Massage head

Abstract

Title: Massage Head Massage head (2) comprising: - a housing (7) for attachment to a handle (1) provided with a means for rotational drive about a first axis (X1), - a guide element (8) movable for rotation relative to the housing about the first axis, the guide element comprising a set of guide lights (9A, 9B, 9C), each guide light comprising an arc-shaped circular shape centered about a second axis (X2A, X2B, X2C), each second axis being parallel to and distinct from the first axis, - a set of massage fingers (3A, 3B, 3C), each massage finger comprising a guide surface (23) cooperating with a separate guide light to guide the massage finger in rotation about a second axis. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

[0028] A massage device according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a handle 1, illustrated in [Fig.l], and a massage head 2, illustrated in [Fig.2]. The massage head 2 is intended to be fixed to the handle 1. The massage head 2 comprises a set of massage fingers 3A, 3B, 3C movable according to a particular kinematics in order to perform a massage of a skin surface of a patient, and in particular to make a cosmetic agent penetrate into the horny layer (also called stratum corneum) of the epidermis. The massage device is therefore intended to perform a very superficial action on the skin. It aims to specifically deform and thus permeabilize the horny layer of the skin over a thickness of the order of 10 to 15 μm.

[0029] The handle 1 is intended to be grasped in the hand of a person applying the massage. The handle 1 comprises a means for driving rotation around a first axis XI, for example an electric motor. The handle 1 extends generally along the first axis XL. The handle 1 may further comprise electrical connection means and / or energy storage means for supplying energy to said drive means. The handle 1 further comprises a first rotational connection means 4, driven in rotation by said drive means. The first rotational connection means 4 is intended to cooperate with a transmission mechanism 5 integrated into the massage head 2 to mobilize the massage fingers 3A, 3B, 3C. The first rotational connection means 4 may for example comprise a relief shape, in particular an elliptical shape.

[0030] According to the embodiment presented, the massage head 2 comprises three massage fingers 3A, 3B, 3C. Alternatively, this number could be different, for example at least two massage fingers, at least four massage fingers, or even an even greater number of massage fingers.

[0031] The massage head 2 can be removably attached to the handle 1, in particular to one end of the handle along the first axis XL. For this purpose, the handle 1 and the massage head 2 can comprise removable attachment means, such as a attachment clip 6. The same handle 1 can thus accommodate different massage heads in order to carry out different cosmetic treatments. The massage head 2 can also be separated from the handle 1 in order to carry out cleaning and / or maintenance operations on this massage head 2.

[0032] The massage head 2 further comprises a housing 7 by means of which it can be securely fixed to the handle 1. The housing 7 can for example be formed from plastic. When the massage head 2 is fixed to the handle 1, the housing 7 is a fixed element in the frame of reference of the handle 1.

[0033] The massage head 2 further comprises a guide element 8 (better visible in [Fig. 3]) movable in rotation relative to the housing 7 around the first axis XL. The housing 7 comprises an opening 10 of circular shape and cooperating with an edge, also of circular shape, of the guide element 8. The guide element 8 may in particular be a plate, in particular a disc, extending in a plane perpendicular to the first axis XL. The guide element 8 may for example be made of plastic.

[0034] The guide element 8 comprises a set of guide lights 9A, 9B, 9C. In particular, the guide element 8 comprises a separate guide light for each massage finger 3A, 3B, 3C. According to the embodiment presented, the guide element 8 therefore comprises three guide lights 9A, 9B, 9C. The guide lights 9A, 9B, 9C are openings passing through the thickness of the plate forming the guide element 8.

[0035] Each guide light 9A, 9B, 9C comprises an arc-shaped form centered around a second axis X2A, X2B, X2C (shown in [Fig.9]). More precisely, each guide light 9A, 9B, 9C has the overall shape of a bean, and is delimited by two arc-shaped walls 11 centered respectively on the second axis X2A, X2B, X2C. At the two opposite ends of each guide light 9A, 9B, 9C, the two arc-shaped walls 11 of the same guide light are connected by semi-circular-shaped walls 12.

[0036] Each second axis X2A, X2B and X2C is parallel to the first axis XI and distinct from the first axis. The second axes X2A, X2B, X2C are also distinct from each other. The second axes X2A, X2B and X2C can pass through the three vertices of a first equilateral triangle formed on the surface of the guide element 8. The first axis XI can pass through the center of the circle circumscribed to this first triangle.

[0037] The guide lights 9A, 9B and 9C may have identical shapes but be oriented differently. In particular, the guide lights 9B and 9C have the same bean shape as the guide light 9A but rotated respectively by 120° and 240° relative to the guide light 9A. Thus, the three guide lights 9A, 9B and 9C are arranged in a triskelion pattern.

[0038] The radius of curvature R of each guide light, that is to say the radius of curvature of an arc of a circle extending at the center of the guide light, may be between 10 mm and 40 mm inclusive. The radius of curvature R may be substantially equal to the radius of the disc forming the guide element 8, or at least between 50% and 150% of the radius of the disc forming the guide element 8. Each guide light 9A, 9B, 9C may be in the form of an arc of a circle with an angle Al of between 10° and 90° inclusive, preferably between 30° and 60° inclusive.

[0039] In [Fig.4], the guide element 8 has been masked to reveal the mechanism of transmission 5 of the massage head 2. It is therefore understood that the guide element 8 covers the transmission mechanism 5, which makes it possible to protect it, in particular to prevent particles from entering the transmission mechanism 5. The guide element 8 is therefore also a protective element.

[0040] The transmission mechanism 5 comprises a planet carrier 13, a set of planet gears 14A, 14B, 14C, in particular as many planet gears as there are massage fingers 3A, 3B, 3C (i.e. three planet gears in the illustrated embodiment), and a crown 15.

[0041] The planet carrier 13 (also visible individually in [Fig. 5]) is intended to be driven by the drive means integrated into the handle 1 around the axis XL. For this purpose, it comprises a second rotational connection means capable of cooperating with the first rotational connection means 4. The second rotational connection means may, for example, have a shape complementary to the first rotational connection means. 4. The satellite carrier 13 further comprises three openings 16A, 16B, 16C profiled with a circular section. Each opening 16A, 16B, 16C is intended to accommodate a satellite 14A, 14B, 14C according to a rotational connection respectively around a third axis X3A, X3B, X3C. The third axes X3A, X3B and X3C are parallel to the axis XL. The third axes X3A, X3B and X3C pass through the three vertices of a second equilateral triangle. The first axis XI passes through the center of the circle circumscribed to this second triangle.

[0042] Each satellite 14A, 14B, 14C is therefore linked according to a pivot connection around a third axis X3A, X3B, X3C to the satellite carrier 13. The satellites 14A, 14B, 14C preferably have an identical shape. [Fig.6] illustrates for example the satellite 14A. Each satellite 14A, 14B, 14C comprises a first portion 17 of cylindrical shape engaged respectively in the opening 16A, 16B, 16C according to a pivot connection of axis X3A, X3B, X3C. Each satellite 14A, 14B, 14C also comprises a second portion 18 of cylindrical shape, centered respectively on the axis X3A, X3B, X3C. Each second portion 18 comprises an external toothing 19 cooperating with an internal toothing 20 of the crown 15. Finally, each satellite 14A, 14B, 14C comprises a third portion 21 of cylindrical shape, centered respectively on a fourth axis X4A, X4B, X4C. Each third portion 21 is eccentric relative to the corresponding second portion 18.Each fourth axis X4A, X4B, X4C is respectively parallel to the axis X3A, X3B, X3C and offset from the axis X3A, X3B, X3C. Generally, the axes XI, X2A, X2B, X2C, X3A, X3B, X3C, X4A, X4B and X4C are all parallel to each other and distinct from each other. The second portion 18 of each satellite 14A, 14B, 14C is arranged respectively between the first portion 17 and the third portion 21.

[0043] Each massage finger 3A, 3B, 3C is connected by a pivot connection respectively to the satellite 14A, 14B, 14C along the fourth axis X4A, X4B, X4C. For this purpose, each massage finger 3A, 3B, 3C comprises a support 22A, 22B, 22C provided with a circular opening in which the third portion 21 of each satellite 14A, 14B, 14C is engaged.

[0044] [Fig.7] illustrates for example the support 22A. The supports of each finger of massage can have an identical form.

[0045] Each support 22A, 22B, 22C also comprises a guide surface 23 cooperating respectively with a guide light 9A, 9B, 9C to guide the corresponding massage finger 3A, 3B, 3C in rotation around the corresponding second axis X2A, X2B, X2C. Each support 22A, 22B, 22C is therefore engaged respectively through a guide light 9A, 9B, 9C. The guide surfaces 23 are intended to bear on the walls 11 of each light so as to induce a rotation of these supports respectively around the second axes X2A, X2B, X2C when the supports move within the guide lights.

[0046] Advantageously, the supports 22A, 22B, 22C comprise a width, at their guide surface 23 which is slightly less than the width of the slots 9A, 9B, 9C between its two walls 11. Thus, the supports 22A, 22B, 22C can slide effortlessly within their respective guide slot. The dimensions of the guide surfaces 23 and the guide slots 9A, 9B, 9C are such that each support cannot rotate on itself, or only very slightly, without moving along their respective guide slot. Each support 22A, 22B, 22C finally comprises a connecting interface 24 cooperating with an opening 27 provided in a body 25 (illustrated in [Fig.8]) of each massage finger 3A, 3B, 3C. Thus the rotation of the supports 22A, 22B, 22C is transmitted respectively to the bodies 25 of each massage finger 3A, 3B, 3C.

[0047] Alternatively, the support 22A, 22B, 22C and the body of the same massage finger could form a single piece.

[0048] Each guide surface being intended to slide along the walls 11 of the corresponding guide light, it will preferably be possible to produce the guide surface and / or the guide element with a material which limits friction, for example with plastic.

[0049] The body 25 of each massage finger 3A, 3B, 3C generally comprises the shape of a half-sphere or a portion of a sphere. Each body 25 is covered by an outer casing 28 also of hemispherical shape. These outer casings 28 are provided with spikes 29 configured to perform a mechanical action on the surface of the skin which facilitates the penetration of a cosmetic agent. These outer casings 28 may for example be made of silicone or another flexible material to ensure on the one hand comfort and a pleasant perception of the movement by the person being treated, and on the other hand good traction on the surface of the skin in order to produce the necessary deformations at the submillimeter scale. The outer casings 28 may optionally be removably assembled to their respective body 25 to be replaced.Advantageously, each body 25 comprises a retaining bead 26 for holding the outer casings in position around the body.

[0050] Advantageously, the submillimeter scale of the superficial deformations of the skin as well as the type of deformations produced by the massage head promotes the transient permeabilization of the skin barrier. Thus, it has been discovered that the massage head improves the penetration of cosmetic agents compared to a manual massage, which produces deformations mainly of the compression type and on a millimeter, or even centimeter, scale.

[0051] According to the embodiment presented, the three massage fingers 3A, 3B, 3C have an identical shape. Alternatively, one or more massage fingers of the set of massage fingers could have a different shape from the other massage fingers. Similarly, according to other embodiment variants, one or more components of the transmission mechanism could be modified so as to provide different kinematics of the massage fingers.

[0052] As a remark, as illustrated in [Fig.8], for each massage finger 3A, 3B, 3C, a fifth axis X5A, X5B, X5C can be defined, forming both a diameter of the hemispherical shape of the body 25, and being parallel respectively to the fourth axis X4A, X4B, X4C. Each fifth axis X5A, X5B, X5C intersects respectively the outer envelopes 28 at a center of a contact surface of each massage finger with the skin. Each fifth axis X5A, X5B, X5C can be offset relative to the corresponding fourth axis X4A, X4B, X4C. This offset also generates a modification of the kinematics of the massage fingers which makes it possible to avoid pinching of the skin when the massage fingers approach the center. This offset also helps prevent the massage fingers from extending beyond the outer contour of the massager when the massage fingers move away from the center.

[0053] To perform cosmetic treatment on a patient's skin, a cosmetic agent, in particular a cream or serum, can first be applied to the patient's skin. The massage device can then be used to penetrate the cosmetic agent into the patient's stratum corneum.

[0054] When the massage device is operating, the rotation drive means integrated into the handle 1 rotates the planet carrier 13 via the first and second rotation connection means, for example in the counterclockwise direction. Each planet 14A, 14B, 14C thus rotates around the axis XL. Their external teeth 19 cooperate with the internal teeth 20 of the crown 15, itself secured to the housing 7. In doing so, the planets 14A, 14B, 14C also rotate on themselves in the clockwise direction around their respective third axis X3A, X3B, X3C. The supports 22A, 22B, 22C being mounted eccentrically on each satellite, the rotation of the satellites induces a displacement of these supports in the reference frame of the satellite carrier 13. The supports 22A, 22B, 22C then move within their respective guide light 9A, 9B, 9C.For each complete rotation of a satellite 14A, 14B, 14C around its third axis X3A, X3B, X3C, the corresponding support 22A, 22B, 22C makes a round trip within the corresponding guide light. A reaction force of the walls 11 of each guide light 9A, 9B, 9C on the guide surface 23 of the support 22A, 22B, 22C of each massage finger causes the rotation of this massage finger around its fourth axis X4A, X4B, X4C in the reference frame of the corresponding satellite, and around the second axes X2A, X2B, X2C in the reference frame of . the guide element 8. Thus, the orientation of each support follows the local orientation of each guide light.

[0055] As a remark, the reaction force of the guide surface 23 of each massage finger on the corresponding guide light 9A, 9B, 9C causes the rotation of the guide element 8 around the first axis XI. The guide element 8 therefore does not need to be driven in rotation by the planet carrier 13. However, according to an alternative embodiment, a mechanical connection could be provided between the planet carrier 13 and the guide element 8 so as to limit the forces at the interface between the guide element 8 and each guide surface 23.

[0056] In conclusion, the transmission mechanism 5 is configured to rotate the massage fingers both around the first axis XI and, concomitantly, to rotate them around the second axis X2A, X2B, X2C associated with them. Each massage finger thus describes a double rotational movement in the frame of reference of the housing 7. In [Fig.9], a first arrow F1 illustrates the first rotational movement of all the massage fingers around the axis XL. This first rotational movement can be uniform in the counterclockwise direction (or alternatively in the clockwise direction). The second rotational movement of each massage finger respectively around the second axes X2A, X2B, X2C is also illustrated with second arrows F2A, F2B, F2C. This second rotational movement is an alternating rotational movement.

[0057] Although the rotational speed of the drive means is continuous, the massage fingers can move with a variable speed in the frame of reference of the housing 7 during a cycle of use of the massage device. This speed is greater when the supports 22A, 22B and 22C move generally in the same direction as the guide element 8 (i.e. the second rotational movement is oriented generally in the same direction as the first rotational movement). This speed is less important when the supports 22A, 22B and 22C move generally in the opposite direction to the guide element 8 (i.e. the second rotational movement is oriented generally in the opposite direction to the first rotational movement). Such a variation in the speed of the massage fingers makes it possible to massage the skin more effectively.

[0058] The particular kinematics of the massage fingers makes it possible to treat a large area of ​​the skin without having to move the massage head. In fact, each massage finger follows a particularly complex path before returning to its original position. Thus, the surface swept by the massage fingers during a cycle of use of the massage device is particularly large. The massage head can be moved more slowly over the surface of the skin, without the risk of locally heating the skin. The massage device thus promotes the penetration of the cosmetic agent while avoiding heating the skin by repeatedly passing the massage fingers over the same point.

[0059] In addition, due to the multiple rotations performed by each massage finger, and thanks to the lubricating effect of the cosmetic agent, the massage fingers slide on the surface of the skin. Consequently, the massage fingers cannot catch the skin and do not risk pinching it, unlike massage devices whose massage fingers are movable in translation.

[0060] The massage fingers of the massage device thus allow shearing on a millimeter and submillimeter scale at the surface of the skin. This surface shearing makes it possible to deform the stratum corneum and to create transient micro-defects or micro-channels in this external layer of the skin, which promotes the more efficient passage of cosmetic agents.

Claims

Claims

1. Massage head (2) comprising: - a housing (7) intended to be fixed to a handle (1) provided with a means for driving in rotation about a first axis (XI), - a guide element (8) movable in rotation relative to the housing about the first axis, the guide element comprising a set of guide lights (9A, 9B, 9C), each guide light comprising an arc-shaped shape centered about a second axis (X2A, X2B, X2C), each second axis being parallel to the first axis and distinct from the first axis, - a set of massage fingers (3A, 3B, 3C), each massage finger comprising a guide surface (23) cooperating with a distinct guide light to guide the massage finger in rotation about a second axis, - a transmission mechanism (5) intended to cooperate with said drive means, the transmission mechanism being configured to rotate the set of massage fingers about the first axis,and to move each massage finger within a guide light, a reaction force of each guide light on the guide surface of the corresponding massage finger causing rotation of this massage finger around the second axis of this guide light.,

2. Massage head (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transmission mechanism (5) comprises: - a planet carrier (13) intended to be driven by the drive means, - a set of planets (14A, 14B, 14C), each planet being linked by a pivot connection around a third axis (X3A, X3B, X3C) to the planet carrier, each third axis being parallel to the first axis (X1) and distinct from the first axis, each massage finger being linked by a pivot connection to a planet along a fourth axis (X4A, X4B, X4C) distinct from the third axis of said planet, each planet comprising an external toothing (19), - a crown (15) with internal toothing (20) secured to the housing, the internal toothing of the crown cooperating with the external toothing of each planet.

3. Massage head (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element is configured so that a reaction force of the guide surface (23) of each massage finger on the corresponding guide light (9A, 9B, 9C) causes the rotation of the guide element (8) around the first axis (XI).

4. Massage head (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (8) is a plate extending in a plane perpendicular to the first axis (XI) and covering the transmission mechanism (5).

5. Massage head (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a radius of curvature of each guide light (9A, 9B, 9C) is between 10mm and 40mm inclusive, and / or in that each guide light (9A, 9B, 9C) is in the shape of an arc of a circle with an angle (Al) between 10° and 90° inclusive.

6. Massage head (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least three massage fingers (3A, 3B, 3C).

7. Massage head (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each massage finger comprises an outer casing (28) of hemispherical shape provided with spikes (29), a radial dimension of the spikes being less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1 mm, and / or in that each massage finger comprises an outer casing (28) made of silicone.

8. Massage head (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide lights are arranged in a triskelion pattern.

9. Massage apparatus comprising a massage head (2) according to one of the preceding claims and a handle (1) provided with a rotational drive means such as a motor, the transmission mechanism (5) of the massage head cooperating with the drive means of the handle.

10. Method for carrying out a cosmetic treatment, comprising: - depositing a cosmetic agent on the skin of a patient, then - using a massage device according to the preceding claim to cause the cosmetic agent to penetrate into the patient's stratum corneum.

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