as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2003/0093089 Al
`
` Greenberg (43) Pub. Date: May15, 2003
`
`
`US 20030093089A1
`
`(54) APPARATUS FOR VARIABLE MICRO
`ABRASION OF HUMANTISSUE AND/OR
`HIDES USING DIFFERENT SIZE AND TYPES
`OF ABRASIVE PARTICLES
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Ronald Allan Greenberg, Woodforde
`(AU)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`PAUL D. GREELEY, ESQ.
`OHLANDT, GREELEY, RUGGIERO &
`PERLE,L.L.P.
`ONE LANDMARK SQUARE,10th FLOOR
`STAMFORD, CT 06901-2682 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/323,544
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 19, 2002
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(62) Division of application No. 10/110,650,filed on Aug.
`12, 2002,filed as 371 of international application No.
`PCT/AU00/01290,filed on Oct. 20, 2000.
`
` 1
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Oct. 20, 1999
`Fun. 1, 2000
`
`(AU) ssosssntntnsnsesnsnnnseieie PQ 3578
`(AU) secessssssscsesentnsesnnte PQ 7874
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(SL) Ute C07 casccccssssssssstenssnssssssttntsnsstn A61B 17/50
`(52) US. Ch.
`cecesssssssssssstsnsssnstnstvatnesstssvesse 606/131
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Amicroabrasion apparatus for providing treatment of skin or
`other surfaces whereby a pneumatic source [(12, 38)] is
`operatively connected to a recovery container [(14, 22)] and
`to a hand tool [(16, 12)] and to one of a plurality of supply
`containers [(18, 26)] that house treatment particulates. A
`valve [(30)] controls which supply container [(18, 26)]
`provides the treatment particles. In operation, the user can
`select from different supply containers and thus different
`particles each of which performsdifferent types of treatment
`such as abrasion. In addition, there is provided the use of a
`microabrasion apparatus using organic particulates that pro-
`vide natural treatment of skin.
`
`Sinclair Pharmaetal.
`EUNSUNG-1006
`
`Sinclair Pharma et al.
`EUNSUNG-1006
`
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`APPARATUS FOR VARIABLE MICRO ABRASION
`OF HUMAN TISSUE AND/OR HIDES USING
`DIFFERENT SIZE AND TYPES OF ABRASIVE
`PARTICLES
`
`[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S.
`application Ser. No. 10/110,650 filed on Apr. 16, 2002.
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and
`method for variable micro-abrasion using abrasive particles
`of different sizes and/or type.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Apparatus for making micro-abrasions, particu-
`larly for cosmetic, medical or therapeutic treatment of
`human tissue such as the removal of scars and other skin
`blemishes are known. In addition, these apparatus may be
`used to treat hide or other similar type of materials, which
`require fine abrasion to removeparticular attributes. Typi-
`cally these apparatus are used to remove scars and other
`blemishes by removing surface skin layers by the use of
`abrasive particles or particles.
`
`[0004] The particles are generally driven by a pneumatic
`source, such as a vacuum source. Such an apparatus includes
`a vacuum pump connected in series by tubes to a recovery
`container, a handle and a supply container housing abrasive
`particles. The handle includes an aperture which when
`positioned on a surface to be treated prevents any external
`air for entering the tubes and causes the vacuum pump to
`draw particles from the supply container through the handle
`and into the recovery container. Whilst passing through the
`handle the particles (or particles) impinge on the surface
`causing an abrasive action. The particles are then sucked
`into the recovery container where filters ensure that the
`particles remain in the recovery container.
`
`[0005] The flow of particles depends on the flow of air
`through the apparatus. Initially air is drawn into the appa-
`ratus through the aperture. When the aperture is positioned
`against a surface to be treated then the handle becomes
`effectively sealed and air is evacuated from the apparatus
`leading to a reduction in air pressure. As more and moreair
`is evacuated, the particle flow slows down and may even-
`tually stop requiring the handle to be detached from the
`surface to allow atmospheric air to flow back into the
`apparatus. Not only doesthis lead to loss of treatment time
`but also the apparatus can, even when the aperture is just
`placed on the surface, frequently become blocked. Various
`systems to overcome these problems have been proposed,
`such as a burst of pressurised air to clear the blockages.
`These systems are not only more complex but cause the
`particles to spray outwards contaminating the surrounding
`area. Not only is this a nuisance, but also the fine sand-like
`particles may constitute a safety hazard.
`
`[0006] To overcomethis problem,patent application PCT/
`AU98/00936, by the present applicant proposed an appara-
`tus that minimised blockage of the apparatus by using the
`exhaust port of the vacuum pumpto provide a pressurised
`airflow into the supply container in addition to the suction
`form the vacuum pump. In that same application, the appli-
`cant also proposed an improved hand tool and supply
`container which substantially overcame these problems.
`
`[0007] However, in some application it may be desirable
`to provide an apparatus that not only provides for the
`
`controlled fine micro-abrasion but one where the abrasion
`needsto be very intense or strong. This may be required, for
`example, in medical applications where it may be desirable
`to remove almostall of the skin layers down to the muscle
`and fat tissue.
`
`To achieve dermabrasion the particles must posses
`[0008]
`a certain level of abrasiveness. Commonly used in the
`industry are aluminium oxide particles whose microscopic
`shape includes sharp points and edges that provide good
`abrasion against the skin.
`
`[0009] However, for some time, there has been growing
`concern overthe treatment of human bodies with substances
`
`that are thought to be associated with various degenerative
`diseases. Included in this group is the use of aluminium
`oxide as a dermabrasion particulate. Recently aluminium
`has been identified as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s
`disease and a numberof people have been concerned with its
`use, howeverslight.
`
`[0010] The use of such abrasive particles can also leave
`the skin dry and does not provide the exposed skin with any
`nourishmentor a protective layer.
`
`It may therefore be desirable to provide for micro-
`[0011]
`abrasion using particles that not only abrade the skin but also
`treat it at the same time by imparting essential oils, fra-
`grances and other substances.
`
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to
`[0012]
`provide a micro-abrasion apparatus that provides a hitherto
`unknown range of micro-abrasion intensity and treatment.
`This is achieved by providing a micro-abrasion apparatus
`that may use a plurality of containers, each container having
`different size and/or types of particles, or by an apparatus
`with at least one container, where said particles used are
`ones that whentreating the skin impart essentialoils, fra-
`grances or other substances to the skin.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0013] Therefore in one form of the invention there is
`proposed an apparatus for providing treatment of a surface
`such as skin including:
`[0014]
`a pneumatic source operatively connected to a
`recovery container and to a handtool;
`[0015]
`a plurality of supply containers including par-
`ticulates;
`
`a valve selectively connecting said pneumatic
`[0016]
`source,
`recovery container and hand tool
`to a
`selected one of said supply containers;
`[0017] whereby in operation said pneumatic source
`provides for an air flow through the recovery con-
`tainer, hand tool and the selected supply container in
`communication with same, drawing said. particles
`from the supply container through the hand tool and
`into the recovery container, said handtool positioned
`on a surface to be treated and including an aperture
`so located that particles passing through said hand
`tool are caused to impinge on the surface thereby
`treating it.
`I preference the apparatus includes a plurality of
`[0018]
`recovery containers whereby each supply container has a
`corresponding unique recovery container that it is in com-
`munication with.
`
`8
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`May 15, 2003
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`[0019] Preferably the apparatus includes a plurality of
`hand tools each hand tool being associated with a unique
`supply container.
`
`[0020] Preferably each supply container contains different
`particles.
`
`[0021] Thus one can see that the apparatus provides for
`different supply container providing different particles and
`where there may be one or more recovery containers that
`recover those particles for subsequent disposal.
`
`[0022] Preferably at least one supply container includes
`aluminium oxide particles and at least one other supply
`container includes aluminium oxide particles whose size is
`on the average greater than those in the other.
`
`least one said supply container
`[0023] Preferably at
`includes organic type particles.
`
`[0024] Preferably said organic type particles are made
`from ground up nut shells chosen from the selection includ-
`ing but not limited to walnut, hazelnut, brazil and almond
`nut shells or a mixture thereof.
`
`[0025] Preferably said organic type particles are made
`from ground up stone fruit kernels chosen from the selection
`but not
`limited to peach, apricot, nectarine, peacherine,
`plum,cherry stones or a mixture thereof.
`
`[0026]
`pump.
`
`In preference the pneumatic source is a vacuum
`
`In preference the vacuum pumpincludesa regula-
`[0027]
`tor so as to control the air pressure within the apparatus.
`
`[0028] Preferably said apparatus further includes a second
`pneumatic source selectively and operatively connected to
`another supply container.
`
`[0029] Preferably said second pneumatic source is a com-
`pressor.
`
`[0030] Preferably said compressor can variably control the
`air pressure fed into the supply container.
`
`In preference there are at least three supply con-
`[0031]
`tainers each including different particles to assist in treat-
`mentof the skin.
`
`In preference at least some of said particles are
`[0032]
`coated with fragrant materials.
`
`In preference at least some of said particles are
`[0033]
`coated with a colour.
`
`Ina further form of the invention there is proposed
`[0034]
`an apparatus for providing treatment of a surface including:
`
`a pneumatic source operatively connected to a
`[0035]
`recovery container, to a hand tool, and to a supply
`container said supply container housing organic par-
`ticulates;
`
`[0036] whereby in operation said pneumatic source
`provides for an air flow through the recovery con-
`tainer, hand tool and the supply container in com-
`munication with same, drawing said organic par-
`ticles from the supply container through the hand
`tool and into the recovery container, the hand tool
`being positioned on a surface to be treated and
`including an aperture so located that particles pass-
`ing through said hand tool are caused to impinge on
`the surface thereby treating it.
`
`[0037] Preferably said organic particles include a surface
`film pat of which remains in the surface being treated.
`
`In a further aspect of the invention there is pro-
`[0038]
`posed a method of treatment of human skin including
`directing an airflow including organic particles onto the skin
`to be treated.
`
`In a still further aspect of the invention there is
`[0039]
`proposed a method of treating human skin including:
`
`using an air flow to carry particles through a
`[0040]
`handtool, said hand tool including an aperture which
`is so located that upon placement on the skin the
`particles are caused to impinge on it and wherein
`said particles are organic type particles.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are incorpo-
`rated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate
`several implementations of the invention and, together with
`the description, serve to explain the advantages and prin-
`ciples of the invention. In the drawings,
`
`[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a microabrasion
`apparatus with two different particles that can be used
`including two supply and recovery assemblies and two
`pneumatic sources;
`
`[0043] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the micro-
`abrasion apparatus of FIG. 1;
`
`[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a micro-
`abrasion apparatus having tow different supply and recovery
`assemblies but using only one pneumatic source;
`
`[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a micro-
`abrasion apparatus having two different particles but only
`one recovery container;
`
`[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a three
`supply containers having different particles with only one
`recovery container, and
`
`[0047] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a micro-
`abrasion apparatus using only one particle type such as
`organic particles with only one pneumatic source.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0048] The following detailed description of the invention
`refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the descrip-
`tion includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments
`are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments
`described without departing from the spirit and scope of the
`invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers
`will be used throughout the drawings and the following
`description to refer to the same andlike parts.
`
`[0049] Turning now to the figures in detail, and specifi-
`cally FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an apparatus 10 for
`making abrasions including a vacuum pump 12 operatively
`connected in series to either a first assembly including a
`recovery container 14, a handle 16 and a supply container 18
`by tubes 20, or operatively connected to a second assembly
`including a recovery container 22, a handle 24 and a supply
`container 26 by tubes 28.
`
`[0050] Switch 30 controls a solenoid that switches the
`vacuum pump from operatively being connected either to
`the first or second assembly. The vacuum pumpis operable
`9
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`by an electric switch and draws air through inlet 34 and
`exhaust’s it through outlet 36.
`[0051] Second assembly supply container 26 is provided
`with particles that are of a different type, for example bigger
`(heavier), than those found in supply container 18. If the
`particles are heavier then they of a size so that the same
`density of particles provides a greater abrasive result.
`Because the particles are substantially heavier and to pro-
`vide for a more instant particle flow it is preferably for the
`second assembly to include a second pneumatic source.
`Accordingly a compressor 38 is operatively connectedto the
`supply container 26 or to the container that may house the
`heavier particles.
`[0052]
`In operation, the vacuum pump drawsair through
`either one of the assemblies and the corresponding recovery
`container and handle. The handle includes an aperture 40,
`which is positioned against the surface to be treated, and
`which then causesair and thusparticles to be drawn from the
`corresponding recovery container. The stream of particles
`then impinges on the surface against which the aperture is
`positioned causing micro-abrasions and is subsequently
`drawninto the recovery container together with any abraded
`surface debris.
`
`[0053] When a low-level of micro-abrasion is required the
`switch 30 is operated so that
`the solenoid operatively
`connects the vacuum pumpin series with the first assembly
`that in this example houseslighter abrasiveparticles. In such
`a configuration the vacuum pump provides suction through
`the recovery container 14, handle 16 and supply container
`18. The supply container 18 includes an inlet 39 connected
`to a regulator 42 having an inlet 44 the regulator controlling
`the amount of air entering the supply container. The air
`entering the supply container aerates the particles, with the
`magnitude of air flow providing control over the flux or
`density of particles drawn though the apparatus. For further
`details of this operation the reader is referred to the appli-
`cants patent specification referred to above.
`[0054]
`In use wherea different level or type of microabra-
`sion is required, switch 30 operates the solenoid to opera-
`tively connect the vacuum pump 12 in series with the second
`assembly. The supply container 26 of the second assembly
`as with the first assembly also includes an inlet 40 connected
`to regulator 42 with an inlet 44. However, unlike the
`regulator used in the first assembly, the inlet 44 is opera-
`tively connected to the compressor 38. Advantageously,
`when the switch 30 operatively connects the vacuum pump
`with the second assembly, control switch 46, usually a foot
`control switch, controls the compressor 38 to provide pres-
`sure to the supply container 26. The foot switch may be a
`variable switch that variably controls the speed and thus the
`pressure provided by the compressor.
`[0055] An isolation switch 48 can isolate the operation of
`(or power to) the compressor from switch 46. Similarly
`isolation switch 32 controls the first pneumatic source or the
`vacuum pump.
`
`[0056] Thus, if one wants to use the second assembly to
`provide for micro abrasions using heavier particles stored in
`the recovery container 26 using handle 24 without the extra
`air flow provided by the compressor, one can turn off switch
`48. But, to assist in the flow of different or heavierparticles
`and provide a greater degree of micro-abrasion,is it advan-
`tageous to use the compressor to provide the greater flow
`rate and particle density.
`
`[0057] The vacuum pump includes a suction regulator 50
`that controls the suction provided to the apparatus by the
`vacuum pump 12. A vacuum gauge 52 advantageously
`provides an indicator of the vacuum within the apparatus,
`the vacuum gauge being isolated by the use of valve 54.
`
`[0058] Filters 56 ensure that the particle flowing from the
`supply container, through the handle and into the recovery
`container to not enter the vacuum pumpand cause potential
`damage. The recovery containers may also includefilter 58
`that prevent any particles form passing into the vacuum
`pump.
`
`In use, after the vacuum pump 12 has beenacti-
`[0059]
`vated, the operator chooses whether they wantto usethe first
`assembly or second assembly by operating switch 30. The
`appropriate hand tool
`is then used with its aperture 40
`positioned against a surface to be treated. Air is then drawn
`or sucked through the appropriate recovery container, handle
`and the supply container, the amountof suction regulated by
`regulator 50.
`
`[0060] Regulator 42 that assists in providing aeration of
`the particles and as discussed in the applicant’s. earlier
`application can control the particle flux or density.
`
`[0061] When the second assembly is selected by use of
`switch 30, the foot pumpis activated that allows the operator
`to provide pressurised air to the supply container 26, which
`can also be controlled by regulator 42. It is however to be
`understood that the regulators are not essential to the work-
`ing of the invention and the compressor may simply be
`turned off and on by the use of the foot switch. However, to
`provide for fine adjustmentof the particle flux or density it
`is advantageous to have the regulators present.
`
`To allow access to the abrasiveparticles, the supply
`[0062]
`and recovery container may include quick-release lids 60
`allowing access into the containers. To also assist in mount-
`ing the container to the apparatus,
`the recovery and the
`supply container may include projections 62 adapted to
`engage holding bores 64 on the apparatus.
`
`[0063] Timer 66 can assist the operator in keeping a track
`of time that the machine has been used for. Although not
`shown,
`the times could be electrically connected to the
`pneumatic sources so that the apparatus turns off after a
`pre-determined amountof time.
`
`the present dual bottle
`[0064] Thus one can see that
`apparatus provides for a hitherto unknown range of micro-
`abrasion properties by providing for different size particles
`that provide different degrees of micro-abrasions.
`
`[0065] Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown an appa-
`ratus that incudes two assemblies, that is two supply and
`recovery container, but only one pneumatic source. In this
`embodiment, there are two valves 70 and 72 that are adapted
`to operate in tandem andthat control the coupling of the
`pneumatic source with the relevant supply and recovery
`containers.
`
`[0066] Thus the vacuum pump12is either connected so as
`to provide a pneumatic source to recovery container 14,
`handle 16 and supply container 18 or alternatively to supply
`recovery container 22, handle 24 and supply container 26.
`The vacuum source in the embodiment also includes two
`regulators 74 and 76 that control exposureto the inlet 78 and
`outlet 80 of the vacuum pump. A meter 82 may also be
`10
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`present to provide and indication to the operator of the air
`pressure within the system. The meter can be isolated by
`valve 82. Filter 56 filters out any particulate matter form
`entering the vacuum pump.
`
`times it may be desirable and even
`[0067] Whilst at
`necessary to have independent assemblies, one may also
`have a joint assembly whereby a plurality of supply con-
`tainers are in communication with only one recovery con-
`tainer. This is shown in FIG. 4 where the supply containers
`18 or 26 can be coupled to the one recovery container 14 by
`the use of valve 30. As was the case in the previous
`embodiment, one selection of the switch may also turn on a
`second pneumatic source, such as compressor 38.
`
`It has also been discovered that the use of hard
`[0068]
`organic material that is sufficiently dried, may be used in
`micro-dermabrasion apparatus as discussed above providing
`an effective abrasive action against the skin whilst at the
`same time leaving the skin relatively smooth and supple as
`compared with the use of aluminium oxide particles.
`
`[0069] One of the organic materials that have been found
`to be particularly useful is ground up nutshells such as
`walnut shells. These ground up or pulverized shells can
`sufficiently dry not
`to cause blocking in the tubes of a
`micro-dermabrasion apparatus and yet still have levels of
`oils and other substancesthat areleft as a residue against the
`skin on which they are impacted.
`
`types of
`In fact, experimentation with different
`[0070]
`organic material has shown,that provided that the particles
`are sufficiently dry and of a suitable size, a whole range of
`organic particles may be used. For example, one may
`equally well use coconut shell, walnut shell, peach kernels
`and other fruit kernels but to name a few.
`
`respective supply container and valve 108 that than connects
`that supply container to the handle 102 and recovery con-
`tainer 104.
`
`In some cases the micro-dermabrasion apparatus
`[0078]
`may need to be modified to accommodate organic particles.
`This may include the dimensions of the tubes, airflow as
`well as the size of the handle and aperture. Further, the
`supply and collection containers may also need to be modi-
`fied.
`
`[0079] However, it may also be possible to use one appa-
`ratus where the supply container is simply changed thereby
`changing the abrasive particles. Thus, an apparatus such as
`that shownin FIG. 6 may only have one supply container 18
`and recovery container 14 and only one pneumatic source
`12. To use different particles,
`the supply container can
`simply be replaced at the operator’s discretion.
`
`[0080] Further, instead of having uniform size particles in
`the one supply container, in some cases one may wishto use
`a mixture of different sizes. As discussed above, one may
`choose to have aluminium oxide particles mixed with
`organic material whose size is smaller than that of the
`aluminium oxide.
`
`If properly prepared the use of organic particles has
`[0081]
`been found to provide good abrasive rates. Of course, in
`some instance, such as medical applications it may be
`preferable to use aluminium oxide particles, or ones coated
`with an organic material.
`
`[0082] The organic particles may not only contain essen-
`tial oils but they may also contain fragrances that on impact
`with the skin impart some of those properties. One therefore
`proposes
`the use of particles
`in micro-dermabrasion
`machines that have been exposed to fragrances. For
`[0071] Thusaperson who wishesto be treated by a certain
`example, one may very well coat aluminium oxideparticles
`organic material due to certain properties of that material
`with fragrant materials that impact their fragrance to the skin
`may chooseto have that material prepared in granular form
`besides just abrading it.
`and dried to be used in a micro-dermabrasion apparatus. In
`this way the skin may e slightly abraded at the same time
`providing treatment by that organic material to the satisfac-
`tion of the consumer.
`
`times to still use highly
`is also desirable at
`It
`[0072]
`abrasive particles such as aluminium oxide. However,it has
`been discovered that by mixing aluminium oxide particles
`with organic material that may not be abrasive, one achieves
`not only good abrasion but also simultaneous treatment of
`the skin.
`
`[0073] Accordingly one can have a choice of different
`particles to use in a micro-dermabrasion machineincluding:
`
`[0074]
`
`(a) Purely organic materials.
`
`(b) A mixture of abrasive particles such as
`[0075]
`aluminium oxide mixed with organic materials.
`
`(c) Abrasive particles that are coated with
`[0076]
`organic materials.
`
`[0077] This can be achieved in the present apparatus by
`having an apparatus with a plurality of supply containers
`housing different particles. As shown in FIG.5 for example,
`there may be three different supply containers. Container 90
`may house standard aluminium oxide particles 92, supply
`container 94 may house organically coated aluminium oxide
`particles 96 whist supply container 98 may house organic
`particles 100. A supply container can be chosen to be in
`communication with handle 102 and recovery container 104
`by the use of valve 106 that controls air flow into the
`
`It is to be understood that one does not need to just
`[0083]
`coat the abrasive particles, one may provide a mixture of
`abrasive particles and fragrant particles where the end result
`is that
`the abrasive particles abrade the skin whilst the
`fragrant articles impart the fragrances to the skin.
`
`[0084] Of course, it may be that the apparatus contains
`separate abrasive and fragrant particles and that a user is
`firstly treated with the highly abrasive particles and subse-
`quently with the organic onesthat assist in leaving a residual
`layer on the skin.
`
`[0085] A micro-dermabrasion operator may provide the
`consumer with a choice of mixing various abrasive particles
`or particles with various oils/fragrance particles which are
`then used in the skin treatment, Of course, great care needs
`to be taken to ensure that the particle do not become too wet
`whereupon they will not be able to move freely through the
`apparatus but will stick to the container and the various
`tubes.
`
`[0086] The impacted skin therefore not only receives the
`benefits of micro-dermabrasion butalso interaction with the
`abrasive particles, which leaves the skin with residual prop-
`erties of the substance.
`
`It is to be understood that other additions to the
`[0087]
`synthetic or organic materials may be used. For example,
`whilst the above discussion looked at the use of organic
`abrasive particles or coating particles with such oils and
`fragrances, one may also add colouring to the abrasive
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`US 2003/0093089 Al
`
`May 15, 2003
`
`particles whether they are synthetic or organic. This can
`result in the skin not only being abraded but also leaving a
`residue of oils/fragrance/colours to the specification of the
`consumer. The colours mayalso be natural colours form the
`organic material or may be colouring addedto the particles.
`Thusit is to be understood that the additive to the abrasive
`particle are not intended to be limited to those described
`above. They may be various, such as tea tree oils and
`essences, colourings and so on. The only requirement would
`be that as a collection of particles they cannot posses a
`coating that will provide for adhesion betweenthe different
`particles.
`
`[0088] One can therefore see that the present invention
`teaches the use of organic or organic coated particles
`together with an apparatus that can accommodate one or
`more different supply containers that may require one or
`more recovery containers as well as one or more pneumatic
`sources. This provides for a hitherto unavailable choice in
`the treatment of skin both for cosmetic and medical pur-
`poses.
`
`[0089] For example, one mayfirst wish to be treated with
`a harsh particle to remove quickly andefficiently top surface
`skin layers. Subsequently one may wish to use the gentler
`but still slightly abrasive organic particles that compensate
`for any serious abrasion whilst imparting to the skin sub-
`stances that help protect and nourish it.
`
`[0090] Further advantages and improvements may very
`well be made to the present invention without deviating
`from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and
`described in what is conceived to be the most practical and
`preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may
`be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the
`invention, whichis not to be limited to the details disclosed
`herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so
`as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.
`
`1. An apparatus for providing treatment of a surface such
`as skin including:
`
`a pneumatic source operatively connected to a recovery
`container and to a hand tool;
`
`a plurality of supply containers including particulates;
`
`a valve selectively connecting said pneumatic source,
`recovery container and handtool to a selected one of
`said supply containers;
`
`whereby in operation said pneumatic source provides for
`an air flow through the recovery container, hand tool
`and the selected supply container in communication
`with same, drawing said particles from the supply
`container through the hand tool and into the recovery
`container, said hand tool positioned on a surface to be
`treated and including an aperture so located that par-
`ticles passing through said hand tool are caused to
`impinge on the surface thereby treating it.
`2. An apparatus as in claim 1 further including a plurality
`of recovery containers whereby each supply container has a
`corresponding unique recovery container that it is in com-
`munication with.
`3. An apparatus as in claim 1 or claim 2 further including
`a plurality of hand tools each handtool being associated with
`a unique supply container.
`4. An apparatusas in any oneof the above claims wherein
`each supply container contains different particles.
`5. An apparatus as in claim 5 whereinat least one supply
`container includes aluminium oxide particles and at least
`
`one other supply container includes aluminium oxide par-
`ticles whose size is on the average greater than those in the
`other.
`6. An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein at least one said
`supply container includes organic type particles.
`7. An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein said organic type
`particles are made from ground up nut shells chosen from
`the selection including but not limited to walnut, hazelnut,
`brazil and almond nut shells or a mixture thereof.
`
`8. An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein said organic type
`particles are made from ground upstonefruit kernels chosen
`from the selection but not limited to peach, apricot, nectar-
`ine, peacherine, plum, cherry stones or a mixture thereof.
`9. An apparatusas in any oneof the above claims wherein
`the pneumatic source is a vacuum pump.
`10. An apparatus as in claim 9 wherein the vacuum pump
`includes a regulator so as to control the air pressure within
`the apparatus.
`11. An apparatus as in any one of the above claimsfurther
`including a second pneumatic source selectively and opera-
`tively connected to another supply container.
`12. An apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said second
`pneumatic source is a compressor.
`13. An apparatus as in claim 12 wherein said compressor
`can variably control the air pressure fed into the supply
`container.
`
`14. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims
`wherein there are at
`least
`three supply containers each
`including different particles to assist in treatment of the skin.
`15. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims
`wherein at least some of said