FR2788682A1 - Thermographic band for indicating under skin circulatory network, such as cellulite state - Google Patents

Abstract

The band (1) contains a thermo-sensitive film (2) on a support (4). The support (4) is extended from one side by a graduated strip (10). The graduated strip (10) can be fixed to the film support (4) by its opposite edge. The film support (4) contains zones (6) designed to display data. These zones (6) contain thermographic reference images (5) of predetermined thermal states of the skin surface being studied. There are at least four zones (6) indicating progressive stages of cellulite formation in the human body. The band is associated with a massage device and each image (5) is associated with certain operating parameters of the massage device.

Description

THERMOGRAPHY DEVICE

  The present invention relates to a thermography device, that is to say a device for measuring a thermal map, comprising a heat-sensitive film held by a peripheral edge, and in particular a device used to control the state of the subcutaneous microcirculation. This device could be used, for example,

  for visualizing the state of cellulite on a part of the human body.

  A device of this type brought into contact with the skin instantly shows a thermal map of the area in contact showing the areas distributed more or less homogeneously. Heat-sensitive film

  varies reversibly and without time limit with temperature.

  This thermal mapping indicates the distribution or the state of the network

circulatory under the skin.

  Well-irrigated areas are hot (hyperthermic) areas and poorly irrigated areas are cold (hypothermic). Cold zones result

  microcirculatory disturbances.

  The thermal mapping can in particular testify to the cellulitic state which

  causes more or less significant circulatory disturbances.

  Such a device is known from document EP 0 748 608. As well described in this document, during use, the person holds the device by the support to apply the film against the area to be examined. A map of the local temperature appears after a few moments. After memorizing this image, the user must consult a manual to determine a treatment

desirable.

  The use of this device is however imprecise and awkward, especially when the user forgets the characteristics of the image produced by the heat-sensitive film and / or confuses it with another image when she subsequently consults an explanatory manual. . In addition, a device of this type, which is not well in contact with the surface under examination or which is applied with too much

  strong pressure on the skin, can provide incorrect information.

  The object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a device allowing easier implementation and offering more

reliability.

  Another object of the present invention is a device allowing the use of

further information.

  These aims are achieved by a thermography device comprising a thermosensitive film arranged in a peripheral support, characterized in that the

  support is extended on one side by a flexible graduated band.

  Thanks to the flexible strip passed around the object analyzed, in particular of the treated limb, the user can easily apply the well-adjusted film, pressed against the surface to be studied, namely the skin, which guarantees better

reliability of thermography.

  In addition, the user simultaneously reads the measurement of the diameter of the member of the zone under examination, this diameter being liable to change during a

treatment, including massage.

  Such a device allows, when associated with a massage device, to follow the evolution of the cellulitic state following the evolution of the effects

  benefits of a cellulite treatment campaign.

  Advantageously, the graduated flexible strip of a thermography device according to the present invention can be fixed to the film support at its edge.

  opposite to that extended by the strip.

  Thanks to this arrangement, the user can fix the strip to the support, thereby inserting the device around the member to be examined, in intimate contact with the skin, the time necessary for the image to appear on the film and then

  release the film to store it in a box provided for this purpose.

  Advantageously, the support of the heat-sensitive film of the thermography device according to the present invention has areas capable of

  receive information presentations.

  The additional support zone provided around the film makes it possible to print a plurality of standard images thereof placed next to the heat-sensitive film. The user can therefore directly compare the image obtained with the standard images, which

relieves her of an effort of memory.

  Preferably, the information presentation zones of the thermography device according to the present invention comprise thermographic reference images of predetermined thermal states of a

surface to study.

  This makes it possible to compare the thermal state of a surface to be examined, in particular that of the skin, with predefined standard images and to

  pronounce easily on the thermal state of this surface.

  Advantageously, the information presentation zones of the thermography device of the invention comprise at least four thermographic images characteristic of states of an area of the human body comprising progressive stages of cellulite. As such, we can refer to the publication "Local Lipodystrophy and Districtual Microcirculation" by S. B. Curri in the magazine "Cosmetics & Toiletries",

volume 109 of September 1994.

  Thanks to the display of thermographic images on the support of the film, the user can compare the image of the film with that of the support and can see the state of advancement of cellulite without having to use a medical textbook, even cosmetology and / or qualified people working

in these areas.

  The thermographic images characteristic of the areas affected by cellulite are classified according to at least four medical conditions. As the massage treatment progresses, the user can notice the transition from one state to another in the treated area, which informs her of the evolution of the cellulite state and encourages her to continue the treatment. It is obvious that if the user has several reference images, the comparison is

  greatly facilitated and the evolution all the more visible.

  Preferably, the thermography device according to the present invention is associated with a massage device and each image is associated with certain

  operating parameters of said massage device.

  By associating the thermographic image with the operating parameters of the device, the user can adjust the device in order to better

  adapt the massage to the needs of the area being massaged.

  According to an advantageous variant, the thermosensitive film of the thermography device according to the invention can be replaced by a matrix of temperature sensors, in particular thermistors, connected by conductive cables to electronic and / or computer means of display on a screen and recording of the data obtained on an appropriate medium. The invention will be better understood by studying an example described by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the figure. The figure shows a view of the

  thermography according to the invention arranged flat.

  The device for measuring a heat map 1 according to the invention comprises, as illustrated in the figure, a heat-sensitive film 2 arranged in a film support

  4 including an information presentation area 6.

  The film support 4 has, at one of its ends, a fixing device 8 having for example the form of a slot or opening for insertion of a flexible strip 10 arranged at the other end of the support 8. The strip flexible 10 has graduations 12 substantially over its entire length. The

  graduations can have, for example, an accuracy of one millimeter.

  The film support 4 and / or the graduated flexible strip 10 are made of a flexible material, for example a plastic film or a non-stretchable fabric. The heat-sensitive film 2 is composed of liquid crystals applied in and on a

flexible support.

  The device as illustrated in the figure can have a length of between 20 and 100 cm. The ratio between the length of the information presentation area 6 and the total length of the device can be between 1/8 and 1/2. The heat-sensitive film 2 can have a substantially rectangular shape in which case it is applied to the skin with the largest of its dimensions along the member to be examined, which facilitates visualization. The film can

  present any other form which can fulfill the same function.

  The surface of the film applied to the area examined must have an optimal dimension to obtain on the film an image sufficiently representative of the

  surface studied in order to be able to compare it with one of the reference images.

  In the context of the present invention, it must be greater than 5 cm2.

  The device 1 also has, on the side of the slot 8, a handle 14 provided with fixing means, not illustrated in the figure, in a given position, known as measuring the strip 10. These fixing means can be, by example a sticker, a Velcro closure, a hook, or any other

  means for easily attaching and removing the strip 12 to the handle 14.

  The use of a thermography device according to the invention proves to be particularly easy. The user applies the device 1 like a belt around the limb or the area to be examined, putting the heat-sensitive film 2 in intimate contact with the skin, adjusting it without tightening it too much. This practically instantly displays a thermal map of the area in contact showing areas of different colors and shapes distributed in a more or less homogeneous manner. Once the image is displayed, the user can compare it with one of the images 5 written in zone 6 of the film holder 4 and she can

  thereafter decide on the stage of cellulite evolution.

  The thermographic reference images 5 characteristic of states of an area of the human body comprising progressive stages of cellulite are at least four in number, but preferably six. The images, and therefore the corresponding stages of cellulite, vary from the absence of cellulite (image referenced I in the figure), go through various stages of edematous cellulite (images II and III), of micronodular cellulite (images IV and V) and

  end with the image of macronodular cellulite (image VI).

  As the massage treatment progresses, the user observes the gradual transition from one image to another, the images being listed in decreasing order as a function of the improvement in the state of cellulite. The device 1 according to the invention has six reference images. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is conceivable that it may include a number of images greater than six, the number necessary allowing the user to locate more easily depending on the area viewed and

  thus see the evolution of this area.

  This device can more particularly be used with a massage device as described in patent application FR 9716447 in the name of the applicant. Thus, it is planned to put next to each image 5, an additional information zone 7, presenting the various parameters for adjusting the pressure and / or the distance between the rollers of the massage device according to

  the aforementioned request, as well as the necessary time of use.

Claims (6)

  1. Thermography device comprising a heat-sensitive film (2) arranged in a peripheral support (4), characterized in that the support (4) is extended on one side by a flexible graduated strip (10). 2. Thermography device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible graduated strip (10) can be fixed to the support of the film (4) in sound   edge opposite to that extended by the strip.   3. Thermography device according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the film support (4) has areas (6) capable of   to receive presentations of information.   4. Thermography device according to claim 3, characterized in that said zones (6) include thermographic reference images   (5) predetermined thermal states of a surface to be studied.   5. Thermography device according to claim 4, characterized in that said areas (6) for presenting information comprise at least four thermographic images characteristic of states of an area of the body   human with progressive stages of cellulite.   6. Thermography device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is associated with a massage device and in that each image (5) is associated with certain operating parameters of said massage device.