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Title:
MASSAGE AND BEAUTY CARE DEVICE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/063989
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a massage and beauty care device (1) intended to be pressed against a bodily surface of a user, comprising at least one rotary member (2) which bears, projecting therefrom, at least one rigid pin (5), characterized in that the said pin is associated with at least one peripheral cushion (6) having an external surface intended to come into contact with the application bodily surface, the said cushion being elastically deformable between a rest position in which the cushion has a maximum thickness and cushions the pressure of the pin against the bodily surface of the user to the point of making it more or less imperceptible, and a compressed position in which the cushion has a reduced thickness and allows the pin to apply appreciable pressure to the application bodily surface.

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Inventors:
THIEBAUT LAURE (FR)
DIOUF SOUKAÏ (FR)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2016/074184
Publication Date:
April 20, 2017
Filing Date:
October 10, 2016
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
OREAL (FR)
International Classes:
A45D34/04; A61H15/00; A61H15/02; A61M37/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2008004818A12008-01-10
Foreign References:
DE20112821U12002-06-27
FR2999888A12014-06-27
US2699164A1955-01-11
US5458561A1995-10-17
GB2478363A2011-09-07
CN2197042Y1995-05-17
KR20100005533A2010-01-15
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
JOUANNEAU, Lionel (FR)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1 . Massage and beauty care device (1 , 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) intended to be pressed against a bodily surface of a user, comprising at least one rotary member (2, 1 1 ) which bears, projecting therefrom, at least one rigid pin (5, 15, 25, 35), characterized in that the said pin is associated with at least one peripheral cushion (6, 16, 36) having an external surface intended to come into contact with the application bodily surface, the said cushion being elastically deformable between a rest position in which the cushion has a maximum thickness and cushions the pressure of the pin against the bodily surface of the user to the point of making it more or less imperceptible, and a compressed position in which the cushion has a reduced thickness and allows the pin to apply appreciable pressure to the application bodily surface.

2. Device (1 , 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the rotary member is a roller (2, 1 1 ) mounted so as to rotate.

3. Device (1 , 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the rotary member (2, 1 1 ) comprises a plurality of pins (5, 15, 25, 35) which are spaced apart and distributed over a periphery of the said rotary member.

4. Device (1 , 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the pins (5, 15, 25, 35) are organized in at least one row, preferably along a substantially longitudinal axis of the rotary member (2, 1 1 ).

5. Device (1 , 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to either one of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the pins (5, 15, 25, 35) are organized in at least one ring about a substantially longitudinal axis of the rotary member (2, 1 1 ).

6. Device (1 , 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cushion (6, 16, 36) is made from at least one elastomeric material, notably from SEBS, SBS, Exact, Santoprene.

7. Device (1 , 10, 20, 50) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cushion (6, 16) surrounds the pin (5, 15, 25) without covering it, the said cushion being deformable between a rest position in which the pin lies flush with the external surface of the cushion or is set back from the said external surface, and a compressed position in which the pin projects from the cushion.

8. Device (1 , 10, 20, 50) according to Claim 7, characaterized in that the cushion (6, 16) is produced by overmoulding around the pins (5, 15, 25) on the rotary member (2, 1 1 ).

9. Device (30, 40) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cushion (36) covers one end of the pin (35).

10. Device (30, 40) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the cushion (36) takes the form of a sleeve arranged around the rotary member (1 1 ) resting on the pins (35).

1 1 . Device (30, 40) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the sleeve (36) is made from a heatshrink material.

12. Device (50) according to any one of Claims 1 to 1 1 , characterized in that it further comprises a reservoir (100) intended to contain a cosmetic product (P).

Description:
Massage and beauty care device

The present invention relates to a massage and beauty care device intended to be applied to a bodily surface of a user.

Microneedle therapy is a procedure aimed at stimulating the skin in order to increase the production of collagen and elastin fibres.

This new formation of collagen and of elastin improves the texture of the skin and reduces dermatological problems.

This procedure is carried out using devices that comprise a collection of very fine needles intended to pierce the skin and penetrate the dermis layer. It may be performed in conjunction with beauty care products such as cosmetic or therapeutic creams.

More specifically, the microneedles create microchannels that facilitate the infiltration of the products into the deep layers of the skin.

This is therefore an invasive technique.

Such devices are notably described in documents CN2197042, KR20100005533A and WO08004818.

In particular, document WO08004818 describes a roller which bears, projecting therefrom, a collection of needles which are intended to pierce the skin and penetrate the dermis layer. The roller allows good distribution of an associated product.

However, these devices can be used only in a therapeutic and invasive mode in which the needles are active and pierce the skin. Thus, the user cannot use the roller simply for applying the product, without piercing the skin with the needles. This is a single "all or nothing" mode of operation.

Although these devices use needles that are very fine, their use is not always pleasant. Moreover, skin that is particularly sensitive may mark or redden and this, although temporary, is unattractive.

Furthermore, it is not always necessary to pierce the skin and a user may simply desire a more or less deep massaging effect.

Specifically, the application of massaging or prodding elements to the skin is enough to locally activate the microcirculation, and this speeds up the renewal of cells and also assists with the penetration of active products.

In particular, activating the microcirculation of the skin performs four major functions, namely: providing nutrition to the cells in the various skin layers; maintaining arterial blood pressure through a vasoconstrictive tonus; the skin tolerating lengthy periods of ischemia caused by body weight; and a vasomotor reactivity necessary for temperature regulation.

There is therefore a need for a skin stimulation device that offers a more pleasant and comfortable application while at the same time affording the desired benefits. There is also a need for a multi-mode device that allows a progressive application effect.

In order to achieve this, the present invention targets a massage and beauty care device intended to be pressed against a bodily surface of a user, comprising at least one rotary member which bears, projecting therefrom, at least one rigid pin.

The device is characterized in that the pin is associated with at least one peripheral cushion having an external surface intended to come into contact with the application bodily surface, the said cushion being elastically deformable between a rest position in which the cushion has a maximum thickness and cushions the pressure of the pin against the bodily surface of the user to the point of making it nearly imperceptible, and a compressed position in which the cushion has a reduced thickness and allows the pin to apply appreciable pressure to the application bodily surface.

Thus, by providing a cushion associated with the pins and elastically deformable between a position in which it cushions the pressure of the pin against the bodily surface, notably so as to render the pin imperceptible or near-imperceptible, and a compressed position in which it allows the pin to apply appreciable pressure to the user's skin, the said user can himself meter the application pressure in order to have a more or less deep massage effect.

Such an applicator in particular allows a cosmetic product to be spread over the skin using the surface of the cushion. When the user presses, the cushion compresses, which causes the ends of the rigid pins to stand out as these themselves do not compress. That allows the skin to be massaged or pricked lightly, activates the microcirculation, tones the skin and encourages the penetration of the active products.

Because the massaging force can easily be adapted by the user himself, such a device can be used both on the face and on the scalp, the hands or any other part of the body.

In addition, in an application without any pronounced pressure, or force other than the force needed to move the rotary member around, the user can use the device for simply applying a cream or some other cosmetic or beauty care product. A "pin" means in general an individual massage element in an elongate overall shape having a base via which it is connected to the rotary member (forming a core) and an opposite, free, end intended to exert pressure on the user's skin.

In particular, the pin may take a conical shape, having a thin and pointed end. If appropriate, the pin may be a needle.

Alternatively, any form of end that produces a massaging effect is conceivable.

The pin extends overall in a direction that has a radial component. For preference, the pin extends in a substantially radial direction.

For preference, the pin is made of a rigid plastic, notably thermoplastic, material. For preference, the pin is produced as an integral part of the rotary member, notably by moulding.

What is meant by "rigid" is relatively more rigid than the cushion and, for preference, nondeformable when applying a usage pressure.

Quite obviously, the rigidity of the pins is dependent on the massage effect that is to be provided and a person skilled in the art will be able to adjust the rigidity of the pins accordingly. This rigidity may be adjusted notably by modifying the material and/or the cross-sectional width of the said pins.

By way of example, the tip of the pins has a cross section of dimension smaller than 0.3 mm or even smaller than 0.1 mm. The base of the pins may itself be broad (for example comprised between 2 and 3 mm) or slender (for example comprised between 0.4 and 1 mm) depending on the desired rigidity.

The height of the pins is immaterial. In order to make very slender pins easier to manufacture by moulding, a short height may be preferable so that the said pins can be injection moulded and demoulded more easily. If the pins have broad bases, they can be made taller without difficulty.

The rotary member advantageously bears several pins spaced apart, all the pins being associated with a cushion, preferably a cushion they share in common.

For preference, the rotary member is a roller mounted so as to rotate. The use of such a member makes mounting the member on the device easier and makes the device easier to move over the application bodily surface. If appropriate, a roller also allows correct application of an associated cosmetic product.

Advantageously, the rotary member is mounted removably. Thus, it is possible to provide several rotary members that can be interchanged according to the desired application effect. The rotary member may also be cleaned or washed more easily.

The diameter of the rotary member may typically range up to around 50 mm.

The diameter of the rotary member may in particular be comprised between 10 and 20 mm, preferably between 10 and 15 mm. Such dimensions are particularly well suited to facial application. Such a dimension notably makes it possible optimally to follow a surface that has numerous curves, such as the face.

Advantageously, the rotary member comprises a plurality of pins which are spaced apart and distributed over a periphery of the said rotary member. The ends of the pins thus define an envelope surface where the cushion is positioned.

For preference, the pins are sufficiently well spaced that the user can feel them individually.

For that, they need to be sufficiently spaced apart. For preference, the distance between 2 adjacent pins will be greater than 3 mm or even, very preferably, greater than 5 mm.

For preference, the pins are organized in at least one row, preferably along a substantially longitudinal axis of the rotary member.

Advantageously, the pins are organized into at least five rows and fewer than ten rows. Advantageously, the pins are organized into between six and eight rows, preferably into six rows.

This is because, with fewer than five or six rows, the progression of the device along the application bodily surface runs the risk of being "jerky". Conversely, upwards of eight to ten rows, the pins are too closely spaced and the discontinuity of the said pins is no longer sufficiently pronounced. The associated cushion is unable to compress sufficiently between the said pins and the massaging effect is lessened as a result.

Alternatively or in addition, the pins are organized in at least one ring about a substantially longitudinal axis of the rotary member. For preference, the pins are organized into four rings.

Advantageously, the cushion is made from at least one elastomeric material, notably from SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene), SBS (styrene-butadiene- styrene), Exact®, Santoprene®, silicone, Desmopan®, Vistamaxx®, nitrile, butyl, Engage®. Such extremely compressible materials are particularly suited to creating the cushion.

According to one first embodiment, the cushion surrounds the pin without covering it, the said cushion being deformable between a rest position in which the pin lies flush with the external surface of the cushion or is set back from the said external surface, and a compressed position in which the pin projects from the cushion.

Thus when a compressive force is exerted, the material of which the cushion is formed compresses between the pins and the said pins come into direct contact with the user's bodily surface, affording a significant massaging effect.

For preference, the cushion is produced by overmoulding around the pins on the rotary member. The device thus remains relatively simple in its design and manufacture, it being possible for the cushion to be produced after the rotary member has been manufactured and directly thereon.

According to a second embodiment, the cushion covers one end of the pin.

When a compressive force is applied, the material of which the cushion is formed is compressed onto the end of the pin. The thickness of the cushion decreases until the user feels the rigidity of the pin and its effect on the skin. The pin does not come into direct contact with the user's bodily surface and a minimal level of cushioning can be provided.

For preference, the thickness of the cushion on the end of the pin, in the uncompressed rest state, is less than or equal to 1 mm.

Moreover, in such an embodiment, the device can easily be cleaned following the use of a product.

Advantageously, the cushion takes the form of a sleeve arranged around the rotary member resting on the pins.

According to an alternative form of embodiment, the sleeve is made from a heatshrink material. This may notably be a polyolefin. Thus, the sleeve can be made to a diameter greater than that of the assembly that is the rotary member plus the height of the pins, making it far easier to fit.

In addition, once the sleeve has been shrunk onto and partially around the pins, the external peripheral surface of the cushion is non-planar. In particular, the said surface has hollow zones between the pins. This particularly highlights the pin zones.

The hollow zones also constitute product reservoirs where appropriate.

The present invention also relates to a device according to the invention, characterized in that it further comprises a reservoir intended to contain a cosmetic product.

The present invention will be understood better from reading the following detailed description, with regard to the appended drawing in which: Figures 1 a and 1 b are schematic depictions in longitudinal section and in side view respectively, of a device according to a first alternative form of a first embodiment.

Figures 2a and 2b are schematic depictions according to a second alternative form of the first embodiment.

Figures 3a and 3b are schematic depictions according to a third alternative form of the first embodiment.

Figures 4a and 4b are schematic depictions, in longitudinal section and in side view respectively, of a device according to a first alternative form of a second embodiment.

Figures 5a and 5b are schematic depictions according to a second alternative form of the second embodiment.

Figure 6 is a schematic depiction in longitudinal section of a device according to any one of the previous embodiments mounted on a cosmetic product reservoir and distribution system.

Figures 1 a and 1 b show a massage and beauty care device 1 according to a first embodiment.

The device 1 comprises a cylinder 2 mounted to rotate about a spindle 3. The spindle 3 is equipped with end pins 4 intended to allow it to be installed between the arms of a yoke (not depicted) connected to a member for holding, such as a handle for example. The cylinder measures approximately 22 mm long by approximately 8.2 mm in outside diameter.

The cylinder 2 on its periphery bears a set of pins 5 projecting radially outwards. More specifically, the cylinder 2 bears a set of six longitudinal rows each of four pins. The rows are uniformly distributed around the cylinder 2.

The pins 5 are longitudinally spaced by 5.5 mm. The height of the pins 5 is approximately 1 .5 mm, bringing the overall outside diameter of the cylinder 2 to 1 1 .2 mm. The pins 5 have a base approximately 0.4 mm wide. The free end, or tip, of the pins 5 has a radius of 0.075 mm.

The assembly comprising cylinder 2/spindle 3 and pins 5 thus forms a spiked roller.

The roller may in particular be produced by injection moulding of a relatively rigid thermoplastic material. According to the present application, a flexible material is moulded around the cylinder 2 in such a way as to surround the pins 5 and form a cushion 6. The flexible material is, in particular, a thermoplastic elastomer.

More specifically, the flexible material is overmoulded on the cylinder over a thickness such that, in the non-compressed state, it lies flush with the tip of the pins.

The cushion 6 thus has a compressible external surface intended to come into contact with an application bodily surface.

The cushion 6 is elastically deformable between a (non-compressed) rest position in which the said cushion has a maximum thickness and lies flush with the tip of the pins 5 and a compressed position in which the said cushion 6 has a reduced thickness and in which the tip of the pins 5 projects from the said cushion 6.

Thus, in the rest position, the cushion 6 prevents the pins 5 from pressing against the application surface and the pins 5 are not appreciably felt by the user.

By contrast, in the compressed position, the cushion 6 is set back slightly from the tip of the pins 5 and allows the latter to perform their massaging effect on the application bodily surface.

It is obviously entirely possible to overmould the flexible elastic material in such a way that, in the rest position, it extends beyond, rather than simply being flush with, the tip of the pins 5. The pressure needed to activate the pins will simply be higher.

Figures 2a and 2b shows a massage and beauty care device 10 according to an alternative form of the first embodiment.

The device 10 differs from the device 1 essentially in that it comprises a rotary member 1 1 made as a single piece. The diameter of the rotary member 1 1 (excluding the cushion and excluding the pins) is approximately 5 mm.

Moreover, it comprises a cushion 16 that has slightly rounded edges. More specifically, the cushion is ovoid in longitudinal section. The external diameter of the device 10 is thus slightly greater in the middle than at the ends. Furthermore, the ends have a cross section that is rounded in the form of an arc of a circle.

It will also be noted that the device 10 comprises slightly longer and more slender pins 15 than the device 1 . In order to maintain good rigidity, the base of the pins 15 is widened accordingly.

Figures 3a and 3b show a device 20 that differs from the device 10 only in terms of the size of the pins 25. Specifically, the pins 25 have a far broader base, making them less slender. It then follows that the pins 25 have a cross section that exhibits a less steep slope. This slope is liable to oppose the compression of the cushion.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the shape of the pins also enables control over the compression properties of the cushion. Accordingly, that allows the force that the user will need to apply in order to activate the said pins to be adjusted.

Figures 4a and 4b show a device 30 according to a second embodiment. The device 30 differs from the previous devices 1 , 10 and 20 essentially in that it comprises a cushion 36 that covers the tip of the pins 35.

According to the alternative form of embodiment illustrated, the cushion 36 is produced in the form of an elastomer sleeve which is arranged around the rotary member 1 1 over the pins 35.

The elastomer sleeve that forms the cushion 36 is fitted, for example, by opening out the sleeve using pliers before slipping it over the rotary member 1 1 and the pins 35 thereof, like a sock.

For preference, the sleeve has an elastomer wall of a thickness less than or equal to 1 mm. Obviously, the cushioning effect is dependent also on the compressibility of the elastomeric material used.

In order to allow the cushion to be held in place and limit any potential longitudinal movements thereof, it is possible to fit the rotary member 1 1 with end plates 37 each acting as a longitudinal end stop.

The end plates 37 also act as a radial end stop and may help with limiting the compression of the cushion.

In the rest position, the cushion 36 and, more specifically, the peripheral wall of the sleeve that forms the cushion, has a maximum thickness. This thickness is defined in such a way that the pins 35 are not felt by the user or are felt only very weakly.

By contrast, when a higher application pressure is applied, the elastomeric material of the cushion 36 is compressed between the bodily surface of the user and the tip of the pins 35. The thickness of the cushion 36 is not enough to hide the pins, which therefore perform their massaging effect on the application bodily surface.

Figures 5a and 5b show a device 40 according to an alternative form of the second embodiment. The device 40 differs from the previous device 30 in that the sleeve that forms the cushion 36 is made from a thermocompressible elastomeric material, notably a polyolefin.

Thus, the cushion 36 is produced with a diameter greater than the overall diameter (i.e. pins 35 included) of the rotary member 1 1 , and this makes it easy to fit. The assembly is heated, causing the sleeve that forms the cushion 36 to shrink. The end device 40 has a non-smooth peripheral surface.

Figure 6 shows a massage and beauty care device 50 mounted on a cosmetic product P reservoir 101 and distribution 102 system 100.

The massage and beauty care device 50 may notably be a device 1 , 10, 20,

30, 40 as described hereinabove.

The distribution system 102 may be a pump, a compressible flexible tube, an aerosol or any other known distribution system 102.

In general, the distribution system 102 comprises at least one distribution orifice 103 connected to the reservoir 101 by at least one distribution duct 104. A shutoff system 108 for selectively shutting off the distribution duct 104 or the orifice 103 may supplement the device.

The distribution orifice 103 opens substantially facing a peripheral surface of the massage and beauty care device 50 so as to allow the product P to be distributed over at least the external peripheral surface of the cushion.

Alternatively or in addition, a product P may be applied separately, for example by hand, and contained in a separate reservoir.

By way of example of products P that are particularly suited, mention may be made of beauty care creams, anticellulite creams, antiageing creams, moisturizing creams, creams to combat heavy legs and veinotonic creams. Such products benefit from the stimulation of the microcirculation by virtue of the device according to the present application.

Moreover, if appropriate, it is potentially possible to replace the rotary member that supports the pins with a fixed support member. The pins are then borne so as to project from a planar or curved external surface.