Patent ID: 6485498
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A handeld applicator (1) for absorbing liquids for medical and personal hygiene purposes and in particular for cleaning the ear canal, the applicator comprising at least one elongated support member (2) having a longitudinal axis (3) and an initially thin liquid absorbent pellet (6) securely fastened thereto at its distal end, the applicator having a substantially thin profile at least in the region of said distal end in an end view thereof in the direction of its associated longitudinal axis, said pellet capable of absorbing liquid whereupon it expands significantly in at least one direction perpendicular to its associated longitudinal axis in its associated end view to form a swab-like member (7) characterized in thatsaid pellet has a height substantially greater than its width in said end view and which expands on absorption of liquid significantly in said widthwise direction only.