Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02422111 2006-08-09
1
An Apparatus for Variable Microabrasion of Human Tissue and/or Hides.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for variable
microabrasion using organic particles. This application is a division of
published
Canadian Patent Application No. 2,416,996.
BACKGROUND ART
Apparatus for making microabrasions, particularly for cosmetic, medical or
therapeutic treatment of human tissue e.g., the removal of scars and other
skin blemishes
are known. In addition, these apparatus may be used to treat hides or other
similar types of
materials, which require fine abrasion to remove particular attributes.
Typically, these
apparatus are used to remove scars and other blemishes by removing surface
skin layers
by the use of abrasive particles.
The particles are generally driven by a pneumatic source, e.g., a vacuum
source.
Such an apparatus includes a vacuum pump connected in series by tubes to a
recovery
container, a handle and a supply container housing abrasive particles. The
handle includes
an aperture which, when positioned on a surface to be treated, prevents any
external air
from entering the tubes and causes the vacuum pump to draw particles from the
supply
container through the handle and into the recovery container. Whilst passing
through the
handle, the particles impinge on the surface, causing an abrasive action. The
particles are
then sucked into the recovery container, where filters ensure that the
particles remain in
the recovery container.
The flow of particles depends on the flow of air through the apparatus.
Initially, air
is drawn into the apparatus through an aperture. When the aperture is
positioned against a
surface to be treated, then the handle becomes effectively sealed and air is
evacuated from
the apparatus leading to a reduction in air pressure. As more and more air is
evacuated, the
particle flow slows down and may eventually stop, requiring the handle to be
detached
from the surface to allow atmospheric air to flow back into the apparatus. Not
only does
this lead to loss of treatment time, but also the apparatus can, even when the
aperture is
just placed on the surface, frequently become blocked. Various systems to
overcome these
CA 02411111 2003-03-28
2
problems have been proposed, e.g., a burst of pressurised air to clear the
blockages. These
systems are not only more complex but cause the particles to spray outwardly,
contaminating the surrounding area. Not only is this a nuisance, but the fine
sand-like
particles may also constitute a safety hazard.
To overcome this problem, published patent application PCT/AU98/00936, by the
present applicant, proposed an apparatus that minimised blockage of the
apparatus by
using the exhaust port of the vacuum pump to provide a pressurised airflow
into the supply
container in addition to the suction from the vacuum pump. In that same
application, the
applicant also proposed an improved hand tool and supply container which
substantially
overcame these problems.
However, in some applications, it may be desirable to provide an apparatus
that not
only provides for the controlled fine microabrasion but also one where the
abrasion needs
to be very intense or strong. This may be required, for example, in medical
applications
where it may be desirable to remove almost all of the skin layers down to the
muscle and
fat tissue.
To achieve dermabrasion, the particles must possess a certain level of
abrasiveness.
Conunonly used in the industry are aluminium oxide particles whose microscopic
shape
includes sharp points and edges that provide good abrasion against the skin.
However, for some time, there has been growing concern over the treatment of
human bodies with substances that are thought to be associated with various
degenerative
diseases. Included in this group is the use of aluminium oxide as a
dermabrasion
particulate. Recently aluminium has been identified as a possible cause of
Alzheimer's
disease and a number of people have been concerned with its use, however
slight.
The use of such abrasive particles can also leave the skin dry and does not
provide
the exposed skin with any nourishment or a protective layer.
It may therefore be desirable to provide for microabrasion using particles
that not
only abrade the skin but also treat it at the same time by imparting essential
oils,
fragrances and other substances.
CA 02422111 2007-03-07
3
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of a first broad aspect of the present invention to
provide a
microabrasion apparatus that provides a hitherto unknown range of
microabrasion
intensity and treatment. This object is achieved by providing a microabrasion
apparatus
that includes one container, where the particles used are organic particles
that, when
treating the skin, impart essential oils, fragrances or other substances to
the skin.
Therefore, one broad aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus
treatment of a surface, such as microabrasion of human tissue, the apparatus
comprising a
pneumatic source, a supply container containing organic particles, a hand tool
provided
with an outlet aperture, a recovery container, and means operatively connected
between
the pneumatic source, the supply container, the hand tool and the recovery
container. In
operation, the hand tool is positioned on a surface to be treated, and the
pneumatic source
provides for an air flow through the recovery container, the hand tool and the
supply
container in communication therewith. This thereby draws the organic particles
from the
supply container through the hand tool and through the aperture in the hand
tool, causing
the organic particles to impinge on the surface, thereby treating it. The
organic particles
are finally drawn into the recovery container.
Preferably, according to a first variant, the organic type particles are made
from
ground up nut shells, e.g., walnut, hazelnut, brazil or almond nut shells, or
a mixture
thereof.
Preferably, according to a second variant, the organic type particles are made
from
ground up stone fruit kernels e.g., peach, apricot, nectarine, peacherine,
plum or cherry
stones, or a mixture thereof.
Preferably, according to a third variant, the pneumatic source is a vacuum
pump,
which preferably includes a regulator so as to control air pressure within the
apparatus.
Preferably, according to a fourth variant, the pneumatic source is a
compressor, the
compressor being configured variably to control the air pressure fed into the
supply
container.
Preferably, according to a fifth variant, at least some of the particles are
coated
with fragrant materials.
Preferably, according to a sixth variant, at least some of said particles are
coated
with a colourant material.
CA 02422111 2007-03-07
4
Preferably, according to a seventh variant, the organic particles include a
surface
film, part of which remains on the surface being treated.
A further aspect of the present invention provides for the use of an apparatus
for
microabrasion of human tissue comprising a pneumatic source, a supply
container
containing organic particles, a hand tool provided with an outlet aperture, a
recovery
container, and means operatively connected between the pneumatic source, the
supply
container, the hand tool and the recovery container; for directing an airflow
comprising
said organic particles onto skin, thereby treating skin.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a microabrasion apparatus
according to the invention in the parent application with two different
particles that can be
used including two supply and recovery assemblies and two pneumatic sources;
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the microabrasion apparatus of
Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a microabrasion
apparatus according to the invention in the parent application having two
different supply
and recovery assemblies but using only one pneumatic source;
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a microabrasion
apparatus according to the invention in the parent application having two
different
particles but only one recovery container;
Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a microabrasion
apparatus according to the invention in the parent application using three
supply
containers having different particles with only one recovery container; and
Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a microabrasion
apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention using only one
organic particle
type with only one pneumatic source.
CA 02422111 2007-03-07
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description of the invention in the parent application
and in
the present divisional application refers to the accompanying drawings.
Although the
description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible.
Wherever
possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and
the
following description to refer to the same and like parts.
Turning now to the figures in detail, and specifically Figures 1 and 2, there
is
shown an apparatus 10 according to the invention in the parent application for
making
abrasions including a vacuum pump 12 operatively connected in series either to
a first
assembly including a recovery container 14, a handle 16 and a supply container
18 by
tubes 20, or operatively connected to a second assembly including a recovery
container 22,
a handle 24 and a supply container 26 by tubes 28.
Switch 30 controls a solenoid that switches the vacuum pump from operatively
being connected either to the first or second assembly. The vacuum pump is
operable by
an electric switch and draws air through inlet 34 and exhausts it through
outlet 36.
Second assembly supply container 26 is provided with particles that are of a
different type, for example bigger (heavier), than those found in supply
container 18. If the
particles are heavier then they are of a size so that the same density of
particles provides a
greater abrasive result. Because the particles are substantially heavier and
to provide for a
more instant particle flow, it is preferable for the second assembly to
include a second
pneumatic source. Accordingly, a compressor 38 is operatively connected to the
supply
container 26 or to the container that may house the heavier particles.
In operation, the vacuum pump draws air through either one of the assemblies
and
the corresponding recovery container and handle. The handle includes an
aperture 40,
which is positioned against the surface to be treated, and which then causes
air and thus
particles to be drawn from the corresponding recovery container. The stream of
particles
then impinges on the surface against which the aperture is positioned causing
microabrasions and is subsequently drawn into the recovery container together
with any
abraded surface debris.
When a low-level of microabrasion is required the switch 30 is operated so
that the
solenoid operatively connects the vacuum pump in series with the first
assembly that in
this example houses lighter abrasive particles. In such a configuration the
vacuum pump
CA 02411111 2003-03-28
6
provides suction through the recovery container 14, handle 16 and supply
container 18.
The supply container 18 includes an inlet 39 connected to a regulator 42
having an inlet 44
the regulator controlling the amount of air entering the supply container. The
air entering
the supply container aerates the particles, with the magnitude of air flow
providing control
over the flux or density of particles drawn though the apparatus. For further
details of this
operation the reader is referred to the applicants patent specification
referred to above.
In use where a different level or type of microabrasion is required, switch 30
operates the solenoid to operatively connect the vacuum pump 12 in series with
the second
assembly. The supply container 26 of the second assembly as with the first
assembly also
includes an inlet 40 connected to regulator 42 with an inlet 44. However,
unlike the
regulator used in the first assembly, the inlet 44 is operatively connected to
the compressor
38. Advantageously, when the switch 30 operatively connects the vacuum pump
with the
second assembly, control switch 46, usually a foot control switch, controls
the compressor
38 to provide pressure to the supply container 26. The foot switch may be a
variable
switch that variably controls the speed and thus the pressure provided by the
compressor.
An isolation switch 48 can isolate the operation of (or power to) the
compressor
from switch 46. Similarly isolation switch 32 controls the first pneumatic
source or the
vacuum pump.
Thus, if one wants to use the second assembly to provide for microabrasions
using
heavier particles stored in the recovery container 26 using handle 24 without
the extra air
flow provided by the compressor, one can turn off switch 48. To assist in the
flow of
different or heavier particles and provide a greater degree of microabrasion,
it is
advantageous to use the compressor to provide the greater flow rate and
particle density.
The vacuum pump includes a suction regulator 50 that controls the suction
provided to the apparatus by the vacuum pump 12. A vacuum gauge 52
advantageously
provides an indicator of the vacuum within the apparatus, the vacuum gauge
being isolated
by the use of valve 54.
Filters 56 ensure that the particle flowing from the supply container, through
the
handle and into the recovery container do not enter the vacuum pump and cause
potential
damage. The recovery containers may also include filter 58 that prevents any
particles
from passing into the vacuum pump.
CA 02411111 2003-03-28
7
In use, after the vacuum pump 12 has been activated, the operator chooses
whether
to use the first assembly or second assembly by operating switch 30. The
appropriate hand
tool is then used with its aperture 40 positioned against a surface to be
treated. Air is then
drawn or sucked through the appropriate recovery container, handle and the
supply
container, the amount of suction regulated by regulator 50.
Regulator 42 that assists in providing aeration of the particles can control
the
particle flux or density.
When the second assembly is selected by use of switch 30, the foot pump is
activated that allows the operator to provide pressurised air to the supply
container 26,
which can also be controlled by regulator 42. It is however to be understood
that the
regulators are not essential to the working of the invention and the
compressor may simply
be turned off and on by the use of the foot switch. However, to provide for
fine adjustment
of the particle flux or density it is advantageous to have the regulators
present.
To allow access to the abrasive particles, the supply and recovery container
may
include quick-release lids 60 allowing access into the containers. Also to
assist in
mounting the container to the apparatus, the recovery and the supply container
may
include projections 62 adapted to engage holding bores 64 on the apparatus.
Timer 66 can assist the operator in keeping a track of time that the machine
has
been used for. Although not shown, the times could be electrically connected
to the
pneumatic sources so that the apparatus turns off after a pre-determined
amount of time.
Thus one can see that the present dual bottle apparatus provides for a
hitherto
unknown range of microabrasion properties by providing for different size
particles that
provide different degrees of microabrasions.
Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown an apparatus according to the
invention
in the parent application that includes two assemblies, that is, two supply
and recovery
containers, but only one pneumatic source. In this embodiment, there are two
valves 70
and 72 that are adapted to operate in tandem and that control the coupling of
the
pneumatic source with the relevant supply and recovery containers.
Thus the vacuum pump 12 is either connected so as to provide a pneumatic
source
to recovery container 14, handle 16 and supply container 18 or alternatively
to supply
recovery container 22, handle 24 and supply container 26. The vacuum source in
the
embodiment also includes two regulators 74 and 76 that control exposure to the
inlet 78
CA 02411111 2003-03-28
8
and outlet 80 of the vacuum pump. A meter 82 may also be present to provide an
indication to the operator of the air pressure within the system. The meter
can be isolated
by valve 82. Filter 56 filters out any particulate matter from entering the
vacuum pump.
Whilst at times it may be desirable and even necessary to have independent
assemblies, one may also have a joint assembly whereby a plurality of supply
containers
are in communication with only one recovery container. This is shown in Figure
4 where
the supply containers 18 or 26 can be coupled to the one recovery container 14
by the use
of valve 30. As was the case in the previous embodiment, one selection of the
switch may
also turn on a second pneumatic source, e.g., compressor 38.
It has also been discovered, according to the present divisional application,
that
hard organic material that is sufficiently dried, may be used in micro-
dermabrasion
apparatus as discussed above, providing an effective abrasive action against
the skin whilst
at the same time leaving the skin relatively smooth and supple as compared
with the use of
aluminium oxide particles.
One of the organic materials that have been found to be particularly useful in
this
aspect of the present invention is ground up nut shells e.g., walnut shells.
These ground up
or pulverized shells can be sufficiently dry not to cause blocking in the
tubes of a micro-
dermabrasion apparatus and yet still have levels of oils and other substances
that are left as
a residue against the skin on which they are impacted.
In fact, experimentation with different types of organic material has shown,
that
provided that the particles are sufficiently dry and of a suitable size, a
whole range of
organic particles may be used. For example, one may equally well use coconut
shell,
walnut shell, peach kernels and other fruit kernels but to name a few.
Thus a person who wishes to be treated by a certain organic material due to
certain
properties of that material may choose to have that material prepared in
granular form and
dried to be used in a micro-dermabrasion apparatus. In this way the skin may
be slightly
abraded at the same time providing treatment by that organic material to the
satisfaction of
the consumer.
It is also desirable at times to still use highly abrasive particles such as
aluminium
oxide. However, it has been discovered that by mixing aluminium oxide
particles with
organic material that may not be abrasive, one achieves not only good abrasion
but also
simultaneous treatment of the skin.
CA 02411111 2003-03-28
9
Accordingly one can have a choice of different particles to use in a micro-
dermabrasion machine including:
(a) purely organic materials according to the present divisional application;
(b) a mixture of abrasive particles e.g., aluminium oxide mixed with organic
materials according to the parent application;
(c) abrasive particles that are coated with organic materials, according to
the
parent application.
This can be achieved according to aspects of the invention in the parent
application
by having an apparatus with a plurality of supply containers housing different
particles. As
shown in Figure 5 for example, there may be three different supply containers.
Container
90 may house standard aluminium oxide particles 92, supply container 94 may
house
organically coated aluminium oxide particles 96 whilst supply container 98 may
house
organic particles 100. A supply container can be chosen to be in communication
with
handle 102 and recovery container 104 by the use of valve 106 that controls
air flow into
the respective supply container and valve 108 that then connects that supply
container to
the handle 102 and recovery container 104.
In some cases the micro-dermabrasion apparatus may need to be modified to
accommodate organic particles. This may include the dimensions of the tubes,
airflow as
well as the size of the handle and aperture. Further, the supply and
collection containers
may also need to be modified.
However, it may also be possible to use one apparatus where the supply
container
is simply changed thereby changing the abrasive particles. Thus, an apparatus
such as that
shown in Figure 6 may only have one supply container 18 and recovery container
14 and
only one pneumatic source 12. To use different particles, the supply container
can simply
be replaced at the operator's discretion.
Further, instead of having uniform size particles in the one supply container,
in
some cases one may wish to use a mixture of different sizes. As discussed
above, one may
choose to have aluminium oxide particles mixed with organic material whose
size is
smaller than that of the aluminium oxide.
If properly prepared the use of organic particles according to the present
divisional
application, has been found to provide good abrasive rates. Of course, in some
instance,
CA 02411111 2003-03-28
e.g., medical applications it may be preferable to use aluminium oxide
particles, or ones
coated with an organic material.
The organic particles may not only contain essential oils but they may also
contain
fragrances that on impact with the skin impart some of those properties. One
therefore
proposes the use of particles in micro-dermabrasion machines that have been
exposed to
fragrances. For example, one may very well coat aluminium oxide particles with
fragrant
materials that impact their fragrance to the skin besides just abrading it.
It is to be understood that one does not need just to coat the abrasive
particles; one
may provide a mixture of abrasive particles and fragrant particles where the
end result is
that the abrasive particles abrade the skin whilst the fragrant particles
impart the
fragrances to the skin.
Of course, it may be that the apparatus contains separate abrasive and
fragrant
particles and that a user is firstly treated with the highly abrasive
particles and
subsequently with the organic ones that assist in leaving a residual layer on
the skin.
A micro-dermabrasion operator may provide the consumer with a choice of mixing
various abrasive particles or particles with various oils/fragrance particles
which are then
used in the skin treatment. Of course, great care needs to be taken to ensure
that the
particles do not become too wet, whereupon they will not be able to move
freely through
the apparatus but will stick to the container and the various tubes.
The impacted skin therefore not only receives the benefits of micro-
dermabrasion
but also interaction with the abrasive particles, which leaves the skin with
residual
properties of the substance.
It is to be understood that other additions to the synthetic or organic
materials may
be used. For example, whilst the above discussion looked at the use of organic
abrasive
particles or coating particles with such oils and fragrances, one may also add
colouring to
the abrasive particles whether they are synthetic or organic. This can result
in the skin not
only being abraded but also leaving a residue of oils/fragrance/colours to the
specification
of the consumer. The colours may also be natural colours from the organic
material or
may be colouring added to the particles. Thus it is to be understood that the
additive to the
abrasive particle are not intended to be limited to those described above.
They may be
various, e.g., tea tree oils and essences, colourings, and so on. The only
requirement would
CA 02411111 2003-03-28
11
be that, as a collection of particles, they cannot possess a coating that will
provide for
adhesion between the different particles.
One can therefore see that the present invention according to the present
divisional
application teaches the use of organic or organic coated particles together
with an
apparatus that can accommodate one or more different supply containers that
may require
one or more recovery containers as well as one or more pneumatic sources. This
provides
for a hitherto unavailable choice in the treatment of skin both for cosmetic
and medical
purposes.
For example, one may first wish to be treated with a harsh particle to remove
quickly and efficiently top surface skin layers. Subsequently one may wish to
use the
gentler but still slightly abrasive organic particles that compensate for any
serious abrasion
whilst imparting to the skin substances that help protect and nourish it.
