Topical anesthetizing device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/US2025/017312
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-03
Smart Images
Figure US2025017312_03092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] PATENT HI208.134358 TOPICAL ANESTHETIZING DEVICE
[0002] BACKGROUND
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of anesthetizing devices, and more particularly to topical anesthetizing devices. Physical discomfort can be a major limiting factor in many common procedures performed in inpatient and ambulatory care settings, such as needle injections. Patients may dislike repeated needle injections for several reasons. Such injections can be discomforting, and the anticipation of such discomfort can cause anxiety. Needle phobia, or trypanophobia, is a common condition, and for those with this fear, the thought of repeated injections can be particularly distressing.
[0004] Topical anesthetization refers to the process of applying a local anesthetic directly to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes to temporarily numb the area. This method is used to relieve discomfort and itching or to prevent discomfort during minor medical procedures. Topical anesthetics known in the art come in various forms, such as creams, gels, sprays, and ointments, and are commonly used for conditions like sunburn, insect bites, minor cuts, and certain medical procedures.
[0005] However, creams, gels, sprays, and ointments can easily transfer to unwanted surfaces when not properly absorbed and / or may have undesired aromatic effects. Consumers would benefit from topical anesthetization solutions that do not easily transfer to unwanted surfaces or have undesired aromatic effects.
[0006] SUMMARY
[0007] In one general aspect, a topical anesthetizing device is disclosed. The topical anesthetizing device includes a housing and numbing element. The numbing element is partially positioned within the housing and configured to be chilled to a predetermined temperature below room temperature. When chilled, the numbing element is configured to be topically applied to the epithelial surface of a mammal to thereby topically anesthetize the epithelial surface.
[0008] {9794736: } Page 1 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The numbing element can be selectively coupled to the housing in a manner such that the topical anesthetizing device has a coupled state and a decoupled state. The housing may include a magnet that can selectively secure the numbing element to the housing. In the coupled state, the magnet can be positioned proximate to and selectively coupled to the numbing element to thereby allow the numbing element to be positioned proximate to the housing. In the decoupled state, the magnet is decoupled from the numbing element, which is positioned distal to housing. The numbing element may include a polymer, metal, powder coating, or two or more thereof.
[0009] Topical anesthetizing device may include a release button that can selectively transition between a first orientation and second orientation. The release button can selectively and slidably traverse the housing. When the release button is in the first orientation, the topical anesthetizing device is in the coupled state and the release button does not disrupt coupling of the magnet to the numbing element. When the release butting is in the second orientation, the topical anesthetizing device is in the decoupled state and the release button disrupts coupling of the magnet to the numbing element. The numbing element may include a hollow structure that can include a liquid filing (e.g., water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, a silica coated with a vinyl, or a combination of two or more thereof).
[0010] The numbing element may include an access port that is externally accessible. The access port is flu idically coupled to the hollow structure. The liquid filling can be provided to the hollow structure via the access port. The housing may include a hollow structure that can include a liquid filing (water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, a silica coated with a vinyl, or a combination of two or more thereof). The housing may include an access port that is externally accessible and fluidically coupled to the hollow structure. The liquid filling can be provided to the hollow structure via the access port. The numbing element can include a polygonal structure.
[0011] {9794736: } Page 2 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 The instant disclosure also includes methods to topically anesthetize an epithelial surface of a mammal. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. An example of the method can include providing the topical anesthetizing device and chilling the numbing element to the predetermined temperature; and when chilled, applying the numbing element to the epithelial surface of the mammal for the predetermined time period to thereby topically anesthetize the epithelial surface. In some aspects, chilling the numbing element may include positioning the numbing element and / or housing in a freezer for at least 5-30 minutes (or other predetermined time period). Here, the freezer may have a temperature of up to about -18 C°. In other aspects, the method may include adding a liquid filling to the housing via an access port. Here, the housing may include the access port, and a hollow structure positioned therein in a manner in which the access port is fluidically coupled to the hollow structure. The liquid filling may include water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, a silica coated with a vinyl, or a combination of two or more thereof. The method may include adding a second liquid filling to the numbing element via a second access port of the numbing element, which may a second hollow structure positioned therein where the second access port is fluidically coupled to the second hollow structure. The second liquid filling may include water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, a silica coated with a vinyl, or a combination of two or more thereof. The method may include applying a force to a release button of the housing to thereby cause the release button to selectively dislodge the numbing element from a magnet that is coupled to the housing. The magnet can selectively secure the numbing element to the housing. The release button can selectively traverse the housing when the force is applied. The numbing element may include a polygonal structure.
[0012] Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware and / or a method.
[0013] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
[0014] {9794736: } Page 3 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background.
[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by the accompanying figures for which like references indicate like elements.
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a topical anesthetizing device in a docked state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the topical anesthetizing device of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of the topical anesthetizing device of FIG. 1, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 4A depicts a section view (View A) of the topical anesthetizing device of FIG. 1, in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 4B depicts the section view of the topical anesthetizing device of FIG. 1 with a hollow structure, in accordance with yet still other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 5 depicts the section view of the topical anesthetizing device of FIG. 1 in the docked state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 6 depicts a section view of the topical anesthetizing device of FIG. 1 in an undocked state , in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart depicting operational steps of a method to topically anesthetize an epithelial surface of a mammal, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best {9794736: } Page 4 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0027] Certain terminology may be employed in the following description for convenience rather than for any limiting purpose. For example, the terms “forward” and “rearward,” “front” and “rear,” “right” and “left,” “upper” and “lower,” and “top” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made, with the terms “inward,” “inner,” “interior,” or “inboard” and “outward,” “outer,” “exterior,” or “outboard” referring, respectively, to directions toward and away from the center of the referenced element, the terms “radial” or “horizontal” and “axial” or “vertical” referring, respectively, to directions or planes which are perpendicular, in the case of radial or horizontal, or parallel, in the case of axial or vertical, to the longitudinal central axis of the referenced element, and the terms “downstream” and “upstream” referring, respectively, to directions in and opposite that of fluid flow. Terminology of similar import other than the words specifically mentioned above likewise is to be considered as being used for purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense.
[0028] In the figures, elements having an alphanumeric designation may be referenced herein collectively or in the alternative, as will be apparent from context, by the numeric portion of the designation only. Further, the constituent parts of various elements in the figures may be designated with separate reference numerals which shall be understood to refer to that constituent part of the element and not the element as a whole. General references, along with references to spaces, surfaces, dimensions, and extents, may be designated with arrows. Angles may be designated as “included” as measured relative to surfaces or axes of an element and as defining a space bounded internally within such element therebetween, or otherwise without such designation as being measured relative to surfaces or axes of an element and as defining a space bounded externally by or outside of such element therebetween. Generally, the measures of the angles stated are as determined relative to a common axis, which axis may be transposed in the figures for purposes of convenience in projecting the vertex of an angle defined between the axis and a surface which
[0029] {9794736: } Page 5 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 otherwise does not extend to the axis. The term “axis” may refer to a line or to a transverse plane through such line as will be apparent from context.
[0030] Physical discomfort can be a major limiting factor in many common procedures performed in inpatient and ambulatory care settings, such as needle injections.
[0031] Patients may dislike repeated needle injections for several reasons. Such injections can be discomforting, and the anticipation of such discomfort can cause anxiety.
[0032] Needle phobia, or trypanophobia, is a common condition, and for those with this fear, the thought of repeated injections can be particularly distressing.
[0033] Topical anesthetization refers to the process of applying a local anesthetic directly to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes to temporarily numb the area. This method is used to relieve discomfort and itching or to prevent discomfort during minor medical procedures. Topical anesthetics known in the art come in various forms, such as creams, gels, sprays, and ointments, and are commonly used for conditions like sunburn, insect bites, minor cuts, and certain medical procedures.
[0034] However, creams, gels, sprays, and ointments can easily transfer to unwanted surfaces when not properly absorbed and / or may have undesired aromatic effects.
[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the Figures. FIGS. 1-4A depict side, top, and bottom views of a topical anesthetizing device, generally designated 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Topical anesthetizing device 100 preferably includes a housing 110 and numbing element 120, which is partially positioned within the housing 110. Numbing element 120 is configured to be chilled to a predetermined temperature below room temperature and topically applied to the epithelial surface of a mammal to topically anesthetize the epithelial surface.
[0036] Housing 110 and / or numbing element 120 can fabricated using one or more metals, alloys, and / or polymeric materials. Housing 110 and / or numbing element 120 can be fabricated using one or more techniques known in the art including, but not limited to, molding, casting, additive manufacturing, forging, cold stamping, welding, metal cutting, heat transfer, and assembly. Housing 110 and / or numbing element 120 can have any geometric and / or polygonal structure. For example, numbing element 120 can be a metallic structure having a powder coating. In general, the topical {9794736: } Page 6 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 anesthetizing device 100 has an overall shape that allows the device to be grasped and manipulated using one or more hands.
[0037] FIG. 4B depicts a section view (View A) of the topical anesthetizing device 100 having a hollow structure, in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure. Such a hollow structure can be selectively filled with a liquid filling that can be chilled and / or frozen. To be sure, housing 110 and / or numbing element 120 can include a hollow structure.
[0038] For example, housing 110 can include hollow structure 410 positioned therein that stores a liquid filling 411. Liquid filling 411 can include water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, silica coated with vinyl, or a combination of two or more thereof. Here, liquid filling 411 can be provided to hollow structure 411 via access port 415. Access port 415 is preferably externally positioned on and traverses housing 110 in a manner to be fluidically coupled to hollow structure 410. Access port 415 can be selectively accessible.
[0039] Similarly, numbing element 120 can include hollow structure 420 positioned therein that stores a liquid filling 421. Liquid filling 421 can include water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, silica coated with vinyl, or a combination of two or more thereof. Here, liquid filling 421 can be provided to hollow structure 420 via access port 425. Access port 425 is preferably externally positioned on and traverses numbing element 120 in a manner to be fluidically coupled to hollow structure 420. Access port 425 can be selectively accessible.
[0040] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6. In certain embodiments, housing 110 and numbing element 120 can be selectively coupled together, thereby allowing either component to be manipulated independent of the other. Here, FIGS. 5 and 6 depict topical anesthetizing device 100 in coupled state 530 and decoupled state 630, respectively. For example, housing 110 can include magnet 520 that selectively secures numbing element 120 to housing 110. Here, numbing element 120 at least partially contains a metal and / or alloy. When topical anesthetizing device 100 is in coupled state 530, magnet 520 is preferably positioned proximate to and selectively coupled to numbing element 120, which allows numbing element 120 to be selectively
[0041] {9794736: } Page 7 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 positioned proximate to housing 110 (e.g., be selectively positioned within recess 610).
[0042] In decoupled state 630, magnet 520 is decoupled from numbing element 120, which can now be positioned distal to housing 110. Topical anesthetizing device 100 can be manually or mechanically transitioned from coupled state 530 to decoupled state 630. For example, housing 110 can include recess 610 that selectively receives numbing element 120. In the coupled state, numbing element 120 is positioned in recess 610 and thereby is positioned proximate to housing 110. In the decoupled state, numbing element 120 is not positioned in recess 610 and thereby is positioned distal to housing 110. Alternatively, recess 610 can be positioned in numbing element 120 to receive housing 110.
[0043] Housing 110 can include release button 510 that not only selectively and slidably traverses housing 110, but also is functionally coupled to recess 610. Release button 510 is configured to have a first orientation 540 and second orientation 640. In some embodiments, release button 510 selectively transitions between first orientation 540 and second orientation 640 when a force is applied thereto. For example, when force 550 is applied to lateral axis 620 of release button 510 towards numbing element 120, release button 510 transitions from first orientation 540 to second orientation 640.
[0044] Here, when release button 510 is in first orientation 540, release button 510 is not positioned in (i.e., exposed to) recess 610, which thereby allows recess 610 to receive numbing element 120 which then selectively couples to magnet 520 and causes topical anesthetizing device 100 to be oriented in (transition to) coupled state 530. In other words, release button 510 does not disrupt the coupling of magnet 520 to numbing element 120 when in first orientation 540. When release button 510 is in second orientation 640, release button 510 is positioned in (i.e., exposed to) recess 610 in a manner that disrupts the coupling of magnet 520 to numbing element 120, which allows numbing element 120 to be removed from recess 610 and thereby cause topical anesthetizing device 100 to transition from coupled state 530 to decoupled state 630.
[0045] {9794736: } Page 8 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 Although release button 510 preferably slidably traverses housing 110 as it transitions between first orientation 540 and second orientation 640, other embodiments can utilize alternative mechanical solutions.
[0046] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart depicting operational steps of a method for topically anesthetizing an epithelial surface of a mammal, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. At Step 710, topical anesthetizing device 100 is provided. At Step 720, numbing element 120 is chilled to a predetermined temperature value below room temperature. As used herein, room temperature refers to the range of temperatures that are comfortable for humans indoors and generally falls between about 68°F (20°C) and 72°F (22°C). This range can vary slightly depending on personal preference and regional standards. As used herein, “about” refers to + / - 3-5 degrees.
[0047] To accomplish Step 720, numbing element 120 and / or housing 110 can be placed in a freezer for at least 5-30 minutes (Step 730). For example, water freezes at about 32°F (0°C) under standard atmospheric pressure. The freezer can be set to a predetermined temperature of at most about -18C°. Alternatively, the predetermined temperature can any temperature that effectively chills numbing element 120 in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein.
[0048] At Step 740, when chilled, numbing element 120 can be applied to an epithelial surface of a mammal (e.g., epithelial surface 405) for a predetermined time period to thereby topically anesthetize the epithelial surface. The method can further include Steps 750 and / or 760. At Step 750, liquid filling 411 can be added to housing 110 via access port 415 attached thereto. Access port 415 is preferably fluidically coupled to hollow structure 410, and liquid filling 411 can include water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, silica coated with vinyl, or a combination of two or more thereof.
[0049] At Step 760, liquid filling 421 can be added to numbing element 120 via access port 425 attached thereto. Access port 425 is preferably fluidically coupled to hollow structure 420, and liquid filling 421 can include water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, silica coated with vinyl, or a combination of two or more thereof. At Step 770, force 550 is applied to release button 510 to thereby {9794736: } Page 9 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 cause the component to selectively dislodge numbing element 120 from magnet 520, which is coupled to housing 110. For example, when force 550 is applied to release button 510 along its longitudinal axis 620, release button 510 selectively traverses housing 110 and selectively dislodge numbing element 120 from magnet 520. Magnet 520 is positioned in a manner to selectively secure numbing element 120 to housing 110.
[0050] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
[0051] {9794736: } Page 10 of 15
Claims
PATENT HI208.134358 CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A topical anesthetizing device, comprising:a housing;a numbing element;whereinthe numbing elementis partially positioned within the housing;is configured to be chilled to a predetermined temperature below room temperature; andwhen chilled, is configured to be topically applied to an epithelial surface of a mammal to thereby topically anesthetize the epithelial surface.
2. The topical anesthetizing device of claim 1 , whereinthe numbing element is selectively coupled to the housing in a manner such that the topical anesthetizing device comprises a coupled state and a decoupled state.
3. The topical anesthetizing device of claim 2, whereinthe housing comprises a magnet;the magnet selectively secures the numbing element to the housing;in the coupled statethe magnet is positioned proximate to and selectively coupled to the numbing element;the numbing element is positioned proximate to the housing; in the decoupled statethe magnet is decoupled from the numbing element; andthe numbing element is positioned distal to housing.
4. The topical anesthetizing device of claim 3, whereinthe numbing element comprises one or more of{9794736: } Page 11 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 a polymer;a metal; anda powder coating.
5. The topical anesthetizing device of claim 2, whereinthe numbing element comprises a hollow structure;the hollow structure comprises a liquid filing; andthe liquid filling comprises one or more of water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, and a silica coated with a vinyl.
6. The topical anesthetizing device of claim 2, whereinthe housing comprises a hollow structure;the hollow structure comprises a liquid filing; andthe liquid filling comprises one or more of water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, and a silica coated with a vinyl.
7. The topical anesthetizing device of claim 5, whereinthe numbing element comprises an access port, the access port is externally accessible;the access port is fluidically coupled to the hollow structure; andthe liquid filling is provided to the hollow structure via the access port.
8. The topical anesthetizing device of claim 6, whereinthe housing comprises an access port, the access port is externally accessible; the access port is fluidically coupled to the hollow structure; andthe liquid filling is provided to the hollow structure via the access port.
9. The topical anesthetizing device of claim 3, further comprising:a release button that selectively transitions between a first orientation and a second orientation;wherein{9794736: } Page 12 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 the release button selectively and slidably traverses the housing;in the first orientationthe topical anesthetizing device is in the coupled state;the release button does not disrupt coupling of the magnet to the numbing element;in the second orientationthe topical anesthetizing device is in the decoupled state; and the release button disrupts coupling of the magnet to the numbing element.
10. A method for topically anesthetizing an epithelial surface of a mammal, comprising:providing the topical anesthetizing device of claim 1 ;chilling the numbing element to the predetermined temperature; andwhen chilled, applying the numbing element to the epithelial surface of the mammal for the predetermined time period to thereby topically anesthetize the epithelial surface.
11. The method of claim 10, whereinchilling the numbing element comprises positioning one or more of the numbing element and the housing in a freezer for at least 5-30 minutes; andthe freezer comprises a temperature of at most about -18 °C.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:adding a liquid filling to the housing via an access port, wherein the housing comprises the access port and a hollow structure positioned therein, wherein the access port is fluidically coupled to the hollow structure, and wherein the liquid filling comprises one or more of water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, and a silica coated with a vinyl.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:{9794736: } Page 13 of 15PATENT HI208.134358 adding a liquid filling to the numbing element via an access port, wherein the numbing element comprises the access port and a hollow structure positioned therein, wherein the access port is fluidical ly coupled to the hollow structure, and wherein the liquid filling comprises one or more of water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, a polymer, a glycol, glycerin, and a silica coated with a vinyl.
14. The method of claim 10, further comprising:applying a force to a release button to thereby cause the release button to selectively dislodge the numbing element from a magnet, wherein the magnet is coupled to the housing, wherein the magnet selectively secures the numbing element to the housing, and wherein the release button selectively traverses the housing when the force is applied.
15. The topical anesthetizing device of claim 1, wherein the numbing element comprises a polygonal structure.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the numbing element comprises a polygonal structure.{9794736: } Page 14 of 15