AU733672B2 - A supply container assembly for a micro-abrasion apparatus - Google Patents

Description

48032DIV P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: SRONALD ALLAN GREENBERG Actual Inventor(s): RONALD ALLAN GREENBERG ADDRESS FOR SERVICE

ALTERED

Address for Service: COL &C..,117 Kong William Stt, Adolaide, S.A. Invention Title: 0'r" A SUPPLY CONTAINER ASSEMBLY FOR A MICRO-ABRASION

APPARATUS

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: A SUPPLY CONTAINER ASSEMBLY FOR A MICRO-ABRASION

APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a particle storage and supply assembly for use in an apparatus for making micro-abrasions, particularly on human tissue and/or on hides.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Apparatus for making micro-abrasions may be used for cosmetic treatment of human tissue such as the removal of scars and other skin blemishes but may also be used for therapeutic treatment. In addition, the apparatus can be used to treat hide or other similar type of materials which require fine abrasion to remove particular attributes.

These apparatus are known and usually rely on a vacuum source to provide a pneumatic carrier for the reducing or abrasive particles. The particles are drawn from a supply container passing through a hand tool that includes an 15 aperture through which the reducing particles impinge on the surface being treated thereby abrading it. The particles are then further drawn by the vacuum S* source to a collection container.

The difficulty with existing apparatus is that when the hand tool is positioned on the surface to be treated, no external air can enter the apparatus the 20 pressure in the apparatus including the supply container reduces, until the flow of particles slows down and even stops. It is then necessary to lift the aperture form the surface to allow atmospheric air to re-pressurise the *...*apparatus including the supply container. Not only is this inefficient and leads to an uneven flow of particles, but as the pressure drops, the particle flow form the supply container has been known to block the various tubes that transport the particle from the supply container to the handle. To overcome this problem, some apparatus have been provided with flow reversal capabilities which try and blow the blocked particles back into the supply container. This obviously not only leads to loss of productive time but may cause the particles to spread over an area creating an undesirable mess. In addition, these apparatus do not provide any control of the particle density or flux.

It is an on object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems or provides the public with a useful alternative by providing a supply container that provides ore effective control on the particles or particulates drawn form the supply container. This is achieved by essentially fluidising the particles drawn through the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore in one aspect of the invention there is proposed a supply container for use in a micro-abrasion apparatus, said apparatus including a pneumatic means operatively connected in series with a recovery container, a hand tool and the supply container to cause abrasive particles to flow from said supply container, through said handle and into said recovery container, said supply container including; an air distributor operatively connected to an external air source and having a plurality of air holes of a size smaller than the abrasive particles said air distributor located at the bottom of said container to thereby pass air through said particles; an inlet means operatively connected to said hand tool and located adjacent and above said air distributor and whose size is greater than that of :20 the abrasive particles, whereby in operation the pneumatic means evacuates said supply container, air enters the supply container through the distributor causing agitation of said particles and assist their flow into the inlet means and through the apparatus.

Preferably the air distributor is operatively connected to a regulator to control the amount of air entering said supply container. This then allows fine control of the flux of particle that flows through the apparatus.

Preferably the air distributor is of a frusto-conical shape and which includes a wire mesh material whose mesh size is smaller than that of the particle.

This is much like the common air stone that may provide air to, for example, an aquarium.

Preferably said inlet means is an aperture in a tube, said tube extending substantially within the supply container, and including an open top end.

4 Preferably the pneumatic means is a vacuum pump and said external air source is the exhaust outlet of said pump.

Alternatively the pneumatic means is a vacuum pump and said external air source is atmospheric air.

Alternatively the pneumatic means is a vacuum pump and said external air source is a compressor. When using a separate compressor, the apparatus can provide a sudden burst of air that greatly assist in an increased microabrasion effect.

In another aspect of the invention there is proposed a supply container for a microabrasion apparatus including a pneumatic means operatively connected in series with a recovery container, a hand tool and the supply container to cause abrasive particles to flow from said supply container, through said handle and into said recovery container, said supply container including; an agitation means adapted to agitate said particles within said supply container; an inlet means operatively connected to said hand tool and located in said supply container in a position generally below the level of said particles, whereby in operation the vacuum source evacuates said supply container, air enters the supply container through the distributor causing agitation of said 20 particles and assist their flow into the inlet means and through the apparatus. s in any one of the above claims herein said pneumatic means is a vacuum pump and said external source is a compressor.

Preferably agitation means is a stirring assembly within said supply container and adapted to stir said particulates.

25 Alternatively the agitation means is a vibration assembly adapted to vibrate said supply container.

•.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTHE DRAWINGS To further assist in understanding the invention reference is now made to the following figures in which: FIG 1 is a perspective view of a micro-abrasion apparatus in accordance with the invention; FIG 2 is a schematic of a first embodiment of a micro-abrasion apparatus using a supply container in accordance with the invention; FIG 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a handle tool used with a micro-abrasion apparatus; FIG 4 is a cross-sectional view of the handle tool of Figure 3; FIG 5 is a cross-sectional view of the supply container in accordance with the invention; FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of a handle tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG 7 is a close up view of the handle of FIG 6 when in use; FIG 8 is a schematic of a second embodiment of a micro-abrasion apparatus using a supply container in accordance with the invention; and 15 FIG 9 is a schematic of a third embodiment of a micro-abrasion apparatus using a supply container in accordance with the invention; BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION Turning now to the figures in detail there is shown in FIG 1 an apparatus 10 for making abrasions including a handle 12 having an aperture 14 an inlet 20 passage 16 and an outlet passage 18, said inlet passage 16 being connected by an inlet tube 20 to a supply container 24 via supply connector 26. Outlet S" tube 22 is connected to recovery container 28 via recovery connector An electric vacuum pump 32 operable by switch 34 has a suction outlet which provides suction through tube 36 that passes through filter 29 and a three-way suction connector 40, one end of which is fed into the recovery container 28 and a second end of which is connected to a suction regulator 42 and vacuum gauge 46. The suction regulator 42 has a suction aperture 44 in connection with the atmosphere. The filter 29 ensures that any particulates within the tube 36 do not enter the vacuum pump 32 and potentially damage it.

In the first embodiment of a micro-abrasion apparatus and as shown in Figure 2, the electric vacuum pump 32 includes an exhaust outlet 37 which is connected via pressurised tube 38 to a three-way pressure connector 39 one outlet of which is an aperture 50 in connection with the atmosphere whilst the other is fed into a flow regulator 48 itself connected to pressure connector 52 and that feeds air into supply container 24.

In the second embodiment of a micro-abrasion apparatus and as shown in Figure 8, the flow regulator 48 that controls air entering into the supply container is not connected to the exhaust outlet of the vacuum pump but is open to only atmospheric air through aperture 50. Obviously air will pass through the regulator when the vacuum pump evacuates air form the apparatus and thus reduces the pressure in the supply container, at which point atmospheric pressure air will then replace that evacuated by the vacuum pump.

In the third embodiment of a micro-abrasion apparatus and as shown in Figure a compressor 92 is used to inject air into the supply container through regulator 48. A pressure relief bleed hole or valve 94 ensures that there is an 20 escape route for air if the regulator is closed so that the apparatus is not overpressurised. Alternatively, the regulator control could be adjusted so that in the 'closed' position, it still allows a small quantity of air to pass through it to S* ensure that the system is not completely sealed. A gauge 96 provides indication of the pressure being supplied to the supply container. By using the compressor, one can provide an intense burst of air through the apparatus increasing the micro-abrasion effect.

In use, after the electric vacuum pump 32 has been activated, it provides suction through suction outlet 35, suction tube 36, filter 29, three way suction container 40 to the recovery container 28 and then through the recovery connector 30 the outlet tube 22, through the outlet passage 18 and through the handle 12. When the aperture 14 is applied against a surface to be treated, the suction causes air to be then sucked through the inlet passage 16 inlet tube 20 supply connector 26 to the supply container 24 and therefore causes the reducing substances 54 to be sucked or flow back through that arrangement and be collected in the recovery container 28. To ensure that the particles remain in the recovery container 28 the container has a filter 27 with apertures that are smaller than the particulates thus ensuring that they remain within the recovery container. In the case where some of the particles may be sucked though the tube 36, the filter 29 ensures that potentially none reach into the vacuum pump. This double-filtering action therefore protects the vacuum pump from potential damage.

The suction may be regulated by the suction regulator 42 which allows the introduction of atmospheric air through suction aperture 44, the vacuum being indicated by the vacuum gauge 46. For maximum suction, the suction regulator 42 is closed so that no outside air enters the system through suction aperture 44. To reduce the amount of suction and thus the amount of reducing substances 54 being sucked from the supply container 24 and thus flowing through the handle the suction regulator may be slightly opened to allow outside air to enter the system.

At the same time air either from the exhaust outlet 37 of the vacuum pump (shown in Figure 2) pressurises tube 38 and is fed into the supply container 24 through a three-way pressure connector 39 and flow regulator 48. The flow :•:•:regulator controls the amount of pressurised air fed into the supply container.

20 When the flow regulator 48 is opened, the pressure causes air to flow into supply container 24 through pressure corrector 52 to enable the reducing substances to flow to the handle 12.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8 the supply container may have only controlled air entering the supply container, and as shown in Figure 9, a separate compressor can inject air into the supply container. The amount of air SOo• entering the supply container can be controlled by the regulator, which gives 0 unprecedented control on the density of particles that then pass through the system.

oe** 050 As shown in more detail in Figure 5, the pressurised air flows into the supply container through distributor 56 which is made from a fine mesh material whose size is of the same order or smaller than the particle sizes. The flow of air 58 out through the distributor 56 causes the particulates to be aired or fluidised and which then enter collection tube 60 through aperture 62. The collection tube is chosen to be of a sufficient height to ensure that the particulates do not directly enter into the tube but rather through the aperture 56. After passing through the aperture 62 the particulates flow through passageway 64, through supply connector 26 and into the inlet tube It has been discovered that the passing of air through the particles causes them to be effectively fluidised. The total amount of air passing through the particles controls the degree of fluidisation and this has been found to have a controlling effect on the density of particles that then enter the apparatus.

Increasing the air flow increase the particle flux or density, whilst decreasing the air flow decrease the particle flux or density.

It is also to be understood that other forms of particle agitation will assist in the control of the particle flux. For example, although not shown, an internal stirring means may be used within the supply container to stir and therefore agitate the particles within the container. Alternatively, the whole supply container may be vibrated or shaken to provide for the agitation or fluidising of the supply container.

The use of the vacuum control and the air flow regulator advantageously allows for fine control not only of the speed at which the particles impinge on S. the surface to be treated, but also on their density. In addition, by ensuring that air always flows into the supply container, previous problems of blockage and 20 lack of control have been overcome.

Accordingly, as a result of air entering the supply container and the vacuum, the reducing substances 54 held in supply container 24 are pneumatically transported to the handle 12 and the aperture 14. Air enters the supply S:container either naturally or assisted by the exhaust outlet or separate compressor. The particles or reducing substances then impinge on the surface to be treated defined by the aperture 14 and thereby cause micro-abrasions.

The reducing substances, together with any other particles and detritus removed from the surface being treated are then sucked through the outlet passage 18 outlet tube 22 and into recovery container 28 to be thereafter disposed of.

Both the recovery and supply containers are fitted with quick release seals 66 that allow access to the bottom of the recovery container enabling it to be emptied of particulate and to the top of supply container 24 enabling particulates to be added. In addition, both the supply and recovery containers are mounted on the side of the apparatus via quick release connectors 68 allowing them to be removed for cleaning, storage, replacement or transportation purposes.

Obviously the degree of micro-abrasion caused on the surface is adjustable by operating both the suction regulator 42 and the flow regulator 48. However it has been discovered that the problems of particle blockages and the ability to control the flow of particle can be greatly controlled by allowing air to enter the supply container that is independent of the vacuum. In fact, the apparatus requires at least some degree of air to enter the supply container for it to effectively work.

Figures 3 and 4 exhibit in further detail a first embodiment of the handle 12.

The handle 12 as discussed above includes aperture 14 and is connected to inlet and outlet tubes 20 and 22 by connectors 16 and 18 respectively.

Disposed within the handle 12 are two passageways, passageway operatively connected with inlet tube 20 and passageway 72 operatively connected to outlet tube 22. Removably attached over the end of the handle 12 adjacent the ends of passageways 70 and 72 is cap 74 within which is 2 disposed aperture 14. The axis of the aperture 14 is substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the end of supply passageway 70 with the plane of the aperture being substantially perpendicular to the coaxial axis of the end of passageway 70. Also disposed within the end of passageway 70 is a hollowed length adjustable rod 76 that allows particulates to flow therethrough and allows for the adjustment of the distance between the effective end of passageway 70 and the aperture 14. By adjusting the distance one can adjust the amount of dispersal of the particulates by the time they reach the aperture. In this particular embodiment the length adjustability is accomplished by the rod being screwable into the end of passageway allowing the distance to be adjusted by the use of a screwdriver which engages slit 78 at the end of rod 76. In addition the dimension of the hollow of the rod can also be chosen to be less than that of the passageway and S.i thereby adjust the flow of particulates therethrough. To ensure that there is a good seal between the cap 74 and the rest of the handle there may be an 'O' ring Figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the handle including an inlet passage 16 and an outlet passage 18. Positioned at the end of inlet passage 16 is plug 82 which is so shaped so as to reduce the diameter of the inlet passage 16 and thereby affect the number of reducing substances or particles 54 passing through the inlet tube 16 and through handle 12. To adjust the position of the plug 82 in relation to the aperture 14 the inlet tube 16 can be affixed relative to the handle by the use of a nut 84 which engages both the handle 12 and the inlet tube 16. Similarly the outlet passage 18 is fixed in place by a similar type of nut As indicated in Figure 7 reducing substances 54 are caused to impact the surface to be treated 86 with the reducing substances causing microabrasions of the surface and the residual of both the reducing substances 54 and particles of skin 88 is sucked up through outlet passage 18 and into the recovery container.

The foregoing describes only one embodiment of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the inlet tube passing through supply 26 may open into a manifold structure within the supply container to include multiple holes and shaking filters (not shown). The 20 supply container may also include an electrical heating means to thereby heat ~the reducing substance and improve the micro-abrasion effect.

To assist in using the apparatus other instrumentation may be attached to the apparatus such a timer 90 to ensure that the length of the treatment does not exceed the necessary levels.

Thus one can see that the present apparatus provides for the controlled flow of oo.. abrasive particles. By providing both a suction and air entering the supply container, the particles are caused to flow much more freely and assist in making microabrasions on a skin surface that is being treated.

Furthermore, the vacuum pump could be replaced by equivalent means adapted to create a pneumatic system to cause the reducing substances to flow through the loop.

11 Throughout this specification the above description has been intended to illustrate the invention and not to limit it thus,. Other embodiments may equally well be applied by those skilled in the art without deviating form the scope of the invention.

*e e

Claims (8)

1. A supply container for use in a micro-abrasion apparatus, said apparatus including a pneumatic means operatively connected in series with a recovery container, a hand tool and the supply container to cause abrasive particles to flow from said supply container, through said handle and into said recovery container, said supply container including; an air distributor operatively connected to an external air source and having a plurality of air holes of a size smaller than the abrasive particles said air distributor located at the bottom of said container to thereby pass air through said particles; an inlet means operatively connected to said hand tool and located adjacent and above said air distributor and whose size is greater than that of the abrasive particles, whereby in operation the pneumatic means evacuates said supply container, air enters the supply container through the distributor causing agitation of said particles and assist their flow into the inlet means and through the apparatus.

2. A supply container as in claims 1 wherein said air distributor is *operatively connected to a regulator to control the amount of air entering said supply container. 20 3. A supply container as in either one of claim 1 or 2 wherein said air distributor is of a frusto-conical shape and which includes a fine wire mesh material whose mesh size is smaller than that of the particle. S:4. A supply container as in any one of the above claims wherein said inlet means is an aperture in a tube, said tube extending substantially within the supply container, and including an open top end. A supply container as in any one of the above claims herein said pneumatic means is a vacuum pump and said external air source is the exhaust outlet of said pump.

6. A supply container as in any one of the above claims herein said pneumatic means is a vacuum pump and said external air source is atmospheric air.

7. A supply container as in any one of the above claims herein said pneumatic means is a vacuum pump and said external air source is a compressor.

8. A supply container for use in a micro-abrasion apparatus, said apparatus including a pneumatic means operatively connected in series with a recovery container, a hand too and the supply container to cause abrasive particles to flow from said supply container, through said handle and into said recovery container, said supply container including; an agitation means adapted to agitate said particles within said supply container; an inlet means operatively connected to said hand tool and located in said supply container in a position generally below the level of said particles, and adjacent said agitation means whereby in operation the vacuum source evacuates said supply container, air enters the supply container through the agitation means causing agitation of said particles and assisting their flow into the inlet means and through the apparatus. S: 9. A supply container as in claim 8 wherein said agitation means is an air distributor or stone. :i 10. A supply container as in claim 8 wherein agitation means is a stirring assembly within said supply container and adapted to stir said particulates.

11. A supply container as in claim 8 wherein said agitation means is a vibration assembly adapted to vibrate said supply container. *l

12. A supply container substantially as hereinbefore described.

13. A supply container hereinbefore described with reference to Figure Dated this 26th day of March 2001 ONALD ALLAN GREENBERG y his Patent Attorneys LESICAR PERRIN