DE102014108315A1 - Treatment device and treatment method for the face - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treating the face, comprising a face mask (1) with a knitted support (20) and knitted electrodes (10, 11, 12) with at least one face facing the face. The object of the present invention is to provide a face mask which allows a combination of different treatment methods, which include both the skin and the underlying musculature, also act effectively and quickly and associated with reduced impairment of the user. The object is achieved by the carrier (20) and electrodes (10, 11) are made in one piece as a flat knitted fabric, wherein the electrodes (10, 11) are knitted as inlays in the carrier using electrically conductive threads, and the electrodes at their the Face facing surface having an elastic, electrically conductive implant as a stimulation layer, an operating unit (5), a signal sensor (4) and a stimulation unit (2). The invention further relates to a method for the treatment of the face, wherein by means of a treatment device by mesotherapy by iontophoresis Vera are introduced into the subcutaneous tissue of the face and / or the facial muscles are electrically stimulated by electromyostimulation.

Description

The invention relates to a treatment device, which is designed in the form of a mask, and a treatment method for the face. The face, despite its comparatively small size, is of great importance for the overall appearance of the subject, especially as regards aging and its effects on the skin and underlying facial muscles. Slowing down these processes is the goal of different treatments, in particular by the use of cosmetic agents that act directly on the skin, especially on its outer layers.

In addition, the treatment of deeper skin layers of importance, as these also exert an influence on the superficial appearance, for example, in terms of wrinkling. In order to be able to treat the deeper skin layers, it is necessary to transport the active substances there. For this purpose, the methods of thermophoresis and iontophoresis are known.

The advantages of iontophoresis in combination with thermophoresis are described in the document DE 20 2008 006 017 U1 , wherein additionally a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is provided. For this purpose, a textile cosmetic mask is provided which has an electrically conductive conductor pair in addition to a heating conductor.

A disadvantage of this solution, however, is that conductive fibers are provided for the transmission of the currents to the skin. Since these can not rest on a large area, but only selectively on the skin, it comes to electrical irritation of the skin, which is uncomfortable for the user. In addition, the current always flows only between two relatively close electrodes, so that depending on the polarity of the drug only in the region of the one electrode, which is connected either as a cathode or as an anode, penetrates into the skin. While this disadvantage is partially compensated for by applying a periodically polarity alternating current, this reduces the effectiveness of the treatment and significantly extends the duration of treatment. Furthermore, the electrodes and provided for their control external electronics are not intended to cause a targeted stimulation of the facial muscles.

The publication DE 20 2004 003 752 U1 shows a solution to the latter drawback in which electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is provided. However, in this case only a single pad electrode is described, which is to be placed each on the face. Such a treatment is very time consuming and exhausting for the user.

In contrast, offers a solution according to the document advantages DD 289 704 A5 , which suggests a device for stimulating the muscles in the facial area. With the use of this device, the treatment of Zahnrichtungs- and Bissanomalien is possible. Likewise, the device is used in the cosmetic field, especially for a face shape design. The electrodes are arranged so that the mimic and / or the masticatory muscles are stimulated. An embodiment also proposes an elastic head-chin cap, to which the electrodes are attached, so that any other separate fixation can be omitted. The disadvantage, however, is that the cap according to the presentation allows only a small variability in terms of arrangement and shape of the electrodes. Apparently, only selective adhesive electrodes are used. Furthermore, it is not possible to achieve additional effects beyond pure muscle stimulation that could be used for treatment or exposure to the skin.

The object of the present invention is therefore to offer a face mask which allows a combination of different treatment methods, which include both the skin and the underlying muscles, also act effectively and quickly and are associated with reduced impairment of the user.

The object is achieved by a device for treating the face, comprising a face mask, as described below, an operating unit and a stimulation unit.

Preferably, the stimulation unit can be attached to the face mask by means of a bayonet closure. Furthermore, the stimulation unit has a signal receiver for receiving a control signal from the operating unit. This is particularly preferably realized by a communication via Bluetooth standard, with a minimum range of two meters is required. This allows the transmission of the control signals without a cable connection. The stimulation unit is detachably connected to the face mask. In addition, a stimulation unit can be used by multiple users, each of whom has an individual face mask.

It has also proven to be advantageous if the operating unit has a graphical user interface as a user interface with which the user can control the operating unit. There is also provided an installed software for at least the programs "iontophoresis" and "electromyostimulation" for driving contact electrodes of the face mask. Further advantages in this context include a graphical user interface, comprising a touch-sensitive screen, which is designed to operate and control the activity of the contact electrodes. By means of a control unit spaced from the face mask, it is achieved that the face mask and the elements arranged on it have a minimum weight and nevertheless ensure optimal operation, which can be aligned, in particular, with the respective user group, for example the elderly or persons with reduced mobility, without having to change the stimulation unit itself.

The stimulation unit for power supply preferably has an accumulator. The accumulator supplies the energy, the electric current for the operation of the contact electrodes, which introduce the current into the body. An accumulator, which is permanently installed or interchangeably connected to the stimulation unit, the energy can be quickly recharged and the stimulation unit is ready for use again. According to the invention, however, it is also proposed to use non-rechargeable batteries or other power sources instead of the rechargeable battery, such as a generator, preferably in conjunction with an at least temporary effective memory.

To connect the stimulation unit with the face mask, a bayonet connection or at least one metal or metallized push button is provided. Such a connection represents an equally durable and simple as electrically secure connection. More preferably, several contacts are provided. The push buttons electrically contact the stimulation unit and hold it firmly against the face mask.

As an alternative or in addition to the use of snaps, at least one preferably metallized hook-and-loop fastener element is provided for connection. A Velcro connection is simple and flexible in the way that it can be attached in different places. For example, if the stimulation unit has the hook side, it can be attached to a larger area on the face mask equipped with the fleece side.

As a further alternative, at least one magnetic contact is provided for connection. Magnetic contacts provide a secure electrical connection and are still quickly and easily solvable when needed, for example, when the user encounters an obstacle in the movement with the stimulation unit. This avoids accidents and damage to the face mask or stimulation unit.

Particular advantages result if a smartphone is used as the operating unit and installed software can be installed at least for the programs "iontophoresis" and "electromyostimulation" for controlling paired contact electrodes of the face mask via the Internet.

The preferred embodiment of the device for treating the face comprises a face mask with a knitted support and knitted electrodes with at least one surface facing the face, wherein support and contact electrodes are made in one piece as a flat knit, ie the contact electrodes are knitted into the support. This is done by knitting the contact electrodes as inlays in the carrier using electrically conductive threads. In addition, the electrodes on their face-facing surface on an elastic, electrically conductive implant as a stimulation layer. The face mask according to the invention can also be used in other than the device according to the invention for the treatment of the face.

In the flat knit, as it is used as a carrier and contact electrodes, although there is only a single knitted surface, but this is in a variety of knitting bonds, depending on the required three-dimensional contours, executable. In this case, a formations is made possible according to the face shape, whereby the contact electrode contour accurate to represent the facial geometry is capable. Thus, an optimal match and installation of the electrode to the skin can be realized.

The contact electrodes themselves are also in the form of an at least single-layer flat knit formed as intarsia, which at least partially consists of conductive material by using conductive threads. Intarsia is here also referred to as a flat knitted surface within the facestock forming the face mask, for the production of which at least partially electrically conductive threads, e.g. electrically conductive yarn, are used.

Their conductivity can be based on chemical effects (such as carbon polymers) as well as on physical effects (such as metals, metal alloys) as well as their combinations (eg metallic synthetic coatings). The intarsia can be superficially worked on one or both surfaces of the surrounding flat knitted fabric, alternatively also of another knitted fabric or knitted fabric, or be present in its full cross section.

In addition, the contact electrode has, as a body-side electrically conductive stimulation layer, an implanted polymer which causes passive hydrogenation of the skin surface and thereby ensures optimal conductivity of the electrode surface to the body and at the same time significantly improves the wearing comfort of the clothing part. In addition, the consistent production of all textile elements in the process of flat knitting leads to a high efficiency in the production of the face mask according to the invention.

The elastic, electrically conductive implant as skin-contacting stimulation layer means that not only is a simple coating present, but the implant material extends both on the surface of the intarsia of the contact electrode and at least partially in its interior, e.g. wanders between the stitches of a flat knitted fabric. This achieves a very high durability and also a particularly reliable electrical contact. Strains of the flat knit are gently transferred to the implant, so that a detachment from the fabric permanently avoided and also a high level of comfort can be ensured. The implantation covers the intarsia at least partially, but may extend beyond the intarsia to the flat knit.

Preferably, a polymer is used for the implantation, wherein the implantation takes place, for example, by means of pressing pressure, heat or similar suitable methods. By using a polymer, preferably an electrically conductive rubber, a passive hydrogenation by local moisture development on the skin, thus by using the body moisture, is effected in use. For this reason, the electrodes require no additional excitation by moisture pads and also no increase in the electrical conductivity by means of a gel or gel reservoir, as is regularly encountered in the prior art.

The coating, which forms a soft cushion, is pleasant on the skin and, thanks to its electrical properties, distributes the current very evenly over the entire surface adjacent to the skin. This does not lead to unpleasant local current peaks; the flow of electricity into the skin remains pleasant for the user. The conductive coating represents only an additional element of the electrode, which is already finished and functional from the textile technology process and already has suitable electrical properties. However, particularly favorable wearing properties and the aforementioned advantages are achieved if the coating consists of a conductive dispersion or of a conductive polymer, since these materials bear soft against the skin.

It is furthermore advantageous if textile-based electrical lines are knitted into tunnels for supplying power to the contact electrodes, by which the electrical conductor for the electrical connection of the contact electrode is enclosed by means of a knitted tunnel; it is therefore insulated, protected and not visible.

The fabric-based in this way textile-based electrical lines are thus, without affecting the elasticity or other wearing properties of the face mask, functionally integrated in all respects in the textile fabric. This can be done for example by metal-coated, preferably insulated plastic fibers, which are processed together with the other fibers forming the textile fabric. Thus, the signals from the stimulation unit can be directed through the fabric forming the face mask to the contact electrodes.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of the face in which the contact electrodes on the side facing the face are arranged so that they can serve both electromyostimulation and iontophoresis, wherein for iontophoresis an additional, in the area of the neck of the User arranged counter electrode is provided, which is acted upon by a voltage with opposite to the contact electrodes of the opposite polarity.

The object of the invention is further achieved by a method for the treatment of the face, in which by means of a treatment device with a face mask, both as described above, are introduced into the hypodermis of the face by mesotherapy using iontophoresis Vera and / or electrically stimulate the facial muscles by electromyostimulation becomes. It can optionally one the two methods are used individually or both in a coordinated change. As a result, particularly advantageous interactions are achieved, as further improves the circulation of the skin and thus the action of introduced by iontophoresis Vera by muscle stimulation.

For the electromyostimulation by driving the paired contact electrodes is preferred after a program "Elektromyostimulation" at the frequency of 85 Hz, a pulse width of 350 microseconds and a pause-pause ratio of 3: 5, 4: 5, 5: 5 or 5: 3 performed. These combinations have proven to be particularly effective in stimulating facial muscles.

For the performance of iontophoresis, depending on the polarity of the verum, the contact electrodes on the face are connected as an anode against the cathode positioned in the neck of the user or the contact electrodes on the face as a cathode against the anode positioned in the neck of the user. In this case, one or more contact electrodes on the face and these can also be controlled differently in order to achieve a locally determined intensity of the treatment.

Further advantages of the invention are that, when treated with direct current, the introduction of various Vera (eg, uncrosslinked halouronic acid, vitamin complexes, etc.) into the subcutaneous tissue of the human face is possible by iontophoresis. In addition, by another Stromapplikationsform, namely bipolar alternating currents, the facial muscles consciously trained, which leads to a better external appearance, better blood circulation and optimal regeneration of the subcutaneous tissue. Mesotherapy with regard to iontophoresis and vera are used as well as electromyostimulation (EMS therapy) with certain suitable current patterns and application forms. The combination of iontophoresis and electromyostimulation ensures that the subcutaneous blood circulation is improved and more capillaries are formed.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention for the treatment of the face;

2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a face mask according to the invention in side view;

3 : a schematic representation of an embodiment of a face mask according to the invention in front view; and

4 : A schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a contact electrode.

1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an inventive device for treating the face with a face mask 1 , the contact electrodes 10 . 11 that is in a carrier 20 are introduced. The contact electrodes 10 . 11 are (as well as the contact electrodes, not shown here 12 ) by means of textile-based lines 21 and an electrically contactable bayonet lock 3 with the stimulation unit 2 connected. The stimulation unit 2 sends out the electrical signals which are supposed to cause the desired physiological effects in the user, namely the current flows for the iontophoresis and the pulses for the electromyostimulation.

The control signals are from a signal receiver 4 recorded, they are sent from the control unit 5 , Between the stimulation unit 2 and the control unit 5 depending on the control equipment of the stimulation unit 2 the individual control pulses for the contact electrodes 10 . 11 or transfer larger program sections. In general, however, the control unit 5 execute the programs and the corresponding control signals to the stimulation unit 2 send. This is also designed so that it is rechargeable by means of a power supply; For this purpose, it has a built-in or replaceable battery.

The operating unit 5 is executed in the most preferred embodiment as a smartphone, so that they can load and run the desired stimulation programs on the Internet. The control of the stimulation unit 2 This is done via the built-in Bluetooth smartphone communication system, the control signals 6 transfers.

Regardless, it is also provided as an alternative, a stand-alone control unit 5 which is used as a device specially developed for the intended purpose and which is already equipped with the corresponding stimulation programs.

• • Modus (Iontophorese, EMS),
• • Darstellung der Gesichtsmaske mit Elektroden,
• • Aktivitätselektroden,
• • Programm,
• • Intensität (Milliampere),
• • Anzeige der Bluetooth-Verbindung,
• • optional: Effektivität des transdermalen Verum-Transports.

The graphical user interface, not shown here, offers at least the following displays:

• • mode (iontophoresis, EMS),
• • representation of the face mask with electrodes,
• • activity electrodes,
• • program,
• Intensity (milliamps),
• • display the Bluetooth connection,
• • optional: effectiveness of transdermal verum transport.

2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a face mask according to the invention 1 in side view with attached stimulation unit 2 that over the wires 21 with the contact electrodes 10 . 11 . 12 electrically connected. The carrier 20 is designed so that it is able to adapt to the contour of the face, which is possible by the intended manufacturing process, the flat knitting. The carrier 20 is offered in different sizes.

It is also on the face mask 1 a headband 23 provided to which the stimulation unit 2 is infected. Furthermore, a neckband 24 provided that the contact electrode 12 which acts as a counter electrode when using iontophoresis. Depending on the polarity of the verum, the drug-containing agent, while the counter electrode is either cathode or anode, while arranged on the face contact electrodes 10 . 11 then form the anode or cathode. headband 23 and neck band 24 are either also together with the carrier 20 knitted or separately attached thereto.

3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a face mask according to the invention 1 in front view. Here is the arrangement of the contact electrodes 10 . 11 recognizable. While a single contact electrode 10 is arranged in the forehead area, are the contact electrodes 11 in pairs. As a result, the latter can be used for the electromyostimulation of the facial muscles. For electromyostimulation are all contact electrodes 10 . 11 used.

For electromyostimulation (EMS), the following programming is preferably provided: program Frequency (Hz) Stimulation-pause ratio (sec) Pulse shape (schematized) pulse width Im 1 85 3: 5 <=====> 350 s 2 85 4: 5 <=====> 350 s 3 85 5: 5 <=====> 350 s 4 85 5: 3 <=====> 350 s 5 (85/7) 5: 5 <===== | 350 s

4 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a contact electrode 10 . 11 . 12 as they are in the fabric of the wearer 20 is embedded. An inlay 13 is introduced into the fabric for this purpose. This has conductive components, for example metallic or coated threads and can thus serve as an electrode. To increase the comfort on the surface is the stimulation layer 14 applied. The power supply of the contact electrodes 10 . 11 . 12 via the line 21 , in turn, in the tunnel 22 is embedded. Also the line 21 and the tunnel 22 are preferably produced by means of the flat knitting process.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 face mask

2

 stimulation unit

3

 bayonet catch

4

 signal sensor

5

 operating unit

6

 control signal

10

contact electrode

11

Contact electrode (paired)

12

Contact electrode as counterelectrode (anode, cathode)

13

inlay

14

stimulation layer

20

carrier

21

management

22

tunnel

23

headband

24

neckband

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202008006017 U1 [0003]
• DE 202004003752 U1 [0005]
• DD 289704 A5 [0006]

Claims (10)

Face mask comprising a knitted support and knitted electrodes having at least one face facing the face, characterized in that a support ( 20 ) and contact electrodes ( 10 . 11 . 12 ) are executed at least partially in one piece as a flat knitted fabric, wherein the contact electrodes ( 10 . 11 . 12 ) as inlays ( 13 ) in the carrier ( 20 ) are knitted using electrically conductive threads, and the contact electrodes ( 10 . 11 . 12 ) on its surface facing the face of the user, an elastic, electrically conductive implantation as a stimulation layer ( 14 ) exhibit. A face mask according to claim 1, wherein in the carrier ( 20 ) textile-based electrical lines ( 21 ) in tunnels ( 22 ) for supplying power to at least one of the contact electrodes ( 10 . 11 . 12 ) are knitted. A face mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact electrodes ( 10 . 11 ) are arranged on the side facing the face so that they can serve both electromyostimulation and iontophoresis, wherein for iontophoresis at least one additional, in the region of the neck of the user arranged further contact electrode ( 12 ) is provided as a counter electrode, which is acted upon by a voltage with opposite to the contact electrodes of the opposite polarity. Device for treating the face, comprising a face mask ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, an operating unit ( 5 ) and a stimulation unit ( 2 ). Device according to claim 4, wherein the stimulation unit ( 2 ) by means of bayonet closure ( 3 ) on the face mask ( 1 ) and a signal receiver ( 4 ) for the control signal from the control unit ( 5 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the operating unit ( 5 ) a graphical user interface and installed software, at least for the programs "iontophoresis" and "electromyostimulation", for controlling at least contact electrodes ( 10 . 11 ) of the face mask ( 1 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a smartphone is used as the operating unit and software, at least for the programs "iontophoresis" and "electromyostimulation", for driving paired contact electrodes ( 11 ) of the face mask ( 1 ) can be installed over the Internet. Process for the treatment of the face, characterized in that by means of a treatment device according to one of claims 4 to 7 by mesotherapy by iontophoresis Vera are introduced into the subcutaneous tissue of the face and / or the facial muscles are electrically stimulated by electromyostimulation. The method of claim 8, wherein the electromyostimulation is controlled by driving the paired contact electrodes ( 11 ) is performed after a program "electromyostimulation" at the frequency of 85 Hz, a pulse width of 350 μs and a pacing-pause ratio of 3: 5, 4: 5, 5: 5 or 5: 3. Method according to Claim 8, in which, in order to carry out iontophoresis, depending on the polarity of the verum, contact electrodes ( 10 . 11 ) on the face as an anode against the cathode positioned in the neck of the user ( 12 ) or contact electrodes ( 10 . 11 ) on the face as a cathode against the anode positioned in the neck of the user ( 12 ).

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