ear drop applicator

Abstract

The ear drop applicator for applying ear drops includes a tray (3) for receiving a bottle of ear drops to be placed therein, the tray (3) including a spout (5) for insertion into the ear canal, allowing the ear drops to exit the bottle through the spout and enter the ear canal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the application of ear drops and its object is to provide an improved means and method for applying ear drops. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ear drop applicator for applying ear drops, the ear drop applicator including a tray for receiving a bottle of ear drops to be placed therein, the tray including a spout for insertion into the ear canal, wherein the ear drops can exit the bottle through the spout and enter the ear canal.

[0003] Preferably, the tray includes a base with an opening to allow a user to easily grasp a bottle. The opening may include a cutout in the base of the tray to allow a user to use their thumb to push a bottle to be received in the tray.

[0004] The tray has a handle, a spout at one end of the tray and a handle at the other end of the tray. The spout may be a cone-shaped configuration and is preferably shaped to prevent the applicator from being inserted too deeply into the ear canal.

[0005] The tray may have a curved shape and may be formed as a plastic molding.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of applying ear drops to the ear canal using the ear drop applicator described above, the method comprising:

[0007] inserting a bottle of ear drops into the tray;

[0008] Push the bottle into the spout;

[0009] engaging the tray with the bottle with a user's hand;

[0010] Inserting the spout into the ear canal;

[0011] and pressing the bottle so that the drops fall from the bottle into the ear canal.

[0012] Preferably, the bolt is engaged by grasping the bottle with the fingers of a user's hand and engaging the bottle with the thumb of the user's hand through the opening.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of applying ear drops from a pipette to the ear canal of another person using an ear drop applicator as defined above, the method comprising the steps of:

[0014] Inserting the spout into the ear canal of the person;

[0015] placing the pipette over the applicator;

[0016] and placing a drop of ear drops into the spout toward the ear canal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] The drawings show several views of one form of ear drop applicator.

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the applicator. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the applicator. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an applicator. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The illustrated ear drop applicator is formed as a molded plastic piece and includes a tray 3 having a curved portion to receive and support ear drop bottles of various sizes. One end of the tray 3 has a downwardly extending handle 2, and the other end of the tray 3 has a spout such as a conical structure 5 that prevents the applicator from being inserted too deeply into the ear canal of a person receiving ear drops through a hole 1 at one end of the cone structure. The base of the tray 3 has a cutout 4 that allows a person holding the applicator to firmly grip a bottle to be placed in the tray and prevent the bottle from moving within the tray 3.

[0020] The overall shape of the applicator, and in particular the shape of the conical structure 5, prevents the applicator from being inserted too deeply into the ear canal.

[0021] There are two ways to use the applicator: self-administration and administering drops to another person. These are as follows:

[0022] 1) Self-administration

[0023] Wash and thoroughly clean the applicator.

[0024] While holding tray 3 flat, i.e., horizontal, slide the ear drop bottle into tray 3.

[0025] Press the bottle onto the applicator spout.

[0026] The bottle is grasped by pressing the thumb of one hand through the notch 4 in the base of the tray 3 while the fingers of that hand engage the bottle.

[0027] With the bottle inserted into the applicator, the cone structure 5 is gently pushed into the ear canal.

[0028] The user then tilts their head as far as possible or lies down and gently presses the bottle, causing drops to fall from the bottle into the ear canal.

[0029] The applicator is then lifted out of the ear canal.

[0030] The user then remains motionless for approximately two minutes to ensure that the droplets can travel the required distance to the ear canal.

[0031] 2) Administering medicinal drops to others, such as patients, children, or the elderly

[0032] Wash and thoroughly clean the applicator.

[0033] Grasp handle 2 between your thumb and index finger with your thumb resting on top of handle 2.

[0034] Ask the other person to tilt their head to one side or lie with the relevant ear facing up.

[0035] Depending on the type of ear drop bottle being used, the bottle is inserted into the applicator tray 3 and the top of the bottle is gently pushed into the conical structure 5 .

[0036] If the ear drop bottle has a pipette, there is no need to place the bolt in tray 3.

[0037] The applicator is lifted and the cone structure 3 is inserted into the ear canal of the patient before gently squeezing the bottle.

[0038] If using a pipette, place the pipette over the applicator and dispense a drop into the cone toward the entrance of the ear canal.

[0039] The person receiving treatment is asked to lie down or tilt their head for approximately two minutes to allow the drops to enter the ear canal chambers by gravity.

[0040] If the applicator is designed as a "disposable" device, it does not need to be cleaned before use and can be manufactured using suitable biodegradable materials.

Claims

1. An ear drop applicator for applying ear drops, comprising a tray having a curved surface capable of receiving and supporting ear drop bottles of various sizes to be placed therein, the tray having a conical spout at one end for insertion into the ear canal through which the ear drops can enter the ear canal from the bottle, the tray having a base with an opening to facilitate gripping of the bottle by a user, the opening having a notch at the base of the tray, through which a user can use their thumb to press the bottle received in the tray.

2. 10. The ear drop applicator of claim 1, wherein the tray has a handle.

3. An ear drop applicator as described in claim 2, wherein the handle is located at the other end of the tray from the spout.

4. An ear drop applicator as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conical structure of the spout is formed so that the applicator cannot be inserted deeply into the ear canal.

5. 5. The ear drop applicator of claim 1, wherein the tray is formed as a plastic molding.

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