EARPIECE PACKAGING AND CONTAINER

Abstract

 A packaging for receiving and containing one or more disposable objects configured to be used with a hearing aid, said packaging comprising one or more receiving structures configured to receive said object being inserted through the one or more receiving structures. The one or more receiving structures are provided with a number of engagement structures configured to be displaced away from each other during insertion of the object. The engagement structures define an opening sufficiently large to allow the object to pass through the opening is created during the insertion of the object.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a packaging for receiving and containing one or more disposable objects used with hearing aids. The present disclosure more particularly relates to an earpiece packaging provided with structures for removing an earpiece from a hearing aid.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, there is no advised standard method to pull off earpieces, such as domes off a speaker-unit of e.g. a hearing aid. The user typically removes the earpieces manually by using the fingers. The earpieces are removed by pinching the piece between the fingers and pulling it off the speaker-unit.

[0003] As the average user of a hearing aid has limited dexterity in fingers and limited vision, this procedure is typically challenging. Furthermore, the small size of typical earpieces makes it even harder for the user to remove the earpiece.

[0004] In addition, an earpiece is often at least partly covered with ear wax. Accordingly, it is not hygienic to handle the earpiece by the fingers. The operation of removing the earpiece is often followed by attaching a new earpiece. It is not favorable to attach the new earpiece with contaminated fingers.

[0005] One way of removing or mounting an earpiece to a hearing aid is to apply a packaging container provided with a mounting structure configured to allow earpieces, such as domes to be easily and securely mounted to a hearing aid speaker unit by use of the packaging container. Such packaging containers are usually provided with a compartment for use with sleeve assemblies, which are accessed through a generally keyhole-like slot in a wall of the container. The slot is provided with a first portion through which a sleeve assembly (e.g. a dome on a hearing aid) can be moved into the compartment, and a second portion into which the hearing aid can be transversely moved so that the wall of the compartment will engage the dome and cause the attachment member to flex and move over a knob-like part of the hearing aid to deposit the dome in the compartment when force is applied to pull the hearing aid out of the second portion of the slot. Such solution requires a somewhat complex "multi-step" removal action.

[0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to have an alternative and simplified way of removing earpieces from a speaker-unit of a hearing aid. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have an alternative assembly that is easier and faster to use and therefore being more user-friendly.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide a packaging for receiving, removing and containing one or more disposable objects configured to be used with a hearing aid solution that allows for an easier and more user-friendly removal of disposable objects.

[0008] The present disclosure provides at least an alternative to the prior art.

SUMMARY

[0009] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the packaging is a packaging for receiving and containing one or more disposable objects configured to be used with a hearing aid. The packaging comprises one or more receiving structures configured to receive the object being inserted through the one or more receiving structures. For detaching the disposable objects from the hearing aid, the one or more receiving structures are provided with a number of engagement structures configured to be displaced away from each other during insertion of the object, whereby the engagement structures defines an opening sufficiently large to allow the object to pass through the opening, is created during the insertion of the object.

[0010] Hereby, it is possible to provide a packaging for receiving and containing one or more disposable objects configured to be used with a hearing aid solution that allows for an easier and more user-friendly removal of disposable objects. With the construction of the packaging according to the disclosure, it is possible to provide a packaging with enables a packaging structure configured for receiving and containing one or more disposable objects, wherein the packaging only requires an up-wards directed pull of the hearing aid's speaker unit. That is, the engagement structures of the receiving structures grip the disposable object and an up-wards pull-force on the speaker unit when inserted into the packaging structures causes the disposable object to be released from the hearing aid's speaker unit.

[0011] The packaging is a packaging for receiving and containing one or more disposable objects configured to be used with a hearing aid. The disposable objects may be domes of a hearing aid. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the disclosure the packaging is a packaging for receiving and containing one or more domes configured to be used with a hearing aid.

[0012] The packaging comprises one or more receiving structures configured to receive the objects, which are configured to be inserted through the one or more receiving structures. The size and geometry of the receiving structures may be optimized to fit the outer geometry of a dome of a hearing aid.

[0013] The one or more receiving structures are provided with a number of engagement structures configured to be displaced away from each other during insertion of the object. By designing the engagement structures in a manner in which they can be displaced away from each other during insertion of the object, it is possible to provide a packaging that allows for an easy and user-friendly removal of disposable objects.

[0014] The engagement structures define an opening sufficiently large to allow the object to pass through the opening, is created during the insertion of the object. It may be an advantage that the engagement structures are configured to vary to size of the opening by being displaced away from each other during insertion of the object. Hereby, the engagement structures can, during insertion of object through the opening, be brought into a configuration in which the engagement structures while being displaced away from each other define an opening sufficiently large to allow the object to pass through the opening.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more receiving structures are configured to allow the object to be inserted through the one or more receiving structures by moving the object along a one-dimensional path.

[0016] Hereby, the insertion of the object (e.g. a dome for a hearing device) is eased. The user can e.g. remove a dome from a hearing aid simply by pressing the dome in one direction.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the one or more receiving structures may be configured to allow the object to be inserted through the one or more receiving structures by moving the object along a one-dimensional path extending perpendicular to one surface structure of the packaging.

[0018] According to an even further embodiment, the engagement structures are configured to press against a proximal end of the object once the object has been inserted through the one or more receiving structures. Hereby the engagement structures can be used to pull off the object (e.g. release a dome from a speaker unit of a hearing aid).

[0019] The engagement structures may be configured to be maintained:

• in a first resting configuration when no object is brought into contact with the engagement structures;
• in a second bending configuration when an object is brought into contact with the engagement structures while being inserted through the one or more receiving structures and
• in the resting configuration when the object has been inserted through the one or more receiving structures and thus is no longer in contact with the engagement structures.

[0020] Hereby, in the second bending configuration, the bendable engagement structures can be displaced in order to allow the object to be inserted into the packing. In the resting configuration when the object has been inserted through the one or more receiving structures, the objects are received by the inner space of the packing and therefore the objects are no longer in contact with the engagement structures. In the resting configuration the engagement structures prevent the object from being removed through the opening.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, the engagement structures are basically plate-shaped. Hereby, it is possible to provide the engagement structures in various packings for receiving and containing one or more disposable objects configured to be used with a hearing aid. It is possible to provide the engagement structures in wall structurers in packings made in plastic or cardboard e.g. by a punching process.

[0022] According to an even further aspect of the disclosure, the engagement structures extend parallel to each other when no object is brought into contact with the engagement structures. By parallel it should be understood, that the sides of the engagement structures aligns with each such that the hole in the packaging through which the objects can be inserted is substantially closed. When inserting the objects through the engagement structures in the packaging, the alignment of the sides are dispersed, preferably dispersed downwards, enabling the objects to enter the interior of the packaging.

[0023] Hereby it is possible to provide a packaging in which the engagement structures form the smallest opening when no force is exerted by the object on the engagement structures extending parallel to each other. When a non-zero force is exerted on the engagement structures, by the object, the engagement structures will be deformed or rotated, whereby the size of the opening is increased. Accordingly, the opening can be enlarged in order to allow the object to be fully inserted into the packing through the opening.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the disclosure, the engagement structures are angled relative to each other forming a conical configuration.

[0025] When the engagement structures are angled relative to each other forming a conical configuration when no force is exerted on the engagement structures by the object, it may be easier to initiate the insertion process in which the object is inserted into the opening in the packaging. The engagement structures may be angled by any suitable angel relative to each other.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, the engagement structures are rotatably attached to a plane wall structure of the packaging, wherein all engagement structures are rotated downwards towards a bottom portion of the packaging. It may be beneficial that the engagement structures are rotated the same angle downwards towards a bottom portion of the packaging.

[0027] According to an even further aspect of the disclosure, the engagement structures are separated by slots having a basically band-shape geometry.

[0028] Hereby it is possible to facilitate an easy insertion of objects into the packaging. Furthermore, slots being basically band-shaped will allow the engagement structures to return into their resting configurations when no force is exerted on them because the slots provide a friction-free zone between adjacent engagement structures. Moreover, the engagement structures can easily be made by using a punching process when the engagement structures are separated by slots having a basically band-shape geometry.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, at least a portion of the slots constitute an X-shaped formation. The use of an X-shaped slot formation allows an object such as a dome of a hearing aid to be pressed into the opening in the packaging in a manner in which the engagement structures have adjacent pointed ends that function as gripping structures capable of preventing the dome to be pulled up again once it has passed the opening. In the substantial X-shaped formation, it should be understood that the "lines of the X" forms the sides of engagement structure.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, at least a portion of the slots constitute a Y-shaped formation. The use of a Y-shaped slot formation allows an object such as a dome of a hearing aid to be pressed into the opening in the packaging in a manner in which the engagement structures have adjacent pointed ends that function as gripping structures capable of preventing the dome to be pulled up again once it has passed the opening.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the disclosure, the packaging comprises a space defined by surrounding wall members, wherein one or more receiving structures is provided in one of the wall members. Hereby, it is possible to receive and maintain the objects in the space. Accordingly, the packaging can be uses to collect used objects such as domes that have to be throw away.

[0032] According to an even further embodiment of the disclosure, the packaging comprises a first space comprising earpieces. Hereby, it is possible to store unused earpieces (e.g. domes) in the first space.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the length of the slots is within 6mm-25mm. Hereby, it is possible to use the packaging as an assisting tool to remove used earpieces of different sizes. The diameter of earpieces is typically in the range 5-12mm.

[0034] According to an even further embodiment of the disclosure, the packaging is made in a plastic material, preferably a thickness within the range 0.1-0.5mm, such as 0.2-0.4mm, like 0.3mm. Hereby, it is possibly to provide a reliable packaging having the required mechanical strength to enable that the packaging can be used to receive a plurality of objects.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more receiving structures are symmetric. Hereby, it is possible to insert an object into the packaging regardless of the orientation of the receiving structures: Accordingly, it is possible to provide a user-friendly packaging.

[0036] The embodiments according to the disclosure provide solutions suitable for detaching domes from hearing aids. The solutions disclosed require only an up-wards directed pull on the speaker unit once the dome has passed the opening in the packaging. The engagement structures defining the opening grips the dome, and the up-wards pull-force causes the dome to be released from the speaker unit of the hearing aid. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more receiving structures comprise a centrally arranged opening. Hereby, it is possible to facilitate and ease insertion of objects into the packaging.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the disclosure, the centrally arranged opening is circular.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the centrally arranged opening is triangular.

[0039] According to an even further embodiment of the disclosure, the centrally arranged opening is rectangular.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more receiving structures are provided in a top side of the packaging. Hereby, the user has access to the opening in the packaging whenever the top side of the packaging is visible for the user.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the disclosure, the packaging comprises an additional space separated from the first space, wherein the additional space is surrounded by wall members, wherein one or more receiving structures is provided in one of the wall members of the additional space.

[0042] Hereby, it is possible to collect an earpiece in a separate compartment and store until the entire package in discarded and it thrown in the trash.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the packaging is made in PET Plastic.

[0044] According to a further embodiment of the disclosure, the packaging is made in plastic material having a thickness of 0.2-0.4 mm such as 0.3mm.

[0045] The receiving structure(s) of the packaging is not very sensitive to if the user hits the center of the structure(s). When used to remove domes from hearing aids, the geometry of the receiving structure(s) will guide the speaker unit into the receiving structure(s), where after the detachment of the dome can be accomplished simply by pulling the hearing aid and thereby the speaker unit up.

[0046] The disclosure provides solution in which the user does not have to have direct contact with the hearing aid. Accordingly, the user will not contaminate the finger for next operation of attach a clean earpiece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] The aspects of the disclosure may be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they just show details to improve the understanding of the claims, while other details are left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts. The individual features of each aspect may each be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features and/or technical effect will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the illustrations described hereinafter in which:

Fig. 1A

shows a schematic, perspective top view of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 1B

shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 1C

shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a packaging according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 2A

shows a schematic, top view of a receiving structure of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 2B

shows a schematic, top view of a Y-shaped receiving structure of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 2C

shows a schematic, top view of another basically Y-shaped receiving structure of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 2D

shows a schematic, top view of a further basically Y-shaped receiving structure of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 2E

shows a schematic, top view of an X-shaped receiving structure of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 2F

shows a schematic, top view of another X-shaped receiving structure of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 2G

shows a schematic, top view of another receiving structure of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 3A

shows a schematic, perspective top view of a closed packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 3B

shows a schematic, perspective top view of the packaging shown in Fig. 3B in an open configuration;

Fig. 4A

shows a schematic side view of a hearing aid provided with a dome being inserted into a receiving structure of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 4B

shows a schematic side view of the hearing aid shown in Fig. 4A brought into contact with engagement members of the packaging;

Fig. 4C

shows a schematic side view of the hearing aid shown in Fig. 4B being pressed into a slot provided between the engagement members;

Fig. 4D

shows a schematic side view of the hearing aid shown in Fig. 4C being pressed further into the packaging;

Fig. 4E

shows a schematic side view of the hearing aid shown in Fig. 4D in a configuration in which the dome is fully inserted into the packaging, wherein the hearing aid is pulled out from the packaging;

Fig. 4F

shows a schematic side view of the hearing aid shown in Fig. 4D in a configuration in which the dome has been removed from the hearing aid during removal of the hearing aid from the packaging.

Fig. 4G

shows a schematic, top view of an X-shaped receiving structure of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure and

Fig. 4H

shows a schematic, perspective, top view of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure just before a dome is detached from a hearing aid by using the packaging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practised without these specific details. Several aspects of the apparatus and methods are described by various blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements").

[0049] A hearing device may include a hearing aid that is adapted to improve or augment the hearing capability of a user by receiving an acoustic signal from a user's surroundings, generating a corresponding audio signal, possibly modifying the audio signal and providing the possibly modified audio signal as an audible signal to at least one of the user's ears. The "hearing device" may further refer to a device such as an earphone or a headset adapted to receive an audio signal electronically, possibly modifying the audio signal and providing the possibly modified audio signals as an audible signal to at least one of the user's ears. Such audible signals may be provided in the form of an acoustic signal radiated into the user's outer ear, or an acoustic signal transferred as mechanical vibrations to the user's inner ears through bone structure of the user's head and/or through parts of middle ear of the user.

[0050] The hearing device is adapted to be worn in any known way. This may include i) arranging a unit of the hearing device behind the ear with a tube leading air-borne acoustic signals into the ear canal or with a receiver/ loudspeaker arranged close to or in the ear canal such as in a Behind-the-Ear type hearing aid, and/ or ii) arranging the hearing device entirely or partly in the pinna and/ or in the ear canal of the user such as in an In-the-Ear type hearing aid or In-the-Canal/ Completelyin-Canal type hearing aid, or iii) arranging a unit of the hearing device attached to a fixture implanted into the skull bone such as in Bone Anchored Hearing Aid or Cochlear Implant, or iv) arranging a unit of the hearing device as an entirely or partly implanted unit such as in Bone Anchored Hearing Aid or Cochlear Implant.

[0051] In general, a hearing device includes i) an input unit such as a microphone for receiving an acoustic signal from a user's surroundings and providing a corresponding input audio signal, and/or ii) a receiving unit for electronically receiving an input audio signal. The hearing device further includes a signal processing unit for processing the input audio signal and an output unit for providing an audible signal to the user in dependence on the processed audio signal.

[0052] Now referring to Fig. 1A, which illustrates a schematic, perspective top view of a packaging 2 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The packaging 2 comprises a top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall extending there between. The packaging 2 has an inner space defined by these walls.

[0053] A receiving structure 6 comprising four symmetrically arranged engagement members 8, 8' are provided in the top wall of the packaging 2. A hearing aid comprising a hearing aid body 10 and a dome 4 attached to the speaker unit of the hearing aid is being moved towards the receiving structure 6. Two domes 4', 4" have already been received by the packaging 2. These domes 4', 4" have been inserted through the receiving structure 6.

[0054] Fig. 1B illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of a packaging 2 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The packaging 2 comprises a top side 14 and a bottom side 16. A space 18 is provided between the top side 14 and a bottom side 16. Unused earpieces (domes) 4', 4" are arranged in this space 18.

[0055] The packaging 2 comprises another space 20 configured to receive used domes 4 through a receiving structure 6 provided in the top side 14 of the packaging 2. The receiving structure 6 is defined by a plurality of engagement members 8, 8' and a slot 12 provided there between. Accordingly, the geometry and arrangement of the engagement members 8, 8' and the slot 12 is defining the geometry of the receiving structure 6. The packaging 2 is provided with a hinge member 22, at which the top side 14 and the 16 are joint. The engagement members 8, 8' are preformed and angled relative to the plate-shaped top side 14.

[0056] Fig. 1C illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of a packaging 2 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The packaging 2 basically corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1B, however, the packaging 2 only comprises a single space 18. The receiving structure 6 is provided in a hole 24 in the top side 14, however, since no space is provided underneath the receiving structure 6, earpieces/domes detached by means of the receiving structure 6, will not be collected but just fall off.

[0057] Fig. 2A illustrates a schematic, top view of a receiving structure 6 of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receiving structure 6 comprises six straight slots 12, 12' arranged in a star formation with a common point of intersection.

[0058] Fig. 2B illustrates a schematic, top view of a Y-shaped receiving structure 6 of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receiving structure 6 comprises three straight slots 12, 12' arranged in a Y-shaped formation with a common point of intersection.

[0059] Fig. 2C illustrates a schematic, top view of another basically Y-shaped receiving structure 6 of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receiving structure 6 comprises three straight slots 12, 12' and a centrally arranged circular opening 26.

[0060] Fig. 2D illustrates a schematic, top view of another basically Y-shaped receiving structure 6 of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receiving structure 6 comprises three straight slots 12, 12' and a centrally arranged triangular opening 26.

[0061] Fig. 2E illustrates a schematic, top view of an X-shaped receiving structure 6 of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receiving structure 6 comprises four straight slots 12, 12' with a common point of intersection.

[0062] Fig. 2F illustrates a schematic, top view of an X-shaped receiving structure 6 almost similar to the one shown in Fig. 2E. The receiving structure 6, however, comprises four straight slots 12, 12' and a centrally arranged circular opening 26.

[0063] Fig. 2G illustrates a schematic, top view of another receiving structure 6 of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receiving structure 6 comprises six straight slots 12, 12' extending radially from a centrally arranged circular opening 26.

[0064] Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic, perspective top view of a closed packaging 2 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic, perspective top view of the packaging shown in Fig. 3B in an open configuration.

[0065] The packaging 2 comprises an upper portion 28 rotatably attached to a lower portion 30 by means of a hinge member 22.

[0066] The packaging 2 comprises a receiving structure 6 provided with four slots 12, 12' forming an X-shaped configuration with four engagement members 8, 8' each having a right angled portion. The receiving structure 6 is arranged in the upper portion 28.

[0067] Fig. 4A illustrates shows a schematic side view of a hearing aid having a hearing aid body 10 and a dome 4 attached to its speaker unit (not shown). The dome 4 is being inserted (along the direction indicated by the arrow) into a receiving structure 6 of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receiving structure 6 comprises four band-shaped slots 12, 12' defining a receiving structure 6 having an X-shaped geometry. The receiving structure 6 comprises four engagement members 8, 8' each having a right angled portion.

[0068] Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic side view of the hearing aid shown in Fig. 4A brought into contact with engagement members 8, 8' of the packaging. It can be seen that a slot 12 separates the engagement members 8, 8' from each other. The dome 4 is still attached to the speaker unit of the hearing aid.

[0069] Fig. 4C illustrates a schematic side view of the hearing aid shown in Fig. 4B being pressed into the slot 12 provided between the engagement members 8, 8'.

[0070] Fig. 4D illustrates a schematic side view of the hearing aid shown in Fig. 4C being pressed further into the packaging. The dome 4 has almost passed the engagement members 8, 8', however, the distal portions of the engagement members 8, 8' are still in contact with the dome 4.
Fig. 4E illustrates a schematic side view of the hearing aid shown in Fig. 4D in a configuration in which the dome 4 is fully inserted into the packaging. The hearing aid body 10 is being pulled out from the packaging. Hereby, the dome 4 is removed and will fall off as illustrated in Fig. 4F showing a schematic side view of the hearing aid shown in Fig. 4D in a configuration in which the dome 4 has been removed from the hearing aid during removal of the hearing aid from the packaging.

[0071] Fig. 4G illustrates a schematic, top view of an X-shaped receiving structure 6 of a packaging according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receiving structure 6 comprises four slots 12, 12' defining a receiving structure 6 having a basically X-shaped geometry. The receiving structure 6 comprises four engagement members 8, 8' each having an angled portion. Since the slots are slightly conical, the angles of the engagement members 8, 8' slightly more than 90 degrees.

[0072] Fig. 4H illustrates a schematic, perspective, top view of a packaging 2 according to an embodiment of the disclosure just before a dome 4 is detached from a hearing aid 10 by using the packaging 2. A hearing aid user holds the hearing aid body 10 by two fingers 32, 32' of his right hand while he uses two fingers 34, 34' of the left hand to hold on to the side walls of the packaging 2.

[0073] The packaging 2 has a receiving structure 6 comprising four slots 12, 12' defining a receiving structure 6 having a basically X-shaped geometry. The receiving structure 6 comprises four engagement members 8, 8' configured to prevent the dome 4 from being pulled out of the receiving structure 6 once the dome 4 has passed the dome 4 during insertion into the packaging 2.

[0074] As used, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well (i.e. to have the meaning "at least one"), unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "comprises," "including," and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element but an intervening elements may also be present, unless expressly stated otherwise. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The steps of any disclosed method is not limited to the exact order stated herein, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0075] It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an aspect" or features included as "may" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as suitable in one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0076] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more.

[0077] Accordingly, the scope should be judged in terms of the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A packaging (2) for receiving and containing one or more disposable objects (4, 4', 4") configured to be used with a hearing aid, said packaging (2) comprising one or more receiving structures (6) configured to receive said object (4, 4', 4") being inserted through the one or more receiving structures (6), wherein the one or more receiving structures (6) are provided with a number of engagement structures (8, 8') configured to be displaced away from each other during insertion of the object (4, 4', 4"), whereby the engagement structures (8, 8') defines an opening (12, 12', 26) sufficiently large to allow the object to pass through the opening (12, 12', 26) is created during the insertion of the object (4, 4', 4").

2. A packaging (2) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more receiving structures (6) are configured to allow the object (4, 4', 4") to be inserted through the one or more receiving structures (6) by moving the object (4, 4', 4") along a one-dimensional path.

3. A packaging (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the engagement structures (8, 8') are configured to press against a proximal end of the object (4, 4', 4") once the object (4, 4', 4") has been inserted through the one or more receiving structures (6).

4. A packaging (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement structures (8, 8') are configured to be maintained:

- in a first resting configuration when no object (4, 4', 4") is brought into contact with the engagement structures (8, 8');

- in a second bending configuration when an object (4, 4', 4") is brought into contact with the engagement structures (8, 8') while being inserted through the one or more receiving structures (6) and

- in the resting configuration when the object (4, 4', 4") has been inserted through the one or more receiving structures (6) and thus is no longer in contact with the engagement structures (8, 8').

5. A packaging (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement structures (8, 8') are basically plate-shaped.

6. A packaging (2) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the engagement structures (8, 8') extend parallel to each other when no object (4, 4', 4") is brought into contact with the engagement structures (8, 8').

7. A packaging (2) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the engagement structures (8, 8') are angled relative to each other forming a conical configuration.

8. A packaging (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement structures (8, 8') are separated by slots (12, 12'), having a basically band-shape geometry.

9. A packaging (2) according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the slots (12, 12') constitute an X-shaped formation.

10. A packaging (2) according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the slots (12, 12') constitute a Y-shaped formation.

11. A packaging (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging (2) comprises a space (20) defined by surrounding wall members, wherein one or more receiving structures (6) is provided in in one of the wall members.

12. A packaging (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging (2) comprises a first space (18) comprising earpieces (4', 4").

13. A packaging (2) according to one of the preceding claims 8-12, wherein the length of the slots (12, 12') is within 6mm-25mm.

14. A packaging (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging (2) is made in a plastic material, preferably a thickness within the range 0.1-0.5mm, such as 0.2-0.4mm, like 0.3mm.

15. A packaging (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more receiving structures (6) are symmetric.

Drawing