Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With support
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-30
2001-05-29
Sikder, Mohammad (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With support
C359S872000, C359S879000, C359S880000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06239927
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to ear grooming accessory aids. More particularly, this invention pertains to a device that permits a user to self-groom their ears by allowing the user to observe their ear and ear canal.
The growth of hair in the ear canal is not uncommon. Although the amount of ear hair growth varies and is more prominent in certain sub-groups of the general population, i.e. older men, it is totally natural and commonplace. However, whether based on traditions, personal preferences or fashion/fads, many persons find the visible growth of ear hair undesirable. Those holding the opinion that visible ear hair is undesirable would just as soon rid themselves of their own ear hair. The problem encountered when trying to remove ear hair is that it is difficult for a person to clearly view the inside of their own ear. It is especially difficult to view the ear canal, the place where ear hair is most prone to grow. The problem arises because one's ears are located on the sides of their head. Attempts to view one's own ear by looking into a mirror proves to provide, at best, only marginal results since you must turn your head to the side to get a full reflection of your ear in the mirror. Of course, turning your head to the side also directs your eyes away from the mirror, thus the poor ear viewing results.
One possible solution to the problem of viewing your own ear, including for the purposes of grooming, is to allow someone else to groom your ears. This remedy does not solve the problem of viewing your own ear—it simply avoids the problem. Seeking the assistance of others to help groom the hair in your ears means involving others in what many consider a personal task. Therefore, many individuals would much rather perform such intimate and personal tasks alone.
Addressing the problem of viewing one's own ear for the purposes of grooming the hair growing therein is possible by using two mirrors. Most commonly, a person uses both a hand-held mirror and a free-standing mirror. This method too is a less than an ideal solution. Since a person resorting to such a method must necessarily hold a mirror with one hand while attempting to groom the ear with their other free hand, there exists the risk of self-inflicted injury. Another possible solution using two (or more) free-standing or hanging mirrors is cumbersome to effectuate.
There is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,652 a self-examination otoscope device that permits a user to view an eardrum and the external ear canal of their own ear. The disclosed device however is ill-suited for purposes of self-grooming of the ear canal and ear since the disclosed device must be (1) held by the user performing the self-examine and (2) the device effectively occludes the ear and ear canal, thereby preventing access to the ear canal and ear for the purpose of grooming.
Therefore, there exists a need to provide a device and method whereby an individual can easily, effectively and independently view their own ear canal and yet still have free use of their hands to self-groom their own ears.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ear grooming accessory apparatus that provides a reflective view of a user's ear and ear canal so to be used with an additional mirror, which the user may easily, safely and effectively groom their own ear.
It is also an objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is uncomplicated in its use and design such that the apparatus can be manufactured and provided to the consuming public at an affordable price.
It is also an objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that provides a reflective view of an user's ear yet does not require the user to use their hands to hold the apparatus in the operable position, thereby effectively freeing the user's hands for the task of self-grooming their ears.
It is also an objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is easy to use such that the apparatus can be used individually and privately, without resorting to assistance from others.
The present ear grooming apparatus comprises a second mirror and an ear attachment component to be used in conjunction with an additional mirror. The mirror is attached to the ear attachment component. The ear attachment component is operably attached to or positioned on the user's outer ear such that the user can view a reflective view of their own ear and ear canal by viewing the reflective mirror of the present invention in the second mirror. The mirror and ear attachment component are appropriately sized to fit on the ear of the user. In one embodiment the ear attachment component and the mirror are fixedly coupled to each other. In other embodiments of the present invention, the mirror and the ear attachment component are adjustably coupled to each other, thereby allowing the user of the invention to vary the relative position of the mirror and the ear attachment component. The mirror of the present invention may also comprise a magnified mirror that provides a magnified reflective view.
The ear attachment component of this invention may also take on various configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art of ear attachment devices are familiar with the variety of ear attachment components used to attach items to an ear. Such ear attachment components are often used in a wide variety of items, including jewelry, medical devices, etc. A typical embodiment of the present invention uses an ear clip to attach the ear grooming accessory of the present invention to the user's ear. The ear clip is operable between an open position and a closed position. In actual use, the ear clip is opened and then closed upon a portion of the user's ear. In this manner, the user's ear is inserted in between the opened ear clip and then the ear clip is securely closed upon the user's ear. The ear clip, like other embodiments of the ear attachment component, is preferably designed to be operably attached to a user's right ear and left ear with equal ease.
Still other embodiments of the present invention use an ear attachment component comprising an ear cuff that partially encircles a portion of the user's outer ear and frictionally grips the outer ear. One advantage of the embodiment using an ear cuff is that the ear cuff may be slidingly repositioned on the user's ear without removing the ear grooming accessory of the present invention from the user's ear.
Another embodiment of the present invention has an ear attachment component comprising a post and back. The post and back configuration is similar to those traditionally used in earrings for persons having pierced ears. A great advantage of this particular embodiment is the security with which the ear grooming accessory attaches to the user's ear.
The ear grooming accessory of the present invention may also incorporate a light source that improves the reflective view provide by the device. The reflective view of the user's ear and ear canal is improved since the included light source further illuminates the user's ear and ear canal. The ambient light near the user's ear may not necessarily provide the amount of light that the included ear grooming accessory light can provide. The included light source is capable of providing a directed source of light to the user's ear. The included light increases the amount of light striking the user's ear. The light source may comprise traditional miniature bulbs, light-emitting diodes, fiber optic delivered and/or contained light sources or other appropriately sized light sources. In one embodiment, the light is delivered to the ear grooming accessory device using a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is then routed along the peripheral edge of the reflective mirror. The fiber optic cable used in this embodiment has the characteristics such that the light is contained within the fiber optic c
Lanzillo Audrey
Lanzillo Robert
Lambert Gary E.
Lambert & Associates
MacDonald Donald J.
Sikder Mohammad
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