Field of the invention The invention belongs to the field of skin treatment and more specifically to devices which make use of vacuum generation for skin treatment. Vacuum is applied to the patient's skin in order to treat pain, discomfort an various pathologies related to the skin and muscle. The present invention provides a support device to be used in a skin treatment assembly with such an assembly comprising a suction machine adapted to be used for skin treatment. The support device of the invention comprises a connecting member and an arm structure associated therewith that is capable of holding in place a number of applicators in contact with the patient's skin during treatment.

BACKGROUND ART

Skin treatment machines are known suitable for skin treatment, massage, etc which employ suction, that is, the application of negative pressure to a patient's skin. Suction means are typically provided in known treatment machines which are adapted to produce a vacuum. Positive pressure may be also applied if required. One or even several applicators are typically used in the form of, for example, cup members for applying pressure, whether it is a positive pressure, negative pressure, or a pattern of combined pressure values. Applicators serve the purpose of effectively apply pressure to a location in the patient's skin through corresponding hoses. Hoses are connected to the suction means of the skin treatment machine. Known machines further comprise valve means and control means for applying pressure to the patient's skin in a controlled way for a efficient body treatment.

In prior art treatment machines, once an operator, that is a physiotherapist, a massage therapist, etc, has selected an appropriate mode of operation (that is defined by a series of treatment parameters such as a suitable level of suction, preset vacuum pattern -steady, pulsating, oscillating-, length and pressure values, etc) vacuum is applied through each applicator to the patient's skin according to the specific skin treatment that has been selected by an operator. The operator then holds the applicator or the applicators on the target skin location such that it/they is/are always in contact with the patient's skin during treatment.

One example of a treatment device is disclosed in WO2006094348. This document teaches a device for body contouring and skin conditioning. It comprises and applicator to be placed against the skin by an operator. An oscillating pressure is applied to a patient causing vibration of the skin surface.

US3794035 shows a vacuum unit comprising separate shut-off valves that are connected to a chamber in each of which a fixed pressure is pre-set at amounts differing one from another. Hoses are provided having a first end connected to each of the respective valves and a second opposite end adapted to receive a suction applicator. Suction applicators have to be held by an operator always in contact with the patient's skin during treatment.

In these prior art known suction skin treatment devices, there is a need for an operator or technician who is always pressing the applicator on the target location of the patient's skin in a way that treatment is carried out properly. The operator must first select an appropriate mode of operation, then select the target location of the patient's skin where the applicator is to be applied and finally keep the applicator in contact with the skin during treatment.

The need for an operator who is always exerting pressure on a target location of the patient's skin through one applicator (or two if using both hands) during the skin treatment makes it to be expensive as several operators must be present if a multiplicity of applicators are needed in a skin treatment for the same patient. Even if a single operator has only to be present in a skin treatment, he/she can not attend or monitor other patients or performing other operations.

In addition, it has been found that the use of manual applicators may become painful to the professional operator or operators who must apply high levels of pressure on the patient's skin surface through each applicator by using their own hands when performing treatment. Local skin treatment in which operator must stay long time at the same patient's body portion to be treated often leads to damage or at least tiredness to the operator.

This often results in overloads on the operator's joints of the hand and even in chronic illnesses, such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, rhizarthrosis. Deep massage techniques are therefore rarely performed by physiotherapists or massage therapists due to such a significant effort to be performed with their fingers. As a consequence, a skin treatment can not be optimally performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution for the above drawbacks in a way that pressure skin treatments can be effectively performed in a way that the operator is no longer tired out and/or damaged during treatment and with which several patients can be automatically treated and/or monitored through the same operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a support device for a skin treatment assembly and a skin treatment assembly that comprises said support device which overcome the aforementioned problems through an useful alternative in body skin suction treatments that provides additional advantages as it will be described hereinafter.

The support device for a skin treatment assembly according to the invention comprises an arm structure that is associated with a connecting member. This connecting member may be coupled, for example, to a support member such as an upright elongated member, e.g. an upright post mounted on a lower base portion. The connecting member may be displaceably coupled to the support member such that the arm structure attached thereto is adjustable in height depending on where the patient is (e.g. on a stretcher, in a wheelchair, standing up, etc) during treatment. In other embodiments, the connecting member may be fixedly coupled to the support member. In still other embodiments, the connecting member may be also coupled directly to a wall or ceiling if required. If mounted on a wall, for example, the connecting member may be displaceably fitted into a guide such that the connecting member may slide therealong for adjusting to a required height depending on where the patient is during treatment. In the embodiment in which the connecting member is coupled to a support member, whether it is displaceably of fixedly coupled thereto, a lower base portion can be provided having a set of wheels, such as for example dual wheel carpet casters, so that it can be easily moved in the proximity of a patient's body for a proper positioning of the support device. Other base arrangements (e.g. with rollers, or even with no casters) are of course envisaged according to treatment requirements. The support device of the invention further comprises at least one hose connector that is associated with the arm structure and with at least one skin treatment machine applicator. More particularly, the hose connector may be a connector block made, for example, of a suitable vibration damping material for absorbing any vibrations caused by a suction machine. The connector block is provided with an inner cavity that is conveniently shaped and sized for receiving a complementarily shaped portion of the carrying structure. For example, the connector block in each hose connector may be provided with a quadrangular shaped cavity, that may be a through cavity, for receiving a carrying structure having a complementary quadrangular shaped cross section. With this configuration, hose connectors can be easily and efficiently coupled in and decoupled from the carrying structure. This further allows the hose connectors to be rapidly exchanged for adapting to different requirements or in replacement and/or maintenance operations. Hose connectors are suitably designed for receiving one or several hoses for conducting pressurized air from suction means in a suction machine. There may be provided one or a series of hose connectors each carrying and holding one or several hoses. Said one or a series of hose connectors are fitted in the support device of the invention as disclosed above (i.e. by being fitted in the cavity of the carrying structure) and remains fixed there during treatment. Hose connectors are such that any working movements are reduced and they are not transmitted to the applicators thus ensuring an efficient treatment. Regarding the arm structure of the support device, it may comprise two substantially parallel arms. A first end of each arm is pivotally mounted on the connecting member. The connecting member can be releasably clamped, for example, to a support member. A second, opposed end of each arm is adapted for pivotally receiving a respective end of a carrying structure adapted for receiving the hose connector or connectors. The arm structure of the support device is pivotable around respective horizontal axes at said first and second ends of the parallel arms. The weight of the arm structure is selected such that the parallel arms and the carrying structure do not move when in use.

With the above configuration, the connecting member can be displaced upwards or downwards along the support member and the parallel arms may be pivoted for raising or lowering the carrying structure as desired by the operator, and therefore the hose connector o connectors. This allows to place the applicator or applicators at a suitable height once the target positioning have been reached, that is, with said applicator or applicators in contact with the patient's skin ready to start the skin treatment.

Once applicator(s) have been positioned and the appropriate mode of treatment has been selected by the operator, there is no need for the operator to be present so that he/she can perform other treatments, other operations or monitoring other patients.

In some embodiments of the support device of the invention, it may comprise fastening means for fixing the position of the arm structure relative to the connecting member. Such fastening means allow the arm structure to be fixed such that the carrying structure holds the hose connector or connectors at a constant height throughout the skin treatment or at least until the operator desires the vertical position of the hose connectors to be varied. Further fastening means may also provided for fixing the position of the connecting member, e.g. to a support member, to wall or ceiling, etc.

Still in some embodiments the support device of the invention may comprise motor means which may cause the arm structure to be driven upwards or downwards and/or for driving the pivotal movement of the arm structure. The support device may include control means for controlling several treatment parameters (such as length, pressure, applicator position, etc). Said control means may include output means such as a display screen and input means such as a keyboard. With the above arrangement it is no longer necessary for the operator to hold the applicator or applicators throughout the skin treatment. The operator is allowed to attend other patients or doing other tasks in the meantime. This makes it possible to perform treatments, such as for example, release of contracture, tendonitis, postoperative fibrosis, muscle stretching, in an automatic process and effectively performed without the need for professional operators and by using a multiplicity of applicators as required for a efficient treatment. Such treatments can be performed on several patients simultaneously thanks to the support device of the invention.

Therefore, a further advantage of the invention is that it allows to save time and to provide cost effective treatments. Multiple automatic skin treatments can be performed concurrently without the presence of a professional operator for each treatment or patient. Once the applicator(s) has/have been positioned in the target position on the patient's skin and an appropriate mode of treatment has been appropriately selected and enabled in the suction machine of the assembly, the operator is not necessary to be present and she/he is free to do other tasks.

The invention further relates to a skin treatment assembly. It comprises a suction machine having suction means for applying pressurized air to a patient (e.g. according to several pressurized airflow patterns) through at least one applicator connected to corresponding hoses. The skin treatment assembly according to the present invention is further provided with a support device as described above. The different parts of the support device, that is, the base portion, the connecting member, the support member (if present) an the arm structure, are sized such that vibrations from the suction machine when in use are reduced such that applicators substantially do not move.

By the provision of a suction system according to the invention comprising a suction machine and a support device, skin surface and deep treatments are now possible without requiring high efforts on the part of the professional operator. Thanks to the provision of the connecting member, the support device of the invention can be mounted on a desired or appropriate place, for example, through the use of a support device, or it can be wall or ceiling mounted, etc. The invention makes possible treating patients by sanitary and cosmetic professional personnel at any position on a stretcher, in a wheelchair or even standing up and in general in situations where he/she has to be treated by a suction machine. For example, elderly and disabled people in wheelchairs does not need to be laid on a stretch to be treated through the suction system of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A particular embodiment of a support device for a skin treatment assembly and a skin treatment assembly comprising such a support device according to the present invention will be described in the following, only by way of non- limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a general perspective view of one embodiment of a support device according to the invention, with the support device mounted on a support member and having several hose connectors having corresponding applicators and hoses;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the embodiment of the support device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the support device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of one embodiment of a hose connector of the support device of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a closer view of the hose connector of Fig. 4 fitted on a carrying structure in the support device of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a general perspective view of one embodiment of a skin treatment assembly according to the invention in which a suction machine and the support device of Figs. 1 -3 are also shown; and

Fig. 7 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of the skin treatment assembly of Fig. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS One example of a support device for a skin treatment assembly according to the invention is shown in Figs. 1 -7. Skin treatments that can be conducted by the assembly of the invention may be, for example, anticellulitis, drainage, lymphatic, aesthetic, fibrous, osteopathic, physiotherapeutic treatments as well as other pathologies. Skin treatment is herein understood as comprising body skin treatment, as well as facial, cervical treatments, etc.

The embodiment of the support device of the invention has been indicated at 10 in all Figs, and it has been shown in detail in Figs. 1 -3. As it can be seen, the support device 10 comprises a connecting member 30 that is displaceably mounted on a support member 1 1 . In the example shown, the support member 1 1 is a substantially cylindrical vertical post fitted on a lower base portion 12. Base portion 12 is formed of a series of supporting arms 13 each carrying a dual wheel carpet caster 14. The wheeled base portion 12 allows the support device 10 to be easily moved in the proximity of a patient's body for a suitable positioning for a skin treatment. A suitable position of the support device 10 can be adjusted for patients laying on a stretcher, sitting in wheelchair or even standing up.

Other embodiments of support member 1 1 and lower base portion 12 may be of course possible. For example, the support member 1 1 may exhibit any suitable cross section other than circular and the lower base portion 12 may be, for example, a platform that may be fitted with casters 14 or with any other suitable means for moving the support device 10 or even with no moving means whether a fixed support device is desired.

As an alternative, the connecting member 30 may be fixedly mounted on the support member 1 1 . Still in other possible embodiments, the connecting member 30 may be wall or ceiling mounted (no support member 1 1 provided in such cases). In a wall mounted embodiment, the connecting member 30 can be adjusted in height by displacing it through a guide fitted on the wall.

In the particular embodiment of the support device shown in the figures, that is, the one in which the connecting member 30 is displaceably mounted on a support member 1 1 , the support device 10 further comprises an arm structure that has been indicated as a whole at 20. The arm structure 20 of the support device 10 is pivotally coupled to the connecting member 30 through a substantially horizontal first axis X. Rotation of the arm structure 20 to the connecting member 30 and displacement (upwards/downwards) of the connecting member 30 along the support member 1 1 allows the relative vertical position H of the arm structure 20 to be accurately adjusted. Said relative vertical position H is defined as the height of applicators 1 10 (which will be fully described further on) to the ground, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Height H can be therefore accurately adjusted as desired depending on where the patient is during treatment (patient is not shown in the drawings). Typical height H values may range up to 100 cm for a usual application with a patient lying on a stretcher. Other height H values are of course applicable for other positions of the patient during treatment.

The arm structure 20 of the support device 10 comprises two substantially parallel arms 21 , 22 spaced apart to each other through a transverse reinforcing spacer 15. Each arm 21 , 22 has first ends A and second, opposed ends B as shown in Fig. 2. The first ends A of the parallel arms 21 , 22 are pivotally mounted on the connecting member 30, such that arms 21 , 22 can be rotated around said substantially horizontal first axis X as shown in Fig. 2 through arrows. As stated above, the connecting member 30 may further slid along the support member 1 1 upwards and downwards as desired (see arrows in Fig. 2) in order to vary the height H of the applicators 1 10 to the ground according to where the patient is.

The connecting member 30 includes fastening means for fixing the position of the arm structure 20 relative to the support member 1 1 . Said fastening means comprises a first screw and lever mechanism 31 suitable for fixing the connecting member 30 in position to the support member 1 1 once the desired height H to the ground has been reached. On the other hand, the second ends B of the parallel arms 21 , 22 are further pivotally mounted on a carrying structure 40. Relative rotation of parallel arms 21 , 22 and carrying structure 40 can be performed around a substantially horizontal second axis Y as shown in Fig. 2 through arrows. The arm structure 20 can be of course positioned by being rotated around a substantially vertical third axis Z that corresponds to the geometrical longitudinal axis of the support member 1 1 .

Fastening means further comprise second and third screw and lever mechanisms 41 , 42 which both serve the purpose of fixing the relative angular position of the parallel arms 21 , 22 respectively. Therefore, relative angular position of the parallel arms 21 , 22 around first and second horizontal axes X, Y, adjustment of height of the arm structure 20, rotation of the arm structure 20 around third vertical axis Z and the free movement of the base portion 12 allows the support device 10 to be properly positioned and accurately placed for an effective treatment. This allows to treat any patient in an automatic way whether she/he is on a stretcher, in a wheelchair, standing up, etc.

The carrying structure 40 of the arm structure 20 further comprises a carrying bar 45 that is arranged transverse to the parallel arms 21 , 22. The carrying bar 45 of the arm structure 20 has, in the embodiment shown, a square cross- sectional configuration that is adapted for receiving a corresponding hose connector 50, 60. Other shapes in cross-section of the carrying bar 45 are of course possible as long as they are suitable for receiving a corresponding hose connector 50, 60. More particularly, the support device 10 is shown in the figures as comprising two of such hose connectors 50, 60. It will be understood that the support device 10 could comprise a different number of hose connectors 50, 60 depending upon the requirements of the treatment. One example of such hose connectors 50, 60 is shown in detail in Figs. 4, 5 of the drawings in which support member, connecting member and arms are not shown for clarity. Hose connectors 50, 60 are connector blocks each including an inner cavity (for example a through cavity 52) that is conveniently shaped and sized as the above mentioned cross-sectional configuration of the carrying bar 45 (square shaped in the embodiment shown). The hose connectors 50, 60 can be therefore easily coupled in and decoupled from the carrying bar 45 of the arm structure 20 in the support device 10 and be rapidly exchanged if necessary. Reference is now made to Figs. 4, 5 which show the hose connectors 50, 60 in detail. For the sake of clarity, arms 21 , 22 are not depicted here. Hose connectors 50, 60 each comprise a block connector as disclosed above that is made of an appropriate vibration damping material such as a suitable plastic material capable of withstanding vibrations during operation specially when the suction machine rapidly changes from minimum pressure values to maximum pressure values, for example of the order of 0 to 250 mb and 250 to 0 mb, repeatedly. This is important for holding the applicators 1 10 always in a constant height H to the ground (see Fig. 2) in which they are in direct contact with the patient's skin thorough treatment.

Each block connector is formed of a two prismatic pieces C1 , C2 that can be seen in Figs. 4 and 5. At least the outermost one of said prismatic pieces C1 , C2 is provided with a lower cut 51 for a better adaptation to the carrying bar 45. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the prismatic pieces C1 , C2 are attached to each other through their major surfaces. Each hose connector 50, 60 is provided with one inlet 70 and one outlet 80. The inlet 70 is provided with a movable joint 71 that is adapted for receiving at least one pressurized air inlet hose 90 that conducts pressurized air from a suction machine 100 (shown in Figs. 6 and 7) to the support device 10. The suction machine 100 may be of a known type and with different capacities and features according to the skin treatment to be performed.

The movable joint 71 allows the pressurized air inlet hose 90 not to interfere with the support device 10 when positioned at any desired location. The outlet 80 of the hose connectors 50, 60 may be also provided with a corresponding movable joint 81 adapted for receiving at least one pressurized air outlet hose 96, 97. The pressurized air outlet hose(s) 96, 96 may be of a semirigid nature and in some embodiments, there may provided two air outlet hoses 96, 97 coupled to a block connector through a movable T-joint 81 . Said outlet hoses 96, 97 lead to respective applicators 1 10. However, although two air outlet hoses 96, 97 have been provided, a different number of air outlet hoses 96, 97 may be provided. Other number of hose connectors 50, 60 may be of course used too. They can be all coupled to the carrying bar 45 of he arm structure 20. With this arrangement, several modes of treatment can be used, for example including either the supply of the same pressure values through all the outlet hoses 96, 97 or the supply of different pressure values through said outlet hoses 96, 97 according to the treatment requirements.

In the embodiment shown, applicators 1 10 are suction cups for skin treatment. As shown in the Figs. 1 -7. the applicators 1 10 are coupled in the same carrying bar 45 and may differ from each other according to the requirements of the treatment.

A support device according to the invention as shown and described is adaptable in position and movable as required for an effective skin treatment in such a way that treatment can be conducted in an automatic and autonomous way without the need for sanitary and/or cosmetic professional personnel. Applicators for such a treatment can be put at any suitable position for patients laying on a stretcher, sitting in a wheelchair or even standing up and in general in situations where the patient has to be muscle/skin treated by a suction machine.

In Figs. 6 and 7 a skin treatment assembly 200 according to the invention is shown. The treatment assembly 200 comprises a suction machine 100 and the above described support device 10.

The suction machine 100 comprises a housing 150 provided with wheels 155 at the base thereof for ease of moving. Control means 160 are also provided for controlling certain treatment parameters such as length, pressure, applicator position, etc. Control means 160 include output means comprising a display screen 161 through which the operator is allowed to control treatment. A keyboard can be provided for entering treatment parameters and selecting a mode of treatment. The display screen 161 is fitted at one end of a mount arm 162. The mount arm 162 is attached, at the opposite end thereof, to the suction machine housing 150.

There may be embodiments in which the control means 160 are fitted in the support device 10 instead of the suction machine 100 such that it is nearer to the operator. Suction means 120 are provided within the housing 150 of the suction machine 100. Suction means 120 may comprise a vacuum pump suitable for applying different pressurized airflow patterns (for example, pressure changing values every 0.1 -0.5 s) to a patient through applicators 1 10.