WO2006045149A1

WO2006045149A1 - A method and apparatus for abrading the skin using a vibrating dermabrasion apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2006045149A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001659
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Allan Greenberg
Original assignee: Ronald Allan Greenberg
Priority date: 2004-10-28
Filing date: 2005-10-27
Publication date: 2006-05-04

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dermabrasion apparatus (10) whereby dermabrasion of the skin is achieved by the use of a vibrating abrasive surface (18). The dermabrasion apparatus (10) includes a handle (12), which is adapted to fit into the palm of a user. The apparatus (10) includes a removably attachable abrasive surface (18). The abrasive surface (18) can be easily changed when it is worn or when a different coarseness is required. The invention provides a functional and adaptable piece of dermabrasion equipment that can be operated safely by home users or those inexperience in dermabrasion techniques.

Description

A method and apparatus for abrading the skin using a vibrating dermabrasion apparatus

The present invention relates to an apparatus whereby dermabrasion of the skin is achieved by the use of a vibrating abrasive surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dermabrasion of the skin is a well-known technique. Human skin is composed of three integrated layers, the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer which acts to protect the lower layers of skin. The bottom of the epidermis is where cell division generates new cells that travel up through the epidermis until they become the upper surface layers after some 3-4 weeks. The outermost layer of the epidermis is composed of dead skin cells typically 20 cells deep that creates a protective and durable outer cover.

Whilst skin may appear to be clean to the naked eye, it hosts a myriad of organisms, bacteria and can trap dirt and the like in its pores. Daily cleaning is required to ensure that the skin remains healthy and performs its many functions. Even then, as a person ages their skin becomes increasingly dryer and less elastic, whilst the thickness of dead cells generally increases. This can give rise to various skin diseases and the clogging of skin pores.

A number of devices have been developed which assist in removing dead skin cells from the epidermis, including scraping blades and scrubbing pads. The difficulty with all such devices is that some areas of the skin are difficult to reach and therefore requires the assistance of another person. Furthermore, the use of scrubbing pads means that a person must apply both pressure and rigorous movement across the skin to produce the necessary action to remove the skin cells. This can be difficult for elderly people or those with poor muscle tone. Although a person may well apply the appropriate pressure to some areas of the skin it is difficult to ensure that the movement across the skin abrades the skin surface equally to avoid digging or scuffing of the skin.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus and method for scrubbing the epidermal layer that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems or provides the public with a useful alternative. It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a vibrating dermabrasion apparatus that can be used by an individual to safely abrade their skin irrespective of their physical condition or muscular strength.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a dermabrasion apparatus for abrading a skin surface, said apparatus comprising: a body housing a vibration generating device adapted to vibrate said body; an abrasive element removably attached to said body; wherein when said abrasive element is applied to said skin surface, during vibration of said body, dermabrasion occurs.

Preferably, said dermabrasion apparatus includes a longitudinally extending shaft projecting from said body.

Preferably, said abrasive element is removably attached to said longitudinally extending shaft.

Preferably, different abrasive elements having different grades of abrasive material can be selectively attached to said body.

Preferably, a sheet of material incorporating said abrasive element is adapted to be removably attached to said longitudinally extending shaft.

Preferably.^'said sheet of material is attached to said shaft using a loop and hook arrangement.

Preferably, said sheet of material is attached to said shaft using a chemical adhesive.

Preferably, said vibration generating device includes a motor, drive shaft and eccentric weight.

Preferably, said dermabrasion apparatus includes a switch adapted to operate said motor.

Preferably, said motor is powered by a battery housed within said body. Preferably, said motor is powered by mains power fed to the body by way of electrical wires.

Preferably, said motor has a plurality of selectable speeds.

Preferably, said dermabrasion apparatus includes a head having an abrasive surface, which is adapted to removably engage said shaft.

Preferably, said head includes a tongue that is configured to engage a slot in said shaft.

Preferably, said body includes a cushioning material adapted to reduce vibrations transmitted to the hand of the user.

Preferably, said abrasive element is fixably attached to a cap, said cap is configured to be removably engage said body.

Preferably, said cap is a flattened, oval shaped longitudinal blind tube having a first end that is adapted to engage said shaft and a second substantially rounded end, wherein an abrasive surface extends across said second end and down at least a portion of the side of said longitudinal tube.

In yet a further form of the invention there is proposed a dermabrasion apparatus for abrading a skin surface comprising: a body; a motor housed within said body; at least one device adapted to produce a vibration, wherein said motor controls said vibration generating device; at least one abrasive element, said abrasive element removably attached to said body; wherein during operation said abrasive element is caused to vibrate by the action of said vibration device and dermabrasion occurs when the abrasive element is applied to said skin surface.

Preferably, said dermabrasion apparatus includes a first and a second vibration device, wherein said first vibration device is adapted to produce movement of said abrasive element in a first direction and said second vibration device is adapted to produce movement of said abrasive element in a second direction, Preferably, said first and second directions are perpendicular to each other.

Preferably, only one said vibration device is able to operate at any one time.

Preferably, said dermabrasion apparatus includes a drive shaft configured to selectively operate said vibration devices.

Preferably, said drive shaft is moveable between a first and second position, wherein in said first position the drive shaft engages said first vibration device and in said second position the drive shaft engages said second vibration device.

Preferably, said first and second vibration devices are moveable between a first and a second position, wherein in said first position they engage said drive shaft and in said second position they are disengaged from said drive shaft.

In still yet a further form of the invention there is proposed a method for abrading a skin surface using a vibrating dermabrasion apparatus comprising the steps of: selecting an abrasive element with a desirable grade of abrasive material; attaching said abrasive element to said dermabrasion apparatus; activating a vibration device of said dermabrasion apparatus to cause said abrasive element to vibrate; and applying said abrasive element to said skin surface to thereby cause dermabrasion.

Preferably, said dermabrasion apparatus is moved over the skin to selectively abrade the surface.

Preferably, said abrasive element can be replaced. This would be useful when it is worn or when a different grade of abrasive material is required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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, Figure 1 a side view of a dermabrasion apparatus embodying the present invention illustrating the internal components;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the dermabrasion apparatus of Figure 1 in use;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the dermabrasion apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating an attachment of an alternative abrasive cap;

Figure 4 is a side cut away view of the clutch mechanism of the dermabrasion apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating the drive shaft engaging the eccentric cog;

Figure 5 is a side cut away view of the clutch mechanism of the dermabrasion apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating the drive shaft engaging the cam;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the drive shaft and cam engagement gears of the dermabrasion apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a side view of the clutch mechanism of the dermabrasion apparatus of Figure 1 engaging the eccentric cog;

Figure 8 is a side cut away view of the dermabrasion apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating an alternate cam mechanism;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dermabrasion apparatus;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the dermabrasion apparatus;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the dermabrasion apparatus;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the dermabrasion apparatus;

Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the dermabrasion apparatus of Figure 12; and Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the motor, drive shaft and eccentric weight arrangement.

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.

Illustrated in Figure 1 is a dermabrasion apparatus 10 including a body 12 and boss 14 that is configured to engage a cap 16. The cap 16 includes an abrasive surface 18. In the present embodiment the cap 16 is configured to engage the surface of boss 14 and be held in position by frictional engagement. However, the cap 16could alternatively be clipped or screwed into place. This means that caps 16 with different grades of coarseness can be used with the same body 12.

Furthermore, when a cap 16 becomes worn out or clogged with dead skin cells it can simply be removed and replaced with a new cap.

The boss 14 houses a motor 20, drive shaft 22, eccentric cog 24 and cam 26. The drive shaft 22 includes a clutch 28 which is configured to engage either the eccentric cog 24 or cam 26. The motor 20 is connected to a battery 30 by wires 32 and is activated by switch 34, which is connected to the motor 20 by wires 36. It should however be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the use of two vibration elements 24 and 26.

When the motor 20 is activated and the clutch 28 is in a position where it engages the eccentric cog 24, as illustrated in Figure 1 , the cog 24 rotates around an axis that is substantially parallel the longitudinal axis of the boss 14. Because the cog 24 is unbalanced its rotation causes lateral vibration of the boss 14 which because of its frictional engagement is transferred to the adjoining cap 16.

The drive shaft 22 can be moved by slider 40 so that the clutch 28 alternatively engages cam 26. In the present embodiment the motor 20 and drive shaft 22 are both able to be moved. However, the reader should appreciate that the cog 24 and cam 26 could alternatively be moved so that they are able to engage the clutch 28. When the motor 18 is activated and the clutch 28 is in a position where it engages the cam 26, the cam 26 is able to rotate around an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boss 14. The cam 26 includes a boss 42 which is configured to contact the terminal end 44 of the boss 14. In this way as the cam 26 rotates the boss 42 effectively knocks or pulses against the terminal end 44 of boss 14. This knocking action produces longitudinal vibration of the boss 14 which because of its frictional engagement is transferred to the adjoining cap 16. In the present embodiment the boss 14 is secured to the body 12 by connection means 46 which prevents the boss 14 being dislodged by the action of the cam 26. The connection means 46 can be in the form of a corresponding male and female thread as illustrated in Figure 1 , alternatively, a circlip or any other type of connection device could be used.

The body 12 includes a material 38 adapted to reduce vibrations transmitted to the hand of the user. This can be in the form of some type of rubberised grip 38, as illustrated in Figure 2.

As further illustrated in Figure 2, the dermabrasion apparatus 10 is easily held by user 48. The user 48 is able to selectively activate the motor 20 by activation switch 34. This causes vibration of cap 16 in either a longitudinal or lateral direction, depending on which vibration element 24 or 26, as illustrated in Figure 1 , is engaged. The cap 16, which includes abrasive surface 18, is then placed against a skin surface, such as the side of the finger 50, as illustrated in Figure 2. Gentle abrasion of the skin can then be undertaken by the user 48. The use of a vibrating abrasive surface 18 has many advantages. The apparatus 10 is safe for use in the home by untrained individuals. The use of replaceable caps 16 ensures the hand held apparatus 10 can be used by different people without the transfer of skin diseases such as tinea. Furthermore, when the abrasive surface 18 is worn out or a different coarseness is required it can easily be replaced.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 2, the cap 16 is in the form of a flattened longitudinal extending blind tube 51 that slides over and engages boss 14. This particular configuration ensures that the dermabrasion apparatus 10 can be used on different locations of the body. For instance, the flattened surface 52 of blind tube 51 can be used on relatively broad areas, such as illustrated in Figure 2. Whilst the narrower edge 54 can be used on narrow crevasses, such as between the fingers, or uneven surface, such as around the nose. The skilled address should however appreciate that the invention is not limited to the use of a cap 16. The shape of the abrasive surface 18 may be varied to suit particular applications. For instance, a paddle shaped cap could be used to provide greater surface area for contact with the surface of the skin. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 3, a cap 16 in the shape of a truncated cone 55 could be used. Figure 3 further illustrates the use of various grades of abrasive material on different removable caps 16. In this way the user can be supplied with a plurality of different abrasive surface 18 each of which includes a particular grade of abrasive material that can ail be connected to the same body 12.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate one example of the operation of the vibration elements 24 and 26. It should however be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular embodiment and merely illustrates one way in which the principles of the present invention may be employed. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the drive shaft 22 and clutch 28 pass through a central duct 56. When the clutch 28 is in a first position 58, teeth 60 engage corresponding teeth 62 which are located on the inner surface of duct 56. In this way, the clutch 28 is able to engage and rotate the cog 24, in the direction of arrow 64, when the motor 20 is activated. Because the cog 24 includes an eccentric weight 66 the rotation of the cog 24 causes lateral vibration of the boss 14 which is transferred to the adjoining cap 16. The cog 24 includes a circumferential ridge 68 that engages a correspondingly shaped groove 70 in boss 14. This ensures that the cog 24 is only able to move in one plane, ie in the rotational direction of the drive shaft 22. The groove 70 can include a bearing (not shown) to minimise wear.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the motor 20 and drive shaft 22 can be moved in the direction of arrow 72 by slider 40 (as illustrated in Figure 1) into a second position 74 whereby the teeth 76 of clutch 28 engage the corresponding teeth 78 of cam 26. When the motor 20 is activated the cam 26 rotates around an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boss 14. In this way, the ridge 42 strikes the terminal end 44 once during every rotation of the cam 26. This knocking action produces longitudinal vibration of the boss 14, which is transferred to the adjacent cap 16. Figure 6 illustrates the gear mechanism of the clutch 28 includes teeth 60, configure to engage cog 24, and teeth 76, configured to engage the corresponding teeth 78 of cam 26. Figure 7 illustrates how the drive shaft 22 and clutch 28 engage the central duct 54 of the eccentric cog 24.

In an alternate embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 8, the cam 26 includes an eccentric weight 80. When the clutch 28 engages cam 26 and the motor 20 is activated the cam 26 is caused to rotate in the direction of arrow 82. Due to the eccentric weight 80, rotation of the cam 26 causes longitudinal vibration of the boss 14, which in turn is transferred to the adjacent cap 16.

In a further alternate embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 9, the dermabrasion apparatus 10 includes a longitudinally extending neck 86 adapted to removably engage head 88. Head 88 includes an abrasive surface 18 and a tongue 90 adapted to engage a slot 92 in neck 86. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 10, the head 88, which includes the abrasive surface 18, is in a forked arrangement. This configuration facilitates the dermabrasion of the skin in areas that a difficult to access with conventional methods, such as between the toes or around the finger.

In yet a further alternate embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 11 , the neck 86 includes an engagement surface 94 to which a sheet of abrasive material 96 can be attached. The attachment could be in the form of loop and hook arrangement or a chemical adhesive. As illustrated in Figure 11 the sheet of abrasive material 96 can be removed in the direction of arrows 98 using tab 100 on sheet 96.

In a preferred form of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 12, the dermabrasion apparatus 10 includes a handle 12, longitudinally extending neck 102 and head 104 that includes an abrasive surface 18. As previously discussed, the reader should appreciate that the abrasive surface 18 is adapted to removably engage the surface of the head 104. Alternatively, head 104, which incorporates an abrasive surface 18, can be adapted to removably engage neck 102. In this way, the abrasive surface can be changed when it is worn out or needs replacing, without having to dispose of the entire unit 10. The handle 12 further includes grip 106 which facilities ease of use. As illustrated in Figure 13, the apparatus 10 includes an on/off switch 34 and a pulse switch 108 for temporarily increasing the speed of the motor 20 to increase the abrasive action of the apparatus 10. This would be useful when a tough section of skin in located or the user determines that a harsher abrasive action is required. The reader should however appreciate that the invention in not limited to the use of a pulse switch 108.

In a preferred form of the invention the motor 20, as illustrated in Figure 14, includes an eccentric weight 110 attached to a longitudinally extending drive shaft 112. The vibrations produced by the motor 20 are transferred to the abrasive surface 18 to facilitate dermabrasion of the skin.

however, the reader should appreciate that the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Any power source, such as 240 Volts, could be used to power the motor 20.

Those skilled in the art will now appreciate that the easy replacement of the abrasive surface 18 provides hitherto unavailable advantages including the ability to provide for abrasive surfaces 18 having different abrasive properties. It also enables abrasive surfaces 18 to be made from different materials such as organic particulates that not only abrade the epidermis but also simultaneously nourish and moisturise the skin. It is to be understood that abrasive surfaces 18 of different diameters and grain sizes may be used with the present invention, as are abrasive surfaces 18 that may have non-homogenous grain sizes and types across their surface.

The present invention therefore provides for a handheld dermabrasion apparatus that fits into the palm of an operator. Although some pressure on the skin is still applied by the user, the apparatus facilities the dermabrasion of the skin thereby reducing the effort required by the operator. The vibration of the apparatus also assists in ensuring even and thorough abrading of the skin surface. The invention provides a functional and adaptable piece of dermabrasion equipment that is safe for home users and those inexperienced in dermabrasion techniques.

The reader will now appreciate that the invention with its ability to easily and quickly change the abrasive surface enables individuals to select an appropriate coarseness for their own personal use. For instance, a different coarseness can be selected for areas of the skin on the heel of the foot, which requires a rough abrasive surface compared with the degree of coarseness that is required for skin around the face. The reader would also now appreciate that the invention is useful for the elderly or those with poor muscle tone who find it hard to vigorously abrade their skin using conventional methods. The ability to use different types and sizes of abrasive material and the ease with which the abrasive surface can be replaced, thereby ensuring a hygienic surface, means that the apparatus is suitable for the personal and home use as well as the professional application.

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.

In any of the claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A dermabrasion apparatus for abrading a skin surface, said apparatus comprising: a body housing a vibration generating device adapted to vibrate said body; an abrasive element removably attached to said body; wherein when said abrasive element is applied to said skin surface, during vibration of said body, dermabrasion occurs.

2. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said dermabrasion apparatus includes a longitudinally extending shaft projecting from said body.

3. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said abrasive element is removably attached to said longitudinally extending shaft.

4. A dermabrasion apparatus as in any one of the above claims, wherein different abrasive elements having different grades of abrasive material can be selectively attached to said body.

5. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claims 2 and 3, wherein a sheet of material incorporating said abrasive element is adapted to be removably attached to said longitudinally extending shaft.

6. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 5, wherein said sheet of material is attached to said shaft using a loop and hook arrangement.

7. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 5, wherein said sheet of material is attached to said shaft using a chemical adhesive.

8. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein said vibration generating device includes a motor, drive shaft and eccentric weight.

9. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 8, wherein said dermabrasion apparatus includes a switch adapted to operate said motor.

10. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claims 8 and 9, wherein said motor is powered by a battery housed within said body.

11. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claims 8 and 9, wherein said motor is powered by mains power fed to the body by way of electrical wires.

12. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claims 8 and 11 , wherein said motor has a plurality of selectable speeds.

13. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said dermabrasion apparatus includes a head having an abrasive surface, which is adapted to removably engage said shaft.

14. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 13, wherein said head includes a tongue which is configured to engage a slot in said shaft.

15. A dermabrasion apparatus as in any one of the above claims, wherein said body includes a cushioning material adapted to reduce vibrations transmitted to the hand of the user.

16. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein said abrasive element is fixably attached to a cap, said cap is configured to be removably engage said body.

17. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 16, wherein said cap is a flattened, oval shaped longitudinal blind tube having a first end that is adapted to engage said shaft and a second substantially rounded end, wherein an abrasive surface extends across said second end and down at least a portion of the side of said longitudinal tube.

18. A dermabrasion apparatus for abrading a skin surface comprising: a body; a motor housed within said body; at least one device adapted to produce a vibration, wherein said motor controls said vibration generating device; at least one abrasive element, said abrasive element removably attached to said body; wherein during operation said abrasive element is caused to vibrate by the action of said vibration device and dermabrasion occurs when the abrasive element is applied to said skin surface.

19. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said dermabrasion apparatus includes a first and a second vibration device, wherein said first vibration device is adapted to produce movement of said abrasive element in a first direction and said second vibration device is adapted to produce movement of said abrasive element in a second direction,

20. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 19, wherein said first and second directions are perpendicular to each other.

21. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 19 and 20, wherein only one said vibration device is able to operate at any one time.

22. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claims 18 to 21, wherein said dermabrasion apparatus includes a drive shaft configured to selectively operate said vibration devices.

23. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 22, wherein said drive shaft is moveable between a first and second position, wherein in said first position the drive shaft engages said first vibration device and in said second position the drive shaft engages said second vibration device.

24. A dermabrasion apparatus as in claim 22, wherein said first and second vibration devices are moveable between a first and a second position, wherein in said first position they engage said drive shaft and in said second position they are disengaged from said drive shaft.

25. A method for abrading a skin surface using a vibrating dermabrasion apparatus comprising the steps of: selecting an abrasive element with a desirable grade of abrasive material; attaching said abrasive element to said dermabrasion apparatus; activating a vibration device of said dermabrasion apparatus to cause said abrasive element to vibrate; applying said abrasive element to said skin surface to thereby cause dermabrasion; moving said dermabrasion apparatus over the skin to selectively abrade the surface.

26. A method for abrading a skin surface as in claim 25, said dermabrasion apparatus is moved over the skin to selectively abrade the surface.

27. A method for abrading a skin surface as in claim 25, wherein said abrasive element can be replaced.

28. A dermabrasion apparatus substantially as hereinbefore describes with reference to figures 1 to 8.

29. A dermabrasion apparatus substantially as hereinbefore describes with reference to figures 9 to 10.

30. A dermabrasion apparatus substantially as hereinbefore describes with reference to figure 11.

31. A dermabrasion apparatus substantially as hereinbefore describes with reference to figure 12 to 14.

32. A method for abrading a skin surface using a vibrating dermabrasion apparatus substantially as hereinbefore describes with reference to the figures.