BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to electrostimulation skin massage devices and particularly, but not exclusively, to microcurrent electrostimulation skin massage devices that are suitable for applying currents in the order of 10 ^"6 amperes to the skin and underlying muscle of a user.

Previously proposed electrostimulation devices have tended to be of one of two types - microcurrent devices that are configured to apply currents in the order of 10 ^"6 amperes to the skin and underlying muscle of a user and millicurrent devices that are configured to apply larger currents of in the order of 10 ^"3 amperes to the skin and underlying muscles of a user. In general terms, millicurrent devices are designed to stimulate muscle tissue and improve muscle tone by virtue of a process known as "passive gymnastics" where a current applied to the skin and underlying muscle of a subject causes an involuntary rhythmic contraction of the muscles that improves muscle tone. Microcurrent devices are configured to apply much smaller currents. Treatments with a microcurrent device do not cause muscle contraction and tend to be barely detectable by the subject.

Microcurrent treatments have been shown to increase the amount of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) within the cells of a muscle. For example, a study by Ngok Cheng, M.D. et al ("The Effects of Electric Currents on ATP Generation, Protein Synthesis, and Membrane Transport in Rat Skin," Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, No. 171, Nov.-Dec. 1982, pp. 264-271) showed that the application of a current of in the order of 50 to 500 microamperes to the skin and underlying muscle of a subject causes an increase in mitochondria and protein synthesis in the muscle, an increase in aminoisobutyric acid uptake, an increase in protein synthesis and Gluconeogenesis (biosynthesis of new glucose) and a 300-500% increase in ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) levels. These dramatic increases in cellular ATP levels have been shown to help muscles retain a reeducated form for longer periods of time, and as a consequence such techniques are of use in muscle toning treatments. However, for these benefits to be appreciable it is necessary to for the muscle to be manipulated (for example by extending or compressing the muscle) whilst the treatment is taking place. In a salon environment, this is relatively easy to accomplish as microcurrent electrostimulation devices typically comprise a pair of probes that can be used by a technician during a treatment to manipulate the skin and muscle so that the muscle is forced into a desired form for re-education. This contrasts with the home environment where subjects typically apply microcurrent treatments to themselves without the assistance of another person.

One previously proposed microcurrent electrostimulation device that is intended for personal rather than commercial use is the Rio ^® facial rejuvenator device offered for sale by The Dezac Group Ltd. This device comprises a pair of wands with conducting tips that allow a user to manipulate their skin and underlying muscle whilst applying a microcurrent in the course of a muscle toning electrostimulation treatment. A problem with the device is that the user needs to look in a mirror to be able to locate the wands on the skin and squeeze or lengthen the correct muscle.

Another previously proposed electrostimulation device is the NuFace ^® device from the Carol Cole Company (see WO2006/116728). This device comprises a hand-holdable housing from which a pair of electrodes project and circuitry for establishing a potential difference between the electrodes so that a microcurrent flows between the electrodes when the electrodes are placed on the skin. A drawback with the NuFace ^® device is that as it can only be used in a manner in which the electrodes are brushed over the skin. It cannot be used for muscle toning treatments where the skin and muscle are manipulated whilst the current is applied.

Another previously proposed device is the Tua Viso electrostimulation device from Vupiesse Italia (see EPO 603 451). This device is similar in concept to the NuFace ^® device and is used in the same way by brushing the electrodes over the surface of the skin to be treated. As a consequence, the Tua Viso device suffers from the same drawbacks as the NuFace ^® device.

Iontophoresis is a known process in which charged particles are propelled, non-invasively, through the dermis of a subject by means of a repulsive electromotive force that results from the application of an electric field to a similarly charged particle (such as the particles of a medicament or a cosmetic treatment). The applied electric field pushes the particles deeper into the skin to achieve a better therapeutic or cosmetic effect. In the context of electrostimulation devices, it has previously been proposed to provide electrolytic fluids that function to improve current flow to the skin of the subject, and for these fluids to have a cosmetic or therapeutic effect. For example, in the context of the NuFace ^® device, it has been proposed to provide a conductivity gel that is smeared over the subject's face prior to use of the device, and an optimizing mist that can be sprayed onto the gel to keep the gel moist during a NuFace ^® treatment. Smearing a subject's face with gel is necessarily quite messy and it is difficult to ensure that the gel is exactly where it is needed. Also cleaning the device after use can be problematic.

The Tua Viso device has chambers that are associated with each of the electrodes, and which can be filled with fluid or fluid-filled cartridges that are sealed with a breakable membrane. It is known to cover each of the electrodes of the Tua Viso device with a "spongey material" that is humidified by the fluid to keep the skin dampened during use of the device. Whilst this arrangement is better than that proposed for the NuFace ^® device, the electrode assemblies of the Tua Viso device still need to be disassembled to be properly cleaned after use. The sponges can also be difficult to put on and take off, and that the need to purchase replacement cartridges and sponges can substantially increase the cost of using of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device comprising: a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part; at least one first electrode carried by said first housing part and at least one second electrode carried by said second housing part, and a controller to control a supply of electricity to said electrodes, wherein said first and second electrodes are spaced apart and said spacing is adjustable by relative movement of said first and second housing parts. The electrodes may be provided on respective removable heads that can, for example, be plugged onto the first and second housing parts.

The inventio also includes a method of cosmetic treatment of human skin using a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device comprising: applying at least one first electrode carried by a first housing part of said device and at least one second electrode carried by a second housing part of said device to said skin; applying an electrical current to said skin via said electrodes; and manipulating said skin by relative movement of said first and second electrodes caused by relative movement of said first and second housing parts that causes a spacing between said at least one first electrode and said at least one second electrode to change. The electrodes may be provided on respective removable heads that can, for example, be plugged onto the first and second housing parts.

The invention also includes a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device comprising: a first housing member and a second housing member hinge connected to said first housing member to permit relative movement between said housing members; at least one first electrode carried by said first housing member; at least one second electrode carried by said second housing member; a control element to control a supply of electrical current to said electrodes; and at least one biasing member to bias said first and second housing members to a predetermined rest position that defines a first spacing between said at least one first electrode and said at least one second electrode, said spacing being changed by relative movement of said first and second housing members against said at least one biasing member to a non-rest position at which said at least one biasing member operates to return said first and second housing members to said rest position to assist in a muscle manipulation activity. The electrodes may be provided on respective removable heads that can, for example, be plugged onto the first and second housing members.

The invention also includes a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device comprising a casing carrying a first electrode, a second electrode and a control device to control a supply of electricity to said first and second electrodes, at least one of said first and second electrodes being movable to permit a spacing between said electrodes to be varied and at least one of said first and second electrodes being provided with a holder for a removable fluid-filled applicator whereby fluid from a said fluid-filled applicator held in a said holder and electricity from said first and second electrodes can be at least substantially simultaneously applied to skin of a user.

The invention also includes a method of treatment of human skin using a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device that comprises a casing that supports a first electrode and a second electrode such that a spacing between said electrodes can be varied, at least one of said electrodes being provided with a holder for a fluid-filled applicator, said method comprising: loading a fluid-filled applicator to said holder; supplying an electrical current to said electrodes; and applying said electrostimulation device to said skin such that electricity from said electrodes and fluid from said fluid filled applicator are applied at least substantially simultaneously to said skin. The electrodes may be provided on respective removable heads that can, for example, be plugged onto the casing.

The invention also includes an electrostimulation skin massage device comprising: a hand- holdable housing; first and second electrodes; a control interface that is user operable to couple a source of electricity to said electrodes; and a holder for a fluid-bearing cotton bud; the device being configured to enable fluid from said cotton bud to be applied to skin of a user as electricity is supplied to said skin. The electrodes may be provided on respective removable heads that can, for example, be plugged onto the casing.

The invention also includes a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device comprising:

a handle comprising a first member and a second member;

at least one first electrode provided on said first member; and

at least one second electrode provided on said second member,

wherein said handle has a first end and a second end and said second member is connected with said first member at a position intermediate said first and second ends of said handle, and

wherein said handle is configured such that a user applied force can cause movement of said second member from a rest position and said second member is resiliently biased to return said second side member to said rest position to provide relative movement of said first and second electrodes to provide skin massage while applying electricity to said skin.

The device may further comprise a holder to hold a fluid-bearing applicator so as to enable fluid from said fluid-bearing applicator to be applied to skin to which electricity is supplied via said electrodes. The holder may comprise a cavity defined by a said electrode. Electricity from said electrode defining said cavity may be applied to said skin via a said fluid-bearing applicator held in said cavity. A said fluid-bearing applicator friction-fitted in said holder. A said fluid-bearing applicator may carry a cosmetic or therapeutic fluid. The invention also includes an electrostimulation skin massage device comprising: a hand held housing comprising a first member, a second member and a pivot connection connecting said first member with said second member;

a first electrode carried by said first member, said first electrode configured to hold a fluid applicator;

a second electrode carried by said second member, said second electrode configured to hold a fluid applicator; and

a user operable control interface operable to couple a source of electricity to said electrodes, wherein said first member has a first end, a second end and a length LI from said first end to said second end,

wherein said second member has a first end, a second end and a length L2 from said first end to said second end,

wherein said length LI is greater than said length L2 and said pivot connection is disposed intermediate said first and second ends of said first member,

wherein said second member is resiliency biased away from said first member to a rest position at which a rest spacing between said first and second electrodes is defined,

wherein said handle is configured to permit a user to hold said handle in one hand and manipulate said handle with said one hand to cause movement of said second member towards said first member against said resilient bias to reduce the spacing between said first and second electrodes, and

wherein said resilient bias is configured to return said second member to said rest position so that skin of said user which is engaged by respective fluid applicators held by said first and second electrodes can be manipulated by relative movement of said first and second electrodes that is transmitted to said skin via said fluid applicators while electricity from said electrodes is applied to said skin via said fluid applicators.

The invention also includes a method of treatment of human skin using an electrostimulation skin massage device that comprises a hand held housing comprising a first member and a second member that is pivotally connected with said first member such that said second member is movable relative to said first member, said first member having a length LI and said second member having a length L2 that is less than said length LI, said method comprising: applying a free end of an electrode carried by said first member and a free end of an electrode carried by said second member to said skin;

applying an electrical current to said skin via said free ends of said electrodes; and manipulating said skin by relative movement of said electrodes caused by causing said second member to move towards said first member from a rest position to cause a spacing between said electrodes to reduce.

The electrostimulation skin massage device may comprise at least one resilient biasing member and said method may further comprise allowing said second member to return to said rest position by a force exerted by said at least one resilient biasing member.

The method may further comprise placing said electrode carried by said first member in contact with said skin first and then engaging said skin with said electrode carried by said second member and moving said second member towards said first member.

The invention also includes a method of treatment of human skin using an electrostimulation skin massage device comprising a hand held housing comprising a first member and a second member that is pivotally connected with said first member such that said second member is movable relative to said first member, said first member having a length LI and said second member having a length L2 that is less than said length LI said method comprising:

applying a fluid applicator that projects from a free end of an electrode carried by said first member and a fluid applicator that projects from a free end of an electrode carried by said second member to said skin;

applying an electrical current to said skin via said fluid applicators; and

manipulating said skin by relative movement of said electrodes caused by moving said second member towards said first member from a rest position to cause a spacing between said electrodes to reduce.

The method may further comprise placing said electrode carried by said first member in contact with said skin first and then engaging said skin with said electrode carried by said second member and moving said second member towards said first member.

The electrostimulation skin massage device may comprise at least one resilient biasing member and said method further comprises allowing said second member to return to said rest position by a force exerted by said at least one resilient biasing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be well understood, some examples will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a display of the device;

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a user interface of the device;

Fig. 5 shows one operating condition of the device;

Fig. 6 shows another operating condition of the device;

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing electrical components of the device;

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a second example of a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device;

Fig. 9 shows electrodes of the device shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a fluid-filled swab for use with the device of Fig. 8; Fig. 11 is a schematic cross- sectional view through an electrode of the device shown in Fig. 8; Fig. 12 is a schematic cross- sectional view of a swab such as that shown in Fig. 10 installed in an electrode as shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a third example of a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a modified version of the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device of Figure 13;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a fourth example of a handheld electrostimulation skin massage device shown in a closed and locked condition; Fig. 16 view corresponding to Fig. 14 showing the showing the hand held electrostimulation device of Fig. 15 in an unlocked condition; and

Fig. 17 is a view corresponding to Figs. 15 and 16 showing the hand held electrostimulation device of Fig. 15 in an operating condition;

Fig. 18 shows a fifth example of a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device with a plug on head;

Fig. 19 shows the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device of Fig. 18 with a different plug on head;

Fig. 20 shows the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device of Fig. 18 with another different plug on head;

Fig. 21 shows the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device of Fig. 18 with yet another different plug on head;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a handle body of the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device of Figs. 18 to 21;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the head shown in Fig. 18;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the head shown n Fig. 19;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the head shown in Fig. 20; and

Fig 26 is a perspective view of the head shown in Fig 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs. 1 and 2 show a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 1 with a charging cradle 3. The device 1 comprises a hand-holdable housing, or handle, 5 that is configured to fit in the hand of a normal adult user for one-handed operation. The housing 5 comprises a first housing part, or member, 7 and a second housing part, or member, 9 that are joined to one another by a hinge 11, which may be disposed at one end region of the device. The hinge 11 forms a pivot axis about which the first and second parts 7, 9 can move relative to one another. In modifications of the device 1, the hand-holdable housing 5 may be configured such that one of the housing parts 7, 9 is shorter than is shown in Figures 1 and 2 and hinge connected to the other at a position intermediate its ends. For example, the second housing 9 may be shorter than the first housing part 7 and hinge connected to the first housing part at a position 12 indicated schematically in Figure 1. In this case, the thickness of the first housing part 7 beneath the hinge position 12 may be increased so that the hand-holdable housing has a profile similar to the hand-holdable housing shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The charging cradle 3 is configured to be plugged into a mains power outlet (not shown) and includes a socket 13. The socket 13 is shaped to receive the end region of the device 1 at which the hinge 11 is disposed. The socket 13 may include a plurality of electrical connectors (not shown) that are capable of coupling with connectors (not shown) in the device 1 when the device is supported in the cradle 3 to enable a battery in the device 1 to be recharged. Suitable electrical connectors and charging stations for hand held devices will be known to those skilled in the art and will, therefore, not be described in detail herein. It will be understood that it is not essential that battery charging is by way of contact technology and that the cradle 3 and device 1 may be equipped for non-contact charging by, for example, an inductive charging system.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the respective ends 14 of the first and second housing parts 7, 9 distal from the hinge 11 have at least one electrode 15 (in this particular example two electrodes) projecting therefrom. The electrodes 15 are to supply electrical energy to the skin and muscle of a user, particularly but not exclusively to facial skin and muscle. The electrodes 15 on one or both of the first and second housing parts 7, 9 are provided on a removable head 16 that can, for example, be plugged onto the end 14 of the respective housing part. Such a head may be provided with at least one electric contact engageable with an electric contact on the housing part. As described in more detail below with reference to Figures 18 to 24, providing electrodes on removable heads allows for greater flexibility of use as different types and configuration of electrode and other tools can be utilised to provide a greater range of possible treatments.

The device 1 may be provided with a cap 17 that can be fitted over the electrodes 15 when the device 1 is in a fully closed position (shown in Fig. 1) to keep the electrodes clean. In one envisaged example, a locking mechanism may be provided to keep the device in the fully closed position. Such a locking mechanism may also be used to keep the device in a fully closed condition when the device is to be operated in a lines/wrinkles mode where muscle manipulation is not required. In the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the locking mechanism comprises a hook-like projection 50 provided on the first housing part 7 that can be received in a suitable recess 52 provided in the second housing part 9 and a locking member (not visible) within the second housing part that can be slid into locking engagement with the projection 50 by means of a slider 54 provided in a recess on a side surface of the second housing part. In another envisaged implementation, fitting the cap 17 over the electrodes 15 may be sufficient to keep the device in its fully closed condition.

Referring to Figure 6, he device 1 may be provided resilient biasing members 18 that are arranged to urge the first and second housing parts 7, 9 away from one another to the rest position shown in Figs. 2 and 5. In the illustrated example, the resilient biasing members 18 are torsion springs that are mounted on the hinge axis. Each torsion spring has two arms that are secured in respective recesses provided in the first and second housing parts 7, 9. In the rest position, the ends 14 of the first and second housing parts 7, 9 are slightly spaced from one another. As illustrated by Fig. 6, the ends 14 of the first and second housing parts 7, 9 can be moved against the biasing members 18 to increase the spacing between the electrodes 15 and as illustrated by Fig. 1, the housing parts can be brought together against the biasing members to reduce the spacing between the electrodes.

The biasing force provided by the biasing members 18 can assist the user in manipulating skin tissue by stretching or compressing a muscle while electrical current is applied to the skin. For example, if the user wishes to manipulate skin tissue by compressing a muscle, the user can move the housing parts 7, 9 from the rest position shown in Fig. 5 to a more open position in which the spacing between the electrodes 15 is increased and once the electrodes are placed against the skin, allow the biasing members to move the electrodes towards one another by simply relaxing their grip on the housing 5. Similarly, when the user wishes to stretch a muscle, the electrodes 15 can be placed against the skin with the device 1 in the fully closed position shown in Fig. 1 and the biasing members 18 then allowed to urge the electrodes apart by the user simply relaxing their grip on the housing 5. This is advantageous as the skin and muscle should be manipulated whilst being electrically stimulated if the muscle is to retain its re-educated form for longer.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the first housing part 7 of the housing 5 may include a display screen 19 to display various items of information to the user of the device. The screen 19 may include an icon 21 that indicates the state of charge of a battery contained within the device and may provide a visual indication of a selected operating mode/program by means of icons 25 that indicate whether the device is to be used in a "toning" mode (in which the muscle is manipulated during the treatment) or a "lines/wrinkles" mode (in which the electrodes are merely brushed over the skin's surface). Further icons 27 may be provided to indicate which program has been selected for the chosen mode indicated by icons 25. The screen 19 may display an indication 29 of the time remaining for a given treatment.

The first housing part 7 may also be provided with a control panel 31 that has a plurality of buttons (or other user operable input devices) that can be operated to control the way in which the device 1 functions. Referring to Fig. 4, the control panel 31 may include an on/off switch 33 to switch the device on and off, a mode select button 35 to switch the device between the "toning" and "lines/wrinkles" modes and a "prog" button 37 to select a desired program for the selected mode (in this instance there being three different programs available for each mode). The control panel 31 may include a start button 39 that when pressed starts a selected program.

In one example, the device 1 is configured so that the "toning" (i.e. muscle lifting) mode subjects the skin and underlying muscle of the user to a lower frequency electrical stimulus than the "lines/wrinkles" operating mode. In addition, in one example, the device may use an alternating polarity square wave signal for the toning mode and a fixed polarity sine wave signal for the lines/wrinkles mode. By fixed polarity we mean that current flows in one direction from one electrode to the other, and by alternating polarity we mean that the current flows firstly in one direction between the electrodes, following which the polarity is reversed and the current flows back in the opposite direction.

In the lines/wrinkles mode the electrodes are merely brushed over the skin to effect a surface treatment of the user's skin and in this operating mode the locking means (when provided) may be operated to lock the first and second housing parts 7, 9 together. In the toning mode, however, the skin and underlying muscle of the user is manipulated whilst the treatment is ongoing, for example by squeezing the skin and muscle between the electrodes 15, or by using the electrodes to stretch the skin and muscle of the user. An example of three programs for the two operating modes is shown in the table below.

Referring now to Fig. 7 the device 1 may include a battery 41 that may be rechargeable by means of the charging cradle 3. The device 1 may comprise a controller 43 (for example a processor) that incorporates a battery charging module 45 which controls the recharging of battery 41 via a charging cradle interface 47 which electrically connects to contacts in the charging cradle 3 when the device 1 is docked in the cradle.

The controller 43 may comprise a sound generator module 49 to generate sounds output by a speaker 51. The speaker 51 may output audible beeps whilst the device is being operated to stimulate a muscle. For example, the speaker 51 may output a short beep each second during operation of the device 1 followed by a longer beep after five seconds to indicate that treatment for that particular muscle has been completed. When operating in the toning mode, the speaker 51 may emit a short beep every second and then a long beep on the 6th second to signal to the user that they should move the device to a new muscle - the long beep only ceasing when contact with the skin is broken. When the device 1 is used in the lines/wrinkles mode the speaker 51 may emit a higher pitched beep every half second and then emit a long beep after 30 seconds to signal to the user to move onto another area of the face. Since audio beeps may sometimes be unnecessary or annoying, the device 1 may be provided with a mute switch 53 that when actuated will cause the controller 43 to turn off the sound generator module 49.

The controller 43 may comprise a mode/program selector module 55 that is responsive to the mode button 35 and program button 37 of the user interface 31 to select a desired operating mode and program. The controller 43 may further comprise a signal generator 57 that is configured to generate an electrical signal in accordance with a selected mode/program for application to the electrodes 15. The controller 43 may further comprise a clock module 59 that generates timing signals which are used by the controller to control the duration of any given program.

The controller 43 may be embodied by means of a processor running appropriate software, or by means of one or more application specific integrated circuits and/or other hard- wired circuitry. Although, it may be convenient to have one or all of the display screen 19, control panel 31, the controller 43 and associated circuitry provided onboard the device 1, this is not essential as one or more may be provided separately and interface with the device 1 by one or more wires.

Because the first and second housing parts 7, 9 can move relative to one another, the user is able to manipulate the skin and underlying muscle by means of a device that can readily be used with one hand. For example, the user can manipulate the skin and tissue by squeezing it between the electrodes 15 or by using the electrodes to stretch the skin and muscle. When a user of the device 1 wishes to manipulate skin tissue by using the electrodes 15 to compress a muscle, the first and second housing parts can be moved apart from the rest condition shown in Fig. 5 and the biasing members 18 will act to return the ends 14 towards the position shown in Fig. 5 and, as such, assist the user in compressing the muscle between the electrodes 15. When the user wishes to manipulate the skin to stretch a muscle, the device can be held in the fully closed position shown in Fig. 1, the electrodes 15 pressed against the skin and then the hold on the housing 5 relaxed to allow the biasing members 18 to urge the ends 14 of the first and second housing parts 7, 9 apart, thereby stretching the skin (and underlying muscle) against which the electrodes bear. Thus, the biasing members 18 assist the user in manipulating the skin and muscle to which an electrical current is to be applied. This is particularly advantageous given that, as aforementioned, the skin and muscle should be manipulated whilst being electrically stimulated if the muscle is to retain its re-educated form for longer.

The device 1 can also be used to apply an electric current to the skin surface by brushing the electrodes 15 over the skin's surface. Fig. 8 shows another electrostimulation device 61. The device 61 includes many components that are the same as or similar to those of the device 1. In the drawings, such components have been assigned the same reference numerals and to avoid unnecessary repetition of description may not be described again. The device 61 is configured to enable the spacing between the electrodes 15 carried by the first and second housing parts 7, 9 to be varied in the same way as the device 1. Although not shown in the drawing, the device 61 the second housing part 9 shorter than the first housing part 7 and hinge connected to the first housing part at a hinge position disposed intermediate the ends of the hand-holdable housing 5, which may, for example, approximate to the position 12 shown in Figure 1.

The electrodes 15 of the device 61 are configured for use with fluid bearing applicators, such as the cotton buds described in US5 702 035 - i.e. cotton buds that carry or contain a fluid within them. As shown in Fig. 10 (and as described in US5 702 035), such cotton buds 62 comprise a tube 63 that carries a measure of fluid (such as a serum, medicament or beauty treatment) and is circumferentially scored to form a break line 65. The ends of the tube 63 are provided with respective cotton bud applicators 67, 69 of the type used for conventional cotton buds (for example, the Q-Tip™ brand of cotton buds). In use, the tube 63 is broken at the break line 65, whereupon the fluid within the tube is drawn to the cotton bud applicator 69 distal from the break line 65 for application to the skin of the user.

The electrodes 15 of the device 61 are able to act as a support for a fluid-bearing cotton bud 62 to enable fluid to be dispensed onto the skin of the user whilst an electric current (preferably a microcurrent) is applied thereto). Fig. 8 shows the electrostimulation device 61 with each of the four electrodes 15 loaded with a cotton bud 62 and Fig. 9 shows the device with only two of the four electrodes loaded.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the electrodes 15 of the device 61 may each comprise a base part 71 that is coupled to the respective removable head 16 and a section 73 that projects from the base part. The section 73 defines a cavity 75 that is sized so that the tube 63 of a fluid bearing cotton bud 62 (or indeed any other similarly sized swab, fluid-bearing or otherwise) may be friction fitted and retained within the cavity 75 (as shown in Fig. 12). Once fitted within the cavities 75, the cotton buds 62 are able to deliver their fluid content directly to the particular part of the skin to which the current is being applied, and thus create much less mess than other previously proposed arrangements. The cotton buds can quickly and easily be changed when exhausted and the device itself can quickly and easily be cleaned. Furthermore, as an electrical microcurrent is supplied to the skin via the cotton applicators 69 of the cotton buds 62, the device can be used to perform for iontophoresis.

It should be understood that the electrostimulation device 61 may be configured to use other forms of fluid delivery applicator. For example, the fluid delivery applicator may comprise a pad made of cotton or other material provided at either end of a tube that carries a fluid. It should also be noted that the term "cotton bud" is not intended to refer to any one particular brand of applicator.

In the examples illustrated by Figs. 1 to 12, the first and second housing parts 7, 9 pivot with respect to one another to vary the distance between the electrodes 15. This is not essential as the housing parts may move relative to one another in other ways. For example, the housing parts may be configured to vary the distance between the electrodes by a relative sliding or rotational movement of the first and second housing parts.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the locking mechanism comprises a projection 50 engageable with in a recess 52. Examples of other suitable forms of locking mechanism include a detachable clip or ring that can be fitted in engagement with a suitable a suitable formation(s), such as recess(es) provided on or in the housing 5. Such a clip or ring may fit to the housing by, for example, snap-fitting. Another example is a hinged latch arm provided on one housing part that can be latch into a suitable recess provided on the other housing part.

The examples illustrated by Figs. 1 to 12 may comprise a rechargeable battery that is sealed within one of the housing parts 7, 9. However, non-rechargeable batteries can be used, in which case one of the housing parts may be provided with a user accessible battery compartment configured to receive one or more rechargeable or disposable batteries. Another alternative would be for the device to be powered by an external electrical power supply, in which case the device may be supplied with a cable with and an external transformer for transforming a mains electrical power supply into a supply suitable for use by the device.

Fig. 13 shows another hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 101. The hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 101 comprises a handle, or hand-holdable housing, 105 that is configured to fit in the hand of a normal adult user for one-handed operation. The handle 105 comprises a first housing part, or member, 117 and a second housing part, or member 119. The first and second members 117, 119 each have a free end 121 from which at least one electrode 123 projects. Although not show in the drawing, the electrodes 123 on at least one of the first and second members 117, 119 may be provided on a removable head fitted to the free end of the respective handle member.

The first member 117 comprises a first side arm 125, an arcuate end part 127 that curves out of the plane of the side arm 125 back towards the free end 121 of the first member, and a second side arm 129 projecting from the arcuate end part 127. The second side arm 129 is disposed in generally opposed spaced apart relation to the first side arm 125. The configuration of the first and second side arms 125, 129 and the arcuate end part 127 is such that the first member 117 has an asymmetric U-profile with the second arm 129 being somewhat shorter than the first arm 125. The free end 131 of the second arm 129 is pivot connected to the second member 119 by a hinge 133 that may comprise at least one pivot pin. The second member 119 is disposed in generally opposed spaced part relation to the first side arm 125 to form an articulated extension of the second side arm 129. The first member 117 has a length between the free end 121 of the first side arm 125 and the radially outermost part of the arcuate end part 127 that is somewhat greater than the length of the second member 119, which is the distance between the free end 121 of the second member and the hinge 133. The configuration of the first and second members 117, 119 may be such that the handle 105 has a generally symmetric U-shaped profile. The hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 101 further comprises at least one resilient biasing member 135 by which the second member 119 is resiliency biased to the rest position shown in Fig. 13. The at least one resilient biasing member 135 may comprise one or more torsion springs. In some examples, the side arm 129, second member 119 and hinge 133 may be configured such that the pivoting movement of the second member away from the first arm 125 under the influence of the biasing member or members 135 is limited so that the second member cannot move beyond the rest position shown in Fig. 13. In such examples, the only permitted movement of the second member 119 from the position shown in Fig. 13 would be movement towards the first arm 125 of the first member 117.

In the illustrated example, each member 117, 119 carries two electrodes 123, although, in other examples there may be just one electrode or more than two electrodes provided on each side member. The electrodes 123 may be solid or configured for use with fluid-bearing applicators, for example, comprising cavities and fluid-bearing applicators as disclosed with reference to Figs. 8 to 12.

The hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 101 may also be provided with a controller, which may be the same as, or similar to, the controller 43 described above with reference to Fig. 7. The device 101 may also have a display screen 137, which may, for example, be the same as or similar to the display screen 19 described with reference to Figs. 1 and 3. The device 101 may also be provided with a control panel 139, which may, for example be the same as or similar to the control panel 39 described with reference to Figs. 1 and 4. The control panel 139 may, for example, comprise one or more buttons, switches or touch pads via which a user can input commands for execution by the controller.

The hand held electrostimulation device 101 may be battery powered. The handle 105 may be provided with a compartment (not shown) to house a battery, or batteries, which may be one-time use or rechargeable. Alternatively, the handle 105 may carry a sealed in battery that is rechargeable via a charging plug/socket arrangement or by non-contact charging, for example by inductive charging.

The handle 105 may be made of a suitable plastics or polymer material. The handle may, for example be formed by moulding. The handle 105 is configured such that a user can one-handedly cause relative movement of the first and second members 117, 119 by moving the second member 119 towards the first arm 125 of the first member 117 while holding the electrodes 123 against their skin. As the second member 119 moves towards the first arm 125 of the first member 117 the spacing between the electrodes 123 is reduced so that the skin and underlying muscle between them is squeezed of compressed. The handle 105 is resiliency biased to a rest position so that when the user relaxes the force applied to the handle to move the second member 119 towards the first arm 125 of the first member 117, the second member is automatically moved back towards the rest position relieving the compression applied to the skin and underlying muscle between the electrodes 123.

Fig. 14 shows modifications that may be made to the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 101. In this example, the controller, control panel, display screen and power supply are all omitted from the handle 105 and incorporated in one or more housings 141 that may be connected with the handle by one or more flexible electrical conductors, or leads, 143. The connections may be made using plugs and sockets, or may be permanent. It will be understood it is not essential that all of the controller, control panel, display screen and power supply are omitted from the handle 105 and that one or more may be provided on the handle. For example, it may be convenient to have a display or input control functionality provided on the handle, while having the controller and power supply provided separately in one or more housings 141.

Referring to Figs. 15 to 17 a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 201 comprises a hand-holdable housing, or handle, 205 that is configured to fit in the hand of a normal adult user for one-handed operation. The handle 205 comprises a first housing part, or member, 207 and a second housing part, or member, 209. As indicated in Fig. 17, the first member 207 has a first end 211, a second end 213 and a length LI between those ends. As indicated in Fig. 16, the second member 209 has a first end 215, a second end 217 and a length L2 between those ends. The length LI is greater than the length L2. The second member 209 is pivotally connected with the first member 207 by a hinge 219 that may comprise one or more pivot pins that define a pivot, or hinge, axis 221. At least one resilient biasing member (not visible in the drawings) configured to bias the second member 209 towards the first member 207 may be housed in the handle 205. The at least one resilient biasing member may comprise one or more torsion springs in an arrangement similar to that shown in Fig. 6. The first and second members 207, 209 each carry at least one electrode 223. In the illustrated example, the first and second members 207, 209 carry the same number of electrodes. For example, the first and second side members 207, 209 may each carry three electrodes 223. The electrodes 223 may protrude from the respective first, or free, ends 211, 215 of the first and second members 207, 209. The electrodes 223 may be solid bodies, or as shown, may comprise respective cavities defining holders for fluid -bearing applicators 225. The fluid -bearing applicators 225 and their respective holders may take any of the forms described above in connection with Figs. 8 to 12. In some examples, the electrodes 123 provided on one or both side members may be provided on a removable head that can, for example, be plugged onto the respective side member.

The hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 201 may comprise an onboard user interface as shown in Figs. 15 to 17. The user interface may be used to cause a controller (not shown) housed in the first member 207 to execute commands and display information output by the controller. The controller may, for example, be the same as, or similar to, the controller 43 described above in connection with the device shown in Figs. 1 to 7. The user interface may comprise one or more buttons, or switches, 231 and a display 233. The buttons 231 may comprise one or more touch sensitive pads. The display 233 may comprise a plurality of LEDS or the like arranged in a grid and selectively illuminable to display information, such as timer information. The handle 205 may house a battery power pack and controller (not shown) in similar fashion to the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. Where an onboard battery power pack is provided, it may be removable for charging or the handle 205 may be configured to interface with a charging cradle in similar fashion to the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. In other examples, one or more parts of a user interface, a controller or power supply may be disposed in a remote housing connected with the handle 205 by flexible connectors as shown by way of example in Fig. 14.

The hand held electrostimulation device 201 may be provided with a cap (not shown) that can be fitted over the electrodes 223 when the device is in a fully closed condition (shown in Figs. 15 and 16) to keep the electrodes clean. In some examples, the device 201 may be provided with a locking mechanism configured to lock the device in the fully closed condition. Such a locking mechanism may also be used to keep the device in a fully closed condition when the device is to be operated in a lines/wrinkles mode where muscle manipulation is not required. In the example illustrated in Figs. 15 to 17, the locking mechanism comprises a sliding member 237 mounted on the second member 209. The sliding member 237 may comprise a clip that is snap-fitted to the second member 209. The sliding member 237 may be slideable in the lengthways direction of the second member 209 so as to be moveable between a locking position shown in Fig. 15 in which it engages a locking formation 239 provided at the first end 211 of the first member 207 and an unlocked position shown in Figs. 16 and 17 in which it is disengaged from the locking formation 239. When the sliding member 237 is moved to the unlocked position, the second member 209 is freed to allow it to pivot away from the first member 207 under the influence of the biasing member or biasing members to the rest position shown in Fig. 17. The sliding member 237 may comprise locking formations in the form of projections provided on its inner side that engage the locking formation 239 when the sliding member is slid into the locking position shown in Fig. 15. In other examples, the locking mechanism may comprise a hook similar to the hook 50 shown in Fig. 6, which may be provided on the inner face of the second member 209 and arranged to be received in an aperture provided in the inner face 243 of the first member 207 where it may be engaged by a latching mechanism housed within first member and operable by, for example, a slider switch provided on a side face of the first member.

The hand held electrostimulation skin massage devices 101, 201 may be operated one handed to apply electricity to the skin while simultaneously massaging the skin and manipulating the muscles below. When fitted with fluid-bearing applicators, such as the fluid bearing applicators 223 shown in Figs. 15 to 17, fluid may also be applied to the skin while skin, muscle, manipulation takes place. The skin may be massaged by moving the second member 119, 209 towards the first member 117, 209, thereby reducing the spacing between the respective electrodes 123, 223 carried by the first and second members. When the user releases the pressure on the second member 119, 209, the second member pivots back to its rest position under the influence of the torsion springs, or another suitable biasing member or members mounted on the handle 105, 205. Thus, by a simple one handed squeezing action the user is able to simultaneously apply electricity or fluid to the skin and massage the area to which the electricity and fluid is applied. Hand held electrostimulation skin massage devices, such as the devices 101, 201 shown in Figs. 13 to 17, that have an asymmetric, or offset, hinge structure may provide advantages as compared with the hand held electrostimulation skin massage devices with a hinge disposed adjacent and end of the device as illustrated by Figs. 1 to 12. In order to lift and tone facial muscles, it may be desirable to perform upward, anti-gravity, manipulation of the facial muscles. This can be achieved using the hand held electrostimulation skin massage devices 101, 201 by placing the electrodes 123, 22 carried by the first, longer, member 117, 207 of the handle 105, 205 on the face, then moving the electrodes carried by the second, shorter, member 119, 209 upwards to reduce the spacing between the electrodes and squeezing and holding the gripped muscle, or muscles, between electrodes for six to ten seconds. When using hand held electrostimulation skin massage devices, such as the devices illustrated by Figs. 1 to 12, that have a symmetrically located hinge, the natural tendency is to place the respective electrodes carried by the two hinged members on the face at the same time and move the electrodes towards one another by squeezing the opposite sides of the handle. This, at least partially, drags muscle material downwards, which may be undesirable. Using a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device with an offset hinge, or pivot axis, forces the user to apply the electrodes 123, 223 carried by the longer member 117, 207 on the face first and then move the electrodes carried by the shorter, member 119, 209 towards the electrodes 123, 223 carried by the first member while the electrodes carried by the first member make little or no movement relative to the skin. This is a more natural action for the user that may ensure upwards anti-gravity manipulation of the facial muscles is achieved.

Figs. 18 to 21 show another hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 301. The handheld electrostimulation skin massage device 301 comprises a housing, or handle, 305 that is configured to fit in the hand of a normal adult user for one-handed operation. The handle comprises a main handle body 307 and a plurality of plug on heads 309, 311, 313, 315. The plug on heads carry different treatment devices. For example:

1) the plug on head 309 carries six electrodes 317;

2) the plug on head 311 carries four electrodes 317;

3) the plug on head 313 comprises an eye roller 321 serum delivery device and a vibrator; and

4) the plug on head 315 carries inline pins 323 and provides red LED light emission. The electrodes 317 may be solid electrodes or, as shown in Figs 18 and 19, they may be configured to hold fluid-bearing applicators 325 in the same, or similar, fashion to the electrodes shown in Figs. 8 to 12.

The hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 301 may comprise an onboard user interface. The user interface may be used to operate a controller (not shown) housed in the handle body 307 and display information output by the controller. The controller may, for example, be the same as, or similar to, the controller 43 described above in connection with the device shown in Figs. 1 to 7. The user interface may comprise one or more buttons, or switches, 331 and a display 333. The buttons 331 may include one or more touch sensitive pads. The display 331 may comprise a plurality of LEDS. The handle body 307 may house a battery power pack (not shown) in similar fashion to the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. The battery power pack may comprise one or more batteries that may be rechargeable. The battery power pack may be removable for charging or replacement where non- rechargeable batteries are used. In some examples, the handle body 307 may be configured to interface with a charging cradle in similar fashion to the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. In other examples, one or more parts of a user interface, a controller or power supply may be disposed in a remote housing connected with the handle 305 by flexible connectors as shown by way of example in Fig. 14.

Referring to Figures 22 to 26, an example of a handle body 307 comprises a stepped end formation 341 that is configured to receive any one of the plug on heads 309, 311, 313, 315. Each plug on head has an inner end portion 343 configured to complement the stepped end formation 341 of the handle body 307. The plug on heads comprise electric pins 345 configured to plug into sockets 347 provided in the handle body 307 to receive electric power from a power supply housed in the handle body. The configuration of handle body 307 and plug on heads 309, 311, 313, 315 is such that they can be fitted together by relative translation in the lengthways direction of the parts. The handle body 307 and plug on heads 309, 311, 313, 315 may similarly be separated by an oppositely directed relative sliding movement. A locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided to lock the plug on heads 309, 311, 313, 315 to the handle body 307. The locking mechanism may comprise at least one snap fit locking device. The plug on heads 309, 311, each comprise a first member 351 and a second member 353. The first member 351 carries the electric pins 345 and is fixed to the handle body 307 when the plug on head is fitted to the handle body. The second member 353 is connected with the first member 351 by a hinge 355 that may comprise a plurality of pivot pins 357 defining a pivot axis that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 301. Each of the first and second members 351, 353 carries respective sets of electrodes 317. The plug on heads 309, 311 are provided with resilient biasing members 359 that bias the second member 353 away from the first member 351 to a rest position corresponding generally to the rest position shown in Figure 17. The second member 353 can be pivoted towards the first member 351 against the force exerted by the biasing members 359 and once the force pressing them together is released, the second member 353 will resile to the rest position under the influence of a restoring force exerted by the biasing members 359. Thus, in principle, when fitted with either plug on head 309, 311, the hand held electrostimulation skin massage device 301 can be used to simultaneously massage a user's skin and underlying muscle while apply electricity or fluid to the skin in the same way as the hand held electrostimulation skin massage devices 101, 201. It will be understood that the second member 353 is pivot connected with the handle 305 at a position intermediate the ends of the handle so that an offset, or asymmetric hinge arrangement capable of providing the advantages discussed above in connection with the devices 101, 201 is provided.

The hand held electrostimulation device 301 may be provided with a cap (not shown) that can be fitted over the electrodes 317 when the device is in a fully closed condition to keep the electrodes clean. In some examples, the device 301 may be provided with a locking mechanism configured to lock the first and second members 351, 353 in the fully closed condition. Such a locking mechanism may also be used to keep the first and second members 351, 353 in a fully closed condition when the device is operated in a lines/wrinkles mode where muscle manipulation is not required. As shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the locking mechanism may comprise a sliding member 361 mounted on the second member 353. The sliding member 361 may comprise a clip that is snap-fitted to the second member 353. The sliding member 361 may be slideable in the lengthways direction of the second member 353 so as to be moveable between a locking position shown in Figs. 18 and 19 in which it engages a locking formation (not shown) provided on the first member in analogous fashion to the sliding member 237 shown in Figs. 15 to 17.

The hand held electrostimulation skin massage devices 101, 201 and the hand held electrostimulation device 301 when fitted with one of the plug on heads 309, 311 may be operated one handed to apply electricity to the skin while simultaneously massaging the skin and manipulating the muscles below. When fitted with fluid-bearing applicators, such as the fluid bearing applicators 223, 325 shown in Figs. 15 to 19, fluid may also be applied to the skin while skin, muscle, manipulation takes place. The skin may, for example, be massaged by moving the second member 119, 209, 353 towards the first member 117, 209, 351, thereby reducing the spacing between the respective electrodes 123, 223 317 carried by the first and second members. When the user releases the pressure on the second member 119, 209, 353, the second member pivots back to its rest position under the influence of the torsion springs, or another suitable biasing member or members. Thus, by a simple one handed squeezing action the user is able to simultaneously apply electricity or fluid to the skin and massage the area to which the electricity and fluid is applied.

The illustrated examples provide a hand held electrostimulation skin massage device by means of which a user can conveniently adjust the spacing of the electrodes and thereby grip or stretch a muscle in the course of a muscle toning treatment using just one hand and without the aid of a mirror or the like. In some examples, the muscle is manipulated by relative movement of the electrodes while they are in direct contact with the skin, while in other examples, the manipulation may be via fluid applicators held by the electrodes. In each case, muscle manipulation is achievable by one-handed operation while electricity from the electrodes is applied to the skin. The illustrated devices can also be used for a lines/wrinkle treatment where the electrodes are brushed over the surface of the user's skin.

The resilient biasing members of the illustrated examples have been described as being torsion springs that are disposed about the pivot axis defined by the respective hinges. It is to be understood that this is not essential and that other forms of biasing member may be used. Also, there may be just one biasing member or more than two. The biasing member, or members may, for example, be suitably positioned compression or tension springs, or suitably positioned members, such as blocks or pads, made of a resilient material such as an elastomer.

The hand held electrostimulation skin massage devices allow the use of a fluid-bearing applicator to deliver its fluid content directly to the particular part of the skin to which the electric current is being applied, thus creating much less mess than is the case with known devices and procedures. The fluid-bearing applicator, such as the illustrated cotton bud can quickly and easily be changed when exhausted and after use, and the device itself can quickly and easily be cleaned. Furthermore, examples of the device that allow the electrical current to be supplied to the skin via a fluid bearing applicator are particularly well- suited for iontophoresis.