Liquid collector

Abstract

A collector (1) for liquids, comprising a first funnel-shaped body (10) defined at its top by an annular rim (12) and having at its bottom an outlet (11) for the liquid and a connecting means (100) for a removable collecting member (102) for the liquid from the outlet (11), and a first front wall (120) and a second rear wall (122) held in a hydraulic seal by the opposing annular rims (12) between two sides (124) of the first body (10), the second wall (122) being defined at its top by a concavely curved segment (1220) shaped for form-fitting with an anatomical facial part that, in use, is located between the user's upper lip and nose.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a collector for liquids. In particular, the present invention relates to a collector for liquids that is pre - arranged to support a liquid delivery device for performing nasal irrigation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a collector for liquids that is pre - arranged to support a liquid delivery device for performing nasal irrigation and for collecting nasal secretions mixed with the delivered liquid.

Background Art

[0002] Diagnosis of upper respiratory tract infections can be performed by analyzing nasal secretions collected from the nasopharynx or olfactory region using a small stick with cotton swabs (or cotton buds) at each end. The stick must be flexible and surgically accessible. The swab is inserted into the nostril and pushed horizontally to reach the nasopharyngeal region or pushed upward to reach the olfactory region until resistance is encountered. Once it is confirmed that the resistance is determined by the swab reaching the area where the sample is to be taken, the swab is gently rotated to locally remove the biological material consisting of nasal secretions. At this point, the swab is withdrawn and the end of the swab is inserted into a sterile container for storage and transportation to the laboratory, where the removed biological material is analyzed after undergoing microbiological culture or other tests for isolating and identifying pathogens.

[0003] From the above description, it is clearly highly recommended that the swap be performed by a specialized operator who has sufficient knowledge about the nasal anatomy and the anatomical shape of the nasal cavity of the patient to be examined. Thereby, the operator can preserve the mucosa of the nasal region of the individual to be examined and determine whether it is preferable to collect nasal secretions from the nasopharyngeal region or the olfactory region in order to have proper certainty of the sample being taken in an effective manner. If the number of individuals to be examined is particularly high and, moreover, sufficiently so, for example, but not limited to, in a full-scale pandemic, in an emergency situation where the number of specialized operators for performing swabs in the nasopharynx or olfactory region is exceeded, on the one hand, the number of samples is too low to provide a rapid and reliable picture of the infection level, and on the other hand, there is clearly a risk of information resulting from the analysis of swabs that do not faithfully represent the infection situation. In either case, public health is at risk, and the resulting situation is highly unsatisfactory. Furthermore, when performing a swab on a person who already exhibits symptoms of an infectious disease, it is important to consider the aspect of operator safety. In these cases, the operator must necessarily wear personal protective clothing and equipment that can completely cover their body. Considering that the said clothing / equipment is of the disposable type, in addition to being exposed to the risks of the supply chain, it also results in a significant increase in the costs related to the activities of the operator's tests and examinations.

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Considering the above situation, a device that is practical and has limited costs is desirable, so that as a result of eliminating the risk of infection of medical staff involved in the analysis, biological samples can be taken autonomously and effectively from the nasopharynx or olfactory region, thus without the intervention of a specialized operator. In addition to limiting and, if possible, overcoming the typical drawbacks of the known technologies exemplified above, the use of said device makes it possible to define a new operating protocol for the sampling of nasopharyngeal / olfactory nasal secretions of a large number of people to be analyzed with complete safety and a high degree of reliability. In particular, it enables the patient to self-collect nasal secretions mixed with the washing liquid, thus eliminating the risk of infection and errors (or misjudgments / errors) by third parties. Examples of collectors according to the preamble of claim 1 are known from WO2019 / 091159A1, US2009 / 108097A1, WO2010 / 126586A1, US2017 / 028144A1, US2010 / 152653A1, CN208017763U, CN2474138Y.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention relates to a collector for liquids. In particular, the present invention relates to a collector for liquids that is pre-arranged to support a liquid delivery device for performing nasal irrigation. More specifically, the present invention relates to a collector for liquids that is pre-arranged to support a liquid delivery device for performing nasal irrigation and collecting nasal secretions mixed with the delivered liquid.

[0006] The above drawbacks are solved by the present invention according to at least one of the following claims.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a collector for a liquid comprises a first funnel-shaped body defined at the top by an annular edge and provided at the bottom with an outlet for said liquid, and coupling means for a removable collecting member for collecting said liquid from said outlet, and a first front wall and a second rear wall carried in a hydraulically sealed manner by said annular edge facing each other between two sides of said first body, said second wall being defined at the top by a concave curved segment shaped for coupling with an anatomical facial part arranged between the upper lip and the nose of the user during use.

[0008] According to an embodiment as described above, said first wall and said second wall are shaped symmetrically with respect to a center line plane that transversely cuts said first body, and said curved segment is transversely defined by two raised corners (or angle portions) arranged symmetrically so as to transversely define the nostrils of the nose.

[0009] According to an embodiment as described above, at least one interface is provided elongated in a given direction oriented in a given manner with respect to said center line plane and pre-arranged to house supply means designed to distribute liquid in a direction opposite to said outlet between said first wall and said second wall via a nasal nozzle.

[0010] According to an embodiment as described above, said first wall and said second wall are separated at least at a first side of said two sides, forming a first opening above said first body, and said first interface is carried by said first side transversely with respect to said center line plane facing said first body through said first opening.

[0011] According to an embodiment as described above, said first interface has holding elements for holding said liquid delivery means at the corresponding said first side.

[0012] According to the embodiment as described above, the liquid supply means includes a syringe having a nasal nozzle carried by the syringe (or syringe) in the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction, the holding element includes at least a partially cylindrical protruding portion having an angular width greater than 180°, and is disposed at a connecting portion between the first interface and the first side portion.

[0013] According to the embodiment as described above, the first wall extends from the annular edge portion to a greater extent than the second wall.

[0014] According to the embodiment as described above, the first wall carries, at the upper part, a tapered cover member shaped to accommodate a nasal pyramid starting from the relative root. According to the embodiment as described above, the first wall and the second wall are separated at the second side portion of the two side portions, generate a second opening that is the same as or geometrically similar to and opposite to the first opening, and the second interface carried by the second side portion is aligned with the first interface and sized in the same or geometrically similar manner.

[0015] According to the embodiment as described above, the first wall and the second wall are connected to the side surface of the first body by respective opposing walls shaped symmetrically with respect to the center line plane.

[0016] According to the embodiment as described above, the first wall and the second wall each have a recess facing the outlet or facing from the same side.

[0017] According to the embodiment as described above, the coupling means is in combination or alternatively is a first cylindrical portion that defines the periphery of the outlet and terminates in a first hook portion, and is shaped to be hydraulically sealed to the upper edge of a collection vial for the liquid to be analyzed, and a second cylindrical hook portion coaxial with the outlet shaped to accommodate a hydraulically sealed test tube.

[0018] According to the embodiment as described above, the third interface is carried at the bottom by the first body along the outlet, extends laterally with respect to the annular edge portion parallel to the center line plane, and protrudes inside the first body to directly support the nasal nozzle. Together with the outlet nozzle or through an extension carried by the third interface inside the first body, it is pre - arranged to accommodate the syringe.

[0019] According to the embodiment as described above, the fourth interface comprises a housing member carried at the bottom by the first visible body. The housing member is pre - arranged to accommodate a two - way hydraulic selector that, in addition to the switching tap, comprises a first and a second duct aligned with each other and a duct transverse to the other two. The first aligned duct, during use, engages with the outlet, carries the nasal nozzle inside the first body. The second aligned duct engages with a test tube or vial selectively supported at the bottom by the housing member. The transverse duct is engaged by the outlet nozzle of the syringe. The tap is the connection between the first aligned duct and the transverse duct and the connection between the first aligned duct and the second aligned duct.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Further features and advantages of the collector generated by applying the teachings of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings showing at least non - limiting exemplary embodiments thereof, in which the same or corresponding parts of the collector are identified by the same reference numerals. Figure 1 is a first three - dimensional schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a second three - dimensional schematic view of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a front view of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a view of Figure 1 seen from below. Figures 6 - 9 show Figure 1 in different operating situations. Figure 10 is a three - dimensional schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 11 is an exploded front elevation view at the scale of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the third preferred embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 13 is a plan view of Figure 12. Figure 14 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the fourth preferred embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 15 is a plan view of Figure 14. Figure 16 is an exploded view in a side view of the fifth preferred embodiment of Figure 1 under the first operating condition. Figure 17a is a three-dimensional schematic view showing an enlarged view of Figure 16. Figure 17b is a three-dimensional schematic view of Figure 16 under the second operating condition with a reduced scale. Figure 18 is a view seen from below Figures 17a and 17b, and there are no details hidden for clarity. Figure 19 is a side view of Figure 18. Figure 20 is a rear elevation view of Figure 18. Figure 21 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the sixth preferred embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 22 is a side view of Figure 21. Figure 23 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the seventh preferred embodiment of Figure 1 under the first operating condition. Figure 24 is a three-dimensional schematic view of Figure 23 from another perspective. Figure 25 is a longitudinal sectional view of Figure 23 taken along the transverse center line plane. Figure 26 is a rear three-dimensional schematic view of Figure 23 under the second operating state. Figure 27 is a plan view of the eighth preferred embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 28 is a view from below Figure 27. Figure 29 is a three-dimensional schematic view with a reduced scale of Figure 27 under the operating conditions. Figure 30 is a side view of the ninth preferred embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 31 is a three-dimensional schematic view of Figure 30. Figure 32 is a view from below Figure 30. Figure 33 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the tenth embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 34 is a plan view of Figure 33. Figure 35 is a view from below of Figure 33. Figure 36 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the 11th embodiment of the present invention. Figure 37 is a plan view at an enlarged scale of Figure 36. Figure 38 is a view from below at an enlarged scale of Figure 36 without the details hidden for clarity. Figure 39 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the 12th embodiment of the present invention. Figure 40 is a plan view at an enlarged scale of Figure 39. Figure 41 is a view from below at an enlarged scale of Figure 39 without the details hidden for clarity. Figures 42 and 43 are respectively a three-dimensional schematic view and a longitudinal sectional view of the 13th embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 44 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the 14th embodiment of Figure 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Before describing in detail the preferred embodiments or details of the present invention, it is useful to clarify that the relative scope is not limited to the specific embodiments described below. The disclosure and description in this specification are examples and explanations of one or more currently preferred embodiments and variations, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made in the design, configuration, order of operation, operating means, configuration of equipment and position, and methodology and use of mechanical equivalents without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0022] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are intended to clearly illustrate and disclose the currently preferred embodiments to those skilled in the art, but they are not drawings showing how the embodiments should actually be implemented in practice or in the actual representation of the final product. On the contrary, it should be understood that the drawings can include simplified conceptual diagrams for ease of understanding or to enable easier and quicker explanation. Furthermore, the relative dimensions and arrangements of the components can be different from those shown and still function within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0023] Various indications such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", and "rear" refer only to the description in combination with the drawings, and the components can be oriented differently, for example, during transportation and production, as well as during operation. Since many different and distinct embodiments can be generated within the context of the concepts taught herein, and since multiple modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein, the details provided below must be construed as illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the spirit of the present invention.

[0024] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 generally designates a liquid collector having a first concave body 10 shaped symmetrically like a funnel with respect to the vertical centerline plane MT, which can be better seen in FIG. 3 as a whole. The first body 10 laterally defines a volume having a section (or, cut surface / section) that decreases from the annular edge 12, and at the bottom, it has an outlet 11 provided with a hole for the passage of liquid, which is preferably located at the lowest point of the first body 10 but not limited to that position.

[0025] Referring particularly to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the collector 1 has a bottom connecting member 100 that can selectively connect a removable collector member 102 to the first body 10, particularly below the outlet 11, for receiving the latter's liquid from the first body 10. The coupling member 100 comprises, in combination or alternatively, a first hook portion 132 having a cylindrical seat portion that is disposed below the annular edge 12, circumferentially separates the outlet 11, and extends for respective lengths, the lower edge of which is formed to be hydraulically sealed with the upper edge of a vial 102' for collecting the liquid to be analyzed (FIGS. 1 and 2), and / or a second hook portion 134 having a cylindrical seat portion that is coaxial with the outlet 11 and extends for respective lengths, the lower edge of which is formed to be hydraulically sealed to accommodate a test tube 102'' (FIG. 4) through its respective upper edge, and comprises a first cylindrical portion 130. For practicality, the embodiments of the collector 1 shown in FIGS. 1 - 5 have both the cylindrical portion 130 and the second hook portion 134 for the test tube 102'' without limiting the scope of the present invention to said embodiments.

[0026] Referring particularly to FIG. 5, the cylindrical seats of the first hook portion 132 and the second hook portion 134 have at least one longitudinal rib 104, the cross section of which is semi-cylindrical, and each has a rounded end at the bottom, and its function is to facilitate the insertion of the vial 102' and the test tube 102'', respectively, in order to improve the ability to hold the vial 102' and the ability to hold the test tube 102''. Further, the cylindrical seats of the first hook portion 132 and the second hook portion 134 each have at least one axial abutting portion 108 for the edges of the vial 102' and the test tube 102'' at the bottom. It should be noted that the rib 104 and the abutting portion 108 each have the function of maintaining the inner covering of the vial 102' and the test tube 102'', and have the free edge portions of the openings of the vial 102' and the test tube 102'' removed from the bottom of the cylindrical seat. This characteristic would otherwise prevent the filling of the container with the liquid mixed with the nasal secretion received from the first concave body 10 through the outlet 11, and allows the discharge of the air contained in the vial 102' and the test tube 102''.

[0027] The first body 10 further has two lateral sides 124, and the collector 1 is symmetrically shaped with respect to the central line plane MT and is held by an annular edge 12 in a liquid-tight sealing manner facing each other between the two sides 124, and includes a first front wall 120 and a second rear wall 122. The first wall 120 and the second wall 122 are connected at one side 124 by a side wall 126.

[0028] Referring particularly to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the second wall 122 is delimited (or defined) at the top by a concave curved segment 1220 shaped to form a shape-coupling with the anatomical part of the face located between the user's upper lip and nose during use. Further, the first wall 120 extends from the annular edge 12 to a larger extent than the second wall 122, and the curved segment 1220 is laterally delimited by two symmetrically shaped corners 1222 designed to laterally define the nostrils of the nose during use. The corners protrude with respect to the central part of the second wall 122 and can be rounded without departing from the scope of the present invention, but are preferably, although not exclusively, pointed.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the collector 1 comprises an elongated first interface 1240 along a given direction D transverse to the central line plane MT facing the transverse wall 126. The first interface 1240 is shaped to accommodate a supply member 30 (FIGS. 6 - 9) designed to distribute liquid between the first wall 120 and the second wall 122 in the form of a spray or liquid jet, in a direction opposite to the outlet 11, and thus, through a dispenser, preferably, although not exclusively, through a nasal nozzle 34. In the accompanying drawings, the nozzle is shown by a dome-shaped body, but the shape of the embodiment is purely an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0030] In particular, the supply member 30 comprises a syringe 36 which in turn comprises a nasal nozzle 34 carried longitudinally or transversely by an outlet nozzle (known and not shown) of the syringe 36 according to the requirements for performing nasal irrigation with a given liquid, either in the form of a spray or a liquid jet.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, the first wall 120 and the second wall 122 are separated at least at a first side portion 124A of the two side portions 124, forming a first opening 128 above the first body 10. In particular, the first interface 1240 is carried by the first side portion 124A transversely with respect to the central line plane MT facing the first body 10 through the first opening 128.

[0032] The first interface 1240 has a holding element 1242 for holding the liquid delivery member 30, in particular the syringe 36, in a relative first opening 128 on the side of the first side portion 124. More specifically, the holding element 1242 consists of at least partially cylindrical protrusions 1242 (indicated by the same reference numeral for practical purposes) having an angular width greater than 180° arranged at the connection between the first interface 1240 and the first side portion 124, and holds the syringe 36 at any longitudinal position determined as required by the user.

[0033] The use of the collector 1 described above is easy to understand and does not require further explanation. However, particularly referring to FIGS. 4 to 9, the vial 102’ (FIGS. 5 to 9) for analysis is coupled to the first hook portion 132 of the inner hollow cylindrical portion 130, or the test tube 102’’ (FIG. 4) is coupled to the second hook portion 134, and when the syringe 36 is filled with the cleaning liquid and the respective nasal nozzles 34 are provided inside the first interface 1240, the user grips the collector 1 by the cylindrical portion 130, moves the collector 1 closer between the upper lip and the nose by the second wall 122, and slides the syringe 36 longitudinally in the direction D until the nasal nozzle 34 is positioned opposite to one of the two nostrils, it is useful to identify that at least the first cleaning portion of the nasal cavity can be performed. At this point, the syringe 36 is blocked longitudinally and laterally by the protrusion 1242, and before proceeding (or before implementation), the collector 1 must be pushed further upward until the nasal nozzle 34 engages with the nasal vestibule of the selected nostril in a hydraulically sealed manner, thereby maximizing the probability that the liquid in the syringe 36 is completely delivered into the nasal cavity. At this point, the second wall 122 is tilted forward and pressed against the skin between the upper lip and the nasal cone, maintaining the collector 1 having the edge 12 of the first body 10 substantially horizontally, and from the opening 128 obtained above the first wall 120 or at the first side portion 124, during the discharge stage, even if the liquid can leak out, it remains inside the first body 10 to maximize the probability that the liquid in the syringe 36 is discharged from one or both of the two nostrils. When the liquid splashes on the first or second wall 120 / 122 or on the skin between the user's upper lip and the nasal cone, it returns to the inside of the first body 10 by gravity without requiring external intervention.

[0034] At this point, the piston of the syringe 36 can be operated to partially or completely discharge the liquid contained therein and deliver it into the nasal cavity through the selected nasal vestibule as described above.

[0035] If the volume of the liquid contained in the syringe 36 is smaller than the volume of the nasal cavity, it is clear that all of the liquid delivered to the nasal cavity will remain inside the nasal cavity until the syringe 36 is completely empty and as long as the nasal nozzle 34 is kept hydraulically sealed inside the selected nasal vestibule. On the other hand, if the volume of the liquid contained in the syringe 36 is larger than the volume of the nasal cavity, when the nasal cavity is completely filled, the excess liquid will start to flow naturally through the nasopharynx to the other nostril, from where it will flow into the interior of the vial 102’ or test tube 102’’ through the outlet 11. In either case, and particularly when the volume of the liquid contained in the syringe 36 is smaller than the volume of the nasal cavity, the discharge of the delivered liquid and the nasal secretions removed from the interior of the nasal cavity is only permitted after removing the nasal nozzle 34 from the nasal vestibule engaged in a hydraulically sealed manner. Considering that the slightest movement of the nasal nozzle 34 engaged in the nostril can cause the outflow of the liquid contained in the corresponding nasal cavity, it is reasonably certain that the cleaning liquid will flow completely through the first body 10 and from there freely through the outlet 11 by gravity into the vial or test tube 102’’, the user must first keep his / her head in a slightly forward tilted position, keep the collector 1 horizontal with the edge 12 of the first body 10, and the curved segment 1220 of the second wall 122 must remain in contact in a hydraulically sealed manner with the skin between the nose and the upper lip. Since the syringe 36 cannot be slid to release the nasal nozzle 34 from the nasal vestibule, to avoid damaging it, the user can use the protrusion 1242 arranged at the connection of the first interface 1240 as if it were a hinge point for the syringe 36. In fact, the protrusion 1242 applies a circumferential pressure to a given portion of the syringe 36 arranged between the first interface 1240 and the first body 10, and enables it to be hinged when a rotation as shown in Figure 9 is applied to the syringe to make the nasal nozzle 34 leave the corresponding nasal vestibule.As already mentioned, with the minimum movement of the nasal nozzle 34 from the operating position inside the nostril to the descending position towards the outlet 11, the nasal secretions mix with the liquid contained in the nasal cavity and flow out, and then the droplets of the mixture are collected in the vial 102' or the test tube 102'' without being lost. The first wall 120, which is always held by the user placed in front of the nose, prevents any droplets of liquid from the first body 10 from being splashed into the surrounding area and to a user who is unintentionally or unknowingly near the user performing the nasal wash.

[0036] From the above description, the collector 1 is particularly useful whenever the user himself has to perform a nasal wash. Considering that the wash liquid always contains nasal secretions, if the collector 1 is made of plastic or pressed cardboard and is disposable, it is particularly suitable for performing a nasal wash even in a person with an infectious disease, such as, but not limited to, a person having the coronavirus "SARS-COVID 19", in order to collect the nasal secretions removed from the wash liquid for therapeutic or for analyzing them. Clearly, by using the collector 1 in this way, it is possible to collect nasal secretions from any part of the nasal cavity and check for the presence of viral particles at any position in the nasal cavity without involving an operator. In fact, when one of the two nasal cavities is washed and the nasal nozzle 34 is removed from the corresponding nostril, the user can slightly lift his head in order to free the nasal nozzle 34 and thus slide the syringe 36 freely until the nasal nozzle 34 faces the nasal vestibule of the other nostril and complete the washing operation as described above. It should be emphasized that the collection of nasal secretions by the collector 1 is particularly inexpensive.

[0037] Finally, it is obvious that modifications and changes can be made to the collector 1 described and illustrated herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, with particular reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, to maximize the safety of the use of the collector 1 and prevent liquid particles from flowing out from the top on the first wall 120, the wall can be modified by adding a tapered cover member 129 shaped to accommodate the nose cone from the relative base to each upper edge BS. Naturally, the cover member 129 can be snap-connected to the first wall 120 at each upper edge 125.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a further embodiment of the collector 1 is shown designed to perform nasal irrigation using a syringe 36 having two syringes with volumes more suitable for the volume of the nasal cavity of the user to be treated but having different volumes. In this case, the collector 1 is aligned with the first interface 1240 and has a second interface 1240' of different but geometrically similar sizes, taking into account the geometric configuration of the syringes having different volumes. This structural feature of the collector 1 in FIGS. 12 and 13 allows the same collector 1 to be set up using two syringes 36 of different sizes, enabling patients with nasal cavities of different volumes to be treated without the need to pre-“classify” the patients based on these features before performing treatment on each of them. The second interface 1240 is carried by the second side 124B of the two sides 124, and the first wall 120 is separated from the second wall 122 through the second opening 128' taking into account the dimensions of the second interface 1240, and is the same as or geometrically similar to the first opening 128. Further, it is useful to emphasize that the collector 1 described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 has the same connecting member 100 as that of the collector 1 in FIG. 19.

[0039] Referring to the collector 1 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first wall 120 and the second wall 122 of the collector 1 are connected to the side portion 124 by the side wall 126, as in the case of the collector 1 in FIGS. 1 - 9. However, in this case, the first wall 120 and the second wall 122 are geometrically identical, shaped symmetrically with respect to the central plane MT of the first body 10, and thus are also identical in height. Further, the first wall 120 and the second wall 122 each have the same recesses 121 and 123 facing the opposite side (outward) with respect to the outlet 11. Thus, each of the first wall 120 and the second wall 122 is practically defined by a curved segment numbered as 1220, like the concave segment 1220 of the collector 1 in FIG. 19, and is also laterally defined by the corner 1222, and is geometrically and dimensionally identical. The first wall 120 and the second wall 122 are separated from the side wall 126 on the opposite side by the opening 128, and thus, in FIGS. 14 and 15, it may be useful to specify that there is an interface geometrically identical to the first interface 1240, numbered with the same reference number as that used in FIG. 19. Also in this case, the first interface 1240 comprises the protrusion 1242. Finally, the collector 1 in FIGS. 14 and 15 has the same connecting member 100 as that in FIG. 19.

[0040] As described above, both the first wall 120 and the second wall 122 (dimensionally and geometrically identical) of the collector 1 in FIGS. 14 and 15 are designed to be pressed against the skin between the user's upper lip and the nasal cone during washing and discharging, enabling the positioning of each first interface 1240, and thus each nasal nozzle 34, set using the syringe 36, and enabling the collector 1 to face either the right nasal vestibule or the left nasal vestibule simply by rotating the collector 1 by 180° either indiscriminately or in sequence.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 20, collector 1 is shown. The collector is symmetric with respect to the horizontal center line plane MT and is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line plane MT of the first body 10 as well. It has a first wall 120 and a second wall 122 connected at the side portion 124 by the same opposing side walls 126. In particular, in this case, the first cylindrical portion 130 located under the annular edge 12 is modified so that the first body 10 can be seen. Further, the first interface 1240 and the second interface 1240' are replaced by a third interface 1240'' carried at the bottom by the first body 10 parallel to the outlet 11, to which the duct 110 corresponds and which forms part of the modified connecting member 100. Also, in this case, the third interface 1240'' is pre - arranged to accommodate the syringe 36, and the respective outlet nozzles project to support the nasal nozzle 34, either directly inside the first body 10 or through the respective orifices 1246 (FIG. 17a) inside the first body 10 or through the extension 1244. The outlet duct 110 and the third interface 1240'' preferably share a part of the outer cover that generally defines an "8" - shaped body in cross - section (FIG. 18), but is not limited thereto. It can be easily seen that the collector 1 according to FIGS. 16 to 20 can accommodate either the second syringe 36 as in FIGS. 16 and 17a or the test tube 102'' as in FIG. 17b inside their respective ducts 110 without changing the scope of the present invention. Also in this case, in order to improve the ability to hold the vial or test tube 102'', and to discharge the air contained therein, the duct 110 and the third interface 1240'' have at least one longitudinal rib 104 and at least one abutting portion 108 as already described with reference to FIG. 5 of the embodiment of the collector 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9. In FIG. 18, ribs 4 uniformly distributed project from the inner cover of the duct 110 and from the inner cover of the third interface 1240'', and the abutting portion 106 has the same number of ridges 108 offset with respect to the rib 104, and this characteristic does not represent a limitation to the scope of the present invention.

[0042] As described above, both the first wall 120 and the second wall 122 (dimensionally and geometrically identical) are designed to be pressed against the skin between the user's upper lip and the nose cone, enabling the positioning of the third interface 1240'' set up with the syringe 36, and thus the nose nozzle 34 can face either the right or left nasal vestibule by simply rotating the collector 1 180° either indiscriminately or in sequence.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the collector 1 can be modified with respect to the collector 1 of FIGS. 16 - 20, with particular reference to each first wall 120, which can be raised and can present a cover 129 similar to the covers of FIGS. 10 and 11, and the first wall 120 can be flat, concave or convex with respect to the first body 10 without modifying the scope of the present invention.

[0044] In contrast, referring particularly to FIGS. 23 - 26, the collector 1 can be modified to maintain the visibility of the first body 10 and to define a unique path for delivering and discharging the cleaning liquid after the nasal cavity has been sprayed. Specifically, the path is implemented within the hole that defines the outlet 11. To operate orderly, the first body 10 supports a bottom around the hole of the outlet 11, and the fourth interface 1240''' includes a housing member 112 having a longitudinal window and is pre - arranged to accommodate a two - way hydraulic selector 114 (FIG. 25) that includes, in addition to the switching tap 118, the first and second alignment ducts 115 and 116 and a duct 117 that crosses the other two. The first alignment duct 115, in use, engages with the hole of the outlet 11 and carries the nasal nozzle 34 inside the first body 10. The other alignment duct 116 engages with the housing member 112 and can accommodate, inside it, the neck of the test tube 102' supported by the lower edge of the housing member 112, which is part of the housing member 100 modified for this version of the collector 1. The remaining lateral duct 117 is engaged by the outlet nozzle of the syringe 36. The tap 118 is designed to selectively determine the connection between the first alignment duct 115 and the lateral duct 117 (the state of delivering the cleaning liquid through the nasal nozzle 34) and the connection between the first alignment duct 115 and the second alignment duct 116 (the outlet state) without the need for the nasal nozzle 34 to be moved away from the edge of the nostril where the liquid is sprayed. Of course, if the test tube 102'' is replaced by the vial 102' and an adapter 103 is properly provided to stably connect to the outside of the housing member 112, the operation of the device is the same.

[0045] Also, in this case, both the first wall 120 and the second wall 122 (identical in dimensions and geometry) are designed to be pressed against the skin between the user's upper lip and the nasal cone, enabling the positioning of the syringe 36 and thus the corresponding nasal nozzle 34 to face either the right or left nasal vestibule, either indiscriminately or in sequence, simply by rotating the collector 1 by 180°.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 27 to 29, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown, which can be considered as a variant of the variant described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. The liquid is delivered by a nasal nozzle 34 supplied by a syringe 102'' housed inside the first interface 1240. There is only one interface in this embodiment. As can be seen in FIG. 28, and more clearly in FIG. 9, the connecting member 100 comprises only a second hook portion 134 for housing the test tube 102'' under the outlet 11. Thus, when cleaning is performed, the liquid containing the removed nasal secretions flows inside the first body 10 and from here, through the outlet 11, into the test tube 102'' housed inside the second hook portion 134.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 30 to 32, the collector of FIGS. 27 to 29 comprises two interfaces 1240 and 1240' as in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0048] FIGS. 33 to 35 show a variant of the collector 1 shown in FIGS. 27 to 29. The first body 10, and the first front wall 120 and the second rear wall 122 are cut into two by a partition wall 40 that divides the volume defined by the first body 10 into two parts. Then, it is defined at the top by a straight edge 41 connecting the two parts of the annular edge 12 of the first body 10, crossing a given direction D. Thus, when the collector 1 is arranged together with each second hook portion 134 oriented vertically, it will be horizontal. Due to obvious structural reasons, the division determined by the partition wall 40 inside the first body 10 requires that the outlet 11 be moved laterally with respect to the partition wall 40 on the opposite side of the interface 1240, and that the second hook portion 134 also be moved.

[0049] Figures 36 to 38 show a modified version of the collector 1 shown in Figures 33 to 34, where the outlet 11 is on the opposite side of the partition wall 40 and is combined with an outlet hole 11' that opens into a further second hook portion 134' for a further test tube 102'', which can be used to collect liquid that may flow out of the free nostril from the nasal nozzle 34 when the liquid is delivered by a syringe 36 supported by the interface 1240, and then, if the said fraction of the liquid has to be collected without being contaminated for inspection in some way, it can be used. Figures 39 to 41 show a variant of the embodiment of Figures 36 to 38, where the further second hook portion 134' is replaced by a cylindrical tank 50 that can be used to collect a fraction of the liquid that may flow out of the free nostril from the nasal nozzle 34 when the liquid is delivered by a syringe 36 supported by the interface 1240. The option of equipping the collector 1 with a tank 50 that can be equipped with any of the above-described embodiments of the collector is particularly useful when the collection of the liquid fraction flowing out of the free nostril from the nasal nozzle 34 is desired, but it is not most important to collect it uncontaminated in a test tube and then, for example, disperse it in a given environment.

[0050] Figures 42 and 43 show a variant of the collector 1 of Figures 39 to 41, where the straight edge 41 of the partition wall 40 slopes downwards from the second rear wall 122 towards the first front wall 120. In particular, referring to Figure 43, the edge 41 slopes downwards such that it presents a greater extension at the intersection with the second rear wall 122 and a smaller extension at the intersection with the first front wall 120. In some cases, as shown in Figure 44, the straight edge 41 of the partition wall 40 has a descending region 42 facing the interface 1240, which, in use, faces the nozzle 34 carried by the syringe 36 housed in the interface 1240, enabling the side of the nozzle 34 to be superimposed on the partition wall and maximizing the adaptability of the position of the nozzle 34 along the interface 1240 to the shape of the nose of different users.

[0051] Based on the above description, in addition to enabling the definition of a new operating protocol for sampling nasopharyngeal / olfactory nasal secretions of a large number of people's groups to be analyzed with complete safety and high reliability, the collector 1 solves the typical drawbacks of the state of the art exemplified above in a simple and inexpensive way, eliminates the risk of third-party contamination, and it can be easily understood that it enables the collection of nasal secretions mixed with the cleaning liquid in an autonomous way that prevents errors.

[0052] At this point, it may be useful to clarify that in the following claims, any reference signs in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or phases in addition to those listed in the claim. Further, the term "one" as used in this context is defined as one or more than one. Further, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in the claims shall not be construed to limit any particular claim that introduces another claim element by means of the indefinite article "a" or "an" to the invention that includes only one of the claim elements introduced by said claim, even if the said claim includes an introductory phrase such as "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an". The same applies to the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise defined, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish the elements described by said terms. Therefore, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate a temporal precedence or other type of precedence of said elements. The mere fact that some means are shown in different claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used advantageously. The following is the invention as described at the initial filing of this application. <Claim 1> A collector (1) for a liquid, comprising a first funnel-shaped body (10) defined at the top by an annular edge (12), the collector (1) having at the bottom an outlet (11) for the liquid and coupling means (100) for a removable collecting member (102) for the liquid from the outlet (11), The collector is provided with a first front wall (120) and a second rear wall (122) supported in a manner hydraulically sealed by the annular edge (12) between two opposing side portions (124) of the first body (10). The collector (1), wherein the second wall (122) is at the top and is defined by a concave curved segment (1220) shaped to form a shape - coupling with the anatomical facial part arranged between the user's upper lip and nose during use. <Claim 2> The first wall (120) and the second wall (122) are shaped symmetrically with respect to a center - line plane (MT) that transversely cuts the first body (10). The collector according to claim 1, wherein the curved segment (1220) is laterally defined by two raised corner portions (1222) symmetrically arranged so as to laterally define the nostrils of the nose. <Claim 3> The collector according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one elongated interface (1240)(1240’)(1240’’) pre - arranged to accommodate supply means (30) designed to distribute the liquid via a nasal nozzle (34) in a direction opposite to the outlet (11) between the first wall (120) and the second wall (122), and directed in a predetermined direction (D) with respect to the center - line plane (MT). <Claim 4> The first wall (120) and the second wall (122) are separated at at least one first side portion (124A) of the two side portions (124) to form first openings (128)(128’) above the first body (10). The collector according to claim 3, wherein a first interface (1240) for actuating the at least one interface (1240) is carried by the first side portion (124A) transversely with respect to the center - line plane (MT) facing the first body (10) through the first opening (128). <Claim 5> The collector according to claim 4, characterized in that the first interface (1240) has a holding element (1242) for the liquid supply means (30) on the corresponding first side part (124A). <Claim 6> The liquid supply means (30) is a syringe, and the syringe (36) is provided with one nasal nozzle (34) carried longitudinally or transversely by the syringe (36). The collector according to claim 5, characterized in that the holding element (1242) has an angular width greater than 180°, and comprises at least partially cylindrical protrusions (1242) arranged at the connection between the first interface (1240) and the first side part (124A). <Claim 7> The collector according to claim 6, characterized in that the first wall (120) and the second wall (122) have the same configuration and have respective recesses (121)(123) facing away from the outlet (11). <Claim 8> The collector according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the first wall (120) extends from the annular edge (12) by an amount greater than the second wall (122). <Claim 9> The collector according to claim 8, characterized in that the first wall (120) carries at the top a tapered cover member (129) shaped to accommodate a nose cone starting from the relative base. <Claim 10> The first wall (120) and the second wall (122) are separated at the second side part (124B) of the two side parts (124), form a second opening (128’) that is identical or geometrically similar to and opposite the first opening (128), and a second interface (1240’) for actuating the at least one interface (1240) is carried by the second side part (124B), aligned with the first interface (1240), and sized in a geometrically similar but non-identical manner. The collector according to claim 9 is characterized by this. <Claim 11> The collector according to claim 3, wherein the first wall (120) and the second wall (122) are connected to the two side portions (124) of the first body (10) by respective walls (126) formed symmetrically on opposite sides with respect to the center line plane (MT). <Claim 12> The collector according to claim 11, wherein the first wall (120) and the second wall (122) have respective recesses (121), (123) facing away from the outlet (11). <Claim 13> The collector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the coupling means (100) comprises a first cylindrical portion (130) terminating in a first hook portion (132) shaped to define the periphery of the outlet (11) and to be coupled in a hydraulically sealed manner at the upper edge of a collection vial (102') for the liquid to be analyzed, and a second cylindrical hook portion (134) shaped to receive a test tube (102'') coaxial with the outlet (11) and hydraulically sealed. <Claim 14> The collector according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a third interface (1240'') for actuating the at least one interface (1240) is carried at the bottom by the first body (10) along the outlet (11), extends in a direction transverse to the annular edge (12) parallel to the center line plane (MT), projects inside the first body (10) to directly support the nose nozzle (34), or supports the syringe (36) together with the outlet nozzle through an extension (1244) carried by the third interface (1240) inside the first body (10). <Claim 15> A fourth interface (1240’) for operating the at least one interface (1240) comprises a housing member (112) carried at the bottom by the first visible body (10), the housing member (112) being pre - arranged to receive a bidirectional hydraulic selector (114) provided with a first duct and a second duct (115)(116) aligned with each other, a duct (117) aligned transversely with respect to the other two, and a switching tap (118). The first aligned duct (115) engages with the outlet (11) during use, carries the nose nozzle (34) inside the first body (10), the second aligned duct (116) engages with a test tube (102’’) or a vial (102’) selectively supported at the bottom by the housing member (112), the transverse duct (117) is engaged by the outlet nozzle of the syringe (36), and the tap (118) is designed to selectively determine the connection between the first aligned duct (115) and the transverse duct (117) and the connection between the first aligned duct (115) and the second aligned duct (116). The collector according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that.

Claims

**Claim 1** A collector (1) for a liquid, comprising a funnel-shaped first body (10) defined at the top by an annular edge (12), said collector (1) having an outlet (11) for the liquid and coupling means (100) at the bottom for a removable collecting member (102) for the liquid from said outlet (11), said collector comprising a first wall (120) and a second wall (122) supported in a manner hydraulically sealed by said annular edge (12) between two opposite sides (124) of said first body (10), said second wall (122) being defined at the top by a concave curved segment (1220) shaped to form a shape-coupling with an anatomical facial part arranged between the upper lip and the nose of a user during use, said collector extending in a predetermined direction (D) and comprising at least one interface (1240)(1240’)(1240’’) arranged between said first wall (120) and said second wall (122), said at least one interface (1240)(1240’)(1240’’) being pre-arranged to accommodate supply means (30) designed to distribute said liquid via a nasal nozzle (34) in a direction opposite to said outlet (11) between said first wall (120) and said second wall (122), said first wall (120) and said second wall (122) being separated at at least one first side (124A) of said two sides (124) to form a first opening (128) above said first body (10), A collector, characterized in that a first interface (1240) of said at least one interface (1240) is carried by said first side (124A) along said predetermined direction (D) through said first opening (128). **Claim 2** Said first wall (120) and said second wall (122) are shaped symmetrically with respect to a central plane (MT) cutting said first body (10) in a transverse direction, The collector according to claim 1, characterized in that said curved segment (1220) is laterally defined by two raised corners (1222) arranged symmetrically so as to laterally define the nostrils of the nose. **Claim 3** The collector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first interface (1240) has a holding element (1242) for said supply means (30) on said corresponding first side (124A). **Claim 4** The supply means (30) is a syringe, and the syringe (36) includes one of the nasal nozzles (34) carried in the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction by the syringe (36). The holding element (1242) has an angular width greater than 180°, and includes at least a partially cylindrical protrusion (1242) disposed at a connection portion between the first interface (1240) and the first side portion (124A). The collector according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The geometric shapes of the first wall (120) and the second wall (122) are the same, and the first wall (120) and the second wall (122) have respective concave portions (121) and (123) facing away from the outlet (11). The collector according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. The first wall (120) extends from the annular edge portion (12) by an amount greater than that of the second wall (122). The collector according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that.

7. The first wall (120) carries, at the top, a tapered cover member (129) shaped to accommodate a nose cone starting from a relative root. The collector according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. The first wall (120) and the second wall (122) are separated at the second side portion (124B) of the two side portions (124) to form a second opening (128') opposite to the first opening (128). Among the at least one interface (1240), (1240'), (1240''), the second interface (1240') is carried by the second side portion (124B), aligned with the first interface (1240), and sized non-identically. The collector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that.

9. The first wall (120) and the second wall (122) are connected to the two side portions (124) of the first body (10) by respective walls (126) shaped symmetrically opposite to the center line plane (MT). The collector according to claim 1, characterized in that.

10. The first wall (120) and the second wall (122) have respective concave portions (121), (123) facing away from the outlet (11). The collector according to claim 9, characterized in that.

11. The collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the coupling means (100) is molded to be coupled in a manner that defines the periphery of the outlet (11) and is hydraulically sealed at the upper edge of a collection vial (102') for the liquid to be analyzed, or alternatively, and terminates in a first cylindrical portion (130) ending in a first hook portion (132) molded to be coupled and a second cylindrical hook portion (134) molded to accommodate a test tube (102'') that is coaxially hydraulically sealed with the outlet (11).

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