Patent Application
20240389986
This application relates generally to skin treatment, and more specifically, to apparatuses, systems and methods for treating a person's skin.
Abrasion of the outer layer or epidermis of the skin is desirable to smooth or blend scars, blemishes, or other skin conditions that may be caused by, for example, acne, sun exposure, and aging. Standard techniques used to abrade the skin have generally been separated into two fields referred to as dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Both techniques remove portions of the epidermis called the stratum corneum, which the body interprets as a mild injury. The body then replaces the lost skin cells, resulting in a new outer layer of skin. Additionally, despite the mild edema and erythema associated with the procedures, the skin looks and feels smoother because of the new outer layer of skin.
According to some embodiments, a skin treatment system comprises a main body portion, the main body portion comprising a receiving area configured to receive a treatment material container, the main body portion comprising a longitudinal axis, a waste container configured to be removably secured to the main body portion, a tip configured to be removably secured to the main body portion, the tip comprising a peripheral lip and at least one waste port, a pump, at least one fluid delivery conduit placing an interior of a treatment material container secured to the receiving area in fluid communication with the tip, and at least one waste conduit placing the at least one waste port of the tip in fluid communication with the pump, wherein activation of the pump creates a vacuum along the at least one waste conduit and the at least one waste port, wherein the pump is configured to transfer waste materials from the tip to the waste container via the at least one waste conduit, and wherein the pump is configured to contact waste materials being transferred to the waste container.
According to some embodiments, a skin treatment system comprises a main body portion, the main body portion comprising a receiving area configured to receive a treatment material container, the main body portion comprising a longitudinal axis, a waste container configured to be removably secured to the main body portion, a rechargeable battery, a base for receiving the main body portion, a tip configured to be removably secured to the main body portion, the tip comprising a peripheral lip and at least one waste port, a pump, at least one fluid delivery conduit placing an interior of a treatment material container secured to the receiving area in fluid communication with the tip, and at least one waste conduit placing the at least one waste port of the tip in fluid communication with the pump, wherein activation of the pump creates a vacuum along the at least one waste conduit and the at least one waste port, wherein the pump is configured to transfer waste materials from the tip to the waste container via the at least one waste conduit, wherein the pump is configured to contact waste materials being transferred to the waste container, and wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to be recharged when the main body portion is positioned within the base and the base is operatively coupled to an electric energy source.
According to some embodiments, the pump comprises a pump (e.g., liquid pump). In some embodiments, the pump does not comprise an air pump. In some embodiments, the pump comprises a metering or dosing pump. In some arrangements, the pump comprises a diaphragm pump. In some embodiments, the pump comprises one of the following pump types: a peristaltic pump, a piezoelectric pump, a gear pump, a piston pump, a syringe and another type of micro pump.
According to some embodiments, a skin treatment system comprises a main body portion, the main body portion comprising a receiving area configured to receive a treatment material container, the main body portion comprising a longitudinal axis, a waste container configured to be removably secured to the main body portion, a rechargeable battery positioned within an interior of the main body portion, a base for receiving the main body portion, a tip configured to be removably secured to the main body portion, the tip comprising a peripheral lip and at least one waste port, a pump (e.g., liquid pump), at least one fluid delivery conduit placing an interior of a treatment material container secured to the receiving area in fluid communication with the tip, and at least one waste conduit placing the at least one waste port of the tip in fluid communication with the pump, wherein activation of the pump creates a vacuum along the at least one waste conduit and the at least one waste port.
According to some embodiments, the pump is configured to transfer waste materials from the tip to the waste container via the at least one waste conduit, and wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to be recharged when the main body portion is positioned within the base and the base is operatively coupled to an electric energy source.
According to some embodiments, the pump (e.g., liquid pump) is configured to contact waste materials being transferred to the waste container. In some embodiments, the pump does not comprise an air pump. In some arrangements, the pump comprises a diaphragm pump. In other embodiments, the pump comprises one of the following pump types: a peristaltic pump (disc-based peristaltic diaphragm pump). a piezoelectric pump, a gear pump, a piston pump, a syringe and another type of micro pump.
According to some embodiments, non-liquid based pumps are included in the system (e.g., handpiece), either in lieu of or in additional to liquid pumps. In some embodiments, non-liquid pumps comprise air-based pumps (e.g., pumps that are configured that move air, either continuously or intermittently).
According to some embodiments, the system comprises a handheld device or handpiece configured for personal use by a subject undergoing a skin treatment procedure.
According to some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one controller (e.g., button, lever, switch, etc.) for regulating at least one operational aspect of the pump. In some arrangements, the at least one operational aspect of the pump comprises a flowrate of liquid passing through the pump and/or the pressure of liquid passing through the pump.
According to some embodiments, the tip comprises a rollerball, the rollerball positioned within an interior area defined by the peripheral lip and being configured to contact skin when the system is in use. In some embodiments, the rollerball comprises stainless steel. In some embodiments, the rollerball is solid throughout its cross section. In some arrangements, the rollerball extends distally past the peripheral lip of the tip.
According to some embodiments, the tip comprises at least one interior baffle to reduce a likelihood of short-circuiting fluid flow to the at least one waste port, wherein the at least one interior baffle is positioned within an area defined by the peripheral lip.
According to some embodiments, the tip is configured to abrade skin tissue as the system is moved relative to skin tissue of a subject. In some embodiments, the peripheral lip is configured to at least partially abrade skin tissue as the system is moved relative to skin tissue of a subject.
According to some embodiments, the pump (e.g., liquid pump) is configured to create suction along the tip when the longitudinal axis of the main body portion is maintained at an angle between 0 and 110 degrees relative to vertical.
According to some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one illumination source configured to provide light to the waste container. In some embodiments, the at least one illumination source comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED).
According to some embodiments, a suction created at the tip by the pump is 0 to 5 pounds per square inch (psi). In some embodiments, a maximum suction created at the tip by the pump is 5 pounds per square inch (psi).
According to some embodiments, the receiving area is configured to receive a disposable pod. In some embodiments, the receiving area comprises a piercing member configured to penetrate a portion of the treatment material container to place an interior of the treatment material container in fluid communication with the at least one fluid conduit.
According to some embodiments, the system comprises at least one automatic tag reader, wherein the tag reader is configured to obtain information from a tag positioned on a treatment material container positioned within the receiving area. In some embodiments, the at least one automatic tag reader comprises a RFID reader. In some arrangements, the at least one automatic tag reader is configured to both read and write to a tag.
According to some embodiments, the system further comprising a processor. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to operatively couple to a processor of an external device, system or network. In some arrangements, the device is configured to operatively couple to a smart device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc.). In some embodiments, the device is configured to operatively couple to a cloud-based network or infrastructure.
According to some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one wireless network component configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device, system or network. In some embodiments, the at least one wireless network component comprises a short-range wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near-Field Communication (NFC), etc.)
According to some embodiments, the main body portion comprises an outer housing. In some embodiments, the outer housing comprises a that includes at least two components (e.g., that are configured to secure to each other to cover and protect the internal components of the system).
According to some embodiments, the outer housing is configured to withstand at least one environmental condition that the system is likely to encounter during use, such as, for example and without limitation, water or other liquid, low and/or high temperature, chemicals, and dropping or vibrations.
According to some embodiments, the tip and the receiving area are located along a same end of the system. In some embodiments, the tip and the receiving area are located along the top (or distal end) of the system.
According to some embodiments, the system generally comprises a figure “Y” when a treatment material container is positioned within the receiving area, wherein the tip and the treatment material container form a diverging upper portion of the figure “Y” and the main body portion with the waste container form a base portion of the figure “Y.”
According to some embodiments, the base is configured to be electrically coupled to an AC power source. In some embodiments, the base is configured to maintain the system in a substantially vertical orientation.
According to some embodiments, a method of treating skin comprises using a system according to any one of the system embodiments disclosed herein or equivalents thereof. In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining at least one separate treatment using a separate device. In some arrangements, the at least one separate treatment is administered by an aesthetician or another skin treatment professional. In some embodiments, the at least one separate treatment is not self-administered by a subject who is undergoing the skin treatment procedure. In some embodiments, separate treatments can be performed using a different type of skin treatment device or system than the one used by the subject (e.g., than the device or system used to perform self-administered treatment).
According to some embodiments, the method comprises multiple steps or phases. In some embodiments, the multiple steps or phases include at least two of the following: a cleansing step or phase, a hydrating step or phase and an abrasion step or phase. Further, the system can be configured to undergo a rinsing or cleaning step, phase or process. Such a cleaning or rinsing step can be performed between treatments and/or during a treatment, as desired or required.
According to some embodiments, a skin treatment system comprises a main body portion, the main body portion comprising a receiving area configured to removably receive a treatment material container, the main body portion comprising a longitudinal axis and the receiving area comprising a first offset axis, and a tip configured to be removably secured to the main body portion, the tip configured to contact skin tissue during use of the system, wherein the tip comprises a second offset axis, wherein the receiving area and the tip are positioned along the same end of the main body portion, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the main body portion, the first offset axis and the second offset axis for a “Y” shape.
According to some embodiments, the system is configured to generate a suction force along the tip. In some embodiments, the system is configured to generate a suction force along the tip using a pump (e.g., liquid pump). In some arrangements, the pump is configured to contact waste tissue transferred from the tip to a waste container. In one embodiment, the pump comprises a diaphragm pump.
According to some embodiments, the system comprises a handheld device or handpiece configured for personal use by a subject undergoing a skin treatment procedure. In some embodiments, the system additionally includes at least one controller for regulating at least one operational aspect of the pump. In some arrangements, the at least one operational aspect of the pump comprises a flowrate and/or pressure of liquid passing through the pump.
According to some embodiments, a skin treatment system comprises a working end configured to be placed in contact or proximate to contact with a skin surface being treated, and at least one transfer device configured to transfer a treatment material to or near the working end, wherein the at least one transfer device is configured to contact the treatment material.
According to some embodiments, the system comprises a waste container configured to receive spent treatment material and other debris removed from the working end. In some embodiments, the at least one transfer device comprises a pump (e.g., liquid pump). In some arrangements, the pump does not comprise an air pump. In some embodiments, the pump comprises a diaphragm pump. In some embodiments, the pump comprises one of the following pump types: a peristaltic pump, a piezoelectric pump, a gear pump, a piston pump, a syringe and another type of micro pump.
According to some embodiments, the system comprises a handheld device or handpiece configured for personal use by a subject undergoing a skin treatment procedure.
According to some embodiments, the skin treatment system further comprises at least one controller (e.g., buttons) for regulating at least one operational aspect of the at least one transfer device.
According to some embodiments, the at least one operational aspect comprises a flowrate and/or pressure of liquid passing through the pump.
According to some embodiments, the working end comprises a tip, wherein the tip comprises a rollerball, the rollerball positioned within an interior area defined by the peripheral lip and being configured to contact skin when the system is in use. In some embodiments, the rollerball extends distally past the peripheral lip of the tip.
According to some embodiments, the tip comprises at least one interior baffle to reduce a likelihood of short-circuiting fluid flow to the at least one waste port, wherein the at least one interior baffle is positioned within an area defined by the peripheral lip. In some embodiments, wherein the tip is configured to abrade skin tissue as the system is moved relative to skin tissue of a subject. In one arrangement, the peripheral lip is configured to at least partially abrade skin tissue as the system is moved relative to skin tissue of a subject.
According to some embodiments, the at least one transfer device is configured to create suction along the working end when a longitudinal axis of the system is maintained at an angle between 0 and 110 degrees relative to vertical.
According to some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one illumination source configured to provide light to the waste container. In some embodiments, the at least one illumination source comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED).
According to some embodiments, a suction created at the working end by the at least one transfer device is 0 to 5 pounds per square inch (psi). In some arrangements, a maximum suction created at the working end by the at least one transfer device is 5 pounds per square inch (psi).
According to some embodiments, a receiving area of the system is configured to receive a disposable pod, wherein the disposable pod is configured to contain the treatment material configured to be transferred to the working end. In some embodiments, the receiving area comprises a piercing member configured to penetrate a portion of a treatment material container to place an interior of the treatment material container in fluid communication with at least one fluid conduit of the system.
According to some embodiments, the system comprises at least one automatic tag reader, wherein the tag reader is configured to obtain information from a tag positioned on a treatment material container positioned in fluid communication with the system. In some arrangements, the at least one automatic tag reader comprises a RFID reader. In some arrangements, the at least one automatic tag reader is configured to both read and write to a tag.
According to some embodiments, the system further comprises a processor. In some arrangements, the processor is configured to operatively couple to a processor of an external device, system or network. In some embodiments, the device is configured to operatively couple to a smart device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, PC, other computing device, etc.). In some embodiments, the device is configured to operatively couple to a cloud-based network or infrastructure. In some arrangements, the system further comprises at least one wireless network component configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device, system or network (e.g., a short-range wireless technology, such as, for instance, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near-Field Communication (NFC), etc.).
According to some embodiments, a method for treating skin comprises transferring a waste away from a working end of a skin treatment system, the skin treatment system having a main body portion, a tip and a waste canister, wherein the skin treatment system is configured to removably secure the tip and the waste canister to the main body portion, and wherein the skin treatment system comprises a at least one transfer device configured to transfer the waste away from the working end to the waste canister, the at least one transfer device being configured to contact the waste, and transferring a treatment material from a treatment material source to the working end.
According to some embodiments, the at least one transfer device comprises a pump. In some embodiments, the pump does not comprise an air pump. In some arrangements, the pump comprises a diaphragm pump. In some embodiments, the pump comprises one of the following pump types: a peristaltic pump, a piezoelectric pump, a gear pump, a piston pump, a syringe and another type of micro pump.
According to some embodiments, the system comprises a handheld device configured for personal use by a subject undergoing a skin treatment procedure. In some embodiments, the method further comprises regulating at least one operational aspect of the at least one transfer device. In one embodiment, the at least one operational aspect comprises a flowrate and/or pressure of liquid passing through the at least one transfer device.
According to some embodiments, the method further comprising illuminating the waste canister. In some embodiments, the method further comprises detecting at least one property of the waste contained in the waste canister.
According to some embodiments, a tip configured to be used in a skin treatment system comprise a rollerball, the rollerball positioned within an interior area defined by the peripheral lip and being configured to contact skin when the system is in use, wherein the rollerball extends distally past the peripheral lip of the tip, and wherein the tip comprises at least one interior baffle to reduce a likelihood of short-circuiting fluid flow to the at least one waste port, wherein the at least one interior baffle is positioned within an area defined by the peripheral lip. at least one portion configured to be placed at or near a skin surface being treated.
According to some embodiments, the container comprises a main portion, having at least one automatic tag receiving area, a neck portion comprising at least one member or area configured to be pierced to obtain access to an interior of the container, and at least one automatic identification tag positioned along the at least one automatic tag receiving area, wherein the at least one automatic identification tag is configured to include data and other information regarding contents of the container, and wherein the at least one automatic identification tag is configured to be automatically read once the container is positioned within a treatment system or device.
According to some embodiments, the main portion comprises a circular or substantially circular cross-sectional area. In some arrangements, the at least one member or area comprise a planar or substantially planar portion.
According to some embodiments, the at least one automatic identification tag comprises a RFID tag. In some embodiments, the at least one automatic tag is configured to be both read and written.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present application are described with reference to drawings of certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present inventions. It is to be understood that these drawings are for the purpose of illustrating the various concepts disclosed herein and may not be to scale.
Although the various embodiments of a handpiece assembly have specific relevance to a skin treatment system, the features, advantages and other characteristics disclosed herein may have direct or indirect applicability in other applications, such as, for example, medical devices, mechanical devices and/or the like.
Several embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein are particularly advantageous because they include one, several or all of the following benefits and/or advantages: provide a device or system that can be used by the subject who is undergoing skin treatment for use by the actual subject being treated; provide a device or system that can be used by the subject who is undergoing skin treatment for use by the actual subject being treated between one or more treatments administered by a skin treatment professional (e.g., an aesthetician, a dermatologist, etc.) at a professional facility; provide enhanced delivery of treatment fluids to the skin of a subject; provide delivery of fluids to the skin of a subject while reducing the likelihood of contamination; provide enhanced collection of data regarding a skin treatment procedure; provide enhanced treatment protocols based on data collection and processing; and provide enhanced safety and other counterfeiting measures related to fluids delivered by skin treatment systems.
In some embodiments, the system 10 can be used to perform one or more skin treatment procedures on a subject's skin by the subject itself. Such procedures or treatments can be performed between visits to a skin treatment professional and/or facility. For example, the various embodiments disclosed herein can be used to perform such intermediate treatments.
In some arrangements, self-administered or intermediate treatments are performed by the various embodiments disclosed herein, whereas professional treatments may be performed using a different device or system. However, in other arrangements, professional treatment can use the same device or system, as desired or required. In some embodiments, although the same system is used by both the subject and a skin treatment professional or other administrator of the procedure, the settings of the system can be modified. For instance, the system can be used to provide a greater suction or vacuum when used by the professional or other r user.
With reference to
The two or more portions 20A, 20B of a housing can be configured to be removably secured to each other via one or more releasable connections or methods. For instance, housing sections or portions 20A, 20B can be coupled to one another using one or more friction fit, press fit or snap fit connections. In other embodiments, glues or other adhesives, other mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, flanges, tabs, other interlocking features, etc.) and/or any other securement method or technology can be used to couple two or more housing sections or portions of a system, as desired or required.
In alternative arrangements, the housing can include a single, monolithic structure. The housing can include a recess or opening into which one or more internal components may be inserted. By way of example, such a recess or opening can be located along the top or distal end of the system. In other embodiments, a recess or opening for a monolithically designed housing can be located along any other portion or area of the housing (e.g., the bottom or proximal end, a side, etc.), either in lieu of or in addition to an opening along the top or distal end. One or more caps or other sealing portions and/or another component of the system can be used to close any recesses or openings after the system is assembled and ready for use.
According to some embodiments, the housing and/or other external components of the system 10 comprise one or more thermoplastic materials that provide the desired or required resistance to elements that the system may be subjected, such as, for example, water or other liquids, chemicals or other substances, temperature variations, inadvertent dropping, vibration and/or other mechanical impact, etc.
In some configurations, at least a portion of the housing and/or other exterior areas of the main body portion 20 include surface texturing to facilitate with the handling of the system by a user. Such surface texturing can improve the overall feel and/or comfort of the system in the user's hand, reduce the likelihood of slippage and/or provide any other benefits or advantages. In some embodiments, such surface texturing can be included as a result of the manufacturing process in the component that will be exposed to the exterior of the system. Alternatively, such texturing can be applied after manufacture of the corresponding component(s) via the application of coatings or layers, roughening and/or the like. Thus, the texturing can be created while the housing components are being molded or otherwise formed or it can be created after formation of the components, as desired or required.
In some embodiments, the system is manufactured to be at least partially waterproof or water resistant. For instance, the system can be designed and otherwise manufactured to satisfy certain waterproofing standards. By way of example, the system can be configured to meet the requirements of IPxx, the ingress protection (IP) protection grade system drafted by IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), which classifies electrical appliances according to their dust and moisture resistance. In some embodiments, the system complies with one or more IPxx standards (e.g., IP22).
As noted above, the system can be designed, manufactured and otherwise configured to meet certain standards with respect to drops, impacts, vibrations and the like. Further, in some embodiments, the system and/or its components (e.g., housing, internal components, etc.) are configured to include a temperature resistance of not only reasonably expected ambient conditions (e.g., 10 to 40 degrees C.), but also relatively extreme temperature conditions (e.g., −10 degrees C. to 50 degrees C. or higher). Further, the system can be configured to provide the necessary resistance to oils, chemicals and/or other materials to which a user may expose the system. For instance, the system 10 can be adapted to protect the housing and/or other system components against liquids and/or other fluids or materials used during the cleaning or sanitization and/or other maintenance of the system. According to some embodiments, the system is configured to sustain a drop from 1 meter or more (e.g., 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, 0 m to 1 m, 0 m to 2 m, 1.5 to 2 m, values between the foregoing ranges or values, etc.). In other arrangements, the system is configured to sustain a drop from greater than 2 meters (e.g., 2 m to 2.5 m, 2.5 m to 3 m, 2 m to 3 m, 2 m to 4 m, greater than 4 meters, distances between the foregoing values and ranges, etc.).
With continued attention to the embodiment illustrated in
In some embodiments, some or all portions of the waste container 200 that are exposed to the exterior of the system 10 are at least partially transparent or translucent to permit a user to view inside the waste container 200 (e.g., during use of the system, between procedures, etc.). The waste container 200 can comprise one or more thermoplastic materials that are transparent or translucent, as desired or required. In the depicted arrangement, the entire waste container 200 or substantially the entire waste container 200 is transparent or translucent. However, in alternative configurations, only a portion of the waste container is transparent or translucent. For example, the waste container can include a window or other area that is transparent or translucent, while the remainder of the waste container is not transparent or translucent (e.g., is opaque, solid, etc.). The area of the window or other viewable portion can be 5% to 40% (e.g., 5 to 40, 10 to 40, 10 to 30, 10 to 20, 5 to 25, 10 to 20%, percentages between the foregoing values or ranges, etc.) of the overall exterior surface area of the system. In other embodiments, the area or size of the window or viewable portion is less than 5% or greater than 40% of the overall exterior surface area of the system. In other embodiments, the waste container does not include any transparent, translucent and/or other viewable portions.
As discussed in greater detail below, the system 10 can include one or more illumination sources (e.g., LED) that provide light to the interior of the waste container 200. Such illumination can serve one or more purposes and/or provide one or more benefits or advantages to the system and the user. For instance, illumination of the waste container can facilitate in assessing or otherwise evaluating (e.g., qualitatively, quantitatively, comparatively, etc.) the effectiveness of a skin treatment procedure. In some embodiments, the turbidity or cloudiness of the spend fluid and other waste collected within the waste container 200 can provide certain insight to a user regarding how well a treatment procedure (or a step or portion of a procedure) was performed and/or regarding some other aspect of a procedure itself and/or the person who is undergoing the procedure (e.g., how much dirt, sebum and/or other materials were removed from the subject, the effectiveness in removing certain types of materials, etc.).
In some embodiments, the system can include one or more sensors to help analyze and quantitatively assess the contents of the waste container 200. For example, the system 10 can include a turbidity sensor or similar sensor adjacent one or more portions of the waste container 200. Such sensors can be built into the system and/or can be external to the system, as desired or required. In some embodiments, such sensors are light-based sensors that determine how cloudy or clear the contents collected in the waste container are. In other arrangements, other types of sensors can be used, such as, for example, pH sensors, temperature sensors, sensors that are configured to detect or at least approximate the presence of certain components (e.g., salts, oils, etc.) and/or the like.
With continued reference to
As shown in
The system 10 can be configured to receive a pod, vial or other container 400. In some embodiments, such a pod 400 contains one or more treatment serums, other liquids and/or other treatment materials. The contents of the pod 400, once the pod 400 has been secured to the system 10, can be placed in fluid communication with one or more portions (e.g., fluid conduits or passages, other internal portions or components of the system, etc.) to selectively transfer the contents from the pod to the tip (e.g., by activating a fluid pump or otherwise generating a vacuum or suction force along the tip).
As is the case with the tip 300 in the illustrated embodiment, once secured to the system 10, the pod or other container 400 can be angled relative to a vertical or longitudinal axis of the system. With reference to
As discussed in greater detail below, the system 10 can include a battery (e.g., an internal rechargeable battery) to selectively energize the various electrical components of the system (e.g., fluid pump, lights, sensors, processors, etc.). Accordingly, in some embodiments, as depicted in
With continued reference to
In some embodiments, the buttons or other controllers 30, 32, 34, 36 are positioned such that a user can easily press or otherwise manipulate the controllers while grasping and using the system 10 (e.g., using a single hand to both grasp the device/system and make changes to an operational parameter of the device/system using one or more controllers). For example, the position, orientation, configuration and/or other details regarding the controllers can advantageously permit a user to adjust the controllers using a single hand while performing a skin treatment procedure (e.g., while still grasping and manipulating the system). In other embodiments, however, the operation and/or control of the system 10 can be performed differently (e.g., without the use of buttons or other controllers incorporated into the main body portion 20 or other surface of the system), as desired or required. For instance, the system 10 can be configured to be operatively coupled (e.g., using one or more wireless or wired connections) to a separate computing device, such as, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, etc. In such configurations, the separate computing device can be adapted to allow a user to make the necessary adjustments via a user interface (e.g., an application, program, etc.).
With further reference to
In some embodiments, one or more of the controllers and/or the indicators associated with a specific device or system are provided on a separate device, component and/or system. For instance, such a separate device can include, without limitation, a smartphone, a tablet, a main or system component to which the system can operatively couple (e.g., a tower or console, a main processing unit, etc.), another computer device (e.g., a personal computer, a network, a cloud infrastructure, etc.), a separate input/output device, etc., as desired or required.
In some embodiments, the system can be activated and used (e.g., to perform a desired skin treatment procedure) once the tip and container (e.g., pod) have been secured to the housing or main body portion 20 of the system. In some arrangements, the system will not be permitted to be electrically activated (e.g., to turn on) unless both the tip and a container are appropriately secured to the system. In some embodiments, the system includes sensors (e.g., RFID or other identification tag readers) that help ensure that appropriate tip and/or container (e.g., pod) have been secured to the system. In some arrangements, the system can be configured to turn on only when acceptable tips and/or containers have been secured to the corresponding portions of the system. This can help improve efficacy and safety of a skin treatment procedure being performed using any of the embodiments of the system disclosed herein or equivalents thereof.
With continued reference to
As depicted in the cross-sectional view of
With continued reference to
As noted herein, batteries 120 included in the system 10 can be rechargeable to permit a user to recharge the battery or batteries between procedures. For instance, in some embodiments, such batteries 120 can be recharged by positioning the main body portion in a docking station 90 (see, e.g.,
In some arrangements, the pump (e.g., liquid pump) 130 included in the system 10 is in fluid communication with the waste conduit system 144, 146 of the system. As shown, the waste conduit system can include at least one conduit or line 144 that extends from or near the tip receiving area 50 to the pump 130 and at least one conduit or line 146 that extends from the pump 130 to or near the waste container or canister 200.
According to some configurations, the pump 130 comprises a liquid pump that contacts (e.g., directly or indirectly) spent liquid and/or other waste materials being transferred from the tip to the waste canister 200. This is contrasted with alternative designs that utilize an air pump to create vacuum within a waste conduit system, but do not actually contact the waste stream being removed. However, for any of the system embodiments disclosed herein, an air pump can be used, either in lieu of or in addition to a liquid pump.
In some embodiments, the pump 130 comprises a diaphragm pump. However, in other embodiments, a different type of pump can be used, as desired or required. For instance, the pump 130 can include, a peristaltic pump (disc-based peristaltic diaphragm pump), a piezoelectric pump, a gear pump, a piston pump, a syringe, another type of micro pump and/or the like. In some embodiments, the pump is able to reliably transfer fluids to and/or from the working end (e.g., from a pod or other container to the tip, from the tip to a waste bin or container, etc.) regardless of the position or orientation of the system (e.g., handpiece, handheld device).
In some embodiments, the use of a liquid pump (e.g., a pump that comes in direct contact with the waste stream being removed from the tip of the system) can allow the pump to create a desired pressure and/or suction effect along the tip of the system during use. For example, the use of such pumps (e.g., diaphragm pump) can allow the system to operate using lower pressures and vacuums. Accordingly, the resulting skin treatment procedure can be more gentle, safer and/or pleasant to the user.
However, in other embodiments, non-liquid based pumps are included in the system (e.g., handpiece), either in lieu of or in additional to liquid pumps. In some embodiments, non-liquid pumps comprise air-based pumps (e.g., pumps that are configured that move air, either continuously or intermittently).
According to some embodiments, the pump (e.g., liquid pump) 130 is configured to create a maximum pressure or vacuum within the waste conduits or lines 144, 146, and thus along the tip 300, of 5 pounds per square inch (psi). In some arrangements, the amount of pressure or vacuum that is generated by the pump can be between 0 and 5 psi (e.g., 0 to 5, 0 to 4, 0 to 3, 0 to 2, 0 to 1, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 2 to 5, 3 to 5 psi, values between the foregoing, etc.). However, in other embodiments, the liquid pump 130 is configured to generate a maximum pressure or vacuum greater than 5 psi (e.g., 5 to 6, 6 to 7, 7 to 8, 8 to 9, 9 to 10 psi, values between the foregoing, values greater than 10 psi, etc.), as desired or required.
In some embodiments, the system 10 is configured to include two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, more than 5, etc.) specific pressure or vacuum levels or values at which the pump 130 can operate. However, in other arrangements, the system 10 can be adapted to permit a user to select any specific pressure or vacuum range. For example, in such configurations, the system can include a dial or other modifiable controller that is not limited to specific (e.g., stepwise) levels of pressure or vacuum. Regardless of the exact configuration of the pump and its operational parameters, the system can include one or more controllers 30 to permit a user to easily and predictably make changes to pressure (e.g., positive or negative) during use of the system. In some embodiments, the system 10 can also be configured to permit a user to modify one or more other operational aspects of the pump 130, such as, for instance, flowrate, pulse rate (e.g., if fluid and/or the associated pressure/vacuum is delivered discontinuously), etc.
According to some embodiments, a pump of the system can be configured to deliver or transfer fluid and/or other treatment materials from a container (e.g., pod) to the tip or working end of the system (e.g., along the system-skin surface interface during use). This can be done in lieu of or in addition to using a pump to draw waste fluids away from the working end (e.g., to a waste bin, canister or other container). In some embodiments, at least one pump is used help deliver fluids and/or other materials to the skin from a treatment material source (e.g., pod, other container, etc.) while at least one pump is used help transfer waste from the working end to a waste container or canister.
With further attention to
As illustrated in
The RFID or other identification tag can be read or otherwise detected (e.g., automatically, manually, etc.) by one or more readers or detectors 160 of the system. For example, as shown and discussed above, in some embodiments, the reader 160 is positioned at or near the receiving area 60 of the pod to automatically detect the identification tag of the pod once the pod has been secured to the system. Accordingly, the RFID or other type of reader 160 can advantageously detect and identify the RFID tag of the pod or other container.
According to some embodiments, the RFID or other identification tag reader 160 of the system 10 is configured to both read and write data and/or other information to the tag positioned on the pod or other container. Thus, the information included in the identification tag of the pod or other container 400 can be updated (e.g., continuously, periodically, etc. updated) by the system, as desired or required.
In circumstances where the detected identifier (e.g., whether it is from the pod or container and/or another removable/replaceable component, such as, the tip) is inconsistent with the proper, predicted, safe, appropriate and/or approved operation of the system, the system can be configured to discontinue use of the system (e.g., to prevent fluid and/or other treatment materials included within a pod or other container from being directed to the tip).
The use of the RFID or other identification tags on the pods or other containers 400 and/or other components of the system (e.g., tips) can provide one or more other advantages or benefits. The collection of data regarding use of and/or related to the corresponding container (e.g., pod) can be gathered or otherwise collected to generate reports for billing, reordering and/or other purposes. In some embodiments, the number of times that a pod can be removed and reinserted within a manifold or handpiece or handheld assembly can be limited (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), as desired or required. For example, such limits can help prevent or reduce the likelihood of contamination of the fluid, to prevent the incorrect treatment fluid from being used and/or to provide one or more other benefits, goals and/or advantages. In some embodiments, the automatic identification of the pod or other container being secured to the system can allow the system to determine if a rinse, flush and/or other steps or actions are required before the fluid from that container can be used and/or any other action can be taken in connection with use of the system.
According to some embodiments, the use of RFID or other identification tags can facilitate the execution of a particular skin treatment protocol by the system. For instance, the system can include various pods containing fluids necessary to carry out any one of a number of various skin treatment procedures. For example, a treatment sequence can be configured for use in procedures for periodic or normal microdermabrasion treatment, anti-aging, anti-acne, skin lightening, oily skin treatment and/or the like. Each of the sequences, protocols or modes can include the delivery of one, two or more various serums and/or other fluids or materials that are contained in the pods or other containers.
With continued reference to
In other embodiments, however, the pod or other container 400 need not include a flattened portion or any other unique design or feature. For example, the system can be configured to receive vials with generally continuous cylindrical bodies. Such vials or other containers can be standard or non-standard (e.g., with respect to size, diameter, other dimension, overall shape, etc.). In arrangements where identification tags are utilized, tags can be positioned along any portion of a standard or non-standard vial or container, such as, for example, the neck or top portion, along the exterior of the main cylindrical or other main portion, the bottom, etc.
As with other electrical components of the system 10, the RFID or other identification tag reader (e.g., reader/writer) can be operatively coupled to a circuit board and/or other electronics 110 of the system. Further, as discussed above, any internal electrical components of the system 10 can be operatively coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly, wirelessly or via a wired connection, etc.) to one or more internal components of the system (e.g., processors, memory, controllers, etc.) and/or external computing devices or networks (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, a separate computing network, a cloud network or infrastructure, a separate skin treatment device or system, etc.) to facilitate processing of data collected by the RFID or other identification tag reader.
According to some embodiments, once the tip 300 is placed against a user's skin surface and the pump 130 is activated, suction is generated along the tip and the skin surface of the subject undergoing a treatment procedure. If the tip is securely placed along the subject's skin surface, the suction force generated along the tip (by activating, e.g., a liquid pump) will help transfer fluids and/or other treatment materials from the pod 400 to the tip 300 (e.g., via the fluid delivery conduit or line 142). Thus, during operation of the system 10, waste (e.g., spent fluid, exfoliated skin tissue, etc.) can transferred from the tip 300 to the waste canister or container 200. As noted herein, the pump 130 can include a liquid pump that comes in contact (e.g., directly, at least partially, etc.) with the waste material being transferred to the waste canister 200. For example, the pump can be configured such that only certain components and/or portion of the pump actually come in direct contact with the waste being transferred to the waste container. In some arrangements, the pump can include one or more removable or replaceable components, features or portions. Such removable or replaceable components can be configured such that they are entirely, largely or at least partially responsible for coming in direct contact with waste and other materials being transferred to the waste container. In some configurations, the use of such a liquid pump (e.g., a diaphragm pump) can permit the system to operate at lower, more gentle pressure/vacuum levels to create a more pleasant and gentle skin treatment experience for the user.
In some embodiments, the pump is configured such that it is activated or initiated (e.g., automatically) once the tip or other distal portion of the system contacts skin tissue. Relatedly, the pump can be deactivated once the tip or other distal portion of the system no longer contacts skin (e.g., is lifted off the skin surface of the subject being treated). Deactivation can occur immediately or following a time delay, as desired or required. In other arrangements, the system is configured to prevent activation of the pump if contact between the system (e.g., the tip, other distal portion, etc.) and skin is not detected. In order to accomplish the foregoing, one or more sensors (e.g., contact sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) can be positioned at or near the tip or other distal portion of the system.
With continued attention to
The embodiment illustrated in
As noted above,
With further reference to
According to some embodiments, placement of a pod or other container 400 within the designated recess, slot or other opening of the system aligns the septum or other portion of the pod or container configured to be penetrated or otherwise compromised (e.g., to access the internal contents contained within the pod) with a spike or other protruding member of the system. This can place the contents of the pod or container with one or more fluid conduits, pathways and/or other hydraulic features or components of the system to enable the contents to be selectively delivered to the tip or other distal end of the system.
As depicted in
In other embodiments, the tip illustrated in
With continued reference to
With reference to the top view of the tip 300 illustrated in
As noted above, in some embodiments, the rollerball 350 is sized, shaped and otherwise configured within the tip to extend distally past the distal most portion of the peripheral lip 310. In some arrangements, the rollerball extends 0.8 to 1 mm (0.8 mm to 0.85 mm, 0.85 mm to 0.9 mm, 0.9 mm to 0.95 mm, 0.95 to 1 mm, 0.7 mm to 1 mm, 0.7 mm to 1.2 mm, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, less than 0.5 mm, more than 1.5 mm, values between the foregoing, etc.) distally past the peripheral lip 310. According to some embodiments, the rollerball 350 to extend distally past the distal most portion of the peripheral lip by 0.1% to 30% (e.g., 0.1 to 1, 1 to 5, 5 to 10, 10 to 15, 15 to 20, 20 to 25, 25 to 30, 0.1 to 5, 0.1 to 10%, values between the foregoing ranges, greater than 30%, less than 0.1%, etc.) of the diameter or other cross-sectional dimension of the rollerball.
With the application of vacuum along the distal end 302 of the tip (e.g., via activation of the fluid pump of the system), the delivery of treatment fluid from the pod via the fluid delivery conduit, the passage 322 and the rollerball/rollerball housing structure 330 can be enhanced. The arrow 326 in the cross-sectional view of
With further attention to
With continued reference to
According to some embodiments, the tips 300 include one or more plastic materials. In some arrangements, the tips 300 are at least partially translucent or transparent. In some embodiments, the tips 300 are disposable. However, in other arrangements, the tips 300 can be reusable, as desired or required.
As illustrated in
With continued attention to
In some embodiments, the peripheral lip and/or the internal baffle or wall can be configured to at least partially abrade skin tissue as the system 10 is moved (e.g., translated) relative to a subject's skin tissue. The abrasion can be enhanced with relatively higher suction forces applied by the pump (e.g., liquid pump) to the tip.
According to some embodiments, the various embodiments of a skin treatment system disclosed herein can be self-administered by a user on his or her own (e.g., at home). Such a skin treatment protocol can be a stand-alone procedure to improve the skin health of a subject. However, in other embodiments, the skin treatment embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be used in conjunction with a larger skin treatment regimen that includes periodic professional treatments (e.g., by an aesthetician or other skin treatment professional). For instance, in some arrangements, the skin treatment systems described herein can be used once or twice (or more often) between visits to a skin treatment professional.
According to some embodiments, the skin treatment system 10 disclosed herein can include different treatment steps or phases. For example, in one arrangement, the first step includes a cleansing step. This can be followed up by a secondary hydration step. In some embodiments, additional steps or phases can be used. In some embodiments, different pods can be used for various steps or phases. Therefore, the user may need to remove a first pod or treatment material container 400 from the system and replace with a different one, and vice versa, as desired or required.
Although several embodiments and examples are disclosed herein, the present application extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and modifications and equivalents thereof. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
While the inventions are susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the inventions are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the inventions are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments described and the appended claims. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The methods summarized above and set forth in further detail below describe certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, it should be understood that they can also include the instruction of those actions by another party. The methods summarized above and set forth in further detail below describe certain actions taken by a user (e.g., a professional in some instances); however, it should be understood that they can also include the instruction of those actions by another party. Thus, actions such as “moving a handpiece” or “delivering a fluid” include “instructing moving a handpiece” and “instructing delivering a fluid.” The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers proceeded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers. For example, “about 10 mm” includes “10 mm.” Terms or phrases preceded by a term such as “substantially” include the recited term or phrase. For example, “substantially parallel” includes “parallel.”
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/243,053, filed Sep. 10, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2022/076203 | 9/9/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63243053 | Sep 2021 | US |
