This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an applicator for use in treating a portion of skin includes an applicator tip having an end configured to contact the portion of skin, a sonic source mechanically coupled to the applicator tip, a heat source thermally coupled to the end of the applicator tip, and at least one controller configured to control operation of the sonic source and the heat source. The end of the applicator tip includes a thermally-conductive material. During operation of the applicator, the at least one controller controls operation of the sonic source to impart mechanical movements to the applicator tip at a sonic frequency and controls operation of the heat source to transfer heat to the end of the applicator tip via the thermally-conductive material of the applicator tip.
In one example, the heat source includes a heating disk. In another example the heating disk includes a plurality of layers of electrical components positioned on an alumina substrate. In another example, the applicator includes a heat sensor configured to generate a signal based on a temperature of the applicator tip and to send the signal to the controller. In another example, the temperature of the applicator tip includes one or more of a temperature of the applicator tip or a temperature of the heat source. In another example, the at least one controller is configured to control the heat source based on the signal sent to the at least one controller by the heat sensor.
In another example, the at least one controller is configured to control operation of the heat source based on a target temperature of the end of the applicator tip. In another example, the target temperature is in a range from about 32° C. to about 50° C. In another example, the mechanical movements at the sonic frequency are reciprocating mechanical movements. In another example, the mechanical movements at the sonic frequency are oscillatory mechanical movements.
In another example, the applicator further includes a contact member around the end of the applicator tip where the contact member is configured to contact the portion of skin and where the contact member and the end of the applicator tip form a concave pocket configured to contain formulation between the end of the applicator tip and the portion of skin. In another example, the end of the applicator tip is formed with a concave shape, and wherein the concave shape forms a pocket configured to contain formulation between the end of the applicator tip and the portion of skin. In another example, the thermally-conductive material forms the concave shape of the end of the applicator tip. In another example, the applicator tip includes a thermally-insulating material, and wherein the thermally-conductive material is embedded within the thermally-insulating material.
In another embodiment, a method is used for treating a portion of skin using an applicator that includes an applicator tip where the applicator tip includes an end configured to contact the portion of skin. The method includes activating a sonic source of the applicator where the sonic source is mechanically coupled to the applicator tip, activating a heat source of the applicator where the heat source is thermally coupled to the end of the applicator tip, controlling operation of the sonic source to impart mechanical movements to the applicator tip at a sonic frequency, and controlling operation of the heat source to transfer heat to the end of the applicator tip via a thermally-conductive material of the applicator tip.
In one example, the method further includes applying a treatment formulation between the end of the applicator tip and the portion of skin during operation of the sonic source and operation of the heat source. In another example, applying the treatment formulation includes bringing the end of the applicator tip into contact with the treatment formulation when the treatment formulation is in a non-fluid form. In another example, the operation of the heat source is controlled such that heat transferred to the end of the applicator tip causes the treatment formulation to convert from the non-fluid form to a fluid form when the treatment formulation is in contact with the end of the applicator tip. In another example, applying the treatment formulation includes applying the treatment formulation in the fluid form to the portion of skin. In another example, the mechanical movements imparted to the applicator tip at the sonic frequency apply a shear stress to the treatment formulation that causes a viscosity of the treatment formulation to be lowered.
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings where like numerals reference like elements is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.
The following discussion provides examples of systems, apparatuses, and/or methods for implementing technologies and methodologies for treating a portion of skin using a combination of heat and mechanical movement at a sonic frequency. In an embodiment, an applicator includes an applicator tip that has an end configured to contact the portion of skin, a sonic source mechanically coupled to the applicator tip, a heat source thermally coupled to an end of the applicator tip, and a controller. The applicator tip includes a thermally-conductive material. During operation of the applicator, the controller controls operation of the sonic source to impart mechanical movements to the applicator tip at a sonic frequency and controls operation of the heat source to transfer heat to the end of the applicator tip via the thermally-conductive material of the applicator tip. In another embodiment, a method includes activating a sonic source of the applicator that is mechanically coupled to the applicator tip, activating a heat source of the applicator that is thermally coupled to the end of the applicator tip, controlling operation of the sonic source to impart mechanical movements to the applicator tip at a sonic frequency, and controlling operation of the heat source to transfer heat to the end of the applicator tip via a thermally-conductive material of the applicator tip.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.
Many consumers desire smooth and youthful skin with an even tone. Such characteristics can be achieved by use of treatment formulations. As used herein, the term “treatment formulation” refers to makeup, personal soaps, skin care products, hair care products, or any other cosmetic product. Many active ingredients for treatment formulations have been identified as being able to address these and other consumer skin care desires (e.g., active ingredients for anti-aging, lightening, etc.). However, skin is an effective barrier to many active ingredients. When treatment formulations are applied to skin, much of the active ingredient remains on the surface of the skin or is wiped away from the surface of the skin. Increasing absorption of active ingredients into skin will improve the effectiveness of treatment formulations for users.
In some embodiments, a treatment formulation is one or more of makeup, personal soap, skin care product, hair care product, or any other cosmetics product. In some examples, makeup includes foundation, blush, highlighter, bronzer, or any other type of makeup. In some examples, personal soap includes facial cleanser, body wash, or any other type of personal soap. In some examples, skin care products include lotions, skin exfoliants, masking formulations, or any other type of skin care product. In some examples, hair care products include shampoos, conditioners, shaving cream, or any other type of hair care products.
One way to increase absorption of active ingredients into skin is to apply treatment formulations using an applicator that has a sonic motion applicator tip. In one example, an applicator tip is configured to be moved in a reciprocating manner at a sonic frequency. In another example, an applicator tip is configured to be moved in an oscillatory manner at a sonic frequency. In some applications, sonic mechanical motion of an applicator tip increases adsorption of active ingredients in a number of ways, such as by loosening the outer layer of the skin (i.e., the stratum corneum).
Absorption of active ingredients into a portion of skin by sonic mechanical motion can be enhanced with the use of heat. Heating skin and/or treatment formulation enhances absorption of active ingredients in one or more ways, such as by altering phospholipid structures with the outer layer of the skin, by decreasing viscosity of the treatment formulation, by increasing delivery of the treatment formulation into the outer layer of the skin, and/or by reducing skin formations (e.g., crow's feet, fine lines, wrinkles, etc.) over extended periods of use.
Turning now to
The heat source 125 generates heat. Heat generated by the heat source 125 is transferred to an end 130. In one embodiment, the end 130 is formed from a thermally-conductive material, such as a metal, a glass, or any other thermally-conductive material. In another embodiment, end 130 is formed from a thermally-insulating material (e.g., a plastic, graphite, a rubber, an epoxy, an elastomer, a gel, etc.) that is embedded with a thermally-conductive material (e.g., silver strands, carbon, etc.). The end 130 acts both as a barrier to isolate the heat source 125 and as a medium to transfer heat.
The heat source 125 can take a number of forms. In one embodiment, the heat source 125 comprises a heating disk. In one example, the heating disk comprises an alumina substrate with several layers of electrical components (e.g., resistors, insulators, and conductors). In one example, such electrical components are patterned on the substrate by thick film paste stencil printing. Thick film paste screen print processes offer a very low cost solution to pattern electrical components (e.g., resistor, conductors, and dielectrics) on ceramic substrates. Such heating disk heat sources are capable of supporting fast and controlled heating up to 100° C. In other embodiments, any number of other heat sources may be used to provide heat to the end 130.
The sonic source 105 provides reciprocating sonic motion to an applicator tip 115 via a shaft 110 that is operatively connected to the applicator tip 115. The applicator tip 115 optionally terminates in a concave contact member 135 configured to contact the portion of skin with a pocket suitable for containing formulation 10 therebetween. In another embodiment, not depicted in
The sonic source 105 applies reciprocating sonic motion to the portion of skin via the contact member 135. In one embodiment, the contact member 135 is formed from one or more materials, such as an elastomeric material or a silicone rubber, that are soft enough to avoid discomfort or injury to the skin but firm enough to maintain its shape and impart sufficient sonic energy. Other exemplary materials can also be used, such as natural rubber, butyl rubber, and polyurethane. In certain embodiments, the soft contact member 135 improves transmission of the ultrasound by containing and moving the formulation 10 so as to facilitate contact between the applicator tip 115 and skin.
In one embodiment, operation of the sonic source 105 reciprocates the applicator tip 115 at an amplitude of 0.075 inch to 0.1 inch. In one embodiment, the sonic source 105 has a reciprocation rate of less than 1 kHz. In one embodiment, the sonic source 105 has a reciprocation rate of less than 200 Hz. In one embodiment, the sonic source 105 has a reciprocation rate of greater than 10 Hz.
The heat source 125 is contained within a housing 120 of the applicator tip 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the placement of the heat source 125 is on the central axis of the shaft 110 and applicator tip 115. However, it will be appreciated that other arrangements are also contemplated.
In the embodiment of the applicator 100 shown in
The housing 140 further contains a control circuit 145 (e.g., a printed circuit board, field-programmable gate array, ASIC, etc.) configured to operatively control the sonic source 105 and the heat source 125. The control circuit 145 controls the sonic source 105 and the heat source 125 by sending signals to the sonic source 105 and the heat source 125. In one embodiment, the control circuit 145 includes a single circuit that controls the sonic source 105 and the heat source 125. In another embodiment, the control circuit 145 includes a single circuit to control the sonic source 105 and a single circuit to control the heat source 125. In other embodiments, the control circuit 145 includes other combinations of a number of circuits. A power source 150 is contained within the housing 140 and powers the control circuit 145, the sonic source 105, and the heat source 125. Power requirements of the power source 140 will depend on the desired function of the device 100. The tip 115 includes a heat sensor 155 (e.g., a thermocouple, a thermistor, etc.) that is configured to generate a signal based on a temperature of the tip 115 (e.g., a temperature of the heat source 125 and/or a temperature of the end 130) and send the signal to the control circuit 145.
The control circuit 145 controls the heat source 125 based on the signal received from the heat sensor 155. In one embodiment, a target skin temperature is less than 50° C. with a preferred temperature near about 40° C. In one embodiment, the applicator tip maintains a steady temperature during use. Normal skin temperature is typically around 32° C. The applicator tip is considered heated when it has a temperature above the normal skin temperature of the user. Room temperature varies depending on the location of the user, but is typically around 22° C. In certain circumstances, treatment formulations are at room temperature, whether in solid form or non-solid form, when first brought into contact with the portion of skin.
When the applicator tip is heated and placed into contact with the treatment formulation and/or the skin, the treatment formulation and/or skin will act as a heat sink and cause a reduction in the temperature of the applicator tip. During operation, as the applicator tip converts the treatment formulation from solid form to non-solid form or as the applicator tip is moved across the skin, the average temperature of the treatment formulation and/or skin may increase, thus reducing the effect of the treatment formulation and/or skin as a heat sink.
In one embodiment, the applicator tip is maintained at a substantially constant temperature. Maintaining a substantially constant temperature includes maintaining temperature within ±5% of a target temperature. Maintaining the applicator tip at a substantially constant temperature has benefits of safety for the consumer, better sensory experience for the consumer, and efficiency of heating. In one example, maintaining the applicator tip at a substantially constant temperature may be accomplished actively by at least one controller (e.g., control circuit 145) that monitors temperature of the applicator tip and adjusts power delivery to the heat source accordingly. In another example, maintaining the applicator tip at a substantially constant temperature may be accomplished passively by using a heat source that changes characteristics (e.g., resistance) based on its own temperature.
Another embodiment of applicator 100 is depicted in
In one embodiment, operation of the sonic source 105 in
One embodiment of an applicator with a reciprocating sonic tip is the OPAL (produced by Clarisonic of Redmond, Wash.), which is illustrated in a form modified from the commercial device, in
One embodiment of an applicator with an oscillating sonic tip is the CLARISONIC BRUSH (Clarisonic, Redmond, Wash.), which is illustrated in a form modified from the commercial device, in
Any number of advantages are gained by using an applicator tip operating with sonic motion (hereinafter a “sonically-activated applicator tip”) that is also heated.
The graph in
As shown in
One difficulty with treating skin conditions using treatment formulations is the amount of time required for consumers to visibly see the benefits. Because skin is an effective barrier to many active ingredients of treatment formulations, those active ingredients diffuse slowly into the skin. The result is that it can take a number of days or weeks for the visible benefits of treatment formulation treatment to appear. Consumers can become frustrated with the slow progress and lack of results in the short-term and abandon treatment formulation treatments before the benefits are visible.
Using a heated, sonically-activated applicator tip for application of treatment formulation can increase the time that consumers are willing to continue using the treatment formulation without seeing visible benefits. Many consumers find the sensation of a sonically-activated applicator tip to be pleasant. Adding gentle heat (i.e., heat that does not injure or damage the skin) to the applicator tip can enhance the consumer's experience using the sonically-activated applicator tip. Consumers are more likely to continue using an applicator tip without seeing visible benefits if the consumers find the use of applicator tips to be pleasant. If consumers continue using a heated, sonically-activated applicator tip for the experience alone, consumers may continue using treatment formulations for sufficient time to allow the benefits to be realized.
One difficulty with applying heat through a heated, sonically-activated applicator tip is to effectively transfer heat from the device to the skin while still delivering formulation and providing the consumer with a pleasurable sensation. Heat transferred from an object to the skin depends on a number of factors, such as the surface temperature of the object, the thermal properties of the object, and the contact time between the object and the skin. Heating skin may result in a burn which depends on both the temperature of the skin and duration that the temperature is held. Heating of the skin may be pleasurable at certain temperatures and short durations of exposure but becomes quickly non-pleasurable at higher temperatures and/or prolonged exposure. It is possible to generate heat using applicator tips that are made of rigid metal surfaces. However, such rigid metal surfaces are generally not desirable with moving applicators, such as with sonically-activated applicator tips. In contrast, soft and/or flexible materials, such as silicone, are generally more pleasant to the feel for consumers. However, soft and/or flexible materials typically have poor heat transfer characteristics.
Both goals of heat transfer and pleasurable consumer experience are accomplished using applicator tips that both transfer heat to the treatment formulation and/or the skin at target temperatures while simultaneously permitting the sonic motion that improves treatment formulation delivery and the sensorial experience preferred by consumers. For example, a soft and/or flexible material that conducts heat meets both of these goals. In some embodiments, the material of an applicator tip is a silicone rubber embedded with a thermally-conductive material, such as one or more of silver, carbon, or another material with high heat conductivity. The silicone rubber tip provides the pleasurable consumer experience and the embedded thermally-conductive material allows heat to be transferred to the portion of skin.
Many treatment formulations, such as skin care products, are formulated in a liquid form, cream form, or gel form (collectively, a “fluid form”). Treatment formulations in fluid form are applied to the skin manually or with using an applicator device. While some treatment formulations are provided in fluid form in order to allow consumers to effectively apply the treatment formulations, it may be advantageous to provide some treatment formulations in a solid form, a semi-solid form, or a plastic form (collectively, a “non-fluid form”). Some advantages that can be gained by providing a treatment formulation in a non-fluid form include convenience in processing, convenience in packaging, efficient use, ingredient stability, or precise dosing. Other advantages may include providing a treatment formulation bound to a skin covering surface (e.g., a patch or a mask) or providing a treatment formulation that forms a skin covering surface itself. Still other advantages include that the formulation may have a component that is inactive as delivered to the skin but needs to be activated once on the skin. It would be advantageous for treatment formulations to be distributed in non-fluid form and then converted by consumers into a fluid form than can readily cover the surface of the skin and to be distributed evenly over the skin surface. A heated, sonically-activated applicator tip is capable of both converting treatment formulations from non-fluid form to fluid form and distributing treatment formulations in fluid form. The heated, sonically-activated applicator tip converts treatment formulations from non-fluid form to fluid form using either or both of heat and sonic movements. In one embodiment, heat also can convert treatment formulations from non-fluid form into a liquid form by melting the treatment formulations. For example, a treatment formulation in a non-fluid form has a melt temperature of about 40° C. When the treatment formulation is heated by heat transferred from the heated, sonically-activated applicator tip, the treatment formulation is converted to a fluid form. The heated, sonically-activated applicator tip is capable of applying the melted treatment formulation to the portion of skin. In another example, a treatment formulation in a non-fluid form includes a binder (e.g., wax) that holds the treatment formulation in non-fluid form. When heat is transferred from the heated, sonically-activated applicator tip to the treatment formulation, the melting binder releases (e.g., melts) and the treatment formulation in fluid form. In another embodiment, the treatment formulation has a shear thinning characteristic whereby shear stress applied to the treatment formulation lowers the viscosity of the treatment formulation, making the treatment formulation flow more easily. In this case, the sonic motion alone of the heated, sonically-activated applicator tip is capable of converting the treatment formulation from a non-fluid form to a fluid form. In another embodiment, a combination of heat and sonic motion from the heated, sonically-activated applicator tip converts a treatment formulation from a non-fluid form to a fluid form by heating the treatment formulation and applying a shear stress to the treatment formulation.
During operation depicted in
The methods described above can be carried out to apply a treatment formulation to a user's skin and to finish the treatment formulation on the user's skin. However, any type of formulation, such as other personal care formulations, can be used as part of the method disclosed above.
It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” etc., should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings.
The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.