AU750748B2 - A method and apparatus for treatment of human tissue using organic abrasive particulates - Google Patents

Description

10497AUDIV

ORIGINAL

Complete Specification Applicant: Inventors: Title: Address for Service: Ronald Allan Greenberg Ronald Allan Greenberg A method and apparatus for treatment of human tissue using organic abrasive particulates LESICAR PERRIN, 49 Wright Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to melus: A method and apparatus for treatment of human tissue using organic abrasive particulates.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for variable micro-abrasion using abrasive particles of different types or coatings at least some of which are organic in nature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Apparatus for making micro-abrasions, particularly for cosmetic, medical or therapeutic treatment of human tissue such as the removal of scars and other skin blemishes are known.

In addition, these apparatus may be used to treat hide or other similar type of materials, which require fine abrasion to remove particular attributes. Typically these apparatus are used to remove scars and other blemishes by removing surface skin layers by the use of abrasive particles or particles.

The particles are generally driven by a pneumatic source, such as a vacuum source. Such an apparatus includes a vacuum pump connected in series by tubes to a recovery container, a handle and a supply container housing abrasive particles. The handle includes an aperture which when positioned on a surface to be treated prevents any external air for entering the tubes and causes the vacuum pump to draw particles from the supply container through the handle and into the recovery container. Whilst passing through the handle the particles (or oooo particles) impinge on the surface causing an abrasive action. The particles are then sucked •into the recovery container where filters ensure that the particles remain in the recovery S•container.

The supply container may include an inlet valve that allows air to enter the supply container.

That air maybe be sourced form the atmosphere or may even be a source of compressed air ooooo S or the exhaust outlet ofa vacuum pump.

To achieve dermabrasion the particles must posses a certain level of abrasiveness.

Commonly used in the industry are aluminium oxide particles whose microscopic shape S 25 includes sharp points and edges that provide good abrasion against the skin.

-"However, for some time, there has been growing concern over the treatment of human *bodies with substances that are thought to be associated with various degenerative diseases.

Included in this group is the use of aluminium oxide as a dermabrasion particulate.

Recently aluminium has been identified as a possible cause of Alzheimer's disease and a number of people have been concerned with its use, however slight.

The use of such abrasive particles can also leave the skin dry and does not provide the exposed skin with any nourishment or a protective layer.

It may therefore be desirable to provide for micro-abrasion using particles that not only abrade the skin but also treat it at the same time by imparting essential oils, fragrances and other substances.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a micro-abrasion apparatus that provides a hitherto unknown range of micro-abrasion intensity and treatment and where said particulates or particles used are ones that when treating the skin impart essential oils, fragrances or other substances to the skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed an apparatus for providing treatment of a surface such as skin including: Sa pneumatic source operatively connected to a recovery container and to a hand tool; S at least one supply container including particulates, said particulates being at least in part 15 organic; Sa valve selectively connecting said pneumatic source, recovery container and hand tool to a selected one of said supply containers; whereby in operation said pneumatic source provides for an air flow through the recovery container, hand tool and the selected supply container in communication with same, drawing said particulates from the supply container through the hand tool and into the S•recovery container, said hand tool positioned on a surface to be treated and including an aperture so located that particulates passing through said hand tool are caused to impinge on •o O o the surface thereby treating it.

Preferably said supply container includes a variable inlet valve.

In preference said apparatus includes at least two supply containers, at least one of which houses organic or organic coated particulates.

Preferably said organic particles are made from ground up nut shells chosen from the selection including but not limited to walnut, hazelnut, brazil and almond nut shells or a mixture thereof.

Preferably said organic particles are made from ground up stone fruit kernels chosen from the selection but not limited to peach, apricot, nectarine, peacherine, plum, cherry stones or a mixture thereof.

In preference at least some of said particles are coated with fragrant materials.

In preference at least some of said particles are coated with a colour.

Preferably said organic particles include a surface film part of which remains on the surface being treated.

In a further aspect of the invention there is proposed a method of treatment of human skin including directing an airflow including organic particles onto the skin to be treated.

In a still further aspect of the invention there is proposed a method of treating human skin including: using an air flow to carry particles through a hand tool, said hand tool including an aperture which is so located that upon placement on the skin the particles are caused to impinge on it •and wherein said particles are organic particles.

15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS o• 0 °•The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings, oO* C S 20 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a micro-abrasion apparatus with two different a g o particles that can be used including two supply and recovery assemblies and o00 o 0000 two pneumatic sources; •0 Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the micro-abrasion apparatus of Figure 1; *000 Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a micro-abrasion apparatus having two different supply and recovery assemblies but using only one pneumatic source; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a micro-abrasion apparatus having two different particles but only one recovery container; R1_ue 5 is a schematic representation of a three supply containers having different rN) 0particles with only one recovery container; and Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a micro-abrasion apparatus using only one particle type such as organic particles with only one pneumatic source.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings.

Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

It has been discovered that the use of hard organic material that is sufficiently dried, may be used in micro-dermabrasion apparatus as discussed below providing an effective abrasive action against the skin whilst at the same time leaving the skin relatively smooth and supple as compared with the use of aluminium oxide particles.

One of the organic materials that have been found to be particularly useful is ground up nutshells such as walnut shells. These ground up or pulverized shells can sufficiently dry not to cause blocking in the tubes of a micro-dermabrasion apparatus and yet still have levels of oils and other substances that are left as a residue against the skin on which they are impacted.

In fact, experimentation with different types of organic material has shown, that provided S; that the particles are sufficiently dry and of a suitable size, a whole range of organic 20 particles may be used. For example, one may equally well use coconut shell, walnut shell, peach kernels and other fruit kernels but to name a few.

Thus a person who wishes to be treated by a certain organic material due to certain properties of that material may choose to have that material prepared in granular form and dried to be used in a micro-dermabrasion apparatus. In this way the skin may e slightly S 25 abraded at the same time providing treatment by that organic material to the satisfaction of the consumer.

i It is also desirable at times to still use highly abrasive particles such as aluminium oxide.

However, it has been discovered that by mixing aluminium oxide particles with organic material that may not be abrasive, one achieves not only good abrasion but also simultaneous treatment of the skin.

Turning now to the figures in detail, and specifically Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an apparatus 10 for making abrasions including a vacuum pump 12 operatively connected in series to either a first assembly including a recovery container 14, a handle 16 and a supply container 18 by tubes 20, or operatively connected to a second assembly including a recovery container 22, a handle 24 and a supply container 26 by tubes 28. Typically it is the first recovery container that includes organic or organic coated particulates.

Switch 30 controls a solenoid that switches the vacuum pump from operatively being connected either to the first or second assembly. The vacuum pump is operable by an electric switch and draws air through inlet 34 and exhaust's it through outlet 36.

Second assembly supply container 26 is provided with particles or particulates that are of a different type, such as heavier abrading particulates, than those found in supply container 18 (the organic ones). Of course, the second supply container may very well include other types of organic particulates or organic coated particulates. If the particles are heavier then the same density of particles provides a greater abrasive result. Because the particles are substantially heavier and to provide for a more instant particle flow it is preferably for the second assembly to include a second pneumatic source. Accordingly a compressor 38 is operatively connected to the supply container 26 or to the container that may house the heavier particles.

In operation, the vacuum pump draws air through either one of the assemblies and the corresponding recovery container and handle. The handle includes an aperture 40, which is positioned against the surface to be treated, and which then causes air and thus particles to be drawn from the corresponding recovery container. The stream of particles then impinges on the surface against which the aperture is positioned causing micro-abrasions and is subsequently drawn into the recovery container together with any abraded surface debris.

When a low-level of micro-abrasion is required the switch 30 is operated so that the solenoid operatively connects the vacuum pump in series with the first assembly that in this example houses lighter abrasive particles. In such a configuration the vacuum pump provides suction through the recovery container 14, handle 16 and supply container 18. The supply container 18 includes an inlet 39 connected to a regulator 42 having an inlet 44 the regulator controlling the amount of air entering the supply container. The air entering the supply container aerates the particles, with the magnitude of air flow providing control over the flux or density of particles drawn though the apparatus.

In use where a different level or type of micro-abrasion is required, switch 30 operates the solenoid to operatively connect the vacuum pump 12 in series with the second assembly.

The supply container 26 of the second assembly as with the first assembly also includes an inlet 40 connected to regulator 42 with an inlet 44. However, unlike the regulator used in the first assembly, the inlet 44 is operatively connected to the compressor 38.

Advantageously, when the switch 30 operatively connects the vacuum pump with the second assembly, control switch 46, usually a foot control switch, controls the compressor 38 to provide pressure to the supply container 26. The foot switch may be a variable switch that variably controls the speed and thus the pressure provided by the compressor.

An isolation switch 48 can isolate the operation of (or power to) the compressor from switch 46. Similarly isolation switch 32 controls the first pneumatic source or the vacuum pump.

Thus, if one wants to use the second assembly to provide for micro abrasions using heavier particles stored in the recovery container 26 using handle 24 without the extra air flow provided by the compressor, one can turn off switch 48. But, to assist in the flow of different or heavier particles and provide a greater degree of micro-abrasion, is it advantageous to use the compressor to provide the greater flow rate and particle density.

The vacuum pump includes a suction regulator 50 that controls the suction provided to the apparatus by the vacuum pump 12. A vacuum gauge 52 advantageously provides an indicator of the vacuum within the apparatus, the vacuum gauge being isolated by the use of 20 valve 54.

Filters 56 ensure that the particle flowing from the supply container, through the handle and into the recovery container to not enter the vacuum pump and cause potential damage. The recovery containers may also include filter 58 that prevent any particles form passing into the vacuum pump.

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S 25 In use, after the vacuum pump 12 has been activated, the operator chooses whether they want to use the first assembly or second assembly by operating switch 30. The appropriate hand tool is then used with its aperture 40 positioned against a surface to be treated. Air is then drawn or sucked through the appropriate recovery container, handle and the supply container, the amount of suction regulated by regulator Regulator 42 that assists in providing aeration of the particles and can control the particle flux or density.

8 When the second assembly is selected by use of switch 30, the foot pump is activated that allows the operator to provide pressurised air to the supply container 26, which can also be controlled by regulator 42. It is however to be understood that the regulators are not essential to the working of the invention and the compressor may simply be turned off and nn hvby the use of the foot switch. However, to provide for fine adjiistment of the particle flux or density it is advantageous to have the regulators present.

To allow access to the particles, the supply and recovery container may include quickrelease lids 60 allowing access into the containers. To also assist in mounting the container to the apparatus, the recovery and the supply container may include projections 62 adapted to engage holding bores 64 on the apparatus.

Timer 66 can assist the operator in keeping a track of time that the machine has been used for. Although not shown, the times could be electrically connected to the pneumatic sources so that the apparatus turns off after a pre-determined amount of time.

Thus one can see that the present dual bottle apparatus provides for a hitherto unknown range of micro-abrasion properties by providing for different types of particles some of which are organic type particles.

Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown an apparatus that incudes two assemblies, that is two supply and recovery containers, but only one pneumatic source. In this embodiment, there are two valves 70 and 72 that are adapted to operate in tandem and that control the 20 coupling of the pneumatic source with the relevant supply and recovery containers.

Thus the vacuum pump 12 is either connected so as to provide a pneumatic source to recovery container 14, handle 16 and supply container 18 or alternatively to supply recovery container 22, handle 24 and supply container 26. The vacuum source in the embodiment also includes two regulators 74 and 76 that control exposure to the inlet 78 and outlet 80 of S 25 the vacuum pump. A meter 82 may also be present to provide and indication to the operator of the air pressure within the system. The meter can be isolated by valve 82. Filter 56 filters out any particulate matter form entering the vacuum pump.

'oeo° Whilst at times it may be desirable and even necessary to have independent assemblies, one may also have a joint assembly whereby a plurality of supply containers are in communication with only one recovery container. This is shown in Figure 4 where the supply containers 18 or 26 can be coupled to the one recovery container 14 by the use of valve 30. As was the case in the previous embodiment, one selection of the switch may also turn on a second pneumatic source, such as compressor 38.

Accordingly one can have a choice of different particles to use in a micro-dermabrasion machine including: Purely organic materials.

A mixture of abrasive particles such as aluminium oxide mixed with organic materials.

Abrasive particles that are coated with organic materials.

This can be achieved in the present apparatus by having an apparatus with a plurality of supply containers housing different particles. As shown in Figure 5 for example, there may be three different supply containers. Container 90 may house standard aluminium oxide particles 92, supply container 94 may house organically coated aluminium oxide particles 96 whist supply container 98 may house organic particles 100. A supply container can be chosen to be in communication with handle 102 and recovery container 104 by the use of valve 106 that controls air flow into the respective supply container and valve 108 that than connects that supply container to the handle 102 and recovery container 104.

S. In some cases the micro-dermabrasion apparatus may need to be modified to accommodate organic particles. This may include the dimensions of the tubes, airflow as well as the size of the handle and aperture. Further, the supply and collection containers may also need to be modified.

However, it may also be possible to use one apparatus where the supply container is simply changed thereby changing the abrasive particles. Thus, an apparatus such as that shown in Figure 6 may only have one supply container 18 and recovery container 14 and only one pneumatic source 12. To use different particles, the supply container can simply be S 25 replaced at the operator's discretion.

•Further, instead of having uniform size particles in the one supply container, in some cases one may wish to use a mixture of different sizes. As discussed above, one may choose to have aluminium oxide particles mixed with organic material whose size is smaller than that of the aluminium oxide.

If properly prepared the use of organic particles has been found to provide good abrasive rates. Of course, in some instance, such as medical applications it may be preferable to use aluminium oxide particles, or ones coated with an organic material.

The organic particles may not only contain essential oils but they may also contain fragrances that on impact with the skin impart some of those properties. One therefore proposes the use of particles in micro-dermabrasion machines that have been exposed to fragrances. For example, one may very well coat aluminium oxide particles with fragrant materials that impart their fragrance to the skin besides just abrading it.

It is to be understood that one does not need to just coat the abrasive particles, one may provide a mixture of abrasive particles and fragrant particles where the end result is that the abrasive particles abrade the skin whilst the fragrant articles impart the fragrances to the skin.

Of course, it may be that the apparatus contains separate abrasive and fragrant particles and that a user is firstly treated with the highly abrasive particles and subsequently with the organic ones that assist in leaving a residual layer on the skin.

A micro-dermabrasion operator may provide the consumer with a choice of mixing various abrasive particles or particles with various oils/fragrance particles which are then used in the S• skin treatment. Of course, great care needs to be taken to ensure that the particle do not *o*•.-become too wet whereupon they will not be able to move freely through the apparatus but will stick to the container and the various tubes.

The impacted skin therefore not only receives the benefits of micro-dermabrasion but also interaction with the abrasive particles, which leaves the skin with residual properties of the substance.

It is to be understood that other additions to the synthetic or organic materials may be used.

S 25 For example, whilst the above discussion looked at the use of organic abrasive particles or coating particles with such oils and fragrances, one may also add colouring to the abrasive particles whether they are synthetic or organic. This can result in the skin not only being abraded but also leaving a residue of oils/fragrance/colours to the specification of the consumer. The colours may also be natural colours form the organic material or may be colouring added to the particles. Thus it is to be understood that the additive to the abrasive particle are not intended to be limited to those described above. They may be various, such 11 as tea tree oils and essences, colourings and so on. The only requirement would be that as a collection of particles they cannot posses a coating that will provide for adhesion between the different particles.

One can therefore see that the present invention teaches the use of organic or organic coated particles together with an apparatus that can accommodate one or more different supply containers that may require one or more recovery containers as well as one or more pneumatic sources. This provides for a hitherto unavailable choice in the treatment of skin both for cosmetic and medical purposes.

For example, one may first wish to be treated with a harsh particle to remove quickly and efficiently top surface skin layers. Subsequently one may wish to use the gentler but still slightly abrasive organic particles that compensate for any serious abrasion whilst imparting to the skin substances that help protect and nourish it.

Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

o• 20 Dated this 16th day of October 2001

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Ronald Allan Greenberg By his Patent Attorneys Lesicar Perrin *eooeU o*•o.

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Claims (11)

1. An apparatus for providing treatment of a surface such as skin including: a pneumatic source operatively connected to a recovery container and to a hand tool; at least one supply container including particulates, said particulates being at least in part organic; a valve selectively connecting said pneumatic source, recovery container and hand tool to a selected one of said supply containers; whereby in operation said pneumatic source provides for an air flow through the recovery container, hand tool and the selected supply container in communication with same, drawing said particulates from the supply container through the hand tool and into the recovery container, said hand tool positioned on a surface to be treated and including an aperture so located that particulates passing through said hand tool are caused to impinge on the surface thereby treating it.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said supply container includes a variable inlet valve.

3. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims wherein said apparatus includes at least two supply containers, at least one of which houses organic or organic coated particulates.

4. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims wherein said organic particles are made from ground up nut shells chosen from the selection including but not limited to walnut, hazelnut, brazil and almond nut shells or a mixture thereof.

An apparatus as in any one of the claims 1 to 3 wherein said organic particles are made from ground up stone fruit kernels chosen from the selection but not limited to peach, apricot, nectarine, peacherine, plum, cherry stones or a mixture thereof.

6. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims wherein at least some of said particles are coated with fragrant materials.

7. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims wherein at least some of said particles are coated with a colour.

8. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims wherein said organic particles T include a surface film part of which remains on the surface being treated. 13

9. A method of treatment of human skin including directing an airflow including organic particles onto the skin to be treated.

A method of treating human skin including: using an air flow to carry particles through a hand tool, said hand tool including an aperture which is so located that upon placement on the skin the particles are caused to impinge on it and wherein said particles are organic particles.

11. A method of treating human skin using organic particulates substantially as hereinbefore described. *°e O