US20070009368A1

US20070009368A1 - Power ear picker

Info

Publication number: US20070009368A1
Application number: US11/325,469
Authority: US
Inventors: Ching-Shou Yang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-25
Filing date: 2006-01-05
Publication date: 2007-01-11
Also published as: TWI271182B; DE202006008072U1; TW200640408A; JP3123272U

Abstract

A power ear picker related to a convenient and practical personal hygiene aid to remove earwax accumulated in one's auditory canal is comprised of a motor to drive a fax to create air extraction and to create vibration at a retainer extending at its front a picker in conjunction with an eccentric weight; a spoon portion being disposed to an opening at the front end of the picker to poke the earwax in the auditory canal; fallen earwax being sucked to and collected by a strainer to facilitate subsequent cleaning.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to a power ear picker, and more particularly, to a hygiene aid that removes wax produced by metabolism of sebum tissue in auditory canal of human or animal, or foreign matter in a safe and comfortable way.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Tragus hair in the human auditory canal filtrates ingress minute contaminants. Those minute contaminants and skin bits and pieces generated from metabolism of sebum tissue in the auditory canal accumulate to form earwax to plug the auditory canal and affect one's aural sense. To remove the earwax, a conventional ear picker, e.g., a picker with a spoon end is used at the expenses of comfort and safety. A power ear picker has been introduced using a motor driven fan to suck the earwax. However, though the power ear picker of the prior art is safety to use, the earwax removing result is poor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide a power ear picker with vibration and suction functions to remove wax for achieving better result in cleaning one's auditory canal.
Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a power ear picker that restrains its penetration depth to prevent injury to the auditory canal or eardrum due to improper penetration or external force as found with the prior art.
Another purpose yet of the present invention is to provide a power ear picker that has a strainer to collect the earwax pumped out of the auditory canal to facilitate subsequent cleaning.
Another purpose yet of the present invention is to provide a power ear picker that has multiple interchangeable pickers in different specifications depending on the adult or child user for personal health protection while massaging and stopping itch in one's auditory canal.
Another purpose yet of the present invention is to provide a power ear picker that is adapted with a lighting device to have a better view for the user who is removing earwax from the ear of another person.
To achieve those purposes described above, the present invention is essentially comprised of a barrel containing a cell compartment, a motor, and a motor switch and being incorporated with a casing that is easy to hold. An axle holder is disposed at the front end of the barrel and multiple ports are hollowed in the perimeter of the axle holder. The spindle of the motor enters into the axle holder and connects to a fan disposed in the axle holder. The fan is disposed with an eccentric weight and is adapted at its front a seal for the motor to drive the fan to operate in exercising air extraction. The eccentric weight generates minor biased vibration. A tube extends from the center of the seal to be inserted into a sleeve of a cap attached to the axle holder, further to connect to a tube strainer and finally to connect a picker retainer extending from its front end a picker in a proper length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a construction of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is another exploded view of the present embodiment of the present invention in the opposite direction to that given in FIG. 2.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an alternative seal used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an alternative motor used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a local construction of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a vertical section view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a use statue of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a construction of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is essentially comprised of a barrel (10) segregated with multiple compartments including a cell compartment (11), a motor compartment (12) and a switch compartment (13) to respectively accommodate a cell (14), a motor (15) and a switch (16). The cell (14) is electrically connected to the motor (15) by means of a pair of positive and negative electrode tabs (17, 17′) to control if both of the cell (14) and the motor (15) are electrically conducted or not through the operation of the switch (16). A lid (18) covers up the motor compartment (12) disposed at the forward end of the barrel (10) to isolate the motor (15) so to prevent it from being attacked by moisture. A spindle (151) of the motor (15) protrudes from an axle hole disposed at the front end of the motor compartment (12) of the barrel (10); and a gradation is each disposed to the front section of the outer perimeter respectively of the motor compartment (12) and the lid (18) of the barrel (10) for the front end of the barrel (10) to be connected by insertion to an axle holder (30).
A casing (20) made in a form easy for holding has its inner diameter substantially consistent with that of the barrel (10) but in an depth slightly shorter than that of the barrel (10) for the rear section and the cell (14) to be inserted into the casing (20) for the casing (20) to become an integral part of the axle holder (30).
The axle holder (30) extends from its rear end a sheath portion (31) and a gradation (311) is disposed on the rear edge of the sheath portion (31) to engage the casing (20). A resilient press (312) is disposed to the sheath portion (31) at where in relation to the location of the switch (16) so to control on/off operation of the switch (16) by pressing. A gradation (32) is provided at the front end of the inner wall of the press (312) as illustrated in FIG. 5 for the axle holder (30) to be inserted and limited in the motor compartment (12) and the lid (18). Meanwhile, the spindle (151) of the motor (15) enters into the axle holder (30) through a hole (33) disposed between the axle holder (30) and the sheath portion (31) to be connected to a fan (40) built in the axle holder (30). Multiple ports (34) are hollowed in the perimeter and the rear end surface of the axle holder (30) so to guide the air from the fan (40) to flow externally.
The fan (40) is disposed in the axle holder (30) and linked to the spindle (151) of the motor (15). An eccentric weight (401) is disposed to the rear of the fan (40) to provide biased vibration when the motor (15) drives the fan (40). Multiple blades (41) of the fan are provided in the vortex configuration to yield better air extraction results. A nipple (42) is disposed on the front end of each blade (41) to receive insertion of a seal (50).
The seal (50) in a size substantially consistent with that of the fan (40) has on its base disposed multiple insertion holes (51) to be coupled to those nipples (42) from the blades (41) of the fan (40). The seal (50) is mounted on the end surface of the fan (40) and has a tubular portion (52) extending from the center of the seal (50) to be inserted into the inner end of a sleeve (61) of a cap (60) attached to the axle holder (30).
The cap (60) is made in a diameter identical with the outer diameter of the axle holder (30) for the cap (60) to be incorporated with the axle holder (30) to seal the internal fan (40) and the seal (50). The sleeve (61) extends from the front end of the cap (60) for the insertion by a retainer (80), and the retainer (80) has on its front end extending a picker (81). A strainer (70) is further inserted into the inner end of the sleeve (61) through the tubular portion (52) disposed at the center of the seal (50). The strainer (70) is made in a diameter substantially same as that of the sleeve (61) of the cap (60) and a flared portion (71) is disposed on the front end of the strainer (70). The flared portion (71) defines a limit when the strainer (70) is inserted into the sleeve (61) and allows easy removal of the strainer (70). Multiple pores (72) are disposed on the rear end surface of the strainer (70) to permit airflow while intercepting earwax. The retainer (80) is made in an inner diameter consistent with the outer diameter of the sleeve (61) of the cap (60) so to be inserted into the sleeve (61) of the cap (60). The picker (81) extends from the front end of the retainer (80) for a proper length and is made in a diameter smaller than that of one's auditory canal. The picker (81) may be made of a material with mild resilience with a spoon portion (82) extending from the front end of the picker (81). A flared retaining ring (83) is disposed at where the retainer (80) is connected to the picker (81) to restrict the penetration depth into the auditory canal by the picker (81).
Accordingly, the motor (15) drives the fan (40) to create air extraction for the motor (15) to produce in conjunction with its eccentric weight (401) proper biased vibration from the transmission of the motor (15) to the revolution of the fan (40). The force of the biased vibration is transmitted to the picker (81) extending from the front end of the retainer (80) thus for the picker (81) to create vibration and poking effects in the auditory canal to provide better results of removing the earwax accumulated between the auditory canal and the hair in the auditory canal. The removed earwax is sucked by the air from the fan (40) to enter into an opening of the picker (81) and intercepted by the strainer (70) disposed in the sleeve (61) of the cap (60). The airflow is exhausted from those ports (34) on the axle holder (30) as guided through the fan (40) via the central tubular portion (52) of the seal (50).
The eccentric weight (401) disposed behind the fan (40) may be provided on the front-end surface of the seal (50) so that an eccentric weight (53) is integrated with one side of the front end surface of the seal (50) as illustrated in FIG. 3A. Alternatively, the eccentric weight may be disposed on the spindle (151) of the motor (15) by inserting an eccentric weight (152) on the spindle (151) as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Whether the eccentric weight (401, 53, or 152) is disposed on the fan (40), the seal (50) or the motor (15) or the spindle (151), the biased vibration is enabled when the motor (15) drives the fan (40).
No referring to FIG. 6, to remove the earwax using the power ear picker of the present invention, the switch (16) is pressed to start the motor (15) to drive the fan (40). The picker (81) at the front end of the retainer (80) is inserted into an auditory canal (1). A safe penetration depth of the picker (81) is maintained by the retaining ring (83) of the retainer (80) to prevent from damaging the inner ear or eardrum. Whereas the picker (81) may be made of resilient material, it will not cause discomfort to the auditory canal. The biased vibration of the picker (81) massages the auditory canal and stops itch therein making the use of the present invention comparatively comfortable. The air extraction from the fan (40) extracts the accumulated earwax to be collected in the strainer (70). Upon completing the use of the power ear picker, forthwith remove the strainer (70) to clean or rinse it. The present invention therefore provides excellent applicability and convenience in general. Whereas the retainer (80) and the cap (60) are separately provided, multiple interchangeable retainers may be provided depending on personal hygiene needs or compromising the difference in auditory canals between adult and child.
Furthermore, another preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 7 has an additional lighting device (90), e.g., an LED lamp is disposed where appropriately by the cap (60) for the user to have a better view while helping someone remove earwax with the present invention.
The power ear picker of the present invention sucks the earwax by taking advantage of the air extraction created by the fan as driven by the motor and is more efficient for its picker in removing the earwax by vibration to poke the accumulated earwax in the auditory canal. It also provides massage and itch stopping functions for one's auditory canal, and is safe to use due to the design of the retaining ring to restrain the insertion depth of the picker and prevent from hurting the inner auditory canal or eardrum. The design of interchangeable retainers helps better maintain personal hygiene.
The present invention by providing vibration poking and suction of earwax while maintaining safe and comfortable use and personal hygiene, is an excellent and outstanding innovation and more practical in comparison with the prior art; therefore, this application is duly filed accordingly.

Claims

1. A power ear picker is essentially comprised of barrel, casing, axle holder, fan, seal, cap, strainer and a retainer;

the barrel containing a cell and a motor, a switch to control actuation of the motor, a spindle of the motor protrudes into an axle holder connected to the front end of the barrel;

the casing related to one easy to hold on, made in an inner diameter substantially consistent with that of the barrel, in a length slightly shorter than that of the barrel, and the barrel and the cell to the rear of the barrel being inserted into the casing;

the axle holder extending from its rear end a sheath portion to engage the motor portion in the front section of the barrel; the spindle of the motor penetrating into the axle holder and connected to the fan built in the axle holder, multiple ports being hollowed in the rear-end surface of the axle holder to guide airflow from the fax to exit from the power ear picker;

the fan being disposed in the axle holder and linked to the spindle of the motor; multiple blades of the fax being provided in vortex configuration to give better extraction performance; an eccentric weight being disposed to the fan to enable the running motor a biased vibration result; and the seal being connected to the end surface of the fan;

the seal made in a size substantially consistent with that of the fan being mounted to the front-end surface of the fan; a tubular portion extending from the center of the seal to connect to the inner end of a sleeve of the cap covering up the axle holder;

the cap having its inner diameter consistent with the outer diameter of the axle holder; covering up the axle holder and sealing the fan and the eccentric weight; a sleeve extending from the front end of the cap to connect to the retainer; and the picker extending from the front end of the retainer;

a strainer in a size substantially consistent with the sleeve of the cap;

a flared ring being disposed at the front end of the strainer; the sleeve being limited in place when inserted into the strainer; the flared ring permitting easy removal of the strainer; and multiple pores being disposed on the rear-end surface of the strainer to permit air circulation and intercepting earwax;

the retainer in an inner diameter consistent with the outer diameter of the cap; the retainer being connected to the sleeve of the cap; the picker in proper length extending from the front end of the retainer, the picker being made of a material with minor resilient, a flared retainer ring being disposed at where the retainer and the picker being connected to each other to restrain the depth of the picker into the auditory canal; and

the fan as driven by the motor providing air extraction to enable biased vibration in conjunction with the eccentric weight to provide a practical power ear picker that gives vibration poke to suck earwax.

2. A power ear picker of claim 1, wherein the picker in a diameter smaller than that of the auditory canal extends from the retainer inserted to the power ear picker; and a spoon portion extends from an opening at the front end of the picker to help clean the earwax.

3. A power ear picker of claim 1, wherein air extraction is provided by the revolving fan as driven by the built-in motor to suck the earwax accumulated in the auditory canal; an eccentric weight is disposed to any part transmitted by the spindle of the motor to provide biased vibration to help the picker extending from the front end of the retainer to poke and remove earwax while massaging and stopping itch in the auditory canal.

4. A power ear picker of claim 1, wherein a lighting device is disposed on one side of the cap of the power ear picker.

5. A power ear picker of claim 1, wherein the eccentric weight is disposed on the fan.

6. A power ear picker of claim 1, wherein the eccentric weight is disposed on the seal.

7. A power ear picker of claim 1, wherein the eccentric weight is disposed on the spindle of the motor.

8. A power ear picker of claim 1, wherein an compartment is provided in the barrel of the power ear picker to accommodate a switch and a resilient press is provided on the sheath portion at where in relation to the casing or the axle holder to serve as a touch control for the switch.