Cotton swab device with applicator and ergonomic handle and method of use thereof

Abstract

An apparatus may include an applicator comprised of polyurethane, polyether, or heat resistant foam. A device may include a handle composed of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC), or a heat resistant plastic wherein the applicator is impregnated with a contact solution; and wherein the shank is formed in a non-cylindrical shape.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 442,078, filed on January 30, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to cotton swab devices, and more particularly, to cotton swab devices suitable for medical use and having an absorbent material application end. Furthermore, in some aspects of the present disclosure, the absorbent material is impregnated with a contact solution. Furthermore, in some aspects of the present disclosure, the cotton swab device includes an ergonomic handle. Background Art

[0004] As is well known, cotton swab products have an elongated circular handle and an absorbent cover on the tip. Cotton is usually used as the absorbent cover. The handle is made of wood, rolled paper or plastic and is formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0005] Cotton swabs are most commonly used for personal hygiene. They are particularly useful for cleaning the outer surface of the ears and even for applying cosmetics to the face and other parts of the body. Furthermore, the handle is round, smooth, and uniform, allowing the user to roll the cotton swab between two fingers.

[0006] Furthermore, airborne bacteria are particularly prevalent in bathrooms and medical offices / hospitals. Coincidentally, cotton swabs are often stored and used in these areas, significantly increasing the risk of contamination.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a sealed, ergonomic cotton swab that is compatible with typical pharmaceutical sterilization processes. More specifically, there is a need for an ergonomic cotton swab handle that prevents rolling in the practitioner's hand, thereby facilitating consistent administration of pharmaceutical solutions. Furthermore, there is a need for a cotton swab applicator that is compatible with antimicrobial solutions and that also absorbs and releases a sufficient volume of solution to be clinically effective. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The following is a brief overview of one or more aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This overview is not an extensive review of all contemplated aspects and is neither intended to identify key or important elements of all aspects nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to describe some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that will be described later.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cotton swab stick comprising: an applicator comprising one or more of polyurethane, polyether, and heat-resistant foam; and a handle comprising one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC), and heat-resistant plastic; wherein the applicator is impregnated with a contact solution; and wherein the handle is formed into a non-cylindrical shape.

[0010] To accomplish the foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects of the present disclosure comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one or more aspects. However, these features are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the aspects described herein are set forth in the appended claims. In the following description, like parts are designated by the same numerals throughout the specification and drawings, respectively. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain figures may be shown exaggerated or generalized for the sake of clarity and conciseness. However, the present disclosure itself, as well as its preferred mode of use, other objects and advancements, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cotton swab stick according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 shows a side view of a cotton swab stick according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 shows a front view of a cotton swab stick according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 shows a rear view of a cotton swab stick according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 5 A top view of a cotton swab stick according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following includes definitions of selected terms used herein. These definitions include various examples and / or component forms that fall within the scope of the terms and can be used for implementation. These examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0018] The specific embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are intended as descriptions of various configurations and are not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The specific embodiments include specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, to avoid confusion regarding such concepts, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form.

[0019] Various aspects of certain systems will now be described with reference to various example systems and methods.

[0020] According to some aspects, the cotton swab applicator can be impregnated with a contact solution. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the contact solution can be an antibacterial solution approved by the United States (USA) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and / or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). As used herein, "antibacterial solution" refers to a solution comprising at least one solvent and one or more antibacterial agents. According to some aspects, the antibacterial solution comprises an aqueous solution. As used herein, the term "aqueous solution" refers to a solution in which the solvent comprises at least a majority of water. It should be understood that in some instances, the solvent may comprise water or consist of water. According to some aspects, the antibacterial solution comprises an alcohol solution. As used herein, the term "alcoholic solution" refers to a solution in which the solvent comprises at least a majority of alcohol. It should be understood that in some instances, the solvent may comprise one or more alcohols or consist of one or more alcohols. Non-limiting examples of alcohols include, but are not limited to, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0021] In one non-limiting example, the antimicrobial agent can comprise a cationic molecule (i.e., a molecule having a positive charge), such as a cationic surfactant or a cationic biguanide derivative (i.e., a compound derived from biguanide). According to some aspects, the antimicrobial agent can include a bis-(dihydropyridinyl)-decane derivative (i.e., a compound derived from bis-(dihydropyridinyl)-decane). According to some aspects, the antimicrobial agent can include alexidine, octenidine dihydrochloride, quaternary ammonium compounds (benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, etc.), chlorhexidine and other biguanide compounds and related salts (chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine acetate), antimicrobial dyes (proflavine hemisulphate, crystal violet, etc.), halogenated phenol derivatives (chlorocresol, chloroxylenol, etc.), and quinolone derivatives (hydroxyquinoline sulfate, chloroquinaldol, etc.) or a combination thereof.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the antimicrobial agent can comprise iodine. According to some aspects, the iodine can be provided as an iodine complex, such as povidone-iodine (PVPI), nonylphenoxy-(ethyleneoxy)-iodine, polyethyleneoxypolypropyleneoxy-iodine, undecoylinium-chloride-iodine, polyacrylic acid iodine (povacrylex), and combinations thereof.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the antimicrobial agent may comprise an oxidizing agent (ie, an oxidizing agent). Non-limiting examples of oxidizing agents according to the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and combinations thereof.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the antimicrobial agent may comprise an antibiotic. According to some aspects, the antibiotic may be bacitracin, vancomycin, gentamicin, cefazolin, clindamycin and polymyxin, and combinations thereof.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the antimicrobial agent may comprise Bactisure and XPerience. According to some aspects, Bactisure and XPerience may be: (1) sodium citrate (~30 g / L), citric acid (~32 g / L) and sodium lauryl sulfate (~1 g / L), and (2) sodium acetate (~30 g / L), acetic acid (~50 g / L) and benzalkonium chloride (~1 g / L) and ethanol (~100 g / L), and (3) combinations thereof.

[0026] The antimicrobial agent may have an antimicrobial activity sufficient to provide an acceptable log reduction of microorganisms over a period of time. It should be understood that, as used herein, the term "microorganism" may refer to any microorganism that is killed and / or removed as a result of lavage. Examples of microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and combinations thereof.

[0027] Examples of bacteria include, but are not limited to, drug-resistant and drug-sensitive bacteria: Streptococcus (e.g., Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis), Staphylococcus (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus spp., Staphylococcus saprophyticus), Enterococcus (e.g., Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus hirae), Bacteroides fragilis, Propionibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), Clostridium difficile (spores and vegetative cells), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Burkholderia cepacia, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella (e.g., Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae), Acinetobacter baumannii, Micrococcus luteus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Serratia marcescens.

[0028] Examples of fungi include, but are not limited to, drug-resistant and drug-sensitive fungi: Aspergillus brasiliensis, Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. aurus, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. guillermondii, C. kefyr (formerly C. pseudotropicalis), C. krusei, C. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis), Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum spp. (e.g., Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

[0029] Examples of viruses include, but are not limited to, DNA and RNA genomes that are single-stranded or double-stranded, in sense or antisense orientation, with or without a lipid envelope and a protein coat (capsid), such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, norovirus, and coronavirus.

[0030] Examples of bacteria include, but are not limited to, the following: Streptococci, Staphylococci, Enterococci, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci), Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus simulans, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, methicillin-resistant / oxacillin-resistant Staphylococci (MRSA / ORSA) and methicillin-oxacillin-sensitive Staphylococci (MSSA / OSSA), Enterococci (e.g., Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium), Enterococcus spp., and Enterococcus hirae), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and vancomycin-susceptible enterococci (VSE), Bacteroides fragilis, Propionibacterium acnes, Propionibacterium spp., Clostridium difficile (spores and vegetative cells), Lunar Newborns, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Burkholderia cepacia, Proteus mirabilis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter baumannii MDR, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Micrococcus luteus, Ralstonia pituitary, Haemophilus influenzae, and Serratia marcescens.

[0031] Examples of fungi include, but are not limited to, drug-resistant and drug-sensitive fungi: Aspergillus, Candida, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata (formerly Torulopsis glabrata), Candida guillermonii, Candida kefir (formerly Candida pseudotropicalis), Candida krusei, Candida lusitaniae, Candida tropicalis, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

[0032] Examples of viruses include, but are not limited to, viruses having a lipid component in their outer coat or having an outer envelope, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, variola virus (smallpox virus), vaccinia virus, norovirus, and coronavirus.

[0033] According to some aspects, the particular time period can be a time period of no more than about five minutes, optionally no more than about four minutes, optionally no more than about three minutes, optionally no more than about two minutes, and optionally no more than about one minute.

[0034] According to some aspects, the particular time period may be no more than about 120 seconds, optionally no more than about 105 seconds, optionally no more than about 90 seconds, optionally no more than about 75 seconds, optionally no more than about 60 seconds, optionally no more than about 45 seconds, optionally no more than about 30 seconds, and optionally no more than about 15 seconds.

[0035] It should be understood that an "acceptable log reduction" may depend on the microorganism. For example, an acceptable log reduction as described herein may refer to an acceptable log reduction of one type of microorganism present on a surface (e.g., present in a body cavity or at an external wound site), a combination of two or more types of microorganisms present on a surface, or all microorganisms present on a surface.

[0036] According to some aspects, an acceptable log reduction can be at least about 1.0, optionally at least about 1.1, optionally at least about 1.2, optionally at least about 1.3, optionally at least about 1.4, optionally at least about 1.5, optionally at least about 1.6, optionally at least about 1.7, optionally at least about 1.8, optionally at least about 1.9, optionally at least about 2.0, optionally at least about 2.1, optionally at least about 2.2, optionally at least about 2.3, optionally at least about 2.4, optionally at least about 2.5, optionally at least about 2.6, optionally at least about 2.7, optionally at least about 2.8 , optionally at least about 2.9, optionally at least about 3.0, optionally at least about 3.1, optionally at least about 3.2, optionally at least about 3.3, optionally at least about 3.4, optionally at least about 3.5, optionally at least about 3.6, optionally at least about 3.7, optionally at least about 3.8, optionally at least about 3.9, optionally at least about 4.0, optionally at least about 4.1, optionally at least about 4.2, optionally at least about 4.3, optionally at least about 4.4, optionally at least about 4.5, optionally at least about 4.6, optionally at least about 4.7, optionally at least about 4.8, optionally at least about 4.9 and optionally at least about 5.0.

[0037] According to some aspects, the antimicrobial agent can be present in the antimicrobial solution at a concentration sufficient to provide an acceptable log reduction of microorganisms within a specific time period as described herein. According to some aspects, the antimicrobial agent can be present in the antimicrobial solution at a concentration of about 0.001 to 5% w / v, optionally about 0.001 to 2.5% w / v, optionally about 0.001 to 1% w / v, optionally about 0.001 to 0.1% w / v, optionally about 0.001 to 0.01% w / v, optionally about 0.01 to 5% w / v, optionally about 0.01 to 2.5%, optionally about 0.01 to 2% w / v, optionally about 0.01 to 1.5% w / v, optionally about 0.01 to 1% w / v, and optionally about 0.5% w / v.

[0038] According to some aspects, the antimicrobial agent may be present in the antimicrobial solution at a concentration of about 0.1 to 0.9% w / v, optionally about 0.2 to 0.8% w / v, optionally about 0.3 to 0.7% w / v, and optionally about 0.4 to 0.6% w / v.

[0039] According to some aspects, the antimicrobial agent may be present in the antimicrobial solution at a concentration of about 0.1 to 10% w / v, optionally about 0.2 to 1% w / v, optionally about 0.3 to 1% w / v, and optionally about 0.4 to 1% w / v.

[0040] A particularly preferred antiseptic solution comprises about 2% w / v of a chlorhexidine salt (eg, chlorhexidine gluconate), 30-80% v / v, more specifically about 70% v / v, of isopropyl alcohol.

[0041] According to some aspects, the cotton swab handle can be constructed using one or more of the following materials: polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamideimide, any heat-resistant plastic, or any combination thereof.

[0042] According to some aspects, the cotton swab applicator, which is part of the entire cotton swab stick, can be constructed using one or more of the following materials: polyurethane, polyether, any heat resistant foam, or any combination thereof.

[0043] According to some aspects, the cotton swab applicator can be constructed of the following dimensions: 0.3" to 2" long, 0.2" to 1.5" wide, and 0.05" to 1.5" deep. More specifically, 0.5" to 1.5" long, 0.3" to 0.8" wide, and 0.1" to 0.8" deep.

[0044] According to some aspects, the cotton swab handle can be constructed from the following dimensions: 2" to 7" long, 0.1" to 1" wide, and 0.05" to 1" deep. More specifically, 3" to 5" long, 0.1" to 0.5" wide, and 0.08" to 0.5" deep.

[0045] Figure 1-5 (as described below) together constitute a preferred cotton swab stick. The cotton swab stick is sufficiently hard to support clinical use and is compatible with contact solutions. The cotton swab stick 100 can also be terminally sterilized before use by the following methods: moist heat sterilization, dry heat sterilization, ionizing radiation sterilization (e.g., gamma sterilization), electron beam sterilization and / or water cascade or waterfall sterilization.

[0046] For example, moist heat sterilization can be performed in a pressurized chamber called an autoclave. The cotton swab stick 100 can be placed in the autoclave, which is then closed and activated. The chamber is filled with pressurized steam at a temperature of 121 degrees Celsius / 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, for example, dry heat sterilization is achieved through heat conduction. Heat is absorbed by the outer surface of the device and transferred throughout the device until the target temperature is reached. Dry heat kills microorganisms by oxidizing their molecules. Furthermore, for example, sterilization using ionizing radiation (primarily using cobalt-60 gamma rays or electron accelerators) is a low-temperature sterilization method. Furthermore, for example, electron beam sterilization (EBS) is a form of radiation sterilization that uses beta particles to inactivate microorganisms. Electron beam systems sterilize medical devices by scanning them with focused electrons (beta particles). Compared to gamma rays, electron beams have a higher dose rate and lower penetration. Furthermore, for example, water cascade or waterfall sterilizers can be used to sterilize heat-sensitive products and materials. The sterilization principle is the same as in a steam sterilizer / autoclave, but at lower temperatures, allowing longer sterilization cycles.

[0047] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, depending on the sterilization process described above, the cotton swab stick 100 can be packaged into a package containing multiple cotton swab sticks, for example, three in a package, before or after sterilization. Although three cotton swab sticks are mentioned, any number can be packaged together. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, one or more cotton swab sticks can be provided in a sterile package known in the art.

[0048] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A perspective view of a cotton swab stick 100 is shown. Figure 1As shown, the cotton swab stick 100 may include a cotton swab handle 102 and a cotton swab applicator 104. The cotton swab handle 102 may include an upper portion 106 and a lower portion 108. In addition, the cotton swab handle 102 may include a top 110 and a side portion 112. An end portion 114 is included at one end of the lower portion 108. The end portion 114, as shown in dashed lines, is shown as round. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the end portion 114 can be any shape desired for an end portion, such as round, square, open, etc. The other end of the lower portion 108 is connected to the upper portion 106. A second end (not shown) is included at one end of the elongated upper portion, which is connected to the cotton swab applicator 104. The other end of the upper portion 106 is connected to the lower portion 108. The end portion 114 and the second end (not shown) can be flat or rounded to provide flexibility during the manufacturing process, thereby including processes such as molding or extrusion of the cotton swab handle 102.

[0049] The dashed (broken) line shown between the upper portion 106 and the lower portion 108 is shown merely to illustrate the variable length of the cotton swab handle 102. The upper portion 106 and the lower portion 108 can be provided as separate parts connected by any known method, or they can be integral. The length of the cotton swab helps with the application of the contact solution. For example, the length of the cotton swab handle 102 provides the rigidity required for proper application to the patient's skin.

[0050] As mentioned above, cotton swab stick handle 102 can be elongated and can be shaped into an ergonomic shape. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the ergonomic shape can be a square, an oval, any polygonal plane shape or any irregular shape. In another aspect of the present disclosure, cotton swab stick handle 102 can include a groove (not shown). Preferably, the cotton swab stick handle can have a plurality of flat surfaces, which form a regular or irregular polygonal shape (such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon or decagon).

[0051] In some embodiments, the ergonomically shaped cotton swab handle 102 includes at least one side 112 and at least one top 110. In one aspect of the present disclosure, based on the ergonomic shape, the cotton swab handle can have multiple sides 112 and multiple tops 110. The transition between the side 112 and the top 110 can be smooth or can be square (e.g., including sharp edges). For example, the transition of the ergonomically shaped cotton swab handle 102 allows for a non-cylindrical shape, thereby preventing rolling in the practitioner's hand. The practitioner's hand not moving helps to apply the contact solution with consistency.

[0052] In addition, the cotton swab stick 100 includes a cotton swab applicator 104. The cotton swab applicator 104 includes a tip 116 and a base 120. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tip 116 includes a circular shape, as shown. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the tip 116 can include any type of shape that can be used for an applicator, such as a triangle or a square. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the cotton swab applicator can be irregularly shaped to better facilitate the intended treatment site. As described below, the base 120 is connected to the upper portion 106 of the cotton swab handle 102. The cotton swab applicator 104 also includes an applicator side 118 and an applicator top 122. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the applicator top 122 includes a flat shape and the applicator side 118 includes a circular shape. As described above with reference to the cotton swab handle 102, based on the shape, the cotton swab applicator 104 can have multiple applicator sides 118 and multiple applicator tops 122. The transition between the applicator side 118 and the applicator top 122 can be smooth or can be squared (e.g., including sharp edges). One or more of the applicator top 122 and the applicator side 118 can have one or more indentations on its surface, preferably one indentation located substantially in the center of the applicator top 122 and / or the applicator side 118 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown).

[0053] The cotton swab applicator 104 can be secured to the cotton swab handle 102 by adhesive or co-molding. For example, a cyanoacrylate adhesive can be used to secure the cotton swab applicator 104 to the cotton swab handle 102. Other suitable adhesives are known in the art.

[0054] According to the FDA final monograph (U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Final Rule for Topical Antimicrobial Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use; Tentative Final Monograph for Healthcare Antiseptic Drug Products (Vol. 82, No. 143; December 10, 2017; pp. 60474, 60503), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), the shape of the applicator allows the contact solution to be applied to one area of ​​the patient's body and also absorbs and / or releases sufficient volume to support clinical efficacy.

[0055] As described above, the cotton swab applicator 104 can be constructed of foam and be compatible with aqueous or alcohol antiseptic solutions, sterilization modalities, and also absorb and release sufficient volume of solution to be clinically effective.In one aspect of the disclosure, as described above, the cotton swab applicator 104 can be impregnated with a contact solution.

[0056] As mentioned above, Figure 2-5 Additional views showing preferred cotton swab sticks are provided, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 Furthermore, as mentioned above, throughout the specification and drawings, like parts are labeled with the same numerals, respectively, and are incremented by 100 based on the corresponding figure. For example only, some components will be described below.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 , shows a side view of a cotton swab stick 200. As described above, the cotton swab stick 200 can include a cotton swab stick handle 202 and a cotton swab stick applicator 204. The cotton swab stick handle 202 can include an upper portion 206 and a lower portion 208. In addition, the cotton swab stick handle 202 can include a top portion 210 and a side portion 212. An end portion 214 is included at one end of the lower portion 208.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 , shows a front view of the cotton swab stick 300. As described above, the cotton swab stick 300 can include a cotton swab applicator 304. The cotton swab applicator 304 also includes an applicator side 318, an applicator top 322, and a tip 316.

[0059] Reference Figure 4 , shows a rear view of the cotton swab stick 300. As described above, the cotton swab stick 400 can include a cotton swab stick handle 402 and a cotton swab stick applicator 404. The cotton swab stick handle 402 can include an end 414. The cotton swab stick applicator 404 also includes an applicator side 418, an applicator top 422, and a base 420.

[0060] Reference Figure 5 , shows a top view of a cotton swab stick 500. As described above, the cotton swab stick 500 may include a cotton swab stick handle 502 and a cotton swab stick applicator 504. The cotton swab stick handle 502 may include an upper portion 506 and a lower portion 508. In addition, the cotton swab stick handle 502 may include a top portion 510 and a side portion 512. An end portion 514 is included at one end of the lower portion 508.

[0061] It will be appreciated that the various embodiments and other features and functions disclosed above, or alternatives or variations thereof, may be ideally combined into many other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art may subsequently make various currently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cotton swab device, comprising: an applicator comprising polyurethane, polyether, or heat-resistant foam; and a handle comprising one or more of: polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC), and heat-resistant plastic; wherein the applicator is impregnated with a contact solution; and The handle is formed in a non-cylindrical shape.

2. The cotton swab device of claim 1, wherein the handle measures 2" to 7" long, 0.1" to 1" wide, and 0.05" to 1" deep.

3. The cotton swab device of claim 2, wherein the handle measures 3" to 5" long, 0.1" to 0.5" wide, and 0.08" to 0.5" deep.

4. The cotton swab device of claim 1 , wherein the applicator measures 0.3" to 2" long, 0.2" to 1.5" wide, and 0.05" to 1.5" deep.

5. The cotton swab device of claim 4, wherein the applicator measures 0.5" to 1.5" long, 0.3" to 0.8" wide, and 0.1" to 0.8" deep.

6. The cotton swab device of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises polyurethane and the handle comprises solid polypropylene.

7. The cotton swab device of claim 1, wherein the contact solution comprises an alcohol antimicrobial solution.

8. The cotton swab device of claim 7, wherein the alcohol antiseptic solution comprises a chlorhexidine gluconate solution and an isopropyl alcohol solution.

9. The cotton swab device of claim 1, wherein the cotton swab device is terminally sterilized by moist heat sterilization, dry heat sterilization, ionizing radiation sterilization, or electron beam sterilization.

10. The cotton swab device of claim 9, wherein the sterilization is moist heat sterilization.

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