WO2008097043A1

WO2008097043A1 - Apparatus for removing acne

Info

Publication number: WO2008097043A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/000749
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyung Chul Kang
Original assignee: Sqz Co.
Priority date: 2007-02-05
Filing date: 2008-02-05
Publication date: 2008-08-14

Abstract

An apparatus for removing acne is disclosed. The apparatus does not scar skin tissue and minimizes pain, thus being capable of easily removing acne (pimples), and is constructed so that an acne-removing part, contaminated by a patient's diseased part when acne is removed, is detachably mounted, thus being disposable, therefore being sanitary. The apparatus includes a handle part, and an acne-removing part which is connected to an end of the handle part and includes a body and a removing hole. The removing hole passes vertically through the body, and is formed in a longitudinal direction thereof. The removing hole is gradually reduced in diameter from the portion of the removing hole into which a pimple is inserted first to opposite sides, that is, a distal end and a proximal end.

Description

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING ACNE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus for removing acne and, more particularly, to an apparatus for removing acne, which does not scar skin tissue and minimizes pain, thus being capable of easily removing acne (pimples), and which is constructed so that an acne-removing part, contaminated by a patient's diseased part when acne is removed, is detachably mounted, thus being disposable, therefore being sanitary. Background Art

[2] Generally, acne vulgaris is a skin disease that often affects adolescents. Acne

(pimples) is caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the ducts of the sebaceous gland when hormones secreted in adolescence stimulate the ducts of the sebaceous gland. Acne occurs in everyone, including adolescents, women in their twenties and thirties, and men who are under a lot of stress. When acne inflames a sebaceous gland duct that contacts a hair follicle containing the root of a hair, the pimple must be removed and cured. However, it is difficult to perfectly remove the acne. Moreover, the imperfect treatment of acne may result in more serious disease due to contagion.

[3] Meanwhile, pimples are frequently squeezed using the fingernails. This is unsanitary, and the site of the pimple is infected with disease-causing germs, so that the acne may fester. Further, only part of a pimple is removed, while most of the pimple is not removed, thus causing inflammation to increase. Thereby, a scar may be left on the region having the pimple. As such, the method of removing the acne using the fingernails may result in many aftereffects.

[4] Thus, it is preferable that acne be removed through a surgical operation (treatment).

Several kinds of acne-removing apparatuses, which are used in surgical operations, have been developed. As an example used to remove acne, a cylindrical or annular apparatus having a simple construction and a syringe-type apparatus have been proposed. The syringe-type apparatus removes acne through suction. As an apparatus for removing acne more conveniently and efficiently than the conventional apparatuses, an acne-removing apparatus (Korean Patent No. 10-536910) has been proposed by the applicant of the present invention.

[5] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the acne-removing apparatus 20 disclosed in Korean

Patent No. 10-536910, a removing hole 21, into which acne is inserted, is formed to become narrow gradually toward an end 22. Thus, when a pimple is inserted into the removing hole 21 and the acne-removing apparatus is moved backwards, lateral pressure is applied to the acne because the removing hole 21 is narrow toward the end 22. Thereby, even deep acne may be removed.

[6] However, the apparatus disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-536910 is problematic in that the acne-removing apparatus is moved only backwards so as to remove acne, so that only one side of the acne is cut, and it is difficult to control force (lateral pressure), thus causing pain.

[7] Further, for sanitary reasons, most of the above-mentioned acne-removing apparatuses are discarded immediately after being used to remove acne from a patient's body, or are sterilized for reuse. However, when the apparatuses are used in a skin care shop or are used personally, it is inconvenient to sterilize the apparatuses to reuse them. Moreover, it is impossible to perfectly sterilize the apparatuses. As such, when the sterilization of the apparatuses is imperfect, other patients may be secondarily infected.

[8] That is, the entire acne-removing apparatus 20, including the handle 23, must be discarded after the apparatus has been used to remove acne. However, since the acne- removing apparatus is made of metal or plastic, even a clean part, which is not contaminated during acne removal treatment, is discarded, thus wasting resources such as metal and plastics. Of course, the conventional acne-removing apparatus may be reused after being sterilized. However, it is inconvenient to sterilize the acne-removing apparatus, and beside, secondary infection may occur regardless. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[9] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing acne, which minimizes damage to skin tissue and pain, and is capable of completely getting rid of even deep acne (pimples).

[10] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing acne, which can apply force to both the front and rear portions of acne, and is constru cted so that the force (lateral pressure) applied to acne varies in a regular way when the acne-removing apparatus is reciprocated forwards and backwards.

[11] A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing acne, in which the cross-section of a body of the apparatus varies in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus, so that the body is arranged to fit the size, shape, and position of an associated pimple.

[12] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing acne, which is detachably attached to a suction device in the case of in which the suction device is used so as to efficiently remove acne, and may be sterilized after the apparatus has been separated from the suction device, and allows a suction tip to be replaced with a suitable one according to the size, shape, and position of acne.

[13] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for removing acne, which is manufactured so that an acne-removing part contaminated by a patient's diseased part when the acne is removed is detachable, thus being sanitarily used. Technical Solution

[14] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides an apparatus for removing acne, including a handle part; and an acne-removing part, connected to an end of the handle part, and including a body and a removing hole which passes vertically through the body and is formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, the removing hole being gradually reduced in diameter from a portion of the removing hole into which a pimple is inserted first to opposite sides, that is, a distal end and a proximal end.

[15] Further, a shape of a cross-section of the body is changed slowly towards the distal end of the body.

[16] An inner circumference of the body, around a portion of the removing hole into which the pimple is inserted first, is formed such that the hole is wider at a lower portion than an upper portion, and an inner circumference of the body, around a portion of the removing hole which is situated nearer to the distal end than a portion of the removing hole into which the pimple is inserted first, is formed such that the hole has the same width at upper and lower portions, and an inner circumference of the body, around a portion of the removing hole which is situated at the distal end of the body, is formed such that the hole is wider at an upper portion than a lower portion.

[17] Further, an inner circumference of the body, around a portion of the removing hole into which the pimple is inserted first, is formed such that the hole is wider at an upper portion than a lower portion, and an inner circumference of the body, around a portion of the removing hole which is situated nearer to the distal end than a portion of the removing hole into which the pimple is inserted first, is formed such that the hole has the same width at upper and lower portions, and an inner circumference of the body, around a portion of the removing hole which is situated at the distal end of the body, is formed such that the hole is wider at a lower portion than an upper portion.

[18] Further, the handle part has a shape of a tube, and the acne-removing part is detachably coupled to a tube coupler which is provided on an end of the tube.

[19] The acne-removing part comprises a suction tip.

[20] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides an apparatus for removing acne, including a frame body having a handle part, and an extension part extending from an end of the handle part in such a way as to branch from the handle part; and an acne-removing part having space for accommodating the extension part, and including outer walls which define a removing hole for removing acne, with channels defined between the outer walls so that the extension part is inserted into the channels.

[21] In this case, a width of each of the channels is slightly less than a width of the extension part which is inserted into the channels.

[22] Further, a projection is provided at a predetermined position on the frame body, and a projection fitting hole is formed at a position in the outer wall of the acne-removing part to correspond to the projection, so that the projection is fitted into the projection fitting hole.

[23] Each of the projection and the projection fitting hole comprises two or more pairs, the projections and the projection fitting holes being arranged at regular intervals.

[24] Further, the diameters of portions of the removing hole are gradually reduced from a portion of the removing hole, into which a pimple is inserted first, to opposite sides, that is, a distal part and a proximal part of the acne -removing part.

[25] Each of lower surfaces of the acne-removing part is a curved surface having a predetermined curvature radius, and is curved from a flat lower surface to the distal and proximal parts.

[26] Further, the lower surface of the acne-removing part around the distal part is curved gently and is long, and the lower surface of the acne-removing part around the proximal part is curved sharply and is short.

Advantageous Effects

[27] According to the present invention, the apparatus for removing acne minimizes damage to skin tissue and pain, thus easily getting rid of acne (pimples). Particularly, the acne-removing apparatus of the present invention can apply force to both the front and rear portions of a pimple, and is constructed so that the force applied to a pimple varies in a regular way when the acne-removing apparatus is reciprocated forwards and backwards.

[28] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of a body of an acne-removing apparatus varies in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus, so that the body is arranged to fit the size, shape, and position of an associated pimple.

[29] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for removing acne is detachably attached to a suction device, and may be sterilized after the apparatus has been separated from the suction device, and allows a suction tip to be replaced with a suitable one according to the size, shape, and position of a pimple.

[30] Further, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for removing acne is manufactured so that an acne-removing part, which is contaminated by a patient's diseased part when the acne is removed, is detachable. Thus, the acne-removing part is disposed of after use, thus being sanitary. Therefore, the apparatus is advantageous in that it may be reused without causing a sanitary problem, and can easily be used to remove acne.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[31] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional apparatus for removing acne;

[32] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an acne-removing part of the conventional acne-removing apparatus; [33] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an apparatus for removing acne, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [34] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 3 to show the apparatus for removing acne, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [35] FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing the apparatus for removing acne, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [36] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating the state in which lateral pressure is applied to a pimple by the acne-removing apparatus of the present invention; [37] FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing respective positions at which force is transmitted to the surface of the skin along a curved bottom of the acne-removing apparatus of the present invention, and lateral pressure is applied to a pimple; [38] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relative magnitudes of lateral pressure applied to acne at respective positions; [39] FIG. 9 is a graph showing variation in lateral pressure applied to a pimple when the acne-removing apparatus of the present invention is reciprocated forwards and backwards; [40] FIG. 10 is a perspective sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 3, in the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [41] FIG. 11 is a perspective sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 3, in the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [42] FIG. 12 is a perspective sectional view taken along line D-D' of FIG. 3, in the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [43] FIG. 13 is a view showing a suction-tip-type apparatus for removing acne, according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [44] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a frame body of an apparatus for removing acne, according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [45] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an acne-removing part of the acne-removing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [46] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the state in which the acne-removing part is assembled with the frame body, in the acne-removing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[47] FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line E-E' of FIG. 16, and showing the assembled state of the acne-removing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention; and

[48] FIG. 18 is a perspective sectional view taken along line F-F' of FIG. 16, and showing the assembled state of the acne-removing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Mode for the Invention

[49] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[50] The construction of an apparatus for removing acne according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

[51] The acne-removing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a handle part 110 and an acne-removing part 120. The handle part (only a portion of the handle part is shown in the drawings) is constructed to allow a user to easily hold the acne- removing apparatus 100. The acne-removing part is connected to one end of the handle part 110.

[52] Although not shown in the drawings, it is preferable that the handle part 110 have a unique curved shape to allow a user to easily hold it. Further, it is preferable that an extension shaft connecting the handle part 110 to the acne-removing part 120 also be curved, thus allowing a user's fingers to be easily placed.

[53] The acne-removing part 120 is the part that substantially removes acne 1. The acne- removing part is constructed to slowly apply lateral pressure on acne while pressing the surface of the skin around the acne (see FIG. 6).

[54] The acne-removing part 120 includes a body 121 which is integrally coupled to one end of the handle part 110, and a removing hole 12a to 12d which passes vertically through the body 121 and is formed in the longitudinal direction thereof. The removing hole includes the portion of the removing hole 12a into which the pimple is inserted first, and the portions of the removing hole 12b, 12c, and 12d in which the pimples 1 are positioned as the acne-removing part is moved forwards and backwards.

[55] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, each of an inner circumferential surface 121a and an outer circumferential surface 121b of the body 121 is formed to be tapered in the direction from the position at which the removing hole 12a into which the acne is inserted first is formed to a distal end 12 If. Further, each of the inner and outer circum- ferential surfaces is formed to be more sharply tapered in a direction from the position at which the removing hole 12a is formed to a proximal end 12 Ig, rather than the direction from the position having the removing hole 12a to the distal end 12 If. An outer line, coupling the proximal end 12 Ig to the distal end 12 If of the body 121, is not a straight line, but is a gently curved line.

[56] Thus, when observing the body 121 from above, the diameter of the removing hole at portions denoted by 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d is reduced in directions from the portion of the removing hole 12a into which the acne is inserted first to the distal end 12 If and the proximal end 12 Ig of the body.

[57] As shown in FIG. 3, the portion of the removing hole denoted by reference numeral

12a has the largest diameter, the portion of the removing hole denoted by reference numeral 12b is formed to have a diameter smaller than the removing hole 12a, and the portion of the removing hole denoted by reference numeral 12c is formed to have a diameter smaller than the portion of the removing hole 12b (12a > 12b > 12c). The diameter of the portion of the removing hole denoted by reference numeral 12d is smaller than that of the portion of the removing hole denoted by reference numeral 12a, but is slightly larger than that of the portion of the removing hole denoted by reference numeral 12c. That is, the removing hole into which the pimple 1 is inserted is formed to be tapered towards both the distal end and the proximal end. After the pimple 1 is inserted into the acne -removing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the acne-removing apparatus 100 is reciprocated forwards and backwards. At this time, the removing hole, formed as described above, applies lateral pressure on the acne 1 when the acne-removing apparatus moves from a front position (distal end) to a rear position (proximal end), and in addition, moves from the rear position to the front position.

[58] As shown in FIG. 5, the removing hole 12a to 12d is formed along lower surfaces

121c, 121d, and 121e of the body 121. Thus, when the acne 1 is inserted into the removing hole and the acne-removing apparatus 100 is reciprocated forwards and backwards, lateral pressure is applied to the pimple 1, thus removing the pimple 1.

[59] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, each of the lower surfaces 121c, 121d, and 121e of the body of the acne-removing part 120 is formed to have a curved surface having a predetermined curvature radius. Thus, when force is applied to remove the acne 1, the force is transmitted along the curved surfaces, thus allowing the outer skin having the acne 1 to be easily pressed. Among the lower surfaces of the body 121, the lower surface 12 Id, which is positioned around the distal end 12 If of the body, is curved gently and is long. Conversely, the lower surface 12 Ie, which is positioned around the proximal end 12 Ig of the body, is curved sharply and is short. In a detailed description, the value of hl/dl for the lower surface 12 Id around the distal end 12 If of the body is smaller than the value of h2/d2 for the lower surface 12 Ie around the proximal end 12 Ig of the body. The length dl of the lower surface 12 Id around the distal end is greater than the length d2 of the lower surface 12 Ie around the proximal end.

[60] That is, the lower surface 121c of the body is almost flat, and the lower surfaces

12 Id and 12 Ie of the body, which are provided before and behind the lower surface 121c, are curved. Thus, even when the acne-removing apparatus 100 is moved in the direction from a rear position to a front position thereof, as well as in a direction from the front position to the rear position, force can be easily transmitted to the skin surface having the acne. Consequently, the pimple is cut by the force pressing the skin surface when the acne-removing apparatus 100 is reciprocated forwards and backwards, and by lateral pressure transmitted to the pimple when the skin surface is pressed.

[61] The operation of the acne-removing apparatus 100 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. First, the pimple 1 is inserted into the removing hole 12a to protrude through it. In this state, when the acne-removing part 120 is moved backwards using the handle part 110, the pimple 1 is moved sequentially from the removing hole 12b to the removing hole 12c. At this time, when a user applies force using the handle part 110, the force is transmitted from the lower surface 121c to the curved lower surface 12 Id which is positioned around the distal end 12 If, thus pressing the skin surface having the acne, and simultaneously, applying lateral pressure to the pimple via the portions of the removing hole 12b and 12c which are positioned around the distal end 12 If. Thereafter, when the user moves the acne-removing part 120 forwards using the handle part 110, the pimple 1 moves sequentially from the portion of the removing hole 12b through the portion of the removing hole 12a to the portion of the removing hole 12d. At this time, when the user applies force using the handle part 110, the force is transmitted from the lower surface 121c to the curved lower surface 12 Ie around the proximal end 12 Ig, so that the skin surface having the acne is pressed, and simultaneously, lateral pressure is applied to the pimple by the portion of the removing hole 12d around the proximal end 12 Ig. When the above process is repeated several times while the acne-removing apparatus 100 is reciprocated, the pimple is removed.

[62] Meanwhile, the relative magnitude of the lateral pressure and variation in lateral pressure depending on the position of the pimple in the acne-removing apparatus 100 as the acne-removing apparatus 100 is reciprocated are illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. When the pimple is located at position ® of FIG. 7, the force transmitted to the skin surface is weak, and the lateral pressure transmitted to the pimple is the weakest. When a user moves the acne -removing apparatus 100 backwards, the pimple is located at position ®. At this time, the force pressing along the curved lower surface 121d of the body is transmitted to the skin surface. Simultaneously, lateral pressure stronger than that applied at position ® is applied to the pimple. Subsequently, when the acne- removing apparatus 100 is moved further backwards, the pimple is located at position ©. At this time, the force pressing along the curved lower surface 121d of the body is strongly transmitted to the skin surface. Simultaneously, lateral pressure stronger than that applied at position ® or © is applied to the pimple. Next, the user moves the acne- removing apparatus 100 forwards. At this time, the pimple passes sequentially through positions ©, ®, and ®. Even in this case, force pressing along the curved lower surfaces 12 Id and 12 Ie of the body is transmitted to the skin surface. Simultaneously, lateral pressure having the magnitude shown in FIG. 8 is transmitted to the pimple. When the pimple is located at position ®, the user moves the acne-removing apparatus 100 backwards again. At this time, the pimple passes sequentially through positions ®, ©, and © again. Even in this case, pressing force and lateral force act on the pimple, as shown in FIG. 8. Consequently, as this reciprocating motion is repeated, the pimple is removed by the removing hole. Variation in lateral pressure, which is applied to the pimple while the acne-removing apparatus is reciprocated forwards and backwards, is shown in FIG. 9. That is, when the acne-removing apparatus is reciprocated forwards and backwards, lateral pressure, which varies in a regular pattern, is applied to the pimple. Thereby, damage to skin tissue and pain can be relieved.

[63] Therefore, this embodiment is advantageous in that it can apply force to both the front and rear portions of the pimple which is to be removed, and varies force, applied to the pimple while the acne-removing apparatus is moved forwards and backwards, in a regular pattern, thus mitigating the damage to skin tissue and pain.

[64] Meanwhile, FIGS. 10 to 12 are cross-sectional views of the acne-removing apparatus 100, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, the cross-section of the body 121 of the acne-removing apparatus 100 is shaped such that it is gradually tapered towards the distal end 12 If.

[65] As shown in FIG. 10, in the removing hole 12a, which the pimple enters first, the inner circumference of the body 121 is formed such that the hole is wider at the lower portion 121a' than the upper portion 121a thereof. Thus, the removing hole 12a, into which the pimple is inserted first, is formed such that the lower portion 121a' of the inner circumference of the body 121 has a larger diameter than the upper portion 121a thereof. That is, the removing hole 12a has a trapezoidal cross-section.

[66] Further, in the removing hole 12b, the inner circumference 121a of the body 121 is formed such that the hole has the same width at upper and lower portions thereof (see FIG. 11). Thus, the removing hole 12b is formed such that the upper portion of the inner circumference 121a of the body 121 has the same diameter as the lower portion thereof. That is, the removing hole 12b has a rectangular cross-section.

[67] Furthermore, in the removing hole 12c, which is positioned around the distal end 12 If of the body, the inner circumference of the body 121 is formed such that the hole is wider at the upper portion 121a than the lower portion 121a' thereof (see FIG. 12). Thus, the removing hole 12c has an inverted-trapezoidal cross-section.

[68] When the inner circumference 121a of the body is formed such that the cross- section of the body 121 is changed as described above, a pimple which has a smaller sectional area and is deeply embedded into the skin tissue can be easily removed.

[69] Meanwhile, the pattern of the cross-section of the body 12 may be changed in the longitudinal direction thereof in reverse order to the above-mentioned pattern. This pattern allows a pimple that has a larger sectional area and is shallowly embedded into the skin tissue to be easily removed. Therefore, the present invention is capable of removing pimples depending on the size, shape, and position of the pimples.

[70] FIG. 13 shows an apparatus 200 for removing acne, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment of FIG. 13 is the same as the first embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 except that a tube 130 of a suction device (not shown), in place of the integral handle part, is connected to the acne-removing part 120. Therefore, the detailed description of identical elements of the construction thereof will be omitted herein. Elements common to both the first embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 and the second embodiment carry the same or similar reference numerals.

[71] Referring to FIG. 13, the acne-removing part 120 of the acne -removing apparatus

200 has the shape of a suction tip, and is detachably attached to a tube coupler 132, which is provided on the front end of the tube 130 of the suction device. That is, a first protruding part 124 and a second protruding part 126 are provided, respectively, at the distal end 12 If and the proximal end 12 Ig of a body 121 of the suction tip in such a way as to extend upwards, and are fitted into the tube coupler 132, which is made of elastic rubber. When the suction tip is coupled to the tube, the tube coupler 132 is expanded to an appropriate size. Thereafter, the protruding parts 124 and 126 of the suction tip are inserted into the tube coupler 132, and the tube coupler 132 is firmly secured to the suction tip (acne-removing part) 120 by the elastic restoring force of the rubber.

[72] It is preferable that the suction tip 120 be made of plastic or metal that can be sterilized. Particularly, if the suction tip is manufactured using transparent plastic, a user can remove acne while observing the site having the acne through a transparent window.

[73] Further, the bottom face of the suction tip 120 has a unique curved surface, as in the first embodiment, thus preventing the negative pressure of the suction device from being strongly applied to the site having acne.

[74] Therefore, the acne -removing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention has the following advantages. That is, when the suction device is used to efficiently remove acne, the acne-removing apparatus can be detachably attached to the suction device. After the acne is removed, the acne-removing part 120, comprising the suction tip, is separated from the suction device, and then is sterilized. Thus, acne can be hygienically removed. Further, the suction tip can be replaced with one that is suitable to the size, shape, and position of the pimple.

[75] The construction of an apparatus for removing acne according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 to 18.

[76] The acne -removing apparatus 300 includes a frame body 310, and an acne- removing part 320, into which the frame body 310 is fitted.

[77] As shown in FIG. 14, the frame body 310 includes a handle part 311 (only a portion of the handle part is shown in the drawing), which is constructed to allow a user to conveniently hold it, and an extension part 312, which extends and branches from one end of the handle part 311. The extension part 312 includes a proximal part 312c, which is provided at the position at which the extension part is divided into two branches, a middle part 312d, which is provided at a middle portion of the entire extension part, and a distal part 312e, which is provided at an end of the extension part. When seen from an upper position, the extension part 312 has the shape of a horseshoe or a tuning fork.

[78] Further, projections 313 are provided on the handle part 311 in such a way as to be positioned around the proximal part 312c (hereinafter, referred to as "neck portion") corresponding to the junction of the handle part 311 with the extension part 312, and to have a bilaterally symmetrical arrangement. It is preferable that the projections 313 comprise two or more pairs of projections. Preferably, the projections 313 are arranged at regular intervals.

[79] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the acne-removing part 320 includes outer walls

322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d. The frame body 310 is inserted into the outer walls so as to prevent the removal of the frame body from the acne-removing part. Space is defined between the outer walls to accommodate the frame body 310.

[80] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a channel 324b is defined between the outer walls

322a contacting the proximal part so that a portion of the handle part 311 and the proximal part 312c are fitted into the channel. The channel 324b is formed by cutting the upper portion of the outer wall 322a contacting the proximal part, in proportion to the width and length of the portion of the handle part and the extension part which are t o be inserted into the channel. Preferably, the width of the channel 324b is slightly less than the width of a portion of the handle part and the extension part, which are inserted into the channel. This prevents a portion of the handle part and the extension part from being undesirably removed from the channel 324b, when a portion of the handle part and the extension part are accommodated in a space between the outer walls 322a (see dotted lined portion of FIG. 16).

[81] Further, referring to FIGS. 15, 16, and 18, the outer walls 322b and 322c, contacting the middle part, are branched to correspond to the shape of the extension part 312, which is branched. Channels 324c are defined between the outer walls 322b and 322c, contacting the middle part, so that the middle part 312d and the distal part 312e are fitted into the channels. Each channel 324c is formed by cutting the upper portions of the outer walls 322b and 322c contacting the middle part, in proportion to the width and length of the extension part which is inserted into the channel. Preferably, the width of each channel 324c is slightly less than the width of the extension part which is inserted into the channel. This prevents the extension part from being undesirably removed from the channel 324c, when the extension part 312d, 312e is accommodated in a space between the outer walls 322b and 322c (see FIGS. 16 and 18).

[82] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 18, the outer wall 322d, contacting the distal part, connects the branching outer walls 322b and 322c, contacting the middle part, to each other, thus the outer wall 322d closes the outer walls 322b and 322c.

[83] Further, referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, projection fitting holes 323 are formed in the outer walls 322a contacting the proximal part in such a way as to have a bilaterally symmetrical arrangement, so that the projections 313 of the neck portion of the frame body are fitted into the corresponding projection fitting holes. The fitting holes are formed to fit the corresponding projections 313. Preferably, the fitting holes 323 comprise two or more pairs of fitting holes, like the projections 313. It is preferable that the fitting holes 323 be arranged at regular intervals to correspond to the interval between the projections 313. Thus, when the projections 313 are fitted into the corresponding fitting holes 323, the acne-removing part 320 is completely secured to the neck portion of the frame body 310.

[84] Consequently, the frame body 310 is fitted into the acne -removing part 320 using the above-mentioned construction. In this state, a user can perform an operation of removing the acne. The assembled state of the frame body 310 and the acne-removing part 320 is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

[85] Therefore, when a user desires to remove acne using the acne-removing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the invention, the acne-removing part 330 is fitted over the frame body 310 using the above-mentioned construction. Conversely, when acne has been removed and thus treated, the contaminated acne-removing part 320 is separated and disposed of. A new acne-removing part is attached to the frame body to perform a subsequent acne-removing operation. Thus, the acne-removing apparatus of the invention is advantageous in that the frame body, accounting for a large portion of the apparatus, can be reused, and the acne-removing part, which is contaminated due to the acne-removing operation, is disposed of after use, and is thus hygienic.

[86] Meanwhile, when a user desires to remove acne, as shown in FIG. 16, the acne- removing part 320 is coupled to the frame body 310. In this state, the pimple is inserted into a removing hole 326a to 326d formed in the acne-removing part 320. The portion of the removing hole 326a which is formed in the center of the acne-removing part 320 is the portion into which the pimple is inserted first. When the acne-removing part 320 is coupled to the frame body 310, and the pimple which is to be removed is inserted into the removing hole 326a, the acne-removing apparatus 300 is reciprocated forwards and backwards. At this time, the pimple moves along the portions of the removing hole 326a, 326b, 326c, and 326d, so that the pimple is slowly squeezed.

[87] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when viewing the acne-removing part 320 from the upper position, the diameters of the portions of the removing hole 326a, 326b, 326c, and 326d are gradually reduced from the portion of the removing hole 326a, into which the pimple is inserted first, to opposite sides, that is, towards the distal part and the proximal part. As shown in FIG. 16, the diameter of the portion of the removing hole denoted by reference numeral 326a is the largest, the diameter of the portion of the removing hole denoted by reference numeral 326b is smaller than the diameter of the portion of the removing hole 326a, and the diameter of the portion of the removing hole denoted by 326c is further reduced, to thus be smaller than the diameter of the portion of the removing hole 326b (326a > 326b > 326c). Meanwhile, the diameter of the portion of the removing hole denoted by 326d is smaller than that of the portion of the removing hole denoted by 326a but is slightly larger than that of the portion of the removing hole denoted by 326c. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned shape, and that the shape and size of the removing hole may be changed appropriately according to the intended use.

[88] Further, referring to FIG. 17, each of the lower surfaces of the acne-removing part

320 is a curved surface having a predetermined curvature radius. Thus, when force is applied to remove a pimple, the force is transmitted along the curved surfaces, thus allowing the outer skin having the pimple to be easily pressed. Among the lower surfaces of the acne-removing part 320, the lower surface around the distal part is curved gently and is long. Conversely, the lower surface around the proximal part is curved sharply and is short. In a detailed description, the value of hl/dl for the lower surface around the distal part of the acne-removing part 320 is smaller than the value of h2/d2 for the lower surface around the proximal part. The length dl of the lower surface around the distal part is greater than the length dl of the lower surface around the proximal part. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned shape, and the shape and size of the lower surfaces of the acne -removing part may be changed appropriately according to the intended use.

[89] As a result, according to this embodiment, when a pimple is inserted into the removing hole and the acne-removing apparatus 300 is reciprocated forwards and backwards, pressing force is transmitted through the curved lower surfaces to the surface of the skin, and simultaneously, lateral pressure is transmitted through the removing hole to the pimple, so that the pimple is easily removed.

[90] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

[91]

[92]

Claims

[1] An apparatus for removing acne, comprising: a handle part (110); and an acne -removing part (120), connected to an end of the handle part (110), and comprising a body (121) and a removing hole (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) which passes vertically through the body (121) and is formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, the removing hole being gradually reduced in diameter from a portion of the removing hole (12a) into which a pimple is inserted first to opposite sides, that is, a distal end (12If) and a proximal end (12Ig).

[2] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a shape of a cross-section of the body (121) is changed slowly towards the distal end (12If) of the body.

[3] The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an inner circumference (121a) of the body, around a portion of the removing hole (12a) into which the pimple is inserted first, is formed such that the hole is wider at a lower portion than an upper portion, and an inner circumference (121a) of the body, around a portion of the removing hole (12b) which is situated nearer to the distal end than a portion of the removing hole into which the pimple is inserted first, is formed such that the hole has the same width at upper and lower portions, and an inner circumference (121a) of the body, around a portion of the removing hole (12c) which is situated at the distal end of the body, is formed such that the hole is wider at an upper portion than a lower portion.

[4] The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an inner circumference (121a) of the body, around a portion of the removing hole (12a) into which the pimple is inserted first, is formed such that the hole is wider at an upper portion than a lower portion, and an inner circumference (121a) of the body, around a portion of the removing hole (12b) which is situated nearer to the distal end than a portion of the removing hole into which the pimple is inserted first, is formed such that the hole has the same width at upper and lower portions, and an inner circumference (121a) of the body, around a portion of the removing hole (12c) which is situated at the distal end of the body, is formed such that the hole is wider at a lower portion than an upper portion.

[5] The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the handle part

(110) has a shape of a tube, and the acne-removing part (120) is detachably coupled to a tube coupler (132) which is provided on an end of the tube.

[6] The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the acne-removing part (120) comprises a suction tip.

[7] An apparatus for removing acne, comprising: a frame body (310) including a handle part (311), and an extension part (312) extending from an end of the handle part in such a way as to branch from the handle part; and an acne -removing part (320) having space for accommodating the extension part (312), and including outer walls (322a, 322b, 322c, and 322d) which define a removing hole (326a, 326b, 326c, 326d) for removing acne, with channels (324b and 324c) defined between the outer walls so that the extension part is inserted into the channels.

[8] The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a width of each of the channels

(324b and 324c) is slightly less than a width of the extension part (312) which is inserted into the channels.

[9] The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a projection (313) is provided at a predetermined position on the frame body (310), and a projection fitting hole (323) is formed at a position in the outer wall (322a) of the acne-removing part (320) to correspond to the projection, so that the projection is fitted into the projection fitting hole.

[10] The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each of the projection (313) and the projection fitting hole (323) comprises two or more pairs, the projections (313) and the projection fitting holes (323) being arranged at regular intervals.

[11] The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein diameters of portions of the removing hole (326a, 326b, 326c, 326d) are gradually reduced from a portion of the removing hole (326a), into which a pimple is inserted first, to opposite sides, that is, a distal part and a proximal part of the acne-removing part.

[12] The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 7 to 11, wherein each of lower surfaces of the acne -removing part (120, 320) is a curved surface having a predetermined curvature radius, and is curved from a flat lower surface to the distal and proximal parts.

[13] The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the lower surface of the acne- removing part (120, 320) around the distal part is curved gently and is long, and the lower surface of the acne-removing part around the proximal part is curved sharply and is short.