed end. The first abutment surface preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container.

The first abutment surface is preferably located at or adjacent the first end of the container.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for ear cleansing comprising a plurality of stackable ear cleansing containers as herein described, in which the plurality of containers are provided in a stack in which a second end of a first container is received within the opening provided by the first open end of a second container, and in which the first end of the second container is configured to abut at least a portion of the at least one abutment surface provided by the abutment portion of the first container.

The kit for ear cleansing may further comprise a tubular member providing a longitudinally extending cavity shaped and dimensioned to receive the plurality of stackable ear cleansing containers, and in which the cavity is shaped and dimensioned to abut the abutment portion.

The cavity of the tubular member may be shaped and dimensioned to abut a second abutment surface provided at a free end of the abutment portion or each abutment member of each container. The second abutment surface preferably extends at an angle to the first abutment surface. The second abutment surface may extend substantially perpendicular to the first abutment surface.

The kit for ear cleansing may further comprise a source of ear cleaning fluid.

The kit for ear cleansing may further comprise an ear irrigation system comprising a source of ear cleaning fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with the source of ear cleaning fluid, in which the outlet is configured to dispense the ear cleaning fluid to an ear, preferably an external ear canal, of a user.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more details in the following Examples with reference to the accompanying Figures.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a first perspective view of an ear cleansing container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a second perspective view of the ear cleansing container of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the ear cleansing container of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional side view of the ear cleansing container of Figure 1; and

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a front view of the ear cleansing container of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the Figures, the stackable ear cleansing container 10 comprises a pair of opposed ends comprising a first open end 12 and a second opposed end 14. The first open end 12 provides an opening 16 configured to be positioned in use adjacent a user's ear. The second opposed end 14 is substantially flat and provides a base portion extending across the entire second end 14. The longitudinal axis is defined as extending between the first 12 and second 14 ends of the container. The longitudinal axis extends substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat second opposed end 14. The length of the container 10 is measured along the longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends 12, 14.

The stackable ear cleansing container 10 further comprises a side portion 18 extending between the pair of opposed ends 12,14. In the illustrated embodiment, the side portion 18 tapers inwardly in a direction extending from the first end 12 towards the second end 14 of the container 10. It is however to be understood that the side portion 18 may have any suitable configuration. The diameter of the container 10 may be uniform along the length of the container 10.

The side portion 18 defines an internal cavity 20 extending from the opening 16 of the first open end 12 in a direction extending towards the second closed end 14.

The first end 12 of the container 10 may have any suitable shape configured to be positioned adjacent the ear of a user. The first end 12 of the container 10 may be configured to be contacted with the skin of a user. For example, the first end 12 of the container 10 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to and below the lower end of a user's ear. The first end 12 and/or the opening of the container 10 may have any shape and or dimensions as required in order for efficient fluid collection from the ear into the cavity 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 12 has a stepped profile when viewed from the side of the container. The first end 12 has a rear portion 13 configured to be positioned adjacent the user's ear, and an opposed front portion 15 configured to be facing away from the user's ear. The free end of the rear portion 13 extends to a greater height as measured from the base portion or second end 14 of the container than the free end of the front portion 15 and as such gives rise to the stepped profile. The stepped profile of the first end 12 extends between the rear 13 and front 15 portions. The stepped profile provides a clinician or use access to the user's ear canal in order to administer cleansing fluid.

Although the illustrated embodiment shows the first end 12 as having a stepped profile it is to be understood that the first end 12 may have any suitable profile. For example, the profile of the first end 12 may taper gradually between the front and rear portions 15,13. For example, the free end of the rear portion 13 may extend to a greater height as measured from the base portion or second end 14 of the container than the free end of the front portion 15 and the height of the free end may decrease or taper gradually and smoothly from the rear portion 13 to the front portion 15. In some embodiments, the profile of the first end 12 may be uniform between the front and rear portions 15, 13.

It can be seen from the Figures that in the illustrated embodiment the opening 16 has a truncated circular shape, or kidney-shape. The term "truncated circular shape" is used herein to refer to a shape which is predominantly circular in shape and has a portion of the circular shape removed by an edge 17. Although in the illustrated embodiment, edge 17 is arcuate in shape, it is to be understood that the edge 17 may have any suitable shape. Corners 19, 21 are provided at the junction between the substantially circular shape and edge 17.

The opening 16 provided at the first end 12 has a maximum diameter of at least 50 mm, preferably at least 80 mm, for example about 90 mm. Preferably, the opening has a maximum diameter of no more than 150 mm, more preferably no more than 120 mm, for example no more than 100 mm. The opening 16 preferably has a maximum diameter in the range of between 100 mm to 50 mm, more preferably between 90 mm and 70 mm. It is however to be understood that the opening may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions depending on the particular requirements for the container 10.

The second opposed end 14 is substantially a truncated circular shape or kidney shape and is substantially planar. The diameter of the second opposed end 14 is less than the diameter when measured between corresponding points of the first end 12 of the container 10. The second opposed end 14 provides a substantially planar base portion extending across the entirety of the second opposed end 14. It is however to be understood that the second opposed end 14 may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions depending on the particular requirements for the container 10. For example, the second opposed end 14 may be rounded or may contain a rounded, domed or conical portion. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the second opposed end 14 as having a substantially planar base portion extending across the entirety of the second opposed end 14, it is to be understood that the second opposed end 14 may provide a substantially planar base portion extending across a portion of the second opposed end 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 20 has a substantially truncated circular or kidney shaped transverse cross-section. It is however to be understood that the cavity 20 may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions. For example, the cavity 20 may have a substantially circular transverse cross-section. The dimensions of the cavity 20 taper inwardly in a direction extending from the first end towards the second end 14. The cavity 20 and/or opening 16 may have a transverse cross-sectional shape which is the same as one or both of the first and/or second ends 12, 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 20 extends from the opening 16 of the first open end 12 substantially along the entire length of the container 10 towards the second end 14. The cavity 20 extends in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container 10. It is however to be understood that the cavity 20 may extend towards the second end 14 only partially along the length of the container 10 depending on the particular requirements for the container 10.

The container 10 further comprises an abutment portion 22. The abutment portion 22 extends outwardly from the side portion 18. The abutment portion 22 may extend at any suitable angle from the side portion 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, the abutment portion 22 is located towards the first end 12 of the container 10. It is however to be understood that the abutment portion 22 may be located at any suitable location on the container. For example, the abutment portion 22 may be located at the first end of the container 10 or substantially centrally between the first and second ends of the container.

The abutment portion 22 has a first end 24 located at the first end 12 of the container 10 and a second end 26 providing a first abutment surface 28. The abutment portion 22 extends outwardly away from the side portion from the first end 24 of the abutment portion 22 towards the second end 26 of the abutment portion 22. A second abutment surface 30 is provided at the free end of the first abutment surface 28.

The first abutment surface 28 is located towards the first end 12 of the container 10. It is however to be understood that the first abutment surface 28 may be located at any suitable location on the container. For example, the first abutment surface 28 may be located at the first end 12 or substantially centrally between the first and second ends of the container.

The first abutment surface 28 may extend at any suitable angle from the side portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the first abutment surface 28 extends substantially parallel to the substantially planar base portion provided by the second end 14 of the container 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the abutment portion 22, the first abutment surface 28 and the second abutment surface 30 each extend around the entire periphery of the side portion 18 of the container 10. It is however to be understood that the abutment portion 22 and/or the first abutment surface 28 and/or the second abutment surface 30 may extend across the entire periphery of the side portion or a portion thereof.

The second abutment surface 30 is provided by a free end of the first abutment surface 28. The free end extends across the entire periphery of the first abutment surface 28. It is however to be understood that the second abutment surface 30 may be provided by one or more discrete, spaced apart free end portions of the first abutment surface 28.

The front portion 15 of the first end 12 and/or abutment portion 22 of the container is positioned adjacent a first portion the first abutment surface 28. An opposed rear portion 13 of the first end 12 and/or abutment portion is positioned adjacent an opposed portion of the first abutment surface 28. The rear portion 13 of the container 10 extends between the edge 17 of the truncated shapes of the first and/or second ends 12, 14. The rear portion 13 may be shaped and/or profiled to correspond to the adjacent skin portion of a user to improve comfort when placed against the skin or a user and/or to minimise any potential formation of gaps. A recess or groove 11 is provided in the rear portion 13. The recess or groove 11 is shaped and dimensioned to be positioned adjacent or aligned with a lower portion of a user's ear, for example the ear love. The recess or groove 11 may have any suitable shape and may be provided in any suitable location on the first portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess or groove 11 extends from the first end 12 in a direction extending towards the second end of the container 10. The recess or groove 11 is substantially U-shaped. It is however to be understood that the recess or groove 11 may have any suitable shape such as for example linear or substantially V-shaped. The container 10 may comprise any suitable number of recesses or grooves 11 depending on the requirements for the container. The recess or groove 11 may extend towards the first abutment surface 28.

The container may be formed from any suitable material. The container, or parts of the container, may be formed from any suitable plastic or polymeric material. The container, or parts of the container, may be formed from polystyrene.

In use, the stackable ear cleansing containers 10 are provided. A user removes a stackable ear cleansing container from the stack. The user positions the rear portion 13 of the first end 12 of the container 10 against the skin and/or adjacent the ear of the user which requires cleaning. The user positions the first end 12 of the container 10 adjacent or against the ear such that the lower end of the ear, for example ear lobe, is received within the groove or recess 11 provided in the rear portion 13.

Irrigation or cleaning fluid is supplied into the ear canal, preferably the external ear canal, of the user. The fluid may be provided from any suitable source. The user may for example use an irrigation system comprising a source of irrigation or cleaning fluid. The irrigation system may comprise an outlet in fluid communication with the irrigation or cleaning fluid. The user aligns the outlet of the irrigation system with the ear of the user and operates the system to release cleansing fluid out of the outlet and into the ear of the user.

The stepped profile of the first end 12 (stepped between the rear and front portions 13, 15) enables the user or clinician to access the ear, for example the ear canal, and to provide sufficient and unhindered access to the ear canal such that the user or clinician may inspect the ear and or dispense irrigation fluid or cleansing fluid into the ear whilst maintaining the container 10 in the ideal position adjacent the skin and/or ear of the user in order to efficiently collect used cleansing fluid.

During the cleansing process, used cleaning fluid is released or ejected from the ear canal and is received and collected within the cavity 20 of the container 10. The container 10 enables efficient collection and removal of used cleaning fluid from the ear of a user with reduced risk of spillage or contact with the user's skin adjacent to the ear. The container 10 enables efficient collection of the used cleaning fluid during and/or after the irrigation or cleansing process.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A stackable ear irrigation container comprising a pair of opposed ends comprising a first open end providing an opening configured to receive and abut and/or extend around or adjacent the entire periphery of a user's ear, and a second opposed closed end; a side portion extending between the pair of opposed ends and defining an internal cavity extending from the opening of the first open end in a direction extending towards the second closed end; and an abutment portion extending outwardly from the side portion to provide at least one abutment surface.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, in which the side portion tapers inwardly in a direction extending from the first end towards the second end.

3. A container as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the cavity is substantially centrally located.

4. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the abutment portion extends in a peripheral direction across at least part of the side portion.

5. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the abutment portion extends across the entire periphery of the side portion.

6. A container as claimed in either of claims 4 and 5, in which the abutment portion and/or the at least one abutment surface is located at or adjacent the first open end of the container.

7. A container as claimed in claim 6, in which the abutment portion extends outwardly from or adjacent the first open end in a direction extending towards the second end of the container.

8. A container as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, in which the abutment portion provides a first abutment surface extending substantially parallel to a base portion provided by the second closed end.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8, in which the first abutment surface is located at or adjacent the first end of the container.

10. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one of the opening at the first open end and/or the second closed end is a truncated circle shape or kidney-shape.

11. A kit for ear irrigation comprising a plurality of stackable ear irrigation containers as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the plurality of container are provided in a stack in which a second end of a first container is received within the opening provided by the first open end of a second container, and in which the first end of the second container is configured to abut at least a portion of the at least one abutment surface provided by the abutment portion of the first container.

12. A kit for ear irrigation as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a tubular member providing a longitudinally extending cavity shaped and dimensioned to receive the plurality of stackable ear irrigation containers, and in which the cavity is shaped and dimensioned to abut the abutment portion.

13. A kit as claimed in claim 10, in which the cavity is shaped and dimensioned to abut a second abutment surface provided at a free end of the abutment portion of each container.

14. A container or kit as herein described with reference to the Figures.