WO2017005891A1

WO2017005891A1 - Iontophoretic applicator device comprising at least two movable applying means

Info

Publication number: WO2017005891A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/066219
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christophe BIANCHI
Original assignee: Feeligreen
Priority date: 2015-07-09
Filing date: 2016-07-07
Publication date: 2017-01-12
Also published as: FR3038520A1; FR3038520B1

Abstract

The application relates to an iontophoretic applicator device comprising a reservoir (1) intended to contain a composition intended to be applied to the skin of a user, the reservoir comprising at least two movable applying means (2) made of electrically conductive material, said means being arranged so as to be flush with the exterior surface of the reservoir and configured to release and apply the composition contained in the reservoir to the skin of the user. The device comprises an autonomous source (4) of electrical current, which source is intended to supply power to the movable applying means so as to generate an electrical current between the at least two movable applying means, promoting the penetration of the composition into the skin of the user, the current source being placed in contact or in the reservoir.

Description

LOROPHORETIC APPLICATOR DEVICE COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO MOBILE APPLICATION MEANS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an iontophoretic applicator device.

The invention relates to the techniques of subjecting dermal cells to an electric field to increase their activity and to facilitate the transdermal diffusion of active substances, and more particularly relates to an iontophoresis device.

STATE OF THE ART

Cell stimulation by an electric field or electrostimulation is used in many applications. It is known to reduce pain or for cosmetic applications such as wrinkles treatment. For example, fibroblasts are subjected to an electric field to increase their rate of protein production. Since the proteins produced by fibroblasts are essentially collagen and elastin, the expected effect is an improvement in the elasticity of the skin and therefore a visible reduction effect. wrinkles. Electrostimulation can also be used for the treatment of cicatrization for which the electric field increases cell migration and thus facilitates healing.

Iontophoresis is a technique that can be used for cosmetic and / or medical purposes to introduce active substances into the dermis of the skin by means of a current.

The devices commonly used implementing iontophoresis are bulky because they require a container for the active substance to be administered electrically conductive means for allowing the delivery of a current on the skin of the user and a current source. In this way these devices in addition to being not very mobile are often quite expensive. All these constraints mean that iontophoresis devices are mainly used by professionals in the context of beauty salon or dermatological cabinet.

There is therefore the need to propose a device that can be used by an individual in a personal and easy manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the present invention relates to an iontophoretic applicator device comprising a reservoir adapted to contain a composition intended to be applied to the skin of the user. The applicator device comprises at least two movable electrically conductive material preferably arranged so as to be flush with the outer surface of the reservoir and configured to release and apply the composition adapted to be contained in the reservoir on the skin of the reservoir. 'user. The applicator device further comprises a source of electric current for supplying the at least two mobile application means promoting the penetration of the composition into the skin of the user.

The applicator device according to the invention has the main advantage of being compact. The entire device is substantially contained in the volume of the tank.

The electrically conductive mobile application means make it possible to combine two functions that are distribution and application of the composition to be administered and the delivery of a current to the surface of the skin of the user contributing to a better diffusion of the composition.

Preferably, the mobile application means are advantageously metallic moving balls and preferably the reservoir is a tube, rigid or flexible, advantageously holding in a hand. The applicator device according to the invention is therefore easily usable by a user who can have his own device.

According to another aspect, the invention comprises a method of applying a composition to the skin of a user comprising contacting the mobile application means on the skin of the user and then releasing the composition contained therein in the tank by the mobile application means. Advantageously, when the mobile application means are brought into contact with the skin of the user, putting said mobile application means in connection with the electric power source by activating electrical connection means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute a schematic representation of principles intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily at the scale of practical applications.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an applicator device according to the invention, with the protective cover positioned on the reservoir (FIG. 1a) and with a protective cover removed (FIG. 1b).

Figure 2 is a top view of an applicator device according to the invention illustrating the mobile application means.

FIG. 3 is a detail view along the longitudinal section 3-3 'of the applicator device according to the invention of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a detail view along the longitudinal section 4-4 'of the applicator device according to the invention of FIG. 2.

Figure 5 is a top view of the printed circuit of the device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, are set forth below optional features that may optionally be used in combination or alternatively.

It should be recalled that the invention relates to an iontophoretic applicator device comprising a reservoir intended to contain a composition intended to be applied to the skin of a user, characterized in that the reservoir comprises at least two mobile application means made of conductive material. electrically and configured to release and apply the composition contained in the reservoir to the skin of the user. The device comprises an autonomous electric power source intended to supply the mobile application means and configured to generate an electric current between the at least two mobile application means when the skin is in contact with the at least two means of application. mobile, thereby promoting the penetration of the composition into the skin of the user.

Indeed, the device comprises an autonomous electric power source for supplying the mobile application means so as to generate an electric current between the at least two mobile application means promoting the penetration of the composition into the skin of the user, the power source is disposed in contact or in the tank.

Advantageously, the device is such that:

the current source is placed in contact with or in the tank;

the two mobile application means made of electrically conductive material are intended to be positioned in contact with the skin of the user. Preferably both mobile electrically conductive material application means are arranged to be flush with the outer surface of the reservoir. According to one embodiment, they project on the outer surface of the tank.

- The reservoir comprises a closure means on which are arranged the at least two mobile application means;

the source of current is disposed at the level of the means for closing the reservoir; the application means are application elements also referred to as moving elements;

the mobile application means are metal balls;

- The tank is configured so that at least more than half the height of the tank holds in one hand. Indeed a tank configured so that at least more than half of the height of the tank holds in a hand corresponds to a tank with a length of less than 12 cm and preferably less than 10 cm.

According to one embodiment the reservoir has a length less than 30 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, preferably less than 15 cm and preferably less than 10 cm. According to a particular embodiment, the length of the reservoir is of the order of 12 cm.

- Electrical connection means providing the electrical connection between the power source and the mobile application means;

the electrical connection means are configured to take alternately a first inactive position in which the said connection means are not in electrical continuity with the mobile application means and the current source and a second active position in which the said connection means are in electrical continuity with the mobile application means and the power source.

Preferably, in said second active position said connection means are in direct contact with the mobile application means.

- The electrical connection means are selected from spring connectors or push buttons;

- The connection means are configured to be in the second active position when the mobile application means are supported on the skin of the user;

The term "mobile application means bearing on the skin of the user means means exerting a non-zero force on the skin when the user exerts a non-zero force directed towards the skin via the device.

The device also advantageously comprises: a removable protective cover cooperating with the reservoir and configured to protect the mobile application means;

- A switch arranged at the tank controlling the current source, said switch being actuated by the presence or absence of the protective cover;

By controlling the current source is meant the ability of the switch to open or close the electrical circuit comprising the mobile application means and the power source.

- LED photodynamic stimulation means disposed near the mobile application means so as to stimulate the dermis of the user when the mobile application means are in contact with the skin of the user;

the LED photodynamic stimulation means are arranged between the mobile application means;

a microprocessor for controlling the current supplied by the current source.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for applying a composition to the skin of a user by the device comprising:

bringing the mobile application means into contact with the skin of the user;

the release and application of the composition contained in the reservoir by the mobile application means;

- Connecting the mobile application means with the current source by the activation of the electrical connection means; - Before removing the protective cover actuating the switch of the power source.

The iontophoretic applicator device of the invention comprises a reservoir 1 capable of receiving a composition intended to be applied to the skin of the user. The reservoir 1 advantageously comprises an interior volume preferentially defined by side walls and at least one bottom or base and containing said composition. This composition advantageously contains at least one active substance and has a cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical application.

The reservoir 1 advantageously comprises a closure means 5 of the reservoir 1 intended to seal the reservoir to control the distribution of the composition contained in the reservoir 1. The closing means 5 is for example a plug configured to cooperate with an opening of the tank 1, more specifically with an open upper face of the tank. Preferably, the closing means 5 is secured to and immovable from the side walls of the tank 1.

According to the invention, the device comprises at least two mobile application means 2. The mobile application means 2 are arranged in the device so as to be flush with the outer surface of the tank 1. That is, the mobile application means 2 is exposed to the outer surface of the reservoir 1 so that it can be brought into contact with the skin of the user. Advantageously, the application means are arranged at least partially at the level of the closure means 5 of the tank 1.

By mobile application means flush with the outer surface of the tank, mobile application means accessible from the outer surface of the tank.

The means of application are said to be mobile to indicate that their mobility allows the administration of the composition contained in the reservoir 1 while their immobility prevents this distribution. The mobile application means are therefore mobile with respect to the reservoir. Mobility is not necessarily a rotation, a slight mobility of the application means 2 being sufficient. Advantageously, the closing means 5 comprises housings receiving the mobile application means 2. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the housings and therefore the mobile application means 2 are connected with the internal volume of the tank 1 and therefore the composition there.

The mobile application means 2 are made of electrically conductive material so as to conduct current for iontophoresis. Advantageously, the mobile application means 2 form electrodes of the iontophoretic device. The number of mobile application means 2 is greater than or equal to two so as to define at least one positive electrode, cathode and a negative electrode, anode. The mobile application means 2 are for example made of metallic material such as titanium, stainless steel, chromed plastic, chromed brass. The materials are chosen to be electrically conductive while having good anti-corrosion properties.

The mobile application means 2 are preferably metal balls as illustrated in the figures.

The applicator device according to the invention is commonly called roll-on.

The reservoir 1 may take various forms preferentially, the reservoir 1 is a tube, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or a tube whose one end is folded back on itself of the type commonly referred to as "a tube of cream". ". The tank 1 can be rigid or flexible, that is to say that can be pressed or crushed.

Preferably, the tank 1 is configured so that at least more than half the height of the tank 1 fits in one hand. As a preferred example, the height 14 of the tank 1 is between 4 and 20 cm. For example, the maximum diameter of the tank 1 is between 1 and 8 cm The applicator device being formed essentially by the tank 1, it is easily manipulated and usable by the user directly for personal use at home.

The device preferably comprises a protective cover 7 intended to cooperate with the reservoir 1 so as to protect the closure means 5 and more precisely the mobile application means 2.

The device advantageously comprises a source of electric current 4. The current source 4 is advantageously arranged in the tank 1 or in contact with the tank 1 and more precisely at the level of the closure means 5. It is in contact that the current source is in direct contact and is carried by the tank 1.

Advantageously, the source of electric current 4 is said to be autonomous. By autonomic means that the energy source is entirely present on the device. For this purpose, the energy source is also called portable. For example, an energy-saving energy-saving generator can be used or battery-type batteries.

The device according to the invention comprises, according to a preferred possibility, a printed circuit board 10 on which the current source 4 and the mobile application means 2 are connected. The printed circuit is advantageously connected to a microprocessor intended to control the current supplied by the Power source. The microprocessor controls the application of a voltage to the electrodes, that is to say to the mobile application means 2.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the applicator device comprises electrical connection means 6 of the mobile application means 2 with the current source 4. More specifically, the electrical connection means 6 are connected to the printed circuit 10 to which is also connected the current source 4. The electrical connection means 6 are configured to take alternately an inactive position in which the connection means are not in electrical conductivity with the mobile application means 2 and an active position in which the connection means are in electrical conductivity with the mobile application means 2.

More specifically, in the inactive position the electric current can not flow between the current source 4 and the mobile application means 2 while in the active position the electric current can flow between the current source 4 and the application means mobile 2.

According to an embodiment not described, the battery is housed in a removable drawer, allowing its replacement.

The electrical connection means 6 are preferably spring conductors or pushbutton. The spring connectors are for example pads that can take many forms.

According to the invention, it is a pressure on the mobile application means

2 which allows the electrical connection means 6 to move from an inactive position to an active position and vice versa when removing this pressure. More specifically, it is during the application of the mobile application means 2 on the skin of the user that the electrical connection means 6 take an active position. As soon as the application of the mobile application means 2 on the skin of the user the electrical connection means 6 automatically resume an inactive position. Indeed, during contact with the skin, the skin exerts a force on the application means, for example the balls; the application means in turn exert a force on these connection means 6 and move them. The latter moving, they reach an active position in which they let the current flow. In this position they close the electrical circuit comprising the current source and the mobile application means, thereby providing power to the mobile application means. The skin forming an electrical conduction zone between the mobile application means, it is then crossed by a current.

When the user moves the device away from the skin, the application means no longer exert force on the connection means 6. The latter then automatically return to their rest position, for example under the effect of an organ elastic spring such as a spring or a flexible tongue.

The connecting means 6 moving, remove the electrical contact between the power source and the mobile application means. The connection means 6 then reach the first inactive position in which they prevent the current from passing.

Thus closing and opening of the electrical circuit are performed automatically when the applicator device is respectively applied and away from the skin.

This configuration has the advantage of a simplified and intuitive activation of the device. In addition, the risk of unintentional discharge of batteries is reduced compared to a solution in which the user must actuate a button dedicated to the opening or closing of the electrical circuit.

According to one embodiment, the connection means 6 are switches or microswitches. The device is configured so that the switches or microswitches are actuated by the mobile application means. According to one embodiment, the connection means 6 (switches or microswitches for example) are in direct contact or in direct electrical connection with the current source 4. According to one embodiment, the device of the invention comprises an elevator Of voltage. The voltage booster is advantageously present in the electronic module 3.

The voltage booster is used to raise the voltage supplied to the electrodes from the voltage delivered by the power source. Conventionally, the energy sources used which can be autonomous and / or portable are small and provide voltages of between 1 and 3 V. However, in some cases, for electrostimulation or iontophoresis, the voltage required for obtaining an intensity of 100 to 800μ can be up to 30V.

The device according to the invention is capable of creating a voltage advantageously 10 times greater than the nominal voltage of the energy source.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises at least one LED photodynamic stimulation means 9. Preferably, the at least one LED is arranged near the mobile application means 2 so as to allow stimulation of the user's dermis when using the device. The LED photodynamic stimulation means allows illumination of a wavelength adapted to the composition and related to the desired effect. In particular, a wavelength of 630 nm makes it possible to increase the natural production of collagen for a photorejuvenation effect. Alternatively, a red wavelength of 645 nm to 850 nm, pulsed mode and continuous infrared for the treatment of stretch marks, finally the desired effect may be the treatment (suspensive) of inflammatory acne (blue LED) or retentive (Red LED), as well as the acceleration of skin healing processes (blue LED).

According to a possibility of the invention, the device comprises a switch

8 to control the flow of current in the printed circuit 10.

The switch 8 is disposed on the outer surface of the tank 1 so as to be accessible by the user. According to an advantageous arrangement, the switch 8 is placed on the outer surface of the tank 1 at the level of the cooperation with the protective cover 7. In this way, when the protective cover 7 cooperates with the tank 1 to protect the means of mobile application 2, the switch 8 is in an inactive position interrupting the flow of current in the printed circuit 10. Upon removal of the protective cover 7, the switch 8 is in an active position restoring the flow of electric current in the printed circuit 10.

REFERENCES

1. Tank

2. Mobile means of application

3. Outside surface

4. Current source

5. Means of closing the tank

6. Means of electrical connection

7. Protective hood

8. Switch

9. LED

10. Circuit board

1 1. Side wall

12. Background

13. Housing

14. Height

Claims

1. Iontophoretic applicator device comprising a reservoir (1) intended to contain a composition intended to be applied to the skin of a user, characterized in that the reservoir (1) comprises at least two mobile application means (2) made of electrically conductive material arranged to be flush with the outer surface of the tank (1) and configured to release and apply the composition contained in the tank (1) to the skin of the user, and that the device comprises a current source (4) stand-alone electric device for supplying the mobile application means (2) so as to generate an electric current between the at least two mobile application means (2) when the user's skin is in contact with the at least two means mobile application (2), promoting the penetration of the composition into the skin of the user, the current source (4) being arranged in contact or in the reser see (1).

2. Device according to the preceding claim wherein the reservoir (1) comprises a closure means (5) on which are arranged the at least two mobile application means (2).

3. Device according to the preceding claim wherein the current source (4) is disposed at the closing means (5) of the reservoir.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mobile application means (2) are metal balls.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the reservoir (1) has a length less than 20 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, preferably less than 12 cm.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising electrical connection means (6) providing the electrical connection between the current source (4) and the mobile application means (2).

7. Device according to the preceding claim wherein the electrical connection means (6) are configured to take alternately a first inactive position in which said connection means (6) are not in electrical continuity with the mobile application means (2). ) and current source (4) and a second active position in which said connection means (6) are in electrical continuity with the mobile application means (2) and the current source (4), and wherein in said second position activates said connection means (6) are in direct contact with the mobile application means (2).

8. Device according to any one of the two preceding claims wherein the electrical connection means (6) are selected from spring connectors or push buttons.

9. Device according to any one of the three preceding claims wherein the connection means (6) are configured to be in the second active position when the mobile application means (2) bear against the skin of the user.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a removable protective cover (7) cooperating with the reservoir (1) and configured to protect the mobile application means (2).

1 1. Device according to the preceding claim comprising a switch (8) arranged at the reservoir (1) configured to open or close an electrical circuit comprising the mobile application means (2) and the current source (4), said switch (8). ) being actuated by the presence or absence of the protective cover (7).

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising LED photodynamic stimulation means (9) disposed near the mobile application means (2) so as to stimulate the dermis of the user when the application means mobiles (2) are in contact with the skin of the user.

13. Device according to the preceding claim wherein the LED photodynamic stimulation means (9) are arranged between the mobile application means (2).

14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a microprocessor for controlling the current supplied by the current source (4).