COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATOR DEVICE WITH LED TREATMENT

Abstract

COSMETIC APPLICATOR DEVICE WITH LED TREATMENT Devices and methods for skin light therapy using light emitting diodes (LEDs) in combination with application of a cosmetic product (4) to a portion of a subject's body are disclosed. A device includes a base (2) having an LED therein, configured to emit light therefrom for light therapy concurrently with application of the cosmetic product (4). The device includes a cover (3) having a waveguide (3d) which, when aligned with the LED, is configured to pass light therethrough for light therapy by emitting light from the cover (3). The device may include circuitry configured for selection of an operating mode for corresponding light therapy. Figure for abstract: [Fig 1B]

Description

Title of the invention: COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATOR DEVICE WITH LED TREATMENT SUMMARY

[0001] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a device configured for topical light therapy, the device comprising: a base comprising a light emitting diode (LED) operatively connected to a power source; and a cover comprising a waveguide having an inlet and an outlet; securing the cover to the base aligns the waveguide with the LED, such that at least a portion of a light beam from the LED is transmitted from the inlet of the waveguide to the outlet of the waveguide for topical light therapy.

[0002] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a device configured for topical light therapy, the device comprising: a base, comprising: an LED operatively connected to a power source, and a base adapter configured for reversible attachment of a cosmetic product thereto; and a cover configured for reversible attachment to the base; at least a first portion of a light beam of the LED being transmissible from the base for topical light therapy.

[0003] In embodiments, the device comprises: a base adapter configured for reversible attachment of a cosmetic product to the base; a communication interface, a charging interface, or both; circuitry configured for selection of a device operating mode from a plurality of device operating modes; a waveguide in the cover, the waveguide comprising an input and an output for transmission of at least the first portion of the LED light beam therethrough; or any combination thereof.

[0004] In some embodiments, the LED is comprised of a plurality of LEDs and the waveguide is comprised of a plurality of waveguides of the cover. In embodiments, at least a second portion of the light beam is diffused from the waveguide at a position of the waveguide between the input and the output. In embodiments, the second portion of the light beam creates an optical effect at least at the position of the waveguide between the input and the output when diffused therefrom.

[0005] In embodiments, the cosmetic product is attached to the base, the device is configured for topical light therapy in parallel with application of the cosmetic product to a portion of a subject's body. In embodiments, the cosmetic product is not attached to the base, the device is configured for topical light therapy in the absence of application of the cosmetic product to a portion of a subject's body.

[0006] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in simplified form which are described more fully below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0007] [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA] shows a perspective view of an exemplary device configured for topical light therapy, with a cover removed from a base, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0008] [Fig.lB] [Fig.lB] shows a perspective view of an exemplary device configured for topical light therapy, with a cover removed from a base and illustrated with transparent walls to reveal waveguides of the cover, as well as a cosmetic product, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0009] [Fig.lC] [Fig.lC] shows a perspective view of an exemplary device configured for topical light therapy, with a cover removed from a base and illustrated with a cosmetic product attached to the base, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0010] [Fig.lD] [Fig.lD] shows a plan view of a base of an exemplary device with a cosmetic product attached thereto, configured for topical light therapy, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0011] [Fig.lE] [Fig.lE] shows a perspective view of an exemplary device configured for topical light therapy, with a cover attached to a base, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0012] [Fig.lF] [Fig.lF] shows a plan view of a cover of an exemplary device, attached to a base and configured for topical light therapy, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0013] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] shows a schematic diagram of several electronic elements of an exemplary device configured for topical light therapy, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0014] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] shows an illustration of several features of an exemplary computing device for use with a device configured for topical light therapy, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0015] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows an isometric perspective view of an exemplary device configured for topical light therapy, including a lipstick cosmetic product, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0016] The foregoing aspects and numerous attendant advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed description

[0017] Topical light therapy, or phototherapy, may utilize light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for the delivery of light to a topical portion of a subject, such as the skin, for medical or cosmetic applications. These approaches may utilize LEDs with frequencies of 415 nm (blue), 633 nm (red), and 830 nm (infrared) and may demonstrate efficacy for the treatment of acne vulgaris, wound healing, psoriasis, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and, in at least some cases, cosmetic applications.

[0018] Phototherapy devices for cosmetic purposes are generally configured for phototherapy only and do not include additional features. Therefore, individuals using these devices must use separate items and devices for additional cosmetic applications, such as applying lipstick, applying makeup, and the like. The reliance on separate cosmetic devices for separate cosmetic features results in these individuals having to store, transport, and use a multitude of devices, which can be time-consuming, disorganizing, cluttering, and expensive.

[0019] Accordingly, there is a need for combination devices that implement phototherapeutic functionality in combination with cosmetic product functionality, including devices that are modular and allow the use of different cosmetic products in combination with a phototherapeutic aspect. The present disclosure addresses these and other long unmet needs in the art.

[0020] [Fig.lA] shows a perspective view of an exemplary device 1 configured for topical light therapy, and [Fig.3] shows an isometric perspective view, with a cover 3 removed from a base 2, according to aspects of the disclosure. A device 1 is configured for topical light therapy, and comprises: a base 2 comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) 2a operatively connected to a power source (see, for example, power supply 5b of [Fig.2A]), and a cover 3 comprising a waveguide (see, for example, 3d of [Fig.lB]) with an input 3e and an output 3a. Attaching the cover to the base, as exemplarily illustrated in [Fig.lE], aligns the waveguide with the LED, such that at least a portion of a light beam 7 from the LED is transmitted from the waveguide input 3e to the waveguide output 3a, where the portion of the light beam 7 may contact a surface, for example a skin surface, for topical light therapy.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, a cosmetic product is not attached to the base 2, and the device 1 is configured for topical light therapy in the absence of application of the cosmetic product to a portion of a subject's body. However, as described in more detail herein, the device may also be configured for topical light therapy with the cosmetic product attached to the base 2, as well as with the attachment of the cover 3 to the base 2, providing a variety of configurations of the device 1 that are suitable for topical light therapy.

[0022] In embodiments, the LEDs are positioned at or near a top of the base 2 such that light emitted by the LEDs is emitted directly to the environment adjacent to the LEDs when the LEDs are active. However, in embodiments, the LEDs are positioned at or near a middle of the base 2 or, alternatively, at or near a bottom of the base 2 (e.g., distal to the base adapter 2b). In such embodiments, the waveguides may be positioned within the base 2 and connected to the LEDs, e.g., such that light emitted by the LEDs is transported from the LEDs to the top of the base 2 for use in topical light therapy, and optionally, for further transmission through the waveguides of the cover 3, as described in more detail herein.

[0023] [Fig.lB] shows the exemplary device 1, with a cover 3 removed from a base 2 and shown with transparent walls (i.e., broken lines) to reveal the 3d waveguides of the cover 3, as well as a cosmetic product 4, according to aspects of the disclosure. The 3d waveguides may be positioned within the walls of the cover 3, such that a volume remains within the cover for receiving the cosmetic product 4 therein. The base 2 includes thereon LEDs 2a that emit light therefrom during operation. The base 2 also includes a base adapter 2b, configured for reversible attachment of the cosmetic product 4 thereto by means of coupling with a cosmetic product adapter 4b. The base adapter 2b and the cosmetic product adapter 4b may include any mechanical interface that connects the cosmetic product 4 to the base 2.Examples of such mechanical interfaces may include, but are not limited to, a snap-on interface, a button interface, a clasp interface, a magnetic interface (e.g., wherein the base adapter 2b and the cosmetic adapter 4b include magnetically complementary magnets), and the like. In the illustrated example, . the cosmetic product 4 includes thereon a cosmetic consumable 4c which may include, for example, a lipstick, a lip balm, a lip tint, a lip lightener, a sunscreen or another type of cosmetic consumable. When the cosmetic consumable 4c is used up, it may be discarded and replaced with a new cosmetic consumable 4c for attachment and use with the base 2, or may be refilled and reused, for example.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of 3d waveguides are located within the cover 3. The 3d waveguides are optical waveguides, and are configured to transmit light emitted by the LEDs 2a therethrough, via input through the waveguide inputs 3e and output through the waveguide outputs 3a. In at least some embodiments, the 3d waveguides may comprise one or more fiber optic waveguides, one or more transparent dielectric (e.g., plastic and glass) waveguides, one or more liquid light guides, one or more liquid waveguides, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, all or a portion of the cover 3 is at least partially optically transparent.In embodiments, at least a second portion of a light beam, emitted by the LEDs 2a, is diffused from one or more of the waveguides 3d at one or more positions of the waveguides between the input and the output, so that the diffused second portion of the light beam is transmitted outwardly from the side of the cover 3. This can be used, for example, to apply an optical or visual aesthetic.

[0025] As shown in [Fig.lC], the cover 3 may be removed from the base 2 and, with the cosmetic product 4 attached to the base 2, the device 1 may be used for topical light therapy in parallel with the application of the cosmetic product 4 to a portion of a subject's body. [Fig.lD] shows a plan view of the base 2 with the cosmetic product 4 attached thereto, configured for topical light therapy. In some embodiments, the LEDs may be activated to emit the light beam 7 therefrom, and the light beam 7 may contact the subject's body, for example a portion of skin, during the application of the cosmetic product 4 to a portion of the subject's body. This may be effective, at least in part, due to the orientation and relative proximity of the LEDs to the portion of skin during application of the cosmetic product.In this way, a user can simultaneously apply the cosmetic product 4 while also applying topical light therapy with LED activation.

[0026] As shown in [Fig.1E], an alternative configuration of the device 1 for topical light therapy may include the cover 3 attached to the base 2 (e.g. with or without a position of the cosmetic product attached to the base 2 and inside the cover 3). [Fig.lF] shows a plan view of the apparatus in this configuration. In this configuration, the light emitted by the LEDs of the base 2 passes through the waveguides of the cover 3, and exits through the waveguide outlets 3a. The portion of the light 7 that is emitted from the waveguide outlets 3a can be used for topical light therapy, for example without concomitant application of a cosmetic product.

[0027] As shown in [Fig.2A], one or more electronic elements of an exemplary device may be included in a particular embodiment of the device. An exemplary diagram 5 of such a device is illustrated, and includes a power supply 5b that is operatively connected to a charging interface 5a. The charging interface 5a is configured to recharge the power supply 5b. The power supply 5b may include, for example, a rechargeable battery or a capacitor. The charging interface 5a may include, for example, a wired and / or wireless charging interface, and may be configured to transmit power from an external power source to the power supply 5b to recharge the power supply 5b.Electrical power is supplied from the power supply 5b to other components of the device through one or more operable connections between the power supply 5b and various components.

[0028] Although any battery or power supply 5b may be used for an exemplary device, in at least some embodiments, a rechargeable battery is used and may be recharged using a charger operatively connected to the charging interface 5a. Charging of the rechargeable battery by the charger may occur by wired charging, for example, with physical electrical contacts between the rechargeable battery and the charger, for application of a voltage from an external power source, such as an alternating current (AC) outlet, to recharge the rechargeable battery. However, in other implementations, charging of the rechargeable battery by the charger may occur by wireless charging, for example, with contactless or electromagnetic coupling between the rechargeable battery and the charger.In such implementations, the charger may act as a type of charging station near which the device may be placed for inductive charging of the rechargeable battery by the charger. In these and other implementations, wireless charging may occur by passing an alternating current through an induction coil in the charger, such that the moving electrical load creates a magnetic field whose strength fluctuates with the fluctuation in the magnitude of the electric current, and the changing magnetic field induces an alternating electric current in an induction coil of the device that passes through a rectifier for conversion to direct current (DC), which is used to recharge the battery. Although examples of . wired and wireless battery charging implementations are provided herein, any suitable wired or wireless charging implementation may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, a device may include a 5d LED and, optionally, a 5c LED driver circuit. The 5d LED includes one or more light-emitting diodes configured to emit light of any wavelength suitable for topical phototherapy, including, but not limited to: blue light, yellow light, red light, near-infrared (NIR) light, broad spectrum or white light, and any combination thereof. Blue light affects the upper layers of the skin, while yellow and red light penetrate deeper layers of the skin. Near-infrared light penetrates even deeper into the skin. Combinations of light wavelengths emitted by the 5d LED may be used for phototherapy of combinations of depths within the skin.

[0030] Therefore, as used herein, "topical" as used in "topical light therapy", "topical phototherapy", and the like, refers generally and inclusively to therapies that utilize light, including both penetrating and non-penetrating light wavelengths for therapy on the upper layers of the skin as well as on the deeper layers of the skin.

[0031] In some embodiments, the LED driver circuit 5c may be configured to drive the LED 5d in accordance with an operating mode of the device. The operation of the device may be in accordance with an operating mode, which may be a default mode or a mode selected by a user or a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, for example. Parameters that may differ between operating modes of the device may include, for example, the wavelength (or band) of light emitted by an LED of the device, management of the intensity of the wavelength of light emitted by the LED, management of the time of light emission by the LED, or any combination thereof.Enabling the wavelength of light may include enabling one or more LEDs that emit the desired wavelength, disabling one or more LEDs that do not emit the desired wavelength, or both; alternatively, enabling the wavelength of light may include using one or more filters, such as one or more bandpass filters, to allow the desired wavelength (or band) to be transmitted therethrough for use. Managing the intensity of the wavelength of light from the LED may include, for example, increasing the voltage delivered to one or more LEDs that emit the desired wavelength (or band), decreasing the voltage delivered to one or more LEDs that do not emit the wavelength. desired, or both. Managing the time of application of light therapy may include a timer or timer circuit, for example, that activates one or more LEDs during a period during which the phototherapy takes place. In embodiments, a mode of operation may be selected via operation of the computing device 6.

[0032] In embodiments, the device includes a sensor 5e, configured to detect a property or characteristic of the device or an operation of the device. For example, the sensor 5e may be configured to detect wavelength characteristics of light emitted by the LED 5d (or light emitted by the LED 5d and reflected back to the sensor 5e from a surface), optical detection of a property or characteristic of a portion of a subject's skin, and the like.

[0033] In embodiments, the device comprises a communication interface 5f, configured for electronic communication with the computing device 6. The communication interface 5f may be configured for wired or wireless communication, for example, by means of a receiver or a transceiver, for receiving wireless signals from the computing device 6 and (in the case of a transceiver) for transmitting wireless signals to the computing device 6. The wireless signals received by the device from the computing device 6 may relate to the operation of the device, for example by activating an operating mode or manually activating the device.The wireless signals sent by the device and received by the computing device 6 may relate to the status or performance of the device, or may include sensor data obtained by the sensor 5e, for subsequent analysis by the computing device 6 (or a networked or cloud computing device operatively connected to the computing device 6, for example). Examples of wireless protocols that may be implemented by the communication interface 5f include, but are not limited to: Bluetooth®, WiFi®, and the like. In these and other embodiments, properly configured computer hardware may be implemented with the communication interface 5f to enable the wireless protocols implemented in the wireless connection with the computing device 6.

[0034] [Fig. 2B] shows an illustration of several features of an exemplary computing device 6 configured for use with a device configured for topical light therapy. In some embodiments, a user may direct the software of a computing device 6, which may include a smartphone or tablet or other personal computing device, for example to control operation of the device according to various computing device functionalities. 6a. For example, a user may activate and deactivate the device, select a mode of operation of the device, and display analytics or other personalization information related to the operation of the device for topical phototherapy. In exemplary embodiments during use, a user may configure a device for phototherapy and use a feature 6a of the computing device 6 to activate the device (e.g., activate one or more LEDs according to a mode of operation). The user may place the device near a portion of a subject's skin such that light emitted by the device's LEDs contacts the subject's skin for phototherapy.Upon completion of the phototherapy, the user may use a functionality 6a of the computing device 6 to deactivate the device (for example, deactivate one or more LEDs according to an operating mode).

[0035] As such, in various aspects, the disclosure provides a "smart" cosmetic phototherapy device comprising circuitry configured to implement all or part of a method, including, but not limited to, controlling the operation of the LED. In some embodiments, the circuitry of a device is configurable with a processor and processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable medium of the device. In embodiments, a device includes a software application configured to perform all or part of one or more methods or processes of the disclosure, in any order or combination. However, in embodiments, a device includes dedicated hardware circuitry.Additional circuitry configuration of the device may include wireless communication or networking circuitry, e.g., circuitry configured for a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth® connection, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) connection, and / or a Wi-Fi® connection, and / or a wired connection. The networking circuitry (e.g., the communication interface 5f), in combination with other circuitry of the computing device, may be used to request, retrieve, and / or receive data from, for example, a computing device 6 or a remote server. In embodiments, the device may be operated using a computing device 6, such as a smartphone or personal computing device, which may be operated by a user via a graphical user interface, as is known in the art.In embodiments, the circuitry may include an operable connection of one or more sensors to the processor, or other circuitry, to perform logical operations and / or methods based on data received from one or more sensors of the device. PAINTINGS

[0036] [Table 1]

[0037] Table 1. References and descriptions of the drawings. Reference Description 1 Device 2 Base 2a Light-emitting diode (LED) 2b. Base adapter 3 Cover 3a Waveguide outlet 3b. Cover adapter 3d. Waveguide body 3e. Waveguide inlet 4 Cosmetic product 4b. Cosmetic product adapter 4c. Cosmetic consumable 5 Device component diagram 5a Charging interface 5b. Power supply 5c. LED driver circuit 5d. LED 5e. Sensor 5f. Communication interface 6 Computing device 6a Computing device functionality 7 Light NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Although general features of the disclosure are described and shown and particular features of the disclosure are set forth in the claims, the following non-limiting embodiments relate to features, and combinations of features, that are explicitly contemplated as part of the disclosure. The following non-limiting embodiments contain elements that are modular and may be combined with each other in any number, order, or combination to form a new non-limiting embodiment, which can itself be further combined with other non-limiting embodiments.

[0039] Embodiment 1. A device configured for topical light therapy, the device comprising: a base comprising a light emitting diode (LED) operatively connected to a power source; and a cover comprising a waveguide having an inlet and an outlet; attaching the cover to the base aligning the waveguide with the LED, such that at least a portion of a light beam from the LED is transmitted from the inlet of the waveguide to the outlet of the waveguide for topical light therapy.

[0040] Embodiment 2. Device according to any other embodiment, further comprising: a base adapter configured for reversible attachment of a cosmetic product to the base.

[0041] Embodiment 3. Device according to any other embodiment, further comprising: a communication interface, a charging interface, or both.

[0042] Embodiment 4. A device according to any other embodiment, further comprising: circuitry configured to select a device operating mode from a plurality of device operating modes.

[0043] Embodiment 5. Device according to any other embodiment, the LED consisting of a plurality of LEDs and the waveguide consisting of a plurality of waveguides of the cover.

[0044] Embodiment 6. Device according to any other embodiment, at least a second portion of the light beam being diffused from the waveguide at a position of the waveguide between the input and the output.

[0045] Embodiment 7. A device configured for topical light therapy, the device comprising: a base, comprising: an LED operatively connected to a power source, and a base adapter configured for reversible attachment of a cosmetic product thereto; and a cover configured for reversible attachment to the base; at least a first portion of a light beam of the LED being transmissible from the base for topical light therapy.

[0046] Embodiment 8. Device according to any other embodiment, the cosmetic product being attached to the base, the device being configured for topical light therapy in parallel with the application of the cosmetic product to a portion of a subject's body.

[0047] Embodiment 9. Device according to any other embodiment, the cosmetic product not being fixed to the base, the device being configured for topical light therapy in the absence of application of the cosmetic product to a portion of the body of a subject.

[0048] Embodiment 10. A device according to any other embodiment, further comprising: a waveguide in the cover, the waveguide comprising an inlet and an outlet for transmitting at least the first portion of the light beam from the LED therethrough.

[0049] Embodiment 11. Device according to any other embodiment, the LED consisting of a plurality of LEDs and the waveguide consisting of a plurality of waveguides of the cover.

[0050] Embodiment 12. Device according to any other embodiment, further comprising: a communication interface, a charging interface, or both.

[0051] Embodiment 13. A device according to any other embodiment, further comprising: circuitry configured for operable selection of a device operating mode from a plurality of device operating modes.

[0052] Embodiment 14. Device according to any other embodiment, at least a second portion of the light beam being diffused from the waveguide at a position of the waveguide between the input and the output.

[0053] Embodiment 15. Device according to any other embodiment, the second portion of the light beam creating an optical effect at least at the position of the waveguide between the input and the output when it is diffused therefrom.

[0054] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A device (1) configured for topical light therapy, the device comprising: a base (2), comprising: an LED (2a) operatively connected to a power source, and a base adapter (2b) configured for reversible attachment of a cosmetic product (4) thereto; and a cover (3) configured for reversible attachment to the base; at least a first portion of a light beam (7) of the LED being transmissible from the base for topical light therapy.

2. A device according to claim 1, the cosmetic product (4) being attached to the base (2), the device being configured for topical light therapy in parallel with the application of the cosmetic product to a portion of a subject's body.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetic product (4) is not attached to the base (2), the device being configured for topical light therapy in the absence of application of the cosmetic product to a portion of a subject's body.

4. A device according to claim 1, further comprising: a waveguide (3d) in the cover (3), the waveguide comprising an inlet (3e) and an outlet (3a) for transmitting at least the first portion of the light beam from the LED therethrough.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the LED consists of a plurality of LEDs (2a) and the waveguide consists of a plurality of waveguides (3d) of the cover.

6. Device according to claim 4, at least a second portion of the light beam (7) being diffused from the waveguide (3d) at a position of the waveguide between the input (3e) and the output (3a).

7. Device according to claim 6, the second portion of the light beam (7) creating an optical effect at least at the position of the waveguide between the input (3e) and the output (3a) when it is diffused therefrom.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a communication interface (5f), a charging interface (5a), or both.

9. The device (1) of claim 1, further comprising: circuitry configured for operable selection of a mode of operation of the device among a plurality of modes of operation of the device.

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