CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

[0001] The present Application for Patent claims priority to Provisional Application No. 63/341,851 entitled “AIR-ASSISTED TOPIC AL APPLICATOR WITH MICRONEEDLE ROLLER HEAD” filed May 13, 2023, and assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to skin care devices. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure relates to systems and apparatuses for air-assisted topical applications combined with fine gauge microneedle roller abrasion of the skin being sprayed.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Microneedle rollers, also known as derma rollers or skin needling rollers, are used for various skin treatments on the body, face, and/or scalp. Although devices with shorter and thinner needles have been seen for many years, known microneedle rollers tend to be somewhat painful to use. Often, microneedle rollers are used in conjunction with topical skincare materials such as oils, lotions, or medications that are applied after microneedling. Existing rollers and existing methods of using rollers to apply these skincare materials can be messy, wasteful, and unsanitary. There is therefore a need in the art for cleaner, less painful, and more effective microneedle rollers. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary relating to one or more aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein. As such, the following summary should not be considered an extensive overview relating to all contemplated aspects and/or embodiments, nor should the following summary be regarded to identify key or critical elements relating to all contemplated aspects and/or embodiments or to delineate the scope associated with any particular aspect and/or embodiment. Accordingly, the following summary has the sole purpose to present certain concepts relating to one or more aspects and/or embodiments relating to the mechanisms disclosed herein in a simplified form to precede the detailed description presented below.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a roller head housing for an airassisted topical applicator, the roller head housing including: a first side for coupling to a spray head; a second side for spraying a topical; an aperture configured to allow a portion of a needle and a nozzle to pass therethrough; two arms extending from the second side of the roller head housing; and a roller rotatably held between the two arms and including a plurality of microneedles.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an air-assisted topical applicator including: a body including an air-assist mechanism; a spray head coupled to the body and including a trigger, a needle, a nozzle, a reservoir, and an air pathway configured to pass air between the air-assist mechanism and the nozzle; a roller head housing coupled to the spray head and including: an aperture configured to allow a portion of the needle and the nozzle to pass therethrough; two arms extending from the roller head housing; and a first roller rotatably held by the two arms and including a plurality of valleys and ridges and a plurality of microneedles on the ridges.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: atomizing a topical via an air-assisted topical applicator; directing a needle axis of the air-assisted topical applicator toward a portion of a user's body; providing a microneedle roller of the air-assisted topical applicator off-axis from the needle axis; and rolling the microneedle roller along the portion of the user's body to abrade skin thereof as well as spraying the topical onto the user's body adjacent to the microneedle roller.

BRIEF DESCRTPTTON OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of the present disclosure are apparent and more readily appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and to the appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 rates an embodiment of an air-assisted topical applicator;

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a head-on view of the air-assisted topical applicator;

[0011] FIG. 3 A shows a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a roller head housing;

[0012] FIG. 3B shows a front perspective view of the embodiment of the roller head housing of FIG. 3A;

[0013] FIG. 4A illustrates a spray head with microneedle roller;

[0014] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross section of the spray head with its microneedle roller and a spray pattern showing that some of the topical is sprayed onto the microneedle roller

[0015] FIG. 5A shows a close-up view of an embodiment of a microneedle roller; [0016] FIG. 5B shows another close-up view of the embodiment of the microneedle roller of FIG. 5 A;

[0017] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of internals of the body shown in FIGs. 1 and 2;

[0018] FIG. 7 shows a microscopic view of microneedles of various non-limiting sizes;

[0019] FIG. 8A shows a microscopic image of dermal tissue when used with larger microneedles;

[0020] FIG. 8B shows a microscopic view of dermal tissue when used with smaller microneedles;

[0021] FIG. 9A shows a representative schematic of pressure and needle penetration depth for a smaller-diameter roller;

[0022] FIG. 9B shows a representative schematic of pressure and needle penetration depth for a larger-diameter roller;

[0023] FIG. 10A shows a graph comparing mean visual analog score (VAS) pain ratings among users of microneedle rollers having smaller and larger gauge microneedles;

[0024] FIG. 10B shows a graph comparing the percentage of users who felt pain when using 30 gauge and 33-gauge microneedles;

[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a skin cross section showing micro-channels or punctures formed by the microneedles;

[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates a method of using an air-assisted topical applicator;

[0027] FIG. 13 A and FIG. 13B illustrate an embodiment of the microneedle roller coupled to a handle; and

[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates a cover that can used to protect the microneedles during shipping and/or between uses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] For the purposes of this disclosure, topical products can apply to, but are not limited to, compositions for skincare, health and wellbeing, medical, hair growth, and skin and hair coloration.

[0030] The present disclosure relates generally to an air-assisted topical applicator that may include a roller head housing. The air-assisted topical applicator, via the roller head housing, can include a microneedle roller apparatus. This applicator can apply airborne products to skin abraded by the microneedle roller and/or to the roller itself, wherein the roller both abrades the skin and applies a topical to the abraded skin. More specifically, but without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a microneedle roller in conjunction with an air-assisted topical applicator such as an airbrush. In some embodiments, the microneedle roller can be affixed to, or unitarily formed with, the air-assisted topical applicator. In other embodiments, the microneedle roller can be removably coupled to the air-assisted topical applicator and specifically removably coupled to the roller head housing. In embodiments, the microneedle roller may comprise a plurality of microneedles each having a diameter of around, but not limited to 200pm, which may be referred to in the art and in this disclosure as 33 gauge, and a distance of between 100pm and 2.0mm, or between 100pm and 1.0mm, or between 200pm and 300pm. In embodiments, the tip of the microneedles may be conical and have a diameter between 100pm and 200pm. In embodiments, the needles may have abase width of 100pm to 300pm or 190 pm to 215pm and a tip width of 10pm to 20pm or around 15pm. However, in other embodiments, these dimensions may vary, and the disclosure of these particular needle dimensions should not be construed as limiting. In embodiments, the microneedle roller may be supported by a roller head housing or spray cap, the roller head housing or spray cap having a mechanism for coupling to a sprayer or other air-assisted topical applicator at a first side and arms for supporting the roller at a second side. In an embodiment, the roller head housing can include the first side for coupling to a spray head, which can be coupled to a body of an air-assisted topical applicator.

[0031] In embodiments, the roller head housing may comprise an opening configured to facilitate the application of airborne or atomized topical products. The opening may be configured to apply a topical (e.g., skincare materials) onto the microneedle roller, directly onto the skin, or onto both at the same time. In embodiments, the air-assisted topical applicator can be, but is not limited to, an airbrush, which may be fixed to or removably coupled to the roller head housing. The air-assisted topical applicator may comprise a mechanism for finely spraying medications, skincare, or other topical compositions through the opening of the roller housing. In embodiments, the microneedle roller system may comprise the roller head housing and one or more attachments. For example, the microneedle roller system may comprise a roller head housing, a handle attachment not configured to deliver topical compositions through the opening, and an air-assisted topical applicator configured to deliver topical compositions through the opening.

[0032] The air-assisted topical applicator may take a number of forms including any device capable of atomizing a topical composition and moving the atomized topical composition through the opening in the roller housing in an atomized form. Some non-limiting examples of the air-assisted topical applicator include an air brush, a spray bottle, and an aerosol canister. The air-assisted topical applicator is configured to atomize the topical composition via air, CO2, helium, nitrogen, and other gases. Spray pressure may be generated via an air pump, liquid pump, hand pump, pressurized gas (e.g., CO2 cartridge), and other means. In some cases, the air-assisted topical applicator forms and applies an air-liquid mixture to the microneedle roller and/or human body (e.g., skin). However, the air-assisted topical applicator can also form mixtures of different gases, mixtures of different gases and liquid, air and foam mixtures, air-foam-liquid mixtures, and foam mixtures. In some cases, the air-assisted topical applicator may merely generate an air stream. For instance, it may be advantageous to apply pure oxygen to the skin during or after microneedle abrasion of the skin. In some cases, atomization, or full atomization, of a topical may not be needed. For instance, larger droplets of topical may be desired in some use cases (i.e., a partially or even non-atomized spray). In others, a topical gas may most effectively reach a certain layer of skin or even traverse protective skin layers when entrained in a liquid that only releases the gas once the gas-entrained droplets reach a bottom of a skin void formed by a microneedle. In other cases, the form of the topical that is sprayed may be tailored for impact with the microneedle roller head to enhance application to the skin only after the microneedle roller transfers a liquified form of the topical composition to the skin (i.e., distribution on the microneedle roller head may take priority).

[0033] Spray velocity and spray pressure may also be tailored to different applications (e.g., different topical absorption targets). For instance, higher velocity may assist in forcing the topical composition into existing pores and voids, or punctures formed by the microneedles, while lower velocity may be desired where a topical is intended more for surface application.

[0034] Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes may not be intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an air-assisted topical applicator. The air-assisted topical applicator 100 may include a body 102 having an air-assist mechanism, a spray head 104 releasably coupled to the body 102, and a roller head housing 106 releasably coupled to the spray head 104. The roller head housing 106 may be coupled to the spray head 104 via a sprayer attachment mechanism (not visible, but see 303 in FIG. 3A). The air-assisted topical applicator 100 is configured to deliver atopical through an aperture (see 112 in FIG. 2) in the roller head housing 106 onto the microneedle roller 110.

[0037] The body 102 can include an air-assist mechanism (not visible) such as an air or liquid pump, compressed air mechanism (e.g., CO2 canister), or hand pump, to name just a few. Further details of the body 102 can be seen, for instance, in FIG. 6. Although the body 102 and the spray head 104 are shown and described as separate components, in some embodiments, they may be homogenously formed as a single component.

[0038] The spray head 104 may be selectively coupled to the body 102, for instance via a snap fit or rotational connection. Further, the spray head 104 may include a reservoir 1 14 configured to be filled with a topical and to then provide a portion of the fluid in the reservoir 114 to a nozzle when a needle is withdrawn from a forwardmost or closed position, and wherein a position of the needle partially determines a rate of fluid that is withdrawn from the reservoir 114. The spray head 104 also includes a trigger or other activation mechanism that is coupled to the needle. Movement of the trigger withdraws the needle allowing fluid from the reservoir 114 to be pulled to the nozzle and expelled in a spray. The spray head 104 also includes an air tube coupling the air-assist mechanism to the nozzle and conveying air from the body 102 to the nozzle when the air-assist mechanism is activated or powered on. The spray head 104 may further comprise an air pathway configured to pay air between the air-assist mechanism and the nozzle.

[0039] The roller head housing 106 can include a first side for coupling to the spray head 104 and a second side for spraying a topical. The arms 108 can extend from a front (the second side) of the roller head housing 106. They can also curve or angle upward or at an angle relative to an axis (e g., 450 in FIG. 4A and 4B) passing through a nozzle and needle of the spray head 104. The roller head housing 106 (also known as a spray cap) can include an aperture 112 configured to allow a portion of a needle and a nozzle to pass therethrough. The aperture 112 can be shaped to direct an atomized ejection of the topical to impinge on a portion of the roller as well as a region of the user’s skin. In particular, the aperture 112 can have a circular cross section, but an asymmetric angled exit shape that coerces a spray pattern other than what would be achieved by the needle and nozzle alone.

[0040] The roller head housing 106 can further include the two arms 108 extending from the second side of the roller head housing 106. An end of the two arms 108 can hold or support the microneedle roller 110 (or roller), which is rotatably held between the two arms 108 and comprises a plurality of microneedles, for instance, having a size of around 33-guage (e g., equal to or smaller than 33 -gauge). The microneedles can reside atop ridges that are separated from each other via valleys. A size and angle of the needles as well as a height and spacing of the ridges and valleys can be tailored for different applications and can vary between different microneedle rollers 110, which are interchangeable. Alternatively, different roller head housings 106 can be consumable and/or interchangeable. The microneedle roller 110 is configured to roll when in contact with skin and thereby cause the microneedles to penetrate the skin and optionally also to apply any topical that has been sprayed on the microneedle roller 110. Because the microneedle roller 110 is arranged off- axis from the center of spray of the air-assisted topical applicator 100, the spray pattern partially impacts and partially misses or passes the microneedle roller 110. In this way, the atomized topical is sprayed partially onto a user’s skin and partially onto a portion of the microneedle roller 110. Thus, the microneedle roller 110 can both puncture the skin and apply a liquid topical, while atomized topical is either sprayed ahead of the path of the microneedle roller 110 or behind the path of the microneedle roller 110. The angle of the arms 108 can be adjusted to control what percentage of the spray is directed to the skin and what percentage is directed to the microneedle roller 110. For instance, even though the microneedle roller 110 may be off-axis from an axis of the needle, the needle axis may still intersect a portion of the microneedle roller 110. However, as shown, the microneedle roller 110 is sufficiently off-axis from the needle axis that the needle axis does not impinge on any portion of the microneedle roller 110. In other words, the needle axis passes but does not intersect the microneedle roller 110. The location of the microneedle roller 110, either above or below the needle axis, determines whether the region of user skin that is sprayed with the topical has either been previously aerated or will be aerated after the sprayed topical reaches the skin.

[0041] In embodiments, different numbers of microneedles may be used for different microneedle rollers 110 designed for various parts of the face and body or for different abrasion goals. For example, in embodiments, the microneedle rollers 110 may comprise 500-600 needles for embodiments designed for the whole face, and may comprise between 150-250 needles for embodiments designed for the lips or eyes. As yet another example, the microneedle roller 110 may comprise 1000-2000 needles for embodiments designed for the scalp. Along these same lines, the width and radius of the microneedle roller 110 may be selected for different applications. For instance, applications directed to the body rather than the face may support a wider microneedle roller 110 having a larger radius. At the same time, different parts of the body may call for different levels of abrasion, and larger needles, larger radius microneedle rollers, and needles at a slight angle relative to a right angle to the tangent of the microneedle roller 1 10, can all alone or in combination increase abrasion Thus, for instance, a microneedle roller 110 for the body may call for greater abrasion and thus a larger radius and slightly angled microneedles may be used in this application while a smaller-radius and straighter microneedles may be used for a facial roller.

[0042] n embodiments, the microneedles may be made of surgical grade metals and plated with or made wholly out of gold or another chemically inactive material. In embodiments, other materials may be crystallized to manufacture the microneedles, which include materials that may be harmlessly dissolved into the skin. The microneedles described in the present disclosure may be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0043] The air-assisted topical applicator 100 may be configured to spray or “airbrush” skincare materials and other topical compositions, such as medication, oils, lotions, vitamins, topical over-the-counter (OTC) treatments (e.g., drugs), hair-enhancement or other such materials onto the skin of the user, onto the microneedle roller 110 itself or both. Such skincare materials may include compounds to stimulate collagen production, to treat scalp conditions and hair loss, and/or to reduce scarring, age spots, sun damage, or wrinkles, among other applications. Other types of skincare materials for stress relief or pain relief may also be used in conjunction with the microneedle roller of the present disclosure. It can be beneficial to spray or airbrush such materials because the size of the droplets can ensure even skin coating and increase absorption. Because microneedle rollers are often used to quickly roll over the skin, the ability to simultaneously spray and roll can increase the amount of material that penetrates the skin. In the embodiment shown, the aperture 112 is positioned behind and below the microneedle roller 110, with enough space to allow the topical composition to be sprayed in front or behind the microneedle roller 110 itself, directly onto the microneedle roller 1 10, or both. Tn embodiments, the microneedle roller 110 may be placed in alternative locations relative to the aperture 112, such as above or below the aperture 112. In embodiments, a nozzle may protrude through the aperture 112 to direct the flow or spray of topical composition. In embodiments, there may be more than one microneedle roller 110 retained within the roller head housing 106 and in such cases there may be two arms per microneedle roller.

[0044] In an embodiment, microneedle length can be around 0.25mm for facial applications, around 0.3mm for scalp applications, and have a microneedle diameter at the base of 0.2mm and at the tip of 0.015mm.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a head-on view of the air-assisted topical applicator better showing the ridges, valleys, and microneedles of the microneedle roller.

[0046] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a rear perspective and front perspective view, respectively, of an embodiment of a roller head housing such as the roller head housing 106 in FTGs. 1 and 2 The roller head housing 306 may comprise a roller attachment mechanism 301 at a first end configured to detachably couple a microneedle roller (not shown) to the roller head housing 306. The roller attachment mechanism 301 may be a snap fit, tension fit aperture, detent or other type of mechanical attachment. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the roller attachment mechanism 301 comprises two cylindrical detents protruding toward each other inward from inside edges of the two arms 308. The roller attachment mechanism 301 makes the microneedle roller modular and allows a user to easily (e.g., without tools) remove one microneedle roller from the arms 308 and insert or attach a second microneedle roller. For instance, different microneedle rollers may have different sizes or numbers of microneedles for different applications. As a further example, the different microneedle rollers may have different microneedle angles and/or different spacing and/or depth of ridges and valleys. Alternatively, microneedles may be expended during repeated use or may break down or degrade over time, such that it may be beneficial to periodically replace the microneedle roller with a fresh/new one, just as one would replace the razor blade on a shaver, deeper or shallower troughs). In some instances, the spray head with microneedle roller may be a consumable and swappable or roller head housings with different microneedle rollers may be exchanged for different applications. For instance, the spray head with microneedle roller could be replaced by a

[0047] The roller head housing 306 also comprises an opening or aperture 302 and a sprayer attachment mechanism 303 at a second end. The aperture 302 may comprise a round, ovular, or other-shaped aperture in a body portion of the roller head housing 306. The sprayer attachment mechanism 303 may comprise protrusions or shapes at the second end configured to attach to a correspondingly shaped spray head (not shown). Such protrusions or shapes may be molded as pieces of a unitary roller head housing or may comprise other attachment mechanisms such as snaps, locks, clasps, buttons, or the like.

[0048] FIG. 4A illustrates a spray head with microneedle roller. FIG. 4B illustrates a cross section of the spray head with its microneedle roller and a spray pattern showing that some of the topical is sprayed onto the microneedle roller. The microneedle roller 410 includes a plurality of microneedles arranged along ridges separated by valleys, though these details are not visible in this illustration. One sees that the arms 408 extend forward and upward from an axis 450 of the needle passing through the opening 412. In other embodiments, the arms 408 could extend forward and downward from the needle axis 450 such that the microneedle roller 410 is positioned below the needle axis 450.

[0049] In embodiments, different numbers of microneedles may be used for different microneedle rollers 410 designed for various parts of the face and body or for different abrasion goals. For example, in embodiments, the microneedle roller 410 may comprise 500-600 needles for embodiments designed for the whole face, and may comprise between 150-250 needles for embodiments designed for the lips or eyes. As yet another example, the microneedle roller 410 may comprise 1000-2000 needles for embodiments designed for the scalp. Along these same lines, the width and radius of the microneedle roller 410 may be selected for different applications. For instance, applications directed to the body rather than the face may support a wider microneedle roller 410 having a larger radius. At the same time, different parts of the body may call for different levels of abrasion, and larger needles, larger radius microneedle rollers, and needles at a slight angle relative to a right angle to the tangent of the microneedle roller 410, can all alone or in combination increase abrasion. Thus, for instance, a microneedle roller 410 for the body may call for greater abrasion and thus a larger radius and slightly angled microneedles may be used in this application while a smaller-radius and straighter microneedles may be used for a facial roller.

[0050] In embodiments, the microneedles may be made of surgical grade metals and plated with or made wholly out of gold or another chemically inactive material. In embodiments, other materials may be crystallized to manufacture the microneedles, which include materials that may be harmlessly dissolved into the skin. The microneedles described in the present disclosure may be manufactured in a variety of ways. [0051] FIGs 5A and 5B show close-up views of an embodiment of a microneedle roller having a plurality of microneedles atop ridges that are spaced apart via valleys. This embodiment could be implemented as the microneedle roller 110 seen in FIGs. 1 and 2 and 410 in FIGs. 4A and 4B. In the embodiment shown, the microneedle roller 510 comprises a plurality of ridges 502 to which the plurality of microneedles 504 are attached. The ridges 502 may be alternatively referred to as needle crests or raised wheel edges. In between the ridges 502 are a plurality of valleys 506 (also known as troughs). The ridges 502 and the valleys 506 provide several benefits. Most microneedle roller designs in the art are flat cylinders (lacking valleys and ridges) and such designs increase a surface area pressed against the skin, which can cause more pressure and pain than the valleys and ridges of the present disclosure. The valleys also allow topicals to remain on the skin instead of being pushed away by the surface contact of a traditional cylinder, which allows more topical to remain in contact with the skin and thereby increases an absorption rate. In embodiments, the microneedle roller 510 may have hundreds or thousands of microneedles 504. In embodiments, different numbers of microneedles 504 may be used for different roller heads designed for various parts of the face and body or for different abrasion goals. For example, in embodiments, the microneedle roller 510 may comprise 500-600 needles for embodiments designed for the whole face, and may comprise between 150-250 needles for embodiments designed for the lips or eyes. As yet another example, the microneedle roller 510 may comprise 1000-2000 needles for embodiments designed for the scalp. Along these same lines, the width and radius of the microneedle roller 510 may be selected for different applications. For instance, applications directed to the body rather than the face may support a wider microneedle roller 510 having a larger radius. At the same time, different parts of the body may call for different levels of abrasion, and larger needles, larger radius microneedle rollers, and needles at a slight angle relative to a right angle to the tangent of the microneedle roller 510, can all alone or in combination increase abrasion. Thus, for instance, a microneedle roller 510 for the body may call for greater abrasion and thus a larger radius and slightly angled microneedles 504 may be used in this application while a smaller-radius and straighter microneedles 504 may be used for a facial roller.

[0052] In embodiments, the microneedles 504 may be made of surgical grade metals and plated with or made wholly out of gold or another chemically inactive material. In embodiments, other materials may be crystallized to manufacture the microneedles 504, which include materials that may be harmlessly dissolved into the skin. The microneedles 504 described in the present disclosure may be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of internals of the body shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. A case or shell of body 102 is hidden in this view to reveal the internals of the body 102. Body 102 can include a battery 604 and an air pump 602. The battery 604 can provide power to the air pump 602 via connection to a first circuit board 610, and can be charged via a charging port on a rear of the body 102 (e.g., USB type A or C, lightning, thunderbolt, or other power delivery protocol/connector). In some embodiments, wireless charging of the battery 604 is possible via an induction coil 612 or other inductive charging device. The induction coil 612 or other inductive charging device enables wireless (inductive) charging of the battery 604 when a bottom of the body 102 is arranged in proximity to another induction coil 612 or other inductive charging device. While this embodiment is described as providing power regulation through the first circuit board 610, in other embodiments power can be directly transferred between components and/or independent power regulation devices. Tn some embodiments a waterproof coating is added to the first circuit board 610.

[0054] Also arranged near the bottom of the body 102 can be a first circuit board 610 (or circuit system comprising one or more boards and/or systems-on-a-chip) that can include power management circuitry for controlling charging and discharging of the battery 604 as well as manage delivery of power to the air pump 602. This power management circuitry may also manage wireless charging of the battery 604 via the induction coil 612 or other inductive charging device. In an embodiment, the air pump 602 may operate within a pressure range of 12 - 24 PSI or between 15 and 20 PSI and an air flow range of 5 to 8 LPM.

[0055] A second circuit board 642 (or circuit system comprising one or more boards and/or systems-on-a-chip) may include a mechanical connection to a selector 616 (e.g., a button) or other toggle mechanism or may be in electrical communication with the same. The selector 616 is configured to allow a user to power on and off the air pump 602 as well as select between two or more powered modes of the air pump 602 (e.g., different speeds). For instance, the air pump 602 may have a first mode with a first air speed or motor RPM, and a second mode with a second air speed or motor RPM greater than the first. A third mode may be enabled that is configured for clearing a nozzle of the air-assisted topical applicator in the event of clogs (e.g., having a third RPM greater than the second mode). Tn the illustrated embodiment, a single selector 616 toggles between different modes or air speeds of the air pump 602. However, in other embodiments, multiple selectors could be used or a selector having multiple positions could be used. In other words, any selector may be implemented that allows toggling between two or more modes of the air pump 602 as well as powering on and off of the air pump 602. If the off mode is counted, then the selector 616 can toggle between three or more modes of the air pump 602. In some cases, a waterproof coating is added to the second circuit board 642.

[0056] The second circuit board 642 can include circuits and/or circuit systems for receiving and interpreting inputs from the selector 616, and for illuminating one or more LED indicators that help inform a user of the current mode of the air pump 602. In some embodiments, the power assembly 606 can include one or more sensors, such as a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor 618 and one or more cameras 620. These can be used in feedback loops with a processor on the second circuit board 642, a processor within the spray head 104, or a remote processor, to carry out automated control of functions within the spray head 104 and body 102 (e.g., air pump speed, needle position, and/or angle of spray pattern). The second circuit board 642 can be coupled to and receive power from the battery 604.

[0057] In some cases, a power saving program code is included in the logic of the circuit board and triggers when the system falls below a first threshold (e.g., 15%) of battery charge. When triggered, a first setting is configured to activate a power saving mode which automatically converts the applicator into a single speed device (for 2 speed systems) and uses a flashing light, such as an LED on a power button, for a predefined number of intervals, thereby indicating the applicator needs charging. When the device approaches a second threshold lower than the first (e g., 7.5%) battery charge level the device may automatically shut off and may flash the light for a predetermined number of intervals when the user attempts to use the device, thereby indicating that the device needs to be charged before it can be used again. [0058] Tn some embodiments, one or more sensors 618, 620 can be implemented to aid in a feedback loop for controlling various parameters of operation, such as air pump speed, needle position, and/or angle of spray pattern, to name some non-limiting examples.

[0059] The air pump 602 is shown with a female portion 608 of an interface that allows air from the body 102 to be transferred to the spray head 104 without loss of pressure. However, other means of coupling air from the air pump 602 to the spray head 104 can also be implemented.

[0060] Although an air pump 602 is shown and described, other means of providing pressurized air to the spray head 104 can also be provided, for instance pressurized and replaceable canisters of air such as widely available CO2 canisters.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows a microscopic view of microneedles of various non-limiting sizes. Shown are a 0.3mm diameter, or 30-gauge microneedle 701, a 0.25mm diameter, or 31-gauge microneedle 702, and a 0.2mm diameter, or 33-gauge microneedle 703. There are numerous benefits to using the particular size and shape of the microneedle 703. However, though particular diameters and shapes of microneedles are referred to as beneficial in this description, the present disclosure may also to apply to embodiments in which the microneedles are somewhat bigger or smaller than the dimensions described. For example, the disclosure may apply to microneedles that are greater than 0.3 mm or less than 0.1 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the microneedle tip diameter is equal to or smaller than 33- gauge as measured In an embodiment, microneedle length can be around 0.25mm for facial applications, around 0.3mm for scalp applications, and have a microneedle diameter at the base of 0.2mm and at the tip of 0.015mm. [0062] FTGs 8A and 8B show microscopic images of dermal tissue when used with microneedle roller devices of different gauges. The first image 8A shows an ablative injury, or destructive removal of tissue, following the use of microneedles with larger diameters than the microneedles of the present disclosure (e.g., larger than 200pm). The second image 8B shows an atraumatic, or non-traumatic tissue displacement as a result of using a 33-gauge, or smaller, conical-tipped needle of the present disclosure.

[0063] The diameter and shape of the microneedles of the present disclosure are better suited to achieve the goals of microneedling, which are to stimulate repair of the skin by increasing blood flow and collagen formation and by facilitating the absorption of skincare products and other topical compositions into the epidermis. Microneedling works when the needles penetrate the epidermis and dermis but do not penetrate down to the hypodermis (e.g., fat and muscle layers below the dermis). The punctures create openings in the surface of the skin and yet are not deep enough to cause bleeding or pain.

[0064] FIGs. 9A and 9B show comparative diagrams. In the first diagram 9A, the image shows how the microneedle roller of the present disclosure, using a first size of needle (e.g., 33- gauge), conical-tipped needle, penetrates the epidermis and reaches into the dermis with minimal pressure due to the size and shape of the needles. In the second diagram 9B, the microneedles penetrate the muscle layer because more pressure is required to ensure the larger second size needles (e.g., 31-gauge) penetrate the epidermis.

[0065] FIG. 10A shows a graph comparing mean visual analog score (VAS) pain ratings among users of microneedle rollers having smaller and larger gauge microneedles. As shown, the mean difference in pain ratings was significant for users when the microneedle rollers were used on the face and scalp, which are both highly sensitive areas of skin. The graph shows that pain ratings were lower with 33 -gauge microneedles than with the 30-gauge microneedles.

[0066] FIG. 10B shows a graph comparing the percentage of users who felt pain when using 30 gauge and 33-gauge microneedles. Again, benefits are seen with the 33-guage microneedles over the larger 30-guage microneedles.

[0067] FIG. 11 illustrates a skin cross section showing micro-channels or punctures formed by the microneedles. Also illustrates is a topical product deployed on the surface of the skin and migrating through the micro-channels and reaching repaired and damaged cells.

[0068] FIG. 12 illustrates a method of using an air-assisted topical applicator. The method 1200 can include atomizing a topical via an air-assisted topical applicator (Block 1202) and directing a needle axis (e.g., 450) of the air-assisted topical applicator toward a portion of a user’s body (Block 1204). The method 1200 can further include providing a microneedle roller of the air-assisted applicator off-axis from the needle axis (Block 1206), for instance as seen in FIG. 4 A and 4B. The method 1200 may further include rolling the microneedle roller along a portion of the user’s body to abrade skin thereof as well as spraying the topical onto the user’s body adjacent to the microneedle roller (Block 1208). The spraying can be directed partially onto the roller and partially onto the skin either before the roller reaches that region of skin or after the roller reaches that area of skin. For instance, where the roller contacts the region of skin first, the abraded skin may be more accepting of the topical that is sprayed onto the abraded region a moment later. Alternatively, where the roller follows the needle axis, the microneedles and the roller may assist in pressing the topical into holes made by the needles and there may be advantage in the topical having a moment to sit atop or absorb into the skin a moment before abrasion occurs. Further, spray velocity may be adjusted for different applications, for instances, increased velocity may increase topical absorption or be better suited for tougher areas of skin that may be tougher to penetrate. The topical may be an over-the-counter drug, skin-care composition, or hairenhancement composition.

[0069] The microneedle roller system and apparatus of the present disclosure provides numerous benefits. The combination of microneedle roller and air-assisted topical applicator into a single device allows faster and more effective topical applications, as well as making a formerly two-stage process less onerous. Its fine-gauge, conical -tipped microneedles more easily penetrate the epidermis than other microneedles with less physical pressure, which reduces penetration depth and pain. The increased efficacy of the microneedle roller in combination with the air-assisted topical applicator reduces topical use and waste and facilitates more effective absorption of topical into the skin. Further, the interchangeability of the roller head housing, spray head, and/or the microneedle roller, allows replacement of consumable components after excessive wear, degradation, or dirt. Modularity of the roller head housing, spray head, and/or microneedle roller also allows different components to be tailored for a different applications. This increases efficacy and sanitation as compared to prior devices. It also allows the microneedle cylinder to be interchanged between air-assisted topical applicator devices or handles.

[0070] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. [0071] Tt will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0072] Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms “below” and “under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. In addition, it will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “between” two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may also be present.

[0073] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,”

“an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or

“comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and may be abbreviated as “/”.

[0074] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “adj acent to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected, coupled, or adjacent to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly coupled to,” or “immediately adj acent to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

[0075] The terms and expressions employed herein are used as terms and expressions of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. Each of the various elements disclosed herein may be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms — even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled.

[0076] As but one example, it should be understood that all action may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, by way of example only, the disclosure of a “protrusion” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “protruding” — whether explicitly discussed or not — and, conversely, were there only disclosure of the act of “protruding”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “protrusion”. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

[0077] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

[0078] As used herein, the recitation of "at least one of A, B and C" is intended to mean "either A,

B, C or any combination of A, B and C." The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.