Light diffusing insert for phototherapy treatment

Abstract

The invention relates to an insert (40) diffusing red light for use in the field of dermo-cosmetic treatment by phototherapy, comprising a dermal contact wall (42) intended to be interposed between the skin of a user in direct contact and a light-emitting body (20) of a phototherapy device (30). According to the invention, the material of the dermal contact wall (42) of the insert (40) is obtained by depositing natural silk secreted by a silkworm on a support matrix in order to form a non-woven textile veil of natural silk releasable from the support matrix to form the dermal contact wall (42) of the insert (40). Figure 1 _

Description

Title of the invention: Light diffusing insert for phototherapy treatment.

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for skin treatment by phototherapy, for the treatment of an external region of the body of a living being for medical or cosmetic use.

[0002] It applies more particularly but not exclusively to the field of treatment of the skin of the body or face of a human patient by phototherapy using, for example, light-emitting diodes.

[0003] Phototherapy treatment consists of applying light radiation having a predefined emission spectrum directly to the region of the body to be treated. The radiation is preferably substantially monochromatic or has an emission spectrum within a narrow band of wavelengths. Generally, the emission spectrum includes a maximum wavelength located in red visible light around 630 nanometers or in blue visible light, these wavelengths having demonstrated particular effectiveness for the treatment of certain skin conditions.

[0004] It has thus been observed during numerous scientific studies that phototherapy treatment in a predefined wavelength range, particularly in red or blue light, can have a beneficial effect on numerous skin problems, such as scars, stretch marks, acne, wrinkles and fine lines, but also certain skin cancers.

[0005] It is known that the combined action of applying a cream with a phototherapy session can treat certain skin conditions, whereas the isolated use of the cream or the application of the phototherapy session alone proves to be of little or no effectiveness. This treatment is generally carried out in a cosmetic or medical institute. The user is placed under a phototherapy device with light-emitting diodes, after applying the cream to the area to be treated.

[0006] For reasons of hygiene, the device is never placed in contact with the area to be treated and in order to limit the risks of spreading diseases or contamination by bacteria, it is generally provided to have a disposable or reusable insert between the light device and the skin.

[0007] This makes it possible to limit direct contact between the light device and the user's skin and to comply with hygiene conditions.

[0008] Prior art is known, in particular from published patent application FR 3 034 023 A1, which relates to a patch for cutaneous administration of an active ingredient. medicinal or cosmetic comprising an active layer of silicone material incorporating the active ingredient having a face, called the contact face, intended to come into contact with the skin of a user and an elastomer substrate forming a support for the active layer incorporating in its mass a light source with light-emitting diodes arranged so as to produce a luminous flux through the active layer. The active layer is in this example detachably fixed to the substrate by complementary removable connecting means capable of making the layer interchangeable, for example to allow its replacement when the layer is worn.

[0009] Conventionally, the patch comprises a layer of silicone material intended to come into contact with the skin of a user in order to deliver active molecules transdermally or to treat skin conditions. By "active ingredient", in the remainder of the description, is meant both a single active ingredient and a mixture of several active ingredients, to which additives are possibly added.

[0010] However, such a patch-shaped insert is expensive and not very environmentally friendly due to the use of non-biodegradable materials that must be replaced regularly. In addition, such patches are often aggressive and traumatic for the skin, already sensitized by the effect of the phototherapy treatment, risking causing cracks, painful redness or inflammation. Description of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims in particular to remedy its drawbacks by proposing a light-diffusing insert for use in the field of phototherapy which meets the current ecological and health concerns of users.

[0012] For this purpose, the invention relates to a light-diffusing insert for use in the field of dermo-cosmetic treatment by phototherapy, comprising a dermal contact wall intended to be inserted between the skin of a user in direct contact and a light-emitting body of a phototherapy device, characterized in that the material of the dermal contact wall of the insert is obtained by depositing natural silk secreted by a silkworm on a support matrix in order to form a veil of non-woven textile of natural silk releasable from the support matrix forming the dermal contact wall of the insert.

[0013] Light, and more particularly red light in a wavelength range between 620 nm and 640 nm and the non-woven natural silk veil produce an unexpected synergy. On the one hand, the contact of the veil with the user's skin produces a very pleasant feeling of comfort. On the other hand, sericin or silk proteins produces a nutritive, anti-oxidant, anti-UV and antibacterial action, particularly at the skin level.

[0014] Furthermore, the dermal contact wall formed by the non-woven silk veil is therefore entirely biodegradable without any addition of non-natural or transformed chemical molecules as an active ingredient. Furthermore, the veil has an exceptionally soft and fluid contact while being created entirely by the animal world, which provides the user with a subliminal experience of connection with nature during the phototherapy treatment session. Indeed, the non-woven silk veil constitutes a completely natural screen between the skin and the luminous body which provides a feeling of increased well-being.

[0015] The insert according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the insert comprises a means for holding the insert to the luminous body.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding means comprises a dorsal holding wall assembled to the frontal dermal contact wall to form a pocket delimiting an opening edge for insertion of the luminous body inside the pocket.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining wall is formed by a woven or non-woven textile made of plant or synthetic fibers other than silk.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dorsal retaining wall comprises a frontal peripheral flap defining a frontal opening such that the dermal contact wall is releasably positioned frontally on the flap covering the opening.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flap comprises a self-gripping strip to allow liberal attachment of the dermal contact front wall to the retaining wall.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a peripheral border of the retaining wall and its flap comprises a satin stitch seam or a piping seam.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the walls are assembled along an assembly border along a lower edge and two lateral edges, leaving an upper edge free to form the insertion edge of the luminous body.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the walls of the pocket are obtained by folding a strip of the textile web along a transverse or longitudinal axis.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the edges of the walls are assembled by embossing or by sewing according to the assembly border.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding means comprises a hanging element intended to cooperate with a complementary hanging element of the light body.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hooking element is mounted on the dermal contact wall by being introduced inside a sheath or gusset formed by a hem of the dermal contact wall.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment element comprises a rigid frame on at least part of the periphery of the dermal contact wall configured to cooperate by wedging or by engagement inside a receiving groove formed on the luminous body.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment element is ferromagnetic or magnetic to cooperate by magnetization with a complementary attachment element carried by the luminous body.

[0029] The invention also relates to a phototherapy treatment kit comprising a luminous body of a phototherapy device and an insert according to the invention, characterized in that the insert is supported by the luminous body by a means for holding the insert to the luminous body.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the luminous body has the general shape of a tablet, a “pad” (Anglo-Saxon term translating as “platelet”) or a concave wall of general ovoid shape in the form of a facial mask.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for holding the insert comprises an element for attachment to a complementary attachment element carried by the luminous body.

[0032] The invention finally relates to a use in phototherapy of the insert according to the invention, in which the dermal contact wall of the insert being interposed in direct contact between the skin of the user and the luminous body of the phototherapy device, the insert is used in conjunction with red light emitted by the luminous body.

[0033] The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear better, on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments shown as non-limiting examples. The description refers to the appended drawings in which:

[0034] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a phototherapy treatment kit according to the invention comprising a light-emitting body and an insert;

[0035] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a front view of a first variant of the insert of the treatment kit of [Fig.l];

[0036] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a dorsal view (3A) and in section (3B) of a second variant embodiment of the insert of [Fig.2].

[0037] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a partial view of the insert according to a second mode of rea- lization. Detailed description of the invention

[0038] A phototherapy treatment kit is shown schematically in [Fig. 1]. This kit is designated by the general reference 10.

[0039] As illustrated, the kit 10 comprises a light-emitting body 20 of a phototherapy device 30 and an insert 40 diffusing the light emitted by the light-emitting body, hereinafter referred to as the light body 20.

[0040] The phototherapy device 30 conventionally comprises a control and piloting unit (not shown) for the emission of light generated by the luminous body 20. The device 30 also preferably comprises a power supply module for the luminous body 20. For example, the luminous body 20 emits red light in the wavelength range 620-640 nanometers, preferably around 630 nanometers.

[0041] In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the luminous body 20 has the general shape of a tablet or plate. In a variant not illustrated, the luminous body 20 may be in the form of a wall shaped with a concavity and of a generally ovoid shape such that the wall of the body can follow the natural curvature of a human face.

[0042] According to the invention, the insert 40 comprises a dermal contact wall 42 intended to be inserted between the skin of a user in direct contact and the luminous body 20, during use in the context of a phototherapy treatment.

[0043] Preferably, the insert 40 comprises a means 44 for holding the luminous body 20 such that the dermal contact wall 42 is held against a luminous face of the luminous body 20. Consequently, the luminous body 20 is ready for use and can be applied directly to the user's skin without worrying about the positioning of a disposable insert or a patch independent of the luminous body 20.

[0044] According to the invention, the material of the dermal contact wall 42 of the insert 40 is obtained by depositing natural silk secreted by a silkworm on a support matrix in order to form a veil of non-woven textile of natural silk releasable from the support matrix to form the dermal contact wall 42 of the insert 40. Such a method for obtaining a non-woven textile of natural silk is described in detail for example in patent application FR 3 051 487 AL Preferably, the support matrix is ​​generally in the form of a plate or a curved wall according to the general shape of the light emission face of the luminous body 20.

[0045] Natural silk consists mainly of sericin and fibroin filaments. Sericin helps ensure the adhesion of fibroin filaments to each other. This natural silk directly secreted by the silkworm is also commonly referred to as "slime". In this example, but not limited to, a silkworm refers to an eruciform larva ("caterpillar") of a moth that produces natural silk, for example the silkworm (Bombyx mori), the Tussah silkworm (Antheraea pemyi), the Japanese oak leaf beetle (Antheraea yamai) or the silkworm, also called silkworm (Samia cynthia).

[0046] The veil can thus form a translucent silk film or film detachable from the support matrix which is then detached from the support. The veil thus forms a translucent sheet, that is to say one which lets light pass through without allowing shapes to be distinguished through the sheet.

[0047] In the first embodiment illustrated by figures 2 and 3, the holding means 44 comprises a holding wall 44 assembled to the dermal contact wall 42 to form a pocket 46 delimiting an edge 48 for insertion of the luminous body 20 into the pocket 46. Preferably, the dermal contact wall 42 is sized to cover a light emission face of the luminous body 20.

[0048] In this first embodiment of the invention, the pocket 46 is sized and configured to allow the insertion of the luminous body 20 in the form of a tablet or in the form of a face mask.

[0049] In a first variant illustrated in [Fig. 2], the dorsal holding wall 44 comprises a frontal peripheral flap 44A delimiting a frontal opening 50 such that the dermal contact wall 42 is positioned frontally in a releasable manner on the flap 44A covering the frontal opening 50. For example, the flap 44A comprises a self-gripping strip 52 to allow the liberal attachment of the silk frontal wall 42 to the insert 40.

[0050] Advantageously, the peripheral edge of the retaining wall 44 and its flap 44A comprises a satin stitch seam or a piping seam, which allows a finish offering an improved perception of quality of the pocket 46. Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], the opening edge 48 comprises a zipper in order to close the pocket 46 and retain the luminous body 20 inside the pocket 46.

[0051] Preferably, the walls 42 and 44 are assembled along an assembly border along a lower edge and two lateral edges, leaving the upper edge 48 free to form the insertion edge of the luminous body 20 in the pocket 46.

[0052] In a second variant illustrated in [Fig. 3], the retaining wall 44 further comprises an upper flap 46S which folds back so that the insertion edge 48 is closed by this flap 46S, which allows the tablet 20 to be retained in the cover 46.

[0053] In another variant of the invention, not illustrated, the walls 42 and 44 of the pocket 46 are obtained by folding a strip of the non-woven textile web along a transverse or longitudinal axis. Optionally, the edges of the walls 42 and 44 are assembled in this case by embossing along the assembly edge, leaving the upper insertion edge 48 free to open.

[0054] [Fig. 4] shows a second embodiment of the invention. In this second embodiment, the holding means 60 comprises a hooking element 64 to a complementary hooking element carried by the luminous body 20 on which the insert 40 is intended to be mounted.

[0055] In [Fig. 4], the insert 40 comprises on the dermal contact wall 42 made of natural silk a rigid frame on at least part of the periphery of the dermal contact wall 42 forming the attachment element 64.

[0056] This rigid frame 64 is shaped to cooperate by wedging or sliding the frame 64 inside a groove, slot or notch provided on all or part of the peripheral frame of the luminous body 20. For example, the luminous body 20 comprises on its periphery a peripheral reinforcement inside which the groove for receiving the frame of the insert 40 is formed.

[0057] It will therefore be understood that in this second embodiment, the insert 40 is not necessarily in the form of a two-leaf cover but in the form of a single leaf. In this second embodiment, the holding means 60 is integrated into the contact wall 42.

[0058] For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the dermal contact wall 42 is turned up to form a hem 62 delimiting a sheath or gusset inside which a rod 64 or a rod for stiffening the textile can be introduced. This rod 64 forms in this example the rigid frame 64.

[0059] This hem 62 can be closed by any method, such as stapling, gluing, welding, sewing, etc. Preferably, the rod 64 has a general shape of a thin strip, for example made of plastic, in order to preserve flexibility over the entire surface of the contact wall 42, even at the periphery. This strip has, for example, a thickness of approximately 0.5 millimeters and a width of 5 millimeters. By "thin strip", we mean a rod whose ratio of width to thickness is at least 5, preferably at least 10.

[0060] In a variant not illustrated of this second embodiment, the holding means 60 comprises a ferromagnetic and / or magnetic attachment element carried by the insert 40. For example, an iron wire is sewn onto at least part of the periphery of the dermal contact wall 42. The luminous body 20 may comprise a magnet forming the complementary attachment element on which the insert 40 is positioned by magnetic contact. Of course, the attachment element of the wall of contact 42 may comprise a magnet and the complementary attachment element may comprise a ferromagnetic element carried by the luminous body 40 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0061] In another variant not illustrated of this second embodiment, the holding means 60 may comprise a hook and loop type attachment element carried by the contact wall 42 of the insert 40 and intended to cooperate with a complementary attachment element of the same type carried by the luminous body 40.

[0062] Of course, in yet another variant, the holding means 60 may comprise a repositionable adhesive attachment element, for example which is fixed to the dermal contact wall 42 by any method known to those skilled in the art. In this case, preferably, the complementary attachment element of the luminous body 20 has a smooth surface area.

[0063] The main operating aspects of a phototherapy treatment kit 10 comprising the insert 40 according to the first embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0064] Initially, the user positions the phototherapy tablet 20 inside the pocket 46 by the opening insertion edge 48 such that the light-emitting face of the tablet 20 is oriented towards the opening 50.

[0065] In the case illustrated by [Fig.2], he then closes the opening edge 48 by the zipper or by folding the flap 46S as illustrated in [Fig.3]. Then, the user positions the natural silk veil 42 by making it adhere for example by the self-gripping strip 52. Of course, the silk sheet can also be inserted inside the cover 46 for its presentation directly in dermal contact through the opening 50.

[0066] The phototherapy kit 10 makes it possible to form a ready-to-use functional whole, which facilitates its handling and positioning on the part of the body to be treated by the user.

[0067] During use, the natural silk veil forming the wall in dermal contact 42 with the user is interposed between the skin and the luminous body 20. Sericin with its very particular properties, has in particular a nutritive, anti-oxidant, anti-UV and antibacterial action, in particular at the level of the skin. Natural silk is richer in sericin than silk extracted by spinning from a cocoon, transformed and in fact poor in sericin.

[0068] The non-woven textile veil is naturally impregnated with sericin. Thanks to the action of sericin combined with red light around 630 nanometers, the skin of the treated area has gained in suppleness and is softer to the touch. In addition, a reduction in fine lines is observed in this area. The insert 40 can be applied to the skin of, for example, the neck, chest, back, face, hands, feet, thighs, stomach and also chest.

[0069] Of course, other embodiments are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art to the invention which has just been described by way of example.

Claims

Claims

1. Insert (40) diffusing light for use in the field of dermo-cosmetic treatment by phototherapy in particular in red light, comprising a dermal contact wall (42) intended to be interposed between the skin of a user in direct contact and a luminous body (20) of a phototherapy device (30), characterized in that the material of the dermal contact wall (42) of the insert (40) is obtained by depositing natural silk secreted by a silkworm on a support matrix in order to form a veil of non-woven textile of natural silk releasable from the support matrix to form the dermal contact wall (42) of the insert (40).

2. Insert (40) according to the preceding claim, comprising means (44, 60) for holding the insert (40) to the luminous body (20).

3. Insert (40) according to the preceding claim, in which the holding means (44) comprises a dorsal holding wall (44) assembled to the front dermal contact wall (42) to form a pocket (46) delimiting an opening edge (48) for the insertion of the luminous body (20) inside the pocket (46).

4. Insert (40) according to claim 3, in which the retaining wall (44) is formed by a woven or non-woven textile made of vegetable or synthetic fibers other than silk.

5. Insert (40) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the dorsal holding wall (44) comprises a frontal peripheral flap (44A) defining a frontal opening (50) such that the dermal contact wall (42) is releasably positioned frontally on the flap (44A) covering the opening (50).

6. Insert (40) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flap (44A) comprises a self-gripping strip (52) to allow liberal attachment of the dermal contact front wall (42) to the holding wall (44).

7. An insert according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a peripheral border of the holding wall (44) and its flap (44A) comprises a satin stitch seam or a piping seam.

8. Insert (40) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, in which the walls (42, 44) are assembled along an assembly border along a lower edge and two lateral edges, leaving an upper edge free to form the insertion edge (48) of the luminous body (20).

9. Insert (40) according to the preceding claim, in which the walls (42, 44) of the pocket (46) are obtained by folding a strip of the textile veil along a transverse or longitudinal axis.

10. Insert (40) according to the preceding claim, in which the edges of the walls (42, 44) are assembled by embossing or by sewing according to the assembly edge.

11. Insert (40) according to claim 2, in which the holding means (60) comprises a hooking element (64) intended to cooperate with a complementary hooking element of the luminous body (20).

12. Insert (40) according to the preceding claim, in which the hooking element (64) is mounted on the dermal contact wall (42) inside a sheath or gusset (62) formed by a hem of the dermal contact wall (42).

13. Insert (40) according to claim 11 or 12, in which the hooking element (64) comprises a rigid frame on at least a portion of the periphery of the dermal contact wall (42) configured to cooperate by wedging inside a receiving groove formed on the luminous body (20).

14. Insert (40) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, in which the attachment element (64) is ferromagnetic or magnetic to cooperate by magnetization with a complementary attachment element carried by the luminous body (20).

15. Phototherapy treatment kit (10) comprising a luminous body (20) of a phototherapy device (30) and an insert (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert (40) is supported by the luminous body (20) by means (44, 60) for holding the insert (40) to the luminous body (20).

16. Kit (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the holding means (60) of the insert (40) comprises an element (64) for attachment to a complementary attachment element carried by the luminous body (20).

17. Kit (10) according to claim 15 or 16, in which the luminous body (20) has a general shape of a tablet, a pad or a concave wall of generally ovoid shape in the form of a face mask.

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