U.S. patent application number 15/918441 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-12 for process and system for iontophoretic wrinkle reduction.
The applicant listed for this patent is University Medical Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Invention is credited to Darrick Carter, Raymond J. Francis, Josh Hoyt, Gregory Hunt, Jim Thorne, John Trengrove.
Application Number | 20180193637 15/918441 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44167938 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180193637 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Francis; Raymond J. ; et
al. |
July 12, 2018 |
PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR IONTOPHORETIC WRINKLE REDUCTION
Abstract
A method and related systems and apparatuses for wrinkle
reduction. The method includes the steps of positioning and
applying a patch to skin of a consumer and adhesively securing the
patch to the skin. A chemical composition on the patch includes
both active ingredients and adhesive. A pair of electrodes are
connected to a battery-driven, microprocessor-based controller. A
current is applied through the electrodes in the patch for a
selected time. The chemical composition in the patch is propelled
into the consumer through use of the current in order to relax the
skin or the consumer. The patch is removed and any residue of the
chemical composition is massaged into the skin.
Inventors: |
Francis; Raymond J.;
(Irvine, CA) ; Trengrove; John; (Irvine, CA)
; Hunt; Gregory; (Irvine, CA) ; Hoyt; Josh;
(Portland, OR) ; Thorne; Jim; (Portland, OR)
; Carter; Darrick; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
University Medical Pharmaceuticals Corporation |
Irvine |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44167938 |
Appl. No.: |
15/918441 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14298190 |
Jun 6, 2014 |
9913977 |
|
|
15918441 |
|
|
|
|
12970224 |
Dec 16, 2010 |
8747383 |
|
|
14298190 |
|
|
|
|
61288088 |
Dec 18, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/30 20130101; A61N
1/22 20130101; A61N 1/328 20130101; A45D 44/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/30 20060101
A61N001/30; A45D 44/22 20060101 A45D044/22 |
Claims
1. A wrinkle-reducing apparatus, comprising: a patch comprising a
hydrogel layer coupled with an adhesive layer; and a power supply
in communication with the hydrogel layer via an electrode, wherein
the power supply is configured to apply an iontophoretic current to
the hydrogel layer through the electrode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic
priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed
with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference
under 37 CFR 1.57.
[0002] This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/298,190, filed on Jun. 6, 2014, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/970,224, filed
Dec. 16, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,747,383, which claims priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/288,088, filed
Dec. 18, 2009, each are incorporated in their entireties herein by
reference and for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates and is directed to a process
or method of use and a system including a disposable patch to treat
wrinkles and fine lines with a chemical composition administered by
iontophoresis.
Prior Art
[0004] There are various known procedures and various known
chemical compositions for treating, reducing or preventing fine
lines or wrinkles of the facial skin. It is known that moisturizers
containing amino acids play a significant role in skin care by
increasing skin elasticity and smoothing the skin. In addition,
anti-aging active agents are known to change the skin condition by
smoothing and tightening.
[0005] Chemical compositions may be administered topically, such as
lotions, or administered through transdermal patches. Additionally,
chemical compositions may be administered by direct injection.
Chemical compositions presently available include those which
moisturize the outer skin or epidermis. Other compositions tend to
promote cell growth in the skin. Other treatments of wrinkles and
fine lines include botulinum toxin (marketed under the trademark
Botox.RTM.) which inhibits neurotransmission in nerve cells,
thereby causing contracted muscles to relax.
[0006] In order to increase the speed and effectiveness of delivery
of chemical compositions for treatment, it is known to utilize
sonic vibrations. For example, Fahim (U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,296)
discloses topical treatment of acne with zinc salt and ascorbic
acid in a pharmaceutical carrier which is applied with ultra sonic
vibrations.
[0007] Stephen et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,938) disclose a method
of treating acne using an applicator electrode having a solution
capable of producing hydroxyl ions. An applicator electrode is
placed against the skin and a voltage differential is applied to
produce and drive hydroxyl ions into the skin tissue.
[0008] Sun et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,479,133) discloses a device for
treating acne or rosacea by applying an electrical charge with two
conductive electrodes in communication with a carrier containing an
electrolyte.
[0009] More recently, the Durand patent publications (U.S. Patent
Application Publication Nos. 2009/0048556 and 2009/0149800)
disclose a drug delivery system including a pair of electrodes
coupled to drug reservoirs 24 controlled by a microprocessor 12.
The microprocessor may be programmed through a wireless signal
receiver.
[0010] Notwithstanding the forgoing, there remains a need for an
effective, simple, non-invasive and non-surgical process and system
utilizing a disposable patch for treating wrinkles and fine
lines.
[0011] There also remains a need for a process and system utilizing
a disposable patch for wrinkle reduction which may be manufactured
at low-cost and high volume.
[0012] There also remains a need for a process and system utilizing
a disposable patch for wrinkle reduction with precision timing of
delivery of active ingredients.
[0013] There also remains a need for an apparatus having an
adhesive disposable patch with a plurality of active ingredients, a
power supply, and a controller in communication with the power
supply controlling current using a ramping current profile.
SUMMARY
[0014] The present disclosure is directed to a process or method of
use and a system for wrinkle reduction.
[0015] The system includes a patch assembly applied and adhesively
secured to the skin of the consumer. Each patch assembly includes a
substantially planar top sheet and a substantially planar
substrate. Connectors or snaps pass through the top sheet and
substrate. On the substrate is a layer of a chemical composition
including active ingredients and an adhesive in order to adhere to
the skin.
[0016] The patch assembly or assemblies are connectable to a
detachable electronic locket assembly. The locket assembly may
include a housing to form an enclosure. Within the enclosure of the
housing is a battery which powers a microprocessor based controller
or printed circuit board (PCB). The controller is wired to a pair
of electrodes through wires to a wiring harness. The housing, the
battery and the controller are suspended from the wiring
harness.
[0017] In order to use the disclosed embodiments, the patch
assembly or assemblies are positioned and aligned on the skin so
that the chemical composition is in contact with and applied to the
skin. A pair of electrodes arc connected to the connectors or snaps
of the patch assembly.
[0018] A current is applied from the locket assembly through the
electrodes into the chemical composition of the patch assembly for
a selected time period. The active ingredients of the chemical
composition are propelled into the skin of the consumer in order to
relax the skin. After a selected period of time, the current is
stopped and the patch assembly is removed.
[0019] The patch assembly may then be disconnected from the locket
assembly. The patch assembly may thereafter be discarded and the
locket assembly may be reused.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment of
a process and system for iontophoretic wrinkle reduction in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates a prospective view and FIG. 2B is an
exploded view of patch assemblies of the first preferred embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 3A is a patch assembly of a second preferred embodiment
while FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the patch assembly shown in
FIG. 3A;
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an electronic locket
assembly utilized in connection with the present disclosure;
[0024] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show alternate views of the lock
assembly shown in FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 5D is a sectional view taken through section line D-D
of FIG. 5A;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic flow chart of the process or method
of application of the present disclosure; and
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic representation of delivery of
the electric current cycle during usage of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of
specific manners in which to make and use the disclosed embodiments
and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0029] While the disclosure has been described with a certain
degree of particularity, it is to be noted that many modifications
may be made in the details of the construction and the arrangement
of selected components without departing from the spirit and scope
of this disclosure. It is understood that the disclosure is not
limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes or
exemplification.
[0030] The present disclosure includes at least two preferred
embodiments--a first preferred embodiment utilized on the skin
surrounding the eyes of a consumer and a second preferred
embodiment utilized on the forehead and bridge of the nose of a
consumer.
[0031] Referring to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 is an
illustration of the first preferred embodiment 10 of the present
disclosure surrounding the eyes of a consumer. As will be described
herein in detail, a pair of patch assemblies 12 and 14 are applied
and adhesively secured to the skin of a consumer surrounding the
eyes.
[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the patch
assemblies 12 and 14 prior to use and FIG. 2B is an exploded view
of the patch assemblies 12 and 14 illustrating the components
thereof.
[0033] Each of the patch assemblies 12 and 14 may include a
substantially planar top sheet 16 and 18, respectively. The patch
assemblies 12 and 14 may also include a substantially planar
substrate 20 and 22, respectively.
[0034] The top sheet 16 and 18 and the substrates 20 and 22 each
have holes or apertures which are aligned in order to receive
conductive connectors or snaps 24 and 26 that pass therethrough.
Each of the connectors or snaps may be in two-part form. In one
non-limiting example, known type electro-mechanical connectors may
be utilized.
[0035] Adjacent and on the substrates 20 and 22 are layers of a
chemical composition, which may be in the nature of a hydrogel 28
and 30, respectively. The hydrogel 28 and 30 will contain active
ingredients of the chemical composition and may also include an
adhesive in order to adhere to the skin. The active ingredients may
include hyaluronic acid, stressed yeast cell lysate, yeast cell
derivative, and cross-linked synthetically derived protein. The
hyaluronic acid may be in the range of 0.1 to 15%.
[0036] The hydrogel 28 and 30 are in fluid communication with the
connections or snaps 24 and 26. Accordingly, current or voltage
delivered to the connectors or snaps is delivered to the hydrogel.
Alternatively or additionally, a conductor 21 (shown in FIGS. 3A-F
and 4A-4E), such as a conductive carbon ink, may be added to the
substrate layers 20, 22 to improve the conductivity of the
electrode assembly.
[0037] The patch assemblies 12 and 14 may be stored and transported
on a release liner sheet 32. The patch assemblies may be easily
peeled off or removed from the liner sheet. The entire assemblies
and the liner sheet 32 may be stored in a pouch 34.
[0038] A second preferred embodiment of the present disclosure to
be applied to the forehead and bridge of the nose is shown in
assembled form in FIG. 3A and is shown exploded in FIG. 3B.
[0039] The second preferred embodiment includes a patch assembly 42
shown fully assembled in FIG. 3A prior to use. The patch assembly
42 may include a substantially planar top sheet 44 and an aligned
substantially planar substrate 46. The top sheet 44 and substrate
46 each include aligned holes or apertures to receive a pair of
connectors or snaps 48 and 50.
[0040] The patch assembly includes a layer of chemical composition
in the hydrogel 52. The entire patch assembly 42 may be transported
and stored on a liner sheet 54. The patch assembly 42 and the liner
sheet may be stored in a pouch 56.
[0041] In a preferred arrangement, the patch assemblies are
disposable after use. In each embodiment, the patch assemblies are
connectable to an electronic locket assembly 60.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the electronic locket
assembly 60. FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show alternate views of the locket
assembly 60 with FIG. 5D illustrating a sectional view taken
through section line D-D of FIG. 5A. The locket assembly 60 may
include a front housing 62 which mates with a rear housing 64 to
form an enclosure. Attached to the housing may be an optional clasp
or clip 66. Within the enclosure of the housing is a battery 68
which powers a microprocessor based controller or printed circuit
board (PCB) 70. A contact or contacts 72 connect the battery 68 to
the controller 70.
[0043] The microprocessor based controller 70 is, in turn, wired to
a pair of electrodes 74 and 76 through wires or a wiring harness
78.
[0044] The housing 62 and 64, the battery 68 and controller 70 may
hang from or be suspended from the wiring harness 78.
[0045] The process and system of the present disclosure uses
iontophoresis as the motive force for transdermal delivery of a
defined amount of active ingredients.
[0046] In order to use the system of the present disclosure,
initially, the patch assembly or assemblies are removed from the
storage pouch and removed from the liner sheet and then positioned
and aligned on the skin so that the chemical composition is in
contact with and applied to the skin. The adhesive in the chemical
composition serves to removably secure the patch assembly to the
skin.
[0047] The pair of electrodes 74 and 76 are connected to the
connectors or snaps of the patch assembly either in advance of
application to the skin or after application. The process is
continued by electronically activating the patch assembly.
[0048] Thereafter, a current is applied from the locket assembly 60
through the electrodes 74 and 76 into the chemical composition of
the patch assembly for a selected time period. The active
ingredients of the chemical composition are propelled into the skin
of the consumer in order to relax the skin or achieve other
beneficial results. After a selected period of time, the current
optionally may be reversed once or at least twice, for example, as
illustrated in FIG. 7. Eventually, the current is stopped and the
patch assembly is removed from the skin. The patch assembly may be
disconnected from the locket assembly 60. The patch assembly may
thereafter be discarded.
[0049] As an additional step or measure, after the patch assembly
is removed, any residue of the chemical composition may be massaged
into the skin. The procedure may be periodically repeated.
[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagrammatic, flow chart of the process
or method of application of the current during the delivery cycle
of the disclosure. After start of the procedure, as shown in Box
82, the microprocessor based controller 70 will conduct a self
initialization test as shown in Box 84. The process can be started
conventionally by a button or switch or may be activated by a
change in resistance between the electrodes triggered by skin
contact.
[0051] If the initialization test does not result in an affirmative
outcome, a solid red LED or other indicator will be provided as
shown at Box 86 and the device will not be used. If the
initialization test is satisfactory, as shown in Diamond 88, proper
functioning will be indicated by a green LED as shown at Box
90.
[0052] Current to the device will be permitted to ramp up and a
timer will be started as shown at Box 92. While the current is
being delivered through the chemical composition and into the skin,
a blinking green LED will be employed, as shown at Box 94.
[0053] The polarity of the current will be cycled or alternated as
shown at Box 96. FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic representation of
the current cycle. The current will be ramped up and then held for
a predetermined time period. During the predetermined time period,
the power supply and/or the controller can be configured to apply
no current through the electrodes 74 and 76. Thereafter, the
current will be ramped down and the polarity changed.
[0054] Additionally, a mid-cycle self diagnostic test may be
performed by the controller as shown at box 98. If an error is
detected, a red LED will be displayed as shown at Box 100 and the
procedure will be terminated. If the diagnostic test is
satisfactory, as shown at Diamond 102, the procedure will be
continued until the time period is completed as shown at Diamond
104. When the time period has been completed, the green light
ceases to blink and remains on for a period of time to indicate the
end of the procedure as shown at Box 106.
[0055] Thereafter, the patch assembly is removed from the skin and
the locket assembly 60 is detached from the patch assembly. The
locket assembly may be reused.
[0056] If, at any time after the cycle has started, one of the
electrodes or patch assemblies falls off, an error condition is
signaled. If not reconnected within a reasonable time, the system
defaults to an off position.
[0057] Whereas, the present disclosure has been described in
relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood
that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or
suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this
disclosure.
* * * * *