A handheld device, kit and mehtod for applying a cosmetic substance to skin

Abstract

This document discloses a system for applying cosmetic substances. The system may include a handheld device having: an elongated portion for gripping by a user; a main head coupled to the elongated portion; and an application end disposed on the top side of the main head. The application end is capable of supporting the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin. This document also discloses a kit that may include a system for applying cosmetic substances and one or more sheets containing one or more of the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin. The one or more sheets may include at least one microneedle composed of the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin. The handheld device of the system may be capable of inserting the at least one microneedle into the epidermal layer of the skin. Each sheet may include an array of microneedles composed of the cosmetic substance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to beauty, hair care, body care, and / or skin care products, and more specifically, to systems, devices, and methods for applying such products. Prior Technology

[0002] Beauty and / or skincare products can be offered in many forms and applied in many different ways. For example, toners or lotions can be applied by spraying, patting with fingers or a cloth, or rubbing onto the skin. Creams can be dispensed from a container and applied topically to the skin with fingers or a brush. These conventional methods of storing and dispensing beauty and / or skincare products generally involve applying the cosmetic substance to the outermost layer of the skin. The dosage of active ingredients reaching deeper layers of the skin may be lower than that of topically applied cosmetic substances. Regarding the storage of hygroscopic or moisture-sensitive products, the form of the cosmetic substance may affect the efficacy of the active ingredients when applied to the user's skin. For example, granular or anhydrous microstructures stored with a desiccant can ensure greater stability of the product than creams stored in tanks or liquids in bottles exposed to ambient air. Furthermore, conventional methods of applying cosmetic substances may lack precise control over the areas affected by the active ingredients, potentially leading to product waste.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for systems with improved functionality to apply cosmetic substances. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Examples within the scope of this disclosure relate to a handheld device for applying a cosmetic substance to the skin. The handheld device includes: an elongated portion that can be gripped by a user; a main head; and an application tip. The main head includes a biasing mechanism and is operatively coupled to the elongated portion. The main head has a top side on which the application tip can be positioned. The application tip also supports a cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin.

[0005] In one method, the biasing mechanism of the main head can limit the penetration of the cosmetic substance into a layer of the epidermis until a predetermined limiting force is applied to the application end. This predetermined limiting force can be a predetermined minimum limiting force, which must be overcome to allow the cosmetic substance to be applied to the epidermis. Alternatively, the predetermined limiting force can be a predetermined maximum limiting force, exceeding which will prevent further penetration of the cosmetic substance into the skin. In some such methods, the handheld device can be operated to deliver the cosmetic substance to a depth between approximately 10 µm and approximately 45 µm in the epidermis.

[0006] In these and other methods, the handheld device further includes a feedback indicator capable of providing an indication when a predetermined maximum force is applied to the application tip. In some such methods, the indication includes at least one of a sound, a click, an audible click, or resistance. The resistance may be caused by a stop device of the handheld device located between the main head and the elongated portion. In some such methods, the predetermined maximum force may refer to a force exceeding which would likely cause damage to the skin and the tissue beneath it.

[0007] Additionally, in these and other methods, the cosmetic substance has a microstructure, such as a microcrystalline structure. Alternatively or additionally, the handheld device is operable to deliver the cosmetic substance by pressing the application end onto the skin with a first pressure greater than a minimum threshold pressure until a second pressure less than or equal to a predetermined maximum force is applied to the skin, wherein the handheld device can be held by a user applying the pressure.

[0008] In some methods, the handheld device has a protruding portion of the main head body, and the protruding portion surrounds at least a portion of the application end. Additionally, in some such methods, the protruding portion of the main head body has a free end that extends beyond the application end of the main head body when no force is applied. The head body tapers from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter at the free end. The protruding portion of the main head body is capable of tightening the skin when force is applied to the skin during delivery of the cosmetic substance.

[0009] An example method for delivering a cosmetic substance to the skin includes: attaching a sheet containing the cosmetic substance to an application end of a handheld device; bringing a main head of the handheld device into contact with the skin; moving an elongated portion of the handheld device toward the skin in response to tactile feedback; reversing the movement of the elongated portion, causing the handheld device to move away from the skin; and repeating the movement of the elongated portion toward and away from the skin.

[0010] In one method, the method includes delivering the cosmetic substance to a single location on one of the skin. In this and other methods, the repetition of the movement of the elongated portion of the handheld device is determined by a user of the handheld device.

[0011] A kit for applying a cosmetic substance to the skin includes, in some instances, a handheld device for applying the cosmetic substance, and a sheet containing the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin.

[0012] In one method, the handheld device in the kit may include a portion that can be gripped by a user; a main head; and an application tip. In some methods, the portion that can be gripped by a user is an elongated portion. In these and other methods, the main head includes a biasing mechanism and is operatively coupled to the portion that can be gripped by a user. The application tip can be positioned on a top side of the main head and can also support the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin.

[0013] In another method, the sheet includes microneedles composed of the cosmetic substance. In these and other methods, the handheld device is capable of inserting the microneedles into a layer of the epidermis when a pressure of at or above a predetermined minimum pressure is applied to the application end of the handheld device. In some methods, the handheld device is capable of inserting the microneedles into the epidermis to a depth between approximately 30 µm and approximately 50 µm. In various methods, the sheet comprises part of an array of sheets of the cosmetic substance. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0014] The aforementioned requirements are at least partially met by providing one, more than one, or any combination of the methods for providing a system for containing and dispensing cosmetic products as described in the following embodiments, especially when viewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: [Figure 1A] illustrates a side view of an example system including a handheld device for applying cosmetic substances, based on various examples; [Figure 1B] shows a side elevation view of the example system of Figure 1A based on various examples, in which the main body is in a compressed configuration; [Figure 2] A side perspective view of the example systems based on Figures 1A and 1B, illustrating various examples; [Figure 3] is an exploded diagram of the instance system based on Figure 1A of various examples; [Figure 4] A perspective view of a portion of the example system shown in Figures 1A to 3, wherein the main body portion of each example is removed from the rest of the system; [Figure 5] A perspective view of the main body of the example system according to Figures 1A to 3 of various examples; [Figure 6A] shows a perspective view of the application end of the example systems shown in Figures 1A to 3, based on various examples; [Figure 6B] shows a side view of the application end of the example systems of Figures 1A to 3, based on various examples; [Figure 7A] illustrates the application end of a microstructure array, which, according to various examples, contains cosmetic substances to be applied to the skin; [Figure 7B] is an enlarged view of the application end of the cosmetic substance microstructure array shown in Figure 7A; [Figure 8] illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line AA according to the example system in Figure 2 of various examples; and [Figure 9] shows a cross-sectional view of an example system with a spring biasing mechanism based on various examples; [Figure 10] shows a cross-sectional view of an example system with a spring biasing mechanism and a feedback mechanism based on various examples; [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view of an example system with a magnet-based biasing mechanism according to various examples; [Figure 12] shows a cross-sectional view of an example system with a ratchet mechanism based on various examples; [Figure 13] illustrates an array of microstructures and microneedles, which, according to various examples, contain cosmetic substances to be applied to the epidermal layer of the user's skin using the example system; [Figure 14] A side view illustrating example systems for applying cosmetic substances, based on various examples; [Figure 15] A top perspective view of the example system based on Figure 14, according to various examples; [Figure 16] is an exploded view of the example systems based on Figures 14 and 15 of various examples; [Figure 17] A side elevation view of the instance system based on various examples; [Figure 18] shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the example system in Figure 17 based on various examples; [Figure 19] A side elevation view of the main body of the example system of Figure 16, based on various examples; [Figure 20] is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the main body as shown in Figure 19 of various examples; [Figure 21] illustrates an array of examples of microstructures in the form of microneedles, which, according to various examples, contain cosmetic substances to be applied to the epidermal layer of a user's skin using the example system of Figure 14; [Figure 22] A side view illustrating example systems for applying cosmetic substances, based on various examples; [Figure 23] shows a cross-sectional view of the system according to various examples of Figure 22; and [Figure 24] illustrates example methods of using systems and equipment for applying cosmetic substances according to various examples.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the size and / or relative positioning of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various examples. Furthermore, common but well-known elements that are useful and necessary in commercially available examples are generally not depicted to minimize obstruction of view of such examples. It will also be understood that certain actions and / or steps may be described or depicted in a specific sequence of occurrence; however, those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity regarding sequence is not actually necessary. It will also be understood that, unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as attributed to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art, as set forth above. Implementation

[0016] Generally speaking, these various methods provide systems, devices, kits, and methods for applying cosmetic substances, allowing the cosmetic substances to be applied to the epidermal layer of a user's skin. In some instances, the system may include: a handheld device comprising a portion to be grasped by the user; and removable components, such as an application end, which can be used with different cosmetic substances. The system's ability to be used with disposable sheets containing cosmetic substances also allows the system to be used with different types of cosmetic substances.

[0017] Turning to the figures, a system 100 is provided for applying cosmetic substances to the epidermal layer of the skin. System 100 includes a handheld device having an elongated portion 110, a main head 120, and an application end 130. The elongated portion 110 can be gripped by the user when cosmetic substance 105 held or otherwise disposed on a first (upper) surface 131 of the application end 130 is applied to the user's skin. The main head 120 has a first surface (top side) 121 on which the application end 130 is disposed when the system 100 is in use.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the system can be configured as either a compressed configuration (Figure 1B) or an extended configuration (Figure 1A). The main body 120 includes a biasing mechanism that allows the system to switch from a compressed configuration to an extended configuration.

[0019] Figure 2 is a side view of the elongated portion 110, main head 120, and applicator end 130 assembled and in an extended configuration, and Figure 3 is an exploded view of the system 100 including these components. When the system 100 is assembled, the elongated portion 110 accommodates the rod 123 of the main head 120 in a central aperture 112. The outer diameter of the rod 123 of the main head 120 corresponds to the diameter D1 of the central aperture 112 of the elongated portion 110 of the handheld device (shown in Figure 4). In a compressed configuration, the first surface 111 of the elongated portion abuts against and / or is positioned near the second surface (lower side) 122 of the main head 120.

[0020] The main head body 120 has a recess 124 for receiving an applicator tip 130. The recess 124 allows the applicator tip 130 to be inserted from a first surface 121 of the main head body 120. The recess 124 is shaped to receive the applicator tip 130. As seen in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the recess 124 in the main head body 120 has a central portion 125, side portions 126, and adjustment tab receiving portions 127. The sides of the central portion 125 are the side portions 126, one on each side. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the recess 124 may have any number of alternative shapes or configurations to accommodate various alternative shapes, configurations, or different configurations of the applicator tip.

[0021] In Figures 2, 3, and 5, the side portions 126 of the recess 124 are arranged linearly, spaced 180 degrees apart from each other around the central portion 125. The relative positions of the recess 124 and the central portion 125 with the side portions 126 may differ from those shown in the figures to accommodate the configuration of the applicator end 130. The diameter D2 of the central portion 125 is approximately the same as the diameter D3 of the central portion 135 of the applicator end 130 (shown in Figure 6A). Each side portion 126 has a central portion 125 at one end and an adjustment tab receiving portion 127 at the other end. Each adjustment tab receiving portion 127 extends from the first surface 121 of the main head body toward the second surface 122 in the side wall 129 of the main head body 120. The center of the main head body 120 is a channel 128 that extends from the recess 124 through all or part of the length of the rod 123.

[0022] When the assembled system 100 is in use, the main head 120 supports the applicator end 130. Figures 6A and 6B show the applicator end 130 in more detail. The applicator end 130 has the aforementioned first surface (top side) 131, second surface (bottom side) 132, center portion 135, side portions 133, and adjustment tabs 134. On the applicator end 130, the center portion 135 has two side portions 133, one on each side, so that the side portions 133 are linearly aligned with the center portion 135. The outer end of each side portion 133 is an adjustment tab 134. Each adjustment tab 134 extends downward. When the system 100 is assembled, the second surface 132 of the applicator end 130 contacts the first surface 121 of the main head 120. As with the recess 124, it should be understood that in some instances, the applicator end 130 may have any number of alternative shapes or configurations to accommodate different configurations of the recess 124.

[0023] As described above, when the system is assembled for use, the shape and size of the recess 124 in the main head 120 are suitable for accommodating the applicator end 130. The central portion 135 of the applicator end 130 is positioned within the central portion 125 of the recess 124 in the main head 120, with corresponding alignment of the side portions of the components and the adjustment tab 134 of the applicator end inserted into the adjustment tab receiving portion 127. For this purpose, the diameter D3 of the central portion 135 of the applicator end is less than or equal to the diameter D2 of the central portion 125 of the main head 120.

[0024] When assembled for use, a cosmetic substance 105 is applied to the first surface 131 of the application end. Figures 7A and 7B show the application end 130 with the cosmetic substance 105 on the first surface 131. The cosmetic substance 105 is in the form of an array of microstructures 107 supported by a substrate or sheet 106. The microstructure array may be an array of microneedles. The microneedles may be solid or hollow. In some instances, the microstructures are hollow microneedles, which allow the cosmetic substance 105 to be delivered to the desired depth in the user's skin by flowing the cosmetic substance through the microneedles. Alternatively, in some instances, the microstructures are solid microneedles coated with the cosmetic substance 105. In other instances, the microstructures are soluble microneedles composed of the cosmetic substance. In some instances, the sheet of substrate 106 may be a solid form of a cosmetic substance, while in other instances, the sheet or substrate 106 may be another material, such as a polymer, ceramic, metal foil, semiconductor, or another material that is inert to the cosmetic substance and on which microstructures can be formed.

[0025] In examples where the cosmetic substance is an array of soluble microneedles, the cosmetic substance 105 may be in a glassy or microcrystalline state, wherein the cosmetic substance is solid at ambient temperature (e.g., up to about 40 degrees Celsius, preferably below 40 degrees Celsius) and ambient relative humidity, but once inserted into the epidermis of the skin, the inserted portion of the cosmetic substance microneedles will dissolve to release the active ingredients of the microneedles. Alternatively, the microneedles may be composed of a cosmetic substance that may be sensitive to moisture in the air (e.g., humidity). Due to this sensitivity, the sheet 106, which includes an array of microstructures 107, may be stored in a dry environment with near-zero humidity. Maintaining a dry environment may involve controlling the temperature of the storage area of ​​the cosmetic substance. For example, in a colder environment, the air cannot retain as much moisture as in a warmer environment, so the colder the environment, the less moisture in the air or ambient atmosphere, and this can be used to affect the cosmetic substance. Desiccants, vacuum packaging, inert gases, or any combination thereof may be used with or without temperature control to maintain a dry environment for the sheet 106 and the cosmetic substance 105.

[0026] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly system 100 of Figure 2 taken along line AA. In Figure 8, the assembly system 100 is in an extended configuration, with the first surface 111 of the elongated portion 110 separated from the second surface 122 of the main head body 120. The rod 123 of the main head body 120 is inserted into the elongated portion 110 through the central aperture 112. It is shown that the rod 123 of the main head body 120 is hollow, thus creating a volume 140 in the system 100, which is partially defined by the second surface 122 of the main head body 120 and the channel 128. The volume 140, the exterior of the rod 123, and the interior of the central aperture 112 are areas in the system that serve as locations for any combination of biasing mechanisms, biasing components, feedback mechanisms, and feedback components; in some example systems, these areas are locations for mechanisms and / or components that provide bias and tactile feedback to the user.

[0027] Figures 9 through 12 are cross-sectional views of various example systems 100 having biasing and feedback mechanisms or components. The biasing mechanism or component can force the main head 120 away from the elongated portion (e.g., handle) 110. Alternatively, the biasing mechanism or component in various systems can be considered as providing resistance or force between the main head 120 and the elongated portion 110 when the first surface 131 of the application tip 130 is pressed against the skin. In examples, the feedback mechanism or component provides sensory (e.g., tactile) feedback to the user, indicating when sufficient force has been applied during system use to push the cosmetic substance 105, in the form of an array of microstructures 107, through the top portion of a typical epidermal layer. In some example systems, the feedback indicator mechanism or component is operable to provide indication when a predetermined maximum force is applied to the application tip 130. This predetermined maximum force may refer to a force exceeding which could cause damage to the skin and underlying tissue. Alternatively or additionally, in some example systems, the biasing mechanism or component of the system described herein may be able to insert the microneedles of the microstructure array into the epidermal layer of the skin when a pressure at or above a predetermined minimum threshold pressure is applied to the application end.

[0028] Spring 141 is the biasing mechanism shown in Figure 9. Spring 141 is arranged within the volume 140 formed by the main head rod 123 and the central aperture 112 in the elongated portion. When selecting spring 141, its elasticity, weight, and ability to apply an appropriate force to the sheet 106 carrying cosmetic substance 105 so that the microstructure 107 can be properly penetrated into the skin are considered. A lighter spring weight may be desirable so that the total weight of the system does not exceed a predetermined limit, such as approximately 0.5 kg or approximately 0.3 kg.

[0029] Figure 10 illustrates an example system with a spring 141 as a biasing component, including feedback components 150 and 151. Feedback components 150 and 151 may include one or more stop devices. In the example system of Figure 10, the outer diameter of the rod 123 of the main head 120 is smaller than the inner diameter of the central aperture 112, creating a gap between the rod 123 and the inner wall of the central aperture 112. This gap allows for a fixed feedback component (e.g., a first stop device) 150 on the inner wall of the central aperture 112 and a movable feedback component (e.g., a second stop device) 151 on the rod 123. The feedback components 150 and 151 function to signal the user when the main head 120 traverses a critical distance relative to the elongated portion 110. The feedback signal may be an audible or physical signal, such as a click or tapping sound as the movable feedback component 151 moves past the fixed feedback component 150.

[0030] In some instances, as shown in Figure 11, magnets can be used as bias and / or feedback components. More specifically, one or more magnets 144 are located on the rod 123 of the main head 120. One or more magnets 145 can be placed within the central aperture 112, preferably at the end of the central aperture 112 furthest from the first surface 111 of the elongated portion 110. When the main head 120 is moved relative to the elongated portion 110 such that the distance between the second surface 122 of the main head 120 and the first surface 111 of the elongated portion 110 decreases, magnets 144, 145 can provide resistance due to mutual repulsion. This resistance informs the user that sufficient action has been taken to apply the cosmetic substance to the skin beneath the outermost layer of the epidermis and ensures that the array of microstructures containing the cosmetic substance has indeed been applied as intended.

[0031] As shown in Figure 12, the ratchet system can be used simultaneously as a biasing and feedback mechanism. Similarly, as in the example system shown in Figure 10, there is a gap between the lever 123 and the inner wall of the central aperture 112. On the lever 123, there are a plurality of feedback features 160 arranged in rows or arrays. At least one fixed feedback feature 161 is located on the inner wall of the central aperture 112, and the positions of the fixed feedback features 161 are aligned with the plurality of feedback features 160 on the lever 123. An adjustment tab attached to the lever 123 in a groove (not shown in Figure 12) on the elongated portion 110 may be part of the system and used to move the main head 120 relative to the elongated portion 110. As the main head 120 moves relative to the elongated portion 110, the feedback features 160, 161 induce a sensation and / or produce an audible sound to indicate to the user that force is being applied to the application end 130 of the system. Feedback features 160 and 161 can also provide resistance, so that the force applied to the application end by the system when the application end 130 is pressed against the skin has minimal slippage or relaxation.

[0032] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a substrate or sheet 106 according to various examples, which supports an array of microneedles 107 inserted into skin 700 using system 100. The skin 700 shown comprises the epidermis 702 and the dermis 704. The microneedles are shown inserted into the epidermis 702 to a depth d. The depth d can be between 5 µm and 50 µm, such as between approximately 10 µm and approximately 45 µm, such as between approximately 15 µm and 40 µm, or such as between 25 µm and 30 µm. The length of the microstructure (i.e., microneedle) can range from about 300 µm to about 500 µm, such as about 325 µm to about 475 µm, such as 350 µm to about 450 µm, including about 375 µm to about 425 µm. The base of the microstructure (i.e., microneedle) can be from 50 µm to about 100 µm, such as about 40 µm to about 90 µm, such as about 30 µm to about 80 µm, including about 40 µm to about 70 µm. In some methods or embodiments, the length of the microneedles may be between approximately 90 µm and 110 µm, such as between approximately 95 µm and 105 µm, such as between approximately 100 µm and 100 µm. The aspect ratio of the microstructure may range from 4:1 to 8:1 (height to base), such as between approximately 9:2 and approximately 15:2 (height to base), including approximately 5:1 to 7:1 (height to base). For reference, the diameter of the average human hair is approximately 80 µm to approximately 100 µm. As mentioned above, the microneedles or microstructures may be solid or hollow. If hollow, each microstructure may have a channel with a diameter 0.001 times the diameter of the base of the structure (i.e., on a nanoscale). Additionally, for hollow microneedles, the substrate or sheet 106 may have a reservoir for cosmetic substances to be applied. The microstructures or microneedles may be conical in shape, or may have another shape depending on the materials and techniques used to fabricate the microstructure array. Other shapes may include prisms, pyramids, truncated square pyramids, prisms with sharpened or tapered ends, and the like. The radius of curvature of the sharpened or tapered ends may be approximately 1 µm.

[0033] In use, the cosmetic substance 105 to be applied can be set in the kit for the system. When using the kit, the user mates the elongated portion 110 with the main head 120. The application end 130 has the cosmetic substance 105 on its first surface 131, which is an array of microstructures or microneedles 107 of the cosmetic substance supported on the substrate 106. The substrate 106 and the array of microstructures 107 of the cosmetic substance can be pre-loaded into the application end 130. In such a kit, multiple application ends can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, the kit can be provided with one or two application ends 130, and the adhesive surface on the surface 131 of the application end 130, the substrate 106, or both can allow the substrate 106 to be temporarily fixed to the application end 130 for use in the system. When ready to use the system, the user places the application end 130 with the cosmetic substance 105 into the recess 124 in the main head 120. The user grasps the elongated portion 110 and presses the application end 130 onto a selected area of ​​the skin, driving the microneedles 107 of the microstructure array to a depth d in the skin, sufficient to penetrate the epidermal layer, such as between approximately 10 µm and 50 µm, including between 10 µm and 45 µm or between 30 µm and 50 µm. The predetermined limiting force applied to the application end 130 can be the maximum force that would damage the skin tissue or allow the microneedles to penetrate the epidermal layer. A feedback mechanism or component can emit sound, such as a click (e.g., an audible click), or produce a sensation such as a click or resistance, indicating that the predetermined limiting force has been reached or overcome. When the user feels the feedback, they can stop driving the elongated portion 110 toward the skin and hold the system in place or retract the elongated portion 110. The user can then move the system to another area of ​​the skin and reapply the application end 130 to the skin using the same array of cosmetic substances containing the microstructures 107. Alternatively, the user may change the application tip 130 or the substrate (sheet) 106 before applying the application tip 130 to another area of ​​the skin. In some cases, the user may wish to apply the application tip 130 to the same area of ​​the skin multiple times (using the same array of cosmetic substances or using a new array). In some such cases, the user may simply drive the elongated portion 110 towards and away from the skin.

[0034] Delivering cosmetic substances directly to the epidermis is desirable because this layer of skin lacks nerves. This method of delivery preserves the active ingredients of the cosmetic substance until application and allows for targeted delivery of these ingredients. Therefore, this method of substance delivery should be more effective than other methods of applying cosmetic substances and is no more painful than conventional application methods.

[0035] Figures 14 to 18 illustrate an example system 200 for applying cosmetic substances to the skin. The system includes an elongated portion 110, an application end 130, and a main head 220 having a protrusion 260 extending from a sidewall 229 of the main head 220. The main head 220 has a first surface 221 on which the central portion of the application end is positioned when the system is in use. Additionally, the main head 220 has a second surface 222 that abuts against the handheld portion 110 when the system is in a compressed configuration.

[0036] The protruding portion, or protrusion 260, extends from the main head body 220 beyond the first surface 221 of the main head body 220. The protruding portion (protrusion) 260 tapers from a first diameter at the first surface 221 to a second outer diameter at a free end, where a contact surface 265 is located. The first diameter may be equal to the diameter of the sidewall 229 of the main head body 220. The protruding portion 260 may surround at least a portion of the application end 130. In use, the example system 200 can deliver cosmetic substances by pressing the application end 130 onto the skin, during which the protruding portion 260 surrounds the application end 130.

[0037] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the system 200 shown in Figure 17 taken along line BB. In Figure 18, the system 200 has a gap 261 between the inner wall 262 of the rod 223 and the inner portion 240 connected to the elongated portion 110. In the system 200 shown in Figure 18, the biasing assembly or mechanism can be located in any of the following areas: the gap volume 261, along the inner wall 262 of the rod 223, at the base of the rod 263, and at the base 264 of the central aperture 112. The protrusion 260 is higher than the first surface 131 of the applicator end 130 such that when the system 200 is fully assembled and in a tight configuration, the first surface 131 of the applicator end 130 is surrounded by the contact surface 265 of the protrusion 260.

[0038] Figures 19 and 20 show the main head body 220 in detail. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the main head body 220 of Figure 19 taken along line CC. The protrusion 260 is shaped to surround the central portion 135 of the applicator end 130 and the central portion of the recess 224. The protrusion 260 is shaped as a circular extension of the sidewall 229, which has cutouts for the side portion and the adjustment tab receiving portion 227 of the recess 224 on the main head body 220. When installed in a system, the protrusion 260 is higher than the plane of the first surface 131 of the applicator end 130.

[0039] Figure 21 shows the contact surface 265 of the protrusion 260 of system 200 and the array 108 of microstructures 107 containing cosmetic material. The array 108 of microstructures (microneedles) 107 is supported on a substrate 106, which is attached to the application end. In use, the contact surface 265 of the protrusion 260 presses upward against the skin to tighten it and apply the cosmetic material to it. In other words, the skin is tightened when force is applied during the delivery of the cosmetic material to the skin. This pre-tightening of the skin allows the cosmetic material to be applied more evenly to the skin as the microstructures (i.e., microneedles) are inserted into the epidermis 702 to a depth d. The pre-tightening of the skin allows the microstructures to be inserted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the skin surface. As described with respect to Figure 13, the depth d can range from approximately 5 µm to approximately 50 µm.

[0040] Figures 22 and 23 illustrate an example system 300 for applying cosmetic substances to the skin, with a curved portion (handheld part) 310 for user gripping. A cross-sectional view in Figure 23 shows the relative positions of the main head 120, the handheld part 310, and the application end 130. The rod 123 of the main head 120 engages in a central aperture 112, creating a volume 340 when the system is fully assembled. As shown in Figures 9 through 12, the volume 340 can accommodate a bias / feedback assembly or mechanism. In use, when the assembled system 300 and the application end 130, containing an array of microstructures containing cosmetic substances, come into contact with the skin, the user moves the handheld part 310 toward the skin until a feedback indication indicates that a predetermined maximum force has been applied. That is, the force is sufficient to drive the array of microstructures containing cosmetic substances to a predetermined depth (not greater than 50 µm) in the epidermis. In some example systems, the microstructures containing cosmetic substances are microneedles of microcrystalline cosmetic material, and the cosmetic material at least partially dissolves when the microstructure array is inserted into the skin.

[0041] As described herein, cosmetic substances to be applied to the skin can take the form of an array of microstructures comprising the cosmetic substance. In some embodiments, the microstructures may be microneedles, and the microneedles may have any of a variety of configurations or constructions. The microneedles may be coated with the cosmetic substance, each having nanoscale channels through which the cosmetic substance flows, and / or may be microneedles formed from cured cosmetic substances. Cured cosmetic substances may form crystalline microneedles or amorphous or glass microneedles. Alternatively or additionally, cured cosmetic substances may include a cryo-suspension of an active or effective ingredient. The planar shape of the microstructure array may be circular, square, or any other polygonal. Each array may contain one type of microstructure, such as only solid microneedles composed of microcrystalline cosmetic substances, or each array may contain multiple types of microstructures, such as a combination of solid microneedles coated with cosmetic substances and scattered solid microneedles composed of microcrystalline cosmetic substances. The array may also have other configurations and a mixture of types of microstructures for cosmetic substances applied to the skin.

[0042] Cosmetic substances that can be used with the systems, kits, and methods described herein may include hyaluronic acid, polysaccharides, alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, citric acid, fatty acids, cerebrosides, waxy lipid molecules, peptides, and the like. Cosmetic substances can be applied to the epidermal layer of the skin using coated microstructures (microneedles), wherein the coating comprises a gel or dried layer of the cosmetic substance. Alternatively or additionally, cosmetic substances can be applied using hollow microstructures or microneedles arranged in an array on a substrate or sheet, wherein the cosmetic substance flows through the microneedles to deliver it to the epidermal layer of the skin. In some embodiments, the cosmetic substance may be cured (e.g., frozen or crystallized) to form microstructures supported on a substrate or sheet.

[0043] Various systems described herein can be configured as kits, including a handheld device and a sheet containing a cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin. The handheld device may include elongated portions, such as elongated portions 110 and 310 shown in Figures 4, 22, and 23. The handheld device may also include a main head, such as those shown in Figures 5 and 19. Additionally, the handheld device may include an application end, such as those shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. The kit may include one or more sheets or substrates that support the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin. The cosmetic substance may be deposited on the substrate in a microstructure array, such as microneedles (as described above).

[0044] Figure 24 illustrates a method 400 for delivering cosmetic substances to the skin using the systems, devices, and kits described herein, according to various examples. The system used in conjunction with this method may include a handheld device having an elongated portion, a main head portion, and an application end. Such a system may be part of a kit, which may also include one or more sheets or substrates containing cosmetic substances to be applied to the skin. In this method, as in step 410, a sheet containing the cosmetic substance is attached to the application end of the system for applying the cosmetic substance. In some embodiments, as in step 415, the main head of the handheld device is brought into contact with the skin. Then, as in step 420, the elongated portion of the handheld device is moved toward the skin such that the application end moves in a direction perpendicular to the epidermal layer of the skin. This substantially perpendicular movement of the application end to the skin can be desired to optimize the delivery of the cosmetic substance to a target location on the skin. As in step 425, the user moves the elongated portion toward the skin until feedback is received (e.g., tactile feedback, sensation, sound), at which point the user stops moving the elongated portion. Then, as in step 430, the user reverses the movement of the elongated portion, removing the handheld device from the skin. Between the cessation of movement and the reversal of movement, the movement of the handheld device may pause. This pause may be timed to allow delivery of the cosmetic substance, allowing the user to pause for a predetermined number of seconds. As in step 435, the repetition of the movement of the elongated portion toward and away from the skin may be performed multiple times. This can be achieved by variable timing between application to or contact with the skin and the cosmetic substance mounted on the applicator end. Alternatively or additionally, the method may involve, as in step 440, removing the applicator end or the sheet attached to it, and further attaching another sheet to the applicator end. In various methods, the sheet or substrate may be soluble, and the method may include attaching a new sheet to the applicator without removing the used or depleted sheet.

[0045] Specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing description. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this teaching. Additionally, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but rather as potentially composable if such combinations are permitted in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations may be included in any of the other foregoing embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0046] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more apparent shall not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary features or elements of any or all of the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the accompanying claims, including any amendments made during the adjournment of this application and all equivalents of the claims granted thereto.

[0047] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms (such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like) may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises / comprising,” “has / having,” “includes / including,” “containing,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a procedure, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, comprises, or contains a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such procedure, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element preceded by "comprises …a", "has …a", "includes …a", or "contains …a" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a procedure, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, comprises, or contains that element. Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, the term "a / an" is defined as one or more. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about", or any other version thereof are defined as close to what is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as differing by less than 10%, in another less than 5%, in yet another less than 1%, and in yet another less than 0.5%. As used in this article, the term "coupled" is defined as a connection, but not necessarily a direct connection, and not necessarily a mechanical connection.

[0048] An abstract of this disclosure is provided to allow readers to quickly understand the nature of this technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted on the premise that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the foregoing embodiments, it can be seen that various features are combined in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure. The method of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to make the claimed embodiments require more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention may exist in fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the embodiments, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

[0049] Unless explicitly stated in conventional means-plus-function terms (such as "means for" or "step for") in the claims of (multiple) patent applications), the final patent application claims in this patent application are not intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC § 112(f).

[0050] 100: System 105: Cosmetic Substances 106: Substrate or sheet 107: Microstructure 108: Array 110: Slender part 111: First Surface 112: Central pore 120: Main head body 121: First Surface 122: Second Surface 123: Rod 124: concave part 125: Central Part 126: Side view 127: Adjustment plate housing section 128: Channel 129: Sidewall 130: Application end 131: First Surface 132: Second Surface 133: Side view 134: Adjustment plate 135: Central Part 140: Volume 141: Spring 144, 145: Magnets 150, 151: Feedback Components 160: Feedback Features 161: Fixed Feedback Feature 200: System 220: Main head body 221: First Surface 222: Second Surface 223: pole 224: concave part 227: Adjustment plate housing section 229: Sidewall 240: Internal Parts 260: Highlighted section 261: Gap 262: Inner wall 263: Rod 264: Base 265: Contact Surface 300: System 310: Handheld part 340: Volume 400: Method 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440: Steps 700: Skin 702: Epidermis 704: Epidermis AA: Line BB: Line CC: Line d: depth D1, D2, D3: Diameter

Claims

1. A handheld device for applying a cosmetic substance to the skin, the handheld device comprising: an elongated portion grippable by a user; a main body including a biasing mechanism and operably coupled to the elongated portion, the main body further including a top side; and an application end disposed on the top side of the main body and further capable of supporting the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin, the handheld device further including a protrusion of the main body surrounding at least a portion of the application end, wherein the protrusion of the main body has a free end extending beyond the application end from the main body when no force is applied, the main body tapering from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter at the free end, and further wherein the protrusion of the main body is capable of tightening the skin when force is applied to the skin during delivery of the cosmetic substance.

2. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism of the main head is operable to limit the penetration of the cosmetic substance into one layer of the epidermis of the skin until a predetermined limiting force is applied to the application end.

3. The handheld device of claim 2, wherein the handheld device is capable of delivering the cosmetic substance to a depth of approximately 10 µm to 45 µm in the epidermis.

4. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the main head has a recess for receiving the applicator end and a rod that engages with a central aperture of one of the elongated portions.

5. The handheld device of claim 1 further includes a feedback indicator operable to provide an indication when a predetermined maximum force is applied to the application end.

6. The handheld device as requested in item 5, wherein the feedback indication includes at least one of a sound, a click, an audible click, or a resistance.

7. The handheld device of claim 6, wherein the resistance is caused by a stop device of the handheld device located between the main head and the elongated portion.

8. The handheld device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the predetermined maximum force refers to a force exceeding the predetermined maximum force that may cause damage to the skin and the tissue beneath the skin.

9. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic substance has a microcrystalline structure.

10. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the handheld device is capable of delivering the cosmetic substance by pressing the application end onto the skin with a first pressure greater than a minimum threshold pressure until a second pressure less than or equal to a predetermined maximum force is applied to the skin, wherein the handheld device is capable of being held by a user applying the pressure.

11. A method of delivering a cosmetic substance to skin, the method comprising: attaching a sheet containing the cosmetic substance to an application end of a handheld device, the handheld device comprising: an elongated portion capable of being gripped by a user; a main body including a biasing mechanism and operably coupled to the elongated portion, the main body further including a top side; and the application end configured to be disposed on the top side of the main body and further capable of supporting the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin; the handheld device further comprising a protrusion of the main body surrounding at least a portion of the application end, wherein the protrusion of the main body has a free end extending beyond the application end from the main body when no force is applied, the main body tapering from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter at the free end, and further wherein the protrusion of the main body is capable of tightening the skin when force is applied to the skin during delivery of the cosmetic substance; The main body of the handheld device is brought into contact with the skin; the elongated portion is moved toward the skin, such that the application end moves in a direction perpendicular to one of the epidermal layers of the skin; the movement of the elongated portion toward the skin is stopped in response to feedback; the movement of the elongated portion is reversed, such that the handheld device is removed from the skin; and the movement of the elongated portion toward and away from the skin is repeated.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising delivering the cosmetic substance at a single location on one of the skin.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the repetition of the movement of the elongated portion is determined by a user of the handheld device.

14. A kit for applying a cosmetic substance to the skin, the kit comprising: a handheld device for applying the cosmetic substance, the handheld device comprising: an elongated portion grippable by a user; a main body including a biasing mechanism and operably coupled to the elongated portion, the main body further including a top side; and an applicator end disposed on the top side of the main body and further capable of supporting the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin; and a sheet containing the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin, the handheld device further comprising a protrusion of the main body surrounding at least a portion of the applicator end, wherein the protrusion of the main body has a free end extending beyond the applicator end when no force is applied, the main body tapering from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter at the free end, and further wherein the protrusion of the main body is capable of tightening the skin when force is applied to the skin during delivery of the cosmetic substance.

15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the sheet comprises a microneedle composed of the cosmetic substance.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the handheld device is capable of inserting the microneedle into a layer of the skin when a pressure at or above a predetermined minimum pressure is applied to the application end of the handheld device.

17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the handheld device is capable of inserting the microneedle into the epidermis to a depth of approximately 30 µm to 50 µm.

18. The kit of claim 14, wherein the sheet comprises part of an array of sheets of the cosmetic substance.

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