TICK ROTATOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the gentle removal of ticks from the skin of humans and animals.

[0002] When removing a small tick (nymph) with tick tweezers, there's a risk that the tick's body will tear off, leaving the tick's biting apparatus impaled in the skin. The only options for removal are then surgery or allowing it to grow out under medical supervision.

[0003] While there are inventions, these are only applicable to adult ticks measuring approximately 2.5 mm or larger, and all involve a risky gripping, looping, or lever mechanism. However, these are not suitable for removing small ticks (nymphs) from the skin without the risk of tearing the tick's body off.

[0004] From EP 1 384 418 A1 a brush for use on a dental contra-angle handpiece is known, which has a bristle field in which the bristles, based on the outer diameter of the bristle field, have a length decreasing from the outside to the center.

[0005] US 2015 / 182415 A1 discloses a device for eyelid care and a method for using such a device, wherein the device has an oscillating head for this purpose.

[0006] US 2018 / 098615 A1 describes a keratin treatment kit that allows a semi-solid or solid, non-Newtonian cosmetic composition to be applied to the surface of keratin tissue. This kit includes a hybrid applicator that can be driven by a motor to oscillate.

[0007] US 2013 / 324802 A1 discloses a handheld tool for locating and removing parasitic insects on hair-covered skin.

[0008] From KR 2005 0002114 A, a multifunctional brush is known which is used for trimming pet hair using the absorption power generated by a vacuum cleaner and for sterilizing viruses by emitting ultraviolet rays and ultrasonic waves.

[0009] In US 2017 / 049076 A1 shows an animal cleaning tool having an upper housing portion and a bottom plate surface, the bottom plate surface having a set of brush elements spaced apart from one another and projecting outwardly from the bottom plate.

[0010] US 4 865 482 A discloses a flea and tick brush for pets, the brush head of which has a plurality of truncated cone-shaped hollow teeth with an outlet opening through which ingredients can escape from a container connected to the brush head.

[0011] The invention is based on the object of providing a device by means of which a tick which has already bitten the skin of a host can be removed by rotation, whereby injury to the tick is to be avoided.

[0012] With regard to the device, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0013] According to the invention, a device, also referred to as a tick rotator, is provided for removing ticks from the skin of a human or animal. The device comprises: a housing with a handle formed thereon; a rotatable brush attachment; and a receiving device for receiving the brush attachment. The brush attachment has a hair arrangement with brush hairs selected from a group comprising synthetic hair and natural hair, and the hair arrangement of the brush attachment forms a centrally provided recess for the placement of a tick body.

[0014] According to the invention, a transparent centering sleeve made of plastic or glass is detachably attached to the housing, whereby the centering sleeve ends with the free end of the edge brush hairs.

[0015] The invention is based on the following considerations: When removing a tick simply by gently pulling it upwards, i.e., against the tick's barbs, with a gripping tool (e.g., tweezers, loop, card, or pliers), a risky "force play" between the tick and the remover is created. The tick loop technique also relies on grasping the tick and then exerting a risky pull. Removal is therefore always risky. If a tool reaches even slightly (1 / 10 of a millimeter) too high, the tick will be crushed and / or torn off. If it reaches too low, the patient is painfully pinched, and the already irritated, bitten skin surface is subjected to additional unnecessary stress. With small larvae and nymphs, especially in hard-to-reach areas of the body, safe removal or grasping is comparatively difficult. Larvae are barely visible even to the naked eye.Here, rotation with gripping mechanisms is virtually impossible.

[0016] From the size of an adult tick onward, the risk of the tick being torn off with a grasping device decreases compared to that of a nymph, but still remains. All known devices must first grasp the tick and then remove it. None of these devices can grasp a larva measuring 0.1 mm.

[0017] It should also be noted that a tick does not have a thread, nor does it burrow into the host's skin in a circular pattern like a screw. Furthermore, a tick bites the skin and alternately "saws" its two parallel "biting burrowers" (chelicerae) straight into the skin. The tiny barbs arranged on the sides ensure, among other things, that the tick is firmly anchored in the host. Nevertheless, the tick must be able to break this mechanism, or rather, its anchorage in the skin, because it must go through two developmental stages before sexually maturing into an "adult" tick. It is born as a larva, then becomes a nymph, and finally a male or female tick. Between each of these stages, it sheds its skin and absolutely needs a new insertion site each time.

[0018] Consequently, a tick must change its host or egg bite site three times before maturing, and thus be able to release itself three times before reaching maturity. It is unclear whether a tick rotates within the host's skin during this time or whether it withdraws its biting apparatus from the skin while rotating as it leaves the host.

[0019] All you have to do is get the tick to let go or stimulate it.

[0020] The more often you gently rotate the tick around its axis, the easier it is to remove. After five rotations at the latest, the limit is reached. The only problem is how to rotate a tiny tick larva, measuring 0.1 mm or more, without grabbing or crushing it. There are sufficient devices for larger ticks, and the risk of it being torn off decreases, although the larger the tick, the greater the risk, the greater the risk.

[0021] If you rotate the tick gently, evenly and continuously, also using the grasping reflex of the legs, these become caught in the specially cut tick brush and the tick is rotated several times, unstoppably, completely, gently and slowly.

[0022] After about five to six rotations (equivalent to approximately one to four rotation intervals of approximately 10 seconds) of the tick's body, the tick becomes "unbearable," letting go and seeking a new, unharmed bite site, just as it does in nature.

[0023] This also works advantageously with small larvae and nymphs, which primarily sting humans. The specially designed, conical brush completely encloses the animal without causing any danger, twisting it until it lets go. Only a tickling sensation is felt on the skin of the stung host (human or animal).

[0024] Compared to tick rotations by hand or conventional gripping tools, loops, cards and tweezers, there is no risk of tearing off.

[0025] The Tick Rotator doesn't hurt or pinch. It's incredibly easy to use, portable, and therefore ideal for small children and hard-to-reach areas of the body.

[0026] All conventional tick removal devices, whether rotating or not, rely on a gripping, looping, or lever mechanism. With all devices, even those with a rotating mechanism, the tick must first be grasped in some way in order to then rotate it.

[0027] The Tick Rotator is based on the gentle removal of a tick that has already bitten the host. Instead of grasping the tick with a gripping mechanism such as tweezers, a loop, a card, or forceps, the tick is placed in a brush specially designed for ticks, stimulated by a gentle circular rotation, and then coaxed into release.

[0028] The tick is placed in an "uncomfortable" situation by electrical, uniform and slow brush rotation intervals, so that it releases its anchored biting apparatus in order to search for another "more comfortable" biting site on the host.

[0029] This means that the tick does not experience any panic, fear of death or stress when removed with the Tick Rotator, such as being crushed, grabbed or having a body part severed with tweezers or forceps, which could potentially pose a risk of bacterial transmission (e.g. Lyme disease).

[0030] Smaller ticks, such as larvae or nymphs, have such tiny, delicate biting organs before they molt that a perfect grip is almost impossible, or because the patient, such as a child, doesn't stay still long enough. Unfortunately, even the finest medical tweezers are still too large.

[0031] The Tick Rotator is designed specifically for this purpose. It's specially designed and cut at the front of the brush to completely remove even the smallest larvae.

[0032] Preferably, an electric drive is provided for rotating the brush attachment.

[0033] Preferably, an electric motor is also provided which has a drive shaft and a gearbox, wherein the electric motor is designed to drive the gearbox with its drive shaft.

[0034] It can be provided that the electric motor and the transmission are designed in such a way that a speed of 60 to 150 revolutions per minute can be generated on the output side of the transmission.

[0035] Furthermore, it can be provided that the electric motor and the transmission are arranged in the housing.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving device is arranged outside the housing.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving device for receiving the brush attachment is a receiving device for releasably receiving the brush attachment.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, a housing cover is provided which is designed as a screw cover and can be screwed onto the housing.

[0039] The housing cover can, for example, be equipped with an on / off switch.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, a battery or accumulator can be provided as an energy source and arranged in the housing.

[0041] The brush attachment preferably has a receiving pin made of metal or plastic on the back for its fixation in the receiving device.

[0042] Preferably, the brush attachment has a hair arrangement with brush hairs selected from a group comprising synthetic hair and natural hair, wherein the hair arrangement of the brush attachment forms a centrally provided recess for the placement of a tick body.

[0043] To change the position of the anchoring mechanism of a tick from an anchored position to a released position, whereby the tick remains so unharmed during this change in position that it is still able to crawl after the change in position, the brush attachment of the device, which brush attachment has a hair arrangement with brush hairs that forms the depression in the center, is placed with its depression onto the tick and then rotated so that the tick moves from its anchored position to a released position. In particular, this can be done by rotating the tick using the brush attachment. Preferably, the depression is in the range of the dimensions and / or shape specified in this application with regard to exemplary brush attachments according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, this allows the legs of the tick to be carried along by the rotating hair arrangement and thus the tick to be rotated.

[0044] To detach a tick anchored in human or animal skin from its anchoring position, whereby the tick, which has the ability to crawl, remains so unharmed during this detachment that it can crawl after detachment, the brush attachment, which has the hair arrangement with brush hairs that forms a depression in the center, is placed with its depression onto the tick and then rotated so that the tick is detached from its anchorage in the skin. In particular, it is provided that the brush attachment is positioned so that the tick is located in the depression of the hair arrangement.

[0045] The tick can be rotated, for example, by means of an electric motor whose motor shaft is coupled to a brush attachment for rotating the brush attachment.

[0046] In a particularly preferred embodiment, before the brush attachment is placed on the tick, a liquid, preferably water, is applied to the area where the tick is located. This is particularly useful for animals with a lower leg or for people and animals in which the tick and its biting part are located on a very hairy part of the body. For example, this measure can be taken on the head of people or on a cat or rabbit. This makes it easier to remove the tick using the rotation of the brush attachment in the case of very hairy people or animals such as cats, rabbits or animals with fur and underparts / down or in the case of cats or animals with a lower leg.

[0047] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the brush attachment rotates evenly and at several intervals.

[0048] Furthermore, a brush attachment is provided for a device according to the invention, wherein the brush attachment has a hair arrangement with brush hairs selected from a group comprising synthetic hair and natural hair, and wherein the hair arrangement of the brush attachment forms a centrally provided recess for the placement of a tick body.

[0049] Some preferred designs of the brush attachment will be explained below, whereby these designs relate to further developments of the brush attachment as such, as well as to further developments of the brush attachment of the device according to the invention: The recess of the hair arrangement of the brush attachment can, in particular, be such that it extends from the free ends of the hair arrangement into the interior of the hair arrangement. The cross-sectional area preferably increases in the depth direction of the recess, for example, monotonically or strictly monotonically.

[0050] In a preferred design, the recess provided in the bristle arrangement of the brush attachment is shaped as a cone or paraboloid. However, the recess in the bristle arrangement of the brush attachment can also be cylindrical, for example.

[0051] In a preferred design, the bristles of the brush attachment are cylindrically shaped on the outside. However, a conical design, such as an outer contour of the bristles of the brush attachment that tapers towards the free ends of the bristles, is also preferred.

[0052] The brush diameter is preferably larger than 3 mm on the outside, preferably larger than 3 mm and smaller than 40 mm, preferably larger than 3 mm and smaller than 30 mm, larger than 3 mm and smaller than 20 mm, preferably larger than 4 mm and smaller than 15 mm, preferably larger than 4 mm and smaller than 10 mm, e.g. 5 mm or 6 mm or 7 mm or 8 mm.

[0053] The hair length of the radially outer positioned hairs of the hair arrangement of the brush attachment is preferably greater than or equal to 1 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 2 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 3 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 4 mm.

[0054] Particularly preferably, the hair length of the radially outer positioned hairs of the hair arrangement of the brush attachment is less than 10 mm. In In a particularly preferred design, the hair length of the radially outermost positioned hairs of the hair arrangement of the brush attachment is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm. It can be provided, in particular, that the hair length of the radially outermost positioned hairs of the hair arrangement of the brush attachment is constant in each case.

[0055] The depth of the recess of the hair arrangement of the brush attachment can be, for example, greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, e.g. greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 8 mm, e.g. greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm, e.g. greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm, e.g. greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0056] The recess of the hair arrangement of the brush attachment can, for example, have round cross-sections perpendicular to its depth direction. For example, the diameter of these cross-sections can be greater than or equal to 0 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm, e.g. greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm, or greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, or greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 0.8 mm, or greater than or equal to 0 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm. In particular, it can be provided that the said diameter is constant within the opening. However, it can also be provided that the said diameter lies within the stated limits and varies.For example, the respective lower limit may correspond to the diameter of the smallest cross-section of a respective recess of the hair arrangement of the brush attachment, and the respective upper limit may correspond to the diameter of the largest cross-section of the same respective recess of the hair arrangement of the brush attachment.In particular, said depression may be a paraboloid whose minimum diameter is 0.0 mm and whose maximum diameter is 1 mm, or a paraboloid whose minimum diameter is 0.1 mm and whose maximum diameter is 0.8 mm, a paraboloid whose minimum diameter is 0.8 mm and whose maximum diameter is 2 mm, a paraboloid whose minimum diameter is 0.0 mm and whose maximum diameter is 1 mm, a paraboloid whose minimum diameter is 0.0 mm and whose maximum diameter is 4 mm, or a paraboloid whose minimum diameter is 2 mm and whose maximum diameter is 3 mm.Particularly preferably, said depression is a paraboloid whose minimum diameter is greater than or equal to 0.0 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm and whose maximum diameter is greater than or equal to 0.8 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, wherein the maximum diameter is greater than the minimum diameter.

[0057] It may be intended that the brush attachment is rotated clockwise. In Alternatively, the brush attachment can be rotated counterclockwise.

[0058] Before use, especially in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power source / battery is inserted into the Tick Rotator. The centering sleeve at the front is then removed to insert the selected brush attachment into the holder. The centering sleeve is then reinstalled.

[0059] By gently placing the brush and the sleeve with the tick body in the designated recess in the middle of the brush, the tick, which has already bitten, inevitably gets caught with its legs and body in the individual brush hairs.

[0060] If the first rotation is started by pressing the switch on the tick rotator left or right, the tick will rotate with it. However, the tick does not rotate with every brush rotation. Therefore, up to four rotation intervals may be required.

[0061] Depending on the size of the tick and its innate grasping reflex, it detaches itself from the biting site after at most five rotations around its own axis and looks for a new one, unharmed and alive.

[0062] Due to their small body size, a larva (0.1mm to 0.8mm) or nymph (0.8mm to 2.0mm) may require several intervals of gentle, even rotation of the brush before it finally lets go, as the tiny tick legs and body are harder to rotate.

[0063] It is important that each rotation interval with the brush's circulation is always continuous and without jerking or pressure. No pressure should be exerted on the tick or the skin. Bristles could injure or crush the tiny tick body. Simply placing the soft brush bristles lightly on the skin of the host or tick is sufficient. The transparent centering sleeve provides support for this.

[0064] Each application is carried out in intervals. Each user interval, including the initial interval, lasts approximately 10 seconds. Depending on the size of the tick and the location of the bite, the user can repeat the intervals as often as desired. Between intervals, the user uses the break to carefully inspect and check the tick by lifting the centering sleeve and the brush to see whether it has let go or not. If the tick is still attached, the next 10-second interval is carried out. With larvae, it has sometimes been shown that up to four intervals are necessary. The Tick Rotator is not recommended for larger ticks that have already engorged themselves to a body diameter of approximately 5mm or more, as the tick will then have grown so large that its body can no longer be grasped with the brush as described.

[0065] The intervals with their gentle, slow rotations and short breaks give the tick a natural, non-stressful impression, which it also experiences in nature when its host scratches or when branches or bark brush against it.

[0066] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 schematically shows a device for removing ticks from the skin of a host, the device having a brush attachment, Fig. 2 schematically shows the brush attachment in side view, Fig. 3 schematically shows the brush attachment in plan view of its hair arrangement, and Fig. 4 a tick bitten into the skin of a host, the tick body being arranged in a parabolic depression of the brush attachment.

[0067] Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0068] The device 1, also known as a tick rotator, has a handy, cylindrical pen-shaped design similar to a small flashlight, with a recess on both sides of the casing to allow for secure and precise use, similar to a fountain pen. Its total length is approximately 12 to 15 cm.

[0069] The diameter of the case is approximately 1.5 to 3 cm.

[0070] The Tick Rotator is primarily electrically powered to ensure the same, consistent, slow, and continuous rotation interval for every user. A sophisticated, purely mechanical version would be conceivable, but it would be difficult for a layperson to consistently use it in the same way.

[0071] In this respect, the electric tick rotator consists of six components assembled one after the other: 1. Brush attachments 2. Holder for brush attachments 3. Electric motor with gear and drive shaft 4. Housing with battery and wiring 5. Housing cover with switch 6. Centering sleeve

[0072] In the Fig. 1 the device is provided with the reference number 1, the brush attachment with the reference number 2, the receiving device for the brush attachment with the reference number 3, an electric motor with the reference number 4, a gear with more than 300 rpm with the reference number 5, the housing with handle with the reference number 6, a battery or a rechargeable battery as an energy source with the reference number 7, the housing cover with switch with the reference number 8 and the centering sleeve with the reference number 9. 1. Brush attachments:

[0073] For example, there are three attachment sizes, each with differently sized indentations and cutouts. Larvae, nymphs, and ticks. A suitable attachment for every stage of the tick's development. 1.1. Attachment brush (brush attachment) "small for larvae" (approx. 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm):

[0074] Brush diameter: approx. 5mm Brush hair length edge hairs: greater than or equal to 2 mm, e.g. 3 mm or 4 mm or 5 mm or approx. 6mm Cone diameter: approx. 0.1 to 0.8mm Cone height: approx. 1.5mm According to another example:

[0075] Brush rim diameter outside: from 2mm Diameter of the cross sections of the recess from above unevenly parabolic decreasing: Starting with 1mm to 0 mm Height of the recess: up to 2mm 1.2. Attachment brush (brush attachment) "medium for nymphs" (approx. 0.8 mm to 2 mm):

[0076] Brush diameter: approx. 5 mm. Bristle length: greater than or equal to 2 mm, e.g., 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or approx. 6 mm. Cone diameter: approx. 0.8 to 2 mm. Cone height: approx. 2.5 mm. According to another example:

[0077] Brush ring diameter outside: from 3mm diameter of the cross sections of the depression from above unevenly parabolic decreasing: starting with 2mm to 0 m height of the depression: 2 to 3mm 1.3. Attachment brush (brush attachment) "large for sexually mature ticks" (approx. 2 mm to 3.5 mm):

[0078] Brush diameter: approx. 7 mm Brush hair length Edge hairs: greater than or equal to 4 mm, e.g. 4 mm or 5 mm or approx. 6 mm Cone diameter: approx. 2 mm to 3.0 mm Cone height: approx. 3.5 mm According to another example:

[0079] Brush crown diameter outside: from 5 mm diameter of the cross-sections of the recess, decreasing unevenly from the top in a parabolic shape: starting at 4 mm to 0 mm. Height of the recess: 3 to 4 mm.

[0080] Each brush attachment 2 has a round, dense arrangement of hairs 11 (round brush). The brush hairs are made of soft synthetic or natural hair, such as goat hair. Bristles are not used, as the tick should not be subjected to unnecessary stress or irritation. Depending on the size, the brush has a small, conically cut, inward-facing recess 12 on the straight brush contact surface.

[0081] This conical recess 12 serves to place it over the tick body 14 without squeezing it, so that the tick 14 rotates with the brush.

[0082] The brush has a receiving pin 10 made of metal or plastic on its back to fix it in the receiving device 3. According to another example and description:

[0083] The brush attachments 2 ( Fig.2 and 3) feature a uniformly dense arrangement of hairs 11 made of soft natural hairs, such as goat hair or soft synthetic hair. No bristles, as these could crush or injure the egg-shaped, soft tick body 14 when the brush cap 11 is placed on the tick. Furthermore, the small tick legs 16 cannot get caught in the brush crown. At the free end of the brush hairs, the arrangement of hairs 11 has a circular depression 12 in the center of the brush surface extending into the interior of the brush.

[0084] This depression 12 decreases in diameter so unevenly with increasing depth in circular cross-sections that its geometric three-dimensional overall shape at the deepest point is parabolic like a hood in the shape of a tick's body 14 or a thimble.

[0085] This decisive shape of the depression 12, with its resulting three-dimensional space inside the brush, has the task of placing the brush attachment 2 with the device (the device 1) over the tick body 14 ( Fig.4 ), to enclose it like a hood with the soft brush hairs due to its shape without squeezing or injuring it, so that the tick 14 inside the brush attachment 2 with its caught legs 16 in the described recess 12 / hood and in the brush ring 5 can rotate with the rotation when the device 1 is switched on.

[0086] With existing brush attachments, such as those used in dentistry, successful, safe tick removal is not guaranteed and carries a risk of injury or even breaking off the tick. Furthermore, only in conjunction with the brush attachments described above is the constant, even, and continuous rotation speed of the brush attachments important for gentle, risk-free removal of ticks from the skin of humans and animals.

[0087] Rotating or vibrating too quickly, such as with a toothbrush or a dental drill, would increase the risk of the tick's body being torn off. Furthermore, the slow rotation speed described above is intended to entangle the tick's 14 legs 16 in the brush ring 13, allowing the tick's 14 body to rotate more easily. 2. Holder for brush attachments:

[0088] At the front of the Tick Rotator is the holder 3 for the three variably fixable brush attachments 2.

[0089] This mounting device 3 can be, for example, a small drill chuck, a plug-in clamp, or something similar made of metal or plastic and is permanently installed on the drive shaft. It serves to hold the brush attachments 2 in place. By simply screwing the attachment 2 on and off, it can be easily changed as needed, depending on the size of the brush.

[0090] A rotating or plug-in mechanism is possible here. 3. Electric motor with gearbox and drive shaft:

[0091] Electric motor 4 drives the transmission via its drive shaft. It operates at 1.5 volts and, reduced by the transmission, ultimately generates approximately 60 to a maximum of 150 revolutions per minute.

[0092] The consistent rotation speed must not be too high, as this could cause the tick 14 to spin too fast, and frictional heat could cause unnecessary irritation of the skin 15. This also prevents pet hair, such as a dog's, from getting caught.

[0093] The entire small gearbox itself, including gears and axles, can also be made of metal or plastic.

[0094] The motor and gearbox are located in the front part of the housing. The mounting device 3 is located outside the housing for easy access. 4. Housing with battery and wiring:

[0095] The housing of the Tick Rotator is made of metal or plastic and ensures a stable mount for the motor, its gears, electrical components, and energy carriers. It has a handy, secure, and non-slip cylindrical shape.

[0096] When operating with the rotation, you simply hold the Tick Rotator 1 like tweezers with your thumb and index finger over the tick.

[0097] At the end it has a small thread onto which the housing cover 8 with the on / off switch is screwed.

[0098] The energy source 7 is a commercially available battery or accumulator. 5. Housing cover with switch:

[0099] The housing cover is also made of the same material or plastic as the housing and has a small counter thread to screw it onto the housing.

[0100] In the lid there is a push button switch for turning the tick rotator on and off and the electrical pole with pressure spring for the battery. 6. Centering sleeve:

[0101] The transparent centering sleeve 9 made of plastic or glass is removable and located at the front tip of the tick rotator 1. It is cylindrically attached to the front of the housing and has two main functions.

[0102] Firstly, it is a protective cover for the brush head 2 to prevent unnecessary wear or bending of the brush.

[0103] More importantly, however, the user can use the brush in a non-slip, secure, and precisely centered manner by placing the sleeve 9 on the skin 15 around the tick 14, with the tick 14 in the center of the sleeve's circle. By precisely placing the transparent centering sleeve 9 with the tick 14 in the center, the tick rotator 1, with its conical recess in the brush, sits precisely on the tick. Now the rotation can begin.

[0104] The centering sleeve 9 has a diameter of approximately 10 to 15mm.

[0105] At the front, the centering sleeve 9 aligns exactly with the end of the bristles on the edge of the brush, so that both the brush and the sleeve 9 touch the skin 15 simultaneously. The sleeve 9 also prevents the tick 14 from falling off after being released. However, the sleeve 9 is not absolutely necessary for experienced users.

[0106] Likewise, the tick rotator 1 can also be used on hard-to-reach parts of the body without the centering sleeve 9.

[0107] In summary, the Tick Rotator 1 allows for the fear-free, uncomplicated, and gentle removal of ticks from the skin of humans and animals, especially small children of all ages. Only a slight "tickle" is felt on the skin.

[0108] Even after multiple attempts, the tick's body has not yet been torn off.

[0109] A stainless steel version of the Tick-Rotator 1 is also conceivable, which, for example, also operates electrically with mains power.

[0110] The Tick-Rotator 1 is advantageously small, handy, portable and can be used by anyone anywhere.

[0111] Before use, a functional test regarding the charge level of the energy carrier 7 is necessary.

[0112] After use, the brush attachment 2 should be cleaned, disinfected, or replaced if necessary. The wound or puncture site should also be disinfected with disinfectant spray after use.

[0113] By using the Tick Rotator 1, a great deal of suffering and anxiety can be avoided. Quick, uncomplicated, safe, and complete removal of even the smallest tick after a bite is of paramount importance in terms of transmittable pathogens, and can be achieved risk-free with the Tick Rotator.

[0114] The device 1 is therefore used for the gentle removal of ticks from the skin of humans and animals without a gripping, looping or lever mechanism. List of reference symbols

[0115] 1 Device / Tick Rotator 2 Brush attachment 3 Mounting device for brush attachments 4 Electric motor 5 Gear 6 Housing with handle 7 Battery 8 Housing cover with switch 9 Centering sleeve 10 Mounting pin 11 Hair arrangement 12 Recess 13 Brush ring 14 Tick 15 Skin 16 Tick legs

Claims

1. Device (1) for removing ticks (14) from the skin (15) of a human or animal, having - a housing with a handle formed thereon, - a rotatable brush attachment (2), and - a receiving device (3) for receiving the brush attachment (2), - wherein the brush attachment (2) has a hair arrangement (11) with brush hairs selected from a group comprising synthetic and natural hairs, and - wherein the hair arrangement (11) of the brush attachment (2) forms a centrally provided recess (12) in which a tick body is placed, characterized in that a transparent centring sleeve (9) made of plastic or glass is removably attached to the housing, the centring sleeve (9) ending with the free end of the edge brush hairs.

2. Device (1) according to Claim 1, wherein an electric drive is provided for rotating the brush attachment (2).

3. Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, further having an electric motor (4), which has a drive shaft, and having a transmission, the electric motor (4) being designed to use its drive shaft to drive the transmission.

4. Device (1) according to Claim 3, wherein the electric motor (4) and the transmission are designed such that a rotational speed of 60 to 150 revolutions per minute can be produced on the output side of the transmission.

5. Device (1) according to either of Claims 3 and 4, wherein the electric motor (4) and the transmission are arranged in the housing.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (3) is arranged outside the housing.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (3) for receiving the brush attachment (2) is a receiving device (3) for releasably receiving the brush attachment (2).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a housing cover is provided which is designed as a screw cover and can be screwed onto the housing.

9. Device (1) according to Claim 8, wherein the housing cover is provided with an on and off switch.

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a battery or a rechargeable battery is provided as the energy source (7) and is arranged in the housing.

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear side of the brush attachment (2) has a receiving pin (10) made of metal or plastic for fixing it in the receiving device (3).