Method and device for the alternating application of heat and cold to an application surface, in particular the epidermis of a user

Abstract

Method (40) for the alternating application of heat and cold to an application surface, in particular the epidermis of a user, using a device for alternating application of heat and cold comprising a first tip and a second tip. According to the method, a hot temperature of between 35°C and 48°C is applied to the application surface by the first tip for a period of between 2 min and 6 min, the application device is pivoted by a maximum of a quarter turn, for a period of less than or equal to 5 seconds, and a cold temperature of between 0°C and 15°C is applied to the application surface by the second tip for a period of between 2 min and 6 min. Figure for abstract: Fig 3

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for the alternating application of heat and cold to an application surface, in particular the epidermis of a user

[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 present invention also relates to the penetration into the skin of a cosmetic formula or a care formula.

[0003] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “cosmetic product” means in particular a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No. 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 relating to cosmetic products.

[0004] More particularly, the present invention relates to a device and a method configured to locally provide a sensation of heat or cold alternately on the epidermis of a user.

[0005] Document FR 2 934 893 - Al (Cazaux et al.) is known, which describes a cosmetic device intended to produce cold in order to cool a cosmetic product, then, by application, to cool the skin of a user. The cosmetic device comprises a so-called "Peltier effect" module, an aluminum transfer pad arranged on one of the faces of said module and a radiator-fan assembly attached to the other face of said module, opposite the transfer pad. The transfer pad has a convex shape and is intended to receive a cosmetic product, such as a cream, with a view to its application to the epidermis of a user.

[0006] The term "Peltier effect" means any physical phenomenon of heat displacement in the presence of an electric current passing through conductive materials of different natures linked by junctions, one part of which absorbs heat while the other part releases heat. The Peltier effect is known and will not be described further.

[0007] However, the solution proposed in this document involves a large application surface given the size of the Peltier effect module and therefore does not allow precise application of the cosmetic product. In addition, the large dimensions of such a device make it difficult to evacuate the calories from the Peltier effect module, which can lead to diffusion of hot air towards the area of ​​application of the cosmetic product.

[0008] The application device described in document WO 2015 / 039990 - Al (L'Oréal) is also known, which makes it possible to provide a sensation of cold with precision to narrow areas of the body by integrating a cold generation device directly inside said application device. However, the design and the sizing of such a device is particularly complex due to the integration of a cold generation device.

[0009] Furthermore, such a device does not allow the application of cold and heat to the user's skin to be alternated.

[0010] There is thus a need to improve devices and methods capable of alternating a sensation of cold or heat on a surface for applying a cosmetic product, in particular the user's epidermis.

[0011] The subject of the invention is a method for the alternating application of heat and cold to an application surface, in particular the epidermis of a user, using a device for the alternating application of heat and cold comprising a first tip and a second tip, said tips being arranged at one end of the device, and oriented at an angle less than or equal to 90° to each other.

[0012] According to the method:

[0013] - a hot temperature of between 35°C and 48°C is applied, preferably between 38°C and 45°C, on the application surface by the first tip for a period of between 2 min and 6 min, for example equal to 5 min, for example, equal to 3 min, - the application device is pivoted by a maximum of a quarter turn, for 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

[0014] - a cold temperature of between between 0°C and 15°C, preferably between 4°C and 12°C, preferably between 7°C and 9°C, on the application surface by the second tip for a duration of between 2 min and 6 min, for example equal to 4 min, for example, equal to 3 min.

[0015] Generally speaking, the two tips are arranged so as to allow the transition from a hot application to a cold application and vice versa by a simple and rapid movement of the user, here a quarter turn of the device.

[0016] The so-called "hot" temperature makes it possible to open the pores of the epidermis and improve the penetration of the product inside said pores, while the so-called "cold" temperature makes it possible to close the pores and improve the regularity of the surface condition of the epidermis.

[0017] The cold or heat generation module may be, for example, Peltier effect, by thermal resistance or by any other means capable of generating heat or cold.

[0018] The Peltier effect is known and will not be described further.

[0019] The hot or cold application tips are, for example, made of metallic material, such as for example copper, stainless steel, aluminum or Zamak, or ceramic, or plastic material loaded with metal particles, or any other material capable of transmitting calories.

[0020] Advantageously, before applying a temperature to the application surface, a sensitivity of the application surface is selected between at least a first sensitivity called "high" and a second sensitivity called "low". Other types of sensitivity could be provided, for example an intermediate sensitivity, and a treatment mode chosen from a group comprising at least a first mode and a second mode is selected.

[0021] Advantageously, the selection of the sensitivity of the application surface is carried out manually by the user or automatically by an electronic control unit of the application device configured to recover data from the physical data acquisition members of the user's epidermis and analyze the state of the application surface, for example, the sensitivity or the state of the pores of the user's epidermis.

[0022] For example, the duration of application of heat and / or cold is determined by the treatment mode chosen and / or by the electronic control unit depending on the state of the application surface analyzed.

[0023] The duration of heat application can thus be adjusted according to the surface condition of the user's epidermis.

[0024] When selecting the second sensitivity, the temperature delivered by the first tip is, for example, less than 2°C compared to the temperature delivered when selecting the first sensitivity.

[0025] For example, when selecting the second sensitivity, the temperature delivered by the first tip is between 35°C and 45°C.

[0026] When selecting the second sensitivity, the temperature delivered by the second tip is, for example, greater than 2°C compared to the temperature delivered when selecting the first sensitivity.

[0027] For example, when selecting the second sensitivity, the temperature delivered by the second tip is between 7°C and 15°C.

[0028] For example, the first treatment mode is configured to treat the entire face of the user and the second treatment mode is configured to treat certain specific areas of the face, such as for example the contour of the eyes. Alternatively, other treatment modes of the user's face could be provided.

[0029] For example, in the first treatment mode, the duration of application of a hot temperature by the first tip is equal to 3 min and the duration of application of a cold temperature by the second tip is equal to 4 min.

[0030] For example, in the second treatment mode, the duration of application of a hot temperature by the first tip is equal to 2 min and the duration of application of a cold temperature by the second application tip is equal to 3 min.

[0031] It could be provided to emit an audible or visual signal at the end of the heat application step to alert the user.

[0032] According to one embodiment, at least one first product is applied to the application surface before or simultaneously with the step of applying a hot temperature and / or a cold temperature.

[0033] By "product" is meant a cosmetic product, such as, for example, a liquid, semi-liquid product, such as, for example, a skin care product, such as a cream, a gel, a serum.

[0034] Thus, it is possible to combine the effects of temperature and the cosmetic product on the user's epidermis.

[0035] It could also be provided to apply a first product before or simultaneously with the step of applying a hot temperature and a second product before or simultaneously with the step of applying a cold temperature.

[0036] For example, the product is applied automatically by a product dispensing member disposed in the product application device.

[0037] It could also be provided that the product dispensing member is configured to dispense a first product via the first end piece and a second product via the second end piece.

[0038] For example, the hot temperature and the cold temperature are regulated by plus or minus 2°C when the outside temperature is less than 24°C and by plus or minus 5°C when the outside temperature is greater than or equal to 24°C.

[0039] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for the alternating application of heat and cold to an application surface for implementing the application method as described above, comprising a first hot tip for applying a hot temperature of between 35°C and 48°C and a second cold tip for applying a cold temperature of between 0°C and 15°C, said tips being arranged at one end of the device, and oriented at an angle less than or equal to 90° to each other.

[0040] Advantageously, the application device comprises a plurality of physical data acquisition members of the application surface, in particular the user's epidermis, for example sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, contact sensors, ultrasonic probe, a data recovery module configured to recover the data coming from said physical data acquisition members of the application surface and an electronic control unit configured to analyze said application surface, in particular in terms of thickness, sensitivity, appearance of the pores according to the physical data of the user's epidermis, and to automatically adjust the temperature and the duration of application of a hot or cold temperature by the application tips.

[0041] The first tip is configured to apply a hot temperature between 35°C and 48°C, preferably between 38°C and 45°C and the second tip is configured to apply a cold temperature between 0°C and 15°C, preferably between 4°C and 12°C, preferably between 7°C and 9°C.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the application tips are connected to an external human-machine interface, acronym "HMI", for example on a telephone, computer, etc. and / or to a diagnostic system.

[0043] For example, the application tips are connected wirelessly, for example Bluetooth®, wifi or other wireless transmission means to the human-machine interface.

[0044] Advantageously, the application device comprises a product packaging and dispensing member configured to deliver at least one dose of product outside the application device.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the product packaging and dispensing member is connected to each of the hot and cold application tips.

[0046] For example, the tips may for example be porous or comprise a perforated membrane to distribute the product contained in the product packaging and dispensing member.

[0047] Alternatively, an applicator independent of the tips could be provided, for example located between said tips, in the form of a roll-on.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the application device comprises a movable piston actuator configured to move the product contained in the product packaging and application member.

[0049] For example, the actuator is operated manually by an activating member mounted on the outer surface of the device, or automatically by the electronic control unit.

[0050] Alternatively, the product contained in the product packaging and application member is moved by the movement of a quarter turn of the device allowing passage from one end piece to the other.

[0051] It would also be possible to provide a set or kit for implementing the method as described above, comprising two application devices as described above, said hot and cold tips being arranged symmetrically between the right and left devices in order to treat two half-faces at a time.

[0052] Advantageously, the tips of the right and left devices are connected together.

[0053] The present invention will be better understood upon studying the detailed description of embodiments, taken as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0054] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a device for alternating application of heat and cold for implementing a method for alternating application of heat and cold according to the invention;

[0055] [Fig.2] is a schematic sectional view of the application device of [Fig.l]; and

[0056] [Fig.3] represents the steps of the method of alternating application of heat and cold according to the invention using the application device of [Fig.l].

[0057] A device 10 for alternating application of a hot and cold temperature to the epidermis of a user is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0058] The device 10 comprises a substantially elongated body 12 defining a gripping portion 14 located between a lower end 12a and an upper end 12b of the body 12.

[0059] The device 10 further comprises a first tip 16 configured to apply a hot temperature and a second tip 18 configured to apply a cold temperature.

[0060] Said end pieces 16, 18 are here arranged at the upper end 12b of the device 10, and oriented at an angle of 90° to each other. Generally, the end pieces 16, 18 are oriented at an angle less than or equal to 90° to each other.

[0061] The first tip 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 heat application tip 16 is advantageously constant, regardless of the outside temperature.

[0062] The second tip 18 is configured to generate a temperature between 0°C and 15°C, preferably between 4°C and 12°C, preferably between 7°C and 9°C. The temperature of the second cold application tip 18 is advantageously constant, regardless of the outside temperature.

[0063] The two application tips 16, 18 are arranged on two perpendicular planes allowing passage from one tip to the other by a quarter-turn movement of the device.

[0064] Generally speaking, the two end pieces 16, 18 are arranged so as to allow the transition from an application of a hot temperature to an application of a cold temperature and vice versa by a simple and rapid movement of the user, here a quarter turn of the device.

[0065] The two application tips 16, 18 are respectively connected to a heat generation device 20 or a cold generation device 22 each comprising a heat transfer body 24, 26 and a cold or heat generation module (not shown) for the heat transfer body.

[0066] The cold or heat generation module may be, for example, Peltier effect, by thermal resistance or by any other means capable of generating heat or cold.

[0067] The Peltier effect is known and will not be described further.

[0068] The tips 16, 18 for applying heat or cold are, for example, made of metallic material, such as for example copper, stainless steel, aluminum or Zamak, or of ceramic, or of plastic material loaded with metallic particles, or any other material capable of transmitting calories.

[0069] The so-called "hot" temperature makes it possible to open the pores of the epidermis and improve the penetration of the product inside said pores, while the so-called "cold" temperature makes it possible to close the pores and improve the regularity of the surface condition of the epidermis.

[0070] The application device 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 application tips 16, 18.

[0071] The application device 10 comprises a plurality of members (not shown) for acquiring physical data from the user's epidermis, for example sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, contact sensors, ultrasonic probes, and a data recovery module 32 configured to recover the data coming from the members for acquiring physical data from the user's epidermis.

[0072] The electronic control unit 30 is thus configured to analyze the user's epidermis in terms of thickness, sensitivity, and appearance of the pores as a function of the physical data of the user's epidermis and to automatically adjust the temperature and duration of application of heat or cold by the application tips 16, 18.

[0073] The tips 16, 18 are, for example, connected together and / or to an external human-machine interface on a telephone, computer, etc. and / or to a diagnostic system (not shown). For example, the application tips 16, 18 are connected wirelessly, for example Bluetooth®, wifi or other wireless transmission means to the human-machine interface.

[0074] The application device 10 further comprises a product packaging and dispensing member 34 mounted in the body 12.

[0075] By "product" is meant a cosmetic product, such as, for example, a liquid, semi-liquid product, such as, for example, a skin care product, such as a cream, a gel, a serum.

[0076] The product packaging and dispensing member 34 is configured to deliver a dose of product to the outside of the body 12 of the application device 10.

[0077] For example, the product packaging and dispensing member 34 is connected to each of the end pieces 16, 18. In this case, the end pieces 16, 18 may for example be porous or comprise an openwork membrane to dispense the product contained in the product packaging and distribution body 34.

[0078] Alternatively, an applicator independent of the tips 16, 18 could be provided, for example located between said tips, in the form of a roll-on.

[0079] As illustrated, the product contained in the product packaging and application member 34 is moved using a movable piston actuator 36, actuated for example by an activation member (not shown) mounted on the outer surface of the body 12, or by the electronic control unit 30.

[0080] Alternatively, the product contained in the product packaging and application member 34 is moved by the quarter-turn movement of the device 10 allowing passage from one end piece to the other.

[0081] The product conditioning and application member 34 makes it possible to distribute the cosmetic product during the application of heat and / or cold in order to combine the effects of temperature and the cosmetic product on the user's epidermis.

[0082] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the method 40 of alternating application of heat and cold comprises a step 42 of selecting the sensitivity of the epidermis between a first sensitivity SI called “high” and a second sensitivity S2 called “low”. Other types of sensitivity could be provided, for example an intermediate sensitivity.

[0083] The selection of the sensitivity in step 42 can be carried out manually by the user or automatically, in step 41, by the electronic control unit 30 following the acquisition of data coming from the organs (not shown) for acquiring physical data from the user's epidermis.

[0084] When selecting the second sensitivity S2, the temperature of the first heat application tip 16 delivers a temperature lower than 2°C compared to the temperature delivered when selecting the first sensitivity SL.

[0085] When selecting the second sensitivity S2, the temperature of the first tip 16 delivers a temperature for example between 35°C and 45°C.

[0086] When selecting the second sensitivity S2, the temperature of the second tip 18 delivers a temperature greater than 2°C compared to the temperature delivered when selecting the first sensitivity SL.

[0087] When selecting the second sensitivity S2, the temperature of the second tip 18 delivers a temperature between 7°C and 15°C.

[0088] The method 40 of alternating application of heat and cold further comprises a step 44 of selecting a treatment mode chosen from the group comprising at least one first mode M1 and a second mode M2.

[0089] The first treatment mode M1 is intended to treat the entire face of the user and the second treatment mode M2 ​​is intended to treat certain specific areas of the face, such as for example the contour of the eyes.

[0090] Alternatively, other modes of processing the face of the user.

[0091] The method 40 of alternating application of heat and cold further comprises a step 46 of applying heat by the first tip 16 for a duration of between 2 min and 6 min, for example equal to 5 min, for example, equal to 3 min.

[0092] The duration of heat application is determined by the treatment mode chosen.

[0093] In a non-limiting manner, the application method 50 comprises a step 43 of continuous analysis of the user's epidermis during the step 46 of applying heat. The duration of heat application can thus be adjusted according to the surface condition of the user's epidermis.

[0094] At the end of the heat application step 46, an audible or visual signal may be emitted to alert the user to the end of the heat applicator step 43.

[0095] The user proceeds, in step 48, to pivot the application device 10 by a maximum of a quarter turn, for a duration less than or equal to 5 seconds, preferably less than or equal to 2 seconds.

[0096] The method 40 of alternating application of heat and cold further comprises a step 50 of applying cold by the second tip 18 for a duration of between 2 min and 6 min, for example equal to 4 min, for example, equal to 3 min.

[0097] The duration of heat application is determined by the treatment mode chosen and can be adjusted in step 43 of analyzing the user's epidermis.

[0098] At the end of the heat application step 50, the method 40 stops.

[0099] For example, in the first treatment mode M1, the duration of application of heat by the first tip 16 is equal to 3 min and the duration of application of cold by the second tip 18 is equal to 4 min.

[0100] For example, in the second treatment mode M2, the duration of application of a hot temperature by the first application tip 16 is equal to 2 min and the duration of application of a cold temperature by the second application tip 18 is equal to 3 min.

[0101] Alternatively, a step (not shown) of applying the product could be provided before or simultaneously with step 50 of applying a cold temperature in the case of the use of a product dispensing member 34.

[0102] It could also be provided to apply a first product before or simultaneously with step 48 of applying a hot temperature and a second product before or simultaneously with step 50 of applying a cold temperature. In this case, it could be provided that the product dispensing member 34 is configured to dispense a first product via the first end piece 16 and a second product via the end piece 18.

[0103] It would also be possible to provide a kit comprising two symmetrical application devices in order to simultaneously treat the user's two half-faces.

[0104] Thus, the effects of temperature and the cosmetic product on the user's epidermis can be combined.

[0105] Thanks to the application method according to the invention, a single application device provides the ability to alternate, in less than 5 seconds, hot and cold contact on the user's epidermis. The application device and method thus make it possible to treat the entire face with a simple and rapid movement.

Claims

Claims

1. Non-therapeutic method (40) for alternating application of heat and cold to an application surface, in particular the epidermis of a user, using a device (10) for alternating application of heat and cold comprising a first tip (16) extending in a first direction and a second tip (18) extending in a second direction, and arranged at one end of the device (10), the first direction and the second direction forming an angle less than or equal to 90° with each other, in which: - a hot temperature of between 35°C and 48°C is applied to the application surface by the first tip (16) for a duration of between 2 min and 6 min, - the application device (10) is pivoted by a maximum of a quarter turn, for a duration of less than or equal to 5 seconds,and - a cold temperature of between 0°C and 15°C is immediately applied to the application surface by the second tip (18) during pivoting for a period of between 2 min and 6 min, in which before applying a temperature to the application surface, a sensitivity of the application surface is selected between at least a first sensitivity (SI) and a second sensitivity (S2) and a treatment mode is selected from a group comprising at least a first mode (Ml) and a second mode (M2).,

2. Method according to claim 2, in which the selection of the sensitivity of the application surface is carried out manually by the user or automatically by an electronic control unit (30) of the application device (10) configured to recover data from the physical data acquisition organs of the user's epidermis and analyze the state of the application surface.

3. Method according to claim 3, in which the duration of application of heat and / or cold is determined by the treatment mode chosen and / or by the electronic control unit (30) depending on the state of the application surface analyzed.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein when selecting the second sensitivity (S2), the temperature delivered by the first heat application tip (16) is less than 2°C compared to the temperature delivered when selecting the first sensitivity (SI).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which when selecting the second sensitivity (S2), the temperature delivered by the second tip (18) is greater than 2°C compared to the temperature delivered when selecting the first sensitivity (SI).

6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein at the end of the heat application step, an audible or visual signal is emitted to alert the user.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one first product is applied to the application surface before or simultaneously with the step of applying heat and / or cold.

8. A method according to claim 8, wherein the product is applied automatically by a product dispensing member (34) disposed in the product application device (10).

9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the hot temperature and the cold temperature are regulated by plus or minus 2°C when the outside temperature is less than 24°C and by plus or minus 5°C when the outside temperature is greater than or equal to 24°C.

10. Device (10) for alternating application of heat and cold to an application surface for implementing the application method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first hot tip (16) extending in a first direction for applying a hot temperature of between 35°C and 48°C, and a second cold tip (18) extending in a second direction for applying a cold temperature of between 0°C and 15°C, arranged at one end of the device (10), the first direction and the second direction forming an angle less than or equal to 90° to each other, said device (10) comprising a plurality of members for acquiring physical data from the application surface,a data recovery module (32) configured to recover data from said physical data acquisition members of the application surface and an electronic control unit (30) configured to analyze said application surface, and to automatically adjust the temperature and duration of application of heat and / or cold by the tips (16, 18).

11. Device (10) according to claim 10, further comprising a product packaging and dispensing member (34) configured to deliver at least one dose of product outside the application device (10).

12. Device (10) according to claim 11, in which the product packaging and dispensing member (34) is connected to each of the end pieces (16, 18).

13. Device (10) according to claim 12, comprising a movable piston actuator (36) configured to move the product contained in the product packaging and application member (34).

14. An assembly for carrying out a 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 and cold tips being arranged symmetrically between the right and left devices.

15. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein the tips of the right and left devices are connected together and / or to an external human-machine interface, and / or to a diagnostic system.

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