Patent ID: 6358231
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for applying a fluid to the ear canal and tympanic membrane, said apparatus comprising:an expandable absorbent applicator shaped to be fully insertable into the ear canal, said applicator being constructed and arranged to maintain a compressed configuration when in a dry state and to expand when in a fluid-soaked state; an applicator withdrawal tether attached to said applicator and constructed and arranged to facilitate withdrawal of said applicator from an ear canal into which said applicator has been inserted; and an applicator inserting and soaking device including: an elongated insertion portion constructed and arranged to permit said applicator to be releasably secured to a distal end of said insertion portion for inserting said applicator into an ear canal by inserting said insertion portion into the ear canal distal-end-first with the applicator releasably secured to the distal end, said elongated insertion portion defining a conduit for carrying a fluid to said applicator secured to the distal end of said insertion portion; a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said conduit for holding an amount of fluid; and a fluid forcing mechanism constructed and arranged to force fluid from said fluid reservoir into said conduit to wet said applicator secured to the distal end of said insertion portion.