Method and device for alternately cooling and heating application surface, in particular skin of user

Abstract

A method (40) of alternately heating and cooling an application surface, in particular the skin of a user, by means of an alternately heating and cooling device comprising a first end piece and a second end piece. According to the method, a hot temperature of between 35 DEG C and 48 DEG C is applied to the application surface by means of the first end piece for a period of time of between 2 min and 6 min, the application device is pivoted up to a quarter of a turn for a period of time of less than or equal to 5 seconds, and a cold temperature of between 0 DEG C and 15 DEG C is applied to the application surface by means of the second end piece for a period of time of between 2 min and 6 min.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for cosmetic treatment of the epidermis of a user, in particular the face.

[0002] The invention also relates to the penetration of cosmetic or care preparations into the skin.

[0003] The term "cosmetic product" is in particular within the meaning of the present invention to be understood as meaning a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

[0004] More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods configured to achieve localized, alternating sensations of heat or cool on the epidermis of a user.

[0005] Known document FR 2 934 893-A1 (Cazaux et al.) describes a cosmetic device intended to generate cold for cooling a cosmetic product, which then cools the user's skin by application. The cosmetic device comprises a so-called "Peltier effect" module, an aluminum transfer pad arranged on one of the faces of the module, and a radiator fan assembly attached to the other face of the module opposite to the transfer pad. The transfer pad has a convex shape and is intended to receive a cosmetic product (such as a cream) for its application to the user's epidermis.

[0006] The "Peltier effect" is understood to mean any physical phenomenon of heat transfer in the case of an electric current passing through conductive materials of different properties connected by a joint, one part absorbing heat and the other part releasing heat. The Peltier effect is known and will not be described in detail.

[0007] However, the solution proposed in this document implies that the application surface has a considerable size, taking into account the size of the Peltier effect module, and therefore does not allow precise application of the cosmetic product. In addition, the considerable size of such a device makes it difficult to dissipate the thermal energy from the Peltier effect module, which may cause the diffusion of hot air towards the application area of ​​the cosmetic product.

[0008] Also known is an applicator described in document WO 2015 / 039990-A1 (L'Oréal) which makes it possible to precisely provide a cooling sensation to a narrow body area by integrating the means for generating cooling directly into the interior of the applicator. However, due to the integration of the means for generating cooling, the design and dimensions of such a device are particularly complex.

[0009] Furthermore, such devices are unable to alternately apply cooling and heating to the user's epidermis.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for improved devices and methods that can alternate between cool and warm sensations on the surface to which a cosmetic product is applied, particularly the epidermis of a user.

[0011] The subject of the present invention is a method for alternately applying heat and cold to an application surface, in particular the epidermis of a user, by means of a device for alternately applying heat and cold, the device comprising a first end piece and a second end piece, the end pieces being arranged at one end of the device and oriented at an angle of less than or equal to 90° relative to each other.

[0012] According to this method:

[0013] - applying a heat temperature between 35° C. and 48° C., preferably between 38° C. and 45° C., to the application surface by means of the first end-piece for a period of between 2 min and 6 min, for example equal to 5 min, for example equal to 3 min,

[0014] - pivoting the applicator by at most a quarter turn in a period of less than or equal to 5 seconds, preferably less than or equal to 2 seconds, or even less than or equal to 1 second, and

[0015] - Immediately after pivoting, a cold temperature between 0°C and 15°C, preferably between 4°C and 12°C, preferably between 7°C and 9°C is applied to the application surface via the second end piece for a period of between 2 min and 6 min, for example equal to 4 min, for example equal to 3 min.

[0016] Generally, the two end pieces are arranged to allow the changeover from application of heat to application of cool, and vice versa, to be achieved with a simple and quick movement by the user (in this case a quarter turn of the device).

[0017] The temperatures referred to as "hot" open the pores of the epidermis, improving the penetration of products into said pores, whereas the temperatures referred to as "cold" close the pores, improving the uniformity of the surface condition of the epidermis.

[0018] The module for generating heat or cold can be, for example, a Peltier effect module, implemented by means of a heating resistor or any other means capable of generating heat or cold.

[0019] The Peltier effect is known and will not be described in detail.

[0020] The end piece for applying heat or cooling is made of, for example, a metal material such as copper, stainless steel, aluminum or zinc-based die-casting alloy, or of ceramic, or of a plastic material loaded with metal particles, or of any other material capable of transferring thermal energy.

[0021] Advantageously, before applying the temperature to the application surface, a sensitivity of the application surface between at least a first sensitivity called "high" and a second sensitivity called "low" is selected. Other types of sensitivity may be provided, such as intermediate sensitivities, and a care mode selected from a group comprising at least a first mode and a second mode is selected.

[0022] Advantageously, the selection of the sensitivity of the application surface is performed manually by the user or automatically by an electronic control unit of the application device, which is configured to retrieve data originating from a member for acquiring physical data of the user's epidermis and to analyze the condition of the application surface, such as the sensitivity of the user's epidermis or the condition of the pores.

[0023] For example, the time period for applying heat and / or cold is determined by the selected treatment mode and / or by the electronic control unit based on the analyzed conditions of the application surface.

[0024] Therefore, the time period for applying heat can be adjusted according to the surface condition of the user's epidermis.

[0025] When the second sensitivity is selected, the temperature delivered by the first end piece is, for example, 2° C. lower than the temperature delivered when the first sensitivity is selected.

[0026] For example, when the second sensitivity is selected, the temperature delivered by the first end piece is between 35°C and 45°C.

[0027] When the second sensitivity is selected, the temperature delivered by the second end piece is, for example, 2° C. higher than the temperature delivered when the first sensitivity is selected.

[0028] For example, when the second sensitivity is selected, the temperature delivered by the second end piece is between 7°C and 15°C.

[0029] For example, the first care mode is configured to care for the entire face of the user, and the second care mode is configured to care for certain precise areas (such as eye contours) of the face. In variants, other modes for caring for the user's face can be provided.

[0030] For example, in the first care mode, the time period during which the hot temperature is applied by the first end-piece is equal to 3 min, and the time period during which the cold temperature is applied by the second end-piece is equal to 4 min.

[0031] For example, in the second care mode, the time period during which the hot temperature is applied by the first end-piece is equal to 2 min, and the time period during which the cold temperature is applied by the second end-piece is equal to 3 min.

[0032] It may also be provided that an audible or visual signal is emitted at the end of the step of applying heat to alert the user.

[0033] According to one embodiment, at least a first product is applied to the application surface prior to or simultaneously with the step of applying the hot temperature and / or the cold temperature.

[0034] "Product" is understood to mean a cosmetic product, such as a liquid or semi-liquid product, such as a skin care product, such as a cream, gel or serum.

[0035] Thus, it is possible to combine the temperature and the effect of the cosmetic product on the user's epidermis.

[0036] It can also be arranged that the first product is applied before or simultaneously with the step of applying a hot temperature and the second product is applied before or simultaneously with the step of applying a cold temperature.

[0037] For example, the product is automatically applied by a product dispensing member provided in a product applicator.

[0038] It may also be provided that the product dispenser member is configured to dispense a first product via the first end piece and a second product via the second end piece.

[0039] For example, when the outside temperature is lower than 24°C, the hot and cold temperatures are adjusted at around 2°C, and when the outside temperature is higher than or equal to 24°C, the hot and cold temperatures are adjusted at around 5°C.

[0040] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for alternately applying heat and cold to an application surface to implement the above-mentioned application method, the device comprising a first hot end piece for applying a hot temperature between 35°C and 48°C and a second cold end piece for applying a cold temperature between 0°C and 15°C, the end pieces being arranged at one end of the device and oriented at an angle less than or equal to 90° relative to each other.

[0041] Advantageously, the application device comprises: a plurality of components for acquiring physical data of an application surface, in particular the epidermis of a user, such as sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, contact sensors, ultrasonic probes; a data retrieval module configured to retrieve data originating from the components for acquiring physical data of the application surface; and an electronic control unit configured to analyze the application surface according to the physical data of the epidermis of the user, in particular in terms of thickness, sensitivity, and appearance of pores, and to automatically adjust the temperature and time period for applying a hot temperature or a cold temperature by the application end piece.

[0042] The first end piece is configured to apply hot temperatures between 35°C and 48°C, preferably between 38°C and 45°C, and the second end piece is configured to apply cold temperatures between 0°C and 15°C, preferably between 4°C and 12°C, preferably between 7°C and 9°C.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the application endpiece is connected to an external human machine interface (HMI), for example on a phone, computer, etc. and / or to a diagnostic system.

[0044] For example, the application end piece is applied via Wirelessly connect to the human-machine interface via Wi-Fi or other wireless transmission methods.

[0045] Advantageously, the applicator comprises means for packaging and dispensing the product, the means being configured to dispense at least one dose of the product to the outside of the applicator.

[0046] According to one embodiment, means for packaging and dispensing the product are connected to each of the end pieces for applying heat and cold.

[0047] For example, the end piece may be porous or comprise a perforated membrane, for example, for dispensing a product contained in the member for packaging and dispensing the product.

[0048] In a variant, it is possible to provide an applicator independent of the end pieces, for example in the form of a roll-on situated between the end pieces.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the applicator comprises an actuator having a movable plunger, the actuator being configured to displace a product contained in a member for packaging and applying the product.

[0050] For example, the actuator is actuated manually by an actuation member mounted on an outer surface of the device, or automatically by an electronic control unit.

[0051] In a variant, the product contained in the member for packaging and applying the product is displaced by moving the device by a quarter of a turn, which allows the transition from one end piece to the other.

[0052] There may also be provided an assembly or kit for carrying out the above method, comprising two applicators as described above, the hot and cold ends being symmetrically arranged between the right and left devices, so as to treat both halves of the face at once.

[0053] Advantageously, the end pieces of the right-hand device and the left-hand device are connected to one another.

[0054] The invention will be better understood by studying the detailed description of an embodiment given by way of purely non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] [ Figure 1 ] is a perspective view of an apparatus for alternately applying heating and cooling, the apparatus being used to implement the method for alternately applying heating and cooling according to the present invention;

[0056] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an application device in FIG. 1 ; and

[0057] [ Figure 3 ] shows that according to the present invention, by means of Figure 1 The steps of the method in which the application device alternately applies heat and cold.

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A device 10 for alternately applying hot and cold temperatures to the epidermis of a user is shown in FIG.

[0059] The device 10 includes a generally elongated body 12 defining a grip portion 14 between a lower end 12a and an upper end 12b of the body 12 .

[0060] The apparatus 10 further includes a first end piece 16 configured to apply a hot temperature and a second end piece 18 configured to apply a cold temperature.

[0061] In this case, the end pieces 16, 18 are arranged at the upper end 12b of the device 10 and are oriented at an angle of 90° relative to each other. Generally, the end pieces 16, 18 are oriented at an angle less than or equal to 90° relative to each other.

[0062] The first end piece 16 is configured to generate a temperature between 35° C. and 48° C., preferably between 38° C. and 45° C. The temperature of the first end piece 16 for applying heat is advantageously constant, independently of the external temperature.

[0063] The second end piece 18 is configured to generate a temperature between 0 and 15° C., preferably between 4 and 12° C., preferably between 7 and 9° C. The temperature of the second end piece 18 for applying cooling is advantageously constant, independently of the external temperature.

[0064] The two application endpieces 16 , 18 are arranged in two perpendicular planes, allowing the transition from one endpiece to the other to be achieved by moving the device by a quarter of a turn.

[0065] In general, the two end pieces 16, 18 are arranged to allow the transition from applying a hot temperature to applying a cold temperature, and vice versa, to be achieved with a simple and quick movement by the user (in this case a quarter turn of the device).

[0066] The two application end pieces 16 , 18 are respectively connected to a heat generating device 20 or a cold generating device 22 , each device comprising a heat transfer body 24 , 26 and a module (not shown) for generating cold or heat at the heat transfer body.

[0067] The module for generating heat or cold can be, for example, a Peltier effect module, implemented by means of a heating resistor or any other means capable of generating heat or cold.

[0068] The Peltier effect is known and will not be described in detail.

[0069] The end pieces 16 , 18 for applying heat or cooling are made of, for example, metal materials such as copper, stainless steel, aluminum or zinc-based die-casting alloys, or ceramics, or plastic materials loaded with metal particles, or any other material capable of transferring heat energy.

[0070] The temperatures referred to as "hot" open the pores of the epidermis, improving the penetration of products into said pores, whereas the temperatures referred to as "cold" close the pores, improving the uniformity of the surface condition of the epidermis.

[0071] The applicator 10 further comprises an energy storage member 28 , such as a battery, and an electronic control unit 30 configured to regulate the temperature transmitted to the applicator tip pieces 16 , 18 .

[0072] The application device 10 includes: a plurality of components (not shown) for acquiring physical data of the user's epidermis, such as sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, contact sensors, and ultrasonic probes; and a data retrieval module 32, which is configured to retrieve data from the components for acquiring physical data of the user's epidermis.

[0073] Therefore, the electronic control unit 30 is configured to analyze the user's epidermis according to its physical data, in particular in terms of thickness, sensitivity, pore appearance, and automatically adjust the temperature and time period of heat or cold applied by the application endpieces 16 , 18 .

[0074] The end pieces 16, 18 are connected, for example, to each other and / or to an external human-machine interface on a telephone, computer, etc. and / or to a diagnostic system (not shown). Wirelessly connect to the human-machine interface via Wi-Fi or other wireless transmission methods.

[0075] The applicator 10 further comprises means 34 mounted in the body 12 for packaging and dispensing the product.

[0076] "Product" is understood to mean a cosmetic product, such as a liquid or semi-liquid product, such as a skin care product, such as a cream, gel or serum.

[0077] The means 34 for packaging and dispensing the product is configured to deliver a dose of the product to the exterior of the body 12 of the applicator 10 .

[0078] For example, a member 34 for packaging and dispensing products is connected to each of the end pieces 16, 18. In this case, the end pieces 16, 18 may be porous or include perforated films, for example, for dispensing products contained in the member 34 for packaging and dispensing products.

[0079] In a variant, it is possible to provide an applicator independent of the end pieces 16 , 18 , for example in the form of a roll-on situated between said end pieces.

[0080] As illustrated, the product contained in the member 34 for packaging and applying the product is displaced by means of an actuator 36 having a movable plunger, actuated for example by an actuating member (not shown) mounted on the outer surface of the body 12 or by the electronic control unit 30 .

[0081] In a variant, the product contained in the member 34 for packaging and applying the product is displaced by moving the device 10 by a quarter of a turn, which allows the transition from one end piece to the other.

[0082] The means 34 for packaging and applying the product allow the cosmetic product to be dispensed during the application of heat and / or cold so as to combine the temperature and the effect of the cosmetic product on the epidermis of the user.

[0083] like Figure 3 The illustrated method 40 for alternately applying heat and cold comprises a step 42 of selecting a skin sensitivity between a first sensitivity S1 called “high” and a second sensitivity S2 called “low.” Other types of sensitivity may be provided, for example intermediate sensitivities.

[0084] The selection of the sensitivity in step 42 may be performed manually by the user or automatically by the electronic control unit 30 after acquiring data from means (not shown) for acquiring physical data of the user's epidermis in step 41 .

[0085] When the second sensitivity S2 is selected, the temperature of the first end piece 16 for applying heat delivers a temperature that is 2° C. lower than the temperature delivered when the first sensitivity S1 is selected.

[0086] When the second sensitivity S2 is selected, the temperature of the first end piece 16 delivers a temperature of, for example, between 35°C and 45°C.

[0087] When the second sensitivity S2 is selected, the temperature of the second end piece 18 delivers a temperature 2° C. higher than the temperature delivered when the first sensitivity S1 is selected.

[0088] When the second sensitivity S2 is selected, the temperature of the second end piece 18 delivers a temperature between 7°C and 15°C.

[0089] The method 40 for alternately applying heat and cold further comprises a step 44 of selecting a care mode selected from the group consisting of at least a first mode M1 and a second mode M2.

[0090] The first care mode M1 is intended for caring for the entire face of the user, and the second care mode M2 ​​is intended for caring for certain precise areas of the face (such as the eye contour).

[0091] In variations, other modes for caring for the user's face may be provided.

[0092] The method 40 for applying heat and cold alternately further comprises a step 46 of applying heat through the first end piece 16 for a period of time between 2 min and 6 min, for example equal to 5 min, for example equal to 3 min.

[0093] The time period for which heat is applied is determined by the treatment mode selected.

[0094] In a completely non-limiting manner, the application method 40 comprises a step 43 of continuously analyzing the epidermis of the user during the step 46 of applying heat. Thus, the period of application of heat can be adjusted according to the surface condition of the epidermis of the user.

[0095] At the end of the step 46 of applying heat, an audible or visual signal may be emitted to alert the user that the step 46 of applying heat is complete.

[0096] In step 48, the user pivots the applicator 10 up to a quarter turn in a time period of less than or equal to 5 seconds, preferably less than or equal to 2 seconds.

[0097] The method 40 for applying heat and cold alternately further comprises a step 50 of applying cold through the second end piece 18 for a period of time between 2 min and 6 min, for example equal to 4 min, for example equal to 3 min.

[0098] The period of time for which heat is applied is determined by the selected treatment mode and may be adjusted in step 43 of analyzing the user's epidermis.

[0099] At the end of the step 50 of applying cooling, the method 40 ends.

[0100] For example, in the first care mode M1 , the time period during which heat is applied by the first end piece 16 is equal to 3 min, and the time period during which cold is applied by the second end piece 18 is equal to 4 min.

[0101] For example, in the second care mode M2 ​​, the time period for applying the hot temperature by the first application endpiece 16 is equal to 2 min, and the time period for applying the cold temperature by the second application endpiece 18 is equal to 3 min.

[0102] In a variant, in the case of using means 34 for dispensing product, a step of applying product (not shown) may be provided before or simultaneously with the step 50 of applying a cold temperature.

[0103] It can also be provided that the first product is applied before or simultaneously with the step 48 of applying the hot temperature and the second product is applied before or simultaneously with the step 50 of applying the cold temperature. In this case, it can be provided that the means 34 for dispensing the products is configured to dispense the first product via the first end piece 16 and the second product via the end piece 18.

[0104] It is also possible to provide a kit comprising two symmetrical applicators in order to treat both halves of the user's face simultaneously.

[0105] Thus, it is possible to combine the temperature and the effect of the cosmetic product on the user's epidermis.

[0106] By the application method according to the invention, the ability to alternate hot and cold contacts on the user's epidermis in less than 5 seconds is achieved with a single application device. Thus, the device and the application method make it possible to treat the entire face with a simple and quick movement.

Claims

1. A non-therapeutic method (40) for alternately applying heat and cold to an application surface, in particular the epidermis of a user, by means of a device (10) for alternately applying heat and cold, the device comprising a first end piece (16) extending in a first direction and a second end piece (18) extending in a second direction, the end piece being arranged at one end of the device (10), the first direction and the second direction forming an angle less than or equal to 90° relative to each other, wherein: - applying a heat temperature between 35° C. and 48° C. to said application surface through said first end piece ( 16 ) for a period of time between 2 min and 6 min, - pivoting the applicator (10) by at most a quarter turn within a period of time less than or equal to 5 seconds, and - immediately after pivoting, applying a cold temperature between 0°C and 15°C to the application surface via the second end piece (18) for a period of time between 2 min and 6 min, wherein, before applying the temperature to the application surface, a sensitivity of the application surface between at least a first sensitivity (S1) and a second sensitivity (S2) is selected, and a care mode is selected from a group comprising at least a first mode (M1) and a second mode (M2).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The selection of the sensitivity of the application surface is performed manually by the user or automatically by an electronic control unit (30) of the application device (10), which is configured to retrieve data from a member for acquiring physical data of the user's epidermis and to analyze the condition of the application surface.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The time period for applying heat and / or cold is determined by the selected treatment mode and / or by the electronic control unit (30) based on the analyzed conditions of the application surface.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When the second sensitivity (S2) is selected, the temperature delivered by the first end piece (16) for applying heat is 2°C lower than the temperature delivered when the first sensitivity (S1) is selected.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When said second sensitivity (S2) is selected, the temperature delivered by said second end piece (18) is 2°C higher relative to the temperature delivered when said first sensitivity (S1) is selected.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At the end of the step of applying heat, an audible or visual signal is emitted to alert the user.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least a first product is applied to the application surface prior to or simultaneously with the step of applying heat and / or cold.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The product is automatically applied by means (34) for dispensing the product provided in the product application device (10).

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When the outside temperature is lower than 24°C, the hot temperature and the cold temperature are adjusted to about 2°C, and when the outside temperature is higher than or equal to 24°C, the hot temperature and the cold temperature are adjusted to about 5°C.

10. A device (10) for alternately applying heat and cold to an application surface to implement an application method according to any one of the preceding claims, the device comprising a first hot end piece (16) and a second cold end piece (18), the first hot end piece extending in a first direction for applying a hot temperature between 35°C and 48°C, the second cold end piece extending in a second direction for applying a cold temperature between 0°C and 15°C, the end pieces being arranged at one end of the device (10), the first direction and the second direction forming an angle less than or equal to 90° relative to each other, the device (10) comprising: a plurality of means for acquiring physical data of the application surface; a data retrieval module (32) configured to retrieve data originating from the means for acquiring physical data of the application surface; and an electronic control unit (30) configured to analyze the application surface and automatically adjust the temperature and time period for which heat and / or cooling is applied by the end pieces (16, 18).

11. The device (10) according to claim 10, further comprising means (34) for packaging and dispensing a product, the means for packaging and dispensing a product being configured to deliver at least one dose of a product to the exterior of the application device (10).

12. The device (10) according to claim 11, wherein: The means (34) for packaging and dispensing the product is connected to each of the end pieces (16, 18).

13. Device (10) according to claim 12, comprising an actuator (36) with a movable plunger, the actuator being configured to displace a product contained in the member (34) for packaging and administering the product.

14. An assembly for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a pair of devices according to any one of claims 10 to 13, the hot end piece and the cold end piece being symmetrically arranged between the left device and the right device.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein: The end pieces of the right device and the left device are connected to each other and / or to an external human-machine interface and / or to a diagnostic system.

Images